Chapter: 791
Hooooo-!!
The raised curtain shook violently.
It was a problem that arose from not being able to properly control one’s energy, but the old man’s words were truly shocking.
“…What do you mean?”
I looked at the old man with furrowed eyes.
Did you turn back time? The old man clearly asked me that.
‘What?’
A cold head spins quickly.
How does he know that and dare to ask me?
No way…
‘…Is that old man also a regressor?’
I already realized that there was another regressor besides me.
I don’t know if that definition means time travel or coming from another world. It wouldn’t be strange if there were another person ahead of time.
So, I looked at the old man with great caution.
Is it true that the first leader of Baekhwasangdan is a regressor?
As I was looking at him, various thoughts racing through my head.
Click-!
The old man put down the teacup he was holding and continued speaking.
“I overheard that the things you’ve accomplished are so astonishing for your age that I wondered if it might be true.”
“…”
“Judging from the reaction of the first prince, it seems my joke was a bit too much. I apologize.”
“…So it was a joke.”
“Hmm?”
The old man nodded his head with a strange look in his eyes.
“So, does that mean you really went back in time?”
“No. That can’t be. It absolutely cannot be.”
Hahaha.
He said this with a smile, even trying to wave his hands dismissively.
“It was such a ridiculous statement that I was momentarily taken aback. Turning back time… Isn’t that absurd?”
As I spoke, hiding my embarrassment, the old man looked at me quietly.
’Are you suspicious?’
It was extremely difficult.
It’s hard to tell if he knows something and is just probing or if he’s suspicious because my reaction is odd.
’Damn.’
Only at times like this do I remember how Noyana and those around him said that she can’t act well.
If I had been aware beforehand and reacted, I might have managed to stay calm. Suddenly, the topic of regression slipped out, leaving my mind blank.
No matter how much I tried to pretend, it was too late. At that moment, I was lost in thought.
“I don’t think that’s unreasonable.”
“Yes?”
The old man looked at me and spoke calmly.
“If you live as a merchant, you will meet a lot of people.”
He still rolled his head, pretending to listen.
“Some say they come from another world. Some say this body is not theirs— that they were actually someone incredible back in the day. You will meet all sorts of people.”
“Are they just crazy?*”
I don’t understand what nonsense they’re talking about—another world and not their own body.
’They can’t be in their right minds.’
Those were absolutely ridiculous statements.
“Do you actually believe that…?”
“I don’t believe it.”
“But…”
“One, I don’t think all of it is false.”
“Yes?”
“There are crazier things in the world than that. I am not perfect, so I can’t claim it’s all untrue.”
“…”
There was an unidentifiable sting in his calm words.
“First prince.”
“…Yes.”
“It started as a joke, but your circumstances don’t matter much to me.”
“…”
Cold sweat streamed down my face.
How should I express this feeling?
It’s not cold, but it feels like a cold wind is sweeping through from somewhere. It’s a spine-chilling sensation, like thousands of sharp knives are aiming at me from all angles.
I know everything.
That old man knows everything about me.
That feeling pierced through my very core.
’Huff…’
I felt something similar when I faced Mukyeon, but this feels far worse.
What should I do?
I had concerns racing through my mind, but there aren’t many options.
“I don’t really know what you’re talking about, but… Let’s start with why you called for me.”
I don’t know about that. Why did you summon me?
Times like this call for a more assertive approach.
I don’t have enough confidence to dodge suspicion well enough. Quite frankly, it wasn’t a rational suspicion to begin with.
So I squinted my eyes slightly and spoke. The old man, who had been watching quietly, reacted soon after.
“Ah right. The connection… right… the connection.”
The old man nodded several times as if he had just recalled something.
“Sorry about that. With age, I’ve picked up the habit of forgetting things often.”
“…”
“That’s right… I called the first prince.”
What the heck? Has he lost his mind?
I felt like the conversation was veering off somewhere.
“…Why did you call me?”
“…”
Is he really slipping into senility?
The old man stares blankly into space for a moment and then suddenly his eyes widen.
“Ah! I remember….”
“…Ah, yes. That’s a relief.”
“I see. I wanted to ask you something.”
“Yes… I’ll listen.”
What could he possibly want to ask me this time?
Unlike before, I awaited his words with a tension brewing within me.
Then…
“Nothing special. I was just wondering…”
“Yes, Elder.”
“Do you intend to become the head of the household?”
“…”
Once again, the old man asked an unexpected question.
“…Suddenly?”
“That’s right.”
“It’s quite out of nowhere.”
Are you wondering whether I’d like to become the head of the household?
That question caused my head to bob involuntarily.
“Why are you curious about that?”
My tone began to sound a bit jarring. Discomfort was obviously showing.
Is that really the question you wanted to ask me?
Ever since he called me in, it had been nothing but odd topics, and I was slowly starting to get annoyed.
“I don’t understand why you’re asking, Elder.”
You went through all that trouble to summon me, and now the question is just that?
“The head of the household? Well…”
Will I become the head of the Gu Clan?
I haven’t really thought much about it. To be fair,
“That’s not something I can decide. The choice lies with the head of the household.”
To be precise, it’s the influence of my father and the elders.
Even if I don’t want it, I can’t do anything about it.
Even if I say I don’t want to, or if other siblings want to take it on.
The decision regarding this lies only with my father, the head of the household. There’s nothing I can do.
’The only influence I could have is standing out.’
Running away from home to avoid it.
I could manage that much.
Actually, I did something similar in my past life with that mentality.
However…
“I’m just confused as to why you’re so curious about this, Elder.”
Why is this old man interested in these matters?
Especially someone I’ve never even met in my past life.
’Could it be… he’s really doing this because of his granddaughters?’
A guy whose position as head of the family has been secured.
That guy is gradually spreading his influence, so could that possibly be why he’s come down here?
That seemed like the most plausible reason.
You probably wouldn’t like it.
Not even his own blood, but a child of a concubine beating out the first wife’s children to claim the head of the household?
If that’s the reason he’s come, then I have nothing left to say.
“If I become the head of the household, what impact will it have on you, Elder?”
“The impact… Well, it’s not exactly insignificant. After all, my daughter is involved.”
As expected.
Is it really all about Mrs. Mi and Gu Hee-bi’s connections?
“If that’s the matter, I have nothing to add. As I told you before….”
“Does that mean if I’m appointed head of the household, you’re willing to accept it?”
“…”
If I’m appointed, would I accept it?
That inquiry prompted me to frown.
“…Well.”
I was at the stage where I had to take over the position of Sogaju, but the head of the household…
“That’s not something I can decide either. It’s not a position you can easily obtain just because you want it, nor can you turn it down if you don’t want to.”
“…”
Did I manage to answer the question?
While hiding my thoughts, the old man kept his gaze fixed on me.
Was that not the answer he was hoping for?
“First prince.”
“Yes, Elder.”
“Do you know what it means to be the head of the Gu family?”
“…Yes?”
“Before asking that, do you know what ‘Gu Family’ means exactly?”
“Isn’t it just a place where we all come together moderately?”
As in other families, what’s so special about the family’s meaning?
Namgung and Mo-yong and other clans are the same—they don’t obsess over their family meaning.
“What’s so important about that?”
“I asked because your reaction suggested that you might be unaware.”
“Unaware?”
The meaning of the Gu family and the essence of being the head of the household.
He claims he knows?
‘Ridiculous!’
It’s so absurd that I can’t help but smile.
Just what does he think he knows?
How could an old man who’s never experienced anything claim to know anything?
“Then do you know, Elder? The significance of our family?”
“At least I know more than the first prince.”
“If that’s the case, please enlighten me. Just what do you know?”
What does he know that he’s carrying himself like this? The situation has become thoroughly absurd.
So just say it, let’s see what you’ve got.
“Hmm. The Gu Family….”
Boom-!
Just as the old man was about to spill his beans, the closed door swung open and someone entered.
The one entering with a loud bang was none other than Mrs. Mi.
’Oh no.’
I just had a feeling someone might walk in, so I didn’t bother closing it, and that clearly seems to have caused an issue.
With an excited expression, Mrs. Mi stepped inside the room.
“What…?”
“What the heck are you doing?”
Before I could even ask what was happening, Mrs. Mi approached the old man and spoke in a cold voice.
At that voice, the old man turned his gaze and looked at Mrs. Mi.
“Danju. What in the world are you doing? To interrupt a conversation without any regard? This exceeds all boundaries!”
“Excuse me, just a moment…”
“The one who crossed the line is you, not me.”
“…”
My mouth shut itself tight.
Has there ever been a time when I’ve felt such fury emanating from a woman’s voice?
This must be the first time.
“Do you not realize this is presumptuous behavior?”
“Is it wrong for me to inform you about something you don’t know?”
“It’s wrong for you to share things that don’t need to be known right now.”
“You’re mistaken. A mistake is not knowing what you should know. Those who have created this situation are the ones who are truly guilty.”
“You are not in a position to judge what is wrong. Your interference is just unnecessary meddling.”
The conversation rapidly escalated into a fierce argument without either side giving an inch.
It was far too intense to be considered a mere discussion between father and daughter.
After a few more exchanged comments.
“I’ll repeat myself, Danju. I am still talking to the first prince. Now, would you kindly exit?”
Once the old man directed his attention to Mrs. Mi, she immediately glanced at me.
“First prince.”
“Y-yes…”
“I’m sorry. I appreciate you visiting today, but I think we’ll have to postpone this. It seems like I need to have a longer conversation with this gentleman.”
“No… I think I also need to hear this-”
“I’m asking you nicely.”
“Y-yes…”
I walked away without looking back.
It wasn’t out of kindness. It was due to how terrifying Mrs. Mi’s eyes appeared when she spoke, contrasting with her otherwise polite demeanor.
Even if I wanted to hear more, it seemed likely that I wouldn’t have the chance.
‘…’
Why is the Gu clan referred to as Gu?
And. What does it mean to be the head of the household?
I question whether the old man truly knows about this, but right now, I won’t receive answers.
’… Tsk.’
I wonder if I’d simply sit back and relax.
Phew-!
After collecting my surrounding energy, I walked away, leaving Mrs. Mi behind.
“…Until next time.”
No answer came back.
Still hiding the unsettling feelings, I grasped the door.
Clatter!
With that, the door shut tight.
Immediately after Gu Yangcheon exited.
“Mu-jin.”
Mihyoran quietly calls someone.
At that moment, energy spreads throughout the room.
Hwoosh-!
The curtain flutters yet again.
A powerful wave brushed past Mrs. Mi.
Her neatly arranged hair danced in the breeze, and within that, icy eyes locked onto the old man.
“What are you doing?”
“Do you want me to repeat what I just said?”
The old man answered, glancing around.
“It seems like they installed listening stones.”
Listening stones.
They were magical items set up in a space that would allow one to hear what happened inside.
Their range was limited, and it was extremely difficult to try intercepting conversations, so they were not typically used.
“Yes. I couldn’t risk you saying some nonsense.”
“It seems these tricks have increased while you were away. Or else.”
The old man’s colorless gaze fixed on Mihyoran.
“Does that child appear that precious to you?”
“…”
The tone changed. Upon hearing this, Mihyoran’s brows furrow deepened.
“How can you treat your father so coldly after not seeing him for over a decade?”
The moment she uttered “father,” Mihyoran’s eyebrows clenched even tighter.
“Are you now planning to play the role of a father? It is far too late for that.”
The anger etched on her face was unmistakable.
As he witnessed this, a faint smile tugged at the old man’s mouth.
“I find it rather delightful to see you angry after such a long time.”
“Don’t change the subject.”
“Are you that terrified of revealing the truth to the child? You know it’s something that will come to light someday. ”
The youth she briefly confronted. The bloodline of the Gu family and the sole heir to the head of the household.
The name Gu Yangcheon, who has recently been causing quite a stir in the Central Plains, came to mind.
“It’s pointless.”
“So you had to come just to say that? Is this your idea of showing up after decades?”
“Uh-huh, it was a bit of both. If I didn’t do it this way, you wouldn’t have come to speak with me.”
“Stop making excuses. I didn’t refuse conversation and leave on my own.”
Upon hearing this, Mihyoran’s voice rose.
“You are still so completely self-willed. Who do you think you are to speak on matters outside your place? ”
Boom-!
Mihyoran slammed her delicate hand down hard onto the wooden table.
Drip.
The cup tipped, spilling the tea across the floor.
The tea spread quickly, soaking the cloth that lined the ground.
Watching the scene unfold, the old man remained undisturbed.
“It’s only natural they become self-centered when such is in their nature.”
“You dare say that…!”
“After all, you were the same. You ignored me, your father, and chose a dullard from the Gu Family instead.”
“…”
A dullard from the Gu Family.
That phrase made Mihyoran’s mouth fall shut once again.
“I made it abundantly clear. He is a storm. No one can force him to kneel, and in pursuit of his ambitions, he will certainly abandon you. Just look at the monster disguised as a woman by his side.”
Mihyoran’s arm, touching the surface, trembled momentarily.
“My brilliant daughter. Back then, you swore you would overcome anything that came your way.”
“…That…”
“Now that you’ve witnessed it, what do you think? Did he conquer everything like the four winds?”
“…”
“That’s laughable. He has failed to conquer anything. Instead, he’s offered a vessel to contain a storm like himself. Quite remarkable. Could it have been to prepare the way for his legacy? In that case…”
“Mind your words.”
This time, the old man’s brow knitted as he caught the venom in her tone.
“No one in this world can speak ill of that person and that child before me.”
A flick. Mihyoran’s hand fell from the table.
Plink-! Something landed right where the tea had spilled out.
It was a drop of blood falling from Mihyoran’s hand.
She must have struck the table with enough force, for her hand looked bruised now.
“Likewise for you.”
Mihyoran’s voice oozed resentment, as though she could overlook her pain.
…Haha.
The old man chuckled unexpectedly at the sight.
But.
“You remain entangled in your own foolishness.”
In an instant, the smile that had graced him vanished.
“The foolish hope that you could remain by his side. You still can’t let go of that foolish dream.”
“…”
“Why don’t you understand yet, my daughter? That’s not a thing for people like us.”
Clench.
Mihyoran squeezed her wounded hand tightly.
The more she did, the thicker the blood flowed.
“I told you that if you choose to leave, at least cast aside your emotions, but it seems you’re still unable to do so.”
“I have never once believed that I cannot achieve it. And that feeling… won’t change even with the passing of time—”
“How much time is even left?”
“…”
At the old man’s words, Mihyoran’s breath caught in her throat.
“Do you honestly think that time is still on your side?”
“…You.”
“I can see it clearly in the child of a grown man.”
The presence that has swelled beyond the ability to conceal, inherited from his father.
Many will regard that as an unreasonable phenomenon.
How could a child of that age possess such power?
How did they manage to get there?
Countless people would be left pondering this. The old man did not share those curiosities.
Perhaps it’s what’s to be expected.
“Time is running out.”
To continue their legacy, they must come into being as unreasonable entities.
“Didn’t you know that better than anyone?”
Traditionally, those of the Gu family lineage have always been products of such existence.
“The one barely donning human skin will soon regard his next steps for legacy. If his child is prepared, it’s inevitable.”
The head of the Gu family.
The significance it carries.
“Becoming a vessel to bear sin. Thus, discarding human emotion and remaining only with the conviction to adhere to laws.”
If it comes to that,
“My daughter. Do you think he will still be the one you wanted to stand beside you?”
“…”
Mihyoran found herself unable to offer any retort to the old man’s words.
“Don’t harbor false hope. By that time, he won’t be the person you once knew. No, you might not even recognize him as human to begin with.”
Only an empty shell will linger.
What do you think resides within that?
“That will accelerate as the child becomes more prepared… but perhaps.”
The old man gazed towards the door through which Guyangcheon had exited, quietly muttering.
“…It’s possible he might already be prepared.”
Somehow, there was a hint of guilt nestled in the old man’s eyes as he spoke.
*
Swish.
In the heart of a cave where the wind seeped through,
the tranquil, lifeless space was cloaked in darkness.
Nothing was visible.
Nothing was perceptible.
Within that expanse.
Clank.
Clank.
A brief sound emerged, as if attempting to shatter the stillness.
Down below, in the depths of the cavern,
the sound resonated.
What purpose did this sound serve? The question didn’t linger long.
In the center, obscured by pitch-blackness, an unusual occurrence unraveled.
Hwarak-!!
A spark ignited.
The momentary burst of the spark may be small, but it radiated a defiant light, illuminating the surroundings.
With that, the space brightened, revealing what lay within.
Only then did I grasp the sound’s origin.
Against one side of the cavern stood an immensely grand door.
A door so massive, measuring its size seemed hardly plausible.
One couldn’t help but wonder how such a door could even exist within this place.
Beneath that towering door, colossal iron chains extended, binding the door tightly in their grip.
Clank-!
The noise originated from the chains.
The sound of chains rattling in a struggle— a desperate cry for freedom.
The tightly shut door blocked by chains, and the door itself trembling to be opened at any moment. And then—
Thump, thump, thump!
There was an individual straining against those chains, sweat glistening on their brow.
A body much larger than the average human.
Every inch was built with muscles, flecked with scars as if each bore testimony to past battles.
To say he resembled a giant would be an understatement, yet, when compared to the daunting chains in his grasp, he appeared almost tiny.
That figure held firmly to the chains, fighting desperately.
The exertion was such that beads of sweat dripped persistently.
His arms quaked, eyes bloodshot, yet the man bore not a single whimper.
“…”
He merely focused every ounce of his energy into the chains.
A steadfast resolve not to let go.
With the man struggling valiantly at the chains, suddenly—
Hwarak-!!!
Flames burst forth, shooting toward the chains, engulfing them completely.
Pssshh.
The fire latched onto the chains, gripping them tightly.
The trembling chains jerked the door even tighter as, suddenly, the chaotic rattle ceased and silence enveloped the air.
“…”
Only after witnessing this did the man finally release his hold on the chains.
His palms were stained with blood.
The man’s hands were grotesquely raw, skin torn open and heavily marred.
Despite the level of pain he must be feeling, he maintained an expression entirely devoid of emotion.
At that moment, a voice broke through, addressing him.
“Remarkable.”
A figure with crimson eyes approached.
“You truly held out against that.”
Slowly, the man turned his gaze in the direction of the voice.
“Have you arrived?”
A deep voice laced with exhaustion resonated from him.
“How does it feel? Did it prove to be a worthwhile endeavor?”
“…”
Hearing the question led the man to glance again at the door.
The very door he had fought so hard to keep shut now lay encased in flames, offering no movement whatsoever.
“Don’t view this as a disappointment. To be honest, I didn’t expect you to endure this much.”
“It’s not a disappointment.”
“Well, then I’m glad to hear that.”
Chuckle.
The old man broke into laughter.
In the wake of that sound, the man turned toward the old man, though the gaze directed at his arms rather than his countenance.
The loose sleeve of the left arm.
The old man had lost an arm entirely.
“Oh this.”
With an amused smile, the old man responded.
“I had something to attend to. Why? Curious?”
“Not particularly curious.”
“Quite heartless, aren’t you?”
“…”
Ignoring the old man’s commentary, the man stretched out his hand.
Phew-!
Gathered on the floor, his uniform swirled and merged into his grasp.
With a brisk motion, he donned the attire. His reaction was almost robotic. The old man noted this.
“Your grandson possesses quite the spirit.”
His tone turned playful, striking a lighter note.
Pausing.
At the old man’s jestful demeanor, the man’s head shifted slightly.
Unexpectedly, the old man’s eyes widened in surprise.
“It’s more amusing than I anticipated.”
“Did you meet that child?”
“Don’t wear such a fierce expression. I merely desired to see the face of my grandchild as a grandfather.”
Bam!
The cave trembled fiercely despite the old man’s light-hearted words.
The culprit was the aura radiating from the man’s form.
“What business have you?”
“Hmm.”
The old man’s expression took on a curious aspect, as though he were entertained.
“If you imply having done something, what do you think your course of action will be?”
Bash, bash…
Upon finishing that query, the tremors ceased abruptly. Was there a lack of response? Perhaps that was the outlook, but that merely signaled a prelude.
A harbinger of chaos ready to erupt.
“Chuckle.”
Watching the scene unfold, the old man lifted a hand slightly.
“Scary, isn’t it? At this rate, I might even come against this father.”
“…”
“Don’t worry. Before anything, that child is my cherished grandchild. I didn’t do anything dastardly— I just came to see them, so calm your ire.”
The man, who had been quietly observing, eventually shifted his body as if loosening tension.
What on earth would have transpired if the prior words hadn’t been articulated?
What kind of antics might that obstinate child have aimed toward him?
The old man was momentarily curious but opted against delving further.
What truly mattered right now was of another essence.
“Son.”
The old man continued.
“Don’t forget. Before time runs out, that child must be placed in the position of Sogaju. Additionally, you must return to this very spot before it is too late.”
“…I am aware.”
“Indeed, awareness is crucial.”
Hwoosh.
Flames began to blossom gradually on Gu Cheol-woon’s form.
“That’s our task.”
“…”
A response remained unvoiced.
He merely surrendered himself to the flames.
There was a place he needed to break free from and reach immediately.
In that moment, Gu Cheol-woon transformed into a fragment of flames, dissipating from existence.
A space void of occupied presence.
In that emptiness, the old man ventured forth with calm intent.
Just right before the door.
As he inched closer, he stood before the door and uttered softly,
“How profoundly sorrowful.”
The expression upon the old man’s face while he spoke those words—
In stark contrast to the meaning, no emotion could be traced.
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