Chapter: 850
Gulp.
I frowned at the sensation of something flowing.
I lowered my head.
My chest. The area where my heart was located was pierced.
I see someone’s hand. It’s the hand of the person who pierced my heart.
I struggled to move my gaze to see the face.
The owner of the hand was none other than me. To be exact, it was my past life self.
Whoosh.
The hand slipped out, and blood spurted out.
Cough.
Blood trickled from my mouth as I fell to my knees.
The guy looked down at me from a different height.
Then he moved his hand and brought it before me.
[Next time, bring an answer.]
[Otherwise, you might as well end your life.]
With those heavy words…
WHOOSH—!!
Black flames swept through my head.
I sat up, my eyes sparkling.
“… Huh….”
I held my chest, breathing heavily. After fumbling a bit, I sighed.
Fortunately, my chest felt fine.
But…
“… Ugh….”
My entire body ached, and my muscles were sore.
No, it hurt so much that it couldn’t even be compared to muscle pain.
This was more of an ache than anything….
‘… It feels like my blood vessels are swollen.’
Blood vessels swelled all over my body. I felt the pain and recalled the earlier situation.
“Ah. Damn it.”
I remembered what had happened last. I regained my senses and collapsed right there.
Also, the incident where I forcefully suppressed my energy while vomiting blood.
Recalling that, I unbuttoned my clothes. The marks were still present on my torso.
It was the trace of a finger that had been jammed in there.
‘… It seems like most of it has healed.’
Traces are just traces. Most of the wounds had closed up. My body had improved so much that these minor injuries were no problem.
Looking at this, I let out a low breath.
‘The method worked.’
I was worried about how to manage my energy since it was running wild, but fortunately, the technique worked.
A method of controlling energy by inserting fingers into the body.
This was something the Heavenly Demon had done to me in my past life. I wasn’t sure if it would work since I had never experienced it before.
Grinding my teeth, I managed to pull it off somehow.
‘This actually works.’
Even I find it ridiculous. But thanks to it, I survived.
I could have really been possessed by the current or could have blown up. I barely made it out alive.
On one hand, I felt relief about this.
“… Damn it.”
I had to curse as I remembered why I had gone so wild.
The reason was none other than…
A loser from my past life whom I had faced after eating Yeongdan.
I fought that guy.
In the end, I lost.
“… Damn it.”
After being defeated, I opened my eyes to find my energy tangled and going out of control.
Thanks to that, I had to calm it down before I could even understand the situation.
But that didn’t matter. Well, it would be weird to say it didn’t matter. What was important was not my life…
“Why did I lose?”
Why on earth did I lose?
I had to question that.
I couldn’t comprehend the outcome of that fight.
“I was definitely stronger.”
My realm had already surpassed that of my previous life as the Black Flame.
I was confident that if we fought, I would never lose.
Yet, I lost that fight.
Why is that?
“Is it because I couldn’t use fire?”
If the sealing of the Flame Wheel Technique was the issue, it would indeed be a problem.
I couldn’t use fire arts during the fight.
But…
‘Is that really the reason?’
Even if it was, I still couldn’t understand.
‘Are you telling me I got beaten that badly just because I couldn’t use flames?’
The guy used fire arts, and I couldn’t.
Even so, it was an incredibly one-sided defeat.
I wondered if that guy was much stronger than I had thought.
‘No.’
That wasn’t the case either. The guy was no different than in my previous life.
If that’s so, there is only one reason left.
‘I simply lost.’
I lost to him in skill.
It meant that I couldn’t defeat the guy from my previous life, and that’s why I was killed.
Crack.
I gritted my teeth.
“Damn it.”
Why? What on earth went wrong?
What on earth was that guy?
The reason I couldn’t use the Flame Wheel would clearly have something to do with him.
I don’t know why my past self looks like that…
‘Why did it have to happen now?’
I felt frustrated. It was the moment when I vaguely glimpsed the path toward greatness.
But of all times, the Flame Wheel Technique was sealed right now.
“Every second counts.”
I had to reclaim that feeling before it faded away.
But is that guy blocking me? And I couldn’t even win?
It was maddening, and I felt like I was going to explode.
“… Huh.”
What should I do?
My instincts told me I had to see him again, no matter what.
Then…
“… We have to fight again, don’t we?”
Time was running out, and I was struggling to keep my head above water. How could I possibly waste time worrying? I wanted to find that guy immediately.
The problem is…
“… Was today the day I was supposed to meet the Ilcheong Sword?”
The Ilcheong Sword I had met last time in the form of the Gyecheonmunju. It was when I promised to meet again.
If I encounter him again like this and don’t win…
‘All plans will go up in smoke.’
I realized that meetings with him don’t end peacefully.
Should I attempt it knowing this?
If it were up to me, I’d prefer to meet him again and smash things up.
I think that, but…
“Damn it.”
Despite my desires, my body was already moving.
It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say my martial arts were blocked, after all.
There was a lot to do ahead of me.
What this meant was that I couldn’t afford to just care about my pride like before.
As I thought this through, I moved my aching body.
[Much has changed.]
“…”
What he said echoed in my ears.
[Given that many things have changed, do you think you’ve changed yourself?]
That was when he pulled out my left leg.
[Don’t get it twisted. You’ve only wanted to change. You haven’t truly changed.]
[You’re still ugly and weak.]
The words he spat while I was in pain rang loud and clear.
“You bastard.”
I said, frowning.
He was saying it to me and about me.
Why on earth?
[Why are you still alive?]
Why couldn’t I reply to what he said?
And…
“What do you really want from me?”
What answer was he looking for?
I couldn’t figure anything out.
I moved my body and faced the Poison King. I had something to say along with my thanks.
“… Where on earth are you going?”
Upon hearing my words, the Poison King responded incredulously.
“Do you know what kind of state you were in when you collapsed?”
“Yes, I remember. I know you must have been very surprised, but thanks for helping me out.”
I spoke sincerely.
I heard that right after I collapsed, the Poison King took me to the doctor. Additionally…
“I heard you intentionally didn’t inform Miss Dang. I appreciate that as well…”
He mentioned that he sent a warning to Dang So-yeol without telling her beforehand. From my perspective, I was very grateful for that.
If Dang So-yeol had known, it would have been obvious that she’d worry endlessly.
Knowing this, the Poison King probably acted this way out of consideration.
“The doctor said your blood vessels are quite stressed. He mentioned you should rest for a few days if possible, so why are you moving around already?”
“I’m fine, really. I’m just busy and can’t stay long. I’ll come back and thank you properly next time.”
“YOU…!”
“I’m sorry for worrying you.”
Even as those words came out of my mouth, it felt really absurd.
It was rude to say I’d leave right after being treated so kindly for coming all the way here to check on me after I collapsed.
Plus…
“Are you still not going to tell me what’s going on?”
It was even worse that I couldn’t say anything to the Poison King.
Why did he suddenly need Dokcheondan? Why did I collapse after eating it?
Aside from the fact that I could somewhat trust the Poison King, it was an action I had no words for.
“… I’m sorry. I’ll explain everything when I return.”
“…”
“I promise.”
At this point, I needed to at least come up with a simple excuse.
‘Then, the plan…’
I would meet Ilcheonggeom with the Dark King. Should I briefly scatter his mind before meeting Gyecheonmunju separately?
‘During that process, I might hint a little about Ilcheonggeom.’
Thus, the relationship between Gyecheonmunju and Ilcheonggeom would precariously exist, and they could meet after building some degree of suspicion.
‘No… If that happens, all the tasks I gave Cheol Ji-seon will be messed up too.’
Then, should I buy more time? The situation was not favorable enough for that, anyway.
‘I can’t even get a good grasp of my own condition. How can I buy more time? What’s the point of extending it?’
Alright, let’s say I manage to extend it. Would extending it truly solve the problem?
I barely had a few red magic stones left, and I still needed to recreate the Dokcheondan.
Whatever I do, it was all tight.
I had to work non-stop to gain legitimacy. I couldn’t afford to complicate things.
There was far too much to do.
‘Damn, what do I do…?’
I had to sort out what lay ahead. At the same time, I also had to keep an eye on my own health.
And yet, I needed to ensure that everything would be fine when I finished my tasks.
My head was spinning.
I held my forehead. I wanted to erase my thoughts right away, but that wasn’t possible.
‘… I have to get organized.’
Even if I don’t want to, I need to get organized.
I’m not Mu Rongxi or Zhuge Liang, let alone Cheol Ji-seon.
Since I’m not smart, there will definitely be errors. I need to make sure I can manage those errors.
To do that, I need to reduce my sleep and stretch myself thin.
I bit down on my tongue angrily.
Think! Think of something, anything!
Please, I need to remember somehow…
“Old Duke-!”
“…!”
I froze against the rough voice.
When I turned my head, the Poison King was looking at me.
Only then did I come to my senses.
“Are you okay?”
“… Ah. I’m sorry… I’ve just been overwhelmed with too many thoughts.”
I answered with a forced smile, trying to play it cool.
I slipped back into my bad habits. Sighing inwardly, I focused on my breathing.
“… I truly apologize. I’ll explain everything when I get back…”
“Old Master.”
“Yes…?”
“Are you really okay?”
“Pardon?”
I wore a dumbfounded expression at the Poison King’s words. A very brief moment.
“… Oh, yes. I’m really fine. I was just a bit lost in thought since I have a lot on my plate right now.”
“…”
Even with my words, the Poison King maintained a dubious expression.
And that expression was one I despised most.
“My daughter mentioned something today.”
A caring look from him. It’s the expression I loathe the most.
“She said you haven’t been feeling well lately.”
“… I’m not exactly sure what you mean. I’m fine.”
“I barely managed to carve out enough time… The child talked about you all day long. It put me in quite a sour mood.”
The Poison King continued to speak, still looking into my eyes.
“Now that I see you, I somewhat understand my child’s feelings.”
With that gaze, he asked me once more.
“… Are you really okay?”
“…”
Gulp.
I kept biting my tongue.
I didn’t know what he meant by “okay.”
Also, I didn’t understand why he would ask.
He came crashing in out of nowhere and caused chaos, then manipulated his dear daughter as he pleased. How could he expect me to feel fine?
I couldn’t grasp the King’s feelings at all.
Therefore, the only answer I could give was one.
“Yes, I am okay.”
I was okay.
No.
I had to be okay.
I was tired.
My head and body were both worn out.
As I stepped away from the temple, those were the only thoughts that crossed my mind.
I didn’t sleep at all last night, yet somehow the sun had already set.
Every step I took sent shocking jolts through my body. The swollen blood vessels hadn’t fully healed.
I barely managed to gather my strength, but my heart was still under some strain.
Even then…
‘Fatigue has taken its toll.’
I could tell that my body was accumulating fatigue.
No, if there wasn’t any physical strain, was it mental fatigue instead?
‘Maybe I should take a break.’
Could it be time for a break? Perhaps.
But I couldn’t afford to rest.
“… Hah.”
I wiped my face and composed myself.
There’s really no time to waste on self-pity today.
‘For now, the priority is the Dark King.’
I’ll find the Dark King as soon as I get there. Then I’ll take care of everything according to plan.
I held back a sigh that threatened to escape as I took another step forward.
‘Endure.’
I won’t crumble.
I’ll persevere that way.
However, if there’s one thing I desire…
‘…I need to see the kids.’
Before I do anything, it feels necessary to see the kids’ faces.
I don’t intend to do anything by looking at them.
Just seeing their faces is sufficient.
That small act allowed me to breathe a bit easier, and even when I thought about stopping, I found I could take a few more steps.
“Hah.”
After thinking about it, I found myself laughing unconsciously.
It was ludicrous.
‘When did I ever tell you not to follow me like that?’
Just recently, I had been telling them not to come near me, but now that they’re actually following, does it feel good?
It was truly contradictory. Even knowing that, I still wanted to see them.
That was the only way I could endure the current situation.
Before long, I could see the Sacheon branch in the distance. The moment I spotted it, I straightened my hunched shoulders.
At the same time, I regulated my breath and managed my expression.
“My Lord!”
Upon my arrival, a team member came rushing over.
I waved my hand lightly and smiled back.
“Sorry for the delay. I hope nothing serious happened.”
“Master… we have a huge problem.”
“What?”
“Namgung Daewon and Wi Daewon… have gone missing.”
And with that,
Thud—
Something deep inside me snapped.
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