Chapter 177: Pieces (3)
When I think of Iron Fist Yeon Il-Cheon,
he was a figure from the early days when the Gate of Demons first appeared in the Central Plains.
He was a person who rose to the pinnacle of the world by averting countless disasters.
Moreover, he was one of the heroes who united with five masters to thwart the Blood Demon’s Blood Calamity, thus putting an end to the Blood Demon War.
And that very Yeon Il-Cheon,
Did he also regress like me?
My eyes, which had widened at Elder Shin’s words, refused to shrink back.
What else could he mean when he said he traveled through time?
So that’s why…
Suddenly, I began to understand why Elder Shin could accept my regression so easily.
He must have been someone who had lived through something similar.
Having known someone with a similar experience likely made my situation feel less shocking to him.
Understanding Elder Shin’s reaction became clearer to me.
So, there was another regressor besides me?
I didn’t think there were any regressors in this era but if I believed Elder Shin, and Yeon Il-Cheon truly regressed, then
How do you know about this?
-What do you mean how? I know because he told me himself.
Elder Shin’s nonchalant response left me momentarily speechless.
He told you himself?
-Indeed. That’s what Il-Cheon told us right before the final fight against the Blood Demon.
He had mentioned that he had regressed and this was his second time around.
And you just believed him?
-Well, it wasn’t easy to believe, but it wasn’t impossible either.
Why wasn’t it impossible?
-He was at an extraordinary level that would otherwise be unattainable without exceptional circumstances, and after hearing his reasoning, it felt like the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together.
His overwhelming talent that crushed everything around him.
The remarkable feat of stopping all disasters single-handedly.
And his unhesitating actions, as if he had already foreseen everything.
Shincheol in the past was finally able to comprehend how Yeon Il-Cheon managed those feats; it would all make sense if his words were true.
I couldn’t help but gulp involuntarily; the revelation left me utterly flabbergasted.
Elder Shin spoke, warning me.
-Do not reveal anything about this to that old fool.
Well, I never intended to say anything in the first place, but it felt odd that Elder Shin had to remind me.
Understood.
Although I nodded in agreement, my mind was filled with the thought of someone else who also regressed.
If the Iron Fist truly regressed…
But how?
How had he accomplished that?
The reason I had regressed—something I still didn’t know—I wondered if he might have the answer.
[Are you two done talking?]
While I mulled over various thoughts, Cheolyoung spoke up.
He seemed to know I was conversing with Elder Shin.
[You still have a keen sense, huh?]
[I’ve always said it, but it’s you, Shincheol, who’s exceptionally dull.]
Hearing Cheolyoung, Elder Shin coughed lightly.
So he pretended to have a keen sense, did he?
It seemed this old man who always accused me of being dim was as dense as they come.
[Cheolyoung.]
[I’m listening.]
[Are the others in the same predicament as you?]
A silence lingered as Cheolyoung pondered this question.
Just as I thought this question would go unanswered,
[Fortunately, I can answer this.]
Cheolyoung continued with his fishy mouth.
[It seems you’re looking for Il-Cheon.]
[Yeah, that guy might have the answers I need.]
[Shincheol, I get your feelings, but you won’t be able to accomplish that.]
Cheolyoung replied firmly.
[Because Il-Cheon doesn’t exist anymore.]
[Why not?]
[…]
[You bastard! What’s the point of your talking if you can’t provide an answer?]
[Fate. We simply couldn’t win against fate, Shincheol.]
[So? You also claimed that the Blood Demon is dreaming of resurrection, yet you’re trying to flee from it?]
[I had hoped that would not happen; as I said earlier, you were our last hope.]
Elder Shin seemed perplexed by his own claim that he was perceived as hope.
Why was he still here? What did his empty memories signify?
The reason he directed me towards Shaolin was perhaps in search of that answer.
Special knowledge had led me back here too.
[You all. No, we all. I have no clue what dreams we had that led us to this situation.]
Elder Shin’s voice was uncharacteristically calm.
[Even if our plans went awry, I never thought you to be someone who would be so easily disheartened.]
[…]
It was said that Cheolyoung had endured centuries all alone.
Centuries lived within an object of power.
His life was certainly different from the one of Elder Shin, who had just awoken after being sealed inside.
If I were in his shoes, could I have held on for all those years?
Most likely, I would have lost my mind and lived like a fish.
[Hah, well if you consider me pathetic for being exhausted, then so be it—]
[What? Why would I see you that way?]
Cheolyoung seemed baffled by Elder Shin’s words.
He couldn’t grasp what Elder Shin was getting at.
Elder Shin continued while observing him.
[Although I may have disdained and belittled you my entire life, I never regarded you as pathetic.]
[You filthy—]
[If you’ve given up hope, I’ll simply have to reclaim it.]
Elder Shin’s words, though light, were resolute.
[Wasn’t that the promise we made?]
[You.]
[What if you and I were in opposite positions? Would it have made a difference?]
Cheolyoung was uncharacteristically silent even after hearing those words from Elder Shin.
But his silence held a response within.
[If you want to rest due to exhaustion, feel free to do so.]
[Still clutching that rotten personality, I see.]
[Huh? What do you mean “still?” I’m the same as yesterday.]
How peculiar.
His usual indifferent demeanor felt different, almost radiant now.
[You may rest if you wish. And if you had been waiting for me…]
Elder Shin spoke in a calm, soothing voice.
[My apologies, I seem to be rather late.]
The one with no memories offered apologies to his friend.
Even though Elder Shin likely didn’t know what he should apologize for.
Yet, he apologized all the same.
How could anyone be so composed?
Even with my not-so-short life, I couldn’t understand this.
Is this the difference in our perspectives?
Is this how heroes who saved the world think?
For the first time in a while, I caught a glimpse of his heroic side, even if only slightly.
[So hurry up and give me some intel, you old fool.]
…
I backtracked everything I had previously thought.
[Shincheol.]
[Yes?]
[Are you planning to stop the Blood Demon?]
[Why ask something so obvious?]
His tone suggested that it was exceedingly evident.
[That’s what we attempted back then, and if I failed then, it’s up to me now!]
It was strange how he spoke so nonchalantly about it.
[I told you that there are no options. You were our last hope…]
[Apologies, Cheolyoung,]
Huh?
Within the stillness of time, a faint floral fragrance wafted in.
Taoist energy inside me, along with Elder Shin’s emotions, was settling down.
So, where was this fragrance originating from?
[Should you lose hope, find it and regain it.]
[…]
[That’s how we have lived our lives. Even if your years have surpassed mine, I am still the same as before.]
[Shincheol.]
The white fish’s long whiskers emerged from the lake and pointed towards me.
[Is this person your hope?]
No.
Without hesitating, I rejected the notion since it sounded utterly ludicrous.
Hope? What a laugh.
I conveyed my reluctance to get involved in this whole mess.
I was already swamped with my own issues; I didn’t need more responsibilities piled on my plate.
Yet, contrary to my denials, Elder Shin spoke with apparent amusement.
[Something like that.]
What nonsense is this? What do you mean “something like that?”
[Oh, don’t back out now.]
Back out? I hadn’t even started anything yet!
[Well, since you were already planning something similar, why not add this to the list?]
Why did he treat this as if it were a casual errand like picking up groceries?
I had no clue whether the Blood Demon would resurrect, so involving myself didn’t sound enticing at all.
I was practically bursting just trying to deal with the likes of the Heavenly Demon or Dok Gojun.
If the Blood Demon crashed the party, my head might just explode.
[You little? I’m the one who trained you from an incompetent fool to a moderately capable fool.]
What was he babbling about? I grew up without any help from him!
Well, I can’t say I flourished under his guidance, but I was doing okay.
Because quite frankly, the only actions Elder Shin took were shouting and cursing at me out of nowhere.
[You used me when it was convenient! How dare you not return the favor!]
Why was he acting like this after just waking up from his slumber?
Ugh, maybe I should have let him stay asleep.
Once the short joy of seeing him returned wore off, I was left with regret.
At my response, Elder Shin chuckled quietly.
[Ha. Just joking.]
It truly didn’t seem that way, not at all.
As we threw barbs at each other, Cheolyoung interrupted.
[I’ve missed that side of you.]
It was a sentiment he meant for himself more than anyone else.
Elder Shin didn’t bother interrogating him further.
It appeared he already understood the implication.
[Shincheol.]
[Yes.]
[No matter what I say, you won’t give up?]
[You know it. Can you even fathom something convincing that might sway me?]
[…]
Cheolyoung remained speechless before Elder Shin.
[I’m merely doing what I must, Cheolyoung.]
[Do you believe we are the only ones who must undertake this?]
[Hearing such words from you, especially when I thought you were the most level-headed of us all, is rather hilarious.]
Then, I suddenly felt someone touch my shoulder.
I quickly shrugged it off, taken aback by the eerie sensation.
[If I am resolved to do what needs doing, who could object?]
[…]
Splash.
The sound of splashing echoed from the moving fish, yet the world remained frozen in time.
Cheolyoung, who previously stayed silent, finally broke his silence.
[The Blood Demon severed his body and soul, scattering them across this realm.]
[What do you mean by “scattered”? Didn’t you say he was sealed?]
[That was the best option we had. It was the final resort chosen by Il-Cheon.]
Severed and scattered?
I get the cutting of limbs, but how does one chop off a soul?
[The body is in the Abyss, the soul is in the east, and his consciousness is divided into multiple parts and sealed away. Most notably, the Blood Demon’s five senses were cast into the ocean.]
His words were utterly incomprehensible.
The separation of body and soul, the very concept of dividing consciousness—none of it made sense.
But that wasn’t the main concern.
It seemed Elder Shin shared similar doubts, as he inquired.
[If any of this were truly feasible, how could you be sure the Blood Demon would break free from its seal?]
It hardly felt like a seal to me—more like a worse fate than death.
Cheolyoung went mute at the inquiry.
This meant he had no answer.
[Fine, can you at least guide me on where to start looking?]
As Elder Shin was about to pose a different question, the lengthy whiskers of the fish passed swiftly by me.
Hmm?
Was that merely a trick of my imagination?
Before I could ponder that strange feeling, Cheolyoung spoke up.
[Find Myung.]
[What? You mean Myung is still out there?]
The name Myung…
It was a name I had heard a handful of times from Elder Shin.
The Thunderous Sword—Namgung Myung.
Elder Shin had previously compared Namgung Jin’s movements to that of the Thunderous Sword in their duel.
He had labeled him as persistently irritating but undeniably talented.
And now I was hearing that formidable figure might be out there, resembling that fish?
Mount Hua was a rock, Shaolin led by a fish, what could the Namgung Clan’s treasure be?
Regardless of what it was, I wasn’t particularly intrigued.
[So should I begin with searching for Myung then?]
[That’s the wisest answer I could provide at this moment.]
[Not the answer I hoped for, but I’m grateful there are still options… So Cheolyoung, where is Myung at this instant?]
In response to Elder Shin, Cheolyoung flicked his tail and replied.
*[I don’t know.]
[Hmm?]
…What?
[You don’t know?]
[How could I? I’ve lived in this lake for hundreds of years.]
[Then what sort of useful information do you possess, you moron?!]
[Good grief, I already said I won’t share even if I knew. When will you understand?]
You brat, just go catch him and cook him already.
Cook him? How could I possibly roast someone else’s treasure?
[Since what’s the harm? My clan’s treasure is fine getting tossed as stakes in a drinking challenge!]
Yeah, well, that’s Mount Hua’s business…
[What disrespect are you on about?]
As Elder Shin yelled, unable to contain his irritation, Cheolyoung observed me with unusual calm.
I reckoned he was likely observing Elder Shin residing within me,
[Shincheol.]
[Don’t call for me so casually, you bald-headed rascal!]
Elder Shin snapped with annoyance, but he fell silent upon hearing Cheolyoung’s reply.
[It was good to see you.]
It wasn’t my imagination.
His scales definitely lacked the brightness they had when I first saw him.
Elder Shin seemed to sense this change, as his voice became less thunderous.
[Are you departing?]
Cheolyoung’s tone sounded noticeably worn out.
And recalling his thought of wanting to let go, I figured Cheolyoung was perhaps considering…
[What do you mean ‘leaving’?]
[Huh?]
Elder Shin let out a confused sound when faced with that unexpected retort.
[Weren’t you planning to go?]
[Go where?]
[To heaven…?]
[What in the world do you mean by heaven? I’m already dead. What ridiculous nonsense is this?]
[That was the atmosphere you set up!]
Hahaha!
Cheolyoung burst into laughter with his fishy mouth.
[Sure, I desired to, but it seems that the fetters upon me aren’t mild enough for everlasting peace.]
[Then…]
[Yet, it appears I can rest for a while.]
Crack.
I flinched at the sudden sounds.
When I looked around, I noticed cracks starting to form throughout the surrounding space.
Was this peculiar situation finally on the verge of crumbling?
[Child.]
I shifted my gaze to Cheolyoung, who suddenly called out to me.
His bright, elegant scales seemed to have taken on a grayish hue.
Is that truly acceptable?
It didn’t seem right to call him the White Fish of Purity anymore.
[I may not understand the mechanics of Heaven, yet my time spent alone has improved my perception of the world.]
Crackle.
As Cheolyoung continued to speak, more fractures erupted, suggesting the area was close to bursting.
Was this odd situation finally nearing its end?
[Shincheol may seek certain things from you, but do not fret excessively.]
He left those words for me just before it all closed.
How could I not be concerned?
[Ultimately, all this began because of us, so it’s not an issue you need to handle.]
As Cheolyoung pressed on, I had another question for him.
May I ask something?
[Ask away.]
You noted you know the Blood Demon, right?
Cheolyoung appeared surprised, perhaps not expecting my question would revolve around the Blood Demon.
[Yes, I am well-acquainted with him.]
Then, do you happen to know his name? The name of the Blood Demon?
He seemed perplexed by my inquiry.
I cleared my mind of all scattered thoughts as I listened to Cheolyoung.
Every ominous feeling I’d had in my life had never once missed the mark.
If this could be considered a talent, I’d probably be classified as some level of genius at it.
Yet, even amid this dread, I desperately wished my premonition was wrong.
Finally, the question I had held back for so long found its way out, at long last.
Originally, I sought to know if Elder Shin was aware of the Blood Demon’s name.
Now, the phrasing had changed slightly, yet the essence of my inquiry remained the same.
[Why bring that up? Is it not mentioned in the official records?]
Cheolyoung was correct.
The official records hold nothing about the name of the Blood Demon.
They merely recounted the magnificence of the Five Heroes and the peace they procured from their achievements.
I realized I had never found that odd until now.
Is this yet another thing you cannot disclose?
[You’re quite an interesting one. Gifts overflowing with potential aside, you’ve embraced Shincheol, and furthermore, you weren’t surprised by my presence.]
Because I’d faced far stranger scenarios, I found this hardly surprising.
Having experienced regression, I thought that seemed almost mundane.
[Hmmm… The Blood Demon’s name? Yes, I know it.]
Crack!
In a sky that appeared to fracture, Cheolyoung articulated clearly.
Dok Gojun.
I clenched my fists instinctively, teeth grinding without knowing why.
It seemed my unfortunate intuitions were firmly spot on.
No need to look further than at this moment.
[Yes, the Blood Demon Dok Gojun. That was assuredly his name.]
Once again, I was confirmed right.
Hah.
What a headache.
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