Chapter 223: Omen (10)
As I emerged from the jail, the sunset was gradually painting the sky.
My conversation with the Palace Lord of the Hao Clan wasn’t particularly long.
After I mentioned the White Demonic Stone, the discussion flowed effortlessly like water.
I achieved what I wanted by the end of it, making sure there wouldn’t be any follow-up remarks.
But why?
I found myself in a situation with more questions than before.
—So, you’re the owner of the Ancient Book. Elder Mook had said that while looking straight at me.
Was that the turning point?
After muttering those words, Elder Mook’s expression brightened, and he provided me with the answer I was seeking.
—The Palace Lord is looking for an entrance.
Wow, he went from bouncing around with riddles to easily spilling the beans. What had changed?
I stared back at Elder Mook and asked, —An entrance… you mean?
—Yes, the Palace Lord is searching for the entrance that leads to Sangcheon.
Sangcheon.
For a moment, I tensed up at Elder Mook’s words.
Sangcheon was the third Abyss that had opened in the world, and it was a place I had frequently visited in my past life.
It makes sense, though; Sangcheon was the realm where the Heavenly Demon often strolled through.
Even if the Demonic Cult’s main base was in Xinjiang, the Heavenly Demon usually spent most of his time within the Demonic Realm of Sangcheon.
Lost in thought, I pondered what Elder Mook had said.
Why?
If Elder Mook was right, then why on earth was the Palace Lord looking for a gateway to Sangcheon?
Moreover, why was he trying to extract this information from Elder Mook through torture?
—It’s because I alone know the way to Sangcheon.
—…Only you know, you say?
—Yes.
What a baffling statement it was.
As far as I was aware, there were four known entrances to the Abyss.
The Gate of Demons, which tore through the air and spewed forth monsters, could only spit out demons; no one could enter from it.
Now, there were rare occasions when the Gate would unexpectedly devour humans, but those instances were few and far between.
Aside from the endlessly open Gate on the battlefield that constantly vomited demons,
the entrances to the Abyss were listed as Jincheon, Taecheon, Sangcheon, and Guicheon.
Though, technically, you might say there are six.
There were other entrances to the Abyss that were yet to be discovered.
Thanks to that fool Jang Seonyeon in my previous life, I had stumbled upon one.
Still, that particular place was an exception by all means.
After all, that world was nearly contrived.
In the end, only four real entrances to the Abyss could be verified to exist.
And these four entrances were mostly overseen by major power factions.
The Murim Alliance, for instance, was managing the entrances to Taecheon and Jincheon.
Sangcheon and Guicheon were also protected from outsiders by various other factions.
This meant that information regarding Sangcheon was widely available.
Then why did Elder Mook insist it was just him who had access to this information?
Not to mention, the Palace Lord knew well that this was the reason for abducting Elder Mook.
I couldn’t trust his words completely as there were inconsistencies.
—The Sangcheon known in the world isn’t real.
—It’s not real?
—No… If anyone knew what was truly there, they certainly wouldn’t let it slip away so easily unless they were clueless.
Elder Mook relayed that to me.
But what does that even mean?
I couldn’t just take that at face value either.
Moreover, considering Elder Mook’s identity…
Why on earth was he acting so quirky towards me all of a sudden?
Just before leaving the jail, I bit my lips thinking back to Elder Mook’s peculiar behavior.
—Believe me or not, it’s up to you. If you’re truly the owner, you’ll find out anyway.
So I’ll figure it out regardless, huh?
That was one of my least favorite phrases.
Is it such a chore for him to just spit it out if I’m going to find out later?
—What do you mean by saying I’m the owner? Explain it clearly so I can understand.
Frowning, I asked him, and Elder Mook hesitated for a moment before extending his hand towards me.
I stared, baffled, wondering what he was up to.
Fwwwww…
—…!
Suddenly, some energy began to emerge from Elder Mook’s shoulder, and it started to concentrate in my palm.
—What on earth is this…?
Then it gradually took on the form of an object.
—How?
At the moment, Elder Mook was in a state where he couldn’t use Qi because of the Demonic Qi, just like Gu Huibi.
In fact, even the impressive Sword Queen couldn’t wield her powers in a similar state.
It was simply odd to see him utilizing his energy like that.
…Maybe it’s not Qi?
It didn’t seem to fit the definition of Demonic Qi.
Nor does it appear to be Blood Qi.
Setting aside my distractions, the energy ultimately crystallized into something tangible.
I had no idea what this object was intended for, but it seemed somewhat akin to a seal.
While I gawked in surprise, Elder Mook instructed me.
—Take it if you’re curious.
—You want me to take this?
—Yes.
—What on earth is this that you’re giving to me?
—That’s for you to find out.
—Pardon?
What on some strange planet was this old man talking about?
I looked back at him, utterly dumbfounded, and I caught a glimpse of a smile creeping onto Elder Mook’s lips.
—I’ve given you this much, and you still want to be spoon-fed? If you’re a man, you should tackle challenges head-on.
—Out of nowhere, what’re you saying? I thought we were making a trade…
—Trade, you mean? Are you talking about the White Demonic Stone?
—…Yes.
—Right, I need it. The White Demonic Stone… I truly required it.
He didn’t inquire about how I knew about the White Demonic Stone or why I mentioned it as a trade.
The way he reacted hinted that he figured there was no need.
—However, now it’s something I don’t need anymore.
—Huh?
—So, whether it’s the White Demonic Stone or the White Golden Stone, you can keep it for yourself.
I had intended to do that from the start, but the old man’s words threw me off.
Furthermore, that conclusion to our conversation left me unsettled.
It felt as if everything was out of my hands; whether I believed him or not, whether I sought it out or didn’t… he clearly didn’t care.
Elder Mook seemed to switch back to snoozing like before, giving off a vibe that he had no interest left in me.
—…Elder?
Is he really just going to sleep like this? Seriously?
—I don’t think we’re done talking yet…
—I’ve already shared everything I needed to. The rest is up to you.
—How can you tell me to figure it out after giving me just that much? Isn’t that a tad irresponsible?
—Do I also need to be responsible for the words I spill out of my mouth?
I’m losing my mind…
This guy sure was weird.
If I had to compare him, he felt oddly similar to the Second Elder and his pals…
Oh.
—Elder.
—Can you knock it off with the calling already?
—Are you perhaps close with our Second Elder?
—…
Elder Mook clammed up after hearing my question.
The awkward silence was quite uncomfortable.
—What an unpleasant assumption, claiming I’m close to that idiot.
—So you are!
—I told you I’m not!
I can’t believe they’re buddies.
What on earth did the Second Elder do outside that makes everyone he knows seem like this?
I should’ve realized this when I asked the Second Elder if he knew Elder Mook last time, and he had that suspicious reaction.
Elder Mook then lay flat on the ground, seeming reluctant to discuss this further, and began snoring softly.
It genuinely seemed like he had no intention of saying anything else.
As I contemplated whether to just leave him be…
—Oh.
Elder Mook suddenly jumped up, fully alert, and spoke to me.
—On your way back, tell your father I need to see him; inform him to come.
His voice was as normal as if he hadn’t dozed off for a second.
—And don’t drop this; take care of it. It’s something valuable that you can’t find anywhere else.
After hearing that, I glanced down at the seal in my hand.
It was supposedly valuable, although it was rusty and scratched, a clear sign of its age.
—What in the world is this thing for you to…
—Snore.
—…
Honestly, I contemplated whether to set his hair ablaze instead of his eyebrows, but I held back just in time.
After a moment of observing Elder Mook, I communicated his request to the steward before stepping out of the jail.
Oh, and I also told the steward to skip feeding Elder Mook today and tomorrow.
Now, the current time…
Because I had promised Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah, I stepped out to the streets with them.
The area didn’t feel particularly special since it was a backdrop I often frequented with Wi Seol-Ah.
I was merely following them, sensing that they wanted to explore.
The issue arose when we hit the streets; they clustered up, leaving me trailing behind.
“Sis! Over there…!”
“Hm…?”
“Let’s check that out too!”
Having stepped out for the third time, Wi Seol-Ah was exceptionally high-spirited.
Because of this, both Tang Soyeol and Namgung Bi-ah wore utterly exhausted expressions as they were dragged along.
Watching those ladies, I thought to myself…
Why didn’t you ask anything else?
Elder Shin probed at me.
Are you referring to Elder Mook?
Yes. If you wanted, you could’ve probed deeper.
He wasn’t wrong.
There was a ton about the Ancient Book and the Hao Clan’s secret regarding the Sangcheon entrance that I could’ve delved into.
Then why didn’t you follow up?
…
I found myself at a loss for words at Elder Shin’s inquiry.
Not because I lacked a response, but for some inexplicable reason, it felt like I really shouldn’t press further.
I had this peculiar intuition back then, urging me to keep quiet and refrain from poking too much.
…Did the Palace Lord do something to me?
Maybe.
After all, he had access to some peculiar power even with his Qi impeded by Demonic Qi.
But…
That doesn’t seem right.
I chose to believe that it wasn’t the case.
It seemed odd for an old man with such abilities to remain calmly caged in a jail.
…So you think he somehow fashioned something out of his energy?
I witnessed it firsthand, so how could I possibly doubt it?
Additionally, having faced an overload of absurd situations in this lifetime, I was relatively unfazed by most things now.
A serpent as large as a building…
A spirit trapped inside an artifact…
And the absurdity of a talking fish…
Having encountered an array of bizarre happenings, I was unshockable at this point.
And considering I’ve even regressed, there’s little out there that can truly astonish me anymore.
That alone felt remarkably puzzling.
I’d traveled back in time, but somehow, I was still bewildered by the number of unknowns compared to knowns.
Did I really live that carelessly in my previous life?
I should’ve exerted more effort.
The realization gnawed at me with regret.
As I swallowed hard in my parched throat, Wi Seol-Ah, who had been some distance away, dashed back to me, leaping into my arms.
“Young Master!”
“Didn’t I tell you to stop running?”
“Hehe!”
After rubbing her face against my chest, Wi Seol-Ah gestured for me to turn around.
When I followed where she pointed, I found Namgung Bi-ah.
“Huh?”
Her hair was styled in an odd fashion.
“Isn’t it pretty?”
Wi Seol-Ah exclaimed proudly, as if she was the artist.
But how should I react to this?
Braids? Wow…
It felt like one of those styles you couldn’t stare at for too long.
“…She looks great no matter what you throw at her.”
Despite her hair being styled so bizarrely, Namgung Bi-ah appeared entirely nonchalant.
Then she turned to me and asked,
“Does it look strange?”
“It’s not… strange, I suppose?”
With that face of hers, it was pretty much impossible to look ugly.
Satisfied with my answer, Namgung Bi-ah nodded along.
Then…
“Hmm?”
She reached her hand out to me.
Was it an invitation to hold?
When I grasped her hand, she pulled away as if that wasn’t the answer she was seeking.
Was that not it?
Looks like you’ve grown accustomed to grabbing her hand, reaching out, and immediately responding.
Must you really be pointing that out right now?
It’s just extremely unpleasant to witness, you know.
So why don’t you reach out and grab it yourself, huh?
What are you, some little punk?
Elder Shin exploded in frustration, his curses flying, but my ears had already gotten used to that noise and ignored it.
“Why are you showing off your hand?”
“Buy it for me.”
…What?
How could she be this straightforward?
Namgung Bi-ah casually asked me for cash.
Sure, I could chip in for something like that, but this was rather abrupt.
…I didn’t bring any money…
“Then you should’ve just asked if you could borrow it, not outright demand that I buy it!”
…Receiving it makes me feel better.
At her words, I let out a chuckle.
“You’ve really become quite bold recently, haven’t you?”
…You don’t want to? Well, if you don’t…
“I didn’t say I don’t want to.”
I sidestepped Namgung Bi-ah and approached the merchant.
Just as I was about to pay, I glanced back at Tang Soyeol.
“How about you?”
“W-What?”
At my inquiry, Tang Soyeol jumped in surprise.
I knew she had been gazing at the situation with envy.
“Didn’t you also want something?”
“No, it’s not… like that… Well, I guess you’re right. I want it too.”
She attempted to deny it at first, but unable to suppress her longing, she nodded.
As I observed, I couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
Why do these girls seem to be entirely short on cash?
Wi Seol-Ah was one thing, but for Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol to lack money was bizarre.
“What’s your need?*”
When I inquired, Tang Soyeol hurried over and picked something out.
Apparently, she had already made plans prior.
It was a hair adornment that resembled the petals of a white flower.
“Will this do?”
At my question, Tang Soyeol nodded slightly.
I couldn’t help but notice her ears reddening.
She seemed embarrassed to even request that of me.
“I’ll take two of these.”
“Oho! You’ve got an eye for beauty! These two will be 50 Yuan.”
…Wait, how are these two 50 Yuan?
I froze momentarily when pulling coins from my pouch.
It was pricier than I anticipated.
For a split second, I thought about not buying it, but already having declared that I’d buy, I grit my teeth and settled the payment.
Though the unexpected expense left a bitter taste in my mouth, the sight of Namgung Bi-ah’s slight grin and Tang Soyeol biting back her laughter made it all worthwhile.
I also checked in with Wi Seol-Ah.
“I’m content with what you got me last time!”
She brushed off any notion of wanting something.
As the night settled in…
Enduring a day of being tugged along by three ladies was a hundred times more laborious than any rigorous training session.
I genuinely mean it.
But I couldn’t show any signs of fatigue.
So I kept my mouth shut, just trudging through alongside them.
I had enough sense for that.
Since I was going to enter closed-door training tomorrow, I thought of unwinding and organizing today’s activities.
But right as I was about to fling myself onto my bed after changing, someone knocked.
A familiar face that had faded from my memory amid the chaos sprung up.
“Hello, Young Master Gu.”
A voice draped in an odd, sultry mood.
One that fit the early hours better than the night itself.
Moyong Hi-ah had come to see me.
“I’m sorry for dropping by at such a late hour. If it’s not too much trouble, may I come in?”
Seeing Moyong Hi-ah speaking so cautiously, I couldn’t help but retort uncomfortably.
“…If you’re sorry, why not just leave?”
“No, I’m that sorry, but I’m still coming in.”
“…”
Then why even bother asking, you crazy woman?
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