Chapter 245
What is the frontline?
It is a land that has perished because it couldn’t properly resolve the Gate of Demons.
Now, it has transformed into a habitat for demons, and due to the continuously opening Gate of Demons, the land is constantly withering away.
This raises an even greater question.
How could there be such a lush forest behind such a barren plain?
In a dead land where not a single drop of water remains, how is it possible for such a green forest to be maintained?
Many people are puzzled by this, but no one bothers to dig deeper.
For generations, the Murim Alliance has commanded that no one enter the forest without permission from the Gu Clan.
Isn’t it amusing?
That even the Murim Alliance requires the Gu Clan’s approval regarding the frontline. This implicitly states that the frontline’s forest is indeed the territory of the Gu Clan.
Because of that, I’ve had to come here far more often than I’d like.
The management of the forest must be handled by the bloodline of the Gu Clan.
Originally, it was the Fifth Army led by Gu Huibi that was responsible, but once I assumed the position of Young Lord, it became my duty.
Would this change in this life?
I doubt it.
Unless I run away and avoid becoming the Young Lord, this part won’t change.
For crying out loud.
Crack.
I carefully made my way through, stepping on tree branches.
It was a night fully awash in moonlight.
If I were to measure the time, it was the dead of night.
I wish I could get back by morning.
The path leading to the center isn’t particularly peaceful.
There wasn’t even a proper path made initially, let alone this difficult method of entry.
Grr…
A low, suppressed growl reached my ears.
It seemed to be aware that I was doing all this because of it.
I really ought to just ditch it or something.
Grr.
The growl sounded once more, as if it was firmly asserting that I wouldn’t be able to do such a thing.
How infuriating.
Putting that creature aside, I exhaled deeply.
Lately, I’ve been sighing way more than usual.
Whoosh.
The wind blew.
Summer was approaching yet the night air remained chillingly cold, and I couldn’t help but feel bothered by the woman trailing behind me.
“You…”
As I began to speak and turned around, our eyes met.
She seemed to have been looking at me the entire time.
“Yes.”
Moyong Hi-ah’s cheeks tinted slightly red as she answered briefly.
Was she cold?
The weather wasn’t particularly chilly, but given her attire, it could be possible.
Even now, Moyong Hi-ah was dressed in heavy clothing that didn’t quite fit the season.
Frowning slightly at the sight, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer.
“Ah…!”
Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes widened in surprise at my sudden touch, but I ignored her reaction and infused warmth into my hand.
“Ugh…”
Maybe because the warmth flowed into her body, Moyong Hi-ah subtly twisted away.
Seeing her react like that, I asked,
“Why did you follow me?”
“…The Sword of Heroic Flame…”
“Don’t use that as an excuse. Do you really think I’m that foolish?”
I interrupted her, causing Moyong Hi-ah to turn her head away.
This time, not only her cheeks but her ears were red as well.
So she feels embarrassed too?
“It’s strangely unsatisfactory that he didn’t come and rest, but I’m not going to ask someone if there were no substitutes.”
“…You’re only sharp at moments like these.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Moyong Hi-ah’s once razor-sharp demeanor felt like it was gradually crumbling for some reason.
She was a girl who could perfectly conceal her personality when it came to deceit, so why was she behaving like this these days?
“…I didn’t pull any special tricks. I just made a request.”
“A request?”
“I politely asked if I could take his place, and the Sword of Heroic Flame agreed.”
“That… doesn’t really make sense, does it? No matter how you slice it.”
Does he not know what would happen to him when I return?
I realized Gu Jeolyub was a bit dense, but I didn’t think he’d be this clueless.
As I stared at Moyong Hi-ah with suspicion, she bit her lip while avoiding my gaze.
“…It would be nice if you just pretended not to know and let it be.”
Now she’s just shameless.
“Isn’t it more convenient for you to accompany me instead?”
What on earth is she talking about now?
Why does Moyong Hi-ah think it’d be more comfortable for me to go with her?
Right as I attempted to voice my confusion, Moyong Hi-ah chimed in.
“With fewer people, and ideally, alone.”
“…”
“Isn’t this what the Young Lord desires?”
I was momentarily speechless after hearing her.
Earlier, she looked nervous, but now, she was piercing me with those sharp eyes again.
I truly don’t know how to handle her.
I couldn’t let my guard down with her.
How does she know?
Checking the situation at the center of the forest wasn’t particularly difficult.
Strangely, as I drew closer, the number of demons decreased, allowing me merely to check the inside and return.
Even when Gu Huibi ventured out, she preferred to do so with a small group because it was more convenient.
Though her case is different from mine.
In my case, even if I asked Gu Jeolyub and Muyeon to accompany me, I had no intention of entering the center together.
It was better to keep certain aspects shrouded in secrecy.
Besides, no one other than blood relatives could enter, to begin with.
However, the current dilemma was Moyong Hi-ah.
“What’s in it for you?”
She’s taking over Gu Jeolyub’s place, which is bothersome.
I’m not sure what she did to keep Muyeon away, but it’s likely she pulled some strings, leaving just the two of us here.
So, what does Moyong Hi-ah stand to gain from this?
“What I gain?”
Moyong Hi-ah’s sky-blue eyes locked onto me, and she answered, brushing down her slightly reddened cheeks.
“Time.”
“Time?”
That was an unexpected answer.
What does she mean by time?
While still holding her wrist, I continued to listen as Moyong Hi-ah spoke again.
“The time where I can just be with you.”
“…What?”
“Do you know what I detest the most?”
What could Moyong Hi-ah despise the most?
Being pointlessly emotional and yearning despite knowing nothing would come of it. I’ve absolutely loathed that.
Her cold voice held a hint of bittersweet emotion.
“It’s pointless you know. It’s a process that changes and ruins a person. Both my father and mother were ruined by that.”
I noticed Moyong Hi-ah’s voice waver slightly when she said “because,” without a hint of hesitation.
Did she reference her mother as the princess of the North Sea?
I found some level of agreement with Moyong Hi-ah’s statement.
I understood better than anyone just how terrifying it could be to be swept away by emotions.
“But funnily enough,”
As Moyong Hi-ah continued, the corners of her lips lifted into a small smile.
This woman, who seemed to be forged from ice itself, graced me with a smile.
“I recognized that I was doing that very same thing.”
Swish.
Her wrist slipped from my grasp.
It was as if she herself exerted force to pull away.
“But it wasn’t so bad after trying it.”
“You…”
“So this is pretty important for me.”
The weight of her words felt significant.
…Why?
No matter how clueless I was, it was clear she was expressing interest in me.
The problem is, why is she feeling this way toward me?
Have I been too close to her?
I’ve been meeting her every few weeks as part of the contract where I’m required to supply her with warmth.
Or perhaps seeing her nearly every few days is the issue?
While all these thoughts swirled in my head, I heard a soft chuckle.
It was from Moyong Hi-ah.
She appeared to be finding great amusement in this, giggling while she covered her mouth.
“I knew the Young Master would make that face after hearing this.”
“…”
“I didn’t say that expecting an answer. I merely wanted you to notice. Because you never seem to realize no matter how many hints I drop.”
Moyong Hi-ah shifted her feet and stepped in front of me.
An aroma, faintly fragrant, wafted toward me alongside a chill.
“I know that it’s hard for you.”
Every one of her words pierced my heart, leaving me unable to run away.
“But even that burden was necessary for me.”
After uttering that, Moyong Hi-ah took another step forward.
As I stared at her back in a daze, as if struck by lightning, she turned back slightly and said,
“Come on now. We can’t afford to be late after all.”
It was I who felt flustered seeing her walk as if nothing was amiss.
This was likely the most bewildering day of the year for me.
Without exchanging another word, we wandered through the forest and eventually reached our desired location.
To be honest, I thought I’d die from the awkwardness, but Moyong Hi-ah didn’t seem to mind at all.
What on earth is she made of?
I felt like my head might explode from confusion, while she seemed more serene than ever.
…Let’s just ignore it for now.
There’s something I need to attend to, so I can’t focus on Moyong Hi-ah.
Honestly, completely ignoring what had just unfolded was impossible, but what else could I do?
As we finally reached the entrance, Moyong Hi-ah came to a halt.
“Have a safe trip.”
“…Uh, yeah.”
She stationed herself at the entrance as if she had anticipated this.
I had planned to tell her to remain here, and it seemed she had sensed my intent.
In an area swarmed by demons, especially at night, I was reluctant to leave her behind.
But given how close we were to the center, the number of demons was markedly reduced.
I could probably claim that there were none at all, and it would hardly be an exaggeration.
The reason eluded me.
I just knew it had always been like this.
Leaving Moyong Hi-ah behind, I proceeded toward the entrance slowly.
Then,
Ring-
A faint ringing resonated in my ears as I stepped inside.
It was the sensation felt when passing through a formation.
This was akin to the Gu Clan’s basement.
It’s always fascinating to watch.
A formation that only allowed bloodlines from noble clans to enter is something you wouldn’t find elsewhere.
I heard that if someone isn’t connected by blood, they would get bounced off with a thump!
I knew this because I had witnessed someone getting bounced off first-hand.
I wonder if Gu Jeolyub could cross over too.
Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind.
Since Gu Jeolyub had the blood of the Gu Clan, albeit from a collateral line, wouldn’t he be able to enter as well?
Surely they wouldn’t check if the person is directly a Lord’s child.
A formation isn’t a living entity, so such checks would be hard-pressed.
The center was precisely what it sounded like—the heart of the forest.
As I walked further in, I began to notice a small pool within a circular expanse filled with trees and grasses.
Despite its seemingly unfit description, the frontline forest was exceptionally beautiful.
It showcased vistas that made one question whether they had formed naturally.
As I focused my eyes, something atop the small pool drew my attention from afar.
What seemed to be the black Gate of Demons, which wasn’t there before, hovered above it.
How can something like this appear here of all places?
Would I label this luck or misfortune?
Why am I even pondering this? This is nothing but bad luck!
Undoubtedly, my atrocious luck remained unchanged as time passed.
Grrr…
As soon as I discovered it, the creature within me reacted.
Its roars urged me to devour it at once, causing my entire body to resonate as a result.
I’ll be giving it to you anyway, so pipe down.
Grr…
Splash.
I slowly waded into the pool, moving closer to the opening.
As I approached, a massive marble at the pool’s center caught my eye.
That’s one reason the Gu Clan tended to oversee the heart of the forest.
They had to ensure the marble hadn’t topples off its pedestal or seen any cracks.
Even through a gale, the marble remained intact, yet the need for constant checks baffled me, even if it was an order from the clan.
I had no idea what this marble’s function was or what it signified, but it was an artifact brought here from the ancestors, and my father referred to it as a seed.
Upon looking at it, it certainly did not resemble any seed I had ever seen.
After all, where would one find a seed as massive as that?
There doesn’t seem to be any issues.
Even though I had visited claiming I would check on it, nothing appeared wrong with the marble.
It seemed like a vital object, yet the reason it was simply left unattended while undergoing sporadic checks was elementary.
The barrier surrounding it was exceedingly formidable, requiring someone akin to the past’s Heavenly Demon to breach it.
Although, that bastard managed to rip through it.
That said, seeing how much sheer power was needed to unveil the barrier led me to believe it wasn’t your run-of-the-mill kind.
What was that bastard looking for in this place?
In my past life, the Heavenly Demon sought to navigate to the heart.
Not just this place either.
The Heavenly Demon scoured numerous locations, intrigued by treasures of the world.
Yet, I couldn’t fathom why the Heavenly Demon had taker such an interest.
Not to mention, even though the Heavenly Demon succeeded in gaining entry here, it failed to procure the marble.
Should I say it just didn’t take it?
No, it would be more accurate to state it simply lost interest.
After all the trouble it had gone through to tear through the barrier, it seemed utterly disinterested the moment it laid eyes on the marble.
–It holds no meaning for me.
That was all it had to say.
After all that hardship.
“…Tsk.”
Clearing my mind of thoughts about the marble, I gradually extended my hand and plunged into the opening.
Just like last time, as my hand broke through, the air crack gradually sealed off.
The fissure closed entirely, leaving nothing behind in the void.
Gruuk.
A contented belch resonated from the creature within, as if satisfied.
“Are you feeling full?”
Grr…
Sigh…
To think I endured all this in the dead of night, only for that creature to be satisfied.
It truly felt like I was raising a beast.
Although I had no intention of getting into pet keeping.
After rolling my tongue with discontent, I closed my eyes.
I wonder if anything has changed at all.
Attempting to gauge any differences in my body by repeatedly clenching and releasing my fists resulted in me sensing nothing amiss.
In fact, one could see my lack of change as something fortunate.
In any case, having completed my task, I turned around to leave the pond when—
“…Hmm?”
The marble caught my attention once more.
The marble appeared as it did previously, and since only a few seconds had passed, there shouldn’t have been any alterations.
Yet for some reason, the marble was all too evident to me.
What’s going on?
A curious sensation stirred within me.
It felt as if my fingertips were bursting with the impulse to touch the marble… no matter what.
By the way, there’s no issue touching the marble; I’ve done it several times before.
“…”
I couldn’t understand this feeling, but after observing the marble quietly, I reached out with my hand.
It was to quell this odd sensation and alleviate my curiosity.
But then—
[…N…o.]
Pause.
My hand froze in midair, just before it could reach the marble.
It was because the creature suddenly spoke.
The creature, which had curled up after seeming full, opened its eyes immediately upon seeing me about to touch the marble.
You’re saying no?
[That… is…danger…]
I had to contemplate the implications of its words, as this was the first time it exhibited such a reaction.
Are you warning me that it’s dangerous for you, or for me?
[…Bo…th.]
It remained mute every other time I queried it, but now it seemed frantic about my potential touch on the marble.
What gives?
[…Not… yet… Not yet…]
After hearing the creature struggling with its speech, my brows knit together in confusion.
What significance lay in my touching the marble?
I didn’t even need to touch it, yet the creature’s insistence piqued my interest.
What’s going on?
Did I feel a strange inclination resembling that of a child told not to do something but wanting to do it anyway?
It felt a bit different than that.
It was akin to thirst.
It felt as though I couldn’t leave without reaching out to touch it.
What a troublesome feeling.
Clench.
Unable to control my emotions, I restrained them with my Qi.
Even though that made me feel downright awful, as though I was succumbing to the creature’s command, I, too, sensed the underlying risk.
[If… eat now… explode.]
What’s going to explode?
My body?
Or, is it the marble?
“Phew…”
I was oblivious to the nature of the warning, but I pivoted in response, heeding the repeated caution.
“Explain.”
Yet I couldn’t simply turn back.
[Grr….]
“If you don’t have a convincing enough explanation, I’ll make a touch and go kaput, just as you warned.”
Must I really avoid touching merely because it advised against it?
I didn’t possess the sort of agreeable disposition to live by everyone’s orders.
So I was determined to hear it.
A valid reason to warrant such caution.
Upon hearing my resolute tone, I started sensing my Dantian stirring.
Was the creature that had curled up becoming agitated?
Thump! Thump!
Massive vibrations resonated within but thankfully, I didn’t experience any pain similar to last time.
As I stood there feeling the tremors, the quaking in my Dantian gradually calmed.
Then.
[Seed…]
Perhaps realizing it had little room to maneuver, the creature offered me a concise response.
[Giant Tree’s seed…]
The seed of the Giant Tree, huh?
…Huh?
That was an exceedingly straightforward term.
It simply meant it was a seed from a gigantic tree, yet upon hearing it, a vision flickered within my mind.
No way. Could it be…
Back on the day when the young prodigies descended into the Abyss, just moments before I was devoured by countless demons after being cast aside as bait, a towering tree rose before my eyes, reaching up to shroud the sky.
For some peculiar reason, the term “Giant Tree” conjured that image.
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