Chapter: 312
The day I first met that kid.
Under a cloudless blue sky.
It was a warm, sunny spring day.
It was a day when a naive newcomer had just burst out from the school after quarreling with their teacher in the Central Plains.
All she knew was how to make plum blossoms bloom, and she was only filled with the will to achieve justice and harmony.
It was the time when she took off the white uniform provided by the volcano and put on the light blue clothes assigned by the Alliance.
Of course, she didn’t have a nickname.
Just a swordswoman from the Murim Alliance.
It was about the time she was casually referred to like that.
– …Why are we the ones going on reconnaissance? clatter clatter
A bright voice echoed through the forest.
A small wrinkle formed on the woman’s forehead.
It was a sign that she was not pleased with the situation.
– It’s noisy.
The one who retorted to the woman’s words was a young man with a fierce look.
Although he looked fierce, he was a tall, handsome man with a distinct presence.
He was the sergeant of the unit to which the woman belonged.
He was also a famous warrior known for causing a stir in the Central Plains back then.
The strongest divine dragon ever proven in the Alliance.
A young warrior who might become the best under heaven.
Shinryong Gu Cheol-un, he was the woman’s shooter.
Upon hearing his words, the woman deepened her frown.
– No, senior. This mission belongs to the Blue Dragon Corps in the first place… Why do we have to do this?
The mission she was currently on was to search for a monster that the Blue Dragon Corps’ swordsman had overlooked.
She wasn’t happy about it.
Right after enlisting in the Alliance, she was said to have been drafted into the Shinryong Corps.
How much had the Blue Dragon Corps’ swordsmen tried to give her the side-eye?
Originally, she should have been called up to the Shinryong Corps gradually.
But both the shooter in front of her and she were thrown straight into Shinryong Corps without any of that process.
This was a decision based on the potential and strength both possessed.
But no one could ignore the harsh glances from all around.
– But now they want us to clean up their own messes… Isn’t that too much?
I think the guy’s name was Namgung Jin.
That arrogant guy known as the Sword Dragon—she definitely didn’t like him.
After giving her the stink-eye, now they came looking for her when they needed help.
Is this something a proper sect would do?
All she could do was sigh.
Even in such a situation, her shooter didn’t say a word.
He hadn’t spoken since the first time they had met.
Half a year since their initial encounter.
A person who rarely spoke unless instructed to.
But on the battlefield, he showed an unbelievable amount of power.
To her, Shenlong was that kind of person.
During this, Gu Cheol-un turned to the grumbling woman and opened his mouth.
– This is the command of the Lord. Just follow it.
It’s the directly subordinate unit of the Chief.
A unit that represents the face of the Murim Alliance.
Shinryong Corps.
Just by being part of it,
Gu Cheol-un had probably dealt with more jealousy and resentment than the woman ever could.
But in reality, he seemed completely unconcerned about any of it.
As if he didn’t care a bit.
– Rather than worrying about that, get your act together.
– …What do you mean by that?
– The sword at your waist is disheveled, fix it up.
Upon those words, the woman hurriedly checked her waist.
However, contrary to Gu Cheol-un’s words, the sword was in order.
– Senior, it’s all set!
The woman exclaimed in disbelief.
Gu Cheol-un returned her with cold eyes.
– It’s already too late that you’ve looked and checked on it. That means you lacked confidence.
– What the…!
She wanted to retort that it was nonsense.
But the words wouldn’t easily come out.
– Instead of worrying about what others think, be confident in yourself. That’s far more beneficial for you.
At Gu Cheol-un’s words, the woman sealed her lips tight.
There were so many ways to argue back.
But since it came from the one person who wasn’t just anyone, her shooter, she couldn’t contradict it.
“Be confident in yourself.”
For her, it felt like an incredibly distant concept.
– Senior…
Just as she was about to question him about something after hearing those words,
Gu Cheol-un’s large hand blocked her way.
– Senior?
– Quiet.
Hummm.
With Gu Cheol-un’s heavy voice, an aura began to spread around them.
It was his distinct presence.
– There’s something ahead.
As soon as Gu Cheol-un spoke,
the woman, Soyi, shifted her gaze.
Swish.
She drew her sword and gathered her energy.
Crisp.
In an instant, Gu Cheol-un’s body was engulfed in flames.
He charged forward with hot intensity.
There wasn’t a need for more communication about instructions.
Soyi could support him from behind no matter how Gu Cheol-un moved.
A brief moment passed.
WHOOSH!
Gu Cheol-un accelerated while flaming up, plunging into the thick grass.
Then, as Soyi followed on his heels, shrouded in energy,
– …Huh?
The place she entered while concentrating her energy was an area that felt completely out of place with the battle-focused atmosphere.
– Was there this kind of place…?
Soyi had been here before a few times.
However, this was her first time seeing this particular terrain.
In a narrow plain,
colorful flowers bloomed brightly.
No matter how spring it was,
the atmosphere felt strangely alien.
As she looked around, Soyi
snapped back to reality.
Now wasn’t the time to admire scenery like this.
– Senior…!
Sword drawn, Soyi urgently searched for Gu Cheol-un.
Gu Cheol-un remained surrounded by flames, and in that state,
– …Senior?
He was gripping someone by the neck.
– …Ugh…
– Person?
The one held by Gu Cheol-un’s grip was a woman he had never seen before.
The only peculiar thing about her was
the color of her hair.
It’s white.
A bright, pure white.
This was the first time she’d ever seen such white hair.
Could this be an aftereffect from the attack?
But then again, she felt no aura emanating from the woman.
– B, breathing…
The woman in his grip gasped as if struggling.
But Gu Cheol-un didn’t budge an inch.
– Senior?
– This is an outsider I’m seeing for the first time. Who is she?
– Ugh…
She groaned in pain as he tightened his grip.
Was he planning to break her neck like that?
– If you refuse to speak, I’ll burn you.
Oh, no, wait! It seemed like he genuinely meant to do it.
Is he crazy…?
– Senior! Wait a moment!
Soyi rushed to try and stop Gu Cheol-un’s arm.
But he didn’t move at all.
The flames surrounding Gu Cheol-un weren’t harming Soyi, at least.
It indicated that he was keeping things under control.
Gu Cheol-un then looked at Soyi and asked,
– What are you doing?
– Senior, what are you doing? It’s obvious this isn’t a monster!
She double-checked because there was a chance they had missed a monster.
But no matter how she looked at her, she was definitely human.
In this situation, this method didn’t seem ideal.
Soyi raised her voice.
Gu Cheol-un answered her with a chilly gaze.
– Why do you think so?
– Huh?
– Why do you think this isn’t a monster?
– No…
You can tell just by looking at her!
Soyi didn’t voice the words that popped into her head.
It seemed the thought reached Gu Cheol-un, as a short click of the tongue sounded from him.
– You can’t know that without examining her thoroughly.
A firm yet cold voice replied.
– Don’t judge merely by appearances. Didn’t they teach you that back at the volcano?
– …!
– This person suddenly appeared in the Alliance’s domain. How can you be so calm when you don’t know if she’s a monster in human guise or a warrior from the Sapa?
Who would’ve thought he’d bring up their sect here?
Soyi bit her lip tightly.
This man had a knack for being unnecessarily cold and rational.
– …Even if you say that, I can’t hear an answer.
– What do you mean?
– If you hold my neck like that, there’s no way I can respond.
At Soyi’s words,
Gu Cheol-un’s eyebrows slightly twitched.
A few seconds passed in silence.
Thud.
– Ugh!
The woman held by Gu Cheol-un fell helplessly to the ground.
Her white hair fluttered down,
looking like the flapping of butterfly wings.
Rustling.
A petal descended from somewhere and landed on the woman’s hair.
– Oh my…
She moaned, possibly because her backside hurt.
But at that moment,
Swish.
Soyi’s sword was once again aimed squarely at the woman’s neck.
– What’s your identity?
It sounded sharper than before.
Hearing that, Gu Cheol-un extinguished the flames engulfing him, as if decided to watch for now.
– Yes?
The woman looked at Soyi with wide eyes.
Soyi couldn’t help feeling mildly astonished as she locked eyes with her.
The pupils gleamed,
because they were as beautiful as jewels.
– …What’s your name?
Her voice trembled, caught off guard temporarily.
But her energy didn’t falter.
After hearing Soyi’s inquiry, the woman tilted her head momentarily before responding.
– Cheonhee.
She answered sweetly with a smile showing off the warmth of a flower.
For some reason, it gave Soyi a comforting feeling.
– My name is Cheonhee.
That was the first encounter with her.
“…You didn’t die, what do you mean?”
The swordsman’s voice cut through the tension.
Thud thud.
Not only the words but also the energy that leaked out uncontrollably shook the surroundings.
The level was much higher than expected.
This was the thought that crossed Cheonghae Ilgeom’s mind as he looked at Geomhu.
“That’s exactly right. The child isn’t dead.”
Cheonhee.
A close friend of the swordsman,
the concubine of a good man, and
the mother of Jinryong.
Cheonghae Ilgeom was claiming she was not dead.
Geomhu couldn’t comprehend that.
“Allow me to ask. How come you, Mr. Jang, mention that child?”
“I simply wanted to share information that your highness was curious about.”
“If that was the case, it should have been shared sooner.”
He had been half out of his mind, drifting through the magic realm.
Or even earlier,
he should have been informed around the time he found Cheonghae Ilgeom.
“What is the purpose of bringing up such an unknown story now?”
He had to strive to control his rising turmoil.
“I have seen a child.”
“Are you referring to the child?”
“Yes, I’m speaking of that child’s offspring.”
This was a tale about the true dragon.
“A child I wished to see at least once but never did.”
“…I too have a disciple.”
“Indeed, your disciple was also that child’s son.”
“Are you suggesting that connects with your current tale?”
In response to Geomhu’s inquiry,
Cheonghae Ilgeom fell silent.
He still had his eyes closed.
Yet Geomhu knew that he was being observed.
“There’s only one thing I can express to you, Your Highness.”
“…Long sentence.”
“The choice is yours: Whether to listen or not, decide for yourself.”
Those were the only two sentiments he could express.
Geomhu bit his lip upon Cheonghae Ilgeom’s words.
There was something he was oblivious to.
Whether it was the plum blossoms,
Gu Cheol-un,
the swordsman,
or even Cheonan or Cheonghae Ilgeom.
All those who were involved back in ‘that time’ seemed to have lost something significant.
He didn’t understand, but it must have been something immensely precious.
Then,
‘What about me?’
What had he lost?
Did he nearly lose his life?
He couldn’t tell. Now he held onto life again.
That too, thanks to the child’s son.
If that was the case, what should he do now?
Geomhu did not hesitate.
The hesitation had been put to rest long ago.
“…Please tell me.”
Upon Geomhu’s answer,
Cheonghae Ilgeom stroked his beard momentarily.
He took another moment of silence.
“Long story?”
“I apologize; I simply needed to gauge how much I could divulge.”
Anyone would need to.
If one wished to convey the story of that time, they had to keep their lips sealed.
“Is it true that child, Cheonhee, is alive?”
“Indeed. That child is alive.”
“Then where is she now?”
“You’re asking what you already know.”
Geomhu’s words were interrupted by Cheonghae Ilgeom.
She bit her lip.
“The reason the swordsman wandered the Demon Realm so much—was it not due to your prior knowledge?”
“…”
“As you have surmised, the child resides in the Demon Realm.”
Those words gave him assurance.
“…The Demon Realm?”
“Correct.”
“Why…?”
“I can’t fathom why you even question that.”
Cheonghae Ilgeom partially opened his eyes upon Geomhu’s mention.
His pure white eyes were present.
“Is it so strange that the child returned to her rightful place?”
“…Jang Moon-in, you know that’s not what I mean.”
“I have no desire to know.”
Cheonghae Ilgeom replied firmly.
“Long story.”
“There are things you should forget.”
“I can’t comprehend what you’re saying.”
It was always like this.
It felt as though the world, which could only be understood through strength, had already passed.
Those that missed that time’s existence revealed nothing to Geomhu.
He needed to discover it himself.
The truths and secrets of that time.
Confronted by such a swordsman with white eyes, Cheonghae Ilgeom whispered,
“Do you understand the essence of this world, Geomhu?”
“…The essence?”
“Yes, the essence.”
This conversation felt so sudden.
Suddenly discussing the essence of the world?
As Cheonghae Ilgeom began to speak, his shoulders trembled slightly.
“That child was the essence of the world.”
The statement that Cheonhee represented the essence lingered in Geomhu’s mind.
“What…”
“This land is a confinement.”
“…!”
Blood streamed from Cheonghae Ilgeom’s mouth.
Geomhu hurriedly opened his eyes and attempted to approach.
However, Cheonghae Ilgeom raised his hand and blocked his advance.
To signify not to get closer.
“If things were as they should be, this land should have met its end centuries ago.”
Upon hearing that, Geomhu flinched.
A land that should have been eradicated centuries ago.
He found it difficult to recall the implication.
At that moment,
“Jang Moon-in, wait a moment…!”
Geomhu had to reel back in shock as he looked at Cheonghae Ilgeom.
Blood flowed.
He could tell.
This was clearly a side effect from the prohibition. Though Cheonghae Ilgeom claimed there was no prohibition.
In Geomhu’s eyes, it undoubtedly was.
Geomhu rushed forward, but Cheonghae Ilgeom’s movements were swifter.
Thud thud thud!
“…!”
Cheonghae Ilgeom suddenly crushed his left pinky finger.
Snap!
And just like that, the finger was severed.
“This ought to suffice.”
What exactly suffices?
Strangely enough, the expression on Cheonghae Ilgeom’s face after severing his finger appeared unexpectedly relieved.
No blood flowed from the cut.
He must have already stopped the blood loss.
“This, too, is merely the consequence of the sins I am atoning for, so do not fret.”
“…Jang Moon-in.”
How could this be possible?
“I will continue the tale.”
Cheonghae Ilgeom began to straighten his posture and intended to speak again.
“…Jang Moon-in, it’s alright to stop now.”
Geomhu could sense it clearly.
With every such word, Cheonghae Ilgeom was deteriorating.
Did he feel the concern emanating from Geomhu?
The corners of Cheonghae Ilgeom’s eyes slightly curved.
“Ever so kind, as always.”
“That’s not true.”
“Do not worry. I still have work to do, and I do not intend to throw away my life.”
Geomhu tightly shut his eyes.
Whether those words were truth or falsehood was secondary.
But he needed to listen to the story.
He felt as if he stood in a crossroads of necessity.
He couldn’t decipher why Cheonghae Ilgeom now chose to converse with him.
Even as the situation deviated far from the original intent.
“…If, according to your long-winded phrase, this world must have ended centuries ago.”
Yet, Geomhu selected to listen.
For he sensed that the opportunity was available right now.
“What is Cheonhee’s connection to this and why does this world remain unchanged? I cannot grasp…”
“That is…”
Just before Cheonghae Ilgeom responded to Geomhu,
Woosh!
“…!”
In the atmosphere stretched by Geomhu and Cheonghae Ilgeom,
they sensed something.
Both jumped, shuddering from the intensity of that sensation.
It was a palpable feeling.
Energy.
A profoundly intense energy.
‘What is this…?’
The one who felt it first was Geomhu.
Understandably so; the energy he was detecting was none other than the very essence of Do-gi.
It was nothing less than the familiar energy of Mount Hua.
‘Where is it originating from…?’
After pinpointing the source, Geomhu’s eyes widened as he reacted.
The place emanating the energy was shockingly?
Near the governor’s residence where Cheonghae Ilgeom resided, which was where Gu Yangcheon was at the moment.
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