Chapter: 323
Two months have passed since I moved in.
Soon, the cold winter will pass, and we will welcome the bright spring.
It’s about time the frozen ground starts to melt and flowers get ready to bloom.
Damn it.
I’ve not done anything, yet I’ve aged another year.
‘This sucks.’
In the past, I didn’t particularly care about my age.
But the fact that I’m getting older now is a reminder that busy times are passing day by day.
It doesn’t make me feel good.
I know my remaining time is different from others.
They say a day is a waste.
Besides, it’s been a month since I visited the monument buried beneath Shinryonggwan.
A lot has happened in the meantime.
The first thing is that a matter regarding the Bigo has been brought to the Murim Alliance.
Currently, training at Shinryonggwan is ongoing.
I can’t directly investigate, though.
A powerful formation has been set up around where the notice was discovered.
Even because Jamryong and I were out and about.
The number of instructors patrolling at night has increased clunk-clunk.
It’s like we’ve created a useless night watch!
I wonder if the instructors resent us for putting them in this situation?
‘I’m a little sorry about that.’
Even in my past life, I hated being on night watch.
I feel genuinely sorry.
But what can I do? My nose is stuck in my own business.
I can’t live worrying about others.
‘Tsk.’
Anyway, simultaneously with the Murim Alliance planning the investigation,
I was requested for additional cooperation regarding what I found in the Bigo.
Let me say it again: ‘cooperation.’
It wasn’t an interrogation or investigation—it was a request for help on how I stumbled upon the Bigo.
This must be due to my background being in the Gu Clan,
And having the nickname Jinryong at the same time.
‘I guess the one-time deal was helpful.’
My source of information being a reputable faction likely gave me an edge.
Luckily, it seems to have worked.
Of course, wandering around at night might deduct points.
At first, I decided not to worry about that and just let it slide.
‘Next, there’s the question regarding Geom-hu.’
The reason Geom-hu listened to my request and briefly caught the attention of Cheonghae Ilgeom was none other than a precious object called the plum blossom stone.
According to Geom-hu, it should be in the Bigo I’m searching for.
Even if it were there…
‘What should I do if it has already vanished?’
Geom-hu said there’s nothing you can do if you can’t find it, but from his expression, that didn’t seem so.
‘To put it precisely, it looks like a bigger issue than that.’
It seemed he was more shocked by something else than the plum blossom stone.
He had a blank stare for a long moment.
‘What? Did he hear something from Cheonghae Ilgeom?’
Not knowing their conversation, I had to let it go.
If there’s a problem to address here.
‘The question is, what should I do about this thing on my arm?’
The dilemma revolves around the object wrapped around my left arm.
A light pink piece of cloth is wrapped around my arm as though it were a bandage.
The issue is this isn’t ordinary cloth.
First off, it clings tightly to my arm and refuses to come off.
I’ve tried everything to get it off, but it feels like it’s made of real leather—there’s no way to peel it off!
And also…
‘If it were just an ordinary cloth, that would be one thing.’
From the edge of my wrapped arm, a faint…
No, wait, is it right to say faint?
It feels blurry but definitely intense.
At that moment, I felt the colossal, thick energy I sensed when Shin Noya saved me from the storm.
It was emanating from my left arm.
This is clearly volcanic energy.
Thanks to this, the volcanic energy nestled in my danjeon has been continually resonating, humming all day long, so how could I miss it?
‘The question is… what is the origin of this cloth?’
The fact that Shin Noya grabbed me while moving my body means this unnamed antique is something he is aware of.
This is likely something he used before.
According to Yeonilcheon, that Bigo was originally prepared for Shin Noya as a fortuitous event.
‘So what is it?’
What kind of unbelievable object is this?
It’s already ridiculous how many different supernatural objects are wrapped around my body!
And now there’s this eye-catching one?
‘It doesn’t seem to have any special abilities.’
Would it be easier to think of it as just a cloth releasing energy?
Or could it have another use I’m unfamiliar with?
‘The one who could explain that is asleep again—what a problem.’
He saved me when I needed it most but fell asleep right after.
Then…
‘The beast has gone quiet too.’
The little one who cried daily for food has hidden its presence since that day.
Has it vanished? No, it has not.
I can sense it within me.
Only time flows on.
In this gap, unknown things are swimming by.
They circle around me, making me dizzy.
Do they think they are actual fish?
Tap-tap.
I keep tapping the table with my fingertips.
It’s an old habit I have when things get complicated.
‘… The matters with the Bigo are concluded.’
I also tend to put aside things I can’t figure out no matter how much I think.
It’s a recent habit of mine.
There are many tasks ahead.
I can’t waste time on unanswered questions.
First, I’ll postpone that and ponder about what needs to be done now.
It’s a form of obsession.
Tap-tap.
Constantly tapping the table with my fingertips.
What pops into my head are the faces and names of people.
‘… That guy is from an open clan. It’s hard to track him down right now. What about that other one?’
The reason I single out people one by one is simple.
‘There are more than I expected. Will I be able to clean them all up?’
Because I’m thinking of those I need to kill.
I am well aware that justice and peace have long been dead in this world.
We become acutely aware of this right after the bloodshed occurs.
The insides are rotten.
There are many who slap on a shiny facade and call themselves the righteous faction.
If anything, there seemed to be more who acted on their whims, denouncing the demonic cult while embracing the chaos themselves.
It makes me wonder if the dark side might actually be cleaner.
That’s why I said the turning point was right after I left Shinryonggwan.
I’ll eliminate anyone who deserves it.
My ambition to ascend to a state of nothingness also lies in being capable of carrying this out smoothly.
Hum.
‘Again.’
I frowned at the sensation I felt.
Lately, there are times when I get dizzy like this.
If I just hang in there, it’ll pass soon enough.
That thumping sensation isn’t pleasant.
I feel sick.
“Ha.”
Would throwing up make me feel better? I’m even entertaining that thought.
“…Genius.”
‘Is it because I lack training? Maybe I need more time….’
“Gu Yangcheon, you idiot.”
“…!”
Because I was spaced out, I barely heard the voice calling me.
I came to my senses and looked straight ahead.
Cheolhwan Oh was glaring at me with a particularly displeased expression.
Right, we were in training right now.
“Yes.”
“The instructor has called you three times without a response. Is it fair to say you were not focused?”
“I responded. Maybe it was too quiet for you to hear.”
“…Oh.”
Of course, that’s a lie.
Cheolhwan Oh probably knows it, too. That’s likely why his expression is so twisted.
I never knew a person’s face could contort so much.
What a unique piece of information.
“Since you say you were focused, may I ask you a question?”
“Yes, I’ll listen.”
“Regarding why the Blue Heron is especially less active at night…”
“They’re doing that to spite their children. They’re a bunch of weirdos who only do it at night.”
“….”
“Ah, just be careful of their weak points… they’re so weak that they can’t run away. Just catch them and burn them…”
“Alright.”
“Yes.”
This is a really good piece of information, yet it seems ignored.
The Cheongyicheonjo is a type of blue demon.
It is a bird that has wings but cannot fly.
Though its neck is somewhat long for being called a chicken.
Anyway.
It’s one of the few species among demons that mate.
Strangely enough, they only do it at night. Thanks to that, we see fewer attacks from them in the afternoon.
It’s also much easier to hunt them then.
Judging whether my answer was correct, Cheolhwan let out a disappointed sigh before returning to instructing.
‘I guess I need to concentrate.’
Of course, focusing means pretending to focus on educational matters.
It implies I’ll put more effort into faking concentration.
‘I think the time is close.’
It won’t be long until we reach what we have been waiting for.
As the education was about to conclude, Cheolhwan made a comment before leaving.
“Soon, the practice period will begin. Don’t forget to prepare.”
Hearing that, I nodded inwardly.
It was information I had been waiting on for days.
After finishing my work and having a meal, I usually engage in light chatter with my companions.
It was the only time I could mentally relax.
But these days, even that has diminished and my training time has drastically increased.
Over the past two months, my companions have also gotten busier.
And I’ve been pushing my body hard, which is the reason for that.
‘Push my arm a little further forward.’
Hooosh! Bam!
I adjust the angle and unleash my power.
A small trace of energy lingers in the air.
What a pity. I was a little late on the blast.
‘…I can’t go much faster. Should I integrate more Huocho then?’
While primarily focusing on mental training…
Moving my body like this reflects back on my past martial arts duels.
‘If I’m fast, I’ll get caught and stopped.’
Recalling the fight against the two dragons or the defeated foes.
There are still regrets from that day, so I sometimes reminisce like this.
‘What’s the problem?’
I am swifter than they are.
My energy is certain enough.
Yet I couldn’t dig into them.
Even if I somehow entered their range, I didn’t land even a single hit.
They may have been slower, but they were still quicker than me.
Is it all just a matter of perspective?
Because I’m acutely aware of my shortcomings, I try desperately to fill them in.
It’s not that simple, though.
Even if the one who caused my defeat was the peerless master of martial arts, Paejon.
There are no excuses. It’s true: I lost.
Am I frustrated and upset over the defeat? Of course not.
At this point, I’ve been through a plethora of losses.
I’m all too aware that keeping up with a genius is impossible.
So, I need to seek more ways to improve.
‘It would’ve been nice if my mind worked just a bit better.’
If so, I might optimize future advantages more efficiently.
I could leverage my body better.
What if I could think only half as well as Cheon Yu-rang?
Perhaps, I’m feeling cornered, but pointless thoughts arise.
Fwoosh.
I gather the flames wrapped around my body.
I exhale heat towards my danjeon and take a breath.
The plains surrounding me are filled with the heat I emitted.
“What do you think?”
Once I regained my energy, I asked the observer.
“…Huh?”
Such a dim-witted response.
I already anticipated such an answer.
That’s understandable. The onlooker is none other than Namgung Bi-ah.
“How does it look?”
“…It was cool…?”
“No, not that…”
For a moment, I was about to feel pleased.
The reason I suddenly find myself with Namgung Bi-ah is that while everyone was busy, she was the only one without a schedule to join me for training after a long time.
Normally, Namgung Bi-ah disappears after half the training I usually endure.
But today, I asked her to stay with me.
Tang So-yeol hasn’t been seen recently.
While Wi Seol-ah has started coming back naturally, today she disappeared with a gloomy gaze as if she had other plans.
Moyong Hi-ah usually stays busy.
Coincidentally, Gu Yeon-seo was doing something different from her peers.
I ended up bringing in Namgung Bi-ah, who appeared to be free.
“Does anything seem lacking?”
I wondered if I might receive some good insights from Namgung Bi-ah.
She’s also a person who has clearly surpassed her peak.
A genius who is likely to be a master in the future.
Let’s hope to glean something from her.
After hearing my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head, briefly, then looked into my eyes to answer.
“It’s too fast….”
“Well, should I slow it down a bit…?”
“Your movements seem impatient.”
I pondered if she might have misunderstood my technique, considering doing it a little slower.
However, Namgung Bi-ah brought up a different discussion.
“Impatient?”
“Yeah… You look impatient.”
She continues to open and close her fist while reiterating.
Impatience.
Even I know I’m feeling it, but…
Is it that obvious enough to affect my movements?
‘I need to work on that.’
I nodded.
If it’s even evident to Namgung Bi-ah, it could pose a risk.
Observing me for a moment, Namgung Bi-ah slowly brings up another topic.
“…Want to spar?”
I instinctively flinched at Namgung Bi-ah’s unexpected inquiry.
“I told you to add subject pronouns.”
I sighed deeply, advising her.
Only then did Namgung Bi-ah clap, realizing her blunder.
That startled me.
“Do you want to… spar?”
As expected, it involved a duel.
Yet his question made me wear a strange expression.
Come to think of it, I’ve never fought with Namgung Bi-ah.
In this life, she had insisted on wanting to fight me.
I’ve never indulged her even once.
And at some point, Namgung Bi-ah even stopped requesting fights with me.
“That’s right, when was the last time you asked me to do that?”
After being so adamant, did she get tired of me?
If she’s presenting the question now, could it mean something different?
I voice my thoughts, and Namgung Bi-ah pushes her hair back behind her ear.
“…I’m afraid… because I’m scared…”
Afraid?
“Afraid of sparring with me?”
“No…”
Namgung Bi-ah’s blue eyes were fixed on me.
“…You were afraid of sparring with me… because you feared me.”
“…”
Maybe because I heard her say that.
I felt as though my breathing momentarily halted.
“Are you afraid? Of me?”
“Yeah.”
What could this imply?
But I already knew what it meant.
I simply didn’t want to engage in a fight with Namgung Bi-ah.
Even if it’s just a duel.
“So… please don’t ask. It’s fine.”
“But you just did.”
“Then… I thought it might make you comfortable.”
“No, it’ll be quite uncomfortable.”
“Well, that’s okay.”
Namgung Bi-ah then returns to her normal expression as if she has no regrets left.
She’s still a person who changes moods swiftly.
“Will you spar with me someday?”
“…You make it sound like sparring is such a monumental deal.”
“Is it not?”
“Well, yes, technically.”
When the bloodshed concludes and the situation stabilizes.
When there’s no threat.
When we can finally establish peace.
Will there truly be significance placed on something trivial like sparring?
“Is Seol-ah included too?”
“…!”
My eyes widened at the mention of Wi Seol-ah from Namgung Bi-ah.
Why is she suddenly bringing up her?
What does she mean by that?
‘What? Is she…? ‘
Does Namgung Bi-ah know what Wi Seol-ah once told me?
“What…”
“…just kidding…”
I spat it out with a quavering voice.
Namgung Bi-ah chuckled softly and then waved her fingertips toward me.
She was beckoning me over.
What is she, a dog?
I approached her begrudgingly.
“What are you doing…?”
Swish, swish.
She brushed past my hair with her usual gentle strokes.
“…it’s okay.”
“…What is going on?”
Taken aback by her sudden act, I questioned her.
Namgung Bi-ah smiled slightly and addressed me.
“If you… do this… it makes me happy.”
“So?”
“So… I’m doing it too…”
Her intention was to cheer me up, I see.
I didn’t feel blatantly bad about it.
In the commotion, there’s an odd feeling insofar as I don’t know how to articulate it, but I feel a little better.
Watching Namgung Bi-ah tenderly patting me,
I found myself chuckling unexpectedly.
Thanks to this, I reckon my training will wrap up just fine.
As night fell,
The moon was full.
On the wall surrounding Shinryonggwan,
An indistinct figure stood, gender unidentifiable.
Inside the Shinryonggwan, which was filled with the energy of Cheonghae Ilgeom,
In a precarious position, just out of reach.
The figure stood there quietly gazing below.
Not a single movement from them.
They merely watched,
With their eyes focused solely on one person.
Flap.
As I observed silently, a bird swooped in around them.
The figure removed a letter tied to the bird’s leg resting on their shoulder and unfolded it as if quite familiar with it.
-Four days later. Proceed.
“…”
It signifies that the target date is approaching.
Upon confirming this, the person crumpled the letter.
At that moment, the bird that perched on their shoulder dispersed like fog.
Just after the bird vanished,
The figure also dissolved into thin air without a trace.
As if they had never been there in the first place.
The figure’s nickname was Amwang (Shadow King).
The master of the night.
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