Chapter: 755
“Ugh….”
A residence somewhat distant from the mainland.
A lake adorned with slightly tinted maple leaves, signaling the arrival of autumn, and beautiful-scaled carp swimming within.
Beneath a mansion constructed at a steep price, an old man let out a sigh.
A distant aura piled up in the air.
Melodies were being created to connect it.
Others may not understand, but the old man was clearly witnessing the horrifying scene.
‘…Head of the household. What on earth are you up to?’
That was undoubtedly the power of sorcery.
A systematic and calculated realm that had been long prepared.
One could hardly imagine what sacrifices had been made for its usage.
It’s chilling.
What on earth could they be trying to achieve by creating something like this?
‘…’
As cold sweat dripped down, the old man grimaced.
Should I go down to the scene even now?
The body of the god is closer to that of an ordinary person.
Thus, even if I couldn’t hear anything from this distance, I felt it instinctively.
I sensed pain and screams.
Someone was bound to get hurt and howl in agony, and their suffering would also be a pain to the god.
I have to go down.
What could I possibly do with this old body? Such thoughts and hesitations seemed luxurious.
Didn’t I know that the moment I abandoned my surname?
“I am a physician.”
In a life filled with constant lamentation and escape.
The old man had never forgotten that belief.
It’s not about extending my life in this frail form while ignoring the tasks ahead.
With that thought, my feet were poised to head towards the scene immediately.
– Please don’t forget, elder.
“….”
Uptight.
The words heard at dawn tied the god’s feet.
– Today, no matter what happens, close your eyes and ears. Just stay there for a moment.
Those were the words of the damned fellow who made his life miserable under the guise of a lesson.
– What do you even mean?
– You’ll definitely try to step in somehow, old man. I’m asking you to endure that for a bit.
– Are you speaking nonsense? If you want me to get it, you better make it clear, old man!
– …
The damned guy appeared to be lost in thought for a moment.
That worried expression was quite terrifying.
Unfortunately, the god lacked any skills in cosmetic surgery, so there was no fixing that kind of face.
Anyway.
The guy who seemed to be contemplating soon initiated conversation as if trying to persuade the god.
– Just trust me and stay still. If this doesn’t work, I’ll have to threaten you, so could you just trust me?
– …?
I genuinely thought he was a lunatic.
Threatening me if I don’t take his request? What kind of mental state must you be in to utter such words?
What was absurd and frightening was that the guy genuinely planned to threaten.
He couldn’t possibly be a normal madman.
– …In my entire life, you are the first of your kind.
– Yes, this is my first time too.
– Enough of your silly jokes! So what do you want me to do?
The amusing part was even while he spoke in such an enraged manner, I still found myself listening to him.
Whatever he said, he’s never broken his promises. He was the sort who wouldn’t harm others, even at his own expense.
The issue lies in…. Is it true that all those resolutions lead to his own demise while he fixes something else?
This is what one would call sacrifice.
A chap who sacrifices himself to save others.
It might sound nonsensical to label him a saint, yet that term flitted across my mind for a moment.
Perhaps, I am slightly mad myself.
– …It’s quite simple. Just don’t leave this place today no matter what happens.
– What does that mean, actually?
– Just kept that in mind. You just need to stay put.
The response compelled by such urgency prompted no reply from the god.
If he was being so adamant, it clearly meant something very serious was bound to happen.
– A funny fellow, indeed.
The god chuckled dryly.
– If something catastrophic occurs, I’d need to pack my things and make a run for it right away. You telling me to stay here is like asking this old man to just die…
– I’m saying it because it’s obvious you won’t run away anyway.
– …
The guy’s eyes were unwavering.
– It’s perfectly clear you’ll come out with that old body of yours. If that happens, I’ll have to deal with the hassle. So, just wait here.
– Huh…! This little brat is…
Somewhat crossing the line, the old man tried to display his displeasure at the bold words.
– I’m pleading you.
The guy met his gaze and continued.
– Nothing will happen. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that.
– …
A sense of urgency was palpable.
It was vague but certain, and it reeked of earnestness.
Perhaps that’s why you concluded so.
One side of me didn’t understand.
In the end, the answer from the god was ultimately a resolve to agree.
It’s nothing particularly.
Nothing will occur. I shall steer things that way.
Leaving behind the earnest look in his eyes and the atmosphere he generated.
I trusted what the kid said.
That was it.
But.
“This is… isn’t it?”
This can’t be right.
From dark clouds on the rise to the nearly complete magic formation.
Even watching this was enough to set my skin crawling.
What medium would be required to conjure such sorcery, and once completed, what chaos would unfold?
Something unimaginable will likely take place.
The god dared to anticipate that.
It has to turn out that way.
“…What are you even thinking?”
What on earth could that kid be pondering?
Does he believe he could deal with this even while it happens?
It’s an unbelievable claim by any sensible standard.
Ironically, the nonsensical words managed to freeze the god in place.
“…”
I felt suffocated. My chest tightened, and my breaths quickened.
I have to go. I must go regardless of pleas or otherwise.
With that thought, just as the god was about to take a step forward,
“…Are you there?”
“…!”
Someone halted the god.
Suddenly glancing back, he noticed a fatigued-looking woman standing closely behind him.
“How did you come out?”
She had pure white skin with white hair.
Inheriting that lineage, she had sharp eyes, though fatigue seemed to have dulled them slightly.
A walking charm.
She looked like a masterpiece crafted from flowers.
The woman clutched an unreadable garment in her hands.
The very clothes belonging to the one the god called a brat.
Upon seeing her, Shin-ui’s expression immediately soured.
“I told the patient not to wander out freely. No one listens to this old man.”
“…”
Despite the god’s imposing tone, the woman remained completely emotionless.
That was just how she was.
She felt no response to anyone’s words.
Except for that one particular person.
Ttukbuk.
Ignoring his words, the woman stepped forward, raised the garment to her nose, and began sniffing it repeatedly.
What in the world is she doing?
The god was briefly thrown into confusion, but after several sniffs, she proceeded to wear it as outer clothing!
“What are you doing now…?”
“…I was about to sleep…”
Swoosh.
Continuing her sentence, she suddenly drew her sword.
“…”
At that sight, the old man’s mouth snapped shut.
The atmosphere shifted entirely as she grabbed the sword.
Even this veteran, who had witnessed all sorts of bizarre occurrences, stood stunned into silence.
“It reeks too much… I simply can’t… sleep.”
“…What….”
“Therefore… I’m going out. You stay here.”
“No, where are you going? I….”
“Stay put.”
“…!”
Her eyes turned to the god.
At that gaze, a tremor rippled through his frame. Sleepy eyes disappeared, morphing into an icy demeanor.
He hesitated for a moment, startled. And then.
The woman moved with fluid grace.
Startled, the god rushed to seize her, yet his hands flailed feebly in the empty air.
She had vanished from that spot.
Pshhhh—!
A sudden flash of light erupted, leaving nothing where she had been moments before.
“Huh?”
As the god chuckled emptily at the absurdity of the situation, suddenly—! A hand rested on his shoulder.
What’s this?
“I was trying to capture you somehow. Maybe it’s because we’re kin, but you really do resemble me quite a bit.”
The one who gripped his shoulder was a middle-aged man sporting white hair, like the woman who just vanished. Strikingly, he had only one arm.
This was also a familiar face to the god.
“…You?”
“I apologize. This is all my fault for poorly educating my nephew and disciple.”
There’s something unsettling about the way he finds humor in this situation.
He appears to enjoy pretending he’s the most talented of all.
“Now, I’ll snatch that little one up and bring him here. Sir, please hold on for just a moment.”
Huh?
“…What? Wait a second!”
Shh—!
Out of nowhere, the man’s form evaporated right before his eyes.
In an instant, two patients under his care attempted to flee!
“…”
The old man scowled as he beheld those two escapees.
“…Those damned Namgung folks.”
Quietly muttering, there was significant meaning wrapped within those words.
After flying through the air for what felt like an eternity.
The tips of his feet finally touched the ground.
Thud!
Clang! Clang!
All around, sharp sounds echoed out.
It was a relatively desolate area.
Upon arrival, the young man, Gu Yangcheon, looked back.
“Cough.”
There, an old man kept coughing vigorously.
It was Pillar Ma.
“Ugh… cough.”
Upon seeing him, Gu Yangcheon commented.
[This is quite a sorry state.]
“…”
The sight of sweat-soaked misery was beyond pitiful.
Did the old man realize this as well? He wore rather uncomfortable expressions.
“…I’ve embarrassed myself in front of the Leader.”
[Indeed, it was rather shameful. But it was somewhat amusing to behold.]
“…I never anticipated that Hwangbo Gaju would suddenly show up.”
His arrival indeed surprised everyone, and so did his indifference to the situation.
The power he exhibited was far beyond what anyone could typically expect.
[Hmm.]
A hint of discontent slipped into the air.
Upon noticing this, the old man hurriedly added,
“Ah, well… there’s no issue with our plan.”
The critical matter was to ensure that the plan remained intact.
That was the intent behind his words.
And Gu Yangcheon acknowledged this stance as well.
[That’s right, it’s only a problem if that’s in jeopardy.]
Swoosh.
The masked visage turned toward the abyss.
The dark clouds had intensified to a much deeper shade, and the connecting lines were nearly touching.
[So this is what you were referring to.]
“Indeed.”
The old man nodded.
“It’s a technique activated using six mediators.”
While speaking, he remained attentive to the reactions of his counterpart.
Nothing had been said.
This was a signal to continue explaining.
“Once all the lines are interwoven… the disaster I mentioned earlier will be unleashed.”
[I see. Ah, that’s right. The Heavenly Lord.]
“Yes, Master.”
[May I ask a question?]
“You may speak.”
[Can that spell activate even in your absence?]
“What… does that mean?”
[Answer.]
Slightly daunted by the ambiguous query, the old man collected himself to respond.
“Since it’s already been activated, unless the medium is found and destroyed, it won’t cease.”
[You’ve hidden the medium, right?]
“Yes. No matter how much the Wind Dragon Lord attempts to intervene… he won’t be able to find and resolve it within today.”
[Good.]
He chuckled upon hearing the response.
For the Wind Dragon to arrive would require just a few hours. If not, it suggested a need for at least several days, hence the issue was likely manageable.
Additionally.
The purple gaze concealed behind the mask focused sharply on the old man.
[It’s truly a relief.]
“Patron…?”
What kind of gaze is that? Why did it send chills down Pillar Ma’s back?
Inquiring thoughts began to brew in his mind.
Then, thunk.
He felt a presence drawing near.
As Pillar Ma turned his head, someone approached unexpectedly.
A figure clad in yellow garments with their face completely concealed.
“This?!”
Is this an enemy? Shocked, Pillar Ma immediately grabbed his weapon and scrambled to his feet.
He hadn’t detected the approach of his opponent. That signified they were no ordinary threat.
While it startled him, fortunately, he bore no real concern.
After all, one of the three deities, Paejon, stood firmly by his side…
Krewack!
“…Ugh…?!”
Pillar Ma spat blood, his vision blurring.
He lowered his head, focusing on the source of his pain.
It was his chest.
A hand had emerged, audaciously protruding from within.
A creaking sound came as he twisted his neck to confront his assailant.
“…Patron…?”
Gulping.
His eyes were filled with confusion.
As if in a slow dance, the hand reached toward the mask.
Suddenly.
The mask grasped in the hand began to peel away slowly.
With a loud crack, it fell away completely, revealing the familiar visage behind it.
“…Huh…?”
A look of shock washed over the old man’s features.
The shining purple irises remained, but surprisingly, the face looked far younger.
No, that age wasn’t the issue for concern.
The critical part was…
“…You… bastard… are…”
The identity of the one he had assumed was Cheonma was, in fact, that of someone Pillar Ma recognized.
“Zha… Shao…”
“Sorry.”
Pew!
“…Gah…”
Thud.
As the hand retracted from his chest, Pillar Ma fell limp and collapsed.
Rolling beside him was something.
It was his own heart, freshly extricated.
A heart, still beating and full of vitality.
“…Ugh… Ugh…”
Pillar Ma desperately attempted to grasp it.
STOMP!
A foot came crashing down, stomping the heart beneath it.
“I was planning to make more use of it.”
A void voice reverberated in Pillar Ma’s ears.
“Sadly, you are no longer needed.”
That became the last voice Pillar Ma would hear.
The old man, who dreamed of the restoration of the Zhuge family, perished without a final breath.
Leaving behind a cooling corpse, Gu Yangcheon embarked on his path.
Rumble rumble–!!
As he walked, a rough sound emanated from his body, and a transformation occurred.
The colossal form began to shrink gradually.
“….”
The path he’d calmly advanced led him directly before Hwangbo’s immediate surroundings.
Before he knew it, he found himself kneeling before Gu Yangcheon.
“How’s the situation?”
Gazing at that, Gu Yangcheon casually inquired.
Then,
“As per the Master’s orders, we are concentrating on evacuating civilians while minimizing lethal force as much as possible.”
Swish.
The figure spoke and removed its mask. The identity revealed was Nahi.
Nahi sported the attire of the Hwangbo Clan as he moved deftly.
“Make sure to keep the center clear of civilians.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Gu Yangcheon removed his own garments and handed them to Nahi.
Nahi accepted them with familiarity, shifting his gaze to Pillar Ma’s corpse.
“What should we do about that?”
It was a body already devoid of life.
He was merely questioning whether it warranted concealment.
“I informed Hwangbo Gaju separately; he’ll handle it. Have someone dispose of it at a designated location.”
“Understood.”
Pillar Ma’s body would likely turn up lifeless in a nearby valley. No, it must turn up.
The tale would report Hwangbo Gaju coming back to his senses on the hunt for the fellow; he’d ultimately perish in a struggle during the discovery.
Afterward, he broadened his scope to grasp the situation.
The aftermath of skirmishes echoed around.
‘More than I anticipated.’
There were those resisting the raid.
This was not solely the work of the Hwangbo family.
‘There are volcanic clans, alongside a few martial artists.’
I expected them to crumble miserably, yet there seem to be more individuals of goodwill than I’d foreseen.
Should I feel pleased or annoyed?
I was left uncertain about how to proceed.
After evaluating the circumstances, Gu Yangcheon promptly ordered Nahi.
“Reinforce the personnel.”
“I’ll relay to our unit.”
The night-time assassins waiting in the wings must be prompted into action as well.
“Onward.”
Pow!
At Gu Yangcheon’s directive, Nahi vanished without a trace.
Time was of the essence.
The thought materialized as he surveyed the sky above.
“….”
What should I do henceforth?
He pondered for a moment.
Not as if worrying about the steps to take; instead, deliberating whether his actions were justifiable.
Hence he contemplated for a moment.
“…I must act. What’s my course of action?”
This was also a question with a predetermined answer.
“Let’s go.”
He tucked the mask into his clothes.
This much would at least grant him a modicum of awareness, albeit a little.
Evil individuals had led events to this point.
He had conveyed this to the people of the blind. Although not sufficient, it sufficed to a degree that would grant satisfaction.
These were turbulent times.
Despite its fabricated nature, this era was indeed chaotic.
Beings willing to incite turmoil.
Carrying screams and despair within them.
He had exposed such a possibility.
Now it was time to set that aside. It was time for other matters.
–Hoo-haa…
–Please save me… Please save me…
–Daddy…! Daddy, where are you…!! Daaaaad!
When disorder creeps in, heroes tend to rise in tandem.
For the villains generated this chaotic world.
Now it was the hero’s turn to step forth into these tumultuous times.
“….”
He swallowed the rising grief while bolstering his resolve in preparation to soar.
“Life is genuine.”
Having just played the role of a villain.
“Fuck this.”
Now it was finally his time to embody the hero.
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