Chapter: 822
Kwuuuk.
“Ugh….”
Mukyeon lets out a groan as he feels the pressure on his neck.
His toes were already suspended in the air. He had been lifted up by his neck, still being held.
This brought a feeling of suffocation and pain, but the greater issue was the overwhelming sense of helplessness and fear.
He truly could do nothing. The only thing he could manage was to exhale a bubbling groan.
“Ugh… ugh…”
The room was cold.
As it was clear that autumn was in full swing, the chill was still felt even when the lights were on. But now, that wasn’t the case anymore.
Something was forming on his forehead. Mukyeon quickly recognized it as sweat.
It was hot. The cold air had vanished, leaving only warmth behind. He could even feel the temperature rising further.
Mukyeon lowered his gaze to look at something.
The person who raised the temperature of the room and had a grip on his neck. Although it was difficult for an ordinary Mukyeon to ascertain his opponent in the shadows, he could still see the piercing red eyes distinctly.
Eyes that seemed to burn like fire. Just that was enough for him to confirm the identity of the other person.
“Mukyeon.”
A heavy voice penetrated Mukyeon’s ears.
“I will ask again.”
It was a tone that held no fluctuation in pitch, calm yet ominous. Yet Mukyeon could sense the deep-rooted anger beneath it. The other party was barely managing to suppress a rage that was simmering to the very top.
This was a man who was exceptionally cold even while employing offensive techniques. It was intriguing to see such a man so enraged, even in this scenario.
“Where is my son?”
“Ugh…”
As he spoke, the strength in Mukyeon’s hands relaxed slightly. Just enough to allow him to form a response.
Noticing this, Mukyeon cautiously managed to utter,
“You… would’ve… already known… and come?”
At Mukyeon’s words, the other’s brows furrowed slightly. He recognized it as a sign of agreement.
Moreover, Mukyeon felt assured in his words.
This man had undoubtedly come in knowing a fair bit about the situation.
He was usually quite certain.
Once his anger ignited, it couldn’t be contained yet, until that point, he adhered to a set boundary.
He was especially cautious, being fully aware of the kind of catastrophe his fury could unleash.
Thus. That’s precisely why he was more terrifying.
A person who understood his own power far too well.
It had always been like this; Mukyeon had difficulties dealing with this man, Gu Cheol-woon.
Too steadfast to be shaken. Though he maintained strong convictions, that strength was perilous.
Strong beliefs are not meant for the blind either.
This led to the creation of chains. So strong that he could sever them whenever he wanted, yet his own beliefs held him back.
That was the moment it all began.
“…”
The master of the red eyes. Gu Cheol-woon watched Mukyeon silently, then relaxed his grip.
Thud! Mukyeon’s body fell to the floor as he escaped the clutch. The frail body collapsed.
Cooluck! Cooluck–!!
As he coughed harshly, Gu Cheol-woon leaned down, meeting Mukyeon’s gaze.
“I will change the question.”
“… Cough.”
“Why did you do that?”
“…!”
At Gu Cheol-woon’s voice, Mukyeon’s body stiffened.
Even without a bet, he could tell. The current sensation was lethal.
A chilling sensation clawed its way down his neck. It felt as if even his will to breathe was slipping away.
His vision started to dim. All he could see was Gu Cheol-woon’s red eyes.
Hiss!
The air he inhaled was now unbearably hot.
It felt like it would incinerate his lungs.
‘Still the same.’
Feeling this, Mukyeon recalled a moment from the past.
At that time, it wasn’t as it is now, but currently, there are two individuals known as the Three Lords.
The best of the time.
The heads of the Gu Pailbang.
Against those whom nobody could suspect they had a chance against, the youth of that day, not the middle-aged man of today, said:
—There’s no reason to run away.
A voice that carried no tremor. The low yet heavy tone resonated softly towards them, just like before.
—Thus, I shall not flee.
Even while hiding the dying woman behind him and profusely bleeding, the youth continued speaking.
Someone commented on that scene; if he remembered right, it was a figure named Ubongchui.
Did he imagine he could win in this situation? Simply succumb and return, forsaking that monster.
If not, he would ultimately have no choice but to kill.
To anyone, it was evident.
There was no chance of victory in that fight. Nowhere to flee, and fighting wouldn’t lead to winning.
They were all aware of that, even with life fading from their hearts.
—Why must you decide my defeat?
His eyes were not extinguished.
—I have not yet fallen.
—It shall be so until the moment my breath ceases.
His heart burned, radiating light.
Even in front of absolute strength, the youth showed no signs of retreat.
—So, come forth.
It’s what one would call a flame. A flame in the shape of a human being.
A flame that would burn endlessly until it ultimately extinguished. A fire igniting with sheer belief and will.
Recalling that time, Mukyeon found himself smiling unintentionally.
Snicker…
“…”
At that smile, Gu Cheol-woon knitted his brows. He seemed uncomfortable with someone laughing in this situation.
“… I apologize.”
Mukyeon offered a sincere apology.
Why had he laughed just now? Upon pondering, he quickly figured it out.
“I didn’t intend to laugh. It just suddenly reminded me of your son.”
Yes, that was surely the reason for his laughter.
“I thought he looked somewhat similar, yet not entirely alike. But now I realize he resembles you quite a lot.”
As he envisioned Gu Cheol-woon as a flame that would burn endlessly, another flame flared on one side.
A strange child that piqued his curiosity, with an inexplicable secret about him.
He once thought that this child too was a flame that continued to burn like Gu Cheol-woon. Yet now, it felt distinct.
‘Cold.’
If the father seemed cold yet was actually fiery inside,
Then, conversely, that child appeared to burn fiercely yet felt icy.
Of course, it was indeed a spark, but for some reason, it carried a profound coldness. Though at a young age, having gone through so much, his eyes spoke of time.
Hints of animosity drifted through his speech and tone.
Thus, being ‘cold’ implied restraint.
It could erupt at any moment and ignite the surroundings, yet it concealed itself, manifesting coldness.
Put plainly, Mukyeon found that to be more frightening.
Yet.
“Phew…?”
For some inexplicable reason, Mukyeon suddenly felt his breath returning.
His previously labored breathing became easier, and the oppressive aura lightened. Troubled by this odd sensation, Mukyeon lifted his head that had been bowed.
Though Gu Cheol-woon’s red eyes still loomed ahead, looking at them, Mukyeon mused.
‘Something feels diluted.’
The gaze appeared less fierce compared to before.
Was it an illusion? If not, why?
Just as Mukyeon pondered upon this bizarre feeling,
“At that time, we certainly made a promise.”
Gu Cheol-woon spoke to Mukyeon. Yet his tone seemed slightly altered…
“If you grant my wishes, I wouldn’t touch you.”
“…”
“Thus, I did as you desired.”
Gu Cheol-woon’s words were heavy enough that Mukyeon found it difficult to frame a response.
“I waged the war according to my wishes. I scorched countless individuals and created mountains. Moreover.”
A chill flickered in Gu Cheol-woon’s eyes.
“I turned a blind eye, knowing what atrocities were committed under the guise of justice in this war.”
Mukyeon’s mouth fell shut. There was no emotion reflected in Gu Cheol-woon’s eyes; it was precisely this lack of emotion that made it all the more harrowing.
“It was of no consequence. I had long understood that justice and agreements had fallen apart. It was hardly significant to me.”
As Gu Cheol-woon continued to elaborate, Mukyeon could sense it.
The emotional weight packed into his voice increased.
“Because of that, I didn’t shy away from the bothersome task of placing restrictions upon Sima Wu. It wasn’t particularly hard.”
Creek…
The table trembled.
Not just the table, but everything atop it was shaken about and scattered.
“Even when the elderly above made flawed decisions. Even when my subordinates fell to death because of such choices.”
Creeeak…
With a single movement, the building was swiftly splintered.
“That too didn’t matter. What mattered to me was only the promise.”
“…Lord Gu.”
“You know, don’t you?”
Despite Mukyeon’s call, Gu Cheol-woon continued with unwavering steadiness.
“I could have shattered this trivial promise at any moment. Isn’t that right?”
“…”
Instead of words, Mukyeon merely offered a subtle nod.
“Even so, my reluctance to do so stemmed, quite amusingly, from a little obstinacy.”
Gu Cheol-woon’s hand shifted.
“The stubbornness to maintain the wind.”
Whose wish was he safeguarding?
His dialogue lacked key details, yet Mukyeon was aware of the answer.
“And so, I persevered.”
Grrrrrr…
Flames curled around his rough, slowly moving hand.
“Per our agreement, I sent her away with my own hands.”
The encircling flames didn’t grow larger, yet they grew increasingly vivid.
“That was to uphold the end of the grace period.”
Whoosh-!!
The swirling flames, intensifying in color as though they were about to explode.
In that instant.
Bang-!!!
Someone appeared and darted forward.
Gu Cheol-woon moved his hand, as if he had prior knowledge of what was to transpire.
Crunch- The hand that had gripped around the blade caught the incoming sword.
Yet his gaze remained focused.
Gu Cheol-woon seemed to disregard the sword-wielder and directed his attention solely to Mukyeon.
“All of this was for the promise between us. I didn’t mention it back then.”
Bang-! Gu Cheol-woon exerted pressure in his palm, shattering the captured sword.
And then.
Crack-!!
“…!!”
With a loud commotion, someone knelt down.
The one who had burst into the room swinging their blade. It was the Sword Emperor, the leader of the Guardians defending the alliance.
With one knee on the ground, the Sword Emperor grimaced. It was clear he had been struck, yet only the sound of shattering could be heard; the outcome remained unseen.
“I will safeguard what is to be preserved, so you too must protect yours. If not, I won’t cease either. Do you recall this?”
“… I remember.”
“I see. You’re holding on to that memory.”
Gu Cheol-woon momentarily nodded in response to Mukyeon’s answer. Then.
Snatch-!
“Guh!”
He once more seized Mukyeon’s neck, the grip he previously relinquished now restored.
“Then why did you do that?”
His tone reflected a lack of comprehension.
“Why is that child working within the ranks of the alliance?”
“Ugh…”
He couldn’t respond to the inquiry.
Breath itself evaded him.
“I did exactly what was instructed.”
“Ugh.”
“I did what was required to earn a reprieve.”
While Gu Cheol-woon continued speaking, the Sword Emperor attempted to move. Yet, ultimately, he remained frozen still.
Because Mukyeon gestured for silence.
“To avoid revealing myself, I refrained from meddling with the children, instead opting to hide.”
Along with the resonance of emotions in his voice, Gu Cheol-woon’s expression mirrored the same.
His eyes gradually began to reflect growing anger.
“But.”
Hssssss…
A hissing sound emanated from the ground. The writhing flames slowly began to consume the floor beneath.
“Why do you dare disturb my ‘beliefs’?!”
In accordance with his emotions, flames engulfed Gu Cheol-woon.
Mukyeon gazed upon the calamity. Should an eruption occur here, it would be a disaster no one could easily contain.
“Answer me. If not…”
Gu Cheol-woon fixed his gaze on Mukyeon.
“From this day forward, I will erase the Murim Alliance from existence.”
It was no lie.
Just as he had done in Tangmun, Gu Cheol-woon was genuinely determined to wipe the Murim Alliance off the map.
That.
It was hardly a daunting task for him now.
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