Yoo Gyeong became Nab-in’s protector in place of Ho Cheon-an.
“Today will be different!”
“Heh. Still far from it!”
“Here I go!”
Nab-in’s attacks, now accumulating experience in matches, had become quite fierce, but they were still lacking compared to the Disciples of the Jeomchang Faction.
Yet, compared to the early days when he couldn’t even compete at all, Nab-in was now exchanging blows with the Jeomchang Disciples. Even though he suffered defeats in several consecutive matches, a satisfied smile lingered on his face.
“Today is a race!”
“Sounds good!”
And just like every other time, Nab-in and the Disciples of the Jeomchang Faction were filled with camaraderie. Watching the children disappear in a flurry, Yoo Gyeong slowly made his way toward Master Seon-yeong’s residence.
He wanted to hear the stories of Hyeok Gi-rin through Master Seon-yeong’s lips.
As he chatted with Master Seon-yeong, Yoo Gyeong couldn’t suppress his desire to hear tales of Hyeok Gi-rin that he could only access through letters.
So, he revealed only that he was Hyeok Gi-rin’s older brother, without disclosing his identity as the Emperor.
Master Seon-yeong, taken aback by Yoo Gyeong’s confession, quickly came to terms with it.
“Big Brother had… many secrets.”
Master Seon-yeong shared tales and traits of Hyeok Gi-rin, known only to her, and Yoo Gyeong found himself deeply captivated by Hyeok Gi-rin’s side he had never known. Thus, he began visiting Master Seon-yeong daily to listen to her stories.
And, just like every other time he visited Master Seon-yeong, Yoo Gyeong was left quite flustered when he arrived.
“Welcome!”
The presence of three Masters in Master Seon-yeong’s residence was unexpected.
“I thought my own memories wouldn’t be enough, so I called a few others.”
“Ah, Big Brother’s family member? It’s truly delightful to meet you.”
Though the sudden presence of multiple Masters was somewhat burdensome for Yoo Gyeong, such thoughts quickly vanished from his mind.
“Ah, Big Brother used to enjoy late-night strolls.”
“Yes. Somehow, he gave off the vibe that he was doing something extraordinary during his walks, leading many to follow him. Weren’t you one of them?”
“I wasn’t just one of them; I stumbled during my evening walks. Thanks to that, I ended up smashing my foot in the southern gate.”
Now, as the tales of memories went from one person to three, the vividness of those narratives multiplied thrice.
There were stories of covering for their Masters, the struggle to embrace Yeo Il-ye, who had been left wounded by the Jeomchang Faction, and the incident of getting caught while feeding rats under the floor.
Numerous stories poured from the Masters, and Yoo Gyeong was lost in the whirlwind of their shared memories.
As he listened, he thought:
Yuya may have been living under the name Hyeok Gi-rin and pretending to be male, but she was still Yuya.
The Hyeok Gi-rin remembered by the Masters was kind, spirited, and occasionally exuded a quirky unpredictability that made people uneasy… the very essence of Yuya.
Therefore, the image of Hyeok Gi-rin described by the Masters was vividly etched in Yoo Gyeong’s mind, allowing him to smile at their recollections.
Yoo Gyeong continued to immerse himself in their stories, visiting Master Seon-yeong repeatedly.
However, everything has to end at some point.
“I believe I’ve shared everything I can with you now.”
The Masters’ tales had reached their conclusion.
“Is that so?”
Yoo Gyeong sighed deeply with regret, and the Masters looked at him with a bittersweet smile. Seeing Yoo Gyeong feeling despondent about not hearing more stories of Hyeok Gi-rin, Master Seon-yeong carefully spoke up.
“In fact, today, I asked Jang Mun to open the shrine for Big Brother.”
“A shrine… you say?”
“Yes. Having talked so much about Big Brother… I thought I might as well offer some incense to his tablet.”
Master Seon-yeong looked at Yoo Gyeong and asked, “Would you like to go together?”
Yoo Gyeong pondered for a moment before nodding his head. Thus, accompanied by the three Masters, he greeted the tablet inscribed with Hyeok Gi-rin’s name and felt a mix of emotions.
The Masters, perhaps being considerate of him, quietly lit incense before Hyeok Gi-rin’s tablet and departed. As Yoo Gyeong placed his incense alongside theirs, he counted.
One. Two. Three. Four. Five. And six.
Three Masters had each placed one incense, and with Yoo Gyeong adding one, it meant two others had also offered incense here.
Yoo Gyeong looked around the shrine at Jang Mun, who was placing incense in front of the tablet named Yeo Il-ye, only to turn his head.
In that direction stood Ho Cheon-an, placing incense in front of the tablet inscribed with Yeo Il-ye’s name.
Yoo Gyeong gazed at Ho Cheon-an’s back as he honored Yeo Il-ye and spoke up.
“I learned a great deal following you. It was truly a wonderful experience. I am grateful to you, who dragged me out of Nangyang.”
Through the Masters’ stories, Yoo Gyeong now accepted that Yuya had lived not just as Yuya but also under the name Hyeok Gi-rin.
And he realized that Hyeok Gi-rin’s life was not solely a sacrifice for Yoo Gyeong; it was a truly rich life filled with joys, sorrows, and twists.
Thus, Yoo Gyeong finally accepted the fact that Yuya had left this world as Hyeok Gi-rin, not as a princess.
However.
“Still, the emptiness in my heart remains unfilled.”
Even after accepting Yuya’s death as Hyeok Gi-rin, the emptiness persisted, leaving Yoo Gyeong confused.
What should he do about this wound if he couldn’t heal it, even after accepting Yuya’s end?
Yoo Gyeong wanted to ask Ho Cheon-an for the answer.
How did he heal from the loss of Yuya and Hyeok Gi-rin?
“I feel the same way.”
However, Ho Cheon-an’s response was entirely different from Yoo Gyeong’s expectations.
“I just bury it and move forward.”
A response indicating that the wound was insurmountable.
“…Is that so?”
Upon hearing that, Yoo Gyeong finally understood the difference between Ho Cheon-an and himself.
Loss was eternal.
The lost could never return, leaving the space they once occupied unfilled.
Thus, what a person could do was not erase the pain of that loss but rather decide how to act while carrying that hurt.
“You’ve risen, while I have not.”
Yoo Gyeong thought.
Ho Cheon-an had moved forward, stepping over loss. That was why there were spiritual entities around him, disciples he’d taken in, a faction, and he could save the world.
“How pathetic. I am pathetic.”
At Yoo Gyeong’s self-reproach, Ho Cheon-an opened his mouth.
“I too did not stand up on my own. I could only rise because someone pulled me up.”
Ho Cheon-an sincerely believed that.
Had it not been for Ho Cheon-an from another world, had he not met his companions through that Ho Cheon-an, he would have likely remained sitting like Yoo Gyeong.
“Is that why you extended your hand to this foolish me?”
“Yes.”
“Is that so.”
Yoo Gyeong reflected on Ho Cheon-an’s succinct answer. He recalled the journey: the scenery of the world, the delicious food, the scent of humanity, the warmth of the entities, the conflicts among martial artists, the ferocity of the bandits, and… his understanding of Yuya’s other life, Hyeok Gi-rin.
These were enough to rise above the wound of losing Yuya.
So, now it was time to correct what he had done wrong up until now.
“Let’s return. To Nangyang.”
Yoo Gyeong finally got up, overcoming his wounds.
*
“Ugh.”
In place of Yoo Gyeong, Yoo Chan sighed deeply.
It had been several months since Yoo Gyeong had vanished.
The air in Nangyang was suffocating.
Though the Comrades Association and alumni collaborated to respond, it was proving difficult to fill the Emperor’s vacant spot after several months. Rumors began circulating that Yoo Gyeong hadn’t gone incognito but had been assassinated.
Especially for Yoo Chan, who lived in the palace, the piercing gazes from the eunuchs made every moment unbearable.
Though outsiders could accept the notion of the Emperor going incognito, how could those in the inner palace, particularly the eunuchs serving the Emperor, simply let it slide?
Yoo Chan believed that he was not of a harsh temperament capable of assassinating his father, Yoo Gyeong, and accepted that he had gone on an undercover mission. However, with each passing day of his absence, suspicions began to cluster in the eunuchs’ gazes. Yoo Chan felt as though he was sitting on a bed of nails.
When would he return?
While Yoo Chan continued his duties as acting leader, he was suddenly met with the urgent footsteps of an approaching eunuch.
“Your Highness! Your Highness!”
The frantic voice of the running eunuch stirred anticipation in Yoo Chan’s eyes. There was only one reason for this diligent eunuch to behave in such a manner.
“His Majesty has returned!”
“I’ll head out immediately!”
Yoo Chan jumped up, exhilarated. The days when even breathing felt like walking on eggshells were over!
Soon, Yoo Gyeong appeared in the palace, still in travel clothes. Upon seeing Yoo Gyeong, Yoo Chan’s fists clenched tightly.
Though Yoo Gyeong’s eyes still looked hollow, the atmosphere surrounding him had completely transformed.
“You’ve worked hard, Crown Prince.”
“Your Majesty’s toil in surveying the world is unmatched.”
At Yoo Chan’s response, a smile finally bloomed on Yoo Gyeong’s face. Seeing Yoo Gyeong smile for the first time in a long while made Yoo Chan’s eyes widen, and soon after, a smile appeared on his face as well.
“Eunuchs, tell the officials to hold a court meeting today!”
Upon returning, Yoo Gyeong announced his intention to attend to state affairs immediately, and the eunuchs bowed their heads in affirmation.
“Yes! Your Majesty!”
The eunuchs hurried to inform the officials of the Emperor’s return and intentions.
“Thus, there is an imperial decree for an immediate court meeting.”
“Right. I’ll prepare and depart right away.”
Jae Sang-hae sent the messenger dispatched from the palace on his way, then opened the window to gaze at the sky. A massive hawk flew gracefully overhead.
Jae Sang-hae recalled Nab-in’s chattering. The great Hawk Entity. Was its name Cheon-eung?
As Jae Sang-hae watched the disappearing Cheon-eung, he scowled and muttered to himself.
“Seriously, how heartless…”
The sight of Cheon-eung, gradually vanishing into the distance, was a clear indication that Ho Cheon-an was leaving Nangyang. If he had returned to Nangyang alongside the Emperor, he should have briefly dropped by the shores of Nangyang, seen the faces of the Comrades Association members, shared some comforting words, and even enjoyed a drink!
Yet he just up and vanished like this.
While harboring resentment and watching Cheon-eung fade away, Jae Sang-hae let out a wry chuckle.
Well, then.
It was indeed typical of their Instructor to disappear like the wind.
Jae Sang-hae stretched out his arm and closed the window.
He wouldn’t want to be late for the court meeting.
That day,
During the court meeting, Yoo Gyeong clearly declared the retraction of the Martial World suppression policy.
News of this decree, announcing peace for the Huang Nation, quickly spread throughout the world.
*
Sabok Seol clenched his fists tightly.
Just a little exertion and he could feel the powerful grip that could almost twist the bones in his hand. The long-standing prohibition had made him worry that his martial arts would fade, but it was apparent that his strength had fully returned.
“Is Grandfather coming too?”
Nab-in looked up at Sabok Seol with a sad expression. After all, they had traveled together for a long time and had grown fond of each other.
“I suppose I must go. There are some waiting for me too.”
A monster in stature, perhaps sensing the impending goodbye, cried out.
“Take this.”
As Sabok Seol patted the faces of the weeping monsters, he absorbed the Dao thrown by Ho Cheon-an into the air. After inspecting the Dao, he couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.
As soon as the Dao pulsed with energy, it felt as if the beings that had been holding their breath were beginning to breathe again.
“What is this?”
“This is the Dao I’ve crafted.”
…Crafted it? Sabok Seol gazed at Ho Cheon-an in astonishment. What couldn’t this guy do?
“There might be some inadequacies, but as someone who once learned from the greatest craftsman in the world, it should be usable enough.”
“Thank you.”
Sabok Seol sincerely murmured. It was not just gratitude for the Dao gift, but also a heartfelt thank you for rescuing him from the abyss where he had been ready to die.
“Just remember to use it well.”
“Yeah. I’m not without shame. Since you spared me, I’ll follow your will.”
“Did you know?”
“It wasn’t exactly hidden, so why wouldn’t I know?”
Sabok Seol looked at the Black Rib resting on top of Ho Cheon-an’s head. When he saw Black Rib for the first time, he had speculated that Thunder Name Zhonja might indeed be the previous Brain Knife Outcast, but dismissed it as a mere coincidence.
Although they both had in common that they practiced Brain Martial Arts, if Thunder Name Zhonja was truly the Brain Knife Outcast, it would not be strange for him to take revenge on Sabok Seol for his actions, so why would he kindly send him back to the Central Plains?
However, his suspicions transformed into certainty at the sight of his connection to the Jeomchang Faction.
It was no secret that the Brain Knife Outcast held a special relationship with the Jeomchang Faction.
“With the Trench Faction also carrying on, and having returned to the Central Plains, what more can I desire? I should live peacefully while dealing with the troublemakers from the Outcast Faction as you desire.”
Saying this, Sabok Seol slotted the Dao into his waist. As the heavy feeling settled at his waist, he finally realized he had returned to being Sabok Seol, no longer a servant, monster caretaker, or errand boy.
“Later, you must come to Yunnan for a visit.”
“Yes! I will!”
Nab-in was the only one to respond, but Sabok Seol turned away with a smile. With Nab-in saying he would come, what could Ho Cheon-an do? If Nab-in pressured him, he’d probably just give a troubled expression and nod.
Paaaat!
In an instant, using the art of movement, Sabok Seol vanished.
‘It’s finished.’
The entities that sought independence had secured a safe haven, and those living alongside him had grown accustomed to being with people.
The martial artists who had become Blood Monsters similarly slept in peace.
The Martial Forest Alliance, which had only the name left, had become solid enough to play a pivotal role in the Martial World once again.
The forces of the Black Forest Room, led by Gu Mo-seol, openly opposing the Huang Nation, were promptly eradicated.
The martial artists who had caused chaos in the Western Palace were captured and sent back to the Central Plains.
And following Hyeok Gi-rin’s will, they healed Yoo Gyeong’s wounded heart.
Now that the conflict between the Martial World and the Huang Nation had dissipated, all that remained was to restore the order of the world.
Could this be called a successful resurgence?
While Ho Cheon-an pondered this, Nab-in piped up.
“Grandfather! So where are we going now?”
“Hmm.”
Upon Nab-in’s inquiry, Ho Cheon-an fell deep in thought. Well, where should they go now? The chaos of the world had been set right, so no further destinations came to mind.
Seeing that Ho Cheon-an did not respond, Nab-in tilted his head in confusion.
“You said you were moving for the world, didn’t you? Is it over now?”
Over, eh? Ho Cheon-an hesitated for a moment.
“Indeed, it is.”
Nodding, he replied.
“Huh? Hmmm…”
Nab-in looked puzzled, tilting his head in bemusement. Saving the world… did something happen? For Nab-in, who only remembered having fun wherever he went, it was a difficult concept to accept, but he soon nodded his head.
“Then! Let’s go home first! I promised Grandfather Jeong Sam and Grandfather Yeo Jin-sang that I would return! They cry buckets even when we’re parted for a day, so by now, they might have shed so many tears their eyes could turn into a whirlwind!”
“Ha ha. That’s true.”
Ho Cheon-an chuckled at Nab-in’s remark and agreed. Those two would surely throw a fit, crying and pleading with Nab-in.
“And I’m also going to build our house in your village! Big! Really big! I’ll make it as grand as Podalap Palace so that Seok Woong, Hwa-jeo, and the shy Huang Dan can all comfortably nap together!”
Nab-in seemed elated just imagining it, his body bouncing with excitement.
“And then! After taking a good rest, we’ll go back to the Western Palace! I promised Aunt Sara and Sister Ramo that I would see them again! Ah, I want to see the magic show again! And by then, a lot of time should have passed, so should we go visit Sabok Seol Grandfather?”
Ho Cheon-an realized why Sabok Seol hadn’t left after hearing his answer. As he found himself nodding unconsciously, faced with Nab-in’s sparkling eyes.
“Wow! So exciting!”
Nab-in cheered, climbing onto Mi-ho’s back. Ho Cheon-an looked at Nab-in, who was eagerly pushing him, and thought.
The journey to put the world to rights had ended, but it had left behind new bonds and promises. While traveling to uphold those promises, more connections and responsibilities would undoubtedly arise.
Ho Cheon-an chuckled softly.
At this rate, he might be destined to wander for a lifetime.
But even that life could be considered a remarkable resurgence.
‘That wouldn’t be too bad.’
Ho Cheon-an hopped onto Seok Woong’s back.
Squeak!
Seo Gong raised his front paw and announced their departure, while Seok Woong began to move slowly with a lazy expression.
Thus began the new journey of Thunder Name Zhonja Ho Cheon-an and his disciple Nab-in, along with the entities.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.