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Chapter 88: Purple Light (紫色)

Shwoosh!

In the thick stillness of darkness, the only sound echoed was the trickling of water.

Those standing expressionless in a line on either side of the corridor.

At the end, a man seated on a grand chair quietly took a sip of his tea.

Thud.

Just the teacup meeting the floor, yet it resonated in the space with a thud.

Finally, the shattered teacup.

As the man quietly revealed his presence, he opened his mouth.

“The Samseong Branch has been annihilated.”

At the man’s question, someone responded.

“Indeed.”

“Who was in charge?”

“Ya Hyeoljeok.”

Hmm…

The man quietly closed his eyes.

Ya Hyeoljeok.

In memories, he clearly had reached the peak of a seasoned martial artist.

Though not attaining the Transformation Realm, he had remained at the same level for a long time, yet his skills must have been formidable.

In contrast, the foolish nature of Seong Jeong and Tae Do had become issues; they belonged to the main palace but had been demoted.

Normally, they should have faced execution, but their loyalty to the Gungju and the recognition of their martial prowess had allowed them to retain the position of branch leader even after being demoted.

They shouldn’t be easily defeated.

“Did Maehwa Seon make a move?”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“Well, that old man in the back couldn’t have been that quick.”

If it were the Maehwa Seon of the past, perhaps, but now, he was merely a faded tiger.

“The liquid from Hwasan isn’t all that important… but Shin Yi’s situation is a bit troubling.”

There were many other things, so it wasn’t critical.

Thus, he left such matters to a foolish one like Ya Hyeoljeok.

Yet since it seemed there was progress, he thought it fine to send info regarding Shin Yi as well.

That was a mistake.

It would have been better to dispatch a martial artist from the main palace.

“Just raised unnecessary vigilance.”

Wondering if he should bring another physician, he concluded that ultimately, what remained was Shin Yi.

“What about traces?”

“…I attempted to check the branch, but it seems this Hwasan Sect attacked, so I wasn’t able to see properly. However, given the lack of combat traces…”

It meant a small number of personnel or perhaps a solo act had organized the branch. And that too in an instant.

Rumors stated that Ya Hyeoljeok had been killed outside the branch, but even so, dozens of personnel were expected to be stationed there.

“But for them to be wiped out in an instant…”

Even if the stationed individuals were weak, if it happened overnight, it was a different story.

Especially since there were no traces of combat.

“Could it be that the King of Demons appeared?”

The master of the Night Assassins, who could kill anyone if they wished.

Or perhaps it was someone else of considerable skill, for such a massacre was impossible otherwise.

“Who was it that killed Ya Hyeoljeok?”

“Currently, it seems the Hwasan Sect is hiding it, so the confirmation is delayed, but the information we have is that it was a Late-Stage Talent.”

“Late-Stage Talent?”

A seasoned peak martial artist bested by merely a Late-Stage Talent?

That was the least plausible statement he had heard today.

Could it be the Sword Dragon from Hwasan?

The genius who snatched away the title from the Nangong bloodline.

He had heard that he was still underage.

If that were the case, had he already reached such a level?

“That’s too fast.”

Though it didn’t seem the right time to worry, if true, he would likely stand out somewhat.

“Find out as soon as possible.”

“Understood.”

“As for Shin Yi…”

If Shin Yi truly was under the protection of Hwasan, then capturing him would pose many problems.

Still, it was essential to capture Shin Yi.

It would be the most certain method for the Gungju to act, yet he could not afford to leave his post right now.

“Send Nachal. Command him to bring him quietly if possible.”

“Understood. I will order his immediate departure.”

The one given orders quietly vanished, and the Gungju opened his eyes that had been shrouded in darkness.

With soft purple light in his eyes, he looked down upon the crowd.

Those caught in that gloomy gaze trembled.

“Now just a little until the last piece.”

Only a few steps left to the place he desired.

Everything was for his own sky.

The man once again closed his eyes as the dark clouds thickened.

…

Another day passed, and finally, I could move my body.

Shallow pain remained, yet compared to the excruciating agony I felt when I came to my senses, it was a breeze.

The demon energy swirling within me had nearly dissipated, and my body was almost healed.

A while after Shin Yi told me I could return to my lodging, Maehwa Seon visited.

“I’m sorry…”

Various emotions were etched on Maehwa Seon’s face.

It wasn’t common for a sect leader to be this shrouded in darkness.

“It’s okay.”

That was all I could say.

In reality, even if Hwasan was implicated, my actions hadn’t been for them.

“…I heard from Taeui that you’re doing much better. Is that true?”

“Fortunately, I’ve been told so.”

“Then you have many more choices available to you…”

Was she referring to the spirit pill she mentioned before?

If that were the case, I intended to gobble it up.

My body felt rather weak, after all.

“I heard you weren’t severely injured. That’s a relief; it would be too sorrowful for precious children of others to lose their lives in this land.”

What could I say? Even while expressing relief, the sentiment in her words seemed solely aimed at me.

It didn’t seem the situation warranted asking what was wrong, so I opted for silence.

I thought I should ask Yeongpung later.

“I apologize for bothering you while recovering, but the sect leader… hasn’t been present, has he?”

“…Not at all.”

There were no injuries, compensation would be arranged, and besides, I had received treatment from the top physician in the Central Plains.

There wasn’t really any issue.

And I had separate matters to discuss.

I planned to visit regarding that later.

“…The delay due to fainting is a bit problematic, though.”

I had been stuck for too long.

I was intending to leave after the Jehwa Contest finished, but Gu Ryeonghwa had revealed that she would not be returning to the clan.

I wanted to leave soon, but I had already been stuck for four more days.

Thinking back, isn’t it about time for the Jehwa Contest to begin?

The timing seemed right.

“Master, is it currently the period of the Jehwa Contest?”

At my question, Maehwa Seon’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

“It essentially… is the right time, but we’ve postponed it for a few days due to some work; it should start soon.”

I hid my surprise at Maehwa Seon’s words inside.

They postponed one of Hwasan’s few grand events?

“That seems to be quite a significant issue.”

Suddenly, I recalled the rumors of the disappearance of sect members.

Could it have been due to that incident?

Other matters could exist, but that was all I knew for now.

“Sorry for interrupting your rest, I’ll visit again, so you can rest comfortably.”

“It’s fine. Since I’m almost healed, I’ll visit you next time.”

Upon hearing my reply, Maehwa Seon smiled slightly.

Even that seemed a bit weary.

“Once you feel a bit better, do go outside; someone appears to be waiting for you.”

“Are you referring to me?”

As Maehwa Seon mentioned, I too rose from my bed.

Who could be waiting?

Nangong Bi-ah or Wi Seol-Ah…

The two often visited, so I had told them to stop by less frequently, so it might not be them.

Could it be Yeongpung?

“It’s a bit uncomfortable for a man to visit, but if so, who could it be…?”

I halted the thoughts I was about to say aloud.

Shin Noya wasn’t present, so that was all.

Thinking that way left me feeling somewhat obscure.

“…Where exactly has he gone?”

Though treated like a demon, I felt a bit upset about his disappearance.

An unknown feeling lingered.

He was simply an old man accompanying the energy of Hwasan.

“Is this also the influence of the demon energy?”

Could the demon energy that started circulating within settle his energy and thus lead to Shin Noya’s disappearance?

“Even coming and going abruptly like this…”

…Is this also what should be called a spirit departure?

Or perhaps he might just be in a deep sleep.

If possible, I hoped for the latter.

After four days of waking, I stepped outside the building.

It was still early morning, but where was this?

It seemed to be within Hwasan, but it was an unfamiliar building.

Could it be the medical room?

“Um?”

As I looked around, I heard a voice from somewhere.

Shifting my gaze, I spotted something behind the tree.

Could that be hiding?

“What are you doing back there?”

There she was, Gu Ryeonghwa, exuding an unknown presence from behind the tree.

Looking as if she hadn’t expected to be discovered, she wore a pitiful expression as if someone had pushed her away.

“Ugh…!”

Standing beside her was Nangong Bi-ah, one arm wrapped in bandages.

Gu Ryeonghwa still seemed to have something to say, but she was fidgeting.

“What’s wrong?”

I asked, but she avoided my gaze.

Nangong Bi-ah approached Gu Ryeonghwa and gently patted her back.

With the care from Nangong Bi-ah, Gu Ryeonghwa cleared her throat a few times and spoke.

“…Are you okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“…Are you okay, though?!”

She suddenly yelled, causing me to jump slightly.

Why was she yelling all of a sudden?

“…I’m fine.”

It was actually Nangong Bi-ah, not me, who had suffered the most injuries.

“…Alright.”

As Gu Ryeonghwa spoke those words, she seemed unable to hold it in anymore and tried to flee as if she were getting away, but Nangong Bi-ah caught her.

“Wait… sis!”

“Not a chance.”

Even though her pleading sounded desperate, Nangong Bi-ah’s demeanor was defiant.

I merely watched in silence.

Not knowing what to say.

Finally, Gu Ryeonghwa seemed to collect herself and stood in front of me again.

Her trembling shoulders were quite noticeable.

“I…”

Such a tiny voice.

It was so faint that I almost leaned in just to hear her.

“…Thank you!”

Squeezing her voice out, Gu Ryeonghwa declared loudly, as if she had been waiting for that moment.

So, she could shout like that.

Embarrassed by her own declaration, she dashed away immediately.

This time, Nangong Bi-ah didn’t attempt to catch her.

“…Was that what you wanted to tell her?”

I asked, and Nangong Bi-ah nodded slightly.

Feeling somewhat awkward, I lightly scratched my neck.

It was appreciated, but…

It wasn’t particularly necessary.

Before I heard that, I had something to say to Gu Ryeonghwa first, anyways.

Even so, her words must have come from the heart.

I understood what kind of feelings Nangong Bi-ah had for that.

“Thank you.”

Thus, I could casually return the sentiment.

This would probably be the first time I had ever said that to Nangong Bi-ah throughout my previous life.

Upon hearing my words, Nangong Bi-ah seemed to be taken aback by the unexpected.

Why would she be so shocked?

“What’s with you…?”

It seemed that my state had also become rather strange, and I wanted to ask, but Nangong Bi-ah suddenly dashed up the mountain.

She looked incredibly urgent.

“Where are you…! Come back before we eat!”

I shouted after her, but did she even hear me?

With a bandaged arm, she wouldn’t be training.

And if I were to say, her ears were reddening as she sprinted.

Returning to the lodging after a long time, to my surprise, I found the Sword Sovereign there.

Seeing that, I involuntarily gasped in astonishment.

The Sword Sovereign, busy sweeping, bowed his head upon seeing me.

“I apologize for not being able to work during this time, Young Master.”

“…It’s alright. I heard the Clan Leader allowed you to, so did you finish your work well?”

“Yes… thanks to the Clan Leader’s consideration, I completed it well. I heard you were injured, Young Master; are you alright?”

“Fortunately, I wasn’t seriously hurt.”

The Sword Sovereign smiled subtly, as if relieved by my answer.

After wishing him to take care of himself, I started to walk away.

No matter how I looked, the Sword Sovereign was a difficult figure.

Maehwa Seon, of similar standing, felt a bit more at ease.

Still, since the Sword Sovereign had returned, it seemed I could start preparing to return to the clan.

“Where did Wi Seol-Ah go?”

Normally, she would rush over to greet me as soon as she arrived, but this time, she didn’t show up.

“Is she perhaps caught by Hong Wa?”

In such cases, she wouldn’t reveal herself even if she wanted to.

I assumed she’d be doing well, and decided to head to my room first.

It was time to organize what to do after returning to the clan.

The Sword Sovereign quietly watched as Gu Yangcheong’s back vanished into the room.

“Something feels different.”

In just a few days since arriving at Seongseo, Gu Yangcheong seemed to have changed somehow.

Yet I couldn’t quite confirm whether it was a positive change or not; it was a peculiar alteration.

An energy, unthinkable for his body, seemed to conglomerate, almost woven together like a ring.

Even the Sword Sovereign couldn’t fathom how that was maintained.

Last night, he had heard from Maehwa Seon that Gu Yangcheong had killed a member of the Black Night Palace’s Demonic Faction.

Moreover, he heard that the level of the opponent was not low.

The Sword Sovereign thought Gu Yangcheong couldn’t have had a martial artist of that caliber on his level.

Could this too be a misconception of his own vision?

To call it the son of the rogue was excessively exaggerated development.

“Truly peculiar.”

He already knew that Gu Clan housed many things, but still…

“Grandfather.”

Suddenly, hearing Wi Seol-Ah’s voice, the Sword Sovereign turned around.

Behind him stood Wi Seol-Ah.

Although it had been a long while since he saw his granddaughter, she appeared thoughtful upon his return.

Yet she remained the beautiful and adorable granddaughter he knew.

The Sword Sovereign couldn’t help but smile pleasingly.

“Ah, how have you been?”

“Grandfather…”

“What is it?”

Upon his question, Wi Seol-Ah hesitated momentarily before finally speaking.

“…I want to learn martial arts.”

At Wi Seol-Ah’s declaration, the broom the Sword Sovereign had been holding weakly fell to the floor.

 

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