Chapter 200
Chapter 2: The Orb of Heavenly Road
The Orb of Heavenly Road. (3)
It had been three days since Gu Yangcheong was imprisoned.
It had been two days since Elder Lee had visited Gu Yangcheong.
There was no immediate need for the Sword Team to spring into action, as Gu Yangcheong had walked into the prison voluntarily.
Moreover, the Head Officer hadn’t said a word about it either.
From the perspective of this Elder, it was a frustrating situation.
‘…That child certainly wouldn’t have acted without reason.’
Unlike before, the Elder didn’t think that Gu Yangcheong would have recklessly gone out without a plan now.
‘There are whispers of something unusual happening at the residence.’
Reports came in that there was a strange atmosphere surrounding the residence of the Gu Exemplar Sect’s master.
While unable to confirm this physically due to his ill health, if the reports were to be believed, there surely was something amiss there.
‘Does this mean Yangcheon knew about it?’
Before questioning why, he hoped fervently that it was true.
Gu Yangcheong had indeed said there was sufficient justification for his actions.
There were also indications that while recovering the First Prince’s corpse, it was discovered that he had been suffering from a chronic illness.
Even with the strength of a Transformation Realm Martial Artist, it seemed he had only a few years left to live.
They had faced each other several times, and it appeared the First Prince had been thoroughly hiding this fact.
“Hmm.”
Elder Lee rubbed his beard with one hand.
The other hand was wrapped in a bandage, rendering it useless.
“So,”
The Elder loosened his stiff body and spoke up.
“What was the purpose of this meeting?”
In response to the heavy question, the two seated elders avoided eye contact.
Those were faces he had known for dozens of years.
While their relationship wasn’t the most comfortable, they spoke nonetheless.
“I feel like it was only a month ago that we had our last Elder Council meeting.”
These were all Elders of the Gu Clan.
Including Elder Lee, only three remained.
The Third Elder and the Fourth Elder of the Gu Clan.
Now, each of them had become ones who wouldn’t move unless there was a matter concerning the clan or the call of the clan leader.
The Third Elder cleared his throat, and the Fourth Elder began to speak in his stead.
“First off, I’m glad to see you’re alert again. Elder Lee.”
“Thank you.”
“To get to the point, we’ve gathered here because of the incident caused by the First Prince.”
“The incident….”
At the Fourth Elder’s words, Elder Lee couldn’t help but frown.
“What’s the problem?”
“How can there be no problem? The First Prince was killed.”
When did they start caring about each other so much?
Elder Lee had to suppress the laughter rising from deep within his lower Dantian.
“Right, that is a problem.”
“Then we must discuss how to handle it.”
“Discuss…? Sure, let’s discuss.”
Elder Lee propped his chin up with his hand.
At first glance, it seemed he was focused on what he could see and hear.
However, looking at his swollen muscles in pain, that didn’t seem to be the case.
“Before we begin, may I ask something?”
“Speak.”
“In this situation, is it appropriate to be discussing this?”
At Elder Lee’s words, the other Elders flinched.
Not because they were struck by his words, but because the aura of Qi that was leaking from Elder Lee was not trivial.
“The Clan’s Elder has returned half-broken, and the eldest daughter has been taken away by a Demonic Faction. Is this truly the time for such discussions?”
“Well…”
“Especially now that the clan leader is absent… Ah, was that the intention?”
“Elder Lee!”
The Third Elder shouted, making Elder Lee chuckle.
“Don’t raise your voice. I’m the one about to die, and you think shouting helps?”
“What are you trying to say? Regardless of bloodline, if an Elder is harmed…”
“Isn’t that quite remarkable?”
“What?”
The Third Elder frowned, as if he hadn’t heard correctly.
Elder Lee’s words were quite dangerous.
However, it seemed he was unconcerned as he continued speaking.
“Even if the First Prince’s body was damaged, at such an age, to have defeated him single-handedly… doesn’t that show great prowess?”
How damaged the First Prince’s body actually was still required further investigation.
Nonetheless, it was a fact that Gu Yangcheong had overpowered and killed the First Prince.
This was an area in the Central Plains’ history that no one could touch.
However, for the other Elders, this meaning skewed in another direction.
The Third Elder, seemingly incensed, spoke to Elder Lee.
“Your favoritism towards the First Prince is well known throughout the clan, but what you are saying now…”
“Then, that’s exactly what I am asking.”
Elder Lee interrupted the Third Elder, laughter still present in his voice.
“Knowing full well that I favor the child, why was this meeting convened?”
“…!”
“Are you trying to pressure me, or do you simply want me to somehow rein the child in?”
“Gu Ryoon…! You really!”
Elder Lee merely laughed.
Right now, the situation was so ridiculous that he couldn’t stop laughing.
After a long laugh, Elder Lee suddenly stopped and addressed the Elders.
“Are you scared?”
“…!”
“Or afraid?”
Elder Lee could vaguely guess the biggest reason for this meeting.
They were afraid.
“Are you afraid of what that child might do? Of Yangcheon’s fingertips pointing towards you?”
“Watch your words, Elder Lee. What on earth are you talking about?”
“If you’re going to pretend not to know, then lock away your pitiful emotions and speak again.”
Before becoming Elders, they were renowned Martial Artists in the Central Plains.
The same went for the First Prince.
Elder Lee was no different.
Yet, seeing them now, it was disheartening.
‘It feels like seeing a fallen friend.’
Once, they had fought side by side on the frontlines.
Should this be called corruption?
He hesitated to use such language, but to Elder Lee, it didn’t seem different at all.
“While I acknowledge that the First Prince has outstanding talent…”
“Outstanding is an understatement; Yangcheon is undoubtedly a child granted by the heavens.”
“…Alright, greatness is accepted. But that’s a separate issue.”
“What issue?”
“If the young bloodline has done wrong, wouldn’t it be right to correct its behavior before it’s too late? Especially since the position of Lesser Clan Leader is already reserved?”
They should know as well.
That the one suited to become clan leader was none other than Gu Yangcheong. Hence, it would be wise to take preemptive measures before the glances of the young Gu Yangcheong, who could already eliminate the First Prince, fell upon them.
But the Elder didn’t appreciate such assumptions.
“Don’t sully your words with so-called justification.”
“What…?”
“You said ‘before it’s too late’? How grand. What do you mean by too late? Before the clan leader returns? Or before the child ascends even higher?”
“Elder Lee… if you keep viewing it this way, you’ll only suffer loss.”
“Do you think I’m moving based on interests? If that were the case, I’d have no need to talk to you in the first place.”
Such disgrace.
Elder Lee could once again feel how dirty a rusted sword could become.
‘Truly despairing.’
Having been out on the frontlines, perhaps he was unaware of the events occurring within the clan.
It wasn’t just the First Prince that needed caution.
At this point, Elder Lee was regretting what he considered regrets.
“What you choose to do is up to you. However,”
Grrr.
His unhealed body was unable to handle the rising Qi.
But Elder Lee was a man with more important matters than pain.
Soon, the Qi took form and surged forth.
“Do not cross the line. If you do, it won’t be Yangcheon but I who will come for you.”
With that, Elder Lee stormed out of the building.
As the Elder walked away, he gently rubbed his aching chest.
‘It’s still too much for me.’
Indeed, the divine had said he’d need a long time to recover, and it was true.
Now, even such simple actions felt heavy.
Ah…
More than his tired body, the burden on his mind worried him more.
With his body crumbling, there was nothing he could do, which was the real problem.
“…The child is trapped in a difficult situation.”
More painful than losing to the Black Night Princess.
What hurt more was not being able to protect Gu Huibi.
The reason Elder Lee didn’t join the clan leader and head out was because he knew he’d only bind their legs.
For now, it was about recovering his body and spending time.
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In that, he intended to help Gu Yangcheong as much as he could.
Right now, that was one of the very few things the Elder could do.
“Ah! Elder Lee….”
While straining to walk, Elder Lee looked up at the call.
“Oh, it’s our Ryeonghwa.”
He quickly wiped away the absent-minded expression.
The one who called out to the Elder was none other than Gu Ryeonghwa, the youngest daughter of the clan leader.
“Are you… How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine! The old man is always healthy. Have you been eating well, child? You look quite thin.”
Though putting on a brave smile, tears were welling in Gu Ryeonghwa’s eyes.
Her gaze was fixed on Elder Lee’s injuries.
“Why are you trying to make me cry? I assure you, I’m truly fine.”
“Still….”
She was a tender-hearted child.
Both Gu Huibi and herself, despite being said to be of bad temperament, they all had gentle and beautiful hearts.
Thinking this, Elder Lee asked Gu Ryeonghwa.
“Ryeonghwa, what brings you here?”
“…Ah.”
The reason for the question was simply because this was Gu Yangcheong’s residence.
“…My sisters wanted us to have a meal together.”
“My sisters?”
Elder Lee moved towards Gu Yangcheong’s place at Gu Ryeonghwa’s words.
He had a purpose for arriving too, after all.
“…Hmm?”
Upon entering the residence, Elder Lee had to be taken aback by the sight that greeted him.
It should have been relatively quiet with the owner absent.
While the atmosphere felt calm, there was an oddly bustling energy.
As Elder Lee stepped in, many stood up and straightened their postures.
“We pay our respects to the Sword Sovereign.”
‘Is that the Tang Clan’s child?’
A little girl with a cute impression and deep green hair.
She seemed to be a direct descendant of the Tang Clan.
‘Why is she here…?’
Surely there must be a guest residence.
Had this child also been invited over?
However, seeing how they were moving around, she appeared quite at home here.
As if she had lived here the whole time.
“Oh! Grandfather Gu!”
Running from a distance was undoubtedly Wi Seol-Ah.
From the way she wore a scarf on her head and her state, she was probably cooking.
‘Her eyes are still swollen.’
Wi Seol-Ah’s eyes were red and puffy just like last time.
It must be due to Gu Yangcheong causing trouble and ending up in prison.
‘I hope my senior doesn’t find out about this.’
As the granddaughter of the Sword Sovereign, it crossed Elder Lee’s mind what thoughts she might have if she learned about this.
If her granddaughter was crying over some dark-haired young man, he might have given that kid a beating himself.
‘…Sniff… I wish I could stop her senior, but what can I do?’
All he could do was hope she remained unaware.
“…Where has your grandfather gone?”
Elder Lee casually asked about the Sword Sovereign, to which Wi Seol-Ah pointed towards the back mountain.
“He went to pick some herbs! There are many delicious things since it’s spring!”
“…I see.”
To think the Sword Sovereign was foraging for herbs on the back mountain.
It was quite a curious thought.
The one who once cut the sky with a sword was now digging the earth holding a scythe.
“Oh, wait! I’ll go get my sister!”
“Hmm?”
Just as Elder Lee tried to continue the conversation, Wi Seol-Ah suddenly raced into Gu Yangcheong’s room.
-Sister! Wake up! Grandfather Gu is here!
‘Sister?’
No sooner had Wi Seol-Ah’s voice rang out than a clatter resounded from Gu Yangcheong’s room, and the door swung open as someone darted out.
A beautiful woman with white hair.
She was someone Elder Lee knew well.
“You are….”
“We pay our respects to the Sword Sovereign. I am Nangong Bi-ah from the Nangong Clan.”
Nangong Bi-ah stood with a composed posture and spoke to Elder Lee in a clear voice.
Some whispers from the surroundings could be faintly heard.
Pretty much along the lines of, “Why does that sister speak like that?”
“Oh, so this is our Yangcheon’s fiancée.”
“Yes.”
Nangong Bi-ah responded quickly to Elder Lee’s words.
She should have felt embarrassed, yet she showed no hesitation at all.
This attempt to tease her backfired, leaving Elder Lee feeling quite awkward.
“Sister, that’s not true.”
Wi Seol-Ah poked at Nangong Bi-ah’s side with a pouty expression.
“…Right, is that so?”
“…Nope.”
It seemed accurate.
Though she maintained an upright posture, her slightly disheveled hair and the exhaustion evident in her eyes suggested otherwise.
“Big sister hasn’t slept in days. That’s why she’s sleeping in the Young Master’s room like this… Hmph!”
Wi Seol-Ah added in her defense, causing Nangong Bi-ah to cover Wi Seol-Ah’s mouth with her hand.
‘What an interesting child…’
She must have been quite tired to have stayed over in the Young Master’s room.
However, in such an unoccupied room, I had to wonder whether scolding her was even necessary.
Elder Lee decided not to bring it up.
It didn’t seem like it had been done with malicious intent.
What’s more, he certainly wasn’t in a position to do so.
“Grandfather Gu.”
“Hm?”
Wi Seol-Ah approached Elder Lee cautiously with a question.
“…When will the Young Master come out?”
The way she asked, almost carefully peeking around, seemed pitiful.
At Wi Seol-Ah’s question, the surroundings fell into a hush.
Nangong Bi-ah was obviously curious about this too, as was Tang Soyeol who seemed to be silent too.
‘…It seems Yangcheon is overflowing with affection from the ladies.’
Each emotion they bore was clearly evident.
Of course, the granddaughter of the Sword Sovereign, the child of the Nangong Clan’s leader, and the child of the Tang Clan were all here.
What on earth had he done for these girls to gather around him? Elder Lee couldn’t help but feel bewildered.
“He’ll be out soon.”
“Really…?”
“Of course.”
For now, that was the only answer he could give.
Gu Yangcheong himself had said he would be out shortly.
Elder Lee felt a sense of trust in that statement.
“Thank goodness…”
After Elder Lee’s words, Wi Seol-Ah seemed to relax as she smiled brightly.
‘Heavens.’
Elder Lee couldn’t help but admire that sight.
Now that he looked closely, all the weight had dropped from Wi Seol-Ah’s face, her cheeks hollowed out, and she had grown much prettier compared to before.
‘She seems to have grown taller, and her features have sharpened.’
She appeared to be transitioning into a young lady. Would Gu Yangcheong notice this change?
He imagined he wouldn’t think much of it, likely dismissing it as nothing of consequence.
“If you haven’t had a meal yet… would you consider joining us?”
It was the suggestion put forth by Nangong Bi-ah.
Earlier, Gu Ryeonghwa had mentioned going to eat together.
While it was a kind offer, Elder Lee had to decline.
“I appreciate the offer, but the old man has some matters to attend to, so I can’t dine with you.”
“Ah…”
As he turned away from the somewhat disappointed expressions of the children, Hongwa emerged with a wrapped object.
“Thank you.”
This was food for Gu Yangcheong and something for himself.
There was no need for an Elder to do such chores.
As a patient, he should have been focusing on recovery.
Yet, Elder Lee insisted on doing this in order to uphold his dignity.
“Thank you for your efforts. Ah, don’t come out.”
With that, Elder Lee hastened his steps to leave.
‘…Now that I think about it, why didn’t I ask why they were here in Yangcheon’s residence?’
Everything seemed to come to a head, and it felt as though crucial questions escaped him.
Thus, Elder Lee approached the underground area, confirmed with the guards, and headed down to where Gu Yangcheong was.
Following the torches, he walked a while until—
Wait, Gu Yangcheong shouldn’t be here!
“…Huh?”
Gu Yangcheong, who was supposed to be imprisoned, was somehow outside the prison.
Noticing Elder Lee approaching, even Gu Yangcheong clapped his palm to his forehead in realization.
“Ah…”
Elder Lee asked him, frowning, “…What are you doing?”
Seeing the basket Elder Lee held, Gu Yangcheong answered sheepishly.
“…Don’t misunderstand; it’s not an escape, I assure you.”
He wore a thoroughly awkward expression.
