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Chapter 230: The Day of Departure

Time had passed, and the day had come when I would head to the front line.

The waiting day wasn’t particularly long, so it hardly felt like a break.

Letters scattered across the floor, piled up messily.

I carefully picked them up one by one, making sure not to step on and tear any.

“…It seems there aren’t any useful pieces of information yet.”

As I collected them, I scanned the contents again, but there was nothing notable in sight.

“Perhaps they’re not making any visible moves.”

Or maybe they were keeping their mouths shut about certain matters.

It was hard to tell.

“If it’s this situation…”

With no specific intelligence, rushing out was a bit reckless.

If gathering information poses a challenge, it might be better to conserve strength and diligently collect tales about key figures who would stand against the Blood Calamity in the future.

“As for the Qi… The White Horse Stone would definitely be the quickest.”

At this time, the era where the White Grade Demonic Gate could be opened was no more.

The only White Horse Stone I knew of was almost singularly capable of sustaining that energy.

“…That’s why it’s unique.”

Normally, a magical stone loses its energy a few days after a demon beast dies.

Whether it becomes pure over time like a medicinal extract, it’s not dependent on how it’s managed.

However…

The White Horse Stone that the Heavenly Demon gave me in my previous life was different.

Whether centuries had passed or not, the stone still held expansive energy.

It hadn’t lost its color either.

It could be attributed to the fact that it was a White Grade Demon Beast.

I had never laid eyes on such a creature or even dared to imagine it.

Just how strong could it be?

“If I were to fight solo, would I stand a chance?”

Evaluating from the standards of my previous life, I didn’t feel particularly confident.

Recalling the story of Shin Noya, who single-handedly defeated it, a sense of admiration welled up within me.

Even though Shin Noya was rough around the edges and had a terrible temperament, constantly nitpicking, at the end of the day, he was a martial artist renowned across an era.

“Thinking of such things makes me nostalgic for the calm voice of Shin Noya.”

“How long did he say it would take?”

He mentioned it was just over a year, if I recall correctly.

Due to the ‘contract’ with the three particles, that amount of time felt about right.

Around the time I was soaking up the front lines.

[Growl….]

As I pondered, a subtle purring sound caught my attention.

“Be quiet, I’m not particularly fond of beastly noises.”

I grumbled, and as if to respond, the room fell silent.

I hastily tidied the letters and stuffed them into a drawer, scanning for anything I might have overlooked.

Suddenly, I realized I had far too many treasures on me.

“Do I really have to carry all this?”

Most of them were decorations that didn’t stand out much, but considering that each item was indeed a treasure, it felt a bit overwhelming.

“…Hmm.”

I contemplated leaving them in the safe, but ultimately decided to just take them.

Especially because the Master of the Martial World’s ring was quite useful.

“Young Master.”

“Uh?”

“Everything is ready.”

“I’ll head out now.”

Responding to the valet’s announcement outside, I quickly turned and headed out.

As I moved towards the door, I caught sight of the stitched area on my martial robe.

I wondered how it had gotten torn; the long, uneven stitch looked rather awkward.

Given how clumsily it was sewn, the thread appeared messy and bobbed out randomly.

At the thought of changing into a new outfit…

“ ”

I paused as the face of the person who had done it flashed before my mind.

With her clumsy hands, desperately poking and prodding yet smiling, Wi Seol-Ah came to mind.

– Young Master! Look at this! I did it!

– …Isn’t it pretty terrible?

– Hey! I worked really hard on it…

As that thought crossed my mind, I suddenly found myself smiling as I stepped out of the room instead of changing clothes.

Walking toward the carriage, Hongwa rushed up to me as soon as she spotted me.

“Young Master… Is it really okay to wear that outfit?”

It seemed she had assessed my clothing from afar.

Hearing that, I pretended not to know.

“Let’s just go. It’s too bothersome.”

“But, the state of your martial robe…”

“Are you going to insist? It’s bothersome, so let’s just go.”

“…Understood.”

I could faintly hear Hongwa sighing, resigned.

Honestly, I did feel a bit guilty, but having made my decision, I decided to stick with it.

“Have you arrived?”

Arriving at the Gu Clan’s main gate, just as the valet said, everything was already prepared.

Seeing the Moyong Clan’s carriage, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“It feels like we’re setting off for a journey.”

“It’s not just a short trip.”

Moyong Hi-ah shrugged at my remark, but it still seemed excessive to me.

There weren’t many people, yet there was an overwhelming amount of food supplies and provisions prepared inside.

“And.”

I took a glance at the figures around the carriage.

They looked like middle-aged men, but the energy they exuded was not to be taken lightly.

“Are they guards?”

They seemed to be the guards assigned to Moyong Hi-ah from her family.

Seeing that, I questioned Moyong Hi-ah.

“…Are you really going?”

“Of course.”

“To the front line?”

“Absolutely. It’s part of our contract, isn’t it?”

So, it’s really happening.

“…Ugh.”

I hadn’t expected them to actually go through with it.

While we had agreed to exchange energy, saying they would come all the way to the front line was truly shocking.

“…Is my energy that urgent?”

If my energy significantly helped Moyong Hi-ah with her Cold Pulse Syndrome, then it was indeed a matter of life and death.

As I rolled that thought around in my mind, Moyong Hi-ah added with a smile.

“Gu Gongja, don’t worry about it.”

“I’m not worried.”

“…It’s not like I’m weak enough to worry about.”

“Seems pretty weak to me.” “ ”

“You couldn’t even take a single hit back then?”

I could see her eyes quiver at my words.

Watching her react made me feel a sense of relief, as if all the pent-up frustration from the past decade or even centuries had vanished.

“So you used to tease me for being weak.”

It was a bit embarrassing to get my vengeance in this way, but what did it matter? No one would know anyway.

“…Still, I can endure.”

“Hmm…Sure, okay then.”

I could see her desperately trying not to ruin her expression.

If it were me, I would’ve immediately made a face like I had just bitten into something awful.

In any case, that was also a talent of hers.

While I was bantering with Moyong Hi-ah, someone stepped in between us.

Moyong Hi-ah slightly narrowed her eyes at the interruption.

“…Sword Dance Hero…?”

It was Nangong Bi-ah.

“Enough now…”

From her often clumsy voice came an unfamiliar coldness.

She hadn’t forced me out, but I could sense a faint Thunder Qi crawling down my shoulders.

“…She’s like a cat on edge.”

That’s how it felt to me.

Seeing her with such a dangerous demeanor must’ve prompted Moyong Hi-ah, who let out a snort before turning away to her carriage.

-I’ll visit you next time.

Leaving those words behind, she entered her carriage.

Watching Moyong Hi-ah’s departing figure, Nangong Bi-ah finally seemed to relax and slowly approached me.

“Why the satisfied look on your face?”

“…I… I won.”

While it was somewhat cute to see her celebrate this small victory like it was a big battle, I couldn’t fathom why they were so intent on this power struggle.

“Maybe it’s because they both have that cat-like vibe…”

There was a certain resemblance.

If I had to point it out, Moyong Hi-ah carried more of that feeling.

“By the way, you….”

« O O”

…Debt…

“No…It’s nothing.”

I was going to ask her if she could really tag along with me.

But I shut my mouth.

Remembering how Nangong Bi-ah previously expressed her reluctance to be asked such questions.

Unlike the Moyong Clan’s carriage, Nangong Bi-ah wasn’t particularly prepared for this outing.

Had Nangong Bi-ah gotten a hint beforehand?

I heard there weren’t any other members of the Nangong Clan specifically in Gu Clan.

I’d also heard there were a few attendants designated to manage Nangong Bi-ah.

“Though it doesn’t seem they actually stick closely to her.”

Most likely, they either slept nearby or her attendants had gotten accustomed to managing Nangong Bi-ah along with us.

Since she had a docile… silly nature and didn’t pay much attention to her surroundings, even if her attendants made mistakes, she would just roll with the punches.

That would make her rather easy to manage from their perspective.

“Even so, isn’t it a bit much? You’re not overly prepared?”

“…Huh?”

A few martial robes, an extra sword, maybe a few personal trinkets I had given her.

That was all she had packed.

“Don’t they… serve meals there?”

“They will, but… usually, we’re expected to fend for ourselves.”

“I’ll… eat the leftovers.”

“Please don’t eat that…”

Could she really be a member of a Great House?

It was odd that such words came from my mouth, but Nangong Bi-ah seemed particularly extreme in that regard.

Not that she seemed very interested in the world around her.

“Though she seems to be improving lately.”

She seemed to take regular walks now.

Eating properly as well.

What a stark contrast to the bloodthirsty demon from my previous life.

“That’s enough.”

Yeah, that’ll do.

Hoping for anything more would be excessive.

“Once we reach the bridge, the carriage won’t be able to enter, so you should rest there.”

With that, Nangong Bi-ah yawned slightly and climbed into the carriage.

In reality, we would have to walk from a point where the carriage couldn’t go any further.

Until then, it seemed best to conserve as much energy as possible.

Given how chaotic this place looked.

“Young Master.”

“Hmm? Ah, Muyeon…”

As I greeted Muyeon’s voice, I momentarily stopped upon seeing Gu Jeolyub standing beside him.

‘That guy…’

Gu Jeolyub was wearing a completely different martial robe from what he usually donned.

Not the one belonging to the Gu Clan, but the martial robe worn by members of the Sword Team.

Seeing this, I asked Gu Jeolyub.

“Are you really going like that?”

“Yes.”

“Really to the front line?”

“Exactly.”

“…Oh.”

I had something to say, but decided to nod in agreement.

If he was determined to find his own way and made a decision, then I had no right to say anything.

At my words, Gu Jeolyub lightly bowed his head.

I wasn’t sure what choices and thoughts Gu Jeolyub would encounter at the front line, but I could only hope he would make choices that felt right to him.

Otherwise, I might have to take him down.

“Muyeon…”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Why are you going?”

“…Huh?”

“You don’t have to follow.”

Though technically a guard, Muyeon had no obligation to accompany me to the front line.

Being so young, he had already reached the peak of his martial prowess, and having been acknowledged for his time spent in the Gu Clan, he could probably join the first sword team if he wanted.

‘Though whether the Second or Third Sword Team will sit still is another matter.’

Regardless, there was no need for him to stay with me and provide assistance.

Did my words strike him funny?

Muyeon rarely covered his mouth to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?”

That could really sting.

“…Oh, it’s nothing. I just didn’t expect you to say something like that.”

“What’s wrong with what I said?”

I was genuinely concerned; where’s the humor in that?

“…I have no plans to leave your side.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Yes? Why?”

“If you’ve eaten your fill, you should be thinking about going to a good place. How much more do you want to stuff yourself?”

You should take it easy and gradually step into the world of martial artists.

Someone as talented as Muyeon should definitely aim for that instead.

However, perhaps Muyeon had other thoughts weighing on him, as he spoke up.

“Right now, there’s still much I can learn by staying with you.”

“ ”

This kid was obviously not right.

Was he really going to learn anything from me?

‘Is he genuinely nuts?’

I genuinely began to contemplate whether I needed to grant him some time off.

Just as I began to distance myself from Muyeon in frustration…

“Regardless of anything else, it’s clear you have some good connections.”

“…When did you arrive?”

A massive hand wrapped around my shoulder, accompanied by a heavy voice.

“Guffaw…! Just passing by.”

It was Elder Lee, who had nearly recovered.

“Why do you always say you’re just passing by?”

“Then surely a tired old man wouldn’t just drop by for a title, would he?”

“That is true…”

“It’s not like an old man like me can come by without a reason! Speak briskly, you hear? Don’t just stand there blabbering nonsense!”

“Every time I see you, it feels like a headache is about to kick in.”

“Shall I heal that? I’m actually quite good at that.”

“That’s not healing; that’s assault. Please put your fist down.”

Every time he says that, it feels like he’s going to throw a punch.

Just where did this old man put all that terrifying strength…? He was still formidable.

“You said you’d be gone for a year; if you’re anxious, I can come along with you!”

“No, I don’t want any of your company; I want to go alone!”

“Guffaw, your dreams are lofty.”

What does wanting to go alone have to do with having lofty dreams?

“…I think I’ll take my leave now.”

“Are you sulking?”

“I’m not sulking.”

Continuing the conversation only seemed to tighten the pressure in my head.

Ugh, this headache…

As I contemplated clutching my head, Elder Lee spoke again.

“Yangcheon.”

“Yes…”

“Have you had a chance to speak with Yeonseo?”

“Yes?”

Out of nowhere, he brings up Gu Yeonseo.

I had no clue what Elder Lee meant by that.

But…

“…Well, I did try to meet her.”

I had indeed attempted to meet Gu Yeonseo separately.

Of course, I hadn’t managed to meet her.

“She didn’t seem particularly eager to see my face.”

“…Hmph.”

According to Gu Ryeonghwa, she was meeting with him, but avoiding me.

‘Oh well, I’ll see her eventually. What’s the rush?’

I wasn’t particularly pressed, so I decided to let things lie for now.

As a note, Gu Ryeonghwa seemed awfully fatigued shortly after Hyuk left.

It seemed they had been quite close.

“It’s a shame… Hyuk should have talked with his brother before leaving.”

I truly did wish we had a chance to chat.

“…Hmm? I can sense something ominous.”

Elder Lee’s massive hand began to pat my thick shoulder.

As if he had just felt goosebumps.

“Now that I think about it, Ryeonghwa hasn’t shown up.”

“Probably sleeping.”

She had come to me on the morning before with tearful eyes, wondering where I was headed, so I had put her to sleep with my blood.

I figured it was better to let her sleep.

‘Though that is a bit unfair.’

I could always buy her something later to make it up.

By the time I returned, Gu Ryeonghwa likely wouldn’t be around anymore.

I had even sent a letter saying that the Sword Demoness was also returning, and she’d probably leave for Hwasan as soon as she got back.

“I think I will take my leave now.”

“Be careful and don’t get hurt on your way back.”

“Try to be careful yourself, Elder. Don’t get hurt… Wait! Are you planning on hitting me again?”

“…Hehehe, I’ll be waiting for your little sister. I’m very much looking forward to training with her.”

“That’s truly something I didn’t want to hear.”

“And this is it.”

Elder Lee suddenly pulled out a letter, and I immediately bristled.

“…What is it this time?”

“Why do you look so on edge?”

“Every time you offer me something, it usually turns into a disaster.”

I recalled how every time Elder Lee handed me something, it ended in an explosion or some calamity.

“Will you not accept it?”

“I don’t know what you’ve hidden inside; how can I trust you enough to take it?”

Not this time; I had no intention of accepting it.

“Are you really not gonna take it?”

“It’s about Wi Seol-Ah, isn’t it?”

“”

That thought crossed my mind, but I wondered if it was okay to overlook it.

 

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