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Chapter 620: Choice and Decision.

The night transformed into day.

A whole day had passed.

The journey back to the hideout didn’t take long at all.

With my body already healed, I was much faster than before.

Here came the question.

‘If this is a hideout, why is it so visible?’

Finding the cave entrance was too easy.

Yuri had mentioned that because of some sorcery, it should be difficult to find.

But that wasn’t the case, just like the last time I escaped.

It seemed undeniable that something had changed within me as well.

“Stop…!!”

The guards in front of me immediately took a defensive stance upon seeing me.

Fortunately, with Yuri by my side, we were able to enter without any major issues.

“You…!”

Upon returning to the hideout, Baek Cheon-gyeom hurriedly appeared to check on me.

She seemed about to say something, but then froze in surprise as she saw Nangong Bi-ah, whom I was holding in my arms.

“…Ah…”

A multitude of emotions flickered in her eyes.

I knew it.

Her heart wouldn’t be at ease seeing Nangong Bi-ah.

After all, Baek Cheon-gyeom wasn’t just some cruel person; she would feel a mix of emotions towards Nangong Bi-ah, who had willingly taken on the role of bait.

“Please take her and check her condition. Also.”

It wasn’t the right time to go over every detail.

I handed over Nangong Bi-ah to Baek Cheon-gyeom without any preamble.

To her serious expression, I stated, “I will meet with the Gungju first.”

There was something I needed to ask him.

“Turn back.”

As expected, standing in front of the iron gate was a figure blocking my way.

Was it the Black Lion?

A reputed general from the North Sea.

He wielded a massive sword, lifting it up while speaking to me.

“You cannot meet the Gungju.”

His sword radiated with hostility.

I knew the reason.

‘I created a chaotic scene before leaving.’

After all, I caused quite a ruckus in front of the Gungju.

This was why he was on high alert.

It meant—

I had dug my own grave.

I raised both hands with the most amiable expression I could muster.

“I think I might have acted a bit rashly earlier.”

“…Looking at your expression, you clearly have some plans for the Gungju. You cannot pass through here.”

That bastard…?

It seemed my friendly demeanor as the polite Yangcheon wasn’t working here after all.

“Haah…”

I let my arms fall and sighed.

It was only natural.

The Gungju was in a weakened state.

She had taken refuge because of that.

It made complete sense that this man would be cautious given I threatened her.

Clearly, talk wasn’t going to work, so I had no choice.

“Step aside.”

With a relaxed expression, I told the Black Lion, “I won’t do anything bad, I’ll just ask what I need to ask and leave.”

“Do you honestly believe that will work?”

“It won’t, obviously.”

I wiggled my fingers to gauge the distance.

“I have no choice but to do this right now.”

The situation had changed from before.

I had urgent matters to discuss, and the one person likely to know was the Gungju.

I had to meet him by any means necessary.

Seeing the determination in my eyes, the Black Lion tightened his grip on his sword and declared, “The only reason you could have approached this far is that you were treated as a valuable guest. However—”

Whoosh-!

Energy swirled around his sword.

Pure energy.

Hoooom…

The air around us felt heavy, pressing against me.

A martial artist who had surpassed the transformation realm was emitting enough Qi to distort the air.

This meant that this man was no ordinary opponent.

“You cannot enter, nor can I allow someone who threatens the Gungju to pass. Right now, the Gungju is in deep slumber.”

“Ha ha.”

I let out a laugh at those words.

“Given the circumstances, are you telling me that she’s sleeping peacefully?”

“Do not speak carelessly!”

Kuuuum-!

The blade vibrated ominously.

The pressure was quite intimidating.

“Should you insult the Gungju once more with your tongue, I will have no choice but to cut you down.”

“How frighteningly serious you are.”

The threat of being cut down sent chills down my spine.

“If it were under normal circumstances, I might let it go. But right now, I’m really in a hurry. Let’s wake her up and let her sleep later.”

“Do you truly… think you will spill blood?”

“No, why would I want to spill blood…?”

Chiiiik-!

The Black Lion’s sword moved violently.

Seeing that, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“Gui Jeong.”

Swish-! Kwang-!

“…!”

I moved the Gui Jeong from my left arm to bind his sword, restricting its movement.

Kikikikik-!!

A struggle of strength began between the Black Lion trying to pull the sword free and me holding it in place.

Kuuum–!!

The opponent was a martial artist from the transformation realm, one who had reached a perfect state.

Given he wielded a sword, he probably had well-developed external energy too.

As I resisted that force, my muscles began to complain violently.

However, I wouldn’t budge.

Noticing this, the Black Lion’s eyes widened.

Kuuum-! Bang-!

The clash of force generated a series of vibrations that began to shake the surroundings.

Thud.

Dust and debris fell from the shaking ceiling.

“Fool…!”

“Do you really wish for total destruction? That wouldn’t end well for anyone, you know?”

“I am a warrior of the Gungju. I cannot allow anyone who poses a threat to her to go unchallenged.”

“Hmm.”

A fitting mindset for a guard.

The determination to never bend wafted off of him.

In this case, there was only one option left.

“Then I’ll just have to take you down.”

Whoosh-!

I drew energy into my body, rotating the Golden Binding technique to add heat to my form.

Combining it with my Qi, I gathered flames into my hands.

I grasped the Flame Jade, which felt ready to explode at any moment.

The Black Lion, seeing my state, gathered his energy to the max.

Tension hung in the air, on the verge of eruption.

Just as we were about to clash—

[Stop.]

“…!”

At that moment, a voice rang from behind the door, making the Black Lion immediately withdraw his energy.

It was the Gungju’s voice.

[Black Lion, open the door.]

“But… Gungju…!”

[That is an order.]

“…”

In that fleeting moment, a flicker of discontent crossed his face.

However, the Black Lion said nothing further.

He simply sheathed his sword behind his back.

Creak-!

He grasped the doorknob.

“…I shall obey the command.”

Creeeak-!

The door opened.

As I confirmed this, I also returned my energy back.

Breathe-! The cold sensation I felt last time washed over me.

[Enter.]

Immediately, as the Gungju’s command fell, I stepped forward.

“…This time, I hope you will keep your manners, Gungju.”

Ignoring the Black Lion’s fierce farewell, I stepped into the space.

It was still a cold and unpleasant environment.

The Gungju was seated exactly where I left her.

Only one thing had changed.

The way I looked at her.

[It’s a pleasure to see you again so soon.]

“Indeed. I never imagined I would see you again like this.”

As I arrived before her, I noticed her unchanged demeanor.

Half of her body was still encased in ice, and the frost emanating from her surrounded the area.

And—

‘I can feel the same energy as that guy.’

The power radiating from her was strikingly similar to that of Yu Seon.

Though I sensed far fewer unpleasant feelings or hostility this time.

[So, what brings you to awaken me from my deep slumber?]

“Were you really asleep?”

[Quite. I was sound asleep.]

Quite frankly, I didn’t believe her.

[So, why did you put on such a performance and wake me?]

“Hmm.”

Hearing the Gungju’s words, I couldn’t help but smile.

It seemed my intent had been discovered.

The conflict with the Black Lion had been purposefully staged, hoping the Gungju would show up.

She seemed to grasp my intentions instantly.

That was fine.

After all, I had achieved my goal.

I immediately addressed the Gungju, “I just met your son or daughter a moment ago.”

[…]

“The name was ‘Yu Seon.’ I believe they are the culprit.”

It’s possible that the name could be a pseudonym. According to Yuri, it was her sister’s name.

But what I saw was clearly a man.

Of course, there could be a chance that their gender was also fake.

As I tossed this unexpected information at her, the Gungju stared back at me.

Her vertically slit pupils remained unchanged.

[Yu Seon… you say.]

The Gungju let out a low murmur upon hearing the name.

[So it truly was them.]

Even after hearing the identity of the child who caused the betrayal, her reaction felt rather subdued.

[Was it that child?]

“…Is that all your reaction?”

[If you came to share this news, then I thank you. It seems I’ve troubled you to come here.]

Her oddly lackluster response forced me to furrow my brows.

But I had something else I needed to bring up.

“No, I came to ask you something.”

[Speak, and I shall listen closely.]

“…Do you have any knowledge regarding dragons?”

[Hmm.]

The Gungju fell silent for a moment after hearing my question.

[Indeed, I do.]

To my surprise, she offered an affirmative answer.

I had thought she would feign ignorance.

“…You do… know?”

[Yes. Even now….]

The Gungju’s slit pupils were locked onto me.

[It stands right before my eyes.]

“…!”

Hearing those words made my eyes widen.

This person.

‘Did they already know?’

It seemed clear they had been aware of my identity all along.

How had they figured it out?

Those questions never even crossed my mind.

The King of Demons must have sensed it, and Yu Seon as well, so it wouldn’t be impossible for the Gungju to do the same.

However.

“Were you aware of all this and still let me in?”

[What reason would I have not to let you in? After all, you are a valued guest who has found their way here.]

As I listened to her response, my mind began to race.

To what extent was she aware?

How much had she grasped?

What could I inquire about this person?

Those thoughts swirled in my mind.

But my contemplation didn’t drag on for too long.

“Your child was also a dragon.”

She didn’t seem surprised by this revelation either.

[Indeed. The Ice Spirit has finally chosen that child…huh.]

Baek Cheon-gyeom merely closed her eyes, as if she had come to a realization.

Watching her, I continued speaking, “Moreover, they referred to me as Pure Blood.”

Once I stated this, her reaction deviated from the previous lack of surprise.

[What…?]

Strangely, this time her response was far more intense.

“Thus, I have come to inquire about this. About your child and why I was referred to as Pure Blood.”

[…]

Upon hearing those words, the Gungju’s eyes widened considerably.

She had remained unfazed when I mentioned meeting her offspring earlier, but this revelation seemed to strike a nerve.

What on earth was the difference?

Why was this topic treated so gravely?

[Pure Blood? That child referred to you as such?]

“Yes.”

Even after intending to kill me, I didn’t think it was necessary to mention that.

“What does that even mean?”

[…Hoh…]

The Gungju let out a chuckle.

[…Is that so….]

Soon, she nodded, as if she had grasped something.

[So the time has finally come.]

She uttered something cryptic before ice began to shatter around her body.

The ice which had encased her began to break apart, gradually freeing her.

As I observed, I had to stifle my surprise.

She is tall.

The Gungju was much taller than I had anticipated.

‘…Almost comparable to my father?’

I hadn’t noticed this while she was seated, but now that she stood, her figure was impressive.

Thud.

The Gungju brushed off the ice shards sticking to her body and turned to me.

“Would you kindly follow me for a moment?”

Her voice, echoing with an enchanting tone, returned to normal.

It sounded heavy yet pleasing to the ear.

“Just like that? We haven’t even finished our discussion.”

“I will share the responses regarding that matter, so I would like you to accompany me.”

“…”

“Please.”

I furrowed my brows at her request, but she merely regarded me with a serious expression.

What’s the rush when we were still in the middle of our conversation?

Though my annoyance bubbled beneath the surface, she had assured me of answers, so I inhaled sharply and responded, “…Where do we go?”

“Thank you for understanding.”

As the Gungju smiled gently at my acceptance, she turned and strolled away.

I followed after her.

It didn’t take long.

We hadn’t moved far from the entrance, merely walking a little further from the path we entered.

As we approached a wall, I noticed something on the wall opposite the entrance.

A door.

There was a door leading elsewhere embedded in the wall.

It wasn’t very large.

Considering the Gungju’s stature, it was a rather small door.

In fact, it seemed almost perfect for someone of my smaller height.

“What could this be…?”

“Open it.”

As soon as I wondered about where it might lead, the Gungju instructed.

Why did she want me to open it instead of doing so herself?

‘Is there a trap set up or something?’

A sudden suspicion crossed my mind.

“If you suspect me, please feel free to wear the Golden Binding.”

“…”

As if she had sensed my concern, the Gungju offered a trade.

Under ordinary circumstances, I would have been eager to wear the binding.

But now, it felt instinctively wrong as my hand reached out first.

My intuition kicked in the moment I laid eyes on the door.

My instincts told me to grab it and open it.

With that thought, I placed my hand on the frozen doorknob.

In that moment—

Crack—!!

Just the slightest touch sent a massive crack spiraling outward from the center of the door.

I was taken aback by the suddenness of it all when—

Whoosh-!

The white, frosty air lingering on the door began to swirl violently.

Creeeeak….

Even before I fully opened it, the door started to creak open on its own.

‘What is this?’

What kind of situation is this? I gazed at the door in disbelief.

“It’s true then.”

The Gungju remarked, observing the scene.

“Your words were indeed true.”

“…What do you mean?”

“This door is a gateway only accessible to those of pure blood.”

“Really?”

“It has been predetermined for a long time. It only became clear just now.”

I stared at the door, still unsure.

As I hadn’t seen her pull on it, I couldn’t ascertain the truth.

Only people of pure blood could open it?

‘Who could have possibly set this up?’

Questions filled my mind, wondering who could have done such a thing in the North Sea.

Just as I was about to inquire, the Gungju lowered her head and stepped toward the door.

Was this a sign for me to follow?

I walked after her once more.

The atmosphere transformed dramatically.

The passage was not long. I only needed to walk about ten steps to reach the end.

And so, emerging from the passage—

“…Huh?”

I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight that greeted me outside.

A space cloaked in a chilling cold.

Floating in the air was a massive circular object, radiating an ethereal glow.

While it appeared to be ice, the precision of its design was unlike anything I’d seen.

There was no way that such intricate craftsmanship could have come from a mere human.

Given its size, it was impossible for it to have been created by someone human.

What was this?

‘What in the world is that?’

Thud—! Thud—! Thud—!

Was my heart racing at the mere sight of it?

Huff.

Huff.

I tried to steady my increasingly erratic breathing, but my gaze was stolen away.

What was that?

Why was I reacting so strongly to it?

Step by step, my feet were drawn closer.

I felt an overwhelming urge to get nearer, almost instinctively.

At that moment—

“This is known as the Ice Spirit,” the Gungju’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“The Ice Spirit? You mean that’s it?”

“Part of it lies beneath the Ice Palace, but this too is an Ice Spirit.”

“…There’s another one like this?”

“That is an artifact protected by the bloodline for generations. However…”

The Gungju’s gaze shifted toward the Ice Spirit.

“I too have never seen it before, but I believe this Ice Spirit before us is the original.”

The original.

Are you saying that what stands before me is the true Ice Spirit?

Then—

“…Why are you showing this to me?”

Why suddenly reveal such an object to me?

Clearly, it was something an outsider shouldn’t lay eyes upon.

Could it be?

Was there an intention to kill me here, perhaps? I felt a twinge of worry creeping in.

“As mentioned before, this place is accessible only to those of pure blood. That has always been the rule,” the Gungju explained.

What that meant was—

“You brought me here because I’m of pure blood?”

“That is correct.”

“You’re saying it’s that simple?”

“Do you consider it simple? It is not so.”

The Gungju continued to gaze seriously at the Ice Spirit, speaking as if it held deeper meaning.

“For hundreds of years, the bloodline of the Ice Palace has been bound by a duty to endure in the North Sea. Today is the day we face that duty properly.”

Her unwavering gaze fixated on the Ice Spirit shifted back to me.

“If, after many years, the presence of pure blood appears in the North Sea, it is destined to meet and be brought here.”

The ice spirit shuddered slightly.

“The duty of the bloodline has been to maintain and protect the Ice Spirit until that time arrives. That is our burden.”

For centuries, the bloodline was to guard this palace and await someone to come.

That was the bond of the bloodline.

As the Gungju spoke, I had to frown in disbelief.

“…What do you mean? It can’t be, waiting for something that could arrive at an unknown time? Doesn’t that sound unreasonable?”

“That is how it is called a duty or a curse. It is indeed cruel, is it not?”

The Gungju smiled as she said this, yet her smile was entangled with something dark.

“Yet, I never anticipated someone like Gu Gongja would appear.”

“How can you be so sure that I’m the one? I might not be—”

“That is irrelevant.”

The Gungju cut me off.

“If you weren’t, the door wouldn’t have opened either.”

“…”

So the reason you wanted me to try and open the door earlier was to verify that, was it?

“…What is it that you truly seek? What is it you expect from me?”

What could she possibly desire by waiting for someone of pure blood?

Why did she aspire for me to reach this Ice Spirit?

I couldn’t grasp it.

Expressing my confusion, I questioned the Gungju.

“History has often referred to it as ‘an egg,’” she replied.

An egg?

‘That huge thing is an egg?’

It seemed too large and cold to be called that.

If that truly was an egg, what could possibly be inside for it to be so massive?

The thought of something hatching from such a place felt deeply unsettling.

“They’ve referred to it as such, but there were also other terms written,” the Gungju came closer to me.

She leaned in with a calm voice.

“The heart of the Dragon Emperor.”

“…!”

Her words made me spin to face her swiftly.

“The Ice Spirit is the heart of the Dragon Emperor.”

 

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