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Chapter 651: Back to the Central Plains

As I opened my mouth, the room fell into silence in an instant.

Adding the silence to an already cold atmosphere made me feel even more uneasy.

Fortunately, that silence didn’t last long.

“Gu Gongja.”

“Yes.”

“Do you know what you just said?”

“I know half and I’m unsure of the other half.”

I demanded information about sorcery from the Gungju, who promised a reward, and also sought the transfer right of the idiot locked up in the underground prison.

I was aware of the significance of the former and absolutely certain about the latter.

“You’re asking for the mastermind behind the rebellion to be delivered to you.”

The idiot, who must be starving in the underground prison.

That guy is Woo Hyeok.

Naturally, if that fool suddenly came here, the consequence would be imprisonment.

He was no different than one of the leaders of the rebellion.

‘Dumb bastard.’

I told him to come later, but he has the audacity to show up openly like this.

‘Wait, he came here because of Nangong Ming, so isn’t it his fault?’

I pondered for a moment, but I knew if it were Woo Hyeok, he would’ve crawled here of his own accord.

Anyway, these guys are incomprehensible.

‘They could just sneak out or come quietly.’

It was infuriating to see them live like fools.

That frustration was exacerbated by watching it unfold right in front of me.

‘What can I do? It’s the price of making bad friends.’

I could forgive it a couple more times.

I’ve received a lot in my past life.

I could give just that much in return.

“Ha.”

A sound of exasperation came from somewhere.

Not from the Gungju, but from behind.

It wasn’t the Black Lion either. It was someone I had never seen before.

‘Another Great General.’

An elder with a bald head and white beard.

He was scowling at me.

“No matter how much you helped save the North Sea, how could you—!”

His voice rose, clearly displeased.

The Black Lion tried to intervene, raising his hand to stop it.

But, thud.

My hand was already out before that.

Kuwaang—!!

“Ugh!?”

I struck the void with intent, causing the bald general to crash into the wall.

“Oh.”

I couldn’t help but admire it.

Even after controlling my strength moderately, it had such power.

I felt once again how my realm had increased.

‘Guess I’ll need a bit more time to adjust.’

It seemed I’d need more time to get accustomed to my suddenly enhanced strength than I originally anticipated.

“…Kuh…!!”

The bald general, who had fallen, got back up.

At the same time, he drew a long spear from his back.

Clang-!

Most of the others were also drawing their weapons, ready to counter me.

“Stop…”

A soft voice from the Gungju mediated the situation.

“I am still in discussion with a guest.”

“Gungju! But that person…!”

“White Eagle. Are you defying my orders?”

“…!”

It seemed the bald elder’s name was White Eagle.

‘A bald head and an eagle, huh.’

A silly thought made me almost burst out laughing.

“Please, Gongja. I hope you will restrain yourself.”

“Yes, I apologize. It slipped out without me realizing.”

Honestly, I could have held back, but I wanted to set the stage nicely.

‘It felt like that would lay the groundwork well.’

And, as expected, the groundwork I desired was laid.

In truth, I secretly hoped the Gungju wouldn’t intervene here, but perhaps that was too much to wish for.

“I apologize for my subordinate’s behavior during our conversation.”

The Gungju spoke, looking at me with a serious expression.

“However, do you understand how heavy the words you just spoke are?”

“As I mentioned earlier, I know half.”

“Which half?”

“Obviously, it refers to Woo Hyeok… no, the Biwaegun.”

“…”

I felt the temperature in the room drop.

‘Hmm.’

Clearly, all the energy of the Ice Spirit that was with the Gungju was taken away.

To think the pressure would still feel this intense despite her perhaps not being in peak condition.

‘…This might be more than I expected.’

The Gungju’s realm seemed higher than I had anticipated.

Now that I had regained my previous life’s prowess, I could see it more clearly.

The Gungju was a powerful being.

Far stronger than I had thought.

‘Even in a weakened state, she feels this powerful?’

It was quite intriguing.

To feel this kind of strength even when she should be in a weakened state.

‘I guess it’s that the curse was holding her back.’

As the transformation spell unraveled, so did the curse.

While it was a relief that the curse was removed, with the transformation being undone, she would be left weaker.

The Gungju’s presence was now stronger than when I first encountered her.

Of course.

‘But she’d still be weaker than me right now.’

Were she in top condition, it would be a different story, but in her current state, she wouldn’t win.

All that mattered to me was that.

“I understand that the Biwaegun is your friend, but he is currently imprisoned as a criminal for leading the rebellion.”

“I know.”

“Are you asking for him to be handed over?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

“…Gu Gongja.”

A chilling aura radiated from her.

I frowned as I sensed it.

“I wish to show my utmost willingness to repay you, but this is crossing a line.”

“I understand that too, but you said you could provide a reward, so I’m merely saying what I need most.”

“Information regarding sorcery is something only granted to bloodline members, but I could allow access to it with the Gungju’s authority.”

That was not bad news.

At least I could obtain something regarding sorcery.

“But when it comes to the Biwaegun, that is beyond what I can allow.”

“Yes, that makes sense.”

It was to be expected.

I had considered she wouldn’t grant such a request.

Who would be insane enough to agree to such terms?

However.

“Gungju, but…”

“Speak.”

“If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to become your enemy.”

“…!”

I delivered my words without circumspection.

Feeling the impact of those words, the Gungju and even the Great Generals tensed up.

Watching the Gungju, I continued.

“I know that fool made a mistake. I can only assume he had reasons, but honestly, I don’t care about that, and the fact is, he caused a disaster.”

I have no idea what intentions Woo Hyeok had or how he got involved with Yu Seon.

There wasn’t even time to ask.

Moreover, even if I did know the circumstances, it wouldn’t erase the fact that he messed up.

But.

“That’s only tangentially related to me.”

“Gu Gongja…!”

The Gungju’s expression crumpled further at my words.

“I was going to try to negotiate amicably, but this felt like the fastest way. I understand the Gungju’s situation, but if you don’t let him go, I will take him by force.”

It was an unmistakable threat.

It was a clear declaration that I wouldn’t consider negotiation.

Hand him over. If you don’t, I’ll simply take him by force.

Because I had the power to do so. And because the entire Ice Palace, including the Gungju, was in a weakened state, I was able to say that.

In reality, I could break through easily, no matter how many of them tried to stop me.

‘Three Transformation Realm Martial Artists and a few peak martial artists stationed outside.’

I couldn’t quite gauge the Gungju’s realm, but in her current state, she should fall within the transformation spectrum, right? Four?

It might be a bit difficult when I was alone, but I had Seongyul with me.

As for the variables.

‘Aside from Pejon trying to stop me, there shouldn’t be anything else.’

The likelihood of that was slim, so I was simply trying to push through.

‘Using my brain sounds troublesome.’

No matter how much I wracked my brain, this method was what I ended up with.

‘Moreover.’

I gazed closely at the Gungju’s twisted expression.

From the moment I first mentioned Woo Hyeok, I could sense a hint of unease in those pale blue eyes.

Sleek.

The sound of drawing a sword was heard.

No need to look.

It was Seongyul drawing his sword.

However, it was not he who drew first.

Swooosh—!!

I felt a pricking sensation on my back and couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Qi.

The pressure from the Great Generals was subtly rising, prompting Seongyul to react.

Feeling that, I too tensed my heart.

At that moment.

Kuwaaang—!!!

“Gah…!!”

“Ugh—!”

The pressure emanating from my toes began to fill the room.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve done this, and it feels a bit refreshing.’

I unleashed my energy strongly enough that no one could move recklessly.

Meanwhile, I needed to adjust so that Seongyul and the Gungju could dodge it.

It was for the Gungju to make her movements easier.

Swish.

The Gungju rose from her throne and met my gaze.

The distance wasn’t far at all.

At most, five steps apart.

Looking at her, I opened my mouth first.

“I understand. That’s why I don’t want to use too much power.”

The daughter who instigated the rebellion had met her death.

The bloodline that had been guarding the Ice Spirit for centuries has finally been allowed to dissipate. However, this meant that the Gungju’s bloodline was unnecessary to sit on the throne without sacrificing lives.

To put it differently, it meant there was even more justification to continue the war.

“That’s why, I hope you will let this slide.”

I spat out with a smile.

That was a purely selfish statement.

A method that maliciously poked at the opponent’s situation and exploited it ruthlessly.

Even I could see how outrageous it sounded, but this was the role I needed to play right now.

“If not, the only one taking the loss will be you, Gungju. You know well that you can’t stop me now.”

“…”

I released my pressure, pressing on the Gungju.

No, I pretended to press.

This way, the Gungju could also claim her own justification.

“Urgh…!”

One of the Great Generals who was bearing the pressure let out a strangled sound.

They were unable to move recklessly.

While Seongyul blocked them, they also realized that if they acted carelessly, I might just take the Gungju’s head.

I was exerting pressure to make them aware of that.

Time passed, whether seconds or dozens of them passed, but with still no response, I spoke softly to the Gungju.

“Or, should I take care of those Great Generals behind you first and then consider?”

“…Hah….”

Upon hearing that, the Gungju let out a quiet sigh.

“…I will accept.”

Her words came out as if they had been forced out.

Immediately, I eased the pressure.

Whoosh-!!

“Cough!”

As my energy dissipated, the Great Generals, who had been holding on, faltered and regained their balance.

While they looked at me with shock, I pretended not to notice.

The Gungju’s expression was filled with complicated emotions.

A deeply tormented mindset reflected her feelings about whether she ought to let a criminal go.

‘Good acting.’

If I hadn’t known better, I might have felt a twinge of guilt.

‘That guy was the one who laid the groundwork for this situation the moment I spoke up.’

I couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking.

This stage was crafted not just by me but also by the Gungju.

To any outsider, it might seem unclear what I meant, but as far as intent goes, I was the one who initiated it, yet the Gungju helped shape the flow of circumstances.

She was left no choice but to give up Woo Hyeok.

What’s important here is the part ‘had no choice.’

More accurately.

‘While solidifying the Gungju’s position, it needed to ensure there were no political problems.’

That’s what had to be established, and the current setting paved the way for that.

A strong person who couldn’t be stopped by a weakened Gungju.

If such a person threatened to wipe them all out, it became a predicament that could not be ignored.

Even amid that, the Gungju stood her ground, but ultimately, by taking her subordinates’ lives as hostages, she had to relent.

Thus, she finally said.

“…To prevent any further loss, I can only accept.”

“An excellent choice.”

“Gungju…! How could you…!! Because of us—!!”

“Ugh…!”

I had transformed from a benefactor who saved the North Sea to a villain threatening the Gungju.

‘But I don’t care much. Just a bit unsettling.’

Was it because I had been so mistreated in my past life that even being regarded as a villain came off as unsettling here?

‘But as long as I can gain something worthwhile, I won’t care.’

It seemed I had achieved about this much.

Satisfied that it was nearly done, I awaited her next words while looking at the Gungju.

“However… there is a condition.”

The Gungju followed up with her words, indicating there would be terms for handing Woo Hyeok over.

This translated into an explanation.

After hearing it all, I lightly nodded.

“That’s no problem at all. I think I can agree to that.”

Fortunately, it wasn’t a particularly difficult condition.

After that, I stepped out of the Gungju’s presence and headed to the prison.

Now that my meeting with the Gungju was over, it was time to handle the most important task I had to take care of today.

Perhaps it was because the chill hadn’t completely dissipated, but the descent down to the underground felt oddly cold.

As I descended the stairs, which felt both distant and close, I finally spotted an iron cage guarded by several individuals.

In between the sentinels, I could also spot a familiar figure.

“What are you doing there?”

When I called out with a puzzled expression, someone flinched.

This princess of the North Sea.

No, she had become the First Princess now, Yuri was here.

“Oh… I see my benefactor.”

Yuri’s eyes widened with surprise at my sudden appearance, and she showed me her respect.

‘Looks like she came to see that guy.’

Sitting calmly beyond the bars was a young man I recognized.

Woo Hyeok was sitting there with a blank expression.

Seeing that, I asked Yuri.

“Should I come back later?”

“No, it’s fine…. I will excuse myself first.”

I thought she would want me to wait, but Yuri slightly bowed her head and then faded into the background.

Turning to Woo Hyeok, I asked.

“Were you in the middle of something important?”

“…It wasn’t that significant.”

“Right, not at all. Sorry if I interrupted.”

I was just being sarcastic.

His expression alone was telling enough.

‘Where’s the lie?’

I could immediately tell their relationship was peculiar.

I had a knack for picking up on this sort of thing.

Though I wouldn’t show it.

Suppressing a chuckle, I looked at Woo Hyeok.

“Your appearance is a bit amusing. You doing okay?”

“Haha….”

“Look at you, all proud of yourself. You should’ve just hidden quietly. Why’d you crawl back and get caught?”

“…”

Ignoring the silent Woo Hyeok, I reached for the bars.

“Whoa! Wait…!”

The sentinel, seeing this, hurried to stop me, but chew—! The bar I caught in my hand melted under my touch and tore apart.

Seeing me casually performing such an act, the sentinel had a bewildered expression on his face.

Noticing that, I added an explanation.

“I received permission from the Gungju, so there’s no problem.”

“Uh…?”

Ignoring the sentinel entirely, I stepped into the cell. Turning to Woo Hyeok, I said.

“I’ll be heading back to the Central Plains tomorrow. I finished discussing things.”

“…You….”

Woo Hyeok looked surprised and bit his lip, shaking his head.

“…I’m not going.”

Knowing how he would respond, my expression remained unchanged.

But I just asked out of courtesy.

“Why not?”

“…I committed an unforgivable crime. I have to face the consequences.”

That was such a ‘Woo Hyeok’ response.

“Right, you did make quite a mess.”

I couldn’t deny it.

It had to be a significant mess to warrant consolation or empathy, as this was too extreme for any of that.

“…Therefore, I won’t go to the Central Plains.”

It seemed Woo Hyeok was firmly set in his decision.

Seeing that, I nodded.

“That’s understandable.”

“You are okay with…”

“Before that, I have two things I want to ask first.”

I pushed aside Woo Hyeok’s thoughts and needed to finish the reason for my visit.

I had been holding back from asking for three days.

Seeing me speak, Woo Hyeok seemed tense, his expression hardened.

Perhaps he thought I was going to ask why he did what he did.

But.

I wasn’t interested in that even a little.

“Was it you?”

“…Huh?”

Woo Hyeok was bewildered by my ambiguous question.

“Was it you?”

“What about it? What are you suddenly talking about….”

He looked utterly confused, so I issued a straightforward statement.

“Red Feather.”

“Huh?”

“Spreading rumors about the Red Feather. Is that you, you bastard?”

Hearing my words, Woo Hyeok paused. For a brief moment, he froze as if he was startled by something, before quickly brushing it off with a dismissive chuckle.

“Haha. Red Feather? I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

Although he finally caught up with his words, it was already too late.

“Your group.”

“No way.”

“It’s you, isn’t it?”

“I’ve never heard of it.”

“You’re hearing about it for the first time. I bet you only mentioned it.”

Watching his reaction, I quietly began to manipulate the melted bars.

I carefully placed the pieces back through the hole to align them.

Then I touched the edges, melting it again to reattach it.

Chew—!!

“…Why are you putting it back together…?”

Seeing me seal the bars, a look of anxiety crossed Woo Hyeok’s face.

Before he could finish, I interrupted with another question.

“And. You.”

Forget the Red Feather.

That was my most crucial inquiry.

“Did you stab Nangong Bi-ah? Is it true?”

“…”

“Buddy. Answer me.”

“…I’m sorry—”

Bang-!

Woo Hyeok’s head snapped as it slammed against the wall with a loud crash.

Thud—!!

“Gah!”

He crumbled down, coughing up blood.

I quickly noticed his body shivering, with a glimpse of rapid healing.

It meant the Power of Regeneration was properly activated.

I was relieved to see that.

“For now, while I need to ask why you caused such trouble, we’ll start with this.”

At least he wouldn’t die from a simple beating.

“I have quite a bit built up, so you understand, right, buddy?”

With a crack of my knuckles, I approached Woo Hyeok.

 

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