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“What was it like?”

Time had passed since returning to the lodging.

The night had fully settled in.

I was facing the two who had just returned from the gate.

“Nothing happened, right?”

“Yes.”

Wi Seol-Ah nodded at my question.

She seemed to find it somewhat amusing that she was smiling slightly.

I didn’t ask if they passed.

I naturally assumed they did, and that was indeed the case.

“You, on the other hand…”

I turned my head to look at the side.

Standing next to Wi Seol-Ah was Seong-Yul, who appeared somewhat fatigued.

“…Yes. I’m the same…”

“But your face looks like something happened.”

“…”

Seong-Yul’s silence hinted that I was right.

“What happened?”

“…Nothing happened.”

His expression gave everything away, yet he seemed intent on pretending it was nothing.

Seeing that, I nodded my head and replied.

“Alright then.”

If he didn’t want to talk, that was fine.

“…”

Even when I tried to drop the subject, Seong-Yul’s expression twisted slightly.

Geez, I tried to be considerate, and now he looks all sour.

“What’s with you? Didn’t you say you didn’t want to talk?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to talk… It’s really nothing.”

“Fine. If it’s nothing, then it’s nothing?”

“…”

What exactly is bothering him? It’s a mystery.

Still somewhat stiff from the training just completed, Seong-Yul asked me with mixed confusion.

“But… how did you finish?”

“Huh?”

How did I finish?

“Of course I finished and came out.”

“No… Did you escape or something?”

“What kind of crazy talk is that?”

Who would escape?

As he kept saying ridiculous things, my expression darkened, prompting Seong-Yul to hastily add,

“But everyone is supposed to wait until the gate closes and return together… When did you arrive?”

“Huh?”

I was left stunned.

“What do you mean?”

Don’t we all gather up and leave together?

“…That doesn’t sound right?”

I had to put on a bewildered face at Seong-Yul’s words.

When I asked Bi Mapah, she had told me it was fine to go home.

I returned to my place based on that confirmation, and now this?

“Is that for real?”

Both Seong-Yul and Wi Seol-Ah nodded, looking as if they couldn’t believe it.

‘What’s going on?’

If that’s the case, why did Bi Mapah let me go just like that?

I hadn’t heard any such instructions.

‘No idea.’

I seriously had no clue.

Maybe there’s some other intention behind it.

‘But it probably doesn’t matter.’

Since Bi Mapah allowed it, others must have seen it too, and I had enough of an explanation ready if questioned.

So it likely wouldn’t be a problem. More than that, it could even work in my favor.

“Anyway, that aside. Have you eaten?”

“I’m about to eat now.”

“Then you should’ve set something aside, so go eat. Absolutely nothing happened, right?”

I asked once more at the end.

For a moment, Seong-Yul’s gaze shifted, but again his answer was the same.

“…Yes. Nothing happened.”

“Right.”

I really wouldn’t ask anymore.

“They said you can rest for two days. So take a good break.”

With the preliminary rounds to be held over three days, I should be able to rest for two days.

‘So, what should I do with the remaining time…’

Having thoughts that arose from experiencing the gate today, it seemed I needed to have a talk with Cheol Jiseon.

Plans would need to be adjusted somewhat.

After sending off Seong-Yul and Wi Seol-Ah, I directly sought Cheol Jiseon.

Upon meeting him again, I found Cheol Jiseon in my room, busily examining a thick stack of letters he had brought from somewhere.

I asked, glancing at the papers.

“What’s that?”

“Reports.”

“…All of them?”

“Well… maybe about thirty percent…?”

So, thirty percent was considered a report, huh?

Just as I tried to suppress a laugh at the sheer amount, he added,

“The remaining seventy percent are probably with the advisors.”

“…”

Just hearing that had me coughing in disbelief.

That meant Jiagal Hyeok was sifting through a much larger volume.

“What on earth is all this?”

“I know right? Why is there so much?”

As he spoke, Cheol Jiseon looked at me with what was clearly a sense of grievance.

“Maybe it’s piling up because someone keeps stirring things up?”

“…Ugh.”

“It’s at least doubled compared to three months ago. What the heck have you been up to?”

Not only had I increased the number of demons since this year, but I had also had to set a framework for a multitude of changes that would align with the Shinryong Martial Arts Tournament.

“Just keeping busy with a few things…”

“Sigh…”

While letting out a tired sigh, Cheol Jiseon diligently continued to look through the letters.

Even though there was a lot to handle and it had become complicated, it seemed he had no intention of stopping.

‘That figures.’

For him too, things must’ve been rough in their own way.

We each had our goals, and there were things we could achieve through each other.

It was precisely an adequate relationship.

Knowing that, Cheol Jiseon must have reluctantly joined in on this work too.

“So…”

The guy flipping through the letters asked me.

“When are we planning to proceed with the matter of Bong-Soon?”

“That name doesn’t suit her at all.”

Calling her Bong-Soon was completely odd.

He looked at me, incredulous.

“You came up with that name, you know.”

“It’s not the name itself; it’s the ‘Young Lady’ part that’s the problem.”

“I don’t think that’s the issue at all.”

We exchanged trivial banter.

Then Cheol Jiseon let out a long sigh.

“Enough of the chit-chat… What are we actually going to do?”

“What do you mean what? We just go as planned.”

Just like we always have.

That’s how it would be.

However, Cheol Jiseon showed a somewhat skeptical reaction to my response.

“Do you really think that will work?”

His questioning made me chuckle softly.

“Why? You don’t think it will work?”

“It’s something from the past. No matter how wrong Maeng was, can it really cause that much of a blow?”

That was a valid point.

Because it was something that had passed, calling it back up would probably only draw skepticism.

Cheol Jiseon wasn’t the only one to express similar views; Jiagal Hyeok had said the same.

It probably wouldn’t have a significant impact.

“True, it’s history.”

While it sounded right, I regrettably understood one thing they weren’t recognizing.

“But, there are too many people tied to the past. You’re one of them, right?”

“…”

At my words, Cheol Jiseon remained silent.

He, too, aimed to reinstate the Jiegal Clan.

With the burden of the shame cast upon the Jiegal Clan by Maeng, he had the goal of reclaiming their status as a great house.

Having reached out to me for assistance in this endeavor must mean he too was bound by the past.

‘It’s the same for me.’

No one can truly escape their past.

The past shapes the present; how can we escape it?

This goes for Maeng as well.

As long as someone remembers Maeng, it’ll be hard to escape this blemish.

‘They can never escape.’

Even if Maeng chooses to forget, those who know will not.

It would gradually erode trust from the ground up.

With evidence laid out so clearly, it would be even worse.

“So just don’t bother with this part and do what you were doing.”

“…Understood.”

“How’s the situation on the Hohok side?”

“Just as I mentioned. Once you give the order, Bong-Soon will likely act right away. However…”

Cheol Jiseon seemed to be showing some concern now.

“It seems the Maeng realized things a bit sooner than expected. I heard the First Dragon Great Lord was acting personally.”

First Dragon Great Lord…

‘An assassin from the Dark Clan.’

He led the assassination unit managed by the Maeng.

Though overshadowed by the King of Demons, he was a skilled assassin.

“That’s no concern.”

“Not a concern?”

“Yep.”

That was true; it wasn’t an issue.

“I anticipated something like that.”

“…”

I had already been aware that a Great Lord would intervene in the dealings.

Especially someone like the First Dragon Great Lord, who was perfect for this task.

“You…”

Cheol Jiseon widened his eyes at my reaction.

“So, that’s why you wanted to send Bong-Soon?”

I burst out laughing at Cheol Jiseon’s words.

“That’s a secret. Think whatever you like.”

With that, Cheol Jiseon’s face slightly paled.

“That’s terrifying. Seriously.”

He looked genuinely frightened as he clicked his tongue and added another remark.

“This aside, the real issue is with the Sword King. This part’s plan needs to be changed.”

“Why? Are the Sword King’s forces stronger than expected?”

“Are you crazy?”

Don’t even think about that nonsense.

“But you were happy that it fell into your lap.”

“True. Having the Sword King participate in the Martial Arts tournament was a considerable advantage.”

Having the leader of the Four Great Clans step in directly opened many avenues.

However.

“Other factors wouldn’t be a problem. I simply found a better way to do it.”

Since I now had something to work with, I had to optimize the plan.

“What do you mean…?”

“For this purpose, I have three assumptions. Listen carefully and remember.”

I instructed Cheol Jiseon, dressed up as a request.

The first was a strategy for if the Sword King faced off against me in the tournament.

The second was for if the Sword King did not face off against me.

And lastly,

“If the Sword King dies before the Martial Arts Tournament happens.”

…!

Cheol Jiseon’s face hardened at my words.

Seeing this, I added quickly.

“I don’t mean to bring that about. It’s all about preparing for possible scenarios.”

Situations must always be guaranteed.

There couldn’t be any room for errors.

I intended to ensure I was prepared for any of the three outcomes.

And then,

“Make sure to convey the second and third responses to the Huangbo Clan Leader as well.”

“To the Huangbo Clan Leader?”

“Yep. He needs to know some important information.”

That guy had a lot of work ahead of him.

“I need to lay the groundwork from here on out.”

That would make things smoother down the line.

“The rest I’ll put in writing and send to Jiagal Hyeok. Just handle this much.”

“This much is too much work, you know?”

“So, do you want to handle the rest alone?”

“I’ll just focus on what I have now.”

He seemed to understand that his share of unnecessary work was far less than mine.

‘Crazy Jiagal Hyeok is a monster, but this guy is not without his own merit.’

But Cheol Jiseon should be capable of handling it without any issues.

I had communicated everything I needed to, so I began to rise from my seat.

Looking at the mess of papers scattered on the floor, I told Cheol Jiseon.

“I’ll get you another room soon. You can’t stay here indefinitely.”

When I mentioned separating the rooms, Cheol Jiseon looked taken aback.

“…Huh, you want me to be alone?”

“If I leave you alone, someone might come to kill you, so you should have a guard.”

“Uh, yeah.”

Cheol Jiseon turned pale at my grim words.

But that was just the truth.

This place isn’t exactly hospitable.

It wouldn’t be good if anything went wrong.

“As for the guards… Hmm.”

I thought for a moment about who to assign. Then I casually said.

“Since it should be safe until the tournament, I’ll just use someone from the Huangbo Clan… and afterward, let’s put Bong-Soon…”

“Bong-Soon Young Lady?”

Cheol Jiseon flinched at the mention of Bong-Soon.

He looked as if he couldn’t believe it.

I understood; I found it hard to believe too.

But what could I do about it?

“Any other option?”

“They are all tied up.”

“Seong Gongja is right next to you! He looked strong enough to handle things…”

“Bong-Soon is stronger than him.”

At least for now.

“That’s not the important thing!”

“What’s important is having strong guards. So what else could be more important? Just take it as is.”

“No-!”

Before Cheol Jiseon could add anything more, I had already closed the door behind me.

I quickly leaped out before he could chase after me.

In that state, I flew straight to my next destination.

Having left the lodging and being under the moon, I flew through the dark air for a while.

Soon, I had slightly crossed over Hanam and entered a forest.

This was the destination I sought. Understanding that, I lowered my altitude and landed in the woods.

Thud-!

Upon landing, I found myself in a pitch-black forest where the moonlight barely penetrated.

It was dark. I had been here before, but it felt oddly darker this time.

‘Huh.’

While I steadied my breathing, I surveyed my surroundings.

The air felt cooler, likely as we were moving out of summer.

The familiar sound of insects chirping filled the air, and I began to walk slowly, using the sounds as my guide.

Chirp, chirp.

The sounds of the bugs and the scent of the grass blended into a soothing aura.

However, my inner thoughts were tangled, knotted every time I took a step.

‘Tch…’

The reason was none other than that I was on my way to meet Gu Huibi.

More specifically, I was headed to see…

‘The Heavenly Demon.’

I sought to see the Heavenly Demon she possessed.

Even if I had a purpose related to Gu Huibi, in the end, the Heavenly Demon was my greater concern.

I should have gone much earlier.

And yet, I hadn’t.

The same was true even now.

Even when I could walk faster, my feet felt reluctant to move forward.

Fighting against those feelings, I trudged on.

I didn’t want to go.

I didn’t want to see.

But I had to.

This dirty contradiction raged inside my heart.

Simultaneously, fleeting memories of my last encounter with her rushed through my head.

The Heavenly Demon—so different from what I thought—looking pitifully at me with eyes and a voice I couldn’t forget.

It left a heavy feeling in my gut.

Honestly, I didn’t want to go.

I still hadn’t sorted through my thoughts.

One thing.

‘But I have to go.’

There was no other way.

Even if I sought endlessly, if there wasn’t a way, in the end, my only option was to confront it head-on.

‘Energy…’

After expending a significant amount of energy to break the gate, I had mostly replenished it by now.

I prepared my body for any potential battle that might arise.

What should I ask first?

I probably should have started asking Gu Huibi about my grandfather.

Also.

‘I need to ask about my father.’

My father hadn’t shown up until the Martial Arts Tournament began.

Lady Mi signaled that there was no need to worry, but the thought lay heavily on my mind.

Perhaps Gu Huibi might know the reason.

That was the first question I planned to ask.

The next was.

‘There’s something I want to ask the Heavenly Demon.’

About the Black Night Princess who took her away.

I needed to know about the Taeeolgui she possessed.

If she refused to speak, problems would likely arise.

But I’d handle that when the time came.

Thus, as I slowly walked, contemplating my questions,

“…”

I came to a sudden halt, struck by a peculiar sensation.

‘What is it?’

Why…

‘Why can’t I hear anything?’

It was a pitch-dark night, illuminated only by the moonlight.

So the silence wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it felt like it was beyond that.

Every single sound around me vanished.

The chirping insects I had just heard. The rustling of the grass brushed by the wind.

All of it had disappeared.

A complete and utter silence.

I cautiously stepped forward.

“…”

My foot made contact with the ground, but no sound reached my ears.

An eerie, chilling sensation gripped me, and I summoned my energy.

Kiiing-!

The ring of the Technique of the Flame Wheel ignited heat through my body.

Flame Burst–!!

Blue Flames enveloped me.

At the same time, I expanded my Qi Perception in all directions.

In an instant, it covered the entire forest, yet I couldn’t sense anything.

“What the hell?”

What kind of ridiculous state is this?

As I remained on guard amidst this mysterious situation, a voice echoed.

“That’s some nice flame.”

“…!”

I heard a voice.

“The color holds different meaning, yet it’s radiant in its essence. You’ve tended to it well.”

A deep, dark voice.

I didn’t even need to shift my gaze.

The voice was coming directly from in front of me.

“The quality is excellent. I like it.”

With a flicker, flames began to dance.

A figure formed before my eyes as a human-shaped fire strolled toward me.

Swallow.

I swallowed hard, beads of cold sweat trickled down my face.

Kiiing-!!!

My heart raced, while energy surged within me.

It was resonance. My flames resonated with that flame.

Which meant…

That fire was presumably the Technique of the Flame Wheel.

“Curious, aren’t you.”

I longed to speak but couldn’t part my lips.

“Your qualifications are more than sufficient. Overflowing, complete, and more than enough.”

The fire reached out a hand close to my face.

“Why have you not yet linked it?”

A chill ran down my spine at that question.

“Moreover, with this…”

As the flame gently caressed my cheek, it added.

“Why have you become an awful beast? My precious bloodline.”

 

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