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Chapter 224: Omen (10)

As I stepped out of the prison, the sunset was slowly creeping in.

The conversation with the Hao Gate Master hadn’t lasted long.

Right after I brought up the White Horse Stone, the dialogue flowed smoothly like water.

In the end, I got what I wanted.

I managed to wrap up our chat so there wouldn’t be any loose ends.

Yet, ‘Why?’

Instead, I found myself in a situation filled with doubt.

– So, you are the owner of the ancient text.

Elder Muk had certainly spoken those words while looking at me.

Could that have been the turning point?

After uttering those words, Elder Muk’s relaxed expression shifted again, and he responded to my desires.

!

– The princess is looking for a door.

After saying that, he freely continued speaking; what an odd turn of events.

I looked back at Elder Muk and asked,

– A door…. You mean?

– Yes, the princess is searching for a door that leads to Shangtian.

Shangtian.

At that instant, I was momentarily jolted.

Shangtian was the third demonic realm opened in the Central Plains, and it was a place I had visited countless times in my previous life.

No wonder, the Shangtian demonic realm was a world the Heavenly Demon often frequented.

While the core of the Demonic Sect was located in the Divine Stronghold, most of the places where the Heavenly Demon resided were in the Shangtian demonic realm.

As those thoughts washed over me, I was lost in contemplation regarding Elder Muk’s words.

‘Why?’

If what Elder Muk said was true, then why was the princess specifically searching for a door leading to Shangtian?

And also, why was the Hao Gate Master torturing Elder Muk to gather this information?

– Only I know where the door to Shangtian lies, so it must be.

– …Only you know?

– Correct.

That was an unfathomable statement.

According to what I knew, there were four known doors leading to the demonic realms.

The Demonic Gate that tears through the void merely spews out demon beasts; it can’t let anyone in.

Of course, there are rare occurrences when the gate might consume a human, but that’s an extremely rare event.

Apart from the long-standing door from the front line continuously releasing demon beasts, the total number of doors leading to the demonic realms remained four.

‘… Well, if you really want to count, it’s six.’

There were two other demonic realms unknown to the outside world.

One of them being the realm I was absorbed into as a result of the antics of Jang Seonyeon in my previous life.

However, that one was to be excluded from consideration.

It was a world created from the get-go.

In the end, there were four doors leading to the demonic realms that genuinely existed in this world.

Moreover, these four doors were places mostly managed directly by huge powers.

Even the Martial Alliance looks after the doors leading to Taechon and Jincheon.

The doors to Shangtian and Guiqian were also guarded to prevent other factions from entering.

This means that Shangtian’s location was common knowledge throughout the Central Plains.

‘But why did Elder Muk claim to be the only one with information on Shangtian?’

It made me wonder if the Black Night Princess had also kidnapped Elder Muk for this very purpose.

There were evident doubts about believing his words without question.

– The Shangtian known in the Central Plains is not the real one.

– Not the real one?

– Yes… If you knew what was really there, you wouldn’t just let it be, not unless you were a fool.

Elder Muk said that, but,

‘What does that even mean?’

I couldn’t fully trust this claim either.

Moreover, considering Elder Muk’s identity made it even more suspect.

‘Why is this elderly man suddenly speaking to me like this?’

Just before I exited the prison, I bit my lip, recalling Elder Muk’s attitude.

– Whether you believe me or not, it doesn’t matter. If you truly are the master, you will find out eventually.

I’ll find out eventually?

That was the phrase I detested the most.

If I was going to find out anyway, why couldn’t he just tell me?

– What exactly do you mean that I’m the master? Can you please explain it clearly?

When I frowned and asked, Elder Muk fell silent for a moment before extending his palm toward me.

Wondering what he was doing, I stared at him.

— …!

Energy began to rise from Elder Muk’s shoulder, slowly accumulating on his palm.

– What is that…

Then it gradually started to take the form of an object.

– …How?

Currently, Elder Muk, just like Gu Huibi, was in a state where he couldn’t use his energy due to the demon energy.

It was unusual since even Gu Huibi or the renowned Sword Demoness couldn’t use their energy while bound by demon energy.

To see Elder Muk employing his energy to create something was simply bizarre.

‘… Is this not a bet?’

It didn’t seem like demon energy, nor did it resemble Blood Qi.

Setting aside my confusion, the energy had finally solidified into something tangible.

I wasn’t sure what it was for, but if I had to classify it, it looked close to a seal.

As I observed in astonishment, Elder Muk spoke to me.

– If you’re curious, go ahead and take it.

– You want me to have this?

– Yes.

– What is it that you’re giving me?

– That’s for you to find out.

– Huh?

What on earth was he saying?

With a dumbfounded look on my face, I saw Elder Muk’s mouth twitch up into a slight smile.

– I’ve already given it to you; are you asking me to feed it to you? A man should live proactively.

– What on earth are you talking about? This is a transaction…

– A transaction… Does this have anything to do with the White Horse Stone you mentioned?

– …Yes.

– Yes, it was necessary… the White Horse Stone… I needed that.

Why did I know about the White Horse Stone?

Moreover, how did it happen that I casually brought it up, knowing it would become a necessity?

Elder Muk didn’t ask me anything.

It was as if he thought there was no need to.

– One, I no longer need it.

– Huh?

– So, the White Horse Stone is now your White Gold Stone; you can take it and use it as you please.

It was certainly something I had anticipated, but when the old man put it that way, I was taken aback.

In fact, that was the end of the conversation.

Believing his words or seeking more about it seemed like it was merely my responsibility in his eyes. The old man had completely switched off,

In fact, after saying that, he laid on the ground and began preparing to sleep.

– …Elder?

Wait, are you really sleeping? Seriously?

– I’ve said all I had to say; from here on out, it’s up to you to figure it out.

– You tell me everything and then expect me to handle it? What kind of irresponsible remark is that?

– Am I supposed to take a dump and then be responsible for it?

I was beginning to lose my mind.

This guy felt oddly familiar. If I had to guage, he resembled those close to Elder Lee…

Ah.

– Elder.

– Stop calling me that…

– Are you perhaps close to Elder Lee?

At my question, Elder Muk shut his mouth.

An incredibly uncomfortable silence ensued.

— This feels bad. Don’t say you’re close to that ignorant fool.

– So, you are close.

– Didn’t I say we aren’t close!

What is this, close?

What kind of things has Elder Lee been up to outside for everyone to behave like this?

Ever since I asked Elder Lee the other day if he knew them, their reactions had been quite odd.

Elder Muk then seemed to be done with the conversation; he stretched and quietly began to snore.

He genuinely appeared to have no intention of continuing our chat.

As I contemplated whether I should leave,

– Oh.

Suddenly the snoring Elder Muk shot up, looked at me, and said,

– When you leave, tell your father that I have some business with him, so he should come see me.

As if he had just woken up, his voice was clear.

– And don’t lose that; make sure you take good care of it. It’s something expensive you won’t find anywhere.

At Elder Muk’s words, I examined the seal in my hand.

For something supposedly expensive, it was covered in rust and cracks, fully marked by the passage of time.

– What exactly is this…

– Zzz.

I truly considered losing my eyebrows or even my hair out of frustration, but I held myself back.

After that, I quietly observed Elder Muk, and after communicating Elder Muk’s request to the Head Officer, I exited the prison.

Now I had finished the matter with Elder Muk, requesting that he not be fed as well.

And presently.

I was immediately out in the vicinity to convey what I had told Tang Soyeol and Nangong Bi-ah.

The streets appeared familiar since I had frequented them recently with Wi Seol-Ah, so there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special.

From my standpoint, I merely walked along, somewhat enjoying the sight of those following me.

The problem was the trio had huddled together in the back.

“Sister! Over there…. Over there!”

“Let’s go see that!”

Having just exited together, Wi Seol-Ah appeared particularly lively.

As a result, Tang Soyeol and Nangong Bi-ah exhibited quite exhausted expressions as they were tugged along.

Watching those women,

[Why didn’t you ask more questions?]

Shin Noya asked me.

‘About Elder Muk?’

[Yes. If you wished to know more, couldn’t you have pressed for further inquiry?]

That was true!

Be it the enigmatic text or why the Hao Gate held some secret tied to Shangtian, I should have asked more.

[Then why didn’t you?]

‘…’

At Noya’s question, I could only silence myself.

It wasn’t for lack of an answer, but rather a peculiar feeling that it felt like I should leave it as it was.

A sensation that I shouldn’t pry further — an unknown sensation.

‘… Did the Hao Gate Master do something to me?’

Perhaps that was the case.

Since he was someone who could emit unknown power even in a state where his bet was blocked by demon energy.

One.

‘But that doesn’t seem right.’

I instinctively thought it couldn’t be the case.

It was odd for an old man with such powers to be stashed away in a prison.

[… Are you convinced that the item was created using energy?]

‘Considering I saw it happen right in front of my eyes, I have no choice but to believe it.’

Moreover, after experiencing utterly ridiculous events in this life, I had somewhat grown numb to it.

From a talking snake,

To finding a ghost within a treasure,

To encountering a talking carp…

I had faced every sort of anomaly, so I wasn’t overly shocked by this.

‘After all, I’d already gone through reincarnation; what could be more astonishing?’

If anything, that was the actual problem.

Even though I had gone back in time,

Isn’t it absurd that there are more unknowns than knowns?

‘Have I truly lived that carelessly?’

I should have put in more effort.

At that moment, I found myself regretting.

As I swallowed hard, Wi Seol-Ah, who had been far away, dashed towards me and hugged me tightly.

“Young Master!”

“Didn’t I tell you not to run?”

“Hee hee!”

After rubbing her face on my chest a few times, Wi Seol-Ah pointed behind me with a gesture.

Following her finger, I turned my gaze to see Nangong Bi-ah.

“What is it?”

Why was she styling her hair so strangely?

“Isn’t it cute?”

Wi Seol-Ah chimed in, her voice filled with pride as if it was her doing.

But what was I supposed to do with that?

Braided pigtails…

It was a hairstyle that looked a bit heavy on the eyes, but

“… She could look good even if you wrapped her up in rags.”

Nangong Bi-ah wore an indifferent expression despite her hair looking that way.

Then she turned to me and asked,

“Is it strange?”

“It isn’t… strange, I guess?”

After all, it was impossible for that face to look anything but good.

Seemingly pleased with my response, Nangong Bi-ah nodded and—

Swoosh.

“Hm?”

She extended her hand toward me.

Was she asking me to hold it?

As I reached out to take her hand, she withdrew it as if that wasn’t what she meant.

What’s this?

[You seem to have gotten used to holding hands. When extended, you immediately grasp it.]

‘… Is this only a moment?’

[It’s simply because I can’t stand the sight anymore.]

‘Then why don’t you hold Noya’s hand instead?’

[… Who do you think you’re talking to?]

Noya could barely contain herself, cursing under her breath, but it didn’t faze my ears that had grown accustomed to it.

“What’s with this hand?”

“Buy me something.”

“… Huh?”

What’s with that audacity?

Nangong Bi-ah boldly asked me for money.

Sure, I could afford something like that, but why on earth would she ask out of the blue?

“… I didn’t bring any money…”

“Then just ask to borrow it. What do you mean buy it?”

“… It feels better to receive it.”

At Nangong Bi-ah’s response, I burst out laughing with a “pik!” sound.

“Have you become more shameless recently?”

“… If you don’t like it, then don’t….”

“I didn’t say I disliked it.”

I walked past Nangong Bi-ah towards a street vendor.

As I was about to pay, I suddenly turned my gaze towards Tang Soyeol.

“What about you?”

“Y-yes?”

As I asked, Tang Soyeol displayed an alarmed reaction.

I had known she was casting envious glances, so I asked.

“Don’t you want something too?”

“No, I… don’t really… no, you’re right. I want one too.”

She started off denying it, but couldn’t resist the urge, nodding her head.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but ponder.

‘Why do these guys have no money at all?’

It was understandable for Wi Seol-Ah, but it was baffling that Nangong Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol were broke.

“What do you need?”

As I glanced over, Tang Soyeol rushed over, selecting something.

It seemed she had been eyeing it for a while.

It was a hair accessory that looked like it represented white petals.

“Is this good?”

At my question, Tang Soyeol nodded slightly.

I couldn’t help but notice her ears were turning red.

Seemed like asking was a bit embarrassing for her.

“Please give me two.”

“Oh, you’ve got a good eye! Two would cost fifty pennies.”

“… You mean these two are fifty pennies?”

I paused, pulling out coins from my pocket.

The price was unexpectedly high.

For a moment, I considered not buying, but I had already blurted out my intention.

Gritting my teeth, I paid the price.

Even though I felt a sting from the unexpected expense,

Seeing Nangong Bi-ah smirk and Tang Soyeol struggling to contain a smile was enough reward.

By the way, I asked Wi Seol-Ah as well.

“And what about you?”

“No, I don’t need that!”

She replied, rejecting it outright.

Soon enough, nightfall arrived.

Being tormented all day by three women was significantly more exhausting than training with full effort.

Seriously.

That being said, I couldn’t afford to show my fatigue, so I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.

That much awareness should be there.

Since I would be heading to the funeral home the next day,

I was just about to wrap up the events of today and take a break when a guest arrived.

A person I had completely forgotten after running around here and there.

“Hello, Gu Gongja.”

A voice cloaked in a sticky, sultry atmosphere.

A lady more suited for the early dawn than the night.

Moyong Hi-ah had come to see me.

“I’m sorry for the late hour. If it’s not a bother, may I come in?”

Looking at Moyong Hi-ah, who cautiously spoke to me, I replied with a frown.

“… If you’re sorry, can’t you just leave?”

“No, I’m really sorry, so I intend to come in.”

 

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