---

Chapter: Awakening from the Void

Swoosh.

I opened my eyes.

Light flooded in suddenly, blinding me.

Having been in a dim space, the brightness hit me intensely.

“Gu Gongja…!”

A voice echoed.

In an instant, my body sensed the situation.

I was gripping Yeongpung’s wrist right in front of me.

Yeongpung stared at me with trembling eyes.

“…”

What was the situation just before this?

After a brief thought, it dawned on me as I glanced at my remaining hand holding the Sacred Spear.

Right, I had been using this to threaten Yeongpung… No, to intimidate the old man inside Yeongpung.

My head spun.

It’s good to regain my consciousness in the real world, but it felt like my body was slightly stiff, as if there was a recoil.

Flame Burst—!

I quickly retrieved the Sacred Spear and spun it around my body.

It was to assess my condition.

Hmm.

In a short span, the energy gathered in my heart, immediately confirming my physical state.

‘…As expected.’

Just as I predicted.

My physical body was in the same condition it had been before entering the Realm of the Heart, and none of the damage I had sustained there had followed me here.

If that was fortunate, it was only natural.

“Phew.”

I let out a steady sigh.

I had no strength left to look around more thoroughly; my muddled thoughts felt heavy.

“…What…”

Suddenly, as I retracted the Sacred Spear, Yeongpung showed a perplexed expression.

Swish—!

Thwack—!

“Crack…?”

Before he could even react, I swung my hand and struck him on the jaw.

With a slight twist of his chin, Yeongpung flopped down.

Boom—!!

The Plum Blossom Leaves scattered in the air exploded in an instant.

It must have been because the caster lost consciousness.

Swoosh—.

The energy began to fade slowly.

I somewhat supported the slumped Yeongpung.

‘…I feel a bit sorry for this.’

Yeongpung, who fell like a sack of potatoes, made me smile bitterly.

Under normal circumstances, I would have planned to chat a bit more.

I could end it with a single blow, but this was also an act for the changed Yeongpung.

Knowing that his target was me, I didn’t feel pity for a genius, but I felt a sense of responsibility from that action.

So, I thought I’d let him gain a bit.

That had definitely been my intention.

‘This situation has become a hassle.’

It was no longer a situation to continue.

While I watched Yeongpung collapsed, the judge announced, “Sichuan Branch Gu Yangcheong wins!”

With that, the match concluded.

Whoa—!!!

Cheering erupted immediately.

The shouts continued to resound.

Even while I heard them, my expression was far from pleasant.

It was a cheer I vaguely yearned for, but my situation never allowed me to fully enjoy it.

And this time was no different.

Right after the short yet lengthy discourse with the old man, I found myself with a choice.

That was to absorb him.

Though a soul, the old man was a part of the Daoist Qi that Yeongpung had and, I anticipated, could be absorbed through the Demonic Absorption Technique.

It wouldn’t be much different from when I absorbed the Divine Sword.

If that happened, my Dao would undoubtedly increase, which would be beneficial for me.

Moreover, considering his strong existence, if he remained as a soul, he could potentially be as helpful as the Shin Noya I knew…

But I chose not to.

Not only did I not need more Dao, but I also felt an apology toward the Shin Noya I was previously with.

The most fundamental reason, however, was that I had doubts.

‘If the old man truly existed before Yeon Ilcheon’s reincarnation…’

It didn’t make sense for him to be in the world I was in right now.

This was clearly someone’s intention and necessity.

It explained why there were two Gui Jeongs and two Shin Noyas.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The frequency of my fingers drumming on my knee increased.

‘Who could it be?’

Who on earth created this situation?

An existence capable of interfering in a world that might have already vanished…

At least, it didn’t seem like it was a human…

I thought of various beings, yet I couldn’t find a match.

What could the intention be apart from their existence?

‘It’s hard to just attribute this to coincidence.’

If it were merely a miracle or coincidence, my mind would be at ease, but I had to assume otherwise and calculate.

I paused my tapping fingers and inspected my left arm.

That was the arm that had the Gui Jeong tied.

So what happens to this Gui Jeong?

Suddenly, I recalled that issue.

It was fine that there were two Gui Jeongs, but…

‘…Is this one really Noya’s Gui Jeong?’

If the Gui Jeong’s object had crossed over from another world… this one might be real and the other…

“Ugh, damn…”

Muttering that, I ultimately let out a curse.

It was because it would endlessly repeat.

Anyway.

The reasons I didn’t absorb the old man were these matters.

Uncertain causes and reasons.

The blood demon might have been involved, so bringing the old man along would pose many problems.

Also.

‘…I’ll have to consult with Noya about this.’

This was something I thought I should ask the Shin Noya.

Normally, I would have disregarded the old man’s opinions and just acted it out, but…

This time, it felt different.

‘The real problem is how to go see that old man…’

It ached in my head.

It had been a year or two since Shin Noya and Ggeureung disappeared; I’d said I would go soon but had yet to.

Damn. If I knew this, I wouldn’t have let them go.

“Phew…”

A sigh escaped naturally.

Was it truly right to let them leave like that?

No matter how I looked at it, it seemed like it wasn’t.

“…What good will it do to think it over now?”

It’s a futile regret.

The water has already been spilled. With the situation tangled this way, I should have thought of a solution first.

To do that…

‘First, I need to deal with what’s in front of me.’

Another world, including Noya and the blood demon.

For that, I should first finish what was in front of me.

The moment I concluded that, a tired voice rang out from the front.

“Have you finished thinking?”

I looked up to see Cheol Jiseon gazing at me with a frown.

“What’s that look? Our Jiseon seems pretty fierce today?”

“That’s not something you should say.”

“…What does that mean?”

As I slightly clenched my fist, Cheol Jiseon pretended to sip from her wine glass.

Cheol Jiseon had grown a lot.

Now she was even throwing retorts back?

I contemplated hitting her, but held back, wondering what if I hit her too hard and she got hurt.

Seeing me hold back, Cheol Jiseon finally talked to me again.

“…What’s made you look like that since earlier?”

“There’s something. A reflection on parallel worlds and my messed-up life.”

“…I don’t understand any of that.”

“Then shouldn’t you study a bit more?”

“Does this have anything to do with studying…? And I studied a bit.”

I chuckled at Cheol Jiseon’s indignation.

True, she had done quite well during the Shinryong Tournament.

Just that.

“I was the top student. You weren’t.”

“…”

Bringing up past achievements, Cheol Jiseon’s mouth snapped shut.

She seemed to have nothing to say.

Her expression turned into a sight to behold, so I waved my hand slightly.

“Don’t worry about it. Just something that bothered me.”

“…If Yangcheon says it’s something that bothers you, it’s usually a big deal.”

“…When did I ever say that…?”

I trailed off.

It certainly seemed that way.

Back when I meddled with the Sichuan Branch, the branch leader had mentioned something that felt off.

Actually, he was a lunatic doing backdoor dealings with the Demonic Faction, and I should have killed all those crazy guys and buried the rumor.

When I said something felt off about the work in Gwangju, he had been one of those who created massive Thunder Strike bombs and committed massacres.

It was as if proof of my terribly unlucky fate had occurred in the form of great incidents over several years.

“…Ugh.”

I awkwardly laughed and clinked the glass.

Continuing would only be detrimental.

Chugging down a mouthful of tea, I moistened my throat.

Mine was barley tea, while Cheol Jiseon poured herself some alcohol.

I learned recently that Cheol Jiseon was a bigger drinker than I had thought.

“So.”

After sharing a few more drinks, Cheol Jiseon, looking slightly flushed from alcohol, spoke up.

“What do you plan to do now?”

“Hmm….”

That was also a reason I had come to see Cheol Jiseon separately today.

In the quiet room of the inn, the normally loud surroundings were eerily quiet.

It couldn’t be helped.

I had rented this entire room through Moyong Hi-ah and had also set up an energy barrier.

After all, I’d attracted attention over the last few days, so preparing for such a thing was necessary.

“The affair of the Gongja is over… now he must be undergoing torture. You’ve heard the report, right?”

“I know. Nahi already told me everything.”

“What on earth are you thinking?”

Cheol Jiseon, now tipsy, must have had her drink to make it easier to talk in front of me.

“Yangcheon, why are you making a situation where he is being tortured while knowing he’s being tortured?”

“Where’s the problem?”

“Seeing that he’s being tortured, could you call that even reasonable?”

Tang Deok was currently captured underground of the Martial Alliance and being tortured.

Was that that bothersome to Cheol Jiseon? Observing her reaction made me laugh.

“You’re really mad today, aren’t you, Cheol Jiseon?”

“Are you saying that now…?”

“No, so should I not laugh and get angry instead?”

Did she sense my subtle discomfort?

Cheol Jiseon’s eyebrows crinkled slightly.

“Surely, I explained before that all of this is part of a plan.”

“Then I don’t get what the plan is. Why go this far?”

“You already know everything, right?”

“…”

As I interrupted her, Cheol Jiseon’s expression contorted.

It wasn’t a reaction stemming just from the cut-off.

I knew, for she was bothered by that statement.

“Why keep asking when you know everything?”

“You…”

“Then, state it. Is there a better situation than this?”

Slurp.

I refilled my empty tea cup again.

While doing so, I continued to speak.

“Soon, the Huangbo Clan Leader will act.”

When I received the news that Tang Deok had arrived…

“And he’ll probably seek out the clan leader.”

It was no other than Nahi to whom I had mentioned this.

– I heard some news from the Intelligence Bureau.

– They say the Demonic Sect will raid the clan to escape the criminals captured.

It could be as early as now.

If not, it should be by tomorrow.

That piece of news would reach the Martial Alliance.

“Is that the use of the Huangbo Clan Leader?”

Cheol Jiseon’s eyes widened, asking.

I shook my head at that.

“Do you think they’d use such precious hands for just that? They’re likely utilizing it to their fullest.”

Treating people like objects.

Because of that tone, Cheol Jiseon’s face darkened a little more.

I didn’t care.

That was the tone I intended to use.

“I think it’s sufficient to make predictions up to here. There might be a chance the Huangbo Clan Leader will feel wary.”

Would they really raid?

In this place, Hanam?

Where all the power of the righteous faction was gathered.

Especially with the Martial Arts Tournament going on, the best martial masters would all be here.

Would they aim for this place knowing that?

It seemed absurd to even think about it.

Of course, the likelihood of it actually happening was low.

Besides, the one mentioning it was none other than the Huangbo Clan Leader.

The weight of that name would cause the clan to move as I predicted, but…

It was a possibility nonetheless.

So, I would use one more method.

“When the Huangbo Clan Leader delivers the news, seconds later, one more person will head out.”

The Emei Sect’s sect leader would act.

It had not originally been part of the plan, but since it was now in my hands, I thought to utilize it as well.

“Then how will the clan act?”

Both the Huangbo Clan Leader and the Emei Sect’s leader would mention these matters together.

Even if their Intelligence Bureau claimed ignorance, evidence and justification were already prepared regarding this.

“I can’t say for sure, but the alert levels will definitely increase.”

The martial community would become wary of this mysterious Demonic Sect.

That would skyrocket, and two meanings would arise from the possibility that they might raid the alliance.

One is that the Demonic Sect might have the power to attack Hanam directly, and the second, that Tang Deok was a necessary figure for the Demonic Sect.

Upon hearing all that, Cheol Jiseon questioned me.

“…If they say they might raid, wouldn’t that risk the tournament being halted?”

It was a valid argument.

That made me consider if I hadn’t thought about it.

But.

“It won’t be halted for sure. Why halt it? Just how much money has been invested?”

Given the intent behind this tournament, it could never be halted.

The Shinryong Martial Arts Tournament was a festival, orchestrated to mask the risks of this era.

It was also to maintain the Martial Alliance as a symbol of peace.

So, in such a situation, would they call to end the tournament?

“The Geomseon would never do such a thing.”

Even if it were not Geomseon, it was an act of cutting off their own necks.

Would the hands of the righteous faction, who live and die by honor and reputation, allow such a thing?

Moreover.

“There’d be no safer situation than the tournament. They won’t stop it.”

The moment where masters from all over the Central Plains are gathered.

This meant that Hanam currently resembled an impregnable fortress built with elite power.

Just when information was considered, several of the top ten masters were already here.

There was no time safer than this in Hanam.

The lord of the clan should be well aware that this was all thanks to the tournament.

‘They’ll do anything to ensure its continuation.’

For their reputation, for safety, or even just for the eyes of the clan heads, the tournament must continue.

So, what could the current clan leader do?

They held the information of the Demonic Sect’s intention to raid but saw Hanam as safe, understanding the reason behind it.

The only choice he would have would be to…

‘To reinforce the defenses around the criminals.’

Or inversely, to relocate the criminals to the safest position.

Surely, he’d put some schemes into action.

‘Whatever it is doesn’t matter.’

Anything would be good.

If they took action, that would be a good thing for me.

“So…”

At that moment.

Cheol Jiseon reacted to everything I had said.

“…So… is that why you had Tang Deok captured and tortured?”

“Exactly. He was the most suitable one.”

With a near indestructible body, he was resilient to pain.

Although lacking in poison, he was a tough survivalist and accustomed to demon energy, so his lips were sealed tight.

Where could I find a more suitable talent?

‘Purposely showing my face to Wudang was for this purpose. Of course, he had to be used.’

I had even exposed Tang Deok to people during the raid on Wudang.

It was all for this moment.

A trap and bait.

Bait was spread around while the trap was deployed using Tang Deok.

Only a few days later, when the righteous faction began to gather one by one was the time this would all come to a head.

That moment was now just a few days away.

Cheol Jiseon’s expression remained tense even after the explanation, but I didn’t mind.

It must be a matter of ethics.

I couldn’t care less.

‘The fact that you don’t refute implies you understand it too.’

Though it may not be the best approach, it was indeed the fastest way.

And that the conclusion of that method aligned with what she wished for as well.

It was truly contradictory.

Or should I say it was human.

Feeling sadness for Tang Deok, yet eventually agreeing with the resolution.

Whether it was because Cheol Jiseon was fearful of me or she wanted what she desired, it didn’t matter; the contradiction remained the same.

Just.

‘So is Jiseon disgusted by this? I wouldn’t say so.’

Regardless of what it was, it no longer mattered to me.

What was important was that things had progressed to this point.

And whether I stood at the desired position when it all wrapped up mattered most to me.

 

---