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Chapter 1: Whisper of the Void

Pssst…

The Body of the Demon Beast danced away with the wind, leaving me gazing at the White Horse Stone lying on the ground.

Perfectly shaped as if someone had placed it there, the stone appeared transparent yet vividly white, filled to the brim with energy.

Even compared to the Poison Heavenly Pill, which was top-tier among spirit pills, this one radiated significantly stronger energy.

I knew that obtaining it would be immensely beneficial, but…

“…”

I couldn’t hastily touch the stone.

Besides the ominous gazes I felt from behind that prevented me from using the Hoi technique, I had to momentarily freeze, recalling what had just happened.

‘What is this?’

What was this unsettling feeling?

What had I just heard?

[Thank you… thank you….]

“…”

Before the demon beast vanished, it had expressed gratitude towards me.

Its awkward tone posed no issue in comprehending the words.

Could it have been a misunderstanding or perhaps a mere hallucination?

Yet I knew better than anyone that it wasn’t.

‘What the hell.’

It wasn’t particularly astonishing that a demon beast could speak human language.

After all, it seemed problematic to dismiss beings like dragons as mere demon beasts.

The creature I met in the North Sea, Mang, had also conversed perfectly well, so this didn’t feel all that shocking…

“Why…?”

Why did it suddenly decide to speak to me at the last moment?

Of all things, it had to be that heartfelt “thank you,” leaving an uncomfortable knot blossoming in my chest after it disappeared.

What was going on?

I could simply ignore it and move on, yet once a question arose, it became a burden lodged in my heart.

‘Ugh, this is annoying.’

In the end, I furrowed my brows.

Why did it have to leave me in such a weird, unsettling state instead of just dying like a regular monster?

‘Nothing ever gets wrapped up neatly.’

Such was my life.

Damn it.

Ignoring the chaotic things in my heart, I plopped down on the ground.

“Huff…”

I let out a sigh I had been holding back.

At that moment…

“F-Finished?”

“The demon beast…?”

“Gone… It seems it’s truly over.”

Voices filled with tension echoed as others gauged the situation.

The demon beast that had already disappeared and the traces of the Red Demon Beast burning in all directions.

In the serene atmosphere settling in quietly, someone exclaimed with enthusiasm.

“It must be So Yeomra who finished that monster!”

Huh?

I immediately turned my head at that ridiculous chatter.

What did they just say?

“Is that so…? No wonder it felt like someone was approaching; it was to finish it off!”

“With that body that was on the verge of death…? Could it be that… it wanted to save us?”

“So Yeomra…”

The uncles wiped tears from the corners of their eyes as a collective response.

Horrified by this eerie sight, I shouted.

“Have you all been drinking together? Did you not see the thunder just now from the sky?”

That was absurd chatter. Anyone would think I did it all on my own.

I couldn’t believe I was getting applause for work that the Heavenly Lord actually completed.

How did such a ridiculous conclusion emerge from this situation?

“I just came to check things out. It was already dead, so don’t misinterpret it.”

“Even humbly putting yourself down like that…”

“How cowardly and despicable to have misunderstood based solely on appearance… so Yeomra turned out to be an entirely different person from the rumors.”

“Although known for having skills while being quite foul-tempered and terrifying in appearance, to discover he holds so much self-sacrifice…”

“This is why rumors can’t be trusted…”

“…I might have to tear out some tongues after all.”

Just as I was about to stand up, feeling fed up…

Wobble-!

“Ugh!”

My body swayed, and down I went again.

“Gah… huff.”

I almost blacked out.

Was this the limit of my physical body, or was I about to lose consciousness?

‘No!’

That absolutely cannot happen.

I shouldn’t faint just yet. The urgent matter had passed, but…

‘…there are still things left to do.’

The most important tasks were still set before me.

Recalling that, I barely steadied my mind.

“Huff…”

While I was catching my breath, Tang Soyeol rushed over to support me.

“Are you okay…?”

“…I’m fine, obviously.”

“What’s fine about this?”

“All my limbs are intact. So, everything is good.”

At least nothing crucial was torn apart.

That was enough.

Ignoring the surge of blood, I swallowed hard and assessed my body.

My dragon’s body had already begun regenerating.

I hadn’t expended any energy.

While a tiny bit remained, I couldn’t afford to use it for regeneration, needing to store every bit I could.

I gazed into the void.

‘…How fast.’

As if announcing the demise of the demon beast, the sky gradually cleared up.

When I caught sight of the gradually calming expressions from the others, I remarked in a low voice.

“This isn’t the time to relax.”

Though the unknown threat seems dealt with… the ambush wasn’t over yet.

“…”

Shaking them from their stupor, their expressions quickly hardened.

While we extinguished the major flames, other fires still raged around us.

Such was my intention.

The ambush was far from finished.

I had merely managed to buy some time for the people at the center to escape.

Since I hadn’t defeated every fiend, battles were most likely still raging in various places.

Furthermore, if possible…

‘It would be nice to stall for a little longer.’

Though I suspected such a prolonged hope was unrealistic.

Surely, they realized by now, looking up at the sky.

That something about their plan had gone awry.

‘Though pondering that now wouldn’t change anything.’

Shaking my head, I addressed everyone.

“Right now, instead of finding relief, it’s time to get to work.”

“…Agreed.”

“We still have tasks to attend to.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Sorting out the embers and protecting civilians.

People ready to wield swords for stability.

Even while feigning dire humility, I memorized each of their faces.

Swiftly glancing at the faces, I realized…

‘…Most of them are unfamiliar faces.’

The vast majority were people I didn’t recognize.

Most likely those who died early in the previous life.

“…”

I painstakingly cherished each face in my memory.

No one, not even I, had paid tribute to them in my previous existence.

I knew well I wasn’t worthy of it, yet this time, I still wished to remember them.

I quickly moved towards the spot where civilians had gathered for shelter.

It wasn’t far from the Martial Alliance’s headquarters; it was visible with ease.

You might wonder why it was placed so close to where the attack happened.

Yet there was a reason for that.

‘So they can see us.’

People needed to gaze upon the Martial Alliance.

That way…

‘It would deepen their distrust.’

Those who had developed disbelief in the Alliance amid evacuation.

Or those who lost faith in the Alliance given the current circumstances.

This was a tactic to deepen the emotional rift they felt.

And strangely enough, it was working even better than I had anticipated.

“Be careful—!”

“Please mind your movements!”

In the bustling crowd.

Amongst them, individuals donned in Yellow Martial Robes were acting as guards and guides.

They belonged to the Huangbo Clan.

“Anyone with any ailments should immediately come here!!”

Physicians and water were being handed out, and…

Martial Artists were on high alert, keeping watch over the surroundings in case of any unexpected ambushes.

“…To provide even physicians…”

“Just how could that be….”

Many observers expressed admiration at that sight.

In the present Central Plains, physicians are rare and valuable figures, and the clan’s physicians are individuals even blood relatives couldn’t handle lightly.

To have such physicians positioned in the shelter to care for others…

“…The Huangbo Clan truly stands as the foremost noble house of noble houses…”

“I heard they moved quicker than others during the ambush, too.”

“They’re indeed impressive.”

“What debt of gratitude do we owe them…”

Gratitude painted their expressions.

Most among the gathered had received help from the Huangbo Clan, making fondness even more pronounced.

“Compared to them, those from the Martial Alliance…!”

At this, the surroundings turned eerily silent.

The man who had spoken couldn’t contain his feelings even when sensing the mood.

“Be cautious… No matter what, we shouldn’t speak ill of the Martial Alliance…”

“Calm? What do you mean calm? What did they even do to let things get this far?!”

To criticize the Alliance in the center of Hanam was extremely perilous. Yet the man couldn’t hold back, and the others seemed to resonate with their hesitation.

“They boasted of protecting the Central Plains while strutting around high and mighty, yet where have they been when all this chaos erupted?!”

“…That’s right, that’s right. They have been busy shielding the influential guests and clan leaders while ignoring us.”

“I saw it too…!”

One by one, they chimed in, and as a collective, their voices grew louder.

“What is justice, I ask…? Even now, the Clan Leader is trapped there and unable to move. So, what protected us…?”

The climax of anger bubbled into a lament.

A hollow feeling of what they believed in came crashing down.

Observing their sour expressions, I quietly shifted my body.

No, to be precise, it would be correct to say the Heavenly Lord moved.

What I mean is, I was currently being carried on the back of the Heavenly Lord.

‘…Well.’

In my life, I’d never imagined getting a ride on the back of one of the Three Eminent Beings.

This was proving to be extraordinarily uncomfortable.

But there was no alternative.

I needed to recover my strength quickly, so rest was necessary.

I had to move separately, so I needed someone’s strength…

‘…Why do they have to squabble amongst each other?’

Suddenly, three women were squabbling over who would carry me.

Maybe it was a mistake to simply ask for a ride to the destination.

The moment I voiced that, their eyes sparked with a fire.

It all started with Tang Soyeol.

Soyeol approached without a care to carry me, only for Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah to simultaneously block her path.

The reason? Why Soyeol was the only one carrying me!

In response, Soyeol reminded them that she had always been the one to assist me, so this time too, she would do so.

It was a somewhat logical justification, but the other two refused to accept it.

Nangong Bi-ah claimed that she should do it since she was lacking herself, while Wi Seol-Ah asserted that she would fulfill her original role as my attendant.

Hearing that, I was left utterly surprised.

When exactly had she ceased being my attendant? Not to mention, she had just been lying on a hospital bed with bandages on her chest!

Who was supposed to carry whom here?

What began with logic soon spiraled into a fervent desire to be the one to help.

In the midst of it all, Bong-soon attempted to sneak in for a chance to carry me, revealing a chaotic scene.

As tension escalated, amidst deliberating on how to resolve this absurd situation…

– I shall carry him.

The Heavenly Lord stepped up to sort things out.

Moments away from a showdown, at the mention of his name, everyone immediately quieted down.

‘What on earth…?’

Why did the simple act of asking for a lift turn into such a brawl? I couldn’t comprehend the madness of it.

Regardless.

Taking a moment to observe the refugees,

I accepted the help of the Heavenly Lord and proceeded toward the pavilion.

‘There it is.’

Inside the headquarters of the Martial Alliance, the pavilion where the Martial Arts Tournament was being held stood tall.

As I arrived, numerous individuals gathered upon noticing us.

They quickly drew their swords at the sight of us.

Swish—!!

“…State your identity.”

They watched from a distance, sizing us up.

‘Oh.’

Once I saw their faces, a chuckle escaped me.

‘Three Great Lord Levels?’

There were over forty martial artists gathered, and among them were three at the Great Lord level.

Notably, the man who drew his sword right away was someone I recognized.

“Il Cheonggeom.”

Il Cheonggeom, the current Great Lord of the Blue Dragon Clan, a master within the ranks of White-Grade Masters.

‘Ah, the right-hand man of that bastard Zhang.’

At that moment…

“S-So Yeomra…?”

One beside him widened his eyes at me.

“Oh.”

Recognizing an acquaintance, I responded warmly.

“It’s been a while, Master of the Flying Dragon.”

Upon hearing my words, he startled slightly, his body trembling.

The one was none other than Beomdong, the Master of the Flying Dragon.

“Y-You are…”

As Beomdong stammered in surprise, Il Cheonggeom bore a peculiar expression.

“How familiar you look. Turns out that Junior is indeed So Yeomra.”

Although they realized my identity, they kept their swords drawn.

“I recognize you now. However, I would like to inquire how you made it here.”

A suspicious air surrounded us.

Despite sensing their tension, I boldly took a step forward.

“I was informed that the Clan Leader is trapped here, so I’ve come to offer my help.”

“…You’re here to help?”

Their caution heightened upon hearing my reply.

Indeed, if I were in their shoes, I’d consider it strange too.

“Yes.”

“While I appreciate your intention, it’s unnecessary.”

“Why is that?”

“Given the circumstances, it’s best to prohibit outsiders from entering. If you wish to assist, it’s better to focus your efforts elsewhere.”

“…Given the circumstances…”

Upon hearing those words, I had to deliberate again.

Such a statement seemed too absurd, and I struggled to know how to respond adequately.

“Well, the situation is indeed a mess right now.”

“Thank you for understanding…”

“But what exactly are you all doing here in such a critical time?”

“…Huh?”

I instinctively paused to clear my throat but promptly stopped, realizing it might cause more pain.

“People are screaming, crying in horror due to the attack while you lot are just standing around here?”

While the attack had raged outside, I already knew what the Alliance had been up to.

“You lot are busy tending to your guests and Clan Leaders while letting the situation spiral out of control!”

As I continued, Il Cheonggeom’s expression twisted with displeasure.

“Right now… how dare you speak that way?”

“Surely, you aren’t hard of hearing? If you’d like me to repeat myself, I can do it— but expect it to be far more intense than what I just said. Up for it?”

“You-!”

Il Cheonggeom’s eyes flared with fury as he stepped towards me, ready to draw.

Thinking about it, it didn’t matter to me if he got angry or not.

Honestly, I preferred him to keep this attitude.

It would only make my job easier.

But it was ridiculous.

‘Too clumsy, honestly.’

It felt impossible to restrain myself after seeing the people who’d rushed towards the demon beast.

Their faces would flash in my mind, reminding me of my own jitters.

That was a mistake; I shouldn’t have memorized them so well.

If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been in this angst.

‘But what can I do?’

Having committed their faces to memory, I was bound to take responsibility.

As Il Cheonggeom approached, boiling with rage, I gathered tension in my heart.

“Calm down.”

The moment the Heavenly Lord grabbed my shoulder, my body froze.

“I apologize. I shall offer my apologies on behalf of the old man.”

“You’re stepping in over a matter that demeaned our Clan—”

Il Cheonggeom abruptly halted, perhaps realizing the esteemed identity he was dealing with.

There was no way he wouldn’t recognize someone of the Heavenly Lord’s stature.

“…Elder?”

The moment he recognized the Heavenly Lord, his complexion paled.

“W-What brings you here, Elder…”

The startled Il Cheonggeom heard the Heavenly Lord say,

“Our Young Master has business here, hence the visit.”

“Y-Young Master…?”

Il Cheonggeom’s gaze shifted towards me.

Typically, I’d deny it or clarify, but I chose not to bother.

“What are you looking at?”

“…”

It was a clear message to face the music.

Whether he understood or not, Il Cheonggeom’s reaction was quite entertaining.

 

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