Chapter 404: What Made Her Freeze?
Chapter 404: What Made Her Freeze?
“Of all the versions of you I’ve met, you’re at your coolest right now.”
When the Drunken Demon heard praise like that, he usually deflected it with playful banter.
“It’s only because we haven’t spent enough time together. If you consider all the charms I have left to show, we’re practically strangers. Nice to meet you for the first time, Young Cult Leader.”
He loved to joke and was always honest about his feelings. Because of that, the Drunken Demon sometimes appeared weak to others.
But he wasn't. The Drunken Demon was stronger than anyone. I believed his strength came precisely from the fact that he was a man who could be shaken. His wavering was merely the vibration of a soul trying to find its true place.
He was also lonelier than anyone else. Whenever I looked at him, the first image that came to mind was of him sitting alone in a small boat, drinking.
I looked down at Lee An, who was standing beside the carriage, and spoke.
“He says he’ll take care of everything. This time, let’s just relax and enjoy the snow. Find us a place that serves good food. Since we’re here, let’s try everything they have to offer.”
Lee An smiled and replied.
“First, eat these noodles.”
She lightly leaped onto the roof, carrying the bowls. We sat side by side on the carriage roof, slurping the noodles.
“Oh? This is good. Why is it so delicious?”
I added to the Drunken Demon’s exclamation with some exaggeration of my own.
“Right? I was shocked too. I thought the head chef from the Heavenly Demon Hall had paid us a secret visit.”
Lee An laughed happily.
“I’ll make you something even better next time.”
And so, we finished every last drop of the broth right there on the roof.
“Alright, now that our stomachs are full, shall we get going?”
“I’ll drive the carriage.”
Lee An hopped down and took the driver’s seat.
“We’re heading out!”
I stayed on the roof with the Drunken Demon. Even if I went inside, those nuisances would just be sleeping. It was much cooler and more pleasant out here.
As the carriage sped along, the Drunken Demon spoke.
“Perhaps this business with the North Blood Sect and the death of the Institute Head are related.”
I nodded. They could be separate incidents that happened by chance, or they might not be. One thing was certain: the Blood King was behind this. That incredibly troublesome and dangerous Blood King.
“We’ll eventually learn the whole truth. We’re going to settle the affairs of both the North Blood Sect and the North Sea Ice Palace before we head back.”
I looked at the Drunken Demon, who was nodding at my words, and added playfully, “Ah, my mistake. Not ‘we’—you are going to settle it all before we go back.”
The carriage raced across the snowy plains, where the white expanse stretched endlessly toward the North Sea Ice Palace.
*
Geom Mu-geuk, Lee An, and the Drunken Demon followed Han Seol up to the Palace Master’s Hall.
Since the North Sea Ice Palace had accepted the deal, they were going to pay their formal respects to the Ice Palace Master.
Lee An, who had been trembling with nerves at the thought of meeting the Palace Master for the first time, gasped in admiration as she looked at the circular staircase that changed colors with the light.
“It’s built so beautifully.”
Unlike her, Geom Mu-geuk sensed a faint killing intent emanating from the stairs. It wasn't the killing intent of a person.
Mechanisms.
Because the structure was transparent, it didn't look like there was room for any hidden devices. He couldn't even imagine how these beautiful ice walls, stairs, and pillars would react to an intruder. This wasn't just engineering; it was art.
That was why he had a feeling it would be more dangerous than any mechanism he had encountered before. Even Lee An, a master who had reached the Nine-Star Stage of the Flying Heaven Sword Technique, couldn't sense their presence at all.
The three of them followed Han Seol into the hall.
“I greet the Palace Master.”
Geom Mu-geuk was the first to offer a polite greeting. The Ice Palace Master returned the etiquette due to the Young Cult Leader.
“Welcome, Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Mu-geuk had met her in his life before the regression, though that was much further in the future than now. Back then, that cold woman had been shedding hot tears over the death of her daughter.
On the other hand, this was the Ice Palace Master’s first time meeting Geom Mu-geuk. It was the moment she finally met the protagonist who had endlessly surprised her in the reports from her spies.
The Ice Palace Master carefully observed Geom Mu-geuk’s eyes and aura. He really accomplished all those things? This young man?
Geom Mu-geuk didn't hide himself completely, nor did he reveal too much. He had reached the realm of Return to the Natural State—a state more perfect and natural than total concealment.
Her daughter had spoken of Geom Mu-geuk with distrust, saying she wanted to observe him further. The Palace Master understood why. Even she found him difficult to read.
“Is the Cult Leader doing well?”
When she asked after his father, Geom Mu-geuk smiled and asked back, “Have you met my father before?”
“I met him once, a long time ago.”
She had only seen him once, but he was not a man easily forgotten. Perhaps it was because his gaze had been so intense.
“He is doing well.”
“He went through a major event recently, didn't he? I heard you were the one who led it.”
The Orthodox-Unorthodox-Demonic Summit hadn't been held in secret; it took place in Ma Clan Village. It was only natural for the Ice Palace Master to know about it.
“Since I’ve met you today, Palace Master, why don't you attend the next summit? I’m thinking of inviting the Pungcheon Cult Leader as well.”
It was hard to tell if he was joking or serious, but the Ice Palace Master nodded calmly.
“Be sure to invite me.”
She had answered as if it were a joke, but Geom Mu-geuk pressed for confirmation.
“Will you truly attend if a five-party summit is held?”
The leaders of the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic paths gathering again? And with the Pungcheon Cult Leader added to the mix? Was such a thing even possible?
“Send word when it happens.”
“I shall look forward to that day.”
After exchanging greetings with Geom Mu-geuk, she turned to the Drunken Demon.
“You have traveled a long way, Demon Lord.”
“It has been a long time, Palace Master.”
“You remember me.”
“Of course.”
The Drunken Demon had met the Ice Palace Master a very long time ago. It was before he became a Demon Lord, and before she became the Palace Master.
Back then, she hadn't felt like this. Now, she felt like an ice statue whose inner thoughts were impossible to discern, but back then, she had been a pure woman who looked good in snow-white clothes.
What had made her freeze like this? The cold winds of the North Sea? Or the difficult life she had led, struggling to protect the Ice Palace as a woman?
“Time flows so quickly; life truly is fleeting,” the Drunken Demon remarked.
The Ice Palace Master nodded in agreement. Finally, Geom Mu-geuk introduced Lee An.
“This is my subordinate.”
The Ice Palace Master had already received reports that Geom Mu-geuk had brought the subordinate responsible for the recent incident. At first, she couldn't understand it. Why reveal her so openly when he should be hiding her?
“I greet the Palace Master.”
As Lee An bowed, the Ice Palace Master studied her carefully. Perhaps it was because her beauty was so striking, but Lee An drew the Palace Master’s gaze more than necessary.
“Why would such a beautiful person cause such a mess?”
“I apologize. My experience is still lacking, so my handling of Jianghu affairs was immature.”
Lee An had much she could have said, but she apologized politely. It wasn't as if she could hold the Ice Palace Master responsible for anything anyway.
Geom Mu-geuk spoke up on her behalf.
“She was as cautious as she was immature. After all, she brought the kidnapped victims back safely.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared intently at the Ice Palace Master and added, “On the other hand, the handling of affairs by the experienced and skillful North Blood Sect was quite different. I wonder why they hold human life in such low regard.”
As he spoke, he watched the Ice Palace Master’s expression. Did she know what the North Blood Sect had been up to? He had brought it up specifically to find out.
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
Judging by her face, she truly seemed to know nothing.
“Something happened. I’ll tell you the details later.”
Geom Mu-geuk didn't press further. Now was not the time to provoke the Ice Palace Master, but the time to investigate the death of the Institute Head.
Just as important as dealing with the Blood King was easing the Drunken Demon’s heart. No, that was even more important. He would handle the Blood King as a side task while taking care of the Drunken Demon’s business. Even if the North Sea ended up submerged in blood, Geom Mu-geuk was determined to approach this matter with that mindset. Evil was trivial; life was what mattered.
The Ice Palace Master asked Han Seol, “Is Young Master Yang safe?”
“Yes.”
“Bring the Young Master here, and then show these three to their quarters.”
“Understood.”
The Ice Palace Master spoke to the Drunken Demon one last time.
“You said you wanted to look into the death of the Master of White Liquor Snowy Plains?”
“That is correct.”
“His death is a regrettable matter, but I cannot give you much time for your investigation.”
It was a warning that an expulsion order could be issued at any moment.
“I will be as quick as possible.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
And so, the first meeting—a silent battle of wits spanning past and present—came to an end.
*
Yang Jung, the second son of the North Blood Sect Leader, woke up from the cold.
He was sitting in a chair. Looking around, he saw that everything—the walls, the pillars—was made of ice.
“Are you awake?”
A woman stood some distance away, her back to him.
“Who are you?”
The woman turned around and walked toward him. It was the Master of the North Sea Ice Palace.
“Palace Master?”
Yang Jung was startled to recognize her. To his surprise, he was in the Palace Master’s Hall of the North Sea Ice Palace.
“How do you feel?”
“I’m fine. But why am I here?”
She delivered news that was music to his ears.
“We made a deal with the Demonic Cult and brought you back, Young Master Yang.”
Realizing he was safe, Yang Jung’s face brightened instantly.
“Thank you, Palace Master! I thought I was going to die at the hands of those Demonic Cult bastards.”
He blurted out reckless words that didn't need to be said in this setting, but the Ice Palace Master’s expression remained unchanged.
“I’m glad you’re safe.”
Yang Jung couldn't understand it. Why had the Ice Palace saved him?
Just then, a middle-aged man entered the hall. With sharp eyes like a predator, a square jaw, and a massive build, he was a martial artist who looked powerful at a glance.
Yang Jung’s face stiffened when he saw who it was. The man who entered was his father, North Blood Sect Leader Yang Sin.
The reason he had been able to grow the North Blood Sect into one of the three major powers of the North Sea wasn't just because of his mastery of the Twelve Moves of the Northern Fist. Though he looked like a bear, he possessed a brilliant mind and great ambition.
“Father!”
Even though he knew perfectly well that his father had abandoned him, he was still glad to see him. Had the Ice Palace moved because his father asked them to? Did his father have some grand plan after all? That hope was short-lived as Yang Sin spoke bluntly.
“We’ll be leaving soon, so go down first.”
Yang Jung’s chest tightened. Not a single word to ask his son, who had just returned from being kidnapped, if he was alright? The sliver of hope that his father might have saved him vanished in an instant.
Right. Father abandoned me. The moment he refused the hostage exchange, that woman could have killed me on the spot.
Resentment and hatred swirled in Yang Jung’s heart. Both the North Blood Sect Leader and the Ice Palace Master sensed his emotions, but they feigned ignorance.
Yang Jung turned away from his father and the Palace Master and walked down the ice stairs. He glanced back up, but he could only see their faint silhouettes standing side by side, talking. He couldn't hear a word they were saying.
What on earth are you plotting that you’d even abandon your own son? What kind of deal did you make for the Ice Palace to rescue me from the Demonic Cult?
When Yang Jung reached the entrance of the Palace Master’s Hall, a man was standing there with his back turned. Assuming he was a subordinate, Yang Jung spoke to him.
“Where is the carriage?”
The man didn't answer, simply staring up at the sky.
“I asked where the carriage is!”
The sparks of the intense emotions he felt toward his father were flying toward an innocent bystander.
“Coming back alive doesn't feel the same as before, does it?”
Yang Jung flinched the moment he heard the voice. The man standing with his back turned was Geom Mu-geuk.
“I promised you’d be in your room when you opened your eyes, but I couldn't keep that. Still, you saw your father, so that’s something, right?”
Yang Jung’s brain told him: You just got released. There’s no need to provoke this man again. But he was a man who lived by his heart rather than his head. Mentioning his father only made him angrier.
“I will not forget the humiliation I suffered this time!”
His bold words were backed by a certain belief: since a deal had been made with the Ice Palace, they wouldn't seize him again here.
“A martial artist should certainly feel that way. Be sure to come for your revenge next time.”
As if I wouldn't!
Since he couldn't shout that out loud, Yang Jung grew even more irritated. The only thing he could think to say was this:
“We will never release the people we captured.”
He meant the people Lee An had kidnapped him to save.
“I suppose you haven't heard yet? Your people killed them all. We barely managed to save one person.”
In that moment, Yang Jung felt the air around him turn as cold as Geom Mu-geuk’s gaze.
“It would only be fair if only one of you survived as well, wouldn't it?”
Will it be you? Or your father?
Geom Mu-geuk didn't say it, but his eyes asked the question clearly. Yang Jung had spent his whole life threatening others, never being on the receiving end. He was experiencing his first real threat, and it was a heavy one.
Just then, the North Blood Sect Leader finished his conversation with the Ice Palace Master and came down. He recognized Geom Mu-geuk and offered a polite greeting.
“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time.”
Yang Jung was shocked by how polite his father was being. No matter if he was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult, wasn't his father one of the three most powerful people in the North Sea?
Geom Mu-geuk returned the greeting with a fist salute.
“I have heard much of your reputation, Sect Leader.”
“It cannot compare to yours, Young Cult Leader.”
He treated Geom Mu-geuk with special respect, yet he remained as calm as if he were dealing with anyone else. Geom Mu-geuk knew well how difficult that was. Unlike his son, this man was not swayed by emotion. Geom Mu-geuk could tell the moment he saw him: this was not a man who would ever hand his position over to his second son.
“I shall formally host you at our sect soon.”
“I will be waiting.”
The North Blood Sect Leader walked ahead, and Yang Jung followed behind him. Geom Mu-geuk sent a Voice Transmission to Yang Jung.
— If only one person survives, it looks like it’ll be your father.
It was like pouring oil on the fire of hatred toward his father. These words would remain in his heart, poisoning the relationship between the two and sowing discord. Geom Mu-geuk had no intention of letting them be at peace.
Yang Jung glared at Geom Mu-geuk with a furious face before stomping away. Watching their retreating backs with a cold gaze, Geom Mu-geuk suddenly spoke.
“Why aren't you curious?”
Han Seol stepped out from behind a nearby building. She had been there for a while. She hadn't been hiding on purpose, but she hadn't found an opportunity to step forward.
“About what?”
“About what they’re plotting.”
“Why do you assume I’m not curious?”
Geom Mu-geuk turned to her and asked, “Are you?”
“Of course I am.”
It was a lie. In truth, she wasn't curious. She thought their schemes were obvious. They wanted to get stronger. They wanted to maintain and expand their hegemony over the North Sea. She figured her mother would handle it anyway. Her mother would know everything. No one could plot in the North Sea and escape her mother’s notice.
But Geom Mu-geuk thought differently.
“I think your mother is going to need her daughter’s help this time.”