Chapter 564: I Gave It to You for Your Sake
Chapter 564: I Gave It to You for Your Sake
"What on earth is happening?"
At Lee An’s question, Geom Mu-geuk took a moment to consider his answer.
"I received word of trouble at the Yellow Dragon Martial Arts Hall. I’m concerned it might negatively affect Miss Seo."
Simply saying he had heard rumors wouldn't normally justify rushing to find her immediately. The explanation that would truly resonate with Lee An was this:
"I have a dark premonition."
Sure enough, Lee An nodded instantly.
"Then we must go at once."
How could anyone truly understand the many feats Geom Mu-geuk had accomplished until now? Lee An simply accepted everything she couldn't understand by believing he was a man chosen by the heavens.
"I’m sorry. You haven't even had a chance to rest since returning."
"Why would you be sorry? Miss Seo’s business is my business. But... is the Young Cult Leader coming as well?"
"Of course."
At the news that they would be going together, Lee An’s expression brightened. Leaving the cult grounds with Geom Mu-geuk was something she truly desired.
"Are we leaving right now?"
"The sun will be up soon. Let’s speak with Miss Han first, then head out."
"Then I’ll be able to see my father before we go."
For most of her life, the Young Cult Leader had been the only person in her world, but now she had a father and a sister as well.
The two returned to the main headquarters and parted ways to go to their respective quarters.
"Try to get an hour or two of sleep. I’ll see you later."
"Yes, Young Cult Leader."
As Geom Mu-geuk turned to leave, Lee An spoke up.
"Thank you for the Sun and Moon Sword. I’m so happy with it that I don't think I'll be able to sleep for a while."
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the sword hanging from her waist.
"It suits you well."
It wasn't just an empty compliment. The Sun and Moon Sword, beautifully engraved with celestial motifs, was a perfect match for her beauty.
Back in her room, Lee An packed her bags. She tucked a change of clothes, Golden Wound Medicine, and internal injury pills into a new leather pouch, along with other travel essentials.
She carefully stored the sword box in her quarters. Every time she looked at it, she was reminded of Geom Mu-geuk’s thoughtfulness in meticulously preparing even the box for her.
Her heart was racing too much for sleep. Lee An used her internal energy to flush the lingering effects of the alcohol from her body and stepped out into the courtyard.
After taking a deep breath, she slowly drew the Sun and Moon Sword.
Srrrng.
The blade slid out smoothly, revealing itself in the darkness. The dawn light, where brightness and shadow coexisted, flowed along the edge of the blade. The edge was so sharp it felt as though it could draw a person in and sever their very soul.
Lee An slowly circulated her internal energy.
She had heard Geom Mu-geuk say many times that the moment one first acquires a precious sword is the most important. One must commune with the blade. He had said there was a vast difference in power between a sword that had accepted its master and one that had not.
Wung.
Infused with True Qi, the Sun and Moon Sword vibrated lightly. Lee An focused on becoming one with the sword. The results of this effort would be revealed when battle eventually broke out.
‘Ilwol, you and I are bound for life.’
*
As soon as day broke, Geom Mu-geuk went to see Han Seol with Lee An.
"What is the matter?"
Han Seol was surprised by their visit. They had come to see her in the early morning, before she had even washed her face.
"Something urgent has come up, so I must leave the cult with Lee An."
At that moment, a pang of regret flickered through Han Seol’s heart. Of course, she didn't let the emotion show.
"I see. If the two of you are leaving, then we should depart as well."
Han Seol immediately informed the Twin Frost Swords that they would be leaving soon.
Geom Mu-geuk couldn't bring himself to tell her to stay and enjoy herself longer. She had come specifically to see him and Lee An. While Seo Dae-ryong or Jang Ho could look after her, she likely wouldn't want to stay under those circumstances.
"I’m sorry it turned out this way."
At Geom Mu-geuk’s apology, Han Seol looked at Lee An.
"I came to see my sister. I’ve seen her, so I am content."
This time, Lee An apologized to her.
"I’m sorry. I promised to show you around the Central Plains."
"Next time. Besides, the Young Cult Leader showed me plenty on the way here."
"Are you going straight back to the North Sea?"
"No. There’s a place I need to stop by."
Han Seol intended to meet Bi Sa-in before returning.
"She’ll probably see plenty of interesting things there."
At Geom Mu-geuk’s meaningful remark, Lee An looked puzzled, while Han Seol pretended not to hear.
Geom Mu-geuk gave the two of them some time.
"I’ll go to see my father first. Let’s meet at the Heavenly Demon Hall in a little while."
Even if they were leaving in a hurry, they had to pay their respects to the Cult Leader. Geom Mu-geuk left the room first.
"The Young Cult Leader is always busy."
At Han Seol’s comment, Lee An watched Geom Mu-geuk’s figure as he leaped over a distant wall and vanished.
"Is there time for a cup of tea?"
At Han Seol’s question, Lee An nodded.
"I’ll brew it for you."
Lee An personally brewed tea for her younger sister.
"Is the Palace Master doing well?"
"She is."
"I’m surprised she let you come to the Central Plains."
"She sent me because she trusts the Young Cult Leader."
It was the truth. If not for her connection with Geom Mu-geuk, the Palace Master would never have sent her daughter to the Central Plains.
"Sister, you seem different from the last time I saw you."
Lee An smiled as she looked back at Han Seol.
"I’ve been through some hardships."
That reminded Han Seol of a conversation she’d had with Geom Mu-geuk. When she had asked if it was really alright to send Lee An out alone when he called her his "heart," he had replied:
— She must also learn to walk alone.
Han Seol felt she might be seeing the results of that solitary journey now.
Meanwhile, Lee An brought the tea. The two sat across from each other and drank.
"The scent is lovely."
"The taste is good, too."
As Lee An was savoring the aroma, Han Seol suddenly asked, "You love the Young Cult Leader, don't you?"
It was a blunt question, but Lee An wasn't surprised. It would be stranger not to ask, considering Geom Mu-geuk called her his "heart" every chance he got.
"I do."
Han Seol stared at Lee An in silence.
"Why? Are you worried I’ll suffer from a broken heart?" Lee An said, taking a sip of tea. "My life is already scarred enough by the blade."
Lee An looked out the window, and Han Seol followed her gaze. Beyond the wall, a single bird flew freely through the clear sky.
"See as much of the Central Plains as you can before you go."
*
Geom Mu-geuk arrived at his father’s quarters. Even if he couldn't see the other Demon Lords, he had to say goodbye to his father.
His father was performing his morning training. As Mu-geuk waited outside the training ground, Hwi’s voice called out.
"He says you may enter."
Geom Mu-geuk stepped onto the training ground.
His father stood with the Heavenly Demon Sword held out before him, eyes closed. He didn't radiate any aura, nor did he infuse the sword with True Qi. He simply stood there, feeling the sword. Last time, his father had taught him to fully sense the sword’s energy.
Geom Mu-geuk drew the Black Demonic Sword. Likewise, he did not infuse it with True Qi or release any aura, focusing solely on the blade.
‘You’ve been quite busy too, haven't you?’
Busy killing enemies, busy practicing the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. Because of that, he rarely had the leisure to close his eyes and focus entirely on the sword’s essence. It was like wanting to look at the sky but constantly forgetting to do so.
As he focused on the sword with his eyes closed, memories of his childhood suddenly surfaced.
His youth. The day he first drew a real sword instead of a wooden one after learning basic swordsmanship. He had been terrified of the blade in his small hands, but he had pretended not to be. Instead, he had put on a confident face. Even at that young age, he vividly remembered wanting to look good in his father’s eyes.
He recalled what his father had told him then.
— You must learn to fear the sword.
Thinking back, one would expect a father to tell his son not to fear the sword. At the time, he had simply let the words pass without much thought.
‘Do I fear the sword now?’
Geom Mu-geuk slowly opened his eyes. His father was already watching him.
"Now that I think about it, I’ve been focused only on the evil ghosts of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art lately. On its power, on its achievement. I was obsessed with when I would finally see the Heavenly Demon Soul."
Geom Mu-geuk added with a deepened gaze, "I had completely forgotten that a sword is a fearsome thing."
Had he been missing the very essence of swordsmanship—this very fear?
"Even though those were the words you spoke to me that day, Father."
A strange light flickered in Geom Wu-jin’s eyes as he looked at his son. What about his father? What kind of conversation had he been having with the Heavenly Demon Sword?
Geom Mu-geuk looked down at the Black Demonic Sword for a moment before sheathing it.
"What brings you here at this hour?"
"Something has come up that requires me to leave the cult again, so I came to pay my respects."
"You’ve barely been back. Where are you going now?"
Geom Mu-geuk asked his father tentatively, "Are you disappointed because your son is leaving again?"
The corners of his father’s mouth lifted slightly, though he didn't deny it.
"There is an urgent matter Lee An and I must handle. If trouble arises, I will send word through Tongcheon Pavilion."
Geom Wu-jin nodded.
"Miss Han and Lee An will come to the Heavenly Demon Hall to pay their respects. I’ll go ahead and wait for them there."
As Geom Mu-geuk turned to leave, Geom Wu-jin spoke from behind him.
"I am still afraid of the sword."
Geom Mu-geuk turned back to his father. Their gazes locked in the air. The sincerity his father offered for his son’s sake contained the ultimate principle of swordsmanship that only those who had reached the pinnacle could understand.
"That must be why I respect your sword, Father."
Because he knew it wasn't a cruel demonic blade. It was a sword stronger than any other, yet one that remained wary of its own strength.
"I, too, shall begin to fear it again starting today."
*
Lee An, Han Seol, and the Twin Frost Swords bid their farewells at the Heavenly Demon Hall. Han Seol offered a polite fist salute to Geom Wu-jin.
"I am leaving after a wonderful stay, thanks to you."
"Travel safely. Give my regards to the Palace Master."
"I shall. May you remain in good health until we meet again."
After Han Seol’s farewell, the Twin Frost Swords bowed as well.
"We will see you again, Cult Leader."
"Safe travels to you both."
Next, Lee An offered a respectful bow with a fluttering heart.
"Thank you for taking such good care of my sister. I will serve the Young Cult Leader well on our journey."
Since she was also of the North Sea Ice Palace bloodline, she had come along for Han Seol’s farewell. Then, Geom Wu-jin spoke to Han Seol and the Twin Frost Swords.
"Could you give us a moment of privacy?"
"Of course. Please, take your time," Han Seol replied.
Geom Mu-geuk said to Han Seol, "Please wait for me in front of the Heavenly Demon Hall."
But then Geom Wu-jin looked at Geom Mu-geuk.
"You too!"
"Me as well?"
He meant for everyone to leave except Lee An. Lee An looked at Geom Mu-geuk with a startled expression. Don't leave me here alone!
"Try to stay alive, Lee An!" Mu-geuk teased as he walked out.
I told you not to leave me alone! was Lee An’s internal scream.
The four of them exited the Heavenly Demon Hall. Left alone, Lee An kept her head bowed, her heart pounding.
‘What could it be? Am I going to be scolded? Or is he going to say something about the Young Cult Leader?’
As all sorts of thoughts raced through her mind, unexpected words flowed from Geom Wu-jin.
"You have achieved Great Achievement in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique."
Geom Wu-jin had recognized her achievement the moment she entered the hall. Since it was the Flying Heaven Sword Technique and no other, there was no way he wouldn't know.
"Yes, I achieved it recently. The Young Cult Leader has bestowed great teachings upon my foolish self. All of this was possible because you, Cult Leader, allowed me to learn it in the first place."
Lee An bowed her head deeply.
"Without innate martial talent, you could not have reached Great Achievement in such a short time, even if I had taught you personally instead of Mu-geuk."
At that moment, Hwi stepped forward with a box and handed it to Lee An.
"This is a gift from the Cult Leader."
With trembling hands, Lee An opened the box. To her shock, inside was a Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. Lee An looked up in astonishment, and Geom Wu-jin spoke calmly.
"It is a gift to commemorate your Great Achievement in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique."
Lee An was stunned. How could she have ever imagined the Heavenly Demon would give her such a gift? Dropping to her knees, Lee An cried out, "I cannot accept such a precious gift!"
Her voice trembled. Then came a single sentence that could not be refused.
"Accept it."
Lee An looked up at Geom Wu-jin again, then lowered her head and answered, "Yes, Cult Leader."
That wasn't all.
"Consume it now. I will watch over you."
Lee An’s mind was a whirlwind. With shaking hands, she consumed the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. Who else could say they knew what it felt like to chew a Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng in front of the Heavenly Demon? It was a truly indescribable, wondrous experience.
Once she had finished, Geom Wu-jin placed a hand on her back and injected a stream of internal energy to help her refine the power. With his help, there were no difficulties.
The vast internal energy of the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng settled into Lee An’s dantian. She had already significantly increased her energy by consuming the Ice Snow Herb given to her by the Ice Palace Master; now, the power of the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng was added to it.
She had become a master of internal energy who would not be pushed back by anyone. Great Achievement in the Flying Heaven Sword Technique, the Sun and Moon Sword, and now the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. She had truly become powerful.
Lee An bowed deeply in gratitude. No matter how great the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was, a Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng wasn't something he would just hand out like it was common.
"I will never forget this grace until the day I die. I will repay this debt with my loyalty to the Young Cult Leader."
She took it as a sign to protect the Young Cult Leader well. However, that wasn't the reason Geom Wu-jin had given her the ginseng.
"I did not give it to you because of Mu-geuk."
"Pardon?"
"I gave it to you for your sake."
Lee An looked up at Geom Wu-jin with a surprised face.
‘Surely the only reason he allowed me to learn the Flying Heaven Sword Technique, which is only passed down to blood relatives, was because of the Young Cult Leader’s request?’
At that moment, there was a reason she hadn't considered at all. It wasn't because she was a guard protecting the Young Cult Leader, nor because she was of the Ice Palace bloodline.
The reason was a single person he held dear.
"The daughter of the Fist Demon is no different from my own daughter."
"!"
Geom Wu-jin spoke to her in a gentle tone.
"Go now, and be safe."