Chapter 184: Heavenly Eye (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 184: Heavenly Eye (2)
He isn’t really hiding anything.
The fact that I knew this much made it clear—the Chief Abbot of Shaolin wasn’t keeping many secrets from me.
He explained that Meteor had been formed to prepare for an impending disaster, and that he wanted talented youths like us to join.
Jang Seonyeon was among them.
Jang Seonyeon.
Just the thought of him brought the Blood Demon to mind.
The Chief Abbot went on, suggesting that if I joined Meteor, I would gain much more.
A bigger world to see?
Considering how the Blood Demon had transferred energy through Jang Seonyeon, I couldn’t help but wonder—how had Jang Seonyeon obtained that power? And why did Namgung Cheonjun possess the same kind of energy?
Is Namgung Cheonjun also…?
If the Pissing Dragon was part of Meteor, then it made sense why the two shared similar energy signatures.
Though I’m still not certain.
And if both of them really were in Meteor…
Did they receive the Blood Demon’s energy there?
It was just speculation, but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the suspicion.
“You seem like you need time to think.”
Pushing aside the whirlwind of thoughts, I responded to the Chief Abbot first.
“…Yes, I apologize.”
“Not at all. I called you here abruptly—it’s understandable.”
I studied the Chief Abbot’s eyes as he spoke with generosity.
Does the Heavenly Eye also know about the Blood Demon?
If the Blood Demon was truly linked to Meteor, then the Chief Abbot was likely connected as well.
I hope that’s not the case.
That would be for the best.
I could accept that the Murim Alliance dabbled in shady dealings, but it was harder to stomach the idea that Shaolin—the very mind and eyes of the Orthodox Faction—had also been corrupted.
Even as I thought it, I knew it might already be too late.
[You call it a guess, but you sound pretty sure already.]
…
[The Heavenly Eye—that’s the old man’s title, right?]*
I confirmed silently to Elder Shin.
[The Heavenly Eye…]*
His tone was curious.
Is something wrong?
[Hmm… nothing. Let’s discuss this later in private.]*
He sounded slightly concerned. If I could see Elder Shin’s face, I imagined he’d be wearing the same expression I was.
I took another sip of tea, pretending to still be deep in thought.
It’s too risky to ask the Chief Abbot directly about the Blood Demon.
I couldn’t afford to let on how much I knew.
“As you said… I’d like some time to think it over.”
“Very well. I’ll send a letter to your parents.”
Since he mentioned informing my father, I gathered the Chief Abbot didn’t mind him knowing about our discussion.
I don’t know what’s going on in his mind, but the Heavenly Eye has given me a reason to join—to prepare for the coming disaster.
And if the Chief Abbot was being truthful, it made me wonder whether Father already knew about Meteor.
I’ll have to ask him when I get back.
Though I wasn’t sure he’d give me a straight answer.
“What about you?”
The Chief Abbot’s question was directed at Namgung Bi-ah. She, who had remained silent throughout our conversation, glanced at me and asked:
“…Are you joining?”
I nearly choked.
I hadn’t expected her to turn the question back to me.
“I said I’ll think about it. Why are you asking me?”
“…Then I’ll also… think.”
Namgung Bi-ah had seemed disinterested from the start. Rather than discussing Meteor or some grand disaster, she probably just wanted to return to her sword training.
That was always her way. Ever since her recent enlightenment in battle, she’d been swinging her sword day and night.
To think she’d resumed training the moment she recovered from her injuries—I couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Hehe.”
The Chief Abbot chuckled softly. In a way, her behavior could be seen as disrespectful, so I quickly tried to smooth things over.
“I understand. Take your time considering it.”
Fortunately, the Chief Abbot didn’t seem offended.
“You must be busy—I apologize for taking up your time.”
“Not at all, Chief Abbot. I also apologize for not giving a clearer answer.”
Though brief, the Chief Abbot had said all he needed to. When he gestured for us to take our leave, I gently pulled Namgung Bi-ah up, bowed respectfully, and headed for the door.
“I hope we can work together. For the future.”
Just as I was about to step out, the Chief Abbot’s words halted me.
Together.
I worried my aversion might show, so I kept my expression carefully neutral.
Namgung Bi-ah noticed my tension and softly wrapped her arm around mine, as if telling me to stay calm.
Thanks to her, my voice came out steady when I replied.
“Thank you for your words.”
I smiled, masking my true feelings.
Click—
Once the door closed behind us, the same serene sky greeted me outside.
Phew…
I released the sigh I’d been holding in.
The meeting with Shaolin’s Chief Abbot had been sudden and unexpected.
As I felt the breeze, a soft sleeve brushed against my forehead.
“You’re sweating…”
“Sweating?”
With the Fire Qi circulating within me, I rarely sweat unless I’m pushing myself to the limit.
…Wait, did I really sweat?
If so, it must be from overworking my brain lately—not exactly my strong suit.
“I can’t believe you zoned out during a meeting like that.”
I spoke jokingly to Namgung Bi-ah, but she only tilted her head, her expression blank.
She clearly hadn’t been paying attention.
“Did you hear anything we discussed in there?”
“Huh?”
“…Never mind.”
I wondered when she’d tuned out. Probably as soon as we stepped into the Chief Abbot’s room.
Leaving a tired, yawning Namgung Bi-ah to herself, I walked slowly among Shaolin’s ancient trees.
I never expected to meet the Chief Abbot.
Despite the short conversation, I’d gathered useful information—even if most of it was speculation.
The Blood Demon is tied to the Murim Alliance.
And that connection ran deeper than I’d initially thought.
As I strolled, Elder Shin’s voice returned.
[The Heavenly Eye—that was his title, correct?]
Yes.
It was the same question he’d asked earlier.
[And it’s a title reserved only for Shaolin’s Chief Abbots?]
Correct.
After answering, I pressed him. Something felt off.
Elder Shin, why do you ask?
[It’s the first time I’ve heard of such a thing.]
His reply reminded me that Cheolyoung’s title had been “Light of Might,” not “Heavenly Eye.”
Did the Heavenly Eye not exist back then?
I’d never looked too deeply into it—it never seemed necessary. Shaolin’s Chief Abbots were called the Heavenly Eye, and I’d accepted it without question.
[And you suspect the Blood Demon is pulling strings behind the Murim Alliance.]
It’s just a guess.
[Ha. You say it’s a guess, but you sound awfully certain.]
But it’s possible I’m wrong, isn’t it?
Elder Shin scoffed.
[Yeah, right.]
…
[I’m just concerned.]
About what?
[The idea that there truly is an eye that can see the future—and that such a power has been passed down among Shaolin’s Chief Abbots.]*
I thought I understood his worry.
…Do you think it’s related to the Blood Demon?
Several Chief Abbots had held the Heavenly Eye over the years, each contributing to the Alliance’s peace. Was it really plausible that the Blood Demon had been involved all along?
Elder Shin seemed aware of that too.
[It’s just a presumption on my part.]
The Heavenly Eye and the Blood Demon, huh…?
What Elder Shin implied was that either the Blood Demon had granted the Heavenly Eye to Shaolin’s abbots, or it had taken control of their vision.
If that were true, then the entire Murim Alliance—not just Shaolin—could be under the Blood Demon’s influence.
And considering the Alliance Leader’s son, Jang Seonyeon, that possibility seemed even more likely.
That complicates things far too much.
The Heavenly Demon was already a formidable enemy. If the Murim Alliance—which I had believed would stand against him—was actually controlled by the Blood Demon…
It meant I was surrounded by enemies.
At this rate, allying with the Unorthodox Faction might be the better option.
I never harbored the illusion that I could defeat the Heavenly Demon alone. Having witnessed his power firsthand, I knew it was impossible.
[So I ask again—what will you do?]
I pondered Elder Shin’s question. It wasn’t a decision to make lightly, but one option didn’t seem so bad. They’d already opened the path—maybe it was time to walk it.
I’ll go, since they invited me.
[Hmm?]
Elder Shin seemed puzzled at first, but quickly caught on.
[…Kid, are you thinking what I think you are?]
If everyone’s calling me, I might as well answer.
There was one sure way to learn about your enemies when you didn’t know enough—join them willingly.
And that meant stepping into Meteor of my own accord.