Chapter 198: Marble of Celestial Captivation (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 198: Marble of Celestial Captivation (1)
The cloth tied over his eyes was caked with dust and soaked a deep, unsettling red. It was clear he had bled profusely, and judging by the state of it, he had likely lost his sight entirely.
“Surprisingly composed, for a girl,” the old man chuckled, a dry, rasping sound.
Gu Huibi frowned at the voice. Trapped in this wretched situation, the last thing she needed was some stranger appearing out of nowhere. Her guard shot up instantly.
“Who are you?”
“Would it mean anything if I told you?”
His body was emaciated, covered in the scars of old tortures. Despite his condition, the unsettling chuckle that emanated from him sent a fresh wave of unease through Gu Huibi.
She quickly took stock of her own state.
I’m completely restrained.
Her legs, her arms—every part of her was suppressed. Even the Qi within her body refused to stir, showing not the slightest hint of movement.
Is this some form of acupuncture? If it were, I would have felt it. It’s impossible not to notice such an intrusive technique. But if it’s not that… then what?
She couldn’t understand. Her Qi was intact, yet it utterly ignored her commands. Concentrating her will, Gu Huibi attempted to seize control. Even if she couldn’t command her dantian fully, gaining a sliver of influence would be a start.
But the moment she focused all her strength into her dantian…
“…!”
An excruciating pain erupted, wracking her body with violent convulsions.
“Ughh…!”
It wasn't just pain. It felt as if something were gnawing at her from the inside out. A scream threatened to tear from her throat, but she clenched her jaw, forcing it down.
“Impressive. Most wouldn’t be able to endure that,” the old man remarked, his chuckling never ceasing.
“…You…” Gu Huibi shot a glare in his direction, realizing he was fully aware of her failed attempt.
The old man continued to stare—or rather, sense—her presence. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t look at me so fiercely. I’m not the one responsible for your condition.”
“…Can you see?” Gu Huibi asked, suspicion sharpening her tone.
“Does it seem that way to you?”
“No… of course not.”
“Correct. I am completely blind.”
His words were a contradiction. He had spoken as if he could see everything, yet now claimed blindness. The blood-soaked cloth over his eyes made a grim kind of sense.
“Some things become visible only when one cannot see,” he said cryptically.
Gu Huibi let out a derisive scoff. This old man wasn’t normal, but then again, neither was anyone else in this place. She had bigger concerns.
“Do you have any idea what’s happening?” she asked.
The old man’s expression shifted into something strange, almost fascinated. “What’s the matter?”
“You are the only one here to ask.”
“How can you ask a question when you don’t even know what I might do?”
“You said yourself that you aren’t responsible,” Gu Huibi retorted, still curled slightly from the lingering pain.
“Do you believe that?”
“Does it make a difference if I don’t?”
“Hoho.” The old man emitted a hollow laugh as he settled on the ground before her. As her eyes adjusted to the gloom, his features became clearer. The shackles on his ankles were far larger and more intricate than her own.
“I’ve heard the rumors, but you are crazier than I thought.”
“You know me?”
“Of course I do. How could I not? You are the almighty Sword Phoenix.”
The greatest young prodigy to emerge after Peng Woojin. The treasure of the Gu Clan, the perfection created by the Tiger Warrior. Her fire-like personality, reflected in her vibrant attire, was never overshadowed by her beauty. It was said her talent was so immense it rendered all her flaws irrelevant, making her a beacon of hope for all of Shanxi. That was Gu Huibi’s reputation.
“You’re truly as peculiar as the stories say.”
“It’s a little rude to say that to someone’s face.”
The old man continued to ‘stare’ at her.
Is she calm, or just stubborn? he wondered. A woman barely twenty shouldn’t possess such composure in a situation like this. Even for a martial artist, her demeanor was remarkably collected. Or perhaps, it’s merely a façade. He kept the thought to himself; there was no need to voice it.
“This is the Black Palace.”
At his words, Gu Huibi flinched. Her eyes narrowed, and she clenched her jaw.
“It seems you already knew,” the old man noted.
Gu Huibi bit her lip. She had suspected as much.
Then, that man really was…
Her mind flashed back to the battle's final moments. A mysterious crack had torn open the space before her. The Second Elder had lunged to her aid. In that instant, a vile, oppressive presence had filled the air. Before she could even draw her sword, she’d been sent flying by a shove from the Second Elder’s hand.
The memory brought a wave of humiliation. While the Second Elder fought that calamitous figure alone, she had been utterly useless, tethered to the ground by her own inadequacy. She had swung her sword countless times throughout her life precisely to avoid becoming such a burden. Though she had recently broken through to the Peak Realm after a long struggle, the feeling of incompetence still clung to her.
“It seems you’ve met the Palace Lord,” the old man said, breaking her reverie.
Gu Huibi’s eyes widened.
“My deduction is simple. Only the Black Palace Lord could reduce a martial artist to such a state.”
“…So it’s because of him that I can’t use my Qi.” The master whom the Second Elder had fought with all his might. The image of him reducing everything to ash while blocking the Elder’s heavy fists was seared into her memory. He had seemed less a man and more a monster. So that is the power of one of the Four Emperors and Five Kings.
“You can use your Qi. You tried to earlier,” the old man remarked.
Gu Huibi focused. He was talking about the agonizing recoil she’d felt.
“If you could endure that pain, you would be able to use it. Though I don’t know if a human can accomplish such a thing.”
“…”
He was saying it was effectively impossible.
“…I must find another way.”
“Are you thinking of escaping?”
“I can’t just sit here forever.”
“I praise your bravery, but it won’t be easy.”
Ignoring him, Gu Huibi surveyed her surroundings more carefully. They were in a cell bounded by iron bars. A small hole in the wall allowed a sliver of moonlight to filter in, confirming it was night.
How much time has passed? More importantly, are the Fifth Swordsmen and the Second Elder alright?
Her mind raced with worry. She didn’t even know why she had been brought here.
“…Sigh.” Gu Huibi brushed her hair back, forcing herself to calm down. Regardless of the circumstances, maintaining composure was paramount. Her father’s words, spoken when she assumed command of her army, echoed in her mind. He had likely been cautioning her against her fiery temper, but those words had always grounded her.
What should I do… in this situation?
She had no sword. Her Qi was unresponsive. In the deep darkness, there were only iron bars and this enigmatic old man.
“As I said earlier, how about you stay still? It’s quite bothersome.”
“…Are you really blind?”
“When you’ve lived as long as I have, you develop certain senses.”
Could a mere ‘sharp sense’ explain how he knew so much despite his blindness? The old man merely chuckled again.
“I was lonely. I’m glad to have someone to talk to now.”
“I admire your ability to be so carefree.”
“How could I not be happier? Your presence makes my situation more hopeful.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“The fact that you are here suggests the Tiger Warrior might finally move.”
Hearing her father’s title, Gu Huibi frowned. “I don’t know why you mention my clan lord.”
“His own daughter is captured. Of course, a father would try to save her.”
Gu Huibi let out a harsh, forced laugh. “I don’t know what fantasies you’re entertaining, but the clan lord isn’t that type of person.”
He was not a man to show favoritism, even to his own children. He never offered more than what was necessary. He had never shown them affection; if he had ever possessed any love for them at all… he wouldn't have let their mothers meet the fates they did.
“You should discard that hope of yours.”
“…”
The old man offered no response to her cold retort. He only continued to ‘stare’ with his sightless eyes.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“For you to accuse a blind man of staring… how rude.”
She wasn’t in the mood for jokes. The old man’s easygoing demeanor grated on her nerves. She ignored him, turning her attention inward to organize her thoughts.
Just then, he spoke again. “Child, it seems you don’t know much about your father.”
Gu Huibi sighed in exasperation. “If you’re going to lecture me about a father’s hidden love—”
“You don’t seem to know what happens when a family member of the Tiger Warrior is harmed.”
His cryptic words made Gu Huibi narrow her eyes. “Old man… do you know something about my father?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure.” His tone contradicted his words, suggesting he knew a great deal.
With that, the old man dragged his heavy shackles and leaned back against the wall. “I’m tired. I’m going to rest my eyes. Do as you please.”
“What you said just now—”
“If you’re worried about your condition, don’t be. No one will be able to lay a hand on you for a while, not even the Palace Lord.” He paused, then slowly raised a hand to point vaguely toward her waist. “Oh, and also…”
Gu Huibi’s hands flew to her waist.
“…!”
She understood immediately. Attached to her belt was the charm she had given to Gu Yangcheon just before her departure.
“Let’s talk about what’s inside that, and whatever else you’re curious about, tomorrow. Tsk, tsk. An old man like me should just die. I tire so easily now.”
“…Old Man, who are you, really?”
“How strange. You can see, unlike me. Can’t you tell just by looking? I’m a person.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I’m tired. Stop asking. I have no name, so just call me Old Man Mook from now on. But no more talk for today.”
With those final words, the old man began to snore loudly, as if wanting to ensure she heard him drift off.
Left alone in the silence, Gu Huibi removed the charm from her waist with trembling hands and tucked it securely into a pocket. It was a small mercy that her captors had overlooked it.
But the marble concealed within the charm…
What it was, and its purpose…
She prayed her little brother would never have to discover it.
For this was one of a pair of treasures, designed to reveal the location of whoever possessed its twin.
* * *
As Gu Huibi nervously secured the charm in her pocket, Gu Yangcheon was meeting with the Second Elder.
The Second Elder lay on a pallet, his body swathed in bandages. He looked up at Gu Yangcheon, who stood before the prison bars. “What a sorry sight I must be,” the Elder said, his voice laced with a grim amusement.
“If you just woke up, you should have stayed in bed. Why bother coming here?” Gu Yangcheon replied calmly.
Miraculously, the Second Elder had regained consciousness. The Immortal Healer had predicted a swift recovery, but Gu Yangcheon hadn’t expected him to be mobile so soon. Even with a perfect surgery, this was only possible due to the Elder’s monstrous regenerative abilities.
“This old man came to you because you cannot come to me,” the Second Elder retorted, clicking his tongue.
As he said, even if Gu Yangcheon had wanted to visit, he was in no position to do so.
He was currently in prison.
Specifically, the Gu Clan’s dungeon.
“Jeez. I’ll be allowed to leave soon. How impatient of you.”
“Leave soon, my ass? Do you think you get to walk free so easily after causing such trouble?”
“It won’t take long,” Gu Yangcheon said, his tone unamused.
“The Third and Fourth Elders have sworn to ‘fix’ that attitude of yours because of this incident.”
“Ha. Who’s going to fix who? Those two aren’t even active anymore.” Unlike the First and Second Elders, who actively served the clan, the other two were relics who rarely involved themselves in clan affairs. And now those senile old men think they can call me out?
“That’s why, you brat! Why did you cause such a big mess when this old man couldn’t back you up!”
Gu Yangcheon merely pouted in response. He had his reasons for killing the First Elder, reasons known only to himself. Even with the Steward’s tacit approval, killing a clan Elder was a grave offense. Punishment was inevitable, despite his bloodline.
Things would be easier if the First Elder’s basement were discovered. But I’m stuck here for now, especially with Father away from the clan.
“How are you feeling?” Gu Yangcheon asked.
“Perfectly fine.”
“I heard there’s a hole in your chest. There’s no way you’re fine.”
“You punk! Why ask if you weren’t going to believe me?”
The Second Elder let out a light, pained laugh. “Are you planning to just stay put?”
“What can I do? Father isn’t even here.”
“Do you want me to use a bit of force?”
“Judging by your tone, you mean actual force. I’ll pass.”
“…”
His silence confirms it. He really was considering smashing his way in. Why is he like this, especially in his condition?
Seeing he couldn’t persuade him, the Second Elder changed the subject. “Your girls are very worried about you.”
“…”
“Especially that servant of yours. She cries every day.”
He means Wi Seol-Ah. “…I’ll deal with that myself.” It seems I’ll have no choice but to.
Gu Yangcheon set the thought aside and fixed the Elder with a serious look. “How about you start telling me now?”
“About what?”
“About my sister, Gu Huibi.”
“…”
“I know that’s why you came. What happened?”
“You’ve developed a keen sense. You weren’t like this before.”
Between Gu Huibi’s abduction and his own loss of consciousness, it was obvious why the Elder had sought him out with such urgency after waking.
The Second Elder hesitated for a moment, then met Gu Yangcheon’s gaze and began to speak.