Chapter 225: Going To Battle (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 225: Going To Battle (1)
After Moyong Hi-ah left Gu Yangcheon and began walking back to her quarters, she suddenly stopped on the moonlit path and curled up on the ground.
“Hah… Hah…”
She held her stomach as she panted heavily, her face flushing a deep red for some reason.
“My lady, are you alright…!?”
Her servant, who had been waiting nearby, rushed over in concern, but Moyong Hi-ah waved her off, insisting she was fine.
“I’m… fine. It’s just… a new sensation.”
“Pardon?”
A strange heat flowed through her body, an entirely novel experience for Moyong Hi-ah. This warmth pushed back the eternal chill that had encased her for as long as she could remember, replacing it with a comforting heat that felt utterly alien.
…It’s warm.
She wasn’t cold.
This was everything she had ever wanted. Yet, the sheer intensity of the heat, arriving all at once, was overwhelming.
“Phew…”
But the discomfort was a minor thing. A joy so profound it was almost bewildering filled her. She didn’t know if it was the relief of the cold receding or the sheer novelty of feeling genuine warmth for the first time.
…As I thought, he was the answer.
Whatever the source, it was a wish fulfilled.
“…Hey.”
“Yes, my lady?”
“I need to send another message to the clan.”
“Huh? The clan? But you said everything that needed to be said last time.”
The deal with the Gu Clan had been brokered by Moyong Hi-ah herself. It was something the Clan Lord had vehemently opposed, but she had finally won his approval by convincing him it might cure her condition. This was the first time she had ever approached the Lord with a request related to her ailment.
Thanks to that, she got her way, though the Lord had demanded to meet this "True Dragon" in person. Of course, she hadn't mentioned any of this to Gu Yangcheon.
“…I need to discuss my engagement.”
“E-Engagement?”
The servant’s face turned ashen. The implication of Moyong Hi-ah’s words was terrifyingly clear.
“My lady… You can’t mean…?”
“Yes.”
Moyong Hi-ah nodded. Her face was still flushed red, and the heat had spread to the tips of her ears. She met her servant’s horrified gaze squarely.
“I’ll have to cancel it.”
The matter to be cancelled was the secret engagement to the Young Master of the Namgung Clan.
* * *
As soon as dawn broke, I got up and slipped out of my room. My body felt heavy and exhausted, though it wasn't from lack of sleep. It was a deep, mental fatigue.
“…I feel like death.”
Dragging my creaking body outside, I spotted the three intruders sleeping in the corner of my room. Wi Seol-Ah and Tang Soyeol were using Namgung Bi-ah’s stomach as a pillow. The sight made me chuckle despite myself.
“I told them to sleep in their own rooms.”
Last night, after being dragged away by Namgung Bi-ah, it had taken me hours to explain the situation. It shouldn’t have been such a long conversation, but convincing her why I had to accept the Moyong Clan’s offer was a trial. Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah seemed to either understand or give up halfway through, but Tang Soyeol kept picking apart every word I said. It was a hassle.
Why do I even have to explain all this?
Even with that thought, I couldn’t complain and had to lay everything out. My main excuse was the astronomical sum of money involved, but truthfully, the terms the Moyong Clan offered the Gu Clan were shocking enough that even Tang Soyeol had to nod in reluctant acceptance.
Her eyes looked a bit strange, though.
Tang Soyeol had a weird glint in her eyes while listening, but since she always had odd thoughts, I let it slide.
“Young Master.”
As I stood in the main hall, basking in the morning sun, Hongwa appeared and bowed respectfully.
“Did you sleep well?”
“…Do I look like I did?”
“…”
It seemed the answer was obvious even to her, as Hongwa averted her eyes slightly. She didn’t comment on the three girls sleeping in my room—perhaps she’d grown accustomed to Namgung Bi-ah’s intrusions, or my occasional allowance of Wi Seol-Ah’s stubborn requests. Though, I noticed her frown slightly when she saw Wi Seol-Ah among them.
Looks like she’s in for another scolding.
I found it almost impressive how Wi Seol-Ah never backed down, no matter how many times she was reprimanded. Maybe she was as stubborn as I was.
“We will prepare breakfast. Shall we prepare for your… guests as well?”
“…Yes, please. Oh, and there’s something I wanted to ask.”
“Of course.”
“How did they get in?”
“Pardon?”
Wi Seol-Ah was one thing, but Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol had strolled in as if they owned the place. I let Namgung Bi-ah do as she pleased—she was like a stray cat that came and went—but Tang Soyeol was a noble lady from a major clan. She shouldn’t be able to enter so easily without explicit permission.
My question seemed to confuse Hongwa. She paused for a moment before answering hesitantly.
“Did… the Young Master not approve their visit…?”
“…Since when did I?”
“Lady Namgung and Lady Tang said… that you had definitely given your permission.”
Realizing something was amiss, Hongwa flinched. “My apologies. I should have verified with you directly.”
It seemed she had taken the two girls at their word. Was it because I usually let such intrusions slide?
“…I am sorry.” Hongwa’s expression turned grim, as if she was ready to throw herself from a cliff.
Seeing her like that, I waved a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. I don’t mind them being here. But did the Tang Clan approve?”
That was the real issue. Namgung Bi-ah was an exception, but would the Tang Clan really sit idle if they knew Tang Soyeol was staying at my house?
If the Poison King finds out, he’ll throw a fit.
That seemed inevitable. The Tang Clan members were staying at a separate guesthouse within the Gu Clan estate. They would know Tang Soyeol had disappeared, and since she was usually with Namgung Bi-ah here, they’d quickly deduce her location.
…I just have to hope it doesn’t cause problems.
Tang Soyeol claimed she had a way to handle it, but I doubted even her methods would work against the Poison King.
She probably has no idea how much her father dotes on her.
The fact that the man who ruled Sichuan with an iron fist was a softy only for his daughter—Tang Soyeol likely had no clue.
“Keep me informed of any reaction from their side.”
“Understood…”
“And don’t worry too much. I’ll take responsibility and approve their visit retroactively.”
At my words, Hongwa’s eyes widened slightly before she bowed deeply and left.
“…Hmm.”
Alone again, I sat down to think.
My secluded training starts at noon, right?
I was to enter closed-door cultivation at noon and remain there for two months. After that, I would join the Fifth Swordsmen Army on the battlefield. With so much time to kill, I wondered if anything significant would happen in the outside world.
Was there anything major in the next few years?
The biggest event I could recall was the destruction of the Black Palace, but that was still years away. With the Palace Lord on the loose, who knew what else might change? I’d even seen the Heavenly Demon with my own eyes. The situation was unpredictable.
But in my current state, I can’t change any of it.
So, for gathering information…
The Hao Clan seems more useful than the Beggar’s Sect.
I had a connection with Chuwong, but I couldn’t just use the Beggar’s Sect for intelligence gathering because of him. The sect was allied with the Murim Alliance; any information they obtained would likely be shared with the Alliance first.
Not that I can fully trust the Hao Clan, either.
But they seemed like the better option.
Maybe I should use Elder Mook to get what I want?
The thought crossed my mind, and I glanced at the seal in my pocket—the one Elder Mook had given me. He’d told me to use it if I wanted to learn something.
…But how does it work?
I tried channeling qi into it, hoping it would activate like the Marble of Celestial Captivation. I even rolled it around in my hand. Nothing. It didn’t seem to work that way.
And it’s made with that old man’s energy.
That bothered me. But I couldn’t just throw it away.
…What if I did?
Maybe he could retrieve it since it was infused with his energy. As I studied the seal, pondering its use…
Ssss.
I felt someone approach from behind. Soon, two pale arms wrapped around me.
“Oouugh…”
She made a groggy, silly noise. But I recognized the voice immediately.
“Why are you latching onto me the second you wake up?”
“Oough…”
As expected, it was Wi Seol-Ah.
“I’m tired…”
“Then go back to sleep.”
“I can’t…”
“Why not?”
…Was she hungry? It was almost time for breakfast. I was about to call Hongwa, thinking Wi Seol-Ah must be starving, but she hugged me tighter and whispered softly.
“…Young Master is leaving today.”
“Oh.”
So it was because my training started at noon. I chuckled. “What do you mean, ‘leaving’?”
I was just going into seclusion within the Gu Clan grounds, not leaving the estate.
“…But still.”
She hugged me even tighter, her reluctance to let go making my heart ache.
“I-Is it possible… for me to go with you?”
“I’ve never heard of someone bringing a companion into closed-door training.”
“B-But I could train too…!”
Wi Seol-Ah was talking nonsense.
“Ahh…!”
Suddenly, her arms were ripped away from me. I looked back to see Namgung Bi-ah pulling Wi Seol-Ah back by the collar. She rubbed her sleepy eyes.
“Stop it.”
“But, Sis…”
“…You’re bothering him.”
“…”
Wi Seol-Ah fell silent at Namgung Bi-ah’s words. Seeing her on the verge of tears, I felt a pang of guilt and opened my mouth to reassure her.
“I’m fin-“
“…You be quiet, too…”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I couldn’t talk back to Namgung Bi-ah. She was still upset about yesterday. I hadn’t seen her this displeased in a while, and I knew better than to argue when she was in this mood. Wi Seol-Ah and I both shut our mouths.
Just then, I noticed a figure in green approaching like a sleepy squirrel, rubbing her eyes. It was Tang Soyeol. When she saw me, she jolted awake and hurriedly straightened her robes. She seemed surprised to find herself here.
“W-What do I do? Did I snore…?”
“You didn’t snore much.”
“I snored…!?”
“Just kidding.”
She had snored a little, but it wasn’t bothersome—it sounded like a growling cub.
“M-My first night with you, and it was spent like this…”
I ignored Tang Soyeol’s melodramatic muttering and addressed the group.
“…Let’s eat.”
They all nodded. Breakfast was important.
* * *
Noon arrived.
After finishing my meal and preparations, I headed to the training grounds.
“…You’re entering this place.”
“Do you think I’m going to die in there? Why that tone…”
“I’m worried you might cause trouble inside.”
The Second Elder was still bandaged, not fully recovered from his injuries. Yet he’d dragged his sick body here to see me off. Gu Huibi had come too, but she hadn’t spoken to me for days.
“Sister.”
“…”
No response.
Annoyed, I pressed her. “Why are you sulking?”
“Who’s sulking? Do you want to die, little brother?”
“Calm your eyes.”
“My eyes are always this fierce.”
She had a point.
I checked Gu Huibi’s condition. The Demonic Qi was gone, and she was recovering well. The Immortal Healer had even secretly asked me if I was responsible. I told him I wasn’t.
“…Eat well.”
She managed to slip in those words. I smiled, feeling a mix of amusement and speechlessness.
“There’s only Bigu in there. What ‘eating well’ are you talking about?”
“But you won’t eat unless someone nags you.”
“Do you think I’m a child? I’ll eat when I’m hungry.”
What did she mean, ‘nag’? I wasn’t three years old. What era did she think this was?
My response clearly dissatisfied her. Gu Huibi turned her head away sharply.
“Whatever. Do as you please. I’m leaving.”
“Okay.”
“You’re not even stopping me. This is why raising a child is pointless.”
Gu Huibi stomped off in a huff. The Second Elder sighed.
“What did you do this time to make Huibi act like that?”
“…I didn’t do anything.”
It was the truth. I’d even helped her by absorbing the Demonic Qi. Why did she always act like that toward me?
“The Clan Lord won’t be coming.”
“I know.”
I knew better than anyone that my father wouldn’t show up for this. It didn’t bother me.
“…Young Master!”
Wi Seol-Ah came running up, her face tear-streaked, and hugged me tightly.
“Crying again?”
“I-I’m not crying…”
“…Then stop wiping your nose on me.”
My chest was damp. It must have been my imagination.
“Eat properly. I’ll be out soon.”
…O-okay.”
I patted Wi Seol-Ah’s head. She hadn’t finished her food earlier, her appetite gone.
…The mighty Wi Seol-Ah, skipping a meal?
It felt strange, knowing it was because of me. It wasn’t that big a deal.
After patting her head, I looked at the others. “Why is everyone gathered here? It’s not like I’m going on a long journey.”
“…Have a safe trip…”
Namgung Bi-ah waved slightly. Her eyes looked a little sad, but I must have been mistaken. Tang Soyeol seemed to have a lot she wanted to say but held her tongue.
I gave a brief wave and called out, “Muyeon.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
It was the first time I’d seen him in a while. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you…”
Muyeon bowed his head when I congratulated him. He had reached the Peak Realm while I wasn’t looking. I knew because he’d happily announced it to everyone.
…He even bragged about it to the Sword Venerable.
For someone with such a heavy aura, Muyeon had a surprisingly loose tongue.
I looked at him and said, “Handle the task I asked of you while I’m away.”
“Yes. I will carry it out without fail.”
“Good. But don’t overwork yourself.”
Gu Ryunghwa hadn’t come to see me off.
“…Sigh. This is why raising a child is pointless.”
I muttered, thinking of Gu Ryunghwa. The Second Elder gave me a strange look. I didn’t know what he was thinking, but his expression was irritating.
“I’ll be going now.”
I turned my back on everyone and moved toward the training chamber. Two months would pass in a flash. There was no need for a drawn-out, emotional farewell.
Besides, I’m basically going in for punishment.
There was no reason for anyone to get worked up over that.
“…Young Master!”
Just before I entered, Wi Seol-Ah called out from behind.
“Hmm?”
“Y-You have to come out as soon as possible, okay…?”
That wasn’t really up to me.
“…I’ll do my best?”
“Don’t forget about me, okay…?”
“Forget? What do you think I am, a goldfish?”
I wasn’t going to forget anything in two months.
Despite my response, her voice was thick with tears. “Promise me…”
She clutched the accessory I’d bought for her tightly. She looked so pitiful. Had I spent too much time with her? Nothing would happen just because I was away for a bit.
“Yeah. I won’t forget you, so don’t worry.”
…Okay.”
She finally smiled at my answer. I turned away from her and stepped into the chamber.
Slam-!
The entrance sealed shut behind me.
It’s hot.
The dark space was cramped and filled with an oppressive heat that immediately made me sweat. This was the secluded training ground for the Gu Clan’s bloodline, generating an intense, almost absurd amount of heat. In one corner were supplies of water and Bigu pills, enough to last half a year, let alone two months.
Without hesitation, I sat cross-legged on the floor.
Blaze.
I closed my eyes and summoned my flames. I couldn’t afford to waste these two months. And there was something I needed to check.
Hey.
I called out within my mind. It wasn’t for Elder Shin; he wouldn’t answer, especially since I’d asked him not to before entering.
I know you’re awake. Answer me.
My consciousness plunged inward, digging deep into the foundations of my being. It was like sending my words directly into my dantian.
I won’t give you any food if you don’t respond.
I wondered how deep I had to go to get a reaction from this thing. But, as if lured by the mention of food…
[…Grr.]
A bestial growl echoed from the depths of the darkness. I suppressed my nervousness. I still didn’t know what this entity living inside me truly was.
Proceeding with extreme caution…
Shall we talk?
I put on a mental smile and addressed the tenant in my body.