Chapter 651: Back to the Central Plains (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 651: Back to the Central Plains (3)
The moment I spoke, the room fell into a heavy silence.
That silence, layered over the already frigid atmosphere, made my stomach churn. Fortunately, it didn't last long.
“Young Master Gu.”
“Yes.”
“Do you realize the weight of what you just said?”
“I understand half of it. The other half? Not so much.”
To the Lord of the Palace, who had offered me a reward, I had first requested information on sorcery. Then, I demanded custody of the fool currently rotting in the underground dungeon.
I wasn't sure how significant the former was to them, but I was certain about the latter.
“You are asking me to hand over the ringleader of a rebellion.”
The fool starving in the depths of the prison was Woo Hyuk.
It was only natural that he’d be locked up after showing his face here so brazenly. Regardless of his reasons, he was still one of the key figures who had led the revolt.
‘Stupid bastard.’
I told him to find me later, but I never imagined he’d just walk right into the lion's den.
‘No, wait. The one inhabiting that body was Namgung Myung, so isn’t it his fault?’
I considered it for a moment, but I knew the truth. Even if it had been Woo Hyuk himself, he would have crawled here on his own two feet. They were an incomprehensible bunch.
‘They could have just run away or come to me quietly.’
Why did they insist on living like such pushovers? It was suffocating just thinking about it. And seeing that idiocy play out right in front of me was even more infuriating.
‘What can I do? This is the price I pay for having such a foolish friend.’
I could let it slide a few more times. He had done a lot for me in my past life; I could at least do this much for him now.
“Ha.”
A scoff echoed through the room. It didn't come from the Lord of the Palace, nor the Black Lion. It came from someone I hadn't seen before.
‘Another one of the generals.’
He was an old man with a polished bald head and a flowing white beard. He was currently scowling at me with pure vitriol.
“Even if you helped save the North Sea, how dare you speak such insolence in front of the Lord—!”
His voice rose, thick with displeasure. Seeing this, the Black Lion raised a hand to restrain him, but…
Flick.
My hand had already moved.
KUUUUNG—!!
“Keuk—!?”
I struck the empty air, imbuing the blow with my intent. The bald man was slammed into the wall by the force of a Heart Fist.
“Oh.”
I couldn't help but marvel at the sight. I had held back significantly, yet it still packed that much power. It was another reminder of just how much my realm had ascended.
‘I’ll need more time to get this under control.’
It seemed it would take longer than expected to adjust to this sudden surge in strength.
“…Kuh…!!”
The bald general, who had collapsed for a moment, pushed himself up. He drew the long spear from his back in one fluid motion.
Clang—!
He wasn't the only one. Most of the others drew their weapons as well, preparing to confront me.
“Enough…”
The Lord’s quiet voice cut through the tension. “I am still in conversation with our guest.”
“My Lord! But that man…!”
“White Eagle. Do you intend to disobey my command?”
“…!”
So the bald old man’s name was White Eagle.
‘Is it because he’s bald?’
The ridiculous thought almost made me snort.
“Young Master, I ask that you please restrain yourself as well.”
“Yes, my apologies. I got a bit carried away.”
Truthfully, I could have held back, but I wanted to test the waters.
‘I thought it would set the stage perfectly.’
And just as I expected, the stage was set exactly as I wanted. I had hoped the Lord wouldn't intervene, but perhaps that was asking for too much.
“…I apologize for failing to manage my subordinate during our talk,” the Lord said, his expression hardening. “However, do you truly understand the gravity of your request?”
“As I said, I understand half of it.”
“And which half would that be?”
“Naturally, I’m referring to Woo Hyuk… no, Biwegun.”
“...”
Saaaa.
The temperature in the room plummeted.
‘Hmm.’
I had definitely drained all the Ice Qi from the Lord. His body should have been in shambles, yet he could still exert this much pressure.
‘…This is more than I expected.’
The Lord’s level was higher than I had anticipated. Now that I had regained the strength of my past life, I could see it clearly. The Lord was a powerhouse—much stronger than I initially gave him credit for.
‘Is he still this imposing even after losing his energy?’
It was strange. He felt powerful despite his weakened state.
‘It’s more likely that the curse was actually holding him back.’
His Dragonization had been undone, and the curse lifted. While lifting the curse was a blessing, he should have been weakened by the reversal of the transformation. Yet, the Lord’s presence was more formidable now than when I first met him.
Of course…
‘He’s still weaker than me right now.’
If he were at full strength, it might be a different story. But in his current state? I was confident I could take him. That was all that mattered.
“I am aware that Biwegun is your close friend. However, he was a leader of the rebellion and is currently a high-security criminal.”
“I know.”
“And you are asking me to release him?”
“Yes. That is correct.”
“…Young Master Gu.”
A chilling aura emanated from him. I narrowed my eyes, meeting his gaze.
“As the savior of the North Sea, I wish to reward you to the best of my ability. But this crosses the line.”
“I’m aware of that. But since you offered a reward, I simply stated what I need most.”
“Matters concerning sorcery… are typically reserved for those of the bloodline, but I can permit you to view the records under my authority as Lord.”
That wasn't bad news. It meant I’d get what I wanted regarding sorcery one way or another.
“However, the matter concerning Biwegun is beyond what I can permit.”
“Yes, I figured as much.”
It was only natural. I had made the request fully expecting a refusal. What kind of ruler would agree to such a thing?
However…
“My Lord. Here’s the thing.”
“Speak.”
“If you don’t grant my request, I’ll have no choice but to become your enemy.”
“…!”
I didn't beat around the bush; I went straight for the throat. The impact of my words was immediate. Not just the Lord, but every general in the room froze solid.
I continued, staring directly at the Lord.
“I know that idiot messed up. I’m sure he had his reasons, but I don’t care about any of that. The fact is, he caused trouble.”
I didn't know Woo Hyuk's intentions or why he had sided with Yuseon. I hadn't had the time to listen. Besides, even if I heard the whole story, it wouldn't change the fact that Woo Hyuk was in the wrong.
But…
“That doesn’t really have anything to do with me.”
“Young Master Gu…!”
The Lord’s expression finally crumbled.
“I tried to be civil about this, but this seems to be the fastest way. I understand your position, my Lord. But if you don’t release him, I will take him by force.”
It was a blatant threat. It was also a declaration that I wasn't interested in negotiating.
Hand him over. If you don’t, I’ll break him out myself.
It was a move I could only pull because I had the power, and because the entire Ice Palace—including its Lord—was currently vulnerable. In truth, even if everyone here attacked me at once, I could break through and leave without much trouble.
‘Three in the Fusion Realm, and a few Peak Realm martial artists outside.’
I couldn't quite gauge the Lord's exact level, but in his current state, I could count him as a Fusion Realm master. So, four? It might be a bit tough alone, but I had Seong Yul with me.
The only variable was…
‘There are none, unless the Dishonored Venerable tries to stop me.’
The chances of that were slim, so I was taking the direct route, even if it was reckless.
‘Using my head is a pain.’
No matter how much I racked my brain, this was always going to be the outcome.
‘Besides.’
I stared at the Lord’s contorted face. From the moment I first mentioned Woo Hyuk, I had noticed a subtle dissonance in his pale blue eyes.
‘This guy.’
The Lord wasn't just low on energy; he was as sly as a fox. I had thought he was terrible at politics, but it seemed I was wrong.
Shing.
The sound of a sword being drawn echoed. I didn't need to look. It was Seong Yul. However, he wasn't the one who had initiated the aggression.
Shhhhh—!!
I smirked as a prickling sensation crawled up my spine. Combat Qi. Seong Yul had reacted because he felt the killing intent rising from the generals.
Feeling this, I focused the power in my heart. In that instant…
KUUUUUU—!!!
“Keok…!!”
“Hup—!”
A crushing pressure radiated from my feet, filling the room.
‘It’s been a while since I’ve done this. It’s actually a bit refreshing.’
I unleashed my energy fiercely, ensuring no one would dare make a rash move. At the same time, I carefully controlled the flow so it bypassed Seong Yul and the Lord. That would make it easier for the Lord to make his move.
Ssk.
The Lord rose from his throne and met my gaze. We were barely five steps apart.
“I understand your position,” I spoke first. “That’s why I don’t want to use force either.”
His daughter, who had started the rebellion, was dead. The duty of the bloodline—protecting the Ice Crystal for centuries—had been fulfilled. This meant the Lord’s lineage no longer needed to sacrifice themselves for the throne. In other words, he had more reason than ever to avoid another conflict.
“So, please. Let’s handle this amicably,” I said with a smile.
It was a purely selfish statement—a vicious tactic of exploiting the opponent's weakness to my advantage. Even I thought it was a bit much, but this was the role I had to play.
“Otherwise, you’ll be the only one who loses, my Lord. You already know, don’t you? You can’t stop me right now.”
“...”
I pressured the Lord, releasing my Combat Qi. Or rather, I pretended to pressure him. This gave the Lord the justification he needed to yield.
“Kgggh…!”
One of the generals groaned under the weight of the pressure. They couldn't move. Not only was Seong Yul blocking them, but if they twitched, I might just take the Lord’s head. My display of power was meant to make them realize that.
A few seconds passed. Then tens of seconds. When no answer came, I spoke softly to the Lord.
“Or should I deal with the generals behind you first? Then we can talk.”
“…Huuuu…”
The Lord let out a long, weary sigh. “…I will accept.”
The moment the words left his lips, I retracted my energy.
Fwoosh—!!
“Keuk!”
As the pressure vanished, the generals staggered. Their eyes were wide with shock, but I ignored them. The Lord’s face was a mask of complex emotions. He perfectly portrayed the image of a ruler forced to release a criminal against his will.
‘He’s a damn good actor.’
If I didn't know better, I would have been fooled into feeling a sliver of guilt.
‘This is the man who started setting the stage the moment I brought it up.’
I suppressed a hollow laugh. This performance wasn't mine alone; the Lord was my co-star. To an outsider, it looked like I was the aggressor, but the Lord had steered the situation toward this specific outcome: a scenario where he had "no choice" but to hand over Woo Hyuk.
The "no choice" part was crucial.
‘It solidifies the Lord’s position and avoids any political fallout.’
He needed a scapegoat, and I was happy to play the villain. A powerful foe that a weakened Lord couldn't stop—a man threatening to slaughter everyone if his demands weren't met. The Lord had "bravely" stood his ground but ultimately chose the lives of his subordinates over a prisoner.
“…I have no choice but to accept. There must be no more casualties,” the Lord declared.
“An excellent choice.”
“My Lord…! How…!! Because of us—!!”
“Kgggh…!”
I had gone from the savior of the North Sea to a villain threatening its ruler in record time.
‘It doesn’t really matter, but it still feels a bit off.’
Maybe because it happened so often in my past life, being treated as the bad guy again left a bitter taste in my mouth.
‘But if I get what I want, who cares?’
This was enough. I waited for his next words.
“However… there is a condition,” the Lord added.
He laid out his terms for taking Woo Hyuk. After hearing him out, I nodded.
“That much should be fine.”
Fortunately, it wasn't a difficult condition to meet.
* * *
Afterward, I left the audience chamber and headed for the prison. My business with the Lord was done; now it was time for the most important task of the day.
Perhaps because the chill hadn't fully lifted, the path to the basement felt strangely cold. After descending a long flight of stairs, I reached the iron-barred cells guarded by several men.
Among the guards, I spotted a familiar face.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
The person flinched. It was Yuri, the former Second Young Lady who had now become the First.
“Ah… Greetings, benefactor.”
Yuri’s eyes widened as she bowed deeply.
‘Looks like she came to see him.’
Beyond the bars sat a calm, handsome young man. Woo Hyuk was sitting there with a placid expression.
“Should I come back later?” I asked Yuri.
“No… I will take my leave now.”
She gave me a slight bow and hurried away, disappearing into the shadows of the corridor. I turned my gaze to Woo Hyuk.
“Were you in the middle of something important?”
“…It wasn’t anything particularly important.”
“Alright. Sorry if I interrupted.”
Bullshit it wasn't important. His expression was anything but ordinary.
‘Trying to lie to me.’
I could tell the moment I saw them that their relationship was… complicated. I have a knack for noticing these things, though I didn't let it show.
Hiding a smirk, I looked at Woo Hyuk. “You look ridiculous. Comfortable?”
“Haha…”
“Look at you. You should have stayed hidden. Why did you crawl in here just to get caught?”
“...”
Ignoring his silence, I reached for the iron bars.
“Hey! Wait—!”
A guard rushed to stop me, but—Hiiisss!—the iron bars in my hand melted from the heat and were torn away like paper. I did it so casually that the guard just stood there, dumbfounded.
“I have the Lord's permission, so just stay put,” I told the guard.
“Yes…?”
I stepped into the cell and looked at Woo Hyuk. “We’re going back to the Central Plains tomorrow. It’s all been settled.”
“…You…”
Woo Hyuk looked surprised for a moment, then bit his lip and shook his head. “…I’m not going.”
My expression didn't flicker. I knew he’d say that. Still, I asked out of courtesy. “Why?”
“…I have committed a sin that cannot be washed away. I must pay the price.”
A classic Woo Hyuk response.
“Right, you did cause quite a mess.” I didn't deny it. If it were a minor incident, I might have offered comfort, but this was too big for platitudes.
“…So, I will not return to the Central Plains,” Woo Hyuk said firmly.
I nodded. “I suppose so. But before that, there are two things I need to ask you.”
I had to get to the real reason I was here. I had been holding this in for three days. Woo Hyuk tensed up, likely expecting me to ask about his motives or why he betrayed everyone.
However, I wasn't the least bit curious about that.
“Was it you?”
“…Huh?” Woo Hyuk blinked, confused by the vague question.
“I’m asking if it was you.”
“What was? What are you talking about…”
I stared him down and spoke clearly. “The red feather.”
“Ah?”
“The rumor about the red feather. Was it you who spread that nonsense, you bastard?”
Woo Hyuk flinched. It was only for a split second, but I saw it. He quickly tried to recover.
“Haha. A red feather? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He was a second too late.
“It was you.”
“It wasn’t.”
“It was definitely you.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. What even is that?”
“Of course it’s the first time you’ve heard it. You were the one saying it.”
I silently moved my hands. I took the melted piece of the iron bar and fitted it back into the gap. Then, I ran my finger along the edge, welding it shut with heat.
Hiiisssss—!!
“…Why are you sealing it back up…?” Woo Hyuk asked nervously.
I ignored him and asked my second question.
“And. You.”
To hell with the red feather. This was the big one.
“I heard you put a knife in Namgung Bi-ah. Is that true?”
“...”
“Friend. Answer me.”
“…I’m sorr—”
PANG—!
Woo Hyuk’s head snapped to the side as his body was launched across the cell, slamming into the stone wall.
THUD—!!
“Keuk!”
He coughed up blood and collapsed. As his body trembled, I could see his wounds beginning to knit back together instantly. His regenerative powers were working perfectly.
I felt a sense of relief.
“First, I’ll eventually ask why you caused all this trouble. But before that…”
At least he wouldn't die easily from a beating.
“You’re going to take a few hits. I’ve got a lot of pent-up frustration, and as my friend, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
Crack.
I clenched my fists and approached him. I had a lot of "stories" to share with Woo Hyuk.