Chapter 655: The Plan
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 655: The Plan
Night passed, and noon arrived.
The time had come for me to announce my departure for the Central Plains. Sensing the hour, I opened my eyes in the guest chambers.
Fwoooosh—
As I exhaled the breath I’d been holding, a stream of Qi followed. The energy that had been circulating ceaselessly began to settle, seeping deep into my heart.
“Hmm.”
It was a strange sensation. It felt similar to my internal Qi, yet fundamentally different. It wasn’t unpleasant, so I couldn't say it felt wrong—awkward was a better word for it.
How subtle.
It was truly subtle.
This was the power of sorcery, which I had obtained just hours ago when I went underground with the Palace Lord. He had called it a ‘ring,’ and I found the name fitting. There really was a ring bound to my heart.
Unlike my internal Qi, which gathered inside the middle dantian within my heart, this ring was bound to the heart's exterior, rotating slowly. I had formed it using the cultivation method I’d learned underground. As I continued to study it, I was surprised to find that the number of rings had already increased.
The single ring had become two.
What’s the difference?
How had it doubled overnight? All I had done was breathe normally.
I have no idea.
Tilting my head in confusion, I sat up and grabbed the book lying beside me. It was the manual on sorcery the Palace Lord had given me. To be precise, it wasn't the initial cultivation method, but the volume that followed it.
He had originally refused adamantly, claiming he couldn't give it to me, but when I showed him I had already formed one ring, he handed it over as a gift.
What did he say again?
Right—he called it an investment in my "brilliant talent." It was an embarrassing thing to hear.
Brilliant talent, my ass.
The absurd comment made me chuckle. What good was this talent, anyway? Judging by the Palace Lord’s reaction, I clearly had an aptitude for sorcery, but wasn't it a useless talent for me? I was already busy enough trying to master my martial arts; I had no time to obsess over sorcery.
I only learned it because I thought it might be useful later.
I hadn't actually planned out how to apply it. It didn't seem like mastering it would help me advance my martial realms, which made it a bit of a distraction.
It’s not that difficult, so I’ll try to learn it, but…
I didn't think I would focus on it much. I had neither the time nor the luxury.
And the question of who would teach me is another problem.
For martial arts, I was being drilled by the Dishonored Venerable and occasionally received lessons from my father, so I was set. But when it came to sorcery, things were hopelessly vague. It might have been a different story if I were staying at the Ice Palace longer, but it was time to return to the Central Plains.
Should I ask the Immortal Healer, then?
If I had to ask someone, he was the only option. He was the only person I knew who had ever even mentioned sorcery.
With that thought, I stood up.
To do that, first…
I have to go back.
I left the room with a clear goal in mind.
* * *
After a short walk, I arrived at the open plaza behind the palace.
Fwoooosh!
The wind swept by, rustling my hair. The air was still cold, but a faint scent now lingered within the breeze. The Palace Lord called it "hope," a sentiment I had internally dismissed as nonsense. It sounded like emotional drivel, and as always, it didn't resonate with me at all.
The only thing I could glean from his words was this: the cold was gradually receding.
As someone accustomed to heat, I could feel the change distinctly. The unnatural cold wave of the North Sea was slowly subsiding. The region’s climate meant it would always be chilly, but the curse-induced frost was gone. Perhaps, before long, this place might even see the changing of seasons.
Looking at the trees that had withered in the frost, a thought occurred to me.
Will the leaves turn color here, too?
For some reason, whenever I thought of seasons, that was the first image that came to mind. Did I like autumn? I didn't think so. But lately, I found myself thinking of it often.
“Young Master!”
As I walked, a familiar voice reached my ears. In the distance, Tang Soyeol was waving her hand enthusiastically. Seeing her, my pace quickened instinctively. By the time I arrived, most of the group had already gathered.
“For once, you’re not late.”
The Dishonored Venerable chided me the moment he saw me. I let out a dry laugh and retorted.
“Anyone would think I’m late every day.”
I might be many things, but my impatient nature meant I was rarely behind schedule. Or was I?
“Hmm.”
After my half-hearted reply, the Dishonored Venerable looked me up and down. He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing.
“Something about you has changed again.”
“...”
“You seem to be past your growth spurt. I wonder why you keep changing.”
His intuition was disgustingly sharp. Is forming the rings that noticeable?
After saying his piece, the Dishonored Venerable looked away as if it didn't matter. Three days ago, after the battle with the White-Grade demon, I had confessed one thing to him: the Demonic Absorption art.
Keeping my regression and the Heavenly Demon a secret, I mentioned that I could absorb energy from things like Demonic Stones, which explained my rapid growth. I figured that telling him at least that much would quell his curiosity.
Fortunately, it did. Upon hearing it, the Dishonored Venerable didn't even bother asking where I had obtained such a forbidden art.
Do you know what the first thing he said was?
[At least you won’t be whimpering about a lack of Qi.]
And his next words were:
[So, what’s the principle behind how it works?]
That crazy bastard…
He could have at least asked where I got it. For his eyes to sparkle as he asked about the mechanics first was just utterly absurd. Though it was flustering, he seemed to have accepted my sudden changes based on that explanation.
“Young Master, have you eaten?” Tang Soyeol asked as she trotted up beside me.
“Every time you see me, the first thing you talk about is food.”
“That’s because you don’t take care of yourself properly. Did you eat?”
“...”
I hadn't. I had nothing to say.
“See?”
“...I was going to eat later.”
“You’re looking away again. That’s a lie, isn’t it?”
“...”
Ugh. Her nagging was relentless. I needed an escape. I shifted my gaze to Namgung Bi-ah, who was standing there blankly. She let out a massive yawn, looking as if she hadn't slept a wink.
A familiar sight. Mid-yawn, her eyes met mine, and she gave a small wave. It was a routine scene, but seeing it somehow put me at ease.
Hiding a sigh, I looked around. I thought everyone had gathered, but a few were still missing.
It was then.
They’re here.
As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I felt several presences. Turning my head, I saw a group approaching from the palace entrance. It was the Palace Lord and his retinue.
And I also saw a man being dragged along by the warriors, looking as if he were being escorted to his execution.
“Look at the state of him.”
No matter how many times I saw him, I didn't like him.
“And yet, the places I hit have healed without a trace.”
I had put some serious force into my punches, yet his face and body were completely mended. That was what I disliked the most. He should at least be limping. That would have put my mind at ease.
Tsk.
I clicked my tongue and straightened my posture. Despite everything, I still had to show some courtesy.
“Greetings to the Palace Lord.”
As the Palace Lord approached, I bowed my head slightly. Unlike when I saw him during the night, his expression was grim.
“Well, did you have a peaceful night?”
“Isn’t it a bit strange for you to ask that, seeing as you were with me last night?”
“...Don’t you think the answer you just gave is even stranger, Young Master?”
Was it? Thinking about it, it was a bit ambiguous. But I figured no one would misunderstand, so it didn't matter.
“...Last night?”
“Night...?”
Hearing the two women whispering behind me, I quickly waved my hands.
“Haha. I was talking about how he helped me with my training.”
Seeing my frantic gesture, the Palace Lord glanced behind me. “It seems you’re more conscious of what others think than I expected.”
“Conscious? When have I ever cared about such things?”
“Hmm. I see.”
The Palace Lord nodded, though his face clearly showed he didn't believe a word of it.
— Be that as it may.
A telepathic message came through. It was from the Palace Lord.
— About the book I gave you. It would be best to read it after you have two or more rings.
His explanatory tone made my eyes widen. Seeing my expression, the Palace Lord nodded in understanding and added:
— It’s understandable to be surprised. You likely didn’t expect the number of rings to increase so quickly. If you continue to train, the single ring will one day become two. Given your talent, Young Master, it will probably take half a year at the latest…
— I actually just finished forming the second one before I came out. So you’re saying it’s fine for me to read it now?
— Bullshit.
— Pardon?
Huh?
— Palace Lord…? What did you just…
— It was nothing. I just happened to yawn without realizing it.
No, that didn't sound like a yawn at all. I’m pretty sure he just swore…
…Did I mishear?
I doubted the Palace Lord would curse. Yes, I must have misheard. It had to be.
So that’s why it felt awkward to read. It was because of the number of rings.
I couldn't believe such a condition was necessary just to read a book, but for now, it was best to trust his word.
— Thank you for your guidance. I will put it to good use.
— …I certainly hope you do….
The more we talked, the more the Palace Lord’s expression soured, but I ignored it. He was already in poor health; it was probably because he had to come out so early.
With a stiff expression, the Palace Lord gestured behind him. At his signal, the warriors moved, dragging the man they had brought over to us. It was Woo Hyuk, his hands and feet bound in shackles.
As he approached, our eyes met.
“...”
“...”
We didn't exchange a word. It was awkward after our fight. I averted my gaze and looked at his handcuffs. It was clearly a superficial restraint. It wasn't even made of cold steel; Woo Hyuk could probably break free with a flick of his wrists. They hadn't even suppressed his internal Qi. It was practically an invitation to run.
Seeing this, I glanced at the Palace Lord.
Does he want him to escape?
I wondered if that was the case. Did the Palace Lord want Woo Hyuk to run away? Not because he wanted to save him, but because if he did escape… it would give him a better reason to kill him.
That’s what I would have done.
If there's someone you need to kill, you create a pretext where there is none. I was sure I would have used such a method. Moreover, the Palace Lord's gaze on Woo Hyuk was colder than ever, making it a plausible thought.
“...Accepting the Young Master’s proposal, I will hand over the sinner as per our contract.”
At the Palace Lord's words, the warriors began to unlock Woo Hyuk's handcuffs.
Clank! Thud!
They weren't on very tightly; it only took a few seconds to remove them. As I watched, I focused on the Palace Lord's phrasing.
Contract.
The Palace Lord had lent weight to our conversation by calling it a contract. And he had labeled Woo Hyuk a sinner, stating he was handing him over to me.
A pretext born of necessity.
Woo Hyuk's roots were in the North Sea, but he had lived his life in the Central Plains. Therefore, he would be extradited there to face judgment. That was the meaning behind his words. Whether it was to convince the high-ranking generals of the palace or for the Palace Lord to convince himself, I didn't know. I simply nodded.
“Thank you.”
The objective was achieved. It was easier on my mind not to worry about the rest.
As we continued our conversation, Woo Hyuk kept his head down, his gaze lowered. He was a pathetic sight, but this was something he had to endure.
“Therefore, I hope you will now fulfill the condition I mentioned as well.”
At the Palace Lord's words, someone stepped forward. It was a woman whose expression was just as sour as Woo Hyuk's. It was Yuri, who had become the first daughter of the Ice Palace after Yuseon's death.
Yuri slowly approached and offered me a customary greeting.
“...Greetings to my benefactor.”
Her expression was grim. Ostensibly, she was going to the Central Plains to study, but Yuri couldn't be unaware that she was being sent away as a vulnerable daughter to escape the aftermath of the war.
She’s the most trustworthy relative he has left.
For the Palace Lord, it seemed like a choice of his own making.
…But still.
Beneath Yuri's somber expression, I could detect a strange hint of something else. Excitement? For some reason, Yuri's face held a trace of it.
…What is this?
Why did she seem secretly happy? As I searched for the reason, my eyes naturally drifted to Woo Hyuk.
Don't tell me.
Was she happy because she was going with him? That couldn't be it. If that were the case, the Palace Lord had failed spectacularly at raising his children. I didn't think she would look favorably upon the man who had nearly destroyed her family.
Isn't that a bit much?
No matter how I looked at it, I wondered what was going on.
Is it his face? It has to be his face, doesn't it?
Looking at Woo Hyuk's handsome face, a surge of irritation washed over me. I found myself unconsciously thinking that if he looked that good, maybe it was understandable. I suppressed the curse that threatened to escape and let out a sigh.
Anyway… seeing him standing there quietly, it seems my plan worked.
Even after getting beaten so badly, he had spouted nonsense about not leaving. But when I used Yuri to threaten him, Woo Hyuk had at least stood there without a word. There was much I wanted to say, but I decided to hold my tongue for now.
Whatever. Let’s just go and think about it later.
It seemed like everyone had arrived, so I was about to prepare for departure when…
“However, Young Master Gu.” The Palace Lord spoke to me.
“Yes?”
“Is it alright for you to depart with your people in their current state?”
“What do you mean… Ah.”
I didn't understand at first, but when I looked behind me, I got it. There were too many injured people. Namgung Bi-ah hadn't fully recovered from her internal injuries, and neither had the Monster of Wudang.
“If you wish, Young Master, you may stay longer for their treatment.”
“That’s alright.”
I declined the Palace Lord's considerate offer. As he said, I wasn't sure about the Monster of Wudang, but I was worried about Namgung Bi-ah.
But it’s better to go to the Central Plains and find the Immortal Healer. Besides…
I glanced at Woo Hyuk.
I have something to test.
I had something to confirm anyway, so this was for the best. Hearing my answer, the Palace Lord reluctantly nodded.
“I see… In that case, the carriage we have prepared will be…”
“We won’t need that either.”
A carriage? I couldn't stand something so slow and frustrating anymore. I lifted my head and looked at the sky.
“Come on down now.”
As I spoke—
Whaaaaaa—!!
A vibration shook the air, and for a moment, the sky turned black. Something blocked the sun, casting a vast shadow on the ground. Seeing it, I laughed in disbelief.
That bastard is acting up again.
The obvious theatrics were amusing. However—
“What is that…?”
“What in the world—!”
This little show was a crisis for others, creating a moment of stunned silence. In that instant—
Fwoooooooooosh----!!!!
Kuuuuuuung---!!!!
An enormous body slammed into the ground. The wind pressure was so strong that several people were blown backward. I immediately circulated my internal Qi to clear away the dust.
Damn it, I told you to land quietly!
I had warned him before, but it felt like he listened even less now that he was bigger. I immediately glared at the one who had created this embarrassing situation.
Grrrrrrr….
Ttolddoli, now twice his original size, let out a rough growl.
“Hiiik…!”
“A-a demon—!?”
His body was far larger than any Red-Grade demon, causing the warriors to hastily draw their weapons. Seeing this, I swung my hand and smacked him on the head.
Kwaang!
Infused with my internal Qi, the sound was exceptionally loud.
Grrrrrrrng—!!!
His massive head wobbled from the impact.
“I told you to appear quietly. Are you trying to embarrass me to death?”
Grrrrr….
“You thought it was cool? Do you really want to die?”
Who did he take after to keep pulling this crap? What part of that was cool? On top of that, his body was now the size of a small mountain, and I felt my internal Qi draining away with his slightest movement.
This is so unfair. Why is my Qi being drained when he’s the one moving?
He eats like a pig, doesn't listen to a word I say, and now he's draining my energy too.
I should really just abandon him.
Grrr….
As I grumbled in frustration, Ttolddoli quietly lowered his head as if he had read my thoughts. He was infuriating, but he was quick to pick up on my moods.
“Haha…”
The Palace Lord, who had been staring at Ttolddoli, let out a hearty laugh. He seemed thoroughly bewildered.
“...You seem to be… raising a demon.”
That was the only response he could manage.
“I’m not raising him. He’s the one who latched onto me.”
Grrrrrng.
“Stay still. What are you pouting for?”
Grrr….
Ttolddoli’s expression turned sullen, his spirit broken. Seeing this, Tang Soyeol tentatively reached out and stroked him, while the Monster of Wudang observed him with an intrigued look.
“So this is why you said there was no need to rush our departure… You had something like this.”
Meanwhile, Yuri was just as surprised. She stared at Ttolddoli with wide eyes and asked me, “...Isn’t he bigger than last time?”
“He’s in his growing phase.”
“Is that….”
Isn't he a little too big, though? Yuri was about to say something more but closed her mouth. She seemed to have realized that asking would be pointless.
It felt like staying here any longer would just be exhausting. With a weary expression, I waved my hand.
“...Get on, everyone. It’s time to go home.”
At my words, Ttolddoli lowered his upper body. Everyone hesitated for a moment before climbing onto his back. The number of people had increased, but as I expected, Ttolddoli—with his larger body and increased Qi—seemed to have no trouble carrying the extra weight.
— Young Master Gu.
Just as I was about to climb on last, the Palace Lord stopped me. I paused and looked at him.
— Thank you for saving the North Sea. I feel nothing but guilt for being able to do so little for you.
The Palace Lord spoke with genuine sincerity. Hearing his words, I had to force an awkward smile. The word ‘saved’ felt incredibly uncomfortable.
I never intended to save anyone.
The outcome wasn't a perfect rescue, and I had gained quite a lot in the process. I had even used threats to get Woo Hyuk out of here. What remained for me was not a sense of pride, but guilt. The Palace Lord couldn't possibly be unaware of that.
Yet, he simply added with clear eyes:
— I pray for your safe journey.
— …Thank you.
— Also. Please take good care of my first daughter.
Perhaps that last part was his true intention all along.
— Yes. I’ll do my best.
He could have just said all this out loud. Why bother with a telepathic message? I could never understand the inner workings of fathers.
Can’t he just say it?
If he had said it out loud, I don't think Yuri would have disliked it. However, even as I thought that, I knew I wasn't much different myself.
Feeling that, I hid my own uneasy feelings and looked forward.
“...Let’s go now.”
Fwoosh.
Qi flowed from my heart, and Ttolddoli’s body began to rise. We’re finally going back. Only now did it finally feel real.
Just then, Ttolddoli asked me a question.
Grrrrrng.
“How fast should I go?”
Grrrng.
Look at this guy. He seemed to be overflowing with confidence, probably trying to show off now that he was a little bigger.
A smile touched my lips as I replied.
“Go as fast as you can. Let’s see just how fast you—!”
Whaaaaaaaak----!!!!
Before I could finish my sentence, a blast of wind hit me, and my vision blurred. I had said it as a challenge, but Ttolddoli’s speed was far greater than I had anticipated.
And so, in just a few days, I was able to return to Henan.