Flames from the Frozen Depths
Ghan Si-rang sat in his office with a hardened expression.
His face was haggard beyond measure, a testament to the mental anguish of the past three years.
Those complex emotions had weighed on him for what already felt like an eternity.
In all that time, there had been no sign of the Bing Jeong, nor any trace of Siu.
At first, suspicions of every kind had naturally arisen.
They had followed the trails as far as they could, but further pursuit proved impossible—for there were no signs of battle whatsoever.
Had there been a fight or any resistance, traces would have lingered. But there were none.
It meant he had gone willingly.
So, of course, doubts had crept in.
Recovering the Bing Jeong was, for all intents and purposes, abandoned.
Late to the realization, Bing Palace had informed the Murim Alliance and sought their cooperation.
If those who stole the Bing Jeong misused it, the consequences would inevitably surface one way or another.
The Murim Alliance was furious at Bing Palace's belated notification, but with their promise of full cooperation in times of need, they strengthened surveillance across the Central Plains martial world.
They also devoted every resource to finding the vanished Flame King.
Yet despite the exhaustive searches by both Bing Palace and the Murim Alliance, Siu's whereabouts remained a complete mystery.
Time passed like this, and now worry overshadowed any lingering suspicions about Siu.
"Hoo..."
Han Si-rang sighed deeply in his empty office.
At some point, these profound sighs had become a habit.
Knock knock.
A presence approached from outside, and soon Seol Yeong-daeju—Han Seo-yeon—entered.
Her face, too, was worn from the ordeal of the last three years.
"The report, my lord."
Seol Yeong-daeju placed the document before Han Si-rang.
For the past year, the contents had been the same.
Submitting these unchanging reports periodically weighed on her heart as well.
"And the secret cave?"
"Still nothing."
Han Si-rang nodded at Seol Yeong-daeju's reply.
No one knew when Woo-gang, training in the Hanchon Secret Cave, would emerge.
Still, after three years, he figured it might be nearing the end, so he had kept a close watch.
When Woo-gang finally completed his training and came out...
His heart grew heavy thinking about what to say and how.
Rumble rumble rumble!
Suddenly, a faint vibration began, quickly intensifying.
At the earthquake-like shaking, Han Si-rang and Seol Yeong-daeju exchanged glances.
After a moment to assess, Han Si-rang shot to his feet.
He hurried out of the office.
***
The source of the vibrations shaking the entire Bing Palace was none other than the Hanchon Secret Cave.
Han Si-rang arrived at the cave's entrance with Seol Yeong-daeju.
He didn't know the exact cause, but the energy emanating from the cave indicated Woo-gang's training was reaching its climax.
Just as Siu had said when Woo-gang entered the cave.
Though Siu was absent, Han Si-rang now stood in his place before it.
How much time passed?
About an hour after Han Si-rang began waiting...
Kukukukung!
A colossal vibration as if the cave might collapse erupted, unleashing a surge of powerful energy.
The sheer force made even Seol Yeong-daeju, standing beside him, instinctively step back in shock.
And soon after.
Step, step, step.
Footsteps grew gradually clearer.
With them, an overwhelming presence swelled.
Han Si-rang's face flushed with excitement.
Not just from the radiating aura.
He was moments from meeting one who had overcome the Hanchon Secret Cave's trials—a figure rare even in Bing Palace history.
Han Si-rang's heart pounded faster.
Amid the cave's frigid chill, he sensed a blazing fire energy.
Not explosively raging, but refined flames that would never extinguish.
And finally.
Woo-gang emerged from the darkness.
His form slowly came into Han Si-rang's view.
Wearing only pants, upper body bare, spear gripped tightly, he strode out.
Taller now, body forged like steel.
Countless scars etched proof of his ordeals.
His boyish features had sharpened into a man's resolute face—almost unrecognizable.
No longer a boy, but a sturdy young man had exited the Hanchon Secret Cave.
His robust build, infused with pure energy, exuded tremendous poise and presence.
"You've endured well."
Han Si-rang approached and spoke.
But Woo-gang scanned the surroundings instead of replying.
Pity flickered across Han Si-rang's face.
"You must have many questions. Wash up, change clothes, then come find me. I'll tell you everything that's happened."
An ominous premonition flashed through Woo-gang, but he kept it hidden.
In the cave, he had mastered controlling his emotions.
"Understood."
Woo-gang replied in a deepened voice and moved on.
Gazing at the rippling back muscles, Han Si-rang let out another soft sigh.
Washed and dressed neatly, Woo-gang cut a striking figure.
His improved physique made even simple robes look dashing.
But now was not the time to admire or praise his appearance.
"Sit."
"Grandfather isn't here."
"Indeed. That's what I intend to explain now—why that friend went to the Central Plains, and what happened after."
Han Si-rang poured tea for Woo-gang first, then for himself, before speaking.
He recounted sequentially how Woo-gang had entered the cave and the events that followed.
"And Siu, who went to the Central Plains... vanished three years ago..."
Crush!
Before Han Si-rang finished, the teacup in Woo-gang's hand crumbled to dust.
The tea inside evaporated as if it never existed, consumed by his immense energy.
An unquenchable, purified fire aura erupted from Woo-gang's entire body, filling the office.
Han Si-rang swallowed hard.
'This level of power...!'
The terrifying energy pouring from Woo-gang's body.
He had sensed its greatness at the cave entrance, but confronting even a fraction of its reality sent chills down his spine.
Unbeknownst to himself, Han Si-rang's hand trembled faintly on his teacup.
And perhaps it was an illusion, but in that instant, the entire building seemed to shake.
"Palace Lord! Are you alright?"
Urgent voices came from outside.
The Bing Palace warriors nearby couldn't have missed this aura.
No—everyone in Bing Palace must have felt it.
"It's nothing. No need to worry."
Han Si-rang replied calmly.
"Hoo... My apologies."
Only then did Woo-gang steady his mind, withdraw his energy, and apologize.
"N-no, it's fine."
Han Si-rang stammered unwittingly.
"I'll head to the Central Plains."
Han Si-rang nodded at Woo-gang's words.
Even without Siu's matter, returning to the Central Plains after completing cave training was the natural course.
For Woo-gang, though, he now had a clear purpose there.
Woo-gang rose.
He bowed to Han Si-rang.
"I learned only after entering that the Hanchon Secret Cave isn't for just anyone. Thank you for allowing me in. And thank you for not giving up on Grandfather."
Three years missing was long enough to presume death.
But Han Si-rang hadn't, which was why he called it a disappearance.
Han Si-rang nodded silently.
Woo-gang left the office.
Outside the building, he stopped.
The sight before him.
The vast plaza to the main gate was packed with Bing Palace warriors.
To block his path?
No.
As if awaiting him, they moved in perfect unison the moment he appeared.
A path opened between the ranks lining both sides.
Woo-gang gazed at them briefly, then walked forward slowly.
As he passed those standing rigidly at attention...
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The warriors stomped in unison, pressing clenched right fists to left chests.
It echoed like majestic war drums across the sprawling Bing Palace.
A Bing Palace rite of reverence for one who conquered the Hanchon Secret Cave's trials.
A place none could enter freely.
Even fewer emerged alive.
That was the Hanchon Secret Cave.
One who overcame it—Bing Palace or not—deserved heartfelt respect.
That was Bing Palace etiquette.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The synchronized roar of hundreds resounded grandly.
Something hot welled in Woo-gang's chest as he passed through.
He straightened his back, puffed his chest.
And strode proudly out the main gate amid their escort.
It had been truly long since Woo-gang returned to the Central Plains.
***
Crossing the desert effortlessly, Woo-gang walked the road alone back to the Central Plains.
Urgent circumstances, yet his pace was leisurely, like a pleasure stroll.
This was the very path he and Siu had taken to Bing Palace.
Back then, Hyeoncheon Yeolhwa Singong's backlash had clouded his mind, but fragments of scenery lingered.
Sunset from a high hill, sheer cliffs from below.
Even on the carriage, he had etched those views in memory—and now retraced them on foot.
After much time crossing the border...
A familiar place entered Woo-gang's sight.
It stirred painful memories alongside ones that brought a smile.
Woo-gang quickened his steps slightly.
***
Creeeak!
The door opened, and someone entered. The apothecary owner stared silently.
Then, realizing belatedly, he rose as if entranced.
"Woo-gang!"
"It's been a while. I hope you've been well."
The apothecary owner rushed to him.
Though their meeting was brief, he had grown fond of Woo-gang.
"You've grown beyond recognition. I truly didn't know you at first. You're marriage-ready now."
Woo-gang smiled faintly at the words.
"Sit first."
The owner seated him, still marveling at the transformed youth.
"Siu? Didn't come with you?"
The smile vanished from Woo-gang's lips at the question.
Sensing something amiss in his expression...
"Grandfather has gone missing."
The apothecary owner fell silent in shock.
After Siu's visit years ago, no news had come.
No news is good news—he assumed Siu had wrapped things up and returned to Bing Palace.
But today, thunderbolt news from Woo-gang.
"If you've heard or know anything about Grandfather, please tell me everything."
Woo-gang pleaded earnestly, eyes fixed on him.
"Actually, the last time Siu visited, he left something behind."
The apothecary owner pulled a letter from his desk drawer and handed it to Woo-gang.
Woo-gang slowly unfolded the letter.
[Letter content to follow in next chapter]