Traces in the Scorched Prison
Dok Go-yeong-mu, having spoken with Woo-gang and felt the gravity of his words firsthand, sought out Sa Ma-gang.
It was because the precarious notion Woo-gang harbored could solidify into a rigid conviction at any moment, potentially turning dangerous.
They needed to devise some countermeasure before that happened.
"What is it? Why the grave expression?"
Sa Ma-gang asked, looking at Dok Go-yeong-mu.
"I had a talk with Woo-gang."
"And? Was there something serious?"
"It seems he's gotten close to one of the later-generation disciples."
"I know. Ak So-cheon, right? They both use spears, so it makes sense they'd bond. What's the problem with that?"
"That's not the issue. The problem is the idea Woo-gang took on after getting friendly with him."
Sa Ma-gang showed interest at Dok Go-yeong-mu's words.
The idea Woo-gang had come to hold—what could it be?
Sa Ma-gang looked at Dok Go-yeong-mu with eyes urging him to continue.
Dok Go-yeong-mu relayed their entire conversation without omission.
Sa Ma-gang's expression grew somewhat serious as he listened.
It wasn't an immediate threat, but it had the potential to develop into one at any time.
"I see why you looked so grave."
"Exactly. We need some kind of plan, but I can't think of an easy way to act right now."
"True enough."
Knock knock knock.
As the two conversed, a presence approached from outside.
"Unless it's important, report later."
"It's regarding the young palace lord."
Sa Ma-gang frowned slightly at Cheopun Danju's words.
"Come in."
The door opened at Sa Ma-gang's command, and Cheopun Danju entered.
He gave a slight bow to Dok Go-yeong-mu in greeting, then brought up Han Seo-yeon.
"The young palace lord went to find Yeom Woo-gang."
"Went to him?"
"She confronted him. Asked if he planned to hole up here practicing martial arts forever. Said she was the one more eager to search for the Flame King."
"Hahaha!"
Sa Ma-gang burst into laughter at Cheopun Danju's report.
Cheopun Danju stood expressionless beside him, while Dok Go-yeong-mu eyed Sa Ma-gang as if wondering what was so funny.
"Listen, literary master."
"Speak."
"The young palace lord timed her help perfectly. It might ease your concerns a bit."
"You have a plan?"
"She created the situation and the pretext. We need to get that friend Yeom Woo-gang out of his quarters."
"Out?"
"Yes. If he stays cooped up practicing, he'll just sink deeper into those thoughts. Distract him, broaden his horizons, and he'll naturally pull out of it. Right now, he's so immersed he thinks it's the best path, but fresh air in his head will sort it naturally."
"Not sure that'll be enough."
"If not, we'll play our next card then."
Dok Go-yeong-mu let out a small sigh and nodded at Sa Ma-gang's words.
"Since it's come to this, make it so he moves with the young palace lord. I'll decide within a few days, so leave him be for now."
"Understood."
Dok Go-yeong-mu felt his unease lessen somewhat after hearing Sa Ma-gang out.
He hadn't specified exactly what or how, but there was faith it would have a definite effect.
After Dok Go-yeong-mu left, Sa Ma-gang's face hardened.
"What's wrong? Is there another issue with Yeom Woo-gang?"
Cheopun Danju asked cautiously, thinking the Yeom Woo-gang matter had been settled by the prior situation.
"No, Yeom Woo-gang isn't the problem. Ak So-cheon—the one from the Shandong Ak Family. He's the one who planted those dangerous ideas. Dig deeper into the Ak Family and Ak So-cheon. Check the family atmosphere, what kind of person he is."
"Understood."
Cheopun Danju gave a curt reply and left the office.
"Shandong Ak Family. A house that's been dead quiet for ages... Long enough for much to change without surprise. But still..."
Sa Ma-gang's eyes sharpened.
They needed to confirm if Ak So-cheon's views were personal or aligned with the entire Ak Family.
If it was the family's will, they warranted close watch.
Who knew what threat they might become.
Moreover, whether Ak So-cheon approaching Woo-gang and drawing his attention was mere chance or intentional intent also needed clarifying.
"Hoo... I can feel the undercurrents stirring more and more."
A gentle breeze could turn into a gale at any moment.
***
A few days passed.
Since that day, the young palace lord hadn't visited Woo-gang even once.
And Woo-gang's routine hadn't changed.
He still devoted himself to martial arts training, with Dok Go-seol-ran occasionally watching him with worried eyes.
However, the worry in Dok Go-seol-ran's gaze had lessened compared to before, as the aura Woo-gang exuded felt subtly different.
Until recently, he'd seemed to be delving deeper into his own world, but now that wasn't the case.
His core thoughts remained centered, but he no longer felt mired in them.
Han Seo-yeon's visit had likely pulled him back to reality.
And today.
Something happened to bring Woo-gang fully back to the real world.
Cheopun Danju sought Woo-gang just after lunchtime.
With a grave expression, he finally spoke with difficulty.
"You must come with us."
"What is it?"
"We need your help. Regarding Senior Flame King..."
Woo-gang's body stiffened at Cheopun Danju's words.
His eyes shook violently as he stared at Cheopun Danju.
It was the agitation Woo-gang hadn't shown in a long time.
Emotions he'd buried resurfaced abruptly.
"Did you find Grandfather's trail?"
"Not certain yet. We've only found something suspicious. That's why we're asking for your help. See it yourself and give your opinion."
"Understood. Wait a moment."
"We'll be going outside the Murim Alliance, so pack light."
Woo-gang hurried back to his room, ignoring Cheopun Danju's words.
He changed out of his sweat-soaked training clothes and returned swiftly.
He had no luggage; his spear was gripped tightly in hand.
Dok Go-seol-ran, watching, quietly stepped aside.
"Is it fine to go like this? It's a long journey. At least some basic gear..."
"It's fine."
Woo-gang replied curtly.
His mind was solely on confirming with his own eyes whatever Cheopun Danju had mentioned.
Then Dok Go-seol-ran reappeared.
She held a simply packed bundle.
"Take this. Haste demands thorough preparation."
Woo-gang accepted the bundle at Dok Go-seol-ran's words.
"Thank you."
She received his thanks with a faint smile.
"Let's go. The young palace lord will join too."
"The young palace lord as well?"
"Yes. Flame King matters and Ice Palace matters are inseparable."
Woo-gang followed Cheopun Danju out of the quarters in haste.
After Woo-gang left, Dok Go-seol-ran scanned the room once more.
It would feel terribly empty for a while.
***
Part of Cheopun Dan's unit, Woo-gang, and the Ice Palace group including Han Seo-yeon hurriedly departed the Murim Alliance.
After riding for about three days, they arrived at a completely burned building.
Murim Alliance warriors controlled the perimeter, barring entry.
As Woo-gang entered, he quickly surveyed the surroundings.
Han Seo-yeon, entering with him, scowled deeply.
"Burned to a crisp."
She'd heard briefly on the way, but seeing it confirmed deliberate arson.
"Any martial arts traces?"
"No. None found. Looks like they used oil to burn it intentionally."
Cheopun Danju pointed to one area.
Several ignition points showed heavy soot.
When first hearing of the fire, Woo-gang had thought of Hyeoncheon Yeolhwa Singong.
He himself had ignited flames with its power alone before.
But now, even to his eyes, it didn't look like martial arts had started it.
"The important part isn't here. Follow me."
Woo-gang and Han Seo-yeon closely trailed Cheopun Danju.
There, iron stairs led underground.
The stairs were partially damaged by the fierce blaze.
"They might collapse, so descend carefully."
Heeding the caution, the two carefully went down and instinctively frowned.
Han Seo-yeon grimaced especially hard.
The smoke had cleared, but the acrid stench lingered heavily underground.
"This place..."
"Seems like a prison."
"A prison?"
"Yes. The layout only makes sense as one. The odd thing is, no one was here—not underground or above."
"What was this place used for?"
"Asked around, but no one knew. They saw people coming and going occasionally but had no idea what went on inside. Didn't seem like a residence, nor anything too suspicious."
"If anything strange happened, it was likely here underground. So, what's our task?"
"No traces above, but some here. They resemble martial arts marks, but don't match any we know. We'd like you two to check if they align with Ice Palace arts or Senior Flame King's techniques."
"Got it."
"Wish I could give torches, but fire risk, so check as is."
"Worried about fire with us here? That's amusing."
Cheopun Danju chuckled at Han Seo-yeon's remark.
Who were these two?
Disciple of Flame King, who wielded fire freely, and Ice Palace young lord, who could quench any blaze.
Whoosh!
As if reading her mind, Woo-gang channeled energy into his spear, igniting flames.
Hot light spread instantly, illuminating the area.
"Hoo..."
Han Seo-yeon sighed, frowning, then gathered her energy.
The heat receded as cold enveloped her surroundings.
"I'll step out then."
Cheopun Danju left to let them investigate freely.
Woo-gang and Han Seo-yeon slowly examined the underground, using Woo-gang's flame for light.
"Traces on the walls here and there, but... most don't seem like martial arts."
Han Seo-yeon said, inspecting the walls.
Then Woo-gang halted at one spot, bringing his spear close to the wall.
"What? Find something?"
Han Seo-yeon asked, but Woo-gang didn't reply, studying the marks intently.
"Not my arts, but these are spear technique traces."
After long scrutiny, Woo-gang finally spoke.