Time of Growth (1)
Myeol Saeng sat cross-legged at the center of the Blood Cult's grand hall, circulating his qi.
A crimson serpent-shaped energy coiled around his body. The red aura grew deeper with each passing day, and the serpent's form sharpened into vivid clarity. It was so lifelike that no one would believe it was merely external qi made manifest.
Having achieved the Ten Stars Great Success, was he now pushing toward the Twelve Stars Great Success? The ominous serpent qi writhing around him suggested as much.
In the next moment, the blood qi burst apart with a pop and was drawn into Myeol Saeng's nostrils and mouth, vanishing inside him.
When Myeol Saeng opened his eyes, Jeok Pa-rap was approaching along the red carpet.
Myeol Saeng rose from his seat, clasping his hands in greeting.
"You've returned, Master?"
"Yes, I'm back."
Myeol Ji-ryun was nowhere to be seen beside Jeok Pa-rap.
"Where's Ji-ryun?"
"The Murim Alliance decided to keep her longer."
Myeol Saeng had expected as much. They wouldn't have captured her in the first place if they planned to release her easily.
Even so, he hardened his expression before his master and raised his voice slightly.
"You should have brought her back by any means necessary."
"I have no excuse."
Jeok Pa-rap's ready admission softened Myeol Saeng's tone.
"Was it an agreement with the Murim Alliance Lord?"
"No. Baek So-cheon stepped in instead."
"So you couldn't handle that one brat and just came back empty-handed?"
Jeok Pa-rap snorted at the phrase "that one brat." Myeol Saeng knew full well how tricky Baek So-cheon was to deal with. This was just an excuse to vent frustration. He knew better than anyone that retrieving Myeol Ji-ryun wouldn't be easy.
"Baek So-cheon laid down a condition. He asked us to honor Yeom Hwa-sin's promise not to start a war for one year."
"And if Yeom Hwa-sin breaks that promise and launches a war?"
"We'll stop it. At least within the year."
"And if we fail to uphold it?"
"He said he'll kill Ji-ryun."
This should have been the moment for an outburst of rage, but Myeol Saeng surprised him.
"Actually, that's for the best."
"How so?"
"Yeom Hwa-sin harbors resentment toward us over the Cheon-wae Won-go incident. This is a chance to distance ourselves from the Black Heaven Alliance and strengthen our position."
The Black Heaven Alliance couldn't afford to abandon them anyway. The war's balance hinged on which side the Blood Cult chose.
"Very well, let's do that."
Myeol Saeng looked surprised.
"Why accept my suggestion so readily?"
"The Black Heaven Alliance Lord must have leaked our plans."
Myeol Saeng ground his teeth at Jeok Pa-rap's words.
"As I suspected! It was that bastard's doing."
"I never imagined he'd tip off the Murim Alliance. I misjudged this time."
"Don't take it to heart, Master. Considering your age, it's impressive you're still this sharp."
It wasn't praise. He was indirectly saying that age had dulled his master's edge, clouding his judgment.
Jeok Pa-rap wanted to snap back, but he had no retort this time.
"Did you at least see Ji-ryun?"
"No."
"Then what exactly did you accomplish?"
"Baek So-cheon will keep his word."
"You're judging rashly again."
"Enough!"
Jeok Pa-rap raised his voice, and Myeol Saeng finally backed down. That was sufficient. His master wouldn't interfere in cult affairs for a while. He needed to realize that in old age, the only things that grew were his nails and his greed.
"Leave the cult's matters to me for now."
"When have you not?"
Jeok Pa-rap turned on his heel and stormed out of the hall.
Myeol Saeng returned to the center and resumed his qi circulation.
If I could just take one more step beyond where I am now...
Terrifying thoughts no man should entertain flickered through his mind before he sank deep into the feast of the crimson serpent.
All of Bi-gak's warriors had gathered in one place.
Baek So-cheon ascended the platform before them.
"Hail to the Pavilion Lord!"
The Bi-gak warriors shouted in unison.
When he'd first returned from demotion, things might have been different, but now almost none resented his comeback.
Especially Wang-ho, who had come from Bi-gak to Hyun-cheon-dae, led the charge in spreading loyalty to Baek So-cheon.
And his recent duel with Yeom Sa-won had sealed it.
"Good to see you all. The previous lord stepped down for personal reasons, letting me take this position by sheer luck."
It was humble, but Bi-gak warriors were quick with news and savvy about Murim politics. Baek So-cheon becoming lord meant war was closing in.
"You've all seen war. Like you, I hope to never witness such tragedy again. I'd rather be the hero who prevents war than one forged in its fires."
"Yes, sir!"
The warriors roared their response.
Baek So-cheon stepped down, meeting each man's eyes and calling them by name. He knew every single one.
And not just names—he knew their personal stories too.
"Your son's grown a lot. Eight now?"
"Nine, sir."
"Already? Time flies."
He knew about their families, their personal struggles.
"Shoulder all healed?"
"Good as new."
They were moved, and a bit guilty. They'd pitied his endless demotions but sometimes criticized him too.
But Bi-gak knew about the Cheon-wae Won-go misunderstanding between Baek So-cheon and Ak So-gun. They understood both men.
After proper greetings with all, he returned to the platform for closing words.
"One more thing. You've heard about Hyun-cheon-dae? Training's about to get brutal."
"We're ready!"
They were eager, in fact. Peers of similar skill had returned as superiors after his training.
"It's an honor to lead you. Dismissed!"
Hyun-cheon-dae merged seamlessly into Bi-gak.
Everything in Bi-gak was elite. Facilities were top-notch, weapons and gear the finest. Even meals were exceptional.
Beon Saeng, assigned his quarters, looked around in awe. No shared barracks—private rooms for each.
The tidy space had a fine bed, desk and chair for reading. Sunlight poured in brightly.
Rest here, eat here or at home—it was flexible. Most with families went home; singles stayed more.
A familiar voice from behind.
"Like it?"
Startled, he turned to see Baek So-cheon.
"Captain—no, Pavilion Lord!"
"Reminds me of my first time in this room."
"This one?"
"Yeah. My first assignment after joining Bi-gak."
"You put me here on purpose?"
"No. Just came to reminisce and found you here."
"Whoa!"
"Guess we have a connection."
Baek So-cheon entered and perched on the bed.
"Remember your first day?"
"Like yesterday."
He recalled vowing to live only for the alliance. Right or wrong in hindsight, his heart had been purely for justice and righteousness back then. Foolishly pure.
Baek So-cheon echoed what Ban Yun-saeng had once told him.
"Don't live just for fighting. Life slips away like a dream if you do."
"Got it."
Beon Saeng answered firmly, but at twenty-six, he couldn't yet grasp how time accelerates with age.
"Take care."
Baek So-cheon left.
Beon Saeng sat where he'd been. Someday, time would bring another here.
Like Baek So-cheon today, he'd share this story then.
He vowed to pass it on to that future junior.
After issuing Hyun-cheon-dae's new training regimen to Bi-gak warriors, Baek So-cheon dove into his own rigorous practice.
For the first session, he sought Cheon-geuk's aid.
"Help me one more time. Just seven days."
"Helping's no issue, but... will I even be useful? Your skills have leveled up again."
"So have yours."
"True, but..."
"I need to spar with you."
Baek So-cheon's biggest hurdle was the wall of the Thousand-Handed Asura God Sword's sixth form. Their last quicksword session had helped immensely. Both advanced now, they could train anew.
"Why exactly seven days?"
"Your limit for nonstop fighting."
Cheon-geuk's eyes widened.
"Seven days straight?"
"Resting qi circulation at night."
"Why only seven, then?"
"Intense from dawn to dusk, like last time."
"Lord have mercy."
She was stunned. Their prior bout had been all-out combat; she'd even been stabbed. Seven days of that, all day? Mental drain aside from qi recovery would be immense.
"Don't worry. We're both stronger now—manageable compared to before."
"How long could you go?"
"A hundred days, with nightly rest."
"Worst joke ever."
"Not joking."
"Ah... no wonder Beon Saeng always feels this way around you."
The higher you climb, the vaster a single realm gap becomes.
A step up at the bottom differs worlds from one at the pinnacle.
Though only three realms apart, their gap equated to seven versus a hundred days.
"I'll train nonstop for a hundred days."
"I'll help more after resting seven post our seven. If you need me."
"I do. Will you?"
"Yes."
"Then seven days with me, seven off, repeat."
"What about my off days?"
"Got plans for those."
"You're serious."
Baek So-cheon nodded.
Facing Black Heaven, Blood Cult—he'd poured everything into securing this time.
"Alright, I'm in."
"Thanks."
"Thank me? You'll help me more."
"Be careful."
"Yeah."
They headed to the secret training ground for real combat.
The intensity matched their last fight.
But it felt easier. Last time was mindless trance; now, they had margin.
Qi rationed for all-night fights.
Baek So-cheon deliberately recreated their old bout, even targeting the spot she'd been stabbed.
This time, she dodged. She'd thought it unavoidable even knowing it then.
She dodged!
Proof his art had truly advanced, confirmed in battle.
From repeating that day's fight, variations emerged.
Even elevated, it taxed Cheon-geuk. Later, she swung dazedly, pouring all into avoiding errors.
First day ended.
Cheon-geuk collapsed, too exhausted to move. First time she'd pushed this far.
Baek So-cheon grabbed her arm, hauling her up.
"Fall asleep now, and tomorrow's hell. Circulate qi."
"No way, I'm sleeping like this."
He forced her upright; she slumped against his shoulder like laundry.
"Ah, comfy. Just a bit..."
He held her steady. Soon, she murmured.
"So-cheon."
"Yeah."
"Get strong... win it all."
Her weary voice rang true.
"I will."
She was already asleep. For her sake, he whispered in her ear.
"Sleep this tired, you'll snore."
Her eyes snapped open; she pulled away.
Starting qi circulation, she declared.
"Not yet!"
She refused to snore in front of him.
Baek So-cheon smiled at her. Beyond, moonlit hostas swayed in the breeze. They suited her.
This training felt promising.