Book 18 Chapter 2

The ruler who faces south in darkness

—A fear that never gets used to

I don't even remember how long it has been. A vast amount of time has passed since I wrapped my body in darkness and sat here. The insignificant world called the martial arts world was actually maintained as a consequence of the immeasurable grace bestowed by "them" with a little whim, but recently, they were filled with arrogance without even realizing such a fact. Why is there a need to continue sustaining such a trivial world that doesn't even know its place? It was inevitable that I would increasingly have doubts these days. Wouldn't it get better if I intervened a little? It is much better to break a water bowl than to stagnate and rot. To do that, burning away all the remnants of the past was the best course of action. Wouldn't wavering and fumbling around be a good experience? This was a fleeting thought in the mind of the ruler residing in the south, deep in the darkness, the one who controls everything here with just a finger.

Facing south. Sitting facing the south. It was a symbolic seat permitted only to the Son of Heaven. It was an act of sacrilege for someone who was not an emperor to sit in such a place. Of course, his profession was not as mundane as that of an emperor. However, within the realm he governed, even the decrees issued by the Son of Heaven fell to the ground like a bird without wings and became meaningless. All decisions here, even if they were destiny, were forbidden from escaping his grasp.

He always remained in the darkness and watched the world of light. Sometimes his voice took shape and influenced that place in various ways. But even then, he still remained in the darkness and never revealed himself.

Perhaps it is because light comes from the end of darkness? In the darkness, one can see the light, but it is impossible to pierce through the darkness from within the light. That is why, since ancient times, the north has been the seat of the emperor. The emperor, situated in the dark north, is the one who observes the bright people of the south. Concealing his presence in the darkness. Since ancient times, the greatest emperors have been those who make the people unaware of their very existence. Those who make the ruled forget the fact that they are being ruled are one of two kinds: the most outstanding ruler, or the most terrifying ruler.

Therefore, for a long time, rulers have tried to hide themselves. Thus, taboos were created. So that the people could never see them, nor notice them. Trees were planted on the sides of the road where the king passed. The word "禁" (geum) means to show trees. It was also meant to prevent seeing what was behind the trees. When the royal carriage passed, the people had to lower their heads. Suddenly, wanting to see beyond the darkness in the light became the ultimate taboo. The ruled only need to diligently do their assigned tasks. It was important to sternly imprint upon them that harboring trivial doubts was presumptuous.

Perhaps that is why? A vast black curtain, symbolizing disconnection, hung between him and the young man prostrating himself three steps away. It was black but thin, so the inside was visible. However, only a very small part could be seen. Two large white characters were written on the pitch-black curtain:

滅劫.

What could be seen was '멸겁' (myeolgeop). Only these two characters. No, it was what was allowed to be seen. The rest was all black.

Beyond the curtain, torches lined up in a long row flickered. Even so, his appearance was not revealed. The place where the torches were lit in a line was only to the south. In the northern seat where he resided, only darkness still breathed. The light was too faint and weak to drive away the darkness that filled that place, so only black darkness was reflected in the eyes of the young man prostrating himself three steps away from the black curtain.

The young man was trembling with fear. Although the trembling was so slight that it was imperceptible, anyone who knew him would have undoubtedly been shocked to see him in this state. He, who was called the eldest son and sometimes an object of awe, was in a state completely unbefitting his past reputation as the "greatest talent" of Macheon Pavilion. The arrogance and high self-esteem he once possessed seemed to have melted away into the darkness, leaving no residue. Perhaps it was because of the darkness that filled this place that a side of him, never seen in bright places, was so starkly revealed? The young man, with his head bowed and prostrating himself, was none other than Bi, the eldest son who had mysteriously disappeared after activating "Hwajin" at Mount Hua. He, who was pointed out as the culprit of "Mount Hua's Calamity Fire," and who was being pursued by the entire martial arts world, was now trembling with fear and dread like a small bird caught by a bird of prey.

The one located beyond the curtain had just learned how the insects he had previously considered insignificant had dared to stir. He had no desire to open his mouth. The heavy silence pressed down on Bi's heart even more strongly.

"Hoo…"

After a short silence, the dim lanterns that illuminated the darkness flickered at the sound of a low sigh. Even the wind, which was said to seep everywhere, no matter how small the space, if there was a gap, could not enter this darkness from any direction.

"You're not telling me you failed now, are you?"

Sometimes, one hears things wrong. Sometimes, one says things wrong. He was prepared to have the generosity to forgive a mistake once or twice. However, there was no room for problems to arise. No, the occurrence of such a thing was simply unacceptable.

"Forgive… me…"

Bi was in pain. He was suffering. The fact that he, who should have been more thorough and perfect than anyone else, had failed was like a sharp steel claw savagely raking his body and mind. He lamented that he did not have the ability to transcend time. If only he had been given the ability to trace the threads of time and go back against that arrogant flow, he could have touched the irreversible past once more with the hand of revision. But dreams are dreams, and reality is reality. He dared not lift his head at the irreversible fact that he had not only failed to meet expectations but had utterly shattered them.

"…"

The hammer of silence pressed down on Bi's shoulders. The whole world seemed to be reprimanding him fiercely.

"…It seems I didn't hear wrong. You are forcing me to do something I am not accustomed to today."

He was not accustomed to hearing that the work he oversaw had failed. Whether he had personally directed the work was not important at all. This matter was especially so. The person he trusted the most had not lived up to his trust. It was the first time.

Because he never considered failure, it took him time to accept that fact.

"I heard a report that the Red Flame of Calamity Fire blazed from Cheonmu Peak."

That's why he had foreseen that success was the only possibility. But did the prediction he believed to be certain turn out to be wrong?

"That report was incomplete," Bi replied cautiously with a grim voice.

"Then?"

"There is one missing report that should have been added afterward."

"What is it?"

"They say someone saw a fire dragon ascend afterward."

And Bi also clearly witnessed that unbelievable sight from the place where he fell from Cheonmu Peak. The scene etched into his retina remained vivid in his eyes, unwashed by any water.

"Is that the direct cause?"

Bi hesitated for a moment. He himself had not been at the scene. And although he had ordered intelligence agents to prioritize gathering information from those who attended the "Mount Hua Branch Meeting," they couldn't obtain much useful information. The situation at the time was so chaotic that everyone was busy saving themselves, so very few people were able to grasp what was happening around them. Finding a person with the mental fortitude and ability to understand the overall situation despite such adverse conditions was not easy.

"A sudden gust of wind blocked my vision. I couldn't see anything due to the strong wind that seemed like it would blow my body away in an instant."

This was the most frequently heard testimony.

There were also useless testimonies like, "I closed my eyes tightly, thinking I was going to die now. When I opened them again, everything was over." Naturally, this was far from enough to reconstruct the situation at the time. All that could be done was to form hypotheses. However, based on the meager testimonies, only weak hypotheses could emerge.

"It's still just speculation, but I am more than ninety percent sure. It seems they used some kind of method to create a massive updraft. Originally, the fire energy was going to rage wildly, seeking an outlet, and fill Hongmae Valley. But just as it was about to heat the air, burn the ground, and even boil the rivers, I presume it erupted upward the moment it found an escape route. Like a taut ball being pricked by a needle."

Bi's speculation was very logical. However, merely explaining the phenomenon was not enough.

"It was the firepower of 'Dragon Scales' filling ten carts exploding in an instant. Its destructive power must have been enough to turn the Nine Great Sects into ashes in an instant! Are you saying that there was someone there who possessed martial arts capable of controlling that immense torrent of power?"

Reality is sometimes incredibly capricious and absurd, and in such cases, it often materializes things that were thought to be absolutely impossible. In such cases, the cause that made the phenomenon possible was more important than the phenomenon itself.

"Perhaps we underestimated the existence of the Three Saints too much," Bi replied.

'Ah, come to think of it, the center of that whirlwind was where the Cheonmu Three Saints were. That's certain.'

This was a testimony from the information gathered by Bi's subordinates.

"Nonsense! They don't have such abilities!"

The voice from the darkness was more resolute than ever. However, Bi did not back down from his claim.

"However, we cannot say for sure. Besides, the information we have about the Cheonmu Three Saints is too old," Bi replied cautiously. But he was not convinced.

"More than that, I heard that the whereabouts of the old lion are unknown."

That point was something Bi had overlooked and not considered until now.

"S-, surely…!"

Bi knew very well who the "old lion" referred to. He understood its meaning so well that his surprise was even greater.

"It's impossible. I couldn't possibly fail to recognize someone with such a presence…" Bi's words were cut short.

"You overestimate yourself. If your identity were so easily seen through, how could you be called a god or a demon? If he wishes to hide, no one can discover his existence. I fear no one in this martial arts world. But that old man is the only exception."

Bi wanted to retort.

'But it's already been a hundred years… History flows, and the possibility of new figures emerging cannot be ruled out.'

However, Bi did not intend to reveal his true thoughts.

"Well… I suppose I should praise you for developing a little?"

A voice tinged with a faint sneer vibrated again from the darkness. The lanterns illuminating the windless zone trembled madly once more.

The quiet but stern killing intent, the unexpressed killing intent, melted into the darkness and spread out like a net in all directions.

He was smiling without even realizing it. A chilling smile, enough to freeze the sun.

"Huk…"

Bi shivered slightly.

It was a voice he had heard since birth, yet he still couldn't get used to it. Every time he heard that voice, he felt the fear slumbering in the deepest part of his being stir.

"I'll consider it a bit more interesting. But what about the key?"

He asked again.

"…"

Sometimes, silence is also an effective answer. Today, for some reason, there were more things he couldn't answer than things he could.

"You returned without obtaining the key and without disposing of the old men parasitizing the martial arts world?"

The "Fire Dragon Plan" was a plan that had been prepared long before he knew about it. A plan that had been meticulously carried out for ten years had gone up in smoke overnight. Bi flinched, preparing for the explosion of anger that might erupt. But the explosion of anger he expected did not happen.

"Haha, this and that all failed… I've really taken a beautiful blow."

He even seemed to be enjoying the situation.

"It seems I'll have to keep writing old history books for a while!"

Bi, who had boasted that he would write a new history of the martial arts world, the New Martial Arts Chronicle, couldn't help but feel a prick. He was clearly referring to that event.

"I am ashamed. I will accept any punishment. I am sorry. Father!"

Bi couldn't lift his head due to the overwhelming shame. It was the first time in his life he had felt so incompetent.

"Why do you think you failed?"

The question was posed.

"I know your abilities well. I made you. The preparations for the Cheonmu Three Saints must have been perfect! Even if you couldn't win, you wouldn't have lost. So, was there someone else there whom you couldn't handle?"

"They were stronger than I thought. But above all, there was one unexpected variable."

"An unexpected variable?"

It was very surprising that such words came from Bi, who planned everything perfectly, meticulously, and executed tasks without a single error.

"It was one person."

"One person?"

It didn't seem like he had misheard. He definitely said "one person," not "one group."

"Yes. There was one person who could not be measured by my standards."

The shadow of a man flashed through Bi's mind. Long bangs falling to his nose, lips always curved in a cynical smile, and a surprising boldness that always defied his expectations.

"What is that person's name?"

"…It's Bi Ryu-yeon."

"Retire!"

The air behind the dark curtain echoed heavily.

"I will retire."

Bi bowed politely and respectfully, then backed away.

"Wait a moment!"

Bi's movement, as he cautiously backed away with his back bent, stopped abruptly.

"…"

Bi waited for the next command, but none came. A breathless silence passed. A cold sweat trickled down Bi's forehead. It was at that moment that the dimly burning candles flickered violently again.

"In any case, failure is failure! Actions always have consequences! No matter how much it is you, you are no exception!"

Bi waited for the next pronouncement without uttering a word.

"I will hold you responsible for your failure."

Finally. It felt like a sense of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

"Of course. I don't want to be an exception, and I won't pass the responsibility on to my subordinates. My overconfidence and incompetence have turned ten years of effort into nothing. The grand plan that should not be delayed has been delayed, so I will not offer any trivial excuses. I am prepared."

He absolutely refused to become pathetic.

"Good. I have not taught you incorrectly if you do not run away from the consequences of your actions. For now, go and reflect. I will inform you when a decision is made."

"I will retire now."

Bowing once more, he paid his respects politely and carefully backed out of the room. He sat and quietly watched him leave. With a grinding sound, the heavy iron door swallowed the faint light that had been seeping in. Darkness fell again in all directions.

"Do I have to start everything from scratch?"

A low groan escaped from the darkness.

Released from the heavy pressure that had been pressing down on his entire body, the air that had been compressed in his lungs turned into a sigh and rushed out.

"Hoo…"

It was a long sigh, as if he wanted to leave not a single speck of air from the secret chamber he had just been in.

"Ah, the intimidating pressure is terrifying."

A pressure that felt like a thousand pounds of iron pressing on his heart. Even the tension he felt when confronting the Cheonmu Three Saints, hailed as living legends of the martial arts world, was not this much. Of course, it was possible that they had underestimated him, but even considering that difference, it couldn't compare to this chill, like a sharp ice claw scraping the surface of his heart.

Was it because he had become immune to such oppressive pressure during the Cheonmu Three Saints incident? Yet, he was still completely immune to this one. Even though he had encountered this one for a much longer time.

"…It doesn't get any easier. Not at all…"

Some might criticize it as becoming accustomed to it, but all humans are said to possess the excellent talent of adaptation, the ability to become accustomed. This evaluation is largely correct. However, every rule has exceptions, and there was an exception here. There was something that, despite seeing it since birth, he never got used to, something that clearly existed in the world of experience. The proof of this existed in the darkness beyond the iron door behind him. It felt as if an unfathomably deep abyss of disconnection lay behind him.

"Is that what absolute is like…?"

If even that is not absolute, then what is absolute and what is ultimate? A state of unparalleled uniqueness that cannot be compared or replaced by anything. A world that his limited understanding could not even dare to imagine. It already existed beyond his realm of understanding.

"Why are you sighing so much? The ground will collapse."

Startled!

He almost turned around unconsciously. However, Bi suppressed the urge to snap his head around. Even though he was lost in other thoughts, he had no intention of admitting that he had not sensed his presence until now. That would be a disgrace, and to act in a way he knew was a disgrace would be humiliation.

'When did he…!'

Bi, feigning composure to the best of his ability, replied in a cold tone without looking back.

"Is it the second brother?"

Even without seeing, he could sense the identity of the person behind him with his sharpened senses.

An immediate response came.

"Hey, you don't even look back now, brother? That's disappointing."

"Disappointed? Since when have you, who are as cold as a winter river, become such a sentimental person?"

"Did you really think I was only that kind of person? It's too much…"

The young man's voice, which had been shaking his head exaggeratedly with his right hand on his temple, suddenly stopped. The smile that had been plastered on his face, as if he were carefree, had instantly frozen into a cold expression.

'When did he…?'

The moment he shook his head was incredibly brief. Yet, Bi had appeared like a ghost right in front of him without any indication of his presence. The young man felt a chill run down his spine.

'Is this a tie then…?'

The match ended in a draw for now. Bi's response had stolen away even the slight mental advantage that had remained in the young man's heart.

'As expected…!'

However, he recovered quickly.

The young man's face, which had momentarily frozen, melted, and a broad smile returned.

"Oh my, you scared me! I thought my heart would drop, brother!"

The young man exclaimed theatrically.

"That's a shame," Bi replied in a tone of deep regret. It was clear that he was not happy about this encounter at all. In that respect, Bi could be considered very honest. He detested the hypocrisy of smiling to someone's face and cursing them behind their back. Despite being sworn brothers, his eyes were very honestly cold. He stared at the other person's eyes as if piercing them with a sharp ice-like gaze.

Standing there was a young man, adorned in splendid robes embroidered with silver thread, with delicate features. He looked about twenty-five years old. He was a man so exquisitely flamboyant that he wouldn't be suspected even if he intentionally sprinkled flower petals wherever he walked and stepped lightly upon them. He was clearly the type who would invest heavily in decorating his appearance. Among them, the large green jade necklace he wore around his neck was half the size of his palm, so large that people hesitated to ask its price. Furthermore, his left ear had five small gold hoop earrings, a sight that naturally made one wonder if his ears didn't hurt from wearing so many. The young man seemed immune to Bi's piercing gaze and remained unfazed. No one knew better than Bi himself that he would never truly be disappointed. Just like him.

"Brother, it's been a while."

The young man, who looked to be in his mid-twenties, greeted him with a casual bow and a dazzling smile.

"Yi Geon, it's been a while. What brings you here?"

Bi's voice, reciting the young man's full name precisely as if memorizing it, without using his nickname or courtesy name, was dry as a withered old tree, devoid of any emotion. The weak demeanor he had shown beyond the stone gate was nowhere to be found. Instead, his sharp and keen eyes radiated a chill like a sharp sword.

"You're so stiff. It would be nice if you just called me 'Geon-a' comfortably, wouldn't it? Our brotherly bond would become even stronger, don't you think, brother?"

Yi Geon, the flamboyant young man, did not flinch even under the cold gaze, colder than the winter moon. He was as flexible as a willow swaying in the spring breeze.

"I refuse."

*Dong dang*

The young man staggered as if deeply shocked by the sharp reply.

"You're so cruel, brother. Aren't I your only junior brother? Aren't we the only sworn brothers in this world? How can you drive such a large nail into my heart, your only junior brother?"

Yi Geon cried out in anguish, beating his chest with his fist. However, Bi did not budge.

"You are not the only one."

Bi replied bluntly. In fact, Yi Geon was not his only junior brother.

"Ah, let's not get caught up in trivialities."

Yi Geon's voice, which had quickly recovered, was so cheerful it was almost flighty, making his previous earnest plea seem meaningless. Within that fresh impudence, the "other" junior brothers were instantly reduced to "trivialities."

"More importantly, I still haven't received an answer."

Interrupting Yi Geon's words, Bi asked in a sharp voice.

"An answer? About what… Ah, you mean the reason for your visit?"

Bi nodded.

"I just came out of solitary confinement, so I came to pay my respects to our master. I've already reported."

"Solitary confinement? Come to think of it, I think I heard you were going into solitary confinement. I sometimes wondered why you weren't around for a while."

It meant that even if he hadn't seen him for a while, he hadn't been curious enough to know whether he was in solitary confinement or not. In fact, it didn't matter whether he knew about it or not. The point was to show that it was so. In other words, it was saying that he held only that much status within him. This was enough to wound the pride of this flamboyant young man. However, not caring about the other person's reaction, Bi asked again.

"So, when did you come out?"

The secret training room was located in a special place where the date mattered. It wasn't like he had come out yesterday or today.

"…"

Faced with Bi's questions, which completely ignored his existence and state, Yi Geon took two deep breaths before barely controlling his contorting facial muscles. Then, he began to contemplate how he could provoke his haughty brother.

"It's been quite a while. You probably don't care anyway. You went for your great endeavor and spectacularly failed… Oops, was that a forbidden word?"

He looked surprised at his own mistake, but it was all a pretense. Bi sighed inwardly at the mockery hidden behind his serious expression.

'Now this one is starting to look down on me too.'

"It doesn't matter. Denying it doesn't make it disappear. You seem very happy."

"Ah, how could that be? It was a plan I had been looking forward to for ten years. If it failed, wouldn't there be significant disruption to future plans? So how could I possibly wish for failure? Please don't say that, even as a joke. I'm afraid people might misunderstand."

His words flowed like water, but they were laced with poison. His ability to say everything he wanted while pretending not to was very annoying.

If that's also a talent, it can be called so, but whether it will be a gain or a loss for him remains to be seen.

'It's not misunderstanding, it's insight.'

Well, it didn't matter much anyway. He might think he was hiding it well, but Bi had already seen through it that this junior brother considered him an unsightly obstacle blocking his bright future. As long as he didn't surpass him, he would never be number one. The only time he could seize that opportunity was when he defeated him. There was no other way. Therefore, it was understandable that he harbored such twisted emotions. Of course, that did not mean he tolerated it. If he could surpass him, it was good to challenge him. But if he couldn't, he would disappear forever. The other party must have been well aware of that fact. That's why he hesitated to act separately and only spoke words. Gently scratching the sensitive parts of someone's nerves with his fingernails.

"Your sarcastic tone hasn't dulled, so it seems you had a very good environment for your solitary confinement?"

Bi said sarcastically. He had no intention of handing over the mental advantage just yet. The string of tension between the two men was pulled taut, with neither side yielding an inch.

"Oh dear! You're so cold after meeting after so long, our brother."

"Did I say something wrong?"

"As you know, brother, the training room there is perfectly controlled for humidity and indoor temperature, isn't it? I had a good time."

Yi Geon replied as if solitary confinement training was nothing. However, Bi knew better than anyone that it was a form of bluff.

"To say you had a good time in that hell… That's the only thing you've said so far that I can acknowledge. I hope your achievements are as outstanding as your tongue."

"That's great. Shall I show you now if you want?"

The sharp blade hidden behind a smile, as they say.

Yi Geon's flamboyant and delicate face was full of smiles, but it was a clear provocation. His confident attitude made Bi even more uncomfortable. He couldn't let it end with just this feeling.

"If you can. But can you really? You'll have to try hard to avoid being laughed at by me."

Bi smiled. Yi Geon also smiled. The flames of killing intent bloomed. The buds opened.

"I'm already trying. So don't move. If you do, I can't guarantee anything either."

The smile on Yi Geon's lips contorted into a more sinister form. At that moment, Bi froze.

'When did he…?'

This was already the second time today, being caught off guard twice in a row… Feeling the net of killing intent surrounding him, Bi swallowed a groan inwardly.

If he took even a small step here, the taut net of killing intent would fly at him like a raging storm, ready to slice him to pieces.

The junior brother was smiling triumphantly, thinking he had landed a good blow. After being angry because the mental advantage he had just gained had been nullified, he had once again gained the temporal advantage. He couldn't help but feel exhilarated. Yi Geon warned with a smile.

"It's better for you to stay still, brother. 'Ja-un' is sensitive and reacts to the slightest movement. If you're not careful, I might hurt you. Un. In. Ten. Tion. Al. Ly. You. Know."

Despite his reputation for composure and coldness, Bi couldn't help but let out a groan at this move.

"This technique… could it be…?"

Yi Geon, inwardly smiling with satisfaction at the results of his solitary confinement, replied proudly.

"Yes. It's that 'could it be.' It's 'Ja-un'."

"Are you talking about 'that' Ja-un, not some other Ja-un?"

For once, Bi seemed truly surprised.

"Is there any other Ja-un besides that one? It's the secret technique that pairs with your 'Am-re' (Dark Thunder), the 'that' Ja-un."

Pairing meant that the two martial arts were equal. Unlike calling something incomparable "unparalleled," this was Yi Geon's implicit declaration and demonstration that he now possessed the same qualifications and power as Bi.

"It seems you've finally completed it. Congratulations."

With a voice that was the opposite of his true feelings, Bi bluntly resonated his vocal cords.

"Thank you. However, it still doesn't match the achievement of your 'Am-heon-re-gyeok' (Dark Scar Thunder Strike)."

It wasn't that the level of martial arts was lower, but merely a matter of cultivation achievement, and that gap would be closed over time, he expressed with confidence. Well, perhaps that was no longer necessary.

"That's uncharacteristic humility for you. So, what do you intend to do with me now? Are you going to kill me?"

Bi asked in a indifferent tone. Knowing what kind of technique it was, he could be even calmer. There was nothing more terrifying than ignorance. Knowing removed the fear. Geon had weakened himself by showing off. Whether he knew it or not, Yi Geon replied.

"Kill you? Don't say such a terrible thing. You're not the kind of person to fall for this much. I believed in you, brother."

Geon replied confidently. He had absolute faith in his superiority.

"Do you want to test it?"

Bi asked, looking straight into Yi Geon's eyes. At his sharp gaze, Yi Geon swallowed dryly. Bi's provocation had an effect. He was facing a serious temptation that was difficult to resist.

"…The test is…"

He wanted to shout "Yes, I'll test it!" right away. However, he barely suppressed the impulse surging from within him.

"The test… Let's postpone it."

It was not yet time.

"Is that so? Then let's leave it at that."

Bi withdrew his piercing gaze and replied in a blunt tone.

*Click!*

With a snap of his fingers, the net of killing intent surrounding Bi vanished as if washed away. The display of power was enough. He didn't want to reveal too much of his strength. It was not yet time to decide the outcome. Although he was full of pride, he was not so blinded by judgment that he couldn't assess the situation.

"You're still the same, brother."

After retracting the energy he had unleashed, Yi Geon said with a forced smile.

"I'm not as inconsistent as some people."

Bi's reply was still blunt and critical. That annoying tone stimulated Yi Geon's pride again. He couldn't stand it without damaging that confident composure. He felt like he wouldn't be able to sleep properly tonight if he didn't. So he said.

"By the way, I saw you again, brother."

"What are you talking about?"

The slightly exaggerated tone stimulated Bi's nerves.

"Ah, don't pretend you don't know. You failed this time, but you brought back spoils, didn't you?"

"Spoils?"

"Yes. There were rumors, you know?"

"I don't recall."

Bi replied firmly. However, Yi Geon did not back down. This was the main event, so why stop now? The pleasure of breaking the monotony called perfection was about to begin.

"Why… I mean, that woman. The one you brought back from your mission this time…"

At that moment, a fearsome killing intent erupted from the body of the eldest son, Bi. Yi Geon tensed his body at the dense killing intent.

"What are you talking about?"

'As expected…'

A fierce and intense killing intent, more stinging than being pierced by ten million needles.

"There's no need to get so angry. I'm not criticizing. Of course. Isn't it said that heroes have strong passions, or rather, heroes love women?"

It probably meant that she was that special. If she wasn't special, it would be meaningless.

"She must have been quite a beauty?"

Once again, a black flame flickered coldly in Bi's eyes.

'Is this the point?'

Although he felt a slight sweat from the terrifying killing intent, he couldn't survive here if he was so easily intimidated.

'I might be able to use this later.'

Instead, he rejoiced inwardly. It was very rare to see Bi reveal his emotions so openly. It was enough to overturn his usual behavior. That also meant it was easy to become a weakness.

As if reading his thoughts? Bi's frozen lips slowly opened.

"…Don't worry about trivial matters!"

His tone carried an absolute power that allowed no rebuttal.

"It's just a simple, small curiosity. There's no special meaning. Yes. I was just curious. What happened to that spoils, or rather, that woman? I am a man too, after all. Aren't I, brother?"

This young man repeated the same words that people who always have a hidden agenda say.

"She is dead."

Bi replied with a chilling expression.

"Huh? She's dead?"

The young man's eyes widened. How beautiful was she, or what was the hidden story that this ice-cold bloodless man brought a woman? While he was cautiously inquiring…

Suddenly saying she was dead would surprise anyone. It was like a thief who had planned to steal a treasure, and just as they were about to execute the plan, they found out the treasure had already been stolen, leaving them in a state of despair. This is simply called a dog left chasing its tail, staring at the roof.

"Yes, she is dead!"

Bi's answer, repeated as if to confirm, was as sharp as a knife. Although Yi Geon was speechless for a moment by Bi's reaction, he had no intention of simply offering a perfunctory condolence like, "That's truly unfortunate. My condolences." He didn't want to remain silent and mute. He needed to strike back somehow to alleviate his tangled feelings.

"Hmm, let's just leave it at that for now. It'll be better that way."

He could only satisfy himself with the small pleasure of repeating the words he had just heard and turning them back.

"Do as you please," Bi replied indifferently. However, he couldn't completely hide the turmoil in his heart, as his fist trembled slightly, and Yi Geon didn't miss it. Satisfied, Yi Geon bowed lightly and said.

"I won't be seeing you for a while, brother."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to go on a brief errand to Namchang."

"Namchang?"

If the destination is Namchang, there is only one place where he has business.

"Cheonmu Academy…"

The place that provided the most direct cause for the failure of this venture, the place where the practical strength supporting the white path was hidden, and the place that, along with the Jeongcheon Alliance, was the biggest obstacle to future ventures.

"We've decided to activate that plan."

"N-no way?!"

Yi Geon nodded with a cruel smile on his lips.

"It's exactly the plan you're imagining."

"I thought the Beoncheon Plan was abandoned?"

"It's always better to be prepared. I didn't expect your Fire Dragon Ascension Plan to fail, but surely you didn't think I wouldn't have prepared a contingency plan or two for failure?"

One cannot survive in this harsh world with such a careless response. This world is not a world for imbeciles.

"Why didn't I hear a single word?"

"Master gave strict orders. You are to reflect for a while. This mission has been entrusted to me. We will use the 'Thirteen Bloods' as escorts."

"The Thirteen Bloods?"

"Yes."

"You're going to use those killing machines?"

"If we're going to act, we have to cut off the opponent's breath as quickly as possible. You've been busy running around while I was in solitary confinement, so rest a bit now. I'll take care of the rest."

This was a rephrased version of saying, "You are just a substitute for me while I was in solitary confinement. Thank you for your hard work in preparing for me and failing. Now that I'm here, you can quietly fade away. I'll take care of everything after this. I hope you can rest forever this time."

"Is that true?"

"Of course. Would you like to check?"

Yi Geon said in an annoying tone. It was no wonder he was happy, having been elevated from the position of having to obey orders to the position of giving them.

"Enough. I wish you success. But I have one piece of advice for you, thinking of our brotherly bond as you embark on a long journey."

Both of them mentioned a non-existent bond, making them feel like they had a rash. After all, they both knew very well that such a thing did not exist between them.

"Don't underestimate them. They are strong."

This was wisdom gained from direct experience.

"Thank you for the advice, I will engrave it deep in my heart."

The answer was perfunctory in every way. Yet, he didn't forget to add a postscript, as it was part of his being.

"Ah, please send my regards to the dead woman."

Yi Geon gave a light bow a couple of times with clasped hands, then turned and walked towards the door. The heavy door then opened with a grinding sound, and he disappeared beyond it.

*Grrrrrr!*

With another heavy sound, the stone door leading to the outside world closed.

*Pababat!*

'That' raced down from Bi's shoulder, past his elbow, towards his sleeve at an incredible speed.

And as the door closed, Bi's right arm swelled and exploded with a pop.

"Kkch!"

He let out a groan and clutched his right shoulder. Despite the loud explosion, his right arm was unharmed. However, the sleeve covering it had been cut into small triangular pieces and scattered into the air. As if it had exploded. This was a phenomenon caused by the surge of latent energy engraved within the sleeve.

"I knew that guy wouldn't back down so easily!"

It was a fearsome technique that seemed to scream, "I took your right hand!"

However, he hadn't forgotten to reciprocate.

*Grrrrr!*

The stone door behind Yi Geon closed. He stepped onto the long stairs leading to the world of light. And he walked up the stairs for a long time, just as he had when coming down. His mind was focused on the invisible exchange that had just occurred.

"It's still not precise enough!"

It was by no means easy to handle the cloud-like soft Ja-un. However, uncontrolled power would eventually harm oneself. He had to control it somehow.

"And strength!"

He needed powerful strength, soft yet capable of tearing through steel.

Today, he had to be satisfied with having measured the gap between them, even if only roughly. It was a harvest just to have outlined what was lacking and what needed to be strengthened to surpass that man. Besides, he had left a gift, hadn't he?

Now, he wouldn't be able to ignore him like he did before. He wasn't used to being ignored, and he had no intention of living a life of being ignored. That's why he showed a glimpse of his power. Even at the risk of being at a disadvantage later.

However, what bothered him was that Bi's right arm reacted later than expected. Because of that, he could easily give a gift, but it was unsettling.

'As if he were injured.'

When things go too easily, it's not just in romance that things become strange.

'But there was no sign of that at all… Could it be…'

However, he soon denied his own reasoning.

"He couldn't move at all. Until my clouds, the invisible currents caused by Ja-un, surrounded his existence."

*Crack!*

Before his words were finished, the hair tie he was wearing snapped, and his black hair fell like rain. His vision instantly turned dark from the sudden shower of hair.

*Crackle!*

A faint sound was heard from his bowed head.

"Are you saying, 'I took your neck'?"

That wasn't the end of it.

*Snap!*

His symbolic necklace, made of expensive green jade, snapped and fell to the ground. He stared blankly at the expensive green jade falling to the ground like a feather, without even trying to catch it. The shattered fragments scattered in all directions with a loud noise. He watched the scene with eyes full of shock.

'I didn't even feel any killing intent…'

Is it that the victory is not yet certain? As expected, he was a man who couldn't be careless. Without feeling any movement of his body, he had somehow placed a sword at his neck and head. It was a clear warning not to act rashly.

"Ouch!"

Yi Geon frowned slightly at the sudden pain that brushed against his right cheek. He brought the hand he had unconsciously brought to his cheek up to his eyes. It was blood. A sharp fragment had grazed his cheek. He felt a chill run down his spine.

"Damn it!!"

Expletives naturally escaped his lips. He wasn't particularly skilled in restraining himself in that regard. How dare he scar my beautiful face!

"Just you wait, Bi! The title of eldest son that precedes your name, I will take it away from you! I am the only one worthy of that title!"

Gritting his teeth, Yi Geon vowed. He would definitely see the day when tears of blood would stream from those eyes, the day when those proud, stiff knees would kneel before him. Just the thought sent waves of pleasure through his entire body, plunging him into a sweet ecstasy. His eyes had already become hazy.

"No matter what it takes!"

He vowed again. He would definitely make that proud face kneel at his feet someday.

Bi looked at his bare right arm. Yi Geon's deduction was correct. A ghastly wound, as if a fierce black dragon had passed through, was revealed there. The black scar was very clear, suggesting it was recent. In Bi's eyes as he looked at the wound, an emotion other than coldness appeared. It was a wound branded by 'her,' by 'her sword.' A wound that would never be erased, along with another wound on his chest.

"Is this the price…"

Bi let out a hollow laugh.

"If this is the price for what I have done…"

Bi paused for a moment. His right palm, looking down, was covered in blood. The heavy sensation pressing on the center of his palm. His left eye, which had shed red tears, his right eye, which had stared wide open. The woman's two eyes vividly reappeared. It was as if the curtain that had forcibly hidden the indelible image of that day had suddenly been lifted. Disbelief, shock, and despair. The sound of heavy rain that day seemed to echo in his ears.

"Heh, if so, it was too cheap. The price for erasing one person's life from this world."

Bi chuckled bitterly and murmured quietly at the absurd fact that the exchange could never be equal.

However, when he raised his head again, the pain and agitation that had filled his eyes had vanished like smoke.

"Yes, she is dead! I killed her with these hands!"

Bi shouted, clenching his right fist, which still didn't move well.

"The girl I saw on the beach that day… will never come back!"

He murmured quietly, touching the black dragon-like wound on his right forearm.

At first, it was the hand that ended the life of the young man named Eunmyeong, and then the life of the woman named Dokgol-ryeong. But, but.

"I… do not regret it! Never!"

That was the only path left for him. There was no other way.