Chapter 256: Letter You Sent. (2)

At the clumsy and rough handwriting written on the letter.

For a moment, I had to wear a blank expression.

Because I hadn’t known Wi Seol-ah would send a letter, and I hadn’t expected her to write and send it herself.

Meanwhile.

‘Did this kid know how to write?’

That was the first question that came to mind.

While I felt like I might be underestimating Wi Seol-ah, living secluded in the mountains with the Sword Saint, I thought she was illiterate.

If that were true, did she learn to write and send it to me?

If so, this letter I’m holding right now would feel particularly heavy.

Rustle.

I carefully accepted the letter and opened it.

What could be written inside?

I was incredibly curious, but unlike my impatient heart, my fingertips were slow.

-Are you doing well, Young Master?

-I am doing well.

‘Hoho.’

Truly, the handwriting is crooked.

Yet, there were no signs of erasing or corrections.

She probably kept rewriting it.

This must be the letter she made that way.

-I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye.

I know, right?

You should have said something.

At least you could have left a letter like this.

-Were you sad that I disappeared, Young Master?

‘Sad.’

-Actually, I hope you were, just a little.

Was I sad?

‘I suppose so.’

Thinking about it now, I think I did feel sad.

Even now, I occasionally feel the empty space.

Wi Seol-ah, who used to wake me up with her noisy voice from the morning,

her face that would often appear, wondering what I was doing,

her figure that would approach when it was time to eat, wanting to share a meal,

‘Young Master, are you okay?’

her voice that worried about me,

have now, amusingly, become an empty space, and feel particularly large.

‘It’s only been a little over a year.’

At most, a year.

Why would memories from such a short time matter so much?

I didn’t understand why I had to feel this way.

Wi Seol-ah following me around, saying she liked me,

made me feel like I was someone special,

like I had become an important person to you, who were so young.

Did that shake me so much?

‘I’m still immature. I am.’

After going through so many things, and falling to the very bottom and coming back,

I was still a shallow person.

Even though I knew you would leave, here I am, acting like this after you actually disappeared.

The content wasn’t particularly long, so I slowly read the letter.

There were no special stories in the content.

I’m doing well.

The food here doesn’t seem very tasty.

The scenery is pretty, which is nice, but I liked the mountains I saw in Gu Clan better, and so on.

It was written about how she was doing.

However.

‘It feels like she’s just trying hard to say she’s doing well.’

As if trying not to worry me, the words were full of the feeling that she was fine, so I shouldn’t worry.

-Oh, and I started learning swordsmanship from Grandfather.

‘From the Sword Saint?’

So she finally started learning.

‘Wait…?’

Then who taught her when she swung her sword in Gu Clan?

I naturally assumed it was the Sword Saint.

‘Did she do it alone?’

But then again, I think Wi Seol-ah mentioned she was learning swordsmanship.

-It’s fun. Grandfather even praised me, saying I’m good.

Of course, she’d be good.

Thinking about Wi Seol-ah in her past life, it was almost natural.

If she didn’t have that much talent, there would be no reason for her to be called the Divine Sword.

-I’ve grown a lot taller too. Grandfather even said with regret that I might soon be taller than him.

Even considering the Sword Saint isn’t particularly tall, it was quite surprising that Wi Seol-ah had grown that much.

Is this real?

‘I was okay with her being small, though.’

If the letter’s content is true, it’s a bit disappointing.

-I’m learning a lot.

-It’s regrettable and sad being apart from you, Young Master, but

-they said it’s necessary for the future.

I frowned at the words written.

The fact that they said it was necessary must mean someone said it.

‘Did the Sword Saint say that?’

Is there any reason the Sword Saint would say that?

-I will learn much more.

-Because they said that way, I can protect you, Young Master.

“Who is protecting whom?”

At the confidently written words, I finally let out a hollow laugh.

“…Protect who, my ass.”

Rather than protecting someone, I hope you live a life for yourself.

Because in your past life, you dedicated your life to protecting others, I wished this life would be different, but

‘You want to protect me.’

What a burdensome thing to say.

-I miss you.

The words that followed were the same,

-Do you miss me, Young Master?

and so were the words after that.

The affection you show me is truly difficult for me.

Can I dare to hear such words from you?

The feelings you send my way, am I truly allowed to accept them fully?

I still didn’t know.

Your appearance, still seeking me even after leaving my side, makes me feel shamefully happy, yet at the same time, I feel afraid.

-I miss you a lot.

-So please wait for me.

-I will definitely come to see you, Young Master.

It felt like she had poured all her feelings into it.

The words in the letter, filled with so much of Wi Seol-ah’s emotions.

As I read calmly, I ended up letting out both a laugh and a sigh.

‘Isn’t she going to tell me to come find her?’

Even after putting in so many words, there was no mention of me coming to find her.

Only her own words about coming to me.

‘…It almost feels like she’s telling me not to come.’

Somehow, it seemed that way.

As if asking me not to come until she arrives.

-Goodbye.

With the farewell written at the end of the letter, I carefully folded it and put it in my pocket.

In the end, it was a light message saying she was doing well, but it was hard to see it as just that.

“…When did you bring this?”

“It was about three months after you left for the front lines.”

So that would be roughly a little less than a year ago.

Has there been nothing since then?

“Are you thinking of going?”

“…Where are you talking about?”

Elder Iljangro asked me with a rather sinister expression.

“If you mean Qinghai, it’s quite a distance, but not impossible to reach.”

Regarding where Wi Seol-ah is, Elder Iljangro had told me in the past.

Qinghai.

It’s where Kunlun, home to the Nine Great Sects, exists, and also where the Alliance Leader’s main family, the Zhang family, resides.

“…”

“For me, it’s more puzzling why you specifically aren’t going.”

The reason for not going.

Honestly, there were dozens of reasons not to go, compared to reasons to go.

If it was the Sword Saint and Wi Seol-ah’s choice, what right do I have to argue about their decision?

Of course, even setting aside all those reasons, I could just create a justification for going.

And if there wasn’t even a justification, ‘I could just completely ignore it and go find her.’

“Judging by your expression, it seems you weren’t without thoughts of going.”

“Ahem…”

It was just as Elder Iljangro said.

As if searching for reasons not to go, in the end, I found myself looking for reasons to go.

‘…Originally, I was thinking of going after visiting Anhui.’

If I really had to go to the Divine Dragon Pavilion, I had planned to use the remaining time in between to go once.

It was quite tight, but if I really wanted to, it wasn’t impossible.

That was definitely the intention, but

-I will definitely come to see you, Young Master.

“…I’m still not sure yet.”

Elder Iljangro, hearing my words, looked at me with a strange gaze.

It seemed like he was trying to read my thoughts, and perhaps looking at me with a hint of pity.

Elder Iljangro, who had been quietly observing me, sighed deeply and turned his gaze to Hao Munju, who was sweeping the floor ahead.

“If that’s what you think, then so be it.”

“That feels quite unpleasant.”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, is your business concluded?”

“…Yes, more or less.”

I had actually come to argue, but I felt resigned after the unexpected events.

‘…As for the Martial Lord,’

Elder Iljangro said I should come, and I agreed, but I didn’t expect him to come right away.

‘If things get dicey, I’ll just run.’

Even if the Martial Lord wants to see me, can’t I just refuse to see him?

Actually, I wonder if it’s even possible to avoid seeing him if I decide not to.

‘Let’s not think about it now….’

Thinking about it now would only lead to utter gloom.

So I decided to pretend not to know.

“I should be going now.”

“Hm? Leaving already?”

“Yes, I have plans to meet Father later.”

“Mm…. Well, if it’s the head of the family’s business, then it can’t be helped. Come again and stay leisurely next time.”

“…I’ll consider it.”

Who knows what might happen if I stay here too long.

I definitely won’t stay long.

Dragging my heavy body, I bowed to Elder Iljangro and started to walk away.

I should have chatted with Hao Munju too, but there was a palpable atmosphere from Elder Muk telling me not to talk to him because it was embarrassing.

So I decided to see him next time.

Since he said he’s staying at Elder Iljangro’s residence, I can visit tomorrow or the day after.

‘Does he have no intention of returning to Hao Mun?’

Although the identity of Hao Munju is a secret, he is still the head of a sect.

I wondered if it was okay for him to be staying in a place like this, but

‘Since Father allowed it, it must be fine.’

If there was any problem, or if a situation arose that displeased him, Father would have surely caught him and burned him to death.

After glancing briefly at Elder Muk, I started walking again towards the main residence.

---

After Gu Yangcheon left, Elder Muk’s sweeping stopped simultaneously.

Gu Lun lay on the floor, wearing only a displeased expression.

“Children grow up fast, but he has changed considerably.”

These were the words of Elder Muk, watching Gu Yangcheon’s back.

A strange emotion was mixed into his voice.

“Don’t get any ideas.”

Gu Lun, recognizing the emotion within as greed, let out a heavy voice.

Furthermore.

Whoosh.

A subtle heat permeated the small chamber.

“Look at this? Are you trying to beat up your frail friend?”

“You know my temper, so you know I could do that anytime, right?”

“Even as you age, that temper of yours doesn’t seem to die down.”

“Stay for a while, then leave. To your rightful place.”

“That damned decisiveness of yours is still the same.”

As the affection shown towards Gu Yangcheon just moments ago disappeared, only a sharp demeanor remained towards Gu Lun.

Elder Muk knew that this was the true nature of the old man called the Gentle Fist.

The true alias of the Gentle Fist as well.

Elder Muk knew, so he didn’t say anything further.

“I didn’t act out of greed.”

“You’re telling such an obvious lie.”

“…Well, perhaps with my daughter? For a moment! I thought about it, but surely you can overlook that?”

“That’s what we call greed, you damned old man. Do you even know how old your daughter is?”

“…She’s around the age of twenty, right?”

“My grandson already has a young, lovely, and pretty wife, so get lost.”

And he had quite a wide range of choices.

For some reason, Gu Yangcheon was blessed with an abundance of romantic fortune.

“…Hmph.”

Elder Muk snorted dismissively, but Gu Lun paid him no mind.

Leaving Gu Lun behind, Elder Muk only watched the direction Gu Yangcheon had left.

His eyes, now calm compared to before.

‘He’s burning brighter and brighter.’

Compared to the last time I saw him, Gu Yangcheon’s presence had grown much larger.

Is it because he’s the child of a chivalrous hero?

No.

Rather than the child of a chivalrous hero…

‘It would be more fitting to call him the child of a Noble Demon.’

I don’t know how much of his mother’s blood he inherited, but if he inherited it properly, it was, in a way, only natural.

Of course, his younger sister didn’t seem to have inherited it, unfortunately, but it was important that at least one of them did.

‘I hope he grows up just like that.’

And may the flame that grows like that ultimately burn away the karma bestowed upon this land.

Elder Muk thought of Gu Yangcheon and earnestly wished so,

“Hey! Your hands are idle!”

“If you dislike it that much, why don’t you do it yourself!”

Unable to stand Gu Lun’s words any longer, Elder Muk finally grabbed the broom and lunged at Gu Lun.

---

Somewhere in Xi’an.

A middle-aged man was climbing a steep path, sweating.

“…Shit, this path is damn dirty!”

Startled by the middle-aged man’s shout, birds flapped their wings and took flight.

Watching them, the middle-aged man, Choo Ong of the Beggars Sect, thought about how he ended up in this state.

“…Shit.”

Thinking about it naturally made curses spill out, but there was no one there to point it out.

Snap.

Walking through the forest, stepping on twigs.

It’s been a year since I started this bullshit.

It was a year ago that I was tricked by that bastard Jin Ryong into rushing to Xi’an.

‘…If only I hadn’t gone then.’

Things would have been better.

It’s been a year since I’ve had this fucking thought every single day.

You’d think I’d be tired of it, but if I don’t have these thoughts, I can’t bear how shitty my situation is.

How did the once successful Two-Clawed Dog of the Beggars Sect end up like this?

Choo Ong let out a deep sigh.

After walking through the forest path for a long time, I saw a cabin in the distance.

‘…Ho… fuck.’

As soon as he saw the cabin, Choo Ong tensed up considerably.

He really didn’t want to go there, but Choo Ong’s steps didn’t stop.

Because if he didn’t go, he didn’t know how that monstrous human would react.

Finally reaching the front of the cabin.

Creeeak.

He opened the door and went inside.

Someone was already waiting for Choo Ong inside.

“…Heh heh, Great Warrior, I’ve arrived.”

Despite his large build, Choo Ong immediately adopted a crude attitude upon seeing the person sitting in the chair.

This was a survival tactic he had acquired over time.

However, the young man sitting in front didn’t seem to care at all.

“You’re late.”

At the heavy words, Choo Ong hastily approached and started rubbing his palms together.

“Oh dear, well…. I had a lot of work, so I’m a bit late.”

The young man glanced at Choo Ong once and then closed his eyes.

Could I win if I just hit him on the head now?

Choo Ong momentarily entertained a futile thought, but he quickly erased it from his mind.

If I could win with something like that, I would have beaten him long ago.

Unfortunately, the person in front of me isn’t someone such tactics work on.

‘…This crazy bastard. Who called this guy the lowest among the Six Dragons and Three Peaks? I’ll definitely catch and beat the crap out of whoever spread that baseless rumor.’

Recalling the past year of being caught and tossed around by this guy, this guy named Bi Ui-jin, the Twin Dragon, was definitely not just a late-stage disciple.

He’s not someone those brats could even compare to.

‘Where the hell did this guy pop out from?’

If I had to compare, it would be someone like Peng Woo-jin, known as the Dragon of the Peng family, or perhaps Sword Phoenix, who is now considered the top late-stage disciple.

‘Then what about Jin Ryong?’

Choo Ong’s mind went to Jin Ryong, Gu Yangcheon, who sent him here, but it wasn’t easy to compare.

Regardless, both were monsters, that much was certain.

Bi Ui-jin looked at Choo Ong and asked,

“Did the letter I sent get delivered properly?”

“…Yes, I sent it right away.”

“No reply yet?”

“Haha…. Y-yes, that’s right.”

At Choo Ong’s words, the young man, Bi Ui-jin, frowned as if displeased.

“…Hmm.”

Was something bothering him?

As Bi Ui-jin frowned deeply, Choo Ong flinched his shoulders in response.

He sensed the atmosphere was becoming unfavorable.

Usually, situations like this ended badly.

For me, of course.

Fortunately, there was a way in times like these.

Before Bi Ui-jin could do anything, Choo Ong spoke first.

“Ah, Great Warrior.”

Bi Ui-jin’s cold, black eyes turned towards Choo Ong.

The energy contained in that gaze was terrifying, making Choo Ong stiffen, but he couldn’t stop talking.

“…Earlier, I saw the youngest young lady looking for you, Great Warrior.”

The youngest young lady, mentioning the youngest of the Bi family made Bi Ui-jin’s expression soften slightly.

As expected.

This was the direct hit.

This guy, who was so willful and ill-tempered, was inexplicably weak when it came to the youngest.

“Perhaps she was looking for you to share a meal….”

Before Choo Ong could finish speaking, Bi Ui-jin got up first.

He would probably go straight down to the courtyard to find the youngest young lady.

Running into one of the Bi family members while looking around the courtyard earlier was a stroke of luck.

‘Thanks to that, I’m saved…!’

Otherwise, I might have ended up hanging from a tree.

It truly was a blessing.

Bi Ui-jin soon moved.

“If anything comes up, bring it straight to me.”

“Oh, of course. I have to go right away!”

“If you run away again, you know what happens next, right?”

“Yes, yes….”

After trying to run away last time and getting caught, Choo Ong recalled what happened, and he couldn’t help but tremble.

“Ah. Just burn this casually on your way.”

As Bi Ui-jin passed by Choo Ong, he handed him a letter.

“This…?”

“It’s fortunate I might be able to see it sooner than expected.”

“Huh?”

Choo Ong looked back, wondering what he meant, but Bi Ui-jin had already disappeared.

Choo Ong then examined the letter in his hand, and there it read:

-Scheduled to enter the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

“…Huh?”

An unexpected message was written.