Chapter 106: Half Lies, Half Truth. (1)

Returning to the dormitory, I carefully wrapped the flower in cloth and placed it in a box.

If I were to eat it, the situation would make now the opportune time, but the risk was too high to just gobble down some unknown spirit herb the moment my cultivation level rose.

[Then, when do you plan to try it?]

“It would likely be after I synchronize my cultivation level and body.”

With Shin Noya’s help, I gained enlightenment and reached the peak, but it was a stretch to say my body had reached the same level.

Just looking at them physically, Hwasan Sect’s Yeongpung or the Second Generation disciples were physically superior to me.

‘Hwasan Sect is a bit monstrous, but there’s no denying the truth in that.’

Fortunately, the flower’s energy hasn’t diminished over time.

I’ll check on it occasionally, but it’s fine for now. I should be able to eat it within seven days and nights at the very least.

‘First, I need to go see Maehwaseon right away.’

There was no need to delay further, so that seemed right. I immediately went outside to deliver the message.

As soon as I stepped out, I made eye contact with Geomjon, who was sweeping the floor outside with a broom.

He wasn’t there when I came in, but somehow Geomjon was now out in the yard.

Geomjon reacted as our eyes met.

‘…Looks like he noticed?’

Given it’s Geomjon’s eyes, he probably noticed I’d reached a new cultivation level.

His eyes had become clearer, and the aura felt from his body had expanded, yet I still couldn’t feel any internal energy from Geomjon’s body.

‘What kind of difference is there?’

In my past life, I didn’t have much contact with Geomjon. Because of that, I couldn’t accurately know what level of martial prowess Geomjon had achieved.

Just based on Cheonma’s words, the story was that he was the strongest among the Three Venerables.

Although my energy wasn’t properly settled yet since I had just reached the peak, it was a bit shocking that I couldn’t feel even a shred of internal energy from Geomjon.

[Is that fellow the current Unrivaled Sword Under Heaven?]

Perhaps because he had seen my memories, Shin Noya finally recognized Geomjon.

‘Yes.’

There was no particular reason to deny it.

[What a pity…]

‘What is?’

[Because I lack a physical body, I cannot properly sense that fellow’s energy.]

I think I heard that I couldn’t properly sense energy in my spirit form.

Hearing that, and being a martial artist myself, I inadvertently started thinking about who was stronger between Shin Noya and Geomjon.

[This damned bastard… Your level of thinking is utterly childish.]

‘…I was just curious.’

Wouldn’t Maehwaseon Sword be considered the most outstanding sword master of that era without question?

I can’t be sure, as I don’t know much about that era.

Geomjon, meeting my gaze, bows his head to me. It’s an awkward situation every time, so I vaguely returned the gesture and quickly got away.

It was just past noon, but for some reason, it felt quiet.

It seemed to be because Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah were nowhere to be seen.

To feel their absence just because those two disappeared made me realize I had changed quite a bit.

Though I don’t know if it’s for the better.

‘Where did they go?’

Wi Seol-ah, having rushed straight here upon arriving at the dormitory, was easy to find, and I thought Namgung Bi-ah might be sleeping in her room.

But the two of them were nowhere to be seen.

Just then, Hongwa passed by carrying some work, so I stopped him and asked.

“Ah… Seol-ah and Miss Namgung went out earlier, saying they were going to watch the Jehwajeon.”

“Jehwajeon?”

“Yes, the youngest lady came by and said they’d be doing it today, asking them to go together….”

I wondered how they ended up going out, and it seems Gu Ryeonghwa had visited.

‘So the Jehwajeon is proceeding.’

I wonder which of the reasons I considered before it might be.

I hope it’s the first reason if possible, but my gut feeling keeps telling me it’s something bad.

‘How many are hidden within the Murim Alliance?’

It’s common for spies to be sent not just from Heukya-gung but also from other unorthodox sects, and even from the Murim Alliance itself.

However, the fact that Nachal visited in the middle of the night and was dealt with immediately made me think the cleanup was excessively fast.

As time goes on, rather than Heukya-gung collapsing due to the Murim Alliance…

The theory that they merely pretended to collapse is starting to gain more weight.

[Are you becoming a bit interested?]

“Yes, it seems related after all.”

I wonder if it’s directly related to Cheonma, but the important thing is that things happened differently than what I only knew from records in my past life.

Not to mention Heukya-gung trying to kidnap Shin-ui.

And the part where they took disciples of the Hwasan Sect to draw their blood to cultivate flowers.

[Then what do you intend to do?]

“You already know, don’t you?”

Since I’ve decided to stop Cheonma, if Heukya-gung is involved, this is no different.

If Heukya-gung is linked to Cheonma’s appearance…

“I must sever it.”

That would probably be the very first step.

---

Since the Jehwajeon was proceeding, I figured I couldn’t see Maehwaseon right away, so I came to meet Geomhu first.

“Welcome.”

“I apologize for the sudden visit.”

Fortunately, Geomhu was in her hut.

‘She looks much younger than before.’

Her lush black hair had a sheen, and her skin, free of wrinkles, caught my eye.

Her appearance, even generously estimated, looked no older than twenty. Geomhu observed me quietly before opening her mouth, seemingly surprised.

“…Something must have happened.”

“I had a small enlightenment.”

“Even so… To reach that level at your age, it seems Heaven has bestowed its blessings upon Gu this time.”

“You flatter me…”

[…Of course, it’s flattery! The world ought to know this wretched fellow!]

With my peak-level gaze, Geomhu’s physical body naturally came into view.

As she is a martial artist of a much higher level than me, I couldn’t see her clearly, but I could definitely tell the power contained within her body was extraordinary.

‘No wonder she’s called Geomhu.’

Those who inherited existing titles, rather than being called by new ones, had achieved particularly high levels.

Like the Geomhu or Geomwang of their respective eras.

Geomhu seemed to notice my gaze and gave a slight smile.

“Not as impressive as you thought?”

At Geomhu’s words, I finally realized my behavior was somewhat impolite and offered an apology.

“I apologize… I still can’t quite control it properly.”

“It’s alright. I realized that my body hasn’t fully recovered either, enough for it to be captured in your eyes.”

Finishing her words, Geomhu offered me tea. It had the same aroma as the plum tea Maehwaseon used to brew.

“The Sect Leader sometimes gives it to me.”

“Ah, that’s why…”

No wonder it smelled the same. As I sipped the tea, Geomhu suddenly brought something up.

“I wanted to thank you once more, and it’s fortunate you came.”

“What…?”

“Ryeonghwa, who visited last night, seemed quite different.”

Speaking thus, Geomhu seemed to be in a much better mood.

“She was smiling.”

“…”

“I never knew Ryeonghwa could smile so brightly; the sight was truly endearing.”

It seemed Geomhu had also noticed Gu Ryeonghwa’s change observed at the Jehwajeon yesterday.

However, I didn’t quite like that she attributed it to me.

“If that’s the case, I didn’t do anything…”

If anything, maybe it was me who crushed and blocked the potential Gu Ryeonghwa harbored.

While I could question it, it was practically a certainty.

Therefore, Gu Ryeonghwa, who overcame it alone and smiled genuinely, is truly amazing.

Perhaps not believing my words, Geomhu simply kept smiling.

“Ah, Ryeonghwa mentioned she needed to go see her older brother, so she went down, but it seems she missed you upon seeing you.”

“Me?”

I heard earlier that she came to the dormitory and went to watch the Jehwajeon with Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah.

Was she looking for me then? I didn’t think she came to see me.

‘I’ll have to go find her later.’

I don’t know what business she had, but if we missed each other, I just need to go find her again.

Geomhu took a sip of the plum tea and continued speaking.

“When do you plan to depart for the Sega?”

“Probably, I plan to depart as soon as all matters are concluded, so at the latest, by tomorrow.”

“…My, that’s faster than I thought.”

“Rather, I feel like I’ve stayed too long, so I intend to leave quickly.”

“Have you conveyed the message to Shin-ui?”

“Ah… I’ll deliver it later.”

Right, I had forgotten.

As I spaced out, Geomhu let out a soft laugh. Seeing that, I awkwardly cleared my throat.

“…I apologize. I must have seemed quite lacking.”

“No. Your actions resemble your mother’s so much that I couldn’t help but laugh. My apologies.”

Whenever Geomhu mentioned my mother, she always seemed to be smiling.

Were they that close? If so, I had never heard my mother mention Geomhu.

‘It might be stories from too long ago, so I might not have heard them.’

Suddenly, I wondered how on earth Geomhu and my mother met and became friends.

‘Still.’

The mere mention of my mother made me uncomfortable, so I couldn’t ask.

Not yet.

Taking a breath, I brought up the original reason I came to see Geomhu.

“Do you remember I mentioned before that I would ask for a favor later?”

“Yes, I haven’t forgotten. Have you come to ask for that favor now?”

“Yes, it’s not a big favor.”

Tomorrow, before leaving, I will visit Maehwaseon. I planned to go with Geomhu then.

In that situation, the favor I needed to ask of Geomhu was simple.

“Just please take my side for a moment.”

That would be enough.

---

After finishing my conversation with Geomhu, I was slowly heading down to see Gu Ryeonghwa.

Feeling the cool breeze gradually, I realized summer was almost over.

“Time seems to be passing too quickly.”

Despite experiencing many changes as time flowed, I still thought it was slow.

While I reached the peak in less than a year, which seems fast…

Thinking about the disaster that would strike later, it’s a pointless sense of accomplishment.

At best, an exceptionally talented late-stage disciple. That’s about it.

[You seem impatient.]

“I believe this kind of impatience is sometimes necessary.”

[…That’s not something I can just deny.]

“I just need to manage it so it doesn’t become poison.”

Though it won’t be easy.

As I was nearing the bottom of the mountain, a familiar face caught my eye.

“…Huh?”

“…?”

Perhaps because I made my presence known, our eyes met. It was Zhuge Hyuk, Shin-ui’s grandson, his short bangs covering the bridge of his nose.

‘What is he doing?’

Zhuge Hyuk was wandering around carrying a basket that looked half his size.

What was vaguely visible in the basket seemed to be mushrooms.

I considered just passing by, but eventually approached him and asked.

“What are you doing here?”

Zhuge Hyuk, having found another mushroom and put it in, looked towards me.

Judging by the gesture of picking up a mushroom and pretending to eat it with his hand, he seemed to be gathering ingredients for eating.

“Are those even edible mushrooms…?”

They all looked so colorful; no matter how I looked, none of them seemed normal…

In response to my question, Zhuge Hyuk started to gesture briefly before pausing.

He picked up a fallen twig nearby and scribbled words on the ground.

-It’s okay. They’re fine.

Seeing the words written on the ground evoked a strange feeling. It was because I had never tried to converse separately with Zhuge Hyuk.

“…How can you be sure?”

-It was written in Grandpa’s book.

“Shin-ui’s book?”

Zhuge Hyuk nods. Does he even have such a book?

“What are you planning to do with these?”

-I’m going to fry them. And make soup too.

As mentioned earlier, he seemed to be thinking of making side dishes.

Zhuge Hyuk, who seemed indifferent in both expression and action since I first saw him, somehow looked excited. Perhaps because of that, I inadvertently blurted out a question.

“Do you like cooking?”

At my question, Zhuge Hyuk’s eyes widened slightly. Then he nodded vigorously.

-How did you know?

I remained silent to Zhuge Hyuk’s question.

Facing him was still burdensome. But now, I was recalling that this was a different life.

“I just… got that impression.”

It was merely a fleeting memory that surfaced.

-I wanted to open a restaurant. A small, cozy one. Because cooking is fun.

A meaningless story pulled out as his whole body was mangled and he was on the verge of death.

With blood pouring out, making it seem like he couldn’t even speak properly, the bastard recounted his story clearly in that situation.

It was meaningless now. Nine-tenths of what Zhuge Hyuk said in his past life was a lie.

The only times he mixed truth with his words were when he gave the order to advance to the demonic soldiers according to Cheonma’s command.

As he was a person who had wrapped himself in lies until the moment of his death, there weren’t many memories I could trust now.

-I was an orphan when I was young. I had no family.

It was a lie. He had a family named Shin-ui.

-Still, my body was relatively healthy. I had many friends.

This too was a lie.

-Do you know? If things weren’t like this, you and I might have become good friends.

Every word he spoke was a lie. I didn’t believe that part especially, even back then.

-Master, do you resent me?

I answered yes. I even said I wanted to tear him apart.

The bastard chuckled. Every time he laughed, blood flowed from his mouth, soaking his clothes.

-Still, if the final moment is like this, it’s not bad.

His clear voice was the last. What truth was there in his words?

I thought at least his past held no lies.

Ironically, his words were full of falsehoods.

Thinking about it now, perhaps there was no truth from the very beginning.

“…”

I looked at Zhuge Hyuk. How did this guy become a demonic soldier? If he had been kidnapped along with Shin-ui, was that the beginning?

If so, having twisted so many predetermined events, will Zhuge Hyuk no longer become a demonic soldier?

Though it was a fleeting moment, so many thoughts were racing through my mind.

As I felt slightly dizzy from the complex thoughts, Zhuge Hyuk suddenly handed me an unidentified cloth pouch.

“…What is this?”

It was a sudden situation, so I wondered what it was, but upon receiving and opening it, it was full of mushrooms.

As I gestured asking what this was, Zhuge Hyuk scribbled something on the ground again.

-I picked a lot, so I’ll give you some. These are delicious.

Saying that, the kid grinned widely. I momentarily wondered if even that smile was a lie, but…

It was only for a very brief moment. I carefully put the received mushrooms into my pocket.

“…Yeah, thanks.”

I thought that at least for now, it might not be a lie.

Zhuge Hyuk seemed to have more to gather, wandering around again, so I left him be and got up.

Returning to the dormitory, it seemed the kids who went sightseeing hadn’t returned yet.

Since I heard Gu Ryeonghwa had come looking for me, I decided I should go find her.

Before leaving, I handed the mushrooms to Hongwa.

“…Young Master, what is this…?”

He looked at me with a rather bewildered face, so I awkwardly mumbled an excuse.

“I just received them as a gift. If they seem okay, could you make something with them?”

“Ah… Understood. Um, Young Master.”

“Yes?”

“Are you perhaps going to pick up Seol-ah?”

“No, not particularly.”

Since I was going to find Gu Ryeonghwa, it was roughly in the same vein, but since it wasn’t exactly that, I didn’t add further explanation.

Then Hongwa let out a deep sigh.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Seol-ah left without doing her chores. She probably didn’t know I was here when she left. I’ll have to scold her when she returns.”

“…Ah.”

She probably couldn’t get too angry in front of me, but she was holding back, and it was quite noticeable.

[Her hands are shaking.]

‘I know, right.’

Seeing her clenched fist trembling slightly, she must be quite angry.

‘Hang in there.’

For some reason, I pictured Wi Seol-ah being held by Hongwa, forced to stand with her hands up as punishment, and offered her a silent cheer.

---

Murim Alliance Headquarters, Leader’s Residence.

The current Murim Alliance Leader, Nakgeom Jang Cheon, was carefully reading the letter sent by Geomjon.

He had already read it several times, but he was reading it again, wondering if anything might have been missed.

‘…A granddaughter.’

The letter contained various details, but the part that raised the most questions was regarding Geomjon’s granddaughter.

“This is truly strange…”

Geomjon had no family. He knew that his only blood relative, a daughter, had died in an accident.

It was he himself, not anyone else, who had delivered her remains to Geomjon.

So, what was this granddaughter?

What on earth happened during the decade Geomjon was missing…

I heard that Mujang and Sorim were looking for Geomjon. They had also asked me to provide information about his whereabouts, but…

Since I knew nothing, I had nothing to tell them.

‘What should I do about this?’

It seemed like quite a complicated matter. If he were to grant Geomjon’s request written in the letter, he would be in a situation where he’d have to antagonize the Nine Sects and Four Schools somewhat.

However, not granting it was problematic because the debt Jang Cheon owed Geomjon was too great.

As Jang Cheon was deep in thought.

-Knock knock.

He sensed someone’s presence. Jang Cheon carefully folded the letter and put it in his chest.

-Father. It’s Seonyeon.

“Come in.”

Upon Jang Cheon’s permission, someone opened the door and entered.

It was a young gentleman with a kind impression.

“What brings you here?”

“I came to pay my respects upon hearing you had returned briefly.”

“I told you there was no need, as you must be busy with training…”

“No, sir. How could I possibly not?”

Jang Cheon smiled as he listened to his son’s words.

He was truly a well-mannered son. He was proud without shame, no matter where he presented him.

Moreover, he had recently gained considerable enlightenment and his martial prowess was reportedly soaring impressively; Jang Cheon thought perhaps his son might fill the vacant position among the Five Dragons.

“Haha, yes, yes. Hearing you say that makes it impossible for your father not to feel pleased.”

Jang Cheon laughed heartily.

Seeing that, the young boy, Jang Seonyeon, also smiled softly in return.