Chapter 1088: Scorched World.

I’ve thought about it once, or maybe many times.

If I had to pinpoint the starting point, it would be from when I realized Father was far stronger than I perceived, from the moment I recognized him as someone significantly more powerful even when compared to the Three Sovereigns.

I had been curious about Father’s younger days.

Isn’t it strange? Father was publicly known as merely one of the Hundred Great Masters of the Central Plains.

It was quite a shock when I learned that Father was, in reality, someone who could easily defeat even the Three Sovereigns.

When was that? It was probably around the time I clashed with the Heavenly Demon in my previous life.

The only one who inflicted a fatal wound upon the Heavenly Demon, whom even the Three Sovereigns couldn’t handle.

It’s possible that this fact played a significant role in the fight against the Divine Sword as well.

I always harbored doubts about the existence that was my Father.

How could someone so strong remain unknown?

Furthermore, if he was such a powerful figure…

‘What was he like when he was my age.’

Indeed, what was such a strong Father like in his youth?

Such questions always came to mind.

Today, that question has been answered.

Hwa-reureureureureureuk—!!!

‘Wow.’

The blazing crimson flame. Unlike my corrupted Azure Flame, its distinct and heavy red hue was exquisite.

It was the true karmic fire, embodying the very essence of the Nine Palaces’ flame, honed and refined flawlessly.

Watching the flames writhe as if threatening to consume my body, I burst into admiration.

‘……This is no joke.’

Not to mention the quality of the heat.

The fighting spirit contained within and the meticulous control were beyond comprehension.

Hwa-reureuk.

Father’s flames repeatedly underwent immense compression and rotation.

Of course, I can do this much as well, but…

‘His level is different.’

Father is at the Fiery Realm.

Judging by his age, he isn’t much older than me, which makes no sense.

‘At that level, he has the same control as me?’

While my fine manipulation seems superior, the compression power of these flames is better.

The density’s tightness was unbelievable. With flames like these, the compression of firepower must be immense.

As I continued to marvel while watching,

“That’s insolent talk.”

Father spoke. Hearing that, I flinched. I could see his face contorting.

He narrowed his brows, and a chilling intent flickered in his eyes.

I felt intimidated. It was quite similar to his expression when he gets angry. No, it’s not similar. He looks genuinely angry?

“You want me to make you back down?”

Hwa-reureureureureureuk—!!!

The flames surged. The flames wrapped around me moved in response.

“If you wish.”

My body reacted to Father’s words. Tension coiled within me before I knew it. Even though his level is lower than mine, I knew I would definitely win if we fought.

I found myself becoming intimidated, unintentionally.

Father possessed such an aura.

The flames were about to fly at me. The moment I recalled that and prepared to react.

Ut-teuk.

I stopped my hand. The flames instantly enveloped my body, but even seeing that, I didn’t move.

After all.

There was someone who would block it for me.

“Ehei. Well now.”

Seogeok-!

Along with a sly voice, something was sliced. It was none other than the flames, splitting diagonally, causing the ones wrapped around me to subside.

And then.

“There are many eyes watching, isn’t it a bit excessive?”

Seureureung.

The Azure Flame Sword Master, clad in shining sword aura, separated me and Father.

“Calm yourselves down, won’t you? This isn’t a place just for you two. Especially.”

Tuk.

The Azure Flame Sword Master tapped Father’s forehead with his index finger.

“Unit Leader. It’s good that you stepped up, but didn’t I tell you to curb that temper?”

“…….”

“Why? Do you feel the need to half-kill a rookie like last year to feel satisfied?”

…Half-kill who? I thought I misheard.

But.

“My apologies.”

At the Sword Master’s words, Father calmly offered his apology. By then, Father’s hostility had already completely subsided.

“Hmph.”

Only then did the Azure Flame Sword Master sheathe the sword he was holding at his waist.

And then, he turned his gaze towards me.

“Baek Yangcheon.”

“Yes.”

As I answered his call, he wiped the smile off his face and spoke.

“You… ever since I first saw you, you’ve consistently exceeded my expectations. That might be why the Esteemed Patriarch took a liking to you.”

“Should I take that as a compliment?”

“Does it look like a compliment?”

Seu-eueu.

A sharp energy brushed past my back.

“It’s not what I desire, but since this is the Martial Alliance, unexpected actions aren’t exactly viewed favorably. However, acting so recklessly like this, despite your value and potential, means I’m not entirely pleased.”

U-u-ung.

The energy stirred. The Azure Flame Sword Master’s energy wrapped around Namgung Jin, who lay collapsed below. His body slowly floated into the air, then flew towards a nearby Azure Dragon Corps member.

“Take him to the infirmary.”

“Understood.”

They disappeared with Namgung Jin, who was still bleeding.

“To put it simply, it means to curb your temper a bit. If you can’t do that, then I won’t permit you to stay here; you can go elsewhere.”

Meaning, if you don’t listen, he’ll kick me out.

Hearing that, I laughed.

“You’re laughing?”

At that action, the Azure Flame Sword Master’s expression turned grim.

“Ah, my apologies. It slipped out.”

“Did you not like what this Commander said?”

“No. I will try to curb my temper as you wish. However.”

Separate from that, there are things I definitely dislike.

“I’m the type who can’t stand being provoked first. If that’s not the case, I’ll listen well.”

“…….”

Namgung Jin provoked me first, so I beat him up.

I said it with that meaning implied. Even without saying it, the Sword Master would have known.

In the first place, it’s impossible that someone who reached that level wouldn’t know Namgung Jin’s condition. He probably just left it be out of curiosity to see how I’d react.

“Hmm.”

How would he react? I observed the Sword Master’s response. Actually, reacting like this is also unusual. How could a subordinate dare spout such nonsense about not tolerating first provocation?

From others’ perspectives, it’s enough to be called a lunatic, but…

“Alright, I acknowledge that much.”

“C-Commander!?”

The Azure Flame Sword Master nodded as if he accepted even my words. The others were startled by the Sword Master’s reaction, but…

‘As expected.’

I knew this person would react this way.

The reason is simple.

‘That guy likes talented people.’

An eye for potential. That’s how the Azure Flame Sword Master sees things. Just looking at the people around him proves it.

There are three people called the Dragon and the Phoenix.

And.

‘The rookies he brought in are all amazing too.’

Even if they seem weak now, their inner energy or physical traits are extraordinary.

Considering this and the atmosphere of the unit…

I could grasp the Sword Master’s characteristics to some extent.

He enjoys filling his unit with talented individuals, or…

He’s simply a person who likes talented individuals themselves.

Such a person would overlook a certain degree of rudeness or arrogance.

That’s how I saw the Sword Master.

And from the perspective of such a Sword Master, someone like me would surely hold considerable value.

Therefore, I caused this incident to lay the groundwork.

‘A justification for causing some trouble.’

I taught them through action that I wouldn’t let slide anyone who provokes me first.

So that there wouldn’t be any troublesome incidents.

I don’t know if this will resolve things to some extent, but it doesn’t matter.

What’s important is the Sword Master’s permission and reaction.

“It got a bit rough, but it was entertaining, so it’s not bad. Now then, let’s conclude this matter and continue.”

“Ah, n-no, Commander…”

Other members tried to move urgently at the Sword Master’s reaction, but…

“Why? Is there still a problem? He said he’ll listen well.”

“Firstly, Namgung member’s condition and his attitude towards the Unit Leader…”

“What about it?”

“Yes?”

“The Sword Dragon lost because he was weak, and I gave the Unit Leader a warning, isn’t that enough?”

“No…”

“That’s enough. I said it’s over?”

“…….”

With his continued words, the Sword Master warned with a smile.

Although he was smiling, everyone could tell that smile was a final warning.

Sensing the calmed atmosphere, the Sword Master finally clapped his hands.

Jjak-!

“Well then, it seems resolved, let’s get back to what we were doing.”

As he spoke, the Sword Master had already arrived back at the Commander’s seat where he originally sat.

Only then did I look back at Father again.

Father was looking at me too.

Meeting his clear crimson eyes, we didn’t say anything.

After briefly making eye contact like that, Father was the first to move.

Ttu-beok.

Father slowly moved, returning to his spot.

Watching Father like that, I turned my gaze away too.

‘Ah.’

At that moment, there was only one thought.

‘He’s really fucking scary.’

Father was scary even back then.

I had to go through all sorts of trouble just to suppress my intimidation.

---

It was time for the blue sky to be dyed by the sunset.

As time flowed, the gathered people dispersed, and around the time the sword squads, excluding those with missions, had all scattered.

Kkii-ik.

A large, imposing man was slowly walking.

A figure with black hair and crimson eyes.

It was Gu Cheol-un, the Unit Leader of the Azure Dragon Unit, also known as the Divine Dragon.

“…….”

He walked with an expressionless face and soon reached a residence.

It was the private quarters provided to the Unit Leader.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Yes.”

To the words of the servant inside, Gu Cheol-un nodded.

“Shall I prepare your meal?”

“Please leave it outside the door again this time.”

“Understood. Ah, the portion…”

“……Please prepare it as you did last time. I’ll bring the dishes used for the last meal this time as well.”

“Ah, Unit Leader-nim, I could clean them up myself…”

“It’s fine.”

“Understood.”

The servant, having heard him, moved quickly. Gu Cheol-un glanced briefly at the departing servant.

“……Hmm.”

He let out a low sigh, then opened the door in front of him.

Kkii-ik.

A dark room was visible. It was a quiet space where no presence could be felt.

Upon entering, the traces of a meal eaten were evident inside.

However, the number of dishes was strange for someone who supposedly ate alone.

“…….”

Gu Cheol-un stared intently at it, then tidied the dishes as if accustomed to it.

Then.

“Come out now.”

He spoke in a deep voice.

At that moment, two lights appeared in the seemingly empty space.

They were small lights, known as will-o’-the-wisps. The purplish-red lights soon began to take form.

And then.

“Hihi.”

A woman soon appeared in that spot.

She was a beautiful woman with white hair and purplish-red eyes.

She smiled brightly at Gu Cheol-un and said,

“You’re here?”

At her confident demeanor.

“Haaah…”

Gu Cheol-un let out a sigh, looking utterly exhausted.