Chapter 1219: Scorched World

‘A son.’

The words of Eul-yeong Geomhu strangely bother me.

‘Did she have children besides Bongsun-i?’

It was a fact I didn’t know. How could I possibly know she had a son? Besides, it wasn’t like Bongsun-i’s identity as Eul-yeong Geomhu’s daughter was ever known in the first place.

‘……A son.’

But the Geomhu had a son. And he was already dead, huh?

‘The part where she said he was my age.’

Twenty-something. Roughly twenty years old. I guess I should treat this as information too. I filed it away in my mind for now.

As I was thinking that, the Geomhu’s voice continued.

-I ended up saying unnecessary things without realizing it. You don’t have to worry about it.

“……No, it’s alright.”

-What is your name?

“Gu…… no, I am called Baek Yangcheon.”

I said it again, reverting to the surname that didn’t quite roll off my tongue.

-Baek Yangcheon. Alright. I look forward to working with you.

“……Yes.”

With those words, the Geomhu averted her gaze. I decided to stop watching her as well.

‘I can’t even conceal my presence.’

It’s hard enough just to regulate my senses, so looking at her means she’ll definitely notice. Looking any longer would only be dangerous.

‘This is a warning.’

A warning to stop staring. The Geomhu used a gentle method, but it was definitely a warning.

“Hmm.”

It wasn’t just one or two things that were puzzling.

‘What in the world has happened to this era?’

Is the previous number one under heaven, Cheolhyeol Busan, still alive? Is it before Eul-yeong Geomhu started the Demonic Wars? Or perhaps…

‘A world where that never happened.’

As someone who hadn’t delved deeply into history, it was hard to know for sure.

‘Ah, damn it. Did she possibly know?’

Did she expect me to come all the way to the past? If she knew, I should have studied more deeply.

‘I only pored over books about poison from the Tang Clan.’

I should have studied more history back then.

As belated regret washed over me.

‘……Focus your mind.’

I needed to put aside thoughts about the Geomhu and focus on what was about to happen. The most important thing was ultimately one thing.

‘Regaining my strength.’

I had to get back the strength and energy I had lost. That would be the top priority for the future.

---

Even with Eul-yeong Geomhu joining our group, the journey didn’t change much. We only had a day left of travel anyway. Even with the Geomhu here, she only exchanged pleasantries with Pae-jon, and nothing else significant happened.

And so, we arrived in Hanam as scheduled. Specifically, the Murim Alliance.

“Commander of the Azure Dragon Unit. Your identity has been confirmed.”

Once my father’s identity was confirmed, they didn’t scrutinize us further. It showed how much the name ‘Azure Dragon Unit’ carried significant weight.

“……We’re finally back.”

“Wow…”

As I felt relieved looking at the Murim Alliance, I heard someone exclaim beside me.

“Is this the Murim Alliance?”

“Is this your first time here?”

“There was no reason for me to come.”

“……Mm.”

Gu-seon looked around the Murim Alliance as if fascinated. First time? Considering his age, he’d never been to Hanam before?

‘Did Gu Seong-yeol deliberately keep him from leaving?’

It seemed like he had some intention, but I couldn’t be sure.

“Now then, the remaining members should report back after returning. I will go see the Alliance Leader first.”

My father headed towards the Alliance Leader’s chamber. The rest of us intended to head straight for the Azure Dragon Unit. For reference, Pae-jon, Sin-ui, and the Geomhu also headed to the Alliance Leader’s chamber with my father.

Watching them go, I returned to the Azure Dragon Unit. As soon as I arrived, a familiar face greeted me.

“Oh, you’re back.”

It was the Commander of the Azure Dragon Unit.

“I have returned.”

“Yes, you’ve all worked hard.”

The Azure Dragon Commander looked at me with a smile. He flicked his fingers slightly.

“The rest of the personnel can rest. You, come with me.”

“Yes.”

Following his summons, I entered the Commander’s office. The room, much messier than last time, came into view.

“……Have you been very busy?”

Seeing how chaotic it was, I asked, and the Azure Dragon Commander made an embarrassed expression.

“Work has been pouring in a bit. Don’t mind it, just sit down casually.”

“Don’t mind it…?”

How could I not mind it? I had to step through what looked like a pigsty to reach the only relatively, very relatively, clean spot. As I barely managed to stand, the Azure Dragon Commander asked me.

“So. How was it?”

He was asking about what happened in Shanxi. As he asked, I scratched my cheek.

“Various things happened.”

“Various things? Sounds like quite a bit?”

“Yes. Well…”

There were plenty. I met the lord of another world, killed some demonic cultivators. And saw the dog-like behavior of the Peng family. I went through all sorts of things.

“So, it’s safe to say there were anomalies as expected?”

“If you’re talking about the issues on the front lines… Yes. That’s correct.”

“What happened?”

The Azure Dragon Commander asked me with a strangely serious look. At his words, I immediately took out a letter from my pocket and handed it over.

“I’ve summarized it.”

“Oh. Good stuff?”

The Azure Dragon Commander took the letter, looking impressed. He started reading it right away, and then…

“……Hm?”

He narrowed his eyes almost immediately.

“It seems there are signs of the demonic cultivators’ movements…?”

“Yes.”

I had identified the demonic cultivators’ movements on the front lines. Among them.

“Sama Oje appears?”

“I confirmed there was friction with the Peng family.”

“Hmm…”

“After that, battles occurred, resulting in several deaths… and furthermore.”

“The Heavenly Demon appeared…”

The Heavenly Demon. At that word, I fell silent.

“You mean that monster appeared all the way here?”

“…That’s correct.”

“And even fought Pae-jon?”

“Yes.”

“Hmph.”

A battle with the Three Venerables. Pae-jon, who stands at the pinnacle of current martial arts. Hearing that he fought and disappeared after battling him, the Azure Dragon Commander clicked his tongue briefly.

“This is certainly unusual. That monster is indeed a monster, but why did the demonic cultivators appear on the front lines?”

“I couldn’t figure that part out.”

“Really? That’s possible. Hmm.”

The Azure Dragon Commander, lost in thought, paused for a moment before speaking again.

“Alright. You worked hard, go get some rest for now.”

“……Understood.”

After showing proper respect, I went outside. Only then did I let out a short sigh.

“Ahhh…”

I’m exhausted. Perhaps because it was information I’d prepared beforehand, it thankfully worked. And I hadn’t even embellished the truth.

“That part is handled…”

Regarding the information, I’ll need to figure out how things proceed after the Azure Dragon Commander meets with Geom-jon, but for now, I judged it was passable.

Next…

‘Are they all gone?’

When I came outside, I couldn’t sense anyone. Gu-seon had been taken by So-i, and Namgung Jin and Hyeon So-yeong were also gone. If that’s the case…

‘Now I can go find them.’

It seemed like the perfect time to meet the people I needed to see. There was no time to waste.

---

A location not far from the Azure Dragon Unit. It was a space within the Murim Alliance designated for guests, located in the central area of each unit. I suppose it’s conceptualized as a residence in the safest place.

As I headed there, someone in front blocked my path.

“Halt. State your identity.”

“A warrior of the Azure Dragon Unit, Baek Yangcheon.”

“The Azure Dragon Unit?”

At my words, the warrior glanced me up and down. What kind of look is that?

“The Azure Dragon Unit?”

“Yes. Can’t you see?”

I pointed to my chest. I had changed into the Azure Dragon Unit’s martial attire immediately upon arrival.

“Hmm…”

His gaze was distrustful. What’s this?

“It seems we need to verify your identity a bit…”

He was about to say more, when suddenly…

“Move aside.”

Someone else appeared and spoke to the warrior. The warrior’s eyes widened as he looked at the newcomer.

“Ah. Senior…!”

“I know him. His identity is correct, let him through.”

I looked at the person acting like they knew me. It was a familiar face.

‘……Dok-wang.’

Tang Cheongi, who would become the future Poison King, but was currently known as Dok-ryong. He was vouching for my identity. His eyes, flashing a hint of light green, regarded me with a sharp gaze.

“Your identity is confirmed. What is your purpose?”

“I have someone I need to meet inside.”

“Who is it?”

“The young master of the Baekhwa Merchant Group.”

“Go verify that.”

“Yes!”

The warrior hurried inside to confirm my words. After he left, only Tang Cheongi and I remained. As an awkward silence lingered between us.

“……Did you say your name was Baek Yangcheon?”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

Tang Cheongi spoke to me.

“Haa…”

Then he sighed. What was that about?

“……What exactly did you do to my sister?”

“……What?”

At the sudden mention of his sister, I frowned. Sister? If he meant sister…

‘Wasn’t that the person from back then?’

The daughter of the Tang Clan, known as Poison Phoenix. I couldn’t quite recall her name, only that she bore a strong resemblance to Tang Soyeol. But why was she being brought up here? As I wondered…

“Ever since meeting you, my sister…”

Tang Cheongi tried to say something, his face contorted in anger, but…

“Senior. Confirmation complete. The visitor is indeed the one you expected.”

“…….”

“…….”

His words couldn’t be finished. With the arrival of his subordinate, Tang Cheongi clicked his tongue.

“Go on in.”

“Ah… Yes.”

What was he trying to say? I tried to ignore the nagging curiosity and went inside. Shortly after entering.

“This is it.”

I was guided and reached my destination. Mi Hyoran seemed to be inside. I headed inside immediately.

But then.

‘What is this?’

Something felt strange. I expected it to be quiet inside, but there were quite a few people. As I entered, puzzled…

“I refuse.”

“Listen to me.”

“……I don’t want to hear things like that……. Rather…….”

I heard voices conversing. Who could it be? Just as I slowly approached…

Sreung.

“…….”

A sharp sensation grazed my neck. A sword touched my throat.

“Who–.”

Before the other person could hear my words.

Kwadeuk-!

“Kkeok!?”

Using my elbow, I drove it into the solar plexus of the person who had appeared behind me.

“Keoheok…”

The warrior collapsed.

“Ah.”

Seeing him, I realized my mistake.

“……I did it without thinking.”

My fist reacted out of habit.

Oops…