Chapter 185: Heavenly Eye (3)

Heavenly Eye (天眼). (3)

[That’s too dangerous a method.]

Noyya answered firmly, in my opinion.

Just like how the Abbot I met moments ago had suggested it.

Didn’t even the Blood Demon tell me to come find him?

‘If I go, won’t I find out?’

[You intend to personally step into a place that might be enemy territory? You know better than anyone how dangerous an action that is.]

Moreover, the Blood Demon seemed to have already noticed me and was showing interest.

‘I’m not saying I’ll do it right now. It’s just that it’s one possible method.’

As Noyya said, I knew myself how risky an undertaking this was.

However, Noyya would also know that it’s something worth trying, conversely.

‘Seeking only the easy path won’t work, because the challenges ahead aren’t easy, are they?’

The only thing I could empathize with from my conversation with the Abbot moments ago was solely the approaching Blood Calamity.

I still wasn’t sure if what the Abbot mentioned was about the Heavenly Demon, but…

Whatever it was, they weren’t things I could overcome just by struggling alone.

Even more so if the power of the unknown was greater than the known.

‘Please don’t worry, I’m a human who cherishes my own body the most.’

[Oh, is it because your body is the most precious that you go rolling around like that?]

‘I’ve been getting around pretty cleanly, haven’t I….’

…Or not?

[Tsk….]

At my words, Noyya eventually clicked his tongue. That meant he wasn’t going to talk anymore.

Although I said it lightly, whether to actually enter the Meteor required serious consideration.

‘I should look into it a bit more before deciding.’

Though I don’t know if looking into it would yield anything.

If Shaolin and the Beggars’ Sect were already intervening from the Alliance’s side, it would probably be a difficult task.

‘Did Father say he would know?’

Since those were words that came from the Abbot’s mouth, I had to ask him first.

For now, I needed to get out of Shaolin quickly.

Anyway, I was already planning to head back gradually, and now that the task was finished…

“Ah.”

While continuing to walk to leave Shaolin, I let out a single exclamation.

Namgung Bi-ah, who was walking with me, also looked towards me, wondering what was the matter.

I grabbed Namgung Bi-ah’s hand and drew out the heat, containing it within myself.

“…?”

Namgung Bi-ah looked at me, wondering what I was doing, but I said to her in a slightly hurried voice,

“Wait here for a moment. With this much, you should be fine without getting cold.”

“Hm…?”

“I’ll be back soon, so just stay here quietly. Okay?”

At my words, Namgung Bi-ah nodded slightly.

She could have been flustered, but she still didn’t ask why.

[Where are you intending to go?]

‘I have a brief errand.’

[In Shaolin…? Right now, in this situation?]

‘Yes.’

I immediately kicked off the ground and leaped up, leaving the bewildered Namgung Bi-ah behind.

Suppressing my presence as much as possible using my internal energy.

---

In the room where only the two of them remained, Gyeokgeukcheonbong opened his tightly shut mouth and spoke.

“Abbot.”

It was directed towards the Abbot, who was quietly sipping his tea.

“May I humbly ask why you spoke to that young man to such an extent?”

“The reason…”

Kkulkul.

His dry chuckle, made by the old man, felt aged.

The matter of the Blood Calamity was a story known only to a very select few, not just in Shaolin but even within the Alliance.

It was also a story the Abbot himself was keeping silent about.

This was because nothing good would come of it becoming known to the world.

The Abbot maintained his silence quietly, then gave his answer to Gyeokgeukcheonbong.

“Simply because it felt like it needed to be done that way.”

“…Abbot….”

“Did you see the child’s reaction, too?”

At the Abbot’s words, Gyeokgeukcheonbong shifted his thoughts and recalled Jinryong, who had just been sitting there.

Unlike the martial prowess shown at the tournament and the ill-reputed rumors heard previously, he was a young man who acted with appropriate humility.

“…Do you mean the way he expressed doubt?”

“When he heard about the Blood Calamity.”

At the Abbot’s words, Gyeokgeukcheonbong’s beard trembled slightly.

He was wondering what the Abbot meant.

However, as the Abbot’s words continued, he couldn’t help but gasp.

“He was quite calm. He seemed more surprised when he heard about the Meteor, actually.”

“…!”

“As if he already knew about the Blood Calamity. That was the impression I got.”

Sssseuuu-

Faint smoke escaped from Cheonan’s mouth.

This was smoke caused by his internal energy; it signified that the Abbot’s life was draining away.

“To say he had no fear of the Blood Calamity simply because he was young-weren’t his eyes peculiar?”

It was different from the comely woman sitting beside him.

That young girl seemed uninterested in worldly affairs from the start.

Unlike my own kin who bore the Namgung surname.

Like white jade.

Even Gyeokgeukcheonbong, who had lived his entire life as a monk, could tell that her gaze and attention were solely focused on the young man beside her.

How could she be like that, even with Shaolin’s Abbot right before her eyes?

‘The young man’s eyes.’

It was an aspect I hadn’t paid much attention to.

Although he possessed a surprisingly composed physique, as a late-blooming disciple who showed outstanding performance at this tournament….

“I hope that child will join us.”

“…I cannot fully understand.”

The world perceived by the Abbot, who possessed the Heavenly Eye, was a realm Gyeokgeukcheonbong could not dare to comprehend.

It was something that hadn’t come to him.

Not even regarding the Blood Calamity Cheonan spoke of.

It was incomprehensible why the Abbot, leading his frail body, was acting so much, considering how great the Blood Calamity that was coming must be.

The Abbot said.

“The Blood Calamity will come, but I probably won’t be there.”

“Therefore, we must prepare more,” he said.

Seeing the Abbot, who spoke stoically of his own end while still promising a future for all…

Gyeokgeukcheonbong could say nothing.

“Because there is a purpose, He must have given me this responsibility too. Therefore, I must accept it.”

The Abbot called his Heavenly Eye a responsibility. Gyeokgeukcheonbong naturally assumed ‘He’ referred to the will of Shakyamuni.

“Cheonbong.”

“Yes, Abbot.”

“I need to visit the Alliance.”

“Didn’t you just visit last time? Please rest a bit.”

I said it knowing the Abbot’s physical condition, but I knew…

…that the Abbot wouldn’t listen.

“Since time is not abundant, I must move quickly.”

Was the little remaining time referring to the time until the Blood Calamity arrived?

Or perhaps the time left in the Abbot’s own life?

Gyeokgeukcheonbong could not dare to ask about this.

“…I will contact the Alliance.”

“I’d appreciate that.”

Gyeokgeukcheonbong disappeared, and Cheonan, left alone, sat quietly with his eyes closed.

The sounds coming through the window frame and the winter wind overlaid small noises upon the quiet silence, but…

Cheonan’s mind was filled with the young man he had encountered moments ago, without even noticing such things.

‘How intense. Very much so.’

It wasn’t that he couldn’t see just because his eyes were closed.

Cheonan saw more precisely because his eyes were closed.

Although these scenes were often baffling even to Cheonan himself…

…this time was especially unique among them.

‘And yet, it’s entirely black.’

Infinitely intense, yet filled with darkness.

Even in the midst of such contradictions, a strange harmony could be seen.

Perhaps that’s why.

Cheonan’s eyes seemed to speak.

Telling him to pay close attention to that young man.

His thoughts were colored with contemplation about what that could possibly be, but…

He concluded that anything at all must ultimately have a purpose.

“…All of this must be the will of heaven.”

May a single purpose unfold at length, eventually leading to peace.

Cheonan closed his eyes and wished that the end of his remaining life could contribute to it.

---

Seureuk seureuk.

Someone is sweeping the floor with a slightly smaller-than-average broom.

A novice monk who, even generously estimated, seemed barely ten years old.

It was Hee-yeong, the junior-most disciple in Shaolin.

“They said I could work again….”

Hee-yeong, who was sweeping the yard, lamented in a small voice.

It was because, due to the incident that happened days ago, others weren’t entrusting work to Hee-yeong.

‘I told them it was okay….’

For some reason, Hee-yeong’s memory of the past ten days was gone.

How flustered I was when I woke up to see the infirmary ceiling!

Afterwards, I even received a check-up from the doctor, but…

There were no significant issues with my body.

The doctor said the reason for the lost memory seemed to be overwork.

Could it be because of that?

Thanks to Hee-yeong’s usual conduct of working hard even without that, in order not to cause harm to his own sect…

Hee-yeong was forcibly made to take a break.

The shocking words were issued-not to even train martial arts until his body recovered-but…

Hee-yeong had nothing to say in response to his seniors’ words.

‘My senior brothers must be training hard right now….’

Hee-yeong felt that was a pity.

Because he started late and was young, he had to work even harder.

“Really, why can’t I remember?”

He couldn’t understand.

Although they said it was due to overwork, Hee-yeong didn’t think he had been active enough to cause that.

If anything, the time right after he regained consciousness was harder.

There was somehow a discomfort, as if he hadn’t moved his body for several days.

‘According to my senior brothers, I spent the time just like usual.’

Since he couldn’t remember, it was simply frustrating.

Ultimately, for Hee-yeong as he was now, there was nothing he could do but sweep the yard like this.

‘How long will it take at this rate….’

Many people praised Hee-yeong for his talent, but it was simply beyond Hee-yeong’s understanding.

The boy wanted to become the center of Shaolin.

It was too grand an ambition to be contained in such a small body, but still…

Sseuk sseuk.

‘In my current condition, it seems like it won’t work, but….’

Hee-yeong continued to sweep the yard while sighing repeatedly.

His mind was complicated, but his actions were meticulous.

It was because of his senior brothers’ teachings that called something a righteous act only when not just oneself, but also Shaolin, the place one belonged to, was clean.

Tuduk.

“Hm?”

Something snagged on the broom Hee-yeong was diligently using to sweep the yard.

It was because he felt a different texture within the pile of fallen leaves.

Hee-yeong wondered if it was a small rock and moved the leaves aside with his hand.

Then, hidden among the leaves, was an unusual object.

“This is….”

The subtle feel of what was caught on the broom tip wasn’t a rock.

A single, thin book.

Hee-yeong carefully picked it up.

Then, he opened the book to see what it was.

“…Huh?”

Hee-yeong’s eyes widened greatly upon seeing the contents inside.

Thinking perhaps someone had left it behind, he immediately looked around, but…

No one could be seen nearby.

---

About an hour after Namgung Bi-ah had been waiting alone.

It felt like just moments after Gu Yangcheon had said this much heat was enough.

Around the time the heat in her body began to fade, Gu Yangcheon reappeared.

“…Why are you doing that?”

It was understandable, as Namgung Bi-ah was crouching on the floor.

Her legs shouldn’t hurt just from standing for this long, surely.

“Where… did you go…?”

As Gu Yangcheon appeared, Namgung Bi-ah slowly got up and asked.

“I just had a small errand.”

His voice, typically curt, sounded slightly tired.

Considering Gu Yangcheon’s martial prowess, just for an hour…

It wasn’t enough time to get tired easily.

He either moved intensely, recklessly using his internal energy,

Or conversely, he moved cautiously after using a lot of internal energy – it had to be one of the two, but…

Whatever the case, I wondered if there was any reason to act like that within Shaolin, but…

“…”

Namgung Bi-ah said nothing.

She just carefully approached Gu Yangcheon and reached her hand towards his hair.

From amidst his hair, which was tinged with red, she picked something out.

“A fallen leaf….”

“Ah, it must have gotten stuck on me while I was coming.”

Gu Yangcheon quickly snatched the leaf from Namgung Bi-ah and threw it away.

He whispered quietly, ‘When did this get stuck? No one saw it, right?’

“I’m hungry. Let’s go quickly.”

Saying so, Gu Yangcheon pulled Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.

The others must have already arrived and be waiting at the lodging, so we needed to hurry.

Kkuuk.

“Hm?”

As I tried to move at a slightly faster pace, Namgung Bi-ah stiffened like a stone and didn’t move.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Slowly.”

“What?”

“…Slowly…. Go.”

As Gu Yangcheon frowned slightly, not understanding Namgung Bi-ah’s words, she carefully wrapped her arms around his.

“…Because we’re… a pair…. Just go a little slower….”

“…”

Gu Yangcheon’s mouth shut tightly at Namgung Bi-ah’s words, uttered carefully, perhaps shyly.

At this moment, Namgung Bi-ah could see.

Gu Yangcheon’s ears turning slightly red.

Seeing that, Namgung Bi-ah smiled slightly.

She wished he would go even slower, but given Gu Yangcheon’s personality, he wouldn’t.

Namgung Bi-ah knew that not just herself, but many others were included in what he cherished.

This was a small selfishness she indulged in, nevertheless.

It also seemed like the perfect situation.

“Are you okay?”

As Namgung Bi-ah asked, making eye contact, Gu Yangcheon let out a deep sigh.

“…You, where did you learn this?”

Namgung Bi-ah flinched for a moment at Gu Yangcheon’s words.

And then she answered in a very quiet voice.

“…Soyeol….”

It seemed she couldn’t bring herself to lie, no matter what.

Gu Yangcheon chuckled at Namgung Bi-ah’s reaction.

“You keep learning strange things. You’re not a child anymore, you know.”

“…”

“Let’s go for now.”

He finished speaking and started walking, but…

Namgung Bi-ah could tell from that moment.

That Gu Yangcheon hadn’t refused her request.

He hadn’t loosened the arms wrapped around him, moreover.

His walking speed had also significantly decreased compared to usual.

Seeing him like that, Namgung Bi-ah felt something warm swell inside her.

The warmth Gu Yangcheon had given her earlier should have long since disappeared, but…

“Ah, I think we’ll probably depart tomorrow. Is there anything else you need to do?”

Namgung Bi-ah nodded at Gu Yangcheon’s words.

Originally, Namgung Bi-ah had no intention of staying in Henan.

It was simply because he came here that she followed.

‘…Cheon-jun….’

Then suddenly, Namgung Bi-ah remembered her younger brother.

I hadn’t seen him since the tournament; I wondered how he was doing.

Around the time she was receiving treatment in the infirmary after her sparring match with Gu Yangcheon, she had watched him from a distance too.

After all, he was her brother.

Namgung Bi-ah tried to think for a moment but immediately pushed the thought away.

‘…He’ll be… okay.’

For the time being, that was all she could manage.

To accommodate other thoughts in her mind…

It was completely filled with the image of someone’s face, along with a sword.

That someone said.

“…I’m hungry, so I can’t go a bit faster, right?”

“…”

“Alright, stop glaring at me like that….”

At his clueless words, Namgung Bi-ah hugged his arm tighter, as if to punish him.