Chapter 250: Return. (3)

The sky, without a single cloud, was exceptionally clear, but.

As if to prove that summer had arrived, the day was undeniably heating up intensely.

As if last year’s heat was just a joke.

This year is showing particularly scorching weather.

It’s so hot that they say if you crack an egg on your sword, the sword is so heated up that the egg cooks instantly.

‘I really got scolded for doing that kind of thing in the Demon Realm.’

It was probably that brat Zamryong’s sword.

It was a hot day, coincidentally.

And I had obtained a monster’s egg too.

I think I suggested cracking an egg and grilling it.

And of all things, I got caught and was thoroughly scolded.

-You punk, I told you we shouldn’t do that.

-…I can’t believe I got caught. Next time, I’ll make sure not to get caught.

-It’s not about not getting caught, it’s about just not doing it?

-You enjoyed it with me, so why are you freaking out?

That was the conversation back then.

Maybe it was Moyong Hi-ah or Wi Seol-ah.

Asking how any crazy sword master would grill food with their own sword.

I got lectured for nearly an hour.

‘I didn’t even suggest it, why did I get scolded along with them?’

It was probably because I didn’t stop them.

How could I possibly stop that lunatic?

“…It’s hot…”

Hearing a whimpering sound beside me, I slightly turned my head.

Namgung Bi-ah was sprawled out, drenched in sweat.

“Are you okay… You’re clearly not okay.”

I considered asking if she was okay.

But anyone could see she wasn’t okay, so I just shut my mouth.

While reaching the peak and making a bet allowed me to ignore the environment to some extent.

Still, the heat seemed to be taking its toll.

‘Not that it concerns me.’

Warriors of Gugye who possess heat within their bodies are generally unaffected by heat or cold.

Because the heat contained within their bodies is too strong to feel hot in the first place.

Seeing Namgung Bi-ah groaning, I gestured.

“If you’re that hot, go over to that Moyong family’s carriage.”

“No.”

I told her to go rest there because it wouldn’t be hot next to Moyong Hi-ah.

Namgung Bi-ah was resolute.

It seems we really don’t get along at all.

When she’s next to me, she should be even hotter.

‘Maybe she dislikes me more because we’re similar?’

Setting aside personality or anything like that.

Namgung Bi-ah and Moyong Hi-ah somehow had similar vibes.

Is it because their feelings are similar that they dislike each other?

‘That could be possible.’

I also get strangely angry when I meet people similar to me.

Ah, or is this just because I have a bad temper?

Clatter!

“We should arrive in about half an hour.”

It was Gu Jeolyub, who was driving the horses from the front.

“Now you’re even estimating the time. You’ve become quite skilled.”

“Haha!”

Gu Jeolyub laughed excitedly at my words.

…Why is he happy?

Last time, when I said he seemed good with a sword, he made a face like he’d eaten something sour.

I couldn’t understand why he liked being told he drove horses well.

Before I knew it, the scenery outside, just as Gu Jeolyub said, was Shanxi, and moreover, within Gugye’s territory.

I saw people outside waving as they recognized the carriage of the Blood Clan.

I also waved back little by little.

‘Why are they waving at me?’

I wave back instinctively, but.

It’s truly a mystery.

The very people who resented and cursed me so much in my past life.

Now, acting like this without knowing anything.

‘I deserved the curses in my past life.’

I don’t resent those who resented me.

From their perspective, I was no different from a demon.

After waving appropriately.

I pulled the curtain by the window closed again.

Because thinking bad thoughts made me feel a little tired.

‘…I need to get some sleep when we get inside.’

It might be because I haven’t been sleeping well lately.

Recently, no, from last year until now.

I don’t remember sleeping more than two hours.

‘Even though my inner energy flows through my body.’

Due to running without any rest, fatigue must have accumulated significantly.

Eating meals properly.

Or resting through appropriate internal energy training wouldn’t solve it all.

Indeed.

Just as I thought I should rest a bit.

Swish.

At the cold touch on my cheek, I instinctively flinched.

“…What are you doing?”

Looking closer to see what it was, it was Namgung Bi-ah’s hand.

The weather is so hot it’s killing me, yet her hands are cold.

In response to my question, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head and replied.

“…You looked… tired.”

“You looked tired, but what’s with the hand?”

“My hands are cold.”

“I know, they’re freezing.”

“…Cold things feel good when it’s hot.”

Then she started rubbing my cheek little by little.

Due to the nature of a fire cultivator, her body was hot, so Namgung Bi-ah’s cold hands quickly warmed up.

Namgung Bi-ah seemed to have no intention of pulling away and kept rubbing.

“How long are you going to keep touching?”

“…Don’t you know?”

At my words, Namgung Bi-ah wore an expression of utter confusion.

If you don’t know, who would?

‘Fine, if you want to touch, then touch….’

It wasn’t the first or second day Namgung Bi-ah acted strangely.

Moreover, considering my past life, the period wasn’t short.

From my perspective, it was something I had completely given up on the moment I decided to accept it.

For a while like that, with my cheek taken by Namgung Bi-ah’s touch.

As I blankly stared at the carriage ceiling.

Before I knew it.

“We have arrived.”

The carriage had arrived at Gugye.

---

As I got off the carriage and tried to settle my dizzy stomach.

Someone was there to greet me as if they had been waiting.

“Looks like you’ve grown a bit taller. Not bad.”

“…Elder, you seem taller too?”

“Do I? I guess I’ve been eating well lately, so I’m growing again.”

“You’re joking, right?”

Someone who, as far as I knew, was over seventy years old.

How could they possibly grow any taller?

‘…Is it true?’

I disliked myself for thinking it might be true while looking at his build, despite my doubts.

“Anyway… Should I call you First Elder now?”

“Call me whatever you like, it’s not that important.”

The old man who laughed heartily with a ‘kkalkkalkkal’ sound as he spoke.

Was Gu Ryun, Gugye’s Second Elder, no, now the First Elder.

He became the First Elder by filling the vacant position of Second Elder, but.

He himself said he didn’t particularly want to work.

Saying, ‘What more do I have to do at my age?’

‘Then is the Fourth Elder position vacant?’

I heard the current First Sword Master was scheduled to take the position after retiring, but.

Since the First Sword Master also expressed his unwillingness to take such a position.

It was uncertain.

“Hmm.”

The First Elder, who had been chattering away, suddenly fell silent and scrutinized me from head to toe.

“…You’ve changed again in the meantime.”

‘…He’s quick-witted, as always.’

Of course, after eating and wandering around like that.

I had to change.

Roughly speaking, compared to a year ago.

The amount of energy contained within my body had significantly increased.

Along with that, the vessel of my physical body had also grown considerably.

This means I’m no longer the fool who got tired just from spewing a little flame.

‘The wall is still there, though.’

I had raised myself to a sufficient level, provided there was one catalyst.

So, I must reach the Hwagyeong realm by the year after next at the latest.

‘Otherwise, it’ll be too late.’

I had to build it up steadily, firmly, and quickly.

This damn world was too fast, contrary to my will.

As I stood there glumly, lost in frustrating thoughts, the First Elder asked me.

“How long do you plan to stay this time?”

“…Why do you assume I’m going somewhere? This is my home.”

“You’re always wandering around… I thought you were going somewhere again this time. Haha!”

Out of those, how many trips were actually my own will?

Especially since I caused trouble every time I went somewhere.

‘…Even thinking that, I have to go out again this time, don’t I?’

Moreover, this time I’m heading to the Namgung family.

Isn’t it less likely to hope that trouble doesn’t erupt?

‘I hope there aren’t any weirdos.’

Considering there are no normal people in that family.

It would actually be quite difficult.

‘…I should stay as quiet as possible and come back.’

It felt like a promise I always made, but.

It was always sincere.

Trouble should only happen in moderation.

It had long surpassed the level I could handle.

“Whatever it may be.”

As I was about to rack my brain over the complicated situation.

Thump.

The First Elder’s heavy hand touched my shoulder.

“Welcome back. You must have worked hard.”

“…Yeah, well.”

Hearing his words spoken with a bright smile made me feel incredibly awkward.

“What do you plan to do now?”

“I don’t really have anything specific to do…”

Moyong Hi-ah left immediately upon returning to Shanxi, saying she had work.

Perhaps it was an issue with the business being conducted in collaboration with the Tang family.

‘Thanks to that, the situation has changed a bit, though.’

As soon as I entered Shanxi, I felt the streets were more active than before.

Just the presence of the Moyong family’s industrial complex had made the streets bustling.

‘What did she say? That they sell items not sold in Henan and Liaoning?’

Wealthy family heads are already famous for being crazy about such rare items.

This was no different from money flowing into Shanxi.

‘Not that it’s my money, though.’

Either way, it’s a good thing.

Perhaps it was thanks to Moyong Hi-ah gaining time in treating her coldness.

I feel like she’s become more active than before.

It was even noticeable on the battlefield.

Wouldn’t it be even more so in reality?

Even now, she’s rushing around saying she has work to do as soon as we arrived.

In contrast, Namgung Bi-ah went off to sleep, saying she was sleepy.

“I think I’ll get some sleep too.”

Considering I rushed here like crazy upon receiving the letter that Madam Mi had arrived.

Unfortunately, she’s currently in a meeting with my father, so I heard I have to wait about an hour.

‘It just so happened that I wanted to get some sleep.’

When was the last time I took a nap?

I had no memory of truly resting after my regression.

Since everyone seemed to have gone off to attend to their own business.

I intended to take a short break in the meantime.

“Rest, huh? Not a bad idea. Rest is quite important for a warrior.”

“Weren’t you the one who said, ‘A true warrior must train even by cutting down sleep time!’?”

“…I said that back then because Yangcheon, you punk, was stealing all the training time while running away, so I had to catch you.”

Indeed…

It made sense back then.

Meanwhile, the First Elder was looking at me intently, as if he had something to say.

“Do you have something you want to say?”

“Hmm, no. You said you’re resting, so it feels awkward to talk now. It can wait until later.”

“Yes…?”

What was that unsettling remark?

Whenever the First Elder acted like that, he always dumped some problem onto me.

It was a rather worrying aspect.

“Just say it now.”

“Rest well, and I’ll come find you later.”

“…No, just now… Where are you going!”

The First Elder spat out only what he wanted to say and then leaped away, disappearing.

Why is that guy, who supposedly has nothing to do, leaving so busily!

“…Damn it…!”

In the end, the First Elder disappeared, leaving only anxiety behind.

I had no choice but to return to my quarters, grumbling.

I met him after a long time, but that old man was still the same.

‘…I don’t know. I’ll just sleep for now.’

I told a servant to wake me up after about half an hour.

It’s unlikely I’ll fall into a deep sleep, and I’ll probably wake up soon anyway, but.

Just in case.

Then, I closed my eyes.

I slowly circulated my internal energy through my body.

It was to fall asleep a little faster.

Thanks to that, my body felt relaxed, and I fell asleep simultaneously.

I didn’t dream after falling asleep.

It was rather fortunate.

Because any dreams I have are just nightmares.

For that reason, I didn’t particularly want to dream.

Just then.

-Ah, wait a moment…! I’ll wake him up quickly!

-Leave him be. He looks tired, no need to wake him up unnecessarily.

-But…!

Who is it?

Ah, is it a servant?

I feel like I just closed my eyes.

Has half an hour already passed?

-I’ll convey a separate message to him, so don’t worry about it.

At the voice tickling my ears, I finally sat up.

As I sat up, the other person spoke, seemingly surprised.

“Oh dear, it seems I’ve woken you up.”

“…Is it time already?”

“Yes, unfortunately, time is up.”

“Then, before it’s too late, I should prepare… Hmm?”

It’s an unfamiliar voice.

It doesn’t sound like Honghwa… Could it be Gu Huibi?

Wondering who it could be, I lifted my head.

“…Huh?”

There stood someone I had absolutely not expected.

“How many years has it been? Maybe about five years.”

Dressed in finely tailored clothes.

Hair tied up in braids.

A face showing just a little bit of age, but a woman with a gentle aura.

Her unique appearance, resembling Gu Huibi and Gu Yeonseo, greatly enhanced her aura.

Perhaps because of that, she felt like a figure exuding strength amidst a subtle atmosphere.

I knew who she was.

But I also knew she wasn’t someone who should be in my room.

“…Madam Mi?”

The head of the family’s legitimate wife.

The current mistress of Gugye.

The Lady of White Flowers Mi Hyoran.

It was her.

“It’s been a while.”

Even after muttering it, it felt unreal.

I squinted my heavy eyes in my sleepiness, but nothing changed.

Only then did I nod and say.

“It’s a dream.”

As always.

If I dreamed, it was always a nightmare, so this must be too.

“I haven’t been able to sleep at all, I’m even having crazy dreams like this.”

Muttering the words to myself, I flopped back down and fell asleep.

When I woke up later, feeling something was wrong.

About an hour had already passed.

---

Thump.

A sculpted young man slowly walked through the wide corridor.

Taking steps.

The sword hanging at his waist was exceptionally straight and proper.

His gait, step by step, was well-composed, like the dignity of a noble young master.

As the young man walked, the servants working nearby greeted him with bright smiles.

“Hello, young master…!”

“Yes, you’re working hard. Have you eaten?”

“Yes…!”

“You need to eat well while you work. If you all collapse, our family’s power will crumble too.”

“Ah, ah…! Thank you…!”

The young man walked away, leaving a slight smile behind.

-How can he speak so beautifully? He has it all.

-Exactly, no wonder they call him the miracle of Jangga…!

The servants muttered as if they were ecstatic.

The face of the young man walking ahead had lost its smile, leaving only a stiff, expressionless look.

‘How bothersome.’

Having to be kind even to those lowly people.

The young man, Jang Seon-yeon, quietly touched his lips.

And increased his pace.

When this kind of bothersomeness and stuffiness accumulated.

He needed to see the scenery he wanted to see to feel even a little bit relieved.

That was the only solution.

Seeing what he wanted to see.

Or doing what he wanted to do.

Jang Seon-yeon, closing the distance with quick steps.

Soon arrived in front of a massive building.

A huge door that seemed twice his height.

Without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed the doorknob.

Creak.

He put all his strength into opening the door.

Whoosh!

Wind blew from the gap of the slowly opening door.

The wind felt thick with internal energy.

‘…She’s gotten stronger.’

Compared to the pressure I felt before.

It’s much stronger now.

Different from yesterday, and it will be different again tomorrow.

She was growing day by day.

It could be said she was like a monster.

Over the past year.

In less than a year of properly training her sword.

She had achieved such outstanding results.

‘Even as a descendant of the Sword Saint, this is too much.’

Bang!

Finally, the door opened completely.

Jang Seon-yeon slowly stepped inside the building, but.

Kwaaahk-!

After taking just a couple of steps, he could go no further.

Because a cool sword energy had drawn a line as if tracing a boundary at his toes.

The trace of sword energy shone faintly, as if imbued with golden light.

At this, Jang Seon-yeon looked straight ahead with an awkward expression.

“Isn’t the greeting a bit too aggressive?”

It wasn’t a small voice by any means.

The other person still didn’t answer.

It was a reaction as if they hadn’t heard anything at all.

“I came hoping to hear your voice… You seem unchanged.”

Far away.

A little further away.

I see someone holding their sword down, brushing their hair up.

Jang Seon-yeon, meeting the woman’s eyes.

Unconsciously swallowed dryly.

‘She’s beautiful.’

Although she was drenched in sweat, perhaps from arduous training.

The woman bloomed more nobly and beautifully than anyone else.

Not even comparable to when I first saw her.

Just as Jang Seon-yeon was about to cautiously take another step.

“…That’s far enough.”

The woman’s voice was heard.

At this, Jang Seon-yeon spoke as if pleased.

“Is this how it is? Only then do you deign to speak?”

“I don’t wish to see your face for long, so please state your business briefly.”

It was a cool and cold melody.

Her voice sounded endlessly fine and warm, but the emotion within it was frigid.

“I still cannot understand.”

I cannot comprehend.

Why that woman hates me so much.

“I cannot understand why you hate me so much. Please tell me.”

Again, no answer came.

It must mean she didn’t want to converse any further.

Finally, Jang Seon-yeon sighed and took a letter from his pocket, showing it to the woman.

“This is a letter addressed to you. Of course, I received one too.”

Jang Seon-yeon then infused the letter with his internal energy and threw it forward.

So it would fly on the wind and reach its destination properly.

Thwack.

The woman casually caught the letter with one hand.

Then she unfolded it to check the contents.

“…”

The woman’s eyes widened as she read the letter.

Was something unexpected written in it?

Jang Seon-yeon, observing her expression, slowly continued speaking to the woman.

“No matter how much you hate me, it can’t be helped. The entrance ceremony is in winter. And this is something even the Sword Saint has permitted, so it’s best not to think of running away.”

“…”

“Ah, you won’t run away.”

At Jang Seon-yeon’s words, the woman frowned as if displeased.

Even that was beautiful.

“‘He’ will be coming too, so there’s no way you won’t go…”

Kwagag!

As she spoke, a massive golden sword aura swept across the floor next to Jang Seon-yeon, stretching out long.

It happened in an instant.

“Any more than that.”

A killing intent began to creep into the woman’s voice.

As the killing intent grew stronger, Jang Seon-yeon felt goosebumps rise on his back without realizing it.

“Do not open your mouth.”

At the words, spoken as if a final warning.

Jang Seon-yeon grinned and finally raised both hands, signaling his intent.

As if he wouldn’t do it anymore.

“This concludes my business, so I shall take my leave. It was good to see your face after so long.”

As soon as Jang Seon-yeon finished speaking, he turned and walked away.

Even as he walked, the smile on his lips didn’t disappear.

‘She’s strong, that’s good.’

Why she hates him so much.

It’s something I can’t understand, but.

It didn’t matter.

‘Something like that isn’t bad either.’

Things that are hard to obtain make one want them even more.

Jang Seon-yeon tended to prefer such things.

“…”

The woman, left alone after Jang Seon-yeon departed.

Quietly examined the letter in her hand.

The contents of the letter weren’t long.

Since she wouldn’t forget anything she’d seen once, looking at it again wouldn’t change anything, but.

Right now, the woman’s mind was filled with something else.

-‘He’ will be coming too.

Jang Seon-yeon’s parting words lingered in her ears.

Disturbing the woman’s thoughts.

With the face and voice flooding her mind.

The woman, unable to contain herself, quietly uttered words.

“…Young Master.”

The woman, uttering the short words, somehow.

Had a face filled with intense longing.