Chapter 269: Winter Day Comes. (3)

Time flowed, and it became the day of the engagement ceremony.

Even so, only a few days had passed.

For me, who couldn’t really train, it was a boring time.

At best, I went for walks with Namgung Bi-ah.

Or had burdensome tea parties with Madam Mi, who visited occasionally.

No, how am I supposed to handle a tea party where not a single word is spoken?

I really thought I was going to die from the pressure.

‘At least teasing that brat Namgung Cheonjun was a bit fun.’

Thinking about Namgung Cheonjun.

He was undeniably a ridiculous fellow.

The power gained through Hyeolgi (Vital Energy).

At best, it was the evolution of the flesh and the strengthening of martial arts.

In my case, my flames changed to Azure Flames, but…

It seems he couldn’t do the same.

Of course, he had the audacity to claim his memory was hazy about even that.

I had to smack him upside the head.

The power gained from Magi (Demonic Energy) is clearly noticeable.

Instantly, my Noegi (Brain Energy) turned purple.

I could feel my destructive power deepening, even to myself.

Perhaps because of that.

Namgung Cheonjun seemed half-crazy.

Should I say he was intoxicated by Magi?

He seemed desperate to use it somehow.

‘Crazy bastard.’

Then again, I accepted Hyeolgi readily enough.

It’s understandable that he couldn’t resist the eye-catching Magi, but…

Still, for someone from a righteous clan’s bloodline.

It’s absurd that he’s so drawn to power that is clearly demonic arts.

‘Then again, he harbored disgusting desires for his own sister, so he’s probably not right in the head.’

Still, that appearance was terrifying.

One time, he grabbed my pant leg and begged me to let him use it.

Only after I told him to shut his mouth and stay away all day did he finally leave.

‘…I should have just killed him.’

Hah.

I really thought I should have just dealt with him.

Should I just get rid of him instead of watching to see what happens?

Every time I saw his face, those thoughts filled my mind.

Since I found out what I needed to know.

There seemed to be no need to keep watching him.

‘Hoo.’

I could strongly feel his desire for honor and his ambition to reach higher places.

Anyway, that’s the problem with these prestigious family brats.

What can you even gain by climbing that high?

No, wait.

If you only covet such things, you can’t climb high.

In fact, those currently playing in the heavens are all fanatics obsessed with martial arts.

Click-

The sound of a teacup being lifted was clear.

For now, I had to put thoughts of Namgung Cheonjun aside.

‘This is suffocating.’

Right now, I’m barely managing to endure the current situation.

Magi and Namgung Cheonjun.

There were more important matters than those right now.

“I, the head of this Namgung family, gladly accept the engagement with the Gu family.”

I shifted my gaze towards the voice.

Not towards Namgung Jin, who was speaking,

Nor towards my father, who was listening,

But towards the woman in front of me.

‘They really put a lot of effort into her appearance.’

Namgung Bi-ah, dressed up splendidly, was still beautiful.

And her gaze was fixed on me from beginning to end.

That was truly a strange thing.

‘It really looks like it’s actually happening.’

The engagement.

The fact that the engagement with her was actually happening

Was strange in many ways for me.

I knew that my future had changed considerably compared to the time I had lived,

But it felt most real now.

‘What must you be thinking?’

I still recalled the woman shimmering behind Namgung Bi-ah.

She looked exactly like Namgung Bi-ah,

But she couldn’t live the same life. You, who died for me.

What would you have said seeing this moment?

I was just a little curious about that.

Namgung Bi-ah looked at me with gentle eyes.

It was her usual expression.

Or perhaps, it seemed slightly different.

I wasn’t sure.

Whatever the case.

This was an extraordinary event for me.

‘What kind of emotion is this?’

What was the feeling contained within my heart?

It wouldn’t be excitement.

Nor would it be anticipation.

Even if it’s an engagement, it’s literally just an engagement.

I wouldn’t be marrying.

Because there were far too many things left for me to do.

‘So, do I plan to marry after finishing everything?’

I asked myself.

‘Well…’

I couldn’t come up with an answer.

To think of such peace

Was too early,

And didn’t fit the current topic.

‘I just hope it’s a little different.’

That your remaining life ahead will be different from before.

And, please, may the life laid out before me be lighter than before.

That was all I wished for.

“So stop staring, it’s making me uncomfortable.”

“…”

Did she understand what I said?

Namgung Bi-ah simply smiled at my words.

The engagement ceremony concluded quietly.

Would it be understandable if I said it was quieter than a banquet?

Each family head gave their assent.

Namgung Bi-ah and I clasped hands.

Thus, the engagement was fulfilled.

It was a surprisingly calm conclusion, considering how much I had avoided it,

And it was a moment when I could put down my complex thoughts, even if just a little.

Additionally.

-Young Master!

A certain person’s face came to mind,

And it was a somewhat difficult time.

---

The engagement ceremony didn’t take long.

The formality was enough for show.

The Gu family arrived at the Namgung family and they got engaged.

That was all that needed to be announced to the world.

The commercial exchanges or implicit trade relations that would follow

Were matters for the family heads to resolve, not me, so I decided not to worry about them.

‘What’s questionable is…’

The bustling atmosphere of the past few days.

The reason the engagement had to be postponed.

That was something I was somewhat curious about, but…

There were no particular stories circulating.

My father might have heard something, but the reason for his lack of reaction…

‘Must be because he accepted it.’

Since there was likely a reason for it, my father accepted it, hence no reaction.

‘I hope I don’t get entangled in useless matters.’

My own affairs are overwhelming enough; I shouldn’t get swept up in this.

Of course, I assume my father drew the line appropriately.

‘Now, starting with this.’

I scanned my surroundings with a reluctant expression.

Would it be correct to call this a warehouse filled with items?

It wouldn’t be wrong; that’s its actual purpose.

This place.

Was the warehouse where the Namgung family’s treasures were gathered.

The reason I was here

Was because I asked Namgung Jin to let me in.

Honestly, although I asked,

Unlike my expectation that he might refuse, Namgung Jin’s reaction was compliant.

Then again, he was in a state of enlightenment.

I wasn’t trying to take anything, just asking to look.

Of course, restrictions had to be placed to limit my actions,

But that was within my expectations.

I had no intention of stealing anyway.

I already have one or two treasures attached to my body… It’s overwhelming enough as it is, why would I add more?

I looked around the warehouse, examining each item.

‘Most of them seem to be swords.’

As the saying ‘the renowned sword family’ suggests, the treasures being managed all take the form of swords.

However, most of them have rather strange shapes, making them difficult to use as actual weapons.

Perhaps like ornaments meant purely for viewing.

There were many items whose classification as treasures I couldn’t understand.

In the first place, it’s natural to find them incomprehensible when you consider the very existence of treasures.

Treasures are items without a creator.

‘Rather than nonexistent, it’s more accurate to say unknown.’

Where they flowed from,

And who made them – unclear, unknown items.

That’s what most treasures are.

Most of the treasures stored in the Namgung family felt that way too.

They were simply managed because they had been possessed since previous generations.

The only treasure in the Namgung family that was also used as a weapon was none other than Lei Ya (雷亞).

‘Although I might not know everything.’

That was how it was, at least to my knowledge.

Thinking that, I surveyed my surroundings.

‘I don’t feel anything particularly strange.’

As expected of the Namgung family’s treasures,

I could feel some Noegi, but I don’t see any difference.

‘…Is it really not here after all?’

The reason I came here, even making such a bothersome request, was simple.

It was because of what Hwang-a Bulyeong told me at Shaolin.

‘Find Myung-i.’

It referred to the fact that the Thundercloud Sword Namgung Myung was also contained within a treasure.

I wondered if he might be contained within one of the treasures inside the Namgung family,

And since I had a good reason, I came to look.

‘As expected.’

It seemed there was nothing.

Even if the Thundercloud Sword were here, it would be useless if I couldn’t recognize it.

‘Since Hwang-a Bulyeong told me to find him, wouldn’t he show some reaction upon seeing me?’

I thought there would be some reaction, just like Cheolyeong did.

‘If he’s not here… then it must be.’

Namgung Myung is likely contained within the famous sword Lei Ya, a treasure circulating outside.

As it was his beloved sword and treasure that he used his whole life,

It wouldn’t be strange for Namgung Myung’s spirit to be in Lei Ya.

This was also something I had anticipated.

I just hoped for an easier path.

“What a shame.”

With Shin Noyya asleep right now,

I wanted to try something on my own, but the situation didn’t allow it.

Ultimately, it meant I had to go all the way to Mount Wudang to find Namgung Myung.

Moreover, the current Lei Ya is possessed by the Wudang Hermit of Mount Wudang,

Meaning I had to find not just Wudang, but him.

“They don’t let me rest for a moment.”

It felt like a message telling me to run around like crazy if I wanted a peaceful life.

Fucking great.

Filled with irritation, I started walking.

I had no more business here, so I needed to leave.

Just then.

‘…Cheol.’

I turned around at the voice I heard.

Getting goosebumps on my back was instinctual.

‘Shin-cheol.’

Far away, beyond the stacked treasures.

The ink calligraphy hanging on the warehouse wall.

A voice was coming from there.

“…No way.”

I retraced my steps and approached the source of the voice.

The calligraphy hanging on the wall read ‘Southern Heaven’s Number One Sword’ (南天第一劍).

It was a phrase whose meaning I couldn’t grasp.

A piece of paper with hastily scribbled writing was hanging on the wall.

As I stared blankly with bewildered eyes,

‘Shin-cheol…’

The voice came again, as if confirming it wasn’t a mistake.

It was a cold, quite low male voice.

‘No way. …Is it really the Thundercloud Sword?’

The spirit of Namgung Myung, which I naturally assumed was in a treasure,

Did this mean it was contained in such a crude-looking piece of writing?

“…Thundercloud Sword…. Are you?”

I called out hesitantly, but

The culprit didn’t answer.

A brief silence passed.

“Um…”

‘Shin-cheol… No, it might be Ilcheon too.’

“Excuse me?”

The voice began to speak.

“Um, no, excuse me!”

‘How much time has passed… I’m curious, but nothing else matters right now.’

No matter how much I called out, the voice only uttered its own words.

It seemed my voice wasn’t being heard.

‘Whoever you are, first find Lei Ya, no. Find me. I am….’

The figure speaking suddenly cut off, its voice no longer audible.

It felt as if only the voice was contained within.

Regardless of whether that’s even possible.

“Find Lei Ya?”

I had to recall the words left by the person presumed to be Namgung Myung.

If this statement was true, it meant Namgung Myung was indeed contained within Lei Ya.

“And…”

[It might be Ilcheon too.]

That statement also snagged my attention.

Cheolyeong also seemed to have expected Shin Noyya to remain during this time, but…

If it’s Ilcheon then…

‘Gwon-cheol Geumwang Yeon Ilcheon….’

The number one expert in the world at the time who confronted the previous Blood Demon,

And as Cheolyeong said,

A martial artist who defied time, just like me.

‘Why would he…?’

Why would Namgung Myung mention his name?

That was strangely bothersome.

---

Inside a dimly lit room.

A man enters.

“Young Lady, a dispatch has arrived.”

Inside the Moyong family’s trading post in Anhui.

Even though night had fallen, the room was lit by lamps.

Moyong Hi-ah was examining a letter inside the room.

“Is it from the Namgung family?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Summarize it for me.”

Even as she spoke, Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze remained fixed on the letter in her hand.

“…It seems the engagement matter has been resolved.”

At those words, Moyong Hi-ah paused for a moment,

And directed her gaze at the man.

“There are no further details.”

“Yes.”

“It seems quite a situation occurred. They didn’t even use this.”

The engagement talks with Lei Long weren’t firmly established,

But they were close to becoming concrete if they had progressed a little further.

And the Moyong family was the one leading the charge.

Therefore, now that they were backing out,

They should have at least mentioned something to the Moyong family out of courtesy.

‘To let it go this easily.’

It was somewhat baffling from Moyong Hi-ah’s perspective.

“In any case, it worked out well.”

“Yes.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll likely have to head to the capital, so please make preparations.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Moyong Hi-ah sighed inwardly as she spoke.

The engagement ceremony must have ended by now.

Thinking about it made my stomach churn.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

Even so, I tried to calm my mind.

It was something I had anticipated.

‘…I have plenty of time.’

This was a thought the old Moyong Hi-ah wouldn’t have had.

Plenty of time.

How unfitting that was for me.

The time I had judged to be running out

Changed after I met him.

Rustle-

The letter she held slipped from Moyong Hi-ah’s hand and slowly drifted to the floor.

“…Just because they got engaged doesn’t mean it’s over, right?”

“Young Lady?”

“It’s nothing.”

Moyong Hi-ah pushed her hair back and forced herself to pick up the letter again.

I can see him tomorrow.

For Moyong Hi-ah, that was enough for now.

“Did Father have any specific instructions?”

“The Family Head didn’t particularly… Ah, he said he’d like to meet Jin Ryong if possible.”

“Rejected. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“Yes, understood.”

Moyong Hi-ah answered the man’s words decisively.

Her father, who cherished and loved her more than his own life,

Could cause unforeseen trouble if he were to meet Gu Yangcheon.

Even now, it was obvious he was enduring it with great effort, believing the miracle of his passion could save her.

‘…I cannot permit this part.’

Especially if he were seen chasing after a man who already had a fiancée.

There was no telling what would happen to Gu Yangcheon that day.

“Young Lady.”

“Speak.”

“So, how should we handle the ones we caught?”

“Ah.”

At the man’s words, Moyong Hi-ah looked up as if she had forgotten.

The reason Moyong Hi-ah came to Anhui

Was because a collaborating merchant group, which received silk for business use, had embezzled funds.

Confirming and finding them was simple.

It was because they handled their business so incompetently that they were easily found.

Moyong Hi-ah, who was lightly stretching,

“Kill them. All involved individuals, without exception.”

She gave a chillingly calm reply.

“Understood.”

The man, having heard the reply, turned and left the room.

Left alone, Moyong Hi-ah could finally stretch her stiff body.

Due to undergoing treatment for a chronic illness, she hadn’t been able to train properly, making her body feel somewhat heavy.

In fact, she was past the point where training was feasible,

But Moyong Hi-ah was deliberately not doing so.

‘…If I train in secret, he’ll notice.’

If he realized her body was improving,

The opportunities for interaction would likely decrease.

She couldn’t allow that, so she had to use this excuse for the next few years.

Moyong Hi-ah valued getting closer to him

As a woman more than advancing as a martial artist.

“Now then…”

After moving briefly to loosen up,

Moyong Hi-ah picked up another letter.

It contained information the Moyong family had provided to Moyong Hi-ah,

And explained the reasons for the current commotion within the Namgung family.

‘The whereabouts of the Heavenly Venerable are unknown.’

Upon seeing that short line, Moyong Hi-ah’s eyes glinted with interest.