Chapter 362: Orthodox Sect Gathering. (3)

A day had passed.

The night I almost died by the hands of the Dark King had passed, and thankfully, I was still alive.

I woke up on the bare floor, which couldn’t even be called a sleeping bag.

It was a rather unsatisfactory environment for sleeping, but it didn’t matter since I hadn’t slept anyway, only meditating in the lotus position and circulating my internal energy.

“Haa.”

Having contained and circulated the heat all night, hot air mixed with my breath as I exhaled.

“Damn it….”

My physical condition was relatively refreshed.

My body had become one that could go for days without eating or sleeping without issue. However, it was difficult to change the thoughts filling my mind.

It was because of the Dark King I faced last night.

The gap between him and me was unavoidable. He was a figure who had reached the pinnacle of his field, a martial artist who would undoubtedly be chosen among the top experts, even including the Three Sovereigns. It was acceptable that I couldn’t dare to contend with him. No matter how many times I might have lost, my spirit wouldn’t be shaken by that. I would be grateful just to have survived.

The problem was the conversation I had with the Dark King last night.

‘The Dark King is a descendant of the Yeon family?’

He never answered definitively, but the circumstances suggested he had confirmed it. However, there was always the possibility that even that situation was a lie.

‘It’s too out of the blue.’

It was a clan that had been destroyed hundreds of years ago. By timeline, it was a place destroyed much earlier than the Je gal clan. To claim now that a descendant is alive…

‘…It’s not impossible, but it’s hard to fully believe.’

Descendants could exist. Even the Je gal clan has quite a few people living in hiding, concealing their surname. Just around me, I can think of three such individuals. In that sense, Yeon descendants could certainly exist.

‘What’s the probability that such a descendant is active as the King of Assassins…?’

Moreover, the Dark King felt like he had some ulterior motive. I felt it when he cornered me as if threatening me.

‘If the Dark King truly is a Yeon descendant.’

Swoosh.

I slightly rolled up my sleeve, and the remaining mark was still there.

‘What’s the connection to this?’

The reason the Dark King threatened me. It was because he sensed the aura I gained from Bigo, along with this mark on my forearm. The important thing here is that he ‘sensed’ it. Including sensing the aura I thought had disappeared. He even noticed the secret of my arm, which I’d never shown anyone.

Even if the Dark King wasn’t actually a Yeon descendant.

‘It’s certain he senses something from me.’

But I have no idea what it is. There are clearly four auras circulating within my body. Does that mean there are five if we count the aura the Dark King mentioned?

‘What the hell, it’s like a garbage can mixed with everything.’

I don’t know what I’m doing with a body that already has so much to deal with. What’s more, the Dark King called this a ‘curse’.

A curse.

Just hearing it sends a chill down my spine.

‘What could this possibly be to be called a curse?’

It looked unusual enough to be more than just a change in the skin. Since it had only been a few days since I discovered it, I hadn’t felt any changes that could be called significant. However, judging by the Dark King’s reaction, I could only assume it wasn’t something good.

‘That guy, just when I was about to ask him something, he said what he needed to say and vanished.’

As if the Dark King had confirmed everything he needed from me, he disappeared in an instant once the conversation ended. But I still had a mountain of questions.

How petty.

Should I consider it fortunate that I wasn’t killed instead? I was still angry, though, making it hard to see things so positively.

‘Seriously, fuck…. Why are all these so-called experts so individualistic?’

No, the way I see it, you have to be selfish and petty to reach a higher level. Still, I didn’t have the capability to go looking for the Dark King again. Because even if I decided to, if he hid, I wouldn’t be able to find him.

In my dejected state, I examined my forearm again.

“Maybe I need to meet a god.”

I wondered if perhaps he might know. Since we had some acquaintance, I thought maybe he’d help me if I met him. Of course… he wasn’t the kind of old man you could just meet whenever you wanted, so it was just a wishful thought.

For now, I started walking.

‘…Let’s eat first.’

The sun had risen, and I realized I hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days. Although I didn’t feel hungry. It was because I thought shoving something into my mouth would help clear my head.

I headed towards the place where they were distributing food. Given the circumstances, it was difficult to get decent food. It seemed the instructors and disciples who were unharmed were distributing the remaining food. The only difference was.

‘There were martial artists I hadn’t seen before.’

I saw several people looking around with wide, startled eyes. Judging by their clothes…

‘They’re people from the Alliance.’

From the crests on their sword sheaths to the martial arts uniforms they wore. Those were martial artists from the Alliance. They appeared to be assessing the situation while conversing with an instructor.

I slightly raised my Ki sense.

-Support from the main force has been sent….

-Probably from the Flying Dragon Unit….

-Even the Alliance Leader….

-The person who orchestrated this incident….

As soon as the black barrier blocking the surroundings disappeared, it seemed contact had been properly established with the Alliance. Then support should arrive within the day.

Furthermore.

‘This is going to cause a huge uproar.’

It was obvious this information would spread throughout the Central Plains in an instant. The unrighteous martial artists who attacked the Dragon Pavilion, and the descendants of prestigious families who died because of it. Even though the Beggars’ Sect is now clearly an information network for the orthodox faction, they won’t be able to silence everyone. Since it involves not only the Four Great Clans but also the Nine Sects and Schools, there will inevitably be sects and clans, though orthodox, that are not aligned with the Martial Arts Alliance. Wouldn’t that be a living hell for the Alliance? That must be why the expressions of those dispatched by the Alliance were so sour. It was clear at a glance that the situation wasn’t good. They would have to contact the families of the affected disciples one by one. That would be another problem.

‘Perhaps the information has already reached them.’

I don’t know about elsewhere, but at least for the Nine Sects and Schools or the Four Great Clans. They might have already received information before the Alliance could even contact them.

Glancing at them, I grabbed a few things to fill my stomach. Whether it was compressed rice or some kind of Wall-Grain Pill, I wasn’t sure, but right now, all that mattered was filling my stomach, so I reached out without concern.

“Thank you…”

A disciple who was about to hand me the food suddenly spoke to me. Hearing that, I replied with a puzzled expression.

“Are you talking to me?”

“Yes. I’m speaking to you, Young Master Azure Dragon.”

‘Who is this?’

It was an unfamiliar face. I could tell from his aura that he was a fellow disciple, and furthermore, that he belonged to the fist-using martial arts lineage. Although I don’t have a great memory for faces. This was truly someone I’d never seen before.

“I’m sorry, but were we acquainted?”

At my words, the young man gave a wry smile.

“It’s understandable you wouldn’t remember. You were quite busy, Young Master.”

“Hm?”

“Just before I was about to be killed by those unrighteous martial artists… you saved me, Young Master Azure Dragon.”

“Ah.”

Right after my encounter with the Heavenly Demon. It was when I, enraged by various events, was turning the surroundings into a mess. Still, I had eyes, so I only captured and burned the attackers to death. There were a few such instances amidst that chaos.

“I wanted to express my gratitude.”

“It was just a coincidence. No thanks are necessary.”

Simply by chance. He just happened to be on the path I was taking. That was all there was to it.

“However, the fact that you saved me remains unchanged.”

“…”

“I felt so helpless. Despite all my training, I was about to die without being able to do anything. Luckily, my body is intact, so I can help with things like this… but I felt it was all futile.”

At his words, I looked into the young man’s eyes. His fighting spirit was extinguished. Meaning the passion a martial artist should possess was dead.

“That…”

“I had heard rumors about you within the academy and held prejudices. Not realizing you were a hero destined to shine in times of war. I apologize for that as well.”

The more I heard, the more choked up I felt. My insides churned, and my eyebrows furrowed involuntarily. I wasn’t the kind of person who deserved to hear such things from the young man before me.

“It seems some strange rumors have spread… but I didn’t really do much.”

In fact, I thought I was the one who created this situation. If a situation unfolded that shouldn’t have happened in my previous life. That is my sin.

The young man seemed to take my words as false modesty and just smiled. Only then did I understand why people had been looking at me strangely whenever I walked around the academy after the attack. The people who used to stare at me in fear. Could this be the reason their gazes had changed?

It didn’t feel right.

‘…Don’t worship me like that.’

I wasn’t the kind of person meant to be in such a position. My head started aching again.

“…Thank you.”

“…”

As the apology continued once more. I didn’t utter a single word. I simply took the food and turned my back. That young man would no longer live as a martial artist. His spirit was dead, so it wouldn’t reignite. The sight of him expressing gratitude with that look in his eyes bothered me. I couldn’t stand watching him any longer. I didn’t want to hear it.

Taking the food, I started walking again. I already felt bloated, even without having eaten anything. The glances people kept stealing felt particularly noticeable.

I ignored them. I passed through the crowd, searching for someone. Thankfully, I found her quickly. She had a rather conspicuous appearance, after all. Amidst the people coming and going, I saw a woman sitting on a rock, eyes closed.

It was Wi Seol-ah.

“What are you doing?”

I approached slowly. As if Wi Seol-ah sensed my presence too. She shifted slightly, making space. It was an invitation to sit beside her. I naturally sat down next to her.

“How are you feeling?”

“…I’m okay.”

Her voice sounded a little weary. Wi Seol-ah replied, opening her closed eyes and looking at me.

“And you, Young Master-nim…?”

“I’m fine.”

As I answered, I took a bite of the food. As expected, I couldn’t taste anything. Then, I handed Wi Seol-ah another portion of food I had brought.

“Ah…”

“Eat up, you haven’t eaten either, have you?”

“…”

Wi Seol-ah hesitated, seemingly about to refuse, but eventually took the something resembling a Wall-Grain Pill that I offered. She took a careful bite, but Wi Seol-ah’s brow furrowed almost immediately. It seemed incredibly unappetizing.

“You still seem to like sweet things. Is it that bad?”

“Oh, no… I was just a bit surprised.”

Finding her flustered state endearing, I suppressed a laugh inwardly.

“I’m sorry.”

Then, I suddenly offered an apology.

“What?”

“For leaving you alone back then. That’s what I’m sorry about.”

“…”

Even though the situation made it impossible to do anything, especially with the Dark King showing up.

‘That’s just an excuse.’

If I had truly wanted to, I could have gone to Wi Seol-ah. Not waiting until a day like this had passed.

“…It’s okay.”

Wi Seol-ah accepted my apology and took another bite. Her brow furrowed again. Why is she still eating it if it’s so bad… wait a second.

“When did you finish that?”

“Huh? What do you mean… Oh! Where did it go?”

She had only taken two bites, but the food Wi Seol-ah was holding had vanished. It wasn’t small, either; I would have needed a few bites myself. Thankfully, it seemed her appetite remained unchanged even in this situation. I wasn’t exactly normal for feeling relieved seeing this. I barely managed to hold back the laughter threatening to burst out. Because Wi Seol-ah would probably get genuinely angry if I laughed now. Trying to hide her blushing ears, embarrassed as she was. Wi Seol-ah, having swallowed the food in her mouth, suddenly spoke to me.

“Did… did my sister pass peacefully?”

“…”

I gave a bitter smile at her words. I wondered how much she must have hesitated to ask that. Without saying it aloud, I asked inwardly.

How much do you know?

What has she said so far?

“Peacefully… Hmm, I don’t know.”

I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Hearing my answer, Wi Seol-ah lowered her head.

“Do you… know who she is?”

“…I have a vague idea.”

Does ‘vague idea’ mean she doesn’t know everything?

“Then do you know about me… too?”

“Not in detail… I don’t.”

Maybe she didn’t tell you. That’s possible. There’s no benefit in investigating further.

“Shall I tell you?”

There were many meanings behind those words. About my secrets. About my story with her. If the current Wi Seol-ah was curious, I could tell her. However, upon hearing my words, Wi Seol-ah shook her head.

It was unexpected. I thought she would be curious.

“You don’t want me to, Young Master.”

“…”

“My sister would have said the same thing.”

“You are not her. You can do as you please…”

“That’s right. I am not my sister. But since you don’t want me to, I won’t ask. That’s my choice too.”

I was surprised by her firm words that cut mine off.

“I will be different from my sister.”

“…”

It was a statement that brought complex thoughts in many ways. Because even though I hoped for that, I wondered if it was truly possible to be different.

“My sister wished for it, and I wish for it too.”

The words that Shin-geom wished for it felt strangely heavy.

“But if there’s one thing that’s the same…. It’s that my sister and I feel the same way about you, Young Master.”

There was sadness in Wi Seol-ah’s expression, but she wore a confident look, as if she had overcome it.

“Thank you, Young Master. For coming to find me.”

She even smiled. Facing her smile, I couldn’t bring myself to smile back. I just poured what was in my hand into my mouth.

“Will I be able to see my sister again?”

“Yes. You will be able to see her again.”

To Wi Seol-ah’s words, spoken as if in a daydream, I answered without hesitation. This time, it was Wi Seol-ah who looked surprised.

“Because I will make it happen.”

I stood up from the rock and took Wi Seol-ah’s hand. Wi Seol-ah flinched when her hand was taken. Seeing that, I said.

“Let’s go.”

“Uh… where are we going?”

She seemed to be expecting something, and although I vaguely knew what she hoped for. Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow for that.

“We need to go see the kids now.”

Upon hearing my words, Wi Seol-ah’s expression crumpled in a way I rarely saw.

---

The place I dragged Wi Seol-ah to was the infirmary we visited last time. As far as I knew, Namgung Bi-ah still needed several more days of treatment. Her regenerative abilities were excellent, but her condition was said to be quite severe. The only fortunate thing was that she wouldn’t have any scars. It was the same for Tang Soyeol. From my perspective, I felt it was right to at least check on them once a day. Although I couldn’t go yesterday.

Wi Seol-ah wore a displeased expression, but she didn’t say anything further. It seemed she understood the situation herself.

“Hm?”

Upon arriving, I sensed something unusual. The inside of the infirmary felt subtly abuzz.

What is it?

Although I wondered what was going on, I decided to ignore it and moved forward. By the time I reached my destination.

“Why is everyone gathered here?”

For some reason, not only Tang Soyeol, Namgung Bi-ah, and Peng Ah-hee, but also Moyong Hi-ah were gathered, wearing serious expressions. As I called out and approached, the children’s shoulders jumped simultaneously.

What the? Why are they acting like that?

As I stared at them with a look full of questions. Peng Ah-hee, who looked the most composed, spoke to me. The other three wore unreadable expressions, but Peng Ah-hee, unlike them, looked utterly excited.

“Hey.”

“Yeah?”

“You’re in big trouble.”

“What?”

At my question, Peng Ah-hee grinned and said.

“It looks like our fathers are all coming.”

“…What did you say?”

“Want to run away while you still can?”

I frowned at Peng Ah-hee’s words. Because that meant the heads of the Four Great Clans were all coming here.