Chapter 451: Ah, this isn’t it.

Cheolgeureok-

A damp smell, thick with humidity, mixed with the distinct metallic tang of iron.

There was a small window, but not a single ray of light came through.

Only a tiny lamp stuck to the wall illuminated the surroundings.

It felt like a situation I’d experienced somewhere before.

Finding the situation vaguely familiar, I let out a hollow chuckle without realizing it.

Ttu-duk-

I raised my hand and moved it slightly, feeling something restricting my movement.

Handcuffs were tightly binding my wrists.

“…”

Seeing them, I scowled. I wondered if mere handcuffs could possibly stop me, but…

Looking around, I started to get a sense of what these handcuffs were made of.

‘They really used something damn expensive.’

It was obvious what kind of item possessed such yin energy and strength.

‘Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron….’

These handcuffs were definitely made from Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron.

After all, it would be impossible to bind a martial artist of the Peak Realm or higher with anything less.

‘Though it seems to be mixed in rather impurely….’

Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron isn’t exactly lying around everywhere, and they wouldn’t use pure Cold Iron just to make a single pair of handcuffs.

‘Well, maybe there’s more of it now than in the past.’

If this is indeed the past, there should be more Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron than in the world after my regression.

Originally, Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron was such a rare material that it was hard to obtain even with immense wealth.

However, about four or five years from now, the quantity will drastically increase after a courier agency located in the Zhejiang region discovers a mine rich in Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron.

Of course.

In the process, the agency that discovered it might be mysteriously attacked and disappear, or the Martial Alliance might get caught secretly distributing it…

Various incidents will occur, but the fact remains that Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron will become more abundant than before.

Thanks to that, they’re even mixing it into handcuffs like these.

‘…This is absurd.’

Even a minuscule amount of Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron mixed in is treated as a top-tier sword, yet here, in this time period, it’s mixed into handcuffs.

It’s truly a ridiculous situation.

‘When I get back, I should make a trip to Zhejiang.’

Despite having a hell of a lot to do, this was a major reason why I wasn’t particularly concerned about finances.

While I don’t know every detail of the future, I remember the major events, so naturally, I remembered the talk about Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron.

What worries me is that the timeline seems significantly altered, so trying to use my knowledge of time might cause problems.

At this point, even with the information I have, I can’t blindly trust it.

‘Still, I can’t just not go.’

It’s not just anything, it’s Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron.

It’s an item that would be incredibly helpful for the future, so I couldn’t bear to give up on it.

Staring at the handcuffs and lost in thought, I suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion and slumped my body.

After all, this wasn’t the time to be pondering such things.

“Ha…”

I looked back at the wall again.

Then, Deolkeong-! A movement from the floor caused my body to lift slightly.

Feeling that uncomfortable sensation, I blurted out,

“Ah… driving like a fucking bastard.”

It was quite coarse language, but there was no way any pleasant words would come out.

Such was my situation.

I was currently inside a moving carriage.

Ah, I couldn’t see, so I wasn’t certain, but given the situation and the sensations, it was definitely a carriage.

Amidst the constant vibrations and the jolting movement within the space, I ground my teeth.

I was being transported to the unit where the Martial Alliance was located.

Looking at the bound handcuffs, I let out a continuous stream of sighs.

“Ah, this really isn’t it….”

How did I end up in this situation?

“How did I end up? What do you mean, ‘how did I end up?'”

There was no need to think about it.

The reason I ended up like this was entirely…

…my own doing.

******************

Kureureung-!

A harsh sound echoed from the dark clouds that had suddenly appeared in the sky.

Within the blackened clouds, crackling lightning energy was coiled, seemingly furious and ready to strike the ground at any moment.

Was this truly a phenomenon created by a human? I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe.

Watching the martial artist who created such a phenomenon, I recalled a sobriquet.

‘Thunder Empress (雷后).’

It was another sobriquet for Ma Geom-hu, and in my opinion, the most fitting one.

Her mastery over lightning energy had reached the pinnacle, reaching a level where she could cause anomalies in nature.

This was a realm that those who use offensive martial arts and energy strive to reach somehow.

Martial artists whose control over energy, including the unification of mind and sword, has been honed to the extreme.

I remembered the realm of transcendence that Pae-jon once spoke of.

He said it was a realm that transcended the framework of martial arts to become one with it.

Looking at Ma Geom-hu now, while not certain, I believed she had reached that realm, or was on the verge of reaching it.

Otherwise, there’s no way she could display such power.

Kugugugugung-!

The scope of the dark clouds gradually expanded.

The lightning energy emanating from Ma Geom-hu herself also intensified significantly.

As if she had decided to unleash her full power, the aura radiating from her was extraordinary.

‘Why is she really acting like this?’

I swallowed nervously as I watched.

Why is she really like this?

While So Geom-seong’s desire for me was surprising, it was Ma Geom-hu’s reaction that truly startled me.

‘Wait, they want me, so why is she acting like this?’

I wondered if she was angry because a newly acquired subordinate was being taken away, but…

‘Her?’

There was no way Ma Geom-hu would do that.

Besides, even as a member of the Black Flame Brigade, she had no contact with other demons, and Ma Geom-hu, who couldn’t care less about others, wouldn’t possibly look out for a newcomer.

‘Then what is it?’

I glanced sideways at Ma Geom-hu, who was emitting killing intent like a madwoman.

Seriously.

‘Did she recognize me?’

It was a slim chance, but if so, how could she have noticed?

I couldn’t figure it out.

My disguise was sealed, my appearance completely different, and besides, Black Flame Emperor was already walking around perfectly fine.

I might have experienced regression, but it’s impossible for Ma Geom-hu, who obviously hasn’t, to recognize me.

“…Ma Geom-hu.”

Ma Geom-hu’s lightning aura (雷映) spread with a chilling intensity.

The one most taken aback by this was none other than So Geom-seong.

Padeudeudeuk-!

A sword aura formed from lightning energy enveloped Ma Geom-hu’s sword.

Ma Geom-hu, brimming with energy that seemed ready to explode, walked towards So Geom-seong.

Frowning at this, So Geom-seong also began to envelop herself in her characteristic energy.

‘Huh?’

I widened my eyes as I watched.

So Geom-seong raising her energy as if to counter this baffled me.

‘Are they really going to fight?’

It was intense.

Moreover, Ma Geom-hu, despite belonging to the Demonic Cult, is not someone who uses demonic energy.

This means she wouldn’t be resisted by So Geom-seong’s demonic energy suppression.

She is the only one from the Demonic Cult who can fight So Geom-seong purely based on skill.

In other words, if a fight breaks out, they could truly fight tooth and nail.

Seureureureung.

Several streams of energy floated behind So Geom-seong, transforming into the shape of swords.

A sword appeared in her other hand.

Dual sword techniques.

In one hand, the treasured sword she always used.

And in the other, a sword made of energy.

Furthermore, countless sword blades flew behind her back in the form of sword manipulation techniques.

This was the appearance of the Moon Dance Swordplay she used.

So Geom-seong, now in a battle stance with eyes sharper than usual, spoke towards Ma Geom-hu.

“Ma Geom-hu, are you intending to fight me like this?”

“If you wish.”

Despite So Geom-seong’s words, Ma Geom-hu remained resolute.

“Even the Demon Emperor remains still, so why are you stepping forward?”

The Demon Emperor, the actual person in charge of the demons present, watched the two without uttering a word.

It was as if he was curious to see how things would unfold.

That son of a bitch, instead of intervening, is just watching.

‘Damn bastard, I hope your heart explodes and you die.’

I cursed him inwardly, eyes blazing.

Meanwhile, despite So Geom-seong’s words, Ma Geom-hu showed no signs of stopping.

Truly, if she wished it, they could be seeing bloodshed at any moment.

Lightning energy seeped into Ma Geom-hu’s white hair, changing its color.

Her blue eyes, which seemed to hold the ocean, did the same.

Ma Geom-hu, now fully embodying the Thunder Empress (雷后), approached So Geom-seong and said,

“That doesn’t matter.”

“…”

“Nothing.”

“What do you mean…”

Just as So Geom-seong was about to react with confusion to Ma Geom-hu’s answer,

“What’s important is that you’re trying to take me from myself, and I have no intention of being taken.”

“…!”

So Geom-seong’s eyes widened at Ma Geom-hu’s words, spoken clearly and firmly, unlike her usual hesitant tone.

Her gaze turned cold.

“I have nothing to give you right now.”

“Ma Geom-hu…!”

Kureureung-!

Thunder gathered in the air.

As the situation escalated rapidly, the killing intent from both sides’ martial artists surged.

Cheon-jon was still standing with his hands clasped behind his back, but I could sense an extraordinary energy around him.

It meant he was capable of intervening at any moment, while the Demon Emperor still showed no particular intention to interfere.

Though he appeared to be merely observing, I suspected he was churning with a thousand thoughts.

It was the same for me.

‘What should I do?’

I didn’t understand anything, from start to finish.

Neither the reason Ma Geom-hu was so furious, nor why So Geom-seong-or rather, the Martial Alliance-suddenly wanted me.

I didn’t know how the situation had escalated this far, but at least I knew one thing.

‘If I let this continue, I’m screwed.’

Standing foolishly and watching would lead to disaster.

I sprang from my spot and ran.

I felt like I could be torn apart by Ma Geom-hu’s lightning energy at any moment, but I didn’t stop.

Even if I didn’t know her intentions, I knew she saw me differently.

Perhaps it was a faint certainty tinged with anxiety.

I pushed through the lightning energy and grabbed her wrist.

“…!”

Ma Geom-hu glared at me with fierce eyes due to the sudden contact, but upon confirming it was me holding her,

Paseuseuseu....

the surging lightning energy within her body vanished in an instant.

The dark clouds filling the sky also disappeared, and the scattered killing intent subsided.

All that remained was Ma Geom-hu’s gaze fixed on my wrist.

Jjirit-.

A sharp pain grazed my wrist, and upon checking, I saw a burn mark from the lightning energy bleeding.

Seeing that, Ma Geom-hu’s eyes flickered.

Watching her, I thought to myself.

Ma Geom-hu is treating me specially.

The reason being, despite the contact, she didn’t immediately draw her sword to cut off my head, and she wasn’t trying to shake off my hand holding hers was proof.

Having concluded that, I spoke to Ma Geom-hu.

“It’s okay.”

“…”

“I’m okay. So please calm down.”

As I spoke, I watched her anxiously, wondering how she would react.

The surging killing intent from her gradually subsided.

Ma Geom-hu returned to her original state.

Confirming this, I gazed at So Geom-seong.

“You said you wanted me.”

Perhaps she hadn’t expected me to speak so abruptly; So Geom-seong flinched slightly.

Seeing that reaction, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Even though the Heavenly Demon had clearly warned against coveting Sichuan, the fact that they ignored it and gathered their full strength… even involving Cheon-jon and So Geom-seong to the point of war just to have me…

Why?

‘How would I know?’

What’s important here is that, regardless of the reason, I am the problem.

Furthermore, it meant someone wanted me.

‘Someone influential enough to mobilize So Geom-seong and Cheon-jon for this.’

Such a person must be behind this.

And if they specifically pointed me out, it means they have at least a vague understanding of my situation.

Which means…

‘Whatever it is, it’s probably best to meet them.’

They might be someone who knows about this unfamiliar world.

Even though the situation looks dangerous, I couldn’t let So Geom-seong and Ma Geom-hu fight, nor could I allow a war to break out.

Ultimately, there was only one option I could choose right now.

“…Let’s go.”

Going for now.

In my view, it was the best course of action at the moment.

******************

And so, currently.

I am confined within a dark carriage, lit only by a single lantern, still wearing handcuffs.

All I feel is the rattling vibration of the carriage.

‘How far are we going?’

Are we heading to Henan, where the Martial Alliance headquarters is?

Surely not, that would be too far.

It would take at least a month by carriage, so that can’t be it.

‘…Was this really the right thing to do?’

I twisted my body back and forth, pondering.

It was something I just went ahead and did, but if you ask whether it was a good choice, then no.

It was merely the optimal choice I could make.

At that moment, when I said I’d go willingly, Ma Geom-hu tried to stop me, but the previously passive Demon Emperor intervened.

I understood his intentions.

He probably thought that since the Martial Alliance wanted me-someone he was already suspicious of-it would be better to avoid unnecessary conflict that might endanger So Geom-seong.

‘…If it were me, I wouldn’t have done that.’

Even though he’s the Demon Emperor, his choice now strikes me as questionable.

If it were me, I would have fought to protect myself, especially since the Martial Alliance wanted me.

There must be a reason they wanted me enough to risk a fight.

The fact that he so easily let me go gave me a strange feeling.

Could it be because my way of thinking has changed due to my regression?

‘I don’t know.’

I wasn’t even sure about that anymore.

What was certain, however, was that this world was different from the one I knew.

That was the biggest problem.

‘It’s subtly different.’

Something was definitely off.

It wasn’t just about the lightning energy; I could still feel a persistent, foreign aura.

‘Ha.’

Is it too much to ask for things to just go smoothly for once?

Whenever something happens, it never just passes easily.

‘My life, really.’

At this point, I wonder if I just have no luck in life at all.

‘What on earth do they expect me to do?’

Wasn’t the name of the trial ‘Regret’?

Tang Je-mun said I would have to make a choice, and that any choice would be fine.

But so far, the moment for making such a significant choice hasn’t arrived.

What are they expecting from me? Why are they putting me in this situation?

The more I thought about it, the more irritated I became.

“Haa…”

As I spent the whole day sighing like this,

Deolkeong-! Kung-!

the carriage lurched significantly before gradually slowing down.

Immediately after.

Kkiiiiik.

The closed carriage door opened, letting in a sliver of light.

Squinting towards the light, the first thing I saw was brilliant blonde hair.

“…Come out.”

It was So Geom-seong who opened the door.

Seeing her, I tried to speak nonchalantly,

“Have we arrived already?”

It felt like only a day or two had passed at most, so that distance shouldn’t have been enough to arrive.

Arrived already?

First, I straightened my stiff body and moved outside.

It was night outside.

I felt eyes on me.

The martial artists from the Alliance were all staring at me.

The contempt and disgust directed towards a demon were clear in their gazes.

Ignoring their stares nonchalantly, I scanned my surroundings.

‘Cheon-jon isn’t visible.’

I didn’t know if he was guarding the perimeter or hiding somewhere.

At my level, I couldn’t possibly detect him.

“Follow me…”

So Geom-seong spoke and started walking.

Judging by the direction, it was into a dark forest.

“…”

I followed her without saying anything else.

I didn’t sense any other martial artists following. Are they sending us alone?

As we walked, I suddenly spoke to So Geom-seong.

“Excuse me.”

At my call, So Geom-seong paused and glanced back at me.

“Could you perhaps take these off?”

I was referring to the handcuffs binding my wrists.

Hearing this, So Geom-seong looked at me as if asking if I was talking nonsense.

“My dantian is sealed anyway, so couldn’t you just remove them…?”

“No.”

“Tsk.”

Her answer was firm, so I couldn’t ask further. Honestly, I wouldn’t have removed them either.

“Then could you at least tell me who is looking for me?”

“…”

This time, there was no answer at all.

As I looked into her golden eyes, which held a strange emotion, I suddenly sensed an unknown hesitation mixed within them.

Just as I wondered why she was looking at me like that,

“What is your name?”

I paused briefly at the rather direct question.

I hadn’t expected her to ask my name out of the blue.

I tried to play it cool and change the subject.

“…You specifically requested me, yet you don’t even know my name?”

“What I sensed… was merely the energy contained within you.”

Hearing So Geom-seong’s words, I finally understood why she had specifically chosen me.

‘Was resonating with it the problem?’

It seemed resonating with the energy of the Divine Sword… was the reason she pinpointed me.

This implies that she knew from the start that someone who resonated with her energy… meaning, I was here.

‘What the…’

How did she know?

The question deepened.

“…”

As So Geom-seong looked at me and opened her mouth to ask again,

Seuseuseuseu...!

“…!”

An unknown chill emanated from behind.

My eyes widened at the spine-chilling sensation, and I shifted my gaze.

There,

Ppeojeojeojeok-!

a rift suddenly began to open in the air.

So Geom-seong showed no surprise, wearing a calm expression as if she had expected this.

Anyone could see the rift was the Demonic Mirror Gate.

Frowning at the sudden appearance of the Demonic Mirror Gate, I saw someone walking towards us from beyond the dimensional rift.

Jeobeok-

A light and neat gait.

The woman who stepped out of the dimension was wearing a veil.

Wondering what this was now, I watched her calmly as she slowly approached us.

Seuuk.

She suddenly bowed her head towards me.

“I greet the being from another realm.”

Immediately after, I heard an unknown, respectful title.

Confused about the situation, I frowned.

The woman lifted her head and said to me,

“My name is Mu-hui.”

Mu-hui (舞姬).

She introduced herself as such.