Chapter 538: The Beginning of Upheaval.

Dangmun is shaking.

It was a rumor that had begun to stealthily spread, bit by bit, implicitly within Dangmun, and across Sichuan.

Something tremendous had happened in Dangmun.

Along with the words that Dangmun, in pursuit of vain power, had conducted human experimentation.

The rumor that Dangmun’s elders were the ones who conducted this was spreading throughout the Sichuan region.

Experiments using demonic beasts.

For this purpose, a tremendous number of humans had died off.

Words were also circulating that they were all individuals secretly kidnapped by Dangmun.

Not content with conducting human experimentation.

They even attempted kidnapping for that purpose.

The Unorthodox Path.

The rumor that a prestigious family of the Orthodox Path had committed deeds like those, the kind only bloodthirsty scoundrels of the Unorthodox Path gathered on the frontier would do, was bound to be shocking.

Of course, it was still just a rumor.

Even if the rumor spread for a hundred days, those who believed it did not exceed half.

Everyone belonging to Dangmun knew.

That it was not a rumor.

At the point in time when night had fallen and the moon began to emit its light.

Having lit a single lamp in her quarters, Tang Soyeol was meeting her older brother, Tang Juyeok.

“What should we do…?”

“What are you talking about?”

At Tang Soyeol’s words, Dangmun’s Young Master, Tang Juyeok, tilted his head.

A somewhat nonchalant reaction.

At that reaction, the corners of Tang Soyeol’s eyes rather turned red.

“You know… Older Brother.”

“Hmm…”

At Tang Soyeol’s pitiful reaction, Tang Juyeok sighed.

‘It’s been discovered.’

The incident that broke out within the main family compound-I had hoped Tang Soyeol wouldn’t know about it, if possible.

It seems someone must have spoken up.

Or perhaps, since the rumor had become so big, she might have heard about it.

“Even if I said it wasn’t true, you wouldn’t believe me.”

“I will believe you. However, when I find out later that it wasn’t true, I will resent you, Older Brother.”

“Mm.”

Looking at Tang Soyeol, who spoke clearly even while tearfully speaking, Tang Juyeok’s eyes lit up.

If it were like before, she would have whined and thrown a tantrum with a somewhat childish tone.

The current Tang Soyeol did not do so.

‘Has she matured?’

If so, it is simply regrettable.

Tang Juyeok did, in his own way, like his young sister’s immature appearance.

‘If she has indeed matured, the cause is…’

Tang Juyeok smiled, thinking fleetingly of the fierce-looking young man who came to mind.

“Older Brother?”

“I’m sorry, other thoughts just came to mind for a moment.”

It’s a poignant moment.

When I first saw him, he was just a blood relative of a prestigious family.

Or perhaps, Sword Phoenix’s younger sibling.

It seems he wasn’t anything more or less than that.

That small boy had become so great in just a few years.

Before my eyes, he was influencing not just my younger sister, but Dangmun as a whole.

As Tang Juyeok predicted, perhaps even if a little more time passed…

‘He will influence the entire Central Plains.’

This was not a prediction, but a certainty.

If that weren’t the case, my father wouldn’t have given me such a warning.

-Be careful of Young Master Gu.

This is not merely to treat him as a dangerous individual.

Hidden within the words “be careful” is the meaning to treat him carefully.

Furthermore, it included the meaning that he was a person who could not be treated carelessly.

Dokwang had determined that Gu Yangcheon was a person who should not be treated carelessly.

Therefore, he must have warned me, the Young Master, as well.

Of course, even if that weren’t the case, Tang Juyeok would have treated Gu Yangcheon carefully.

‘How could I not know?’

An immense presence was felt from the current Gu Yangcheon.

To the extent that it was strange I hadn’t known originally.

Soon, a whirlwind will surge around that young man.

There were several such individuals, even as far as Tang Juyeok knew.

Individuals who brought storms around them because of the outstanding potential they possessed.

‘There was a time I wanted to become like that too.’

Tang Juyeok knew best that he himself could not become like that.

Moreover, even those who initially brought whirlwinds around like that…

There were many individuals who were swept away by that wind and collapsed.

No, most of them were like that.

Objectively speaking, I knew I did not have the capacity to withstand such a whirlwind, even if I brought it myself.

If so, what about Gu Yangcheon, conversely?

‘That friend…’

Tang Juyeok observed the wind around him while thinking of Gu Yangcheon.

It’s red.

Gu Yangcheon’s whirlwind was burning red.

Not content with staying in the eye of the storm, he will cover the entire wind with his own color.

The red wind will gradually grow in size and soon descend upon the entire Central Plains.

How much time is left until that happens?

Perhaps, it doesn’t seem like it will take long.

Tang Juyeok was convinced of that.

‘So, it’s fortunate.’

It was, in its own way, simply fortunate that Gu Yangcheon was looking favorably upon his sister.

Around the time Tang Juyeok was thinking that, Tang Soyeol asked him a question with a trembling voice.

“…Is, is Dad… No. Is Father… okay?”

It was a question regarding Dokwang’s safety, rather than Dangmun’s danger.

Because Father must be the one having the hardest time right now.

Hearing that question, Tang Juyeok answered with a slight smile.

“Is he okay or not? It’s not that simple.”

“Where is such an irresponsible answer…?”

“If I had to say, he rather seemed quite at ease.”

It was an incomprehensible statement.

The shadow he carried when Dangmun was at its peak of power had disappeared now that it was falling apart like this.

Tang Juyeok understood Dokwang’s feelings like that, yet felt regretful.

But he did not utter any words.

“Older Brother…”

“If that is the Family Head’s choice, then I must follow it.”

“Soyeol-ah, didn’t you see it too? The Family Head’s expression.”

Even while smiling bitterly.

Or perhaps while looking strained.

The smile Dokwang wore on his lips seemed much lighter.

Since when?

No, I probably couldn’t even have been aware of it.

‘I didn’t realize Father’s smile was heavy.’

Because it changed, I could truly feel something I hadn’t known originally.

-I am sorry.

Father’s appearance, as he apologized while talking about his choice, was a somewhat unfamiliar sight to Tang Juyeok.

I couldn’t question him about why he did that.

Nor could I deny that choice.

-Even if many things change because of this choice.

-At least, shouldn’t the Orthodox Path be like this?

It could be called words that chase only idealism, leaving reality behind.

Tang Juyeok could not refute those words.

It was a fact I had momentarily forgotten.

Perhaps it was something I had naturally been thinking.

Dangmun is Orthodox.

That obvious statement felt particularly heavy.

“It’ll be alright.”

“…Older Brother.”

“Even if Dangmun shakes because of this incident, holding it together again will be my job.”

I deliberately did not refer to it as ‘our’ job.

Tang Juyeok would become the Family Head.

And now that I’ve decided to respect Dokwang’s choice, I intended to bear the many things that would come later.

“So, Soyeol, you don’t need to worry about anything.”

“Dangmun will not collapse.”

If it collapses, it can be rebuilt however much is needed.

“So, don’t agonize over it.”

“…”

At Tang Juyeok’s words, Tang Soyeol flinched in surprise.

Because she realized with what intention he had spoken those words.

“I know you are agonizing over something.”

What Tang Soyeol is agonizing over… that is probably…

“Your worry about Young Master Gu?”

“…”

The worry regarding Gu Yangcheon.

More precisely, it was the worry about whether to follow Gu Yangcheon, who was leaving for Shanxi tomorrow.

Normally, I would have naturally followed him, but…

Now that the family is in this state, because I am a direct blood relative, I suppose I cannot move rashly.

If so, it didn’t matter.

“Go follow him.”

“But…”

Despite Tang Juyeok’s words, Tang Soyeol seemed unable to easily make up her mind.

“Rather, it’s better for you to go. Being by Young Master Gu’s side might be more helpful for you than staying here, you never know.”

“…”

“If possible, try to seduce him a bit. Even though she’s my sister, she’s not an unattractive face anywhere you go, is she?”

“Older Brother!”

At Tang Juyeok’s joke, Tang Soyeol let out a yelp.

I don’t know how she compares to the women standing nearby.

Actually, Tang Soyeol was quite pretty.

She’s just more on the cute side, rather than mature like the women around Gu Yangcheon.

And.

‘If things work out well and the relationship improves, it would truly be the icing on the cake.’

No matter how much Dangmun collapses.

If the son-in-law and brother-in-law is the next number one under heaven, we won’t be looked down upon anywhere.

In Tang Juyeok’s mind, Gu Yangcheon was already the future number one under heaven.

Tang Soyeol looks at Tang Juyeok with a dumbfounded expression.

“Jokes come out even in this situation…?”

“Isn’t it a situation where one can joke?”

“Really…”

“Anyway, don’t worry too much.”

Leaving behind a smile like that, Tang Juyeok got up.

“It seems there’s nothing more to say, and it’s late at night, so your older brother is leaving now.”

“…Thank you. Older Brother.”

It was gratitude for him deliberately coming, even late at night.

Tang Soyeol thought Tang Juyeok must be the most exhausted right now.

Dangmun now belonged to Dokwang, but…

Since Tang Juyeok would be the one managing it afterwards, I couldn’t help but know how much he must be worrying while looking at the shaking Dangmun.

At the gratitude filled with such feelings, Tang Juyeok chuckled.

“Right.”

As expected, it certainly seems my younger sister has matured.

That, for now, was the most regrettable thing.

Click.

The door closed like that.

Immediately after Tang Juyeok’s presence disappeared, Tang Soyeol lay down in her bedding.

“…Haa…”

A sigh naturally escaped her.

The things that would happen in the future were frightening, but the worries Tang Juyeok left behind were a bigger reason.

‘…Young Master-nim.’

The meal gathering that took place during the day.

There, Gu Yangcheon expressed his intention to return to Shanxi tomorrow.

It was natural.

In the first place, Gu Yangcheon was a guest, and now that Dangmun’s incident had broken out, it wasn’t a situation where he could stay long.

At this, the expressions of the other companions were calm.

It was also natural.

They seemed to intend to follow him wherever he goes.

If that’s the case…

‘What about me?’

What should I do?

Tang Soyeol still could not give herself an answer.

Normally, I would have naturally said I would follow him, but…

In a situation where the family is like this, it’s not something I can do.

No matter how much Tang Juyeok says it’s okay to do so.

Because I know that clearly, Tang Soyeol’s night must be so troubled.

While worries repeated, Gu Yangcheon’s voice brushed past Tang Soyeol’s ear.

-I think I could die for you.

“…”

A voice that had just passed its voice-change period, still retaining a childish trace.

Tang Soyeol’s ears turned red at the vaguely affectionate tone, which seemed indifferent, contained within it.

“…Ugh…”

He’s truly a bad person.

To shake people’s hearts like this without even properly doing anything.

Of course, it’s not something I should say, considering I’m following him around arbitrarily, captivated by his face, but…

‘…If that’s the case, why don’t you stop looking at distant places.’

If I have one complaint towards Gu Yangcheon.

It’s that he shakes all the hearts of those around him, not just mine.

Yet he himself doesn’t look there, that’s the point.

‘Always….’

He always looks at a more distant place.

His eyes were like that.

While he himself was here, his eyes were looking only at some distant place.

Eyes that seemed to say where he belonged wasn’t here, eyes that could always leave our side.

Tang Soyeol was always afraid of that.

Recently, it seemed he was barely looking here, but…

Gu Yangcheon, sometimes looking at a distant place, only made me anxious.

Gu Yangcheon’s eyes, looking at a place unknown, were chillingly cold.

Therefore, Tang Soyeol did not want to leave.

‘While I’m gone.’

I was afraid he would disappear.

This feeling must be the same for others too, not just myself.

Not saying it deliberately…

I didn’t want Gu Yangcheon to know that they were thinking in that way.

As much as I know he’s looking at them with difficulty.

I didn’t want to give him the burden.

“…It’s hard…”

Thinking like that, I hated my incompetent self.

I must be helpful.

If he looks at a distant place, or if he wants to go to a distant place, I had to grow stronger so I could go together by his side.

I surely should have done so…

‘…What should I do?’

Now that what will happen to Dangmun is unknown.

What value remains for me?

I thought I had at least left the value of being Dangmun’s daughter, but…

Even that is fading now.

“…Ugh…”

I wiped away my tears.

Tears came out arbitrarily.

It was because I thought of myself as ugly and disgusting.

‘…Even in this situation. Are you thinking of such things?’

In a situation where Father and Older Brother have become so distressed, thinking about Dangmun’s fallen value…

It’s pathetic.

“Hooo…”

Should I have held his hand back then?

If I had held his hand, the one who said he would make me stronger.

Would there have been such a painful thing?

The feeling faintly rising in Tang Soyeol’s heart was regret.

Anger towards my pathetic self also seeps in.

I want to be buried in the darkness like this.

The only thought rising now was only that.

And so.

Drip-

The moment emotions were about to twist gradually.

Whoosh.

“…”

Tang Soyeol, who was wiping tears, suddenly sat up.

Pushing aside the blanket, she quickly moved and leaned her back against the wall.

“…”

Vvvvmmm.

Then, breathing in, she spread out her internal energy.

“…Sss…”

She forcibly suppressed her breath, which was about to grow larger.

Goosebumps had risen fully down her spine.

‘What is it?’

The area around the room was quiet.

Given the time, it was natural for it to be quiet, but…

‘…It’s too… quiet.’

That silence was unnaturally thick.

The moment she felt that, Tang Soyeol’s instincts were telling her.

That it was dangerous.

Ssssk.

A dagger was already gripped in Tang Soyeol’s fingertips.

It was an item she always carried on her person.

Sweat flowed.

I wished this sensation were a mistake, but…

Tang Soyeol was surely convinced it wasn’t that.

“…Who are you…?”

Words spoken into the empty void.

The moment Tang Soyeol spoke like that.

Hooo-!

The lamp lit on the table went out.

“One hour.”

“…”

The voice was heard not from the front, but from Tang Soyeol’s immediate left.

Swish-! She immediately swung the dagger towards the direction of the sound, but…

Thwack-!

Tang Soyeol’s wrist was grabbed by someone before she could even properly attack.

Immediately after that.

Wham-!

“Keugh!”

A hand reached out and grasped Tang Soyeol’s mouth.

“Kkeup… Keugh!”

She struggled with all her strength, but it didn’t loosen at all.

Who was the one in front?

She couldn’t see well.

Barely at a level where she could grasp only the body shape.

The figure, presumed to be a man, was wearing a half-mask.

Perhaps because of that, his figure couldn’t be properly seen.

“Exactly one hour. That’s the time it took for you to recognize my energy.”

“…Keugh…”

“Fortunately, your senses seem not bad. I expected it would take at least two hours.”

What is he talking about?

Tang Soyeol could not understand the man’s words.

Is he an assassin? If so, where was he sent from?

“If there’s something somewhat regrettable, it’s that the thing you should have done was not to go towards a dead-end retreat, but rather to break through the entrance.”

Saying that, the strength in the hand holding her loosened at the same time.

It was just enough to barely open her mouth.

“…Who are you?”

The voice flowing from Tang Soyeol was trembling greatly.

In a situation where Dangmun’s guards were densely surrounding the area, he had entered her room nonchalantly.

Just by this, Tang Soyeol could grasp the opponent’s level.

I cannot win.

It is a desperate situation.

Looking at Tang Soyeol like that, the man continued speaking.

“While being questioned, your eyes have not died. That too is a passing grade.”

They were incomprehensible words.

A passing grade?

While glancing at the man, Tang Soyeol’s eyes were looking around the surroundings.

How could I escape?

At the point where I’m caught, there is no way.

Nevertheless, I must find a breakthrough.

Swish.

Was it a coincidence?

It seemed the strength in the hand holding the dagger had slightly loosened.

Should I pull out my hand like this and counterattack?

I had the thought, but endured it.

Because I felt something chilling.

For now, I must test the waters.

Hiding such intentions, Tang Soyeol bought time.

“…Do you want something from me?”

“Yes…”

The moment the man was about to speak, Tang Soyeol put strength into her hand.

Thwack-!

That was fortunate.

My hand came out well.

I must counterattack like this.

‘Where?’

The neck? Or the hand grasping the mouth?

A fleeting thought flashed.

That was the problem.

Whoosh-!

“…”

The arm holding the dagger moved on its own.

For some reason, the tip of the dagger held by Tang Soyeol was touching her neck.

“Decide on the plan until the end and execute it. With your current indecision, you are dead.”

“Heuk… Heuk…”

Was even that a feint?

Facing death, Tang Soyeol was only letting out shallow breaths.

Is there another way? Isn’t there another way?

‘I must live.’

I cannot die in a situation like this.

I must find a way.

Looking at Tang Soyeol like that, the man’s eyes narrowed.

“Not bad.”

The man who said that suddenly released the arm he was holding and stepped back.

Thump-!

Freed from restraint, Tang Soyeol collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.

“Heok… Heok… Kkeuh…”

Tang Soyeol, gasping for breath raggedly, lifted her head.

Where she barely looked up to see, the man was perched on the table, looking down at Tang Soyeol.

Looking at him, she asked.

“Who… Who are you?”

Who really is it?

Who really is it that appears like this and pushes me like this?

In such a sudden situation, my head wasn’t working properly.

Facing Tang Soyeol like that, the man said.

“I am darkness.”

At the voice he uttered, Tang Soyeol shed a drop of sweat.

“And you too must become darkness.”

“…What does that mean…”

At the incomprehensible words, Tang Soyeol’s eyes wavered.

Darkness?

At the words she didn’t even know the meaning of, Tang Soyeol tried to ask a question again, but…

“…”

Soon, she had to shut her mouth.

Because a smile had appeared on the man’s face, who until just now had been looking at her expressionlessly.

Unlike his upturned lips, as if something was enjoyable, his gaze was chillingly cold.

At that chilling sight, Tang Soyeol could not open her mouth.

“Exactly three years.”

Tang Soyeol probably didn’t know.

“Within three years, I will make you into a monster.”

That this meeting.

Would later make Tang Soyeol be called the Empress of Darkness (暗后).

---

A day passed, and at the point the sun began to rise.

Leaving the dawn mist behind, sunlight was gradually illuminating Dangmun.

It was still an early time for people to wake up, but…

Even in that gap, many people were moving busily.

-Where should I put this?

-Ask Miss Moyong about that!

Several carriages of different colors.

Countless personnel putting luggage inside them are visible.

The reason so many people were moving was because they had started preparations to leave Dangmun since dawn.

Because we had to prepare from now to be able to depart by noon.

The luggage isn’t much, but…

Inevitably, because of the distance, we had to move a bit hurriedly.

Right, and so, even though I was already busy as hell…

“…What did you say?”

I had to frown deeply at the words I heard.

“What did you just say… What did you say?”

Shin Ui was standing in front of me.

Shin Ui wasn’t the problem, but…

The problem was the old man standing next to him.

Neatly dressed in a blue martial arts uniform.

An old man with white hair tied back tightly.

Possessing a tall stature, his blue eyes between his fine wrinkles made him a unique figure.

A figure whose appearance suggested he would have been quite handsome in his youth.

I knew that old man well.

Of course, I knew him well.

Because he was the old man who, just a few days ago, was being beaten by Father until he was covered in blood.

The old man’s identity was one of the Three Venerables, known as the Heavenly Beyond Heaven of the Central Plains.

And the person called the actual master of the Namgung family.

The Heavenly Venerable (天尊) Namgung Jeolcheon.

He, who appeared out of the blue after a few days, said to me.

“I wish to seek refuge with the Gu family.”

“…”

At the words the Heavenly Venerable uttered, I touched my brow with my finger.

It seems this year is the year of the Three Disasters.