Chapter 561: I am…

Woowooong–!

As an unknown vibration gradually began to resonate.

Amidst the somewhat bustling figures of the Mudang, Woo Baek faced Geomhu.

With warm tea served, the weather was bright and clear, but.

The atmosphere between the two was no different from mid-winter.

“Things have turned out regrettably.”

After a brief silence, Geomhu looked up at Woo Baek’s words.

Geomhu’s eyes were not their usual gentle gaze, but held frosty pupils.

“Did you just say regrettable?”

Geomhu’s voice was filled with anger.

“The Mudang committed the act, yet how can you be so brazen?”

“It seems there’s a significant misunderstanding. We captured the circumstances and merely took action accordingly.”

“You mean imprisoning guests who came to the Mudang for business?”

“Geomhu.”

Ssk.

Woo Baek spoke, pulling out something in front of Geomhu. It was a bracelet made of jade.

This was the bracelet stolen by someone at dawn, and

it was the item discovered in Gu Yangcheon’s quarters just before.

“Can you still say that after seeing this?”

“…”

“We exercised the utmost caution for the valuable transaction with Hwasan. This Yeomyeong, having once been called a symbol of the Mudang, is truly a precious item to us as well.”

The bracelet Yeomyeong (黎明 – Dawn).

It is a treasured artifact of a figure once known as the representative martial artist of the Mudang and the Absolute Sword of Mudang.

“Therefore, when Hwasan wished to exchange Yeomyeong for Gujeong, we were filled with great joy. That is why we prepared so thoroughly.”

Geomhu listened silently to Woo Baek’s words.

Without any rebuttal.

“Amidst that, the item was eventually stolen. Later, we discovered this in the quarters of one of the guests we trusted. Thus, we took appropriate measures.”

Woo Baek spoke calmly, but Geomhu could only let out a hollow laugh upon hearing this.

“That’s a ridiculous word game.”

“A word game…?”

“Don’t you think so? You call them trusted guests, but you never trusted the children in the first place, did you?”

Starting with making them wear the Yeonuiseon on their wrists.

And all the subsequent actions taken.

It was a situation with too many issues to believe they trusted outsiders.

At Geomhu’s words, Woo Baek replied with a laugh.

“And yet, no problems arose.”

“Elder Woo…!”

Geomhu’s voice finally rose at Woo Baek’s attitude.

“So, you’re imprisoning them without even hearing their side of the story?”

“If it were merely a matter of the artifact, we might not have needed to do so. However.”

Kkigig.

Woo Baek’s eyebrows contorted severely.

“Our child met their death, didn’t they?”

“…That was…!”

Suicide, wasn’t it?

Geomhu, about to say that, had to shut their mouth.

Because they shouldn’t carelessly utter such words when a disciple had died.

And.

Woo Baek knew Geomhu’s personality well.

“A person died. A talent who would lead the Mudang in the future met death overnight. The circumstances point to suicide, but I absolutely do not believe that.”

“…So, Elder Woo, you don’t possibly think… that our children might have done such a thing?”

“Rather than thinking so, it’s that I cannot definitively rule it out.”

The circumstances were such.

Coincidentally, on the very day they visited as guests, the artifact had an issue,

and that day, a Mudang cultivator met their death.

And since the lost artifact was found in the quarters of one who visited as a guest,

the circumstances are sufficient, is what I mean.

“In such a situation, Geomhu, what exactly is it that displeases you?”

Frost settled into Woo Baek’s eyes.

“Perhaps, you’re not asking for preferential treatment just because they are from the Great Hwasan, are you?”

“It’s different. At the very least, it’s a question of whether imprisoning someone based solely on suspicion is the right course of action.”

“With the circumstances so clear, do you expect us to extend every courtesy? Geomhu, if such a thing happened at Hwasan, could you act as you say?”

It aches.

Geomhu felt their chest tighten at Woo Baek’s words.

Though there was nothing wrong with his words,

from Geomhu’s perspective, it was a situation filled with questions and frustration.

In the first place.

‘What on earth are you plotting, Bi-seong Geom.’

Geomhu knew that someone was trying to stir up trouble at the Mudang, which made it even more so.

Following the actions and Woo Baek’s intuition, it was clear he intended to do something regarding this matter.

Originally, Geomhu had intended to use him for this.

That’s why they accepted their intention to briefly leave their post while guarding the artifact.

Given Geomhu’s level, they could perceive that much.

But.

‘Something went wrong in that short gap.’

As expected, something happened while Geomhu was away.

No, that too wasn’t a confirmed fact.

Because the incident occurred sometime after that.

However, Geomhu was convinced that something had happened while they were away.

The subtle presence that had been faintly felt throughout the watch.

Had disappeared the moment they left their post.

It was certain something happened then, but Geomhu didn’t know what.

Hiding complex emotions, Geomhu began to speak.

“Elder Woo, you were the one who committed the rudeness first to prevent the incident. Have you forgotten?”

“Rudeness?”

“You made them wear the Yeonuiseon, even semi-forcibly, for surveillance purposes. Moreover.”

Suppressing the rising Qi, Geomhu continued, frowning with their delicate brow.

“Didn’t you say you couldn’t detect any signs of the child moving?”

“…”

The item was found in Gu Yangcheon’s drawer.

Given the multiple incidents that occurred, imprisoning them might seem somewhat justifiable, but.

There was one problem here.

It concerned the actions the Mudang had taken just before.

The matter of requesting the Yeonuiseon to monitor the subject’s movements.

Furthermore.

The fact that Gu Yangcheon had remained stationary at the time of the incident.

“Didn’t you confirm it yourself and then speak?”

Gu Yangcheon had stayed in their quarters all last night, without moving anywhere.

But then, immediately after the incident, the Mudang’s artifact is found in Gu Yangcheon’s drawer?

This meant the problem was likely elsewhere.

“The one who was so thorough to prevent problems is now ignoring the evidence.”

“…Geomhu, as I said again, the circumstances were like that.”

“Just because an item was found in a drawer, you call the child the culprit? Are you saying that child is truly the Pung-un Gwideo?”

“Isn’t there a possibility of that?”

“Ha….”

We’re not getting through to each other.

That’s what they both thought.

What should be done? They couldn’t back down like this.

Meanwhile, Geomhu was thinking of a young man in their mind.

From the child who was originally a small boy.

Years passed in a flash.

That young man who greatly resembled his father.

‘What are you thinking.’

Even while arguing fiercely with Woo Baek, that thought was the only thing in their mind.

Why is that?

Even though they hadn’t even properly greeted each other yet.

Whenever they think of that young man, it feels like all these events get tangled up.

As always.

Gu Yangcheon somehow stood at the center of major incidents.

And this current incident is no different.

Geomhu would think about it every time.

Perhaps, just like before.

This complex incident now.

Gu Yangcheon might be above it all.

If so, does this mean that ultimately, this incident also involves that child’s intentions?

‘I don’t know.’

What that child intended to do.

Or perhaps, this is just Geomhu’s own delusion.

Normally, they would never think like this.

‘Was seeing him directly the problem?’

The moment they saw Gu Yangcheon, they felt something instinctively.

That something had changed.

The gaze looking further ahead, and

even the unusually distinct aura.

That aura, which was revealed rather than hidden, looked rather strange.

How should I put it?

It was as if they were showing it deliberately, wanting to be seen.

Like saying, ‘I am at this level.’ Exactly this much.

That’s how it looked.

‘I don’t think he’s hiding his power.’

Because even the power being shown was too outstanding.

A body and aura that clearly surpassed Hwagyeong, how could someone achieve that at that age?

It was a level impossible to believe even when seen with one’s own eyes.

Therefore, it made it even more so.

That child was always looking further ahead than the present.

Couldn’t they have mixed in some intention this time as well?

Such a question merely brushed past.

“…Geomhu.”

Woo Baek’s voice brought Geomhu back to their senses.

They remembered it wasn’t the time to be thinking about Gu Yangcheon.

“Whatever your opinion may be, this matter will be handled according to principle.”

Woo Baek’s stance remained unchanged.

“Also, the Alliance Leader will arrive shortly, so this matter will be dealt with after that….”

Woong-!

“…!”

“…!?”

Just as Woo Baek was trying to finish the conversation somehow.

Geomhu and Woo Baek simultaneously lifted their heads.

And immediately got up and rushed out of the quarters.

Upon coming outside the quarters, several martial artists were already looking up at the sky.

“What… what is that?”

“What are you doing! Contact the Alliance immediately…!”

“Summon the Sword Brigade!”

Amidst the disciples moving urgently.

Woo Baek observed their reactions and looked in the direction they were gazing.

There,

“Huh…!”

Something floating in the air had coiled its massive body and was looking down at them.

It was a colossal body, large enough to cast shadows across the ground.

“What…?”

Woo Baek’s eyes widened at its unfathomable size.

Keureureureu…-

It was bizarre enough to resonate through the air despite its low volume.

“A demonic beast…?”

“There was no information about a demonic gate opening nearby…?”

“Be vigilant…! We don’t know what might happen!”

Judging by the color of its scales, it appeared to be a blue demonic beast, but.

the majesty it exuded was certainly not that of one.

Such size and presence, it was definitely not the level of a mere blue demonic beast.

Cold sweat trickled down Woo Baek’s wrinkled skin as he watched it.

“…What on earth is that…?”

He knew it was a demonic beast the moment he saw it, but.

Beyond that.

“By what means did it enter the Mudang?”

The problem was that a demonic beast of that size appeared here without any warning.

With such a size, it should have been visible during its movement,

and if a demonic gate had opened nearby, the Demonic Arts Division should have informed them, but.

‘There was no reaction.’

Until that demonic beast began emitting energy in the air.

It meant no one knew such a being had appeared.

This is a dangerous one.

Woo Baek’s instincts told him so.

However.

“Focus your stance! It’s just a demonic beast, at best!”

Woo Baek shouted loudly, rallying the disciples.

Yes, it’s just a demonic beast, at best.

Whatever kind it may be, this was the heart of the Mudang,

and they had gathered their full strength under the pretext of stopping the Pung-un Gwideo.

There’s no way they couldn’t stop just one demonic beast like that…

“Well, Elder…! Something is descending!”

“What…?”

At the disciple’s words, Woo Baek focused his gaze.

Then he could see it.

That something was falling, originating from the demonic beast.

As the falling speed gradually increased and the outline became clearer, he could tell it was a person falling.

Finally.

Kooowooong-!

Someone hit the ground with a thud!, creating a gust of wind.

Amidst the raging wind, Woo Baek’s brow furrowed.

The dense wind dissipated shortly after, but.

At its center, someone was rising with a powerful trace.

It was a giant.

A giant boasting immense stature.

He rose, shouldering a spear as large as himself.

Simultaneously.

Puseuseuseu….

“Gguk…!”

“Heop…!”

An immense battle aura erupted from the giant’s body.

The intense battle aura was enough to make the surrounding disciples stagger.

Confirming this, Woo Baek clenched his lips and swung his hand.

Hooook-!

His martial Qi burst forth, beginning to block the giant’s battle aura, but.

“…This is…!”

Woo Baek could immediately tell the opponent’s energy was unusual.

This was because his pure martial Qi was being trampled and consumed by the opponent’s energy.

“This is…!”

What in the world is this situation?

As Woo Baek was about to be overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.

“Shut your mouth.”

The giant spoke in a heavy tone.

“The Cult Leader has not yet made their move. Do not even dare to breathe carelessly.”

“What are you talking about right now…!”

At the incomprehensible words, Woo Baek tried to switch stances by emitting more martial Qi, but.

At that moment.

Kooowooooooo-!

“…!”

Darkness descended upon the surroundings.

The bright daylight was instantly consumed by darkness.

The surroundings were enveloped by an unknown black barrier.

In the midst of the bizarre situation.

Kung-!

The giant knelt, showing deference.

Then.

Woo Baek raised his head and looked at the sky.

Because he could feel it.

That something was descending from the distant sky.

Peolleg-!

A robe resembling darkness fluttered in the wind.

Unlike the giant who plummeted down, slowly.

Something was descending very, very slowly.

Tseueueueu-!

As the unidentified something descended.

Light began to gather in the air.

“Huh…?!”

Seeing this, Woo Baek let out a gasp.

It was the sun.

Light was gathering to create a sun.

The energy, appearing blue yet black, was not bright by any means, but it clearly emitted light,

creating light in the surrounding darkness.

Everyone was speechless at the unbelievable sight.

The figure descending slowly touched the ground with their foot.

Tuk.

As their toes touched the ground.

Woo Baek examined the figure who had landed in front of the giant.

Wearing dark ink-colored martial attire. They stood upright with their hands behind their back.

Judging by their build, they were clearly male, but it couldn’t be confirmed.

Their face was hidden behind an unknown mask, making it impossible to see clearly.

Only.

It was possible to see that blue eyes were shining brilliantly beyond the mask.

Woo Baek spoke while looking at such an opponent.

“…Who are you? What is your identity?”

It was a rough voice.

As the one who created this situation, there was no way a pleasant voice would emerge.

Just then.

Ttubeok-!

The masked figure took a step.

Their calm steps were clearly heading towards Woo Baek for several paces.

At this. Seureung-!

Woo Baek drew his sword. The surrounding disciples also drew their swords.

The martial Qi and battle aura emanating from the disciples clashed, growing stronger, but.

The figure simply continued walking as if unconcerned by such energy.

After five steps.

The figure stopped abruptly and looked around.

Everyone was staring at him, swords drawn.

Seeing that, the figure tilted their head.

And uttered a few words.

“Such high heads. I don’t particularly like such gazes.”

“…What?”

“So. First.”

Deudeuk-!

“Kneel.”

Kooowooong-!

“Ggeoeok!”

“Eueok!”

At the short command, the bodies of the surrounding disciples collapsed.

Kung kung-!

They tried to endure somehow, but contrary to their will, they began to kneel one by one.

A few managed to hold on by bracing with their swords, but that was all they could do.

The only ones still enduring were Elder Woo and those of similar standing.

His shoulders trembled violently, but he did not bend his knees.

Of course, his eyes remained wide with shock at the current situation.

“What… kind of fellow are you….”

Woo Baek asked, barely suppressing his trembling.

Then, the figure chuckled.

“A pleasure.”

Within the heavy aura emanating.

The blue eyes shone clearly. Woo Baek felt as if he couldn’t look into those eyes for long.

“I am.”

The figure who brought all the surrounding warriors to their knees with a single sentence.

Said, looking at Woo Baek, who was increasingly drenched in sweat.

“The Heavenly Demon (天魔).”