Chapter 885: I missed you.

As soon as morning came, I went outside.

To be precise, it was dawn rather than morning, but that didn’t really matter.

Because whether it was dawn or morning, it was busy either way.

“Greetings, Great Leader-nim!”

I eased my fatigue while receiving the greetings from the members.

Since I haven’t slept for several days, fatigue is gradually setting in.

It wasn’t physical, it must have been mental fatigue.

‘There’s too much to worry about.’

Even though I finished one big task, quite a few things remained. Thanks to that, my head hurt almost every day.

Now, it’s become a habit to circulate my energy and erase the headache.

Ssssuuuueee–!!

I circulated my energy once, suppressing the miasma and pain.

Only then did I feel a bit better.

“Is the work going well?”

“Yes-!”

Most of the members were organizing their luggage. It must be because of the order that came down in the middle of the night.

An order to prepare because we’ll be returning to Hanam the very next day.

It must have been a sudden order, but the members packed their belongings without complaint.

It was natural.

‘Complaining would only get them beaten, right?’

It was something ingrained in their minds from months of traveling together.

If told to do it, they had to do it.

‘They probably wouldn’t have much luggage to pack anyway.’

I came almost empty-handed.

I did try to pack food supplies if possible. Most of it was handled through hunting.

Besides, everyone’s cultivation level is high, so running for a few days without eating didn’t cause any strain.

It will probably be the same this time.

They might get a little tired, but it’s a speed they can just barely endure.

I liked that.

‘Because watching them endure is a good sight.’

Pushing towards their limits, almost reaching them. Those attempts to endure.

After enduring like that, they were bound to gain something.

“Can you finish preparations by noon?”

“It’s sufficient.”

I felt the confidence.

Should I ask them to finish an hour faster than that? I hesitated for a moment and stopped myself.

“Alright, then where is the Tang Unit Leader?”

“Ah, the Unit Leader is probably in the northern quarters right now. I heard there’s something separate they need to command.”

“Really? Alright.”

Hearing that, I immediately started walking.

Then, a member grabbed me, seemingly surprised.

“Great Leader-nim? That way is south. You need to go the opposite way to where the Unit Leader is…”

“I know.”

“Yes?”

“I said I know.”

I asked that because I intended to go the opposite way.

Because of yesterday’s incident, I still felt awkward seeing not only Tang Soyeol but also the kids.

---

The place I headed was the back of the quarters.

It was a field on the plains, visible only after going a little south.

Ah, I really didn’t head south on purpose. I did intend to avoid them, but I didn’t come the opposite way with that intention. It just happened that my destination was south.

As I arrived at the meadow, someone was already waiting for me.

Seeing him, I said.

“Have you been waiting long?”

“No. I just arrived.”

“That’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“It is not.”

A pale-faced, expressionless, one-armed man. Amwang kept denying it, but I didn’t believe him.

‘It’s obvious.’

He must have been here for a long time. Maybe he even came in the middle of the night.

Amwang was that kind of person, based on what I’d observed.

Like a shadow, someone who is everywhere and nowhere.

And, the fact that he still doesn’t register well on my Ki sense was also like that.

‘This isn’t easy.’

Even though I’ve raised my Ki sense this much through growth, Amwang’s presence is still faint.

I could probably catch it if I tried… But if Amwang genuinely tried to hide, could I find him?

To that question, I immediately answered with conviction.

‘Impossible.’

Not yet. That was my conviction.

But.

‘It’s not far off.’

It’s a feeling that it won’t take long to reach that point.

This isn’t conviction, it’s a hunch, but somehow it felt that way.

“I’ve packed the item you mentioned. Its location is inside the food supply wagon. I’ve placed a formation spell on it, but you should be cautious.”

“Thank you.”

The item Amwang put inside the wagon. It was none other than the wooden box containing the wish-fulfilling jewel.

‘Even though the schedule got messed up, I still have to take it.’

I haven’t even used it properly yet.

The only time I used it was on Seong-yul.

I couldn’t even use it on the kids.

‘Originally, I planned to call them in two days and feed it to them….’

But due to what happened yesterday, and the letters that flew in, problems arose, preventing that.

So, I must use it after returning to Hanam, at the very least.

‘I need to research it too.’

Not only the thing called the wish-fulfilling jewel, but I also took the water from the underground pond.

I need to check exactly what effects it has.

Of course, I won’t be the one doing it.

‘I’ll have to leave it to Shin-ui.’

Even though Shin-ui seems ill-tempered, they tend to grant requests, so I thought they would do the same this time.

‘And while I’m asking, I should learn a bit more.’

I needed to know about things like this, besides just sorcery.

‘And while I’m at it, sorcery too.’

Woowoong-! I feel rings in my heart.

There were four.

It’s good that the number increased, but there’s nothing specific I can use this for.

‘My knowledge is lacking too.’

The books the Palace Lord gave me, and the information Shin-ui provided were decent, but it wasn’t enough.

‘Since I obtained it, I should use it properly.’

Whatever it is, if I obtained it, I must use it effectively.

Especially.

‘The reason I can’t achieve it no matter how much I research must be my lack of knowledge.’

There was one thing I wished for, something I’d been trying desperately to do for months.

I couldn’t use it in actual combat, and I was only attempting it.

Even after months, there was no progress.

I had to admit it.

‘It’s impossible right now.’

Even though Gu-yeom Hwa-ryun Gong reached the Great Accomplishment stage, it’s not possible now.

However, I was convinced it would happen someday.

Why?

‘Yeah, why.’

Why could that be? I don’t even know myself.

It’s a hunch, as always.

Although it’s foreign, my instincts were clearly telling me.

As always, my hunches were more accurate than expected.

It’s shitty that my bad premonitions are particularly accurate, but… Anyway, that’s how it was.

I need high knowledge of sorcery to perform what I desire.

I had that kind of premonition.

“First, I’ll ask. Are you coming with me?”

“…”

Amwang remained silent at the question.

It was the reaction I expected.

“I’m sorry.”

The refusal came.

Hearing that, I recalled.

‘Would he come if I gave an order?’

It was a fleeting interest.

If I ordered Amwang, would the refusal just now become void? I was quite curious about that, but…

“Understood.”

I didn’t bother testing it.

It was just simple curiosity.

I didn’t want to use this to sour my relationship with Amwang.

Furthermore.

‘If that guy reacts like this, it means he’s genuinely concerned.’

Amwang didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving Sa-cheon for the time being.

It’s probably because of matters related to Yeon Il-cheon.

If that’s the case, he won’t move until he gets a handle on this matter.

‘What a shame.’

Amwang is an immense asset.

In reality, he could be considered the greatest strength among those I possess.

Moreover, as someone who helps me without needing restoration using demonic energy, he was quite an advantageous existence to me, but…

‘Can’t be helped.’

As such, I have to give up what I must.

‘How should I fill Amwang’s vacancy?’

I pondered for a moment.

No answer came.

Someone to replace Amwang? If such a person existed, why would Amwang be here?

‘Nahi and Tang Soyeol won’t cut it.’

Even if the two of them went all out, if Amwang intended to, he could kill them in the blink of an eye.

Not only in terms of power, but they were no match in terms of information gathering either.

If I simply calculated, maybe five Nahis would be roughly comparable?

‘Hmm.’

If this is the case, the conclusion is only one.

‘Spend more time and suffer more.’

It’s a truly ignorant conclusion, but in my view, this was the correct principle.

“Since you’re staying, may I ask for one favor?”

“Yes.”

There was no hesitation.

Amwang was always like that.

I found that Amwang strangely comfortable.

“If you are staying in Sa-cheon, people from the main branch will likely arrive in a few months at the earliest.”

It’ll be like that as soon as the report arrives.

The reason is the Yeoncheonkyo. And the investigation of the unknown pond.

For that purpose, the main branch will arrive in Sa-cheon…

“Please hinder the investigation so it doesn’t proceed.”

I had to prevent them from moving properly.

“If you mean hindrance, to what extent do you desire?”

“Just slowing down the progress would be enough… If it’s inconvenient, you can kill them.”

“All of them?”

“Hmm.”

My mind worked diligently in that short time, and I continued my answer.

“Please only kill the ones worth killing.”

“Understood.”

Further explanation wasn’t necessary.

It was a somewhat ambiguous standard, but Amwang didn’t ask any more.

‘If I were to consider the reason, perhaps.’

It’s because his standards and mine are similar.

---

Returning to the quarters, the preparations were almost complete.

‘That’s fast?’

They said they’d finish by noon, but it was much faster than expected.

They were competent.

As expected…

‘People get better when you push them, you know?’

Broken things listen when you hit them, and people become competent when you push them.

It was a moment that reaffirmed my conviction.

“Hieek?”

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Ah, no. I suddenly felt a chill.”

“Aha. It certainly has gotten a bit colder already.”

One of the members finishing up said, shivering slightly. He was perceptive.

I chuckled and looked around.

As I said earlier, it was already in the final stages.

Once preparations were done, we’d either depart immediately or wait a bit before departing. It was one of the two.

If possible, I wanted to leave right away, but…

‘If I have a little time left, I should talk to the Branch Manager. Also, it would be better to see Poison King-nim one last time before leaving.’

I need to confirm things before leaving.

As I was recalling that and arranging the order in my head, just then…

“Great Leader-nim.”

A lovely voice pierced my ears.

At the same time, a familiar floral scent mixed in subtly.

I turned my head with a slightly stiff expression.

Golden hair bathed brightly in the sunlight appeared first.

It was Wi Seol-ah.

“…Uh….”

“Preparations are all done.”

“R-really? You worked hard.”

I tried to say it as calmly as possible, but my voice trembled uncontrollably.

It was because of what I heard from Tang Soyeol.

Wi Seol-ah looked at me without a hint of wavering.

Her eyes were straight.

They were so straight that it was hard to keep looking.

“Great Leader-nim? Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah. I’m fine.”

I didn’t avoid her gaze.

So she probably noticed.

That my eyes were constantly shaking.

“…Great Leader-nim…?”

“Ah, damn it.”

I uttered the words I should have kept inside.

Wi Seol-ah’s eyes widened at the sudden profanity.

In this life, I had never sworn at Wi Seol-ah even once, but this was unavoidable.

Honestly, Wi Seol-ah was largely to blame.

“You’re damn pretty today. Making things difficult for people.”

“…What?”

“…Why are you acting like this towards me?”

“Ah, no… no… that….”

Wi Seol-ah malfunctioned at the words I couldn’t hold back.

She was old enough to know she was pretty.

Of course, she’d hear it endlessly from everyone around.

Even so, to be shaken by mere words like this.

Even that sight was cute-

‘Fuck.’

My hand rose with the passing thought.

I tried to slap my own cheek but barely stopped myself.

‘I’m fucked.’

Ever since the last incident, my mind seemed to have gone strange.

I can’t control my emotions.

I felt like I should grab that cheek right now.

No, not the cheek, but something else…

Szzzak-!

Unable to hold back any longer, I slapped my cheek.

“Young Master–!!”

Wi Seol-ah grabbed my arm as if surprised by my action.

Perhaps because of that, her title had changed too.

“Why, why are you doing this…!”

“It’s okay. I did it to regain my senses.”

“What….”

Yes, I had to regain my senses.

‘What bullshit, really.’

Thump-! Thump-!

The way my heart was pounding was utterly pathetic.

It felt like it was urging me not to hold back.

It’s greed.

It’s a plea, asking why I hesitate to covet what’s mine.

‘I’ve always had a bit of this feeling anyway.’

Something must be wrong, because it keeps causing chaos inside my body.

What Tang Soyeol had said came to mind.

Did she say I had strong possessiveness?

I didn’t want to admit it, but I had to.

I had strong possessiveness.

Not just strong, but a little excessive.

Suppressing the rising emotions, I asked Wi Seol-ah.

“…Where did the kids all go?”

“Ah… Via unnie is probably getting ready soon. Soyeol unnie will be here soon too.”

Namgung Via was still in the process of recovery.

Due to the rushed travel arrangements, she had to rest even in the wagon, and Tang Soyeol, as before, seemed to be finishing up work elsewhere.

“Understood.”

I sighed as I spoke.

My breath was noticeably hot.

‘This is dangerous.’

It was truly dangerous.

As cultivation increases, patience should increase too, but my condition was a mess, as if I were in heat.

Heat?

‘It’s vulgar, but the word fits perfectly.’

Yes, that’s exactly the state I’m in.

Damn it, my situation was exactly like that.

“Young Master…?”

Wi Seol-ah looked at me worriedly, perhaps sensing my ill expression.

As always, they were clear, pure, beautiful eyes.

Her luscious lips were a bonus.

My hand moved.

Unconsciously, I reached out to touch Wi Seol-ah’s lips.

But.

Pudeuduk-!!

Bbiik-!

Suddenly, a bird flew in between us and landed on Wi Seol-ah’s shoulder.

“Huh?”

Startled by the contact, Wi Seol-ah looked at the bird.

So did my gaze.

‘Carrier pigeon?’

Anyone could see it was a carrier pigeon.

I frowned and examined the bird.

As I tried to check it, the bird pecked my hand with its beak.

It seemed to mean ‘don’t touch me.’

What was funny was that it remained calm under Wi Seol-ah’s touch.

“There’s a letter on its leg….”

Wi Seol-ah carefully untied the letter bound to the bird’s leg and handed it to me.

As soon as I saw it, I furrowed my brow.

It was because of the symbol imprinted on the letter.

In the Central Plains, only one place uses a floral pattern of that color.

‘Baekhwa Merchant Guild.’

Baekhwa Merchant Guild, where Madam Mi is the head.

It was the pattern they used, and…

‘This is a symbol directly under the Guild Leader.’

The Guild Leader of Baekhwa Merchant Guild. In other words, it was a letter bearing the seal indicating it was written only by Madam Mi.

‘What is this?’

Contact from Baekhwa Merchant Guild all of a sudden.

I couldn’t understand.

I nodded and unfolded the letter.

“…”

Upon reading the contents inside, my body froze stiff.

-Your father committed a crime against the Alliance and is imprisoned.

Frost settled upon my heart, which had been boiling like a volcano.