“What on earth is going on?”
At Ian’s question, Geom Mugeuk pondered how to answer.
“I once heard information that there were problems inside the Yellow Dragon Martial Hall. I was worried it might have a bad influence on Miss Seo.”
It would be hard to understand him going straight to find her just because he had such information. The words that would make Ian understand were rather these.
“I have a bad feeling.”
Sure enough, Ian immediately nodded.
“Then we should go at once.”
How could all the many things Geom Mugeuk had done until now be understood? Ian understood everything incomprehensible about Geom Mugeuk by accepting that he was a man sent by the heavens.
“You haven’t even had a chance to rest since coming back. I’m sorry.”
“Why are you sorry? Miss Seo’s affairs are my affairs. But will you be going with me, Young Cult Leader?”
“Of course.”
At the words that he would go with her, Ian’s face brightened radiantly. Leaving the cult with Geom Mugeuk was truly what she wished for.
“Are we leaving right now?”
“The sun will rise before long. Let’s meet Miss Han, talk to her, and then depart.”
“Then I’ll be able to see my father before I go.”
For her entire life, there had only ever been one Young Cult Leader in it, but now she had gained a father and a younger sister as well.
The two returned to the main headquarters and parted ways for their respective quarters.
“Get even a sijin or two of sleep. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”
Geom Mugeuk was about to turn away when Ian spoke.
“Thank you for the Sun-Moon Sword. I like it so much I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep for a while.”
Looking at the sword at her waist, Geom Mugeuk said,
“It suits you well.”
He was not merely saying it. On the beautiful Ian, the Sun-Moon Sword embroidered with sun and moon suited her beyond measure.
After returning to her residence, Ian packed her things.
A change of clothes, Golden Wound Medicine, medicine for internal injuries. And she newly packed the items needed for travel into a leather pouch.
She carefully stored the sword box in her quarters. Every time she saw the box, she would be able to recall Geom Mugeuk’s heart in having so meticulously prepared even the box for her.
Her heart was too excited for sleep to come.
After driving the drunkenness out of her body with internal energy, Ian went out into the yard.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly drew the Sun-Moon Sword.
Shrrrng.
The smoothly drawn sword revealed itself in the darkness.
The dawn light, where light and darkness coexisted, flowed along the blade. The blade was so sharp that it seemed it might draw in anyone who looked at it and sever their soul.
Ian slowly roused her internal energy.
She had heard from Geom Mugeuk countless times that the moment one first obtained a treasured sword was the most important. One had to commune with the sword. For there was clearly a great difference in power between a sword that accepted its master and one that did not.
Wung.
The Sun-Moon Sword, infused with true qi, vibrated lightly. Ian strove to become one with the sword. The result of this effort would be known when a fight broke out.
‘Sun-Moon, we’re going to be together for life.’
* * *
As soon as day broke, Geom Mugeuk went with Ian to find Han Seol.
“What is it?”
She was surprised by the two of them visiting. The two had come to find her early in the morning, before she had even washed her face.
“Something suddenly came up, so I think I’ll have to leave the cult with Ian.”
At that moment, what brushed through Han Seol’s heart was unmistakably regret. Of course, Han Seol did not reveal that emotion.
“I see. If the two of you are leaving, then we should leave as well.”
Han Seol immediately informed the Frost Twin Swords that they would be departing soon.
Geom Mugeuk could not tell her to stay and enjoy herself longer before leaving. She had come to see him and Ian, after all. Seo Daeryong or Jang Ho could look after her, but she would not insist on staying to that extent.
“I’m sorry.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s apology, Han Seol looked at Ian.
“I came to see my sister. I saw her, so that’s enough.”
This time, Ian apologized to her.
“I’m sorry. I promised I’d show you around the Central Plains.”
“Next time. And the Young Cult Leader showed me a lot on the way here.”
“Are you going straight back to the Northern Sea?”
“No. There’s somewhere I need to stop by.”
Han Seol was thinking of going to meet Bi Sain before returning.
“You’ll probably see plenty of good sights there.”
At Geom Mugeuk’s meaningful words, Ian wore an expression asking what he meant, while Han Seol pretended not to hear.
Geom Mugeuk gave the two of them some time.
“I’ll go to Father first. Let’s meet at the Heavenly Demon Hall in a little while.”
Even if he was leaving, he had to bid farewell to the Cult Leader before he went.
Geom Mugeuk left the room first.
“The Young Cult Leader is always busy.”
At Han Seol’s words, Ian looked out the window at Geom Mugeuk’s figure flying far beyond the wall.
“There’s time for a cup of tea, right?”
At Han Seol’s question, Ian nodded.
“I’ll brew it for you.”
Ian personally brewed tea for her younger sister.
“The Palace Lord is well, isn’t she?”
“She’s well.”
“It’s a wonder she let you come to the Central Plains.”
“She sent me because she trusted the Young Cult Leader.”
It was true. If not for her connection with Geom Mugeuk, she would never have sent her daughter to the Central Plains.
“Sister, you seem different from when I saw you last time.”
Turning to Han Seol, Ian said with a smile,
“I went through some hardship.”
At that, Han Seol recalled the conversation she had shared with Geom Mugeuk. When she had asked if it was all right to send Ian off alone when he called her his heart, Geom Mugeuk had answered like this.
—She must know how to walk alone as well.
Han Seol thought that perhaps she was seeing now the result of that walking alone.
Meanwhile, Ian brought the tea.
The two sat facing each other and drank.
“The fragrance is nice.”
“The taste too.”
Just as Ian was savoring the scent, Han Seol abruptly asked,
“You love the Young Cult Leader, don’t you?”
It was a sudden question, but Ian was not surprised at all. Since Geom Mugeuk called her his heart every time, it would be stranger if such a question were not asked.
“I like him.”
Han Seol silently gazed at Ian.
“Why? Are you worried I’ll get hurt by a broken heart?”
Ian said, sipping her tea.
“My life is already full enough with wounds from blades.”
Ian looked out the window, and Han Seol looked with her.
Beyond the wall, a single bird was flying freely through the bright sky.
“See plenty of the Central Plains before you go.”
* * *
Geom Mugeuk arrived at his father’s quarters.
Even if he left without seeing the other Demon Venerables, he had to pay his respects to his father before going.
His father was in the midst of morning training. As he waited outside the training ground, Hwi’s voice was heard.
“He says to come in.”
Geom Mugeuk stepped into the training ground.
His father stood with the Heavenly Demon Sword held out before him, eyes closed. He revealed no aura, nor did he infuse true qi into the sword. He simply stood there, feeling the sword. Last time, his father had taught him to fully feel the sword’s energy.
Geom Mugeuk also drew the Black Demon Sword. Likewise, without infusing true qi into the sword or releasing any aura, he focused only on the Black Demon Sword.
‘You’ve been busy too, haven’t you?’
It had been busy killing enemies, and busy while he trained in the Guhwa Demonic Art.
Because of that, he had not had much leisure to close his eyes like this and focus solely on the sword’s energy. Like repeatedly thinking he should look at the sky, he should look, only to keep forgetting.
As he closed his eyes and focused on the sword, he suddenly thought of his childhood.
His childhood.
It was the day he first drew not a wooden sword, but a real blade after learning swordsmanship.
The blade held in his young hand had been terribly frightening, but Geom Mugeuk pretended not to be afraid. Instead, he wore a confident expression. He vividly remembered how even at that young age, he had wanted to look good in his father’s eyes.
He recalled the words his father had spoken then.
—You must know how to fear the sword.
Thinking back, one might expect his father to tell him not to fear the sword. In any case, at the time, he had let the words pass without much thought.
‘Do I fear the sword now?’
Geom Mugeuk slowly opened his eyes. His father had, at some point, opened his eyes and was looking at him.
“Now that I think about it, lately I’ve been focusing only on the demons of the Guhwa Demonic Art. On the power of the Guhwa Demonic Art, on my accomplishments in the Guhwa Demonic Art. When will I be able to see the Heavenly Demon Soul? My mind was occupied only with such thoughts.”
With a deepened gaze, Geom Mugeuk added,
“I had completely forgotten that the sword is something frightening.”
Had he not been missing the fact that this fear was the very essence of swordsmanship?
“Even though those were the words you said to me that day, Father.”
A strange light flashed through Geom Ujin’s eyes as he looked at his son.
What about his father? What kind of conversation had his father truly been having with the Heavenly Demon Sword?
Geom Mugeuk looked down for a moment at the Black Demon Sword he held, then returned it to its sheath.
“What brings you here at this hour?”
“Something came up that requires me to leave the cult again, so I came to pay my respects.”
Looking at his father, Geom Mugeuk asked casually,
“Now that your son is going out again, you’re disappointed, aren’t you?”
The corners of his father’s mouth rose slightly, but he did not deny his son’s words.
“Something urgent came up that Ian and I must handle. If a problem arises, I’ll send word through Tongcheon Pavilion.”
Geom Ujin nodded.
“Miss Han and Ian will come to the Heavenly Demon Hall to bid you farewell. Then I’ll go ahead and wait there as well.”
Geom Mugeuk was turning to leave when Geom Ujin spoke from behind him.
“I still fear the sword.”
Geom Mugeuk looked back at his father. Their gazes intertwined in the air. In the sincerity with which he spoke honestly for his son’s sake was contained the ultimate essence of swordsmanship, known only to those who had reached such a realm.
“Perhaps that is why I respect your sword, Father.”
Because he knew it was not a cruel demonic sword. Because though it was a sword stronger than any other, it was a sword that guarded against that very strength.
“Starting today, I will fear it again as well.”
* * *
Ian, Han Seol, and the Frost Twin Swords bid their farewells in the Heavenly Demon Hall.
Han Seol cupped her fist respectfully and greeted Geom Ujin.
“Thanks to you, I stayed well before leaving.”
“Return safely. Give my regards to the Palace Lord.”
“I will. May you remain in good health until we meet again.”
Han Seol bowed, and the Frost Twin Swords also bowed.
“We will see you again next time, Cult Leader.”
“You two should return safely as well.”
Next, Ian respectfully bowed with a trembling heart.
“Thank you for taking such good care of my younger sister. Then I will go and attend the Young Cult Leader well.”
Since she, too, was of the bloodline of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, she had come along to the place where Han Seol was paying her respects.
At that moment, Geom Ujin said to Han Seol and the Frost Twin Swords,
“Could you give us a moment?”
“Yes, please take your time.”
Geom Mugeuk said to Han Seol,
“Please wait in front of the Heavenly Demon Hall.”
Then Geom Ujin said to Geom Mugeuk,
“You too!”
“Me too?”
It meant everyone was to leave except Ian.
At that, Ian looked at Geom Mugeuk with a startled expression. Don’t leave me here alone!
“Ian, let’s both survive and meet again!”
Don’t leave me alone! That was Ian’s cry in her heart.
And so the four of them left the Heavenly Demon Hall.
Left alone, Ian lowered her head with a trembling heart.
‘What on earth is this about? Is there something I’m going to be scolded for? Or is he going to tell me something related to the Young Cult Leader?’
Just as her heart pounded and all sorts of thoughts filled her mind, unexpected words flowed from Geom Ujin.
“You have achieved great completion in the Flying Heaven Sword Art.”
When Ian had first entered the Heavenly Demon Hall, Geom Ujin had recognized her accomplishment. It was no other martial art but the Flying Heaven Sword Art, so there was no way he could fail to know.
“Yes, I achieved it recently. All this time, the Young Cult Leader bestowed great teachings upon this foolish one. All of it was thanks to you, Cult Leader, for allowing me to learn in the first place.”
Ian respectfully lowered her head.
“If you did not possess innate martial talent, then even if I had taught you personally rather than Mugeuk, you could not have achieved great completion in this period of time.”
At that moment, Hwi came out carrying a box and handed it to Ian.
“It is a gift from the Cult Leader.”
With a trembling heart, Ian opened the box, and to her astonishment, what lay inside was a Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.
When Ian raised her head in shock, Geom Ujin spoke calmly.
“It is given in commemoration of your achieving great completion in the Flying Heaven Sword Art.”
For an instant, Ian was utterly startled. How could she ever have imagined that the Heavenly Demon would give her such a gift?
She knelt on the spot and said loudly,
“I cannot accept such a precious gift.”
Her voice trembled.
Then came a single sentence that could not be refused.
“Take it.”
Ian raised her head again to look at Geom Ujin, then soon lowered it and answered.
“Yes, Cult Leader.”
That was not all.
“Consume it now. I will watch over you.”
Ian was dazed. With trembling hands, she consumed the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. Who else knew what it felt like to chew a Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng in front of the Heavenly Demon? It was truly an indescribably astonishing experience.
When she had finished consuming the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng, Geom Ujin infused a strand of internal energy into her back, helping her dissolve its power. Who could possibly have any difficulty when he was the one assisting?
The majestic internal power of the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng was added to Ian’s dantian. She had recently taken the Ice Snow Herb given by the Ice Palace Lord and greatly increased her internal power, and now the internal power of the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng was added on top of that.
She had truly become the possessor of internal power that would not be pushed back no matter whom she fought.
Great completion of the Flying Heaven Sword Art, the Sun-Moon Sword, and now even the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.
She had indeed become properly strong.
Ian respectfully bowed her head in thanks. Even if he was the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, how could he be giving out Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng because it was common?
“I will never forget this grace until the day I die. I will repay this grace with loyalty to the Young Cult Leader.”
She took it to mean that he wanted her to protect the Young Cult Leader well.
But that was not the reason Geom Ujin had bestowed the Ten-Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.
“I did not give it to you because of Mugeuk.”
“Pardon?”
“I gave it for your sake.”
Ian looked up at Geom Ujin with a startled face.
‘Even allowing me to learn the Flying Heaven Sword Art, which is originally passed down only to blood relatives, must have been because of the Young Cult Leader’s request.’
At this moment, there was a reason she had never imagined at all. It was not because she was the Young Cult Leader’s guard, nor because she was of the Ice Palace’s bloodline.
The reason was one person he cherished.
“The Fist Demon’s daughter is no different from my own daughter.”
“!”
In a gentle tone, Geom Ujin said to her,
“Go and return safely.”