Chapter 126 – The Past (5)

Early in the morning.

I awoke slightly earlier than usual due to the soreness in my neck. My shoulder ached, and my head throbbed. Perhaps I had returned to reality? I glanced around, and my eyes met with Heaven’s, right in front of me.

“What are you doing?”

Her scarlet pupils observed me from a close distance.

“No, I just thought you resembled a puppy when I looked closely. A somewhat nerdy puppy.”

As if observing a rabbit in a zoo, Heaven tilted her head at a 45-degree angle, scrutinizing me. She then took a step back and shrugged her shoulders.

“A nerdy puppy, huh…?”

“It seems more like that because you don’t get angry and respond so timidly. It’s not an insult. I like dogs too.”

By then, Heaven had changed into a neat black uniform. She pointed at the leather belt around her waist and turned her back to me.

“Please tie it for me.”

What do you take me for, a servant?

It wasn’t a difficult request, so I fastened the belt to prevent it from slipping. Only then did Heaven tie her hair up, glance at the mirror, and smile contentedly.

“If you’re planning to head down the mountain, it’s best to start early. In ten minutes, the place will be bustling with morning training.”

I see. As Heaven nodded, she offered a light bow and left the room without looking back.

We didn’t grow close, even after a night. Naturally. I stretched out a long yawn and began preparing to leave.

‘The World Tree of Time.’

[You’re awake.]

‘Really, can I just do what I want? If there’s anything else I need to do, tell me now.’

[As advice for you, it would be wise to converse with people you wouldn’t meet in your current time.]

A few names came to mind.

At Zodiac’s residence, the very person who introduced bizarre carnal knowledge to the young Zodiac, a living figure in this time period. Yet, if asked whether it had much to do with me, the answer would be no.

Azalea’s father. Mere thoughts of him filled me with solemnity, but I couldn’t tell if he had a significant connection with the current time period. Perhaps he had already passed away.

The World Tree of Resentment, which wouldn’t have considered me an enemy in this era… I had no idea where it had taken root.

Consequently, there were only a few left.

No, from the moment I arrived here, the people I would encounter must have been predetermined.

‘Could it be anyone but him?’
[I suppose so.]

My speculation was affirmed by the World Tree of Time.

Heavenly Demon.

The successor to King Mokryeong, who had once upended the world. Among those I knew, even the strongest, Heaven, had renounced the title, claiming it was ill-suited for her. A peerless battle enthusiast.

There was even a rumor that in the morning, he would drink the blood prepared the day before, and by evening, he would go about extracting the hearts of others. This individual was greatly feared by many martial artists.

The question was, how could one meet such an extraordinary being?

[If the future remains unaltered, wouldn’t there be a predetermined way? For the prideful Heavenly Demon, the best approach would be through combat.]

The World Tree of Time spoke cryptically, concealing its true meaning. I wasn’t foolish enough not to understand the implications.

‘So, you’re suggesting I should wreak havoc? I’ve come seeking guidance! And with the intention of destroying everything until the Heavenly Demon appears.’

[…Yes? Ah, indeed. That wouldn’t be a bad idea. He is, after all, a troublemaker in the footsteps of King Mokryeong.]

It was most likely the most certain method— to genuinely overthrow the entire sect. Although I wasn’t sure if my power would suffice, it would be the easiest way to catch the Heavenly Demon’s attention.

It’s simple, as one can return to reality if something unexpected occurs.

‘But then, it might become awkward to face Cheondo in the future.’

[Heavenly Demon holds the belief that the strong rule the world. There likely won’t be any significant issues. Even if it’s a lesser heavenly demon succeeding his legacy.]

If a meeting is inevitable, it’s best to address it quickly.

‘I’ll investigate the surroundings before giving it a try.’

In preparation for future encounters, Cheondo might appreciate receiving something like a comic on a device similar to a cellphone. Come to think of it, she also enjoyed children’s dishes like omurice. I exited the room and descended the mountain, memorizing the coordinates of various locations around me.

* * * * * *

In the lower part of Do-won’s residence, young women – daughters and wives of the warriors – were sweeping the courtyard, each wielding a broom.

All of them, adorned with delicate pink hair, were presenting themselves as lovely.
Gazing at the scene, it evoked the sensation of having drawn a row of peach trees on a vast canvas.

Hwangdo and Baekdo, who had not yet outgrown their youthful appearances, were also taking part in the women’s cleaning efforts.

“What’s special about today? Why are there so many people? The old men have been gathering over there for a while now.”

Baekdo, carrying a large bucket of water, asked Hwangdo.
Hwangdo paused her sweeping and, with a hint of dissatisfaction, complained to Baekdo.

“I don’t know… But Baekdo, how much longer do I have to sweep?”
“That’s not the important part, is it? Seems like there was a fight. I’ve been feeling magical energy since earlier… It’s not normal!”
“Ugh, those old men drinking and fighting in broad daylight isn’t a one- or two-day thing. I just want to stop sweeping already.”

In response to Hwangdo’s continuous complaints, Baekdo sat down on the wooden porch of the tile-roofed house with a troubled expression.

“You said you don’t want to engage in dirty talk because the language feels off?”
“…Well, calling it dirty talk just seems too much.”

What kind of nonsense was being spouted?

“Apologize to the sisters who were responsible for Do-won’s dirty talk.”
“Don’t worry about it.”

What could be so strange about dirty talk? Baekdo frowned while looking at the blushing and shy Hwangdo. Baekdo couldn’t understand Hwangdo, who sometimes uttered bizarre phrases.

‘She locked herself in the master bedroom and giggled at the fragments of paper until her mind went awry.’

Not long ago, my younger sister started seeing strange things in her room and began to utter peculiar statements. It was indeed a curious incident. Just the other day, while drinking milk, she giggled and asked, “Isn’t this a bit erotic?”

“And I said I didn’t want to just engage in dirty talk. I don’t need to do everything from sweeping with a broom, organizing wooden swords, providing wash water, chopping firewood, and cooking!”
“If you sweep, doesn’t that mean you’ll take care of all the chores outside?”
“Ugh. I hate you, Baekdo.”

“Oh, don’t be upset. Alright, I’ll help too.”

Seeing Hwangdo’s tearful expression due to the unfairness, White Peach quickly comforted her by stroking her head. Being the youngest, Hwangdo was delicate and often shed tears when faced with injustice.

– Clang –

At that moment, the sound of shattering pottery came from outside.

‘What on earth is happening?’

While soothing Hwangdo, White Peach looked outside where the disturbance had been ongoing. It was common for heavily intoxicated warriors to engage in brawls during broad daylight. However, it was unusual for such dense magical energy to emanate from these fights. In White Peach’s entire life, she had only witnessed one or two such intense brawls.

This peculiar black magic intrigued her. It struck White Peach’s heart like an alluring spell.

“Hwangdo, do you want to skip out on cleaning today?”
“Um? But you said we’d get in huge trouble if we run away again this time…”

“You can always lie! If it’s just the two of us kissing, no one will know.”
“I did that last time and got spanked. I just want to clean. I don’t want to get scolded.”

Such an inflexible younger sibling.
If I didn’t witness that commotion, it would be a lifelong regret.

There’s no other choice. In situations like this, I must resort to the final method.
White Peach took out her secret weapon.

“Then, I’ll buy that for you the next time I go out. What is it? Baekshim? Maxim?”

The cover decorated with naked trees… A bizarre magazine!
Zodiac’s eyes lit up.

“Really?”
“Yeah, which one do you want? I’ll get just one.”
“Well, then, the December issue. The Christmas tree on the roadside in the middle of winter… I want to see the ‘Can you untie the ribbon?’ part.”

It’s my sibling’s peculiar taste, but for White Peach, it was merely a good bargaining chip.
A Christmas tree by the roadside in the dead of winter.
I don’t know what it is, but since I managed to make her an accomplice, she won’t act alone even if we get caught.

White Peach embraced Zodiac and leaped onto the roof of the tile-roofed house.

– Kwagang!

In the distance, a roof of a house collapsed. The tiles, which would normally lead to severe scolding even if just one was broken, fell to the ground, shattered. A thrilling sense of delight washed over White Peach for engaging in something she couldn’t normally do.

“Wow, that’s insane… Zodiac, did you see that just now?”
“Yeah. Whoever they are, they’re going to be in huge trouble.”
“I’d love to do that just once. It would be so much fun, right?”

There was no need to wonder why such a thing happened. The important thing for White Peach was that something amusing had taken place! With her entire body wrapped in exhilaration, White Peach, grinning like a mischievous country dog, climbed the roof to locate the source of the commotion.

She reached the entrance to Do-won in no time.

“You rascal! Do you know who that person is, and you just let it slip out of your mouth!”

A furious warrior was loudly berating a young man.

“Who is that person?”

Hwangdo, embraced by Baekdo, pointed at a man dressed in unfamiliar attire.
An outfit they don’t typically wear – he is a worldly man.

Blackened hair, which is rare to see in Dowon.
He had a human presence, not that of a tree, and he narrowed his slender eyes while repeating just one sentence.

“Once again, I have come to see the Heavenly Demon.”
“…You don’t bend your will. You won’t be able to approach him, even at his feet.”

A faintly crimson demonic energy rose from the warrior’s grasp.
A man of considerable skill, fit to serve as a gatekeeper.
Baekdo was also someone who knew his name.

The captain of the Red Cunning Squad, Jinrang.
He was said to be one of the thirty priests who had been directly taught by the Heavenly Demon in the past.
Of course, due to his lack of talent, he didn’t rise to the position of elder, but his deep experience allowed him to directly manage the lower parts of Dowon.
No one in Dowon could look down on him or disregard him.

‘I heard that his skill is recognized even outside Dowon.’

The outside referred to the world beyond this sanctuary.
The era of righteousness and alliances, when power and swords were divided among distinct factions, had long ended.

Do-won was the last bastion for martial artists.
Over ten thousand masters resided within Do-won.
Under those masters, seven thousand gifted disciples were fiercely advancing in their ranks.

‘No matter how vast the outside world is, Do-won… It’s the unassailable cradle of the mighty and a grave where one endures until their bones are laid bare.’

The man seemed to take the surging life force lightly.
He might be headed for trouble. Baekdo crossed her arms, anticipating as much.
Hwangdo carefully studied the man’s face and gave Baekdo a nudge.

“Baekdo, that person…”
“Yes, I know.”

He was likely in for a rough time. Hwangdo must have thought the same, given her perceptive gaze.
Hwangdo’s voice trembled as she spoke.

“Wow, you’re good-looking! A man, and not bald at that!”

…

“Ugh, you’re always like this. What does appearance matter?”
“Having a handsome brother is nice. Even our sister-in-law said he’s like a redwood.”
“Will you marry based solely on looks?”
“Of course not! But do you think he’s good enough?”

Well, considering he made it this far on his own, he must have tremendous confidence in his abilities.

White Peach observed the scene, crouching on the roof to remain hidden from view.
She had witnessed many one-on-one duels, but this seemed to be a sharper, more intense fight than usual.

“If you wish to see my lord, you must first defeat me.”
“I’m more than willing.”
“A courageous one, you are.”

With that, Jinrang threw a punch at his opponent.

The crimson magic surged like a bloodthirsty wolf, aimed sharply at his neck.
White Peach sniffed the air.

The faint scent of his life force. He seemed quite enraged. Had I not dodged, my neck would have been severed instantly, and that disheveled head would have been sent flying.

*Crunch!*

The sound of flesh being torn and blood spurting out. But it wasn’t a sound from a man’s throat.

White Peach’s eyes widened as she saw the master, Jinrang, who had been sent flying and embedded into the wall in an instant.

It was visible to her eyes. A master named Jinrang had been sent flying with just one punch in the blink of an eye.

*Gurgle gurgle gurgle.*

Soon, dark clouds gathered in the sky. White Peach’s eyes filled with increasing astonishment.

“…damn it.”
“Do you want more?”

Jinrang, with her body bent, gathered her strength from within and glared at the man. Despite taking a blow, her eyes were still full of life. Hidden behind her back was a hand that emanated a mysterious power, commonly referred to as “biki.”

“So, you’re a tough bastard, huh? You’re the one who cornered us here, and now you’ve come to finish off this place too?”

“No way. I quite like this place. As I said before, it’s just…”

The man murmured lightly as if the entire process were no more than mere entertainment.

“I simply came to see the Heavenly Demon.”

– Kurleung!

At that moment, a single black lightning bolt poured down from above the clouds. It surged towards Jinrang, who was perfecting a spell behind his back.

“Aaagh!”

A light was born, flashing as it descended from the sky. Like a black dragon, it swallowed Jinrang’s body in one swift gulp.

“Perhaps that was a bit excessive.”

Amid the heavy drinking and the man’s murmur, Baekdo frowned, her eyes filled with intrigue. There was someone here who could bring excitement to her dull daily life.