Chapter 409: The Only Moment He Got Angry
I did not leave the Wind Valley just like that.
How hard had I worked to get in here, and now you think I would just leave?
First, I thoroughly inspected the inside of the valley. It was the first time I had seen a place so thoroughly cut off from the outside.
If I used this place as a hideout, it would be the best. Secrecy aside, even if the enemy found out we were here, they would never be able to get in.
Of course, to bring someone here for protection, I would need much more internal energy than I currently had.
Someday, if I could reach the level where I could enter here freely, I decided I would build a villa here.
There was something I absolutely had to do before leaving this place.
I immediately activated the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique.
After performing the Nine Calamities Demon Art once, I intended to leave this place. During the process of breaking through here, I had used all of my potential. Through that, I had an enlightenment, and I wanted to confirm that achievement.
Although there was no one around, the reason I used the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique was not only to protect the interior of this place but also because I intended to perform the Heavenly Time Secret Art. For me, internal energy was time, and time was the life of myself and those around me.
Within the Temporal and Spatial Transference Technique, I performed the Nine Calamities Demon Art. I carefully performed the forms, from the beginning to the parts I had mastered.
First Form - Human Annihilation Form.
Saaaaaaaak!
To an enemy, it would have looked terrifying and horrifying, but to me, it was so familiar, as the Four Demonic Ghosts appeared simultaneously from the east, west, south, and north, swinging their swords.
Seogeok! Seogeok! Seogeok! Seogeok!
And today’s Human Annihilation Form was different from before.
If before the achievement was that the Four Demonic Ghosts had become faster and stronger, today there was a change in another aspect.
They did not vanish immediately but looked at each other. The scary-looking one stared at the handsome one, and the one that radiated mystery exchanged glances with the clever-looking one.
Until now, it had only felt like instinct, but for the first time today, I felt as though they had reason and emotion.
It was truly just an instantaneous feeling, but there was the sense that the four of them were whispering to each other!
That feeling was clear.
The clever-looking one even looked at me before vanishing. I definitely felt a sense of regret in his gaze at parting.
Right before the Four Demonic Ghosts completely disappeared, I spoke to them.
"Nice to meet you."
Though they quietly disappeared and it ended up being a monologue, it was the first greeting I ever gave to them. It felt like I had taken another step closer to the Heavenly Demon Soul.
Next, I performed the Second Form - Great Annihilation Form. Just by observing the Great Annihilation Form, I could tell that my Nine Calamities Demon Art had advanced to a higher level.
Sseussssss.
Originally, the scary-looking ghost among the Four Demonic Ghosts split into eight, but now it split into ten.
Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!
The ten ghosts swept through everything in front of them, pushing forward. The Great Annihilation Form was always exhilarating whenever I performed it.
Third Form - Great Demon Wall.
Would a wall of protective energy be any different? The Great Demon Wall had become even smaller. While reducing its size, the Great Demon Wall congratulated me on my achievement.
Then came the Fourth Form.
Dark Flash.
Whoosh!
Darkness descended. It was deeper and heavier than any darkness I’ve seen before.
Siiing.
A single streak of light cut through the darkness.
It was faster and stronger than the previous Flash. The darkness had grown deeper, and the light had become brighter.
I had not yet attempted the Fifth Form. I instinctively felt that now was not the time to advance, but the time to refine the achievements I had obtained.
I considered this achievement a gift from the old man. A present acknowledging that I had been working hard even after my regression. The fact that I had pierced through the wind and reached this place was thanks to his guidance.
"I will continue to work hard."
To work hard and keep working hard, so that even if the result turned out poorly, I could still say this.
Since it was my best, there was no regret.
Only when I lived like this could I dream of revenge. Rather, such an attitude would allow me to live my life fully without being consumed by revenge.
And finally, when it was time to leave this place, I did not undergo harsh training.
At the source of the wind, I held on with my extreme internal energy.
"I'm leaving noooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww!"
I released my strength and let my body be carried by the wild wind, flying toward the entrance. I soared through the air in excitement.
If I ever missed the wind, I would come back.
* * *
Han Seol fell into deep thought.
The moment the name "Elder Seo" was mentioned, she became serious.
It was because he was the person her mother trusted the most and the most respected figure within the Ice Palace.
The quick-witted Lee Ahn guessed where Han Seol's inner conflict was ultimately headed.
'She's afraid the Ice Palace Master might get involved.'
In other words, she was unable to trust her own mother.
Thinking that, Lee Ahn recalled a presence she had long forgotten. A name that was burdensome whether it existed or not.
Lee Ahn controlled her emotions and spoke calmly.
"If he’s an important figure in the Ice Palace, it seems we should approach him cautiously."
"I will first go meet Elder Seo. I'll go alone."
"Did you visit him often in the past?"
Han Seol shook her head.
"Then he will definitely be suspicious."
"What if I just tell him that I came out to investigate because of such-and-such circumstances?"
It would be fortunate if they could learn something that way. This was Lee Ahn's concern.
"If the opponent lies, can you notice it? I’m not confident I can. Especially when the opponent is an elder."
Could Han Seol be particularly good at detecting lies either?
"If Elder Seo is involved in this matter, he will surely lie. But if we can't detect the lie, we'll only reveal to him that we are suspicious. Our hand would be exposed before the real fight even begins."
It was certainly a reasonable point.
"Then what do you suggest we do?"
Lee Ahn carefully proposed one idea.
"Let’s inform the Young Cult Leader."
Han Seol’s expression stiffened slightly. They had managed to discover Elder Seo on their own, and now they were already giving up? She wanted to uncover the full truth of this matter with her own strength.
Sensing her feelings, Lee Ahn became even more cautious.
"Just finding evidence that Elder Seo is involved in this matter is already a major contribution, I believe, for you as the Young Palace Master."
It was a suggestion Han Seol normally would never have accepted.
"Do you really believe the Young Cult Leader has a solution?"
"Yes, I believe so."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because he has shown us a lot so far."
Han Seol hesitated for a moment.
"Alright, let’s go back for now."
Since it involved Elder Seo, it had to be handled carefully. Also, she wanted to see firsthand what abilities the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult possessed.
Thus, when they returned to their residence with great momentum and asked the Drunken Demon where Geom Mugeuk was,
"The Young Cult Leader went out."
It would have been nice if he had been here at a time like this. We came back trusting in our Young Cult Leader, but he happened to be away right now.
Lee Ahn hid such feelings and smiled.
"He must have gone to handle something important."
At that, the Drunken Demon mischievously added something unnecessary.
"Maybe to prepare for the cold?"
"Huh?"
"He said only that and left."
"Did he go to buy clothes or something?"
Even as she said it, Lee Ahn herself found her answer pathetic.
Lee Ahn sighed and turned to Han Seol.
"Shall we go meet Elder Seo right now?"
Han Seol laughed at Lee Ahn’s joke.
"Oh? You laughed just now."
Han Seol retorted sternly.
"Does mockery count as laughter too?"
At that moment, someone spoke from behind.
"Mockery is still laughter. In fact, I know the coolest mockery in the world."
When they turned around, Geom Mugeuk was entering.
Lee Ahn shouted happily.
"Young Cult Leader! Where have you been?"
"I went out to get some fresh air."
Indeed, it felt like he had breathed enough wind for a lifetime.
* * *
Two hours later, there were visitors at Elder Seo’s residence.
"The Young Palace Master has come together with the Demonic Cult’s Young Cult Leader."
Even though it was an unannounced visit, Seo Nak was not surprised.
"Invite them in quickly."
Soon after, Geom Mugeuk and Han Seol entered the main hall.
"It’s an honor to meet you for the first time. I am Geom Mugeuk."
"I finally meet the protagonist of the rumors that have shaken the Central Plains."
The two exchanged polite greetings.
Seo Nak possessed a dignified air, with a kindly smile, warm speech, and refined manners. He seemed like someone who would forgive even a grave sin with kind words.
Thus, he was a figure who received great respect not only within the Ice Palace but also from the warriors across the Northern Sea.
"Are you investigating the death of the Former Master Brewer of Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard?"
"Yes, we have received permission from the Palace Master. Please treat us comfortably, as I am a junior of the martial world before being the Young Cult Leader."
Geom Mugeuk also wore a relaxed smile, just like Seo Nak. It was a good beginning to the meeting.
"She was a regrettable person."
"Have you ever shared a drink with the Former Master Brewer?"
At Geom Mugeuk’s casually thrown question, Han Seol tensed up instead. According to Jo Myeong from the Hundred Liquors Snow Courtyard, Seo Nak and the Former Master Brewer had shared drinks several times. Would he tell the truth?
"I have drunk with her a few times. But it was mainly just talking about alcohol, so I can’t say I knew her well."
Seo Nak did not hide the facts.
"What do you think about the Former Master Brewer’s death?"
"I don't know what you mean."
"Do you think there was someone who bore a grudge against her?"
Seo Nak withheld his answer for a moment.
"Are you investigating me?"
"And if we are?"
At the provocative response, tension briefly filled the air. But soon Geom Mugeuk smiled and lightened the mood.
"It’s a joke. Just a joke. When I said I should start investigating the people around the Former Master Brewer, the Young Palace Master here said this. That the Palace Master is the most trustworthy, and the next most trustworthy is Elder Seo. That's why we came to see you first—to rule you out from suspicion."
Seo Nak looked at Han Seol with a kindly smile.
"Thank you for thinking of me like that."
"It’s nothing."
Han Seol lowered her head slightly in greeting.
"By the way, you've decorated this main hall wonderfully."
Geom Mugeuk walked over to one wall and began admiring a display cabinet. Various ornaments were placed upon it.
Meanwhile, Seo Nak continued to look at Han Seol with his unchanging gentle smile.
She had grown up considering him like an uncle since childhood. When her mother had risen to the position of Ice Palace Master, she had heard that Elder Seo had provided much assistance. Now, seeing his face again here, she thought:
'I shouldn’t be acting like this here.'
The testimony was that the Former Master Brewer had shared drinks with Elder Seo several times, but there was no proof that Elder Seo had actually received anything.
Originally, she should have been standing next to Seo Nak, watching Geom Mugeuk suspiciously.
What were the Demonic Cult members doing here, anyway? And yet now, she was doubting him together with the Demonic Cult. How did it come to this?
When she had thought about it vaguely, Elder Seo had seemed suspicious. But now, seeing his smiling face before her, she felt an unwarranted sense of guilt. The heart really changes when facing someone in person.
"Have you heard the news about the Northern Blood Gate?"
Geom Mugeuk asked while still browsing the items on the display cabinet. As Han Seol was about to say something about his disrespectful attitude, Seo Nak raised his hand to stop her. He remained completely calm.
"What news are you referring to?"
"The second son over there lured people in and conducted dangerous experiments."
"I haven’t heard about that."
"Is that so?"
After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk glanced back and asked,
"You're not curious about what kind of experiments they were?"
"It’s obvious. That second son has always been an odd one."
"Indeed he is."
Geom Mugeuk did not continue the conversation but kept touching the ornaments on the display cabinet. Han Seol could not feel any of the 'specialness' that Lee Ahn had talked about from Geom Mugeuk. Transcendental? His rudeness was the only thing transcending.
"Do you have anything more to say?"
"No, today we just came to greet you."
"Truly, the Demonic Cult is still the Demonic Cult. Even a mere greeting makes people tense up like this."
"If you have no guilt, there should be no reason to feel tense."
Han Seol quickly took the opportunity to bid farewell.
"We will take our leave now."
"If you have more questions, feel free to come back anytime. I will cooperate whenever necessary."
"Thank you."
The two bowed and turned to leave. As they walked toward the door, Geom Mugeuk, as if suddenly recalling something, turned around and abruptly asked,
"By the way, what did you do with the Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor? Did you visit a cold place?"
The one startled by the sudden question was Han Seol. She had not expected Geom Mugeuk to bring that up.
Even so, Seo Nak did not seem flustered.
He tilted his head and answered,
"Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor? Why ask me about that?"
"Didn't you receive it from the Former Master Brewer?"
"I have never received it."
His reaction was so natural that it did not seem like he was lying.
"I see."
Geom Mugeuk bowed politely and turned to leave, but he turned back once more to ask,
"You're not asking how I knew about the Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor? Normally, people would be curious if someone said something untrue about them."
"What's the point? What matters is that I did not receive it."
Though Seo Nak did not ask, Geom Mugeuk told him anyway.
"In the letter that the Former Master Brewer sent to the Drunken Demon, it was written that she had given the Fragrant Snow Ice Liquor to Elder Seo."
"I don't know why the Former Master Brewer would write such a thing, but I never received it."
"There must have been some misunderstanding."
After a bow, the two stepped out of the main hall.
Once they were completely outside, Han Seol asked,
"Why did you do that?"
"I was probing him to see if he would lie."
"But you were the one who lied."
The Former Master Brewer had never mentioned Elder Seo to the Drunken Demon.
"You even lied—did you manage to catch Elder Seo in a lie?"
Geom Mugeuk shook his head.
"I could not."
"Because Elder Seo didn’t lie."
"Maybe so."
Geom Mugeuk admitted readily, in preparation for what he wanted to say next.
"But there was one strange thing."
"What was it?"
"There was exactly one moment when Elder Seo got angry while we were there. Do you know when?"
"You were so rude I can't even tell. So? When was it?"
Then an unexpected answer came from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth.
"It was when I moved and disturbed the ornaments on the display cabinet."
Han Seol hadn't even realized that such a moment had occurred, or that Seo Nak had gotten angry. It was something only Geom Mugeuk, who had been subtly releasing energy throughout the conversation to carefully observe Seo Nak’s emotions, had noticed.
"Did you see that display cabinet?"
"No."
"There wasn’t a speck of dust, and the items were aligned with absolute precision—down to the millimeter. It gave off a sense of obsessive compulsion."
"Perhaps the attendants just clean thoroughly."
"That’s exactly the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"How frightening must the owner be for them to clean it that perfectly?"
The problem wasn’t the attendants at all.
"If Elder Seo had no attachment to the display cabinet, he wouldn’t have reacted the way he did when I disturbed the items."
From that alone, Geom Mugeuk had discerned something important.
"He has two completely opposing sides to him. A kindly face with a gentle smile, and a neurotic disposition that cannot tolerate even the slightest disorder."
Han Seol was inwardly impressed. Though she had known him for many years, she had never noticed that. Yet Geom Mugeuk had uncovered it in such a short time.
Now she could start to understand why Lee Ahn had suggested informing the Young Cult Leader. Even his rude behavior had likely been calculated.
"Even so, it’s just personality, isn’t it?"
That was true. Opposing traits were unexpected, but they weren’t proof he was behind what had happened.
"You're right. That’s why we should dig a little deeper."
"How?"
What he said next was a method Han Seol hadn’t considered.
"Instead of objects, this time let’s shake the people around him."
Han Seol felt a strange sense of tension. Because among the people closest to Seo Nak, the very first person who came to mind was someone who had never once wavered in her entire life.
‘Can you really shake my mother?’