Chapter 66

Chapter 66
Yeom Hwa-sin walked out of the establishment, leaving Baek So-cheon and Cheon-geuk by themselves.

The server and the cook, who had taken refuge in the kitchen dreading an all-out clash, finally crept back out.

Baek So-cheon handed over ample silver to cover the ruined furniture, then stepped out into the open air alongside Cheon-geuk.

“You probably should have just clashed with him, right?”

“See? That typical male pride. How far could the ruler of the Black Heaven Alliance have gotten by now? Want me to bring him back?”

“Hahaha.”

Baek So-cheon let out a soft laugh. Even amidst such tension, she possessed the uncanny knack to make him smile. Perhaps that was precisely why she had lingered in his thoughts more than anyone else during his time in the Cheon-ryong Secret Realm.

“Are you truly intending to go?”

“Yes.”

Ordinarily, his duty would dictate racing straight to Ak So-gun and Je-gal Hyeon to deliver a full report.

Yet could a man like Yeom Hwa-sin have shown up without preparing for every contingency?

Baek So-cheon understood all too well that Yeom Hwa-sin was far from the unthinking brute he pretended to be.

What if they let slip even the slimmest opportunity to apprehend him?

It was true—they might very well lose him entirely.

Still, the genuine danger lay elsewhere.

Cheon-geuk and Na-sa-rin would become targets. Now that the man knew Cheon-geuk had assisted in the procedure, he would stop at nothing to abduct her.

Unless he remained glued to their sides indefinitely, the day would come when Yeom Hwa-sin dragged both women away, well past his ability to shield them.

Cheon-geuk, perceptive as ever, discerned his thoughts.

“Is this because of the elder and me?”

His outright denial was so prompt that she saw right through it: Baek So-cheon had agreed to journey to the Black Heaven Alliance entirely for her sake and Na-sa-rin’s.

Her thoughts drifted back to the brief second their gazes crossed while Yeom Hwa-sin held him by the collar, along with the raw feelings hanging between them then.

Why push things to such extremes?

They were fully capable of merely utilizing one another and parting ways.

Yet had that cynical approach been her true desire, she would have never stepped out of the shadows in the first place.

“I need to drop by the alliance briefly.”

“Go ahead. I’ll pay a visit to the elder.”

“I will see you shortly.”

“All right.”

Continuing forward without looking behind him, Baek So-cheon called out.

“Thank you.”

Her customary reply floated back toward him.

“Make sure you remember it.”

After putting a few paces between them, Cheon-geuk raised her voice once more.

“Thank you as well.”

A subtle grin touched Baek So-cheon’s face as he kept walking.

During his earlier days, he had never truly comprehended how deeply meaningful it was to receive genuine validation from another soul.

Yes, I know.

Cheon-geuk returned to Daroo Tea House and recounted everything that had transpired to Na-sa-rin.

“Please forgive me, Elder. I made this choice entirely on my own authority.”

Cheon-geuk lowered her head in remorse. Even if Baek So-cheon’s very survival hung in the balance, Na-sa-rin remained the true master required to administer the healing arts. Committing her without prior consent was an undeniable breach of propriety.

Na-sa-rin merely offered her characteristic, tranquil smile.

“Do not fret, Alliance Lord.”

Her gentle tone carried pure sincerity. With so few days left in her mortal lifespan, her only real concern rested on Cheon-geuk’s wellbeing.

“I shall make the journey by myself.”

“No. That is completely out of the question.”

“I am the one performing the procedure regardless.”

Confronted with Na-sa-rin’s unyielding stance, Cheon-geuk became even more obstinate.

“Under no circumstances. I am accompanying you.”

The choice had been hers alone. The weight of self-reproach was already suffocating; permitting Na-sa-rin to venture alone into the lion’s den was unthinkable.

“Alliance Lord!”

“Consider it an official decree.”

Their determinations collided, but Cheon-geuk’s standing as the sovereign carried the day.

“We go together, Elder.”

“Very well, let us do so.”

“Forgive my stubbornness.”

“You have been obstinate ever since childhood.”

Cheon-geuk drew Na-sa-rin into an embrace. The diminutive figure fitted comfortably in her arms—a fragile, delicate vessel carrying eighty-four long winters of living.

While Na-sa-rin gathered her essentials for the road, Cheon-geuk called her four protectors forward.

“Stay on our trail, but under no condition are you to step inside their fortress.”

She understood their temperaments intimately. Forbidding them from following was entirely futile; instructing them to keep their distance was the only sensible compromise.

“Alliance Lord!”

“You witnessed it yourself—Yeom Hwa-sin saw clean through our concealment from a great distance. He will tolerate you shadowing us from behind, but never entering their territory.”

She refused to stand idle while they threw their lives away.

Grasping her logic, the four bowed their assent.

“We comply. We will maintain the closest perimeter possible outside the Black Heaven Alliance. Should danger arise, release the signal flare immediately.”

“I will.”

She consistently kept the distress firework hidden within an ornamental accessory on her garment, invisible to any regular inspection.

Before the designated hour arrived, Baek So-cheon made his return.

He had already notified Beon Saeng and Im Choong that personal business would take him away for a period, directing them to redirect any correspondence arriving from the Alliance Lord’s residence or the Hyun-cheon Pavilion.

Prior to departing, he had met with Wang-ho, commanding that their combat drills be escalated. With war drawing near, rigorous discipline was the single matter of importance.

Approaching Na-sa-rin, Baek So-cheon expressed his apologies.

“Allow me a brief word in private with Alliance Lord Cheon. My apologies, Elder.”

“Pay it no mind.”

The pair stepped a small distance away before halting.

“How did the elder take it?”

“Just as expected—fussing over my safety.”

“Once the esoteric rite concludes, Yeom Hwa-sin could very well try to dispose of us.”

The chilling words Yeom Hwa-sin had spoken earlier echoed in his mind.

Why permit someone to draw breath when their purpose is fulfilled?

“The elder worries constantly, but…”

She herself held no dread.

“Do you recall what I mentioned earlier? Wealth holds no appeal for me. Do you really believe a woman indifferent to gold would tremble before death? We all face our end eventually. If dying carries even a sliver of worth, that suffices.”

“And what possible worth would your death hold right now?”

She paused for a second before mumbling quietly.

“A hundred thousand nyang?”

Baek So-cheon repeated the phrase back to her, prompting her to swiftly deflect.

“Forget it. Come along, let us be on our way. The three of us against that brute. Should circumstances turn sour, we join forces, fight like hell, and perish with honor.”

“Indeed, let us keep that as the plan.”

Though naturally, only as an absolute final recourse.

For now, achieving the most favorable resolution was paramount.

I must devise an approach that prevents him from laying a hand on us.

He needed to piece that scheme together before their journey came to an end.

Moments later, a carriage rolled up to their waiting spot and came to a halt.

The cabin door opened outward, and Yeom Hwa-sin peered out from within.

“Climb aboard.”

Baek So-cheon, Cheon-geuk, and Na-sa-rin climbed into the carriage.

The vehicle gained momentum, setting out toward their destination: the headquarters of the Black Heaven Alliance located in Nam-nyeong within Gwang-seo Province.

The compartment sank into profound silence.

Each occupant remained immersed in individual musings, either resting their eyes or staring at the passing scenery outside.

Baek So-cheon remained intensely conscious of the volatile tension trapped within these narrow confines.

Cheon-geuk, playing along docilely for now, was the King of Assassins whose true ceiling remained an enigma.

Na-sa-rin stood as an eighty-four-year-old sovereign of spiritual domination techniques.

And then there was himself.

All beneath the domineering thumb of Yeom Hwa-sin.

A sudden tremor, and chaos could consume the carriage at any moment.

Thud.

The wooden wheels struck an uneven ditch, organically dispelling the stifling quiet.

Yeom Hwa-sin had already unmasked Na-sa-rin’s past and discerned her vital role in carrying out the core healing rite.

“Eighty-four.”

Na-sa-rin responded with practiced courtesy. Regardless of who faced her, her demeanor never wavered from polite composure.

“Hahaha, you were already wandering the martial world when I was just drawing my first breath.”

“That is very likely the case.”

With Cheon-geuk by her side, Na-sa-rin exercised extreme discretion. Surviving eighty-four years filled with every hardship imaginable had taught her one enduring truth.

An innate nature never shifts.

Even when the master of the Black Heaven Alliance displayed a pleasant countenance, it was merely the relaxed demeanor of a full beast. The moment hunger struck, cruel fangs would bare themselves once more.

Baek So-cheon kept his eyes fixed upon Yeom Hwa-sin’s arm and hand.

The skin appeared noticeably denser compared to their previous confrontation. Even absent any conscious protective energy, a faint, smooth sheen drifted across the surface.

Earlier, the sheer shock of his appearance had kept him from studying it properly.

“What has you staring so intently?”

“Have you grown more powerful?”

“Does it appear that way to you?”

Baek So-cheon gave a firm nod, prompting a satisfied smirk from Yeom Hwa-sin.

“A keen eye. A man can hardly run off to lick his wounds after taking a beating, can he?”

If his claims held true, the existing Murim Rankings would require substantial adjustments. Between Myeol Saeng and this evolved Yeom Hwa-sin, who stood superior?

“And so you strode in without a trace of fear, entirely alone—right up to the front steps of the Murim Alliance?”

“I savor danger, not foolishness.”

The man possessed a hidden trump card. What could it be?

Yeom Hwa-sin turned his gaze back to Baek So-cheon, who continued to study him.

“Why the persistent stare? Do you lament passing up another clash?”

“I do.”

“I certainly do not. I have no desire to ever cross blades with you again, even if victory were guaranteed.”

Recognizing that avoiding future bloodshed was an impossibility, Baek So-cheon redirected his attention to the window.

Out of nowhere, Yeom Hwa-sin shifted his attention toward Cheon-geuk.

“Are you fond of that fellow?”

Cheon-geuk wavered momentarily before opting for candor.

“Yes, he intrigues me.”

Her eyes darted over to Baek So-cheon.

The youth remained motionless, eyes locked onto the passing road in stubborn silence.

“He carries a certain appeal, doesn’t he? Observe: even when an attractive woman openly admits her fascination, he plays deaf and simply watches the dirt go by.”

Yeom Hwa-sin looked toward Baek So-cheon, then back at her.

“The boy is bashful.”

“Bashful? Him?”

Confronted with her sheer incredulity, Yeom Hwa-sin sought confirmation.

“You are shy, aren’t you?”

Baek So-cheon offered not a single syllable in response.

Worrying that this impudence might incite Yeom Hwa-sin’s temper, Cheon-geuk interjected smoothly.

“You see? The man is simply ill-mannered.”

Yeom Hwa-sin erupted into boisterous laughter.

“Hahaha! He remains the solitary soul audacious enough to treat my inquiries with utter disregard. You are right, the lad possesses charm.”

The carriage pressed onward at high speed through their banter.

Whenever they paused to rest at roadside taverns along the route, Cheon-geuk spent the entirety of her energy tending to Na-sa-rin.

Despite her youthful vessel, the elder possessed an eighty-four-year-old soul, and Cheon-geuk saw to every minor comfort with profound devotion.

During an instance when he found himself alone with Baek So-cheon, Yeom Hwa-sin remarked,

“That young lady occupies a position that does not suit her.”

He had made an identical comment regarding Baek So-cheon in the past, an initial gesture toward enticing him over.

Back then, the words had carried a veneer of genuine sentiment.

Now, Baek So-cheon remained entirely unaffected.

The man was planting seeds of discontent by claiming the Black Heaven suited them better, even while planting covert watchers upon both Ak So-gun and himself.

One could never afford to let down their guard before that mountainous physique and carefree boisterousness. Underneath it all, Yeom Hwa-sin was far sharper and more politically cunning than most gave him credit for.

By the time night fell on their third day of travel, Cheon-geuk descended to the common room after getting Na-sa-rin situated to rest. Baek So-cheon took hold of her wrist.

“What is it?”

“Sit and eat.”

He had already arranged a spread of dishes downstairs.

“You went the entire day without taking a bite.”

“I had no appetite.”

“You need to eat regardless. I have yet to dine as well—let us share the meal.”

“Very well.”

Finding herself unable to decline, Cheon-geuk took a chair across from him. Picking at the food, she murmured,

“I appreciate your consideration.”

“Feeling the pressure?”

“I simply find myself anxious over the elder.”

“And regarding yourself?”

“Me? If an opportunity to flee presents itself, I am exceptionally skilled at disappearing. You had better look out for your own hide.”

“That is reassuring. When the moment arrives, make sure your escape is flawless.”

As he strode past their table, Yeom Hwa-sin threw a dry remark over his shoulder.

“Do you truly imagine things will play out so simply?”

Without another word, he continued up the stairs toward his quarters.

Baek So-cheon took up his chopsticks once more.

Cheon-geuk emptied her cup in a single swallow.

“Worry not. Beneath this face, I am far more ruthless than I appear—a truly difficult woman to kill.”

“Make sure you maintain that spirit until the very end. Do not soften.”

Baek So-cheon downed the remaining wine in his cup.

By the fourth day, the repetitive nature of their journey had settled in, visibly softening Yeom Hwa-sin’s sharp vigilance. Seizing the opening, Baek So-cheon directed a silent telepathic message directly to Na-sa-rin.

—Later, when the moment comes to administer the healing rite to both father and son, there is an action you must secretly carry out. If circumstances make it impossible, simply make it appear as though you succeeded.

He had devised a blueprint ensuring their safe withdrawal, but her cooperation was an indispensable piece of the puzzle.

Baek So-cheon silently laid out the specific details of the scheme.

—I comprehend the plan. Entrust it to me.

The carriage continued its steady voyage, eventually arriving at the central stronghold of the Black Heaven Alliance on the fifth day.

The visual impact of the entrance was staggering, far eclipsing the scale of the Murim Alliance.

Imposing stone effigies representing legendary warriors flanked both flanks of the main gateway, arresting the attention of all who approached. Their scale was utterly monumental, shaped with such exquisite craft that they seemed on the verge of stepping down to the earth.

The carriage rolled gradually forward, passing directly beneath the crossed stone blades wielded by the colossal sentinels, crossing over the threshold into the interior.