Chapter 409: The One Moment He Lost His Temper

TL: FoodieMonster007

I did not simply leave the Wind Valley. After all the effort it took to enter this place, how could I just leave?

First, I thoroughly explored the valley's interior. It was the first time I had encountered a place so completely isolated from the outside world.

If I were to use this place as a safehouse, it would be the best. It was so secluded that even if an enemy knew it was here, they would never be able to enter, let alone attack anyone here.

Of course, bringing someone here to protect them would require far more inner arts than I currently possess, so I resolved that if I ever reached a level where I could enter this place with ease, I would build a villa here.

Before leaving this place, there was one crucial task I had to complete.

I immediately activated the Spacetime Manipulation Technique. I could not simply leave this place without performing the Nine Calamities Demonic Art even once.

Breaking through here had forced me to use all my potential. In that process, I had gained new insights, and I wanted to confirm those achievements.

Even though no one else was present, I activated the Spacetime Manipulation Technique. This was not only to protect the valley's interior but also to perform the Heavenly Space Secret Art.

I needed the time, because more time would save the lives of me and those around me.

Within the Spacetime Manipulation Technique, I performed the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. I meticulously executed the technique from its very beginning to the point I had mastered.

The First Technique: The Human Destroying Stance.

SHIIIIING!

To an enemy, they would appear terrifying and ghastly, but to me, the four familiar specters of evil spirits simultaneously emerged from the cardinal directions, brandishing their swords.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

Today's Human Destroying Stance was different from before. While previous achievements had made the four specters from the cardinal directions faster and stronger, today brought a change in a different aspect.

Instead of vanishing immediately, they gazed at each other. The terrifying one stared at the handsome one, and the mysterious one exchanged glances with the intelligent-looking one.

Until now, I had only sensed instinct from them, but today, for the very first time, I felt they possessed reason and emotion.

It was truly a fleeting moment, but I sensed the four of them whispering! The feeling was unmistakable.

Among them, the intelligent-looking one glanced at me before vanishing. I could clearly sense a hint of regret at parting in its gaze.

Just before the four specters from the cardinal directions completely disappeared, I said, "It's good to meet you."

The four specters from the cardinal directions quietly vanished, leaving my words as a soliloquy, but it was the first time I had greeted them. I felt as though I had taken another step closer to the Heavenly Demon Soul.

Next, I performed the Second Technique: The Great Annihilation Stance. Just by observing the Great Annihilation Stance, I could clearly tell that my mastery of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art had advanced.

WHOOSH!

Originally, the terrifying specter among the cardinal directions had split into eight, but now two more had been added, causing it to split into ten.

CRACKLE! CRACKLE! CRACKLE!

The ten specters swept forward, obliterating everything in their path. The Great Annihilation Stance was always a thrilling sight to behold, no matter when it was performed.

The Third Technique: The Impenetrable Demonic Wall.

How could a wall of enhanced qi be any different? The Impenetrable Demonic Wall had shrunk even further.

As it reduced its size, the Impenetrable Demonic Wall seemed to congratulate me on my achievement.

And then, the Fourth Technique: The Darkness Flash.

WHOOSH!

Darkness descended, deeper and heavier than any before.

SWISH!

A single streak of light cut through the darkness, faster and more potent than any previous flash.

The darkness deepened, and the light grew brighter.

I did not attempt the Fifth Technique. I instinctively felt that now was not the time to advance, but to refine the achievements I had gained.

I considered this achievement a gift from the old man. A present given to me for diligently doing well even after my regression. Me breaking through the wind and reaching this point was also thanks to his guidance.

"I will continue to strive forward."

To strive and strive again, so that even if the outcome was unfavorable, I could still say this: I did my best, so I have no regrets.

Only then could I dream of revenge, but paradoxically, such an attitude would also prevent me from being consumed by revenge and allow me to live my life fully.

Finally, when I left this place, I did not train arduously. After enduring the extreme inner arts at the source of the wind…

"I'm leaving nowwwwwwwww!"

I stopped resisting, let the wild winds carry me, and soared towards the entrance.

Exhilaration filled me.

If I ever miss the wind, I'll return here.

Han Seol fell into contemplation. The moment the name Elder Seo appeared, she grew serious. He was the person her mother trusted most, and the most respected figure in the Ice Palace.

The quick-witted Lee Ahn surmised where Han Seol's concerns ultimately lay. She fears the Ice Empress might be involved.

In other words, she did not trust her own mother.

That thought brought to Lee Ahn's mind a presence she had forgotten for a while. A name that was difficult to bear whether it was present or absent.

Lee Ahn managed her emotions, speaking calmly. "If he is an important figure in the Ice Palace, we should approach him cautiously,"

"First, I should meet Elder Seo. I'll go there alone."

"Do you usually visit him often?"

Han Seol shook her head.

"Then he will certainly be suspicious."

"What if we just tell him we came to investigate for such-and-such a reason?"

It would be fortunate if they discovered something that way, but this was Lee Ahn's concern.

"Can you tell if the other person is lying? I'm not confident. Especially if the person is an Elder."

Would Han Seol be particularly good at discerning it?

"If Elder Seo is involved in this matter, he will undoubtedly lie. If we can't detect his lies, then he'll just realize we suspect him, won't he? Our hand will be revealed before we even get to fight properly."

It was certainly a valid point.

"Then what should we do?"

Lee Ahn cautiously proposed something. "Let's inform the Young Cult Leader."

Han Seol's expression stiffened slightly. Give up already, after discovering Elder Seo through their own efforts? She wanted to uncover the full truth of this matter by herself.

Guessing her thoughts, Lee Ahn became even more cautious. "I believe the Princess has played a significant role just by finding evidence that Elder Seo is involved in this matter."

It was a suggestion she would never have accepted normally.

"Do you believe the Young Cult Leader will have a clever solution?"

"Yes, I do."

"How can you be so sure?"

"He has shown us so much until now."

Han Seol pondered for a moment.

"Alright, let's go back for now."

Since it concerned Elder Seo, they had to handle it carefully. Moreover, she also wanted to personally confirm what abilities the Demonic Cult's Young Cult Leader possessed.

Returning to their residence with such high spirits, they asked the Drunken Demon for Geom Mugeuk's whereabouts.

"The Young Cult Leader has gone out."

He should have been here at a time like this. They had returned to the residence, trusting in the Young Cult Leader, only for him to be absent right now.

Lee Ahn concealed her true feelings and smiled. "He must have gone to take care of something important."

At that, the Drunken Demon, with a playful glint in his eye, relayed words that didn't necessarily need to be said. "He said something about preparing for the cold?"

"Pardon?"

"He just said that and left."

"Did he go to buy clothes, perhaps?" Even after saying it, Lee Ahn's own answer felt inadequate. Sighing, she looked back at Han Seol. "Shall we go meet Elder Seo right now?"

Han Seol laughed at Lee Ahn's joke.

"Oh? You just laughed."

Han Seol replied, her expression serious. "Perhaps a sneer counts as a laugh?"

Just then, a voice came from behind them.

"A sneer is a laugh, too. In fact, I know the most magnificent sneer in the world."

They turned to see Geom Mugeuk entering.

Lee Ahn exclaimed, delighted. "Young Cult Leader! Where have you been?"

"I went for a walk in the wind."

Truly, he had walked in enough wind for a lifetime.

One hour later, visitors arrived at Elder Seo's residence.

"The Princess has arrived, accompanied by the Demonic Cult's Young Cult Leader."

Despite the unannounced visit, Seo Nak was not surprised. "Bring them in at once."

A moment later, Geom Mugeuk and Han Seol entered the main hall.

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Geom Mugeuk."

"I finally get to meet the protagonist of the rumors that have shaken the Central Plains."

The two exchanged polite greetings. Seo Nak possessed a benevolent smile, refined words, and dignified actions. He exuded a warm aura, as if he would forgive any wrongdoing with kind words.

Indeed, he seemed to be a figure highly respected not only within the Ice Palace but also among the martial artists of the North Sea.

"So, you are investigating the death of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar Brewmaster?"

"Yes, I received permission from the Empress. Before I am the Young Cult Leader, I am a junior in the murim, so please feel free to speak freely."

Geom Mugeuk also offered a relaxed smile, much like Seo Nak's. The meeting had a good start.

"Hers is a regrettable loss."

"Have you ever shared a drink with the Brewmaster?"

At Geom Mugeuk's casually posed question, Han Seol, surprisingly, grew tense. Cho Myang of the Hundred Wines Snow Cellar had claimed the two had shared drinks on several occasions. Would Elder Seo speak the truth?

"I have drunk with her a few times, but we mostly talked about alcohol, so I don't know much about the Brewmaster herself."

Seo Nak did not conceal the facts.

"What are your thoughts on the Brewmaster's death?"

"I don't understand what you mean."

"Do you believe there was anyone who held a grudge against her?"

Seo Nak withheld his answer for a moment. "Are you, perhaps, here to investigate me?"

"Is there a reason we shouldn't be?"

A tense silence hung in the air at the provocative retort. Soon, Geom Mugeuk smiled, easing the tension. "It's a joke. Just a joke. When I said I should investigate the Brewmaster's acquaintances first, the Princess here suggested it. She said the most trustworthy person among his acquaintances was the Empress, and next was Elder Seo. That's why we visited you first. To rule you out as a suspect."

Seo Nak chuckled good-naturedly and looked at Han Seol. "Thank you for thinking so."

"Not at all." Han Seol bowed her head slightly.

"By the way, you've really decorated this main hall beautifully."

Geom Mugeuk walked to one of the walls and examined the display cabinet placed before it. Various ornaments were arranged there.

Meanwhile, Seo Nak gazed at Han Seol, his benevolent smile unchanging as always.

From a young age, she had regarded him like an uncle. She had also heard that her mother received much help from Elder Seo when she ascended to the position of Ice Empress.

Upon seeing his face here, a thought occurred to her.

This isn't right.

She had heard testimony that the Brewmaster had shared drinks with Elder Seo on several occasions, but there was no evidence that he had received the specific wine from her.

Normally, she should have been standing beside Seo Nak, observing Geom Mugeuk like what were these demonic martial artists doing here? Yet now, she was suspecting him alongside them.

How did it come to this?

When she vaguely considered it, Elder Seo seemed suspicious, but upon seeing his smiling face looking at her, she felt an unwarranted sense of apology. The human heart was truly different when seeing someone in person versus not.

"Have you heard the news about the Northern Blood Sect?" Geom Mugeuk asked, still examining the items in the display cabinet.

Han Seol was about to reprimand him for his rude demeanor, but Seo Nak raised a hand to stop her. He had not lost his composure in the slightest.

"What news are you referring to?"

"About how the second brother kidnapped people and conducted dangerous experiments."

"I have not heard anything."

"I see."

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk glanced back, asking. "You're not asking what kind of experiments they were?"

"It's obvious. That second brother is quite an eccentric person, after all."

"So I've heard."

Geom Mugeuk did not continue the conversation, instead touching the ornaments in the display cabinet.

Han Seol felt none of the special qualities Lee Ahn had spoken of in Geom Mugeuk.

Transcendent? He's certainly transcendent in his rudeness.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

"No, we merely came to pay our respects today."

"Indeed, the Demonic Cult is still the Demonic Cult. Just a simple greeting can make one so tense."

"Why would you be tense if you are innocent?"

Han Seol hastily bid farewell. "We shall take our leave now."

"If you have any more questions, feel free to return. I will cooperate at any time."

"Thank you."

The two bowed and turned to leave.

As Geom Mugeuk walked towards the door with Han Seol, he suddenly turned back as if remembering something, abruptly asking, "Oh, by the way, where did you use the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine? Did you go somewhere cold?"

The one who was surprised was Han Seol. She had not expected Geom Mugeuk to ask such a question so suddenly.

Despite the abrupt inquiry, Seo Nak did not fluster, tilting his head as he replied, "The Fragrant Snow Ice Wine? Why would you ask me about that?"

"Didn't you receive it from the Brewmaster?"

"I have never received it."

His reaction was so natural that he did not appear to be lying.

"I see."

After politely bowing and turning to leave, Geom Mugeuk turned back once more, asking, "You're not asking again? How I knew you were given the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine. Don't people usually get curious when someone says something untrue about them?"

"What does that matter? What matters is that I did not receive it."

Seo Nak did not ask, but Geom Mugeuk informed him.

"The Brewmaster wrote in a letter sent to the Drunken Demon that she had given the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine to Elder Seo."

"I don't know why the Brewmaster would write such a thing, but I have never received the Fragrant Snow Ice Wine."

"It seems there might have been some misunderstanding."

After bowing, the two stepped out of the main hall.

Once completely outside, Han Seol asked, "Why did you do that?"

"I was probing him, trying to see if he would lie."

"You were the one who lied."

The Brewmaster had never mentioned Elder Seo to the Drunken Demon, after all.

"So, by lying yourself, did you manage to uncover Elder Seo's lie?"

Geom Mugeuk shook his head. "I couldn't tell."

"Because Elder Seo didn't lie."

"Perhaps." Geom Mugeuk's ready admission was for the sake of his next words. "However, one thing was strange."

"What was it?"

"After we met today, there was only one moment when Elder Seo lost his temper. Do you know when that was?"

"You were so rude so many times, I can't tell. So? When was it?"

An unexpected answer flowed from Geom Mugeuk's lips. "It was when I moved the items on the display cabinet."

Han Seol had not even noticed that such a thing had happened, nor that Seo Nak had lost his temper. Only Geom Mugeuk, who had subtly emitted his qi throughout the conversation to carefully observe Seo Nak's emotions, could have known.

"Did you see that display cabinet?"

"No."

"There wasn't a speck of dust, and the items placed on it were lined up with not an inch of error. It was to the point of obsessive compulsive disorder."

"Perhaps the maids clean it meticulously."

"Then that's even more problematic."

"What do you mean?"

"How terrifying must the owner be for them to clean it so perfectly?"

The problem was that it wasn't the maids' doing.

"If Elder Seo had no interest in the display cabinet, he wouldn't have reacted that way when I messed up the ornaments."

Through that incident, Geom Mugeuk uncovered an important fact.

"He possesses two contradictory aspects. A benevolent side that offers good-natured smiles, and a neurotic side that tolerates not even a single inch of disarray."

Han Seol was secretly impressed. Geom Mugeuk had grasped a fact in that short time that she, despite seeing him for so long, had never realized. She now understood a little why Lee Ahn had suggested informing the Young Cult Leader. His rude behavior must have all been calculated.

"Even so, it's just a personality trait, isn't it?"

It was a valid point. While contradictory personalities were unexpected, they were not proof that he was behind this incident.

"You're right. So, let's find out a little more."

"How?"

That, too, was a method Han Seol had not considered.

"This time, instead of objects, we'll shake up the people around him."

Han Seol was enveloped in a strange tension. The closest person among Seo Nak's acquaintances was someone who had never once shown signs of wavering throughout her life.

Can he truly shake my mother?