Chapter 564: It Was a Gift for You

TL: FoodieMonster007

At Lee Ahn's question, Geom Mugeuk considered how to answer.

"I've heard information that there's a problem within the Yellow Dragon Academy. I was worried it might negatively affect Young Lady Seo."

Just going to see her because of such information would be hard to understand. The words that would make Lee Ahn understand were, in fact, these.

"I have a bad feeling."

As expected, Lee Ahn immediately nodded her head.

"Then we should go right away."

How could all the things Geom Mugeuk had accomplished so far be understood? Lee Ahn understood everything she couldn't by accepting that Geom Mugeuk was a man sent from the heavens.

"You haven't even had a chance to rest since you returned. I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Young Lady Seo's business is my business. But is the Young Cult Leader going as well?"

"Of course."

At his words that he was going with her, Lee Ahn's expression brightened. Leaving the cult with Geom Mugeuk was something she truly wanted.

"Are we leaving right now?"

"The sun will be up soon. Let's meet Young Lady Han, talk to her, and then leave."

"Then I'll be able to see my father before we go."

For her whole life, there had only been one person, the Young Cult Leader, but now she had a father and a younger sister too.

With that, the two returned to the Headquarters and parted ways to their respective quarters.

"Get an hour or two of sleep. I'll see you later."

"Yes, Young Cult Leader."

As Geom Mugeuk was about to turn away, Lee Ahn said.

"Thank you for the Sun Moon Sword. I'm so happy I don't think I'll be able to sleep for a while."

Geom Mugeuk looked at the sword at her waist and remarked.

"It suits you well."

He wasn't just saying it. The Sun Moon Sword, embroidered with the sun and moon, suited the beautiful woman perfectly.

After returning to her quarters, Lee Ahn packed her things.

A change of clothes, medicine for external wounds, and medicine for internal injuries. She also packed other items necessary for the journey into a new leather pouch.

She stored the sword box safely in her quarters. Every time she looked at the box, she would be able to recall the thoughtfulness of Geom Mugeuk, who had meticulously prepared even the box for her.

Her heart was fluttering, and she couldn't fall asleep.

Lee Ahn expelled the lingering effects of alcohol from her body with her qi and went out into the courtyard.

After taking a deep breath, she slowly drew the Sun Moon Sword.

SHIIING.

The sword, drawn smoothly, revealed itself in the darkness.

The pre-dawn light, where light and darkness coexisted, flowed along the blade. The blade was so sharp it seemed as if it would suck in an onlooker and sever their very soul.

Lee Ahn slowly roused her qi.

She had heard from Geom Mugeuk several times that the moment one first obtains a treasured sword is the most important. One must commune with the sword. He had said there was a clear difference in power between a sword that accepted its master and one that did not.

"……"

Infused with inner qi, the Sun Moon Sword vibrated lightly. Lee Ahn tried to become one with the sword. The result of this effort would be known when a fight broke out.

Sun and Moon, we're in this together for life.

As soon as the sun rose, Geom Mugeuk went with Lee Ahn to see Han Seol.

"What's going on?"

She was surprised by their visit. The two had come so early in the morning, before she had even washed her face.

"Something has come up suddenly, so it seems Lee Ahn and I must leave the cult."

In that moment, what brushed past Han Seol's heart was undoubtedly disappointment. Of course, Han Seol did not reveal this emotion.

"I see. If you two are leaving, then we must leave as well."

Han Seol immediately informed the Cold Ice Dual Swords that they would be leaving soon.

Geom Mugeuk couldn't bring himself to tell her to stay and enjoy herself longer. She had come to see him and Lee Ahn. Seo Daeryong or Jang Ho could look after her, but she wouldn't want to stay under those circumstances.

"I'm sorry about this."

At Geom Mugeuk's apology, Han Seol looked at Lee Ahn.

"I came to see Unnie. Since I've seen her, it's fine."

This time, Lee Ahn apologized to her.

"I'm sorry. I promised to show you around the Central Plains."

"Next time. Besides, the Young Cult Leader showed me a lot on the way here."

"Are you going straight back to the North Sea?"

"No. There's a place I need to stop by."

Han Seol was planning to meet Bi Sayin before returning.

"You'll probably see a lot of interesting things there."

At Geom Mugeuk's meaningful words, Lee Ahn gave him a look that asked what he meant, while Han Seol pretended not to hear.

Geom Mugeuk gave the two of them some time.

"I'll go on ahead to my father. Let's meet at the Heavenly Demon Hall in a little while."

Even if they were leaving, they had to pay their respects to the Cult Leader before they went.

Geom Mugeuk left the room first.

"The Young Cult Leader is always busy."

At Han Seol's words, Lee Ahn watched Geom Mugeuk's figure flying over the distant wall outside the window.

"We have time for a cup of tea, right?"

Han Seol's question made Lee Ahn nod.

"I'll brew it for you."

Lee Ahn personally brewed tea for her younger sister.

"Is the Empress doing well?"

"She's well."

"How did she ever let you come to the Central Plains?"

"She trusted the Young Cult Leader and let me go."

It was true. If not for her connection to Geom Mugeuk, she would never have let her daughter go to the Central Plains.

"Unnie, you seem different from the last time I saw you."

Lee Ahn turned to Han Seol and said with a smile.

"I've been through some hardships."

Then, a conversation she had with Geom Mugeuk came to mind. When she had asked if it was okay to send his 'heart' out alone like that, Geom Mugeuk had replied.

[She needs to know how to walk on her own.]

Han Seol thought that perhaps she was now seeing the results of that walk alone.

In the meantime, Lee Ahn brought the tea.

The two sat facing each other and drank their tea.

"The aroma is nice."

"The taste is good, too."

Just as Lee Ahn was savoring the aroma, Han Seol abruptly asked.

"You love the Young Cult Leader, don't you?"

It was a sudden question, but Lee Ahn wasn't surprised at all. Geom Mugeuk always called her his heart, so it would be stranger not to ask such a question.

"I like him."

Han Seol gazed at Lee Ahn without a word.

"Why? Are you worried I'll get my heart broken?"

Lee Ahn sipped her tea and said.

"A life full of sword wounds is overwhelming enough."

Lee Ahn looked out the window, and Han Seol followed her gaze.

Beyond the wall, a single bird was flying freely in the bright sky.

"See a lot of the Central Plains before you go."

Geom Mugeuk arrived at his father's quarters.

Even if he couldn't see the other Demon Supremes, he had to pay his respects to his father before leaving.

His father was in the middle of his morning training. As he was waiting outside the training ground, he heard Hwi's voice.

"He says you may enter."

Geom Mugeuk stepped into the training ground.

His father stood with his eyes closed, the Heavenly Demon Sword extended before him. He didn't reveal his presence, nor did he infuse the sword with inner qi. He just stood there, feeling the sword. Last time, his father had taught him how to purely feel the sword's energy.

Geom Mugeuk also drew the Black Demon Sword. He too did not infuse it with inner qi or emit any presence, focusing solely on the Black Demon Sword.

You've been busy too, haven't you?

Busy killing enemies, busy training in the Nine Calamities Demonic Art.

Because of that, he rarely had the leisure to close his eyes and focus purely on the sword's energy. It was like meaning to look at the sky but constantly forgetting.

As he closed his eyes and focused on the sword, he suddenly remembered his childhood.

His childhood. The day he first drew a real sword instead of a wooden one after learning swordsmanship.

The blade of the sword held in his small hand was terrifying, but Geom Mugeuk pretended not to be scared. Instead, he put on a confident expression. He vividly remembered wanting to look good in front of his father, even at that young age.

He recalled the words his father had told him back then.

[You must know how to fear the sword.]

Thinking about it, it seemed like his father would be the type to say not to fear the sword. Anyway, back then, he had let the words pass by without much thought.

Am I fearing the sword right now?

Geom Mugeuk slowly opened his eyes. His father was already looking at him, his own eyes open.

"Thinking about it, I've recently been focused only on the evil spirits of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. On the power of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art, on the achievements of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. When will I be able to see the Heavenly Demon Soul? My mind was captivated only by such thoughts."

Geom Mugeuk added with a deepened gaze.

"I had completely forgotten that the sword is a fearsome thing."

Could it be that I was missing the fact that this fear is the very essence of swordsmanship?

"Even though those were the words you told me that day, Father."

A peculiar light flickered in Geom Woojin's eyes as he looked at his son.

What about his father? What kind of conversation was his father having with the Heavenly Demon Sword?

Geom Mugeuk glanced down at the Black Demon Sword in his hand for a moment before sheathing it again.

"What brings you here at this hour?"

"Something has come up, and I have to leave the cult again, so I came to pay my respects."

"How long has it been since you returned? Where are you going again?"

Geom Mugeuk looked at his father and asked suggestively.

"You're disappointed that your son is leaving again, aren't you?"

The corner of his father's mouth lifted slightly, but he didn't deny his son's words.

"An urgent matter has arisen that I must handle with Lee Ahn. If any problems occur, I will send word through the All-Knowing Hall."

Geom Woojin nodded.

"Young Lady Han and Lee Ahn will be coming to the Heavenly Demon Hall to pay their respects. I'll go ahead and wait there."

As Geom Mugeuk turned to leave, Geom Woojin said from behind him.

"I still fear the sword."

Geom Mugeuk turned back to his father. Their gazes met in mid-air. The sincerity in his honest words, spoken for his son's sake, contained the pinnacle of swordsmanship that only those who have reached a certain realm could understand.

"I suppose that's why I respect your sword, Father."

Because I know it is not a cruel demonic sword. Because it is a sword stronger than any other, yet it is a sword that is wary of its own strength.

"From today, I too will become afraid again."

Lee Ahn, Han Seol, and the Cold Ice Dual Swords said their farewells at the Heavenly Demon Hall.

Han Seol politely performed a clasped hands greeting and bowed to Geom Woojin.

"Thanks to you, I have had a pleasant stay and will now take my leave."

"Travel safely. And give my regards to the Empress."

"I will do so. I wish you good health until we meet again."

Han Seol bowed, and the Cold Ice Dual Swords bowed as well.

"We will see you next time, Cult Leader."

"You two, travel safely as well."

Next, with a trembling heart, Lee Ahn bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for taking good care of my sister. I will now go and serve the Young Cult Leader well."

Since she also had the blood of the North Sea Ice Palace, she had come along to the place where Han Seol was saying her goodbyes.

Then, Geom Woojin addressed Han Seol and the Cold Ice Dual Swords.

"Could you please leave us for a moment?"

"Yes, please take your time."

Geom Mugeuk said to Han Seol.

"Please wait in front of the Heavenly Demon Hall."

Then Geom Woojin said to Geom Mugeuk.

"You too!"

"Me too?"

He meant for everyone to leave except for Lee Ahn.

At that, Lee Ahn looked at Geom Mugeuk with a startled expression. Don't leave me here alone!

"Lee Ahn, let's see each other again alive!"

Don't leave me alone! was Lee Ahn's silent scream.

And so, the four of them left the Heavenly Demon Hall.

Left alone, Lee Ahn kept her head bowed with a trembling heart.

What on earth is going on? Am I about to be scolded for something? Or is he going to say something about the Young Cult Leader?

Just as her heart pounded with all sorts of thoughts, unexpected words came from Geom Woojin.

"You have achieved complete mastery of the Soaring Sky Sword Art."

Geom Woojin had recognized her achievement the moment Lee Ahn entered the Heavenly Demon Hall. He couldn't have failed to notice, as it was none other than the Soaring Sky Sword Art.

"Yes, I achieved it a short while ago. The Young Cult Leader bestowed great teachings upon my foolish self. All of this is thanks to the Cult Leader for permitting me to learn in the first place."

Lee Ahn bowed her head respectfully.

"Without innate martial talent, even if I had taught you myself instead of Mugeuk, you would not have been able to achieve complete mastery in this period of time."

Just then, Hwi came out with a box and handed it to Lee Ahn.

"This is a gift from the Cult Leader."

When Lee Ahn opened the box with a trembling heart, she was shocked to find the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng inside.

As Lee Ahn looked up in surprise, Geom Woojin said calmly.

"This is a gift to commemorate your complete mastery of the Soaring Sky Sword Art."

For a moment, Lee Ahn was stunned. How could she ever have imagined that the Heavenly Demon would give her such a gift?

Kneeling on the spot, Lee Ahn said in a loud voice.

"I cannot accept such a precious gift."

Her voice trembled.

Then came a single word she could not refuse.

"Accept it."

Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Woojin again, then quickly lowered her head and replied.

"Yes, Cult Leader."

That was not all.

"Consume it now. I will watch over you."

Lee Ahn's mind went blank. With trembling hands, she consumed the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng. Does anyone know what it feels like to chew a Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng in front of the Heavenly Demon! It was truly an indescribably astonishing experience.

When she finished consuming the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng, Geom Woojin infused a stream of qi into her back to help her absorb its energy. With someone helping, how could there be any difficulty?

The potent inner arts of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng was added to Lee Ahn's qi center. She had recently greatly enhanced her inner arts by consuming the Snow Ice Grass given to her by the Ice Empress, and now the inner arts of the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng was added on top of that.

She had truly become the owner of inner arts that would not be pushed back by anyone.

Complete mastery of the Soaring Sky Sword Art, the Sun Moon Sword, and on top of that, the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng.

She had truly become properly strong.

Lee Ahn bowed her head respectfully. Even for the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, would a Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng be so common as to just give it away?

"I will not forget this grace until the day I die. I will repay this grace with my loyalty to the Young Cult Leader."

She took it to mean that she should protect the Young Cult Leader well.

However, that was not the reason Geom Woojin had given her the Ten-Thousand Year Blood Ginseng.

"I did not give it to you because of Mugeuk."

"Pardon?"

"It was a gift for you."

Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Woojin with a shocked face.

Wasn't the permission to learn the Soaring Sky Sword Art, which is only passed down to blood relatives, granted because of the Young Cult Leader's request in the first place?

In this moment, there was a reason she had never considered. It wasn't because she was the Young Cult Leader's bodyguard, nor was it because she was of the Ice Palace's bloodline.

The reason was because of one person he cherished.

"The Fist Demon's daughter is no different from my own daughter."

"!"

Geom Woojin said to her in a gentle tone, "Travel safely and return well."