In the Heart of the Sky (3)
“Your child has grown up so well.”
At Im Yehwa’s words, Im Yeonjeong responded with a smile.
“Thankfully, he’s growing up bright and cheerful.”
Im Yehwa, along with Baekpyo’s wife, Jeongyeong, their son Myeong, and Song Hwarin, had come to the island where the safe house was located.
Im Yeonjeong and Baekryeon, who had been waiting on the island, welcomed the three women.
All the women of the Byeokridan had gathered in one place. Naturally, the center of attention was Im Yehwa. As the matriarch of Byeokridan, no one dared to treat her with anything but respect.
Yet, Im Yehwa treated everyone with warmth, and it wasn’t long before she was at ease with them all.
Im Yehwa had a keen intuition, not just for rivals, but for anyone who had feelings for her son. She could sense the emotional undercurrents between Baekryeon and Im Yeonjeong regarding her son.
She noticed that Baekryeon’s feelings were deeper, but it was Im Yeonjeong who concerned her more, as she had a child of her own. How could Im Yeonjeong, a mother herself, not understand the inevitable maternal instincts?
Im Yeonjeong candidly shared her feelings with Im Yehwa.
“To be honest, I was initially drawn to Byeokgongja. He’s truly a charming person. But I put those feelings aside as a fond memory.”
“I see.”
Feeling a sense of relief, Im Yehwa added a word of encouragement.
“He missed out on a wonderful person.”
“I think so too. He could have gained a child for free, after all.”
“Haha.”
Im Yehwa laughed heartily at Baekryeon’s joke. Im Yeonjeong was indeed a lively person, the most cheerful among the three women. In that regard, Im Yehwa’s words were sincere.
However, it wasn’t desirable for Byeokridan to form ties with a woman who already had a child.
On the other hand, Im Yeonjeong felt pleased to hear she was considered a good catch. After all, she was a woman too.
Unlike her, Baekryeon kept her true feelings hidden. She believed she had let go of all her emotions. Even if she hadn’t, it didn’t matter. She intended to live alone for the rest of her life.
For her, the time with Byeokridan was an unforgettable memory. That was enough. She would live her life that way.
“I will serve my lord with unwavering loyalty for the rest of my life.”
Im Yehwa sensed the sincerity in Baekryon’s words. Though Baekryon was quiet and somewhat somber, it was clear she was a deeply earnest person.
“I believe Baeksojeo’s happiness is most important. Only those who can take care of their own happiness can truly be loyal.”
“I will remember your kind words.”
If it weren’t for Song Hwarin, Im Yehwa might have shared more stories with her, tried to grow closer. After all, she was someone who had pledged loyalty to her child.
But Im Yehwa hoped Song Hwarin would become her daughter-in-law. Especially after Song Hwarin had saved her life, showing a willingness to sacrifice herself. She had always liked her, but now she couldn’t ask for more.
On the island, Song Hwarin devotedly attended to Im Yehwa and spent her spare time training in martial arts.
“Take a break.”
At Im Yehwa’s voice from behind, Song Hwarin paused her sword practice.
“You’re here?”
“Aren’t you overdoing it?”
“I’m only pushing myself as much as I can handle, so don’t worry.”
But she was pushing herself to her limits.
It had been quite some time since Byeokridan left, and he hadn’t returned. He was likely working tirelessly to face the enemy and protect them.
Knowing this, she couldn’t just sit idly by. Moreover, she realized the enemies they would face alongside Byeokridan were formidable.
Song Hwarin looked at Im Yehwa and asked, “Are you feeling restless? If there’s anything troubling you, please tell me.”
They were away from the Byeok family without any attendants.
“I’m fine. In fact, I’m happy to have grown closer to you.”
“I feel the same way.”
Im Yehwa smiled warmly.
“When this battle is over, we’ll be even closer.”
Of course, her words carried the hope that Song Hwarin would become part of the family.
From the Suramyungwang Sword, instead of sword energy, lightning erupted.
Flash! Crackle!
The massive tree struck by the lightning burst into flames on the spot.
Demon Sword Technique, Second Form: Thunder Sword Strike.
It was unbelievable, but lightning truly shot out from the sword.
I looked at the charred tree and then down at the Suramyungwang Sword in my hand.
Even though I had executed the move, it was hard for me to believe.
Cheonma, echoing my thoughts, said, [This is insane martial arts.]
[If we’re going to be insane, let’s go all the way.]
I leaped into the air.
Spinning like a pinwheel, I unleashed the Thunder Sword Strike.
Flash! Crackle! Flash! Crackle!
Lightning struck in all directions, and whatever it hit was charred black.
Could an ordinary defensive technique block this attack?
Probably not. Unless they had skills like mine, they wouldn’t survive if they couldn’t dodge.
It took me just over forty days to master the First Form, Illusion Sword Explosion.
But mastering the Second Form, Thunder Sword Strike, took only twenty days. I had successfully halved the time. Not because the form was easier, but because I had broken through a barrier.
Ten days later, I was executing the Third Form.
Demon Sword Technique, Third Form: One Punishment Sword Prison.
While the first two forms were designed to sweep away multiple enemies, the Third Form targeted a single opponent.
The moment it was executed, dozens of swords appeared around the target. Of course, they weren’t real swords but sword-shaped energy. Like being trapped in a prison, they aimed at the target from all sides and then flew at them in an instant. It was impossible to dodge or block.
[It’s fantastic.]
I was genuinely impressed. The One Punishment Sword Prison was beautiful, beyond its power.
The sight of dozens of swords simultaneously appearing and targeting one person was truly spectacular.
Like with the previous forms, I wondered if I could block this one.
I couldn’t be sure.
Eight days later, I was able to perform the Fourth Form. My learning speed was increasing.
Demon Sword Technique, Fourth Form: True Sword Silence.
As the name suggests, there was no sound. The sound of the sword energy flying was inaudible. The only sound was the slicing of the target.
Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!
It was impossible to know when or where the sword energy would strike.
It was fast and precise.
What made this form terrifying was its incredible range.
It could strike accurately from a distance where the target appeared tiny.
Imagine how terrifying that would be.
Could you imagine someone as small as an ant launching an attack from afar? And the attack, silent, suddenly targeting your vital points?
True Sword Silence had an understated elegance.
All these forms increased in power, speed, and accuracy as they approached mastery.
The power of the Demon Sword Technique, just learned, was already this formidable. If I achieved mastery, its power would be unimaginable.
Yes, at that point, it would be believable as the martial arts of a demon.
I was progressing confidently until I hit another wall with the Fifth Form.
Just like when I first encountered the Demon Sword Technique, it suddenly became too difficult.
There were parts I couldn’t understand, and even when I did, execution was challenging. I suspected that the Fifth to Seventh Forms were more advanced than the first four.
Still, I wasn’t as frustrated as before. I had faith that I would eventually break through.
[Shall we see if the door opens?]
[Without mastering all seven forms?]
[The path is set, isn’t it?]
The condition inscribed above the door was, “Stand before this door once you have determined your path.”
[Alright, let’s try it.]
I returned to the room of the second trial.
I only entered this building to eat and sleep.
This was the first time I had been in this room since the trial began.
I stood before the door.
“Open!”
But the door remained closed.
“How stingy. I’ve set my path with swordsmanship, and I’ll master the rest of the forms eventually!”
I grumbled, but it was no use.
I stepped outside and looked at the training ground. Quite some time had passed since I entered this Demon Castle. It was a time when I couldn’t know what was happening in the martial world.
I trusted everyone, but above all, I trusted Galsaryang and Baekpyo. I believed they would protect themselves and their families well.
[Shall we step outside?]
[Outside?]
[Let’s go out of the Demon Castle for a bit.]
[What? Are you crazy? That’s not allowed!]
Cheonma jumped in protest at my suggestion.
[Absolutely not!]
[Why? There’s no rule that says this trial must be completed within the Demon Castle, right?]
[That’s true, but…]
[I’m not saying going out will solve anything.]
[Then why?]
[Just to get some fresh air. I’m not suggesting we go far. Just step outside for a drink.]
It wasn’t because I wanted to drink. Every time I hit a wall, I overcame it by introducing change. This was another attempt at change.
[Do you think we can go out?]
[If we can’t, we won’t be able to.]
[Is it for me? So I won’t feel trapped?]
[No, it’s for us. And to be honest, I’m feeling trapped.]
[Alright, then let’s go.]
The idea of going out wasn’t unfamiliar, but the ease with which I accepted it was. The relationship with Cheonma had changed drastically from when he first entered my body.
Back then, all I could think about was killing him with my mind blade.
Would I truly master the mind blade if I passed all these trials? If that were to happen, then I…
I placed my hand on the stone slab next to the Demon God’s Gate and activated the Blood Thunder Technique. Just like when I entered, the door opened smoothly.
“Oh, it’s opening.”
“Do you think we can leave?”
“Even someone like you, the Heavenly Demon, worries too much. Then again, I suppose you worry more as you age.”
“You fool, anyone listening would think this is my trial. I’m worrying on your behalf.”
“It’s our trial.”
“It’s your trial!”
We stepped outside, crossing the field and passing through the formation to exit.
When I first arrived here, I came through a tea field, and there was a small hut beside it. Back then, it was empty, but now someone was there.
It was an old man.
The moment I saw him, I felt something strange. A gatekeeper for such an important place couldn’t be an ordinary person. Yet, the old man exuded a presence beyond that.
The Heavenly Demon was taken aback.
“Wait, isn’t that old man…?”
“What about him?”
“I think I saw him the last time I was here.”
“And?”
“He looks exactly the same as back then.”
“When did you take the trial?”
“A very long time ago.”
Of course, in the martial world, it’s not uncommon for masters to maintain their appearance despite aging. If it had been twenty or thirty years, he might still look the same.
I addressed the old man politely.
“Would you care to join us for a drink?”
“Sounds good. I happen to have some fine liquor.”
The old man returned to the hut.
With a soft rustle, I used the Celestial Qi Illusion Technique to create a new space centered around the hut.
The Heavenly Demon appeared.
“If you do this, the old man can’t come in.”
“You should be at the drinking table too.”
“But then why invite the old man for a drink?”
Just then, the old man emerged from the hut.
He held up a bottle and smiled at us.
“Come, let’s have a drink.”
The Heavenly Demon was startled.
“You can see us?”
“Of course. I can see you perfectly well.”
Amazingly, the old man had entered the world of the Celestial Qi Illusion on his own. I hadn’t brought him in; he came of his own accord.
The Heavenly Demon looked at me.
“You knew, didn’t you? That the old man could enter here.”
I nodded.
“I had a feeling.”
From the first impression, the old man had an overwhelming presence. Coupled with the Heavenly Demon’s remark that he looked the same as when he took the trial, I was convinced the old man could enter. Still, I was surprised at how easily he did it.
The old man smiled warmly.
“Come, sit here and have a drink.”
We gathered around the bench in the courtyard of the hut.
After pouring drinks for the old man and the Heavenly Demon, I filled my own glass last.
We toasted and downed our drinks with satisfaction.
As I set my glass down, I cautiously asked the old man,
“Who are you, sir?”