Will It Become a Typhoon? (3)
A low, ominous hum filled the air.
A dark aura seeped from Cheonwanggun’s body, swirling around him like a living shadow.
From a distance, Cheon Soseon watched with a mix of fear and awe. The power her grandfather wielded was beyond human limits. Yet, despite his extraordinary abilities, the sinister energy emanating from him was not something a human should possess.
Was it demonic energy? Or perhaps some malevolent force? It was a dark presence that surfaced whenever he was angry or emotionally disturbed.
Just moments ago, Cheonwanggun had sensed someone nearby and leapt out the window, only to return empty-handed. Frustrated, he was now releasing that ominous energy again.
At first, it happened rarely, but now it was becoming more frequent. Cheon Soseon couldn’t tell if it was a side effect of a failed technique, a sign of something unfinished, or an indication of something else entirely.
One thing was certain: something was about to happen.
She had believed that once her grandfather’s grand technique succeeded, everything would be resolved.
But things were spiraling into unforeseen chaos.
As she quietly turned to leave the hall, Cheonwanggun called out to her.
“Soseon.”
“Yes, Grandfather?”
She turned to face him, trying to mask her anxiety.
“Come here.”
The strange aura had dissipated, which was even more unsettling. What was it that made it appear and disappear so unpredictably?
Cheon Soseon walked towards him, her mind racing with thoughts.
It was only thirty steps to where he stood, but each step felt like a journey through her deepest fears.
She steeled herself, knowing that Cheonwanggun’s abilities had surpassed human limits.
There was no guarantee he couldn’t read her thoughts. If he sensed her fear, her life could be in danger.
She made a silent vow to herself.
‘From now on, I must deceive even myself.’
She would do whatever it took to survive.
“What is it, Grandfather?”
Cheonwanggun looked down at her silently. There was a glint of something in his eyes—something that made her skin crawl. It was a look of desire, and it infuriated her. This man was no longer her grandfather.
The burning desire in his eyes faded, perhaps held back by a fragment of his old self.
“Have you found the whereabouts of the Dark Object?”
“I’m still searching.”
“Find it as soon as possible.”
“Yes.”
Cheon Soseon turned and walked away.
‘I need to hurry.’
Time was running out for her.
I soared through the air, cutting through the wind with precision.
With my back straight, I flew using the Demonic Flight technique towards the hidden island where the women were in hiding.
Whoosh!
The speed of my Demonic Flight increased, a testament to my recent progress with the Demonic Wind Step technique.
Though I had only reached the fourth level, the speed was impressive. I couldn’t imagine how fast it would be once I mastered it.
They said that with the Demonic Path, one could instantly move to a distant mountaintop. This was no time to be impressed with my current speed.
Meanwhile, my Demonic Swordsmanship was only at the third level, lagging behind my footwork.
In typical martial arts, one could quickly progress to the seventh level, but beyond that, advancement became difficult. It was uncertain if the Demonic Swordsmanship would follow this pattern.
The Demonic Flight, powered by my internal energy, provided a remarkably smooth journey.
The Demonic Wind Step, in particular, was efficient in its energy demands.
I was amazed at how little energy it took to fly so swiftly and freely.
Whoosh.
I occasionally used the Demonic Path, moving through the air as if teleporting several meters at a time. I would fly, then flash forward, and fly again.
Then, I ascended higher with the Demonic Cloud technique.
Whoosh!
The sensation of soaring higher into the sky was exhilarating.
Once, twice, three times. I executed the Demonic Cloud three times in succession.
I couldn’t go any higher. I was already at a breathless altitude.
This was my limit.
But I knew that once I mastered the Demonic Wind Step, I might be able to reach this height in a single leap.
And that wasn’t all.
Mastering the Demonic Wind Step would increase the speed of my Demonic Flight, the distance of my Demonic Path, and the height I could reach.
I let myself fall back down.
I descended swiftly and freely, like a bird.
Whoosh.
When I reached the island and passed through the barrier, I encountered Baekryeon.
She was out for a walk and seemed surprised to see me.
“Lord?”
“How have you been?”
Hearing her call me ‘Lord’ felt strange. Neither of us could have predicted that our paths would lead us here, from enemies to allies.
“You’ve returned safely.”
It seemed they had been worried since I had been gone for so long.
“Fortunately, yes.”
“Congratulations on your safe return.”
“Thank you.”
She welcomed me without any awkwardness, which was a change from her usual demeanor, and it caught me off guard.
We walked towards the manor together.
“Oh, by the way, your mother is here.”
“I know.”
“She’s a wonderful person.”
“Yes, she is. But as wonderful as she is, I advise you not to eat her cooking.”
“I already did. Two days ago, she insisted on showing off her skills after having a bit to drink…”
Her trailing words told me all I needed to know about the taste. Despite the culinary disaster, her opinion of my mother was high.
“Honestly, I’m envious of you, having such a wonderful mother. So, make sure you treat her well.”
I stopped walking, and she did too.
I looked at her seriously.
“Do you want to find your parents? If you wish, I can help you look for them.”
She had been taken by the organization at a very young age. She might have been kidnapped, or she might have been an orphan from the start.
If her parents were alive, there was a chance we could find them. We had the resources and time.
“No, it’s fine.”
I looked at her.
She repeated herself without giving a reason.
“Really, it’s fine.”
I could guess her reasons. She might think it wouldn’t matter now, or fear it could bring more pain.
“If that’s your wish, so be it. But if you ever change your mind, let me know.”
“Yes, I will.”
I realized this wasn’t something to discuss with her.
I decided that when I had the time, I would discreetly search for her parents.
If they were still looking for her, I would make sure they were reunited.
If not, I would quietly let the matter rest.
“This island is lovely. It brings me peace.”
When I first met her, she was almost silent, but now she spoke freely.
There had been similar moments before, and now I understood.
She was naturally quiet.
But when she had a mission or needed to distance herself from others, she expressed herself clearly, as if she were a different person.
Was it because she wanted to be alone? Or was it the burden of relationships? Probably both. Emotional wounds are frightening. Once inflicted, they don’t heal easily.
As we reached the entrance of the manor, she spoke.
“They’re all waiting for you. You should go in.”
“You are important to me too, Baeksojeo.”
“Go on in.”
“Alright. See you later.”
I turned and walked away. She remained composed, not letting her emotions show.
Perhaps she saw keeping her distance as her duty.
Inside the manor, I sought out my mother first.
“Why are you here when you’re so busy?”
Her words belied her expression. Her face lit up with joy at seeing me.
“I had to see you first, Mother.”
“Are you sure you came to see me?”
“Haha, I know what you’re implying, but no.”
“And the matter you went to handle?”
“It’s been taken care of.”
“That’s a relief.”
After sharing the joy of our reunion, my mother gently probed my intentions.
“What about Baeksojeo? You can be honest with your mother.”
“We’re just acquaintances through work.”
“That may be true for you, but Baeksojeo might feel differently.”
I made a perplexed face, and my mother smiled knowingly.
“Understanding a woman’s heart is never easy.”
“Indeed.”
“Remember one thing. I’m a woman too, but I’m your mother first. I’ll support whatever decision you make. I’m on no one’s side.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, and during my time on the island, I’ve seen a new side of Hwarin. She’s much more mature and admirable than I thought.”
“That sounds like you’re on Hwarin’s side.”
My mother laughed, acknowledging the truth.
“Go see Hwarin. She may not show it, but she’s been worried about you.”
“Yes.”
I left the room immediately.
Song Hwarin was training in a small practice area in the back garden.
I paused to watch her practice her martial arts.
She had improved significantly since I last taught and advised her.
I could see it clearly.
“Hwarin!”
At my call, she turned to face me.
Whoosh.
I drew my sword and charged at her.
Clang, clang, clang.
She parried my attack with her own blade. It was an assault at the very edge of what she could handle.
I aimed for her face, shoulders, waist, and legs, striking at every vulnerable spot.
She blocked desperately. Despite the suddenness of my ambush, she was handling it remarkably well.
My attacks grew even faster.
With each parry, her wrists must have been screaming in pain. With every move, she was likely gripped by the fear that this could be her last.
I felt a pang of guilt for turning our reunion into this, but once I started, my sword showed no mercy.
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!
She defended with all her might. This was probably the toughest fight she had ever faced.
In the past, even during intense training, I never pushed her to such extremes. Because she was Song Hwa-rin. There was always the risk of making a mistake.
But now, I could push her to her limits. My skills had grown beyond what they once were.
Thud!
Her sword flew from her grasp.
“Ah!”
Thwack!
My fist connected with her abdomen, sending her flying and rolling across the ground. It looked dramatic, but it was a harmless blow, leaving no internal or external injuries.
She lay on the ground, gasping for breath.
She probably hadn’t expected me to push her this far.
I extended a hand to her and asked, “How have you been?”
She took my hand, and just as I thought she was about to stand, she pulled me down.
I fell into her embrace.
She kissed me. Just as she hadn’t anticipated the fight, I hadn’t anticipated this.
And it wasn’t a simple kiss.
Her tongue slipped into my mouth. Her boldness caught me off guard, but my tongue quickly adapted, responding instinctively. Our tongues explored each other before reluctantly parting.
As the deep kiss ended, she looked at me intently and said, “Welcome back.”
The realization that I had just kissed such a beautiful woman made my heart race.
[Hey, Cheon-gwang. Could you give us a moment?]
In a similar situation before, Cheonma had tactfully fallen silent. It seemed the gentlemanly Cheonma was already giving us space, as there was no response.
This time, it was my lips that met hers.
Her lips were soft, and the kiss was sweet.
My hand moved from her cheek, down her shoulder, and began to trace towards her chest.
Her body trembled slightly.