Episode 357
The Sunwoo Clan of Hainan Island, Guangdong Province.
The main branch of the Sunwoo family had recently relocated to Hainan Island.
Although Guizhou Province was their original homeland, it was considered unreasonable for the Hainan faction’s patriarch, Sunwoo Jin, not to have his main residence on Hainan Island.
As a result, the Guizhou branch was managed by Sunwoo Jin’s father, Sunwoo Joong, while Sunwoo Jin himself stayed on Hainan Island to oversee that branch.
However, over the past two years, Sunwoo Jin hadn’t been able to stay on Hainan Island for long stretches.
He was often away, participating in battles against the Blood Cult.
The one silver lining was that he didn’t delay after the decisive battle; he went straight into marriage.
Had he waited, like Seol Poong who kept his brides waiting, he might still be unmarried now. For everyone’s sake, that was truly a relief.
At this moment, Sunwoo Jin’s third wife, Jin So-eun, was running joyfully toward the quarters of the first wife, Dang Yeo-eun, her face bright with happiness.
“Hyung-nim! Hyung-nim!”
Dang Yeo-eun, gently caressing her own pregnant belly with a tender expression, smiled warmly and opened the door to welcome her.
“What is it this time, So-eun? No matter how confident you are in your divine techniques, you shouldn’t be running around holding the babies like that.”
So-eun glanced down at the two infants cradled in her arms and gave an embarrassed smile.
“Hehe, the only thing I’m good at is the divine techniques, after all.”
Two years ago, Sunwoo Jin had married three women simultaneously.
Jin So-eun was the third to spend the wedding night with him—and she became pregnant immediately.
It was typical of her bright and healthy nature.
Dang Yeo-eun chuckled, resigned but fond, as she looked at the two children nestled in So-eun’s arms.
“Let me see. Both Geon and Shin are sleeping soundly. Even with their mother running around like she’s flying, they’re peaceful. Looks like they’re destined to become masters of the divine techniques.”
Then, touching her own belly, she added thoughtfully, “I envy you. I hope my child will be born just as healthy as your little ones.”
So-eun beamed in response.
“Oh, it’s more than just health! Since they’ll take after you, Hyung-nim, I’m sure they’ll be the most handsome and beautiful in the martial world. I’m already worried they’ll be compared to each other.”
Dang Yeo-eun smiled warmly at So-eun’s playful words.
Her kindness always had a way of putting people at ease.
So-eun had given birth to twin sons—children who brought happiness to everyone.
Not only Sunwoo Joong, who had long worried about the family’s succession, but even Jin So-eun’s father, Jin Gong-mu, who had been eager to name his second grandson as the heir to the Jin family’s natural skills, was completely satisfied.
Sunwoo Jin had named the twins Geon and Shin, after his master, the Sword God, and his elder brother, the Thunder God.
He had switched the order of the names as a sign of affection for his master.
Suddenly, Dang Yeo-eun seemed to remember something and asked So-eun.
“But what’s the matter? Is it urgent news?”
So-eun’s face lit up as if she had just recalled something, and with a mischievous grin, she said, “Ah, right! Hyung-nim, I have two pieces of news! One from the front lines, and one from the Guizhou branch. Which would you like to hear first?”
Dang Yeo-eun hesitated briefly.
News from the front lines would likely be about Sunwoo Jin, while news from Guizhou would concern her in-laws.
Honestly, she wanted to hear about Sunwoo Jin first, but judging by So-eun’s expression, it didn’t seem like bad news.
So she decided to hear the Guizhou news first.
“Tell me about Guizhou first.”
So-eun looked impressed.
“You’re really something, Hyung-nim. If it were me, I’d have asked for the front-line news first… I should reflect on that.”
She said this with a determined look, but soon brightened again.
“You know, Mother has conceived again!”
Dang Yeo-eun froze for a moment, then blinked in surprise.
“…What?! Mother? She’s pregnant again?!”
“Yes! That’s right! Geon and Shin are going to have a young uncle and aunt!”
Dang Yeo-eun was momentarily speechless.
The “Mother” So-eun referred to was none other than Sunwoo Joong’s sixth wife, So Nan-so, the notorious “Chaotic Witch.”
Though she looked much younger than her age, she was now in her late forties—and yet she was expecting a child.
It was an event no one had anticipated, and Dang Yeo-eun couldn’t help but be stunned.
But she quickly reasoned with herself.
“No, on the other hand, she’s only in her late forties. Her appearance and physique could easily pass for someone in their early thirties, or even late twenties. Besides, the two of them are famously harmonious.”
With that understanding, Dang Yeo-eun smiled brightly, genuinely happy.
“That’s wonderful! Our family’s blessings just keep coming! Lord Sunwoo will be overjoyed!”
“So true!”
But So-eun’s smile faded slightly as she added with a hint of concern, “But I’m a bit worried. We’ll have to tell our second hyung-nim this news, too.”
Dang Yeo-eun paused.
There was truth in So-eun’s words.
Sunwoo Jin’s second wife was Hae Cheong-yeon.
She was the same age as Sunwoo Jin, so by age, So-eun was second in rank.
However, So-eun had voluntarily stepped down to become the third wife.
Since her connection with Sunwoo Jin had come last, and considering her background, wisdom, and martial skills, she felt she was the least qualified.
That reasoning wasn’t entirely logical, and Sunwoo Jin had initially opposed it.
But when So-eun revealed her true reason, he had no choice but to agree.
She had said, “I think Hae So-jeo is feeling uneasy right now. She might be marrying out of obligation because of her situation. If I were her, and I was ranked third, I’d feel like an afterthought. So please don’t worry about me—please accept her as the second wife.”
Indeed, Hae Cheong-yeon’s condition had been unstable.
She hadn’t fully expelled the soul of the Reverse Heavenly Blood Demon from within her.
During the decisive battle, her will was strong enough to control her body, but if anything happened to break her spirit, the demon could take over again.
Everyone knew how terrifying that would be.
Sunwoo Jin had rushed the marriages because those who knew the truth warned of the danger Hae Cheong-yeon posed.
Leaving her as she was was too risky.
Especially Sa-wang Gwe Gal-hyeon had insisted, “I’m sorry to say this to the great Hae, but I believe her martial arts must be sealed. Even if there’s a one-in-a-thousand chance the Reverse Heavenly Blood Demon returns, we cannot leave it unchecked. If she regains full awareness of us all, the disaster could be far worse than before.”
Hae Cheong-yeon’s father, Hae Un-baek, couldn’t oppose that.
He understood the truth of Sa-wang’s words.
He could never allow his daughter to become a scourge upon the world.
Then Sunwoo Jin stepped forward and declared, “I will take her as my wife and stand by her side. The last time the Reverse Heavenly Blood Demon took control, it was because I betrayed her. If I stay by her side, it will never happen again. And if the demon returns, I will deal with it myself.”
That was why Sunwoo Jin hurried to marry his women.
And Hae Cheong-yeon, wise as she was, understood this perfectly.
So-eun’s point was exactly that.
Unlike Dang Yeo-eun and So-eun, Hae Cheong-yeon was forced into marriage and might feel like an afterthought.
So So-eun had taken the last rank to ease Hae Cheong-yeon’s feelings.
Sunwoo Jin, understanding this, had no choice but to agree.
He worried that Hae Cheong-yeon might feel that way.
It was a moment that moved him deeply—once again touched by So-eun’s kindness.
Her consideration extended even after marriage.
As the youngest wife, So-eun tried to approach her two elder sisters warmly.
“Hyung-nims! Please take care of me! I have many shortcomings, but I’ll do my best, so please be kind!”
But unlike the similar personalities of Dang Yeo-eun and So-eun, getting close to Hae Cheong-yeon was not easy.
Hae Cheong-yeon was naturally indifferent to social relationships, and after the Reverse Heavenly Blood Demon incident, she had become even more withdrawn.
So Sunwoo Jin, Dang Yeo-eun, and So-eun all had to be careful not to upset her.
Recently, Hae Cheong-yeon had grown even sharper, making everyone tense around her.
Though she never said it outright, everyone knew this change began when Dang Yeo-eun became pregnant.
Dang Yeo-eun sighed softly.
“Hoo… telling the second hyung-nim about Mother’s pregnancy news…”
Of the three wives, only Hae Cheong-yeon had yet to conceive.
Despite Sunwoo Jin being equally intimate with all three—and even more so with Hae Cheong-yeon after So-eun and Dang Yeo-eun became pregnant—she still hadn’t conceived.
Given Ha Cheong-yeon’s usual temperament, it seemed unlikely that she would be bothered by such matters. And since not much time had passed since the marriage, others weren’t paying it much mind either. Yet strangely, she was unusually sharp and tense.
That’s why Jin So-eun had been worried.
She feared that the news of her mother-in-law So Nan-so’s return might upset Ha Cheong-yeon’s feelings…
But then, Dang Yeo-eun, who had briefly darkened, smiled faintly and shook her head.
“Don’t worry so much. The second brother-in-law is far more rational and wise than we are. He knows this is a cause for celebration. I’ll be the one to tell him.”
Then, as if to lighten the mood, she asked brightly, “So, what’s the news from the front? Is it about Sang-gong?”
Jin So-eun’s expression brightened as well, but she shook her head.
“Unfortunately, no.”
“Huh? No? Then what kind of news is it that you’re so cheerful about…?”
Jin So-eun’s voice grew excited.
“Prince Seolpung has officially taken up arms and headed to the front! He’s already crossed the boundary of Hwakyung! If Prince Seolpung lends his strength, the end of the Blood Sect War can’t be far off!”
Having traveled with Seolpung for a time in the past, Jin So-eun knew better than anyone how formidable he was.
Back then, Seolpung was truly an invincible warrior, so much so that even now, So-eun found it hard to believe her husband, Sunwoo Jin, was stronger than him.
And now, Seolpung had become a master of Hwakyung, on par with Sunwoo Jin, and was heading to the front lines.
For her, it felt like the signal flare announcing the war’s end.
Dang Yeo-eun’s face showed a flicker of surprise, but then she thought for a moment and said with a slightly troubled expression to Jin So-eun,
“This is good news, but I don’t think we should tell the second brother about it. Can we keep this just between us for now?”
“Huh?”
Jin So-eun’s eyes widened in surprise.
She couldn’t understand why Dang Yeo-eun wanted to keep such news from Ha Cheong-yeon.
Why would the fact that Seolpung had become a Hwakyung master and that the Blood Sect War’s end was near be something to hide from her?
With a puzzled look, Jin So-eun asked, “Why is that, hyung-nim?”
Before Dang Yeo-eun could answer, a voice came from outside the door.
“That’s because, along with Prince Seolpung, that woman Myao Aran must have gone to the front as well.”
“!”
“!”
Dang Yeo-eun and Jin So-eun were stunned.
The voice belonged to none other than Ha Cheong-yeon.
It meant she had been listening to their entire conversation all along.
“Ah, a-u?!”
“Se-second hyung-nim?!”
Ha Cheong-yeon, still dazzlingly beautiful, opened the door expressionlessly and said,
“I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, so please forgive me, hyung-nim. I just happened to overhear as I passed by. If the third brother felt uncomfortable, I apologize.”
Her apology was delivered without a trace of remorse on her face.
But knowing that this was typical for her, the two quickly shook their heads and apologized instead.
“No, no. I’m the one who should apologize. You must have felt bad hearing us talk about you behind your back.”
“Hyung-nim, I’m sorry.”
Ha Cheong-yeon’s martial arts, unlike the Reversed Heaven Blood Demon’s, hadn’t reached the Hwakyung level.
That was why she couldn’t accept the title of Heavenly Star Maiden.
Still, compared to the superlative skills of Dang Yeo-eun and Jin So-eun, she was far above them.
If anything, she ranked among the top thirty-six stars of the realm.
So the two thought it entirely plausible that Ha Cheong-yeon had just overheard by chance.
They blamed themselves for not being more careful.
Ha Cheong-yeon chuckled softly and replied,
“You’re apologizing to spare my feelings? You shouldn’t. I should be the one thanking you. And don’t worry about me, a-u. I’m genuinely happy about Mother’s return.”
Jin So-eun’s face lit up.
“Really?! As expected of you, hyung-nim…!”
But in the next moment, Ha Cheong-yeon’s expression turned icy cold.
“But that Myao Aran woman? No way. Trying to get close to Sang-gong again with such an obvious trick.”
Her cold tone and sharp gaze made Dang Yeo-eun and Jin So-eun swallow hard.
They couldn’t even bring themselves to argue that it was still uncertain.
Ha Cheong-yeon had a particular dislike for Myao Aran.
Whenever she saw Aran talking with Sunwoo Jin, she radiated such hostility it was almost palpable.
That was why Aran had no choice but to leave Haenam Island and go to Sawangryeon.
Though Seolpung had long wanted to recruit her as an advisor, the more accurate reason was Ha Cheong-yeon’s piercing gaze that forced her to leave Sunwoo Jin’s side.
After a brief hesitation, Jin So-eun cautiously spoke up.
“Um, hyung-nim, actually, Aran unni is…”
Ha Cheong-yeon shot her a sharp look and asked,
“Aran unni?”
Faced with that intimidating reaction, Jin So-eun could only shake her head with a pout.
“No, no, hyung-nim. Sorry. Heehee.”
Jin So-eun liked Myao Aran, having known her story and worked alongside her.
She thought someone with Aran’s connections, beauty, and ability could very well become Sunwoo Jin’s fourth wife.
Dang Yeo-eun, who had heard about Aran from Jin So-eun, didn’t oppose her either.
Compared to herself, who had always been the one receiving help from Sunwoo Jin, Aran had been a true support to him and might be more deserving.
But with Ha Cheong-yeon’s firm stance, there was nothing they could do.
Jin So-eun silently apologized to Aran in her heart.
“I’m sorry, Aran unni. I don’t think I can be of help.”
After leaving Dang Yeo-eun’s room, Ha Cheong-yeon returned to her quarters, hearing a voice inside her mind.
Listening quietly, Ha Cheong-yeon sighed and thought,
‘Aren’t you tired of it? Always hating and doubting others like that?’
Then the soul of the Reversed Heaven Blood Demon, Gwa-yeom, shouted within her.
‘That’s human nature! You’re still young and don’t understand, but humans always reveal their true selves when faced with greed! Everyone’s the same! Jin So-eun, you say she’s kind?! Don’t make me laugh! She’s just acting! She can’t compete, so she wants people’s approval through that! And Dang Yeo-eun? Don’t even get me started!’
Since that day, Ha Cheong-yeon had lived hearing that voice constantly.
A voice that made her doubt and hate the world and everyone in it, labeling all but herself as enemies.
Yet she neither blamed nor hated Gwa-yeom.
Sometimes, listening to that voice, she couldn’t tell if those thoughts were hers or Gwa-yeom’s.
At times, the voice mirrored the darkness inside her so closely it was startling.
Ha Cheong-yeon knew very well why Sunwoo Jin had married her.
‘To keep me by his side.’
And that reason was never love.
‘To monitor the resurrection of the Reversed Heaven Blood Demon. To prevent it beforehand…’
Sunwoo Jin loved Dang Yeo-eun deeply.
Just looking at her, one could see the tender gaze he gave.
When he looked at her, it was as if he were gazing at a precious glass vessel, fragile and priceless.
Sunwoo Jin also cherished and adored Jin So-eun.
Watching him talk to her was like watching a father or older brother listening to a child.
His eyes were gentle, his expression kind—like looking at a beloved child.
‘But…’
His attitude toward Ha Cheong-yeon was always cautious.
He was careful not to upset her, always on guard.
Ha Cheong-yeon understood why.
He feared the Reversed Heaven Blood Demon might take control of her again.
That she was like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
And that fear, that wary gaze, was slowly darkening Ha Cheong-yeon’s heart.
She longed for a tender gaze of her own.
She wanted to laugh, to chat, to feel loved.
She resented Sunwoo Jin for looking at her out of duty alone.
She was jealous of the women who received the affection she never did.
And in the midst of it all, she felt miserable for not even having a child.
She hated the whole world.
As these heavy thoughts weighed on her, Ha Cheong-yeon took a deep breath and steadied herself.
“Huuuuu!”
Lately, what kept her grounded was the Daeyeon Jeongsim-gyeol she had learned in childhood.
Whenever Gwa-yeom’s hateful voice grew louder in the shadows of her heart, Ha Cheong-yeon would recite the mantra to calm herself.
‘Not all the wavering feelings belong to you; your purest nature is like the air. Always seeking the lacking, the low, to fill them, you do not hoard but move swiftly, avoiding conflict. You do not boast of arriving first, nor do you resent being unseen. You are content to fill what is empty, and if all is filled, you simply move on. Yeon-ja, your purest nature is transparent like this; do not forget yourself to the voices that add color…’
After reciting the Daeyeon Jeongsim-gyeol for a while, Ha Cheong-yeon listened once more to Gwa-yeom’s voice inside her.
“Such outdated, narrow-minded nonsense from those monks! Don’t make me laugh! If human nature were really like that, then why on earth did they bother learning martial arts? Why wouldn’t they just stay silent and take whatever came their way, like thin air? The ones you have to watch out for the most are those who force others to live that way! They tell people to give up their desires, but all the while, they’re planning to take everything for themselves!”
At the sound of that voice, thick with hatred, Ha Cheong-yeon suddenly let out a soft, almost amused laugh.
That only made Gwa-yeom panic.
“…You’re laughing?! Are you really laughing right now?! Don’t you understand how serious this is?! If things go on like this, Dang Ye-eun and Jin So-eun will team up and make Myo Ah-ran the fourth wife! And if that happens, you—who have no children—will be…!”
‘Yeah, if that happens, I’ll lose my place. And since I have no children, I might even be cast aside.’
Gwa-yeom knew Ha Cheong-yeon all too well—her fears, her insecurities.
The real reason Ha Cheong-yeon resented Myo Ah-ran was because she saw herself in her.
Myo Ah-ran was a woman who could speak to Sun Woo-jin with cold logic and wisdom, someone who could offer him practical support.
Ha Cheong-yeon was afraid.
Afraid that if Myo Ah-ran became Sun Woo-jin’s wife, she’d lose even that role.
Afraid that in the one area she considered her own, she’d become unnecessary.
In the end, her hatred for Myo Ah-ran stemmed from her own feelings of inferiority.
Then Gwa-yeom shouted again, almost screaming.
“Exactly! That’s why you must never let that woman become the fourth wife…!”
But Ha Cheong-yeon cut her off calmly.
‘And you’re even more furious than usual because you heard that Seol Poong Jo-jang has left the order, right?’
“What? What did you say?!”
‘I know every time you hear that the Blood Sect is falling apart, your words grow darker with hatred. You’re desperate, too. You want to stop it at all costs. And realistically, the only thing you can do is try to move me.’
“That, that’s…!”
The truth was, she already knew.
She knew Gwa-yeom had her own agenda.
But still, Ha Cheong-yeon had been swayed by her words because they fed the darkness inside her.
Her fierce competitiveness that refused to lose, her pride that wouldn’t accept being outdone by lesser women, her possessiveness that wanted him all to herself.
Suddenly, Ha Cheong-yeon wondered if those feelings were why she couldn’t have children.
Because her heart was so full of those emotions, there was no room for a child’s soul to take root.
‘Then again, even if I had a child, it would have been a problem. That child would have grown up feeling all these things inside me.’
With that bitter thought, she gave a faint, wry smile and muttered to herself.
“I should go to the front lines.”
Gwa-yeom hurriedly asked, panic creeping into her voice.
“What? What?! You’re going to the front lines? Why, why would you say that?”
Her voice trembled uncontrollably, betraying how excited she was at the thought of going to the battlefield where the fate of the Blood Sect was at stake.
Watching her like that, Ha Cheong-yeon murmured quietly.
“Because I want to be a mother my child can be proud of someday.”
“…What?”
Her eyes were now fixed on the distant western sky.