1302 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Found it. The space in front wavers. Even though it appears to be nothing more than a plain, it's evident something is being hidden. Sensing this, I gesture behind me. “...Me?” Namgung Jin, singled out by my finger, approaches with a puzzled expression. “Try passing through.” By now, he's used to my informal tone. Though he furrows his brow, he doesn't voice any complaints. Following my instructions, Namgung Jin moves forward. At that moment— “Huh?” —he suddenly turns back around, spinning himself to face the other direction. “Why am I here...? Just a moment ago...” But it seems Namgung Jin is actually the one taken aback, as if finding my presence ahead of him puzzling. ‘I see.’ Recognizing the state of things, I quickly comprehend the situation. It appears to be a distortion of perception. Not merely altering the view ahead, but— ‘Is it modifying recognition to prevent entrance?’ A distortion of sight and a manipulation of perception. Those two elements seemed to be involved. ‘It's not exceptionally sophisticated.’ Ssssss. Beyond the tactile sensation, threads become visible. Countless threads of a spell were tangled intricately. “......” What to do? I contemplate briefly, pondering how to deal with the threads. The consideration doesn't take long. ‘There are two possible conclusions.’ Either pierce through a tiny, unnoticed gap— Or. ‘Blatantly announce it.’ Considering boldly proclaiming my arrival, but— ‘Rejected.’ The latter is dangerous. The thought itself is an impossibility. Therefore, I opt for the former. Woong-woong-woong-!!! The ring rotates. The woven circle of the spell keeps moving. As it does, my inner vision strengthens, allowing me to clearly see the tangled flow of lines. Search for the path there. Where might the path be? In such a tangled mess, finding a pathway is difficult. Recalling the turtle's words. ‘The law of spells is deception and trickery.’ ‘While adhering to established rules and regulations is crucial, understanding and breaking an opponent's spell begins with deceiving their set rules.’ ‘Following the path leads only to dead ends.’ ‘This does not mean to find a shortcut. Remember, it means to create a new path.’ ‘Indeed.’ The turtle, after a brief pause, continued to me. ‘Deceiving the existing path and creating a new one is incredibly difficult, but... it's not as hard for you.’ The turtle's voice was firm. Hidden within the tone and words of reluctant admiration was a peculiar hint of irritation. ‘Your potential is greater than you think. I’d want to teach you myself if you'd give up those unruly fights.’ A sentiment the turtle found hard to admit, yet it was high praise. Advising me to abandon martial arts and focus on magic. ‘A new path.’ Could I find a new path within this densely packed space? ‘No.’ My thinking was incorrect. It wasn't about finding. ‘I must create it.’ It must be created without issues. With that judgment, my hands move. I reach for one thread. It is weaker in light compared to the others. I hook it with my finger and gently sever it. Ting. Woong-woong-woong-!!! The thread snaps, and a slight vibration permeates the space. “What are you doing?” Young Lady Hyun inquires. To her, it probably looks as though I'm flailing in empty air. “Please wait and speak to me later. I'm concentrating.” I respond briefly and sever a few more threads around the one I earlier cut. Weaker threads indicate they are relatively aged and easier to dispel. I sever them one by one, focusing on the weaker threads. The moment I’ve cut through a significant portion— ‘Here it is.’ I overlay my thread onto the space. Naturally, as if it’s always been there. It’s established this way. ‘Enlarge it.’ Slowly shaping the threads. They take a circular form. Big enough for a person’s head to fit through. The moment it’s completed— Woooooong---!!!!! The space ripples. “Huh?” “What is this?” “Something’s appearing in the air...” No sooner do the astonished murmurs arise, the wavering space becomes clearer, growing to a size that a person can pass through. ‘Done.’ I overlaid my thread to seamlessly create a passageway. “Let's go in.” I say, stepping ahead into the space. The group cautiously follows, their faces plainly showing their surprise and confusion. Clearly, this was a first for them. But it’s too soon to be shocked. The true challenge lies within. “...Gasp.” “Wow...” Namgung Jin and Tang Cheongi audibly gasp. Their reactions are as expected. ‘Wow.’ Even for me, it was no different. ‘...What is this.’ The space itself is entirely different. What was supposed to be a plain is now a thick forest. A forest filled with withered, dead trees. And at the end, there’s a noticeable building slightly larger in size. Upon seeing that, I pulled Tang Cheongi along. “Ugh!?” Ignoring the startled Tang Cheongi, I extracted the resonance as before. ‘It’s there.’ It connects. Tang Cheongi’s heart skill of the Tang Clan connected to that location. ‘...In contrast.’ I focus on my vessel. The flames of my Flaming Wheel Art are imperceptible. It has been this way since confirming my father’s Fiery Wheel. ‘Is he concealing it?’ He likely blocked his heart skill, anticipating I might detect it. ‘This means he won’t be able to wield its power.’ Prioritizing the concealment of his presence, it seems. With a placid expression, I continue forward. “This place...” “That’s where Miss Tang is.” “...!” “So keep it quiet.” I’ve established a qi barrier around us and even subdued my presence. We walk cautiously along the path. It wasn’t far to the dwelling; before long, we had arrived. ‘No signs of life.’ Nothing detectable nearby. Does it mean no enemy is present? Or— ‘Is it simply deemed unnecessary by them?’ An arrogant level of trust in their spell, perhaps. I narrow my eyes, heightening vigilance while suppressing my presence even further. “...Stop.” At my words, the group halts. “Everyone, stay here.” “What?” Tang Cheongi’s eyes widen. He seems confused by the instruction to stay put. “I’m going to check if Miss Tang is there or not, so just wait here.” “Let me go with you. If my sister is really there…” “What do you think you'll do if you go? I brought you along because I was worried you'd start whining if I left you outside, so just keep quiet.” “…” I spoke harshly out of annoyance. Truthfully, if I could, I would have preferred to leave him outside of the spell's range. “I’m just going for a look. Don’t become a burden and make this more of a hassle for me.” “...Ugh…” Tang Cheongi mutters under his breath. I know he wants to see his sister, but this is the best we can manage for now. Woong. I draw out my energy and envelop our group in a protective layer. This should hold for half an hour. ‘Now then.’ I glance at the dwelling and take a slight leap. Thunk-! I lightly spring forward, entering the inner confines of the dwelling. As expected, there are no signs of life. ‘I’ve memorized the location of the aura.’ By using Tang Cheongi, I noted where The Poison Phoenix's energy emanated from. I should head there. ‘The entrance is...’ There’s only one obvious entrance to this place. I grasp the worn door and pull it open. What kind of place is this? ‘It's peculiar.’ For something in a demonic realm, it resembles a central plains building. It’s quite unlike something built as a mere hideout. It feels more like they established a genuinely livable place. A dried lake, a deadfield, even the rotting pillars. The condition might be poor, but the architectural style clearly hails from the central plains. ‘Is this also a form of spell?’ But the threads and sensations feel different from those of spells. I lightly touch the pillar with my hand. ‘...It seems real?’ It feels like it was erected for real. How was this done? As I wonder, I look for a path downward. ‘The basement.’ Recalling where I felt it below. I find the stairs. I descend through that path. Though there are still no signs of life... ‘Just in case.’ I heighten my senses to their utmost, descending with intense focus. Fortunately, the stairs were not very long. I arrive safely at the basement. A damp sensation wraps around the soles of my feet. It’s damp. Strangely so. “......” I proceed forward. The further I go, the narrower my vision becomes. Somehow, it feels— ‘There’s absolutely nothing here?’ No guards, no father’s aura, not even a hint of presence. Could it truly be so empty? Sensing something amiss, I quicken my pace. Finally, I reach the end. Only then do I discover something. “Miss Tang.” It’s The Poison Phoenix. She’s tied up in a metal cage at the end of the passage. “...Huh?” At my voice, The Poison Phoenix raises her head. Upon recognizing me with her weary face, “Oh… oh!” Her eyes widen. “Are you alright?” I say nonchalantly, reaching out to free her immediately. As I attempt to remove the bars, “Ah, don’t…!” The Poison Phoenix exclaims urgently. “Run away…! Right now, there’s something around…!” Swoosh. Before she can finish, a slicing sound echoes. The edge of my attire is cut, and the fabric flutters in midair. Noticing this, I turn to look behind me. Still facing The Poison Phoenix, I speak. “This is...” Turning my back, I see two pairs of glowing golden eyes shining through the darkness. “It seems we'll have to wait a moment.” A golden aura flows through the air. Seeing this makes me smile wryly. ‘There’s a reason for the lack of presence.’ No father, no other disciples. I wondered why it was so, but now I understand. ‘They weren’t needed.’ There was no need for anyone to guard this place. After all— ‘He was here.’ The owner of the golden eyes and aura. Sword Sovereign Wi Hyogun. With him protecting this place, no one else was necessary.