Ep436 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

Yongsellan. When he first heard that she was a usurper who drove his mother to her death to claim the throne of the palace. Baek Woo-jin was engulfed in significant shock. "She doesn't look like the type, though…." She seemed a bit vain but didn't appear to be someone who would commit such ruthless deeds. In truth, he already knew that outward appearances bore no connection to one's true intentions. Benevolent, friendly, warm-hearted. He had cut down countless foes who approached him with deceptive sincerity, aiming to exploit his vulnerabilities. Because of that, Baek Woo-jin had become adept at discerning the true intentions of others. Though he might not know everything, he could generally guess whether someone harbored malicious schemes or not. "I didn't sense anything like that from Lady Yong." That was the surprising part. The instinct he had honed through numerous betrayals did not raise alarms about her. Two possibilities immediately came to mind. Either Yongsellan's acting abilities were so exceptional that they deceived even his judgment. "Or it's a lie." The woman weeping pathetically on her knees, shaking her shoulders, might be speaking falsehoods. Deciding which was the truth was not easy. Because. "That woman doesn't seem like she's lying either…." To him, the woman before him did not appear to have a dark heart. So, which one was truly hiding their sinister motives? Was his judgment faltering, or was one among them an exceptional actor? Consequently, he couldn't immediately discern the truth. However, he wouldn't allow himself to be swayed without uncovering the facts. If there are no teeth, then use the gums. If appearances won't reveal the truth. "There's no choice but to dig deeper." The only way to expose the one layered in deceit between them. Baek Woo-jin spoke to the woman weeping beneath him. "I can't take your words at face value. The Lady Yong I know wasn't that kind of person." Despite her tear-soaked gaze, he continued unfazed. "However…, I can't dismiss your words as lies based on only my limited experiences." "What, what do you mean…?" "I plan to find out for myself if your words are true or false. If Lady Yong truly killed her own mother to take the throne, I'll help you in every way possible." "Oh, my hero…!" Hope rapidly filled her eyes. Baek Woo-jin met her gaze coolly and left her with a final statement. "But there's one thing you should know." "Wh-what do you mean…?" "If your words turn out to be lies, you'll face the appropriate consequences." Her taut expression nodded in agreement, swallowing nervously at his stern warning. "If my words are lies…, it's only right." Yet, her expression emanated confidence that such a day would never come. Was it because her deception was flawless? Or was it because her words were purely truthful? "Go now since it's late. I'll scrutinize everything starting tomorrow." "Yes, thank you for your time late at night." Until the very end, Yeon-hee, with respect, backed away courteously. "I guess time will tell." Which of them was genuine after all. --- The neidan, imbued with extreme yin energy from the White Scaled Demon and the White Spirit Snake. It was half of the energy absorbed over hundreds of years on the snowy peaks. Even though it was only a portion, the energy contained was genuinely formidable. "I see why spiritual beasts are considered serendipity for martial artists." Every time he looked at the neidan, he couldn't help but have a martial artist's greed stir within him. If he could refine the energy of just one of them. He might break through the barrier and arrive at the supreme realm. "Mother…." To the exalted level where his strong and benevolent mother once stood. A strong temptation. Yet, she did not succumb to it. The neidan of the two spiritual beasts needed to be used for something more crucial than merely elevating her own level. "Saving the Ice Palace comes first." The North Sea Ice Palace, and indeed all territories under its domain, were being consumed by frost. If things continued for just a few more years, the inhabitants of the North Sea, including everyone else, would freeze to death. Should that happen, the North Sea Ice Palace would naturally vanish into the annals of history. Thus, what use would her supreme cultivation be when there is nothing left? She barely tore her gaze away from the neidan and called out. "Yeon-hee!" "Yes, Lady Palace Mistress." At her call, a woman named Yeon-hee approached silently. "How is the preparation coming along?" "Almost finished. We can depart whenever you give the order." "I see...," Yongsellan murmured, rising from her seat in the study and walking toward the window. As she extended her arm to fling it open, the sharp cold rushed in as if it had been waiting. She was utterly sick of it. To the point where she never wanted to face it again. Bang! She shut the window with force and turned to give Yeon-hee her instructions. "We'll leave at dawn tomorrow. Notify everyone." "Yes, Lady Palace Mistress." By tomorrow, hopefully, everything will come to an end. "Ugh…." She longed to be freed from the agony that clenched her chest. --- The dark twilight before dawn, when even the sun had not yet risen. After completing his preparations for departure and stepping outside, many were already lined up, braving the freezing weather. Among them were Baek Woo-jin's teammates as well. However, not all were present. Only four would accompany him: Dang Seon-young, Yoo Hwa-yeon, Shin Ye-hwa, and Seol Su-yeon. All were individuals who had reached a certain level of martial attainment. The rest were excluded, deemed unable to withstand the cold of the eternal glacier. "Sheesh..., I could go too." Standing with a slight pout, she had just ascended to a new level of martial prowess, yet her state was unstable. Baek Woo-jin embraced her lightly and comforted her. "Please understand. It was a decision made out of concern for your safety, Lady Do." "Hmm..., trying to win me over like this is cheating." The faint warmth from her body, wriggling in his embrace, was palpable. Indulging in mischief, he whispered softly in her ear. "I'll make sure you fully enjoy yourself when I return..., okay?" His suggestive whisper elicited her natural reaction. "Yes, Master." "Good girl." Do-gyeong was swiftly captured. Releasing her with a satisfied smile, Baek Woo-jin moved toward the Blood Sorceress. "Sister, please take care of them well." "Hmph..., worry about yourself. I'll handle things here." She had once again chosen to stay behind for the safety of the other teammates. Though she tried to hide it, he could clearly see. The dissatisfaction building within her due to the increasing distance between them. "Sister." "What is it?" "It's not much longer." "What do you mean?" "The day when you'll lose to me." "Hmm…?" Her face slightly flushed. A mix of embarrassment and competitive spirit. "Do you really think you can defeat me?" "Perhaps soon?" "You still manage to amuse me, you impudent child." Though she responded with a nonchalant demeanor, she was somewhat thrilled. His rapid growth, to the point where he dared to speak of her impending defeat. And what might happen thereafter. All these impudent, absurd thoughts made her face flush anew. With a quick turn of her back, she replied. "Hmph..., that's something we'll see. Now hurry and leave, everyone is waiting." But Baek Woo-jin had long sensed her feelings. "You're embarrassed…." "What, what did you say…!" "Oops, then I'm off!" With a wave, Baek Woo-jin swiftly distanced himself. His innocent smile melted the anger in her heart as though it were snow. "You cheeky fool." Her soft words drifted through the snowy air, briefly tickling Baek Woo-jin’s ears. --- The vigorous procession paused in a forest filled with bare trees. "Hurry and prepare the campsite!" The sun had set, and night had descended. Amidst the harsh cold, she judged it imprudent to proceed further and called for camping preparations. The martial artists of the North Sea Ice Palace quickly set up the camp. Thick tents were erected to stave off the cold, as much as possible. Scattered fires burned brightly atop dry logs. Once their sleeping arrangements were made, it was time to prepare dinner. Contrary to the expectation of a simple meal from dry rations, they had higher standards. In such biting cold, hunger drains endurance as quickly as heat. Thus, even while camping, they did not settle for a meager meal. "Hero, dinner is ready." "Thank you." Baek Woo-jin expressed his gratitude to the martial artist from the North Sea Ice Palace and then moved forward. He arrived at the largest tent. Inside, Yongsellan was seated at the head, waiting for him. "Welcome, Hero Baek." She greeted him with a gentle smile. The embarrassment she previously felt seemed to have waned over time, as she showed no particular awkwardness when greeting him. As Baek Woo-jin took his seat opposite her, their simple meal for two commenced. The meal was a thick soup, laden with chunks of meat, resembling a stew he often had in another world. Slurp— The taste was not much different either. The only variations were the distinct spices used in each world, which lent a different flavor. After enjoying the meal, a blend of familiarity with a hint of novelty, they cleansed their palates with warm tea. Baek Woo-jin broke the silence. "Lady Palace Mistress, may I ask you something?" "Please, go ahead." "I understand you recently assumed the position of palace mistress." "...Yes, that's correct." Her expression darkened at once. He still didn’t know if she had truly usurped her position. However, he sensed that there was more to the story, that it was not a smooth transition. He continued speaking. "And the former palace mistress…, may I ask?" As he trailed off, she nodded somberly, having already grasped his implied question. "Yes, that's right. The previous palace mistress, my mother…, has passed on." An expression steeped in grief. But he wondered, was that expression genuine or feigned? "May I inquire about the circumstances of her passing?" It was a question that might breach the bounds of courtesy, yet she answered with a deepening sorrow on her face. "My mother…, sacrificed herself to contain the rampage of the tainted eternal glacier." Her answer starkly contrasted with Yeon-hee’s claim that Yongsellan had killed her mother. --- Author's Note: I'll see you in the next chapter. Thank you for reading, as always. Have a peaceful night. (_ _)