Deep into the night, Baek Cheon-gyeong was crossing the forest.

The only light piercing the pitch-black darkness came from fireflies. They circled around him, guiding his path.

Every time he passed, the trees and grasses moved on their own to make way. Paths appeared where no one would have imagined. After he passed, the plants returned to their original places.

How long had he walked like this?

Baek Cheon-gyeong stopped deep within the forest.

Ssssss—

Though there was no wind, the grass trembled and branches shifted.

From within the bushes, figures emerged. Their clothing and even their skin seemed to blend with the forest itself.

Among them, a man stepped forward. Like slender grass swaying in the breeze, this man was Chorim (草林), Baek Cheon-gyeong’s true disciple. Strictly speaking, he was a disciple of Mokwang.

If Jin Ha-gun had learned swordsmanship, Chorim had mastered Baek Cheon-gyeong’s true poison martial art, the Mokhyeong Cheonhon Technique.

Baek Cheon-gyeong spoke to Chorim.

“The time has come.”

A subtle green light shimmered in Chorim’s eyes.

“Isn’t this too soon compared to the original plan?”

“A variable appeared.”

“We’re not ready yet.”

“Can’t be helped.”

“For what reason?”

Baek Cheon-gyeong recalled Geom Mugeuk, who had visited him over the past three days.

Geom Mugeuk sat beside him, mimicking wood carving.

He babbled nonsense, begging to be allowed to meet Jin Ha-ryeong. He pleaded to buy drinks and eat together, and out of nowhere praised her slender, long eyes as charming.

He also relayed news from the Murim world. He knew a lot, had wit and insight. His mouth never rested. Time flew when with Geom Mugeuk.

On the third day, when Baek Cheon-gyeong suddenly thought it would be nice to have such an amusing fellow as a subordinate or disciple, he realized—

“This one is poison.”

Not just any poison. A poison so subtle that one doesn’t even realize they are poisoned until death approaches; perhaps more terrifying than a deadly toxin that kills outright. A poison that kills without knowing why.

His instinct said—

“This person knows something.”

How? I hid well. Deceived even the alliance leader all those years.

But if he knows about me, then I understood why Geom Mugeuk behaved this way.

The instinct spoke again—

“The one smiling gently is the grim reaper come to devour you.”

Baek Cheon-gyeong then made up his mind.

“If fate sent him to me, I shall accept him as my destiny.”

Yes, ten long years of waiting was enough. Now it was time to move.

Baek Cheon-gyeong handed something to Chorim.

It was the doll of a woman he had carved earlier.

Ian and Jin Ha-ryeong stood facing each other in a field.

Their gazes were sharp. At their third meeting, they had decided to duel.

It was already unusual that at their second meeting they had proposed friendship, and the third meeting involving a duel was even more unusual.

At first, Ian suspected Jin Ha-ryeong’s intentions. Why would the granddaughter of the Murim Alliance leader bother to befriend her?

“Probably because of the young master.”

To obtain information about Geom Mugeuk, or to keep an eye on her.

But at the second meeting, Ian felt Jin Ha-ryeong’s genuine desire to be friends.

The duel at the third meeting was possible only because of that trust. Otherwise, Ian would have suspected an attempt to kill her.

The two women drew their swords and charged at each other.

The difference in skill was obvious.

Within twenty or so strikes, Jin Ha-ryeong’s sword flew from her hand.

Startled, Jin Ha-ryeong asked,

“What martial art is that?”

She immediately regretted the question. Asking what style someone uses right after losing was extremely rude.

“Ah, sorry.”

She bowed politely with the ceremonial greeting.

“Well played.”

Ian returned the bow with a remorseful expression.

She wanted to talk about her swordsmanship but could not.

The fact she had been taught Bicheon Swordsmanship must not be revealed outside, even if Cheonma allowed it.

“I knew you were stronger than me, but not this strong.”

“As friends, I thought it’s polite not to hide one’s skills.”

She had wanted to win in martial arts at least.

After losing to Seo Daeryong at the old Dragon War, and now to Ian again, she kept losing to young demons.

“If this fight had been life or death instead of a duel, I would have died.”

The consolation was that both women were very close to Geom Mugeuk, making Seo Daeryong and Ian special people.

Trying to shake off defeat, she picked up the sword dropped on the ground and sheathed it. She didn’t stab her pride with petty jealousy. Yes, the sword goes back into its sheath, and pride is something others protect.

“Pretty face, good personality, strong martial arts. Isn’t that cheating?”

Though said jokingly, it was Jin Ha-ryeong’s sincere words.

Ian returned the compliment.

“You’re the one who’s heard that all your life.”

Ian truly thought Jin Ha-ryeong was beautiful. Of all the women she had seen, Jin Ha-ryeong was the most beautiful.

Jin Ha-ryeong sensed Ian’s words were not consolation of a victor but sincere. It amazed her that such a beautiful woman thought she herself was even more beautiful.

Thus, their footsteps on the way back were light.

“Ah! This path is really pretty.”

“It’s my secret trail, a place I come when I feel stifled.”

Talking about this and that on the way back, Jin Ha-ryeong revealed her inner thoughts.

“Honestly, I’m worried about brother.”

“Don’t worry. Calling the young master will never be regretted.”

Though she had said that to hear it herself.

“You really trust your Little Pill Master.”

“More than I do.”

“To have someone you can trust so completely in life is a great blessing.”

“Then you should trust too.”

“What?”

“You said you made friends with the young master? Then trust him.”

That was what Jin Ha-ryeong said to her brother.

Don’t trust Geom Mugeuk halfway, trust him fully. She was hearing this from Ian.

In her mind flickered a strange image of a big fish swallowing smaller fish one by one.

Ian’s trust eased Jin Ha-ryeong’s heart a little. If all this ultimately meant falling victim to demons, it would be like being swindled by male and female con artists. Seeing that, it seemed she had yet to fully trust.

Still, saying such things meant she deserved it if it all went wrong later.

“See you tomorrow. Who knows when we’ll meet again after you go back?”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Ian agreed readily. Perhaps they would never see each other again. Or they might meet again on a battlefield where they had to kill each other. That was the kind of relationship Jin Ha-ryeong had with Ian.

“At the same time, same place.”

“Good.”

Did Geom Mugeuk know? Introducing them as friends, did he know they would become true friends?

After parting with Jin Ha-ryeong, Ian stopped and turned back, feeling an inexplicable chill.

Jin Ha-ryeong had already disappeared down the beautiful path.

Ian gazed a moment at the unchanged path, then continued walking.

Today, as usual, I visited Baek Cheon-gyeong.

But he was not in the workshop. He had been there every day these past few days, so where had he gone?

Thanks to that, I was able to devote myself to training all day.

My main training was Si Cheon Technique.

Was it because of Mokwang’s appearance?

My concentration was different from usual, and as a result, Si Cheon Technique showed better results than normal training.

Repeat, repeat again. Even when bored and my whole body resisted, I kept going.

Training is like filling a big jar with drops of water every day.

Even if tedious, you must endure. You have to keep adding the water you painstakingly gathered all day long to the big jar that shows no change yesterday or today without sighing or thinking you might as well quit and find some other pleasure.

Only by enduring can you meet that special drop among countless others.

Today that special drop came as a state of selflessness.

I forgot even that I was training, as my whole mind immersed in Si Cheon Technique.

Selflessness is truly a gift from heaven.

The trigger for this selflessness was Hwa Mugi. The thought that he might appear increased my concentration, leading me to the selfless state. Water poured into the jar like a waterfall.

After what felt like ten hours passed.

“Finally!”

Si Cheon Technique reached a level more effective than real-world martial arts training.

Even accounting for recovery time from consumed inner power, training inside Si Cheon Technique was now more effective. I had finally started to have more time than others.

“I did it!”

A shiver ran through my body the moment I realized this. I was as happy as when I received the Fire Illusion Martial Art from my father. So happy I hopped around inside the Space-Time Transmigration Technique.

Now the real training was beginning. My time would increase steadily. I was mastering Si Cheon Technique inside Si Cheon Technique.

Geom Mugeuk came out of the Space-Time Transmigration Technique and was resting when Ian entered the room.

“Oh? When did you get back?”

Since Geom Mugeuk had been training inside the technique, he thought Ian had gone out and come back.

“Young master. Have you met Jin Sojeo?”

“No. Why?”

“We had an appointment today, but she didn’t show up.”

“Is that so?”

“Is something wrong? She’s not the type to break promises.”

“Did she send anyone to notify you?”

“No. So I’m worried and concerned.”

I recalled Baek Cheon-gyeong’s absence from the workshop. She wasn’t one to break promises or leave without reason. The coincidence of these two events happening simultaneously was suspicious.

“When did you last meet?”

“Yesterday afternoon.”

“Where?”

“We met in a field to the west and dueled.”

“And then parted ways?”

“We walked along a path together and then parted.”

“Did you notice anything strange then?”

Ian hesitated with a worried expression, sharing what had been troubling her.

“On the way back, something felt off, so I looked back.”

Another suspicious circumstance added. If Ian sensed something at her level, something must have happened.

And then the final piece of this unease fell into place.

From afar, dozens of martial artists could be felt surrounding the residence. If such a large number surrounded the place, they must be Murim Alliance warriors. Geom Mugeuk could guess the situation.

“If it was a forest path, there must have been many trees around?”

If it were Baek Cheon-gyeong in the forest, he could have deceived Ian’s eyes and kidnapped her. Only Baek Cheon-gyeong had the ability to kidnap her now.

“It wasn’t just a probe; it was a strike.”

Geom Mugeuk’s serious expression made Ian worry.

“Jin Sojeo, will she be alright?”

“For now.”

After kidnapping the Murim Alliance leader’s granddaughter, there was no smooth way to end this. That meant it would be settled one way or another.

Fortunately, Baek Cheon-gyeong was a cautious man. Even if he killed her, he wasn’t the type to do it from the start. But if she wasn’t rescued in time, her life was in danger.

“What does he want? To kill me? Or something else?”

How does he plan to deal with the aftermath?

“The Murim Alliance warriors will storm in soon.”

“I just sensed it too.”

Geom Mugeuk opened the door and stepped into the yard.

Ian pulled up her mask to cover her face, put on her bamboo hat, and followed.

From all sides, dozens of experts surrounded the place in layers. The pressure was immense.

Though it was Ian’s first crisis outside the Central Plains, she was calm. Being with Geom Mugeuk steadied her remarkably.

Soon, a group of warriors entered the yard.

Leading them was Jin Pae-cheon, the Murim Alliance leader. Experts guarding him followed behind.

“Long time no see.”

Jin Pae-cheon asked immediately without greeting.

“Where is Ha-ryeong now?”

When he arrived and why didn’t matter. Now Jin Pae-cheon’s priority was Jin Ha-ryeong.

“I don’t know.”

“I’ll ask again. Where is Ha-ryeong now?”

Jin Pae-cheon’s anger seemed ready to explode. If not for their past ties, he would have already deployed forces to subdue Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk sent a transmission to Jin Pae-cheon.

— Leader.

— Why send a transmission instead of speaking?

— There may be eyes and ears of that person here.

— Who?

— Baek Cheon-gyeong.

Jin Pae-cheon’s expression stiffened.

— Do you know who he is?

— Yes, he is the master who taught Jin Gongja for ten years. Jin Gongja felt danger from that master and asked me for help.

Jin Pae-cheon looked unbelieving. How could he believe his grandson felt threatened and asked a demonic sect’s Little Pill Master for help?

— It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Where is Jin Gongja now?

— He’s out dealing with the Myeolma incident.

— So you guessed correctly when Jin Gongja was absent. He must have wanted a clash between you and me here.

— When Ha-ryeong disappeared, Baek Cheon-gyeong was with me.

It explained why he wasn’t in the workshop. He was with the one person most capable of avoiding suspicion in this case. That meant he had subordinates capable of kidnapping her.

— The plan was well made, but Baek Cheon-gyeong missed one critical fact.

— What is that?

— That the leader trusts me.

Jin Pae-cheon asked coldly.

— Why do you think I trust you?

— Because if I had planned this, I would never be in such a situation. You know that, leader. You must trust me again this time.

Geom Mugeuk looked at Jin Pae-cheon calmly with clear eyes and added,

— Only I can save Jin Sojeo this time as well.