In my past life, what was I doing around this time?

Honestly, I have no idea. I never kept a diary, never recorded dates or what I was doing each day. I just lived as the days flowed by, and I remembered only the big events.

If I trace back my memories, the inn had probably already burned down by now. I had left Ilyang County and was working as a gravekeeper, spending my days swinging a sickle.

Just swinging a sickle...

And yet, here I am now.

What exactly happened to me?

The timing may be the same... but now, I have too many subordinates to keep track of individually. I can only watch over the ones directly under me, or the ones who catch my eye, while focusing on my own training at the same time.

Among my recent priorities, the most important was to keep grinding down Yukhap Master— pressuring, threatening, and slowly reshaping his character— until he fully recovered.

According to plan, I would feed him the  poison Moyong Baek had prepared, treat him alongside it, and engage in a second and third round of psychological warfare against the former Ghost Demon of my past life.

It was during this period that a letter arrived for me.

Even before opening it, I felt a strange sense of foreboding. Honestly, there weren’t many people who would bother sending me a letter.

I figured it must be from either the Martial Alliance Leader or the Sword Demon.

But once I checked the contents, I was taken aback.

It was simply written:

A hundred and eleven years have passed like a single day. I hope the bond of reunion still remains. I will leave after seeing a friend in Jianghu.

No sender name.

No recipient name.

Just a short message.

I reread the letter several times.

In those three lines, everything was already said.

The "hundred and eleven years" referred to the age of the old senior, Heo Gyeom, the former Chief Commander.

The "bond of reunion" was his wish to see me, someone he considered a friend, one last time.

Saying the years passed like a single day suggested his health was no longer good.

I read it over and over, wondering if there was some hidden meaning.

But there was nothing more to find.

I folded the letter carefully and tucked it into my robes.

Hmm...

Crossing my arms, I thought for a long while, then called inside.

"Lady Son, are you there?"

"Yes, Sect Leader."

As soon as Lady Son came out, I spoke.

"Prepare ten thousand nyang in promissory notes. Pack my black long robes into a bundle as well."

"Understood."

"And even if it tastes terrible, pack some jerky. Throw in a bamboo canteen too."

"Yes."

Just then, Cha Seong-tae came walking into the hall, and I said quietly to him,

"Call So Gunpyeong, Commander Byeok, and Master Hoyeon. Quietly."

"Yes, sir."

I rested my chin in my hand and waited for the officers. Once they arrived and closed the main hall doors, I spoke.

"Sit down."

"Yes, sir."

"I wasn't planning to leave for a while, but now I have no choice. So Gunpyeong will be in charge of the antidote for Yukhap Master. If he shows any signs of breaking control while I'm gone, kill him immediately."

"Understood. What about Geum Eun-chil-chung?"

"You lot can handle them, can't you? Unless they go completely insane, treat them with the aim of keeping them alive."

"Yes, sir."

"And although the chances are low, the Sama Clan Master was severely injured by my hand. There’s a risk ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) that they could hire outside forces to strike this place while I’m away. If anyone comes asking about my whereabouts, say I’ve gone to Namyeonghui. If needed, gather forces and crush them alongside Namyeonghui. If anything strange happens, adjust the plans flexibly depending on the situation. Tell the Death Pavilion members to train at Heukmyobang for now."

"Understood."

So Gunpyeong asked,

"Where are you going, Sect Leader?"

"Blood Night Palace."

"When are you leaving?"

I answered while receiving the packed bundle from Lady Son rushing out from inside.

"Right now."

Seeing my expression, Cha Seong-tae spoke.

"Sect Leader, if you’re going for a fight, let’s gather a force first."

"It’s too far. And I’m not going there to fight. I need to move quickly—if I drag a whole force, they’ll collapse before we even get there."

I stood up and glanced around at the officers.

"See you when I get back."

As I strode out, the officers noisily followed me to the front gate.

I suddenly wondered if I had forgotten anything, so I turned back toward them and spoke.

"While I’m gone—"

"Yes, sir."

"So Gunpyeong will oversee Heukmyobang. Seong-tae will manage Haomun. Master Hoyeon will act as chief instructor. For any important internal decisions, consult with Commander Byeok. And for external affairs, consult with Baek-in."

"Understood."

I nodded once in farewell, then unfurled my light footwork.

***

Would I be able to meet Heo Gyeom?

Who knows.

If a hundred and eleven years passed like a single day for him...

Then by now, the dark night must be descending on the life of the man named Heo Gyeom.

For an old assassin who had survived over a hundred years, what did death even mean anymore?

Anyway, I still had a long way to go to reach Blood Night Palace, so I ran while letting my thoughts wander.

Even after that old senior passed away, there would be problems.

In my previous life, I hadn’t heard much about Blood Night Palace when I was active in Jianghu. Nothing particularly came to mind.

That's one of the reasons I was racing urgently toward Blood Night Palace now.

Because I had no idea what might happen.

Because there was an underlying unease.

And because I wanted to properly say farewell to Heo Gyeom.

Because we were the kind of men who, no matter what, tried to keep our promises.

As I ran, I gradually emptied my mind, focusing solely on my light footwork.

I had plenty of internal energy to keep moving without rest, but even so, the soles of my feet burned, the sensation in my knees went strange, and eventually, I couldn’t help but feel short of breath.

After running the entire day, I finally collapsed into a quiet spot, drank water from the bamboo canteen, and chewed on some jerky.

On instinct, I scanned my surroundings— then circulated the true energy of the Moonlight Cold Heart Technique inside me.

A cool sensation spread from my head to my toes. It was almost bewildering how refreshing it felt. 

Even as I experienced something new...

The road ahead felt long, and my martial arts felt far from complete.

I stood up again, exhaled deeply, and resumed running. This time, I operated my internal energy thinking of combining extreme yin and extreme yang— the path of Divided Mind Technique.

It wasn’t easy.

But it was something I would have to attempt eventually.

Simultaneously operating yin and yang inside the body would be the first stage.

Simultaneously projecting yin and yang outside the body would be the second stage.

Being able to freely combine and use them both internally and externally at will— I decided that would be the third stage.

That was the starting point of what I called Zaha Divine Art.

I ran, feeling like I was laying the foundation for a new martial art through light footwork.

Holding back the need to shit, skipping meals, running while thinking about martial arts— a mad monkey.

I watched the sun and moon shift guards several times over, running and running like a crazed monkey.

Because a promise... is a promise.

***

When I arrived at Blood Night Palace, I realized I wasn’t too late.

Instead of wailing, I heard occasional laughter echoing through the grounds.

‘Ah, he kept his promise.’

Without any trouble, I was guided by a Blood Night Palace martial artist to a spacious main hall.

There, six or seven people were seated in a circle, and at the center sat Chief Commander Heo Gyeom, clad in a faded black uniform.

As soon as Heo Gyeom saw me, he broke into a warm smile.

"Haomun Lord, you came just as I said you would. Yongmyeong, didn’t I tell you? He would definitely come."

Yongmyeong responded with a faint smile.

"Yes, sir."

There were others to my left and right, but for now, I headed straight toward Heo Gyeom to greet him.

"Senior, I’m here."

To hell with Jianghu etiquette and formalities. I simply walked up to Heo Gyeom and lightly took his wrinkled hand. Heo Gyeom smiled and said,

"Thank you for coming, Lord."

His tone had changed from before, but I didn’t mind. We were never the type of men to fuss over things like that. I studied Heo Gyeom’s complexion and his eyes, and even gauged the strength of his grip. There was no strength left in him at all.

I smiled and said,

"Senior, your outfit suits you well. It looks like the assassin’s uniform you wore in your prime."

Heo Gyeom nodded.

"You recognized it immediately. It’s the very same. I often wore it when I was serving as the chief instructor."

Standing behind Heo Gyeom, Yongmyeong spoke to me.

"Lord, please sit where I was sitting."

Only then did I take a proper look at the others gathered.

The Lord of Blood Night Palace was there, as well as Gyo-yeong—the girl who once got flicked on the forehead by me—and a few unfamiliar Jianghu figures.

I sat down where Yongmyeong had been and realized the Sword Demon senior hadn't arrived.

The mood wasn't one for casual chatting, so I simply looked at Heo Gyeom.

After I took my seat, the Blood Night Palace Lord spoke.

"Lord, thank you for coming all this way."

"Don’t mention it. I came like I was visiting a friend in the neighboring town."

"......"

The Blood Night Palace Lord blinked, then gave a small smile.

Since the atmosphere had grown a bit stiff, I—as usual—clumsily asked,

"What were you all talking about so joyfully?"

Heo Gyeom chuckled and said,

"This old man lived long enough that even these faded black garments survived. I was just distributing a few items. Yongmyeong."

"Yes, sir."

"Bring that item I mentioned before—the one I thought would suit the Lord."

I glanced between Heo Gyeom and Yongmyeong.

‘A gift, the moment I arrive?’

It wasn’t really a gift.

It was a memento.

While waiting for Yongmyeong, I caught eyes with Gyo-yeong and mischievously made a flicking gesture with my finger.

Gyo-yeong glared at me with lowered eyes. When I caught her lips moving, I asked bluntly,

"Did you just say I’m annoying?"

Startled, Gyo-yeong quickly looked at the Blood Night Palace Lord.

"No, I didn’t say anything!"

"I know. The Lord is just teasing. Don’t get caught up in it."

"Yes, sir."

As I looked around, I noticed a middle-aged man I’d briefly seen before at the luxurious Suwol Manor.

"So you were the owner of Suwol Manor."

The middle-aged man smiled and bowed his head slightly.

"It’s been a long time, sir."

It seemed that only those with ties to Heo Gyeom or high-ranking members of Blood Night Palace had been gathered here.

Soon, Yongmyeong emerged from inside and handed Heo Gyeom a shabby wooden sword.

Heo Gyeom caressed the sword and said to me,

"This is a gift for you, Lord. A wooden sword I treasured greatly in my youth. I would be pleased if you put it to use."

I rose from my seat and accepted the wooden sword Heo Gyeom offered.

"Such a precious thing..."

Heo Gyeom smiled broadly as he handed it over.

Holding the wooden sword, I turned and said,

"Senior, I’ll make this the heirloom of Haomun—the Treasure of the Lord."

Heo Gyeom gave a light laugh.

"Lord, that’s a weapon for assassins. It wouldn’t suit the role of a sect’s treasure."

He drew a line in the air with his finger. Understanding immediately, I pulled the plain wooden sword slightly. Though it looked like an ordinary wooden sword on the outside, inside it concealed a real, sharp blade.

Despite its light weight, the blade appeared incredibly sharp.

I asked Heo Gyeom,

"Senior, does this blade have a name?"

"There was a name given by its original wielder, but I won't tell you. It would be better if you give it a new name."

I nodded and looked down at the sword.

"I’ll do that."

Looking relaxed, Heo Gyeom glanced around at the others.

"There’s at least one good thing about living long. There’s plenty to share."

I sat quietly, listening to Heo Gyeom’s gentle voice, when suddenly I turned my head toward the main hall doors. Hurried footsteps approached, and a martial artist of Blood Night Palace burst in.

The young martial artist, face pale as paper, reported,

"……I bring word that the Cult Leader is on his way to visit Elder Heo."

For a moment, I wondered what kind of nonsense I had just heard. I looked around at the others.

Seeing their faces all turn ghostly pale, it was clear this was an uninvited guest.

Only Heo Gyeom remained composed, replying in a calm tone,

"Where is he now?"

"He has already arrived nearby. He’s leaving his forces stationed outside and coming alone, with instructions that Blood Night Palace should not overreact or disturb Elder Heo’s mood."

Heo Gyeom nodded.

"It’s just a visit. No need to overreact."

Meanwhile, I stood there like a dumb sack of barley, trying to process the situation. But there wasn’t really anything I could do.

Still half in disbelief, I asked,

"Senior... did you convert to some religion in your old age? They said a ‘Cult Leader’ is coming..."

"......"

No one answered.

Which meant...

I had no choice but to accept it as reality.

The Demon Cult Leader was nearby.

The feeling was both exhilarating and deeply unpleasant.