Chapter 137: Faintly, Suddenly (7)

Chapter 137: Faintly, Suddenly (7)

After receiving the handover, I began working under Hongyeon.

I shadowed her, absorbing and attempting the tasks at hand. The place known as Dowon had its share of issues, but given the peculiar nature of the martial world, I refrained from voicing unnecessary concerns.

The lack of funds was just the tip of the iceberg; there was so much in need of repair that prioritizing became essential.

Naturally, gathering information on Dowon, as initially intended, was carried out meticulously.

Here are the documents you requested.

I absorbed everything, from ancient records to any scrap of information available.

Where did Dowon originate, and how did it come to hold such a significant place in the vast martial world?

I also needed to uncover details about the Peach Tree family and Cheonma.

Is this sufficient?

Hongyeon, entering the office, placed a few more books on the pile.

Yes, well done.

To live and receive commendation from someone like you Are you getting enough rest? Ive lost track of how many nights youve worked through.

Her concern for me was evident.

I snorted and sipped my peach tea.

Hongyeon, who initially seemed intent on exploiting me as Sejong did with Prime Minister Hwang Hui, had completely altered her demeanor after a week.

Ah, at some point, I felt like sleep became unnecessary.

Continuing like this will harm your health Its not my place to say, but I hope you wont burn out, given your talent.

There was a reason she had been so eager to teach me from the first day.

But it wasnt a case of overexertion; rather, my body had adapted to a new rhythm, eliminating the need for sleep.

Perhaps it was the motivation I found that made the drowsiness vanish.

During training, I discussed this phenomenon with Cheonma and received a somewhat satisfactory explanation.

Cheonma mentioned it. The powers I possess have intertwined and evolved.

The World Tree of Healing significantly boosts the bodys immunity and regeneration capabilities. Perhaps the enhancement of this ability is why things have unfolded as they have.

Are you a monster?

Shut up. I still get tired after intense training. Im just pushing through with sheer willpower.

Despite everything, it was undeniable that I was navigating a grueling schedule.

Describing my daily life in Dowon,

I wake up at dawn to spar with Cheonma, receiving feedback on my reaction speed and judgment. As soon as the sun rises, I follow Hongyeon to tackle work. Given my ability to perform a wide range of tasks, I also assist with external affairs when possible.

Next, I share a large meal with Hongyeon at the inn. Since we wont be seeing each other for a while, Ive been taking advantage of her generosity as much as I can.

After eating, its back to work, then training, followed by more work.

In the late evening, I pop into Cheondos room with snacks.

Once Cheondo falls asleep, I return here to attend to my personal matters.

You should try to get some sleep.

Why does the leader of the demonic cult need to interfere so much?

Initially, Hongyeon would flinch every time I swore, but now shes become braver and even talks back a little.

It feels like youre being chased.

She often makes such sharp observations now.New n0vel chapters are published on

The leader has matured significantly. I looked up from the documents to glance at Hongyeon.

Being chased. Youre with me all day making me work, and now youre even here until dawn.

There arent many capable talents in Dowon.

Ive come to accept this after observing the situation here myself.

Its partly because these kids havent had proper education, and more importantly, the logic of power dominates this place.

Compared to modern civilization, its extremely primitive.

Thats true. At least Hwangdo and Baekdo are receiving basic education from the women of Dowon. Its just that the other children arent afforded the same opportunity.

There were occasionally clever and perceptive kids, but they always remained a minority.

In such times, most geniuses perished without ever realizing their intelligence.

But what will you do after I leave in two months?

I asked her as I closed the documents.

What?

Hongyeons eyes widened in surprise, nearly dropping the teapot she was holding.

-Clang.

Ah! Ah. Look at me, sorry. What do you mean youre leaving in two months?

Literally. My training with Cheonma ends in two months. After that, Im on my way.

This damn

Hongyeon seemed greatly shaken, trembling.

A bitter laugh escaped me, but excluding the training part, it wasnt entirely incorrect, so I held back my words.

With a voice filled with regret, Hongyeon murmured sadly.

If Cheonma had deliberately interfered with internal affairs from the start There wouldnt be any conflict among the sects now.

So, he has completely withdrawn his hand from the affairs of Dowon.

Thats why the elders of each sect can overstep their boundaries without knowing their place.

In the absence of the tiger, the fox prances.

Thats why. I thought if you became Cheonma, you could set things right here.

So, thats why he was so worried about me.

I thought this guy had grown fond of me, but he was hiding his true intentions, like a cunning fox.

But when it comes to choosing the successor, wont Cheonma step in?

Hongyeon shook her head in response to my question.

Given his personality, he probably wont. The fact that hes looked after you is already an exceptional occurrence.

He had taken care of my needs.

Thats why I had no trouble doing my work. Cheonma, who usually doesnt interfere in Dowons affairs, had made it clear, so nobody dared to bother me.

Ah, so people know me as a contender because he singled me out, even though he never interferes.

Yes. Compared to an unknown successor, you, who have demonstrated achievements, are indeed better. And in my opinion, youre competent.

Hongyeon didnt skimp on the praise, clearly hoping I wouldnt change my mind.

Even if I wanted to stay, I was destined to leave.

And I too wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

There was too much I had stirred up with Seyeong and Dallae.

Anyway, thats how it turned out.

After Hongyeons words, silence fell in the office for a moment.

After thinking for a while, I picked up the quill and suddenly voiced a thought.

If the original successor is more capable than me, wouldnt that solve everything?

If they can demonstrate their abilities in front of others, yes.

Then theres no problem.

Do you know who it is?

I nodded.

That person can do anything. Much more capable, talented, and less prone to cursing than someone like me.

If thats true, Id be grateful. I dont know who it is, but they must be aware by now. Aware that their position is in danger.

I stopped there.

The position of Cheonmas successor was in danger.

Did Cheondo really think so?

I halted my train of thought there.

Overthinking and fretting only complicated things.

Actions needed to be taken to avoid mistakes.

I need to meet both the old man and the successor.

At my words, Hongyeons eyes widened.

Ah, the teapot pieces she had just finished gathering fell to the floor again.

If possible I ask you. I dont want this place to fall.

Why?

When I was young, I was picked up by that old man and grew up here. This place is my home, and he is my benefactor. If you can just do that, and if things go well, I can apologize over and over for treating you poorly.

I approached Hongyeon.

The shoes I was wearing stepped on the pieces of the teapot, shattering them further.

-Crunch.

I grabbed Hongyeons head, which was bowed, and lifted it up.

The face of a woman, pale but determined, came into view.

She still had gauze over her nose, but since it was her fault, I had no intention of healing her.

I was going to do it anyway.

Hongyeons expression turned complex, filled with indiscernible emotions.

Still, I had to grant her request. Before I leave, Ill tell her to treat Cheondo well; she seems like the type to listen.

Hongyeon was kind-hearted but lacked manners.

Moreover, what I wanted to know might be related to the old mans situation.

I could pretend not to know and move on, but I dont plan to.

What I was trying to uncover might well be the real reason I was sent to the past.