Chapter 141: Three Peaches (1)

Chapter 141: Three Peaches (1)

[Mr. Lee Shiheon?]

Yes.

[It seems theres been a problem.]

From where the elder stood, looking down at the Dowon, the World Tree spoke to me.

What problem?

[Your absence has been prolonged There was some turmoil.]

I nodded, absorbing the World Trees words.

Figures.

It was expected. My other self in that timeline disappeared without a word, not returning to the lodging. Though I was in the past, the present time did not stop. A month in the past equated to a day in the present. From that perspective, its been a night since I disappeared.

So? Do I need to return immediately?

[No. Ive sent a telepathic message to the priestess that you were away for a bit. It should be conveyed soon.]

Thats a relief.

If I moved to the other timeline, the lifespan of the World Tree rapidly decreased. There were many I wished to see, but what could I do but hold back?

Sitting down with a thud on the dirt ground at the mountain top, I took in the wide Dowon at a glance.

[Are you satisfied with what youve achieved in the meantime?]

Taken aback by the World Trees sudden question, I shrugged.

Ive gained plenty.

[Then Im truly glad. I am happy to think I was of help to you.]

Just pleasantries?

[Well, you could say that.]

The dawn that was red when I was talking with the Cheonma had now turned into the mornings sunset.

I closed my eyes and concentrated on the surroundings for a moment.

The hustle and bustle of the morning, like the innkeepers footsteps or the tofu vendors voice, spread out at this moment. Every time training ends and I look down from the top of the mountain, I can feel the peace of this place for a moment.

Such a delightful atmosphere. I thought this every time.

[You are remarkable.]

Hey.

[Yes?]

Stop with the flattery. Whats all this for?

[Think back to the emotion you felt when you saw that womans death. Im feeling something similar.]

Ah, now I get it.

I didnt understand before, but now I seem to grasp the World Trees emotions. She must have wanted to change something about the future, bending her head to someone with no connection to her.

[Still, its true you are remarkable. That spirit of yours is worth emulating.]

Youd do well in social life.

[Ill be dead soon though.]

Hahaha.

I let out a chuckle. Enough with the idle talk; time to move. Holding torn clothes in one hand and scratching the back of my neck with the other, I slowly generated mana in my body.

Then, I looked behind me.

The training ground, as if carved out of the mountain, was empty. The ground was dug up, and trees were uprooted as if a crane had passed through. I carelessly extended my hand to the site of the disaster.

-Whirr!

The mana emitted from my fingertips gathered, filling the land and raising the trees. I couldnt make the once-wilted grass grow again, but this was enough to consider it restored.

[What will you do going forward?]

Receiving the power of Cheonma went smoothly. I carefully checked for any incorrect parts in the martial arts sequences and minor movements, and though the eighth form was still dangerous for me to use, I made sure to learn how to use it properly.

Managing the Dowon went without a hitch. Running around, Ive drastically reduced the crime rate here.

-What bad things is that brother doing?

-Uh, umm anyway, bad things! Today, Im Baekdo Holmes. I must capture this mans disgraceful acts and strip him of his Young Demon title.

-Baekdo, did you read a detective novel again?

Baekdo Holmes. Such a childish notion. But those novels are indeed entertaining, perfect for passing time.

Judging by Hwangdos bored voice, it seemed she was reluctantly playing along with Baekdos forced rhythm.

I told them I had no intention of becoming Cheonma. Are they getting anxious?

After not seeing them for a while, here they were again. My increasingly prominent position seemed to be a thorn in Baekdos side. Its nice that she cared about Cheondos future, but her lack of trust in me felt precisely the same, both now and in the past.

I pretended to take a side path, stopping at a fork in the road. Leaning against a wall, I waited for Baekdo. When she followed me in, our eyes met exactly.

Eek!

Why are you following me?

Baekdo froze the moment our eyes met. Immediately, she puffed up her upper body as much as she could, like a small animal facing a larger one.

Oh, no, thats not it

Knowing she was doing something wrong, Baekdo stiffened, trying to find an excuse, then suddenly shouted at Hwangdo, who had followed her in.

Is this where Baekdo went?Ah, caught.

Ssshh, its your fault, Hwangdo! You didnt hide properly!

Hwangdos eyes widened.

Eh? Why are you blaming me suddenly?

Cant even hide properly? But youre so good at hiding weird magazines.

Theyre not weird magazines!

Hwangdo raised her voice, stung by Baekdos criticism. Apparently, she was offended by the insult to her magazines. The real-life sisters exchanged insults, and I watched them, dumbfounded.

Baekdo always criticizes the magazines. Its a legitimate hobby!

What kind of hobby is that? I read the magazine you asked me to buy last time, and it was filled with nothing but weird stuff! Suck all my fluids~? What fluids? What does that even mean!

Its, its, its not weird! Its weird that Baekdo imagines such things! A lot of people read that magazine!

The argument was becoming absurd. I listened to their quarrel, and when it seemed like there would be no end, I finally spoke up.

What are you two even doing?

Hwangdo proudly told me,

Baekdo said that brother is a very bad person. We have to follow him and gather evidence- eep!

Hey, really!

A betrayal faster than light. Baekdo covered Hwangdos mouth and glared at me.

What what are you going to do about it?

She knew she was in the wrong.

Didnt I tell you before?

Words and actions are different! right?

Baekdo was concerned about Cheondo, but from my perspective, who saw Cheondo every night, I hadnt noticed such behavior. Just last night, I was eating sausages and singing along to the PreCure opening.

I did bring it up once.

I casually asked while watching a cartoon if there was any trouble. Cheondo just shook her head with an indifferent expression.

-Why ask that?

-Oh, just wondering.

-Dont worry about me. Ill catch up soon. What comics did you bring today?

She seemed to worry about her lack of skill. She might have something to hide, but it didnt seem like she was ready to talk about it.

Even if that were the case, this is between Cheondo and me.

.

Baekdo closed her mouth at my logical rebuttal. She must have thought it made sense too.

However, unable to control her frustration, her cheeks puffed up, and her mouth turned down. Her eyes began to moisten and blur.