Chapter 65: Chilgok County's An Family (1)

Chapter 65: Chilgok County's An Family (1)

After completing the Tonap Technique, I opened my eyes to find that night had fallen deeply.

I listened intently for a moment, but to my relief, I didnt hear any screams.

Could it be that she didnt turn into the Heavenly Death Star? Or perhaps she simply didnt come this way. The situation was unclear.

Is that the sound of water?

Concentrating on the noise, I made out the sound of water coming from a corner of the room.

Since the room was pitch black with no lights on, I directed my attention towards the sound.

Locating the source, I saw a figure washing their hands and face with water in the corner.

The sight startled me so much that I nearly let out a scream, but I managed to suppress it just in time.

Who could this be? The man who had brought me here? I strained to make out their identity, but the darkness made it impossible to see anything beyond their silhouette.

While I was still taken aback and trying to guess who it might be, the moon emerged from behind the clouds and shone through the window, casting a weak light that revealed the persons form.

The silhouette bathed in moonlight was unmistakably that of a woman.

In the darkness, I couldnt see her face, but the outline of her ample breasts was clear, something no clothing could hide unless it was a binder meant for women masquerading as men.

Who else could it be? There was no point in wondering. If the previous owner hadnt forsaken a gumiho and left, then there was only one person who could be standing before me.

Sohee?

I called out the name of the only woman who might enter my room at this hour, in this world or any other.

She reacted immediately to my voice.

Yunho!

The responding voice was familiar, a relief. The woman who rose quickly was indeed Cheon Sohee.

As she approached, her face was a whirlwind of emotions.

Thankfully, it wasnt the visage of the Heavenly Death Star, but rather that of Cheon Sohee herself.

While I was using the Tonap Technique, she must have waited for me, worried, without engaging in her usual guess who I am game.

Sohee, how did you find me Ugh!

I tried to stand up to greet her, but my legs failed halfway through.

Yunho!

She immediately wrapped her arms around me, supporting my body.

As she held me close, I could see the concern for me etched on her face.

You found me well.

I remember Yunhos scent.

Has the Thousand Li Fragrance still not worn off?

I had resigned myself to not escaping a long time ago, and yet, I was astounded by the unbelievable tracking ability of the Thousand Li Fragrance.

Sohee carefully sat me down while maintaining her hold on me.

Sohee?

Why are you still clinging to me?

Shouldnt you have let go after sitting me down?

Im sorry.

Against my hopes, she clung to me even tighter, as if she couldnt bear to release me.

Whats happening?

I felt her shoulders shake slightly. With her chin resting on my shoulder, she spoke.

Im sorry. Really Im sorry.

Was the shock that overwhelming?

I could sense the tears in her voice, as she fought to keep her emotions in check.

Should I comfort her?

Convinced she wouldnt react as my classmate had, who snatched her eraser back after I touched it, I mustered the courage to move my aimless hands.

Then, gently, I encircled her with one arm and began to stroke her head with the other.

Its not your fault, Sohee. I was the one who acted recklessly.

Before my stay at the inn, I had traveled this path daily without trouble. How could I have anticipated the resurgence of Cheongsapa there?

No, its my fault. I couldnt protect you. I promised to be by your side. I vowed I would escort you but I couldnt.

The quiver of her shock, laden with grief, transferred from her chest into my body.

Having lost loved ones before, this event must have been a profound shock to her.

Was the bond we had formed to evade death turning into something deeper? Had I secured a small place in her heart?

Silently, I stroked her hair until her trembling subsided.

Honestly, my whole body was sore, and her embrace was painful, but the feeling of her chest against my upper body was quite comforting, so I endured and held her.

As her trembling eased, she naturally stepped out of my embrace and stood up.

Leaving my embrace, her face was still slightly flushed, perhaps not completely over her intense emotions.

Sohee. So, have you finished avenging your brother?

I was surprised to hear myself asking her so casually about her killing, but it seemed like the right topic to lighten her mood.

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She began explaining how she had dismembered them, as if a child proudly telling a mother about her achievements.

I was not good with gore.

There were descriptions that made me want to grimace, but I couldnt show my disgust while she earnestly explained her revenge, so I listened.

So, I split the stomach and the intestines

Ugh!

Her graphic description suddenly made me feel nauseous.

Wait, this wasnt just nausea.

This was blood.

Yunho!

She was startled, grabbed my wrist, and noticed the blood on my palm.

Had I injured my intestines?

Ugh!

Youre not denying it anymore.

After her departure, the man chuckled to himself and started to manage the aftermath.

Regaining consciousness, I felt someones careful hands examining my body.

Who?

Still groggy from sleep, I asked the elderly man before me.

A physician. Dont move; it will hurt more. Just lie still.

Sohee must have brought me to a physician.

I closed my eyes and waited for the examination results, feeling relieved.

How is it?

An anxious voice. It was Sohees. I was about to open my eyes to look for her but decided against it.

There was no need to worry about transforming into the Heavenly Death Star with a physician here. It was better to rest.

Is this man a martial artist?

The physician inquired of Sohee while checking my pulse.

Why?

The internal injury isnt severe. Normally, one wouldnt vomit blood for such an injury. If hes a martial artist, he would have used Qigong to remove the stasis blood from his organs. Thats probably why he vomited blood.

So that was why I vomited blood.

I often spat blood when I was severely injured or used the Tonap Technique for recovery.

Each time, I thought my body was in danger and used the technique more vigorously, but it seemed that vomiting blood was part of the healing process.

I used Neigong.

Sohees voice carried a hint of suspicion.

Then theres no need to worry too much. But its curious. You look like youve been beaten up badly, but there are no broken bones or torn muscles. Youre not in perfect condition, so youll need to rest, but luckily, you wont be disabled.

Thats a relief.

Her voice sounded relieved and less worried.

Ill prepare some medicine. Continue taking it and practice Neigong regularly if youre able.

The physician got up to leave, and I opened my eyes.

Thank you Ugh!

I tried to sit up to greet him but suddenly lost strength in my supporting hand.

Yunho!

Sohee quickly approached, as if using a special martial arts move, and supported my upper body as it was about to collapse.

Thank you.

Just lie down.

Sohee, with a face full of concern, supported the back of my head and laid me back down.

She then continued to examine my face for injuries with a pained expression.

Youre too close; its uncomfortable. Keep some distance.

The couple seems quite sweet.

The physicians comment startled Sohee, and she quickly put some distance between us.

A couple No.

Sohee hesitated slightly in her denial.

Then youll soon be a couple.

The physician made a rather alarming statement.

Were just like siblings from the same hometown.

She tried to explain, but I decided to cut it short, thinking it would take an eternity to clarify.

Then she looked at me with an expression as if she wanted tteokbokki but ended up with gukbap instead.

Whats with that look? I settled it well.

Could she still be in shock from my injury? Her reactions have been somewhat odd since we left the slums.

Young peoples love affairs are not my business to meddle with. Ive left the prescription and medicine patches, so Ill take my leave now.

The physician, seemingly unable to bear any more, bid his farewell and left the room.

I just need to take the medicine, rest, and practice the Tonap Technique.

Theres no need to see those Cheongsapa guys again. Sohee becoming the Heavenly Death Star was just my misunderstanding.

This really felt like a happy ending.

Except for her, who was looking at me disapprovingly, unlike before.

Yunho.

Finally, she seemed ready to voice her discontent.

Could it be because of what just happened?

I hadnt referred to us as client and contractor like the last time. And its not like I called us a couple. She couldnt be upset about that.

Huh? Whats wrong, Sohee?

Kang Yunho doesnt understand why Sohee is upset. If shes angry for some inexplicable reason, as a patient, I should just lie back down.

I have something to ask.

Go ahead.

Had I done something to make her doubt that were just childhood friends?

No, if that were the case, she wouldnt have fiercely taken down those Cheongsapa guys and brought me here.

Then, would she ask about her past?

I had a backstory set up for Cheon Sohees past.

I felt confident discussing anything except for details like her parents names.

However, she didnt speak right away. She hesitated and studied me for a while.

What could it be about?

The anticipation made me anxious.

As I kept my gaze on her, she eventually posed her question.

Neigong. Who did you learn it from?

Ah. That was an unexpected question.