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#11 “Even for Me”
The Northern Heavens are desolate.
The word “desolate” implies both emptiness and vastness.
Thus—
In the Northern Heavens, where the population is sparse and the land expansive, horses were essential for traveling beyond city walls. Even ordinary citizens learned to ride in order to move between cities. Given this characteristic of the Northern Heavens, the presence of the Iron-Sick Cheol Family and the Guangming Squad, responsible for transporting goods, was indispensable.
Clop-clop—.
Naturally, the Cheol Family Patriarch was an excellent rider.
At the main gate of the Cheol Family estate—
The Patriarch mounted a robust brown horse and gazed down at his son with concern.
“Weigang.”
“Yes, Father.”
Trot-trot-trot—.
They were on their way to meet the Lü Ming Squad Leader. Since the Patriarch was moving, most of the Cheol Family Guard accompanied him. The barren Northern Heavens were rife with bandits, whose forces were sizable, making a large escort necessary. This reality weighed heavily on Cheol U-saeng’s steps.
“Come closer.”
Cheol Weigang approached him. Leaning down from his horse, Cheol U-saeng whispered to his third son.
“If you need it, I’ll leave half of the guard behind for you.”
As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward the Peerless Armory. His wary eyes betrayed his suspicion of the monstrous eldest son who had been holed up there for days.
Cheol Weigang seemed to understand his father’s meaning as he glanced in the same direction but soon shook his head.
“No. Until we meet the Lü Ming Squad, we can’t predict what dangers may arise. Your safety is paramount.”
“But…”
“And Grandfather has agreed to assist us.”
Cheol U-saeng nodded.
After what happened to Jin Myeong-hwa, it was inevitable that Jin Joong-tae, whether in good faith or bad, wouldn’t remain idle. Cheol U-saeng suspected Jin Joong-tae’s intentions when he hadn’t barked at him directly but instead whispered to his youngest son.
Though he disliked his father-in-law’s attitude, he could guess why Jin Joong-tae had spoken only to his youngest son and excluded him.
Glancing warily at the shadow cast by the main gate, Cheol U-saeng lowered his voice further.
“You are a Cheol, not a Jin.”
Perhaps it was petty jealousy. But for Cheol U-saeng, it was a crucial reminder to his youngest son, who might be swayed by the glittering allure of gold.
Cheol Weigang responded with a dutiful smile.
“I know that better than anyone. The blood pumping through my heart belongs to the Cheol Family.”
Jin Myeong-hwa was a “Jin.”
But her son, Cheol Weigang, was a “Cheol.”
Whether it was the second or third son, Cheol Weigang was a strong candidate to succeed as the next Patriarch of the Cheol Family. Thus, Cheol U-saeng hoped neither would fall under Jin Joong-tae’s influence.
Having said all he needed to say, he straightened his posture and firmly gripped the reins.
“I trust you.”
“Travel safely. I will ensure the household is properly ‘disciplined’ in your absence.”
Cheol U-saeng glanced once more at the Peerless Armory. Even now, whenever he closed his eyes, the image of Cheol Gun-ak holding chopsticks to Jin Myeong-hwa’s throat at Yoo-ha Pavilion haunted him.
Those pitch-black eyes… The deeper he thought about them, the darker and more inescapable they seemed, as if staring straight into his soul.
“Very well. Do as you see fit.”
It was comforting that Cheol Gun-ak wasn’t present at this moment.
“Remember, one avoids dung not because it’s frightening, but because it’s filthy.”
Still, if Cheol Gun-ak’s words were true—if Jin Myeong-hwa was indeed part of the Dark Emperor Sect and the Jin Family’s stronghold colluded with them—the situation was bleak. Cheol U-saeng had even questioned Jin Myeong-hwa about potential issues, but—
He shook his head, like a horse shaking off flies.
It was the desperate gesture of a man who only wanted to see what he wished to see.
“There’s no need to push too hard.”
With those final words, Cheol U-saeng spurred his horse forward. The Cheol Family Guard galloped after him, kicking up clouds of sand that obscured their view.
Whoooooosh—.
Cheol Weigang watched until the dust settled before finally replying.
“No, this is precisely the time to push.”
He declared his intention to “discipline” the household.
The Patriarch accepted his words.
In the Northern Heavens, “discipline” meant cutting away any protruding nails within the family.
Grip—.
Cheol Weigang clenched his fists.
No matter how many days passed, the hostage crisis at Yoo-ha Pavilion remained unforgettable. The shame of being powerless as his mother’s life hung by a thread burned deep within him.
Thus—
Swoosh—.
One by one, black-masked warriors clad in dark uniforms appeared around Cheol Weigang. When their number reached twenty, another figure joined them.
“I’ve specially selected those ranked second grade or higher. Enough force to wipe out a decent martial academy.”
The setting sun cast long shadows across the pillars of the main gate.
From within those shadows emerged Jin Joong-tae.
“I didn’t expect you to provide such extensive support.”
“As your grandfather, it’s only natural to assist when my grandson wishes to act.”
Tch—.
Jin Joong-tae placed a hand on Cheol Weigang’s shoulder. From the shadows, his thin lips parted.
“Do you think you can succeed?”
“It’s something I must do. And with this force, failure isn’t an option.”
Cheol Weigang smiled.
If his smile for his father had been firm, the one he now showed Jin Joong-tae carried a faint trace of killing intent. Only he knew which expression was closer to his true self.
Satisfied, Jin Joong-tae nodded.
“Go. Tonight, not only the Cheol Family but the entire Peerless Road will fall into a deep slumber.”
This meant blocking the eyes and ears of the Iron-Sick Cheol Family using the Jin Family’s power.
Even if someone died tonight—
Even if Cheol Gun-ak, who had recently been walking around so boldly, were to perish—it would go unnoticed.
“Yes. As the grandson of the Jin Family, I will fulfill my duty.”
Cheol Weigang glanced briefly at the crimson sunset on the horizon.
Jin Joong-tae did the same—or so it seemed.
“One question, if I may.”
“Anything.”
“Are you truly unconnected to the Dark Emperor Sect?”
Cheol Weigang’s eyes were now fixed on Jin Joong-tae.
Just as Cheol U-saeng had doubted Jin Myeong-hwa, Cheol Weigang harbored suspicions about Jin Joong-tae’s ties to the sect. Given the black blood found in Jin Myeong-hwa’s guard’s heart, the possibility couldn’t be ruled out.
Had Jin Joong-tae not been Cheol U-saeng’s father-in-law, he would have been dragged in for questioning long ago.
Jin Joong-tae stared at Cheol Weigang for a moment before stepping out of the shadows. Bathed in the sunset, he spoke in a low voice.
“Does my word matter? If you suspect me, then we’re part of the Dark Emperor Sect. If not, we’re not.”
“…”
“The Dark Emperor Sect is a truly despicable bunch. No matter how innocent someone seems, scratch the surface, and they often turn out to be part of the sect.”
“Yes.”
“My grandson.”
Jin Joong-tae turned his head.
Tonight, as Cheol Weigang prepared for a decisive action, Jin Joong-tae embraced him and whispered into his ear.
“If it benefits me, I will follow the Dark Emperor Sect. And I will tell you the same.”
“…!”
“But my conclusion is that following the Dark Emperor Sect would bring greater harm to us.”
Jin Joong-tae’s cold, calculating words lingered.
Taptap—.
He released his embrace and patted Cheol Weigang’s shoulder. Then, clearing the way for Cheol Weigang and the Black Shadow Assembly warriors to enter the Cheol Family estate, he added:
“Your suspicious attitude pleases me. Always stay vigilant. The Dark Emperor Sect will stop at nothing to deceive you.”
“Yes.”
Cheol Weigang bowed deeply.
“Forgive my rudeness.”
His lingering doubts vanished in that moment. It was so typical of Jin Joong-tae.
After bowing, he led the Black Shadow Assembly warriors into the Cheol Family estate.
Jin Joong-tae stood alone, hands clasped behind his back, watching their retreating figures. He anticipated news of Cheol Gun-ak’s death tonight.
When their figures disappeared entirely—
“For you as well.”
Jin Joong-tae smiled—an uncharacteristically cunning smile, fitting for a member of the Dark Emperor Sect who deceived even his own grandson.
On a night where the stars, usually shining brightly to comfort the lonely, were obscured—
Swish-swish-swish—.
Rain poured down.
The raindrops were thick and heavy.
Taptaptap—.
Cheol Weigang walked alongside twenty warriors.
Normally, lanterns should have illuminated various parts of the Cheol Family estate at this hour.
But tonight—
True to Jin Joong-tae’s promise, there was nothing.
Only the flickering light from the Peerless Armory in the distance swayed faintly. Cheol Weigang glanced at it briefly before issuing his command.
“Let’s go in.”
Whoosh—.
The Black Shadow warriors scaled the walls of Mu Hwa Pavilion, where Cheol Gun-ak and Grandma resided. The heavy rain completely masked their presence.
Not only that—
Rumble-rumble-rumble—.
Thunder roared through the storm clouds.
It was loud enough to swallow a scream or two.
Cheol Weigang smiled, feeling as though the heavens were aiding him.
“The Young Master just returned from the Peerless Armory,” he reported.
Leaning against a rock in a corner of Mu Hwa Pavilion, Cheol Weigang sat upright and stared intently at Cheol Gun-ak’s room.
The Black Shadow Captain cautiously asked:
“Will you handle it personally?”
Kaboom—!
A bolt of lightning struck fiercely, illuminating the world in white flashes.
Through the window, the shadow of Cheol Gun-ak lying on his bed was visible.
“…!”
The captain trembled momentarily. There was no sensation of slicing flesh or the blade scraping against bone.
Shwip—.
He hastily pulled back the blanket.
What he saw was a makeshift human figure made of pillows and chopsticks.
At that moment—
“So many of you came.”
Kaboom—!
An even brighter bolt of lightning illuminated the room.
The captain noticed someone standing in the corner. The other warriors tightened their grips on their weapons.
“I didn’t expect such a large group. How thorough.”
Kaboom—!
The world flickered with light.
The Grim Reaper stood with arms crossed, watching them.
“Let’s die once and kill again.”
It was Cheol Gun-ak.
Smirk—.
Despite his chilling smile, the captain wasn’t flustered. Though things weren’t going as planned, the outcome wouldn’t change.
“Attack!”
Swish-swish-swish—.
Blades flew toward Cheol Gun-ak’s throat. A curved sword charged at him like a moth drawn to a massive flame.
‘Not bad.’
Cheol Gun-ak leaned his body backward.
Whoosh—!
He narrowly avoided the blade by a hair’s breadth. But it wasn’t over yet.
Taking advantage of his tilted center of gravity—
Two Black Shadow warriors lunged at his sides, targeting his ribs and ankles.
Crash-crash-crash—.
The commotion caused furniture to collapse, and objects fell to the floor.
As the fight continued, items from Cheol Gun-ak’s childhood shattered and broke apart.
‘Stronger than the Central Plains assassins.’
Cheol Gun-ak’s eyes gleamed.
Zhu Rong Devil Arts (祝融魔功) spread throughout his body.
Through the meridians he’d opened at the Peerless Armory, superheated divine flames surged freely, completing the Small Celestial Circuit.
Ordinary flesh now bore the power of fire.
And so—
Kaboom—!
Cheol Gun-ak kicked down a flying scythe with his leg. Pivoting on his left foot, he dodged a blade aimed at his ribs.
Krunch—!!
With his right foot, he kicked the head of a warrior targeting him from below.
The Black Shadow warriors screamed in shock.
“He’s strong!”
“He moves like someone who’s faced ambushes countless times.”
Their momentum grew sharper and more sinister, befitting assassins who hunted lives under the cover of night.
On the other hand—
Shwing—.
Cheol Gun-ak drew his sword, slowly raising the corners of his mouth.
Demon Sword, Black Night (Heuk-ya).
Wooooo—.
Zhu Rong Devil Arts.
Equal Vitality.
Shadowy Abyss Realm.
Heuk-ya cried out joyfully.
The demon sword, yearning for blood and death, manifested.
Kaboom—!
In sync with its cry, an even larger bolt of lightning struck the earth.