SYM 112
by Emerlyn“I understand. I’ll have my people handle that. A flute that controls people… Is it a type of sound technique? Eunuch Jang, have you heard anything about this?”
At the Third Prince’s question, Eunuch Jang, who had been standing back, stepped forward.
“Your Highness, I am afraid I have not heard anything specific about the Hongbaek Sect or sound techniques. However, some members of the Eastern Depot are skilled in sound techniques, so if there are those who are sensitive to sound techniques, we can respond from our side.”
“Are there any among the Eastern Depot members who came this time who use sound techniques?”
“Yes, there are two who use sound techniques.”
The Third Prince nodded and looked at Cheong-un.
“They say there are people who can use sound techniques, so it should work out somehow. You just take care of the Demonic Sect Leader.”
The Third Prince sighed briefly, his face weary.
He hadn’t thought the matter of the Hongbaek Sect would be simple, but it was far more complicated than he had imagined.
Imperial Noble Consort Gyeongsun was involved, and as he pursued the Hongbaek Sect, individuals far stronger than he had anticipated emerged.
When he first took on this task from his Imperial Father, he never imagined he would encounter a powerhouse like Cheong-un.
“Eunuch Jang. You heard everything, didn’t you? How is the preparation going?”
“Your Highness, everything is ready.”
As the Third Prince spoke, the door opened, and behind it, the Eastern Depot and Brocade Guard that the Third Prince had promised Cheong-un were gathered.
It had been less than half an hour since Cheong-un said he would leave tonight, and they had prepared everything in that short time.
Cheong-un inwardly admired them as he scanned the Eastern Depot and Brocade Guard.
The number of people was important, but this time, skill was even more crucial. If there were anyone who would only be a burden, he intended to dismiss them on the spot.
The Eastern Depot and Brocade Guard, kneeling, felt Cheong-un’s gaze sweeping over them and trembled. No matter how hard they tried not to show it, they felt as if a cold snake was slithering across their necks, causing an instinctive shiver.
After roughly assessing their capabilities, Cheong-un slowly nodded.
“Hmm, not bad. Good. I have no intention of playing nanny, so everyone will have to take care of their own lives.”
The eyes of the Brocade Guard and Eastern Depot flashed at Cheong-un’s condescending words.
It was clear that Cheong-un was stronger than them, but that didn’t mean he had the right to say such things.
“Then let’s depart.”
At Cheong-un’s words, the faces of those kneeling hardened.
Cheong-un launched Divine Shadow first. Even winged creatures needed a few flaps to take to the sky, but Cheong-un soared straight up without any preparatory movements.
Eunuch Jang lightly waved his hand, and those standing behind him all flew up at once. Dozens of people launching themselves into the air simultaneously caused the wind to flutter.
They soon disappeared into the darkness one by one.
“Eunuch Jang.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The Third Prince watched them for a long time before calling out to Eunuch Jang. Eunuch Jang bowed deeply as always and approached the Third Prince.
“…It’s nothing. Let’s go inside.”
The Third Prince swallowed the words that lingered in his mouth.
An uneasy feeling crept over him for some reason, but those in positions of power should not reveal their feelings.
The old Eunuch, as if understanding all of his master’s feelings, gave a soft smile and bowed his head.
* * *
Cheong-un moved lightly across the dark night sky as if dancing.
Behind him, those who bit their lips tightly were running.
In contrast to his leisurely movements, as if taking a stroll, Cheong-un’s light body skill speed was incredibly fast. They were selected from among the Eastern Depot and Brocade Guard, but they had to exert all their strength to keep up with Cheong-un.
Even if they lost track of Cheong-un, it wouldn’t be a big problem since they knew the destination, but it was a matter of pride. Although they belonged to different organizations, the Eastern Depot and Brocade Guard gritted their teeth and moved their legs with one mind.
Fortunately, the Yonghwa Palace was not far from the Third Prince’s residence.
They could see the golden roof shimmering under the moonlight.
As they began to see the golden glazed tiles that could only be used in the place where the Emperor resided, the tension soared.
Cheong-un knew the inner thoughts of those following him, but he didn’t bother to slow down or look back. Instead, he focused on what was in front of him.
Since he became Cheonma, had there ever been an opponent he had faced with such wholeheartedness?
After becoming the Demonic Sect Leader, Cheong-un rose to the position of Heavenly Demon through the Heavenly Demon Divine Art. Since then, he had never met an opponent who required his full sincerity.
Cheong-un smiled without realizing it, feeling a sense of excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time. Tonight, only one of Jeong-hyeon and himself would survive.
Cheong-un’s Divine Shadow landed on the golden tiles of Yonghwa Palace.
Yonghwa Palace was where the Emperor was born and was nominally an outer palace, but it was basically a temple. Even now, monks wearing red robes were busily moving around inside Yonghwa Palace.
But why was it so noisy inside at this hour?
Cheong-un scanned below with a questioning look.
Soon, the Third Prince’s people landed next to Cheong-un. They caught their breath and looked at Cheong-un.
Cheong-un spread his senses throughout Yonghwa Palace. He couldn’t check every detail because of its size, but he could sense a strange energy gathered in one place.
Reversing Heaven Energy that twisted all the existing energy it had.
Cheong-un frowned at the foul feeling. This was not something that could come from a temple or monastery.
What on earth had they done to make it so unpleasant? It felt like facing a pile of filth.
Cheong-un stared at the place where the Reversing Heaven Energy was raging, and without another word, he launched Divine Shadow towards it.
* * *
Eun-hyeon opened his eyes to a strange feverish sensation.
His whole body was burning with heat.
“Hngh…”
Even with his eyes open, his vision was not clear, and his throat was parched with thirst.
It had been a long time since he had been in such pain. He hadn’t been in this condition since leaving the Namgung Clan.
Perhaps it was because Cheong-un had been constantly sharing his energy and managing his condition before.
Was he so sick this time because he had relaxed after meeting Cheong-un? Or was it because he was too surprised? He was ashamed of his weak body.
Judging by the darkness around him, it was already late at night.
Eun-hyeon tried to get up but stopped for a moment.
The headache was so intense that he felt like he was going to throw up. Even after lying down and groaning for a long time, the headache did not subside easily. He wanted to split his head open and wash it with water if he could.
Then, he barely managed to get up and took a sip of the water placed by his bedside.
The lukewarm water, neither cold nor hot, felt quite cool in his mouth, so his fever must have been quite high.
“…Hoo.”
Where did Cheong-un go?
Usually, when he was in such bad condition, Cheong-un would know before him and stay by his side.
He knew he was busy, but he felt somehow disappointed when he didn’t see Cheong-un when he opened his eyes.
But where was he?
Perhaps because his head was foggy from the fever, he couldn’t easily remember where he was or where Cheong-un was.
After groaning for a long time, he finally remembered that this was the Third Prince’s residence.
“Ah, that’s right… It was the residence.”
Once he remembered, other things came back to him one after another as if a seal had been broken.
He remembered being imprisoned in a prison in Beijing, Cheong-un coming to rescue him, and coming to the Third Prince’s residence with Cheong-un.
Eun-hyeon groped for the water to drink some more. But the kettle his fingertips touched was empty.
Then someone came and filled Eun-hyeon’s empty cup with water.
Pouring.
“Ah, thank you…”
Eun-hyeon absentmindedly wet his lips, then suddenly wondered who had poured the water for him.
“…Cheong-un?”
There was no answer.
He couldn’t see his face because it was dark, and he could only make out a rough shape, but he was quite large.
It felt different from Cheong-un.
Eun-hyeon tilted his head slightly.
Who was it?
Since it was the Third Prince’s residence, was it someone from the residence? Or was it Amhon?
“It’s me, Eun-hyeon.”
Various answers came to mind and disappeared. Then, he heard an unexpected voice.