"Chomp chomp chomp. Is it tasty, you rascal?"
"Yip!"
Seoryang patted the head of Geumho, who was devouring the pile of lamb on the plate. After finishing all that meat, Geumho even drank all the water in the bowl. The belly of Geumho, which was sleek and slender, suddenly swelled up like a balloon.
Seoryang muttered with a sour expression, "What kind of stomach do you have? You eat so much, yet in less than half a day, you're all slim again. And it's not like you're running around energetically either."
Thud.
Geumho, lying on his back, yawned lazily. Seoryang, who was quietly watching Geumho, touched his shoulders and front legs. Geumho purred contentedly, wagging his tail as a bonus.
"You're definitely not an ordinary fox."
It wasn't just because of his large ears and tail that matched his body size. Even before, Seoryang had felt that the skeletal structure was different. Not only did his actions resemble a cat, but his skeleton was also closer to a cat's than a dog's.
Seoryang pressed down on Geumho's paw. Then, claws hidden beneath the fur protruded. Though still a cub, the claws were small and transparent, yet sharply curved like a cat's.
"As expected, a rare creature is indeed a rare creature."
Geumho's body had the robustness seen in dogs or wolves, combined with the flexibility of a cat. Yet, it didn't seem out of place and appeared harmonious.
Seoryang's eyes turned serious. "What exactly are you?"
Even from the skeletal structure, it was unusual. Of course, having such an animal in the world isn't strange. The world is vast, and there are many more peculiar creatures.
The reason Seoryang began to seriously ponder about Geumho was different.
Wooong.
A subtle red demonic energy arose from his hand. Even with the terrifying demonic energy swirling before him, Geumho only yawned repeatedly. It seemed he was sleepy after eating.
'How curious.'
Not reacting much was very suspicious. Demonic energy is a product of the reverse heavens. Whether human or animal, encountering demonic energy should cause their body to freeze due to its alien nature.
Yet, Geumho showed no signs of tension. Instead, he even rubbed his face against Seoryang's hand as if finding the demonic energy comforting.
Seoryang's pupils turned red.
Woooong!!
As he increased the output, the demonic energy emanating from his hand intensified. The red-hot demonic energy soon crackled and surged menacingly.
Geumho lifted his head and looked up at Seoryang.
Ziiing.
The fierce lightning that had been jumping around vanished silently upon touching Geumho's body.
'No, it didn't just disappear.'
Seoryang's lips curled up.
'Was it absorbed?'
Thinking back, it was strange from the first meeting. Even now, it's needless to say, but back then, Seoryang's body was also well-trained. Moreover, he was on guard, so the demonic energy was protecting his body like armor.
A hand that would have been fine even if bitten by a wolf bled just from being bitten by a fox cub. At that time, he was too flustered to think about it, but now that he thinks about it, it wasn't ordinary at all.
'It's definitely a rare creature. If other rare creatures are like the monsters in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, what could this one be?'
Srrrk.
As he withdrew the demonic energy, Geumho rubbed his face against his hand again. Seoryang, who was quietly watching Geumho, scratched his head.
"I really don't know. It's true you're not dangerous, and you do seem to have goodwill towards me."
Not knowing its true nature was unsettling. After pondering for a moment, Seoryang shook his head.
"Let's just keep an eye on it for now."
Thinking about it won't give an answer. It seemed best to raise it comfortably as he had been doing.
'Huh?'
Seoryang stroked his chin.
"Hmm..."
Wait a minute, what should I do about this?
'I'm going out, aren't I?'
It's not just a simple outing; I might be leaving forever. If the transport unit goes to the region where the An Ga is located, I could somehow fake my death and disappear without a trace.
Of course, since I don't know where they're going, there's a high chance I won't be able to do that.
In the end, this outing should be seen as a way to gauge the reaction of the Divine Sect. If it's okay once or twice, I can slowly watch for the right moment and then quietly disappear at the decisive moment.
But if the opportunity arises, I might just leave right away.
"Leaving you behind feels a bit wrong."
"Yip!"
"Huh? Are you barking because you know something?"
"Yip!"
"Hmm."
Seoryang smacked his lips.
"Carrying around a fox might make me stand out a bit..."
Well, I can just tuck Geumho into my clothes and run. Besides, we've formed a bond over time. I brought him from his home in the Ancient Bamboo Forest, so it wouldn't be right to irresponsibly abandon him.
"Let's go together."
"Yip!"
Geumho jumped up and wagged his tail vigorously. His bulging belly jiggled with each wag. This feels more like watching a dog than a cat.
"Haha, you dog-like rascal."
Seoryang stood up.
"Alright, let's get ready."
He donned a white long robe over his comfortable black martial attire and even wore a bamboo hat.
At that moment, Aenghwa's voice came from outside the door.
"Young Master, shall I clear the dishes now?"
"Huh? Oh, yes."
Creak.
Aenghwa's eyes widened as she entered through the door.
"Oh my, Young Master. Are you going out?"
"..."
"Young Master?"
Seoryang smacked his lips.
Just as he had grown fond of Geumho, he had also grown fond of Aenghwa. Especially when he returned from the Ancient Bamboo Forest, Aenghwa's appearance was quite touching.
If the opportunity arises and he has to escape... he wouldn't even be able to say goodbye to Aenghwa.
'I have no choice. I can't ruin my life over a short-lived bond.'
It's a natural thought. Even though his heart isn't entirely at ease.
Seoryang ruffled Aenghwa's hair. Her expression turned into a pout, just like her now messy hair.
Seoryang smiled.
"Aenghwa."
"Yes, Young Master."
"Make sure you eat well and take care of yourself while I'm gone, okay?"
"Are you going far away?"
"Hmm? Well..."
A long journey towards freedom, perhaps?
He brushed off the trivial thought and made an excuse.
"Oh, I'm going deep into the inner courtyard to train."
"Training? Not here?"
"I want to get some stimulation from a new environment."
"Will it take long?"
"Well, if I'm quick, I might be back in less than a fortnight, but if I'm slow..."
I might never come back.
"Anyway, I'm leaving, so take care. I'll take Geumho with me."
"Oh, you don't have to."
"He insists on coming, so what can I do?"
"Sigh... I understand."
Aenghwa lowered her head deeply.
"I'll make sure to manage your place well until you return!"
"..."
"..."
"Alright. But don't work too hard."
"Hehe."
Seoryang, who ruffled Aenghwa's hair once more, stepped out of the room.
"Have a safe trip!"
...Sorry, but please don't say things like that.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, Master."
Though only a day had passed, Juhwa's complexion had noticeably brightened. Her once pale face now had a healthy glow and she seemed more lively.
However, she was still not back to normal. Although she circulated her energy through meditation, her internal energy had been quite depleted.
It would take a month to cultivate her internal energy and attach the mental technique to her body, and at least half a year to restore her body to its former state.
Soyeonshim sighed.
"I'm sorry. Because of me, you're going through this hardship."
"No, it's okay. I think of it as a good opportunity to get some fresh air."
She was usually not very talkative. It was her way of trying to reassure Soyeonshim.
Juhwa recalled Seoryang's face.
'Is he the Third Young Master?'
She had seen the Third Young Master's face several times in the past. But yesterday, she didn't realize he was the Third Young Master.
It wasn't because she was flustered, but because the atmosphere was so different from the Third Young Master she had seen before.
'Was it just a prejudice?'
The face of the Third Young Master she had seen back then was cold itself. Moreover, he was infamous as a tyrant.
But how was the Third Young Master she met in person?
'...He was even scarier.'
At first glance, he seemed playful and gentle. But Juhwa sensed a powerful presence hidden within his clear eyes.
It was more intimidating than the leaders of the internal organization, like facing the Nine Great Demons of the Elder Council.
'It's not an illusion. The Third Young Master is definitely hiding something.'
Juhwa was the only one, aside from Lee Cheonsang, who recognized Seoryang's true nature. It showed how sharp her insight was.
"Yes, since it's come to this, recover quickly and come back."
"I'm sorry. I should start working soon."
"Don't say such things. Just focus on getting your body back to normal and start gradually."
Soyeonshim took out a neatly folded paper from her bosom.
"This is a pass with the Master's seal. It's a pass that proves the identity of the Third Young Master. Once you leave the sect, you won't need it when you return."
"Understood."
"Since you're going to a region adjacent to Jiangxi Province, the journey will be quite tiring. Don't skip meals. Got it?"
"Don't worry, Master."
Soyeonshim couldn't hide her unease.
'There won't be any problems, right?'
It wasn't just the anxiety of treating Juhwa like a daughter.
She thought of Seoryang.
'The Third Young Master...'
He was skilled at making jokes and spoke lightly, but his sharp insight that grasped the essence was dazzling.
Though he was a young man who had lived only half her life, he seemed strangely experienced. Sometimes, he felt like someone of her age or even older.
Moreover, his incredible demonic energy and delicate control.
'Has there ever been a candidate who showed such ability in both insight and skill?'
Perhaps only the Great Young Master could be compared.
'But that's not the problem.'
Soyeonshim's face was clouded with worry.
'It's ominous.'
There was an ominous feeling, as if something would always happen wherever he moved.
When she was involved with the Red Guard, she didn't realize it. She was too busy and only felt puzzled by his human side.
But after the incident was over and she visited his place, when she made a request that wasn't really a request.
She thought, 'This isn't right.'
She thought it would be better to erase the debt on the spot because she didn't know what he might demand later.
Just then, Seoryang suggested a deal, and she accepted it without hesitation.
'I shouldn't have done that in the first place...'
"Master."
Startled, Soyeonshim looked at Juhwa.
Juhwa was smiling faintly. It was a smile she rarely showed, so it felt awkward.
"I'll be back safely."
"...You should."
The two, having completed all preparations, stepped outside.
Outside, about thirty martial artists in green attire were lined up, and behind them were five carriages.
"Where is the Guardian Court?"
"They are waiting at the outer gate."
"Understood. And..."
Soyeonshim looked at the rearmost carriage.
"Is the physician in there?"
"Yes."
She looked at Juhwa.
Juhwa bowed to Soyeonshim and walked towards the carriage.
Creak.
The carriage door opened, and inside, Seoryang sat with his arms crossed, wearing a bamboo hat.
Juhwa bowed her head.
"Please take care of me."
"Likewise."
Thud!
As the carriage closed, Soyeonshim shouted.
"The transport unit, depart now!"
"By your command!"