The Protagonist’s Guardian Angel

I was just going to see some work at Yangweseong and ended up with all sorts of things. Still, if it’s something hidden by one of the Chaeju from the Green Forest Eighteen, there might be something interesting.

“Hehe. Could it be something like a honey jar?”

“A honey jar?”

Gi Noya said slyly, gripping the reins while sitting on the horse. When Sayoon, sitting next to me, asked in confusion, Gi Noya chuckled.

“Maybe a diary or something.”

“Wha? A guy like Gwangyeok-gyu having such girly feelings? Old man, are you nuts?”

Weoyeol, riding next to us, snorted in disbelief while Gi Noya growled back at him.

I flipped through the book in my hands.

“If it’s a diary, that’d be hilarious.”

When Chaejin let out a smirk, Gi Noya burst out laughing. Amidst the laughter and chatter, we could see Yangweseong in the distance.

“We’ll be waiting outside the castle.”

The warriors and soldiers of the Murim Alliance didn’t bother suggesting they’d go inside the castle. But was there really any need for that?

“After going through all this together, we should have a drink at Cheonghoeru, right?”

The faces of the Murim Alliance warriors brightened, and the soldiers grinned as well. It seemed that being able to eat, drink, and rest at such a famous spot known all over the area had them quite cheerful.

“Still, what about the costs…”

“I’ll cover it. After you risked your lives to help me, I can’t let you pay for that.”

“Thank you! Yu Seonsaeng!”

In the end, they didn’t refuse my proposal. When we arrived near the castle with them, it was time for the staff at Yangweseong’s gate to check the numbers and start calculating the entry fees.

Sure enough, since there were so many people, the entrance fee was quite hefty. After calculating with the ticket, as we entered the castle, the number of eyes on us increased. After all, with quite a crowd, it was only natural.

Drawing attention as we entered Cheonghoeru, I turned to Weoyeol.

“Could you arrange a table for us?”

“Understood. Come this way, everyone.”

Even if we couldn’t enter the main hall due to the crowd, Weoyeol led them to the annex. Gi Noya glanced at us and asked.

“So, we’re heading straight up, right?”

“That seems necessary.”

I had to report to Cheonilhwa about this whole affair.

So, I went up to the fifth floor with Gi Noya and headed straight for Cheonilhwa’s room.

“Welcome, Yu Seonsaeng. It seems your name is becoming more renowned these days; even the royal family is taking notice.”

“Such an undeserved honor.”

“Undeserved, what? Come now, sit down. And… Nakil Sword, Moonlight Blade, and it’s been a while, Sayoon dear.”
“And it’s been a while, Sayoon.”

“It has indeed.”

“How have you been?”

“Hehe. Hello there.”

Cheonilhwa, who welcomed the three of us with ease, personally brewed tea for us.

“So? What brings you here?”

“Ah. First of all…”

I started talking about investment. After listening for a while, Cheonilhwa chuckled.

“With news that the northern restrictions are being lifted, there are many wanting to buy land up north. Even for Yu Seonsaeng, it won’t be easy… For you to get involved means you must have something up your sleeve.”

“That’s correct.”

“Then let’s join forces.”

Since we were essentially in the same boat with Cheonilhwa, that didn’t sound too bad. I nodded, and he smiled as he continued.

“There’s decent farmland up north. The military is eyeing it, so we should go there…”

“Oh, that’s not it. I’m looking to check the geomancy to find mineral veins. There are still many undeveloped mines up north…”

“Ha. Then you’ll make quite a bit. Sounds good.”

Mining development isn’t easy. Once a vein is discovered, everyone and their dog tries to get in on it, but working with the authorities—especially the military—will reduce interference from troublemakers.

Sure, I might have to share a bit more, but avoiding unnecessary friction and going the safe route is better.

After discussing investment and development for a while, I took a sip of the cold tea and opened my mouth.

“And something happened on the way here.”

I told him about Gwangyeok-gyu setting up a bandit hideout and how they were accompanied by evil monsters.

Listening with a serious face this time unlike during the investment talk, Cheonilhwa replied, his tone filled with bitterness.

“I’ve heard similar stories from several regions. Thugs are reported to be traveling with evil monsters. While the officials aren’t too reckless in areas with military presence, they still attack places where farmers live and small-time bandits set up shop.”

“So what’s the response?”

“The local sects and magistrates are collaborating to handle it, but it’s rare for them to openly form a bandit stronghold, so the military can’t act recklessly either.”

“I see…”

“In any case, if they’re moving in that direction from the Green Forest side, there’s something more going on… I’ll look into it a bit.”

“Thank you. And about promoting Seomhwa Village to a stronghold…”

“I’m already discussing that with the central authority… but it seems it’ll take some time.”

That’s unfortunate.

It would be great if we could officially station troops once it becomes Seomhwa Fortress.

But what can we do about it?

“Understood.”

“You’ve come after a long time, will you be resting before you head out? If so, I’ll prepare a room for you. Oh, and would you like to have a drink with me?”
“Thank you for your words, but I have someone to meet…”

“I see. You’re trying to meet Hano, right?”

“Yes.”

“I understand. Then go ahead. If you happen to hear any interesting stories, do let me know.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

We left while being seen off, and Hongryeon crossed her arms and said.

“But to meet Hano, do we have to go to that Kira place again?”

“Or the back alley?”

“No need to go there.”

From a dark corner of the Cheonghoeru, Hano walked out.

“How did you know I was coming?”

As Chaejin asked in surprise, Hano looked even more baffled.

“Did you really think you could attract so much attention and not catch Hao-mun’s eye?”

“Ahahaha…”

Chaejin scratched her head, laughing awkwardly. I smiled at her and turned to Hano to ask.

“Then do you know what happened while we were on our way?”

“I don’t know that.”

“In that case, let’s talk about that.”

Since it was just in front of Cheonghoeru, we didn’t have to go far.

We took Hano into Cheonghoeru. Perhaps because it was famous for wealthy martial artists frequenting there, there were quite a few people flaunting their swords here and there.

A few glanced at us, but they weren’t worth worrying about.

The people I was with were just too flashy.

“I’ll guide you to the fourth floor.”

The staff at Cheonghoeru bowed politely and said to me. Following the guidance, as we went up to the fourth floor and sat down, I took out the booklet I got from Gwangyeok-gyu.

“What is this?”

“Well…”

As I explained how I got this booklet, a smile bloomed on Hano’s face.

“Hah. That trash finally met his end.”

“Trash, huh… Do you know him well?”

“Of course. Those in the Green Forest Eighteen are not on good terms with the Black Star ones. Especially Gwangyeok-gyu, who is an amazing piece of trash that only looks out for himself, disregarding everything and everyone.”

Indeed, even in Heavenly Bright Moon, he wasn’t held in high regard.

As I nodded, he opened the book and tilted his head.

“Hmm? This is…”

“It seems like some kind of code… I thought I might bring it to see if Hano knows anything about it.”

“Hmmm…”

Hano’s expression gradually stiffened. Without giving us a chance to question him, Hano said seriously.

“This was in Gwangyeok-gyu’s possession?”

“Yes. Do you know what it is?”

“This is a variation of a code used by the Green Forest side a long time ago. Honestly, I didn’t expect Gwangyeok-gyu to know about it…”

“Oh really?”

“These days, this method isn’t commonly used anymore. Well, I like researching these kinds of things, so I know, but I bet only a few in Hao-mun would be familiar with it.”
“There’s probably not many who know about it.”

“Then please interpret it for me.”

“Hmm… I don’t know everything either…”

I just wanted to know at least roughly what it was about.

After ordering food and drinks, I looked at Hano as he opened the first page of the book.

“Looks like it’s about the Sleep Soul Technique.”

Not just me, but even Hongryeon and Chaejin were left speechless.

The Sleep Soul Technique.

It was one of the powers that the Iron Blood Sorcerer possessed to move the evil monsters.

“There are some messy parts that are hard to read, but it basically outlines the practices of the Sleep Soul Technique. Let’s see… the body and soul are less connected when one is young. An extended life… No, experience? That can solidify the bond between the soul and body. The Sleep Soul Technique was created with that in mind… Basically, after the soul is awakened by the Soul Master? Soul Source, it can be learned… Hmm. The next part, I’m not sure about. And to learn the Sleep Soul Technique, first…”

He took a moment to catch his breath and glanced at Sayoon. Then he hesitated before continuing.

“It requires the heart of a child under five years old.”

“……”

“But that shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, there are plenty of orphans in the world. They’re basically useless anyway, so this great technique? Spell? Or should I call it a ritual… Anyway, let’s skip that. If it becomes a stepping stone for them, they should also see it as an honor. So the practitioner shouldn’t react out of trivial pity. This too…”

Clack.

Hongryeon gritted her teeth, Chaejin clenched her fists, and Sayoon didn’t say a word. But there was definitely fury in her eyes.

“Isn’t this basically like demonic cultivation?”

“They say the Sleep Soul Technique is originally a martial art originating from demonic cultivation.”

Hano tried to sound indifferent as he flipped through the pages.

But to train in the Sleep Soul Technique, it seemed there was no real meaning behind it.

He kept flipping pages when he suddenly sighed.

“To master the Sleep Soul Technique beyond the five stars, sacrifices must be continuously offered…”

“Sacrifices?”

At Hongryeon’s question, Hano replied with reluctance.

“Just a moment… The sacrifices must be offered to the Soul Master? Soul Source, and to the origin of the Sleep Soul Technique…”

The one who awakened the practitioner’s soul.

The Iron Blood Sorcerer, who properly learned the Sleep Soul Technique.

And the one who founded the Sleep Soul Technique must be given the sacrifices…

“So? What are these sacrifices?”

Hano gulped. After poking through the book a few more times and groaning, he slowly opened his mouth.

“Death.”

“Uh…”

“The death of those who haven’t learned martial arts.”

His words were enough to freeze us in place.

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