Chapter 112: Thin Ice Part 2

I couldn’t even begin to measure how much time had passed.

After turning back the time countless times, the memories from before this endless cycle of reincarnation started had faded into distant scenery.

Living a life endlessly chasing and killing demonic spirits had become most of my existence. I was left with only faint recollections of how I had lived before.

They say life is the accumulation of memories.

But what meaning could there be in a life that only accumulates the same memories, merely surviving through trial after trial?

Could a life where I struggle just to stay alive even be called living?

…

Anyone who endures an endlessly reincarnating world inevitably faces such a dilemma. Protecting one’s heart in a trial with no clear end is truly difficult.

However, this senior maid Yeon Ri had long since passed such trials.

“It’s perfect weather for drying laundry.”

Looking up at the sky filled with the early autumn air, Yeon Ri lay sprawled on the wooden floor.

***

“Ah, you must preside over the ceremony to receive the fresh water of the Heavenly Jade Pavilion in one hour, your highness. You should start preparing now. The maids will soon come to assist with your dressing.”

“I don’t want to. I want to stay in Tae Pyeong’s arms.”

“Heavenly Maiden… you can’t do this….”

Seol Ran pleaded desperately; she was nearly in tears. But Jin Cheong Lang who was nestled in Seol Tae Pyeong’s arms shook her head firmly.

It was as if she was clutching her most precious treasure; she kept holding onto Seol Tae Pyeong tightly.

Of course, with Seol Tae Pyeong’s strength, it wouldn’t have been difficult to push her away, but the moment he showed any intention of doing so, she looked ready to burst into tears. He felt helpless.

Jin Cheong Lang was someone who, if she wanted to, could create utter chaos with her mastery of all kinds of Taoist arts. In fact, she had done just that moments ago.

There was no benefit in letting this situation escalate any more. They were in the heart of the Heavenly Dragon Hall after all.

“Ran-noonim… if she goes out to the official ceremony like this, who knows what kind of disaster will happen?”

“Honestly… maybe it’s better to just say she’s unwell….”

“Still, the news that she fell ill right after ascending as the Heavenly Maiden wouldn’t reflect well on her position….”

Seol Tae Pyeong looked down at Jin Cheong Lang with a troubled expression on his face.

When their eyes met, Jin Cheong Lang’s eyes sparkled as if she had encountered her destined lover.

“…Maybe that would be better than… facing something worse….”

“Tae Pyeong-ah, I’ll go report this to Headmaid Lee Ryeong. We can’t hide this from her anyway.”

“Report it… you mean tell her exactly what’s happening right now?”

“Since we can’t deceive her, it’s better to be upfront about the situation. Headmaid Lee Ryeong has known you since Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun’s time, and she’ll immediately see that the current state of the Heavenly Maiden is not normal. Besides, she’s someone you can trust, she won’t breathe a word to anyone.”

Lee Ryeong, the Headmaid of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

The headmaid who was experienced enough to be called a woman of great wisdom was someone who moved solely for the sake of the Heavenly Dragon Hall. No matter what anyone said.

From the Heavenly Maiden Seol Hwa of two generations ago, to Heavenly Maiden Ah Hyun of the previous generation, and now the current Heavenly Maiden Jin Cheong Lang… there was no one more skilled than her in assisting the Heavenly Maidens of the Heavenly Dragon Hall.

If they didn’t win her over, there would be no escaping this crisis.

“I’ll take responsibility and convince Headmaid Lee Ryeong of the situation. Tae Pyeong-ah, for now, don’t leave the inner chamber.”

“Y-You mean I should stay here?”

“Look at the state of the Heavenly Maiden. We don’t know what might happen if you even step away for a moment.”

Jin Cheong Lang was clutching tightly to Seol Tae Pyeong’s waist and kept rubbing her face against him.

If they were separated even for a brief moment, she looked as though she’d search the entire palace to find him.

“…It seems that choosing to join the Heavenly Dragon Hall was a stroke of luck.”

“Indeed… without that aide position, it would’ve been unnatural for you to come and go from the Heavenly Dragon Hall so easily…”

Seol Ran and Seol Tae Pyeong exchanged glances, and then, without either saying a word, they both swallowed dryly at the same time.

These siblings had endured countless life-or-death trials together.

From the time they clasped hands and fled their burning home during the destruction of the Huayongseol Clan, up to this very moment, they had faced more life-threatening crises than they could count on both hands.

It had become second nature for them to fall in sync when facing a crisis.

“Judging by the Heavenly Maiden’s condition, it seems she’s fallen victim to an illusion technique.”

After regaining his composure, Seol Tae Pyeong said those words while holding his breath.

When Seol Tae Pyeong gently patted the head of Jin Cheong Lang, who kept snuggling deeper into his embrace, she surrendered to his touch with a look of pure happiness. Watching her giggle softly, there was no trace of the usually stoic and mysterious Taoist she was known to be.

“Illusion technique? Of all people, it doesn’t make sense for the Heavenly Maiden to fall victim to such a thing. Isn’t she the most skilled in illusion techniques among all the Taoist artists? There’s no one better in the world, right?”

Seol Tae Pyeong agreed with Seol Ran’s assessment.

When it came to illusion techniques, Jin Cheong Lang was unrivaled in the world.

However, this situation, where she seemed to have lost all self-control as if possessed, could only be explained by the influence of an illusion technique.

The only possibility that came to Seol Tae Pyeong’s mind was the White Demonic Spirit.

At the height of her power, White Demonic Spirit Ah Hyun was said to be adept at controlling the Heavenly Dragon’s energy and highly skilled in all Taoist arts.

Even so, could she have been powerful enough to cast an illusion technique that could overcome Jin Cheong Lang, who had withstood divine fever and received the blessings of the Emperor of Heaven?

It felt as if a force that was different from the Heavenly Dragon’s energy was involved in this situation.

“I’ll look further into it on my end. After informing Headmaid Lee Ryeong, contact my subordinate Ha Si Hwa in the Hwalseong District. Wang Han may also be of help.”

“Mhmm, alright, Tae Pyeong-ah. For now… I mean, despite everything that’s happened….”

Seol Ran pressed down on Seol Tae Pyeong’s shoulder and her expression turned serious.

“No matter what, you must protect her chastity, Tae Pyeong-ah… if you cross that line, there’ll be no way to avoid the execution ground ….”

It felt as though a sharp blade was hovering just behind Seol Tae Pyeong’s neck.

“Yes… noonim ….”

First, it was important to sort out the situation and capture that White Demonic Spirit.

***

“Recently, there’s been a lot of noise centered around the inner palace, but ever since the Azure Princess took on the temporary role of the Heavenly Maiden, things seem to have stabilized. It’s unfortunate you couldn’t take that seat yourself.”

“No, Father. I just hope this current peaceful state continues.”

As the head of the noble Jeongseon clan and an official with many duties, In Seon Rok rarely had time to meet his daughter In Ha Yeon.

However, as a father before anything else, his desire to look after his daughter remained the same. Because of that, this Chief Councilor always kept In Ha Yeon in his thoughts.

In Ha Yeon had risen to the position of crown princess consort and became the mistress of the Vermilion Bird Palace because she was a model woman. However, knowing her well, In Seon Rok was certain she hadn’t wanted such a role for herself, as In Ha Yeon wasn’t one to enjoy taking a political stand.

Having received much from the Jeongseon clan and being well aware of her exceptional status, she must have accepted the position to live up to the expectations placed upon her.

—The Jeongseon clan produced the mistress of Vermilion Bird Palace.

This would undoubtedly add to the already sky-high prestige of the Jeongseon clan.

For that reason, the Chief Councilor did everything he could to make his daughter’s life more comfortable.

Even this time, when she suddenly wanted to acquire the Hwalseong District, he used his influence to help as much as possible, and when the Headmaid of Vermilion Bird Palace fell ill, he personally visited to check on her health.

Though he was often called a doting father who adored his daughter, In Seon Rok simply wanted to look after In Ha Yeon as much as possible.

And because In Ha Yeon understood this, she never asked for more than necessary from her father.

“Anyway, it seems the business centered around Hwalseong District is progressing quite well, so I’d say we can look forward to its future.”

“Yes…”

“…Is something bothering you, Ha Yeon-ah?”

The Chief Councilor had keenly sensed that something was not right with the Vermilion Princess.

The Vermilion Princess was startled. She quickly put her teacup down and shook her head.

“N-No. I’m sorry if I caused you any worry.”

“Ha Yeon-ah, I always carry a sense of guilt toward you. As the head of the Jeongseon clan and the Chief Councilor of the imperial council, I’ve fulfilled my duties. But as a father, I often feel that I haven’t done enough.”

After dismissing the maids, the Chief Councilor spoke frankly.

“Is it about the Vice General?”

“…….”

“As I thought, it is. You’ve always held him in high regard. You’ve continually advised me that we should draw him to the Jeongseon clan, but unfortunately, he’s not someone who can be easily swayed.”

Chief Councilor In Seon Rok had an exceptional eye for reading people.

Having survived for decades in Cheongdo Palace and maintained his position as Chief Councillor all that time, he was an excellent judge of character.

With just a brief assessment of Seol Tae Pyeong, he had already realized that the Vice General would not pledge his loyalty to the Jeongseon clan so easily.

“I know you Ha Yeon-ah. You’re always thinking of the Jeongseon clan, so I can imagine you’re not happy about losing the Vice General. But there’s always a right time to win someone over.”

“Father, then… may I ask one thing without reservation?”

Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon had always been a bold and confident person.

Yet recently, her lack of energy had been increasingly worrying him.

The Chief Councilor wondered if In Ha Yeon was so worried because the political situation in Cheongdo Palace was going against her expectations.

However, the truth was strangely different from what he had assumed.

“This time, the Jeongseon clan was assigned to lead the Heavenly Dragon Festival, right?”

“Yes. It must be held even more grandly than when Heavenly Maiden Ahyeon, who was ill, was the mistress of Heavenly Dragon Hall. Now, the current mistress, Heavenly Maiden Jin Cheong Lang is newly enthroned, healthy, and full of energy.”

“Well… regarding the Heavenly Dragon Festival, there are many items to bring in, so I had several meetings with the head of Anpyeong Merchant Guild in the capital. During those talks, I heard something.”

The Anpyeong Merchant Guild.

It was one of the most renowned merchant guilds responsible for logistics in the capital. It was a place known even to the high officials of the palace, with a long-standing history.

“……”

The Vermilion Princess showed a hint of unease as she cautiously asked.

“Do you know of the peddler Seong Hyeol Hwa, who was found dead in this palace several years ago?”

In Seon Rok’s expression gradually stiffened at that question. The look of a loving father watching over his daughter was replaced by that of the Chief Councilor of the council.

Seong Hyeol Hwa, the peddler.

A lively merchant who traveled between the western regions and the capital while selling all sorts of goods. It wasn’t a name the Chief Councilor necessarily had to remember.

Yet, Chief Councilor In Seon Rok did remember that name.

“Why… are you bringing up that name?”

She had been the woman deeply cherished by the most notorious traitor in Cheongdo Palace’s history.

She was the biological mother of Seol Tae Pyeong and Seol Ran.

The rebellion led by Seol Lee Moon, the head of the Huayongseol Clan.

Vermilion Princess In Ha Yeon spent her life resenting the traitor who had killed her most trusted uncle In Chang Seok.

However, she became curious after seeing that traitor’s descendant, Seol Tae Pyeong.

Why had that loyal soldier, who had devoted himself to the country until the rebellion, raised a flag of rebellion against Cheongdo?

The reason for it was not recorded in the historical texts.

“………”

Chief Councilor In Seon Rok’s face darkened with concern.

After taking a sip from his cup, he quietly set it down and began to speak with his head bowed.

As she listened to the story that came from his lips… the Vermilion Princess’s eyes gradually widened in surprise.

***

Now that the chaotic times have passed, I wonder if things are actually better these days….

Sitting in one corner of the Black Palace, the Black Princess had been enjoying some tea and snacks when she suddenly felt the urge to get some fresh air, so she climbed up onto the tiled roof.

Her Headmaid had pleaded with her to simply take a walk in the garden if she wanted to enjoy the breeze, but there was no reason for the Black Princess who had once roamed the White Stone Immortal Mountain, to take that request to heart.

Sitting atop the roof, gazing down at the Cheongdo Palace scenery, the Black Princess savored the beautiful early autumn landscape.

Yes, this is peaceful. If only this atmosphere could last forever.

She had grown tired of being caught up in these tangled love affairs that only gave her headaches.

Just as she was thinking this—

Whooooosh.

A chill crept up her back.

Sensing something was wrong, the Black Princess quickly stood up and turned around. There she found a familiar figure standing behind her.

“Wha… what…?”

The Black Princess instinctively leaped back and put some distance between them. But when she got a better look at the figure, she froze and her body started trembling all over.

It was a woman who looked exactly like Ah Hyun, the previous Heavenly Maiden who had long since been dethroned.

Even her clothing was the same. She was dressed in the traditional clothes of a Heavenly Maiden. And the Black Princess was momentarily stunned.

Taking advantage of that moment, a dark ominous energy rushed toward her. It all happened in an instant.

How could one capture the Sword Master, Seol Tae Pyeong?

White Demonic Spirit Ah Hyun knew the most efficient way all too well. Almost frighteningly well.