Chapter 127

“You’re going to go find those people again? Why all of a sudden?”

“I’m thinking of trying a slightly different approach.”

Earlier, I’d been too focused on escaping to think it through properly, but there were definitely questions about Cheong Wooncheol’s group’s actions.

Just as in the original story, Cheong Kibeom’s faction had a strong tendency to act independently, not particularly concerned with the family’s watchful eyes.

I couldn’t be certain, but it was clear they weren’t on Cheong Doyool’s side, following his will.

If there was a way out, it was right there.

“If my guess is correct, it might be possible.”

So, from now on, I would negotiate with Cheong Wooncheol to join hands with none other than Cheong Kibeom’s faction.

If I wanted to properly check and block Cheong Doyool’s faction, that was the best course.

And in fact, someone who could help with that was already on their way here.

Right after, sensing someone’s presence, Cheong Joohwa pulled out a talisman. I spoke to reassure her.

“No need to be on guard. This time, they’re on our side.”

As soon as I finished speaking, a woman who seemed to have hurriedly run through the trees revealed herself. It was Cheong Jiyeon.

After catching her breath for a moment, she spoke with an incredulous expression.

“…Still as reckless as ever. What if an Exorcist from Cheong Doyool’s faction, not me, had seen your Shikigami?”

“It’s fine. I was confident I could escape anyway.”

“Tsk. Well, whatever. I’m sure you would’ve handled it. But don’t be too confident. There are quite a few monsters with terrifying power within the family.”

Even though she seemed slightly inferior to Cheong Wooncheol, if she lent her strength, it was as good as having a minimum safety net secured.

Only then did Cheong Joohwa seem to realize it was a more viable plan than she thought, nodding her head.

And so, near the place where we had clashed earlier, we once again faced Cheong Wooncheol’s group.

“Ho oh, this is unusual. You desperately broke free earlier, yet you deliberately seek me out again.”

“Naturally, I have no intention of fighting. I wish to speak with you, Cheong Wooncheol-nim.”

“Well, if that’s the case, I can’t exactly refuse.”

Cheong Wooncheol glanced at Cheong Jiyeon beside me and spoke again.

“So, what is it you want to talk about that brought you here? And with such a splendid escort, no less.”

“First, I’m curious why Elder Cheong Kibeom’s forces are trying to capture us.”

“It’s not complicated. Because you’d be an effective bargaining chip against Cheong Doyool.”

“…Then, may I ask what you hope to gain by handing us over to him?”

That was a question hitting the core. Depending on the answer, I might well find a way to pull Cheong Kibeom’s faction to our side.

In response to my question, Cheong Wooncheol, who had been pondering briefly, answered.

“It’s not for me to fully grasp the Elder’s intentions. However, it seems he desires to obtain something from Cheong Doyool.”

“And that something would be?”

“I don’t know that far. After all, the treasures Cheong Doyool possesses are not few.”

Cheong Wooncheol genuinely seemed not to know more. But it didn’t matter. In fact, I already had a rough idea.

Having gained a fair degree of certainty, I began to reveal my true intentions and make a proposal to Cheong Wooncheol.

“In this situation, I wish to receive Cheong Kibeom-nim’s cooperation.”

“That would be natural, of course. If the Elder lends his power, Cheong Soha’s faction could gain complete superiority over Cheong Doyool. But why should we do that?”

“Because I can deliver what the Elder desires into his hands.”

“Ho oh. You speak words that shouldn’t end as a joke, quite fearlessly.”

Cheong Wooncheol revealed a subtle pressure while simultaneously looking at me with eyes full of interest as he posed a question.

“Are you saying that knowing what the Elder wishes to obtain?”

“Yes. I know.”

“Then tell me, once.”

At Cheong Wooncheol’s words, I recalled the answer I had pondered and concluded in my mind.

It wasn’t actually that difficult. Although not mentioned extensively, there was one precious object Cheong Kibeom had coveted in the original work.

Blue Soul Mirror’

One of the Cheong Family’s three great heirlooms, alongside the Azure-White Sword and Cheongsimok, a special-grade Cursed Tool said to reflect the soul of the being mirrored within it.

The object Cheong Kibeom desired was undoubtedly that Cheonghongyeong.

“You may contact the Elder. If you tell him I can help him obtain the Cheonghongyeong, he will surely respond.”

“…It seems you’re not just speaking empty words. Understood for now.”

Nodding, Cheong Wooncheol instructed his subordinate on something, then spoke to me again.

“By the way, I’m also interested in the talisman you used. If you reveal its production method, I might cooperate in persuading the Elder. Of course, assuming everything you say is true.”

“…….”

That wasn’t something I could decide. I didn’t even know the production method, and its original owner was someone else.

As I pondered that, Cheong Joohwa, who had subtly approached, whispered in my ear.

“If he wants it, it’s fine to accept. He won’t be able to make it anyway.”

In that case, there was no reason to refuse. I nodded and accepted Cheong Wooncheol’s proposal.

And around that time, perhaps a reply had come, as Cheong Wooncheol also received something secretly from his subordinate.

Then, with a slightly surprised expression, he said to me.

“The Elder says he wishes to meet you. However, to do so, you must come to our residence. What will you do?”

This meant the first stage could be considered a success. But it certainly wasn’t a decision to make lightly. It was essentially stepping right into enemy territory.

‘There’s no guarantee Cheong Kibeom will be favorably disposed.’

From his perspective, he could simply capture me when I come to their residence and hand me over.

Of course, doing that wouldn’t get him the desired object. From the start, Cheong Kibeom was firmly mistaken about the most crucial fact regarding the Cheonghongyeong.

But judging by how things were going, he clearly didn’t know that fact. Given his stubborn personality in the setting, if I wasn’t careful, I might really end up being sold out helplessly.

‘Still, I have to go.’

If Cheong Kibeom formally joined Cheong Doyool’s side and started using his power, that would be a bigger problem.

Finishing my brief deliberation, I accepted Cheong Wooncheol’s proposal.

“Then follow me. I will protect you from the other factions until you stand before the Elder.”

Cheong Wooncheol took the lead and began guiding us. Cheong Jiyeon, who had followed beside me, clicked her tongue and spoke.

“Are you really sure about this? The risk seems too high. Let me say this in advance, I won’t be much help against an Elder-level opponent.”

“I can’t say there’s no danger, but it will probably be fine.”

“Hoo, I wonder where that boundless confidence of yours comes from.”

Cheong Jiyeon seemed somewhat dissatisfied with my judgment.

That was natural. She too would be well aware of how dangerous the family’s Elders were.

But perhaps she was concerned about Cheong Joohwa, Cheong Sawoon’s daughter, as she eventually seemed to decide to accompany us.

“Let me give you one piece of advice: in his presence, never twist your words or be evasive.”

I also knew well what Cheong Jiyeon meant.

Recalling the appearances of Cheong Kibeom, who had appeared with some significance a few times in the original work, I kept turning thoughts over in my mind as I moved forward.

Cheong Kibeom, the Cheong Family’s Fourth Elder and a Special-Rank Exorcist, was filled with questions upon the news unexpectedly delivered by Cheong Wooncheol.

‘…How on earth does that brat know?’

He didn’t know what led to that conclusion, but it seemed the Academy student sticking close to the girl who was Cheong Doyool’s target knew his objective.

It was only natural to be suspicious.

‘He’ll give me the Cheonghongyeong?’

It was a statement that wouldn’t be strange to scoff at. What does a mere kid think he is, to snatch the Cheonghongyeong from Cheong Doyool, an Elder of the Cheong Family?

It was an impossible task even for Cheong Kibeom, an Elder himself.

When he said if he really wanted to talk, to come here, the kid actually said he’d walk right into Cheong Kibeom’s presence.

Whatever nerve he had, Cheong Kibeom thought he was a rather interesting fellow.

And shortly after, upon seeing Han Kangyoon’s appearance, Cheong Kibeom felt a moment of small admiration.

‘…He’s composed.’

The flow of Spiritual Power felt inside and out was like that, and even the gaze he outwardly revealed was the same.

There aren’t many in this era with such deep eyes. Cheong Kibeom slightly adjusted his indifferent sitting posture and focused on Han Kangyoon. Then he spoke.

“So. You said you wanted to see me.”

“…….”

“Since you’ve come this far, speak first. As you said, what I’m after is indeed the Cheonghongyeong.”

At those words, the expressions of those accompanying Han Kangyoon, including Cheong Wooncheol, changed slightly to surprise.

But Cheong Kibeom paid no heed and continued speaking.

“However, I’ve only been yearning for it and have yet to obtain it. Even I, an Elder of the family. Do you know what that means?”

Simultaneously, Cheong Kibeom began emitting intense Spiritual Power in all directions, pressuring his opponent.

It was a silent warning, telling him not to even think of uttering frivolous words.

Han Kangyoon, who briefly frowned at the heavy atmosphere, withstood the pressure and spoke again.

“It will take time and effort, but if you set your mind to it, the Cheonghongyeong can be obtained.”

“Then tell me the method.”

“That is difficult to say. I can’t very well discard my only means of negotiation, can I?”

At that, Cheong Kibeom’s brow twitched. Of course, it wasn’t a wrong statement, but if things went that way, it would inevitably lead to him having to yield.

Cheong Kibeom clicked his tongue, turned his head, and waved his hand dismissively.

“Not interested. As expected, you’re nothing special. I’d rather hand over Cheong Sawoon’s daughter and negotiate with that Cheong Doyool fellow.”

It was half to test Han Kangyoon, and half sincere. If nothing unusual happened, Cheong Kibeom truly intended to do so.

However, the next words uttered by Han Kangyoon inevitably piqued Cheong Kibeom’s interest as well.

“Even if you do that, you won’t obtain what you desire. In fact, the Cheonghongyeong is not in Cheong Doyool’s possession right now.”

“What?”

“What Cheong Doyool has is a degraded replica. The real Cheonghongyeong is hidden elsewhere.”

With that single statement, the moment arrived where their positions were completely reversed.