TGHD Ch 28

Ryubeom examined the orb meticulously. To obtain Imugi’s orb intact, it had to be taken before killing him. Since the orb itself was a concentration of Imugi’s power, if Imugi died, the orb would naturally crack and the Yogi would scatter.

Therefore, the orb had to be taken from a living Imugi to obtain it intact, which would have been impossible without the help of the spirits. Ryubeom, seeing Imugi’s orb for the first time, looked at it with fascination and a slight smile.

“This should do…”

The thought that Yeohwi would be pleased made him smile. At Ryubeom’s expression, Imugi hissed again from below. Ryubeom firmly stepped on Imugi’s struggling neck.

“Now that we have the orb, let’s end this.”

Even though Imugi was fatally wounded and had lost the orb, he might still have some tricks up his sleeve. Ryubeom decided to end Imugi’s life quickly.

As Ryubeom took a deep breath and raised his sword high again, Imugi spoke. With a strained breath and a hissing voice, he muttered.

[Foolish tiger… You were beguiled by the fox…]

Slash!

Cheon Ryubeom, without hesitation, brought his sword down decisively. Thud, Imugi’s head was completely severed and rolled down the hill.

“Phew…”

As Ryubeom sighed wearily, the clouds slowly began to clear. The dark clouds that ominously covered the mountain gradually parted to the sides, following the golden trajectory that had fallen in a straight line…

Soon, bright sunlight poured over the mountain.

Under the midday sunlight pouring down as if the sky had opened up, Ryubeom blankly looked back. Having grown accustomed to the darkness, the sudden bright light stung his eyes a bit. He turned and descended the mountain. Light followed his every step.

The exhausted Ryubeom naturally headed to Yeohwi first.

“Are you okay? You weren’t hurt by the Yogi, were you?”

Ryubeom first checked Yeohwi’s condition. During the battle, Imugi had recklessly shot black Yogi, and Ryubeom was worried that it might have reached this place.

Yeohwi, who had been expressionless until Ryubeom approached, let out a scoff. It was Ryubeom who came back tattered from the battle. Although the spiritual pill had temporarily healed his wounds, it was only for a short while. Moreover, his clothes were torn and covered in blood. He was practically soaked in blood.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”

“Well, I went to fight, so it’s natural to get hurt…”

“You always tell me not to joke around, yet in situations like this, you’re the one joking?”

Ryubeom blinked at Yeohwi’s incredulous tone. Perhaps annoyed by his reaction, Yeohwi started scolding him, saying it would have been better to fight Imugi after a few days of recovery. He seemed to know what kind of pill Ryubeom had taken and pointed out that once the effect wore off, Ryubeom would collapse and even the renowned Cheon family’s recovery abilities wouldn’t help him get up easily.

Despite Yeohwi’s sharp words, Ryubeom listened quietly. As if he was glad to hear his voice, he listened attentively and then quietly extended his hand.

“…I brought the orb, so stop scolding me…”

“Ha, are you saying that if I want the orb, I should stop scolding you?”

“No, it’s just… I thought you might get tired if you keep talking.”

Ryubeom rolled his eyes. He worried that Yeohwi might get stressed if he kept speaking in an irritated tone. The Yeohwi he saw in the past was very strong, but that was in his memory, so the standards were uncertain. Despite that, it was surprising and remarkable that his murderous intent was sharp enough to make Imugi hesitate. Now Cheon Ryubeom found it hard to be sure that Yeohwi was weaker than him.

So Ryubeom’s concern for Yeohwi wasn’t because he still unconsciously saw him as someone to protect from their first meeting…

“I promised, didn’t I? This time, I said I would make sure you wouldn’t get hurt.”

Ryubeom spoke calmly, looking at Yeohwi. His unwavering gaze held no doubt. To keep his promise, he deliberately took the pill and charged, and even during the battle, he adjusted his direction to ensure that Imugi’s Yogi didn’t reach Yeohwi.

And because of that promise, he went in to rescue Yeohwi trapped in the curse. Even as he was being strangled, he repeatedly held onto him and shouted to go outside.

As if it were the most natural thing, Ryubeom extended his hand. He boldly handed the orb to Yeohwi, but seeing his hand stained with blood, he quickly wiped it clean with his sleeve. He was more concerned about cleaning the orb than his own hand.

Ryubeom then awkwardly cleared his throat and handed the orb again.

“And here’s the orb we promised to get together.”

“…Do you think I’d be happy to receive this now?”

Yeohwi asked quietly. It was more of a sarcastic remark than a question. Cheon Ryubeom lowered his gaze at those words, then looked up at Yeohwi with a dejected face.

“…Can’t you be happy?”

Yeohwi paused at the sight of Ryubeom’s amber eyes filled with caution. For a moment, confusion and absurdity flashed across his face, quickly hidden by a mask-like smile. But even that familiar picturesque smile trembled and collapsed, leaving him expressionless. It was as if he had barely managed to put on another mask.

Looking at the hand extended towards him, Yeohwi murmured quietly.

“…You don’t even know why I asked for the orb.”

It was a small voice, almost like a soliloquy. Perhaps there was a hint of mockery in it. But Ryubeom just blinked slowly and answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

“To not be in pain.”

As if that was all that mattered, as if all his hardships were worth it, Ryubeom nodded. Yeohwi’s lips remained stiff and unmoving.

“So take it. The poison from Imugi hit the same spot, making the wound worse. You need to treat it quickly.”

Ryubeom forcibly placed the orb in Yeohwi’s hand. With somewhat urgent movements, he pressed it into Yeohwi’s hand as if completing his final mission, ensuring it wouldn’t fall. Fortunately, Yeohwi didn’t discard it.

Seeing the orb fully in Yeohwi’s hand, Ryubeom’s lips slowly curved into a smile. Although someone else received the orb, he smiled as if he had received a gift.

Then Cheon Ryubeom collapsed. His focus blurred, and his knees buckled, having reached his limit. The effect of the spiritual pill had long ended, but he had been holding on. It had only been a few hours since he took the pill, but after performing a large-scale exorcism and dealing with Imugi, it was natural for the effect to wear off.

Yeohwi caught the falling Cheon Ryubeom. As the effect of the pill completely wore off, wounds reappeared all over Ryubeom’s body. He was too exhausted to even groan in pain, his body completely limp.

Yeohwi instinctively held onto the collapsing Ryubeom. He quietly held his breath at the weight and warmth leaning against him.

The space was silent. In the ensuing stillness, the only sound was Cheon Ryubeom’s faint breathing. Yeohwi’s crimson eyes darkened as he looked at the handprint on Ryubeom’s neck.

“…Fool.”

Yeohwi murmured slowly.

“…Really, to a bewildering degree.”

* * *

That night.

Cheon Ryubeom barely regained consciousness around midnight. He woke up in Ilok’s house, and as soon as he opened his eyes, the family greeted him noisily.

By evening, the villagers had all escaped the hypnosis and were holding a relief festival. It was astonishing that the Imugi of Mansagul, which they had only heard about in ghost stories, actually existed, and they had almost died en masse under its spell but narrowly survived. Most couldn’t remember the time under hypnosis clearly, so they treated it lightly, like a dream.

Only Saerok, who hadn’t been hypnotized, reacted with, “This isn’t something to laugh about,” but she too was relieved and happy that everyone had returned safely. Her cheerful and bright personality quickly shook off the shock.

Moreover, the family had heard from Saerok that Cheon Ryubeom was a tiger Suin, and they greeted him excitedly. Although they hadn’t seen the process of hunting Imugi, they knew that Imugi had died at Cheon Ryubeom’s hands.

There were testimonies from all over the village about seeing the golden light cutting through the dark sky above the mountain.

“I was really curious, but to think you were a tiger!”

“Wow… I’ve never seen a tiger Suin in person. Did you also deal with the Han River mermaid, Ryubeom?”

Ilok and Jimyo chattered excitedly. They had been curious about Ryubeom’s species since they first met at Hn Entertainment, but it was impolite in Suin society to pry if the other didn’t reveal it. They had guessed he might be a tiger because of his name, but thought a distinguished tiger Suin wouldn’t hide his identity, and since he was smaller than the tigers they had seen in media, they assumed he was another species.

Saerok nodded vigorously in agreement.

“Wow, if I were a tiger, I’d have it written on my forehead. So everyone would know!”

“You just need to release your human form…”

“Don’t spoil the fun!”

Cheon Ryubeom’s head throbbed from the noise as soon as he woke up. Holding his forehead in dizziness, the room quickly quieted down. Ilok’s parents scolded Saerok for being noisy and repeatedly thanked Ryubeom before leaving the room, saying they’d bring some fruit to replenish his energy.

After that, he could hear the situation more calmly. The villagers who had been possessed by the evil spirit police were now completely free from the Yogi and were all fine. The real police, who had been freed from hypnosis on their way down, were also in a daze but were trying to protect the villagers and had sustained minor injuries, now being treated.

At the end of the story, Ilok murmured in a tone of wonder.

“Actually, because you were with Yeohwi, I thought you couldn’t be from the tiger clan.”

“Oh, I know what you’re going to say. I’ll keep this absolutely secret!”

“…What?”

Ryubeom tilted his head in confusion. He was pondering what to say, but before he could decide, Ilok hurriedly waved his hands, telling him not to worry. Jimyo also winked.

“Yeohwi asked us to keep it a secret. He said it’s okay for your heroics to be known, but if it gets out that you’re associated with the fox clan, it would harm you. He asked us not to mention anywhere that he was involved or even here.”

It was astonishing news. While Ryubeom was at a loss for words, Saerok, resting her chin on her clasped hands, spoke as if she found their relationship intriguing.

“What do you call this? Secret friends? Forbidden relationship?”

“Saerok, you’re crazy?”

Of course, Saerok’s words were immediately cut off by Ilok, but she didn’t back down. The animosity between the fox and tiger clans was too well-known, yet here they were, together. From what she had observed over the past few days, they seemed quite close.

“Didn’t he say the tiger saved him when he was in danger? That’s why he calls you young master. Wow… Could we see a reconciliation between the tigers and foxes someday?”

Her words continued lightly, as if it was just a joke. Perhaps even the speaker thought there was a 99.9% chance it wouldn’t happen, but Ryubeom felt his heart race a little faster.

If the relationship between the two clans improved as Saerok suggested, could he meet Yeohwi more comfortably? And would he no longer have to hide him?

He felt deeply sorry that once again, Yeohwi had hidden his presence for his sake. He had done so by the Han River, and now with the Imugi too. Since the police were involved, the Imugi incident would be widely known, and all the credit would come to him. At least he felt relieved that he had given the orb to Yeohwi.

Ryubeom looked around and asked.

“But where is Yeohwi…?”

“Oh, he said he went for a walk.”

“…At this hour?”

“It’s a bit late, but…”

“Since the tiger dealt with the Imugi, this place is completely safe now!”

At Ilok and Saerok’s replies, Ryubeom shifted his gaze out the window. He saw the vast mountain shrouded in darkness. He suddenly thought of Yeohwi from the past he had seen within Imugi’s curse. Could he have gone for a walk because of that?

Thinking of going to find him, Ryubeom soon shook his head. Even if much time had passed since then, seeing that moment again would likely awaken buried emotions. Remembering how unsettled he had felt for days after seeing his father’s apparition by the Han River, Ryubeom decided to respect Yeohwi’s time alone.

* * *

Moonlight poured clearly through the clouds.

Avoiding the beautiful moonlight illuminating parts of the mountain, a small black snake slithered quickly along the path. The snake, with a short length and thin body, had a grotesque swelling at the neck, as if something had been forcibly reattached. However, the snake, Imugi, didn’t care at all.

Hope flickered in Imugi’s eyes.

[A new chance has come to me…!]

Imugi vividly remembered the moment of his death. His neck had been cut by that foolish tiger cub, and he lost consciousness. But somehow, he could open his eyes again. Although his body was much smaller than before, he had a new body. This was undoubtedly an opportunity.

He had survived the battle with Seoryeon in the past, and now he had survived again. Maybe he was blessed with immortality? Though he had lost the orb and couldn’t use any magic, resting in a deep, secluded cave would gradually restore him. Human desires wouldn’t abandon him.

[Indeed, such a great being as myself couldn’t die so easily. I am the master who will claim this land…]

Crack, Imugi’s body was crushed.

As he advanced cheerfully, his head was suddenly pressed down into the ground. Imugi writhed, struggling, but his opponent didn’t relent. Just when he thought he might die again after barely surviving, his breath caught.

Imugi recoiled in fear, glaring up venomously, only to freeze upon meeting his adversary’s eyes. The beautiful face looking down at him, backlit by the bright moonlight, was terrifyingly grotesque.

“Why such a surprised look? Like a snake believing it’s special for having survived.”

Yeohwi smiled faintly.

“Did you think you could commit such deeds and die peacefully?”

[I-I had my head cut off! I already paid for my sins…]

“Haha. The fact that you call it ‘paying for your sins’ means you know you did wrong.”

Yeohwi tilted his head. The shadow on his moonlit face grew even cooler and more eerie.

“And if you’re aware enough to call it a sin… you know who I am.”

[H-Hiss…]

Imugi’s body trembled. Only now did he realize how he had survived. This fox had used his head that had fallen off the cliff to ‘temporarily’ make him move. And the purpose…

“But calling it paying for your sins is premature when I haven’t punished you. I find it best to administer punishment myself.”

Yeohwi’s voice sounded almost affectionate, saying he’d at least consider the fact that Imugi hadn’t immediately revealed his identity to that person. Imugi, pretending to be terrified, tried to hide in the darkness and flee. With his small body, it might be possible.

But of course, it was only a futile attempt. The crimson energy rising from the ground tore Imugi apart. It pierced him randomly, playing with him, cutting his tongue and waist. Unfortunately, his body quickly regenerated. Imugi died and revived again and again.

His screams echoed pitifully, yet very faintly and feebly, through the space.

Footsteps approached, and Yeohwi, who had been laughing while looking down at Imugi, lifted his head. He wasn’t on guard. The footsteps were familiar.

“You’re late, Ryeong.”

Nine large white tails swayed gracefully under the moonlight. Despite Yeohwi’s reproach, Ryeong said nothing and merely glanced at Imugi.

[…Did you get the orb?]

“You didn’t come for a long time even when I called, and now you ask about the orb first?”

Yeohwi spoke in a rather disappointed tone, but Ryeong just nodded, indicating he wanted to see it. Yeohwi chuckled and held up the orb.

“You didn’t come to see me, but to see the orb. Fine, fine. Take a good look. You don’t often see such a clean Imugi orb.”

[….]

“The young master found Imugi’s orb in a fascinating way. I asked him because his method of dealing with Sagwido was unique, and this time was just as amazing.”

Yeohwi nodded, saying it was truly fascinating, but Ryeong didn’t react. Despite the praise for the tiger, which might have been displeasing, Ryeong just stared at the orb, making Yeohwi look at him curiously.

After a moment of silent contemplation, Yeohwi spoke as if he had realized something.

“You were there?”

[…Yes.]

“And you saw it?”

[…Not all of it.]

Ryeong slowly shook his head. He explained that he had only sensed the overwhelming energy of the spell reading the grudges on the mountain and the murderous intent that covered the mountain afterward. Then, his consciousness connected with Yeohwi’s, and he vaguely saw the past mansion, witnessing Cheon Ryubeom diving into the crimson murderous intent. Yeohwi smiled, saying that was enough to see everything.

Yeohwi then slowly cupped his chin with his hand and spoke.

“Then you must have heard it too. It’s really strange. The young master said it wasn’t my fault. He doesn’t even know anything.”

[….]

“He kept stubbornly repeating that. I always thought he was foolish, but this time I was genuinely surprised. Maybe I woke up because it was so absurd.”

The corners of his mouth slowly curled into a sneer. Just recalling that moment made him chuckle. He couldn’t help but laugh.

At that time, Yeohwi, trapped in the past, barely held onto consciousness by bleeding. Unable to use his power because he couldn’t remove the bracelet, he had to rely on the energy soaked in his blood. However, he couldn’t gather enough energy to escape the curse immediately, so he first obscured his past memories and expelled Cheon Ryubeom.

This made him even more deeply trapped in the curse… but he thought he could open the door to escape if he bled to his limit. However, the more he bled, the clearer the past became before his eyes.

Then Cheon Ryubeom came. He broke through the raging wind, his whole body cut, and approached.

‘This isn’t all Yeohwi’s fault…’

Even as he was being strangled, Cheon Ryubeom kept saying that, which was so absurd. Maybe, no, definitely, that’s why he woke up. Because his desperate cry was laughable, because his words were ridiculous. That’s why he held onto consciousness.

It was never because of the sincerity he showed.

As Yeohwi lowered his gaze, covering his mouth, Ryeong called him softly.

[Yeohwi.]

“Hmm?”

[Why did you…]

Ryeong tried to say something. But he hesitated, his lips moving several times, and when Yeohwi looked at him curiously, he turned his head away. Ryeong’s red eyes darkened, hidden in the mountain’s shadow.

Yeohwi quietly looked at Ryeong, then reached out and approached him.

“Ryeong. How many years do you think we’ve been together?”

He called Ryeong’s name cautiously and approached, stroking his face. Like the touch of the one who had once stroked them.

[….]

“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten our promise.”

Yeohwi spoke first, even though Ryeong hadn’t asked.

“We agreed to spread the evil energy in Imugi’s orb throughout the Cheon family’s mansion to bring disaster. To make the same ominous flames rise as ‘that time’…”

His tone sounded as if he was reminding himself. Ryeong didn’t avoid Yeohwi’s touch but didn’t respond either, just staring at him before slowly closing his eyes.

The moonlight gradually became obscured by clouds.

* * *

On the day the fox clan’s village was engulfed in a great fire,

The only thing left in the ruins was the footprint of a tiger.