Chapter 445: Chapter 445

Late at night, Sa Do-hak recalled the sparring matches he had with Dan Woo-hyun in his residence.

He thought they simply sparred with all their might, but Dan Woo-hyun clearly showed each and every person’s weakness, making them realize what they needed to do to reach a higher stage.

His mind spun in complex ways.

In his imagination, Dan Woo-hyun was in front of him, and he thrust his fist or sword.

However, he couldn’t land a hit on Dan Woo-hyun, and only the situation of being counterattacked was drawn out.

That stimulated everything about Sa Do-hak even more and was trying to definitely elevate his skills.

Cold sweat profusely flowed on the face of the meditating Sa Do-hak.

“Good.”

Dan Woo-hyun, who had come outside, was feeling these presences from all over. All five men seemed to be meditating to step up to a higher place.

With this, the Hunan Dan Family had come to possess an even stronger combat power.

As if satisfied with that, Dan Woo-hyun smiled while drinking alcohol sitting under the moonlight.

His eyes were capturing the scenery of the manor one by one. But that sight was like the gaze of someone about to suddenly leave for somewhere.

‘The Ten Thousand Year Ice Crystal…’

In truth, there really was an Ice Crystal in the North Sea Ice Palace. As an item considered extremely sacred even in the land of the North Sea, it is hidden in a place no human can ever approach.

Because extreme cold qi overflowed inside, the moment one stepped in, even their breath would freeze.

Because of that, one might think there’s no one who could steal it, but if it’s a master at the level of the Heavenly Martial Emperor, the situation changes greatly.

Regardless of the reason, if the Heavenly Martial Emperor obtained it, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he gained power equal to or even greater than obtaining the Fox Bead.

It was a very bad situation for Dan Woo-hyun and for the people of this Hunan Dan Family.

‘I’ll have to put an end to this.’

Dan Woo-hyun muttered and reached out his hand like a person who had made up his mind.

A single sword placed next to him.

A small bundle packed without anyone noticing.

Holding those in his hands, Dan Woo-hyun stood up from his seat. Moving slowly, he headed towards the room where Dan So-mi was. As he opened the door and entered, he saw So-mi’s face sleeping soundly.

A child sleeping without knowing anything.

Just looking at her expression overflowed with happiness.

Dan Woo-hyun slowly stroked her face.

“Mmm…”

Letting out a small groan, Dan So-mi suddenly reached out and grabbed Dan Woo-hyun’s fingers. It seemed like an action to catch him, having realized Dan Woo-hyun’s intent to leave.

Soon, Dan So-mi slowly opened her eyes.

“Mm?”

She looked at Dan Woo-hyun with a somewhat blurry gaze.

As her vision gradually cleared, she could tell that Dan Woo-hyun was holding a bundle and a sword.

The moment the startled Dan So-mi blankly tried to open her mouth.

“I’ll be back.”

Suddenly, Dan Woo-hyun’s words were heard.

Dan So-mi appeared confused. A softer atmosphere than any other time. Had there ever been a time when every single word he uttered touched her heart this much?

However, it was impossible to stop him.

Because Dan Woo-hyun’s expression was too firm.

She felt anxiety and nervousness.

She strongly felt that she shouldn’t let him go.

However, swallowing her tears, Dan So-mi gave a sweet smile.

“Have a safe trip. I’ll be waiting.”

“Okay.”

As if thinking everything was already irreversible, Dan So-mi smiled in resignation and waved her hand. She engraved into her eyes every single action of Dan Woo-hyun, from stroking her head to standing up from his seat.

A firmer resolve than ever before.

A more solid feeling than ever before.

Because of that, it fanned her anxiety even more, but it didn’t feel like that alone would be enough to hold him back.

Standing up, Dan Woo-hyun opened the door and went outside.

The moment the door clicked shut, Dan So-mi pulled the blanket over her head.

Whether she didn’t want to hear the departing footsteps or was suppressing her anxious heart alone, this small child made a promise to suppress the ominous feeling and anxiety and wait for Dan Woo-hyun.

Perhaps she had been preparing unknowingly for a long time, thinking that such a day might come.

“I’ll be waiting… Dad.”

The child’s small cry echoed like a whisper.

* * *

There was no longer any hesitation in Dan Woo-hyun’s steps.

He opened the main gate, went outside, set his direction, and began to walk. Although his lingering attachment to the Hunan Dan Family remained, that didn’t mean he couldn’t walk this path.

Because it was a matter that no one else but Dan Woo-hyun could resolve.

Since he wasn’t just facing someone like the Blood Heaven, he had no intention of causing a nuisance to others.

They had accomplished and protected many things within the range they could, so what was left belonged to Dan Woo-hyun.

Thinking that way, he didn’t try to take anyone with him, nor did he even have the desire to do so.

However, human intentions don’t always go as planned.

“Where are you going like that?”

The one blocking his path was none other than Jang Sam-tae.

With a somewhat displeased expression, it seemed he didn’t like Dan Woo-hyun trying to leave without saying a word.

Dan Woo-hyun chuckled.

“Go back.”

“I’m asking where you are going. This Jang Sam-tae, didn’t I say it every day? That I would even go to hell if it’s where you’re going, Manor Lord.”

“These matters are beyond what you can handle.”

“Is it dangerous?”

As Jang Sam-tae stepped forward, as if waiting, the moonlight shone on his figure.

A swollen face.

It was a sight full of traces of being beaten up here and there. However, his eyes were more serious than ever.

“Yes, you will die.”

“Not just that I might die?”

“Yes.”

Dan Woo-hyun was absolutely not someone who lies.

If he says you will die, you will really die. Since this was a conclusion drawn from evaluating the opponent and judging the situation, this time it was truly beyond Jang Sam-tae’s capabilities.

Jang Sam-tae scratched his head.

Hearing him assert that he would die naturally gave him the chills.

It was the same for the previous incident, but back then, Dan Woo-hyun said he ‘might’ die; he didn’t use the word ‘will’ die.

Dan Woo-hyun turned his back again and walked away.

Jang Sam-tae couldn’t even say a single word and stared intently at his departing figure.

Soon, he stretched his body out and slowly followed behind Dan Woo-hyun.

Dan Woo-hyun, who was walking ahead, stopped his steps.

“Why are you following?”

“Didn’t you say I’ll die?”

“Yes.”

“Since this Sam-tae’s life belongs to you anyway, wouldn’t I die too if you die, Manor Lord?”

“…There is Mae Hyang and So-mi.”

“They’ll be fine since they have So-hye and the elders.”

Jang Sam-tae whistled and spoke casually.

He was anxious.

The moment he saw Dan Woo-hyun’s figure, an unknown sense of anxiety brushed past him.

It felt entirely different from the Changbai Mountain incident last time.

This time, he was more worried about Dan Woo-hyun than Dan So-mi.

“Besides, you can’t do without this Jang Sam-tae, Manor Lord. Where will you eat, and where will you sleep? You have to wash your clothes too…”

“Haha.”

The muttering Jang Sam-tae had an expression full of determination.

His resolve to follow no matter what was palpable.

The moment Dan Woo-hyun tried to nonchalantly reach out his hand.

Sak!

Jang Sam-tae’s figure disappeared in an instant.

Dan Woo-hyun quietly stared at him, who had climbed up a tree at some point.

“You can’t put me to sleep this time! This Jang Sam-tae! Will follow you no matter what!”

“…”

Dan Woo-hyun let out a sigh with a ‘Haa-‘.

If he set his mind to putting him to sleep, it wasn’t impossible. However, looking at Jang Sam-tae fiercely resisting, even the energy to do so drained away.

In the end, he frowned and opened his mouth.

“Didn’t I tell you? That you will die.”

“I told you! This Sam-tae’s life belongs to you, Manor Lord!”

Jang Sam-tae glared with wide eyes and raised his voice.

Although it started because of Dan So-mi, Jang Sam-tae was able to finally find his own life and family while living in this Hunan Dan Family.

Although the days in between had been tough, they were more fulfilling than ever, and his trust and loyalty towards Dan Woo-hyun, who had given him such a life, were stronger than anyone else’s.

In fact, had he not met Dan Woo-hyun, he would likely still be stealing, and might have ended up dead, collapsed on some unknown street.

Jang Sam-tae glared fiercely at Dan Woo-hyun.

His gaze was filled with the will to never reverse his decision.

“I might not have the capacity to take care of your corpse.”

“Hehe, this Sam-tae doesn’t have the capacity to take care of your corpse either, Manor Lord. Let’s agree to abandon each other and run away if things go wrong, alright?”

“…You’re all talk.”

Dan Woo-hyun looked at Jang Sam-tae with an astounded expression.

Just what kind of guts must one have to say such words?

It was a ridiculous situation, but perhaps naturally relaxing his tension, he let out a sigh and nodded.

“Alright, it will be an arduous journey, but let’s go.”

“Has it only been tough once or twice?”

Jang Sam-tae had already solidified his resolve.

Furthermore, when it came to following none other than Dan Woo-hyun, he hadn’t even entertained the thought that it wouldn’t be difficult and dangerous.

Laughing jovially, he stealthily approached Dan Woo-hyun’s side.

“So, where are we heading?”

“Zhejiang.”

At the word Zhejiang, Jang Sam-tae made a dumb expression.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he opened his mouth towards Dan Woo-hyun with a flashing surprised face.

“Isn’t that where the sea is?”

“There is land too.”

“…”

It wasn’t a joke, there is naturally land too.

When Jang Sam-tae made a dumbfounded expression, Dan Woo-hyun started walking again. Perhaps not wanting to show his face, his pace felt somewhat faster.

“Well… I guess there’s land too. Anyway, this Sam-tae will be seeing the sea for the first time.”

“Then you will realize the vastness of the world.”

“Is it to that extent? I heard that if you drink ten gourds of that seawater, you will live a long and healthy life…”

“I suppose so. Once you’re dead, things like lifespan or illnesses won’t matter.”

“Eok!”

Jang Sam-tae looked at Dan Woo-hyun with a bewildered expression. Because he wondered why someone would die just from drinking water. However, Dan Woo-hyun didn’t answer and was walking briskly, looking ahead.

Jang Sam-tae scurried after him and grumbled.

“No, well… What’s the big deal about ten gourds of water?”

“You’ll know once you drink it.”

“…Is it poison?”

“Maybe.”

Hearing the short answers, Jang Sam-tae made an exhausted expression. When people talk, there should be changes in facial expression or tone, but Dan Woo-hyun lacked those things.

Trying hard not to show it, he let out a sigh.

“By the way, what are we going to Zhejiang for?”

“To catch the Heavenly Martial Emperor.”

“The Heavenly Martial Emperor? What kind of guy is he?”

Having never heard of such a name, Jang Sam-tae tilted his head. He didn’t know what kind of bastard he was, but since he must have picked a fight with Dan Woo-hyun, he figured he must be a bastard whose liver had swollen out of his belly.

“He was once… the leader of the Eight Immortals.”

Pat!

Jang Sam-tae threw his body.

He, who had been by Dan Woo-hyun’s side, was nowhere to be seen, and turning his head, he saw Jang Sam-tae sprinting fiercely back towards the Hunan Dan Family.

Dan Woo-hyun chuckled and kicked off the ground.

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