CHAPTER 499: THE TEACHINGS (4)

‘How did Cheong Heo become aware of my existence?’

Seol-Hwi, caught off guard by the sudden situation, hurriedly asked the system.

Cheong Heo identifying him as a former disciple was something he couldn’t readily understand.

[Let me sequentially analyze how Cheong Heo arrived at this conjecture.]

First. Cheong Heo already knew that you, the Administrator, were an extraordinary individual.

Second. You appeared at the exact moment when the fake individuals suddenly disappeared, realizing it was no coincidence.

Third. From the recent conversation, Cheong Heo heard you mention dealing with life, confirming that your abilities surpassed imagination.

Fourth. He recalled from a previous encounter that you had a deep understanding of Qingcheng's martial arts, and that your master was a figure from the Qingcheng Sect.

He also noticed that the person you longed for did not exist in reality.

Fifth. Through the recent dialogue, Cheong Heo hypothesized that you might be a regressor.

The basis for this is as follows.

1. The deliberate teaching of Hyuk Jin.

2. The timing of your appearances during crises.

3. Seeking advice specifically from him among many.

4. Not clearly stating the purpose of your visit.

[Finally, considering all these circumstances, he concluded that the master you seek might be himself.]

‘Ah…….’

Only after hearing the system’s explanation did Seol-Hwi understand Cheong Heo’s reasoning process.

Referring to himself as ‘the wind’ and repeatedly visiting this place without clearly stating the reason made such a conjecture possible.

“Elder Cheong Heo. As you anticipated, I am someone who has regressed countless times.”

“……!”

Even though he had anticipated it, Cheong Heo’s body trembled slightly.

Despite having an inkling, confirming it in reality was undeniably different.

“And there was a time when I served you as my master. Thanks to the teachings from then, I was able to grow significantly… and that’s how I am able to help you and Hyuk Jin now.” ȓ𝘢NꝊβΕš

Cheong Heo appeared calm on the surface, but in truth, he was trembling slightly. Seol-Hwi noticed this subtle tremor.

He continued speaking even more cautiously.

“As I continued to diligently progress, I eventually reached a level that warriors cannot attain. A place where humans can ascend no further. Indeed, it was the goal I had longed for… but…”

In the silence, Cheong Heo’s gaze shifted to Seol-Hwi.

“But upon reaching that place, another worry emerged. With nothing left to achieve, it felt as if I had lost my way. So… I came to seek your advice.”

Cheong Heo slowly closed his eyes.

The mention of him being his disciple brought forth a flood of emotions, but he calmly settled them.

Instead, he pondered deeply on the fundamental issue Seol-Hwi faced.

When he finally spoke and opened his eyes, his gaze met Seol-Hwi’s earnest face.

“That is something that cannot be answered from the start. In that place, beyond human limits, defying the laws of nature… even if emotions exist, they cannot be felt, and even if consciousness exists, it cannot be remembered.”

Seol-Hwi deeply empathized.

How could one judge a realm beyond human limitations with human standards?

In that place where chaos and order are one, there would be no place for emotions.

“Seol-Hwi.”

Cheong Heo’s gentle voice made it seem as if his energy had returned, but Seol-Hwi already knew that the final burst of vitality before death had begun.

Perhaps that’s why, he finally called him by the title he had longed for.

“Yes, Master.”

“Out of the countless lives you’ve experienced, recall the time that stands out the most vividly.”

Seol-Hwi, keeping his mouth shut, faced memories that flashed by like a brilliant light.

Around that time, Cheong Heo spoke again.

“That was probably… the moment you lived with the most passion, wasn’t it?”

“You’re right.”

“Isn’t it strange? If you’ve lived countless lives, you should have just as many memories… Why is it that only a few moments remain so vividly?”

Seol-Hwi nodded, deeply resonating with his master’s words.

Cheong Heo spoke again.

“In life, we make countless choices. Sometimes those choices bring misfortune, sometimes unexpected luck. And every choice is meaningful because… life only happens once.”

“…!”

Seol-Hwi’s eyes widened. Choices made within a single life.

He realized that this meaning was connected to the romance he had been pursuing.

Like the value of challenging reality despite its hardships, every choice held significance because life happened only once.

“It may sound strange to you, but…”

Cheong Heo’s voice spread gently.

“Right now, this moment of dying is the happiest in my life. Having only faced failures all my life, this final moment feels incredibly precious and close to my heart.”

Cheong Heo’s words carried the aura of the final burst of vitality.

System notifications rang incessantly in Seol-Hwi’s ears, but he focused solely on his master’s words.

“So, I don’t want to live any longer. If I continue this moment, even this pure heart will become tainted.”

“……Master.”

“Seol-Hwi, come closer.”

As Cheong Heo’s voice grew thicker, Seol-Hwi approached quickly.

He instinctively knew this was his master’s last moment, yet he could not react.

“……!”

Suddenly, Seol-Hwi’s eyes widened.

Cheong Heo raised his darkened hand and patted his head.

Just like long ago, when he was a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect.

“Seol-Hwi… you’ve been through a lot.”

Seol-Hwi looked at his master silently. He wanted to say so much to his master, but no words came out.

“Thank you for not forgetting and coming to find me.”

Cheong Heo’s voice grew weaker.

“I’m truly grateful that the master you sought was me.”

As the last words ended, everything became silent.

The warmth that patted his head and the aged voice were no longer heard.

[Cheong Heo has died.]

Only the cold system notification informed the reality. Seol-Hwi’s vision blurred.

“Now I understand a little.”

In front of his deceased master, Seol-Hwi bowed his head, and something hot flowed down his cheek.

Rationally, this too must be a learned emotion.

Yet, it was a pain he hadn’t felt in so long.

“I guess… I didn’t just come to find answers from you, Master.”

He continued in a whisper, covering his unceasing tears with his hand.

“Perhaps, this comfort was what I truly longed for.”

Finally, Seol-Hwi lowered himself to the ground.

Though he had reached the level of a deity, in this moment, he bowed before his master as a disciple, offering his final respects.

----------------------------------------

On a quiet winter morning,

A gentle sunlight enveloping Mong Mountain seeped through the window of the cottage.

The young man sitting by the window was smiling with his eyes closed.

His expression exuded a peacefulness that came from listening to the sounds of mountain birds and the wind.

“Would you like a warm cup of tea?”

The door quietly opened, and a boy entered.

The warm steam rising from the tea set he carefully carried added to the late winter morning’s atmosphere.

The boy respectfully supported the tea set with both hands and poured clear tea into the cup on the table.

“It’s Mongjeong tea. It must have been hard to find in this weather…”

“If you look around the market, it’s not that difficult. It’s processed, so the taste isn’t as good as getting it in spring, though.”

“Even so, it’s something. I’m grateful.”

The young man was Earth Demon, and the boy pouring the tea was Songhwa.

The reason they came here, avoiding people’s eyes, was because of a promise Earth Demon had made with Seol-Hwi in the past.

They believed in the words to meet here if they were alive after achieving the grand plan.

“How’s the atmosphere in the Central Plains?”

Earth Demon asked after taking a sip of tea.

“It’s chaos. Stories of famous martial sects and renowned families being torn apart are being heard everywhere.”

Earth Demon nodded.

He and Songhwa knew best why such things were happening.

Strange beings appearing in forms similar to themselves.

Such beings were likely rampant there as well.

“But it’s a bit strange.”

At Songhwa’s words, Earth Demon put down his teacup and asked.

“What do you mean by strange?”

“There are no damages to commoners or farmers at all. Because of that, the market is rather peaceful. Could this phenomenon also be part of Jang Dal’s calculations?”

“……Maybe.”

Earth Demon glanced out the window before continuing.

“Those who resemble oneself. Jang Dal didn’t create them to destroy the world. He just intended to use them as a means of persuasion.”

“Persuasion, you mean…?”

At Songhwa’s reaction, Earth Demon nodded.

“It seems he tried to use them to draw Seol-Hwi in.”

A brief silence followed. The two of them silently watched the view outside the window.

Jang Dal was incredibly powerful.

He even possessed the authority to control the world.

Against such an unimaginable being, could Seol-Hwi really prevail?

They were waiting with hope, but the fear was unavoidable.

“But, Fourth Disciple. Will the Elder return here?”

“Why? Do you think he won’t?”

“I do.”

Songhwa began to explain the basis for his thoughts.

“If he kills Jang Dal, wouldn’t he also become a god? Having become a god, he might not want to involve himself in the human world anymore. Don’t you think so?”

“Well……”

Earth Demon, resting his chin on his hand, seemed to ponder deeply before smiling.

“Still, I think he will come to us. Even if he’s become a god, at least once.”

“I really hope he does that.”

Songhwa’s worried voice echoed through the clear air.

They exchanged a few more words and were about to rise from their seats when it happened.

“Just in time, everyone is here.”

“……!”

“……!”

Both of their gazes instantly focused on one spot.

There stood a man with a warm smile.

“Elder!”

“Seol-Hwi!”

Their faces lit up with radiant joy.

The one they had been waiting for finally returned.

“What happened, Jang Dal…?”

Excitement and tension filled Earth Demons voice.

“Of course, I got rid of him.”

“I knew you could do it, sir!”

Songhwa, overwhelmed with joy, ran out and hugged Seol-Hwi.

A smile spread across Earth Demon’s lips as he watched them.

“Really, you are something else…”

The idea of killing a god was hard to believe, but on the other hand, it seemed possible.

Seol-Hwi had already become a being beyond even himself.

“How about it? It’s a bit early, but… care for a drink?”

“Of course. How could we miss having a drink on such a good day?”

Earth Demon replied with a laugh. At those words, Songhwa chimed in.

“Then let’s go to the marketplace…”

“No need for that.”

With a simple gesture from Seol-Hwi, something began to drop from the air.

Various kinds of liquor appeared in jars.

“Sir, could it be, this ability is…”

“That’s right. It’s the system, the power of a god.”

Seol-Hwi smiled bashfully and gestured.

“Come on, let’s go. Except for Songhwa.”

The bright laughter of Seol-Hwi made the two of them smile as well.

The relief that all the battles had finally ended warmly colored the hearts of the three.