1037 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The chapter continues with the ominous scene where the Heavenly Demon stands before a mysterious rift, a purplish crack emanating a sinister aura. As dark energy wafts upwards, it’s clear there's something unsettling about it. It's unmistakably familiar. ‘That's what she used in my past life.’ The rift, often opened by the Heavenly Demon for her travels, seemed similar to a demonic gate, yet no demons emerged from it. It appeared to be used purely for transportation or other purposes unknown to even the observer. Perhaps it bears some resemblance to the power Cheol Jiseon wielded. However, there’s a difference. ‘It's different.’ It's distinct from the energy he used. ‘Why didn’t I realize?’ Why hadn’t he remembered the Heavenly Demon could open such rifts? It was even utilized at the Shin Ryong temple, wasn’t it? ‘She had come through a rift back then too.’ The memory of her tearing open a similar rift resurfaced. Why had he forgotten about it? “...Hey.” “Yeah?” “What is it for?” "Uh?" The Heavenly Demon turned, glancing at the rift she'd torn open. With a simple downward swipe of her white hand, the grotesque sound echoed as the rift closed, vanishing without a trace. “Home.” “...Home?” What did she mean by that? Perhaps it meant she could return to Zhongyuan through it. The Heavenly Demon called Gu Ryeonghwa’s place home. Did it mean one could return through the rift? But she simply shrugged, as if it were obvious. “No, it’s not.” “...What?" If that isn’t home, then where does it lead? Surprised at the inquiry, the Heavenly Demon looked at him as if she’d grant the sight. “Do you want to see it?” The statement puzzled him. “Do you want me to show you?” “Only if you wish.” Her offer surprised him. ‘She never showed it, even in the past.’ No matter what, she’d never shared this with him in the previous life. Though he never explicitly asked, she had answered his silent curiosity. ‘Curious, aren't you?’ Her voice was alluring, a slight smile playing on her lips. ‘Then don’t be curious.’ Even if the world were ending. ‘I wouldn’t show it to you.’ That sentiment from the past resurfaced, narrowing his eyes. To offer a glimpse now... Quickly he reached a decision. “I am curious.” He was indeed curious. Why not see it if the chance existed? Thus, he responded. “Sure.” With a calm nod, the Heavenly Demon extended her hand, once more opening a rift. Riiip---!! Her nails sliced through the air. The rift split open, forming the familiar purplish gate again. The Heavenly Demon stepped inside, pausing halfway to glance back at him. “Follow.” With those parting words, she vanished. Left alone, he contemplated the gateway. He’d claimed curiosity, yet hesitated on stepping through. ‘...Beyond curiosity.’ While he’d unconsciously been going along with the Heavenly Demon. Should he really go through? Into what seemed a dangerous realm? ‘What if this is all part of her plan?’ Perhaps it was. Despite the constant need for vigilance, he had unknowingly dropped his guard around her. ‘...Damn it.’ The question persisted. Was it wise to follow? As he hesitated, the rift began to close. Seeing it shrink, he took a step forward. Crossing the threshold, he entered. * * * The first sensation was familiarity. The path through the rift, seemingly composed of the Heavenly Demon’s energy, felt oddly familiar yet foreign. Even so, the journey was lengthy. It felt like he’d walked forever without reaching an end. Given it was a space of her energy, he couldn’t afford to let down his guard. Who knew how it might turn against him later? ‘This energy could turn on me at any time.’ Constantly aware of the danger, he continued onwards. Could this be an endless expanse? Such thoughts arose when, unexpectedly, a distant light was visible. Was that the exit? With that hope, he moved towards the light. Blindingly---!!! His vision altered, clearing as the tangled scenery settled. “Huh?” He frowned at the sight. Where was this? It was vastly different from anything he'd expected. He anticipated barren plains under a desolate sky, and decaying earth. He thought it might resemble the forgotten lands where Master Mui resided. ‘This is...’ It wasn't like that at all. Clear. The sky was clear. Although not exactly blue, it bore the hues of a setting sun. The sky was cloudless, with the moon due to appear soon. Green fields surrounded him, and the gentle sound of flowing water filled his ears. Turning his gaze, a stream trickled in from afar. Even the forest around was lush. It didn't seem like a forgotten world, or like the place he'd anticipated. Too pristine. More so— “Familiar?” There was a sense of familiarity, as if he’d been here before. “What is this?” What was this familiarity? Why did this place feel known to him? “At a glance, it seems like Zhongyuan.” Although instinct told him it wasn’t. This wasn’t Zhongyuan. Then what dimension was this? He scanned the area, searching for the Heavenly Demon. “Where is she?” Where had she gone? Uncertain of this place and where the Heavenly Demon might be, he knew he must search for her. The wind whispered gently, carrying leaves past him and a familiar scent tickled his nose. It was an unremarkable fragrance, one he'd often encountered, yet it brought a peculiar lightness to his heart. This sensation persisted here, something subtly extraordinary since his arrival. A feeling reminiscent of something longed for, familiar both in presence and absence. ‘Surely, I've been here before.’ He couldn't shake the notion that he had indeed visited this place before. “…Sigh.” Exhaling deeply, he concentrated energy to search for the Heavenly Demon. Regardless of what this place was, finding her was paramount. Raising his sensory awareness to its peak, he sought her presence. Despite her typically low presence, akin to Wi Seol-ah, finding her this time seemed unusually effortless. ‘There she is.’ She wasn’t far. With determination, he moved swiftly towards her location. Navigating through the trees, he reached the destination in a matter of moments. Stepping onto the grass, he frowned at the scene laid out before him. The heart of the forest opened up into a cleared area, not formed naturally but crafted with care into a garden’s splendor. Clack—whirr! The sound of a waterwheel echoed softly. Adjacent to a connected pond, its gentle rotation was visible. Within the pond, koi of various colors swam leisurely. The tranquility was palpable. That’s all he could think of while observing the scene. It was simply peaceful and beautiful. The richness and warmth conveyed by the well-tended garden enveloped him. It was astonishing to find such a sanctuary behind the rift of purple dimension. Moreover— ‘Did she call this home?’ The fact that the Heavenly Demon called this place home intrigued him as well. Awed by its curiosity, he took a closer look around the premises. Why establish such a haven here? Was it the Heavenly Demon's creation? Although, given its essence— ‘This too seems familiar.’ The dwelling itself induced familiarity. Modestly sized and made of wood, it appeared somewhat aged but bore signs of loving upkeep. Its appearance was commonplace enough that recalling a similar abode wasn’t strange. However, it wasn’t that kind of familiarity. This wasn’t simple resemblance due to its similarity to Zhongyuan. This was instinctual. A primal recognition. He was certain he’d seen this place before. Not merely similar, but this exact place—somewhere, sometime before. His brain, perhaps even his heart, insisted on it. Thump— His heart raced. Surveying the architecture, breathing in the scent, and considering the scenery, his heart thudded relentlessly. His eyes quivered. Unable to speak, he simply stared at the abode. For a long time, words failed him. “Here.” A voice disrupted the silence, and he turned. Perched upon the porch of the house across the pond, sat the Heavenly Demon. Her black hair framed her face while the waterwheel turned steadily beside her. She squinted into the soft light of the setting sun, shading her eyes with her hand to gaze at him. Her seemingly nonchalant purple eyes locked with his. “Over here.” Pat, pat. She tapped the space beside her on the porch, invitingly. At that instant— -Come and sit here. A voice, undoubtedly hers, resonated within his mind. The invitation, though never spoken aloud, drew him to her side. Without realizing it, he walked over and took a seat beside her.