630 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

In a world where the stars have vanished from the sky, and only emptiness remains upon the earth, I ran along a golden path that pierced through darkness and silence. "What kind of crossroads is this!" At a fork where the golden waves broke off, both paths seemed to lead towards the lighthouse. Was it some kind of intuition akin to that of a prophet? A chill ran down my spine. I felt an instinctive dread that choosing the wrong path would spell my end. "Which one is the gate of death? Where should I go... Hwa Rin?" A violet breeze, almost as if cheering me on, pushed against my back. Why are you hesitating? Stop overthinking and run. The purple dust gloriously scattered through the darkness, all rushing in one direction. "I can't fall behind." What are you doing? Hurry up. I could almost hear Hwa Rin's voice. Smiling faintly, I quickened my pace. When I reached the next destination, the violet breeze disappeared, as if its duty was fulfilled. ‘This is the second lighthouse.’ I lifted my head to gaze at the beacon of the lighthouse. It was like starlight faintly falling from a distant source. As if stars that had disappeared from the sky had descended to illuminate my path. Meeting with Hwa Rin. Four lighthouses. And a small gift from the Island of Mountain and River. It was an urgent situation, but I had a grasp of what's going on. Hadn't I already placed other stars upon my path? Even in a world where the stars have disappeared from the sky, my own stars were guiding me to where I needed to go. The second lighthouse flared with light. The golden starlight gradually turned pink. There was no need to wonder who the woman appearing before me was. “Where is this? I'm sure I fell asleep at the inn.” "Ha Yeon." The only woman who could pierce through the silent night with pink light in front of me was no other than Ha Yeon. —— “You? Is it really you?” The moment Ha Yeon saw me, she rushed over in disbelief. "Yes, Ha Yeon. It's really me." Though she couldn't hear me, I replied with a smile. “How? Is this a dream? It feels too barren to be a dream.” Indeed, it was too barren to believe it was just a dream. A world where only a lonely road stretched over darkness. “It’s a world of illusions, but it’s partly a dream. The Island of Mountain and River connected us through a dream.” "I don't recall going over the wall. Is it simply a dream because I longed to see you? Or..." It wouldn’t be heard, so she wore a puzzled expression for a moment when she received no answer from me. Then, with the sharpness worthy of someone with the title of the Phantom Shadow, she examined her surroundings. “All means of communication are blocked, so I can’t explain.” Is there another way? Should I try to communicate physically? I pondered briefly but gave up. If Yoon Ho, speechless in front of her, started gesturing wildly, who would consider it reality? I let out a small sigh of frustration. “I know it’s you. There’s no need to sigh with a perplexed expression.” Ha Yeon approached with a playful face, speaking to me. “How?!” “You look like you're asking how I knew. I can tell what you’re thinking just by looking into your eyes. Do you think I wouldn’t be able to discern if you’re real or fake?” “Haha!” She had a point. Ha Yeon always knew what I needed just by a glance. Sympathy and mutual understanding. From Wuchang to Wuxiang, after overcoming numerous obstacles, we knew each other’s thoughts better than anyone. “It’s good to see you smile. I haven’t heard your voice since earlier... If mine reaches you, nod your head. Are we in some sort of formation realm?” “Ha Yeon, you sure are quick to grasp the situation.” I nodded promptly. "Why are you amazed? Have you already forgotten what kind of person your Lim Ha Yeon is?" “…Phantom Shadow.” A woman destined to be the greatest thief in the martial world. “Even if I can't hear you, I know what you're saying. My master in formations is a genius tactician from the Zhuge family, and also a former Phantom Shadow. Do you think I wouldn’t be able to discern this much?” “You’re absolutely right.” To become the best thief, one must be wary not only of locks and guards but also be skilled at navigating and escaping formations laid by the homeowners. As expected, Ha Yeon’s insight impressed me, yet unexpected questions followed. “Are you at the Zhuge family now, by any chance?” “Did you figure that out?” Taken aback, I made a startled expression. Ha Youn nodded knowingly, as if she expected it. “As expected. So, it’s possible to connect people through dreams, huh?” “Not quite, but close enough.” “Don’t do it. If you get caught, it’ll be trouble.” Ha Yeon shook her head and looked at me worriedly. “Ha Yeon?” "It's nice you want to see me, but first, get permission for your wedding from Xiang's father." “……” For a moment, I was taken aback by her sincere advice to properly get the marriage blessing. “Why are you surprised? Xiang may be your fiancée, but she’s my friend and beloved sister. Did you think I would oppose you two being together?” “That’s not it, but…” They used to subtly compete with each other. I didn’t expect her to straightforwardly suggest getting the marriage approval. “It’s strange from the outset. If they knew about your cohabitation, the Zhuge family would react. You’ve probably been dragged away to get permission, right?” “Correct.” Assessing the situation coolly, piecing together clues, and arriving at a precise conclusion. It was commendable. Was she receiving separate training as the heir to Hao Mun? After I nodded, Ha Yeon continued as if she anticipated it. “I don't know how far you've gotten, but there’s going to be a lot of opposition. First, break through their barriers. Even the Zhuge family cannot ignore your challenges if you overcome them.” "It'd be nice if you were here." Although a bit late, it was sound advice. Indeed, no one else but Ha Yeon could be my secretary. Just hearing her thoughts reassured me. “Don’t be stubborn and keep our meeting secret for now.” “Ha Yeon…” “Later, after you and Xiang have a child, how will the head of the Zhuge family handle it? Breaking one of their son-in-law's legs might be the extent of it.” "......" Why does no one seem concerned about the safety of my legs? I also want to stand confidently on both feet and ask my father-in-law for permission to have a harem. Father-in-law. Actually, I have five wives. Yeah, that's not happening. Looks like I need to learn how to strengthen my legs. Watching Ha Yeon pour out advice so effortlessly, I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. It had only been a few months since we'd parted, yet her presence felt incredibly comforting. "What's that look? Are you saying you even miss my nagging? Don’t make that face. It makes me want to come back immediately." “I hope you’re meeting the Hao Mun Lord without issues.” I held her as she rested her head carefully against my chest, asking gently, though I knew my words wouldn’t reach her. But surely, she could hear the heartbeat full of thoughts of her. "Don’t worry about me. My father’s with me. Closing the gap will be challenging, but just as you and I did, I'm slowly bridging it." “I trust you'll do well.” Rebuilding the estranged father-daughter relationship would surely be a rewarding journey in its own right. Her hand gently wrapped around my waist, her blue eyes filled with concern, completely focused on my face. She had many things to say but wore a restrained expression, holding back for my sake. "Sorry for not being able to stay by your side." “Return safely.” We had already said our farewells months ago. Now, all that was needed was a gentle farewell kiss. Ha Yeon, much like a cat marking its territory with its scent, nuzzled against me several times, leaving her mark unabashedly before stepping back, looking a bit embarrassed. "Oh, right. And..." “Hmm?” YW9peUx5cktZYXhyU2hzY1VsMkQ0YnRLL3I4eFViRzdMVGtNNmhBeDBOMWpVK3NFeUtDMFRsSmlCTkFIM0JEcw “It’s just permission to get married! You can’t get married or anything before I come back. While Xiang has one, I’ll have two, two, by the time I return. Got it?!” Ha Yeon shouted at me with her face completely flushed red. “Hahaha.” “I’ll be back soon. Go on. See that golden pillar? That’s the gate of life, right?” When Ha Yeon pointed to the pillar, another golden path unfolded. A straight road leading to the next lighthouse. And beyond that... “The light pillar is shrinking...?” It's certain. It’s definitely smaller than it was initially. The excitement of leisurely opening the surprise gift from the Island of Mountain and River turned into urgency. “We need to hurry. Let’s move.” The pain of parting had already been shared. I nodded and immediately set off. ——— “This is insane!” Without even a moment to savor the joy of reunion, I ran with all my might. Even as I sprinted, the pillar of light continued to diminish. “If you’re going to give a gift, just give it! If it was a time attack, you should have said something!” I had an inkling that time was short. After all, I had just reunited with two of my fiancées after a long absence. It doesn’t seem fair to just say there isn’t enough time. Stay calm. Although I spent a lot of time meeting Hwa Rin and Ha Yeon, it’s not too late yet. The stream of light is shrinking, but it’s not fast. There's still time to spare. I kept running. As another fork in the road appeared, I surrendered myself to the pink breeze that blew from behind. Reaching the third lighthouse was a breeze. “Whew.” Catching my breath, I looked at the lighthouse before me. The golden glow began to take on a human form. Black and a red close to crimson. I forgot to even catch my breath, as I remained fixated on the scene before me. The golden light sculpted a cold face, while the black light flowed down, becoming the black hair that was tucked away in memories. The red light formed chilling eyes that could freeze anyone at sight, yet I knew that the person with those eyes was, in fact, the kindest woman. “Yoon Ho...?” “Sohee.”