BRDM 191

chapter 191

Ymir’s Heart.

Originally a treasure of the dungeon giants, it was an item stolen by the Demon King Gyoma to achieve resurrection.

But… it’s just a “fragment”?

The real Ymir’s Heart?

“Although my existence is still incomplete and I cannot fully absorb it, since you are connected to Wukong, you will quickly become accustomed to it. My divine power and mythic essence are contained within, so it will be of great help.”

“Brother!!”

“What nonsense are you spouting, Bokhae! If that’s the case, then you’re dead!”

Bungmawang and Saojeong shouted in alarm, but Gyoma’s burning gaze showed no sign of fading.

“In that case, not only the Third Awakening, but even Shedding or Transcendence…!”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that proposal.”

Gyoma’s expression hardened.

“I’m not just saying it. If it’s truly you, it would be easy—”

“I’m not just saying it either!!”

“…!!”

Lee Hyun shouted, cutting off Gyoma mid-sentence.

Gyoma wanted to continue speaking, but

Flare!

The light streaming from Lee Hyun’s eyes blocked his words completely.

“I will never think of sacrificing someone to rise higher. If that’s what you’re going to say, don’t even bring it up.”

“……”

“Especially, I will never sacrifice a friend.”

“…Friend?”

Gyoma’s throat tightened, as if he were suddenly at a loss for words.

His eyelids trembled.

“Yes. You are Ryo’s, and Daeseong’s brother, aren’t you? Then you are also a brother—or a friend—to me as well.”

Four years ago, Lee Hyun had barely been revived through his brother’s sacrifice.

The emotion that remained afterward was not gratitude.

It was sorrow and guilt.

And now…

He had tried in every way to bring that brother back—but had failed.

No one knew his whereabouts.

Perhaps the emotion in one’s heart would never fade until the brother was found.

And yet…

He was being asked to tread the same path again?

“And even if you eat Ymir’s Heart in this state, in the long run it will be poison. From the Second Awakening onward, much finer control is needed. Ymir isn’t compatible with me.”

Forcing a garment that doesn’t fit, no matter how costly, only brings trouble.

Ymir’s Heart, related to gigantification, was actually more suited to Gyoma.

“So please, never speak of such things again. If someone sacrificed themselves for you, wouldn’t you be angry too?”

“……”

“For now, just focus on recovering from the madness.”

Though the tone was imposing, the emotions behind it were unmistakable.

Gyoma gave a bitter smile.

“I’ve only shown you my flawed and wicked side… yet you still accept me.”

“Didn’t I tell you? You are already like a brother or friend to me. Then you must be able to accept my flaws too.”

To share flaws.

Lee Hyun believed that was the fundamental condition of family and friendship.

“…I see. Perhaps I was thinking wrongly.”

Gyoma’s head slowly lowered.

Bungmawang exhaled in relief, while Saojeong looked at Lee Hyun with admiration.

“Well, if it still worries you…”

“……?”

Suddenly, a playful tone crept into Lee Hyun’s voice, and Gyoma tilted his head slightly.

Lee Hyun smiled.

“Shall we make a bond contract?”

Lee Hyun boarded an unmanned taxi heading home.

Although Lee Gunsan had suggested taking a day to rest,

“I just want to rest at home today. I’ll visit the Weapon Workshop tomorrow. I’ll come by again soon,”

Lee Hyun left Uijeongbu, promising to return.

“Phew…”

He rested his head lightly against the seat, taking a long breath.

“Heh heh. The more I see you, the more mature you become, Master?”

Saojeong’s sudden comment made Lee Hyun chuckle awkwardly.

“I don’t know if I’m doing this properly.”

“You’re doing just fine. Your sister-in-law seems very grateful too.”

“That’s a relief.”

The bond contract with Gyoma was tentatively decided.

However, Gyoma’s madness could flare at any moment.

Attempting the trial in such a state could be dangerous, so it was postponed.

Sun Wukong would supervise the contract, and Lee Hyun would wait until fully prepared and in optimal condition.

“I still need the weapons I commissioned from the Weapon Workshop. With those, nothing will be terrifying.”

Lee Hyun’s heart raced at the thought of visiting the workshop immediately.

“How is Wuyoungwang?”

“Heh heh. His aura has stabilized a lot. I think he’ll open his eyes soon.”

“I wonder what he’ll be like. He was quite amusing during the bond contract.”

“Heh heh heh. Only you, Master, could regard the Demon King who has devoured countless immortals and Buddhas so lightly. Heh heh heh heh!”

“Really?”

Lee Hyun smiled faintly, recalling Wuyoungwang slowly emptying a jar of wine.

Then he wondered—if Sun Wukong had seen this, how would he have reacted?

Would he grumble tsundere-style, or praise him like a teacher?

“But why hasn’t Daeseong returned yet?”

“That I don’t know. Maybe he wanted to confront the eldest brother who suddenly changed, or perhaps he’s having a serious discussion to reach an agreement…”

Saojeong gazed out the window. The night view of Seoul along the Han River stretched beautifully.

A view that never ceased to amaze.

“Whatever the matter, Master, you’ll find out soon, right? And he’s not the type to get into trouble recklessly. Let’s wait a little longer. Heh heh.”

Lee Hyun nodded. Saojeong was right—he wasn’t the type to be beaten up somewhere.

Arriving home, Lee Hyun replayed the conversations he’d had with Lee Gunsan.

The discussion wasn’t only about the Chalice of Resurrection.

• Chairman Peng went independent under the SAMA organization. Has there been any actual sightings?

• No. He hasn’t appeared publicly. But his aides were seen active on the Eastern Front.

• Who?

• Wuying (No Shadow).

• You mean Ling Feng?

• Yes. That one.

Ling Feng.

One of Peng Jinghao’s shadow-like retainers.

Famous as a High Ranker, but notorious for another reason: Guanxing Daji.

Known in China as a martial and wealth deity.

Lee Hyun had no good impression of him.

“A piece of trash.”

Guanxing Daji would have had immense influence in Chinese folk belief.

Ling Feng appeared gentlemanly, but behind the scenes committed all kinds of atrocities.

“I remember his unit being the worst…”

He executed friend and foe alike based on his personal sense of loyalty.

Even wiping out a whole family for mere suspicions of betrayal.

Though the incident was later proven fabricated, he never apologized.

And now he had appeared personally on the Eastern Front?

• He’s apparently called Onma as a new codename there…

• The problem is, he seems much stronger than before.

• Whether he gained a fortuitous power or had hidden his abilities, it’s unclear.

• But his actions on the Eastern Front are certainly noteworthy.

• Investigations are ongoing to determine his true combat strength.

• Perhaps Whiteburn detected something as well; it’s worth inquiring there too.

Lee Hyun decided that after securing the weapons from the workshop and completing the bond trial with Gyoma, he would visit the company immediately.

Things seemed very busy.

“Judging by the circumstances, it seems related to the Satya King… but what exactly?”

Gyoma’s warning also lingered:

• My memory is hazy, but it’s certain that the eldest brother did something similar to what he did to me, to Isan.

• Be careful when seeking Isan.

Finding the Seven Stars became increasingly difficult.

He once thought only the main gods, including the Jade Emperor, needed caution.

But now, with the sudden change of the Horse Demon King, even his movements had to be watched…

Perhaps that was why Sun Wukong’s return was delayed.

“I’m home.”

With that thought, Lee Hyun opened the door to his long-unvisited home.

Immediately,

‘The smell of blood.’

[Combat Sense (S+) flashes sharply!]

[‘Sacred Relic: Hwaangumjeong’ activates, scanning the surroundings.]

The metallic scent stung his nose.

Lee Hyun put his hand into Kibisis, ready to draw the Flame-Heat Magic Sword at a moment’s notice.

As he slowly passed the entrance and prepared to turn the corner,

“Stop messing around and come quickly, Inseok.”

“…Wukong!?”

A familiar voice.

Lee Hyun hurried around the corner.

Human-shaped Sun Wukong leaned against the wall, covered in blood.

“Hah… hah… why are you so late? I’ve been waiting… damn it…”

“What happened?”

Lee Hyun quickly approached and released the Yeouishack on Wukong’s wrist, fastening it to him.

Bungmawang and Saojeong also rushed out from the pocket dimension.

“What happened to him!? Did something happen with the eldest brother…?”
“What happened, sir!? Did he get beaten by the Horse Demon King or something?”

“I’m fine. And Ojeong, you seem happy?”

“Yes.”

“Not ‘happy,’ just ‘yes’? This guy?”

“Being able to talk so freely means the injury isn’t severe, right? Heh heh!”

Saojeong quickly cast multiple curse seals on Wukong’s white hair.

Fwhoooosh!

The dozen or so seals descended, rapidly healing his wounds.

His breathing eased.

“What on earth happened?”

“Watching it won’t change what happened. We fought fiercely, and this is the result. Damn it… I could’ve punched his eye one more time… ah! Hot!”

“Kid… is that something to boast about?”

Bungmawang’s glare made Wukong lower his eyes.

“He’s a kid, madam. It will take time for him to mature.”

“You wait, you… aah! It hurts! Stop tying me!!”

“Stop the nonsense and tell us! What happened with the eldest brother?”

Wukong hesitated, then sighed and answered.

“Long story short… I’ve completely parted ways with the eldest brother.”

“…What?”

Bungmawang’s eyes widened slightly. Lee Hyun and Saojeong pressed their lips together.

“He’s no longer the eldest brother we knew.”

Wukong’s eyes flickered with sorrow, yet his anger blazed.

“He’s just a monster now, full of grudges.”

“…!”

“…!”

“…!!”

Wukong’s fiery rage refused to die down.