Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 57

Chapter 57

Meanwhile, the Divine Maiden Yeoryeong was discussing Woo-hyun's situation with Dogyeong.

"It's clear he's a child of the Black Demon clan, but the source of his power is far too vast compared to his core."

Recalling the countless needle marks she had seen while washing him, Yeoryeong's expression darkened. He had clearly been subjected to experiments that forcibly amplified his power. Having been chased and forced to use his power recklessly in that state, he had nearly died. That was why, upon confirming his condition, Yeoryeong had sealed part of his power as an emergency measure. Unaware of this, Woo-hyun had only been scheming to get his power back.

"It seems they conducted those experiments again. By a stroke of luck, the child seems to have succeeded and gained power."

"This is truly tiresome."

Dogyeong pressed his throbbing temples, as if he had expected this. The Black Demon clan had always pursued power. It was a family that didn't hesitate to kill its own kin to grow stronger. When they had crossed the line, they tried to exterminate them, but their unique reproductive abilities and formidable force made it nearly impossible to wipe them out. And now that a successful experiment had appeared, it was only natural they would pursue him relentlessly.

"It's fortunate we found him first. If he had been captured by them, he would have suffered a terrible fate."

"Yes."

"What are you planning to do with him?"

"For now, I'll take care of him myself until he builds a vessel strong enough to contain his power."

"You'll raise him yourself?"

"If the other twelfth-years learn he's a Black Demon, they'll try to kill him."

After all, he was a child of the Black Demon. Remembering how he had wielded their power so well despite never having been taught, she worried.

"But hiding him in the Village of the Twelve Spirit Beasts indefinitely has its limits. If one of the clan elders finds out, it'll be a headache."

"That's why I wanted your help."

"Don't tell me you want me to take in another son—I already have my hands full with three."

Dogyeong frowned at the thought, and Yeoryeong scoffed.

"You worry too much."

"Then what is it you're so hesitant to ask of me?"

"I'd like you to be his guardian."

"Look at that—you're really taking me for a fool. First the Red Serpent House, now the Black Demon clan—you want me to take them all on? Do you remember they're my enemies?"

Dogyeong showed clear discomfort. Yeoryeong sighed, realizing she kept asking him for difficult favors. She took a sip of her cold tea. Her eyes were colder and calmer than ever.

"I'm asking because you are the head of the Geumho House. If the child is consumed by the Black Demon's power and goes on a rampage, you'll need to put him down with your own hands."

In other words, if he was deemed dangerous, she wanted him killed immediately.

"...A guardianship in name only—really just surveillance."

Only then did Dogyeong grasp her intention, narrowing his eyes. But that was who Yeoryeong was—she wouldn't overlook future dangers just because she pitied a child. Thinking she had softened while watching her with Arin was a mistake.

"If you claim to be his guardian, even the elders won't be able to demand his immediate execution."

"With you putting it that way, I have no choice but to agree."

Just as they concluded their discussion about Woo-hyun's treatment, a distress signal from Geumgeum reached Yeoryeong. She frowned.

"Tsk. We really can't let our guard down for a moment."

"What happened?"

"Come with me."

Without explanation, Yeoryeong hurried away. When they reached the shrine and saw Arin covered in blood, Dogyeong's mind went white. He rushed to her.

"Arin!"

"Ah, Dad!"

Arin, who had been receiving energy from Muje, called out to him.

"What's wrong with you?"

Dogyeong touched her cheek, eyes wide. The energy in her core, which had been fine that morning, was completely depleted. The moment she saw him, Arin's eyes welled up with tears. She had been scared. At the time, she had acted instinctively to save Woo-hyun, but looking back, it had been terribly reckless. As the reality sank in, seeing her father made her burst into tears.

"Sniff—Dad..."

She sobbed, calling out to him helplessly. Her body trembled and she felt chills from using so much power. Watching her pitiful state, Dogyeong felt his blood boil. It was clear her core was exhausted. The thought of her pushing herself that hard made his breath ragged.

"Hah, what exactly did you do? And what's all this blood?"

"Sniff—this, sob—isn't my blood..."

Her face was pale as she stammered. It was obvious she wasn't in a state to explain. Muje, still holding Arin's hand, answered for her.

"That's not Lady Arin's blood—it's Woo-hyun's."

"Woo-hyun's? What kind of trouble did he cause?"

"Woo-hyun went to the village, got caught in a monster trap, and forced a transformation, going berserk. Lady Arin stopped him and exhausted her power."

His explanation was calm, but Muje's lips were also pale from the energy he had given her. Watching them, Dogyeong let out a low sigh.

"Neither of you have any thought of asking for help from adults after causing trouble."

"Pardon?"

As Muje asked for clarification, Dogyeong pulled Arin's hand away from him.

"That's enough, young master. You'll exhaust yourself too."

"Oh."

Then Dogyeong infused her with energy, and Muje's complexion improved. Only then did he realize how drained he was. Ever since losing his power to the Black Demon clan, he had always been cautious—but seeing Arin trembling had made him act first.

Muje remained silent, lips pressed tight, and Dogyeong spoke.

"If you collapse, the White Dragon will rampage and be a nuisance."

"...I'm in your debt."

"Good to see you at least acknowledge it."

Dogyeong clicked his tongue, then ruffled Muje's hair lightly.

"Thank you—for protecting my daughter."

Caught off guard by the praise, Muje touched his mouth, bewildered.

"It was nothing."

"Since you're already in my debt, I have one more favor—could you take Arin back to Maehwadang?"

"Dad, no. Can't I at least make sure Woo-hyun is okay first?"

Arin interrupted stubbornly. Muje sighed.

"I've tried to persuade her several times, but she won't listen."

"Geum Arin."

Dogyeong called her name sternly, and her shoulder flinched.

"You caused trouble behind the adults' backs, and you still think you can do whatever you want?"

"But..."

"Staying here won't improve Woo-hyun's condition in that room. Go back."

His harsh reply made Arin realize how serious it was. Her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, Dad."

At the same time, anxiety crept in—it was the first time she had seen Dogyeong angry. She remembered the nightmare of the Red Serpent House, where disobedient children were unwanted.

What if Dad abandons me too, for not listening?

The thought made her linger, unwilling to leave. She paced before Dogyeong, sending pitiful looks, and his heart softened. He wiped her tears and soothed her.

"Why are you crying?"

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