Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 75

Chapter 75

While Dogyeong was carrying out his operation, Arin, who had belatedly chased after Muje, found herself in a difficult situation.

It's hard to read energies.

Muje's power, pouring out in all directions, made it difficult to pinpoint his location. She had already broken her promise and left the hall—one more step and she'd be outside the protective formations. She couldn't recklessly search for him, nor could she return to the hall alone. She paced for a long while.

Ah, I have that!

She remembered the pouch in her pocket—the sachet Seyeon had given her, which contained the scale Muje had left behind.

"Why did you leave the scale?"

"I wanted to find you later. It's easier to locate you when you have it."

"Wow! So if I have this, can I find you too?"

"Of course."

She recalled his method and quietly infused the scale with her energy. Through the heavy rain, a faint silver line appeared. Following it would lead her to Muje. Remembering his reddened eyes before they parted, she couldn't look away.

I'll just bring him back.

Just as she was about to step into the rain, Geumgeum, who had been following her, transformed into a human and blocked her path.

"Don't, child! This is beyond the formations—it's dangerous!"

His sudden appearance made her stop.

"Geumgeum?"

"I've contacted your brothers—wait here. It's dangerous out there!"

"But Muje's condition was strange! What if he goes berserk like Woo-hyun did?"

Arin's tearful plea troubled Geumgeum. He had sensed how serious Muje's condition was too, but the Divine Maiden had told him to look after Arin.

He spread his arms wide, blocking her path stubbornly.

"Anyway, this is the palace. Even the Black Demon clan won't dare harm His Highness recklessly."

"Can't you feel this rain is strange?"

She pointed at the rain, and Geumgeum hesitated. As a spirit beast, he could tell it was no ordinary rain.

"You can come with me! Let's just bring him back. Okay?"

"Hah, this is insane."

Caught between a rock and a hard place—

Crash—!

Even as they argued, the rain grew fiercer, and the silver line dimmed. Arin stomped her feet urgently.

"Hurry! If he goes berserk, it'll be a disaster!"

"Fine! But if I think it's too dangerous, I'm dragging you back no matter what!"

Geumgeum transformed into a pony for speed. He lowered his back, and Arin climbed on.

Hold tight, child!

Just as he was about to charge into the rain—

Taking advantage of the chaos, something climbed onto his tail.

I'll just check what's happening to His Highness.

It was Sosso, transformed into a snake. She had followed Arin and overheard their conversation. The heavy rain masked her presence.

Soon, they reached the location the scale had indicated. Arin cried out,

"Muje!"

Muje lay on the ground. She rushed to him, cupping his cheek. His core was unstable, and he was pale and exhausted, as if drained.

"Ugh."

Muje groaned in pain, and Arin immediately channeled her power.

"Just—just wait! I'll help you!"

In that instant, her eyes sparkled like a blazing sun. A golden haze rose around her. Sosso covered her mouth in shock—the sight was just like the Divine Maiden's power.

Impossible. No, it can't be. I must have seen wrong.

She denied reality, watching them. But the golden light still enveloped them—too clear to be a mistake.

That was unmistakably divine power—a power far beyond what a half-wit who couldn't transform deserved.

When did she get that power?

Shocked that the "half-wit" she had always dismissed had such strength, Sosso panicked. If her parents ever found out—

I can't let them!

Horrified, she trembled and fled, as if hiding would make the power disappear.

Meanwhile, Arin sighed in relief as Muje's complexion improved. Her training had paid off—she hadn't overexerted herself. Geumgeum hoisted Muje onto his back.

"Let's go back."

"Yeah. Thanks, Geumgeum."

Holding Muje's hand, she followed Geumgeum back to the hall—then she saw familiar figures ahead. Dogyeong and Yeoryeong stood with grim expressions.

Geumgeum flinched at the sight of her.

"Divine Maiden, I really tried to stop her! But as you can see, it was urgent!"

Using Muje as an excuse, he pleaded. Yeoryeong let out a deep sigh. Dogyeong approached with a demonic expression and reached for Geumgeum.

"Aaah! I'm sorry, I really am!"

He cowered and apologized—then someone behind him dodged Dogyeong's grasp with a quiet exclamation.

"Ah."

Jicheon, who had been hiding in Geumgeum's shadow like a ghost, dodged and knelt.

"As expected of Master Geum—I can't fool you."

"Jicheon. You followed my child like a rat, didn't you?"

"To be precise, I was following His Highness Muje."

Arin watched them exchange familiar words—she hadn't even noticed Jicheon was there.

Dogyeong clicked his tongue. "Same thing. Shall I cut out that tongue of yours for playing word games?"

"Forgive me. I was so amazed by the spectacle that I missed my cue."

When he subtly mentioned witnessing Arin's power, her face filled with embarrassment. Her gaze flickered nervously between Jicheon and Dogyeong.

Yeoryeong reassured her. "Don't worry. He's the King's direct retainer—he won't talk easily."

"I'm sorry, Divine Maiden—I acted on my own again..."

"In any case, we couldn't have hidden it from the King forever. I was planning to tell him once this was settled anyway."

Yeoryeong stroked her head as if she already knew. While she was focused on the Black Demon clan, this side had also struggled.

Arin explained with a sullen face. "Actually, Muje ran out as if he was possessed—saying the Yeouiju was calling him..."

Yeoryeong's gaze fell on the unconscious Muje—she sensed faint traces of a spell.

This is troublesome.

The Black Demon clan hadn't been idle during their ten years of absence. Yeoryeong felt guilty for burdening these children.

"I'm sorry. I should have been more careful. My lack of foresight forced you to step in."

At her apology, Arin shook her head. Still holding Muje's hand, she was soaked through. Seeing her shiver, Dogyeong quickly draped his raincoat over her.

"You'll catch a cold."

He lifted her up and glared coldly at Jicheon.

"As you can see, my daughter is cold—so we'll go first."

"Yes. Take care."

Jicheon bowed and took Muje from Geumgeum. After he disappeared swiftly, Dogyeong sighed deeply.

"Things are going to get annoying from tomorrow."

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