Home/The Beloved Young Divine Child of the Twelve Zodiacs/ch 94

Chapter 94

Despite his casual reply, Woo-hyun's condition wasn't good. The power gained through experiments inevitably came with side effects. Having recklessly used his power while on the run, his remaining lifespan wasn't long. The Black Demon clan's pursuit had waned over the years, likely because they assumed he was dead.

Then he appeared as the interim Divine Maiden's guard, drawing their attention again.

"You're awfully calm about your own life."

"You're going to take it when the time comes anyway, aren't you, sir? Don't go soft. Remind yourself quickly where my power came from."

"Right. Black hair isn't meant to be spared."

"Now I see who Geum Arin takes after—you, sir. Why is a tiger's heart so soft?"

"Because she's my daughter. Anyway, your final plan hasn't changed?"

"Yes. Since I'm going to die young anyway, I want to crush at least one enemy's skull."

"Is there really nothing else you care about in this life?"

"..."

"Things can change when the end draws near. So don't be too sure."

"...Are you trying to play sage just because you're the Divine Maiden's father?"

Woo-hyun replied with a teasing tone, as if he hadn't been shaken. He clearly didn't want to continue the conversation, so Dogyeong asked bluntly,

"So who approached you?"

His expression shifted, and Woo-hyun answered.

"She called herself Cheong Yuhui. Her hair was black, so I was startled—I thought she was a Black Demon."

"Not everyone with black hair is a Black Demon."

"Yes. Which means there are Black Demons pretending not to be—like me."

"You transformed into a black rabbit before, didn't you?"

"Then a Black Demon pretending to be a black rabbit..."

Woo-hyun's wordplay earned him a walnut to the forehead.

"Ow! Are you turning into the old hag too? Why hit me!"

"Stop being a nuisance and eat your walnuts."

Cracking the walnut, Woo-hyun muttered,

"Then, as you suspected, the Cheongmyo House might be helping the Black Demon clan."

"It's not certain yet. Their family history is more complicated than others."

Cheong Haeju had over ten concubines and countless children—she couldn't possibly watch them all.

"What if Head Cheong herself is behind it?"

At Woo-hyun's question, Dogyeong's reply was cold.

"Then the Cheongmyo House will disappear from the Twelve."

He rose, wrapped the pill in a handkerchief, and pocketed it.

"I'll take this to the Divine Maiden."

"It was given to me!"

"You brought it to be examined, so stop complaining. Once it's cleared, you can eat it to your heart's content."

When he reached to tap his forehead, Woo-hyun dodged.

"If I die young, it'll be your fault."

"You and your mouth."

---

A few days later, Muje received permission to leave and went with Arin to the forest.

"The tree is in here?"

Since that day, it had been sealed inside Dohun's earthen wall. It was no longer emitting fog.

"Stay here. I'll go check it alone."

"I can't do that. I didn't ask you to come so you could take all the risk."

"I don't want your divine power to be affected, like the Divine Maiden's."

"I'm also worried you might lose control of the White Dragon's power."

"Arin."

"I won't touch the tree—I promise. And remember, I still have your Yeouiju!"

She insisted firmly, and he reluctantly extended his hand.

"Promise you'll stay close to me."

"Okay!"

Arin took his hand eagerly and opened a door in the earthen wall. Inside stood the massive ginkgo tree. Taking a deep breath, Muje removed his bracelet. With a soft click, the power of the White Dragon, long dormant, surged back to life. At the same time, Arin's divine power gently soothed it.

"How does it feel to feel that power again after so long?"

"Still wild and unruly."

"Can you handle it?"

Her hand tightened, more nervous than he was. He chuckled.

"Of course—it's mine."

He placed his hand on the ginkgo trunk. A gentle wind enveloped them. While he traced the Yeouiju's traces, Arin watched him closely, keeping her spiritual eye open in case anything went wrong.

Strong and fierce energy.

Unlike Muje's calm nature, the White Dragon's power boiled like lava. She was mesmerized by its overflowing vitality—then the wind stopped, and he put the bracelet back on.

"You're done?"

"Yes. As you said, my Yeouiju was used."

"Can you tell where it started?"

He unfolded a map and pointed.

"Here and here."

Some points were far from Geumho Village; others were familiar.

Arin's expression grew serious. "This one is near the Village of the Twelve Spirit Beasts..."

"It seems they infiltrated there when they made contact with the Divine Maiden."

"Did they use this tree to enter the village from the start?"

"Probably."

"Can you find them?"

"I have to—by any means. For now, they're no longer here."

"That's a relief."

"I've set measures so I'll sense it if my power is used again. Don't worry about a repeat of last time."

His assurance made her sigh in relief.

"Thank you. Lately, I've only been getting your help."

"Keep the Yeouiju with you at all times—so my power never clouds your eyes."

"I will. Hwasa is guarding it well."

Hwasa, a Fire Serpent, was well-suited to guard the Yeouiju. Having inherited its mother's red jade, it was stronger than most spirit beasts. The thousand-year-old red jade, said to belong to the first Fire Serpent of the Twelve, was even more formidable.

"I hope you get your Yeouiju back soon."

"You do?"

"Yes. I want the people around me to live long and healthy lives."

Since Yeoryeong had been poisoned, Arin had grown afraid of losing those she loved—especially Muje, who only had half his Yeouiju.

"I'll definitely get it back for you."

She clasped his hands in both of hers, making a vow. He watched her, then suddenly wore a bitter smile.

"Is that because we're friends?"

"Yes—especially you, Muje. You're my best—"

"I don't want that."

"Huh? What did you say?"

At his unexpected rejection, Arin blinked. When she asked again, he didn't deny it.

"Muje..."

Do you not want to be my friend anymore?

She couldn't finish the question, just stared at him. Reading the worry in her eyes, he slowly reached out.

He knew he should deny it to ease her anxiety—but that would be no different from when they were children. The more his feelings grew, the less he could be satisfied with friendship.

His fingertips, tingling with tension, traced her cheek.

"I don't want to be just friends with you anymore."

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