By Zephyria 
Come to think of it, they were older than most Divine Spirits. Considering how difficult it was for humans to even reach sixty, it was a mystical tale, yet Biryoo showed no reaction.
“You’re impressive. You finally figured out my age.”
Biryoo already knew that Young-pa had been split in two three hundred years ago. Glancing at the indifferent profile beside him, Young-pa wondered if there was anything in this world that could actually surprise him.
“You know everything about me, so why do I know so little about you? It’s unfair. Are you a mountain god from somewhere? Or a river deity? It’s about time you told me.”
As a thin wisp of cloud slowly drifted across the moon, the world grew a shade darker. Biryoo answered from within the shadows.
“It is better not to be entangled with me.”
Young-pa had merely been grumbling without much thought, so he hadn’t truly expected Biryoo to tell him anything. Besides, if Biryoo’s story was complicated, it was better not to interfere. The problem was the air here. The wide expanse of the night sky, the river, and the landscape scattered with weeds—no, wind flowers—made Young-pa feel restless and talkative.
“Since I emerged from the underground, the only ones I know are earthworms and you. But earthworms only stick around because they’re suppressed by my power; they’re the type to harbor other intentions the moment a chance arises.”
“Do you trust me?”
“I trust no one,” Young-pa answered calmly, then added, “But you’ve had many opportunities to harm me. That day you felt around my thighs…”
“Those damn thighs. I told you I was searching for it using sorcery.”
“Right. The day you toyed with the space between my legs with lewd sorcery to find the treasure, I knew you weren’t an enemy. If you were a spy for Black Tortoise or White Tiger, you would have tried to bind my wrists instead of searching my body. Of course, if you had, you would have died by my hand, so consider yourself lucky.”
Young-pa waited in silence, but Biryoo said nothing.
“Judging by the way you speak, you seem as old as I am, and judging by your actions, you have nothing to do with the underground. I don’t know what you are, but I know you have no intention of harming me.”
Young-pa looked at Biryoo with a smirk.
“I like you. I mean… setting aside a man’s lustful desires.”
Biryoo, who had been gazing into the distance, looked at Young-pa. Young-pa held that gaze with an earnest heart.
“So, why not stay by my side even after today? I would like you to fight by my right side when I eventually challenge Black Tortoise. I’m saying this because you mentioned you have a grudge against him as well.”
Biryoo whipped his head away and replied without a hint of hesitation.
“I refuse.”
Young-pa had known from the start that Biryoo didn’t want to be deeply involved. Still, he felt inwardly disappointed. Not wanting his disappointment to show, he blurted out something random.
“What if we look at it from a purely masculine perspective? If we strip away the rings and the revenge, would you share a blanket with me?”
“How horrific.”
“Damn it, I’m still getting rejected, just like three hundred years ago.”
As Young-pa struck the ground with his fist, the scattered petals floated upward.
“Is it truly because I am so crude and barbaric that you won’t grant me your body? Would you have spread your legs obediently if I had behaved modestly?”
“I believe I told you I have no interest in men.”
Young-pa flared up at the way Biryoo persistently pushed him away.
“Do you think I’m some great sodomite? I spent my whole life looking at only one woman; I’ve never even been interested in men!”
“You kept droning on about ‘playthings’ so much that I thought you lived with a hundred male concubines.”
“You are the first man I’ve been desperate to bring to bed. So it’s not that I like men, but…”
Young-pa trailed off. He felt there was nothing good to be gained by finishing that sentence.
On the other hand, Young-pa thought of his past. He recalled the tender feelings he occasionally felt for Yeogo, and the moments he had pretended not to notice Wubaek’s infatuation, using him instead.
“Perhaps a tendency to toy with men was in me from the start. Po Ui wouldn’t have needed a sodomite, so he probably cast me aside.”
Anger surged, and Young-pa clenched his fists. If there had been anything in front of him, he would have smashed it to vent his rage, but there was only the wide sky. He had no choice but to swallow his anger.
Feeling a sting on his cheek, he looked aside to find a pair of elegant eyes looking down at him.
“What are you looking at? You’re not even worth toying with anymore. Just watch, I’ll find a man prettier than you and take him. Though it won’t be easy to find.”
Biryoo asked with a face devoid of any smile.
“Do you truly intend to oppose Ji Seo-gu?”
“Yes. That desire grows stronger by the day. Is there a problem?”
“With your current power, it is a challenge without merit and a fight without hope.”
Young-pa glared fiercely.
He also knew that exorcising a divine beast was a difficult task. Even when he was at his strongest in the past, the most he could manage was gathering human power and stealing a deity’s weapon to wound White Tiger.
However, that hybrid serpent had gone into hibernation. Young-pa had a chance to persuade his other half, and he could hope for Yeon Mu-geum’s help at least once.
“Begging you for help was a mistake. Even if I have nothing but my bare fists, I have enough of a chance to win without someone like you!”
“Why not just carry a bundle of brushwood and jump into the fire instead?”
“So that’s how you’re playing it? Fine. I’m a man crazy enough to want to die. Shall I show you what a truly madman can do? It’s been a while since you’ve tasted my fist…”
“Enough.”
Biryoo’s voice possessed a power that could easily handle Young-pa, and the huffing, angry Young-pa shut his mouth. His ragged breathing gradually subsided. Once Young-pa calmed down, Biryoo murmured while looking at the sky.
“Why do you not realize that you can only survive if you give up on revenge?”
Young-pa looked in the same direction as Biryoo. The round moon hanging over Dongryeong looked desolate.
“If you think I desire survival and safety, you have misjudged me completely.”
He chuckled. It wasn’t a laugh born of joy, but one used to hide sadness.
“There is only one thing I want. To catch and kill that bastard Northern Black Tortoise.”
The dregs of evil born in the underground, a fearless madman. To Young-pa, revenge was everything, so even the word ‘give up’ was an insult.
“I knew you wouldn’t help me anyway. Stop nagging and go your own way.”
Even as he spat those words, Young-pa felt a hollow emptiness in his chest.
As promised, Biryoo had helped Young-pa recover his memories. Without him, Young-pa would not have made it this far. No, it was more than that. Young-pa realized he had relied on Biryoo more than he thought.
But Biryoo was a secretive person. Since he had appeared without any ties, it wouldn’t be strange if he flew away like a bird. Young-pa had no way to keep him by his side.
“There are several caves halfway up Mount Geumo. I’ve hidden the ring you’re looking for there, so go find it when day breaks.”
Young-pa placed his hands behind his head. He stared up at the sky, hoping his disappointment wouldn’t show.
“I need to get some sleep, so go or stay as you please. Now is your only chance to feel my thighs. This time, you can even touch them with your hands.”
Glancing sideways, he saw Biryoo wearing that expression of utter disbelief again. Young-pa gave him a playful wink and looked away.
After gazing at the sky for a while, he closed his eyes, and a sense of lethargy washed over him. He was exhausted from wandering relentlessly since dawn.
‘We will meet again. When that time comes, I hope I can learn your mysterious identity.’
He had intentionally spread his legs wide to make them easier to grope, but the only thing brushing against his thighs was a gentle breeze. Before long, his body grew heavy, as if the earth were pulling his limbs down. Just as Young-pa fell into sleep, a low voice reached him.
“There is a group watching you in Nazgol. Be careful of tails.”
Before Young-pa could answer, sleep overcame him.
≋ ≋ ≋
The whole world was silent, save for the soft breathing of the sleeper. Biryoo quietly kept his watch until the moon crossed the western peak.
The usual ferocious, stubborn, vicious, flighty, and mischievous expressions had long vanished from the human’s face. While considering him an incomprehensible being, Biryoo could not take his eyes off him.
The human among humans whom Po Ui had been desperate to possess. True to his fame, Yeongparang possessed a beautiful appearance. Jet-black hair that contrasted with his fair skin, smooth cheeks, a straight bridge of the nose, and red, parted lips. Even sleeping sprawled out like that, he possessed a beauty rare among humans.
‘Yet, how does he become so grotesque the moment he opens his eyes?’
The gaze that had lingered on Young-pa’s lips slid down his neck to his upper body. He was somewhat lean, but he had the physique of someone who had trained for a long time. The gaze lingered on his collarbone, moved to his straight shoulders and flat chest, descended to the lean muscles of his lower abdomen, and finally scanned the trousers that bulged in the shape of a thick phallus.
Biryoo turned his head. Because of his looks, he was occasionally confused, but he was undoubtedly a man. His voice was low, his joints were thick, and his skin was firm.
Whenever he spoke lewdly with a man’s body and dared to mock him, Biryoo lost all affection for him. It was pathetic how he clung to his pride, trying to compete in strength at every opportunity. From the moment he first saw him until now, Biryoo had never not despised him.
Was it solely because of that beautiful face that he had recently stopped finding him hateful?
‘Why is it? Sometimes, when I look at you, he comes to mind.’
The two were not alike at all. If there was any commonality, it was that they were both human, and both possessed the foolishness to willingly run toward ruin. Biryoo felt a suffocating weight in his heart, as if a boulder had been placed upon it.
“Seo-o.”
As the low voice echoed, a blue bird flew over. It circled once above Biryoo’s head and transformed into a woman dressed in white.
“Were you nearby?”
Seo-o bowed her head as if embarrassed.
“It is my duty to appear wherever my master calls.”
When Biryoo said nothing, she asked cautiously.
“Um, Master… that human, perhaps…”
“No.”
Seeing Biryoo’s cold expression, Seo-o breathed a sigh of relief.
“I was merely worried, out of excessive caution, that turmoil might befall the world. Though I know well that my Master would never act rashly…”
Seo-o looked at Young-pa again with a brighter expression.
“Now that I see him up close, he really does look like Immortal Flower’s twin. It’s not easy for a man to be born this pretty.”
“He’s only like that when he sleeps; once he opens his eyes, he’s nothing but a Dokkaebi.”
“Is that so?”
“Though his crying face is somewhat tolerable.”
Seo-o’s beaming face was suddenly clouded with anxiety. Biryoo spoke without taking his eyes off Young-pa.
“I have a task for you.”
“What is it, Master?”
“Call my subordinates and have them scour every single cave halfway up Mount Geumo.”
“Are there not over a hundred caves on Mount Geumo? When you say subordinates…”
“Those troublesome fellows who live off me. They should be useful once in a while.”
Seo-o looked at Biryoo with a troubled expression.
“Young Master Suro and Lady Cheon-hae would obey, but… what if Lady Yeomdan refuses?”
“Tell her I’ll give her a thrashing that will make her cry. I’ve raised them too indulgently.”
“Yes… I understand.”
“I’m not bluffing. I will beat them mercilessly with a broom.”
As Biryoo smiled faintly, Seo-o’s eyes widened in surprise. Quickly hiding her expression, she asked politely.
“What should they look for in the caves of Mount Geumo?”
“Tell them to bring anything that looks like a strange treasure. It is an important item, so notify me as soon as it is found.”
“I shall do so. Is Master returning now?”
Biryoo looked down at Young-pa.
“I will do as I please, so you may go.”
“I obey your command.”
Seo-o turned back into a blue bird and flew away into the sky.
Biryoo stood there with a complex expression before taking off his robe. He covered Young-pa’s exposed body with the garment and disappeared into the blue forest.
Fortress of Light
The next day, Young-pa woke up to find no one by his side. In resentment, he tore the robe Biryoo had left behind into shreds. Then, cursing loudly, he set off on his journey.
When Young-pa returned to Nazgol, the Pacheondang office was in a frenzy. Servants were running all over the place, preparing a comfortable place to stay, items to use, and clothes to change into for an important guest.
“I can say I have a very special relationship with that person. They were an incomparable friend to my ancestral deity… In fact, they told me to call them ‘older brother’ the other day.”
“I see. If they are someone sent by Master Young-pa, they are as good as my own guest. They are welcome to stay in this house as comfortably as they wish.”
“Then I shall impose on your kindness.”
That guest was none other than Dallae, who was sitting on the wooden porch, acting as if she were a princess. Wudam’s cheeks were flushed as he looked at her, and Dallae didn’t seem to dislike him.
‘I’m the only lonely one in the whole world.’
As Young-pa walked in, Wudam and Dallae stood up simultaneously.
“Older brother!”
“Master Young-pa, you’ve returned!”
One was a descendant of Wubaek, the other a descendant of Yeogo and Seolji. Although Wudam was not of Wubaek’s bloodline and Dallae resembled her ancestor only in her arched eyebrows, for a moment, Young-pa felt as if he had returned to three hundred years ago.
“Did your journey go well?”
“Yeah.”
“I heard this person is an important guest of the Master.”
“Indeed. Even if they say they’ll live here for the rest of their lives, don’t mistreat them and let them stay comfortably.”
“Of course, we shall.”
Young-pa then spoke to Dallae.
“You may live here as long as you wish. See to it that you have no more hardships or tears in the future.”
“I will. Thank you, older brother.”
“Where is the earthworm?”
Just as Wudam was about to answer, someone came running from afar, kicking up a cloud of dust.
“Big brooooother! You’re finally back!”
The figure running toward them was Lee Shim. Because Young-pa stepped aside, Lee Shim slammed his head into the wall.
“Have you been well? Huh?”
“It’s only been one day. Stop making such a fuss.”
“I must have plenty of your favorite foods served for dinner tonight. The patched part of the wall hasn’t dried yet, so please sleep elsewhere today.”
Seeing Lee Shim’s bright expression, it seemed he had gotten along well and bonded with Wudam. The corners of Young-pa’s mouth twisted bitterly.
“There is no dinner tonight, earthworm.”
“Huh?”
“And there will be no more sleeping here.”
“Whaaat?”
In the past, he would have punched him upon seeing that stupid expression, but Young-pa remained still.
“I’ve wasted enough time. We must set out, so pack your things.”
“Where… where are we going…?”
“You haven’t forgotten our situation, have you?”
The smile vanished from Lee Shim’s face.
“I’ll pack my things immediately. But where is Big Brother Biryoo?”
“That guy…”
Young-pa looked far off in the direction of Mount Geumo, across the Bear River.
“He won’t be coming for a while. Just get ready.”
Lee Shim bowed his head and ran off.
≋ ≋ ≋
When Lee Shim emerged with light luggage, Young-pa was standing in front of the main gate, gazing into the distance. He was dressed in a white jeogori and trousers, his single braided hair swaying in the wind. As Lee Shim approached hesitantly, Young-pa looked down at him with dark eyes.
“There is only one way for you and me to survive. You haven’t forgotten what it is, have you?”
Lee Shim recalled the fact that had blurred during his comfortable days. He opened his trembling lips.
“To… to kill Lord Ji Seo-gu.”
“I’m glad you remember.”
Without even telling Lee Shim the destination, Young-pa leaped forward. As he quickly distanced himself, his clothes fluttering, Lee Shim hurried to follow.
Young-pa crossed the marketplace in a single bound and left the outskirts of the village. His aura was so ominous that Lee Shim didn’t dare speak and simply struggled to keep up.
After running for about one shijin, they were in the middle of a forest. A woodland of pine trees stretched endlessly. Lee Shim noticed that Young-pa was not running at full speed. Young-pa ran leisurely, then gradually slowed his pace, and finally came to a stop.
“My body is not well, and I am struggling with the strain.”