Chapter 135
“Where do you come from?”
“You cannot enter without a passage token.”
In the past, only identity verification was required, but now, a passage token is essential for entry.
This reflects how wary the Wulin League is of the current situation.
“I’ve come upon the orders of Lord Commander. I am the League Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”
Doyul held out the passage token engraved with the League Master’s seal through the carriage window.
The League members carefully examined the token for a long time before stepping aside.
“Please enter.”
“Thank you.”
Doyul and Yerin disembarked from the carriage and stepped inside.
The guards with sharp vigilance patrolled the Wulin League with unwavering attention.
Especially, the League Master’s chamber was guarded without a single flaw.
The passage token was standard, and only a select few from the high ranks of the Wulin League were allowed entry to the League Master’s chamber.
“You’ve arrived.”
The right-hand man of the League Master, Lord Commander, greeted them.
His face bore the signs of exhaustion and worry from leading the League alone.
“Did you have any trouble on the way here?”
“Not at all. It was fine.”
“Have you been doing well?”
After exchanging greetings.
Doyul hesitated before asking cautiously.
“How is the League Master doing?”
“…Honestly, it’s not good.”
The Lord Commander’s expression darkened instantly.
“She is still using Snowbell Grass continuously, but we haven’t seen a significant improvement in her condition.”
“Meaning there hasn’t been a noticeable recovery?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The Lord Commander nodded solemnly.
“She remains nearly unconscious to preserve her energy, but even that has its limits.”
Although the term “unconscious” was used, it was close to a comatose state.
Quickly clicking her tongue internally, Yerin finally spoke.
“I brought some Snowbell Grass from the Sect.”
“Really?”
For the first time, a smile appeared on the Lord Commander’s face.
Yerin looked at him with a sympathetic gaze.
“After all, you’ve been through a lot.”
Currently, there were only three sources of Snowbell Grass for the Northern Sea Ice Palace: the Sect of Sichuan, Zhongnan Sect, and the Xin Clan of Xinchang.
Any other sources of Snowbell Grass were nonexistent.
Moreover, with the League Master’s worsening condition, continued use of Snowbell Grass was essential.
‘The absolute quantity of Snowbell Grass must have been insufficient.’
Yerin quickly continued.
“I’ve brought enough. Use it generously to preserve the League Master’s strength.”
“I truly appreciate it!”
The Lord Commander seemed on the verge of bowing deeply in gratitude.
Yerin suddenly spoke again.
“That aside, Lord Commander.”
She launched a direct question.
“I heard the former Clan Head of the Xin Clan gave the League Master a restorative pill. Has he been investigated?”
“…What?”
The Lord Commander glanced nervously at Yerin.
‘The former Clan Head was your father.’
Yet, Yerin showed no concern for the connection.
The Lord Commander swallowed hard before answering.
“Of course. Given the recent events at the Sect, it was the first thing we investigated.”
“And the result?”
“No abnormalities were found.”
“That’s… a relief.”
Despite the answer, Yerin looked somewhat displeased.
‘Did the former Clan Head really just give the restorative pill out of goodwill?’
The former Clan Head had allied with the Blood Cult.
Such an individual likely had motives beyond mere kindness.
‘Maybe my suspicions were wrong.’
Scratching her head, Yerin asked again.
“So, does that mean you still haven’t identified the culprit who poisoned the League Master?”
“Yes, it’s still uncertain.”
“…I see.”
The atmosphere once again darkened.
After a brief moment,
The Lord Commander made an effort to speak brightly.
“Since you’ve come a long way, you should see the League Master. Though she is currently asleep…”
“Yes, we will.”
“I will ensure she doesn’t wake up.”
Doyul and Yerin followed the Lord Commander into the League Master’s chamber.
As they moved through the corridor, the strong scent of medicine filled the air.
Beyond that, they could see the League Master lying asleep.
Beside her, a physician tending to her was the first to spot the three and bowed deeply.
“You’ve arrived, Lord Commander.”
“How is the League Master’s condition?”
“Similar to yesterday.”
The physician said with a guilty expression.
Meaning there had been no improvement.
“…I see.”
Lord Commander stood silently, gazing at the League Master’s haggard face.
The expression on his face was so grim that both Yerin and Doyul became solemn.
“The most frustrating part is not knowing how the League Master was even poisoned—let alone the process itself,” Lord Commander said, unable to hide his despair as he touched his forehead with his hand.
“Whether there’s a spy within the League, or someone was bribed…”
“Lord Commander.”
“Nothing… nothing at all.”
His voice quivered slightly.
Neither Yerin nor Doyul dared utter a word of comfort.
Lord Commander had been serving the League Master for many years, dedicating his life to her.
Seeing such a devoted man, once strong and resolute, reduced to despair was heart-wrenching.
Yerin carefully examined the League Master lying motionless.
‘Certainly… she’s become much thinner than before.’
Usually, the League Master would have sensed their presence and awakened by now.
The fact that she could not do so was a clear sign of her weakened state.
Suddenly, Yerin noticed a teapot and teacups meticulously arranged beside the bed.
‘Tea?’
She momentarily raised her eyebrows, but then understood.
‘Patients often get thirsty.’
It wasn’t unusual to have tea available for hydration purposes.
Besides, the League Master had a fondness for tea, which she indulged in regularly.
‘Back when we had meals together…’
A memory surfaced of the League Master never letting go of her teacup.
The thought made Yerin feel bittersweet.
A while later,
“…Both of you must be tired from your long journey. I’ll show you to your quarters.”
Weakly lowering his hand, Lord Commander tried to sound composed.
“You came to visit despite such a sudden request, and even brought Snowbell Grass. I cannot thank you enough.”
“You deserve it.”
“It’s the least we could do.”
Doyul and Yerin responded quickly.
Lord Commander gave a faint smile.
However, that smile contained no trace of hope whatsoever.
—
Yerin and Doyul headed toward a separate chamber.
As they arrived, the aged ice wolf, Myonyeonbingjung, rushed out with quick steps.
– Palace Master, Contract Holder!
“Were you bored all by yourself? Did you cause trouble?”
Yerin squatted down and patted Myonyeonbingjung’s head affectionately.
– Do you think I’m a child?
Myonyeonbingjung replied grumpily, but leaned into Yerin’s touch, enjoying the gesture.
Seeing its tail sway contentedly, it clearly appreciated the attention.
However, suddenly,
‘Hmm?’
Yerin widened her eyes, alternating her gaze between Doyul and Myonyeonbingjung.
‘Since when were Doyul and Somi getting along like this?’
Usually, Doyul would grab Myonyeonbingjung by the scruff and scold him. But now, he remained quiet.
“Doyul?”
Hearing his name, Doyul snapped out of his thoughts.
“Ah, yes.”
“What are you thinking about?”
After a brief hesitation, Doyul exhaled softly and replied.
“Just… I’m a bit worried about the League Master’s health.”
Yerin’s expression darkened in response.
‘Indeed, the League Master’s condition is severe.’
However, what struck her as odd was how deeply concerned Doyul seemed to be.
While it was natural for a leader of the White Jade Alliance to worry, Doyul appeared…
‘Strangely gloomy.’
Yerin gently spoke to him.
“For now, we only need to hold out until the Thousand-Year Snow Flower arrives. The League Master’s condition is the key.”
She chose to keep the details about the Thousand-Year Snow Flower a secret.
It was a treasure too precious, and revealing it might lead to leaks within the Wulin League.
Better to keep it confidential until the moment it could be delivered safely.
“Still, with the Snowbell Grass we’ve brought, things should improve at least a bit.”
Yerin said confidently.
“If we use it generously, the League Master’s condition will at least stabilize.”
“Yes, I hope so.”
Doyul nodded slowly.
The League Master’s haggard face lingered in his mind.
‘It doesn’t look like she’ll recover easily.’
Watching the weakened League Master, memories of his late father, who passed away at the Hidden Heart Palace, surfaced.
The League Master, the pillar of the righteous sects, striving to keep the Wulin League afloat, and his father, sacrificing everything for the Northern Sea Ice Palace.
Though their appearances, personalities, and ages were different, they bore a striking resemblance…
‘They’re alike.’
Doyul clenched his teeth quietly.
Yerin, noticing his somber mood, softly asked,
“Doyul, are you okay?”
“Of course.”
Doyul forced a calm smile.
However, beneath that composed façade, his darkened expression betrayed his inner turmoil.
‘He doesn’t seem fine at all…’
Yerin couldn’t look away from Doyul.
