章 17: Mysteries
"For a specific person who I've been looking for."
With those words, Jin Tong glanced again at Taehyung, his eyes full of sorrow and remorse.
There was pity there too, and a hint of worry.
Taehyung's throat closed up.
"For…" he croaked, "...me?"
Jin Tong flashed him a small smile, tinged with the slight hint of bitterness and sorrow. A smile that held endless possibilities and endless secrets.
"If not for you, then who else?"
The dagger that Taehyung held onto wobbled slightly. The Jade Emperor, upon seeing his unsteadiness, had a light flash through his eyes.
"If We let go of the traitor, will you leave Us and our Gu Wen be?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The spirits nearby couldn't believe their ears. The Jade Emperor, the one who's name struck fear into the hearts of those who knew of him, had backed down?
The Gu Wen stared at the Emperor, his deep eyes unfathomable.
"Your Majesty. Will you let a criminal go free?" the Gu Wen said coldly, his voice echoing throughout the room, and bringing about whispers and clamours from the rest of the hall.
The Jade Emperor shot him a warning sign, and continued on.
"Jin Tong. Tonight, We will let you go because it is a celebration of Jin Tai Heng's return," the Emperor said, pausing slightly and said a little more quietly, "It has been a long time."
The Gu Wen frowned. "Your Majesty--"
The face made of jade hardened and turned cold.
"We know. Do not interrupt Us."
Taehyung frowned. For the most powerful person in the room, why was he so afraid of Jin Tai Heng, a simple spirit from 6th Heaven? For the Emperor to have placed such a huge importance onto him, what was he planning?
To ignore the advice of his own advisor, and to let go of a criminal. Taehyung had no idea what crimes Jin Tong had committed, but to have one's tongue cut out for eternity--
This world truly was seductive. Mysteries asking to be unraveled, a backstory seemingly needed to be unlocked. Fantastical dramas and unsolved vengeance.
All this were just mere obstacles on Taehyung's quest to find the rest of his family.
The glow of the lights flickered slightly above. Right now, there was not a single murmur. Just dozens of frozen faces and eyes focused on the four in a stalemate.
Taehyung glanced over at Jin Tong, and they silently exchanged an agreement. He turned his head back to the Emperor, who stared at him. The Emperor's jade eyes seemed deeper than a well, numerous emotions swirling inside his stone orbs.
Taehyung nodded. Slowly, all of them except Guan Gong lowered their weapons. Down came the sword, the dagger, and the fan.
However, each person was still in high-alert mode, ready to attack and defend at any time. Taehyung lowered the dagger, but still kept the dagger beside him. He kept an eye on the Gu Wen.
Guan Gong sneered at the Gu Wen. "Pathetic puppet, this one will fight you right now."
Guan Gong stabbed the sword into the jade floors, causing a massive crack to appear. The whole building seemed to shake from Guan Gong's force. Some of the frozen spirits now begun to panic, fleeing to the edges of the hall. They wanted to leave, but to leave without the permission of the Emperor was out of bounds. The several Gods and Goddesses who were present watched the scene calmly, a hand on their weapons.
The Gu Wen quickly retreated back a few steps. He narrowed his eyes and his lips moved quickly, chanting. Taehyung could not read his lips; he was speaking too fast.
Guan Gong took a couple of steps, swaying from side to side; his sword hand trembled and he could barely keep himself awake. The lull of sleep was terrifyingly stronger than usual. However, Guan Gong was a strong drinker. Tonight's dumping of alcohol could barely get him wasted, or so he thought.
The sword in his arm swung wildly, purple lightning flickering dimly. Others who sat nearby quickly retreated. Who knew whether this crazy God would take off their heads or not?
The Gu Wen drew out his metal fan, a serene look on his face. With a flick of his wrist, a light wind passed through everyone in the hall, leaving no effect nor clue to what he had just done.
As Guan Gong raised his sword, something seemed to trigger within him. With a heavy thud, the high-and-mighty God of War had fallen to the ground like a sack of potatoes.
Taehyung glanced at the enigmatic Gu Wen, who stared thoughtfully at Guan Gong's fallen body. Guan Gong's servants quickly intercepted the scene and prevented the God of War's reputation (well, as much as they could for a God who liked fights and getting drunk).
Guan Gong, who looked so similar to Jimin yet acted like someone else completely.
The Gu Wen, who was clearly the one who sealed his memories.
Jin Tong. The one who Taehyung was most curious about. How did they know each other in the past?
The tension had died down now, but the evening was completely ruined, leaving a bad aftertaste. Spirits who were previously panicking calmed down, and begun talking amongst themselves instead. Curious whispers filled the hall.
No matter what world, no matter how powerful, it seemed like gossip was always an alluring thing that others were attracted to like ants to sugar.
The Emperor raised his hand and dismissed everyone from the gathering, despite the fact that the gathering hadn't ended.
Most of the spirits had been waiting for a sign that they could leave. The room filled with noise as they headed out the hall. A few threw thoughtful glances at the four, but most of them had peacefully gone out, ushered by the several Gods and Goddesses in attendance.
Taehyung dragged Jin Tong into a corner.
He winced at the sight of the cut on Jin Tong's neck. Reaching down, he ripped part of his white inner clothes and quickly wrapped Jin Tong's wound.
"Thank you, for fighting for me," Jin Tong suddenly said, as he watched Taehyung bandage his wounds.
Taehyung chuckled. "You have saved my life countless times, and you brought me back even at the cost to yourself."
Jin Tong laughed, a clear and bright sound. He still held onto the habit of clapping when he was happy.
"It was time for me to come back," Jin Tong said.
"Your tongue…" said Taehyung, feeling slightly off guard from Jin Tong's sudden ability to speak.
"The potion."
There was a slight bitterness to Jin Tong's voice. Taehyung looked into Jin Tong's eyes, and found traces of painful acceptance, like someone who knew something bad was going to happen soon.
Taehyung remembered the vial full of red liquid.
Xue Ya stormed over.
She raised her arm, ready to deliver a harsh slap. Taehyung easily caught her arm halfway, and glared at her. He quickly spoke before she could say anything.
"No, I did not make a mistake. Do not question me again."
"But, Milord--" she interjected.
"I am your master, Zuan Shi Nu Hai. Do not say another word."
If he had to use the name of the previous Jin Tai Heng, then he would. He did this for Jin Tong, someone he suspected to be a member of BTS. A member of his chosen family.
But there was another suspect too. The God of War, Guan Gong, who looked so similar to Jimin. Tomorrow, he would meet with Guan Gong, and see if he truly was Jimin.
Taehyung smiled sadly at the thought of Jimin and the others.
Xue Ya backed down, her face slightly annoyed but resigned.
Taehyung extended his hand to Jin Tong.
"Let's go back home."
クリエイターの想い 
noctifer
noctifer I have two huge announcements to make!
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