Though night had fallen, the crimson star cast a faint glow upon the mountain path. Cheongro led the way, his torchlight flickering against the trees. Sobi, her stomach churning with a mix of apprehension and anticipation, kept a watchful eye on Norahn, whose steps faltered as they ascended. By the time they reached the mountain''s midpoint, Norahn was visibly struggling. Sobi moved to his side, offering support.


    "Let''s slow down, Your Sanctity," she said. "A fall now would only delay us further."


    Norahn nodded, his breath ragged. Sobi held his arm, a gesture that amused him. He was tall, towering over Sobi, whose help was more of a hindrance. But he accepted her support.


    Sobi, her gaze fixed on Cheongro''s retreating figure, spoke in a hushed tone. "Your Sanctity."


    "Speak," Norahn replied.


    "What will become of us now?" she asked with a mix of fear and hope.


    Norahn hesitated. The verses of the Azure Scripture were vague, open to interpretation. His predecessors had often twisted those ambiguities to suit their own agendas, their arrogance a stark contrast to his own humility. Sobi''s eyes, wide and innocent, awaited his answer. But Norahn couldn''t offer the certainty she sought.


    "I cannot say for sure," he admitted. "The words of the Azure Scripture are sparse, filled with gaps. Sahngjon has sent us that star. We must follow its guidance. Sahngjon will reveal the rest in due time. If we continue on his path, we will reach our destination."


    "But everyone believes the Crimson Star will lead us to the rebirth of Wi," Sobi said.


    "Surely, Sahngjon wouldn''t send this star to keep us hidden on Birahng," Norahn said with a flicker of hope in his eyes.


    Norahn raised his head, his gaze drawn to the crimson star. The Star, bearer of a sacred calling, shone brightly. Its distant light, however, veiled the true nature of its destined possessor. Sobi''s voice, soft and hesitant, broke the silence. "Your Sanctity."


    "Speak." Norahn replied.


    Sobi hesitated. "I believe... there might be some truth to the Second Emissary''s words."


    A faint smile touched Norahn''s lips. "Do you think I don’t share his concerns?"


    Sobi''s eyes widened in surprise. "Do you?"


    "I trust the High Councilor more than Cheongro. For now."


    "But the Second Emissary..."


    "I understand Cheongro''s motives," Norahn interrupted.


    "Though his methods may be unorthodox," Sobi said, "his loyalty to you and the Ministry is unwavering."


    "That is precisely his flaw."


    "How can that be a flaw?" Sobi asked.


    Norahn stopped and looked at her. He gently lifted her chin. Sobi met his gaze.


    "The Emissary''s faith must be absolute," Norahn said firmly. "Always remember that, Sobi."


    "Yes, Your Sanctity," Sobi replied.


    They continued their descent in silence.


    The three figures, drenched in sweat and exhaustion, reached the entrance of Wicheong Palace. Bathed in the ethereal glow of the crimson star, a familiar silhouette awaited them. As they drew closer, they recognized Myeonghyeon Ryang, his ash-colored robes damp with the night dew.


    "High Councilor," Norahn greeted, bowing his head in respect.


    Cheongro and Sobi also bowed, their greetings met with a curt nod from Ryang.


    "I''ve been expecting you," Ryang said.


    "How fares the Guardian?" Norahn asked.


    "Do you speak of the new Guardian?" Ryang hinted.


    Norahn''s heart sank. He closed his eyes, a silent prayer escaping his lips. "May the Light of Sahngjon guide him."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Ryang quickly grasped the situation. "It seems our messages crossed paths. The previous Guardian was gravely ill. We sent word to the summit."


    "We haven''t received any news," Norahn admitted.


    "While your dedication to his recovery is commendable," Ryang said with a hint of rebuke, "your presence at his side during his final moments would have been more appropriate."


    Norahn lowered his gaze. "I apologize for my negligence."


    Sobi, sensing the growing tension between them, glanced nervously at Cheongro. His lips were curled into a sneer, his displeasure evident. Sobi shared his unease. Ryang had always been cold, especially towards the Emissaries. Seeing Norahn''s subservient posture, a flicker of defiance sparked within her.


    Ryang continued. "The late Guardian''s passing is a grave loss, but that is not our primary concern at this moment. I was on my way to Nahmgyo when I witnessed the star and returned to Wicheong."


    "I, too, have returned after witnessing the star," Norahn replied.


    They both understood the unspoken implications. Ryang''s eyes followed Norahn''s, their gazes converging on the celestial beacon. Its brilliance was unsettling.


    "Is that the Crimson Star of the Azure Scripture?" Ryang asked.


    "It appeared with the rise of the new Guardian," Norahn replied. "Sahngjon''s will seems clear."


    Ryang''s gaze shifted back to Norahn. "Are you certain?"


    Norahn''s unwavering conviction faltered for a moment under Ryang''s intense scrutiny, but he quickly recovered his composure. "I believe so," he said firmly.


    "I had hoped for a different answer," Ryang replied coldy.


    Norahn''s lips tightened. Ryang, undeterred by the shift in atmosphere, pressed on.


    "Instruct the Emissaries to search the records," he commanded. "We must determine if such an event has occurred before. This is a matter of great importance. We cannot afford hasty judgments."


    "Why not issue the order yourself?" Norahn asked with a hint of challenge. "There are still many Emissaries at Wicheong Palace."


    "I do not command Emissaries." Ryang replied.


    He turned and walked towards the cave. Norahn exhaled and followed, his footsteps echoing Ryang''s.


    As Ryang and Norahn disappeared into the depths of the cave, Cheongro''s suppressed anger erupted.


    "That arrogant..."


    "Second Emissary," Sobi cautioned, her voice a gentle warning.


    "He acts as if he''s our superior!" Cheongro spat.


    "Let it go," Sobi said. "He is second only to the Guardian."


    Cheongro''s eyes narrowed. "Second to the Guardian? Even the Guardian kneels before the High Emissary Divine when receiving Sahngjon''s decree. Why should he yield to that... that mere councilor?"


    Sobi sighed. Cheongro continued his tirade, his frustration now directed at her.


    "I told you! Both you and the High Emissary are too naive, too trusting. Now that his cousin sits as Guardian, he''ll become a tyrant. If we allow this to continue, that viper will try to control us. If there''s even the Ministry left to control."


    Cheongro stormed off, his robes billowing behind him as he followed the path Norahn had taken. Sobi hurried after him.


    ──────────


    Ryang and Norahn entered the meeting chamber. The room was filled with the leaders and officers of Wicheong Palace, Seong seated at the head of the table, where his father had once presided. Ryang and Norahn bowed respectfully.


    "Guardian," Ryang acknowledged, then moved to his designated seat at Seong''s right. Norahn remained kneeling. Seong studied Norahn''s haggard appearance, his eyes filled with concern.


    "Despite your devoted efforts," he began, "the previous Guardian has passed."


    "I failed to be by his side in his final moments. I am ashamed."


    "There''s no need for such self-reproach," Seong assured him. "We all recognize your dedication."


    "May the Light of Sahngjon guide his path," Norahn murmured, his voice barely audible.


    A heavy silence fell over the room. The news of Cheon Yong''s passing, intertwined with the uncertainty surrounding the crimson star, cast a somber pall over the gathering. Norahn broke the silence, his voice firm.


    "Guardian," he addressed Seong, "grant me command of the troops."


    All eyes turned to Norahn. Seong, however, avoided his gaze.


    "We cannot dwell on grief," Norahn continued. "There''s a reason we''ve gathered here tonight. We must act swiftly."


    Seong remained silent, his hesitation evident. It had been less than a day since he had declared his intention to dismantle Wicheong Palace. Now, this star, this crimson omen, felt like a rebuke from Sahngjon, a punishment for his weakness. He deflected Norahn''s request, his voice laced with uncertainty.


    "If this is the star of the Azure Scripture, then surely whatever fate awaits us will come to pass. Why the urgency?"


    Seong''s response was met with stunned silence. Norahn''s mouth hung open. Despite the appearance of the star, the long-awaited beacon of hope, Seong seemed neither excited nor relieved. Ryang, sensing the awkward tension, stepped forward.


    "Your Luminance, we are not the only ones who have seen this star. Though we cannot be certain of its meaning, we must act swiftly. If we delay, others might reach our destination first."


    "Others?" Seong''s brow furrowed. "Who do you speak of?"


    "The Dahn forces stationed in Hyangdo," Ryang replied, "and Cheon Hwan."


    The mention of his brother''s name, a name that had long faded into the recesses of his memory, sent a shiver down Seong''s spine. His mind, clouded with doubt and uncertainty, suddenly felt clear. Ryang''s expression remained impassive.


    "Hwan''s fate remains unknown," Seong said.


    "Indeed," Ryang agreed. "There''s no confirmation of his death. If he lives, he too will be drawn to this star. We must grant the High Emissary''s request and deploy the troops immediately. Though we cannot be certain, if this is indeed the prophesied star, we cannot afford to be last."


    Ryang''s words presented a single, unavoidable path.