Amiss

So Eun looked at it and held on to his chest tightly, his face slightly twitching at how fast and painful an ache it was.

After a moment, he realized that this must be one of the critical clues of his past.

He didn't waste any time and gathered spiritual powers in his palm to blast at any given chance at something or someone who might lounge at him at the pathway.

So Eun breathed deeply and stalked forward, following the stone pathway. He failed to notice the firefly flying behind him silently.

So Eun's objective was to follow what his heart takes him, so by all means, merely glancing at the peculiar and desolate place was enough for his heart to squeeze itself.

And as long as it could arise a reaction from him, So Eun had the yearning to pursue whatever it was.

Wilting plants and tall bushes hindered him from advancing further, mentally taking note of the evergreen trees welcoming him to make his way back as he could barely see the stone pathway that has been buried beneath the countless deceased leaves.

The sounds of birds that were flying above him mysteriously stopped when So Eun took the next step into the unexpectedly wide and clear area.

The sweat that formed on his forehead intensified when he sensed something strange.

Tall bushes can be seen, but they do not restrict him anymore.

He was alarmed that the opening route of this mountain was devastated and piled up as if a place like this doesn't exist and was deserted of people for years now, but to a more reasonable judgment, it is highly apparent that someone didn't want anyone to come here at all.

So Eun didn't like that idea of his, yet he firmly set his attention on the surroundings.

His senses are ready and attentive as he keeps walking more gradually.

He paid attention to what was amiss in the clear area since tall bushes couldn't be seen, but a single path leading up to the peak.

As he was about to rise to the stone path, rustle whistling leaves abruptly stopped him, and on turning around, he saw an old man already standing behind him.

So Eun felt the chills at the back of his neck and used his spiritual powers to summon his sword. He pointed it at that man.

And then he found out that there was something more amiss than this whole place. Out of all this, this peculiar being standing in front of him, he dared not consider human anymore.

That's because while his eyes were closed, his whole body was consumed vertically in half by demonic spiritual energy. He was fully unscathed by it, which causes So Eun to brace himself because of the notion that was given to him: that if he opens his eyes, the demonic energy would possibly surge everywhere.

He shouldn't be in here and doing this because, in the first place, he was the one who disturbed this abandoned peak.

But at the back of his mind, So Eun intended to seek challenges; on what grounds his own spiritual powers state is, is it enormously mighty enough to be able to defeat something as formidable as this old man?

While he was confounded in a crisis, he didn't catch sight of the man slowly opening his gloomy, dull eyes.

He stared at So Eun until the Deity stared back at him; his eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but he soon maintained his composure.

"It's been a while since a human has been caught up in here, but I didn't see it coming for a Deity like you to appear here."

The Ghoul said languidly, without taking his eyes away from So Eun. Neither did the latter.

"A Deity from Tipolo Palace, this time. That was why you got curious and came here?" The way he said those things, So Eun sensed a premonition.

"We won't have any problem if you won't stop me from visiting this place." So Eun stubbornly said, neither of them making a move of even an inch.

"Of course, but I knew a Deity's purpose is to eliminate evil." This time, So Eun didn't fail to notice the corner of his lips lifting lightly.

He didn't reply but stared at the old man and had a piercing glare down battle.

He realized that this ferocious ghost wasn't an old man but a young lad who died at an early age, and he appears like a Ghoul who was very known and frightened by the townspeople because of a certain capability.

How did he come to know, So Eun took mind on how he spoke; he devoured countless ghost spirits, to the point that their evil energy exploded and almost consumed his whole being. In the end, only his half was blackened.

With the way he spoke to him, the souls of the demons he had combined were either useless, experienced, or manipulative, which caused him to abuse and capture his target so easily. People will likely avoid and fear him.

Several seconds passed, and the ghoul's expression became peculiar as if he saw something bizarre within So Eun's bright twinkling eyes.

So Eun ignored that and fastened himself.

But, instead of anticipating his first battle with their enemy, So Eun was suddenly welcomed by a polite tone of gesture.

"A Pure Guardian. All of this is happening for a reason."

The ghost spoke again, but this time in front of a surprised So Eun. He bowed respectfully and smiled after greeting him. Unexpected chances and likely a malicious intent are hidden behind it.

"What do you mean?" He was shaken to the core.

"I found something interesting in you that might somehow help me with my life burden."

The smile was gone the moment he spoke these words; the demonic energy dispersed around them and faded. But So Eun didn't let his guard down.

"Care to elaborate? It looks like you learned a lot about Deities despite being a ghost. I am assuming you knew that a Deity wouldn't just negotiate with a fierce ghoul so easily." He spoke with a manner of being stern and cautious.

But for an unknown reason, out of the blue, the ghoul laughed out loud, putting his left decaying hand on his stomach and laughing wildly.

As if a joke has been thrown his way and he might as well die of laughter while clutching his stomach. So Eun narrowed his eyes at him.

"Oh, this is so hilarious. I am sorry for disrespecting Our Pure Guardian, but you are so clueless. Did almost all of the Deity not remember anything in the world after being resurrected? I will take pity for your sake. But, Our Pure Guardian doesn't have to show his distaste for a devil incarnate so shamelessly. That would just get back on you."

He didn't stop laughing between stops on his words, and that infuriated him.

He is already confused about his situation, and this demon belittles him further. Isn't he the one who is shameless here? And also, what nonsense is he saying? There was a play that would need to be elaborated and briefed before starting the show, and this demon did not get the gist at all.

So Eun sighed and finally put down his sword, but not his spiritual powers.

"I will stop my grudge on you if you stop spitting nonsense onto my face, but if you are here to cause trouble, then do not waste my time."

Gathering spiritual powers in his palm and sword, So Eun sneered rudely at him and was ready to attack first and finish this bullshiting.

The ghoul immediately stopped laughing and stood straight, but the mirth still lingered on his face.

He crossed his arms and appeared not to be affected by the other's situation as he grinned devilishly at the Deity.

"Our Purest Guardian, have you heard of the Demon King, Han Min?"