Chunho's thoughts lingered on Eunja's words as he gazed at Jeoyoon, still unconscious and vulnerable.
"Thank you," Chunho finally said, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude, though his expression remained stern. "I'll take him to the temple."
Eunja bowed slightly, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and respect. "May Yooshin guide you both and if you want to speak to Yooshin the temple is your best bet.."
As she left the room, Chunho turned his attention back to Jeoyoon. The weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders, but so did a sense of determination.
He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from Jeoyoon's face, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "We'll get through this," he murmured, more to himself than to Jeoyoon. "Even if it means facing a dragon's will."
With that, Chunho steeled himself for the journey to the temple, knowing it was the only way to find the answers they needed.Chunho's thoughts lingered on Eunja's words as he gazed at Jeoyoon, still unconscious and vulnerable. The idea of Jeoyoon's behavior changing, driven by a primal urge to mate, unsettled him more than he cared to admit. Yet, the need to ensure Jeoyoon's safety outweighed his discomfort.
"Thank you," Chunho finally said, his voice carrying a hint of gratitude, though his expression remained stern. "I'll take him to the temple."
Eunja bowed slightly, her eyes filled with a mix of sympathy and respect. "May Yooshin guide you both."
As she left the room, Chunho turned his attention back to Jeoyoon.!He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from Jeoyoon's face, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary.
"I'll make sure you get better," he murmured, more to himself than to Jeoyoon. "Even if it means facing the dragon's will."
Chunho's resolve solidified as they made their way back to Hwang. But now, with a decision made, Chunho felt a renewed sense of purpose.
The return journey to Hwang was somber. Jeoyoon remained unconscious as his condition continued to deteriorate. Chunho kept a vigilant eye on Jeoyoon, ensuring his comfort as much as possible. The carriage moved swiftly, the footmen maintaining a steady pace to cover the distance quickly.
Once they reached the capital, Chunho wasted no time in making preparations for the next leg of their journey. Yooshin's temple was located in the eastern part of Goyeo, a secluded area where people often ventured to seek the dragon's guidance and blessings. The temple was said to be ancient, steeped in mystery and power, and Chunho had no choice but to believe it was their only hope now.
Chunho arranged for a small escort to accompany them, consisting of only the most trusted men. The path to Yooshin's temple was not treacherous, but it was remote, and Chunho couldn't afford any risks.
As they set out from Hwang, the air grew cooler, and the landscape gradually shifted from the bustling city to the serene and isolated countryside. The further east they traveled, the more Chunho could feel the presence of something ancient, something powerful, as if the land itself was alive with the spirit of Yooshin.
Jeoyoon stirred slightly in his sleep as they neared the temple's vicinity, his face softening as if sensing the proximity to the place that could offer him relief.
The temple, when it finally came into view, was nestled in the heart of a lush, green valley, surrounded by towering trees that seemed to protect it from the outside world.
The building itself was modest, built of dark stone with intricate carvings that depicted the stories of Yooshin's blessings and wrath. Despite its simplicity, the temple exuded an aura of reverence and quiet strength.
It didn't look like it was about to fall apart, so he guessed they took good care of it.
Chunho ordered the carriage to halt at the entrance of the temple grounds, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement.
It was unnaturally naturally peaceful, which made him even more vigilant.
He stepped out of the carriage and gently gathered Jeoyoon into his arms, holding him close as he approached the temple entrance. The footmen stayed back, understanding that this was a place of deep spiritual significance, a place where only those seeking Yooshin's guidance should tread.
As Chunho crossed the threshold into the temple courtyard, he could feel the air grow thick with an almost tangible energy. It was as if the very atmosphere was charged with the presence of the dragon goddess, watching and waiting for their arrival.
A soft wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faint sound of chimes from within the temple. Chunho took a deep breath, steadying himself as he moved forward. He didn't know what to expect, but he knew that this was the only way to save Jeoyoon, to find the answers he desperately needed.
As Chunho placed Jeoyoon gently on the pedestal, the temple's energy seemed to pulse around them, filling the air with a quiet, reverent hum. Jeoyoon's breathing was steady but shallow, his body completely at rest. Chunho took a deep breath, trying to calm the turbulent thoughts swirling in his mind. He needed clarity, answers, and perhaps most importantly, a way forward.
He settled himself on the cold stone floor, legs crossed, and closed his eyes. The temple was silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves outside, and the quiet murmurs of ancient prayers whispered in the wind. Chunho began to meditate, focusing his thoughts inward, letting the temple's serene energy wash over him.
It didn't take long before he felt himself slipping into a dreamlike state. The boundaries between reality and the dream world blurred, and he found himself standing in an unfamiliar place. The air was thick with a strange, ethereal energy, and the ground beneath his feet seemed to pulse with life.