MODERN ERA : 2024
QIYAN CITY
LEE YI 'S POV ( ONCE KNOWN AS SHI YI )
"Lee Yun... it's been over a hundred years. During this time, I've experienced grief, loss, pain, and sorrow, but I've also gained the warmth of a family, love, and so much more. I actually changed my surname from Shi to Lee. It's funny, but your family—by that, I mean you and all your descendants—have been there for me, protected me, and accompanied me. In short, you have been there for me even more than my family ever was. Taking on your surname made me feel like I was a part of you. So now, you're not looking at Shi Yi but Lee Yi," I said with a smile as I lit the incense sticks and bowed down to show my respects.
Having buried most of the Lee family ancestors in different places...I decided to find a single place to honor them all...since they had all been an Important part of my life..at some point..I made plaques for each one, complete with their names and photos, and kept them in an ancestral home in Qiyan, a place I visit from time to time to pay my respects. "May you continue to rest in peace," I continued, taking a sip of the wine and pouring some around as an offering. As I prayed, I turned to see Hajun standing at the entrance. Hajun was Lee Heejo's son my close companion and also a descendant of the Lee family.
"Come in," I invited him, and he stepped forward. "These are all your ancestors; pay your respects to them." He turned and bowed, honoring them as I had done, lighting the incense sticks and sipping the wine in reverence. Once we finished our rituals, we headed back to the car.
"Have you booked our tickets to Qingzhen?" I questioned as I leaned back, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling within me.
"Yes... we shall be leaving first thing tomorrow morning," he replied, his tone steady and reassuring.
"Are you sure the sword is in Qingzhen?" I pressed, needing to confirm the details that felt so crucial.
"Yes, I am sure," he responded with confidence. "According to the article, the sword was among the artifacts that were auctioned at the Qingzhen artifacts auction, and then it was sold to the highest bidder, Mr. Yingzhen... CEO and owner of the Essence hotels, who also resides in Qingzhen."
"And this sword is the Wuyi clan sword we're looking for?" I asked, my heart racing at the thought of finally confronting the legacy of my past.
"If the description you gave me is right, then yes... it's the sword we're looking for," he confirmed, and I leaned back, processing the weight of our mission.
I couldn't believe that my journey to break the curse was finally leading me to the same place where it all began—a place filled with both beautiful and sorrowful memories. It was almost ironic how, over a hundred years later, it still bore the same name: Qingzhen. The name echoed in my mind.
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We finally headed back to the hotel where we rested early, and by morning, we left Qiyan and made our way to Qingzhen. As we arrived, I felt chills run down my spine. I was finally back in this place after so long, and despite the years that had passed, the memories lingered in my mind as vividly as if it were yesterday.
"I've booked us a hotel as we work on finding a house to stay permanently," Hajun explained as we left the airport, grounding me in the present.
"And Mr. Yingzhen, when do I meet him to talk about the sword?" I questioned, eager to get to the heart of our mission.
"I was planning on setting a meeting for the both of you, but I think there's an easier way to meet him tonight itself," he replied, a hint of mischief in his voice.
"And how's that?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"He is having his birthday celebration today at his mansion. We can go there and meet him," he explained, and my heart raced at the thought.
"And do we have invitations to this birthday party?" I questioned, narrowing my eyes at him.
"No," Hajun admitted, a sheepish grin on his face.
"So you want us to crash his party?" I glared at him, incredulous.
"No, I'll get us invitations," he replied confidently.
"How?" I pressed, still skeptical.
"Trust me, I always have a way," he said with a smile, and I raised an eyebrow, unsure if I should be impressed or worried.
"A way that won't land me back in prison, I hope," I smirked, half-joking.
"I promise," he assured me, and I felt a small wave of relief wash over me. "Okay, I'll be waiting for the good news," I replied, leaning back in my seat and staring out the window. Despite the familiar name, so much had changed about Qingzhen, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this time, I was stepping into a different world entirely.
We made it to the hotel where I took a warm shower, the hot water soothing my travel-weary muscles. I waited anxiously for Hajun's news about the birthday party tonight. When he finally arrived, a grin spread across his face.
"I got them," he said, his excitement palpable.
"You got the invitations?" I asked, my heart racing at the thought of finally attending Mr. Yingzhen's celebration.
"Yes, we're going to Mr. Yingzhen's birthday tonight," he replied, and I couldn't help but smirk at the idea.
"Well, make sure to get some gifts for him. We can't show up empty-handed... also, we need to go shopping," I added, knowing that first impressions were crucial.
"Shopping?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Yah, I can't wear any of the suits you packed me for the party. I need something elegant, something that's going to leave a lasting impression," I explained, my mind racing with outfit possibilities.
"You know we aren't specifically going for a party; we're going to talk about the sword," he reminded me, grounding me for a moment.
"I know, but I still have to dress in accordance with the event. Plus, you're getting yourself something too," I insisted, determined to look our best.
He smirked at my insistence. "Okay then, let's go shopping," he said cheerfully, and I felt a surge of excitement.
"How's this?" I asked, trying on a sleek black tuxedo.
"It's good," Hajun replied, but I could tell he was more focused on his phone than on my outfit.
"How about this?" I added, still in the same outfit, hoping to get a better reaction.
"That's good too," he said absentmindedly, and I scoffed, pulling his phone away from him.
"What are you so busy with?" I asked, glancing at the screen.
"Chu Li?" I questioned, curiosity piqued.
"Whose Chu Li?" I pressed further.
"Your girlfriend?" I added, teasing him as he quickly pulled his phone back.
"I don't think we're close enough to be talking about this," he replied, trying to deflect.
"Close enough? I've known you since you were born. That aside, you literally know that I am immortal, and you know about the curse and everything else. That's the closest you can be to me," I scoffed, crossing my arms.
"So, is Chu Li your girlfriend?" I asked again, wanting a straight answer.
"No, she's just a friend," he said, and I couldn't help but tease him.
"Just a friend?" I questioned with a smirk.
"Let's just get back to what we were doing," he said, trying to change the subject.
"How's this?" I asked, pointing at another outfit.
"It's good," he replied again, but I could sense his impatience.
"But it's too plain," I countered, walking away to try on something more eye-catching.
After wrapping up our shopping, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the party later that night.
On our way to the venue, I turned to him and asked, "Is there anything I should know about Yingzhen?"
"Well, he is Yingzhen, CEO of Essence Hotels. His wife is Huang Rounan, and he has two daughters, Ying Hana and Hong Malin," he explained.
"Why does one of his daughters have another surname?" I questioned, intrigued by the family dynamics....From what I've heard, she's adopted... Hajun explained, and I nodded, feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Okay, let's go," I said as we stepped out of the car and into the mansion where the party was to take place. The atmosphere was alive with chatter and laughter; it was clear there were lots of people here. "So who is Mr. Yingzhen?" I asked, scanning the crowd.
"He's there... up there," Hajun said, pointing toward a man who had just taken the stage. "Hello everyone... on behalf of me and my family, I'd like to thank you all for coming today," he announced, and the room erupted in cheers. "Well, I don't want to say much except let's all have fun today," he added, prompting another round of applause.
I turned to Hajun, feeling a sense of urgency. "How do I talk to him... privately if possible?" I questioned. "Wait here... I'll do something," he replied before picking up a glass of wine and intentionally bumping into Mr. Ying. Moments later, Hajun led him to the washrooms where I had staged our meeting.
"Here you go," I said, handing Mr. Ying a napkin as he cleaned his coat. "Thank you," he replied, and I stood there, my heart racing as I waited for him to finish. "Mr. Ying, I'd like to have a word with you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Here?" he questioned, glancing around the washroom. "No... somewhere else," I replied, feeling the pressure of the moment. "Well, I'd like to talk to you, but I am needed to entertain my guests," he said, clearly torn. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to make my introduction count. "Well, I haven't introduced myself. I am Lee Yi, the CEO of LY Entertainment Company and also the CEO of LY Investment Company," I stated confidently.
"Oh my goodness... so you're the mysterious Mr. Lee Yi. To what honor do I owe your coming?" he asked, and I could sense the shift in his demeanor...." Let's talk about it over some wine.." I said as he led me to his study....
As I settled into the plush chair of Mr. Ying's private study, the ambiance shifted to a more intimate setting. The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated the room, casting shadows that danced along the walls. I watched as he poured the wine, the rich red liquid swirling in the glass, mirroring the tension that hung in the air.
"I didn't expect the owner of L.Y. Investments to be such a young man," he remarked, his tone laced with genuine intrigue. "I've read and heard about all your achievements in Qiyan and even further in the world." His compliment made me feel a sense of pride swell within me, yet I maintained my composure. "That's very flattering, Mr. Ying. I've also read and heard about your achievements as CEO of Essence Hotels," I replied, taking a sip of the wine, letting its warmth settle in.
But the moment of pleasantries quickly shifted as he inquired about the purpose of my visit. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, recalling the auction that had sparked my interest. "Do you remember bidding on an old sword back then at the Qingzhen artifacts auction?" I asked, gauging his reaction. His eyes lit up with recognition, and he nodded, revealing his passion for historical artifacts. "Yes... I am also a huge fan of historical artifacts," he replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. Seizing the opportunity, I stated my intentions directly. "I'd like to purchase that sword from you."
His reaction was unexpected; a soft chuckle escaped his lips, and I felt a wave of frustration rise within me. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but the sword isn't for sale, Mr. Lee," he said, standing up as if to reinforce his stance. My heart raced as I pressed on, "I am willing to give you any amount you ask for... please just sell me the sword." But his resolve was unwavering. "This sword might be so important considering how much you want it, but I can't sell it... it's not for sale, Mr. Lee. So this conversation is done... let's get back to the party," he concluded, leaving me grappling with the finality of his words....I couldn't help but question him, "Why?" I asked, my frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "Why don't you want to sell the sword?" It was an artifact I had pursued with great effort, through countless obstacles. Did he have any idea how many people desired it? But here he was, adamant that it wasn't for sale. "Let's not make this uncomfortable for the both of us, Mr. Lee. Let's head back to the party," he insisted. My fists clenched; I hadn't anticipated his stubbornness.
"Are you coming?" he asked, noticing I was trailing behind. "Coming," I replied, stepping out of his study. As I walked through the crowd of guests, I quickly connected with Hajun over the phone. "I don't think he is going to sell the sword easily. Let's come up with another plan," I said, my mind racing. I stepped outside for some fresh air, still puzzled by his refusal to part with the sword. I was more than willing to pay any price for it. "This is annoying," I muttered, reaching into my pocket to light a cigarette. Just as I took a drag, something hit me on the head—a backpack.
"Sorry!!" I heard a voice call out. I looked up to see a girl climbing down from a window. Who was she? I wondered as I watched her descend. Suddenly, she misstepped and fell. Instinctively, I caught her in my arms...." Who?" I questioned as something hit.." Are you a thief?" I questioned as I gently placed her on her feet..."I am not a thief... I live here," she replied, her voice firm.
"You live here, but you're climbing down a window... something doesn't add up," I replied, skeptical.
"I really do live here. My name is Hong Malin... you can ask anyone," she insisted, and suddenly, her name clicked in my mind from the conversation I had with Hajun earlier.
"Well then, why are you climbing down a window instead of going through a door like a normal person?" I asked, still trying to piece together this bizarre situation.
"I was asked not to disturb the party. The guests have filled up the place. I have somewhere to be, so I used the window," she explained, and I sighed deeply, feeling a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
"Just get going already," I replied, but she turned to leave but then suddenly came back and hid behind me.
"What are you doing?" I questioned, confused.
"It's my sister. I don't want her to see me outside... do you mind walking me to the gate?" she asked, glancing around nervously.
I scoffed, "You want me to sneak you out of your own house?" I said with a hint of irony.
"Please," she said, her palms rubbing together in a gesture of desperation. I paused for a moment, considering her request.
"Alright, let's go," I said, placing my hand over her shoulder.
"What are you doing?" she asked, surprised.
"Sneaking you out... would you rather I kept you in my pocket or something? You don't want to be seen, so just stay beside me. The closer, the better," I instructed, and she nodded in agreement.
"Shall we?" I asked, ready to move.
"Yes... let's go," she replied, and I led her out into the night.
"Thank you so much," she said, bowing slightly as a sign of respect.
"Thank you," she added as she boarded a taxi and left, disappearing into the darkness.
What a weird girl! I exclaimed, shaking my head in disbelief. "What girl?" Hajun asked, startling me so much that I almost cursed. How does he manage to walk so quietly? I thought to myself as he chuckled softly.
"I came to find you outside the house but then noticed you leaving the party with someone... who was it?" he questioned, his curiosity evident. "No one... let's go back," I replied, trying to brush it off, but he kept staring at me, clearly not convinced.
"Bring the car out," I added, feeling a sense of urgency. He nodded and went back to fetch the car, but something about this whole situation felt off. As we settled in, Hajun asked, "So just like that, he refused?" I recounted everything to him, "Yes."
"So what's our plan B?" he pressed. "I don't know... I just need to rest up and come up with something," I admitted, feeling the weight of the situation. Then he surprised me with his next suggestion. "I actually know how we can get the sword... an easier plan."
"And what's that?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Let's steal it," he replied, sounding almost too casual about it. I scoffed at his idea. "Wow... you must really be missing your cellmates. Stop with the horrible ideas. I promised Heejo that I'll take care of you and give you a new life... one that doesn't involve you going back to prison, so cancel that plan out of your head. Let's come up with something else."
I leaned back, frustration bubbling inside me. "I need to get that sword," I said, the determination clear in my voice.
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EPILOGUE
UYIN - AFTER LEE YIRAN'S DEATH
If I remember correctly, it was after Lee Yiran's death, and I was stumbling through a dimly lit alley, drunk and drowning in my own despair. That's when she bumped into me. Had I not noticed her striking resemblance to Moon Kyung, the witch I killed years ago in Qingzhen, I would have simply walked past her. But there she was, and for a moment, I was dumbfounded, questioning if the beer had truly clouded my mind.
Compelled by a mix of disbelief and curiosity, I called out her name, "Moon Kyung!" as I followed her through the shadows. I was certain she had died back then—so what was she doing here? I quickened my pace, finally catching up and grabbing her hand. When she turned, I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. She bore a resemblance to Moon Kyung, but it wasn't her. I offered my apologies, ready to leave this strange encounter behind, when an old man's voice stopped me in my tracks.
"What did you do to have such a curse looming over you?" he asked, his eyes piercing through the fog of my intoxication. Shock coursed through me; how did he know about my curse? "How did you?" I replied, bewildered. He smiled knowingly, as if he held secrets I couldn't fathom. "Would you like to come in and have a cup of tea?" he offered, and I glanced around, confused. "Come on, where?" I asked, unable to see anything but the alley's darkness. "Here," he replied, and suddenly, a quaint tea shop materialized before me. "Wow, this wine must really be messing with my head," I thought. But something compelled me to follow him inside, where he gestured for me to take a seat and poured me a cup of tea, inviting me to unravel the mysteries that lay ahead....As I sat across from the old man, my heart raced. "How do you know about my curse... who are you?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the unease creeping into my thoughts. He leaned back, a knowing smile on his lips. "I am someone who knows and sees things beyond the human eyes," he replied, his gaze piercing through my facade.
I scoffed at his response, dismissing him as just another charlatan. "Are you one of those crystal gazers or fortune tellers that scam people?" I shot back, trying to mask my growing discomfort. But then he said something that sent a chill down my spine. "You are Shi Yi... right?" My shock was palpable. "Yes, and that's something anyone who lives around here would know," I retorted, my mind racing. How could he know my name?
He continued, his words cutting deeper. "And you wear that mask on your face to hide the fact that you don't age. You are afraid to have people call you a monster like they did back then when you were in Qingzhen." The memories flooded back, and I felt exposed. He knew too much. "You were cursed by powerful Wuyi witches years ago, with what seemed like a gift of immortality... but that gift has proved to be rather a curse," he added, and I couldn't help but sit up straighter, a mix of anger and fear swirling within me. "Who are you?" I pressed, my tone serious.
"I told you... I am someone who sees and knows things beyond the human eyes and mind," he replied, unfazed. His next question struck a chord. "Have you ever thought about breaking the curse?" I shook my head, the thought foreign to me. "No."
"Are you enjoying the life you're living?" he asked, his voice almost gentle. "No," I admitted, the weight of my existence crashing down on me. "I also wish I could put it all to a stop... but it's impossible," I confessed, the truth hanging heavy in the air.
"What if I told you it's possible?" he questioned, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "How?" I asked, my curiosity piqued despite my skepticism. "Do you now believe in me?" he pressed. I hesitated, torn between doubt and intrigue. "I'm not sure... but I am curious how much you know," I replied, ready to delve deeper into this unexpected encounter...."Do you know what will happen after you break your curse?" he questioned, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach.
"I don't know... I'll be able to die then... turn back to normal... be human," I replied, trying to convince myself that it was what I truly wanted.
"No, you will disappear... and erase your existence from the earth," he countered, his tone grave.
"Disappear?" I echoed, disbelief washing over me.
"Yes. You were cursed to be stuck in time, like you're frozen. Everything else is moving forward, and your time has stopped. It may seem like it's moving, but it isn't. If you break the curse, then your time will start moving again. But considering it hasn't moved in a long time, it will move so fast to make up for the time it hasn't moved. When it does, you will disappear, leaving no traces of your existence on earth. Are you sure that's what you want?" he explained, his words sinking in like a heavy stone.
For a moment, I felt a rush down my spine, the weight of his revelation pressing down on me. "You could live forever, without aging or getting physically hurt... or you could disappear from the earth and leave no trace. What do you choose?" he questioned, and I took a minute to think, my mind racing.
"I don't know... I can't believe that I actually feel puzzled by your question," I finally admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "On one hand, I'd like to live... I have people to live for—a six-year-old boy and his mother, Lee Yiran's son and wife. I am their family. On the other hand, I feel tired. I feel like if I continue to live a life where I experience loss after loss and I'm stuck in time, then I might hate myself. But still, regardless of it all, I'd like to know how to break the curse."
The conflict within me was palpable, and I realized that the choice I faced was far more complex than I had ever imagined...
I leaned back, skepticism wrapping around me like a thick fog. The words he spoke hung in the air, heavy with implications. "Okay then I'll tell you how to break the curse... it will be up to you to choose if you do it or not," he said, his tone almost teasing. I wasn't sure if I could trust him, but a part of me was drawn in, eager to hear more.
"You were cursed by a powerful wuyi witch... their leader, Moonkyung," he continued, and my heart raced at the mention of that name. "If you are to break the curse, you need to find another powerful witch... just like Moonkyung." My mind raced with questions. "Another witch? Are there other wuyi witches?" I asked, my voice laced with disbelief. His mocking tone cut through the tension, "Why? Did you think you wiped out all of their existence? You were just fortunate enough to kill their leader while at it."
Frustration bubbled within me. "So where do I find this powerful witch?" I pressed. "She could be anywhere... she could even appear after 100 years or even more," he replied, and I scoffed at the absurdity of it all. "100 years?" I questioned, incredulous. He went on to explain the wuyi witches' cycle of leadership, how they waited years for a new leader to rise. "You should know... you said you see and know things beyond the human eyes and mind," I shot back, hoping for some clarity.
"Yes, but I don't know about this. It's a journey you have to go through on your own," he said, his voice steady but distant. I felt a mix of frustration and determination swell within me. "So how do I know that this is the powerful wuyi witch?" I wondered aloud..."That I can help you," he replied, and I scoffed, not sure if I should take him seriously. "The powerful wuyi witch or the wuyi witch leader is born with a mark," he explained. "It's a crescent moon mark on the back of her neck... it's this mark that connects them to a source of power known as the wuyi clan sword that's also held by the leader." I recalled seeing Moon Kyung wield that sword during our battle, the memory sending shivers down my spine.
"So how does this work... I find the powerful witch and then?" I questioned, trying to piece together the plan. "You not only have to find the powerful witch but also the sword," he said. "And once you do, help this witch cultivate the power of the sword... and she can then use that sword to pierce you in the heart. That sword, borne by the powerful witch, is the only thing that can kill you, hence breaking the curse." His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the task ahead...."How do I have them cultivate the power of the sword?" I questioned, my mind racing with the implications. "As tradition, the wuyi witches are taught a traditional sword dance," he explained. "It's taught to the rest as a ritual, but it's taught to the leader as a way to cultivate the powerful sword's power. By unleashing that power, they unleash all their own power... and once that's done, the sword and the leader become one."
"So where do I find the sword? The other wuyi witches... you said that among them could be this powerful witch, so where do I find them?" I pressed, feeling the urgency of the task. "You know that on this journey, you're going to need one thing that you don't seem to have right now..." he said, pausing for effect. "What's that?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "Patience... just like you found me or I found you and gave you a way to break the curse, you will also have to be patient enough to find the powerful wuyi witch," he replied. "Time is the one thing you have, so use it valuably."
"At least tell me where to find the wuyi witches. I have no idea where to start from," I pleaded, feeling a mix of desperation and hope. "I'll give you a list of different cities where you might find some of them. Use those to find the rest, and the rest will lead you to the others... but you must be careful. You're indirectly an enemy to them since you killed their leader," he warned, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. "So what do you get from helping me out with this?" I questioned, wanting to understand his motives. "Nothing... I just saw a poor and helpless wandering soul and decided to help," he replied.."Do I trust that all you told me is the truth?" I questioned. "Do you want to?" he replied, making me pause to think. "Believe me or not... I've done my part," he continued. "Now the rest is up to you... Good luck on finding your freedom," he said, and just like that, he vanished. I woke up as if from a dream, contemplating whether to trust his words. Ultimately, I decided to believe him.
From that day forward, my journey began. I encountered all kinds of wuyi witches along the way, but none were the one I sought. Despite the challenges and the uncertainty, I felt I was getting closer to both the powerful witch and the sword. They were the keys to my freedom, and I was determined to find them, no matter how long it took. Each encounter brought me a step nearer to unraveling the mystery and reclaiming my destiny.
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