Chapter: 103
…How did he find out?
He certainly seemed oblivious regarding my regression.
Could it be that he was acting all along…? In response to my question, Elder Shin spoke.
“When I fell asleep after being devoured by the beast within you, I was able to see many things.”
What do you mean…?
“There were many things I couldn’t see, but I also witnessed things you didn’t mention.”
…
“I have many questions now that I’m back, but this isn’t the time to focus on those trifles. Just sit back and feel for now.”
Had I been able to move my body, I might have collapsed right then and there.
Elder Shin’s words were that shocking.
“Instead of wasting your time being flustered, take a good look.”
Such resolute advice. What exactly did he see, and what was he thinking to say this to me?
Gulp.
My abdomen tightened.
Even when I tried not to feel it, the sensation was exceedingly apparent. It was probably even more intense because it was so different from the way I normally fought.
Was this the sensation of blooming plum flowers? It felt as if tiny petals were actually swirling around me.
The wild dream of every disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.
It felt strange to experience such an emotion within my own body.
“It’s not merely about blooming.”
As the vagueness began to clear up, Elder Shin continued speaking.
“If you think you can stop with mere blooming, it’s all in vain.”
This was a statement coming from none other than a legendary figure in Mount Hua’s history.
“If you’ve bloomed, then nurture it. That’s where it truly begins.”
Hearing Elder Shin’s words allowed me to perceive how fiercely the winds swirled within my body.
Surprisingly calm from the outside, my insides were like a tempest filled with plum blossoms.
“Now do you understand why I told the students of Mount Hua to cultivate their physical bodies first?”
Despite his perfect control, I could still sense some of it escaping.
Was this due to the weakness of my body?
“I think you’ve realized that the martial arts of the Gu Clan are no different.”
To a certain extent, I had already understood that, just as Elder Shin suggested.
The culmination of summoning flames ultimately revolved around maintaining the heat within. Realizing that Gu Clan’s techniques focused on maximizing physical capabilities through heat only made sense.
“Did you really think that using a lot of energy was the correct method? No, it’s simply an excess of energy leaking from your body.”
My body moved of its own accord.
It wouldn’t be quite right to say I picked up the sword; it was more like the sword picked me up alongside the breeze.
I danced in graceful flows.
I was astonished by how smoothly my body moved, almost as if it’d never been so limber before.
“Tsk… Having to teach this to someone like you when I never got to teach my own children…”
Yet, despite his complaints, the sword was already extending.
Seeing this, Nachal tried to dodge quickly.
“You…!”
Even though he had lost an arm, he clearly still had the upper hand in speed.
However, the sword’s tip found its mark first, striking just as Nachal that tried to evade.
Swish—! Swish!
“Ugh!”
The blade sliced through him again and again with a terrifying precision, targeting his tendons and limbs.
However, unlike the vibrant blossoms Elder Shin had unleashed, what fell away were simply frail leaves.
“Do not mistake this; once you nurture what you’ve bloomed, it will come back to you.”
There was no need for a downpour of plum blossoms.
Just a single leaf, more radiant than any of those flowers, was sufficient.
It felt as though Elder Shin intended it this way.
“Your foolish idea of fighting can only work if drowning in a sea of energy. You know where that will lead: nowhere.”
In my previous life, I never lacked energy because of my demonic power.
Still, I had never reached the apex.
The thought of that towering wall within me remained daunting.
“Now, pay attention.”
After only a few swings, the peak-level assassin, Nachal, was brought to heel.
The one-armed man crumpled to the ground, completely spent, casting a fearful gaze at me.
Faster, stronger—his energy was overwhelming.
But ultimately, he was toyed with by a child wielding a mere sword.
“Monster… You’re… a true monster…”
I understood Nachal’s words steeped in despair, comprehending them better than anyone else.
Not a single drop of energy was wasted.
Moreover, Elder Shin had entirely ignored my own energy and was only using what I had absorbed from the treasure.
I was aware of what Elder Shin was showing me, but witnessing and understanding were entirely different beasts.
My joints ached. I realized how many unused muscles I possessed.
I couldn’t even blame Elder Shin for practicing swordsmanship when my body had been specialized for fist fighting.
It simply boiled down to the fact that I hadn’t utilized my body to its fullest.
“Don’t cling to energy.”
So, you went through all that trouble just to say that?
“You’d be dead if I hadn’t! You should be kneeling in thanks rather than whining about my help.”
…Thank you.
Elder Shin had indeed assisted me and attempted to provide valuable insights.
Thanks to him, the arrogance I harbored following my return was shattered in an instant.
Whatever level I had reached in my previous life mattered not.
The road ahead was long. That much was clear to me again.
“Humph.”
Elder Shin snorted and approached Nachal’s body.
Though he had initially claimed to want to teach me, I could feel the anger bubbling beneath his surface.
The sight of the fallen disciples of Mount Hua, lifeless on the ground, was shocking.
Seeing how he remained unaffected by these emotions was, in itself, remarkable.
“Kill me…”
Nachal spoke with a parched voice.
Despite previously attempting to flee, he had been thwarted by the sword.
His gaze was devoid of hope now. He didn’t even bother pleading for his life. He understood that it would be a futile effort.
“It’s a pity I can’t inform the leader about you. Hehe… But don’t get too conceited, because the Heavens are on our side!”
“It’s been like this since ancient times; there’s not a single sane child in your faction.”
Thud—!
As Elder Shin concluded his words, he plunged the sword into Nachal’s heart.
It was a finish too shabby for a peak-level martial artist.
“I’ll ask just in case, but do you have any complaints about killing him before interrogating?”
It feels a bit strange hearing myself use that old-fashioned tone.
“Remember, I could just deny you your body entirely.”
I have no complaints.
To be fair, an assassin at that skill level was practically impossible to extract information from.
He definitely would have kept his lips sealed; even if we tortured him, he’d likely find a way to take his own life.
While I felt a tinge of disappointment since I lost a potential lead, it felt correct to let Elder Shin handle the killing, considering his feelings.
Elder Shin moved my limbs and commented with a sense of disappointment.
“Getting tired from just this? What a waste of a body.”
How long are you planning to use it…?
“Don’t rush me; I’m also reaching my limit.”
After that, he walked slowly to a different spot.
Elder Shin headed toward the place where Mount Hua’s disciples lay dead.
Ignoring the decaying smell, he knelt and closed his eyes.
I couldn’t guess what he thought with his eyes shut, but it was likely emotions I would never understand.
After sitting there silently for a moment, he spoke quietly.
“It’s done now. Just like you, I have many questions, but let’s discuss them later.”
…Boom!
Along with a jarring sensation, my vision adjusted back to normal.
I was relieved that I could once again move my body without issues. The feeling of my consciousness shifting was more unsettling than I’d anticipated.
“Elder Shin…”
Yes.
Fortunately, this time, Elder Shin hadn’t vanished. I moved my body slightly, checking for any complications, and thankfully found none.
Feeling reassured about my condition, I glanced around and asked, “Should we take them to Mount Hua?”
Elder Shin replied without hesitation.
No need to go that far. It’s not your responsibility, and deep down, you know you can’t do that anyway.
…
As Elder Shin affirmed, I truly couldn’t afford to drag those corpses with me.
Of course, it would have been doable with enough time, but explaining the situation would be an uphill battle.
Just take that flower with you.
I turned to look behind me. Nachal’s original goal was indeed that flower.
With caution, I approached the flower. My feet splashed in the blood pool with every step I took.
The boiling blood was hot, but thankfully not enough to harm me.
As I got closer, I sensed an even denser energy emanating from it. How could such a flower bloom in a pool of blood?
“What the hell are these guys… What did they create here?”
There were countless red flowers in the world, but I’d never encountered one that thrived on blood.
If I had to guess, only one possibility stood out.
“Is it from the Abyss…?”
An incomprehensible hellish realm. If that flower came from there, it wouldn’t surprise me at all.
No ordinary flower would emit such a repulsive aura.
What intrigued me was the purpose behind their creation of this flower.
I touched the crimson petals, relieved that nothing went wrong, and my absorption ability didn’t trigger either.
You’re not going to ask if it’s better to leave it here, are you?
Even if I do leave it, the Murim Alliance will undoubtedly discover it. There’s too much linking this situation, and I’m not fond of them finding it.
Snap—!
With minimal effort, the flower and its roots were uprooted.
As I pulled the flower, the violently boiling blood suddenly grew still.
It appeared that everything stemmed from this flower.
You’re not afraid?
Afraid of what?
You just seized something unknown, showing no signs of fear whatsoever.
…
The Abyss—a name that churned my stomach just thinking about it, but one I had grown weary of hearing over time. Still, my choice here felt reckless.
I should be wary.
Gazing at the flower, I noticed that aside from its red color, it looked fairly ordinary.
As long as it didn’t carry any energy that soothed my hand too much.
Ordinary herbs lose over half their energy as soon as they’re pulled.
And unlike leaves, roots tend to lose their potency and color over time and should be consumed immediately.
“But this one isn’t losing any energy.”
That’s what makes it all the more frightening.
I had initially considered burning it if it yielded issues, but for now, I stowed it safely in my pocket.
I left the pool, tidying myself up. My pants were soaked with blood up to my ankles.
Also, my body was aching slightly, likely due to Elder Shin’s use of my form.
“Is it really alright to leave them here?”
…It’s fine.
Elder Shin’s curt response layered over with emotions spoke volumes.
At the very least, I desired to eliminate that ghastly blood pool, but I lacked the capacity to generate enough heat to vaporize it.
Ultimately, my only option was to leave.
I offered silent reverence for the souls of the dead and walked toward Nachal’s lifeless form. I reached out…
What are you doing…?
Hsssss…!
I could feel the essence of Nachal’s demonic energy being drawn into my palm.
Setting aside its quality, it appeared he had less energy than Ya Hyeoljeok.
Elder Shin, seeing me draw energy, couldn’t hide his incredulous tone.
You were ranting about how much you hated this, so why now?
“It seems you’ve observed quite a bit.”
I recalled never sharing that sentiment with Elder Shin, yet the expression on his face remained indifferent even as he watched me absorb the energy.
I wonder just how much he saw while caught within my body…
And yet, I couldn’t even comprehend why such a being would compel him to witness those moments.
The reason I have much to discuss with you is linked to this.
I realized that I can’t be picky about my choices; this isn’t the time for excuses.
If I wanted to calm the beast festering inside me, absorbing demonic energy was essential. I recognized that peaceful thinking wasn’t sustainable.
If things continued, I felt I’d stand to lose everything.
Though not long after filling my body with demonic energy from the swordmaster, I needed to desperately find even more.
Realizing this was forced urgency didn’t help but made me scowl.
Finally, after draining all the demonic energy from Nachal, I got up and exited the cave.
By the time I returned to Mount Hua, the sun was already rising.
So many events had transpired throughout the night; my body and mind felt utterly exhausted. Yet, I had to train to keep the sensations I felt when Elder Shin moved.
Ultimately, exhaustion took precedence.
I had tossed Nachal’s corpse among the other bodies after covering my tracks, and with the cave left ajar, the Murim Alliance wouldn’t be long in uncovering it.
It would soon grow chaotic again.
What are you going to do with that flower?
Honestly, I’m considering whether to return it to Mount Hua, seeing as it technically belongs to them.
The voice of Elder Shin was tinged with evident fatigue. Clearly, he had expended more energy than I had initially grasped.
After hearing my response, Elder Shin sighed.
Don’t do that.
That was an unexpected response. I thought he’d want me to return it to Mount Hua given his sentiments.
We cannot fathom how many lives were sacrificed for that flower.
Then, we should return it to them even more, right?
You have no explanation for how you came across that flower, and the current leader of Mount Hua would only grow more despondent upon receiving it now.
So what does he want me to do? Eat it?
You might as well consume it.
Have you lost it?
I knew the flower carried ominous energy yet a considerable share of Taoist energy as well.
Additionally, I could feel just how rich that energy was, especially since Nachal referred to it as “liquid.”
But…
Just what kind of excuse is that? You’ve clearly stated you comprehend your situation and yet search for justification.
Hearing Elder Shin, it felt like a crashing hammer had struck my head.
Don’t use the guilt you feel as an excuse to hesitate. You know more than anyone how you can atone for your sins.
…
How aware was he of my past for him to speak such things?
I couldn’t bring myself to ask, terrified of the answer.
Does Elder Shin… know that I was the one to devastate Mount Hua in my previous life?
…For now, rest. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself like this.
…Yes.
I’d roughly tended to the wounds on my arm incurred by Nachal, but my legs, stained with blood, still needed care.
Gently, I opened the door to gather some clothes to change after my wash.
…Huh?
Huh?
Something was wriggling in the room, where I had expected no one to be.
It appeared the culprit had tossed and turned in their sleep, their clothes rumpled, exposing their fair skin.
“Why is she sleeping here again?”
The one who had wrapped themselves in my blanket was none other than Namgung Bi-ah.
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