Hayoung retracted her saliva and examined my body in a more diverse manner. She meticulously checked me using something like a treasure infused with energy that I had placed earlier, chanting spells as she did so.
A bit of time passed, and the results were simple.
“Absolutely sure. There’s definitely no problem with your energy. This is totally not energy-based.”
“Are you sure there’s no problem with your energy itself? But I heard that from Seonui too.”
“Huh? I’m the expert here! I did a more in-depth examination, okay?”
With her tiny, delicate hands, Hayoung scolded me.
“Hehehe, yeah, you little rascal. Thanks.”
“Be more thankful. Anyway, the problem is that when I pull up my energy, a purple aura shoots out.”
“Is that really it?”
“Wanna give it a try?”
“Let’s do it!”
I immediately stood up, grabbed my Heavenly Thunder Sword, and headed outside.
The purple aura.
I was going to manifest that.
“Oops!”
With the Cold Mind Technique in motion, I spread my energy through my veins. Maintaining that state of concentration, I slowly assumed the form of the Flowing Stream Sword Technique.
Just like performing a Taekwondo pattern, my movements were precise.
While doing this, I observed my insides, moving the energy flowing through my veins, visualizing it being released from my hands into the sword.
I had done it before.
So there’s no way I couldn’t do it now!
“Haaah!”
Thinking that, I shouted and unfolded the Flowing Stream Sword Technique.
Is it coming out?
Is there a purple spark popping from my sword now?
—Paat!
Uh, nothing came out.
I danced with my sword until my stamina ran out, but no aura was released. I was just completely exhausted and drenched in sweat.
“Haa, haa!”
Well…
Of course, it wouldn’t be easy.
“What’s the matter? Did you fail?”
“Uh… it’s a huge failure.”
This is a bit embarrassing.
“Are you seriously saying you can’t even raise your energy and put it into the sword?”
“Uh, um…”
“Wow! How did it happen that a guy is weaker than a girl? Even Jade Flower Sword can do it!”
“Hey, you! She’s a top-tier master! Swordsmanship is in the realm of mastery! I just barely crossed over from the lower tier!”
“Yeah, I can’t hear you. I don’t understand what you’re saying, but I get that you’re a loser!”
“This rascal?!”
She was having such a blast mocking me!
“You’re a master too, yet you can’t do it and are talking so much, Hayoung!”
“Hmm? Give it to me. The sword.”
“What…?”
Could she actually do it?
As I carefully handed her the sword, Hayoung closed her eyes and chanted a spell. Soon after, a strange energy began to gather around the sword.
—Whirl!
It ignited into flames!
“Whoa?!”
“Who says I can’t do anything?!”
—Swish swish!
The Flame Swordmaster, Wi Hayoung, swung the chaotic sword with blazing trails left behind. It was such a magnificent sight that I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
“But wait!”
Oh crap, my sword!
“Hey! Who set my sword on fire?!”
“I just wanted to show you how it’s done since you said you couldn’t do it first!”
“That’s true, but put it out quickly! How did you even do that?!”
This is truly astonishing.
Can a master do this too?
“It’s sorcery. I can set my sword on fire and all that. Pretty cool, right?”
“That’s not swordsmanship…! Ugh! If a sorceress can do it, I can’t fall behind!”
I absolutely cannot allow myself to be humiliated like this!
—Paat!
Receiving my sword back, I fiercely slashed the air again.
But the purple aura did not appear once more.
“Hahaha! You really can’t do it! What a loser! You’re a total loser!”
“I am not a loser!”
She giggled as she mocked me, and I couldn’t bear it!
“Hehe. Well, don’t feel too down. It may have been in the past, but you did try, right? If the conditions are met, you can do it. Someday you’ll be able to use it regularly.”
Are you giving me a sugar pill with that kind of encouragement?
Hayoung patted my back soothingly in a gentle voice.
“Thanks for the encouragement…”
“Of course! I’m pretty kind. Enough to treat a loser like you well.”
“If you hadn’t said that, I’d have preferred it more. Oh, but…”
It’s indeed difficult.
“When that purple energy shot out, I was in a bit of… an extreme emotional state.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Maybe I need to focus on that part.”
“Hmm.”
Hayoung crossed her arms and made a thoughtful sound.
“Look. Even though I’m not a martial artist but a sorceress, both martial artists and sorcerers need enlightenment to reach a higher level, right?”
That’s true.
“To make the impossible possible, you need to elevate your realm, meaning you need that enlightenment. It’s about mental growth.”
Mental growth.
“According to you, that purple energy was… intense emotions. Extreme situations. Sadness. Anger. It must be a force born from those feelings. So…”
“So…”
I was on the edge of my seat for the next words.
But.
Hayoung looked at me and smiled playfully.
“That’s all for today!”
“What?! Why stop here?!”
“What are you saying?! Enlightenment is something you need to attain on your own! No one can give it to you!”
Ah!
“That’s true!”
She’s right.
Enlightenment is something you must attain yourself.
“I’ll take a moment to meditate.”
“Feel free to.”
I immediately started my meditation.
While reflecting on my inner self.
It was the same when I killed Madunachal. And again when I killed Yeon Mipyeong. I was engulfed by intense emotions. Rage, terrible sorrow, injustice. Those mixed negative feelings.
The purple sparks erupted during those times.
It seems my emotional state is the key. So if I can gain some sort of enlightenment, I’m certain I can freely wield that purple energy.
“This is fun.”
It is fun.
Should I call it a martial art?
Exploring and contemplating the powers I possess is immensely enjoyable. It may deviate slightly from wielding a sword, but its essence remains the same. I found myself lost in thought, meditating endlessly.
Eventually, I stood up.
“Do you feel anything yet?”
“Not yet. But I think I have a grasp on it.”
It seems I need a little more of a trigger.
If I experience it just one more time, it might be possible.
“Good, I’m glad to hear it. Oh, by the way. You seem to have a lot of nightmares.”
“Nightmares?”
“Do you think that could be related? Your sleep habits are terrible.”
“Were they that bad?”
I had felt the nightmares, but did I really have such bad sleep habits? I’ve certainly woken up cursing before.
“Let’s rest then. In fact, among sorcery, there’s a way to somewhat manipulate a person’s emotional state, but I won’t use that.”
“Whoa? Is there something like that? Then, why not give it a shot?”
“You’re a martial artist.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s important to attain your own enlightenment. What if you gain some effect through such manipulation? Would that be good for you? I doubt it.”
The moment I heard those words.
I found myself unable to look away from Hayoung’s face.
“Are you really considering that for me?”
“Yeah. Am I not nice?”
Her bright smile radiated warmth.
“You’re really too kind, Hayoung. You’re so considerate.”
“What are you saying? With such a serious face. Don’t mess around and wash up, okay?”
She does seem really kind.
“Hehe, thank you. Truly.”
“What, what? We’re friends, right? So that’s how it is.”
That’s what friends do.
“Oh! But does this mean I’m closer than the Jade Flower Sword? Huh? Isn’t that so?”
“Uh, uhh?”
Am I actually closer?
“That’s right. We slept together, and here we are having such a good exchange.”
“What do you mean sleeping together…!”
“But it’s the truth, isn’t it?”
Hayoung insisted while I awkwardly approached her.
“Hurry up! Answer me! I’m closer than the Jade Flower Sword, right? I’m closer!”
Between Serin and Hayoung.
When asked whom I was closer to, I responded like this:
“A friend is—”
“Yeah?”
“There’s no such thing as closer or farther apart.”
“That’s not the answer!”
“Hayoung, you’re a friend I’ve recognized. Your kind heart has touched mine enough. So there’s no need for anything else.”
“Ah, uh, uhm… is that so?”
That’s just how it is.
“Yeah, you little rascal. Both Serin and you are my precious friends.”
“Then I… I’ll keep that in mind.”
The bashful Hayoung distanced herself from me. She has her cute moments. While a bit bouncy, she’s kind and caring, so she definitely feels different from Serin.
“Then I’ll practice a bit more before heading back!”
“Do as you wish. I’ll prepare dinner.”
“Extreme gratitude!”
I concentrated on my training.
*
For a few days, Hayoung and I continued living together at her house, and my research went on. However, unfortunately, I couldn’t release that purple energy, and I remained at a standstill.
It’s frustrating beyond compare.
“Ugh! I’m so annoyed! This research is really going nowhere! You loser! You just had to do well!”
“No, I want to do well! But it’s just not happening!”
“Enough! Just go fetch some wood!”
“Got it.”
If she tells me to bring wood, I have to do it.
“I’ll go wash up.”
With that, Hayoung dashed into the bathroom.
If you look at the atmosphere, it’s no different from a newlywed couple.
“Let’s see.”
First, I organized my space. Tidying up is the basic of basics. After making the room clean, I was about to grab the axe when—
“Hey!”
The bathroom door opened slightly, and Hayoung peeked her head out.
“What is it?”
“I forgot to get fresh clothes. Can you fetch some for me?”
“Fresh clothes?”
“Yeah, over there are some clothes and talismans. Please bring them. Oh, and there are three talismans!”
There was a drawer for clothes.
I headed over to open the drawer.
“Hmph.”
There were still few clothes and the talismans visible. I swiftly grabbed some clothes and picked out three talismans… Hmm? But hold on a second.
Why talismans?
And why specifically three of them?
“Uh, Hayoung.”
“What?!”
“Why the talismans?”
“Why are you asking weird questions? You want to die?!”
“No wait…!”
“Hurry and bring them!”
“Alright!”
I quickly placed the clothing and talismans in front of the bathroom and turned around to dash away.
“No no!”
Talismans?
Three talismans?
She’s just washing up and changing clothes, but that’s fine, but there’s no underwear. Why did she specifically mention three talismans?
That means…!
“Did you forget I told you to get wood?”
“Uh, uh huh…”
“Why’s your face getting so red? Are you thinking something weird?”
When I looked up, I saw Hayoung wearing the clothes I had brought her. She had just come out of the shower wearing only those.
In conclusion, those three talismans are…
“Uh, Hayoung. About the talismans…”
“Why? Do you want them?”
“What are you saying?!”
“Should I give them to you?”
“Whaaa?!”
She’s actually offering to give them to me!!!
I nodded my head instantly!
“What are you nodding for? Hahaha! Are you serious?!”
“Hey!”
“Hahaha! You’re hilarious! You fool!”
Shudder…!
“What a wicked little brat!”
“Come on! Don’t think weird things and just give my shoulders a massage! My shoulders are killing me because of you!”
“Grrr!”
I’ll let it slide just this once.
I instantly sat cross-legged behind Hayoung.
“…”
Silky, smooth skin.
She just came out of the shower, and she smells lovely.
I grasped those soft shoulders and began to massage them gently.
—Rub rub.
“Hmm… you really do it well… You fetch wood well, massage well, prepare meals well. You’re just beautiful.”
“Right?”
“If you could just raise your level a bit, that’d be great!”
“I will raise it!”
—Squeez!
Putting strength in my fingers, I rubbed harder.
“Eek! Ah, right there!”
Hayoung arched her back and asked for more. This girl seems to enjoy this slight pain?
Anyway, at this moment, I’m incredibly focused. Honestly, even a little lower with my hands would touch sensitive spots.
I made sure to keep my focus and massaged Hayoung’s shoulders for a while.
“Whew… that’s enough. I’m feeling a bit sluggish now.”
“Shall I get the bedding ready?”
“No. I still have something to do.”
“Something to do?”
Hayoung rose from her seat and started rummaging through the shelf.
“Where did I put it… Oh! Here it is.”
“What’s that?”
It’s a small box.
—Click.
Inside the box was a small bead.
Dark in color.
“This is the Great Monster’s talisman.”
“The Great Monster’s talisman!”
As in, the enormous rat’s talisman!
Is she seriously going to feed that to me?!
“Am I supposed to eat that?”
“Honestly, I don’t want to make you eat this. It’s said to have no issues, but you never know, right?”
“That’s true.”
“But you seem kind of stuck, so I’ll give you a choice. Eat it or not. I recommend not eating it.”
I’m sitting down to eat and you’re telling me not to?!
“I’ll eat it! I’ll absorb it so just watch!”
“Okay… sure.”
This is the smallest talisman I’ve eaten so far. And it’s made by the most insignificant one. I wonder if it’ll have any effect?
I sat down, crossed my legs, and put the talisman in my mouth.
—Slurp.
It’s a familiar feeling now.
The talisman quickly dispersed and flowed down my throat. At the same time, I felt a slightly clear energy within me. I started my meditation to receive the new energy, performing a full cycle.
“…”
But…
It’s way too small.
Just a tiny bit of energy tickled my lower dantian. I couldn’t feel anything special at all.
It must be because of its low rank?
A slight disappointment brushed through my mind at that moment.
—Ishu.
The existing energy and the newly accumulated energy combined, and something began to stir, something hot started to take form. The energy in my lower dantian was trying to surge and move chaotically!
“Whoa…!”
By concentrating a bit, controlling the energy wasn’t too difficult.
But just what was that?
What was that feeling just now?
“Phew!”
Exhaling, I opened my eyes.
“Hayoung.”
“…”
Hayoung had her hand on my back and was completely focused.
“I’m done.”
“Okay…? Ah, okay. You finished. How was it?”
“I felt something, but it seems there’s no significant effect.”
“You felt something? What was it?”
I briefly explained that feeling I just experienced.
That feeling of it stirring wildly.
There’s definitely something there.
“Hmm, then if you consume more talismans, you might figure something out.”
“I’m itching to consume more talismans as soon as possible.”
“Really?”
I nodded.
“Then what would be good? Hmm, I’ll make a trip to the Mosan Sect for a bit. Wait for me here.”
“Wait, are you really going up now? It’s dark!”
“I’ve lived here for years, you know.”
Saying that, Hayoung lightly donned her overcoat and swiftly went out. Leaving me alone in the room.
“I have to get things done.”
Since I was left alone, I tried to focus on training a bit more, but—
“Ah.”
I couldn’t concentrate at all.
The talismans!
It’s because of those talismans!
“Were you wearing those talismans…! What’s going on?!”
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