---

Chapter 503: Just Hand It Over Once

A curse was laid upon humanity.

I mulled over Noya’s words.

‘A curse.’

What kind of curse was that?

‘The strength of martial artists has diminished?’

The overall power of those accumulating realms has lessened.

This statement raised numerous questions in my mind.

Did it mean their limits had been lowered?

Or did it imply their acquired power itself had shrunk?

I couldn’t say for sure. I had no idea, but if what Shin Noya said was true—

‘We’re screwed.’

It was clear that the path ahead would be fraught with peril.

What once was manageable in Noya’s era had become impossible now.

That meant…

‘It was so weak that it couldn’t even stop the Blood Demon.’

The situation was terrible, to say the least.

‘No, the Blood Demon is sealed, but…’

I tried to convince myself of that.

Yet, observing the Blood Demon’s reactions or direct manifestations made me feel otherwise.

The Blood Demon appeared as if it could break free from its seal at any moment.

However, the fact that it was maintaining its state left me with the eerie impression that—

‘It’s waiting for something.’

It seemed to be waiting for a particular situation.

But what could that be?

Also.

‘What about the Heavenly Demon?’

It wasn’t just the Blood Demon that posed a problem; the Heavenly Demon was also a concern.

Woosh—!

As I felt the sensation of the ground beneath me, I twisted my waist.

Thud—! The ground caved in under the pressure.

The energy of the Tua Pacheonmu rumbled through my body.

Pain welled up.

Even after transformation, the pain persisted.

It still hurt, and it was agonizing, but—

I was now able to endure this much without blinking an eye.

I extended my arm.

Bang—!

A shockwave burst through the air as my fist sliced through the space. Alongside it—

Boom—!

With the sound, a blue flame slightly erupted.

“Tsk.”

I clicked my tongue at the sight.

Those flames weren’t something I had desired to ignite.

‘It’s hard to control, huh…?’

Was it the energy melding with my body that was the issue?

Every martial art I performed was laced with flames.

This wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

Compared to the scarlet flames I used to wield, the blue flames carried an overwhelmingly stronger power.

Moreover, thanks to my improved blood energy, the late recoil I experienced had vanished, eliminating side effects.

As the fire of the Technique of the Flame Wheel infused into my martial arts, the power amplified considerably.

I knew it was quite beneficial for combat.

‘… But it’s a distraction for training.’

It presented a subtle hindrance to my practice of the Tua Pacheonmu.

With every move I executed, flames intertwined, preventing me from concentrating properly.

I shook my fingertips, redirecting the energy of the Tua Pacheonmu from my body back to my heart.

‘Hmm.’

I surveyed my surroundings. At the moment, I was releasing the Body Transformation Technique to revert my physical form.

This was to assess my condition.

Although my elevated vision still felt dizzying, I had grown accustomed to it after the recent battle with Pejon.

Even while getting hit, I could understand various things, yet—

When I verified it alone, I discovered even more.

‘For sure. Using the Body Transformation Technique feels slightly taxing.’

This was the discussion stemming from my battle with Gwaeseon.

I wasn’t in a state to reveal my true body, which forced me to fight as if I were in my old form.

At first, I thought it might not be a big deal since the Body Transformation Technique itself didn’t consume much energy.

But…

‘It’s far more bothersome than I anticipated.’

The impacts of the Body Transformation Technique were greater on my body than I expected.

‘Forget energy, maintaining it is a hassle.’

Normally, it wouldn’t be noticeable. However, the fact that I was sustaining a transformation through the Body Transformation Technique posed a problem.

Even with a small amount of energy, I had to keep my center steady, which was annoying during combat.

‘… Should I just let it go?’

A fleeting thought crossed my mind about simply releasing it.

Tsk, it wouldn’t work…

There were numerous problems associated with that.

First and foremost, the visibility issue was too pronounced.

I rubbed my cheek with my hand. The moment my fingertips brushed against my skin, a peculiar sensation surged.

‘… Tsk.’

From a distance, I appeared just like any ordinary person, but up close, it was clear.

The skin had undergone a subtle transformation.

‘Not as drastic as my arm, but…’

While it wasn’t as remarkably altered as my left arm, which bore discolored scales, my skin had changed enough.

‘And my hair and eye color are also issues.’

Was it due to the Technique of the Flame Wheel that had coursed through my body?

Gradually, what was turning red was now shifting to blue.

How would I explain this at home?

‘Of all times, my father is here!’

To top it off, my father—the last person I wanted to explain this to—was here!

Should I run away?

Would I actually escape? Wasn’t this the perfect moment to make a dash for it?

Seriously, that thought flitted through my mind.

Maybe I could just bolt now.

But—

[… Is that really the thought you’re clinging to?]

As expected, a voice interrupted me, this time Shin Noya.

And I realized the common-sense thought that came to mind was already far too late.

‘… Given the situation, can I not escape?’

[…]

What I said was meant as a joke, but Noya held his silence, seemingly at a loss for words.

Even that old man seemed tongue-tied.

It’s frustrating, but it was a message about the necessity of effort.

That was what Shin Noya preached, but if the heavenly forces were blocking even that effort, I had no direction to pursue.

No matter how I thought about it, it felt oddly unfair.

‘To throw a tantrum just because it didn’t go as planned?’

He completely blocked all my pathways when things weren’t going his way. What a miserable and petty situation.

Even amidst it all, questions arose.

‘Hey Noya.’

[… Yes?]

‘You mentioned something about a curse.’

[That’s not what I said.]

‘Regardless.’

It shouldn’t be important right now, but he was nitpicking.

He was quick to catch on to nuances.

‘If that’s the case, it must be true, but I still have some doubts.’

[What doubts?]

‘Nothing. Just…’

The world supposedly cast a curse, lowering the quality of the martial artists.

Noya spoke this, having taken note of Tang Je-mun’s words.

‘… But something is nagging at me.’

– What do you think happens in a world where the master has disappeared?

Both Yeon Ilcheon and the Blood Demon spoke about it.

A world where the master, intended to exist on this land, was no longer present.

That was the current world.

A mad world that seemed intent on overturning such a reality.

Hearing about such antics, it wasn’t strange for a claim about curses to arise.

‘In a world without a master, is everything really okay?’

Those questions crept into my mind.

If the world’s master is the point of connection with all life,

Then is this world, missing their master for the sake of karma, really intact?

‘Perhaps it’s not a curse but rather… a consequence of that.’

I firmly believed that humanity’s limits had indeed lessened.

When considering the reasons, I thought that angle might be correct, but—

‘… Regardless, both aspects are important right now.’

At this moment, I needed to address other matters more urgently.

‘Noya.’

[Yes….]

I called out to Noya, tightening my grip.

At that instant, the Gui Jeong bound to my left arm reacted.

It twitched.

The sensation changed.

Gui Jeong began moving as per my will.

It slithered downwards. I sent the Gui Jeong that had been resting against my forearm to my fingertips.

By improvising based on Noya’s words of it being usable as a sword, I wrapped it around my hand, creating a glove-like form.

It would neither break nor shatter.

Utilizing the strength contained within Gui Jeong, it could become a formidable weapon.

Moreover—

‘This feels comfortable enough without being cumbersome.’

It felt eerily akin to a bandage, making it an ideal companion even for someone who generally refrains from wielding a gauntlet despite being a martial artist.

Thus, I had to work harder to become accustomed to Gui Jeong.

After trying it once before, I found it satisfying.

“The world has cast a curse upon humanity. That’s what you said, right?”

[But?]

“Then I’m curious—what about me?”

[… What do you mean, what about you?]

“I’m no longer human, am I?”

[…!]

How could I remain so nonchalant after hearing such a shocking revelation?

I pondered throughout my training, but ultimately, I found it baffling.

It was just—

Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me.

“If this is a curse upon humanity… does that mean it doesn’t affect me anymore?”

[… Huh?]

Hearing my words, Noya seemed incredulous.

That was indeed the case.

If it’s a curse laid upon humanity, then wouldn’t that mean I might actually be exempt?

‘I’m no longer part of humanity!’

Though I didn’t want to accept it, it felt undeniable.

If I’m not human anymore, isn’t this part irrelevant?

Ah, of course.

[It’s not quite that simple, I believe.]

As Noya mentioned, such matters don’t resolve so easily.

Even so, I wished that was the case.

[Child.]

“Yes?”

[You truly don’t comprehend, do you? Why are you so happy about it?]

“Happy?”

[Yes… Why in the world would you feel that way?]

“… Um.”

Am I genuinely happy?

I ran my fingers along my mouth.

Upon inspection, I realized the corners of my lips had slightly crept up.

No matter how I looked at it, this was no moment to smile, so why was that?

As I thought it through…

“… Ah.”

After I pondered a little, it struck me.

I was likely relieved.

A hope surged that I wouldn’t have to contend with a curse since I was no longer human.

That must be the origin of my delight.

Could I grow strong alone?

That could indeed be appealing. The allure of surpassing when everyone else is confined by their limits should be charming.

But that wasn’t the reason I was smiling.

If I can become strong on my own,

‘It feels like I’ve gained a justification to handle things alone.’

A reason to shoulder everything without involving those around me.

Though begrudgingly, doing it by myself could lead to a revelation about how others might fare under such circumstances.

Strangely enough, that thought provoked gratitude.

[… Child.]

Noya’s tone was tinged with compassion as he spoke.

‘Don’t view it that way. It’s honestly not so bad.’

[… Who perceived it like that?]

‘Am I merely feeling sorry for myself for having to clean up the mess you all made?’

[…]

Noya let my comment pass without responding.

It was obvious.

Even though that old man’s temper was foul and petty, he wasn’t a bad person.

‘Don’t worry. While I’m at it, I might as well take care of your mess too.’

[… Will you please stop calling it a mess? It’s making me feel dirty.]

‘It is what it is.’

Given the recent downturned atmosphere, his sulking demeanor was understandable.

Though he had sealed the Blood Demon, he couldn’t properly handle the situation and ended up influencing the successors.

That feeling of guilt began to weigh on him.

‘Why?’

Naturally, I couldn’t grasp such emotions.

Why feel sorry for something that had been sealed, leaving the remnants for others to handle?

It was all laughter when I called it ‘mess,’ but this was honestly how I felt.

While it might be bothersome that I had been left with the leftover tasks, it seemed fitting.

Like I mentioned before,

‘If I’m to prevent the Blood Calamity, then it’s bound to entangle me.’

I understood the connection between the Heavenly Demon and the Blood Demon.

Seeing it in another world made me realize that perhaps even the Divine Sword from my previous life was related to the Blood Demon.

In addition,

‘The Martial Alliance itself is tied to the Blood Demon.’

It was evident, considering the blood energy.

So, regardless of whatever plans I had, I couldn’t avoid involving myself with this.

Thus, Noya didn’t need to feel so apologetic.

It was something that needed to be done; that sentiment applied just as it did from the beginning.

In fact, maybe it was fortunate.

‘My responsibility lies with them, not with the nation.’

I had to bear the burdens of those who ought to be happy and at ease.

That alone was a relief.

[… Speaking of which, child.]

“Yes?”

[Are you sure it’s alright to leave that fellow alone?]

“They fellow…? Ah!”

While trying to relax, I halted at Noya’s comment.

I recalled who he referred to—the Thunder Fang, and the extraordinary Nangong Ming it seemed to harbor.

I had shoved them away into a drawer and left after that.

I had locked it away because it was so obnoxious.

Strangely enough, once out of earshot, it faded into silence.

“Isn’t that a relief? If it was mingled with energy like Noya’s, it must have been an earful.”

Besides, since Gwaeseon had thrust it upon me, it could stay put.

Moreover, it was quite awkward to hand it off to Nangong Bi-ah right now anyway.

‘… How did it end up that way?’

As I reflected on this Thunder Fang, an aching sensation pulsed in my head.

The bloodline of the Nangong Clan. They mentioned that anything not selected by the Thunder Fang couldn’t be wielded.

So why was I able to grasp it?

It was indeed complicated.

I attempted to investigate it but ended up jamming it back due to the ruckus Nangong Ming created.

[… You sure are something.]

Noya seemed surprised that I slammed it away for real.

‘Will I ever get along with it?’

Honestly, I was somewhat indifferent.

It wasn’t a weapon I’d wield anyway.

Moreover,

‘Right now, I simply want to stay quiet.’

Amidst this emotional tumult, having one foul-tempered old man was enough.

[… Haha. You rascal…?]

In the midst of a complicated situation,

‘… The issue lies with dinner later.’

There was also the problem involving my father. I was astonished when my father suddenly appeared in Sichuan.

Moreover, he dropped the bomb that I should prepare for a lecture during dinner.

‘I genuinely want to run away.’

What a distressing situation this was.

If only I could let the storm blow over and sweep everything aside.

But since my father vanished after mentioning he had something to tend to, I couldn’t even do that.

‘Where could he have gone?’

Not only his sudden appearance but what business could he possibly have in Sichuan?

That piqued my curiosity a bit.

Present-day Sichuan.

At its center stands the Baekhwa Sect’s Sichuan Branch.

This stood as the most resplendent building in Sichuan.

With a brilliantly crafted entrance.

A horde of well-trained staff filled the space.

Understood how this was the case. The sect leader, Mi Hyo-ran, was a figure who didn’t let even the slightest flaw slip by.

And the one responsible for this Sichuan branch?

Daemeokri had recently started to picture lofty dreams.

The reasoning behind this was simple.

As Daemeokri aged, he felt increasingly sidelined.

To make matters worse, the growing lack of performance led to rumors of Daemeokri’s plots reaching the higher-ups…

leading to the potential selection of a new branch leader for the Sichuan branch.

As unease bloomed day by day, one revelation came to him.

– … What did you say?

– The First Prince of the Gu Clan is on his way here.

– Why would that noble visit us?

The First Prince of the Gu Clan.

He was coming.

He wasn’t the son of the clan leader but rather a scion of the family and confirmed to be the inheritor of the clan leader’s position.

Moreover, he had recently earned the title of So Yeomra thanks to his exceptional skills.

And wasn’t he also referred to as the youngest transformation realm martial artist?

Though this was something Daemeokri brushed off as mere jest.

A martial artist in their teens attaining the transformation realm? Ridiculous rumors if there ever were any.

Nevertheless,

what mattered was that he was coming.

The rumors circulated in the sect about the clan leader’s fondness for him at that time.

For Daemeokri, refusing this meeting was not an option.

Perhaps he could score some points for retaining his position.

That lighthearted intention turned serious.

– Your mother will probably be thrilled.

Recalling Gu Yangcheong, who spoke with a beaming smile, Daemeokri felt a shiver down his spine.

The atmosphere wafting.

Those ordinary words and gazes applied pressure as if nothing were amiss.

Despite sharing no blood, why did he sense a similar presence to that of the clan leader from Gu Yangcheong?

All he knew was—

‘… This is an opportunity.’

This could very well be a chance bestowed upon him by the First Prince.

The merchant’s conviction? The pride he developed throughout life?

He understood none of those mattered at all.

Acquiring a colossal customer like Shin Yi could be an opportunity, yet the problem remained that he couldn’t provide what was expected.

Standing before Gu Yangcheong, Daemeokri found himself compelled to make a choice.

To align with the First Prince.

And he chose just that.

When he heard that Gu Yangcheong had sent a letter to the sect leader, Daemeokri felt undeniably convinced he had made the right choice.

But just a few days had passed since that decision.

“The child traded something here, didn’t they?”

Daemeokri now regretted that choice.

“Gu, Gu Clan Leader… that is…”

Had he known that his former decision would lead to such a predicament, he would never have made it.

“You don’t need to answer.”

Although Daemeokri regretted his earlier choice—

“One thing, I hope it’s not that way.”

“….”

“I feel it may become difficult to control my strength at the moment.”

It was already too late to reconsider.

 

---