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“Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors”

After that, I spent almost two months relearning the theory and practice of surgical techniques from Hwa Seong-myeong. My training focused purely on aesthetic transformations and enhancements, but in reality, surgery was a medical skill developed to minimize body damage from burns and various deadly injuries.

Given this, it required significant advanced knowledge and experience, and I felt refreshed diving back into medicine for the first time in ages. Hwa, the physician, seemed to enjoy having my help, clearly pleased that he had one less task on his plate.

“You mentioned there’s somewhere you need to go? I think it’s about time for you to head out.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve learned all you need to know, and with the clinical training you’ve had, you should be able to manage on your own.”

After expressing my thanks with a respectful bow, I headed towards Clan Leader Jeong with Miho. Our stay here wouldn’t have been possible without the favor of Clan Leader Jeong, so a visit was absolutely necessary.

“Clan Leader Jeong, thank you for your kindness. We’re about to leave.”

“Hmm… hmm…”

Suddenly, there was something odd about Clan Leader Jeong’s demeanor. He made a slight grunting sound, deep in thought.

“Clan Leader Jeong?”

As I tilted my head, he sighed in a somewhat regretful tone.

“… No, never mind. It’s just that, perhaps…”

“Is there something you’d like to say?”

“No, just go on.”

Clan Leader Jeong seemed like he was struggling to hold back some kind of desire as he bid us farewell. Once we were outside, Miho spoke to me.

“I have a feeling I know what Clan Leader Jeong was going to say.”

“What do you mean?”

“I bet the women from Clan Leader Jeong’s bloodline asked to see you.”

“……”

Now that I thought about it, during our two-month stay, I had indeed felt glances from some noble women. But I hadn’t paid much attention, thinking it wasn’t that important. So they were interested in me after all? Not quite believing it, I blinked a few times as Miho stifled a laugh.

“Look at this street! How many glances do you think are directed your way?”

This was the bustling daytime marketplace of Gaegyeong, filled with people. Following Miho’s cue, I scrutinized my surroundings and noticed the bulk of attention was indeed on Miho, who had transformed into a captivating beauty. I also felt a few curious gazes directed at me. Having grown used to ignoring such looks, it took a moment to notice.

Suddenly feeling shy, I turned my head and said, “These idle folk have nothing better to do. Why are they staring at someone else’s face?”

Miho chuckled, stretching my cheek playfully.

“You don’t mean that! You cute little thing.”

“Stop it.”

“How about you try talking to that girl over there? She’s been eyeing you with keen interest.”

Miho pointed to a refined young lady lurking around a fabric shop. She appeared to be in her late teens and had a rather lovely face. I frowned and responded bluntly to Miho’s suggestion.

“Why should I do that?”

“Hmm… I was about to teach you Fire Technique, but I might have to reconsider.”

Fire Technique!

Surprised by her words, I looked at Miho. Her expertise lay in Illusion and Fire Techniques. Although she had received divine insight from the Queen Mother of the West, she had been hesitant to share her techniques until now. And yet, she was offering to teach me.

“Is that for real?”

I couldn’t dismiss her words, especially after hearing Mangnyang talk about the need to hone my skills in not just martial arts but techniques as well. Miho giggled, as if she was playing with my emotions.

“Hmm… Try charming that girl and see if she’ll buy you some clothes from the shop. If you succeed, I’ll gladly teach you Fire Technique.”

“……”

Charming someone…

The word popped out of my mouth—the idea had never crossed my mind before. But with nothing to lose, I decided to give it a shot.

‘How do I charm a girl? What do I even say?’

Total blank. I resolved to rely on my instincts and strode over to the young lady in front of the fabric shop. When she noticed me approaching, her expression shifted to surprise, and her face flushed a bright red.

I initiated a conversation.

“Excuse me… pardon me.”

“Y-yes…”

“I’m called So Woong. If it’s not too much trouble, could you buy me some clothes from this shop?”

At that moment, Miho struck me like lightning.

[You foolish simpleton! Who would fall for that line?]

The impact was so shocking, it almost left me dazed. As I wobbled slightly, the surprised girl steadied me with her hand and said, “Hero, understood. What kind of clothes do you need?”

“Um… how about a blue one?”

“Sure.”

She promptly ordered the clothes from the shopkeeper, who seemed bewildered before accepting my payment and soon delivered the attire to me. As I awkwardly accepted the bundle, the girl lightly touched my cheek and said, “Hero, would you like to come to my home? I’d like to treat you to a meal…”

“Uh…”

Flustered and unsure of how to respond, I hurriedly glanced at Miho, who looked ready to unleash fury.

“I appreciate this kindness. Let’s meet again next time.”

“Hero?”

And just like that, I bolted from the scene. After sprinting about three miles, I noticed Miho catching up to me. She wore a slightly annoyed expression as she said, “Hmph. That worked surprisingly well.”

“What just happened? Why did she suddenly buy me clothes?”

I had braced myself for failure, so I approached her, unsure of how to say anything since my words often stumbled over one another. But unexpectedly, I had succeeded.

“Isn’t it just because you’re a charming young lad? She seems easy to read.”

“……”

I felt like protesting that Miho must have known about all this and had thrown me into it on purpose, but I couldn’t muster the courage to say it since she appeared in a foul mood. After a moment, Miho relaxed her expression and playfully touched my neck.

“Hmm, actually, there’s one more reason.”

“What is it?”

“When you underwent surgery, I stealthily imbued you with the power of the Bewitching Pearl. The power of the pearl has seeped into your whole body, radiating alluring energy, which enhances your appearance.”

My face stiffened.

“Miho, what did you do?”

“Why are you acting this way? I was just being considerate.”

“I underwent surgery to avoid being discovered. Drawing attention this way isn’t helpful at all!”

As I protested vehemently, Miho laughed.

“Hehe. Think about it differently. When that beauty combines with the Bewitching Pearl’s power, women will be none the wiser as you grow older. This means gathering information for your objectives will become much easier.”

“……”

“Most folks want to look better and become more attractive, yet you aren’t even thrilled about it. Maybe a lot of pent-up frustration is surfacing?”

“That could be. But I don’t really enjoy being judged solely by my looks.”

Miho giggled and poked my forehead with a finger.

“You realize that how upset you are right now only proves the effectiveness of your appearance? If you truly believed looks meant nothing, you wouldn’t be reacting at all! Stop deceiving yourself.”

Miho struck a nerve. I sighed.

‘Hmm… she has a point.’

I’d lived long enough in an unattractive body, never once enjoying the benefits of good looks. Suddenly finding myself in a situation where my appearance could win others over caught me off guard, leading me to don a mask even more so. Miho’s remarks were likely cautioning that such reactions could lead to falling into the pit of superficiality.

Deciding not to press further, I turned to Miho.

“So, this Bewitching Pearl has become part of my spiritual energy and is acting up, right? How effective is it? Based on what I just saw, it’s hard to judge.”

“The Bewitching Pearl is a gem that took about fifty years to mature, created from a part of my tail. Even an ordinary human who possesses it can gain immediate allure like a beauty. With your current state, you could probably gain strong favor from any woman in the world.”

Miho said, “I like good looks and beauty, but that’s just a personal preference. In truth, all human appearances mostly look alike. Since I created the Bewitching Pearl, I wouldn’t be influenced by it.”

“I see.”

Another reminder of Miho’s status as a Great Demon struck me. While she babbled on about good looks, her internal perception of beauty regarded humans as just humans. It was no different from how humans viewed animals.

“There’s nothing more for us to do in Gaegyeong. Let’s head straight to the North Sea Ice Palace.”

“From now on, will you go by So Woong?”

“Yeah. Sounds good, doesn’t it?”

“Well, it’s an ordinary name.”

“……”

And with that, Miho and I suddenly teleported to the North Sea Ice Palace. The North Sea Ice Palace wasn’t a fortress entirely made of ice but rather an immense building set against the vast sea. Several towers and parallel structures stood, with visible walls and moats. Overall, it felt more like a large village.

‘Entering through the gatekeeper would expose too many tracks.’

Normally, I wouldn’t infiltrate an unknown martial sect. However, if I were to officially visit the North Sea Ice Palace, it would leave far too many traces. I reluctantly decided to move close to the residence of the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace, which I had initially visited during the sparring match.

Fortunately, the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace was gazing out at the blue sky from a window within his quarters. Dressed in typical Liaodong attire, he had a fur coat casually draped over him. Approaching the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace, I said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord of North Sea Ice Palace.”

He seemed to have sensed us as soon as we appeared near his quarters, turning around slowly with no sign of surprise on his face. He was a man in his fifties, with silver hair and blue eyes, evidently carrying the blood of the colorful-eyed people.

“A remarkable boy. Possessing formidable martial arts and heavenly beauty…”

“……”

If he treated me so differently, it felt awkward, but I bowed respectfully, revealing my identity.

“I apologize for sneaking in like this. However, I bear no ill will, and I came to speak with you. I am So Woong from the Central Plains Martial World, and beside me is my wife.”

“I’m Miho.”

Miho played along beautifully, pretending to be my wife. The Lord of North Sea Ice Palace seemed to sense we bore no killing intent and stroked his beard as he spoke.

“We aim to find the land at the northernmost edge of this world. I hoped to hear your insights on it, Lord of North Sea Ice Palace.”

That was my attempt at a politically polished statement. The Lord of North Sea Ice Palace stared at me thoughtfully before responding.

“The northernmost point? What specifically do you mean?”

“Beyond this place, past the Great Prairie, lies the Frozen Wastes… if one goes further, there lies the northernmost edge of the world.”

“Hmm… why do you wish to go there?”

“To be frank, I’ve heard there’s the greatest treasure of mankind there. My wife and I intend to travel for a lifetime to find that treasure.”

I spoke no lies, for the Seven Luminaries’ Divine Sword indeed was the greatest treasure of mankind. The Lord of North Sea Ice Palace seemed to ponder, sitting at his desk, took a swig of potent liquor, then addressed Miho and me.

“Sit down.”

As Miho and I took our seats, the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace squinted his eyes and asked, “If I were to share information about this, what would you be willing to offer me?”

“I’ll give you this.”

I pulled out a gold bar. Seeing the gold in my hands took him by surprise momentarily. He soon assessed my offer, seemingly convinced it was genuine gold.

“A sufficient reward for information.”

After pondering for a moment, he began to speak.

“You’re Central Plains people, but do you understand the structure of the Great Prairie and the Northern Desert?”

“Not very well.”

“Central Plains people tend to label the outsiders as northern barbarian, eastern savages, southern marauders, and western nomads without understanding the vastness outside China. In reality, the Great Prairie and desert merely lead to greater worlds, while the Central Plains is like a frog in a well.”

Having opened up with those words, the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace continued, “Currently, the situation in the far north of the Great Prairie is unfolding in ways the Central Plains people could never imagine. This is because Thunder Emperor Ivan IV has openly declared himself as a Tsar and is establishing a powerful nation.”

This was the first I’d heard of such foreign terms. What did he just say?

I noticed Miho had a similarly confused expression, unable to comprehend. The Lord of North Sea Ice Palace chuckled bitterly as he remarked, “In the Frozen Wastes beyond the Great Prairie lies a nation known as Arasa. It’s the land of the colorful-eyed people, a country that originated from far away in the western continent. My lineage and the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace’s lineage share blood with the Arasa people.”

“I see…”

“‘I see’ is hardly appropriate. You look utterly lost.”

He chided me, but I had no retort.

This was the first time I’d learned of the Arasa nation. At least, none of the texts I studied since my birth mentioned such a thing, as I only knew that colorful-eyed people lived to the north or west.

Then the Lord of North Sea Ice Palace spoke, “The northernmost edge of the world you seek must pass through the Arasa Empire, extending towards the continent made of Eternal Ice.”

“A continent made of ice?”

“Indeed.”

He stated calmly, “We call that area the Polar Region for convenience.”

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