Chapter 64
**
Blood splurted forth like a fountain. Jin Wi-lyang hunched over, gasping for breath.
I took a step closer to finish it off. But Eun Seol-ran blocked my path.
“That’s enough, Bi Cheon.”
“I’ll finish it,” I insisted.
“It’s already as good as done. Calm down. Killing him may bring you peace in that moment, but not afterwards.”
She pointed behind me.
“Seo Cho-hee. Yeon Guang is also going to get dragged into this. One arm of the Shinwon Jin Clan’s backswing was cut off? You could call it self-defense. They drew their swords first, after all. But if you take a life, things will spiral out of control.”
“…….”
“And anyway…”
Eun Seol-ran turned to look back.
“That guy’s life as a warrior… you’ve already cut it short. He’s as good as dead.”
I looked down at Jin Wi-lyang. He was only groaning in pain, with no words left to say.
“Ah… ah…”
The last gasp of a man who had lost everything. He looked like he had aged several years, wrinkles etched across his face.
It wasn’t just from the pain. His gasping face reflected the chaos of a situation he couldn’t accept.
Withering body. Blood flowing backward.
He vomited blood and collapsed to the ground. Looking at the veins all over his body, his condition was clear.
Running fire and entering the demon.
So, this is really the end. Losing just the right arm is not the issue; it’s as if he’s lost his very martial arts.
Even if measures were taken immediately, the situation was severe. Besides, no one here was willing to act hastily to help.
The fate of the isolated. No one reached out to the one who trusted only their own strength while trying to push others down.
Someone might help in this moment, but…
No one wanted to.
Eun Seol-ran whispered.
“That’s already a living corpse, junior. We each have our own place. You do too. If you were sent by Ilma, it’s best not to cause unnecessary trouble. I can handle this mess for now. But beyond this is too much.”
“…….”
“Please. Stop being angry.”
I took a deep breath.
I retracted the fist I was about to throw.
“Since it’s your request, I’ll endure.”
“Thank you for listening.”
The apathetic Master Guigok Yajang spoke up.
“Is the show over?”
“It’s over.”
“Then, just carry that guy here. Stop breaking my temporary workspace. Everyone that comes is out of their minds. And you.”
Yeon Guang, lying on the ground as if dead, struggled to lift his head.
“Are you talking to me…?”
“We’ll talk later. You too.”
His finger turned toward me. I blinked.
“Are you talking about me too?”
“Yes. Both of you. The rest? Not worth mentioning.”
I subtly pushed Eun Seol-ran forward.
Master Guigok Yajang snorted.
“Not impressive.”
“Huh? Me?”
“Even a brat better than you wasn’t impressive back then. It’s been decades already… Anyway, get out! Since you crossed into Fengma Cave, it’s as good as proving your worth…”
Master Guigok Yajang opened the strongly shut iron door.
“Welcome to Fengma Cave, you little brats.”
What unfolded before my eyes was a village built underground, far removed from the surface.
…
Buildings lined up in rows. More people than I’d expected moved about.
Master Guigok Yajang shoved us into the clinic. After laying Yeon Guang on the floor, he grumbled.
“First of all, it wasn’t my responsibility when you passed through. Someone suitable will come soon, so wait for them to guide you.”
“U-uh, elder… Is the Leader of the Fokma Clan…?”
“Leader of the Fokma Clan? Ah, you’re talking about Na So-wan. He’s currently chasing after some thieves.”
“Thieves…?”
“They didn’t just mess with the mechanisms inside Fengma Cave; they destroyed over half the internal structure. They crashed down from the first basement to my workspace.”
“Did it get that badly broken?”
“I wouldn’t know. Just stating what I saw. Where’s that guy?”
“The Master is greatly saddened and is in the villa.”
“Is he lacking energy?”
“Of course, he feels it’s been taken from him, something he believed was his lifelong task. It would be strange if he had energy left.”
“I see. I get it. I’m just… angry about it. Those damn bastards. If they’re caught, I’ll tear them to pieces. Anyway, fix these fools before they kick the bucket. You can do that, right?”
“I’ve never wasted a moment with the Master.”
He put on white gloves.
“It’s an easy job, elder.”
“Hmph, I’m off.”
“Take care.”
The man turned to look at us. He smiled lightly as if to reassure us.
“Nice to meet you, young warriors. I am Zhang Wol-ryong, a disciple of the Mystical Healer. Since the situation seems urgent, let’s prioritize treatment. It’s best to separate the seriously injured from the lightly injured… But that person…”
Zhang Wol-ryong frowned and looked down at Jin Wi-lyang.
“His condition is already serious. Entering the demon… It’s a bit too late to do anything. Even if I try to fix it… he can’t go back to how he was.”
That was a definitive death sentence. Everything had exploded uncontrollably from within.
“I’ll at least try to treat him.”
A few bodyguards, led by Jin Wi-lyang and Yeon Guang, were taken to another room.
Zhang Wol-ryong scanned the remaining people and pointed at Eun Seol-ran.
“Lady So, you should be moved to another room as well.”
“I’m fine.”
“It’s not fine. You’ve been slashed by the soul that Master Guigok Yajang was nurturing. Isn’t your energy flow strange?”
“…How would you know?”
“You might fall into a heart demon, so let’s move you for now. The souls directly raised by Master Guigok Yajang shouldn’t be underestimated. Each of them can become materials for the Ear Sword.”
If that story was true…
The entire place where living corpses ran about was Master Guigok Yajang’s workspace?
“Follow me, Lady So. And the others…”
Zhang Wol-ryong clapped his hands. Servants rushed out from the sides.
“These kids will help take care of your body. Please wash yourselves properly. Fengma Cave is a sacred place. You cannot roam with a dirty body.”
Seo Cho-hee rolled her eyes from beside me. She had been uncomfortably close for a while.
Her sparkling eyes never left me.
“…So, Lady So. Do you have anything else to say?”
“No.”
“Then perhaps we’ll go to another place…”
“Why?”
“Eh?”
Seo Cho-hee, feeling the pressure of my gaze, was eventually led away by a servant. I also moved in step with the other men.
The place we arrived at was a giant building. Inside were several hot tubs filled with boiling water.
I had never seen anything like this, even above ground. How could this structure exist?
A servant naturally began to strip me of my clothes.
“I can handle this myself.”
“Understood.”
The servant stepped back. I shed my clothes and slowly entered the steaming interior.
Dense steam enveloped me. I splashed water on myself several times, washing away the grime and dirt.
After cleaning my body, I settled into the hot bath.
…It was warm.
The time spent getting here melted away in the water.
I closed my eyes, attempting to relish the tranquility.
But there were those who wouldn’t let me do that.
“…Excuse me, Bi Cheon…”
I turned my head. There stood the bodyguards, gazing at me.
Now, only a few survivors remained. All of them looked at me with gleaming eyes.
“Where did you learn to use that sword?”
“…There are many things I cannot disclose. I hope you’ll understand.”
“Haha! Of course! Uh, if you have the time, could you perhaps teach me a bit of your swordsmanship…?”
“Please, I would like to ask as well! Bi Cheon!”
“I want to as well!”
The bodyguards flocked to me regardless of sect. Even among them was a bodyguard from the Man-ma sect.
I replied with hesitation.
“I don’t think I’ve shown much…”
“What are you talking about! I’ve never seen such a solid sword in my life!”
“The swords of your generation were certainly beautiful. But they’re… different swords.”
“I can tell just from looking. It’s a caliber I can’t reach.”
“Our average age is over forty. Yet, we are barely touching our prime. While this is impressive compared to ordinary folks…”
The bodyguards’ eyes sparkled.
“Even so, your sword possessed something different.”
“A sword similar to ours. Of course, the level was too high to truly gauge…”
“Each of your strikes resonated in our hearts.”
“Did you feel that too?”
“Anyone wielding a sword would feel that! Hahaha!”
I was taken aback by their unexpected remarks.
“So… was it that strange?”
“Strange? That way of putting it could also suggest it was unusual.”
The bodyguards pondered, then spoke after glancing at each other.
“The form of the sword is rough but unbroken, showing its spirit yet unable to be obstructed…”
“The momentum was shockingly ferocious. The Blood Sword of Blood Swords.”
“It felt like a sword built on efforts and blood.”
I see.
So, that’s how it appears.
It was an unexpected reaction. Did Ilma not say that my sword was gradually shedding its human form?
Built upon efforts and blood, it had now become a ferocious sword, akin to a beast.
I thought they would tremble in fear. I thought they would keep their distance out of fear.
That’s why I asked again. Weren’t they scared?
They replied.
“The sword itself was frightening, but the one wielding it wasn’t.”
“……”
“The sword raised for Yeon Gwang was soaked in blood, yet it had humanity.”
The bodyguards laughed raucously.
“It was honestly refreshing! Hahaha!”
Even the bodyguard from the Man-ma sect laughed. I couldn’t help but chuckle as well.
Perhaps it was because we had cut through a nonsensical place together. I nodded, feeling a strange kinship.
“Nothing’s stopping us. If time permits, let’s mix swords.”
“Thank you!”
I memorized all their names. And cherished them in my heart.
Luckily…
It wasn’t all bad connections.
…
After the purification bath, Goon Cheon-gyeong gathered the people.
The last remaining proper members of the Fokma Clan. He was in charge in place of the absent Leader of the Fokma Clan and reminded everyone of only one thing.
“Just in case, let’s meet at this location. Don’t stir up anything weird… Let’s explore the interior of Fengma Cave. Let’s gather back here after six hours. Remember, this is the interior of Fengma Cave.”
The three characters of Fengma Cave were heavy and filled with curiosity at the same time. The bodyguards exchanged glances and began filtering out to the streets one by one.
I followed suit. Although Master Guigok Yajang had said to wait for him when things settled down…
I felt it would be better to go with Yeon Guang, so I didn’t head that way.
Instead, I decided to do something else. Something I had originally intended to do before arriving here.
Shall I find something this time?
A gift for Ilma.
“Junior.”
Goon Cheon-gyeong casually followed me.
“Let’s go together. You’re going to check out the streets, right? Because of you, I’ve saved my life, so I’ll pay for everything.”
Seo Cho-hee chimed in as well.
“Bi Cheon, may I accompany you?”
“There’s no reason why not…”
“I want to join you. I’ll repay the favor of saving my life with mine.”
“You don’t have to go that far.”
Her resolve felt too heavy, and I wanted to decline. Goon Cheon-gyeong whispered to me.
“When did you become so close with Lady So?”
“Is she famous?”
“Blood Princess of the Bukmun Seo family. Seo Cho-hee. Famous for poison arts. She comes from a noted family even in the Nachal sect. Of course, she’s not comparable to the Shinwon Jin Clan.”
Goon Cheon-gyeong glanced back.
“There’s a reason why the title ‘Blood’ is attached to her alias. She’s famous for not being able to tolerate being slighted and clinging on fiercely. She’s not handling that Poison Sword for nothing. She’s as dangerously strong as the poison she wields. You saw how that spoiled brat from the Shinwon Jin Clan acted, right? If she finds something insulting, she’ll definitely speak up. She doesn’t bend on what she decides in her heart.”
“…Hmm.”
“There are many among the Ilhwa, but it’s not appropriate to speak here… Anyway, she’s a difficult woman. She’s notorious for not having friends. Since the Bukmun Seo family has no male heir, they say she was raised like a boy as the only daughter. Of course, only the Bukmun Seo family would know the details.”
“Senior, you really know a lot.”
“Ask me anything you want. I haven’t missed any rumors inside the main school. Of course, junior, I didn’t know you were that strong! Hahaha… But, uh, shouldn’t I be using formal speech with you?”
“It’s unnecessary. Once a senior, always a senior, right? If everything was decided by the heights and lows of status, that would be the most foolish thing.”
“Kuhh. You’re truly from a prestigious background. Thanks to you, I feel a bit relieved.”
Goon Cheon-gyeong turned around.
“Seo Cho-hee. But why Bi Cheon among others…?”
“I’ve heard the sword symbolizes the person. I’ve never seen such a refreshing sword before. You saved my life and even filled in my shortcomings…”
Seo Cho-hee drew her sword from its sheath with both hands.
“I wish to serve you as my lord!”
I cut her off decisively.
“Just being Bi Cheon is enough.”
“Th-then at least as a sign of respect… May I call you senior?”
“That’s fine.”
“From today, my dream is to be a member of the Fokma Clan!”
“I’m merely a temporary member of the Fokma Clan. Once this mission is over, I’ll be leaving.”
“Eh? Where’s your hometown…?”
“I can’t say.”
“Oh, you have your reasons. Understood…”
Seo Cho-hee grew despondent. Goon Cheon-gyeong poked me in the side.
“You’ve recruited a loyal hunting dog, huh?”
“You’re not saying you did it just for the sake of a person, are you? Senior.”
“Don’t get prickly. It seems you get prickly when feeling shy, huh?”
“I don’t!”
“Kuhuh. So? Is there something you want to buy?”
“I’m thinking of getting a gift for a precious individual.”
Seo Cho-hee suddenly interjected.
“Is it… a romantic interest?!”
“No.”
“Aha… I see… Then perhaps it’s for someone of the opposite gender…”
“That is correct. If you must say, they are rather close to my master.”
“A master, huh.”
Goon Cheon-gyeong scratched his chin.
“Then, shall we stroll the streets? I also want to buy some things. I’ve heard Fengma Cave is filled with items that can’t be found in the outside world… it wouldn’t hurt to offer something at the graves of the deceased.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Why apologize? What have you done wrong? People who eat on swords dying is just part of life. It’s just a bit bitter. It’s something we can’t avoid. That said… what are you planning to gift?”
“I think tea leaves would be nice…”
“Hmm. Tea? Isn’t that a bit boring for a gift? Since I said I’d buy something, let’s look for something else. What has that person wanted in the past?”
“That person can obtain almost anything within the main school, so I don’t believe there’s anything they lack.”
“What? What kind of person could do that…? Is it the Master?”
“Impossible.”
“Seriously? What kind of person is this…?”
“Just trust me, okay? Senior. Leave it to me. Since we’re both women, my eyes will definitely be necessary.”
Seo Cho-hee’s eyes sparkled.
“I’ll be sure to help senior!”
