---

**

“Pursuit Spirit Pavilion (추혼각)… you say?”

As I continued my morning training, I wiped the sweat from my brow.

“I’ve never heard of this organization before…”

“Of course not. It’s a newly formed group.”

“What kind of organization is it?”

“It’s simple.”

Ilma slid a document towards me.

“It’s a group that does my errands. On the surface, it’s an information organization. If you really want to compare it to something… you could say it’s similar to our main school’s ‘Full Moon (만월)’.”

“I see. How many members does it have?”

“Right now, just you.”

“Eh?”

“Take this as well. And this. Though it’s just paperwork for now, it will officially be registered soon. That means there’s a lot to prepare. Handle this too. I’ve already taught you how to fill out documents, so you should be able to do it on your own.”

A pile of documents stacked up in front of me. Sitting on the training grounds, I meticulously examined each one.

There was a lot, but in reality, there wasn’t much to do. I only needed to add my name here and there.

“What does Pursuit Spirit Pavilion do?”

“As I said, it’s a group that does my errands. There’s nothing different from usual. Just handle what I tell you to.”

“I see… Is it perhaps an organization created in preparation for open activities?”

“That’s part of it.”

“If that’s the case… does it mean there are other reasons? Perhaps the Master’s arrangements…?”

“This isn’t an organization established by the Master. In fact, I suggested it.”

Ilma placed her hand on her waist.

“If you handle all this paperwork, you’ll basically have your name officially registered soon. Jeok-un (적운). Those two characters will remain in the main school records.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“It means you don’t have to worry about not having a place to return to.”

…Home.

It was like indirectly saying they wouldn’t abandon me. I momentarily lost my words.

Though I pretended to be indifferent, it was essentially saying that this organization was created for me.

It was an unexpected generous treatment. It was akin to saying they would welcome me not just as an informant but as family.

I glanced down at the documents I was holding.

The founder is… Ilma.

At the sight of her clear name, I looked up at her.

“Did you really suggest this, Ilma?”

“Yep.”

“…Why…?”

“Why, you ask? Because it’ll motivate you to work hard! If you’re sending it, you might as well do it with all your effort to show solid results. If there’s a reward following, you’ll put more strength into your shoulders and won’t harbor any unnecessary thoughts.”

“……”

“And, by the way… Whenever you have a mission in the future, use the name Pursuit Spirit Pavilion. Make it known that I’m backing you up. Of course, I’m talking about when handling internal matters of the main school! Above all, don’t misuse this name! If you swing your sword recklessly, it’ll become dull!”

I rolled my eyes and contemplated.

My chest swelled, but I didn’t know how to express it. Is this the feeling that arises when you unexpectedly receive a gift?

Thus, I bowed my head first, as I thought that was what I should do.

“Thank you. Ilma. I will definitely repay your kindness.”

“Just… no need for that! Are you crying?”

“N-no, I’m not.”

I subtly wiped my eyes. Why am I so oblivious to this?

Ilma stared at me intently. I hurriedly changed the subject.

“Um, do you need anything? If there’s something you want, I will somehow bring it to you. As for money, I’ve saved every penny you’ve given me, so you don’t need to worry.”

“No, why wouldn’t you spend the money I gave you?”

“Just being here allows me to have meals to my fill. There’s no time to spend money when I’m focused on work and training. Besides…”

I fidgeted with my hands.

“I didn’t want to spend the money you’ve given me frivolously.”

“No. Ugh. What’s with…”

Ilma sighed as if exasperated, fiddling with her mask before looking down at me.

“Spend the money you’re supposed to spend. It’s not much, so you don’t need to save it. I’ll refill it immediately.”

“Still, I want to save.”

“Do you think anyone will appreciate that?”

“I’m not doing it to gain appreciation.”

My cheeks were pinched. They weren’t just getting puffy, they were literally being touched.

“…Geez.”

Clearly, it was a sigh, but it sounded weird. Almost like she was desperately trying to lower her rising smile.

“What am I supposed to do? Huh? You really don’t listen to a word.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“Enough. You’re so stubborn.”

For a while, my cheeks were touched again. My hair was also tousled abundantly.

Ilma seemed satisfied as she patted my head.

“I don’t really want anything right away. To begin with, you’ve brought too much junk, and there’s hardly any space left in the room.”

“If that’s the case, I can put a few things away…”

“Those are my belongings. I’ll manage them myself, so just don’t worry.”

Ilma chuckled slightly.

“How’s your sword progress?”

“The Ear Sword is still rebellious. It outright refuses to engage in deep conversation. I think it might take quite a while…”

“Transforming the sword is still a ways off. Well, even if I have the Ear Sword, I didn’t think it would easily resolve matters.”

“How about the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique?”

“I’ve learned the modified form of Flash Dispersal, known as Nine-Headed Dragon Slaughter. Of course, I wouldn’t call it perfect.”

“Good job. You’ve almost reached the final stage of the first half, so it’s time to move onto the second half of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, but…”

Ilma put a hand on her chin.

“Considering the side effects, it might be better to wait a bit longer.”

“Side effects…?”

“The Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique is, as the name suggests, a demonic technique. While it brings visible achievements quickly, it inevitably makes the user fight against the demonic forces. If you build a solid foundation, you can learn the first half without side effects. But the second half is different. The rough blood energy will erode your body. The reason people who left the Blood Demon Organization quit the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique is because of that. If you continue learning, at some point, you’ll become a madman who only craves blood. Many have learned the first half, but those who’ve mastered the second half are few and far between.”

“Then what should I do…?”

“But your situation is different. Haven’t you already shown me that you have a strong will that won’t be consumed by blood energy? Moreover, you possess Cheongeop. You’ve trained your physical abilities to the extreme with me, so you’ll be more than capable of mastering the second half. As long as your foundation is solid, even the most vicious plant won’t uproot you.”

Ilma patted my head again.

“You’re already qualified. Still deciding to postpone means you want to add a few things to the ordinary Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique. The simple Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique is good, but if I inject what I’ve realized into it, I can fill in the gaps. The Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique isn’t complete to begin with. It was a martial art made by the Master just to pass time, so there are some rather rough parts.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Of course, the Master’s passing time is different from the usual idle play. Anyway, it wouldn’t hurt to modify it a bit. Fortunately, I have quite a bit of talent, so it won’t be difficult to makeover the second half of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique. I have other worries too… but as long as I’m here, everything falls within the manageable range…”

Ilma took the secret text of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique from my possession.

“For now, I’ll revise this too. What you should do is solidify your foundation further. No matter how vicious roots attempt to take hold, you need to create a sturdy foundation to withstand it. Continue as you’ve done. Got it?”

“I will make sure to remember.”

“Good…”

Ilma played with my ears.

“Besides that, I want to ask something.”

“What is it…?”

“Aren’t you curious about my face? I’ve never heard you express curiosity even once. Why’s that? Usually, one would become curious.”

My face.

About her face.

I glanced at her mask. Ilma had always worn a mask adorned with talismans during all our encounters, both in formal situations and otherwise.

I was indeed curious. But there was a reason I hadn’t asked. The fact that she always wore a mask likely meant there was a purpose in doing so.

I laid that reasoning out.

“I am curious, but… I thought there was a reason for not seeing it.”

“Really? What if what’s inside is a twisted and hideous sight?”

“…….? If one’s attitude toward a person is determined solely by their appearance, it’s no different than showing one’s own foolishness, isn’t it?”

Just because Ilma is considered ugly doesn’t mean my feelings would fade.

No matter how twisted and ugly her appearance might be, I was certain that I could genuinely respect and care for her.

“No matter what lies behind the mask, I’m confident my heart remains unchanged. If there were any slight changes in my attitude, you may punish me.”

“D-don’t speak such embarrassing things so casually! You fool!”

“Ow, ow.”

“Even a patient person like me acts like this when you pretend to be hurt!”

My stretched earlobes were finally released.

Ilma spun her head away.

“You’re just all talk, aren’t you?”

“I will prove it.”

“No need!”

Ilma stomped away dramatically.

. . .

I practiced my martial arts. Following Ilma’s instructions, I solidified my foundation further.

Controlling the energy was important, but understanding how my body was structured took priority. I strengthened muscles I didn’t usually use, wielded the Ear Sword Bai Ya, and rearranged everything within me once more.

Foundation was like an endless darkness wherein the waves would never break. But the uncertainty made it all the more enjoyable.

I began to see progress, even if just a little, and that small success gave me the strength to walk again tomorrow.

My well-toned body started to crack. Now I was chiseling away at my own being rather than just training.

Efforts don’t betray you. I drilled that into my body hundreds of times and trained my stamina further.

Ilma’s assignments decreased. Instead, she granted me more time to focus on training.

I also mixed blades with the warriors in the mansion. Most were inferior to me, but I gained something from battling with them.

From the blades of those who fell short, I could discover another version of myself.

Now, Ear Sword Ilma looked truly aligned with her potential. Ilma even admired the powerful blows coming from my fists.

“Quite impressive.”

If she was impressed, then it meant my efforts were paying off.

As I honed my methods to the extreme, changes occurred within my body. Cheongeop had begun to adapt to the flow of my energy and started functioning at least somewhat as I willed it.

When my body conformed to its defined contours, I could reinforce it even without drawing power. A body that strong was mightier than rock, able to shatter stone with just a downward strike of my fist.

The Heavenly Demon, who had called me out of boredom, scratched her chin with interest.

“So, this Cheongeop can alter external forces. It seems efforts have improved its quality… Your progress is astonishing, little pup. But still, you’re at the second stage. The third stage of Reverse Heaven Blood Flow Great Art will have to wait for later.”

“What is Cheongeop exactly?”

“To ask that when you’re still at such a low level… Work a little harder. It’s information that would be useless to you at your current stage anyway.”

The Heavenly Demon’s explanations were often vague. However, the occasional guidance she provided felt like a rain shower in a drought.

Ilma’s teachings were excellent, but the Heavenly Demon’s lessons were on a different plane. Solving problems she tossed my way brought significant changes within me.

The Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique. A martial art that’s said to have quick success in the initial stages.

However, something felt different. The speed of advancement seemed faster than when I first encountered the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique. While I didn’t notice it much because my capacity itself had increased, I felt that the speed at which things filled the vessel dramatically increased.

The Heavenly Demon smirked.

“Cheongeop is one thing, but the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique is humorous too. At this rate, isn’t it reminiscent of the martial arts of the righteous sect? Your blood energy is so pure that it rivals that of the righteous sect’s secret arts. Who would have thought the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique could take shape like this? Though it was shaped by her hands, you are the one paving the way.”

“I’m surprised the progress is faster than I thought.”

“Worrying about rapid progress is not unfounded… Yet it doesn’t apply to you. With the Reverse Heaven Blood Flow Great Art, you’ve reinforced your body, twisting the energy and veins at will. Your foundation can be deemed exceptional. Moreover, coupled with the hard work you’ve put in, it would be strange for you to be swayed by mere blood energy.”

The Heavenly Demon patted my head.

“Nevertheless, let me give you a piece of advice. When mastering the latter part of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, you must be cautious. The blood energy you’ve accumulated until now is not at a level you need to worry about, but the blood energy you accumulate in the latter part is on an entirely different level of brutality than the first part. If your body weakens, it will surely start to gnaw at you. When do you think will that be?”

“…Is it when Cheongeop regenerates?”

“Exactly. That’s it. In essence, when the mind and body waver, the demonic energy seeps in. Each time your body experiences a heavy impact and destruction, Cheongeop will regenerate you like it has done until now. The latter part of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique will seize that moment. Together with the blood energy you’ve built up until now, the new, vicious blood energy will shake your spirit.”

The Heavenly Demon braided one side of my hair beautifully.

“It’s like the weight of crossing the boundaries doubles. If the moment comes when you become numb to killing, question yourself. That will be the first sign of madness. Little pup, I don’t want to be the owner of a dog that kills anyone indiscriminately.”

“I will be cautious.”

“Good. You’re cute. It seems I’ve got some skill after all. Don’t let it down, just show it to Ilma as it is. That’s an order.”

“……”

I returned to Ilma with my hair braided as it was.

She burst out laughing.

“Ahahaha! What is that?!”

“…The Master ordered it.”

“What an absurd appearance.”

After a lengthy laugh, she gestured to me.

“Didn’t I say to be careful of becoming a madman?”

“Yes.”

“That’s not incorrect. But there’s no need to worry. I’ll be watching over you. The reason I didn’t say it is for that. No matter what symptoms you may have, I can fix them.”

My hair swayed. I raised my hand to check my loose hair.

“…….”

One more braided section was added.

“Ilma.”

“Why? Looks good. Heh… so cute.”

“Ilma.”

“Oh, right. Jeok-un. Just in time, I’ve finished organizing the secret texts. It’ll be fine for you to learn the latter part now. So, from now on…”

—Clunk.

A sound came from outside. Ilma’s laughter immediately ceased.

She lowered her voice.

“What’s that?”

“Master of Blood Sea Organization. It’s Red Silk (적사). A blood message has arrived.”

“…Whose?”

“It’s a blood message from Blood Sea Member Wolhyang.”

“Wolhyang?”

Ilma’s atmosphere stiffened. I tried to step aside, but she pressed down on my shoulder.

A chilling voice asked.

“Explain it precisely.”

“Blood Sea Member Wolhyang is currently missing. Only the blood message returned, wounded yet alive. At the same time, we’ve discovered strange phenomena in Eungmin. It has been confirmed that the key sect of the Naja Clan, Seven Star Gate, has completely vanished overnight.”

“Wolhyang…? What was before that? The Seven Star Gate? The key sect for making core elixirs in the Naja Clan? Who was the audacious one to touch that?”

“That’s unknown. However…”

The soldier outside muted his voice.

“There are rumors that someone with the methods and elixirs of the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan is alive. As stories of the last heir of the Seven Star Gate traveling through Eungmin leaked out, numerous demons aiming for the elixirs and methods are heading toward Eungmin. Currently, Eungmin is like a runaway colt. With the Blood Sea members who were managing order disappearing, control is breaking down rapidly.”

 

---