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**

The work was quickly done. Ilma nodded silently, and then Cheonma called for me directly.

In the place I went to, there was Cheonma, smiling. It wasn’t just a sneer, but a laugh filled with great satisfaction.

“You said it with your own mouth? Ilma didn’t tell you to say it?”

“That’s right.”

“Why?”

“I wanted to help.”

I spoke cleanly.

Cheonma also smiled cleanly.

“I won’t comment on what kind of dog you are, but it’s good that you’ve thought it over a bit. So you’re going to Aekmin to find a member of the Blood Sea Organization… and you’ve completely mastered Blood Spirit Transformation?”

“Yes.”

“You won’t die there. You might even take down most of them. I heard you’ve drawn some thoughts toward martial arts. Show it to me.”

I displayed Blood Spirit Transformation in front of her.

She was thoroughly satisfied with the falling petals of vigor. She hugged me and rubbed her cheek against mine.

“Ah, wonderful. Hmm. This is an experience I’ve never felt even while raising disciples… this is refreshing. Dog, can’t you see the wall that wasn’t visible before?”

“…That’s right.”

The overwhelming wall I saw when I broke through the peak level, a wall that felt insurmountable, now lay before me.

“The difference between peak level and the transformation stage is huge. It’s far too high to penetrate. It’ll be a daunting path. Will you still walk it?”

“I will.”

“Hehe, my cute little one. When you first came into my view, a light tap would have knocked you over, but you’ve grown. Even if you now carry the weight of the heavens, it’s quick. I heard you even went so far as to cut your flesh to invoke Blood Spirit Transformation…”

Cheonma chuckled.

“The Master can do something similar with Ear Sword, of course, but something else will come out instead of flesh.”

“…Yes?”

“Just kidding. Ah, where could such a cutie have come from?”

Cheonma whispered, holding me close.

“The current Aekmin is a mess. Since the Blood Sea Organization backed off, rules have disappeared. Normally, sects would try to correct the chaos of a shattered order… but now it’s different. Three sects are in there searching for the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan, so it’s like a war is breaking out. Ordinary followers are trying their hardest not to get involved, but there will still be casualties.”

“…….”

“Shisan Hyunhae. It’s the phrase that fits the current Aekmin perfectly. There’s a scale of casualties unlike anything seen before. By now, the Master should step in to clean it up, yet here she is. Very quietly, breathing as if she doesn’t exist. Do you know why?”

“I believe it’s to decide the next Cheonma.”

“The Master’s term is nearing its end. When she steps down from the Cheonma position, one of my foolish disciples will take that place. The Master is looking far into the future. Even if there appears to be much blood spilled right now, it will be less than the blood spilled when someone unqualified takes the Cheonma’s seat. The doctrine of our school has always been power. Only power dictates everything. But as the scale has grown larger, it has become harder to envision the future with just power.”

“……”

“Well, that doesn’t apply to you, since you have both strength and intelligence. But my underlings are different. They lack experience and are immature. They boast about being leaders, yet the number who have actually experienced war is small. They are clumsy in handling people.”

Cheonma patted my head.

“This incident will allow the leaders to learn various things. They will fill in their lack of experience too. Each of them will envision our school in different forms, but the paint needed to create it will be the same. They will learn what’s lacking through this incident. Dog, let me ask just in case. What will you do if you obtain the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan?”

“I heard the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan is the treasure of our school. Since it belongs to the Seven Star Gate, shouldn’t it be returned to its rightful owner?”

“What if the Seven Star Gate is all dead?”

“Then I would give it to the Nachal Sect…”

“If you did that, the Black Death Sect and the Manma Sect wouldn’t let you go, would they?”

I thought about it.

And then I answered.

“If a martial artist is too afraid to draw his sword because of someone, can he still be called a martial artist?”

“Hmm…”

“Though I may be lacking, I still consider myself a martial artist…”

I gazed up at Cheonma, half-leaning against her.

“I will draw my sword without hesitation for what I think is right.”

“Hehe, that’s a strong claim. But the weight of those words is not light. The Master knows how you have lived.”

“Good. It’s odd that the Master wouldn’t send you off after you’ve come this far.”

Cheonma caressed my cheek.

“Go to Aekmin. Jeok-un. Retrieve a member of the Blood Sea Organization from that chaos. An initiation of sorts. But remember, your goal should not be the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan, but rather the retrieval of the Blood Sea member. If you succeed, Ilma will even give you a kiss. The Master will also grant you a kiss on top of that.”

“……”

“Hmm? Or perhaps I should suck on something else?”

“I’ll be back.”

“My cute little dog.”

…

I packed my belongings. Time had already passed significantly, so I didn’t want to waste any more.

It had been six months since Wolhyang had gone missing. Two seasons had already changed. The period of being missing was not short, and if isolated, he might have starved to death.

I packed my things tightly. I even threw in all the money I had received from Ilma until now.

“The Blood Spirit Transformation may not be enough. I want to teach you the sixth form, but…”

“It’s alright, Ilma. You gave me a secret technique, didn’t you? Fortunately, I have learned quite a lot, so I can learn the sixth form myself. Of course, mastering Blood Spirit Transformation is the priority.”

“That’s understandable. You’ll be familiar with the coldness. You’ve faced Bai Ya enough times.”

“…What a joke.”

Ilma looked up at me. Then she gently placed her hand on my mask.

“All members of the Heavenly Eight conceal their faces. Do you know why?”

“I don’t know.”

“It’s because it’s the Master’s command. The Heavenly Eight must kill each other for ambition. If their faces become familiar, their swords may become dull. The Master personally placed the masks on them. Of course, half of that intention is probably just the Master’s playful nature.”

Ilma tightly gripped her mask.

“But I chose to step down from the position of Heavenly Eight and become the current Master’s great guardian. I was tired of power relations and had no specific ambitions. All I had was gratitude toward the Master for taking me in. So I took off the mask the Master had given me long ago. Yet I still wore a mask I didn’t need. The reason being…”

Ilma removed her mask.

Her hair, resembling plum blossoms, scattered in the air. The face hidden beneath the mask was revealed to the world for the first time.

I was momentarily speechless. I had lost my words when I saw Cheonma, Baekmae, and Eun Seol-ran, but this was so different.

Her eyelashes were long. Below her straight nose was a slightly hardened mouth. The sharp gaze itself resembled a flower.

There was a scent. The fragrance when the most beautifully blooming flower falls to the ground. But it didn’t end in an instant; it lingered long.

With that moment, the most beautiful petal…

Was caught in the endlessly repeating time of beauty.

She averted her gaze subtly, mumbling.

“It’s not that I’m ashamed to say, but when I don’t wear a mask, my followers completely freeze. Even if I shout, they don’t move. Everyone I encounter has done the same, regardless of age or gender. The Master once said that to handle lower people, it would be better to wear something on your face. It’s because I’m somewhat… pretty… something like that, but the aura I emit from the Martial Arts I learned adds a color to my face. The talismans attached to my mask are meant to suppress that aura.”

“…….”

“Are you listening to me?”

“Ah. I’m listening.”

A heavenly maiden?

No, she’s not that kind of beauty. Now I understand why she mentions that aura.

A demoness.

She is undoubtedly a demoness.

With unintentional allure, she seems like she would say it’s all a natural order.

I understood her words. If I were an ordinary follower who hadn’t learned martial arts, I would have certainly reacted the same way.

With an unrefined body, I couldn’t even refuse such beauty.

Indeed, this is crossing a line.

No flower would outshine her. Just maintaining her hues is nothing short of commendable.

As I inspected her face, I suddenly collected myself.

What a fearsome appearance. Just looking at her melts time away.

I chose my words carefully.

“Ilma.”

“…What is it?”

“You’re beautiful.”

I spoke with sincerity. Ilma blinked.

She covered her mouth and laughed.

“That’s an evil hand. How many people do you think have told me that? They all limped away, you know. Each one had a leg broken.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“But yours isn’t bad. Heh. Yes. It’s quite nice. It even feels a bit good.”

Ilma cleared her throat.

“Jeok-un, Aekmin is a dangerous place. Be alert and alert again. The most dangerous time is when you’re sleeping. It might be a bit uncomfortable, but don’t fall asleep too comfortably. Understood?”

“I’ve dealt with short sleeps enough that I got used to it while climbing Fengma Cave, so you don’t need to worry.”

“Get in touch with the Blood Demon Sect I sent in advance. The message and code are written on paper and placed in your bag. Open it nearby and burn it immediately. You will track down Wolhyang’s traces based on the information received from them.”

“I will remember.”

“Of course, saving Wolhyang is important. But always remember that what’s more important is your own life.”

Ilma waved her hand. Confused, I slightly rolled my eyes.

“It means to lower your head.”

I lowered my head. Her hand rested on my hair.

The now familiar gentle gesture. After a moment of silently moving her hand, Ilma whispered.

“I don’t want you to… die. Jeok-un.”

“I won’t die.”

“Try to avoid clashes with the sects as much as possible. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t manage on your own, invoke my name. With the allies of the Pursuit Spirit Pavilion. I’ve inadvertently spread the name of the Pursuit Spirit Pavilion, so anyone quick on their feet will recognize it.”

“…I will do that.”

“Just hearing that is enough. You wouldn’t dare say it even if you died, would you? This stubborn child.”

Ilma caressed my cheek.

Her gaze, looking down at me, seemed to be in conflict. Should she say this or that—seeming to have inner turmoil.

Her lips opened and closed repeatedly. After a few iterations, Ilma faltered and spoke hesitantly.

“So, when you come back… when you come back… so…”

“…Yes?”

“Well, uh… no, no! Never mind! Nothing!”

In the end, Ilma couldn’t get the words out and pulled me up. She spread her arms wide.

“Go.”

“……?”

I casually observed her. Hesitantly, I reached out to embrace her.

As she shifted inside, she bumped her forehead against my chest.

There was no particular conversation. Instead, a slight tremor passed through.

I could see her shoulders shaking. Ilma’s breath felt slightly heavy too.

…Could it be…

Is she feeling sorry?

I gently placed my hand on her head.

In that brief moment of hesitation, I patted Ilma’s anxious-looking head.

“I’ll be back.”

She flinched. Her shoulders raised as if to scold, then lowered again.

There was no resistance. I continued to stroke Ilma’s head for a while.

Slowly.

…

The road to Aekmin was quite far. It was located significantly distant from Cheonsan, requiring a long trek.

I had two routes to choose from: land and water. Considering the break in between and terrain, the waterway was overwhelmingly easier, but…

There was a problem.

“Waterway… you say? Of course, the path to Aekmin itself is really fast, but it could also be considered a bit of a gamble.”

“Why’s that?”

“There’s Ansasugwi (the Water Demon) in the middle of the waterway leading to Aekmin. It’s a water pirate who controls the massive waterway leading to Aekmin. It’s notorious for charging tolls for passage.”

“Toll…? Can’t just paying the toll be easier?”

“It’s often more than just a simple toll.”

In a small port town, a man casually drank.

“Ansasugwi is well-known for its capricious mood. When in a good mood, they charge low tolls, but when in a bad mood, blood flows. They don’t kill, of course, but there’s talk of people sometimes ending up half-disabled. They’re famous for being a nuisance, as they know the waterway inside and out. More importantly… hasn’t something happened in Aekmin? They say that’s why Ansasugwi is waiting for chances.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Ansasugwi is reportedly keeping an eye on all the ships leaving Aekmin. They probably plan to ambush halfway and steal the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan. But the Turtle Messenger has been unable to be spotted for months, and that has worsened their already bad temperament. Some trade has even been canceled because of the waterway.”

“Isn’t that something the school should manage?”

“Of course, that’s correct, but… the three pillars supporting the school have their attention diverted elsewhere, haven’t they? Since the Blood Sea Organization that managed Aekmin has also disappeared… it’s not an exaggeration to say no one is left to manage Ansasugwi. Moreover, they are infamous for being ferocious. The water technique they employ is extremely dangerous, and even the masters avoid them. Facing a ghost that has lived in water all its life on a wobbly boat… isn’t it only natural to feel reluctant?”

That’s quite the right point. Regulating a water battle with someone trained in water techniques.

Even if my martial arts are strong, my hands would surely become unsteady. I asked the man.

“What about the land route to Aekmin?”

“The land route has its problems too… it takes twice as long as going by water. The mountains are rugged, and you could get lost. Moreover, with things being chaotic in Aekmin, it seems bandits are also controlling the roads. I’ve also heard that the Green Forest Iron Guards are active. Not to mention various monsters hidden along the path to Aekmin…”

It seems that everyone wants to ambush those who might carry the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan out of Aekmin.

So it was just like saying that both routes were equally risky. Therefore, it’d be wise to choose the quicker path in the end.

I thanked the man and settled the food bill. Using the information I gained, I secured a boat.

Fortunately, there were a few boats left at the port. One of them was set to depart the next day and kept eyeing me.

The person who introduced himself as from the Trans Dragon Shipping Bureau asked me.

“Are you a martial artist? May I ask where you belong…?”

“I have no affiliation.”

“This boat is going to Aekmin, but it’s quite expensive. Since it will be passing through the territory of Ansasugwi, you’ll have to deal with the toll there too…”

The man from the Trans Dragon Shipping Bureau demanded a hefty fee from me. He wouldn’t let me board otherwise.

Fortunately, that amount wasn’t too great for me so I paid it immediately.

“You have the freedom to rest wherever you like, as there is room.”

The long boat journey is said to take about twenty days.

On the boat I boarded, there were quite a few other passengers besides me. A variety of people were mixed together, and it naturally drew my attention.

However, I didn’t act overly curious. That would be rude, and given the long journey, I didn’t want to exhaust myself here.

I pulled my hat low. After ensuring the Infi Mask was securely attached, I bit into some jerky.

In case a fight broke out, I shouldn’t draw my sword. An untamed Bai Ya would surely freeze not only me but also those around us.

But if I were to take another sword, it might lower the favor I had just built up…

Nevertheless, since I had already mastered Blood Spirit Transformation, I could handle most situations barehanded. I tore into the jerky I had in my mouth.

Someone sat beside me.

“Give me some.”

“……?”

I lifted my hat to see the face. It was a woman with her face covered, just like me, who waved her hand.

By appearances alone, we seemed to be in a suspicious situation. I gazed at her extended hand blankly.

I took some jerky from my bag and placed it in her hand.

She asked, seemingly surprised.

“Are you really giving it to me?”

“You asked for it.”

“Who divides jerky with a complete stranger? And in such a suspicious manner?”

“Even if jerky is valuable, isn’t it less so than a starving person? If you need more, I can share more. There’s plenty.”

“…Hmm…? How strange.”

The woman whispered.

“I thought since you were wearing an Infi Mask, you were hiding a lot… why are you being so kind?”

 

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