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**

A peculiar figure revealed himself.

“I’m Gun Ho-kwang, also known as Huachun Quenma. What’s your name?”

“I’m Mu Myung.”

“What is it? Have you mastered external martial arts?”

“Yes.”

“Ascending Martial Arts?”

“That’s correct.”

“Ahaha, to think I would see someone practicing the Ascending Martial Arts of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique in my lifetime. You learned the technique of that martial art and didn’t go mad? What on earth did you do?”

“I just trained repeatedly, elder. But that’s not the important matter right now, is it?”

“True enough. Are my disciples alive?”

“They are alive.”

“Come down.”

He nodded at Black Wind and Black Danhwa.

The man, who had been trampled and motionless, began to tremble. The invisible threads binding his body loosened.

“Arghhh…!”

“What the…?!”

“Warrior, has the situation been resolved? Do we kill him or not?”

“Showing such precious Silver Bell Silk and then not allowing me to execute him feels a bit amiss… but shouldn’t we really not kill him?”

“No, we can’t.”

It felt like I was dragging along two troublesome hunting dogs. At least it was a relief that they weren’t completely uncooperative.

Huachun Quenma took long strides and picked up his disciples.

“You lost to a girl, and another to some fast-footed kid?”

“…A girl?”

“…Fast-footed?”

His disciples were horrified.

“M-Master! This is so unfair! We didn’t even have the time to draw our swords…! That wasn’t even martial arts to begin with!”

“T-That was a silver thread sharper than swords! I couldn’t focus because of the weird sounds…!”

“Shut it! It’s because you slacked off in your training that you ended up like this. The moment we return, we’ll reassess what we’ve piled up. Not one of you stands out… tsk.”

Grumbling, Huachun Quenma turned his gaze to me.

“But you are different. You’ve earned the right to speak with me. So tell me, Mu Myung. Are you really not involved in the disappearance of Yeon Mi-ryeong?”

“Rather, I am also pursuing her. Her whereabouts must surely be connected to Blood Sea Member Wolhyang.”

“What were you doing here?”

“I was following traces.”

“I couldn’t do that myself. I know some sort of fight occurred, but that was all. Even after tracking to the forest, there was nothing. Just messy traces left behind. So I was lying in wait for an investigation. But you’re saying you could find traces that I couldn’t?”

“…To be honest, I couldn’t recognize them. But the Black Gongja next to me was different.”

“Indeed. I’m the expert here. But if you’re not an acquaintance, there’s an additional fee…”

“Are you trying to haggle with me?”

“Well… it’s just a feeling. I might as well cooperate. Against Huachun Quenma, any trick I boast of would surely fail… it can’t be helped. Hahaha!”

Black Wind chuckled and crouched down.

“Then I’ll finish what I started. Everyone, please wait a moment. If possible, stand guard to avoid danger. Black Lady, please watch my back closely.”

“Did you think I would blow up something?”

“What grudge do you have against me?”

“I’ve been detesting people like you since I was born.”

“Even if you know a river of water, you don’t know the depths of a person’s heart. Are you saying I seem so simple to read?”

“Then are you saying you’re not human? I’m getting some beastly vibes from you…”

“Stop sucking my energy; just leave it. Everyone, back off. Don’t get dragged into this for no reason.”

Black Wind pulled out various tools from his robe. The eyebrows of Huachun Quenma twitched.

“Considering you’re a former petty thief, your martial skills are quite advanced, and you seem to know a lot… I’m getting curious about your background.”

“Everyone has their secrets. Hehe, don’t pry too much.”

—Scritch… scritch…

Amidst the faint sounds, Huachun Quenma sat next to me.

He casually asked, “Do you really have no master?”

“There is someone I want to call a master. However, they haven’t given their consent.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

Fire ignited in Huachun Quenma’s hand.

“How is it?”

“I think it’s an excellent martial art. It seems tilted towards offense rather than defense. Rather than being a strong technique for self-protection, it appears to be focused on destroying the enemy.”

“You’ve seen correctly. Huachun Explosion Technique prioritizes killing the enemy before facing death. My self-defense technique is not just for show. When doing unfamiliar things, controlling it becomes difficult.”

“Are your wounds alright?”

“A bit of salve will heal it. It’s not a deep wound. Hehe. But say… it’s been a long time. No matter how shabby my self-defense technique is, it’s still a self-defense technique. It’s incredibly tough to break through it…”

Hwasan Quenma flipped his hand.

“Do you think there is an appropriate timing to learn something?”

“I believe if you start when you’ve set your mind to it, it’s never too late.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Early or late is ultimately subjective. If you have certainty in the path you choose…”

I turned my head.

“That speed also becomes subjective, doesn’t it?”

“That’s quite a profound answer.”

“Actually, that’s not true. I have competition too. Despite trying to think that way, my impatience is hard to endure. So I’m trying to replace it with gentle encouragement.”

“Ha! If you’re a warrior, that’s only natural! Wanting to surpass others… that’s a very basic desire. Anyone who holds a sword and raises a fist will harbor that desire. The sheer wish to be strong is mixed with the spirit to overcome others.”

“I cannot deny that.”

“I’m creating a martial art these days.”

“Really?”

“I dedicated my entire life to the fist. I raised my momentum enough to collapse a mountain in one strike. But now I’ve hit an invisible wall. It’s so obstructive that I have a feeling I can’t break through it just by simple training. So, I’ve been trying various things.”

“What do you mean by ‘other things’?”

“Whether it will work or not, trying is martial. If I can gain even a sliver of insight from countless attempts, that’s satisfying enough. Hence, I’m trying to twist the very essence of the Huachun Explosion Technique to create a sword. What I made myself turned out quite splendid.”

Huachun Quenma clenched his hand.

Flames crackled and disappeared into the air.

“It took a considerable amount of time to mold that shape. But the gains were also significant. However, once I made it, I ended up feeling a bit regretful. I created something quite decent, but there’s no one to learn it.”

“…….?”

“So, if it’s someone like you, you’re more than qualified to learn the Huachun Explosion Sword. Its momentum being aggressive would match my sword excellently.”

“Elder?”

“You keep proper manners and have a serious attitude towards martial arts… you couldn’t be more admirable. I liked you. Be my disciple!”

“I have not even seen the tip of the sword.”

“From my perspective, you seem to have reached an unparalleled level at least. But the wall of Huaxing is higher than you think. It’s so high that it feels suffocating. Mixing in another sword might yield some insights. And this Huachun Explosion Sword can be wielded even without mastering the Explosion Technique. You just have to supplement a few rules according to your inner strength. Of course, there will be shortcomings, but I will personally tune it for you.”

“Please withdraw your words, elder.”

“Don’t be so modest! Come and bow your head. Huh? Many would pay a fortune to learn Huachun Quenma’s teachings. This secondary room alone could easily be filled. And yet you would refuse that? Don’t regret it later and call me master quickly!”

“Why are you going to such lengths for me? By the way, we just met, didn’t we?”

“That’s true. You’re right. But, you possess a desperation in your sword. That kind of desperation is better than any quality. Integrity. Huh. How many people in the world truly possess an honest sword? Only a few truly want to rise above. Most merely wish to climb up—and complain just like those foolish underlings behind you.”

Huachun Quenma gestured towards his disciples.

“Still, those guys aren’t that bad. Even while grumbling, they keep following. But you are someone who will dedicate your life to martial arts without being asked. If I’m honest, a warrior would want to teach someone with a sword like yours at least once. Your sword is… astonishing.”

“Yes?”

“Astonishing. It’s alluring yet somehow rough. It looks neatly shaped, yet there are slight deficiencies. If those are filled, you could advance even further… The important part is your foundation is already well laid out, so I believe those deficiencies could be filled with anything. A sword polished to the utmost limit. Who would turn down the chance to shape such a sword to their liking? If it’s a warrior, especially one who has reached the same level as me, they would covet it without fail. Just a little attention, and it would bloom into a truly magnificent flower.”

“Is that… flattery?”

“Hehe. That attitude makes me even more impatient. Tell me, Mu Myung. How was my martial skill?”

“…It was hot and intense. I felt pure greed in it—a fierce desire to possess everything in sight.”

“Exactly! What I’ve built through martial arts signifies me. For me, the world is divided into what I possess and what I will possess. So, hurry and respond. I will teach you the realm of symbolically unfolding that martial skill freely and flexibly. It will truly help you. I promise that the intensity in your sword will now incorporate a violent explosive force! Its power will likely increase exponentially!”

I contemplated.

And as always, I shook my head.

“I must politely decline.”

“What? You’re actually rejecting this? Really?”

“As I mentioned, there’s someone I want to serve as my master…”

—Click.

The sound of something like a key turning precisely.

The ground trembled. A part of the ground split in half, revealing deep stairs that extended downwards.

It was incredibly deep, almost to the point of not being able to confirm the interior.

“Huh. You really did well here. This appears to be some kind of secret passage… I don’t even know where it leads. What will you do, Mu Gongja?”

“Of course, I’m intending to go down.”

“I’ll accompany you. Yeon Mi-ryeong might be inside. We’ll talk about this later, Mu Myung.”

Our group had grown again. Together with Huachun Quenma and his two disciples, that’s three.

I looked at Black Wind and Black Danhwa.

“We don’t know what’s below. I appreciate the help, but this is where I’ll draw the line…”

“Since I’ve already touched it and got tangled up, I want to go all the way.”

“I smell something expensive. My keen nose won’t be fooled. It seems there’s more to gain than lose, so I’m coming along.”

I gazed down the stairs.

The lights embedded within seemed to exude an oddly ominous atmosphere.

What could be down there?

…I’d have to confirm for myself.

. . .

—Tread tread.

The sound of footsteps echoed. None of us spoke a single word as we moved forward.

The stairs extended quite a distance. Every now and then, special handrails came into view.

Black Wind cautioned.

“Some sort of mechanisms that block the way. This place must have been used as an escape route. They likely focused on throwing off pursuers.”

“I have never seen this place before.”

“I didn’t know Huachun Quenma had a deep relationship with the Seven Star Gate. Since these stairs are quite a bit, how about sharing a few simple stories?”

“Is there any reason I should tell you that?”

“No. It wasn’t an effort to pry into your business. Hahaha! Please don’t take offense.”

“…You slippery character.”

—Thud.

My foot landed on solid ground. The stairs ended, revealing a long tunnel ahead.

Stuck in the walls were apparitions of night-shrouded wine, similar to what I’d seen in Fengma Cave. Black Wind swallowed.

“Just what’s stuck here could rival the entire wealth of a small family. Should I take a few out?”

“Do you want to get targeted by the Na-chal sect?”

“Of course, I’m joking. Black Lady. Just in case though… discreetly snagging a few along with the Mu Gongja might be…”

“Black Gongja.”

“Really just a joke, Mu Gongja.”

“I didn’t call you here for that.”

“Hmm?”

The corridor ended. At the last point was a nearly torn-down iron door.

I passed through it. A massive circular room unfolded before my eyes.

Huachun Quenma opened his mouth slightly.

“This is…”

Black Wind’s voice turned serious.

“Judging by the tools and the residual scents, this appears to be the spirit pill manufacturing room. I was wondering where the Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan was produced… it appears it was in a place like this.”

“…But.”

Black Danhwa bent down.

Lifting the broken tools.

“Everything is shattered.”

That was true. Countless tools that could have represented the ideal spirit pill manufacturing room lay broken and scattered on the floor.

Aside from the faint smell of herbs brushing my nose, nothing remained intact. Everything was thrown about, not retaining its original form.

There were no passageways leading elsewhere. This secret space was just a spirit pill manufacturing room, with walls sealed on all sides.

Several tubes looked like breath holes, but that was it.

There was no escape. Neither Blood Sea Member Wolhyang nor the heir of the Seven Star Gate could be found anywhere.

“I believe, accounting for the traces above, that both the Blood Sea Members and the last heirs of the Seven Star Gate were captured before they could enter here. If that’s the case, the force that annihilated the Seven Star Gate must have come down here… if they destroyed everything in this place…”

“They’re indicating they won’t leave behind even a clue regarding the crafting method of Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan.”

“Well, that can be seen that way. What a shame, Mu Gongja. It seems to me that there’s nothing of value left here. Nothing that looks promising… just plenty of garbage that’s over six months old.”

“Don’t complain without searching.”

Huachun Quenma lifted a thick piece of furniture.

“Search everything. Take anything suspicious.”

“Yes. Master.”

While diligently moving behind Huachun Quenma, I pondered.

Black Danhwa drew closer.

“What are you thinking about, Warrior?”

“I’m organizing the information I’ve gathered.”

“Sometimes it’s better to think out loud rather than in your head, Warrior.”

I nodded. I began articulating precise facts.

“…The Seven Star Gate was attacked by a certain force. And the force that assaulted them must have known this place, the secret spirit pill manufacturing room.”

“Yes.”

“The involvement of Blood Sea Member Wolhyang is likely in that process. One of the Blood Demon Members proved that in some way. So… Blood Sea Member Wolhyang must have faced a mishap above.”

“And?”

“I’ve heard that Wolhyang is incredibly strong. Among the Blood Sea members, she’s ranked Second. If we talk about martial arts levels, it is said she is equal to the First Seat. Thus… a fierce battle must have occurred.”

“Is that why the Seven Star Gate structure is ruined?”

“I’m not sure who Wolhyang exactly is. However, I know that the evaluations from the Blood Sea Master are always objective. If he rated her highly, then she must be extremely strong. But the signs of destruction appear less than expected. Though it was damaged, it wasn’t excessively so, and most of the remnants stayed behind.”

“Hmmm…”

“Considering just that fact, it seems reasonable to deduce that Blood Sea Member Wolhyang was suppressed before she could show her true intentions— which means those guys had means to overpower a Blood Sea Member in an instant. It likely wasn’t martial arts. If it were, traces would have been left behind. Maybe it was poison… or possibly one of the techniques used by Black Lady.”

“If that’s the case, is she dead?”

“…It’s uncertain, so let’s skip that. The second mystery involves Yeon Mi-ryeong.”

I pondered while stroking my chin.

“She’s the subject of rumors and the only survivor of the Seven Star Gate. She is likely… still alive. She must be of great use. A genius, yet young, and also knowledgeable about Turtle Messenger Black Wild Dan. With so much at hand but a weak martial skill, she would be perfect to utilize. If I were a villain, I would probably determine that I could gain more by keeping her alive rather than killing her.”

“That makes sense.”

“Then if Yeon Mi-ryeong is indeed alive, and she came down here with them… given she’s quite intelligent, wouldn’t she have left something behind for anyone who followed after? As Black Wind mentioned, all traces could have been erased by the last person who fled. Yet, if she was reputed to be a genius… it means Yeon Mi-ryeong isn’t an ordinary person and may have employed methods outside the norm, perhaps her area of expertise.”

I gazed at Black Danhwa.

“If the successor of a sect that specialized in potion-making were to leave a message, how would they do it?”

“…I guess it would be related to the potion in some manner?”

“Related to the potion…”

That was spot on.

The origin is indeed the most crucial part.

I took a whiff again. Looking down at the dried, shriveled leaves spilled from a broken jar.

I suddenly sensed something off.

I called Black Wind to a halt.

“Black Gongja. This place has a strong herbal scent for something that’s supposed to have broken long ago. It’s been over half a year since they went missing. Just this dried-out herb doesn’t even have a hint of smell, does it? And yet this room is filled with the current scent of herbs.”

“…Hmm? Thinking about it, the herbs that haven’t been tended should have rotted away by now… and yet their scent lingers so strongly? Plus, it seems like only some areas are stained with the smell…”

“Can you track it?”

“Just a moment, Mu Gongja. Let’s see…”

Black Wind’s eyebrows twitched.

“Everyone step back.”

“What is it?”

“I was just as good as blind! That was an excellent observation, Mu Gongja! The scent lingers only on part of the wall, not the whole space. They used a special scent to leave traces. While it may have seemed like just the scent of the herbs when unnoticed…”

Black Wind smiled broadly.

“If we focus on the scent, we can uncover words piece by piece. Hahaha! Leaving traces while being captured? She’s truly deserving of being called a genius!”

 

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