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I returned to the residence with Seongyul.

He was still filled with emotions, looking brighter than ever.

This kid must be excited, as he seemingly doesn’t remember being forced to eat earlier.

He wanted to swing a sword right away, so I let him go. I understood. He’s not just reached the Transformation Realm; his energy is rising at an astonishing rate. How could he sit still?

‘Besides…’

I recalled Seongyul’s eyes.

‘The light has increased a bit more.’

I wasn’t sure if it was because he crossed the wall or absorbed the power of the Wishful Pearl. But Seongyul’s golden eyes sparkled much more than before.

Was that really a good sign?

‘They’re shining even brighter than the Sword Demon from my previous life.’

As far as I knew, those eyes were proof of the Heaven Kill Spirit. If they shine like that, isn’t it a bad thing?

‘It was the same when I fought Peng Woojin. Is it really okay?’

When the Heaven Kill Spirit manifests, the eyes shine, and killing intent amplifies; it was used in combat by wielding the shaped intent.

Seeing those shining eyes makes it hard to think it’s purely positive.

‘…On the surface, it seems he’s controlling it well, though…’

There didn’t seem to be any issues outwardly.

It didn’t look like he was consumed by killing intent. The inside seemed the same.

There wasn’t any sign of the Heaven Kill Spirit going wild or of killing intent creeping out.

‘Could it be because I pressed it down once?’

When I organized his energy, I pushed it down when the Heaven Kill Spirit was crawling out.

Maybe that helped.

‘For a Transformed Body, he seems clean; perhaps it’s because I got rid of the Impurity Qi.’

Even when sparring under the guise of training, I periodically cleared the Impurity Qi.

Thanks to that, despite experiencing transformation, it seems he produced less of that unique waste.

‘Hmm. Not bad.’

No matter what, if the results are good, that’s what matters.

Seongyul becoming stronger was a favorable outcome. Even if it wasn’t.

‘I think I got a rough idea of how to use this Wishful Pearl.’

I understood the usage of that nonsensical Spirit Pill.

Even if it doesn’t seep into the body, it’s usable if I need it.

‘Of course, it’s better to use it after transformation, but that’s not easy.’

Transformation isn’t something you can just do whenever you want.

Ideally, I wanted to use the water from that pond.

‘…But it takes a long time.’

The fact that it could take five years is the biggest downside.

Well, if I can undergo Transformation in five years, it would be something to drool over in the Central Plains.

‘But in my case, that’s too slow.’

There were too many time constraints to use it. And also.

‘I don’t even know what principles that thing is used for.’

How does it possess power, and how does it transform a martial artist? Until that part is resolved, I couldn’t rashly use it.

I wouldn’t know what else it might bring about.

‘That Demon Beast in the pond—it’s a concern too.’

Even after investigating, I couldn’t see anything.

Even the King of Demons said he hadn’t seen or heard of it.

This made it a bit tricky to figure anything else out.

‘What I could at least gather…’

Is that there are a few secret spaces underground.

Through sensing the energy of formations, I was able to figure some things out.

I discreetly assessed and dismantled the area without the other members knowing, but there wasn’t anything remarkable.

Currently, the space where the Wishful Pearl is stored is one of them.

‘What the hell was it made for?’

The height and width were identical, though the temperature varied. Was it made to secretly store something?

If so, what was it supposed to keep?

Furthermore.

‘The fact that there’s nothing means either they didn’t put something in there… or…’

If something was already taken away.

If something was taken, was it the Gyecheon Sect Leader?

‘This is tough.’

I had requested the King of Demons to search, but nothing was immediate.

‘What on earth was it created for…’

I couldn’t stop questioning such processes.

Flame Burst—!!!

I released fiery flames filled with frustration.

Boom!!! The poured white flame swirled around, carving a large circle.

As the fire swept all around and returned to me, surprisingly, the area where the flames passed showed no changes whatsoever.

“Hmm.”

I squinted slightly at such results.

“Just as I thought.”

No matter how many times I did it, the outcome was the same.

It seemed that the white flame couldn’t burn ordinary objects.

It couldn’t melt wood, let alone stone.

In its original state, one could control it to use the flame without causing damage, but this time, even trying to burn something was futile.

So, was it just a flame for Pa Ma?

‘But how was it able to melt the structures underground?’

During the time I fought the Gyecheon Sect Leader, that flame I spewed clearly penetrated the walls.

It was possible then, but not now—what’s the difference?

‘At least it’s a relief that…’

Zing—!

The white flame that flared in my hand soon transformed into blue flame.

‘That I can control it at will.’

The newly acquired white flame.

And the blue flame I originally wielded.

Lastly, the black flame resulting from demon energy.

I was able to adjust each one independently. This aspect was quite fortunate.

‘If it had turned to white flame, it could have hindered combat.’

Besides the incredible power of Pa Ma, practically speaking, it’s a bit challenging to use in real combat.

It seemed like my plans could have fallen apart.

‘Enough about that… what remains is…’

After extinguishing the flames, I heightened my Qi Perception to ensure no one was around.

Snap-!

I flicked my thumb and index finger lightly.

At that moment.

Weird Sound—!!!

A crack formed in the void behind me.

Growl–!!!

From beyond the crack, cries of demon beasts echoed.

I lethargically watched it while inspecting the object in my arms.

‘The Magic Sensor still shows no reaction.’

The invention of the Wudang Sect provides a heads-up before the Demonic Gate pushes back.

They said it was an essential item for any Sword Team in this day and age, but the Magic Sensor showed no response to the Demonic Gate I opened.

‘As expected. Is it because it’s not a real Demonic Gate?’

Since it was made with power, it seemed like there was no reaction.

I half-smiled, realizing that.

‘In that case, it’s good for me.’

The non-reactive Demonic Gate held tremendous value.

I focused my strength on my heart.

‘How far can I go?’

The name of the power is ‘Life’.

It’s the power that consumes energy to summon the demon beasts I killed.

That’s why last night, I was able to summon a large number of blue and red demon beasts.

This implies.

‘Could it be that those too are possible?’

As I thought about it, I concentrated my energy.

I envisioned a form in my mind. The existence I conjured was none other than the original owner of this power.

The White Grade Demon Beast itself.

If I can summon the killed demon beasts, couldn’t I summon that one too?

I tried to confirm this by channeling my energy.

Whooooosh—!!!

“…!!”

The moment I envisioned it, a rush of energy left my body in an instant.

It was an amount entirely different from before.

And then.

Kyaaaaaaaaaaa—!!!

From within the crack, a fierce howl erupted, releasing an overwhelming amount of energy.

“Crap.”

I immediately relaxed my power and closed the crack.

Whoosh—!!!

Even after closing the crack, the air still held pressure. If I had summoned anything, even the branch would have sensed the anomaly.

If something went wrong, martial artists might rush in, so I had to shut it quickly.

“That was close….”

I almost had to deal with another disastrous situation.

I let out a sigh of relief and smiled slightly.

“It’s possible.”

I could summon even a White Grade Demon Beast. Realizing this brought an uncontrollable smile to my face.

‘Though it seems I can’t hold it for long.’

Judging by the amount of energy used, at most, I could manage for half a moment.

But even with that, it was enough for me.

The fact that the Magic Sensor doesn’t respond and I can summon a White Grade Demon Beast, even if it’s briefly, indicates that Life is an incredible power.

‘Now that I confirmed this, then…’

Lastly.

Aaaah.

I enveloped my outstretched hand in flames.

Technically, it wasn’t wrapping around but converting my body into flames.

This change occurred after the Technique of the Flame Wheel reached its completion.

‘Me myself becoming flames.’

Not just igniting flames or wrapping them around my body.

It meant merging with flames itself.

This is the ultimate power of the Technique of the Flame Wheel.

‘So now, what should I do?’

I found myself faced with a singular dilemma.

While reaching completion was excellent.

My capabilities have increased. Though I couldn’t try to confirm it fully, there was a significant boost in firepower.

While I was at it, it’s an excellent situation, but…

‘In the end, how do I use the pinnacle technique?’

The power I anticipated most upon reaching completion.

The ultimate of the Technique of the Flame Wheel.

The overwhelming strength my father showcased.

I had no idea how to use that.

Even after touching completion, I tried various ways to test it, but I never could pull it off.

“Hmm.”

At this rate, should I end up asking my father?

‘…I did intend to go see him anyway.’

My mind was already set.

Having witnessed the scene of enlightenment, I needed to see my father at least once.

Not just seeing him; if possible.

‘I should try to have a conversation too.’

Isn’t it time I needed a long talk with my father? That thought crossed my mind.

‘A long discussion with my father, huh?’

I had never had such a thing, so it felt awkward. Thus, I briefly imagined it.

“…”

Imagining it made me feel a bit queasy.

“…Alright. I’ll just think about this when I get to Hanam.”

It seems pondering now would be pointless.

Nodding slightly, I turned to leave.

After returning to the residence, the first place I headed was the infirmary.

My purpose was obviously to see Nangong Bi-ah.

“Almost all healed now.”

I said as I pulled my hands off Nangong Bi-ah’s back.

“…Yeah.”

“In a couple days, you should be able to walk around.”

I had been stopping by once a day, clearing her Impurity Qi.

Also, mainly to see her face.

‘Her regeneration is definitely faster.’

She was like this back then, but particularly Nangong Bi-ah’s physical regeneration was astonishing.

It was a near-fatal injury, but to think she was almost healed and would be able to walk in just a few days.

My own body is not a relevant comparison, but that speed of Nangong Bi-ah’s is uncommonly quick.

‘Is it because I’ve been continually clearing the Impurity Qi?’

That might be. Anything is better than healing slowly.

Looking at the bandaged back, I spoke.

“Why do you keep getting hurt so badly?”

“…”

Nangong Bi-ah cast a glance at me upon my words.

I could read her heart in that glance.

-Who’s the one to talk?

That sentiment was quite evident.

“Cough…”

There were no words left for me, and I hastily cleared my throat.

“D-Don’t glare at me like that. With those sharp eyes, it’s scary.”

“Well, that’s true for you too….”

“Anyway.”

I interrupted her.

If I kept going, I’d clearly lose, and I had come here today with things to say to Nangong Bi-ah in the first place.

“I’ll be returning to Hanam in a few days. I guess before then, you’ll be able to walk, so the timing will work out.”

As I spoke, I calculated internally.

“If I say by date, we’ll set off in about five days.”

Yeah, that should be sufficient.

After resolving the matters concerning the Tang Clan, and once I finish the tasks I requested from Cheol Jiseon and the King of Demons, it should take around three to four days.

“So, what I’m saying is…”

“…Yeah…”

“Come to my room in about two days.”

“…Huh?”

“At night would be great.”

At my words, Nangong Bi-ah froze for a moment. Though she was lost in thought, she failed to notice her own expression.

‘That should give the Poison Heavenly Pill to help her health, and once inside is bearable, I can feed her the Wishful Pearl as well.’

Now that I know how to use it, I planned to give each of the surrounding kids a Wishful Pearl one by one.

Of course, before giving it to Nangong Bi-ah, I’d test it a few more times.

“…At night?”

“Yeah.”

“When you’re better and at night?”

“Yeah, and when you can walk.”

“…?”

Nangong Bi-ah tilted her head curiously, seemingly unable to comprehend my meaning. Did I say something difficult? What’s with that reaction?

Just as I was about to explain about the Poison Heavenly Pill…

“Are you going to sleep with me?”

“No! Not sleeping… uh? What did you just say?”

I widened my eyes mid-sentence.

What did she just say?

I looked at Nangong Bi-ah with surprise. Did I mishear?

Of course, I must have misheard. I thought as I stared at her.

“I don’t mind if you want to….”

Nangong Bi-ah continued clearly.

“Are you going to… sleep with me?”

This time, my body froze.

 

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