Heavenly Realm
From that day on, I imdiately set about relocating the Shadowless Gate to Goryeo with the help of the Jeong Clan. After packing all the wealth of Shadowless Gate into golden chests, I also stored all the disciples of Shadowless Gate in my magic pouch. By using the Circulation Technique, most of Shadowless Gate reached Goryeo in no ti. Together with the Sword Demon, I then began purchasing land and buildings that would beco the foundation for Shadowless Gate.
Once the basic foundation was established, the Sword Demon said,
“There’s a place we should visit.”
“Understood.”
Paaat!
The next day, I traveled back to the Central Plains with the Sword Demon. When we arrived near Shadowless Gate, he guided to a secluded cave in the mountains. The cave seed sowhat artificially carved, and at the very back, a strange black box sat waiting.
“What is this?”
“This is the essence of Shadowless Gate. It contains the main techniques including the Shadowless Escape Sword Technique, as well as important secret manuals, historical records, secrets, and journals.”
“……!!”
“I had hidden it just in case sothing unexpected happened before going to et the Twelve Regulations.”
‘Just in case’ likely ant in case of the Sword Demon‘s unexpected demise. Even in death, he had likely intended for Seo Mun-hye, the Escort Leader, to find this black box and continue the legacy of the Shadowless Gate. I realized again how ticulous the Sword Demon was.
Picking up the black box, the Sword Demon continued,
“And there’s sothing we need to discuss.”
“Alright.”
It had only been two days since I was recognized as a mber of the Thirteen Regulations after the discussion with the Twelve Regulations Master. Until now, there had been too much chaos to discuss future plans. It seed the Sword Demon wanted to address sothing significant now that we were alone in the cave.
The Sword Demon spoke,
“As I ntioned, the Regulations Master said to back then: ‘If you let Shadowless Gate into the Twelve Regulations, we won’t discriminate. In return, send the owner of the Seven Talents to the Divine Altar.’”
“……”
“He probably realized you possessed the Seven Talents the mont he saw you. Otherwise, there’s no way he could have so straightforwardly conducted the eting to his liking.”
“That makes sense.”
That day, the Regulations Master had pretended to listen to both sides of the debate, only to conclude everything by his own decision. Even though both for and against opinions were relatively evenly split, I believed that even if everyone opposed him, he still would have accepted Shadowless Gate. The issue regarding the Seven Talents was far more significant for him than just Shadowless Gate alone.
‘That Regulations Master had remarkable authority.’
The Sword Demon chuckled bitterly.
“Be that as it may, it seems your Divine Treasure resolved everything.”
“Not at all. Without adequate preparation, we wouldn’t have achieved such results.”
“True.”
The Sword Demon sat down on the cave floor. With a sowhat weary voice, he continued,
“The problem is that if I send you to the Divine Altar, I cannot guarantee your safety.”
“……”
“It’s a difficult situation.”
His words rang true.
If the Twelve Regulations Master tried to seize the Shadowless Gate by using his position and might, I wouldn’t have a way to resist. However, not going to the Divine Altar would surely invite sanctions against Shadowless Gate. Either way, it was a losing situation.
I declared firmly,
“I will go to the Divine Altar.”
“Are you kidding?”
The Sword Demon frowned.
“That’s a dead end. Even a laconic guardian like Ho Bop Sa couldn’t enter and return from there alive, even if he went in with an entourage. I can’t send you knowing you’ll die.”
I looked at the Sword Demon intently and replied,
“I am not afraid of death.”
I’ve died many tis already. Another death in this life wouldn’t feel special in comparison. Suddenly, the Sword Demon stared at in shock before unexpectedly lunging forward and slapping my cheek.
Kuwoong!
As he accelerated his movents with his thoughts, I montarily lost focus. As I collapsed to the cave floor, the Sword Demon furiously exclaid,
“Damn it, are you seriously saying that in front of ? What kind of ntality is that?!”
“But… if I don’t go…”
The Sword Demon clenched his fists.
“Stop being ridiculous. If the Twelve Regulations oppresses us, we’ll just have to lick the feet of the White Lotus Sect to survive. I brought you here to convince you.”
“……”
I realized my cheek was swelling, and slowly noticed the pain creeping in. The Sword Demon had struck without rcy. Yet, more than the pain, I felt a sharper ache in my heart.
‘It hurts.’
Who is worrying for like this?
Aside from Mangnyang and Miho, no one else cared. Instead of sha or embarrassnt, intense emotions welled up inside . It was gratitude I truly felt for the Sword Demon sitting before . I forced myself to clear my throat and stood up again.
Then I said,
“I must go, even if it ans dying.”
“Why?”
“Because it is not my ti to die.”
“……”
Upon hearing my answer, the Sword Demon looked utterly dumbfounded. After all, it was an answer even his sharp intellect hadn’t anticipated. As he struggled to speak, I continued,
“As you know, I’ve died no less than a dozen tis. And with each experience, I’ve learned sothing.”
“What did you learn?”
“When faced with a life-or-death decision, I tend to live.”
“Ha ha…”
The Sword Demon looked utterly astounded, but I was serious.
Indeed.
This was the realization I had drawn about death.
Sensing my sincerity, the Sword Demon’s expression slowly shifted to one of intrigue.
“Is that so?”
“Really.”
“Are you certain?”
“I speak truly.”
The Sword Demon seed to be deep in thought for a mont. Then, as if he experienced a change of heart, his tone shifted.
“Then what makes you think that?”
I nodded and replied to the Sword Demon.
“Although I never predicted my own death, I found that when it ca to life-and-death decisions, choosing the seemingly dangerous path often led to a myriad of possibilities for survival.”
“Hmm…”
The Sword Demon appeared interested now.
“That’s quite a unique perspective. I’ve been out in the Jianghu for decades and I’ve faced countless life-and-death situations. Yet, I’ve never taken risky choices purely on chance. Others had called my decisions gambling, but mine were calculated.”
“That’s why the Sword Demon is called the unrivaled strategist in the realm.”
“If you truly believe that, then if it is indeed true…”
The Sword Demon appeared to be genuinely considering my words. Although it seed absurd, he took my intuition seriously. After pondering for a mont, he remarked,
“You’ve… grasped your life.”
“Pardon?”
What does that an?
I stared at him in confusion, and the Sword Demon continued,
“It was during your tenth reincarnation, when you spoke with Jeong Cheol-wook.”
“Ah.”
Suddenly I recalled that conversation; it had left a deep impression on . The Sword Demon must have captured that mory all at once.
“When you said that whatever choice you made, the outco appeared solely based on whether you make the ‘right choice’, that’s what life ans; it suggests that organizing significant decisions in the right way leads to fruitful outcos. It implies that the grand inevitability allows trivial coincidences to be steered away from the human will.”
“……”
“Do you understand what that ans? You have avoided major mistakes all along, thus not getting ensnared by trivial coincidences. That’s what we can call life.”
I rembered.
Back then, I had mused why, despite lacking the auspicious heavens, everything unfolded smoothly. Jeong Cheol-wook had cited astrological principles, explaining that I was living according to life. As I mulled over the Sword Demon’s words, he continued,
“And that suggests… you are starting to intuitively grasp the principles of making sound judgnts.”
“Hmm…?”
“Have you ever thought about that?”
The Sword Demon crossed his arms.
“You’ve died fifteen tis, and throughout, you’ve faced life-and-death thresholds more than ten tis, undergoing titanic choices that most ordinary people wouldn’t even face once in a lifeti. Rebellions, many tis. In the entirety of life, your accrued experiences are indeed enormous, sothing I find it hard to venture into.”
As I gathered those experiences, I believed I had learned how to avoid wrongful choices and judgnts, honing a kind of instinct!
“……!!”
I was stunned.
‘Is it accurate to say I possess such incredible skills?’
If the Sword Demon’s words were true, I had accidentally cultivated a trendous technique. Who could else sense the life from their fate? Yet, associating it with sothing positive felt confusing since death remained painful and terrifying. This was a heavy matter that didn’t lend itself to re laughter.
The Sword Demon said,
“Then I will trust you. Live or die, just go and see it through.”
“You seem to trust too much…”
I was startled by his sudden change in deanor. His flexibility was astonishing.
“If you feel that way, you probably won’t die. Though difficult to explain theoretically, I think you sensed that the Twelve Regulations Master wouldn’t kill you. Also, you might have intuitively sensed that if you didn’t make this visit, you’d miss a massive opportunity…”
A massive opportunity!
As I pondered the aning of his words, the Sword Demon placed his hand on my shoulder.
“As much as I believe in you, shouldn’t you trust too? If you do die, I’ll seek revenge with all my strength.”
“……!!”
Revenge!
Even though I would be burdening the Sword Demon, sohow a wave of relief washed over my heart. At the sa ti, I felt a burning resolve not to die upon entering the Divine Altar. This was not only a sense of debt to the Sword Demon, but a deeper connection rooted in emotion.
“I understand!”
Paaat!
I employed the Circulation Technique and returned to Shadowless Gate alongside the Sword Demon. For the following three months, I diligently assisted in establishing Shadowless Gate in Goryeo.
Shadowless Gate housed a plethora of peak martial artists, and they quickly got work as bodyguards for the noble families of Goryeo, discovering thods of expansion. Moreover, since the existing Twelve Regulations recognized the Shadowless Gate as the new eastern laws, conflicts with other factions were rare. Joining the Twelve Regulations ant rising as a formidable sect dominating all of Goryeo.
‘It’s almost ti to prepare for the Divine Altar.’
I steeled my resolve. Gradually, I began checking my martial arts in preparation for the upcoming visit to the Divine Altar.
It was then that Seo Mun-hye ca to see . She appeared anxious as she scanned her surroundings before approaching .
“White Tiger Virtue, I have sothing to discuss.”
“Escort Leader, what is it?”
“Do you know that Kang Jeon-gil has been visiting Hwa Seong-myeong of the Jeong Clan lately?”
I widened my eyes in surprise.
“I didn’t know.”
It was my first ti hearing that. But then I thought it made sense.
‘After all, isn’t he one of the Five Great Physicians? Although they clash, they must secretly respect each other’s dical skills. Given their proximity in Gaegyeong, it’s natural they would exchange expertise.’
While I was thinking this, Seo Mun-hye added,
“And it seems Kang Jeon-gil has learned sothing. He’s summoned you. I ca here to inform you.”
“Hmm… Where should I go?”
“You need to head to the dical Hall, where Hwa Seong-myeong is.”
“Thank you.”
Kwaak!
As I stood to leave, suddenly Seo Mun-hye grasped the hem of my garnt. Looking down at her, she said,
“Are you going sowhere?”
“No, nothing of the sort.”
She had an uncanny intuition. I answered casually, but Seo Mun-hye looked at suspiciously, as if she sensed sothing. After a brief pause, she said,
“Thanks to you, Shadowless Gate is thriving. You’re truly remarkable.”
“It’s nothing. All credit goes to the Master.”
“There’s no need for humility. Everyone in Shadowless Gate recognizes you as the Master’s successor.”
“……”
Seo Mun-hye gazed intently at my face. Faced with the beauty of a Jianghu goddess, renowned as the petal of the immoral court, I felt almost radiant. After a long mont of shared eye contact, Seo Mun-hye finally spoke,
“White Tiger Virtue, please protect and my father.”
“Of course.”
“Then…”
Seo Mun-hye took a step back. Although her words felt slightly different from before, I brushed it off, scratching my head as I headed toward the dical Hall, where Kang Jeon-gil awaited.
Upon opening the door to the dical Hall, I found two of the Five Great Physicians already waiting inside. They were sitting across from each other, seemingly deep in discussion, emanating a remarkable focus. As soon as they sensed my presence, they turned to face .
“Ooo!”
“You’re here.”
“May I ask why you two are looking for ?”
“Co closer.”
As I approached, Kang Jeon-gil lifted a box from the floor. I widened my eyes upon seeing it.
“Is that from back then…?”
“That’s correct. It contains a specin of the Tuma’s tentacle.”
With that, Kang Jeon-gil suddenly opened the lid of the box. Contrary to my expectation that a wriggling tentacle would erge, a dark aura surged forth from the box, swirling into the air.
As I stepped closer for a better look, I realized there was a small snake-like creature inside the box.
‘No… it’s not a snake. It has limbs, and a head…’
I quickly discerned what that tiny form, only as large as two finger joints, was and exclaid,
“A Dragon?”
“That’s correct, it’s a Dragon.”
Upon closer inspection, it indeed was a small black dragon. Dark energy swirled around its entire body, and it felt as if it were exuding a faint black fla. I stared at them in confusion.
“But back then, didn’t we put in an endlessly regenerating, dreadful tentacle?”
“True. But we left it in a completely sealed environnt. About half a month ago, it suddenly began thrashing around with a shriek. Alard, I opened the box to find this tiny dragon, having exhausted all its strength.”
“……”
What on earth is happening?
‘A tentacle beca a dragon?’
As I was bewildered, Hwa Seong-myeong beside spoke up.
“I have researched all of the dical records and knowledge regarding the Tuma. For half a month, I’ve looked through everything I could find, yet I couldn’t find any information on this dragon.”
“Hmm…”
“The most plausible theory at this point is that this dragon is the fully grown form of the tentacle.”
“I just don’t understand. The tentacle was always trying to regenerate off Tuma’s body, and now it suddenly transforms into a dragon when detached…”
“Indeed. It’s indeed a strange matter, which is why you were called here.”
“Pardon?”
Hwa Seong-myeong and Kang Jeon-gil gazed at intently.
“Infuse it with your energy.”
“……!!”
“It’s possible this dragon is simply in a hibernation state due to lack of strength. With your imnse inner strength, you might just be able to awaken it from its slumber…”
“Would feeding it help?”
“We’ve tried every possible food, but it doesn’t respond. The only remaining thod is to channel your intangible energy into it.”
I nodded.
“I will give it a try.”
Gooong…
After a mont, I focused my energy into my hand. I then directed it all into the little black dragon. Since it was my utmost internal energy, the very building trembled and the ground quaked. Monts later, when the energy transfer concluded…
Gururur…
The little black dragon started to grow. In a re half-rotation, a creature that had been only the size of two finger joints expanded to the size of an arm! Its draconic form gradually beca clearer. It looked as if it were consuming energy, consistently growing increntally.
“Ooo…!!”
We were all stunned, watching in awe. Kang Jeon-gil exclaid in astonishnt,
“A creature that grows from feeding on energy! Does such a thing even exist?!”
“I’ve learned sothing new about dragons!”
“Don’t jump to conclusions! We still have no proof that this is indeed a dragon!”
As the two illustrious physicians bantered, the little black dragon continued to grow. Eventually, when it reached the size of a cow, its growth halted, and it slowly opened its eyes. The little dragon began flexing its wings, as if sensing its surroundings.
Kyuurrk!
The little black dragon let out a peculiar sound. Strangely enough, it seed to fixate on , gazing directly at with eyes that appeared to possess intelligence.
Then sothing astonishing occurred.
[Th-thank… you…]
Strange language!
Clearly, these were humanoid words that echoed in my mind with perfect clarity. Though it was a brief statent, it was translated with precise accuracy unlike any ti before. This was the first instance of such an occurrence in my past lives. As I stood there stunned, a dark hole materialized before the little dragon’s body.
Shweek!
Suddenly, the little dragon vanished through that hole.
What in the world just happened? However, as I reached my hand out toward the doorway, the golden Circulation Technique in my possession reacted suddenly.
Woong
For the first ti, it illuminated with a golden light. I startled and took it out from my possession, only to find the golden treasure suddenly speaking directly into my mind.
[Would you like to travel to Dark Heaven…?]
No!
I swiftly rejected the golden treasure’s suggestion. As a result, the hole in front of vanished, along with the golden light. When the brief commotion subsided, only the frozen expressions of the two physicians remained in the room.
“W-what just happened?”
“What on earth is this?”
“……”
But I felt I had an inkling of what had transpired.
‘The little dragon is a race that resided in Dark Heaven. However, due to the alchemist’s sorcery, it lost its form and beca a primitive tentacle, forcibly implanted in a human.’
And after regaining its form, the dragon opened a portal to return to Dark Heaven. The golden Circulation Technique in my possession appeared to have reacted automatically as this dinsional doorway erged.
‘If that’s the case…’
I realized this hinted at an even more dreadful truth.
‘The alchemist can summon monstrosities from Dark Heaven at will!’
The transformation into a dragon is likely a spell cast to summon from the dragon lineage, and demon transformation probably follows a similar principle. Whatever kind of magic the alchemist wielded, they must possess formidable abilities. Although not adept in direct combat, their wealth of knowledge and magical prowess could potentially far outweigh their fighting capabilities.
I could only reinforce my resolve within.
‘I need to ask the Twelve Regulations Master about this.’
It was not simply about surviving under the Twelve Regulations Master.
I needed to uncover as much information as possible from him.
This would grant a significant advantage when it ca ti to fight against the imperial palace using the Secret Technique.
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