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**

I parted ways with Ju Ryeongryeong. We each boarded different boats and set ourselves afloat.

It was my first time handling an oar, but after a few swings, I realized it wasn’t much different from wielding a sword. There was no difficulty in moving the boat.

Ju Ryeongryeong asked, “You said you’re going to Eungmin, right?”

“Yes.”

“Got it.”

Ju Ryeongryeong loaded the coffin and set off first. We parted ways without any formal goodbyes.

As I watched the ferry gradually distance itself, I too set my boat afloat.

The journey ahead was long. I had to row diligently. While I was sad about the farewell…

If fate allows, we might meet again someday.

I even considered freezing the surface with Ear Sword Bai Ya and running over it—but the burden on Bai Ya would be severe, and even if I combined my energies, I’d surely collapse after a short distance.

The terrain was uneven along the riverbank, and numerous rugged mountains would only slow my speed further.

In the end, I had no choice but to opt for the ferry. I started rowing slowly in the boat.

The intricacies of the sword. When I applied that to the oar, the boat gradually picked up speed.

The surrounding scenery whizzed by quickly. I also made sure to take breaks.

Fortunately, the current was favorable, and it was moving in the direction from which I had departed.

—Vwoooosh…

Bai Ya wailed. I lifted her up.

“Why again?”

[……]

“I apologized for throwing you back then.”

Ear Sword Bai Ya had become strangely calm since the day I killed Ansasugwi. Looking back, she hadn’t shown much resistance while we were crossing between boats to wipe out the remnants.

…No, could it be that this was not mere rebellion…

“Are you finally willing to cooperate?”

Bai Ya let out a low cry. Her attitude was ambiguous; it was hard to tell if it was a yes or no.

I positioned Bai Ya on my lap and crossed my legs. Slowly, I attempted a martial art I’d never tried before, on the gently drifting boat.

Transformed Sword Technique.

If I were to succinctly express the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, it could be described as righteousness. A technique with the depth to be perceived clearly, yet unable to be blocked by the opponent when executing a sword path.

However, righteousness is likely to be easily deciphered. Once I met someone one or two ranks above me, most of my sword paths would be countered, as Ilma warned.

The miracle of fighting with the Soul Stealing Sword would not come again. The method she devised was the Transformed Sword.

Lifting the different energies hidden within the Cheongeop, it alters form and energy.

When the energy that must be operated changes, the sword techniques naturally undergo transformation as well. The core technique gets flipped, and the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique twists into a completely different form.

A martial art that can be unleashed when the opponent thinks they have grasped everything about me, pulling out a dimensionally different technique.

The theory was already perfected. Then the problem lay in what comes next…

I slowly sucked in a breath. I translated what I knew into my body.

A martial art aimed at accumulating not blood energy, but Yin energy.

The Transformed Sword Technique centering around Ear Sword Bai Ya, I slowly practiced the Ice White Blood Demon Technique.

“Hooouuuu…”

My exhaled breath began to carry Yin energy. Although it was still an energy I couldn’t pull out myself, Bai Ya, who was beside me, existed to assist.

Following the flow of power Tai Ya guided, I practiced slowly. Practical application added substance to what was once merely theoretical.

Steam clung to my lips.

The steam unfitting with the season.

I stood up. I clenched my fist. Following Bai Ya’s whimpering, I extended my hand.

What I intended was simple. Ilma.

To cast that…

With the merging of Yin energy and blood energy into the Ice White Blood Demon Technique.

Ice White Blood Demon Technique

First Form

Ilma

—Swooosh!!!

The water splashed at the end of my outstretched fist. But that wasn’t the end; the mixed red and white energy froze all the splashed droplets.

The speed was fast. It was more than double the speed of the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique, which simply focused on weight. Of course, the weight was somewhat reduced…

Given that it was modified based on the principle of quickness.

The trajectory, the force employed, the speed, even the nature of the energies—everything was a different martial art.

“…Haha!”

I succeeded for the first time.

In acquiring the new martial art that Ilma had taught me.

I had more to do now. From here on, I would have to operate both the Nine Heavens Blood Demon Technique and the Ice White Blood Demon Technique along with it. It would take considerable time to become accustomed to this martial art.

But that was tantamount to climbing higher. As the Yin energy accumulated, the power I could wield would increase, and thus the techniques I could unleash would grow.

Suddenly, I became curious and asked. Despite stroking the white streaks of the sword blade, Bai Ya did not rebel.

“What’s with the sudden change of heart?”

Bai Ya did not answer.

I gently placed my hand on the Ear Sword Black Pearl.

The white energy that surged hit my palm. As if telling me not to stray.

“…….”

I guess touching Black Pearl would need to wait a bit longer.

…

A problem arose. In front of the ferry, two paths appeared.

Since it was unexpected, I rummaged through the map. However, with the vague details on the map, I couldn’t tell which path was the correct one.

For now, I chose the left path. Continuing steadily, I soon saw that the rugged rock terrain had been replaced by dense forest.

The boat that had been gliding smoothly came to a halt. The water got shallower.

Fortunately, a homestead came into view nearby. I could see an old woman alone threshing barley in a place that was accessible.

“Excuse me, ma’am. I’m sorry, but do you know the way to Eungmin?”

“Eungmin? Turn back.”

“Yes?”

“You’re heading the wrong way. That path is much better.”

I had already been traveling down this path for over four days. Going back would take just as long.

“Isn’t there another way?”

“There is, but… I don’t recommend it.”

“May I ask why?”

“What’s stopping you? For someone with a sword, you seem like a decent fellow. Want some food?”

“I would appreciate it if you offered, but…”

In a fluster, I ended up receiving a meal.

The old woman raised her hand to point deeper into the thick forest.

“Only old folks live here. But it’s different inside.”

“What’s inside?”

“There’s a pretty young lady living there. If you pass her, there’s a path leading to Eungmin.”

“A pretty young lady…?”

“I heard sword-bearing fellows came and talked about Seob Honyohee and whatnots… I don’t know the details. But she’s a kind girl. She sometimes brings us food.”

The old woman cleared her throat.

“It’s thanks to her that people with nowhere to go can gather and live here. But you know what… I think it’s time for me to go. I’ve been here for four years, but I haven’t thought of leaving. She lives alone in a secluded house in the forest. It’s a shame. She’s wasting her youth in a place where no one is around. It’s time wasted. Time wasted.”

“What does it mean for folks like us to seek her out…?”

“I wouldn’t know, would I? Many have left empty-handed. Some even came asking for clothes back. They entered with such bravado but left completely stripped down. It’s not just that—they returned all limp and weak. Their voices got softer too.”

“…….”

“In any case, I’m sharing this because I’m a good-natured person, but don’t go inside there. Just turn around and go back.”

“I urgently need to get to Eungmin.”

“If it’s that urgent, then I can’t help it…”

The old woman cleared the table.

“If you get stripped bare, come back here. I’ll give you at least one set of clothes for free.”

“Thank you.”

Inside, the forest was so dense that I could barely see inside.

There was one well-trodden path. Even if I were to step onto an untrodden path, I had no guarantee of meeting that mysterious woman.

It seemed more convenient to move where the sight was clear. That way, I could prepare for ambushes.

I packed my belongings and entered the interior.

It felt like walking into a maze. I could hear sounds of beasts nearby. The bird sounds seemed especially close, as if flitting just above my head.

I could hear the sound of the wind. The rustling leaves brushed against the tips of my fingers. There were no signs of life, but I felt as though someone was watching me.

Those who enter here all emerge completely stripped.

What could be the reason for seeking that lady? I was curious. But I had to hurry toward the road to Eungmin.

Even if I were to encounter her, if I asked for her understanding…

“Gah!”

I immediately drew my sword. Ear Sword Bai Ya growled.

I walked toward the direction of the sound.

I pushed aside the underbrush. Amidst the rustling noises, I saw someone lying down.

A naked man, gasping for breath, looked up at me.

“Are you my comrade?”

“…Huh?”

“I asked if you’re my comrade. What a hellish scene! It’s as if an actual apparition was in front of me! I nearly had my innate energy all sucked out! Haha! But it wasn’t too bad! It’s been a long time since I felt this thrill!”

“Uh?”

“Why so surprised? You’re here for the same reason, aren’t you? To meet the beautiful lady known as Seob Honyohee, the Black Danhwa So?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about…”

“…Huh? No? That’s strange. Are you perhaps aiming for Eungmin? But if you want to go to Eungmin, there’s no reason to pass through this path?”

The man straightened his disheveled clothes. He brushed off the dust, then flashed a grin.

“First, I should introduce myself. I am Black Wind. You may call me that.”

It sounded like a pseudonym. I lowered my head in response.

“I am Mu Myung.”

“Ah, our circumstances seem to be similar. Not a bad thing! It’s good, so you don’t have to delve too deep. So, what brings the noble man here? Not just to meet Black Danhwa, right?”

“Not at all. Who even is this Black Danhwa…?”

“She’s a widely rumored lady, you know? It’s said that she’s the most beautiful in the world. She’s right here. In fact, she made a challenge. Whoever can reach her can have her—such arrogance, but they say her beauty reaches the heavens, so what man wouldn’t want to challenge that? Thus, countless have flocked here since four years ago. Now, however, all footsteps have completely ceased.”

“Why is that?”

“Why, you ask? Once you step inside, not just your vital energy, even your innate abilities get completely sucked away. The moment you cross the line, you stand to lose everything to the Demon Mirage Array. Warriors who charged in confidently returned with all their innate energy sucked dry, needing a long time to recover. Well, the Seob Honyohee had even warned them beforehand, so it’s their fate.”

“I see that Black Suzerain appears to be safe, however…”

“I narrowly avoided crossing the line, and that’s why my energy was merely devoured. Phew. I almost bit the dust. However, thanks to the little amount of learning I’ve acquired, I was able to escape safely! Ha-ha!”

The boisterous Black Wind lightly tapped my side.

“Perhaps you should challenge her while you’re here too? While Black Danhwa is tempting, honestly, just entering the Demon Mirage Array would provide quite an experience. Hehe. As long as you do not cross the line, it would be a great experience.”

“I’m merely trying to find the road to Eungmin.”

“The road to Eungmin… Well, honestly it is behind here. As long as the terrain doesn’t change, that is. But if you wish to get past this forest, you must also pass through the Demon Mirage Array.”

“Isn’t it possible to turn back?”

“Nope. The forest itself is akin to a massive mirage array. I couldn’t even discern how far the boundary goes. If you want to find another path, taking a long way around to exit would be the fastest way.”

“…That won’t do. I have pressing matters to attend to.”

“If that’s the case, I have no choice. You should request a conversation with Seob Honyohee.”

“Thank you, Black Suzerain.”

I took my leave.

The mysterious man followed closely behind me.

“……?”

“Hmm? Go your way, noble man. Don’t mind me.”

“Why are you following me?”

“No, but aren’t you honestly curious? If Seob Honyohee would just let you pass? Don’t mind me, just carry on with what you were doing. I feel like if I experience the Demon Mirage Array again, I might find a way to break through… Just think of me as a passerby. Haha!”

He was an unpredictable fellow. For now, I focused on taking steps forward.

The deeper I ventured into the forest, the quieter the surroundings became. Instead, strange winds began to tickle my ears.

Entering a place I was not supposed to be. This feeling…

Was the same as when I stepped into the basement of the devil’s lair.

The order was twisted, and things that shouldn’t appear appeared before my eyes.

“Are you here to take the test?”

I turned my head. Other than Black Wind, there was no one around.

Yet the voice echoed. I shook my head.

“No. I’m just looking for the way to Eungmin.”

“By that logic, there’s someone who’s failed the exam beside you.”

“Oops.”

I glared at Black Wind. He whistled.

“…Lady. I’m merely searching for the route to Eungmin. Would you please open the way?”

“How many people do you think I’ve seen say that? Once you step in here, it’s either you take the test or you don’t. Even if you desire the path beyond, you cannot just pass through here.”

It seemed words wouldn’t suffice. I sighed.

“…What kind of test must I take?”

“You must endure temptation. That’s all it takes. If what you wish for isn’t the beautiful lady of the world, it should be easier to pass, right?”

“Can I take the test again?”

“…To ask for another chance after barely starting, you have some nerve.”

“Haha! If I feel threatened for my life, I’d better run! That’s how I stay alive! Since I’ve had a taster, I’m going to make sure to do it right this time!”

“Alright. Whether it’s one or two, it doesn’t really matter. But I’ll give you a warning: being greedy could cause you to lose everything you already have. Now, if you truly desire to grasp something, step further inside. It would be best for you to maintain your distance from each other. Unless you want to take an interest in each other’s bodies.”

Black Wind immediately distanced himself.

“Noble man. You’re not sad, are you?”

“Stay farther away.”

“Ha! It seems our hearts are in sync!”

I moved my steps toward the deepening dark forest.

The sunlight began to fade.

 

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