Chapter 882: I missed you.

I returned to my quarters with Seong-yul.

Still overwhelmed with emotion, Seong-yul looked considerably brighter.

This bastard, he must be incredibly excited, because he doesn’t seem to remember me forcing him to eat.

He wanted to swing his sword right away, so I let him go. I understand. He hadn’t just reached the Hwa-gyeong realm; his energy was rapidly increasing, so how could he possibly stay still?

‘Besides.’

I recalled Seong-yul’s eyes.

‘The light has increased a bit.’

Whether it was from transcending the wall or from harboring the energy of the Yeouiju within his body. Seong-yul’s golden eyes were shining much brighter than before.

Is that really a good thing?

‘They shine brighter than the Sword Demon of his past life.’

As far as I know, those eyes themselves were proof of the Heavenly Doom Star. If they shine, isn’t that a bad sign?

‘It was the same when he fought Peng Woo-jin. Is it really okay?’

When the Heavenly Doom Star manifested, his eyes would shine, his killing intent would amplify, and he would even fight using materialized killing intent.

Seeing that, it’s hard to say that his eyes shining like that is purely a good thing.

‘…It seems he’s controlling it well, judging by appearances, but…’

On the surface, there are no problems.

He didn’t seem consumed by killing intent. This was the same internally.

The Heavenly Doom Star wasn’t exactly rampaging, nor was killing intent crawling out.

‘Perhaps it’s thanks to me suppressing it once?’

When I was organizing his energy, the Heavenly Doom Star started crawling out, so I suppressed it once.

I thought it might be thanks to that.

‘As for his body looking clean for someone who underwent body transformation, it seems to be because I removed the miasma.’

Even if that weren’t the case, I periodically removed the miasma when I beat him up under the guise of sparring.

Thanks to that, it seems less of the characteristic waste products came out even while undergoing the body transformation.

‘Hmm. Not bad.’

Whatever the case, a good result is all that matters.

Seong-yul becoming stronger was a good outcome. Even if that weren’t the case.

‘I’ve roughly figured out how to use that thing called the Yeouiju.’

I understand the usage of that nonsensical elixir.

Naturally, it’s better to use it after undergoing transformation, but that’s not easy.

Body transformation isn’t something you can just decide to do; it’s not like calling someone’s dog.

If possible, I’d like to use the water from that pond.

‘…It also takes a long time.’

The biggest drawback is that it takes five years.

No, if you can achieve body transformation in five years, it’s something the entire Central Plains would drool over.

‘By my standards, it’s too slow.’

There were too many time constraints to use it. Furthermore.

‘I don’t even know the principle by which it works.’

What kind of power it possesses and how it transforms martial artists. Unless that part is resolved, I couldn’t use it recklessly.

Because I don’t know what kind of tricks might be involved.

‘And besides, there’s that monster in the pond. That’s also a problem.’

No matter how much I investigated, I couldn’t find it.

Even the Dark King said he had never seen or heard of it.

This makes it awkward to investigate further.

‘The only thing I could find out was….’

That several secret spaces existed underground.

I found this out while analyzing the energy of the formation.

I figured this out alone without the members knowing, dismantled the mechanisms, and went inside, but there wasn’t anything special.

The space where the Yeouiju is currently stored is one of them.

‘What was this made for?’

Although the temperature varied, the height and width were the same. Was it made to store something secretly?

If so, what were they trying to store?

Moreover.

‘The fact that there’s nothing there could mean something wasn’t put in… or perhaps,’

It was already taken.

If something was taken, was it the Gate of Heaven Sect Leader?

‘This is difficult.’

I’ve asked the Dark King to conduct a search, but there’s nothing immediately apparent.

‘Just what was all this for….’

Why would they have set up these processes? My questions never ceased.

Hwa-reureu-reuk—!!!

I unleashed flames, filled with frustration.

Kwa-aaaaa-aaaaa—!!! The spilled white flames swept the surroundings, drawing a large circle.

The flames engulfed everything in all directions, circling back to me.

Surprisingly, the places the flames passed showed no changes whatsoever.

“Hmm.”

Seeing this result, I slightly frowned.

“As expected.”

No matter how many times I tried, the result was the same.

It seemed the white flames couldn’t burn ordinary objects.

They couldn’t even melt wood or rock.

Normally, if controlled extremely well, flames can be manipulated without causing damage, but this time, even trying to burn things didn’t work.

So, are these flames solely for warding off evil?

‘But why could they melt the structures underground?’

Around the time I fought the Gate of Heaven Sect Leader. The flames I unleashed at him clearly pierced through the walls.

The reason why it was possible then but not now.

I don’t know the difference between the two.

‘Still, the fortunate thing is….’

Hwa-reureu-reuk-!

The white flames rising in my hand quickly changed into blue flames.

‘That I can control them at will.’

The newly acquired white flames.

And the blue flames I originally used.

Lastly, the black flames caused by demonic energy.

I could control each of them and use them as I pleased. This part was truly fortunate.

‘If they had changed to white flames, it would have hindered combat.’

Aside from the immense power of warding off evil, it’s actually an awkward power to use in actual combat.

There was a chance the entire plan could have gone awry.

‘This is fine now… what remains is.’

After extinguishing the flames, I heightened my senses. Confirming no one was around.

Ttak-!

I lightly snapped my thumb and middle finger.

At that moment.

Gii-iiiiing—!!!

A crack appeared in the air behind my back.

Geu-reureu-reuu–!!!

The cries of monsters could be heard from beyond the crack.

Watching it impassively, I examined the item in my embrace.

‘The Demon Subduing Rod still shows no reaction.’

A Shamanistic sect’s invention that warns beforehand before the Demon Mirror Gate repels.

It was said to be an essential item that every swordsman should carry in this era, but the Demon Subduing Rod showed no reaction to the Demon Mirror Gate I opened.

‘As expected. Is it because this isn’t the real Demon Mirror Gate?’

It seems to be unresponsive because it’s a Demon Mirror Gate created by divine power.

Figuring that out, I smirked.

‘If that’s the case, it’s convenient to use.’

A Demon Mirror Gate that the Demon Subduing Rod doesn’t react to. That alone held immense value.

Realizing this, I focused my strength.

‘How far can I go?’

The name of the divine power is Life (生).

It’s a power that summons monsters I’ve killed by consuming energy.

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

This means…

‘Perhaps, it’s possible to summon them too, isn’t it?’

Thinking of that, I tried focusing my strength.

I formed a shape in my mind. The being I recalled was none other than the original owner of this power.

The Hundred-Ranked Monster.

If I can summon killed monsters, wouldn’t it be possible to summon them too?

Trying to confirm that, I focused my strength.

Hoo-ooooo-ooooo–!!!

“…!!!”

The moment I recalled it, the energy in my body drained instantly.

It was a completely different amount compared to before.

And then.

-Kyah-aaaaa-aaaaa–!!!

A fierce cry and immense energy erupted from within the crack.

“Crazy.”

With that, I immediately released my strength and closed the crack.

Sa-aaaaa–!!!

Even after closing the crack, pressure remained in the air.

If I had summoned it like this, the branch would have detected something unusual.

Martial artists could have rushed over if things went wrong, so I had to close it quickly.

“That was dangerous….”

I almost caused another mess.

I let out a sigh of relief and chuckled slightly.

“It works.”

It’s possible.

I can even summon the Hundred-Ranked Monster. Realizing that, I couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Judging by the looks of it, I probably can’t summon them for long, though.’

Judging solely by the amount of energy used, it would last half a moment at most.

However, that’s enough for me.

The fact that the Demon Subduing Rod doesn’t react, and that I can summon the Hundred-Ranked Monster, even if briefly.

Just these points alone show that Life (生) is an incredible divine power.

‘I’ve confirmed this side too. Then….’

Lastly.

Hwa-ah.

I wrapped flames around my outstretched hand.

To be precise, I didn’t wrap them; I transformed my body into flames.

This is the change that occurred as the Nine Burning Wheel Technique reached Grand Perfection.

‘Becoming the flames myself.’

Not conjuring flames or wrapping them around my body.

Becoming one with the flames myself.

That is the culmination of the power held by the Nine Burning Wheel Technique.

‘So, what should I do now?’

I was currently facing one problem.

Reaching Grand Perfection was good.

My skills increased.

Although I couldn’t properly confirm it, there was an overwhelming increase in firepower.

Seeing that, it’s an undeniably better situation, but…

‘Ultimately, how should I use the ultimate technique?’

The power I anticipated most upon reaching Grand Perfection.

The ultimate technique of the Nine Burning Wheel Technique.

The overwhelming power my father showed.

I don’t know how to use it.

Right after reaching Grand Perfection, I’ve tried experimenting in various ways, but I couldn’t achieve it in the end.

“Sseup.”

If it’s like this, do I have to end up asking my father?

‘…I was planning to see him anyway.’

I had already made up my mind.

Given the scene I witnessed upon reaching enlightenment, I had to see my father at least once.

Not just see him, but if possible.

‘Have a conversation too.’

Isn’t this the time when a long conversation with my father is needed? I thought so.

‘A long talk with Father.’

I’ve never done it before, so it feels awkward.

So I imagined it for a moment.

“…”

Imagining it made my stomach feel inexplicably upset.

“…Forget it. Let’s worry about this after going to Ha-nam.”

Worrying about it now seems pointless.

Nodding slightly, I turned my steps.

******************

Returning to my quarters, the first place I headed was the infirmary.

The purpose was, naturally, to see Namgung Bi-ah.

“You’re almost fully recovered.”

I said, removing my hand from Namgung Bi-ah’s back.

“…Mm.”

“You should be able to walk around in about two days.”

Once a day. I’ve been coming here like this to remove the miasma.

And also to see her face, you know.

‘Her regeneration is definitely fast.’

It was the same before, but Namgung Bi-ah’s physical regeneration is particularly fast.

It was a wound close to fatal, yet not only has it almost completely healed, but she’ll be able to walk in a few days.

My own body isn’t comparable, but even so, Namgung Bi-ah’s speed is abnormally fast.

‘Is it because I keep removing the miasma?’

Maybe so.

Anything is a hundred times better than healing slowly.

Looking at her bandaged back, I said.

“Why do you keep getting seriously injured?”

“…”

At my words, Namgung Bi-ah looked at me.

I could read her thoughts from her gaze.

‘-Are you one to talk?’

Her intention was obvious.

“Ahem…”

I had nothing to say about that either, so I tried to brush it off with a cough.

“Hey, stop glaring. Your sharp eyes look scary when you stare like that, you know?”

“You’re one to talk…”

“Anyway.”

I cut her off.

It was obvious I would lose if we continued.

Besides, I had come to Namgung Bi-ah with something specific to say today.

“I’ll be returning to Ha-nam in a few days. You should be able to walk by then, so our schedules should align.”

As I spoke, I calculated internally.

“If we’re talking dates… I’ll probably depart within five days.”

Yeah, that should be about right.

It will take about three to four days after resolving matters concerning the Tang family and finishing the tasks I entrusted to Cheol Ji-seon and the Dark King.

“So, about that…”

“…Mm…”

“Come to my room in about two days.”

“…Huh?”

“At night would be good.”

At my words, Namgung Bi-ah stiffened slightly.

She had a lot on her mind, so I didn’t notice her reaction.

‘Around that time, I can give her the Poison Cleansing Pill to take care of her health. If her internal state seems tolerable, I might even give her the Yeouiju.’

Now that I know how to use it, I plan to give the Yeouiju to the people around me, one by one.

Of course, before giving it to Namgung Bi-ah, I’ll run a few more tests.

“…At night?”

“Yeah.”

“After I’ve recovered, at night?”

“Yeah, after I can walk, at night.”

“…?”

Unable to understand, Namgung Bi-ah, who had been asking questions repeatedly, finally tilted her head.

Was what I said somehow difficult?

Why is she reacting like this?

Just as I was about to explain about the Poison Cleansing Pill, thinking maybe my explanation was insufficient.

“Are you going to sleep with me?”

“No, it’s not about sleeping… Huh? What did you say?”

Mid-answer, my eyes widened.

What did she just say?

I stared at Namgung Bi-ah with surprised eyes.

Did I mishear?

Of course, I must have misheard.

Thinking so, I looked at Namgung Bi-ah, but…

“I’m okay with that too, if you want me to….”

Namgung Bi-ah continued in a clear voice.

“Are you going to… sleep with me?”

At those words, this time it was my turn to freeze stiffly.