Chapter 243: Catching A Cow
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 243: Catching A Cow
Blaze.
Fire.
It coursed through the forest, spreading like a living tide.
A dark purple conflagration that swelled as it passed between the trees, its reach expanding to engulf hundreds of them in its spectral glow.
And at the center of that inferno, enduring the blistering heat, was me, the conductor of this symphony of flame.
Sss.
A short, sharp gesture of my hand, and the fire surged with renewed ferocity.
It writhed and stretched in every direction, a dragon of pure, destructive energy.
Yet, for all its terrifying power, the flame raged endlessly in one spot alone, leaving the surrounding forest untouched. Using fire here was inherently dangerous; a single misstep could reduce everything to ash. But these flames, though they licked at the bark of ancient trees, left no scorch marks behind.
I was manipulating my Qi with meticulous precision, ensuring it provided heat and force without granting the fire the spark of true ignition. To do that, I had to calm the typhoon of energy raging within me, forcing a storm to behave like a gentle breeze. It was draining, demanding far more energy than a simple, reckless outburst. Sweat plastered my clothes to my skin, but I couldn’t stop now.
I still had more to do.
The Qi that saturates my Middle Dantian flows without end, a power that feels like a towering tidal wave waiting to crash.
Shhwaaa!
When the flames finally reached their zenith, my Dantian throbbed in protest, squeezed dry of its insufficient reserves.
I endured a moment longer…
Kwak!
…and clenched my fist.
Thud!
Instantly, the surrounding flames vanished, dissipating like morning fog under a harsh sun.
“…Phew.”
I released a sigh I hadn’t realized I was holding as I felt the turbulent Qi within me finally settle.
“It’s disgustingly difficult,” I muttered, noting how my entire body was drenched. A deep, weary sigh escaped me.
It was always like this. Why was it so damn hard? My physical training had advanced to the point where a full day of exertion was nothing, but honing my Qi remained an immense challenge. No matter how much I practiced, it felt like there was no end in sight.
The basic act of projecting Qi was simple. But compressing it, controlling it with the fine-tuned accuracy needed to prevent collateral damage? That was a trial of an entirely different magnitude. It was akin to the principle that overpowering an opponent while leaving them alive is far more difficult than simply killing them.
Of course, I had no choice but to continue. This grueling process was steadily increasing my latent potential.
Accessing the Top Dantian is still beyond me.
As I guided the Qi and flames, I could feel my energy brush against the gateway to my Top Dantian—a portal that remained firmly shut.
It had been over a year since I unlocked my Middle Dantian and grew accustomed to the internal flow of Qi. A year since I reached the Peak Realm.
And yet,
The Top Dantian is still a distant peak.
I attempted to approach it every time I trained, but the entrance refused to yield. Not that it was unexpected.
Only three years had passed since my regression. Reaching the Peak Realm in such a short time was only possible due to an absurd chain of miracles. Opening the Top Dantian, however, was a challenge of another order entirely. A reckless attempt would likely end with my blood vessels and heart exploding, killing me instantly.
…I should just be grateful I can even make contact with it.
That was the truth. The fact that I could fill my Middle Dantian to capacity and approach the Top Dantian was unbelievable in itself. While others struggled to even find the path, I knew the way but lacked the sheer power to open the door. In theory, as long as I accumulated enough strength, I could breach it.
But how long will that take?
It felt impossibly far. The mountain I was climbing was immense, its paths treacherous. The higher I went, the steeper it became, and a single misstep could mean a fatal fall.
…But climb it I must.
Even if I couldn't yet see the peak. Was there even a summit to this path?
That’s not what’s important.
Whatever lay ahead, I had to keep moving forward.
As my breathing steadied, I retrieved a seal from within my clothes. It was simple in design, orange in color, but its origin made it far more than a common antique.
The Hwangbo Clan’s seal.
This token was bestowed upon key figures within the clan. It was also something that Hwangbo Seon, after becoming a Demonic Human in my past life, had carried on his person. Strange, that he would keep a symbol of the clan he betrayed, but I never questioned it too deeply. I knew his reasons.
And thanks to that knowledge, I had been able to find it.
I knew he would have it.
My thoughts drifted to the assassin from last night.
A martial artist of the Fusion Realm.
Even for a noble clan like the Hwangbo, sending a Fusion Realm expert on a mere assassination mission seemed excessive. However, his control over his Qi and senses was poor, his overall state unstable. It was safe to assume his breakthrough was recent.
Which is the only reason I could fight back.
But make no mistake, that bastard was undoubtedly a Fusion Realm martial artist. The aura he emitted, the quality of his Qi, was fundamentally different from my own. I was still confined to the Peak Realm. I was at its absolute limit, feeling as if a little more grinding would push me over the edge, but that didn't change the facts.
So, how did I defeat him?
I’m glad the Demonic Qi took hold without a problem.
I had injected him with Demonic Qi.
Opening my hand carefully, a wisp of black aura slowly rose from my palm. This was Demonic Qi that my Gu Flame Wheel Art had not yet purified, something I had deliberately set aside.
Last night, when I grabbed his arm, I had channeled this corrupting energy into his body. That was what secured my victory.
Demonic Qi is a critically severe poison to any orthodox martial artist. It slowly devours their internal Qi and weakens their physical body. His question echoed in my mind.
-Is this… poison?
Its effect was so vicious he mistook it for a toxin. But the real problem wasn't that he was affected.
…I can’t believe it actually worked.
The true issue was the fact that my Demonic Qi could affect a Fusion Realm expert at all.
If a martial artist is turned into a Demonic Human by receiving Demonic Qi from the Heavenly Demon, they can use it. But using it to actively corrode another martial artist's body from the inside? That should be impossible. That was a power unique to the Heavenly Demon.
For instance, the Demonic Qi I injected into the Lord of the Namgung Clan was merely a marker, a way to confirm the shackles I placed on him were holding. I couldn't actually harm him with it.
That had been the case until very recently.
But something has changed again.
If the first change was my ability to absorb external Qi and make it my own, this second change was the capacity to inflict harm directly through my Demonic Qi. It happened randomly, without any plan or foresight. A sudden enlightenment that came to me during routine training.
The irony was bitter.
Of all the paths to enlightenment, why did it have to be this shitty one?
“What a joke, seriously,” I whispered to the empty forest.
Being able to challenge opponents a full realm above me should be seen as a good thing. But to me, it only felt bothersome and filled me with a deep reluctance. Corrupting another's Qi, causing them agony… it felt too much like…
…The Heavenly Demon from my past.
That realization turned my stomach.
At this rate, would I eventually gain the ability to corrupt others into Demonic Humans myself?
* * *
I returned to camp after finishing my training.
After washing off the sweat and changing into fresh clothes, I stepped out of my tent to find a familiar face waiting.
“I greet the Young Master.”
It was Gu Jeolyub, looking impeccably dressed as always.
My expression soured the moment I saw him.
“…Young Master?”
“What?”
“Why do you always frown when you see me?”
“I don’t like how handsome you are.”
“Pardon?”
His dumbfounded expression seemed to ask whether that was a compliment or an insult.
“So, why are you here? Don't you have duties?”
“…I do, but the Captain ordered me to come.”
Ah, right. Gu Jeolyub was currently on duty training Bi Yeonsum. Since he was the one who brought him here, he was stuck with the responsibility. It seemed the Vice Captain wanted to pawn the task off on me, but that was beneath my station.
“Sis? What does she want?”
“I believe it’s regarding last night’s incident.”
“Tsk…”
I had reported the attack during my night watch. It seemed that was the reason for the summons. While it was nice to be excused from further night watches because of it, it came with its own set of hassles.
“I’ll go see her now.”
“Yes. I shall take my leave, having delivered the message.”
“Hey.”
“Hmm?”
“You didn’t forget about our plans for tomorrow, did you?”
Gu Jeolyub’s shoulders flinched visibly.
What kind of reaction was that?
“Did you forget?”
“…I didn’t for—I mean, I remember.”
“Then why that reaction? You looked shocked.”
“I wasn’t shocked…”
It was pathetic how he denied it when his surprise was plain for anyone to see.
“…Alright. It’s good you haven’t forgotten.”
“Y-Yes.”
I had business in the heart of the forest tomorrow. I would have preferred to go alone, but after being told it was too dangerous, I’d reluctantly agreed to take Gu Jeolyub and Muyeon along. Muyeon had been happy about the chance to accompany me, but Gu Jeolyub’s face had visibly rotted with displeasure at the prospect of venturing into such a dangerous place.
This fucker, he better not have tried to weasel out of it.
The possibility crossed my mind, but I doubted he'd dare. He knows the punishment I'd deal out upon my return would be far worse than any forest danger. The prospect of being personally disciplined by me is probably scarier to him than any demon beast.
“Anyway, make sure you’re properly prepared.”
“…Understood.”
His evasive gaze raised my suspicions, but I had other matters to attend to and decided to let it be for now. Surely, he wouldn't be stupid enough to try anything.
Leaving Gu Jeolyub behind, I headed for the Captain’s tent. It wasn't far, and I arrived quickly.
As I peeked inside, a hand shot out and seized my cheek with surprising force.
“Ow…!”
The grip was so strong a groan escaped me.
“Brother…! Are you okay?”
“I’m not. It hurts a lot.”
“W-Where does it hurt…?!”
“…The cheek you’re currently squeezing, for starters.”
Realizing her mistake, Gu Huibi released her grip and stepped back. The pain lingered even after she let go. Seriously, how hard did she have to pinch?
As I rubbed the sore spot, Gu Huibi scrutinized me from head to toe.
“Why are you staring so hard?”
“Any injuries?”
“None. You read my report.”
To be precise, I was exhausted from expending a massive amount of Demonic Qi, but that wasn't something visible to others.
“But you should visit the medic tent, just in case…”
“You know how many days it takes to get to the front-line medic tents from here, and you're still suggesting that?”
The journey could take several days. I could also go to the Murim Alliance's camp, but that was absolutely out of the question.
“It’s nothing serious.”
“How can you say that when it was an assassination attempt? Besides, the Lord has ordered your return to the clan. Perhaps now is the time to…”
“Stop overreacting. I’m perfectly fine.”
I hadn’t mentioned that my attacker was a Fusion Realm martial artist. In the end, I’d emerged unscathed, and the matter was resolved.
Gu Huibi frowned slightly but pressed on. “…Do you know who was behind it?”
“Nope.”
I knew, but I played dumb for now.
Hearing my response, Gu Huibi bit her lip and sighed deeply. “…Yeah, the important thing is that you’re unharmed. I’ll report this directly to the clan by letter.”
“There’s no need to go that far…”
“It was an attempt on the life of a blood relative. How could I take it lightly?”
She had a point. This wasn't something that could be swept under the rug.
But it’ll be a hassle if it becomes a major incident.
I wondered if they'd even be able to find the culprit. Tracing events on the frontlines was notoriously difficult; it was almost certain the trail would go cold.
“Brother.”
“Hmm?”
“…When are you planning to return to the clan?”
“What, are you trying to send me away now?”
She hadn't wanted me to leave before, but now she seemed eager to pack me off.
“No need to rush me. I have to go back anyway. You were the one who told me not to leave earlier.”
Since my father himself had ordered my return, I couldn't stall for much longer. I intended to head back right after concluding my business in the forest.
I just have one last thing to do there.
I didn’t have time for pointless conversations with Gu Huibi.
“I’m fine. Everything’s fine. Just focus on your own work.”
“…Brother.”
“And don’t give me those eyes.”
Does she think I’m some lost child?
“I’m leaving now that I’ve reported in. Alright?”
“Wait…!”
Gu Huibi tried to stop me, but I slipped out swiftly. I had considered mentioning my trip into the forest, but I knew she’d barrage me with questions and try to stop me. It was easier to just leave.
“I am thankful for her concern, though.”
I appreciated it, but being worried over was still an unfamiliar and uncomfortable feeling. After all I'd been through, it felt undeserved.
Anyway,
Leaving behind a frustrated Gu Huibi—who was likely stuck with the Vice Captain preventing her from chasing after me—I made my way toward the frontlines.
There was someone I needed to meet. No, there was someone I needed to meet now.
* * *
“…Why hasn’t he returned yet?”
Inside the Hwangbo Clan’s camp, Hwangbo Cheok muttered under his breath.
The Sixth Elder, dispatched the previous night, had yet to return.
The elder had accepted the request gladly, undoubtedly ecstatic about the rewards Hwangbo Cheok had promised. Given Hwangbo Cheok's struggle to secure his position as Young Lord, fulfilling such a request was a significant advantage.
I made the request with that in mind, of course.
Hwangbo Cheok knew the Sixth Elder's reputation and his past exploits. He was a professional in such dark arts. Having him accompany Hwangbo Cheok to the frontlines as a guardian seemed like a perfect opportunity.
Could something have gone wrong?
It seemed unlikely for someone of the Sixth Elder's caliber, but the delay was growing concerning.
“Surely not… that’s impossible.”
He dismissed the thought as irrational paranoia.
“Right now… I need to focus on the collateral line.”
Leaning back in his chair, he pondered Hwangbo Seon, a member of the clan's collateral line. A man of Hwangbo blood who was utterly feeble and inept.
And yet, he managed to attract a girl far beyond his station.
Tsk.
The thought still infuriated him. Hwangbo Cheok grew frustrated whenever he pictured the girl who was with Hwangbo Seon—a girl who would have been a perfect match for him.
For her to choose a bastard like him.
Hwangbo Cheok despised this fact, especially after witnessing the humiliating spectacle of Hwangbo Seon being defeated by that outsider.
…I should get rid of him, too, while I’m at it.
The timing felt right, given his existing disdain. Poison would suffice; it would be fitting to feed his corpse to the demon beasts afterward. The Lord might disapprove of him killing a collateral member, but the Lord was already on his deathbed.
As soon as the Sixth Elder returns with his report… I’ll summon that collateral bastard and his friends separately…
As Hwangbo Cheok schemed Hwangbo Seon’s demise,
Sss.
He smiled, sensing a presence.
It had to be the Sixth Elder returning. Currently, the elder was the only one who could enter Hwangbo Cheok’s tent without detection.
“You have returned. How did things go—Uffh…!”
Kwak!
In an instant, as Hwangbo Cheok turned, a hand shot out, grasping his throat and lifting him effortlessly into the air. The sight of his massive body hoisted so easily was surreal.
“Ugh… Kgh…”
Struggling for breath under the crushing pressure, Hwangbo Cheok managed to glance down.
“We seem to be seeing each other quite often, don't we?”
The voice, thick with mockery, carried a killing intent so heavy it sent shivers down Hwangbo Cheok’s spine.
“I’m starting to feel a bit tired of it. What about you?”
Facing the assailant’s crimson glare, Hwangbo Cheok felt a dreadful sinking sensation. The killing intent was overwhelming, astonishing for someone so young.
…You… bastard… how…
Hwangbo Cheok’s eyes trembled. More than anger or fear, they were filled with sheer, unadulterated shock.
Instead of the Sixth Elder, it was Gu Yangcheon who stood before him.