Chapter 238: Chapter 238

Heavenly Realm

From that day on, I immediately 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 time. Together with the Sword Demon, I then began purchasing land and buildings that would become the foundation for Shadowless Gate.

Once the basic foundation was established, the Sword Demon said, n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“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 me to a secluded cave in the mountains. The cave seemed somewhat 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 something unexpected happened before going to meet the Twelve Regulations.”

‘Just in case’ likely meant 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 meticulous the Sword Demon was.

Picking up the black box, the Sword Demon continued,

“And there’s something we need to discuss.”

“Alright.”

It had only been two days since I was recognized as a member 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 seemed the Sword Demon wanted to address something significant now that we were alone in the cave.

The Sword Demon spoke,

“As I mentioned, the Regulations Master said to me 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 moment he saw you. Otherwise, there’s no way he could have so straightforwardly conducted the meeting 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 somewhat 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 times already. Another death in this life wouldn’t feel special in comparison. Suddenly, the Sword Demon stared at me in shock before unexpectedly lunging forward and slapping my cheek.

Kuwoong!

As he accelerated his movements with his thoughts, I momentarily lost focus. As I collapsed to the cave floor, the Sword Demon furiously exclaimed,

“Damn it, are you seriously saying that in front of me? What kind of mentality 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 me without mercy. Yet, more than the pain, I felt a sharper ache in my heart.

‘It hurts.’

Who is worrying for me like this?

Aside from Mangnyang and Miho, no one else cared. Instead of shame or embarrassment, intense emotions welled up inside me. It was gratitude I truly felt for the Sword Demon sitting before me. I forced myself to clear my throat and stood up again.

Then I said,

“I must go, even if it means dying.”

“Why?”

“Because it is not my time 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 times. And with each experience, I’ve learned something.”

“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 seemed to be deep in thought for a moment. 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 came 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 seemed absurd, he took my intuition seriously. After pondering for a moment, he remarked,

“You’ve… grasped your life.”

“Pardon?”

What does that mean?

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 me. The Sword Demon must have captured that memory all at once.

“When you said that whatever choice you made, the outcome appeared solely based on whether you make the ‘right choice’, that’s what life means; it suggests that organizing significant decisions in the right way leads to fruitful outcomes. It implies that the grand inevitability allows trivial coincidences to be steered away from the human will.”

“……”

“Do you understand what that means? You have avoided major mistakes all along, thus not getting ensnared by trivial coincidences. That’s what we can call life.”

I remembered.

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 judgments.”

“Hmm…?”

“Have you ever thought about that?”

The Sword Demon crossed his arms.

“You’ve died fifteen times, and throughout, you’ve faced life-and-death thresholds more than ten times, undergoing titanic choices that most ordinary people wouldn’t even face once in a lifetime. Rebellions, many times. In the entirety of life, your accrued experiences are indeed enormous, something I find it hard to venture into.”

As I gathered those experiences, I believed I had learned how to avoid wrongful choices and judgments, 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 tremendous technique. Who could else sense the life from their fate

? Yet, associating it with something positive felt confusing since death remained painful and terrifying. This was a heavy matter that didn’t lend itself to mere laughter.

The Sword Demon said,

“Then I will trust you. Live or die, just go and see it through.”

“You seem to trust me too much…”

I was startled by his sudden change in demeanor. 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 meaning of his words, the Sword Demon placed his hand on my shoulder.

“As much as I believe in you, shouldn’t you trust me too? If you do die, I’ll seek revenge with all my strength.”

“……!!”

Revenge!

Even though I would be burdening the Sword Demon, somehow a wave of relief washed over my heart. At the same time, 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 methods 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 meant rising as a formidable sect dominating all of Goryeo.

‘It’s almost time 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 came to see me. She appeared anxious as she scanned her surroundings before approaching me.

“White Tiger Virtue, I have something 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 time 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 medical 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 something. He’s summoned you. I came here to inform you.”

“Hmm… Where should I go?”

“You need to head to the Medical Hall, where Hwa Seong-myeong is.”

“Thank you.”

Kwaak!

As I stood to leave, suddenly Seo Mun-hye grasped the hem of my garment. Looking down at her, she said,

“Are you going somewhere?”

“No, nothing of the sort.”

She had an uncanny intuition. I answered casually, but Seo Mun-hye looked at me suspiciously, as if she sensed something. 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 moment of shared eye contact, Seo Mun-hye finally spoke,

“White Tiger Virtue, please protect me 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 Medical Hall, where Kang Jeon-gil awaited.

Upon opening the door to the Medical 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 me.

“Ooo!”

“You’re here.”

“May I ask why you two are looking for me?”

“Come 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 specimen 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 emerge, 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 exclaimed,

“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 flame. 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 environment. About half a month ago, it suddenly began thrashing around with a shriek. Alarmed, I opened the box to find this tiny dragon, having exhausted all its strength.”

“……”

What on earth is happening?

‘A tentacle became a dragon?’

As I was bewildered, Hwa Seong-myeong beside me spoke up.

“I have researched all of the medical 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 me intently.

“Infuse it with your energy.”

“……!!”

“It’s possible this dragon is simply in a hibernation state due to lack of strength. With your immense 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 method is to channel your intangible energy into it.”

I nodded.

“I will give it a try.”

Gooong…

After a moment, 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. Moments later, when the energy transfer concluded…

Gururur…

The little black dragon started to grow. In a mere 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 became clearer. It looked as if it were consuming energy, consistently growing incrementally.

“Ooo…!!”

We were all stunned, watching in awe. Kang Jeon-gil exclaimed in astonishment,

“A creature that grows from feeding on energy! Does such a thing even exist?!”

“I’ve learned something 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 seemed to fixate on me, gazing directly at me with eyes that appeared to possess intelligence.

Then something 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 statement, it was translated with precise accuracy unlike any time 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 time, 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 me 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 became 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 dimensional doorway emerged.

‘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 me a significant advantage when it came time to fight against the imperial palace using the Secret Technique.