Chương 552: World Of Sun And Moon (3)

Kaaang, kang, kaaaang!

Last night, after forming an alliance with Gyeong, we agreed to take turns keeping watch.

After standing my turn and waking her, I went to sleep. When I woke up, a loud noise was echoing inside the cave.

'What on earth...? No!'

I widen my eyes in shock as I see what Gyeong is doing.

'That, that's... what is she...?'

The bear from last night, the one that tried to boil and eat Gyeong.

The iron pot that the bear had.

'She's... ripping apart the iron pot with her bare hands...?'

She is grabbing that pot with her bare hands, tearing it apart, grinding it, and making a [sword] out of it.

Kaang!

As she punches the pot one more time, two swords made of iron are completely finished.

I stare at the scene with my mouth agape.

'Tearing apart iron with bare hands... what kind of monstrous strength is this?'

I can clearly tell now.

Her words last night about 'killing anyone who saw her face' was absolutely not a joke.

"Th-That, what in the world is...?"

"In this forest... there is a master. Don't you feel it?"

"What?"

"While standing watch last night, I could feel it. A prickling sensation, the gaze of something watching us. That gaze covers this entire forest. In other words... that entity dominates and controls this forest as its 'master.'"

"... I don't feel anything like that..."

"Useless. Anyway, I don't know why that entity hasn't attacked us yet. But what's certain is that if we find and defeat it, it will greatly help us escape this forest."

I grab my head and ask her.

"So... you're saying a demon spirit like the giant snake from yesterday, or the bear that tried to boil and eat you, is ruling this forest, and we need to defeat it to leave Ascension Path?"

"Correct."

"Impossible! How could we possibly... I'm just a human!"

"Stop whining and pick up a sword."

She lifts the two swords and says,

"Humans are quite a powerful race. I'm not entirely sure, but there's some information suggesting they are one of the [dominating species]. Trust in the potential your body holds and follow me."

"... Huuu..."

I let out a deep sigh.

"Then, for now—"

"Hurry up and decide. I'm leaving first."

Without even listening to the rest of my words, Gyeong stands up, grabs the two swords, and steps out of the cave.

'Why is she in such a rush!'

Grinding my teeth, I follow her outside.

Tadadadat!

Gyeong is running.

I start running as well, but the distance between us doesn't shrink at all.

"Hey! Wait up! If we fight a demon spirit or whatever, we're going to die!"

But she doesn't even glance back, only running faster and faster.

'Carrying two giant swords like that and running so fast...'

It's clear she has some kind of extraordinary ability.

Her terrifying strength is the same...

But I feel uneasy.

The only human I've met in this Ascension Path is her.

If she ends up dying to this so-called master of the forest, what am I supposed to do alone?

'I can't keep up...'

The gap between us grows wider and wider.

Her speed doesn't seem human.

'The very way she runs feels fundamentally different... Wait, the way she runs?'

Suddenly, my eyes focus on her stride.

Her strides are consistent.

At the same time, there's a distinct rhythm to her movements.

If I do this, and add elasticity to my body like this...'

Taatt!

I apply the elasticity of my body to my steps.

At the same time, I analyze the rhythm of her movements and start imitating her.

Toong, toong, toong.

Gradually, my body feels lighter.

At the same time, the distance between her and me grows shorter and shorter.

'Ah, so this is how she moves. But I can't close the gap any further. There's some other secret...'

I scrutinize her entire body.

Her back, shoulders, waist...

Then, as I focus on the area near her ribs, I notice something unusual about her breathing.

'Even her breathing has a rhythm? Should I try imitating it?'

Hoooop!

I inhale and exhale.

After watching her breathing from a distance and imitating it for a while...

Paaaatt!

Suddenly, I'm able to close the gap and reach just behind her.

"Wait, let's go together!"

"...! What? How did you catch up?"

"I just watched how you were running and copied it. I also mimicked your breathing a bit..."

At my words, Gyeong finally turns to look at me, her eyes wide open.

Her silver pupils are trembling.

"... When I checked during the night watch, you didn't have any Qi and hadn't learned any special body technique... And now, you've already imitated me?"

Her voice is filled with disbelief.

But after a moment, she smirks and says,

"Fine. Since you've come this far, I'll teach you properly. You're breathing all wrong. When you breathe, take it in and let it sink deep into your body, below your navel."

I adjust my breathing as she instructs.

As I follow her directions, I feel a sensation like my entire body is opening up.

'Ahhh...'

[Light]!

It feels as if the [light] of the world rushes towards me, licking every corner of my body.

It feels oddly ticklish, but also refreshing.

In an instant, I'm immersed in a selfless state where it feels like I'm running not through Ascension Path, but through a space of light.

A space of light.

Gyeong, who is running ahead of me, lets out a laugh.

"Impressive! To follow me into my domain in such a short time... Truly, you have brilliant talent."

After finishing her words, she glances away from me and says,

"Then, I'll go on ahead. Catch up quickly. As my memories return, so do my senses of controlling power..."

Paat!

With that, she disappears from my sight once more.

'Ah... I can't catch up.'

She is too far ahead.

Not just in terms of physical distance—her ability to control this mysterious power, her understanding of it, seems to be on an entirely different dimension from mine.

'Will I be able to reach it...? Her domain?'

I unconsciously find myself longing to someday reach her domain.

'Someday, I want to stand on the same horizon as her... No, higher than that..."

It happens at that moment.

Thwack!

As I continue running, I crash into something in front of me.

"Kuaaah!"

My body bounces backward, and I let out a scream from the shock.

When I regain my senses, I realize what I have collided with.

'A... centipede...?'

It is a massive centipede.

The centipede, covered in a pitch-black carapace, exudes a ferocious aura, flicking its antennae at me and Gyeong.

"So, it's you. The owner of this forest... The one who's been sending killing intent towards us."

Gyeong, looking at the enormous centipede, grips the two swords in her hands and mutters.

She seems like a fearsome monster herself.

But suddenly, a certain scene flashes through my mind, bringing with it excruciating pain.

The scene is from an area in front of a place called [Ascension Gate].

A man with blue hair, dressed in a blue robe, with small horns protruding from his head.

And a ghost with only bones remaining, shrouded in black ghostly energy.

In front of those two beings, I am doing something.

Countless centipedes scatter in front of the place called [Ascension Gate].

Out of all the centipedes, only one clings to my foot, while the rest scatter across the entirety of Ascension Path.

'What is this memory?'

Taken aback, I try to recall more about this strange memory, but the intense pain prevents me from remembering anything further.

'I-I don't know. For now, let's focus on the situation in front of me.'

I take out a newly carved wooden sword to replace the broken one from last night and aim it at the centipede.

At that moment, a voice comes from the centipede.

Chwarururuk!

The giant centipede's head falls toward where I stand.

The centipede's antennae come right up to my face and begin probing all over my head and body.

[... It is a familiar scent. I sense traces of poison energy as strong as mine from you... but it is much more refined and of much higher rank than mine... Astonishing. The poison transcended the Plane of Qi and rose to the Plane of Soul, clinging to your spirit... Yet, strangely enough, it does no harm to your soul...] As the antennae brush against me, goosebumps rise all over my body.

But my body is frozen, unable to move.

[A poison cultivator of a higher rank... and poison of the same kind as mine... Which means... You... must be someone blessed by one of my ancestors. If it is poison of this rank, it is definitely Four-Axis, no... only a being at the level of an Integration Demon King can wield this poison. Every demon spirit you have encountered must have trembled in fear at the mere trace of this poison, sensing the aura of an Integration stage Demon King. Hahaha...] Chururuk, chururuk...

From between the centipede's carapace, its mouth becomes visible.

Chills run across my body.

The centipede is now licking its lips.

[How regretful... If I could devour someone blessed by one of my ancestors... I feel as though I could advance to the Four-Axis stage immediately, surpass this realm, and ascend... But doing so would surely enrage my ancestor, would it not? Ahh, what a dilemma. I should not eat you, but... I so desperately want to devour you. Ahhh...] Chwarururuk!

The centipede's antennae wildly probe my body.

[Mmmmm... Very well.] Chiiiiiik...

From the centipede's mouth, a pitch-black liquid that looks like poison drips incessantly.

It appears to be saliva.

[Arm! Offer me just one of your arms. If you allow me to eat one of your arms... I will take it as an offering to the master of this forest and spare you any harm. I will ascend, and you will ensure your safety within the Ascension Path, this Ascension Forest...] Chwarararak!

The centipede's antennae wrap around my left arm.

'N-No...! My arm is going to be torn off!'

The centipede doesn't seem to care about my consent, as it begins exerting pressure with its antennae.

It feels like my arm is about to be ripped from its socket.

At that moment— Shukak!

A silver light flashes before my eyes.

"Don't be ridiculous."

Chwak!

A sword of iron slices through the centipede's antennae.

"That belongs to me. Whether you are the master of this forest, the master of the river, the master of the flower field, or the master of the underground... you cannot lay a scratch on what is mine."

"... Why am I yours?"

"You owe me a debt, do you not? You stole and learned my breath, and you stole my footwork. Until you repay that debt, you are my slave."

"... No, I never agreed to—"

"If you touch my possession, I will kill you. Stop spouting nonsense and guide us out of this forest to the town of humans. If you refuse, your life ends today."

Gyeong growls at the centipede and points her sword at it.

At Gyeong's words, the centipede stiffens for a moment, then bursts into maniacal laughter.

[Kuhahahahaha! How insane. That one may survive because he carries my ancestor's blessing, but do you think you can challenge my temper and live? You will become my meal!] Chwaruruk!

The centipede regenerates its antennae and lunges straight at Gyeong.

Kwaaang!

The centipede's head slams into the spot where Gyeong was standing.

"Gyeong!"

I scream, but when the centipede raises its head, her corpse is nowhere to be seen.

Paaatt!

At the same time, Gyeong suddenly appears above, descending as she swings her two swords.

Puhwak!

The carapace on the centipede's head splits apart.

The centipede writhes wildly, flailing to shake Gyeong off.

But Gyeong clings to the sword embedded in the centipede's head, tormenting it further.

In an instant.

Paaat!

Gyeong's body vanishes again.

'No, it's not gone!'

It's simply that she's moving too fast for my eyes to follow.

'Let's find her.'

I search for Gyeong's figure.

And then, I sense her beneath the centipede's belly.

Chwaak!

When she swings her twin swords, the centipede's belly splits open.

Chiiik!

Venomous blood sprays out and melts the ground, but Gyeong has already disappeared.

'She disappeared again. This time...'

The centipede's tail.

I slowly begin to track her movements.

'I can see it. I'm starting to see her!'

I don't know why, but as I mimic her breathing, her movements become increasingly clearer to me.

Her actions, her movements, the dance-like motions she performs with her twin swords, all enter my eyes.

'Beautiful...'

Not her appearance or figure, but the dance she performs.

Her movements, the perfection of that sword dance!

Each and every single one of her motions looks like a refined work of art.

With every swing of her sword, rays of light bloom.

She appears just like a goddess of war.

It's not simply the act of swinging the sword.

Within each swing lies the history of countless weapons itself.

Her swordsmanship embodies war itself.

Kugwaaaaang!

The centipede uses strange abilities, akin to supernatural powers, to obliterate the surrounding terrain and melt entire areas with poison. Yet she evades all of it, closing the distance and slicing into the centipede's body.

Then, at a certain moment— Kwaaaaang!

The centipede collapses, defeated by Gyeong.

[Heok, heheok... Heok...] Sururung— Gyeong points her sword at the centipede and speaks coldly.

"I will spare your life. Heal your body and take us out of this Ascension Path."

[U-Understood. Please forgive me...] Thus, the brief battle between the centipede and Gyeong comes to an end.

Chwarurururuk!

The next day.

Gyeong and I sit atop the healed centipede's head, heading westward.

"So, is there something in the west?"

"Hmm, I am not entirely sure. Among the fragments of memory that have returned, I have an intuition that [the one I am pursuing will head west]."

"So, we're heading west to catch that [someone]? How do you know they'll go that way? And how far west are we going?"

"Hmm, I am not entirely sure. But from what I remember, before I lost my memory, I made a prediction based on fairly reasonable assumptions that the [someone] would go west. Ah, do you perhaps want to go east instead of west? If that is the case, I can order this one to drop you off and then continue westward."

"N-No, since you're heading west, then... I'll go west too. By the way, how far west are we going? Are we just aimlessly going west?"

"Hmm..."

She seems to deeply ponder something, her hand brushing through her hair.

"Based on the memory that surfaced earlier... if we keep heading west, we will eventually come across a massive mountain range. Above that mountain range... there seems to be a village inhabited by people who control lightning. I intend to wait for [someone] in that place."

"You still haven't recovered all your memories. How will you identify the person you're chasing?"

"It will not be a problem. When I see the [someone], even without my memory, I'll recognize them instantly. Also... they are not even human, so it will be obvious."

"Not human?"

"Correct."

Gyeong begins explaining information about this [someone] to me.

As I listen to her explanation, I feel chills running across my body.

"From what I have remembered so far... the [someone] I am pursuing is not human but a monster that has lived for more than ten thousand years."

"T-Ten thousand years!?"

"Yes. That old monster..."

"Wait, old monster you say. If you're chasing something like that, how old are you?"

"..."

The moment I hear the term 'old monster,' I feel an inexplicable discomfort and find myself questioning her.

Gyeong, who remains silent for a moment, suddenly shouts at me.

"Insolence! How dare a mere slave ask his master such an impudent question. Do you wish to be stripped naked, hung upside down, and severely beaten!?"

"Ugh..."

Perhaps it's because I saw her crush that centipede. I realize that if I push her too far, it could very well happen, so I shut my mouth.

"... Anyway, that old monster is a [snake with a human head] that has lived for over ten thousand years."

"S-Snake with a human head?"

"Yes. Before I lost my memories, I searched for the descendants of that old monster and investigated it. Its tail is adorned with flames that inflict excruciating pain to torture its enemies, its scales are as beautiful as glass, and when you look into its eyes, it is said you see an incomprehensible abyss. I... descended to this land to capture such an ancient creature."

"... Descended to this land... you say."

For some reason, her words make her seem like a celestial maiden who has come down to the land.

"Truly... a terrifying and dreadful being. I hope you can catch it."

Hearing my words, Gyeong places her hand on my shoulder and says,

"And... that being can transform into a human. Moreover, it is said to spit a 'black liquid imbued with the power of death' from its mouth. If you ever encounter it in battle... the fight will not end as easily as it did with this centipede. If that time comes, use every bit of your strength to run away from the battlefield. I am saying even if the [snake with a human head] does not show up, if I'm fighting someone, do not just stand around watching like you did earlier."

"A-Alright."

Her tone is a bit cold, but I know her words come from concern, so I nod.

"But, can you let go of my shoulder?"

"... How dare a slave command his master!"

In response to my words, Gyeong tightens her grip on my shoulder, squeezing it recklessly in a sadistic manner.

Chwararararak!

Before long, Gyeong and I managed to leave the forest while riding on the centipede.

The moment we escaped, it felt like I was about to faint.

'A f-floating island...'

A massive landmass was floating in the sky!

Underneath the massive landmass, I let out a small gasp in wonder at this world.

Gyeong also looked slightly surprised at first, but she seemed to recall some memories as she accepted it like it's normal.

In any case, The centipede leapt down from the Sky Island.

'When we came down from the Sky Island, it disappeared from view. That's fascinating as well.'

Gyeong explained that a [barrier] is placed around it.

'It's said the barrier lifts Ascension Path into the sky, hides it from others' sight... and also serves to [seal something]?'

That seems to be the gist of it.

'What could be sealed in Ascension Path? A treasure? A monster? Hmm...'

While I'm lost in thought, the centipede sets Gyeong and me down on a sandy floor.

After traveling together for several days through the desert, I started calling her 'Gyeong-i,' and she started referring to me as 'slave'.

We're both casually using nicknames for each other.

"You useless slave! When your master dismounts, you should have gotten off first and made a mat with your body! Do you not see the sand getting everywhere?"

"There's sand everywhere anyway, so unless I carry you on my back, it's pointless..."

"Then should you not be carrying me on your back? Slaves these days really have no sense of servitude!"

Grumbling, Gyeong-i dismounts from the centipede.

"In any case, you did well. I cannot reward you for today's work right now, but once I recover my strength and memories to some extent, I will bestow incredible fortune upon you."

[Y-Yes, Elder. Please take care.] The centipede bids us farewell politely, and I walk alongside Gyeong-i towards the edge of the sandy desert, towards a certain city.

The city has the name [Cheon-saek City] written on it.

Sapak, sapak, sapak...

As I stare at the gates of Cheon-saek City, I feel nauseous for some reason.

'Why is this happening... I feel like I'm going to throw up.'

When my complexion turns pale, Gyeong-i glances back at me and furrows her brow.

"How insolent! With your master right here, who else are you thinking about!"

"... I'm not thinking about anyone."

"You are lying! That is clearly the face of longing for someone else, you wicked fool. Hmph, forget it. Just hurry up and follow me. First, we need to gather some information."

Following Gyeong-i, we roam around this desert city, learning about this world and this country.

First, it turns out that we are in a place called Byeokra, and further west lies Yanguo and Shengzi.

Her destination, however, is a place called the 'Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect', a cultivation sect located in Shengzi.

'Cultivation sect... So, this is a world where martial artists and cultivators exist, with the cultivators working behind the scenes to control the world... is it?'

"Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Shattered Heaven Peak. Yes, this is the place. The location that the [someone] from my memory would seek out is exactly here!"

"But, about these cultivation sects..."

I ask, basing my questions on the information I've gathered while wandering around Cheon-saek City with Gyeong-i.

"How do we even get in?"

In the case of the Daoist sects on Earth, they often doubled as Daoist shrines or temples.

Because of this, there were many instances where visitors would come to offer incense, making it sufficiently accessible even for civilians to enter.

However, the cultivation sects in this world are completely different from Daoist temples.

'They seem like secretive underground organizations...'

"We aren't cultivators and we don't even have that thing called spiritual roots, do we?"

"Don't have spiritual roots? Ahaha, do not worry. My memories are gradually coming back. If we don't have spiritual roots, we can simply [make one]."

"Make... spiritual roots?"

"That's right. Creating a Five Elements Spiritual Roots is simple. I can show you right now. Watch and follow later."

As if she can't waste any more time, she immediately books a room at an inn and sits in a lotus position on the floor, regulating her breathing.

At a certain moment, Flash!

Five streams of multicolored energy swirl above her head and are absorbed into her body.

Simultaneously, cracking sounds echo as her body contorts.

Wuduk, wudududuk!

Paaaatt!

After some time, her twisting body stabilizes and returns to normal. Smiling with her eyes, she speaks.

"Something like complete transformation is no challenge to me. If you do what I just did, you too can obtain spiritual roots. Now then! For now, I will focus on acquiring and learning cultivation methods. I recall that once I reach the 4th star of Qi Refining, all of my memories will return. As for you, train in the sword techniques and breathing methods I have taught you, and strive to acquire spiritual roots through diligent effort."

And so, in Cheon-saek City, I begin learning the 'martial arts' and 'sword techniques' she teaches me while studying this world, aiming to achieve the complete transformation she mentioned—the state of [Five Energies Converging to the Origin].

In this way, ten years pass.

"Gyeong-ah! Look at this! I think I'm about to reach the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin! Once I have my spiritual roots and start practicing cultivation methods... I'll be able to join a cultivator cl..."

I stop mid-sentence and stand frozen, looking into Gyeong-i's room.

She sits inside the room and stares at the sky with hollow eyes, her face hidden behind a mask.

"... Gyeong-ah, don't be too discouraged..."

Over the ten years, Gyeong-i and I became external members of the only cultivator clan that rules Byeokra—the [Cheongmun Clan].

As a martial artist who has reached the realm of Five Energies Converging to the Origin, she is treated with considerable respect. But that's all.

For ten years, she has been stuck, unable to advance even to the 1st star of Qi Refining.

"... Heavens above. Why...?"

When she sees me enter and realizes how close I am to reaching Five Energies Converging to the Origin, her eyes tremble violently.

"Damn it!!!"

Gyeong-i's piercing scream echoes beyond the estate granted to us by the Cheongmun Clan.

I smile bitterly, trying to comfort her.

"Don't be too discouraged, Gyeong-ah. Like you said, cultivation methods are incredibly difficult and gruelling. Look at me—I haven't even started practicing cultivation methods yet."

"... Ah, haha, yes. That's right. Five Elements Spiritual Roots. I wasn't originally of the Five Elements Spiritual Roots. The Five Elements Spiritual Roots is the problem! Yes, practicing cultivation methods with the Five Elements Spiritual Roots is not easy. It's as you said. It truly is a grueling process."

Perhaps feeling a bit comforted by my words, she lets out a long sigh, regains her composure, and steps outside the estate with me.

"Rise to Five Energies Converging to the Origin. I'll stand as your law protector while you undergo complete transformation."

"Got it, Gyeong-ah!"

Woo-wooooong!

Using the martial arts I've trained in for over ten years, I achieve complete transformation and reach Five Energies Converging to the Origin.

"Huuuuu..."

'The world looks entirely different.'

Is this the consciousness of a cultivator?

Feeling my newfound senses, I bow to Gyeong-i.

"Then, as you have taught me thus far, I ask that you also guide me in cultivation methods, Senior Gyeong-i."

"Haha, very well. Follow diligently. The world of cultivation methods is far more grueling than you can imagine."

From that day onwards, having reached Five Energies Converging to the Origin and obtained the Five Elements Spiritual Roots, I begin learning the basic cultivation methods Gyeong-i acquired from the Cheongmun Clan.

Half a year passes.

I have reached the 6th star of Qi Refining.

From a corner of the estate where we live, a sharp scream erupts once again.

"Heavens above! Why!? Am I!? Still!!??"