Chapter 325

Chapter 325
### Chapter 325. Black Forest (5)

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A Magical Beast (Ma-mul).
An entity that surpasses its natural boundaries of life by drawing from the vitality of the spiritual vein, wielding a might that defies natural order. This serves as the general definition for what people typically call a magical beast.
‘In reality, separating a spiritual creature from a magical beast is a rather straightforward matter.’
Laymen who are completely unversed in the martial path judge the difference between magical beasts and spiritual creatures based entirely on whether they inflict harm upon mankind. Even a beast like a tiger is branded a magical beast if it preys on a human, whereas it is celebrated as a spiritual creature if it returns a kindness. Conversely, for a practitioner of martial arts, the true metric for distinguishing a magical beast from a spiritual creature relies on…
Precisely what resides within its core.
If it pointlessly harbors a venomous sphere or a malevolent core, it is classified as a magical beast; if it carries a pure spiritual pearl, it is deemed a spiritual creature. After all, isn’t that just how the world works?
‘If it yields something beneficial, it’s a benefactor; if it yields something harmful, it’s an adversary. Quite so, quite so.’
My companions and I locked our covetous gazes upon the Iron-Armored Great Python. Its hide possessed the rugged texture of forged plate armor, and its tongue darted rapidly from a skull that rivaled the dimensions of an ox. The true extent of its massive form remained obscured in the shadows. Ha, if a specimen like that doesn’t hold a spiritual pearl, then what possibly could?
“That creature appears to be harboring an exceptionally potent spirit pill.”
Perhaps detecting my quiet observation, Ja-pyeong-Yang spoke with an air that seemed strangely detached from worldly concerns.
“It contains nothing resembling a spirit pill.”
“What…? But given its immense proportions, how could it possibly lack a spirit pill?”
“The majority of the apex predators inhabiting this wilderness reach a similar scale.”
“…”
As my shoulders slumped in deep disappointment, Ja-pyeong-Yang gave a small shake of his head.
“Regardless, it is a highly perceptive creature, so our wisest course is to bypass it with the utmost stealth.”
Right as Ja-pyeong-Yang gingerly shifted his weight to retreat.
Snap.
A fallen twig beneath his boot fractured cleanly, causing the slumbering Iron-Armored Great Python to instantly whip its head upward. …What exactly are you playing at? Ja-pyeong-Yang, whose face had drained of all color, snatched up the shattered piece of wood.
“…W-Why was this even lying here?”
Was this his method for fleeing a grim reality?
“A-An oversight…”
Swaeek—
The Iron-Armored Great Python, flicking its fork-tongued mouth, lunged straight toward Ja-pyeong-Yang in a flash. As the Iron-Armored Great Python bared its maw, the gaping cavern looked capable of consuming a mature bull in a single movement.
“Heup…!”
Ja-pyeong-Yang clamped his eyelids shut as though resigned to his demise. Seriously, how long do you intend to stand there frozen like a statue? I sprang from the dirt, vaulting through the air, and drove my clenched fist directly into the Iron-Armored Great Python’s skull.
Boom!
I delivered the strike with a fist saturated in internal energy, yet the impact felt as though I had punched a massive wall of solid iron.
“Hoho…”
Observe this monster, acting completely unfazed. But what do you honestly think you can accomplish? I unsheathed the Red Light Sword and slashed downward without a moment’s delay.
Kwagagagagak.
And yet,
“Huh…?”
Astonishingly, the Red Light Sword, fully enveloped in vibrant sword energy, failed to cut through the hide. While I stood there momentarily paralyzed by disbelief, Ja-pyeong-Yang offered an explanation while nimbly evading the beast.
“The Iron-Armored Great Python’s hide is utterly impervious to standard sword energy!”
Is that so? It feels like a bit of an extravagance to unleash Sword Gang against a mere serpent, but there is no alternative.
“S-Sword Gang?”
Whether Ja-pyeong-Yang was utterly dumbfounded or not mattered little to me as I charged the creature, brandishing the absolute sharpness of the Sword Gang that now blazed over the blade of the Red Light Sword.
Shlick!
I brought the weapon down with the full intent of cleaving it in twain, but to my amazement, the beast merely sustained a shallow gash, and I was unable to sever its thick torso.
Kyaaaaaaaak!
Emanating a noxious aura, the Iron-Armored Great Python whipped its massive tail around.
Crash! Crash! Crash!
Colossal trees were obliterated instantly, reducing the immediate landscape to utter chaos.
“Uheok!”
“Hiiek!”
As my comrades scrambled to dodge the catastrophic thrashing of the Iron-Armored Great Python, I manifested three distinct phantoms utilizing the Tae-eul Eight Myriad God Steps. The Iron-Armored Great Python snapped up my illusions in a single bite.
Crunch.
The Iron-Armored Great Python, which had even engulfed the solid boulder where my phantom once stood, instantly pulverized the stone with its massive teeth and spat the jagged debris onto the ground.
‘If those jaws catch me, I am finished.’
This wasn’t a question of whether its venom was lethal; it was obvious that if I were swallowed whole, I would be rendered completely powerless. Spurred by these thoughts, I employed the “Wall-Clinging Art” to scale a nearby tree, focusing the entirety of my internal energy into the center of my hand.
Rumble.
A volatile force crackled within my palm, sounding as though a thunderstorm were trapped within my fingers. Simultaneously, I propelled myself from the trunk and slammed the Heavenly Palm of Light squarely onto the Iron-Armored Great Python’s skull.
Kwagagagagwang!
Because I had restricted the radius of the blast as much as possible, its destructive potential was slightly diminished, yet it should have been more than sufficient to disintegrate its head…
‘Or so I thought.’
As the dust from the Heavenly Palm of Light settled, the Iron-Armored Great Python remained visible, its massive form still writhing with life.
Kyaaaaaaaak!
The sole transformation was that its dense, armor-like hide had been largely stripped away, leaving it bleeding profusely. Just as I prepared to invoke Sword Gang upon the Red Light Sword once more to finish it off, the creature appeared to recognize its impending doom and turned to flee.
‘Oh, absolutely not!’
You think you can just slink away?
“What is everyone waiting for! Secure it so it cannot escape!”
The moment my voice rang out, my companions, who had been watching the spectacle in a daze, sprang into action simultaneously. Ja-pyeong-Yang, who had just begun to breathe a sigh of relief upon seeing the Iron-Armored Great Python retreat, was thrown into a panic.
“Eh? For what reason are you capturing it?!”
I paid no heed to Ja-pyeong-Yang’s senseless protests. Why capture it? Even if the odds are low, shouldn’t we dissect it first to be absolutely certain? I barked out swift directives.
“Jae-hwa and Seol-ran, provide cover from the rear!”
“Understood!”
“Geum-pyo, intercept the beast.”
“…Me? With only this?”
Geum-pyo offered an incredulous stare, gesturing between his shield and the massive Iron-Armored Great Python. I bellowed back, silently resolving that even if a spiritual pearl did emerge, I wouldn’t share a shred of it with him.
“Just anchor it in place so it doesn’t target the others!”
“Ah, understood!”
Immediately following that, the moment Geum-pyo blocked the escape path of the Iron-Armored Great Python and began radiating intense killing intent, the rest of the team masked their own presence.
Boom!
As the Iron-Armored Great Python rammed its massive bulk straight into Geum-pyo, his form was driven backward a distance of two zhang. A pair of deep furrows dug into the soil beneath Geum-pyo’s boots. The instant the Iron-Armored Great Python, failing to breach him, altered its course to flee.
Swaeek—
Thwack!
An arrow loosed by Jae-hwa struck true, embedding itself in the Iron-Armored Great Python’s eye.
Kyaaaaaaaak!
With the shaft driven deep into its socket, the Iron-Armored Great Python began to thrash its body in absolute agony, unleashing a piercing shriek that shattered the silence of the dense woods. Seizing the moment, I moved in for the definitive strike.
“Hraaaaaaap!”
I drove the Red Light Sword, burning with the radiant edge of Sword Gang, directly into the crown of the Iron-Armored Great Python’s head.
Thud!
An agonizing scream tore from its throat.
The Iron-Armored Great Python, writhing upon the dirt, must have been in such blinding agony that it reared its colossal frame upward, ascending toward the sky. One zhang, two zhang, three zhang. As my own body hung suspended in midair, anchored solely by the hilt of the Red Light Sword, I caught sight of the Iron-Armored Great Python’s remaining eye rolling back into its head.
Then, mimicking the slow descent of an ancient timber collapsing, the massive frame of the Iron-Armored Great Python began to tilt backward. I swiftly extracted the Red Light Sword and leapt clear of the descending beast.
Thump!
Once the creature crashed heavily onto the earth, it shuddered momentarily before growing completely still. This was an accumulation of wealth.
“Hmph… to think you actually brought down a Great Python.”
Ja-pyeong-Yang stared at me with an expression born of sheer disbelief.
“Th-This is by no means an adversary that should be vanquished with such simplicity…”
There is no such thing as an absolute rule in this world; everything is merely relative. Humming a soft melody, I began to slice open the Iron-Armored Great Python’s abdomen. Naturally, carving through its belly required the reinforcement of Sword Gang as well. And yet,
“…”
“It isn’t present, is it?”
When I directed a sharp glare at Eun-ho following his remark, he merely shrugged his shoulders casually.
“I am simply pointing out that what does not exist, cannot be found.”
“Were you mocking me?”
“Not at all! Never!”
Following that, I proceeded to dissect the entire length of the Iron-Armored Great Python’s torso, but when all was said and done, let alone a spirit pill, not even a basic poison pill materialized.
‘Is this truly nothing more than an oversized serpent?!’
As a look of profound disappointment settled over my features, Ja-pyeong-Yang spoke up in an attempt to offer consolation.
“From the very beginning, our order refrained from hunting magical beasts. The compensation is far too trivial when weighed against the exertion required. Therefore, let us proceed quietly toward the Demon Realm…”
Precisely, the Demon Realm! I sprang to my feet and questioned him instantly.
“You mentioned that the concentration of magical beasts increases significantly once we cross into the Demon Realm, correct?”
Ja-pyeong-Yang fixed his gaze upon me intently before releasing a heavy sigh.
“You still refuse to abandon this pursuit, don’t you?”
Naturally! From the very outset, bolstering my venom tolerance and augmenting my internal energy reserves were the core objectives of this Great Journey. After a moment of hesitation, Ja-pyeong-Yang finally spoke.
“In truth… there do exist creatures that harbor genuine spirit pills.”
“Oh?”
Ja-pyeong-Yang cast a glance toward the remains of the Iron-Armored Great Python.
“As I stated previously, I harbored no intention of disclosing this due to the extreme peril involved… but seeing as your capabilities appear adequate…”
“Where! In what direction!”
“W-Wait a moment, I intend to tell you even without you springing at me like that…”
“Let us depart this instant! Right now!”
Indeed, how could a region of this nature completely lack spirit pills? The true exploration of the Muk-rim was only just commencing.

The route Ja-pyeong-Yang selected diverged significantly from the path we had traversed prior to this. The journey demanded far more time, the terrain grew increasingly treacherous, and because the dense canopy blocked out every shred of illumination even at midday, the atmosphere mirrored the dead of night. Rather than a vibrant forest, the environment evolved to the point where it felt identical to a murky marshland.
Before long, the traveling group crossed paths with an immense serpent adorned with crimson mottling. Ja-pyeong-Yang, his body taut with apprehension, murmured in a hushed tone.
“That is a Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake, and its venom is extraordinarily lethal, so…”
“What are you all waiting for! That is a spiritual medicine, secure it!”
Boom!
Crash!
Clang!
Thud.
The companions aligned with So-un-Jin, launching their assault well before Ja-pyeong-Yang could finish his warning…
“It’s a prize! A prize!”
They practically dismantled and consumed the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake in the blink of an eye.
‘…And yet, that is a creature capable of swallowing a wild boar in a single gulp.’
In all honesty, their cooperative synergy was exceptional. Within the ranks of the party, there was a martial artist who possessed unparalleled mastery with the bow, alongside an individual who wielded frost techniques, which were renowned for their scarcity. If a practitioner utilizing the “Solar Qi Art” were integrated into this mix, they could truly be classified as peerless specialists in navigating the Muk-rim.
“I-I have secured it!”
So-un-Jin and his Saje, who dissected the magical beast’s belly as though driven by an absolute fixation on unearthing spiritual medicine. So-un-Jin displayed a miniature sphere with a hand coated in gore, a radiant grin gracing his features, while Ja-pyeong-Yang looked on in sheer terror.
‘That! That object! Even the fluids coating it must be lethal!’
Engaging in absurd endeavors like poison-resistance conditioning ever since setting foot in the Muk-rim, this lunatic… no, So-un-Jin was handling the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake’s poison pill without a care in the world, as though he truly had forged an immunity to toxins. Ja-pyeong-Yang released a profound sigh.
“…That object is not a spirit pill. It is a poison pill.”
“Th-This is?”
So-un-Jin’s eyes trembled with shock. Utilizing a sturdy branch, Ja-pyeong-Yang poked through the entrails of the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake here and there. Then, spotting a tiny nodule no larger than a speck of grain, he indicated it with his finger.
“That object is the actual spirit pill.”
At that, So-un-Jin tilted his head, a highly skeptical look crossing his face.
“…No, that merely resembles an undigested particle of rice.”
“…A Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake does not consume rice.”
“No, there is undeniably a sacred aura radiating from this…”
So-un-Jin hoisted the poison pill once more, completely convinced of his own judgment. However,
Sizzle.
Bizarrely, a wisp of pale vapor began to curl upward from his flesh. It was only natural; just how concentrated was that venom?
“What in the world is this!!!”
As So-un-Jin frantically flung the venomous sphere to the earth, the object stained the surrounding fallen foliage a deep black.
“D-Damn it…”
The extremity of So-un-Jin’s finger had flushed crimson and begun to blister. The flesh had dissolved under the intensity of the toxin.
“Did I not caution you? The toll extracted would far outweigh any gain.”
The utterly wretched nature of the Muk-rim stems precisely from this reality. The vast majority of magical beasts that harbor spirit pills consolidate and manifest nearly all of their ambient spiritual energy within their venom core, meaning the dimensions of the spirit pill itself remain minuscule. This is a fundamental principle of survival within the merciless domain of the Muk-rim. It is for this exact reason that the Muk-rim managed to endure as a Forbidden Land completely isolated from human intrusion.
Even so, Ja-pyeong-Yang believed that allowing them to attempt the hunt firsthand wasn’t entirely useless. No matter how thoroughly he articulated the dangers, the lesson lacked the impact of experiencing it with one’s own flesh. Surely now he would cease wandering about shouting for spiritual medicine, spiritual medicine…
“There must be countless entities of this nature roaming the Muk-rim, correct?”
“That is… accurate.”
So-un-Jin replied, his gaze suddenly burning with a profound sense of anticipation.
“Everyone gathered here heard that, right? To consume enough spiritual medicine to satisfy ourselves, we must apply ourselves with absolute diligence!”
What…? Had he completely failed to learn his lesson? Ja-pyeong-Yang’s heart flooded with immense trepidation, causing his voice to falter.
“Y-You intend to persist with these hunts? For nothing more than that?”
The internal energy capable of being harvested from a spirit pill no larger than a speck of grain would be utterly negligible.
“Naturally! Do they not say that ‘even grains of sand accumulate to construct a mountain’?”
“…”
In truth, isn’t there a severe shortage of time to go about building mountains out of sand grains? The duration allocated for the academy students within the Muk-rim amounts to scarcely a single month. Nonetheless, observing So-un-Jin, who tightened his fist with a hand whose skin was raw and blistered while drenched in the vital fluids of the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake, Ja-pyeong-Yang found himself unable to utter a word.
‘Has he contracted some sort of affliction where he perishes if he cannot consume a spirit pill?’
For his eyes were already glittering in a fashion that clearly signaled any attempt at dissuasion would be utterly futile. …Is madness the appropriate term for such behavior? Ultimately, throwing his hands up in resignation, Ja-pyeong-Yang resolved to let them proceed as they pleased. Both their successful subjugation of the Iron-Armored Great Python and their swift elimination of the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake indicated they were not individuals who would easily fall victim to the dangers of the Muk-rim. Furthermore, a sense of curiosity arose within him regarding the true extent of the capabilities they would display.
Ja-pyeong-Yang brushed off his trousers and drew himself up to his full height.
“Very well. In that case, we must advance with a fair degree of haste.”
Ja-pyeong-Yang, who assumed the lead to guide their path in that manner, remained entirely oblivious to the fact that the Blood-Shadow Flower Poisonous Snake’s poison pill which had dropped to the forest floor had vanished completely at some point.