Chapter 327

Chapter 327
## Chapter 327. Spirit Hunt (2)

—

Our monster hunting did not pause even as we advanced deeper into the Demonic Realm.

Some of these creatures were familiar to us through the *Kang-ho Spirit Medicine Book* or the *Manual of Ten Thousand Herbs*, while others were bizarre, alien beasts we had never once encountered in our lives.

As our experience grew, the difficulties of the hunt naturally dwindled.

The group quickly adapted to the traits of each beast, ensuring everyone understood their role perfectly.

Without a single command being issued, they moved swiftly into position to support the kill.

Eventually, they reached a point where they could comfortably hunt smaller monsters or those with weaker toxins without requiring my direct involvement.

Even Yang-ja-pyeong openly expressed his awe at the sheer efficiency of our operations, proving beyond doubt that the team had developed sufficient expertise in hunting these creatures.

By the time the seventh day and night arrived, the group seemed completely adjusted to the harsh life within Muk-rim.

Perhaps due to the toxins they had ingested to cultivate an immunity, insect bites were no longer an issue, and thanks to the presence of Eun-seol-ran, we were occasionally treated to a refreshing, cold rest.

“This is truly magnificent. This art they call Ice Arts……”

Yang-ja-pyeong could not hide his constant admiration as he sipped water topped with a thin, refreshing layer of ice.

Regrettably, my own ambitions to absorb Poison Dabs remained unfulfilled.

Ever since Geum-pyo had narrowly escaped lethal poisoning while searching for a Spirit Pill earlier on…

Yang-ja-pyeong had taken to thoroughly extracting the Poison Dabs, burying them deep underground, and keeping a watchful eye over the site until we broke camp. Because of this, I couldn’t find a single moment of vulnerability to absorb them.

Ultimately, I chose to suppress my desire for the time being.

Losing out on internal energy was certainly a pity, but it was not worth risking the exposure of the Blue Dragon Ring.

Instead, my curiosity shifted toward Yang-ja-pyeong’s peculiar talent.

It was an observation I made after traveling together for nearly half a month.

Yang-ja-pyeong seemed to possess a distinct method for determining his bearings.

On several occasions, we had strayed immensely from our intended path while bypassing Natural Formations or fleeing from hostile beasts, yet every single time, Yang-ja-pyeong unerringly guided us back like a phantom.

When I questioned him about this, Yang-ja-pyeong merely offered a smug grin.

“Naturally, I can perceive our direction and placement to a certain degree.”

“But did you not state clearly before that all ordinary senses are useless in this place?”

“That is indeed the case. The energy radiating from the Spirit Veins is simply too overwhelming.”

“Then how exactly does Great Hero Yang determine the path so flawlessly?”

A look of absolute confidence settled onto Yang-ja-pyeong’s features.

“Every sense is disrupted by the Spirit Veins, creating utter chaos. However, looking at it from another perspective, is there not something that remains entirely unaffected?”

“Something unaffected?”

Yang-ja-pyeong lowered his hand and pointed directly at the dirt.

“The Spirit Veins themselves.”

“Oh!”

A quiet gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it.

To think he would utilize the very Spirit Veins that blind all other senses as a compass to guide his way.

“The Spirit Veins generally course from the North down toward the Southeast. Naturally, if a person could map out every intricate thread of energy, they could navigate Muk-rim as easily as their own courtyard. But such a feat is beyond mortal limits. Even so, if you can grasp just the primary pathways or the general drift of the Spirit Veins, you can find your bearings in Muk-rim reasonably well.”

There was a definitive reason why the South Fist Sect had been entrusted with managing Muk-rim.

“Is there a specific technique required to perceive these Spirit Veins?”

“Of course, it is accessible to anyone. It is quite comparable to how a martial artist senses inner energy. However, standard breathing exercises will not suffice.”

“Could you impart this method to me?”

I inquired with caution, concerned it might be a closely guarded heritage of his lineage, but Yang-ja-pyeong agreed without the slightest hesitation.

“It is not overly complex. Do not conventional inner cultivation methods focus on gathering energy within the dantian by merging Essence (*Jeong*) and Energy (*Gi*)?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Tracing the currents of the Spirit Veins relies instead on Energy (*Gi*) and Spirit (*Sin*). You must project your awareness outward through your energy, allowing your Spirit to register the terrestrial power flowing beneath the soil.”

As Yang-ja-pyeong continued his explanation, I silently activated the *Tae-eul True Scripture*.

Without adopting a formal meditative posture or executing a rigid routine, I naturally initiated the alignment of Energy and Spirit.

In an instant, my sensory awareness expanded exponentially, and a torrential flood of environmental data rushed into my mind.

From the sharp, metallic odor of beast blood to the heavy moisture clinging to my skin.

The positions of my companions, perceived as clearly as if I were staring right at them, and the muffled echoes of combat drifting from afar.

I could even feel the lingering chill of the cold water inside my throat.

Once the initial wave of physical sensations settled.

*Swaaaaaa.*

A profound sound, akin to an immense subterranean river, began to echo beneath my feet.

It was a piercing, freezing energy that felt as though it were pressing against my very skin.

No, it wasn’t a sound I heard.

It was something I could actively see and perceive.

An overwhelming, ancient terrestrial force—too weightless to be water, yet far too dense to be mere air.

‘So this is it.’

The exact moment I truly comprehended the nature of the Spirit Veins traversing Muk-rim.

Slowly, I reeled my expanded awareness back in.

I needed to discover the subsequent step in the process.

“……If you dedicate yourself to this practice for five years, you might begin to catch a faint inkling of the energy.”

As fate would have it, Yang-ja-pyeong was just wrapping up his instructions.

I looked at him and spoke in a perfectly casual tone.

“I have perceived the Spirit Vein. What is the next step?”

“…….”

Yang-ja-pyeong paused mid-sentence, cocking his head as though he had just been told something entirely absurd.

“What did you just say?”

“I can feel the Spirit Vein clearly now. What should I do next?”

“…….”

Suddenly, an uncomfortable, heavy quiet filled the space between us.

“Why are you looking at me like that……”

“…….”

What was with this sudden shift?

Had I inadvertently blundered again?

I rubbed the side of my face and glanced around, but no one offered an explanation.

**327. Spirit Hunt (2) [Continued]**

“Please…… refrain from joking.”

Yang-ja-pyeong’s eyes were trembling with pure disbelief.

“What reason would I have to lie?”

“……To sense a Spirit Vein demands unyielding dedication, years of practice, and an eternity of grueling patience wrapped in hardship……”

“No, I am telling you the truth. I can feel it right now.”

I shifted my stance slightly to demonstrate.

“Right below us, a substantial Spirit Vein is coursing through, and just over there, a much narrower branch is flowing. Am I wrong?”

“……It took me three full years just to achieve the basic initiation……”

With a thoroughly hollow expression, Yang-ja-pyeong merely droned on with incomprehensible murmurs.

Realizing it would be awkward to press him further, I chose to investigate the phenomenon on my own.

“Fascinating.”

Just as Yang-ja-pyeong had described, the Spirit Veins of Muk-rim held a total grip over the entire region.

Unlike air, which thinned at higher altitudes, this energy saturated the space uniformly. The environment itself behaved like a reservoir, holding the power of the Spirit Vein from deep within the earth all the way up to the highest branches.

‘This explains why Natural Formations manifest across the entire woodland.’

Not just the wildlife and insects, but even the foliage and root systems were constantly nourished by this terrestrial power.

Living things subjected to the Spirit Veins in this manner developed extraordinary, unnatural traits completely unseen in the Central Plains.

And those anomalies gave birth to the Natural Formations.

When I extended my arm into one of these zones, the literal warping of the surrounding space became tangibly clear.

‘With such distortions, it is no wonder people become hopelessly lost.’

Stepping forward, the bizarre reality became even more pronounced.

The subterranean current dictated that I should pivot left, yet the visual path before me extended straight ahead.

The very moment a person trusted their eyes over the spiritual current, they would lose their bearings entirely.

Because the sense of direction was utterly compromised, the depth of one’s martial prowess became entirely irrelevant.

Only the Spirit Vein could provide the true heading.

This was precisely why the South Fist Sect alone possessed the authority to oversee Muk-rim.

“…………Preposterous…… It cannot be……”

Still trapped in utter denial, Yang-ja-pyeong continued to mumble aimlessly to himself.

Right at that moment.

*Pop, bang!*

A resonant blast thundered from the depths of the distant forest.

While shouts and the crashing of timber had been common occurrences, an explosion of this magnitude was unprecedented.

Brought out of his daze, Yang-ja-pyeong stood up abruptly, casting his gaze toward the source of the commotion.

“I shall return shortly.”

Detaching the heavy cord secured to his waist, Yang-ja-pyeong looped it over a thick branch and scaled the tree with incredible agility.

‘Ha, his ascent is practically faster than utilizing the Flying Dragon Claw.’

As I silently marveled at his unorthodox Wall-Climbing Skill, Yang-ja-pyeong descended from the canopy a moment later.

His face was completely blank with shock.

“It appears…… they have crossed paths with a Spirit.”

He then cast a wary glance in my direction to gauge my thoughts.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I worried…… you might insist on investigating……”

Good grief, what sort of reckless fool did he take me for?

No matter how fixated I was on acquiring spirit medicine, it would mean nothing if I ended up dead.

Moreover, the disciples of the Tae-eul Sect and the rest of our comrades were relying on me.

I offered a reassuring shake of my head.

“Rest easy. Did Great Hero Yang not emphasize how perilous it is? The odds of a successful capture are abysmal anyway.”

“……That is true.”

“Therefore, I shall defer to your judgment, Great Hero Yang.”

“…….”

Yang-ja-pyeong had clearly been terrified that my newfound ability to track the Spirit Veins would prompt me to rush toward the danger.

Noticing the relief washing over his face, I probed a bit further.

“It truly is incredibly hazardous, correct?”

“…….”

“And capturing it is practically impossible?”

“…….”

“They are bound to fail. Am I right?”

haste.

“…….”

Yang-ja-pyeong looked as though he had achieved a state of absolute resignation.

Still, wanting absolute confirmation…

I pressed one final time.

“Assure me that they cannot succeed.”

Deep into the night, when the rest of the camp had fallen asleep.

I cracked my eyes open slightly to check the guard rotation. As anticipated, Eun-seol-ran was currently maintaining the watch.

This specific timing was calculated.

Out of everyone in our party, Seol-ran possessed the least developed sensitivity to spiritual energy.

I silently rolled over onto my stomach.

Suppressing my presence completely, I began to slide across the ground with extreme stealth.

To think that my past experiences executing the low crawl across blood-soaked battlefields would prove useful in a situation like this.

I felt a sudden wave of appreciation for those wicked Demonic Cult bastards.

The next time our paths crossed, I would make sure to shatter their skulls with extra care.

After covering a distance of roughly ten *jang* in that manner, I rose to my feet and transitioned into the Breath-holding Step, and once thirty *jang* lay behind me, I sprinted ahead using the Heavenly Lone Step.

‘It was definitely in this direction.’

By aligning myself with the deep terrestrial currents, I accurately retraced the journey we had made during the daylight hours.

Muk-rim was oppressive enough by day, but the arrival of night plunged it into absolute, pitch-black darkness.

The only illumination came from the erratic bioluminescence of passing insects.

Yet, this absolute darkness actually aided my stealth.

With no visual distractions to mislead me, I relied entirely on the steady flow of the Spirit Vein.

After sprinting at maximum velocity for about one *gak*, I arrived back at the spot where we had left the remains of the Muk-hong Snake we slew earlier that afternoon.

“Heh. This proves I can navigate these woods entirely on my own now.”

Moving a short distance away, I began to clear the earth where Yang-ja-pyeong had previously interred the Poison Dab.

Brushing aside the top layer of dirt, the Poison Dab came into view, casting an eerie, emerald glow.

“Hehe……”

Ever since mastering the ability to read the Spirit Veins, I had been eagerly counting down the moments until nightfall.

Now, I was free to harvest and absorb as many Poison Dabs as I pleased, completely hidden from the scrutiny of the group.

Furthermore, by utilizing the power of the Blue Dragon Ring, I didn’t need to waste time sitting in meditation to break down the toxin.

I could simply consume the Poison Dab on the spot and leave, entirely eliminating any cause for suspicion.

‘If anyone asks, I’ll just say I stepped away to relieve myself.’

By maintaining a relentless pace, I managed to fully absorb the Poison Dabs of the Bi-hong Snake, the Blue-sound One-horned Snake, the One-horned Monstrous Dragon, and the Three-colored Poison Toad in under half a *sijin*.

“Is there a threshold to how often I can do this?”

I flexed the fingers of my left hand, carefully assessing the feedback.

The physical responsiveness in my extremity felt noticeably diminished.

A strange numbness seemed to have settled into my fingertips and palm.

Presumably, full sensation would return after a short period of rest.

Even so, compared to the distinct surge of internal energy expanding within my dantian, a temporary bout of hand numbness was a trivial price to pay.

It wasn’t as if a minor loss of feeling would prevent me from wielding my hand effectively, right?

If anything, a more robust reservoir of inner energy meant I could smash an adversary’s skull with far greater ease.

“Huhuhu.”

My lingering dissatisfaction regarding the elusive Spirit was mostly alleviated by this bounty.

Indeed, it was far wiser to fortify my inner strength through secure means rather than pursuing reckless gambles.

*Pop, pop, bang!*

In the far distance, a brilliant flash illuminated the tree line alongside another booming detonation.

“…………Indeed, prioritizing safety is the intelligent path. Safety above all else.”

Yang-ja-pyeong’s assessment was entirely accurate.

A Spirit was simply not a viable target for a hunt.

The chaotic display those fools were currently putting on was more than enough evidence of that.

The thunderous concussions rattling the forest had persisted unabated for three consecutive days and nights.

There were undoubtedly individuals who had become hopelessly separated from their groups within the Natural Formations, and others who were clinging to life after sustaining catastrophic wounds.

Yet, gripped by the prize dangling right before them, they simply could not bring themselves to abandon the pursuit.

“…………Yes, this is the correct choice. I am taking the proper path.”

With some reluctance, I turned my heavy steps away from the distant conflict and began the journey back to our camp.

*Pop, pop, pop, bang!*

Lacking the enthusiasm to employ the Heavenly Lone Step, I contented myself with a leisurely walk.

I spent the return trek focusing heavily on tracing the layout of the Spirit Vein, which successfully diverted my attention from the distant sounds of the ongoing hunt.

“What a truly wretched forest.”

Despite being certain I was walking the identical route I had just taken, the terrain had shifted into an entirely unfamiliar configuration.

Furthermore, every single notch I had carved into the trees with my blade on the way out had completely vanished.

It made me wonder if exiting this wilderness was even remotely possible for someone unable to interpret the spiritual currents.

I channeled my inner energy to sharpen my Spirit-sense (*Sin-gam*).

While it strained my mind considerably, doing so caused the map of the Spirit Veins to register with immense clarity.

I briefly entertained the notion of consulting Yang-ja-pyeong on this particular adjustment, but quickly discarded the idea.

He likely had no answer to give anyway.

Every single time I brought up the mechanics of the Spirit Veins, his expression would morph past disbelief into something bordering on tears.

To think it required three years of his life, yet I had grasped it instantly. *Tsk.*

Gradually, the faint impressions of the terrestrial currents sharpened into vivid focus.

Though they remained invisible to the naked eye, I could perceive them weaving densely through every corner of Muk-rim.

The sensation of seeing without relying on physical sight was an utterly magnificent experience.

As I strolled along tracking the currents, a brilliant, star-like point of light caught my attention on the forest floor—something that definitely hadn’t been there before.

‘What could that be?’

Closing the distance cautiously, I discovered that the raw energy of the Spirit Vein had coalesced into a jewel-like form, radiating a soft light.

The moment I ceased tracking the Spirit Veins, the ambient energy filling the air vanished, and the sparkling light dissolved into nothingness.

Yet, resting on the exact patch of ground that had just been glowing, sat a small fruit resembling a cornelian cherry.

“Hmm……”

Suddenly, a piece of advice from Yang-ja-pyeong echoed in my memory.

[The vast majority of life in Muk-rim carries lethal toxins, so do not recklessly consume anyth— no, forget it.]

Yang-ja-pyeong had cut himself off before finishing the thought.

He had clearly intended to lecture me on the dangers of local poisons.

Of course, such warnings carried little weight for someone like me, who was actively building a comprehensive toxic immunity.

“Hehe……”

I utilized the Blue Dragon Ring to draw in the essence of a single fruit.

‘Oh.’

A comforting, warm current surged through my hand and settled directly into my dantian.

It completely lacked the piercing chill that typically accompanied the absorption of a Poison Dab.

‘Does this mean it is safe for actual consumption?’

Plucking a second fruit, I popped it into my mouth, and within moments, a soothing, fiery heat began to radiate outward from my stomach.

It provided the exact therapeutic benefits associated with the renowned spiritual medicines of the Central Plains.

“Naturally, since the terrestrial power of Muk-rim saturates everything, it stands to reason that genuine spiritual herbs would develop here as well.”

Spurred by curiosity, I kept my awareness active on the trek back, scanning the earth to see if any hidden flora emitted a similar spiritual radiance.

Given that legendary commodities like mountain ginseng or fleeceflower root typically matured beneath the soil, I kept a sharp lookout.

‘Nothing.’

Despite conducting a meticulous search over a substantial distance, I failed to locate even a single strand of mountain ginseng or fleeceflower root.

Once again, I was reminded of what a thoroughly frustrating place Muk-rim could be.

To think that the terrestrial current would willingly bless a common fruit like a cornelian cherry, yet completely ignore standard, high-grade herbs like ginseng or fleeceflower root.

What a bizarrely biased environment.

Still, my irritation was short-lived.

Employing the Breath-holding Step, I carefully slipped back into the perimeter of our campsite…

“Where exactly have you been—”

“Whoa! You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“……What reason do you have to be so alarmed?”

Yang-ja-pyeong was standing motionless in the shadows, his eyes locked onto me.

‘Confound it.’

The single inherent flaw of the Breath-holding Step: it conceals your spiritual signature and sound, but it cannot render your physical body invisible.

“Ah…… haha, I simply stepped away to answer nature’s call for a moment……”

“While actively maintaining high-level stealth movements?”

“Ah! I merely wished to ensure I didn’t inadvertently disturb anyone else’s slumber.”

Handled correctly, wouldn’t this present me as an incredibly thoughtful and conscientious Academy Representative?

“……For an entire *sijin*?”

Wait, had that much time really slipped away?

As I stood there looking puzzled, Yang-ja-pyeong’s tone grew noticeably colder.

“From what direction…… are you truly returning?”

Yang-ja-pyeong took a deliberate step forward.

Given his obsessive emphasis on our collective security, he was clearly displeased that I had ventured out into the perils of Muk-rim unaccompanied.

Hmm…… what would be the best fabrication here?

I certainly couldn’t confess that I had been out harvesting Poison Dabs.

‘Ah!’

Perfectly timed, I remembered the handful of cornelian cherry fruits tucked securely inside my clothing.

“To be perfectly frank, I spotted these during our march earlier today, and I simply went back to harvest them.”

“What are those supposed to be?”

“They appear to be wild fruits infused with the power of the Spirit Vein. They seem quite beneficial for bolstering one’s internal reserves.”

“……And you chose to risk the dead of night specifically to gather fruit?”

Admittedly, the explanation was flimsy. Why go to the trouble of a nighttime excursion for something that could have been collected by daylight……

However, considering my extensive tenure in the So-jeong-dae—where spinning fabrications was a mandatory daily skill—it would be pathetic if I couldn’t navigate a minor predicament like this.

“In truth, I simply wished to avoid doing so in front of the younger disciples.”

“And why is that?”

Yang-ja-pyeong’s expression grew increasingly skeptical.

“Though we have harvested several small Spirit Pills, you haven’t taken a single portion for yourself, have you, Great Hero Yang?”

Code.

“…….”

Because Yang-ja-pyeong had been unable to directly participate in the combat portions of the hunts, he had been consistently bypassed whenever the Spirit Pills were distributed.

I seized upon that exact vulnerability.

The most effective method for dispelling someone’s suspicion is to redirect their focus toward an entirely different grievance, is it not?

“I assumed you refrained from claiming any out of a sense of obligation regarding the youths, which is precisely why I chose to handle this under the cover of night.”

“…….”

The stern intensity in Yang-ja-pyeong’s eyes faltered, blinking with sudden uncertainty.

“Since you are enduring so much hardship on our behalf, I felt it was only proper that someone looked out for your well-being in return.”

A moment later, his defensive posture softened considerably.

“……I, I require no such consideration……”

“Come now, do not dismiss a comrade’s genuine goodwill……”

“No, even so……”

“Are you truly intent on making me feel foolish for trying to help?”

Now then, cease the polite protests and consume it.

I needed to ensure my nightly excursions could continue without future interference.

The optimal outcome was to compromise Yang-ja-pyeong, turning him into a silent accomplice who would look the other way.

“……In that case, I shall sample just one.”

Still harboring a sliver of doubt, he took a fruit, placed it in his mouth, and bit down.

Immediately, his eyes widened in sheer astonishment as the spiritual energy registered.

I offered a self-satisfied smirk and a supportive nod.

“Incorporate it into your meditation quickly before the children awaken.”

Swayed by the immediate results, Yang-ja-pyeong readily assumed a lotus position and closed his eyes.

In essence, this interaction secured his tacit approval for me to continue harvesting Poison Dabs as I saw fit moving forward.