Chapter 7

It was, quite literally, a breathtaking strike.

It had far surpassed the level Yise had ever imagined.

Though, to be fair, she wasn't even human to begin with.

'So this is the power of the strongest of the Dogwi.'

His master possessed strength that was even more overwhelming than he had expected.

To the point where the saying, "As long as Mongryeon stands guard, no ordinary demon can even approach the vicinity of Gwisu," no longer sounded like an exaggeration.

Which was why it was astonishing that Aseong Yongma had dared to hunt the Dogwi.

And why it made the tragedy caused by her absence all the more regrettable.

***

"How is your body?"

"Yes, Master. I'm feeling much better now."

"You endured all that without so much as a groan. If you're well enough, get up. I have something for you to do."

Mongryeon handed Yise several items: a cluster of bells attached to a handle whose end split into two prongs, a small bronze ritual knife decorated with paper streamers, and a rectangular sheet of paper folded lengthwise.

"These are ritual implements for Spirit Exorcism. They've been crafted so that even ordinary people without spiritual energy can use them."

"Spirit Exorcism?"

"That's right. Killing a demon isn't the end. Their corpses retain resentment for some time. If that resentment isn't properly exorcised, it will wander the world and eventually create another demon just like it. In other words, you've only destroyed the shell."

Yise examined the ritual implements.

They radiated an unmistakably auspicious aura. They were clearly no ordinary objects.

"The Wadu Seosaeng you killed had already let its resentment escape. In other words, even setting aside whoever was behind everything, your revenge was never truly complete."

"...I see."

"The first line is the Exorcism Incantation. Hold the spirit bell in your right hand and the ritual tablet in your left. Clear your mind, maintain reverence, and recite the incantation."

Mongryeon clicked her tongue regretfully.

"If you'd awakened your Spiritual Root, you would've absorbed quite a bit of spiritual energy from this hunt. What a shame."

"Is it really alright for me to perform it?"

"What, should I do it instead? Spirit Exorcism can only be performed by humans. That's one of the reasons our alliance with them continues."

"I've heard the Dogwi can increase their cultivation by devouring demons. Wouldn't it be better if you absorbed it instead, Master?"

"No need. If I wanted its demonic energy, I'd have had to eat it alive. Besides, a mere insect-level Qi Condensation Realm demon wouldn't even be enough to satisfy me. Think of this as gaining experience."

"I... understand."

Yise nodded.

Then, calmly, he read the Exorcism Incantation.

Begone, spirits. Be released, and pass peacefully onward.

It was a short incantation.

As soon as the eight characters were spoken, the spirit bell gave a clear chime and emitted a brilliant golden light.

The next instant, the black aura flowing from Aseong Yongma's corpse convulsed violently before rushing straight into Yise's body.

"...?"

"Is it finished?"

"Yes."

"Good. Don't regret missing out on the spiritual energy. The Medicinal Pill you consumed will remain effective for a long time. Once you awaken your Spiritual Root, its effects will manifest then. You got quite lucky."

"But... something feels strange."

"What is it?"

"It felt like the demonic energy inside Aseong Yongma entered my body... Can humans absorb demonic energy?"

At Yise's words, Mongryeon stared intently into his body.

She could faintly sense something resembling demonic energy.

But it was so weak that it was difficult to distinguish from ordinary impure qi.

Could something that tiny even be called demonic energy...?

His body had been riddled with holes by Aseong Yongma's attacks, so even if some demonic energy had temporarily seeped inside, it wasn't especially strange.

She simply shrugged.

"I've never heard of such a thing. Maybe it's possible in some demonic sect that cultivates evil arts. Humans can't manipulate demonic energy, and demons can't manipulate spiritual energy. They share the same origin, but they're completely different powers. Only those with exceptionally keen senses or those who've reached certain realms can vaguely perceive them."

Yise frowned slightly.

To him, both spiritual energy and demonic energy were perfectly clear.

"I see. I must have been mistaken."

"If it still bothers you, remember the symptoms and ask someone once you reach the Great Martial Path. This master hates theory."

Hearing Mongryeon's firm answer, Yise fell silent.

The unpleasant sensation lingering inside his abdomen still writhed faintly, but there was no reason to challenge his master's judgment.

He would simply observe it a while longer before asking again.

"Now perform a requiem for the dead children. Hold the spirit blade in your right hand. The Requiem Incantation is on the third line."

Enemies were exorcised.

Allies were honored.

Yise engraved those words firmly into his heart.

"Though they were born as demons, pray sincerely that they do not fall into the bottomless abyss of the Demon Realm, but instead safely pass through the Gate of Reincarnation and be reborn as humans in their next lives."

"...Yes."

Mongryeon and Yise gathered the bodies of the fallen Dogwi together, laying them neatly side by side before bowing their heads in silent prayer.

May the departed spirit know peace, and may it return to the Path of Light.

This time, Yise could clearly feel their souls ascending toward the heavens.

When the ritual ended, he looked toward Mongryeon.

Her expression was complicated.

Yet moments later, she smiled.

As though bidding farewell to those departing.

"Smile. Showing a smile to the dead is the custom of the Dogwi."

"...Yes."

A dull ache welled up inside Yise's heart.

The feeling he'd experienced after losing his family to the Wadu Seosaeng.

Only now did the sense of loss truly arrive.

The deaths of those he'd lived alongside for six years weighed far heavier than he'd expected.

"What an amusing expression you're making."

Unable either to cry or to smile properly, Yise silently thanked fate that there was no mirror nearby.

Several days passed after Aseong Yongma's rampage.

Gong Ilchwi and Gong Woljang were sentenced to ten years of confinement in the Hall of Repentance.

At the same time, all young Dogwi were forbidden from leaving their territory.

Yise looked at Mongryeon and the assembled Dogwi standing behind her.

They had come to see him off.

Today was the day he would leave Gwisu and head to take the entrance examination for the Great Martial Path.

"Tch. Such a stubborn brat. I could've carried you there in no time."

"As I said, I'd like to experience the world while I'm at it."

"Just don't end up getting yourself killed by some wandering demon."

Mongryeon casually handed him a dagger wrapped in cloth.

"This is..."

The weapon in his hands was the Vein-Severing Blade.

The divine treasure he'd wielded in his battle against Aseong Yongma.

"Can I really accept something this valuable?"

"Take it before I change my mind."

Yise hurriedly accepted the dagger, carefully securing it inside his belongings.

"I can't give you much. Everything here was earned by my children risking their lives. Use it well. And once you become strong enough not to need it anymore, return it."

"I will."

As Mongryeon stepped back, the other Dogwi approached one by one, stuffing items from their sleeves into Yise's travel pack.

Lunch boxes.

Silver coins.

Small gemstones.

Mysterious scrolls.

A necklace set with a crimson stone.

"That's a Spirit Stone. Cultivators use it as currency, and it can also be ground into medicinal pills. Keep it with you for now."

"Thank you."

Each item was undoubtedly one of their treasured possessions.

Watching them hand over their precious collections without even explaining their uses—simply pressing them into his hands like giving pocket money to a child—made Yise's chest ache.

Finally, Gong-ah approached hesitantly and offered him a beautifully wrapped cone-shaped object.

"Um... be careful out there."

"Thanks. But what is this?"

Instead of answering, Gong-ah hurried back into the crowd.

Mongryeon chuckled.

"That's a shed horn. Before a Dogwi reaches adulthood and grows permanent horns, they shed one pair exactly once. It's like a child's baby teeth before permanent teeth come in. It's a fairly valuable material. If you ever make medicinal pills in the future, think of Gong-ah while grinding it up and eating it."

"...Gong-ah."

"You might die anyway. You should've at least sown a few seeds before leaving. I was curious what a human-Dogwi hybrid would look like."

"Chief!"

Only Gong-ah's embarrassed scream echoed from somewhere within the crowd.

The adult Dogwi burst into laughter.

Whether it was a joke or a curse, no one could tell.

After Mongryeon's remark, the Dogwi exchanged their farewells.

Yise bowed deeply in gratitude.

This place truly felt like home now.

Stepping back, he performed the nine traditional bows toward Mongryeon.

"Once I enter the Great Martial Path, I'll likely be away for quite some time. Though we're of different races, I've come to think of you and everyone here as my family. I'll never forget the kindness you've shown in taking me in. I pray that you all remain safe and healthy."

"Good. Don't worry about us—just become stronger. The Great Martial Path's rules are more relaxed than you'd think, so come visit whenever you have the time."

"Yes. I will. Then... I'll be going."

He bowed once more.

Gong-ah, Chanmo, and the other Dogwi waved enthusiastically.

"Come back safely, Yise!"

"Don't forget to eat properly!"

"We're going to miss you!"

With great effort, Yise took his first step.

Toward Verdant Mountain.

The mountain famed for its abundant spiritual energy.

***

Subu Village.

There had once been a time when he'd considered this place his home.

If only the villagers hadn't turned away when he desperately needed help during the demon attack.

If only someone had reached out after he'd lost his family.

Perhaps he'd still think of it that way.

After all, his life in Subu Village had been the second happiest period of his life.

Now, however, his heart was much lighter.

Probably because he'd found a new home.

Yise stepped into the house.

The moment he noticed the changes in the main hall, his brow furrowed.

'The graves...'

They were gone.

The graves he'd made for his family had vanished.

Yise rubbed his face with both hands.

The courtyard was nearly empty, as though it had been looted by bandits.

The thatched house was on the verge of collapse.

Barely suppressing the anger rising within him, his gaze fell upon the broad stone he'd once used as a gravestone.

Words had been written upon it in ink.

"If you see this, come find me. — Wiseong."

It was unmistakably Wiseong's handwriting.

Rather than sinking into gloom, Yise immediately headed toward Wiseong's residence.

If his family's graves were gone, there was no longer any reason for him to return here.

He intended to meet Wiseong, settle whatever business remained, and leave at once.

"Teacher, it's Yise."

"Come in."

Wiseong was exactly as Yise remembered him.

Seated in his study, quietly reading.

Even after Yise entered, he didn't glance up, keeping his eyes fixed on the book.

"You were looking for me?"

"The money pouch is in the second drawer of the cabinet to your left. It contains the belongings you left behind, along with the proceeds from selling the remaining household possessions and the land."

"...Those were payment I willingly gave."

Wiseong merely shook his head.

"You left them behind without my consent after attending only to your own affairs. That is hardly proper payment. I thought it might become a beautiful but futile gesture if you never returned alive. Fortunately, you did."

"Did you really have to go this far...?"

Six years ago, the man hadn't cared whether Yise lived or died.

His unexpected kindness was something Yise appreciated.

Yet it also made him uncomfortable.

"Does one need a reason to return someone's belongings to their rightful owner?"

Faced with Wiseong's calm reply, Yise found himself speechless.

At last, Wiseong closed his book and looked directly at him.

"I remember the day you were first adopted into this village. I remember you sneaking into my study."

"I've always been grateful that you let me borrow your books... and taught me how to read."

"When you were the only survivor, there were people who wanted to help you. Though there were also ruffians who tried to stop them."

"...Was that so?"

"Ignorance breeds fear. And fear creates monsters. So... don't resent them too much."

"I don't resent them."

A faint smile appeared on Wiseong's face.

Yise realized it was the first time he had ever seen the man smile.

"Inside the money pouch is a map showing where your family's graves were relocated. Visit them from time to time. I regret moving them without your permission, but from the perspective of feng shui, having graves inside one's home is contrary to proper order."

"...Thank you."

"Then you should go."

Delivering only what needed to be said before politely dismissing him—

That, too, was very much like Wiseong.

Six years ago, that day had been filled with nothing but resentment.

Now, somehow, more and more people kept appearing to whom he owed gratitude.

"Yise."

"Yes?"

"You look well."

"I'm glad."

Yise gave one final respectful bow before quietly taking his leave.