The Return of the Namgoong Clan's Granddaughter-Chapter 168

[That is a pill imbued with an unusual energy. Is it an elixir?]

Sensing the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement, the Imoogi slipped out from her sleeve and approached the box containing the elixir.

In the meantime, Seolhwa unfolded the book and slowly turned the pages, reading. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Though she had already read it thoroughly enough to recite its contents, she was reviewing it once more before cultivating the martial art.

‘After taking the elixir, circulate its energy through the Major Heavenly Cycle to stimulate the Governor and Conception Vessels, spreading it through the Twelve Meridians. Just like spreading the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement throughout the minor meridians of the entire body.’

After once again reviewing the incantations and energy circulation paths of the inner art, she closed the book.

[That is Wall-Poison Strengthening Qi. Even I have seen only a few who mastered this martial art. How did it come into your hands?]

“I obtained it in the Hidden Cavern of the Divine Severance. This elixir too.”

[It is difficult to say whether you are merely fortunate or have the talent to draw fortune toward you.]

“Let us say it is innate.”

Seolhwa opened the box and took out the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement.

It was something she had requested and received from Cheongun when she left the clan.

She felt a sudden gratitude toward Namgoong Cheongun, who had ultimately achieved his realm without ever using the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement.

‘It would be best if Father took this instead.’

The fact that he had not taken it even in moments of urgency likely meant he wished to leave this elixir for her.

‘Let me find something even better for him later.’

And for now, she would take it with gratitude toward her father.

Snap.

She downed the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement in one gulp.

For a moment, a bitter taste filled her mouth, and then an unfamiliar energy began to surge into her body.

‘....’

Seolhwa began her breathing slowly and initiated her inner art.

‘Do not let the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement rush into the danjeon. Slowly...’

Huuuuu....

Before the dense green energy could reach the danjeon, she halted it.

Naturally gathering the energy trying to pool in the danjeon, Seolhwa began circulating it directly through the Governor and Conception Vessels.

Huuu... huuuk...!

“!”

It was not easy to control energy that was not her own.

The energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement would move obediently for a moment, then suddenly rampage or solidify as if turning to stone.

The more it did, the more slowly and carefully Seolhwa moved the energy, with utmost concentration.

As the book had instructed, she circulated the energy as though she were spreading the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement throughout every blood vessel in her body.

The Imoogi’s spiritual energy began to wrap around her meridians.

As though to protect her meridians, as though gently guiding the circulating energy.

With the Imoogi’s assistance, Seolhwa continued the energy circulation.

First cycle, second cycle...

Until the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement was entirely consumed.

****

Huuuuu....

“...”

Seolhwa opened her eyes after completing the circulation.

She had to repeat the Major Heavenly Cycle thirty-two times just to consume all the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement.

Yet with each cycle, she could clearly feel it.

The medicinal properties of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement had deeply permeated every part of her body.

Huuuuung—

Seolhwa drew up her energy.

There was no need to reinforce her body with qi like Body-Protection Strengthening Qi.

As she raised her internal energy, the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement, already infused throughout her body, naturally began to solidify.

It felt as though a thin armor that had lain dormant within her was waking, and the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement came alive.

The Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement was, at its core, a potent detoxifying elixir.

‘Wall-Poison Strengthening Qi is said to be a martial art that blocks the invasion of poison.’

So this is Wall-Poison Strengthening Qi.

Shuuuuuu....

[It was a martial art beyond your current level.]

“?”

[Did the book not state it? In order to learn this martial art, one must at least be capable of using Body-Protection Strengthening Qi. The energy of the elixir was strong enough to shred your meridians.]

“I knew that.”

The energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement, potent in detoxification, was equally poisonous.

Though harmonizing it with one’s own energy posed no problem, attempting to circulate it on its own was a dangerous endeavor.

[And yet you attempted it?]

“Because you were here.”

[What if I had not intervened?]

“That did not happen. Is there a need to dwell on something that did not occur?”

Truthfully, had it turned dangerous, she would have used Body-Protection Strengthening Qi. But there was no need.

The Imoogi had taken it upon itself to protect her meridians and guide the energy flow.

Seolhwa rose from her seat and began to stretch her stiffened limbs. The Imoogi circled her, letting out sharp sshk sshk sounds.

[Were you testing me?]

“I would not deny it.”

[You dare test this exalted being?]

Kukung....

The cave trembled.

At that rumble, small rocks clattered and fell to the ground.

Seolhwa glanced around the cave’s interior and casually brushed off a pebble that had rolled onto her shoulder before looking at the Imoogi.

“Was that wrong?”

[What... did you say?]

“You tested me too. Why would it be wrong for me to do the same?”

[I am a being of a wholly different order than a lowly creature like you!]

Kugugung....

“Lowly or noble, high or low in standing, in the end, every being values its own life above all. I accepted you, and it is no different than entrusting my life to you. Should I not be allowed to verify that?”

[Your words are far too smooth. So then, what did you confirm?]

“I wanted to know whether you would truly not let me die.”

Whether you would not merely lend power, but actively try to save me when the moment demanded it.

[Why would you seek to confirm such a thing? I have no intention of letting you die.]

“You never said why you wished to help me.”

[I did say it, did I not? I simply wish for your wish to be fulfilled.]

Seolhwa picked up her sword.

“That is all?”

[What more is needed? More importantly, what are you trying to do now?]

“Why do you wish for my wish to be fulfilled? What else? I am going to train.”

She drew her sword and assumed a starting stance.

[It is merely amusement. Beings like me, who live through ages untold, eventually find all things tiresome. It was during such a time that I saw you and found myself intrigued.]

“So you are trying to protect me just for the sake of amusement?”

[Do you think it is so easy for a being who knows all things in this world to find something entertaining? Finding such a rare amusement in the midst of endless ennui is a precious thing.]

“I see.”

[More importantly, if you do not wish to die, put down the sword.]

“Why?”

[Do you have any idea how many days you have spent circulating energy?]

“How many days has it been?”

[Seven days and nights.]

Seolhwa blinked.

Seven days and nights? Had it really taken her seven days just to absorb the energy of the Golden Dragon Jade Blood Supplement?

‘Come to think of it—’

Her hand was trembling slightly.

Thanks to the energy circulation, her qi was abundant, but her young body seemed strained from not having eaten or rested properly.

“I suppose I ought to rest.”

With a faint hint of regret on her face, Seolhwa smacked her lips and looked down at her sword.

“There was something I wanted to try....”

[You truly are a strange human. Preferring the sword over eating and sleeping.]

****

Rustle.

A presence was felt within the cave.

Ryeong lifted her head in an instant and looked toward the inner passage.

Soon, Seolhwa appeared.

Ryeong’s expression brightened rapidly, and she ran straight to Seolhwa in a single breath.

“Lady Ryeonju! You are safe!”

“Ryeong. I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”

“No, not at all...! I am fine. But—what was that tremor just now?”

“Oh, I was cultivating for a bit.”

Or rather, taming the Imoogi’s wrath through cultivation.

“More importantly, what is all that?”

Seolhwa pointed behind Ryeong.

There, several bundles wrapped in cloth were placed.

“Ah, the Lord of the Black Cloud Gang stopped by. He said it was food, clothing, and reports he had to deliver to Lady Ryeonju.”

“Reports?”

Before coming here, she had instructed the Black Cloud Gang’s leader to contact the marked factions indicated with white dots.

These reports must have been the outcome of approaching the nearby ones in that order.

‘Small factions should be absorbed without much trouble.’

More importantly, he brought food.

She had not expected it would take so long to master Wall-Poison Strengthening Qi, and thus brought nothing with her.

Perhaps because she recognized the bundles behind Ryeong as food, her stomach growled.

“...!”

“I am hungry.”

“I-I will prepare something right away!”

Flustered, Ryeong turned toward the supplies and hurriedly began setting out the food.

****

“Lady Ryeonju. Are you planning to descend now?”

After she had eaten and taken sufficient rest, Ryeong asked.

Seolhwa, who had been rinsing her face in the waterfall’s water, lifted her head and shook off the droplets as she answered.

“Not yet. I will remain here a little longer.”

“Is there something you still need to do here?”

“There is no place better than this for cultivating without interruption.”

The Black Cloud Gang would bring food at regular intervals, and no one else passed through this place.

“There is no need for you to stand guard anymore, so feel free to move around. You probably have not been able to train properly, staying on watch. If you wish, you can even go down ahead of me.”

“No, Lady Ryeonju. I will descend together with you.”

“All right.”

Come to think of it, for what she was about to try, it would be better if Ryeong stayed.

‘It is about time....’

Seolhwa stretched her body.

Having rested enough, she felt light.

Seolhwa picked up her sword and walked once more toward the inner part of the cave.

“I will be back.”

Arriving once more at the spot where she had mastered Wall-Poison Strengthening Qi, Seolhwa drew her sword without hesitation.

[What are you planning ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) now?]

“Recollection.”

[Recollection?]

Seolhwa offered no reply. She simply assumed her stance.

From her body, a crimson energy tinged with thunder qi flared up in an instant.

Closing her eyes softly, Seolhwa began to recall.

That moment when she had been surrounded by Huiwol’s silver threads and stood at the threshold of death.

The power she had drawn out in that instant.

Seolhwa opened her eyes.

In her crimson-glowing pupils, a flicker of white light surged forth.