Book 3 Chapter 5

The volcano disciple trembled with anxiety.

The story, which he initially thought was absurd, gradually began to take on concrete form and color.

As it did, Yoon Junho began to feel increasingly uneasy.

He wouldn't have been this anxious even if he were sitting on a bed of thorns covered in poison and playing with a nest of vipers.

Cold sweat trickled down his dark, pale face from his forehead. It was proof of how tense he was.

"Um, excuse me…"

Enduring the suffocating tension, Yoon Junho finally managed to speak. His throat was so constricted that he doubted if he was even communicating properly.

"Why? Is there something else worrying you?"

Of course, he couldn't say it directly, but he was clearly consumed by worries that could fill five carts.

"Ah, no. I was just thinking… wouldn't it be better to devise another method…?"

"Why not? Such a sure method is rare. Fortunately, this is Cheonmu Academy, so it's possible. Do you think it would be feasible elsewhere? It's better to push forward with this without regret."

Hyo-ryong said firmly.

But as he gazed at his sparkling eyes, he couldn't shake the doubt that Hyo-ryong was proceeding with this purely for his own amusement. He was shining with bright eyes like a naive child with a toy in front of him. This made Yoon Junho even more anxious and frightened.

"What's wrong? Are you worried they won't accept you?"

"That too, but…"

Yoon Junho lied foolishly. Why did he do that?

"Don't worry. If there's a researcher who dislikes a fresh, young body like yours, they're not in their right mind. They'd be insane. It's a one-in-a-thousand chance for a healthy test subject like you to come on their own."

Hearing this, he became even more convinced that he couldn't entrust his body to a sinister researcher. A sense of crisis washed over him, realizing that if he just hesitated like a good-natured person, he might suffer some misfortune.

"Even if I regret it, I'd prefer to devise another method. I'm deeply grateful for your efforts for me, but I don't want to change my body by relying on medicine. It feels like it goes against the right way."

Even as cold sweat poured down his face, Yoon Junho managed to say everything he wanted to say. He felt relieved. Then,

"It does go against the right way. This is a kind of shortcut."

Hyo-ryong replied nonchalantly.

"What?"

Yoon Junho asked again with an incredulous expression. His brief retort implied a reproach for how he could so casually recommend something that went against the right way to a friend. He decided to voice the unspoken reproach on his face. He judged that it would be helpful for communication.

"How can you casually recommend something that goes against the right way as if it were someone else's business?"

"But it's the most feasible method. Above all, it's for your sake. No matter how I think about it, this seems like the best way. How about treating it like taking a tonic and giving it a try?"

Hyo-ryong still showed no signs of giving up.

"Please, even if the feasibility is much lower, can you devise another method? I won't forget this kindness."

As Yoon Junho blinked his innocent, black eyes like a rabbit and pleaded, Hyo-ryong's heart softened. Although he told himself inwardly, "I shouldn't do this, I shouldn't do this," he couldn't force someone to do what they adamantly refused. In matters like this, one's own will was paramount.

'The right way? But does such a thing truly exist? A way to solve hypersensitivity without relying on medicine…'

Hyo-ryong fell into deep thought. Jang Hong also began to ponder other solutions. However, such things wouldn't come to mind easily. It was only after much deliberation that they had come up with the radical idea of human modification.

It was while they were floundering in the deep well of contemplation they had dug within their minds that…

"Is it really necessary to solve the plum hypersensitivity?"

The voice that mercilessly shattered their thoughts belonged to Bi Ryu-yeon.

What opinion would he come up with this time to shock everyone…

"What did you say?"

At the unexpected remark, the three of them focused all their senses and gazes on Bi Ryu-yeon.

"What about the human modification plan?"

Hyo-ryong, who had already actively engaged in the human modification issue and exhausted his brain, asked with regret.

"Hmm, it's a great shame, but if he doesn't want it, what can we do?"

"That's true. Then, what method this time?"

"What I'm saying is that there's no need to focus the problem-solving on solving Yoon Junho's hypersensitivity."

"Why? If not, Yoon Junho will never be able to perform the plum sword technique. Then he'll be forever reduced to their laughingstock."

"That's it!"

"What?"

Hyo-ryong said with a bewildered face, still not understanding what was being said.

"There's no need to cling to the realm of sword fragrance. The problem is the fragrance, isn't it? If there's no plum fragrance, there's no hindrance to Junho performing the sword technique. Isn't that right?"

Bi Ryu-yeon asked, reconfirming as if checking.

"That's true."

Even as he said so, Hyo-ryong's expression clearly showed that he still didn't understand.

"You still don't get it? You're really dense."

Hyo-ryong's delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"It's sad that you misunderstand my level of intelligence, but I'll forgive you. So, hurry up and tell me."

He meant that even if he was called foolish, he would tolerate it this time and just tell him quickly.

"So, we just need to eliminate the fragrance itself from his sword technique."

"How?"

"The fragrance emanating from his sword technique originates from an unexpected and peculiar realm called sword fragrance. Therefore, if we transcend that realm of sword fragrance, all problems will be solved simply."

However, no matter how he thought about it, it wasn't a simple matter. How could transcending one realm to enter a new one be as simple as it sounded? This was the martial arts world where countless people had dedicated their entire lives to overcoming such barriers. Could such a difficult and arduous task—a task that might require a lifetime—be reduced to the level of a child's game?

"Does that even make sense?"

It seemed more feasible than the human modification theory.

"Of course, it makes sense. That realm of sword fragrance, while it may seem magnificent, is, from a common-sense perspective, a kind of Qi emission, meaning a useless expenditure of Qi. Unless that fragrance is a poisonous fragrance, it has little use in enhancing the power of the sword technique. Therefore, judging with my extraordinary mind, I speculate that the realm of sword fragrance is likely a transitional state just before the completion stage of the plum sword technique. Qi is not yet fully controlled. Furthermore, among the commonly known martial arts realms, there is the realm of 'Fan Baigui Jin' where one appears more ordinary after surpassing a certain level. Therefore, if you transcend the realm of sword fragrance, the plum fragrance will likely no longer be emitted. Then all problems will be solved. The sword technique will become stronger, and the fragrance will disappear. Isn't it a win-win solution, what do you think?"

Bi Ryu-yeon looked at the three of them with a triumphant expression. However, they were looking extremely serious, contemplating whether they should even humor Bi Ryu-yeon's absurd idea.

The realm of sword fragrance alone was a supreme realm rarely achieved even within the Huashan Sect. And yet, a supreme sword realm (劍境) that transcended the realm of sword fragrance! It was an incredibly difficult and impossible task. However, even if its feasibility was as thin as half a grain of rice, Bi Ryu-yeon's words were not logically flawed. Of course, it was as impossible as counting all the stars in the night sky. Hyo-ryong, forcing himself to calm his overwhelming absurdity, cautiously opened his mouth.

"How do we reach that realm? He can't even properly perform the sword technique."

"Is it only through physically wielding a sword that one trains? No. Once you reach a certain level, you can achieve even greater effects through imaginary sword practice and meditation. Why do you ask when you know? So, let's find a solution in that direction."

Honestly, it wasn't entirely wrong. High-level martial artists, beyond a certain point, could pave the way to higher realms through enlightenment via meditation rather than grueling physical training. Once they surpassed a certain level, they were no longer bound by the state of their physical cultivation. If they failed to achieve enlightenment, they would stagnate like stagnant water in a swamp and rot miserably.

"It's not entirely wrong, but that sounds truly impossible to me, and I don't think it's just my ears playing tricks…"

Hyo-ryong's skeptical reaction remained. Judging by his quiet nod, Jang Hong seemed to feel the same.

"Just trust me. Why are you so scared of just improving a stage of sword technique? Don't worry, it's easier than drinking a cup of tea after a meal."

Bi Ryu-yeon boasted confidently, but could such a thing be accomplished with just bold words? Hyo-ryong, who was watching the restless Yoon Junho, opened his mouth as if to bring the current situation to a conclusion. His tone was full of doubt and hesitation. A promising sapling can be recognized from its sprout, as the saying goes. However, in this case, the corruption of the seed itself needed to be doubted, let alone its sprout.

"That will take too much time. The possibility of success is slim… and above all, his will is very weak."

Despite his continued skepticism, such an extent couldn't break Bi Ryu-yeon's will.

"Give impossibility to a passing dog. If some arrogant mongrel refuses to eat it, beat it until it won't die and force it to eat."

Bi Ryu-yeon spoke like a teacher instructing students.

"What does that mean?"

"It's our sect's creed. Don't worry, making the impossible possible is my specialty. Our sect members have a lot of talent and 'know-how' in that regard. Look forward to it, heh heh heh…"

Hearing Bi Ryu-yeon's strange laughter, Yoon Junho couldn't shake the ominous feeling that he was like prey being chased by a tiger. Bi Ryu-yeon's laughter had a mysterious power that made him anxious. Along with it, anxiety and fear that his future was as dark as a moonless night, with not even an inch ahead visible, enveloped his entire body. It would be proven later. That this ominous feeling was by no means mere concern…

It seemed like this matter would require some time and a step-by-step approach. So, Jang Hong decided to be patient and not get impatient. He believed it would be much more helpful for Yoon Junho.

However, if a solution couldn't be found as soon as possible—whatever that method might be—Bi Ryu-yeon might break him before Yoon Junho's skill overwhelmingly surpassed Jong Lihak and Chuga Yeon, forcing them to drink the bitter cup of defeat and pushing them into the bottomless pit of despair.

It remained to be seen whether Bi Ryu-yeon's lunch plate would be stained with blood faster, or Yoon Junho would reach a new sword realm, or his body would be modified in some way, or Jang Hong would give up first.

Yoon Junho, who had been called by various notorious names such as Huashan's underachiever, Huashan's inferior student, and backward student, and had endured all sorts of contempt and ridicule from those around him. Due to this environment and his timid, fragile heart, he had completely lost all self-confidence.

He fell into self-loathing, destroying his mind, and with the diligent efforts of those around him, his inferiority complex and self-deprecation reached even more severe levels. Such inferiority complex had become a chain that prevented him from even displaying half of his true abilities. Of course, the most fatal thing was his plum hypersensitivity…

In fact, if Bi Ryu-yeon had only wanted to make fun of Jong Lihak and Chuga Yeon, who possessed such shockingly rude and insolent personalities, he had the ability to do so as early as tomorrow. However, he thought that doing so would be too simple, trivial, and uninteresting, which was the origin of today's events.

Furthermore, although Bi Ryu-yeon didn't say it, he could immediately recognize Yoon Junho's hidden true abilities, potential, and gem-like talent. He was still a rough, unpolished stone, but he had the potential to develop into a treasure of immense value with polishing. Bi Ryu-yeon was probably the first person since Tae Sa Bu Plum Sword Immortal to recognize his hidden potential inner realm.

Moreover, the situation he was in was strange and interesting, which piqued Bi Ryu-yeon's interest. His natural disposition, which was not just free-spirited but went to extremes, was often greatly influenced by momentary changes in mood and interest.

This time too, he was enjoying himself, his eyes shining like a child who had just received a new toy. However, it was a well-known fact that his interest and irresponsible actions brought him profit and joy, while bringing immense loss and sorrow—almost despair—to others. In any case, now that Bi Ryu-yeon was interested in him, Yoon Junho's future could no longer be called smooth.

The path of fate towards Yoon Junho's future remained uneven and arduous, abandoned midway through construction due to the laziness of God and the Goddess of Fate. However, the Goddess of Fate in charge of him seemed to have no plans to resume road construction for the time being. To make matters worse, meeting Bi Ryu-yeon could be the epitome of shoddy construction on the road of fate. If so, Yoon Junho would have to live his entire life cursing the Goddess of Fate.

Having at least established their future course of action and guidelines, they decided to conclude their exchange of opinions on finding a solution. And they decided to go to bed early.

Tomorrow was the day to apply for courses for their half-year of training at Cheonmu Academy, so they had a mountain of things to do. The choice of which lectures from which masters and in which fields they took tomorrow could bring about countless changes.

So, they decided to go to bed early and accumulate strength. It was based on Jang Hong's advice that, for some reason, he felt very drained on the day of course registration. However, Jang Hong avoided mentioning the reason for that particular "reason" at all.

He thought that everyone would learn it to their fill tomorrow anyway.