Transformation (換骨奪胎).
The term, used in Chinese Taoism, refers to the process of shedding one’s prenatal state to become an immortal.
換骨 (Changing of Bones).
One changes their bones.
奪胎 (Shedding of Skin).
One sheds their skin.
“Transformation? A Shaman underwent Transformation, not a Warrior?”
Initially, this expression was only used in Taoist alchemy, but it became widely known when a remarkably powerful warrior appeared and was recorded in history. Over time, it came to signify the phenomenon experienced by warriors in the process of transcending humanity.
This also occurred as alchemy, once a secret art for attaining immortality, was downgraded to mere pharmacology and medicine. Simultaneously, the establishment of martial arts provided methods for humans to surpass their physical limitations.
The conditions for Transformation are numerous, but most notably, there are three.
And…
“No, that’s not Transformation.”
Jinseong didn’t meet any of the three criteria.
“His bones haven’t changed, no shedding of skin has occurred, and there’s no sign of genetic mutation.”
The phenomenon of Transformation.
More precisely, the three visible changes one can observe with the naked eye after Transformation.
First, the skeleton changes.
A person undergoing Transformation transforms into a skeleton optimized for their martial art. It’s more than just growing taller; the very bones reshape themselves. The number of bones may increase or decrease, joints may multiply, and the size of bones alters.
Not only that, the skeleton hardens to an immense degree, becoming impervious to even the sharpest metals.
Second, shedding of the outer layer.
Like creatures with exoskeletons or scales, one sheds their outer layer, gaining muscles and skin optimized for their martial art.
Lastly, a genetic change.
Though discovered in modern times, individuals who undergo Transformation experience genetic alteration, highly beneficial to warriors. All genetic flaws vanish, and the body adjusts to optimize their practiced martial art. These genetic changes tend to manifest visibly.
Such changes include regrowing ancestral features like tails or elongated fangs.
Environmental adaptions such as blue blood or new organs.
Mutations like the growth of an exoskeleton or scales.
However, none of these changes were visible in Jinseong, emerging from the flames.
The only observable process was the elimination of toxins from his body, and the burnt skin regenerating. This was less a case of Transformation and more an ultra-effective, albeit dangerous, detoxification using special abilities.
The head of the group calmed his astonishment and carefully observed the process unfolding in Jinseong’s body.
“The burns on his skin are healing, and all the toxins inside are being expelled. His internal organs are likely regenerating too. It’s a powerful detoxification, cleansing his body and restoring it to a pristine condition…”
As if returning to the purity of an infant’s body, untouched by filth.
“Making the body pure… Hmm. Definitely beneficial…”
The head of the group licked his lips, his eyes fixed on the altar.
Being purified could bring many advantages. For example, a wizard might use mana more efficiently, warriors could experience enhanced physical performance and improved martial efficacy, witches could drastically reduce their physical age. Moreover, the clean body would likely extend one’s lifespan.
For a moment, he wondered if stepping into the flames would have the same effect on him.
But he quickly shook his head.
“…I lack the courage to endure the burning pain.”
He didn’t possess Jinseong’s bravery to douse himself in oil and leap into the fire.
Or rather, perhaps it wasn’t bravery at all.
To willingly subject oneself to such agony in exchange for a longer life might not be courage but madness—so beyond imagination that even seasoned mercenaries who had seen all sorts of madness would be astonished.
“The employer is insane. Shamans must truly be either geniuses or madmen.”
As if confirming his thoughts, a loud voice echoed.
“Hahahahaha!”
Jinseong, emerging from the flames, laughed like a madman. After laughing for some time, he suddenly grabbed the unconscious shamaness, levitating her in the air, and beckoned Rise.
“What’s our employer planning now?”
The mercenary, whose eyes flashed with curiosity upon witnessing this, soon decided it wasn’t his place to question and turned away.
“There’s still torture to finish.”
In the corner, a Shinto priest, bloodied and glaring, awaited his doom.
*
“Come here.”
Rise couldn’t comprehend the situation at all.
Jinseong, accompanied by mercenaries, setting fire to the shrine and attacking it was already horrifying enough. Worse, Rise herself had been entrusted with critical tasks. Using divine power, she subdued the warriors and handed over the sacred relic to Jinseong. That alone was enough to nearly drive her mad.
“Earlier… Just now…”
The person she had pledged everything to suddenly lit the altar on fire, drenched himself in oil, and stepped into the flames. And if that wasn’t enough, his oiled body ignited instantly. Worst of all, her enhanced eyes witnessed his skin melting and roasting.
Watching the person she served roast alive was nightmarish. Worse than just a nightmare; it was a horrifying, lifelong traumatizing experience surpassing even the torments inflicted by Seitani.
Yet, from the flames emerged a cleansed Jinseong who, with no thought for modesty, levitated Narumi in the air before summoning Rise while fully naked.
“What… What is this?”
Rise felt her head spinning.
Assault, arson, nudity, execution, self-immolation…
“Rise.”
As Rise struggled with countless disordered thoughts, his voice called her name again. The clear tone pierced her ears, snapping her out of her daze.
“Right. No matter what… I just need to follow him. That’s all.”
Recalling her earlier resolve in the tent, she stepped forward toward Jinseong.
Her eyes couldn’t help but linger on his surprisingly muscular body for a shaman.
“Here, Rise. I have a gift for you.”
“A gift?”
Jinseong sat cross-legged on the burning altar and met Rise’s gaze.
“Before the gift, though, I have a question.”
He paused briefly before speaking.
“What do you want to happen to this shamaness?”
With that question, Rise realized her answer would decide Narumi’s fate.
She looked at Narumi.
The mischievous face.
The fox-like face with fox-like personality traits.
“Kishimoto Narumi… The one who isolated and ostracized me during gatherings since childhood.”
Memories of her childhood flooded back to Rise.
Being tricked into the forest and ditched there.
Getting disrupted every time she tried befriending other shamans.
Having food portions withheld during group meals.
Being excluded from group chats.
Being completely ignored and treated as nonexistent.
Actions that crossed the line from innocent pranks to bullying.
“So… What do you want to happen?”
Rise now faced the mastermind of years of aggravation, right in front of her.
Divine power, clan influence, authority—all the barriers that once prevented her from retaliating were now gone. Narumi floated before her like a well-prepared ingredient, completely under her control. She had the power to erase her from existence with a single word, reducing her to a mere speck of insignificance.
Rise hesitated.
What should she do with this despicable person?
And she picked up her pen and wrote her response in the notebook.
“Please spare her life.”
Jinseong looked at her, surprised.
“An ill-fated relationship, yet you wish to spare her life?”
“Irritating as she is, she hasn’t committed any sins worthy of death.”
“Very well.”
He stood up, grabbed Narumi by her hair, and said,
“So it shall be. This offering’s life shall be spared.”
And with that, he ignited flames with his hand, setting Narumi ablaze.
