Chapter 117

I was led by a person into a house in the village. Surrounding the house, there were people with white cloths wrapped around their heads.

Thinking back to the earlier mention of summoning a Taoist, I don’t think I’ll be here much longer.

So, just quietly wait inside.

The interior of the house is really nice. But traces of its inhabitant remain; judging by how clean every corner is, it’s well-maintained.

As I sat on the chair, someone presumed to be the highest-ranking figure sat across from me and ordered one of his subordinates to bring us something to drink.

Looks like they’re about to start a conversation.

“Heading to Kunlun Mountain, you said? What business brings you there?”

It’s an interrogation.

Hmm… what should I do?

There’s no reason to mess with good people. In that case, I’ll just make up a reason.

I pulled out the Makya Sword from my robes.

“This is called the Makya Sword, a treasure artifact. When infused with Qi, it generates a blade made of light and heat. Since I can’t use it, I’m planning to return it to its original place.”

I could see everyone’s gaze shift to the artifact.

“A treasure artifact, you say?”

Stammering, the man in front carefully examined the Makya Sword I had pulled out.

So, I decided to explain further.

“It’s a weapon where the light blade emerges from this part. They warned users repeatedly not to touch this area when infusing it with Qi—it can cause serious injury. Even the Taoist named Hwangbo Cheon accidentally cut himself a few times while trying to activate it.”

Since I partially retain Hwangbo Cheon’s memories, I can convincingly act like I know everything about it. My words subtly hint at something important.

Could this guy have some connection to Taoists?

This illusion will vanish when a Taoist arrives, but for now, it’s useful. The intense gazes of those looking at me have definitely softened.

“Would you like to give it a try?”

At that question, the man’s eyes widened.

Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the head of Hyungsan Sect, Yoo Dae-jeong. May I inquire about your name, young lady?”

He quickly shows proper etiquette upon seeing my interest in the weapon.

Sword enthusiasts can’t resist.

“I’m Choseol.”

With that, I handed him the artifact.

Carefully taking it, the man inspected it with great curiosity. So, I gave him a warning.

“That part—imagine flames spouting from there. Mishandling it could be fatal, so if you decide to channel your Qi, please be cautious.”

In other words, if he’s careful with that section and channels his Qi, he can use the weapon. It’s also a subtle suggestion for him to give it a try.

The man listened to my advice, stiffened his expression, and cautiously pointed the blade towards the ceiling.

And then…

Whoosh.

A bright red beam of light shot out, shorter than when Hwangbo Cheon used it, but still impressive.

“Oh!”

“So that’s the treasure artifact…”

“The Sword of Fire…”

People around who were silently observing now started murmuring their impressions.

“Would it be alright if I swung it once?”

Unfortunately, his face doesn’t show greed. He looks more like a curious child.

Ah…

What a letdown.

Since it’s not even my weapon, I nodded.

Suppressing his excitement but unable to fully contain it, Yoo Dae-jeong took the Makya Sword outside and began swinging it around.

Like in faded memories of classic space operas, the light danced around, leaving trails behind.

Everyone’s attention was completely drawn to the sword.

Among them, a few faces radiated desire, which I made sure to remember. Meanwhile, I calmly sipped my tea.

After performing an elaborate sword dance, drenched in sweat but with a cheerful smile, Yoo Dae-jeong returned and placed the Makya Sword in front of me without hesitation.

“That was quite an experience. Miss Choseol, though, this item seems too overwhelming for regular humans. How could you so easily hand over such a powerful artifact? What if I had tried to take it from you?”

I don’t intend to lie, but I can reveal only part of the truth.

“Aren’t you on the same side as the Taoists?”

Even if we’re on the same side, there’s no guarantee problems won’t arise. Humans and Immortals are, after all, fundamentally different groups.

“Young miss, it would be wise to be more suspicious of others.”

“I trust people.”

Upon my rebuttal, Yoo Dae-jeong gave a bitter smile and looked at me as if I were an unknowing child.

“If only your innocence lasts long. Well then, rest here until the Taoist arrives.”

Yoo Dae-jeong left with everyone else. As soon as they exited, people immediately bombarded him with questions about the artifact.

Even after the door closed, the faint sounds of Yoo Dae-jeong excitedly explaining his impressions of the weapon could still be heard.

I lifted the Makya Sword.

In a world like this, legendary swords captivate people. Some individuals have already fallen under its spell. Just how long can they resist?

I don’t believe everyone is morally upright.

No matter how strict the rules, among a large group, there will always be someone whose desires overpower their reason.

So, I casually strapped the Makya Sword to my waist and lay down in the room.

Even if not in this world, the Harvesting System from another realm remains, so I won’t be bored.

I’m also curious how helpful the compressed information of the One Stroke Cheonma Martial Art left by Cheonma will be. Thus, I sent the data to those who might benefit.

Compared to Eunjai’s vast memories, it’s just a tiny fragment—barely half of half of half.

How efficient will it be?

While sending it bit by bit, I wonder how good the results will turn out.

Just as I’m passing the time, the commotion outside grows louder.

They’ve taken longer than expected. Though I arrived in the village in the morning, the twilight is already visible through the window, and many people have gathered.

They’ve come.

I stood up and went back to where I had previously conversed, waiting. Not long after sitting down, a group entered the room.

But none of them carried equipment like the artifact.

Only people with white cloths wrapped around their heads—members of the Murim Alliance.

“Take this one… we’ll personally escort her to Kunlun.”

Did they immediately realize I’m connected to the Harvesting System upon seeing me? Or did someone recognize my face? Their hostility seems insufficient for such assumptions.

Beside them stands Yoo Dae-jeong, the middle-aged man I met earlier. Furrowing his brows, he questioned them.

“Director of the Five Peaks Sect. Didn’t you promise to respect the autonomy of Hyungsan Sect when we joined the alliance?”

“Sorry, but even I can’t help it. We received orders from Kunlun to transport all living prisoners directly to Kunlun, and the Murim Alliance leader accepted it.”

Both parties seem to strongly dislike Taoists.

Well, it’s understandable. Being controlled by something non-human isn’t pleasant.

“How dare Immortals meddle so deeply in human affairs…”

“Well, without the Immortals, defeating the Cheonma Cult would’ve been difficult. You didn’t witness Cheonma’s final moments, did you?”

Oh ho.

So this Director of the Five Peaks Sect was present when Cheonma died.

Given the distinctive hair color, anyone who saw the destruction or demise of the Harvesting System there would immediately recognize me.

So, I’ve been spotted.

“The image of the divine warrior described by the elders makes sense now. Now I understand why Oh Myeong-seong reacted so violently when tainted by demonic energy. Truly remarkable martial prowess.”

After saying that, the man glared at me.

“Therefore, anyone tainted by demonic energy, even slightly, must be eradicated. We cannot allow any users of demonic energy to exist again.”

The Director of the Five Peaks Sect ordered someone to escort me.

Without resistance, the men subdued me and bound me tightly with ropes.

Not bad.

They’re saving me the trouble of walking all the way there—they’re practically offering me a ride.

Besides, I don’t think I’d make it there properly anyway.

“And this must be secured properly.”

When I fell, the Makya Sword slipped out from my waist. The Director of the Five Peaks Sect picked it up.

I’m good at reading people’s expressions.

Endless memories, especially those from the worst situations, help me instantly recognize malevolent intentions.

Because these faces are what appear in moments of despair.

Yes.

His eyes gleam with desire.

Technological disparity.

Why wouldn’t someone seize the opportunity to possess something better?

Unfortunately, there’s a high chance I’ll disappear en route.

The Director of the Five Peaks Sect, being in such a prominent position under the Murim Alliance, couldn’t possibly be unaware of extracting various pieces of information from those entering Kunlun.

I witnessed the last moments of Jungjae-woo and Byung-il through their light. There were people at the scene viewing hologram-like memories extracted from souls.

Though not everyone present was an Immortal or Taoist—some were clearly astonished by the technology.

Even if this individual wasn’t there, such stories are hard to keep secret.

Still, hoping they’d drop me off somewhere nearby, I obediently followed along.

As I was dragged out, Yoo Dae-jeong looked at me sorrowfully and muttered.

“I’m sorry.”

For what exactly?

To feel guilt in a situation where I’m almost certainly a criminal… he’s far too kind-hearted.

He won’t amount to much.

“Stick to trivial matters in the mountains.”

My words visibly hurt him.

Actually, I didn’t intend to upset him.

It just sounded that way because there were so many people around.

Seeing the Director, it’s unlikely anything good will happen.

At least until reaching Kunlun, it’s better for good people to stay in good condition.

The ones I find most valuable are those who follow their own desires.

People with clear goals are a bit tricky.

I prefer those who compromise with their desires—those who won’t commit horrifying acts for their own benefit but can easily overlook minor issues.

Just that level.

I was loaded onto a rickety carriage. Quite a few people around fit that description.

Clunk.

The carriage moved.

How long will it take to reach Kunlun like this?

I rested leisurely inside the carriage.

How long will this journey last?

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