Episode 19: Escape
"Do you have any idea how valuable the Silver Essence you just gave me is?"
Jang So-cheon shook his head.
"I'm just an apothecary. I don't care much about refining materials. Now, I only have one small thing left. Should I give you that as well?"
"This is more than enough. But there's one thing I need you to promise. Can you swear that you'll learn this cultivation manual yourself and never pass it on to anyone else?"
"I swear to Heaven and Earth."
"Then make your oath first."
"Understood."
Jang So-cheon recited a long vow to Heaven and Earth, and Eun Dan-bi's expression softened a little.
She then taught Jang So-cheon a profound incantation—astonishingly, it was a secret technique that could substitute for Law Power.
"This secret is so deep that you could never master it alone. To learn it perfectly, you'll need to follow me for several months. Is that all right?"
"I don't care if it takes years. How could I expect to become strong by taking it easy?"
"Still, shouldn't you get permission first?"
"I'll be right back."
After getting Eun Dan-bi's approval, Jang So-cheon went to Gwak Mu-jin and handed him a Heaven and Earth Pouch.
"Captain! I heard from Sister Eun that there are still plenty of herbs left in the Yao Tribe's territory. This is a Heaven and Earth Pouch she gave me, and it's filled with herbs."
"Why are you giving us such precious herbs?"
"I promised to help her find a particular Spirit Herb. So, for the time being, I'll be moving with her."
"Were you threatened?"
A cold glint flashed in Gwak Mu-jin's eyes.
His look made it clear that if Jang So-cheon had been threatened, he wouldn't let it slide, no matter what.
"No, it's the opposite. I asked her for help. Please don't ask any more and just allow me to leave with her."
"Are you confident you'll come back alive?"
"Of course."
"Good. A man should have that kind of spirit. I'll explain things to the team, so don't worry and go safely."
"Thank you for trusting me."
"If I don't trust you, who will?"
"That's true."
Grinning, Jang So-cheon returned to Eun Dan-bi.
"Did things go well?"
"Yes, I got permission. By the way, where did Lady Soso go?"
"She's tracking the enemy's movements."
"I was surprised at how relaxed you seemed, even though you're trapped in the Eastern Region. Turns out you have help outside."
"Judging by how the Chang-eung Tribe hasn't shown up, something more important must have come up for them than chasing you. The Tamrang Tribe won't move for another day or two... Looks like we'll be able to rest easy tonight."
"Then, how about starting Divine Power training tonight?"
"All right. Since it's your first time, I'll just teach you the basics. What level are you in the Qi Refining Stage?"
"I'm at late 4-Star."
"I see. But how did you know you're at late 4-Star Qi Refiner?"
"When I use Divine Sight, I can vaguely sense someone's cultivation realm. I don't know the principles or how it works, though."
"So you can sense someone's realm without detecting their Spiritual Energy, Law Power, or consciousness?"
"That's what it seems like."
"I'll explain why that's possible. The reason Divine Sight can sense someone's or your own cultivation realm is because it can perceive the divinity of the Primordial Spirit or Original Shadow. By comparing that to others, you can judge roughly what level they are."
"So, it's all about perceiving divinity."
"Exactly. But it's not an absolute standard. What do you think my cultivation realm is?"
"I'm not sure. I know you're as strong as my Master, but... I can't say exactly."
"That's because I'm a Yao. But the basics are the same. If you sense someone's divinity, you won't make a big mistake in judging their realm."
"I see. How are the Yao Tribe's cultivation realms divided?"
"We have Earth Yao Level, Heaven Yao Level, and Human Yao Level. Earth Yao Level would be about the same as between Spirit Refining Stage and Void Refining Stage for humans."
"Are you an Earth Yao Level expert, Sister Eun?"
"I'm at the early stage of Earth Yao Level."
"What about Lady Soso?"
"She's still at Human Yao Level. But I think we're getting off track. Have you ever used Divine Sight to look at your Spirit Realm?"
"My Spirit Realm?"
"Yes. I'm asking if you've ever seen the Primordial Spirit in your Spirit Realm."
"I've never tried."
"Then give it a try."
"All right."
At Eun Dan-bi's words, Jang So-cheon projected his Divine Sight into his Spirit Realm.
The Spirit Realm is a conceptual space said to house the soul and spirit.
Jang So-cheon, who had already pinpointed its location, soon found his Spirit Realm.
With Divine Sight, he discovered an entity he assumed was his Primordial Spirit.
A human's soul and spirit are originally formless masses.
But when they draw in Spiritual Energy from Heavenly Origin Energy and gain Law Power, they gradually take on a human-like form—this is the Primordial Spirit.
Of course, it wasn't exactly human yet.
It didn't even have clear limbs...
It was still a vague, misty, cloud-like existence.
"Since your cultivation isn't high, your form isn't fully developed yet. As your realm and Law Power increase, you'll gradually take on a human shape... and when you reach the Void Refining Stage, you'll transform into the Original Shadow."
"Are you telling me this because of Law Power?"
"That's right. Law Power is the energy formed when the soul and spirit refine the Spiritual Energy contained in Heavenly Origin Energy. Only by increasing Law Power can you achieve Realm Advancement..."
"So, if I train Divine Power, my Realm Advancement will slow down."
"You're quick to understand. The Spiritual Energy entering your body is limited, and if you convert it into Divine Power, Law Power will naturally accumulate more slowly... Are you still willing to go through with it?"
Eun Dan-bi's words gave Jang So-cheon pause.
For a cultivator, the greatest goal was Realm Advancement.
No amount of wealth or powerful artifacts could compare to the benefits of advancing one's cultivation.
It was such an important thing—was Divine Power really worth slowing down his progress?
After careful thought, Jang So-cheon firmly conveyed his decision to Eun Dan-bi.
"Even so, I'll train Divine Power. It can enhance the effects of Elixir Pills, and all the world's mysteries are said to stem from it. I'd regret it if I didn't try."
"Good decision. I promise you won't regret it."
Once she confirmed Jang So-cheon's resolve, Eun Dan-bi began by teaching him how to sense the Spiritual Energy within Heavenly Origin Energy.
Spiritual Energy wasn't just in Heavenly Origin Energy in the sky—it was also found in Elixir Pills, Spirit Herbs, and even Spirit Fluid.
The Spiritual Energy that entered the lower dantian would separate from Spiritual Energy and be absorbed into the Spirit Realm—sensing this was the first step of training.
Next, he had to separate a portion of it before it could be transformed into Law Power, condense it into Divine Power, and gather it behind the Primordial Spirit's head like a halo—this was the process.
Finally, the training was complete when he could use the accumulated Divine Power to perform Divine Miracles.
On the first day, Eun Dan-bi only intended to teach him how to sense Spiritual Energy—but something unexpected happened.
Less than two hours into training, Jang So-cheon managed to sense Spiritual Energy.
Though startled by his rapid progress, Eun Dan-bi kept her composure and handled the situation calmly.
"Master Jang! Sensing Spiritual Energy is the most basic part of Divine Power training. The foundation is most important, so from now on, trace the flow backward and explore the principles of the world. That's all for today."
"Thank you for your guidance."
"Then I'll go get some rest. Don't overdo it—train a bit more, then get some sleep."
"Yes."
But despite her advice, Jang So-cheon ended up staying up all night.
He observed the Spiritual Energy entering his Spirit Realm, traced it through his meridians, and eventually saw even the Spiritual Energy floating in the air.
Seeing this, Eun Dan-bi advised him not to overexert himself.
After checking his progress, she instructed him to try separating a portion of the Spiritual Energy entering his Spirit Realm so it couldn't be transformed into Law Power.
Bit by bit...
After giving Jang So-cheon this difficult task, Eun Dan-bi called Soso and gave her some instructions.
She then disappeared, only to return half a day later, looking utterly exhausted.
Dragging her feet, Eun Dan-bi noticed Jang So-cheon's gaze and walked over to him.
"Did you try separating the Spiritual Energy?"
"I did."
"And how was it?"
What Eun Dan-bi wanted to hear was, 'It was very difficult.'
But the answer surprised her.
"It was a bit hard at first, but the more I did it, the easier it became. By the afternoon, I increased the amount little by little, and there were no major problems."
"Really?"
Eun Dan-bi's face hardened.
Spiritual Energy shouldn't be that easy to handle.
So she checked.
Amazingly, Jang So-cheon wasn't lying.
Eun Dan-bi stared blankly at Jang So-cheon's face.
"Are you... even human?"
"Then... am I a Yao?"
"What? Hahaha!"
Unable to believe it, Eun Dan-bi just burst out laughing, then instructed Jang So-cheon to keep practicing separating Spiritual Energy.
She also told him to try doing it while meditating on Qi Circulation.
That night.
While Jang So-cheon and Makjang were exchanging Elixir Pills and talismans, a strange noise rang out.
Chaaang!
"Ugh!"
The sound of swords clashing.
And a scream.
Sensing the enemy's attack, Gwak Mu-jin gathered the team—except for Jang So-cheon—and had them form a battle formation.
He was about to head to the entrance of the Eastern Region when Eun Dan-bi blocked his path.
"Wait a moment. That's not the way you should go."
"What do you mean?"
"You'll see if you wait just a bit."
Even after Eun Dan-bi told them to wait, the screams continued without pause.
Then, suddenly, they stopped...
Whoosh!
Soso somersaulted through the air and landed in front of Eun Dan-bi.
"Princess! The Chang-eung Tribe's warriors have chased the humans into the cave. I killed a few, but I don't know how many more there are."
"It doesn't matter. We were going to leave anyway—it's just happening a bit sooner. We're heading to the Ice Cave. Lead the way!"
"Understood."
As Soso turned and headed deeper into the Eastern Region, the humans looked at Eun Dan-bi in confusion.
Eun Dan-bi turned to Jang So-cheon and said,
"Master Jang! If the Chang-eung Tribe has entered the cave, there must be a Heavenly Net Trap near the waterfall. We need to escape through the Ice Cave at the far end of the Eastern Region."
"There's another passage inside the Eastern Region?"
"It's cleverly hidden by the Golden Restriction Formation. I went all the way to the end of the cave this morning—luckily, there was no major danger."
At Eun Dan-bi's words, Jang So-cheon looked to Gwak Mu-jin, who also said he'd head for the Ice Cave.
However,
Even after reaching the end of the Eastern Region, there was no sign of the Ice Cave Eun Dan-bi had mentioned.
Then it happened.
Eun Dan-bi waved her hand, and Formation Flags embedded themselves in the cave wall. A red energy shimmered, and a faint outline of a cave appeared.
Immediately after,
A purple light streamed from the flags, dispelling the energy that had concealed the cave.
The entrance became clear.
"Everyone, into the Ice Cave!"
As soon as Eun Dan-bi finished speaking, the group, led by Soso, dove into the cave.
Eun Dan-bi was the last to enter, holding the Formation Flags in her hand.
The cave grew colder as they went deeper.
Thick icicles hung like stalactites, and the floor was so slick with ice that it was hard to keep their footing.
It was also dark and the terrain was treacherous.
They moved forward cautiously, but then blue ghost fires appeared, making the atmosphere even eerier.
"They're just ordinary ghost fires—don't be scared."
Sanggwan Cheonse's voice tried to reassure Makjang, but suddenly, the number of ghost fires increased dramatically.
It was hard to believe so many could appear at once.
Boom!
At that moment, a massive explosion echoed, and the cave shook as if from an earthquake.
It was the sound of the Ice Cave entrance being destroyed.
Sensing that the enemies had entered the Ice Cave, Jang So-cheon's group quickened their pace.
But the pursuers were even faster.