Not long after I started learning martial arts, I once asked Grandfather Mandok Shingun a question.
「“Grandfather, why is it that martial artists rarely use armor or shields?
Our Tang Clan’s hidden weapons wouldn’t be very effective against armored opponents, would they?”
“Hmm... Since you weren’t originally a martial artist, that’s a reasonable thought. Then, shall I explain today? The reason why martial artists avoid armor and shields...”」
According to Grandfather Mandok Shingun, martial artists had one simple reason for not using armor or shields.
Qi (Energy).
Even at the level of One Cycle, a martial artist could infuse their weapon with Qi, allowing them to cut through steel or unleash sword energy a couple of tis.
And at the Peak Stage, they could freely wield sword energy as they pleased.
That was why they had no need for armor or shields.
Regular materials, even steel, were easily sliced apart by sword energy.
Depending on their martial arts techniques, warriors could extend their Qi into forms like axes, spears, or even fists, making their attacks highly versatile.
For that reason, martial artists didn’t dwell on armor or shields, nor did they fear them.
They believed that by simply advancing their cultivation, they could render such defenses aningless.
Even the Tang Clan, which specialized in hidden weapons, could infuse Qi into their throwing weapons, making them powerful enough to pierce through armor.
Moreover, those who had mastered external martial arts could surround their skin with Qi, making their bodies harder than armor itself.
Thus, armor and shields held little value in their world.
However, there was one known armor that could completely withstand all of the Tang Clan’s Qi-infused weapons—
It was none other than the Living Armor.
The Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion.
Its hardened shell was said to be as solid as a rock that had been reforged for ten thousand years, giving it its na.
According to Hwayang, this creature boasted an absolute defense against Qi-infused attacks.
I couldn’t confirm the truth myself, but that was the information Hwayang had.
It was recorded in the (Forr) Secret Compendium of Venomous Beasts.
Cho and Bini’s fur-covered shells were tough enough to prevent cuts or injuries, but at least they could be cut by a blade.
Of course, even using Qi, it would take imnse effort to cut through them.
But the Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion?
It was said that Qi-based attacks couldn’t penetrate it at all.
Furthermore, it possessed a unique venom called Petrifying Poison, which turned affected areas into solid stone.
“A Venom Dragon with absolute defense... and a deadly poison? That’s fascinating.”
And, of course, it was one of the Ten Venom Dragons.
“...As I said, the Ten-Thousand-Year Stone Armored Scorpion is known to be impervious to sword energy or Qi-based attacks.”
“Wow! That’s amazing.”
“Yes, but where in the world did you find it? The Ten Venom Dragons aren’t exactly common... Every ti you leave, you sohow manage to bring back one.”
“Haha... Well, I closed my eyes for a mont, and when I opened them, it was just there.”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
I wasn’t lying—I was just stating the truth.
But judging by Hwayang’s expression, he wasn’t convinced at all.
As I listened to Hwayang’s explanation and admired the scorpion, Sister Seol shot a stern glare.
“You think this is the ti to be happy? You look like you’re having the ti of your life! You have a hole big enough for Hyang to crawl into on your side!
What? Do you plan on «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» carrying her inside your body from now on?”
“...”
I imdiately shut my mouth and averted my gaze.
After being found by Hwayang, we had arrived at the border between the desert and the barren lands.
I was receiving ergency treatnt in the shade of a valley where the cliffs provided so cover.
And for good reason—
My condition was absolutely terrible.
“Hold still.”
“Gah!”
“You have to endure it. I need to tie this tightly.”
“No, I can’t breathe!”
“So-ryong, you need to endure it. Otherwise, you’ll start bleeding again.”
“S-Sister Seol, may I tend to So-ryong’s wounds instead? I used to work in the Military dicine Hall.”
“...Huh?”
Seol flinched at Taehwa’s suggestion before quickly nodding in relief.
She had stepped up since I was injured, but truth be told, she wasn’t exactly skilled in first aid.
From my experience treating animals in my past life, I could tell—her technique was rough at best.
All she and Hwayang had done so far was apply Golden Wound Balm over the stone fragnt on my side and wrap up in bandages... and even that was poorly done.
‘Note to self: Never let Seol or Hwayang handle first aid again.’
“Then, please take care of him. Thank you.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
Taehwa carefully took over from Seol and examined my wounds.
He cleansed the area, applied fresh Golden Wound Balm, and wrapped the wound in clean bandages.
After finishing, he spoke with a worried expression.
“Thankfully, your internal organs weren’t pierced, but this is a severe injury.
We can only do so much here—you need to head to the Military dicine Hall imdiately.
You have internal injuries, and your body is in a state of complete shock.
Your ridians also need to stabilize.”
“Seriously... I can’t catch a break.”
According to his diagnosis, my side had been pierced, my internal organs were slightly displaced, and several key ridian points were damaged.
That wasn’t all.
I had internal injuries from being dragged and slamd against the ground, and my Qi pathways were overstrained from pushing my energy to the absolute limit.
The major ridian points had begun recovering due to my contract with Cheongwol, but if it hadn’t been for Cheongwol’s Petrifying Poison blocking the bleeding, I would have already been dead.
Even so, my injuries were severe.
According to Taehwa, I would need months to fully recover.
As he continued explaining, I noticed Sister Seol and Hwayang’s eyes widening more and more.
Taehwa, seeing their reactions, quickly reassured them.
“But don’t worry. If you really captured the Wind Tunnel raised by the Five Venoms Sect, then our Military Hall is greatly indebted to you.
To repay that debt, I’ll personally request the Inner Martial Healing Technique from the elders of the Military dicine Hall.
As a senior disciple of the Military Hall, I cannot ignore this.”
“Really?”
“Yes, Elder Seol.”
“Then let’s go! Right now!”
I had no choice but to head to the Military Hall.
Receiving the Inner Martial Healing Technique was crucial—without it, I might suffer permanent aftereffects.
And even if the Military Hall wasn’t famous for it, I still had to go.
Sister Seol’s eyes were scary as hell.
After what happened with Hwayang, I had promised not to get into any more reckless situations.
But first, I went looking for Hongdan, and now this?
No wonder she looked pissed.
Hwayang, on the other hand, seed like he had already given up on lecturing .
“We deeply appreciate this favor, Taehwa.”
“Thank you.”
Taehwa waved his hand dismissively at Hwayang and as we thanked him.
“No need for thanks. Now that the man-eating Venom Dragon is gone, we’re the ones who are truly indebted.”
With that, we once again climbed onto Cheongwol and set off toward the Military Hall.
Seol and Hwayang, who were riding with , soon turned to with expectant expressions.
“Now that you’re stable, explain everything in detail. Earlier, we were too focused on treating your wounds to pay attention.”
“That’s right, So-ryong. I didn’t get to hear everything earlier. What exactly happened?”
It seed that, in their urgency to tend to my injuries, they hadn’t fully processed what I had told them.
Well, I had kept my explanation brief at the ti.
After adjusting the loosened bandages while lying back on Cheongwol’s slow-moving back, I decided to recount everything in detail.
“Alright. First, when I was dragged off by the Wind Tunnel, I ended up in the middle of the desert. The mont I arrived, a fight broke out between and the Wind Tunnel.
Hyang and I got bitten in the process, and then... that woman appeared. But—”
As I carefully explained everything that had happened, Seol and Hwayang suddenly gasped in shock when I reached the part about the hidden secret of the Five Venoms Rogue Sect.
“That woman was in the human realm?!”
“She was turning people into elixirs?!”
Even the Five Dragon Peaks and Taehwa, who had been listening nearby, turned to with wide eyes.
It was an unbelievable revelation.
“So-ryong, is that really true?”
“So-ryong, are you certain about this?”
“Yes. I tried to convince her to escape, but an assassin from the Five Venoms Sect appeared and stabbed in the side.
Right at that mont, Cheongwol appeared and saved both and Hyang.
I think she even dropped her Petrifying Poison on my wound to stop the bleeding... and because of that, it seems like she beca linked to through Beast Heart Art.
It must have activated unconsciously.”
— Grrrr.
This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.
At the ntion of Beast Heart Art, Cheongwol let out a low, displeased growl.
I awkwardly patted her head.
“S-Sorry...”
She was still unhappy about being bound by Beast Heart Art despite her attempts to help .
But what could I do?
She was already mine.
***
— Whistle!
On the way to the Military Hall, Taehwa stepped into the grasslands and let out a long whistle.
A similar whistle echoed back from the sky.
— Whistle!
Soon, a hawk swiftly descended toward us.
— Flap! Flap!
“Ack! It’s Eung!”
Seol imdiately brightened at the sight of the hawk.
As soon as Taehwa raised his arm to let it land, Seol jumped off Cheongwol’s back to take a closer look.
“So, you use hawks here too? The ones in the north are smaller. But why a hawk?”
“I need to send word that an injured person is arriving, and we also can’t let the Five Venoms Sect and Blood Cult go unchecked.
I’ll be sending a ssage to the elders left behind in Gonghwa and to our main hall.”
At Taehwa’s words, Seol’s expression darkened slightly, and she nodded.
“...That’s right. We drove them away for now because of So-ryong’s injuries, but we can’t just let them go.
My little brother got hurt because of them.”
Even though my injuries had forced them to retreat, she couldn’t forgive them.
Thinking back, we had discovered what they were experinting on and uncovered an even bigger secret.
However, since the Wind Tunnel was already ant to arrive, we hadn’t been able to completely foil their plans.
It had been a reconnaissance mission, not an assault, which left an unsatisfying feeling.
Taehwa, noticing her mood, gave a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry. Eliminating them is our Military Hall’s duty.
Now that they’ve entered Cheongwol, they’re in our territory.
They’ve troubled us for months—it’s ti for them to suffer.”
“...That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”
With that, Taehwa tied the prepared letter to the hawk and released it.
As we continued toward the Military Mountain, we encountered more disciples from the Military Hall and nomadic warriors moving in the opposite direction.
n exuding killing intent surged forward, ready for battle.
For days, we traveled past countless groups like them until we finally arrived at the foot of Military Mountain, marking the entrance to the Military Hall.
Just as I dismounted from Cheongwol’s back, sothing unexpected happened—
Cheongwol imdiately turned around and started walking away.
She had barely set down before she began heading back the way we had co.
It was as if she intended to leave behind and return on her own.
“Cheongwol, where are you going?”
Hearing my voice, she turned her head slightly.
— Grrr.
She was going ho.
I was taken aback and hurried to ask her.
“Ho? You’re not coming with ?”
— Grrr.
That was her answer.
I had assud that registering her with Beast Heart Art would make her completely mine, but this...
This had never happened before.
As I pondered what was going on, only one possibility ca to mind.
‘Could it be... her habitat?’
Looking at her massive, desert-adapted body, it made sense.
She was a scorpion, after all.
Maybe she was drawn to the hot desert because it was her natural environnt.
That was when Seol approached and suggested sothing.
“So-ryong, try channeling your Beast Heart Art’s energy into Cheongwol.”
“You an infusing her with my Qi?”
“Yes.”
Following her advice, I gathered my Beast Heart Art’s energy and reached out to Cheongwol.
But the mont my hand touched her—
It was repelled, as if bouncing off a spring.
— Grrr?
Both Cheongwol and I looked at each other in surprise.
Seeing this, Seol let out a small sigh and shook her head.
“Hmm... I see.”
“...What? Seol, is sothing wrong?”
Seol was usually cheerful, so seeing her serious like this made uneasy.
I tensed as she nodded and explained.
“Well... It’s not exactly bad, but this happens sotis.
Simply put, she’s too strong for you to control.”
“...What?”
“In Beast Martial Arts, we sotis encounter this with creatures like tigers or elephants.
If the beast is stronger than the master, they may reject the bond, even if they’re registered under Beast Heart Art.”
“...Then what do I do?”
“You need to beco stronger.”
I had just gained a massive, armored scorpion, and now I was about to lose her?
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