Chapter 18
Spiritual Beings.
Beings that embody the energy of heaven and earth, possessing mysterious qualities.
Spiritual creatures—called Yeongsu or Yosu—were nearly indistinguishable from humans in many ways, and in some aspects, even possessed greater wisdom.
However, if one asked whether such spiritual beings could learn martial arts like humans, everyone would unanimously answer:
Impossible.
Martial arts were created by humans, for humans. Structurally, it simply couldn’t work.
The White Tiger was no exception.
Though a spiritual being of mountain-god caliber, it was naturally incapable of learning martial arts. Even the most extraordinary martial techniques would not change that.
Yet…
It worked.
Just as the Grim Reaper had opened my spiritual eyes, I had gifted the White Tiger a dantian—its own energy core.
I never thought this would truly be possible.
Even I hadn’t expected success.
Of course, it wasn’t easy. There were countless critical moments, failures, and repeated attempts. The pain the White Tiger must have endured is unimaginable. Likely, it felt as though its belly was being torn apart and emptied completely.
Even as its strength waned from the agony, the White Tiger endured the process to the end.
And they say glory follows hardship.
Once its dantian opened and the first cycle of the Zaha Divine Art was completed, transformation came to the White Tiger.
“D-Do-ryeon-nim! White Tiger’s fur!”
As Dongchil exclaimed in surprise, the tiger’s fur color had changed.
A violet mane.
The violet energy characteristic of the Zaha Divine Art now enveloped the White Tiger. Its black markings disappeared, replaced by the violet hue. Even its white fur now bore a subtle violet tint.
This was the result of divine energy filling the tiger’s body in place of spiritual energy.
I didn’t expect this.
The Zaha Divine Art channels not only internal energy but also divine energy. I had vaguely hoped it might absorb spiritual energy—but it didn’t. The faint spiritual energy was now completely replaced by divine energy.
This shouldn’t be a problem.
The divine energy now performed the role the spiritual energy once had. While the outcome of this change was uncertain, there seemed to be no physical harm.
At that moment, the White Tiger opened its eyes. In a flash, divine energy gleamed in them. Then, as if it had never been ill, it sprang to its feet. No longer did it appear to be a patient.
“Do-ryeon-nim! White Tiger has risen on its own!”
Dongchil shouted joyfully.
The White Tiger silently regarded Dongchil for a moment before bowing to me like a human.
Thank you. I will not forget this kindness.
I stared at the White Tiger. While it had passed the critical point, it was unclear whether its situation was truly better than before. Its long-cultivated spiritual energy was gone, replaced by divine energy—a much smaller quantity than it had originally possessed.
Yet the flow of this new energy was incomparable. One thing was certain: it was alive. There were no longer any visible numbers hovering over it.
How the White Tiger would accept this was another matter.
It might not realize its own transformation yet.
So I explained honestly through mental communication:
You have essentially lost all your previous spiritual energy. You must start over—from the beginning—with divine energy, not spiritual energy.
Anyone would be shocked to hear that the results of a lifetime of cultivation had vanished.
Yet the White Tiger lifted its head and shook it.
If I had been able to complete my cultivation earlier, I would have. So starting over from the beginning is not regrettable. I am grateful to you for giving me the chance to start anew.
It seemed I had underestimated the White Tiger. It was far stronger and more resilient than I had imagined. Even letting out a small smile, it conveyed that this was no empty boast.
When it growled suddenly, Dongchil was startled and choked a little, but otherwise, the mood remained pleasant.
“You’re so sensitive, yet you even choked at a single laugh.”
“I-I just swallowed wrong.”
“Even so, the timing was perfect.”
Dongchil blushed and had no retort. Interestingly, the White Tiger seemed to side with Dongchil.
It’s my fault. That child did nothing wrong.
Oh? Look at that.
Then what about the cost of making Dongchil cry and choking him with surprise?
I will accept that as well.
It seemed the bond wasn’t just with Dongchil. The White Tiger had its own plans.
In that case, I should visit the house of my benefactor.
“Why there?”
There is something modest I wish to give you.
I realized that I had accidentally bought a house for the White Tiger at Jangsaengwon. A statue. There seemed to be something inside it.
Though curious, I felt it was too soon to send it over. The White Tiger had just risen.
Its body isn’t fully recovered yet, so we can go slowly. It’s not urgent. I could even send someone else.
The White Tiger shook its head slowly.
I am grateful for your consideration, but I do not wish to delay. It is something I must do myself, rather than entrust to others.
Its steadfastness was clear.
If you insist… then go ahead.
Thank you for understanding.
With a nod of gratitude, the White Tiger rose. Seeing its violet mane, a sudden thought crossed my mind.
Should it continue to be called White Tiger?
As if reading my thoughts:
When I return, I would like to ask you something.
“What is it?”
Could you give me a new name?
“…I’ll need to think about that.”
The White Tiger bowed and dashed out the door. Dongchil, who had been watching, asked in surprise:
“Where are you going? You just stood up… Could it be—”
“Not leaving. Just heading briefly to Jangsaengwon.”
“Oh, I see.”
Dongchil relaxed, then glanced at me. As always, he quickly understood: he wanted to follow the White Tiger.
Though it might be difficult for him to catch up, I had something for him to do anyway.
I smiled and nodded:
“You go to Jangsaengwon too. Bring the items I mentioned from the warehouse on the way.”
“Understood!”
Dongchil nodded eagerly and ran off.
This is worth saving.
Whether it was truly worth it would take time to see.
I left the room as well. After using divine energy properly, I wanted to feel the wind. The river breeze today had been refreshing, and as if to reward me, a cool, even chilly, wind blew at just the right time.
Following its direction, I saw the Grim Reaper Sahun standing there.
“It’s unusual to see a Grim Reaper during the day, but the cool breeze is pleasant.”
Sahun gave a faint smile.
Then I suppose I should stay nearby even when there’s no work.
We were joking comfortably now—things felt easier after a few days. I smiled in return.
“Is there any issue with saving the White Tiger?”
I wondered why Sahun appeared. Surely not just to let me enjoy the breeze. The only reason could be saving the White Tiger. Yet Sahun shook his head and began to tell me something I didn’t know:
That tiger is a rather famous spiritual being among Grim Reapers.
“Really?”
Yes. Its name is in the ledger. Grim Reapers have sought it out multiple times, but each time, it defied its destined death.
“Impressive. No wonder it’s famous.”
Those who reach exceptional power sometimes defy their allotted lifespan—but only once or twice. Each defiance requires tremendous effort and suffering, as the heavens ordained.
And yet it has survived such harsh paths until now.
It was clear the White Tiger had lived fiercely. Perhaps its survival wasn’t mere coincidence—from acquiring the statue to being saved by me.
I glanced at the sky. Maybe it held the answers. But, as always, it remained silent.
I chuckled at Sahun. But he looked away and continued talking:
The White Tiger will do well. Even the Grim Reapers recognize its tenacity.
I agreed, but wondered why Sahun brought this up now.
Does he want to ask me something else?
Like the White Tiger and I met through fate, Sahun’s visit must have a reason. I was curious what words he hid in his heart.
“So… what is it you really want to say?”
Sahun hesitated, then spoke unexpectedly:
Could you teach me the same thing you taught the White Tiger?
In other words…
“You want me to pass on the Zaha Divine Art?”
The Grim Reaper wanted to become my disciple.
Conclusion: I refused Sahun’s request.
The White Tiger and a Grim Reaper were different. The tiger was unaffiliated, its life at risk. A Grim Reaper had allegiance—disturbing one would mean disturbing Yama. Success would be nice, but failure could be catastrophic. Sahun accepted my decision, leaving me uneasy.
He desires the Zaha Divine Art while being able to handle the underworld’s energy…
I had no idea why he wanted it. I’d have to ask later.
Meanwhile, other matters awaited:
“Young Master, the retainers are uneasy.”
Without news of the ominous forces or a funeral, some were nervous. Rumors even claimed I might execute the Geumdanmok and waste time. Predictable, but not a real problem.
The true issue emerged elsewhere:
“Young Master, people from the Cheongun Diplomatic Bureau came to see us!”
