LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 60
Transformation (換骨奪胎).
This term used in Daoism in China refers to the process where a human sheds their former self to become an immortal.
Changing of Bones (換骨).
Changing the bones.
Changing of Skin (奪胎).
Changing the skin.
“Huh? A shaman is undergoing transformation, not just an ordinary warrior?”
Originally used only in the alchemical practices of Daoism, this expression spread widely with the emergence of a powerful warrior so formidable that he became a legendary figure in history. Over time, it settled into the meaning of ‘the phenomenon experienced during the process of surpassing humanity as a warrior.’ This was also a consequence of the alchemical practices being demoted from magical arts meant for achieving immortality to mere pharmacology and medicine, as martial arts became systematically established, providing methods for humans to physically transcend their limits.
There are several conditions for this transformation, but three stand out in particular.
And…
“No. That’s not transformation.”
Jinseong did not meet any of those criteria.
“Neither his bones changed, nor did he shed any skin, and there’s no sign of genetic alteration.”
The phenomenon of transformation.
To be precise, the visible changes from transformation can be categorized into three distinct types.
First, the skeletal structure changes.
A person undergoing transformation morphs into a skeleton optimized for the martial arts they practice. It doesn’t just involve growing taller but results in genuine alterations to the skeletal structure. The number of bones may increase or decrease, and even the number of joints can change, with the size and shape of the bones themselves transforming dramatically. Not to mention, the strength of the skeletal system is enhanced to such an extent that ordinary metals cannot even scratch it.
Second, the shedding of skin.
Like creatures with exoskeletons or scales, the skin is shed. After shedding, the individual gains muscles and skin optimized for their practiced martial arts.
Lastly, genetic alteration.
This has only been understood in modern times, but a warrior who undergoes transformation experiences genetic changes—very positive ones for the warrior. Existing genetic defects vanish, and their body alters to optimize for the martial arts they practice. Furthermore, these genetic changes are quite radical, inevitably manifesting in external appearance.
For instance, tail growth or elongated fangs signifies a beast-like transformation. The blood might turn blue, or new organs may appear, reflecting environmental adaptations. Lastly, they might develop exoskeletons or scales, showcasing mutated forms.
Yet, from Jinseong, rising from the flames, no such changes were apparent.
Instead, only the waste was expelled from his body, and the charred skin from the fire gradually returned to normal. This would be better described as a detox using special abilities rather than transformation itself. A radical and dangerous detox, but detox all the same.
The commander, suppressing his astonishment, closely observed the processes unfolding within Jinseong’s body.
“The burns are healing, and all the toxins inside are being expelled. His internal organs are probably regenerating too. The powerful regenerative effects and toxin elimination lead to a pure body…”
It was as if he were purifying himself.
As pure as a newborn babe, untouched by the filth of the world.
“Purifying oneself… Hmm. That sounds good in theory, but…”
The commander licked his lips as if tempted and gazed toward the altar.
Becoming pure had numerous advantages.
For example, in the case of wizards, using mana might become slightly easier, and for warriors, physical performance would improve while some martial techniques might see heightened efficiency. For witches, their physical age would drastically reduce.
Additionally, as the body cleanses itself, it’s only natural that lifespan extends too.
In that moment, a thought fleetingly crossed his mind—wondering if he too could experience similar benefits by jumping into the flames.
But he quickly shook his head.
“…I wouldn’t want to endure the agony of my body burning away for that.”
He lacked Jinseong’s courage to douse himself in oil and leap into the flames.
In fact, entering that fire might not be courage at all.
Becoming a human bonfire just for a bit more lifespan—now, that’s not courage; it’s madness! Madness indeed, the kind that would make even seasoned mercenaries, who had seen their fair share of crazed individuals on the battlefield, shake their heads in disbelief.
“That employer is insane. They say shamans are either eccentric or madmen.”
And as if to affirm his judgment, a booming laugh rang out.
“Hahahahaha!”
Jinseong emerged from the flames, laughing like a madman.
After laughing for a while, he suddenly grabbed the floating shamaness and lifted her into the air.
Then he beckoned to Rise.
“What is the employer planning now?”
The mercenary’s eyes flickered with curiosity, but seemingly deciding it wasn’t his business, he averted his gaze.
“I suppose I should get back to the torture.”
In the direction he looked, there was a priest with blood splattered all over him, glaring wide-eyed.
* * *
“Come here.”
Rise could barely keep her wits about her.
It was terrifying enough that Jinseong stormed the shrine with mercenaries and set it ablaze, but she had an important role to play herself. She had used her divine power to subdue the warriors and even brought the shrine’s divine body into Jinseong’s possession. Just that alone was overwhelming…
“Just now, just now…”
The person she had sworn to dedicate everything to suddenly ignited a fire on the altar, poured oil on himself, and jumped right in. And not only was the fire instantaneous, but it roared to life, as if it had been waiting to devour the oil he poured over himself.
Even more horrifying was that her enhanced sight, amplified by her divine power, bore witness to Jinseong’s skin melting and burning away.
To see someone—let alone the one she pledged to serve—being burned alive was a nightmare come true. Not just any nightmare, but far worse than those torturous dreams Seitani had inflicted upon her!
And yet, as Jinseong burned, he suddenly seemed to emerge with a pure body, lifting Narumi into the air. It seemed he had no intention of covering himself, appearing entirely naked as he called her.
“What the…”
What on earth is this?
Rise felt her head spinning in confusion.
Assault, arson, nudity, execution, and duplication…
“Rise.”
Amidst all the jumbled words swirling in her mind, she heard her name called once more. The voice pierced her thoughts, snapping her back to clarity.
“Right. Whatever it is, I just need to follow… just follow.”
Recalling her thoughts from within the tent, she approached Jinseong.
But she couldn’t help but notice his body, surprisingly muscular for a shaman.
“Now, Rise. I have a gift for you.”
“What’s this gift?”
Jinseong sat on the blazing altar, locking eyes with Rise.
“Before that, I have a question.”
He paused for a moment before speaking.
“What would you like to happen to this shamaness?”
The question of what she wanted to happen.
She instinctively felt that her answer would determine Narumi’s fate.
Rise turned her gaze to Narumi.
That unlikable face.
A vulpine visage and a cunning personality.
“Kishimoto Narumi… the person who ostracized and shunned me among our peers since childhood.”
As Rise looked at Narumi’s face, memories of all the irritating experiences she’d endured came flooding back.
The time she was brought into the woods only for Narumi to leave her behind.
How Narumi interfered whenever Rise attempted to befriend another shaman.
The time they prepared meals together, and they left her portion out entirely.
The time they created a group chat among themselves, excluding her.
The countless instances when they completely ignored her, treating her like a ghost.
The one who had subjected her to harassment that went far beyond mere teasing.
‘…What do I want to happen to her?’
The orchestrator of all her childhood annoyances stood right before her.
The shrine, the clan, the power, the divine energy.
All the conditions that had once prevented Rise from retaliating were stripped away, leaving Narumi—floating there like poorly prepared food ingredients—before her eyes.
If Rise merely expressed her desire to dispose of her, she could immediately wipe her from existence, as trivial as that.
Rise deliberated.
She contemplated how to deal with the loathsome person before her,
and then picked up her pen to jot down a response in her memo.
“Please spare her life.”
Jinseong looked at her with surprise.
“Though it seems like an ill-fated relationship, you ask to spare her life?”
“She’s annoying, but she doesn’t seem to have committed a crime worthy of death.”
“Well done.”
Jinseong stood up and seized Narumi by her hair.
“So be it. I will ensure this offering can keep her life intact.”
Saying this, he set Narumi’s body ablaze with flames from his hand.