Chapter 251 – Mount Hua Has Fist Demon (1)

Dam Ho put a Life-Saving Poison Pill in Cho Yeon-woon's mouth and stood up. The medicinal effects of the Life-Saving Poison Pill, carefully made by the Great Divine Doctor Jong, were truly remarkable, immediately bringing life back to Cho Yeon-woon's face.

"Brother!"

Bang Jin-bo and Muk Il-gwang, who had quietly followed behind Dam Ho, quickly tended to Cho Yeon-woon's wounds and stopped the bleeding. But no one in the scene paid attention to them.

Their gazes were all focused on Dam Ho alone. Dam Ho's presence as a person made it so.

They wanted to look away but couldn't. An ominous feeling that something terrible would happen the moment they took their eyes off Dam Ho dominated their entire bodies.

Though numerous warriors' gazes were focused on him, Dam Ho didn't even give them a glance as he looked around Mount Hua.

The spring Mount Hua he remembered was very beautiful. It was full of greenery, and plum blossoms blooming everywhere made people exclaim in admiration. Though he had been gone for over ten years, that sight was still vivid in his eyes. But the sight before his eyes now was completely different from his memories.

The lush forest had been brutally destroyed, and flames and smoke were rising everywhere. Blood spilled by many had stained Mount Hua red, and the smell of blood was overwhelming the spring plum blossom fragrance.

He had no attachment to Mount Hua. He had almost no good memories here. But his master was different. He had loved Mount Hua more than anyone.

The Mount Hua his master loved was being brutally trampled by the Demon Cult, and his only friend was lying in a sea of blood groaning. That fact made him angry.

Dam Ho's eyes became desolate. At that moment, people nearby felt a chill and their bodies trembled.

That's when Sang Han-cheon, who had been just watching Dam Ho until now, stepped forward.

"Are you Fist Demon?"

"…"

"I suppose you are. I heard you didn't have much affection for Mount Hua, but I guess that's not true."

Sang Han-cheon's eyes shone coldly.

Dam Ho's entire body was bright red as if bathed in blood. It meant he had killed many to get here.

'Even after sending Deung Cheon-so and Jin Hye-won, and even the Blood Dark Squad, they were all annihilated?'

Sang Han-cheon finally admitted he had been thinking of Dam Ho too lightly.

'If they were annihilated even after sending two of the Seven Great Demon Masters and the Blood Dark Squad, this one's martial power is equal to or greater than the Four Generals…'

Turbulence rose in Sang Han-cheon's eyes.

The Four Generals were called the strongest warriors even in the Demon Cult. Considering that the Black and White Masters, who could be called the Cult Leader's wings, rarely engaged in external activities, he essentially possessed martial power equal to the Demon Cult's actual strongest force.

"I don't know how Mount Hua produced a warrior like you. You're too fierce for the Murim Alliance to embrace. So they can't help but find you burdensome."

Sang Han-cheon extended his hand. Dam Ho stared at that hand. A smile appeared on Sang Han-cheon's lips.

"Mount Hua is too narrow for you to stay. As long as he exists, the Murim Alliance will never embrace you. Rather, join our sect. We'll overlook all damage you've caused us until now, so spread your wings wide in our sect."

His voice was very soft but strangely clear to the ears.

The moment they heard Sang Han-cheon's voice, many thought Dam Ho would follow his words. There was no reason. They just had such a feeling.

Dam Ho stared at the hand Sang Han-cheon extended.

A smooth white hand without any calluses. Looking at just the hand, it could be mistaken for a lady's delicate hand.

If he took Sang Han-cheon's extended hand, all sorts of wealth and glory would follow. Everyone present knew this fact.

Just as everyone was swallowing dry saliva while looking back and forth between Dam Ho and Sang Han-cheon.

Bang!

Suddenly thunder rang out in the clear sky.

"Ugh!"

Sang Han-cheon was staggering backward. His neat hair was disheveled and flying, and blood had drained from his face.

Corpses had appeared before Sang Han-cheon's eyes. They were Military Department warriors who always guarded him.

They had been carefully watching Dam Ho's movements by Sang Han-cheon's side. The moment Dam Ho moved, they had thrown their bodies to block in front of Sang Han-cheon.

Thanks to them, Sang Han-cheon barely saved his life, but the warriors who had thrown their bodies were rolling on the ground in horrible states.

"Madman!"

Sang Han-cheon trembled.

He had heard this was a madman who wouldn't listen to any dialogue, but even he hadn't expected an attack without warning.

Dam Ho's attack didn't end there.

Pat!

The Charging Step was unleashed.

At the end of the shortest distance between two points was Sang Han-cheon.

Dam Ho's target was Sang Han-cheon's head. His Fortress-Breaking Kick was unleashed toward his head.

A flash of fear appeared momentarily on Sang Han-cheon's face. Other Military Department warriors rushed to save him but couldn't be faster than Dam Ho.

Clang!

"Kuhk!"

A stifled groan flowed out.

Sang Han-cheon didn't die. Because a white figure had suddenly blocked in front of him.

White hair, white eyebrows. Even his pupils and skin were white. He was a man who looked surreal because of it.

The man who blocked Dam Ho's fist in place of Sang Han-cheon was Il-mong. Though he normally never appeared before people, he had broken his rule and revealed himself at Sang Han-cheon's crisis.

Fresh blood appeared at Il-mong's mouth. He had suffered internal injury from just one clash.

Screech!

At that moment, Dam Ho's leg drew a strange arc then fell toward Il-mong's head.

Bang!

"Kuhk!"

Il-mong flew back while vomiting blood. He had barely avoided his head but his shoulder was caught.

His left shoulder was dislocated and dangling.

"Madman!"

"Stop!"

Only then did the Demon Cult warriors come to their senses and charge at Dam Ho.

Bang!

Explosions continuously rang out. And Demon Cult warriors flew away as bloody pulp. Thanks to this, Il-mong gained a moment to catch his breath.

Il-mong quickly grabbed his dislocated shoulder and retreated to Sang Han-cheon's side.

"Are you alright?"

"Thanks to you."

Sang Han-cheon gritted his teeth.

Sang Han-cheon was famous for not showing emotions normally. But now his face clearly showed bewilderment and faint fear. It showed how shocked he was.

His heart was still pounding. Dam Ho's attack had far exceeded his imagination.

"Dam…ho. We must kill him. No matter what sacrifice it takes."

Though it was just for a moment, he had seen his death in Dam Ho's fist.

Though Sang Han-cheon had spent his days in the Demon Cult where death and life intersected daily, he had never experienced such a perilous moment. So the psychological shock he felt was even greater.

Sang Han-cheon's gaze turned to Hwang Yeol and Dan Ho-sang.

Except for Il-mong, they were the strongest among the warriors who had climbed Mount Hua. One was the Mad Demon Hall Master, and the other was one of the Seven Great Demon Masters.

The two who prided themselves on fearing nothing in the world now showed clear tension. That's how shocking Dam Ho's appearance had been.

Sang Han-cheon gave them orders.

"You must kill that one today. No matter what sacrifice it takes."

The sacrifice he spoke of included Hwang Yeol and Dan Ho-sang. Knowing this fact, the two's expressions hardened.

"Kuh! I thought it was too easy."

"Mount Hua was a group of fools. To give up without accepting such a monster."

The two muttered while walking to the battlefield.

A large empty space had formed around Dam Ho. Numerous corpses were scattered on the ground of the empty space. Over fifty corpses at a glance. They were Demon Cult warriors killed by Dam Ho in that short time.

A deep look of fear appeared on the Demon Cult warriors' faces. Though they didn't fear death for the Demon Cult, the sight before their eyes was too horrific.

Not one corpse killed by Dam Ho was intact. Corpses with burst chests or split heads leaking grayish brain matter made viewers' hearts shudder.

Though death was equal for all, they didn't want to die like that. Thus fear grew in everyone's hearts.

On the other hand, Dam Ho was a ray of hope for the Mount Hua Sect warriors who had lost everything. Among them, the emotions felt by Mu-gyeong, Mount Hua Sect's head disciple, were especially profound.

"Cheon…kyung."

It was Dam Ho whom he had abandoned in the Heavenly Forbidden Demon Prison.

Though he consoled himself that he had only sacrificed one to save other disciples, there was always a heavy stone sitting in his heart.

When Dam Ho was at Mount Hua, the reason Mu-gyeong had taken care of Dam Ho better than anyone wasn't just because he had a big heart. He felt sorry for Dam Ho who delved into martial arts despite being lame, and above all, by taking care of Dam Ho he could establish his dignity as Mount Hua Sect's great disciple.

"Haha! While Mount Hua Sect's great disciple is so powerless, that child I abandoned has become Mount Hua's light."

Mu-gyeong staggered then suddenly vomited blood.

"Senior Brother!"

"Great Senior Brother!"

Woon Kyung who was nearby rushed over.

Woon Kyung quickly supported Mu-gyeong and asked.

"Senior Brother, are you alr…"

Woon Kyung's expression hardened as he checked Mu-gyeong's wounds. There was a hole the size of a child's fist in Mu-gyeong's abdomen with intestines spilling out.

It was a severe injury that even the Great Taoist Immortal couldn't heal. It was amazing he had stood until now with such severe injuries.

Mu-gyeong looked up at Woon Kyung with difficulty.

"Jun…ior Brother."

"Don't speak. Your wounds will open. Just wait a moment. I'll treat you right away."

"Hehe! Who could survive with wounds like these?"

"Senior Brother?"

"Don't try to save me. I know my wounds better than anyone."

"Kuh!"

Tears welled in Woon Kyung's eyes.

Though normally more cold-headed than anyone, before the sight of Mount Hua Sect's horrible fall and Mu-gyeong, he couldn't help but shed tears.

Held in Woon Kyung's arms, Mu-gyeong continued weakly.

"Master has passed away, and most of the elders have lost their lives."

Above all, the greatest loss was that Sage Hyeon-geom, Mount Hua's greatest swordsman, had lost his life.

"Mount Hua has lost its core and strength. Even if we drive back the Demon Cult today, only the path of decline remains for Mount Hua. Woon Kyung."

"Senior Brother?"

Mu-gyeong gripped Woon Kyung's hand tightly.

"Unite around Cheon-kyung. He alone is the one ray of light remaining for Mount Hua."

"Kuh!"

Woon Kyung shed tears.

"I'm sorry. For placing such a heavy burden on you. Especially sorry to Cheon-kyung. To make such a request now…"

Mu-gyeong reached out his hand.

Dam Ho was caught at his fingertips. Though he moved his fingers several times trying to touch him, Dam Ho couldn't be touched.

"Cheon-kyung… Fist Demon… please… Mount Hua…"

"Senior Brother?"

Mu-gyeong's hand dropped with a thud. His breath had stopped.

Woon Kyung couldn't fully grieve Mu-gyeong's death. The war wasn't over yet.

Woon Kyung carefully laid down Mu-gyeong's body and stood up. Then he shouted.

"Disciples of Mount Hua!"

It was a lion's roar shouted by drawing up even his depleted internal energy.

Mount Hua Sect disciples' gazes focused on Woon Kyung.

"Great Senior Brother has passed away. The Sect Leader has passed away. And Senior Uncle Hyeon-geom has passed away. And numerous sect members have died. Now nothing remains for us. Nothing…"

"Sob!"

Blood rose in the eyes of the surviving Mount Hua Sect disciples.

"Are you afraid to die?"

"No!"

"Are you ashamed of fallen Mount Hua?"

"No!"

Even in the midst of fighting, Mount Hua Sect warriors answered at the top of their lungs. Their cries echoed across Mount Hua.

"I will fight to the end. Even if I have to give this one life, I will die killing the evil ones who invaded Mount Hua until the end."

Woon Kyung walked.

Where he headed, Dam Ho was. Mount Hua Sect disciples followed Woon Kyung as if drawn by a magnet.

Woon Kyung stood behind Dam Ho. Mount Hua Sect disciples stood behind him.

Though covered in wounds and battered all over, their appearance with eyes full of venom lit a fire in the hearts of the heroes who had almost given up.

At the center was Dam Ho.

The old man began raising his internal energy.

“I’ll reduce some of your trouble.”

Jin Ja-gang declined.

“You don’t need to do that.”

“Don’t refuse.”

The old man’s worn-out, rag-like clothes became taut and tore as wind arose from his body.

The old man took a deep breath, then shouted filled with internal energy.

This old man is Yelu Huan, Enlightened Teacher of the Fire Cult!

Rumble!

The cave, no, the entire prison shook and trembled from old man Yelu Huan’s lion’s roar.

Without a doubt, the entire Guizhou branch would have heard the old man’s voice.

Jin Ja-gang stared at Yelu Huan incredulously.

“I declined though.”

Yelu Huan grinned wickedly.

“It’s been ten years since I emerged. If I don’t do at least this much, this old man’s dignity won’t stand.”

Jin Ja-gang stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded.

Enlightened Teacher.

The Fire Cult’s leadership was the One Pearl Six Light Body structure.

One Cult Leader and six Sect Masters.

An Enlightened Teacher could be called the leader among the leaders guiding the Fire Cult. From the Martial Alliance’s perspective, which sought to find and eliminate the Fire Cult’s roots by any means, he was the top elimination target.

Yelu Huan’s warning that Jin Ja-gang’s life would be in danger if he became known to him hadn’t been an exaggeration. Moreover, Yelu Huan had clearly warned Jin Ja-gang, giving him a final chance to leave.

He had probably been thinking of such a thing from that moment.

However, if he was a Enlightened Teacher, he had more than enough to do so. He would have confidence having such military power.

It wouldn’t suit one of the Fire Cult’s Six Light Body members to secretly sneak out for fear of the Guizhou branch’s warriors.

But…

Suddenly the prisoner outside spoke.

“Mok Ho. It’s time for prayer.”

“Is it already dawn?”

“Yes. The first light has broken. Light is seeping in.”

Yelu Huan suddenly arranged his rag-like clothes, found his direction, and knelt down.

“…”

Jin Ja-gang lost words for a moment, then spoke.

“It seems like instead of reducing my trouble, I need to solve your trouble instead. Am I mistaken?”

“Our Fire Cult prays five times a day. I can’t delay prayer time to deal with small fry. Tell them to wait outside for a bit.”

“Will they wait if I tell them to wait?”

But Yelu Huan didn’t answer and was already about to prostrate himself.

Jin Ja-gang couldn’t tell if this was some inexplicable stubbornness or what the reason was.

Jin Ja-gang said.

“You owe me a debt.”

Flinch.

Yelu Huan looked at Jin Ja-gang as if asking what he meant.

“That’s the proper way in the martial world, I heard.”

“Isn’t the debt you owe me?”

“As a messenger, I gave what I should give and received what I should receive. You’re the one who said that.”

The prisoner outside shouted.

“You bastard, knowing who that person is, you still call him old man! How rude!”

But Yelu Huan agreed.

“There’s logic to that. I’m someone who doesn’t make empty promises. I owe you a debt.”

“Understood.”

Then for the first time, Yelu Huan asked Jin Ja-gang’s name.

“What’s your name?”

“Jin Ja-gang.”

The prisoner outside exclaimed “Huh!” but Jin Ja-gang paid no mind. He pushed open the unlocked cell door and came out.

Passing by the cells, he could see the prisoner who had been speaking and interrupting from earlier sitting inside a cave.

He was gaunt with long limbs. He had a long face and pointed chin giving him an eerie appearance, and the place where an eye should be was completely hollowed out, making his impression even worse with only one eye remaining.

He was watching Jin Ja-gang with his sharp single eye.

However, Jin Ja-gang slightly nodded his head in greeting and passed by indifferently.

After Jin Ja-gang left the cave, the man quietly asked Yelu Huan.

“Mok Ho. Why did you do that?”

[TL Note – Mok Ho means Reverence Guardian.]

He was asking about the reason for deliberately causing a commotion and sending Jin Ja-gang outside.

Yelu Huan answered without any trace of humor.

“Today is the day to officially present the Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunder Toad Art to the world. Baek Li-jung will now learn that I have broken free from my shackles and that he must face the wrath of me and the Fire Cult.”

“Don’t tell me… that bastard knew your intention when he said he owed you a debt?”

“It seems so. He’s an amazing fellow. He’s clever and sharp, so he won’t be easily defeated. Now let’s pray. We’ll be late for prayer time.”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang came out of the prison.

As Yelu Huan had said, day was breaking.

Outside, numerous Guizhou branch warriors were already waiting in formation. As expected, there were close to eighty of them. It seemed all the warriors remaining in the Guizhou branch had come.

Behind was the cliff and cave used as a prison, in front were the warriors.

There was no way to escape anyway.

Jin Ja-gang quietly looked around at the warriors. Fear and bewilderment were simultaneously visible on their faces.

They couldn’t understand how Jin Ja-gang had penetrated the strict security and entered the prison as if it were nothing.

Moreover, a Enlightened Teacher of the Fire Cult!

Few warriors knew such a big shot was in Guizhou’s prison. That was natural. Baek Li-jung would have kept it hidden. Only the person in charge here would probably know.

Jin Ja-gang looked at the warriors and said.

“Who is in charge?”

Golden Fortune Merchant Hae Mak stepped forward.

“Me. You’re the one who killed our branch’s warriors and pathetically announced you’d massacre us all.”

“That’s correct.”

“Seeing you walk with a limp, you’re Poison Dragon. What grudge does Poison Dragon have against our branch to commit such acts?”

Jin Ja-gang answered briefly.

“Guizhou Medicine Sect.”

Not only the warriors’ expressions but even Hae Mak’s brow furrowed slightly. It was somewhat known that Poison Dragon was a member of the Medicine Sect. He had definitely come for revenge.

Jin Ja-gang said to Hae Mak.

“You cooperated with Indestructible Heavenly Sword and were hiding an Enlightened Teacher of the Fire Cult, so you’re definitely Indestructible Heavenly Sword’s person.”

Instead of answering, Hae Mak frowned.

“Who said I was hiding anyone? I merely followed orders from above. I don’t see what’s wrong with having a criminal in prison.”

“You don’t need to make excuses to me.”

However, Hae Mak didn’t give in easily.

“It’s a well-known fact that Guizhou Medicine Sect joined hands with the Demon Cult. Then isn’t your coming here proof of that!”

Jin Ja-gang neither denied nor affirmed.

“It doesn’t matter what you think. Nothing will change by putting forward justifications.”

“What?”

Click.

Jin Ja-gang raised his internal energy and separated the Soul Seizing Thread rings.

“This isn’t my way, but none of you can leave this place alive today.”

“This bastard…!”

“So think whatever you want. If you want to apologize, I’ll only accept it in hell.”

As Jin Ja-gang raised his internal energy to the maximum, his right eye gradually turned red.

The warriors felt an eerie sensation and raised their weapons.

But suddenly Hae Mak praised Jin Ja-gang while clapping his hands.

Clap clap clap.

“Indeed, Poison Dragon. I heard your recent momentum could pierce the sky, and those words weren’t wrong. But there’s something you don’t know. Why do you think we made the prison in the cliff’s cave?”

At that moment, explosives detonated in the cliff behind Jin Ja-gang.

BANG! BOOM BOOM!

Rumble rumble rumble.

The ground shook and the cliff’s caves collapsed. The thick wooden supports holding up the caves crumbled and stones weighing hundreds of catties fell, blocking the entrance.

Hae Mak laughed loudly, revealing his true nature.

“The highest level wanted order has been issued for you. Thank you for coming to find us yourself…”

But at that moment, Jin Ja-gang burst through the hazy stone dust and debris.

Despite the prison cave collapsing and the Bright Teacher facing potential burial alive, he showed no concern at all!

“Block him!”

The warriors hastily blocked Jin Ja-gang’s path. Jin Ja-gang filled three dikes with internal energy and launched his body.

The moment Jin Ja-gang’s hands spread, a warrior’s head flew off. Between the rings on Jin Ja-gang’s wrists was a barely visible dark-colored thread.

“It’s Soul Seizing Thread!”

The warriors flinched in shock.

Jin Ja-gang had become skilled at handling the Soul Seizing Thread, making his techniques much more precise. He freely extended and contracted the Soul Seizing Thread. Since the Soul Seizing Thread was barely visible, it wasn’t easy for the warriors to block.

After Jin Ja-gang rolled on the ground and passed between the warriors, he forcefully raised his right hand. The knees and shoulders of the warriors who had just turned to strike Jin Ja-gang with their swords were severed. Even their swords were cut in half.

“Ahhhhh!”

A warrior in front struck down with all his might.

Jin Ja-gang extended both hands to pull the Soul Seizing Thread taut, then crossed his hands while twisting his body sideways. The warrior’s arm was cut into three pieces and flew through the air. The cleanly severed arms twitched on the ground as if still alive.

Blood gushed from the arms and poured onto Jin Ja-gang.

“Graaaah!”

The warrior whose arms were severed screamed while clutching his arms. Jin Ja-gang went behind the warrior, raised his arms upward, then pulled. The Soul Seizing Thread caught the warrior’s mouth.

Swish!

Everything from the upper jaw upward was cleanly severed, leaving only the lower jaw. The headless warrior staggered and collapsed dead.

The warriors recoiled in horror.

“How cruel!”

Hae Mak shouted.

“Your ally is buried alive but you don’t care at all!”

“Fortunately, we’re not allies but simply a creditor and debtor relationship.”

Even while speaking, Jin Ja-gang had cut two more warriors into pieces. There was no need to coat the Soul Seizing Thread with poison. Against ordinary warriors, Jin Ja-gang never took more than two moves.

A spear-wielding warrior attacked, thrusting at Jin Ja-gang’s vital points. Jin Ja-gang dodged the spear blade and circled to the warrior’s side. Jin Ja-gang ended up back-to-back with the warrior.

The warrior’s body stiffened with arms extended. Not intentionally, but because his entire body was wrapped in Soul Seizing Thread and couldn’t move.

The warriors watching felt chills throughout their bodies, knowing what would happen next.

The spear-wielding warrior wrapped entirely in Soul Seizing Thread pleaded.

“P-please stop…”

Jin Ja-gang hadn’t pulled the Soul Seizing Thread yet. Instead, he asked while back-to-back.

“Do you remember the incident of massacring Guizhou Medicine Sect?”

The warrior answered trembling while swallowing saliva.

“Y-yes, I know. But it’s been t-ten years already and we just followed orders…”

“Do you know a child called Soso?”

“I-I don’t know… P-please spare me. I’m just an ordinary warrior.”

“Because you followed orders and pulled out that child’s tongue, that child must live her entire life unable to even say ‘please save me.'”

The warrior felt the thick killing intent Jin Ja-gang emanated.

“P-please!”

“Go to hell.”

Jin Ja-gang gritted his teeth and slowly pulled the Soul Seizing Thread.

Thud thud thud thud!

The Soul Seizing Thread made horrible sounds as it cut through tendons and bones while passing through the warrior’s entire body.