Chapter 422 – Finding a Path of Life in the Path of Death (1)

"I'll go see the Cult Leader. Since I don't know how long it will take before I come out again, Blood Elder, please rest in the meantime."

"I understand."

Blood Elder bowed his head in gratitude at Dan Un-hyang's consideration. Dan Un-hyang smiled and headed toward the Forbidden Zone.

When her figure was no longer visible, Sang Han-cheon spoke to Blood Elder.

"I've prepared separate lodging for you."

"No. This old man wishes to stay with the missionaries of Middle Heaven."

"But that place is too shabby…"

"Heh heh! It's a place where those who spread the will of the Venerable One gather – what does it matter if it's shabby? Rather, this old man is more comfortable there, so you needn't worry about it."

"I understand. If that's really what you want…"

Sang Han-cheon replied with an unpleasant expression.

Blood Elder's answer was reasonable, but strangely it left an uncomfortable aftertaste. Conversations with Blood Elder were always like this. That's why it bothered him even more.

Sang Han-cheon looked at his subordinate.

"Guide Blood Elder to Middle Heaven."

"Yes sir!"

Two subordinates answered energetically and guided Blood Elder. Sang Han-cheon stared at Blood Elder's retreating figure.

The taste in his mouth was still unpleasant, but in any case Blood Elder wasn't someone he could do anything about. Middle Heaven led by Blood Elder was a place beyond Sang Han-cheon's reach.

Sang Han-cheon was someone who could only be satisfied when he directly controlled everything. Nevertheless, he left Middle Heaven alone because it was a missionary organization, not a military organization.

There was no need to unnecessarily stir up trouble.

Sang Han-cheon decided to focus on the pressing matters instead.

"I'll need to move diligently to receive guests."

***

Cho Yeon-woon's face was flushed red.

"Phew!"

The sound of heavy breathing could be heard from all around.

They were still young martial artists. Among them were some who maintained composure through considerable martial world experience, but there were many more who did not. Tension was clearly visible on their faces.

Despite the opposition of several people, Jang Jin-myeong ultimately assembled the suicide squad and disguised them as Silver Treasure Escort Agency's merchant group.

Up to that point it was still acceptable. After all, the suicide squad had been assembled to strike at the Demon Cult's main base.

That wasn't the problem.

Cho Yeon-woon protested vehemently to Jang Jin-myeong with his flushed face.

"So-cheong cannot do this."

"She must participate."

"Great Hero Jang!"

"There's no choice. Isn't she the actual person in charge of Silver Treasure Escort Agency? Do you think the Demon Cult will let the merchant group in without her?"

"But So-cheong is merely a merchant. Using her is too cruel."

"How can we distinguish between merchants and martial artists in the face of the martial world's crisis? If there's even a sliver of possibility, we must put forth our full effort."

Jang Jin-myeong scolded him sternly.

The corners of Cho Yeon-woon's eyes trembled.

No matter what he said, Jang Jin-myeong wouldn't listen. He only wanted to push forward with what he himself thought. It was his first time in life encountering such a completely blocked wall.

Cho Yeon-woon looked around. He could see So Bo-won and Gu Ui-jin. So Bo-won at least showed a slightly apologetic expression, but Gu Ui-jin had exactly the same expression as Jang Jin-myeong.

"During the first Righteous-Demon War, if we had been picky about this and that and preserved ourselves, do you think we would have defeated the Demon Cult? Young martial artists these days tend to spare themselves too much. How do you expect to defeat the Demon Cult like that?"

Gu Ui-jin instead scolded the young talents with a frost-like voice. Some of the talents flinched at this, while others burned with fighting spirit.

"Amitabha! Brother Cho, please endure."

"They're not the type to listen even if you speak to them."

Finally, only when So Cheon and Hae So-wol dragged Cho Yeon-woon away did the confrontation with Jang Jin-myeong end.

Dragged to a secluded place by the two, Cho Yeon-woon let out a big sigh.

"Phew! They absolutely won't listen to others. What about the other people?"

"They think it's actually a better opportunity."

At So Cheon's answer, Cho Yeon-woon's face turned even redder. Hae So-wol looked at such Cho Yeon-woon and said:

"The atmosphere has already heated up so much that they won't listen to anyone's words."

"Meaning the tide has already turned."

"That's right."

Hae So-wol's expression also wasn't very bright.

When they first decided to participate in the suicide squad, the atmosphere hadn't been like this. The martial artists of the previous suicide squad listened very well to the young martial artists' words and seemed to have very open personalities. But that was Hae So-wol's miscalculation.

As time passed, the previous generation martial artists gradually became more closed-minded. Rather than listening to others' words, they wanted things to proceed according to their own opinions, and they pushed forward that way.

Only So Bo-won listened a little to others' words, while the rest didn't even pretend to listen. Hae So-wol could only feel frustrated about this point.

That's when it happened.

"Yeon-woon!"

Suddenly a cold voice echoed in Cho Yeon-woon's ears.

When he turned his head, he saw a familiar face.

A man with impressive cold eyes and expression. The domineering aura emanating from his body was provoking Cho Yeon-woon.

"Nam Hak?"

He was precisely Heavenly Thunder Martial Guest Nam Hak. Behind him, Shadowless Divine Dragon Eom Tae-cheon was also visible.

At the appearance of the two, Cho Yeon-woon frowned.

From long ago, the relationship between Nam Hak and him hadn't been very good. Because of that, they had clashed, and Cho Yeon-woon had crushed Nam Hak.

From the shock, Nam Hak had gone into seclusion, and after that had disappeared from the martial world for a very long time.

Nam Hak reappeared in the martial world around the time the Martial Alliance moved to Mount Song. From then on, he actively participated in Martial Alliance events and expanded his influence. But perhaps because of the memory of his previous defeat, he maintained a distant and cool state with Cho Yeon-woon.

When the suicide squad was first recruited, Nam Hak was the first to volunteer and took the lead in bringing in other young martial artists. One of those he brought in was precisely Shadowless Divine Dragon Eom Tae-cheon.

Eom Tae-cheon was also one of the Nine Martial Dragons and was quite close to Nam Hak. Perhaps due to Nam Hak's influence, Eom Tae-cheon also kept his distance from Cho Yeon-woon.

When the two people who had no particular contact even after joining Silver Treasure Escort Agency appeared, Cho Yeon-woon's expression crumpled.

"What's the matter?"

"I heard the story."

"What story?"

"That you oppose Great Hero Jang's plan. Is it true?"

"What if it is?"

"I'm disappointed, Yeon-woon."

"What?"

"The fate of the martial world rests on our shoulders. We should naturally set aside petty emotions and act together. But you're causing discord just because your opinion differs. Your actions are only lowering our morale and providing no help whatsoever."

Nam Hak criticized Cho Yeon-woon harshly.

His eyes were emitting sharp killing intent like blades. If eyes could kill people with their gaze alone, Cho Yeon-woon would have died dozens more times already.

Cho Yeon-woon's gaze also turned fierce.

"Petty emotions?"

"That's right."

"Nam Hak, watch your words."

"What?"

"Just because you have a mouth doesn't mean you can run it carelessly."

"How dare you!"

Instantly Nam Hak unconsciously released his aura. Then storm-like energy waves swept through the area.

Cho Yeon-woon's head tilted askew.

"Why, are you suggesting we do this now?"

Eyes, atmosphere, and air changed.

The good-natured face disappeared completely, and the tyrant's nature hidden deep within slowly revealed itself.

The corners of Nam Hak's eyes trembled.

He had spent three years grinding his teeth to avenge the defeat he suffered from Cho Yeon-woon. Through secluded training he had achieved some success, and now he had gained confidence that he wouldn't lose even if he fought Cho Yeon-woon. But when he actually faced Cho Yeon-woon, such confidence wavered.

The memory of defeat slowly surfaced. He thought he had completely shaken it off during the three years, but he still hadn't escaped from its lingering effects.

He knew the fact that Cho Yeon-woon's leg had been severed. He thought his martial arts wouldn't be the same as before, but when he faced Cho Yeon-woon, he strangely felt uneasy.

Being overwhelmed in aura, even his eyes that had been emitting sharp light wavered. He could only clench his fists tightly without rashly attacking.

Then Eom Tae-cheon stepped between the two.

"Now now, both of you please calm down. Your emotions have become too heated. Let's think a bit more rationally."

Although Eom Tae-cheon's martial arts level was also considerable, it was insufficient to calm the aura of two people whose emotions were already hurt to the extreme. Then So Cheon and Hae So-wol also stepped forward.

"Amitabha!"

"Both of you please calm down."

When the two joined in, Cho Yeon-woon and Nam Hak couldn't continue their confrontation indefinitely. Finally the two released their internal energy and stepped back. But the resentment remaining in their hearts wasn't resolved.

"Yeon-woon, I'll say this one last time – please don't hold back the suicide squad. If the suicide squad's mission fails because of you, I will absolutely never forgive you."

"You?"

Nam Hak didn't even listen to Cho Yeon-woon's answer and turned around, striding away. Cho Yeon-woon watched Nam Hak's retreating figure with his flushed face.

He felt like smashing Nam Hak's mouth, but he couldn't cause any more discord.

Eom Tae-cheon looked at Cho Yeon-woon and said:

"Please understand. Nam Hak is saying all this because he wants things to go well. He thinks this mission is the perfect opportunity to restore his honor."

"……"

"There's no reason to sharpen your blade against him, is there? If you really don't feel like it, just step back. There's no need to cause unnecessary discord, is there?"

"Discord?"

"You may not think so, but it might look that way to others."

"Do those others include you?"

"That's…"

At Cho Yeon-woon's unexpected question, Eom Tae-cheon hesitated for a moment. Though brief, a flustered light passed across his face. And Cho Yeon-woon didn't miss such change in Eom Tae-cheon.

"Damn it!"

Cho Yeon-woon gritted his teeth hard.

He could feel the tide had already turned to the other side. It was something supported by the previous suicide squad and two of the Nine Martial Dragons. No matter how much he opposed it, he couldn't turn back the tilted scales.

"I'm withdrawing from this mission."

***

Cho Yeon-woon made a thunderbolt declaration.

Dozens of carts were loaded full with rock salt.

Besides what they brought when entering Hunan Province, they had scraped together even the salt stored in Silver Treasure Escort Agency and loaded it on the carts.

"If preparations are complete, let's depart!"

Eun So-cheong shouted toward the talents disguised as the merchant group's martial artists.

At her cry as a signal, the merchant group left Silver Treasure Escort Agency and headed toward the Demon Cult.

"Finally!"

"It's beginning."

Resolute light appeared on the young talents' faces.

Especially Nam Hak and Eom Tae-cheon showed extraordinary determination. They stood at the front of the young talents leading them, while Jang Jin-myeong and others watched with pleased expressions.

"Sigh!"

Eun So-cheong suddenly sighed and looked around. Cho Yeon-woon, who had always been by her side bickering and quarreling, was nowhere to be seen.

When they were together, she thought he was annoying with all the arguing, but when he wasn't by her side, she felt a great emptiness.

It wasn't just Cho Yeon-woon. Cheong-un had also said he would withdraw from this mission. Since there was a limit to the number of martial artists escorting the merchant group anyway, not only the two but quite a number of young talents had been left out. But unlike Cho Yeon-woon and Cheong-un, they hadn't withdrawn voluntarily, so their faces were full of regret.

If this suicide squad's mission succeeded, their names would remain in martial world history forever. Not being able to be part of that historic moment made them feel disappointed.

Finally Silver Treasure Escort Agency's gates opened and the procession of carts loaded with salt emerged. At its head was Eun So-cheong. Beside Eun So-cheong, Hae So-wol and So Cheon stayed close.

"Don't be too intimidated just because Great Hero Cho isn't here. We'll be with you."

"Thank you, sister."

Eun So-cheong was moved by Hae So-wol's comforting words.

Her warm words helped ease Eun So-cheong's tense mind a little. Hae So-wol looked at such Eun So-cheong with pitying eyes.

When you thought about it, there was no reason for Eun So-cheong to be mobilized for this mission. Essentially Silver Treasure Escort Agency was a merchant group, not a force that placed great emphasis on the martial world. But the times and circumstances made it impossible for her to withdraw from this mission.

Though she was called the young master of the massive merchant group Silver Treasure Escort Agency, she was still a young girl. A situation too cruel and frightening for those small shoulders to bear was waiting.

Cho Yeon-woon had earnestly entreated Hae So-wol. To protect at least Eun So-cheong. And Hae So-wol had agreed.

That's when it happened.

―Everyone manage your expressions well. This is the Demon Cult's main base.

Jang Jin-myeong's quiet voice echoed in everyone's ears. He had simultaneously sent sound transmission to all those people.

It was a passage showing just how formidable his internal energy was. But the nervous young talents didn't notice such facts.

In such tense atmosphere, the merchant group arrived at the Demon Cult's main gate.

"For the Martial Alliance to become the Demon Cult's main base."

"These wicked bastards!"

Martial artists who still remembered the old Martial Alliance's appearance trembled with rage seeing the Demon Cult's main base standing tall in that place.

The Demon Cult's main base in Yueyang was largely divided into three sections.

The outer fortress with outer court and various subordinate organizations, the inner fortress with the inner court and main organizations, and the Forbidden Zone where the Cult Leader resided. Since the Forbidden Zone was the Cult Leader's residence, outside entry was strictly forbidden, and the limit for ordinary people was the outer fortress. But there were occasionally exceptional situations.

One of those was precisely merchant groups. Since warehouses storing major supplies like food and weapons were inside the inner fortress, merchant groups could naturally enter. But inside the inner fortress they were watched so strictly that they couldn't even dare think other thoughts.

Therefore, for the Martial Alliance suicide squad, disguising as Silver Treasure Escort Agency's merchant group was a good choice.

To deliver rock salt, they would naturally have to enter the inner fortress, and once they got inside the inner fortress, opportunities would arise.

That's when it happened.

"They've come."

With a familiar voice, a familiar woman walked from the main base's gate direction. Eun So-cheong's pupils shook when she confirmed the woman's appearance.

The woman approaching Eun So-cheong with a smile was precisely Won Seol-hwa.

"Welcome! I was waiting for you." ​

The rampaging Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit spread through Jin Ja-gang’s limbs and all meridians. Tremendous force thundered through, smashing and pounding open all the blocked meridian points. The shattered meridians rapidly healed after the internal energy passed through.

BANG BANG. Jin Ja-gang’s body kept bouncing. It swept through Jin Ja-gang’s body like a tsunami. Though his body shook frantically, Jin Ja-gang’s consciousness remained clear.

CLANG! Master Haewol caught the skewer with his hand. The needle pierced through his palm and protruded. Master Haewol forcefully injected his internal energy through the skewer. Master Haewol’s internal energy rushed into Myriad Enlightened Master’s palm holding the skewer. Myriad Enlightened Master’s internal organs were damaged as he spewed tremendous blood and was thrown away.

Fire Flame Master’s iron flag flew and struck Master Haewol’s side of the face.

CRACK!

Are you looking for the eighth dike?

Jin Ja-gang reached out and grasped the reins of the rampaging internal energy. The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s face protruded from the head of the internal energy.

‘I’m hungry! You know you’re still hungry too. I’ll make you strong!’

Master Haewol’s body flew sideways. CRASH! As he was about to fall into the river after smashing the railing, Ga Mu-ru lifted him up with sword energy. His back split open as Master Haewol’s body flew onto the deck and bounced several times.

No, I don’t need your power.

Jin Ja-gang wrapped the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head with reins and crushed it. CRUNCH CRUNCH, the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head was crushed.

Go back!

‘I won’t disappear! I’ll jump out again anytime!’

Blood flowed into Master Haewol’s eyes, dyeing his vision red. Go Lu-bon charged with his body. Master Haewol raised his left arm and unleashed inch force at the charging Go Lu-bon’s chest.

POP! As flesh scattered in all directions, the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head burst. Though the head burst, an arm protruded from the side and strangled Jin Ja-gang’s neck.

The giant Earth Store Master wrapped around Master Haewol’s neck from behind and pressed down his head. His head twisted and cracking sounds came from his neck. Master Haewol thrust his thumb backward behind his head. Master Haewol’s thumb penetrated through Earth Store Master’s cheekbone.

Jin Ja-gang used Capturing Dragon Claw technique to embed his fingers into the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s arm. The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head protruded and screamed.

ARGH! Earth Store Master let out a death cry. Master Haewol’s thumb released finger wind from inside Earth Store Master’s cheekbone, turning his brain to mush. His eyes sank deeply and bloody liquid flowed from his nose. Simultaneously, Baek Li-jung’s sword stroke passed over Earth Store Master’s neck and Master Haewol’s forearm.

SLASH! Jin Ja-gang completely pulled out the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s arm.

I am your master. If you resist further, I’ll kill you!

This is the price for sending my wife’s arm pickled in salt! Baek Li-jung cried out with one arm dangling limply. Master Haewol’s wrist and Earth Store Master’s head lost their owner and floated up into the air together.

Jin Ja-gang grabbed and tore the newly emerged Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head. The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit kept emerging. No matter how much he tore and destroyed, even dozens of heads emerged simultaneously and stared at Jin Ja-gang.

I am you, and you are me. As long as you live, I won’t disappear!

Vanishing Master was outraged seeing Earth Store Master’s head fly away and struck Baek Li-jung’s side. The tip of Baek Li-jung’s rib snapped. Baek Li-jung glared and kicked Vanishing Master’s abdomen with his foot tip. Vanishing Master’s abdomen was hit and her internal organs ruptured, spurting blood. The veil covering her face was completely soaked with blood. Master Haewol leaped up and struck down the back of the pushed Vanishing Master’s neck with the elbow of his severed arm. Vanishing Master’s neck broke and stretched long.

Jin Ja-gang held and pulled out the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head. The pulled head screamed shrilly.

Try to kill me! I am you. If you kill me, you die too.

Jin Ja-gang glared.

What can kill me is me. Therefore, I can kill you too.

Jin Ja-gang put force into both hands. He pressed the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head forcefully from both sides as if squeezing it. The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s head screamed painfully. The head distorted and shrank then burst.

POP.

Master Haewol was hit by the iron flag from behind and pushed forward. His spine was shocked and shook. His steps tangled and he couldn’t step properly. Myriad Enlightened Master, who had crawled on the floor, hooked Master Haewol’s ankle with the skewer. Master Haewol fell. An unorthodox sect master leaped at Master Haewol and slashed with his sword. Master Haewol offered his severed wrist. THUNK! The sword embedded in his wrist. He struck the unorthodox sect master’s head with his other hand blade and smashed it.

Jin Ja-gang killed each and every Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit that emerged without rest. At some point, Jin Ja-gang vomited blood each time he killed a Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit.

The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit giggled wickedly.

See! You’re dying because you’re killing me!

Jin Ja-gang said quietly.

If I die.

You die too.

You think I’ll die alone! Go Lu-bon ground his teeth with blood streaming from his burst eye. Go Lu-bon climbed onto Master Haewol. All the lumps on his chest were crushed from the inch force and his bones were deeply dented. But Go Lu-bon screamed with mad eyes and strangled Master Haewol’s neck with both hands. Master Haewol raised his foot to kick Go Lu-bon’s side and struck with his hand. But lacking strength, it wasn’t easy to remove the mounted Go Lu-bon.

CRUNCH CRUNCH, unpleasant sounds came from his neck and Master Haewol’s eyes began to flicker slightly.

Go Lu-bon shouted.

I… I killed the martial alliance leader!

Master Haewol used his last strength to shoot finger wind at Go Lu-bon’s uvula and pierced through his neck.

Uh…?

If I die, you die too.

At Jin Ja-gang’s words, the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s eyes widened.

Ah…!

Suddenly all the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s heads split in half.

Go Lu-bon’s body split in half. Ga Mu-ru bared his blood-stained teeth and released sword energy to cut Go Lu-bon and Master Haewol. Master Haewol had one leg severed and narrowly escaped death. He leaped backward and stood awkwardly on one foot.

Master Haewol had lost his wrist and leg, and even his remaining leg had its front toes cut off. His chest was slashed and his neck and spine were shocked, making his body tremble endlessly. In comparison, the other side still had those who preserved their fighting power. Myriad Enlightened Master kept bleeding while holding his skewer and watching for opportunities, and Fire Flame Master gasped while holding an iron flag whose fire was almost extinguished.

Su Su-jin had one wrist broken but was glaring while making her other hand shine white without major injuries.

Baek Li-jung was also manageable to move, and Thunder Emperor Ga Mu-ru also breathed roughly with broken ribs, but his strength remained intact.

“Whew…”

Master Haewol let out a long sigh.

* * *

The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit disappeared. And only one head quietly emerged again. Even the body came out with it.

The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s expression was very distorted.

Jin Ja-gang quietly recited.

Clear is the source of turbid, and movement is the foundation of stillness…

The Dao is sometimes clear and sometimes turbid, sometimes moving and sometimes still. It flows from root to end and gives rise to all things.

You are not me but a shadow brought by my unbreakable tranquility,

I am not your servant.

You are my servant.

Suddenly, THUD, the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit knelt down.

The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit slowly bowed his body, putting knees and elbows on the floor and turning both palms upward toward the sky in a prostration posture, lowering his head.

Finally the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit submitted.

The Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit became the eighth dike.

* * *

Ga Mu-ru spoke in a low, thick voice.

“Haewol. It’s time to return to the great source.”

Master Haewol put his hands behind his back with his remaining wrist. Return to the great source means returning to the origin, which means death.

Master Haewol was silent briefly then said.

“Well, I suppose so… Can’t be helped.”

Ga Mu-ru raised his great sword forward and pointed at Master Haewol.

“Now you can’t stop us. Will you give up and die obediently?”

“Dying isn’t difficult. But killing me won’t help. I’ve already entrusted it to someone.”

Master Haewol chuckled.

“That guy… is worse than me. Hehehe.”

Ga Mu-ru’s eyes sank deeply.

Master Haewol laughed heartily.

“You know who it is by your expression?”

Then he looked around at the others and said.

“You all know well too. Poison Dragon.”

“What? What did you say?”

The one who showed a violent reaction to Master Haewol’s words was none other than Mang Ryo.

Mang Ryo suddenly opened his eyes fiercely and jumped out, running quickly toward Master Haewol. Then he suddenly snatched Myriad Enlightened Master’s skewer and stabbed Master Haewol’s belly.

“Cough…”

Master Haewol made a small groan.

Mang Ryo pushed the skewer deeper with murderous eyes.

“What did you say? Huh? What? Say it again!”

STAB!

The skewer pierced through Master Haewol’s back and protruded. Mang Ryo ground his teeth.

“You dared covet my thing? Huh?”

Master Haewol let blood flow from his mouth and scolded.

“What are you talking about… crazy bastard.”

“It’s mine! Mine! He’s mine!”

Mang Ryo shook the skewer back and forth wildly. The needle caught and Master Haewol’s body fluttered.

Mang Ryo gripped Master Haewol’s jaw forcefully to make him face his mad eyes. Mang Ryo ground his teeth and growled lowly.

“No one but me can touch him. Understand? I’ll kill anyone who touches him!”

Focus gradually disappeared from Master Haewol’s eyes.

Then Baek Li-jung limped over and placed his hand on top of Mang Ryo’s head.

Then he grabbed and pulled Mang Ryo’s hair as if tearing it and threw him away. Because Mang Ryo held onto the skewer to the end like a falling leech, Master Haewol’s belly was greatly torn.

THUD.

Master Haewol knelt down. And Baek Li-jung stood before him looking down at Master Haewol. Baek Li-jung’s eyes changed seeing the blood and organs flowing from Master Haewol’s torn belly.

Mang Ryo tumbled then rose like lightning and charged at Master Haewol again.

“Anyone who touches my thing dies…”

Baek Li-jung kicked the charging Mang Ryo and sent him flying. Mang Ryo flew several zhang and fell into the river.

SPLASH!

“…”

Baek Li-jung quietly looked down at Master Haewol.

Hiss. Hiss.

At the bizarre breathing sound, Master Haewol also raised his head to look at Baek Li-jung.

Baek Li-jung’s eyes were full of blood-red light. His pupils were bloodshot and completely dilated, not looking normal.

Most seriously, demonic energy was emanating.

“Tsk tsk…”

Master Haewol clicked his tongue.

Baek Li-jung ignored this and opened his mouth wide. With his intact hand, he moved his lower jaw around.

CRACK! Strange sounds came from his jaw as if the jaw joint had dislocated. His lower jaw protruded long.

Baek Li-jung’s unfocused eyes smiled. Then he covered Master Haewol like that and embedded his upper teeth into his head.

THUNK!

Master Haewol’s body flinched.

Blood flowed from Master Haewol’s crown and blood streams continued along his face to his jaw.

Master Haewol muttered as if pitying and said weakly.

“Hey… you bastard, that’s hard there…”

* * *

Jin Ja-gang opened his eyes.

He felt strange.

He touched around his eyes with his hand.

It was damp.

Drip.

Tears flowed.

After wiping the tears and looking ahead, laughter could still be heard.

“Wow! This time Master won!”

“One more round. Just one more! Oh my, Taoist Master Bok-cheon, let’s do just one more round.”

Woon-jeong’s bright voice and Bian Bu’s pleading voice could be heard.

Even Yeong-gwi didn’t know Jin Ja-gang had awakened and was completely absorbed in their enjoyment.

Jin Ja-gang raised his head.

Tears burst forth again.

Only then did Jin Ja-gang realize the reason for his tears.

Master Haewol had returned to heaven.