Chapter 214. Men Navigating Troubled Times (2)

"Are you okay, Senior Brother?"

Myung Cheon approached and asked.

"I'm fine."

"Phew! Why did you recklessly reveal yourself like that? I thought you were going to clash with him."

"I had no choice. Still, it's fortunate that we achieved the best result we wanted."

"Do you mean revealing the existence of the Heavenly Evil Cult?"

[T/N- Heavenly Evil Sect changed to Heavenly Evil Cult]

"That's right."

Geom Yul-cheon nodded.

He looked in the direction where Dam Ho had disappeared.

"His existence was unexpected by anyone. Neither the Divine Cult, the Central Plains, the Heavenly Evil Cult, nor even I… He is truly a perfect exception. Depending on what choice he makes, the direction of the Central Plains will change."

"Wouldn't it have been better to fully bring him to our side?"

"Do you think that's possible?"

"…"

"He is an uncontrollable beast. Because of that, he has an unpredictability that makes it impossible to know where he will go. That is his greatest strength and power. And that unpredictable nature will be the greatest help to us."

"Sometimes I think Senior Brother should be the strategist, not me. I understand what you mean."

"You are our strategist. Without you, we would be nothing more than a disorderly crowd."

"Hey! Don't say things you don't mean. I'm not a child anymore."

"Who would treat our youngest like a child? Haha!"

Geom Yul-cheon burst into laughter.

The tension that had built up from dealing with Dam Ho was relieved with a single burst of laughter. Seeing Geom Yul-cheon like that, Myung Cheon smiled broadly.

Geom Yul-cheon reached out his large hand and ruffled Myung Cheon's hair. Still, Myung Cheon didn't erase his smile, seemingly in a good mood.

But soon, the two returned to their usual expressions.

It was Myung Cheon who spoke first.

"Was that note earlier real?"

"What?"

"The note you gave to Fist Demon."

"It's real. I got it from Forbidden Demon Envoy."

"You finally caught him."

"I caught him. But the problem is that he was more tenacious than expected and took his own life when cornered."

Geom Yul-cheon showed a regretful expression.

If they had captured Forbidden Demon Envoy, they could have learned many facts. But Forbidden Demon Envoy took his own life, and everything returned to square one.

It was regrettable that they had to track the Heavenly Evil Cult from the beginning again. However, Myung Cheon's thoughts seemed a little different.

"Perhaps it's for the best."

"What is?"

"If they know Forbidden Demon Envoy is dead, they will also be on alert."

"Then won't they hide more discreetly?"

"That could be the case. But given their nature that we've understood so far, that won't happen. They will try to intervene in the current Murim situation in some way. Filling the void of someone like Forbidden Demon Envoy is never easy."

"Really?"

"We need to change our approach. Until now, we've been chasing them, but now we need to make them come to us."

"How?"

Geom Yul-cheon's voice lowered.

Myung Cheon smiled and continued speaking. Geom Yul-cheon listened intently to his voice.

***

'Geom Yul-cheon.'

Dam Ho's mind was complicated as he returned to the Shouzhou branch.

The intense lingering impression Geom Yul-cheon had left in his heart still hadn't disappeared. Geom Yul-cheon's presence was that strong.

Normally, Dam Ho would never have listened to Geom Yul-cheon's words. But as Geom Yul-cheon said, he had strong doubts about his master being attacked and the severed connection with Forbidden Demon Envoy, so he accepted that there was some truth to Geom Yul-cheon's words.

Dam Ho was ferocious but not stupid. If he were stupid, he wouldn't have been able to become the current Independent Moving Stream.

Although he received help from Sage Hyeon-so, it was solely Dam Ho's power that created the current Independent Moving Stream.

Dam Ho slowly recalled his memories.

When he didn't know about the existence of the Heavenly Evil Cult, he didn't realize it, but once he became aware, there were many strange things.

'Hwa-no.'

The old man who claimed to be his protector after receiving a life-saving favor from Jong Ri-yeon. Jong Ri-yeon said she only saved him and didn't know his true identity.

Hwa-no also mentioned the Heavenly Evil before he died. He had forgotten about it, but listening to Geom Yul-cheon's words brought back those memories.

If Hwano spoke the truth, Geom Yul-cheon's words weren't entirely far-fetched.

'Heavenly Evil Cult.'

Dam Ho's eyes deepened further.

He had to deal not only with the Demonic Cult but also with the Heavenly Evil Cult.

This imposed restrictions on his actions.

While dealing with the Demonic Cult, he always had to keep the Heavenly Evil Cult in mind. He couldn't help but be more cautious.

Perhaps Geom Yul-cheon had calculated that far. Dam Ho couldn't be forcibly tamed. In that case, he could only hope that Dam Ho would think for himself and exercise restraint.

'This time, I'll dance on the stage you've set, Geom Yul-cheon.'

Just as Geom Yul-cheon was conscious of Dam Ho, Dam Ho was also conscious of Geom Yul-cheon. He was the only one who made Dam Ho's blood boil.

For now, they had joined hands for the same goal, but he didn't believe the alliance could last forever.

It was when Dam Ho organized his thoughts and entered the Shouzhou branch.

In the distance, Cho Yeon-woon was seen having a serious conversation with someone. It was a female martial artist with a face that looked very cute at first glance.

The woman had a striking appearance with her light green outfit, neatly tied-up hair, and a face that still retained a youthful charm.

The woman was speaking earnestly about something, and Cho Yeon-woon was nodding repeatedly. After hearing all the conversation, Cho Yeon-woon clasped his hands in a respectful gesture to the woman and then turned around, spotting Dam Ho.

"Ah!"

Cho Yeon-woon brightened up and ran towards Dam Ho.

The woman who had been talking with Cho Yeon-woon until now looked disappointed as she watched him run towards Dam Ho without looking back. But soon, she went inside the pavilion.

"What happened? I heard you went out to the city."

"There was an incident."

"What kind of incident?"

"Where is Master?"

"Right now, Miss Jong Ri is taking care of him. I was discussing with the leader of Secret Burial Faction to establish a security system."

"Secret Burial Faction?"

"The lady I just met, Miss Dan Hwaran, is the leader of Secret Burial Faction. It's a secret organization created to protect important figures of the Murim Alliance. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Murim Alliance decided to dispatch Secret Burial Faction."

"Is Secret Burial Faction trustworthy?"

Dam Ho's words carried a lot of meaning. Cho Yeon-woon knew this well.

"Secret Burial Faction is an organization directly under the Murim Alliance. It's natural not to trust them. But you can trust Miss Dan."

"Do you trust her?"

"Although she is currently the leader of Secret Burial Faction, she once studied at Hundred Battles Sect. She was sent there to gain experience from her sect, Gentle Sword Sect. So I know her better than anyone else. She is trustworthy. I'd stake my life on it."

At Cho Yeon-woon's words, Dam Ho nodded. Only then did Cho Yeon-woon smile.

The two walked side by side.

Dam Ho and Cho Yeon-woon. At first glance, they seemed like an unlikely pair, but surprisingly, their presence together was accepted without a sense of incongruity by others.

Cho Yeon-woon was one of the few people who interacted with Dam Ho without hesitation. He was also the only person worthy of being called a friend. Because of this, there were quite a few people with power who approached Cho Yeon-woon.

It was difficult to approach Dam Ho directly, so they tried to approach him indirectly through Cho Yeon-woon. However, Cho Yeon-woon blocked all those who approached in that way. Because of this, he faced quite a bit of criticism, but he never showed it to Dam Ho.

When the two entered the annex, the first scene they saw was Jong Ri-yeon dozing off while boiling herbal medicine in the front yard.

"Miss Jong Ri has been through a lot. She hasn't left Master Hyeon-so's side for a moment."

She had stayed up for two whole nights. Naturally, her body couldn't withstand it.

Dam Ho picked up Jong Ri-yeon. Yet, she didn't wake up from her sleep. She had expended so much mental energy over the two days that she had nearly fainted.

"Mm!"

Jong Ri-yeon smiled while being held in Dam Ho's arms. Dam Ho silently watched her and then went inside.

He gently laid Jong Ri-yeon down in a corner of the room where Master Hyeon-so was and covered her with a blanket. Jong Ri-yeon curled up and fell into a deep sleep.

Dam Ho turned his gaze to Master Hyeon-so. Master Hyeon-so, who was in a state of light sleep, seemed to be dreaming.

'Master.'

What kind of dream was Master Hyeon-so having? He was curious.

Dam Ho silently watched Master Hyeon-so. Although Dam Ho was known to be ruthless to the world, there was a warm affection in his eyes at this moment.

It was a look he showed only to Master Hyeon-so.

Dam Ho held Master Hyeon-so's hand tightly.

Master Hyeon-so's rough knuckles pained Dam Ho's heart. During the long time he was absent, Master had also endured hardships no less than his own.

Due to being in a state of light sleep, Master Hyeon-so's overall metabolism had slowed, so his body temperature was lower than usual. However, to Dam Ho, even that temperature felt warm.

Cho Yeon-woon silently watched Dam Ho and Master Hyeon-so.

Seeing the two of them reminded him of his own master.

'Ah! I miss Master.'

Though they bickered and fought every day, Master Jang Ilsan cherished him dearly. Without Jang Ilsan, the current Cho Yeon-woon wouldn't exist.

'When will Master join us?'

He had heard through his disciples that Jang Ilsan would join soon. Moreover, there were rumors that many experts were heading this way.

A significant portion of the Murim Alliance's forces was being concentrated here in Shouzhou. Shouzhou was undoubtedly becoming the eye of the storm.

Cho Yeon-woon left Dam Ho and Master Hyeon-so behind and stepped outside.

"Ahhh!"

Cho Yeon-woon took a deep breath and stretched. Tears welled up in his eyes.

It wasn't just Jong Ri-yeon who had overexerted herself. He, too, had been moving without rest, so he felt fatigued. But he couldn't afford to rest comfortably.

He wasn't just an ordinary late-stage martial artist. As the head of Baekjeonmun, he was called to many places and had a lot to care for.

"It can't be helped."

Cho Yeon-woon shook his head and continued walking.

The entire Shouzhou branch was bustling.

Buildings were being constructed for the newly dispatched troops to reside in, and various traps and mechanisms were being installed on the outskirts. The number of martial artists standing guard increased, and the entry procedures became more stringent.

The Shouzhou branch was becoming a fortress. It was reassuring, like a hedgehog with its quills raised, but it also made him feel uneasy.

"Isn't there a place to get a drink?"

Cho Yeon-woon smacked his lips.

Unintentionally, he had been so focused on work that he hadn't had a drink in a while. It seemed he wouldn't be able to drink for some time. This was a regretful point for Cho Yeon-woon.

As Cho Yeon-woon continued walking, it happened.

"Senior Cho."

A familiar voice called him. He turned his head and saw a familiar face.

"Ah! Miss Hae."

The woman looking at him was none other than Hae So-wol.

Hae So-wol approached Cho Yeon-woon gracefully. Cho Yeon-woon thought her steps seemed heavier than usual. Indeed, her expression didn't look very good.

"What is it?"

"If you have time, come with me somewhere."

"Where are you talking about?"

"It's a place that's not very pleasant for you. And for me, too."

"Hmm!"

Cho Yeon-woon frowned slightly at Hae So-wol's vague answer. But he soon nodded willingly.

"Then let's go."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

Cho Yeon-woon followed Hae So-wol. They arrived at a small pavilion that had been recently built.

"Here?"

"Come in."

Hae So-wol opened the door to the pavilion first and went inside. Cho Yeon-woon followed her in. Then he saw a group of people sitting around a large table.

"Who are you?"

Cho Yeon-woon's eyes widened.

Demon Subduing Leg.

The forearm struck by Myowol’s shin immediately ached and the bone rang.

Jin Ja-gang’s arms spread apart. Myowol used her heel to step on Jin Ja-gang’s chest in midair. It was a kicking technique that trampled opponents in the air as if stepping on ground. In desperation, Jin Ja-gang headbutted Myowol’s knee.

Myowol’s foot narrowly missed and grazed Jin Ja-gang’s side.

Whoosh!

Even without making contact, the sound of splitting air rang piercingly and Jin Ja-gang’s clothes were torn away.

Jin Ja-gang staggered backward with his shackles clanking.

His side ached.

“Hahaha!”

Myowol laughed heartily while raising her Non-Killing Sword.

“The great wisdom of Avatamsaka realm bright as a mirror, watching over human affairs in the four continents with single thought, caring for this poor sentient being like a newborn child.”

The Non-Killing Sword flew toward Jin Ja-gang. At first glance it was a simple single strike. But the tip was trembling minutely. It wasn’t the arm shaking but moving to respond to Jin Ja-gang’s movements at any time!

Jin Ja-gang scattered poison powder. The tip of the Non-Killing Sword vibrated even more. It shook visibly while drawing spirals. The poison powder was completely blown away. Jin Ja-gang continued being pushed backward.

The distance between Myowol and Jin Ja-gang, no, between the Non-Killing Sword and Jin Ja-gang, grew closer and closer. As internal energy was injected into the Non-Killing Sword, the black scabs cracked and bloody flesh was revealed inside.

Slash.

A wound appeared on Jin Ja-gang’s cheek. Even though they were still several steps apart, the sword energy from the Non-Killing Sword had wounded his cheek.

Slash slash.

His shoulder was cut and his leg was cut. However, it wasn’t fatal. It was just lightly touching him like playing with a child.

But suddenly excruciating pain was felt from the lightly cut wounds.

“Urgh!”

This was because the inherent poison of the Non-Killing Sword seeped into the wounds. The wounded cheek burned so much that even the eye above it became numb from the shock. His shoulder and leg felt raw as if chunks of flesh had been torn away.

Jin Ja-gang limped backward until his back was against the wall.

“Hahahaha!”

The Non-Killing Sword’s movement quickened. It split into dozens in front of Jin Ja-gang.

Slash slash slash slash!

Countless holes were drilled in the wall. The Non-Killing Sword was passing almost grazing Jin Ja-gang’s entire body and drilling holes in the wall.

Small sword wounds appeared all over his body. In an instant, Jin Ja-gang’s body was stained with blood.

However, the pain was worse than the bleeding.

“Uaaaah!”

Jin Ja-gang gritted his teeth but screams leaked through his teeth. His limbs trembled.

It was truly a vicious technique. Myowol was using the toxicity of the Non-Killing Sword to torture Jin Ja-gang with pain.

Jin Ja-gang didn’t even think of responding and glared at Myowol with his molars clenched tight. It was a challenging gesture as if telling her to do as she pleased.

Myowol’s single eye flashed.

“Such bravado!”

At that moment Jin Ja-gang raised his right hand. Since Myowol was wearing an eyepatch, her left eye couldn’t see. Momentarily, Jin Ja-gang’s right hand disappeared from her field of vision.

Myowol hastily turned her head to the left.

‘Nothing there?’

There was nothing in Jin Ja-gang’s hand.

Instead, lightning struck Myowol’s back.

Crack!

She heard the sound but had no way to avoid it. Her monk’s robe and flesh burst simultaneously. The monk’s robe was torn to shreds and the flesh was gouged deep enough to see bone.

“Kak!”

Myowol twisted her body while swinging her sword backward. Sharp sword energy flew out.

Tang Ha-ran stepped back and bent her waist backward to avoid the sword energy. While doing so, she pulled her Blood Scale Whip and released it again.

Myowol slid sideways.

Crack!

The Blood Scale Whip struck the floor where Myowol had been standing. With internal energy fully loaded, the floor was deeply dented and bedrock cracked away.

Tang Ha-ran used the Blood Scale Whip to keep Myowol from moving carelessly while throwing a small bundle to Jin Ja-gang.

“It contains antidotes for various poisons.”

Jin Ja-gang caught the bundle and looked at Tang Ha-ran. Tang Ha-ran nodded.

“Run away.”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Tang Ha-ran without saying anything.

Seeing the two of them, Myowol became indignant.

“Oh ho, I see you’ve formed affections with an evil sect bastard and even betrayed your family! You lewd and wicked wench!”

Tang Ha-ran’s face turned bright red with shame and anger.

“I have no reason to hear such words from you!”

“Then die together with that evil bastard, you sex-crazed wench blinded by men!”

Myowol’s eyes rolled back as she charged at Tang Ha-ran. Her momentum was more vicious than when facing Jin Ja-gang. Sword energy extended a full foot from the Non-Killing Sword, splitting the air.

Tang Ha-ran used footwork while releasing her Blood Scale Whip. In midair, Myowol’s sword energy and the Blood Scale Whip clashed.

Crack!

The Non-Killing Sword’s sword energy shattered. It seemed to prove that the Blood Scale Whip wasn’t called a divine weapon for nothing.

Jin Ja-gang tried to help Tang Ha-ran, but Tang Ha-ran blocked Jin Ja-gang’s path and hindered him herself.

“I told you to run away!”

“If I run away…”

Jin Ja-gang asked.

“What happens to Miss Tang?”

“I’m… finished anyway. So run away!”

“How dare you exchange sweet words in front of this nun!”

Myowol charged fiercely. Myowol leaped into the air and shot sword energy from the Non-Killing Sword like hidden weapons.

Slash!

Sword energy poured down like rain.

Jin Ja-gang and Tang Ha-ran hastily dodged. Holes were drilled in the floor like arrows being stuck. Meanwhile, Myowol occupied and blocked the path Jin Ja-gang needed to escape.

Tang Ha-ran bit her lip and raised her internal energy to the maximum. Her clothes swelled then deflated.

She continuously released her Blood Scale Whip to drive Myowol back. Even if Tang Ha-ran had talent, Myowol was far ahead in internal energy and experience. Myowol didn’t retreat but rather walked forward while pressuring Tang Ha-ran.

Tang Ha-ran released her Blood Scale Whip while drawing a small dagger with her left hand and throwing it.

It was the hidden weapon technique Flash Severance she had shown Jin Ja-gang before.

The rapidly flying dagger suddenly disappeared and appeared in front of Myowol’s eyes. Myowol blocked the dagger with the flat side of her Non-Killing Sword.

Clang!

The dagger bounced away and fell.

At that moment, Tang Ha-ran swung her Blood Scale Whip to wrap around the Non-Killing Sword. She injected internal energy to raise the scales. Myowol’s sword was caught on the Blood Scale Whip.

Scrape scrape scrape… The Non-Killing Sword and the scales of the Blood Scale Whip clashed and sparks flew.

Tang Ha-ran gritted her teeth and said.

“I don’t need revenge or anything! This is my choice. I’m just a descendant of an enemy family who briefly intruded into your life, and you just need to continue on your path as you’ve always done. Understand? So hurry up and go!”

Myowol shouted.

“I told you to stop!”

Myowol pulled the Non-Killing Sword with all her might. Tang Ha-ran was dragged toward Myowol.

Jin Ja-gang put the bundle in his chest and ran toward Myowol. Myowol stepped firmly while pulling her sword-holding arm to maintain her stance solidly, then struck with her left palm.

Jin Ja-gang lowered his body and slid toward Myowol’s legs. Then he circled to Myowol’s left side. Myowol’s head turned following Jin Ja-gang.

“This slippery bastard!”

Myowol lifted her foot to stomp down. Jin Ja-gang crawled along the floor and continued circling to Myowol’s blind spot.

Movement was inconvenient due to the shackles, but it was also uncomfortable for Myowol to watch Jin Ja-gang circling nearby.

Jin Ja-gang had realized earlier that Myowol still wasn’t adapted to seeing with one eye. So he more persistently targeted only blind spots.

Jin Ja-gang picked up the dagger Tang Ha-ran had thrown, cut his little finger’s pressure point, and when Myowol’s gaze couldn’t follow, immediately slashed Myowol’s calf.

Myowol kicked at Jin Ja-gang in rage. Jin Ja-gang blocked with his elbow but Myowol’s toes pierced his ribs first. Jin Ja-gang’s body flew and he fell three zhang away.

Jin Ja-gang coughed up blood. It seemed his ribs were damaged because he couldn’t properly disperse the impact.

When Myowol tried to walk toward Jin Ja-gang, Tang Ha-ran saw Jin Ja-gang’s crisis and used the force from being dragged to fly at Myowol. She tried to wrap Myowol’s neck with her Blood Scale Whip.

Instead, Myowol wound the Blood Scale Whip around her sword and stuck the Non-Killing Sword into the floor. The sword blade was buried halfway into the floor. But the Blood Scale Whip was also completely sealed.

“I told you to run away!”

Tang Ha-ran forcefully opened her fist. The fist loaded with internal energy exploded repeatedly in front of Myowol.

The Tang family’s boxing technique Heavenly Principle Boxing made Myowol frantic.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

Myowol thrust her hand into Tang Ha-ran’s boxing range and immediately snatched Tang Ha-ran’s wrist.

But suddenly Myowol’s body stiffened.

“Ah!”

Jin Ja-gang’s wound on Myowol’s calf suddenly cramped. Jin Ja-gang had used the poison of Glauber’s salt.

Tang Ha-ran struck Myowol’s shoulder and chest repeatedly with her other hand while one hand was caught.

Thud thud thud!

But Myowol didn’t move at all.

Tang Ha-ran screamed like a cry.

“Go!”

Jin Ja-gang spat blood again. Since breathing was difficult, it seemed his lungs were pierced by ribs.

“I’m direct lineage of the Tang family! Myowol cannot kill me here! If you’re here, you’ll only be a hindrance!”

Tang Ha-ran’s outcry was almost like a wail.

Jin Ja-gang hardened his face, looked at Tang Ha-ran, then got up and ran away.

Relief finally appeared on Tang Ha-ran’s face. Tang Ha-ran smiled slightly while watching Jin Ja-gang run away.

‘Farewell…’

But Myowol wouldn’t stay still. Myowol lifted Tang Ha-ran as she was and threw her to the floor.

Bang!

Tang Ha-ran’s breath was blocked and she opened her eyes wide.

“Kuk!”

Myowol put her foot on Tang Ha-ran’s back.

“Filthy thing. Die.”

Myowol put strength into her foot.

Crack, crack.

Unpleasant sounds began coming from Tang Ha-ran’s spine and ribs.

“Kheuk.”

Tang Ha-ran made a deflating moan. For Myowol, crushing someone to death with her foot wasn’t difficult. Tang Ha-ran’s body trembled violently. She couldn’t endure any longer.

“What? You can’t be killed because you’re Tang family direct lineage? Even if I kill you, who would know? A wench blinded by men like you should disappear from this world!”

But then, Master Eun descended from the air. It was much slower than jumping down speed. It was similar to walking down stairs.

Master Eun, who lightly descended from the wall like a fluttering butterfly, looked at Tang Ha-ran and said.

“How pitiful. You’ve become an ill-fated bride.”

“Hmph. Pitiful indeed. She’s just a lowly wench with eyes for men!”

“Stop it, lioness. You cannot kill her.”

It was Master Eun, sect leader of Mount Emei. But Myowol, whose eyes had already rolled back, didn’t listen to Master Eun’s words.

“This wench must die! A wench who abandoned family and sect for a man!”

“You cannot. Miss Ha-ran must live.”

“Why! Why! Why!”

Myowol put more strength into her foot. The light of death began to hover in Tang Ha-ran’s eyes.

Master Eun stared at Myowol and said.

“I said this is enough. Are you saying you won’t listen to me?”

“Sect Leader! This wench doesn’t deserve to live! She must die! Dog-like wench.”

Crack, crack.

Grating sounds came from Tang Ha-ran’s back and red blood began flowing through her lips.

“Lioness.”

Master Eun hardened her expression and raised her white hand.

Myowol was startled.

Crack!

Master Eun struck Myowol’s cheek.

“Kuk!”

Myowol’s neck turned as she staggered. Myowol’s eyes widened.

Master Eun continued swinging her hand.

Crack! Smack! Smack!

Myowol’s gaunt face’s cheekbones and cheeks instantly swelled and her lips burst. Myowol couldn’t stand properly and staggered before kneeling.

“Kheuk… So-sorry. Sect Leader junior sister…”

Master Eun took out white cloth from her sleeve to wipe her hands while making a sad expression.

“Please don’t cause such incidents when you come outside Mount Emei. Our lioness, you’re not so lacking that you can’t understand my words, right? What would other people think of our Mount Emei?”