Chapter 280 – Bonds Cannot Be Predicted (2)

The Medicine King Hall was one of the most recently constructed buildings in Mount Hua Sect. It was also one of the most heavily guarded places.

Medicine King Hall was Jong Ri-yeon's residence. Every day, about ten Mount Hua martial artists stood guard at her residence. Given Mount Hua Sect's limited numbers, having so many martial artists on guard duty was quite burdensome. Nevertheless, the disciples of Mount Hua Sect volunteered for guard duty willingly. This showed how important Jong Ri-yeon was to them.

The Medicine King Hall was filled with numerous medicinal herbs. Some were gathered by Bang Jin-bo, while Jong Ri-yeon herself had collected a considerable number. Many herbs were also brought in from outside.

If the herbs in this place were converted to money, they would be enough to buy a large mansion in the market and still have plenty left over. That's how incredibly valuable the herbs here were.

Inside the Medicine King Hall were not only Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo but also Woon Kyung and the Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters. They all watched Jong Ri-yeon and Bang Jin-bo with tense gazes.

"Let me see."

Jong Ri-yeon turned Bang Jin-bo's basket upside down. Numerous herbs piled up on the floor.

With her delicate fingers, Jong Ri-yeon sorted through the herbs one by one. The herbs were classified by type, and finally, only the jet-black moss remained.

Jong Ri-yeon carefully picked up the black moss and examined it closely. She checked it with her eyes and smelled it with her nose.

"This is indeed Black Darkness Immortal Moss."

"Really?"

Bang Jin-bo's face brightened at Jong Ri-yeon's words.

"You've worked hard. This is truly difficult to find."

"Ah! Don't even mention it. I never imagined it would be in such a gloomy place."

"I'm sure it was. Black Darkness Immortal Moss only grows in places untouched by human feet, in remote areas where sunlight never reaches. That's why even experienced herb gatherers might not see it once in their lifetime. You've done a great job."

"So can we now make the Plum Blossom Divine Pill?"

"We'll have to try."

At Jong Ri-yeon's words, Woon Kyung, who had been quiet until now, spoke up.

"The fate of Mount Hua Sect rests in your hands, Miss Jong. I sincerely hope you succeed."

Woon Kyung's expression was more rigid than ever.

There was a good reason for this.

What Jong Ri-yeon was trying to make was the Plum Blossom Divine Pill.

It was a miraculous medicine with exceptional efficacy, comparable to Shaolin Temple's Great Rejuvenation Pill and Wudang Sect's Supreme Clarity Pill. It was said that consuming just one Plum Blossom Divine Pill could provide an enormous amount of internal energy. However, the manufacturing method had been lost long ago and was no longer passed down.

After settling in Mount Hua Sect, Jong Ri-yeon had been researching methods to produce the Plum Blossom Divine Pill in her spare time.

True to his background as a scholar-priest, Sage Hyeon-so remembered numerous medical classics passed down within Mount Hua Sect. Jong Ri-yeon had these medical classics dictated by Hyun-so compiled into books for her research.

She had tried countless times and failed. If she lacked perseverance, she would have given up long ago. But she persistently moved forward, one step at a time.

Without Jong Ri-yeon's extensive medical knowledge, finding clues to produce the Plum Blossom Divine Pill from the medical classics would have been impossible.

Through numerous studies and experiments, she finally discovered the method to produce the Plum Blossom Divine Pill. The herbs filling the Medicine King Hall were gathered specifically for making the Plum Blossom Divine Pill.

"Now that we have the Black Darkness Immortal Moss, we'll succeed this time."

The Plum Blossom Divine Pill required numerous herbs. Many of them were toxic, and some naturally increased in toxicity during the manufacturing process.

The key was to neutralize the toxicity. However, not just any herb could be used. A neutralizing agent that wouldn't harm the medicinal properties of the other herbs was needed. That's why they chose Black Darkness Immortal Moss.

Black Darkness Immortal Moss only grew on Mount Hua. But it grew in such remote areas that even priests who had lived on Mount Hua their entire lives didn't know such an herb existed.

Fortunately, Bang Jin-bo, who had been scouring Mount Hua like his own backyard for three years, had found the Black Darkness Immortal Moss.

Jong Ri-yeon looked at Woon Kyung.

"Shall we begin?"

"Let's do it."

With Woon Kyung's permission, Jong Ri-yeon began her work.

She placed herbs mixed in exact proportions into a specially made large pill furnace. If there was even the slightest error in the mixture, all would be in vain, so Jong Ri-yeon couldn't help but be tense.

Only after adding the Black Darkness Immortal Moss last did Jong Ri-yeon close the lid of the pill furnace.

The Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters waiting behind wore tense expressions.

It was a miraculous medicine with the word "Divine Pill" in its name. The manufacturing method couldn't be ordinary.

The Plum Blossom Divine Pill couldn't be made with an ordinary flame. A powerful flame was needed to produce it.

"You must use the Hot Yang Energy according to my instructions. Remember, there must not be even the slightest error."

"Understood."

The Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters answered energetically.

Jong Ri-yeon nodded and lit the furnace. A powerful flame arose. To this, the Hot Yang Energy of the Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters was added. Four of the Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters placed their palms on the pill furnace and poured out their internal energy.

The blue flame turned white.

Tremendous heat warmed the Medicine King Hall.

Beads of sweat formed on Jong Ri-yeon's face. But she didn't step back and focused on the pill furnace and the flame.

No one knew how much time had passed. The Hot Yang Energy of the Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters gradually diminished. It seemed their internal energy was running out.

"The flame must not weaken. Switch to the next person."

"Yes!"

With the response, four of the waiting Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters took over. They too injected Hot Yang Energy into the pill furnace. The flame, which had seemed to weaken momentarily, rose fiercely again.

Time passed in a tense atmosphere. When the flame weakened again, different Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters took over. After several such rotations, finally, Woon Kyung stepped forward.

"It's my turn now."

He alone injected Hot Yang Energy. Befitting the sect leader of Mount Hua, he single-handedly managed the work of four people.

The pill furnace turned red-hot, and a fragrant medicinal scent flowed out. The scent was so intense that everyone in the Medicine King Hall felt their minds clearing.

A look of tension appeared on Jong Ri-yeon's face.

She instinctively realized that this moment was the most critical juncture.

"Jin-bo."

"Yes!"

"It's your turn."

"Got it."

With his response, Bang Jin-bo took over from Woon Kyung.

Woon Kyung wiped the sweat pouring down his face with his sleeve and said:

"Please finish it well."

"Don't worry."

Bang Jin-bo answered and placed his hands on the pill furnace, using the Five Elements Noble Art.

Jong Ri-yeon said:

"You must gradually suppress the fire energy with water energy. Remember! Never rush."

"Yes!"

The Five Elements Gentleman Art that Bang Jin-bo had learned was a martial art that could best utilize the principles of the five elements. The key was to gradually cool the heated pill furnace using water energy, thereby preserving the medicinal properties to the maximum.

Bang Jin-bo followed Jong Ri-yeon's teachings, circulating his internal energy and gradually cooling the red-hot pill furnace.

Woon Kyung and the disciples watched the entire process with tense gazes.

'Please!'

'Just a little more effort.'

Time passed amid everyone's earnest wishes.

"Phew!"

Finally, Bang Jin-bo removed his palms from the pill furnace with a sigh.

Jong Ri-yeon patted his shoulder.

"Well done."

"It's nothing."

Bang Jin-bo smiled as if it was no big deal, but his exhaustion was evident.

It couldn't be helped. Though it seemed like not much time had passed, they had been confined in the Medicine King Hall for three full days, circulating their energy. Naturally, they were exhausted.

Jong Ri-yeon carefully opened the lid of the pill furnace. An incomparably fragrant aroma wafted out strongly.

"Ohhh!"

"It's the scent of plum blossoms."

The Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters exclaimed first.

When Jong Ri-yeon looked inside the pill furnace, she saw a viscous liquid solidifying. Of the herbs that had filled the pill furnace, only about a bowl's worth remained.

Jong Ri-yeon took some of the solidifying liquid and began shaping it into round pills. Soon, one pill was formed in her hands. She continued to shape more pills. In total, five pills were made.

Five pills carrying the fragrance of plum blossoms.

For a result that took three days to produce, it might seem meager, but no one present thought so.

"The Plum Blossom Divine Pill."

"Is that really the Plum Blossom Divine Pill?"

They instinctively recognized that the pills before them were the Plum Blossom Divine Pill. Their faces lit up with emotion, but no one was as moved as Woon Kyung.

Mount Hua Sect had only two Plum Blossom Divine Pills remaining. One was consumed by Myung Kyung, and the other was recently consumed by Woon Kyung. The reason was that it was unacceptable for the sect leader of Mount Hua to have weak internal energy.

After consuming the Plum Blossom Divine Pill, Woon Kyung experienced a tremendous increase in internal energy. With this increase, he could overcome barriers that had previously blocked him.

He earnestly wished for other disciples to receive the same benefit. This was because it would make Mount Hua Sect stronger.

Having consumed the Plum Blossom Divine Pill, he could tell that the product before him was identical to the real Plum Blossom Divine Pill.

"Ah!"

An exclamation burst out involuntarily. Thick tears rolled down his cheeks.

"Sect Leader."

"Finally! Sob!"

The Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters also shed hot tears. They too were martial artists carrying Mount Hua Sect's aspirations in their hearts.

"Everyone has worked hard."

Jong Ri-yeon bowed her head to everyone, expressing her gratitude with a full heart. Woon Kyung made a fist-and-palm salute and said:

"This is all thanks to Miss Jong. Thank you so much."

"Thank you."

The disciples raised their voices in unison.

Though they had stayed up for three full days, there was no trace of fatigue in their voices.

Jong Ri-yeon wrapped the five Plum Blossom Divine Pills in prepared Korean paper and handed them to Woon Kyung.

"Please use them as you see fit, Sect Leader."

"Thank you."

"You must be tired. I think it would be good for you to rest today."

"No."

"But…"

"I know there are still many herbs left. With that amount, we should be able to make more Plum Blossom Divine Pills."

Woon Kyung's eyes shone with passion.

The same was true for the other Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters.

If they could make more Plum Blossom Divine Pills, more disciples could consume them. If that happened, the disciples' martial power would increase dramatically.

"Having made them once, the next time shouldn't be difficult. I ask for your help, Miss Jong."

"We ask for your help."

Woon Kyung and the Thirty-six Plum Blossom Sword Masters chanted in unison.

Jong Ri-yeon couldn't refuse their earnest wish.

"Alright. As they say, 'even an ox's horn can be pulled out in one breath.' Let's start right away."

"Thank you."

They began making the Plum Blossom Divine Pill again.

The air, which had cooled, began to heat up again.

"Phew!"

A sigh of relief burst from Myung Kyung's lips.

He was sitting on the roof of the Medicine King Hall. While Jong Ri-yeon and the others were making the Plum Blossom Divine Pill inside the building, he was sitting here, standing guard.

Having consumed the Plum Blossom Divine Pill, Myung Kyung knew how remarkable its efficacy was.

'If all the Plum Blossom Divine Pills are completed, our sect's combat power will increase significantly.'

Everyone thought that Mount Hua Sect had declined.

Some genuinely worried about Mount Hua Sect, but many saw the sect's decline as a great opportunity for their own sects to rise. He wanted to show them that Mount Hua Sect was not yet dead. For that, the Plum Blossom Divine Pill was absolutely necessary.

He heard them starting to make the Plum Blossom Divine Pill again from inside. Just as Myung Kyung was tightening his relaxed mind and becoming tense…

"…"

Suddenly, Myung Kyung's expression hardened.

Tap!

He kicked off from the roof and flew toward the nearby forest.

Silently, his sword was drawn.

Swish!

The undergrowth was cut in a straight line.

"Ugh!"

A stifled groan emerged from the undergrowth.

Myung Kyung's cold voice echoed through the forest.

"Who are you?"

At that moment, the wind blew… Wind blowing from all directions gathered in front of Myung Kyung, forming a faint human shape.

"Evil arts?"

“The same suffering?”

Mang Ryo frowned.

Mang Ryo brought his face close to Myowol’s and spoke quietly.

“It would have been nice if you and I weren’t competitors. I wouldn’t have had to worry constantly about losing Poison Dragon to you.”

Myowol’s facial muscles twitched.

“If it were no one else… but you who wanted it… I could have… yielded…”

Mang Ryo blinked several times as if some thought had occurred to him, fell silent for a moment, then struck the back of Myowol’s neck with the heel of his palm.

Thud!

Blood filled Myowol’s pupils and life rapidly drained from her eyes.

Myowol buried her head in the ground and died.

Mang Ryo laid Myowol straight and even closed her eyes.

“Namo Amitabha.”

After reciting the Buddha’s name, Mang Ryo gazed at Myowol for a moment before saying.

“Thank you for following someone like me all this time, and you suffered greatly. Rest in peace.”

However, when he closed her eyes and turned to look at Baek Li-jung, Mang Ryo’s lips were smiling again. Though Baek Li-jung felt it was somewhat forced, that wasn’t what mattered.

“You’ve delivered Mount Emei and the Shandong Evil Sect into Poison Dragon’s hands. Even Qingcheng Sect.”

“Ah, was it that obvious?”

Hearing Mang Ryo’s answer, tendons bulged in Baek Li-jung’s jaw.

“Did you think I wouldn’t notice you were passive about dealing with the Zhuge family members to save him from me?”

“So you deliberately tried to kill Poison Dragon more?”

“He’s my son’s enemy.”

Mang Ryo clicked his tongue.

“Of course you did. Still, that was too much. If you knew I was jumping in to save Poison Dragon, you could have shown some restraint.”

Baek Li-jung spoke in a desolate voice.

“Speak uselessly and I’ll kill you. You think you can survive after doing this to me because you brought suitable terms for a deal?”

Mang Ryo smiled even at Baek Li-jung’s threat and said.

“I just gave them to you.”

Blood vessels slowly appeared in Baek Li-jung’s eyes. His face showed he thought this was useless talk.

Mang Ryo added more quickly.

“I gave you Poison Dragon, Qingcheng Sect, Mount Emei, and the Shandong Evil Sect.”

Mang Ryo was returning exactly what Baek Li-jung had said to him.

Baek Li-jung focused his eyes. A stream of killing intent flew toward Mang Ryo’s neck. Mang Ryo scratched his goosebump-covered neck and spoke as if tossing out words.

“The Martial Alliance Leader is alive.”

Baek Li-jung’s eyebrows twitched. He released his fingers that had gripped the handle of the Heavenly Vermillion Blade as if about to draw the sword he had just sheathed.

Mang Ryo added one more word.

“In perfect health.”

With that one word, Baek Li-jung’s expression changed completely.

Mang Ryo muttered as if to himself.

“Hmm. No, that’s not right. I’m not sure if I can say he’s in perfect health. I did make several holes in his body after breaking through Golden Bell Shield, Iron Robe Technique, and… what was that protective energy technique?”

“Blazing Yang Divine Secret Art.”

“Right. Blazing Yang Divine Secret Art. I broke through that too and made several holes in his body. And I poisoned him with Absolute Emperor Death Poison. That much…”

Baek Li-jung said.

“No problem at all.”

“Right. I figured as much. Then Master Hae-weol is indeed in perfect health.”

Mang Ryo looked at Baek Li-jung as if asking whether he now understood why he had such a confident face.

“How about this? Can I survive?”

Though Baek Li-jung tried to appear calm, it was clear he was thinking countless thoughts even at this moment. His eyes were filled with excitement that could be felt.

Only after a long while did Baek Li-jung speak.

“I’ll spare you.”

Baek Li-jung’s voice was very cheerful.

It was a voice that seemed to have forgotten even that Baek Li-gwon had died at Jin Ja-gang’s hands. Mang Ryo shook his head.

Those who think politically and seek profit are inevitable. Even a child’s revenge becomes dim when they start calculating political gains.

Mang Ryo didn’t despise such people who were opposite to him. Because such people existed, he had been able to come this far.

What Baek Li-jung thought upon hearing about Master Hae-weol was one thing.

Master Hae-weol’s successor!

The next Martial Alliance Leader!

Why would Master Hae-weol, who was in perfect health, pretend to be wounded and retreat to seclusion while watching from the sidelines? It meant he wouldn’t interfere no matter what happened.

Then someone would have to restore order to the chaotic Martial Alliance, and whoever distinguished themselves in the process would become the next Martial Alliance Leader.

That Baek Li-jung had grasped Master Hae-weol’s true intentions earlier than others through Mang Ryo was a great advantage. He could prepare in advance and start advantageously.

If he first united the various factions within the alliance and made them his allies, the position of next Martial Alliance Leader could become Baek Li-jung’s!

Baek Li-jung muttered.

“Successor…!”

Right now, Baek Li-jung’s head was filled only with thoughts of the Martial Alliance Leader position.

Mang Ryo’s eyes narrowed as he watched Baek Li-jung.

Baek Li-jung was so absorbed in thoughts about the Martial Alliance Leader that he didn’t even notice the blue blood vessels protruding from his neck and jaw, rising up to his cheeks.

Mang Ryo observed this carefully, then cleared his throat softly.

“Ahem.”

Then he asked Baek Li-jung again as if testing him.

“How about it? Wasn’t I right in saying I gave you Qingcheng Sect, Mount Emei, the Shandong Evil Sect, and Poison Dragon?”

Only then did Baek Li-jung come to his senses and answer.

“Qingcheng Sect and Mount Emei won’t do.”

Baek Li-jung spoke decisively as if he had already become the Martial Alliance Leader.

“There are still many in the alliance who trust those two. If I antagonize them, I can’t bring more numbers to my side.”

Baek Li-jung looked at Mang Ryo and smiled slightly.

“But Poison Dragon and the Shandong Evil Sect are different. It was good not to kill them today.”

Mang Ryo also smiled.

“Finally we’re thinking alike.”

Same bed, different dreams.

Both knew well that they were smiling with different thoughts. Also that someday one might stab the other in the back.

However, until then, they would use each other as much as they could. Mang Ryo, now a fugitive, wanted someone to depend on, and Baek Li-jung needed every hand he could get for his grand purpose.

Both could shake hands with devils from hell if necessary. No, Mang Ryo had learned today that Baek Li-jung had already crossed the line and had one foot in hell.

“Kekeke.”

Mang Ryo laughed with his face completely scrunched up.

Whether it was mockery of the martial world’s heartlessness, expression of self-deprecation, or manifestation of sadness for someone, only Mang Ryo himself would know.

* * *

The Shandong Evil Sect and Qingcheng Sect led by Dan Ryeong-gyeong had descended to the foot of the mountain.

The number of Evil Sect members was about a dozen. Quite a few were injured.

Qingcheng Sect was the same, with four out of five severely injured.

Dan Ryeong-gyeong said.

“Let’s part ways now. Being together won’t help, and having others see you with us won’t be good for Qingcheng Sect either.”

“Cough. That would be best.”

Elder Bok-cheon had barely stopped the bleeding with emergency treatment, but blood still leaked slightly whenever he coughed.

“Then what about Poison Dragon…”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong, the Evil Sect members, and Qingcheng Sect’s masked figures all looked at Jin Ja-gang. Jin Ja-gang still hadn’t awakened.

Bian Bu said.

“He seems to have fainted from a head injury, so he’ll wake up soon.”

Gam Chung clicked his tongue.

“It’s fortunate that’s all, having faced Demonic Nun and Indestructible Heavenly Sword. For being covered in blood all over, he doesn’t seem particularly injured.”

Elder Bok-cheon said.

“He should have been beaten more severely for recklessly challenging Indestructible Heavenly Sword without knowing his place, but since he wasn’t beaten much, it seems wrong that he’ll live long. For now, we’ll take him.”

The Evil Sect members chuckled. Watching Jin Ja-gang fight, it wouldn’t be strange if he died any time. To say he probably wouldn’t live long made them laugh.

Dan Ryeong-gyeong agreed.

“Originally being from the righteous path, it wouldn’t be good to associate with the unorthodox path for long. Do that.”

Then Dan Ryeong-gyeong nodded.

“Then.”

Elder Bok-cheon closed his eyes briefly, opened them, raised his hand and cupped his fists. It was extremely polite, unlike his previous attitude toward Dan Ryeong-gyeong.

Dan Ryeong-gyeong wasn’t one to not understand the meaning of the cupped fist salute. Since Dan Ryeong-gyeong had one arm, she placed her hand on her chest in a half-salute as greeting.

“Let’s go.”

Dan Ryeong-gyeong led the Evil Sect members away. A long journey to Shandong remained.

Soso, walking with Bian Bu, turned her head back.

Woon-jeong had removed her mask and waved at Soso with an awkward smile. Soso also bowed her head toward Woon-jeong before following behind Dan Ryeong-gyeong.

* * *

Jin Ja-gang woke up in a room vibrating with medicinal smells.

“You’re awake!”

As soon as Jin Ja-gang opened his eyes, Woon-jeong immediately ran out and shouted toward the outside.

Jin Ja-gang still had a throbbing head and his entire body ached, but he could move.

As he sat up, Elder Bok-cheon entered after a moment.

“It’s been two days.”

Elder Bok-cheon sat in front of Jin Ja-gang while coughing dryly. Elder Bok-cheon removed Jin Ja-gang’s bandages, looked at his wounds, then stared directly at Jin Ja-gang.

The wounds where small blood vessels had burst and capillaries had spurted were completely healed without a trace, and his right arm where flesh had split and burst was almost healed with the sewn parts nearly fused together.

“Looking at it outwardly, I’m more seriously ill than you.”

“Thank you for taking care of me. But what about the Fairy Maiden…”

Woon-jeong interjected from the side.

“She returned to Shandong. We’re still remaining in Sichuan.”

With the Tang family temporarily withdrawn and Mount Emei turned away, there was no place safer than Sichuan for Qingcheng Sect.

Jin Ja-gang heard the rest of the story from Woon-jeong. Jin Ja-gang spoke with some regret.

“So all the Zhuge family people ended up dead.”

Elder Bok-cheon spoke as if scolding Jin Ja-gang.

“Don’t worry about matters beyond your capability when you can’t even take care of your own body.”

“I understand. I just thought it would have been helpful later if at least one or two had survived.”

Elder Bok-cheon’s eyes narrowed.

He realized why Jin Ja-gang had deliberately taken risks and turned the fight with Myowol and Baek Li-jung into a muddy battle. While he intended to make the fight advantageous by pressuring Myowol and Baek Li-jung, he had also tried to somehow save the Zhuge family warriors to burden Baek Li-jung in the future.

“The intention was good but reckless. And treating people like objects or tools is not something one from the righteous path should think.”

As Elder Bok-cheon nagged Jin Ja-gang as soon as he woke up, Woon-jeong fidgeted nervously beside them.

“Right. What do you plan to do from now on?”

Elder Bok-cheon asked. Woon-jeong carefully interjected.

“Master, Poison Dragon just got up. Asking such sudden questions…”

“Did I ask you?”

When Elder Bok-cheon glared, Woon-jeong flinched and closed her mouth.

“Since you tried to save the Zhuge family people, you must have had thoughts about what comes after.”

Jin Ja-gang thought for a moment before answering.

“There’s something I must do.”

“What is it?”

“I want to go back to the beginning and trace through it.”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Elder Bok-cheon and said.

“I want to know why the Medicine Sect was attacked by the Poison Sect, and why the Poison Sect tried to eliminate the Medicine Sect’s existence.”

“Will that help your revenge?”

“I think it will help me know them and know myself.”

“Seeing how well you speak, you could leave soon.”

Woon-jeong’s eyes widened as she called to Elder Bok-cheon.

“Master!”

Elder Bok-cheon stood up, dusting himself off, then said as he left through the door.

“But you’re still just as stupid. With that level of skill, what could you do even if you uncovered the whole truth? Building your skills comes first. I’ll teach you a technique before you go, so come out at dawn once your body heals.”

After speaking, Elder Bok-cheon immediately left while coughing.

Woon-jeong’s expression brightened.

“That’s wonderful, Brother Poison Dragon!”

Woon-jeong looked at Jin Ja-gang and took his hand, saying it was wonderful. Though Jin Ja-gang was a bit bewildered, he didn’t feel bad about it.

Jin Ja-gang also looked at Woon-jeong and smiled quietly.

Jin Ja-gang had survived again.