Chapter 282 – There Are Evil Bonds That Cannot Be Shaken Off (1)

The first-floor dining area of the inn was bustling with people. Being one of the larger inns in Dujiangyan, it naturally attracted many visitors.

In the dining area, Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung were silently eating their meals. Since neither of them was particularly talkative, their mealtime was inevitably quiet.

As the two were quietly using their chopsticks, it happened. Suddenly, three people entered through the inn's door.

Dressed in loose traveling clothes with large wide-brimmed hats, the appearance of these three was enough to draw many gazes.

"There's a seat over there," one of them said in a youthful voice, pointing to an empty table.

The exceptionally clear and pure voice naturally drew everyone's attention.

"Yes! Let's sit there."
"Whew! Now we can finally rest."

The other two nodded and sat down at the empty table.

As soon as they were seated, they removed their wide-brimmed hats. They were all women of remarkable beauty. The oldest-looking woman was, interestingly, a female monk with a completely shaved head, while the other two women boasted black hair arranged in triple knots.

Among them, the most striking was a woman with unusually blue eyes that contrasted with her black hair. Her exceptionally fair skin and distinct features were breathtakingly beautiful. Hanging at her waist was a sword that was as eye-catching as her beauty.

Looking at her appearance, which clearly showed mixed blood with Western regions, several men couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

"Ah!"
"Truly beautiful."

The atmosphere in the inn quickly heated up. At this, the youngest-looking girl pouted her lips.

"At least they have an eye for beauty."

Despite her words, the young girl's face was full of pride.

At that moment, someone shouted:

"Blue eyes and a sword? She's Jung So-cheon, the Emei First Sword of the Emei Sect."

"The Emei Sect?"

The already excited atmosphere in the inn grew even more boisterous.

The greatest genius in the Sichuan martial world was undoubtedly Chung Woon, the One Star of Sichuan. Recognized by both the Tang Sect and the Emei Sect as the foremost genius of the Qincheng Sect.

Cheong Woon, one of the most outstanding young talents in the world and a member of the Nine Divine Dragons, was the pride of the Sichuan martial world. His presence in Sichuan Province was unparalleled. But he wasn't the only genius in the Sichuan martial world.

Although overshadowed by Cheong Woon and thus less known, both the Tang Sect and the Emei Sect had their own famous geniuses.

Notable examples were Tang Ha-sung, the Thousand-Hand Young Master of the Tang Sect, and Jung So-cheon, the Emei First Sword of the Emei Sect.

Tang Ha-sung, who had mastered the Tang Sect's hidden weapon techniques to such an extreme level that his hands appeared as a thousand, was an object of fear, while Jung So-cheon, with her mixed Western blood giving her a mysterious aura, was an object of admiration.

Despite people recognizing her identity and whispering about her, Jung So-cheon showed no sign of concern. For her, this was a daily occurrence.

Looking at her disciples, the female monk slightly shook her head.

"You truly have a difficult life."

The female monk's dharma name was Eun-yeop, and she was the chief disciple of the Emei Sect. The youngest woman was the junior disciple, So Yul-hee.

As evident from their attire, Jung So-cheon and So Yul-hee were secular disciples. However, due to their exceptional talent, they had received the true martial arts of the main sect and enjoyed the honor of accompanying the chief disciple, Nun Eun-yeop.

The innkeeper treated the three with utmost respect. Being disciples of the Emei Sect alone qualified them for such treatment.

Nun Eun-yeop ordered a few simple dishes from the innkeeper. Meanwhile, the youngest, So Yul-hee, was looking around the inn with curious eyes.

Her eyes, which had been shining like a star, stopped at a table on the opposite side. It was where Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung were sitting.

"Look at those people, Sister."

Naturally, the two women's gazes turned toward Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung. Then So Yul-hee whispered:

"Doesn't the man look really cold? And the sister over there seems quite beautiful. What kind of relationship do they have? They seem too distant to be lovers."

"You're talking nonsense."

"I wonder where they're from? They don't look like people from Sichuan Province."

Despite Nun Eun-yeop's reprimand, So Yul-hee remained undeterred. Nun Eun-yeop smiled at her behavior.

Every sect had someone who lifted the mood, and in the Emei Sect, it was So Yul-hee. She was incredibly curious and could never hold back when something piqued her interest. This had caused many problems, but it also made her the vitality of the Emei Sect.

Jung So-cheon's eyes gleamed. As So Yul-hee had said, they were indeed an unusual combination. Though sitting at the same table, the two clearly maintained a distance from each other.

That's when it happened.

Suddenly, Dam Ho raised his head and looked at them. As Jung So-cheon met Dam Ho's gaze directly, her body trembled involuntarily.

'What kind of eyes are those?'

The moment she saw those deep, cold eyes devoid of any emotion, her body trembled uncontrollably. This was a first for her.

"What's wrong, Sister Jung?"

Puzzled by Jung So-cheon's reaction, Nun Eun-yeop asked. She had been talking with So Yul-hee and hadn't seen Dam Ho's gaze just now.

"N-nothing."

Jung So-cheon hastily brushed it off.

'Was there such a martial artist in Sichuan Province? Even Cheong Woon, the so-called greatest genius of Sichuan, wasn't like this.'

Cheong Woon was the strongest young martial artist she knew. She had once witnessed his strength firsthand during an exchange meeting between the Qincheng Sect and the Emei Sect, and it was truly remarkable. But even then, she didn't feel she was significantly inferior to him.

That's how confident Jung So-cheon was in her martial arts. Yet, when she met Dam Ho's gaze just now, she felt she couldn't confidently challenge him. His gaze was that terrifying.

'Someone to watch out for.'

That's how Jung So-cheon defined Dam Ho.

As she focused on Dam Ho, her attention naturally shifted to Eum Yu-kyung sitting across from him.

Though her face was half-covered with cotton gauze, she couldn't completely hide her innate beauty and grace. In fact, many were stealing glances at her.

That's when So Yul-hee made an unexpected comment.

"Who do you think is prettier?"

"What are you saying?"

"I mean between you, Sister, and that lady over there. She seems quite beautiful too."

"Tsk!"

"Hehe!"

When Jung So-cheon slightly frowned, So Yul-hee gave a cute smile. Her eyes were twinkling like stars. Jung So-cheon felt an ominous premonition.

"You…"

"I can't help it."

So Yul-hee abruptly stood up. Before Nun Eun-yeop and Jung So-cheon could stop her, she walked over to where Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung were sitting.

It happened so suddenly that Nun Eun-yeop and Jung So-cheon could only watch.

"Hello."

So Yul-hee greeted them politely as she approached Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung's table. When they looked up at her, she made a fist-and-palm salute.

"I'm So Yul-hee from the Emei Sect. I know it's rude, but you both stood out so much that I wanted to come over and make your acquaintance."

Her demeanor was so amiable that Eum Yu-kyung momentarily looked perplexed. But she quickly composed herself and spoke.

"I'm Eum Yu-kyung."

"Ah! Sister Eum. Then who is he?"

So Yul-hee's gaze turned to Dam Ho.

"…"

Dam Ho didn't answer. Though one might feel embarrassed, So Yul-hee instead smiled brightly and apologized.

"Was I too hasty in asking? I'm sorry. But I meant no harm, so please forgive me. Hehe!"

When such a beautiful girl spoke like this, anyone would accept it.

Eum Yu-kyung spoke on Dam Ho's behalf.

"It's alright. He's not a very talkative person. And he dislikes having his name widely known. So please understand, Miss So."

"It's fine. That's understandable."

So Yul-hee responded amiably to Eum Yu-kyung's apology.

Eum Yu-kyung felt a liking for her bright and unblemished demeanor.

"You said you're from the Emei Sect?"

"Yes! I came with my seniors."

"I know that Mount Emei is quite far from here. What brings you here?"

"I'm sorry. We came on our sect's orders, so I can't tell you more than that."

"I understand. We're in the same situation."

Eum Yu-kyung's words carried many implications. Like you, we too are here on our sect's orders, so don't ask further.

So Yul-hee's face slightly reddened. She had caught the meaning behind Eum Yu-kyung's words. But she quickly continued as if nothing had happened.

"We plan to stay in Dujiangyan for a while. What about you?"

"Us too."

"Then we'll see each other often?"

"Perhaps!"

"If we do meet, please acknowledge me. Okay?"

"Sure!"

When Eum Yu-kyung agreed, a bright smile appeared on So Yul-hee's face again.

"I think I've taken up too much of your time. Please enjoy your meal."

"You too, Miss So. Enjoy your meal."

"Yes!"

With her response, So Yul-hee returned to where Jung So-cheon and the others were waiting. She was visibly being reprimanded by Jung So-cheon and Nun Eun-yeop. Yet, she still maintained her bright smile without looking the least bit discouraged.

She was a girl who had the talent to brighten her surroundings just by existing. Eum Yu-kyung couldn't help but smile at So Yul-hee's demeanor.

"She's truly a bright girl."

Dam Ho silently nodded.

It felt as if the previously gloomy atmosphere had been refreshed by So Yul-hee's appearance.

After watching So Yul-hee for a while, Eum Yu-kyung turned to Dam Ho and said:

"But why is the Emei Sect here? Mount Emei is quite far from Dujiangyan. If we're talking about territories, this area is closer to the Qincheng Sect's jurisdiction."

Though the Tang Sect, Qincheng Sect, and Emei Sect all had their bases in Sichuan Province, they clearly respected each other's territories.

It was because they respected each other's domains that the three sects had been able to coexist without major issues until now. Therefore, they tried not to send their martial artists into each other's territories if possible. That was their convention.

The smile that had been on Eum Yu-kyung's face was now nowhere to be seen.

The Tang Sect's attack on Yellow Dragon Fortress and many other things weighed on her mind.

'What exactly is happening in Dujiangyan?'

Her heart naturally grew heavy.

That's when Dam Ho spoke for the first time.

"What are you going to do?"

"There's a place I need to find."

Eum Yu-kyung put down her chopsticks and stood up. Dam Ho followed suit.

The two walked out of the inn.

Just before they left, So Yul-hee acknowledged them.

"Goodbye!"

Nun Eun-yeop shook her head at So Yul-hee's behavior. But soon after, her expression darkened.

Her gaze was fixed on Dam Ho's back as he left. More precisely, on his leg.

She noticed his slight limp.

She recalled the most famous figure in the current martial world. He too limped like the man before her.

'It can't be?'

She shook her head.

He was supposed to be at Mount Hua, thousands of li away from here. Moreover, Mount Hua had closed its gates. There was no reason for him to be here.

Outside the inn, Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung walked through the streets.

Once on the street, Eum Yu-kyung carefully examined walls and trees. Though it seemed odd, Dam Ho followed her without saying anything.

How long had they walked like this?

"Found it."

Eum Yu-kyung's eyes sparkled.

Her gaze was directed at a spot beneath a large wall on one side of the marketplace. There was a mark so small it was almost invisible. Though it was hard to see in the dim light, Eum Yu-kyung had managed to find it.

To an uninformed person, it might look like a scratch, but to someone who knew, it appeared as a sword mark.

It was a mark known only to those who shared Eum Yu-kyung's cause. She walked in the direction the mark indicated.

After walking for a while, another mark appeared. This time, the direction changed.

Following the marks, they soon found themselves in the most secluded area of Dujiangyan. It was a desolate place with barely any signs of life. But that didn't mean there were no people at all.

They could feel the gazes of people watching from behind locked doors. They were wary of the appearance of unfamiliar outsiders.

Dam Ho and Eum Yu-kyung continued walking, paying no attention to the gazes. The place they arrived at was a small mansion located in the deepest part of the street.

'Is this the place?'

Eum Yu-kyung placed her hand on the door of the mansion. The door silently slid open, revealing the scene inside.

Death had descended upon the place.

It was the tenth day since Jin Ja-gang had learned basic techniques from Elder Bok-cheon.

Jin Ja-gang had become proficient in breathing methods.

He had mastered all methods: breathing long and thin, breathing rapidly, holding breath, and breathing in large quantities. Meanwhile, his internal energy had also improved noticeably.

The Fifth Light was within reach.

However, the Fifth Light proved more elusive than expected. It seemed like he could surpass it with just a little more effort, but strangely, it wouldn’t happen.

The door to the Fifth Light, which seemed touchable yet untouchable, was as if it were teasing Jin Ja-gang. Being close made him more anxious than when it was far away.

Jin Ja-gang thought of revenge to focus. He recalled the appearance of his mother and maternal grandfather when they died. He remembered those from the Medicine King Sect who died for him and those who died in the mine tunnels.

Crack!

Jin Ja-gang’s shoulder caught fire.

Elder Bok-cheon shouted.

“Don’t seek the easy path! Don’t you still know that killing intent destroys oneself!”

Since Jin Ja-gang had unconsciously used the method he had always employed, Elder Bok-cheon’s scolding was very timely. However, it wasn’t easy for Jin Ja-gang to resist the temptation of the Fifth Light appearing before his eyes.

After the dawn training ended, Jin Ja-gang went out to gather poisonous plants with a troubled mind.

“Brother Poison Dragon improves day by day. I can barely keep up with following behind now.”

This was what Woon-jeong said while following Jin Ja-gang who had gone out to gather poisonous plants.

“Is it because you face masters far superior to yourself every day? I guess I’m still not fierce enough. Even recently, when I met a great master at Qingcheng, my knees went weak and I couldn’t properly display my skills.”

“When engaging in life-and-death battles with masters, you must approach the fight thinking you’ve already given up half your life. Otherwise, you can’t help but be intimidated.”

“I don’t want to die yet. All I’ve done until now is practice martial arts on Mount Qingcheng every day and read Taoist scriptures.”

“You do it because you don’t want to die.”

“Master said I should train until my body can execute techniques even when I’m unconscious. Then would I be able to win?”

“With Qingcheng Sect’s ascending martial arts, it should be possible.”

“What about you, Brother Poison Dragon?”

“I…”

Jin Ja-gang had not learned proper martial arts, and even what he had learned was third-rate. Third-rate martial arts had limitations. If he trained pedantically enough for it to become ingrained in his body, it might interfere at crucial moments.

That’s why Jin Ja-gang always tried to exploit the weaknesses and blind spots of masters’ thinking. He used everything available around him. He wasn’t bound by conventional thinking.

Only by doing so could he barely defeat masters.

“My circumstances were not favorable. Since Taoist Woon-jeong’s situation is much better than mine, it would be better to follow Master’s words.”

“Ah, I just get scolded by Master every day. I’m too lazy, so I’m hopeless.”

“It will work out well.”

“Look even now. Brother Poison Dragon is so diligently collecting poisonous plants, but I came along to play and I’m just chatting.”

Woon-jeong stopped talking mid-sentence and asked.

“But Brother Poison Dragon, do you have to eat like that to strengthen your internal energy? Before, you seemed to choose carefully, but now you’re picking and eating almost everything you see.”

At Woon-jeong’s words, Jin Ja-gang suddenly checked the grass in his hand.

It was ordinary weeds.

Just because all plants in the world contain poison doesn’t mean everything is helpful. It’s useless because there’s more to discard than to take.

The problem was… until Woon-jeong mentioned it just now, Jin Ja-gang was completely unaware that he was chewing weeds.

Jin Ja-gang looked back at the path he had walked.

It was noticeably bare where he had passed.

It seemed he had eaten tremendously without distinguishing between poisonous plants and non-poisonous ones. Even stripping tree bark.

Nevertheless…

Jin Ja-gang still felt intense hunger.

‘Something is wrong!’

Jin Ja-gang was grateful to Woon-jeong.

“Thank you.”

“Why?”

“I almost got possessed by a demon.”

“What?”

Leaving the bewildered Woon-jeong behind, Jin Ja-gang sighed with relief. If he had been alone, he might have fallen into an inescapable swamp without realizing it.

* * *

–There is a demon trapped in the Thunder Department. If reckless movement continues, someday the demon will damage one’s true nature. Only achieving purification of the heart through cleansing the body again and again can drive the demon out of the Thunder Department.

This was the formula that Enlightened Teacher Yelu Huan had taught him.

The Five Thunder Heaven-Shaking Art of the Dark Sect combined with Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunder Toad Art was demonic martial arts. Naturally, there were side effects from demonic arts. That was precisely the Calamity Demon God in the Thunder Department.

He said that as Jin Ja-gang learned Jade Void Nine Lights Five Thunder Toad Art, sooner or later he would encounter the Calamity Demon God. That time could be when reaching the Fifth Light or the Sixth Light. If one became obsessed only with becoming stronger and pursued power, the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit would erode one’s reason.

Jin Ja-gang realized he had been possessed by the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit, but still felt hunger.

This wasn’t simple physical hunger but hunger in the mental realm. Therefore, it was much harder to endure than being hungry.

Jin Ja-gang decided to consult with Elder Bok-cheon.

Elder Bok-cheon could tell Jin Ja-gang’s concerns just by looking at his expression.

“Though consumption is training that’s easier to approach than breathing methods, it tends to rely on the mouth and stomach. When the mouth is pleased and the belly is full, all sorts of distracting thoughts naturally arise. At such times, one must perform fasting cultivation.”

He had always thought he needed to eat, never that he needed to fast.

“When you empty the inside through fasting, the body has nothing to do and rests, while the mind becomes clear. This is called purifying the heart through cleansing the body.”

Cleansing the body didn’t mean washing with water, but becoming pure through fasting!

A method to overcome the side effects of Five Thunder Heaven-Shaking Art through Qingcheng Sect’s cultivation!

“Try meditating with breathing methods in that state. You will gain something.”

Jin Ja-gang’s hunger had already progressed considerably, so just the thought of fasting was painful.

However, Jin Ja-gang realized this was already abnormal.

“I understand.”

Jin Ja-gang immediately stopped all training and entered a cave to begin fasting cultivation.

It was an arduous battle with himself.

Having skipped just one meal, Jin Ja-gang even chewed stones from the ground.

Only when his teeth made cracking sounds as they broke did he barely come to his senses. Jin Ja-gang hurriedly tore his clothes to tie up his mouth. He might have ended up devouring his own arms and legs.

The temptation of the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit was tremendous.

Since he wasn’t consuming anything immediately, the increase in internal energy stopped abruptly. Rather, the absolute amount decreased sharply. He wondered if this was really the right thing to do.

All sorts of negative feelings and anxious thoughts dominated Jin Ja-gang.

Jin Ja-gang became so anxious he even broke out in cold sweat.

What helped Jin Ja-gang not waver anymore during this time was none other than the breathing of breathing methods.

Inhalation, exhalation, and stopping breath.

These three simple and basic methods led Jin Ja-gang into deep meditation.

As time passed, the pain decreased and the mental hunger also disappeared. Physical hunger came, but it was incomparably easier to endure than the Calamity Slaying Demon Spirit’s hunger.

His mind gradually became clearer.

Jin Ja-gang continued meditation in a comfortable position. Following breathing methods with energy circulation, he could continue making the pure energy on the right and turbid energy on the left increasingly pure and smooth.

It wasn’t just energy circulation.

Jin Ja-gang was also able to practice the martial arts he knew through visualization in deep meditation.

Training was possible through thought alone without moving his body.

This was thanks to the disappearance of bodily desires and activities, allowing the brain to focus solely on thinking and deepening the realm of thought.

Jin Ja-gang performed energy circulation through breathing methods while fighting countless masters in his imagination. He found and supplemented the shortcomings of techniques like Single Moon Sickle Blade and Flying Needle Twelve Points, improving and refining them.

This time was precious time where Jin Ja-gang could escape from all painful worries and the world to focus only on himself.

* * *

Jin Ja-gang emerged from his fast after a full fortnight.

Crack crack.

As Jin Ja-gang began to move, thin shells covering his body crackled and broke apart. They were shells formed by dust, turbid energy, and residual fluids accumulating on his skin over a long period.

Jin Ja-gang removed the stone blocking the cave and came outside.

Elder Bok-cheon and Woon-jeong were once again surprised to see Jin Ja-gang.

The current Jin Ja-gang was completely different from the Jin Ja-gang of a fortnight ago.

Jin Ja-gang lightly triggered Mad Blood Heaven Cultivation with a single breath. Vortex rushes arose from five dikes.

Whoosh!

Instantly, airflow generated from beneath his feet, making Jin Ja-gang’s old clothes flutter like a whirlwind.

During the fasting period, the absolute amount of internal energy Jin Ja-gang possessed had decreased to less than half. However, it had become much deeper and purer. With increased purity, he could produce the same power by moving less internal energy than a fortnight ago.

Naturally, the strain on his body also decreased, and needless to say, the speed of operation also increased.

“What a monster.”

That was Elder Bok-cheon’s assessment of Jin Ja-gang, who had changed in a fortnight.

Just from the aura emanating from his eyes and expression, one could tell he had already achieved tremendous accomplishment.

Now even Elder Bok-cheon could feel that he couldn’t treat Jin Ja-gang carelessly.

Woon-jeong shook his head.

“I take back what I said about barely keeping up. Now you seem too far away.”

Jin Ja-gang showed a sincere cupped fist salute toward Elder Bok-cheon and Woon-jeong.

“It’s thanks to you. Thank you.”

“Brother Poison Dragon…”

While Woon-jeong was sniffling with emotion for some reason, Elder Bok-cheon expressionlessly handed Jin Ja-gang a small piece of paper.

“News came from the Tang family. They asked me to deliver it to you.”

If it was news from the Tang family, it was from Tang Ha-ran.

Jin Ja-gang opened the paper with half expectation and half concern.

However, only two characters were written there.

Summer [暑]

Water [水]

Jin Ja-gang stared quietly at the note. It was difficult to understand the meaning with just these two cryptic characters.

Elder Bok-cheon said.

“We couldn’t figure out what it means. Is there something we should know?”

Unfortunately, Jin Ja-gang also had to shake his head.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know the meaning either.”

“It can’t be helped.”

Jin Ja-gang looked at the note, then raised his head.

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

“Looking at your expression, you don’t seem to have any intention of staying here any longer.”

Jin Ja-gang nodded.

“It seems I should leave.”

Now it was just early spring after winter had passed. Less than half a year remained until summer, or until summer passed. He needed to prepare.

“I can see why my senior brother liked you.”

Resolute decisiveness.

This wasn’t impatience but a decision based on determination.

Woon-jeong was disappointed.

“So soon?”

“I’m going to leave the trees and see the forest.”

Escaping shadows to view forests.

At those words, Elder Bok-cheon no longer tried to hold Jin Ja-gang back.

“You told me you would know your enemy and know yourself. But you’ve already succeeded in knowing yourself. Now you just need to know your enemy.”

Woon-jeong looked dejected.

Then Jin Ja-gang smiled and asked.

“Before that, if it’s alright, I’d like to learn sound attacks.”

Woon-jeong looked at Elder Bok-cheon.

Elder Bok-cheon gave permission with his usual stoic face.

“Do as you please. Having come this far, what more is there to spare?”

“Wow! Master, thank you!”

Woon-jeong was as happy as if it were his own affair.