Chapter 333 – Fear Ruling Over Fear (2)

Black Martial Hall's Outer Hall Master Hyeok Mu-ui normally had confidence in his external techniques.

The Iron Bone Vajra Method he had mastered made his bones harder than steel and his muscles more elastic than whale tendons. Ordinary swords and sabers couldn't even wound him, and it had saved his life multiple times.

Hyeok Mu-ui was confident this time would be no different. But the moment he clashed with Dam Ho, he realized just how arrogant he had been.

CRASH!

The moment he collided with Dam Ho, his steel-like body suddenly caved in. All his bones shattered and his blood vessels burst from the tremendous pressure.

"Kreaaaak!"

Hyeok Mu-ui vomited blood and flew backward. From a single collision, he reached an irresistible state and his breath was cut off.

Dam Ho's charging technique was no longer merely a movement technique. Through numerous fierce battles, Dam Ho's charging technique had advanced further.

It became more destructive and fierce.

And when combined with the Violent Demon Energy, it was nothing short of a catastrophe.

Kwaaaaaa!

Violent energy swirled around Dam Ho's body.

In an instant, dozens of Black Martial Hall martial artists were swept up by the violent energy and flung away.

By the time they hit the ground, they were already dead.

"This can't be!"

Cho Gwan's body trembled seeing that sight.

The Black Martial Hall he had painstakingly cultivated was collapsing. By a single person, Dam Ho.

Dam Ho was a ferocious tiger that had jumped into a flock of sheep. No matter how many sheep there were, they couldn't oppose a tiger. Black Martial Hall's martial artists died helplessly.

Watching his subordinates die, Cho Gwan's eyes went wild.

"You bastard!"

He drew up all his internal energy and charged at Dam Ho.

Swish!

The saber at his waist radiated dazzling saber energy. A massive blade energy struck Dam Ho directly.

CRASH!

"Krek!"

It was Cho Gwan who was flung backward with the roar. The attacker himself suffered the recoil.

His palm holding the saber ached as if crushed entirely. The pain of striking a thick iron plate with bare hands made his face contort involuntarily.

The violent energy had burst at the moment the blade energy struck, instead delivering the blow.

As Cho Gwan stumbled backward, suddenly Dam Ho appeared through the explosion.

His hair whipping about, he charged forward. His body expanded instantly as he deployed his charging technique.

"Hyaaa!"

Cho Gwan shouted and swung his saber once more. An even more reinforced saber energy formed.

Zing!

But the rainbow-colored saber energy dissipated before it could even be fully unleashed by a single strike from Dam Ho's fist.

It wasn't an ordinary blow.

It was a Shattering Palm Strike.

"Krek!"

As Cho Gwan let out a suffocating groan, the saber he held shattered into pieces. Through the shards of glass-like blade fragments, his shocked face was visible.

Crash!

Dam Ho seized Cho Gwan by the collar and before he could react, deployed the Earth Shattering Strike.

His legs were uprooted from the earth like trees, and his body flipped in mid-air before crashing toward the ground.

"Krek!"

Cho Gwan belatedly thrashed, trying to escape Dam Ho's grip. But Dam Ho's hand held him like shackles, refusing to let go.

"Fist Demon!"

"Stop thrashing."

That moment, the men in scarlet robes who had been observing moved to rescue Cho Gwan.

Phew phew phew!

Multiple streams of spear energy struck Dam Ho's torso. Though the violent energy instantly arose to neutralize it, Dam Ho's movement momentarily slowed.

The scarlet-robed men seized that gap and snatched Cho Gwan from Dam Ho.

It happened in the blink of an eye.

The scarlet-robed men retreated while protecting Cho Gwan. But Dam Ho didn't let them go.

Swish!

Dam Ho's fist extended like a whip.

It was a Single Yang Strike.

CRASH!

The man in the lead took the blow on his shoulder. From the short but intense strike, his shoulder caved in.

"Krek!"

The man's face twisted.

He tried to deploy the Lifesaving Absolute Technique with his remaining intact arm. But in that moment, all he could see were Dam Ho's cold eyes. Somehow Dam Ho's torso had penetrated all the way to his chest.

CRASH!

With a roar, the man's body was flung backward. His face and chest were crushed beyond recognition.

"Jin-won."

"You bastard!"

The scarlet-robed men, instantly losing a comrade, raged. But before they could even fully express their anger, Dam Ho leaped among them.

A storm named Dam Ho consumed everything and destroyed it.

"Kreeeek!"

"Kek!"

Screams instantly burst forth.

"This can't be!"

Nam Ju-gyeong, the leader of the scarlet-robed men, felt his eyes trembling.

He was a martial artist dispatched by the Demon Cult.

His mission was to support Black Martial Hall and seize Guizhou. He was among the upper echelon of the Demon Cult and possessed great confidence in his martial arts. He believed that within Guizhou Province, few could match him.

In reality, there was no martial artist in Guizhou Province who could compare to him. When attacking Golden Sand Sect and the White Merchant House, he and the Demon Cult martial artists supported Cho Gwan. But none became his equal. So his arrogance soared to the heavens. Until just moments ago, that is.

CRASH!

"Kraaaak!"

Another roar echoed and his subordinate became a corpse flying away.

In an instant, half of the forces he had brought were killed by Dam Ho. It was truly unbelievable destructive power.

'Half of the Seven Great Demons died at his hands. It's really true,' Nam Ju-gyeong bit his lips.

He realized there was no chance of victory in direct confrontation. He couldn't handle an opponent the Seven Great Demons couldn't overcome.

'Abandon Black Martial Hall.'

The Demon Cult had supported Black Martial Hall hoping Guizhou Province would fall into chaos, not out of any special relationship. After all, they were merely using each other out of necessity, with no loyalty between them.

Nam Ju-gyeong thought he had done his duty by saving Cho Gwan's life once.

'I'll escape.'

The moment he hardened this resolve, a tremendous pressure descended on him. It was Dam Ho.

Nam Ju-gyeong fired twelve spear energy strikes at Dam Ho in succession and without confirming the results, turned his body to flee.

Thud!

But before taking even three or four steps, his body froze. Unaware, Dam Ho's hand had seized his collar.

"Krek!"

Even while gasping, Nam Ju-gyeong unleashed spear energy like lightning at Dam Ho's chest.

CRASH!

"Kek!"

But before the spear energy could extend even halfway, Dam Ho twisted his wrist. His bone snapped like bamboo and punctured through his skin.

"Kyaaaah! Fist Demon!"

Splash!

At that moment, Nam Ju-gyeong's head flew off. Dam Ho's fist had struck.

The headless body convulsed briefly before collapsing like a log.

"Uu!"

Watching the Demon Cult's dispatched martial artists all perish instantly, Cho Gwan wore a blank expression.

Dam Ho walked toward him.

Covered in blood, his appearance didn't look human at all.

To Cho Gwan's eyes, Dam Ho was a demon god itself.

"Uuu! Don't approach!"

But Dam Ho paid no attention and continued walking. The surviving Black Martial Hall martial artists parted to create a path.

They had long lost their will to fight. They couldn't dream of opposing Dam Ho and merely waited for this nightmare to end.

Desperate, Cho Gwan shouted with bloodshot eyes:

"Why are you doing this to me? What grievance do we have? Whatever happens here has nothing to do with you anyway, does it? So why cause bloodshed here in Guizhou Province? The heavens will never forgive you for this."

"The heavens."

"Yes! Don't you feel shame before the heavens for being a disciple of Mount Hua Sect, a prestigious orthodox sect?"

Instantly Dam Ho's eyes turned even colder. Cho Gwan's words didn't affect him at all. Seeing this, Cho Gwan changed tactics.

"No, I misspoke. Forget it. Instead, I'll give you money. How much do you want? I've collected tens of thousands of gold from the White Merchant House and Golden Sand Gate. I'll give it all."

"Money?"

"Yes! Tens of thousands of gold is an enormous amount that you and Mount Hua could live comfortably on forever without working. You can keep any woman you desire and enjoy all the world's glory. What do you think?"

Dam Ho answered with just a single word. But Cho Gwan interpreted it as agreement and gained more courage.

"Rather, why don't we join hands? With me, we could conquer Guizhou Province, even a few neighboring ones. At that level, you could enjoy glory for generations. You don't even need to move directly. I'll handle all the dirty work. You just enjoy the glory."

Cho Gwan's voice grew increasingly louder.

Initially he was speaking carelessly to change Dam Ho's mind, but as he continued, he became convinced by his own words.

Dam Ho, already ostracized by the world for his nickname Fist Demon, seemed ready to be tempted by a more appealing offer. With Dam Ho on his side, there was nothing to fear. Even the world's Demon Cult feared Dam Ho. With him backing him, he could easily control several cities around Guizhou.

Cho Gwan became intoxicated by his own logic. He extended his hand toward Dam Ho.

"Why did you master martial arts? Wasn't it to enjoy wealth and glory? Join hands with me. We shall be… no, I will offer complete loyalty. Black Martial Hall will serve you faithfully."

His tone immediately changed.

Thump!

And he knelt down without hesitation.

At Cho Gwan's appearance, the surviving Black Martial Hall martial artists all knelt in unison.

"We will serve faithfully."

"Please lead us."

Two hundred people or so shouted in unison as if by agreement. Their voices echoed through all of West Alley.

'He'll accept. He must accept.'

Cho Gwan muttered this internally while bowing his head.

It was a gamble with everything at stake. With high risk came sweet reward.

Cho Gwan raised his voice one final time.

"Black Martial Hall offers itself to Great Hero. Please lead us."

"Please lead us."

Their voices echoed through West Alley again. But Dam Ho's answer they wanted didn't come.

Unable to wait longer, Cho Gwan carefully raised his head. Then he saw Dam Ho looking down at him.

Contrary to Cho Gwan's expectation of seeing greed, Dam Ho's face showed no emotion.

An ominous premonition seized Cho Gwan and he hurriedly opened his mouth.

"Gr-Great Hero! Listen to what I'm saying…"

CRASH!

At that moment, a roar echoed through West Alley.

It felt like thunder crashing down. But the roar didn't come from the sky.

It was the sound of Dam Ho's fist striking Cho Gwan's body.

Dam Ho's fist pierced through Cho Gwan's chest.

He stared in disbelief, looking alternately at his chest and Dam Ho. Until his final breath, he couldn't understand Dam Ho.

"Kuk! Why… why?"

"Do I look like I need anything besides these two fists?"

"That…"

Cho Gwan's body trembled at Dam Ho's answer, then he breathed his last.

Dam Ho withdrew his fist from Cho Gwan's chest and gazed at the Black Martial Hall martial artists.

"Kyaaaah!"

"Save me!"

At that moment, the kneeling Black Martial Hall martial artists scattered in all directions like grasshoppers.

Dam Ho's eyes grew cold.

Filth must be cleaned, not held hands with.

Yellow Crane Tower wasn’t just a single pavilion.

Starting from where the pavilion built on a hill could be seen, teahouses, restaurants, fabric shops, and other stores were already lined up in rows.

“All kinds of delicious smells…”

Woon-jeong flared his nostrils.

Though Sichuan wasn’t a small city either, it couldn’t compare to one of Central Plains’ top scenic spots. There were loads of things he hadn’t even seen in Sichuan.

Even after entering the main gate of Yellow Crane Tower, they had to walk quite a ways through a wide garden and climb a hill to reach the pavilion’s entrance.

There were scholars who had come out leisurely alone to enjoy the refined atmosphere, as well as groups who had come together. Young men and women could be seen wrapped in silk from head to toe, dressed up to the nines.

Children from wealthy families and beautiful women were also fully enjoying the cherry blossoms, sitting in pavilions by ponds.

“So many pretty people, both men and women!”

People passing by saw Woon-jeong wearing his Taoist cap and greeted him respectfully with clasped hands.

Woon-jeong also frantically clasped his hands in return greetings and gave blessings for them.

Jin Ja-gang had also changed into clean dark blue clothes earlier. Since he had no intention of hiding, he wore expensive rather than shabby clothes.

This way was actually more convenient for moving around. People might be wary of or look down on someone in dirty, shabby clothes, but they wouldn’t treat someone in fine clothes carelessly.

His pale complexion contrasted with the lustrous dark blue color of his clothes, making Jin Ja-gang look like a young master from a good family. His sharp yet calm eyes, containing deep weight within, stood out particularly.

Perhaps because of this, many women glanced at Jin Ja-gang as they passed by. When they met Jin Ja-gang’s eyes, they would cover their mouths and laugh.

Being such a famous scenic spot, there was a particularly free-spirited atmosphere.

The first floor of Yellow Crane Tower was a teahouse open for anyone to enjoy. Though the prices were incomparable to the teahouses below, just being on the first floor offered such good scenery that all of Wuchang could be seen below.

From the second floor came the slight scent of wine and food, suggesting they sold alcohol and cuisine.

At the first floor entrance, a neatly dressed server approached.

“Welcome. How may I help you?”

Woon-jeong asked.

“Could we go up to see the third floor?”

The server looked troubled.

“That would be difficult. The third floor requires advance reservations. If you’d like to drink, I can guide you to the second floor.”

Jin Ja-gang looked at Yellow Crane Tower’s plaque, then presented his sword command. Below the plaque was a small Yangtze River Sword Sect emblem.

The server confirmed the sword command, returned it, and respectfully clasped his hands.

“Please follow me.”

Woon-jeong was both surprised and pleased that the sword command worked here too.

Jin Ja-gang and Woon-jeong were guided directly to the third floor.

The third floor was thoroughly controlled from the stairs. It was completely hidden by doors and curtains.

Moreover, sturdy warriors guarding the pavilion and a beautiful woman stood there.

The woman listened to the server’s explanation and frowned. After sending the server away, she greeted them politely and said.

“Please forgive my subordinate’s mistake. Not knowing the current situation, he seems to have improperly received an honored guest. Please forgive the discourtesy of making your precious visit uncomfortable.”

Jin Ja-gang nodded silently.

“We’ll prepare a wine table in this floor’s VIP room. Today, we’ll host you as an apology from our side, so please rest comfortably before leaving.”

This meant not to pay money.

Woon-jeong didn’t understand and asked.

“We came all the way to the third floor and now you want us to go back down? Why?”

The woman and warriors’ expressions became more troubled.

Woon-jeong just wanted to see the view from the third floor, so he asked with an innocent face.

“Then can I go out the window and climb on the roof tiles?”

“Th-that would be…”

That would be even more troublesome. The woman glanced at Jin Ja-gang. She seemed to want him to take Woon-jeong and go back down.

But Jin Ja-gang didn’t go down and spoke right there.

“They’re Zhuge family warriors. Taoist Woon-jeong’s words about this being Zhuge family territory are correct.”

Those blocking the way were Zhuge family warriors.

“Yellow Crane Tower is probably also under Zhuge family management. Since I’m not on good terms with the Zhuge family, if there are Zhuge family people inside, you can’t let us in.”

Only then understanding the reason, Woon-jeong’s face became embarrassed.

“Ah, I didn’t even know that. I’m sor…”

Woon-jeong started to apologize then stopped.

“That’s not right?”

“What do you mean?”

“The Zhuge family put a five thousand tael bounty on you. If Zhuge family people are here, shouldn’t you be more proactive instead?”

“That’s true too.”

The faces of the listening warriors and woman turned pale.

Woon-jeong thought a bit then said as if to himself.

“But bounties are martial world matters, so the Zhuge family would also want to avoid fighting at Yellow Crane Tower where many civilians gather.”

“That would be so.”

Jin Ja-gang agreed without much meaning. To Jin Ja-gang, it didn’t matter either way.

“Then, excuse us. Primordial Heavenly Venerate.”

Just as Woon-jeong was bowing and about to go down.

“Wait!”

A young man’s voice came from inside the third floor.

“Let them in.”

The woman asked in surprise.

“But…”

“But nothing, if they just leave like this, we’ll be acknowledging that bastard’s words looking down on us!”

“Understood.”

The door opened, and Jin Ja-gang and Woon-jeong were guided inside through a corridor made entirely of latticed doors.

Slide.

The door at the very end opened.

The room was extremely spacious with all windows wide open to the outside, creating an unobstructed view.

There, several young people were sitting and enjoying drinks – four men and five women.

When Jin Ja-gang entered, they all jumped up and looked at Jin Ja-gang with wary eyes. But some were also surprised.

“Poison Dragon?”

“Was Poison Dragon that young?”

“He’s completely different from the rumors?”

He looked too delicate, the complete opposite of what they’d heard.

One of them spoke to Jin Ja-gang with hostility.

“Do you think we’re cowering and avoiding just one Poison Dragon like you!”

It was a Zhuge family youth in his twenties.

To the Zhuge family, Jin Ja-gang was an enemy. The Zhuge family youth’s face was full of indignation.

“A bastard who deserves to be chewed up and spit out… We were trying to send you off nicely since this is an important occasion, but you dare mock us?”

Woon-jeong stepped forward to mediate.

“I pestered Poison Dragon because I wanted to see Yellow Crane Tower’s famous scenery. We had no intention of inconveniencing you all.”

“Qingcheng Sect?”

“Yes. I’m called Woon-jeong.”

The youth sneered.

“Those who abandoned their home mountain are shameless too. I wondered what you were doing, turns out you’re clinging to the world’s greatest killer and public enemy of the martial world.”

As the saying goes, the interfering sister-in-law is more hateful than the beating mother-in-law. Though they hated Jin Ja-gang, seeing Qingcheng Sect, which had been a major pillar of the orthodox sects, together with Jin Ja-gang made the youths angrier.

“How can Qingcheng Sect abandon the Martial Alliance and act like that? Really…”

“Mmm, there were unavoidable circumstances… please understand.”

“Understand? Do you think traveling with an unorthodox sect member is understandable?”

“Well, that’s…”

When Woon-jeong became flustered by the sudden flood of criticism, other youths joined in.

“Qingcheng Sect has fallen too.”

“After rejecting the Martial Alliance, did you finally become demonic heretics?”

“No. That’s not it… Oh my… Primordial Heavenly Venerate.”

The youths ignored Woon-jeong’s protests.

“Acting like a Taoist talking about Primordial Heavenly Venerate, ptui.”

“I won’t even piss toward Sichuan from now on. May your organs rot away.”

“Birds of a feather flock together they say. Clinging to Poison Dragon? I’ll watch how well Qingcheng Sect does!”

“We were fooled from the start. Even in Sichuan, you wavered between orthodox and unorthodox, acting like bats even among demonic cults.”

Woon-jeong’s head bowed lower.

“Sigh, Primordial Heavenly Venerate, Supreme Elderly Lord, Numinous Treasure Heavenly Venerate. I’m sorry. But please don’t curse our Qingcheng. That’s… too harsh.”

Even the young ladies joined in.

“They used to say Qingcheng Sect’s Taoists were strict but had clear judgment and were righteous. Now that’s also old news.”

“Clinging to unorthodox sects to survive even after giving up your gall bladder. Are you begging for your lives?”

“It’s not begging for lives or anything like that, anyway I’m sorry.”

Woon-jeong closed his eyes with a troubled expression. But once started, the harsh words didn’t know when to stop.

“I’ll go up to Qingcheng Mountain soon and dump shit all over it. Perfect for Qingcheng Sect acting like Taoists with thick faces.”

“What? That’s a bit…”

“Why? Wasn’t clinging to unorthodox sects and leeching off them enough, so you came all the way to Wuhan?”

“That’s not it.”

“Ah, I heard the sect leader or some Taoist had an affair with an unorthodox sect woman?”

Woon-jeong opened his eyes and stared at the youths.

“Primordial Heavenly Venerate. Excuse me.”

“By clinging to unorthodox sects and following behind Poison Dragon, Qingcheng Sect won’t last long and will disappear. I guarantee it.”

“Excuse me, Primordial Heavenly Venerate?”

“What sacred site of Taoism? You’re just a filthy demon spirit.”

Woon-jeong shouted.

“Primordial Heavenly Venerate!”

The youths looked at Woon-jeong.

“Do you have something to say?”

Woon-jeong huffed angrily.

“No, listening and listening, you’re strange people?”

“What did you say?”

“I apologized out of courtesy, you know? Not because I was actually sorry?”

“What? Out of courtesy?”

“I was trying to stop Poison Dragon from killing people again, but what? Qingcheng Sect is shameless and fallen? A demon spirit and whatnot? No, since I stayed quiet, you completely take people for fools.”

When Woon-jeong replied fiercely, the youths became even angrier.

“Even with ten mouths, Qingcheng Sect would have nothing to say!”

Jin Ja-gang looked back at Woon-jeong. What he’d muttered in his sleep after drinking last time apparently wasn’t a joke or groundless worry.

Jin Ja-gang asked Woon-jeong.

“Did you always think that way inside?”

At Jin Ja-gang’s words, Woon-jeong pouted while looking elsewhere.

“If it wasn’t just for Poison Dragon, I wouldn’t have suffered such humiliation, you know? Since you cause so much trouble, I have to clean up after you.”

Woon-jeong was serious.

Though it was hard to call it proper cleanup, it was true that he had continuously tried to help Jin Ja-gang, whether due to his master Bok-cheon’s orders or not.

“That’s true.”

“See?”

But the youths felt differently.

The words about stopping him from killing people were enough to hurt the youths’ pride. The youths grabbed their sword hilts and the Zhuge family youth also gritted his teeth.

“How dare you threaten us?”

Jin Ja-gang spoke to them.

“You called me when I was leaving, but after calling someone who was leaving, asking if I threatened you – what’s that about?”

“If it weren’t for the sword command, we wouldn’t have let you in here!”

“The emblem was left on the plaque.”

The Zhuge family youth shouted toward the outside.

“Bring the plaque!”

Soon two warriors from outside brought the plaque that had been hanging at Yellow Crane Tower. In the corner of the plaque was the Yangtze River Sword Sect emblem.

“I can’t believe this thing was still left!”

The Zhuge family youth struck down the plaque with his palm.

Bang!

The middle of the plaque crumpled and broke in half. The warriors who had brought the plaque looked troubled.