Chapter 415 – Evil Fate Continues Endlessly (3)

Shudder!

It wasn't only the underground cavern that trembled. Sang Han-cheon's body also convulsed. Every single hair on his body stood up, and goosebumps arose on his skin.

Two red glows flickered in the darkness.

They were the eyes of Cult Leader Cheok Gwan-hyeol.

His words continued.

"What is it, Han-cheon?"

Cheok Gwan-hyeol's voice was heard inside Sang Han-cheon's head. It was Demonic Spirit True Sound that was transmitted directly to the heart like Buddha's light-mind speech.

Sang Han-cheon answered while prostrating.

"I have come seeking your permission, Cult Leader."

"What is it?"

"I wish to move the Cult Protection Division."

"Cult Protection Division?"

At Cheok Gwan-hyeol's question, the massive demonic energy filling the underground cavern rippled and constricted Sang Han-cheon's body. Instantly the blood drained from Sang Han-cheon's face.

"We n-need the Cult Protection Division's power."

"The reason?"

"The damage from Fist Demon is severe. And some personnel are not moving according to my will."

"Your will is my intention. Who dares defy my command?"

"Divine Fire Hall Leader Nam Hyeon-so defied my command and assembled troops on his own."

"Nam Hyeon-so did?"

"Yes! He unilaterally assembled troops to attack Fist Demon."

"The result?"

"Hall Leader Nam's contact has been cut off."

"You mean he failed."

"……"

Sang Han-cheon didn't answer. Even without answering, his meaning was conveyed to Cheok Gwan-hyeol.

Hissss!

The demonic energy filling the underground cavern rippled like a storm. It was proof that Cheok Gwan-hyeol was angry.

"Han-cheon."

"Please speak."

"Tell Wi Gang-hwi my words. That your will is my intention."

"Thank you, Cult Leader!"

Bang!

Sang Han-cheon struck his head forcefully against the floor once more.

Wi Gang-hwi's epithet was Phantom Demon Emperor, the new director of the Cult Protection Division.

He was the one who newly became head of the Cult Protection Division after the former director, Northern Dark Demon Emperor Hwa Mu-ui, was executed for secretly communicating with the Holy Maiden Eum Yu-kyung.

He had higher seniority than Sang Han-cheon and his personality was also willful, so Sang Han-cheon's influence didn't work well on him.

He was in a state of seclusion, only saying to bring the Cult Leader's command if they wanted to move the Cult Protection Division. To move such a person, Cheok Gwan-hyeol's permission was absolutely necessary.

"Han-cheon."

"Please speak."

"Hurry. My emergence is not far off. Before then, at least the Martial Alliance must be annexed."

"I obey your command!"

Sang Han-cheon shouted forcefully and struck his forehead against the floor once more. The floor made of blue steel stone was stained red with his blood.

"Withdraw now. If you stay here any longer, your clever brain will burn up completely."

"Understood. Then please take care of your health until you emerge again."

Sang Han-cheon bowed deeply to Cheok Gwan-hyeol and carefully withdrew. His form disappeared from sight as if pushed by darkness.

"Fist Demon……"

Sometimes just hearing an opponent's name can give an unpleasant feeling. The epithet Fist Demon was like that.

Just hearing that epithet aroused hostility and intense fighting spirit. It meant he was that stimulating.

But that was as far as it went.

Fist Demon Dam Ho was certainly a tremendous master and a troublesome existence that dealt great damage to the Demon Cult, but once Cheok Gwan-hyeol emerged, he wouldn't be a problem.

The Heaven Embracing Demonic Art he had learned was an ancient demonic art that allowed humans to wield the power of demon gods.

Before Heaven Embracing Demonic Art, any supreme technique or absolute learning of Central Plains would only become meaningless. No matter how great Fist Demon Dam Ho was, before the Heaven Embracing Demonic Art he had learned, he would lose his light like a firefly before the full moon.

The problem wasn't Fist Demon but somewhere else.

Cheok Gwan-hyeol called someone in a quiet voice.

"Annihilation King."

"Yes! Cult Leader."

Instantly someone appeared like a ghost with their answer.

It was a man wearing snow-white robes like snow. The man who wore a scarf made of white fox fur on his shoulders had even white pupils, giving the feeling he wasn't of this world.

The man's name was No Gun-sang, epithet White Wing Annihilation King.

Along with Black Wing Death King Jin Do-hwi, he was the White Lion among the Black and White Lions who assisted the Cult Leader at close range.

Unlike Jin Do-hwi whose face was somewhat known, everything about him was thoroughly hidden behind a curtain of darkness. Only Cult Leader Cheok Gwan-hyeol and Jin Do-hwi knew his true identity.

Cheok Gwan-hyeol asked.

"That bastard?"

"I apologize."

"You still haven't found him?"

"He's hidden so secretly that it's taking time. But we've almost found clues, so we should be able to find him soon."

"Hurry."

"I obey!"

With his answer, No Gun-sang's form disappeared from sight.

Cheok Gwan-hyeol, left alone, turned his gaze to the ceiling of the underground cavern filled with darkness.

"Hehe! Old man, wait just a little longer."

He ground his teeth. Then darkness rippled.

Decades had already passed but he still hadn't forgotten. That shameful memory of that day. That humiliating moment when he had to hide and watch his father die.

He had asked.

―Do you want to live?

And that day, he himself had… nodded.

If he could return to that place on that day, he would blow off the head of himself nodding.

"I will never forgive. Hmm!"

Instantly his eyes were dyed with madness and he exploded with tremendous demonic energy.

Roar!

The underground cavern cried out as demonic energy whirled like a storm.

***

"Amitabha! Why is the heavenly energy so unstable?"

Gwang-cheon looked at the sky shrouded in darkness and muttered. The sky was completely covered with dark clouds. The stars had lost their light, and even the large full moon was trapped behind curtains of clouds and invisible.

It had been over twenty years since he became Shaolin Temple's abbot, but this was the first time the heavenly energy was so unstable. The heavenly energy was so chaotic he couldn't see even one step ahead.

"If Infinite Master had been alive at times like this, what great support he would have been. His absence is truly regrettable."

Gwang-cheon recalled the Infinite Divine Monk who had suddenly attained Buddhahood several years ago. As years passed, the absence of the Infinite Divine Monk was felt more keenly.

"Amitabha! Amitabha! Merciful World-Honored One, please watch over Shaolin."

"Abbot."

Then suddenly a familiar voice from outside broke Gwang-cheon's thoughts.

"Who is it?"

"It is this lowly monk Yul-cheon."

"Come in."

With Gwang-cheon's permission, the door opened and a middle-aged monk entered. He was Yul-cheon, one of his first-generation disciples.

"So, how did it go?"

"I apologize. I could not find him."

"Huh!"

At Yul-cheon's answer, Gwang-cheon's expression became grave. At this, Yul-cheon's expression also darkened.

"This lowly monk was incompetent and could not meet the abbot's expectations."

"No. How could that be your fault?"

"Please wait just a little longer. I am doing my best, so I should be able to find Elder Gwang-hae soon."

"What on earth is happening? Gwang-hae isn't a child who would disappear without a word like this."

Gwang-cheon quietly let out a sigh.

It had already been several days since Gwang-hae suddenly disappeared.

At first, he didn't even know he had disappeared. Gwang-cheon was very busy, but the fact that he wasn't on particularly good terms with Gwang-hae from the beginning also played a part.

Gwang-hae was critical of Gwang-cheon's policies. He was displeased with both Gwang-cheon bringing in the Martial Alliance and giving space near Shaolin Temple. Because of this, he had many conflicts of opinion with Gwang-cheon.

Though he knew that everything Gwang-hae said was for Shaolin Temple's sake, it was human nature to lack time even to hear only what one wanted to hear.

Gwang-cheon couldn't escape from that category either. Though he thought his cultivation was deep, Gwang-hae's repeated advice and opinion conflicts tired him and consequently made him turn away.

Gwang-cheon hadn't looked for Gwang-hae for a long time, and only recently noticed that he had suddenly gone missing.

Gwang-hae was an elder of Shaolin Temple, no less. Gwang-hae's disappearance was a great shock to Gwang-cheon.

As soon as he learned of Gwang-hae's disappearance, he called Yul-cheon to search for him. Among those at Shaolin Temple, Yul-cheon was the most worldly and skilled at tracking.

"We must find Gwang-hae. No matter how bad our relationship is, he's not someone who would seclude himself this long without any contact. Something must have happened."

"Abbot."

"Trace his tracks backward. People he contacted, those he exchanged communications with, and his whereabouts – recheck everything without leaving anything out."

"I will do so."

"You may go."

"Then I will return with good news."

Yul-cheon bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Gwang-cheon, alone again, closed his eyes tightly.

"Was bringing the Martial Alliance to Mount Song a mistake?"

He had brought the Martial Alliance to Mount Song for the greater good. The Martial Alliance that established itself on Mount Song was on a path of expansion, but since then Shaolin Temple hadn't had a peaceful day.

It was a decision he had to make because he claimed to be the martial world's leader, but recently Gwang-cheon was gradually regretting it.

The elders with the character Gwang had almost no worldly desires so there was no problem, but among first and second-generation disciples, those who coveted worldly fame were appearing one by one.

They showed behavior more like worldly martial artists than Buddhist practitioners. Through frequent contact with Martial Alliance martial artists, they were unconsciously being influenced.

"Amitabha! Amitabha! This is karma. Karma."

All of this had occurred due to his decision. At first it felt as small as a grain of sand, but now it felt like a huge boulder was pressing on his chest.

Gwang-cheon's sighs continued for quite a while after that.

***

"Brother?"

"Shh! Quiet."

Namgung Seon-hwi quieted Namgung Yeong-hwi who was calling him while looking ahead. At the place his gaze stopped, Dam Ho was sitting with eyes closed, circulating energy.

When Bang Jin-bo first appeared here with Dam Ho, he couldn't express how shocked he was. Dam Ho's appearance, having become a blood person with terrible wounds all over his body, looked no different from a corpse.

But Dam Ho's eyes were still bright, and despite those dreadful wounds, he didn't utter a single word of pain or let out even one groan.

His attitude as if such wounds were nothing gave Namgung Seon-hwi a great shock.

To him who had only been content within the safe fence of the Namgung Family, Dam Ho's existence was a continuous series of shocks from head to toe.

Hiss!

Dense heat haze was rising above Dam Ho's shoulders as he sat cross-legged. As the blood-colored heat haze grew thicker, color was gradually returning to Dam Ho's pale face.

'One cannot become a true martial artist by fearing injury. The moment one fears seeing blood and protects one's body, a martial artist's value disappears.'

Namgung Seon-hwi clenched his fist tightly.

Now he seemed to understand why the Namgung Family had been so miserably defeated by Dam Ho. The Namgung Family, which had much to protect, easily inflicted wounds on others while fearing to be wounded themselves.

Though they might look like absolute masters in others' eyes, the Namgung Family weren't absolute masters. Not by Dam Ho's standards.

One side threw everything they had and clashed, while the other side protected their body trying not to be wounded. Since their mindsets were different from the start, the result was already determined.

Namgung Seon-hwi bit his lips hard enough to draw blood.

The monster circulating energy before his eyes was both the main culprit who brought down the Namgung Family and a teacher worth copying and learning from.

'I will definitely steal and learn everything about you. Then I will revive the Namgung Family.'

Namgung Seon-hwi tightly grasped Namgung Yeong-hwi's small hand.

"Brother!"

"Let's do our best."

"Yes!"

Without knowing why, Namgung Yeong-hwi nodded vigorously.

That's when it happened.

Roar!

Suddenly powerful energy waves swept through the area.

Dust rose thickly from the energy waves spreading in concentric circles.

Dam Ho was about to awaken. ​

The Tang Family Main House was thrown into chaos.

Along with the proclamation, an official inquiry from the Righteous Alliance arrived.

It was an inquiry about why they were blocking the salt well warehouses at Dujiangyan, hindering the proper distribution of salt.

The proclamation alone was enough to cause an uproar, but the inquiry was even more serious.

For the Tang family, it was utterly bewildering.

All the leaders gathered in the family head’s room and caused a commotion.

“Baek Li-jung must have gone mad!”

“Perhaps he’s in league with the unorthodox sect bastards.”

“How does he know the location of salt well warehouses that even we don’t know about?”

The Tang family leaders even began to think they might have been wrong about something… whether their thought about poisoning salt was a misunderstanding.

Tang Gwi-ok stopped the excited Tang family leaders.

“Please calm down. First, we need to understand the situation.”

As soon as Tang Gwi-ok saw Baek Li-jung’s proclamation, she realized something and had them investigate public sentiment.

Warriors immediately brought news collected from various parts of the Central Plains.

“The people are greatly welcoming the Righteous Alliance’s activities.”

“Most are denouncing the nation for not providing proper relief and praising the Righteous Alliance.”

“The situation is so bad that they hope the Righteous Alliance’s relief work begins as soon as possible.”

It was natural. When relief is offered during difficult times, how could there be people who dislike it? They are saviors and life benefactors at the same time. In people’s eyes, it was truly an action worthy of praising Baek Li-jung as a great hero without any inadequacy.

But the reality is different.

The salt Baek Li-jung mentioned contains poison. That is the Tang family’s shame caused by Tang Qing. It’s something that must not be known to the martial world.

Yet Baek Li-jung intends to release that salt not even to the martial world, but to the general public!

The leaders were utterly bewildered. They realized they faced a great crisis.

If poisoned salt spreads to the people, when the Tang family is revealed as the culprit someday, it would be unmanageable, but if they recklessly block the salt distribution, they would face public condemnation.

“If we make even a small mistake, we could be in great danger ourselves, but why…”

At someone’s lament, another elder said.

“Indestructible Heavenly Sword is ambitious. He’s trying to use this opportunity to aim for Master Haewol’s vacant position and seize the alliance leadership.”

“Like before, if he purges the opposition, there will be no one left to oppose him.”

One elder suggested.

“How about we advance rapidly to Dujiangyan right now and eliminate the unorthodox sect remnants before they poison the salt?”

Another elder opposed.

“If we move rashly and Northern Heaven unorthodox sect desperately tampers with salt going to the people, all the blame will fall on us.”

“But if we lift the blockade of Dujiangyan…”

The salt would immediately be released and spread throughout the martial world…

The leaders bit their lips.

They were completely trapped.

Whether they blocked Baek Li-jung’s relief work or not, the Tang family could not escape from this matter. Quietly handling Tang Qing’s aftermath and burying the incident became almost impossible.

Even Jin Ja-gang found it difficult to come up with a sharp solution this time.

Baek Li-jung’s move was that fatal.

But then, Jin Ja-gang turned his head toward outside the meeting room.

Something very sharp and keen touched Jin Ja-gang’s senses.

Jin Ja-gang looked around the meeting room again and made eye contact with Tang Gwi-ok.

In this meeting room where all Tang family leaders were gathered, only Tang Gwi-ok and Jin Ja-gang noticed the presence.

“It seems son-in-law’s guest has arrived.”

Tang Gwi-ok nodded while looking at Jin Ja-gang.

* * *

When Jin Ja-gang came out of the family head’s room, Yeong-gwi was waiting. Her wounds were deep, making her complexion pale and breathing rough.

“The head of Leper Mound saw the Righteous Alliance’s proclamation and contacted us. He says this situation is serious. What has the Tang family decided to do?”

Jin Ja-gang shook his head.

Yeong-gwi’s expression darkened.

“As expected… it wasn’t something that could be decided easily.”

“Please tell the head I’m grateful for his concern.”

“He also said Leper Mound is always waiting, so please call anytime.”

“Thank you. I’ll ask for help when the time comes.”

When Jin Ja-gang finished speaking and moved, Yeong-gwi followed.

“I’ll escort you.”

“You don’t need to come. He’s someone with a difficult personality.”

“That person… is it him?”

“That’s right.”

Yeong-gwi was even more puzzled.

“Why would that person suddenly…”

“I’ll have to meet him first. Then I’ll be back.”

This time he had to meet alone.

That feeling was being conveyed very sharply.

He wasn’t someone who would move for simple matters, but it definitely didn’t seem like he came for simple talk either.

* * *

Jin Ja-gang came out of the Tang Family Main House alone.

Sharp sensations flew at him moment by moment, guiding Jin Ja-gang to where he needed to go.

A small river. Waterside flowing in jade-green color.

Master Haewol stood wearing a bamboo hat on his small frame, looking at the sun just setting over the western mountains.

Jin Ja-gang went and stood beside Master Haewol.

Master Haewol looked at the river and spoke.

“Go…”

Jin Ja-gang spoke first.

“You’ve come to tell me not to go again this time, haven’t you?”

“Oh. You know well.”

“But it doesn’t seem like you came just to say that.”

Master Haewol looked up at Jin Ja-gang with a displeased tone.

“Did you lay out a mat?”

“Someone asked if I was a fortune teller. It’s not fortune-telling, but that’s how the current atmosphere looks.”

“Hmm. Still quick to catch on.”

“Did you know Northern Heaven entered Dujiangyan?”

“I learned recently. Thanks to you stirring things up so much.”

“What’s going on?”

“The merchant world requested help from Baek Li-jung. And Baek Li-jung responded to their request. As a result, the Tang family is now cornered like this.”

Master Haewol continued.

“You underestimated Ghost King too much. He’s not someone to be easily defeated.”

“Isn’t there a possibility that Ghost King belongs to Northern Heaven?”

“Can’t tell. Rather, if that were the case, it would be easier to deal with.”

“Then why did you come to stop me this time?”

“Because it’s not your turn.”

Jin Ja-gang looked down at Master Haewol as if asking what he meant.

“I’m thinking of stealing.”

Jin Ja-gang was quite surprised, understanding Master Haewol’s intention.

“You’re going to… become a villain yourself?”

The Tang family cannot move. But unexpectedly, Master Haewol was volunteering to play the villain role.

“If you plunder the salt, the people will be greatly enraged.”

“Would it just be rage? More people will continue to die from not being able to eat salt. Merchants will be pleased and raise salt prices even more.”

“Even knowing that…”

But while speaking, Jin Ja-gang suddenly realized the missing part.

“Wait. Even if you’re a master, it’s impossible alone. What are you planning to do?”

Plundering salt needed for public relief wouldn’t end with just a simple bounty. It would earn the hatred of the entire Central Plains. Such a thing couldn’t involve Wudang Sect either.

“I’ve brought in Demon Cult.”

Power entered Jin Ja-gang’s eyes.

“Master!”

“I told you. If you couldn’t stop King of Hell, I would have no choice but to do more vicious things than you think.”

A martial alliance leader who joined hands with Demon Cult and plundered civilian supplies! Master Haewol would truly be taking an irreversible path!

But Master Haewol was calm.

“I will be called the great villain of the world. But by doing so, Ghost King’s grand plan crumbles. Then they too won’t be able to endure without revealing their true nature.”

Jin Ja-gang’s eyes sank coldly.

“They still might not reveal themselves.”

“As I said, it doesn’t matter even if Ghost King doesn’t show himself to the end. If I become the villain, the contaminated ones will band together to attack me.”

Wouldn’t that eventually become the situation Master Haewol had spoken of?

“I will cut out and erase everything. Then the martial world will become somewhat cleaner. At least for the next several decades.”

Master Haewol lifted his bamboo hat and looked at Jin Ja-gang.

Even while walking into the abyss himself, Master Haewol had an unbelievably resolute yet calm look in his eyes. It was clearly shown in his gaze that he had already decided to sacrifice himself for the martial world.

“Do you understand? Then that’s when it’s your turn.”

Jin Ja-gang felt Master Haewol’s heavy sense of responsibility and became solemn. Even though it was a promise he had already answered once before, this time his shoulders felt so burdened that he couldn’t answer easily.

Seeing Jin Ja-gang’s stern expression, Master Haewol smiled and clicked his tongue.

“What’s with that expression from the world’s Poison Dragon who even laid King of Hell in bed? Tsk tsk.”

“Master.”

“Don’t worry, will you? Who’s going to die? I’m going to restore the martial world to normal. Tell the Tang family head that if they don’t want to get unluckily entangled by interfering in this matter, just maintain the siege. And please ask them to spread the rumor well that I’ve joined up with Demon Cult.”

Master Haewol laughed heartily.

Then he took out a thin booklet from his bosom and forcibly placed it in Jin Ja-gang’s chest.

Jin Ja-gang’s mouth wouldn’t open to ask what it was. As if knowing what Jin Ja-gang wanted to ask, Master Haewol answered.

“You like profitable deals, don’t you? I was worried you might think you’re losing out because things got bigger than expected, so I prepared this in advance.”

“…”

But that wasn’t the end. Master Haewol placed a fist-sized doll made of silk sewn with gold and silver thread into Jin Ja-gang’s hand.

“…What is this?”

“There’s one more reason you shouldn’t come, and this is it.”

“A doll?”

Jin Ja-gang turned it left and right to see if there were hidden weapons or poison devices. But it was an ordinary doll stuffed with cotton.

“I don’t understand the meaning.”

“At this age, sometimes you get feelings. There’s a good energy surrounding the Tang Family Main House.”

Master Haewol, who had subtly broached the topic, smiled at the corners of his mouth and chuckled.

“Congratulations.”

“What?”

“You’re going to become a father soon. It will definitely be a very pretty and clever child.”

Jin Ja-gang was dumbfounded.

Seeing Jin Ja-gang speechless, Master Haewol smiled broadly, then turned around.

Then he walked away casually like an ordinary villager, muttering as if reciting poetry.

Kill me and cross into the new era.

Let my death announce the end of the old era.

So that villains cannot act recklessly in the new era.

I will carry all the infamy with me.

I leave only a small debt to pioneer the future for future generations.

Don’t worry in advance that the burden is heavy.

Though it may seem nothing remains where wildfire has passed,

When years change and new spring comes, healthier and greener shoots will flourish more abundantly than ever.

Jin Ja-gang watched Master Haewol’s retreating figure for a long time until it disappeared.

If there were a true knight-errant in this era… that retreating figure would probably be the image of a knight-errant. Jin Ja-gang fingered the doll Master Haewol had left for quite a while.

The giant shadow created by the sun setting over the western mountains stretched long.

Master Haewol’s shadow, which seemed like it would never disappear, gradually shortened at some point and finally disappeared from sight.