Chapter 471 – Heroes Gather Under the Blue Sky Banner (3)

"Sorry. I got too excited."

Cho Yeon-woon apologized to Geom Yul-cheon.

He put all the blame on himself. Since that was actually the case, there was nothing more to say.

"Not at all! It was truly impressive."

Geom Yul-cheon shook his head.

Goosebumps still hadn't left his skin. That's how much crisis Cho Yeon-woon's techniques made him feel. Recently, he'd never felt such crisis to this degree.

If he continued growing like this, Cho Yeon-woon would certainly become his excellent rival. But he couldn't pay more attention to Cho Yeon-woon. Because Dam Ho beside him drew more concern.

The moment he saw Dam Ho, this time his blood started boiling. His instincts as martial artist and competitive spirit activated.

His whole body tingled. His muscles twitched wanting to compete with Dam Ho immediately. But he had to endure.

Today he didn't come in capacity as martial artist Geom Yul-cheon, but as Divine Demon Alliance's Alliance Leader.

Instead of extending his fist, he greeted Dam Ho.

"Long time no see."

"Mm!"

"Seeing you like this makes me glad. Has it been about a year?"

"Seems so."

"You look much better. Being near your sect must suit you."

"You didn't come to make such idle talk, did you?"

"Right! We're not the type to leisurely exchange greetings."

Geom Yul-cheon smiled coldly nodding his head.

"Let's move locations. This place is too crowded."

Cho Yeon-woon interjected in their conversation.

They soon moved locations.

Each one was an absolute master who could dominate the world. When three such masters walked shoulder to shoulder, Lesser Mount Hua seemed full. Adding masters Eum Yu-kyung and Shin Mu-wol made breathing difficult from just watching.

Blue Sky Alliance's martial artists were overwhelmed by their presence.

Cho Yeon-woon guided them to Lesser Mount Hua's largest barracks. A place Blue Sky Alliance's leadership normally used as conference room.

Cho Yeon-woon and Geom Yul-cheon sat facing each other across a long table, and Dam Ho occupied the center position. Eum Yu-kyung and Shin Mu-wol stood behind Geom Yul-cheon as if demonstrating force.

Then the barracks door opened and two more people entered. Hae So-wol and So Cheon. They'd rushed over late.

The two naturally took positions behind Cho Yeon-woon. Then balance was achieved.

First to speak was Cho Yeon-woon.

"You want to ally with Blue Sky Alliance?"

"That's right! Precisely an alliance between Blue Sky Alliance and Divine Demon Alliance."

At Geom Yul-cheon's answer, Cho Yeon-woon suddenly looked at Dam Ho. Dam Ho kept his mouth firmly closed maintaining silence. A will not to intervene in the two's decision.

"Good! Alliance is something we also wish for. But first there's one thing to confirm. Please answer honestly."

"As much as you want."

"Ho told me you're tracking Heavenly Evil Cult. I want to know how it went."

"Heavenly Evil Cult completely went into hiding."

"Completely?"

"Right! They erased all external traces disappearing from the world."

"What?"

"Hard to believe but my words are true. We've tracked Heavenly Evil Cult the longest. You can trust us."

Geom Yul-cheon's words were true.

Blood Elder, Ho Cheon-myeong completely disappeared from the world after that day. Not only that, but all Heavenly Evil Cult people he'd secretly placed in the world also vanished like fog. As if they never existed in the world from the start.

"Wasn't Heavenly Evil Cult's purpose causing chaos by making Central Plains and the Demon Cult collide?"

"That's right!"

"Yet they disappeared?"

"Hard to understand easily but they completely hid their presence from the world."

"Why would they now?"

"Probably because they achieved their initial purpose. Central Plains' chaos is merely means to reach their goal. Probably their true purpose is separate."

"True purpose?"

A deep furrow appeared in Cho Yeon-woon's brow. He waited for Geom Yul-cheon's answer.

"What they did after trampling Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance was hold ceremony to the heavens on Shaolin Temple's grounds."

"What about it? Isn't holding ceremonies common? Especially for religious groups like the Demon Cult."

"That's true. However, nowhere in the Divine Cult's long history was there ever a case of holding ceremony immediately after taking enemy lives. Ceremony is sacred. An act of making body and mind reverent, swearing to the Venerable One to continue living cleanly. Therefore, not seeing blood for a hundred days before ceremony is our long tradition."

"Hmm!"

"The one who presided over the ceremony was the woman who was Holy Maiden. Though called Demon Mother now, she who'd long presided over ceremonies couldn't not know such facts. Yet she held the ceremony. Before the blood of countless dead at Mount Song even dried. That was a cruel act no different from human sacrifice."

As Geom Yul-cheon's words continued, Cho Yeon-woon's expression also twisted. He too was sensing an ominous atmosphere.

So Cheon, who'd been keeping silent behind Cho Yeon-woon, opened his mouth.

"Amitabha! Then why did she commit such cruel acts at Shaolin Temple?"

So Cheon's voice contained subtle anger.

Mount Song and Shaolin Temple were places he'd lived his entire life. Simply beyond his sect, places no different from his hometown. The Demon Cult not only defiled his hometown but committed heinous acts holding ceremony with countless people's blood as sacrifice.

However deep his Buddhist devotion, he absolutely couldn't forgive the Demon Cult's such atrocities.

So Cheon heard news the Demon Cult held ceremony where Shaolin Temple stood after entering this place. He didn't know how much he cried then. And he resolved. No matter what means, even if it meant killing countless people, he'd definitely reclaim Shaolin Temple.

Geom Yul-cheon looked at So Cheon.

"She seems controlled by martial arts called Heavenly Demon Heart Demon Technique. Because of that, she appears unable to make proper judgments."

"Heavenly Demon Heart Demon Technique?"

To So Cheon expressing doubt, Geom Yul-cheon explained that the book containing Heavenly Demon Heart Demon Technique was actually a medium planting demon seeds in the mind.

Having heard everything, So Cheon's face twisted viciously. Though he'd vaguely heard about Heavenly Evil Cult, he really didn't know they'd use such evil techniques.

"I absolutely won't forgive them. Even if this body falls into hell's flames suffering for countless eons, I absolutely won't forgive them."

"Calm down, So Cheon."

Cho Yeon-woon calmed the angry So Cheon.

After a while, once So Cheon somewhat suppressed his emotions, Cho Yeon-woon spoke.

"To summarize your words, Dan Un-hyang who presided over ceremony at Shaolin Temple was manipulated according to Heavenly Evil Cult's will."

"Right!"

"And holding the ceremony was means to achieve some purpose."

"That's also right!"

At Geom Yul-cheon's answer, Cho Yeon-woon quietly sighed.

His head throbbed.

With the Demon Cult alone shaking the world uncontrollably, thinking about Heavenly Evil Cult too made his head feel like bursting.

He looked at Geom Yul-cheon with bloodshot eyes. Then Geom Yul-cheon calmly continued.

"Let's think simply."

"How?"

"Anyway Heavenly Evil Cult went into hiding. Finding them before they show themselves will be nearly impossible. Then rather than worrying about them, let's focus on current issues."

"The Demon Cult."

"That's right. If we just normalize the Divine Cult, we can sufficiently respond whatever conspiracy Heavenly Evil Cult plots. That's why I came to find you. Help me so I can dominate the Divine Cult."

"Hmm!"

Cho Yeon-woon made a groaning sound.

Joining hands with Geom Yul-cheon wasn't difficult. Both had common enemies called the Demon Cult and Heavenly Evil Cult. The problem was after Geom Yul-cheon dominated the Demon Cult.

What if after dominating the Demon Cult, Geom Yul-cheon didn't keep his promise? Then Geom Yul-cheon could become an even greater disaster.

Geom Yul-cheon was young and strong. Most of all, he had strong potential to become a Demon Path Grandmaster.

That meant once he dominated the Demon Cult, he could easily rule for decades or more.

When conflict appeared in Cho Yeon-woon's eyes, Geom Yul-cheon nodded as if expecting this.

Geom Yul-cheon's gaze went to Dam Ho.

Still Dam Ho had an expressionless face. Just from his face, you couldn't tell at all what he was thinking.

"I'll make a request of you."

"…"

"Become guarantor for Blue Sky Alliance and Divine Demon Alliance's alliance."

Instantly everyone's eyes focused on Dam Ho.

The meaning guarantor held in the martial world was never small.

Simultaneously witness to the promise and someone who could hold accountable if not implemented. Meaning Dam Ho could hold accountable if Geom Yul-cheon's own promise wasn't kept.

Though other martial artists guaranteeing wouldn't dare hold Geom Yul-cheon accountable, Dam Ho was different.

Among those present, no one didn't know Dam Ho's character and martial prowess. Once Dam Ho spoke, he was someone who definitely kept his word. If you asked him to guarantee then didn't keep your promise, you didn't know what great trouble would come. Because Dam Ho would definitely hold you accountable.

Asking Dam Ho to guarantee was expression of Geom Yul-cheon's will to definitely keep his promise.

Geom Yul-cheon asked once more.

"Will you become guarantor?"

Cho Yeon-woon's gaze went to Dam Ho.

His eyes were saying. If Dam Ho became guarantor, he could trust. Same with So Cheon and Hae So-wol. They just waited for Dam Ho's answer.

With everyone's eyes focused, Dam Ho kept silent.

Still no expression change on his face. So you couldn't tell what he was thinking. But people patiently waited for his answer.

Dam Ho closed his eyes thinking.

People kept silent waiting for him to answer quickly. The moment he refused, both sides' cooperation would fall through. Therefore, tremendous tension had to flow on their faces.

Much time passed and finally Dam Ho opened his eyes. And answered.

"I will."

Instantly the atmosphere inside changed.

Since Dam Ho answered he'd guarantee, Blue Sky Alliance and Divine Demon Alliance's alliance was as good as done.

From now was practitioners' realm.

However much joining hands to face common enemy, still they had to gain one more beneficial thing.

"Then…"

From Divine Demon Alliance, Eum Yu-kyung stepped forward as representative. From Blue Sky Alliance, Hae So-wol came out.

Sparks seemed to fly from the women's eyes.

From now they'd establish the basic framework.

"Then…"

"Let's begin."

Leaving behind their sharp voices, Dam Ho, Geom Yul-cheon and others went outside.

"Phew!"

As soon as coming outside, Cho Yeon-woon let out the breath he'd been suppressing.

Though everyone wanted him to become Blue Sky Alliance's Alliance Leader, deciding such big matters really wasn't easy. If he judged wrongly, countless people would lose their lives. Therefore, the burden he felt had to be extremely heavy.

"I can't do this job again."

"You did well, why?"

"Me being Alliance Leader? I'm only doing it because there's no one else."

"You'll hold Alliance Leader position for quite long."

"Just curse me completely?"

"Watch. I'll be right."

Geom Yul-cheon smiled.

Though different camps, he quite liked Cho Yeon-woon. Such a competitor was welcome anytime.

Cho Yeon-woon looked at Dam Ho.

"Since guests came, today we can eat big from Jin-bo, right?"

His face was full of expectation.

Dam Ho silently nodded. Instantly a smile bloomed fully on Cho Yeon-woon's face.

"Haha!"

Before deciding cooperation, he had to be cautious, but since decided, he decided not to think about what came after.

Suddenly Geom Yul-cheon asked.

"Do you trust me? That I'll keep my promise to the end."

"No!"

Cho Yeon-woon firmly shook his head.

He put his hand on Dam Ho's shoulder.

"But I trust this friend. His judgment too."

Blue Sky Alliance and Divine Demon Alliance.

Under Dam Ho's guarantee, they temporarily joined hands like that.

The day Azure Dragon and Indomitable joined hands, and Fist Demon became witness.

Historians later evaluated this day as the turning point when world history changed.

The day three men who move the world first clasped hands.

From this day, the world started moving in a new direction.

Jin Ja-gang took Mu-gak’s words seriously.

Contamination.

The most dangerous people in the martial world had been contaminated.

Even if Great Buddha isn’t the Hungry Ghost King, Great Buddha’s methods and the Hungry Ghost King’s objectives already align. Ultimately, the world will change according to the Hungry Ghost King’s objectives.

He has no choice but to go meet Great Buddha.

Only then can Jin Ja-gang’s journey reach its destination.

There was no need to expressly state in words how treacherous the remaining path would be.

This was different from when he fought the poison sects of Yunnan with nothing but poison and third-rate martial arts.

The greatest sect under heaven.

He would have to fight Shaolin Temple, where absolute experts who had protected the martial world for thousands of years reside.

Jin Ja-gang sat in a leisurely pavilion in the rear garden, lost in deep thought.

Rustle.

The sound of his clothes brushing in the gentle breeze was heard as Son-bi came and sat beside Jin Ja-gang. Son-bi placed a small wine cup before Jin Ja-gang and poured wine.

Then she boldly took Jin Ja-gang’s hand and wrote on his palm.

—You looked like you needed wine.

“Did I look that way?”

Jin Ja-gang made a bitter expression and slowly moistened his lips, drinking the wine.

Fragrant wine.

It must have been prepared in advance.

Goodwill… but even knowing it wasn’t pure goodwill, seeing Son-bi’s eyes containing joyful light made Jin Ja-gang’s heart ache.

Son-bi cannot smile. If she could smile, she would have.

The contrast between the sorrow embedded in her rigid face and her joyful eyes made Jin Ja-gang feel somewhat moved.

“Thank you.”

—If you’re happy…

Son-bi showed a slight blush on her cheeks and didn’t let go of Jin Ja-gang’s hand.

Jin Ja-gang said in a low voice.

“Miss. I already have a wife and a child. I don’t know if I can accept you as well.”

Son-bi shook her head.

—Your wife permitted this. If you feel burdened, I can wait until we become closer. However…

“However?”

Son-bi stared intently into Jin Ja-gang’s eyes.

—I’d like you to allow me more time together with you so we can become closer.

That much was something even Jin Ja-gang couldn’t promise.

“The situation in the martial world is not calm. I may have to leave again.”

Son-bi showed a slight sullenness in her cold-looking expression. That must be the maximum expression Son-bi could show.

Just as Son-bi was about to write on Jin Ja-gang’s palm again, a sharp voice reproached Jin Ja-gang.

“Martial world, greater righteousness! Men always evade responsibility like that and make women cry.”

It was Sword Empress Im Yi-eon. Im Yi-eon had led her uncomfortable body out and was watching Jin Ja-gang and Son-bi.

“Poison Dragon Hero. Isn’t it time to decide?”

Son-bi’s face turned completely red. Son-bi released his hand and looked at her master Im Yi-eon with a cold expression.

Im Yi-eon seemed quite angry.

“You’re not unaware of what I’m saying. Do you know what those young brats who flocked to the Tang Family are whispering about us? I don’t know how long we must endure such humiliation.”

Son-bi blocked Jin Ja-gang’s front as if in protest and gestured to Im Yi-eon to convey her feelings. Im Yi-eon snapped at Son-bi.

“I’ve been enduring this for your sake, but even that has reached its limit.”

Im Yi-eon glanced at Son-bi hanging her head and said.

“My body doesn’t heal as easily as the Poison Dragon’s, but I have no discomfort in moving. I will return to the South Sea at any time.”

The words were directed at Son-bi, but her eyes were on Jin Ja-gang. Ultimately, she was speaking to Jin Ja-gang.

“I’m sorry.”

Jin Ja-gang apologized.

Im Yi-eon replied coldly.

“You must have seen how foolish affection between men and women is. My disciple has been neglecting even her training, waiting eagerly to meet you. For the past few days, she hasn’t even held a sword once. Is that what you want?”

“It’s not.”

Im Yi-eon demanded strongly.

“Then either accept her as a concubine or coldly cast her out. If you don’t need her, push her away! If neither, embrace Son-bi even today! If she has a child, we will raise it and will have no responsibility or demands of you!”

“Sword Empress.”

“I don’t need excuses, so I won’t listen. I, Im Yi-eon, am very disappointed in you.”

Im Yi-eon was excited and quite flushed.

“In this time when the martial world is stirring with the duel between Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King, do you intend to waste time with such romantic play!”

Mount Hua Sect’s Northern Li Sword Immortal and Namgung Family’s Sword King…

Jin Ja-gang unconsciously repeated their titles with his mouth.

“Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King.”

“That’s right! The entire martial world is watching them. It’s a duel between martial world peaks achieved after a truly long time, and simultaneously it will be a fair martial duel with the sects’ survival at stake! Thanks to this, the martial world is moving more vibrantly than before. Yet why must my disciple rot in this corner of Sichuan, yearning for affection from a man who has no interest, not knowing when he might give it!”

“Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King…”

A duel that, even amid the fear of righteous practices occurring in the martial world, makes all martial artists’ blood boil and draws attention.

It was a duel that awakened the dormant nature of martial artists.

Jin Ja-gang’s hair suddenly stood on end.

A method to counter the Hungry Ghost King emerged from a completely unexpected direction.

“This can’t be…”

—Poison Dragon Hero?

Jin Ja-gang cupped his fists to Im Yi-eon and Son-bi.

“I’m sorry. But still, not now.”

Jin Ja-gang soon left and headed to the main hall.

“Aah…”

Son-bi made a sound like a sigh of disappointment then closed her mouth.

Im Yi-eon looked at Son-bi with pitying eyes.

“Poor thing…”

* * *

Tang Ha-ran was working when she saw Jin Ja-gang, made a startled expression, then sent the people around her away.

But suddenly she shook her head without saying anything.

“No. I don’t know how you knew to come, but absolutely not.”

“Pardon?”

Tang Ha-ran had an angry face.

“Wait until our family builds up strength. When we’re strong enough that even Central Plains won’t dare touch us beyond Sichuan, then I’ll permit going to Central Plains.”

Watching Tang Ha-ran being angry, Jin Ja-gang said.

“I won’t go to meet Great Buddha yet. However, it seems I must briefly visit Central Plains.”

Tang Ha-ran made a surprised expression.

“Huh? Great Buddha?”

“…Wasn’t that what you were talking about?”

“No. Wait, then why are you going to Central Plains?”

“I must meet Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King.”

Tang Ha-ran’s brow furrowed.

“Why?”

“A method to counter the Hungry Ghost King has appeared.”

“What?”

Tang Ha-ran was greatly surprised.

Jin Ja-gang said.

“The Hungry Ghost King is trying to create a world where the standard of greater righteousness is replaced not by chivalry but by wealth. However, this duel between Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King is a pure contest of pride and honor between martial sects, not wealth. That’s why the entire martial world is watching. It’s a situation the Hungry Ghost King least wanted. Having come this far, a spark has ignited to return to the past.”

“And so?”

Jin Ja-gang said seriously.

“If this duel can be successfully completed, using this as an opportunity, we’ll be able to gradually change people’s way of thinking.”

“Will that… work?”

“People’s greed killed the sparrow and summoned the Hungry Ghost King. Taoist Haewol also thought that was the end. But the heart yearning for chivalry hasn’t disappeared from one side of people’s hearts.”

“You’re going to ignite the spark… and try to revive it?”

“That’s right.”

Strength entered Jin Ja-gang’s eyes.

“However, the Hungry Ghost King cannot be unaware of this fact. The Hungry Ghost King will hope this duel doesn’t succeed, so will interfere in some way. If we prevent that, we can disrupt the Hungry Ghost King’s plan.”

Tang Ha-ran let out a long sigh.

“Haah. I don’t know. What you’re saying. But…”

Tang Ha-ran picked up the various bamboo slips and books on the desk and pulled out a letter in red silk that had been hidden between them.

“But one thing is certain. Those two people also already seem to know what you’re talking about.”

Jin Ja-gang unfolded the letter.

It was a formal invitation.

It bore the handwritten signatures of none other than both Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King.

The content was that they were inviting Jin Ja-gang as an observer to the duel!

Tang Ha-ran said.

“I hope you won’t go. I even considered hiding this from you. However, it seems I won’t be able to stop you this time either.”

Jin Ja-gang put down the letter and embraced Tang Ha-ran.

“I’ll return.”

Tang Ha-ran sighed and firmly embraced Jin Ja-gang back.

When word spread that Jin Ja-gang was leaving the Tang Family Main Estate to observe the duel between Northern Li Sword Immortal and Sword King, people flocked to Jin Ja-gang.

“Hero! Please take me too.”

“I beg you as well!”

Not only the Tang Family members but also the young people who had flocked from outside asked to go with Jin Ja-gang.

“You can go together. However, allowing direct observation isn’t something I can do.”

“That’s still fine!”

Jin Ja-gang selected those with reasonably excellent martial arts among those who wished to go. Since anything could happen, he couldn’t take those with weak martial arts. However, he didn’t hide the rumor that he would observe but rather openly spread it widely. The more people who knew, the better.

This duel must be made successful.

* * *

Great Buddha Beom-bon sent an arhat monk to Baek Li-jung.

“Sword King and Northern Li Sword Immortal have agreed to meet at Yuelu Mountain in Huguang.”

Baek Li-jung stared intently at the arhat monk.

“Is that all?”

“That’s all the message I was told to convey to you.”

“Great Buddha wouldn’t have spoken without reason…”

“He did add a few words after that.”

Baek Li-jung gestured for him to speak quickly.

“The swords of Sword King and Northern Li Sword Immortal divide heaven and earth, but while Sword King Namgung Rak’s Absolute Slow Sword has its blade tip reaching heaven, Northern Li Sword Immortal’s purple sunset [Purple Sunset Divine Art] has not yet reached the horizon’s end. That’s what he said.”

Baek Li-jung’s eyebrows twitched. An unpleasant expression passed very briefly.

However, Baek Li-jung smiled.

“Tell him I received the message well.”

“Namu Amitabha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.”

The arhat monk greeted and left. Killing intent appeared in Baek Li-jung’s eyes as he watched the arhat monk’s back of the head. Saliva gathered in his mouth, moistening his lips.

The arhat monk flinched and turned his head. However, when he looked back, Baek Li-jung’s expression was only that of a great hero.

The arhat monk bowed his head in greeting and slowly left Baek Li-jung’s room.

Baek Li-jung sneered.

“Shaolin Temple indeed. Does this mean they know even the levels of Absolute Slow Sword and Purple Sunset Divine Art? However, trying to use me unilaterally is very displeasing.”

Baek Li-jung’s hand gained strength and he almost unconsciously broke the table but stopped. This level of emotional control is now possible.

Baek Li-jung smiled.

“For the time being, I’ll play along as you wish. I’ll enjoy that huge body at the end.”

Hehehehe.

A chilling laugh flowed from within Baek Li-jung.