Chapter 101: Wi So-yeon (1)
"I am Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Heaven and Earth Society's leader."
'!?'
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes shone with surprise.
He never expected to encounter someone so close to the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society in a place like this.
Moreover, a disciple.
He had thought it strange when she suddenly entered the treasure vault without regard for the rules, but now that he knew her identity, it made some sense.
'A candidate for the next leader.'
Mok Gyeong-un had briefly heard information about important internal figures through the Valley Master of the Corpse Blood Valley, Lee Ji-yeom.
The leader of the Heaven and Earth Society had three disciples who were qualified to be successors.
One of them was none other than the third disciple, Wi So-yeon.
Despite being a woman, she was known to possess a rare martial talent that appeared only once every few hundred years, which was why she was accepted as a disciple. She was said to have ambition and was aiming for the position of the leader.
'To think I'd meet such a woman here.'
It was truly a coincidence.
Judging by Cheong-ryeong's silence, it seemed that her emotions had been stirred upon hearing that Wi So-yeon was the Society Leader's disciple.
When it came to matters related to the leader, she couldn't contain her anger.
'But her strength is no ordinary matter.'
Having gained enlightenment, he now knew how to handle the energy within his body.
However, unlike him, she was standing in an extremely ordinary posture while holding his wrist, yet there was not the slightest movement.
Moreover, she was holding another fellow with her other hand.
'Is this the level of the Heaven and Earth Society Society Leader's disciple?'
If the youngest disciple was at this level, he could roughly estimate the level of those above her.
And just how strong would the Society Leader of the Heaven and Earth Society be?
What was certain was that even though he had gained enlightenment, he had yet to reach the level of the Society Leader's disciple.
At that moment, Yeop Wi-seon, the disciple of Bright Blade King, who had his wrist twisted and was in pain, pressed on.
"Haa… haa… What are you doing? How dare a mere disciple of the Corpse Blood Valley not show respect even after knowing the Young Lady's identity…"
-Crack!
"Ack!"
Before he could finish his words,
Yeop Wi-seon's wrist was completely twisted, and the bone was broken.
Since an intact bone had been broken, it was natural for a scream of pain to escape, but Yeop Wi-seon gritted his teeth with his face swollen as if the blood vessels were about to burst.
To him, Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader, spoke in a cold voice.
"I believe I told you to be quiet."
"Ugh… I, I apologize."
"Do I need to list out the things you have done with my own mouth?"
"Ugh… No, you don't."
In fact, Yeop Wi-seon had nothing to say even if he had ten mouths.
Not many had the authority to enter the treasure vault without regard for the rules.
Even though he was a disciple of Bright Blade King, one of the Five Kings, he naturally did not have access to this place. He had only entered by taking advantage of Wi So-yeon's authority as the Society Leader's disciple.
However, in the midst of that, he had gotten excited and damaged some of the original secret manuals in the treasure vault.
This alone had already crossed a line that he couldn't handle.
"Your foolish actions have also put me, who brought you here, in quite a predicament. So, if you open your mouth again, I will execute you on the spot."
"I will keep that in mind… huff."
Yeop Wi-seon firmly closed his mouth.
He shouldn't upset her any further.
-Pak!
Wi So-yeon, who had released Yeop Wi-seon's hand, similarly released Mok Gyeong-un's wrist.
And she said,
"I apologize. Forgive this person's rudeness. He is quite loyal, which is why I keep him around, but I never thought he would do such a foolish thing like today."
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un brought his wrist and examined it.
The handprint was still there.
Looking at it, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and then turned his gaze to Yeop Wi-seon, saying,
"A loyal but stupid dog must be quite tiresome for you."
'This bastard!'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon's face instantly distorted terribly.
However, he couldn't open his mouth, knowing that if he disobeyed her words again, he wouldn't be able to handle the consequences.
At that moment, Wi So-yeon chuckled.
"A loyal but stupid dog. Quite a fitting description indeed."
'Even the Young Lady…'
Yeop Wi-seon's insides were boiling.
He had arranged this situation to make a better impression on her and deepen their relationship.
But in an instant, he had become a stupid dog.
Then, Mok Gyeong-un politely clasped his hands and said,
-Swish!
"Unit Leader Mok Gyeong-un pays his respects to Miss Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader."
"Mok Gyeong-un?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's greeting, she tilted her head slightly.
The Mok (木) surname was quite rare throughout the martial world of the Central Plains.
She had never heard of it within the Heaven and Earth Society, and the only one she had heard of was the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, one of the righteous sect's famous martial families.
'Yeon Mok Sword Manor… It's unlikely.'
Even she was unaware of the fact that the children of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor had been taken as hostages to the Heaven and Earth Society, as it was known only to a very few within the organization.
Moreover, who would think to send hostages to the Corpse Blood Valley?
She then said,
"If you're a unit leader, you must be facing the final test."
"That's right."
In fact, she had already heard through the senior warrior Gwak Mun-gi that Mok Gyeong-un was facing the final test.
However, she was only pretending not to know because she had become interested in Mok Gyeong-un.
Wi So-yeon looked at Mok Gyeong-un's face.
'… He's really handsome.'
She had never seen a man this beautiful before.
At a glance, Mok Gyeong-un's face was so handsome that he could even be mistaken for a woman, surpassing mere good looks.
However, she was more interested in Mok Gyeong-un's martial arts than his appearance.
'He doesn't seem to be older than seventeen, but if he's already at the level of a Sect Master, he should be able to pass the final test without any issues.'
In that case, he would be chosen by the executives.
As the successor structure was gradually emerging within the Heaven and Earth Society, she was trying to recruit as many useful talents as possible.
'He seems like a good talent.'
If he was a step above Yeop Wi-seon, who had been taught by Bright Blade King Son Yun, then his future was promising.
It wouldn't hurt to recruit him in advance at this opportunity.
She directly brought up the main topic.
"Your solid internal energy shows that you have the potential to reach the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm or even beyond in the near future."
"Oh, is that so?"
"So, I was wondering…"
"Ah! I apologize, but may I say a word, no, two things to you first?"
"Huh?"
When Mok Gyeong-un suddenly interrupted her, she momentarily frowned.
It was quite rude of him, even though he knew her identity.
However, since Yeop Wi-seon, whom she had brought along, had also been rude, and with the thought of wanting to make Mok Gyeong-un her person, she decided to tolerate it.
"Alright. Speak freely."
"Ah. It's fortunate that you are a magnanimous person."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, she smiled slightly.
If she could recruit a talented person as her own, she could show this much magnanimity.
"First, since you are the Society Leader's disciple, I believe you have the authority. Originally, I was supposed to have the reward of choosing secret manuals here for an hour."
"Ah…"
With these words, Wi So-yeon immediately understood what Mok Gyeong-un was saying.
Due to Yeop Wi-seon and herself, Mok Gyeong-un had been robbed of that time.
Perhaps he had mentioned authority to ask the keeper of the treasure vault to grant him that.
"Don't worry. Even if you don't mention it, I was planning to ask the keeper of the treasure vault, Valley Master Yang, about that matter."
Of course, it wasn't something she had just thought of, but it was true.
At Wi So-yeon's words, Mok Gyeong-un smiled as if relieved.
Then he continued,
"Thank you for your consideration. The second thing is, thanks to the person sitting over there, I nearly lost my life, so I'd like to receive proper compensation."
"What?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Wi So-yeon furrowed her brows.
That was because she had personally apologized and even broke Yeop Wi-seon's wrist, who was a disciple of Bright Blade King.
Breaking his wrist here was also partly to show it to Mok Gyeong-un.
But he wanted compensation?
'What nonsense is this bastard spouting now?'
Yeop Wi-seon glared at Mok Gyeong-un as if he was angry.
If it weren't for her warning, he would have wanted to engage in a rematch immediately.
At that moment, Wi So-yeon spoke.
"May I hear what you mean by proper compensation?"
"Since I nearly lost my life, to match the equivalent exchange, wouldn't it be right for me to receive his life in return?"
-Grit!
Was this guy crazy?
No matter how much humiliation he had suffered, he was a disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun, one of the Five Kings.
Yet, he was saying that he should receive his life?
This bastard, really…
"That's what I thought, but if I do that, I would be making you lose your loyal and stupid dog, so I would be grateful if you could provide me with suitable compensation."
"Suitable compensation?"
"Yes. Since I nearly lost my life, I think it's fair for me to receive that much from him, don't you think?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, not only Yeop Wi-seon, who was the subject of the conversation, but even Wi So-yeon couldn't help but snort.
She had seen many people within the organization, but this was the first time she had seen someone so brazen, even though he was just a disciple who had entered the Corpse Blood Valley.
He was requesting compensation from her, who could potentially become the next leader.
It was somewhat refreshing, but it also made her slightly annoyed.
'… Looks like he's not just talented in martial arts.'
Through the brief conversation, she judged that Mok Gyeong-un was a person who pursued his own interests more than he appeared.
Because of that, she lost a bit of interest.
What she wanted was someone who was not only outstanding in martial arts but could also swear unwavering loyalty to her.
But to bargain with the person who would become his lord?
'If he's that brazen, let's see how he responds to this.'
So she decided to test Mok Gyeong-un.
Since she had already confirmed his outstanding martial arts, she was going to see if his wit matched the boldness he had shown towards her.
"Life… Alright. There is some truth to your words."
"I'm glad that you are someone who understands reason."
"Then kill him."
"Excuse me?"
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed slightly.
It was an unexpected response.
In fact, the reason Mok Gyeong-un had made such a request to her was to see the caliber of a successor who was aiming for the leader's position.
But he didn't expect her to tell him to kill Yeop Wi-seon on the spot.
"That's unexpected."
"What's unexpected? I personally apologized and even broke this person's wrist as a price for his rudeness. But if you say it's not enough for the price of your life, there's no choice, is there?"
"So you're telling me to kill him?"
"That's right. I can't think of a compensation that can replace a life."
At her words, Yeop Wi-seon's expression instantly darkened.
To think that his lord, to whom he had sworn loyalty, would make him give his life to this bastard.
Was she being serious?
While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon said,
"However, I cannot take responsibility for what happens after you kill this person."
"Cannot take responsibility."
"Yes. You don't seem to know who this person is, so I'll tell you his identity. He is Yeop Wi-seon, a disciple of Bright Blade King."
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un turned his gaze to look at Yeop Wi-seon.
Now he fully understood her intention.
It wasn't that she was really telling him to kill.
'She was saying to kill him if I had the confidence to handle the aftermath.'
She had bluntly stated it.
He was free to kill Yeop Wi-seon, but he would have to directly deal with the repercussions that would arise from killing him.
Those repercussions would naturally be the wrath of Bright Blade King.
"The choice is yours. However, I won't hold you responsible for taking the life of someone who had sworn loyalty to me, so I believe that should be sufficient compensation."
At her words, Yeop Wi-seon's face slightly brightened.
Of course, how could she abandon him?
As expected, she had a plan.
'Damn that bastard.'
Yeop Wi-seon glared at Mok Gyeong-un.
If this guy wasn't a fool, he wouldn't be able to lay a finger on him.
Yeop Wi-seon made a vow to himself.
He would definitely pay back the humiliation he was experiencing now many times over.
While he was doing that, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.
"Hmm. If my ears aren't mistaken, it sounds like you're telling me not to do something I'll regret and to choose wisely."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, she chuckled.
She naturally thought that he would have the brains to understand at least this much.
However, if he gave up on his boldness and the compensation he had demanded here, it would ultimately mean that he was just a guy who talked big.
That's what she was thinking.
"If you are someone who holds a position as the leader's disciple, you will surely keep your own words, right?"
At his words, she snorted and replied,
"Words carry weight. I take responsibility for what I say."
"Is that so?"
"Have you made your decision?"
"Yes. I have no choice. I wanted to receive the price of his life for trying to take mine, but thinking about it, the repercussions from Bright Blade King bothers me."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, she lightly shook her head.
He was just a person of this caliber.
A fellow who schemed for compensation against her.
No matter how outstanding his martial arts were, he didn't have the wit to navigate this situation and only lowered his head, showing that she had lost interest.
"Go…"
"Ah. Wait a moment."
"What?"
It was at that very moment.
-Swish! Thud!
Mok Gyeong-un moved swiftly and kicked Yeop Wi-seon's chin with his foot.
"Ugh!"
Yeop Wi-seon, who was suddenly hit on the chin, shouted at Mok Gyeong-un in bewilderment.
"You bastard, how dare you!"
"Oh? You opened your mouth?"
"What?"
"Didn't your lord just say that if you opened your mouth, she would execute you on the spot? You ignored that warning."
'!?'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon's expression instantly froze.
This bastard, did he kick him with his foot just now to make him open his mouth?
While he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un turned his head, smiled brightly, and spoke to Wi So-yeon in a sneering voice.
"Didn't you say that words carry weight and that you take responsibility for what you say yourself?"
103: Chapter 102: Wi So-yeon (2)
"Didn't you say that words carry weight and that you take responsibility for what you say yourself?"
Mok Gyeong-un spoke with a smile.
However, that smile was clearly filled with malice.
Looking at this, the expression of Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader, was distinctly different from earlier.
'Ha.'
She was amazed.
She had thought he was just someone who coveted benefits.
In fact, no matter how much one racked their brain in this situation, it was difficult to come up with an answer.
However, Mok Gyeong-un had come up with a completely unexpected method.
'…Borrowing a knife to kill.'
Borrowing a knife to kill someone.
It literally meant borrowing a knife to kill someone else.
When he realized that directly killing Yeop Wi-seon would be detrimental to him, he came up with this method.
[Your foolish actions have also put me, who brought you here, in quite a predicament. So, if you open your mouth again, I will execute you on the spot.]
She had sternly warned Yeop Wi-seon to keep his mouth shut.
However, this was not because she intended to kill him on the spot, but to let him know how angry she was.
But Mok Gyeong-un had used this.
'Since killing him with my own hands would bring the repercussions of Bright Blade King, you'll borrow my hand?'
Look at this guy.
In this brief moment, he had thought of a very bold method.
It wasn't simply a level of cunningness, but his ability to think was no ordinary matter.
Mok Gyeong-un then said to her,
"Aaah. I was going to let him go because I'm afraid of Elder Bright Blade King, but it has turned out quite interestingly. To think that the Young Lady has to punish her loyal dog with her own hands."
'This, this bastard!'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon couldn't contain his anger.
Was this guy really desperate to kill him?
Yeop Wi-seon hurriedly looked at Wi So-yeon.
'Young Lady.'
No matter what, he was a disciple of Bright Blade King and a subordinate who had sworn loyalty to her.
Did it make sense to kill someone like him because of this guy's antics?
However, Wi So-yeon's expression, faintly visible through the veil, seemed unusual.
'Could it be… No way…'
Was she really going to kill him to keep her word?
Startled by this, Yeop Wi-seon hurriedly spoke to her.
"Yo-Young Lady… You're not really going to do as this bastard says, are you? I… I have sworn loyalty to you."
"…"
"Young Lady."
She remained silent.
Desperate, Yeop Wi-seon prostrated himself before her and pleaded.
"Young Lady. This subordinate has indeed made a mistake, but is it something deserving of death? If you kill this subordinate, Master, no, Bright Blade King and all the Heaven and Earth Society people under him will not follow you. Please make a wise choice."
With those words, Yeop Wi-seon raised his head and glared at Mok Gyeong-un.
Now that things had come to this, there was only one choice for him to survive.
That was to have Mok Gyeong-un killed.
'The Young Lady has her own thoughts.'
No matter how much she publicly declared that she would keep her word, there was such a thing as weighing the options.
He was a disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun.
If she were to kill someone like him, it would be no different from abandoning Bright Blade King and the forces under him.
But that guy was completely different.
He had no backing, and if they created a suitable justification, even if he died, there wouldn't be much trouble.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.
"For someone who is a disciple of Bright Blade King, you're quite pathetic."
"What?"
"Someone in your position should have honor and self-esteem, but not only are you pleading for your life, but you're also trying to make the lord you serve go back on her words by bringing up your master. It seems that the Young Lady's honor isn't that important to you."
'This guy, really…'
He wanted to tear that mouth apart right away.
However, if he showed his anger here, he wouldn't be able to evoke any sympathy from Wi So-yeon, so he had to keep his mouth shut.
Mok Gyeong-un looked at Wi So-yeon with an amused smile.
How would she respond?
Given her position and high self-esteem, people like her often strongly adhered to their own words.
However, if she considered the practical benefits, she would abandon her self-esteem and save her subordinate.
Whichever choice she made, it would be a choice that she herself couldn't readily accept.
At that moment,
"Heh."
A laugh escaped from behind the veil.
Wi So-yeon was laughing.
Seeing her like this, one of Mok Gyeong-un's eyebrows raised.
'Hmm.'
What was it?
He had thought she would be quite cornered by her self-esteem, but he was inwardly puzzled by her unexpected reaction.
Why was she laughing?
While he was thinking that, she laughed for a while and then parted her lips.
"You really exceed my expectations."
"Excuse me?"
"I thought you were just someone whose mouth moved faster than their brain, driven by self-interest, but you came up with an answer I never even thought of."
"If that's a compliment, I'll gratefully accept it."
"It is a compliment. But you're really brazen."
"What do you mean?"
"If things go wrong for you here, I am someone who has the capability and authority to kill you without any regard for conversation or anything else. In fact, if it were my second elder brother, he might have killed you on the spot for toying with him."
"Kill me… Well, that could happen."
Seeing Mok Gyeong-un's calm reaction, she became even more interested.
Until just now, she had thought that Mok Gyeong-un was someone who only pursued practical benefits and played tricks.
However, her opinion had changed with his current move.
This fellow had the potential to become her Zhang Liang (a famous advisor to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty) beyond his talent in martial arts.
It was more difficult to find a talented person with a good brain than a talented person with outstanding martial arts.
'I like him.'
With this, she became determined to make Mok Gyeong-un her person.
While she was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un said to her,
"It's strange."
"What is?"
"You seem to be happy even though you're losing a loyal dog."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon, startled, raised his head again and called out to her.
"Yo-Young Lady, are you really going to…"
"No. I won't kill you. So keep that mouth of yours shut."
"Yes."
At her words, Yeop Wi-seon tightly closed his mouth.
Yeop Wi-seon's face brightened after receiving a definite answer from her that she wouldn't kill him.
As expected.
How could she possibly kill him?
While he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un asked in puzzlement.
"Then you're going back on your own words?"
At that question, Wi So-yeon shook her head.
Then she took something out from her waist.
-Swish!
She abruptly threw it, and Mok Gyeong-un, who caught it, slightly furrowed his brows.
What she had thrown was none other than a jade token.
It had the words Heaven and Earth Society (天地會) engraved on it, and below that was her name.
Judging by the quality and shape of the jade, it looked quite antique.
"Why this?"
As he was puzzled, Yeop Wi-seon's bewildered expression was visible.
His eyes were wide open, staring intently at the jade token in Mok Gyeong-un's hand. Why was he reacting like that?
While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon said,
"It's the price of Yeop Wi-seon's life."
"Excuse me?"
What did she mean by saying this jade token was the price of his life?
He had no idea what she meant.
To Mok Gyeong-un, who had a puzzled expression, she chuckled and said,
"Didn't you say it yourself?"
"I did?"
"Yes. You said that either I pay a price equivalent to a life or hand over Yeop Wi-seon's life."
"Ah…"
Mok Gyeong-un smacked his lips at her words.
Wi So-yeon herself had also been put in a difficult position of choice due to her own words earlier, but Mok Gyeong-un himself had also first brought up a corresponding price to her.
He had thought she would only respond in two ways due to the atmosphere, but she had chosen to pay a price.
'She's not foolish.'
She hadn't been swayed by the trap he had created.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled brightly and held up the jade token, saying,
"But what do you mean by saying this is the price of a life? I don't understand."
"Ha!"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon made an expression as if he was frustrated or amazed.
Judging by his reaction, did the jade token have some special meaning?
While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon said,
"When a martial artist entrusts their identity token to someone, it means that they will grant one request from that person within what they can accept."
'!?'
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes shone with surprise.
Was that the meaning?
No wonder Yeop Wi-seon had reacted like that.
"May I ask how far you can go in terms of what you can accept?"
"It's literally what I can accept. If it's within my means, I will definitely grant your request."
"That's ambiguous."
"Ambiguous?"
'This insolent…'
Yeop Wi-seon wanted to smack Mok Gyeong-un on the head right away if it weren't for her orders.
In fact, he had been holding back the urge to do so several times.
While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon clicked her tongue and said,
"It seems you want a definite answer. Alright. I won't accept requests like asking me to kill myself or someone related to me. And I will only grant requests that are realistically possible for me to fulfill."
"Ah. I see."
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un nodded his head.
A request within what was realistically possible for her.
It was still vague and ambiguous.
While he was thinking that, Cheong-ryeong's voice reached Mok Gyeong-un's ears.
-Accept it. If you have that wench's identity token, you can use it in difficult situations within the organization if necessary. You can also use her authority when needed.
Authority.
Well, she was a candidate to be the next leader of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Even if not everything, there would be things he could use when needed.
At least it was better than killing a disciple of Bright Blade King.
Thus, Mok Gyeong-un politely lowered his head.
"I will gratefully accept it."
"No need to be grateful. Think of it as an investment in a talent I want to recruit."
"Excuse me?"
"Didn't you hear me? Then I'll say it bluntly."
-Swish!
Wi So-yeon took off the bamboo hat with the veil she was wearing.
Her bare face was revealed.
The moment he saw it, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
'This is…'
-Ha!
Cheong-ryeong also let out a voice as if she was amazed.
That was because Wi So-yeon's face was so beautiful that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call her a peerless beauty.
However, her appearance was strikingly similar to Cheong-ryeong's.
They looked so alike that it wouldn't be strange to call them sisters.
The only difference was the aura emanating from their appearance.
'If Cheong-ryeong gives off an arrogant, cold, and overwhelming feeling, Wi So-yeon has a brighter and more cheerful vibe.'
Additionally, Wi So-yeon looked younger.
However, excluding these aspects, anyone would consider them to be similar.
It was truly a coincidence.
But it couldn't be considered entirely strange.
'Well… The real Mok Gyeong-un also resembled me.'
Their resemblance went beyond similarity; they had an appearance like twins that even close relatives couldn't distinguish.
Considering that, it wasn't particularly strange that she resembled Cheong-ryeong.
Of course, the person in question found it absurd.
While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon said,
"Why are you staring at me like that? Could it be that you've fallen for my beauty?"
"…"
She seemed to have a very strong sense of self-esteem.
However, Mok Gyeong-un didn't mind it at all.
"As if."
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.
What she had said just now was a joke, but seeing Mok Gyeong-un respond as if it was nothing, she glanced at him, seemingly offended.
Then she shook her head and extended her hand, saying,
"There's no point in talking about this and that, so I'll cut to the chase. I intend to become the leader of this sect. To do that, I need more talented people."
"Talented people…"
"Mok Gyeong-un. Join me. With your level of talent, I will provide you with treatment befitting it."
At her proposal, Yeop Wi-seon bit his lip tightly.
As expected, she coveted Mok Gyeong-un as her subordinate.
'Damn it.'
If Mok Gyeong-un became her subordinate, it would be troublesome.
He had planned to repay this humiliation someday, but if they became part of the same group, it would be difficult to openly touch him.
Yeop Wi-seon looked at Mok Gyeong-un.
'There's no way he'll refuse.'
It wasn't just anyone, but a proposal from one of the leader's successor candidates.
Who would miss such a golden opportunity?
While he was thinking that,
"I apologize, but I must politely decline that proposal."
"What?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's answer, Yeop Wi-seon looked at him with surprised eyes.
She was a candidate to be the next Society Leader and had directly offered to treat him as a talent, but he refused it in one go?
Was this guy really in his right mind?
104: Chapter 103: Wi So-yeon (3)
"I apologize, but I must respectfully decline your proposal."
An unexpected refusal to what she thought would surely be accepted.
Wi So-yeon, the Society Leader's third disciple, raised an eyebrow and asked in an uncomprehending tone, "Why?"
"There is no significant reason."
"No reason?"
"Yes. If I must find a reason, it's because I dislike conflicts by nature."
"You dislike conflicts?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, she scoffed.
How could someone adamantly cling onto benefits and reap them until the end—even if Yeop Wi-seon indeed made the first move against him?
This Mok Gyeong-un she assessed was definitely not someone who disliked conflicts by nature.
Depending on the situation, he could readily create conflicts if he wanted to.
Yet refusing with such a reason…
'Is he trying to avoid getting involved with me, the successor with the weakest power?'
That was her judgment.
The internal structure within the Heaven and Earth Society was already distinct.
The Chief Disciple Na Yul-ryang and the Second Disciple Jang Neung-ak had secured nearly 40% and 30% of the supporting forces respectively.
In contrast, she had a mere 10% to 20% at most.
If considering martial arts alone, she rapidly rose to a level almost comparable to Jang Neung-ak with her immense talent, but she still fell short in terms of power.
'Becoming part of my faction is equivalent to rejecting all others.'
It wasn't incomprehensible.
However, it hadn't been long since she gathered this 10% to 20% of power.
As such, Wi So-yeon was confident.
'…If I can at least unite the neutral forces under me, there's enough potential.'
From that perspective, Mok Gyeong-un was a desirable talent.
Not only were his martial arts and cunning aspects appealing, but his current situation could be considered optimal.
Mok Gyeong-un was currently in the midst of Corpse Blood Valley's final gate trial.
If he were to pass even the final gate as the top cadet in this situation, he would be given the choice to become the disciple of any executive present that day.
What if Mok Gyeong-un, in such a position, became her subordinate and entered the faction of an executive no one else followed?
The corners of Wi So-yeon's mouth twitched.
That was her true ulterior motive.
'An opportunity that doesn't come often.'
At this, she said, "Even if you dislike conflicts, there will surely come a moment when you must choose."
"…"
"I may not be immediately useful, but a future investment in your growth. However, the elders already have plenty of outstanding talents by their sides."
"…"
"Do you think the choice you make then will be a great opportunity for you?"
At her words, a glint flickered in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
He had seen those qualified as successors in a place called Yeon Mok Sword Manor, but they were incomparable to this.
Transcending gender, she undoubtedly had sufficient qualities to become the leader of an organization.
Even without lengthy words, she possessed the power to draw others in.
However,
"If I remain someone you desperately need even then, wouldn't it still be an opportunity?"
At Mok Gyeong-un's response, Wi So-yeon let out a long sigh.
He was still just a Corpse Blood Valley trainee without any special position, yet he refused her direct appeal for recruitment.
What an extraordinary person indeed.
But his last words echoed in her mind.
'Someone I desperately need even then…'
It sounded as if he was saying, regardless of now, he would prove his worth at any given moment.
Hearing it that way, her gaze towards Mok Gyeong-un sharpened.
Was he someone with such confidence in himself?
After staring at him for a while, she parted her lips and spoke in a slightly sulky voice, "You're the first person to make me leave empty-handed without any special achievements, despite not even being an executive."
"Your words make me even more apologetic."
"Fine. I'll look forward to seeing if you live up to your own declaration."
"I will strive to meet your expectations."
Mok Gyeong-un lightly bowed in response to Wi So-yeon's words.
"Ah!"
Then she approached close to Mok Gyeong-un and whispered something in his ear before lightly leaping down from the upper floor.
"I'll inform Elder Yang and the person waiting outside as promised, so consider another hour as having started now."
With those words, she left the treasure vault as if her business was finished.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un smirked and turned his head.
"You bastard!"
There stood Yeop Wi-seon, glaring at Mok Gyeong-un with blazing eyes.
His expression seemed as if he was jealous.
No, he was jealous indeed.
'She whispered in the ear of a lowly bastard like him?'
He was truly enraged.
Yeop Wi-seon spoke through gritted teeth, "…What did she just say to you?"
"If it was something I could say, she would've said it out loud, no?"
"What?"
"More importantly, aren't you going to follow her? At this rate, you might lose your master."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Yeop Wi-seon rose to his feet and picked up his sword that had fallen to the floor.
Then, with a momentum as if he would swing it at any moment, he said, "Impudent bastard. I'll let it slide today for her sake, but…"
"Spare me from cliche lines like making me regret it someday and leave magnanimously while you still can."
"You little…!"
Yeop Wi-seon was momentarily provoked and almost swung his sword.
However, he managed to endure it with superhuman patience.
If he caused more trouble here, the aftermath – no, just damaging those secret manuals would be hard to handle, so he had no choice but to quietly back down.
"You will regret not accepting her proposal."
He put his sword back in its scabbard and tried to leave with these words.
Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said to him, "Ah, I forgot to mention."
"What?"
"Make sure to repay the life debt you owe me later."
"…What nonsense are you spouting? You smooth-talked your way into getting her identity tag in the heat of the moment."
"I let that slide, didn't I?"
"Let it slide? What…"
"You're still under the wrong impression. She tried to gloss over it by offering a life price or whatnot to save you, but my stance on instant execution for not keeping your word remains unchanged."
'!?'
At those words, Yeop Wi-seon's expression stiffened.
***
After Yeop Wi-seon left the treasure vault, Cheong-ryeong's voice reached Mok Gyeong-un's ears.
-Why did you not do as I instructed?
"Ah. You mean pretending to yield, genuinely or not, and becoming that third disciple's subordinate?"
Cheong-ryeong had told Mok Gyeong-un to become her subordinate.
She said that by doing so, he could quickly establish himself internally and make contact with the upper echelon.
-Right.
"Well, it didn't seem like the right time yet."
-Time? Do you think such an opportunity will come easily?
"Is there any guarantee that an opportunity that came once won't come again?"
-Opportunities are not called opportunities if they seem like they will come easily."
"You sound quite regretful."
-I'm saying that even if it's difficult right now, if you seize that wretched woman's body, you could bring the timing even closer.
She had developed a desire for Wi So-yeon's body, which closely resembled her own.
It almost felt as if her own dead body had been revived.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un said, "So you coveted that body after all. But you two don't just resemble each other a lot, but look extremely alike. Could she perhaps be your descendant?"
-…I have no descendants. I didn't even… No, I couldn't hold a wedding in the end, so what nonsense are you talking about!
"How would I know whether you got married or had children? You keep saying it's not the right time and evading the topic."
-Hmph!
She snorted at Mok Gyeong-un's words.
She was already upset that he didn't follow her words, causing the opportunity to slip away.
'She seems quite disappointed.'
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled inwardly without showing it.
In fact, he had expected Cheong-ryeong to naturally covet Wi So-yeon's body.
It had the most similar appearance to herself when she was alive and the strongest martial arts among the women encountered so far.
It would be stranger if such desire didn't arise.
However, Mok Gyeong-un had no intention to do so.
'Sorry, but until it's a sure bet, I don't think it's right to get involved.'
Mok Gyeong-un's foremost goal was revenge.
To find out if the man named "Ghost Blade" was the real culprit behind his grandfather's death and take revenge if it was true.
However, if he were to become the subordinate of the Society Leader's third disciple right now, he would make enemies with the other successors and their followers.
'Is there a need to take the hard path?'
According to Corpse Blood Valley Leader Lee Ji-yeom, the most likely successor was indeed the Chief Disciple Na Yul-ryang.
Among the 40% of forces, there was Seo Un-cho the Martial King, one of the Eight Stars known as the top masters in the Central Plains, one of the Five Kings, one of the Three Chief Masters, and two executives of the Four Valley Masters following him.
As a result, the tide was said to be greatly in his favor.
[If Chief Disciple Na Yul-ryang gains the support of another Five Kings of the Eight Stars title-holder who remains neutral, his position as the successor will likely become firm.]
In that case, there was no need to become Wi So-yeon's subordinate.
Mok Gyeong-un sought a sure bet rather than a potentially viable one, so if he were to enter someone's faction, it would be better to aim for the one closest to succession, Na Yul-ryang.
'Annihilating Poison King.'
The only existence in the Heaven and Earth Society who confronted the Ghost Blade and survived while maintaining a neutral position that no one currently supported.
Mok Gyeong-un aimed to pass the final gate and become his disciple.
By becoming the disciple of Baek Sa-ha, Annihilating Poison King, he could uncover his secrets and attempt to make contact with Na Yul-ryang, who was closest to the Society Leader position.
This was the plan Mok Gyeong-un had in mind for now.
Mok Gyeong-un whispered to the disgruntled Cheong-ryeong, "So you won't help me?"
-…Annoying mortal.
This brat only asks for help when he needs it.
Anyhow, she really disliked him.
***
Having gained an extra hour, Mok Gyeong-un leisurely perused the secret manuals on the third floor of the treasure vault.
To say he perused them was an understatement; he fell into a state of selflessness, becoming one with the original martial artists through their handwriting, absorbing them at a rapid pace.
This could be considered an absurd talent that other martial artists did not possess.
The more secret manuals he read, the broader Mok Gyeong-un's insight and perspective on martial arts grew, and his experience increased as if he had practiced countless martial arts.
Here, Cheong-ryeong discovered an astonishing point.
'This brat's body is…'
Mok Gyeong-un in a state of selflessness.
His muscles were visibly changing little by little in real-time.
It was an extremely subtle change that would go unnoticed without close observation, but Cheong-ryeong was able to detect it due to one phenomenon while Mok Gyeong-un was immersed in selflessness.
That was none other than sweat.
'Sweat?'
It wasn't present on the second floor, but as he read the secret manuals in the treasure vault's third floor, sweat poured down Mok Gyeong-un's face.
Even his clothes became soaked with sweat.
While wondering why that was, she suddenly noticed his wrist muscles trembling slightly and their density changing.
'Haa…'
It was astonishing.
She, too, had once heard of it.
A strong will and spirit can sometimes greatly influence the body.
There was an anecdote like this.
Someone suddenly and unexpectedly poured water from a teapot onto another person, and that person suffered burns.
But the surprising thing was that the water was not hot, but cold.
In the end, the person's strong belief that it was hot alone caused burns on their body.
'To think this could be materialized to such an extent. This fellow is truly…'
Inhuman.
Just by being immersed in the secret manuals and becoming one with them in his mind, it influenced his body, causing changes in his muscles.
Is such a thing possible?
There was a time limit, so the number would ultimately be limited as well, but what if this fellow seriously read all the secret manuals in this treasure vault, taking his time?
'It piques my curiosity.'
Right then,
Mok Gyeong-un finished reading a secret manual and closed it.
As he was about to put it back on the shelf, he suddenly turned his head to the side.
"Wait a moment."
"Why?"
"Something has been bothering me for a while, and I think I definitely hear it coming from over there."
"Over there?"
Mok Gyeong-un was looking towards the corner of the third floor of the treasure vault, where another small cavity was formed.
Inside, there seemed to be bookshelves with secret manuals, but…
'A red line?'
There was a red line drawn in front of it.
[Ah. And there's a place marked with a red line. That place is… Try not to enter it if possible.]
[Pardon?]
[In the past, something… No. You don't need to know that much. Anyway, if you cross the red line, you'll see something truly spine-chilling. So don't ignore my warning.]
The warning from the treasure vault keeper, Elder Yang Mu-won, came to mind.
That must be the place he mentioned.
'Something scary…'
"Hmm. That red line doesn't seem ordinary at all."
Mok Gyeong-un agreed with Cheong-ryeong's words.
When red ink is ground together with white rice and salt, it can serve as a barrier.
That way, it becomes possible to create a disconnection centered around the line.
"I'm getting curious."
-It seems your curiosity has been piqued.
"I hear a sound coming from inside."
-Sound?
Being inside the wooden puppet, she couldn't hear sounds from far away.
So she asked, "What sound do you hear?"
"We'll know if we go and see."
Mok Gyeong-un furtively glanced towards the entrance of the cavity below.
There was no one there.
In fact, earlier, he had entered the treasure vault, read about thirty secret manuals that Yeop Wi-seon had cut in half, and left the treasure vault with an almost dumbfounded expression.
With no watchful eyes, it seemed alright to take a quick look around.
Mok Gyeong-un crossed the red line and entered the small cavity.
"Kuurururururu!"
-Ah! You hear this sound?
Cheong-ryeong spoke as if she understood.
Now that he was inside, a bookshelf was shaking strongly enough for her to hear.
At the very top of that bookshelf, there was no secret manual, but a rolled-up wooden box was placed there, and…
Strange energy was flowing out from there.
Mok Gyeong-un could clearly see this.
"…It's here."
-Here?
It wasn't the energy of the dead. The ominous energy wafting from that scroll was the demonic energy (妖氣) that could only be felt from malevolent spirits.
Mok Gyeong-un approached it.
'How peculiar.'
Ordinary people may not sense it, but why was such an object placed here? Aren't there even diviners within the Heaven and Earth Society?
At that moment, a voice reached Mok Gyeong-un's ears.
"Jeong-ah. Jeong-ah."
'!?'
The instant he heard this voice, Mok Gyeong-un's expression stiffened. It was none other than,
"Grandfather?"
The voice of his dead grandfather. What on earth was happening? Why was his grandfather's voice coming from that box?
"Jeong-ah… Jeong-ah… Help this old man."
"Grandfather?"
"Jeong-ah… It's so stifling."
From the way it called his name to the voice itself, it was undeniably his grandfather.
Right then, a rebuke poured into his ears.
-Snap out of it!
Mok Gyeong-un promptly furrowed his brows.
-Get a grip. You keep saying grandfather this, grandfather that. It seems you're hearing auditory hallucinations.
"Cheong-ryeong, you can't hear it?"
-Not at all.
"Ahhh. Then it must be an auditory hallucination indeed."
-Surely you wouldn't fall for a mere hallucination, would you?
"Of course not."
Mok Gyeong-un was extremely rational. He was simply puzzled by how it could call out in his grandfather's voice and his true name without even making contact.
-Don't get swayed by some ridiculous hallucination…
Right at that moment,
"How dare a wretched evil spirit interfere with me!"
This was heard loud and clear.
Cheong-ryeong also seemed to have heard it, as she muttered in an absurd tone,
-Wretched evil spirit? How dare it…
As she was about to express her anger, a voice continued from the wooden box.
"Human. Open the wooden box. If you do so, I, the ruler of the seas, shall grant your wish."
At this, Mok Gyeong-un scoffed and muttered, "You're really blatantly peddling the bait."
105: Chapter 104: Lord of the Western Sea (1)
"Human. Open the wooden box. If you do so, I, the ruler of the seas, shall grant your wish."
'!?'
At the voice coming from the wooden box, Mok Gyeong-un scoffed and muttered,
"You're really blatantly peddling the bait."
"…"
This was an enticement.
It was no different from openly asking him to open the wooden box.
Cheong-ryeong spoke in an astonished tone,
-How can someone who can't even take care of their own body grant wishes?
"I agree with those words. But what could it be?"
-It seems they sealed away an evil creature. However, to think its voice can be heard even while sealed. This is the first time I've seen such a case.
She had lived as a vengeful spirit for a hundred years.
And she had also been sealed away like the wicked thing in this wooden box.
But this was the first time she encountered such a case.
Usually, once sealed, all energy and everything else is blocked, so the inside and outside are meant to be isolated.
Yet the fact that this thing's voice could be heard meant…
"Ah. There's a crack."
-A crack?
There was a partial crack on the upper part of the wooden box that Mok Gyeong-un pointed to.
-I see. But this wooden box…
"It's strange that there's no talisman or anything."
-You noticed it too.
It was a peculiar situation.
As Cheong-ryeong said, there was no talisman or anything to seal the demonic energy on the wooden box.
Then by what means was this ominous being trapped in this wooden box?
It was incomprehensible.
While he was perplexed, a voice was heard.
"Damn it. I thought it was some luck that you could hear my voice, but judging from your mention of talismans, you must be a Taoist who has mastered sorcery."
"A Taoist? What do you mean by that?"
"Don't pretend otherwise. Do you think you can deceive me?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, but you can think of me as a diviner who is learning sorcery."
"A diviner? Ah. You must be the same kind as that human wearing diviner's robes who came last time."
'The same kind?'
Based on the way it spoke, it seemed someone had come before.
Indeed, there was no way a diviner who had mastered sorcery would fail to detect such ominous demonic energy.
In the first place, the red line was a technique that only a diviner could create.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un asked,
"Who came before?"
"Someone did come. It was an ominous fellow with three eyes. It was the first time I saw someone with those eyes that were said to have disappeared after the ancient times."
"Three eyes? What is that? Cheong-ryeong, do you know?"
-Do you think I know all the principles of the world?
At Cheong-ryeong's words, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head.
If you literally interpret "three eyes," it means having three eyes.
Such a deformed being had come here before?
While he was puzzled, a voice came from the wooden box.
"How would the likes of you evil spirits and lowly humans know about matters from the ancient times?"
-..You've been calling us evil spirits, you evil creature.
"Wait a moment."
-What?
Mok Gyeong-un stopped her anger and said,
"So what exactly are these 'three eyes'?"
-It's literally a three-eyed being. It is a deformed creature born from a human womb. There is a saying that misfortune arrives when it is born.=
"Misfortune?"
-But it's quite interesting. Even in ancient times, a three-eyed being would barely survive a day after birth before being killed.
It was difficult to understand what it was talking about.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un summarized,
"I don't quite understand what you mean, but are you saying that diviner wearing robes who had three eyes put you here?"
"That's right. I don't know what that person did, but after he came, no one could perceive me."
"Not being able to perceive means…"
"From the beginning, they treat it as if it doesn't exist."
"As if it doesn't exist?"
At the words that flowed from the wooden box, Cheong-ryeong strongly denied,
-That can't be. No matter how much human sorcery has advanced over time, erasing perception goes against the principles of the world.
"Oh-ho. For an evil spirit, you seem to know quite a bit."
-Evil spirit? You damned evil creature!
Cracks appeared on the wooden puppet that sealed Cheong-ryeong.
She seemed ready to break out and smash the wooden box at any moment.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un dissuaded her.
"Cheong-ryeong. Endure it."
-If I were you…
"Rather than continuing like this, wouldn't everything work out if we make it mine first?"
-Yours? Hmm.
At Mok Gyeong-un's whisper, Cheong-ryeong muttered as if tempted.
The expression of making it his own ultimately meant turning it into a servant spirit.
Mok Gyeong-un had the ability to turn even high-ranking vengeful spirits into servant spirit.
If it was a weakened malevolent spirit trapped in a wooden box, he might be able to turn it into a servant spirit.
He had already confirmed this being's potential through absorbing resentment.
-Still, be careful. It's best to reduce the demonic energy without disturbing the seal as much as possible.
"That's what I was thinking."
Mok Gyeong-un had the same thought as her.
In the case of demonic energy, it was condensed evil energy, so absorbing it would be helpful.
While doing so, a voice came from the wooden box.
"Hey. Human."
"Yes."
"Being trapped here, do I seem insignificant in your eyes? I am the lord who rules over the Western Sea."
"And?"
"If you just free me from here, I will grant any wish you desire. Did you mention a grandfather earlier?"
"…"
"Don't you miss that grandfather?"
At this voice, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes sharpened, unlike before.
He disliked pranks in general, but he really disliked anyone bringing up his grandfather.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un approached the wooden box without answering.
And he picked it up and placed it on the floor.
"That's right. Break the wooden box."
"That's what I intend to do. Ah. Of course, before that…"
Mok Gyeong-un placed his palm on the cracked part of the wooden box.
And he inwardly recited the Ritual of Binding incantation.
Then, the ominous demonic energy that had been flowing out from the crack began to flow into Mok Gyeong-un's palm.
"Shuuu!"
'!?'
Sensing this, the voice didn't hide its bewilderment.
"Human… What are you doing…"
"Despite being trapped for a long time, your energy is quite substantial. Share some with me."
"Stop!"
"Too late."
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un absorbed the flowing demonic energy as it was.
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes flickered with interest at the considerably vast amount.
'So much.'
There was far more energy than he expected.
He didn't anticipate the energy flowing out through the cracks to be this much.
By absorbing just a little, he had already absorbed the equivalent of twenty people's worth of evil energy.
Just what level of malevolent spirit was it to possess such strong demonic energy even while trapped?
"S… Stop it. You lowly human dares to absorb my energy…"
"It's almost done, so wait just a bit longer."
The energy flowing out through the cracks was almost completely absorbed.
It was demonic energy amounting to nearly fifty people's worth of evil energy.
There was already a certain amount of evil energy consumed and needed from creating undead using the Six Yin Strengthening Technique, so it seemed his luck was good.
The demonic energy stopped flowing out.
Based on this, it seemed he had absorbed most of the energy of the being trapped inside.
"You… bast… ard…"
Hearing the being's voice, its strength had significantly diminished.
It seemed to lack the energy to even get angry.
"It seems weakened. Now, make it your servant spirit."
"Yes."
Mok Gyeong-un brought his blade finger toward the cracked part of the wooden box.
The air around his blade finger trembled.
He had invoked aura.
As it didn't seem like an ordinary wooden box, he intended to cut it with aura.
Mok Gyeong-un placed his blade finger, imbued with aura, against the wooden box.
Right at that moment,
"Paang!"
"Ugh!"
Along with a strong repulsive force, Mok Gyeong-un's body was pushed back nearly five steps.
'What is this?'
-What happened?
Cheong-ryeong also asked in surprise.
Mok Gyeong-un looked at his blade finger.
Fortunately, his finger was unharmed, but the moment he tried to pierce the wooden box with aura, he was pushed back by an unknown force.
'What?'
He was certain that he had absorbed all the demonic energy flowing out from the crack in the wooden box.
But what was going on?
While he was puzzled, a voice was heard.
"Did you think the wood made from sacred spirit trees would break so easily?"
"Sacred spirit trees?"
"Seeing that you don't even know that, it seems the Immortals no longer remain in the afterlife."
"Immortals? What are you talking about?"
"If you don't know, forget it. Rather, the method to break the sacred spirit wood…"
At that very moment,
The area around the crack in the wooden box split apart before the voice could finish speaking.
"What?"
Then, starting from the split area, the wooden box began to rot and crumble like ashes.
It was a strange occurrence, as it had been perfectly fine until just a moment ago.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un looked at his blade finger.
'Is it because of the evil energy?'
His aura wasn't formed from ordinary inner energy but from the evil energy of death itself.
Evil energy was the opposite of the energy of life, so it caused it to scatter.
It was difficult to accurately predict whether it was due to that or if the crack had already existed and the force added to it caused it to break.
However, regardless of the reason, the wooden box was shattered.
"Isn't that a scroll?"
-It seems so.
Something buried in the ashes of the shattered wooden box caught his eye.
It was a rolled-up scroll.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un approached and picked it up.
It was a considerably old scroll, and based on its length, it seemed to have poems or paintings drawn inside.
"The scroll… Open the scroll."
The voice was heard then.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un smirked and tried to put the scroll into his mouth while reciting the Ritual of Binding incantation with the hand holding the scroll.
-…What are you trying to do now?
"I'm going to eat it."
-What?
He had no intention of playing along with the evil creature's tune.
If this scroll was the main body related to the malevolent spirit, he intended to eat it and make it his servant spirit.
Just as he was about to put the end of the scroll into his mouth,
"You fool!"
Blue flames erupted from the scroll like lightning.
Along with that, the scroll bounced out of Mok Gyeong-un's hand, rolled on the floor, and began to unfold on its own.
"Catch it!"
Mok Gyeong-un reached out with his burned hand toward the scroll and unleashed the Ritual of Binding incantation.
He thought it would be pulled over, but it resisted in midair.
Then, the fully unfolded scroll floated in the air.
'Ah!'
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes flickered with interest as he looked at it.
That was because a landscape painting was drawn on the scroll, and it was so beautiful that it seemed like looking at a paradise.
Mist shrouded the majestic mountain peaks, and flower-bearing trees were scattered there.
'Beautiful.'
However, there was one uniquely disturbing part.
It was because a white-haired middle-aged man was sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed on top of the peak in the center of the landscape painting.
'Why did they have to draw a person here…'
At that moment,
The white-haired middle-aged man in the painting opened his closed eyes.
Then,
He stepped on the mist and walked out from within the painting.
'!?'
The moment it came out, Mok Gyeong-un felt a chill down his spine for the first time in his life.
As the white-haired middle-aged man passed through the painting, an immense demonic energy emanated, which seemed like countless death energies gathered into one.
-Impossible.
Cheong-ryeong muttered in a perplexed tone.
She had never shown any fear or unease no matter what kind of malevolent spirit or vengeful ghost appeared.
But why was she reacting like this? While he was puzzled, she spoke with difficulty.
-…How can there be a malevolent spirit at the level of a Spirit Beast?
'Spirit Beast?'
The Classic of Mountains and Seas describes it like this:
In the world, there are countless malevolent spirits that humans cannot see.
Among such malevolent spirits, there are those that reside in a higher realm that not only humans but even those spirits cannot dare to approach.
They are the Spirit Beasts that have lived for an incredibly long time.
Chapter 105: Lord of the Western Sea (2)
The Classic of Mountains and Seas states:
In heaven and earth, there are countless malevolent spirits that humans cannot see.
Among such malevolent spirits, there are those that reside in a higher realm that not only humans but even those spirits cannot dare to approach.
They are the Spirit Beasts that have lived for an incredibly long time.
'Spirit Beasts?'
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes flickered with interest as he looked at the white-haired middle-aged man.
That was because if it was a Spirit Beast, excluding the divine beasts in myths, they were beings called legends in the hierarchy of malevolent spirits.
But what was this appearance?
On the surface, it didn't look like a Spirit Beast but no different from a human.
-Mortal, it's not an opponent you can fight against.
Cheong-ryeong spoke in a whisper.
Unlike usual, her tone was tense to the point of being stiff.
She, who always showed an arrogant and domineering demeanor, was feeling fear toward the being before her eyes.
'…Wasn't all the energy absorbed?'
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
He thought it had weakened since he had absorbed all the ominous demonic energy flowing out from the cracks in the wooden box.
But to emit such immense demonic energy to this extent…
At that moment, the white-haired middle-aged man spoke while arrogantly brushing his hair back.
"Are you trembling? Human."
"Well."
He wasn't trembling.
In the first place, Mok Gyeong-un was someone who didn't place great significance on or fear death.
However, the tension due to the clear difference in power was inevitable.
"For something that was sealed, your power is overflowing."
"Power overflowing? Hah."
The white-haired middle-aged man scoffed.
Then, he raised his hand, clenched and unclenched his fist, and said,
"Although I've weakened to the utmost after being sealed in this scroll for thousands of years, do you think lowly insects like you can dare to approach me?"
'Insects?'
Mok Gyeong-un slightly furrowed his brows.
But rather than feeling offended, he simply grasped the reality that the being before him judged him as nothing more than an insect.
'To this being, I am merely at the level of an insect.'
It was hard to deny.
The demonic energy emanating from this being was at an immeasurable level.
Was there another sky above the sky?
If this was its weakened state, he couldn't even imagine how strong this monster would be if it regained all its power.
No, this could be close to a disaster.
Right at that moment,
The white-haired middle-aged man extended his hand.
In that instant,
Two wooden puppets tore through Mok Gyeong-un's chest clothing and flew out.
'Ah?'
At this, Mok Gyeong-un urgently reached out and unleashed the Ritual of Binding incantation.
However, there was no way to withstand the force pulling them with overwhelming demonic energy.
Despite unleashing the Ritual of Binding incantation, the two wooden puppets that flew away without stopping landed in the white-haired middle-aged man's hand.
"M-Master!"
Inside were Green Spirit Gyu Soha and Cheong-ryeong.
Even while inside the wooden puppets, the demonic energy was so strong that even the Green Spirit showed evident fear.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un calmly said,
"You're making things difficult. Can you give them back?"
"Hmm. You're a peculiar human. Seeing that a living being is accompanied by these evil spirits."
"…"
"…"
Normally, Cheong-ryeong would have reacted angrily, but she didn't open her mouth.
Perhaps she became cautious, not wanting to provoke the being and cause an unforeseen calamity.
Cheong-ryeong found this situation extremely troubling.
'This is the worst.'
Unlike vengeful spirits, who have a somewhat different concept of consuming energy after becoming spirit bodies, malevolent spirits rapidly weaken when they consume demonic energy.
In that regard, if it had been sealed for a long time, she thought it would have significantly weakened.
But who would have imagined that the being sealed in this wooden box would be a Spirit Beast?
'What should I do?'
If it was a Spirit Beast that had reached a higher realm to the point of being able to transform into a human form, it could be said to have reached a realm similar to an almost enlightened Immortal.
No matter how much it had weakened, it far surpassed the realm that even she could handle.
'Is this the end…'
She felt a sense of despair.
Could misfortune manifest in such a way?
Just when she thought she had finally grasped an opportunity to appease her resentment, she encountered a being akin to a disaster in such a place.
'Mok Gyeong-un…'
Normally, she would have placed her hopes on the brat's cunning mind.
But the opponent was too unfavorable.
It was a non-human existence and had lived for such an incredibly long time that it would be difficult to overcome this situation with some eloquence.
Perhaps even he might be feeling fear for the first time in his life.
Facing an absolute being he encountered for the first time.
Right at that moment,
"I was just getting hungry, so thank you for bringing me a meal."
"What?"
"Ah."
With those words, the white-haired middle-aged man put the wooden puppets sealing Cheong-ryeong and Gyu Soha into his mouth.
Right at that instant,
The wooden puppet that was entering his mouth shattered, and Cheong-ryeong flew out from inside at a tremendous speed, grasping Gyu Soha's wooden puppet and flying forward.
However,
The white-haired middle-aged man grabbed Cheong-ryeong's leg and threw her onto the ground.
Although she couldn't feel physical pain, for some reason, when she was slammed onto the ground, she let out a groan of agony.
"Ugh!"
"I am the Lord of the Western Sea. A being born from the gathering of delusions. Offer your spiritual power for the sake of your master. Hahaha."
As soon as those words ended, a red haze rose from Cheong-ryeong's body, which had collapsed on the ground, and was sucked into the white-haired middle-aged man's mouth.
Then, as if in pain, she screamed.
"Aaaaagh!"
Right at that moment,
Mok Gyeong-un flew his body and thrust his blade finger, imbued with aura, towards the white-haired middle-aged man's brow.
He was trying to take advantage of a moment of carelessness, but…
At that instant, the white-haired middle-aged man lightly caught Mok Gyeong-un's right wrist.
Then, he made a gesture as if lightly lifting him up,
Mok Gyeong-un's body dug into the cave ceiling by nearly half a zhang before falling to the ground.
"Kuhaak!"
Blood coughs poured out from Mok Gyeong-un's mouth as he fell to the ground.
Although he had instantly protected his body with evil energy, he had suffered some fractures and internal injuries from the previous blow.
-Mortal!
"Cough… Cough… This is really… Cough… bad luck."
Mok Gyeong-un shook his head as if in disbelief.
Looking down at him, interest flickered in the white-haired middle-aged man's eyes.
"You're a peculiar human."
He felt puzzled by the face that held a smile despite feeling pain.
If an ordinary human were to be in this situation, they would likely be terrified with fear, but looking at this fellow's face, he didn't seem particularly so.
At this, the white-haired middle-aged man made a lifting gesture with his chin.
Then,
Mok Gyeong-un's body, which had been lying face down on the ground, floated into the air.
"Ah?"
It was clearly visible to Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
The immense demonic energy flowing out from the white-haired middle-aged man was enveloping and lifting him up.
"Human. I want to see fear spreading across your face."
The white-haired middle-aged man raised the corners of his mouth sardonically and tried to bring his hand to Mok Gyeong-un's shoulder.
Right at that moment,
Iron chains created from spiritual power erupted from the ground and instantly restrained the white-haired middle-aged man's arms, legs, and body.
The iron chains moved like snakes and wrapped around the middle-aged man's neck.
'Gyu Soha?'
This was the power of Green Spirit Gyu Soha.
Gyu Soha shouted,
-Let go of our master! Otherwise…
The iron chains wrapping around the white-haired middle-aged man's body shattered in an instant and scattered like ashes.
It was too easy to the point of being futile, the iron chains of a spirit body being shattered.
Gyu Soha's eyes shook wildly.
"You're an evil spirit with some tricks. But you'll have to pay the price for touching my sacred body."
The white-haired middle-aged man flicked his finger towards Gyu Soha.
At that moment,
Gyu Soha's arms exploded and disappeared.
As the arms composed of a spirit body burst from the demonic energy, a scream erupted from Gyu Soha's mouth.
-Aaaaaaaah!
She seemed to be engulfed in immense pain.
'This is…'
Cheong-ryeong, who was lying face down on the ground after having her spiritual energy absorbed, was astounded.
No matter how much of a Spirit Beast it was, it was so overwhelmingly strong that it was doubtful whether it had just been unsealed.
As the being said, no matter how much they struggled, it might be at the level of an insect flapping its wings.
'…Even if we use that, is there any hope?'
But at this rate, they were all going to die.
In that case, it would be better to try everything possible…
At that moment,
"No. What is happening here?"
At the voice coming from somewhere, everyone's gazes turned in that direction.
It was outside this small cavity.
Elder Yang Mu-won, the keeper of the treasure vault, was standing outside the red line with a surprised expression.
He doubted his eyes at the strange sight unfolding inside the cave.
'Who is that white-haired middle-aged man?'
He had already been startled by the loud noise and rushed up.
The source of the sound was none other than that place.
He had repeatedly warned not to enter, but they had caused an accident after all, so he ran over in a single breath, but what on earth was happening?
'Who is that person?'
Judging from the fact that Mok Gyeong-un was floating in the air with internal injuries, it was undoubtedly a void creature.
Within the Heaven and Earth Society, only those at the level of the Five Kings or above could display such high-level techniques.
At this, Yang Mu-won became perplexed about what to do.
How could such a supreme master infiltrate this place and cause such a commotion?
While he was thinking,
"Right. I need to eat you too."
The white-haired middle-aged man gestured with his chin towards Elder Yang Mu-won.
Instantly, the startled Elder Yang Mu-won drew upon his true energy and took a defensive stance.
But nothing happened.
'What?'
While he was wondering, the white-haired middle-aged man raised an eyebrow, looked at the red line drawn on the floor, and muttered,
"Is this the doing of that Three-Eyed fellow?"
With those words, leaving Mok Gyeong-un suspended in the air, he walked towards the red line.
"S-Stop."
Elder Yang Mu-won shouted as he saw the being approaching him.
Of course, the white-haired middle-aged man had no intention of stopping.
The white-haired middle-aged man continued walking and tried to pass through the red line drawn on the floor.
At that moment,
With a strong pressure, the space distorted, and the white-haired middle-aged man's body was repelled backward, smashing the bookshelves inside.
Then, Mok Gyeong-un's body, which had been restrained in the air, fell to the ground.
'What?'
He didn't know what was going on, but the white-haired middle-aged man, whom Cheong-ryeong called a Spirit Beast, was unable to pass through the red line and was repelled back.
In that case,
"Let's go!"
This was the opportunity.
At that cry, as if they had been waiting, Cheong-ryeong and Gyu Soha, whose arms had exploded, threw their bodies outside.
The movements of the spirit bodies were much faster than Mok Gyeong-un's.
He thought they might get caught by the red line, but…
The two vengeful spirits passed the line without difficulty.
Right at the moment when Mok Gyeong-un also tried to pass through the line while using lightness skill,
Right in front of him, Mok Gyeong-un's body stopped.
-Mortal!
Cheong-ryeong shouted with a perplexed expression.
'Ugh.'
Mok Gyeong-un struggled to turn his head.
There, through the shattered bookshelves, the white-haired middle-aged man was raising his body with his hand extended.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Haa… Haa… You're really a troublesome person."
"The one troubled is me. To think a herald of misfortune, not even an Immortal, would possess this much power."
The white-haired middle-aged man clicked his tongue while looking at the red line.
He was feeling displeased that he, who had been freed from the seal, was unable to pass through it and was repelled back.
"Mortal!"
At that moment, Cheong-ryeong, who was outside the red line, hesitated before trying to reach her hand inside, which was visible.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un hurriedly shook his head.
In the current situation, if she were to come inside, she would be caught like him.
While they were doing so, the white-haired middle-aged man spoke as if regretful, licking his lips.
"Your situational judgment is good. If you had been a bit later, I would have devoured that evil spirit."
At those words, Cheong-ryeong, who had stopped reaching out her hand, flinched.
Mok Gyeong-un's judgment was correct.
The moment she reached out her hand, the being would have pulled her inside.
However, they couldn't leave Mok Gyeong-un inside like this either.
If Mok Gyeong-un were to lose his life, they would also perish due to the servant spirit bond.
'Damn it!'
It was truly the worst situation.
While they were doing so, Mok Gyeong-un glanced at the red line on the floor.
From the outside, he didn't know, but the red line on the floor was drawn throughout the entire small cavity.
As if to prevent the being from escaping.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un looked at the white-haired middle-aged man and opened his mouth.
"By any chance, is the proposal you made earlier still valid?"