Chapter 306: Domineering Steps (4)
Boom!
A single stomp.
With that stomp, the ground cracked in all directions, and the hundred and eight Arhat warrior monks collapsed.
Without exception, they all convulsed and lost consciousness.
'!!!!!!!!'
Faced with this sudden and unbelievable situation, everyone was dumbfounded, and the plaza was instantly filled with silence.
One of the legends symbolizing Shaolin was none other than the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation.
Who would have imagined that this perfect formation, known to have never been broken by anyone officially, would crumble so effortlessly?
"...Hey. Are my eyes deceiving me?"
Seop Chun muttered in disbelief, his mouth agape.
However, even this didn't register in Mong Mu-yak's ears.
Even without Seop Chun's words, this was a sight that was hard to believe even when witnessing it with one's own eyes.
'Is this a dream or reality?'
It was to the point where one might think they were seeing an illusion.
The masked Ma Ra-hyeon felt the same way.
Having even directly sparred with Mok Gyeong-un, he found it even harder to believe.
No matter how outstanding his natural talent was, how could a human become this strong at such a rapid pace?
This was way too fast.
Moreover,
'Even if the Eight Stars or the Six Heavens came, would it be possible to crumble the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation with just a single stomp?'
It couldn't be asserted with absolute certainty, but it seemed unlikely.
This was something that would not only shock those present here but also astound all martial artists if it were made known to them.
The cracked ground of the plaza centered around Mok Gyeong-un and the hundred and eight collapsed Arhat warrior monks.
It was truly a spectacular sight.
"...This is unbelievable."
"How can such a thing..."
The warrior monks were in an uproar as well.
Some overconfident masters had challenged the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation in the past to prove their martial prowess, but the result was always the same.
It was to admit defeat and return.
Yet, a sight that even the warrior monks of Shaolin found hard to acknowledge had unfolded.
The gazes of the stunned and bewildered warrior monks naturally turned towards the elders of Shaolin.
'How...how!'
The one with the most intense reaction was Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok, one of the Three Supreme Monks of Shaolin.
He was staring at Mok Gyeong-un as if he were in shock, unable to take his eyes off him.
He had been confident that although Mok Gyeong-un's inner strength was stronger than his own, he would be able to hold out to some extent, but he would definitely fail to withstand the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation and be defeated, just like before.
However, when the result turned out to be the complete opposite of his expectations, he was utterly confused.
At that moment, Commander Kang-hak, who was beside him, opened his mouth with wide eyes.
"Th-this is unbelievable. How can such a thing happen?"
"..."
"Is this really the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation? Could it be that the warrior monks are acting to let them go on Shaolin's behalf?"
"...Does it look like an act to you, military officer?"
"If it's not an act, how can such a situation occur with a single stomp? I absolutely cannot believe it."
Although his martial prowess was not that high, he was also a master who had reached the pinnacle of the peak realm.
Even in the eyes of someone who had learned martial arts, this was utterly unbelievable.
It was so absurd that it seemed more like a falsehood.
Then, suddenly, Kang-hak's eyes met Mok Gyeong-un's.
-Gasp!
In an instant, a chill ran down his spine, and his legs went weak.
Just by making eye contact, he could perceive that the gap between him and that monstrous fellow was beyond comparison, making it difficult to even approach him.
Once gripped by such fear, it was not easy to shake off, so he had no choice but to avoid Mok Gyeong-un's gaze.
Seeing his reaction, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.
Then, Cheong-ryeong's voice rang in his ears.
-Mortal... When did you even comprehend such a thing?
Cheong-ryeong, who had been with Mok Gyeong-un all day, couldn't help but be even more astonished.
Being inside the wooden puppet, it was difficult to accurately discern the flow of energy, but the Arhat warrior monks convulsed and fainted from the vibration that traveled through the ground.
Where did he learn such a bizarre technique...?
-It's the Eight Thought-Shattering Techniques.
-What?
At Mok Gyeong-un's answer, Cheong-ryeong couldn't hide her surprise.
She had been trying to decipher the eight forms of the Eight Thought-Shattering Techniques for a long time but had failed to fully solve them.
Yet, did this fellow Mortal comprehend a form that even she was unaware of?
'It's quite useful.'
Mok Gyeong-un thought, looking at the instep of his foot with which he had stomped.
Even Mok Gyeong-un himself did not expect the newly comprehended form of suppression to have such power.
He had realized this by observing the footprint in front of the Wall Contemplation Cave and the flow of residual energy in its vicinity.
It was a technique that subdued the opponent through shock and vibration.
This technique also involved a kind of suggestion, but unlike the previous techniques of the Eight Thought-Shattering Techniques, it consumed a large amount of true energy.
To be precise, it consumed deathly energy, using nearly one-third of it in a single use.
As a result, only about two-thirds of the deathly energy remained in his body.
'I can only use it once or twice.'
Despite the increase in deathly energy and demonic energy due to his enlightenment, it seemed difficult to use it multiple times with this level of consumption.
Of course, its power was so outstanding that even this single use was enough to break the opponent's fighting spirit.
At that moment, someone finally spoke.
It was none other than Reverse Muscle Scripture Hall Grand Monk Museong.
"Patron..."
While most of those in the plaza had surprised and shocked expressions, Museong had a rather serious look on his face.
"Yes."
"May I ask you one thing?"
"Go ahead and ask."
"Does the patron have any connection with the Old Blood Cult?"
-Murmur murmur!
At his question, the monks of Shaolin stirred.
Because of Museong's words, the monks of Shaolin, without exception, recalled one thing.
What flashed through their minds was none other than the tombstone in front of the Wall Contemplation Cave.
The anecdote about that footprint, called Shaolin's humiliation, was remembered by all the monks of Shaolin to reflect on that time.
At that moment, one of the monks spoke.
"The Domineering Steps...! It must be the Domineering Steps!"
"Domineering Steps!!!!"
At the mention of the Domineering Steps, the commotion spread even further.
The Domineering Steps.
It is said that with a single step or a single stride, one can dominate over everything.
However, for the monks of Shaolin, these Domineering Steps were the unofficial but first-ever humiliating step that broke the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation hundreds of years ago.
'Oh...'
Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon was dumbfounded.
Hundreds of years ago, when the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation was broken by a single Military Step, Shaolin had gritted their teeth and worked hard to enhance it.
Everyone had been confident that the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation would never be broken again.
Yet, the same humiliation from back then was being reenacted.
It was too much of a coincidence.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.
"I have no connection with the Old Blood Cult whatsoever."
At Mok Gyeong-un's answer, Museong's right eyebrow rose.
Staring intently at Mok Gyeong-un, Museong said.
"That can't be true."
"I really have no connection."
"No. You clearly said it yourself."
"What did I say?"
"Didn't you say, 'Shaolin will have to erect a tombstone due to another misjudgment'?"
Museong had heard this clearly.
That was why, the moment Mok Gyeong-un stomped his foot, he had watched with disbelief, and he could clearly witness that disbelief becoming a reality with his own two eyes.
Because of this, he could be certain.
While there were people who knew that the erection of the tombstone was called Shaolin's humiliation, no one except the monks of Shaolin knew who had left the footprint and why it was left.
Yet, that patron clearly knew the reason.
Therefore, he must have reenacted that moment.
-Shrug!
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and spoke.
"I only know that because that venerable monk over there told me about it on the way to the Demon-Subduing Cave."
Mok Gyeong-un pointed with his eyes at none other than Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon.
At this, Museong frowned and looked at Gong-jeon.
Then, Gong-jeon clasped his hands together and bowed his head.
"Amitabha. I apologize, Master. I told the Heavenly Demon Patron about the anecdote of the tombstone."
Meanwhile, murmurs could be heard from here and there.
"Did he say Heavenly Demon?"
"He definitely did."
"Heavenly Demon? How can such an ominous..."
"No, then does that mean he has a connection with that Bloody Demon?"
"The master just said there was no connection at all."
At their murmurs, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
'Bloody Demon?'
Are they referring to the man with the demon mask who left that footprint?
While he was puzzled, Reverse Muscle Scripture Hall Grand Monk Museong asked Gong-jeon.
"Is that true?"
"It is. However, as it was decided to keep it a secret, I did not reveal who left the footprint."
At his answer, Museong fiddled with the prayer beads he held in his left hand.
He had thought that the patron might be related to 'that person' when the humiliation from hundreds of years ago was reenacted.
But if it wasn't true, how could the same situation occur?
It was truly a bizarre occurrence.
Thereupon, Museong, after being puzzled for a moment, asked.
"Patron. Then, are you saying that you reenacted it solely based on hearing the anecdote from Gong-jeon?"
"I wouldn't say I intended to, but should I say I saw it in my mind's eye?"
"...Did you just say 'mind's eye'?"
"Yes. In my mind's eye, I saw how the one who left that footprint broke the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation. That demon mask was quite impressive."
'!!!!!!'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Museong's eyes widened.
When he first mentioned seeing it in his mind's eye, he thought it was because his martial prowess had become high and his senses had become keen.
However, when Mok Gyeong-un mentioned the demon mask, he couldn't help but be surprised.
"Oh my..."
An exclamation involuntarily escaped his mouth.
Museong looked at Mok Gyeong-un with a genuinely astonished gaze.
'What a fearsome talent. How can he engage in such a profound mind's eye technique at such a young age?'
The mind's eye technique was something that could only be achieved when one's mental cultivation was deep.
Even he, who had cultivated the Buddhist path for many years, could only enter the mind's eye state by looking at formulas or traces after turning sixty.
Yet, for that patron, who appeared to be in his mid-twenties at most, to have reached this realm was truly astonishing.
'Perhaps it was a predestined answer.'
An unbelievable aptitude to reenact what he saw in his mind's eye.
In a way, it could be said that it was a talent even more fearsome than the owner of the footprint that first brought humiliation to Shaolin.
Thus, Museong finally clasped his hands together, bowed his head, and spoke to Mok Gyeong-un.
"Amitabha. Patron, or should I say Heavenly Demon Patron?"
"..."
At his question, Mok Gyeong-un silently nodded his head.
"Yes."
"The patron's stomp can indeed be called the Domineering Steps. Therefore, as an elder of Shaolin..."
Museong swept his gaze over the surrounding monks.
Then, with a deep sigh, he opened his mouth.
"I acknowledge the defeat of the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation."
'!!!!!!!!!'
His words acknowledging defeat divided the reactions.
Mok Gyeong-un's subordinates were delighted, and some even cheered.
On the other hand, the warrior monks of Shaolin had dark expressions due to the second humiliating situation they had to face.
'How can such a thing...'
'Ah...'
Some warrior monks thought that this incident might also need to be kept secret.
However, contrary to their thoughts, this result would spread throughout the martial arts world faster than expected.
It would be said that Shaolin's Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation had knelt before the Heavenly Demon's Domineering Steps.
308: Chapter 307: Domineering Steps (5)
Reverse Muscle Scripture Hall Grand Monk Museong approached Mok Gyeong-un with a much more relaxed expression and spoke.
"Amitabha. I am genuinely astonished that you accomplished something even more difficult than the given task with such ease, Patron."
The original task was to endure the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation for a moment with his companions.
However, Mok Gyeong-un single-handedly shattered it with a single stomp.
Museong's astonishment was sincere.
"I was fortunate."
"At such a young age, reaching that level of martial prowess could easily lead to arrogance, but to see that you also possess humility is truly admirable."
At those words, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.
In fact, Mok Gyeong-un was not accustomed to feelings of arrogance or conceit.
He simply acted according to the situation he desired to create.
Moreover,
-There's no need to deliberately make enemies, Mortal. Just because someone is weak doesn't mean they can't become an enemy, and just because they're weak doesn't mean they can't be annoying.
-Is that so?
-A speck of snow at the peak can roll down and cause an avalanche. Shaolin is no different from a spiritual pillar in the orthodox martial arts world. I think you'll understand what I mean by just saying this much.
It was also because of Cheong-ryeong's advice.
Mok Gyeong-un, who deemed this reasonable, was gradually learning not to provoke the other party if it wasn't necessary.
Of course, being monks who cultivated the Buddhist path, most of the monks of Shaolin did not raise objections or hold grudges over what had already ended.
They cleanly accepted the result.
"The agreement is the agreement. Along with the monsters you brought..."
"Ah! Is it alright if I also take Alyu over there?"
"Alyu?"
"I'm referring to the diabolic beast that was imprisoned in Shaolin's Demon-Subduing Cave."
"Amitabha. It seems you heard the name from the monster."
"Yes. In order to control that monster, I unintentionally made it my spirit beast."
"Spirit beast... It's a demon-taming technique."
"Yes."
Monks who cultivated the Buddhist path considered demon-taming techniques that went against the natural order to be unreasonable, so Museong also did not view it favorably.
However, not wanting to get involved with them in a negative way any further,
"Amitabha. Very well. However, I hope the patron will take good care of that monster and ensure it does not harm people recklessly."
"I will do so."
"Then take it with you."
Despite granting permission, Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at Museong.
At this, Museong asked in puzzlement.
"Why are you doing that, Patron?"
"Are you not giving me the Small Restoration Pill?"
"Ah!"
Museong slapped his forehead as if he had forgotten and said.
"I nearly committed a mistake despite making an agreement. As I age, I sometimes forget things, so I ask for the patron's understanding."
"Not at all."
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un looked at the surrounding monks.
As he brought up the Small Restoration Pill, they had quite regretful expressions.
At this, Cheong-ryeong giggled as if it were amusing.
-It seems those fellows hoped you would forget, Mortal.
-Indeed.
-Anyway, you're quite remarkable. In the midst of all this, how did you think to demand the Small Restoration Pill, knowing how the result would turn out?
-Should I say I learned it?
-Learned?
At Cheong-ryeong's question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.
In any case, it was a natural reaction for the monks of Shaolin Temple to be so regretful.
Even if it wasn't the Great Restoration Pill, the Small Restoration Pill was also difficult to make.
Even the monks of Shaolin, who called this spiritual medicine a treasure, might only get to consume it once in their lifetime, so they couldn't help but feel regretful about it being taken outside.
Even for monks who had no material desires, receiving the Small Restoration Pill was an honorable thing.
"You all go to the Bodhi Hall and bring five Small Restoration Pills."
At his command, one of the monks asked in puzzlement.
"Huh? Master. Shouldn't four pills be enough? Clearly, the expelled Deokmun refused..."
"One pill is for that Bodhisattva."
Museong's gaze turned towards someone.
That someone was none other than the Holy Fire Priestess.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes gleamed with interest.
In fact, since the Holy Fire Priestess was not a martial artist, he had not included her as someone who should separately receive the Small Restoration Pill.
However, Museong had included her as a companion as well.
He was truly fair and had great depth.
-If only half, no, one-third of the hypocrites in the righteous faction learned from this old monk or Shaolin, there would have been fewer conflicts in the martial arts world.
-I suppose it's the same for the evil faction or anywhere else.
For Mok Gyeong-un, the righteous faction, no, all humans were the same.
In the end, they were bound to become cunning to achieve what they desired.
At that moment, a irritated voice was heard from somewhere.
"Oh my. How impudent!"
Turning his head, he saw Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok expressing his displeasure with an uncomfortable face.
The target of his anger was none other than the expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong.
The moment Reverse Muscle Scripture Hall Grand Monk Museong, the highest elder of Shaolin present, acknowledged the defeat of the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation, he had exclaimed with delight more than anyone else.
[Hahahahaha!]
Although he had been expelled, he did not hold a big grudge because of the grace of taking him in, but there was one exception.
It was none other than Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok.
From selecting him as one of the Ten Precept Monks to interfering with and obstructing his every move, it was him.
He had even tried to expel him from Shaolin several times by raising issues before he was expelled.
If it weren't for his master, Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon, it might have already turned out the way Dae-deok wanted.
The expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong snorted at Dae-deok and said.
"What's impudent?"
"Even if you left Shaolin, how can you act so recklessly towards an elder who once taught you, no different from an elder?"
"Once I'm out, who's an elder or a venerable? And what's reckless about telling you to keep the agreement?"
"Oh my. This fellow still hasn't changed. Leaving Shaolin has turned you into a ruffian."
"Yes. No matter what nonsense you spout, this monk will strike you once according to the agreement and leave, so just stand there as agreed."
"This fellow truly wants to be taught a lesson."
With those words, Dae-deok assumed the stance of the Dragon Blossom Fist.
He was ready to strike at Ja Geum-jeong at any moment.
Then, Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon approached, clicked his tongue, and spoke.
"Amitabha. Precepts Hall Master. How can you be so stubborn when an agreement was made?"
"This humble monk never agreed to the bet."
"Hohoho. It's not a pleasant sight. Aren't you the one who demanded that everyone follow the precepts without exception? Yet, you're making an exception for yourself?"
-Murmur murmur!
At Gong-jeon's words, even the monks of the Commandment Hall murmured.
Seeing their reaction, Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok bit his lower lip with a resentful face.
Was it what they called tying oneself up with one's own rope?
Although he wanted to strike down that impudent expelled monk, if he continued to refuse here, saying he didn't want to be hit, it seemed his dignity would crumble even further.
'Tch.'
Thus, Dae-deok finally released his stance and stepped forward in front of Ja Geum-jeong.
Then, glaring at Ja Geum-jeong as if he wanted to kill him, he said.
"Fine. Since you want it so badly, strike this humble monk once."
'Don't think this is the end.'
Dae-deok inwardly vowed for the future.
He had to let him go for now, but he already had a justification to retrieve the supreme power that had been entrusted to him.
Using this as a pretext, he planned to visit him again and properly repay him.
'But this fellow is too delighted.'
Dae-deok clicked his tongue inwardly.
Seeing this naive fellow grinning and being so happy just because he could strike him once, it was even absurd.
If he resented him so much, he should have asked for an arm instead. What a simple fellow.
Dae-deok, who had been clicking his tongue, finally spoke.
"Stop smiling and strike."
With those words, Dae-deok drew up his true energy to protect his body.
At this, Gong-jeon frowned and said.
"Precepts Hall Master. You're using true energy to protect your body just to be struck once?"
"I agreed to be struck once, not that I wouldn't protect my body with true energy."
At his sarcastic voice, even the monks coming from the same Precepts Hall shook their heads.
It was to the point where they thought he should cleanly take the hit and end it, considering their past relationship.
Meanwhile, the corners of Ja Geum-jeong's mouth rose to his ears.
"Oh. So you're saying it's alright to use true energy."
"What?"
"Didn't you say so, Master?"
"No, that's..."
"You're not saying that you can protect your body with true energy, but this monk should strike with bare fists, right?"
At Ja Geum-jeong's words, Dae-deok soon cleared his throat and answered.
"Ahem. Who said to do that? Do as you wish."
'As if that will make a difference, you fool.'
Dae-deok inwardly mocked Ja Geum-jeong.
In any case, he prided himself on having reached the top in internal energy among orthodox martial artists by mastering the Bone Marrow Cleansing Scripture and the Mahayana Heavenly God Technique.
Even if he had learned the supreme power, comparing internal strength with himself, who had surpassed the wall, was out of the question.
-Thud! Thud!
'I'll show you this time.'
Dae-deok stomped his feet strongly on the ground, assuming a horse stance.
Seeing his stance, Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon sighed.
It was the stance of the Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Technique.
It was a technique that used true energy to transform the entire body's skin to be nearly as strong as vajra, protecting it.
It seemed he had a strong will not to let Ja Geum-jeong vent his anger.
However, Ja Geum-jeong paid no heed to this.
Rather,
-Clench!
He clenched his fist, then pulled it back and assumed the stance of a mysterious fist technique.
Seeing this, the surrounding monks muttered softly.
"It's the Hundred Steps Divine Fist."
The Hundred Steps Divine Fist.
It was one of the 72 unique arts of Shaolin, possessing the power to shatter rocks a hundred steps away with fist energy.
The Hundred Steps Divine Fist was known externally for overcoming distance, but its true advantage lay in the distance getting shorter.
The closer the distance, the stronger the power of the Hundred Steps Divine Fist becomes.
'The Hundred Steps Divine Fist... I thought he only taught the Vajra Demon-Subduing Fist, but he taught him one more unique art.'
Dae-deok glanced at Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon, Ja Geum-jeong's master, and clicked his tongue.
However, it didn't matter.
Even if the power of the Hundred Steps Divine Fist was ranked among the top five fist techniques of Shaolin's 72 unique arts, his internal energy had already surpassed it.
'Do as you please. As if that will even slightly impa...'
-Whoosh!
At that moment.
-Flinch!
Dae-deok's eyes wavered.
The reason he was so startled was none other than the energy gathering in Ja Geum-jeong's fist.
He had thought that even if the fellow drew up the power of the Ten Stars realm, it would not be able to impact him.
However,
-Whoosh!
Energy was ceaselessly gathering in Ja Geum-jeong's fist, and the level exceeded his expectations. Yet, the energy continued to gather.
What in the world was happening?
With the fellow's realm, it was impossible for such energy to gather.
'Amitabha.'
Sutra Pavilion Grand Monk Gong-jeon, who was watching Ja Geum-jeong, inwardly chanted a Buddhist prayer.
Back when Ja Geum-jeong, or Deokmun, was being expelled, he had told him to pretend to have learned the supreme power to prevent his martial arts from being sealed.
However, it seemed there was no need for that.
'If that's not the supreme power, then what is?'
The surrounding energy was being drawn in.
The enlightenment Deokmun had attained was truly the supreme power left behind by Bodhidharma during his wall-facing meditation.
The energy gathered in Ja Geum-jeong's right fist was already approaching that of a master who had surpassed the wall.
In a confrontation between masters, there was no time to gather energy, but naturally, if there was no time limit like this,
-Kwaaaang!
"W-Wait a moment..."
The startled Dae-deok tried to tell Ja Geum-jeong to stop.
However, Ja Geum-jeong, who had already gathered the greatest energy he could muster in his fist, launched the Hundred Steps Divine Fist towards Dae-deok's abdomen.
-Baaang!
"Urk!!!!!"
At that moment, time seemed to flow slowly in Ja Geum-jeong's eyes.
The instant the fist made contact with the abdomen, Dae-deok's eyes widened as if they would pop out, and his face grotesquely contorted.
-Trickle!
Beads of sweat that had sprung up on his forehead flowed down his flushed face.
Although he had protected his body with the Vajra Indestructible Body Divine Technique, the strike that surpassed it penetrated his abdomen, impacting his internal organs and even his danjeon.
-Thud! Thud! Crack!
Along with the sound of the fist power penetrating the abdomen,
-Bang! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Dae-deok's body flew backward, rolling on the ground and bouncing several times before finally stopping at a distance of over a dozen zhang.
"Ugh..."
Dae-deok, who had barely managed to stand up, staggering, glared at Ja Geum-jeong with bloodshot eyes.
Then, raising his hand,
"Y-You bas... Blegh!"
He vomited a mouthful of blood and collapsed face-down on the ground.
-Thud!
'!!!!!!'
The mouths of the Shaolin monks watching this scene fell open.
They had thought it was unlikely, but who would have imagined that Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok, one of the Three Supreme Monks of Shaolin, would end up like this from a single punch of the expelled monk?
Regardless, Ja Geum-jeong burst into laughter with a wide grin, as if he felt extremely refreshed.
"Kwahahahaha!"
It felt as if a decade's worth of stagnant energy was being released, leaving him feeling too exhilarated.
***
Half an hour later,
The Demonic Beast Heum-won, who had managed to take flight despite the wound on his right wing, soared eastward from Shaolin.
Someone was quietly watching this scene from the downward slope of Mount Sung.
It was none other than Commander Kang-hak.
"Do you think I'll let you bastards go just because Shaolin made an agreement? Deputy Commander, go at once and report their route. I will pursue that gigantic monster bird."
"Yes, sir!"
"The warriors of the Guard Bureau and the government troops, follow me!"
"Yes, sir!!!!"
With Commander Kang-hak at the lead, the warriors of the Guard Bureau and the government troops pursued him.
Due to the demon beast Heum-won's injury, his flying speed had slowed down considerably, making it seem possible to catch up to him.
As they chased after Heum-won, there were people watching them from a higher point halfway up the mountain.
They were none other than Mok Gyeong-un and his companions.
Looking at the backs of the government troops chasing after Heum-won with all their might, Mok Gyeong-un smirked and said,
"Somehow, they really don't deviate from my expectations."
309: Chapter 308: Reunion (1)
Looking at the backs of the government troops chasing after the demon beast Heum-won with all their might, Mok Gyeong-un smirked and said,
"Somehow, they really don't deviate from my expectations."
"As expected, they were lying in wait."
Seop Chun clicked his tongue while looking at the government troops.
After Reverse Muscle Scripture Hall Grand Monk Museong of Shaolin acknowledged the defeat of the Hundred and Eight Arhats Formation, Commander Kang-hak quietly disappeared.
He thought that Mok Gyeong-un and his companions would be too preoccupied with Shaolin to remember him, but that was a miscalculation.
As they were in a position to deter the ongoing pursuit of the imperial troops, they had been carefully watching Commander Kang-hak slip away.
Throughout his escape, his expression was filled with schemes, not at all resembling someone who was retreating.
"Since the monster bird is heading east, we'll be able to throw off the pursuit for a while."
Mong Mu-yak said as if it was a good thing.
If they could avoid the pursuit of the imperial troops, it could be said that they had accomplished more than 80% of their mission.
Meanwhile, the expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong, gulping down liquor from a gourd, asked,
-Gulp gulp!
"Phew. But Master, is it alright to send that monster bird away like that? Even if it's difficult for it to carry us due to its injured wing, it seems a bit of a waste to abandon it just for that."
He was puzzled because when Shaolin told them to leave it behind, Mok Gyeong-un had tried his best to take it with them, but now it seemed he was using it as bait to lure the enemies.
To this, Mok Gyeong-un nonchalantly replied,
"Don't worry. My spirit beast is connected to me, so even if it's far away, it can find its way back. And it seems to need some time to recover its injured wing through magical power."
"If that's the case, then fine."
Ja Geum-jeong spoke as if relieved, rubbing his bald head.
Seeing him like that, Seop Chun chuckled and said,
"It seems you've grown attached to it."
"Ahem. Attached, my ass. It's just convenient to ride on."
"Hehehe."
"I don't like that laughter."
"Who said what?"
Leaving the two of them bickering, Mong Mu-yak pointed to the southwest and said,
"For now, My Lord, I think we should hurry. Even if they're fooled for the moment, they may soon catch on."
"You're right. Now stop being stubborn and ride."
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and looked at the Holy Fire Priestess.
Then, the Holy Fire Priestess hurriedly averted her gaze with an awkward expression.
Where she averted her gaze, there was the diabolic beast Alyu.
Originally, its size was slightly larger than a two-story building, but as a high-ranking Imaemangnyang, it could adjust its size like Heum-won.
Now, it had become the same size as a horse that could carry a person on its back.
All the companions could use lightness skill, but since the Holy Fire Priestess's walking speed was slow due to her old age, they told her to ride Alyu.
However, even though its size had been reduced, its appearance was still that of a ferocious monster, so the Holy Fire Priestess kept refusing to ride it.
"Are you really not going to ride?"
"I'd rather walk."
As the Holy Fire Priestess firmly refused, shaking her head, the diabolic beast Alyu, who had been staring at her absentmindedly, muttered as if annoyed.
"Tsk. What a picky old human."
As soon as those words ended, the diabolic beast's red fur changed to a brown color, the horns on its head receded, and its appearance gradually transformed into that of a horse.
"Ooh! Look at this."
"This fellow knows how to transform too?"
Seop Chun and Ja Geum-jeong made a fuss as if they found the diabolic beast Alyu's transformation fascinating.
Feeling strangely proud of their reaction, the diabolic beast Alyu snorted, cleared its throat, and raised its tail.
'The monster and the people have the same level of thinking.'
Watching them, Mong Mu-yak clicked his tongue as if pathetic, crossing his arms.
Thanks to the diabolic beast Alyu transforming into the form of a horse, they were able to have the Holy Fire Priestess ride it, and the group hurriedly descended the southwest side of Mount Sung.
***
About four days had passed since then.
To avoid the pursuit of the imperial troops, the group moved southwest without rest.
However, as they entered the northern region of Hubei Province, it began to rain, making it difficult to continue moving.
In fact, if they pushed through, they could have done it, but the problem was, as always, the Holy Fire Priestess.
For her, an old woman who had not learned martial arts, the journey thus far had already been physically challenging.
This was the case even when the companions took turns infusing her with true energy.
Although she was riding a horse, or rather the diabolic beast Alyu, and one might think there would be no reason for her to get tired, even trained riders and cavalry would inevitably strain their hip bones and inner thighs if they rode a horse all day long.
The Holy Fire Priestess, whose muscles had deteriorated with age, was in an even more difficult situation, and as it began to rain, her body temperature dropped, making her even more vulnerable.
"Haa... Haa.... I feel dizzy."
"It seems it would be too much to continue."
Seop Chun checked the Holy Fire Priestess's pulse to examine her condition and said.
At this, Mong Mu-yak looked around and said,
"My Lord, since it has come to this, how about resting for a while at our association's branch nearby? It should be not too far from here."
"Branch?"
"Yes, according to the original plan, there is a midway point we need to stop by for reporting. We were going to head there directly as we had to move west towards Sichuan, but it seems difficult due to the rain. Rather than taking a slightly longer route, it would be better to stop by the branch, rest, and receive a carriage."
"A carriage..."
Looking at the Holy Fire Priestess, whose lips had turned blue and was shivering, Mok Gyeong-un nodded.
It seemed she had truly reached her limit.
Thus, they traveled south for about half a day, and before long, they arrived at a small village of about thirty households where the branch of the Heaven and Earth Society was located.
Mong Mu-yak, the only one who knew about the branch, pointed to a few dilapidated houses on the west side of the village with his finger.
"It's over there."
"How unexpected."
"Yes, the northern part of Hubei Province is close to the righteous faction's territory, so I heard they tried to make it as close to the civilian houses as possible."
"I see. Let's go for now."
If they didn't escape the rain quickly, the shivering Holy Fire Priestess seemed like she would collapse.
***
Contrary to its shabby exterior, the interior of the branch was clean and quite cozy.
"Elder, I brought you some tea. Please drink it."
"Thank you."
The Holy Fire Priestess, who was sitting in front of the firewood in the brazier, received the teacup as if she would survive.
If it weren't for the companions taking turns infusing her with true energy, she might have already died of hypothermia.
Although she was basking in the warmth, she was still shivering with a pale face, indicating that the cold had not subsided yet. Seeing this, Mong Mu-yak said,
"It seems we need to rest for about half a day."
"You're right."
"I hope the rain subsides a bit during that time, but..."
-Rumble!
Judging by the continuous thunder and even lightning, it seemed unlikely.
In any case, they said it would take more than half a day to fetch a carriage, so it was better to rest properly.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged branch leader cautiously asked them,
"The meal will be ready soon, but is there anything else you need?"
In response to that question, the expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong answered as if he had been waiting,
"My throat is dry, so I need to drink some warm liquor."
"Ah, then I'll warm up some white liquor and..."
"White liquor? Don't you have anything else?"
"I happen to have rice wine brought from Jiangnan. I'll warm it up and bring it to you."
"Hahaha, good."
For Ja Geum-jeong, who had started drinking to cope with the agony of seeing things he shouldn't have seen, at some point, he could no longer live without alcohol.
As the branch leader left, Mok Gyeong-un, as if remembering something,
"It's a good timing."
He took out a pouch from his bosom.
Seeing the pouch, everyone's gaze turned towards it.
That was because inside that pouch were the spiritual medicine Small Restoration Pills given by Shaolin Temple.
Mok Gyeong-un had received them all at once, and since they had to urgently move to avoid pursuit, everyone had momentarily forgotten about them.
'Small Restoration Pill... I wonder if it's true that there is absolutely no loss of true energy when circulating it, unlike all other spiritual medicines.'
There were quite a few famous spiritual medicines besides the Small Restoration Pill.
For example, there was the Purple Essence Pill of the Huashan Sect and the Great Clarity Pill of the Wudang Sect.
However, the reason why Shaolin's spiritual medicine was particularly famous was that there was no loss of true energy compared to others.
Loss referred to the energy that dispersed during the process of absorbing the spiritual medicine.
Usually, no matter how excellent a spiritual medicine was, it was very rare to be able to absorb it close to 100%.
However, Shaolin's Small Restoration Pill and Great Restoration Pill boasted an absorption rate close to 100% regardless of one's constitution or aptitude.
That was why they were called the supreme spiritual medicines.
"Gulp."
Seop Chun licked his lips while looking at the pouch of spiritual medicine.
He wanted to ask for one pill, thinking it was an individual reward, but since it was something the lord had obtained, regardless of the reason, he was hesitant to ask for it recklessly.
The others felt the same way.
Meanwhile, Mok Gyeong-un took out five Small Restoration Pills from the pouch.
Then he said,
"I'll give you one each, so take this opportunity to consume it and circulate your energy."
"M-My Lord!"
As soon as those words were spoken, Seop Chun knelt before Mok Gyeong-un as if he was moved.
From his perspective, he had inwardly thought that Mok Gyeong-un, his lord, might not give them the Small Restoration Pills out of greed, so he couldn't help but be delighted.
"I will serve you with unwavering loyalty!"
"Weren't you doing that already?"
"H-How could that be? I have always been prepared to give my life for you."
At Seop Chun's flustered response, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and tossed him a Small Restoration Pill.
-Tap!
Seop Chun received it as preciously as a sacred object.
"Next, Mong Mu-yak."
-Tap!
"Thank you! My Lord!"
Although Mong Mu-yak was a man of few words, the corners of his mouth rose after receiving the Small Restoration Pill, indicating his good mood.
He had suffered a lot since pledging his loyalty to Mok Gyeong-un, and it felt like he was finally being rewarded.
After giving Mong Mu-yak a Small Restoration Pill, Mok Gyeong-un called the next person.
"Ma Ra-hyeon."
"...Yes, My Lord."
"Take it."
-Tap!
Ma Ra-hyeon caught the Small Restoration Pill tossed by Mok Gyeong-un.
'!?'
Ma Ra-hyeon's eyes gleamed with surprise.
Unlike the other two, he had become a subordinate not long ago, and he thought that Mok Gyeong-un might not trust him due to the incident with the Holy Fire Priestess, so he had considered the possibility of not receiving a Small Restoration Pill.
However, seeing him readily hand over this treasure, which was no different from a treasure to a martial artist, without any hesitation, he felt a strange feeling.
'Even if he absorbed them all himself, no one would be able to complain.'
Truly an unpredictable person.
Does he generously bestow upon those he considers his people?
While he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un held one of the two remaining pills and called out to the expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong.
"Ja Geum-jeong."
At this, everyone was puzzled.
He had refused the Small Restoration Pill with his own mouth and chosen to strike Precepts Hall Master Dae-deok, one of the Three Supreme Monks of Shaolin, once.
Was he really going to give his share to someone like that?
'Huh?'
Mok Gyeong-un was really about to toss a Small Restoration Pill to Ja Geum-jeong.
Then, Ja Geum-jeong hurriedly waved his hand.
"This monk doesn't need it."
"You don't need it?"
"While it may be necessary for those who need to fill their vessel, what this monk needs is enlightenment, Master."
At those words, Seop Chun spoke in a tone of incomprehension.
"What? Are you refusing the lord's favor? Don't regret it later and just take it."
"Hahaha. I said I don't need it."
"How can you, at such a good opportunity..."
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and said,
"No. Ja Geum-jeong is right. This spiritual medicine is indeed meaningless to him."
"Huh?"
At those words, Seop Chun tilted his head.
He didn't understand, but Mok Gyeong-un knew that Ja Geum-jeong had comprehended the supreme energy circulation technique that allowed him to draw in the surrounding energy at any time, so he did not insist further.
The spiritual medicine was of no significance to him.
Then, Mok Gyeong-un, holding the Small Restoration Pill, looked at the Holy Fire Priestess.
The Holy Fire Priestess, who had been basking in the firewood of the brazier, saw it and shook her head, saying,
"From what I see, that spiritual medicine seems to be more useful for you who have learned martial arts. There's no need to give it to this old man."
Due to her refusal, two Small Restoration Pills remained in Mok Gyeong-un's hand.
At this, Seop Chun said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"My Lord. It's a spiritual medicine you obtained. Please consume both pills."
"Seop Chun is right. My Lord, please consume them all."
Mong Mu-yak also supported his words.
The stronger Mok Gyeong-un, whom they served as their lord, became, the more beneficial it would be for them, and there was nothing bad about it.
However, Mok Gyeong-un suddenly looked at them and,
-Tap! Tap!
He abruptly tossed the remaining Small Restoration Pills, one each, to them.
Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak, who received them in a daze, spoke with a dumbfounded expression.
"My Lord, why?"
"Why are you giving us this?"
"I don't need them."
"My Lord. I understand that your martial arts have advanced, but two Small Restoration Pills can grant twenty years' worth of internal energy. How can you give up such an opportunity..."
"It's alright. Rather, it seems you two need them the most."
"H-How so?"
"I want you to become more useful."
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Seop Chun and Mong Mu-yak's eyes trembled.
The words about becoming more useful didn't even register in their ears.
They had been grateful and satisfied just by receiving one Small Restoration Pill.
However, not only that, but when he handed over two Small Restoration Pills, which were no different from his own share, to them, they couldn't help but be truly moved.
'...My Lord truly cherishes us sincerely.'
'No matter how much of a subordinate one is, how many people could give up such a treasure? Despite being younger than us, his magnanimity is truly great.'
It wasn't just them who were surprised by this.
Ma Ra-hyeon and Ja Geum-jeong also began to view Mok Gyeong-un in a different light, seeing him distribute the remaining spiritual medicine to his subordinates without a moment's hesitation.
Most of them had become followers of Mok Gyeong-un regardless of their own will, so they had been vigilant about being used and possibly abandoned at any time.
However, from the incident at Shaolin where he tried to protect even a mere monster to him generously distributing the precious spiritual medicine, their perception of him gradually changed.
As their gazes toward Mok Gyeong-un became even more favorable, Cheong-ryeong chuckled and said,
-Was it intentional?
-Would you believe me if I said it was pure goodwill?
-As if you would do such a thing.
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.
Whether it was a whim or not, goodwill was not something that suited Mok Gyeong-un.
-Anyway, you gave them something you didn't even need and increased their loyalty, so you got quite a good deal out of it.
For Mok Gyeong-un, who relied on the energy of death, the spiritual medicine of Shaolin that boosted the true energy of nourishing life held no meaning.
Therefore, he had simply utilized the useless spiritual medicine appropriately.
-The more useful cards, the better.
-...
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Cheong-ryeong felt inwardly pleased.
Is this fellow Mortal aware of his own changes?
Compared to her, a vengeful spirit, Mortal's weakness was his particularly lacking relationship with others because he didn't believe in humans.
However, he was gradually becoming skilled at forming relationships and leading a group.
Revenge might still be his priority, but this was clearly a positive change.
-Gasp!
Suddenly, Cheong-ryeong froze.
What was that just now?
An unknown emotion surged beyond the satisfaction of his change.
Such an unfamiliar emotion was something she had only felt when she was alive.
310: Chapter 309: Reunion (2)
On a rainy midnight.
Someone wearing a bamboo hat and a bamboo raincoat was looking down at a small village with flickering lights from halfway up the mountain.
As he was staring intently at the village, the sound of a cane tapping on the muddy ground came from behind.
Then, a voice was heard.
"Indeed, it's just as you said. They ended up coming here. The bait was certainly effective."
"Although they had no choice but to escape due to unfavorable circumstances, unless they're fools, they have no reason to do anything conspicuous."
"That's right. Thanks to that, the wait was worth it, and you won the bet."
-Ting!
Someone behind him flicked a silver coin with his finger.
The person wearing the bamboo raincoat caught it without turning his head.
The silver coin was the price of the bet.
Putting the silver coin he received into his bosom, the bamboo hat-wearing man said,
"Are you certain about the preparations?"
"Hohoho, do you not trust this old man?"
"How could that be? If that were the case, there would be no reason for me to be with you, Elder So. Now, let's see your skills."
"Just wait and see. I can handle this quietly."
The one called "elder" showed strong confidence.
***
-Thud!
"Hah!"
The expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong, who had put down a wine jar the size of a five-year-old child, looked at Seop Chun across from him with a grin on his face.
Seop Chun was also grabbing a wine jar with both hands and gulping it down, but more than half of the alcohol was soaking his chin and upper garment instead of his mouth.
Then, Seop Chun staggered and put down the wine jar.
-Thud!
"D-Damn it!"
"Hahaha, you're no match for this monk."
Ja Geum-jeong, who checked the remaining alcohol in Seop Chun's wine jar, spoke with a triumphant expression.
At this, Seop Chun looked at Ja Geum-jeong with a disgusted face.
He had prided himself on being a drinker, so he had purposely challenged him, but this was not just a living wine jar but a level of pouring alcohol down his throat.
He wasn't even pushing out the alcohol's effects with internal energy, so how could he be so unaffected?
"Are you really not feeling anything?"
"Do you think I would get drunk just by emptying three wine jars of this size? Hahahaha!"
After being expelled, he had been drinking almost every day.
Not wanting to see the invisible things and always wanting to be in a drunken state, he had been drinking continuously, thanks to which he had become one of the most renowned drinkers in the martial arts world of the Central Plains.
"Haa haa..."
"Youngster. Now that you know you can't do it, don't try to challenge me."
"What are you talking about? It's still far from over. Let's do it again."
"I told you, you can't do it."
"I said let's do it again!"
Seop Chun grabbed the wine jar with determination and started gulping it down again.
After a few mouthfuls went down his throat, he couldn't endure it any longer and vomit rose up, so he ran outside.
"Blegh!"
"Foolish kid. Hahaha."
Ja Geum-jeong, who was watching him with a sneer, started drinking again.
Mong Mu-yak looked at the two of them pathetically, shaking his head, and then took a sip of the warm rice wine.
"They don't even know the way of alcohol."
What's the point of enjoying alcohol if you drink it like that?
They were truly pathetic fellows.
-Tap!
Putting down the cup, Mong Mu-yak raised the corners of his mouth, feeling much better.
Since entering the imperial palace for the mission, he had to maintain a state of tension, so he didn't have the leisure to drink alcohol like this.
"Phew."
However, he had a drink to relieve the fatigue of nearly five days of non-stop southward travel, and he felt the blood circulating throughout his body and his stomach warming up.
Perhaps because of that, the alcohol tasted exceptionally sweet.
"Branch leader. Did you say this rice wine is Shaoxing wine?"
"That's right. I brought it from Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province while going down to Jiangnan this time. How is it? Is the taste good?"
"It's delicious. The six flavors of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, spiciness, and astringency are well-balanced. It is indeed the wine that King Goujian of the Yue Kingdom enjoyed."
The Henan region, where the Yue Kingdom was located, was a granary, so the rice wine brewing method was developed, thanks to which there were many famous rice wine (yellow wine) varieties.
Shaoxing wine was a specialty rice wine of Shaoxing in Zhejiang Province.
Among rice wine, Shaoxing wine, which was considered the best, was also famous for being distributed by King Goujian of the Yue Kingdom to his soldiers before going to punish the Wu Kingdom, using a brewing method that had been passed down since the Spring and Autumn period.
"As expected from the deputy head of the intelligence department under the Society Leader, your knowledge is extensive. Truly brilliant."
At the branch leader's flattery, Mong Mu-yak smiled nonchalantly.
His father, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon, had a deep understanding of alcohol and placed great importance on the way of alcohol, so he had also let his son, Mong Mu-yak, taste various regional alcohols of the Central Plains.
Therefore, Mong Mu-yak had also experienced many unique alcohols and had his own insights into alcohol.
"Puhahaha! You're putting on all sorts of airs just for drinking alcohol."
At that moment, Ja Geum-jeong provoked Mong Mu-yak with a sneer.
At his provocation, one of Mong Mu-yak's eyebrows rose.
However, he soon ignored it.
Playing along with those who lacked class would only tire out his noble self.
"The way you drink is just like pretty Bodhisattvas saying, 'Oh, I can't drink,' and just putting their lips to it and sipping. Puhahahaha!"
'...Huh? Sipping?'
A vein bulged on the forehead of Mong Mu-yak, who had been trying hard to ignore him.
Ja Geum-jeong made a ridiculous expression and provoked him further.
"Why, feeling bad? But it's the truth, isn't it? A true man can't even drink properly and can't join in a drinking game..."
-Smack!
Before he could even finish his words, Mong Mu-yak abruptly stood up from his seat, grabbed a wine jar, and started gulping it down.
He drained it in one go without stopping even once.
But that wasn't the end of it.
Immediately after, Mong Mu-yak grabbed the wine jar next to him and started gulping it down as well.
Up to the first jar,
'The youngster fell for it.'
Ja Geum-jeong, who had been looking relaxed with this expression, soon swallowed his dry saliva, and his eyes widened.
I thought this fellow, who was pretentious about the way of alcohol, was just a clumsy noble, but it seems that's not the case.
-Thud!
Mong Mu-yak, who had emptied two jars in one go, soon found a full wine jar.
Then, he shouted at the branch leader at the same time as Ja Geum-jeong.
"Bring out all the alcohol you have."
"Please bring more alcohol."
At the requests of the two, the branch leader was perplexed, but unable to resist their urging, he gestured to his subordinates to go to the warehouse.
-Rumble! Rumble!
Despite this noisy situation, the Holy Fire Priestess was sleeping with a blanket over her, even snoring, in front of the warm brazier.
It was only natural that she couldn't endure it, as she had not been able to sleep properly, and now that she had satisfied her hunger and was in a warm place.
There was someone staring at the Holy Fire Priestess with disapproval.
It was the masked Ma Ra-hyeon.
If it weren't for the agreement with his lord, Mok Gyeong-un, he would have kicked her right away to find out how his father had died.
However, since he had made an agreement, he had to endure until Mok Gyeong-un's business was finished.
"Hmph."
Ma Ra-hyeon snorted and then drank his tea.
Mok Gyeong-un, who was tilting his wine cup, pointed to the full cup and said,
"If you're in a bad mood, why don't you have a drink of that alcohol?"
"No, thank you."
"This is my first time drinking warm alcohol, and it's quite delicious."
"It's alright. If everyone drinks alcohol, their senses will naturally become dull, so someone needs to stand guard and protect the lord with a clear mind."
Ma Ra-hyeon firmly refused.
He had traveled southward for five days without rest, and although there had been no pursuit during that time, he still believed that they should not let their guard down.
Looking at him, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.
Mok Gyeong-un had a favorable view of him, seeing him as inflexible but never neglecting his vigilance even after entering this place, constantly releasing his energy.
"Not bad. Having a drink or two would warm up your body and be good for you."
-Clink!
Mok Gyeong-un clinked his cup against Ma Ra-hyeon's full cup and downed it.
At this, Ma Ra-hyeon stretched out his hand towards the wine cup for a moment, but then politely grasped the teacup with both hands, raised it towards Mok Gyeong-un, and said,
"I will use this as a substitute."
With that, he drank the warm tea in one gulp.
Mok Gyeong-un did not urge him to drink anymore.
***
In the dark dawn, about two hours later.
-Swish!
Outside, it was still noisy with the sound of rain.
The once noisy and bustling inn was now dark and silent, with only the sound of snoring heard.
A middle-aged man carefully opened the door and came out of the inn building.
He was the branch leader of this place.
The branch leader, who had come out of the inn, soon raised his hand, sent a signal, and lightly flicked his fingers.
-Tap!
As soon as he did that, dark figures appeared from the surrounding buildings.
They were all wearing black masks.
Thanks to the sound of rain, they were not hindered in their movements and boldly surrounded the inn building.
The number of masked individuals surrounding the building reached several dozens.
Nevertheless, even more masked individuals appeared from somewhere.
Meanwhile, unlike the masked individuals, an old man with a fierce appearance, wearing a bamboo hat and leaning on a bizarre-looking cane with a snake's head, walked towards the branch leader.
When he appeared, the branch leader smiled and said,
"Just as you said, Elder, after about an hour passed, they really started collapsing one by one and fell asleep."
"Didn't I tell you? I told you they would all fall asleep after an hour. But you said there was someone who endured for nearly two hours. What a tenacious fellow."
"Come to think of it, I couldn't put much of the medicinal ingredient you gave me into the golden bell tea just in case, so I think that's why the masked fellow fell asleep late. But there was one fellow who drank a lot of alcohol but fell asleep the latest."
"He must have some tolerance."
"Tolerance?"
"Yes. That medicinal ingredient is closer to a medicine than a poison. So it doesn't harm the body and naturally makes one fall asleep slowly, even for masters, so it makes them lower their guard. However, if they have ever been prescribed that medicinal ingredient even a little, they will have a tolerance and fall asleep late."
"I see. Anyway, you are amazing. Indeed, Elder, you have reached the highest level not only in poisons but also in all medicinal ingredients."
"Hohoho. Stop the flattery there. Did you make sure they were sound asleep?"
"Yes. I even pressed the acupuncture points you mentioned, and they didn't budge."
"Good."
With those words, the old man turned his head.
Then, as if waiting, the person wearing the bamboo hat and bamboo raincoat walked over from behind and said,
"It was worth bringing Elder So."
-Swish!
The person wearing the bamboo raincoat slightly raised his hand.
Then, some of the masked individuals stepped forward.
They were skilled in concealing their presence and had extraordinary martial arts abilities.
As a total of six people came out, the bamboo hat-wearing man ordered,
"Bring out only the old woman and pierce the hearts of the rest to kill them instantly."
"Yes, sir!"
As soon as the order was given, the six masked individuals cautiously approached the inn.
-Swish!
Due to the heavy sound of rain, there was no problem concealing their presence.
Thus, they entered the dark building one by one, where the lights were out.
As they entered, the bamboo hat-wearing man crossed his arms and silently watched.
Fortunately, things were resolved more easily than expected.
The fellow who was said to resemble that bastard had already lost his life in the imperial palace, so they just needed to deal with the rest and take away the Holy Fire Priestess.
Meanwhile, the branch leader of the Heaven and Earth Society approached him and cautiously said,
"Now that we have successfully completed this mission, can you recommend me to the Three Realms as promised?"
At his question, the bamboo hat-wearing man answered in a heavy voice,
"Don't be impatient. Since you played an important role, you will naturally be rewarded."
"I-I apologize."
The branch leader of the Heaven and Earth Society bowed his head in apology and then stepped aside.
The bamboo hat-wearing man looked at him with disapproval.
'Cockroach-like bastard.'
The fellow's martial arts were only at the Fourth Realm level, yet he was greedy despite being entrusted with such an easy task.
As he was thinking of him as pathetic, the old man leaning on the cane with a snake's head shape opened his mouth, tilting his head.
"They're late."
At the old man's words, the bamboo hat-wearing man's eyes narrowed between the gaps of the bamboo hat.
Indeed, they were late.
Those who had eaten the medicinal ingredient made by the old man and fallen asleep would not easily wake up even if they were beaten, shaken, or even had their acupuncture points pressed.
It was taking too long for killing such people.
-Creak!
Then, the closed door of the inn opened.
As the door opened, a figure's face could be seen from the dark inn.
Judging by the shape, it seemed to be one of the masked individuals, but,
'!?'
At that moment, the bamboo hat-wearing man frowned.
He thought one of the masked individuals was coming out, but it was none other than the head of a masked individual.
In the darkness, someone was grasping the masked individual's hair and sticking out their head.
'W-What the hell is this?'
The startled branch leader was at a loss.
What on earth was going on?
Clearly, everyone inside had fallen asleep, and he had personally confirmed it by pressing their acupuncture points.
Yet, who was the one inside, holding out the severed head of a masked individual?
Then, a voice was heard.
"I thought it was a considerate gesture to make us sleep soundly with the medicinal ingredients like Liriodendron root, angelica, and jujube seeds, but it seems that's not the case."
'!?'
At that voice, the eyes of the old man leaning on the cane with a snake's head shape widened.
'How... Did he figure it out?'
That was because the person had accurately identified the medicinal ingredients used, even though they had been refined with a special secret method to change the aroma and taste.
-Splash!
At that moment, the severed head of the masked individual fell into the puddle of rainwater on the ground.
Along with it, someone who appeared to be in his twenties, wearing two sword sheaths at his waist, walked out from the darkness.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un, wearing a human skin mask.
311: Chapter 310: Reunion (3)
'Are they all dead?'
The bamboo hat-wearing man, with narrowed eyes, stared at the inn building shrouded in darkness.
-Swish!
When it rains, the noise interferes with sound perception.
This is because when internal energy is used to enhance hearing, even the sounds of countless raindrops become amplified.
However, this isn't the only problem.
Rain, which can be considered a natural phenomenon, is filled with a kind of water energy that causes the surrounding energy to disperse.
As a result, discerning something through energy sensing amidst the pouring rain is difficult even for exceptional masters.
'Does it matter?'
In any case, from the moment one person woke up, the original plan was disrupted.
It was as if sacrifices had already been made.
At that moment, the old man leaning on the cane with a snake's head spoke in an intrigued tone.
"Who is that fellow?"
At that question, the branch leader of this place spoke with perplexity.
"Th-That person! It's the one who fell asleep the latest."
"The latest?"
"Yes."
"What are you trying to say by only mentioning it like that? You should tell us his name or which sect of the Heaven and Earth Society he is from."
"I don't know. They all addressed each other as 'Lord', 'Lord'... Yes. Even Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon's son called him 'Lord'."
"The Vice-Leader's son called him 'Lord'?"
'Hmm?'
The bamboo hat-wearing man couldn't hide his puzzlement at the branch leader's words.
Come to think of it, there should only be three people, including the Holy Fire Priestess, since that look-alike bastard died, but their total number was six.
That meant there were others included who weren't part of the original plan.
However, for the Vice-Leader's son to be in a position to be called 'Lord', he had to be at least a disciple of the Heaven and Earth Society Leader.
'The Society Leader wouldn't have secretly dispatched his disciple.'
I don't know what his identity is.
The bamboo hat-wearing man then spoke to Mok Gyeong-un.
"Is that your real face? Or is it a human skin mask?"
"Oh my... I thought you were from the imperial palace, but it seems that's not the case."
"What?"
"Then it's one of the two, but since the branch leader over there obviously betrayed us, it's not the Heaven and Earth Society, so is it the organization of the mark?"
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un drew a mark in the air with his finger, a vertical line penetrating the center of the character 'two'.
'!?'
As soon as they saw this, the eyes of the branch leader and all the masked individuals changed.
This was the same for the old man leaning on the snake cane and the one wearing the bamboo hat and bamboo raincoat.
'Who the hell is this bastard?'
He knows about our existence?
This wasn't simply a matter of considering it as such.
-Swoosh!
Two of the masked individuals surrounding Mok Gyeong-un moved and attempted to subdue him in an instant with a skilled joint attack.
Targeting the right and left sides simultaneously,
-Swish!
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un lightly moved his hands separately and instead grabbed the arms of the masked individuals with the technique of Capturing Arm.
And then,
-Crack!
He pulled the two arms he had grabbed and tore them off as if it were nothing.
The masked individuals, whose arms were torn off in an instant, screamed and rolled on the ground filled with rainwater.
-Splash!
"Aaaargh!"
"M-My arm!"
"You're noisy."
-Thud! Crack! Thud! Squish!
With Mok Gyeong-un's kick, one masked individual's neck twisted and broke, and another masked individual's head was torn off along with the spine by Mok Gyeong-un's hand.
The eyes of the surrounding masked individuals were filled with vigilance at the excessively cruel handling.
Regardless, Mok Gyeong-un tossed the severed head and said,
-Splash!
"The masked individuals are obviously small fries, and you two gentlemen and the branch leader are probably higher-ups in the organization, right? At least Three Realms or above..."
Before he could even finish his words,
-Swoosh!
The old man with the snake cane disappeared and instantly appeared in front of Mok Gyeong-un, swinging the head of the cane towards his head.
However,
-Clang!
The cane was blocked by the blade of the Evil Commandment Sword that Mok Gyeong-un had halfway drawn.
As the snake head of the cane made a metallic sound instead of being cut by the exceptionally sharp blade of the Evil Commandment Sword, Mok Gyeong-un spoke with interest.
"It seems it's not an ordinary cane."
"Who the hell are you? How much do you know..."
-Tremble tremble!
The old man's eyes gleamed with surprise.
Although the young fellow's inner strength was quite impressive, he thought it couldn't be that strong.
However, as he slowly drew up his inner strength, the snake cane only trembled but didn't budge.
This fellow was no ordinary person.
-Whoosh!
What is this sword?
It's only halfway drawn and clashing, but a bizarre demonic energy can be felt from it.
It's definitely not an ordinary sword.
'It seems his safe escape from the imperial palace wasn't just due to luck. He's definitely not at the level of the late-stage warriors. Good. Then!'
-Swoosh!
The old man began to draw up his energy in earnest.
Then, a green haze rose from his snake cane.
It was none other than poisonous energy.
As the poisonous energy flowed out, the old man's inner strength doubled, and Mok Gyeong-un's body was pushed back due to the repelling force.
-Splash! Splash!
However, as soon as his feet touched the ground, there was no phenomenon of being pushed back or anything.
At this sight, the old man's eyes narrowed.
He had infused poisonous energy into the repelling force, albeit partially, but the fact that Mok Gyeong-un was unaffected made him puzzled.
Come to think of it, not only was he the only one who didn't fall asleep from the medicinal ingredient he had concocted, but he even figured out what was in it.
'This fellow has some knowledge of poisons or has built up a tolerance.'
It was impossible to be like this without studying poisons.
Meanwhile, Mok Gyeong-un spoke.
"Old man, it seems you've learned poison techniques?"
At that question, the old man laughed as if it were absurd.
"Hohohoho. You are the first youngster to address me in such a manner. Yes, I have mastered poison techniques. Even before you were born."
-Swoosh!
As soon as those words ended, a green haze rose from the old man's entire body.
Even his hair had a dark green color and fluttered, and the force was so strong that the raindrops instantly turned into steam upon contact.
It was a tremendous poisonous energy.
At that moment,
-Swish!
The bamboo hat-wearing man raised his hand and pointed at the inn.
As soon as that signal was given, the masked individuals surrounding the inn rushed towards it as if they had been waiting.
-Swoosh swoosh!
-Swish!
'Indeed.'
As if he understood the bamboo hat-wearing man's intention, the old man, who was emitting poisonous energy, raised the corners of his mouth and swiftly moved towards Mok Gyeong-un.
It was to prevent Mok Gyeong-un from stopping the masked individuals.
As the snake cane, infused with green poisonous energy, skillfully created a barrier, Mok Gyeong-un fully drew out the Evil Commandment Sword to block it.
-Clang clang clang!
-Swoosh swoosh!
As the snake cane, imbued with green poisonous energy, and the Evil Commandment Sword clashed, blue sparks flew, and the raindrops scattered in all directions.
The places where the scattered raindrops touched,
-Sizzle!
They turned black due to the poisonous energy.
The masked individuals who were unlucky enough to be hit by it quickly lost consciousness as the poison spread throughout their bodies.
At this, the surrounding masked individuals shouted,
"Everyone, get back!"
"Don't go near the elder!"
The masked individuals hurriedly distanced themselves from them.
As they distanced themselves, the masked individuals couldn't help but be surprised inwardly.
That's because, as far as they knew, although they were aware that these individuals possessed extraordinary skills to escape from the imperial palace, they thought they would be considered among the top of the late-stage warriors at most.
'Who the hell is that fellow?'
'How is that youngster enduring against Elder So like that?'
'Is he simply enduring the poison?'
It was to the point where they couldn't understand the confrontation at all.
In the meantime, the two had already clashed their sword and snake cane over 40 times.
-Clang clang clang!
The old man, swinging the snake cane, spoke with a voice filled with exhilaration.
"Not bad. I never expected to encounter someone other than that damn bastard Tang In-hae who could properly endure five out of my Eight Poisons in a place like this."
The old man couldn't hide his genuine admiration.
He thought that even if one had studied poisons and had a tolerance, he could easily knock them down with just five poisons.
However, despite such potent poisonous energy, Mok Gyeong-un wasn't being pushed back at all.
Where did this fellow come from?
If it was to this extent, it seemed alright to raise it to six poisons.
'Huh?'
However, the old man suddenly found it strange.
This fellow is impressive for enduring against him, but shouldn't he be impatient by now?
Thanks to being blocked by him, Mok Gyeong-un couldn't stop the masked individuals from entering the inn.
Then, he should be anxious and eager to get away from him somehow to go and save his companions, but there was no such sign at all.
Does he prioritize his own safety over his companions'?
Curious about this, the old man asked bluntly.
"You're quite peculiar. Of course, it would be difficult to escape from me, but do you not care at all even if your companions die?"
"Companions?"
"That's right."
"Well. Rather than that, shouldn't you be more concerned about your subordinates first?"
"What?"
-Boom!
As soon as those words ended, the wall of the inn shattered, and someone was sent flying out.
At this, the old man swung his snake cane widely to create distance and turned his gaze towards the one who was sent flying.
'!?'
The old man frowned.
That's because the one who was sent flying from inside was none other than a masked individual.
The masked individual, whose chest was caved in by a fist strike, soon lost his breath and dropped his head.
"You damn rats, how dare you sneak in wearing masks?"
The expelled monk Ja Geum-jeong walked out from the broken wall, clashing his fists together.
He wasn't the only one who came out.
Seop Chun emerged from inside, with his blood-soaked Gwangmudo sword slung over his shoulder, and right behind him, Mong Mu-yak could be seen holding what appeared to be a masked individual's arm.
-Boom!
"Ugh!"
Moreover, the ceiling of the inn shattered, and one of the masked individuals was sent flying upwards by a series of rising kicks.
The masked individual, whose waist was almost broken by the storm-like kicks reminiscent of the Shadowless Leg technique, soon tumbled down from the roof.
-Thud! Roll roll! Splash!
The one who landed on the roof after taking down a masked individual was none other than the masked Ma Ra-hyeon.
At the sight of them, the eyes of the masked individuals were filled with perplexity.
They thought only one fellow was awake, but it seemed they were all awake.
What is going on?
The old man raised one eyebrow and glared at Mok Gyeong-un.
"It was you. You were the one who did something."
The old man instinctively thought that the cause was Mok Gyeong-un.
If he had a tolerance to endure his poison and could even identify the sleeping medicinal ingredients, he should be able to prepare countermeasures against it.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and spoke with a sneer.
"Then, did you think I would let them continue sleeping even though I knew it was a trap? You're simpler than you look."
-Grind!
At this, the old man, whose anger surged, gritted his teeth.
-Swoosh!
Then, he spewed out a green poisonous energy incomparable to before.
It was the realm of the Seven Poisons among the Eight Poisons he had comprehended.
The Seven Poisons could be considered the realm of the Poison Man, and it was to the extent that even the surroundings where he stood and the falling raindrops were affected.
As the green haze spread in all directions, the bamboo hat-wearing man hurriedly shouted,
"Elder! Restrain your poisonous energy!"
If there were only enemies, it would be fine, but there were also subordinates, the masked individuals, nearby.
If he turned into a Poison Man and spewed out such potent poison, even the masked individuals would be poisoned and suffer damage.
"This... My god..."
At that moment, Mong Mu-yak, who had come out following Seop Chun while carrying the arm of a masked individual, couldn't hide his perplexity upon seeing the old man holding the snake head-shaped cane.
At this, Seop Chun asked in puzzlement,
"Why are you acting like that?"
"That old man... is Guyang Sa-oh."
"Guyang Sa-oh? Guyang Sa-oh... Could it be?"
"That's right. He is Guyang Sa-oh, the Eight Poison Snake Staff and the head of the Guyang family."
Eight Poison Snake Staff Guyang Sa-oh.
If one were to name the masters of poison throughout the martial arts world, the ones who were always mentioned were the Eight Poison Snake Staff Guyang Sa-oh and the Thousand Poison Hand Tang In-hae, one of the Eight Stars.
Both of them had reached the realm of the Poison Man, but only Tang In-hae had his name listed among the Eight Stars, so there were some who considered Guyang Sa-oh to be slightly inferior.
However, that was the kind of inference that novices in the martial arts world would make.
The reason Guyang Sa-oh couldn't have his name listed among the Eight Stars was that he belonged to the Western Regions, such as Nanman or Beihai, outside the Central Plains.
Having reached the realm of the Poison Man, considered the pinnacle of poison techniques, he could be said to be the most specialized in killing people among all the masters who wielded various weapons.
At this, Mong Mu-yak hurriedly shouted,
"My Lord! That old man is the Eight Poison Snake Staff Guyang Sa-oh! Don't engage him in close combat!"
At his warning, the old man, no, Guyang Sa-oh, snorted.
"It's already too late. You were so confident, so let's see how much of my poison you can... Where are you looking, you bastard?"
Guyang Sa-oh, whose fighting spirit had risen, frowned.
That was because Mok Gyeong-un was not looking at him but at the person behind him.
The one Mok Gyeong-un was staring at was none other than the bamboo hat-wearing man.
He was staring at him very intently, which was absurd.
'This bastard is looking down on me.'
He had drawn up to the Seven Poisons among the Eight Poisons in an instant.
Since he had turned into a Poison Man, each of his attacks was no different from extreme poison.
Yet, in such a dangerous situation, he was looking away?
He must be crazy, wanting to die.
-Smack!
Guyang Sa-oh, who had stabbed his cane into the ground, assumed the stance of the Toad Skill.
He crouched down like a toad with his legs bent, which was his unique technique, the Toad Poison Skill.
He would make him pay the price for looking away...
-Shiver!
At that moment, Guyang Sa-oh's eyes wavered due to the chills running down his spine.
That was because Mok Gyeong-un was smiling so eerily that the corners of his mouth reached his ears, and he was exuding a tremendous killing intent that was unbelievable.
It wasn't just him who felt this tremendous killing intent.
All the masked individuals surrounding them were overwhelmed by the killing intent in an instant, flinching and taking steps back.
'W-What killing intent?'
'This... What the hell...'
-Clench!
At some point, the bamboo hat-wearing man had moved his hand to the sword hilt hidden inside his bamboo raincoat.
It was because he instinctively realized that the tremendous killing intent was directed at him.