Chapter 170
Chapter 170
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 170
Chapter Title: Hunters Close In
-----------------------------------------------------------------
With his acupoints released, Ok Kirin glared at Wi Sung-cheon with bloodshot eyes, but he refrained from any rash actions. He fully understood his current predicament.
His right arm hung limp, broken. The nerves weren't severed, so a throbbing pain pulsed through it, and he could still move his fingertips if he focused.
Fortunately, his crushed nose hadn't caved in. For Ok Kirin, who took pride in his striking features, that was a relief. His jaw ached from the blows. It felt bruised to the bone, but nothing was shattered.
'My balls...'
More than his broken arm, Ok Kirin worried about his groin. A sharp pain shot up every time he moved his legs.
The sensation of crusted blood flaking off was unpleasant. Cautiously, he reached down to feel his crotch.
It was ruptured.
No doubt about it. Ok Kirin bit his lower lip hard. He was furious, but unlike before, he didn't despair. At least both weren't destroyed.
'There's hope.'
The Primordial Fragrance Sect had developed the Star Absorption Great Law through generations of bedchamber arts. These arts aimed to harmonize yin and yang through intercourse, smoothing the flow of qi to achieve immortality and longevity.
The sect's bedchamber arts still pursued that ideal, at least in principle.
Of course, these days, they indulged in unchecked lust, veering heavily toward excessive harvesting of essence and yang via the Star Absorption Great Law.
Yet the sect originated from a Daoist lineage that truly sought proper bedchamber techniques.
The Yin-Yang Ecstasy Secret Art passed down through the sect harmonized yin and yang as a bedchamber practice, aiming for immortality to become divine immortals.
Born as the young master of the Primordial Fragrance Sect, Ok Kirin had trained in the Yin-Yang Ecstasy Secret Art and harvested yin essence since before peach fuzz sprouted on his groin.
As a result, his internal energy had long surpassed late-stage Expert Realm levels, reaching extraordinary heights. And that wasn't all. What was most vital in bedchamber arts? Vital essence. Not just reproductive capacity.
The physical prowess Wi Sung-cheon had admired in Ok Kirin stemmed from the vital essence tempered by the Yin-Yang Ecstasy Secret Art.
'With proper treatment, it might heal.'
Ok Kirin's exceptional vital essence could heal wounds without scars, even without care.
One testicle was smashed, true, but with a physician's examination and various medicines, recovery was possible.
For ordinary people, it would be hopeless, but Ok Kirin wasn't blindly clinging to wishful thinking.
'Dawn Physician Jinchung...!'
One of the Ten Heroes, Dawn Physician Jinchung. The Primordial Fragrance Sect had forged a connection with him decades ago, securing a promise: one favor from him, anytime.
Dawn Physician belonged to neither righteous nor evil factions. His eccentric, free-spirited nature made the righteous view him as more evil-aligned.
Having one favor from a Ten Hero—renowned for reviving even the dead—offered endless possibilities.
But for Ok Kirin, nothing mattered more than restoring his solitary remaining testicle to a proper pair.
How could the heir of bedchamber arts, pursuing yin-yang harmony, live in such imbalance?
Thus, in the end.
Ok Kirin quickly quelled his hostility toward Wi Sung-cheon. If he could just survive and escape this forest, he had solid hope to pin his expectations on.
If Dawn Physician could revive the dead, surely one testicle was within reach.
'If not, I'll ask him to make the remaining one better than two healthy ones.'
He sealed acupoints to block pain and hinder movement. His dangling arm was annoying.
First, he set the bone, then wrapped his forearm tightly with his wide sleeve, securing it to his chest.
"Alright, let's go."
It was no surprise that Ok Kirin didn't lash out the moment his acupoints were freed. Wi Sung-cheon nodded and glanced at Bang Jun.
Bang Jun, who had been shocked by Wi Sung-cheon's intentions, quickly composed himself.
"What should I do?"
"Come with us."
Ok Kirin spat out.
Bang Jun furrowed his brow.
"The other students haven't returned yet."
"Didn't you hear Mugeol Gong? We can't afford more delays. They haven't come back yet, but the Black Demon King's words ensure their lives are safe anyway."
"They won't die, but they could suffer other brutal fates."
"Hmm, I doubt it. Women might face all sorts of horrors, but they're all men. If they hand over the paired stones quietly, they won't be tormented. None of the students allied with me had the guts to defend their stones, so don't worry needlessly."
They were useful pawns. Numerous. No other merits. No lingering attachments.
"Mugeol Gong, come with us and protect me in case of trouble."
"Want me to carry you and run right now?"
"Not a bad idea, but I'd rather not. To be blunt, you stink too much, Mugeol Gong."
Ok Kirin replied with a look of disgust. It wasn't the first time he'd heard it, so no offense taken.
Bang Jun's offer was deliberate from the start. He knew Ok Kirin would never let himself be carried on his back.
"Then should I carry you?"
"I can still run, so no need."
Ok Kirin glared at Wi Sung-cheon as he answered. He still wanted to maintain that much pride. This question, too, was calculated. Wi Sung-cheon nodded and turned.
"Then keep up."
Wi Sung-cheon kicked off the ground first. Caught off guard by the sudden sprint, Ok Kirin cursed.
Protecting his groin with his unbroken hand, Ok Kirin unleashed his lightness skill. Bang Jun followed half a beat later.
[Where to?]
[No need to search my side.]
Too obvious. Wi Sung-cheon had no intention of being blatant. No need—once they moved, the others wouldn't stay put.
As expected.
The moment Wi Sung-cheon, Ok Kirin, and Bang Jun unleashed their lightness skills, multiple presences began closing in. They'd been observing warily, but now rushed forward, narrowing the gap.
'As expected.'
It was still the first day of the treasure hunt. The dark overlords in the forest hadn't clashed head-on yet. Being first to fight risked disadvantage if others intervened.
But Wi Sung-cheon and Ok Kirin had clashed on day one. Now they moved together.
Any saintly figure spotting this anomaly would eye a fisherman's profit, if not too late.
'They're moving.'
The closest standoff was likely Black Dragon Sanggwan Hu and Fighting Ghost Yang Jeon. Their killing intent could erupt anytime, and it finally did, sparking a fight.
But as Wi Sung-cheon, Ok Kirin, and Bang Jun moved, that skirmish halted instantly.
Then they turned this way.
* * *
"No need to rush."
Sanggwan Hu sneered. Yang Jeon steadied his breath, clenching his fists. They'd exchanged blows for mere seconds—enough for contrasting expressions.
Sanggwan Hu smirked leisurely; Yang Jeon bit his lip. Black Dragon Sanggwan Hu—the dark overlords' pinnacle before Black Heaven Young Lord emerged. His skill was real. Yang Jeon had to admit Sanggwan Hu outclassed him by several moves.
Fighting more meant defeat. Even mutual destruction... he lacked confidence in landing a fatal blow.
"No need to curb your arrogance right now. Those guys are bothering me anyway."
"You'll regret this."
"You'll do the regretting, Yang Jeon. If you really wanted me, ditch that pointless pride and ganged up from the start. With those fancy righteous geniuses."
Sanggwan Hu eyed Yang Jeon's back with mocking eyes. There stood scowling Hwangbo Seong-u and flustered U Hui-ra.
Humiliation twisted Yang Jeon's face. Sanggwan Hu chuckled loudly as he brushed past.
"I'd rather bite my tongue and die than stoop that low, but you're weak, so you need every trick, right?"
With that final jab, Sanggwan Hu kicked off. Hwangbo Seong-u glared at his receding back, then glanced at Yang Jeon.
Frozen, Yang Jeon ground his teeth, shoulders trembling.
'That's Black Dragon Sanggwan Hu.'
Strong.
Hwangbo Seong-u calmly acknowledged it. The Sanggwan Clan—twin pinnacle evil families with the Jegal Clan—their hereditary art, Roaring Dragon Heavenly Cry Divine Art.
First time seeing it in action... truly a divine ultimate technique.
"So, what now?"
Hwangbo Seong-u tilted his head cockily. Suppressing rage, Yang Jeon whipped around. Without answering, he strode past Hwangbo Seong-u and U Hui-ra.
"Wh-what's he planning...?"
"Obvious. Heading that way. Bide time to strike Black Dragon, or another dark overlord... maybe even target that sly fox Wi Sung-cheon and Flashwave."
Either way, Yang Jeon needed a vent for his frustration. A chance to eliminate a rival on day one.
The treasure hunt tempted all, and for Yang Jeon, feeling the skill gap, treasures were essential.
'Learn new arts, or gain spirit herbs and artifacts.'
Either would close the gap with Sanggwan Hu. Hwangbo Seong-u had little personal desire, but found the hunt intriguing. Such romps were rare at Heavenly Academy.
'And I still owe a debt.'
His arm, broken by Wi Sung-cheon last year, throbbed anew.
* * *
'They're coming.'
The forest was vast. Ok Kirin cursed himself for venturing too deep. Hours ago, entering at the hunt's start, he'd never imagined this fate.
'Damn vulture bastards.'
Preying on his weakened, injured state. Carrion-eating maggots. Cowardly, yes—but expected. Ok Kirin himself would pounce without hesitation on a wounded rival dark overlord.
Dark overlords had checked each other too long, avoiding clashes. This was a rare chance to remove a pesky competitor.
'Faster.'
He pumped his legs furiously. Groin pain blocked, but the wet blood soaking his pants with each stride was unmistakable.
He wanted to sprint, but the injury's location hampered speed. Carried on Wi Sung-cheon or Bang Jun's back? The smell... no?
No.
He refused to show such weakness. Ok Kirin gnashed his teeth. Yes, that was it. Young master of evil sect Primordial Fragrance. Dark overlord Flashwave. That was Ok Kirin.
Let other dark overlords see him—Flashwave—piggybacked by righteous Experts? Worse than death. Protection from "enemy" Wi Sung-cheon was humiliation enough; being carried was unthinkable.
If only he'd submitted earlier.
If he'd swallowed pride and endured the shame.
Such regrets always came too late.
Kwaaajik!
A black gleam slashed the darkening forest sky at dusk. The sharp boom proclaimed its art.
Black Dragon Sanggwan Hu.
Arriving with the streak, he swiftly assessed: Ok Kirin's blood-soaked pants, arm bound tightly to his chest.
Hidden Dragon and Mugeol flanking him like guards.
"Pathetic."
Ignore or not. Sanggwan Hu sneered, lip curling. Ignoring Wi Sung-cheon, he lunged at Ok Kirin.
Wi Sung-cheon shifted urgently to intercept. Sanggwan Hu scoffed at the thrusting hand, spinning midair.
Kwaaang!
An explosive roar engulfed Wi Sung-cheon. Eardrums pierced by deafening noise, shaking his blood; qi blast slammed his body.
Wi Sung-cheon raised both hands swiftly.
Paaang!
Surging qi from his palms resisted the explosion.
"Huh!"
Contrary to his laugh, Sanggwan Hu's eyes chilled.
Over the wounded Ok Kirin.
Sanggwan Hu focused on Wi Sung-cheon. No grand reason. Personal.
He hated Wi Sung-cheon. Only Seven Star Saint like himself deserved White Flame Witch's tutelage. Yet this Heavenly Flower Sect Hidden Dragon infiltrated Blood Palace.
To her.
Sanggwan Hu's hair whipped upward. Sudden killing intent erupted. Roaring Dragon Heavenly Cry Divine Art accelerated him with thunderous roar.
"Go!"
Wi Sung-cheon bellowed at stumbling Ok Kirin. Speeding Bang Jun shoved Ok Kirin's back. Ok Kirin stared at Wi Sung-cheon in astonishment.
Until this moment, Ok Kirin hadn't fully trusted Wi Sung-cheon. But now.
He shouted "Go!"—blocking Black Dragon Sanggwan Hu himself.
'Thanks...'
Gratitude wouldn't pass his lips. But in this instant, Ok Kirin meant it sincerely.
"Huh!"
Ok Kirin yelped, twisting desperately.
A blade flashed from the darkness, severing his intact left arm.