Chapter 98: To the Martial Alliance (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 98: To the Martial Alliance (4)
Seol Baek was licking the blade of the Blood Demon Sword seductively.
She probably didn't know, but a strange moan from the Blood Demon Sword reached my ears.
-Khehehe.
...This bastard. After all the trash-talking he did about the Namcheon Iron Sword.
He’s no different.
Normally, he would instantly cause the blood vessels of anyone who touched him to go haywire, but as Seol Baek licked him with her tongue, he stayed still as if he were enjoying it.
I pulled the sword away from her.
-Ahhh...
The Blood Demon Sword let out a groan of disappointment.
Seol Baek looked up at me and licked her own lips. She seemed determined to seduce me.
"Is the information you just gave me reliable?"
At my question, Seol Baek replied with a smile.
"Would you believe me if I staked the honor of the North Sea Ice Palace and my own head on it?"
There wasn't a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. She didn't seem to be lying.
It truly felt like she intended to break away from the Golden Emperor. Otherwise, she wouldn't have leaked such classified information so easily.
-Khehehe. They say human men are meant to have three wives and four concubines. Take this human woman in as well and have many children for the prosperity of the Blood Cult.
'...'
You're overlooking something. Her goal is the reconstruction of the North Sea Ice Palace. If we had children, they’d be raised as descendants of the Ice Palace, not the Blood Cult. What do you mean, "take her in"?
-Can't you just bring the North Sea Ice Palace under the Blood Cult's banner?
'...'
He must really like Seol Baek, seeing as he’s showing more insight than usual.
Just then, Seol Baek stood up and approached me with a suggestive expression. I almost stepped back instinctively.
"I've proven my trustworthiness enough. Now, you must pay the price."
"The price?"
"I can't be the only one losing out. You didn't think I'd give you this much information for free, did you?"
"The most important information is..."
"I told you I'd give you that once you fulfill my wish."
I couldn't help but feel troubled. Judging by Seol Baek’s momentum, she didn't seem to care that we were in a ruined place littered with blood.
To think a woman could be this terrifying—I haven't felt this way since Baek Hye-hyang.
-You don't have a choice anyway. Just accept it.
The Blood Demon Sword seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the situation. As he said, if I just closed my eyes and accepted Seol Baek, I could find out where that guy was.
Seol Baek let out a shallow breath and spoke.
"Haa... You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment."
She stepped right up to me. I held out my palm, signaling her not to come any closer.
"To be certain about the Golden Emperor's—"
Before I could finish, she lunged at me. To be precise, she threw her face toward mine. I could have easily dodged, but I didn't.
If I fulfilled her wish, I could get what I wanted in return.
Seol Baek’s lips aimed straight for mine.
Ssh!
The moment our lips touched, an incredible chill surged through me. Even though she was controlling it, it was incomparable to the time we kissed before.
I immediately switched my energy circulation to the Snow Drinking Finger method.
As the cold energy rose within my body, her lips no longer felt freezing.
"Haa."
Seol Baek noticed the change, and the corners of her mouth curled up. Then, while our lips were still pressed together, she slipped her tongue inside.
I was currently in the form of Baek Ryeonha, but she didn't seem to care in the slightest.
-A white-haired beauty and a red-haired beauty locking lips. Now that is a rare and interesting sight.
The Blood Demon Sword’s mocking voice echoed in my head. However, as her tongue intertwined with mine, I couldn't help but focus more on the sensation than on his voice.
Seol Baek unleashed her desires as if she had been holding back for ages. The saliva flowing from her tongue was enough to drench my lips.
"Haa... haa..."
Her face flushed bright red, Seol Baek boldly grabbed my chest. Since I was in a woman's body due to the Body Transformation Art, it felt bizarre.
Seol Baek muttered as she held my chest.
"They're big. Is this your preference?"
My preference? I just replicated Baek Ryeonha’s appearance exactly.
Seol Baek moved her lips to my ear and spoke in an excited voice.
"Haa... Your female form isn't bad, but I want to see your original self."
Why did that sound so erotic? If I weren't in a transformed body, I would have been aroused instantly.
As she pulled her body close and rubbed against me, I could clearly feel her skin where her clothes had been shredded by sword slashes.
"Hngh."
A suggestive moan escaped her lips. Her excited hand moved down slowly and boldly.
"Haa, haa. Or should we do it like this first? I don't mind."
'!?'
Well, I mind. Beyond the eroticism, I was getting goosebumps.
At that moment, a good idea flashed through my mind. I regretted not thinking of it sooner.
I grabbed both of her arms and forced her away.
"What is it?"
Seol Baek furrowed her beautiful brows. Her expression asked why I was stopping when things were getting good.
"How about I introduce you to someone else who can satisfy your expectations?"
"Someone else?"
She couldn't hide her confusion. Having failed to find a man who could handle her for over three hundred years, her reaction was natural.
I said to her, "I know someone with a constitution that can handle your Yin energy."
"Handle my Yin energy?"
"There is someone who suffers from Solar Severed Meridians."
At those words, Seol Baek’s expression turned strange. I thought she might show some interest, but there was none.
Seol Baek spoke bluntly.
"The man with the best seed is right in front of me, and you're offering to introduce me to someone with Solar Severed Meridians? Ha!"
She spoke as if it were absurd. To her, the bird in the hand was more important.
"Because he has Solar Severed Meridians, you could be of help to him as well. Furthermore, I can guarantee his lineage is top-tier."
"Top-tier lineage?"
-Human, are you perhaps talking about that prince?
Yes, exactly.
Prince Gyeongwang of the Great Yan Empire. In terms of lineage, he was as high as it gets. Of course, I couldn't guarantee his lineage as a martial artist.
Seol Baek’s eyes narrowed as she pondered for a moment. But it was only for a brief second.
She spoke to me with disappointment.
"I've thought only of you for over three hundred years, but I suppose you haven't."
Thinking of me for three hundred years... that’s a heavy burden. Since I’d found a substitute to fulfill her wish, I didn't need to cater to her anymore.
"I already have a woman I've promised my life to."
-Women, you mean.
The Blood Demon Sword chimed in tactlessly. I ignored him and continued.
"You might have thought of me for three hundred years, but I haven't."
She opened her eyes wide and looked up at me.
"Am I that unattractive?"
She usually had a face like a block of ice; I didn't know why she was making such a pitiful, kitten-like expression at me. It made me feel unnecessarily guilty.
I let out a sigh.
"...I didn't mean you're unattractive."
"Really?"
At my words, Seol Baek’s face brightened slightly. Despite having lived for over three hundred years, she was acting no different from any other woman in love.
Was this even possible when she didn't even know my real face? Was that kiss back then so precious that it left such a deep impression? Her heart was difficult to understand.
"...Anyway, that man can also give you what you want."
At my words, she pouted.
"Am I that much of a burden?"
"I told you that's not what I meant."
Seol Baek spoke as if she couldn't understand.
"You seem very different from any other man I've known. If I were a man, I'd be dying to possess a beautiful woman with such outstanding martial prowess."
"..."
She certainly had high self-esteem, naturally uttering such embarrassing words about herself. I took it as proof that she knew exactly how beautiful she was.
-She's quite full of herself.
Yeah, that’s one way to put it.
Seol Baek continued.
"The reason I said I'd abandon Him was purely because of you. I made that choice because you are His enemy, but if you're just going to give me a substitute, you must realize I have no reason to do so."
My eyes sharpened at her words. Seeing this, she snorted.
"I guess you don't like that?"
This woman knew her own value. Even though I held her life in my hands, she was cleverly steering the situation to her advantage. She was wiser than I thought. She was certainly a talent the Golden Emperor would covet.
-Such a powerful master is offering herself to you, human, and you're thinking of passing her off to someone else because you're worried about your other partners? You really are foolish.
You have a point. This woman is certainly worth it.
But I don't take women out of greed alone. If I did, I would have already taken numerous concubines. I only want women I feel an emotional connection with.
-Of all the Blood Demons I've seen, none are as peculiar as you.
I'll admit that. Baek Hye-hyang fits the standard definition of a Blood Demon much better. But I don't see the need to fit myself into the mold of what everyone thinks a Blood Demon should be.
I'm going to live the way I want.
-Do as you please.
His tone was blunt, but he had become much more affectionate than before.
Regardless, I said to Seol Baek, "The Golden Emperor is a man who will die by my hand. As long as you aren't under him, I don't care how you live. Of course, if you stand in my way, I won't forgive you, regardless of anything else."
Seol Baek’s expression turned unreadable. She could have been angry or offended, but I couldn't tell what she was thinking from her eyes.
After staring at me for a while, she spoke.
"Hearing you say that makes me feel stubborn."
"Stubborn?"
"I thought the reconstruction of the Palace was my only purpose in life. I swore to live for that alone."
"Then live according to that oath."
"No. Suddenly, I don't want to live only by that oath. I have emotions too."
"What?"
"I've decided I want you, not just your seed."
"..."
She was like a contrarian. It was absurd.
"I told you. I already have—"
She held up a hand and cut me off.
"I heard you loud and clear. That you love another woman."
"You heard me, and yet you're saying this?"
"Is it a crime to be honest with my feelings?"
"This is driving me crazy."
The thought slipped out of my mouth. Looking at me, Seol Baek spoke with a hint of regret.
"Well, as you said, a relationship between a man and a woman can't be forced just because one side wants it."
Was she giving up? I asked her, "Then are you accepting my offer?"
"I'll accept half of it. I have my own standards. If the man you, the Successor of the Sword Immortal, introduce doesn't meet them, I won't tell you anything about the Golden Emperor."
"Ha!"
It was unbelievable. I brought the Blood Demon Sword back to her throat and spoke coldly.
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of bargaining like that. I'm in a position where I can't leave the Golden Emperor alone any longer."
At my words, Seol Baek moved her neck closer to the blade.
"Then kill me."
"..."
This woman was truly making things difficult. Aside from the information on the Golden Emperor, I had already gained plenty of useful intel. Therefore, if I couldn't get what I wanted, it might be better to just kill her.
"Do you think I won't?"
"...Dying at the hands of the first man I ever wanted to possess wouldn't be so bad."
My grip on the sword loosened. I felt drained.
"Do you have no intention of rebuilding the North Sea Ice Palace?"
"I will."
"And yet you're gambling with your own life."
"Because it's worth that much."
Seol Baek looked me straight in the eye. Her determination to have me was incredibly clear.
In the end, I withdrew the Blood Demon Sword again.
"Fine. If that man meets your standards, will you give up on me?"
"We'll see about that when the time comes."
"Give me a straight answer."
"My heart is already completely tilted toward you. Do you think someone else will easily catch my eye?"
Her honesty was so blunt it was giving me a headache. There was no helping it now. I was tired of arguing about this. I’d just have to hope Prince Gyeongwang would be to her liking.
-I wonder if that's even possible.
Whose side are you on, anyway?
At my question, the Blood Demon Sword just chuckled and laughed.
Regardless, the destination was set. Whether it was to meet Prince Gyeongwang or to stop the Golden Emperor’s plans for the Martial Alliance, I had to head to Wuhan.
"Follow me."
At those words, the corners of Seol Baek’s mouth curled up slightly. That look in her eyes, like a predator eyeing its prey...
...It was going to be a difficult journey for a while.
Inside a dark, damp cave cavern.
Dozens of people were gathered there. One of them looked up at the massive, glossy black rock blocking the ceiling of the cavern and spoke.
"Can you break it, Right Guardian?"
The one asking was Ha Jong-il, the Left Guardian of the Blood Cult. In his hand was a broken saber. It was a precious blade made of black iron, but it had snapped, unable to overcome the hardness of the massive rock.
At Ha Jong-il’s question, a burly, muscular man replied.
"How should I know? My Myriad Family Spirit Art has reached the ninth stage, and this old man has recovered his internal power to the eighth stage, so it might be possible."
"The word 'Master' won't come out of your mouth even if you die, will it? You brat."
Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon Jang Mun-ryang clicked his tongue and scolded Song Jwa-baek.
"Eh, that 'Master' business..."
"Agh, my blood pressure. Once this old man recovers his full power, I'll fix that attitude of yours."
"Recover your power first, then we'll talk."
The others watching seemed used to their bickering and showed little reaction. If anything, they just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.
"Damned rock."
"It's Guiam Rock."
"Whatever it is, it's still a rock. Now you're nitpicking over everything."
"You brat, I'm just correcting you."
The rock blocking their only exit was known as Guiam Rock. Its composition was unknown, but its hardness surpassed that of black iron, and it could even absorb the internal energy of martial masters.
Even when Ha Jong-il, a Supreme Peak master, struck it with his black iron saber all day, it only left a small scratch. One could imagine what a formidable object it was.
Ha Jong-il sighed and spoke to the two.
"Phew. You two, stop it. We must succeed this time."
"Of course."
"Since both of your powers have increased, there's a chance."
They had all tried together just a month ago. Since breaking the massive rock was impossible from the start, they had tried to lift it. They had succeeded in lifting it slightly, if only for a moment. Now, it seemed entirely possible.
"That damned Gwangshin-gun bastard. When I get out of here, I'm going to tear him limb from limb."
"...That's exactly what I want to say."
Left Guardian Ha Jong-il agreed. It was only natural, as they had fallen into this cave after being trapped by the Green Forest Thief King Gwangshin-gun.
It was only after spending fifteen days in the treacherous cave that they realized where they were. This was the Guiam Grotto, one of the Three Forbidden Grounds of the martial world, hidden in northern Sichuan.
They had faced numerous hardships over several months inside, but they had survived.
"...Hun... hungry."
Song Jwa-baek looked at his younger brother, Song Woo-hyeon. Woo-hyeon had a strong appetite, so he had suffered greatly in a place where there was nothing to eat but earthworms and rats.
"I'll let you eat your fill once we're out, so let's give it one good push."
At his words, Song Woo-hyeon nodded.
The surviving Cult Leader’s guards, Song Jwa-baek, Song Woo-hyeon, Jang Mun-ryang, and everyone else took their positions and placed their hands on the Guiam Rock. They were filled with the resolve to leave this place today.
Left Guardian Ha Jong-il shouted, "On the count of three, apply your power!"
"No, you should say 'on three.' You said 'one, two, three' and pushed by yourself last time."
"...Right Guardian, just get the gist of it."
Ha Jong-il scolded the grumbling Song Jwa-baek with a voice tinged with annoyance. Still, they had become quite close after suffering together inside.
"Alright, then. One! Two!..."
It was the moment he was about to shout "three."
Slash! Crack-crack-crack!
At that moment, sharp killing intent erupted from the Guiam Rock in the ceiling, and the massive rock that hadn't budged an inch split into a cross shape.
"Gah!"
"Ev-everyone, get back!"
Those supporting the rock were startled and scrambled away.
Rumble! Boom! Boom!
Soon, the firmly wedged rock shattered and collapsed downward. Their eyes widened at the sight of the broken rock. They had no idea what had suddenly happened.
"It—it's open!"
But soon, at the sight of the open exit letting in bright light, everyone, without exception, used their lightness skills and leaped up.
"What?"
"Th-this is..."
They didn't even have time to enjoy the fresh outside air. Song Jwa-baek stood agape at the numerous corpses scattered everywhere. They were none other than the bandits of the Green Forest.
"They're all dead."
"Who on earth...?"
Every single one of them had lost their lives to a single sword strike. While everyone stared in a daze, Jang Mun-ryang, who had come out, spotted someone.
"M-Moon Evil Sword?"
A middle-aged man with a pale face and a mustache stood with his hands behind his back, holding a sword. He was none other than Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak.
Only then did Jang Mun-ryang realize who had split the Guiam Rock.
'Truly unbelievable swordsmanship.'
His reputation was well-deserved.
"Lady Sama!"
Song Jwa-baek spotted a peerless beauty standing beside him and shouted. It was Sama Yeong.
Sama Yeong welcomed him warmly as he ran toward her.
"Guardian Song! You're alive."
She had been worried that they might have died after being trapped in the Guiam Grotto for months.
"Don't even get me started. If you heard how we survived inside that damned cave..."
"I'm glad. For now, let's talk while we hurry down the mountain."
At her words, Song Jwa-baek couldn't hide his inner disappointment.
"We just got out. Why are you in such a hurry?"
At his question, Sama Yeong looked toward the southeast with a sharp gaze and spoke in a voice that sounded somewhat anxious.
"I have a bad feeling. I feel like we need to return to Young Master Un-hwi immediately."
"Pardon?"
Song Jwa-baek couldn't understand what she meant at all.