Chapter 561: This Venerable One (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 561: This Venerable One (2)
Wooooong—!
A low, heavy vibration began to spread through the air.
Amidst the flustered disciples of the Wudang Sect, Woobaek sat across from the Sword Queen.
Warm tea rested on the table between them, and the sky above was bright and clear, yet the atmosphere between the two was as frigid as the dead of winter.
“This is a truly unfortunate turn of events.”
After a heavy silence, the Sword Queen lifted her head at Woobaek’s words. Her eyes, usually gentle, were now as sharp as frost.
“Did you just call this ‘unfortunate’?” Her voice trembled with suppressed rage. “Wudang is the one who caused this mess. How can you be so brazen?”
“It seems there is a great misunderstanding. We simply identified the circumstances and acted accordingly.”
“By locking up a guest who came to Wudang on official business?”
“Sword Queen.”
Shk.
Woobaek reached into his robe, pulled something out, and placed it on the table. It was a bracelet carved from fine jade.
It was the very bracelet that had been stolen at dawn—the item they had just discovered in Gu Yangcheon’s residence.
“Can you still say such things after seeing this?”
“...”
“We took every possible precaution for this valuable trade with Mount Hua. This artifact, Dawn, was once the symbol of Wudang. It is a truly precious treasure to us.”
The bracelet, Dawn.
It was the signature treasure of the man who was once Wudang’s greatest martial artist, the Absolute Sword of Wudang.
“Therefore, when Mount Hua offered to trade Solar Light for Dawn, we were honored. That is why we prepared so thoroughly.”
The Sword Queen listened in silence, offering no rebuttal.
“And yet, the item was stolen. Shortly after, it was discovered in the residence of one of our ‘trusted’ guests. We have merely taken the appropriate measures.”
Woobaek spoke with calm precision, but the Sword Queen could only let out a hollow, mocking laugh.
“What ridiculous wordplay.”
“Wordplay…?”
“Do you truly think I’m a fool? You call them ‘trusted guests,’ but you never trusted those children from the very beginning, did you?”
From the moment they were forced to wear the Suspicion-linking Threads on their wrists to every action taken afterward, Wudang’s behavior was far too hostile to be considered "trusting."
Woobaek smiled thinly. “And yet, a problem still occurred, did it not?”
“Elder Woo…!” The Sword Queen’s voice finally rose. “So, you intend to throw them in prison without even hearing their side of the story?”
“If it were only a matter of the treasure, we might have shown leniency. However…” Woobaek’s brow furrowed deeply. “One of our children is dead.”
“…That was—!”
Wasn't it a suicide?
The words nearly escaped her lips, but she bit them back. It was not something to be said carelessly when a disciple had just lost their life.
Woobaek, knowing her character well, pressed on.
“A person is dead. A talent who was to lead the future of Wudang died overnight. The circumstances may suggest suicide, but I refuse to believe that is the case.”
“…So, Elder Woo, are you suggesting that our children committed such a deed?”
“It’s not that I think they did. It’s that I cannot confirm they didn’t.”
The evidence was damning. A problem with the treasure occurred the very day the guests arrived. On that same night, a Taoist of Wudang died. Then, the lost treasure was found in the guest’s room.
The circumstantial evidence was more than sufficient.
“In such a situation, what is it that you find so disagreeable, Sword Queen?” A frost settled in Woobaek’s eyes. “Surely you aren't asking for special treatment just because they are from the great Mount Hua?”
“That is not it. I am asking if it is right to imprison someone based on suspicion alone.”
“When the evidence is this clear, do you expect us to treat them with every courtesy? If this happened at Mount Hua, could you truly act as you preach?”
A throbbing headache began to pulse behind the Sword Queen’s eyes. She felt a stifling tightness in her chest. His logic was sound, but the entire situation felt wrong—filled with unanswered questions and frustration.
‘What in the world are you plotting, Flying Star Sword?’
She knew he had been planning something at Wudang, which made this all the more infuriating. Judging by Woobaek’s sharp instincts and aggressive response, she could tell he intended to use this incident to his advantage.
Originally, the Sword Queen had intended to use him. That was why she had accepted their request for her to briefly leave her post while guarding the treasure. At her level, she could see through their intentions.
And yet.
‘The incident happened in that brief window.’
Just as she expected, something had occurred while she was away. Or rather, the wheels were set in motion then. The faint presence she had subtly sensed throughout her watch had vanished the instant she left.
Hiding her complex emotions, the Sword Queen spoke.
“It was you, Elder Woo, who committed the first discourtesy in the name of ‘preventing trouble.’ Have you forgotten?”
“Discourtesy?”
“You semi-forcibly made them wear the Suspicion-linking Threads for surveillance. Furthermore…” Suppressing the Taoist Qi threatening to flare within her, she continued, “Did you not say yourself that you detected no sign of the boy moving?”
“...”
The item was found in Gu Yangcheon’s drawer. With a death and a theft, imprisonment seemed fair. But there was one glaring flaw in Wudang’s logic: the very measures they had taken to monitor him.
Gu Yangcheon had not moved an inch when the incident occurred.
“You confirmed it yourself, did you not?”
Throughout the night, Gu Yangcheon had remained in his residence. If he hadn't moved, yet the treasure appeared in his drawer immediately after the incident, it strongly suggested he was being framed.
“The one who was so thorough for fear of a problem is now ignoring the actual evidence. Is that not so?”
“…Sword Queen, I say again. The circumstances point to him.”
“Just because the item was found in his drawer, you call the boy a criminal? Are you suggesting he is the legendary Wind Cloud Ghost Thief?”
“There is that possibility, is there not?”
“Ha…”
They were going in circles.
As she argued, the Sword Queen’s mind drifted to the young man. The child who was once a small boy had grown in a flash. Now, he was a man who bore a striking resemblance to his father.
‘What are you thinking?’
Even in the heat of the argument, that thought haunted her. Why was it that whenever Gu Yangcheon was involved, everything became so tangled? It had always been this way. He was always at the center of the storm.
She wondered if, just like in the past, Gu Yangcheon was standing above this entire mess, pulling the strings.
‘I don’t know.’
She had no idea what his intentions were, or if she was simply overthinking. Normally, she wouldn't have such delusions.
‘Was the problem that I saw him in person?’
The moment she saw Gu Yangcheon, she had a premonition. Something had changed. The look in his eyes seemed to gaze at something far beyond the horizon. His aura was unusually distinct—not concealed, but revealed.
It was as if he was showing it off, asking to be seen.
This is my level. Exactly this much.
That was the impression he gave.
‘I don’t think he’s hiding his power.’
The power he was already displaying was far too exceptional. A body and aura that had clearly surpassed the Fusion Realm—how could he have achieved that at his age? It was a level that seemed impossible, even seeing it with her own eyes.
That boy was always looking at something further beyond the present. Surely, he had an intention behind this as well?
“…Sword Queen.”
Woobaek’s voice snapped her back to reality. Now was not the time to be lost in thought.
“Whatever your opinion may be, this matter will be handled according to principle,” Woobaek stated firmly. “Furthermore, the Alliance Leader will be arriving shortly. This matter will be discussed then—”
Woooong—!
“…!”
“…!?”
The moment Woobaek tried to end the conversation, both he and the Sword Queen snapped their heads upward. They shot to their feet and rushed out of the residence.
Outside, numerous martial artists were already staring at the sky in shock.
“What… what is that?”
“What are you doing! Contact the Alliance immediately!”
“Summon the swordsmen!”
Amidst the chaos, Woobaek followed their gaze.
“Hah…!”
Something was floating in the sky—a colossal, coiled body looking down at them. It was so massive that its shadow swallowed the ground below.
“What in the…?” Woobaek’s eyes widened.
Krrrrrrrr…
The sound was low, but it was a monstrous vibration that made the very air tremble.
“A demon…?”
“There was no report of a Gate of Demons opening nearby!”
“Be on your guard! We don’t know what it will do!”
Judging by the color of its scales, it appeared to be a Blue-Grade Demon. But the majesty it exuded was anything but. A presence of that magnitude was far beyond the level of any Blue-Grade.
Cold sweat ran down Woobaek’s skin.
“…What in the world is that…?”
He knew it was a demon, but how had it entered Wudang’s territory undetected? A creature that large should have been spotted miles away. If a Gate of Demons had opened, the Demonic Charms should have alerted them.
‘There was no reaction at all.’
Until that demon began to radiate its energy from the sky, no one had known of its existence.
This is a dangerous one. Woobaek’s instincts screamed.
“Focus your formations! It’s just a demon!” Woobaek roared, rallying the Taoists.
Yes, it was just a demon. This was the heart of Wudang. They had already gathered their forces to stop the Wind Cloud Ghost Thief. There was no way they couldn't stop a single demon…
“E-Elder! Something is coming down!”
“What…?”
Woobaek squinted. Something was falling from the demon’s back. As it gained speed, the silhouette became clear. It was a person.
KABOOOOM—!
The figure slammed into the earth with a thunderous crash, kicking up a violent gale. Amidst the swirling dust, a giant of a man rose to his feet.
He was a massive man with an incredible physique, rising from the crater with a spear as large as himself slung over his shoulder.
Fwoooosh….
“Gack…!”
“Hngh…!”
An immense fighting spirit erupted from the giant. It was so vicious that the surrounding Taoists staggered. Woobaek bit his lip and swung his hand, unleashing his Taoist Qi to buffer the pressure.
“…Damn it…!”
Woobaek realized instantly that this opponent was no ordinary martial artist. His pure Taoist Qi was being trampled and devoured by the giant’s aura.
As bewilderment took hold, the giant spat in a heavy voice:
“Shut your mouths. The Cult Leader has not yet made his move. Do not even dare to breathe.”
“What are you talking about…!”
Woobaek tried to shift his stance to attack, but at that moment—
Kwoooooo—!
“…!”
Darkness descended. The bright daylight was instantly consumed. An unknown black barrier surrounded the entire area.
In the midst of this bizarre phenomenon, the giant knelt, bowing his head in deep respect.
Woobaek looked up. He could feel it. Something was descending from the distant heavens.
Flutter—!
A cape as dark as the night billowed in the wind. Unlike the giant who had plummeted, this figure descended slowly. Very slowly.
Tssssssss—!
As the unidentified being descended, light began to gather in the air.
“Huh…!?” Woobaek gasped.
It was a sun. The light was gathering to form a sun. The aura, a mix of deep blue and black, was not "bright" in the traditional sense, yet it emitted a light that illuminated the darkness.
The figure finally set foot on the ground.
Tuk.
Woobaek studied the man who had landed in front of the giant. He wore ink-black robes and stood perfectly straight, hands clasped behind his back. His face was hidden behind a mask, but a brilliant blue light shone from his eyes.
“…Who are you? What is your identity?” Woobaek’s voice was rough with tension.
Step—!
The masked figure took a step forward, walking calmly toward Woobaek.
Shing—!
Woobaek drew his sword. The surrounding Taoists followed suit. Their combined Qi and fighting spirit swelled, yet the figure continued to walk as if he didn't even notice them.
After five steps, the figure stopped and looked around at the swords pointed at him. He tilted his head slightly.
“Your heads are held too high,” he said, his voice cold. “This Venerable One does not particularly care for such gazes.”
“…What?”
“So. First.”
Ddeudeuk—!
“Kneel.”
Kuuuuung—!
“Gaaack!”
“Ugh!”
At that single command, the bodies of the surrounding Taoists collapsed.
Thud! Thud—!
They tried to resist, but their legs gave way against their will. A few managed to stay upright by leaning on their swords, but most were forced to the dirt.
The only one still standing was Elder Woobaek. His shoulders trembled violently, but he refused to bend. His eyes were wide with shock.
“What… are you…” Woobaek wheezed.
The figure let out a soft, chilling laugh.
“A pleasure to meet you.”
The blue light in his eyes was vivid, radiating a heavy, oppressive aura.
“This Venerable One,” the figure said, looking down at the sweat-drenched Elder, “is the Heavenly Demon.”