Chapter 175
Chapter 175
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 175
Chapter Title: The Heavy Water Gate
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Through the transparent water, magnificent pavilions, as splendid as a royal palace, were clearly visible.
But when the gate opened, a scene completely different from the outside unfolded.
Before the two of them lay a narrow, dark path.
*Thump, thump.*
At the same time, the sound of footsteps echoed from the opposite end as a slender shadow approached.
Each time the shadow drew closer, bright light poured down from the ceiling, as if lighting torches on a sconce.
“Welcome to this place.”
In the now-brightened passageway, a beautiful woman dressed in light pink martial attire appeared.
“I am Mi-ryeong, and I am in charge of the Hyebong Pavilion of this estate.”
Her speech and demeanor were impeccably polite, yet her pupils were dilated, and a strange hostility emanated from her.
Bu Eun-seol instantly perceived that she was not only extremely tense but also that an intricate mechanism was installed beneath her feet.
‘If I make a wrong move or if something happens to her… the mechanisms laid out around this passage will activate instantly.’
“I am…”
Just then, as Hyeok So-jin cupped his hands and began to speak,
“I know.”
Mi-ryeong replied with a smile.
“That you are Young Master Hyeok, the successor of Jeokcheonmakji, and Young Master Bu, the successor of Nang-ya-gak.”
Despite her revealing their identities, Bu Eun-seol was not particularly surprised.
For if the Orthodox Faction had the Beggars' Alliance, then in the Demonic Path, the sect that dominated the flow of information in the world was none other than Muhasuyujeong.
“Do you two intend to enter this place?”
Bu Eun-seol nodded in response to Mi-ryeong’s question.
“We do.”
“To enter this place, you must undergo a test. There are no exceptions, not even for the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“I know.”
In truth, Bu Eun-seol wore a necklace given to him by Dan So-ok.
If he were to take it out, he could enter Muhasuyujeong immediately.
However, Bu Eun-seol didn't even consider taking out the necklace and simply nodded.
“Then let us begin at once.”
“I urge you to reconsider.”
Mi-ryeong said cautiously, staring intently at Bu Eun-seol’s calm expression.
“Though we call it a test, in reality, it is a device and a means to completely repel intruders.”
“So you’re saying you’d rather we didn’t enter in the first place?”
Mi-ryeong nodded at Hyeok So-jin's words.
“That is correct.”
Then, she took a deep breath and said,
“For hundreds of years, this place has endured countless invasions from outsiders. Therefore, only a man with an unshakeable heart, one that remains steadfast in any situation, is qualified to enter.”
“I understand what you mean.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Muhasuyujeong housed immeasurable wealth and beautiful women.
What if someone without a steadfast heart were to barge in? They would surely harbor dark intentions, attempting to overthrow or dominate Muhasuyujeong.
“Can anyone enter Muhasuyujeong as long as they pass the test?”
Bu Eun-seol posed another sharp question.
“Or is it only open to those of the Demonic Path?”
Mi-ryeong wore a peculiar smile.
“It matters not whether one is from the Orthodox Faction or the Unorthodox Faction. As long as they pass our test… anyone may enter.”
‘It seems they have connections with the Orthodox Faction as well.’
Understanding the meaning behind Mi-ryeong's words, Bu Eun-seol gave a slight nod.
In a way, it made sense.
Muhasuyujeong had too much to protect. If someone could offer their strength, it didn't matter if they were from the Demonic or Orthodox Faction.
“Will you still take the test?”
“Yes.”
When Bu Eun-seol answered without hesitation, Hyeok So-jin also nodded with an arrogant expression.
“I may not be sure about other things, but when it comes to a steadfast heart, I am quite confident. I have little interest in anything besides gambling.”
“Understood.”
Mi-ryeong began to speak calmly.
“Then, we will now begin the test…”
*Srrrng.*
Just then, with the sound of a mechanism activating, a large-framed, middle-aged woman walked towards them from behind Mi-ryeong.
She was Du Yak-rang, the Master of Sami Cave, responsible for all the mechanisms and formations of Muhasuyujeong.
“Cave Master Du.”
Upon seeing Du Yak-rang, Mi-ryeong bowed her head respectfully.
Du Yak-rang, walking with a stern face, stared blankly at Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin before speaking in a low voice.
“Mi-ryeong, you may leave.”
“Pardon?”
“I shall oversee the test.”
Mi-ryeong looked puzzled.
After all, the duties of Du Yak-rang, the Master of Sami Cave, involved activating mechanisms to block powerful external invaders.
“Cave Master. These men are…”
“I know. That *they too* are successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“But…”
“It was the decision of the Lord.”
At those words, Mi-ryeong let out a small "Ah," bowed her head, and hastily retreated.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
Watching this, Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin both narrowed their eyes.
—*I know. That ‘they too’ are successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.*
With that single phrase from Du Yak-rang, they could infer the entire situation.
—*Another successor from the Ten Demonic Sects has been here.*
Moreover, hearing her say, ‘It was the decision of the Lord,’ it was clear that one of the successors of the Ten Demonic Sects had already visited Muhasuyujeong, made some kind of proposal, and the Lord had accepted it.
“I am Du Yak-rang, Master of Sami Cave.”
Du Yak-rang said coldly, looking at Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin.
“The test to enter this place requires one to risk their life. I advise you to turn back immediately.”
Du Yak-rang narrowed her eyes and continued.
“I have no desire to hear that this place killed a successor of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
Her meaning was clear.
She didn't want to let them in from the start, so she was telling them to leave.
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Most people say such things before they die. But it is only when death is upon them that they wail desperately in regret.”
“I see. I hope that you, Cave Master, will not be one of them.”
As Bu Eun-seol retorted with ease, the arrogant smile on Du Yak-rang’s face vanished.
“Then we shall begin.”
She then gently lifted her foot and stepped on a silver-shadow stone beneath her.
With a *thud*, the ceiling opened, and transparent water began to pour into the corridor.
*Rumbleeee.*
But then, something astonishing happened.
The transparent water pouring from the ceiling only filled about half the height of the passage.
Looking closely, the transparent stones that had pushed the water away before they entered were now glowing brightly along the passage walls.
They were using those mysterious stones to confine the pouring water to the middle of the passage.
“Wait. Surely, this can’t be…”
Hyeok So-jin pointed at the transparent water filling the space.
Unlike ordinary water, its viscosity was visible to the naked eye, appearing as thick as honey.
“Could this be Muryangcheonwangsu?”
Muryangcheonwangsu.
This mysterious water, commonly known as Heavy Water, had the property of being as heavy as hundreds of pounds of iron per drop.
Thus, a single basin of it was heavier than a boulder the size of a house.
“To think they’ve collected such a large amount of this expensive Muryangcheonwangsu.”
Muryangcheonwangsu was as rare and expensive as its properties were unique. To fill the middle of a long corridor with such a costly liquid?
“Indeed, the financial power of Muhasuyujeong is truly legendary.”
As Hyeok So-jin exclaimed in admiration, Du Yak-rang spoke.
“This gate is called the Muryangcheonsu Gate. You just need to pass through the passage filled with that Muryangcheonwangsu.”
“You want us to go in there?”
Hyeok So-jin’s mouth fell open in disbelief.
With that amount of Muryangcheonwangsu, even if one had mastered external arts like the Iron Shirt or Arhat Qigong that make the body as hard as steel…
their body would be crushed or burst the instant they entered.
“This isn’t a gate; it seems more like a declaration to kill any outsider who tries to enter.”
Du Yak-rang laughed coldly at Hyeok So-jin’s words.
“If you don’t like it, give up. I won’t force you.”
But then Bu Eun-seol, who had been standing silently, spoke.
“If we pass this test, can we enter Muhasuyujeong?”
Staring into Bu Eun-seol’s unwavering eyes, Du Yak-rang moved her thin lips.
“Of course not.”
“So there are more tests.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded and said,
“Then do we both have to pass the tests? Or can we pass if only one of us succeeds?”
“Hahaha. Is there really a need for both of you to pass?”
Du Yak-rang gave a cold smile.
“I will consider it a success if even one of you passes.”
On the surface, it seemed like a benefit, but in reality, it meant she didn’t want to kill both successors of the Ten Demonic Sects.
“However, whether one person is passing or failing the gate, you must not help them. If help is given or received, the test is considered a failure, and you must leave immediately.”
Bu Eun-seol gave a light nod and said,
“Then I will take this test.”
“As you wish.”
As Bu Eun-seol abruptly tried to enter the space filled with Muryangcheonwangsu, Hyeok So-jin blocked his path.
“Wait a moment.”
Hyeok So-jin said with a serious expression,
“Brother Bu, no matter how high your internal energy may be, this seems reckless.”
Bu Eun-seol said with a cold gaze,
“I don’t recall giving you permission to use that title.”
“Is that important right now?”
Hyeok So-jin’s eyes, usually filled with arrogance, were now heavy with gravity.
“That amount of Muryangcheonwangsu cannot be withstood with two gapja of internal energy.”
In truth, Bu Eun-seol’s internal energy level exceeded three gapja.
However, because he had always suppressed his internal energy when dealing with him, Hyeok So-jin had misjudged Bu Eun-seol’s level.
“Brother Bu, you must have guessed it too, right? That another successor, just like us, has already come and gone from Muhasuyujeong.”
“So?”
“What do you mean, ‘so?’ First, they talked about a steadfast heart and whatnot, and now they change the test. It’s obvious they’ve decided to deliberately drive us away.”
Bu Eun-seol said nonchalantly,
“How can one gain the support of the Ten Demonic Sects without risking one’s life?”
“Brother Bu.”
“If I were going to stop here, I would never have left the Demonic Hall in the first place.”
Having said that, Bu Eun-seol walked into the transparent wall of Muryangcheonwangsu.
This was the nature of the Jianghu.
Whether it was fame or power… one had to risk their life to obtain what they desired.
If it could be replaced by something else, the martial world would never have been called the Jianghu.
*Thump, thump.*
Walking slowly, Bu Eun-seol stepped into the space filled with Muryangcheonwangsu in a single stride.
*Jiiiing.*
Du Yak-rang immediately adjusted the mechanism. The transparent stones moved in a circle, and the Muryangcheonwangsu that had been suspended in mid-air began to completely fill the middle of the passage.
*Kuuung.*
At that moment, with a low hum, Bu Eun-seol’s back buckled, trapped in the Muryangcheonwangsu.
Simultaneously, even the Ink Sword on his back began to bend like a bow.
*Shudder.*
The pressure was immense.
It was as if heaven and earth had flipped, and the entire world was pressing down on his head.
*Woooong.*
Bu Eun-seol immediately drew upon the Reverse Extremity Divine Art.
A low vibration followed, and a faint light erupted around his body.
“That is…”
Du Yak-rang, watching the scene, widened her eyes.
A faint radiance began to emanate from Bu Eun-seol’s body, and wasn't it starting to push back the transparent Muryangcheonwangsu?
*Kuuung.*
As Bu Eun-seol straightened his body and took a step, the entire cave shook.
The faint radiance flowing from his body gradually took shape, starting to form a perfect circle.
“Could it be that his internal energy exceeds three gapja?”
Du Yak-rang looked as if she had seen a ghost.
The round radiance enveloping Bu Eun-seol’s body. It was the materialization of immense true qi.
To shroud one’s entire body in materialized internal qi, one needed at least three gapja of internal energy to even barely manage it.
“Impossible…”
Du Yak-rang’s mouth hung open.
The sight of him materializing his qi with all his might within the transparent Muryangcheonwangsu was a display of power that could never be shown by someone merely at the entrance to the Transcendent Realm.
‘At his age, his internal energy has already surpassed the Transcendent Realm?’
*Kuuung. Kuuung.*
Meanwhile, Bu Eun-seol was slowly taking one step after another.
“Not two gapja, but more than three?”
Hyeok So-jin, who was also watching, had his eyes bulge out like gumballs.
“Does that mean he was holding back all this time in our internal energy contests?”
The power Bu Eun-seol had unleashed in their internal energy clashes, when calculated from the counterforce, was clearly around one hundred and twenty years…
But in reality, he possessed over one hundred and eighty years of power.
“No matter how I think about it, accumulating that much internal energy at his age is impossible. Then, could it be… Rejuvenation?”
His mouth agape, Hyeok So-jin shook his head.
“No. That can’t be. Isn’t Brother Bu one of the Sip-ma-jeon-in?”
If he had undergone Rejuvenation, the great demons lurking in the Demonic Hall would surely have noticed.
“But to possess such internal energy, three conditions must be met.”
To gain heaven-shaking internal energy around the age of maturity, first,
one must undergo Marrow Cleansing and Tendon Transformation before the Conception and Governor Vessels are sealed.
Second, one must learn a pure and outstanding internal energy art that is perfectly suited to their body, maintaining a state of qi and blood like that of a fetus.
Third, once a certain amount of true qi has accumulated, a peerless master with over four gapja of internal energy must open their Heaven and Earth meridians.
Hyeok So-jin, as the successor of Jeokcheonmakji, had also received all three of these. The only reason he still couldn't possess immense internal energy was one thing.
His age. He was still too young.
Internal energy does not increase indefinitely just by training all day.
The level of internal energy only increases when one harmoniously cultivates True Yin and True Yang over a long period.
When all three conditions—outstanding talent, Marrow Cleansing, and a superior internal energy art—were met, the time it took to reach the level of three gapja was roughly around one’s early thirties.
Yet Bu Eun-seol, who looked to be just past the age of maturity, possessed an internal energy level of three gapja.
*Kuuung. Kuuung.*
Meanwhile, Bu Eun-seol had traversed about two-thirds of the passage filled with Muryangcheonwangsu.
Unlike at the beginning, his steps were no longer heavy; they gradually became lighter, as if he were taking a stroll.
‘Strange.’
Bu Eun-seol also felt that something was odd.
At first, even when he exerted his full internal energy, he could barely take a single step.
But then, something amazing happened.
*Woooong.*
Red points of light began to surface on Bu Eun-seol's skin, which then started to take on a faint golden hue.
At the same time, wasn't the pressure crushing his entire body gradually lessening?
*Crack.*
In that instant, Bu Eun-seol's skin cracked like a biscuit, revealing transparent skin underneath.