Chapter 276: Wash Me?
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 276: Wash Me?
“Are you still thinking about that wench?”
Qiongqi said, his voice laced with irritation.
With his power, he could have easily broken through Chodo’s trap.
After all, the element of Metal, which fells wood, was far more fatal than the fire that merely burns it.
But he hadn’t.
To be more precise, he couldn’t use his power because Bixi had stood in his way.
Qiongqi’s strength was such that he could have shattered the domain itself even with Bixi intervening, but the moment Bixi moved to stop him, he immediately withdrew his power.
Was it out of respect for Bixi’s opinion?
Not at all.
While he himself was barely affected by the power of Wood, Bixi was different.
For Bixi, who belonged to the Earth element of the Five Elements, the Wood-based domain could prove to be a fatal attack.
In other words, if they didn’t escape this space, Bixi would be the one to suffer.
They didn’t consider each other comrades, nor did they hold any fondness for one another.
In fact, Qiongqi was even looking for an opportunity to slit Bixi’s throat.
As a being who favored the wicked and punished the virtuous, there was no one more repulsive to Qiongqi than the creature standing before him.
This was a chance to weaken Bixi, even if just a little.
He even thought that things couldn’t have possibly worked out better.
“I don’t understand. Why are you so protective of a wench who has clearly betrayed us?”
And yet, he couldn’t comprehend the act of shielding her.
Qiongqi, too, was aware that Chodo was Jin-ryong’s daughter.
But betrayal changed everything.
Jin-ryong’s original order was to cleanse the 100,000 Great Mountains, which meant he couldn’t have cared less what happened to her.
Bixi was a spirit beast who prioritized Jin-ryong’s commands above all else.
For him to act this way could only mean one thing: Chodo was Bixi’s weakness.
So Qiongqi thought.
“It’s not really like that. There are a few things I need to ask her, but prioritizing the order our Father gave me comes first.”
“Hmph, says the one who blocked me with his own body?”
“…There was something that didn’t sit right with me.”
“They said she was the youngest. You must have doted on her quite a bit.”
“That’s not what I mean. Do you still not know me, Qiongqi?”
Bixi looked down at Chodo’s domain with a blank expression.
“That child sacrificed her own domain. Do you know what that means?”
Chodo never left her domain.
The ancient humans who had seen her would even hang ornaments in her likeness on their door knockers.
It was a wish for her to protect their homes, just as she protected her domain.
That was the kind of spirit beast Chodo was.
A spirit beast who would rather die in her own home than anywhere else.
So, naturally, he had to have his doubts.
“I don’t understand. I get that she’s sided with someone else, but for a creature who knows our Father’s power to do such a thing…”
Who in the world could have appeared to make that Chodo abandon her domain and commit betrayal?
“Looks like she found someone new to latch onto.”
Qiongqi sneered from the side, but Bixi’s expression remained unchanged.
“No being in this world can replace our Father.”
A scoff escaped Qiongqi’s lips at Bixi’s declaration.
“Why, didn’t he suffer a defeat right here in the 100,000 Great Mountains?”
If any other spirit beast had made such a remark, their head would have been severed on the spot.
But Qiongqi was an exception.
Jin-ryong, who held his martial prowess in high regard, had granted him special privileges.
Knowing this, Qiongqi exploited it to the fullest.
“If Jin-ryong truly wished it, getting rid of a mere human would be a trivial matter.”
Of course, Bixi didn’t fall for Qiongqi’s taunt.
He was, after all, one to prioritize his mission.
“Heh, is that so? I don’t believe it, but even if that’s true, it’s not like he has no rivals, right?”
“Just recently, he subjugated a dragon bearing the name of ice and a bird wielding the authority of thunder. There are no spirit beasts left in this era who would dare to oppose Jin-ryong.”
Bixi’s words were true.
Having consumed the inner cores of countless spirit beasts to grow ever stronger, no spirit beast could possibly stand in Jin-ryong’s way now.
“Well, in this day and age, I suppose that could be true.”
Qiongqi seemed to concede the point to some extent.
The reason he served under Jin-ryong in the first place was because of his overwhelming power and a disposition that aligned with Qiongqi’s own pursuits.
“But what if we broaden the scope?”
A playful smile crept onto Qiongqi’s lips.
Before Bixi could retort, he continued.
“The Old Death with a Tail. If it were him…”
CRASH!
The ground where Qiongqi had been standing caved in.
“You… How dare you speak that name…”
Bixi’s perpetually calm expression had changed.
His face was a mixture of emotions that could be called anger, or perhaps fear.
Seeing that face, Qiongqi grinned brightly.
“Kuhuhu, good. Now you’re finally looking at me.”
This was the exact reaction he had wanted.
Bixi’s hand trembled slightly.
“To think you still haven’t forgotten the past.”
“…Shut up.”
Old Death with a Tail.
Now that time had passed, some spirit beasts had come to deify that legendary being.
But the spirit beasts who were active during that era wouldn’t dare entertain such a thought.
How could they deify the beast that had plunged all spirit beasts into terror?
Even recalling the memories of that time was an ordeal.
The incarnation of death that even Jin-ryong had been unable to handle.
The ferocious beast that Bixi feared and Qiongqi admired: Gomodo.
“Do not speak his name. Not unless you wish to die by my hand.”
Bixi’s cool composure was shattered.
Satisfied that he had elicited his desired reaction, Qiongqi’s face filled with glee.
“Kuhut, hehehe… If I had my way, I’d love to take your head right here and now.”
“Qiongqi. Is that truly what you want?”
Bixi stared at Qiongqi with chillingly sharp eyes.
“Hehe… But we have to finish the job we were given, don’t we?”
Qiongqi put on a disappointed expression.
“Never speak that cursed name in front of me again.”
“Of course, of course. If our young master says so, then it must be done.”
Qiongqi was back to his sneering self.
“But have you ever wondered why I brought up that name?”
Was this another one of his tricks?
Bixi’s eyebrow twitched.
“Was it Al-Yu? That half-breed who came to Kunlun recently told me something.”
“Al-Yu?”
Al-Yu.
Bixi remembered him as the spirit beast who had come alone to seek an audience with Jin-ryong.
“He said Gongbok is dead, didn’t he?”
“…What?”
Gongbok.
They weren’t particularly close, but he knew he had such a younger brother.
He also recalled hearing that Gongbok was located in the 100,000 Great Mountains and had made quite a name for himself.
And now he was dead?
It hadn’t even been a year since he’d last confirmed he was alive.
“There’s a high chance that the one we’re looking for and the one who killed Gongbok are the same guy. What do you think?”
A wind of change was blowing from the 100,000 Great Mountains.
Since this was something that had never happened before, it was clear it had been caused by the appearance of a new being.
“Describe this creature’s features.”
“A black lizard with dragon scales.”
“…A lizard?”
If it was a lizard with dragon scales, shouldn’t it be called a dragon?
Why insist on calling it a lizard?
“I don’t know the details, but that’s what he asked me to relay.”
“…So, what does that have to do with you bringing up that name?”
Qiongqi shrugged.
“He was a pretty useful shield, but a single lizard cut him down in one blow? Aren’t you starting to get the picture?”
From the words alone, it sounded as if Gongbok had been defeated by an overwhelming difference in power, but the reality was different.
He had been pushed back continuously, and a final gamble he threw at the last moment had paid off.
But Qiongqi only knew the result of the battle, not the process, so he was bound to misunderstand.
“Old Death with a Tail. He must have returned.”
“Hmph, I wondered what nonsense you were spouting.”
Bixi’s expression returned to its initial state.
It wasn’t worth listening to any longer.
“I witnessed Gomodo’s annihilation with my own eyes. He vanished without a trace, so he will never return.”
“Oh, is that so?”
He had literally vanished without a trace.
Bixi believed that Jin-ryong had finally defeated him.
His return was an absolute impossibility.
Bixi shook off the fleeting fear that had gripped him.
A black-scaled lizard… it was certainly possible it bore a resemblance to Gomodo.
Considering Chodo had switched sides, she had either been mistaken, or that lizard had used some form of deception.
“Even if it’s unrelated to this matter… we can’t leave the root of the problem unattended.”
Whatever the case, Bixi decided he had to encounter that lizard.
Though he felt no brotherly affection, he had to retaliate for the death of one of the Nine Sons of the Dragon.
And if it truly did resemble the Old Death with a Tail, it would be an opportunity to cover up the painful memories that time had failed to erase.
“Hero, that child is…”
Chodo looked at Soyeong, who was dozing in my arms.
I had ended up asking something unreasonable of Soyeong.
I wondered if her small body could handle it, but it was something that had to be done.
Rustle.
Leaves created by Chodo formed a comfortable bed for the soundly sleeping Soyeong.
“Shall we talk for a moment?”
“Groak.”
Choa, a green frog now shrunk to the size of my palm, let out a small cry.
“Hero, you’re surely planning to face either Qiongqi or Bixi.”
And here I was, insisting otherwise.
She’s sharp.
“I knew it, actually. Considering what I saw of you, Hero, and what I’ve heard from your believers, it was only natural you would act that way.”
My plan hadn’t changed.
I had just added a small lie because I didn’t want my followers to worry needlessly.
There’s a saying that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
It was a bit of a cheap tactic, but if I tied up one of the enemies and left the battlefield, my followers would give it their absolute all.
It was obvious that if they took too long to defeat their opponent, I would be the one to die.
In a way, I was taking myself hostage to motivate my followers.
“…I won’t try to stop you. If you can truly tie up one of them, there is no plan with a higher chance of success.”
It wasn’t that I intended to throw my life away; it was just how much I trusted my followers.
The believers of the Gaegaek Cult grow stronger in proportion to my own strength.
When facing a master of the Profound Realm, spirit beasts below the level of Iron Head Dragon would likely be useless.
But by utilizing the effects of the Gaegaek Cult, the story changes.
They could at least protect their own lives and be elevated to a level where they could land a few minor blows.
That’s why this operation was entrusted to my followers, with me not as the main focus.
“And your followers know, too. That you’re pretending to reassure them while thinking up some other reckless idea.”
…They do?
They’ve all gotten so perceptive.
“Baek Rang asked me to tell you. She knows what you’re planning, so she begs you to choose the safer path, even if only by a little.”
I thought I had reassured them, but I just made them worry again.
“She said if you must face one of them, face Bixi, not Qiongqi.”
Qiongqi and Bixi.
Qiongqi is a Ferocious Beast, and Bixi is a Divine Beast.
If I had to face only one of them, I would naturally choose Bixi.
The reason was simple.
For starters, I had the elemental advantage.
Qiongqi, on the other hand, wields the power of Metal, which consumes Wood.
Even without that, the power gap between us was huge. If I was at a disadvantage in terms of elements as well, my chances of winning would be nonexistent.
“Bixi does not enjoy killing. He might do so reluctantly if it’s his Father’s command, but in this case, he would rather choose to capture you alive. Since you destroyed the Black Cloud Faction, Hero, he needs to replenish his supply of elixirs.”
Qiongqi, on the other hand, would try to kill his enemy by any means necessary.
He wasn’t some wannabe like Taotie; he was one of the true Four Fiends.
And he held the title of ‘The Most Ferocious,’ the strongest and most wicked of them all.
Looking at it this way, facing Bixi was the right choice.
Whichever I chose, I couldn’t win, but at least I could survive.
“So please, Bixi…”
Chodo’s words trailed off.
“Why… are you the same now as you were then…?”
I’m going to fight Qiongqi, not Bixi.
It’s not over just because I’m safe.
What’s the point of buying time against Bixi?
My followers would be slaughtered by Qiongqi.
Furthermore, my elemental disadvantage against Qiongqi applied to the Gaegaek Cult as well.
The power of Chodo, a key part of our forces, would be consumed by Qiongqi.
And the source of the Gaegaek Cult is me, a Divine Beast.
The entire cult could be considered to belong to the Wood element of the Five Elements.
Making them fight Qiongqi in that situation?
Even from a strategic standpoint, it would be right for them to face Bixi, who wields the power of Earth.
Chodo began to sniffle.
“You’re always…”
I didn’t think she was the type to cry easily.
…Is she seeing the previous Gomodo in me?
After a long moment, Chodo seemed to realize my mind wouldn’t change and appeared to resign herself.
She told me the information she knew and even explained how to counter them.
“…You must not die. Please, remember what it took for me to come here.”
Leaving me with a warning that sounded like a threat, she took Soyeong and departed.
I felt nothing but gratitude for Chodo, who had abandoned even her own domain to come and help me.
And I have no intention of dying either.
This plan has a high chance of success.
I’ve even prepared a way to supplement my followers’ firepower.
And I have several tricks up my own sleeve.
Including a final move that only I know, hidden even from my followers.
All preparations were now complete.
Time to rest for tomorrow…
Knock, knock.
“Gek.”
Before I could even finish my reply, the wooden door swung open.
Soyeong?
Chodo?
Did they leave something behind?
“…I hate you.”
That voice…
Nephila?
Nephila’s red eyes were fixed on me.
It was a crimson glow that felt somehow eerie, just like the first time I saw her.
And just like that first time, it was a red light that I knew was dangerous, yet found myself drawn to.
I cautiously walked toward Nephila.
As if she had been waiting, she pulled my head down, making me sit on her lap.
“Gekgek.”
Did she come because she wanted to sleep together?
I guess Nephila must be anxious, too.
“You just keep adding more every day. And I was the one who met you first.”
…Huh?
Was Nephila’s speech always this fluent?
Drip.
A somewhat warm drop of water fell onto the scales of my face.
I felt nothing but sorry for Nephila.
She must be crying because she thinks I’m making another reckless decision…
Crack.
…This is a tear, right?
“This is punishment.”
“Geeeeek?”
Nephila was gripping my cheeks tightly with both hands.
Without me realizing it, my arms and legs had been bound by her spider silk.
Her beautiful face drew closer and closer to mine.
Ruby-red eyes and golden-blond bobbed hair.
A face that matched the ideal type I had imagined back in my thoughtless gecko days.
That face was getting closer.
Cherry-like lips and glistening saliva.
…Why is there so much saliva?
“Gegegegek!”
No, Nephila!
We’re not ready…
CRUNCH.
Crunch?
“Geeeeeeek!”
Nephila bit down hard on my neck and held the position for a long time without letting go.
It seemed she was very unhappy about the upcoming operation, but was willing to forgive me with just this.
…But, Nephila.
You are going to forgive me, right?
I think I just felt paralysis poison enter my body.
“Shall I wash you?”
What does that mean?
Wash me?