Aligning the Story
"Why drag our feet unnecessarily? If it is something we can do right away, we should get it over with."
"You are entirely correct, Senior."
"Good. Let's get down to business."
So-byeok-ik-wang behaved with even greater familiarity than before. Jekyeong could not tell whether this was due to genuine goodwill or the immense benefits the other stood to gain from the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace. Regardless, the softening tone of this dangerous senior was a welcome sign.
"There will be no issues with you entering the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace. However, I believe we must align our stories beforehand."
"Align our stories?"
"Indeed. I have told them that you are a talented junior I met in Yangseo Lake, and that I hold you in exceptionally high regard. I also claimed that my recent display of power in Yangseo Lake was solely to aid you, as your situation had grown perilous due to your conflict with the Yojeong."
"...Is it truly alright to say such a thing?"
"Why wouldn't it be? It is not as if anyone who knows the truth of what happened back then is still... Well, actually, that is not entirely true."
So-byeok-ik-wang's gentle tone suddenly turned chilling.
"Tsk! I really should have chased that bastard to the end and killed him. But no matter... it is fine. It is not as if he can go all the way to the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace to contradict my words anyway. So, as long as you and I keep our stories straight, there will be no problems. Understood?"
"Yes, Senior."
So-byeok-ik-wang asserted that presenting it this way would benefit both of them, and Jekyeong readily agreed.
I do not know if it will benefit both of us, but it certainly will not hurt.
Given how much the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace valued So-byeok-ik-wang, the price they would have to pay when he introduced his 'cherished junior' would be substantial. And perhaps, some of that reflected glory would shine upon Jekyeong as well.
"A guide from the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace will visit you soon. My subordinates will accompany them as well."
Jekyeong wondered just how 'soon' So-byeok-ik-wang's 'soon' actually meant.
"As much as I would like to show my face in person, unfortunately, because of that previous incident, it has become difficult for me to enter Yangseo Lake again."
Hearing those words, Jekyeong felt a profound sense of relief.
Associating with the strong could be a blessing, but it could also be a curse. While it was usually the former, one could never be sure with someone like So-byeok-ik-wang, who deviated so far from the realm of sanity. He might be speaking softly now, treating Jekyeong like a beloved junior, but who knew how he might change if they met face-to-face in the flesh?
"I cannot trouble you any further, Senior. If there is anything else I should know, please tell me. I will follow your instructions to the letter."
"You... are truly peculiar. Or perhaps, extraordinary? I have never seen anyone among the Beast Race as compliant as you. Especially not a Gyoryong."
So-byeok-ik-wang muttered, seemingly unable to comprehend.
"I can see why those fellows took a liking to you. But keep this in mind: a cultivator is, in the end, just a cultivator."
It was a cryptic remark. Jekyeong could not tell if it was a piece of advice or a warning, or whether it stemmed from goodwill toward him or deep-seated distrust of human cultivators.
"I will keep that in mind."
Thanks to the information obtained from So-byeok-ik-wang, Jekyeong was able to put his mind at ease.
The Human Race had suffered devastating losses, just as he had anticipated. Since the Supreme Elders of both Golden Core sects were dead, they would not dare to act rashly for the time being. Even if they managed to nurture a new Golden Core cultivator, they would only be at the newly formed stage. Thus, they would likely remain quiet at least until the current sect masters reached the mid-Golden Core stage.
The Gakchung Clan was in an even worse state. With the Insect King dead and the Insect Mother suffering injuries so severe she had to worry about her cultivation realm dropping, they would likely keep a low profile for at least the next few centuries. Even if the Insect Mother eventually recovered from her injuries and regained her cultivation, she would highly likely not take a single step out of the Jusong Sea Region until she birthed a new Insect King.
Excellent.
This meant his next Slaughter Bath could be carried out without any major hitches. Though he could not guarantee what would happen after that... it was highly probable that there would be no significant issues.
Come to think of it, that fellow Myeong-ha will probably benefit even more than I will.
Looking at the current state of Yangseo Lake, even if Myeong-ha caused a ruckus, there was no one left who would actively step forward to stop him. The Gakchung Clan would burrow even deeper into their holes than before, and the Human Race would turn a blind eye to any disturbances occurring in the demon territories.
The only potential variable was the Jansu Whale King, but would he truly cast aside his characteristically lukewarm attitude and display the dignity of a Yao King? Jekyeong was skeptical. As long as Myeong-ha knew his place—or at least pretended to—the Jansu Whale King would undoubtedly cough awkwardly a few times and quietly look the other way.
He is incredibly lucky. Is it still the work of destiny?
Even though its own child had already become a parasite of an Evil God, was that foolish Heavenly Dao still generously showering him with blessings?
"Hmph."
Jekyeong snorted, brushing away the strange emotion that had begun to creep up on him.
After ascending to the Core Formation stage and interacting with fellow cultivators of the same rank, Jekyeong had gained access to much of the cultivation world's secret lore. Consequently, he had long since abandoned any illusions regarding the so-called Heavenly Dao or Qi-destined children.
There was no need to envy good fortune, nor any reason to lament misfortune. Nothing in the world was purely beneficial, and every gift ultimately came with a price tag that would have to be paid eventually. One only had to look at how Myeong-ha had become a servant of Docheol. Could his selection by Docheol be unrelated to his destiny? Not a chance.
"We are going to have guests."
"Where are they coming from, my Lord?"
"The Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace. And Muryangae."
Hyeongu, who had looked bewildered upon hearing the unfamiliar name of the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace, froze like stone at the mention of Muryangae.
"My Lord... Muryangae is..."
"They are messengers sent by Senior So-byeok."
"Senior So-byeok..."
Hyeongu's jaw dropped. His frantically rolling eyes laid bare his chaotic thoughts.
"They are merely messengers, so there is no need to worry."
"Then, my Lord, what is the purpose of these messengers?"
Jekyeong explained what kind of power the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace was, and briefly mentioned that Senior So-byeok of Muryangae had decided to recommend him to them.
"Congratulations, my Lord!"
Having grasped the situation, Hyeongu cried out fervently and prostrated himself. In his eyes, this matter was clearly a joyous occasion worthy of grand celebration.
"I do not know exactly when they will arrive, but it won't take very long. I will be the first to know when they do, but you should prepare in advance so we are not caught off guard. Tell Bigu as well."
"Yes, my Lord."
While instructing Hyeongu, Jekyeong also told Muk-su to hide for the time being.
Even though Jekyeong's horizons had broadened significantly since reaching the Core Formation stage, Muk-su still appeared to be a literal mountain of living treasure in his eyes. He doubted a guide from a place as grand as the Sacred Heaven Dragon Palace would covet it, but it was best not to give them any pretext in the first place.
"How annoying," Muk-su grumbled, but it still followed Jekyeong's wishes, hiding itself on a secluded island and completely concealing the spiritual energy it usually emitted unconsciously. After taking such meticulous care, it looked like a fairly ordinary wood demon.
"You should also stay quiet and avoid wandering around recklessly for the time being."
"I'm always quiet, though?"
Despite its words, Cheongo also obeyed Jekyeong's instructions. The bird spent its days eating and sleeping inside the Black Cult Palace, enjoying an even lazier lifestyle than before.
High in the sky, overlooking Yangseo Lake.
A massive carriage drawn by six crimson spiritual birds charged forward without hesitation.
Aboard the carriage were two men and two beautiful handmaidens. The two handmaidens were currently attending to one of the men, who was dressed in splendid blue robes.
"It's not that I distrust Senior So-byeok, but to think such an extraordinary talent exists in a backwater place like this..."
As the blue-robed man muttered in a detached tone, the other man smiled and replied.
"Why are you in such a hurry? You will see for yourself soon enough."
"Hmph. I only hope this journey was worth making in person."
With eyes full of disdain, his blue gaze slowly swept over the vast expanse of Yangseo Lake below.
Each of the six massive spiritual birds was a sight to behold. Though their bloodlines were extremely faint, the blood of a phoenix undeniably flowed within their bodies. Their magnificent appearance and temperament were incomparable to ordinary Great Yao.
"Is that..."
"A phoenix?"
The carriage traversed the skies of Yangseo Lake with blatant disregard for stealth. It was reminiscent of how So-byeok-ik-wang had proudly displayed his presence when he traveled. However, while So-byeok-ik-wang had moved like a king, crushing the world beneath his demonic energy, this carriage simply hurried along its path with cold indifference.
"I heard there are fewer than ten Core Formation cultivators here?"
"Yes. That was not originally the case, but the number of Core Formation cultivators decreased drastically after King So-byeok visited recently."
"How could the Core Formation cultivators of such a rural corner ever be a match for King So-byeok?"
"That is true, but it was not quite that simple. At the time, there were quite a few Heumwon Yao Kings who had fled from Muryangae here. They joined forces with the human Golden Cores and the Gakchung Clan's Insect Mother to attack him, so even King So-byeok had a rather difficult time."
"The Gakchung Clan... Did even the Insect Mother step forward?"
"Yes. I heard she was an Insect Mother at the late Core Formation stage."
"Hiss."
The blue-robed man knew a fair bit about the Gakchung Clan. Although their numbers were small, meaning they could not sway the overall balance of the cultivation world, their average strength was exceptionally formidable. In particular, an Insect Mother leading a swarm was widely rumored to be on par with cultivators of the Sacred Race. To think that even such an Insect Mother had opposed So-byeok-ik-wang.
As expected of a direct descendant of Mingshe.
So-byeok-ik-wang's name was quite famous not only among ordinary Yao, but also among the Sacred Race. His legendary exploits, combined with his extraordinary lineage that was revealed later on, had elevated him to one of the most prominent figures of the Beast Race. Today, his name was counted among the next generation of outstanding Yao talents, and even Yao Emperors did not treat him as a mere junior.
The blue-robed man realized anew just what kind of person So-byeok-ik-wang was. At the same time, he felt a sliver of anticipation regarding the 'extraordinary talent' So-byeok-ik-wang had recommended.
If he has such a close relationship with So-byeok-ik-wang, he shouldn't be a frog in a well.
Usually, those who awakened their bloodlines in such remote regions possessed pride that pierced the heavens. While pride was inherently a trait of the Dragon Race, those who awakened their bloodlines in these small corners and ruled like kings often genuinely believed they were true kings.
Teaching such fools a lesson in reality was a rather tedious chore. To suppress their ignorance and arrogance, he usually had to take matters into his own hands. However, since his job was to guide, not to subjugate, he had to control his strength so that the other party would not be severely injured even if he did strike. Every time he saw those who did not know their place acting up, a fire would rage inside him. There were more than a few times he had wanted to snap their necks and rip out their hearts on the spot.
Wait, since he has a connection with So-byeok-ik-wang, will he be even more arrogant? That would be incredibly exhausting...
Behind his expressionless face, his patience was slowly burning away.
The more he did this job, the more his Mind State cultivation deepened, albeit unintentionally. It was not because he possessed any particular talent for it. It was simply because he would not be able to endure it if his Mind State was not rock-solid.
"We will arrive shortly."
"Mmh."
The spiritual energy was gradually growing denser. Although it was still sparse, he could feel that they were drawing close to a spiritual vein.
Just before the carriage arrived outside the Island Protecting Grand Array, Jekyeong sensed their approach.
Hearing the low, rumbling signal sent by Bigu, who was enjoying a vacation disguised as a patrol on the outskirts of the spiritual vein, Jekyeong slowly rose to his feet.
"My Lord,"
Hyeongu approached quickly but gracefully, bowing his head.
"They have arrived. I will go out to receive them, so deactivate the array and wait."
"Yes, my Lord."
With those words, Jekyeong soared into the air. Rising through the thick mist, he stepped outside the Island Protecting Grand Array, and the carriage drawn by the six spiritual birds, along with the four individuals aboard, came into view.
Two men and two women. Although they wore human skins, they were, of course, all Yao.
"Fellow Daoist Jekyeong."
A man with a plain appearance called out to him. It was an unfamiliar face, but Jekyeong could guess his identity from the rather warm tone with which he spoke his name.