Chapter 991
Chapter 991
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 991
Chapter Title: Path of Radiant Ascension
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General Bae Un scattered his energy in all directions. His overwhelming aura, like crashing waves, made us martial artists tremble for a moment. Instinctual fear began to creep up.
I circulated my internal energy to shake off the oppressive force binding my body.
"As the administrator of Manmu Tower, I offer my congratulations to those of you who have passed the 10th floor trial and ascended to the 11th."
Clap clap clap. As he applauded, the soldiers joined in unison. Even with the space filled with applause, the tower entrants showed no delight. They kept their eyes fixed on Bae Un, waiting for his next words.
"You must be wondering who this person beside me is. Having reached the 10th floor, you are worthy of knowing her identity."
The old woman stepped forward. Her gait, her gaze, her attire—everything about her exuded elegance. Seong Ji-gon's eyes had been glued to her since earlier, refusing to budge. Drool dripped from the corner of his mouth.
"It seems a few of you have already guessed. I am Neung So-ryeo. In the world, I am more famously known as the Nine Moon Immortal."
Nine Moon Immortal. The master of the Nine Moon Spirit Sword Art, the reward for conquering the 20th floor of Manmu Tower—a supreme expert said to have reached the Creation Realm, long rumored to be dead in the martial world.
"I faked my death. I won't reveal the reason, but if someone conquers Manmu Tower, the Nine Moon Spirit Sword Art will be their reward."
Neung So-ryeo clamped her mouth shut, as if she had said all she needed to. Her lips, stubborn in contrast to her elegant aura, spoke volumes.
Her purpose wasn't hard to discern. She hadn't died and had hung her unique martial art in Manmu Tower? And she's been watching the entrants? The answer was obvious.
'Neung So-ryeo has no disciple. She's looking for one.'
Even if someone conquered Manmu Tower, they shouldn't choose the Nine Moon Spirit Sword Art. It was hard to believe the Nine Moon Immortal would hand over her signature art so easily.
'If it means being forced into discipleship, better to pass on it.'
There was zero reason to become that old woman's disciple. Of course, Seong Ji-gon next to me probably thought differently.
General Bae Un seized control of the atmosphere once more.
"To those who passed the 10th floor, I offer you the chance to serve His Imperial Majesty. You'll start as deputy officers, but with the military's support, you'll receive elixirs and martial arts manuals. The more merits you earn, the greater the support. Depending on your efforts, you could even rise to my position."
It was a recruitment pitch.
The stern-looking Bae Un surprisingly had a silver tongue. He emphasized the stability: support in exchange for loyalty, plus a monthly salary.
Start as a deputy officer and become a general. Fine words. They painted visions of commanding hundreds of thousands, even millions of soldiers. But those eyeing generalships weren't just these folks. Scions of prestigious families and sects would compete fiercely too.
'Even in the modern world, military life is hell... In a place with no human rights, where death is routine, who'd volunteer for that? It's diving straight into hell.'
But the people of this world thought differently. Already, about a hundred had forsaken the trials to enlist.
"Remember, the military's doors are always open."
General Bae Un then explained the 11th floor trial.
???
Three years had passed since the 11th floor trial began. And we had reached the 17th floor.
The trials grew deadlier with each floor. Over 300 entrants had made it to the 17th. All had at least reached the Initial Realm, and over 50, including me, had attained the Five Qi Realm. Brushing death multiple times, our skills had skyrocketed thanks to trial rewards—martial arts and elixirs.
'Damn. Skipping time with auto-progress is great, but... my relationship with Hwangbo Ga-hye is stuck in place.'
I'd approached Hwangbo Ga-hye countless times. The best chance was on the 15th floor. She'd lost her guards and was weakened. We nearly kissed. But she rose again, drawing a line I couldn't cross.
'Any normal girl would've fallen, moaning under me by now...!'
Hwangbo Ga-hye wasn't normal. That might be why she drew me in so much.
General Bae Un appeared ahead.
"300 on the 17th floor... Impressive. A phenomenal record. This trial was especially grueling... The Nine Moon Spirit Sword Art's influence, perhaps?"
Stroking his chin and muttering, he ordered soldiers to fetch a massive map and hang it on the wall.
"Pay attention. I'll say this once. The terrain on this map is the 17th floor trial grounds. It's an individual battle royale, with random starting points."
The entrants' faces darkened as they studied the map. It depicted a circular island surrounded by ocean, with a volcano spewing black smoke at its center.
One entrant asked Bae Un.
"...General Bae Un. That volcano... is it real?"
"I'll tell you specially. The 17th floor trial is on a real island somewhere in this world. The volcano is active, boiling fiercely. It erupts about once a week on average."
"Insane...! But there's a forest around the volcano? Is that even possible?"
"That's the island's uniqueness. Back to the point: the 17th floor trial is a bead hunt. 500 beads are hidden on the island. Find 5 within three months. Combine them simultaneously, and you'll teleport back to Manmu Tower."
Only 100 of 300 would reach the 18th—optimistically. Some wouldn't find enough beads.
"How you find them is up to you. I won't interfere."
No one batted an eye. By the 17th floor, theft and murder in trials were routine.
"Your faces are grim. I'll share one advantage of this island."
"That hellhole has advantages?"
"Advantages that will drive you mad. The island has yokai, spirit beasts, and elixirs. Hunt yokai and spirit beasts, claim their spoils. Find elixirs, they're yours."
"......!!"
"To you, it'll be both hell and opportunity."
General Bae Un grinned. He seemed pleased by the entrants' suddenly serious eyes.
I instinctively glanced at Hwangbo Ga-hye. She stared murderously at the map, lips pursed. Beside her was her fiancé, O Ji-mu. They were about a meter apart—closer than before.
'O Ji-mu and Hwangbo Ga-hye teamed up on a previous floor. That's what brought them closer.'
O Ji-mu, whispering to Hwangbo Ga-hye, turned his gaze to me. His face stiffened briefly, then he smirked, placing a hand on her shoulder. She scowled and slapped it away.
'This bastard... dares touch my woman? O Ji-mu, that island will be your real hell.'
O Ji-mu had reached the Five Qi Realm this time. Matching my level boosted his confidence. He had over 10 underlings, three in Five Qi Realm. Grouped up, they figured they could take me.
'Damn. I barely hit Five Qi 6th stage last time...'
Those at higher realms grew slower. Unavoidable—like games, high levels grind slower.
"That's all the explanation. The rest is on you. The 17th trial starts in one hour. Rest, plan, whatever—just no fighting among yourselves."
General Bae Un withdrew, replaced by his adjutant, who stationed soldiers to prevent brawls.
People approached me. Not just Seong Ji-gon and Jeong Bin. My strength was infamous here. Top dog among entrants. Alliance seekers lined up.
"Hero Seong. I want to tackle the 17th with you."
"Teaming with you guarantees easy passage."
"Hero. I'm from Shanghai. Heard of the Mok Clan? I'm their third young master. Help me, and I'll repay this favor with my family's name."
The men's faces irked me. I flipped them the bird. Their expressions twisted. They might not know the exact meaning, but the vibe was universal.
"No interest in cleaning up after you losers. Scram, you dickheads. If you see me on that island, smash your head in and hand over your beads. Might let you live. Got it?"
Their attitudes flipped in an instant.
"...Arrogant and rude. The name Nangong Se will echo."
"You'll regret this."
"Fool. Making enemies of us all? Your limit's the 17th."
They spat threats and curses. I flipped them off again and sneered.
They wouldn't band together to kill me. The grudge was minor; personal gain trumped it. Just venting.
'More concerning than those dickheads...'
I glanced at the corner.
Eight in black robes huddled. Ominous aura. Bad vibes.
"Yu-jin-ah. What do we do?"
"Amitabha. With the map, we pick a spot to rendezvous. In my view, the 17th requires cooperation. Can't solo it."
Seong Ji-gon and Jeong Bin said.
"Teaming's good. But harder than it sounds. Island's huge—won't link up right away. Days at least."
"Gotta solo early."
"Hm... Obsessing over linking amid variables isn't wise."
"I'll come find you. Just survive till then."
"Got it."
"Amitabha. Don't worry about this monk... But before starting, share some food. Please... I'd lick your feet... Please!"
Jeong Bin knelt before me, about to bow.
"You damn monk. Get up. Stick out your tongue again and you're dead."
As we bantered.
"Hero Seong."
Hwangbo Ga-hye approached. Her resolute black eyes fixed on me.
"Lady Hwangbo! What is it?!"
I swung my right hand behind my back. Seong Ji-gon and Jeong Bin got the signal and left.
"For this 17th trial, I want to team with you, Hero Seong. I'm after not just beads, but the island's elixirs. Yokai and spirit beast cores too."
Hwangbo Ga-hye, who entered Manmu Tower for elixirs. This was her jackpot chance.
I suppressed a smile.
"I'd love to team with you, Lady Hwangbo. How about just us two? More people means thinner spoils."
"True. Next: where to meet if we team up?"
"West of the volcano. See the cat-head rock?"
"Understood. But isn't it too conspicuous...?"
"Haha. No worries. Even if not there, I'll find you first."
One-in-a-lifetime chance. Watching her retreating figure, I told Seong Ji-gon and Jeong Bin.
"You heard? Handle this trial yourselves. I'm busy."
"Good luck. You'll bag Hwangbo Ga-hye easy."
"Amitabha. Melt her like ice cream. ...Got any ice cream?"