Chapter 379
Chapter 379
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 379
Chapter Title: Four Seas Concord (3)
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Deep within Manyeop Mountain lay the Blood Cult's main headquarters.
In the rear garden of this place the followers called the Blood Heaven Asura Palace, there was a secret chamber that forbade unauthorized footsteps.
The Dongdo Association, the Sword Emperor, and the Heavenly Mechanism Wonderful Mountain.
While the martial world buzzed with the gathering of its renowned elders and the two giants of the orthodox sects reversing their retirement to reemerge in the jianghu,
the Asura Palace's secret chamber remained tightly sealed under the protection of Ja Wang, the top-ranked Cult Protector King.
At last, that firmly shut door creaked open.
Kugu-gung—
Parting the thick, seeping crimson mist and accompanied by a heavy stench of blood emerged Blood Demon Jin Gworang.
The Serpent King guarding the door bowed deeply.
"This lowly servant greets the Cult Leader!"
He extended an outer robe toward Jin Gworang, who was half-naked.
"Was the Ghost King's grand technique effective?"
"It was. Though it can't compare to the Ten Thousand People's Blood, of course."
"My apologies."
"On top of that, I achieved a personal breakthrough."
"And that is?!"
"I've ascended to the ninth step."
"Blood Flame Heaven and Earth! Truly a blessing for our cult!"
"Kukuku. Yes, yes. I feel refreshingly invigorated, more than usual. Just based on the mood, I could dash to the Ten Thousand Great Mountains right now and wring Heavenly Demon Hyeok Ryeon-gang's neck."
"...Your exalted steps, my lord. With our cult's founding declaration imminent, please retract those words."
"You make it sound so difficult to say I'm still far from Hyeok Ryeon-gang."
"...That wasn't my intent."
"Then are you saying my guts have spilled out?"
"!"
"It's a joke, a joke. As if I'd misinterpret the Serpent King's loyal counsel. I know it too. Toppling Hyeok Ryeon-gang... That can only be done after fully mastering the Blood Rain Divine Art and solidifying our cult."
"To hasten that day by even one, I shall exert myself to the utmost."
For a moment, Jin Gworang fully revealed his beaming satisfaction.
Soon, he straightened his expression and spoke.
"So, how goes the cleanup of the underlings? Especially that fellow Sa Gyeom?"
"You ordered one of the Guard Bishops attached to Sa Gyeom, so we assigned No Byeong-o."
"That one's trustworthy. And?"
"The report states there's nothing suspicious about the Ten Thousand People's Blood vanishing outright. It seems the Black-White Phantoms twins and the blood truly sank as reported."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. However, he notes it's suspicious that Sa Gyeom hasn't clashed with the orthodox forces afterward. It's an ambiguous call even for preserving full strength."
"Hm."
"The report mentions ghostly apparitions appearing, and since Sa Gyeom hails from the coastal folk, it makes sense he'd act accordingly, but..."
Before the Serpent King could finish, a bitter smile crossed Jin Gworang's face.
"That's not the attitude of blind obedience to my command. He should've scoured the sunken corpses while driving off the orthodox fleet."
"Precisely that point."
"Sa Gyeom was never the type to follow me to the end anyway."
"Yes. Pity to lose the silver he brings in, but if we properly absorb the Gold Tiger Group's organization, we can maintain things to some extent. We have other outlets too. Best to cut him out now."
The Serpent King continued.
The Blood Demon narrowed his eyes and shot back.
"So?"
"I've instructed No Byeong-o to convene the Bishop Council. With your permission, my lord..."
"Right there?"
"Yes. We can also gauge the reactions of the other fence-sitters."
"Fair enough. To those unaware of the circumstances, it'll be a sudden disappearance of a Grand Bishop... True believers in me will stand out from the doubters, no matter the situation."
"Exactly."
"Granted. Are the other founding preparations flawless?"
"Yes. Once we weed out those elements, we can declare the Blood Cult's rise to the world."
Jin Gworang smirked and donned the outer robe as the Serpent King bowed politely with joined sleeves.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Not even the nation's top rising talent—hailed as the world's greatest late bloomer or the finest young hero—could escape final exams.
Thus, while awaiting word from the Blood Cult, I focused on my duties as a student.
"Done."
I set down my brush after finishing the last subject's final assignment.
Dang Ok-gi gaped in surprise.
"Ack?! You finished the history paper on the Central Plains' dynasties and the Nine Great Sects... already?!"
"Yeah."
She slammed her head on the desk in frustration.
"So jealous! Why did Professor Chang-ryang exempt only first-years from assignments?! If you're doing it, do it for everyone! Kyaaak!"
Paeng So-jin chuckled softly.
"The one real gain from my leave of absence and return. What wind must've blown through for that?"
Eun Ha-yeon and Woo So-rung quickly crowded over to check my work.
"You didn't half-ass it, did you? How'd you finish so fast?"
"Whoa. Doesn't look half-assed. Looks better than mine, even after digging through ancient texts."
That's when Eun Ha-yeon spoke up.
"Young Hero Woo. Hand that back to Young Master Eon quick. Look at Ha-seong rolling his eyes—he's plotting to copy."
At her words, I snatched a scroll and whacked him with it.
"Just a little!"
"Ow!"
"When I think you're doing well!"
"Aaaack!"
"You always!!"
A moment later.
Eun Ha-yeon shot me a side-eye.
"And! What's 'done' supposed to mean for you, Young Master Eon?!"
She hauled over a stack of documents as tall as her head and plopped it on my desk.
"These are documents for next year's entrance exam prep, this is the seasonal semester enrollment list, and this is dispatch postings available to students over break."
"......"
"Review and approve them all. Then prepare for interviews with the exchange students."
"...Got it."
I picked up the brush again and slogged through the pile for a good while.
Knock knock—
Someone rapped on the Student Council office door, so I called out.
"Door's open."
Red Dragon Palace's Young Palace Lord Jeong Won-hae entered with a stern expression.
"Mysterious Dragon. Spare a moment?"
"Of course. I was about to seek you out anyway. Come on in."
His face suggested a private talk.
I led Jeong Won-hae to the inner room and poured tea.
He then pulled a mud-caked lump from his bosom and handed it over.
It looked like a letter sealed with baked clay to prevent peeking.
"A letter?"
"Tilt it sideways."
"Dokgo Family? Why bring a letter for the Dokgo Family to me?"
As I asked, Jeong Won-hae drew a cylindrical wooden box from his sleeve.
"It was originally inside this box."
The box's side read: 'For the Young Palace Lord of Red Dragon Palace.'
My master spoke up.
-What fool sends a letter so elaborately?
'Valid point. Anyone sending to the Dokgo Family this way...'
Only one person in the world would send a letter to the Dokgo Family via the Red Dragon Palace like this.
"From the Gold Tiger Group's leader?"
"As expected—you see right through it. I thought it was the usual pirate skirmish, but they say the pirates tied it to an arrow and shot it over."
"...Hm."
"I didn't open it. Marked for me as recipient, so the palace folk kept it intact, and with Dokgo Family as final addressee, I brought it straight to you."
We'd disclosed Dokgo Cheol to the Dongdo leadership, but it wasn't for public gossip.
I gave a suitable excuse.
"Yes. I trust the Red Dragon Palace's honor. Likely, the Gold Tiger leader spotted Cheol proclaiming the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult as chief foe while roaming the Southern Sea."
"Seems so. It gave us much to reflect on too."
Having reassured Jeong Won-hae, I promptly smashed the clay seal and extracted the small missive inside.
『Bishop Council convened. Want to see Ong.』
My master, reading along, remarked.
-The pirate's put his brain to work.
'Grew tough in the cracks between black path and demonic way.'
I replied to my master, then politely dismissed further prying from Jeong Won-hae about the letter or Dokgo Family.
"Apologies, but it must go to the Alliance Lord first. Bear with me?"
"Do so. If it concerns our palace, you'll handle the discussion fittingly, Mysterious Dragon."
Next, I brought up my original errand for him.
"Separately. What are your plans for next year, Young Palace Lord?"
"At first, I came here thinking we couldn't fully cut ties with land-dwellers. Just to save face a bit, see what this famed Mysterious Dragon—who wins endless praise—is like."
"Ahem."
"But after coming to the Righteous Martial Academy, I've seen and felt much. Now I want to know more."
"...So?"
"I'll send word to Mother of my thoughts via letter and study here next year too. Enrolled in seasonal semester."
"Wise choice. You might not know the systems, but there are supports for students staying over break. See Jeon Yeon-ji the clerk—she'll guide you."
Having handed Jeong Won-hae off to Jeon Yeon-ji, I headed to the Dongdo Association's office occupying a floor in the main hall.
'If Sa Gyeom's using the Red Dragon Palace to send word, he's sensed something off.'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Shortly after I knocked on the Dongdo Association's door, the leadership convened.
I presented the letter to the elders and shared my thoughts.
"Sa Gyeom has keen survival instincts. For him to send word this way suggests he's cornered on all sides."
As I finished, Elder Gyeong Hye clenched her fist and gnashed her teeth.
"Looks like they're gearing up for their founding declaration. I'll go personally and slaughter those heaven-defying demonic scum."
"...Pardon?"
"Why that face, Councilor Eon? Binni's infiltrated demonic ranks in your and Vice Chairman Jeon's stead before. I can do it too."
Jeon Yeon-ji chuckled heartily and held up a palm.
"Junior. 'Frightened by a growing youngster, startled by a pot lid.' I get the excitement after Mysterious Dragon's exploits and this letter, but recall the contents and his words. This isn't a founding spot. It's a Bishop Council."
"...Ah."
"To these old eyes, it's pre-launch weeding of rotten sprouts."
As I admired Jeon Yeon-ji's insight without original knowledge,
'Worthy of the Heavenly Mechanism Wonderful Mountain.'
Professor Chang-ryang spoke.
"Sounds to me like Yong-un needs to go. Right?"
"Aren't they seeking Gui Myeong-ong? Who among us could? Naturally, Yong-un."
Jeon Yeon-ji cut off rebuttals preemptively, so Gong Son Mu-gyeol offered.
"Then how about I go with him?"
"That won't do. We'll need careful personnel picks, but the Alliance Lord stays out. You head to Jungnam."
"Jungnam?"
"Yes. With our hidden foe in Manyeop Mountain's Blood Cult, we must outwardly focus on checking the Ten Thousand Great Mountains. Feint and reality. Right, Mysterious Dragon?"
"Elder's correct. Between Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and Blood Cult, the former's stronger. Alliance Lord eyeing their outpost looks natural."
As I affirmed,
Jeon Yeon-ji smiled contentedly, as if spot-on, and eyed my father.
"Similarly, Councilor Eon, return to the main house in Hanbuk."
"Hanbuk?"
"Yes. Need to disperse attention on Mysterious Dragon too."
"...Ah. Pretend I'm heading home with Yong-un?"
"Exactly. Order festivities at Eon Family ahead. Leak rumors of young heroes visiting."
"......"
"...Why no reply? This protects Mysterious Dragon. Bring your second son and a few friends for real—it's not even a lie."
"Ah. Thought of Madam for a second. She'll have expectations... Well, for Yong-un's safety and world peace, I'll manage. Yes. But then Manyeop Mountain?"
"This old man will go personally. With proper students in tow, raise a ruckus like Hanbuk—naturally draws eyes to Dongdo's first move."
"Aha."
"Once they realize I'm honorary, they'll relax? Block key spots to support Mysterious Dragon if needed."
All nodded at Jeon Yeon-ji's finale.
Then Jeon Min spoke.
"Father's plans all sound good. But to fully erase Mysterious Dragon's tracks, Manyeop's too far. Need direct cover for his escorts."
"Truthfully, that's my one worry. Disguise as escort firm or merchant guild? Demons will probe Mysterious Dragon's fame."
As they furrowed brows,
I pondered too.
'Sa Gyeom used Red Dragon Palace to convey his intent.'
A fitting idea for our Dongdo banner flashed.
Suddenly, a perfect cover candidate crossed my mind.
"How about enlisting the Green Forest King's aid?"