Chapter 405
Chapter 405
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 405
Chapter Title: Dyed (4)
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Jin Gworang's pupils slowly turned toward me.
And the moment our gazes intertwined...
"...?"
Demonic energy poured out from him, creeping up to coil around my entire body.
Sahaaak—
Even though it was just our eyes meeting, the pressure emanating from Jin Gworang was extraordinary.
The moment I drew up the Heaven-Splitting internal energy from my dantian to resist it...
My master spoke up.
- Truly worthy of the title Great Demon Head.
'...Yes. He's on an entirely different level.'
It wasn't just that his realm was higher than mine.
'Sword Emperor, Divine Victory, Boundless Sword.'
This life had blessed me with good connections, giving me chances to witness the martial arts of those at the pinnacle.
Yet the aura radiating from Jin Gworang felt slightly different in nature from theirs.
My master understood my thoughts and agreed.
- ...A master of another dimension. That's precisely right. He's clearly stepped into a realm that transcends his own vessel.
If one's limits were the vessel and the realm the water within it...
The principle of the world was that breaking and expanding the vessel allowed it to hold more water.
But Jin Gworang seemed to have made the water overflow without breaking the walls.
'...I can't even imagine how much primal blood he must have absorbed to defy the principles of all creation.'
- Never underestimate him. Even if he ascended through trickery, he's undeniably set foot in the absolute master's domain. Well, you already know his true nature, judging by how accurately you've pinpointed it.
My master was right.
The Transcendent Realm wasn't something one could reach through mere shortcuts.
'Yes, this disciple knows.'
Choosing Jin Gworang's method would mean one's meridians exploding or losing one's sanity without surprise.
Yet he stood there unscathed, proving that even called a demonic path, he had properly reached his goal.
'I thought if Jin Gworang truly appeared here, we might be able to take him down... but that's not happening.'
To subjugate the Blood Heaven Asura Palace, allies absolutely had to arrive, I'd judged.
'Then I need to buy time.'
Seeing Jin Gworang's condition and the other forces of the Blood Heaven Asura Palace...
I could guess why they insisted on this meeting.
'It's worth a shot.'
At that moment.
Jin Gworang's gaze shifted to Dokgo Cheol, who stood disguised as the Ghost-Masked Elder.
"...".
Even just rolling his eyes, the Great Demon Head's presence leaked out insidiously, but Dokgo Cheol remained composed.
"True Blood Division Leader [Name] pays respects to the Cult Leader."
But fooling Jin Gworang—the founder of the Blood Cult and an absolute master—was impossible.
Tilting his head briefly, he opened his mouth.
"Aren't you Dokgo Cheol?"
"...".
"I wondered who was trying to ruin our cult's grand plan... So it was you, Ghost-Masked Elder? After your great merit in severing the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, I planned to use you heavily..."
"Rather than who I am, I believe it's more important to ponder how to unfurl the Blood Cult's banner, Blood Flame Dominion."
Jin Gworang let out a hollow laugh at Dokgo Cheol's measured responses.
"Ha. If this seat hadn't bestowed upon you the grace of our cult's divine art, you'd have died miserably amid the righteous faction's indifference, Dokgo Cheol."
"...".
"And you dare lecture me? You've been completely dyed by your sweet dreams at the Righteous Martial Academy. Take off that mask and speak. With your identity exposed, what farce is this?"
But Dokgo Cheol didn't back down at Jin Gworang's mockery.
"This mask isn't just to hide my identity. It's my resolve to question the true path to Blood Flame Dominion in this division, and a symbol of farewell to the days when I carried out any orders without hesitation."
Jin Gworang burst into loud laughter at that.
"Kuhahaha!"
Substantial energy rode on the explosive laughter.
Masters bit their lips to maintain composure, while the less skilled plugged their ears.
"This seat shall exercise special mercy and make a simple proposal. Open your ears."
Stopping his laugh, Jin Gworang swept his gaze over the True Blood Division members wearing ghost masks and spoke.
"Take off those ridiculous masks. Do so, and I'll forgive all your past sins and use you heavily. You'll become the cult's eternal hero who slew the Ghost-Masked Elder and cornered the hypocrites of the righteous path."
"...".
"But those who spurn this seat's mercy and keep wearing those foolish masks... I'll turn into blood cocoons, making them regurgitate every last drop of the cult's grace they received from me."
Blood Cocoon.
It referred to hanging people after certain processes to extract primal blood, like insect pupae in an icy cavern.
I could endure no longer and drew Regret.
Sreung—
Aiming the drawn sword at Jin Gworang, I spoke.
"I won't say I'll eliminate him. You all know what the Blood Demon Jin Gworang means to you. Such words would sound empty."
Starting like that, I continued.
"But we won't flee. I won't let his clutches reach the True Blood Division."
At that, Yin Ha-seong drew her sword too and thumped her chest.
"The disciples of Azure Bamboo Pavilion never retreat once they've set their minds! Even if we die and are buried in this land, we'll fight alongside you to the end!"
Woo So-rung shook her head at Yin Ha-seong.
"What is that? My heart was pounding at Brother Eon's words, but you're total nonsense."
"...What did you just say? Nonsense?"
"I said extra words."
"My ears work fine? We'll settle this later."
"If you want to settle it later, we can't get buried here."
She steadied her breath with a "hoo" and drew her sword.
The other Eon siblings, No Sam, and the White Army drew theirs too.
Chaechaechaechang!!
As we assumed battle formation...
Sa Gyeom aimed his gripped greatsword at Jin Gworang and spoke.
"There was a time I saw you as a god. But now I know. You're just a demon who devours everything to sate your ambitions. To you, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the followers, kin, and commoners are mere tools and prey."
At Sa Gyeom's words, Jin Gworang spoke in disbelief.
"Haha. Sa Gyeom, you dare speak of commoners?"
"I know I have no right to say such things. But..."
"Sa Gyeom. Choose your next words carefully. Even you, the worst traitor, if you abandon your delusions now, this seat will show mercy."
But Sa Gyeom ignored him, assuming a greatsword stance.
"I've pondered this long enough. Jin Gworang, you're the true traitor. You're a fake. Not a god, nor a descendant of the Sword Demon Elder. Slay the Ghost-Masked Elder? The moment I donned this mask, I became him. Try killing me!"
Dokgo Cheol added.
"You may kill me, but you won't make me remove this mask."
Following them, Hong Gun began drawing their weapons too.
Watching, Jin Gworang laughed loudly once more.
"Hahaha."
Of course, it wasn't from joy.
When the laughter stopped...
Crimson-black haze wrapped his hands, and skin-pricking pressure tightened.
In that hair-trigger moment...
One of the Cult Protector Kings, Snake King, hurriedly stepped forward toward Jin Gworang.
"Cult Leader. The auspicious day to proclaim the Blood Cult's rise to the world is near. Show these foolish mortals a sliver of mercy."
At Snake King's action, my master let out a hollow laugh.
- What bullshit is that rat-like old man spouting about mortals and auspicious days?
Surprisingly, Jin Gworang dispersed the energy mass around his hands.
"Right. Indeed."
He turned, hands behind his back.
"This seat shall grant one final mercy. I'll give you half a day. Cult members, reconsider and if you wish to surrender, discard those pathetic masks and knock on the Blood Heaven Asura Palace gates. Righteous guests, return the way you came. Then I'll let you go this once."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Finishing, Jin Gworang headed toward the Blood Heaven Asura Palace.
The legion led by the Cult Protector Kings followed.
Having bought time as intended, I raised my hand to stop Hong Gun and White Army's agitation.
"We return to camp for now."
Back at the tents...
No Sam spoke first.
"Tsk. Why did they suddenly retreat?"
"They don't have full confidence in victory yet, so isn't that why?"
"Exactly! They can't know about the reinforcements coming by waterway, but with the path from Sungju secured, they must know support is coming? They're not that stupid, right?"
"They have something to counter it. And I think I know what."
"...You think you know?"
At No Sam's words, I recalled the original story's info.
'Current Jin Gworang hasn't fully mastered the Blood Dew Divine Art.'
Indeed, he lacked the traits of one who had.
'When mastered, the complexion turns ice-pale, eyes fully blood-red, and temperament cold and calculating.'
Perfectly wielding blood manipulation arts follows, resembling a true Transcendent warrior, even if by trickery.
"Jin Gworang was clearly a bit excited. So the reason he turned back is obvious. Primal blood to master the Blood Dew Divine Art must be prepared inside the Blood Heaven Asura Palace."
"...Then?!"
"It's a race against time now. Whether our allies arrive first or Jin Gworang masters it. Best if we enter together, but if not, we shake them ourselves. Professor No Sam."
"Yes. Speak."
"Have your giant underlings or use whatever means you know—get word to the land route reinforcements to hurry as fast as possible."
"Got it."
"Cheol-i, with the Archbishop, remind Hong Gun once more what this battle is."
"Yes."
"Miss Yin, reanalyze this terrain, Blood Heaven Asura Palace layout, and all incoming info."
"Understood."
I quickly assigned tasks.
"And Jeong-hyeon, Nangong Yun, Jegal Seolji. You three, come see me."
Calling those three specifically...
Jeong-hyeon stood, Jegal Seolji tilted her head.
Nangong Yun shrugged at nearby Nangong Yeong and asked me.
"...Ahem. Calling us three like this—feels like by martial prowess. Forming a special unit or something?"
Seemed he wanted to show his little sister his level.
But the reason was entirely different, so I furrowed my brow.
"Why the swagger? Calling you three the special underachievers. Follow me quick."
"...".
Taking the three outside, I led them to point at the basin where the Blood Heaven Asura Palace sat.
"Gongyun said earlier about cutting by prowess level—it's true."
"...But why?"
"Because you're underachievers too."
"...".
"You three are the top experts after me. But your prides are too strong. Thoughts of upholding the righteous path."
"...".
"Competitive spirit to win."
"...".
"Pride as famed family heirs. All lumped as pride... different shapes and colors, but you've all got bamboo shoots in your chests. I don't think that personality is wrong."
Starting like that, I continued.
"But the battle ahead is nothing like before. It'll be a full war, and once it starts in earnest, you'll lead armies separately from me. Meaning no one to curb your stubbornness."
"...".
"...".
"...".
Gazing at the silent three, I spat the rest.
"Roll in the dirt if you must, kick up dust if needed. Every moment, devise ways for you and those you'll lead to survive."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ After brief advice to the three and returning...
Yin Ha-yeon tilted her head.
"Back quick? Thought you'd have a 'body talk'. Surprisingly clean, no dirt."
"What do you take me for?"
"An Eon young master."
"...Analysis done?"
"Within the given info."
With her words, Yin Ha-yeon began explaining, marking the map.
"The basin where Blood Heaven Asura Palace fell is like this, watchtowers here and here. Those who've entered say they used this path, so forces there."
"One of the Cult Protector Kings' legions we met earlier."
"Yes. And the Red Water Scholar said there's a forest here with Illusion Dream Formation traps."
"Hm. First path winds with fights. Through this forest, straight to Blood Heaven Asura Palace's rear."
After that discussion, we reorganized units and relayed plans to Hong Gun and White Army.
But the awaited reinforcements still hadn't arrived.
"The Blood Demon didn't truly give us half a day. Can't wait longer. Of the four planned units, Miss Yin's stays here."
"To link with land route reinforcements?"
"Yes. Rest depart for Illusion Dream Forest now."
No more delay.
Leaving Yin Ha-yeon, I started toward Blood Heaven Asura Palace.
Shortly after...
We reached the zone blanketed in formations and mechanisms across the forest.
"Trees and rocks make it cluttered."
Of course, my Mental Immunity trait nullified the formation's effects.
But my forces differed.
Even Dang Ok-gi, unmoved by most sights, complained of nausea.
"...Ugh. More than cluttered? Vision's rippling."
But it was doable.
We had Jegal Seolji.
"Miss Jegal. As discussed, this route needs crossing the forest in an hour for victory. Otherwise, frontal assault. Possible...?"
"Of course."