This Can't Be
It was when Yeop Pung was digging tunnels like a mole on Nagun Peak.
At the luxurious Chwibong Pavilion in Bongsang County Seat, two hundred li from Cheonun Mountain, three imposing middle-aged men in splendid clothes were gathered for a meeting.
These three were the titans shaking the entire Bongsang County. They were the heads of the Three Great Clans of Bongsang.
The head of the Gongsun Clan, who monopolized spirit stone mining and weapon refining in Bongsang County, Gongsun Hong; the head of the Ouyang Clan, who held over 70% of the herb and pill market, Ouyang Cheong; and the head of the Gi Clan, the largest beast-hunting clan in Bongsang County, Gi Yeo-hae.
Without the Military Supply Bureau, these three were the most powerful forces in Bongsang County. Each clan had numerous experts, and their guards were formidable. Countless Mysterious Realm martial artists had sacrificed their lives for them, and dozens of Spirit Realm guests had flaunted their prestige.
These three clan heads were beings that even the Emperor's envoys from the Military Supply Bureau were no match for, and they were beings that even the current Cheonun Sect Master could not look down upon.
Today, the heads of the Three Great Clans had gathered, so in theory, an extremely lavish banquet should have been held. But in front of these three men, there was only a single cup of clear tea each. Against the subtle fragrance rising, they were discussing something important.
"Heh heh, Brother Gi. Is it really necessary to be so concerned about just a disciple of Cheonun Sect? If Brother speaks a word, I'll send people tomorrow to bring that brat's head and vent my nephew's anger!"
These words came from Ouyang Cheong, the head of the Ouyang Clan. He had a round, affluent appearance, and his face would jiggle when he smiled. But in his narrowed eyes, sometimes a light flashed that could make people feel eerie.
"No, how could I disturb your enjoyment over personal matters."
Gi Yeo-hae slowly raised his head and smiled at the other two. His appearance somewhat resembled Gi Beonjin, but his eyes were filled with strong and sinister energy. His sharp beak-like nose and protruding cheekbones were as firm as if they could pierce through any obstacle in the world.
Gi Yeo-hae slowly took a sip of tea and said in a low voice,
"Let's get to the point. In five days, the autumn hunting competition will begin. Today is the last registration deadline. What 'offerings' do you two plan to make to the Military Supply Bureau?"
With those words, the atmosphere in the room instantly froze.
"Tsk."
Up until now, Gongsun Hong, the head of the Gongsun Clan, who hadn't spoken a word, emptied his teacup and placed it on the table. The clear sound of the teacup clinking echoed in the room.
"Heh heh, offerings... Days like these, where we bribe the Military Supply Bureau under the pretext of the autumn hunt every year, seem to be coming to an end soon."
"Brother Gongsun, you can't say such things lightly!"
A look of tension appeared on Ouyang Cheong's face beside him. He hurriedly lowered his voice and said,
"Could it be that you heard some news from the capital?"
"Not entirely confirmed, but it's not far off. I wanted to warn you two to prepare in advance. The heavens of this contest are about to change! Regarding this autumn hunt, our Gongsun Clan will no longer retreat. If the Military Supply Bureau tries to raise their prestige by offering supreme profound qi, our Gongsun Clan will obtain it for them!"
His voice thundered like thunder, overwhelming the surroundings.
Gi Yeo-hae and Ouyang Cheong showed serious expressions. They were worried about how to deal with the upcoming autumn hunt. Moreover, they couldn't hide their surprise at the meaning behind Gongsun Hong's words.
Did the heavens of the Great Jin really change?
After a moment of silence, Gi Yeo-hae opened his mouth with a firm voice.
"Good. Then this time, our Gi Clan will not offer any valuable treasures. Let's have the young ones compete over the profound qi that the Military Supply Bureau has put out!"
"Hahaha, since the two brothers have decided that way, I will naturally follow your wishes."
Ouyang Cheong said with a smile that reached his ears.
"I wonder who among the sons of the clans will bring joy to us this autumn hunt."
"Hmph, anyway, they won't be the little brats from Cheonun Sect!"
Gongsun Hong sneered coldly and looked at Gi Yeo-hae.
"Brother Gi, in my opinion, those Cheonun Sect brats seem to have no sense of proportion. Do they still think they are the Cheonun Sect from a hundred years ago? Just because Beonjin entered Cheonun Sect, they gave them enough face. How dare they do such a thing! Don't they still support that brat? Hmph, if I were you, I would teach those Cheonun Sect brats a lesson this autumn hunt. I must teach them how to treat the children of our Three Great Clans properly!"
"That's right..."
A cold light flashed in Ouyang Cheong's narrowed eyes. He gave an ice-cold smile.
"Of course."
On Gi Yeo-hae's face as hard as iron, no emotion showed. He recalled his third son, Gi Beonjin, who had become crippled for life. With a voice as cold as frozen ice, he said,
"This autumn hunt, Cheonun Sect will pay ten times, a hundred times the price for their mistakes!"
***
Time had passed two days. The day to send supplies to Nagun Peak had come again.
A figure slowly descended the stairs of the ascent device, gazing at the small hut far away. Beom Undae gritted his teeth.
"The sworn enemy meets on the single log bridge!"
He adjusted the heavy supply basket and headed towards the hut.
"Disciple Beom Undae, greets the Sovereign."
His voice was booming. Every word he spat carried thick killing intent, like a sharp blade piercing through Yeop Pung's small house door.
Creak.
The door opened, and Yeop Pung walked out from inside with a cold expression.
No unnecessary words were needed between the two. The moment they faced each other, a tense atmosphere filled the air as if fierce flames were bursting in the air.
"Let's go, Yeop Pung!"
Beom Undae shot Yeop Pung a sharp gaze.
"You came to fight again?"
Yeop Pung replied without backing down.
Hmph!
Without a word, the two men simultaneously leaped into the air towards the wide open space of the distant mountain peak.
As soon as they left the house, with a bang! the door swung open wide. Bone and Maeng Chang-haeng jumped out from inside.
"Quickly, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and my strawberry wine too! We have to hurry to our seats!"
Maeng Chang-haeng rummaged through the basket and shouted.
"Kung! Kung!"
"Don't forget my dried chicken jerky either!"
One person and one dog hurriedly followed the two ahead.
***
The wide open space on the mountain peak was swept by fierce winds. But the fighting spirit that had already spread around could not be quelled.
"Blazing Fire Divine Fist, Explosive Flame Wave!"
Beom Undae's booming shout tore through the clouds and shook the sky.
Kurung!
Beom Undae's entire body was enveloped in flames. From the start of the battle, he unfolded the ultimate truth of the Blazing Fire Divine Fist. The ferocious flaming tiger head manifested from his fist roared and rushed towards Yeop Pung.
It was the ultimate move he had kept in reserve. Last time, he hadn't even had time to use it before being chased down the mountain by the Sovereign. But this time was different. Beom Undae had decided from the beginning to completely cripple Yeop Pung by using all his power.
"Raging Thunder Palm!"
Yeop Pung also raised his body with golden lightning. He did not evade Beom Undae's attack but met it head-on.
Hmph, Yeop Pung, this time you will die too!
Beom Undae's killing intent boiled up to the sky. But at the moment his fist and Yeop Pung's golden palm collided, Yeop Pung's palm, which had been facing head-on, moved mysteriously. Yeop Pung's palm brushed past Beom Undae's fist and struck his wrist hard.
"Stupid fool, do you think such a shallow trick can break my Explosive Flame Wave!"
Beom Undae swung his fist with a furious roar, slapping Yeop Pung's cheek.
Yeop Pung concentrated lightning in his right hand, spewing out fierce currents like lava. At the same time, he raised his left hand to support the back of his right arm and put strength into it.
Stop!
Kwakuang!
Lightning and flames violently collided in the air.
In the end, Yeop Pung was pushed back greatly by Beom Undae's Explosive Flame Wave. He hurriedly shifted his feet to straighten his posture, and powdery dust flew up from under his feet.
"Hmph! Yeop Pung, you still haven't knelt!"
Beom Undae, who had suppressed the initiative, shouted loudly towards the sky with a triumphant voice.
Damn it! Feeling great! Finally, I hit Yeop Pung's fist properly. With this one strike, Yeop Pung probably can't use at least one arm!
Wait, something's off!
Beom Undae's eyes widened.
As the dust on the opposite side cleared, Yeop Pung smilingly appeared. Blood was smeared at the corner of his mouth, but Yeop Pung's smile was filled with madness, like a beast stimulated by the smell of blood.
"Beom Undae, didn't you eat breakfast? Your fists have no strength at all!"
Chijik!
Yeop Pung instantly rushed towards Beom Undae again.
This can't be!
Beom Undae's body broke out in goosebumps.
How did that guy get stronger?
Just a week ago, that guy who suffered a big injury even from my ordinary Blazing Fist is now standing fine after taking my ultimate move head-on? Is he a monster?
"This can't be, this can't be!"
Explosive Flame... Explosive Flame Wave!
Beom Undae gritted his teeth and raised his right fist. But as he put strength into it, a pain like scraping bones came to his wrist!
'What is this?'
His expression changed for a moment, and he recalled the golden profound qi of Yeop Pung's palm from earlier. That golden profound qi was concentrating on his wrist bones, digging fiercely into the bones, muscles, and blood vessels.
'His posture has changed!'
Last time, Beom Undae felt discomfort throughout his arm from Yeop Pung's Raging Thunder Palm, but it wasn't to the point of losing combat power. But this time, not only was the power of the Raging Thunder Palm much stronger, but by concentrating the widely spreading qi into a single point to attack, Beom Undae had lost even the strength to clench his fist.
'Damn it!'
Beom Undae cursed inwardly. In just a week, this monster had not only raised his profound qi cultivation realm but also strengthened his combat style. There was no way he could be an opponent anymore.
Beom Undae, gripped by fear, quickly jumped back to evade Yeop Pung's attack. And he began to fight with all his might, treating Yeop Pung as a fully capable opponent and exerting maximum concentration.
Yeop Pung was aware of all these changes. In fact, the one feeling good was Yeop Pung. In just a week, his combat power had improved terrifyingly.
Of course, this also included the effects obtained by using half of the star map drawings to draw in qi and consuming Spirit Soul Pills for the past two days.
But most of all, Maeng Chang-haeng's hell training and guidance had played a big part. The Raging Thunder Palm that had just concentrated profound qi was a completed ultimate move completed through Maeng Chang-haeng's guidance.
'Beom Undae, you bastard, I won't kill you today, but I won't let you go down to Nagun Peak as easily as last time!'
A golden light flashed in Yeop Pung's eyes. He charged towards the pitiful Beom Undae again.