Chapter 353
Chapter 353
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 353
Chapter Title: Rapidly Changing Situation (2)
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Spreading the news across the entire continent via ultra-long-distance communication went more smoothly than expected.
There was the Zhuge Clan's best efforts despite their dire circumstances, but the decisive factor was the countless demons from Golden Turtle Island, disguised as Taoists of the Mosan Sect, scattering to every corner to assist with the ritual.
"Hah— I never imagined the Mosan Sect was this capable. We've been so blinded by our arrogance, thinking we were the best. We were truly frogs in a well."
The head of the Zhuge Clan let out a sigh, having overestimated their rival, but this incident would only spur them to greater efforts. It wasn't a bad thing at all.
'Of course, just spreading the word isn't everything.'
Considering the transportation woes of the Kanghwan Realm, where crossing even one region took immense time and effort, this was nothing short of a miracle.
But it was only the first step.
Countless obstacles remained.
Some dismissed the news as fabrication upon hearing it. Others suspected foul play. And some sought to exploit it for their own gain.
Thankfully, it came from the renowned Zhuge Clan and targeted the Demon Cult—the common enemy of all righteous, evil, and neutral factions alike. Otherwise, most would have ignored it outright.
'Anyway, we've succeeded in drawing everyone's attention. Active cooperation is ideal, but even skepticism is fine. We've already achieved our goal.'
For now, it was enough if they patrolled their territories more vigilantly out of caution, scrutinizing any suspicious signs instead of brushing them off.
That alone would restrict the movements of those skulking in the shadows, slowly tightening the noose around their necks.
'Plus, the Demon Cult's infamy is greater than I thought. As long as it doesn't cost them, they'll have no reason not to share information.'
And it didn't take long for things to unfold exactly as anticipated.
The result—
"Suspicious activity was reported in the forest near Goping in Shanxi Province. Local residents alerted the Spirit Sword Sect, who manage the area, claiming multiple individuals had hidden there. They searched but found no traces and the matter fizzled out..."
"The Iron Flag Escort in Jiangxi Province discovered signs of an unknown group. They spotted evidence of a camp and pursued, but the intruders fled beyond their territory..."
"The Beggar's Sect branch in Guizhou reports sightings of troops moving under cover of night. They want payment for more details..."
Intelligence from across the continent began flooding into the Zhuge Clan.
The bustling figures darting through the vast hall, frantically sorting documents, had already transformed into a superb central command tower.
'Whoa, just watching makes my head spin.'
Hugo, who had sidled up to observe, stuck out his tongue in awe.
Sifting truth from the unfiltered deluge of reports, extracting and categorizing only the essentials—it was grueling work.
Even with his skyrocketing stats enhancing his mental acuity and intellect, he couldn't adapt to that sea of paperwork.
His other avatars usually handled tasks pre-processed by capable subordinates into neat summaries.
"The Jiangxi report lacks credibility. Why would they, who meticulously erased their tracks before, leave a campsite? And for a mid-tier evil sect like the Iron Flag Escort to nearly catch them..."
"Guizhou verification complete. Around the same time, the warlord King Jingchin's forces were mobilizing nearby. Likely mistook that for the enemy..."
True to their reputation for sharp minds, the Zhuge Clan swiftly analyzed incoming intel, separating wheat from chaff.
They filtered out malicious falsehoods, dismissed minor misunderstandings, sidelined implausible reports due to distance or timing, and discarded biased fabrications for factional gain.
"Shanxi seems highly plausible. The location fits perfectly, and supporting testimonies back it up..."
"Ah! The Zhujin Family in Hebei's Jinju reported something similar! Remarkably, the sites aren't far apart. The route from Shanxi to Hebei checks out too!"
Naturally, the intel surviving this rigorous process became priceless data.
Even the clan's most renowned scholars gathered to meticulously analyze the most promising leads first.
Several movement routes were narrowed down, with suspected destinations clearly mapped.
Hugo's eyes gleamed at the top name on the report.
'Beiping.'
The site of the old imperial palace where Yongsim had resided.
A profoundly symbolic location.
The other listed sites seemed equally plausible.
'...Impressive. To achieve this in such a short time, mere days.'
He could see why they upheld their lofty reputation for centuries.
Honestly, he'd underestimated them a bit until now, but that was changing.
'Makes me covet them.'
Hugo licked his lips, eyes sparkling.
These were talents who could excel anywhere!
He knew better than anyone how capable subordinates eased a superior's burdens.
Images of his own able underlings flashed through his mind: Earth's Jinsoran, Banshee Queen Olivia, True Blood Vampire Mulro, Hubert Merchant Group's Diana...
And now, Zhuge Clan members crowded in alongside them.
"Young Hero Ha? Are you alright?"
"...Ah! Sorry. Just organizing my thoughts..."
Hugo snapped back from his reverie at the call.
He was in a meeting of the clan's senior members discussing the analysis.
Time to focus, shelve the distractions.
"Hoo, no wonder you're deep in thought. Beiping, of all places. Their audacity knows no bounds—I never dreamed they'd return there."
At that moment, Qingguan, the Mosan Sect Taoist reviewing the report, spoke with a quiet sigh.
Strictly speaking, Hugo—a mere guest—was only here thanks to him.
As the sect's representative, Qingguan had vouched for him, citing his exploits at Shaolin, providing legitimacy.
'Though Qingguan probably first heard of me when assigned this mission.'
That's how connections worked, right?
Besides, his qualifications stood on their own.
He was a true transcendent realm martial artist.
Equivalent to the Zhuge Clan's top expert, lacking only the Flower Realm.
'Levels and experience differ within realms, so combat prowess isn't equal. Still, transcendent is elite enough to represent a region.'
He'd mingled with giants from the start, but many minor sects lacked even apex experts, let alone transcendent ones.
Plus, he was a young prodigy barely past thirty.
Considering his bright future, this treatment was hardly special.
"It's not confirmed as Beiping yet, is it?"
"True, but it's the most likely. Honestly, I doubt it's ideal for a ritual... Hmm, depends on the rite."
"Indeed. The Demon Cult has many heaven-defying sorceries."
The discussion continued briskly amid the group.
One consensus emerged: stop the ritual before completion, by any means.
"...So much to do. Scout candidate sites, secure allies for combat and rescues. If Beiping's the battlefield, only elites—no rabble. And against the Heavenly Demon, we need at least three Divine Realm masters..."
"Trouble from step one. They won't let scouts escape alive. And it's not just the Heavenly Demon—Blood Sword Demon Lord, other experts, jiangshi... "
Conversation halted uniformly.
Their faces paled at the grim reality confronting them.
Then—
"I'll go to Beiping."
A young man's resolute voice echoed through the chamber.
Hugo, who had quietly observed the debate.
"Time is critical. We must scout swiftly to confirm the site and proceed. I can escape any situation, so let me verify personally."
His offer to infiltrate the highest-risk site alone drew protests.
Joining battle differed from solo infiltration of a potentially trapped lair.
Especially in the infamous Demonic Realm, where qi circulation faltered.
But his firm resolve quelled the objections.
The clan daughters held as sacrifices were more desperate than anyone.
With such a powerhouse volunteering, they felt only guilt and gratitude.
"Then I'll depart immediately. I'll check on the hostages if possible. Handle the rest here."
"...We'll commit the clan's full might, so don't worry. Return safely—you're the future pillar of the martial world."
As if no time to waste, Hugo packed and left amid Elder Zhuge Gunak's worried blessing.
Papapak—
His footsteps launched him skyward from Yunzhong Mountain in grim resolve.
But once beyond the peaks, the solemnity faded, turning leisurely after hours—like a casual stroll.
'Might as well refine my martial arts while out. Nothing beats real combat for mastery.'
A carefree thought mismatched the gravity, accompanied by a soft hum.
Naturally, he had zero intention of actually visiting that Demonic Realm first.
'Let's see. At this pace... about a week? Damn, it's far. By arrival, it should all be neatly wrapped up.'
After all, someone else eagerly awaited the target's location reveal.
The perfect operative: fastest, most reliable, cleanest execution.
The new landlord to drag escaped tenants from hell's edge.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 'How much time has passed?'
Zhuge Hye-mi blankly gazed at the blue sky beyond the window, then squeezed her eyes shut.
Unlike her mood, the cloudless heavens shone brilliantly.
'Never dreamed I'd end up here.'
The imperial palace ruins of Beiping.
A notorious Demonic Realm.
It drained internal energy, crippling martial artists and sorcerers alike; ordinary folk withered and died after brief exposure—a land of death.
She knew exactly why the Demon Cultists brought her here.
'Human sacrifice... I'm the offering...'
Her brilliant mind had pieced it together during captivity: why kidnapped, what they wanted, their plans.
They hadn't bothered hiding it anyway.
'Why would they? No escape possible.'
Her room was a solitary chamber near the ruins.
Protected by arrays from the hostile environs, but no other restraints—yet neither she nor fellow captives attempted flight.
'One step out, and instant subjugation. Treatment worsens after.'
Visible guards were plentiful; unseen ones far more.
Probably swarming her vicinity now.
"Haa."
A sigh escaped her lips.
She'd long stopped counting; it was routine.
"...Ah, right. Time for exercise."
Suddenly, a promise with someone flickered in her mind.
Time together briefer than family, yet in solitude, it persistently resurfaced.
-"I'll train hard here, so Young Master Ha, tell me everything that happens there instead. Promise?"
Even after capture, she'd persisted with workouts to steel herself.
But as time dragged, resolve faded.
Yesterday, habit carried her through...
'...Does it matter? Won't hear stories anyway.'
She rose hesitantly, then flopped back down.
She'd clung to hope till now, but limits neared.
The true end loomed.
'Ah, still... wanted to see you once more at the last...'
Lost in daze—
"Eh?"
An exclamation burst from her.
Late to notice a change while zoning out.
'What is that?'
Her gaze lifted skyward.
Kururung—
The once-clear sky now shrouded in pitch-black thunderclouds.
As if heralding some impending event.