Chapter 454
Chapter 454
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 116
>Chapter Title: Arrangement (6)
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I know you're not the type to pursue goodness or uphold righteousness. But if there's even something precious to you, the one who can protect it from the impending doom won't be me—a mere remnant of the past—but you, who lives in the present.
Jin Un-hwi had read the heavens long ago.
And from those heavenly secrets, he realized that the only way to stop the absolute evil, steeped in madness, from bringing destruction was an absolute demon greater than it.
The old "him" might have been different, but not the current one.
If he understood the value of human life and cherished ones, he would know that harmony and coexistence, not destruction, was the answer.
Yet Mok Kyung-un stared at him silently.
Then, at last, he spoke.
"Protect it from doom..."
This is the answer that drew you here. For the sake of those precious to you...
"I refuse."
As expected, the right decis— What?
The eyebrows beneath Jin Un-hwi's mask shot up.
He had anticipated this man wouldn't be easy, but he hadn't expected an immediate rejection.
Letting out a sigh, Jin Un-hwi said,
If you don't do it, the Central Plains could dry up to the point where "countless lives" sounds like a joke. Are you just going to stand by and watch?
"I'm only living for revenge and protecting those by my side. If you want some grand heroics, find someone else."
...
"Ah, right. You have descendants too, don't you? You made arrangements for her, so why drag me into this? If it's that urgent, use her."
That child alone couldn't stop it, or I would have done so already. Even without arrangements, when that moment comes, many will move. What I want is for you to play a key role in creating the trigger...
"No. I have no intention of dancing to the tune you've set."
...
Jin Un-hwi fell silent, gazing at Mok Kyung-un's resolute will.
As expected from one whose essence was demonic, he wasn't easily swayed.
However, he had anticipated this to some extent.
'No one wants to follow a fated path. I was the same.'
Seeing Mok Kyung-un's stubborn attitude even evoked memories of his own youth.
Back then, he had acted on his heart's desires rather than grand principles.
He had been battered here and there, gaining much experience in the process.
As if sensing Jin Un-hwi's mind drifting to the past, the short sword at his side hummed like cheerful chatter.
Wooong!
'Yes, you're remembering the old days too, aren't you, Sodam?'
Jin Un-hwi chuckled softly, then spoke.
Very well. I respect your will as well.
"You're giving up easily."
It's not giving up—matters of the present are truly yours and those of your era. On second thought, I have no right to dictate just because I'm worried about the future. But remember this: even without my urging, there will come a time when it becomes your path.
...
In truth, Mok Kyung-un was inevitably destined to clash with the Secret Society and the Third Bamboo Slip Man.
It was for his and Cheong-ryeong's revenge.
In that sense, Jin Un-hwi might be right—the paths could converge into one.
But he didn't want to be led by others' intentions rather than his own, nor attach some selfless, grandiose reason like "for all mankind."
"If you're done talking, send me out of here."
There was no reason to stay any longer.
Moreover, something had exploded just before he was sucked into the bamboo slips.
He needed to hurry back.
Jin Un-hwi shrugged.
Sending you out is easy enough. But wouldn't it be a shame to leave with this mask on?
"What do you mean, a shame?"
This is an arrangement, plain and simple. It seems you haven't fully comprehended the Eight Breaking Forms yet.
...
Impressive, nonetheless. It's probably thanks to your innate essence that you've reached this level. With an ordinary mind, it would take decades or centuries to grasp, but you've done it in a mere ten-odd years.
...
Ten-odd years?
It had taken barely half a year, an instant in his perception.
But Mok Kyung-un made no reply.
Instead,
"So what?"
The latter half of the Eight Breaking Forms is different.
"Different... how?"
The higher the realm, the more all martial arts converge as one, like rivers flowing into the sea.
...
To accept the forms of harmony and the five elements, one must comprehend the balance of all flows and the grandeur of nature. But since it's tied to the immortal path, ordinary enlightenment won't suffice.
...
What are you getting at?
I'll teach you a portion of the immortal path so you can master the Eight Breaking Forms completely.
"The immortal path?"
Yes. The original Heavenly Demon you were would have been pure demon, incapable of the immortal path. But now it's different. Humans hold all possibilities—like a blank canvas, accepting anything. You possess infinite value now.
...
I'm not teaching for a price, so drop your guard. Even if you don't become a hero, if that calamity of doom unfolds, you'll have to face it inevitably. That being is beyond human, a transcendent entity without mercy. Your current power might lead only to despair.
"So you're offering to pass on the immortal path and the remaining keys to the Eight Breaking Forms?"
Exactly. I think it's a good deal for you too.
Mok Kyung-un narrowed his eyes, staring at Jin Un-hwi.
Then he shook his head.
"I refuse."
...You refuse?
"Yes."
Why?
"Whether by your design or coincidence, mastering the Eight Breaking Forms has gotten me through crises and elevated me higher. For that, I am grateful."
Clap!
Mok Kyung-un clasped his hands in a formal salute toward Jin Un-hwi.
Surprised by the unexpected gratitude, Jin Un-hwi looked puzzled.
But Mok Kyung-un ignored it, lowering his hands and continuing.
"However, I no longer wish to borrow your hand, Jin Un-hwi."
Not borrow my hand...? So you'll overcome the coming trials with your own strength?
"Yes."
Hmm.
Stroking his chin in distress at Mok Kyung-un's resolve, Jin Un-hwi knew from reading the heavens.
The impending disaster was beyond what the current Mok Kyung-un could handle—a worst-case catastrophe.
At minimum, he needed to shed one more layer and reach the end of the natural order to cope.
If that's your will, I can't stop you. But to ascend one step higher from here, there's no way but to grasp harmony and the five elements through the immortal path, or directly absorb pure five elements energy akin to nature itself.
"What is the immortal path?"
The immortal path is...
"The way of becoming an immortal, right?"
It's not that simple, but broadly speaking, yes.
"Then my path is not the immortal path."
...Then what is your path? If you seek higher realms, you'd have no choice but a stable one.
"I realized it while clashing with you, Jin Un-hwi."
Realized what?
"That too much is unnecessary."
Too much is unnecessary?
"I haven't practiced martial arts long, but I've learned that knowing many things doesn't make one stronger."
!?
"A sharp sword that can cut anything, and peerless prowess. Nothing else is needed."
!!!!
Jin Un-hwi's eyes gleamed through the gap in his demon mask at Mok Kyung-un's conclusion.
How did he arrive at such insight?
It was astonishing.
He himself had met countless experts, gaining enlightenment to reach higher realms.
Thus, he believed all was learning and harmony.
But Mok Kyung-un was different.
Through this encounter, rather than accepting the arrangement and following his path, he was forging a completely independent one.
Peerless prowess... Without grasping the five elements' principles, can you reach it?
"Harmony isn't my way. Infinite prowess is law unto itself, akin to supreme. What matters in the end is will."
...
Jin Un-hwi was genuinely awestruck by Mok Kyung-un.
At such heights, the path ahead feels blocked, walls turning to despair and wails.
That's why he tried to guide him via arrangements—but it was unnecessary.
This man needed no master.
He carved his own path.
A true grandmaster.
* * *
At the same time.
Over half the bamboo grove forming the formation lay snapped and shattered, its interior nearly reduced to ruins.
Liu Tianhu So Ye-rin—no, Jin Ye-rin—panted roughly, covered in wounds.
"Haa... Haa..."
Clatter!
Her sword-gripping hand trembled violently.
Beside her stood a middle-aged man with a caved-in forehead, the Ghost Sword, in even worse shape.
Not content with losing one arm, his left shin was broken, making him stagger.
Blood poured from a gut wound.
"Cough... Cough..."
"Is that all you've got?"
A ferocious-looking man eyed them scornfully.
A third eye gleamed on his forehead, and Jin Ye-rin's face paled at the sight.
'...Strong. Too strong.'
She and the Ghost Sword had teamed up against this third-eyed man, yet far from holding even ground, they were being pushed back.
Even two transcendent masters beyond walls couldn't handle this strength; she bit her lip hard.
Grip!
'If I falter, Lord Cheol Su-ryeon's sacrifice will be in vain.'
The recent scene flashed in Jin Ye-rin's mind.
A third-eyed entity suddenly appeared in the blue meadow formation.
It wasn't the Third Bamboo Slip Man's main body, but an avatar.
And there wasn't just one.
!?
Shockingly, there were two avatars.
Different faces and ages, but their aura and pressure were identical.
[Where is he?]
[He should be here.]
Their first target: Mok Kyung-un.
Unsure why, but realizing it tied to the bamboo slips, she hid it in her bosom.
Then she fought the overwhelmingly intimidating avatars of the two Bamboo Slip Men.
With Cheol Su-ryeon, yet she was stunned.
The avatars were monsters.
Even a transcendent master like Cheol Su-ryeon was helplessly overwhelmed by their combined assault.
Then Jin Ye-rin was caught by one, life hanging by a thread—but saved by the Wicked Heart Patriarch Cheol Su-ryeon's ingenuity.
[Let her go. I'll teach you the incantation.]
[Don't try to fool me. This seat is also a master of sorcery. Any tricks, and I'll end the last bloodline of Jin-ga.]
[Lord Cheol Su-ryeon, I'm fine—don't give in to him...]
Grip!
[Guh!]
[I said don't speak! Release her from him now!]
[Tell me. Then I keep my promise.]
In the end, the Wicked Heart Patriarch spat out the sorcery incantation.
As he seemed to teach it properly, one avatar released her throat.
Then,
Young lady.
Cheol Su-ryeon sent a transmission, urging her not to move.
Wondering why,
Thud! Thud!
He slammed his ringed staff repeatedly on the ground.
Space tore open, sucking Jin Ye-rin in.
[L-Lord Cheol Su-ryeon!]
[You wench!]
As one avatar lunged, Cheol Su-ryeon intercepted.
Flashing her a bright smile, he bid farewell.
Live on, if you can.
Through the closing rift, she saw him hurl the ringed staff at the formation's central pillar.
KABOOM!
A massive explosion shattered the bamboos.
Thanks to his sacrifice, she escaped crisis—only to face another despair immediately.
Another avatar of the Bamboo Slip Man waited.
This third one had severed the Ghost Sword's right arm and gripped his throat, interrogating him.
After she attacked to rescue him, they fought together, but the result was this.
Despite teaming up, they were the wounded ones.
"Haa... Haa..."
Strength ebbed from her sword hand.
Having consumed eighty percent of her innate true energy, fighting more was risky.
Step step!
Facing the approaching avatar, Jin Ye-rin swallowed dryly.
Even an avatar, not the body, was this strong. And Mok Kyung-un had faced and killed such monsters?
How?
She stared despairingly at the advancing third Bamboo Slip Man avatar.
Then—
Rattle!
The bamboo slips in her bosom began to tremble.
!?
[Chapter 116: Arrangement (6)] End