Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Subduing Demon Hall
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I entered the village first to figure out what was going on. As I headed toward the square, I kept an eye out for anything suspicious. I wandered around the village for about two shichen afterward, but nothing seemed off.
"......"
It was too peaceful.
Feeling confused, I sat down at an inn and pondered. This village was the "first location" where the Brocade Guards would collude with the shaman to perform the human sacrifice ritual. So after three years, I naturally expected it to be in flames. But nothing had happened!
'There must be a reason. That's why things changed.'
I knew the laws of reincarnation. If there were no variables, events that happened once would happen again. If there was a change, it was because of some reason. I clutched my head and racked my brain, thinking about what changes I had made this time.
'I found a treasure presumed to be one of the Seven Luminaries' Secret Treasures on Yellow Mountain and entrusted it to Mangnyang.'
That was the biggest change. Nothing else came to mind. Obtaining the Heavenly Dark Secret Book and consuming the Millennium Snow Ginseng were things I always did, so they couldn't be considered changes.
But it didn't make sense. All I had done was break through the spider's interference to retrieve an ancient treasure. How could that stop the Brocade Guards' human sacrifice plan? The connection seemed too tenuous, leaving me baffled.
After mulling it over, I stood up. At this point, there was no choice but to investigate directly.
'I'll have to go see for myself.'
I headed to the largest mansion in the village. It was the grandest and most prosperous place, with a secret passage from the well leading right to the kitchen. In my previous life, it had been raided by the Brocade Guards, and the entire family—adults and children alike—massacred.
Four guards stood in front of the mansion. I glanced at them and thought.
'Should I force my way in, or take it slow...?'
I had a specific reason for wanting to enter this mansion. The wealthiest and most powerful family in the village would undoubtedly hold the biggest secrets and information. The head of this house would know best what had happened and what trends had flowed through the past three years.
After some thought, I approached the guards head-on. They raised their spears and warned me upon seeing me.
"Halt! Who are you?"
"I've come hoping to become a guard here."
"You brat, do you know this is the Hua family's territory?"
I nodded.
"Yes. That's why I came—because this is the richest Hua household in Taegyeong Village of Zhengzhou County."
The name of this ill-fated village was Taegyeong Village. I hadn't used it much before, but objectifying it made the name come naturally. The master of this mansion was of the Hua family, the wealthiest magnate in the area, who had amassed fortune through mining and various commerce.
The Hua family guard twitched his eyebrow and said.
"Do you think this house hires just any riffraff who begs for a job? There's no place for a kid like you!"
"That doesn't seem to be your call..."
"You little...!!"
As the guard was about to lunge in anger.
"What's all this commotion?"
"Ah, Miss."
A woman of enchanting beauty in her late teens emerged from inside the mansion. She wore fine silk robes that exuded refinement, marking her clearly as a Hua family lady. She appeared to be in her early twenties. The guard fumbled awkwardly.
"This vagrant suddenly showed up demanding to be hired as a guard..."
"Hmm...?"
She looked at me with curious eyes. She wasn't an unparalleled beauty like Sa Gong-rin or Moyong Yeon from before, but she was pretty enough to make passersby turn their heads. Moreover, she had a feline charm that gave off a subtle allure, likely making her the top beauty in Taegyeong Village.
She asked me.
"Are you a martial artist, young hero? You seem confident in your skills."
I gave a suitable excuse.
"Yes. Truth be told, I ran out of money while traveling, so I need a way to make ends meet, even as a guard."
"I'm sorry, but we can't hire a vagrant without verifying his identity. It's not about skill—it's a matter of trust. My regrets to you, young hero."
The woman politely and elegantly turned me away. It was a perfectly reasonable response, leaving me too embarrassed to retort. Given her apparent high status in the Hua family, I thought for a moment and said.
"Actually, I passed through this village three years ago, and it was just as peaceful and nice back then. I thought it would be a good place to stay while honing my martial arts, but it seems it's not meant to be. My apologies if I was rude."
I cupped my fists and prepared to leave. If prying high-level info directly from the Hua family was too greedy, I'd have to gather intel by asking around the village. As I turned to go.
"Wait a moment. Young hero, are you truly confident in your skills?"
"......? Yes."
The woman who stopped me smiled faintly and said.
"If so, could you subdue the Blue Demon Four Evils rampaging around Taegyeong Village? If you deal with them, we'll hire you as a family guard."
The nearby guard captain jumped in surprise.
"Miss! Those are vicious unorthodox scum even the authorities can't touch—how could..."
"That's precisely why it's perfect. It lets us test his sense of justice and skill at once."
"Um... if that's your will, Miss..."
I realized a new commission had come my way. Subdue the four unorthodox thugs causing havoc nearby, and the Hua family would take me on as a guard. Since I needed to test my training results anyway, I nodded.
"Very well. May I have your name?"
"Asking a lady's name first? How rude. State yours first, young hero."
Her crisp tone suggested a resolute personality. I chuckled and replied.
"I'm Baek Woong."
"My name is Hwa Ryeon. Come find me after."
Hwa Ryeon left those words and returned inside the mansion. After she was gone for a while, the guard captain scowled and said.
"Hey, Baek Woong, was it? You look like some fresh punk who trained a few years at a martial hall—give it up."
"What do you mean?"
"The Blue Demon Four Evils are demon heads who split off from the Blood Demon Horde of the Eight Demonic Sects. They've banded together bandits into a huge mountain stronghold, plundering travelers. Their forces are so vast even the authorities are stumped. Impossible for one man to subdue—forget it."
Eight Demonic Sects' Blood Demon Horde!
Unlike the Black Night Sect, which specialized in assassination, they were a combat faction using unique blood qi techniques. The Blue Demon Four Evils were likely peak experts from the Blood Demon Horde. Given they commanded masses of bandits, their skills far exceeded a mere Escort Captain.
I listened to him and asked.
"How long have you been employed by the Hua family?"
"Huh? Why should I tell you?"
The gruff guard captain continued reluctantly.
"Fine. Me and this guy have been here five years. What of it?"
"Has anything unusual happened in Taegyeong Village or the Hua family during that time?"
"What a joker. If something had, do you think we'd be standing guard like this? Get lost, punk!"
"Got it."
I turned and left the front of the Hua mansion.
For the next two shichen, I roamed Taegyeong Village, confirming with various people. And I became certain of one fact.
'Truly, nothing happened here for three years.'
If not for my memories of past lives, Taegyeong Village seemed like the most ordinary village imaginable. No place for fanatics to rampage or blood from human sacrifices to overflow. In other words, not even the Brocade Guards had poked around—likely they never approached at all.
So what now?
After much deliberation, I muttered.
'First, I'll go see Hyuncheon Taoist.'
By the time I reached Taejeong Temple, dusk had fallen. Standing before the temple with the setting sun at my back, the disciples spotted me and grew wary. I cupped my fists to them and said.
"I'm Baek Woong of Guanzhong Azure Dragon Martial Hall. I've come from afar with a question for the temple master."
"Guanzhong? You came all the way from there?"
"Yes."
"The master is meditating now—wait half a shichen."
Following the Taejeong Temple disciples' guidance, I sat in the reception hall and waited quietly. Rather than half a shichen, it was a full shichen later when Hyuncheon Taoist appeared. He maintained his vibrant complexion and transcendent Taoist aura as before.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Hyuncheon."
Hyuncheon Taoist sensed my qi and exclaimed in shock.
"...Amitabha... A genius of the world. Have you turned back the years?"
"Not quite. Just some fortuitous encounters."
"Haha, seeing young hero Baek Woong today has opened my eyes."
Clink.
As Hyuncheon Taoist poured warm tea, I asked.
"Over the past three years, have you sensed any evil qi nearby or seen suspicious groups wandering about?"
"Hmm... I don't know your intent, but nothing comes to mind. It's been a while since I left Wudang, but this place is endlessly peaceful. Ideal for cultivation amid nature."
Taejeong Temple under Hyuncheon Taoist suppressed nearby bandits and beasts, and he himself wouldn't tolerate evil groups. If even he said this, Taegyeong Village had truly been safe and sound.
"I've heard of the Blue Demon Four Evils causing trouble around here..."
"Not around here. Fifty li further is a large valley where they've built their power base."
"You don't subdue them, Taoist?"
Hyuncheon Taoist shook his head.
"I dearly wish to, but all my actions tie to Wudang's honor. If I fail, those unorthodox scum might harm villagers or temple disciples—I can't bear that risk."
"I see."
"Haha... I've only shared shameful tales..."
Hyuncheon Taoist smiled bitterly and sipped his tea. After a moment's thought, I said.
"Taoist, have you ever heard of the Seven Luminaries' Secret Treasures?"
"Of course. It's a legend of Taoism rivaling the Eight Immortals."
"A Taoist legend?"
"Hahaha. But such things can't truly exist, can they? Better to believe Xu Fu fetched the elixir of immortality from the Eastern Sea."
Hyuncheon Taoist laughed heartily, showing not a speck of seriousness about the Seven Luminaries' Secret Treasures. This contrasted with Venerable Mangnyang and Mangnyang, who treated them as real. Unlike the Left Path's qi illusionists who handled them directly, Right Path Taoists seemed more focused on internal cultivation and self-discipline.
"A sorcerer I know said even a layman could gain power by obtaining one. Is that true?"
"Oh... mere legend. Hmm..."
Slightly flustered, Hyuncheon Taoist composed himself and answered earnestly.
"The Seven Luminaries symbolize the foundations of heaven and earth from Moon to Sun. Their treasures infuse the powers of moon, fire, water, wood, metal, earth, sun—immense might. Yet from antiquity, though legends persist, no one seriously believed or sought them."
"Why?"
"Too fantastical. Especially the Fire Luminaries' treasure, said to hold Flame Emperor Shennong's power, obtained from the world's southern end—who would chase that?"
"Shennong?"
"Yes."
Hyuncheon Taoist gave a wry smile of disbelief.
"Legends say they hide the powers of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. It's mythology; even Sima Qian, author of the Records of the Grand Historian, dismissed them as folktales. Best not to take it seriously."
"......"
But hearing that sent chills down my spine.
'The powers of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors...'
Others might dismiss it, but I couldn't. Venerable Mangnyang, a transcendent sorcerer and near-god, affirmed their existence, and I'd successfully obtained one presumed to be such. If they truly held the Sovereigns and Emperors' powers, everything changed.
I needed to pursue the Seven Luminaries' Secret Treasures more aggressively!
Thinking that far, I said to Hyuncheon Taoist.
"Hyuncheon Taoist, one last request—could you grant it?"
"What is it?"
"I plan to subdue the Blue Demon Four Evils. Lend me your aid."
"......!!"
"Alone it'd be tough, but together we can defeat those villains."
Hyuncheon Taoist beamed and clasped my hand.
"Haha, of course! With your help, such scum are no issue."
He'd hesitated due to the difficulty of facing dozens of bandits led by first-class experts hunkered in their stronghold—even for a Peak Expert, limits existed alone. But with my transcendent-level internal energy aiding, he figured we could handle them with ease.
"Let's depart now."
"Good! We'll uphold rivers and lakes justice."
We packed gear and headed to Blue Demon Mountain, stronghold of the Four Evils, right after talking. Though fifty li, our peak lightness skills got us there in under half a shichen.
Flash.
Night had fully fallen. A proper mountain fortress crowned the peak, torchlight flickering everywhere. By torch count, at least over a hundred bandit underlings.
"Quite the bandit horde. This many on the outskirts means double inside."
"Probably hundreds. Why the authorities fear them."
"But take out the Four Evils and the rest will be easy."
"Hmm, I'll trust you, young hero."
"Then let's go."
Swoosh.
Our forms raced toward the Blue Demon stronghold. Bandits spotting our sudden charge cried out in alarm.
"Intruders—"
But before alarms or horns, my sword already slit throats. Hyuncheon Taoist similarly dispatched them with Wudang arts before they moved. We breached the gate in under ten breaths.
'Over there.'
Entering, I sensed powerful qi—four presences. Clearly the Blue Demon Four Evils. Leading with Thunder Shadow Swordsmanship, I cleaved bandits; Hyuncheon Taoist followed, clearing the path.
Boom.
The four rough-faced men, presumed Four Evils, eyed me in panic. Each a first-class expert, weapons drawn at the commotion. A gaunt one bulged his eyes and yelled.
"W-what do you want?"
"......"
I noted them standing naked with weapons, foul stench filling the hall. Behind, naked women lay defiled in semen. Likely kidnapped from nearby homes or travelers to sate their lust.
Thud.
Hyuncheon Taoist landed, face grim.
"Beasts!"
"Hyuncheon Taoist, I'll handle those two—finish the rest."
"Of course."
Whirr.
Heavenly Thunder Resonance swirled around my sword; sword qi surged from his. The Four Evils paled, realizing our Peak Expert status.
"Ugh..."
Even united, they could barely match one; now two. One eyed us and pleaded.
"Where from?! We'll give our gold—spare us once!"
"I'm from Yama's realm—bare your necks obediently."
Flash.
Mocking them, I surged forward with Thunder Shadow Step's secret technique Heavenly Slaughter. Oddly, even swinging overhead before their faces, they couldn't react.
Slash!
My sword path flowed, beheading one; blood sprayed. I realized my burst speed was incomparable to before.
Hyuncheon Taoist kept pace, charging the iron mace wielder—two or three sword moves, and the wrist flew. Before words, massacre ensued; under twenty breaths later, the Four Evils were sword-ghosts.
Shaking blood from his blade, Hyuncheon Taoist marveled.
"Young hero Baek Woong's skill is remarkable. Martial world's blessing."
"No need... but the underlings will come soon."
"What now?"
I thought, then grabbed a Blue Demon head from the blood pool.
"Bandits this size losing their chiefs might rampage villages uncontrolled. We need thorough cleanup."
"Hmm... you mean..."
"If killing troubles you, take the women and go. I'll handle it alone."
Hyuncheon Taoist sighed.
"How can I burden only you, young hero? I've resolved—I'll see it through."
"Good. Let's begin."
I soared to the bandits' gathering spot, hurling a chief's head into their midst. Poised tensely, they freaked at the flying head, paling upon recognition.
"Eeek!"
I roared like a lion.
[The Blue Demon Four Evils are dead! Fighting's pointless for you!]
"Uwaaaah!!"
"Run!"
They hesitated, then scattered like receding tide. Sub-leaders yelled to hold them, but too late. No loyalty to die for chiefs—simple act collapsed the group.
I pursued fleeing bandits, unleashing Heavenly Thunder Resonance, slashing madly.
Slash-whack.
Clang.
Each swing severed limbs, heads. Carving a bloody path, in under a shichen I massacred nearly a hundred. Blood barely stained me; I silently repeated executions. Growing thrilled, I hacked humans eagerly.
'Just an excuse, really.'
I had no intent to join Hua guards or uphold justice against the Four Evils. Just needed practice foes before Black Night Sect, having learned the arts.
Bandits—no repercussions for killing. Perfect for drilling Heavenly Thunder Resonance and Heavenly Slaughter in real combat. Hyuncheon Taoist beside me, breaking precepts unknowingly.
Slash.
Around the 150th, few bandits remained. Wiping bloodied hands on my robe, I muttered.
"Fun. Good Heavenly Slaughter practice."
Not proud of total annihilation, but solid prep for Black Night Sect. As I finished cleaning, Hyuncheon Taoist approached.
"Young hero Baek Woong, I'll escort the women to safety."
"Please."
Feeling the bandit purge end, I slumped to the ground. Gazing at blood sea, severed limbs, corpses—my eyes coldly serene. Something inside me broken, but no particular thoughts.
'Won't go to Mangnyang yet. Not strong enough as promised.'
My eyes gleamed.
'Ride this momentum—challenge Black Night Sect now.'
Win a spar there, and I'd be strong enough without shame? The thought made me smile.
My hands itched.
Trembling with subtle pleasure, I slowly denied it.
Admitting it—something would change.
============================ Author's Note ============================
Please give recommendations and comments~ It gives me strength~