Chapter 661
Chapter 661
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 661
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
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Five Great Mountains?
I felt uneasy again, as if we were veering off course once more, but now that the Spirit Dragon's name had come up, I couldn't ignore the Fire Dragon Immortal's request. I said to him,
"What reason does the Spirit Dragon have for wishing to communicate?"
[ I don't know. ]
"Then why must we go to the Five Great Mountains?"
[ It told me to come there. ]
"......"
It seemed the Spirit Dragon was simply summoning us unilaterally, and the Fire Dragon Immortal knew nothing more. My head began to throb, but I nodded.
"Understood. I'll do as you say, Immortal."
I had no choice but to go. More than anything, this was a chance to uncover the secrets of the Ten Thousand Gods Hall, shrouded in mystery—especially those of the Spirit Dragon, the Emperor's right hand, treated as an equal to the Five Emperors. I vowed to learn something, even if it killed me, and informed the strategists of the Fire Dragon Immortal's matter.
Zhuge Seg-a said,
"This is unexpected. Has anything like this ever happened before?"
"Indeed."
"It seems the power he recovered in the Heavenly Realm is far greater than we thought. Back when he met Yeo Dongbin a thousand years ago, he was likely already quite depleted."
Mang-ryang, standing nearby, said,
"Baek Woong. Didn't you ask the Fire Dragon Immortal which of the Dragon King's powers he recovered?"
"I did, but he only said he's still in the process."
"Hmm... For now, my junior and I will accompany you. In case something happens, we can assist."
"Which of the Five Great Mountains should we head to?"
Mang-ryang answered without hesitation.
"Naturally, Mount Song."
"Because Shaolin Temple is on our side?"
"Exactly. Let's request the Divine Monk's help as well. Conveniently, our comrades are training there, so we can get aid from Jin So-cheong or the Sword Demon."
Flash
We headed to Shaolin Temple. Before ascending Mount Song's Heavenly Sovereign Altar, we tried to seek the Divine Monk's assistance, but something felt off.
"Hide."
My expert's keen intuition and sensing ability picked up the changed atmosphere. The heavy, pervasive aura blanketing the area was unmistakably from highly skilled martial artists, and I knew immediately we couldn't reveal ourselves recklessly. As Cheon Woo-jin deployed his concealment technique, we became transparent and observed our surroundings.
Gazing from the mountainside at the Shaolin Temple grounds below, I let out a groan.
"Wind God Squad..."
Enhancing my vision, I instantly spotted the experts hidden throughout the temple. They were the Wind God Squad, the elite combat unit following the White Lotus Cult's Four Great Martial Styles' Wind God Style. Each member was a peak expert by rivers and lakes standards. I'd clashed with them multiple times and recognized several faces. Moreover, not only the Wind God Squad Leader commanding them, but also elder-level Wind God Style experts were visible.
The Wind God Style elders seemed to be monitoring kneeling monks around Shaolin's Grand Hero Hall. The supervised monks were Shaolin's senior-ranking warrior monks. The Divine Monk was nowhere in sight.
Seeing this, I muttered,
"Shaolin seems subdued by the Wind God Style bastards. Hardly any battle traces, so they probably surrendered quietly."
"Is that so!"
Mang-ryang sighed.
"The White Lotus Cult Leader has moved. He took Shaolin overnight without a whisper. For it not to reach our Anti-Heaven Alliance's ears—impressive decisiveness."
"But Shaolin sealed its gates."
"The White Lotus Cult Leader isn't one to care about that. In his eyes, the martial world's prestige is worthless. Rather, sparing Shaolin from destruction is his mercy."
"True enough."
After pondering, I said,
"The White Lotus Cult Leader thinks Shaolin is connected to us."
"Most likely. Our priority before ascending the Heavenly Sovereign Altar is rescuing the Divine Monk. He knows too much about us— we must act before he's tortured."
Indeed.
Having trusted the Divine Monk and shared the black obsidian, he knew not only that I'm a reincarnator but also my goals and hidden aces. If his info reached the White Lotus Cult Leader, it'd be a massive headache.
"Tch... Should've brought the Divine Monk and Famed Dragon Child straight to base."
"They refused themselves, so what could we do?"
"......"
"Baek Woong. What's wrong?"
Hesitating, I said,
"With the entire Wind God Squad and elders here, and a giant sect like Shaolin surrendering quietly... it means Yong Bi-cheon is present. The Divine Monk, knowing the gap with the Guardian Lion, surrendered to avoid casualties."
"That makes sense."
"I have no confidence rescuing the Divine Monk and Shaolin from Guardian Lion Yong Bi-cheon without losses. The battle's aftermath alone would kill many monks."
"A valid concern, Baek Woong."
After a moment's thought, Mang-ryang said,
"With just us three, it'll be tough. Let's bring more comrades as originally planned."
"Got it."
"First, fetch key forces from base."
"I'll go quickly."
After retrieving the 'forces,' we headed to a nearby mysterious ancient facility. Originally fingerprint-locked via the Divine Monk, he'd tampered with it, so we easily opened the rock and entered.
"Baek Woong. What is it?"
Inside, Jin So-cheong, Sword Demon, Gok-ho, Dang-san, and others trained diligently in martial arts. The space accelerated internal energy accumulation far beyond outside, ideal for rapid growth. With a grim expression, I explained the situation, and their faces darkened.
The Sword Demon said,
"Can't face Yong Bi-cheon without casualties. We have enough to kill him, but if he resists with infinite internal energy, it'll cause calamities. Shaolin monks will die unavoidably—not to mention the Wind God Style forces."
"But..."
"Fighting head-on means the aftermath destroys Shaolin."
The Sword Demon was firm. Jin So-cheong nodded in agreement.
"No matter our combined might, we can't assassinate Yong Bi-cheon instantly. Fighting a Guardian Lion turns into a power struggle. Without top Absolute Realm enlightenment..."
We could eliminate the Wind God Style, but zero casualties? Impossible.
"Urgh..."
Even with Cheon Woo-jin's help, it'd be tough. Even as a 환신, his aid had limits.
Then, Gok-ho, chewing jerky nearby, spoke.
"Leave it to Dang-san?"
All eyes turned to Gok-ho. He nodded at Dang-san beside him.
"This kid's no longer ignorable. With the right play, we can achieve our goal easily."
"What do you mean, Gok-ho?"
"Ask him directly. If he can or not."
I asked Dang-san,
"Dang-san. Got a way?"
Dang-san grinned.
"Heh heh. Seems super easy."
"What?"
"Facing blades head-on isn't the only method."
Soon, we all gathered near Shaolin Temple. Dang-san unpacked his poison bundle, letting the wind carry it. Cheon Woo-jin conjured a massive whirlwind with wind arts, spreading the poison powder rapidly.
Swish swish swish
About an incense stick's time after the fine, nearly invisible poison dust dispersed?
Suddenly, patrolling Wind God Squad members struggled to breathe.
"Huh... Kugh..."
"Urk!"
Experts began collapsing one by one. As over half the squad became combat-ineffective instantly, Wind God Style elders sensed crisis and shouted.
"Poison!"
"Protect meridians with internal energy and control breathing!!"
Most recovered experts sat cross-legged, circulating heart methods. Peak experts resist poison, expelling it via internal energy. But they failed—soon spewing blood and toppling forward.
"Kugh..."
"Too... potent..."
"Elder... escape..."
"Ugh."
Wind God Style elders, with profound energy, seemed fine, but others weren't. As the style crumbled instantly, elders retreated hastily. For forces that could erase a major sect overnight, it was an anticlimactic end.
Whoosh
We arrived late where poison swept, sprinkling antidotes on people. No time for individual dosing—absorb via pores. Fallen monks and even Wind God Squad members slowly regained senses; Jin So-cheong and Gok-ho acupoint-sealed the squad.
Then I stored all Wind God Squad members and monks in the neck pouch.
'Now no worry about collateral.'
Environment set for full fight with Yong Bi-cheon.
But baffled, I said,
"What poison is that? Even peak experts couldn't endure..."
Dang-san grinned.
"One of Tang Clan secret's Ten Great Poisons: Soul-Hiding Death. A handful poisons a hundred; prolonged exposure makes super peak experts bleed from every pore and die."
"How'd you get Soul-Hiding Death..."
"Tortured a Tang direct-line bastard before, stole and memorized recipe."
"Antidote too?"
"Ah, didn't exist originally—I researched and made it alone."
"......"
"Figured it'd help my lifesaver someday, so prepped poison and antidote."
Poison arts demand advanced math, engineering calculations, long practice. Brilliant mind essential. A mere early teen recreating antidote from recipe alone? I realized anew Dang-san's peerless genius.
Thanks to Dang-san's poison, we skipped hassle and advanced. Entering Shaolin Grand Hero Hall where foresight showed Yong Bi-cheon, there he was with Wind God Style elders.
'Divine Monk... dead.'
I gritted teeth. Foresight showed him enduring torture moments ago—now dead. Likely Yong Bi-cheon's doing.
Yong Bi-cheon eyed me and comrades oddly, saying,
"Perfect. Got nothing from him, but parties arrived."
"Yong Bi-cheon. Sane? Attacking sealed Shaolin to destroy it—what's the madness for?"
I bellowed; he replied,
"Kekeke. Pups like you—no issue solo."
I knew his confidence justified. Guardian Lion's infinite energy in full battle could obliterate Mount Song. But I sneered,
"Killing Divine Monk was your mistake. Still just brute muscle, idiot!"
"Shut your mouth!!"
Yong Bi-cheon roared, hurling massive wind cannon from air. Immense power, speed—normally crushing pressure. But I raised Fire Dragon Divine Sword, slicing it in one stroke.
Slash!
"......!!"
Yong Bi-cheon looked shocked. Natural energy sliced midair vanished traceless. I'd targeted energy core precisely, infusing ghostly realm intent in nameless Thunder God Style slash.
Sneering at him, I said,
"I could beat you solo now. But..."
Step step
Beside me, Jin So-cheong, Sword Demon, Gok-ho advanced. Zhuge Bu from base readied attack; Mang-ryang, Cheon Woo-jin prepared arts.
"Ugh... what?! Where'd high experts like you..."
Yong Bi-cheon, sensing dire aura, sweated, retreating unsteadily. Glaring, I said,
"No time—ending you quick with comrades."
"W-wait..."
"Shut up! You're irrelevant now."
No need to hear more.
We charged unhesitatingly together.
Boom boom boom
Kaboom kaboom
Battle with Yong Bi-cheon ended thirty breaths later. He unleashed infinite energy for max attacks to endure, but our all-out blitz exposed gaps galore. His martial insight not that high—Jin So-cheong slipped in mid-fight, landing Ran Nachal; he spewed blood from torso, collapsing.
Thud
"Argh..."
After felling Guardian Lion Yong Bi-cheon, Gok-ho glared hatred, thrusting spear.
Puk
Spear pierced skull, then severed neck from body. Gok-ho roared lion-like.
"Master!! Avenge you!!"
After swift dispatch, I summoned Divine Monk's soul via Heavenly Divine Scripture art from his corpse. Soul looked poor, reflecting brutal torture in life.
[ Sorry... Benefactor Baek Woong... Should've fled to your base as said... Feared innocent temple monks harmed... Focusing on me spared monk massacre... ]
"Hmm..."
[ No worry... Yong Bi-cheon tortured, but I said little... Persisted on Heavenly Sovereign Altar, so had to mention... ]
"Heavenly Sovereign Altar?"
[ ... Leader seems intent seizing it... ]
Divine Monk sighed faintly, then said,
[ Benefactor. Request... Wudang's Famed Dragon Child likely same plight. Save him... or mercifully end... ]
"Understood."
[ Hope more aid in your next reincarnation... ]
Flash
Divine Monk's soul vanished. I raised Bi-eung to rush Wudang, but Mang-ryang said,
"Baek Woong. Don't rush—use foresight confirm Famed Dragon Child's status first."
"Got it."
Using foresight, I scanned his location and state. National Jade Seal spirit showed alive, alone in unknown chamber, not tortured.
Viewing together, Mang-ryang said,
"White Lotus Cult attacked Wudang confirmed, but unlike Divine Monk, Famed Dragon Child escaped well. Likely Wudang hideout."
"Hmm. Then rescue now."
Flash
I fetched Famed Dragon Child instantly. Seeing Divine Monk's corpse, he sighed dejectedly.
"Self-inflicted... who to blame... Sigh."
"Not caught by White Lotus Cultists?"
"No such thing. Just worried for sect disciples..."
"Rescue them later."
"... Please."
I moved Famed Dragon Child to safe base, returned to Mount Song. Roughly handled Shaolin matters, ascended Heavenly Sovereign Altar.
Wooong
Atop, Fire Dragon Divine Sword suddenly emitted divine glow. Leaving my hand, floating midair, it spewed massive flames skyward—like pillar linking heaven-earth.
Whoooosh
"Ah, caught..."
Comrades dodged swiftly, but too close, I was engulfed. Yet flames neither burned nor harmed; suddenly, I stood in empty white void.
'Where...'
Not alone.
Fire Dragon Immortal, in ancient garb, faced massive dragon. Dragon rippled divine winds, exuding elegance. Impressive wings.
Fire Dragon Immortal said to dragon,
[ My true body. Why summon me? Reclaiming? ]
No reply.
Dragon stared long; soon Fire Dragon Immortal vanished cleanly from space.
"Ahh!!"
Shocked, I gripped sword, charging dragon—but infinite distance between, unreachable. Flailing midair, dragon eyed me mysteriously.
Its will reached me.
[ Ninth Heaven Maiden. Long time... ]
Ninth Heaven Maiden?
Swoosh
Dumbfounded, azure blade erupted from my heart. Not physical sword—immortal sword I'd harbored inwardly. Half-blade emerged from chest; naturally, Ninth Heaven Maiden flowed from tip.
No way... Ninth Heaven Maiden manifested here via my immortal sword?
Stunned, she ignored me, addressing dragon,
[ Spirit Dragon. Reclaiming Fire Dragon Immortal to Ten Thousand Gods Hall? ]
Spirit Dragon!
Indeed, this divine dragon was the Spirit Dragon.
Addressed entity replied slowly.
[ No need... Let child act freely till apocalypse. ]
[ Why send her to Heavenly Realm initially? ]
[ Emperor wished... ]
[ ...... ]
[ Dare not guess His will. One Changhil suffices. ]
Ninth Heaven Maiden sighed at Spirit Dragon's words.
[ Vast evil stirs. Heavenly Realm's fall irrelevant? ]
[ Evil is world's essence too. We unqualified to judge good-evil. ]
[ You were origin Spirit King— no attachment to this land? ]
[ Enough. ]
Flash
As Spirit Dragon emitted irritated energy,
Ninth Heaven Maiden flinched, paling. Mere aura made top heavenly 대라仙仙 shrink. Spirit Dragon equaled Five Emperors—no exaggeration.
Spirit Dragon eyed her mysteriously, said,
[ Ninth Heaven Maiden. Not here for whining. No time till Three Emperors Five Emperors interfere—return. ]
[ But...!! ]
[ Go. ]
Swoosh
Ninth Heaven Maiden vanished instantly. Spirit Dragon absolute here, ejecting at will. Eyes turned to me; it spoke.
[ Thanks restoring my incarnation, mortal. ]
I sensed no Three Emperors Five Emperors' overwhelming destruction-chaos from Spirit Dragon. Rather, its innate power nature differed. Feeling oddly familiar, I replied.
"Spirit Dragon. Why summon Fire Dragon Immortal thus?"
[ Admirable. ]
"Pardon?"
[ Child could've questioned essence, yet steadfast in conviction. Watching is rare joy. Regained conviction's power—commendable. ]
Incomprehensible sentiment.
Tilting head, Spirit Dragon said,
[ Mortal... Familiar chaos echo from you. Yet such aura only pure chaos-born possess... Not for humans... Yet you are human. Quite unique. ]
"......"
[ You talent beloved by myriad demons. ]
Don't need that talent!!
Nearly yelled, but restrained before Spirit Dragon.
I said,
"Spirit Dragon. Contract with me. Or grant Ten Thousand Gods Hall entry!!"
[ Refuse. You unqualified. ]
"Then tell what Ten Thousand Gods Hall is..."
[ Refuse. ]
"Accept offerings..."
[ No need material offerings. All Ten Thousand Gods Hall denizens same. Refuse all mortal transactions. ]
"......"
[ Emperor provides all; no reason defy His will for more. ]
Refusing deals outright!
Unbelievable? All Ten Thousand Gods Hall banned transactions—mind-blowing. Blocked all future offering rituals!
'Too closed-off!'
Dazed, Spirit Dragon said,
[ Jeon-uk, Je-gok trying intrude... ]
Rumble rumble boom
As said, winged giant hand, myriad ghosts peeked forms outside. Hand likely Je-gok proxy incarnation; ghosts Manma-jeon minor deities. Baffled, I said,
"Why Three Emperors Five Emperors intrude here?"
[ Desperately crave Ten Thousand Gods Hall... Even catch Emperor's aide like me to force path... To unmask. ]
"Mask?"
[ Ultimately selfish... Such qualify self-proclaimed world kings? ]
Muttering irritably, Spirit Dragon roared once.
[ Begone! ]
Rumble!
Roar echoed; Je-gok's hand shredded to fragments, vanishing skyward; ghosts tore to flesh bits instantly. Sensing absurd power in roar, I paled. Spirit Dragon's might immense.
' S-so... strong! '
Casually repelled Three Emperors Five Emperors' interference!
Clearing surroundings, Spirit Dragon sighed,
[ Descended samsara-world long time... Too many nuisances... Farewell. ]
Seemed Spirit Dragon visited just to check beloved Fire Dragon Immortal like daughter. Not for me.
"W-wait."
Obsessed with gaining something.
' Rare chance!! '
Months recovering Fire Dragon Divine Sword in Heavenly Realm—not easy!
Even harder securing Great Sage Equal Heaven's aid!
Rarely see Spirit Dragon—must learn here. Brain racing, I shouted,
"Day曜 in Ten Thousand Gods Hall—really obtainable collecting remaining Seven曜 six?!"
Must verify this truth!
Pause
Spirit Dragon halted departure, replied curtly.
[ Yes. ]
"Collecting Seven曜 six opens Ten Thousand Gods Hall gate...?"
[ No. Separate matters. ]
"Separate meaning..."
[ Find Ten Thousand Gods Hall entry separately. ]
Answering, Spirit Dragon flapped wings.
[ Mortal, abandon foolish ambition collecting Seven曜... Unachievable while Three Emperors Five Emperors endure here. ]
Flash
Words ended; I returned to pre-flame pillar state.
As if no time passed since.
Dazed, I clenched fist.
' ... Foolish? So what. '
Regardless, I'll achieve it!
"Everyone. Those resolved, raise hands."
Mind set, I raised Bi-eung, shouting to comrades,
"Heading Dark Heaven Village now."