Chapter 198
Chapter 198
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 198
Chapter Title: Empty and Full (3)
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“Haha! Hahaha...”
The leader of the Blood Spirits, Yahul Hon, kept letting out awkward laughs as he faced his grandfather. Even though some time had passed since they met, he still couldn't get used to the suddenly youthful face.
“You brat, stop laughing already.”
Yahul Jae sighed as he flicked Yahul Hon on the forehead.
“Does it look that strange?”
“It's not strange so much as miraculous.”
“What's so miraculous about this old man looking a bit younger?”
“A bit? You look much younger than me. And you even resemble me from my childhood.”
“You're barely in your mid-thirties, and you're talking about your childhood?”
“See it for yourself, Grandfather. You look at least ten years younger than this grandson of yours.”
As Yahul Hon spoke with a wronged expression, Woo Gong Yi Geuk, who had been watching their exchange with keen interest from the side, slyly chimed in.
“He's right, Cult Leader.”
“Even you too?”
“It's the truth. Your current appearance and Hon in his twenties look like twins.”
“Hm, is that so?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“It's only natural for a grandson to resemble his grandfather. What's new about that?”
Yahul Jae seemed quite pleased at the words from his beloved eldest grandson that he took after him.
“Enough idle talk. Let's get to the main point, Hon.”
“Yes, Grandfather.”
“Do you know who the Blood Spirits must face?”
“Yes. The Sword Pavilion's swordsmen.”
“Correct. But objectively speaking, the Blood Spirits can't match them.”
Yahul Hon's eyebrows twitched. Just as his mouth opened, Yahul Jae raised a hand to silence him.
“I'm not saying our overall forces are lacking. The Blood Spirits outnumber them, so that will offset things to some degree. But even if we win, the casualties would be unimaginable. Among the Sword Pavilion swordsmen mobilized this time are a large number of veterans with age and rich experience on their side—it's unavoidable.”
“I've heard that much.”
“That's why we're having the Third Elder-trained kids engage them first. The Blood Spirits will step in afterward.”
“Are you saying we should play for the fisherman's profit?”
Yahul Hon raised his voice, his face twisted in wounded pride.
“Fisherman's profit. Yes, if that's what you call it, then yes. Does that hurt your pride?”
“Yes.”
“We have to do it anyway. The Blood Spirits are the core of our cult and must play even greater roles ahead. We can't afford such sacrifices in this fight against the Sword Pavilion.”
“But those kids trained by the Third Elder are no differ—”
“No. They're different.”
Yahul Jae's eyes turned cold.
“I understand your feelings, but don't delude yourself. Those kids are expendables. That's why we gathered lowborn urchins, orphans, and bottom-feeders and trained them all this time. Of course, we'll give them fair chances. Merit brings rewards, and loyalty to the cult earns proper treatment. Those who survive that way rise to the Blood Spirits or even the Gold Spirits.”
“The Third Elder will feel slighted.”
“Tsk tsk. I thought you were all grown up, but you're still lacking. The Third Elder was the first to propose this.”
“What?”
Yahul Hon, who knew how much the Third Elder cherished the children he raised, widened his eyes in disbelief.
“Anyway, keep that in mind. Don't step forward recklessly and ruin things.”
“Understood...”
Yahul Hon's response lacked strength.
“Have we confirmed the Sword Emperor's position?”
At Yahul Jae's question, Dam Dong, deputy leader of the Gold Spirits, respectfully spoke up.
“We believe he passed Yeong Eun Hyeon yesterday.”
“He's moving quite fast. Two days ago, he was much further south. Is he traveling alone?”
“No. He's moving close to the Orthodox Heaven Alliance. Not exactly joined, but not solo either.”
“They're cooperating just enough, then.”
Yahul Jae nodded and asked again.
“Those kids the Third Elder raised—how far have they gone?”
“They've already reached the vicinity of Phoenix Mountain, as far as we know.”
“Have they linked up with the ones already there?”
“No.”
Yahul Jae pondered briefly before issuing an order.
“Spread out the map.”
Dam Dong hurriedly unrolled the map. Crude as it was, it detailed the terrain around Shandong, especially Phoenix Mountain.
As Yahul Jae examined it, Yahul Hon quietly spoke.
“We can use the Orthodox Heaven Alliance tangled with the Sword Pavilion as bait to lure them away, but what about the Shandong Wicked Clan? If they intervene, it could turn into a tougher fight than expected.”
“Shandong Wicked Clan? Heh, they have no spare attention for us. It'll be that way soon enough.”
“May I ask what situation you're referring to?”
As Yahul Hon pressed, Yahul Jae turned from the map with a smile.
“The North Sea Ice Palace will attack the Shandong Wicked Clan soon. With their home base smashed, do you think they'll have their wits about them?”
“Pavilion Lord.”
“Come in.”
Neung Sohwa, who had been resting, adjusted her robes as she spoke. The door opened, and in walked two middle-aged women, the White Sword Unit Leader, and a woman of similar age to her.
“Sit.”
As the women sat, Jin Rim quickly prepared tea.
“Please have some.”
“Thank you.”
After sipping tea and exchanging brief small talk, White Sword Unit Leader Dan Ri Hwa changed her expression and spoke.
“We've received word from the Orthodox Heaven Alliance.”
Neung Sohwa quietly set down her teacup.
“What did they say?”
“They've spotted several groups moving covertly.”
“Blood Fiend Cult?”
“That's their guess.”
“As expected, heading toward Phoenix Mountain,” said Eun Sang, the Phoenix Sword Unit Leader, who sat beside Dan Ri Hwa.
“It seems the Blood Fiend Cult is operating centered around Phoenix Mountain.”
“Looks that way.”
“It could be a trap, Pavilion Lord.”
Hwang Ye, a middle-aged elder of the Sword Pavilion, voiced her concern in a subdued tone.
“Yes. The Blood Fiend Cult, so secretive until now, is exposing themselves too easily.”
Elder Seo Yo Ryeong seemed to share the sentiment.
Their worries were understandable.
In uncovering the Haomen as the Blood Fiend Cult's lackeys, it was revealed they were plotting to eliminate the northward-moving Sword Emperor and Sword Pavilion to aid the Shandong martial world. The Beggars' Sect had even sent several warnings laced with concern.
“It could be.”
Neung Sohwa responded indifferently.
“Even if it is a trap, we have to go. I'd prefer it if it were.”
“Pavilion Lord!”
Hwang Ye and Seo Yo Ryeong cried out in surprise.
“I know what you two think. But a trap is dangerous only when unknown; if we know in advance and prepare, the risk drops sharply. Besides, the Shandong martial world is pressuring them, and the Orthodox Heaven Alliance is with us. There may be some difficulties, but not the major issues you're fearing.”
Neung Sohwa quietly lifted her teacup again.
“We'll make the Blood Fiend Cult learn the price of touching the Sword Pavilion.”
The rain that had fallen all night had stopped, but the starless sky was thick with dark clouds.
“Uncle.”
At Buk Ri Do's call, the door opened, and Mo Gong Jeong slowly stepped out.
“Has the time come?”
“Yes.”
“Then let's go.”
Mo Gong Jeong strode out without hesitation from the White Family Inn, and those waiting outside bowed in unison.
“How long to Golden Pine Woods?”
“About half a shichen.”
“Got it. Lead the way.”
At Mo Gong Jeong's command, Buk Ri Do moved to the front and raised his hand.
Mo Gong Jeong smiled in satisfaction at his subordinates moving in perfect silence and unison, not even breathing loudly.
“A good start.”
“Let's get going too.”
Buk Ri Song, still yawning sleepily, poked Mo Gong Jeong's side.
As Buk Ri Do said, the group arrived at Golden Pine Woods exactly two shichen after departing the White Family Inn. Their numbers had slightly increased en route, as small groups joined them heading to the woods.
“You've arrived?”
Buk Ri Hae, the elder who had arrived first at Golden Pine Woods, greeted Mo Gong Jeong warmly.
“What happened to you?”
Mo Gong Jeong scanned Buk Ri Hae's haggard appearance up and down.
“I took a wrong path and camped in the mountains for days. If not for running into a hunter who knew the way, I might not have made it on time.”
Buk Ri Hae shuddered, recalling his ordeal.
“Tsk tsk. That's what you get for rushing ahead.”
Buk Ri Song clicked his tongue, remembering Buk Ri Hae volunteering as vanguard and departing first for the Shandong Wicked Clan.
“My apologies, brother. I didn't know the paths were so complicated.”
“Can you fight properly? Everyone looks rough.”
“Don't worry. We suffered in the mountains, but we arrived first at Golden Pine Woods. We look like this, but we've rested fully—stamina's recovered.”
“When did you arrive, Uncle?”
Buk Ri Do asked.
“Around dusk yesterday. We rested as comfortably as possible right away. No need to worry.”
Buk Ri Hae repeatedly asserted his confidence, irked by the suspicious glances toward him and his men.
While Buk Ri Hae made excuses, North Sea Ice Palace warriors scattered about converged one after another.
“Uncle, seems everyone's here.”
At Buk Ri Do's words, Mo Gong Jeong rose from the rock where he'd been listening to Buk Ri Hae's tale.
“Anyone missing?”
“No.”
“No need for rest, and time's tight, so we move now.”
“Understood.”
Buk Ri Do stepped back and relayed the departure to the waiting group.
“I'll take the vanguard.”
Buk Ri Hae approached Mo Gong Jeong.
“Fine. Do as you like.”
Mo Gong Jeong waved him off, as if expecting it.
The North Sea Ice Palace left Golden Pine Woods and reached the Shandong Wicked Clan as faint dawn light pierced the dark clouds.
The Shandong Wicked Clan, shrouded in morning mist, exuded an overwhelming presence like a massive fortress.
Buk Ri Hae glared at the firmly shut main gate before turning to Mo Gong Jeong.
Mo Gong Jeong took a deep breath and slowly nodded.
Buk Ri Hae grinned and strode toward the gate, gesturing. A group quietly followed.
Buk Ri Hae drew his sword.
A blade as white as snow gleamed.
“Taaah!”
With a mighty shout, sword energy shot from the blade, slamming the gate and shaking the deeply slumbering Shandong Wicked Clan.