Chapter 875
Ghost King Gal Hu-seung.
He hadn't simply acquired the epithet "Ghost King" as a new title.
Much like the Four Divine Figures, it was a name that signified a ruler capable of dominating Ghost King Valley, where an extreme and malevolent Evil Qi flowed.
However, while the Four Divine Figures wielded pure power derived from nature,
the Ghost King could unleash wicked curses beyond human capability.
It was said that, much like the Taoists of the Maoshan Sect in the past, he could harm people without lifting a finger.
Because of this, no one in the murim—no faction, no individual—dared to provoke Ghost King Valley or make an enemy of the Ghost King.
And yet, they were asking him to kill the Ghost King?
"The reason Ghost King Valley endures is because its ruler can freely command the wicked energy of that land. Unlike the Four Divine Figures, who can draw upon their power anytime, anywhere... the Ghost King becomes nothing more than an ordinary existence the moment he leaves the valley."
The Ghost King was not born with immense power.
He was a superlative martial expert who could only exist by absorbing the energy that flowed through Ghost King Valley.
"If the Ghost King is a subordinate of the Heavenly Mechanism Star, wouldn't it be best to track down the Heavenly Mechanism Star through him?"
Han Sang-ja shook his head.
"He is an exceedingly meticulous person. Not only would he never reveal his location to his subordinates, but he would have also placed strict Restrictive Seals to ensure no secrets leak out."
Bu Eun-seol nodded.
Secret factions like the Three Realms
used methods such as the Spirit-Sealing Heart-Seal Method to place Restrictive Seals on their underlings, preventing them from exposing their locations or information.
And given how cunning and intelligent the Heavenly Mechanism Star was, there was no way he wouldn't have prepared such safety measures.
"If we eliminate his key subordinates one by one, he'll have no choice but to reveal himself."
Han Sang-ja continued calmly,
"As his useful subordinates die off, the Heavenly Mechanism Star will be forced to create new puppets to replace them."
His voice remained steady.
"If a power vacuum forms from the loss of his subordinates, he'll have no choice but to act directly or move to fill that void. And in that moment, when he issues new orders, we may find an opportunity to track his movements."
The Heavenly Mechanism Star's whereabouts were perfectly concealed.
But what if his capable subordinates were systematically eliminated?
Eventually, he would either have to act personally or give new instructions to his remaining underlings.
No matter how secretive his information network or communication methods were, a flaw would inevitably appear.
Han Sang-ja believed they could exploit that weakness to uncover the Heavenly Mechanism Star's trail.
"My plan is to kill the Ghost King as the first step in drawing him out."
Bu Eun-seol nodded again.
True to his reputation as a sage, Han Sang-ja had crafted a cold, calculated plan for revenge—
one that would force the elusive Heavenly Mechanism Star into the open
by slowly severing his hands and feet, one by one.
"So all I need to do is assassinate the Ghost King?"
"That's correct."
Han Sang-ja's expression turned grave.
"However, it would be best if you went personally, Lord, rather than sending subordinates."
"Because within Ghost King Valley, he is an invincible existence?"
"Precisely. But what's even more terrifying..."
His face darkened.
"...is that within Ghost King Valley, no one can wield any form of power—not even Internal Energy."
The overwhelming Evil Qi that flowed through Ghost King Valley was linked to the Ghost King himself.
Because of that energy, no matter how formidable a martial artist might be, they would be unable to exert their full strength within the valley.
"You're saying we can't use our power?"
"Exactly as I said."
Han Sang-ja's voice lowered.
"Within Ghost King Valley, not only is Internal Energy unusable, but so are spells, Great Arts, and even any form of Supernatural Ability."
That was astonishing.
Did that mean even the Demonic Heavenly Emperor
would become nothing more than an ordinary human within Ghost King Valley?
"Is that also why the Ghost King never leaves the valley?"
Han Sang-ja shook his head.
"That, I cannot say for certain... but within Ghost King Valley, the Ghost King is invincible. This task is far from simple."
Though the murim was filled with countless masters, finding someone who could kill the Ghost King bare-handed—without any power—was nearly impossible.
Bu Eun-seol, who had mastered the mysteries of the All-Under-Heaven Martial Arts and reached a new realm through pure martial attainment alone, breaking through the Extreme Heaven Realm,
was perhaps the only one with any real chance of success.
"I've prepared a Human Skin Mask, just in case."
Han Sang-ja was thorough.
Knowing that Bu Eun-seol disliked exposing his identity, he had prepared an exquisitely crafted Human Skin Mask.
"This is well-made."
Ordinary Human Skin Masks couldn't fully replicate the effects of the Face-Changing Art or Bone-Shifting Technique,
as even with human skin, subtle imperfections would inevitably show.
But the mask Han Sang-ja had brought was so meticulously crafted that even Bu Eun-seol's Enhanced Vision couldn't detect any awkwardness.
"Hmm."
For a brief moment, a glint of light flickered in Bu Eun-seol's eyes as he examined the mask.
Could he truly defeat the Ghost King using only martial arts—without Internal Energy or the Three Divine Powers?
What kind of ability allowed the Ghost King to reign as an invincible entity within Ghost King Valley?
And strangely, he felt no fear.
Even though this was closer to a life-or-death adventure...
Instead, his heart pounded with excitement.
"But they say no one can enter Ghost King Valley unless granted permission from within."
"Rest assured, we've prepared for that very issue."
"Good. Let's try it then."
Bu Eun-seol gave a nod.
He was heading to one of Murim's forbidden zones—Ghost King Valley—to kill Gal Hu-seung, the Ghost King, ruler of the Ghost Spirits, who commanded deathly energy among the Four Gods and Seven Kings.
From the very entrance of the valley, a thick fog hung heavily in the air.
This fog never lifted easily, even in daylight, and was so dense that one couldn't see even a step ahead.
Within the mist lurked a strange force that robbed intruders of their sense of direction.
It was said that once someone stepped inside, they could never leave.
Ghost King Valley.
Bu Eun-seol was stealthily infiltrating this place, one of Murim's forbidden zones.
—One of the reasons no one can enter Ghost King Valley is the Human-Shaped Trees, grotesquely twisted into human forms.
As Bu Eun-seol, wearing the Human Skin Mask Han Sang-ja had provided, pushed through the fog, he saw exactly what had been described—a dense forest filled with trees contorted into eerie shapes.
Ssssshhh...
The moment he stepped into the forest, a whispering wind, like the murmurs of a woman, incessantly clawed at his ears.
—That place is already steeped in the deathly energy of Ghost King Valley, rendering all powers useless.
Moreover, the Human-Shaped Trees emit a bizarre force, like a living battle formation, preventing anyone from advancing deeper into the forest.
True to those words, the moment he entered the forest, all his internal energy and even the Three Divine Powers vanished.
Only the heightened senses of the Way of the Beast remained somewhat intact.
—With the Measure of Boundless Light, we can find a path leading further inside.
Bu Eun-seol retrieved a transparent orb from his pocket.
A treasure of the Sage Forest.
The Measure of Boundless Light—capable of quantifying anything its wielder could perceive.
When he had entered the Demon Hall to deliver a message, he had left this orb in place of a letter.
'So he predicted I'd accept his request and left the Measure of Boundless Light behind.'
Zzziiing...
As he held up the orb, a mystical light spread outward.
Simultaneously, a thin thread of light appeared before his eyes—a guiding line measuring the distance to the hidden entrance of Ghost King Valley.
Ignoring the eerie aura of the Human-Shaped Trees and the ceaseless whispers, Bu Eun-seol followed the light, walking without pause.
Finally, as he emerged from the forest, the once-clear sky had turned a blood-soaked crimson.
The passage of time became impossible to gauge, and from somewhere, echoes of anguished cries reached his ears.
True to its name, Ghost King Valley.
Like lingering incense, the wails of vengeful spirits—as if left behind by the souls of the dead—spread through the air.
—If you listen to the Demon Cry echoing through the forest, your mind will grow hazy, and eventually, you'll lose consciousness.
If you can't endure it, you'll go mad, and in the end, take your own life.
—Huuu... Hic...
As if proving Han Sang-ja's words, the cries of pain only grew louder.
Soon, they became so overwhelming that even the sound of footsteps was drowned out.
Yet Bu Eun-seol walked on, his expression as indifferent as if he were ignoring a barking dog.
Any fear that might have risen in his heart—
He had long since overcome it during his childhood, through the brutal training of the Corpse Game, where he was sealed inside a coffin.
In essence, he had mastered the finest Cold Heart Art in Murim from a young age.
Moreover, after learning martial arts, he had focused on fortifying the barriers of his spirit and mind...
In all the world, there existed no person or technique capable of assaulting or seizing control of his psyche.
Swoosh...
At last, as he passed through the path beneath the crimson sky, an unexpected sight unfolded before him.
"...!"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes widened.
Amid a space teeming with ghosts and steeped in terror, there lay a peaceful, tranquil village?
Rows of ordinary houses stretched out, and at the village center stood a large well.
Children played here and there, and elderly villagers were visible.
"It's been a while since an outsider visited."
Just then, an old man at the village entrance noticed Bu Eun-seol and greeted him with a warm smile.
"What brings you to our village?"
Bu Eun-seol felt slightly awkward.
There had been no time to hide—the moment he stepped out of the path filled with the Demon Cry, the village had appeared right before him.
"This place is..."
"Ghost King Village," the old man answered without hesitation.
"Since it's within Ghost King Valley, we simply call it Ghost King Village."
"And you are...?"
"There's no need for formalities. I'm just the village chief here—Jang Pyeong."
The man who introduced himself as Jang Pyeong asked,
"You've come to enter Ghost King Valley, haven't you?"
At Jang Pyeong's straightforward words, Bu Eun-seol nodded.
There was no point in lying anyway.
"Ghost King Valley lies beyond that mountain, past the village."
Jang Pyeong shook his head.
"But you can't enter. A sinister fog blankets the area... and those who step inside become possessed by ghosts."
"Do the villagers become possessed too?"
"That's correct."
"Then Ghost King Valley and Ghost King Village have no connection whatsoever?"
"That's not entirely true."
Jang Pyeong replied indifferently.
"The warriors of Ghost King Valley frequently visit our village. And thanks to them, we've been able to maintain peaceful daily lives."
"Peaceful daily lives, you say?"
"This area is rich in medicinal herbs, but the yin energy is strong, so ghosts and evil spirits frequently appear. If not for Ghost King Valley, we wouldn't have been able to sustain this village."
According to the old village chief's explanation,
the mountains surrounding this village were said to be inhabited by ghosts and malevolent spirits.
However, an invisible, intangible barrier set up by Ghost King Valley encircled the area, preventing dangerous incidents from occurring,
and allowed them to safely gather medicinal herbs.
"But if you want to sell the herbs, wouldn't you have to go outside?"
Jang Pyeong smiled faintly.
"They purchase all of them at Ghost King Valley. And they provide us with everything we need."
His expression turned reverent.
"Not only that, but they also continuously supply us with Spirit Pills and Elixirs to keep our bodies healthy."
For a moment, Bu Eun-seol's expression stiffened.
This was utter nonsense.
There was no way a martial faction would distribute elixirs to ordinary villagers just to "nourish" their bodies.
If they had such resources, it would make far more sense to give them to their own warriors.
"Truthfully, our village has suffered from a strange affliction for generations."
The Human Skin Mask Han Sang-ja had given him was exquisitely crafted, allowing even the subtlest flicker of suspicion to show clearly on his face.
Jang Pyeong, observing Bu Eun-seol's expression, continued.
"Moreover, the affliction primarily affects the young. That's why Ghost King Valley regularly supplies us with Spirit Pills and Elixirs to heal their bodies."
It was growing more and more absurd.
But Bu Eun-seol didn't press the issue and instead asked another question.
"So, the villagers never leave at all?"
"No. If there's a need, they may leave freely. However, they must first obtain permission from Ghost King Valley."
Bu Eun-seol frowned.
Completely cut off from the outside world, and only able to leave with the Ghost King's permission?
In the end, weren't the villagers essentially slaves, wholly dependent on Ghost King Valley?
"It's late now. Why not stay at my place tonight?"
The distance from the village to Ghost King Valley was considerable.
Since he couldn't use his internal energy here, it would take a long trek to reach the valley.
Jang Pyeong was offering a genuine kindness.
But Bu Eun-seol politely declined with a respectful gesture.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'll be on my way."
"Is that so? A shame."
"Thank you for your kindness. Then."
After bowing slightly, Bu Eun-seol slowly began making his way through the heart of the village.
The sky was heavily overcast, and an eerie ghostly energy seemed to linger indistinctly around the village.
Yet, in contrast, the village itself was unnervingly peaceful.
Children played everywhere, and adults bustled about busily.
From a distance, it looked like nothing more than an ordinary, tranquil scene.
Moreover, whether Ghost King Valley truly had been feeding the villagers elixirs or not—
both children and adults alike had unnaturally vibrant complexions and brimmed with vitality.
Strangely, though, the skin beneath their eyes was dark and hollow.
Of course, lack of sunlight or a purely vegetarian diet could cause such dark circles.
But Bu Eun-seol could discern that it was due to a severe deficiency or extreme depletion of essence and qi in their bodies.
'How could such a condition appear in teenagers?'
A full-grown adult might lose vitality from indulging in debauchery.
But bright-eyed children... there was no reason for them to have exhausted their essence to the point of darkening the skin beneath their eyes.
'Once I reach Ghost King Valley, everything will become clear.'
After all, if he was going to find and kill the Ghost King anyway—
he would uncover all the secrets of Ghost King Valley and this village.
No longer dwelling on it, he quickened his pace.
Finally leaving the village behind, he found the mountain path leading up to Ghost King Valley.
Zzzing.
But an unknown energy blocked entry.
'Not an Absolute Boundary, but something like a Battle Formation.'
Standing still, Bu Eun-seol began searching for the source of the power sealing the path.
'In that case, it can't be a complex or difficult formation.'
The warriors of Ghost King Valley frequently traveled to and from the village, he had been told.
There was no way they would go through the trouble of memorizing a complicated Formation-Breaking Art every time just to keep outsiders out.
"Then—"
Bu Eun-seol's eyes flashed as an idea struck him.
'Perhaps some kind of special pass is required.'
Surely, to allow their warriors to come and go freely,
Ghost King Valley must have created some kind of special token—a Command Plaque or key—as a pass.
'I'll have to return to the village and wait.'
He scanned his surroundings.
This was an open, desolate plain with nowhere to hide.
In that case, the best course of action would be to ambush a Ghost King Valley warrior when they entered the village and seize their pass.
Bu Eun-seol had no choice but to turn back.
And just as he was about to re-enter the village—
Rustle, rustle.
As the sun set, the villagers began moving in droves toward a certain location.
Sensing something strange, Bu Eun-seol stealthily followed the procession.
Thud, thud.
Marching in orderly rows, they arrived at none other than a bizarre shrine erected at the edge of the village.
Inside, various treasures and Dharma Instruments were arranged.
The villagers entered,
removed their shoes, and stepped onto a dazzling golden mat, assuming solemn postures as they offered prayers.
'This is no ordinary shrine.'
Bu Eun-seol's brow furrowed as he cautiously observed the interior.
The Dharma Instruments and treasures arranged inside—
they bore an uncanny resemblance to those he had once seen in the Wind God Palace...
particularly the Golden Furnace that had once siphoned Wind and Cloud Energy and Internal Energy.
Mumble, mumble.
Every time the villagers chanted their devotions on the mat, a faint light seeped from the treasures.
How much time had passed?
The villagers, having finished their prayers, began filing out one by one.
But their eyes had grown even more vacant, their complexions noticeably paler.
'After praying, their vital essence has been further drained?'
Hidden in the shadows, Bu Eun-seol's mind swirled with questions.
Once the last of the villagers had left, he slipped inside unnoticed.
The shrine's interior was vast,
and the unnaturally radiant golden mat gleamed with an unsettling sheen.
"This is no mat."
Lifting the glittering golden covering, his expression darkened.
Beneath it, sharp golden needles were densely embedded.
Every time someone stood barefoot to pray, their blood would trickle through the needle holes and drip below.
'And there were children among them.'
The pain of needles piercing their soles must have been excruciating.
Yet neither the adults nor the children had so much as flinched during their prayers.
'They were absorbing their Essence.'
At last, Bu Eun-seol realized the truth—
the objects displayed in the shrine were wicked Dharma Instruments, designed to siphon Essence through spilled blood.
'Does the Ghost King seek immortality or something?'
In simple terms, human Essence was life force itself.
But the means to extract it required either an esoteric Great Art or mystical Dharma Instruments.
However, each method had its trade-offs.
The Essence-Absorbing Great Method, for instance,
could effortlessly draw vast quantities of Essence, but mastering it was notoriously difficult.
Dharma Instruments, on the other hand, extracted smaller amounts—but anyone could use them safely and easily.
Throughout history, powerful figures had sought ways to prolong their lives by stealing others' Essence.
And for those unwilling to master the Great Art, they devised another method:
force-feeding victims copious amounts of Spirit Medicine and Spirit Pills before deploying Dharma Instruments.
When Spiritual Energy floods the body, it triggers the absorption process—
temporarily concentrating all vital energy into the blood.
And if blood is drawn at that precise moment...
one could obtain Essence Blood, brimming with human Essence.
'So Ghost King Valley maintains this village solely to harvest Essence.'
Finally, Bu Eun-seol understood why such a large village existed within the valley—
and why its rulers treated the villagers with such apparent kindness.
Thud.
Just then, a low vibration echoed.
Peering through a slightly ajar window,
he saw a child stumble and collapse among the villagers.
"My child!"
A gaunt couple—likely the parents—hurriedly lifted the boy.
"Mom, Dad... it hurts."
"I'm sorry."
The pair embraced the child with pained expressions.
"It's because our prayers haven't been enough yet."
Then, hoisting the pale-faced boy onto his father's back, the mother murmured,
"My dear... we'll have to increase our prayer time from now on."
The man nodded weakly before carrying the child away.
'The "illness" plaguing this village was fabricated by Ghost King Valley all along.'
The mysterious ailment Village Chief Jang Pyeong had mentioned—the one that only afflicted the young—
was nothing but a lie, spread to harvest their Essence Blood.
In the end, they had been brainwashed into fervent prayer,
believing they were curing an illness while having their life force drained.
'These vile bastards.'
Bu Eun-seol drew the Ink Soul Sword.
'I'll make it easier for you to come to me.'
And with that, he began smashing the treasures and the mat inside the shrine.
Crash! Shatter!
The Ink Soul Sword, peerless in its sharpness and durability, cleaved effortlessly through the mystical metals of the treasures and Dharma Instruments.
'Ghost King Valley wouldn't leave such valuables unguarded in a village.'
They must have installed some kind of mechanism.
Destroying them recklessly would undoubtedly alert someone—and they would come running.
Grind... click.
With each shattered artifact, eerie mechanical noises echoed from within.
Rumble...
But something was off.
Less than half a quarter-hour had passed since he started breaking the mechanisms,
yet the sound of approaching footsteps was already closing in—far too soon.