Chapter 80
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 80
Chapter Title: Desert Ghost (3)
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For readers of martial arts novels, the term formation () is an unforgettable word.
Basically, there are two types of formations in martial arts novels.
The first is the Human Formation (), where martial artists position themselves in predetermined directions to maximize the power of their combined attacks. Examples include the Shaolin Temples 108 Arhat Formation or the Beggars' Sect's Dog Beating Stick Formation.
The second is the Mystical Gate Formation (), which is set up using nature or various contraptions.
There are countless ways to set up a Mystical Gate Formation.
It utilizes principles ranging from the single element, yin and yang, the three talents, the four symbols, the five elements, and the six harmonies, all the way to the principles of the I Ching or celestial constellations, arranging objects to manipulate the harmony of heaven and earth.
There are a few groups famous for their formations.
In the martial world, if you were to name groups famous for formations, from the Unorthodox Faction, you might think of places like the Guigok Manor where Guiguzi comes from. From the Orthodox Faction, it would be the Zhuge Clan and the Sichuan Tang Clan.
I was looking forward to this, and its finally here.
The Sichuan Tang Clan is as renowned for its contraptions, formations, and medicine as it is for its poisons and hidden weapons. I had expected it to appear someday, but I never imagined I would obtain a formation here as a reward from the bead.
The Phantom Bewilderment Formation () is one that causes confusion to the enemy.
The effects of formations are varieddeceiving an enemy's eyes, making them lose their way, or draining an intruder's life force. The Phantom Bewilderment Formation controlled the enemy's sensory organs, causing them to wander lost within its confines.
This will be a significant help.
Bbaek.
Huh?
Just as I was feeling elated about obtaining the Phantom Bewilderment Formation, I heard Bbaekbbaegis cry from my pocket.
What the! How did you get in here!
Bbaek?
As if asking what I was talking about, Bbaekbbaegi flew out of my pocket and fluttered around.
Come here! What are you going to do if you suddenly get sent back!
After receiving the reward in this room, you are sent back to reality after a short while. If it got separated from me, that little thing might be left behind here.
Bbaek.
Huh?
Bbaekbbaegi returned to my shoulder. Just then, I heard a very faint voice from somewhere in the room.
It wasn't a voice devoid of sensation, but one filled with emotion.
Is anyone th
Fwaaat!
Ah
The moment I tried to speak, I was back in the desert.
There was definitely someone there, whether inside or out.
Bbaek.
But what in the world are you? How did you get here?
Bbaek?
Bbaekbbaegi tilted its head as if it didn't know either.
Is it related to spirits?
My connection with Agnes was severed in that room, so it was strange that Bbaekbbaegi had followed me.
It might be related to the realms
Bbaek.
As if telling me to get to work, Bbaekbbaegi gestured with its foot toward the Luto Desert Ghost, which was hundreds of times its size.
Right. First things first.
I placed my hand on the Desert Ghost and circulated the Poison Absorption Power.
The Poison Absorption Power is absorbing the poison (Luto Desert Ghost) from the target.
The Poison Absorption Power is assisting the operation of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi.
The proficiency of the Poison Absorption Power has increased.
The achievement level of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi has increased.
The achievement level of the Rushing Ghost's Hidden Marsh () has increased.
Its being sucked out like a vacuum.
Bbaek.
The Desert Ghost, with its massive body, held a vast amount of poison.
After absorbing all the poison from the Luto Desert Ghost and even the poison saturating the sand, the sand turned back to its golden hue.
My dantian was so full of absorbed internal energy that it was on the verge of overflowing.
Its time to climb to the next step.
I had more than enough internal energy. The time had come to break through the wall of the fifth star of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi and reach the sixth.
Benefactor!
Chief.
Seeing that the poison in the sand was gone, the chief and his warriors came over to me. They stared for a long time at the Desert Ghost, dead with its head smashed in, their faces showing utter shock.
The demon is dead
Its dead!
Woooooah!
Benefactor! Thank you!
The warriors, who had been staring blankly at the Desert Ghost's corpse, raised their spears as if to pierce the sky and let out a cheer. Some even looked teary-eyed, likely because many of their comrades had fallen to this beast.
You truly killed that demon! Benefactor!
Benefactor! Thank you!
Thank you!
The chief and the warriors rushed over to me and bowed their heads so low they touched the sand.
We believed in you! You are truly amazing!
Thank you for avenging us!
I accepted the fervent thanks of the chief and warriors with a smile.
Benefactor, may I examine the Desert Ghost for a moment?
Of course.
Crack.
The chief tore off the right pincer attached to the Desert Ghost's mouth, broke it open, and handed me what was inside.
As you saw earlier, it is a fire stone. Its an object that drives flame sorcerers and flame mages crazy. This one is the largest fire stone Ive ever seen.
High-grade Flame Mana Stone
A mana stone imbued with fire-aspected mana from long exposure to the hot sun. One can absorb the fire-aspected mana inside to enhance their abilities, or use magic on the mana stone to amplify the power of fire magic severalfold.
Being high-grade, itll probably sell for a high price. Its a generous parting gift.
With a formation, internal energy, and a mana stone, the Luto Desert Ghost was no different from a charity angel, giving endlessly.
Chief. There is something I need to tell you.
Yes. I will listen to whatever you have to say.
The chief began to treat me with even greater courtesy.
The Desert Ghosts true weak point isnt its head.
What?
Huh?
The chief and all the warriors who had been focused on my words cried out in surprise.
Do you see this black part between the head and neck?
I see it. Its an extremely hard spot.
No. It may look hard, but its actually weak.
But when we examined the corpses of Desert Ghosts, that place was extremely hard.
The chief looked at the black exoskeleton with a puzzled expression.
Thats because it hardens after death. When its alive, its the most vulnerable part and its fatal weakness.
I-I see. We only ever examined the corpses, so we didn't know. Thats why we always aimed for the head.
The head is a weak point for all living creatures, so it wasn't a bad strategy, but from now on, if you aim for this weak point, youll be able to hunt them more easily.
The chief and warriors couldn't hide their surprise, looking back and forth between me and the black exoskeleton.
You saved us, eliminated this demonic beast, and even shared valuable information about the Desert Ghosts weak point. I dont know how we can ever repay this kindness.
Please continue to have a good trading relationship with Mr. Mokagon. And as for saving you all, it was simply what had to be done. You dont need to worry about it.
Ah
The chief was deeply immersed in admiration, as if he couldn't believe such a person existed in the world.
Benefactor
The expressions on the warriors faces were not much different. They seemed to be profoundly moved by me as a person.
Bbaek
Bbaekbbaegi, on my shoulder, looked at them, shook its head, and let out a light sigh.
Lets head back now.
Yes!
We gathered what we could from the Desert Ghost and returned to the tribe's village.
The villagers are gathered.
They are waiting for us.
When we returned to the village, most of the tribe members were waiting for us at the entrance, their faces fraught with anxiety.
Oh!
Theyre back!
As the waiting villagers spotted us and shouted, the chief at the front raised his spear high.
Our benefactor has slain the demon!
Waaaaah!
As the chief thrust his spear and shouted, the warriors behind him roared in celebration.
Wooooooooah!
We knew you could do it!
Benefactor!
The villagers, who had been silent for a moment, began to cheer and jump up and down, one after another. It seemed to be their way of expressing joy.
Waaaaaah!
Thank you!
Thank you, Benefactor!
The cheers grew louder as we approached the village. We entered the village amidst a welcome so loud it was almost deafening.
A festival began immediately, and the cheers of the Toraon tribe continued until late into the night when the festival ended.
Sir Yuren. I can see the village of Nua over there.
Weve finally arrived.
Mokagon and I enjoyed a day-long festival with the Toraon tribe before leaving their village and heading back to Nua, where we had first started.
The Toraon tribe had begged us to stay for at least a few more days, but we had things to do, so we declined and left the village.
The Toraon tribes festival was fun, wasnt it?
It was a little overwhelming.
After I killed the Desert Ghost, the tribe members treated me as more than human. If I had joked about wanting the village, they probably would have given it to me.
Not the village, but I did receive something very valuable.
Hahaha! It seemed so. But seeing that made me think even more highly of you, Sir Yuren.
What do you mean by that
Most people, upon gaining the level of skill, status, or fame that you have, become arrogant and start to look down on others. But you, Sir Yuren, are more humble than anyone, and you act at the forefront without even thinking of personal gain. I have never seen anyone like you.
Im not that great of a person.
Nonsense! You are a great person, Sir Yuren! I guarantee it! Haha.
Mokagon believed in me with blind faith. It felt like he would believe me even if I told him the sun rose in the west.
Now that weve arrived in Nua, its time for us to part ways.
Its a shame. I wanted to enjoy traveling with you a little longer, Sir Yuren
You have many things to do. We will see each other again soon.
Haa
If I traveled with him and helped, his guild would grow much faster, but Mokagon himself wouldn't grow. For his trait, Commander of an Army, to truly shine, he needed to experience many things on his own.
Then, Sir Yuren, I will ask just two things.
Yes.
Where should I open the guild?
This was an important question.
Opening it in the capital was obviously the best choice, but the land and prices would be expensive, and there would be many rivals to contend with. On the other hand, there would also be many influential figures, which could present opportunities.
But there was only one answer.
To get rich, you've got to go to Gangnam.
Sir?
Open the guild in the capital.
I understand!
As if he had expected my answer, Mokagons reply was immediate.
Next, what should the name of the guild be? Even if I am the guild master on the surface, you are the true master, Sir Yuren. So you should be the one to name it.
The name
The name of the guild. I hadn't really thought about it. I figured anything would be fine.
How about the Sacheon Guild?
Sacheon? What does it mean?
It means Four Rivers, and it is one of my essences.
Then it shall be Sacheon. Since guild names often use the masters name or a region, it should be fine. Sacheon, Sacheon.
Mokagon repeated the word Sacheon as if to memorize it.
How shall we stay in contact?
Make a name for yourself in the imperial capital. Make the name Mokagon and the Sacheon Guild so famous that anyone would know it. So that I can find you.
Haha! I seem to have found myself a master who gives difficult orders. To follow that command, I wont even be able to sleep properly, will I?
Mokagon looked at me and smiled slyly.
Im joking. If you ever need my help, contact the Lox House anytime. However, send the message under a different name.
I understand.
When you go back, dont forget to take care of the victims of this incident.
Of course. Thank you for thinking of my comrades.
Well then. Ill see you later.
Yes!
Though Mokagon looked disappointed, he left with a face as bright as the desert sand. After sending him off, I went back out into the desert.
Pomera.
When I held Pomeras soul bead and called his name, the sand clumped together like clay, and a shiny skeleton appeared.
Bbaek!
As soon as Pomera appeared, Bbaekbbaegi started crying out threateningly. Though, being so small and cute, it was more amusing than anything else.
I haven't done anything in particular, yet this bird seems to truly despise me.
Its basically no different from a spirit, so of course it would hate an undead like you.
Hmm, time will solve it. I believe it will understand my heart one day.
Pomera spoke like a sage, nodding at Bbaekbbaegi.
Bbaaaek!
Of course, Bbaekbbaegi only responded with an even louder cry at Pomera.
Lets go to the Marquis Loxs domain.
Isnt there a Mage Tower there?
It would be a hassle if word got out that I moved from this desert.
I understand. You seem to have many secrets, Master.
Pomera nodded, flattened the sand, and began to draw a magic circle.
It is done.
After a while, Pomera approached, his bones creaking from stepping on the sand.
Didnt that take a little too long?
Master, as I have said before, being fast or slow is not so important in life. What matters is doing one's best
Lets go, Pomera.
When a person speaks, it is proper courtesy to at least pretend to listen.
Youre not a person, so its fine.
Hmm
As if at a loss for words, Pomera whimpered like a puppy and then shook his head.
Whenever I meet you, Master, the lake of my heart seems to ripple. It is better that we go quickly.
Right. Lets go.
Understood.
Kiiiiiing!
Flash!
Ugh
Bbaek
The vibration was stronger than before, and I even felt a sharp headache.
Master, it could not be helped. The location was very poor.
Pomera muttered, floating in the air as if it wasn't his fault. I had a feeling this guy had intentionally caused some of the vibration. His skull seemed to be smiling slightly.
Ugh, I get it.
Then I shall return to my meditation.
Alright. Thanks.
It was nothing.
Ill visit your cave sometime soon.
Understood.
I shook my head to clear the headache and looked up, confirming that I had arrived in a corner of the Marquis Loxs domain. At least he had the sense to send me to a back alley where I wouldn't be seen.
Lets go now, Bbaekbbaegi. Arin might cry when she sees you.
Bbaek.
Bbaekbbaegi let out a cry as fresh as fruit, as if it also wanted to see Arin.
Clang.
Huh?
Just as I was about to move from the back alley, I heard the clash of blades.
Whats happening again, as soon as I arrive.
I scaled the wall of a building and moved toward the sound. In a back alley with a collapsed building, a young man was facing off against three masked figures, all holding swords.
Hey, you sons of bitches! Come on! Im the Mad Dog of Lox! I wont go down easy!
The young man, who had a prominent scar on his face, shouted. Anyone hearing him would think he owned the Lox domain.
Clang!
Chaang!
Still, his skills seemed to match his voice, as he was holding his own quite well in a three-on-one fight.
But those movements Ive seen them somewhere before
The movements of the three masked figures opposite the young man looked familiar. I was sure I had seen them before.
Dont tell me! Those guys!
Fwip-fwip-fwip!
Realizing who the masked figures were, I instantly moved behind them, injected them with a paralyzing poison, and brought them down.
Hah!
When the masked figures collapsed and I appeared behind them like a ghost, the young man was so startled he was about to open his mouth, but then he saw my face and dropped his sword.
A-Arent you the Eldest Brother!
What?
What was this guy I'd never seen before talking about?