Chapter 53: The Secret Manual
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 53: The Secret Manual
The Iron Venerable, Yong Bi-cheong.
He was the former leader of the League of Four Tyrants. During his reign, he was nothing but a target of public scorn, but after passing his position to his son, he became a legendary figure who rose to the rank of the Ten Great Masters.
- Isn't it hilarious? To think someone is called one of the Ten Great Masters just because they survived an exchange with me. Honestly.
Han Seol the Demon Empress, Jang So-ryeong, grumbled.
It seemed the reputation of the Northern Sea’s Martial Gods had been truly formidable even back then.
“It’s here.”
As they approached the spot indicated by Cheon Deung-jin, the Young Palace Lord of Potala, they saw a massive boulder standing tall on the mountain ridge.
A sinister energy was leaking from the gaps around it.
It was ironic. Malicious energy was seeping out from the highest peak of Kunlun Mountain, a place renowned as the pinnacle of purity.
“Do people not usually climb Jade Tower Peak?”
“I believe they feel the current situation isn't right for mountain climbing.”
Indeed.
There wasn't much sign of human presence around Kunlun. It seemed they had diverted all their manpower to search for the Ice Palace members of demonic origin.
“What will you do?”
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom smirked at Baek Mu-yong’s question.
“We didn’t come all this way just to turn back, did we? We’re going in.”
To enter the place where the malicious energy was leaking from...
“Move back.”
Fwoosh!
Flames erupted from his drawn sword.
‘Fire Control Sword—’
Slash!
The massive boulder was sliced clean through.
Rumble.
As the rock crumbled away, a vast cavern revealed itself.
The scenery shifted the moment they stepped inside.
“Is this an illusion?”
“I suppose it’s a type of one. You’d better stay sharp.”
The possibility of it being a trap was extremely high.
“By the way, what exactly are we looking for here?”
“Now that rumors about the treasure map have spread, the base of Kunlun Mountain might be crawling with martial artists seeking the Iron Venerable’s legacy. For now, we need to confirm if his inheritance actually exists.”
The interior of the cave was incredibly spacious.
If the location of the treasure map had been common knowledge and countless martial artists had swarmed here...
‘They might have brought the whole place down.’
Relieved that such a thing hadn't happened, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom continued walking deeper inside.
The foundation of the martial arts practiced by the Iron Venerable was the Iron Sand Palm.
In truth, even if he obtained the legacy, it wasn't a martial art Hyeok Ryeon-yeom would likely practice.
Nevertheless, it was human nature to be curious.
Even if Hyeok Ryeon-yeom didn't use it himself, the techniques of one of the Ten Great Masters would surely be useful.
‘We’ve been walking for a while, yet nothing has happened?’
This was a treasure map hiding the techniques of one of the Ten Great Masters, not just anyone. One would expect at least one trap to spring out.
“Is being too cautious a problem in itself?”
Just as he was starting to feel restless from the lack of action.
“Captain Hyeok Ryeon.”
Cheon Deung-jin called out to him.
“What is it?”
“Something is coming from over there!”
Sssssss—
It was snakes.
“So this was it.”
If this treasure map was a trap, it had to be capable of dealing with a large number of martial artists at once. He had wondered what method would be used, and it turned out to be a swarm of venomous snakes.
“Eek!”
“What’s wrong?!”
“It’s snakes!”
Weizhi Young made a huge fuss.
“You startled me.”
“I’m sorry. But...”
“I shall cut them all down.”
“I’m going to make snake wine out of them.”
“Then count me in!”
If they were ordinary martial artists, they would have been thrown into a panic by the overwhelming offensive of the snakes.
“Captain!”
“Young Master!”
“We leave it to you!”
However, the members of the Little Snow Unit...
“Is that any way to ask your Captain for a favor?!”
...were people who had witnessed the Great Plains being set ablaze.
Flutter— flutter—
Butterflies imbued with flames flew toward the swarm of snakes.
*
“You saw the Guest carrying the treasure map climbing Kunlun Mountain?”
The warriors of the League of Four Tyrants had reached the vicinity of Kunlun Mountain.
The rumors regarding the Iron Venerable’s treasure map had only spread among the warriors of the League.
Even without this, the number of the Ten Great Masters belonging to the League of Four Tyrants was significantly lower than those of the Orthodox Factions. In such a situation, they couldn't afford to let the Iron Venerable’s martial arts fall into other hands.
That was why the League’s warriors had been tracking the map while keeping the news strictly confidential.
And so, they arrived at Kunlun Mountain.
“Let’s head up.”
Even if the Guest had discovered the location and found the legacy first...
‘We just have to take it from him.’
With that mindset, the warriors of the League of Four Tyrants began their ascent.
However, there was one thing they had overlooked.
“...Of all times, it has to be now.”
The fact that the Kunlun Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects, was situated right there on Kunlun Mountain.
“We have business at the summit, so we would appreciate it if the Taoists of Kunlun would show some understanding.”
The saber-wielder leading the group spoke politely.
It was a surprisingly respectful request, but...
“You are guests who have rudely intruded into Kunlun’s inner sanctum. We do not receive visitors here. Turn back.”
“That is troublesome. We have unavoidable circumstances. Is there no way?”
“I refuse.”
Once the dialogue between the two forces ended, Kunlun was the first to react. The Taoists of Kunlun gripped their sword hilts.
“Dammit! Draw your blades!”
In the end, a fierce battle broke out.
One group had to go up the mountain, while the other had to stop them.
“You lot, you’re from the League of Four Tyrants, aren't you!”
“Curse it! We’re already having a headache because of that Ice Palace brat from the Demonic Cult!”
“An Ice Palace member... from the Demonic Cult?”
“None of your business! You all die here today!”
The League of Four Tyrants and Kunlun began to clash violently.
*
While the two forces were trading blows, an old Taoist arrived at the scene.
It was Cheongheo Jinin of Kunlun.
He was someone who had retired from the front lines to focus on his self-cultivation, but he had rushed over after sensing a murderous aura reaching his pavilion.
Cheongheo Jinin observed the situation and pondered.
Why was the League of Four Tyrants trying to climb the barren peaks of Kunlun?
He judged that there must be a clear reason for their attempt.
“I should... head up and see.”
Choosing not to help the League of Four Tyrants, Cheongheo Jinin began to ascend the mountain.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The scenery began to change rapidly.
There didn't seem to be any particularly strong experts among the League’s warriors. They were all mediocre.
In other words, they were decoys.
The real threat would be further up.
Cheongheo Jinin trusted the other Taoists of Kunlun. As he reached Jade Tower Peak faster than anyone else...
Rumble—
He saw a massive boulder crumbling on the mountain ridge.
“There was such a thing on Jade Tower Peak?”
He could clearly feel an immense demonic aura flowing out from the cave.
Looking around, he began to see men in black approaching the cavern.
Cheongheo Jinin was infuriated by the fact that so many people had climbed Kunlun without anyone noticing.
“Begone!”
The fact that something he was unaware of was happening in Kunlun was a problem, but...
‘What on earth is the Sect Leader doing while things have come to this!’
Kunlun was currently in a state of chaos.
Coincidentally, amidst the news that an Ice Palace member from the Demonic Cult had caused trouble, the main warriors of Kunlun were leading the search to capture him.
Even so, it was appalling that such an event was occurring in the heart of Kunlun, which was no different from their own living room.
The Sect Leader, the Elders, and others should have been keeping a close watch on the situation within Kunlun.
He simply couldn't believe that a Taoist could fail to sense a demonic aura of this magnitude.
“All warriors of Kunlun, hear me! Ascend Jade Tower Peak this instant! Intruders are plotting something on the peak!!”
Cheongheo Jinin’s Lion’s Roar echoed across Kunlun Mountain.
*
Sizzle—
The smell of something roasting began to spread through the cave.
“They’re burning quite well!”
Weizhi Young shouted as she watched the snakes being turned into grilled meat.
“I’ll look for an exit.”
Baek Mu-yong began to use his ice arts to push back the heat and smoke while searching for a way out.
“I’ll see if there are any snakes fit for consumption!”
In the meantime, Tae Un-seo began to check if any of the roasting snakes were edible once the venom was removed.
“I’ll help too!”
Cheon Deung-jin, seemingly unwilling to be a burden, also started searching for the exit.
Unlike the other members, Cheon Deung-jin was moving quite freely amidst the flames.
‘It seems heat of that level no longer affects him.’
And it likely wasn't just heat.
Having harbored and then completely expelled the Fire Spirit Energy, Cheon Deung-jin would now be able to take in and release any kind of energy existing in the world.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom felt he finally understood why the Flame Demon had wanted to use Cheon Deung-jin as a vessel.
‘More importantly.’
While everyone else was looking for an exit, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom began searching for the Iron Venerable’s legacy.
Judging by the release of the venomous snakes, there was a high probability it was a trap, but he couldn't yet rule out the possibility that this was the Iron Venerable’s actual tomb.
Step, step.
Since flames of this intensity were merely a tickle to him, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom began to walk through the fire.
‘Hm?’
Amidst the venomous snakes turning into meat...
Slither—
He saw a massive snake with glowing red eyes.
- That looks like a Blood Eye Snake.
- Oh? I think that’s the cute little snake the Iron Venerable used to keep. It’s grown quite a bit.
‘Is that true?’
- It seems so. There wouldn't be many Blood Eye Snakes with that specific red glow.
If the Demon Empress’s words were true, that Blood Eye Snake was two hundred years old.
Furthermore...
‘It might not be a trap.’
Because the Blood Eye Snake might be guarding the Iron Venerable’s tomb.
Hyeok Ryeon-yeom slowly approached the snake.
Despite its subordinates burning to death, the Blood Eye Snake stared at Hyeok Ryeon-yeom without showing any sign of panic.
- What do you think about making some snake wine?
The Sword Venerable smacked his lips. Even though he was a ghost and couldn't drink, the thought of alcohol seemed to make his mouth water.
“I think that’s a great idea.”
He felt his father-in-law would be disappointed if he returned from Potala Palace empty-handed. Two-hundred-year-old snake wine would make an excellent gift.
And if possible...
‘It would be even better to secure the legacy of one of the Ten Great Masters.’
Come to think of it, Hyeok Ryeon-yeom had been strangely involved with ghosts ever since his return to the martial world.
Following the Sword Venerable, the Demon Empress, and Changseong, there was the Seven Severing Old Man who became a zombie, and even the Flame Demon.
Fortunately, there didn't seem to be a ghost of the Iron Venerable here in what was presumed to be his tomb.
Then again, no matter how great one of the Ten Great Masters was, leaving behind one's spirit was no easy feat.
- Sssssss.
While he was walking and thinking about the Iron Venerable, he arrived right in front of the Blood Eye Snake.
And yet...
‘This fellow isn't attacking?’
Why?
Slither—
Instead, it looked at Hyeok Ryeon-yeom and gestured as if telling him to follow.
“Captain?”
The other members seemed to have witnessed Hyeok Ryeon-yeom facing the Blood Eye Snake.
“Did you find the exit?”
“Not yet!”
“I think it would be best to follow this fellow if we want to get out.”
He had talked about making snake wine and whatnot, but if it could help them escape this cave, he intended to take all the help he could get.
‘I’m also curious why it isn't wary of me.’
Slither—
As they followed the Blood Eye Snake crawling toward a certain direction, a massive pillar appeared.
Characters were inscribed upon the pillar.
「寧爲玉碎 不爲瓦全
人言七分 信不過三
力壓萬物 鐵血君臨」
(Better to be broken jade than a whole tile.
Of seven parts of a man's words, not even three can be trusted.
Suppress all things with power, and reign with iron and blood.
—Respectfully, the Leader of the League of Four Tyrants)
“Was this... really the Iron Venerable’s tomb?”
In the center of the pillar where the inscription was carved, a single secret manual was placed.