Chapter 141: Jiangxi Branch (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 141: Jiangxi Branch (1)
Inside the hidden cave of the Long-Stream Cult.
The iron door leading to the innermost secret treasury swung open.
Led by Jegal Mu-ran, the Divine Mechanism Hall entered first. This was to check for any remaining traps or formations designed to stop intruders.
After a thorough search, a member of the Divine Mechanism Hall finally nodded toward the Azure Firmament Hall.
"It's safe. You may enter."
With Jegal Mu-ran's confirmation, the Azure Firmament Hall stepped into the secret treasury.
Looking around, Namgung Jun was slightly surprised by the treasury's internal structure. Though somewhat dark, night-glowing pearls of various sizes were embedded throughout the walls, making it easy to inspect the contents. Furthermore, he could feel a faint but steady circulation of air.
It seemed designed with specific measures to preserve the legacy stored within, keeping it free from any damage.
"It's remarkably well-preserved. It’s almost as if someone has been maintaining it until recently."
"The traps and formations in the treasury seem designed not just for security, but to maintain the environment and keep the legacy intact."
"Even so, a considerable amount of time must have passed. It’s surprising that it has been preserved so perfectly."
Despite having already inspected it, Jegal Mu-ran couldn't take her eyes off the treasury's formations.
"They say the Long-Stream Cult's mastery of traps and formations was among the best in the world. I thought it was a slight exaggeration, but after seeing the formations in this hidden cave, I have no choice but to admit it."
Jegal Mu-ran hailed from the Jegal Clan, a family renowned for their expertise in traps and formations. Naturally, the advanced level of the formations left behind by the Long-Stream Cult piqued her interest.
While the two Hall Masters conversed, the other Clouds were busy searching the treasury. The search was led by the Divine Mechanism Hall, with the Azure Firmament Hall assisting.
Despite this being their first time working together, they moved in perfect order. The seasoned experience of the Divine Mechanism Hall and the flexibility of the Azure Firmament Hall meshed seamlessly, as if they were a single unit.
As time passed, the legacy within the treasury was sorted item by item. In the center of the room, items gradually piled up, organized by category.
Once the organization was complete, a Divine Mechanism Hall Flagbearer began his report.
"We have classified the items into three main categories for now."
The Flagbearer first pointed to the left, where wooden boxes of various sizes were stacked neatly.
"These contain elixirs crafted by the Long-Stream Cult, experimental tools of unknown purpose, specimens that appear to be the organs of various creatures, bloodstained daggers likely used in sorcery, talismans, mirrors, and beads."
In their pursuit of immortality, the Long-Stream Cult had spared no means or methods. They had easily cast aside worldly morals, frequently committing atrocities so vile that even the Demonic and Heretical Paths would shake their heads in disgust. It was so severe that the Unorthodox Faction of that era had been the first to propose joining forces with the Righteous Faction to wipe out the Long-Stream Cult.
"Considering the background of the Long-Stream Cult, we cannot accurately determine the value of the items in these wooden boxes, but it is clear that they are dangerous."
Listening to the Flagbearer's report, Namgung Jun agreed.
Especially the various tools suspected to have been used in sorcery and the elixirs of unknown efficacy. Those must absolutely be destroyed.
As soon as he heard the explanation, a wave of nausea and intense revulsion washed over him. Though there was no concrete proof, it was clear these items were highly ominous and dangerous.
"Next, I will report on the books on the right."
The Divine Mechanism Hall Flagbearer turned slightly to look at the books stacked on the right side.
"Most of them are secret manuals detailing the Long-Stream Cult's martial arts and sorcery. There are also research records on all sorts of bizarre subjects, including the Soul-Shifting Art, the Elixir of Immortality, the Body-Blood Reversal Great Art, and the Star-Absorbing Great Art."
Namgung Jun’s face hardened as he stared at the secret manuals. Even Jegal Mu-ran, who was usually interested in all kinds of knowledge, frowned deeply, clearly feeling a strong aversion to the studies of the Long-Stream Cult.
"These are secret manuals that the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult would have absolutely coveted," she muttered.
"The Iron Battle Camp would have targeted some of them as well," Namgung Jun added. "Given the nature of their sect, they have always searched for ways to easily and powerfully train a large number of martial artists."
Once the Hall Masters finished speaking, the Divine Mechanism Hall Flagbearer finally pointed to the center. Most of the items classified there were also books, but they were the smallest in quantity.
"The books here are all medical texts. Some appear to have been written by the Long-Stream Cult, while others were collected from outside. Additionally, there are highly detailed anatomical diagrams of the human body, along with records delving deeply into acupoints, meridians, and muscles."
Having finished his report, the Divine Mechanism Hall Flagbearer stepped back.
Namgung Jun stepped forward and personally examined a few of the medical texts.
"Since their goal was eternal youth and immortality, did they naturally delve into medicine as well?"
"Most likely," Jegal Mu-ran replied. "They kidnapped people day in and day out, regardless of whether they were martial artists or commoners, to conduct all kinds of experiments. Their understanding of the human body was bound to become highly advanced."
After examining the medical texts, Namgung Jun inspected the remaining items one by one. He checked them himself just in case, but his initial thoughts didn't change.
Leaving these things in the world would likely bring no benefit. He could only see them becoming the seeds of new conflict in the future.
Dusting off his hands, Namgung Jun stood up and asked Jegal Mu-ran for her opinion.
"In my judgment, it would be best to destroy everything except for the medical texts. What does the Divine Mechanism Hall Master think?"
"The medical texts could contribute to the advancement of medicine and help save countless lives, but as for the rest..."
Jegal Mu-ran trailed off, but her meaning was clear: she agreed with Namgung Jun.
"Then let us proceed quickly."
The Azure Firmament Hall and the Divine Mechanism Hall destroyed all the items, leaving only the medical texts.
*
"Whew. We're finally outside."
"To think we'd make it out safely like this."
Stepping out of the hidden cave and into the sunlight, the members of the Divine Mechanism Hall let out sighs of relief. Watching them, Jegal Mu-ran shifted her gaze to the side.
Where her eyes landed lay the bodies of the Divine Mechanism Hall members who had fallen in battle inside the cave.
On missions in the Jianghu, it was rare to recover the bodies of fallen comrades. Often, one had to watch as companions were laid to rest forever on some nameless mountain. Knowing that grief all too well, she considered it a great fortune to be able to retrieve their comrades' bodies.
Jegal Mu-ran looked at the cold faces of her fallen members one by one, shaking her head faintly.
It is all thanks to the Azure Firmament Hall.
She turned her head to look at Namgung Jun. This was the first time she had witnessed his martial prowess since he became a Supreme Expert.
The martial power of the Azure Firmament Hall was incredible, but the Azure Firmament Hall Master's sword was even more wondrous. Even if I fought him in perfect condition, I would be hard-pressed to claim any chance of victory.
His was a level of martial prowess that allowed him to hold a clear, absolute advantage even against two Supreme Experts. Who would ever look at Namgung Jun and see a newly appointed Fourth Cloud?
What was even more terrifying was his limitless potential. Since he was only eighteen years old, he would continue to grow endlessly. He was the perfect figure to lead the Azure Heaven Association's ultimate elite force, a unit that transcended the Ten Halls.
"Azure Firmament Hall Master, I have run up quite a debt to you."
"How can there be debts between comrades? It is all thanks to the Divine Mechanism Hall Master trusting and supporting me."
As Jegal Mu-ran smiled and bowed her head, Namgung Jun returned the courtesy.
"Will the Divine Mechanism Hall be able to return alone?"
"Of course. Does the Azure Firmament Hall have another mission?"
"It is not a mission, but since we have already set foot in Jiangxi Province, I intend to diminish the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult's influence here."
Jegal Mu-ran immediately understood his meaning.
"Are you going to pursue the Eleventh Mirror Master who fled?"
"We will strike the Jiangxi Branch of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult."
Had it been anyone else, she would have dismissed it as reckless youthful vigor and tried to stop them. But this was Namgung Jun and the Azure Firmament Hall; she could not do so. The martial power they had displayed in the hidden cave was truly astonishing.
Moreover, the Eleventh Mirror Master, who served as the Jiangxi Branch Master, had fled after losing his left arm, and the elites supporting the branch had been wiped out in the cave. Under these circumstances, striking the Jiangxi Branch would be an incredibly smooth process.
"Do you not need the assistance of the Divine Mechanism Hall?"
Namgung Jun shook his head.
"While it is a strategic move, it is also to announce the existence of the Azure Firmament Hall to the Jianghu."
"Ah. Come to think of it, this was the Azure Firmament Hall's first deployment."
The Azure Firmament Hall now had to prove themselves. Only by demonstrating their martial power not just to the Azure Heaven Association but to the entire Jianghu would they be recognized as the association's ultimate elite force.
"I wish you martial fortune."
"Thank you."
The Divine Mechanism Hall headed north toward the main fortress of the Azure Heaven Association, while the Azure Firmament Hall split off to the southeast, toward the Jiangxi Branch of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.
*
"Eleventh Mirror Master. What on earth happened to you?"
"My deepest apologies, Fourth Young Master."
The man addressed as the Fourth Young Master sighed as he looked at the Eleventh Mirror Master's limply fluttering sleeve.
"So you are saying the hidden cave of the Long-Stream Cult was taken from us entirely?"
"Based on the information we have gathered since, that appears to be the case."
"This has truly damaged the Cult's reputation. And I have made a wasted trip."
The Eleventh Mirror Master could only bow his head. The legacy obtained from the Long-Stream Cult's hidden cave was supposed to go to the Fourth Young Master. After all, the Fourth Young Master was the one who had been backing the Jiangxi Branch all this time.
"Hmph."
Clicking his tongue, the Fourth Young Master let out a sigh. He had intended to use the Long-Stream Cult's hidden cave to make a grand achievement and expand his standing, which had been narrowing from both above and below. Hearing this news left him utterly hollow.
Gauging the Fourth Young Master's mood, the Eleventh Mirror Master spoke up.
"Fourth Young Master, it may not be a completely wasted trip."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I have prepared something separate just for you."
The Eleventh Mirror Master moved to a corner of his office and pulled out a small iron cage, easily held in one hand. It seemed specially crafted to confine some small animal.
The Fourth Young Master glanced at the iron cage with low expectations. Crouched inside was a small snake.
"A snake? What is this?"
The Eleventh Mirror Master flashed a confident smile.
"The Heavenly Yang White Snake. I obtained it with great difficulty."
The sullen look on the Fourth Young Master's face gradually gave way to excitement.
"The Heavenly Yang White Snake! I have heard of it. A spiritual beast rarely seen on Mount Baekun in Jiangxi Province."
"You are well-informed. I heard this is the first one captured in over two hundred years."
With a completely transformed expression, the Fourth Young Master closely examined the inside of the cage. Its entire body was covered in pure white scales, over which a faint light shimmered. A small horn grew on its head, and unlike the scales, it was a deep crimson, instantly catching the eye.
When the Fourth Young Master reached his hand toward the cage, the Heavenly Yang White Snake, which had been lying as still as if it were dead, writhed violently and bared its fangs.
"Oh? It's alive."
"Yes. This creature is a precious spirit elixir from head to tail. I took great care to keep it pristine."
"You prepared this for me?"
As the Fourth Young Master's expression brightened, the Eleventh Mirror Master smiled along.
"I recently heard that you were searching for an Elixir of Extreme Yang. This spiritual beast will be of great help."
"I have been searching far and wide to balance my Yin and Yang. No matter how many men I devour with the Bright Gaze Devouring Art, it has not been enough."
The Fourth Young Master licked his lips as he inspected the Heavenly Yang White Snake from various angles.
"Can I consume it immediately?"
"Of course. I have gathered the perfect herbs to consume alongside the Heavenly Yang White Snake. If brewed into a decoction, it will become an incredible spirit elixir in its own right."
"Excellent. Let us consume this spirit elixir at once!"
Just as the excited Fourth Young Master hurriedly stood up—
Rumble!
A loud explosion echoed from outside, causing the Fourth Young Master's expression to turn bewildered.
"What is going on?!"
As the Eleventh Mirror Master barked toward the outside, a subordinate rushed into the room a moment later.
"We are under attack!"
"An attack? Who dares raid a branch of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult! And in broad daylight, no less!"
"It is the Azure Heaven Association! Strangely, their flag bears a name we've never seen before."
At the subordinate's report, the Eleventh Mirror Master asked with a stiffened face, "Could it be... Azure Firmament?"
"Yes, that is correct."
As the Eleventh Mirror Master's expression hardened, the Fourth Young Master asked, "If it is Azure Firmament..."
"It seems the Azure Star Sword has brought his subordinates here."
The Fourth Young Master's grin widened.
"Ah. The boy with the Nine Yin Severed Meridian whom the Cult Leader ordered us to find. What an unexpected stroke of luck. To think an opportunity to achieve a great feat would fall right into my lap like this."
The Eleventh Mirror Master stared at the Fourth Young Master, who was clenching his fists, in utter disbelief. It was absurd that he could react this way even after hearing what had transpired at the Long-Stream Cult's hidden cave.
"Fourth Young Master?"
"Let us prepare quickly."
"Fourth Young Master! That fellow is no ordinary opponent. Furthermore, the current strength of our Jiangxi Branch is..."
The Fourth Young Master waved his hand, cutting the Eleventh Mirror Master off.
"Do we not have the Left Guardian and the guard captain who came with me? If the Eleventh Mirror Master lends his hand as well, it is more than possible."
"But..."
"Surely you are not equating the Left Guardian who protects my side with the likes of the Iron Battle Camp's Seventh Legion Commander."
Watching the stubbornly reckless Fourth Young Master, the Eleventh Mirror Master could only let out a sigh.
We should be fleeing this very instant, yet... This is highly ominous.
Forcing down the complaints that threatened to burst from his mouth, the Eleventh Mirror Master reluctantly followed the Fourth Young Master.