NOTICE: Many of the novels have been removed because they might cause violations, which we were not aware of earlier.
Episode 278. Volcano (1)
“Purple Cloud Divine Works… … .”
The man wearing the golden mask━Geumryeong muttered with a slur, then quickly waved his subordinates back. It was only natural that the martial arts of the six factions, which had been known for hundreds of years, were renowned, but the Jashin skill, which was said to be passed down only to the long-suffering Hwasan, was even more famous because of its unique purple color. Not only the martial artists of Shaanxi, but even the demons of faraway Xinjiang would know about the Jashin skill.
“It looks like that is the purple haze energy.”
A young man who approached Geumryeong whispered in a low voice. He was the head of the Shaanxi painters’ household and was also known as the Grand Duke of the Demonic Domain. Except for a few people, everyone in the world knew him as the eldest son of the Demonic Domain. He had joined the Zhongnan expedition in order to achieve notable achievements, but if his identity was known, he could become a target of the Zhongnan faction. That was why he was wearing the same gray-white martial arts uniform as the other Geumryeong Dae-ma-in, but even so, whether it was because of his birth or because he had grown up to be very noble, he had a certain elegance that was different from the others. In addition, the magical energy that flowed naturally as he breathed repeatedly was very pure, which proved that he had mastered the Demonic Domain of Ascension.
“Yes, it is indeed threatening when seen in person.”
To the lower classes━ it was a forbidden act to speak ill of others. Even though he himself did not know it, Hwamu-ryong was clearly Geum-ryung’s blood descendant. There was no need to needlessly scratch his pride.
‘It’s as the rumors say. It’s definitely not enough to call it a strong spirit…’
Geumryeong thought as she looked at the purple air currents spread around the area as the woman who was presumed to be the head of the Hwasan faction came down. I heard that if someone who has mastered the Hwasan Mu-maek’s Deep Energy learns Ja-ha-shin Energy, a certain thought will always reside in all of the true energy they have, allowing them to easily manifest strong energy. It may not be comparable to the strong energy that peerless masters decide to unleash, but it must be attractive for someone who has not yet reached the Hwasan Gyeong to be able to handle even half of that strong energy.
‘The Black Lotus Master often bestowed this type of martial arts.’
Geumryeong thought of the absolute being of the evil path that had been vainly reduced to nothing not long ago. Black Lotus Master Yu Giljun – A peerless talent who had the qualities of a true great master, who could instantly grasp the principles of the Martial Arts that he had seen once, make them his own, and easily change or destroy them based on that.
It was known that the background to his rapid expansion of power was the absolute fact that he generously bestowed upon his subordinates the martial arts he had personally created. However, what was most impressive was that he even discerned the qualities of individuals who had made achievements and then bestowed upon them the level of martial arts that they could achieve. So that they could later demonstrate their abilities to the fullest.
Among those who learned the martial arts that were passed down, there were those who were able to quickly expand their power by being able to wield something similar to Ganggi (罡氣), although it was not Ganggi. A representative example is Mak In-hu, who founded the now-extinct Taeeul Mokgeompa. As a disciple of a shaman, he devoted himself to Heuksa-ryeon and has a record of using the art of Mokgeomgi (墨劍氣) to annihilate the Taecheong Geomsoo of the shaman faction who came to learn martial arts.
In the end, the one who created the Volcano’s Jashin-gong might have been a talent of the same level as the Black Lotus Spirit━ With such thoughts in mind, Geumryeong also told Hwamu-ryong to step back. It was probably because he thought he would be worried if he was in the range where the aftermath of the battle could reach him.
If he had originally focused only on taking the lives of Jongnam Jangmun Geomjong Hakyu and his disciple Geomjeol Hakun, the decision would have already been made. However, he was unable to do so because his attention was somewhat distracted by Hwamu Ryong, who was struggling with the Jongnam faction elders to accumulate public achievements.
The same goes for the fact that he retreated his subordinates because of the appearance of the woman. It wasn’t because he was worried about their lives. He was just worried that Hwamu-ryong, who was in the middle of them, might get hurt or lose his life. Now, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Ma Gwang-cheon had half of the Central Plains as his territory. It was easier than ever to recruit talented people.
Geumryeong thought. The purple air currents in the room could not simply be seen as the remnants of the energy waves scattered by the peerless master as he appeared. Even if he did not know much about Jahashin Gong, he had a feeling that the fragments of true energy that had been imbued with certain thoughts could at any time transform into strong energy and possess the power to kill.
“You take good care of your luggage.”
A woman wearing a plum blossom-printed uniform tilted her head in confusion and muttered, “I thought you’d just let me die.”
Geumryeong opened her mouth, barely able to control herself from looking at the Hwamu Dragon behind her.
“… … Judging by his appearance, he must be Geomhwa Okyeon. How did he leave his post and come here? The Hwaseong family’s troops must be heading towards Guipa.”
“Who are you? I’ve never heard of a master of extreme magic like you in the Magic Mountains, let alone in the Magic Mountains. Are you a member of the Xingang Demonic Sect?”
“Since Jongnam Geomjeol has returned, there is a possibility that Plum Blossom Lord has also returned. However, he cannot handle the two peerless masters, Yeomwangmado and Talmyeongkwonma, on his own, right? Did Jeongcheonmaeng provide additional peerless masters?”
“The eyes of the main faction, who are always watching the movements of Shaanxi, could not catch your movements. That can only mean one thing. You moved while hiding your magic sect. It’s really strange. Isn’t the world of the magic path where the logic of the strong is taken for granted? It’s the first time I’ve seen a demon who has reached the realm of the ultimate demon and still moves while hiding his sect. Is there anyone else like you?”
They continued their conversation by asking each other questions. It felt strange to most of the people watching, but it was a familiar way of speaking to those who had reached a level that could only be reached by having confidence in themselves. This was because they were extremely accustomed to saying only what they wanted to say.
Fortunately, Geumryeong had to deal with Magwangcheonju often, so she didn’t have this tendency. That was why their conversations began to gradually become structured as proper questions and answers.
“Let’s each exchange information. I am Geumryeong. As the Heavenly Lord’s successor, I have received the order to destroy Jongnam.”
Geumryeong didn’t bother to hide his identity. Since the Battle of Jeongma had already begun in earnest, it was inevitable that he and Eunryeong would be active. Perhaps Eunryeong had already led the troops of Guiju Guoga and advanced to Sacheon. If Jeongcheonmaeng had shown any signs of splitting up his troops, it would have been like that.
“That’s valuable information. Isn’t that the story of Magwang Heavenly Lord’s closest confidant? By the way, there’s another questionable aspect. How can someone who has reached the ultimate state be a mere vassal? Shouldn’t he give up a considerable amount of honor, power, and wealth that should come with it? That’s truly incredible loyalty. Anyone who sees it would think Magwang Heavenly Lord is an emperor.”
“It’s your turn to tell me what you know. Sword.”
“Okay. What are you curious about?”
“While Hwasisega was going to attack Hwasan, the reason why you, the eldest son, were able to leave and come to Jongnam’s aid. Specifically, whether Plum Blossom Gentleman would return to Hwasan, and the life or death of King Yeom and the Demon of the Underworld.”
“Yeah. I guess you think it’s strange, too?”
Hoho━ Okyeon let out a leisurely laugh. Anyone who saw it could tell she was wasting time.
As a commander, I couldn’t help but feel suspicious. If the volcano was really in danger, I should have quickly ended the situation and returned to normal, but instead, I was trying to continue a pointless conversation.
“If the answer is delayed, I will just use my hands.”
Hooowoong━ A black dragon swirled around Geumryeong’s entire body. It was the Nine Dragons Demon Dragon Skill, the demon Martial Arts that had killed Jongnam’s disciples and injured Geomjeol Hakun.
“That’s not bad either.”
Okyeon still didn’t lose her composure. She must have seen that Hakwoon was injured and Hakyu was also being pushed back, but did she have confidence that she could win the battle with Geumryeong?
“Yellow King’s Demon and the Demon of the Talmyeong Fist? Shouldn’t we be more concerned about the life and death of the Magwang Heavenly Lord?”
“what?”
Geumryeong asked in astonishment. Why did the story of his master’s life and death, which he had never worried about, come out of Geomhwa’s mouth?
“Are you saying that something has happened to God?”
“I guess you haven’t heard the news from Sungsan yet?”
Okyeon asked with confidence. The smile on her lips was still there.
“… … .”
Jinling couldn’t answer. It was as he said. Jinling left for Jongnam right after the Hwasise family’s military expedition ceremony. As soon as Eunling left for Beijing and signed a non-aggression pact with the imperial family, Ma Gwangcheonju Yeon Junghyeok led his troops and went on a campaign to Songshan.
The dispatch of the Hwasisega was a kind of distraction. The original plan was to make it obvious that they were moving towards Hwasan, thereby preventing Hwasan from sending support to Shaolin, and to have the Jinryeong surprise attack and destroy the Jongnam clan while they were off guard.
Considering that the relationship between Hwasan and Jongnam was already strained, it was unlikely that the two factions would easily unite, and even if they did unite, they would be conscious of the Hwassi family and focus on defending Hwasan, so it was calculated that it would be easy to destroy Jongnam.
Once Jongnam was destroyed, Geumryeong planned to join the main force of Hwasisega and completely destroy Hwasan. Even if they were to delay for a while, Magwangcheonju, who had finished the battle with Shaolin, would lead the main force to Shaanxi, so it was safe to say that Hwasan’s destruction was a done deal.
Of course, just as the saying goes, “Do your best and leave the rest to fate,” the ban also took into account that there could be some variables that could arise even when planning things.
one.
I really didn’t consider at all the possibility that Magwangcheonju Yeonjunghyuk would make a mistake. It would be a huge shock.
Okyeon said.
“You were born with the Heavenly Martial Arts? I mean your Heavenly Master. Yes, I also heard that the Heavenly Master of Magwang was an unparalleled talent. He mastered countless magical arts and became great at them, achieving extremely powerful martial arts that were not befitting his age. It would have been difficult for even the great monks of Shaolin to deal with him.”
But it is the Thousand-Year Shaolin━ Ok-yeon, who had been talking at length like that, opened her mouth again.
“I wonder if I have underestimated the power of the Buddhist scriptures and the martial arts that contained the power of destroying demons. I regret that I am the one delivering the news of your death.”
“Obituary… …?”
A prohibition that is questioned in disbelief.
Okyeon stared at him intently and spoke decisively.
“Yes. The Magwangcheonju Yeonjunghyeok. The great demon was noble. In addition, the Hwasise family’s troops quickly retreated. Of course. Isn’t it a situation where the successor to Magwangcheon has not been decided yet? Since it is a matter where conflict may arise between the Magadosamga, they probably didn’t want to reduce their power right away. After all, their father, who would have recognized their achievements, is dead. Shouldn’t they fight for their own position?”
“What is that… … !”
The one who got angry at Okyeon’s words was Hwamu-ryong, who was behind her. He too was shocked to hear the news of his father’s death, which he had never seen before. However, he could not say anything else. Geum-ryeong glared at the one eye that was not covered by the mask and raised her hand as if telling him to be quiet.
Hmm━ Okyeon briefly looked at Hwamu Ryong with a strange gaze, then quickly looked away from him and spoke to Geumryeong.
“What do you think? If you want to go to the portrait, I’ll let you go.”