Chapter 277: Chapter 275

Somewhat away from the Unmu Clan, on a mountain, Jinhyuk stroked the charming sweet potato affectionately.

“Mogi!”

“Yes, yes. Did you have a good outing?”

“Mooooogi!”

The sweet potato blinked its eyes and wagged its tail the way a happy puppy might. It seemed to be in a good mood, having enjoyed the fresh scent of the grass.

It was then that something happened.

“Baaaaaaaaah…”

The sweet potato spat out a dan pill, half-melted in its mouth.

“What’s that now?”

Cheon Yuseong asked with a face full of disbelief.

“There are quite a few good dan pills in Unmu Clan. Not quite on par with Shaolin’s Great Return Pill or the Mudang’s Resurrection Pill, but there’s plenty of middle to high-grade ones stored for immediate response against the demonic sects. Thanks to that, our Mogi has been growing up steadily.”

It must have eaten at least 70 pills.

Jinhyuk activated his ‘Insatiable Eyes’.

[Sweet Potato]

Species: Ancient Species

Age: 1

Level: 156

Strength: 105 Agility: 138 Health: 120 Magic Power: 192 Dragon Power: 104

Skills: ‘Acid Saliva’ Lv6, ‘Feast Time’ Lv6, ‘Acid Breath’ Lv7, ‘Flight’ Lv11, ‘Fear’ Lv12

Traits: When an ancient species engages in battle, it consumes the master’s magic power. In a normal fight, 5 magic power per minute is required, while in intense battles, it needs 15 magic power per minute.

It had not only eaten the magic stones provided by the KDS but had also ingested various dan pills.

Considering the nature of ancient species’ rapid growth, this was insane.

“Now, you have even started raising your native dragon stats.”

Jinhyuk smiled with satisfaction.

With the extraordinary manual, the eternal iron, and the precious sword he had acquired from the treasure vault, this was indeed a jackpot – no other word could do justice.

“Do you see? This is how a veteran earns their badge.”

Ahem.

“Covering arson and plunder like that. I’ve never seen anyone like you in my life.”

“My Lord. Even the Heavenly Demon Cult wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“Woah. You burnt down the whole house of the ones who offered you tea and snacks. Why don’t you just take their gallbladders and livers while you’re at it?”

Voices of condemnation poured out from all directions.

“Arson and plunder, you say. Didn’t you all see what they just did earlier?”

They talk big about valuing righteousness and chivalry, but the moment one fails their test, they’re disposed of without hesitation – a sight still burning in Jinhyuk’s memory.

Pretending to be strong against the weak and docile in front of the mighty – what kind of warrior does that make?

They were nothing but gangs.

“Hmm. I did find the overt flattery sickening. I suppose it could be considered karmic retribution, as you say.”

Cheon Yuseong nodded minutely.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he asked urgently.

“Wait, with this turn of events, doesn’t that render our badges useless? If they investigate even a little, they’ll figure out your relationship to Mogi.”

“Well, I suppose so.”

Even if the orthodox sects were fools, they wouldn’t be oblivious to that.

Their intelligence network wouldn’t be so fragile.

“Then, are you saying all the actions we took so far, the special badge and all, are pointless?”

Not pointless.

They had acquired valuable treasures from Unmu Clan.

And…

“The special badge was never my real goal. I never intended to get one from there from the start.”

Why cling to a bunch that’s filled with false hopes when I can get one from the Heavenly Demon Cult and my master?

The badge necessary to dwell in the martial world was indeed required, but it never specified it had to be from the orthodox sects.

The only reason I kept the platinum badge was because of its value.

Cheon Yuseong’s face crumpled at the nonchalant answer.

“What am I supposed to do then? Surely, you’re not suggesting that I accompany you to the Heavenly Demon Cult?”

“Hm. You should go ask Sister Chuhyunsaoyeong. I’m sure she’s got a few spare badges tucked away.”

“…”

Shriink!

Cheon Yuseong half-drew his sword without a word.

“No, wait. Just a moment. Did I do this for my own benefit? Of course, I’ve got something for you too. Look at this. It’s a fantastic sword.”

The longsword had a crane engraved on it.

Befitting something stored in the Kunlun Sect, the sword’s extraordinary nature was obvious at a glance.

“This sword has an attack strength that exceeds 4,000. It’s light and blended with eternal iron, so it can withstand any level of sword energy you gather. Aren’t you grateful? Hurry up and say thank you.”

“Wait, that’s not the main issue…”

“You’re always like this. You give no thought to my goodwill, not even a speck of dirt in your eyes.”

“It’s not that. Please, stick to the point and speak clearly…!”

“Again and again. Always trying to get the last word. Haven’t you heard that sometimes losing is winning? Here, you win by pretending you can’t and saying thank you. Right or not?”

Jinhyuk rattled on like a machine gun.

“…Alright. Utterly grateful.”

Feeling like he’d been cheated somehow, Cheon Yuseong relented with a nod in the end.

Good. The most troublesome nuisance has been placated.

‘Now, let’s see what I’ve got for spoils.’

Jinhyuk examined an old tome brought by the sweet potato.

This very old-looking book had its cover title worn away by time…

The Kunlun Sect usually stored dan pills, but this was unexpected.

Carefully, he used his ‘Insatiable Eyes’.

[‘Insatiable Eyes’ level is too low, restricting some information about the target!]

[A book written by one at a very high realm]

Obtaining Difficulty: Immeasurable

Contents: A secret manual written by Baek Wolcheon, the Second Heavenly Demon, as he entered the realm of extreme demonic cultivation. It contains one core method and two techniques to master the essence of the Heavenly Demon Cult’s power, but its profound and difficult nature makes understanding its secrets nearly impossible.

Look at this?

Baek Wolcheon – could it be…?

Indeed.

He was the very same individual who turned Qinghai into a wasteland during the first Great Sage War.

Recalling that he read about the Kunlun Sect going to the main cult of the Heavenly Demon Cult during the end of the first Great War to give them a hard time…

‘Did they acquire this then and kept it stored till now?’

Even if it’s a manual written by Baek Wolcheon during his extreme demonic cultivation, if it’s by him, it’s an incredibly valuable artifact.

Can’t exactly let the Martial Alliance know, regrettable.

Nor can I make proper use because it’s just incomprehensible from the start.

They must’ve stored it away, right under lock and key.

‘No, it might be that they didn’t even know it was written by the Second Heavenly Demon. They might’ve simply speculated it was written by some considerable expert.’

If they knew it was penned by the Heavenly Demon, they’d have managed it more stringently.

This is getting interesting.

If utilized correctly, this manual could be a hidden ace when visiting the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Jinhyuk tucked the secret manual into a corner of his spatial inventory.

Just then.

Ding!

A red notice appeared before everyone.

[A Bounty Event has been activated!]

[All identification badges have been invalidated!]

[Henceforth, you are officially enemies of the Five Families and the Nine Martial Arts Factions.]

Whether dead or alive.

500,000 coins for accessories, 1,500,000 coins for the mastermind.

Time Limit: Until you leave the martial world. (However, the bounty could be called off under certain conditions.)

‘They caught on quicker than expected.’

Now, the territories of the orthodox factions have become hazardous.

But that doesn’t matter.

It’s not the first time I’m wanted as an outcast.

‘Besides, it’s much more fun this way.’

The clear-cut path is not my style.

The thrill of the new and unexpected.

That’s what the veteran Cooperatoraim for.

***

Among the top experts of the orthodox factions, only five, including the current martial alliance leader and hermits, have overcome the supreme wall.

Even the head of the Huashan Sect had not yet reached such a realm.

Hence, the martial artists of the orthodox factions deliberately belittled the Heavenly Demon Cult.

To let the other powers know, they were the true masters of the martial world, not the Heavenly Demon Cult.

They spread rumors that the reputation of the Heavenly Demons was inflated and that they had long declined, exiling themselves to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains.

‘However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.’

The current Heavenly Demon represents the calamity of myriad demons.

Touching upon him is taboo, unthinkable even for a divine figure.

Had it not been for that incident during the last Great Sage War…

The orthodox factions would have likely lost their name and their lineage.

Jinhyuk looked down the lone trail leading up the mountain.

This road was the only path to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, and at the same time, the road of no return once outsiders stepped in.

Of course, that’s only if unauthorized persons entered.

“Lord. From here on, there are quite a number of troublesome traps, so allow me to take the lead.”

Yeong adjusted her stride with practiced grace.

“No, it’s fine. I already told my master around when we should be arriving….”

Mid-sentence, Jinhyuk trailed off.

True, he did mention visiting the Heavenly Demon Cult…

‘Would my master, knowing such, meekly clear the way?’

Past events in the Tower of Ordeals flashed through his mind.

The answer to his question was one.

Of course not.

Shoosh.

A very faint movement became perceptible in the surroundings.

“Hmm.”

Elysee’s center of gravity shifted slightly backward.

Yeong barely caught the anomaly a beat late.

“Wait! I’m affiliated with the Heukpung Society…!”

“It’s useless, Yeong. These things—they’re not human.”

Jinhyuk restrained her.

“My Lord, not human, what do you mean?”

“Jiangshi. There seem to be about seven of them.”

While their energy was undetectable, the distinct scent suggested they were the ‘Ink Spirit Jiangshi,’ common fodder for the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Damn it. A disciple arrives and his master welcomes him with Jiangshi.

In all of time and space, such a foolish welcome might not exist.

Moreover, Ink Spirit Jiangshi are troublesome entities of intermediate difficulty, aren’t they?

“How about it. Shall we smash them all? Such corpses can be swept away immediately if I intervene.”

Elysee prepared her claws as if to ask for the green light.

“That would be convenient, but… it seems they’re here for me.”

Most likely, no one else stepping forward would be acknowledged.

What the master was looking for was none other than Jinhyuk himself.

Alright.

If the master is being difficult, it’s the duty of the disciple to play along, right?

“You lot rest in the back. This will be over quickly.”

[Unique Ability ‘Heukcheonmawanggong (Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Power)’ awakens.]

Whoosh!

A black aura rose around Jinhyuk’s hands.

***

“Krrrrr…”

“Gyaaa!”

Promptly, prey appeared.

Boom! Crash!

Two Ink Spirit Jiangshi leaped out from the woods.

Terrifying figures dyed in black.

As expected of beings created with a plethora of herbs and poisons to withstand swordplay.

Simultaneous attacks aimed at the shoulder and thigh unfolded.

But just before their black claws reached Jinhyuk…

Swoosh…

Like smoke, Jinhyuk’s form vanished.

Geomma Jeowangbo.

The footwork he had honed countlessly now approached the realm of transcendent movement, unconventional and bizarre.

“You know, I’m aware that each of these fellas is quite pricey, and I’m not accountable if they end up trashed.”

Power surged into Jinhyuk’s clenched fists as he gathered magic strength.

Boom!

A strike,n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

A massive hole formed in the body of the Jiangshi.

Not even bodies that could repel bladed weaponry could withstand the Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Power.

‘One down…’

Next,

Jinhyuk spun counter-clockwise, adding rotation to his momentum, and struck with his elbow.

Crunch!

“Kueek!”

This time, a face was utterly crushed.

He immobilized two in an instant.

Yet, he had no intention of stopping.

Before the remaining five could even spring forth, Jinhyuk bounded into the forest.

A breeze whisked through.

His stopping point: behind a large rock.

‘As expected, it was against the wind.’

Jinhyuk grinned, facing the five Ink Spirit Jiangshi lined up.

What followed was a massive storm.

The extreme concentration of his inner power exploded, tearing trees out from their roots.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Naturally, the central targets, the Jiangshi, evaporated entirely.

“I suppose that’s enough for a greeting… or do you need more of an uproar?”

Jinhyuk shrugged.

At that very moment,

“Puahaha! No, no, that’s more than enough. You never fail to impress. Indeed.”

A cheerful laugh burst out from his side.