0098 : Dark Heaven Village
The following day, I set out with Mi-ho. The journey to Mount Muni with her was not very long. It wasn’t long after we arrived at the island that we found ourselves at the entrance to our target, Mount Muni.
Mi-ho said,
“I can sense a strong aura. Is it a Buddhist Monk?”
I focused my energy and looked towards the peak. Indeed, I could see the shape of a person there. It felt as if they were aware of us too. That must be the ‘Guardian’ Mi-ho referred to.
As we took a few more steps inside, suddenly, a voice echoed with a low growl.
[ Stop right there, patrons. You are not allowed to approach the Star-Observing Altar any further.]
At that, Mi-ho scoffed and countered with a sharp retort. She had already summoned her nine tails.
[ Who are you to make such decisions? I must see what is sealed within the Star-Observing Altar.]
[ The Empty Monk is Seosan.]
[ So what?]
[ I already know you are the Great Demon Nine-Tailed Fox. However, the moment you entered this barrier, the absolute advantage belongs to the Empty Monk.]
The Buddhist Monk Seosan sent another warning.
[ If you take ten more steps forward, I will show you no mercy. Leave this island, even now.]
Mi-ho’s face twisted with anger.
“Damn that monk!”
She was so furious that her beautiful human features distorted, revealing the countenance of a demon fox. Seeing Mi-ho this angry for the first time made me worried. But I quickly grabbed her shoulder.
“Stop. Let’s leave. This isn’t good.”
“Let go! I’ll eat that monk’s liver!”
“Calm down! If you act like this, you’ll die. I can assure you.”
As I tried to dissuade her, Mi-ho shot me a sidelong glance.
“Who are you to be so sure about it?”
“If what you say is true, that this is the sealing place of the Seven Luminaries and that a selected individual from the Twelve Rat Clan is guarding it… How strong do you think that Seosan monk is? Besides, if there’s a barrier present on this island, fighting in the enemy’s stronghold is a losing battle.”
“……”
Mi-ho seemed to regain her composure, and her eyes glimmered with intelligence.
“You’re quite an odd one. You seem dull and foolish, yet you appear to sense the brink of death better than any maiden… Well, you are right.”
“Haha…”
I smiled bitterly. Having faced death many times myself, I had become adept at sensing dangerous situations. Suddenly, Mi-ho turned around, her expression shifting.
“Are those guys already chasing us?”
Following her gaze to the beach behind us, I saw a small boat emerging as a dot on the horizon.
But soon after, I felt a tremendous energy emanating from that small boat, and I whispered softly. I focused my energy, and the figure became clear.
“A Dharma Protector Swordsman…!!”
Indeed. A Dharma Protector Swordsman wearing a Black Tiger mask was standing alone on the small boat with his arms crossed. A rower paddled vigorously beside him. The absence of other Wind Spirit Team members indicated that he was coming alone.
At that speed, he would arrive in about one meal’s time.
I quickly said to Mi-ho,
“Can I use the magical language too?”
“Why?”
“I have something to say to that monk Seosan.”
“Understood.”
Mi-ho placed her hand on my back, and a white light began to flow. She indirectly enabled me to use the magical language. I directed the magical language toward the monk seated at the top of the small mountain.
[ The Dharma Protector of the Central Plains is coming to this island. His goal is also to obtain the Seven Luminaries, so please assist us.]
Seosan was momentarily silent, apparently surprised by the sudden message. Then he spoke,
[ I cannot trust your words, patrons.]
[ While the barrier might restrict the Nine-Tailed Fox, do you think you can stand against the Dharma Protector alone? I do not believe you possess that kind of power.]
[ ……]
Seosan’s demeanor wavered. I fervently tried to persuade him.
[ Once he lands, it will be too late. Please, let us inside.]
[ The Dharma Protector will be stopped by the Empty Monk.]
Crack!!
Out of nowhere, it felt as if an invisible barrier had been formed around the island. Perhaps Seosan was further strengthening the barrier to create an actual physical defense. The reason we were allowed to approach the outskirts of the island seemed to be a warning, as he had to prevent the Dharma Protector. It appeared he was fortifying the barrier for just that purpose.
The Dharma Protector Swordsman wearing a Black Tiger mask on the small boat let out a Lion’s Roar.
[ Hahaha!! Is that all you have to stop me? ]
Whoooosh—
He raised one hand, and suddenly a massive whirlwind erupted above it, transforming into a storm. The Dharma Protector Swordsman effortlessly created dozens of powerful whirlwinds, lifting himself off the small boat.
I squinted at the sight from a distance.
Flying through the air!!
‘Is he a monster?!’
It was said that even the Celestial Emperors would find it difficult to achieve such mastery, yet the legendary level of air movement was unfolding right before my eyes. Soaring high into the sky, the Dharma Protector Swordsman extended his other hand to generate another whirlwind.
His energy seemed truly limitless. The incredible internal strength required for a human to move even a small bucket of water with their Qi was astounding, yet this man was freely controlling the sea and creating whirlwinds. This was an absurd level of skill.
That was the ultimate level of internal power known as the Heavenly Spirit Pill!
Rumble—!!
The two whirlwinds expanded, encircling the Dharma Protector Swordsman. He waved his arms.
Crack!
[ Cough…!! ]
The barrier shattered dramatically as Seosan vomited out a groan of pain. The Dharma Protector’s strike had effortlessly broken through the barrier. The monk Seosan, shocked yet resolute, addressed us.
[ Come in… ]
“Understood.”
Mi-ho and I quickly ran up to the peak of Mount Muni where Seosan was located. It was possible because Seosan made no effort to block us.
‘What a relief.’
Seeing the Dharma Protector utilizing incredible air movement gave me chills. I realized he might have simply used the water-surface flying technique to ascend by himself, but he was taking his time, enjoying the hunt. The Dharma Protector undoubtedly viewed us as trapped mice.
Upon reaching the mountain top, we encountered Seosan. He appeared to be in his forties, supported by a young monk in his twenties.
Mi-ho observed Seosan with a cold gaze before speaking.
“Is the sealing of the Seven Luminaries here?”
Seosan wiped the blood from his mouth and replied with effort,
“The Empty Monk does not know… I was only tasked with guarding the Star-Observing Altar by the command of the Twelve Rat Clan.”
“Humph, I don’t believe you.”
Mi-ho’s short and dismissive reply was soon punctuated by another powerful strike from the Dharma Protector, echoing across the entire island. It seemed to startle Mi-ho, prompting her to speak.
“Monk, I will lend my power to stop that Dharma Protector. However, I will take the Seven Luminaries sealed within the Star-Observing Altar.”
“… That cannot be allowed. Allowing the Dharma Protector entry would be no different.”
Mi-ho scoffed.
“Humph, if that’s the case, you should have never let us in from the start. If we stay like this, we will be slaughtered, and do you wish for that?”
“……”
“Time is running out. Quickly tell me about the Barrier Ceremony. Then I can blend my power to create the best illusion formation to block him.”
“Understood.”
Keeying—
A short while later, as Seosan and Mi-ho combined their powers to manifest the barrier, I noticed the Dharma Protector, who had landed on the shore, hesitate. It seemed he recognized that a far more powerful barrier was now blocking him than before. He let out a resonant Lion’s Roar.
[ Hahaha. You think you can stop me with this? How amusing! ]
He began to gather the winds again, seemingly aiming to break the barrier. Observing closely, I could decisively identify his school of martial arts.
‘Wind Spirit Sect!’
A rival of the Thunder God Sect and a branch of the Dharma Protector Martial Arts of the White Lotus Cult! The Dharma Protector was undoubtedly the leader of the Wind Spirit Sect, and his skill transcended that of an ordinary human. I could hardly even imagine a person handling the natural force of wind so effortlessly.
Mi-ho glanced at the pale-faced Seosan and demanded,
“Tell me where the Seven Luminaries are. If I use their power, I can repel a foe like him.”
“Even if I tell you… the Empty Monk truly knows nothing. This Star-Observing Altar is merely an altar that has endured for thousands of years… If you remain doubtful, then search for yourself.”
“That’s preposterous!”
Mi-ho leaped into the inner sanctum of the Star-Observing Altar. I shot a sidelong glance at Mi-ho, then infused Seosan’s body with energy and pulled out a needle to stabilize his condition. Seosan stopped coughing blood and resumed his sitting posture, speaking once more.
“Much better. Your medical skills are remarkable.”
I could tell that his energy had returned to normal. Originally, the internal injury he suffered was at a level that could have diminished his life by at least five years, but I had managed to restore him with the Eight Trigrams Needle. The young monk beside him clasped his hands together in gratitude.
Feeling a bit awkward, I asked,
“You didn’t think I would harm you, did you?”
“It didn’t seem like you would, Master. However, I don’t know the circumstances, but it’s not wise to associate with such a Nine-Tailed Fox. You should part ways.”
“……”
Seosan somehow seemed to possess an insightful ability to see human nature. He also appeared to be a great monk endowed with formidable powers. Though he could not compare with a Great Demon like Mi-ho, he certainly had the highest level of martial power amongst humans.
Seosan turned to the young monk beside him and said,
“Yu Jeong, I will lift your restrictions. Aid in the formation of the barrier.”
“Understood.”
Whoosh!
As the young monk extended his hand, the barrier felt significantly strengthened. I was amazed by the martial power of the young monk named Yu Jeong.
‘Isn’t he several times more powerful than his master?’
His presence alone could be called the embodiment of martial power. It was a kind of mystical ability that one could only find in the likes of Heavenly Void Zal, but I finally understood why Seosan had allowed us to enter so freely. If needed, it seemed the young monk Yu Jeong was capable of subduing Mi-ho.
Seosan, while operating his inner technique, said to me,
“What is your name, Master?”
“I am Baek Woong.”
“… Indeed! But how could a renowned martial artist and physician be traveling with such a wicked demon?”
It seemed Seosan was also aware of who I was. I felt embarrassed and explained,
“There are circumstances. However, it’s not something bad, so I hope you can understand.”
“Hmm… Listen carefully. Thanks to Yu Jeong’s assistance, we will be able to hold back that Dharma Protector for just one hour. Beyond that, it is impossible. If we are to resolve this situation, we have no choice but to perform a ritual at the Star-Observing Altar.”
“A ritual, you say?”
“Indeed.”
Seosan continued with a solemn tone,
“The Dangun created an altar at the beach of Byeokgu and the hills of Mount Muni, offering sacrifices to establish the Heaven Sacrifice Altar. If we conduct the celestial rite here, we will be able to defeat the Dharma Protector.”
“And how do we perform this rite?”
“… That is the issue.”
As he spoke, I felt a sense of despair wash over me.
“That Fox seems to doubt us, but that’s not the case. We are merely guardians of the Star-Observing Altar and there are no Seven Luminaries here. I cannot fathom what offerings should be made for the celestial rite…”
Could it be true that the Seven Luminaries are not here?
I said in disbelief,
“Master Seosan, you and Yu Jeong possess extraordinary martial powers. Are you saying that individuals like yourselves are stationed on this isolated island without even the Seven Luminaries present?”
Seosan and Yu Jeong’s abilities were comparable to the master of Haedong Milcheon. No, in Yu Jeong’s case, he had far surpassed the Heavenly Sovereign of Haedong Milcheon. That’s why Mi-ho was convinced this place was indeed the seal of the Seven Luminaries; the stronger the guardian, the more exceptional the treasure within should be.
Seosan’s expression darkened at my question.
“Do not utter such nonsense. This Star-Observing Altar has always been regarded as sacred, transcending the notions of territory and national logic in Korean history. It is a pathway to communicate with the heavens, an awe-inspiring place where Dangun offered sacrifices to Heaven and Earth. Such a place cannot be left vulnerable.”
“Hmm.”
I was deep in thought and then asked,
“What could serve as an offering?”
“Anything is possible, but it must possess sufficient worth.”
“Could a sacred treasure also be used?”
“What kind of sacred treasure?”
“This one.”
I took out the replica of the Eight Trigrams that I carried with me at all times. Although it was a replica of the genuine article, it certainly had the strength to be considered a sacred treasure; otherwise, it would not have been able to enhance my martial talents. As Seosan accepted the Eight Trigrams and inspected it, he said,
“I believe this will suffice. However, this alone will not be enough to defeat that man.”
“What then?”
“It may extend the barrier for about six hours.”
That wasn’t enough. Since Mount Muni, where the Star-Observing Altar was located, was an island, there would be no chance of retreat like on the mainland. The Dharma Protector would surely wait, whether it took hours or days.
“Is there really nothing we can offer?”
I pondered for a long time, but couldn’t come up with anything substantial.
At that moment, Mi-ho returned after surveying the surroundings of the Star-Observing Altar.
With a look of despair, Mi-ho said,
“There’s truly nothing, is there? Damn it!”
“The Empty Monk already told you,” I replied.
“What are we going to do, monk? How in the world will we get out of this?!”
“That Dharma Protector seems to be taking his anger out on you.”
“What did you say…?!”
As Mi-ho’s temper flared, I quickly tried to calm her down. Mi-ho appeared cool-headed, yet had a low boiling point, making it challenging to handle her volatile mood. Once she settled down, the young monk Yu Jeong spoke up.
“In this situation, we have no choice but to conduct a ritual at the Star-Observing Altar to strengthen the barrier. If perhaps the Nine-Tailed Fox possesses a sacred treasure, please assist us.”
“Hmph, do you really think I have something like that?”
“Then it seems we’ll have to make use of the sacred treasure offered by the Master.”
“What?”
Mi-ho turned to me sharply. I hesitated, revealing the replica of the Eight Trigrams I had on me. Realizing the implication, Mi-ho’s anger flared again.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake! Do you think that’s an ordinary treasure? Even if it’s a replica, it’s one of the top sacred treasures in Dongyung! To use that for some trivial barrier at the Star-Observing Altar is absurd!”
“But we have no other option. Are we just going to sit here and die without a chance to escape?”
“Ugh…”
Mi-ho narrowed her brows, deep in thought before she said,
“Fine! Let’s also use my Eight Foot Jade.”
“But it’s a replica.”
“Stop hesitating! We might die!”
“Sorry.”
After a moment, the three shaman, including Mi-ho, ascended to the Star-Observing Altar. They placed the Eight Trigrams and the Eight Foot Jade, which would be used as offerings, at the center of the altar and began to channel their powers, reciting incantations. I wanted to help somehow, but with my mediocre capabilities, I could only stand by and watch lest I disrupt the ritual.
Hum hum hum hum
The altar resonated with power, gradually turning blue. It was no longer just a simple stone altar; it radiated an otherworldly aura. As I watched the ritual reach its climax, I sensed something strange.
“……!!”
I quickly raised my spear, scanning my surroundings, and thrust it toward the north direction.
Whoosh!
The mysterious figure easily dodged the attack.
He laughed heartily and said,
“Haha, just as I heard, you are quite skilled. But you’re still far from it.”
“Dharma Protector…!!”
A bleak despair gripped me. Could he really breach the barrier and come this far? Yet the three shamans atop the altar noticed the Dharma Protector but remained silent, seemingly preoccupied with their ritual.
I felt something click and gripped my spear tightly. Looking more closely, I realized he exuded no overwhelming strength. Then I spoke,
“It’s a clone.”
“Haha, indeed. I split a portion of my power to place in the barrier. This barrier can only prevent living beings, so this was unavoidable.”
“And a clone is easily destroyed if it takes damage. Don’t get too cocky.”
I snarled at him.
What the Dharma Protector unleashed wasn’t a mere magical clone. It was an illusion that could be created with supreme inner power, which skilled practitioners used to distract opponents or launch additional attacks. The key problem was his ability to control the clone so freely from such a distance, but since his true self wasn’t here, that was no longer a concern.
As I remained on guard, the Dharma Protector’s clone chuckled and said,
“Even with just 20% of my power, that should be sufficient. Now, let’s see if you can block me, Baek Woong.”
And thus, the battle began.
—————————= Author’s Note —————————=
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