0042 : Demon Subduing Hall
Suddenly!
“Ugh… Haah!!”
I woke up drenched in sweat. I thought I had awakened from a dream, but the memories remained intensely vivid. I could once again feel the body of the child in the barn, and I had to feel it.
My sixth life had begun.
“……”
Instead of thinking that my mind might collapse or that I might go insane, I felt that I was simply out of luck. I had become a Golden Eagle Guard in search of a slightly more comfortable life, only to find it was the beginning and the peak of a conspiracy. No matter how hard I struggled, trying to use my conscience to prevent the tragedy, the conclusion was yet another rebirth.
‘Damn it. This feels like crap.’
I frowned and placed my hand over my eyes. Fortunately, the pain faded in an instant, so my mental strength was intact, but dying still didn’t feel good. I listened to the sound of insects in the barn for a while, quietly healing my mind.
In the midst of the confusion in my head, I realized I would need to learn the [Method to Stop Pain]. Until now, I had been lucky enough to die swiftly, but if I were to be horrifically killed, I doubted I could keep my sanity. I needed to learn how to eliminate pain so I could withstand torture or misfortune.
Once my mind settled, I began to think coldly and seriously.
What should I do this time?
And how should I live?
“… I must stop the human sacrifices.”
I had no choice but to set my life’s purpose that way. While enhancing my martial skills to live as a peak expert would be nice, it wasn’t feasible. No matter how I lived, I would eventually encounter the sinister plans of the Golden Eagle Guards. Moreover, it was utterly unacceptable to pretend I didn’t see the massacre of thousands.
Fortunately, I felt like I could somehow attempt to stop it. I could quickly devise a plan in my mind. Perhaps if I started moving now, I could not only stop the sorcerers and the Golden Eagle Guards but might even gain unexpected benefits.
The problem lay elsewhere.
Was I truly ready to turn the Golden Eagle Guards and the Imperial Family into my enemies?
Interfering with them in the body of a child might cause them to flail initially, but eventually, they would uncover my identity and appearance. After that, the likelihood of continuously fighting the Golden Eagle Guards would be high. It would become difficult to live a normal life as a martial artist while enjoying wealth and fame.
But I steadied my mind by recalling the words of a sage. Just because it wouldn’t harm me immediately didn’t mean I could overlook it; that would only escalate the problem. In the beginning, there had only been three demons, but after five years of devouring sacrifices, they would grow tenfold in size and number, becoming dozens. As time passed, they would grow stronger, making it impossible to deal with them alone.
‘Well, if it gets too bad, I can always run away to [there]…’
I didn’t just waste my fifth life.
I collected all the information I could gather.
Knowing there was an alternative life made my choices easier. After firming my resolve, I prepared to act. I slowly walked out of the barn and couldn’t help but think how beautiful the stars in the night sky were.
Glancing over at the village chief’s house, I contemplated how much hatred I held against them now.
I had had a major confrontation there before. Perhaps I could cause another great ruckus this time and beat them to a pulp again. However, perhaps because I had already avenged myself once, my hatred felt considerably diminished. I only felt like they were somewhat unpleasant neighbors now; I hadn’t hated them enough to kill the village chief several times over.
‘Just let them be. But…’
This plan seemed to require significant funds. So, I smirked and utilized the Lightning Shadow Step to glide toward the village chief’s ancestral home. Using my peak Body Lightening Technique, I quickly found myself atop the roof of the village chief’s house.
I quietly slithered down like a snake and entered through the inner door. As it was the village chief’s private chamber, it was significant, but I could use my energy to have it open from within. Upon entering, I saw the secret space of the village chief that I had observed in my previous life.
I gently placed my hand on it and applied force. Gradually, the secret passage began to open.
Kugugu…
“There it is.”
I was able to acquire the safe filled with silver ingots. From my previous life’s assessment, each silver ingot held considerable value, enough to purchase a large house within the city of Luoyang. I intended to use this money to execute my future plans.
Of course, the village chief would be running around day and night searching for the stolen safe come morning. He would eventually realize that I was the culprit, but so what? He would never suspect I possessed top-tier martial arts mastery, so he would merely hire average problem solvers to track me down. Naturally, those mediocre figures would have no chance of catching me. It was unlikely he would hire a notorious group like the Demon Eight Doors and risk sustaining significant losses.
‘Even if I’m just an Assassination Squad Leader now, I can still hold my own in a 1-on-1.’
In fact, I could come out on top. Now that I could also wield Sword Qi, I wouldn’t be at a disadvantage in a direct confrontation with him. Plus, with my overwhelming internal strength, I had a higher chance of winning.
Confidence in my strength seemed to broaden the range of choices for my actions.
Most importantly, I had already resolved to confront the Imperial Family and the Golden Eagle Guards as well. There was no reason to be afraid of the grudge of a mere village chief at this point. Feeling somewhat pleased, I couldn’t help but smirk.
Swoosh!
I exited the village chief’s house and headed straight for the cave where Cheonam Biseo was located. Perhaps because my Body Lightening Technique had improved, it took much less time than before. I truly felt as if I were flying over the land, soaring into the cave.
Without hesitation, I used the safe to block Cheonam Biseo’s arrow trap.
Kaang!
“Haha, did I block it too extravagantly?”
As the arrow rebounded off the safe, I burst into laughter. The safe remained intact and undamaged despite being struck by the arrow. I immediately opened the container and collected Cheonam Biseo once again.
The moment I cradled Cheonam Biseo in my arms, the last words of the Flute Phantom replayed in my mind.
[I never expected there would be such a trap… I… the offering! I mourn for your nightmare!]
Why did he say such words upon seeing Cheonam Biseo?
Whether I could interpret it or not aside, he, the source of all evils, appeared gripped by deep despair the instant he laid eyes on Cheonam Biseo. In fact, it should have been more despairing right before I captured and beat him to death in the cave, but he had remained calm until then, only to crack under the sight of Cheonam Biseo. It was a behavior unbecoming of a villain.
As if the moment he discovered Cheonam Biseo decided his fate.
This wasn’t even a special spellbook or magical tome—what did it all mean?
‘I’m the one who acquired Cheonam Biseo; why is he having such a reaction? Strange guy.’
I scoffed inwardly.
What was certain was that somehow, I would have to recapture the Flute Phantom to figure it all out. I could unravel his vague words through prolonged interrogation. Perhaps I wouldn’t even need to bother with a trip to the palace to acquire the nameless sacrifice roster; I could use him to interpret Cheonam Biseo.
I decided to set my destination as Mount Huang. Of course, stopping the human sacrifices was important, but I couldn’t go without consuming the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng. Since I would likely have time while running overnight with my light body technique, it was an option I could take.
“A delightful journey to Mount Huang begins~”
Tata tat!
I started to venture toward Mount Huang, crossing mountains and rivers. Unlike before, I continued to sprint almost without rest. Though I did feel a little fatigued at times, I would gather my strength and push through the mountains, thus shortening my travel time. Now, hunting wild animals was as easy as that of a professional hunter, making securing food effortless.
The journey to Mount Huang, which originally took about a month on foot, was now reduced to just six days. I caught a mole and was roasting it while looking up at the heights of Mount Huang. Upon entering the foothills of Mount Huang, I felt a nostalgic air.
“Is this the fourth time I’m consuming the spiritual ginseng?”
I mumbled, chuckling to myself at the thought. Was there anyone else like me in this world? What kind of fortuitous encounters would an ordinary person need to consume Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng four times? What was certain was that the moment I consumed the Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng this time, my internal strength would undoubtedly reach an absolute level.
It was as I was preparing to take the ginseng that I was heading towards Baekhwan Peak when I heard a tremendous lion’s roar.
“Stop!”
‘Huh?’
A swordsman dressed in yellow robes and a headscarf commanded me to halt. Despite my incredible speed, I stopped, curious about the situation, only to find him glaring at me with a fierce expression. He appeared to be in his 40s or 50s, having undergone rigorous training, and his aura and internal strength were remarkably polished.
With a tense expression, he cautiously spoke to me.
“I am Kong Jae, the Elder of the Huangshan Sect, known as the Cold Sky Sword. I wish to know why a distinguished individual has entered the realm of the Huangshan Sect.”
Elder Kong Jae of the Huangshan Sect!
Upon hearing his self-introduction, I scrutinized his appearance closely. Although it was a somewhat distant memory, I believed I had seen his face among the ranks of peak experts when we thwarted the tyranny of the Huangshan Sect. This meant that Elder Kong Jae was also a peak expert and a symbol of power within the Huangshan Sect. While his martial arts might not be on par with the grandmaster of the Huangshan Sect, Long Zhongyi, he was certainly a formidable figure within the martial world.
The reason why such a powerful figure as Elder Kong Jae was tense and ready for battle before me was likely because he mistook me for a high-level expert who had achieved ‘anti-aging’ prowess. I contemplated revealing the truth to him; however, if he realized I was simply young, that might create its own inconveniences. Yet, ignoring him and attempting to flee didn’t quite sit right with me either. To evade him, I would have to circle through the 72 Peaks of Huangshan, which would surely complicate my ginseng consumption.
‘What’s going on? This kind of person typically wouldn’t appear…’
I was bemused but soon understood the reason.
I had arrived too quickly.
Considering the timeline, it was not unusual for an elder of the Huangshan Sect to be wandering outside their territory at times. Ordinarily, I would not have encountered an elder while walking to the Huangshan Sect; however, it just so happened that this was the period he was patrolling.
Anyway, after a brief moment of contemplation, I made my decision. I then transmitted a message to him.
[Are you intending to pick a fight with me?]
Elder Kong Jae flinched in surprise and quickly replied,
“Not at all! How could I dare to quarrel? I merely seek to understand your purpose for being in the territory of the Huangshan Sect.”
It seemed we were completely on the same page. He was steadfastly convinced I was an exalted expert. I could see him approximately 15 paces away, flanked by two disciples. They likely came out on patrol with him. I estimated their skill to be roughly on par with first-rate experts.
‘Hmm, this could get troublesome…’
After a moment’s thought, I transmitted another message.
[I was merely passing through for a tour of Mount Huang. I’ve heard that the scenery of Neungyeong Peak and Jinchu Peak among the 72 Peaks is particularly splendid, and I plan to explore them one by one. I’ll quietly pass by, so please don’t mind me.]
“Is that so?”
[Indeed.]
Upon my response, Elder Kong Jae exchanged looks with his disciples to confer silently. Afterward, he cupped his hands and said,
“Then we of the Huangshan Sect wish to do our utmost to assist you in your tour, esteemed guest. If you would just visit the Huangshan Sect once, it would be a great honor!”
“……”
I began to grasp his persistent motives. An unidentified expert wandering around Huangshan was unsettling, so he wanted to keep a close watch on my actions, even if it was as a guest. After all, from the perspective of the Huangshan Sect’s elder, accommodating such an unpredictable factor like me was bound to be difficult, but lacking the strength to confront me directly, they resorted to such enticement.
However, I had no intention or reason to go to the Huangshan Sect. Given that I needed to conserve time, what benefit would there be in getting entangled with them? So I chuckled softly and responded to him.
[I’m sorry, but I won’t be accompanying you. Please do not interfere with me any further.]
“Hm… Wait!”
Whoosh!
Elder Kong Jae was already channeling his sword qi into his bright blue blade. There was no doubt he was a peak expert.
[Are you planning to attack? If you have the courage, then so be it.]
“……”
I could see beads of sweat forming on Elder Kong Jae’s forehead. He seemed to be contemplating whether to risk his life against an unknown high-level expert. While I wasn’t confident I could easily defeat him, I feigned nonchalance.
[However, if you make me your enemy, does that mean Long Zhongyi, the grandmaster of the Huangshan Sect, wishes to face me in battle? I fail to understand how the Huangshan Sect has grown so bold.]
“W-what… Who exactly are you?”
He appeared both astonished and terrified, as if I was referring to his grandmaster like an acquaintance. Since I had no plans to become further entangled with the Huangshan Sect after this encounter, I decided to indulge in the moment, smirking as I exaggerated my claim.
[I am a Guardian Dharma Warrior of the White Lotus Sect.]
“……!!”
[Are you still planning to confront me?]
Elder Kong Jae’s expression was one of sheer disbelief, as if he were on the brink of fainting. After a brief moment of wavering, he spoke in a voice barely above a whisper.
“No… Just leave… We apologize for any rudeness toward the Guardian Dharma Warrior.”
“Master!”
“You all should retreat as well…”
Elder Kong Jae said this and did not look back as he swiftly left.
‘Hahaha! If they all came at me, it would have been tough, but they’re running away in fear.’
The thought of them rebuking their elder behind my back made me chuckle heartily. After all, it would only take a short while to harvest and consume the ginseng, and the fact that I had negative feelings toward the Huangshan Sect gave me a sense of satisfaction in teasing their elder.
Ah, that felt good!
Boldly concocting such a lie stemmed from having died numerous times; it made me think, what does it matter? Isn’t it better to just live and do what you want, considering that everyone will die eventually? My mindset gradually shifted as I experienced the cycle of life and death.
Taking advantage of their absence, I quickly made my way to Baekhwan Peak.
“Hello, Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng.”
After greeting the ginseng blooming in the cave with a sly smile, I consumed it once more.
Hummm…
“Ugh…”
Unlike before, when I’d effortlessly absorb it, I felt a strange barrier accumulating within my body. It pressed down on my dantian for quite a while, before ultimately being compressed. Simultaneously, half of the meridians that had been previously blocked burst open all at once.
I felt a surge of power rising throughout my body, now around 50% stronger than before. Once my breathing exercises came to an end and I gathered my strength, I began to believe that I could now truly claim my martial abilities to be the best in the world. While consuming Thousand-Year Snow Ginseng didn’t always double my strength, all that energy was integrating into my meridians, culminating in an almost infinite internal strength.
Once I felt prepared, I clapped my hands and muttered,
“Alright, now let’s catch that snake!”
