Chapter: 867
I had a few things I wanted to confirm with the Gyecheon Gate Master.
First, can one use magic even after ascending to Daesung while possessing an energy similar to Parma’s?
If my flames are capable of burning other foreign energies, what happens to the magic energy in my body?
The experiment for that didn’t present any major issues.
I’m not sure if I should call this a blessing, but the power that claimed to be Parma didn’t erase my magic. As always, there were no problems in turning into a mind.
The magic continued to coexist separately, and I used that to transform the Gyecheon Gate Master into a mind.
During this process, Gu Yeonhwa Lun Gong didn’t show any reaction.
A completely different energy. It felt as if it didn’t perceive me as an enemy.
It was strange and alien, yet that was the only way to describe it.
‘That’s fascinating.’
Does that mean it purifies everything that needs to be purified and leaves alone what should remain untouched?
I hadn’t figured out the altered effects of the flames yet, so I didn’t know the specifics.
In any case, I could still use magic.
Then, I made the Gyecheon Gate Master my mind. Now it was time to ask him whatever I was curious about.
The first question was.
– What is Ilcheonkyo?
What on earth is Ilcheonkyo? How is Gyecheon connected to Ilcheonkyo?
In response to my question, the Gyecheon Gate Master answered.
– … Ilcheonkyo is… true justice.
– True justice?
– Yes, Ilcheonkyo is… true justice in this rotten world. We… merely follow its will.
True justice? It was a ridiculous notion.
Where is true justice in today’s world?
It was a world filled with fools disguised as justice and cooperation.
– Please explain in more detail. So why is Ilcheonkyo true justice?
– Because it comes from a different root… the current blindness is… fake.
– That’s not a detailed explanation. Speak properly!
I frowned as I spoke. There was something off about this guy.
‘Your responses are getting shorter and shorter.’
It’s not merely that I feel offended by the informal language. If I make him my mind, he has to submit to me because of the magic.
This means he’s been forced into politeness.
‘It didn’t quite work.’
Even though he had clearly become my mind, he wasn’t showing complete submission to me.
Could it be that something was resisting inside him?
– Ilcheonkyo is… Ilcheonkyo follows His will and carries on His intentions… .
It’s still the same now. Someone is referring to that person as “His” in front of me. It was proof that something was amiss.
I asked him with a calm gaze.
– Who is this “He”?
– It’s God. The God who will save this world…
– So, did this God create Ilcheonkyo?
– …uh…
He moved his body suddenly, as if in pain.
– Answer!
I asked again.
– Ugh… He does not intervene in these matters… because he left his will behind. We simply follow.
– What do you mean by “will”?
– It is a noble intention to restore this polluted world to its original state.
– Ah…
I was furious. Am I seriously asking the wrong questions?
With answers like this, there was nothing I could grasp.
So I switched gears and asked differently.
– Is the “that person” you refer to still alive?
– … He can be judged by his existence.
– You son of a bitch. Have you ever met him in person over the last ten years? Just answer that!
– Yes.
I nodded upon hearing the answer. This is it.
I wrung out the expected answer and confirmed it with a yes or no. This seemed to be the best approach.
Although thinking about it was annoying, it was necessary.
– Then, is this situation something that that guy created beforehand?
There was also an unknown corpse in the pond. There was something that looked like a vessel floating in it.
Looking at the condition, this wasn’t something a normal human could create.
This space itself was problematic from the get-go.
‘Not only is the perception impaired, but there’s also poor soundproofing and strange formations involved.’
There were more than a couple of these set up in the surroundings.
I recognized it the moment I saw it.
‘This isn’t just a formation.’
There were too many strange aspects for it to simply be called a technique.
Even someone utterly ignorant of these matters could tell this much.
That alone indicated how bizarre it was.
So I posed a question to the Gyecheon Gate Master, who answered.
– … This is His blessing…
I considered it a vague affirmation wrapped in nonsense. So this unknown fellow created this situation?
– Then, what are the uses of that corpse and the vessel?
This was an awkward question to ask with a yes/no answer. I decided to gather some information first.
Just as I worried about receiving some ludicrous answer again.
– That’s something He left to create the vessel.
– Creating a vessel? What kind of vessel are we talking about?
– That’s…
I frowned after hearing the explanation.
They immerse some of the best individuals selected from Gyecheon in that pond. It’s said that if they’re soaked for at least two hours a day and soaked for five years, their bodies will begin to change.
‘Is it really possible to cause such changes just from soaking?’
It’s not like it’s some kind of herbal concoction. No, technically, should I call it snake soup?
Regardless.
‘Could this be why the complexion and levels of the people in Gyecheon were unexpectedly high?’
The fact that the head of the Gyecheon Gate Master had black hair.
The bastard’s power also differed from what I’d been informed, reaching a chaotic state.
Was it all thanks to this pond?
‘A pond that artificially raises the level of the land.’
Apart from the white corpse and the water being yellow, nothing else looked particularly special. If it had such a phenomenal effect…
‘In my previous life, I heard it was a coincidence I obtained from a fortune teller.’
A question popped up.
Indeed, Gyecheon Gate Master claimed he had seen a tree with white leaves in his previous life.
It’s possible that it was a seedling that was buried underground.
‘If…’
Just maybe.
‘What if the future was altered by the disappearance of the secret vault?’
What would happen if I found the secret first, unlike in my previous life?
‘That’s a possibility.’
Having experienced this multiple times, it was definitely something worth considering.
It’s a known fact that the Gyecheon Gate Master gained strength through a chance opportunity, but if he’s reached this state now after disturbing that future, then…
‘It’s either one thing or the other.’
Either I shouldn’t have uncovered the secret in the first place, or this situation itself is a remnant of my past life.
‘A problem arose with the secret vault; thus, this situation was created to manage it.’
There were two possible scenarios that came to mind, but what they shared in common was.
‘Whatever the case, someone’s been involved.’
This means that the Gyecheon Gate Master didn’t act alone; there’s someone else behind it all.
And that someone is.
‘The very person whom the Gyecheon Gate Master reveres so much.’
As I contemplated this, the Gyecheon Gate Master added.
– After we finish purging the vessel… that’s when we can finally embrace the Yeouiju.
– You’re referring to those inner chambers, aren’t you?
– Don’t compare me to something like the inner chamber… Ugh!!
The Gyecheon Gate Master clutched his head and staggered.
He didn’t seem to be in good shape. I needed to finish asking everything quickly.
– Answer me.
– Yeouiju is… the only way for a lowly human to become a great being.
– Great being?
I frowned, recalling their appearance.
– Are you talking about dragons?
– …!
At my comment, the Gyecheon Gate Master widened his eyes.
It seemed I was on the right track.
They transform their bodies in that water. At the right time, they consume the Yeouiju to complete their metamorphosis.
‘So… that’s why that guy seemed to have a similar vibe to the Dark King.’
Half-dragon. The reason he emitted a scent similar to the cursed Dark King who turned into a dragon.
To be precise.
‘More so than the Dark King.’
A hundred-level monster.
That feeling was more potent.
Additionally.
‘The reason he waited until now to consume the inner chamber was that he hadn’t done so until now.’
Meaning it hadn’t been long since the five years had passed.
‘Five years ago… not long after I had raided the secret vault.’
It would probably have been about a year at most. The time frame seems dubious.
– Indeed… you too…
I almost called him a bastard just now, but I changed my wording. It felt like something inside was clashing with the magic.
– Good. All is well all is well…
Setting aside what I just said.
– So, what were you planning to do with this?
I had to wonder what Gyecheon was plotting under the name Ilcheonkyo.
– … Ugh… We… we…
– We are.
– A new… definition… will be established… according to His will…
I interpreted that quickly.
– I’ll ask again.
I locked eyes with him and inquired anew.
– Establish a new definition. Does that mean you plan to eliminate the Murim Alliance and take their place?
– … Ugh…
The Gyecheon Gate Master began to tremble.
– Speak.
– … Yes.
After barely getting that answer, I gritted my teeth.
‘So ultimately, these bastards’ goal was reform.’
They held an abnormally negative view of the alliance.
The reasoning behind their plotting felt like something compelled them from the shadows.
If you call it a rebellion, it’s a rebellion; call it a reform, it’s a reform.
However, the issue is.
‘This was something that never happened in my previous life.’
If they indeed sought to build power and desired war, something should have occurred in my past life.
‘There was nothing of the sort.’
The only war that happened in my last life was the Great Jeongma War. Meaning it’s likely.
‘Either it was dismantled before even starting… or it erupted only after I died.’
That would probably be the right perspective.
‘That’s not easy.’
I’ve confirmed the reason and purpose, but the results from my past life remain unclear, which makes it ambiguous.
‘Especially that guy. He’s a significant source of concern.’
What on earth is he doing? Not only did he create this kind of environment, but he also artificially made it turn into a dragon.
I could never see him as merely a human. If that’s the case.
‘Is he a Blood Demon?’
Suddenly, that thought crossed my mind. The Blood Demon. The very one I’m most wary of now.
Isn’t this the place where he was doing something shady?
As I pondered this, I spurted out words without thinking.
– It’s a terrible name. Why call it Ilcheonkyo? It sounds ridiculous.
Why would it have to be a thousand? I dismissed my thoughts, almost in disbelief.
– Mind your words… It is named after His great… name.
– What?
I couldn’t help but snicker at the Gyecheon Gate Master’s words.
– You’re saying you named it after him? What nonsense are you spouting? Are you claiming Ilcheon is a name?
– Yes, that’s correct.
I frowned at the Gyecheon Gate Master’s reaction.
Something felt off.
The moment I felt this, I asked.
– Are you saying that his name is Yeon Il-cheon?
– …
No answer. That was even more irksome.
– Speak. Are you saying Yeon Il-cheon is truly alive? Confirm it!
I grabbed him by the collar and demanded an answer again. At the same time, I injected magic power into him. I needed to extract an answer no matter what.
The moment came.
– … Yes…
The Gyecheon Gate Master replied to me.
– He… Yeon Il-cheon is… alive…
Upon uttering those words, the spirit of the Gyecheon Gate Master seemed to fade away.
The atmosphere instantly turned chilly.
Yeon Il-cheon is alive.
That carried several meanings for me.
The center of the heroes who prevented bloodshed.
The mightiest swordsman of all time, King Yeon Il-cheon.
He is still remembered in history and reportedly played the most significant role in forming the current martial arts alliance.
Moreover…
‘He’s a person who has experienced the same thing as I have.’
A regressor who returned to the past like me. And…
‘The one who regarded me as a disaster.’
A disaster that would engulf the world. That’s how Yeon Il-cheon perceived me.
But…
‘Is he truly alive?’
Is he really alive? How on earth could that be?
Ilcheonkyo. I was skeptical of its name even before, but now it turns out to be named after Yeon Il-cheon?
‘So that’s why I felt something was off.’
‘Roots’ or ‘true justice’? What nonsensical ramblings were these?
Was that why they associated everything with Yeon Il-cheon?
My head was spinning.
Did Yeon Il-cheon orchestrate all of this?
I couldn’t make sense of it. Hundreds of years have passed already. How could Yeon Il-cheon still live?
‘Is this what the Heavenly Sword meant?’
There’s something he said while borrowing Woohyuk’s body in the North Sea.
– Don’t trust Yeon Il-cheon.
I never understood why that ally who had my back said that.
‘Could it be because of this?’
He might actually know something.
‘If so, I really have to go.’
As problems escalate, my destination becomes clearer. Most of the incidents that have erupted so far point in this direction.
‘Xinjiang….’
The location where the Cheonmasingyo was situated in my previous life.
It seems I must head there. My instincts tell me so.
No, even if it’s not instinct, that’s the case.
Whenever something strange occurs, everyone advised.
To hurry to Xinjiang.
“Haah…”
I let out a sigh and began to take action.
Alright, I understand I need to go, and I need to go without delay.
To do that, I must quickly deal with the tasks at hand.
Thud.
After emerging from underground and returning to the main building, I headed straight toward the quarters of the Blue Dragon Corps.
As I reached the location, countless individuals inside turned their gazes towards me.
I called out, assessing the atmosphere.
[Listen!]
Woooooosh—!!
The weight of my voice amplified and echoed around the area.
Did he wake up? I hope he did, but it wouldn’t matter if he didn’t.
[Currently, the Gyecheon Gate is under scrutiny by the martial alliance. We have confirmed that they are collaborating with the Demonic Cult, just as suspected by the Alliance.]
–!!
At my words, everyone’s eyes widened.
It was even more shocking given the suddenness of the revelation.
This wasn’t the end.
[Furthermore,]
I continued, gradually raising my intensity.
[We have evidence that the Gyecheon Gate Master and a member from one of the Taesan clans are leading the insurrection in conjunction with the Demonic Cult.]
Crackle. Compressed energy spreads around my body.
[We have secured proof linking Cheongryongdae’s Ilcheonggeom to these events.]
Swish–!!
The Seongryong members behind me began to charge their energy, preparing for battle.
[In the name of Seongryongdae, I will immediately execute justice upon the criminals.]
I stated flatly as I advanced.
Before embarking on something significant, it was time for a little clean-up.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.