Chapter 248: The Mysterious Individual (2)

“Once, Demonic Master mentioned that he had seen a map depicting the Four Great Divine Items and the Demonic Castle. Do you know where that place is?”

“I didn’t expect you to know even that much.”

Myeong Gujeong looked slightly surprised.

“I’ve searched far and wide to acquire that information, but I’ve yet to obtain it.”

Yong Hwarin paused for a moment before speaking.

“Please tell me what you mentioned earlier. What item is required to complete the Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword?”

“Isn’t the answer obvious if you think about what I’ve said so far?”

“Are you referring to the Blue Dragon Three Marbles?”

Myeong Gujeong nodded with a confirming expression.

“That’s right.”

“How are the Blue Dragon Three Marbles related to the swordsmanship of the main family?”

Still smiling, Myeong Gujeong replied.

“You’ll know if you investigate it yourself. I don’t know the details either. I only know that the Blue Dragon Three Marbles are needed to fully unleash the power of the Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword. Similarly, the True Flame of the Fire Bird requires the Vermilion Bird Blood Chalice to display its full might.”

“Since we’re on the subject, could you just tell me clearly? I understand that the Four Great Divine Items are related to the Demonic Castle. Is the main family also connected to the Demonic Castle?”

Myeong Gujeong seemed to understand what Yong Hwarin was curious about.

“You seem to be unaware of many things, Young Master Yong. Haven’t you heard this from your Clan Head?”

Judging by the fact that Jeong Minji also spoke like this, it seemed clear that not only himself, but even his father, Yong Biyang, didn’t truly understand the family’s background.

“I haven’t heard. Please tell me.”

Myeong Gujeong fell into brief contemplation.

‘It’s certain that the Heavenly Central Sect has completely hidden the secret since that time.’

But because Yong Hwarin wasn’t just a mere Young Master of a Clan but a successor to the Heavenly Central Sect, Myeong Gujeong felt it was necessary for him to know the truth.

He believed it was fine for someone with the potential to become a pillar of the Murim to know the facts.

“Since you already know about the Four Great Divine Items, this will be easier to understand. The places that possessed the Four Great Divine Items were the four families that split control of the Demonic Castle. The Lord of the Demonic Castle was Gun Cheonbo, wielder of the Phantom Star Sword. His four sworn brothers became his retainers. They were White Tiger King Eung Jin, Black Tortoise King Geum Ikchung, Vermilion Bird King Jeong Samha, and Azure Dragon King Yong Haeseung.”

Secret histories of the Murim, unheard until now, flowed fluently from Myeong Gujeong’s lips.

As Yong Hwarin listened to the names, something dawned on him.

“Is the main family connected to the Azure Dragon King Yong Haeseung?”

“As far as I know, yes.”

In that instant, Yong Hwarin let out a gasp.

“Ah, I see.”

Then it all made sense. He felt like he finally understood why the Dabie Sect and the other sects attacked the main family in his past life.

If the main family was one of the four families of the Demonic Castle, they would certainly have become a target, and the others likely coveted the Four Great Divine Items in their possession and attacked for that reason.

Only now did he understand why they had attacked the main family. But a few questions still remained.

“Then how did the White Tiger Demon-Subduing Sword end up at the Shaolin Temple? Was White Tiger King Eung Jin from Shaolin?”

Myeong Gujeong shook his head.

“No. White Tiger King Eung Jin was defeated by a great monk of the Shaolin Temple and had his sword taken. Since then, the White Tiger Twin Sword became the White Tiger Demon-Subduing Sword, becoming one of Shaolin’s treasures.”

The original name of the White Tiger Demon-Subduing Sword was the White Tiger Twin Sword, a blade forged from the bones of a coiled dragon on the verge of ascension.

Thanks to that, it overflowed with spiritual energy.

In truth, the reason the families exchanged the Four Great Divine Items was due to Eung Jin’s reckless deeds with the White Tiger Twin Sword. After he was defeated and the divine item was seized by the Shaolin monk, the remaining three families decided to exchange and store the items among themselves to prevent misuse.

As a result, the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm, which was the Black Tortoise King’s divine item, ended up in the possession of Jeong Family Manor, the descendants of the Vermilion Bird King, and the Vermilion Bird Blood Chalice, originally belonging to the Vermilion Bird King, was kept by the Heavenly Central Sect.

“Did Eung Jin’s descendants possess the Blue Dragon Three Marbles?”

“Yes. But like Eung Jin, his descendants acted foolishly and ended up having them taken by a master of the Blood Demon Castle.”

Yong Hwarin nodded.

‘So they ended up in the hands of the Blood Demon of the Self-Revolving after falling into the Blood Demon Castle’s master’s hands.’

With that, many of his questions about the Four Great Divine Items and the Demonic Castle were finally resolved.

“The true nature of the Heavenly Demon Sect isn’t what appears on the surface. I’ve heard they operate secretly under a different organization. Do you know anything about that, Branch Leader?”

“You’re better informed than I expected, Young Master Yong. I honestly didn’t think you’d know that much.”

Myeong Gujeong, impressed, opened his mouth.

“My role here as a Branch Leader and collector of information on the Heavenly Demon Sect has been entirely for that purpose.”

Yong Hwarin asked directly.

“Are you affiliated with the Northern Justice Alliance?”

Myeong Gujeong shook his head.

“Then, are you with the Namung Alliance?”

Again, he shook his head.

“I do not belong to the Three Central Alliances.”

Before Yong Hwarin could ask if he belonged to the Unorthodox Alliance, he was preemptively cut off, leaving him momentarily flustered.

‘Then who is this expert spy working for in this place?’

As suspicion entered Yong Hwarin’s gaze, Myeong Gujeong gave a gentle smile.

“I can tell you anything else, but I cannot reveal my identity. I hope you understand.”

“If you cannot say, then there must be a reason. I completely understand. And thank you for sharing so much information.”

“Not at all. It’s not really secret—just information not yet widely known.”

From Myeong Gujeong’s perspective, there was no real reason to hide such information.

“One final question. Do you know where the Blue Dragon Three Marbles are?”

“They are currently in the possession of Hong Ahyul, the fourth disciple of the Heavenly Demon Sect. Eum Sajeok gave them to her.”

The Fourth Sister that Eum Sajeok had mentioned was indeed her.

“Can you tell me where she is?”

Myeong Gujeong answered calmly.

“Hong Ahyul is currently chasing someone. I don’t know her exact whereabouts. But I heard she entered Jeongju seven days ago.”

“If I need information again, may I come by?”

Myeong Gujeong shook his head.

“Don’t come for the time being. Sam Taegong will be staying here.”

“Understood. Also, this is a gift. I told the caretaker I brought a brush as a present, so leaving without giving it might look strange. I’ll give it to you now.”

Yong Hwarin took out a brush from his robes and handed it over.

“Ah, a brush made of ivory. I’ll use it well.”

“I will never forget today’s favor. If you ever need my help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Very well. And one last piece of advice: do not speak of my identity to the Three Central Alliances or anyone else. I have no connection with them.”

Yong Hwarin nodded.

“Understood. I will keep it as my own secret.”

Myeong Gujeong smiled softly as he looked at Yong Hwarin, who had picked up on the meaning.

“You should get going. Before long, Sam Taegong and Lee Yung will arrive.”

Yong Hwarin had no intention of staying any longer, as lingering too long could raise suspicion. A number of questions that had long lingered in his mind were resolved all at once, giving him a great sense of relief.

However, even though many doubts were cleared, Yong Hwarin left with an even greater question in his heart, glancing repeatedly at Woohak Bookstore.

‘Just who is the Branch Leader really?’

What intrigued him most was the identity of Myeong Gujeong, who seemed to know so many of these secrets in such detail.

Half a shichen after Yong Hwarin departed the Woohak Bookstore, Lee Yung arrived with Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin and Eum Sajeok.

As they entered, all the workers in the bookstore stopped what they were doing and bowed in unison.

Myeong Gujeong, who was also inside, greeted them and led them in.

As he did, Lee Yung spoke.

“Branch Leader, go about your duties.”

When Myeong Gujeong stepped back, Lee Yung and Eum Sajeok entered a room along with Sam Taegong.

Lee Yung and Eum Sajeok sat with deflated expressions before Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin.

Lee Kangmin’s face was gaunt, and due to internal injuries sustained from his battle with Yong Hwarin, his complexion had turned dark, making him appear no different from a corpse.

“Third Instructor, are you alright?”

Lee Yung asked cautiously.

Even after several days of Circulation of Qi, there were no signs of recovery. This made him secretly uneasy. Knowing that personality, if his recovery were delayed, the consequences would inevitably fall on him.

“That brat’s thunder qi is no ordinary thing. I’ve healed most of the internal injuries, but I still haven’t cleared the thunder qi.”

“The thunder qi isn’t ordinary?”

“That’s right. The qi he used was Self-Revolving Inner Qi.”

“What? How can that brat possess Self-Revolving Inner Qi?”

To this, Eum Sajeok responded.

“Long ago, the Blood Demon of the Self-Revolving fought someone from the Yong Clan. Perhaps he obtained it then.”

“Then it makes sense.”

“But if I recall, the only method to remove Self-Revolving Inner Qi is the Purple River Divine Art of Mount Hua. Is that true?”

“Yes. Among thunder qi, Self-Revolving Inner Qi is the densest and most toxic. But even I didn’t expect it to be this severe.”

Even with Circulation of Qi, the Self-Revolving Inner Qi did not dissipate. Instead, it intensified, increasingly pressuring the dantian.

This was largely due to Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin’s martial art.

His martial art, Nine Hells King Sword, was one of the Heat Yang Energy arts based on fire qi.

Because of that, two of the strongest energies within a single dantian constantly clashed. No matter how much he circulated his qi, the two Heat Yang Energies refused to harmonize.

Yong Hwarin, on the other hand, utilized fire qi and thunder qi in separate dantians, preventing such a clash.

It was only possible because Yong Hwarin possessed the Tai Chi Dantian.

Even Hoi Eulshin had been unable to use thunder qi for this very reason.

After some thought, Lee Yung opened his mouth.

“Third Instructor, but isn’t it strange? That Yong brat clearly used thunder qi with one hand and fire qi through the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm. Wouldn’t that normally result in death from Qi Deviation?”

“I also found it strange. If he had mastered Harmonious Heart Art, he might be able to manage different techniques. But to use two Heat Yang Energies simultaneously? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Not knowing of the Tai Chi Dantian, they found it baffling that Yong Hwarin could use both fire and thunder qi at once.

“Then is there no way to neutralize the Self-Revolving Inner Qi?”

“It’s not that there’s no way.”

“Then please tell me. I will find it.”

Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin watched Lee Yung and spoke.

“Bukri Sogun is the key. With her spiritual medicine, we can boost internal energy and suppress the thunder qi. That is currently the best method.”

“I’ll go find Bukri Sogun.”

“But didn’t you say her whereabouts were unknown?”

“No. She’s definitely within the Bukri Clan. If necessary, offer Bukri Chang three stances of the Changhwang Fist. He’ll hand over Bukri Sogun’s spiritual medicine. He’s staked everything on the Changhwang Fist. He won’t refuse.”

“Even if he demands half of the Changhwang Fist, give it to him. My recovery takes precedence.”

“Understood, Third Instructor. I’ll bring Bukri Sogun without fail.”

Eum Sajeok turned to Lee Yung and spoke.

“Senior Brother Lee, I will accompany you.”

“No. You stay and attend to Third Instructor. You’re the only one I can entrust him to.”

Eum Sajeok didn’t want to remain with Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin.

Among the three instructors, it was Sam Taegong who was most displeased with Eum Sajeok.

“Understood.”

Eum Sajeok, having recently been Yong Hwarin’s hostage, could not strongly assert himself.

Right now, silently doing as told was the wisest course.

“Instead, lend me the three Protectors currently guarding Fourth Sister. With them, even the Bukri Clan won’t be able to act arrogantly.”

“Fine. Tell the Branch Leader to summon the fourth disciple at once.”

At those words, Eum Sajeok’s face lit up slightly.

Just thinking about seeing the Fourth Sister, whom he secretly admired, lifted his mood.

Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin asked,

“And did you retrieve the White Tiger Twin Sword?”

Lee Yung lowered his head.

“Yes, Third Instructor. I summoned it here. It should arrive soon. In fact, a petty thief broke into the hiding place, so I was going to deliver it to you.”

“Petty thief?”

When Sam Taegong Lee Kangmin asked, Lee Yung replied,

“Yes, the Young Mistress of Ihwa Palace targeted the White Tiger Twin Sword.”

“We must not fully trust them. They are seeking something from us. That’s why they wish to form an alliance.”

“I understand, Master.”

“My sword was damaged in the fight against that Yong brat. I’ll have to use the White Tiger Twin Sword.”

“I heard it’s difficult to wield due to its demon-subduing nature.”

“There’s no choice. I’ll have to tame it.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep