In fact, Cheon Mubaeck’s initial plan was not like this.

The original plan was to shake off the pursuit team and face Jongri Hong separately.

‘While Neung-heo was diverting the pursuit team’s attention, I could have settled things with Jongri Hong.’

That’s why he had kept sending Neung-heo outside.

‘The reason why I had the river pirates on standby was to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.’

For example, when he failed to shake off the pursuit team and faced a situation where it was difficult to snatch the sacred object due to the surrounding gazes.

If things went wrong, he had planned to mobilize the river pirates to overturn the whole situation and make a mess.

Now was that very moment.

‘A guy with the power to escape the board I’ve set has intervened.’

Cheon Mubaeck’s senses reacted fiercely.

The gaze that had not left him for a moment since Cheon Mubaeck had seriously joined the pursuit team.

The gaze was persistent and even gloomy.

As the immortal energy of the middle dantian was strengthened, Cheon Mubaeck’s upper dantian began to utilize all its potential.

Thanks to that, the extrasensory perception that surpassed the five senses directly transmitted an incomprehensible sense that an ordinary person could not have noticed or felt to Cheon Mubaeck.

That was the unidentified gaze.

Usually, when someone was watching him, he could immediately notice the location.

But not this time.

‘He’s a guy who hides his energy to a frightening degree. The level of hiding his identity and managing his energy is not ordinary.’

It was a gaze so secretive that even the great Cheon Mubaeck could not notice it.

A being whose exact identity was difficult to deduce even with Cheon Mubaeck’s current sense of qi.

‘Who is in Zhejiang Province?’

The Yugeom Emperor was in the same pursuit team, so it wasn’t him. And it wasn’t the Sword Empress of the Putuo Sect, who had not even arrived yet.

There was no suitable person in Zhejiang Province.

No, there was just one.

‘The Poison Demon!’

If the owner of the gloomy gaze was the Poison Demon, everything could be explained.

Since Cheon Mubaeck had joined the pursuit team as a member of the Black Assembly, it must be a gaze that was monitoring whether the requested task was being carried out properly.

Cheon Mubaeck, who had realized the fact, pondered.

‘Should I strike the Poison Demon, or should I take the child?’

In the first place, the goal was two things: to take the sacred object, and to catch and deal with the Poison Demon.

But the moment he realized that the sacred object was not an object but this young child, the plan went awry.

‘I need time.’

Since it was a person, not an object, he had to keep in mind the possibility that things would not go as smoothly as before. Perhaps a considerable amount of time would be needed. And he also had to find a way to absorb it.

The best way was to quickly find out the secret hidden in the sacred object, no, this young child, and after neatly organizing it, to catch the Poison Demon.

But it was not something that would go smoothly as planned. Because the Poison Demon was a variable itself. He was a persistent and gloomy guy. He did not know what the Poison Demon would do while Cheon Mubaeck was solving the secret hidden in the child.

So Cheon Mubaeck overturned his idea.

“Can’t I just deal with them at the same time?”

Was there a need to do it in order?

So Cheon Mubaeck had made the board a mess.

The pursuit team, Jongri Hong, and even the river pirates. In a situation that was truly a mess, the Poison Demon had not moved. In any case, if the river pirates appeared and took the child, that would be enough.

But even the Sword Empress had appeared.

‘Since the Sword Empress has appeared, he would think that the child might be taken away.’

The fact that the Sword Empress was taking the child was a different matter.

It was not a matter to just watch.

One of the most reclusive sects in the martial world was the Putuo Sect.

Even more so because it was on the Zhoushan Archipelago, not the mainland.

Moreover, wasn’t the Sword Empress a supreme being in the upper ranks even among the Ten Great Masters of the world?

Once the child was taken by the Putuo Sect, the Poison Demon would not be able to take the child unless he invaded the Putuo Sect on a large scale with the Blood Demon Valley’s forces.

The plan of the Blood Demon Valley and the Poison Demon, who had been aiming for the sacred object, would also collapse.

‘Now, won’t you lift your heavy butt?’

A smile appeared on Cheon Mubaeck’s lips.

What had made it more difficult to strike the Poison Demon first than to find the sacred object was the reason why even the great Cheon Mubaeck had found it difficult to track him if he did not reveal himself.

But now that the Sword Empress had appeared, and if she took the child, the Poison Demon would not be able to stay still either.

His prediction was accurate.

Because he had felt the gloomy gaze that had not left him for a moment shaking countless times.

No, it was getting closer.

“The Poison Demon is coming for the child now.”

“The Poison Demon? Are you talking about the Poison Demon I know?”

At the unexpected words, Jongri Hong’s eyes widened. Cheon Mubaeck nodded his head.

“The Poison Demon who slaughtered hundreds, thousands of Orthodox Path martial artists during the Righteous-Demonic War.”

Jongri Hong’s face turned pale. Fear appeared in his pupils, which would not flinch at most things.

“Why the Poison Demon, the child?”

“Didn’t you know? These river pirates are also the Poison Demon’s doing.”

“…!”

“The Poison Demon and the Blood Demon Valley are influencing the Black Assembly. These river pirates have come to take the child according to the Poison Demon’s orders!”

“The Unorthodox Alliance is in the hands of the Blood Demon Valley?”

Wasn’t it an unbelievable truth? At Cheon Mubaeck’s firm voice, Jongri Hong’s gaze shook.

“Otherwise, why would the river pirates be aiming for her? The reason why the Blood Demon Valley attacked Wudang? It was all because of the Divine Spirit Talisman. It’s not just you who are aiming for the sacred object, but also the Blood Demon Valley, the Demonic Path bastards.”

Jongri Hong’s face changed strangely. It was an expression of letting out a small exclamation at a thought that had suddenly come to him.

“Then the reason why you are looking for the sacred object is?”

Cheon Mubaeck nodded his head with a sunken voice.

“Before the Blood Demon Valley takes it, I am protecting it.”

Neung-heo, who was watching the situation from behind the deck, his mouth was agape.

‘You crazy bastard.’

Wow. He’s lying without even batting an eye.

Wasn’t it the height of shamelessness!

No, beyond shamelessness, at the attitude of lying as if it were obvious, Neung-heo was at a loss for words. He had seen his actions from the side until now, but to say that he was protecting it?

‘But why is that man falling for it?’

Neung-heo was dumbfounded. Jongri Hong’s expression had changed.

“I am not a Taoist, nor have I cultivated the Tao. Although I have felt something in the miraculousness of the sacred object, I know that it is not something I should use. But if these things fall into the hands of the Blood Demon Valley, it will be a terrible thing.”

“Why is the Blood Demon Valley aiming for the sacred object?”

“The Bidara!”

“…!”

“The fact that the Bidara is weak to immortal energy is a proven fact. Those guys are aiming to improve the Bidara into a technique that is not affected by immortal energy by using the sacred object!”

It was a fluent speech.

Neung-heo thought so. It was a truly captivating eloquence that made even him, who knew all the details, feel a sense of trust that he had not had.

Wasn’t Jongri Hong’s expression also changing?

Well, he had no choice.

‘They say to mix the truth if you want to lie.’

It was an old saying that had been passed down. Cheon Mubaeck was lying now. For example, the truly shameless lie that he was not interested in the sacred object and was playing the role of protecting it.

But he had added the truth that the Blood Demon Valley was aiming for the sacred object to improve the Bidara.

When the two were combined, Cheon Mubaeck’s lie disappeared and only the truth remained.

Cheon Mubaeck, who saw Jongri Hong’s expression change and conflict, smiled inwardly with satisfaction.

“I know. How could the great elder of Jongnam kidnap a child?”

“…!”

“Knowing that if he left her alone, the Blood Demon Valley would kidnap the child, didn’t you take the child away first?”

“What?”

Jongri Hong had a dumbfounded expression, as if he had heard something absurd.

He had just realized that the Blood Demon Valley was aiming for her, so what the hell was that nonsense?

Jongri Hong, who had been making a dumbfounded expression, hardened his expression as he felt something in Cheon Mubaeck’s voice.

‘This… he’s trying to persuade me!’

Jongri Hong’s gaze trembled violently.

That was right. This was to persuade him.

‘Since the Sword Empress has appeared, it’s only a matter of time before my identity is revealed.’

Because if he didn’t want his neck to be cut by the Sword Empress’s sword, he had to reveal his identity.

But if that happened, the fame and prestige of Jongnam would be thrown into the mud.

His path to becoming the next sect leader, which had been taken for granted, would become a bubble.

But if Cheon Mubaeck testified like that here?

“Even though the fame of Jongnam could be thrown to the ground, for the sake of chivalry and righteousness, to stop the Demonic Path, I respect your intention to put your hand in the dirty water. But now, leave it to me. The Poison Demon and the Demonic Path bastards are coming. I will take the child to a safe place.”

“…”

Jongri Hong closed his eyes tightly.

‘It’s the Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero!’

The many heroic deeds he had accomplished.

The posture of a hero in a story who single-handedly integrated the Orthodox Path and confronted the hidden Demonic Path of the Blood Demon Valley.

He was a person with a fame that was followed by the respect and recognition of many martial artists.

If such a Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero were to sort out the situation like that?

Jongri Hong contemplated and contemplated. He could not rashly nod his head. Because he had to take the immortal energy that the child had. Because he had to.

To him, who was contemplating, Cheon Mubaeck delivered a blow.

“First, I will take the child to a safe place, and after defeating the Poison Demon, I will send her back.”

Jongri Hong’s head was suddenly lifted.

If that happened, what would be the problem?

‘In any case, can the Heavenly Dragon Sword Hero, who has no technique or a large vessel to contain the immortal energy, take out the child’s immortal energy?’

Moreover, if he had the child with him, could he protect her from the Poison Demon’s poison arts?

Jongri Hong also had a desperate desire to save the child. He had grown very fond of the clever Soyong, who called him grandfather.

Jongri Hong held Soyong’s hand tightly with a determined face.

“Send the child back to me. This child has an immortal energy comparable to the Five Sacred Objects in her body, and paradoxically, she is dying. I will take the child to Jongnam and treat her.”

Cheon Mubaeck’s eyes flashed.

‘A child with an immortal energy comparable to, no, suitable for the Five Sacred Objects. So Jongri Hong was thinking of taking out the immortal energy in this child’s body.’

He had learned the secret about Soyong. The matter that he had thought would take the longest time was resolved in one go. The next matter was also no problem. The fact that Jongri Hong had tried to take out the immortal energy meant that it was possible. Then there was no reason why Cheon Mubaeck could not do it.

‘Now I just have to deal with the Poison Demon.’

Cheon Mubaeck, who had gained confidence, did not show it on the outside and nodded his head seriously.

“I will definitely send her back.”

Of course, I will do the treatment.

Jongri Hong carefully led the child in the midst of the urgent situation.

But at the last moment, he hesitated to offer the child’s hand, feeling a sense of unease.

Cheon Mubaeck’s gaze.

He felt as if he were being deceived.

As Jongri Hong flinched, Cheon Mubaeck tilted his head.

“It’s me, me. Don’t you trust me?”

Jongri Hong’s face contorted strangely.

Don’t you trust me?

He had taken the sacred object at Mount Hua, and had threatened him, mentioning the Shaolin Exemption Plaque.

Until just a moment ago, he had been pretending to be a member of the Unorthodox Alliance and had tried to take the child, but what, don’t you trust me?

Since the situation had come to this, that was right. How could he trust him? He had appeared wearing a mask…

“Well, you’re a person. You should have some faith, faith. If you doubt everything like that, you’ll die early from your own nature. Well, you’ve lived a long time.”

“…….”

Jongri Hong’s neck became stiff.

* * *

In the end, Jongri Hong had no choice but to choose.

Because the situation had changed rapidly.

Wang Jeonyu had suffered a major injury from the Sword Empress’s blade and had hastily retreated.

The Iron Face Palm, who was supporting the almost dying Wang Jeonyu, shouted until his throat was torn.

“Turn the boat! Retreat!”

Even the great Wang Jeonyu and the river pirates could not overcome the pursuit team of the Sword Empress and the Yugeom Emperor.

As the river pirates turned their boats, the Sword Empress triumphantly rushed towards Jongri Hong.

“Give me Soyong!”

The variable occurred then.

A narrow waterway where the river width was extremely narrow. A huge number of martial artists appeared on both riverbanks, where a skilled master could jump onto a boat with a single leap.

A sinister look.

It was only natural that the gazes were focused on the appearance of the martial artists who had suddenly appeared.

They were not just simple martial artists.

A sinister demonic qi that filled the Yangtze River.

“Demons?”

“D-demons! They’re demons!”

An uncontrollable chaos occurred among the pursuit team, who had been cheering after defeating the river pirates.

The Poison Demon, who could not just watch the Sword Empress take the child, had finally revealed himself.

“You old nun of the Putuo Sect! Don’t be greedy and get lost!”

A gloomy, but a voice that resounded eerily throughout the entire river.

“The Poison Demon!”

At the Poison Demon’s appearance, the Sword Empress’s face hardened.

There was no way the Sword Empress would not recognize the Poison Demon’s face. Because they had clashed several times during the Righteous-Demonic War.

Therefore, the Sword Empress could not help but be astonished.

“Kekeke, you should have just stayed in the hermitage of the Zhoushan Archipelago and chanted Buddhist scriptures. What fun do you expect to have in your later years by coming out to the martial world and hastening your death?”

“So you were alive! I have not forgotten the comrades of the martial world who died at your hands!”

Since the Poison Demon of the past had appeared with demons, it was only natural that the Sword Empress’s gaze was directed that way.

The Yugeom Emperor was also surprised at the appearance of the demons.

“For these demons to aim for my daughter!”

“Kekeke. Kill them all. Just leave the child alive.”

At the Poison Demon’s order, the demons fiercely jumped onto the boats. They had jumped out in one go, stepping on the wreckage of the broken boats floating on the water.

“Kill them! Kill the demons!”

The Yugeom Emperor and the Sword Empress also confronted the demons’ attack.

And in the meantime.

When everyone’s attention was focused on the fight.

“I will protect the child well.”

Cheon Mubaeck jumped over the boat, taking Soyong with him.

The Poison Demon’s gaze, who was in the midst of a fight, was fixed on his back.

(End of Chapter)

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep