Chapter 199: Another Battle (2)

Yang Jeon-gun instinctively stepped back in fear. His mind couldn’t comprehend the current situation.

His level was at the late stage of Fusion Realm. However, due to the uniqueness of his cultivated arts and the artifacts he possessed, his actual combat power was comparable to an early-stage Great Victory Realm cultivator.

In the Central Heavens Martial Realm, the Great Victory Realm was equivalent to the Immortal Realm.

Yang Jeon-gun believed he could go toe-to-toe with the Six Heavens.

But after clashing with the Demon Heaven Lord, he realized just how wrong he had been.

‘He didn’t even unfold his Microcosm.’

The reason why cultivators in the Great Victory Realm, possessing godlike power, didn’t invade the Central Heavens Martial Realm was because of the Microcosms created by martial artists in the Immortal Realm.

Cultivators who reached the Great Victory Realm could create domains, but they were far inferior compared to martial artists’ Microcosms. Whether it was a matter of compatibility or not, they were strangely difficult to deal with.

Thus, even though cultivators were stronger than martial artists, they didn’t dare attack recklessly. This was also why the Sword Heaven Lord could singlehandedly act as the guardian of the Central Heavens Martial Realm.

‘How is this possible?’

To counter Yang Jeon-gun’s power, one had to open their Microcosm. Any other martial artist would have done so.

But the Demon Heaven Lord, Muk Geom-yeong, did not. He advanced by tearing and destroying everything solely through brute force. All the things Yang Jeon-gun had collected were annihilated in an instant by Muk Geom-yeong’s hands.

An utterly ridiculous level of power.

There was no one to compare him to.

A different title of his resurfaced in Yang Jeon-gun’s mind.

‘The Strongest in the Central Heavens.’

Only after experiencing it firsthand did Yang Jeon-gun understand why Muk Geom-yeong was deemed the most powerful not just in the Central Heavens Martial Realm, but in the entire Central Heavens Realm.

“So many interesting things happening since my return.”

Muk Geom-yeong’s voice came out in a flat tone.

There was no emotion. It didn’t sound human—it was more like a boulder speaking. His voice was as alien as his presence.

Yang Jeon-gun cautiously retreated further. Muk Geom-yeong didn’t stop him. It was as if he were silently saying, “Try whatever you can.”

Once he reached his desired spot, Yang Jeon-gun extended his hand and grasped something.

Crack.

A sound of something breaking came from his palm, activating his final trump card.

Whoosh—accompanied by a sound like air deflating, the space compressed.

His massive stronghold was instantly compressed into a small sphere. At its center stood Muk Geom-yeong.

Within a few breaths, Yang Jeon-gun vanished, and only a single orb the size of a person remained in the place where his fortress once stood.

Suddenly, the orb began to tremble.

Boom!

A deafening explosion burst from one side.

A hand pierced through the orb, grasping the air. As the hand opened again, a crushed arm appeared in the air.

Muk Geom-yeong had torn off Yang Jeon-gun’s arm in a single motion as he tried to escape.

“Did he get away?”

The sphere had already disappeared without a trace. In its place stood the unharmed Muk Geom-yeong.

Yang Jeon-gun’s final measure had only succeeded in halting Muk Geom-yeong momentarily.

“Hmm?”

Just as he was about to pursue Yang Jeon-gun, Muk Geom-yeong tilted his head.

“A false god from the Five Elements Cult?”

For the briefest moment, someone had gazed at him. The presence clearly came from the direction of the Five Wheel Five Elements Cult.

“No… I was mistaken.”

Muk Geom-yeong turned his gaze elsewhere.

As he stared into empty space, a thin line was drawn.

Then, the void split open, and a woman appeared as if stepping out from another dimension.

Her figure, exuding a sense of solid strength even through her clothes, walked forward confidently without a hint of tension, even when standing before the Demon Heaven Lord.

“The monster has returned. Did you really have to come?”

Her tone was casual. If one only heard her words, it might sound like playful banter between close friends.

But they were not close at all.

Muk Geom-yeong looked her in the eye and spoke her title.

“Sword Heaven Lord.”

She too was one of the Six Heavens, just like the Demon Heaven Lord Muk Geom-yeong.

“Surprising. You, who used to stay buried in a cave, have decided to act.”

“Your return is on a completely different scale than some snake causing trouble.”

“Snake? Ah, you must mean that one from the Divine Dragon Clan. I heard he’s done something amusing.”

“Is that why you returned?”

“Who knows.”

With that short reply, the Sword Heaven Lord realized Muk Geom-yeong’s return was at least somewhat related to the Dragon Emperor of the Heavens.

‘What is that snake bastard up to?’

Normally, Muk Geom-yeong wouldn’t care about the chaos in the Central Heavens Martial Realm or the Dragon Emperor of the Heavens’ schemes. He was a man who only cared about himself and did as he pleased.

“Do you plan to stop me?”

He had only spoken, yet the atmosphere grew heavy. Even in broad daylight, it felt as though the world had darkened. Such was the weight of the Demon Heaven Lord’s power and presence.

“You think I’d come alone?”

“I’m not that foolish.”

Though they were all called the Six Heavens, Muk Geom-yeong was in a class of his own. A truly different existence.

In truth, if titles were properly assigned, Muk Geom-yeong should have been separated out, and the rest referred to as the Five Heavens. That’s how vast the gap in power was.

Naturally, the Sword Heaven Lord had no intention of facing that monster alone.

She gave a small nod toward one side.

Where she indicated, the five elemental energies of the Five Elements began to swirl and formed a small gate. An elderly man holding a sword stepped out from within.

He was the Grand Elder of the Samcheong Tai Chi Sect. Once one of the Ten Thrones, he now sat among the ranks of the Six Heavens as the Taecheong Divine Sovereign.

“It’s been a while, Demon Heaven Lord.”

“The new Sword Heaven Lord?”

“I’ve inherited the title.”

The Sword Heaven Lord was not just a nickname or a title.

It was a position responsible for protecting the Central Heavens Martial Realm from external threats, and unlike other members of the Six Heavens, it was always referred to as the Guardian Sword Heaven Lord.

“Is this your idea?”

Taecheong Divine Sovereign gave a small nod.

Normally, Muk Geom-yeong’s return to the Central Heavens Martial Realm wouldn’t be a cause for concern. No one could read his thoughts, and he rarely appeared, much less caused any major incidents.

But now the situation was already chaotic.

Even a slight movement from Muk Geom-yeong could spark unexpected problems.

So they had come in advance, as a precaution. They weren’t necessarily looking to fight.

“Is your return related to the Dragon Emperor of the Heavens?”

“Is that really important right now?”

A faint smirk tugged at Muk Geom-yeong’s lips.

His aura shifted.

“You crazy bastard!”

At the Sword Heaven Lord’s outburst, the sky behind Muk Geom-yeong turned pitch black. This wasn’t just a few storm clouds—it had become utterly dark.

“This is going to be fun.”

Despite having two of the Six Heavens, the strongest in the Central Heavens Martial Realm, before him, Muk Geom-yeong didn’t show a hint of tension.

A small smile formed on his face as he spread his arms wide and spoke to the two of them.

“Come.”

Though the words were directed at the two members of the Six Heavens, it didn’t sound unnatural in the slightest. Even the two who received the order accepted it as only natural. That was how different the Demon Heaven Lord Muk Geom-yeong’s standing was from the other Six Heavens.

With Muk Geom-yeong’s action, the conversation broke down. Even if they had something to discuss, it was impossible for now.

Since things had progressed to this point, they would have to fight first and talk later.

The Sword Heaven Lord drew her sword, and before anyone noticed, a sharp blade appeared in the once-empty hand of the Sword Heaven Lady.

And the world changed.

As Jang Woo-hyun prepared for his next battle, the three of the Six Heavens clashed on the borders of the Central Heavens Martial Realm.

About ten days had passed since Jang Woo-hyun began staying at the headquarters of the Five Elements Cult.

A martial artist from the Five Elements Cult brought in some information.

“They’re looking for spiritual medicine or herbs that contain lightning qi?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Someone had been consistently purchasing spiritual medicine and herbs containing the energy of thunder and lightning near the boundaries of the Five Elements Cult’s territory.

“Does that have something to do with Ha Do-gwang?”

Jang Woo-hyun, who had been suddenly brought into the discussion, asked.

“Chances are high. Ha Do-gwang had been preparing to betray us for some time, and he took a bunch of spiritual medicine with him from within the cult.”

Naturally, the ones he took most were those containing lightning qi.

“There hadn’t been any signs for a while, but he must’ve either run out or needs more.”

“Then we should track those traces.”

“For now, yes. That’s our only lead.”

As they discussed how to track Ha Do-gwang, a problem quickly arose.

To find the trail, they’d need to make contact with those searching for the spiritual medicine or herbs. However, Ha Do-gwang’s subordinates, who had betrayed the Five Elements Cult along with him, were mostly familiar with the cult members here.

“We’ll need someone unknown.”

Just as Jang Woo-hyun said, they needed someone strong and unfamiliar to Ha Do-gwang’s subordinates.

Seo Gyeong-mu and the leadership of the Five Elements Cult were at a loss for help when they all turned to Jang Woo-hyun right before them.

‘We were overthinking it.’

Someone strong, unfamiliar, and less likely to arouse suspicion—was standing right there.

Seo Gyeong-mu summoned the Annihilation Squad. He planned to explain the situation and request assistance from them.

But Jin Ha-un was the first to object to Seo Gyeong-mu’s idea.

“This is not a good plan.”

While the Five Elements Cult thought Jang Woo-hyun was the perfect candidate, Jin Ha-un strongly disagreed.

He alone here was aware of how inexperienced Jang Woo-hyun truly was.

Jang Woo-hyun was strong—undeniably so.

But that was it. He only excelled in combat. His journey through the martial world had mostly been brute-forced, and he didn’t understand the general ecology of martial artists.

If it were just a matter of fighting and smashing enemies, sending Jang Woo-hyun alone would have been fine. But this task wasn’t like that, which naturally made Jin Ha-un concerned.

And Jang Woo-hyun was well aware of his shortcomings.

“I’ll go with him. This kind of stuff isn’t your strong suit, hyung.”

But Jin Ha-un’s proposal was also met with resistance.

The name Azure Crimson Sword Ghost had already grown quite famous, and someone might recognize him.

Moreover, using a dharma treasure to change his appearance wasn’t an option. That could invite even more suspicion.

With Jin Ha-un ruled out, they looked at the others, but no one else was suitable either.

Maeng Ye-ju was already a well-known figure, and there was no need to even mention the Baekmu Society’s Mak Ya-wol and Seo Ryeom. The monster Wind-Passing Great Sage wasn’t even up for discussion.

Nokgak Baekmyeon was a famous spellcaster, and the Fighting Ghost Unit members were nothing more than brawlers—not suited to this task at all.

That left only one person.

Everyone’s eyes turned toward him. Unfamiliar face, more experience than Jang Woo-hyun, less likely to raise suspicion.

“Me? You want me to do it?”

It was the Machinist Cho-su.

Though Jang Woo-hyun and Cho-su had been chosen for the mission, a few problems arose.

The first was that neither of them knew the Five Elements Cult’s territory very well.

The second issue was that, even though they were operating near the borders, having a Machinist and a regular martial artist like Jang Woo-hyun moving around near the Five Elements Cult’s area could still draw suspicion.

Although Jang Woo-hyun was learning Five Elements Qi, he was still different from martial artists who used the Middle Dantian, making it awkward for him to disguise himself.

In the end, they needed someone from within the Five Elements Cult who wasn’t well known.

Fortunately, Jang Woo-hyun knew someone who fit the bill.

“Her name is Lee Ga-hang, she’s the Captain of the Vermilion Bird Division.”

“How does the Annihilation Squad Leader know her?”

Five Elements Envoy Woo Il-do asked, but Jang Woo-hyun simply replied that they had a bit of a connection.

And so, the third member was decided without her knowing.

A small inn located in a city near the Five Elements Cult’s headquarters.

Lee Ga-hang was eating a dish made from the fruit of the Flame Blossom Flower. The Flame Blossom was a unique flower that could only be found in the Central Heavens Realm, and its fruit contained a faint fire energy.

While it didn’t grant immense power, it helped stabilize one’s qi and tasted good, making it one of Lee Ga-hang’s favorite dishes since ascending.

As she was enjoying her meal, her right-hand subordinate, Yeop Jun-ui, entered the inn.

“Did you file the report properly?”

“Yes, I did. It was pushed onto me. I worked hard. Very hard. I did a great job.”

“That’s what subordinates are for. If I have to do everything myself, why am I the Captain? I’d just be a team member.”

Normally, a lecture would follow such a statement, but strangely, Yeop Jun-ui stayed quiet.

“What’s with you? This isn’t like you. Now I’m getting nervous.”

“You should be nervous.”

“Suddenly? Why?”

“Captain, did you cause some kind of incident?”

“Incident? What incident? I’ve done nothing but work hard for the cult. I’ve been everywhere, doing everything. How could you say that? Are you trying to spout nonsense?”

Lee Ga-hang stuffed her mouth full of the Flame Blossom fruit and munched away.

“The Division Leader is calling for you.”

“Huh?”

Her chewing stopped.

“Me? Why? All of a sudden?”

“Yes, right now. Oh, and I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Annihilation Squad that includes that Jang daehyeop we met before?”

“…”

Plop. Thud.

Food dropped from her gaping mouth.

“They arrived at the cult not long ago. They’re staying here now.”

Lee Ga-hang swallowed her food without fully chewing.

“Why?”

“Sorry?”

“Why is he here?! Wasn’t he fighting the Demon Gathering Hall?!”

Having rushed to the inn as soon as she arrived in the city, she hadn’t heard the news about the Annihilation Squad.

“Beats me. Guess they finished fighting. Anyway, you’re being summoned urgently.”

“I’m not going! No way!”

Lee Ga-hang’s instincts screamed.

This was bad. She was definitely about to get dragged into something strange.

“Oh, as expected!”

“What do you mean ‘as expected,’ you punk?!”

“Knowing you’d throw a fit, I made a separate request to the Division Leader.”

“What request?”

“That since the Captain would throw a tantrum, backup would be needed. So the Division Leader sent a couple of other Captains with me.”

Two other Captains were already waiting outside the inn.

“You bastard, whose side are you on?!”

“There are no sides. We’re all martial artists of the Five Elements Cult. I just figured you’d try to cause a scene or dump the job on someone else, so I asked for help.”

Grinding her teeth, Lee Ga-hang couldn’t respond. Yeop Jun-ui, who usually complained about every task, had struck where she least expected.

She ground her teeth but had no choice. The two Captains who had been waiting outside were now entering the inn.

‘I’m doomed.’

There was nothing she could do but give up.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep