Chapter 214: Each One’s Growth

“I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Seo Gyeong-mu, who had been examining Jang Woo-hyun’s body, opened his mouth.

Currently, Jang Woo-hyun was emitting lightning from his body like Ha Do-gwang, while flames spontaneously formed on his left hand. Moreover, his regenerated right arm was covered in a watery film.

“You said it started last night?”

“Yes. Everything was normal until last night, and then my body started acting strange.”

Seo Gyeong-mu let out a small groan. Since it was something he had never seen before, he had nothing definitive to say.

“You’re saying he’s now become a complete Elemental Spirit, whereas before he was only halfway there.”

“That’s not it.”

Seo Gyeong-mu denied the Wind-Passing Great Sage’s claim.

“If he were an Elemental Spirit, he couldn’t be in this kind of state. It doesn’t make sense.”

“What doesn’t make sense? He’s just sucking in the surrounding energies like crazy—he’s even closer to an Elemental Spirit now.”

“No, if he were an Elemental Spirit, he should only possess one type of energy. But that’s not the case here.”

“Huh?”

As Seo Gyeong-mu pointed out, Jang Woo-hyun didn’t have just one type of energy. His hands manifested fire and water, while lightning burst from his body.

And though it wasn’t visible at the moment, it felt like he could emit other Five Elements energies at any moment.

“Uh… you’re right. But this appearance—it’s kind of similar to that guy, isn’t it?”

Seo Gyeong-mu also seemed to have the same thought and nodded.

“He resembles the Guardian Spirit of the Cult.”

The Guardian Spirit that protected the Five Elements Cult.

A being that embodied the five types of energy, taking the form of a human. Jang Woo-hyun’s current state evoked an image of the Five Wheel Guardian Spirit.

“Looking at these lightnings, it feels like there’s some connection to Ha Do-gwang. Did he become like this because he was attacked by him?”

“Even if he was attacked directly, he wouldn’t end up like this. I, too, was struck by him while wielding all five elemental energies.”

Seo Gyeong-mu had also been attacked by Ha Do-gwang in the past, but had only sustained injuries.

“You said you learned the Five Elements Qi, but hadn’t actively used it?”

“Yes. When I returned to Central Heavens, it felt like the five energies were restructuring my body, but I never actually used the Five Elements Qi techniques.”

“Hmm. We’ll need to monitor this a bit more over time.”

“It wouldn’t be good to leave it as is, right?”

“At the moment, I’m not sure either. But why not use this opportunity to start cultivating the Five Elements Qi? Since the energies were already inside your body, training them might help you refine it further.”

Jang Woo-hyun had indeed learned the Five Elements Qi as per Kim Min-soo’s arrangement, but unlike other martial artists, he hadn’t used it actively.

He was more accustomed to using standard martial arts that operated through the lower dantian rather than sorcery that utilized the middle dantian. Moreover, when he returned to Central Heavens, it had felt like the Five Elements energies had vanished as they restructured his body.

“There’s an environment nearby that’s perfectly suited for training the Five Elements Qi. It should help you.”

The place Seo Gyeong-mu mentioned was one of the peculiar locations Jang Woo-hyun had seen while flying in.

“Anyway, everyone needs to recover for a while, don’t they? So train during that time. I’ll help you out from the side.”

Seo Gyeong-mu, in his heart, wanted to teach Jang Woo-hyun everything and even pass on the position of Cult Leader. But realistically, that was impossible.

‘I’m not in a position to ask him to come under me.’

Even putting aside the grace he had received, considering Jang Woo-hyun’s current power and the strength of the Annihilation Squad he commanded, the Five Elements Cult had no authority to treat him carelessly.

If he set his mind to it, the Annihilation Squad could rise as a new force within the Central Heavens Martial Realm—one even the massive Ten Sects and Three Clans could not ignore.

“I cannot pass on my Cult’s secret techniques, but I’ll assist you however I can.”

Seo Gyeong-mu couldn’t stop smiling at the thought of being able to help Jang Woo-hyun.

Not wanting to dismiss such kindness, Jang Woo-hyun decided to accept the suggestion for now.

While Jang Woo-hyun trained to restore his body, others also focused on their respective tasks.

Most of the Annihilation Squad warriors were resting and enjoying the festival, but a few used the opportunity to sort out the gains from the recent battle or to train.

The first among them to gain something was Maeng Ye-ju.

Boom!

Her punch extended into the air and pierced through a cloud in the distance—well beyond the range of a normal attack.

Maeng Ye-ju smiled as she lowered her fist. Her refreshing laughter reflected her current mood.

As she closed her eyes, the fierce energy she had been exuding was reined in.

And when she opened her eyes again—

The area was filled with a ferocious aura. Countless invisible beasts bared their fangs.

The savage energy not only filled the space but stretched out far into the distance.

Her intent expanded infinitely. Today, Maeng Ye-ju had fully stepped into the Realm of Immeasurability.

Closing her eyes again, the raging energies dissipated, and she slipped into a world of her own.

Not far away, a few people were observing her transformation.

“At this point, she’s practically guaranteed to become the Young Master of the Sect.”

“Feels like I’m looking at my younger self.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?”

“Seeing Ye-ju just reminded me of my youth.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. You were never like that. Neither you nor I were anywhere near her level at that age.”

“……”

Mak Ya-wol shut Seo Ryeom’s nonsense down immediately and continued speaking.

“Now that Ye-ju has grown, she’s next in line after the Captain, the Great Sage, you, and me. As for Nokgak Baekmyeon—no, Taekyung—he can’t exert his true strength because of the Great Sage.”

“Why leave out Cho-hyung? He’s still modifying Roaring Thunder Fortress.”

At Cho-su’s sudden mention, Mak Ya-wol was momentarily at a loss for words.

“…He’s modifying it even more?”

“Why not? Remember what he brought back last time? He took it apart and is attaching it to Roaring Thunder Fortress.”

After retrieving the damaged Heavenly Gold Thunder Dragon Armor and the Seven-Colored Spirit Treasure Pagoda, Cho-su had extracted their cores and was using them to modify Roaring Thunder Fortress.

“If he’s riding Roaring Thunder Fortress, Cho-hyung might be the strongest.”

Mak Ya-wol didn’t refute it.

Those who had witnessed the Dharma Treasures pouring out of Roaring Thunder Fortress firsthand would agree with Seo Ryeom’s opinion.

“Then let’s place Cho-su riding Roaring Thunder Fortress at the top—as the strongest force of the Annihilation Squad.”

“Let’s do that, it’s more comfortable that way. Anyway, a new powerhouse has emerged in the Beast King Sect, so things are about to get even more interesting.”

Mak Ya-wol smiled at Seo Ryeom’s words—he knew exactly what he was thinking.

Though they were together now with Maeng Ye-ju, the three of them belonged to different factions. This journey wouldn’t last forever.

Once separated, they could meet again as enemies. And then, they might have to fight against the new martial artist named Maeng Ye-ju.

Naturally, that battle would bring fresh excitement to Seo Ryeom and Mak Ya-wol.

While the two of them were indulging in these pleasant thoughts, Jin Ha-un, who had been silently standing nearby, spoke up.

“How skilled do you think Noona is?”

“Ye-ju? She’s outstanding. It’s just hard to see because there’s a monster like the Captain beside her. But at her age, such achievement isn’t common even across the entire Central Heavens Martial Realm. Among those called geniuses, she’s definitely special.”

Listening to the conversation, Jin Ha-un looked at Maeng Ye-ju for a moment. Then, after a brief thought, he turned around.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to train. With Noona making such strides ahead, I have to put in effort too.”

Jin Ha-un gave them a slight nod and walked off with his sword.

“I should get some training in too. Even that monstrous Captain is training—can’t just sit around. Come to think of it, the Captain is really something. After all that fighting, he’s still training. Honestly, the name ‘Fighting Ghost’ suits the Captain more than us.”

Perhaps influenced by Jang Woo-hyun, both Maeng Ye-ju and Jin Ha-un never slacked off on their training either. For them, training was as natural as breathing.

“I’ve recovered enough too. Time to start moving again.”

“Then let’s have a light sparring match for the first time in a while.”

“Sounds good.”

The two headed to the Martial Arena in good spirits, and until late that evening, the sound of weapons clashing rang out.

As the entire leadership of the Annihilation Squad devoted themselves to training, even those who had been enjoying the festival eventually returned to begin their own practice.

As the whole Annihilation Squad became immersed in training, the martial artists of the Five Elements Cult who had been observing them also postponed the festival and dove into cultivation.

Thus, a new festival swept across the Five Elements Cult—a festival of martial training.

The outskirts of the Five Elements Cult territory.

Even here, there were those unable to enjoy the festivities.

“I really don’t get what this is all about.”

“What are you complaining about now?”

Yeop Jun-ui scowled as he looked at Lee Ga-hang.

“Is this really right? I heard the Main Division is holding a grand feast to celebrate the victory and welcome the Annihilation Squad. And what are we doing here? Besides, Daejoo contributed to this mission.”

Lee Ga-hang had played a key role in assisting Jang Woo-hyun in tracking down Ha Do-gwang’s trail. But once the real battle started, she had been dispatched on a mission to the outskirts of the Five Elements Cult territory.

“We have to stay away from Master Jang.”

“Why though? He doesn’t seem like a bad person, and he saved us too.”

“That’s true, but…”

Regardless, Jang Woo-hyun was too dangerous a person.

Not knowing what might happen next, Lee Ga-hang wanted to stay as far from him as possible.

That was why they ended up at the edge of the Five Elements Cult’s domain.

“I just don’t get it. Aren’t you bothered? The Cult Leader himself was considering promoting you because of this event. It’s a chance to climb the ladder.”

“What’s a title worth? As long as a martial artist grows stronger, they can always rise. Getting a spiritual medicine as a reward is enough. No need to chase after positions.”

Because this was so unlike her usual childish demeanor, Yeop Jun-ui had no retort this time. And she was right.

“Let’s focus on our duties. We may have captured Ha Do-gwang, but the Cult suffered heavy damage. Who knows what kind of bastards might invade the territory? That’s why we need to work harder and manage things properly.”

“Yes, yes. I’ll engrave your noble words into my bones.”

“Still want to act cheeky?”

“Let this one slide. I’m not the only one—everyone under us has complaints.”

“Why would they?”

“Who’d be happy about suddenly getting dragged out to the boonies?”

At Yeop Jun-ui’s remark, Lee Ga-hang clicked her tongue.

“These martial artists only think about having fun. Master Jang is probably training even now.”

“No way. It hasn’t even been that long since he got back from battle. He should at least rest a bit if he’s human.”

“Uh-oh? You really don’t know.”

Having been stuck with Jang Woo-hyun during their forced stay on the Dawn Continent, Lee Ga-hang knew exactly what kind of person he was.

‘He’s probably already up doing Qi Circulation and basic training. Then he’ll review other people’s martial arts or refine his own.’

He would continue to train without rest. That might be the secret to Jang Woo-hyun’s strength.

“Apparently, things are wild at the Main Division and nearby. The Cult is throwing around money and food like crazy. Makes sense—they caught a traitor. But with all that noise, who would be training martial arts? I know Master Jang is great, but this is a bit much.”

“You just don’t get it. Master Jang is the type who—”

Just as Lee Ga-hang was talking, she turned her head at a sudden presence.

Moments later—

The door to the room where she and Yeop Jun-ui stood opened, and a subordinate entered.

“Daejoo! Gold Mark Sword Gate has requested backup!”

“What happened?”

“They’ve spotted a group of martial artists on the outskirts of the city, and Gold Mark Sword Gate alone can’t handle it.”

“See? There’s always someone causing trouble. Let’s talk about Master Jang later.”

Lee Ga-hang moved to eliminate the uninvited guests who had entered the Five Elements Cult’s territory.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep