Chapter 267: Blood Clan of Terror
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Everyone was shocked.
The most likely candidate for causing chaos in the martial world… not the Heavenly Demon Cult, which had boldly declared its plan to unify the demonic path?
The formidable aura of Grand Prelate Gun Mu-ak that the party had experienced today was overwhelming.
Just with his gaze alone, they could feel the profound level of his martial cultivation.
It was such a dignified figure that they even thought the revival of the Heavenly Demon, the founder of the cult, was imminent.
They had not yet seen anyone possessing a more outstanding aura than him.
Except for Cheol Ryu-heun, the unprecedented martial artist who freely wielded internal power of all attributes and had proven his status as truly of Martial God caliber.
Thus Gun Mu-ak’s presence was definitely unparalleled.
But was he saying there was a threatening group lurking somewhere that surpassed even the Heavenly Demon Cult he led?
Surprised Seol Hu-yong’s cautious question followed.
“Did you discover some kind of clue with that power?”
That referred to Cheol Ryu-heun’s mysterious red eye light.
He too had seen it before.
When the red light that Cheol Ryu-heun’s two eyes had emitted at length connected with Ximen Yue’s two eyes.
At that time, he hadn’t known what that power was and had only vaguely speculated, but today it was finally revealed.
That it was a power with the wondrous function of reading the opponent’s mind.
Hadn’t he said so earlier?
-Aryun-nan had a secretive helper group. I peeked into his mind a bit today.
Ximen Yue, who had personally experienced that, also seemed certain.
Sure enough, Cheol Ryu-heun spoke as if confirming it.
“That’s correct. I read a portion of Aryun-nan’s thoughts earlier.”
“Ah, when you say a portion…”
“It’s literally just a part. Because it’s not yet a complete level of cultivation. It’s a power I must refine further going forward.”
The party each inwardly admired.
‘Wow, he’s a person without limits.’
They were simply amazed again and again.
He had even mentioned room for development.
Honestly, even what he had now was an ability of tremendous level…
Cheol Ryu-heun, gripping the reins, opened his mouth again.
“In truth, the thoughts of a master like Aryun-nan are difficult to read. Of course, my power being insufficient was also one reason. So I had no choice but to be satisfied with just that partial information.”
At that, Seol Hu-yong let out a murmur and spoke.
“Hmm… A group that secretly aided the Sun Moon Demon Cult – indeed, the signs of chaotic times approaching are certain. Since we have determined through Sect Leader Cheol that it’s not the demonic path of foreign lands… wouldn’t it be one of either Orthodox or Unorthodox?”
“Well, that’s a reasonable suspicion, but it’s too early to conclude. I plan to soon seek the Beggar Sect’s cooperation and gather information. Let’s discuss with figures from all sectors of the martial world in earnest when things become clearer.”
“Understood. Please let me know whenever you need help. Our sect will actively cooperate.”
“The Heavenly Demon Cult shouldn’t be taken lightly either. Above all, that young Grand Prelate will walk the path that the past Heavenly Demon pursued. That means a certain level of preparation has been completed. In other words…”
“Ah, is there something specific you have in mind?”
“The lineage of the so-called Four Dharma-Protecting Kings may have been revived after such a vast span of time.”
“…!”
Upon hearing those words, the eyes of Seol Hu-yong, Ham Chong, and others in the party wavered greatly.
Four Dharma-Protecting Kings.
The world-conquering demon practitioners who had assisted the Heavenly Demon a thousand years ago while displaying fearsome martial power.
Those four were exceptional from the start.
They were mysterious existences who slightly departed from the human category.
Why?
Because each originated from ancient blood clans possessing bizarre and terrifying supernatural abilities.
The Three-Eye Demon King, who was recorded as the first owner of the Demon-Devouring Sword among the Four Great Demonic Weapons, was a prime example.
The “Three-Eyed” in his epithet meant precisely “three eyes.”
In other words, he was a person who had one additional eye in the center of his forehead.
That’s why in ancient times they were called the Three-Eyed Blood Clan.
The case of the remaining three kings was no different.
Each was of the bloodline of mysterious races with different characteristics.
But that was merely the past.
Because those blood clans had completely vanished after the Heavenly Demon’s era.
No one knew the reason.
Perhaps they had suffered great loss from the Heavenly Demon departing this world?
In any case, the four blood clans had disappeared as if it were a lie.
Except for the Darkness-Craving Blood Clan, which had reappeared once, five hundred years ago.
Thus a full thousand years had passed.
Yet Cheol Ryu-heun was expressing the possibility of the Four Dharma-Protecting Kings’ revival.
GULP.
Amid the quiet surroundings, someone’s sound of swallowing dry saliva heightened the tension.
Soon, Ximen Yue expressed his concern with a heavy gaze.
“It’s chilling. If the Heavenly Demon Cult has really found the blood clans that once composed the Four Dharma-Protecting Kings and incorporated them as their forces…”
Everyone had heard well and knew.
Just how terrifying the martial power possessed by the Four Dharma-Protecting Kings at that time was.
“There’s no need to worry too much.”
“However…”
“It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other.”
“Pardon?”
“From their perspective, our forces are no different from mysterious ancient blood clans.”
“What do you mean by…”
“Nine Grade Martial Bones, Heavenly Demon Incarnation Body, and True Ink Heaven Meridians have already appeared in the same era. On top of that, there’s you with Light-Dark Harmonizing Secret Meridians. And most decisively…”
Cheol Ryu-heun pointed at himself with his finger.
“There’s me.”
“Ah…!”
“This body possesses divine abilities that surpass the supernatural abilities of mysterious ancient blood clans. So instead of worrying needlessly first, just maintain appropriate wariness and steadily build your strength.”
“Hearing those words, my concerns seem to wash away. Yes, understood. I will keep it in mind.”
Following Ximen Yue’s words, Seol Hu-yong spoke up.
“If we search thoroughly in every corner, there will probably be more. Those who possess special bodies…”
“Of course. Even talents that didn’t exist are born – that’s the nature of the two-hundred-year cycle of chaotic times, isn’t it? So Pan-gyo is no exception.”
Seol Hu-yong’s eyes widened at the sudden mention of his son’s name.
“What? Pan-gyo too…?”
“Didn’t you see the abilities of our sect’s retainers through today’s fight? Retainers are also proper members. It means we don’t teach carelessly.”
“Th-then…!”
“I intend to help Pan-gyo grow as well. Though it depends on how well he follows along.”
At that, Seol Hu-yong paid his respects with an excited expression.
“Thank you, Sect Leader Cheol!”
“Don’t mention it. But there will absolutely be no special treatment. If I don’t see potential for development, I will decisively issue an eviction order.”
“Of course! Hehehe! Feel free to beat him up as much as you want.”
Ximen Yue, watching that scene, laughed silently.
‘Hoot… Competition for the position of rising master will become fierce. I too will have to pour in even more effort going forward, thinking of this as a new life. So I won’t be easily caught up with. Those two people I saw today are already soaring high in the sky, having surpassed me.’
While thinking so, he quietly conjured in his mind.
The figures of Namgung Sang-rin and Hae Su-yeon, who had displayed exquisite martial prowess today.
Were those two all?
Though he hadn’t met him yet, the martial prowess of Dark Sword Fragrance Mun Bin, the Master of the Dark Hall who had grown stronger through Cheol Ryu-heun’s arrangement, would probably not be much different.
Soon, Woon Ja-heon brought up the presence of contemporary Heavenly Demon Cult Grand Prelate Gun Mu-ak.
“Sect Leader Cheol, according to what you said earlier, the Grand Prelate has obtained something besides Heavenly Demon Divine Art…”
“Yes. I’m certain. Isn’t he someone who dreams of being the new Heavenly Demon of this era? So the path he walks will be the same. As the Heavenly Demon of the past.”
“I see, that’s right. That means it’s not just following what someone left behind…”
“Correct. Probably in the end, he’ll try to achieve his ultimate goal with the power he created for himself. So each martial sect including the Kunlun Divine Palace will need to make even greater efforts.”
“Yes, those are wise words. We must remember today’s meeting, and the entire martial world must devote heart and soul to strengthening forces and nurturing talent.”
Cheol Ryu-heun, having nodded slightly, spoke while pulling the reins.
“Then I shall go visit Mount Hua Sect now. Please transport all those items to Zhongnan Sect.”
“Yes. Sect Leader Cheol.”
The moment the party answered in unison, Divine Wind released white energy currents and leapt powerfully.
KKWANG-!
Thus the rider and horse quickly receded into the distant void.
* * *
HUUNG, HUUUNG…
Cheol Ryu-heun was lost in thought while listening to the wind sounds in his ears.
It was about the conversation between the mysterious caped figure who had visited the Zhongnan Sect and Aryun-nan.
‘The force that won over Aryun-nan. Hm, in the end, the Sun Moon Demon Cult was thoroughly used. No, from the start…’
The caped figure who had visited here at the time had made a promise.
-Can you dispatch some forces as a token of joining hands?
-I selected personnel in advance, expecting that.
-Ohho…!
-I will personally bring them soon. Speak if there’s anything else.
-No, there isn’t. That’s sufficient.
But that group never appeared in the end.
So from the start, they must have intended to use them.
Was it to test the potential of the martial world including himself?
‘I’m curious about the true identity of the one who bestowed the Star-Absorbing Great Art.’
-Thanks to the Star-Absorbing Great Art that person gave, I have continued to develop for over a decade.
‘”That person”… is it.’
No connection to the wanderer had been discovered yet.
The secrets he had grasped went only as far as those related to the caped figure.
Beyond that, he had hit a limit due to his incomplete divine power.
Of course, he had also been pressed for time while suppressing the massive explosion of gu poison.
Anyway, he had obtained clues.
The fact that the person whom the caped figure called “Lord” had been secretly advancing some kind of plan for a long time while commanding a mysterious group.
Regrettably, the Namgung Family had been their sacrifice.
Anyway, for now he had to be satisfied with that.
‘I’ll have to find out the rest later.’
He had calculated what to do next.
Selection and concentration in gathering information.
He would minimize overlap of personnel and mission redundancy by having the Celestial Flower Tower move on one track and Beggar Sect move on another.
That’s right.
The Celestial Flower Tower would collect personal information related to the existing wanderers, while the Beggar Sect would collect information focused on suspicious organizations.
After that, if he compiled and compared information from both sides, he would get answers.
Whether or not the leader of the nameless suspicious group was connected to the wanderer…
If some thread connected them, he was confident that related parts would be revealed, even if just a tiny bit.
‘I should visit the hiding place of The Deviant Eccentric and Ink Zither Aged Grandmother soon. I’ll go there and dig up information about gu poison. Something should come out.’
After that, he planned to go to that farthest southern frontier, where the Ten Directions Ghost Road Lost Soul Formation was located.
To improve his still incomplete divine power.
‘By the way, those fellows should have finished their mission by now.’
* * *
Around that time, bizarre rumors were spreading rampantly centered on Yuyang, Baizhou, Yiyang, and other places in the Hunan region.
-They say there’s a crazy gang going around everywhere making ‘haak, haak’ sounds and getting excited whenever they see blood!
-Their movements are like beasts, and moreover, they’re terrifyingly active only when night falls!
The series of rumors rapidly expanded and reproduced until eventually…
-The terror blood clan that craves darkness and blood, the Darkness-Craving Blood Clan, has reappeared!
Thus the Yaksha Squad led by Tae Sa-ja was beginning its sensational growth.