Chapter 402 Ritual of Three Veins (2)

Jang Neung-ak, the second disciple of the Society Leader, shouted loudly.

“The successor of the Moon Vein has arrived!”

No sooner had that cry ended.

From the crowd that wasn’t part of the Earth Vein’s faction or Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s group, a path opened up in two directions, revealing someone’s appearance.

Everyone’s gaze turned there at once.

“Who’s that?”

“Isn’t he the disciple the Shadow Clan Master took in?”

“I’m pretty sure that guy was originally a hostage from the Orthodox Sect…”

There was a stir here and there at Mok Gyeong-un’s sudden appearance.

It was a moment no one had expected.

“H-How?”

Mo Yak, who was beside Young Master Na Yul-ryang, couldn’t hide her bewilderment.

What’s going on here?

Didn’t Yul-myeong, the messenger from the Elder Council, boast that he would bring all the forces he could muster to deal with Mok Gyeong-un?

But how did that guy get here?

Moreover, judging by his attire and appearance, there’s not even a trace of injury.

Could it be?

‘No way?’

Even if he had crossed the Wall of Walls, how could he face such forces without a single scratch?

Mo Yak looked up at Na Yul-ryang beside her and said,

“Young Mas… Huh?”

She was suddenly at a loss for words.

Although she had seen Na Yul-ryang in an unpleasant state quite a few times before, this was the first time she had seen his face so hardened.

Na Yul-ryang’s gaze towards Mok Gyeong-un was filled with complex emotions.

As she had guessed, Na Yul-ryang was inwardly displeased that Mok Gyeong-un had appeared here safely.

But there was something that irritated him even more than that.

‘Moon Vein?’

What’s this talk about the Moon Vein?

Wasn’t the Moon Vein he knew an extinct clan from a hundred years ago, with even their remaining secret techniques cursed, causing countless deaths to anyone who touched them, making it an irretrievable clan?

So why did that Jang Neung-ak just introduce Mok Gyeong-un as the successor of the Moon Vein?

‘What’s your intention?’

Despite his quick judgment and deep insight, he couldn’t understand this situation at all.

That Mok Gyeong-un guy, though strong, wasn’t supposed to be the main character here.

His role was supposed to be helping either the second disciple Jang Neung-ak or the youngest Wi So-yeon to become a succession candidate by surpassing himself.

But now that Jang Neung-ak guy was doing the opposite.

Could he really mean to say that Mok Gyeong-un guy is the successor of the Moon Vein?

“The Moon Vein?”

Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, frowned.

This was something that hadn’t been discussed at all with the Society Leader beforehand.

No, wasn’t the Moon Vein already a lost vein from long ago, and thus out of the question?

‘He’s beautiful.’

Despite being a man, he had a truly beautiful face.

His face was so beautiful that he could pass for a woman if well-dressed, but what’s this talk about this young junior brother being the successor of the Moon Vein?

He knew that among the Society Leader’s disciples, Jang Neung-ak was skilled in strategies.

But he couldn’t understand the intention at all.

It would be one thing if he stepped forward to participate in the Ritual of the Three Veins as a successor to the Heaven Vein’s martial arts, but why is he inserting a third person as the successor of the lost Moon Vein?

‘Society Leader.’

Eventually, Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, looked up at the Society Leader with a gaze that showed he couldn’t understand.

Is this situation also part of your plan?

Or is it an unexpected development that even you didn’t anticipate?

‘……’

At that moment, Yang Jeong’s eyes narrowed.

This was because while there was a stir here and there at the mention of the Moon Vein’s successor, the Society Leader showed no particular change in expression.

Seeing his reaction, it was as if he had somewhat predicted this situation.

‘Did you know about this?’

Of course, that wasn’t exactly the case.

Even the Society Leader’s eyes glinted at the sight of Mok Gyeong-un stepping forward as the successor of the Moon Vein.

However, unlike others, he wasn’t greatly surprised because he had known from the beginning that Mok Gyeong-un, the hostage from the Orthodox Sect, had inherited the Moon Vein’s martial arts, and it was he who had prevented this information from being disclosed.

‘How coincidental.’

But now he revealed himself.

And of all times, just as the Ritual of the Three Veins was about to take place.

At this, the Society Leader clicked his tongue.

Perhaps it was a predetermined course of events.

“Society Leader.”

At that moment, Vice Society Leader Mong So-cheon approached and, pointing at Mok Gyeong-un who had appeared among the crowd with a troubled look, said,

“What should we do? I don’t know how he found out about this, but it seems Young Master Jang Neung-ak acted on his own. For now, should we stop him from…”

“Leave him be.”

“Pardon?”

“The will imbued with the spirit is unlikely to miss this good opportunity.”

‘The will imbued with the spirit?’

What does this mean now?

Is he saying this because that child Mok Gyeong-un has mastered the cursed secret techniques of the Moon Vein that no one has been able to learn until now?

As he was puzzled by the Society Leader’s incomprehensible words.

At that moment, Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s voice resonated through the plaza in front of the main platform.

“I, Na Yul-ryang, who has inherited the martial arts of the Heaven Vein, wish to participate in the Ritual of the Three Veins.”

The crowd couldn’t help but admire his resounding voice.

They say Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s martial prowess is comparable even to the Eight Stars among the Five Kings, and indeed, it was well-deserved.

Na Yul-ryang, who had indirectly revealed his level by infusing his voice with internal energy, made a fist-and-palm salute to Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein.

This was clearly showing his will to perform the Ritual of the Three Veins.

‘As expected of the Young Master. Yes, that’s how it should be.’

Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, returned the fist-and-palm salute.

From when he had discussed with the Society Leader beforehand, he had guessed that Young Master Na Yul-ryang wouldn’t easily give up his right of succession.

If so, this was rather good.

It was much more beneficial for him, even in terms of justification, to have the potential successor participate in the Ritual of the Three Veins of his own accord, rather than the Society Leader simply handing over the right of succession.

However, on the other hand,

“While I acknowledge the participation of Young Master Na Yul-ryang of the Heaven Vein, could that young junior brother over there convince me on what grounds he claims to be the successor of the Moon Vein?”

At this question, Mok Gyeong-un quietly moved his hand to the scabbard of the demonic sword Evil Commandment Sword at his waist.

As he grasped the scabbard, Mok Gyeong-un said through voice transmission.

-Finally. The time has come.

-Yes. Disciple.

The voice of Cheong-ryeong trembled in response.

She had been waiting only for this moment.

A hundred years ago, she lost everything she had to Bi Yeong-hon, the head of the Heaven Vein, and became a vengeful spirit.

As the first and last leader of the Heaven-Earth Moon Society, she intended to reclaim her lost honor and everything else.

And now was the beginning of that.

-Shing!

Mok Gyeong-un drew the demonic sword Evil Commandment Sword.

-Woooooooo!

As soon as he drew the sword, Evil Commandment Sword’s unique demonic cry erupted, making the spectators’ spines tingle for no reason.

“Is that the demonic sword Evil Commandment Sword?”

“The energy flowing from the sword is truly sinister.”

“Even so, it’s a famous sword. The sword energy emanating from it is extraordinary.”

The sword masters renowned in the Heaven and Earth Society showed interest as they looked at the demonic sword Evil Commandment Sword.

As sword masters, there was no one who wouldn’t be captivated by a sword made by the greatest craftsman, Ou Yezi, even if it was a demonic sword.

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un immediately took a sword stance.

Then he slowly traced an orbit with his sword.

Everyone who saw that orbit was reminded of a full moon hanging in the night sky.

The orbit was so clean that some of those watching couldn’t help but gape.

Especially the sword masters with high martial prowess.

They couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration the moment they saw this orbit that Mok Gyeong-un was slowly tracing.

It was such a simple orbit, but it was perfect to the point where no gaps or spaces could be seen.

‘As expected……’

Even Cheong-ryeong couldn’t help but admire as she watched this.

Even when she first showed Mok Gyeong-un the sword techniques of the Moon Vein, he had internalized them at a glance.

However, that was just simple movements.

Mok Gyeong-un’s sword techniques of the Moon Vein, as he properly displayed them, not just basic forms but actual techniques, had already far surpassed her own.

Rather, she was grateful that they had become even more perfect in Mok Gyeong-un’s hands.

-Whoosh!

Exclamations flowed from here and there at Mok Gyeong-un’s subsequent sword movements.

“This can’t be.”

“How can sword movements be this beautiful?”

“These sword movements……”

Those who were watching in admiration soon couldn’t hide their surprise as well.

This was because they could tell that the sword techniques Mok Gyeong-un was displaying, while similar to the sword techniques of the Heaven Vein, were clearly different in essence.

‘……It’s undoubtedly the sword techniques of the Moon Vein.’

Even Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, had to admit this inwardly.

The Three Veins, derived from one root, had a structure where their techniques might be similar in basic forms even if their essence was different, but the sword techniques that Mok Gyeong-un was now displaying were so imaginative that even those seeing them for the first time were reminded of the moon.

At this,

“Enough!”

Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, shouted for him to stop.

Mok Gyeong-un, who was in the middle of displaying half of his sword movements, stopped and looked at him.

Then Yang Jeong made a fist-and-palm salute and said,

“There’s no need to deny it, you have undoubtedly inherited the martial arts of the Moon Vein. I, Yang Jeong, acknowledge you as the successor of the Moon Vein.”

-Murmur murmur!

The surroundings stirred at this proclamation.

Although he had been accepted as a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, there were still many in the Society who regarded Mok Gyeong-un merely as a hostage from the Orthodox Sect.

They couldn’t help but be surprised that he was now acknowledged as the successor of the Moon Vein, one of the Three Veins, by the Earth Vein.

Amidst this, an aide of Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, whispered,

“Even if you acknowledge him as the Moon Vein, why did you stop him? Head.”

“What’s the point in defeating an opponent who has shown all their cards before even performing the Ritual of the Three Veins?”

“Head, even so……”

“Enough. It’s only meaningful to defeat an opponent at their best.”

This was the reason why Yang Jeong, the head of the Earth Vein, had stopped Mok Gyeong-un in the middle of displaying his sword movements.

It wasn’t out of disrespect or hasty acknowledgment.

He simply wanted equal conditions to the point where words couldn’t describe it.

Seeing this, Mo Yak let out a sigh.

‘I had hoped the head of the Earth Vein wouldn’t acknowledge him.’

Now there was no other choice.

Or rather, the fact that the Society Leader, who had first suggested giving other Veins a chance by proposing the Ritual of the Three Veins, remained silent at Mok Gyeong-un’s appearance might mean he had known about this all along.

-Clench!

Mo Yak bit her lip hard and looked at Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

Before Mok Gyeong-un appeared, the only hope was to participate in the Ritual of the Three Veins and overcome the head of the Earth Vein.

But now the situation had turned for the worst.

No matter how much she supported her lord Na Yul-ryang, having experienced Mok Gyeong-un’s monstrous martial prowess, she couldn’t dare predict his victory.

However,

-Clench!

She could see Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s fist tightening.

Moreover, his eyes were still full of fighting spirit.

Seeing this, Mo Yak felt ashamed for a moment.

Her lord hadn’t given up, yet she was about to advise him to withdraw, thinking it was a fight without hope.

If so, there was only one thing she should do.

It was to create a situation even slightly advantageous for Na Yul-ryang.

“Please wait a moment!”

Mo Yak stepped forward and shouted.

At this, everyone’s attention turned to her.

Some people from Na Yul-ryang’s faction who had thought she was a man were startled to see her with her hair down and her chest exposed.

Regardless, she paid no attention to this and shouted,

“Although the Society Leader suggested giving other Veins a chance through the Ritual of the Three Veins, this is still absurd no matter how you look at it.”

“Absurd?”

One of Yang Jeong’s eyebrows raised.

He had acknowledged him as the successor of the Moon Vein, but who was this woman to interfere like this?

At this, Yang Jeong spoke in a cold voice.

“This is not a matter for a young lady like you to interfere with.”

“I apologize for disturbing your mood. However, even if we are to perform the Ritual of the Three Veins, I believe one should meet at least the minimum qualifications.”

“Minimum qualifications? What are you talking about? Beyond this……”

“The Ritual of the Three Veins is not simply to discuss martial arts. This is the place to decide the leader of our Society. How can one lead the Society if it’s decided simply based on superior martial arts?”

“So what are you trying to say?”

“Even if he has inherited the martial arts of the Moon Vein, unlike Head Yang Jeong who leads the Earth Vein or Young Master Na Yul-ryang whom I serve from the Heaven Vein, he was originally a hostage from the Orthodox Sect.”

“……”

At these words, even Yang Jeong fell silent, as if his enthusiasm had cooled.

Mo Yak, not missing this opportunity, continued her speech.

“Of course, one of the Three Society Leaders, the Shadow Clan Master, has accepted him as a disciple, but if someone who was originally a hostage from the Orthodox Sect, without any proper foundation in our Society, participates in the Ritual of the Three Veins just because he inherited the Moon Vein, and by any chance becomes the successor, who would properly follow him?”

-Murmur murmur!

There was a stir here and there at Mo Yak’s words.

This was because many agreed with her words.

Regardless of inheriting the Moon Vein or his martial prowess, Mok Gyeong-un was an outsider and had been brought in as a hostage.

How could such a person have the foundation to lead the Heaven and Earth Society?

‘Good.’

As the reaction gradually spread, she inwardly rejoiced.

If it were only about martial prowess, Mok Gyeong-un would be the most advantageous, but leading an organization wasn’t a matter that could be solved with that alone.

‘I need to push this firmly.’

She had to use this opportunity to prevent Mok Gyeong-un from participating in the Ritual of the Three Veins.

It was right at that moment.

“Heh heh heh. How interesting to say that this old man’s disciple lacks a foundation.”

‘!?’

At the voice infused with internal energy, everyone’s gaze turned somewhere.

There stood a middle-aged man who appeared to be in his late forties, with his hands behind his back.

The moment they saw him, everyone couldn’t hide their surprise.

There was one person whose recent transformation beyond the Wall had spread throughout the entire Society.

It was none other than Baek Sa-ha, the Annihilating Poison King.