Aftermath - 2
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Mookhyang and his group enjoyed a brief rest before heading to Cheonjimun. As they arrived, the sentries of Cheonjimun eyed them warily. Mae lightly dismounted and approached one of the tense guards, speaking.
"We're from the Heavenly Demon Cult. We have matters to discuss with the Lord of the Gate. Please send a message inside."
One of the guards quickly ran inside. After about fifteen minutes, he returned with a middle-aged man. The man politely greeted Mookhyang's group with a fist salute.
"The Gate Lord has no business with your cult and asks that you leave."
Mae responded, "Then you wouldn't mind if the heads of three hundred of your disciples imprisoned in our dungeon are severed?"
"Are you here to threaten us?"
"No. We've come to negotiate a few terms. First, let us meet with your Gate Lord."
"Wait here."
After waiting for about thirty more minutes, the middle-aged man returned. "You may enter."
As Mookhyang dismounted and began walking inside, the rest of the group followed suit. A commanding voice behind them directed, "You all stay here and tend to the horses."
Leaving ten of their warriors at the gate, Mookhyang and the others followed the middle-aged man inside. As they arrived, it seemed preparations had been made. In the spacious courtyard, two large tables and six chairs had been set up. Judging by the width of the tables, it would have been possible to place over ten chairs, but the fact that the number was limited to six hinted at an intent to observe the hierarchy among the group.
There was no one seated on the other side, but over a hundred experts stood with swords at their waists. It appeared the Gate Lord had not yet arrived. Mookhyang casually sat in the middle chair of the three allocated to their group, waiting for the Gate Lord to appear.
After about another fifteen minutes, the Gate Lord appeared, followed by a young man wielding a large, thick sword. Just as the reports had described, he was over six feet tall, with a sturdy build and piercing eyes. He seemed slightly surprised when he saw the slender, scholarly figure sitting leisurely in the middle chair, a man who didn't look particularly muscular.
As he surveyed Mookhyang's group, Jin, the Gate Lord, noticed that many of the guards appeared to be in their forties, relatively young-looking. When his eyes fell upon the hunchbacked man sitting to the left, with blackish-blue hands gleaming, his wariness increased. His unease grew when he noticed the incredibly fair and delicate hands of the woman standing behind Mookhyang.
Though he showed no visible reaction, he was shocked inwardly.
"These are the elite of the Demon Sect. That hunchback with the blackish-blue gleaming hands must be none other than Ok Gwanpae, the External Head of the Demon Sect, also known as the Black Blood Demon. As for that woman behind him, with that otherworldly beauty, she must be Seol Yakbyeok, the External Head who mastered demonic sound techniques and kills with a smile through her musical skill with the guqin. To see either of these two in a lifetime is rare, but for both to appear together... Just these two alone could annihilate our sect."
At that moment, the sound of commotion grew louder as a young man, appearing to be in his mid-thirties, entered. His clean and luxurious attire suggested that he held a rather high status. The sword at his waist indicated that he was not affiliated with Cheonjimun. Taking a seat in the empty chair to the right of the Gate Lord, he arrogantly spoke.
"What brings the Heavenly Demon Cult here?"
At this, Ok Gwanpae, the hunchback, chuckled mockingly and responded, "You are in no position to speak here. We didn't travel all the way from Chongta to talk to the likes of you. We came to speak with the Gate Lord."
The young man glared at the hunchback, but his gaze faltered when it landed on Ok Gwanpae's hands, causing him to momentarily lose his composure. After regaining his senses, he spoke again.
"Are you not the renowned Black Blood Demon, Ok Gwanpae?"
"You already know, so why ask?"
"I'm just surprised to see someone of your rank, the 13th in the Heavenly Demon Cult, in such an out-of-the-way place."
Ok Gwanpae responded leisurely, "There's someone higher than me here, so why wouldn't I be?"
Hearing this, the young man took a moment to reevaluate the situation. Among the martial artists of the Demon Sect, few elite experts were known publicly. Up until now, the only ones seen outside the cult were Ok Gwanpae, the Left External Commander Cheon Jinak, and the Right External Commander Seol Yakbyeok. Yet, here two of them were, and to his surprise, Seol Yakbyeok, famous for her mastery of demonic sound techniques, wasn't even seated but standing behind the young man in the middle. He couldn't make sense of the situation.
'Why are such high-ranking figures gathered here? Judging by the overwhelming demonic energy radiating from the individuals standing in the back, they are no ordinary martial artists. Even without the three in front, just mobilizing half of those standing could turn this rural sect into ashes without much effort, especially when you factor in our group sent by the Alliance. But what I can't wrap my head around is that young man in the middle. I can't sense any demonic energy from him. He doesn't even seem to be a martial artist. Could he be Hyuk Musang, the strategist of the Demon Sect? I've heard Hyuk Musang is the mastermind behind the cult...'
While he was lost in thought, Seol Yakbyeok spoke in a gentle tone, "Gate Lord Jin Yang, we've come to negotiate with your sect. Our cult wishes to establish a conditional non-aggression pact with Cheonjimun."
The young man seated to the right of the Gate Lord interjected, "Gate Lord, you must not be deceived. They're trying to use this agreement to devour the entire sect."
Seol Yakbyeok cast a cold glance at the young man. "This agreement is between Cheonjimun and the Heavenly Demon Cult. Whether to accept the terms is for the Gate Lord to decide, not for some faction leader of the Martial Alliance like Yong Cheonik to interfere. Gate Lord, if we come to an agreement, we will return the 300 captives from your sect. Here is the proposed pact."
Seeing no downside to at least reviewing the terms, Jin Yang began reading the document.
"Clause 1: This agreement remains valid until either party requests its dissolution or the leadership of either faction changes. Should there be a change in leadership, a new agreement must be negotiated and signed."
"Clause 2: The Heavenly Demon Cult and the Cheonji Sect must not encroach on each other's territories. Should either side accidentally trespass, the matter should be resolved through mutual discussion rather than force. Moreover, the Heavenly Demon Cult is strictly forbidden from approaching within 20 li of the Cheonji Sect's domain."
"Clause 3: If circumstances arise that necessitate a breach of this agreement, the violating party must notify the other side at least one month in advance. However, the Cheonji Sect is exempt from this obligation if all orthodox sects join forces to invade the Heavenly Demon Cult. In such cases, the agreement remains valid, as the Cheonji Sect would be acting under the pressure of other sects. Thus, the Heavenly Demon Cult may retaliate against the attacking disciples of the Cheonji Sect, but they are forbidden from attacking the Cheonji Sect itself."
"Clause 4: If the Heavenly Demon Cult has a conflict with an orthodox sect within 200 li of the Cheonji Sect, and the Cheonji Sect requests mediation, the Heavenly Demon Cult must refrain from using force as much as possible. Once mediation is requested, the Heavenly Demon Cult is prohibited from using force for one month."
"Clause 5: If a force threatening the Heavenly Demon Cult is present within 20 li of the Cheonji Sect, the Heavenly Demon Cult cannot engage them without receiving permission from the Cheonji Sect."
"Clause 6: The Cheonji Sect is not obligated to assist the Heavenly Demon Cult when it faces conflicts with other sects. However, if the Cheonji Sect requests assistance, the Heavenly Demon Cult must aid them. If the Heavenly Demon Cult is unable to help, they must send a formal notification to the Cheonji Sect within one month of receiving the request, providing reasons for their inability to assist."
"Clause 7: The above six clauses must be upheld as long as this agreement remains in effect."
After reading the agreement carefully, Jin Yang passed it to a middle-aged man in his early forties seated to his left.
"As I read through it, there are many clauses that seem unfavorable to the Heavenly Demon Cult. I want to know your true intentions."
"Our true intentions are reflected in the agreement. The reason for the first clause is that while we trust Sect Leader Jin Yang, we cannot trust your successor. The same can be said for your sect. Our cult leader plans to transfer all authority to the young master within the next 20 years. You, too, would not trust the young master, would you?"
"That's true."
"Even in the recent incident, both sides could have resolved it through discussion, yet your sect attacked our secret branch without warning, claiming something seemed suspicious."
"Well, there were several suspicious aspects. We mistook it for a bandit hideout and launched an attack. The disciples who went in went missing, and only a week ago did three of them return. From their accounts, we learned it was your cult they had encountered."
"This incident is proceeding with the cult leader's approval. If possible, we hope to avoid any further conflict with your sect. But if you reject this agreement, we will have no choice but to annihilate your sect. Please take this into serious consideration."
Jin Yang glanced at Yong Cheon-ik, the head of the delegation sent by the Martial Alliance, and said, "I accept the seven points of this agreement."
Up until now, Mookhyang had remained silent, but he signed the agreement placed before him and stamped it with his seal.
"With this, our Heavenly Demon Cult and the Cheonji Sect have established a conditional non-aggression pact. Now, stamp the agreement and hand it over."
After Jin Yang signed and stamped his agreement, he handed it to Mookhyang, who did the same, exchanging the agreements. After the exchange, Seol Yakbyeok spoke up.
"Please sign and stamp the agreement you received again. Each sect will keep a copy, and as long as the agreement is in effect, it will hold immense value."
Jin Yang and his party were shocked when they saw the signature on the agreement they received. Yong Cheon-ik, upon seeing the signature, looked up at Mookhyang in astonishment.
The signature read:
Mookhyang (墨香).
「Heavenly Demon Cult Sect Leader Deputy, Heavenly Demon Cult Vice Leader Mookhyang」
"To think that a vice leader of a demonic sect, commanding an elite force of 20,000 and leading 100,000 followers, would come here... I simply cannot comprehend it," Jin Yang mused. Meanwhile, the vice leader of the Young Cheon, Yong Cheon Ik, was having slightly different thoughts. "The news of a new vice leader being appointed in the demonic sect is significant information. If this person is indeed the real vice leader, then they must have surpassed the peak level of mastery. I need to contact the main sect quickly."
While they each pondered their thoughts, Mookhyang had already signed and sealed the agreement he would keep, handing it over to Seolyakbyeok. Afterward, he leisurely looked around before suddenly standing up. His abrupt movement caused everyone to tense momentarily. At that moment, Mookhyang shouted toward the shallow earthen wall on the right side of the building.
"Hey, come out! I'll buy you something tasty."
A mischievous child peeked out from behind the wall.
"I'm not falling for that anymore, you sneaky brat!"
At that, both Jin Yang and the man in his early forties sitting to Jin Yang's left turned beet red, while the nearby masters of the Cheonji Sect struggled to suppress their laughter. Contrary to everyone's concerns, Mookhyang smiled and said,
"Ha ha! You said yesterday that if one of you died, you wouldn't even notice how delicious it was…"
"Stop talking nonsense! I'll tell my grandpa, and he'll kill you!"
"You were saying you'd deal with me yesterday, but now all you can do is call for your grandpa, little one?"
"I'm not a little kid! I—I'll kill you myself later!"
Hearing this, Mookhyang openly laughed mockingly.
"Hmph! Later? When is later?"
The child seemed to hesitate for a moment.
"In ten years!"
"Ha! Ten years from now?"
At that moment, it seemed Mookhyang's figure shifted slightly, and in an instant, he was back in his original spot, except he was now holding onto the boy. The people around were astonished at Mookhyang's speed. He had caught a child five zhang away and returned almost instantaneously. Mookhyang feigned anger as he said,
"You should apologize to your grandpa and promise you won't do this again."
"I can't do that! Let go, you brat!"
Mookhyang scoffed in amusement. His tone unmistakably looked down upon the child.
"Hmph! Then I'll make you speak! Apologize while you can!"
The child stubbornly shook his head, refusing to comply.
"I'm not going to! Let go, you brat!"
"You naughty little thing! I'll make you scream and tremble in fear for what you did."
"Hmph! I knew you would say that." When the child stubbornly kept his mouth shut, Mookhyang pretended to be angry and instantly pressed the child's 64 vital points. As he touched various parts of the child's body, sounds like bones breaking echoed in the air. At first, everyone thought it was just playful banter, enjoying the moment, but as the situation progressed, Jin Yang and the man sitting to his left became increasingly tense and finally intervened.
"Is this even possible?"
Suddenly, Seolyakbyeok appeared, grabbing Jin Yang's hand. Jin Yang tried to shake off the grip, but it was impossible. He broke into a cold sweat, his lips pursed tightly as he saw his grandson, who was struggling to stifle his groans. He felt an overwhelming urge to rush forward and scream, but no sound came out, and he couldn't move. In that moment, he acutely sensed that the beautiful woman radiating a disturbing charm before him was a master of a level he could never hope to reach.
"How long has it been since the agreement was made, and you're torturing a child like that? To think, inflicting the Punishing Bone Torture on a child... that person isn't even human." Tears of blood streamed from his eyes. There was nothing he could do. The members of his faction were also unable to draw their swords and intervene, as the sect leader, the deputy leader, and the deputy leader's son were all captured. They could only hold their breath and watch the scene unfold. Yong Cheon Ik, dispatched from the Murim Alliance, was frozen in place, drenched in cold sweat, intimidated by the aura of the powerful Goru Hyul Ma, unable to make a move.
"Quickly scream, you brat! If you don't scream, I'll break your bones this time." Mookhyang threatened the child with all kinds of insults, but the child endured the torture without uttering a word. After about two angles had passed, the child gradually regained some color. The cracking sounds that had been echoing from his body ceased long ago. After another angle or so passed, the child regained his senses. All the pain had come to an end. Then Mookhyang spoke softly in a low voice,
"I'll guide your true energy, so practice the breathing technique."
Mookhyang placed his hand above the child's head and assisted him in the breathing technique. The people present could only watch in bewilderment. "This is strange. If he's assisting with the breathing technique, he should be infusing the energy into the child's back. Why is he placing his hand on the child's head instead?" As time went on, the child's face became more serene. After about two angles of practicing the technique, Mookhyang withdrew his hand and helped the child up.
"You endured remarkably well. As a commemoration for the signing of the agreement, this is a gift for you. The breathing technique you just learned is the Taehuhumyeong Heart Method of the Xuanmen. It has already been eliminated from orthodox martial arts, providing tranquility to the mind and blocking all evils from entering your heart. You must practice this heart method for one hour each day and refrain from learning any other techniques. If your true energy isn't flowing smoothly, the inner strength cultivated through the Taehuhumyeong Heart Method won't be effective. This method may take time to build up your energy, but once you reach a certain level, it shows remarkable progress. I've altered the shape of your bones to resemble a unique transformation, which will allow you to learn martial arts more quickly. In time, you will naturally experience the real thing. This method is incredibly effective, but the pain is so intense that no human could endure it. If you scream just once, your energy will scatter, and all your suffering will be in vain, and you will no longer be able to use this method. You should be proud of your endurance." With that, Mookhyang gently patted the child's head. He then scanned the still-dazed crowd and addressed Jin Yang.
"Well then, goodbye... that child will become the greatest master to lead the Cheonji Sect in the future. Please raise him well."
He smiled at the child and spoke gently, "Little one! I hope that next time we meet, you'll show me skills better than that pathetic technique." Then he shouted, "Let's go back." As everyone began to follow Mookhyang, Seolyakbyeok, still smiling, greeted Jin Yang.
"Congratulations on your grandson's achievement. That martial art is the Precious Bone Contracting Demon Technique, a highly advanced skill that can only be performed upon reaching the pinnacle of the extreme realm. Every young person in our school wishes to learn that technique, but very few have actually received it. It seems the vice leader is quite fond of your grandson. I acted quickly to avoid shocking him during the teaching of that technique, so I hope you'll forgive me. Also, the disciples of Cheonji Sect trapped in the mine will be escorted safely by our disciples. Well then."
Using her swift movement technique, Seolyakbyeok leaped towards the door where the horses were waiting. The Cheonji Sect's disciples couldn't help but admire her impressive technique.
"What an amazing skill!"
"I've heard that Eumhee is a cold and ruthless woman with a lewd disposition, but today I've realized how unreliable rumors can be."
I Dislike the Current Situation - 1
As Mookhyang left Cheonji Gate, he began to ride faster. Suddenly, Elder Ho Gyeak of the Hosaek Sect chased after him.
"Vice Leader, where are you going? The Sect Leader asked you to remain cautious until this matter is resolved…"
"The matter isn't over yet. Mai, Guk!"
"Yes!"
"You all return to the sect with Elder Ho. And the Outer General, Ok."
"Yes."
"Let's borrow the services of Outer General Seol."
"Excuse me?"
"I need to go somewhere, and since I've been learning the gold technique, I need a few more days. Please tell the Sect Leader that I'll return once the matter is resolved."
"How long will it take?"
"I'll be back within two months."
"Please, Vice Leader! If that's the case, our necks will be in danger. Can you shorten that time?"
"Then a month and a half! I can't do any less."
"Understood. I'll inform the Sect Leader that you will return then."
Mookhyang walked slowly along the road, learning the gold technique from Seol Yakbyeok. She followed behind, curious, and asked, "Where are you going?"
"Just to collect a debt."
"A debt?"
"Yeah."
"Who do you owe?"
"From the Wudang Sect and Taijun Gate! Those guys have the audacity to place a bounty on my head. If it was a higher amount, I would have considered ignoring it, but it's only around 40 nyang of silver... What do they think I am...?"
"So what do you plan to do?"
"I need to break the leg bones of those two sect leaders."
"You can't do that! It'll cause a bloodstorm!"
"I don't care; let the bloodstorm come… No one knows I'm related to the Heavenly Demon Sect. You all come close and just watch as I completely annihilate those two sects."
Nan and Juk, along with Seol Yakbyeok, tried to persuade Mookhyang until they arrived at Wudang Sect, but they couldn't break his stubbornness. Finally, Seol Yakbyeok shouted as if she had made a decision, "If you want to overturn it, you must completely destroy Wudang Sect to eliminate all witnesses. Please wait a moment; I'll contact the nearby sects."
"There's no need. They're not an army. They don't attack with bows or crossbows, and they don't even use shields. I can handle this alone."
Mookhyang walked towards the five disciples of Wudang Sect standing guard at the entrance. He then said coldly, "Bring the sect leader."
"What? Who's this crazy guy…?"
Before the disciples could even draw their swords, four of them fainted, and one was grabbed by the throat by Mookhyang. Skipping the trouble of finding their pressure points, Mookhyang delivered punches, causing their ribs to break and their organs to shake with the shock, knocking them all out. As Mookhyang gradually tightened his grip, the disciple of Wudang Sect felt his throat constricting more and more. He trembled and eventually dropped his sword, unable to muster the courage to draw it.
"Guide me to the sect leader."
Mookhyang entered Wudang Sect while still holding onto the disciple's throat. The other three could only stare in shock at Mookhyang's actions. As a strange man entered with one of their fellow disciples in a chokehold, everyone drew their swords and shouted, "Who are you?" "Halt!" "You have no fear!"
Each of them said something, but Mookhyang only wanted one thing. "Bring the sect leader. Tell him I've come to collect a debt from the past."
After waiting for about half a shichen, a Taoist approached with several other Taoists in tow. He casually waved his hand before Mookhyang and said, "Why has the benefactor come to see me? What debt do you claim?"
Now that Mookhyang had met the sect leader, he felt no need to keep holding the disciple and tossed him to the nearby disciples holding their drawn swords. Startled by the sudden throwing of their fellow disciple, they hurriedly lowered their swords and took him to safety. Even though Mookhyang had only gripped the disciple's neck, there were bright red marks left from his grip.
"Why did I come? Surely, you placed a bounty on my head because you wanted to see me?"
Hearing Mookhyang's cold reply, the sect leader was astonished. So it's the Blade Demon. Considering that the Thunder Sword Emperor has turned into a ghost, today is likely to bring more misfortune than good fortune. If all the disciples charge in, I could kill him, but I can't predict the extent of the damage... Not to mention I can't call upon the secluded elder… The sect leader stared at the distant mountains and commanded his disciples, "Everyone, step back."
At that moment, a young man standing to the left of the sect leader interrupted him. "Sect Leader, please hold on. I'll handle this." He stepped forward towards Mookhyang. "Who are you?"
"I'm the vice leader of the Hwangryong Sect."
"This doesn't concern you… I don't want to become enemies with Hwangryong Sect, so step aside."
"If you know of Hwangryong Sect, then please step back."
"Damn it! Where is Hwangryong Sect? I don't have much time. I don't have time to turn Hwangryong Sect into ashes. Damn it, get out of the way quickly!"
Ignoring those words, the young man drew his sword from his waist. Sensing the aura emanating from him, Mookhyang slowly drew his Mookhon sword.