Chapter 100: Assembly (2)

"How did you know that...?"

When he first took the Blue Wolf Pill. The energy of the Spiritual Medicine had not been absorbed; instead, it had rampaged within his body before escaping. It seemed Yeom Jong-myung had already anticipated such a situation.

"Ye-ju made a mistake. The Blue Wolf Pill and the Hocheon Pill cannot be absorbed unless one is a Beastkin or has mastered a special cultivation method."

"Ah..."

Now he understood why he had failed to absorb the energy of the Spiritual Medicine. At the time, Pung So-bong and Gwak Yu-chan had identified the Blue Wolf Pill and the Hocheon Pill and handed them over, but neither had consumed them themselves and thus didn’t know of that characteristic.

"Uh... sorry. Master generously handed it over... I didn't know it would turn out like that."

"I'm sorry as well. Ours is a rather dull sect. The Sect Leader probably told me to give it to you without much thought. He’s not someone who pays close attention to such details..."

As Yeom Jong-myung trailed off with a deep sigh, Jang Woo-hyun quickly grasped the situation.

‘A steward.’

Or rather, someone who handled all the behind-the-scenes affairs of the sect.

That would be Yeom Jong-myung’s role. In the first place, the position of Vice-Sect Leader was rare among sects in the Central Heavens Martial Realm.

Judging by the personality of Kang Yong and the other Beastkin, and from the behavior of Maeng Ye-ju, one could roughly deduce what kind of sect it was.

‘He may hold the title of Vice-Sect Leader, but he likely makes most of the decisions.’

It was said that the Sect Leader of the Beast King Sect was a Beastkin. That answered everything. The one actually managing the sect was not the Sect Leader, but the Vice-Sect Leader, Yeom Jong-myung.

"Even so, it was a great help. So please don’t worry about that matter."

Jang Woo-hyun brought up something positive for Yeom Jong-myung, who was smiling bitterly.

"It was helpful? In what way?"

When Yeom Jong-myung asked again, surprised that an unabsorbable Spiritual Medicine had been helpful, Jang Woo-hyun explained how he had used the Blue Wolf Pill and the Hocheon Pill when fighting Sa Do-woong.

"Huh... so they can be used that way."

"Wow, so that's what happened back then."

Even Maeng Ye-ju, who had fought alongside him, hadn’t known.

She hadn’t known of such a method. She had simply blocked Sa Do-woong because she was asked to buy time.

At that time, when Jang Woo-hyun’s energy exploded upward, Maeng Ye-ju had been blown away and lost consciousness.

"It was no different from receiving help. In a way, it became my lifeline."

"Listening to your story, that does seem to make sense. But beyond that, you’ve indebted us yet again. You didn’t just save a Beastkin—you saved our other disciples as well. So, I’d like to offer a reward. Ye-ju."

At his call, Maeng Ye-ju took something out from the Flying Apparatus. It was the Gourd that had sucked in everything during the fight with Bi Ik-ryeon.

"As you know, this has many uses. You can use the space inside directly, or even use it to seal someone. It’s quite a high-level treasure; you wouldn’t find something like this easily even in the Central Heavens Realm. It must be a valuable item even for them. They probably prepared it to handle Ye-ju and Yong, but having it snatched away must sting. I’d like to yield this to you. What do you think? It’s filled with items looted from Sa Do-woong’s stronghold."

Maeng Ye-ju offered the Gourd, but Jang Woo-hyun shook his head.

"I can’t use this."

Jang Woo-hyun hadn’t even been able to properly operate the Flying Apparatus or the scroll he had seen at the bookstore. So he likely couldn’t operate such a high-level treasure at all.

"What do you mean by that? Is it because you feel burdened? Don’t. We’re the ones who owe you. You helped us greatly."

"It’s not that I feel burdened. It’s just... I’m not good with treasures."

The unexpected remark left the three surprised.

"What do you mean? Woo-hyun, you do use the Inner Robe, right? And didn’t you fly around with that strange sword? It looked like a Flying Apparatus."

"I can barely use the Inner Robe, the smallest-capacity one. As for Yongwangrin, it’s a treasure, but I have no idea how I’m able to use it. Regular treasures—no matter how much I try—just don’t work well for me. So someone who knows about Yongwangrin modified it so I could use it like a Flying Apparatus. I can only manage weaker treasures. That Gourd… it’d probably be nothing more than a bottle for storing liquor or water."

Even after his explanation, the three remained unconvinced.

Normally, if someone could use Void Movement Technique, even those from the Lower Realm would quickly become familiar with treasures. Moreover, Maeng Ye-ju and Kang Yong had seen Jang Woo-hyun use Yongwangrin multiple times. It was hard to believe that someone who could manipulate hundreds of small blades as if they were his own limbs couldn’t use treasures.

"Haha, then what would you prefer? Is there something you want from us? Or at least something you really need?"

"If it’s alright, I’d like to receive some materials."

"Materials? What kind of materials do you mean?"

"Like a monster’s core or some special ores. As I mentioned earlier, I happened to meet a craftsman and had my weapon modified. I owe them a favor and I’d like to return it—and maybe get a better modification as well."

"Oh-ho, glad to hear there’s something you need. I’ll do my best to gather it. I’ll make sure to pack in some from what we looted from Sa Do-woong’s stronghold and scour the nearby area for the finest materials. If you’re not taking this Gourd, then we benefit from that too, so I’ll make sure to repay you handsomely. Wait, I think this will do."

Yeom Jong-myung, who had been speaking eagerly, rummaged through his Inner Robe and pulled out a talisman.

On the front of the white talisman with red markings was a bird-shaped symbol, and on the back, a single glowing feather was depicted. It didn’t feel like a drawing—it felt like an actual feather was attached.

Though it was a thin talisman, it exuded a mysterious aura. Even Jang Woo-hyun, who didn’t know much about such things, could tell it was a valuable item.

"This is called the Ten-Thousand-Mile Flying Eagle Talisman, made from the feather of a Roc and an Eagle Dragon, along with the blood of a Thousand-League Soaring Eagle. Just close your eyes once, and when you open them, you’ll have flown tens of thousands of li. Use it when you’re in danger. It might save your life once."

Normally, Jang Woo-hyun might have refused at least once, but he liked the Ten-Thousand-Mile Flying Eagle Talisman so much that he accepted it immediately. He didn’t know what the future held, and it was good to have something that could save his life.

Besides, since he had given up a high-grade treasure like the Gourd, it was more than fair.

"I’ll accept it gratefully."

"Glad to see you like it. I hope it’s truly helpful to you."

Yeom Jong-myung, who earnestly wanted to be of help to Jang Woo-hyun, gladly handed over the talisman.

He liked Jang Woo-hyun.

In the crisis when they had encountered the Windstorm Great Saint Mihuwang, Jang Woo-hyun had tried to sacrifice himself to save the Beastkin. Now, he had given up a top-tier treasure without hesitation. Moreover, from what Maeng Ye-ju and Kang Yong had said, when he displayed martial arts, he became a completely different person.

‘He must have ambition for martial arts.’

That would explain how he ascended from the Lower Realm to the Central Heavens Realm.

He had no greed for material things, a good character, and a sincere heart for martial arts.

‘If he’s Ascended, then he must be quite old.’

Among those who had Ascended, such martial artists were rare. Most had lived through countless storms, becoming stubborn or, despite their youthful appearance, hiding layers of cunning within.

But Jang Woo-hyun was different. He hadn’t lived long, nor did he act like someone who had been practicing martial arts for long.

‘I must bring him in no matter what.’

Jang Woo-hyun had said he didn’t yet belong anywhere. As a martial artist who practiced sword arts, it was a bit disadvantageous to bring him into the Beast King Sect, but Yeom Jong-myung wanted to recruit him even if it meant asking the Sect Leader to teach him personally.

“Then, if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Just as Jang Woo-hyun was thinking if he needed anything, several martial artists ran toward the group. Among them, the one at the front had such a unique appearance that he caught Jang Woo-hyun’s attention.

“A tiger?”

He spoke aloud without thinking due to the sheer peculiarity. The leading person was accompanied on both sides by two semi-transparent tigers.

“He’s a disciple of the Samcheong Tai Chi Sect, from Land of the Virtuous.”

‘Land of the Virtuous? That sounds familiar…’

Unable to recall clearly, Jang Woo-hyun asked Maeng Ye-ju.

“Is Land of the Virtuous some sort of country?”

“Yes, it’s a nation that exists in the Central Heavens Realm.”

“There are countries in the Central Heavens?”

Maeng Ye-ju looked at Jang Woo-hyun with a face that said, ‘What are you talking about?’

“How could there not be, with such vast lands? There’s also Daein Nation, the country of giants, and Nation of Mechanical Marvels, the land of machine beings.”

“Ah…”

Upon hearing the name Nation of Mechanical Marvels, Jang Woo-hyun recalled Cho-su and Cho-yul. And with that, he remembered where he had seen the name Land of the Virtuous.

‘It was in the Sanhaegyeong.’

“People from Land of the Virtuous are inherently kind-hearted. You could say they’re courteous and righteous. Anyway, they’re born alongside two tigers. See those beside him? They’re not ordinary beasts, but spiritual beasts.”

Even from their semi-transparent appearance, Jang Woo-hyun could guess they weren’t ordinary animals.

While they spoke, the disciples of the Tai Chi Sect arrived in front of their group.

“I am Jeong Hyo of the Disciplinary Hall of the Samcheong Tai Chi Sect. I apologize. We’re late.”

“We arrived early, so don’t worry too much. We had business here anyway.”

While Yeom Jong-myung and Jeong Hyo conversed, Jang Woo-hyun observed him.

‘He’s unique.’

Regardless of his martial skill, he emitted an aura of mystery and profundity. It seemed to be a characteristic of someone from Land of the Virtuous.

“Then please, allow us to escort you inside.”

Having finished his greeting, Jeong Hyo tried to guide the Beast King Sect group into the Tai Chi Sect’s inner grounds.

Kwarurururung!

As he turned to speak with another martial artist behind him, a thunderclap echoed from the clear sky, devoid of any clouds.

At the same time, a massive energy was felt approaching from afar. Everyone turned their heads toward the direction of the sound.

A clear sky with no clouds.

A blue lightning bolt split across the sky. The bolt was heading straight toward Mount Okchu.

Kwa-rurung!

With the sound, a giant thunderbolt struck near where Jang Woo-hyun stood.

Crackling energy spread through the air, and in the spot where the lightning vanished, five people stood.

At the forefront was a young man with golden eyes. He glanced around and gave a slight nod to Yeom Jong-myung.

“For the Left Guardian of the Five Elements Cult to come in person—how unexpected.”

Yeom Jong-myung, seemingly acquainted with him, returned the nod.

“It’s a special circumstance.”

The golden gaze passed Yeom Jong-myung and landed on Maeng Ye-ju and Kang Yong. The two offered a clasped hands greeting to the golden-eyed youth, who again gave a slight nod in response.

Maeng Ye-ju and Kang Yong were well-known to a degree, so the Left Guardian of the Five Elements Cult recognized them.

The golden gaze passed the two and settled on Jang Woo-hyun. The young man’s eyebrows rose slightly.

‘What is this?’

The aura didn’t feel like someone from the Beast King Sect. Moreover, it wasn’t easy to read. Though he appeared to be at the level of Transcendence, the presence was faint.

Without taking his eyes off Jang Woo-hyun, the Left Guardian opened his mouth.

“Is he of the Beast King Sect?”

The question was directed at Yeom Jong-myung.

“No.”

“Then, a member of the Samcheong Tai Chi Sect?”

This question was aimed at Jeong Hyo.

“No.”

“What? Then?”

“He’s involved in this incident. And he’s not of the Beast King Sect yet, that’s all.”

“Involved in this incident?”

Still looking at Jang Woo-hyun, the Left Guardian smirked.

“This will be interesting. See you later.”

With that, he led his group toward the Samcheong Tai Chi Sect’s buildings.

As he moved away, Jang Woo-hyun let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that, Maeng Ye-ju approached him.

“Amazing, right? He’s a powerhouse of the Five Elements Cult. As the Left Guardian, he’s right below the Cult Leader. Honestly, if not for this incident, we wouldn’t even get to see him. Even I got tense for a moment when our eyes met.”

Maeng Ye-ju whispered about the man who had just vanished. But contrary to her assumption, Jang Woo-hyun hadn’t sighed in relief because his tension had eased.

What he had exhaled was a sigh of relief.

If the Left Guardian had lingered just a moment longer, Jang Woo-hyun might have drawn his sword.

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