Episode 143: Fear
Dang Mujin whispered to Sam Anbul, “Who’s the monk standing next to the Left Guardian? He seems formidable.”
The man beside the Left Guardian wasn’t particularly tall, but his body looked as solid as a rock, and his eyebrows were thick like caterpillars. Most striking of all was his shaven head, unmistakably marking him as a monk. Yet, his attire was different from any monk Dang Mujin had ever seen, both in color and style.
“That’s the Ghost King,” Sam Anbul replied. “I fled from Shaolin after committing a crime, but that one escaped from Podalap Palace.”
“Where is Podalap Palace?”
“Just know that it exists.”
“Whatever crime he committed, ‘Ghost King’ doesn’t sound like a fitting title for a monk.”
Sam Anbul responded with a cryptic smile, “There’s a rumor that he was once called the Turtle King, not the Ghost King. That should tell you something about his past.”
Dang Mujin couldn’t quite grasp the meaning. A king of turtles? Did it imply he was someone who withdrew like a turtle, only emerging when strength was needed?
Glancing at the Ghost King and the Left Guardian, Dang Mujin whispered to Sam Anbul again, “How many supreme masters does the Demon Sect have? I thought the three Guardians and you were already more than enough.”
“There used to be six. Now there are four. The Right Guardian is dead, and I’ve left the sect.”
“The Great Guardian, the Left Guardian, the Ghost King… and the other one is… Ah.”
He recalled a man who occasionally roamed the streets with the two Guardians, wielding a massive, crude sword that looked like an oversized butcher’s knife.
“You must have seen Gwang Yeomra.”
“I didn’t know his name, but yes, I’ve seen him.”
“Yes, so there are four left.”
“Even with two gone, that’s still more than I expected.”
In the entire orthodox sect, there are only six supreme masters, often referred to as the Six Lords. Yet, the Demon Sect once had as many as six supreme masters, meaning their numbers were comparable to the entire orthodox sect.
Of course, there are figures like Hwayeon Shinni, who don’t fit into the orthodox category and aren’t counted among the Six Lords, and there might be reclusive masters who remain hidden. But even counting them, the numbers wouldn’t be many.
“If the Demon Sect had only one or two supreme masters, the orthodox sects would have banded together to wipe them out. The Demon Sect has enough strength to survive.”
As Dang Mujin and Sam Anbul whispered, the Left Guardian shouted, “What could you possibly have to discuss so much in front of someone you’ve waited so long to meet?”
“None of your business.”
“You’re as curt as ever.”
The Left Guardian grumbled playfully, but the situation was far from playful.
Sam Anbul was in poor condition. He had sustained many injuries fighting the Right Guardian and had lost a lot of blood. To make matters worse, he hadn’t had time to rest and had been on the move for two days straight.
Dang Mujin also had broken ribs, and the others bore various wounds.
Moreover, there were no convenient variables this time. A few days ago, they had managed to turn the tide using the poison of the jimsal, but now they couldn’t recklessly unleash it as they had before. That was a trick that could only be performed right after swallowing the poison sac.
The only slight advantage was that the Left Guardian and the Ghost King hadn’t brought many subordinates. But that wasn’t enough to overcome the situation.
‘There’s no chance of winning.’
Yet Sam Anbul had no intention of retreating. He took a deep breath and lowered his stance.
Seeing this, the Left Guardian quickly waved his hand. “You’re always in such a hurry. We’re not enemies, so why rush into a fight?”
“I killed the Right Guardian, and you say we’re not enemies?”
“The Right Guardian wasn’t my kin. Besides, he died in the line of duty, so it happens. What’s important is the future, isn’t it? There’s nothing to gain from a pointless fight that results in death.”
Of course, the ‘death’ the Left Guardian referred to wasn’t his or the Ghost King’s.
The Left Guardian assumed that if a fight broke out here, Sam Anbul would die, and that was a clear fact to anyone watching.
Sam Anbul glared at the Left Guardian and said, “Get to the point.”
“Return to the sect and stay for a few more years. It won’t be more than ten years at most. After that, you can go wherever you want and do whatever you please.”
“Did the Great Guardian say that?”
“Not the Great Guardian, the Sect Leader.”
Sam Anbul pondered. The martial arts the Great Guardian had acquired must have been extraordinary.
Martial arts aren’t something you can master just by reading a secret manual.
To truly make martial arts your own, you need time to hone and refine them. The difficulty of martial arts training lies in that process and duration.
The time required varies due to many factors. A third-rate martial art from the streets might be learned overnight, but profound martial arts could take years to master.
The talent of the practitioner is also crucial. A dull person might take years to learn a martial art, while someone with exceptional talent could grasp it in just a week.
And if someone as talented as the Sect Leader is looking at a ten-year timeline, it must be a martial art capable of making him the best in the world.
Only now did Sam Anbul understand why the Right Guardian had tried to capture him alive two days ago.
It was to preserve the Demon Sect’s strength, ensuring that no external forces could threaten them while the Sect Leader honed his martial arts.
‘With the Right Guardian dead, they must be even more desperate for my help.’
If they hadn’t tried to capture him from the start, things would have been better for both sides. Sam Anbul thought so.
But the situation had already unfolded, and discussing the future, as the Left Guardian suggested, was the rational thing to do.
“I’m over seventy. Do you think ten years is child’s play?”
“Regardless of age, if you focus on training, you could achieve rejuvenation. Even if not, you’ll remain vigorous for another twenty years.”
As the Left Guardian suggested, if Sam Anbul trained with the goal of rejuvenation, he could likely achieve it within a few years.
However, rejuvenation wasn’t an appealing option for Sam Anbul. He had even considered rejecting it if the opportunity arose.
Sam Anbul had mastered extreme external martial arts, training in a way that utilized his natural physique and strength.
For most martial artists, rejuvenation would offer a longer lifespan and the chance to reach higher levels. But for Sam Anbul, rejuvenation would be a step backward.
“Rejuvenation? I’m not interested.”
“That’s your choice, so I won’t argue. But to survive, you should consider my offer.”
“Foolish. Do you think I left the Demon Sect with any intention of returning?”
“In that case, I’ll add another condition. If you return, I’ll let the others go.”
Namgung Myung and Hong Geolgae silently cheered. To them, Sam Anbul’s presence was irrelevant. In fact, they’d feel more at ease if he disappeared.
But the Left Guardian added one more thing.
“No, I’ll have to take the doctor with me. I only need two people.”
Namgung Myung and Hong Geolgae’s attitudes quickly soured.
The Left Guardian observed the reactions. By placing the burden on a few, it usually stirred unrest and created a tense atmosphere. Even those with great power often couldn’t easily go against the mood.
However, those around Sam Anbul and Dang Mujin showed no reaction. Anyone who would have wavered under such conditions had already been dealt with by Sam Anbul.
The Left Guardian was slightly taken aback by the unexpected atmosphere.
Sam Anbul was pleased with it.
“Naturally, I refuse.”
The Left Guardian sighed. “Then we’ll have to take you by force.”
The Left Guardian drew his sword, and the Ghost King removed the robe draped over his shoulder, laying it on the ground.
The Left Guardian focused on Sam Anbul, but the Ghost King’s gaze was fixed on Mok Wana, filled with a clear desire that made her uncomfortable. She tensed and hid behind Dang Mujin.
A fight with little chance of victory.
Namgung Myung and Hong Geolgae exchanged glances and mouthed words, quickly reaching a conclusion. They decided to seize the opportunity to knock Dang Mujin unconscious and use the Demon Sect members as shields to escape.
The air was thick with tension, ready to explode.
But just before the two groups clashed, something flew in at incredible speed.
The object landed between Sam Anbul and the Left Guardian, kicking up a light cloud of dust before settling.
Everyone looked to see what had flown in. It was a branch, freshly broken, with vibrant leaves still attached.
Despite being embedded a hand’s breadth into the ground, the branch showed no signs of damage. A feat impossible for an ordinary person.
Everyone turned to look in the direction the branch had come from.
A figure was approaching with graceful speed—a girl with snow-white hair. It was Hwayeon Shinni.
Her expression held a hint of tension.
Though Hwayeon Shinni was one of the world’s top masters, even she couldn’t handle three supreme masters at once.
She quickly assessed the situation.
Sam Anbul stood beside Dang Mujin, seemingly ready to face off against two of the Demon Sect’s supreme masters.
Though the exact circumstances were unclear, one thing was certain: Sam Anbul had sided with Tang Mujin against the Demon Sect. Even the familiar face of Namgung Myung was present.
“Well, this is a stroke of luck.”
When Hwa Yeonshin stood beside Tang Mujin, the expressions of the Left Guardian and the Ghost King twisted into something pitiful.
The Left Guardian and the Ghost King had never met Hwa Yeonshin before, but they knew she was the only female master who had achieved eternal youth.
Even if they managed to take Sam Anbul without any losses, it wouldn’t be satisfying. If a conflict here increased their casualties, the situation would become dire.
They didn’t even think they could win. There was no need to test their skills against her; Hwa Yeonshin’s reputation was that formidable.
The Left Guardian attempted to negotiate with utmost politeness.
“I am Yeon Sa-uk, the Left Guardian of the Demon Sect. May I ask why Hwa Yeonshin is here?”
“Me? I’m here to take Tang Mujin.”
The Left Guardian sighed in relief.
It was a shame to lose a healer skilled in poison arts, but if they could just take Sam Anbul, they could afford to let Tang Mujin go.
“Understood. We will withdraw our claim on Tang Mujin, so please step back a little.”
Hwa Yeonshin nodded and took Tang Mujin by the wrist.
But Tang Mujin shook his head slightly and looked at Sam Anbul. Hwa Yeonshin added with a reluctant expression.
“Actually, I’ve decided to take Sam Anbul too.”
The Left Guardian couldn’t hide his discomfort.
“That’s a bit problematic. Please consider our situation.”
Hwa Yeonshin neither agreed nor disagreed, simply asking again.
“What did I just say?”
“You said you would take Sam Anbul as well.”
“I’ve made my decision. Why should I listen to your opinion?”
The audacity of her words left everyone speechless.
Even Sam Anbul, known for his fiery temper, was left gaping.
Yet, the Left Guardian continued to try persuading her with a smile.
“But this is an internal matter of the Demon Sect…”
Hwa Yeonshin cut him off immediately.
“Say one more word, and I’ll split your head open.”
When was the last time he heard such a threat? The Left Guardian felt dizzy.
“That’s…”
He intended to say it was an unreasonable demand and to ask for understanding, but Hwa Yeonshin was a woman of her word.
The moment he uttered a word, her sword was already flying toward his head. He quickly parried her attack, avoiding injury, but his arm and shoulder tingled with the impact.
‘Of all the times for such a monster to interfere…’
Knowing that speaking would only provoke another attack, the Left Guardian remained silent.
Instead, he glared at Hwa Yeonshin.
His gaze was a mix of a master’s pride, confusion at the unexpected situation, a sense of injustice, and the shame of appearing weak in front of his subordinates.
Naturally, Hwa Yeonshin found his stare displeasing.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
The Left Guardian lowered his eyes. Unlike other martial artists who let pride lead them, he was a rational man with a knack for diplomacy.
‘I’ll let it go this time because she’s stronger.’
He nudged the Ghost King and turned to leave. Their subordinates followed, clearly relieved that a fight had been avoided.
Once the Left Guardian and the Ghost King were out of sight, Tang Mujin and Sam Anbul finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Tang Mujin expressed his gratitude to Hwa Yeonshin, also known as Ha Ryeong.
“Thank you for your help.”
Hwa Yeonshin smiled awkwardly.
“No need for thanks. We’re here to help each other. I’m just glad I wasn’t too late.”
However, Tang Mujin had a question for her.
Why had Hwa Yeonshin, who was supposed to be far away in Zhongjing, appeared here?
“May I ask what brought you here?”
“I came because someone asked for help.”
Someone asked for help? Just as he was about to inquire further, Tang Mujin saw someone approaching swiftly using light-footed martial arts. It was Dan Seol-young.
Tang Mujin beamed and waved enthusiastically at her.
“Seol-young!”
He expected her to smile back, and indeed, she was smiling.
Yet, there was something in her smile that filled Tang Mujin with an inexplicable sense of dread.