Chapter 179

Chapter 179: A Place to Lie Down (1)

In that precise instant.

An eerie and enigmatic radiant light erupted directly from Dong Bongsu’s physical form.

Sacred Light.

By bringing about the demise of Cheol So-ah, he had triggered a Level Up within the system of New Murim Online.

Furthermore.

As a consequence, his Hero History expanded by +5, fulfilling yet another ‘achievement’ requirement within the parameters of What is Hero.

Such was the magnificent power of harboring a double core—the Dual Karma Root.

[Hero History has reached 10, and your Hero Rank has been upgraded.]

[You are now a ★Rising Star.]

Across the cold, detached interface of Dong Bongsu’s vision, the pronouncements of the goddess Lumina materialized, her gentle, warm voice echoing as the holographic text superimposed itself repeatedly.

-You have dedicated immense effort. You are executing our mandate flawlessly. You represent our ultimate expectation. We implore you to persist in rescuing this realm just as you do now.

▪ Hero Rank

☆ Nameless (0~9)

★ Rising Star (10~49) ← Current

[A reward is granted for achieving ★.]

[All Stats +5]

[The characteristic ‘Faith Sight’ is unlocked.]

『Faith Sight』

A champion possessing profound conviction is destined to perceive realities concealed from ordinary eyes.

The supreme capability to evaluate the worth of allies or objects is an indispensable asset for a champion.

The greater the volume of accessible data, the higher the precision of the assessed value.

•Hero’s Aura Lv.1

『Y/N』

ㄴRequired History: 10 (10/10)

Light of Faith Lv.1

ㄴRequired History: 10 (10/10)

Progression, followed by even greater progression.

Advancement within New Murim Online, coupled with advancement within What is Hero.

Positioned directly atop the utterly demolished stronghold of the Iron God Gang, his power surged, elevating him to greater heights.

Dong Bongsu remained stationary amidst the wreckage, reviewing the interface displays for a brief moment before dismissing them.

With the Iron God Gang fully eliminated, his immediate priority was to return to his lodgings.

Naturally.

He needed to attend to preliminary matters first.

Approaching the situation through the lens of gaming mechanics, the territory had been successfully conquered.

‘Farming.’

He commenced a meticulous search through the debris of the flattened central sanctuary.

His initial investigation centered around the remains of Cheol Hon.

He extracted a compact pouch secured to the waistline of the deceased Gang Leader.

Contained within was a solitary ornament made of dark jade.

The characters signifying the Iron God Token were etched into its surface.

This item undoubtedly represented the entirety of the wealth and administrative command over the Iron God Gang.

Following that, he turned his attention to Cheol So-ah.

He retrieved a handful of objects from her fragmented remains, which had shattered into frozen splinters.

The Iron Hand Gauntlets remained completely unharmed.

Crafted from Ten Thousand Year Soft Iron, their structural integrity resists destruction.

Additionally, he retrieved the compact jade ornament that had been suspended from her neck.

It bore the likeness of a crescent moon, resembling a sacred artifact originating from ‘a certain locality.’

Instantly.

『Jade Pendant of the Heavenly Yin Sect’s Maiden』

Grade: Rare

Category: Other / Hidden Weapon

Description: An ornamental pendant bearing the official insignia of the Heavenly Yin Sect.

Special Effect: While equipped, it amplifies the offensive output and mastery of Frost and Ice-based invocations.

A illusory holographic text overlay appeared directly above the jade ornament.

‘So this represents the function of Faith Sight.’

A perceptual faculty capable of evaluating relics and equipment.

‘Due to the convergence between the mechanics of What is Hero and the reality of this realm, I can now identify specific significant items or relics, albeit with partial limitations.’

The underlying technicalities were unknown to him, nor did he care to investigate.

Utility was all that mattered.

An operator does not need to master every fundamental law of physics to manage a production plant or assemble armaments.

In practical terms, verifying functional success and executing implementation yields far greater efficiency.

Consequently, Dong Bongsu integrated this advantageous capability into his personal repertoire and straightened up.

He scanned the immediate vicinity, transferring every object of potential utility into his Inventory.

He was meticulous enough to collect every fragmented piece of Cheol So-ah’s remains as well.

Despite her demise, her physical form might serve a purpose down the line.

He subsequently investigated the weapon depot adjacent to the martial grounds.

The vast majority of functional armaments lay ruined, yet several rare metallic resources remained unscathed.

A collection of Thousand-Year Cold Iron fragments along with miscellaneous unrefined minerals.

These items were likewise transferred into the Inventory.

Ultimately, he located the secure vault of the Iron God Gang, concealed deep below the surface earth.

He shattered the locking mechanism utilizing his Super True Qi Field, revealing tens of thousands of silver units alongside a variety of esoteric martial manuals.

Predictably, the gathering process concluded successfully.

With his collection tasks completed, Dong Bongsu retraced his steps toward the lodging house.

The descending sun cast a deep crimson hue across his figure, mirroring the shade of fresh blood.

This vivid imagery stood in sharp contrast to Dong Bongsu’s actual condition, which was pristine and untouched by filth despite the massive slaughter he had just enacted.

“Given your lack of recollections, you might be unaware, but departing before dawn and returning at dusk is not what anyone defines as ‘taking a brief walk.’”

The moment he crossed the threshold of the lodging house, Jeon Rahwa offered her version of a greeting.

“What would you label it then?”

“Labor, a standard occupation.”

“Very well. Let us utilize that terminology. A standard occupation.”

“…..Are you attempting to mock me?”

“Precisely.”

Having stepped inside, Dong Bongsu had seamlessly re-adopted the flawless persona of ‘Kim Rae-won’.

“Sigh… there is no point in conversing. And to think I was actually worr…”

Halting mid-word before uttering ‘worried,’ she abruptly shifted her gaze and altered the topic.

“Regardless, an immense disturbance took place over on the western thoroughfare. Why were you lingering outside for such an extended period during an incident of that scale?”

“It was precisely because of that scale of incident that I remained outside for so long.”

Securing the entry door behind him, Dong Bongsu cleared the dust from his clothing.

He had already unequipped the [Public Enemy of the Murim] Set prior to entry, leaving him entirely devoid of metallic scents or a single speck of gore.

Even so, Jeon Rahwa picked up on something.

“It couldn’t possibly… have been your doing?”

“It was.”

Her jaw dropped in absolute astonishment.

Dong Bongsu walked right past her without pausing, tossing out a query.

“Have you committed it entirely to memory?”

He did not possess high expectations regarding her progress.

“What?”

“I inquired if you had fully memorized the contents. The Twin Snow Yin Cold Art. I distinctly mentioned I would verify your progress upon my return.”

“…I have indeed committed it all to memory.”

Dong Bongsu halted his ascent on the stairs leading toward his second-floor quarters.

He shifted his posture to look straight into the eyes of the flustered Jeon Rahwa.

Her gaze was unclouded and direct.

There was no deception hidden within.

This was not because she lacked the capacity to deceive.

On the contrary, she possessed the nerve, determination, and cleverness required to manufacture countless falsehoods without hesitation if the scenario demanded it.

Simultaneously, she was the type who rejected deceit when it served no practical purpose.

The reality that she was internally, anxiously recounting the principles of the Twin Snow Yin Cold Art was fully perceptible within her gaze.

“Ah! Wait, no! That is hardly the primary issue demanding our attention right now, is it?”

Jeon Rahwa pointed emphatically toward the exterior of the building, her voice frantic.

“Are you claiming responsibility for the total destruction out there?”

“Fascinating.”

Indeed.

This woman possessed several intriguing qualities.

She might prove highly advantageous if properly utilized.

“Why are you simply retreating to your quarters? The individual who caused that devastation… never mind. You will withhold the details regardless. Setting that aside… you indicated an intention to verify, correct? Whether I properly retained the Twin Snow Yin Cold Art.”

“The verification is complete.”

“What?”

“Begin the process of mastery.”

“…What?”

“Is that single inquiry the extent of your vocabulary?”

“…”

“State your acknowledgment.”

“You instructed me to cease uttering that inquiry.”

“Can you truly not distinguish between the contextual uses of the word?”

“I cannot.”

“Disregard it. Commencing your training immediately is your priority. I have matters to investigate, so I shall step out shortly.”

Concluding the conversation, Dong Bongsu retreated into his private quarters.

At that identical moment.

Along the devastated western thoroughfare.

Bukgung Ri advanced unaccompanied, walking directly over the scattered remnants of the Iron God Gang.

Corpses were amassed in monumental heaps.

Shed blood accumulated into flowing streams.

Despite the carnage, his countenance reflected genuine amusement.

“It is authentic. An extraordinary force has manifested within the River Capital.”

Bukgung Ri let out a subdued chuckle.

He arrived at the coordinates where the primary sanctuary once stood.

The structure was entirely reduced to rubble.

Amidst the fractured timbers, he located the physical remains of Cheol Hon.

A gaping puncture wound marred his torso.

An execution delivered in a single blow.

Slightly further away, the terrain retained dried outlines left by rapidly dissolved frost.

These markings were entirely out of place in an environment saturated with gore.

This marked the final position of Cheol So-ah.

Or rather, the remains of what had once comprised her form.

“An exceptionally intriguing individual.”

Bukgung Ri paused to evaluate the situation.

Could he personally duplicate this outcome? Could he achieve total annihilation against the entirety of the Iron God Gang single-handedly?

“Absurdity. Had I possessed the capability to accomplish this alone, I would have executed the takeover eras ago. Dammit.”

Victory would be impossible.

That was the unfiltered reality.

Bukgung Ri maintained a precise awareness of his own operational thresholds.

Initiating an engagement devoid of any prospect of victory constitutes sheer madness.

Unreasonable recklessness was the singular trait he despised above all else.

Underhanded tactics were entirely acceptable, but throwing one’s life away in an act of stupidity was an unpardonable sin.

The Iron God Gang, the Iron God Gang, the Iron God Gang…

The Seven Star Immortal Society, the Seven Star Immortal Society, the Seven Star Immortal Society…

Strategic equations rapidly formulated within his mind.

The preeminent organization within the River Capital, nurtured carefully since the era of his predecessor.

With the Iron God Gang completely removed, securing dominion over the western thoroughfare this very day would position him as the undisputed autocrat of the River Capital.

The regional martial underworld would fall entirely under his jurisdiction.

“Hehehehe.”

Had Bukgung Ri been a fool, he would have seized that exact opportunity.

He had previously informed the Prefect that circumstances would remain engaging for the foreseeable future… yet at this specific tier of power, it transcended simple amusement.

The logic seemed contradictory, yet it accurately represented his mindset.

It was the most authentic reflection of his internal assessment.

“The disparity in power is simply too vast.”

A confrontation yields entertainment and strategic value only when the participants are comparable in strength.

Who would place a wager to witness a common feline engage a apex predator?

The entity who single-handedly dismantled the Iron God Gang.

Contrasted against himself, the leader of the minor Seven Star Immortal Society, who had not even managed to form a Golden Core.

The probability of success was nonexistent.

At this juncture, his remaining paths were severely limited.

In truth, a solitary option remained.

Before long, Bukgung Ri concluded his assessment and navigated back to the headquarters of the Seven Star Immortal Society.

Within his private quarters, Dong Bongsu was meticulously examining the spoils recovered from the Iron God Gang piece by piece.

The Iron God Token, the ornamental jade originating from the Heavenly Yin Sect, the Iron Hand Gauntlets, alongside various esoteric techniques.

He intended to structure his subsequent course of action.

Right then.

Ping.

An abrupt system prompt manifested in his field of view.

[Main] The Salvation of Jeon Rahwa

[Relationship]:

Please respond to the ‘First Belief’.

Belief always brings a corresponding reward.

Please sever all the chains of ill fate connected to her.

Progress: 1.1………%

Reward: History +100, Trust MAX

Click-.

Progress: 1.18%

Progress: 1.19%

The metrics governing the primary assignment began to escalate rapidly.

‘What prompts this shift?’

Bukgung Ri strode past the imposing primary entrance of the Seven Star Immortal Society.

Structures configured to mirror the celestial positions of the seven stars loomed before him.

“You have made your return, Society Leader.”

The chief administrator offered a deep bow.

An individual advanced into his fifties, he managed the daily operational logistics of the Seven Star Immortal Society.

“A massive incident developed along the western thoroughfare today. I immediately deployed the Big Dipper Secret Corps and mandated a comprehensive investigation.”

“You have squandered effort on a pointless endeavor.”

“What is the meaning of this, sir?”

“The Iron God Gang was completely annihilated. Just moments ago.”

“…!”

The chief administrator’s expression shifted to one of sheer horror.

“I have personally observed the site. A thoroughly wretched spectacle.”

The administrator found himself entirely perplexed.

The Society Leader had spent his entire tenure plotting the optimal method to absorb the Iron God Gang.

Why would the complete removal of their rival be deemed a ‘wretched spectacle’?

The administrator opened his mouth to inquire further, but hesitated.

The look on the Society Leader’s face was deeply unsettling.

“…What is the cause of this demeanor, Society Leader?”

Bukgung Ri ran his tongue across his lips.

As if standing before a sumptuous banquet.

“Reflecting upon the situation, I find myself questioning why I exhibited such restraint for so long.”

“…What restraint are you referring to, sir?”

“You are well aware of my affinity for exquisite establishments, and my even greater fondness for exceptional women.”

“Yes, indeed. That is undeniably accurate.”

A predatory smirk emerged.

A crimson tongue extended from Bukgung Ri’s smooth features, hungrily coating his lips.

“I am merely realizing that our own establishment represents an exceptionally fine venue, and an equally exceptional woman. Now that I am evaluating it with greater clarity, that is.”

“…What?”

“An abundance of complementary offerings, and a vast wealth of resources.”

The chief administrator instinctively attempted to retreat by a step.

However, the opportunity had already passed.

Splat-.

Bukgung Ri’s arm drove cleanly through the chief administrator’s throat.

A torrent of crimson erupted instantly.

“Soc-Society Leader…”

“Remain silent.”

Bukgung Ri extracted the administrator’s vital organ and consumed a portion.

Scalding fluids cascaded downward.

“A subordinate must maintain silence while the Society Leader partakes in a meal.”

Whirrrrrr~.

The tracking metrics began an exponential surge.

2.38%, 4.76%, 9.52%—

Dong Bongsu focused his gaze intently.

‘This was unanticipated.’

A profound transformation had taken place.

A massive portion of the adversarial connections surrounding Jeon Rahwa had dissolved in an instant.

He shifted his attention toward the exterior viewing pane.

His gaze aligned precisely with the location of the Seven Star Immortal Society.

‘Bukgung Ri.’

The identity consolidated in his thoughts.

‘Has he determined that he must secure his survival strategy before initiating further movements?’

The man possessed a level of calculated malice that exceeded initial projections.

To instantly purge his own organization upon witnessing the absolute destruction of the Iron God Gang demonstrated extreme pragmatism.

Whirrrrrr~.

The rapidly ascending metric finally stabilized at exactly 18.18%.

The agonizing shrieks echoing from the compound of the Seven Star Immortal Society subsided after several hours had elapsed.

Bukgung Ri cleansed the remaining crimson from his mouth, massaged his lower abdomen where his internal core and spiritual center resided, and let out a prolonged, heavy exhalation.

“This scenario has suddenly turned highly entertaining.”

Such unpredictable developments are what give existence its flavor.

He could not yet identify the specific identity of his adversary, but remaining stationary would eventually yield the answer regardless.

An Awl in a Sack.

A truly dangerous entity, regardless of how thoroughly they attempt to mask their presence, is bound to breach containment and achieve notoriety.

When that juncture arrives, the identity will be laid bare.

Given that the adversary will inevitably project a monumental presence, he can simply establish a fresh timeline to commence his hunt whenever it suits his objectives.

Bukgung Ri introduced incineration to the very environment that had fostered his existence.

The territory that had comprised the Seven Star Immortal Society.

“We shall cross paths at a later date. Your identity remains obscure for now, but… you absolute bastard.”

The loss of his base carried no true consequence.

For wherever he chose to establish his footing, that specific domain would instantly transform into the new Seven Star Immortal Society.

In the fullness of time…

“I shall bring this entire reality to heel beneath the authority of the Seven Star Immortal Society.”

Without alternative.

With that final declaration, Bukgung Ri turned his back on the burning remains of the Seven Star Immortal Society, abandoning the River Capital entirely.