Chapter 389

Prompted by the ridiculous banter produced by his inner anomalies, a mild throb pulsed through his head, causing Il-mok to press his fingers against his brow.

Furthermore, a distinct copper aroma filled his nostrils.

Without his conscious awareness, a slender streak of crimson was already trickling from the edge of his lips.

‘To think my own core has sustained damage already…’

There was clearly a reason why those annoying inner manifestations, which had previously been keeping a low profile, suddenly chose this moment to act up.

Just then, a female voice reached his ears as his auditory senses finally grew clearer.

“Young Master.”

“A-Are you truly alright?”

The voices belonged to Jin Ha-yeon and Jeong-hyeon, who had scrambled backward to a safe distance.

Jeong-hyeon’s complexion had drained completely of color, and even the typically unflappable Jin Ha-yeon failed to mask her profound bewilderment.

‘I never imagined a martial discipline could be so terrifying.’

When Il-mok originally announced his intention to practice a novel style, Jeong-hyeon had assumed he simply wanted a isolated clearing to keep it hidden from prying eyes.

Yet now she realized it was an insane art that shouldn’t be executed anywhere near other people, regardless of whether they were watching or not.

‘Is this what that blast from his quarters yesterday was about?’

‘Could this be the reason he requested guidance regarding the Bare Hand Demon Art?’

A chilling numbness washed over Jin Ha-yeon’s fingers, a cold perspiration breaking out along her neck.

Indeed, even though they had retreated a significant distance at Il-mok’s sudden shout, the lingering force of the blast had still struck them.

She had deployed a shield composed of yin qi at her Sea of Energy realm, which barely permitted her to endure the shockwave.

Because of that experience, she understood the danger perfectly.

They had managed to survive solely because they stood at the absolute edge. Had they been positioned in the epicenter, even her strength at the Sea of Energy realm would have been insufficient to save her.

The chaotic inner voices instantly reacted to the expressions of terror and anxiety on the women’s faces.

• Those women are looking down on you! They are absolutely ridiculing you for taking damage from an exercise like this!

• Disregard that madman. Those ladies are deeply concerned for your well-being, meaning this is the perfect moment to strike!

  ‘Silence, both of you!’

  Il-mok internally barked at the voices to vanish, consciously smoothing his features into a serene mask before addressing the two companions.

  “I did incur minor inner trauma, but it is nothing to fret over.”

  Hearing Il-mok’s indifferent tone, Jeong-hyeon blurted out in a state of agitation entirely foreign to her usual demeanor.

  “T-That was an absolutely s-stunning display, Young Master! I have n-never witnessed or heard of such an incredible art. It must be the absolute p-pinnacle of martial prowess, second only to the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.”

  Fascinatingly, Jeong-hyeon was uttering those words with complete earnestness, devoid of any false praise.

  The sentiment that it might be the supreme art under heaven had gripped her mind, but as a loyal follower of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, she deliberately framed her statement to rank it beneath the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.

  Jin Ha-yeon shared a comparable perspective, choosing to inquire of Il-mok with a steady voice rather than reprimanding Jeong-hyeon’s frantic praise.

  “Young Master, by what name is this extraordinary style known?”

  “The title…”

  Il-mok paused for a second as though reflecting on it, then gave a light shrug of his shoulders and spoke.

  “I haven’t settled on a permanent designation, but referring to it as the World-Destroying Chaos Jade Palm feels appropriate enough.”

  Having personally witnessed Il-mok deploy the devastating force, the two women found the title remarkably fitting.

  Noticing their expressions, which indicated they found his naming logical, Il-mok felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over him and quickly remarked further.

  “Additionally, the execution leaves me entirely unprotected during the channeling phase, rendering it an ideal method to be pierced by a random strike during a chaotic skirmish.

  I must progress to a level where I can activate it while maneuvering without restriction, or at the very least, ignite it in a single heartbeat.”

  Ch. 389/571

  “Furthermore, my command over this force remains imperfect; it lacks the ability to differentiate between foe and companion. Should I deploy it carelessly, it could easily decimate our own forces.”

  It stood as an ability that could absolutely never be utilized in a chaotic conflict where enemies and comrades were intertwined.

  Naturally, he had already devised a potential remedy for that flaw.

  In the end, Il-mok was primarily a practitioner of the blade, not an expert in palm techniques.

  “Once I achieve mastery over balancing both currents of power, I intend to channel this energy through a blade rather than my bare palms.”

  The ultimate concept Il-mok possessed was rooted in the Sword Thunder.

  He had initially conceived this entire methodology as a direct evolution of the Sword Thunder that had served as his primary technique in prior conflicts.

  “Drawing inspiration from the palm style’s title, calling it the Chaos-Destroying Sword Thunder feels fitting. Though, I cannot say how much time will be required to truly perfect the execution of the Chaos-Destroying Sword Thunder. Ha ha ha.”

  Jeong-hyeon stared up at Il-mok with an expression of pure awe at his chuckling, while Jin Ha-yeon allowed a subtle smile to grace her lips for a brief instant.

  Then, as a sudden thought struck her, Jin Ha-yeon inquired with an air of hesitation.

  “However, Young Master, is the Ascending Heaven Sword truly capable of enduring the immense backlash generated by that Chaos-Destroying Sword Thunder?”

  In direct response to her query, the Ascending Heaven Sword resting in Il-mok’s grip emitted a sharp, vibrating hum, as if expressing sudden outrage.

  Wiiiing.

  Il-mok offered an approving nod.

  “Ha ha ha. It vibrates as though demanding I place my confidence in its strength. From our clash with the Thousand Blood River Corpses until this very moment, this companion has provided me immense aid.”

  As if in harmony with Il-mok’s ringing laughter, the Ascending Heaven Sword resonated with another vibrant hum.

  Wiiiing!!

  For an inexplicable reason, Jeong-hyeon felt that the weapon’s ringing sounded remarkably like the desperate whimpering of a trapped creature pleading for its survival.

  Concluding his brief exchange with the women, Il-mok requested that they remain alert as sentries while he sank into a state of Qi Circulation and Breath Adjustment.

  The moment he stabilized his internal disruptions and replenished the depleted reserves within his upper and middle dantians, the pair of irritating inner voices resumed their nonsensical chatter.

• We are a part of your own soul, so who exactly are you insulting?

• Learn to embrace your hidden yearnings.

  They spouted endless drivel like a rushing stream. Ch. 389/571

• Hmph.

• Y-Your criticisms are far too severe.

  When Il-mok finally unsealed his eyes after pacifying both his physical trauma and his inner voices, the horizon had already shifted to a deep violet and amber hue.

  “I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

  He offered a polite gesture of clasped hands to express his gratitude to the two companions who had stood watch, then began the journey back to Xining alongside them.

  However, his destination was not his personal living quarters.

  “Miss Jin, Miss Jeong. Are you aware of the location where the wounded from the latest skirmish are currently recuperating?”

  Responding to Il-mok’s inquiry, Jin Ha-yeon and Jeong-hyeon immediately took the lead.

  Before long, the trio reached the medical pavilion, and Jin Ha-yeon escorted Il-mok toward a specific chamber.

  “The Dark Shadow Hall Leader is currently recovering inside this room.”

  “My thanks, Miss Jin.”

  Expressing his appreciation to Jin Ha-yeon, Il-mok stepped toward the entrance with measured strides and spoke softly.

  “Third Senior Brother, do I have permission to enter?”

  “Step inside.”

  Recognizing Seo Wan-pyeong’s voice echoing from within, Il-mok pushed the door open and stepped through.

  “I offer my respects to Third Senior Brother.”

  “Welcome. Word reached me that you had collapsed, which caused me great anxiety, so it brings me immense comfort to see you standing before me unharmed.”

  “Are your wounds healing well, Senior Brother?”

  Faced with Il-mok’s question, Seo Wan-pyeong offered a self-deprecating smirk.

  “My internal disruptions have largely settled, but I feel deep embarrassment for presenting myself in such a pathetic state.”

  While Il-mok had been engaged in a life-or-death struggle against Alliance Leader Cheok Pae-myeong, Seo Wan-pyeong had been locked in combat with Sword Venerable Namgung Jin, only to lose consciousness due to an overwhelming depletion of his internal energy.

  It was only upon regaining consciousness that he learned of the continuous waves of righteous sect assaults, the resurgence of the Blood Cult, and the emergence of the Thousand Blood River Corpses, leaving him feeling utterly overwhelmed.

  “That is far from the reality, Senior Brother. Had you not successfully contained the sword venerable, the vast majority of our Cult’s fighters would have perished.”

  “Indeed, Senior Brother.”

  After locking gazes with Il-mok for a quiet second, Seo Wan-pyeong smiled softly and remarked,

  “I cannot permit myself to fall unconscious so helplessly in future conflicts; I must intensify my daily training tenfold. Ha ha ha.”

  “There will be ample time for rigorous exercise after you have achieved a full recovery.”

  “I appreciate your kind words.”

  Following a brief period of casual conversation, Il-mok pushed himself up from his seat.

  The subsequent destination Il-mok sought out was the chamber where Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a was undergoing medical care.

  In contrast to Seo Wan-pyeong, who rested in solitude, two individuals kept vigil by her side.

  Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang, the grandfather of Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a and the current Demonic Horse Hall Leader, stood alongside her father, Hyeok-ryeon Hwan, who held the title of the Eight-Arms Nonpareil.

  “I extend my greetings to the Demonic Horse Hall Leader. It has been some time, Young Clan Head.”

  “Welcome, Young Master.”

  Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang acknowledged the greeting with a nod, offering a warm reception, whereas Hyeok-ryeon Hwan maintained an overtly sullen expression.

  However, the moment Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang directed a stern, warning look toward him, he hastily lowered his gaze in compliance.

  “It has been a while, Young Master Il-mok.”

  Being well-acquainted with Hyeok-ryeon Hwan’s defensive and prideful attitude regarding his daughter, Il-mok chose to overlook the frosty demeanor.

  He had not ventured to this room to converse with those two elders in any case.

  “Are your energies returning to you?”

  “I am recovering well, big brother. I carry immense regret for failing to provide greater assistance during the crisis.”

  She appeared deeply troubled by the reality that she had sustained severe internal trauma and drifted into unconsciousness from merely absorbing a glancing blow from the Thousand Blood River Corpses.

  “What nonsense are you uttering? A multitude of Cult soldiers owe their lives entirely to your bravery. You accomplished a magnificent feat, so rid your mind of such worries.”

  As Il-mok offered these comforting words, Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a’s eyes narrowed into joyful slivers, her entire posture radiating the vulnerability of a drenched animal finding shelter.

  Beholding that affectionate display, the Eight-Arms Nonpareil’s countenance darkened with intense dissatisfaction.

  Thud.

  Suddenly, a heavy, blunt impact reverberated from the rear of the room.

  Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang was currently holding up the completely unconscious form of Hyeok-ryeon Hwan.

  “…Y-Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.”

  Immediately following the moment Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang hauled the unresponsive Hyeok-ryeon Hwan out of the chamber by his collar, Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a, displaying an utter lack of concern for her collapsed father, conversed brightly with Il-mok. Ch. 389/571

  After sharing a pleasant and thorough dialogue with Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a, Il-mok rose to his feet once more and stated,

  “Your physical vessel has not fully mended, so you must dedicate yourself to rest now. This big brother has additional individuals to visit, so I shall take my leave for the moment.”

  A complicated blend of sentiments flickered across Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a’s features upon hearing Il-mok’s departure words.

  She appeared on the verge of requesting that he remain longer, yet she curbed her desires and murmured,

  “Until we meet again. I shall rest as bidden.”

  As Il-mok stepped outside Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a’s quarters, Hyeok-ryeon Cheon-gang slipped back inside, still dragging the senseless body of Hyeok-ryeon Hwan.

  Il-mok proceeded down the corridors to evaluate the status of the remaining warriors wounded during the intense skirmish.

  For reasons unknown, Jeong-hyeon lingered for a moment, casting a long gaze back toward Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a’s chamber before hurrying to catch up.

  ‘Some matters are truly better left unexamined.’

  With that reflection anchoring his mind, he moved forward.

In the hours that followed, Il-mok dedicated roughly half a shichen to traversing the streets and pavilions of Xining, offering his presence to the various fighters recovering from their injuries.

He additionally journeyed to the solemn courtyard where the bodies of those who perished in the conflict had been assembled to receive an honorable and dignified cremation ceremony.

Returning to his personal quarters at a late hour, Il-mok immediately surrendered to sleep, and with the arrival of dawn the following morning, the situation shifted.

Acting upon the guidance offered by Il-mok, the primary host of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—having already dismissed the personnel deemed unfit for further campaign—commenced their grand departure from Xining, marching toward the territories of Gansu.

With the dark clouds of an all-out conflict gathering on the horizon, they possessed no luxury to waste days on prolonged logistics.

Those burdened with critical trauma were left behind within the walls of Xining, while every warrior capable of maintaining a stride joined the ranks.

Marching among these columns were both Seo Wan-pyeong and Hyeok-ryeon Seon-a.

“Would it not be far wiser for you to remain behind and rest for a few additional days?”

“I am perfectly capable, big brother. For an affliction of this nature, keeping the body in motion actually accelerates the mending process.”

“I… I understand.”

Il-mok offered a strained grin, feeling an intense, stinging sensation prickling against his skin.

‘Does that man truly possess no boundaries or awareness?’

Hyeok-ryeon Hwan’s unblinking glare was sharp enough to pierce iron.

‘Then again, this gathering is practically defined by its eccentric personalities.’

Il-mok subtly shifted his gaze to scan the wider ranks surrounding them. Ch. 389/571

Even though the excessive numbers had been winnowed down by sending back the unfit, a vast multitude of dark martial practitioners remained assembled in this host.

It was solely due to the intimidating presence of Transcending Demon level combatants stationed at strategic intervals throughout the columns that no internal strife or chaotic incidents broke out.

While quietly monitoring the bizarre and unpredictable conduct of various allies scattered through the march, Il-mok suddenly knitted his brows in disapproval.

At the narrow mountain pass that marked the dividing line where the Qinghai-Gansu border met the road toward Lanzhou, a visual anomaly appeared.

A minuscule gathering of barely a dozen robes was positioned directly across the pathway, completely obstructing forward progress.

They wore the unmistakable vestments of the Qingcheng Sect, a faction that was widely reported to have been the very first to pull back from the theatre of war.

‘Have they lost their minds and embraced a desire for death?’

The moment that grim assessment crossed Il-mok’s mind, Qingmu True Person took a decisive stride forward from the small gathering and projected his voice, utilizing his immense inner reserves to make the words boom across the valley.

“We, the representatives of the Qingcheng Sect, have journeyed to this border to offer a formal pact of alliance to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult!”