Chapter 190

Chapter 190
## Chapter 190

### Chapter Title: Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell (1)

—

“Elder!”

Yagul Soseong and Yagul Cheonkyeong had sprinted over the moment Sima Sang summoned them. They were visibly taken aback to see the elderly man engaged in conversation with him and shouted out in surprise.

“Ha ha ha! It has been quite some time. I trust you have all been faring well?”

Gu Yangsun, the Second Elder of the Blood Cult, offered them a cordial greeting.

“We are always doing well. When exactly did you arrive?”

Yagul Soseong inquired as he pulled up a chair.

“I pulled in last night.”

“The trek must have been exhausting for you.”

“Exhausting? Who in this cult has it easier than me, simply idling away the hours?”

Gu Yangsun chuckled and brushed the comment aside with a wave of his hand.

“That is not true. The blades you have crafted are the very foundation of the cult’s power, after all.”

“You have brought a significant number of freshly polished recruits this time. A truly notable amount.”

Following Sima Sang’s remark, both Yagul Soseong and Yagul Cheonkyeong watched with bated breath.

“Exactly one hundred.”

“A hundred?”

“Good heavens! Is it truly feasible to collect that many?”

Yagul Soseong and Yagul Cheonkyeong spoke in a simultaneous burst of amazement.

“Fortune was on our side. However, more than anything, it was achieved because of your steadfast backing. This credit does not belong to me.”

Even though Gu Yangsun passed the praise to the other two, his contribution was vital. He spent his time roaming the lands to identify gifted souls, refining and forging them into the elite edges of the Blood Cult. Not a soul could rival his intuition for spotting latent talent.

“I intend to commit the soldiers you delivered directly into this current campaign.”

Yagul Soseong’s gaze sharpened at Sima Sang’s announcement.

“With a force of that magnitude, shouldn’t we adjust our strategy?”

“That is the very reason I requested your presence. Here, examine this.”

Sima Sang spread a massive parchment across the table.

The map provided a meticulous breakdown of the Shandong martial landscape, including the positions of the Orthodox Heaven Alliance.

“Currently, we have stationed roughly two hundred operatives within Shandong. We have suffered a few casualties in minor bouts, but they have functioned effectively thus far. The true conflict begins now.”

Sima Sang gestured toward a sector on the left of the parchment and went on.

“The vanguard of the Shandong Wicked Clan, who were previously marching toward Shaolin, are now retreating to their primary stronghold. Other factions within the Shandong murim have done the same, calling back their secondary forces.”

Sima Sang then indicated the bottom section of the map.

“The Orthodox Heaven Alliance has also resolved to prioritize the suppression of our cult over providing aid to Shaolin.”

“Up until now, our objective was to ensure the Shandong murim and the Orthodox Heaven Alliance remained distracted from assisting Shaolin, was it not?”

Yagul Cheonkyeong asked.

“Precisely. But that has changed.”

Sima Sang stole a look at Gu Yangsun, who was calmly partaking in his drink.

“Your arrival with the new troops at this specific moment allows us to widen our horizons.”

“How extensively do you intend to push?”

Yagul Soseong asked with a note of caution.

“This is our window to seize control of the entirety of the Shandong murim.”

Gu Yangsun shifted his gaze, his cup still pressed to his mouth.

Yagul Soseong and Yagul Cheonkyeong were unable to mask their astonishment at such a bold escalation.

“Is such a thing possible? While the Shandong murim might lack the raw scale of other provinces, it is certainly no weakling.”

“If the Orthodox Heaven Alliance moves in force, we might find ourselves trapped in a pincer maneuver.”

“The Orthodox Heaven Alliance is already moving exactly how we want them to, so there is no cause for concern there. We will simply maintain the charade until we have consolidated our grip on Shandong, and then we strike.”

“Our existing units combined with the recruits you brought form a formidable host, yet the Shandong Wicked Clan remains the obstacle. You are well aware that their latent power is not to be trifled with.”

Sima Sang gave a slow nod to Gu Yangsun’s point.

“I am aware. If we threw ordinary troops at them, we might be repelled before even making a dent. However, do not fret. Even if we were facing the Nangong Clan instead of the Wicked Clan, the result would remain the same.”

Gu Yangsun could tell from Sima Sang’s unwavering poise that he held a winning card.

“It appears you have formulated a foolproof plan.”

“I have. Just before your arrival, the Cult Leader sent a message indicating his desire to properly engage in the fray.”

“The Cult Leader? Has his period of isolation ended?”

Gu Yangsun asked, his surprise evident.

“He finished his meditation a short while ago. It was actually the Cult Leader who spurred the North Sea Ice Palace into action.”

“Ah, I see. I suspected you had pulled some levers regarding their sudden move south, but it was him all along.”

“But did he not return to his private chambers?”

Yagul Soseong tilted his head in confusion.

“Yes. He seemed quite stung by that unexpected setback—his ego took a heavy blow.”

Yagul Cheonkyeong thought back to his father, who had returned from Yagul Jae and immediately poured his soul into recovering from his wounds and analyzing the clash with Sima Geon.

“A setback? Are you suggesting the Cult Leader was defeated?”

Gu Yangsun, who knew the terrifying depth of the martial arts practiced at Yagul Jae, asked with disbelief.

“Who on this earth could possibly have overcome him?”

“Does the name Sima Geon ring a bell?”

Gu Yangsun searched his memories but eventually shook his head.

“No. Being isolated on this island, I have few ways to stay informed. My last excursion was three years ago, and I heard nothing of him then. He must be a recent arrival.”

“He emerged about a year ago. He hails from the Heavenly Demon Cult.”

“The Heavenly Demon Cult.”

“He has essentially brought the various demonic sects under one banner, and his martial prowess is undeniable. He has caused quite a stir with several high-profile confrontations, but nobody anticipated he would best the Cult Leader.”

“Could he have mastered the original arts of the Heavenly Demon?”

Gu Yangsun asked with a heavy tone.

“No. But it is comparable. The Cult Leader mentioned he has taken up the mantle of the Three Demon Venerables.”

“The Three Demon Venerables! You mean he possesses the techniques of the Blood Sea Demon Venerable as well?”

“Indeed. But they are primal, ancient forms. The Cult Leader remarked that they differ significantly from modern practices. Apparently, the Three merged their essences into a single discipline, and it is a terrifying force.”

“Incredible! To think the Three Demon Venerables combined their might…”

A soft gasp escaped Gu Yangsun.

“Regardless, that man’s rise has clearly sparked a fire in the leader. He wishes to sharpen his edge through the crucible of genuine war.”

“Genuine war? Hmm. I am not certain how much that will benefit someone at the Cult Leader’s pinnacle.”

“Even so, we are talking about the Shandong Wicked Clan.”

“True, a powerhouse of that stature might provide the necessary challenge. They are one of the Five Great Clans, after all.”

As the saying goes, the taller the peak, the deeper the canyon. A prestigious lineage like the Shandong Wicked Clan undoubtedly possessed resources hidden from public view.

“With the Cult Leader’s strength and the power of the soldiers you delivered, we will annihilate the Wicked Clan. Afterward, we will clean up the remaining influential sects in Shandong.”

Sima Sang traced the various targets on the map one by one.

“And in their wake, new powers will rise to fill the vacuum.”

“Proxies of our cult.”

Yagul Soseong’s eyes glittered with excitement.

“Exactly. Instead of exposing our true faces, they will present themselves as competitors to the cult, slowly establishing their roots and spreading their reach. Once the Orthodox Heaven Alliance has finished its sweep of Shandong, every trail leading back to us will be erased.”

“The fame of the Orthodox Heaven Alliance will reach the clouds.”

Yagul Cheonkyeong offered a cynical smirk.

“Consequently, the Martial Alliance will wither away until it is nothing but a hollow shell. We will also harvest the Orthodox Heaven Alliance when the time is right. It has grown too bloated, allowing all manner of trash to enter its ranks.”

“The golden cicada sheds its shell.”

Sima Sang smiled at Gu Yangsun’s observation.

“And then some. I have added a few extra layers to the scheme.”

“Ha ha! Just as I expected.”

Gu Yangsun let out a boisterous laugh.

“Switching topics, how do you intend to handle that specific proposal?”

Yagul Soseong asked, pouring more spirits into Gu Yangsun’s vessel as if the thought had just surfaced.

“Which proposal?”

“The one from the Iron Blood Palace.”

“The Iron Blood Palace? Are you referring to the one I am thinking of?”

Gu Yangsun asked, startled.

“The very same.”

“How could they have even discovered our existence to initiate contact?”

“That remains a riddle to me as well.”

A soft, weary breath left Sima Sang.

“Which division filed the report?”

“The Shadow Gate. They seem to be under the impression it is controlled by the cult.”

It was clear that Sima Sang was displeased that the Shadow Gate’s true nature had been compromised.

“They must have someone quite perceptive over there.”

“Or perhaps the Iron Blood Palace possesses an intelligence network that dwarfs our own. They may have tunneled deeper into our affairs than we realize.”

“So, what was the nature of their offer?”

“They suspect we are the architects of the North Sea Ice Palace’s move toward the south and have offered their assistance.”

“There is no such thing as a free gift. They will want their due.”

“Nothing has been specified yet. In all likelihood, they seek to penetrate the Central Plains, much like the North Sea Ice Palace.”

“What is your decision?”

“We will take the offer. The more turmoil we create, the better. We can settle accounts with both the North Sea Ice Palace and the Iron Blood Palace when the dust settles.”

Gu Yangsun nodded silently, accepting Sima Sang’s self-assured stance.

“But in what manner do they intend to assist us?”

Sima Sang unrolled a second map in response to Yagul Cheonkyeong’s query.

“It is quite obvious. Their entry points into the Central Plains are restricted. Look here. From the great boundary into the heartland, this is the only viable path. And if one follows it…”

Sima Sang ran his finger along the geography of the northwestern territories on the map, passing through the locations of several sects.

“This is going to trigger a total catastrophe.”

Sima Sang looked pointedly at Yagul Cheonkyeong’s shocked face.

“A catastrophe? The entire world of martial arts will be turned upside down. In fact, it might have already started.”

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

“The gate of the mountain.”

Um Jeokso, walking with a look of exhaustion, gave a nod as his subordinate spoke.

“I see it now.”

As his eyes locked onto the weathered, simple pillars of the entrance, they began to slowly fill with a reddish hue.

“What was the headcount again?”

He turned to ask, and a man of middle age stepped forward with a respectful bow.

“According to our scouts, roughly one hundred and fifty. However, if we disregard the novice disciples, those capable of actual combat…”

“I don’t need the minutiae.”

Um Jeokso cut him off with a flick of his hand.

“One hundred and fifty is even lower than I anticipated.”

“Indeed. Nearly half of their strength was sent to bolster Shaolin.”

“Tch tch. Idiots sprinting toward their own graves.”

“As we previously noted, the Jade Spring Courtyard is the largest temple, but the true experts are dispersed throughout various small and large shrines. In particular…”

Um Jeokso stopped the man from continuing by raising his hand.

“Master of the Myriad Eyes Hall.”

Bi Gal, the man responsible for the Iron Blood Palace’s intelligence, bowed low.

“Yes, Palace Lord.”

“I value your diligence, but you are far too talkative. How many times must you repeat the same explanation? My ears are starting to ache.”

“I… I deeply apologize.”

“Be succinct.”

“Y-Yes, I understand.”

Um Jeokso walked right past the rattled Bi Gal toward the Jade Spring Courtyard.

“Wh-Who goes there?”

“From where have you come?”

The young Taoist sentries at the gate grew rigid as they saw Um Jeokso and the warriors of the Iron Blood Palace approaching.

Um Jeokso saw a few of the more alert ones sprinting inside to raise the alarm, but he ignored them and continued his pace.

“Stand down!”

The young Taoists unsheathed their blades to obstruct him, but the moment their steel caught the light, Ma Uk and Jwa Geom lunged from either side, ending their lives in a heartbeat.

As Um Jeokso walked into the Jade Spring Courtyard with a relaxed stride, Taoists began swarming in from every corner, alerted by the commotion.

Observing the gathering crowd, Um Jeokso grinned broadly and called out.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mount Hua Sect! I am Um Jeokso, the Palace Lord of the Iron Blood Palace.”