Chapter 326

Chapter 326
Chapter 326. Spirit Hunt (1)

—

Following that moment, we pressed on with our extermination campaign without pausing for even a breath.

It seemed as though his earlier cautious pace had been entirely meant to circumvent the beasts, for now Yang-ja-pyeong began clearing the way forward with absolute resolve.

And during our unrelenting advance…

“Argh, eeeeek…!”

Abominations started bursting out from the shadows, truly demonstrating why Muk-rim possessed such a fearsome reputation.

We crossed paths not only with Blue-scaled Golden-line Snakes and Flying Thousand-leg Centipedes, but after a considerable period, we also ran into a Human-faced Spider.

Naturally, the moment that Human-faced Spider appeared, Seong-mo-ran lost consciousness right then and there.

Creatures that one would struggle to catch a glimpse of even once throughout the Central Plains were emerging from every direction constantly, appearing as common as wild hares on a local hillside.

‘Though, naturally, ordinary hares do not charge at you with wild, bloodshot eyes in a desperate attempt to devour a human being.’

My companions, who had at first hesitated because of the gruesome visages of the beasts, slowly grew accustomed to the danger as our tally of slain targets steadily mounted. Consequently, our pace of clearing the area accelerated with every passing hour.

“This one yielded another piece only as large as a tiny grain of millet.”

The most striking transformation belonged, without a doubt, to Seong-mo-ran.

She no longer panicked at the mere sight of multi-legged bugs.

Perhaps facing the horror of a Human-faced Spider made her realize she could handle pretty much anything else the forest threw at her.

Yet she didn’t just tolerate the environment; she surpassed that entirely.

“Who claims the prize now? Is it time for Dong-ryong?”

She had actually started guiding our advance.

A look of pure contentment spread across my features.

When Seong-mo-ran deftly extracted a Spirit Pill and held it out to Dong-ryong, the young man simply gazed at her hand with a dazed expression.

Seeing his hesitation, Seong-mo-ran extended her palm closer to his face.

“What is it? Consume it immediately so you can sit down and guide your internal strength.”

“…”

Dong-ryong, silently contemplating the small Spirit Pill for a long moment, finally shifted his gaze in my direction.

“…However, Dae-sa-hyung has not taken a single portion for himself since we began.”

Hearing Dong-ryong’s deeply thoughtful words, a profound wave of warmth flooded my heart.

Indeed, this exact loyalty is the reason I endure so many hardships for these youngsters.

Suppressing a sudden prickle of tears, I gave Dong-ryong a reassuring pat on his back.

“Your Dae-sa-hyung desires nothing more than to see all of you advance your cultivation and progress to the next level.”

“But still…”

Observing how Dong-ryong desperately wished to offer me the tiny, millet-sized Spirit Pill, Seong-mo-ran interjected with a thoroughly cynical tone.

“Do not waste your sympathy on him, Dong-ryong. A speck like that wouldn’t satisfy a fraction of his appetite even if he swallowed it whole.”

“…”

“Word has it that you devoured the elite Spirit Pills belonging to the Nam-gung Clan, and even consumed the sacred treasures of the Mo-yong Clan. Sigh… I was completely oblivious to that, worrying myself sick that a mere Iron Heart Pill wouldn’t suffice to mend the damage within your dantian.”

*Cough.* Exactly who allowed that confidential information to slip?

It is a well-known maxim within the Kang-ho that a warrior must always keep seventy percent of their secrets buried deep.

Feigning absolute ignorance regarding Seong-mo-ran’s remarks, I addressed the boy.

“Dong-ryong, your Dae-sa-hyung derives a sense of spiritual growth merely from watching your strengths improve, so put your anxieties aside and take the medicine.”

In truth, my reserves of inner strength were genuinely expanding.

The majority of the beasts harboring a Spirit Pill also carried a Poison Dab that dwarfed the medicine itself, and I had been quietly harvesting them when no one was looking.

While the raw essence from a single one could not match a high-grade Spirit Pill, utilizing the power of the Blue Dragon Ring allowed me to draw a substantial amount of true qi even from a simple Poison Dab.

As a consequence, there was no real necessity for me to squabble over a treasure no larger than a grain of grain.

The true dilemma lay in the fact that opportunities to activate the Blue Dragon Ring were incredibly hard to come by without drawing suspicion.

‘Sigh, I dread to think how many valuable Poison Dabs I have abandoned simply because I had to keep up appearances before the others.’

Had I been traveling entirely on my own, I would have retraced our steps repeatedly without a second thought to stealthily employ the Blue Dragon Ring.

Yet, who in their right mind would trek back through such a treacherous landscape completely unassisted just to harvest those materials, risking whatever ambush might await them?

Regardless of how reckless I could be, I retained enough basic survival instincts to avoid that. Absolutely.

As I was silently lamenting my lost treasures, a sudden commotion drifted up from the base of the ridge.

“What is that?”

When my companions and I shifted our focus downward, we spotted a massive contingent of roughly two hundred Academy students marching in unison.

‘What are they planning?’

Focusing my gaze and channeling energy into my eyes to get a clearer view, I discerned a combined force comprised of disciples from both the Righteous Alliance and the White Path Association.

“What exactly is their objective?”

“True. Their orders were supposed to be individual reconnaissance duties… why have they gathered into such a massive formation?”

Exactly as Seong-mo-ran and Eun-ho pointed out, the conduct of this detachment defied all conventional logic.

Instead of surveying the terrain, their alignment suggested they were prepared for a massive subjugation campaign.

Paying absolutely no heed to their surroundings, they focused entirely on advancing, brutally uprooting ancient timber and slashing through thick undergrowth to forge a wide path.

“Sigh…”

Yang-ja-pyeong released a heavy, knowing sigh, his expression darkening.

“From the very start, I felt uneasy about why the high-ranking instructors were assigning such high-risk duties…”

“Are you aware of their real goal?”

“Alas… it appears their objective is to launch a Spirit Hunt.”

The words struck me, causing me to stiffen completely.

“A Spirit Hunt?”

“I refer to the legendary Four Great Spirits that reign over the depths of Muk-rim. I cannot comprehend what madness has possessed them.”

“Are you certain?”

“Undoubtedly. To throw themselves into such an incredibly lethal endeavor…”

A sudden wave of intense passion rushed straight to my brain.

“Representative Jin, do not concern yourself with their folly—”

“Do you mean to say… there are actual Spirit Beasts inhabiting Muk-rim?!”

Good grief, how could you keep such vital information hidden from me until this very second?

“Are they genuinely real?”

“…”

Yang-ja-pyeong stared back at me with a completely uncomprehending expression.

His eyes spoke volumes, clearly conveying: *Is that seriously the detail you are focusing on right now?*

Forcing down my mounting zeal, I rephrased my inquiry with utmost politeness.

“If these legendary Spirit Beasts reside here… it stands to reason they must harbor massive Spirit Pills, correct?!”

“…Are you completely ignoring my warning about how suicidal this is?”

“Assuming they possess Spirit Pills, what scale are we talking about? Since they hold the title of the Four Great Spirits, the treasures inside them must be grand beyond imagination, right?”

“Pardon me, Academy Representative?”

“Immeasurable treasures… khahaha…”

“Representative! Hey! Representative Jin! You absolute madman! Listen to what I am telling you!”

“The legendary Four Great Spirits… hehe… the Four Great Spirits themselves…”

Exactly, how long did I expect to gather tiny specks before building a grand fortune?

A true warrior’s destiny is meant to be forged in a single, massive gamble!

“Pay attention! Representative Jin! Your gaze has gone completely manic! Are you even aware of yourself?!”

The frantic protests of Yang-ja-pyeong, a man whose words I rarely took at face value anyway, faded into absolute white noise.

“First is the Sun Ape.”

“Hehe… hehehe.”

“Next, the Blue-snow Ice-white Snake.”

“Ahahaha!”

“…Followed by the Ten-thousand-year Earth Bear.”

“Pffft-hahaha!”

“And finally, the Golden-armored Roc.”

“Bwahahaha!”

“…”

Several icy glares focused squarely on my laughing figure.

I cleared my throat loudly, attempting to rein in my features and look serious.

Yet, the sheer delight of the prospects made it impossible to completely suppress my mirth.

“These entities together comprise the legendary Four Great Spirits of Muk-rim.”

“Hehehe…”

“…”

“Right, my apologies, do continue.”

Yang-ja-pyeong massaged his temples aggressively, looking as though a severe migraine was blooming behind his eyes.

“…As I have tried to explain, these creatures are not typical prey that one can simply choose to track down. They exist far beyond the boundaries of mortal strength. There is a reason they are revered as divine entities.”

Yang-ja-pyeong emphasized his points with great intensity.

“Moreover, there is absolutely no concrete proof that these entities even carry Spirit Pills within them. Do you comprehend why that is?”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Because in all of history, a campaign against them has never once succeeded.”

“Not a single time?”

Nam-gung-seon-hwa interjected, her tone laced with astonishment, prompting a firm nod from Yang-ja-pyeong.

“Their intellect easily rivals or surpasses that of mankind, their raw might matches ancient abominations, and Muk-rim serves as their personal domain. Rather than bringing one down, a tracking party is far more likely to perish in the wilderness before ever sighting them.”

“…”

“Should you choose to pursue these entities, I will immediately renounce my role as your pathfinder. Regardless of my obligations to this expedition, I refuse to throw my life away on a suicide mission.”

The feverish greed that had gripped my mind quickly receded, replaced by cold, calculating rationality.

If a guide like Yang-ja-pyeong, who had unhesitatingly assisted us through toxic regions and dangerous beasts, dug his heels in so resolutely, the peril had to be genuine.

Regardless of my deep yearning for legendary elixirs, I could not justify risking the survival of my companions and younger martial siblings for a gamble.

Offering him a respectful nod, I spoke.

“Very well. I shall heed the counsel of Great Hero Yang.”

Yang-ja-pyeong released a profound breath, visibly relaxing.

Right as we prepared to resume our march, putting aside all lingering thoughts regarding the grand quarry…

“Dae-sa-hyung, we have company heading in our direction.”

A portion of the vanguard belonging to the hunting force was making its way toward our position.

Emerging through the dense foliage after hacking away the brush were several martial instructors accompanied by Academy students.

“Oh? I marched over here intending to discipline whatever pathetic rodent was disrupting our tracks… Well, well, if it isn’t our esteemed Academy Representative poking his nose into this.”

No-jin-ha sneered, a mocking smirk twisting his features.

His already unpleasant countenance somehow managed to look even more repulsive than usual.

“For what reason has an official instructor, whose duty lies back at the primary encampment, dragged himself out to this remote area?”

“What did you say? Dragged himself?!”

Just as No-jin-ha looked poised to lunge at me in a fury, Kang-tae-ha extended an arm to hold him back, offering an explanation.

“…Our presence here is likewise for reconnaissance, ensuring the safety of the Academy students under our charge.”

I gestured with my chin toward the individuals clad in trackers’ garb who stood beside Kang-tae-ha.

“And I see you have chosen to employ guides who deliberately do not belong to the South Fist Sect?”

A man wearing the hunter’s attire stepped across the line, scowling deeply.

“The members of the South Fist Sect are hardly omniscient regarding the secrets of Muk-rim. In truth, they are nothing more than amateurs who merely patrol the perimeter.”

*Gnash.*

Yang-ja-pyeong ground his teeth audibly, casting a venomous glare at the foreign trackers—suggesting a bitter history between them—before turning his fury toward the faculty members.

“Conducting a Spirit Hunt in the middle of an official deployment…! Have you completely lost your minds?”

“We simply do not share your spineless timidity. Having penetrated this deeply into the territory, it would be a waste not to at least confront one of these legendary beasts.”

“An undertaking like a Spirit Hunt is—”

“Save your breath, we have no interest in your tedious moralizing. We have already accounted for variables like the Natural Formations.”

One of the rival trackers chimed in, a condescending smirk on his face.

“Fundamentally, a Natural Formation only poses a threat if one attempts to navigate around it cautiously. There is no issue if you simply employ overwhelming force to demolish everything in your path.”

“Unbelievable…!”

Ignoring Yang-ja-pyeong, who could only stare back in utter bewilderment, No-jin-ha redirected his attention to me.

“Why is our grand Representative, who is tasked with investigating the Demonic Realm, still lingering in this vicinity? Could it be that you secretly desire a share of our prize?”

Following a collective chuckle from his lackeys, No-jin-ha taunted me further.

“What do you say? If you drop to your knees and kowtow before me, I might graciously allow you a spot in our hunting party.”

“…!”

For a split second, my knees twitched as I prepared to drop forward, but Eun-ho grabbed my shoulder firmly to restrain me.

*—Control your impulses.*

Good grief, I nearly went through with the kowtow.

His perception is truly frighteningly sharp.

Brushing off my robes, I dismissively shook my head.

“Forget it. A legendary beast is hardly a common stray animal found in an alley. How could I possibly cooperate in a venture led by such incompetent strategists?”

“What did you say?!”

“Go right ahead with your grand campaign or whatever else pleases you. I offer my most ironic wishes for your absolute triumph.”

With those words delivered, I turned around to depart.

Muffled curses drifted from behind me, echoing sentiments such as “That miserable whelp, I will make sure to…” but I tuned them out without a care.

Once we had covered some ground, Yang-ja-pyeong drew near to my side, his demeanor reflecting a slight sense of relief and enthusiasm.

“You made the correct choice. Attempting to bring down such entities is sheer madness. To make up for it… I shall lead your group to territories teeming with the highest density of beasts.”

After putting a substantial distance between ourselves and No-jin-ha’s detachment…

I reached out, firmly gripping Yang-ja-pyeong’s broad shoulder as I questioned him.

“It is absolutely… guaranteed that their endeavor will end in failure, correct?”

“Pardon? What are you…”

“The expedition… their attempt against the legendary creature. It is completely impossible for them to achieve victory, right?”

“…”

Yang-ja-pyeong’s face suddenly clouded over, turning a grim shade resembling scorched timber.

Agitating his shoulder with increased intensity, I demanded an answer once more.

“Tell me truthfully, it is an absolute certainty that they will fail miserably, right?!”

“…”

“Sigh… they simply must fail.”

Otherwise, the sheer envy would surely rot my entrails.