Chapter 518

Chapter 518
Chapter 518. The Monster That Eats Despair (3)

—

*Ji-ing—*

The rhythmic thrumming of the **Jeok-bong-hwan** carried an intensity that far eclipsed their previous confrontation with the **Soul-Returning Iron Jiangshi**.

*Ji-ing—*

Extending his spiritual awareness down the dark corridor, **Jin-so-un** searched for the source, yet his senses detected absolutely nothing.

*Ji-ing—*

What kind of entity could it possibly be?

*Ji-ing—*

The spaces between each shuddering pulse grew shorter. The profound dread of facing an unidentifiable adversary caused his pulse to quicken rapidly.

*Ji-ing—*

Drawing his blade, he positioned himself defensively at the vanguard of the group.

“**Hall Master Jin**…… what is the meaning of this…….”

Faint voices drifted from behind him, but he paid them no heed. Channeling the **Tae-eul-jin-gyeong** to its utmost limit, he enveloped his form within the protective shroud of the **Ok-cheong-cheon-sang-ryeok**.

*Ji-ing— Ji-ing— Ji-ing—*

The frantic resonance of the **Jeok-bong-hwan** persisted, mimicking a desperate alarm. Such a violent reaction only manifested when a threat was practically on top of them. Even so, the source of this malicious presence remained entirely cloaked from view.

*Ji-ing— Ji-ing—*

The distinctive rasp of steel being drawn cautiously echoed from the companions behind him, yet his absolute concentration remained locked on the darkness ahead.

*‘What could it be? The Dark Soul-Severing Group? The Formless Flying Demon Squad? Or perhaps the Five Ghost Demons?’*

Weighing every grim possibility, he mentally reviewed his tactical options. Unfortunately, no viable strategy presented itself. They were cornered in a confined passage, and their foe was a ghost.

*Rumble.*

Just as he began to manifest the **Gwang-cheon-sin-jang** with grim determination, the rapid pulses of the **Jeok-bong-hwan** finally began to slow down.

*Ji-ing—*

The strength of the vibrations held firm, but the time between them stretched.

*Ji-ing—*

Eventually, the warnings grew erratic before fading into total silence.

*‘What in the world was that?’*

The **Jeok-bong-hwan**, which had just been screaming of an impending strike, was now as still as if the danger had been an illusion. Only after he suppressed the lethal energy of the **Gwang-cheon-sin-jang** and sheathed his weapon did the collective exhales of relief sound from his rear.

“Ah, please forgive me. It appears my senses played tricks on me.”

There was no benefit in spreading panic among the ranks. The tension visibly drained from the martial artists.

“**Do-kwang-su**.”

**Do-kwang-su**, who had been cowering in the deepest recesses of the subterranean path, peered out with a thoroughly bewildered countenance.

“Take the lead. Map out our route.”

The geography of these tunnels was in constant flux. Relying on past recollection was futile now; it was far wiser to depend on **Do-kwang-su**’s natural instincts.

“M—Me?”

“Indeed.”

“……”

Though **Do-kwang-su** looked as if he were being marched to the gallows, he reluctantly stepped to the front in a gesture of resignation. The group prepared to resume their march.

“**Hall Master Jin**, was that truly just a false alarm?”

“……”

“I have never before witnessed you looking so severely shaken.”

He could hardly explain that the tool had reacted with a violence far exceeding any corrupted human he had ever fought in this lifetime. Terrors from his previous incarnation flashed vividly across his mind. He shook his head forcefully to dispel the intrusive thoughts, though his heavenly affliction ensured they remained sharp.

—

**Lee-sang-byeok**, the commander overseeing the First Investigation Team of the Murim Alliance, offered a profound bow of respect.

“It brings me great joy to cross paths with you again, **Poison Saint Nim**.”

**Dang-su-je** gently gestured for him to rise.

“I trust you have remained in good health?”

“I have fared well, entirely due to your grace.”

Once the brief formalities concluded—

“Judging by the path you are taking, it appears you are heading toward the cavern’s threshold, am I correct?”

“You are. We are currently making our way to the surface.”

“It seems your departure is somewhat more precipitous than anticipated.”

By all accounts, they should have lingered to unearth more historical artifacts, yet **Lee-sang-byeok** had ultimately chosen to abandon the Sword Tomb.

“The circumstances within have simply grown far too overwhelming.”

Retreating from a challenge was not a reputation any martial artist desired to display to their peers. However, their current state was far too dire to prioritize vain pride. The immediate necessity was to safely escort the recovered treasures back to the Murim Alliance, even if it meant assembling a more capable vanguard to re-enter at a later date…… or so the reasoning went.

“Did you encounter significant peril?”

“The internal conflicts plaguing the Sword Tomb are escalating dramatically. In this single day, I have already stumbled upon three separate locations where martial artists were slaughtered wholesale.”

“I understand.”

**Lee-sang-byeok** raised his hands in a respectful salute toward the somber **Dang-su-je**.

“Furthermore, I must express my deepest gratitude.”

“*Hmm*?”

“The medicinal relief you provided made our journey toward the exit significantly less treacherous.”

Their primary obstacle since stepping into the Sword Tomb had been the psychological degradation of their companions. Without warning, men began committing atrocities worthy of feral beasts without a shred of remorse. As this madness spread and became normalized, keeping order became impossible. Rogue elements were actively attempting to plunder esoteric texts. Had the Dang Clan’s counter-agent not arrived via **Jin-so-un**, they would have succumbed to the mind-altering spores without ever realizing they were losing their sanity.

“To formulate such a flawless remedy so rapidly…… the medical and toxicological mastery of the Dang Clan truly defies comprehension.”

“……Who gave you that impression?”

“Excuse me? It was **Jin-so-un** who informed us……”

“*Oho*…… is that what he claimed?”

“Is there an issue……?”

“Not at all. I am merely debating whether I ought to praise the boy’s clever resourcefulness.”

While a confused **Lee-sang-byeok** tilted his head in perplexity, **Dang-su-je** shifted the conversation forward.

“We intend to venture a bit deeper into the recesses.”

“Understood. May fortune favor your path.”

“Ah, a moment! Utilize this specific corridor. Our observations upon entering revealed that the structural reality of the Sword Tomb completely contradicts the reference maps. The proper exit lies along that route.”

“Understood. You have my thanks.”

As the martial artists of the Dang Clan began filing into the cavern and the First Investigation Team prepared to resume their trek, **Yong-so-ah** stepped up beside **Lee-sang-byeok**.

“It would be wiser to proceed along this avenue instead.”

“*Hmm*?”

**Yong-so-ah** indicated a passageway entirely opposite to the route **Dang-su-je** had recommended.

“That contradicts the guidance provided by the **Poison Saint Nim**.”

“I am certain this is the correct course.”

“……”

**Lee-sang-byeok** wavered in deliberation for a brief interval. Ultimately, he chose to trust her guidance. Ever since the interior structures of the Sword Tomb had begun shifting, defying **Yong-so-ah**’s perception had never yielded a favorable outcome.

“At the very least, it brings peace of mind. Knowing the Dang Clan has entered means countless lives will undoubtedly be preserved.”

“…… ”

“Do you not agree?”

Offering no reply, **Yong-so-ah** simply kept her gaze fixed on the dark corridor where **Dang-su-je** had gone.

—

As the **Yoseong-dang** and the Moyong Clan advanced in unison, **Do-kwang-su** suddenly recoiled, breaking his stride.

“**Great Hero Jin**…… over there……”

In the chamber ahead, a gathering of roughly a score of martial artists could be seen.

“What is our course of action?”

Encountering other factions was a frequent occurrence by now, but this meeting bore a distinct tension. Every single individual present had their weapons drawn. **Jin-so-un** carefully inspected their uniform insignia. It bore the emblem of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber** (**Cheon-geom-bang**), a prominent power holding a position among the revered **Twelve Peaks**.

“Greetings to the swordsmen of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber**. I am **Jin-so-un**, leader of the Murim Alliance’s **Yoseong-dang**.”

Though **Jin-so-un** extended a courteous martial salute, the members of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber** made no effort to temper their aggressive posture.

“Surrender your provisions.”

“……”

Observing their unkempt appearance, it was simple enough to deduce how long they had been trapped within the depths. Furthermore, not a single one among them was free of injury. Most factions they had crossed paths with previously chose to bypass them out of respect for the **Yoseong-dang**’s authority and the crest of the Moyong Clan. Clearly, starvation had completely unseated their rational thought.

“I am willing to share our sustenance, but perhaps it would be best to lower your steel first?”

“Did my words escape you? I commanded you to hand over the food!!!”

The exclamation carried the desperate edge of a drowning man’s cry. A frantic plea to be delivered from this waking nightmare.

“I understand your plight. However, I have a preliminary condition.”

“A condition?”

“Indeed. Consume this before we proceed.”

**Jin-so-un** flicked a **Clear Mind Spirit-Preserving Pill** through the air, and the hostile middle-aged martial artist leading the demands caught the small container.

“What mockery is this?”

“A curative agent.”

“A curative? We suffer from no toxin.”

“You are currently attempting to extort and rob the Moyong Clan alongside the Alliance’s **Yoseong-dang**. That behavior alone serves as definitive proof that your minds are compromised.”

“Absurd drivel!”

**Jin-so-un** gave a casual shrug.

“Comply and swallow it, and the provisions are yours.”

“Are you attempting to barter food for our compliance?”

“Our intention is merely to offer assistance. Should you refuse……”

In an instant, an overwhelming, suffocating aura of slaughter erupted from **Jin-so-un**’s form.

“*Huk*!”

“*Hup*!”

The sheer magnitude of this murderous intent seemed to physically bind their limbs and pierce through their very souls, rendering them utterly paralyzed with terror. The source of this terrifying pressure, however, maintained an entirely serene and unbothered expression.

“Do you truly believe you possess the capability to slaughter us to bury your transgressions?”

“……”

As abruptly as it had manifested, the suffocating pressure radiating from **Jin-so-un** dissolved into nothingness. The trapped swordsmen of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber** drew sharp, ragged breaths to replenish their lungs.

“*Heo-eo, heo-eo, heo-eo*.”

“What is your choice?”

“……If I ingest this, and this alone, will you provide the sustenance?”

“Without hesitation.”

The senior martial artist glared at the medicinal sphere within the case as though it were lethal venom, locked in internal conflict. As he hesitated, murmurs of intense irritation rippled from his subordinates.

“Damn it all, just swallow the thing already! I am practically perishing from starvation here.”

“My thoughts exactly. If you marched us into this tomb of death, the least you can do is take charge instead of hesitating over this!”

Though spoken as hushed grievances, the complaints reverberated clearly through the stone chamber, reaching the ears of the **Yoseong-dang** and the Moyong Clan. While the **Yoseong-dang** took the behavior in stride, the complexions of the Moyong Clan members flushed with deep embarrassment. The senior swordsman cast a lethal glare toward his insolent followers before downing the medicine with a resolute gulp. He clamped his eyes shut, bracing for a fatal reaction. Yet, as the moments ticked by, no blood passed his lips, nor did his strength fail him. Instead, a profound clarity returned to his gaze, and he blinked in utter astonishment.

“Wh—What magic is this……”

“A airborne spore known as **Musim-hwan-gak-san** is currently ravaging the sanity of those within these caves. That pill serves to neutralize its influence.”

“*Heo*……”

While he stood immobilized by shock, further demands echoed from the rear of his party.

“Well? When do we receive the rations!”

“Even if that medicine didn’t kill you, the deal for food still stands, correct?”

“……”

The veteran swordsman looked upon his unruly subordinates with a hollow, weary expression, prompting **Jin-so-un** to pass along the remaining **Clear Mind Spirit-Preserving Pills**. Ultimately, the therapeutic remedies were distributed by the leader and consumed by the rest of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber** members after a brief scramble.

“““W—We have committed a catastrophic offense against you, **Young Sect Leader-nim**!”””

The medicine achieved the exact same transformative awakening as it had with the Moyong Clan.

“With that settled, we shall take our leave.”

Having distributed the supplies, they prepared to resume their journey immediately, but the senior martial artist stepped forward to halt **Jin-so-un**’s departure.

“It is deeply humiliating for me to request this, but might we secure permission to travel alongside your vanguard?”

The man looked pleadingly between his dependent disciples and the young master.

“I have no objections, provided our faction retains absolute authority over our movements.”

At that juncture, **Dang-seo-hee** interceded sharply.

“Let us establish this beyond any ambiguity. **Jin-so-un**, as the Hall Master of the **Yoseong-dang**, wields exclusive command over this entire column.”

“You mean he……?”

The senior swordsman wavered briefly, harbor a lingering skepticism, but ultimately conceded with a firm nod.

“It would be the height of idiocy for us to squabble over martial hierarchy while trapped in this purgatory. I shall abide by your directives.”

“Very well.”

“Ah, a proper introduction is overdue. I am **Ha-do-su**, the Vice Sect Leader of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber**.”

If this man was indeed Vice Sect Leader **Ha-do-su**, then he was the sire of **Ha-yeong-yeong**.

“I have received numerous accounts regarding your exploits from **Yeong-yeong**. She expressed immense lamentation that an individual of your extraordinary caliber chose not to align with the **Twelve Peaks**.”

It was evident that **Ha-do-su** had been briefed on **Jin-so-un**’s capabilities through his daughter. With the inclusion of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber**, their numbers expanded significantly as they forged ahead. Now that their group exceeded fifty combatants, erratic wanderers no longer dared to launch impulsive assaults or obstruct their passage.

As they maintained a steady pace through the tunnels, **Il-gak** detached himself from the main column to walk beside **Jin-so-un**.

“**Hall Master Jin**, there is a matter I wish to query you on.”

“Speak.”

“Regarding the **Musim-hwan-gak-san**…… what fate ultimately befalls an individual who remains under its influence indefinitely?”

“To be frank……”

In his previous life, an exhaustive analysis of the **Musim-hwan-gak-san** had never been completed. The catastrophic conflict between the Orthodox and Unorthodox factions was raging at its peak, systematically consuming the population of the Central Plains. The discovery that the **Clear Mind Spirit-Preserving Pill** could counteract the effects of the **Musim-hwan-gak-san** had been a matter of pure serendipity.

“In truth, my understanding is limited. Any conclusion I offer is merely speculative.”

Unable to disclose the reality of his regression, **Jin-so-un** offered that vague explanation. After all, the parameters inside the Sword Tomb had shifted dramatically from his memories. He had initially hypothesized that individuals with immense internal cultivation and immaculate energy would possess natural immunity, but that theory had proven entirely false.

“Observe that individual.”

**Jin-so-un** gestured toward **Do-kwang-su**.

“His cultivation is a chaotic tapestry of disparate, unverified techniques, and his total reserve is laughably minuscule, yet his mind remains entirely unblemished.”

He then inclined his chin toward the elder swordsman.

“Conversely, the Vice Sect Leader of the **Heavenly Sword Chamber** possesses an immaculate, peak-tier cultivation, yet he was driven to launch an unprovoked assault on us without a second thought.”

“……”

The comprehensive truth of the **Musim-hwan-gak-san** would likely remain shrouded until the Sword Tomb collapsed and its mysteries were laid bare to the world. Naturally, securing their survival and escaping this labyrinth took absolute precedence over academic curiosity.

“Does a specific concern weigh on your mind?”

In response to **Jin-so-un**’s inquiry, **Il-gak** offered a solemn nod.

“The Shaolin Temple likewise committed an elite reconnaissance force to this endeavor.”

The monastic order had not been present among the forces of the First Investigation Team alongside **Yong-so-ah**. Consequently, there was an incredibly high likelihood that the Shaolin contingent remained isolated somewhere within these subterranean depths. **Jin-so-un** scrutinized **Il-gak**’s strained features. Given the depth of his anxiety, it was clear his concern exceeded standard fraternal worry. Was a figure of immense significance listed among their ranks?

“What was the total complement of their force?”

“I was informed the detachment comprised thirty ordained disciples.”

“Reserve thirty of our **Clear Mind Spirit-Preserving Pills** for their use.”

“No, that was not my intention in raising the matter……”

“Think nothing of it. Should the strength of the Shaolin Temple bolster our ranks, our collective prospects of survival increase proportionally. This benefit extends to everyone here.”

**Il-gak** wavered for a fleeting moment before pressing his palms together in a profound gesture of monastic gratitude.

“*Amitabha*.”

Consequent to their expanded numbers, the overall velocity of their march decelerated significantly. Even so, they refrained from reckless haste. While securing an exit was paramount, maintaining their defensive cohesion was the greater priority. Thus, when they navigated into an unfamiliar subterranean vault two days later, **Jin-so-un**’s companions immediately sensed that this particular chamber possessed a luminescence missing from the darker corridors.

“It is refreshing to behold proper light after so long.”

By an intriguing turn of fate, the area **Dang-seo-hee** was indicating was occupied by a gathering of tonsured martial artists clad in monastic vestments. It was the missing reconnaissance force from the Shaolin Temple. However—

“What transpires there?”

Their tactical positioning was highly unusual. The ordained monks of Shaolin had established a massive, rotating perimeter at uniform intervals. In rhythmic succession, pairs of combatants would surge inward toward the focal point only to be violently repelled, at which point the waiting vanguard would seamlessly cycle in to renew the assault.

“Could that be…… the legendary **Eighteen Arhat Formation**?”

The mobilization of the **Eighteen Arhat Formation**, one of the ultimate defensive bastions of the Shaolin Temple, indicated that their adversary possessed a terrifying level of power—an entity so formidable that the combined might of the monastic expeditionary force could not hope to match it in standard combat. Driven by intense curiosity, **Jin-so-un** craned his neck to get a glimpse of the conflict’s center.

“Has an advanced Jiangshi breached the perimeter? Yet, if it were an undead thrall……”

However,

“It is no undead abomination……”

“What did you say?”

The revelation that followed shattered all expectations.

“That is…… my honored patriarch.”

“If you mean your patriarch…… **Zen Master Cheon-sim**?”

The reality of the situation transcended mere surprise, plunging them into absolute, paralyzing shock.