Chapter 128 - "You’ve Brought a Tail, Haven’t You?"
Byeok Taesan took out a single gold ingot and kneaded it as if it were clay.
The gold ingot, which changed shape as it was manipulated in his hands, soon began to stretch into a long shape.
Taking out another gold ingot, Byeok Taesan shaped it similarly into a long form.
Then, he twisted the two lengths together like a braid.
The result was a bracelet with a rather decent appearance.
Byeok Taesan infused it with the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art.
"Hmm. It seems this won't work as it is."
The energy of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art, which had entered the gold, seeped back out and dispersed into the air.
It seemed necessary to find a way to trap the energy of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art within the gold if he wanted to use it effectively.
He recalled the insight he had gained from observing the Golden Wall.
Then, he started reshaping the bracelet.
With meticulous control, he used the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art to carve into the bracelet.
The carvings were not simple but rather intricate, creating paths inside the bracelet that would allow the energy of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art to flow with ease.
The gold bracelet, now twisted into two strands, was complete again.
The reason he had twisted it into two strands was to create an extended pathway for the energy to move.
This would improve its efficiency.
He infused the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art once more. This time, the energy did not dissipate but remained trapped within the bracelet.
Byeok Taesan observed it carefully.
"Still, there's a slight leakage that can’t be helped."
With more research, he might find a way to perfectly trap the energy.
However, he didn’t feel it was necessary to go that far.
He could simply infuse it again whenever needed.
"Shall I test it out?"
Wearing the bracelet on his wrist, Byeok Taesan stepped outside.
Before long, he arrived at the training hall and activated the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art.
He attempted to resonate with the energy infused into the bracelet.
Through resonance, the energy of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art grew stronger.
Although the amount of energy didn’t increase, its range of motion expanded significantly, resulting in a dramatic increase in destructive power.
BOOOM!
Byeok Taesan released the energy of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art into the sky.
A portion of the clouds hanging high above evaporated instantly.
"Well... this should do."
The insight gained from the Golden Wall was about extracting great destructive power with minimal energy.
The idea was that, instead of accumulating a large amount of energy and enduring the side effects of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art, one could amplify its power through resonance with the energy contained in the gold.
The reason Byeok Taesan initially dismissed the Golden Wall’s insights as useless was precisely this.
It was not a fundamental understanding of the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art but a means of evading its difficulties.
The Heavenly Demon doesn’t flee from obstacles. He destroys them.
That is what it means to be the Heavenly Demon.
Nevertheless, this method was quite useful for Byeok Taesan.
A typical Heavenly Demon likely wouldn’t have been able to handle or control the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art stored within their body, making it nearly impossible to use this method.
Someone who couldn’t even control their own power would inevitably tear themselves apart the moment they attempted to amplify the energy.
However, Byeok Taesan was different.
Having accumulated far purer energy, he suffered no side effects from the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art.
Moreover, he had complete control over all situations and energies.
This method was akin to giving wings to a tiger.
"I’ll need some practice."
The amplified energy was several times more powerful, but its explosive and chaotic nature made it challenging to control.
Byeok Taesan began relentless training, resonating the Soul Augmenting Demonic Art and refining his control over it.
The clouds in the sky slowly began to dissipate, one by one.
••••••
Finally, the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion arrived in Wuhan.
It had been quite a long journey. Along the way, they had faced dangerous situations.
Despite these challenges, they arrived in Wuhan with almost no casualties.
As soon as they entered Wuhan, Noh Ju-gang greeted the Seventh Squad Leader of the Heaven Sword Corps.
"Thank you so much for your assistance until now. Thanks to you, we’ve made it to Wuhan safely. Are you heading to the Murim Alliance branch?"
"That’s right."
In truth, it wasn’t a branch but preparations for meeting Jin Sahong to establish one. However, since the branch would be created anyway, he chose to phrase it that way.
The Seventh Squad Leader noticed a cold determination in Noh Ju-gang’s eyes.
"Your trust has been broken."
The Squad Leader’s gaze briefly landed on one of the wanderers before moving away.
It was all because of that wanderer.
Using the captured warrior of the Golden Moon Merchants, he had sown seeds of mistrust between himself and Noh Ju-gang.
It was frustrating to have the situation soured even before things had started.
‘What are these people doing without a proper investigation?’
How was he supposed to carry out his mission in such circumstances?
"Yes. I sincerely hope only good things will happen."
The Seventh Squad Leader had no choice but to retreat for now. He needed to first find Jin Sahong, who was currently staying in Wuhan to establish a branch for the Murim Alliance, and secure some leverage.
While he was considering his next steps, a group from the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion approached to greet them.
The group consisted of Cho Seoran, Heavenly Divine Healer, and Needle Master.
The first to spot them was No Joo-gang.
"Pavilion Master!"
Without sparing a glance at the Seventh Squad Leader, No Joo-gang ran straight toward Cho Seoran, his expression looking as if he might burst into tears.
"You’ve arrived safely. I trust nothing untoward happened on the way?"
At Cho Seoran’s greeting, No Joo-gang forced a bright smile, barely holding back his tears.
"Thanks to the wanderers you sent, we were able to make it here safely."
"Something must have happened."
"Yes, it did."
As he said that, No Joo-gang glanced sideways at the Seventh Squad Leader, who was standing nearby, watching the exchange.
"And who is this?"
At Cho Seoran’s question, the Seventh Squad Leader immediately stepped forward and bowed with a clasped fist.
"I am the Seventh Squad Leader of the Heaven Sword Corps under the Murim Alliance."
"Ah, so you accompanied us to assist with our relocation. We will be sure to show our gratitude later. Thank you."
"Think nothing of it."
The Seventh Squad Leader spoke, his gaze shifting to Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master. He was eager to be introduced, as he had never met them before and didn’t know their faces. However, it was obvious who they were.
Cho Seoran, on the other hand, stayed silent, having no intention of introducing them.
Knowing the deeds of the Heaven Sword Corps Commander, she had no desire to interact with anyone associated with him for long.
But the Seventh Squad Leader was not ready to give up.
"Our commander has often spoken of the Pavilion Master. He asked me to convey his regards as well."
"Is that so? Understood. Please thank him on my behalf for all his assistance."
The Seventh Squad Leader's expression turned slightly odd.
"Wouldn’t it be better to express your gratitude in person?"
Cho Seoran smiled brightly.
"I don’t think I’ll have any reason to visit Kaifeng or Zhengzhou in the future."
The Seventh Squad Leader chuckled.
"One can never be certain about the future."
There was a time when such words might have unsettled her.
But now, she had endured too much to be shaken.
Swimming 200 li upstream had especially instilled extraordinary patience in her.
"That’s true. Well then, we’ll take our leave."
With that, Cho Seoran gave No Joo-gang a warm smile.
"You’ve had a hard journey. Take some time to relax, have a drink, and enjoy a good meal. Come along."
Cho Seoran turned gracefully and walked away, her steps light.
The Heavenly Medicine Pavilion group followed behind him.
Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master shot the Seventh Squad Leader with meaningful looks before falling into step beside Cho Seoran.
The Seventh Squad Leader watched Cho Seoran’s retreating figure in silence.
"Doesn’t she look even more beautiful?"
One of his subordinates responded.
"Indeed, she does. It’s enough to make my heart race."
"If our commander sees her, there’ll be an uproar again."
"Absolutely. He’s already obsessed with Cho Seoran."
"But doesn’t she seem sharper today, like a thornier rose?"
"Still, it doesn’t matter. Our commander is someone who never forgets his subordinates’ efforts. Who knows, we might even reap some rewards. So, let’s do our best."
"Yes. Hehe."
They exchanged lewd laughter, watching until Cho Seoran was out of sight before heading off toward where Jin Sahong was staying.
••••••••
"Is this the place?"
No Joo-gang looked around the estate in surprise.
It was much larger and grander than the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion’s previous quarters in Kaifeng.
"How on earth did you secure such a place? Our financial situation is no secret…"
The answer came from behind them.
"It’s an investment in the future."
Everyone turned to look.
Standing there was Byeok Taesan, holding someone by the neck.
Even Cho Seoran, along with Heavenly Divine Healer and Needle Master, was startled by the sight.
As for No Joo-gang and the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion physicians, who knew little about Byeok Taesan, their shock was even greater.
"P-Pavilion Master. Who is this…?"
Cho Seoran responded calmly.
"He is the one I serve."
No Joo-gang’s head whipped around so fast it seemed as if it might snap as he stared at Cho Seoran.
His eyes filled with shock.
"A... Young Lady! No, Pavilion Master!"
So astonished, Noh Ju-gang instinctively blurted out the title he used in the past.
He looked back and forth between Byeok Taesan and Cho Seoran.
He had heard that they had received assistance from the Golden Wall Merchants during their migration to Wuhan, but that was entirely different from the idea of Cho Seoran serving someone.
Her serving someone meant that the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion would be subordinate to that person.
"Why are you so flustered? If I’m serving him, what made you think you’d be an exception?"
The Needle Master spoke up.
Noh Ju-gang looked at the Needle Master with a confused expression.
"Don’t worry. Our Young Master is an extraordinary person. Consider it an honor to serve him. I do, after all."
Noh Ju-gang turned to the Needle Master with a surprised expression.
He was well-acquainted with the Needle Master due to their shared history with the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion.
However, he had never imagined that the Needle Master would speak so reverently of anyone.
While everyone was processing this, the Heavenly Divine Healer approached Byeok Taesan.
"Young Master, what’s this man?"
Byeok Taesan casually tossed the man in his grip.
Thud!
The man landed with a crash in front of the Heavenly Divine Healer. Everyone focused their attention on the fallen man.
He was an ordinary-looking individual, and no one present recognized him.
"You’ve brought a tail."
"What?"
The wanderers who had accompanied them here were the ones most startled by this statement.
Their faces turned pale as they alternated between looking at the fallen man and Byeok Taesan.
If such a tail had been following them, they should have noticed. Yet, they had been too preoccupied dealing with the Seventh Squad Leader to realize it.
"Just nobody."
Byeok Taesan remarked, his gaze shifting to the leader of the wanderers.
This leader was a subordinate of Yuk Taegu.
Sweating profusely, the man stood at attention, not daring to move.
Byeok Taesan gestured with his chin.
"Find out exactly what this guy is up to."
Several wanderers quickly ran over, picked up the fallen man, and carried him back to their camp.
Byeok Taesan then turned his attention to Noh Ju-gang.
Noh Ju-gang swallowed hard.
He had fully realized the strength of the wanderers on their journey here.
But seeing those fearsome wanderers reduced to mice in front of a cat made a wave of fear wash over him.
‘What did I say earlier? Did I make any mistakes? Did shouting at the Pavilion Master seem disrespectful? It should be fine, right?’
A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. Unable to say anything, he could only nervously observe, trying not to draw attention.
Byeok Taesan frowned slightly.
"Why are you acting like this?"
Startled, Noh Ju-gang shouted in a trembling voice.
"I-I’m sorry!"
Byeok Taesan glanced at him.
"For what?"
"For... everything! I’m sorry for everything! I’ll do better from now on!"
Byeok Taesan nodded. If someone says they’ll do better, there’s no reason to stop them.
"Fine, do that."
With that, Byeok Taesan suddenly vanished.
Everyone was taken aback. They had been watching him closely, yet he had disappeared before their eyes.
They hadn’t even blinked.
While everyone was still in shock, Byeok Taesan reappeared in the same spot as before.
This time, he was clutching another man by the neck.
"Why are there so many people coveting my elixirs?"