119 - What To Do if You’re the Villain and the Heroine Likes You

The Thing You Have Been Trampling On (7) "Ah, I see. It was an item that my great-granddaughter-in-law brought with her when she married into the family. My great-grandson was from the steppe tribes, but his wife was from the country of Byuk Ra… And when they had my great-great-grandchild, they gave the child a pendant as a gift. When I think about it now…." Wolryang and I talked in front of the tent. The world was indeed small. To encounter such connections in such a place. "The great-granddaughter-in-law wanted her own friend's child to be matched with my great-great-grandson, but the great-grandson found a suitable partner for him, and he also married without being bound to that promise.” I quietly listened to his story. "When the great-great-grandson was happily married and living well… that bastard Wonrip… one day, he attacked that child's tribe….” Grinding… Wolryang ground his teeth. His will was seething with red fury. "Everyone was killed, and my great-great-grandson vanished, leaving behind only his lower half. He disappeared along with the pendant he used to carry around, the one his mother had given him..." “….” "I… I must retrieve my great-great-grandson's upper body from that monster at all costs…!" 'Upper body…' It seemed there was such a thing as one's own destiny. Bukhyanghwa had lost her lower half to Wonrip, and her partner had his upper half eaten by the same. Next to the old man grinding his teeth, I watched him and pondered. 'Why must the tyranny of the powerful bring despair and pain to others?' Both this man and I. We all suffered unimaginable pain and loss at the hands of Wonrip. I thought to myself. 'Does that bastard even have anything precious to him?' It was unknown. Could a person who had something precious truly seize others’ precious things without any hesitation? Deep in thought, I only witnessed Wolryang endlessly cursing Wonrip by my side. Later, all the decisive martial artists of the entire continent gathered, and the great assembly began. * * * The space inside the tent was expanded by a spatial extension technique. There were about 200 decisive martial artists gathered inside. This included those from smaller clans who had not been contacted in time, recluses living in remote areas, and those from ostracized forces, so there were about 50 more than the last time. These were the 200 decisives. This was the last fighting force remaining in this world. “...Then, we shall commence the great assembly to discuss the great war against the monster Wonrip, who caused the massacre at Daechun Desert.” Cheongmun Jungjin stood and addressed the congregation. As a result of deliberations among the decisive martial artists, Cheongmun Jungjin was concluded to be the most suitable leader for this coalition. It appeared that his being a descendant of the Changho clan played a significant role. The meeting began. Various forces in the meeting proposed different strategies to counter Wonrip. Cheongmun Jungjin gathered the many opinions and organized them. And when no further suggestions came forth, He opened his mouth. "Lastly, I shall share the decision concluded by the Cheongmun clan.” Shortly afterward, he spoke of the divine prohibitions being descended within Bongmyeong Castle, and the methods of taking cultivation down a notch. “Are you suggesting we lower a practitioner's cultivation from Decisive level by one step?" "That’s correct. Moreover, we've entered and checked the castle. The majority of the treasures within have been taken away by celestial beings to ascend with them...” He continued his explanation. "However, we have confirmed that several alcoholic beverages of the immortals, talismans of the immortals, and miscellaneous items remained in a few of the prohibited areas." "What sort of miscellaneous items?" “Things like a pipe that helps infuse spiritual energy into a fairy tribe, a little more robust magical tool, a needle that repairs clothes on its own, and a ring that aids in digesting food... Those unclear sort of things." A faint sense of hope that had risen in the eyes of the decisive martial artists fell to disillusionment and disappointment. “The alcoholic and talismanic treasures should be useful since they were left by the ancient practitioners, but aren’t they all one-time use?” “That’s correct. As I confirmed, only a few pots of alcohol that temporarily grant special powers and a few types of talismans that allow the use of unique abilities for a short period remain.” One-time use? "Essentially a 'double-edged sword.'" “It might be useful, but…” That was when, The head of the Byuk Clan, Byuk Cheongi, eyes flashing, spoke up. "Did you say talismans, talismanic items?" "That’s correct." "By any chance… did you identify what kind of talismans are left?" "We haven't checked them in detail." Byuk Cheongi grinned and pulled something out of his robe. "The last time Bongmyeong Castle was opened, our Byuk Clan also managed to secure a few items. One of which is this." "What is that...!?" Wooong! What Byuk Cheongi brought out were two talismans radiating a holy light. "Geukcheonbu (Strike Heaven Talisman), a talisman that can replicate the strike of a celestial practitioner for a single use. Bongcheonbu (Seal Heaven Talisman), a talisman that envelops the user with the defensive power of a celestial practitioner for a short duration. We were able to obtain these two talismans during the last visit to Bongmyeong Castle." "Ce, Celestial…!" "Yes, with this Geukcheonbu, if it hits, it's possible to turn that monster into a bloodied mess with a single strike." He asked Cheongmun Jungjin. "The celestial ancestors wouldn't have needed it since they already possess defense and attack powers of celestial level... Surely, among the talismans left in Bongmyeong Castle, there must be Bongcheonbus as well. And…" He smiled slyly. "If, as you suggested, we lower the monster's cultivation using Bongmyeong Castle and then protect ourselves with Bongcheonbu followed by striking the monster with Geukcheonbu..." Hope colored the faces of Cheongmun Jungjin and others once again. For the first time in a long while, I felt elated at the prospect of being able to kill Wonrip. "We can catch that monster." "Phew, I originally had another plan in mind, but it seems I’ll have to revise it." "Hmm?" Cheongmun Jungjin pointed at me. "The Investigator over there," Cheongmun Jungjin pointed my way, "is unaffected by the prohibitions of Bongmyeong Castle even when they activate. Therefore, he can maintain his Decisive-level strength and directly confront Wonrip who would have fallen to Decisive-level one-on-one." "Ah…" Surprise marked Byuk Cheongi's face as he looked at me, and various emotions surfaced on the faces of the numerous practitioners in the hall. Byuk Cheongi then spoke. "How about it then? Our Byuk Clan and that individual will take the forefront as the main force to pressure the monster, while the other practitioners provide support from the rear?" "Hold on, our Eastern regions also have excellent decisive weapons effective even against Yuan-yeong class." "Our Northern steppe tribes have noble formations that can affect those even a step above in class." A Yuan-yeong class practitioner was indeed a terrifying existence, but such practitioners had accumulated far more treasures, dharma treasures, spirit stones, and spiritual medicines through the centuries compared to Decisive-level practitioners. Perhaps because of that, the Decisive-level practitioners gathered here were already brainstorming ways to divide the spoils amongst themselves. Of course, I had no interest in such an undignified scramble for gains. 'Aside from the Bongmyeong Castle plan, it seems that the others' suggestions would…' Definitely not work. Because, even 200 years later, Wonrip is perfectly fine. Especially these menacing talismans, the Bongcheonbu and Geukcheonbu of celestial caliber. 'Why was Wonrip from my past life still unscathed, even though such terrifying talismans existed?' Of course, this life had the variable of the Bongmyeong Castle plan. Perhaps, it might be possible to catch him then. 'But that alone won’t be sufficient.' He must be caught. Without a doubt. Because only by killing him in this life can the souls of those who died be consoled. After the meeting ended and the practitioners busied themselves with chatter, I approached Cheongmun Jungjin and whispered another plan. "Please keep this plan off the record. I intend to carry it out alone." "What sort of… no, rather, is that really true?" "It's true. If so, would it not be useful even against a practitioner of the Yuan-yeong class?" "Indeed… Naturally, no matter how powerful the Yuan-yeong class practitioner might be, it wouldn’t be easy to withstand that power." I nodded my head. Merely trapping him in Bongmyeong Castle and confronting him wouldn’t suffice, I needed several more plans. To surely. To truly kill him. * * * The first major assembly concluded satisfactorily. And, practically speaking, the plans for moving forward were mostly decided during this assembly; what remained was to proceed according to plan. I moved with the others and began the task of scraping together the remaining treasures from Bongmyeong Castle through a soul-absorbing artifact. Kkeeeing! The prohibitions of Bongmyeong Castle were released by the prohibition practitioners, and the contents were brought out. “Hmm… As for the miscellaneous items, really, there is nothing of use. Seems more for show or pretense.” “The alcoholic beverages and talismanic items seem more useful.” A few Decisive-level practitioners accompanying me shook their heads as they examined the useless miscellaneous items. Since they were all strange dharma treasures and magical tools with no place to be used, no one was particularly eager to hoard them. Perhaps the Byuk Clan, known for breeding spiritual beasts, showed some interest in the pipe that infuses spirituality into animals, but that was all. “Then let's also release the prohibitions on the alcoholic and talismanic items.” Along with the Decisive-level practitioners and the prohibition and formation practitioners, I succeeded in bringing out the talismanic items and alcoholic beverages from the storage in Bongmyeong Castle. Among the talismans were two Bongcheonbus, which were said to provide defensive power of the celestial class. One Hongjobu talisman that traps enemies in a formation maze. One Byunyobu talisman that allows instant transformation into a spiritual beast. There were a few other talismans, but they were merely Decisive-level talismans sold in the market, offering no notable use. “There are quite a lot of alcoholic beverages. It seems that talismans are more versatile, but since alcoholic beverages take up a lot of space and are often single-use, they weren’t as popular…” The prohibition practitioners and formation practitioners brought by the Decisive-level practitioners classified the immortal beverages accordingly and explained them to us. The immortal beverages were classified into approximately three types: Beverages that temporarily enhance physical abilities like regeneration, speed, defense, and strength. Gyeryongyeok, Cheonshimsu, Wolryeongju, Haseonju, and such. Those that didn't improve physical abilities but instead strengthened the connection with one’s dharma treasure, enhanced the treasure itself, or improved the ability to manipulate such extraphysical artifacts. Moryeomsam, Jinwollyu, Baekhongju, Seonyumeok, Jinraju among others. Lastly, beverages purely for enjoyment that when consumed made one feel good and, even just from the scent, cleared the mind and refined one's spirit energy, even if only briefly. Hongmaesu, Jeonshimju, Jarakhyang, Jaseokgyuju, and the like. Cheongmun Jungjin looked at the beverages and spoke. "These types of immortal beverages will be distributed prior to the final battle to amplify abilities." He directed his words at me and Byuk Cheongi who had followed here. "Especially Investigator Seo and Investigator Byuk, as well as the Eastern Lord Manriminrap. You three will be confronting the monster head-on, and thus the most varieties of immortal beverages will be allotted to you." "Understood." "Among you, Investigator Seo and Lord Manriminrap will particularly be responsible for catching the monster at the onset, so plenty of beverages and talismanic items will be provided to you two. Please be aware of that." Manriminrap, the Eastern Lord, seemed pleased and thanked Cheongmun Jungjin while I nodded with a drained expression. Thus all the remaining treasures within Bongmyeong Castle, the scarce immortal beverages and talismanic consumables, were taken out and planned for distribution. The plan to confront Wonrip was almost established, and every clan, tribe, and country put their best efforts forth to nurture a new Decisive-level practitioner. Now, all that remained was the passage of time. 'During the time left, I should cultivate.' I had 200 years left. Within that time, I intend to enter the Great Circle of the Grand Accumulation through the fully matured Soul-Calling Ghost Sovereign Art. 'Indeed, with the current Soul-Calling Ghost Sovereign Art…' I would not only reach the Grand Circle but also have plenty of time to spare. 'Then, what remains is to find a place to cultivate...' After some contemplation, I decided to train there. And so, time passed and flowed on. And before I knew it, 200 years had gone by. * * * Whooooosh— In the mountainous regions of the Sungje Empire. Three streams of faint light soared overhead. Three Decisive-level practitioners using the flying technique were moving through the air. "So, Master Byuk. The practitioner we're going to visit is said to be cultivating in a centipede cave?" "Correct. From what I've heard, that practitioner practices curse-based techniques. We should be careful not to be startled by the ominous energy." "Ugh, gives me the chills. To think they'd cultivate curse magic in a centipede cave." "Mind your words. Didn’t the family head and elders say that this individual is key to hunting down the monster?" "Hmph, I respect the family head for their authority, but we're Decisive-level practitioners now. How long are we supposed to care about what those old timers say? Besides, Master Byuk, before we arrive, how about we enjoy the sights of that city…" The Decisive-level practitioner of the Byuk Clan, Byuk Munsung, frowned. The two beautiful Decisive-level female practitioners beside him were incessantly flirting with him, but Byuk Munsung was not interested. 'Utterly foolish. The clans are providing unprecedented support to go hunting the Yuan-yeong monster, and we rose to the Decisive-level only because of that. They dare to dismiss the words of the elders who reached Decisive-level on their own merit…' Byuk Munsung knew his place very well. Even he would have had to use up the entire 300-year lifespan granted in Chukgi-level just to have a chance at reaching Decisive-level in the past. 'As expected, there's no one as virtuous as her, no matter how much I search.' Byuk Munsung smiled bitterly as he and the two female practitioners flew towards a village in the mountainous area of the Sungje Empire. Flash! The three streams of light hovered above the village, causing the villagers to buzz with curiosity as they emerged from their homes. Looking down at them, Byuk Munsung asked, "Is there a large centipede cave nearby, and if so, where is it?" The village leader, an elder, kneeled respectfully before Byuk Munsung and replied, "I'm not sure about a centipede cave. However, beyond that peak, there is a dark cave known as 'Eodukgul'. It’s said that 200 years ago, a centipede demon lived there according to legend…" "Thank you." Without hearing the rest of the village elder's words, Byuk Munsung flew toward the direction indicated. As he flew over the peak, what appeared was a large cave set into the rugged mountainside. And from within the cave, tendrils of pitch-black darkness billowed. 'Curse spells…' Swallowing, Byuk Munsung felt a chill at the ghastly energy. 'Is every thread of darkness seeping out from there laced with curse spells…' The two women following Byuk Munsung also noticed the cave halfway up the mountain. "That must be the infamous…" "Shhh! What if you get cursed just for saying it?" "Oh, right, my bad…" Byuk Munsung glanced back at the two chatting behind him before proceeding down to the cave entrance, offering a polite fist-and-palm salute before speaking. "It has been a while, Investigator Seo. The time when the monster will be unleashed draws near." A flash of murderous intent briefly crossed Byuk Munsung's eyes. "It's time to avenge her. Please come out now." Kukuku… From deep within the cave, a sinister darkness began to creep forth.