180 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

EP.180 Chapter 18: Yunnan, Blood Demon War (3) * * * Why hadn't they known about this passage until now? If Ma Ilsuk had scattered his spiritual energy, it would have rebounded in the space, revealing any hidden areas. Yet, throughout his infiltration during the Blood Demon War and even right up to the demolition of the site, he had never discovered this place. The reason soon became apparent. “There's a formation here.” Ma Ilsuk, despite not having profound knowledge about formations, was able to recognize it. The geometric patterns on the walls of the staircase leading downward beneath the altar, as well as the ores embedded in various places, clearly had a specific arrangement. This signified nothing less than a formation, likely meant to conceal the space. "Let's proceed." Ma Ilsuk spoke. Now was the only opportunity to uncover the secrets of this place, free from the constraints of time. Was it not the case? If the demonic beings were to verify what lay beneath this hidden chamber right after they departed, it would be a great misfortune. Without hesitation, Ma Ilsuk advanced, with Mok Liwon following him. After traversing the relatively lengthy passage, they arrived at a grand chamber, where Ma Ilsuk narrowed his eyes. "This place..." A storeroom? Or should it be called a library? It was a space occupied by several books shelved on bookcases and various items of unknown purpose. Ma Ilsuk first examined the bookshelves closely. And widened his eyes. "Found it!" It was a book about the very powerful technique they used on Mok Liwon. The title was so blatant that it had to be the case. "逆星大法, Reverse Star Technique...?" The title translated literally as a technique to reverse the stars. However, the chamber was too dark to delve into its contents. Had they inferred, perhaps it was intended to twist the Heavenly Slaughter Star of Mok Liwon? Ma Ilsuk placed the book securely in his robe and proceeded to peruse other books. Most of them discussed formations and powerful techniques present in Jianghu. "There must be a text about the Supreme Demonic Physique among them..." Even after stripping the entire Blood Demon War site down to its last remnants, they failed to discover information about it. Surely, a book detailing the Supreme Demonic Physique would be hidden here. If not, perhaps the Reverse Star Technique contained methods regarding it. "I should take everything I can." Ma Ilsuk stuffed his robe with the books, and looked at Mok Liwon. He chuckled faintly. "What are you doing?" "Ah." Mok Liwon awkwardly scratched his head. In his hands, he was holding a skull. "I was intrigued and took a closer look." "You mean that skull?" "Yes, Your Majesty. Look at this. Considering this place remained hidden for over eighteen years, this neglected skeleton shows no signs of decay. I don't think it's been specially treated, wouldn't you say it's peculiar?" "Hmm." Only then did Ma Ilsuk show interest in the skeleton. Indeed, it was strange. At a glance, they weren't treated bones. How could they have remained unweathered over such a long period? It was at that moment he instinctively reached out. "...!" Suddenly, Ma Ilsuk's body stiffened. "Eh? What's wrong?" Mok Liwon asked innocently. Ma Ilsuk couldn't respond immediately. It was a slim possibility, but one he couldn't simply dismiss. "Liwon was placed on an altar." As a newborn, he was found alone on top of the altar. Thus, Mok Seon-oh and Ma Ilsuk had never delved into who Mok Liwon's parents might be. But if a clue emerged from the underground chamber just beneath the altar... Even Ma Ilsuk couldn't help but see this as something suspicious. "Liwon." "Yes?" "Take it with you." Mok Liwon tilted his head. Ma Ilsuk refrained from saying more, simply stating, "...Considering the crimes of the Blood Heaven Sect, this may be the remains of an innocent victim. We should lay them to rest." "Ah!" "We've found everything. Let us go." If Mok Liwon were to harbor unfounded hopes only to face disappointment, it would be a problem. Even knowing that one among them was a biological parent would cause turmoil. The Heavenly Slaughter Star would run wild. Resentment would inevitably pave the way to a heart fueled by murder, something Mok Liwon must carefully guard against. "...I'll make sure to pay my respects." Perhaps through further investigation into powerful techniques, he might also understand this mysterious skull. However, Ma Ilsuk doubted he could ever disclose its true identity to Mok Liwon even if he uncovered it. Ma Ilsuk did not wish for Mok Liwon to be burdened by sorrow over past events. * They left the Blood Demon War site and journeyed for a full day. Only then did they reach a place that resembled a city. Mok Liwon still cradled the shrouded skull in his arms. What could be said? It belonged to someone he had never met in life, yet there was an uncanny pull. He shared these thoughts with Ma Ilsuk, who only showed a somber expression. That’s when Mok Liwon realized he had made a misstep and composed his expression. Indeed, to smile in front of a victim unjustly sacrificed was against decorum. "It’s not that, so don’t worry." "Sorry?" "Nothing." Ma Ilsuk’s expression grew more somber. For Mok Liwon, it was puzzling. "What exactly did you find there to make you this way?" There was a peculiar sense of anticipation. If they had gained information related to the Heavenly Slaughter Star, it might include a way to eradicate it as well. But Ma Ilsuk did not provide a direct answer. "It cannot be interpreted fully yet. Some parts exist in foreign scripts." "Ahh..." "Thinking of how the demonic sect sought this, it surely includes their weaknesses or disgraceful secrets. We must have it deciphered promptly." "Do you have a means to do so?" "I shall go to that so-called True King. Despite being a Zhuge, he knows quite a bit." --- Terms: 1. Reverse Star Technique (逆星大法) - Translated as "Reverse Star Technique." - Alternate Translation: Inversion Star Technique - Explanation: The technique's name suggests manipulation or reversal of celestial or destined elements. 2. Heavenly Slaughter Star(천살성) - Translated as "Heavenly Slaughter Star." - Explanation: Used in context with Mok Liwon's existential struggle. Explanation: 1. Ma Ilsuk's character shows not only knowledge of martial arts but also a certain intelligence when it comes to problem-solving in unexpected spaces. 2. Mok Liwon exhibits both an innocent curiosity and a potential inner struggle relating to his identity. The hidden skull found paints an intriguing backstory into his family ties or origin. 3. This part of the narrative expands on the possibility of intrigue surrounding concealed techniques and secret histories that could reshape current circumstances. The emotions expressed by Ma Ilsuk and Mok Liwon give depth to potential unsolved mysteries relating to the powerful techniques like the Heavenly Slaughter Star. Mok Liwon thought of his sworn brother Zhuge San upon hearing the name Zhuge Byeok. Though he personally disliked it, Zhuge San had attached himself to the Zhuge Family when the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly disbanded. ‘It’s been a while. I can meet him again!’ Heading north led to Qinghai. With the thought of reuniting with Zhuge San, a smile graced Mok Liwon's lips. * The very next day, Mok Liwon traveled quickly, utilizing his light-foot technique. The distance was short, allowing his arrival at Qinghai to be as swift as his journey from Wunan to Yunnan. He arrived at the central area of Qinghai, managed by the Zhuge Family, with remarkable speed. “You’ve come.” “Yes, you’re doing well.” Zhuge Byeok and Ma Ilsuk exchanged greetings. The location was a massive manor. Essentially serving as the command center for the Murim Alliance, its grandeur was indescribable. The peculiar aura felt throughout the manor spoke of the dense formations of the Zhuge Family that laid across it. Mok Liwon stared, mouth agape, at the manor. When he felt Zhuge Byeok’s gaze settle on him, he immediately assumed a formal stance. “It’s an honor to meet the True King. I am...” “I know who you are, Mokryong. There’s no need for introductions. I’m not so dull as to forget King of Beggars’ disciple.” Mok Liwon laughed sheepishly. Zhuge Byeok slightly parted his lips before adding a word. “…I hear you’re also his sworn brother’s son. Is that who you’ve come to see?” “If possible, yes, I’d like to.” “He should be somewhere within the manor. Look around.” Mok Liwon glanced at Ma Ilsuk. Ma Ilsuk nodded, giving his approval. “Go ahead. I have matters to discuss with this one.” “Ah, alright!” “And one more thing, leave the skull with me.” Mok Liwon made a sound of surprise. The skull he had carried, wrapped in cloth, had been strapped to his back all this while. Despite needing to find a place to lay it to rest, the roads were such that it found its way there. “Here it is.” Mok Liwon carefully handed over the wrapped bundle. Perhaps because he had kept it so close, it seemed he’d grown more fond of the skull than before. It wouldn’t have felt as regrettable otherwise. “Why the long face? Off you go.” Ma Ilsuk chided him as he cautiously accepted the skull. Mok Liwon flinched before leaving the spot. * Inside the manor, Ma Ilsuk waited patiently as Zhuge Byeok read through the Reverse Star Technique text. When he finally closed the book, tension built in his body. “…Where did you find this?” Zhuge Byeok asked. Ma Ilsuk was quietly surprised. It was rare for him to infuse emotion into his words. For a text to provoke such a reaction—what kind of book was it? Ma Ilsuk clenched his fists and replied. “…I returned to the Blood Demon War site. My investigations revealed they were tracking the traces of the Blood Demon.” That wasn’t all. He told Zhuge Byeok about the Fourth Elder of the Demonic Sect encountered at the Blood Demon War site and the underground space revealed after demolishing the altar. Zhuge Byeok was the kind of man, discreet and indifferent to others' affairs, to whom such stories could be shared. “By altar, you mean the one I am familiar with?” Ma Ilsuk nodded. “Yes, the very altar where Hyung-nim found the Heavenly Slaughter Star child.” “…Heavenly Slaughter Star.” Zhuge Byeok’s expression clouded. He seemed to drift into thought, staring blankly at the book in silence. Ma Ilsuk grew frustrated, pounding his chest, and spoke up. “Hey, don’t be so cryptic. Just tell me plainly—what is this Reverse Star Technique?” Ma Ilsuk hadn’t lied to Mok Liwon. Only the title of Reverse Star Technique was in Chinese characters, with the rest in the language of the Western lands, which was indecipherable to Ma Ilsuk. He was brimming with questions. Not only about Mok Liwon’s Heavenly Slaughter Star and the Supreme Demonic Physique, but also about whom the skull belonged. “It means exactly what it says.” “Hmm?” “It’s a technique to reverse the stars. It changes one’s constitution and utilizes sorcery as part of the process.” Ma Ilsuk’s movements halted abruptly. Zhuge Byeok continued. “King of Beggars.” “…Yes?” “We were wrong.” Zhuge Byeok drew a sheet of paper. A brush somehow found its way into his hand. With haste, he began to scribble on the paper. “We were wrong. That day, we should not have let Sword Saint go like that.” Uncharacteristically hurried, his brush stopped. “These are the key points summarized.” Then he handed the paper to Ma Ilsuk. Ma Ilsuk accepted it with trembling hands. His eyes scanned the content. Slowly, he read, reread, and then read it once more. The more he did, the more pronounced his trembling became. The heat in his breath began to show. After completing the reading, eventually, his head dropped downward. “…Zhuge.” “Yes.” “Do not let anyone else in the world know of this.” “….” “Understood?” “King of Beggars.” “If it must be told.” The roughness started to seep into Ma Ilsuk’s voice. He lifted his head. The expression on his face emerged, slightly desolate. “It must be my role to tell it.” Ma Ilsuk felt his eyes becoming moist. --- Terms: 1. Mokryong (묵룡) - Translated as "Mokryong." - Literal Translation: Black Dragon - Explanation: A name or nickname referring to Mok Liwon’s previous identity or reputation, indicating a deep association with great strength or mystique. Characters Introduced: 1. Zhuge San (제갈산): He is Mok Liwon's sworn brother who was associated with the Zhuge Family when the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly disbanded. 2. Zhuge Byeok (제갈벽): Known as the True King, he is affiliated with the Zhuge Family and shown to be involved in larger schemes, acknowledging historical ties with Sword Saint. Explanations: 1. This part expands on the historical connections between the characters and their families, such as the close ties between Mok Liwon, Zhuge San, and Zhuge Byeok. 2. It delves into the complexity of the Reverse Star Technique and how previously held beliefs were incorrect, pointing to a concealed deeper conspiracy behind Mok Liwon's and others' destinies that are tied to great techniques and secrets.