Ep427 - I Became a Drunkard in a Martial Arts Novel.

Bukhai Ice Palace. A sect located far north of the Central Plains, in a land blanketed by ice. Although not much is known due to its distance from the Central Plains, its power rivals that of the Nine Great Sects. It is said that the ice arts honed in this land of extreme cold are worthy of being called art of the utmost excellence. Yet something remains puzzling. "Why do you suspect the Five Elemental Divine Pearls might be slumbering in Bukhai Ice Palace?" To his question, the sapling replied. [Because each Divine Pearl rests where its corresponding elemental energy is the most abundant.] This place was not designed and crafted by the King of the Plains from start to finish as a hiding spot for the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl. The Wood Elemental Divine Pearl was originally resting here. The King of the Plains merely reinforced and fortified it to thwart external invasions. The same likely holds true for the other Elemental Divine Pearls. They are probably slumbering where the element they embody is most prevalent. This is why he pointed to Bukhai Ice Palace. [Ice is merely water frozen solid.] [There is no other place across this world as saturated with water as that.] Ice and water are inseparable. After all, when ice melts, it becomes water, and when water freezes, it turns to ice. Though their forms and names differ, their essence is the same. "...Not entirely unjustifiable." It was hard to accept immediately, nor could it be dismissed as nonsense. As he said, the land surrounding Bukhai Ice Palace is entirely covered in ice, the land of harsh cold. Across both the Central Plains and beyond, there is probably nowhere more suffused with moisture. Of course, the land is actually shrouded in the chill that seeps from the frozen ground. Like how a vast body of water was created to conceal the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl, if the ice acts as a fortress concealing another Elemental Divine Pearl, it makes sense. 'I can understand, but...' Accepting this in his heart was another matter. "First the Plains, now Bukhai Ice Palace..." A fear arose that he might end up exploring every land beyond the Central Plains. If he set out for Bukhai Ice Palace to find the Water Elemental Divine Pearl... So then, what's left but Nanman and Xizang? The remaining lands are only the southern region, Nanman, and Xizang to the west. At that moment, the sapling waved its branches and spoke. [Hmm… If the Earth Elemental Divine Pearl hasn’t fallen into the hands of the Celestial Demon, it is likely in Potala Palace in Xizang.] [There's an expansive plateau full of earth energy there, aligning with the conditions.] "..." Save me. * * * Successfully mastering the Wooden Spirit Art and obtaining the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl, there was still more to be learned. Leaving behind the sapling, engrossed in its enthusiastic discourse, and Seol Soo-yeon who was attentively listening, Baek Woo-jin stepped out to the water body. He hadn't decided on his next destination. Though Bukhai Ice Palace appeared likely, it wasn’t certain yet. 'I can't move hastily.' Even at my fastest, it would take several dozen days to reach Bukhai Ice Palace. Considering the return trip, that time doubles. Would the Celestial Demon stay put during that time? 'Absolutely not.' Unlike him, she knows precisely what the Elemental Divine Pearls are and is seeking them for her own purpose. The fact that she had started scouring the plains suggested she had a rough idea of their locations. If he ventured to Bukhai Ice Palace and it turned out to be a wild goose chase... He might end up losing all the Elemental Divine Pearls except for the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl. 'I need a clue.' A clue decisive enough to determine his next move. To find out more, Baek Woo-jin visited Geum Yeoul. "Miss Geum." "Ah, Baek Woo-jin!" Suddenly appearing, Baek Woo-jin was met by Geum Yeoul rushing over to embrace him and nuzzle her face against his chest. To her, everything about him was delightful. His scent, the firmness felt upon touch, his mischievous yet tender voice. Reveling in his comforting presence, she whimpered affectionately before asking, "Hehe... What brings you here? Aren't you busy with Soo-yeon unnie?" Baek Woo-jin's face flushed with surprise. Because of the way she addressed Seol Soo-yeon. "Uh, 'unnie'?" "Yeah. I'm the youngest! So we all decided that I would call her 'unnie'." "But that..." It was remarkable. To think she had already sorted out the hierarchy. 'And to audaciously position herself as the youngest.' An act few would dare with ordinary cheek and friendliness. Not only had her face matured, but her charming personality had also blossomed dazzlingly since they last met. "I have a question for you, Miss Geum." "What is it? I'll tell you everything I know!" "...Anything?" “Yes.” Her tone and demeanor were as if she was ready to give everything. Truly, how intriguing it was. It almost felt like she would reveal even her deepest secrets if he desired them. 'This isn't the time for such thoughts.' Shaking his head vigorously to chase away those inappropriate thoughts, he let out a small sigh and asked, “I’d like to know more about Bukhai Ice Palace. Since you’ve been traveling there frequently, Miss Geum, I thought you’d know well.” “Bukhai Ice Palace?!” Without hesitation, Geum Yeoul brightened and leaned in eagerly. “I know a lot about Bukhai Ice Palace! What do you want to know?” This was an area where she could actually assist Baek Woo-jin. Surprised by her enthusiastic response, he continued, "Uh..., anything is fine, whether it’s about the recent situation there or if any special events have taken place." “Hmm, special events...?” For a merchant, information was as vital as a weapon. Geum Yeoul recalled stories she’d picked up from those she’d formed connections with, just in case. Then she remembered something. “Oh! Now that you mention it, I heard that Bukhai Ice Palace recently had a change in leadership.” “Leadership?” “Yeah... about three months ago?” That certainly was notable. Yet, a change in leadership didn’t seem directly tied to a sacred pearl. “Anything else?” “Something else... hmm.” Her thoughts swirled in her mind, a whirlwind of memories. Although Baek Woo-jin encouraged her to just speak her mind, she knew full well that wasn’t the answer he needed. 'The information that's necessary.' What would be of utmost use to him? Considering his current interest would lead to the answer. The Five Elemental Divine Pearls. Mystical orbs of which she’d been unaware until recently. Could he be thinking that one might be at Bukhai Ice Palace? 'If that’s the case...' Meeting his gaze, Geum Yeoul felt it. He needed certainty. To determine whether it was worth heading to Bukhai Ice Palace, or if another destination should be considered. That's why he sought information from her. 'Information that could provide Woo-jin with certainty...' If there was a significant change affecting the entirety of Bukhai Ice Palace, then— 'I've got it!' Remembering a piece of information that might help, she spoke up. “I heard the weather around Bukhai Ice Palace recently got worse.” “The weather got worse?” “Yes…! For the past few years, it has been getting colder every year. Those who haven't mastered ice arts are finding it increasingly difficult, and everyone there is deeply worried.” “It’s getting colder, you say...” Now that certainly was strange. For the weather, which had been relatively stable, to suddenly deteriorate a few years ago? 'While it's hard to definitively say it's the influence of a Water Elemental Divine Pearl...' Nonetheless, isn’t there something suspicious at play? He contemplated further. If there was indeed a problem at Bukhai Ice Palace causing temperatures to drop further and further... Perhaps if he resolved whatever was causing the issue, he might be seen as a benefactor. 'If that happens, I could potentially gain a new ally.' Assuming the residents of Bukhai Ice Palace weren't as cold-hearted as the climate, they might wish to repay such kindness. And if they became allies in the inevitable conflict against the demon sect... That would certainly be valuable in its own right. Of course, these were nothing more than flights of fancy. The worsening weather could simply be a natural phenomenon, and there may not be any issue at all, rendering the trip pointless. 'Regardless, there's no other way.' Obtaining information close to certainty would be ideal, but such is not the situation. Therefore, all he could do was make a move. He'd heard that the ice arts of Bukhai Ice Palace were mostly mastered by women with high yin energy. For that reason, it was also customary for the palace leader to be female. 'If worst comes to worst, I’ll just have to charm the palace leader.' He vowed not to return empty-handed. With this resolution, he finally decided on his next destination. * * * The series of events that transpired on the plains were reported in full to the Celestial Demon. “The Blood-Wind Ogre is dead, and the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl likely fell into their hands…” The man who looked wretched as he delivered the report threw himself face-first to the ground, pleading, “Please, kill me!” Survival was hopeless. Despite his eccentricity, the Blood-Wind Ogre was a crucial asset to the demon sect. Moreover, the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl was something she had been supremely eager to obtain. Having lost both and returned alive, how could he escape death? He thought it better to beg for death and be spared from pain— “Death? That’s enough.” “…Pardon?” “It’s fine. Leave now.” "Ah, yes, yes…" The man, having narrowly escaped death, walked away with an expression that betrayed his inability to comprehend. Though he had steeled himself for death, she had never intended to kill him. And there was good reason for that. "Heh, well handled." The death of the Blood-Wind Ogre was exactly what she had desired. Baek Woo-jin’s prediction was spot on. She despised individuals like the Blood-Wind Ogre. Monsters in human guise who murdered their kin at whim, drinking their blood and gnawing their flesh. As the Celestial Demon, she couldn’t arbitrarily dispose of significant assets, but this incident had resolved that dilemma without her lifting a finger. Nevertheless, if everything pleased her, it wouldn't have been such. "Losing the Wood Elemental Divine Pearl is… quite a blow." She hadn’t intended to let such a sought-after pearl fall into enemy hands. That particular loss stung a bit. “Well… I’ll just take it back later.” There were still other Elemental Divine Pearls to be found. Securing the others first and reclaiming the lost Wood Elemental Pearl afterward wouldn’t be too late. She was eager with anticipation. "I wonder where he will head next." Baek Woo-jin. What would his next destination be as he traversed the entire Central Plains to stand in her way? The curiosity left her unable to suppress her laughter. --- Author's Note I'll see you in the next chapter. Thank you, as always, for reading. Have a restful night. (_ _)