Chapter 180
Baek Mu-Gun secretly tailed the watcher from the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. The watcher remained oblivious to Mu-Gun's presence, allowing him to approach unnoticed. Mu-Gun speculated that the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's forces aiming for Beigong Xue might not be too great in numbers. They were likely led by a Demonic Monarch and accompanied by a few Upper Peak Realm Higher Demons as their subordinates. Mu-Gun felt confident in his ability to handle such a group by himself.
With that said, was it really necessary to separate from Beigong Xues group? The reason Mu-Gun had done this was that he was worried about the enemy retreating upon receiving the watcher's report, rendering his efforts pointless. Even without using the Thunder God's martial arts, Mu-Gun's skills were impressive enough to raise suspicion. His objective was to eliminate the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's forces one by one before they could regroup and join their main forces at Beihai. It seemed wiser to confront them individually rather than let them amass their strength.
Mu-Gun effortlessly trailed the watcher, who was skilled in movement arts, displaying incredible stamina and speed. His chase was effortless. After more than half a day of tracking, they reached the location where the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's forces were stationed.
Mu-Gun's first priority was to assess the number and capabilities of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's forces. He estimated their numbers to be around a hundred, with cultivation ranging from the First-Rate Realm to Peak Realm. While he couldn't discern their specific faction within the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, they appeared to be elite demonic practitioners. Based on this count, Mu-Gun's expectations were in line with his initial assumptions, with the presence of at most one Demonic Monarch among them.
Even though he was sure that he could engage them head-on and emerge victorious, Mu-Gun opted for a stealthier approach and decided to deal with the Demonic Monarch first. The cover of night provided the perfect setting for him to use the Dark Specter Stealth Art. Mu-Gun infiltrated the building where the elite demonic practitioners of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect had gathered. Despite their heightened alertness, they remained oblivious to Mu-Gun's presence.
Mu-Gun proceeded to locate the building he believed housed the Demonic Monarch. It was the largest and most distinguished structure. Quietly, he landed on the building's roof and surveyed the interior. His senses picked up on one energy source that likely belonged to an Absolute Realm master and four additional energy sources of lower strength. This indicated the presence of a Demonic Monarch and four accompanying Higher Demons.
Rather, this turned out better than I thought.
As the main enemy forces had gathered in one place, Mu-Gun resolved to end the confrontation swiftly. He unleashed the fourth technique of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword Art, the Hundred Golden Lightning Wheel Wave, directing its formidable power downward.
The building's rooftop was shattered as the golden Thunder God Qi enveloped Mu-Gun, causing his body to plummet. In the midst of this chaos, Mu-Gun descended, encircled by a golden wheel of lightning, ready for battle.
* * *
Mo Yong-Gwan, the Spindle Ape Monarch, along with his four Higher Demons, got a report from the watcher about the martial skills of the young man accompanying Beigong Xue.
"If he didn't use any shield or the Thunder God's martial arts, does that mean he's not the successor of the Thunder God?" asked Lee Ja-Chung, one of the four Higher Demons.
"Yet, considering his solo annihilation of two squads from the Black Wind Troupe, we can't dismiss the possibility that he is the Thunder God's successor. Perhaps he's deliberately concealing his identity," said Heuk Chi-Gon, the Giant Bear Demon, opposing Ja-Chung's stance.
"Why would he hide who he is?"
"He might be trying to lure us in. If we discover he's the Thunder God's successor, there's a good chance we'd retreat instead of facing him," Chi-Gon explained.
"Though that young man is remarkably powerful, Beigong Xue's martial arts are equally impressive. She unleashed a long-range blade of ice with the power to freeze a sizable area. It doesn't seem like the martial arts of the Beihai Ice Palace we're familiar with," Ho Baek-Sang, the Red Tiger Combat Demon, cast doubt on Beigong Xue's abilities.
"Could the young man accompanying Beigong Xue have taught her new martial arts?" pondered Heuk Chi-Gon, expressing his thoughts.
"The young man did?
"It's highly likely if he's the Thunder God's successor."
"Now that I think about it, some aspects of Beigong Xue's martial arts did feel reminiscent of the Thunder God's techniques," acknowledged Ho Baek-Sang.
"Having heard you mention it, it does seem that way," Mo Yong-Gwan nodded.
"If that young man is indeed the Thunder God's successor, it might be wise to retreat for now," suggested Heuk Chi-Gon.
Suddenly, the building's roof collapsed, and a figure surrounded by a golden wheel of lightning descended. The Spindle Ape Monarch and the four Higher Demons were shocked by the unexpected turn of events. Despite their confusion, they managed to launch an attack at the lightning-surrounded figure. Mo Yong-Gwan extended his fist, releasing a massive wave of flame vajra qi. Simultaneously, the four Higher Demons unleashed their strongest martial arts attacks directly at the golden wheel of lightning enveloping Mu-Gun.
An explosion resonated as their attacks struck, causing the golden wheel of lightning to tremble significantly. However, it remained unscathed, showing no signs of damage. Mu-Gun, having used the technique to repel their assaults, immediately launched a counterattack. The golden wheel split into one hundred parts, forming numerous golden Thunderbolt Swords. Swiftly, these swords shot towards the five demonic practitioners like rays of light.
Since they were too close to Mu-Gun for effective defense, the golden Thunderbolt Swords ruthlessly pierced their bodies. The five demonic practitioners crumpled forward, riddled with holes. Even the formidable Spindle Ape Monarch Mo Yong-Gwan succumbed to this onslaught, unable to fend off the deadly assault.
Despite his remarkable martial arts prowess, blocking Mu-Gun's Thunderbolt Sword proved impossible, given his attainment of the Supreme Realm. Swiftly dispatching the five demonic practitioners, Mu-Gun deactivated the Hundred Golden Lightning Wheel Wave. Sensing approaching demonic practitioners alerted by the earlier explosion, Mu-Gun ascended to the partially destroyed roof.
Perched on the broken railing, Mu-Gun observed the gathering demonic practitioners below. As they charged towards him, he countered by hurling the Flying Golden Shield in their direction. The shield repelled the oncoming attackers, leaving each struck practitioner with wounds and a caved-in chest.
Undeterred, the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's demonic practitioners resumed their assault, despite Mu-Gun's formidable martial skills that had previously dispersed over ten of their comrades with a single attack. Mu-Gun was perplexed and frowned at their relentless advance, once again launching the Flying Golden Shield imbued with Thunder God Qi. The shield streaked through the oncoming demonic practitioners, violently rotating at their center before releasing numerous streams of Thunder God Qi.
Struck by the golden lightning from the Flying Golden Shield, the demonic practitioners convulsed, collapsing in its aftermath. Nearly half of them succumbed to this singular attack, their external appearances didn't change, yet their hearts ceased beating due to the shock induced by the Thunder God Qi, resulting in instantaneous death.
Despite this devastating blow, the remaining demonic practitioners from the Nine Celestial Demons Sect persisted in their assault. Mu-Gun showed no mercy. Without retrieving the Flying Golden Shield immediately, he swung his sword at the approaching demonic practitioners. Moonlight sword qi radiated like a fan, piercing the hearts of each practitioner and propelling them into the ground.
With approximately twenty demonic practitioners remaining, Mu-Gun pressed on, extending his sword. Successive waves of moonlight sword qi swept forth, beheading or piercing the hearts of his adversaries, leaving none standing. Once his relentless assault ended, Mu-Gun retrieved the Flying Golden Shield and sheathed his sword, standing amidst the stillness that followed the demise of every demonic practitioner.
As night descended, a pervasive stench of blood permeated the increasingly chilly air. Mu-Gun couldn't help but smile bitterly, contemplating the havoc he had wrought. This was a scene he had witnessed countless times across multiple reincarnations, each leaving a lingering bitterness. Yet, he harbored no regrets. Having chosen the path of a martial artist and inheriting the mantle of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sect, Mu-Gun had long steeled himself for such consequences. He was prepared to stain his sword with blood if it meant bringing peace to murim and the world.
The following day, Mu-Gun returned to Huzhong, reuniting with Beigong Xue and the Beihai Four Shadows before resuming their journey to Beihai.
Can you tell me what happened yesterday now? Beigong Xue asked.
I got rid of the Nine Celestial Demons Sects demonic practitioners.
You got rid of them? What do you mean by that? Beigong Xue couldnt believe her ears and asked again.
Mu-Gun explained to Beigong Xue the events following the battle with the Black Wind Troupe. He explained how he pursued the watcher of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, ultimately discovering the location of the sect's demonic practitioners. Then, how he took decisive action, eliminating all of them.
"If something like that went down, you should've included us."
"I'm not underestimating your skills, but you're not yet equipped to handle the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's demonic practitioners. That's why I took matters into my own hands; I hope you understand my intentions," Mu-Gun explained.
"Even so, this involves the Beihai Ice Palace, and we've done nothing but leave you to shoulder it alone. It feels like we're shameless," Beigong Xue expressed bitterly.
"Don't think of it that way. While it's related to the Beihai Ice Palace, dealing with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect is a task that naturally falls on the Thunder God's successor," Mu-Gun reassured.
"I've even learned martial arts from you, so it bothers me that I couldn't be of any help."
"All you need to do is awaken the former patriarchs of the Beihai Ice Palace properly, Beigong."
"Understood. For now, at least, we can move without worrying about attacks from the Nine Celestial Demons Sect," Beigong Xue said with relief.
"There likely won't be further threats on our way to Beihai, but we must remain cautious."
"Then, let's go.
They resumed their journey to Beihai, reaching their destination ten days later. Despite its name suggesting a sea, Beihai turned out to be a vast lake often mistaken for the sea. This expansive lake was dotted with over thirty large and small islands. Notably, the lake was frozen solid for more than half of the year, allowing easy movement between the islands without the need for a boat. Observing the ice-covered lake, Mu-Gun could understand why Beihai earned its reputation as the land of ice.
"Where can we find the resting place of the Beihai Ice Palace's former patriarchs?"
"Their graves are on Beiming Island, located at the edge of Beihai," Beigong Xue replied.
"Beiming Island?"
"The people of Beihai believe in an afterlife beneath Beiming Island, at the edge of Beihai. Consequently, they bury the deceased in the ice walls of the icebergs constituting Beiming Island. The tombs of the former patriarchs are also situated there, though their bodies are enshrined separately elsewhere on the island," Beigong Xue explained.
"I understand. How long does it take to reach Beiming Island?" Mu-Gun asked.
"If we use a sleigh pulled by reindeer, it'll take about fifteen days," Beigong Xue responded.
"Fifteen days? Beihai is truly expansive."
"We'll be sleeping on the ice during our journey to Beiming Island," Beigong Xue revealed.
"Sleeping on ice, huh? That's a new experience."
"I'm accustomed to it, but I worry it might be challenging for you, Mu-Gun, being your first time."
"Don't worry; I'm not that frail. Setting that aside, let's move quickly. I can't afford to spend too much time in Beihai.
Okay.
Mu-Gun and Beigong Xues party headed to Beiming Island using a reindeer sleigh procured by Beigong Xue.
* * *
The Beihai Ice Palace stood proudly on Divine Ice Island, the largest among the islands in Beihai. Surrounding it, thirteen clans lived in groups on the remaining islands. The Beigong Clan, responsible for producing patriarchs for the Beihai Ice Palace, held the greatest influence. Following them, the Beihai Five Great Clans Seol, Neng, Han, and Myung Families constituted the next significant forces. Within these clans, the Beigong, Seol, and Myung Families maintained a stance against invading the Central Plains, acting as soft-liners. In contrast, the Neng and Han Families took a hardline approach, advocating for the invasion of the Central Plains.
Disguising themselves as executives from nine clans, including the hardliners Neng and Han Families, the Spindle Sect of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect took control. They incited a rebellion and overthrew the remaining four clans, including the Beigong Family. While dissatisfied voices emerged within the clans controlled by the Spindle Sect, they quelled complaints by declaring an invasion on the Central Plains.
As they prepared for the impending invasion of the Central Plains, a variable emerged Beigong Xue. To anticipate her return to Beihai, the Spindle Sect dispatched the Spindle Ape Monarch and a squad from the Spindle Demonic Battalion to Lake Mo. However, they met total obliteration. The Spindle Sect deduced that Beigong Xue was likely accompanied by a young man who successfully wiped out the Spindle Ape Monarch and his squad.
Prioritizing the elimination of Beigong Xue and the young man before their Central Plains invasion, the Spindle Sect initiated a search. The demonic practitioners of the Spindle Demonic Battalion mobilized extensively, swiftly picking up on the tracks of Beigong Xue and the young man.
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