Episode 128

The other disciples of the Azure Forest were unaware of the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon and her circumstances.

Naturally, there was no one to tell the story of how they had entered the Criminal Repository, found the forged Blue Eye Gem, and absorbed its spiritual energy.

However, Yi-gang had shared this news with just one person.

One of the few who knew about the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon, who was none other than Yi-gang’s senior brother, Dam Hyun.

After joining the Murim Alliance, Dam Hyun had not left his quarters.

He spent most of his days in his room, fiddling with something, or playing with the cats that lived in the Alliance.

Upon his return, Yi-gang first spoke to Dam Hyun about the Five Elements Tomb. Dam Hyun was also taken aback.

“The Five Elements Tomb? The tomb of the Five Elements Divine Lord?”

“Yes. It seems that those boxes might be related to the Five Elements Tomb.”

“Well, it did say ‘key’ in Sanskrit.”

Although Dam Hyun seemed like a person with a screw loose, he was the most reliable person after Yu Jeong-shin in this regard.

His depth and breadth of knowledge were also superior to Yi-gang’s.

“So the mark of the maker was the emblem of the Five Elements Divine Lord?”

“…No.”

There was a maker’s mark engraved on the “metal” box.

Dam Hyun had once pondered the identity of this mark.

“The emblem wasn’t that of the Five Elements Divine Lord.”

“Then what?”

“…I’ve sent a letter of inquiry to Master, so I expect a reply soon.”

Dam Hyun had also taken his own course of action. Yu Jeong-shin would know the identity of that emblem.

Yi-gang also spoke about the Criminal Repository, the story about the fake Blue Eye Gem and absorbing its spiritual energy.

“Are you talking about the technique of infusing spiritual energy into jewels?”

“Does such a thing exist?”

“Of course. Naturally, objects like jade or azurite can be imbued with spiritual energy.”

That reminded him. Even the amber ring that the Immortal Divine Sword often wore had a trace of spiritual energy in it.

“However, it’s difficult for a person to artificially infuse spiritual energy. Unless they are an absolute master or an exceptional Taoist. And there’s no reason to do it. Why would anyone infuse such precious spiritual energy into an object?”

That made sense.

Compared to internal energy, accumulating Innate True Qi was much harder, and gathering spiritual energy compared to Innate True Qi was extremely difficult.

Unless one was an absolute master, in essence, spiritual energy was something one was born with.

“Probably used other objects faintly imbued with spiritual energy, like jewels or elixirs, and applied some trick.”

“Similar to the attempt to create an artificial Treasure.”

“Yes, although it’s embarrassing to even compare the two. But with money and some level of skill, it’s possible.”

It was a story about someone infusing spiritual energy into the items of the Criminal Repository in that manner.

“Then how come the spiritual energy was absorbed as soon as I touched it…”

“You, wretch!”

Suddenly, Dam Hyun slammed his fist on the table with a bang!

He had a face full of fury.

“Such a greedy bastard! Hoarding all the spiritual energy for himself!”

“…”

“Do you know how much effort Taoists put into gathering even a tiny bit of spiritual energy? You…!”

As Yi-gang took a step closer, Dam Hyun quickly shut his mouth.

He picked up a chair to shield himself and said, “I-I’m not saying that you did anything wrong…”

“So why did this happen?”

“How would I know? Probably that… the fox acted as a medium. Small fires are drawn to bigger ones… The small spiritual energies were attracted to the one you possess. Besides, the technique of the person who infused that spiritual energy must have been subpar.”

In any case, Yi-gang had encountered a stroke of luck.

He had unwittingly devoured the fruits of someone’s costly and laborious efforts.

And the benefits gained from the increase in total spiritual energy were not few.

“Anyway, now I can use the spells I’ve learned but never got to use.”

Yi-gang smirked at Dam Hyun’s words.

He was soon able to experience their utility.

The selection of the successors, organized by the Murim Alliance’s reception hall.

The people filling the outer courtyard were all young heroes who had come to participate in this event.

On his way there, Yi-gang formed a circle with his finger and placed it over one eye.

A small amount of Innate True Qi was consumed. It would harm an ordinary person, but Yi-gang, rich in spiritual energy, could soon replenish his Innate True Qi.

His pupils dilated, and soon distant places appeared closer.

It was the spell of Thousand Mile Vision. After gaining spiritual energy, he could use sorcery without chanting.

“So many have gathered.”

The crowd was bustling.

Above them hung a white cloth with words written in bold brush strokes:

Dragon-Phoenix · Seven Stars Conference Successor Selection Exam

Out of the thirty to explore the Five Elements Tomb, fifteen were to be recruited externally.

Considering that more than a thousand people had gathered here, the competition was absurdly fierce.

However, all the young martial artists were inflated with anticipation. Some hoped to make a name for themselves, while others dreamed of finding great treasures in the Five Elements Tomb.

Yi-gang stood among the crowd.

His gaze subtly shifted to the side.

There were people dressed in Murim Alliance uniforms.

「Who are those glaring from over there?」

‘It seems like they are the Alliance’s Inspection Squad members.’

「Why are they… Ah.」

It was obvious why the Murim Alliance’s inspection agents were observing the successors here.

‘They must be looking for spies from the Unorthodox Union… or perhaps black-clad martial artists hiding their origins.’

The news of the Five Elements Divine Lord’s hidden treasure map had spread.

Although the Murim Alliance had issued stern warnings, they couldn’t be certain that the Unorthodox Union wouldn’t send spies.

And that wasn’t the only concern.

The Murim Alliance had stipulated that participants should be orthodox martial artists, but realistically, this criterion was not clear.

In the vast Central Plains, there were countless sects, and besides the Alliance members, many minor sects existed.

Most likely, more than eighty percent of the people gathered here were from such sects.

“Quiet down! Stand in line properly!”

The secretaries of the reception hall, with their annoyed expressions, were maintaining order among the martial artists.

Even though the secretaries were not trained in martial arts, the gathered martial artists had no choice but to obediently follow their instructions.

“All disciples from sects listed in the Alliance roster, please come this way.”

“What, the Star Bird Gang isn’t registered? Don’t try any tricks, just go over there and line up!”

However, not everyone was content.

While eight-tenths of the martial artists waited, jostling each other and sweating in this place, the remaining two-tenths crossed the line much more comfortably.

They were the successors from sects that, even if not part of the Nine Sects One Gang or the Seven Great Clans, were renowned in their respective regions.

“Those guys over there look pretty arrogant.”

“Damn, our Minor Rain Sword Sect used to be on the Alliance roster too!”

“When are you talking about? Even I, the direct disciple of Fierce Tiger Hall, am standing here quietly.”

“What? Fierce Tiger what? Never heard of such a country bumpkin.”

“What did you say!”

There were those who got into a fight and grabbed each other by the collar. Of course, they were soon dragged away by the inspection agents.

Apparently, disciples from renowned sects were exempt from the preliminary examination.

It seemed like a convenience for administration, as making it to the final fifteen would be difficult for them anyway.

「What are you doing? You could just go over there too.」

The Blue-Eyed Mad Demon said that.

However, Yi-gang did not leave the line and stood still. He seemed to be contemplating for a bit, then shook his head.

‘It won’t do.’

「Why?」

‘I am both from the Baek Noble Clan and a disciple of the Azure Forest.’

「That’s right, so you can go ahead quickly, can’t you?」

‘I’m already one of the thirty explorers, and the successors from the places taking up two spots.’

It would be convenient for Yi-gang to be exempted from the preliminary exam.

However, his position did not allow for it.

‘Indeed, up to two people can participate, but the other major sects are not stepping forward. It’s already a situation where I’m getting attention, and there’s nothing good about pushing ahead here too.’

「Refusing special treatment to manage your reputation?」

‘That’s right.’

Yi-gang was the elder brother of the Iron-Blooded Genius, and the senior of Yu Su-rin, who participated in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

For a very practical reason, Yi-gang gave up the privilege.

Standing in line was a small matter for him.

「Such a calculating guy!」

‘Of course, people won’t recognize me, but still.’

Perhaps Yi-gang was worrying too much.

But Yi-gang quietly waited for his turn.

The long line gradually shortened, and it was almost Yi-gang’s turn.

The secretary approached and asked, “State your name, nickname, and affiliated sect. Failure to state or providing false information about your sect may result in future disadvantages, and we will verify whether you are not from an unorthodox sect.”

“My name is Baek Yi-gang.”

The secretary, who was writing with a fine brush, stopped.

“My nickname is… I don’t really have one. I’m a disciple of the Azure Forest.”

“…Henan’s Sage?”

The secretary dropped the brush.

And at the same time, the gazes of those nearby were all suddenly focused on him.

“It’s Henan’s Sage…!”

“Is Baek Yi-gang, the Henan’s Sage, really here?”

It was an unexpectedly intense reaction.

Surely, the somewhat embarrassing nickname “Henan’s Sage” wasn’t that famous.

Yi-gang had a bittersweet expression amidst the pouring attention.

The Peng Clan’s Twin Tigers pondered in front of the reception hall.

They had followed Yi-gang, but the crowd was teeming.

It was clear that they would miss the chance to observe Yi-gang. Given the urgency of Peng Mu-ah, future opportunities would likely be scarce.

Peng Gu-hwi made a decision.

“Gu-in.”

“Yeah.”

“You infiltrate.”

“…What?”

Peng Gu-in raised an eyebrow.

He asked his brother through a telepathic message.

-Infiltrate? What are you talking about?

-So we just let him slip away? Participate in the selection exam.

-You want me to go in there? We don’t meet the conditions. We participated in the last Dragon-Phoenix Conference.

-Who said to go all the way? Just hide your identity, take the exam, and then drop out midway.

-Ah…!

Upon reflection, it seemed like a plausible plan.

There was no better way to verify if Baek Yi-gang truly was a passionate and manly martial artist.

Observing Baek Yi-gang as he tackled various tests prepared by the Murim Alliance would be a good way to assess what kind of person he was.

And honestly, it seemed like it might be a bit fun.

-Hehe, but what if the examiners recognize me?

-You’re already dressed plainly. And if you spread out this headband and wear it lower…

Peng Gu-hwi spread out his brother’s headband wide to cover his forehead and eyebrows.

It had been over five years since their last visit to Kaifeng. With their beards grown out, nobody would recognize them.

“From now on, you’re a fist martial artist, not a blade wielder.”

“Right!”

Peng Gu-hwi flexed his muscles, pleased.

Wearing the headband like a bandana, he looked like a bandit, but at least he would be unrecognizable.

However, soon they encountered something that made them panic.

“All successors from sects listed in the Alliance roster, please come this way!”

The successors from renowned sects were exempt from the first round of exams.

Peng Gu-in, trying to hide his identity, was stuck waiting here…

“Damn, missed it!”

“Argh, how could I not have thought of this.”

Yi-gang was not only a disciple of the Azure Forest but also the eldest son of the Baek Noble Clan.

Naturally, he would step aside and be exempt from the preliminary exam.

The Peng Clan’s Twin Tigers almost ended up like dogs chasing chickens.

“…He’s not going?”

Yi-gang closed his eyes tightly and stood still.

“What’s he thinking?”

“He’s probably waiting to see how things go before making a move.”

They watched Yi-gang with suspicion.

There was a reason for it. As far as they knew, the preliminary exam was extremely disadvantageous for Yi-gang.

Tough and passionate young men like the Peng brothers would easily pass, but for someone like Yi-gang, who seemed more like a dandy, it was better to be exempted.

They waited for Yi-gang to sneak away, but as the line shortened and Yi-gang’s turn approached, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

Soon, the secretary heard Yi-gang’s name and exclaimed, “Henan’s Sage…!”

The crowd murmured.

“Why is Henan’s Sage here…”

“Could he be participating in this expedition?”

“But why stand in line with us ordinary folks?”

“It’s obvious, haven’t you heard the rumors?”

“What rumors?”

At that moment, the people standing next to Peng Gu-in were murmuring.

The Peng Clan’s Twin Tigers listened intently.

“He’s different from his appearance, a real hero.”

“A hero? He doesn’t look like one.”

“Three Green Forest Executioners acted on Henan’s Sage’s command to purge the Green Forest bandits.”

“What?”

“And that’s not all, in Yanling County, he scolded a corrupt head officer, and in Kaifeng, he caught a fiend and was rewarded by the governor.”

“I’ve heard about that…”

“At yesterday’s opening ceremony, the Murim Alliance Leader urged him to join the expedition team.”

“The Divine Monk? Personally…!”

This was news to them.

Even if the Alliance Leader had said so, could such a rumor have spread so quickly?

“It’s been a long time since the Divine Monk got involved in worldly matters.”

“That’s why the rumor spread so quickly. It’s the first time he’s shown interest in a mere successor.”

Peng Gu-in joined the conversation of the chattering martial artists.

“Is that true?”

The man turned away with a displeased expression, but his demeanor softened upon seeing Peng Gu-in’s stature.

“…It’s true. That’s why everyone is so surprised.”

“Then why isn’t he stepping aside and waiting here for the preliminary exam?”

“Must be a man of firm character. The type to compete fairly and squarely, something like that.”

“No way!”

It seemed impossible for the sleek Yi-gang to be like that.

Yet Yi-gang, despite attracting attention, completed his registration.

It was soon Peng Gu-in’s turn, who had been sneakily watching Yi-gang with suspicion.

The secretary asked the routine question.

“State your name and affiliated sect. If you cannot disclose your sect, you may face future disadvantages…”

“My name is Gu In-nam. I don’t have a nickname.”

“Young Master Gu In-nam. And your sect?”

“I belong to a mysterious sect, so I cannot disclose it!”

“…It’s my first time seeing someone describe their own sect as mysterious. Besides, are you really under twenty-four?”

“Twenty-three.”

“You don’t look that age.”

“I am telling you, I am!”

He was indeed twenty-three years old.

When Peng Gu-in shouted, the secretary, with a reluctant expression, wrote down his name on the list.

“There will be a verification process later. The preliminary examination area is over there…”

“I just heard it’s conducted in groups. Can I choose my group members?”

“It’s first come, first served. If you have someone to go with, then go together… oh.”

Peng Gu-in hurried away briskly.

Even the Murim Alliance secretary was startled by his speed.

His destination was Yi-gang, who was already heading towards the examination area, intending to be in the same group as him.

And the secretary, left alone, scratched his head with the back of the brush.

“Sheesh, looks like a bandit, talking about a mysterious sect…? Tsk tsk.”

He shook his head disapprovingly as he continued with the registrations.