Chapter 50. Survival of the Fittest

After whispering with Han Chelsan for a while, Han Chae-yeon suddenly turned to the eldest, Pung Yeon-cho.

"But what about the eldest brother? What will he do?"

She was asking if he would stay on Mount Obong.

Pung Yeon-cho hesitated for a moment due to his sense of responsibility, then opened up.

"Well, once I can take care of myself, I might visit Kaebong once."

He was thinking of finding his family he left behind ten years ago.

"Since the second one is going with me, the third and fourth will have to take care of the mountain later."

The third, Ma Hyeong-do, and the fourth, Heo Im-dal, nodded.

Han Chae-yeon asked the second, Tak Go-myeong.

"Are you going with the eldest brother?"

"Yeah. I've been close to the eldest brother for a long time. Actually, I'm an orphan, so I don't have anywhere else to go."

"I see…."

As the conversation reached this point, the Ten Heroes of Mount Obong looked at each other with heavy hearts. They were together now, but the thought of eventually scattering made them feel uneasy.

But does anything ever go as planned?

Whether the future of the Ten Heroes of Mount Obong will go as they wish remains to be seen.

***

In Yuzhou, Henan Province.

In the basement of the Silver River Hall by the Yeha River.

A man in his fifties stood with a Falzhou Ling in one hand and a well-sharpened long sword in the other.

In front of him, a monk in his fifties knelt. Despite his rigid upper body, his face was filled with fear, indicating he had been restrained at vital points.

"…Chodosaemgyeon nan jigeok ogokha dueunbyeongyeongmajun omomgeumyeoryulryeong sabaha (超度三界難 地獄五苦解 頭隱屏營魔君 唵唵隱隱如律令 娑婆訶)."

After reciting the long incantation, the man swung the long sword.

Instantly, the monk's head separated from his body.

Blood gushed from the severed neck, filling the air with a pungent smell.

A red mist flowed from the cut and entered the man's Baihui point through the Falzhou Ling.

The man closed his eyes and swayed his upper body gently from side to side with a blissful expression.

As time passed, the red mist stopped flowing.

Finally, the man opened his eyes.

A piercing blue light shot out like lightning.

Then, over a dozen people bowing in the darkness spoke in unison.

"We congratulate you on becoming the Whitehead Demon Lord."

***

In Shaolin Temple, Songshan, Henan Province.

The head monk of Shaolin Temple, Hyunbaek, looked at the law enforcement elder, Gongbaek, with a puzzled expression.

Gongbaek was his junior, but he had never mentioned personal matters. Now, he had come to the abbot's room to make a request.

"Amitabha. So, there seems to be some trouble with Elder Gongbaek's brother, and you want to investigate?"

"Yes."

"I'm curious what could make you, a principled man, come to me with such a request."

"It seems similar to an incident from over twenty years ago, and I want to confirm it."

Hyunbaek's face stiffened slightly.

"Could you be suspecting the Mingjiao?"

"Yes."

"Hmm! I don't doubt your judgment, but this is a serious matter. Please explain in detail."

"I have an elder brother who became a monk before me. He was at Baoguang Temple in Yuzhou, but he recently went missing."

"Surely it's not just because your brother disappeared?"

"A few days ago, he sent me a letter saying he felt someone was watching him and that he had a bad feeling, so he wanted to meet. But before I could visit, he…."

"Was there any reason for him to have enemies?"

"He has been a monk for over thirty years and has always been far from making enemies."

"Can I ask why you suspect the Mingjiao?"

Hyunbaek looked intently at Gongbaek.

While the situation was unusual, it seemed insufficient to link it to the Mingjiao.

"Over three hundred Taoists and monks have gone missing in Henan Province. Recently, such incidents have become more frequent. Twenty-five years ago, wasn't it similar? The Mingjiao members secretly carried out their activities and then, as if in competition, began kidnapping people. I believe they were driven by their demonic nature, which clouded their judgment. It seems to be a similar period now."

"So, you're saying the patience of the hidden Mingjiao members has run out?"

"Or perhaps they are getting anxious as they approach their goal."

"Goal. What do you think their goal is?"

"I don't know. They disappeared into the darkness before I could find out."

"Then wouldn't it be better to ask the Justice Alliance to investigate?"

"It's just a thought for now. If I get any meaningful results, I'll contact the Justice Alliance."

"Understood. Do as you see fit. Who do you plan to take with you?"

"I thought about taking some of the law enforcement hall disciples, but since it's not a law enforcement matter, I came to you. I'd like to take a few of the Arhats."

"Do so. There are newly selected Arhats, so use them. It will be a good experience for them."

"Ah, you mean the five Arhats?"

"Yes. They lack experience in the world, so don't push them too hard. If your brother's disappearance is indeed related to the Mingjiao, they might be overwhelmed."

"Understood. Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Don't jump to conclusions about your brother. He might be on a trip for other reasons. I hope you get a good result."

"Yes. I hope so too. He is a person who is uninvolved with the world…."

Gongbaek sincerely hoped his brother had left Baoguang Temple for other reasons, even though he knew the possibility was slim.

***

In Kaebong, Henan Province.

Baeksejangbang.

The head of the chamber, Lee Se-chang, greeted Baek Mijoo, who had come after a long time, with a bright smile.

"Madam Baek, how have you been? It's cold outside, what brings you here? I'm glad to see you, of course."

Lee Se-chang's mind was racing, but he couldn't figure out why she had come.

The monthly pay for the Blue Dragon and White Dragon guards was ten taels, nearly the best in the industry. Besides, it was mid-winter, not a good time for business.

Baek Mijoo, who had become wealthy, received the greeting with ease.

"I was in Kaebong and thought of you, so I dropped by for a cup of tea. I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Hehe, disturbing? Madam Baek is a trusted partner of Baeksejangbang. You're always welcome."

Despite saying she came for tea, Baek Mijoo immediately brought up a serious matter.

"Since you call me a partner, I'll speak frankly. I'd like our Walong Hall to be treated more as a partner. What do you think?"

"What do you mean?"

"I think it's time for Walong Hall to take over the management of the Sanhwa Inn, Sajoo Inn, and Baeyang Inn, which Baeksejangbang currently operates."

"That's the job of Changhae Martial Hall…"

"Oh, why are you still dealing with them after they caused trouble for the chamber?"

"Well, they've been doing it for a long time. If we cut ties, Changhae Martial Hall will face financial difficulties…"

"To be honest, Walong Hall's situation isn't great either. I want to grow Walong Hall into a martial family, and for that, I need your support. I hope you can push us a bit more."

"Hmm! A martial family…."

Lee Se-chang let out a sigh.

He had suspected as much from Walong Hall's frequent recruitment of disciples, but hearing it directly was a bit daunting. However, he had no intention of picking a fight with a non-martial chamber. A stronger Walong Hall would benefit Baeksejangbang as well.

'Sigh, it's a bit regretful to cut off Changhae Martial Hall's last source of income…'

But considering the future relationship with Walong Hall, it wasn't a difficult decision.

"Understood. I'll do my best to support you."

There's no such thing as a free lunch. Lee Se-chang planned to entrust various business operations to Walong Hall and gain something in return.

"In return, I have one request."

"What is it?"

"I'd like Walong Hall to take responsibility for the protection of myself and the chief accountant. Changhae Martial Hall might be unhappy and try to harm us over this."

Of course, Changhae Martial Hall was just an excuse. He planned to expand his business more aggressively with Walong Hall's support. Their protection would be essential for this.

"Understood."

Baek Mijoo readily agreed.

To establish Walong Hall as a martial family, they would have to compete with martial halls. She planned to use this opportunity to make Walong Hall's strength known to the martial families in Kaebong. Eventually, they would be recognized as a martial family.

Thus, Baek Mijoo's ambition and Lee Se-chang's desire joined hands. This partnership, which wouldn't have been possible if Walong Hall was weak or Baeksejangbang was short of money, would later trigger a power struggle that gave birth to the Ten Great Chambers.

***

Mount Obong.

Obong Mountain Hall.

In the spring, Pung Yeon-cho taught the Ten Heroes of Mount Obong the third form.

The Ten Heroes, who were already close to being experts with the first and second forms, became even more formidable with the third form, like tigers with wings.

Now, when they performed the second form, a fairly strong sword wind was emitted.

Compared to Pung Yeon-cho's, it was like a gentle breeze, but the ability to generate sword wind was a miracle for the Ten Heroes. Sword wind is ultimately a manifestation of qi, and at its peak, it becomes a sword beam. This means they had entered the initial stage of a higher martial path.

Recently, the bandits of Obong Mountain Hall were eager to learn even a single move from Pung Yeon-cho. They couldn't openly ask for lessons, but they constantly sought his advice.

Pung Yeon-cho never refused, sharing his insights generously. As a result, the bandits didn't complain even when Pung Yeon-cho didn't go on mountain patrols. Instead, they tried hard to impress him.

Shim Yang-gak, who had come out for a breath of fresh air, stopped.

Today, Pung Yeon-cho was discussing martial arts with the bandits in the courtyard.

'Tsk!'

He wasn't sure if it was envy or something else, but a bitter feeling welled up inside him.

In martial arts, the right path is more important than speed. Even if one becomes an expert quickly through dark arts, they will eventually be defeated by those on the right path.

However, the Ten Heroes were on the right path and moving at a speed that rivaled dark arts, which was astounding.

He was so curious about their secret that he wanted to go mad, but he forced himself to ignore it. As a hasty expert, he couldn't ask for guidance from Pung Yeon-cho, who was already a Xian-level expert!

From Shim Yang-gak's perspective, the Ten Heroes' martial skills were already close to those of the notorious wanderer Huang Yaoming, a Xian-level expert. To reach this level in just a year of serious internal and external cultivation was unbelievable, even to an observer.

Recently, Huang Yaoming had stopped belittling the Ten Heroes, perhaps sensing their strength. In fact, no one was listening to his comments anymore.

'Tch! Petty brats…'

Shim Yang-gak, unable to stand the sight of the bandits fawning over Pung Yeon-cho, climbed the mountain.

Before he knew it, he had reached the peak of Mount Obong.

Seeing the back of Pung Yeon-cho in the distance, Shim Yang-gak thought, 'Oh no!'

He had forgotten that the peak of Mount Obong was off-limits, though not officially.

As he turned to leave, Pung Yeon-cho's voice reached his ears.

"Old man, do you have something to talk to me about?"