Chapter 1209

< Chapter 1209 > 1209. The Path of Radiant Ascension

Before I could even summon a bolt of lightning, the Rai-Ten technique responded to my will prematurely.

Zzzzzt!

The electric current that erupted from my palm swept across its body.

“Krrrrrrr!”

I quickly withdrew my hand before it could meet its end.

I was genuinely surprised. I didn’t expect Rai-Ten to react so erratically. Fortunately, the power of the current was about what I anticipated. Otherwise, it would’ve died before spilling any information.

This is irritating.

I failed to fully control Rai-Ten just now. While it responding to my will is good, I almost killed it by accident.

‘Hmm… Since this never happened during my training at Rakugetsuzan, it must be due to these seals on my body. I’ll have to practice Rai-Ten while under the seal later.’

I looked down at the trembling figure. Its wildly shaking eyes finally managed to focus.

“Answer my question. Who do you serve?”

“Guh… guh…”

“I hate it when people ignore me.”

I reached out again. Panicking, it tried crawling backward to escape, but the wall stopped its retreat after only a few steps.

“Kyaaa! I-I belong to the Douyounmun!”

Douyounmun.

The infamous black path organization from the original story. This confirms I’m on the right track.

“Tell me everything about Douyounmun. Don’t leave anything out.”

“B-b-but what exactly-”

“I said everything. The location of Douyounmun, their full strength, their history. Every single thing you know about them.”

“W-will you spare me if I talk?”

“I swear on my name I’ll let you live.”

“M-master, may I ask your name?”

“You little… Even in fear, you’re asking all the right questions, aren’t you? My name is Yomyungsoek.”

“Master Yom! I shall trust Master Yom with all my heart!”

It knelt down on the ground and began explaining as respectfully as possible.

30 years ago, Douyangsanjun descended from Baeksansung and established Douyounmun. By attacking and absorbing various minor black path factions from Baeksansung, Douyounmun became the sole dark sect within the city. However, they only managed the entertainment district and outskirts.

“So Douyounmun is the only dark sect in Baeksansung.”

“There are some smaller groups, but they’re too insignificant to even be called a sect.”

“With that kind of size, shouldn’t they be able to manage other areas? Why are they limited to the entertainment district and outskirts?”

“The master knows his place. If we overstep, Baeksanmingga wouldn’t sit idly by…”

Suddenly, its eyes began wavering, hesitating whether to reveal something. I raised my hand and summoned another jolt of electricity. Zzzzt. A bright blue current flowed through my fingers, turning its face pale green.

“I asked for everything you know about Douyounmun.”

“B-but this next part might not be accurate…”

“Speak.”

“…There’s a rumor that the master is an illegitimate child of Baeksanmingga. That’s why they haven’t purged Douyounmun…”

According to the original story, this rumor happens to be true.

“I see. Now tell me the exact location and full strength of Douyounmun.”

For the next fifteen minutes, it recounted everything it knew…


I’ve said everything.

“M-Master! I’ve confessed everything! P-PLEASE, spare my life! I beg you!”

“I’ve put my name on the line. Do you not trust my name?”

A smirk spread across his sweat-drenched face.

“H-Ha… How could I possibly doubt it? Thank you for sparing me, g-great… master…?”

Thud.

I plunged the knife into his chest. There was never any intention of letting him live. He saw me use *noggongi*. And in the original story, Yeom Guseok doesn’t know how to use *noggongi*. If I let this guy live, it might lead to trouble for me down the line.

“I’ll give you a special lesson before you die. My name isn’t Yeom Guseok.”

I pulled out the blade. A fountain of blood shot upward.

“Damn fuuuu–”

He collapsed and breathed his last.

…

I headed toward the Doyang School. It was located slightly away from the red-light district. Surprisingly, it wasn’t hard to find—it stood out because it was much larger than the surrounding buildings.

‘The Doyang School may be part of the Dark Path, but they still call themselves a sect. So there’s no need for them to hide.’

In a world where martial arts are accepted without discrimination, even dark path sects naturally blend into proper factions over time—it’s a common story here.

I boldly opened the main gate and walked right in. In the original story, Yeom Guseok challenges the Doyang Sect Leader to a duel and forces their submission through sheer power. That’s what I intended to do as well.

Even though I entered through the front gate, not a single person appeared.

“Come out!!”

I shouted with all my might. The loud voice echoed throughout the compound.

Only then did members of the Doyang Sect scramble out, grabbing their weapons. Unlike typical sects that follow strict discipline, these guys felt more relaxed—probably because they’re from the dark side.

“Who is this? An enemy?”

“Did he just attack us alone?”

“He could be an incredible martial artist.”

“Damn it. We’ve never faced an opponent like this before—I don’t know what to do. Should we attack?”

“Wait! The Sect Leader will come out.”

They surrounded me with their weapons drawn. I looked around. Most of them were amateurs. Only about 20% seemed to have properly trained in martial arts, and even those were at the early stages of the *nyu-sik* level. At this point, even with my powers restricted, I could easily wipe them out.

“I don’t care about amateurs like you. Bring me your Sect Leader.”

The answer came from behind them.

“I am Eun Taemang, the Mountain Lord of the Doyang Sect.”

He lived up to his nickname, “Mountain Lord,” with a rugged appearance. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, he was muscular, with wild facial hair covering his face. The broadsword in his hand was monstrous—nearly 10 feet long. It looked capable of slicing through mountains in one stroke.

“Indeed. You’re not an ordinary presence.”

“That’s what I was going to say. Martial artists of your caliber don’t come along often. Where are you from?”

“I’m Han Supyeong from the Redsprings Sect.”

I presented the fake identity prepared by the Celestial Horse Divine Sect.

“Redsprings Sect? Never heard of it.”

“It comes from the southern region where red water flows. It’s far away.”

“Even if you say that, I still don’t get it. Tell me why you attacked.”

“I’ll be staying in this city for a while. After scouting around, I couldn’t find a decent place to stay. But then I found a building that would suit me perfectly.”

“Hmph. You’re insane if you think you can stay here. Stop spouting nonsense and tell me the truth. Is it my reputation or wealth you’re after?”

“If I can gain those things, all the better. Doyang Mountain Lord Eun Taemang, I, Han Supyeong of the Redsprings Sect, challenge you to a duel!”

“Hahaha! A duel… has it been 15 years? Not bad. I respect your spirit. However, I see no reason to fight someone like you.”

Eun Taemang raised his left hand and gave orders to his subordinates.

“Prepare the Iron Star Formation!”

His followers moved swiftly, forming a battle array designed to handle strong opponents. If I continue like this, fighting both Eun Taemang and his followers, things will get annoying.

I took out a palm-sized wooden box from my bag and opened the lid. Inside, resting on soft cloth, was a single pill.

“For this duel, I’ll wager an *Ohin Pill*.”

The *Ohin Pill* is a divine pill that helps reach the fifth level of enlightenment.


The difference between having this and not is quite significant. It boosts the probability of overcoming the wall of arrogance by an impressive thirty percent!

GULP.

The Adam’s apple of Silver-net moved once. He, who has reached the level of Exit Zenith, will eventually reach the wall of arrogance someday. Naturally, he would want to have the Five-People Pill for that day.

“…Even though it’s far away, I can sense this radiant spiritual energy… This is definitely the Five-People Pill. Are you in your right mind? Do you know what kind of treasure you’re wagering in this martial arts duel?”

“You should bet too.”

“…What?”

“Two-Yang Gate.”

“……”

Silver-net’s eyes gleam with greed.

Between Two-Yang Gate and the Five-People Pill, the latter is more valuable.

A Black Path Sect level like Two-Yang Gate can be founded just by gathering a few people. But the Five-People Pill is different. It’s a spirit pill that’s hard to obtain even if you have money.

“Hah, hahaha. Foolish one. Do you really think I’d accept your challenge? We can kill you and take the Five-People Pill. Hand it over quietly, and I might spare your life.”

I took the Five-People Pill out from the wooden box.

“If you won’t accept the duel, then I’ll eat the Five-People Pill right now.”

“Are you stupid? You’re going to eat something so precious right now?”

“It’s better than letting you steal it.”

“You little…”

I opened my mouth. The Five-People Pill got closer to my lips.

“Stop!”

Silver-net shouted. My hand froze instantly.

“Fine. I’ll accept your duel. Put the Five-People Pill back in the box. If it gets even slightly damaged… I’ll never forgive you.”

“Don’t order me around. The Five-People Pill is still mine.”

I threw it carelessly back into the wooden box. Silver-net’s expression twisted.

“You bastards! What are you doing?! Prepare the arena immediately!”

“Yes, Master of the Sect!”

His subordinates scattered to prepare for the martial arts duel.

Silver-net approached me quickly and extended his hand.

“What is it?”

“Upon reconsideration, I thought the Five-People Pill might be fake. Let me confirm its authenticity.”

“Don’t play games. Win against me if you want the Five-People Pill.”

“You’re wasting time. Do you actually think you can defeat me?”

“Silver-net. Don’t be arrogant. Soon, you’ll become my slave. How do you plan on handling the consequences?”

“…I gave you a chance. You’ll die miserably. I’ll cut off your arms and legs and throw you into the pond. My cute fish will surely rejoice at the rare treat.”

“You, from the moment you become my subordinate, will first undergo castration. And your subordinates will relish eating your ass hole. Ugh. Just imagining it makes me sick… Spirit of Heaven… why…”

“Crazy bastard.”

Soon, the preparations for the duel were completed.

They transformed the training ground beside the building into a duel arena. Standing on the arena, I looked around. The subordinates of Silver-net surrounded us. They glared at me with hostile eyes.

‘Silver-net may attack if he seems like he’s losing.’

There was no one on my side here.

I calmly met their gazes while loosening up my body. If I weren’t pretending to be weak right now, I would’ve already released the seals and killed them all with Heavenly Demon Skill.

Silver-net appeared on the arena. Unlike before, he was wearing armor. It was black armor, but the material wasn’t steel. It resembled the exoskeleton of an insect more than anything.

‘…Armor made using the corpse of a monster as material?’

It could be considered a type of magical artifact.

“Take out the Five-People Pill and place it there. Surely, you don’t intend to fight while holding the Five-People Pill? I’ve accepted your request for a duel. Now it’s your turn to show minimal trust.”

“I will.”

He nodded toward the center of the arena. There was a wooden table.

I took the wooden box from my bosom. After opening the lid to confirm the presence of the Five-People Pill, I placed it on the wooden table. Silver-net stared blankly at the Five-People Pill before distancing himself from it and preparing for the duel. I drew my sword and gripped it with both hands.

One of his subordinates, seeing our readiness, shouted.

“Duel begins!!”