Chapter 1212

<Chapter 1212> 1212. The Path of Radiant Ascension

“Let’s use rumors. The roots of the White Mountain Gold Family lie in a sect called White Mountain Sect. We’ll spread the rumor that White Mountain contains the martial arts and magical artifacts of the White Mountain Sect.”

“Even if we spread such rumors, will the White Mountain Gold Family believe it?”

“The Thousand Demon Spirit Cult will be the first to move on this rumor.”

“……Indeed. There’s a possibility. If the Thousand Demon Spirit Cult moves, the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance will also move. Even if the rumor is fake, they wouldn’t want treasures falling into enemy hands. And once the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance gets involved… the White Mountain Gold Family might act out of caution.”

“We’ll lure the forces of the Thousand Demon Spirit Cult, the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance, and the White Mountain Gold Family to White Mountain. And there…”

“We’ll incite battle by exploiting human greed. Once rivers of blood flow… the White Mountain Gold Family won’t be able to maintain neutrality anymore.”

“It would be best for the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance to make the first move… but things rarely go exactly as planned.”

“In order to start this plan, we need to reliably ignite human greed. Spreading mere rumors should suffice.”

“I’ll handle that. Number 366, I’d like you to help spread the rumor. Numbers 567 and 290, stay on standby.”

“Without reporting to the Spirit Cult?”

Number 290, Ximen Xiaoli, asked.

“Number 151 was a spy for the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance. I don’t think the Spirit Cult has only one spy who’s working for the Heaven’s Righteousness Alliance.”

“…What if problems arise because we didn’t report?”

“I’ll take full responsibility.”

Chanyun said firmly.

As the son and heir of the current Thousand Demon Lord, if Chanyun steps forward, he won’t be disciplined merely for failing to report.

“Number 123.”

Jiema Mosun called me.

“What? Is there something I need to do?”

“I’d like your help in spreading the rumor.”

“If I personally step in to spread the rumor, it’ll raise suspicion and reduce its credibility.”

“The rumor will start outside White Mountain City. Number 123, please assist by casually spreading the rumor.”

“…In what way?”

“I’ll inform you of the time and place later. Just bring some members of the Dao Yang Sect to that location. Don’t do anything there. The sect members will naturally take care of spreading the rumor.”

“Understood.”

The plan involving rumors.

It was quite clever. If this were modern times, it might be difficult, but this isn’t the modern world. It’s a world where wars between sects breaking out due to rumors are commonplace.

•••

Four days passed.

The plan to spread the rumor succeeded.

The entire White Mountain City buzzed with talk of the treasure of White Mountain. You could hear the rumor just by entering any inn and listening carefully.

“You’ve heard about the treasure in White Mountain, right? Apparently, it’s an artifact from the White Mountain Sect.”

“Yeah, people have been talking about it everywhere.”

“What do you think?”

“Nonsense. Someone must be bored and making stuff up. The White Mountain Sect disappeared over 500 years ago, right? Now treasures are suddenly showing up? Sounds too far-fetched. Besides, no one even knows what the treasure is.”

“Tsk tsk. Looks like you haven’t heard the latest version of the rumor yet.”

“What rumor? There’s more?”

“They say the true identity of the White Mountain Sect’s treasure has been revealed. A wandering swordsman who returned from White Mountain claims he saw the treasure.”

“…What kind of treasure is it?”

“You’re calling it nonsense? What are you trying to accomplish by listening to fake rumors? Are you planning to talk to your dog or something?”

“For heaven’s sake, why are you embarrassing me like this?”

“Hmph. Do you know how many times I’ve told this story today? My throat is so dry I don’t feel like talking anymore.”

“Waiter! Bring a bottle of Bamboo Leaf Green tea! Alright, now can you tell me? What’s the treasure?”

“The Wooden Seal Staff.”

“Wooden Seal Staff? What’s that? Some kind of wooden stick?”

“Foolish. It’s not just any wooden stick. When you wield the Wooden Seal Staff, its end extends, and when you strike the ground with it, trees burst forth from the earth. It’s a treasure-level artifact from the White Mountain Sect.”

“An artifact… treasures with mysterious powers, you mean. So, the White Mountain Sect’s treasure really exists in White Mountain?”

“That’s why…


In the world of genders and spirits, where Ha and Na exist neutrally—

“Hey, there’s chaos among the ronin now. They’re all buzzing about climbing Mount Hakusan and getting their hands on the Mokイン봉. And here’s another rumor: The Mok인봉 holds the secret techniques of the Hakusang Monastery!”

“Hmph, that rumor is surprisingly detailed. But is it true…?”

“You, you’re too skeptical.”

“Think about it. If the rumors are true, wouldn’t it be strange for the Hakusan Gold Family to just sit idly by?”

“I heard from my nephew earlier today. He said that even though the Hakusan Gold Family looks fine on the outside, internally, they’re in turmoil. The atmosphere is so intense… My nephew said he could barely breathe, so he finished his work and fled immediately.”

“The situation within the Hakusan Gold Family is that serious, huh? So… is the rumor true…?”

“The rumor is true. My gut tells me so. And I also heard this: The Celestial Horse Sect and the Celestial Vow Alliance plan to climb Mount Hakusan and search for the Mokイン봉.”

“Ho ho! Are they planning to offer the Mokイン봉 to the Hakusan Gold Family to gain their favor? That would be a clever move.”

“You… Are you an idiot?”

“What?! What nonsense is this all of a sudden?”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself after hearing such absurdity. Listen, the Mokイン봉 is known as one of the upper-tier magical artifacts. It’s more valuable than any average small or medium-sized sect. If the Celestial Horse Sect or the Celestial Vow Alliance were to obtain it, they’d likely abandon their alliance with the Hakusan Gold Family and instead give up control over Hakusan Castle. That’s how valuable the Mokイン봉 is.”

“Phew. Do the Celestial Horse Sect and the Celestial Vow Alliance not fear the Hakusan Gold Family at all?”

“You’re a local, but you know nothing. The only place where the Hakusan Gold Family can wield power is within Hakusan Castle. Outside of it? They’d have to grovel before the Celestial Horse Sect and the Celestial Vow Alliance. That’s reality.”

“Ugh. This makes me feel uneasy…”

“But still, we’re in Hakusan Castle. It’s the Hakusan Gold Family’s territory. They won’t stay idle. No one has ever obtained the treasure, so let’s wait with hope. Has the Hakusan Gold Family ever disappointed us?”

“Nope. Never.”

This was how rumors spread throughout Hakusan Castle.

‘The Mokイン봉. It truly is Hakusang Monastery’s artifact. The Hakusan Gold Family is panicking because of it. Even the name and abilities of the artifact, which only they knew, are leaking out.’

Currently, the Hakusan Gold Family must be searching internally for whoever leaked the information.

‘Unable to find the culprit, they’ll start to believe the rumors might be true.’

Once a shred of credibility arises, the Hakusan Gold Family will have no choice but to act. They wouldn’t allow their ancestors’ treasures to be stolen by the Celestial Vow Alliance and the Celestial Horse Sect—not even if it meant death.

‘Chun Yuwen. You’ve spread these rumors well, using your knowledge of the original story.’

For reference, the Mokイン봉 doesn’t actually exist—it broke into pieces hundreds of years ago.

—

The next morning, the Celestial Horse Sect mobilized its forces and headed toward Mount Hakusan. This was due to Chun Yuwen’s influence.

A few hours later, the Celestial Vow Alliance hastily gathered its troops and followed the Celestial Horse Sect toward Mount Hakusan.

The Hakusan Gold Family set out later than the Celestial Vow Alliance.

I pretended to join the Celestial Horse Sect but then changed direction.

‘Chun Yuwen’s goal is the spirit herb hidden in Mount Hakusan. I need to steal it first.’

I was prepared to break the seals to claim the spirit herb, as it was quite rare and valuable here. Furthermore, stealing it would hinder Chun Yuwen’s growth.

Climbing Mount Hakusan…

It truly was a white mountain—not because of snow, but because the trees and soil were naturally pure white. The cause remains unknown, and it wasn’t particularly important in the original story. Something about “yin energy” or whatever Chun Yuwen speculated.

‘There he is.’

Using Heavenly Eye, I confirmed Chun Yuwen’s location. He hadn’t noticed I was following him.

‘I’ll strike when Chun Yuwen obtains the spirit herb.’

With Mi-ryeong’s help, I prepared to lift the seal.

Stopping in my tracks, I closed my eyes and entered a state of self-contemplation. I could feel the spell blocking my dantian and meridians. It was made of water qi and wood qi. Mi-ryeong deliberately used water and wood energies for the seal because…

‘Brain qi is strong against water qi and wood qi.’

I summoned brain qi, which burned away the spell according to my will, breaking the seal.

I felt lighter, as if I had shed a burden weighing hundreds of kilograms.

‘Let’s go.’

I prepared my Illusion Technique. To ensure a perfect ambush, I turned my body transparent and followed Chun Yuwen. He skillfully navigated through the white trees and rocks, finding a narrow path and walking slowly.

I followed closely behind.

We arrived at a massive cavern where a single large white tree stood. On its white branches…


The body grew white hair instead of leaves.

White-Haired Demon Tree (Baekbal Gwi Mok). It was closer to an immortal guardian than a monster.

Cheonyuun drew his sword from his waist and charged at the White-Haired Demon Tree, unleashing the Celestial Devil Martial Art in earnest.

“Hmph. Is this difference in skill? Your Celestial Devil Martial Art looks like nothing special.”

After five minutes of intense battle, Cheonyuun pierced the core of the White-Haired Demon Tree, causing it to collapse. Cracks spread across its body as it began to crumble.

“The White-Haired Demon Tree blooms after death…”

As its trunk split open, a pure white flower blossomed beautifully.

White Yang Flower (Baek Yang Hwa). The finest of spirit herbs.

“…Finally, it’s mine…!”

Cheonyuun reached out joyfully for the White Yang Flower. I prepared to strike him on the back of the head. Knocking Cheonyuun unconscious with a surprise attack and stealing the White Yang Flower—my perfect plan.

But before I could execute it, a variable appeared.

Someone hiding behind a rock revealed themselves, kicked Cheonyuun unconscious, and stole the White Yang Flower.

“Shit!”

I immediately lunged at the unknown figure, swinging my Flame Lotus Blade. The opponent easily dodged my attack by stepping gracefully.

I frowned. I couldn’t discern the enemy’s identity. A shadowy darkness enveloped their body. Their face and build were completely invisible.

“Martial art? Sorcery? Artifact? Whatever it is, it’s not ordinary. My Heavenly Sight isn’t working.”

The shadow kept its distance while staring at me. It felt like they were studying me.

“Who are you?”

A distorted voice came from the shadow.

“Your voice sounds like shit. Reveal yourself.”

“…Shouldn’t that line be coming from me?”

The voice was Cheonyuun’s. If this guy had concealed himself in shadows, I had made myself invisible using Illusio.

I approached the shadow as silently as possible. The shadow reacted instantly, as if they could see me clearly.

‘Slightly delayed reaction. Can they really see me or do they just have good senses? Just a moment.’

Heavenly Lightning Style (Noryeon Ryu), Thunder Light (Noryeong).

My Flame Lotus Blade filled with red lightning as it aimed for the shadow’s neck. The shadow raised their sword and deflected my attack. The recoil sent both of us flying backward.

“I’ve never seen that sword style before. Who are you?”

The shadow steadied their stance.

“Never seen that sword style? That’s what I was going to say.”

I too took the stance of the Eternal Heaven Style—no, now the Heavenly Lightning Style—and quietly regulated my breathing. My exhalation carried a current of electricity. Crackling red lightning enveloped my body. To the shadow, I must look like a mass of red lightning.

Heavenly Lightning Style (Noryeon Ryu), Gale Swift Thunder (Jilbong Sunryeong).

I took a step forward, closing the distance in an instant and swung my blade at the shadow. Surprised, the shadow stumbled back and swung their sword low. I sensed pure devilish energy emanating from their blade.

‘This feels just like Cheonyuun’s…!’

Our blades clashed. The shadow calmly countered every one of my attacks. Though I managed to wound them, none of the injuries were fatal.

Crack, crackle…

My red lightning was being absorbed by their devilish energy and disappeared. Their devilish art and my Heavenly Lightning Style weren’t compatible. I clicked my tongue. My skills aren’t enough to counter this devilish energy. More accurately, my understanding of the Heavenly Lightning Style is insufficient.

Pffft!

The shadow’s punch hit my abdomen. Unable to defend myself, I was sent flying back, crashing into a wall.

“…I’ve roughly figured out your swordsmanship. It’s impressive, I’ll admit that much. But that’s all. In the end, I’m stronger than you.”

Keeeeng.

Illusio emitted a short noise and deactivated. Its duration had run out. My true form was revealed. I should’ve worn a mask—it was a mistake not to because of how cumbersome it seemed. …I didn’t expect someone like this to show up.

The shadow stared intently at my face.

“…No idea who you are. Who are you?”

“I am… Yom Guwol.”

I wiped the blood flowing from my mouth with the back of my hand and steadied my stance.

“Yom Guwol? Hah, don’t make me laugh. The real Yom Guwol looks stupider than you.”

“…”

The shadow knew about Yom Guwol.

“Eh, whatever. I’ll find out who you really are later. Don’t have time right now… so let me just kill you first.”

Dark devilish energy rose from the shadow’s body. Now I was certain.

“Heavenly Devil Martial Art (Cheonma Sin Gong)…”

“You’re not half bad, knowing that.”

The devilish energy gathered into the shadow’s sword.

“Tch. Everyone and their dog seems to know the Heavenly Devil Martial Art these days.”

“What?”

Heavenly Devil Martial Art (Cheonma Sin Gong), Heavenly Devil Energy (Cheonma Gi).

I activated the Heavenly Devil Martial Art. Black devilish energy surrounded my body. Like the shadow, I channeled the energy into my blade.

The shadow seemed shocked and hesitated.

“Heavenly Devil Martial Art (Cheonma Sin Gong)…?”

“Can’t you see with your own eyes?”

I threw a punch at the stunned opponent.

Heavenly Devil Martial Art (Cheonma Sin Gong), Dragon Fist (Ryong Gwon).