Chương 359: Is It Not A Joy To Have Friends Come From Afar? (3)

(3) (3) Paaaat!

Green light illuminates the surroundings.

Ham Jin is drenched in cold sweat.

'Da-dangerous!'

He can feel it.

If this formation activates, he will surely die!

It seems that Black Tomb also senses the danger of the formation, as he glares at Ham Jin with a terrifying expression.

"You! What did you just do?"

"What? It wasn't me! I didn't do anything!"

Ham Jin desperately denies it as he looks down at his shadow.

'Uh...'

However, his shadow, which had been that of a monster with 19 heads, has reverted back to his own.

Black Tomb reaches out to Ham Jin with his face contorted into a malicious evil spirit.

"This won't do. Damn it. I was planning to switch bodies if something went wrong with this one, but now, it seems I'll need to scatter your soul and refine it in advance to be safe!"

"What!"

Ham Jin grits his teeth.

Black Tomb Old Devil extends his hand toward him.

And then, it happens.

The hand of Black Tomb Old Devil that is reaching out to Ham Jin pauses.

Chills!

A shiver runs down the old monster's spine.

'Wh-what is this sensation?'

For some reason, he finds it hard to breathe.

Black Tomb looks behind himself with trembling eyes.

Just who can it be?

Towards where Black Tomb turned around and is looking, there is a man dressed in a white robe with black hair, sitting on the ground and observing something.

Tingle, tingle!!

Black Tomb breaks out in a cold sweat.

'S-Since when was he there? I never felt him approaching! Is he someone who learned stealth techniques?'

He waves his hand toward Ham Jin.

He was going to kill him just now, but he changed his mind.

Now is not the time to be concerned with someone like Ham Jin.

Whoosh! Kuang!

The devilish fire from his hand turns into chains that wrap around Ham Jin.

After subduing Ham Jin in one move, Black Tomb asks the man in white with trembling eyes.

"Who are you?"

And then, the man who has been observing the ground where a dragon vein flows, looks at Black Tomb.

Tingle, tingle, tingle!

Black Tomb feels an eerie shiver rising from his entire body, making it hard to breathe.

'What is this? This person in front of me, he's not even at the Qi Refining stage. He has less energy than a mortal! Wait a minute...? Less spiritual energy than a mortal? That means... this isn't a living being!'

Chills, chills!

The more he guesses about the man's identity, the more Black Tomb feels the chills.

And then, the man speaks.

"I'm entirely in the Plane of Soul so I was wondering how you recognized me, but... it's thanks to that. That thing made your soul similar to a Nascent Soul and placed it in the Plane of Soul. It's quite a remarkable artifact."

'As expected...!'

He had indeed been unable to recognize him until just now!

It's only thanks to the spirit tablet embedded in his heart that he can recognize this man!

Black Tomb asks the man, trembling.

"Who are you?"

But the man just looks at Black Tomb and then, as if uninterested, looks back at the ground.

"... I see, it's a formation. A formation spread across multiple planes. I thought it was just a corpse... but it's covering and hiding the formation. This structure is just like... I see... Jang Ik tried to enter the formation and this being was killed by Jang Ik while trying to prevent him from entering."

Black Tomb can't understand what this person is saying.

But he understands one thing.

'He's a being related to this artifact! Indeed, is he a guardian spirit protecting this spirit tablet? Come to think of it, the voice that activated the formation wasn't Ham Jin's, but this man's voice.'

Black Tomb looks up at the sky.

Even if he uses the Flying Escape Technique with all his might, the formation will explode before he can escape from this deep place back to the surface.

'I can't let that happen!'

Black Tomb makes a life-or-death decision.

'There's no time to run. I have no other choice but to subdue this being and order him to cancel the formation!'

It's a decision he wouldn't normally make.

However, Black Tomb is confident.

The power he has obtained from merging with the spirit tablet is that formidable.

"Cancel the formation immediately, or I will kill you!"

"It's an astonishing formation. But I've never seen this structure before... it's a formation with a strong attraction force. If I activate this formation through attraction force, what will happen?"

"Damn it! Don't ignore me!"

Kududuguk!

Black Tomb gathers his power.

From the spirit tablet merged with his heart, infinite power begins to emerge.

"I am now akin to a True God! No, with this power, not even the Heavenly Being stage Heaven Above Heavens (天外天) can ignore me!"

Huarurururru!

The inside of the pit seems to instantly fill with Black Tomb's devilish fire!

And just as Black Tomb is about to strike the man who is ignoring him.

Wiiiiing!

Ping!

"... Huh?"

Black Tomb notices a sound as if something is misaligned within his body.

Tiiing, tiiing! Piiing!

The next moment.

Kuaang!

Black Tomb's body explodes.

"Kuaaaaagh!"

From the part of his body that exploded, a vivid green light bursts forth.

'N-No! Damn it! The power of the spirit tablet is running wild!'

He desperately tries to control the spirit tablet, but it's unshakable.

Just then, seeing this scene, the man in white's eyes light up.

"So that's it...! I was wondering why such a random spirit tablet was floating around the formation. Turns out it's the key, huh?"

The man begins to approach.

Black Tomb shouts, his face contorting.

"D-Don't come any closer! You monster!"

"Who are you calling a monster, you who devours his disciples?"

"Hah, huaaaaah!"

Kuaaaang!

Black Tomb struggles to control the spirit tablet while simultaneously releasing endless devilish fire toward the man.

But the man appears unaffected, advancing toward Black Tomb through the devilish fire.

However, at that moment.

Tiiiiiing— A sound resonates from the spirit tablet embedded within Black Tomb's chest.

Hearing that sound, the expression on the man in white changes.

"This is, spatial divine power? This is a bit..."

Kuguguguk!

The surroundings heat up with the green light from the dragon vein.

The man clicks his tongue with a troubled expression, while Black Tomb looks at the man and the boiling dragon vein in terror.

The green light covers the world.

Kugugugugugu!

Ham Jin opens his eyes.

'Wh-where is this...!?'

"Keoheok!"

He coughs and struggles to his feet.

The surroundings are filled with dust.

But after a while, the dust settles.

Ham Jin looks around.

'S-Split Turtle Valley...!'

Split Turtle Valley has vanished.

The surroundings are nothing but rubble, the remnants of what had been Split Turtle Valley.

Ham Jin, taken aback, touches his own body.

"How did I survive?"

He fails to understand.

Given the explosive power of that formation, someone like Ham Jin, who had exhausted all his spiritual power, should have been obliterated in an instant.

Yet, he hasn't died.

What has happened?

While Ham Jin is still confused.

Thunk!

A hand emerges from beneath the rubble.

It's the hand of his master, Black Tomb Old Devil Yeom Gok.

Ham Jin flinches.

"Keheok kerlogh!"

Black Tomb emerges from under the rubble, gasping for breath.

And then, he and Ham Jin lock eyes.

Ham Jin quickly contemplates.

'Thanks to the energy from the dragon vein, my dantian is gradually filling with pure spiritual force. Can I kill Black Tomb now?'

But Ham Jin sees the faint green glow emanating from Black Tomb's body and suppresses his murderous intent.

'No, it's still dangerous. Black Tomb still has the spirit tablet's power. If I fight him, I'll lose.'

Barely restraining his killing intent, he speaks.

"Master, let me help you."

'Once I've gathered a bit more power from the dragon vein, I'll strike him then.'

Kuaduduk!

Using his spell, Ham Jin clears the rubble covering Black Tomb.

Black Tomb takes a deep breath, vomiting blood.

Black Tomb glares at Ham Jin.

For a moment, their gazes meet.

Black Tomb, looking around as if he can't trust Ham Jin, replies.

"This master finds it hard to fly. Lift the flying artifact, Ham Jin. I have another cave residence in Black Ridge Valley next to Split Turtle Valley. If we use the flying artifact, we'll get there quickly. Take me there. I need to take an elixir and recover my strength."

Twitch— Ham Jin's eyes twitch at those words.

'Damn it, you cunning old man!'

He grits his teeth inwardly.

Due to the characteristics of the Silica Earth Great Wall Secrets that replenish spiritual power through the dragon vein, his recovery will be significantly hindered if his body is lifted off the ground.

Black Tomb, with a sly expression, asks Ham Jin.

"What's the matter, disciple? Are you saying you won't move the flying artifact for this old, injured master?"

Huaruk, huarururk!

The green glow around Black Tomb begins to transform into devilish fire according to his will.

Gritting his teeth, Ham Jin pulls out a flying artifact from his storage scroll.

All the flying artifacts he possesses are slow.

They were given by Black Tomb, fearing Ham Jin might try to escape.

However, Ham Jin inwardly smiles.

'Maybe...'

"Understood, Master. But my current spiritual power isn't enough to operate the flying artifact properly. Please infuse it with your spiritual power to make it work."

He speaks with the intention of depleting Black Tomb's power as much as possible, but Black Tomb, drawing more devilish fire, grabs Ham Jin's shoulder.

"Ham Jin. Didn't I tell you? Activate the flying magic artifact."

Chiiiiiik― The heat from the devilish fire sears Ham Jin's skin.

He swallows hard.

"... Understood."

Wo-woong!

Ham Jin and Black Tomb board onto a carpet-shaped flying magic artifact.

As Ham Jin infuses it with his spiritual power, the flying magic artifact slowly rises into the air, moving in the direction Black Tomb points to.

Ham Jin controls the artifact towards the direction indicated by Black Tomb, while Black Tomb places his hand, generating devilish fire, on Ham Jin's back.

It seems as though he is prepared to incinerate Ham Jin to dust at the slightest sign of betrayal.

Flying through the sky, Ham Jin grits his teeth.

'Are my fellow disciples safe?'

Considering the recent explosion, they might all be dead.

'Just where has Sir Fighting Ghost disappeared to? Wasn't it Sir Fighting Ghost who activated the formation just now? Could it be that he also intended to only use and then discard me...?'

Lost in complex thoughts, he glances down.

A heap of rubble that used to be Split Turtle Valley.

And the flow of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy in Split Turtle Valley.

And...

'Huh?'

Suddenly, Ham Jin's eyes brighten.

The flow of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy is strange.

In one corner of Split Turtle Valley, the spiritual energy is writhing wildly.

Then, the piles of rubble in that place begin to tremble, and his fellow disciples emerge.

"Wh-what?"

Forgetting that Black Tomb is holding devilish fire against his back, Ham Jin shouts in joy.

"Master, look! All the seniors and juniors are alive!"

Strangely, most of his seniors and juniors who are in the 1st or 2nd star of Qi Refining are unharmed.

Not even a scratch seems to be on them.

As if someone had specifically protected them.

At Ham Jin's shout, Black Tomb looks in the direction Ham Jin is pointing to.

But contrary to Ham Jin's overflowing joy, Black Tomb's reaction is the complete opposite.

"Hmm?"

Feeling something odd, Ham Jin turns to look back.

Black Tomb is sweating coldly.

"Master, Master. What's wrong?"

Wo-woong― He asks while maneuvering the flying magic artifact.

Kurung, Kurururung!

It appears like dark clouds are gathering in the sky, but he pays it no mind.

He is just curious about Black Tomb's demeanor.

"Master, there's a look of worry etched on your face."

Then, with a pale white face, Black Tomb speaks.

Chiiii― The sky is suddenly filled with dark clouds, and the surroundings grow dim.

Drip, drop, shuaaaaaa!

In the pouring of raindrops, the devilish fire in Black Tomb's hand is extinguished. But Black Tomb, too terrified to reignite the devilish fire, points with a trembling finger to where his disciples are crawling out.

"D-Disciple. Ham Jin. Can you not see that ghost?"

Ham Jin looks back.

There are only his seniors and juniors crawling out from where Black Tomb is pointing.

Black Tomb's voice trembles.

"Can you not see... that ghost with 19 heads, clad in immense darkness?"

"...!"

Ham Jin pretends not to know and looks ahead.

He steers the flying magic artifact with a composed demeanor but grins where Black Tomb can't see him.

'As expected, that being hasn't abandoned me! They even saved my seniors and juniors!'

He speaks in a calm voice, as if to reassure Black Tomb.

"Master, it's just the streak of rain. It's because of the sudden downpour that you're seeing things."

Clench!

Both of Black Tomb's hands grasp Ham Jin's shoulders.

But it isn't an act of threat or intimidation.

Rather, it's an action born of fear, clutching onto Ham Jin as if he is the only one he can rely on.

His hands are trembling.

And in his ears, he can hear the voice of the great ghost.

[Child, give it to me. Give me your heart. If you give me your heart, I will show you a delightful new world. If you give me your heart, you can come together with me. Come with me, and I will give you the chance to live a very enjoyable life.] Black Tomb's pupils sharply constrict.

It's coming.

The massive great ghost with 19 heads clad in darkness is slowly following Black Tomb and Ham Jin.

[Where do you wish to go? There's a place where the most beautiful eyes are embedded in the sky. There's also a pretty doll's dress waiting for you. I can send you to a place that's perfectly suited for your cultivation method.] Black Tomb, panicking, clings to Ham Jin.

"Disciple, disciple! Can you not hear it? Can you not hear the great ghost whispering to me?"

He is trembling in fear.

He can feel it.

This ghost is not a True God or a being like the Heaven Above Heavens.

It's an even higher existence!

An existence beyond the sky, in the world beyond ascension!

Flying slowly through the sky, Ham Jin speaks soothingly to calm Black Tomb.

"Please rest, Master. It's just the sound of wind rustling through the raindrops."

Black Tomb looks back again.

The ghost is still ever approaching him.

With every step it takes, its size grows even larger.

Its body is like the night sky, its eyes resembling 38 red pearls.

[Child, give me your heart. I will let you come with me. My Law Protectors are also waiting for a new devotee.] As the ghost waves its hand, faint visions shimmer within its dark robe.

[They will grant you grace in the sea where dimensions ripple. They will perform excellent procedures on you and celebrate you becoming one with us.] Inside his black robe is a red monster with six arms.

A giant with a body of starlight. A centipede curled up in the pitch-black darkness.

The vision of a witch commanding countless cursed dolls flickers.

Black Tomb clings to Ham Jin, terrified at the thought that the ghosts inside the dark robe might reach out to him at any moment.

"Disciple, disciple! Can you not see them? Can you not see the ghost and his four law protectors standing there?"

Ham Jin laughs as he pierces through the rain.

"Master, Master. I see very clearly. It's just a heap of stones."

Thump, thump, thump!

Black Tomb's pupils tremble erratically.

He pants for breath.

His heart starts to ache.

Before he knows it, the ghost has caught up to them, right behind them.

He wants to urge Ham Jin to go faster.

But the ghost's presence saps his strength.

[Child, I need your heart. The radiant sight of your heart gives me expectation. If you do not give me your heart, I'll use force.] Clench!

Finally, the massive black great ghost with 19 heads grabs Black Tomb's shoulder.

"Disciple! Disciple! The ghost has caught me!"

Kuadududuk!

Darkness burrows into Black Tomb's body.

They are curse spells.

Curses, all dreadful and all vile!

Curses filled with unimaginable torture and pain that no ordinary devilish cultivator could ever fathom.

Black Tomb can't even begin to guess how many millions of souls this ghost has tortured to forge these curses.

He screams at the sight of these dreadful curses.

"Disciple! The ghost is hurting me! Disciple! Fly the magic artifact faster! Disciple! Ham Jin!"

Ham Jin begins to ease his power from the flying magic artifact.

Gradually, it slows down.

"HUKUAAAAAAH!!! KUAAAAAAAA!!! HUAAAAAAAGH! KUAAAAAAAAA!!!"

Terrible screams begin to erupt from behind Ham Jin.

Screams like those of eunuchs being castrated alive.

Ham Jin does not look back.

Since Infinite Fighting Ghost has attached himself to him, Black Tomb's disciples have been subjected to experiments but never killed.

But Ham Jin clearly remembers.

His fellow disciples.

His seniors and juniors.

Before he connected with the Wuji Ghost King, Countless of his friends had been sacrificed as experimental subjects by this vile devil.

"KUAAAAGH!! HAM JIN-AH!!! PLEASE, I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING! PLEASE SAVE ME! WHERE IS THIS! MOTHERRRR!!!! KUAAAAGH!! HUKUAAAAGH!!!"

The screams are like the wails of ghosts.

He brings the flying magic artifact to a halt and slowly lowers its altitude.

Clench!

"This dog bastard!!! Move forward, move faster! Hurry!!!"

Black Tomb, writhing in pain, strangles Ham Jin from behind.

It's then that Ham Jin turns around.

The one called the Devil God, Black Tomb Old Devil.

Yeom Gok is dying behind him, covered in intricate curse spells.

"Will you not move the flying magic artifact now?!? Please, disciple, please! Please!!!"

Is it perhaps his final burst of energy?

Devilish fire flares up from Black Tomb's entire body.

As if he is planning to go down together.

But at that moment, Ham Jin feels a writhing sensation in his lower abdomen.

Wriggle, wriggle... puhwaak!

The next moment.

From his lower abdomen, black darkness spews out in streams, and something pitch-black emerges.

Ham Jin realizes what it is.

It's his Inner Core.

The mystical organ that the Wuji Ghost King had placed inside him, which had granted him the vision to see the flow of Taiji!

And now Ham Jin understands.

Wriggle, wriggle...

The Inner Core wriggles in mid-air, forming the shape of someone.

It's a man in white.

"... I see, this Inner Core was your avatar? Infinite Fighting Ghost... no."

Swallowing hard, he corrects the title for the man who has crawled out from his abdomen.

"Wuji Ghost King..."

It turns out Infinite Fighting Ghost was never just a subordinate of the Wuji Ghost King.

The Wuji Ghost King himself had breathed a part of his soul into the being.

Crack, crack!

The form of the man in white begins to change.

'Master thought the Wuji Ghost King was chasing us. It wasn't like that at all. The Wuji Ghost King... had been hiding inside me all along!'

He now understands why he survived the explosion of the dragon vein.

Creak-crack!

Eighteen heads sprout from the shoulders of the man with the benevolent appearance.

Each head weeps bloody tears, and as the blood flows down, it blossoms into flowers of curses.

Black Tomb, seeing the ghost that has torn out of Ham Jin's abdomen, sheds a tear.

"Heh, heheheh, heheheheheh!!"

In the end, he seems to have lost his mind from the fear and pain, letting out a hollow laugh.

The ghost with 19 heads grasps Black Tomb's head.

And that is the end.

The laughing Black Tomb melts into a puddle of rotten water, leaving only a single spirit tablet behind.

This is the end of the one who had kidnapped countless orphans, conducted numerous cruel experiments, and taken innumerable lives as if they were expendable.

The final moments of Yuhwa's final Sage God.

Black Tomb Old Devil, Yeom Gok.

Ham Jin closes his eyes as the raindrops fall.

'Finally...'

He understands who the Wuji Ghost King truly is.

They are the same person who had always protected him by his side, the Infinite Fighting Ghost.

He smiles, understanding that the chill-inducing, terrifyingly grotesque Wuji Ghost King is an entity he can trust.

"I am... free."

The Wuji Ghost King glances briefly at Ham Jin and then raises the jade-green spirit tablet.

The buzzing jade-green spirit tablet expresses rejection in the hands of the Core Formation stage Black Tomb, but it stops vibrating when held by the Ghost King.

It's as if it acknowledges that they are sufficiently qualified to handle it.

Wiiiiing― As they grasp the spirit tablet, it emits a jade-green light, scattering rays around.

I supply energy to the Gang Sphere avatar and look around.

Although it appears invisible to Ham Jin, the power of the jade-green spirit tablet is distorting the surrounding space and plane, forming a formation.

'This formation is...'

The formation creates a barrier that covers the surrounding area like a water droplet.

Jiiiiing― While those with lower cultivation seem incapable of comprehending it, I realize that the formation has activated and separated this area from the Decaying Corpse Realm.

While the formation is active, this area has become an entirely different otherworld from the Decaying Corpse Realm.

I look at the sky and read the attraction force.

The formation's attraction force is intertwining in the void, drawing strange patterns.

This water droplet-like otherworld seems to have some specific function, but I can't discern what it is.

'I suppose some more research is necessary.'

This is something that a Star Shattering Esteemed One had tried to protect from Jang Ik.

Further research might yield something interesting.

Wiiiiing― I disperse the attraction force applied to the spirit tablet.

As the spirit tablet loses its light, the formation deactivates.

Simultaneously, the otherworld that was separated from the Decaying Corpse Realm returns to its original state.

I can feel the natural flow of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy harmonizing with this world once again.

I nod and speak to Ham Jin.

[The Inner Core I bestowed upon you was my Gang Sphere clone. But now that all its power has been consumed, you will no longer be able to use the eyes that see Heaven and Earth spiritual energy. Will you be alright?]

"... It's alright. Instead, I've gained something even more precious, so I'm satisfied."

Tstststststs― I release my Ghost King Transformation and pat Ham Jin's head.

"Freedom is a precious thing. Due to my Celestial Energy Guidance, it will pour heavily in this vicinity for the next three days, so take your fellow disciples and seek shelter elsewhere. And keep this safe."

I entrust the spirit tablet to him.

"As I need to study this, continue summoning me. I will assist you each time."

Unfortunately, I am currently observing this world through the Supervisory Jade rather than the Void Spirit Pond, so I can't accept the spirit tablet myself.

Instead, I will often descend to this world to study the tablet entrusted to Ham Jin.

"I must go now. It seems more guests have arrived at my home."

I begin to withdraw my consciousness, and Ham Jin bows deeply to me.

"... Thank you, Wuji Ghost King. No..."

Paaaatt!

"... O God."

As I withdraw my consciousness, Ham Jin's bowing figure is the last thing I see.

Wo-woong!

Pasasasak!

When I open my eyes, I am back in front of Seo Ran and Shi Ho.

"Sorry about that. It took a bit longer than expected."

"It's nothing. Was there something necessary to attend to in the Lower Realms?"

"There was something I needed to take care of briefly. But more importantly... I'll go greet the guests and come back. Wait here for a moment."

"Yes, understood."

Leaving Seo Ran and Shi Ho in the room, I exit the Wuji Religious Hall.

Outside, shrimp, turtles, and seahorses from the aquatic Demon Race surround the Twilight Domain.

"Who are you people?"

My voice echoes throughout the entire Twilight Domain, causing them to flinch before shouting loudly.

"We are envoys sent on behalf of the ruler of the Wi Jeong Sea Domain, the Governing Dragon Palace Lord Yuk Rin. You beings from another dimension have committed a grave disrespect by abducting and endangering the life of our lord's daughter! Kneel and repent immediately, and release the lord's daughter!"

"Hmmm... the lord's name is Yuk Rin. So, does that mean the daughter's name is Yuk Yo?"

"That's right! Bring the daughter out here at once! Our lord's dharma treasure has detected her life in danger!"

'That profligate koi who deceived Seo Ran and went around committing fraud without any protection is the lord's daughter... how absurd.'

Though I find it somewhat ridiculous, I nod.

After all, it's a mistake and disrespect on my part to have her torn apart by Shi Ho despite being a guest.

"Hmm, I apologize for that. I will provide proper compensation. She is currently undergoing treatment, so once it's done, I will immediately send her back and offer appropriate..."

At that moment.

I sense the shrimp demon beast sending a voice transmission to the turtle demon beast who was scolding me.

The turtle demon then laughs and shouts.

"There she is! Everyone, attack! We must rescue Lady Yuk Yo and take her back!"

The aquatic demon beasts simultaneously launch an attack toward the honored guest room where Yuk Yo is staying.

Kwakakakabang!

The honored guest room collapses, and I see the bodies of hard-working and diligent cursed dolls working inside getting damaged.

Yuk Yo, who is receiving treatment, is visibly alarmed.

When she sees the aquatic demon beasts floating in the air, she panics and starts to flee in the opposite direction.

"Lady Yuk Yo, where are you going!"

Kuguguguk!

As the turtle demon beast stretches its foot towards her, a powerful attraction force forms and begins pulling Yuk Yo.

Judging by the attraction force, it seems to be at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage.

However, I feel great displeasure and release my own attraction force to neutralize their power.

"You... do you wish to die? I clearly stated I would return her after treatment, yet you destroy my order's building and harm my followers?"

"Shut up! You recklessly invaded our sea domain and threatened the virtuous residents of Sacred Orchid Island, driving them all away. How dare you act like the victim!"

"We threatened them? Drove them all away?"

Kuguguguguk!

I clench my teeth and activate my Ghost King Transformation.

[You dare underestimate my religious order, assuming I am only at the Four-Axis stage.]

"You bastard, how dare you...?"

[Silence.] Boom!

Before the turtle demon can utter another word, I unleash the All-Heavens Sword, blowing him up instantly.

The turtle demon at the Grand Perfection Four-Axis stage explodes and dies.

"..."

"..."

The complexions of the aquatic demon beasts surrounding the Twilight Domain turn pale.

[I was originally planning to apologize, but I have changed my mind. Have your lord come here and apologize directly for injuring the followers of my order and compensate them. If not, not only will Yuk Yo, who you claim is the lord's daughter, never return, but neither will any of you.] When I reveal my menacing aura, they finally realize they made a mistake and quickly exchange glances.

Then they scatter in all directions, fleeing in haste.

Without moving myself, I open my mouth.

[Chief Law Protector! Stop fiddling with your hand and capture those impudent fools immediately!] I watch with my eyes gleaming as the soul of the recently killed turtle demon traverses through the Plane of Soul, returning to where it came from. This turtle demon will resurrect and relay my message to their Lord.

Therefore, the rest of these scoundrels will serve as hostages.

I extend my hand towards Yuk Yo, who is fleeing in earnest in the distance.

Yuk Yo is pulled towards me, and Jeon Myeong-hoon, having received my command, soars into the sky.

Kwarururung!

Having reached the Integration stage, he emits red lightning as he crosses his arms in the sky, then vanishes with a thunderous sound.

He has gone to capture them.

I look at Yuk Yo.

[This... I only intended to find Seo Ran through you as you had his appearance and get a local guide while at it.] Yuk Yo looks up at me with an extremely anxious face.

[But it seems you are quite the precious person. Reveal your true identity.]

"Th-that is..."

[Just so you know, I'm in a rather unpleasant mood since my followers were injured. If you lie, I will kill you.]

"Hi-hieek..."

With a face full of terror, she begins to recount her background.

"I-I am actually from the Governing Dragon Palace that governs the Wi Jeong Sea Domain. My father is the Grand Cultivator Yuk Rin, the ruler of Governing Dragon Palace. After my father bestowed upon me the title of princess (公主), he arranged a political marriage and intended to sell me off to the notorious pirate captain of the Fighting Ghost Race, so I ran away 200 years ago!"

While she lied persistently even under threats before, she seems to be telling the truth, terrified to the point of fainting due to my Ghost King Transformation.

However, I am furious and emit ghost fire from my eyes.

[So, being the daughter of the lord made you so bold? You think you can hide something until the very end, believing you will never die?] She seems to be telling the truth, yet I sense she is still hiding something from me.

Yuk Yo's face turns red.

It seems there is an embarrassing truth as she's so reluctant to reveal it, but I'm still furious due to my followers being injured, and I no longer have the patience to be considerate of her.

Unable to withstand my aura, she gasps and confesses the truth to me.

"T-The truth is, I infiltrated the Fighting Ghost Race pirate gang employed by the Governing Dragon Palace, stole a secret art from the pirate captain, and when he found out, he angrily demanded my father to hand me over. My father was outraged, saying 'Where is there such disgrace?', and tried to marry me off..."

[...]

'I thought it was a story of rejecting a political marriage to seek love, but now... it turns out she was the one at fault from the start.'

Had that turtle not attacked first, I might have just handed her over.

'What kind of rogue is this?'

I ask, feeling incredulous.

[What secret art did you steal?]

"Ah... It's the Dragon Form Disguise Method you saw earlier. In my opinion, it's not my fault but rather the pirate captain's for leaving a secret art that supposedly turns someone into a true dragon upon great completion in a place so easy to steal."

[...] I seriously consider just apologizing to the Governing Dragon Palace and handing over this delinquent fish.

Wi Jeong Sea Domain.

Governing Dragon Palace.

Inside, a turtle demon with Nascent Soul stage cultivation is running frantically somewhere.

This is the same turtle demon who had just been killed by Seo Eun-hyun and has now been resurrected.

He rushes to the center of the palace.

He bursts into the audience chamber to meet the palace lord and relays the recent events in detail.

Shortly after hearing the full story from the turtle, Governing Dragon Palace Lord Yuk Rin quivers with rage, exuding a menacing aura.

Kugugugugu!

Being a Grand Cultivator at the Integration stage, his anger makes the turtle cower and lower its gaze.

[That troublesome wretch is still causing me grief... even if I set aside that brat, if the subordinates of Governing Dragon Palace are taken hostage, the reputation of this palace will be ruined.] He stands up with wrath as if ready to head towards the Wuji Religious Hall immediately, but then he orders the turtle with a cautious look.

[But we can't rashly confront these unknown beings from another dimension. First, send a vanguard to gauge their strength, then I, the Palace Lord, will take action. Hear me, ministers!] Kugugugugu!

His voice echoes throughout Governing Dragon Palace.

[Announce to the entire sea domain! The daughter of Governing Dragon Palace Lord, who has been bestowed the title of princess, has been captured by monsters from another dimension. Whoever rescues my subordinates and daughter, regardless of who they are, will marry the princess and succeed the Governing Dragon Palace!] At Yuk Rin's command, the demon beasts of Governing Dragon Palace quickly move to convey his order across the sea domain using transmission magic artifacts.

And in less than half a day, numerous cultivators gather in front of Governing Dragon Palace.

Even the lowest cultivation level among them is at the Heavenly Being stage, and most are in the Four-Axis stage, with even a Grand Cultivator in the early Integration stage.

The countless Four-Axis stage cultivators looks at Yuk Rin with expectant expressions.

"I heard the princess of Governing Dragon Palace is exceptionally beautiful?"

"And they say she's so kind and innocent, the rumors about her are widespread."

"She's known to be virtuous and mature, so rescuing her would mean securing the best bride."

"Haha, well, that too, but if I heard correctly, rescuing the princess makes you the heir to the Governing Dragon Palace! My heart's racing just thinking about it."

Despite the various expectant voices, some remain silent.

Among them is the only Grand Cultivator at the early Integration stage present.

The Grand Cultivator of the Fighting Ghost Race and the infamous pirate captain across several sea domains, Jin Ma-yeol, locks eyes with Yuk Rin in the audience chamber.

Jin Ma-yeol speaks to Yuk Rin.

"Lord Yuk Rin. I hope you keep your promise."

His voice is small, drowned out by the noise of countless demon beasts, but Yuk Rin nods, acknowledging him.

Having said his piece, Jin Ma-yeol leaves the audience chamber without further explanation.

Yuk Rin, with a sardonic smile, gives a brief explanation to the gathered Four-Axis stage cultivators.

"Let me tell you in advance, those who rescue my subordinates, in addition to the princess, will be awarded titles of honor. Even if you do not directly rescue the princess, you will be rewarded handsomely if you contribute to her rescue."

"Yes!"

The Four-Axis stage demons respond vigorously in unison.

"Now then, go quickly and rescue my daughter and subordinates, brave warriors! Hurry, so that my subordinates are not tortured by the monsters from another world!"

At his words, the numerous Four-Axis and Heavenly Being cultivators use the Flying Escape Technique and exit the room.

However, Yuk Rin frowns as he looks at the last remaining person in the audience chamber.

Surprisingly, the last remaining person has no discernible aura.

At best, the aura is of the Qi Building stage!

'What is this guy?'

Yuk Rin considers whether to crush this clueless insect to death but then realizes that someone who can withstand his presence so effortlessly isn't an ordinary existence.

"... Who are you? Why are you still here?"

At these words, the figure in black robes and wearing a bamboo hat grins.

"Greetings, Palace Lord. I've come to offer you a proposal."

"Hmm."

'How dare...'

Kuguguguguk!

Yuk Rin compresses the space around the insect to kill him.

But in the next moment.

Boong, boong!

Golden light flashes, and Yuk Rin's power is cleanly severed.

He glares at the figure before him.

"My apologies. Your aura is so confusing that I had to check if you were an insect or not, so don't be too angry."

"Haha, that can happen. If we manage to rescue the princess and your subordinates, can we request a different reward instead of marriage to the princess or a position?"

"Hmm..."

Yuk Rin frowns.

'I never intended to actually reward them since they are just sent as cannon fodder...'

The only one he has any real expectations for is Jin Ma-yeol at the early Integration stage, but the reward is perfectly suited for him, so it isn't a major concern.

'But this person before me... is dangerous. Where did someone like him come from?'

He tenses up as he asks.

"What reward do you want?"

"It's nothing much. We recently conquered a sea domain, but to be recognized as its lord, we need acknowledgment from the neighboring domains. We hope the Palace Lord will assist in that recognition."

At these words, Yuk Rin's eyes widen.

"I see. Are you perhaps a subordinate of the Conqueror King?"

"Hmm... subordinate, you say. Let's call it a comrade relationship. So, will you accept?"

"... If I accept, does that mean the Invincible Fleet of the Conqueror King will enter my sea domain?"

"Not the entire fleet. Only one-third of the fleet's strength will enter."

"Well, that's acceptable. But can just that really rescue my subordinates from the beings of another world?"

"It's enough."

"..."

After a moment of contemplation Yuk Rin nods.

"Fine, go ahead."

'This will also be a good opportunity to observe the strength of the Conqueror King's forces.'

"Thank you for the opportunity. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

Step, step...

As the black-clad figure walks out of the audience chamber, Yuk Rin speaks.

"Shouldn't you hurry? If someone else rescues the princess, I won't have any reason to keep my promise to you."

"Ah, it's fine."

The figure, with an old saber at his waist, turns back and smiles.

A hint of golden radiance seems to flash in his eyes.

"Because I'm the one here."

As he walks out of the audience chamber, he disappears as soon as Yuk Rin blinks.

"...!"

Yuk Rin shudders in shock, realizing he hadn't seen the moment the figure moved.

"... Dangerous, the Conqueror King's forces are..."

Takk!

When he snaps his fingers, the floor of the audience chamber lights up, projecting a map of the entire Wi Jeong Sea Domain as a hologram.

The map displays real-time events occurring throughout the sea domain.

Yuk Rin sees countless small holograms appearing in a corner of the sea domain.

In the sky above the Wi Jeong Sea Domain, an innumerable number of ships have appeared.

=== Author's Note: I parodied Schubert's <Erlkönig>. Honestly, I created the Ham Jin episode because I really wanted to try this parody.;;