Chương 365: Holding Hands (2)

Upon Yuk Rin's words, several members of the Wuji Religious Order tremble.

Among them, Baek Rin trembles so much with rage that his jaw quivers.

It seems as if at any moment, he might burst out with, 'How dare you speak such nonsense!?'

He probably would have done so if his opponent isn't at the Integration stage.

I laugh softly for a moment, pondering how to politely decline this proposal.

"... I'm sorry, but this cult leader has no intention of taking a concubine at the time."

"Oh, is that so? That's unfortunate."

To my great relief, Yuk Rin, feeling a twinge of conscience himself, does not press further.

Instead, he smiles kindly and explains his reasons.

"In truth, the reason this palace lord invited fellow distinguished noble and your order here was to propose an alliance. There aren't many alliances as strong as that formed by blood, so I intended to propose a marriage alliance. But it seems that's not possible."

"Hoh, an alliance, you say. Why would you wish to form an alliance with us?"

"Is it not so very obvious? While I am the ruler of a sea domain, for nearly 200 years, I've heard countless tales of the Conqueror Fleet's prestige. And that very Conqueror Fleet is affiliated with your order as mercenaries. Wanting to join the strong is something natural for living beings."

"Haha, that's quite flattering. But I fear that our order might only cause trouble for the Governing Dragon Palace."

When I politely decline, Yuk Rin laughs heartily once again.

"It seems the Cult Leader finds the idea of joining forces with this Yuk uncomfortable. Well, to be honest, it is the truth that there are no benefits for your order even if you form a relationship with our palace. How about this then?"

Tang!

When he snaps his fingers, attractive force envelops the area.

The entire Governing Dragon Island is cut off from the outside.

While it can be seen as merely preventing surveillance, it can also mean he intends to attack us, making everyone tense up and watch him warily.

However, Yuk Rin does not attack us.

He merely cast a few more spells, forming a barrier covering the entire Governing Dragon Palace and a separate barrier isolating our very location.

After employing these multiple layers of concealment techniques to block external gazes, he speaks in a secretive voice.

"Originally, I intended to discuss this after forming an alliance, but I will propose it to you first."

"A proposal?"

"Yes. Since it's been a few days since you arrived in the Ancient Force Realm, I believe you've grasped the situation here."

"That's right. A world submerged in an ocean of destroyed worlds... it is indeed fascinating."

"Haha. As expected, it must seem that way to those from other dimensions. Well, the crucial point is this: there's a high chance of obtaining the relics of destroyed worlds when diving into the Deep Sea."

Indeed.

The Ancient Force Realm, aside from the risk of getting lost or encountering deep-sea monsters, is a world of endless possibilities.

The Ancient Force Realm is literally a collection of destroyed worlds, and as he says there are countless opportunities to obtain treasures from the remnants of those destroyed worlds.

"Of course, it's just a possibility. Among the countless dimensional remnants, finding a proper relic is only feasible in the dimensions at the very depths of the Deep Sea. Even then, re-entering a dimension one has previously entered is not simple. This is because, just like the sea of other worlds filled with water, the Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm has dimensions flowing endlessly like water.

So, even if you happen to enter a dimension filled with many treasures, it's purely luck as to whether you can enter that dimension again next time."

"I've heard as such."

"Therefore, even if one accidentally stumbles upon a dimension rich in treasures, it's common to come back with trivial items due to being unable to properly explore the dimension. However... Deep Sea Islands (深海島) are different."

Upon hearing his words, Buk Hyang-hwa, Kim Young-hoon, and the other members of the Buk Hyang Fleet appear greatly surprised.

Buk Hyang-hwa, astonished, asks,

"Is the Governing Dragon Palace Lord saying he knows the location of a Deep Sea Island?"

"That's correct. Though the Conqueror King has ruled over a couple sea domains, it seems she has not heard of a Deep Sea Island's location."

Curious, I ask.

"What exactly are these Deep Sea Islands?"

In response to my question, Yeon Wei explains.

"Cult Leader, as the name suggests, a Deep Sea Island is an island located in the Deep Sea. Generally, most islands in the Ancient Force Realm are fixed in place, floating on the surface of the Deep Sea. However, a Deep Sea Island is fixed 'within the Deep Sea' itself."

"Hoh, astonishing. So, Palace Lord Yuk's words mean..."

"Yes, that's correct. This palace lord knows the location of a Deep Sea Island. In fact, only a few among the countless palace lords of this Ancient Force Realm know of one. Once discovered, the Deep Sea Island can be calmly explored and constantly challenged to continually obtain endless treasures. If one can fully possess it, they can turn it into the safest treasure vault known only to themselves."

Yuk Rin speaks with a subtle expression.

"To be frank, as the ruler of the Wi Jeong Sea Domain, I have a general grasp of all happenings across the domain. I watched your battles from afar."

"Oh?"

"The power distinguished noble used is crucial for conquering the Deep Sea Island I discovered. Currently, the barrier surrounding the Deep Sea Island can only be easily penetrated using distinguished noble's power."

In other words, he needs my help to penetrate the barrier of the Deep Sea Island.

'This is somewhat similar to Seo Ran's proposal.'

A long time ago, Seo Ran previously sought my help to pass through the barrier of the Nether Crossing Ship.

'And Seo Ran planned to betray me but had a change of heart.'

I glance at Seo Ran, and he gives me a puzzled look when our eyes meet.

I shift my gaze back to Yuk Rin.

"Although there are many treasures said to be on a Deep Sea Island, there's no guarantee that they will be beneficial to our order, is there?"

"On a previous visit to the Deep Sea Island, I saw numerous spiritual elixirs in book form written in the language of ghostly creatures, all lined up on the shelves of a library within the island."

Wo-woong!

Yuk Rin takes out a small ore from his sleeve and gently taps it, causing a holographic image to emerge from the ore.

My eyes widen in surprise.

Inside a dark library.

On one of the bookshelves, there are countless books titled in the Netherworld language, such as 'Ritual Worship Scripture of Wealth Virtue,' 'Ritual Worship Scripture of Longevity Virtue,' and 'Ritual Worship Scripture of Love of Virtue.'

Each shelf is filled with numerous copies of a single type of book, except for one empty shelf.

"That empty shelf likely contained the Ritual Worship Scripture of Health Virtue. Given that you already built part of the Five Blessings Axes and have some understanding of them, let me explain. In the Middle Realms, if such axes corresponding to a realm are collected like such and not used properly, they get reabsorbed by the corresponding realm. The books likely dissolved into the Ancient Force Realm."

"..."

"The Governing Dragon Palace does not need such axes. I, for one, am at the Integration stage and have no need for more axes. Additionally, having more people with such axes would only threaten my position as the ruler of the Wi Jeong Sea Domain.

However, considering that the relationship between the Cult Leader and the subordinates of the order does not seem to be that of a hierarchical structure, is this not an opportunity to get your hands on Four-Axis stage forces armed with the Five Blessings Axes all at once?"

He speaks to me with a subtle expression.

"Most importantly, as someone who is building the Five Blessings Axes, the Cult Leader must know how difficult it is to obtain the Love of Virtue Axis, the most difficult axis of axes, does he not? Haha... if you help this palace lord, I am willing to give you the entire library. Of course, I don't know what other treasures might be inside, but any treasure you find will be yours. This palace lord only needs to obtain two specific items from the interior."

"..."

I look at the holographic image of the library.

'It's real.'

Yuk Rin isn't lying about anything regarding the Deep Sea Island.

The existence of such an island, the need for my help to enter it, and the abundance of Ritual Worship Scriptures to build the Five Blessings Axes within that island—all of it is 'entirely' true.

If so, it is only right to accept immediately.

With Yeon Wei's explanation, not only I and the senior members of the Wuji Religious Order, but also the senior members of the Buk Hyang Fleet now understood the significance of the Five Blessings Axes and the treasures containing such axes. Everyone holds their breath in awe.

However, I exchange glances with Kim Young-hoon.

Suspicious.

But it seems Yuk Rin is aware of my concern about betrayal, as he immediately presents something black in front of us.

It's a contract.

I read the contract he handed over.

The paper contains the details of an alliance between the Wuji Religious Order and the Governing Dragon Palace written in the language of the Demon Race.

'This contract is no ordinary document.'

I gaze at the material of the contract, which is made of some unknown leather, with gleaming eyes.

Especially Buk Hyang-hwa, who seems to recognize something, shows a startled expression as she looks at the contract.

"Does the Conqueror King know about this?"

I turn to her and ask, while Yuk Rin chuckles and says,

"Haha, this seat will explain. This contract is made from a material called Black Ancient Paper, which is rarely found in the Deep Sea of the Ancient Force Realm. To be precise, it's not a genuine Black Ancient Paper, but a replica. However, even a replica holds the same functions as a genuine one. A contract written on Black Ancient Paper allows for a higher existence to act as a mediator, ensuring the contract's effectiveness as long as that existence is alive."

"The higher mediator is...?"

"The being registered on this Black Ancient Paper is none other than Sacred Master Hae Lin of the Ancient Force Realm. The Sacred Master guarantees our alliance."

"Hoh..."

I carefully examine the alliance contract.

Unlike the scammer Yuk Yo, the Black Ancient Paper presented by Yuk Rin doesn't contain any particularly disadvantageous clauses for us.

The contract itself is rather lenient.

It mostly prohibits unilateral betrayal and requires mutual protection in case of a crisis.

There are no additional clauses in fine print, nor are there any other papers attached to the contract.

There is really nothing suspicious about it.

If there is something suspicious, it's just one thing.

'This guy...'

Governing Dragon Palace Lord Yuk Rin.

It's just him.

'Is he thinking of stabbing me in the back?'

While I didn't notice through the video call magic artifact, meeting him in person makes it clear.

As if he's scared people won't recognize him as Yuk Yo's father, he is full of wriggling intent with the desire to definitely scam me.

I glance at the jade prayer beads on Yuk Rin's arm.

'A magic artifact to block the eyes of the Heart Tribe.'

I had seen something similar from Seo Hweol before.

It seems it was prepared to block the eyes of the Fighting Ghost Race pirate captain, but it isn't sufficient to block the eyes of me or Kim Young-hoon, allowing me to read everything.

Kim Young-hoon, reading the bastard's hidden intentions, asks me in heart language.

―Would it be right to blow his head off?

Twitch.

Although Yuk Rin can't detect our heart language, his face tenses slightly as if the heaven and earth spiritual energy is warning him of something suspicious.

I chuckle and let my comrades see the entire contract.

"Our order makes major decisions by consulting with the Law Protector and our higher-ups, so I ask for your understanding."

"That's entirely reasonable."

While outwardly maintaining a composed expression and comfortable controlling the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy, I keep a wary eye on Yuk Rin, who only has thoughts on backstabbing me.

I ask Buk Hyang-hwa, who seems knowledgeable about Black Ancient Paper.

"Do you know the differences between a genuine Black Ancient Paper and a replica?"

"There isn't much difference. The replica can only register beings up to a True Person as a mediator, while the genuine one can use even True Immortals as mediators. The genuine one is extremely valuable, and I've heard that only the Sacred Master possesses one in the Ancient Force Realm."

"Hoh..."

She examines the Black Ancient Paper in my hand and explains.

'It doesn't seem like there's any trickery in the contract itself.'

I show the contract to Buk Hyang-hwa, Kim Young-hoon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Hong Fan, and Yeon Wei, and they all nod in agreement that there is nothing suspicious about the contract itself.

The contract's content is indeed just a prohibition of betrayal and a mutual protection treaty, so there's no way to be deceived solely by this contract.

But I have no choice but to contemplate.

Even if the contract is fine, if the person making the contract is a scammer, it's bound to be a scam contract.

"... Do you have any records that show the entire Deep Sea Island?"

"Here. These are all the records and exploration logs this palace lord made while exploring the Deep Sea Island" Yuk Rin willingly hands me a crystal orb.

When he taps the crystal ball, countless illusions containing information about the Deep Sea Island rise in the air.

Countless scenes float in the air, seemingly depicting Yuk Rin's memories of exploring the Deep Sea island.

Then, I and Buk Hyang-hwa, along with Seo Ran, Song Jin, and Kim Young-hoon, focus on one particular illusion among those that record the entire Deep Sea Island.

Twitch!

I widen my eyes and stare at the illusion.

"... Does this Deep Sea Island perhaps have a name?"

He smiles and replies.

"If you read my exploration log, you'll know that the Deep Sea Island was once called Penglai Island (蓬萊島)."

In front of my eyes appears the Deep Sea Island named 'Penglai Island.'

Penglai Island is covered by a translucent spherical barrier emitting a pure white light, and at the center of Penglai Island is a colossal mountain occupying half the island's area.

That mountain is a pure white Salt Mountain.

Yuk Rin chuckles, opening his mouth as if to explain something.

At that moment, a message talisman flies urgently towards Yuk Rin. Upon receiving it, his face twists in frustration.

With a face barely suppressing his anger, he stands up.

"... It's embarrassing to say, but it seems the daughter that distinguished noble escorted back has run away again."

"..."

"As she couldn't have gone far, I will quickly catch her and come back. Haha, I deeply apologize but please wait a moment."

Grinding his teeth, Yuk Rin leaves the room, and I speak to Baek Rin.

"13th Guardian Ghost King, Sacred Orchid Princess Yuk Yo was originally your responsibility to escort. It would be unseemly for the host to take action personally. Escort Sacred Orchid Princess back together with the Governing Dragon Palace Lord."

"Yes, Cult Leader!"

"Haha... there's really no need to help, but..."

"It's this cult leader's kindness, so please accept it."

"... Thank you very much."

Yuk Rin leaves the room, grinding his teeth in shame, and Baek Rin follows him.

'At least with Baek Rin following, he won't kill his daughter.'

I felt it from the moment I arrived, but Yuk Rin seems to have no familial affection for Yuk Yo.

Judging by the anger in Yuk Rin's intent, there's a chance he might actually kill Yuk Yo.

Though she is a scamming, scoundrel koi, she provided us with the basic knowledge of the Ancient Force Realm, so I can't let her just be killed by her father.

Soon after, Yuk Rin's presence disappears from Governing Dragon Island, and I snap my fingers to take control of the formation Yuk Rin has set up.

Tstsutut!

The Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon lays the Mad Lord's circuit over the barrier, temporarily creating a space even Yuk Rin can't monitor.

"Now then, I'd like to hear everyone's opinions."

Given the situation, it's best to hold a quick meeting.

Buk Hyang-hwa speaks first.

"There is nothing suspicious about the contract itself."

However, Kim Young-hoon frowns and shakes his head.

"You saw it too, didn't you? Inside that Governing Dragon Palace Lord's head, he has nothing but thoughts of backstabbing us. Of course, the reward he offered is real..."

His words make the faces of the Guardian Ghost Kings present fill with anger.

"How dare he...! Attempting to deceive the Cult Leader...!"

"Like father, like daughter!"

"Cult Leader! We must destroy Governing Dragon Island and turn that Palace Lord into fish soup!"

For a while, the Guardian Ghost Kings vent their anger until Hong Fan quietly speaks up.

"Silence."

At Hong Fan's command, the Guardian Ghost Kings all shut their mouths, and he calmly looks at Seo Ran and asks.

"Does Noble Seo Ran have anything to say?"

Seo Ran nods and speaks.

"Firstly, Senior. As you have also seen, that was a salt mountain. And the energy wave we saw in Governing Dragon Palace Lord's memory is undoubtedly the same as the energy wave of Sir Cheongmun Ryeong."

Since Yuk Rin is of the Earth Tribe, the illusion based on his memory also includes the flow of Heaven and Earth spiritual energy.

Indeed, it is so.

That salt mountain is the same as Cheongmun Ryeong's.

In other words...

'It's a relic left by the Owner of Salt Mountain.'

Kim Young-hoon nods at Seo Ran's words.

"... As expected, I thought it was related to Cheongmun Ryeong... it will certainly help in rescuing him."

Hong Fan nods and says,

"For me, seeing those numerous axes makes me think that bringing them to our order will grant us immense power."

"That's right..."

Moreover, there's the Ritual Worship Scripture of Love of Virtue.

The axis of Love of Virtue is more difficult to obtain than other axes.

It's to the point that even Yeon Wei has yet to obtain the Love of Virtue Axis.

Yeon Wei opens her mouth.

"So, the current situation is this. Yuk Rin is very likely to backstab us, but the rewards are too enticing to ignore. Is this not it?"

"That's correct."

"Then there is a very simple solution."

"What is it?"

As I look at Yeon Wei with a puzzled expression, she smiles and explains.

"It is a very fundamental strategy of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect passed down from the times of the Founder. The Founder said that this method could reveal the true intentions of anyone."

Although I show a slightly uneasy look at the words 'passed down from the times of the Founder,' she continues without concern.

"Right now, at this moment, capture that suspicious fish and implant the Ascetic Lightning Curse Banner (苦行雷呪幡) in his head and torture him. Ah, since you're skilled in curses, you can perform even more diverse tortures. Once captured, continue inflicting pain, and he will reveal all his hidden cards and become very cooperative."

"..."

"What are you waiting for! All Guardian Ghost Kings, prepare to conquer Governing Dragon Palace! Since that fellow invited us, let us collapse the barrier from the inside, capture his fortress, and lay a trap. When he returns, we will capture and torture him!"

[Uoooooo!!!]