Chapter 644
Chapter 644
Chapter 644. The Qingcheng Sect’s Request for Support (2)
I had no choice but to ask them.
“Are there no others? I heard there were five people.” (Eun Seoho)
At my question, the disciples’ complexions darkened.
“Ah, Inbong and Geumbong are below the cliff.” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
“What do you mean by that?” (Eun Seoho)
“That is……” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
One of the disciples explained the whole story.
“In truth, Geumbong is terribly afraid of spiders. But unfortunately, a spider clung to Geumbong’s body, so he panicked and thrashed about, then ended up falling down the cliff.” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
“Yes?” (Eun Seoho)
“Inbong saw Geumbong falling and tried to grab him, then fell together with him. Fortunately, there is a space right below the cliff, but……” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
“They have not been able to come back up yet, then.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes. There was nothing we could do……” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
So that is what happened.
I turned and looked down below the cliff.
Sure enough, down there, I could see two people in a narrow space pressed tightly against the wall.
“Daoist Inbong! Are you safe?” (Eun Seoho)
Perhaps he heard my voice, because Daoist Inbong lifted his head and shouted.
“Yes! I am safe!” (Daoist Inbong)
“Please wait just a little.” (Eun Seoho)
We took out the rope we had prepared and tied it to me, and I personally went down.
“Daoist Geumbong.” (Eun Seoho)
“……It has been a while.” (Daoist Geumbong)
The memories of facing me before were not very pleasant. Perhaps because of that, he seemed to be uncomfortable with me.
I held out the rope and said,
“Please go up first.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Daoist Geumbong)
Then Daoist Inbong went up next, and I was the last to climb up.
“Inbong!” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
“It is truly a relief that you are safe!” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
The three disciples were welcoming Daoist Inbong enthusiastically.
They were now pretending not to know Daoist Geumbong and paying attention only to Daoist Inbong.
It is quite different from the Great Murim Banquet.
Is it because of what happened last time?
Daoist Geumbong was fidgeting off to one side, as if embarrassed.
I stepped forward before them.
“I understand that you have not yet reached the Wind Training Pavilion.” (Eun Seoho)
“Ah, yes…… that is correct.” (Qingcheng Sect Disciple)
“We will continue opening the road to the Wind Training Pavilion. So, what will you all do?” (Eun Seoho)
They were people who had already been isolated for several days.
So naturally, it would be right to have them go down and recuperate quietly, but there is a reason I asked that.
“We……” (Daoist Inbong)
Daoist Inbong spoke with a firm gaze.
“We also want to help open the road.” (Daoist Inbong)
“Understood. Then do so. Daoist Inbong and Daoist Geumbong, please put the stones into sacks here.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Daoist Inbong)
“The remaining Daoists, please carry the sacks filled with stones.” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes.” (Qingcheng Sect Disciples)
As we moved busily like that, the sun was setting before we knew it.
“We will stop today’s work here.” (Eun Seoho)
“We can do more.” (Daoist Inbong)
At Daoist Inbong’s words, I shook my head.
“It is true that we must hurry with the rescue work, but if we overdo it, this side may get exhausted first or an accident may happen. If someone collapses from exhaustion or has an accident while trying to save someone else, that would truly be putting the cart before the horse.” (Eun Seoho)
“Now that I hear it, Master’s words are correct. Then we will go and rest.” (Daoist Inbong)
“Before that……” (Eun Seoho)
I smiled and spoke gently.
“The Sect Leader is very worried. I think it would be best to see the Sect Leader first.” (Eun Seoho)
“Understood.” (Daoist Inbong)
Like that, we returned to the Qingcheng Sect together, and after parting from the disciples, I called Warrior Jinyu.
* Did you call for me? (Warrior Jinyu)
* Please watch that martial artist. (Eun Seoho)
---
Geumbong entered the tent assigned as his quarters.
Then he sat on the simple bed and let out a sigh.
“Phew……” (Daoist Geumbong)
However, there was no one who paid attention to him.
Only a few months ago, he had lived surrounded by other disciples and heard only pleasant words.
But now everything had completely changed.
The dreamlike time when he had lived without knowing fear of the world, receiving his father’s abundant favoritism, was gone now.
He recalled what had happened several months ago.
In the dark prison, with his limbs bound, he shouted.
“What is the meaning of this! Do you think my father will leave you be if he finds out! I will never let this matter pass!” (Daoist Geumbong)
The Junior Uncle who sneered at him.
“Tsk, tsk, the one who ordered this is your father, the Sect Leader.” (Junior Uncle)
“What? Th-That cannot be! Do not deceive me! My father would never do this to me!” (Daoist Geumbong)
Smack!
“Silence! Right now, you are here in the position of a criminal!” (Junior Uncle)
Seeing his Junior Uncle slap him across the cheek, he was dumbfounded.
“A criminal? What crime have I committed?” (Daoist Geumbong)
“You dared to cloud the Sect Leader’s reason with a wicked drug? Do you know how grave a crime that is?” (Junior Uncle)
“……!” (Daoist Geumbong)
At those words, Geumbong realized that what he had done had been exposed. And also why his father had given the order to imprison him in the prison and interrogate him.
He did not know how it had happened, but it was clear that his father had come to his senses.
“The Sect Leader ordered us to discover the truth by any means and methods necessary.” (Junior Uncle)
“…….” (Daoist Geumbong)
“So, where did you obtain that drug?” (Junior Uncle)
“A drug? What drug are you talking about?” (Daoist Geumbong)
“As expected, mere words will not do. Do not worry. Even so, you are the Sect Leader’s son, so I will not damage your body.” (Junior Uncle)
Tap tap tap! Tap tap!
The moment those words ended, acupoint sealing followed.
“Keheok! Ggeueuk!” (Daoist Geumbong)
In pain beyond imagination, in the end he had no choice but to confess everything.
And the punishment handed down to him at the Heavenly Inquiry Assembly that followed was the deprivation of all his rights as a core disciple and three months of latrine cleaning.
If he did not accept it, his only fate would be to have his qi center crippled and be imprisoned in the prison.
He had no choice but to accept that punishment.
At first, he thought the disciples avoided him because of the smell that clung to him from having to take charge of cleaning the latrines.
But seeing that the disciples did not approach him even now that the cleaning was over, that was not the reason.
It was not simply that they did not approach him.
Because some treated him as though he did not exist at all.
Even today, though he had reported his safe return before the Sect Leader, the Sect Leader did not even acknowledge him.
The only one who treated him warmly was…….
“You must be tired today, right? I am glad you are safe.” (Daoist Inbong)
“Uh……” (Daoist Geumbong)
“We have to open the road to the Wind Training Pavilion tomorrow too, so hurry and sleep.” (Daoist Inbong)
“……Leave me alone. I’ll take care of myself.” (Daoist Geumbong)
“Suit yourself.” (Daoist Inbong)
Only Inbong.
But that wounded his pride so much that he coldly struck away that hand.
Because it felt like he was treating him out of pity.
Inbong, whom he had once tormented, had now become a disciple all the other disciples cherished and loved.
“By the way, did you thank the person who saved you when you fell from the cliff today?” (Daoist Inbong)
“…….” (Daoist Geumbong)
He had not.
Because it had been awkward, and he had avoided it.
“Not even observing such basic courtesy is something that tarnishes the name of Qingcheng. Even I cannot overlook that.” (Daoist Inbong)
“If you cannot overlook it, then what? Are you going to hit me?” (Daoist Geumbong)
“Why? Do you think I cannot hit you? Shall we fight?” (Daoist Inbong)
“…….” (Daoist Geumbong)
At those words, Geumbong had no choice but to mumble and hesitate.
Inbong’s realm was the absolute peak.
Having reached a high realm at a young age, he was already being mentioned as a future Elder.
In contrast, Geumbong’s realm was merely second-rate.
Because he remembered that he was no match.
Before, his father had been his shield, but now there was no one to be his shield.
“A-All right. I just have to say thank you tomorrow, don’t I?” (Daoist Geumbong)
“Do it properly.” (Daoist Inbong)
“I said I got it.” (Daoist Geumbong)
Suddenly feeling that his current situation was miserable, Geumbong lay down on the bed while venting his resentment.
The simple bed in the tent was very uncomfortable, but since he had almost died today and had been tired all day, he soon fell fast asleep.
The darkened tent.
Inside it, there was someone moving.
He took something out from his chest and lit it with a fire striker.
Whoosh!
Soon, fragrance began to spread inside the tent.
The one who lit the incense immediately approached one of those lying down and took a needle out from his chest.
At the sight of him sleeping soundly, his lips split into a long grin.
And just as he was about to drive that needle toward the neck of a disciple inside the tent.
Clang-!
That needle was blocked by someone’s sword.
‘What? There was no presence at all?’ (Assassin)
His bewilderment was brief, and soon he threw the needle in his hand toward the one who had interfered with him and clapped his hands.
Clap!
Pak!
Then the needle he had thrown shattered and flew out.
This was his secret technique, moving genuine qi to break the needle into fragments and inflict fatal wounds on the opponent.
Tududuk!
But the needle was blocked by a wall of energy and could fly no farther, falling to the ground just like that.
“H-How……” (Assassin)
“How did I know? Exploding Needle Poison is your specialty, so of course I was keeping it in mind.” (Eun Seoho)
He had no choice but to be shocked.
“Y-You! Just who are you? How do you know that……” (Assassin)
“That is not something you need to know.” (Eun Seoho)
As the inside of the tent brightened and he recognized the identity of the opponent who had suddenly appeared, his eyes widened.
“Seonhyeop Mirang!” (Assassin)
“It was just as I expected. So, why were you trying to kill Daoist Geumbong?” (Eun Seoho)
---
I am currently facing one disciple inside the tent where some of the Bong generation disciples are staying.
Daoist Eombong.
He is someone I had sensed was suspicious from the moment I saved him earlier.
Because I felt the energy of the Black Path from him.
So I did not immediately send down the five disciples I rescued, but had them help with the work until they came down with me.
And as I watched him throughout the work, I was able to realize what he was aiming for.
Because he was paying attention to Daoist Geumbong.
They said Geumbong was startled by a spider and nearly fell off the cliff, but that matter was probably also his doing.
So I asked Warrior Jinyu to watch him, and as expected, he moved to kill Daoist Geumbong.
“So, where is the real Daoist Eombong?” (Eun Seoho)
“Heh! Can you not tell from this human-skin mask? He has long since become a deceased man.” (Assassin)
He readily revealed his identity.
“So, for what purpose were you trying to kill Daoist Geumbong?” (Eun Seoho)
“Who knows?” (Assassin)
“Is it to silence him?” (Eun Seoho)
“……!” (Assassin)
The assassin flinched for an instant.
As expected, it is to silence him.
Previously, Daoist Inbong’s father had secretly told me that the person who gave Daoist Geumbong the suspicious drug had a red leaf tattoo.
But this is information that, aside from the Qingcheng Sect’s important figures, others still do not know.
So from the Sura Blood Cult’s position, they thought Daoist Geumbong had not yet spoken about it, and they were trying to silence him before he could speak.
Or perhaps Daoist Geumbong knows something he should not know.
If so, does that mean the Sura Blood Cult has not yet deeply infiltrated the Qingcheng Sect?
That is a relief.
In any case, subduing that assassin comes first.
Because the inside of the tent was narrow, I had the other guard warriors protect the disciples and aimed at him together with Warrior Jinyu.
But he avoided our attacks with nimble movement arts.
By the way, compared to his martial prowess, his movement arts skill is remarkable.
Even though Warrior Jinyu and I are transcendent peak, he is avoiding our combined attacks.
* I have heard of that guy. When it comes to his body, he is truly nimble. (Warrior Jinyu)
* He truly is. (Eun Seoho)
* Be careful not to be struck by the needles he throws. They are coated with poison. (Warrior Jinyu)
He avoided most of our attacks and took out poisoned needles to counterattack.
We had no choice but to move frantically.
In truth, even if I were struck by poisoned needles, I would not be poisoned, and even if poisoned needles hit me, my protective enhanced qi would deflect them.
But if the deflected poisoned needles bounced off somewhere unintended, that would be a serious problem.
So I had to strike down each poisoned needle and neutralize it one by one.
* Why are these people not waking up? At this level, it would be normal for them to wake up, would it not? (Warrior Jinyu)
Warrior Jinyu spoke while furrowing his brow.
* It seems he used sleeping poison. (Eun Seoho)
And cunningly, he realized that we were moving while protecting them.
“Hehehe, that’s right! Your weakness was here! In that case……” (Assassin)
He took poisoned needles out from his chest again.
Just at a glance, there were quite a lot of them, so we grew tense.
“Block them!” (Eun Seoho)
“Yes!” (Guard Warriors)
The guard warriors protecting the disciples shouted tensely.
But then.
Pak!
As if he could not understand this situation, he opened his eyes wide, then collapsed and fainted just like that.
Thud.
Huh?
We, too, were blinking our eyes because we could not understand what had happened……
* Tsk! Where do you think you are shooting poisoned needles at my son! You damn bastard! (Daoist Inbong’s Father)
Ah, it was Daoist Inbong’s father.
I gave a clasped hands greeting toward the direction where I sensed his energy and sent a telepathic message.
* Thank you for helping. (Eun Seoho)
* It is nothing. I merely stepped in because my son might be hurt. (Daoist Inbong’s Father)
At that moment, perhaps having heard the commotion, the Qingcheng Sect disciples came running.
I wondered why they had only come now, but thinking about it, it seemed fortunate that they had come now that the situation was over.
Because if they had clumsily tried to help and ended up poisoned for no reason, it would have been troublesome.
Of course, since people from the Sichuan Tang Clan were here, detoxification would be possible, but if it were an extreme poison, they might die instantly.
“Please call the people of the Sichuan Tang Clan. These four disciples here seem to have been affected by sleeping poison.” (Eun Seoho)
A short while later.
The identity of the sleeping poison was revealed by the people of the Sichuan Tang Clan who came running urgently.
“You do not need to worry. It is a sleeping poison that only has the effect of preventing them from waking from sleep, so they will wake on their own in one or two si-jin.” (Sichuan Tang Clan Member)
“That is a relief.” (Eun Seoho)
As those words said, a short while later, they woke from their sleep, and wore dumbfounded expressions as they looked at the people surrounding them.
I approached Daoist Geumbong with a stern face.
Because it seemed we would need a deep conversation.