Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 240
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Episode 240: Brother, Can We Also Approach the Fire?
Zhengzhou.
Chiliha Village, also known as Chilriha Village.
Headquarters of the Heaven and Earth Alliance in Zhengzhou.
Hour of the Snake (9 a.m.).
The members of the Azure Dragon Division, the Vermillion Bird Division, and the sorcerers of the Demon Extermination Team were neatly lined up in the courtyard.
The experts of the Azure Dragon Division and the Vermillion Bird Division curiously observed Yeon Jeokha, Old Shim, and the sorcerers, as they were unfamiliar with Nokrim and the sorcerers.
The departure ceremony consisted solely of an encouraging speech from the Heaven and Earth Alliance Leader, Mu Geuk.
Afterward, the General Commander and Grand Strategist, Jegal Seun, reorganized the Demon Extermination Team, dividing it into two groups and assigning them to the Azure Dragon Division and the Vermillion Bird Division.
The Great Swordmaster Lee Uijeong, the Leader of the Azure Dragon Division, and Namgung Byeok, the Leader of the Vermillion Bird Division, exchanged glances. Namgung Byeok slightly bowed his head in respect to Lee Uijeong, who returned the gesture before directing his gaze toward the rear of the Vermillion Bird Division, where he saw Yeon Jeokha standing next to an old man.
Even after three years, Yeon Jeokha still had a youthful face.
“What an unpleasant fellow.”
He thought that at least he would come over to greet him, but Yeon Jeokha hadn’t even looked in his direction.
As Lee Uijeong maintained a displeased expression, Lee Yeonik, the Virtue Swordsman, approached him.
—“What are you staring at so intently?”
—“Yeon Jeokha is in the Vermillion Bird Division.”
—“Ah, I heard from Somin yesterday. She said that the Moon-Splitting Swordsman and the Sword Emperor are sworn brothers. That’s why he’s helping the Vermillion Bird Division.”
—“I see.”
Lee Uijeong nodded and then, as if remembering something, added:
—“Make sure to protect the sorcerers of the Demon Extermination Team. The success of the operation depends on them, so take good care of them. I’ll also give orders for the disciples of the Uicheon Sect to receive special attention.”
—“Understood.”
Shortly after the reorganization of the Demon Extermination Team, the four hundred eighty members of the Azure Dragon Division and the Vermillion Bird Division departed from the headquarters in Zhengzhou.
Mu Geuk, looking at the now-empty training field, muttered:
—“I hope everything goes well this time.”
—“Everything will be fine. Trust in the sorcerers of the Demon Extermination Team.”
—“I hope so. If the sorcerers can’t handle it, there will be no way to stop the Yoomyung Cult.”
Mu Geuk unknowingly let out a sigh.
In the past, the enemies would die, and that would be the end of it. But the Demon Warriors of the Yoomyung Cult would become even stronger monsters after their death. If the sorcerers couldn’t manage that, the future of the Heaven and Earth Alliance was uncertain.
Azure Dragon Division.
As evening approached, Lee Uijeong ordered a halt to their march.
There were no signs of a nearby village, and advancing further felt unsettling.
Fortunately, they spotted a large shrine not far away.
—“Rather than stubbornly pressing on and ending up camping outdoors, it’s better to take shelter in that shrine.”
—“I agree.”
Lee Yeonik also agreed with his father.
If they didn’t find a village, they would have to camp, and it wasn’t yet warm enough for that.
The shrine was so crowded that there was hardly any space to move.
About fifty men stepped outside to the courtyard, thinking it would be better to light a bonfire and sleep outside.
This relieved the situation inside the shrine somewhat.
Although they were part of an orthodox sect, most martial artists didn’t concern themselves too much with etiquette.
When a space opened up, someone lit a bonfire on a stone slab.
Even though Lee Uijeong, with his high level of energy control, clicked his tongue in silence, he didn’t order the fire to be extinguished. His grandchildren were also benefiting from the warmth.
After a light dinner, Lee Uijeong called the sorcerers of the Demon Extermination Team.
—“I am the master of Dae-Rim Temple, Gongsan Geo-Sa.”
The monk, who appeared to be around sixty years old, greeted them with a respectful bow.
Lee Uijeong observed the sorcerers for a moment before speaking.
—“Pleased to meet you, I am Lee Uijeong. Please introduce yourselves briefly.”
Monk Gongsan Geo-Sa was the first to introduce himself.
—“I carry a rosary made from the relics of Buddha called Hangma Bori. It is a sacred relic that can ward off evil spirits.”
After speaking, Monk Gongsan Geo-Sa looked at the sorcerers beside him.
—“I am Baek Hwa-shim from Yetam. I have the Great Diamond Sword, which possesses the power of Vishnu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings. It can destroy anything with magical energy.”
—“I am Majo of Seonghwa Temple. I possess the Diamond Bell, which also holds the power of Vishnu. The sound of this bell can repel all demonic energy.”
Then, the sorcerers introduced themselves one by one.
Only three out of the fifteen had sacred relics. The other twelve relied on incantations or talisman techniques.
Lee Uijeong observed the sorcerers with an ambiguous look.
After a life dedicated to swordsmanship, he couldn’t trust these sorcerers. Could these relics, obscure iron swords, and small bells really repel monsters? Monsters that even the Heaven and Earth Alliance Leader, Mu Geuk, had been unable to defeat?
In a corner of the shrine, Yeon Seungbaek whispered into Yeon Mubaek’s ear:
—“It’s cold. Brother, do you think if we stand out in battle, we could get closer to the fire?”
Yeon Mubaek smiled.
Both of them had little influence and reputation in the Azure Dragon Division.
Without the intervention of the headquarters chief in Zhengzhou, it would have been difficult for them to remain in the division. But now that they had the Waryong Sword, everything would be different.
—“Of course. Just hang in there a little longer. Things will change soon.”
Yeon Mubaek looked at the bonfire in the center of the shrine.
Near the fire, young members of the Uicheon Sect, the Quanzhen Sect, and the Peng Family were sitting together. The Elders of the Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families were not near the fire. Being near the fire indicated a lower level of mastery in internal and external energy.
The Elders of the Seven Great Sects and the Five Great Families stayed away from the fire for this reason.
Yeon Seungbaek’s gaze settled on a woman: Lee Somin, the third daughter of the Leader of the Uicheon Sect.
Yeon Seungbaek longed to be by her side, next to Peng Gakmyeong.
—“Do you like her that much?”
Yeon Mubaek playfully poked his brother in the side.
Yeon Seungbaek squirmed as if being tickled, but he didn’t avert his gaze.
Peng Gakmyeong looked up inadvertently, and his eyes met those of a young man who was staring at him.
“Yeon Seungbaek?”
Wasn’t he the half-brother of the Nokrim Grand Inspector, Yeon Jeokha?
Among the three hundred and fifty, just one among many.
If it weren’t for his relation to Yeon Jeokha, Peng Gakmyeong would never have paid attention to someone like him.
He smiled and looked away.
Someone like Yeon Seungbaek would never reach his level, not even if he were reborn.
Peng Gakmyeong turned to Lee Somin with a smile on his face.
—“Lee Somin, if you encounter a monster, go to my father. You know what I mean, right?”
Although Peng Gakmyeong’s attention made her uncomfortable, Lee Somin didn’t reject him.
In a life-or-death situation, she couldn’t afford to be picky.
—“Ah, yes. I will.”
She knew that Peng Manho had the Blue Sword of Lü Dongbin.
—“Oh, by the way, I heard you went to the eastern district with So Kyo yesterday. I’m glad you’re okay. Next time, let me know if you’re going.”
—“No, I’m fine.”
Lee Somin firmly declined.
—“I’m just worried about you…”
—“I take care of my own affairs. Don’t worry about it.”
She feared that Peng Gakmyeong would try to get closer again, so she hurriedly put up a barrier.
At the Same Time.
Vermillion Bird Division.
Fortunately, the Vermillion Bird Division found a village before nightfall.
Namgung Byeok rented the community hall of the village.
The hall was large enough to comfortably accommodate the one hundred twenty members.
After dinner, Namgung Byeok introduced Yeon Jeokha, Old Shim, and the sorcerers of the Demon Extermination Team to the division members.
Since Yeon Jeokha and Old Shim were already well-known in the martial community, they didn’t need much introduction. All attention was focused on the sorcerers.
A man in his fifties, feeling uncomfortable, was the first to speak.
—“I am Yang Gwanchul, and I serve the White General. I possess the Sacred Thunder Sword, made of thousand-year-old wood. I specialize in exorcisms. Leave it to me.”
—“I am Cheongryushin from Seonnyeoam Temple. I have a bell called So Cheon Muryeong, which contains the spirit of a drowned child. Although I didn’t drown him. Hehehe.”
Cheongryushin, a woman in her forties, smiled enigmatically.
When her laughter subsided, a man in his fifties spoke.
—“I am Bok Jaeja of the Mu Ae Dojo. I possess the Feather Duster of Zhongli Quan, one of the Eight Immortals. I will clean any evil energy as if it were dust.”
The other twelve specialized in talisman techniques and incantations, just like the sorcerers of the Azure Dragon Division.
After the introductions, Namgung Byeok glanced at the Three Immortals of Kunlun.
He had experienced the power of the Three Immortals of Kunlun before, so he wanted to know their opinion.
Their expressions were a mix of laughter and disgust.
After dismissing the sorcerers, Namgung Byeok called the Three Immortals of Kunlun and Yeon Jeokha aside.
—“Today I met the sorcerers for the first time. What do you think of them?”
The Immortal Taeul, also known as the Immortal Taiyi, spoke with an uncomfortable expression.
—“I know the members of the Demon Extermination Team well. But I don’t understand why the General Commander sent these people.”
—“What do you mean?”
—“The relics they possess are quite questionable, even within the team. The Sacred Thunder Sword is acceptable, but the So Cheon Muryeong bell was created through malicious means. Although I don’t doubt its effectiveness, sacrificing a child to create a relic is unacceptable.”
—“I understand. But the Heaven and Earth Alliance has opened its doors even to the Evil Faction. Perhaps they thought any help would be useful.”
This time, the Immortal Taemu, who possessed the Exorcist Sword, also known as the Jade Sword Against Evil, spoke.
—“I don’t trust the Sacred Thunder Sword. It’s a wooden sword. It might work against spirits, but I doubt it can harm a monster.”
The Immortal Taeryong added with an uncomfortable expression:
—“The same goes for the Feather Duster of Zhongli Quan. There have always been doubts about its authenticity. It seems that all the good relics were sent to the Azure Dragon Division.”
Namgung Byeok gave a bitter smile.
It seems Jegal Seun has favored the Azure Dragon Division this time as well.
Though he knew this, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.
At that moment, the Immortal Taemu noticed something strange.
—“Yeon Sohyeop, it seems you’ve changed swords. The design of the scabbard is different.”
All eyes turned to Yeon Jeokha’s sword.
—“You have a keen eye. Yes, I traded it with my brother, Yeon Mubaek.”
—“You gave him the Waryong Sword?!”
—“Yes, he insisted it was a family heirloom, so I made a trade.”
—“Why trade something so valuable? What will we do now without it?”
The Immortal Taemu trembled with frustration, as if it were a personal matter.
If he had known Yeon Jeokha would give it up so easily, he would have tried to buy the sword at the inn.
—“He insisted, so I gave it to him. I couldn’t fight over it; we’re brothers, after all.”
—“It was a sacred weapon capable of killing monsters! You should have refused even if your parents asked for it! What will you do now?”
—“Well, I’ll use this sword to defeat them.”
Yeon Jeokha confidently tapped his new sword.
Namgung Byeok burst into laughter.
—“Haha! Well said. You need that determination as the Grand Inspector. Just endure for an hour, and the path will open.”
—“Yes, I’ll do my best!”
Yeon Jeokha clenched his fists with determination.
The Three Immortals of Kunlun shook their heads as they watched his cheerful expression.
Was he smiling after giving away a sacred relic like the Waryong Sword? Either he had a very deep soul, or he was a complete fool.
Or maybe both.
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