Heavenly Inquisition Sword Novel - Chapter 277
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Chapter 277: I am the Leader of the Yoomyung Cult
The Leader of the Black Turtle Division, the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao, Jang Mudeok, looked at his son standing before him.
“What do you desire?”
Jang Kangho, known as the Thunder Wind Saber, lifted his cup instead of answering. Even at that moment, his mind was conflicted. His head told him to turn back, but his heart urged him to press on. He had never before experienced such deep indecision throughout all his adventures in the world of Murim.
If anyone knew how volatile Jang Kangho was feeling, they wouldn’t believe it. Seeing his son’s silence, Jang Mudeok repeated the question, seeking confirmation.
“So, do you really have a bad feeling about this?”
“Honestly, yes. At first, I thought we were here because of a game by the Great Strategist, but…”
“And now that you’re here, you think that’s not the case?”
“It seems the Great Strategist didn’t know much about what was happening in Gyogu either.”
“He’s always focused on the Namgung Family.”
“You knew that too, Father?”
“They say public opinion reflects the will of heaven. People call Namgung Yeon ‘the Undefeated in Ten Battles’ not just because of her skill, but also due to the collective resentment toward the Great Strategist. He has pressured the Namgung Family so much that people are elevating Namgung Yeon to counter him.”
“If that’s true, it’s quite subtle.”
“When you reach my age, you’ll learn to see the celestial order. It seems like heaven is indifferent to human affairs, but in unexpected ways, it maintains balance.”
“Then, what do you think of Pungji Mountain? Is it really the gate to hell and the beginning of the end? Will the celestial balance also adjust there?”
“Nonsense! How can heaven’s balance adjust in an inactive mountain? There must first be change before there can be harmony.”
“So, are we in the middle of a shift to one side?”
“If Pungji Mountain is really the ‘Mountain of Death’ that people speak of, then yes. I just hope it’s a change we can manage.”
“If our Black Turtle Division can’t handle it, it’ll be tough for the entire Heaven and Earth Alliance.”
“You’re right. That’s why we must go to Pungji Mountain to confirm it.”
Jang Kangho nodded. His father’s words cleared his confused mind. After that, father and son silently drank a few more cups before rising.
The next morning.
The warriors of the Black Turtle Division set off toward Pungji Mountain.
By noon, the mountain was clearly visible in the distance. As they passed through a village at the mountain’s base, dozens of villagers ran towards them, shouting.
“Please, find my son! He went to cut wood on the mountain and hasn’t returned.”
“Look for my father too! He’s been missing since he went to the mountain fifteen days ago.”
“My mother too! She went to pick herbs and hasn’t come back.”
“My father too…!”
The villagers shared their stories with the warriors of the Heaven and Earth Alliance, nearly blocking the path with their numbers. Jang Kangho, unable to bear it any longer, raised his voice with inner energy.
“Listen to me! We are from the Heaven and Earth Alliance, here to investigate Pungji Mountain. You’re blocking our way—how do you expect us to search for your loved ones?”
Only then did the villagers calm down and step back. As they passed through the center of the village, an elderly man who appeared to be in his seventies approached Jang Mudeok.
“Gentlemen, I am Wang Isu, the village chief. It’s lunchtime. Why don’t you eat something before continuing? It would be an honor to serve you as a token of our gratitude.”
Jang Mudeok looked at his division. It was noon, and hunger was setting in. It would be difficult to eat on Pungji Mountain, so accepting the invitation made sense.
Jang Mudeok nodded to his son, Jang Kangho, who stepped forward toward the village chief.
“You said you’re the village chief. We will eat before we continue. Lead us.”
“Yes, yes. Thank you for accepting.”
Wang Isu guided the warriors of the Black Turtle Division to his house, followed by a long line of villagers.
Pungji Mountain
Fairy Temple, also known as the Temple of the Goddess
Sacred Sanctuary
Shinmo opened her eyes after meditating. Soon, footsteps echoed in the courtyard, and one of the Eight Emperors appeared.
“Leader, the warriors of the Heaven and Earth Alliance are in the village at the mountain’s base. It seems they will come after lunch. What should we do?”
“The Black Turtle Division? With the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao as the leader?”
“Yes.”
“How many are there?”
“Fifty-two.”
“Bring all the Demon Warriors we have as prisoners.”
“Yes.”
Shortly after, seven Demon Warriors were brought to the courtyard and forced to kneel. All had been assigned by the Great Demon Generals to monitor the Eight Emperors.
As soon as they were in front of Shinmo, the Demon Warriors bowed their heads and pleaded.
“Leader, please forgive us!”
“We were only here to ensure you were safe!”
After their pleas, Shinmo raised a hand. The seven Demon Warriors looked nervously, awaiting her verdict.
“Welcome. We just needed more help for the Eight Emperors.”
Seeing that they wouldn’t be punished, the Demon Warriors showed relief.
“Thank you, Leader!”
“Tell us what to do!”
“The Heaven and Earth Alliance is coming to Pungji Mountain. The Eight Emperors will take care of them, but some may escape. Your task is to make sure no one escapes. Understood?”
“Yes!”
“We will!”
“Leader, you can count on us!”
Shinmo nodded in satisfaction.
“Good, make sure not a single person escapes. If anyone does, you’ll pay with your lives. Understood?”
The Demon Warriors, terrified, responded fervently.
“Understood!”
“We won’t let anyone escape!”
“We’ll kill them all!”
The Demon Warriors slammed their heads into the ground in oath, staining the courtyard with their blood as Shinmo watched, smiling.
Entrance of Pungji Mountain
Jang Mudeok stopped and looked at each of his warriors. His intuition told him something was wrong.
Finally, he spoke, deviating from the plan.
“This mission doesn’t feel right. I will only take those who volunteer.”
He wanted each one to decide for themselves whether to risk their lives.
“If anyone wishes to withdraw from this mission, step forward now.”
“…”
The warriors of the Black Turtle Division were shocked by the unexpected offer. Withdraw just as they were about to enter? But no one moved. First, out of pride as warriors, and second, because none felt the same danger Jang Mudeok did. With the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao leading, there was nothing to fear.
Seeing no one withdraw, Jang Mudeok nodded. With these men, he was willing to stake everything.
“I will go first and stay behind if we need to retreat. If I tell you to fall back, do so without hesitation and without looking back. Understood?”
“Yes!”
“Understood!”
The warriors responded firmly to Jang Mudeok’s declaration. True to his word, Jang Mudeok took the lead. He was followed by Jang Kangho, Mu Beop, Moyong Hwang, and Jegal Joongyeong. The rest of the warriors formed a long line behind.
Contrary to expectations, Pungji Mountain was quiet. After climbing for two hours, they reached an area with a sign indicating the Fairy Temple. They hadn’t seen a single animal.
They arrived at a clearing at the temple’s entrance, where the warriors of the Black Turtle Division gathered. Jang Mudeok stopped before the open temple gate, calming his mind before entering. Inside, he saw a sacred sanctuary with a middle-aged woman seated in the center.
The woman didn’t pay attention until all the warriors were inside. When she finally raised her head, Jang Mudeok felt overwhelming dizziness as he met her gaze. It was like staring at a starry sky; her full presence eluded him.
Feeling as though he was naked under the stars, Jang Mudeok asked respectfully.
“Who are you?”
“Do you wish to know my name? I have many names, but you deserve to know one. Call me the Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors.”
“Do you know anything about the disappearances on Pungji Mountain?”
“First, shouldn’t you introduce yourself?”
“I am called Jang Mudeok, friends in Murim know me as the Apprentice of the Supreme Tao. Do you have the missing people here?”
“I couldn’t. This place has no space for them, right?”
“Then answer me. Except for us, you’re the only one on this mountain. Why?”
The Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors shook her head.
“You’re mistaken. There are many other people here.”
“We didn’t see anyone while climbing. Is there another place at the top?”
“No. Only wind and clouds reside there. Can’t you see the people here?”
With a wave of her hand, a gust of wind swept through the temple. Surprised, Jang Mudeok looked around. Eight figures stood like statues against the temple wall.
The eight were so motionless that they seemed unreal. Jang Mudeok couldn’t understand how they could be there without him noticing.
With a sigh, he said.
“Holy Mother of the Eight Emperors, your skill is impressive. I’ve never heard of anything like this in Murim. Who are you, really?”
She smiled kindly.
“I am the Leader of the Yoomyung Cult you’ve been searching for.”
“The Yoomyung Cult?”
“The leader!”
Surprised, the warriors of the Black Turtle Division drew their swords.
Clang-.
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