The Cult Leader had once seen Musincheonju from a distance.It was to confirm the gap between himself and that being.And at that moment, he felt it.That this was an existence he could never defeat.So he hid himself all the deeper and moved in secret.All so that he would never be discovered by him.It was a blow to his pride, but his pride was not important.What truly mattered was bringing the Heavenly Demon into the world.For that, he could even crawl groveling before Musincheonju.Of course, it was merely the mindset he held—not that he would literally do such a thing.The Cult Leader clenched his fist tightly for a moment, trying to shake off his fear of Musincheonju.“Hoo, if that monster truly appeared, then failure is only natural.”“I apologize for disappointing you.”“If you are sorry, then make sure to redeem yourself next time.”“Yes, Leader!”The other high-ranking officers also voiced no real complaint.For if the opponent was Musincheonju, they too would have failed.“Still, we did learn one thing from this, did we not?”“What do you mean?”“That the Central Plains are not as simple as we thought. None of you expected the Emei Sect to be that strong. Now that we’ve realized our preparations were lacking, we must take measures against it.”The Cult Leader rose from his seat.“This humiliation of today can always be repaid once He descends into this world. So focus only on preparing to welcome Him.”“Yes, Leader!”“And by any means necessary, become stronger. Do not allow Him to feel disappointment.”“Yes, Leader!”“Corpse Demon Emperor.”“Yes!”“I grant you permission to produce Cho Ma Hwan Hon Shi (招魔還魂尸).”At the Cult Leader’s words, the Corpse Demon Emperor asked again with a startled expression.“I–is that truly so?”“Yes. Use any means ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) necessary and create as many as possible.”“Yes, Leader!”Cho Ma Hwan Hon Shi were jiangshi created using the corpses of at least Peak Realm experts.They retained the martial arts and cultivation they had wielded in life, reborn as jiangshi. Moreover, they belonged to the category of living jiangshi and could move just like living people.The Corpse Demon Emperor’s eyes gleamed.‘The time has come to resurrect the Nine Demon Emperors who once threw the world into terror.’The Nine Demon Emperors had been Peak Realm experts in life.Cho Ma Hwan Hon Shi made from Peak Realm experts.Since they could contend against a realm far beyond what they had reached while alive, such Cho Ma Hwan Hon Shi would be nothing short of invincible.‘Even Musincheonju could be opposed.’He would make it so, no matter what.And he would catch the Heavenly Demon’s eye, becoming the second-in-command of the cult.With that ambition burning in his chest, the Corpse Demon Emperor hurried to begin his preparations. ****Yeon Woo Jin had become an absolute existence within the Emei Sect.The Emei nuns believed him to be the incarnation of the Buddha.Even when he denied it, in their hearts Yeon Woo Jin was already the Buddha.Perhaps that was why, without even realizing it, they trusted and followed his words more than the Sect Master’s.And even the Sect Master herself could not reprimand them—because she felt the same.Had they not all seen it?The divine might of Yeon Woo Jin yesterday.How he healed wounds in an instant and breathed qi back into them.That alone had made them revere him—but then they saw him annihilate retreating jiangshi in an instant.That sight carved itself deeply into the minds of the Emei disciples.The vision of the jiangshi army—something the Emei Sect could barely fend off even at full strength—being destroyed with a single gesture.It was truly like a Heavenly God descending upon the earth.Some among the Emei Sect, upon witnessing it, instinctively prostrated themselves in worship.Now, as Yeon Woo Jin was about to leave after settling matters at Mount Emei, Seongmo pressed her palms together and spoke.“We cannot fathom how we will ever repay the grace we have received from our Benefactor.”Yeon Woo Jin smiled.“Just fulfill what I requested of you. That alone is enough.”“Even if you had not requested it, it is our duty. From this day forth, the Emei Sect shall follow any word of our Benefactor, whatever it may be. We will not hesitate to become part of Musincheon under you.”At Seongmo’s words, the disciples behind her nodded firmly.Their expressions showed they agreed wholeheartedly.Thus, the Emei Sect came entirely under Yeon Woo Jin’s command.Watching this, Namgoong Hwan’s heart pounded violently.Even the Emei Sect had fallen completely under Yeon Woo Jin’s sway.At this rate, Yeon Woo Jin truly would unify the Central Plains.He would become the first person in history to unify the Central Plains without a single war.How could he not be excited, witnessing such an incredible legend with his own eyes?Namgoong Hwan clenched his fist tightly, thinking that serving Yeon Woo Jin as his lord was the greatest decision he had ever made in his life. ****Mount Baekhwa, southern Qinghai.There stood a great fortress of red brick.This was the Blazing Fire Divine Palace, where Hwa Sogwang reigned as Palace Lord.The Blazing Fire Divine Palace was in complete upheaval at the moment.Hwa Sogwang’s disciples were dragged out of their closed-door training without explanation, and everyone in the palace was mobilized to carry out a sweeping, large-scale cleaning.Not even the high officials or disciples were exempt.“Palace Lord! What in the world is this? At least tell us why!”“Yes, is this because Lady Miyeon is marrying into Qingcheng, so you’re venting your anger on us?”All were full of dissatisfaction.Hwa Sogwang chuckled.“To the one among you who cleans the best, I shall grant a fateful opportunity to surpass his current realm.”They all stared at him blankly.“What do you mean?”“An opportunity to surpass our realm?”“Did you somehow obtain an elixir?”Their eyes sparkled as they looked at him.“Yes, I obtained it. Only those who clean the most diligently and best shall share in it.”“W–what is it?”“You dare doubt me?”“We can’t believe it without seeing!”Hwa Sogwang smirked and drew a leather pouch from his bosom.He opened it wide.Inside were dozens of golden elixirs.“They are called Inyeondan. You have heard of them, haven’t you?”“I–Inyeondan!”“Heavens! Isn’t Inyeondan even more precious than Johwadan?”“H–how did you—?”“I obtained them with great difficulty for your sake. Yet you treat my words as if they mean nothing?”“N–no! We’ll clean, we’ll clean immediately!”They all scrambled into frantic action.“Move aside! I must clean!”“I’ll show you what true cleaning is!”“I am the God of Cleaning!”The experts of the Blazing Fire Divine Palace moved with terrifying vigor.Thanks to them, the floors, pillars, roofs, and walls of the palace shone spotless in an instant.Hwa Sogwang watched with satisfaction.In truth, he had already decided who would receive the Inyeondan.Still, he would genuinely give a few from the extra batch he had set aside for the future to those who worked the hardest.After all, the true opportunity was the Flow-Reversal Heavenly Muscle Formation.“Good. The cleaning is done. Now, we must prepare food and repair the pavilion where my lord shall stay.”With much still to do, Hwa Sogwang quickly set to work.Northern Qinghai Province.There was a sect that competed with the Blazing Fire Divine Palace: the Bukcheon Gate.Its Master, Sa Se Hwang, had never once defeated Hwa Sogwang since youth.Though Bukcheon Gate was also a major sect representing the Demonic Path, it always ranked below the Blazing Fire Divine Palace.Thus, Sa Se Hwang carried a lifelong sense of inferiority toward them, vowing that one day he would surpass and trample them.So he always prioritized information regarding the Blazing Fire Divine Palace.“They are busy preparing to welcome a guest?”“Yes, Master.”Hearing the fresh report brought by his subordinate, Sa Se Hwang stroked his beard.“If the Palace Lord himself is personally overseeing it, then the guest must be highly important.”“That’s correct.”“Hmm. Then it must truly be someone significant.”His expression grew grave.Who could it be?Who was important enough for the Palace Lord of the mighty Blazing Fire Divine Palace to personally oversee the preparations?Could it be even the Lord of the Evil Black Alliance?Whatever it was, it could not be to their advantage.“Hmm. Just what are those bastards plotting again?”Sa Se Hwang rubbed his forehead.He had the distinct feeling that he couldn’t just leave this alone.“This won’t do. We must interfere. Use any means necessary to find out what they are preparing and who they are welcoming.”“Yes, Master!”Several days later, Sa Se Hwang obtained the information he sought.“Shincheon Escort Bureau?”“Yes, Master.”“All this fuss just to welcome an escort bureau? Are you mocking me?”“T–that is all the information we have.”“They’re ridiculing us. They know we’ll interfere, so they’re deliberately hiding the truth.”“That’s not it. The one leading the Shincheon Escort Bureau is Namgoong Hwan.”“Namgoong Hwan? The Master of Changcheon Merchant Guild?”“Yes.”“And the Palace Lord is moving in such haste just to welcome the head of a righteous merchant guild? That makes even less sense.”“Actually, it’s the perfect opportunity. We can frame the Blazing Fire Divine Palace as colluding with the Orthodox Factions.”“Oh? Now that you mention it…”At his subordinate’s words, a smile crept across Sa Se Hwang’s lips.“Kukuku. Those fools are digging their own grave.”“If we use this well, we might even stir Lord Saheukryeon’s fury and drive the Blazing Fire Divine Palace out entirely.”“Hmm. But is simply welcoming a merchant guild enough of a pretext? They haven’t even traded with them yet.”“We can sow discord. By making use of the Cheonbo Merchant Guild.”“The Cheonbo Merchant Guild?”“Yes. Surely you know who they are tied to.”“Indeed. The Cheonbo Merchant Guild was connected to Lord Saheukryeon.”“If we spread word that the Blazing Fire Divine Palace has abandoned Cheonbo to deal with the Orthodox Changcheon Guild, the rest will unfold on its own.”“Still… before that, I want to obstruct them directly.”“Then why not attack the Shincheon Escort Bureau on its way to the Blazing Fire Divine Palace and steal their goods?”“Hmm. Isn’t that too risky?”“If we disguise ourselves as mountain bandits, they’ll assume they were robbed by mere bandits.”His subordinate’s words made Sa Se Hwang’s eyes gleam.“Kukuku. Not bad at all.”“Then I’ll make preparations immediately!”“Make absolutely sure they never discover it was us. Understood?”“Of course. I’ll pick only the ugliest, burliest men for the job.”“Good.”“My lord!”While traveling toward the Blazing Fire Divine Palace, Yeon Woo Jin encountered a familiar face.It was none other than the Green Forest Grand Emperor, Lee Hwa Un.“What brings you here?”“I was visiting a nearby stronghold when I heard my lord was passing through, so I rushed here at once!”“Is that so? It’s good to see you.”“To be welcomed so warmly by my lord—I am truly honored!”The excuse of visiting a nearby stronghold was a lie.No Green Forest stronghold existed in this area.He had simply made an excuse, just to be by Yeon Woo Jin’s side.Yeon Woo Jin thought nothing of it and simply welcomed him.“Since I have met my lord here, please allow me to remain at your side for a time.”“Are you sure that’s all right?”“Yes. As for Green Forest affairs, you need not worry. I passed full authority to my successor, a capable man who will handle things well.”Hearing this, Yeon Woo Jin smiled.“Then do so.”With Yeon Woo Jin’s permission, Lee Hwa Un’s face lit up brightly.“Thank you, my lord!”Then, he turned to Namgoong Hwan and Yeo Hwarin, who stood there with astonished faces, and cupped his fists in greeting.“An honor. I am Lee Hwa Un.”

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