Chapter 155: The Heavenly Being Does Not Move

Baek Moo-jin headed toward Nanju, spending most of the journey discussing the Sun-Moon Divine Palm with Jin So-hye. Having glimpsed the martial arts realm that maximized both their powers through the harmony of extreme yang and extreme yin, it was only natural to make this Heaven’s Fortune his own.

Moreover, since it was not a martial art one could learn from anyone, their conversations became even more crucial.

Thus, they naturally discussed the principles of the White Flower Divine Art and the Heaven-Shattering Divine Art, the management of their internal energy, and even their methods of manipulating true qi.

In essence, they verbally imparted their martial arts to each other.

Simply put, this was taboo.

The more they discussed, the more they realized their martial arts weren’t separate entities like Taoist or Buddhist martial arts. Instead, they shared many similarities, as if derived from a single martial art. The only difference lay in the fundamental energy within them—whether it was extreme yang or extreme yin.

What martial artist would ever reveal their martial arts to an opponent?

The two nodded after shattering the world’s taboo with such lightness and conviction.

The conclusion was this:

Because it was extremely rare for a single person to possess both extreme yin and extreme yang inner strength, such martial arts had never appeared, existing only in the realm of myth.

The two had stepped into that realm.

Listening to Jin Sohye’s explanation, Baek Mujin became convinced.

‘It wasn’t a forced, lucky combination… Their martial arts were so similar that they naturally combined from the start.’

And it was possible precisely because it was Baek Moo-jin and Jin So-hye’s martial arts.

When the two controlled their power…

Even if Baek Moo-jin unleashed his White Flower Palm, Jin So-hye’s Yanhuaji wouldn’t freeze instantly.

The reverse was equally true.

In other words, fire and ice invaded each other’s domains, each striving to establish its own distinct form. For a fleeting moment, the harmony of the Taiji that people speak of was achieved.

Of course, that harmony possessed the destructive power to shatter objects was but a fleeting instant, and witnessing it could be called a stroke of luck. But discovering that such martial arts, such domains, such harmony could form a new martial art was the miraculous part… Once they knew, it belonged to Baek Moo-jin and Jin So-hye.

During their journey to Nanju, the two deliberately ventured into rugged mountains, training the Sun-Moon Divine Palm on sheer cliffs and precipices.

Except for the reduced mobility compared to when practiced alone, its power was truly peerless.

While most would grow arrogant upon gaining such power, Baek Moo-jin remained unflappable. It felt like adding another technique to his repertoire. He resolved, however, that when using this martial art against multiple enemies, he would only employ it against those who deserved annihilation.

2.

The Demon King turned his back, gazing at the lake’s ripples as he spoke.

“…When the Thunder Demon Lord came to me, I did not kill him. The Sword Demon was the same. He provoked me many times, but I dismissed it, thinking it was simply his nature. And what of the Mad Demon? Who else could have conversed with that man as an equal? In that era, it could only have been me.”

The man conversing privately with the Demon Lord nodded without much reaction.

Few could meet the Demon Lord alone.

The man was the Life-Stealing Demon Lord, who had been seated on the Three Demon Throne. He spoke little, wore no expression, and remained utterly composed even during his private audience with the Demon Lord. Moreover, unlike the Thunder Demon Lord, he was relatively young.

The Demon Lord looked at the Demon Lord of Death and said.

“But Baek Moo-jin killed them all. Some disobeyed orders and went, others went by command, yet only the Usaja returned alive.”

Talming Majon nodded and replied.

“That is correct.”

“Those I took under my wing earlier were like moths drawn to the light of Baek Moo-jin. They tried to grasp it without knowing their place and all perished. See… how cruel and meticulous Baek Moo-jin’s nature is? In that sense, am I not a bit more human?”

When Mahonjongju’s words finally ended as a joke, Talmyungmajon smiled, a rare occurrence.

The one who joked about being human, and the one who took it as a joke… neither was normal.

Tal Myeongmajon revealed the reason for his visit.

“I brought all my forces, but this place must have been exposed. The North Heaven Alliance and the West Gate Clan, the King of Power and the King of Tao, even the Fallen Heaven will converge here. With the Five Armies scattered, retreat is the wise choice.”

At that, the Demon Lord shook his head and laughed.

“I’ll tell you how this battle will end.”

Tal Myeongmajon waited for him to continue, and the Demon King’s explanation followed.

“Here, I and Baek Moo-jin will settle our duel.”

Tal Myeong-ma-jon looked at Mahon Jong-ju.

The Thunder Demon Lord died, and the Three Demon Sovereigns perished.

The Five Armies were annihilated in a single day, their forces scattered to the winds.

It was said even the Blood Demon, the fearsome warrior, proved too much for Baek Moo-jin to handle. Yet why, exactly, did the Demon Lord seem so unperturbed? Moreover, his tone was so confident that Tal Myeong Majon found no words to counter.

The Demon Lord spoke.

“First, the North Heaven Alliance… These fellows cannot move. I had attached powerful forces to the enemy’s sword commander. Upon receiving reports of insufficient numbers, I even mobilized demons from outside to counterattack. Good… Gu Yanghou is quite the figure. We couldn’t finish him off. But his forces are greatly reduced, and the Northern Heaven Alliance is engulfed in flames. It’ll take him a year to lead his troops all the way to Hanzhong. And the Ximen Clan is coming?”

The Demon Lord smiled.

“Xu Wenye is a ridiculous man. He’s an eccentric who trains martial arts when money comes in. Reports say it’s called the Golden Power Divine Art. Seems he got a hefty cut from Gu Yanghou this time too. I also added my own gifts in various ways. When it comes to money, I have plenty to spare… He seems to be in seclusion training now. What difference would that dim-witted young master make, even if he brought troops? Now then, do the North Heaven Alliance and the Ximen Clan understand?”

“Yes.”

“No need to discuss trivialities. Ximen Ye originally had poor relations with nearby clans and sects. Just stirring things up a few times will be enough to throw the young master off balance.”

The Demon Sect Leader laughed again, seemingly finding his own words amusing. Then, his laughter faded as he replied.

“Well then, that leaves Bicheon.”

Tal Myeongma-jon nodded.

“Indeed.”

The Demon Lord’s Clan Leader’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.

“The Lowly Ones won’t move. To be precise, it should be the Lowly Ones’ leadership.”

Talmyeong Majon didn’t know much about Bicheon either, so he was genuinely curious.

“Why is that?”

Mahon Jongju replied.

“Because this is a battle between the Demon Path and the Demon Path. There is an order to things. From their perspective, this isn’t a fight between Baek Moo-jin and me… it’s merely an unresolved internal conflict within the Demon Path.”

“Why is Baek Moo-jin considered demonic? He’s one of us…”

At those words, the Demon Lord gazed into the eyes of the Fallen Demon Lord.

Why does he think he’s not a demon cultivator… What noble cause could he possibly have? Think about the lowly ones. They consider themselves the rulers of the martial world. They look down on both me and Baek Moo-jin as inferiors beneath them. What authority could Baek Moo-jin possibly have over the Heavenly Clan? His family was the left-hand family of the Demon Sect in the past… They vanished, only to reappear as demons fighting us. Of course, they haven’t touched the White Sect yet. But look at him, forming this White Alliance and declaring himself its leader. The Heavenly Beasts are creatures who recognize no ruler but themselves. That’s also the mindset of rulers. Do you understand a little now?”

“I understand a little.”

“To reiterate… the only ones coming here are those gathered in Nanjou. How many could there be? The Martial King, the Taoist King, Hong Yugang? Ridiculous. The Heavenly Clan won’t come. This battle will ultimately be decided between me and Baek Moo-jin… I couldn’t care less about the rest living or dying. However… if one of us dies, then the Heavenly Clan will step in.”

Mahon Jongju finished his words with his arms spread wide.

“Such is the way of the world. It was so before, and it will be so again.”

Talmyeongmajon nodded at those words.

“Understood.”

“Good. So, I’m curious. I was eagerly anticipating your return after so long. Have you made any progress?”

Asking about martial arts development, Tal Myeongmajon nodded.

“Yes, there has been.”

“Good…”

Mahongjongju’s expression softened like a child’s, and he asked Talmyongmajon the question he’d been curious about all along.

“Well… Who do you wish to kill? I’ll arrange things accordingly if it’s within reason. I’ve even ordered a stage to be built here. I intend to show that even a life-and-death battle can have its own style.”

Talmyongmazon pondered for a moment before answering.

“I have always been most interested in the Demon King.”

Mahon Jongju snapped his fingers as he spoke.

“I knew it. The Demon King is quite popular, after all. Many wish to face him here and there. But you will be the one to face him. I’ll prepare accordingly.”

In this peculiar conversation, Tal Myeongmajon finally understood everything and bowed his head.

“Thank you.”

Then, the Demon King stroked his chin and said.

“I wonder who the King of Power should face to make it worth watching…”

Then, the Demon King’s Master added with a slightly displeased expression.

“Isn’t Baek Moo-jin the weaker one? It would be more entertaining if there were another opponent.”

“I’m not sure.”

“I shall discuss that further with my left and right generals.”

“Understood.”

Without telling Tal Myeongmajon to step back, the Demon Lord turned his gaze back to the lake and said.

“Well… I suppose it’s entertaining. I intended to keep him as a subordinate if possible, but it ends up like this after all. Bicheon must be laughing. Still… Let’s enjoy ourselves too.”

“Understood. I’ll take my leave then.”

Mahon Jongju nodded, and Talmyung Majon quietly withdrew.

3.

Upon arriving in Nanju, Baek Moo-jin and Jin So-hye immediately headed to the inner quarters to find Seo Mun-geuk. However, the inner quarters had already relocated. Fortunately, one of Hong Yu-gang’s subordinates spotted Baek Moo-jin first and guided him to the new residence.

As Baek Moo-jin entered, the people were startled and welcomed him warmly.

“Lord Lian!”

Ah, could there be such an unfamiliar title?

As Baek Moo-jin felt embarrassed, Seo Moon-geuk burst out amidst the crowd gathering around him.

“Brother Baek!”

“Heh heh, Brother Seo Mun… How have you been?”

Then Hong Yugang and Kwon Wang appeared, pushing Baek Moo-jin back again.

“Master Baek!”

“Master Baek, you’ve come?”

The titles were all over the place. But everyone was genuinely glad to see Baek Moo-jin. Moreover, glancing at Jin So-hye beside him, they were all carefully managing their expressions. Baek Moo-jin surveyed the surroundings and took a bow.

“How have you all been?”

Seo Mun-geuk burst out laughing and addressed Jin So-hye first.

“Lady Jin, how have you been? Welcome! Welcome! Everyone, this is Lady Jin Sohye of Seonghwagung.”

“Ah!”

Exclamations of surprise erupted from all sides, as most were meeting her for the first time. Yet, knowing she was Baek Moo-jin’s lover, they greeted her with a mix of warmth and slight awkwardness.

“Welcome. We’ve heard much about you.”

Since Seo Mun-geuk had initially spread the news about Baek Moo-jin and Jin So-hye, everyone welcomed her warmly. Fortunately, there were no stuffy Baekdo practitioners or pretentious righteous sect members here who would act stiffly, harping on Seonghwagung’s past.

The people led Baek Moo-jin and Jin So-hye back into the main hall.

4.

It had already been an hour since Baek Moo-jin and the others began sharing what had happened and chatting over tea… Only now did the topic of the Demon-Slaying Sect come up.

Baek Moo-jin said.

“Xiaoliu Lake is likely their base. Whether the sect leader is there or not, I cannot say… We should gather our forces and go investigate.”

“If it’s Soryuho, that could be possible…”

As Kwon Wang murmured, Baek Moo-jin asked.

“Do you know?”

“From what I recall, it’s a place where thick fog made boatmen’s work impossible. But since my former residence wasn’t far from Hanjung, I occasionally heard news of it. It’s not entirely impossible.”

Seo Mun-geuk clicked his tongue.

“No, I placed the request first. How come you’re the one bringing the news? Things are coming in strangely.”

Baek Mujin replied with a smile.

“That’s how it turned out. Anyway, shouldn’t we contact the Northern Heaven Alliance and the Ximen Clan as well?”

At Baek Moo-jin’s words, Seo Mun-geuk first wore an awkward expression, and those who had heard news of the North Heaven Alliance also looked displeased.

Hong Yugang answered Baek Moo-jin’s question.

“It seems there’s been an incident within the Northern Heaven Alliance. Apparently, an internal conflict erupted, and word has already spread that the Alliance Leader himself stepped in to suppress it. I’m not sure what the extent of the damage is, but…”

At those words, Baek Moo-jin looked at Seo Moon-geuk.

“What about contact with Father?”

“Ah, well, he’s in seclusion training. I received a reply from my elder brother… but as you know, he’s not exactly the most helpful person. We don’t communicate well. Anyway, he agreed to send troops… but I feel it won’t mean much unless Father comes himself.”

Just then, a familiar voice called from outside.

“Lord Baek, where on earth have you been wandering? Even Baek Moo-jin the expert gave up looking for you.”

Baek Moo-jin smiled and stood up. The Duke of Dowang entered, escorted by attendants, with Dang Gwi-soon by his side, wearing a face mask as if accompanying him.

Baek Moo-jin smiled and said.

“You’ve arrived?”

Having already visited the manor several times, those present treated the Duke of Dao with natural ease. As those willing to join Baek Moo-jin gathered, the Duke of Gwon spoke.

“Now then, from what I’ve observed, it seems unlikely we can count on support from the Northern Heaven Alliance or the Ximen Clan. Shall we request aid from other clans and head to Hanjung? Or is there another way? I think it would be fine for us to go ourselves, assess the situation, and then request support afterward…”

When King Kwon voiced his opinion, the people looked at Baek Moo-jin.

Baek Moo-jin spoke.

“Even if the North Heaven and West Gate families come, they might relocate their base while we wait. It would be better for me and a few others to head to Xiaoliu Lake first.”

Baek Moo-jin, who had been speaking, avoided mentioning the Sun-Moon Divine Guard and instead uttered something rather frightening.

“Truthfully, the number of troops is not my concern.”

Baek Moo-jin said, looking at Jin So-hye.

“Given how unique the Young Princess’s and my martial arts are… we can handle it. The real question is how many masters remain within the Demon Clan… But with the Martial King and the Taoist King among us, I believe it won’t be a major problem.”

Ultimately, he meant to lead those in Nanju to Xiaoliu Lake.

In truth, Baek Moo-jin’s thoughts and the Demon Clan Leader’s thoughts weren’t much different. This was partly because Baek Moo-jin’s martial arts were overwhelmingly dominant when facing large numbers of lower-level martial artists.

Everyone seemed to agree with Baek Moo-jin’s words.

Yet amidst this, Baek Moo-jin alone harbored different thoughts.

‘Even if the Ten Thousand Heavenly Beasts joined forces, things would be easier… But there’s no way to contact them. Unless they come to Soryu Lake on their own…’

The lowly do not move End