Chapter 224 : Mountain, Asks
Chapter 224: Mountain, Asks
“It seems Yeo Su-in has escaped the Heaven and Earth Net.”
The Great Demon’s expression twisted completely at the commander’s report.
The commander knew better than anyone how the Great Demon felt right now.
It was likely the same as his own heart when he let Lee Jaseung escape before.
No, it was probably far more flustering. In the worst case, the commander was only pushed from his position, but matters would not end there for the Great Demon.
The sacrifices until now were too great. Fourteen of the thirty masters from the Elder's Council were dead, and six were severely injured.
Furthermore, all of the Five Toxic Beings were dead, and dozens of Berserk Heaven Warriors and hundreds of Demon Army were sacrificed.
Yeo Su-in had escaped despite such immense damage being inflicted.
Of course, they killed all of the Asura Six Demons who had betrayed them. The sacrifices had grown larger because of the Asura Six Demons. If the Great Demon had not handled them personally along with the Four Great Sons and the masters of the Elder's Council, the losses would have been even worse.
Regardless, killing the Asura Six Demons was a secondary issue.
What was needed now was Yeo Su-in’s corpse.
That was also what the Cult Leader wanted to see.
“Do not worry. There are circumstances suggesting the bastard was poisoned by the Five Toxins. He won't have been able to flee far.”
That was the only thing left to believe in.
However, that was also not a confirmed matter, and there was another decisive problem.
Plum, one of the Four Great Sons, spoke with certainty.
“It is certain there was a helper. Otherwise, he couldn't have escaped this place with that body.”
If someone was helping Yeo Su-in, they might have detoxified him, or they could have taken him far away regardless.
The Great Demon spoke to his subordinates with his feelings plainly revealed on his face.
“Search the surroundings thoroughly. You must find him even if you have to mobilize everything you can! We won't return if we don't find him.”
“We will find him without fail.”
With a determined response, the demonic humans scattered in all directions.
The Great Demon stared at the setting sun in the distance.
The only thought in his head now was that he must not let his fate become like that sun.
* * *
“I applied the Ten Thousand Li Tracking Scent to Yeo Su-in’s hand.”
Lee Jaseung had applied it while helping Yeo Su-in up inside the Heaven and Earth Net.
Dogs called Ten Thousand Tracking Hounds followed the Ten Thousand Li Tracking Scent used by the Black Way Alliance.
The Ten Thousand Tracking Hounds were closer to spiritual creatures than dogs. Their sense of smell was so outstanding that once they caught a scent, they could track it no matter how far away it was. Truly, the Ten Thousand Tracking Hounds existed for the sake of tracking.
Furthermore, once the tracking scent of the Black Way Alliance touched a body, the scent could not be erased with water unless it was washed off with a special drug.
It was the very drug Lee Jaseung was currently dipping his hands into.
Lee Jaseung spoke as he took his hands out.
“He might not know right now because he is in a frantic state, but the bastard will eventually find out. That the Ten Thousand Li Tracking Scent is on his body.”
“Are you going to send the Ten Thousand Tracking Hounds to the Great Demon?”
Lee Jaseung shook his head at Dan Woobin’s question.
“No. We will pursue the bastard for the time being. If we give the Ten Thousand Tracking Hounds now, Yeo Su-in will die at the Great Demon’s hands.”
“Even if we know his whereabouts, it won't be easy to inform the Great Demon.”
It was because it must not be revealed to the Great Demon that Lee Jaseung was behind it.
“We will act as if Mountain sent the information.”
“Ah, there was such a method.”
Previously, Mountain lost all his subordinates while conspiring with Yeo Su-in. From the Great Demon’s perspective, Mountain had plenty of reason to hold a personal grudge against Yeo Su-in.
“What kind of deal did you make with that man?”
Things went smoothly this time because Mountain lent him Eye, as if proving that yesterday’s enemy could be today’s friend.
And such strategic deals are usually made when there is something both sides want.
“Is what the bastard wanted power? Or is it money?”
“If he wanted those, I would have given them to him as he wished.”
“So that wasn't it.”
Lee Jaseung nodded.
It was unexpected. Mountain had lost almost all his subordinates and was driven into a corner.
In such a situation, he surely would have wanted power.
“What on earth is it that the bastard wanted?”
* * *
“Who on earth did you lend Eye to?”
Mountain did not readily answer Rain’s question.
After joining hands with Cheon Myeongin, Mountain remained stationary without any movement.
Rain and Water were here under Lee Jaseung’s orders to monitor Mountain, but they had nothing special to report.
However, after speaking with a woman who suddenly visited this time, he sent Eye to the Demonic Cult. Eye and the other subordinates all failed to return. Considering how large Eye’s role was at the decisive moment, it was quite a significant sacrifice.
“I made a deal with Lee Jaseung.”
Rain was startled by Mountain’s words. Because he was only in a position to report matters related to Mountain and Cheon Myeongin to Lee Jaseung, he had not known this matter was related to Jaseung.
‘Damn it! He should have told me in advance if there was such a thing.’
Of course, Lee Jaseung did not have the leeway, but he wouldn't have told him even if he did.
A natural reaction is always best.
Rain’s surprise just now was a reaction possible only because he did not know beforehand. If he had known, he would have looked awkward somehow.
Regardless, thanks to Rain knowing nothing, Mountain’s reaction was perfect.
“What kind of deal is it? No, what did you decide to receive in exchange for giving Eye?”
Then, an unexpected answer flowed from Mountain’s mouth.
“I asked to meet the successor of the Heavenly Demon Sect.”
Rain was surprised, but the person even more shocked was Water. The successor of the Heavenly Demon Sect was herself and her brother, Ho Yeonshin.
‘Did he perhaps realize my identity?’
Naturally, such a thought occurred to her.
However, judging by Mountain’s usual way of handling things, she could tell he did not make such a proposal to trouble her.
Rain, who knew her heart better than anyone, asked again without hiding his surprised expression.
“Why on earth is that?”
* * *
Around sunset, Lee Jaseung truly brought Mountain to meet Ho Yeonshin.
Rain and Water followed Mountain.
While Mountain had a private meeting with Ho Yeonshin, Lee Jaseung, Rain, and Water were waiting in the backyard far from the room.
After glancing at Lee Jaseung standing to the side, Rain spoke to Water.
“Don't worry. Nothing will happen.”
Water nodded at Rain’s words. Water was anxious, and it was enough for Rain to feel it. Considering her usually bold personality, one could tell how exceptional her affection for her brother was.
Rain looked around at the surrounding scenery to calm her heart. The beauty created by the setting sun was dyeing the world red.
“It is beautiful.”
However, it seemed this red sunset looked like something else in her eyes.
“Soon this Jianghu will be dyed with blood.”
Rain, who was about to say something to her, shut his mouth. She was right. Standing amidst the heroes trying to seize the Jianghu, it was meaningless to say otherwise.
Yes, the world would soon be dyed with blood.
She glanced at Lee Jaseung.
Lee Jaseung was also looking around the surroundings without a word.
The thought that he was scary occurred to her. He was not scary just because his martial arts were strong.
The sight of him utilizing her and her brother while dealing with the Cult Leader, and making a deal with someone like Mountain whose inner thoughts were unknown, was frightening.
She had never once thought her brother was weak.
But lately, she had such thoughts.
Could he truly achieve his long cherished wish among monsters like that cruel Yao Hong, that terrifying Lee Jaseung, and Mountain whose heart was unreadable?
Could her brother truly reconstruct the Heavenly Demon Sect?
Her face, unable to answer easily, was being dyed as red as blood.
Meanwhile, in the room, Mountain and Ho Yeonshin were sitting across from each other with a small tea table between them.
Mountain highly valued Lee Jaseung’s ability, but he truly did not know it was to this extent.
“It is truly amazing. I did not know I would face you personally.”
Ho Yeonshin was angry. His own will was not reflected at all in this meeting. Even if he was in a position where he had ingested poison, he could not be treated like this.
However, Ho Yeonshin tried his best not to reveal his emotions. It was because he wanted to show a side worthy of the successor of the Heavenly Demon Sect, even if it had fallen.
And he was also curious about why Mountain had visited.
“What is the reason you asked to see me?”
Unexpected words flowed from Mountain’s mouth.
“I want to join hands with you. How about it? Won't you join hands with me?”
“I refuse.”
The answer of refusal came so quickly that it was embarrassing for the opponent.
“Do not be like that and just hear my words first... .”
“I refuse!”
Ho Yeonshin answered firmly.
Because Ho Yeonshin’s cold gaze flew at him as if piercing his lungs, Mountain could no longer speak of it.
“I understand.”
Mountain let out a sigh.
“If your business is finished, please leave.”
At the cold order to leave, Mountain spoke.
“Let me finish the tea I was drinking. I should at least save face before the people outside.”
Since he said that much, Ho Yeonshin could not bring himself to kick him out.
After taking a sip of tea, Mountain carefully opened his mouth.
Before speaking, Mountain raised his pressure and blocked the door side so his words wouldn't leak out. Because it was an action done secretly from Ho Yeonshin, he couldn't form a perfect barrier, but it was at least enough so the words in the room wouldn't leak.
“Since I’m here with you anyway, there is one thing I want to ask.”
“What is it?”
“I have heard of the Heavenly Demon Soul of the Sect. Does a truly giant demonic creature get summoned and emerge?”
“A demonic creature you say!”
Ho Yeonshin glared fiercely.
Mountain spoke hurriedly.
“I am sorry if I made a slip of the tongue. I am also just relaying a story I heard.”
“The Demon Soul is a great being.”
“Surely it doesn't think and speak, does it?”
The corners of Ho Yeonshin’s mouth curled up. The shape it created meant, 'Why wouldn't it?'
“You wouldn't even dare to meet the eyes of the Demon Soul.”
“Then it seems I heard wrong. I suppose there is a demonic art similar to the Heavenly Demon Soul.”
“There is no such thing as a similar demonic art! There is no way the Demon Soul would allow such a thing, is there?”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Naturally!”
“I see, I truly understand well now. I sincerely apologize.”
Mountain bowed his head. His pupils were trembling. The reason he visited today was not to join hands with Ho Yeonshin.
It was because there was something he wanted to confirm from him. About the being dwelling inside Cheon Myeongin’s body.
In fact, Mountain already knew exactly what kind of being the Heavenly Demon Soul was. There was no way someone like him wouldn't know about it.
However, he had not thought that what dwelt inside Cheon Myeongin’s body was the real Heavenly Demon Soul. He thought it would be something else. It was a place with all sorts of bizarre and monstrous demonic arts.
After finding out what that demonic art was, he intended to utilize it. If he could find out the name of the demonic art, he would be able to find out how to suppress it, and further, how to rule it.
But from Ho Yeonshin’s words and reaction, Mountain could tell.
‘It really was the Heavenly Demon Soul!’
His entire body trembled involuntarily.
He could not know why the Heavenly Demon Soul entered Cheon Myeongin’s body.
But one thing was clearly known.
That everything would change once it emerged into the world. Also, that the time was not far off.
Finally, one more thing.
What if he could just utilize it?
It was an impossible task. As far as he knew, it was an absolutely impossible thing.
But what if he achieved it? Since the very fact that the great Heavenly Demon Soul dwelt inside Cheon Myeongin’s body was something that broke common sense.
‘If I can just achieve it?’
A flame of vast ambition began to rise in Mountain’s two eyes.
A short while later.
Mountain, having achieved his goal, left the place with Rain and Water.
Now Lee Jaseung and Ho Yeonshin stood side by side in the yard.
“I should move out of this place too.”
“You should. I will provide a separate location for you.”
“You are quite busy giving the disease and then the medicine.”
He spoke sharply, but Ho Yeonshin’s mood had softened. He felt good for no reason at the thought that Lee Jaseung was looking out for him.
Lee Jaseung was definitely a bad guy.
But how should he put it? A feeling that he was bad, but not in a truly vulgar way?
Even in evil, a certain standard and order were felt.
There is an evil that makes one frown and want to kill them no matter what when facing them, while there is an evil that makes one’s heart pound just by being together, making one wonder what kind of plot is being hatched in that head.
Naturally, Lee Jaseung was the latter.
Which also made him a more dangerous being.
Ho Yeonshin asked.
“What did you get from the deal with him?”
“I got something good.”
“I’m sure you did.”
Ho Yeonshin could not bring himself to say, 'Then shouldn't something come back to me too?'
Ho Yeonshin let out a sigh without realizing it.
Lee Jaseung glanced back at him.
“Why are you looking at me with those eyes?”
“What kind of eyes are they?”
“Contemptuous eyes.”
“You are wrong. I was thinking that you are quite cute.”
Ho Yeonshin instantly wore an expression of disbelief.
“You crazy bastard!”
Lee Jaseung spoke as he walked away with long strides.
“Thanks for today.”
Ho Yeonshin asked.
“Why don't you ask what the bastard questioned me about?”
“Because it isn't my concern.”
Lee Jaseung walked down with long strides. Ho Yeonshin was inwardly moved by that cool appearance.
However, there was one thing Ho Yeonshin would be truly resentful about if he knew.
Lee Jaseung had eavesdropped on the entire conversation in the room. The barrier Mountain set up was in vain before Lee Jaseung’s concentration.
He said he came to join hands with Ho Yeonshin?
What a load of nonsense!
Lee Jaseung saw through the purpose of why Mountain made the visit.
“So he is curious about the Heavenly Demon Soul huh?”
All the way down the mountain, Lee Jaseung heard the cry of instinct that this was a matter that must not be simply overlooked.