Chapter 366: Holding Hands (3)

"..."

I contemplate with cold eyes.

Yeon Wei, with her hands on her hips, looks at me with questioning eyes and asks in a small voice.

"There's no time, Seo Eun-hyun! You need to use your specialty to remodel this fortress and create traps, do you not?"

Usually, I would take Yeon Wei's words as mere reference and act in the opposite way.

Her actions are largely influenced by Yang Su-jin's conduct, and I am the polar opposite of Yang Su-jin.

'But honestly, Yuk Rin, that guy can't be trusted.'

His blatant scheming for betrayal can't be left unchecked.

After some deliberation, I make a quick decision.

"I won't turn the Governing Dragon Palace into a trap."

"No, Eun-hyun, what do you mean by..."

"There won't be a need to create traps."

"As expected of the Cult Leader!"

Yeon Wei, who is about to complain, quickly changes her attitude and cheers upon hearing my words.

I stand up and look at Buk Hyang-hwa before asking,

"In the Conqueror King's opinion, can the Conqueror King's fleet subdue the Governing Dragon Palace Lord?"

She ponders for a moment before responding.

"If the entire fleet was brought here, it would be possible. But with only a third of the fleet's strength, it's difficult."

"Is that calculation including Kim Young-hoon?"

"Yes, it is. The usual fleet's strength is calculated including the presence of Sir Surpassing Radiant Divine Demon Kim Young-hoon."

"I see. What if we add our order's Integration stage Six Extremes Ghost King?"

Buk Hyang-hwa briefly glances at Jeon Myeong-hoon, seemingly calculating the total strength.

"In that case...it's possible. However..."

"However?"

"To handle the Governing Dragon Palace Lord's subordinates, we need someone proficient in fighting multiple enemies..."

At that, I look at Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon.

Both are adept in fighting multiple opponents.

'Given that Kim Yeon seems to have a slight tension with Buk Hyang-hwa, sending Oh Hyun-seok would be...'

"I'll go."

"Hm?"

Unexpectedly, Kim Yeon volunteers.

"I feel uneasy sending this fool alone. It's only right that I help as the older sister."

She looks at Buk Hyang-hwa with an attitude as if she is going to assist her clumsy younger sibling, and Buk Hyang-hwa lets out a snicker as if she finds it absurd.

"Shouldn't I be the one helping you? Honestly, our fleet's strength surpasses yours."

"Oh really? Is that why you were caught by me?"

The two glare at each other, their eyes blazing with hostility.

Just a few days ago, it looked like things were getting better...'

It seems they have reverted to their old ways.

'Or maybe not.'

I chuckle wryly, reading the emotions between them.

"...Alright, then the volunteering Mysterious Bizarre Ghost King Kim Yeon will support the Buk Hyang Fleet."

As I stand up and snap my fingers, the barriers across the entire Governing Dragon Island collapse under attraction force.

Governing Dragon Island is thrown into chaos.

"Six Extremes Ghost King Jeon Myeong-hoon and Mysterious Bizarre Ghost King Kim Yeon will support the Conqueror King Buk Hyang-hwa's fleet and assist in the Buk Hyang Fleet and Surpassing Radiant Divine Demon's battle to capture the Governing Dragon Palace Lord Yuk Rin alive."

"Received!"

It's quite amusing to capture the host as guests, but what else can be done?

'Now, even if I'm stabbed in the back, it's no longer just my concern.'

If I am deceived, it would mean the entire Wuji Religious Order is deceived.

Even with the ability to foresee others' hidden intentions, I can't gamble with the order's safety.

The risks need to be eliminated in advance.

Kugugugugu!

I raise my momentum and command the ghostly creatures of the Twilight Domain in the language of the Nether Ghost Realm.

[Occupy it.]

Eighteen heads sprout from my shoulders, and my body turns black.

Woooooo!

Ooooooo—

Aaaaaa—

Countless ghostly creatures howl as they begin to engulf Governing Dragon Island.

Kugugugugu!

Wi Yun, a half-human, half-fish demon beast at the early Qi Building stage who lives peacefully on Governing Dragon Island, is collecting clams and returning home as usual.

Normally, she would have returned quickly, but today she has to take a long detour around her usual path.

This is because today, esteemed guests are visiting Governing Dragon Island, and a public notice has been issued stating that a 'third-class citizen' like her from the Half-Fish Race should not be seen by these distinguished guests.

Kuduk, wudududuk!

Having gathered clams, she sets foot on the ground and begins to transform her body.

The half-human, half-fish form of the Half-Fish Race has a unique trait.

They can move freely on both land and water without using any special abilities.

Her lower body, which was in the form of a fish, transforms into human legs, while her upper body remains that of a fish.

Wi Yun, now in her terrestrial form, hums through her fish mouth as she carries the clams and takes the long way home.

Although it's a longer journey than usual, it's fine.

In fact, it's more peaceful because she can avoid the main road where second-class citizen demon beasts who often pick on her are located.

Wi Yun ponders about what to cook for her family with the clams she has collected today.

Her village, a settlement of third-class citizens known as the Abandoned Fish Village, is peaceful.

Even though her Half-Fish Race is the most discriminated against among the third-class citizens, the village is kind enough to always call upon her family for help when needed and share leftover food.

She thinks that Abandoned Fish Village is a truly good place.

Kiyaaaaaaaa!

Wooooo!

Ooooooo—

Suddenly, the entire Governing Dragon Island is covered in dark clouds, and terrifying ghosts begin to fill the sky.

Shocked by this bizarre phenomenon, Wi Yun hurriedly runs towards her home.

Due to a restraint on flying techniques for anyone below second-class citizens on Governing Dragon Island, she is physically incapable of flying.

Finally, when Wi Yun reaches her village,

She sees it engulfed in flames.

Black ghosts and grotesque cursed dolls are setting the village ablaze with ghost fire.

Kiyaaaaaaaa!

Guaaaaah!

"Y-Yun-ah! Run away!"

"Don't come here!"

Her parents shout frantically upon seeing her.

She drops the clams she gathered today and steps back in shock.

[Kiyaaaaa! By the Cult Leader's command!]

[Hiyaaaa! The Cult Leader has ordered to verify the population and issue identity plaques on Governing Dragon Island! Everyone, gather for a moment!]

[Ooooo~ The Cult Leader has commanded us to serve with utmost kindness and ensure the residents do not feel anxious! Let's burn down the old village for disinfection and build new structures!]

[Kekekekeke, these lowly Demon Races of the Ancient Force Realm. We'll show them a taste of the construction techniques of the Nether Ghost Realm.]

The ghosts, speaking in the incomprehensible language of the Nether Ghost Realm, shriek horrifically as they round up the villagers of Abandoned Fish Village and begin burning down the buildings, constructing something bizarre.

Wi Yun flees.

The hideous laughter of the ghosts and cursed dolls have completely overturned her peaceful daily life.

Filled with utmost terror, she runs with her frail human legs.

And then, amidst the bushes, eerie puppet soldiers appear.

The cursed dolls with rotating heads shout bizarre words at Wi Yun.

[Little lady, are you lost?]

[It's dangerous to wander alone, miss. Let us take you to your parents. Where is your home?]

"Kyaaak!"

Wi Yun screams and runs again.

The cursed dolls shriek in the dreadful language of the Nether Ghost Realm as they chase her.

[Hey, miss! That's the direction of the Deep Sea!]

[Come back!]

"G-Go away! Go awa...ah!

She stumbles at the edge of Governing Dragon Island.

With tears in her eyes, Wi Yun falls into the Deep Sea.

She then sees countless ships with flags written in the language of the Ancient Force Realm.

The flags on the ships read:

[Wuji Religious Order Subordinate Buk Hyang Fleet]

'Ah...I see. The devilish cult from another world, and the Conqueror King's Conqueror Fleet...'

Wi Yun falls into the Deep Sea, capturing in her eyes the main culprits who have ruined her daily life.

The story of how Wi Yun, a half-human, half-fish, falls into the Deep Sea Island hidden below Governing Dragon Palace, where she would later gain fortuitous encounters and become a warrior burning with vengeance against the Wuji Religious Order, is a tale for another time.

Meanwhile, leaving her behind, the Buk Hyang Fleet sets sail.

Kugugugugu!

Buk Hyang-hwa, the commander of the Buk Hyang Fleet, glances uncomfortably at Kim Yeon beside her.

"Instead of just playing around, why don't you capture the subordinates of the Governing Dragon Palace escaping from Governing Dragon Island?"

"Oh my. Sorry, but it's better to capture them when they regroup later to assist their Palace Lord. Catching them while they're scattered and escaping now is less effective."

"Hah! Such an excuse instead of thinking of quickly capturing even one more is rather disgraceful."

"I can't hear the words of someone who clung to me, crying 'wah wah', very well."

Buk Hyang-hwa's face turns red.

"T-That...uh...I never did that, okay? Why are you in the commanding room anyway?"

"How is it okay for your memory to become like a carp's when we're going to catch one? Did I not say that just like the last time I broke into your commanding room, the subordinates of Governing Dragon Palace can do the same so I'm here to protect you?"

"That was an exception, and I said no protection was needed! And it's not a carp but a koi. Isn't your intelligence more like a carp's?"

Kim Yeon and Buk Hyang-hwa glare at each other, gritting their teeth.

"Just drive your fleet better, Wahwah."

"Who are you calling Wahwah! Don't call me that!"

"Well, I wasn't talking to you but to Wahwah, who clung to me crying, 'wah wah,' so why are you taking offense? Didn't you say it wasn't you?"

"Urgh..."

Buk Hyang-hwa, with her face flushed red, glares at Kim Yeon and eventually focuses on commanding the fleet.

Kugugugugu!

And a while later.

In the vision of Buk Hyang-hwa and Kim Yeon appears Yuk Rin, wearing a scarlet dragon robe, and Baek Rin.

And also Yuk Yo, whose hair is being grabbed by Yuk Rin.

Yuk Rin, holding Yuk Yo by the hair, looks back with an expressionless face.

Yuk Yo is covered in blood all over her body, unable to even maintain flight and hangs from Yuk Rin's grip. Baek Rin looks on, seemingly aghast at the sight.

Yuk Rin locks eyes with the Buk Hyang Fleet and asks.

"The Conqueror King should be enjoying the banquet. Why have you come all the way here? It seems a bit excessive to bring such equipment just for a mere stroll."

At those words, from the First Hyang Ship of the Buk Hyang Fleet.

On its bow stands a man in black martial attire.

The Surpassing Radiant Divine Demon Kim Young-hoon replies.

"Haha. I feel quite apologetic to the Governing Dragon Palace Lord, but the Buk Hyang Fleet and Wuji Religious Order have just concluded negotiations for us to take over this Wi Jeong Sea Domain."

"Hoh..."

However, Yuk Rin isn't particularly surprised by this.

'Well, I expected this the moment I saw that person's face.'

He recalls the face of Yeon Wei, the military strategist of the Wuji Religious Order.

Though she seems unaware of him, Yuk Rin is well acquainted with her face.

About 40,000 years ago, when Yuk Rin just reached the Heavenly Being stage.

The infamous human from the Bright Cold Realm who turned the Ancient Force Realm upside down.

The Betrayal King, Jin Wei!

'After learning about the Five Blessings Axes from the Black Ghost Palace in the Nether Ghost Realm, she betrayed them and came to the Ancient Force Realm. She then betrayed the faction that taught her about the situation in the Ancient Force Realm, and repeatedly switched sides while building the Health Axis. Eventually, after fully building her axis, she escaped through her sect in the Bright Cold Realm. I heard she then even betrayed her sect and fiancé.'

Although her reputation has faded significantly over the past 40,000 years, Yuk Rin clearly remembers her face and notoriety.

'The crazy human who betrayed my uncle's Cherry Blossom Dragon Palace, which was the force that helped her settle in the Ancient Force Realm, and stole a million ancient stones before fleeing.'

Yuk Rin's paternal uncle, Cherry Blossom Dragon Palace Lord Yuk Ung was already nearing the end of his lifespan and didn't have much time left. He left the world in lingering shock not long after due to her betrayal.

'If Conqueror King Buk Hyang-hwa is known for stabilizing the sea domains after conquering them, Jin Wei is infamous for causing chaos wherever she goes like a loach. Starting from the time when she rampaged to obtain spiritual medicine to boost her fiancée's vitality and captured the Four-Axis stage Eel Race's Chieftain, to taking the bear bile of the Great Bear Race's Chieftain who helped hide her..."

Jin Wei, who seemed to live solely for endless schemes, deception, and betrayal, was dubbed the Betrayal King in the Ancient Force Realm.

Knowing of the Betrayal King's notorious reputation, Yuk Rin anticipated that the Wuji Religious Order would eventually betray him.

Thus, he prepared to backstab Yeon Wei first.

'But as expected, the Human Race indeed lives up to their reputation. To think they would corner me like this before I could strike first. And that too, while being a guest I had invited, no less!'

Yuk Rin's eyes twitch as he addresses Kim Young-hoon.

"...I did not expect the forces of the famed and proud Conqueror King to oppress this Palace Lord as such. Wasn't the Conqueror Fleet known for targeting only tyrannical palace lords?"

"That's correct."

Kim Young-hoon nods.

"Then are you saying this Palace Lord has committed such tyranny in the Wi Jeong Sea Domain?"

"That is not the case."

"What? Then are you saying you are oppressing this Palace Lord without any reason?"

"There is a misunderstanding. While it is true that we oppose tyrannical palace lords, there is one more reason we are opposing the Governing Dragon Palace Lord."

Chchchcht.

Golden light begins to emanate from Kim Young-hoon's entire body.

"That reason is that anyone who tries to oppose us first is unconditionally conquered. The reason we, the Conqueror Fleet, have conquered three sea domains is not just because of tyranny but because they threatened us first. And the same goes for you, Governing Dragon Place Lord."

As Yuk Rin locks eyes with Kim Young-hoon, he realizes something.

"...I see. I've heard much about you, Surpassing Radiant Divine Demon. They say you practice a unique method to conceal your aura. But it seems...you're of the same kind as the owner of Salt Bones Ship!"

Salt Bones (鹽骨) Ship.

The notorious pirate fleet of the Ancient Force Realm formed by the Fighting Ghost Race and several other brutal races.

The flagship of the Fighting Demon Pirate Gang!

The one who used the rare and precious Salt Crystals to form the entirety of the Salt Bones Ship's keel, the Fighting Demon Pirate Gang's Captain, Jin Ma-yeol!

Yuk Rin caresses his bracelet.

"Can you read my heart essence even now? I have maximized the capabilities of my magic artifact."

Kim Young-hoon draws his blade in silence.

Yuk Rin clicks his tongue.

"You can see it, it seems. You appear superior to that Jin Ma-yeol. Was the name of the technique he practiced called Fighting Steps?"

But Kim Young-hoon's eyes twitch as if in displeasure.

"Mine is entirely different from his. He practices Fighting Steps, while mine is called Martial Arts."

"Is it different?"

"Of course. To begin with..."

Kim Young-hoon lowers his Surpassing Radiant Saber with a look of irritation.

"That person is not a martial artist."

"...? Of course he isn't. That person is of the Fighting Ghost Race."

"...Enough. You won't understand anyway...just surrender quietly."

"Ha..."

Yuk Rin sneers as he begins to envelop his entire body with his domain.

[Arrogant thing...you dare to oppress this seat...?]

Kugugugugu!

Yuk Rin's entire body swells as he transforms into a massive scarlet dragon clad by his domain.

Though he manipulates the Heaven and Earth spiritual energy around him as if agitated, his inner thoughts remain cold and calculating.

'I've covered my body with my domain and maximized the activation of my magic artifact. No matter how skilled he is in Fighting Steps, it will be difficult to read my emotions now.'

As expected, Kim Young-hoon stops reading his intent and begins gathering his fighting energy.

Yuk Rin clicks his tongue, his eyes cold despite his seemingly agitated demeanor.

'Surpassing Radiant Divine Demon Kim Young-hoon. The Buk Hyang Fleet of the Conqueror King. Moreover...the Integration stage Grand Cultivator who nearly overwhelmed Jin Ma-yeol, along with that human woman who seems unusual. I'm going to lose.'

He casually throws Yuk Yo aside and spits out a beam of light from his mouth.

Kim Young-hoon's golden saber splits Yuk Rin's breath.

Watching Kim Young-hoon and Jeon Myeong-hoon flying towards him, Yuk Rin ponders.

'It doesn't matter anyway. I'll let them win today. If I can infiltrate deeper into their ranks...if I can enter Penglai Island, I will emerge as the ultimate victor...!'

"Sign here, Yuk Rin."

The Buk Hyang Fleet capture Yuk Rin alive and present him with the Black Ancient Paper.

The original contract terms were entirely revised by Yeon Wei.

As a result, Yuk Rin, who was supposed to be our ally, had his status reduced to nearly that of a slave.

In the end, in front of everyone, he signs the contract that reduces him to a quasi-slave status under the Wuji Religious Order in the name of Sacred Master Hae Lin of the Ancient Force Realm.

I question Yuk Rin.

"Yuk Rin, you consistently hid something from us and tried to backstab us. This cult leader can read heart essence, so reveal what you have been hiding."

"Huhu, quite impressive. Are you using a mind-reading technique?"

"...It's similar, but let's just say it is."

He sighs deeply and tells us the truth.

"...I intended to betray both the Wuji Religious Order and you."

"Why?"

But before I can pursue the reason, Yeon Wei shouts beside me.

Her intent jumps as if she realizes something about Yuk Rin.

"Cult Leader! There's no need to listen to him! The Demon Race of the Ancient Force Realm is infamous for betrayal, deception, and trickery. It's in their nature, so knowing the reason is meaningless. Instead, it's more important to find out 'how' he intended to betray us!"

'Did she suffer a lot in the Ancient Force Realm before?'

Following the advice of Yeon Wei, who has experience with the Ancient Force Realm, I change my question.

"You proposed an alliance through the Black Ancient Paper, so how were you planning to betray us?"

Yuk Rin grins widely and explains.

"Once we enter Penglai Island, the power of the Black Ancient Paper nearly vanishes. Within the island's barrier, countless oaths and contracts lose their effectiveness."

"So you intended to use Penglai Island's uniqueness to betray us."

"Something like that."

"In that case..."

I continue the interrogation of Yuk Rin, who is now bound by a slave contract.

Wi Yun, the young girl from the Half-Fish Race, stirs and opens her eyes.

"Th-this is.?"

It's a dark place.

"I...didn't I jump into the Deep Sea?"

Contrary to the Deep Sea formed by dimensions, she finds herself surrounded by real water.

The area is filled with salty water.

Transforming her lower body into that of a fish, Wi Yun begins to explore.

Eventually, she realizes she has fallen into a lake-like place and swims towards its edge.

"Where is this...?"

At the edge of the lake, she sees a gigantic statue of a Sea Dragon (海龍).