Chapter 316: The Song of Swords (1)

With the death of Shim Ma-sa-ryeong and the information transferred to the Martial Alliance by Jinhyuk, the tide of the battle began to flow in an interesting direction. The momentum of the Heavenly Demon Cult that had been pushing forward relentlessly was dulled, and on the other hand, the spirits of the Martial Alliance warriors, who had been on a winning streak, soared as if to pierce the heavens. Because of this, the various sects were too preoccupied with observing each other to take revenge on Jinhyuk for their earlier defeats.

– We shouldn’t provoke that guy carelessly, might end up getting fleeced even more.

– Worse than the Heavenly Demon Cult. Took our foundations clean away.

– Moaning over just that? It’s as if our coffers and silver vanished overnight, leaving us to feed on grass from today on.

– Still, thanks to the information he gave us, we took down over a thousand zombies. A bit vexing, but let’s patiently wait our turn.

– Perhaps it’s all the will of Buddha, right? Amitabha. Heh.

While everyone was carefully watching Jinhyuk’s moves, he alone enjoyed the rare leisure that had come his way.

[Returner’s Bracelet]

Difficulty of Acquisition: A

Description: A bracelet used by an individual who returned from another world when they climbed the tower. It was displayed in the ‘Museum’ reserved for residents of the first floor of the Trial Tower, but has been stolen.

Effect 1: Resonates with Returners. Stats increase by +3 during combat.

Effect 2: Can generate a gate connected to another world under certain conditions.

Returners.

A term referring to those who have visited another world.

There were Returners in the Trial Tower, but Jinhyuk was unable to determine their exact number as they were very secretive about their identities.

‘With this, I might be able to find some of them.’

A kind of reward for discovering an Easter egg?

The Tower provided various benefits just for discovering the identities of Returners.

Especially someone like ‘Medray’, a vital talent indispensable for the higher floors of the tower.

Of course, all these were still premature to discuss.

To meet these Returners, he had to conquer at least the 30th floor of the tower.

Jinhyuk tucked the Returner’s Bracelet back into his spatial inventory.

Then, suddenly—

Whooom!

Another weapon in his spatial inventory emitted a spine-chilling resonating sound.

Bal-Muung.

The purple-glowing supreme sacred artifact writhed, as if responding to its master’s call.

‘Right, you haven’t been forgotten.’

A time will come for Bal-Muung to be used.

When all the main actors have gathered.

When the moment requiring the strongest blow arrives.

Right then. The complete Bal-Muung would reveal itself.

‘Well, I’ve more or less sorted things out. Time to get going.’

Jinhyuk prepared to move.

However—

“What’s this? Off in the dead of night? Wait, are you trying to leave without even saying anything to me?”

Elris, having noticed him attempting to climb over the window, rushed over in a single bound.

He’d specifically made her a lot of meat dumplings so she wouldn’t notice him slipping away.

Looks like she had already eaten them all in no time.

Look at that grease around her mouth.

After scarfing down all 50, her cheeks looked like those of a hamster.

“I was just going out for a short walk.”

“Really? Then, I wanna come with you. It’s perfect since I’m full.”

“Actually, I’ve contracted a disease that kills me when I walk with someone else… So, that might be a bit troublesome.”

“If the contractor goes, I’ll go too. Make a scene here if you try to leave without me. Seriously?”

Elris narrowed her eyes threateningly.

She was serious.

As her magic welled up, her black pupils tinged with a reddish hue.

“Ugh… Fine. I’ll take you with me, but you have to behave. Got it?”

“Yup! I’m super confident in behaving!”

Elris grinned broadly, her fangs sharply on display.

Although it was hard to believe, there was no choice but to take her along now.

Jinhyuk lightly leaped over the window and out into the night.

＊＊＊

How long did they walk past the sparsely populated streets? By the time they reached the abandoned temple on the mountainside, the lengthy journey was over.

Swoosh…

The wind brushed through the bamboo forest.

The night sky was littered with countless stars.

There stood the Heavenly Demon, completely transformed from their first encounter.

“……”

Gone was the frail appearance that seemed ready to collapse at any moment.

Sitting cross-legged, absorbing the qi dispersed in the atmosphere, he resembled the epitome of a martial artist.

…Was ‘reverent’ the right word for such a moment?

Unknowingly, Jinhyuk was captivated, losing himself in the sight.

“Cough! To think you’ve never shown such a look to your teacher. You seem deeply smitten. That one student of mine’s now bewitched… Death’s the only destination when you’re old. The sorrow is too much to bear.”

The Dark Emperor grumbled as he approached.

“My lord, you have come. It feels like it’s been a long time since we last met.”

Next to him was Yeong, carrying a bundle of firewood. They had moved separately to confront Sama Ja and had rejoined the night before. They were currently staying here, treating the Heavenly Demon’s wounds.

“No need to use such formal words. Out of all the expressions, why choose infidelity?”

“What are you saying? Are you contradicting your teacher-like figure from the heavens?”

“No, that’s not what I meant… All I’m saying is, wouldn’t it be better if we got along?”

“In any case, you are usually at a loss for words… Hmm. Did you even bring your fiancée?”

The Dark Emperor’s gaze moved to Elris.

“……”

Like a frightened deer, Elris clung behind Jinhyuk, carefully eyeing her surroundings. They hadn’t expected to meet the Heavenly Demon or the Dark Emperor on what was supposed to be a relaxed stroll.

‘Has the Heavenly Demon regained enough of his strength to materialize a fragment of Heavenly Demon Sacred Art? Good. That’s not bad.’

Jinhyuk looked at Elris and smirked subtly.

He rarely saw her make such an expression.

Well, considering the Heavenly Demon Sacred Art was on par with ‘Blood Lord’, it was natural for her to feel anxious.