Chapter 116: Disciple Scramble (3)

How could he smile and say it was fine to kill his younger brother or turn him into a cripple? It wasn't an expression of pretending to be composed while scheming something.

'…Is that kid truly insane?'

Hang Yeo-ryang herself was notorious for her eccentric and whimsical temperament, but this was the first time she had encountered someone like him.

It wasn't a deliberate display of bravado. Did that imply that the brotherly bond between the two wasn't particularly deep? Occasionally, there were those who even targeted each other's lives while competing for the position of family heir, so it was possible.

'This type of threat is meaningless.'

The desire to forcibly drag him away at once grew stronger.

At that moment, she heard someone's voice in her ear, "Valley Master Hang. Contacting a student before the closing ceremony is a violation of the rules, it seems."

*Flinch*

Startled, she turned her head to the side. The owner of the voice was Shadow Clan Master. Shadow Clan Master's gaze remained fixed on the ongoing duel.

She furrowed her brows at this, 'Impossible. The Secret Voice Transmission is a technique that transmits sound only to a specific recipient, so he shouldn't have been able to hear it.'

No matter how high one's realm was, this technique couldn't be overheard. However, how did he realize that she was attempting to contact Mok Gyeongwoon?

As she was contemplating this, Shadow Clan Master spoke as if reading her thoughts, "If you stare too blatantly, it becomes noticeable."

"…What are you talking about?"

She feigned ignorance.

Shadow Clan Master then spoke with his characteristic laughter, "Ohoho. The Summoning Sound Valley's sect, the Sound Wave Transmission Sect, has many unique techniques related to sound, I hear. Among them, there's a technique called the Secret Voice Transmission that allows one to convey their intentions to a specific person, isn't that right?"

"…"

At Shadow Clan Master's words, Hang Yeo-ryang's expression turned cold.

She knew that Shadow Clan Master primarily dealt with confidential matters, but she had no idea he was aware of the Secret Voice Transmission, one of her sect's techniques.

'You've been continuously monitoring me.'

She thought she had escaped the watchful eye of the Clan Leader, but it seemed that wasn't the case. As she was feeling perplexed, Shadow Clan Master continued speaking without even glancing at her.

"It's a technique I truly wish to learn. However, even within the sect, there are laws and rules to be observed, so I hope the Valley Master will keep that in mind."

"…"

She didn't respond.

Although she felt displeased about him knowing her sect's technique, it wouldn't be beneficial to clash with Shadow Clan Master, the eyes and ears of the Clan Leader.

"Ooh!" At that moment, exclamations erupted from various directions.

The reason for this was the duel unfolding in the training ground of the plaza.

"Ho?" Even Shadow Clan Master's eyes narrowed as if surprised.

It was understandable, as the duel had been almost evenly matched from the beginning. However, most had predicted Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave to be the victor of this duel.

This was because, judging from the techniques Yeom Ga displayed during the duel, he seemed to be a highly experienced master, targeting only the most opportune moments. On the other hand, Mok Yucheon appeared to lack duelling experience but compensated for it with his exceptional instincts.

'But in the end, experience is the key.'

Thus, it was believed that as time passed, Yeom Ga would gain the advantage. Shadow Clan Master shared the same opinion.

"Cough… Cough…"

Black blood was flowing from the mouth of Yeom Ga, who was kneeling on one knee in the training ground.

'What on earth had happened?' Mok Gyeongwoon, with narrowed eyes, looked at Mok Yucheon standing in front of Yeom Ga.

"Haa… Haa…" Mok Yucheon was exhaling rough breaths.

A faint red haze was rising from his body, and his skin had completely turned a brown hue. Even the whites of his eyes had turned brown, making his appearance extremely bizarre.

'What is that?'

Even the masters of the Heaven and Earth Society, who had relatively open minds regarding martial arts, were astounded, as they had never seen such a sight before.

Bright Blade King Son Yun crossed his arms and muttered, "His power has nearly doubled."

As someone with the keenest perception among them, it was evident to him. Just a moment ago, Mok Yucheon, who was merely at the beginning of the Peak Realm, had his power surge rapidly after transforming into that state.

He was almost surpassing the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm.

Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak also frowned and spoke in a tone of incomprehension, "Could it be that the child has mastered an evil technique?"

Evil techniques.

In martial arts, it refers to mastering techniques in a manner that deviates from the established paths. Among the masters of the demonic sects, there were occasionally those who mastered evil techniques and rapidly advanced their martial arts.

However, such methods had significant side effects since they deviated from the normal path. For instance, due to the exceptionally rapid growth, it would be difficult to progress beyond a certain level, or the meridians would become twisted or one would fall into a state of delusion due to incorrect qi circulation methods.

Bright Blade King Son Yun, looking at Mok Yucheon's brown eyes, said, "…If he has mastered an evil technique, we may need to subdue that child."

One of the biggest problems with evil techniques was that as the energy rapidly increased, it would affect the brain, causing one to lose rationality and run amok. Looking at Mok Yucheon's current state, he was definitely not normal.

"Ha! Your creation is finally showing its true colours, mortal!" Cheongryeong's voice echoed in his ear.

Mok Gyeongwoon also slightly nodded his head.

The Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method, the exclusive cultivation method of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor's head, was an ascending martial art but definitely not an evil technique.

Rather, it properly followed the principles of righteous cultivation. However, the issue was that Mok Gyeongwoon had arbitrarily changed the mnemonics of the technique Mok Yucheon had mastered.

'As expected, it's that.'

It seemed that the side effects had finally manifested. In fact, since he had tampered with the ascending martial art, the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method, it wouldn't have been strange if such an incident had occurred at any time.

The fact that it had only happened now could be considered fortunate.

"Judging from his appearance, he's close to a state of rampage. If he's unlucky, his meridians may completely rupture, and he could die on the spot."

At Cheongryeong's words, Mok Gyeongwoon twitched the corners of his mouth, 'Is this a good thing?'

Mok Gyeongwoon had intended to dispose of Mok Yucheon at an appropriate time. However, if he were to lose his life due to the side effects of the cultivation method in front of everyone like this, it would be convenient as there would be no need for him to take action.

However, the evil spirit's condition seemed worse than expected.

"Cough… Cough…"

Just now, as Mok Yucheon's power had surged rapidly, the evil spirit had been struck in the chest, and he was continuously coughing up blood.

The evil spirit, with his head lowered, glanced at Mok Gyeongwoon. From his appearance, it seemed as if he was asking what to do.

'Hmm.'

As an evil spirit, he should be able to regulate the possessed body to alleviate the injuries to a certain extent, but judging from his behaviour, it must not be an ordinary injury. However, if Mok Yucheon were to use that flawed cultivation method a bit more, it could further aggravate the side effects.

Mok Gyeongwoon chuckled and transmitted a message, "Just endure it for a while and confront Mok Yucheon…"

It was at that very moment.

*Thud*

Suddenly, the evil spirit's eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.

'What…'

What on earth had happened? Although an evil spirit possessing a body would be affected by it to a certain extent, the body was essentially no different from clothing, so he should have been able to control the pain.

However, why did he faint?

*Swish*

At that moment, Mok Gyeongwoon slightly furrowed his brows. It was because the evil spirit possessing Yeom Ga's body had left it. Why did he suddenly leave the body?

As he was puzzled, the evil spirit spoke to Mok Gyeongwoon, "…"

'What? He's dead?'

Surprisingly, the reason the evil spirit had left the body was that Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave had breathed his last.

Naturally, Mok Gyeongwoon had thought he would easily win. However, that expectation had been shattered.

"…"

At the evil spirit's words, Mok Gyeongwoon looked at Mok Yucheon with narrowed eyes.

According to the evil spirit, at the moment when he thought the match was over and was about to finish it, he had been caught off guard by a surprise attack, and after that, the meridians in his chest had suddenly begun to rupture.

He had tried to arbitrarily repair the injured areas, but the meridians were rupturing at too fast a pace, leaving him with no options.

"What a coincidence."

'Pardon?'

"Is this what they call a blind fish getting caught?"

It was difficult to understand what Cheongryeong meant.

At that moment, Mok Yucheon, still in his bizarre state with his entire body discoloured, approached the fallen body of Yeom Ga and tried to reach out his hand.

*Bam*

Someone blocked his way. It was Gwak Mun-gi, the senior warrior who assisted Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master.

"The match is over. Stop."

Gwak Mun-gi, with a somewhat tense expression, extended his hand and showed wariness towards Mok Yucheon. It was understandable, as Mok Yucheon's appearance was extremely dangerous to anyone's eyes. He was in a state where he could go on a rampage at any moment.

As Gwak Mun-gi was on guard, Mok Yucheon retreated about two steps back.

'His rationality still remains.'

At this, senior warrior Gwak Mun-gi felt relieved inwardly. If he had lost his rationality and gone berserk, it would have been a dangerous situation where they would have had to subdue him in some way.

*Swish*

With that, Gwak Mun-gi placed his finger on the neck of the fallen Yeom Ga. Then, he frowned and looked at the platform. Upon seeing his expression, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, stiffened.

'Oh no…'

He had sent him to confirm whether Yeom Ga was alive or dead because his collapsed state looked ominous. However, judging from that expression, it seemed his concerns had become reality.

It was truly a perplexing situation.

Deaths occurring in the Corpse Blood Valley's gates weren't a significant issue, but if a talent like Yeom Ga from the Vermillion Slaughter Cave were to die here, it would be an extremely regrettable occurrence.

Of all places, it had to happen in the final gate. At that moment, upon seeing senior warrior Gwak Mun-gi's reaction, Mok Yucheon couldn't hide his bewilderment.

'What… What is this…' Mok Yucheon had no intention of killing Yeom Ga in this duel.

However, the moment he circulated the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method, he had been unknowingly gripped by an immense murderous intent.

He couldn't fathom the reason. Even now, a strong urge was boiling inside him, and he was in the mood to run wild at any moment. Nevertheless, Mok Yucheon suppressed it with extreme perseverance.

'Stop… Stop it.'

*Sizzle*

*Sizzle*

*Sizzle*

Then, gradually, the colour of Mok Yucheon's skin began to lighten. Upon seeing this, a glimmer of admiration appeared in the eyes of a few leaders.

'He's suppressing the urge?'

To them, Mok Yucheon's behaviour was quite refreshing. Judging from the rapid increase in power and the bizarre skin discolouration, it was close to a state of pre-rampage due to the side effects of an evil technique. However, he had managed to suppress and control it on his own.

'Look at this kid.'

To some, this was quite a novel sight. Even with a considerably strong willpower, it would have been difficult to overcome the urge, yet at that age, he displayed such perseverance.

On the other hand, Mok Gyeongwoon smacked his lips as if disappointed, 'What a pity.'

He had hoped for Mok Yucheon to go berserk and die on the spot, but instead, he had endured it. It could be said that he was lucky.

Cheongryeong, who seemed to share the same sentiment, agreed with him, "What a fortunate mortal."

'Indeed.'

"But it's quite interesting."

What was interesting about it?

As he was puzzled, she spoke, "The fact that the mnemonics you arbitrarily changed without much thought are having such an effect."

'…'

He had nothing to say about that.

Who would have predicted that the power would surge so rapidly and cause such a bizarre phenomenon of damaging the meridians just by haphazardly altering the mnemonics? However, the fact that the altered cultivation method was dangerous remained unchanged.

…

About half an hour passed like that.

The situation had taken an ironic turn. The reason for this was that Mo Ha-rang from the Demon Fire Hall, Mok Gyeongwoon's opponent for the next duel, had forfeited, stating that she had no confidence in winning the duel.

However, with this development, the contenders for the top spot in the final gate had become Mok Gyeongwoon and Mok Yucheon. This made the leaders who had come as spectators unable to hide their astonishment.

Who would have imagined that siblings from the same martial family would compete for the top spot? It was also a first in the history of the Corpse Blood Valley's gates.

'Two siblings who were brought here as hostages are competing.'

"Ohoho."

Among the spectators, Shadow Clan Master, one of those who knew the identities of the Mok siblings, found this situation quite intriguing. On the other hand, Bright Blade King Son Yun, who had directly brought them here, clicked his tongue inwardly.

'How did this happen…'

Initially, he had thought that these two would lose their lives in the Corpse Blood Valley, but he had never anticipated such an outcome. If this fact were to spread within the Heaven and Earth Society, it would cause a huge controversy.

The mere fact that two youngsters from a righteous sect, who weren't even members of the Heaven and Earth Society and had been brought here as hostages, were competing for the top spot in the Corpse Blood Valley's gates was quite a blow to their pride.

No, it was even an unpleasant occurrence.

'…The Sect Leader has made a bad move.'

If he hadn't sent them here in the first place, such a situation wouldn't have occurred. However, these two had survived until the end. And according to the laws of the Corpse Blood Valley, they had even gained the opportunity to become disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society's leaders.

Even the Sect Leader couldn't have foreseen this.

'There's no other choice now.'

In this situation, it was better to thoroughly transform those two into people of the Heaven and Earth Society. That way, they could be turned into symbols.

As excellent symbols of betrayal, abandoning the righteous sect, which could be considered the roots of the later generation of the righteous pathway, and growing as talents of the Heaven and Earth Society.

"Now. You two, face each other," at that moment, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master on the platform, called them to the training ground and had them face each other.

Thus, the two siblings found themselves standing face to face.

"Then, begin the duel!" Lee Ji-yeom shouted as he lowered his raised hand.

As the starting signal was given, Mok Yucheon assumed a ready stance and spoke with a face full of anger, "You jerk?"

"What?" Mok Gyeongwoon nonchalantly asked back.

Then, Mok Yucheon narrowed the distance step by step and confronted him, "You didn't properly teach me the cultivation method!"

At first, he hadn't been suspicious. It was because he had gone through multiple confirmation processes. However, after coming here and experiencing Mok Gyeongwoon's true nature, he became convinced.

That bastard definitely hadn't properly taught him the mnemonics of the Ignited Wood Heart Transformation Method, which was exclusively for the head of the family.

'Because of you, I…'

Consumed by murderous intent, he had killed someone during the duel. And even now, he couldn't control it and was forcibly suppressing it.

No matter how estranged they were as siblings, as long as they were from the same family, he hoped that Mok Gyeongwoon would at least feel remorse, if not take responsibility, for his side effects.

'!?'

Mok Gyeongwoon smiled and said, "You're realizing it only now? You're truly a magnificent fool."

"You!!!!!" Mok Yucheon, with anger surging to his head, launched himself towards Mok Gyeongwoon.

He was about to unleash the best techniques he was capable of-

*Bam*

At that moment, Mok Gyeongwoon, with lightning speed, flicked his wrist and grabbed his neck, slamming him to the ground.

*Boom*

"Ugh!"

Then, he whispered in his ear, "How do you expect to do anything to me like this? Why don't you try using that cultivation method instead?"