The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

The Five Elements Divine Lord was a martial master from ancient times, active during the great Tang dynasty.

It’s been over 500 years since the fall of the Tang dynasty.

However, the name of the Five Elements Divine Lord still remained in the hearts of the martial artists.

This was because he was the undisputed best in the world.

Not every era had a definitive best in the world. More often, numerous skilled masters would share fame, making it hard to distinguish a clear superior.

Such was the case with the current Jianghu.

That’s why the term “best in the world” excited martial artists so much.

“The Five Elements Divine Lord was an absolute master active during the Tang dynasty. He could comfortably walk through fire and move as swiftly as the wind.”

“How can a human walk through fire?”

But that wasn’t all. His body was said to be as hard as a rock, and there were stories that he could understand animal speech.

Such legendary tales didn’t matter. At least his martial prowess was real.

“They say he alone faced three hundred ironclad soldiers.”

“Nonsense!”

“It’s true.”

“Not just any foot soldiers, but ironclads are not something one person can handle.”

It was extremely difficult, even for a martial master, to face ironclad soldiers alone. Therefore, Jo Gyu-seo found it hard to believe, but there certainly existed records of it.

“Would ironclads be scary if one used the sword control technique?”

“Sword control technique? You mean the sword flying on its own?”

“Yes. He was that level of a martial master.”

The sword control technique referred to manipulating a sword with the power of one’s will.

Even the Supreme Peak masters who could draw out sword energy couldn’t dream of reaching such a level.

Even the Immortal Divine Sword was not known to use the sword control technique, but could the Five Elements Divine Lord have been a greater martial master than the Immortal Divine Sword?

“You seem to know a lot about this person from the past.”

“I read the records in the sect I belonged to.”

Yi-gang knew more about the Five Elements Divine Lord than other martial artists.

He had read about all the world’s strange phenomena in the Grand Library where everything was recorded.

According to his master, Yu Jeong-shin, the Five Elements Divine Lord was not only skilled in martial arts but also in sorcery.

Among the internal energy cultivation methods in the martial world, many dealt with the Five Elements Qi.

Typical examples included the cold Ice Qi or the fiery Fire Qi.

However, it was known to be impossible for a human body to utilize all five energies of the Five Elements.

The Five Elements Divine Lord, who had all five energies within him, became an absolute master because of this.

It was known that he suddenly disappeared from the martial world one day; perhaps he went into seclusion after creating something called the Five Elements Tomb.

Jo Gyu-seo stroked his beard and muttered to himself, “If he’s a figure from the Tang era, then there must be many relics from that time there.”

“Relics, you say?”

“Yes, like paintings or ceramics. Those kinds of things. I have an interest in such antiques.”

“I didn’t know you had such a hobby.”

Jo Gyu-seo glared at Yi-gang.

But rather than looking angry, he seemed somewhat embarrassed.

“Is it strange that I have such a hobby?”

“Hey, what’s so strange about it? It’s a wonderful hobby.”

“Hoho, yes, it is a good hobby. I wonder if I could acquire some fine items this time… How about you participate and excavate some relics for me?”

“Me?”

“No, rather than that, it might be better to buy items from those who will explore the Five Elements Tomb.”

“Haha,” Yi-gang laughed unwittingly.

Jo Gyu-seo raised his eyebrows and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

“More than wrong, there probably won’t be any great art pieces there. Even if there are, they won’t be for sale.”

An absolute master wouldn’t go into seclusion just to play with art pieces. Probably, he would have left behind his martial arts techniques and weapons, maybe even some sort of elixir.

And the martial artists who entered there would sweep up everything like a swarm of starving locusts.

Even ordinary books. Unknown paintings too. They would tear them apart to see if they contained any martial arts secrets or profound understandings.

As it has always been.

“The obsession of a martial artist with martial arts is indeed fierce.”

“Tsk, tsk…”

That’s why it was more peculiar.

Having obtained the map, they should’ve conducted the exploration quietly, but instead, they announced the existence of the Five Elements Tomb to the entire martial world.

‘There must be several people who have already seen the map.’

It was highly likely that no single force could monopolize the map.

Instead of risking division within the Murim Alliance, they decided to publicly announce it and keep an eye on each other. The idea was to let the young generation compete for a fair chance.

That might have been the plan.

More than half of the thirty people who would enter the Five Elements Tomb would be young masters from major sects, so it wasn’t a bad deal for them either.

‘To keep the Unorthodox Union in check in this way…’

The problem was the intervention of the unorthodox faction.

If the Five Elements Divine Lord’s map was discovered, the martial artists from the unorthodox sects wouldn’t stay idle.

They would surely try to get involved somehow to pick up whatever crumbs they could.

“If those who are not qualified try to intrude into the Five Elements Tomb, we, in the name of the Murim Alliance, will stop them. We hope for the understanding of the martial world.”

And so, the Murim Alliance declared that they would prevent it.

It was as good as saying it would be war if anyone dared to challenge them.

“It’s a show of strength.”

“It seems so.”

Jo Gyu-seo immediately grasped the situation.

Yi-gang fiddled with two boxes in his pocket.

It was uncertain if these were relics related to the Five Elements Tomb. If they were, it would be a significant discovery…

「Let’s focus on the immediate issue at hand.」

‘Right, that’s what I should do.’

The speech of the Vice-Leader of the Alliance ended.

Beside Jo Gyu-seo, it was now time to search through the Murim Alliance.

For Yi-gang, the Blue Eye Gem was more important than the treasure map.

Namgung Yu-baek, who had stepped down from the stage, furrowed his brows.

He felt a sense of emptiness. As the strength drained from his limbs, he felt his age weigh on him.

It was a symptom that came when nearly all of the internal energy was exhausted.

“Cough, cough.”

“Here is some honey water. You have worked hard, Vice Alliance Leader.”

The Six Harmonies Transmitted Voice was a type of Yin energy technique that used a vast amount of internal energy.

Having used it continuously throughout the long speech, even a Supreme Peak master would inevitably have his dantian drained.

The reason Namgung Yu-baek gave the speech despite the Alliance Leader being present at the opening ceremony was…

“Kak! Kuh. Get me a cup of honey water too. My throat’s parched.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader.”

A warrior from the Alliance’s Righteous Heaven Guard Squad hurriedly brought the honey water.

The Divine Monk drank the honey water as if it were alcohol. It was funny because he hadn’t given a speech.

“Kyaha! This is really good.”

“Alliance Leader.”

“Ah, Vice Alliance Leader. You’ve worked hard.”

The Divine Monk, Grand Master Mu Myung, who didn’t understand decorum, wiped his mouth. He had refused to give a speech.

The reason was ridiculous - he was too shy to speak in front of so many people.

Yet, even the Divine Monk had no choice but to maintain his presence there.

“Be careful in front of the Governor of Henan Province.”

“Right, right.”

The Divine Monk’s casual nodding did little to inspire confidence.

Regardless of the Vice Alliance Leader’s concerns, Jo Gyu-seo, who had been sitting in the VIP section, came over with Yi-gang.

Namgung Yu-baek and Heaven’s Secret Scholar stood up and positioned themselves on either side of the Divine Monk.

Even though this place was the Murim Alliance’s territory and they held high authority, the other party was the Governor of Henan Province. They hurried to greet him.

However, surprisingly, Jo Gyu-seo bowed first, even going as far as to put his palms together in a gesture of respect.

“Grand Master, it’s been a long time since we’ve met. You still look robust.”

“It’s been a while indeed. Have you been well, Lord Jo?”

“Well, thanks to your blessings.”

“It must be thanks to your own virtuous deeds.”

Gone was the earlier brash demeanor, and Grand Master Mu Myung quickly transformed into a deeply cultivated and serene figure.

“I never knew you would become the leader of the Murim Alliance.”

“I missed the moment of my death and now remain entangled in the secular world. I wish to live in a small room, chanting scriptures and tending to a field, but enlightenment seems far away.”

People who knew the Divine Monk’s usual demeanor clicked their tongues.

However, on the forehead of Vice Alliance Leader Namgung Yu-baek, veins bulged.

‘They knew each other.’

If that stern Governor bowed first, it was clear they were quite close.

It was something Jo Gyu-seo had carefully hidden, pretending not to know.

Jo Gyu-seo smirked.

“As they say, ‘the clear wind and bright moon are beyond anyone’s control.’ Who could possibly stop the Grand Master?”

It meant that the wind, sun, and moon were beyond human control.

It was a sophisticated jab, implying if one didn’t wish to be entangled in worldly affairs, wouldn’t it be proper to retire as Alliance Leader and live in seclusion?

The Divine Monk still smiled gently in response.

“Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva said, ‘until hell is empty, I vow not to become a Buddha.’”

He was referencing the story of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, who vowed not to achieve Buddhahood until all beings in hell were saved.

It was a noble retort suggesting, ‘Do you think I’m here just for my own well-being?’

“Ha ha ha ha.”

“He he he.”

Jo Gyu-seo and the Divine Monk burst into hearty laughter.

Was it a case of each giving as good as they got? Jo Gyu-seo, with a satisfied smile, patted Yi-gang, who was beside him.

“With the Grand Master leading your Murim Alliance, you won’t lack virtue.”

“…That boy.”

“Ah, didn’t you know, by any chance?”

He may be tending to his farm now, but he was certainly the leader of the Murim Alliance. It was impossible for him to recognize all the young masters who had just come of age.

However, Jo Gyu-seo seemed surprised as he introduced Yi-gang.

“This young man is Baek Yi-gang. Born in the Baek Noble Clan and became a disciple of the Azure Forest.”

“Ah… I see.”

“This friend here helped me resolve a troublesome matter. He is very upright and exceptional.”

Yi-gang immediately understood Jo Gyu-seo’s intentions.

He was introducing Yi-gang to the highest authorities of the Murim Alliance.

It was a thought befitting a high-ranking official and an effective approach.

“I am Baek Yi-gang from a Murim martial school.”

“Oh! Just as you said, a very bright and promising young man.”

Yi-gang greeted the the Divine Monk.

“I have always wanted to visit the Murim Alliance, so I asked this young man about it. But perhaps, was it too sudden a visit?”

“Not at all, hehe. We are always honored to have the Governor visit us.”

“Then, may I have a chance to look around the Alliance?”

“Of course. Uh, you said Young Master Baek, right?”

Yi-gang respectfully answered Divine Monk, “That’s right.”

“May you assist His Excellency well.”

“I shall follow the order.”

Yi-gang hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly.

He glanced at the grinning Jo Gyu-seo and bowed slightly.

“I will accompany you. Let me guide you through the Alliance.”

“Oh my, the Grand Master himself. Thank you.”

Jo Gyu-seo, Yi-gang, and Divine Monk walked out together.

Vice Alliance Leader Namgung Yu-baek sent a quiet message to Heaven’s Secret Scholar.

-They’re not discussing the Five Elements Tomb.

Their biggest worry was the Governor making a fuss about the Five Elements Tomb.

The Five Elements Divine Lord was a figure from too long ago to be related to the government, but if the Governor of Henan Province insisted on investigating the Five Elements Tomb under government surveillance, it would complicate things.

It was challenging enough to keep the Unorthodox Union in check, let alone the government.

-He might be keeping it as a bargaining chip.

-First, we need to see what he wants.

Heaven’s Secret Scholar nodded and gestured.

“Go and escort the Alliance Leader and the Governor.”

“Yes!”

Two members of the Righteous Heaven Guard Squad hurried to join Yi-gang’s group.

Jo Gyu-seo and the Divine Monk continued to exchange pleasantries as they walked.

Both were smiling, but neither was a fool.

“The martial artists’ presence is impressive. It seems they are not inferior even compared to the Imperial Golden Guards.”

Jo Gyu-seo’s remark implied how commoner guards could be so formidable.

“How can we compare to the Imperial Army? We just learned some skills to protect ourselves,” the Divine Monk countered, suggesting that in the martial world, such strength was ordinary.

Their conversation flowed smoothly like silk, but with hidden sharpness in their words.

This continued while the Divine Monk personally guided Jo Gyu-seo. Yi-gang silently accompanied them, keeping his mouth shut.

The subtle power struggle between the Grand Coordinator and Divine Monk.

It was a rare and valuable scene, not something one could see often.

Even Yi-gang, who usually didn’t miss a beat, found much to learn from this.

And during this wait, an opportunity arose for Yi-gang.

It was when the Divine Monk responded to something Jo Gyu-seo had said, “Oh, you’ve acquired such a valuable painting?”

“I have a small hobby of collecting old items.”

It was when Jo Gyu-seo was explaining about acquiring a painting by Tang Dynasty painter Zhang Yanyuan.

Yi-gang cautiously added to the conversation, “Speaking of which, the Murim Alliance has a treasure storage, doesn’t it?”

“Treasure storage?”

Jo Gyu-seo showed interest, and the Divine Monk smiled wryly.

“That’s right. We haven’t shown you that yet, though we said we’d give you a tour.”

“That place is…”

“It’s where we display precious items from all over the Central Plains,” the Divine Monk replied confidently.

Yi-gang also smiled brightly and added, “Then, can we see that too? The Criminal Repository?”

“Criminal Repository? What’s that?”

The Divine Monk paused for a moment, then grinned and nodded.

“The Criminal Repository is kept in a different place, but of course, we can show you that too.”

“That’s a foreboding name.”

“It’s where we collect the weapons and possessions of Murim’s public enemies we’ve captured. It has vile demonic swords, bloodied masks, and various rare and unique weapons. Normally, it’s not open to the public.”

“Oh…”

“If not now when the Governor is visiting, then to whom would we show it?”

Yi-gang clenched his fist imperceptibly.

It was a success.

The Blue Eye Gem of the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon, a former Murim public enemy, was embedded in the ring.

The most likely place for it to be was the Criminal Repository.

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