Im So-Byeong laid on the bed, eyes locked on the ceiling.
Sometimes, when he lay there gazing at the ceiling, unbearable pain would seize him - the blurred consciousness, foggy visions, and an overwhelming surge of coldness.
But now
It feels warm.
Warmth was seeping through his body. The mere absence of cold - felt like a new lease on life for him.
Every pattern on the ceiling appeared so vivid as if it were about to leap out at any moment. His body, usually fatigued, was now brimming with vigor, vital enough, it seemed, to wrestle a bear.
A transformation he had never dared to hope for. It was literally the manifestation of his deepest desires.
But NewW novels updates at novel35.com
Why do I continue to weep?
His tears trickled from his eyes as he gazed upward.
How can a salesman be so covetous?
Either humans didnt experience regret, or perhaps they regretted their very existence. It was only when what you possessed disappeared that you felt regret.
So, how profound would his sense of loss be when the life within him vanished?
This is a drug.
The more he pondered on this, the harsher the situation seemed.
Now that he had tasted it, how could he ever free himself from the grasp of Chung Myung?
Im So-Byeong was an individual with a strong sense of self. More than anyone, he understood the consequences if he lost his medicinal remedies and returned to his frail physical state.
Ughhhh!
Yet
Why was he caught by the devil himself?
Naturally, fostering a bond and forming ties with Chung Myung wasnt something Im So-Byeong had hoped for.
Nevertheless, their alliance meant a friendship-based partnership rather than a relationship where the other party took control.
Even less so if the person was Im So-Byeong.
Had I known this would transpire, I would have stepped back a bit sooner.
Im So-Byeong looked up at the ceiling, his eyes half closed.
During this time, the body had undergone numerous changes.
Ughhh. Ive truly met the devil.
Had he known this would occur, he would have heeded the advice of his subordinates, who advised him against going to Mount Hua. He never thought he would find common ground with those who once obstructed him.
I would rather justhuh?
He winced at the unexpected noise.
What is this sound?
A sick personactually, there were sick people, but they shouldnt be here. He removed the blanket unhappily.
Oh dear!
However, the blanket he had removed flung onto the wall. His body, usually devoid of energy, suddenly felt as powerful as a waterfall, making it problematic to regulate his strength.
Almost instinctively, he glanced around and replaced the blanket.
And then.
Achoooo!
Boom!
The moment he swung the door open, someone catapulted in like a cannonball, embedding themselves into the wall and causing Im So-Byeong to grimace.
Shhhh.
After a moment, the figure peeled off the wall and crumpled onto the floor. Noticing the garb of Mount Hua he wore, it was clear he was a disciple.
What!?
An attack? Who would attack Mount Hua
Im So-Byeong quivered, sinking to the ground as he surveyed the scene ahead.
All the disciples of Mount Hua were wildly swinging their swords, their eyes bloodshot.
Ahhhhhh! Die! Dieeee!
RIGHT JUST DIEEEE!
The disciple leading such a violent charge was hit on the back with a wooden sword and kicked away like a ball.
Is he dead?
Usually, one would die, right? A hit at the right spot could break bones, even if it was just a wooden sword. Wasnt that the case?
Such a hard blow should have killed someone, even if it wasnt a real sword. There wasnt a single sign of where the fight had taken place.
The same scenario was unfolding throughout the training grounds.
Ahhhh! Please die, Sasukkkkkkk!
This bastard?
Im So-Byeong stared at the unfolding scene, baffled.
That man is Baek Cheon, the Righteous Sword of Hua
Among the Five Swords of Mount Hua, Baek Cheon held the dominant leadership position. He also performed exceptionally well in the martial arts competition.
He was a man destined to become the sect leader of Mount Hua one day.
Yet,
Begone!
Ughhh!
One man felled by the sword of Baek Cheon and sprawled across the ground, blood seeping from his wounds. At the sound of the impact, Im So-Byeongs body trembled.
However, the presence of Baek Cheon did not daunt those who confronted him.
Regardless of what anyone said, it was the ultimate elixir for inner strength. Moreover, it could also be considered a pill that could be used for correcting the bodys martial adjustments.
In truth, he could see the effects even in this training session.
Their strength and obstinacy have surpassed that of an ordinary warrior.
While they might lack in swordsmanship and condition, Mount Huas disciples have surpassed the Nine Great Sects in terms of physical perfection.
Well, upon reflection, this is only logical.
Which sect in this world would dare to provide their disciples with two doses of spiritual pill? If such a Sect existed, it would undoubtedly have already taken control of the world.
Even the affluent Shaolin and the powerful Sichuan Tang family, who ruled the world with just a few direct descendants, could not conceive of this.
Im So-Byeongs countenance hardened.
Mount Hua had already reached a level of development that other sects could not even approach. Was it not evident from the fact that the name of Mount Hua, which was barely mentioned just a few years ago, was now known through the land?
This meteoric rise was primarily due to the efforts of the disciples in the Baek and Chung generations.
Those without a name in the world stood against the Ten Thousand People Clan. Even if one scoured the entire land, finding disciples who had progressed so swiftly would be challenging.
But does it mean they are growing stronger here?
Ultimately, the efficacy of training was determined by an individuals endurance. Regardless of the quality of the training, it was ineffectual if the individual could not withstand it.
Yet now, the disciples of Mount Hua were mastering the training that Im So-Byeong dared not undertake.
Both body and mind had far surpassed ordinary senses. How could they not be strong?
I will have to think again.
The Mount Hua he had learned about through collected information and personal observation seemed vastly different from reality.
Im So-Byeong mused.
Could the sect known as Mount Hua be more powerful than he initially thought?
So.
Chung Myung calmly posed a question at that moment.
Have you figured it all out?
What do you mean?
Ehh.
When Im So-Byeong sought clarification, Chung Myung responded with a laugh, as though brushing off a joke.
Could a person who has become the Green Forest King invade Mount Hua and lie down for the sake of a pill? Wasnt this an excuse to want to see Mount Hua in person?
If youve observed all this, you must have some insights. What are your thoughts?
A bitter smile traced across the face of Im So-Byeong.
Indeed a devil.
Many observing Chung Myungs strange conduct would regard him as reckless. Yet, from Im So-Byeongs perspective, that was not the case. The fact he harbored thoughts so profound that common people could not fathom was what set him apart.
This was what made dealing with him so challenging.
However,
This is typically true for those who ascend to the top.
Im So-Byeong gave a shrug and turned to observe Chung Myung.
How is it for the Taoist?
About what?
The Green Forest; did it strike you as a place that discards arrows once theyve served their purpose?
It seems youre mistaken
Uh?
I dont use a quiver because theyre too dirty.
An eerie energy emanated from Chung Myung as he mumbled, and Im So-Byeong struggled to remain calm despite his rising fear.
As though he had never changed, Chung Myung instantly regained his composure, gazing into the distance before continuing.
There are two types of allies: friends and fake friends.
Which is the Green Forest?
Im So-Byeong looked at him and spoke.
The world is not a place where one persons mind alone makes all the decisions. Just as its difficult for Mount Hua to ally with us, its equally challenging for us to ally with you.
Hmm, I suppose.
But.
Im So-Byeong gave a smile.
Being friends isnt conditional upon the situation.
He extended his hand and spoke.
Shall we start from there?
Chung Myung smiled, extending his hand forward.
No, I didnt necessarily say we would be friends.
Its a little awkward being friends with bandits, but I am a good man.
Lets get this over with.
What is
Lets change the subject.
Uh?
Chung Myungs eyes sparkled.
It wouldnt just be mere words that there are bandits needing to be handled, right? And it shouldnt be a vastly challenging task. Although youre the son of the former Green Forest King, the Green Forest is a place where the strong prey on the weak. So, there shouldnt be any opposing viewpoints, correct?
Im So-Byeongs face turned deathly pale.
there is no other real devil.
Yet, Chung Myung chuckled lightly as if he were mentioning something trivial.
Now, it wont harm either of us.
At last, amidst his sobs, Im So-Byeong released a profound sigh.