Chapter 421: Suryonggang.

Two months had already passed since I began my journey to Sichuan.

Starting from Henan, the transport convoy led by the Poison King was crossing mountains. We still had more than half the journey left until we reached Sichuan.

We were now facing a wide river.

It was the largest river I had seen since my transmigration.

The river, known as the Súlong River (Water Dragon River).

This place where the Súlong River flowed had apparently been a vast plain just a few centuries ago, but it was said to have been artificially created by the rampage of a White-grade monster during the Blood Demon War.

Even when I first heard this, I thought, ‘What kind of monster could create a river?’

Recalling the misty forest where the Black Night Palace’s main headquarters used to be, it meant that the power of a White-grade monster could alter terrain and even affect the ecosystem.

‘How could anyone possibly defeat something like that single-handedly?’

Thinking of the people who slew such monsters alone back then sent shivers down my spine.

It was none other than Elder Shin who killed the Mist Dragon (Fog Dragon), which had covered the entire region in hallucinatory fog upon its death.

And it was Dokjeolcheon who killed the Water Dragon (Mist Dragon), which had turned the land into a wide river.

He was one of the five heroes who repelled the Blood Demon, and a figure greatly respected by the Tang family, who he transformed into a righteous sect back then.

‘Terrifying humans.’

Nowadays, the Blood Demon is gone, and only Blue-grade monsters appear in the world.

But soon, with the descent of the Heavenly Demon, Red-grade monsters will also start appearing.

When that happens, it’ll be nothing short of chaos.

Red-grade monsters are beings that even a martial artist at the peak of mastery cannot defeat alone.

If Red-grade monsters are like that, what about the humans who single-handedly beat White-grade ones, which are even stronger?

‘No matter how I think about it, they must have been stronger than, not weaker than, the Three Venerables.’

I just thought he was a grumpy old man, but the more I learn about Elder Shin, the more incredible he seems.

They say that even the current Plum Blossom Ancestor is only second to Elder Shin in terms of respect received at Mount Hua, which speaks volumes about his status.

‘So, you should probably show yourself soon… How long are you going to keep sleeping?’

Right after Elder Shin helped me at the Shinryong Hall.

It seemed he had fallen asleep again, as he hadn’t shown his face since.

The beast within my body also started appearing less frequently, and now it remains silent.

‘…Tsk.’

Even though it was the body I had longed to use alone, for some reason, I felt quite uneasy.

Just as I was contemplating my gloomy thoughts while looking at the river.

Someone approached me from the side and spoke.

“Young Master.”

It was Moyong Hi-ah.

“You… you should get on board now.”

“Ah. I’ll be right there.”

Moyong Hi-ah, who had been telling me to go, flinched and stammered upon seeing Tang Deok standing behind me.

She still seemed unable to get used to that hulking figure.

Or perhaps she was startled by that menacing face.

After all, Tang Deok had a face as rough as mine.

“By the way.”

“Yes?”

“Where did your aunt go?”

“Ah… Auntie said she was already on the boat.”

“…”

Moyong Hi-ah’s words made me rub my forehead.

What kind of situation is this, where not only did I hear from someone else where my supposed bodyguard was, but the person being guarded is out here while the bodyguard is already on the boat?

This is truly absurd.

Moyong Hi-ah seemed to know about this too, as her expression was quite displeased.

She said to me.

“I’m sorry… My aunt…”

“It’s not something you need to apologize for, so don’t worry about it.”

“…Yes.”

Even after I told her it was okay, Moyong Hi-ah’s complexion didn’t improve.

Then again, if my own family acted like that, I probably wouldn’t be able to lift my head out of shame.

I casually ruffled Moyong Hi-ah’s hair.

“Go on board first. I’ll be right there.”

“…Yes.”

At my words, Moyong Hi-ah gave a slight smile and headed towards the boat behind me.

Yes, the boat.

I had to board the boat.

To cross the Súlong River ahead.

‘Hmm.’

When I traveled from Shanxi to Sichuan, I didn’t take a boat and used other methods. But this time, I have to take a boat…

‘I guess there’s no helping it.’

I knew it was the route chosen by the Poison King and the fastest way, but boats always made me uneasy.

I glanced back slightly at Tang Deok and asked.

“Hey.”

“…”

Tang Deok’s gaze turned towards me.

There was no reply.

That’s because he can’t speak without my permission.

“Where are the guys you planted hiding? Speak, answer me.”

Hearing the command, Tang Deok’s lips trembled as he began to speak.

“…The first point… after…”

“So that would be about an hour after departure. Are they still hiding now?”

“…Yes…”

“You’ve already hidden them? You’ve really thought this through.”

At Tang Deok’s answer, I let out a sly smile.

Tang Deok shivered at my words.

I had wondered how he planned to attack the convoy carrying the Poison King and the Head of the Pei Family, but it seems this guy knew we’d be crossing the Súlong River.

So, his intention was to send his subordinates to the riverbank beforehand, set up an ambush, and attack from all sides.

Seeing that, he must be quite confident in his underwater combat skills.

‘There are monsters here, and they’re already waiting? What method could they possibly have?’

The Súlong River is a place particularly abundant with monsters.

Especially with many aquatic dragon-type monsters, it was a place ordinary people couldn’t venture into.

That’s also why the Poison King insisted on using this river.

It was a place with a significantly lower chance of human attack, and it was the fastest route to Sichuan.

As for monsters, someone of the Poison King’s caliber would have had plenty of ways to block them using items or treasures they possessed, likely considering it safer.

Seeing this, Tang Deok probably intended to launch a surprise attack on the river.

Since the Poison King had much to protect, whether it be his kin or his convoy, attacking on the river would be dangerous for him.

Thinking that far, a question naturally arose.

‘How on earth did this guy know?’

I only found out a few days ago that the Poison King would be taking the Súlong River route.

How could this guy have known in advance and prepared for it?

Furthermore.

‘It’s also strange that he possesses a treasure.’

The treasure his subordinate had. I had recovered it and kept it in my possession.

When I asked what it was, Tang Deok said it was a treasure that suppressed presence by injecting inner energy, which meant…

This was what’s called an activation-type treasure.

It was an outstanding item, so valuable that its price was whatever one cared to name.

It was strange for a mountain bandit like Tang Deok to possess something like this.

Both the information and the item…

Something felt strangely off.

“Hey.”

“…”

So, I decided to ask.

“The spy you hid in the Tang family. Who is it?”

“…!”

Tang Deok’s eyes widened at my question.

Seeing that, I was certain.

This bastard really did hide someone.

I wondered how he devised such a plan, and it seems he had eyes and ears within the Tang family.

Since he doesn’t answer questions I haven’t asked, he must have kept it hidden until now.

“Who is it. Tell me.”

Now that I know, there’s no choice.

“…Nngh…”

Tang Deok seemed to be trying to resist the seal, but it was a power bound deep within his heart.

It was something Tang Deok couldn’t break with willpower alone.

As expected, after a short wait, Tang Deok’s tightly shut lips opened.

“Oh.”

Hearing this, I let out a slight gasp of admiration.

Because an unexpected person’s name came out of Tang Deok’s mouth.

I wondered how surprised the person in charge of that ‘spy’ must have been when Tang Deok entered here as my bodyguard.

Even if the Poison King hadn’t realized what Tang Deok was, he must have definitely seen him.

Holding back a slight laugh inwardly, I took a step forward.

It seems there’s one more person on the boat I need to kill.

---

The departure began after about half a day of preparation.

Preparations were lengthy because the prisoner had to be secured below deck, and provisions needed to be stocked for a voyage lasting four to seven days and nights.

However, thanks to those preparations, the journey proceeded without much discomfort once we set sail.

“Wow…”

Wi Seol-ah gazed at the river from the railing, looking amazed.

Her reaction was so obvious that I couldn’t help but ask.

“What’s so amazing about it?”

“It’s moving on the water!”

“Well, of course, it’s a boat, so it moves.”

“Wow…”

What’s this, has she never ridden a boat before?

Thinking about it carefully, I didn’t recall ever taking Wi Seol-ah on a boat.

Maybe that’s why she’s so amazed. I should take her out on one more often.

Watching her smile bashfully and enjoy the scenery made me feel like smiling too.

Beside the smiling Wi Seol-ah stood Moyong Hi-ah with a dazed expression, looking slightly unwell.

“What’s wrong with you?”

“…I feel a bit sick.”

“Sick? Are you seasick?”

“…A little?”

Moyong Hi-ah’s words made me tilt my head.

Even if Moyong Hi-ah’s cultivation level was low and she hadn’t trained much, she was still a martial artist who had reached the first-class level. Seasickness?

Moyong Hi-ah seemed to notice my doubt, as she coughed a few times and said to me.

“Last time… I got really seasick. Ever since that incident, I’ve been like this.”

“How bad could it have been for you to get seasick when you never did before?”

“…I’d rather not remember.”

“Ah… Right.”

Seeing her expression, she clearly hated recalling it, so I didn’t ask further.

While looking at her, I casually scanned the surroundings.

Cheol Ji-seon had gone to her room, complaining of severe seasickness.

Jamryong also went to sleep, saying he was sleepy.

Since training wasn’t possible even on the boat, it seemed those who needed rest were resting.

As for me, I could practice my internal energy circulation while walking, so it was fine.

It’s just a bit disappointing that I can’t do physical training.

‘And as for Namgung Bi-ah…’

I couldn’t see where she had gone.

If she’s not visible, she’s probably sleeping.

And there was a high probability she was sleeping in my room.

I had half-given up by now, so I decided to let it slide.

Since she barely slept anyway due to training, it didn’t matter where her room was.

It was probably better for everyone to be absent right now.

‘It should be soon.’

If we go a little further, we’ll reach the location Tang Deok mentioned.

In other words, it means those who gathered to attack this ship are present.

I hadn’t specifically ordered Tang Deok to stop this attack.

In fact, it wasn’t bad.

If I handle this attack as it is, it would give me the justification of having helped prevent it.

I planned to use this to ask the Poison King for a favor.

Besides, an attack by the Green Forest bandits without Tang Deok wouldn’t be particularly threatening.

Ah, of course, I also considered the possibility that they might not attack simply because Tang Deok wasn’t there.

During this time, I could also kill the rat hiding among the Tang family members.

Ttuduk-.

I stretched slightly.

‘Hmm….’

Looking at my physical condition, I still felt a few issues.

It meant the aftermath of the fight with Tang Deok last time was still lingering.

Normally, I wouldn’t do anything in this physical state, but…

Now was the opportune time.

This was a ship carrying the Poison King, the Head of the Pei Family, the White Lotus Sword, as well as the Pei Lord and the Dark King.

In terms of sheer power, it was enough to wipe out an entire sect or clan, so the risk was minimal, shall we say.

It was a good time to do something significant.

As I was organizing my plans like this, I felt someone approaching from behind.

“Young Master!”

A bright and clear voice reached my ears.

I glanced back and saw Tang Soyeol standing there with a wide smile.

She held some snacks in her hand, and seeing them made me frown slightly.

“What is that?”

I asked with a hint of caution, and Tang Soyeol, who had been smiling, put on a sad face.

“I went to all the trouble of bringing them… Why are you reacting like that the moment you see them…?”

“Is there no poison in them?”

“There’s no poison!”

“Do you think I eat nothing but poison every day?!”

“You don’t?”

“No!”

Tang Soyeol let out a squeal as if she were offended.

No, is it really not? I thought I saw her eating poison and poisonous herbs every day?

Hearing her say that made me feel a bit awkward.

“If not, then I apologize.”

“…Hmph…”

I took a snack from Tang Soyeol, who turned her head away sulkily, and popped it into my mouth.

Surprisingly, this time it really didn’t seem to contain poison.

What’s gotten into her?

As I looked at her curiously, Tang Soyeol made an expression of disbelief.

What was funny was that Wi Seol-ah, seeing me eat it and be fine, quickly came over and took a snack too.

No way.

‘…Did she confirm it wasn’t poisoned?’

Using me? Wow.

Look at her? When did she get so cunning?

I wasn’t upset, just amazed.

Just then.

Tang Soyeol, who had been offering snacks around, approached Tang Deok this time and offered him snacks just like before.

“You must be tired, please have some of this.”

“…”

Tang Deok’s shoulders trembled at Tang Soyeol’s words spoken with a smile.

To him, she was a blood relative of the family he wanted dead, so just seeing her must be irritating.

Thinking this was a bit dangerous, I approached to pull Tang Soyeol away from Tang Deok just as…

Woong-!

“…!”

I quickly turned my head and scanned the river water.

Because I felt something strange.

Then, I leaped slightly and climbed onto the railing.

“Young Master…?”

My sudden action made not only Tang Soyeol but everyone around me look at me.

Of course, there were those who didn’t look.

That was only Wi Seol-ah.

Wi Seol-ah also widened her eyes and began scanning the river.

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who felt it.

‘What is it?’

I scanned the river with trembling pupils.

The boat continued to move, and it was the same river where nothing else was visible, but…

What I felt was distinctly different.

Kugugung-! Beolkeok!

Someone appeared behind me as if leaping.

Woo Hyuk and Namgung Bi-ah appeared simultaneously, and Cheol Ji-seon followed, panting.

‘Did those guys feel it too?’

The other martial artists looked here with confused eyes, as if wondering why we were acting like this.

I could only stare at the river.

The presence grew stronger.

Only around that time did the other martial artists seem to sense something, and their movements changed.

At first, I wondered if it was the presence of the expected attack from earlier.

We were getting close to that point, and it wouldn’t be strange if an attack happened anytime.

However.

This didn’t feel like that.

It meant the presence wasn’t of a scale a mere human could possess.

‘What is it…?’

As I focused, it gradually became visible.

A shadow began to slowly appear beneath the boat.

A shadow nearly eight to nine feet in size. Upon confirming this, the martial artists shouted in unison.

“It’s a monster!”

The martial artists were immediately thrown into confusion.

Monsters cannot approach the Tang family’s ship.

Because the Tang family’s treasure was said to prevent this.

It was because of this that only the Tang family’s ship could travel the Súlong River.

Because the shadows gathering around us were clearly Green-grade and Blue-grade monsters inhabiting the river water.

Although the people on the ship seemed confused by the unexpected situation…

It wasn’t a major crisis.

They were just Blue-grade monsters, and even though fighting in the river was dangerous, the martial artists’ cultivation levels were quite high, so they could easily overcome them.

However.

“…It’s wrong.”

I couldn’t stop my trembling eyes.

‘This isn’t just that.’

I bit my lip.

As I said, the number of Blue-grade monsters swarming towards the ship was intimidating, but not truly threatening.

The problem was something else.

I could feel it more and more.

The real threat, hiding beneath those monsters, slowly approaching.

Feeling that, I raised my internal energy to the fullest.

Something was wrong.

It couldn’t be happening otherwise.

‘Why…?’

It began to appear more and more beneath the boat.

Beneath the not-so-small monsters, something much larger was stirring.

The atmosphere of those who belatedly recognized that immense presence changed drastically.

They must have realized it too.

The martial artists shouted in confusion, wondering what that could be.

But I knew what it was.

That’s why it was even more unbelievable.

Unlike the monsters living on land and sea now, these were true monsters that only appeared centuries ago.

Their tracks had disappeared since then, monsters that would start appearing at least 4-5 years from now.

Monsters that one could dare to face only after reaching the Hwajing realm, beyond the peak.

Red-grade monsters spewed from a distinct Red Demonic Eye pattern.

An immense presence, unseen on this land for centuries, was being felt from beneath the river water.