Chapter 629: Nine. And Three.

Hooook-!

What filled the corridor was cold air.

Tududuk-! The sound of the palace collapsing from the aftermath of a fierce battle could be heard.

The silence was clear, but within it, a tiny sound was echoing.

Ttuk.

At one point, that sound stopped.

Silence had arrived.

Suddenly, all sounds stopped.

Even the rushing cold air couldn’t be felt.

I wasn’t flustered by this.

I merely stayed still, looking at the woman held in my hand.

At her lips, from which black blood was trickling.

And her eyes, rolled back in unconsciousness, revealing their whites.

She was clearly already unconscious, yet.

[How did you know?]

She was speaking to me.

What was peculiar was that it wasn’t the woman’s voice, which was originally quite lovely.

But a deep male voice could be heard.

Hearing the voice, I smirked.

“Oh, yeah. Nice to meet you too.”

[…]

At my greeting, the fellow fell silent for a moment.

His expression was stiff, so I couldn’t properly grasp what he was thinking, but.

I didn’t mind it.

A few seconds passed.

[I will ask again.]

The fellow asked me again.

[Ninth Pureblood.]

[How did you know I was in the Apostle’s body? I asked.]

‘Hmm.’

Hearing his words, I slightly frowned.

From those few words, two pieces of information were already contained.

Apostle.

Ninth Pureblood.

I had to forcibly suppress my lips from curling upwards.

As I did, I said to the fellow.

“An Apostle… Is this bitch your Apostle?”

[Haha-. ]

I know you’re not surprised, are you trying to put on a ridiculous act?]

Oops, caught me.

Yeah.

As the fellow said, I wasn’t particularly surprised.

Having experienced so much throughout my life, I wasn’t at the level to be surprised by things like this.

Moreover.

It was something I had somewhat expected, so even more so.

‘I didn’t know about the Apostle or the ninth part, though.’

What I expected was only that there was something inside Yuseon’s body.

I had sensed that it was related to the Ice Spirit, but.

Information beyond that was unknown to me.

[Do you intend not to answer my question?]

Hearing him, I nodded.

What a damn impatient temper.

“It wasn’t exactly a huge mystery.”

Even my expectations weren’t something difficult to figure out.

It was purely for a simple reason.

After all.

“This bitch.”

Yuseon.

“Doesn’t have the qualifications.”

She was too weak to become a dragon.

[Qualifications?]

“Yeah. She didn’t have the qualifications.”

It’s not my place to say, but Yuseon lacked too much to be called a dragon.

That was the first point of suspicion.

If it were before, I wouldn’t have known, but.

After sparring a few times and engaging in battle, I realized it.

I don’t know what principle or effect her power possessed, but.

Yuseon, when using her power, was strong.

It’s just that compared to when she didn’t have it, the level was vastly different.

‘…She wasn’t too bad.’

She wasn’t that strong either.

Ah, of course.

Considering her age, she would be at an immense level, but that’s just compared to ‘me’.

It’s true she had reached the Martial Grandmaster realm, but when applying that to an inhuman being like a dragon, it was a pitiful level.

Without her power, she was no different from a typical martial artist.

It’s a bit strange to treat the Martial Grandmaster realm as a typical martial artist, but anyway, that’s how it was.

She was somewhat lacking to be called a dragon.

I was convinced by the recent battle.

‘It’s too much to become a dragon.’

It’s true that Yuseon possessed outstanding talent as a human, but.

She didn’t seem to possess the qualifications to become a dragon on her own.

So I thought.

What happened that allowed Yuseon to become a dragon?

The reason she overcame the wall and became a dragon.

And.

Why I called myself a Pureblood, yet Yuseon wasn’t a Pureblood.

I wanted to know that.

Squirm.

When Greed briefly swallowed her power along with the fellow.

Only then could I notice one thing.

‘There’s something inside.’

Yuseon is harboring something.

Like me.

What could it be?

Indeed, what could she be harboring?

What is she harboring that makes it seem so faint yet so clear?

What I could be sure of here is.

‘That’s what made this person become a dragon.’

That point.

With such conviction, I didn’t ponder for long.

Because I had already sensed a familiar energy due to Greed.

It was impossible not to recognize what I had just felt, not somewhere else.

Ice Spirit (氷精).

I felt the energy of the Ice Spirit from Yuseon.

This isn’t strange.

After all, since the bloodline of the Ice Palace itself uses ice techniques.

It’s natural logic to possess an energy similar to the Ice Spirit.

As the Palace Master said.

‘Since the bloodline possesses the curse of the Ice Spirit, the energy is naturally expected, but.’

The sensation felt from Yuseon is different from that.

It was much more twisted.

It felt much deeper.

What could it be?

That’s what I was so curious about.

“It’s novel meeting you like this.”

[…]

When I acted a bit (?) strongly, fortunately, I could meet him.

“What should I call you? Ice Spirit? Is that how I should call you?”

[…]

“Titles don’t matter. That’s not the point.”

Jjeojeok-!

“…!”

Kwaaaah—-!!

Ice spikes shot up, piercing the ground.

I quickly retreated and barely managed to dodge.

Kuk kuk kuk-!

The rising spikes pierced the ceiling, forming a barrier.

“What’s this now?”

[I thought the distance was too close for conversation.]

Tududuk.

Yuseon’s body, having spoken, gradually changed.

Her twisted body was being forcibly regenerated.

Torn skin revived.

Broken bones were mended.

It was truly a brutally rough sight.

[It’s nice to meet you, Ninth. I am the Third Pureblood.]

Udeuduk.

Even her sunken upper body was perfectly restored.

[My name is Mang (望).]

‘Mang.’

Hearing his words, I recalled when Yuseon used her power.

-Mang…!

She definitely seemed to say something when using her power.

That must have been its name.

And.

‘Third Pureblood.’

The fact that he called me the Ninth, along with assigning himself a number, means.

“Are you saying there are seven more besides you?”

Even excluding Yuseon, who isn’t a Pureblood.

It can be said that there are more beings called Purebloods.

To such a question, the fellow called Mang replied.

[There were. In ancient times.]

A past tense answer came with affirmation.

Ancient times.

“So you mean there aren’t any now?”

[Haha.]

Mang let out a short laugh.

[None. Except for one… No, now there will be two.]

The fact that it increased to two must mean one is me.

Who could that one be?

And.

‘There were eight Purebloods, and seven disappeared, leaving only one.’

The situation seems roughly like that.

Let’s set aside such old circumstances. What’s important now isn’t this kind of thing.

The fellow who is now facing me, calling himself Mang.

This guy.

‘He’s not the Blood Demon.’

He wasn’t the Blood Demon.

I could tell because I had faced the Blood Demon even briefly.

The energy seemed similar at first glance, yet something was different.

The problem with this is.

‘They said the Ice Spirit was left behind by the Blood Demon.’

The guy they call the Dragon Emperor, whom I saw, was the Blood Demon.

It was said that the harsh winter began when he placed the Ice Spirit in the Northern Sea.

But.

If this guy isn’t actually the Blood Demon.

‘What is this now?’

It was certainly a strange situation.

“What are you? What exactly are you trying to do inside her body? And what is a Pureblood?”

Ninth Pureblood.

In a situation where I barely understand what a dragon is, what could a Pureblood be?

‘According to the Palace Master, they were dragons who broke their own vessels and ascended.’

It was truly ambiguous words.

Because it meant that besides me, there were only eight others who went through such a process.

To a question containing such meaning.

[This is strange, Ninth. You seem to be mistaken about something.]

Mang says to me.

[Why would you think I would answer you about that?]

Meaning, he has no intention of answering the question.

Hearing those words, I involuntarily sneered.

“What a prickly personality. You could tell me a bit.”

[Do you see me as being favorable towards you?]

“You’re also some kind of Pureblood, right? We could help each other out, living like this.”

As I spoke, I examined the ice in front of me.

Can I break it?

I was contemplating whether to try it.

Just then.

[Same? That’s absurd.]

Mang continued speaking to me.

His voice was filled with an unknown coldness.

[You are a distortion. A being that shouldn’t have existed in the first place.]

At Mang’s words, I frowned.

A being that shouldn’t exist?

“What does that mean?”

[In the first place, we were supposed to be eight beings. This was the rule set by the world.]

That only eight should exist from the start.

That’s like a rule? It was incomprehensible.

“Saying that, you said seven are already dead. It must have been filled in proportion to those who died.”

[Ha.]

At my answer, Mang burst into laughter as if it were absurd.

[The very fact that you don’t understand this… is proof that you are a distortion.]

This time, I didn’t answer.

Rather than answering, I took a stance and threw a punch.

My fist, imbued with fighting spirit, struck the barrier.

Kwang-! Kkadeudeuk–!!

As my fist hit the barrier, cracks formed on the wall, and fragments flew.

At this rate, it would break after about four or five hits.

[…]

[You are truly violent.]

“Keep talking. I’ll do what I need to do.”

It’s not a threat.

I genuinely thought it was something I had to do.

“So, what about it?”

I asked, clenching my fist once more.

“If you don’t intend to tell me what I am, then shut up.”

Unlike before, I wasn’t frustrated or annoyed asking why they wouldn’t tell me.

If you’re not going to tell me, then forget it.

“I’ll find out on my own.”

Even if that meant doing something somewhat cruel and violent.

I would do it as much as needed.

Kuuung—!!

The barrier shook violently.

My fist went deep, deepening the cracks.

One more time.

Let’s hit it a bit harder this time.

Deciding so, I tried to infuse more energy.

[Stop.]

At Mang’s words, I stared at him while maintaining my pose.

“Why. Do you have something to say?”

Did he finally decide to tell me? I tilted my head and looked at him.

[…]

[Stop your pointless actions. We don’t need to do this.]

“That’s still not an answer.”

At his trivial words, I swung my fist.

Kuaang!!!

A larger vibration than before spread through the corridor.

Watching the scattering fragments, I glanced sideways.

‘He’s not counterattacking.’

Even after going this far, there’s no counterattack.

What could this mean?

Does it mean it’s not worth it?

Or perhaps.

‘Is he in a situation where he can’t counterattack?’

That could be the case, but.

‘Whatever.’

I’ll know if I just hit him.

This time, I touched my soul to use Heart Power.

Sssu-!

Feeling an uncomfortable vibration from my soul, just as I was about to strike the barrier again.

[…]

[We have the same enemy.]

Stopped.

At Mang’s words, I finally stopped my actions.

“Keep talking. I’m listening.”

[…]

I maintained my energy, of course. I had to be ready to break it at any moment.

[…]

[You aren’t thinking of dealing with the Dragon Emperor, are you?]

That’s an interesting statement.

Those words mean that the Dragon Emperor isn’t him, and also.

It means he knows I’m leaving the Heavenly Demon to deal with the Blood Demon.

It was also a subtle hint that his enemy is also the Blood Demon.

If the Dragon Emperor is indeed the Blood Demon.

I asked, trying hard to hide it.

“The Dragon Emperor? They said he left you here. What’s your relationship?”

[…]

He remains silent.

Seeing that, I subtly moved my elbow.

[The reason why there became seven from eight Purebloods is precisely because of him.]

“Oh.”

Only then did valuable information pop out.

The reason the number of dragons called Purebloods decreased.

It was because of the Blood Demon?

“Explain. What do you mean?”

[He devoured other Purebloods for his own greed.]

I frowned. This means.

‘The Blood Demon is also one of the Purebloods.’

The being who appeared as the first disaster in the Central Plains.

And the guy who has been plotting something and hiding in the Murim Alliance even after centuries have passed.

Also, the Blood Demon was another dragon who had implanted blood energy within me.

He.

‘Devoured and eliminated other Purebloods?’

And Mang’s will was planted here.

Why did he do that?

“Then why did that guy leave you here?”

After devouring them all, why did he leave this one here?

That was the crucial part.

It couldn’t be helped because.

“The Ice Spirit is your heart, isn’t it?”

[…]

At my words, Mang falls silent.

The Palace Master expressed it as the egg left by the Dragon Emperor, or his heart, but.

I had said it was half right upon seeing it.

This was the reason.

‘That’s not the Dragon Emperor’s heart.’

Not only was immense energy permeated within it.

Although a powerful force was felt, so much so that I didn’t know what was inside.

Essentially, it was different from the Blood Demon’s power.

Then whose energy could this possibly be?

The question I had upon touching and feeling the Ice Spirit is answered when I see Mang.

‘That was all this guy’s power.’

What was inside the Ice Spirit was the energy of the fellow called Mang.

I don’t know why the Blood Demon threw it here, but I’m certain it wasn’t that guy’s energy.

Judging this, I asked.

“Why did you think we have the same enemy?”

[It’s a simple matter…]

The fellow said.

[The Dragon Emperor intends to devour all Purebloods, so he will come for you too. The Dragon Emperor is your enemy too.]

As he said, it was a truly simple reason.

However, it was also something that vaguely caught my ear.

“Why? Why does that guy devour other Purebloods?”

Dragons are arrogant beings. It’s said that they develop hostility upon seeing their own kind.

So, it might be natural for them to fight each other, but.

Seeing that this guy specifically mentioned only ‘Purebloods’.

There was clearly another meaning.

[It’s to increase his power. To achieve what he desires… he will need power.]

“What does he desire?”

[…]

[I cannot say.]

Kwaaang-!

[…]

…!

The barrier crumbled under the punch I threw.

Just one more hit.

If I hit it just once more, the barrier would completely collapse.

“Then keep your mouth shut.”

[Truly, you are excessively rough.]

“My life hasn’t been smooth, you see. I’m a bit impatient.”

[I clearly said we don’t need to fight like this…!]

“If you want to act like an ally, you should at least explain properly. This just looks like you want to fight.”

I’m sick of people stopping mid-sentence.

If you’re not going to do it, the best course of action is to get rid of it quickly.

‘Besides.’

I thought, looking at the fellow called Mang.

‘This guy doesn’t feel very trustworthy either.’

That’s why, while listening to the information he spat out, I wasn’t particularly fixated on it.

Hearing information about the Blood Demon wasn’t bad.

Hearing vaguely about the Ninth, Third, and Purebloods wasn’t bad either.

But.

‘It feels off.’

If he were truly desperate, he would have said something, but this guy wasn’t like that.

There was a feeling of trying to persuade me, but it wasn’t strong.

It seems like he has some ulterior motive.

As I felt that, my existing interest seemed to cool down rapidly.

‘Annoying.’

I’m tired of it.

Repeating these trivial questions.

So I decided to go the simple route.

Yes, the simplest method.

“If I beat him enough, he’ll probably say something properly.”

Torment him until he speaks.

That usually solves most problems.

Hooook-!

As I was about to deliver the final blow, wrapping my fist with energy.

[You truly are a disobedient fellow.]

Kwadudeuk–!!

“…!”

In an instant, I quickly leaped back from the rushing gust of wind.

It was immense cold air.

To an extent incomparable to what Yuseon was emitting.

After creating distance, I looked at the fellow.

[Just as you are, I am also interested in you.]

Mang, in Yuseon’s body, began to speak while looking at me.

[A Pureblood born against the rules. Furthermore, a power that devours abilities. How could I not be interested?]

“I guess I’m quite unique?”

[It’s not just unique. It’s a power far beyond reason. It’s like…]

Mang, in Yuseon’s form, pointed his fingertip at me.

[Doesn’t it seem like you were chosen to stop the Dragon Emperor?]

Power to deal with dragons other than humans.

The meaning contained within it was so clear it made me want to laugh.

If it’s truly as the fellow said.

‘What do they want?’

What does this world want from me?

The Blood Demon, who was the disaster brought upon the world.

If that guy survives and tries to express his will again.

The world should be in a position to support that.

[I… will tear off his neck and devour him.]

[The one who not only devoured me but also trampled my heart and left me abandoned in this land. I will somehow catch him and punish him.]

Anger could be felt in Mang’s words.

[Therefore, I can join forces with you. Meaning, we can help each other achieve our goals.]

“You called me a being outside the rules. Can you still join me?”

[Even so, the fact that you are a Pureblood is no different.]

The fellow changed his posture, which was pointing at me.

It looked like he was extending his hand.

[Ninth. Let’s join hands. And overcome the Dragon Emperor.]

“Hmm.”

I put on a slightly contemplating expression.

Join forces?

“You’re sealed in the Ice Spirit, yet how can you propose joining forces?”

I asked as if harboring a question. Then.

[The Dragon Emperor made one mistake when he left me behind.]

Mang said to me, as if telling me not to worry.

“What is it?”

[He sealed fragments of my body and energy separately into the Ice Spirit, but he wouldn’t have known.]

[Meaning, there are always opportunities to recover my energy.]

Hearing Mang’s words, I frowned. His body and energy were divided and sealed. Hearing this, I realized.

‘So.’

Was that the reason why immense energy was felt from the Ice Spirit?

Moreover. I’ve heard this somewhere before.

A past hero I met once. Cheolyeong of Shaolin said so.

‘He tore apart the Blood Demon’s five senses and sealed his body and energy separately.’

It feels quite similar to that.

Could this really be a coincidence?

‘It could be, or it might not be.’

It could simply be a similar event.

Or this could also be something entangled.

However, something else bothered me now. And quite significantly.

I asked, looking at Mang.

“The Ice Spirit in the palace was said to block the harsh winter. And the other half was said to cause the harsh winter.”

These were words I heard from the Palace Master.

She said the separately divided Ice Spirits played opposing roles, and to maintain them, the Palace Master was sacrificing her life force to sustain them.

At this time.

Those words about the fellow recovering his energy over time.

Sounded quite bothersome.

“Was that, perhaps, something you intended?”

[Hmm?]

At my question, Mang tilted his head.

[That’s strange.]

It looked like he was asking why I was asking something strange.

[Of course. It’s necessary to recover my energy.]

“…”

Hearing the answer, I erased my expression.

Those words mean that the harsh winter caused by the Ice Spirit.

And the fact that the bloodline of the Ice Palace had their life force drained in the past to block the harsh winter.

Were all intended by this guy.

[That’s the biggest mistake the fellow made.]

Mang laughs.

[Perhaps, after I fully recovered my energy, he intended to take it to devour it, but he wouldn’t have expected to be sealed himself. Thanks to that, I could buy time to recover.]

[There isn’t much time left. I will be resurrected. So, join hands with me and the fellow…]

“Enough.”

[Hmm?]

I shook my head.

Hearing up to there was enough.

[Ninth…]

“I’ve heard enough now. I didn’t really plan on joining forces anyway.”

Hearing the situation roughly made my decision a bit firmer.

“Maybe it’s because he’s such a damn bastard. I hate him even more now. Get lost.”

[Ha.]

Mang let out a hollow laugh.

[Truly, you must come out like this…!]

Mang, about to speak, faltered.

[You… what are you trying to do now.]

It was probably because he confirmed my actions.

Hwa-reureureuk–!!

Heat gathered around me.

I created a flame orb on my hand and was repeatedly spinning it towards the target.

However, the direction I was looking was not at Mang in Yuseon’s body.

But at the ground where there was nothing.

No, it probably wasn’t nothing.

Because an immense energy could be felt from far below the distant ground.

That must be the place.

Where the Ice Spirit is.

[No way-!]

Mang showed a rough reaction, as if he noticed something.

Hearing that, I glanced at the fellow with a smirk.

“I’m going to meet it now.”

I threw the heat-wrapped flame orb directly at the ground.

Kuaaaaaaaa—-!!!!

The explosion erupted, creating a huge hole in the ground.