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nThe Kunlun Sect was one of the Nine Sects One Gang and considered the front line and wall of the Orthodox faction.

nThe Demon Cult would need to destroy this wall in order to infiltrate the Central Plains.

n“How mysterious.”

nCale heard Choi Han’s voice and looked at what Choi Han was saying was mysterious.

nMount Kunlun was made of rugged peaks.

nThe tall peaks were wrapped in clouds, making them difficult to see.

n‘When you think of the Kunlun Sect, you think of the Eight Great Styles of the Cloud Dragon.’

nIt was the Kunlun Sect’s pride and identity, a martial art that was peculiar in that it focused on foot technique.

nIt was given that name because the movement looked like a Dragon flying around through the clouds.

nThe strange foot technique used in this cloud-covered Mount Kunlun could make a human seem like a Dragon.

n– Human, the mountain here looks dangerous! Human, can you go there?

nOf course, a real Dragon was currently invisible, anxious about Cale’s stamina.

n– Don’t worry, human! I’ll move you!

nFor reference, Cale had not been worried at all.

n“Ah, you are here, sir?”

n“Ah, Chief Advisor-nim.”

nCale smiled gently toward the approaching Zhuge Mi Ryeo.

nThe entrance to Mount Kunlun… Some people had come out to the path heading up to the Kunlun Sect to greet the second party.

nZhuge Mi Ryeo, who had been at the front of the party, smiled oddly while approaching Cale.

n“Young master-nim, it must have been a long journey for you.”

n“Not at all, Chief Advisor-nim. It was a relaxing trip.”

nCale answered honestly.

nThe Chief Advisor’s smile became even wider.

n‘The mood has changed.’

nThe Cleave Saint, the rest of the Orthodox faction and even the Unorthodox faction…

nEverybody was peeking at young master Kim’s group anxiously without being excited that they had arrived.

nShe opened her mouth to speak.

n“Thanks to the message you sent, we heard about the changes to the group.”

nThat message also told her how young master Kim was able to create this mood.

n‘He’s a scary person.’

nHe possessed extremely scary powers but did not show it. Even when he did show it, he did not show everything and just let others know of his level.

nHe made it so that they had no choice but to bow to him. He turned the situation as he pleased.

n‘To say it was a relaxing trip despite creating such a mood…’

nYoung master Kim was an extremely scary person.

nThe Chief Advisor did not show her inner thoughts and introduced the people who came with her.

n“This is daoshi In Ho, the leader of the Kunlun Sect.”

n‘Wow.’

nCale gasped internally.

n‘He really seems like an immortal.’

nHe had the typical white hair, long white beard and white clothes that most people thought of when they thought of an immortal. He even had a gentle disposition.

nSect leader In Ho met every characteristic of an immortal.

n“Nice to meet you, young master Kim-nim.”

nHe was also extremely respectful, putting one fist against one palm to greet Cale.

nThere did not seem to be any lies or hypocrisy in him.

nHe must have been smiling for a long time as a warm gaze headed toward Cale before he could even look at the happily formed wrinkles.

n“I have heard a lot from the Chief Advisor-nim and little Seon. Thank you for coming all this way.”

nDaoshi Un Seon smiled a bit while looking at In Ho. The small smile that appeared on her usually stoic face was full of respect toward the sect leader.

n“It is an honor to see you again, young master-nim.”

nUn Seon also calmly greeted Cale.

nA few of the important figures in the Kunlun Sect also proceeded to greet him.

nOf course, they greeted not just Cale but Choi Han, Ron, and the others with just as much respect.

n– Human! These humans look really nice!

nCale was feeling the same way as Raon.

n“Then please let us lead the way.”

nThe Orthodox faction’s people with the Cleave Saint at the center were escorted to the Kunlun Sect. Cale stopped to chat with Sima Dan for a moment.

n“We will send a message once we have settled on an inn.”

n“Sure.”

nThe three Sima siblings and Xia Mun’s group could not step into Mount Kunlun.

nThe reason was simple.

n“Then please let us lead the way.”

nSect leader In Ho, who was smiling gently next to Cale, did not allow them to enter.

n‘He’s not just a nice person.’

nIn Ho had been treating the Unorthodox faction’s people as if they did not exist since earlier.

nThe Unorthodox faction did not seem disgruntled about that.

n‘Maybe it is to be expected.’

nThe Kunlun Sect had always confronted the Demon Cult since the start of its history.

nThat was why they had been through more battles than the numerous sects of the Orthodox faction and had almost been completely destroyed as well multiple times.

nHowever, they still survived.

n‘Sometimes through their own efforts and sometimes through the help of the Orthodox faction.’

nThe former could be said to be thanks to the Kunlun Sect’s persistence but the latter was not always for good reasons.

n‘The strong sect confronting the District would disappear if the Kunlun Sect was destroyed.’

nMany of the sects and clans who were concerned that they would be placed with that burden gave a hand to the restoration of the Kunlun Sect.

nOf course, some places probably helped because they were in awe of the Kunlun Sect’s spirit.

nEither way, the Kunlun Sect had been through many battles and it was inevitable that they had fought with the Unorthodox faction numerous times in the process.

nAs a result, the sect leader was repulsed at the thought of the Unorthodox faction stepping into his territory.

nHowever, there was a reason that the Sima siblings and the Unorthodox faction’s martial artists were not saying much about it.

n‘He’s not being rude about it.’

nHe did not scowl or get angry like the Cleave Saint.

nHe just brushed past them.

nThis meant that he did not want to fight them nor get involved with them.

nThe fact that they were allowed to stay in an inn in the village underneath the mountain that was protected by the Kunlun Sect was already showing them enough respect.

nThe Unorthodox faction knew this, and since they did not come to fight, they were going along with it without saying much.

n‘They have their own rules.’

nCale organized his thoughts and they stepped onto the mountain heading up to the Kunlun Sect as well.

n– Young master-nim.

nCale heard a sound transmission from Chief Eunuch Wi at that moment.

n– I have found them.

nCale stopped walking after hearing that.

nHe turned his head to see Chief Eunuch Wi approaching with two members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

nThe Embroidered Uniform Guard had gone off on their own to do something separate from Cale.

nTwo of them approached with stiff expressions on their faces and bowed toward Cale.

n“Mm.”

nThe Cleave Saint gulped after watching that.

nThe Embroidered Uniform Guard did not usually bow to anyone other than the Emperor.

nSuch people were showing so much respect to someone else.

nShock was not strong enough to describe his emotion.

n“We have brought it, sir.”

nThe one who seemed to be the more senior of the two pulled a box out of his pocket.

nIt was a small box tightly wrapped in cloth.

n“Here is one more, sir. Both of them have the same attribute.”

nThe Embroidered Uniform Guard next to him pulled a box out and handed it to Cale as well.

nCale received the two boxes wrapped in red cloth.

nThe golden dragon embroidered on the red cloth…

nThe martial artists’ pupils started shaking once they saw it.

n‘It is something from the Emperor!’

nThe way young master Kim received it as if it was nothing and did not show any form of gratitude made people whisper, but Cale had no idea as he thought to himself.

n‘This is great.’

nIt made him smile.

n‘Eat elixirs and release the seals!’

nHe had requested elixirs from the Emperor through Chief Eunuch Wi and these two boxes were the response.

n‘Fire, Earth, Wind. I don’t know which of the three it is.’

nThey said that the two boxes were the same attribute, so it should be one of the three. Based on the Emperor’s personality, he should have sent some pretty good elixirs.

n‘I may be able to gain more strength before we head to the Demon Cult.’

nOne of the Embroidered Uniform Guards spoke at that moment.

n“Our esteemed said that he would send more later on.”

n‘Oh. The Emperor really is the best.’

nCale smiled with satisfaction and added on.

n“I hope he can send them as quickly as possible.”

n“Yes sir. We will deliver the message.”

nThe Cleave Saint gulped.

n‘Our esteemed should be referring to the Emperor. But he’s asking the Emperor to send something quickly?

nWhat is the true identity of this young master Kim?’

nHe could not fathom it at all.

nThe two Embroidered Uniform Guards immediately left and Cale smiled apologetically toward Sect leader In Ho.

n“We were slowed because of me. I’m sorry.”

n“…Not at all, young master-nim.”

nIn Ho answered that it was fine while slightly clenching his fists.

n‘I see a path!’

nHe recalled what daoshi Un Seon, who had been in the advance party, stealthily came to find him to say.

n‘Young master Kim-nim. That sir said that he would help us.’

n‘…Young master Kim-’

nThe sect leader had heard rumors about that person through someone else in the advance party.

n‘He may be a member of the Imperial family but will one person have that big of an influence?’

nA bitter smile had appeared on In Ho’s face.

nHe accepted a negotiation with the Demon Cult as rational but he could not emotionally accept the fact that he needed to chat with the Demon Cult, which had trampled on their sect for such a long time.

nHe also thought that the Chief Advisor was wrong.

nThe Demon Cult had no intentions of negotiating.

nBased on their movements, they were planning on attacking the Central Plains.

nThat was why the Kunlun Sect had not stopped preparing for war.

nOf course, they were lacking in numerous areas, but…

n‘That is not the case, sect leader-nim.’

nUn Seon had strongly advocated to the bitter In Ho.

n‘Things will definitely change if that sir comes here.’

n‘Why do you think so?’

nUn Seon had approached him after hearing that question. That must have not been enough because she used sound transmission to deliver the message.

n‘That sir has reached the Nature Realm.’

n‘What?’

nIn Ho had subconsciously asked back verbally.

nThe Nature Realm.

nWas that really a realm humans could reach?

n‘I’m sure of it.’

nUn Seon was not one to lie.

nIn Ho’s body had tensed up because he knew of Un Seon’s personality. Un Seon had solemnly continued.

n‘I heard the rumors that the Heavenly Demon has reached the top of the Profound Realm.’

n‘…It may not be true.’

n‘However, it is true that we are hearing those rumors coming from Xinjiang. Isn’t that why you are having trouble sleeping, Sect leader-nim?’

nThe strongest in the Kunlun Sect right now was the Ancestral Elder, who had reached the top of the Unrestrained Realm.

nThat sir was currently in secluded training in preparation for the war against the Demon Cult.

nThe Unrestrained Realm and then the Profound Realm.

nBeyond that was the Nature Realm, which was seen as being a realm that humans could not reach.

n‘… Little Seon. Are you sure of it?’

nIn Ho asked with anticipation and Un Seon had responded.

n‘I cannot be certain. However, the Beggars’ Gang’s Elder Ho-nim and the Chief Advisor both seem to believe it to be true as well.’

nIn Ho snapped out of his senses as he recalled the last thing U told him.

n‘Young master Kim-nim said that he would come to Kunlun even before I asked him to visit. He said that despite having a good idea about the current situation. Isn’t that already a show of good faith?’

nYes, that alone was enough for the Kunlun Sect to be thankful to him and his people.

nIn Ho heard young master Kim’s calm voice.

n“This is a beautiful place.”

nThe Sect leader smiled.

nThey were slowly walking up as if they were on a leisure walk.

nThey had no reason to rush up and he wanted to chat a little more with young master Kim.

n“Isn’t it? The magnificent view of Mount Kunlun is extremely famous.”

nUn Seon commented after In Ho.

n“However, I cannot sleep in fear that this beautiful place will disappear forever.”

n“Un Seon.”

nIn Ho warned Un Seon for her sudden comment.

nUn Seon closed her mouth. She felt like she made a mistake and had placed a burden on young master Kim.

nA middle-aged man standing behind In Ho spoke up at that moment.

n“Then we must fight back.”

n“…Jang Hyung.”

n“Master, isn’t that the case?”

nCale looked toward Jang Hyung, who was standing next to In Ho.

nHe was the person who would become the future sect leader of the Kunlun Sect after In Ho.

nHis firm and steady gaze was bright.

nThey were full of certainty.

nCale made eye contact with him.

n“Mount Kunlun is as dangerous as it is beautiful. The Demon Cult will never be able to cross this mountain.”

nThere was strength in Jang Hyung’s calm words.

nChief Advisor Zhuge Mi Ryeo gently continued to speak.

n“Of course. Everything will be resolved through conversation.”

n“Hmph.”

nJang Hyung snorted and looked away.

nUn Seon had an awkward look on her face because of that but neither the Sect leader nor Un Seon dared to say anything.

n– Young master Kim-nim.

nZhuge Mi Ryeo calmly spoke to him.

n– Daoshi Jang Hyung lost his parents when he was young because of the Demon Cult. That is why you should probably just ignore his strong feelings against them.

nIt was at that moment.

nAs they leisurely walked up the gentle slope with the beautiful Mount Kunlun as the backdrop…

n– Human, are you not out of breath?

nIt was rare to see that Cale was not out of breath.

nAs he was about to think about that…

n“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!”

nCale turned his gaze.

nDurst was holding a tree and dry heaving.

n‘They are not here?’

nNeither Zhuge Eun So nor Jeong Chan was around them right now.

nThey were all up ahead with the Cleave Saint.

nThey had moved quickly using foot techniques that they were not even visible anymore.

nThat meant-!

n‘There is a living jiangshi here?’

nOne of the Kunlun Sect’s people urgently rushed toward Durst at that moment.

n“Are you okay sir?”

nHis concerned voice sounded clear.

n“Ugh. Ugh! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack-!”

nHowever, Durst’s dry heaves became even worse.

n– Human, it must be that person.

n‘I know, right?’

nCale silently nodded his head and motioned to Choi Han with his eyes.

nChoi Han would move Durst away from the living jiangshi.

n‘The Kunlun Sect’s future sect leader.’

nJang Hyung was the new living jiangshi.

n‘The Orthodox faction and the Demon Cult’s war would have had no choice but to start.’

nAs long as the Kunlun Sect’s future sect leader was a living jiangshi, the war between the Demon Cult and the Orthodox faction was basically meant to be.

n‘Something feels off.’

nHowever, the living jiangshis until now had been young.

nThat was why there had not been any immediate danger.

nJang Hyung was the first middle-aged living jiangshi. And although he was the future sect leader, he already had enough strength and authority to start a war between the Orthodox faction and the Demon Cult.

nIf the Demon Cult was in a similar situation…

n‘…I might have to purify them right away.’

nHe was planning on purifying them all at once one by one, but there may be some he would have to purify in advance.

nSomeone at Jang Hyung’s position could destroy the negotiation between the Orthodox faction and the Demon Cult.

nA mysterious chill surrounded Cale’s body.

n– Human, is it hard climbing the mountain as I thought? Or did you cause some sort of issue?

nOf course, he ignored Raon’s questions.

nHe had a bad feeling about this.

n– Should I use my power?

nThe Vitality of the Heart. He ignored the question that the old man asked energetically.

nCale tightly clenched the two boxes with elixirs.

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nTranslator’s Comments

nMiddle-aged jiangshi…

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