Chapter 199
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Chapter 199
Five days after the Myriad Poison Sect, the Invincible Clan, and the Sky Beast Palace halted their progress at Mount Heng, the messenger dispatched to gather intelligence on the current status of the Heavenly Killer Sect returned with news.
What? Did you just say that the Heavenly Killer Sect killed four of the Seven Saints? The Myriad Poison Divine Demon Gal Cheon-Dok asked again, unable to believe his ears.
Thats right. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon unleashed his transcendental martial arts, the Heavenly Dark Sky Killing Art, and killed the four Saints. One of the Myriad Poison Sects Nine Demonic Monarchs, the Myriad Poison Sword Monarch Ju Jang-Cheon replied.
And the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon is fine?
It is reported that he lost his left arm, but it isn't life-threatening. Jang-Cheon responded.
Amazing! What a surprise.
"My exact same thought. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon's role in eliminating the four Saints is a monumental accomplishment," So Geuk-Sang remarked with a visibly astonished expression.
Certainly, that alone may be enough for him to obtain the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens.
"I doubt that will be the case. While the Seven Saints are formidable adversaries, the primary nemesis of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect remains the successor to the Thunder God. To claim the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens, our focus must be on eliminating the Thunder God's successor and no one else.
Moreover, we've agreed that the competition for the Celestial Demon position will be determined by skill once we conquer the Central Plains, diminishing the immediate significance of this event."
"Regardless, the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon played a huge role in this scenario. Having successfully vanquished four of the Seven Saints, it should be a relatively straightforward task for us to overcome the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance."
"With all due respect, can we expect the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance to remain in the same location?" Sky Beast Palace Patriarch Nam Hwa-Jin asked.
"As the Sky Beast Palace Patriarch rightly pointed out, upon verifying the demise of the four Saints, the Southern Sky Branch is likely to forgo direct confrontation and withdraw from Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang concurred with Hwa-Jin's perspective.
"Had we anticipated this outcome, we might have refrained from checking the Heavenly Killer Sect's status and instead launched an immediate assault on the Southern Sky Branch. A regrettable oversight," said Gal Cheon-Dok, expressing a sense of disappointment.
"Your viewpoint is shaped by hindsight. Who among us could have predicted that the Heavenly Killer Sect would successfully eliminate four of the Seven Saints? Regardless, the demise of these Saints enables us to seize control of Hunan Province, constituting a significant achievement in itself," Geuk-Sang remarked.
Cheon-Dok was also of the same thought.
"By the way, I'm curious about the status of the other factions."
"I'm equally eager to understand the situation. Currently, the Myriad Tribulations Clan is playing the role of luring in the Western Sky Branch. If the Tyrant Cult, Underworld Sect, and Blood-Crazed Clan manage to inflict harm on the Northern Sky Branch, it would indeed pave the way for the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to conquer the Central Plains," said Geuk-Sang.
"With just two of the Seven Saints stationed at the Northern Sky Branch, our odds of emerging victorious are quite favorable."
"Indeed, that matter doesn't fall within our jurisdiction. Let's entrust it to those handling it and concentrate on effectively securing Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang suggested.
Indeed, that goes without saying.
Prioritizing their assigned task of reclaiming Hunan Province, the Myriad Poison Divine Demon, Gal Cheon-Dok, and the Invincible Divine Demon, So Geuk-Sang, initiated actions to gauge the response of the Southern Sky Branch.
Upon confirming the Southern Sky Branch's retreat to Hubei Province, they swiftly invaded Changsha, the base of the Southern Sky Branch, and commenced the expedited elimination of lingering martial forces across Hunan Province, particularly in the vicinity of Changsha.
Having departed from Changsha in Hunan Province, the Southern Sky Branch established their new headquarters in Wuhan, Hubei Province, gearing up for an impending confrontation with the advancing forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
* * *
Baek Mu-Gun, accompanied by two of the Seven Saints, Peng Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong, reached the Northern Sky Branch. The leadership, aware of their accomplishments, organized a banquet in their honor. Despite Mu-Gun's slight displeasure at the premature celebration, he refrained from dampening the mood and allowed them to proceed as they wished.
"You didn't have to do this. Why throw a banquet over a minor victory when the Nine Celestial Demons Sect is still thriving? Instead of pondering such matters, it would be wiser for everyone to focus on strategizing how to minimize our losses and eradicate the Nine Celestial Demons Sect." Mu-Hwe shared Mu-Gun's sentiment, criticizing the Northern Sky Branch's leadership for arranging a banquet.
"While the Chaos Saber God has a point, we can't ignore the fact that both of you ventured into the enemy camp despite your age. Add to that the considerable efforts of the Golden Shield Thunder God. This banquet is a gesture of courtesy, so please don't be too upset," the Mount Hua Sect Patriarch Young Ho-Goon calmly explained to Mu-Hwe.
"That's right. In name, it's a banquet, but essentially, it's a carefully prepared dinner. Please don't be upset, and let's enjoy it together," added the Zongnan Sect Patriarch Jin Do-Myeong.
"Alright, since you've prepared with good intentions, let's go and enjoy a good meal. We can also discuss how to deal with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect while we eat," Huangfu Chong said.
"I'll join in since you've gone through the trouble of preparing, but let me remind you to focus solely on the impending battles with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, instead of any unnecessary distractions," Mu-Hwe stated firmly.
Understood.
You should come too. Huangfu Chong didn't forget about Mu-Gun.
At Huangfu Chongs words, Mu-Hwe nodded.
"What you're saying makes sense. Let's focus on devising a plan to handle the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's force targeting the Northern Sky Branch."
"For the time being, we've confirmed that the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang have withdrawn to the north. While eliminating them could eliminate a potential threat to the safety of the Central Plains Murim, given the urgency of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's threat, it might be more prudent to set them aside for now since they've retreated voluntarily," explained the Mount Hua Sect's Ho-Goon.
"You're right. We can address them later; for now, let's concentrate on dealing with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect," Mu-Hwe concurred.
"But considering the significant losses the Nine Celestial Demons Sect incurred, especially with the defeat of their Demonic Monarch-class masters, and the departure of the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang, will they attempt an attack on the Northern Sky Branch? Their power has substantially diminished. Even if the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect unite, they might not match the strength of the Northern Sky Branch," questioned the Zongnan Sect's Do-Myeong.
"Indeed, the factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, which were approximately a day away from the Northern Sky Branch, abruptly altered their course and retreated towards Shaanxi Province two days ago. Considering this, it's safe to assume there's little likelihood of them launching an attack on the Northern Sky Branch," Mun-Cheol clarified.
[1].
Then, what do you think their next move will be?
It is highly likely that the three factions will join forces and then target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Gun expressed his opinion.
The Western Sky Branch?
Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong looked at Mu-Gun at the same time.
"Based on the information available, it's been verified that there's a Nine Celestial Demons Sect faction in Guizhou Province. If these three factions converging here join with them, it's not inconceivable for them to set their sights on the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained.
"Hmm, you have a point. With an additional faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect joining their forces, targeting the Western Sky Branch would indeed provide them with a better chance of success," Mu-Hwe acknowledged.
If so, shouldnt we stop them from doing so? The Huangfu Familys Huangfu Tian said.
"Of course. We should take the initiative and strike them first to prevent any possibility of them targeting the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained his strategy.
You want us to attack first?
"Exactly. If we strike when the three factions merge, we can potentially defeat all three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in one decisive blow," Mu-Gun affirmed.
Then, we should wait for the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to merge first.
Wouldnt it be better to defeat them one by one before the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect join forces?
Mu-Gun shook his head at Do-Myeongs opinion.
"Undoubtedly, defeating them sequentially would have its advantages, but given the current circumstances, it's practically infeasible. The faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in Shanxi Province likely allied with the Tyrant Cult, which withdrew alongside the Sun God Palace.
Furthermore, in a matter of days, they'll probably link up with the faction in Shaanxi Province. Considering the considerable distance between us, pursuing and eliminating them one by one will be challenging," Mu-Gun reiterated.
Then, we should hurry up and give chase before they join forces and target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Hwe said urgently.
That is correct. We need to chase after them as soon as possible.
To do that, we will need to reduce the number of people we bring with us.
What do you think about organizing the pursuit team with masters above the First-Rate Realm? Mu-Gun suggested.
Only masters above the First-Rate Realm? Isnt that too few people?
It would be pointless if we bring people weaker than the First-Rate Realm anyway, Mu-Gun said frankly.
Well, that's true. Alright, lets do that. Mu-Hwe accepted Mu-Guns opinion.
Subsequently, the martial clans assembled at the Northern Sky Branchnamely the Hebei Peng Family, the Huangfu Family, the Mount Hua Sect, the Zongnan Sect, and the Shaolin Sectcommenced selecting martial artists above the First-Rate Realm.
The chosen forces numbered just over three thousand individuals, constituting slightly more than half of the total forces stationed at the Northern Sky Branch. This gathering of forces was possible due to the convergence of five out of the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families in one location.
Having assembled a pursuit team comprising solely martial arts masters above the First-Rate Realm, the newly established Northern Sky Branch's pursuit team promptly set forth from Taiyuan, initiating the chase after the forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
1. Translators Note: Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province are two totally different provinces. I know it sounds basically the same, but the Mandarin pronunciation sounds slightly different.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 199
Five days after the Myriad Poison Sect, the Invincible Clan, and the Sky Beast Palace halted their progress at Mount Heng, the messenger dispatched to gather intelligence on the current status of the Heavenly Killer Sect returned with news.
What? Did you just say that the Heavenly Killer Sect killed four of the Seven Saints? The Myriad Poison Divine Demon Gal Cheon-Dok asked again, unable to believe his ears.
Thats right. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon unleashed his transcendental martial arts, the Heavenly Dark Sky Killing Art, and killed the four Saints. One of the Myriad Poison Sects Nine Demonic Monarchs, the Myriad Poison Sword Monarch Ju Jang-Cheon replied.
And the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon is fine?
It is reported that he lost his left arm, but it isn't life-threatening. Jang-Cheon responded.
Amazing! What a surprise.
"My exact same thought. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon's role in eliminating the four Saints is a monumental accomplishment," So Geuk-Sang remarked with a visibly astonished expression.
Certainly, that alone may be enough for him to obtain the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens.
"I doubt that will be the case. While the Seven Saints are formidable adversaries, the primary nemesis of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect remains the successor to the Thunder God. To claim the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens, our focus must be on eliminating the Thunder God's successor and no one else.
Moreover, we've agreed that the competition for the Celestial Demon position will be determined by skill once we conquer the Central Plains, diminishing the immediate significance of this event."
"Regardless, the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon played a huge role in this scenario. Having successfully vanquished four of the Seven Saints, it should be a relatively straightforward task for us to overcome the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance."
"With all due respect, can we expect the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance to remain in the same location?" Sky Beast Palace Patriarch Nam Hwa-Jin asked.
"As the Sky Beast Palace Patriarch rightly pointed out, upon verifying the demise of the four Saints, the Southern Sky Branch is likely to forgo direct confrontation and withdraw from Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang concurred with Hwa-Jin's perspective.
"Had we anticipated this outcome, we might have refrained from checking the Heavenly Killer Sect's status and instead launched an immediate assault on the Southern Sky Branch. A regrettable oversight," said Gal Cheon-Dok, expressing a sense of disappointment.
"Your viewpoint is shaped by hindsight. Who among us could have predicted that the Heavenly Killer Sect would successfully eliminate four of the Seven Saints? Regardless, the demise of these Saints enables us to seize control of Hunan Province, constituting a significant achievement in itself," Geuk-Sang remarked.
Cheon-Dok was also of the same thought.
"By the way, I'm curious about the status of the other factions."
"I'm equally eager to understand the situation. Currently, the Myriad Tribulations Clan is playing the role of luring in the Western Sky Branch. If the Tyrant Cult, Underworld Sect, and Blood-Crazed Clan manage to inflict harm on the Northern Sky Branch, it would indeed pave the way for the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to conquer the Central Plains," said Geuk-Sang.
"With just two of the Seven Saints stationed at the Northern Sky Branch, our odds of emerging victorious are quite favorable."
"Indeed, that matter doesn't fall within our jurisdiction. Let's entrust it to those handling it and concentrate on effectively securing Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang suggested.
Indeed, that goes without saying.
Prioritizing their assigned task of reclaiming Hunan Province, the Myriad Poison Divine Demon, Gal Cheon-Dok, and the Invincible Divine Demon, So Geuk-Sang, initiated actions to gauge the response of the Southern Sky Branch.
Upon confirming the Southern Sky Branch's retreat to Hubei Province, they swiftly invaded Changsha, the base of the Southern Sky Branch, and commenced the expedited elimination of lingering martial forces across Hunan Province, particularly in the vicinity of Changsha.
Having departed from Changsha in Hunan Province, the Southern Sky Branch established their new headquarters in Wuhan, Hubei Province, gearing up for an impending confrontation with the advancing forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
* * *
Baek Mu-Gun, accompanied by two of the Seven Saints, Peng Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong, reached the Northern Sky Branch. The leadership, aware of their accomplishments, organized a banquet in their honor. Despite Mu-Gun's slight displeasure at the premature celebration, he refrained from dampening the mood and allowed them to proceed as they wished.
"You didn't have to do this. Why throw a banquet over a minor victory when the Nine Celestial Demons Sect is still thriving? Instead of pondering such matters, it would be wiser for everyone to focus on strategizing how to minimize our losses and eradicate the Nine Celestial Demons Sect." Mu-Hwe shared Mu-Gun's sentiment, criticizing the Northern Sky Branch's leadership for arranging a banquet.
"While the Chaos Saber God has a point, we can't ignore the fact that both of you ventured into the enemy camp despite your age. Add to that the considerable efforts of the Golden Shield Thunder God. This banquet is a gesture of courtesy, so please don't be too upset," the Mount Hua Sect Patriarch Young Ho-Goon calmly explained to Mu-Hwe.
"That's right. In name, it's a banquet, but essentially, it's a carefully prepared dinner. Please don't be upset, and let's enjoy it together," added the Zongnan Sect Patriarch Jin Do-Myeong.
"Alright, since you've prepared with good intentions, let's go and enjoy a good meal. We can also discuss how to deal with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect while we eat," Huangfu Chong said.
"I'll join in since you've gone through the trouble of preparing, but let me remind you to focus solely on the impending battles with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, instead of any unnecessary distractions," Mu-Hwe stated firmly.
Understood.
You should come too. Huangfu Chong didn't forget about Mu-Gun.
At Huangfu Chongs words, Mu-Hwe nodded.
"What you're saying makes sense. Let's focus on devising a plan to handle the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's force targeting the Northern Sky Branch."
"For the time being, we've confirmed that the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang have withdrawn to the north. While eliminating them could eliminate a potential threat to the safety of the Central Plains Murim, given the urgency of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's threat, it might be more prudent to set them aside for now since they've retreated voluntarily," explained the Mount Hua Sect's Ho-Goon.
"You're right. We can address them later; for now, let's concentrate on dealing with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect," Mu-Hwe concurred.
"But considering the significant losses the Nine Celestial Demons Sect incurred, especially with the defeat of their Demonic Monarch-class masters, and the departure of the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang, will they attempt an attack on the Northern Sky Branch? Their power has substantially diminished. Even if the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect unite, they might not match the strength of the Northern Sky Branch," questioned the Zongnan Sect's Do-Myeong.
"Indeed, the factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, which were approximately a day away from the Northern Sky Branch, abruptly altered their course and retreated towards Shaanxi Province two days ago. Considering this, it's safe to assume there's little likelihood of them launching an attack on the Northern Sky Branch," Mun-Cheol clarified.
[1].
Then, what do you think their next move will be?
It is highly likely that the three factions will join forces and then target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Gun expressed his opinion.
The Western Sky Branch?
Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong looked at Mu-Gun at the same time.
"Based on the information available, it's been verified that there's a Nine Celestial Demons Sect faction in Guizhou Province. If these three factions converging here join with them, it's not inconceivable for them to set their sights on the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained.
"Hmm, you have a point. With an additional faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect joining their forces, targeting the Western Sky Branch would indeed provide them with a better chance of success," Mu-Hwe acknowledged.
If so, shouldnt we stop them from doing so? The Huangfu Familys Huangfu Tian said.
"Of course. We should take the initiative and strike them first to prevent any possibility of them targeting the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained his strategy.
You want us to attack first?
"Exactly. If we strike when the three factions merge, we can potentially defeat all three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in one decisive blow," Mu-Gun affirmed.
Then, we should wait for the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to merge first.
Wouldnt it be better to defeat them one by one before the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect join forces?
Mu-Gun shook his head at Do-Myeongs opinion.
"Undoubtedly, defeating them sequentially would have its advantages, but given the current circumstances, it's practically infeasible. The faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in Shanxi Province likely allied with the Tyrant Cult, which withdrew alongside the Sun God Palace.
Furthermore, in a matter of days, they'll probably link up with the faction in Shaanxi Province. Considering the considerable distance between us, pursuing and eliminating them one by one will be challenging," Mu-Gun reiterated.
Then, we should hurry up and give chase before they join forces and target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Hwe said urgently.
That is correct. We need to chase after them as soon as possible.
To do that, we will need to reduce the number of people we bring with us.
What do you think about organizing the pursuit team with masters above the First-Rate Realm? Mu-Gun suggested.
Only masters above the First-Rate Realm? Isnt that too few people?
It would be pointless if we bring people weaker than the First-Rate Realm anyway, Mu-Gun said frankly.
Well, that's true. Alright, lets do that. Mu-Hwe accepted Mu-Guns opinion.
Subsequently, the martial clans assembled at the Northern Sky Branchnamely the Hebei Peng Family, the Huangfu Family, the Mount Hua Sect, the Zongnan Sect, and the Shaolin Sectcommenced selecting martial artists above the First-Rate Realm.
The chosen forces numbered just over three thousand individuals, constituting slightly more than half of the total forces stationed at the Northern Sky Branch. This gathering of forces was possible due to the convergence of five out of the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families in one location.
Having assembled a pursuit team comprising solely martial arts masters above the First-Rate Realm, the newly established Northern Sky Branch's pursuit team promptly set forth from Taiyuan, initiating the chase after the forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
1. Translators Note: Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province are two totally different provinces. I know it sounds basically the same, but the Mandarin pronunciation sounds slightly different.
Chapter 199Five days after the Myriad Poison Sect, the Invincible Clan, and the Sky Beast Palace halted their progress at Mount Heng, the messenger dispatched to gather intelligence on the current status of the Heavenly Killer Sect returned with news.What? Did you just say that the Heavenly Killer Sect killed four of the Seven Saints? The Myriad Poison Divine Demon Gal Cheon-Dok asked again, unable to believe his ears.Thats right. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon unleashed his transcendental martial arts, the Heavenly Dark Sky Killing Art, and killed the four Saints. One of the Myriad Poison Sects Nine Demonic Monarchs, the Myriad Poison Sword Monarch Ju Jang-Cheon replied.And the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon is fine?It is reported that he lost his left arm, but it isn't life-threatening. Jang-Cheon responded.Amazing! What a surprise."My exact same thought. The Heavenly Killer Divine Demon's role in eliminating the four Saints is a monumental accomplishment," So Geuk-Sang remarked with a visibly astonished expression.Certainly, that alone may be enough for him to obtain the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens."I doubt that will be the case. While the Seven Saints are formidable adversaries, the primary nemesis of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect remains the successor to the Thunder God. To claim the position of the Celestial Demon of the Nine Heavens, our focus must be on eliminating the Thunder God's successor and no one else.Moreover, we've agreed that the competition for the Celestial Demon position will be determined by skill once we conquer the Central Plains, diminishing the immediate significance of this event.""Regardless, the Heavenly Killer Divine Demon played a huge role in this scenario. Having successfully vanquished four of the Seven Saints, it should be a relatively straightforward task for us to overcome the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance.""With all due respect, can we expect the Southern Sky Branch of the Central Plains Murim Alliance to remain in the same location?" Sky Beast Palace Patriarch Nam Hwa-Jin asked."As the Sky Beast Palace Patriarch rightly pointed out, upon verifying the demise of the four Saints, the Southern Sky Branch is likely to forgo direct confrontation and withdraw from Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang concurred with Hwa-Jin's perspective."Had we anticipated this outcome, we might have refrained from checking the Heavenly Killer Sect's status and instead launched an immediate assault on the Southern Sky Branch. A regrettable oversight," said Gal Cheon-Dok, expressing a sense of disappointment."Your viewpoint is shaped by hindsight. Who among us could have predicted that the Heavenly Killer Sect would successfully eliminate four of the Seven Saints? Regardless, the demise of these Saints enables us to seize control of Hunan Province, constituting a significant achievement in itself," Geuk-Sang remarked.Cheon-Dok was also of the same thought."By the way, I'm curious about the status of the other factions.""I'm equally eager to understand the situation. Currently, the Myriad Tribulations Clan is playing the role of luring in the Western Sky Branch. If the Tyrant Cult, Underworld Sect, and Blood-Crazed Clan manage to inflict harm on the Northern Sky Branch, it would indeed pave the way for the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to conquer the Central Plains," said Geuk-Sang."With just two of the Seven Saints stationed at the Northern Sky Branch, our odds of emerging victorious are quite favorable.""Indeed, that matter doesn't fall within our jurisdiction. Let's entrust it to those handling it and concentrate on effectively securing Hunan Province," Geuk-Sang suggested.Indeed, that goes without saying.Prioritizing their assigned task of reclaiming Hunan Province, the Myriad Poison Divine Demon, Gal Cheon-Dok, and the Invincible Divine Demon, So Geuk-Sang, initiated actions to gauge the response of the Southern Sky Branch.Upon confirming the Southern Sky Branch's retreat to Hubei Province, they swiftly invaded Changsha, the base of the Southern Sky Branch, and commenced the expedited elimination of lingering martial forces across Hunan Province, particularly in the vicinity of Changsha.Having departed from Changsha in Hunan Province, the Southern Sky Branch established their new headquarters in Wuhan, Hubei Province, gearing up for an impending confrontation with the advancing forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.* * *Baek Mu-Gun, accompanied by two of the Seven Saints, Peng Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong, reached the Northern Sky Branch. The leadership, aware of their accomplishments, organized a banquet in their honor. Despite Mu-Gun's slight displeasure at the premature celebration, he refrained from dampening the mood and allowed them to proceed as they wished."You didn't have to do this. Why throw a banquet over a minor victory when the Nine Celestial Demons Sect is still thriving? Instead of pondering such matters, it would be wiser for everyone to focus on strategizing how to minimize our losses and eradicate the Nine Celestial Demons Sect." Mu-Hwe shared Mu-Gun's sentiment, criticizing the Northern Sky Branch's leadership for arranging a banquet."While the Chaos Saber God has a point, we can't ignore the fact that both of you ventured into the enemy camp despite your age. Add to that the considerable efforts of the Golden Shield Thunder God. This banquet is a gesture of courtesy, so please don't be too upset," the Mount Hua Sect Patriarch Young Ho-Goon calmly explained to Mu-Hwe."That's right. In name, it's a banquet, but essentially, it's a carefully prepared dinner. Please don't be upset, and let's enjoy it together," added the Zongnan Sect Patriarch Jin Do-Myeong."Alright, since you've prepared with good intentions, let's go and enjoy a good meal. We can also discuss how to deal with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect while we eat," Huangfu Chong said."I'll join in since you've gone through the trouble of preparing, but let me remind you to focus solely on the impending battles with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, instead of any unnecessary distractions," Mu-Hwe stated firmly.Understood.You should come too. Huangfu Chong didn't forget about Mu-Gun.At Huangfu Chongs words, Mu-Hwe nodded."What you're saying makes sense. Let's focus on devising a plan to handle the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's force targeting the Northern Sky Branch.""For the time being, we've confirmed that the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang have withdrawn to the north. While eliminating them could eliminate a potential threat to the safety of the Central Plains Murim, given the urgency of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect's threat, it might be more prudent to set them aside for now since they've retreated voluntarily," explained the Mount Hua Sect's Ho-Goon."You're right. We can address them later; for now, let's concentrate on dealing with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect," Mu-Hwe concurred."But considering the significant losses the Nine Celestial Demons Sect incurred, especially with the defeat of their Demonic Monarch-class masters, and the departure of the Sun God Palace and the Blood Ring Gang, will they attempt an attack on the Northern Sky Branch? Their power has substantially diminished. Even if the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect unite, they might not match the strength of the Northern Sky Branch," questioned the Zongnan Sect's Do-Myeong."Indeed, the factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, which were approximately a day away from the Northern Sky Branch, abruptly altered their course and retreated towards Shaanxi Province two days ago. Considering this, it's safe to assume there's little likelihood of them launching an attack on the Northern Sky Branch," Mun-Cheol clarified.1.Then, what do you think their next move will be?It is highly likely that the three factions will join forces and then target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Gun expressed his opinion.The Western Sky Branch?Mu-Hwe and Huangfu Chong looked at Mu-Gun at the same time."Based on the information available, it's been verified that there's a Nine Celestial Demons Sect faction in Guizhou Province. If these three factions converging here join with them, it's not inconceivable for them to set their sights on the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained."Hmm, you have a point. With an additional faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect joining their forces, targeting the Western Sky Branch would indeed provide them with a better chance of success," Mu-Hwe acknowledged.If so, shouldnt we stop them from doing so? The Huangfu Familys Huangfu Tian said."Of course. We should take the initiative and strike them first to prevent any possibility of them targeting the Western Sky Branch," Mu-Gun explained his strategy.You want us to attack first?"Exactly. If we strike when the three factions merge, we can potentially defeat all three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in one decisive blow," Mu-Gun affirmed.Then, we should wait for the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect to merge first.Wouldnt it be better to defeat them one by one before the three factions of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect join forces?Mu-Gun shook his head at Do-Myeongs opinion."Undoubtedly, defeating them sequentially would have its advantages, but given the current circumstances, it's practically infeasible. The faction of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect in Shanxi Province likely allied with the Tyrant Cult, which withdrew alongside the Sun God Palace.Furthermore, in a matter of days, they'll probably link up with the faction in Shaanxi Province. Considering the considerable distance between us, pursuing and eliminating them one by one will be challenging," Mu-Gun reiterated.Then, we should hurry up and give chase before they join forces and target the Western Sky Branch. Mu-Hwe said urgently.That is correct. We need to chase after them as soon as possible.To do that, we will need to reduce the number of people we bring with us.What do you think about organizing the pursuit team with masters above the First-Rate Realm? Mu-Gun suggested.Only masters above the First-Rate Realm? Isnt that too few people?It would be pointless if we bring people weaker than the First-Rate Realm anyway, Mu-Gun said frankly.Well, that's true. Alright, lets do that. Mu-Hwe accepted Mu-Guns opinion.Subsequently, the martial clans assembled at the Northern Sky Branchnamely the Hebei Peng Family, the Huangfu Family, the Mount Hua Sect, the Zongnan Sect, and the Shaolin Sectcommenced selecting martial artists above the First-Rate Realm.The chosen forces numbered just over three thousand individuals, constituting slightly more than half of the total forces stationed at the Northern Sky Branch. This gathering of forces was possible due to the convergence of five out of the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families in one location.Having assembled a pursuit team comprising solely martial arts masters above the First-Rate Realm, the newly established Northern Sky Branch's pursuit team promptly set forth from Taiyuan, initiating the chase after the forces of the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.1. Translators Note: Shanxi Province and Shaanxi Province are two totally different provinces. I know it sounds basically the same, but the Mandarin pronunciation sounds slightly different.
