Chapter 98
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Chapter 98
Ma Yong-Seongs expression hardened when what seemed to be an endlessly huge tsunami made its way toward him. He unleashed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again in response, manifesting a demonic hand and blocking the Heavenly Sea Waves Saber Arts Thousand Waves Qi. However, his demonic hand was pushed back, unable to withstand the Thousand Waves Qis relentless rampage.
Baek Mu-Guns martial arts perplexed Yong-Seong and exceeded his expectation. He unleashed even more internal energy, increasing the pitch-black hands size and pushing even harder against the Thousand Waves Qi, their head-on collision almost like a tug-of-war.
Amid it all, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners, who had been pushed back some distance away, rushed toward Mu-Gun as soon as they recovered from the impact. Despite being stuck in a contest of strength against Yong-Seong, Mu-Gun was forced to shake off his sword and take a step back.
The four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners chased after and attacked Mu-Gun, black hands forming out of their hands and striking at him from all directions. The hands they manifested resembled Yong-Seongs Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, but their sizes and shapes paled in comparison not only because their martial prowess was at a lower level but also because the martial art they learned was the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands, which was a rank lower than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands. Regardless, the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands was by no means insignificant. Although it was weaker than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, it was still a powerful martial art in its own right.
Mu-Gun defended against their attack without underestimating it. He used the Celestial Moonlight Sword Art this time, which was perfect for blocking block attacks coming from various directions. Rays of moonlight sword qi extended in all directions and clashed with the Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners black hands. Explosions and shockwave blasts simultaneously appeared on all sides.
The shockwaves pushed back the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners even though they attacked Mu-Gun at the same time, evidencing that his internal energy and martial prowess were greater than all four of them combined. Mu-Gun pursued them as they were blasted away, then hurriedly raised the Flying Golden Shield when a huge black hand ran rampant toward him.
Their clash unleashed a thunderous roar. For the first time since their battle began, Yong-Seong successfully pushed Mu-Gun back a few steps. Not missing a beat, he chased after Mu-Gun and invoked the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands in succession. The black hands, which seemed to be evil incarnates, penetrated through Mu-Guns flanks.
Mu-Gun blocked Yong-Seongs attack with the Flying Golden Shield again, and just like before, he was pushed back a few steps. Thinking his attacks were finally making an impact on Mu-Gun, Yong-Seong believed Mu-Gun would eventually falter if he just kept attacking. However, contrary to his expectations, Mu-Gun did not receive any damage whatsoever. The Flying Golden Shield absorbed most of the impact, and he easily negated whatever remained of it since he was reinforced by the Iron Blood Vajra Body Cultivation Technique.
Mu-Gun was deliberately allowing Yong-Seong to go on the offensive. After all, although the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands was very powerful, it also consumed a lot of internal energy. He didnt know how much internal energy Yong-Seong possessed, but it didnt matter since he would eventually run out of it if he kept attacking without much thought.
Mu-Gun waited for Yong-Seongs internal energy to be depleted. He didnt really have to use such a troublesome method, considering he could have quickly put an end to their fight using the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword, but he had to experience this sort of battle so he would be prepared if ever there came a time when he couldnt use the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword. However, Yong-Seong proved hard to deal with. After several attacks, he saw through Mu-Guns goal when he noticed Mu-Gun just focused on defense using the Flying Golden Shield.
Youre much more cunning than you look, greenhorn brat.
Yong-Seong gritted his teeth, thinking Mu-Gun, who was younger than him, looked down on him.
Your martial arts are weaker than I expected. It seems the Nine Celestial Demons Sect has significantly weakened.
Mu-Guns provoking remarks made Yong-Seongs expression harden. However, putting his martial arts aside, Yong-Seong realized that there was something different about Mu-Gun, considering he had already deduced who Yong-Seong was.
Who are you?
Im Baek Mu-Gun, the young patriarch of the Baek Sword Sect.
Thats not what I meant. What is your true identity?
Let me show you.
Along with that response, Mu-Gun sheathed his sword and hung his shield behind his back.
What are you trying to do? Yong-Seong was baffled.
My sword and shield arent my only weapons.
Mu-Gun snickered and began gathering Thunder God Qi. As he did, golden lightning formed around him, accumulated over both his palms, and took the shape of huge hands. He had just executed the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike, one of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sects secret techniques that could destroy everything in its path. Yong-Seongs eyes widened at the sight of it.
The Thunder Gods successor! he realized as he stared at the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike.
Now that you know who I really am, you better not think you can still leave this place alive. Mu-Gun approached Yong-Seong and extended his hand. The golden lightning hands sprang out like a thunderbolt and struck Yong-Seong.
Everyone, dodge! Yong-Seong urgently shouted at the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners as he executed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again. The black hand that appeared collided with the golden lightning hands, which were rampaging right on top of them. The golden lightning hands unleashed a thunderous blast that pierced through the black hand, causing it to distort and disappear. As it did, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners attacked Mu-Gun again.
We should take them with us. Theyre proof that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin is in collusion with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
Mu-Gun and the Four Peerless Wanderers took the corpses of Yong-Seong and the others and headed to where the Zhejiang Martial Alliances martial artists were. Just like what Yoo-Sung had said, the battle between the Zhejiang Martial Alliance and Lulin had already ended. It seemed when the battle tilted in the Zhejiang Martial Alliances favor, the Lulin members dropped their weapons and surrendered.
After instructing the Zhejiang Martial Alliances warriors to clean up the area, Mu-Gun discussed their next course of action with the Byeok Sword Manors new patriarch Byeok Cheol-Seong, Wind Saber Sect Patriarch Tae Gong-Pyo, and the Baek Sword Sects Baek Cheon-Gi. Mu-Gun first showed the corpses of Yong-Seong and his underlings to them, then informed them that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were being controlled by the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. Hearing those two factions were connected surprised them.
Im worried. The Nine Celestial Demons Sect would retaliate against the Zhejiang Martial Alliance because of this incident. Cheol-Seong expressed his concern.
Thats why we have to make a move first before that happens.
What do you mean by that?
We have to inform murim that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, then attack the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.
Wont that further hasten the Nine Celestial Demons Sects retaliation?
If we publicly announce the relationship between the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, murims attention will inevitably be focused on that. Unless the Nine Celestial Demons Sect decides to step out in the open at that moment, theyll be busy saving their own asses. Furthermore, if they learn through this incident that the Four Peerless Wanderers have joined the Baek Sword Sect, even the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wont be able to think lightly of the Zhejiang Martial Alliance.
Cheol-Seong and Gong-Pyo agreed with Mu-Gun. The Nine Celestial Demons Sects movements were restricted since they operated behind the scenes, so they would likely be concerned about attracting Murims attention, which had been searching for them. Taking that into consideration, the Four Peerless Wanderers, who were all Absolute Realm masters, would be a difficult obstacle for them to overcome. Of course, it would be a different story if they decided to finally step into the limelight.
Will we begin the raid on the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once the Ten Clans of Zhejiang have gathered, then? Gong-Pyo asked.
Right after Lulin made a move earlier, a carrier pigeon was immediately sent to the clans that had gone back to their respective homes, asking them to return to Hangzhou.
Thats right. We will marshal our members for the upcoming battle and wait until the other clans arrive. While waiting, well also inform the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and come up with follow-up measures.
The moment the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families begin to take this seriously would be the end of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.
We will have to wait and see if they will actively take action.
Will they really leave the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once it has been revealed that theyre colluding with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect?
Some of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin members have a considerable amount of power. Even the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families would feel pressured to attack them. Hence, its possible they will just keep trying to pass on the responsibility instead of immediately taking action.
Do you really think they will do something like that? The Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families should know very well that leaving the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin unattended could bring forth even more problems once the Nine Celestial Demons Sect makes a move later on. Hence, wont they just join hands in punishing the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin?
Hes right. They are still the pillars who lead murim, so they would probably feel obligated to do so. Cheol-Seong said, agreeing with Gong-Pyos comment.
It would be a relief if that happens. Anyway, we just have to do our part.
Isnt eliminating Lulins forces in Zhejiang Province already enough?
We will start with the bandit strongholds in Zhejiang Province, then we will decide on whether to attack the bandit strongholds in other regions based on the situation.
Four out of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were in Zhejiang Province, namely the Fury Tiger Stronghold of Mount Tianmu, the Blood Wolf Stronghold of Mount Mogan, the Ghost Tiger Stronghold of Mount Dayang, and the Nine Dragons Stronghold of Mount Jiulong.
The Nine Dragons Stronghold had already been wiped out, and the Fury Tiger Stronghold had lost its elite members, including their chief, in the Battle of West Lake, so they were just walking down a path of ruin at this point. That left them with two other targets for them to pay attention to within Zhejiang Province.
However, those two strongholds were relatively few in numbers even among the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, so it wouldnt be that hard to bring them down. The question was whether to attack the powerful bandit strongholds in other regions, but it wasnt a pressing matter just yet, considering they were yet to decide on it.
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Chapter 98
Ma Yong-Seongs expression hardened when what seemed to be an endlessly huge tsunami made its way toward him. He unleashed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again in response, manifesting a demonic hand and blocking the Heavenly Sea Waves Saber Arts Thousand Waves Qi. However, his demonic hand was pushed back, unable to withstand the Thousand Waves Qis relentless rampage.
Baek Mu-Guns martial arts perplexed Yong-Seong and exceeded his expectation. He unleashed even more internal energy, increasing the pitch-black hands size and pushing even harder against the Thousand Waves Qi, their head-on collision almost like a tug-of-war.
Amid it all, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners, who had been pushed back some distance away, rushed toward Mu-Gun as soon as they recovered from the impact. Despite being stuck in a contest of strength against Yong-Seong, Mu-Gun was forced to shake off his sword and take a step back.
The four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners chased after and attacked Mu-Gun, black hands forming out of their hands and striking at him from all directions. The hands they manifested resembled Yong-Seongs Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, but their sizes and shapes paled in comparison not only because their martial prowess was at a lower level but also because the martial art they learned was the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands, which was a rank lower than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands. Regardless, the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands was by no means insignificant. Although it was weaker than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, it was still a powerful martial art in its own right.
Mu-Gun defended against their attack without underestimating it. He used the Celestial Moonlight Sword Art this time, which was perfect for blocking block attacks coming from various directions. Rays of moonlight sword qi extended in all directions and clashed with the Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners black hands. Explosions and shockwave blasts simultaneously appeared on all sides.
The shockwaves pushed back the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners even though they attacked Mu-Gun at the same time, evidencing that his internal energy and martial prowess were greater than all four of them combined. Mu-Gun pursued them as they were blasted away, then hurriedly raised the Flying Golden Shield when a huge black hand ran rampant toward him.
Their clash unleashed a thunderous roar. For the first time since their battle began, Yong-Seong successfully pushed Mu-Gun back a few steps. Not missing a beat, he chased after Mu-Gun and invoked the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands in succession. The black hands, which seemed to be evil incarnates, penetrated through Mu-Guns flanks.
Mu-Gun blocked Yong-Seongs attack with the Flying Golden Shield again, and just like before, he was pushed back a few steps. Thinking his attacks were finally making an impact on Mu-Gun, Yong-Seong believed Mu-Gun would eventually falter if he just kept attacking. However, contrary to his expectations, Mu-Gun did not receive any damage whatsoever. The Flying Golden Shield absorbed most of the impact, and he easily negated whatever remained of it since he was reinforced by the Iron Blood Vajra Body Cultivation Technique.
Mu-Gun was deliberately allowing Yong-Seong to go on the offensive. After all, although the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands was very powerful, it also consumed a lot of internal energy. He didnt know how much internal energy Yong-Seong possessed, but it didnt matter since he would eventually run out of it if he kept attacking without much thought.
Mu-Gun waited for Yong-Seongs internal energy to be depleted. He didnt really have to use such a troublesome method, considering he could have quickly put an end to their fight using the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword, but he had to experience this sort of battle so he would be prepared if ever there came a time when he couldnt use the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword. However, Yong-Seong proved hard to deal with. After several attacks, he saw through Mu-Guns goal when he noticed Mu-Gun just focused on defense using the Flying Golden Shield.
Youre much more cunning than you look, greenhorn brat.
Yong-Seong gritted his teeth, thinking Mu-Gun, who was younger than him, looked down on him.
Your martial arts are weaker than I expected. It seems the Nine Celestial Demons Sect has significantly weakened.
Mu-Guns provoking remarks made Yong-Seongs expression harden. However, putting his martial arts aside, Yong-Seong realized that there was something different about Mu-Gun, considering he had already deduced who Yong-Seong was.
Who are you?
Im Baek Mu-Gun, the young patriarch of the Baek Sword Sect.
Thats not what I meant. What is your true identity?
Let me show you.
Along with that response, Mu-Gun sheathed his sword and hung his shield behind his back.
What are you trying to do? Yong-Seong was baffled.
My sword and shield arent my only weapons.
Mu-Gun snickered and began gathering Thunder God Qi. As he did, golden lightning formed around him, accumulated over both his palms, and took the shape of huge hands. He had just executed the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike, one of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sects secret techniques that could destroy everything in its path. Yong-Seongs eyes widened at the sight of it.
The Thunder Gods successor! he realized as he stared at the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike.
Now that you know who I really am, you better not think you can still leave this place alive. Mu-Gun approached Yong-Seong and extended his hand. The golden lightning hands sprang out like a thunderbolt and struck Yong-Seong.
Everyone, dodge! Yong-Seong urgently shouted at the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners as he executed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again. The black hand that appeared collided with the golden lightning hands, which were rampaging right on top of them. The golden lightning hands unleashed a thunderous blast that pierced through the black hand, causing it to distort and disappear. As it did, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners attacked Mu-Gun again.
We should take them with us. Theyre proof that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin is in collusion with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.
Mu-Gun and the Four Peerless Wanderers took the corpses of Yong-Seong and the others and headed to where the Zhejiang Martial Alliances martial artists were. Just like what Yoo-Sung had said, the battle between the Zhejiang Martial Alliance and Lulin had already ended. It seemed when the battle tilted in the Zhejiang Martial Alliances favor, the Lulin members dropped their weapons and surrendered.
After instructing the Zhejiang Martial Alliances warriors to clean up the area, Mu-Gun discussed their next course of action with the Byeok Sword Manors new patriarch Byeok Cheol-Seong, Wind Saber Sect Patriarch Tae Gong-Pyo, and the Baek Sword Sects Baek Cheon-Gi. Mu-Gun first showed the corpses of Yong-Seong and his underlings to them, then informed them that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were being controlled by the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. Hearing those two factions were connected surprised them.
Im worried. The Nine Celestial Demons Sect would retaliate against the Zhejiang Martial Alliance because of this incident. Cheol-Seong expressed his concern.
Thats why we have to make a move first before that happens.
What do you mean by that?
We have to inform murim that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, then attack the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.
Wont that further hasten the Nine Celestial Demons Sects retaliation?
If we publicly announce the relationship between the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, murims attention will inevitably be focused on that. Unless the Nine Celestial Demons Sect decides to step out in the open at that moment, theyll be busy saving their own asses. Furthermore, if they learn through this incident that the Four Peerless Wanderers have joined the Baek Sword Sect, even the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wont be able to think lightly of the Zhejiang Martial Alliance.
Cheol-Seong and Gong-Pyo agreed with Mu-Gun. The Nine Celestial Demons Sects movements were restricted since they operated behind the scenes, so they would likely be concerned about attracting Murims attention, which had been searching for them. Taking that into consideration, the Four Peerless Wanderers, who were all Absolute Realm masters, would be a difficult obstacle for them to overcome. Of course, it would be a different story if they decided to finally step into the limelight.
Will we begin the raid on the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once the Ten Clans of Zhejiang have gathered, then? Gong-Pyo asked.
Right after Lulin made a move earlier, a carrier pigeon was immediately sent to the clans that had gone back to their respective homes, asking them to return to Hangzhou.
Thats right. We will marshal our members for the upcoming battle and wait until the other clans arrive. While waiting, well also inform the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and come up with follow-up measures.
The moment the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families begin to take this seriously would be the end of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.
We will have to wait and see if they will actively take action.
Will they really leave the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once it has been revealed that theyre colluding with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect?
Some of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin members have a considerable amount of power. Even the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families would feel pressured to attack them. Hence, its possible they will just keep trying to pass on the responsibility instead of immediately taking action.
Do you really think they will do something like that? The Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families should know very well that leaving the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin unattended could bring forth even more problems once the Nine Celestial Demons Sect makes a move later on. Hence, wont they just join hands in punishing the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin?
Hes right. They are still the pillars who lead murim, so they would probably feel obligated to do so. Cheol-Seong said, agreeing with Gong-Pyos comment.
It would be a relief if that happens. Anyway, we just have to do our part.
Isnt eliminating Lulins forces in Zhejiang Province already enough?
We will start with the bandit strongholds in Zhejiang Province, then we will decide on whether to attack the bandit strongholds in other regions based on the situation.
Four out of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were in Zhejiang Province, namely the Fury Tiger Stronghold of Mount Tianmu, the Blood Wolf Stronghold of Mount Mogan, the Ghost Tiger Stronghold of Mount Dayang, and the Nine Dragons Stronghold of Mount Jiulong.
The Nine Dragons Stronghold had already been wiped out, and the Fury Tiger Stronghold had lost its elite members, including their chief, in the Battle of West Lake, so they were just walking down a path of ruin at this point. That left them with two other targets for them to pay attention to within Zhejiang Province.
However, those two strongholds were relatively few in numbers even among the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, so it wouldnt be that hard to bring them down. The question was whether to attack the powerful bandit strongholds in other regions, but it wasnt a pressing matter just yet, considering they were yet to decide on it.
Chapter 98Ma Yong-Seongs expression hardened when what seemed to be an endlessly huge tsunami made its way toward him. He unleashed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again in response, manifesting a demonic hand and blocking the Heavenly Sea Waves Saber Arts Thousand Waves Qi. However, his demonic hand was pushed back, unable to withstand the Thousand Waves Qis relentless rampage.Baek Mu-Guns martial arts perplexed Yong-Seong and exceeded his expectation. He unleashed even more internal energy, increasing the pitch-black hands size and pushing even harder against the Thousand Waves Qi, their head-on collision almost like a tug-of-war.Amid it all, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners, who had been pushed back some distance away, rushed toward Mu-Gun as soon as they recovered from the impact. Despite being stuck in a contest of strength against Yong-Seong, Mu-Gun was forced to shake off his sword and take a step back.The four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners chased after and attacked Mu-Gun, black hands forming out of their hands and striking at him from all directions. The hands they manifested resembled Yong-Seongs Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, but their sizes and shapes paled in comparison not only because their martial prowess was at a lower level but also because the martial art they learned was the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands, which was a rank lower than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands. Regardless, the Blood-Crazed Black Demon Hands was by no means insignificant. Although it was weaker than the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands, it was still a powerful martial art in its own right.Mu-Gun defended against their attack without underestimating it. He used the Celestial Moonlight Sword Art this time, which was perfect for blocking block attacks coming from various directions. Rays of moonlight sword qi extended in all directions and clashed with the Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners black hands. Explosions and shockwave blasts simultaneously appeared on all sides.The shockwaves pushed back the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners even though they attacked Mu-Gun at the same time, evidencing that his internal energy and martial prowess were greater than all four of them combined. Mu-Gun pursued them as they were blasted away, then hurriedly raised the Flying Golden Shield when a huge black hand ran rampant toward him.Their clash unleashed a thunderous roar. For the first time since their battle began, Yong-Seong successfully pushed Mu-Gun back a few steps. Not missing a beat, he chased after Mu-Gun and invoked the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands in succession. The black hands, which seemed to be evil incarnates, penetrated through Mu-Guns flanks.Mu-Gun blocked Yong-Seongs attack with the Flying Golden Shield again, and just like before, he was pushed back a few steps. Thinking his attacks were finally making an impact on Mu-Gun, Yong-Seong believed Mu-Gun would eventually falter if he just kept attacking. However, contrary to his expectations, Mu-Gun did not receive any damage whatsoever. The Flying Golden Shield absorbed most of the impact, and he easily negated whatever remained of it since he was reinforced by the Iron Blood Vajra Body Cultivation Technique.Mu-Gun was deliberately allowing Yong-Seong to go on the offensive. After all, although the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands was very powerful, it also consumed a lot of internal energy. He didnt know how much internal energy Yong-Seong possessed, but it didnt matter since he would eventually run out of it if he kept attacking without much thought.Mu-Gun waited for Yong-Seongs internal energy to be depleted. He didnt really have to use such a troublesome method, considering he could have quickly put an end to their fight using the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword, but he had to experience this sort of battle so he would be prepared if ever there came a time when he couldnt use the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sword. However, Yong-Seong proved hard to deal with. After several attacks, he saw through Mu-Guns goal when he noticed Mu-Gun just focused on defense using the Flying Golden Shield.Youre much more cunning than you look, greenhorn brat.Yong-Seong gritted his teeth, thinking Mu-Gun, who was younger than him, looked down on him.Your martial arts are weaker than I expected. It seems the Nine Celestial Demons Sect has significantly weakened.Mu-Guns provoking remarks made Yong-Seongs expression harden. However, putting his martial arts aside, Yong-Seong realized that there was something different about Mu-Gun, considering he had already deduced who Yong-Seong was.Who are you?Im Baek Mu-Gun, the young patriarch of the Baek Sword Sect.Thats not what I meant. What is your true identity?Let me show you.Along with that response, Mu-Gun sheathed his sword and hung his shield behind his back.What are you trying to do? Yong-Seong was baffled.My sword and shield arent my only weapons.Mu-Gun snickered and began gathering Thunder God Qi. As he did, golden lightning formed around him, accumulated over both his palms, and took the shape of huge hands. He had just executed the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike, one of the Heavenly Descent Thunder God Sects secret techniques that could destroy everything in its path. Yong-Seongs eyes widened at the sight of it.The Thunder Gods successor! he realized as he stared at the Heavenly Descent Thunder Strike.Now that you know who I really am, you better not think you can still leave this place alive. Mu-Gun approached Yong-Seong and extended his hand. The golden lightning hands sprang out like a thunderbolt and struck Yong-Seong.Everyone, dodge! Yong-Seong urgently shouted at the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners as he executed the Blood-Crazed Monarch Hands again. The black hand that appeared collided with the golden lightning hands, which were rampaging right on top of them. The golden lightning hands unleashed a thunderous blast that pierced through the black hand, causing it to distort and disappear. As it did, the four Upper Peak Realm demonic practitioners attacked Mu-Gun again.We should take them with us. Theyre proof that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin is in collusion with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect.Mu-Gun and the Four Peerless Wanderers took the corpses of Yong-Seong and the others and headed to where the Zhejiang Martial Alliances martial artists were. Just like what Yoo-Sung had said, the battle between the Zhejiang Martial Alliance and Lulin had already ended. It seemed when the battle tilted in the Zhejiang Martial Alliances favor, the Lulin members dropped their weapons and surrendered.After instructing the Zhejiang Martial Alliances warriors to clean up the area, Mu-Gun discussed their next course of action with the Byeok Sword Manors new patriarch Byeok Cheol-Seong, Wind Saber Sect Patriarch Tae Gong-Pyo, and the Baek Sword Sects Baek Cheon-Gi. Mu-Gun first showed the corpses of Yong-Seong and his underlings to them, then informed them that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were being controlled by the Nine Celestial Demons Sect. Hearing those two factions were connected surprised them.Im worried. The Nine Celestial Demons Sect would retaliate against the Zhejiang Martial Alliance because of this incident. Cheol-Seong expressed his concern.Thats why we have to make a move first before that happens.What do you mean by that?We have to inform murim that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect, then attack the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.Wont that further hasten the Nine Celestial Demons Sects retaliation?If we publicly announce the relationship between the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, murims attention will inevitably be focused on that. Unless the Nine Celestial Demons Sect decides to step out in the open at that moment, theyll be busy saving their own asses. Furthermore, if they learn through this incident that the Four Peerless Wanderers have joined the Baek Sword Sect, even the Nine Celestial Demons Sect wont be able to think lightly of the Zhejiang Martial Alliance.Cheol-Seong and Gong-Pyo agreed with Mu-Gun. The Nine Celestial Demons Sects movements were restricted since they operated behind the scenes, so they would likely be concerned about attracting Murims attention, which had been searching for them. Taking that into consideration, the Four Peerless Wanderers, who were all Absolute Realm masters, would be a difficult obstacle for them to overcome. Of course, it would be a different story if they decided to finally step into the limelight.Will we begin the raid on the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once the Ten Clans of Zhejiang have gathered, then? Gong-Pyo asked.Right after Lulin made a move earlier, a carrier pigeon was immediately sent to the clans that had gone back to their respective homes, asking them to return to Hangzhou.Thats right. We will marshal our members for the upcoming battle and wait until the other clans arrive. While waiting, well also inform the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families that the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin are connected to the Nine Celestial Demons Sect and come up with follow-up measures.The moment the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families begin to take this seriously would be the end of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin.We will have to wait and see if they will actively take action.Will they really leave the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin once it has been revealed that theyre colluding with the Nine Celestial Demons Sect?Some of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin members have a considerable amount of power. Even the Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families would feel pressured to attack them. Hence, its possible they will just keep trying to pass on the responsibility instead of immediately taking action.Do you really think they will do something like that? The Nine Prominent Sects and the Seven Great Families should know very well that leaving the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin unattended could bring forth even more problems once the Nine Celestial Demons Sect makes a move later on. Hence, wont they just join hands in punishing the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin?Hes right. They are still the pillars who lead murim, so they would probably feel obligated to do so. Cheol-Seong said, agreeing with Gong-Pyos comment.It would be a relief if that happens. Anyway, we just have to do our part.Isnt eliminating Lulins forces in Zhejiang Province already enough?We will start with the bandit strongholds in Zhejiang Province, then we will decide on whether to attack the bandit strongholds in other regions based on the situation.Four out of the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin were in Zhejiang Province, namely the Fury Tiger Stronghold of Mount Tianmu, the Blood Wolf Stronghold of Mount Mogan, the Ghost Tiger Stronghold of Mount Dayang, and the Nine Dragons Stronghold of Mount Jiulong.The Nine Dragons Stronghold had already been wiped out, and the Fury Tiger Stronghold had lost its elite members, including their chief, in the Battle of West Lake, so they were just walking down a path of ruin at this point. That left them with two other targets for them to pay attention to within Zhejiang Province.However, those two strongholds were relatively few in numbers even among the Seventy-Two Strongholds of Lulin, so it wouldnt be that hard to bring them down. The question was whether to attack the powerful bandit strongholds in other regions, but it wasnt a pressing matter just yet, considering they were yet to decide on it.
