Chapter 73

Muyeong continued his explanation.

"In this area, five Martial Training Grounds and accommodations for Martial Artists are being built."

So, there are other areas as well? This place is already so vast.

Jeong Charyeon looked around. The scale was so large that she couldn't tell what was being built where.

"In addition to the main Martial Training Ground, four smaller Martial Training Grounds will be built between the accommodation buildings. The accommodations are being built in all four directions of the main Martial Training Ground."

"How many people can you accommodate here in total?"

"Approximately one thousand."

Jeong Charyeon was startled by the number of one thousand.

There were many groups in Jianghu that could mobilize a thousand Martial Artists. They could receive support from affiliated groups and allied Martial Artists here and there.

However, being able to mobilize that many people and being able to feed, house, and train them were completely different matters. There were not many groups in this Jianghu that could independently accommodate a thousand people.

What on earth are they up to?

Jeong Charyeon's heart pounded involuntarily.

Muyeong's explanation continued.

"In addition to the accommodations, we plan to build taverns, tea houses, and shops selling general food and sundries. Of course, on a small scale."

Wow! It's like a small castle.

Jeong Charyeon couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Muyeong wore a slightly embarrassed expression.

"The expenses are higher than expected. The funds we secured seem to be going entirely into construction costs."

"It's okay. Since we're building it, let's build it properly. We can always find more money somehow."

"Yes, I knew you would say that."

Muyeong led the two further inside again.

As they walked along the quiet path, four Martial Artists holding swords stood guarding the entrance.

The Martial Artists greeted Muyeong politely. They seemed to be the disciples Muyeong had mentioned earlier.

"They are trustworthy friends I know."

One of the Martial Artists stepped forward.

"Cheonghae Chilgaek (Seven Guests of Qinghai) greets the Sect Leader. We will serve you with utmost loyalty."

They bowed respectfully to Jeok Leegeon. They seemed to have been informed about Jeok Leegeon by Muyeong in advance.

"Please take good care of us in the future!"

Jeong Charyeon was inwardly surprised by the name Cheonghae Chilgaek. She had heard of them before. The fact that she, with her limited knowledge of Jianghu, had heard of them meant that they were quite famous in Jianghu.

Indeed, as Jeong Charyeon had guessed, they were quite well-known in Qinghai. The seven, who were sworn brothers, were all first-rate masters who had once owed Muyeong a life debt. They had maintained a steady friendship with Muyeong since then, and had now joined the Changcheon Sect in a surprise move.

The three passed through the gate guarded by four of the Cheonghae Chilgaek.

As they walked, Muyeong said,

"I thought we would need help to complete the construction safely, so I brought them in early."

"Good job. Handle it as you see fit, Muyeong."

"Yes."

Jeong Charyeon, who had arrived at another rear garden, was once again surprised.

It was the first time she had seen such a large flower garden.

As Jeong Charyeon was drawn by the scent of the flowers,

Whooooosh!

Suddenly, the scenery around her changed drastically.

"Ah!"

Jeong Charyeon screamed in surprise.

The place where she was standing was a small space on top of a cliff that rose like a blade. It had happened in an instant.

This is a real Array Formation!

The feeling was on a different level from the Array Formation that only blocked sound earlier.

Whooooosh!

The wind blowing was real wind. She staggered from the dizzying sensation. Thinking of retreating the way she had come, she took a step back.

Thud.

Something fell down the cliff behind her. The entrance was there, but the exit was not.

Jeong Charyeon was terrified.

"Leegeon! Help me!"

Then, Jeok Leegeon's voice came from below the cliff.

"Don't move, and wait. I'm dismantling the Array Formation now. Falling into the Array Formation this quickly is also a record. A great record."

Feeling like a troublemaker for some reason, Jeong Charyeon pouted. Of course, she didn't know that Jeok Leegeon was right next to the Array Formation, watching her.

She stuck her tongue out at the place where Jeok Leegeon's voice came from below the cliff.

Jeok Leegeon, who was watching from outside, grinned.

'Is she that happy?'

Muyeong, who was watching the scene, smiled at Jeok Leegeon.

Whooooosh!

The surrounding scenery began to change again. As if a large curtain covering all sides was being lifted, the surrounding scenery returned to normal.

Jeong Charyeon was relieved to see Jeok Leegeon's grinning face. Jeok Leegeon grabbed her arm as her legs trembled and she was about to collapse.

Hwa Mucheol approached with a surprised expression and said,

"Were you very surprised? I'm sorry. I left the Array Formation open for a moment because I had something to test. I made a mistake without knowing you were coming."

"No, it's okay. I was careless. I'm sorry."

"Ah! So, you are the Jeong Miss."

"Ah, yes."

The Jeong Miss? What meaning could be contained in 'the'?

Jeong Charyeon smiled awkwardly.

Jeok Leegeon looked at Muyeong with an expression that said he couldn't help it. It seemed that Muyeong had told Hwa Mucheol various stories. Muyeong subtly avoided his gaze.

Muyeong subtly changed the subject.

"The main buildings will be built behind this Array Formation."

Hwa Mucheol immediately added an explanation.

"A total of three Array Formations will be installed. The Array Formation from just now is the Gi Hwa Gugungjin (Mysterious Flower Nine Palaces Array). It is the lightest of the three Array Formations."

That's the lightest Array Formation?

Jeong Charyeon was inwardly greatly surprised.

"The second Array Formation is the five elements and seven stars formation. The last Array Formation is the Great Net of the Underworld King Formation. In particular, I am confident that once the Great Net of the Underworld King Formation is activated, no master, unless they know how to break the Array Formation, will be able to escape."

Jeok Leegeon nodded.

"That means it's a terrifying Array Formation. But Manor Lord Hwa, you're wrong about one thing."

"Yes?"

"There is definitely Martial arts that can break an Array Formation even if you don't know how to break it."

"Ah, yes."

Hwa Mucheol's expression was neither completely convinced nor disbelieving. It was a somewhat ambiguous expression.

"Well, the day you find out may come someday."

Hwa Mucheol smiled at Jeok Leegeon's words. It was what he wanted to say.

"Behind the three Array Formations, there will be a mechanism called the Seven Steps of the Death God Path. It is a mechanism composed of a total of seven stages. It is something that annihilated eight hundred Heuk-hwa (Black Flower) demons of the Secret Squad during the great orthodox-demonic war in just half an hour."

Hwa Mucheol's words were full of confidence.

"I trust Manor Lord Hwa."

Then, Jeok Leegeon continued worriedly.

"Don't overdo it too much. You look tired."

"I'm fine."

"Wait. I'll introduce you to a useful friend soon."

Jeong Charyeon guessed who they were. He must be referring to Cheol-sin (Iron Trust) of the Dark Electric Merchant Guild, who had attended the Dragon Phoenix Gathering with Heuk-hwa (Black Flower). Come to think of it, Cheol-sin (Iron Trust) and Hwa Mucheol had a similar atmosphere.

Muyeong, who had been listening to the conversation, opened his mouth.

"By the way, the elders are waiting for you."

"They're already here?"

"Yes. They said they would help with the work and came."

"I can't stop them."

Jeong Charyeon knew that they were Yang Hwa-young and the two old men who had taught her Martial arts. Jeong Charyeon wanted to go and see Yang Hwa-young quickly.

After crossing the huge flower garden and passing the open space where the Seven Steps of the Death God Path would be installed, there was a huge palace site and a small vegetable garden next to it.

Yang Hwa-young was squatting there, hoeing the ground.

Naeng Isang, Thunderbolt Sword, who was squatting next to her, said dissatisfiedly.

"Why are you pulling out those weeds by hand one by one? Step aside."

Yang Hwa-young waved her hand at the sight of him about to wield his sword and turn the ground upside down.

"Hey, what would we do then? We cultivate it for this small pleasure."

"It's frustrating. It's been an hour already, hasn't it? Should I carve a wooden plaque or something? Write 'Field cultivated by Supreme Demon Queen Yang Hwa-young' on it."

"Shall I write you a letter of introduction?"

"What kind of letter of introduction?"

"To give you a position in the New Demonic Sect. Seeing how impatient you've become these days, you're making flying and jumping demons go away. I think the New Demonic Sect would welcome you with open arms."

Cheon Mu-ak, Demon Sword, who was pulling weeds side by side, chuckled. Well, with Naeng Isang's Martial arts and Yang Hwa-young's letter of introduction, he could seize a Demon Lord position right now.

At that time, Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon entered, guided by Muyeong.

Yang Hwa-young, who saw Jeong Charyeon, jumped up and ran to her.

"Oh my! Our pretty child has come!"

And then, the one word she invariably uttered.

"How can she be so similar to my younger days?"

Naeng Isang shook his head in disbelief.

Yang Hwa-young glanced over Jeong Charyeon and then smiled brightly.

"Your skills have improved. How admirable. Child, what shall I teach you this time?"

She had immediately read Jeong Charyeon's change.

"Ah, no. The teachings you gave me last time were a great favor that I could not repay even if I tried my whole life."

"Don't mention such things. Come, come here."

As Yang Hwa-young grabbed her hand and pulled her, Jeok Leegeon pouted and asked.

"Do you like that child that much?"

"Yes. I like her, you rascal."

"If you like her that much, why don't you take her as a disciple?"

Then, Yang Hwa-young narrowed her eyes and looked at Jeok Leegeon.

"Would that be alright?"

"There's no reason why it wouldn't be."

Yang Hwa-young looked at Jeong Charyeon with sparkling eyes. Seeing that she was sincerely trying to take her as a disciple, Jeong Charyeon hurriedly said.

"I am not capable enough to handle such a thing."

Yang Hwa-young said with a smile.

"The reason why I cannot take you as a disciple is not because of you. The reason lies with me."

Naeng Isang and Cheon Mu-ak nodded.

Becoming a disciple of the Supreme Demon Queen was the greatest opportunity one could experience in Jianghu. But at the same time, it was also the most dangerous thing in Jianghu.

Jianghu still feared and loathed demons. And the three old men had experienced firsthand that humans' reaction to fear was not just obedience.

"Come, come here. Let's see how much you've improved."

Jeong Charyeon looked back at Jeok Leegeon.

Can I keep relying on you like this?

As if reading her mind, Jeok Leegeon nodded.

Jeok Leegeon said with his eyes. Don't miss the opportunity that has come to you.

Jeong Charyeon nodded back.

Yang Hwa-young giggled as if she found it cute that the two were exchanging glances.

Jeong Charyeon respectfully Clasped-fist Salute and said.

"Thanks to the elder's great teachings, I was able to generate Sword Qi this time."

"Good! Let's see it!"

Whoosh!

Sword Qi rose from Jeong Charyeon's sword.

Swish, swish, swish, swish!

Two streams of Sword Qi flew one after another towards one wall.

"Good! Well done!"

Yang Hwa-young exclaimed exaggeratedly.

After releasing the Sword Qi, Jeong Charyeon felt embarrassed. She had been showing off in front of great masters.

After the demonstration, Yang Hwa-young grabbed Jeong Charyeon's wrist.

"Your skin is as soft as silk."

Jeong Charyeon blushed at the embarrassing compliment as a Jianghu person.