Chapter 128: I'm Curious About Henan's Sage (2)
The other disciples of the Azure Forest were unaware of the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon and her circumstances.
Naturally, there was no one to tell the story of how they had entered the Criminal Repository, found the forged Blue Eye Gem, and absorbed its spiritual energy.
However, Yi-gang had shared this news with just one person.
One of the few who knew about the Blue-Eyed Mad Demon, who was none other than Yi-gangs senior brother, Dam Hyun.
After joining the Murim Alliance, Dam Hyun had not left his quarters.
He spent most of his days in his room, fiddling with something, or playing with the cats that lived in the Alliance.
Upon his return, Yi-gang first spoke to Dam Hyun about the Five Elements Tomb. Dam Hyun was also taken aback.
The Five Elements Tomb? The tomb of the Five Elements Divine Lord?
Yes. It seems that those boxes might be related to the Five Elements Tomb.
Well, it did say key in Sanskrit.
Although Dam Hyun seemed like a person with a screw loose, he was the most reliable person after Yu Jeong-shin in this regard.
His depth and breadth of knowledge were also superior to Yi-gangs.
So the mark of the maker was the emblem of the Five Elements Divine Lord?
No.
There was a makers mark engraved on the metal box.
Dam Hyun had once pondered the identity of this mark.
The emblem wasnt that of the Five Elements Divine Lord.
Then what?
Ive sent a letter of inquiry to Master, so I expect a reply soon.
Dam Hyun had also taken his own course of action. Yu Jeong-shin would know the identity of that emblem.
Yi-gang also spoke about the Criminal Repository, the story about the fake Blue Eye Gem and absorbing its spiritual energy.
Are you talking about the technique of infusing spiritual energy into jewels?
Does such a thing exist?
Of course. Naturally, objects like jade or azurite can be imbued with spiritual energy.
That reminded him. Even the amber ring that the Immortal Divine Sword often wore had a trace of spiritual energy in it.
However, its difficult for a person to artificially infuse spiritual energy. Unless they are an absolute master or an exceptional Taoist. And theres no reason to do it. Why would anyone infuse such precious spiritual energy into an object?
That made sense.
Compared to internal energy, accumulating Innate True Qi was much harder, and gathering spiritual energy compared to Innate True Qi was extremely difficult.
Unless one was an absolute master, in essence, spiritual energy was something one was born with.
Probably used other objects faintly imbued with spiritual energy, like jewels or elixirs, and applied some trick.
Similar to the attempt to create an artificial Treasure.
Yes, although its embarrassing to even compare the two. But with money and some level of skill, its possible.
It was a story about someone infusing spiritual energy into the items of the Criminal Repository in that manner.
Then how come the spiritual energy was absorbed as soon as I touched it
You, wretch!
Suddenly, Dam Hyun slammed his fist on the table with a bang!
He had a face full of fury.
Such a greedy bastard! Hoarding all the spiritual energy for himself!
Do you know how much effort Taoists put into gathering even a tiny bit of spiritual energy? You!
As Yi-gang took a step closer, Dam Hyun quickly shut his mouth.
He picked up a chair to shield himself and said, I-Im not saying that you did anything wrong
So why did this happen?
How would I know? Probably that the fox acted as a medium. Small fires are drawn to bigger ones The small spiritual energies were attracted to the one you possess. Besides, the technique of the person who infused that spiritual energy must have been subpar.
In any case, Yi-gang had encountered a stroke of luck.
He had unwittingly devoured the fruits of someones costly and laborious efforts.
And the benefits gained from the increase in total spiritual energy were not few.
Anyway, now I can use the spells Ive learned but never got to use.
Yi-gang smirked at Dam Hyuns words.
He was soon able to experience their utility.
The selection of the successors, organized by the Murim Alliances reception hall.
The people filling the outer courtyard were all young heroes who had come to participate in this event.
On his way there, Yi-gang formed a circle with his finger and placed it over one eye.
A small amount of Innate True Qi was consumed. It would harm an ordinary person, but Yi-gang, rich in spiritual energy, could soon replenish his Innate True Qi.
His pupils dilated, and soon distant places appeared closer.
It was the spell of Thousand Mile Vision. After gaining spiritual energy, he could use sorcery without chanting.
So many have gathered.
The crowd was bustling.
Above them hung a white cloth with words written in bold brush strokes:
Dragon-Phoenix Seven Stars Conference Successor Selection Exam
Out of the thirty to explore the Five Elements Tomb, fifteen were to be recruited externally.
Considering that more than a thousand people had gathered here, the competition was absurdly fierce.
However, all the young martial artists were inflated with anticipation. Some hoped to make a name for themselves, while others dreamed of finding great treasures in the Five Elements Tomb.
Yi-gang stood among the crowd.
His gaze subtly shifted to the side.
There were people dressed in Murim Alliance uniforms.
Who are those glaring from over there?Updated from n0velb(i)n.c(o)/m
It seems like they are the Alliances Inspection Squad members.
Why are they Ah.
It was obvious why the Murim Alliances inspection agents were observing the successors here.
They must be looking for spies from the Unorthodox Union or perhaps black-clad martial artists hiding their origins.
The news of the Five Elements Divine Lords hidden treasure map had spread.
Although the Murim Alliance had issued stern warnings, they couldnt be certain that the Unorthodox Union wouldnt send spies.
Peng Gu-hwi spread out his brothers headband wide to cover his forehead and eyebrows.
It had been over five years since their last visit to Kaifeng. With their beards grown out, nobody would recognize them.
From now on, youre a fist martial artist, not a blade wielder.
Right!
Peng Gu-hwi flexed his muscles, pleased.
Wearing the headband like a bandana, he looked like a bandit, but at least he would be unrecognizable.
However, soon they encountered something that made them panic.
All successors from sects listed in the Alliance roster, please come this way!
The successors from renowned sects were exempt from the first round of exams.
Peng Gu-in, trying to hide his identity, was stuck waiting here
Damn, missed it!
Argh, how could I not have thought of this.
Yi-gang was not only a disciple of the Azure Forest but also the eldest son of the Baek Noble Clan.
Naturally, he would step aside and be exempt from the preliminary exam.
The Peng Clans Twin Tigers almost ended up like dogs chasing chickens.
Hes not going?
Yi-gang closed his eyes tightly and stood still.
Whats he thinking?
Hes probably waiting to see how things go before making a move.
They watched Yi-gang with suspicion.
There was a reason for it. As far as they knew, the preliminary exam was extremely disadvantageous for Yi-gang.
Tough and passionate young men like the Peng brothers would easily pass, but for someone like Yi-gang, who seemed more like a dandy, it was better to be exempted.
They waited for Yi-gang to sneak away, but as the line shortened and Yi-gangs turn approached, nothing out of the ordinary happened.
Soon, the secretary heard Yi-gangs name and exclaimed, Henans Sage!
The crowd murmured.
Why is Henans Sage here
Could he be participating in this expedition?
But why stand in line with us ordinary folks?
Its obvious, havent you heard the rumors?
What rumors?
At that moment, the people standing next to Peng Gu-in were murmuring.
The Peng Clans Twin Tigers listened intently.
Hes different from his appearance, a real hero.
A hero? He doesnt look like one.
Three Green Forest Executioners acted on Henans Sages command to purge the Green Forest bandits.
What?
And thats not all, in Yanling County, he scolded a corrupt head officer, and in Kaifeng, he caught a fiend and was rewarded by the governor.
Ive heard about that
At yesterdays opening ceremony, the Murim Alliance Leader urged him to join the expedition team.
The Divine Monk? Personally!
This was news to them.
Even if the Alliance Leader had said so, could such a rumor have spread so quickly?
Its been a long time since the Divine Monk got involved in worldly matters.
Thats why the rumor spread so quickly. Its the first time hes shown interest in a mere successor.
Peng Gu-in joined the conversation of the chattering martial artists.
Is that true?
The man turned away with a displeased expression, but his demeanor softened upon seeing Peng Gu-ins stature.
Its true. Thats why everyone is so surprised.
Then why isnt he stepping aside and waiting here for the preliminary exam?
Must be a man of firm character. The type to compete fairly and squarely, something like that.
No way!
It seemed impossible for the sleek Yi-gang to be like that.
Yet Yi-gang, despite attracting attention, completed his registration.
It was soon Peng Gu-ins turn, who had been sneakily watching Yi-gang with suspicion.
The secretary asked the routine question.
State your name and affiliated sect. If you cannot disclose your sect, you may face future disadvantages
My name is Gu In-nam. I dont have a nickname.
Young Master Gu In-nam. And your sect?
I belong to a mysterious sect, so I cannot disclose it!
Its my first time seeing someone describe their own sect as mysterious. Besides, are you really under twenty-four?
Twenty-three.
You dont look that age.
I am telling you, I am!
He was indeed twenty-three years old.
When Peng Gu-in shouted, the secretary, with a reluctant expression, wrote down his name on the list.
There will be a verification process later. The preliminary examination area is over there
I just heard its conducted in groups. Can I choose my group members?
Its first come, first served. If you have someone to go with, then go together oh.
Peng Gu-in hurried away briskly.
Even the Murim Alliance secretary was startled by his speed.
His destination was Yi-gang, who was already heading towards the examination area, intending to be in the same group as him.
And the secretary, left alone, scratched his head with the back of the brush.
Sheesh, looks like a bandit, talking about a mysterious sect? Tsk tsk.
He shook his head disapprovingly as he continued with the registrations.
