Almighty God of War - Chapter 189

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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189

Five days later.

The midday sun blazed down upon the wide-open official road stretching from Anhui Province to Jiangxi Province.

Clatter, clatter—

The sound of three horses’ hooves broke the silence, echoing across the fields.

At the front, Guyang Cheongang rode with an indifferent expression, his bamboo hat pulled low as he gripped the reins.

Right beside him, Baek Muok rode alongside, his body swaying with the horse’s rhythm with considerably improved skill.

Before leaving Geumneung, Guyang Cheongang had purchased two more horses for Baek Muok and Neungnam Gwang.

For the boy, it was his first horse of his very own.

At first, he had struggled even to hold the reins properly, but now, five days later, he had gained enough composure to appreciate the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers from his stable posture.

The third horse naturally carried Neungnam Gwang, but there was something strangely unsettling about him.

His usual boisterous energy was nowhere to be found.

His posture on the horse was hunched and curved, and his once-broad shoulders had lost all their strength, swaying like a doll.

Most striking of all were his eyes.

His half-unfocused gaze was fixed on some point in midair, and his eyelids seemed frozen as if they had forgotten how to blink.

He looked as if his soul had departed.

Constantly muttering incomprehensible words, he was perfectly cut off from the world, lost in the deep swamp of his own contemplation.

A bitter smile crossed Guyang Cheongang’s lips as he turned to glance at Neungnam Gwang.

‘Elder Brother is still in that state.’

Neungnam Gwang had been like this ever since they left Sewun Guesthouse.

When spoken to, there was no response, as if talking to a wall, and at mealtimes, he would only mechanically chew and swallow the food set before him.

Of course, there was a reason for his condition.

Five days ago, as the night deepened at Sewun Guesthouse, Neungnam Gwang’s madness showed no signs of subsiding.

The elder master’s desperate struggle, banging his head against the wall while denying his hundred years of life, kept the entire inn awake.

Guyang Cheongang judged that the only thing capable of calming the old man’s martial arts obsession was an even deeper ‘martial art’ that could overwhelm that obsession.

And he possessed a secret technique that Neungnam Gwang couldn’t help but covet.

Guyang Cheongang quietly placed his hand on Neungnam Gwang’s shoulder and called to him.

“Elder Brother. Stop this now and look at what I’m about to show you.”

“What is it…?”

Neungnam Gwang looked up at Guyang Cheongang with unfocused eyes.

Seeing those hollow eyes as if his soul had departed, Guyang Cheongang uttered a single sentence.

“This is the Cheonmujinggyeol that I obtained from the depths of Pungnimgok.”

At that moment, an eerie light returned to Neungnam Gwang’s eyes, which had been like those of a dead fish.

His instincts had reacted to the two words: Pungnimgok and secret manual.

“From Pungnimgok?”

“That’s right. It’s a vast martial study consisting of ten thousand characters of formulas, containing the principles of the universe and the origins of martial learning. I wish to transmit three thousand characters that will benefit your current level.”

Neungnam Gwang’s mouth hung open.

The thrill that the name Pungnimgok brought overwhelmed him.

That night, Guyang Cheongang’s clear voice resonated softly within the guest room.

Three thousand characters of formulas poured into Neungnam Gwang’s mind like a waterfall.

The formulas of Cheonmujinggyeol were so profoundly mysterious that each character contained infinite martial meaning, and their depth was like an unfathomable abyss.

It was from that point onward that Neungnam Gwang had entered his current soul-departed state.

He had completely immersed himself in the world of Cheonmujinggyeol.

Though his swaying figure on horseback looked precarious, within him raged a tremendous storm trying to break through the wall of intermediate Hwa Gyeong level.

Guyang Cheongang could only watch that desperate process of seeking the Way with a bitter smile.

‘I suppose this could be called a form of treatment.’

Guyang Cheongang thought to himself.

Rather than searching for his master and banging his head against walls in self-blame as he had five days ago, it was a hundred times better for him to be drowning in the ocean of profound martial arts.

At least the current Neungnam Gwang wasn’t harming himself, nor was he being consumed by despair.

Rather, behind those vacant eyes, some new vitality was burning brightly.

It was as if he was proving with his entire body why he was called a martial arts madman in Gangho.

Within the vast world of martial arts, Neungnam Gwang was searching for his path, forgetting the world, his dignity, and even himself.

Guyang Cheongang’s gaze turned back to the official road ahead.

His transmission of part of Cheonmujinggyeol to Neungnam Gwang wasn’t merely a temporary measure to calm his frenzied outburst.

Neungnam Gwang was someone who had agreed to remain as a retainer of the Guyang Family Estate for ten years.

If he could completely win over this intermediate Hwa Gyeong master and renowned figure of Gangho as an ally, there would be no stronger shield or spear for the family estate.

Guyang Cheongang judged that Cheonmujinggyeol was the only and most certain key to drawing out the sincere loyalty of the martial arts-obsessed Neungnam Gwang.

While Cheonmujinggyeol was a treasure that any Murim person would risk their life to obtain, it held a slightly different weight for Guyang Cheongang.

To him, Cheonmujinggyeol held no more value than a reference book or database.

His martial arts were like a living entity that evolved through real-time analysis and enhancement with Akasha.

So to him, Cheonmujinggyeol was merely one source of quality nourishment that would enrich his martial studies.

What better deal could there be than gaining a master of All Under Heaven with something he wouldn’t regret giving away?

Guyang Cheongang smiled.

Neungnam Gwang, who had imprisoned himself in the vast labyrinth called Cheonmujinggyeol, would become his most powerful ally.

There is no stronger bond than sharing secrets, and no higher authority than a master who grants enlightenment.

Clatter— clatter—

The three horses continued toward the horizon without stopping.

The seemingly endless flat plains gradually disappeared, and the shadow of massive mountains rose from the edge of the earth.

As the distance closed, what filled their vision was the enormous barrier crossing Anhui Province—the Manho Mountain Range.

Manho Mountain wasn’t a famous peak that boasted sky-piercing majesty.

However, its ridgeline stretched hundreds of li from east to west like a giant dragon lying upon the earth, and it dominated a vast terrain spanning over a hundred li from north to south.

Above all, the treacherous terrain within was notoriously dangerous.

Everywhere were blade-like rocky cliffs and deep canyons whose bottoms couldn’t be seen, while densely grown old trees blocked the light even in broad daylight, obscuring vision.

The official road wound like a snake toward the mountain’s entrance.

This path crossing the mountain range was narrow and steep, but it was the only passage that had to be traversed to enter Jiangxi Province by land.

Guyang Cheongang looked up at the massive mountain barrier.

Taking a detour around the mountain range would guarantee safety, but would more than double the travel time.

Just then, a low voice came from behind him.

“Little brother.”

Guyang Cheongang turned his head.

There was Neungnam Gwang, who had been wandering in the labyrinth of martial arts for five days.

His two eyes, which had been unfocused and vacant, now blazed with sharp, fierce light.

Guyang Cheongang smiled and asked.

“Elder Brother, have you regained your senses somewhat?”

Neungnam Gwang clicked his tongue as he looked at Manho Mountain before them.

“I’ve come to my senses, but… little brother, will you hear me out before we cross this mountain?”

Guyang Cheongang’s eyes sparkled.

It was rare for the usually bold Neungnam Gwang to show such a wary reaction.

“Please speak. I’ll listen carefully.”

“In this mountain dwells a monster from the previous generation called Gyo Myosangin, who has established a sect called Gyo Myo Sect. He’s a old fiend about half a level higher than me…”

Neungnam Gwang continued with a furrowed brow.

“His martial arts are so formidable and his temperament so eccentric that even Namgung Sega and the Green Forest Alliance avoid direct confrontation with him.”

Guyang Cheongang’s gaze deepened.

If even Namgung Sega and the Green Forest Alliance were reluctant to face him, his skill level must be at least intermediate Hwa Gyeong or higher.

Though Gyo Myosangin’s name contained the character for ‘merchant,’ his true nature was that of a bandit who had made Manho Mountain a forbidden zone and squeezed the lifeblood from passing martial artists.

“If he’s heard rumors about you, he’ll definitely be guarding the pass. He’s greedy enough to be second to none in all of Gangho.”

Neungnam Gwang’s eyes held certainty.

To Gyo Myosangin, Guyang Cheongang was not merely a traveler, but essentially a massive treasure chest walking in on its own feet.

Guyang Cheongang, who had been lost in thought while gazing at the mountain for a moment, asked.

“Elder Brother, then are you suggesting we go around the mountain?”

“That’s right.”

Neungnam Gwang answered immediately.

“Even if it takes twice as long, wouldn’t taking the safe route be the best strategy? Besides…”

Neungnam Gwang’s gaze turned toward Baek Muok.

“We also have young Muwok with us. Nothing good would come from encountering that old monster.”

“Elder Brother.”

A strange smile crossed Guyang Cheongang’s lips.

“Hm?”

“Please be honest with me.”

At Guyang Cheongang’s words that hit the mark, Neungnam Gwang’s eyes wavered like reeds.

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“No matter how much of a legendary master Gyo Myosangin might be, someone like you wouldn’t be afraid of him. You’re not worried about getting caught up in trouble…”

Guyang Cheongang added with a grin.

“Rather than wasting time fighting him, you want to delve into even one more character of Cheonmujingyeol, isn’t that right?”

In that instant, a faint blush rose to Neungnam Gwang’s face.

He felt embarrassed at having his true feelings exposed.

“You’re like a parasite in my belly…”

Neungnam Gwang grumbled and muttered complaints.

But he didn’t deny it.

Guyang Cheongang couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

Neungnam Gwang was currently completely absorbed in the joy of martial studies that the three thousand characters of Cheonmujingyeol provided.

To him, something like fighting Gyo Myosangin was nothing more than a ‘chore’ that would steal away precious time.

“I fully understand your intentions, Elder Brother.”

Though he said this, Guyang Cheongang didn’t turn his horse reins around.

Instead, he began riding straight toward the dense forest of Manhosan.

Clop-clop- Clop-clop-

Seeing this, Neungnam Gwang shouted in a flustered tone.

“Huh? Brother! You’re going straight through?”

“Yes. I’m going to cross Manhosan.”

When Guyang Cheongang answered so matter-of-factly, Neungnam Gwang’s voice rose higher.

“Did you listen to me with your nostrils! I told you Gyo Myosangin is guarding it!”

“I heard you.”

“And you still insist on going in?”

“Yes.”

Guyang Cheongang nodded and continued speaking.

“Taking a detour would delay us too much. I want to return to the family estate even a day sooner.”

“But that old monster is no ordinary opponent!”

“It’s fine, Elder Brother.”

A smile appeared on Guyang Cheongang’s lips.

Neungnam Gwang clicked his tongue.

Realizing he couldn’t dissuade his stubborn brother, he let out a long sigh and said.

“Fine, go ahead. Go! But! Don’t come whining to me for help! I need to work through incantations in my head the entire time we’re crossing that mountain!”

At his sulky, childlike tone, Guyang Cheongang burst into laughter.

“Hahaha, understood. Then let me ask just one favor.”

“What is it?”

“Please just look after Muwok.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll make sure not a hair on that disciple’s head gets hurt, so don’t worry.”

Though Neungnam Gwang turned his head away as if annoyed, his horse’s head was positioned right alongside the horse Muwok was riding.

Guyang Cheongang vigorously cracked his whip toward the entrance of the massive mountain range.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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