Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 217

With a flash of light, a storm erupted, twisting the very fabric of space.

It was difficult to discern whether the spatial distortion stemmed from the deafening roar or the sheer force of the impact.

And there was more.

Lotus petals scattered like autumn leaves, and a multitude of swords filled the sky, darkening it as if night had fallen.

The scene resembled a sky collapsing, yet the seemingly eternal battle ground to a halt with the sudden emergence of a red mist.

Chokman’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously.

There weren’t one, but three Immortals.

How could he remain calm when the aftermath of their conflict shook the heavens and earth, threatening to bring the sky crashing down?

He was in a situation where a single gesture from an Immortal could sever his head.

It would be odd if he weren’t anxious.

‘What on earth is Daeho thinking…’

A quick glance revealed Daeho silently observing the three Immortals, seemingly content to watch the situation unfold.

He couldn’t fathom Daeho’s thoughts, but Chokman secretly hoped he would somehow navigate this perilous situation.

The Mountain Lord, who stood at the pinnacle of the Spirit Realm, had achieved True Awakening even after enduring eons of pursuit.

He was a Mountain Lord who had literally torn apart the impending crisis with his bare hands and turned it into an opportunity, so Chokman believed he might somehow escape this predicament as well.

‘He’s got a resilient lifeline…’

Moreover, he seemed to share a connection with one of the Immortals, though the nature of that connection remained a mystery. By staying close to the Mountain Lord, he might just survive this crisis.

And it appeared Chokman wasn’t alone in this assessment; two Taoists, seemingly from the Ice Palace, were also gradually closing the distance to the Mountain Lord.

They could all perish together if they weren’t careful, but in such an uncertain situation, sticking together seemed the best course of action.

“Are you sneaking over here like you’re testing the waters?”

Chokman was startled, but the Mountain Lord’s gaze wasn’t directed at him.

It was fixed on the old woman from the Ice Palace.

‘That gave me a fright.’

But feigning composure, he maintained a stoic expression. The old woman from the Ice Palace smiled, her wrinkles deepening with the expression.

“Things don’t fundamentally change in the blink of an eye, so why are you giving me such a hard time? We’re fellow cultivators from the Lower World, so we should stand together in life and death.”

She spoke with a seemingly benevolent smile, but her words carried a subtle sting.

She was implying that even if she was humbling herself now due to the Immortals, her attitude wouldn’t shift even if they returned to the Lower World.

“The cultivators of the Taoist World are always teetering on the brink of death, like flies, so why even discuss the Lower World? We could meet our end right here and now.”

The Mountain Lord’s lips curled into a smile as he retorted, as if understanding her underlying message.

His arrogance reached the heavens, but he was a Jiseon [Earth Immortal], an Immortal on Earth.

Choeum Seonnyeo [a title for a female immortal] smiled silently.

“As you said, the future is uncertain, so wouldn’t it be wise to forge a connection with me? Here, you and I are like shrimp caught in a whale’s fight, but if we escape this place safely, our positions will change, as heaven and earth know. So, lower your guard and let’s cooperate to overcome this difficulty.”

The old woman’s tone was gentle as she reasoned, as if coaxing a child.

Chokman, who had struggled to understand why Daeho was so on edge in the first place, tilted his head, wondering why he was behaving this way.

‘He was always so calm…’

The Daeho he knew was always a man of composure and sharp intellect. He had been that way even in Ha Humi-nong’s body when they first met, and he hadn’t changed until just before entering the Sword Spirit Island.

But now, he questioned if this was the same man he had known.

His actions resembled those of a brat throwing a tantrum for no apparent reason.

There must be a reason for his behavior, but even so, now was the time to suppress his personal feelings.

‘Did something change in his mind?’

It was difficult to say.

“If you insist, then I can’t refuse. As you can see, I have formed a bond of brotherhood with the Immortal who wields the Great Sword.

We may not share blood, but we have forged a connection that runs deeper. So, even though I am but an insignificant insect in their eyes, I am under the protection of an Immortal, and I believe I will somehow survive even here.”

The Mountain Lord chuckled heartily as he spoke, but he cast a subtle, assessing gaze upon the old woman.

Then, he suddenly frowned.

“But the situation is not favorable.”

“What is it?”

The old woman inquired, her tone laced with concern as if it were her own affair, as if she were already his follower. “Dang Sahyung [martial brother] displayed the strength of a one-man army while battling the Hwaseon [Fire Immortal], but there are a total of three Immortals present. The other two appear to be affiliated with this Biseong [a celestial realm]. So, my Sahyung is outnumbered.”

As if understanding, she nodded and began to frown.

“Are you suggesting that you wish to aid your Sahyung?”

“As expected of the Jiseon, hailed as the Immortal on Earth. I can understand why you are called Seonnyeo now that you comprehend me so well, even though I spoke in a roundabout manner.”

Despite the words of lavish praise, Choeum Seonnyeo shook her head, waving her hand.

“All I can boast of is a long life, and if I couldn’t even grasp that much, I wouldn’t be worth my age. Even if my ears are deaf, I must heed what others say, so there’s no need to flatter me.”

The Mountain Lord and Choeum exchanged satisfied smiles.

“But is there a viable approach? I’m concerned that we might be interfering with what your Sahyung is doing independently.”

Chokman concurred with that sentiment.

Why else would there be a saying that shrimp get their backs broken in a whale fight?

If they intervened, they would only suffer needlessly.

No, would it be fortunate if they only suffered?

‘We’d die in an instant.’

They were like a lamp flickering before the wind, no different from flies in a marketplace.

Moreover, the disparity in strength between the Immortals and themselves was as vast as heaven and earth.

They were no different from infants, so it was best to remain silent.

“Why wouldn’t I be aware of that? But if my Sahyung were to be ambushed and killed, could you handle the repercussions…”

At those words, she groaned.

If Dangchun perished, as the Mountain Lord suggested, the Hwaseon and Chungseon would attempt to eliminate them without hesitation.

If that were to occur, the chances of survival would be virtually nonexistent.

“Is there a solution?”

Choeum inquired, pondering. Her intonation suggested she was at least willing to listen. The Mountain Lord smiled quietly and began to speak.

* * *

In the vicinity of the Soo-seons [Water Immortals], a dozen or so five-colored great swords hovered in the air, and beside them, red mist and lotus petals formed a double barrier, standing ready.

They were Chungseon [Loyal Immortal] and Hwaseon, respectively.

And the five-colored great sword belonged to Dangchun.

“Although this is Gumhwan Seonhyang [a celestial realm], it is truly perplexing how two Soo-seons are stationed here.”

Although it was Gokgongjigan [a space between realms], situated between the Lower World and the Upper World, it was uncommon to find two Soo-seons stationed in Biseong.

Even among Immortals, there were varying levels of cultivation, but it was peculiar that they were confined to such a place, eliminating cultivators whom they would rarely encounter in the Upper World.

“That is none of your concern. Each individual has their own circumstances. Rather…”

Chungseon glanced at Hwaseon before turning his gaze toward the Mountain Lord’s group.

“According to the order given by our master, we must eliminate any cultivators who set foot here without authorization.”

“That is unacceptable.

I have a Sajae among them, and I must bring him to my master as well.”

At that, Hwaseon and Chungseon’s eyes narrowed.

Simultaneously, their glares intensified.

“There are two of us and only one of you. The outcome is evident, so do you truly need to witness bloodshed to feel satisfied?”

“One never knows whose blood will be spilled.”

The tension that had momentarily subsided surged back with renewed intensity.

Their killing intent collided in the air, erupting with a thunderous roar, and a storm began to rage.

“Haha, I’m too frightened to even jest about it.”

But suddenly, Dangchun laughed heartily and waved his hand.

As if he had merely made a jest.

“I am not insane, nor am I foolish enough to engage two Soo-seons in combat.”

There was no need for such action.

His mission was to deliver the thirty-sixth sword to the Sword Slave’s side.

There was no need to engage them, and there was no reason to expend his energy.

“It is fortunate that you are wise. Then…”

As if in haste, Chungseon spread his wings to approach the Taoists, but Dangchun raised his arm to halt him.

“You are so impatient. I have not yet finished speaking.”

“If you have something to say, say it quickly and depart. Unlike you, we do not have time to dawdle.”

Even as he spoke, he continued to observe the Taoists as if they were prey in the sights of a predator.

A peculiar glint flickered in Dangchun’s eyes.

“Even though I am outnumbered, I am confident that if I were to charge in with all my might, I could drag one of you to the underworld as a companion. So, you should also strive to resolve this amicably.”

“…I cannot say. We shall have to see about that.”

“Haha, that is not all.

If my master behind me were to discover this, could you bear the consequences…”

Speaking with a cold gaze filled with killing intent, even Hwaseon and Chungseon were rendered speechless.

“I cannot reveal his true name, but he is known as the Sword Slave in the world. He is one of the foremost figures in the Seon-gye [Immortal World], so there is no need for further explanation, correct?”

At Dangchun’s words, who was smiling slyly, Chungseon’s face momentarily stiffened, but only for a fleeting moment.

“I see. I did not recognize the sword of such a noble person even though I beheld it.”

Chungseon’s tone immediately became respectful and he clasped his hands.

He had no choice but to show respect because the other party’s backing was more substantial than he had anticipated.

‘If it is the Sword Slave, he is a Cheonseon [Celestial Immortal] who is one of the top figures in the Seon-gye…’

However, Chungseon remained unconcerned, because his own backing was not to be underestimated either.

“My master, Jiranwi, has also heard of the Sword Slave’s fame.”

“Jiranwi, you mean Jiranwi, the renowned Sea Dragon of the Water Realm?”

“You have guessed correctly.”

Dangchun’s face became bewildered.

Chungseon and Hwaseon’s backing was also not to be taken lightly, just like his own.

If so, matters would become somewhat troublesome.

‘I was intending to invoke the old man’s name and attempt to get away with it…’

It seemed he would not be able to escape as swiftly as boiling beans in a flash of lightning.

He smiled and pondered for a moment before reaching a decision.

“It is regrettable, but it is best to minimize any wasted time between us. You may do as you please with the others, but please turn a blind eye to just one of my Sajaes. I do not know why Soo-seons are so fixated on Soo-dojas [Taoist disciples], but it would not matter if it is just one, correct?”

At that, Chungseon also deemed it acceptable and looked at Hwaseon.

When Hwaseon remained silent, Chungseon nodded and replied.

“Very well. Oh, before that, can you tell me who the Soo-seon’s Sajae is? I need to know that for certain. That is because one of those Soo-dojas possesses something from here.”

“That is not difficult. It is that neatly dressed fellow over there.”

At the gesture, Chungseon’s eyes calmly narrowed.

Soon, Chungseon, who had been staring intently at the Mountain Lord, spoke with a somber expression.

“I am afraid it will be difficult to simply let him go.”

Dangchun’s arms unfolded.

“May I know the reason?”

Chungseon pondered for a moment before opening his palm and producing a blue feather.

“That man is the thief who stole my master’s item!”