Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 112

Nangseon Gi Hwan Dam – 111

Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger.

Auspicious tiger with two horns.

Nowadays, few know about this spiritual creature that has disappeared into the annals of history.

“A Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger? I heard they all went extinct in the Manbo era… Are you sure?”

Inside a classic, grand hall.

A woman with a youthful face asked in surprise.

She was the Moon Lord of the Haenun Clan.

A woman named Habeok.

She was a sworn enemy to Hugobo of the Hupo Clan.

“I am certain. Although that bald man’s cultivation is shallow, he is not one to lie.

And how could one mistake a Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger? Although it is not a spiritual creature with powerful divine abilities, it is highly intelligent and was even called a divine beast among ordinary people.”

Not only that.

Even just grinding down a bit of its horn and drinking it could cure all diseases, and if refined and kept in one’s mind, cultivation would become extremely fast, accelerating the path to becoming a divine immortal the longer it was kept.

It was said that even those with mediocre talent could possess the qualities of a naturally gifted person just by having the horn of a Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger.

Then, one couldn’t even imagine how much faster a naturally gifted person’s cultivation would become if they possessed it.

“If… the Moon Lord of the Hupo Clan were to find out about this…”

Being at the level of Biseon [a high-level Daoist], reaching Hwanseon [an even higher level] would not be impossible.

“That must not happen!”

Habeok and Hugobo were both at the Biseon level.

Both were young women who had lost their parents in childhood and inherited their respective clans.

“The number one clan in Hari must be inherited by our Haenun Clan! Elder Hong!”

“As you command!”

* * *

Inside the grand hall of the Hupo Clan.

“Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger… did you inform them as well?”

“Of course.”

Inside the grand hall was a woman with a youthful appearance, her long hair tied back.

The other was the bald old man who had seen Sangoon before.

“I see. If you informed Habeok as well, she will surely try something. Well done. If you hadn’t volunteered to be a double agent, we would have been deceived again without even knowing it. Thank you always, Dokgo.”

Hugobo expressed deep gratitude, and Dokgo, the bald man, waved his hands as if embarrassed.

“I am only doing what I am doing because I am also receiving something. For the Moon Lord of a clan to bow her head to a mere Doseon [a lower-level Daoist]!”

“It is not good to not express gratitude just because one is at the top. Isn’t it true that people’s hearts cannot be known unless they are expressed?”

Dokgo seemed deeply moved and bowed, looking at Hugobo with profound eyes.

“Anyway, it’s a good thing.”

“May I ask what it is?”

“It is said that the movements of the sea monsters have subsided quite a bit and are quiet.

Although the exact reason is unknown, it seems someone has stirred up the sea monsters. There are stories of dozens of unidentified sea monster carcasses washing ashore every day.”

“Oh, isn’t that fortunate!”

Thanks to the sea monsters, many Daoists who should be focusing on cultivation are dying.

Their number of disciples is already dwindling, so how could it not be so?

It was welcome news to hear.

“Indeed. Since the sea monsters are quiet, there is no waste of manpower, and since Habeok will surely try something, we can just wait and set a trap.”

“A brilliant idea.”

Hugobo smiled faintly.

* * *

One week later.

Manho’s training cave.

Manho, who was meditating outside, was filled with煩惱 [worries].

‘When are they going to give me the elixir?’

He had asked subtly before, but the answer was always the same.

[Later.]

Because of that, he was worried that he had been scammed and was pacing back and forth.

‘What if this guy also dies like Samgwi and it all goes back to square one…’

Just as he was having an ominous premonition.

The nearby bushes suddenly rustled.

“Who’s there!”

He shouted loudly, and a Daoist in a crimson robe appeared from the bushes.

‘Hwanseon!’

Startled, Manho immediately prostrated himself and bowed his head.

“Manho of the Hupo Clan greets you!”

“Haha, there’s no need to go that far. Get up, you don’t need to do that.”

The unknown Hwanseon smiled kindly and personally helped Manho up.

Manho, looking dazed, got up and bowed his head as if he was greatly honored.

“Ahem, I should introduce myself first. I am Hong Guson of the Haenun Clan.”

“Are you not Elder Hong!”

“Oh, you know me?”

“How could I not know the Elder of Haenun! I have heard that Elder Hong’s efforts have been significant in the growth of the current Haenun Clan!”

How could he feel bad when he was flattered so tactfully? The corners of his mouth went up to his ears.

“Ah, right. The reason I came all the way here is not for anything else. I know that you have a tiger with two horns as a 복수 [treasure]…. Is that really true?”

Startled.

“H, how did you…”

“I have many informants here and there. So? Is it true?”

Manho hesitated.

‘Why are they coveting Daeho [the tiger’s name]?’

The reason was unknown, but it didn’t matter.

Why would this guy have come looking for him?

He must have come because he was greedy!

If he offended him, he might kill him without a sound!

”

“I see. Ah, there’s no need to worry. Although we are from different clans, we are Daoists walking the same path of Dao in a broad sense, so you can even say we are juniors! How could I just take something from a junior? I will generously compensate you, so tell me what you want. I think three elixirs that are effective for Doseon and this treasure would be enough.”

He tells him to say what he wants, but then he presents what he has.

Is he talking sense or nonsense?

However, Manho’s eyes, unlike his head, were wide open, revealing the whites.

“Isn’t that a flying treasure…!”

What Elder Hong took out was a long sword.

At first glance, it looked like an ordinary long sword, but it contained the divine power of flight.

“You have a good eye. Isn’t flying what Doseon desire the most? But flying treasures are expensive, so they can’t even dream of it.”

If there is a flying treasure, that is, a 둔보(道寶) [Dao treasure], you can reduce the consumption of 영력 [spiritual energy] and fly effectively.

“With this, you can travel long distances without difficulty. These elixirs are also not easy to obtain. They are called Soyangdan, and it is said that even those with poor talent can reach the next level by eating about three of them!”

Good.

It’s too good.

He imagines becoming a Biseon with Soyangdan and flying in the sky with a flying treasure.

‘I can fly on a sword.’

His heart is already full.

He became a Doseon, but has he ever done anything like a Daoist?

He lives a poor life, always watching others.

‘If I just give that guy…’

The hardship ends, and happiness begins.

Moreover, he can immediately focus on cultivation and head towards Biseon!

There is no reason to refuse.

“What do you think?”

Manho grabbed Elder Hong’s hand.

“How can a junior refuse a senior’s request! Immediately…”

That’s when it happened.

“Stop!”

Suddenly, an old man appeared and strongly grabbed Manho’s wrist!

“Elder Seol!!”

Elder Seol of the Hupo Clan!

Why are elders suddenly appearing here!

Manho suddenly felt a surge of anxiety.

“Elder Hong, you seem to be going too far.”

“Going too far? I’m just trying to take over 복수 [treasure] from Junior Manho with due compensation, am I not?” Elder Hong frowned and retorted. He was protesting as if he was being portrayed as a rogue even though he hadn’t threatened him.

However, Elder Seol, as if dumbfounded by those words, scolded him loudly.

Manho was quite surprised by that.

“Ha! Due compensation! Can you say that a Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger is worth just a flying treasure and a few elixirs? Moreover, to a disciple of another clan?!”

As he said that, the situation became strange.

Elder Hong’s face darkened.

‘What the heck is going on…’

Manho had a hard time following what was being said. What is a Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger, and what is that guy that Hwanseon are so eager for!

He wanted to understand the exact situation, but more than that, he just wanted to run away.

‘The situation is not good. It’s similar to when that Samgwi died!’

Isn’t this a situation where a shrimp gets its back broken in a whale fight [an idiom for being caught in the middle of a powerful conflict]!!

Manho slowly backed away.

But then.

“Since you know everything, there’s nothing we can do. Let’s ask Junior Manho, the owner of the Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger, about this!”

“H, yes?”

“What do you mean ask! Manho is a disciple of the Hupo Clan!”

“Hmph, it’s okay to abandon a dying Hupo Clan and come to the Haenun Clan! I can even accept you as my disciple!!”

Then, Elder Seol’s eyes began to gleam with murderous intent.

How could he not be angry when they were openly disparaging his clan?

“That statement you just made. Can you handle the consequences?”

“Isn’t it true? I heard you’re struggling with financial difficulties… Elder Seol, why don’t you just wrap things up and come over to our side…”

Thud!!

Elder Seol, unable to bear it, unleashed a 살수 [killing move].

However, Elder Hong’s hand turned red and deflected Elder Seol’s 비검 [flying sword].

“Your skills are fierce.”

“I asked you. Can you handle the consequences?”

The elders’ faces turned as cold as frost, and 살기 [killing intent] confronted each other in the air.

As the invisible 살기 [killing intent] collided in the air, a 광풍 [violent wind] blew, shaking the 초목 [plants and trees].

‘These crazy bastards!’

Because of that, Manho was enduring the 살기 [killing intent] with all sorts of contorted expressions.

What kind of 봉변 [disaster] is this, suddenly coming and doing this?

He just wished someone would take Daeho and give him the 선단 [elixir].

But how can things in the world always be smooth? A 전음 [telepathic message] was planted in his ear as he tried to escape.

-Do as I say. Otherwise, your head will be cut off.

The despair that had momentarily settled on Manho’s face was soon replaced by bewilderment.

What Sangoon was saying made him tilt his head involuntarily.

Manho soon pondered something with a serious face and moved his lips.

-Wouldn’t that put 육사 [Yooksa – a person’s name] in danger? How can you do such a thing….

-That’s not for you to worry about. Isn’t there nothing bad for you?

After a moment of 고민 [deliberation], Manho nodded with a determined face.

-There must be no mistakes.

-I understand!!

When Manho raised his head, Elder Seol and Elder Hong were glaring at each other.

Manho could hardly open his eyes in the storm of 살기 [killing intent] that was constantly colliding.

‘I still have to do it!’

If he makes a mistake, he could be killed without a sound.

In a situation filled with 살심 [murderous intent], what can’t he do! He can’t absolutely trust Elder Seol or Elder Hong of the same clan.

Sangoon was the same, but at least he needs him.

But these guys don’t.

They want the Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger, not him.

Then the answer is there.

“May I say something?”

“That’s right! You are the owner of 복수 [treasure], and these old men have lost their minds! Come on, tell me that you will give your 복수 [treasure] to this Hong Guson!”

“Still talking nonsense… Tell me, Man 사질 [Man disciple]. Our Hupo Clan will never mistreat you!”

Manho, sweating profusely on his forehead, took a deep breath and opened his mouth.

“Although my 경지 [cultivation level] is 미천 [low], I was worried that the elders would fight because of my 복수 [treasure]. If that happens, the situation will become 극악 [dire], and my life will not be fully guaranteed! So, I would like to make a proposal here!!

My 복수 [treasure] cannot be transferred to anyone until three months have passed! If you want it that badly, three months later! Hold a 비무대회 [martial arts tournament] and give my 복수 [treasure] to the winner!!”

Then the elders’ faces contorted.

“What nonsense….”

“What do you mean by 비무대회 [martial arts tournament]!”

It was an absurd nonsense.

But Manho did not give in.

“Don’t you want my 복수 [treasure]?”

It was a statement that he would not give it unless they did so. But the elders scoffed and shook their heads.

“Junior Manho is a bit dim-witted. Frankly, if we wanted to, we could kill you and take it! But do you think we would listen to such absurd words?”

Elder Seol also nodded.

Suddenly a 비무 대회 [martial arts tournament]!

What is the reason for that!

There would be no one to say anything even if they beat his buttocks and took it away!

Of course, there is no reason to do so.

“복수 [the tiger] is connected to me with a 금제 [spiritual restriction]! If you kill me, 복수 [the tiger] will also die, so you can’t do anything recklessly! It’s not a simple 금제 [spiritual restriction], so not even ashes will remain of the 부산물 [remains]. So, hold a 비무 대회 [martial arts tournament] and tell the seven clans of the Hari Mountains!

Otherwise, the Double-Horned Auspicious Tiger will disappear from this world forever!!”