Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 158

Nangseon Gi Hwandam – 157

“What!”

The Baekseon Clan Leader!

The eyes of the Taesuns widened in shock.

It was completely unexpected.

They had anticipated the appearance of the Biseon woman, but the master of the Baekseon Clan himself showing up? That was beyond their expectations!

“Is there any reason to be so surprised? This gathering was your idea, after all.”

The Baekseon Clan Leader remained calm and composed. Even with six Taesuns from other clans present, he displayed no signs of intimidation.

“Ha, haha. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you… Headmaster Yuk certainly enjoys keeping us old folks on our toes. Had we known you were coming, we would have prepared a grand welcome!”

His words carried a hint of resentment, but the Baekseon Clan Leader didn’t seem to notice, or perhaps he simply didn’t care.

He confidently strode to his designated seat and offered a gentle smile.

“It wasn’t intentional. When I heard that the esteemed Six Peaks had graced the Baekseon Clan with their presence, I felt obligated to come and greet you myself.”

He waved his hand dismissively, as if to downplay his appearance. The Taesuns, somewhat appeased, cleared their throats and settled back into their seats.

The Mountain Lord’s [a title for a powerful cultivator] murderous aura and oppressive spiritual pressure vanished like a mirage as he sat down.

Only then did the Taoists, who had been on the verge of collapse, finally regain their composure and retreat to a safe distance.

One of the Taesuns clicked his tongue in disapproval at their 모습 [Korean word for appearance or state] and spoke up.

“Today is indeed a momentous day. I finally have the opportunity to meet the Baekseon Clan Leader, whose existence I had begun to doubt.”

“Indeed. It seems fate has brought us together. Since we have such a distinguished guest, this old Qingmao [likely a Taoist name] will offer a cup of his most precious tea!”

“Oh, come now. Shouldn’t we introduce ourselves first? This is Brother Beom’s [Clan Leader’s name] first time meeting us, after all.”

Starting from the left side of the circle, they began to introduce themselves, one by one.

The Mountain Lord listened attentively to their self-introductions, occasionally glancing at one particular Taoist.

He was the most powerful Taesun present, known as the Seonsa [Taoist immortal] of the Later Stage of Taesun.

“This old man is called Noegamnyang, the Great Elder of the Taesan Clan. I hope this gathering will be a meaningful one.”

The Mountain Lord simply clasped his hands in response, remaining silent.

Most of them were leaders or high-ranking elders of their respective clans, each possessing the power to topple mountains and split seas.

Taesuns were not Taesuns for nothing. They were figures who commanded respect and could not be treated lightly.

They might appear to be kind old men, but it was foolish to assume that their inner selves were equally benign.

“First, please try this tea. It’s made from precious Hangbo leaves, a valuable tonic for old folks like us.”

Nodding politely, the Mountain Lord took a sip of the tea and confirmed that it was indeed brewed from ground Hangbo leaves.

Even a small amount of this tea would be a significant boon for cultivators with limited resources.

‘It doesn’t taste particularly good.’

However, the Mountain Lord had practically bathed in Hangbo leaves whenever he pleased. This Hangbo tea didn’t elicit much of a reaction from him.

Seeing the Mountain Lord’s subdued response, the man named Qingmao, who had offered the tea, narrowed his eyes slightly.

“Is the tea not to your liking?”

“No, not at all. It simply reminded me of some old memories, and I became lost in thought. My apologies for being rude.”

“Oh, memories, how intriguing.”

However, the Mountain Lord only offered a silent smile, and the Taesuns refrained from pressing him further.

After exchanging a few more meaningless pleasantries, they grew impatient and decided to cut to the chase.

“Alright, let’s dispense with the small talk. We’ve all come a long way, taking time out of our busy schedules, so shouldn’t we get to the point?”

It was Seonsa Noe who spoke, his expression serious.

As he spoke, the other Taoists straightened their postures, their attention focused.

“May I be so bold as to ask directly? I have a rather impatient personality.”

“Please, feel free. The reason I came here today is to answer any questions you may have.”

At those words, the eyes of all the Taesuns of the Six Peaks gleamed with anticipation.

What question would Seonsa Noe ask?

Of course, it would be the secret of Baekseon!

“I don’t believe you are unaware that the spiritual energy density of Baekseon has been rapidly increasing over the past few hundred years. I don’t know what kind of magic you’ve employed, but if you share it with the Six Peaks, we will treat Baekseon as brothers, and we will compensate you with wealth and treasures that ordinary clans can only dream of.”

“Compensation, you say…”

“What immediately comes to mind is a Seondan [elixir] that is particularly effective for those in the Early Stage of Eternal Calamity. I happen to have a few in my possession. I can also offer valuable artifacts or even mineral veins to your disciples. You can even choose from rare items or treasures that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world, if you so desire.”

It was a somewhat vague offer, but coming from the mouth of a Taesun in the Later Stage, it was unlikely to be a lie.

The Mountain Lord was also tempted by the prospect of wealth and treasures for Baekseon and his disciples.

He hadn’t done much for his disciples lately, so it would be good to provide them with some benefits.

And the Seondan that was effective for Eternal Calamity was also appealing.

He knew several recipes for Seondan that could aid in overcoming the Eternal Calamity, but obtaining them easily would be advantageous.

“But that won’t be enough.”

Muttering to himself, Seonsa Noe placed a long-necked bottle on the table. As soon as the bottle appeared, an intense surge of water energy permeated the surrounding area.

The air became noticeably humid due to the influence of the water energy.

“Isn’t that Manpyosu (Ten Thousand Billows Water)!”

The Taesuns reacted with even greater excitement, recognizing the item immediately.

“That’s a precious treasure that those who practice the Water Divine Art would gladly give their lives to obtain! Such a valuable item!”

“It’s the Mansu (Ten Thousand Water), where pure water energy has been accumulating for ten thousand years, finally condensing into a tangible form.”

However, the Mountain Lord frowned slightly.

He had heard of it.

It was a treasure beyond price for those who cultivated the Water Divine Art.

However, the Mountain Lord was the Avatar of Fire, Headmaster Yuk.

It was essentially a useless object to him.

‘Why this…’

They couldn’t have failed to notice the fire energy emanating from him.

Yet, the fact that they presented a treasure of the Water Divine Art must mean they had a specific reason in mind.

“You must be wondering why I would offer such a treasure to the Avatar of Fire, Headmaster Yuk.”

“I’m listening.”

“There’s no need for further explanation. Just take a look at this.”

휙 [sound of something being thrown].

He caught the object that was tossed to him, revealing it to be a jade case. When he pressed it to his forehead and scanned its contents with his spiritual sense, the Mountain Lord’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Is this true?”

“This old man hasn’t had the opportunity to verify its authenticity, so I cannot say for certain, but it is certainly worth investigating.”

The contents of the jade case were so astonishing that even the Mountain Lord, who possessed a vast repository of knowledge, was taken aback.

It described a reverse cultivation method that involved cultivating fire by harboring the energy of water, which was inherently opposed to fire, within the body.

It was a technique for amplifying one’s original nature by containing energy with opposing properties. It was called Reverse Completion Art (역성공법) [Korean term for Reverse Completion Art].

Like the word “art” implied, it was a technique primarily intended for humans, but due to the nature of the treasure, there shouldn’t be any major issues even if the spirit beast Mountain Lord were to use it.

In the first place, the art itself was not very complicated, making it even more accessible.

‘It’s simply about containing a treasure with extreme water energy alongside fire energy…’

It was a remarkably simple concept.

If you introduced water energy into the body of the Avatar of Fire, it would normally result in severe internal injuries.

It was akin to extinguishing a fire with water.

However, if one could endure the initial backlash, the fire energy would burn even more intensely.

수정화간 (Water Essence, Fire Treachery) [Korean term for Water Essence, Fire Treachery].

‘A rather blatant name.’

But its underlying principle was sound.

“What do you think?”

“Well, I’m certainly tempted, but I wonder if this is truly appropriate…”

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t intrigued.

However, there was no way he could trade it for the Divine Tree. The primary reason was that he possessed a thousand Divine Trees.

‘It’s not as if I can plant a thousand Divine Trees in other clans.’

A deal was simply not feasible.

Manpyosu and Water Essence, Fire Treachery were undoubtedly tempting, but he had no choice but to decline.

“Hehe… Brother Beom seems to be rather greedy?”

“What do you mean?”

“We’re showing you this much sincerity, how can you possibly refuse?”

Suddenly, all the Taesuns of the Six Peaks unleashed their energy simultaneously.

The Mountain Lord couldn’t help but frown as the formless energy pressed down upon him.

“What are you doing?”

“As a wise man, you surely understand why Baekseon has enjoyed such peace until now.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Ahem! How dare you be so rude when Seonsa Noe is speaking!”

Seonsa Noe raised his hand to silence the Taesun, but he couldn’t suppress the satisfied curve of his lips.

“Those who aspire to immortality shouldn’t waste their time on trivial matters. I’ll be frank. We were initially planning to eliminate the Baekseon Clan from the Taoist world altogether. The notion of harmony between beasts and humans is preposterous! Even if we didn’t take action, your lifespan wouldn’t be long. The balance is currently maintained, but is there any guarantee that it will remain so forever? What if you are influenced by those Siphaemancheok [derogatory term for barbarians] bastards and end up harming humans…”

You would become the enemy of all Taoists.

“However, your skills are undeniable, and you have developed Baekseon remarkably well. Therefore, if you join forces with us, we can usher in a golden age. Your legacy can endure for a thousand or even ten thousand years.”

“In other words…”

Reveal the secret of Baekseon and submit to their authority.

Otherwise, they would erase Baekseon from existence.

He wondered what the difference was between them and the demonic hordes, but they had their own justification.

That justification was none other than the beasts.

“Frankly, this is a golden opportunity for Baekseon. If you become a member of the Six Peaks that govern the East, you will be shielded from any external threats.

Or are you perhaps considering bowing your head to ghosts or something? If so, tell me in advance. I will personally come and take over Baekseon.”

The Taesuns seated around the table either covered their mouths to stifle their laughter or wore expressions of blatant mockery.

Their tone was undeniably contemptuous.

“If you are a person who has reached Eternal Calamity, you must possess extraordinary insight, so you will understand what this old man is saying.”

“Of course, I do. If I couldn’t even understand that, I would be no different from a beast. Haha!”

“Hahahaha!!”

However, the Mountain Lord remained silent.

Despite the abundance of contempt and ridicule, his expression remained calm.

“Why don’t you answer?”

Seonsa Noe inquired.

“Is there a need for an answer? I don’t believe so.”

“That’s also an answer of sorts.”

Seonsa Noe and the Taesuns nodded in agreement.

“Don’t be too offended. What can we do about the ways of the world? Most of those who are involved in the Taoist world seek immortality above all else, so there is nothing more important to you than your own life. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, this isn’t a bad proposition for Baekseon either. We’ll shower you with treasures.”

With that, he took a sip of his tea and crossed his arms, as if he had said everything he needed to say.

The others followed suit, their expressions smug.

The Mountain Lord stared at them quietly before retrieving a pipe from his pocket.

“Ahem, Seonsa Noe is present, how dare you…”

“It’s alright. He must be burdened with many worries, so I can overlook such minor transgressions.”

Regardless, the Mountain Lord lit the pipe with Blue Flame and took a deep puff.

The blue smoke gently billowed outwards, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

The aroma was not unpleasant, but rather fragrant, prompting curiosity about the type of tobacco leaves he was using.

As everyone inhaled and became slightly intoxicated by the Mountain Lord’s cigarette smoke.

탁 [sound of something being tapped].

He turned the pipe over and tapped out the ashes.

At that moment, the Taesuns snapped out of their reverie, regained their senses, and cleared their throats.

“My answer has been decided from the beginning. Even before I came here.”

Then, the Mountain Lord produced a golden statue from his pocket and held it aloft.

“I offer this as a token of my sincerity. I believe this is my answer… I’ll be on my way now.”

After uttering those words, the Mountain Lord vanished without a trace. The Taoists, realizing his sudden departure, turned their attention to the statue with satisfied expressions.

“He’s not a fool. It’s not an ordinary object at first glance. It may be closer to a divine treasure than a mere treasure!”

Seonsa Noe gestured in the air, and the golden pig-shaped statue floated towards him.

Seonsa Noe, after grabbing it and examining it closely, raised the corners of his mouth in a smile.

“It’s definitely a divine treasure!”

Even Taoists who have reached the level of Taesun rarely possess divine treasures.

There are only a limited number of divine treasures in the world, so that speaks volumes!!

“That guy is generous.”

“I know. To give up a divine treasure…!”

“Ahem, now that we’re practically family, don’t refer to him in such a disrespectful manner. Show some respect.”

Seonsa Noe scolded, and the old Taesun flinched and offered a bitter smile.

“Oh dear, this old man must be getting senile. Yes, you’re right!”

Seonsa Noe gazed at the Golden Pig Statue with a satisfied expression and infused it with his magical power.

Mysterious light emanated from it, and golden currents spread faintly.

Then, the belly of the Golden Pig Statue twitched and soon opened its mouth wide.

Instantly, Seonsa Noe’s brow furrowed in alarm.

He had only injected magical power, but the Golden Pig Statue began to move on its own.

He could sense tremendous heat rising from within its open mouth.

“Hurry, everyone, get out of the way!!”

But it was too late.

콰아아아아앙!! [sound of a massive explosion]

A tremendous red pillar of fire erupted from the Golden Pig Statue.

The Myriad Poison Flames soared from the summit of Taesan Mountain, transforming the surrounding landscape into a sea of fire.

The Taesan Mountain, renowned as a sacred peak, was instantly engulfed in flames, and the assembled Taesuns were poisoned by the toxins within the flames, their faces turning ashen.

“Baekseon Clan, you bastard!!”

Seonsa Noe roared in fury above the fiercely burning Taesan Mountain.

Far away from Taesan Mountain.

The Mountain Lord, seated atop a giant stingray, smirked as he watched the mountain ablaze.

“Watching a fire is the best.”