Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 392

Tales of Nangsungan – Part 2, Episode 101

Juhae is located in the southeast of the Celestial Realm.

Perhaps because it’s adjacent to the Geonwon Sea, the wind blows fiercely, and many of the immortals living there seem hardy and resilient.

Most of the men wore black *gat* [traditional Korean hat woven from horsehair], but their sizes and shapes varied considerably.

Some had large, wide brims, while others had narrow brims and tall crowns.

The subtle differences in the hats likely indicated their respective social standing.

“Vulgar head coverings.”

Tamlang muttered, glancing at the immortals in Juhae.

“What was that?”

One of the immortals, blessed with keen hearing, reacted sharply.

“It’s nothing. My mouth is just bitter from the long journey…”

A cultivator named Baekgeonbun (family name Baek), who had been Tamlang’s closest companion for the past hundred years, quickly apologized.

After barely placating the offended immortal, Tamlang snorted.

“This is the Celestial Realm! Please be as careful as possible, as you never know what kind of trouble might arise!”

“Hmph, caution is for the weak. A strong person like me doesn’t need caution. I’ll simply crush anyone who opposes me with my power!”

It sounded confident, but it was essentially an admission that he would act as he pleased.

“Baekgeonbun. I’ve heard that the Celestial Realm has its own unique food and alcohol. Take me there.”

“As I’ve said for the past hundred years, I’m not Baekmeoki. I’m Baekgeonbun! How many times do I have to tell you!”

“I’m tempted to bite your neck off.”

Baekgeonbun, who had spoken so boldly, immediately clamped his mouth shut and shook his head.

“Just shut up and get me food! I want alcohol and a lavish spread!”

Tamlang began to wander through the streets of Juhae, making a considerable commotion.

The other members of the Munmu Division watched him with concern, but ultimately decided to let him be.

“He’ll manage.”

The fact that Tamlang was a Chungseon [a high-ranking celestial being] and possessed the realm of Hyangseon [a powerful spiritual state] had become an open secret among the Munmuseon [members of the Munmu Division].

They had tried to keep it quiet, but Tamlang’s personality made discretion impossible.

“More importantly, we have our own tasks to attend to.”

The Munmuseon who had descended from Gyewolseon [the name of their vessel or base] split into several groups and entered Juhaeseong [the city of Juhae].

The key figures of Juhaeseong were all aboard Gyewolseon, in discussions with the Munmu officers, while the Munmuseon themselves explored Juhaeseong.

They had been training aboard Gyewolseon for over a century, so their bodies were stiff and they longed to stretch their legs and see the sights, but there was more to it than that.

“I’ll go this way. I heard there are many medicinal herb gardens here that are excellent for treating internal injuries.”

“Unlike Suye, the Celestial Realm doesn’t have prominent families, but rather sects [organized groups or factions]. It might be worthwhile to visit a major sect in Juhaeseong.”

They were all eager to find potent medicinal herbs.

A hundred years had passed since the head of the Munmu Division had boarded Gyewolseon and secluded himself, and he had yet to emerge.

He had suffered severe internal injuries from enduring the profound impact of a Hyangseon late stage [a powerful attack or technique], and remained unconscious.

As a result, the faces of the Munmuseon, with the exception of Tamlang, were etched with worry.

“In any case, we have no choice but to search as we go. This trip to the Celestial Realm is a crucial mission for both us and the head of the division.”

As the Munmuseon disappeared into various parts of Juhaeseong, Umyeong, who remained on the deck of Gyewolseon, looked troubled.

“Officer Woo, you’re being discourteous to our guests.”

“Ah, I apologize.”

On the deck of Gyewolseon, immortals from Juhaejong [a sect or organization within Juhae], responsible for governing Juhaeseong, had come to pay a visit.

Their appearance resembled that of a *Susun* [cultivators] who had shed their mortal form, as most of them were of mixed blood.

Here, they were called Honseon [mixed-blood immortals], and they were originally the ones the head of the Munmu Division should have met.

‘He still hasn’t woken up…’

Umyeong and Gayeon, who were on guard duty, couldn’t leave Gyewolseon and had no choice but to welcome them there.

“We were prepared to treat you with the utmost respect, having heard that a delegation from Suye had arrived…”

“We are truly sorry. We are unable to leave Gyewolseon due to unforeseen circumstances, and we hope you will understand.”

Among the dozen or so Honseon who had come from Juhaejong, the one in the center was a man with the realm of Sangseon [a high level of immortal cultivation].

The aura he exuded was remarkable.

However, he made no attempt to conceal his displeasure, which was unsettling.

“It can’t be helped. Since you have your reasons, I won’t press the matter. But since we’ve accommodated your situation, wouldn’t you be willing to accommodate ours in return?”

Umyeong and Gayeon exchanged glances and nodded.

“Tell us.”

The imposing man then spoke.

“I am Gyeolcheon of Juhaejong, and I am a well-respected Sangseon in these parts.”

To boast about himself so openly suggested a considerable lack of humility.

“I’ll get straight to the point. I know why the Susun from Suye have come to Juhaeseong. It’s all because of the Seonsal War [likely a celestial conflict or competition].”

“That’s correct.”

Their purpose was to prepare for the upcoming Seonsal War and to strengthen the relationship between the Celestial Realm and Suye.

It could be seen as a preliminary visit before formally uniting under the banner of the higher-ranking powers in Suye.

“Then please make our Juhaeseong the focal point of your efforts.”

Umyeong and Gayeon’s expressions subtly changed.

It might seem like a minor request, but given the unique dynamics of the Celestial Realm, where the Honseon and Inseon [pure-blood immortals] factions are divided, it wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly.

Even among the Honseon, there were numerous competing sects.

Gyeolcheon’s proposal essentially meant forging a strong alliance with a sect deeply rooted in Juhaeseong, or at the very least, cultivating friendships with Honseon connected to him.

“Perhaps we should sit down and discuss this matter further?”

As the conversation seemed likely to become lengthy, Gayeon led the immortals of Juhaejong inside Gyewolseon.

Once inside, Gyeolcheon spoke without hesitation.

“It’s not as if we’re asking you to do this without offering anything in return. The delegation will receive ample compensation. Juhaeseong produces many excellent resources, including Seoncho [celestial herbs] and Seonseok [celestial stones], but Wolbeophyeol (Transcendent Blood) is the most prized!”

“Wolbeophyeol… you say?”

* * *

“What is Beophyeol [Law Blood]? You hat-wearing grub.”

“…You don’t know Beophyeol? Then you’re not immortals from Juhaeseong?”

“No, we are Susun from other regions. We would be grateful if you could enlighten us.”

The long-eyebrowed immortal, who was displaying his wares and selling Sangseonbo [Sangseon treasures] and other items, took something from his pocket and presented it.

“This is Beophyeol.”

It was a pure white liquid contained in a glass bottle.

It appeared slightly viscous, and contained tiny, sparkling particles.

“Sir, we are ignorant, could you explain it to us simply?”

As if it were a great effort, he stroked his eyebrows, which reached his chin, and replied.

“Beophyeol is a blood that only Honseon can create. It’s used to refine various treasures or to gain enlightenment in cultivation by channeling the power of the law through special processing and treatment.”

The origin of Beophyeol lies in Honseon.

Only Honseon with mixed blood can produce it.

“Among them, Juhaeseong’s Wolbeophyeol is considered the finest because it’s the most difficult to obtain and the most renowned. Even a single drop of Wolbeophyeol can break down a barrier, and it’s a unique elixir that allows ordinary Inseon to harness the advantages of Honseon. There’s even a saying that the day Wolbeophyeol appears is the day your fortune is ruined.”

It even transforms Inseon into Honseon?

Baekgeonbun and Tamlang wondered what advantages that entailed.

“Honseon inherently possess a mix of human blood, making them more receptive to Seongi [divine energy], and their divine power and physical bodies are stronger. It seems obvious… are you truly not immortals from the Celestial Realm?”

Oops.

It seemed he had asked too many questions.

“Is that Wolbeophyeol also effective in treating internal injuries?”

“Are you even asking? No matter the severity of the injury, it will heal instantly, and it wouldn’t be surprising if you were reborn!”

Hearing this, Baekgeonbun became excited and fired off several more questions.

How to obtain Wolbeophyeol, and what the difference was between it and regular Beophyeol.

Tamlang wasn’t particularly interested, but he understood Baekgeonbun’s motives and remained silent.

Shortly after Baekgeonbun’s barrage of questions ended, Tamlang pulled him away from the marketplace.

“Why are you doing this? The head of the Munmu Division’s condition is dire, and I was hoping to buy at least some Beophyeol, even if I couldn’t get Wolbeophyeol…”

He complained about being dragged away without even purchasing Beophyeol.

Tamlang stared intently at him and said.

“Baekmeoki.”

“It’s Baekgeonbun.”

“Shall I make Beophyeol with your blood?”

He frowned and immediately threatened him.

“…Tamlang, I’m not a Ho- Honseon, so it’s impossible!”

“I, Tamlang, am not a fool. Honseon are simply immortals with mixed blood, so if you mix your blood with Inseon’s blood, that’s Honseon!”

“Wh-what kind of hurtful words are those… Haven’t Tamlang and I been together for a hundred years? Haha! You’re taking your jokes too far!”

“I, Tamlang, don’t make jokes.”

Cold sweat began to trickle down Baekgeonbun’s forehead.

Then Tamlang smiled with satisfaction and handed him something from his pocket.

“What is this?”

“Let’s just say it’s something similar to a seasoning that makes food more delicious.”

A clear liquid in a transparent glass bottle.

It was the Beophyeol he had seen earlier.

“Oh! You got this? Even regular Beophyeol is so expensive that I was worried about it… Thank you!”

“It was nothing.”

Tamlang shrugged and puffed out his chest.

“As expected of a Hyangseon. You had enough wealth to buy this much Beophyeol.”

“You’re saying strange things. That was originally mine.”

“…Yes?”

Baekgeonbun’s spine tingled.

“I simply reclaimed my property from the thief!”

Baekgeonbun’s face paled at Tamlang’s brazen admission of theft.

“Hoo, you stole it? From the immortal running the stall earlier?!”

“It was originally mine.”

Oh my god!

Baekgeonbun tore at his hair at Tamlang’s confident theft.

“Th-those guys! Give me back my Beophyeol! You dog-like bastards!”

At that moment, the long-eyebrowed immortal from before arrived with the soldiers of Juhaeseong.

“This… is bad.”

They were strangers from Suye.

They were in a position where they shouldn’t cause trouble carelessly.

But he had confidently stolen, so the problem could escalate.

“Hoo, dare you bare your teeth at me, Tamlang? I’ll create a river and sea with your blood!”

It was even more distressing to see Tamlang, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, preparing to fight.

‘Ah… I want to go home.’

Baekgeonbun longed to go home.

He wanted to go home more desperately than ever.

As that thought consumed him and his face went blank.

Tingling-

Suddenly, a clear bell sound echoed through the chaotic marketplace.

Soon, the crowd parted and a woman wearing blue winged clothes and carrying a bow and arrow, her mouth covered with a veil, appeared.

The surrounding Susun, as well as the soldiers of Juhaeseong who were rushing in like angry wild dogs, widened their eyes and tensed up.

“That person is…”

“Why is the Cheonnyeo [Celestial Maiden] of Inseon here?”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

‘Cheonnyeo?’

The Cheonnyeo, who had parted the crowd and approached, smiled at Tamlang and Baekgeonbun.

“Are you the Susun from Suye?”

“That’s right! Blue grub, who are you…eup!”

“Y, yes!”

Baekgeonbun, who had instinctively blocked Tamlang’s mouth, realized that the woman called Cheonnyeo held a high position.

“I have something to ask.”

Despite her mysterious aura, her voice and tone were subtly friendly and cordial.

“Yes, ask me anything.”

It was a strange charm that compelled you to respond to her kindness without even realizing it.

“Is there by any chance a Susun in Suye with the name… Daeho?”