Call Of The Spear [EN]: Chapter 88

Nangseon’s Romantic Tale – Episode 87

In that instant, Cho-ah and Yoho’s eyes met.

The meaning of this strange phenomenon was self-evident.

Kugugugung!

Just then, the ground shook violently.

Soon, the golden seal cracked, and blue flames burst forth from the gaps.

Yoho immediately dispelled all the illusions.

The flames that soared high into the sky split into several parts, swirling like will-o’-the-wisps.

“Ah….”

Cho-ah, recognizing the source of the beautiful blue flames adorning the night sky, exclaimed in admiration and clasped her hands together.

The blue flames soon transformed into small tiger shapes and began to roam the sky.

What was once one gradually increased in number.

Soon, twelve small tigers were playfully wandering around.

The tigers made of fire moved independently, as if they were truly alive.

Some were aggressive enough to bare their teeth, while others were idly lounging around, showing a great variety.

The tigers soon began to devour all the spiritual energy that floated around them.

“Madam, this way.”

“W-what is happening right now? H-has my lord awakened?”

“You will know if you watch.”

Yoho, who had already transformed, stood beside Cho-ah and cast a protective barrier.

The little tigers, as if not satisfied with devouring all the spiritual energy around them, clung to Yoho’s protective barrier.

“Originally, upon reaching the Spirit Enlightenment stage, the inner core and spirit soul become one. It is called Dallyeong [a manifestation of one’s spirit]. At first, it is difficult to control, so they are just frolicking about separately.”

Originally, if one were at the Spirit Enlightenment stage, it was natural to have four Dallyeong. But he possessed twelve, which was astonishing.

‘What kind of divine power did he awaken to divide his spirit soul into twelve….’

Only then could she slightly understand his divine power, which was stronger than others at the sixth level.

While she was intrigued.

The Dallyeongs devoured all the spiritual energy around them and increased in size.

Soon, they were in the form of fully grown tigers.

The twelve growling tigers looked at Yoho as if they were not yet full.

‘It’s because of the large number of Dallyeongs.’

That was why they felt insufficient even after absorbing the spiritual energy of Sayeol Peak.

As expected.

The creatures clung to Yoho’s protective barrier, bumping into it and baring their teeth.

They looked quite aggressive.

They revealed their hostility as if they wanted to devour her, and pounded on the protective barrier.

However, some of them turned to Cho-ah and licked the protective barrier.

They seemed delighted.

Yoho’s eyebrows shot up at the stark difference. Cho-ah’s heart was already full, and she unconsciously reached out her hand.

“Do not touch them. I do not know what kind of fire it is, but they are not to be taken lightly.”

When Cho-ah, startled, withdrew her hand.

Yoho suddenly threw a Gongjeong Stone [a stone containing spatial storage].

Soon, amber light flashed, and countless spirit stones poured out from it.

The number of spirit stones was so large that they could have piled up into a mountain.

“They are acting like this because they lack spiritual energy, so spirit stones will be enough.”

As she said that, the Dallyeongs gladly absorbed the spiritual energy contained in the spirit stones.

The Dallyeongs, having absorbed tens of thousands of spirit stones in an instant, swayed as if they were full.

Kukung!

A wave of spiritual energy reverberated from the golden seal. Then, the tigers were instantly sucked into the golden seal, causing an explosion.

Kwaang!

At the same time, a pillar of fire soared high into the sky, and all the vegetation in the area was burned away with an earth-shattering roar.

“Keuk.”

Even Yoho, who was shielded by the protective barrier, gritted her teeth at the intense heat.

It was only after she spread her wings and covered her body with them that she felt better.

‘What is this….’

Such intense flames.

It was a fire that made even herself, an eternal being, feel dizzy.

That was not all.

The blue pillar of fire transformed into a giant tiger and howled at the sky.

Because of that, Sayeol Peak trembled, and the Sayeolrang [warriors of Sayeol Peak] made a great fuss.

The Sayeolrangs, transformed into streaks of light, gathered near Sayeol Peak, all staring at the tiger made of blue flames with astonished expressions.

However, no one made the mistake of approaching it due to the heat of the blue flames.

The giant tiger embraced them and soon turned into blue flames and disappeared, and in its place, a tiger with a sturdier horn appeared.

* * *

The Mountain Lord gathered the blue flames that had burned everything around him and composed himself.

‘Is this the power of Spirit Enlightenment?’

The control over the spiritual energy that dominates the surroundings was ten times greater than when compared to Spirit Core.

A sense of omnipotence, as if he could do anything, roamed wildly through his body.

Even Spirit Enlightenment was like this, so he could not even grasp how much it would be when he reached Eternity and Eternal stages. A sensation as if all the spiritual energy of the heavens and earth were in his grasp.

He felt like he would be intoxicated by this.

“My Lord!!”

Cho-ah was shedding tears.

What was visible on her face was joy.

However, the Mountain Lord could not smile back.

[Why are you so thin?]

She seemed out of her mind, not even answering, just crying in his arms.

The Mountain Lord knew better than anyone how much she had suffered.

‘She came every day.’

Even when he was trapped in his mind, he could feel it vaguely. He had entered the Jinsu Myeonghwa [a deep meditative state], but honestly, he did not expect it to take 30 years.

He also did not expect her to abandon her own training and pray like that every day.

The Mountain Lord patted Cho-ah, who was crying in human form, and looked around.

There were the sixth level warriors of Sayeolrang, Yoho, and even the Myeonghwa couple and Mansam.

Everyone looked like they had a lot to say, but they were just smiling wryly thanks to Cho-ah.

The Mountain Lord also smiled.

“You have just reached the Spirit Enlightenment stage, so you will have a lot to do. You will have to stabilize your realm and have other things to do, so I will visit you later!”

Geummyeongokseo said with a hearty laugh.

Then everyone nodded and left one by one.

Except for one clueless woman.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I have not been idle either, you know? I did not expect to receive such a look for protecting the sixth level warriors for 30 years.”

That was also true.

“That is not true. Thank you.”

“You are not just trying to get away with a greeting, are you? I will be waiting for good news.”

She said that and disappeared.

He knew what she was hoping for, so he had a headache, but Cho-ah was the priority.

The Mountain Lord picked up Cho-ah and used Shukuchi [a technique for instantaneous travel].

A few days later.

The Mountain Lord was with Cho-ah in a bath made with Hangbo leaves.

Thin steam was thick everywhere.

“How long are you going to stick to me?”

“Forever.”

He let out a small breath.

Cho-ah had not been willing to leave his side for a moment these days. Wherever he went, she was always stuck to him like a leech.

He understood to some extent, but it was still too much.

“Your age is now….”

Clap!

The Mountain Lord, who was hit in the chest, chuckled.

“A woman’s age is not to be mentioned, my lord.”

“Are you trying to cover the sky with your palm [hide the obvious]?”

“At least I can cover it for you.”

“Good grief….”

Pouting her lips, she wrapped her arms around the Mountain Lord’s waist and clung to him.

“It seems I met a good lord. I never dreamed I would take a bath with such precious Hangbo leaves.”

“Other things would not be bad either, would they?”

At those words, she blushed and hugged him even tighter.

She seemed embarrassed.

The Mountain Lord stroked her soft back and got up from the bath to prepare to leave.

A look of regret crossed Cho-ah’s face.

“Are you leaving?”

“I have to say hello.”

Then she came out of the bath and straightened the Mountain Lord’s clothes.

“I will get ready too.”

“Please do.”

Soon, his figure blurred.

When the Mountain Lord took a step, the surroundings were all deep blue, and dozens of Dogwood trees greeted him warmly.

The full moon was full, but the surroundings were faintly bright, thanks to some measures taken.

“Have you come?”

“Have you been well?”

It was Okseo, with the appearance of a young boy.

He nodded with satisfaction and took out a chair and a table.

“The moonlight is bright today.”

“Is it not a good day to watch the moon?”

He laughed heartily and took out a large bottle of liquor.

Inside it were various spiritual herbs and Yangmae, the fruit of the Dogwood tree.

“It has been 30 years this year. I can guarantee the color and taste.”

The Mountain Lord smiled wryly and received the glass.

It was Geummyeongjisu’s Yangmae.

They exchanged glasses of infused liquor for a while.

They did not say much.

They just emptied their glasses, looked at the moon, and looked at the Dogwood tree.

Then, when the liquor was running out.

“Are you leaving?”

“I have to go. I have a promise with Hwanmang… and I have finished my work.”

“Jisu will miss you a lot.”

“That is Nangseon.”

Following the wind and the clouds.

“If we keep going around, we will meet again.”

“Yes.”

“Take it.”

It was a palm-sized carriage statue.

“What is this?”

“I received Giryung Brush and Blood Collapse Water, so I cannot just send you away. There will be times when it will be useful.”

Originally, he was going to hand over the two and receive corresponding treasures.

However, when she died, he felt guilty and did not do so.

Geummyeongjisu’s death was clearly his fault, and it was not like Sayeolrang had to receive any treasures.

‘I have already copied it, so it does not matter if I give it away.’

“Thank you.”

A flying treasure. It looked like a Dunbo [a treasure used for escape].

It was the same as the Giryeong Tea she used to use.

He seemed to know why he was giving this.

“You have many dependents, so why do not you stop being a Nangseon [wandering immortal]?”

“I do not know. I have a lot to do.”

“You will not be a good husband. Haha.”

After that, the two continued to exchange glasses of liquor for a long time before parting ways.

Geummyeongokseo tried to see him off grandly, but the Mountain Lord did not want it, so he was able to leave Goseon quietly.

* * *

“But why are you following me?”

Jangcheon, running in the sky, was following the Mountain Lord on a cloud.

“It is the Great Law Lord’s order. Do you think I want to do this? He told me to monitor you because you are a person of interest.”

“Even after leaving Goseon?”

“Yes. He told me to monitor you so that you never set foot in Goseon again.”

Damn old man.

To think he would attach a Hwanseon [a celestial being] to him because of himself.

And it was even the Deputy Law Lord of Tal.

“Do you have nothing else to do? To monitor me, who is just a Nangseon.”

“There must be a deep meaning in the Great Law Lord’s words that someone like me does not know. And….”

Jangcheon said with strength in his eyes.

“I somewhat agree with the opinion that you will bring a storm of blood.”

He wanted to strongly deny it, but he was just sad that he could not.

Yoho, sitting on the Giryeong Tea, glared at Jangcheon and revealed her murderous intent.

“I hope you do not catch my eye. I do not know when I will go crazy and kill you.”

“Haha….”

Jangcheon smiled awkwardly as if nothing had happened and moved away a little.

She was just saying that.

It is said that the divine sense of a Jiseon [an earth immortal] can surpass a thousand miles, so he cannot do anything rash.

“But where are we going?”

Yoho asked, crossing her legs.

“It is a place where I used to stay. There is nothing special, but it is a quiet place, so it will be comfortable to live in.”

“Is that so? I will look forward to it.”

Seeing her touching the Mountain Lord’s leg while sitting across from him, it seemed like she was expecting something else.

Thud.

Cho-ah, who was next to the Mountain Lord, kicked Yoho’s foot and said as if nothing had happened.

“It is also the place where my lord and I first met.”

Come to think of it, that was true.

He met Cho-ah there too.

Time passed quickly.

It had been over 40 years since he left Baekseon, so why not? It had been quite a while, so Baekseon would have regained its spiritual energy.

Not only that.

Baekseon was like a hometown to him too.

It was natural since he had spent a long time there. When he was just a tiger, he ran away to Baekseon and honed his strength. Moreover, it was also the place where the name Mountain Lord began, so he could not help but feel affectionate.

The Mountain Lord missed Baekseon, his hometown in his heart, and infused spiritual power into the Giryeong Tea.

A few days later.

The faces of the group who arrived at Baekseon were sullen.

“You said it was a quiet place?”

Yoho asked, tilting her head.

The quietness was nowhere to be found, and spiritual beasts were swarming, so why not?

However, the Mountain Lord and Cho-ah were even more embarrassed.

“A sect has been established in Baekseon.”