Chapter 560: Chapter 560

In the sound-cave of Whirling Wind Hollow, the Law of the Battle God was denied.

While the old woman known as Yeom Jeong, one of the Six Star Lords, and the Battle God’s strategist remained silent for reasons unknown—

—Yaryul King, come to Heolju. I won’t send a Great Warrior. I’ll personally break your bones.

—How many years have you even lived?

—There are Six Star Lords among those who fear the Battle God! Will you not come with me to kill Mugok?!

Many Northern Kings spoke to Jeong Yeon-shin, but he no longer responded.

From now on, a Northern King could no longer merely hide behind a Great Warrior with hands folded behind their back. At least, not the ones who had faced Jeong Yeon-shin.

But the Southern Emperor remained composed.

He didn’t lash out at Jeong Yeon-shin in a fit of rage, nor did he attempt to argue.

He merely spoke to the other Northern Kings in a calm voice—as though it didn’t matter who was listening, even his mortal enemy.

—I advise our Southern comrades: if you haven’t been swayed by Yaryul’s words, then we must secure full support from the Ice Palace of the North Sea. In the coming age, the Ice Palace Lord’s strength shall become a snowbound shield for the Battle God upon his return.

With those words that sounded more like an imperial decree, the Southern Emperor vanished from the sound-cave.

The King of Dragon Resonance reported the latest news: Eo Ung-gong, one of the Three Imperial High Protectors, had fled the Southern Emperor’s domain along with Joo Gwang-shin.

In other words—they had escaped.

“You must have sensed it too. The sound-caves in Whirling Wind Hollow aren’t just one. Some of them—secret lines reserved for private use by the Northern Kings—can’t be easily eavesdropped on. Unlike the Southern Emperor’s, which prioritize speed of transmission.”

Jeong Yeon-shin, listening silently, finally opened his mouth.

“Your tone has changed. Weren’t you once a loyal servant of the Southern Emperor?”

“Loyal servant? A Northern King, to another Northern King...?”

The King of Dragon Resonance burst into loud laughter.

Even her warhorse, lying with its head in her lap, snorted in agreement.

It was no ordinary beast. Every movement of its body was in perfect tune with hers.

Was she, like Bukdo, a master of mounted martial arts?

Come to think of it, Jeong Yeon-shin knew very little about her martial lineage.

Unlike the King of Chi Geuk, whose name was renowned across the Demon Realm for his invincible protective qi.

If she was a Northern King who wielded Gongyeolmu, she must surely be a master touching the apex of some legendary martial path.

At any rate, he would find out sooner or later. Whether ally or enemy—as always, life branched like a twisting path.

‘I suppose I need to decide my next level too.’

He had already forged the second luminous ring of internal power around his heart. Now came the time to forge the third.

The path to challenge the State of Bodhidharma, a realm he had briefly touched thanks to the Gongyeolmu of the Golden Lion Lord of Sichuan.

It didn’t matter which he reached.

As long as he could leap freely into any great city where Northern Kings gathered—without hesitation.

The foundation lay in Luminous Method Qi Circulation.

Jeong Yeon-shin turned his back on the King of Dragon Resonance, who was muttering at her horse in disbelief.

“‘Draw in Dragon Resonance and Chi Geuk to bring the Ice Palace to our side...’ That sounded more like a command than a suggestion. No wonder Yaryul King took offense. The Southern Emperor’s arrogance only deepens with time.”

She too seemed to have dipped her feet into the same mental abyss that Yeoryeongju once unraveled.

There was no way the warlike Northern Kings held no resentment.

It was no different from the Thirteen Heavens of the South, restrained by blood ties and forced to suppress their violent nature.

‘I wasn’t doing anything special. Yeoryeongju must have done the same.’

Jeong Yeon-shin walked slowly toward the Lord and Lady of the Ice Palace. The Ice Emperor and Tae Yeom-ryong. Their whispers grew more audible as he approached.

“We shouldn’t invite him to the North Sea. I considered entertaining him as a guest once because of his features... but now? Ugh, that old man blocks the view again. Covering his king’s face with swordwind.”

“My lady, you may not need to be so wary.”

“He might be preferable to that scheming Southern Emperor. At least his body’s healthy.”

“The one with the mask isn’t scheming?”

“Well, people have their temperaments. And don’t I have a good eye for people? Just look at all the filth we weeded out from your main palace...”

“Isn’t that why the ‘god’ character is inscribed on your Solar God Meridian? Your Upper Dantian is the best.”

“That’s not why, come on.”

Ma Gwang-ik, the Divine Sword Corps, Tae Yeom-ryong of the Ice Palace—

They had crossed life and death together numerous times. Comrades. Family. Had they belonged to a different sect than Ipwang Fortress, they would have been senior and junior brothers.

That was why he held no suspicion. It only stung to see a comrade seemingly serving another lord.

His father Jeong Ban-ak would’ve called him a fool for this, but such was the way of warriors from Ipwang Fortress. That was the brotherhood of the martial world.

‘The Grand Commander said the mission was... to survive.’

Literally—to stay alive. Tae Yeom-ryong seemed to have sought the means to that in the Ice Palace.

Though dressed like a nobleman, his tousled hair gave off a strangely wild air. The silver-blue silk robes suited him as if tailored just for him.

And the ice-petal between his teeth—no longer a poppy, but more like the soul of the North Sea Ice Palace Lord.

And the woman standing a step ahead.

Her very stance screamed ownership over Tae Yeom-ryong.

Her distinct, almost alien facial features might have stirred fondness in Jeong Yeon-shin under other circumstances.

She bore a striking resemblance to Bukgung Ah, the senior he respected deeply.

But the long black hair that trailed past her ankles—fluttering like a banner—felt more like a taunt. A banner planted in Tae Yeom-ryong, mocking him.

She slowly parted her lips.

“State your business.”

There was caution in her voice toward Yaryul King.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

The Lord of the North Sea Ice Palace—her icy blue eyes now flared with a colorless flame. Jeong Yeon-shin understood instinctively:

If they crossed blades now, he might win—but he would lose a limb or two, and she would die.

“Just want to talk for a moment.”

A mysterious swordwind, imbued with qi, diffused around Jeong Yeon-shin’s body.

The Sword Saint Hyeon So-baek had intercepted the Ice Palace Lord’s martial aura with his own. Jeong Yeon-shin tilted his head and offered a polite bow.

“That old man... he’s not your subordinate, is he? I can tell.”

The Ice Palace Lord asked.

Jeong Yeon-shin responded quietly.

“Is Tae Yeom-ryong yours?”

“How could my husband be my subordinate? He’s half of me.”

Was it due to the perfected Trinity Energy Harmony she’d achieved?

Guided by her intent, a small fold appeared in the cloth at her lower belly. Jeong Yeon-shin sensed it—a faint but unmistakable current of qi.

Something that had never appeared in his vast life experience.

Something he had never once expected—the movement of a ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) fetus.

Among Ma Gwang-ik’s comrades, there was no room for meddling. Without hesitation, he struck Tae Yeom-ryong with a mental transmission like a thunderbolt.

He almost asked, can you survive ?

But for once, he stammered.

He couldn't say such things in front of a child.

He didn’t even mouth a rebuke toward Tae Yeom-ryong.

With no prior experience, Jeong Yeon-shin found himself excessively cautious.

Even if it was a sound transmission imperceptible to other peerless masters, could it somehow affect the baby?

So he fell silent, like a bear swallowing honey.

It was the first time in his life he’d ever done so.

“...Why aren’t you saying anything?”

The Ice Palace Lord tilted her head. As if puzzled that someone so bold would suddenly go quiet.

Tae Yeom-ryong, unable to speak in front of his superior, looked mortified.

Jeong Yeon-shin began slowly.

“...I’ll be another father to the child. If the two of you agree, I’ll take this as the proof of our alliance.”

A strange emotion stirred in his heart.

Awe toward the barely perceptible qi of the newborn like a budding sprout, long-held jealousy toward Tae Yeom-ryong, a strange sense of satisfaction and relief—thoughts tangled together in a knotted skein he himself could not untangle.

Someone who had truly formed a family.

Maybe Tae Yeom-ryong was the greater Grandmaster after all.

Then the Ice Palace Lord suddenly said, her icy blue eyes sharp:

“You’re saying you want to become my concubine? I’d welcome that.”

"Then a guardian? Or something like a teacher...?"

Her voice was unreadable. "Your reverse meridian qi circuit is so solid I can’t gauge it. I’m not sure whether this is good or bad for my child."

—came the voice of the Ice Palace Lord’s First Husband.

He couldn’t use silent transmission like Jeong Yeon-shin.

For the First Husband of the Ice Palace Lord to speak to Yaryul King, even indirectly—such a thing was strange by every measure.

So Tae Yeom-ryong spoke out loud.

“I think it would be a good thing.”

The poppy boy was smiling.

But this time, it wasn’t the usual crooked grin.

There were Taoists roaming the wilderness, each carrying only a single sword.

There were about twenty of them.

Even when the cold northern winds swept dust into the air, they neither stopped nor rested.

Dry and wiry like old trees.

They lacked food—even energy pills were rare.

Their long limbs and cold, colorless eyes were marks of seasoned swordsmen.

And their conversation, filled with insight into the affairs of the Northern Rivers and Lakes, made it clear they belonged to powerful sects.

Namely, the Nine Great Sects.

Specifically—Kongtong and Hengshan.

“A single unifying force in the southern Demon Realm, huh...”

“An alliance between Yaryul King, the King of Dragon Resonance, and the Ice Palace Lord. Yaryul King is at the center, and apparently got a non-aggression pledge from the King of Chi Geuk. The King of Dragon Resonance joined under the condition that Yaryul wouldn’t kill Chi Geuk. A massive loss for the Southern Emperor, who’d gone through all that effort to win over the Ice Palace.”

“So So Cheonmujuk just sat there and did nothing?”

“We at Hengshan inquired. When Yaryul stormed into the Empty Death Fortress of the Ming Cult, it was completely abandoned...”

“So he went north from there?”

“Yes. What happens next, no one knows. Unless the sect leaders themselves move, there’s no way to get close...”

“But isn’t support coming from Ipwang Fortress? They’re expected to join us here today. If that happens, a lot more becomes possible.”

“Hmm. Yeoui-cheon and the Heavenly Dragon Corps are old allies. With them, we’ll be able to monitor Yaryul closely.”

“The Divine Sword Corps, huh? Guess they weren’t all hype. I was disappointed when I heard the sect leaders weren’t with them.”

It didn’t belong to anyone from Kongtong or Hengshan.

The response was immediate.

Twenty-two swords were drawn with quiet grace and spun into motion.

Tattered gray robes whipped in the wind like a dance, and in an instant, they had surrounded two massive figures.

Demon-Suppressing Sword Formation and Remnant Sword Wall.

The signature sword formations of Kongtong and Hengshan began to hum, translucent waves of qi forming between them.

They were prepared for full-scale battle.

But their expressions were grim.

These Taoists, elite sword-wielders of the old sects, had keen insight and battle instinct.

They could see through shadows and read the dust-filled air.

And so they recognized them immediately.

“King of Giant Swells, King of Mad Demon Spirits...!”

Two Northern Kings stood in the middle of the formation like an illusion come to life.

Both over seven feet tall.

Each ruled over their own domain—Wangang and Mangya Ridge.

They were twins, born on the same day from the same womb.

Their combined assault was said to be unbeatable except by the Six Star Lords.

It was common knowledge in the northern martial world.

“You’ve gotten too comfortable.”

“The Demon Realm no longer tolerates such leisurely movement... Didn’t you know?”

The dust slowly settled.

As their full forms came into view, the old-school Taoists fell silent.

One face was grotesquely twisted to one side. Their bodies, massive like siege rams.

Their skin was so thick it looked like they were wrapped in leather armor.

The protective qi coating them shimmered with a metallic sheen, its texture almost otherworldly.

Celestial Layered Steel Skin.

“How long has it been...? Since we went out in person, without sending Great Warriors.”

“The last time was when Gunreung made his move.”

“Well, I’ve always thought about death.”

“Can’t wait to get soaked in Yaryul’s blood. I’m sure it’ll return the spirit I’ve lost.”

“Shouldn’t we kill the traitorous Ice Palace Lord first? Our high priest said to prevent the child of the Solar God Meridian from being born. I’m sure the other Northern Kings were told the same.”

“You need to bathe in Yaryul’s blood too. You’ve lost your edge.”

They were on their way to kill Yaryul King.

Rumble! Rumble rumble—!

As their conversation continued, the invisible pressure grew.

Their voices alone dropped like thunder, pressing the dusty ground flat.

Hairline cracks split across the earth in hundreds of directions.

“They say Yaryul’s old Great Warrior is like a Northern King himself, but he looks more like a famous Southern swordsman to me.”

“If he’s built up power that long, it’s possible. He might be one of the Southern Five Swords.”

“If he’s one of them, then his head’s worth taking. A name worth breaking a sword over.”

“Not sure about that. Look at the Wudang sect master—humiliated by a disciple of the Divine Spear. Far from the level of the Six Star Lords.”

No special technique needed.

Their words were priority.

Their enemies? Just collateral damage.

Several swordsmen from Hengshan and Kongtong spat blood.

Their bodies crushed by the sudden unnatural pressure, as if heaven itself had collapsed.

They barely endured with inner strength, soft defense techniques, and anchored stances.

And yet, one swordsman among them stood out—unnaturally calm.

As if he’d been there all along, a wide-brimmed hat covering his face.

He seemed to be calculating how best to blend into the Taoists’ broken rhythm.

“...It’s not my turn yet.”

A murmur from the King of Giant Swells.

At some point, the eyes of both Northern Kings had landed on him.

But the three never made direct eye contact—beneath his hat, the swordsman’s gaze was milky and unfocused.

“...This is embarrassing. I’m terrible at dancing.”

He gave a sheepish smile and reached for his hilt—

The cracks in the ground suddenly surged upward, cleaving the air.

The space itself split like a blade strike.

And along that pale, shimmering line were the necks of the two Northern Kings.

Blood exploded like a fountain.

A translucent trail had passed through their inner qi barriers as if carved directly into their flesh.