Chương 382: With Everyone (6)

I am taken aback and ask again.

"What if Yeon Wei dies?"

"Ah... right. I apologize."

Seo Ran scratches his head awkwardly.

Shaking my head, I say,

"Starting today, I plan to use this village as a base, roaming around to capture or subdue demon spirits like Shi Ho."

In the process, I intend to gather comrades, expand my faction, and establish great achievements.

After pondering for a moment, Seo Ran asks,

"If Senior is planning on expanding your faction, wouldn't it be better to overthrow the village to make it the base of your force? After overthrowing the village, we can use demon spirits to collect tribute and be worshiped."

'This kid, why does he want to rule a village so badly?'

Thinking back, I suddenly remember that Seo Ran had been worshiped as a dragon god on a small island during his Qi Building days.

"Hmm..."

I glance at Seo Ran briefly.

Although a bit unreliable, Seo Ran's words indeed make sense.

'After all, if we establish a faction, looting for supplies might happen anyway...'

It might be better to start from Taiyi Village and establish a regular source of tribute.

I recall the purpose of this formation.

'According to Yuk Rin's logs, the formation changes its details based on the memories of the entrants, but the purpose remains the same each time.'

That objective is to become the King of Penglai Kingdom.

According to Yuk Rin, there are various ways to become the King of Penglai Kingdom.

If one is lucky enough to have the setting of crown prince, they only need to wait for the coronation ceremony.

Even if the entrant is not the crown prince, they can marry the crown prince or princess to become the royal consort or queen.

Of course, there is also the option of overthrowing the Penglai Kingdom, establishing oneself as the ruler, and becoming the king.

Once someone becomes the king or a figure close to the king, they are granted the authority to exit the illusion formation along with the right to take or investigate the treasures of the 'Royal Castle.'

'In terms of numbers, we have an overwhelming advantage.'

If the followers of the Wuji Religious Order regain their memories, we could overthrow Penglai Kingdom and I could declare myself king.

However, according to Yuk Rin's information, those who enter earlier are closer to the king or have better conditions to become the king.

These include those of royalty, powerful officials, demon spirits, divine spirits, or monsters.

'Last time Yuk Rin came to Penglai Island, he killed a monster called the Great Bandit of the Underworld Kingdom, who had kidnapped the princesses of Penglai Kingdom, and then married a princess to become the royal consort.'

[TL/N: The monster is from another Korean folktale called 'The Tale of Defeating the Great Bandit of the Underground Kingdom' (지하국대적 퇴치설화). It is called the Hungry Ghost in some traditions and has the appearance of a giant with nine heads.] And once someone becomes the king, royal consort, or queen, they have the authority to expel anyone other than the king from Penglai Island by royal decree.

'Given my current situation, the closest to the throne would be those damned pirates.'

It's unclear whether they have regained awareness.

Moreover, it is said that the current king of Penglai Kingdom is in good health, so it will take a long time to succeed to the throne.

Thus, I only have one option.

"Indeed, it will be better to overthrow Penglai Kingdom."

Seo Ran nods.

"I think so too! Then, will Senior conquer the village?"

"Hold on. Conquering the village isn't a good idea."

I share my plan with Seo Ran.

"So... Senior intends to subdue numerous demon spirits, raise a great demon spirit army, attack the capital of Penglai Kingdom, and quickly seize the throne?"

"That's right. Considering that there are no sorceries or mysterious powers in this world except for demon spirits, this method is the best."

"Well... I understand. Let's do it that way."

Although Seo Ran seems disappointed about not being worshiped by villagers, it isn't my concern.

We immediately formulate a plan and head back to Shi Ho to give orders.

"We need some capital to subdue demon spirits. Shi Ho! Go hunt some wild boars or something."

Shi Ho looks at me hesitantly at my command, but only moves after Seo Ran repeats my words.

"... He only listens to you."

"... He seems to like me."

And some time later, Shi Ho brings back a large cow in his mouth.

The cow, seemingly unaware of the situation, blinks its big eyes.

"... I told you to catch wild boars... but you brought a village cow."

A live one at that.

"Where did you get it from?"

In response to Seo Ran's question, Shi Ho points in a direction.

It's the direction of the neighboring Little Yi Village.

I nod.

"... Well, fine. Since it's not from our village, we can sell it to Taiyi Village."

Although feeling a bit guilty, I decide to think of it as a good thing and lead the cow Shi Ho caught down to the village.

"Elder Yeon Wei! Please open the door!"

When I knock on Yeon Wei's door, she appears with a few servants, looking furious.

"You rotten rascal, what did you come asking for this time!"

"I'm not here to ask for anything. I'm here to sell a cow."

Yeon Wei's eyes widen as she sees the cow behind me.

"Th-This scoundrel, where on earth did you get that cow?"

"Does it matter where I got it from? I'm offering it to you at a cheap price, so please give me a fair amount."

"Ahem... this seems quite suspicious. You're not trying to sell me a sick cow, are you?"

"If you don't want to buy it, I'll sell it to another house."

"Who said I wouldn't buy it! This is a significant matter, so I need to discuss it with my husband. Wait here."

Shortly after, Yeon Wei rushes inside and brings back Old Gentleman Nolbu.

Old Gentleman Nolbu inspects the cow, glances at me, and nods approvingly.

"It's a good cow. I'll buy it at the right price."

"Haha, no need to speak so formally. You can speak casually to me."

When I try to be humble, his face twists deeply into a frown and says,

"This good-for-nothing brat. Learn some manners!"

"...?"

I don't understand Nolbu's strange attitude, but nevertheless, I sell the cow to Old Gentleman Nolbu for forty brass coins.

'Well, considering Hon Won originally has mental issues, this might be a reflection of that.'

Hon Won instructs his servants to take the cow to the barn, then speaks to Yeon Wei.

"Wife, since Surname Seo sold us such a valuable cow, give him some rice cakes as a token of gratitude. He has mouths to feed..."

"P-Pardon? But we don't even know if the cow that Surname Seo rascal sold us is any good... moreover, Surname Seo isn't a farmer but sells charcoal, so he probably just sold us a cow he doesn't need..."

"Ahem, wife! We're short on livestock because of the recent demon spirit troubles. We should be grateful for grateful things. No more complaints."

"Yes..."

Though Yeon Wei seems slightly upset, she obediently packs some rice cakes in a basket and hands them to me.

'... She only packed the oldest rice cakes.'

I click my tongue but accept them gratefully and leave Old Gentleman Nolbu's house.

As I step out, I overhear Nolbu whispering to Yeon Wei from behind.

"I'm sorry, wife. But it's not because I dislike you..."

"I know."

Yeon Wei seems to soften at Nolbu's apology, her voice melting as she giggles.

In the distant fields, I see Jeon Myeong-hoon farming with Jin So-hae and their twelve children.

'... If this is a dream or an illusion...'

Would they want to wake up even if they realize it?

That thought suddenly crosses my mind.

With the money I received from Yeon Wei, I head to a blacksmith in a village next to a neighboring village to buy leg guards and a sword.

My infamy in Taiyi Village is so great that if I try to buy such things there, they would think I am planning to start a fight and refuse to sell to me.

"Kakaka. Normally I only supply government troops, but you seem to have a filial heart so I'll make an exception and sell to you, young man."

The blacksmith from the village laughs heartily as he takes three-quarters of the money from selling the cow.

It's outright robbery, but he'd likely run straight to the authorities if I complain, so I just pay what he asks.

'Anyway, I won't have to worry about the cost of a sword once I conquer Penglai Kingdom.'

With that, my preparations are roughly complete.

Surung- Though it isn't an exceptional sword, it is still an iron sword.

Seo Ran looks at the iron sword with doubtful eyes and asks,

"Um... Senior. If you can't use spiritual power or internal energy, won't you need more weapons? From my few days living in a human body, I have found it has poor durability and strength compared to the body of the Demon Race..."

However, I silently swing the iron sword.

A rock 3 zhang in size beside Seo Ran, Shi Ho, and myself is cleanly split in one blow.

Just the time I spent holding a sword is thousands of years.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

I have reached a level where I can cut through skin with just straw.

"This alone is enough."

With just this iron sword and enough time, I am confident I can fight the army of Penglai Kingdom alone and inflict devastating damage.

I tap the iron sword with my finger a few times and then climb onto Shi Ho's back.

"I'm going to bring in more demon spirits from other areas. Are you going to come along?"

"... I don't think I would be of much help, so I'll just stay here and get used to this human body."

"Alright. In the meantime, gather some nets and needles. The more needles, the better. Let's go!"

I smack the back of Shi Ho's head, and Shi Ho quickly starts crossing the mountain.

One day, strange rumors began circulating in Penglai Kingdom.

The rumors say that the King of Demon Spirits has appeared and is subjugating and gathering all the demon spirits across the nation.

According to these rumors, the King of Demon Spirits plans to attack the capital, become the king of Penglai Kingdom, and turn the world into the Heaven and Earth of demon spirits.

Eventually, the king of Penglai Kingdom announced that anyone who could eliminate the King of Demon Spirits would marry the princess, and all the renowned warriors of the nation began heading to the King of Demon Spirits' base in Taiyi Village.

Among them is Jin Ma-yeol, a scion of the prestigious and powerful Jin Clan, the most powerful family in the capital.

"I can't stand by while a monster like the King of Demon Spirits threatens our kingdom".

Jin Ma-yeol, born with extraordinary talent since childhood, excelled in everything, whether it was archery or swordsmanship.

Although the Jin Clan tried to dissuade Jin Ma-yeol from participating, he ignored everyone's objections and headed to Taiyi Village.

"Why would a talent like you risk your life going to Taiyi Village! Aren't you already a strong candidate to be the next prince consort of the kingdom!"

"Do not try to stop me. What use is becoming the prince consort when the kingdom is in such turmoil!"

No one in the Jin Clan could deter Jin Ma-yeol, and he was confined to his room by the head of the clan.

"Bind that foolish boy and lock him in the warehouse!"

They couldn't afford to lose such a talented member of the family.

However, Jin Ma-yeol cut his bindings in the dead of night, stole weapons and a horse, and escaped from his house.

'Mother, Father, please forgive me. But as someone born from the grace of this kingdom, I cannot ignore this great calamity!'

And when Jin Ma-yeol is just about to cross the capital, Tadatt!

Someone with a covered face suddenly rushes towards him.

"Who goes there!?"

Jin Ma-yeol, tense, pulls out his bow from his pack and aims it at the figure.

The figure then reveals their face.

"Ah, no!"

Jin Ma-yeol's expression turns into pure shock.

"P-Princess Yuk Yo!"

It is none other than Princess Yuk Yo, the princess who had been discussed as the potential bride for Jin Ma-yeol.

"Let's go together, Sir Jin."

"What nonsense are you talking about, Princess!?"

"I too wish to protect the kingdom. There's no need for further words. Isn't Sir Jin also sneaking away to protect the kingdom, avoiding the eyes of your family?

"Princess and I..."

"No need for further words. If you keep trying to stop me, I'll scream and alert everyone that you're escaping."

"...!"

"If I, the princess, scream in the middle of the night... you know what the consequences will be when you're caught, right?"

Jin Ma-yeol furrows his brow deeply and says,

"... Fine. But the princess must absolutely not participate in the fighting! If you insist on being stubborn..."

"I understand. I'll listen to you, Sir Jin, so just let me ride with you."

Yuk Yo nods calmly and climbs onto the horse behind Jin Ma-yeol, who rides with an expression as if having eaten something foul.

Yuk Yo holds onto Jin Ma-yeol from behind with a tense expression.

'... I've got my chance. I need to join up with the cult leader during this opportunity. Jin Ma-yeol must not regain awareness until then...'

She bites her lip tightly and, with tense eyes, rides with Jin Ma-yeol towards Taiyi Village.

After that, Jin Ma-yeol also gains other companions besides Princess Yuk Yo.

With talented friends such as Yuk Rin, the son of the Dragon King of the East Sea; Kim Young-hoon, a passing scholar; and Baek Rin, a shaman who claims to see ghosts, they all head towards Taiyi Village.

Finally, he arrives at Taiyi Village and confronts the King of Demon Spirits, Seo Eun-hyun.

The King of Demon Spirits is indeed powerful.

With one strike, he severs the arm of Yuk Rin, the son of the Dragon King. Kim Young-hoon, the scholar with the highest martial skills among them, seems to hold his ground for a while but is eventually overwhelmed by the sheer number of Seo Eun-hyun's demon spirit subordinates and defeated.

Baek Rin, who claims to summon ghosts, is knocked out by Seo Eun-hyun before he could even call upon a single spirit.

In the end, Jin Ma-yeol and Yuk Rin have no choice but to flee.

"No, Yuk Rin! Princess Yuk Yo is still there!"

"You fool! We can't defeat the King of Demon Spirits. Give up on the princess!"

"Damn it!"

Jin Ma-yeol swallows his frustration.

"Why!? Is running away!? The only thing I can do!!??"

He clenches his teeth as he flees with Yuk Rin.

"I will definitely return! King of Demon Spirits!!!"

Clang— I throw the sword, the blade chipped and worn from the battle with Yuk Rin, to the ground.

"It's really unfair, isn't it? I'm just a human with no mystical powers, but that Yuk Rin bastard can transform into a dragon, breathe fire, fly, and has tough scales."

Furthermore, Seo Ran, who is also of the Dragon Race, became strangely human.

"I really don't understand why the rules of this world are so bizarre."

I speak while looking at the approaching Yuk Yo.

"So far, no one else has come to their senses except for me, Seo Ran, and you, Yuk Yo."

She bows before me and says,

"Greetings to the Cult Leader."

"... Yeah, nice to meet you."

Of course, to be honest, I'm not exactly thrilled.

I would have preferred a reliable comrade to come to their senses, but to think that a scammer like Yuk Yo would be the next after Seo Ran to regain awareness.

"By the way, did you say you're a princess?"

"... Yes."

"Good. I plan to take control of Penglai Kingdom right away. Marry Seo Ran and lend us some legitimacy."

And then, I am startled by Yuk Yo's next words.

"I refuse."

"...? What did you just say..."

"Instead, I will reveal the secrets and truths of this world to you and disclose all of Yuk Rin's schemes. Becoming a king will be easy in comparison, so please be content with this."

"...."

I look at Yuk Yo for a moment before asking.

"Do you know something? Why didn't you say anything when Yuk Rin was captured by us outside?"

"My father had sealed my memories, so I didn't know anything at that time. When I returned to Penglai Island, my memories came back. Inside Penglai Island, the oaths and contracts from the outside world do not apply."

"...'Returned'... to Penglai Island?"

I am utterly astonished by her next words.

"I was born on Penglai Island. My father, during his last visit to Penglai Island, defeated the Great Bandit of the Underworld, married my mother, and took me and his many other children to the outside world."

"What...?"

"... From now on, I will tell you the truth of this world."