A rebellion broke out on Three Frog Island. The Black Shark Gang immediately dispatched a subjugation force upon hearing the news, but unexpectedly, the subjugation failed. Only a few members barely managed to return alive and report that a beast tide had occurred.
At that, the Black Shark Gang was thrown into an uproar. A beast tide? It was a disastrous event that no one in the Black Shark Gang, including the Gang Leader Gong Byeok-un, had ever experienced.
Throughout the entire history of the Western Twin Lake, a beast tide had never occurred, so to them, it was something like a legend from the cultivation world. The Black Shark Gang Leader, Gong Byeok-un, frowned the moment he heard the report.
“A beast tide?”
As a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator who had lived for over 300 years, he was rich in experience and had heard many stories. He knew what a beast tide was.
“A beast tide. What nonsense.”
That was why he dismissed his subordinate's report and shook his head. A beast tide was a calamity that threatened not just a city, but an entire region, and such a calamity never occurred for no reason, nor did it happen just anywhere.
Although the Western Twin Lake was a considerably large lake, it was not large enough for a beast tide to occur. For a beast tide to happen in a place like this was like a tidal wave occurring in a teacup.
‘However, even if it’s not a beast tide, it seems something unusual has happened.’
At first, he had considered it a trivial matter. An island that had been showing ominous movements for some time finally raised a banner of rebellion, and he sent troops to subjugate it. It was a common occurrence, nothing to make a fuss about.
He had thought this time would also conclude smoothly, but unexpectedly, the aquatic spirit beasts had caused a disturbance.
‘It’s not a beast tide. Then what is it?’
Most spirit beasts were dull-witted, and aquatic spirit beasts were especially so. Judging by their behavior, they were no different from ordinary beasts, yet creatures like that acted in a group? There was surely some extraordinary reason.
‘Either someone is controlling them, or they were drawn by something.’
For the former, one could consider a Great Spirit Beast. The demon races were skilled at commanding demon races of a lower rank than themselves, so if some Great Spirit Beast was pulling the strings, this incident could be roughly explained. But Gong Byeok-un erased that possibility from his mind.
‘This is not the way of a Great Spirit Beast.’
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had lived for over three hundred years, Gong Byeok-un had seen several Great Spirit Beasts and even had experience fighting them. Thus, he knew about Great Spirit Beasts well. The Great Spirit Beasts he had seen were all, without exception, exceedingly ferocious.
Prodding and poking like this, as if testing the waters, was not their way. At least, Gong Byeok-un could not imagine a Great Spirit Beast acting so cunningly. This was a typical way of thinking, ‘only what I have seen is the truth,’ but Gong Byeok-un did not think for a moment that this mindset of his was wrong.
Because he had always, no, for a long time, been right. For at least 70 years, he had not been wrong.
‘If that’s the case… did something appear?’
Gong Byeok-un’s eyes, lost in thought, shone with conviction. He suspected that some spiritual object had appeared near Three Frog Island. Could it be that the energy of that spiritual object had attracted the nearby aquatic spirit beasts, and his subordinates had been unluckily caught up in it?
Yes.
That must be it. Come to think of it, things like this happened from time to time. Of course, he had never seen it himself but had only heard stories, yet such incidents occasionally occurred in the Western Twin Lake before.
Bloodshed that erupted over a spiritual object that appeared out of nowhere.
‘How annoying.’
Gong Byeok-un, now 90 percent, no, 80 percent certain of the appearance of a spiritual object, frowned. In the past, he would have shot up from his seat to head for Three Frog Island immediately, but now… it was just a nuisance.
Although the birth of a spiritual object was achieved through the harmony of heaven and earth, a limit existed in that harmony. No, rather than a limit, should it be called a sort of probability?
Simply put, a spiritual object born in a land that was not even a spiritual ground, let alone a spirit vein, could not be anything so great. Of course, a spiritual object was a spiritual object, so it was a somewhat precious item, but not enough to draw Gong Byeok-un’s interest.
This was not because Gong Byeok-un's Cultivation was high enough to look down on such a spiritual object, but because his ambition for cultivation had long since faded. Unless it was a spiritual object that could instantly elevate him to the Core Formation realm or drastically increase his lifespan, Gong Byeok-un had no interest in any spiritual object.
A spiritual object for cultivation? Even if he managed to obtain that spiritual object and reach the late Foundation Establishment stage, his lifespan would at best increase by only 10 years, 20 years at most. He wouldn't refuse if it was given to him for free, but if he had to endure hardships for it, he was not keen.
‘I’ve gotten old. So old.’
Gong Byeok-un smiled bitterly as he assessed his own true heart, which had become too weak to be called a cultivator’s. But this was reality. He was too old. His vital energy had declined, and his spiritual nature was also drying up.
He felt his physical condition was worse than when he had just entered the Foundation Establishment stage long ago. What a man like him could and should do was not an uncertain adventure, but a certain maintenance of the status quo.
“Haa.”
Gong Byeok-un, letting out a long sigh, frowned. Soon, the doors of the great hall burst open, and a man who looked to be in his mid-30s ran in with a flushed face.
“Father! Did you hear?! They say a beast tide has occurred!”
“Do not act so rashly! As the young gang leader, you must maintain your dignity and authority!”
The man flinched at Gong Byeok-un’s roar and bowed his head. But even then, his mouth was twitching, as if he had much he wanted to say.
“Have I not told you time and again? Whenever you hear something for the first time, you must doubt it first.”
Gong Byeok-un’s sharp gaze turned to the man, but the emotion in his eyes was not anger or annoyance, but pity.
“Look at yourself now. If you were the gang leader, upon hearing that a beast tide had occurred, you would have abandoned Black Shark Island and run away first, wouldn't you?”
Hearing those words, the man's head shot up.
“Do you mean… that what happened this time is not a beast tide?”
“If it were truly a beast tide, we would already be in the bellies of the demon races by now.”
The man’s expression brightened. Gong Byeok-un watched the rapid change in expression with displeasure, then gave him a few words of advice before sending him away.
“Hoo.”
Left alone, Gong Byeok-un’s complexion noticeably worsened. This was a daily occurrence. Every time he witnessed his son’s inadequacy with his own two eyes like this, his heart grew heavy and anxious.
Now, he even felt a stone pressing on his chest, a symptom that had appeared after his son failed his second attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.
‘Damned fool!’
Gong Byeok-un seethed inwardly, thinking of the son who had just left. Objectively, his son was a lacking fellow. His talent as a cultivator was a given, and his qualities as a person were also severely lacking.
Thinking rationally, passing on the position of Black Shark Gang Leader to that fellow was clearly an act that would harm the Black Shark Gang. But what could he do? That lacking fellow was his only son.
If a father doesn't pass on the family business he built to his child, to whom would he pass it on? Gong Byeok-un had no other choice. Fortunately, this was a world where everything in the cultivation world was determined by skill.
As long as one’s Cultivation was high, other shortcomings didn't matter. Thus, he did his best to make his son a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He obtained a good cultivation technique, used resources to raise his cultivation, and finally, even procured and fed him a Foundation Establishment Pill.
Two pills, at that!
‘Let’s try one last time, just one more time.’
This was the last time. If he failed again this time… then, even if it meant emptying the coffers of the Black Shark Gang, he was planning to acquire an Island-Protecting Grand Formation.
‘It’s a small relief that the damned fool is blessed with many children.’
If his son couldn't make it, he could only hope that one of his grandchildren would have talent. He would protect the island and the Black Shark Gang’s business, and look to the future generations. For that to happen, he, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, had to hold on for even a little longer.
The Black Shark Gang, without the protection of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, would not be able to protect the Meat-Scaled Fish business.
‘Truly difficult.’
A sigh mixed with lamentation escaped his tightly shut lips. * Jaekyung was bewildered by the Black Shark Gang’s reaction, which was not just lukewarm but bordered on indifferent. Far from rushing out in a rage, they had even withdrawn their forces far away from Three Frog Island.
‘Could they be scared?’
No other reason came to mind. They surely wouldn't be afraid of the residents of Three Frog Island, so if they were scared, it must be because of the aquatic spirit beasts.
‘Why?’
Jaekyung couldn't guess the reason, and that was a problem. According to his calculations, the Black Shark Gang should be diligently deploying troops to suppress Three Frog Island and the aquatic spirit beasts by now. Only then could he begin to properly wear down the Black Shark Gang's forces and look for an opening.
‘It can’t be helped.’
Though it was different from his original plan, it wasn't a major problem. As long as the board itself wasn't overturned, the picture could be redrawn in any way. This was not a difficult task.
Just a little troublesome.
‘It’s a shame that turtle fellow doesn't have a talent like Cheong-o.’ The turtle was certainly clever, and was even able to speak, a rarity among spirit beasts, but unfortunately, his words were only understood among fellow demon races.
It was not an ability to communicate regardless of species, like Cheong-o’s. ‘How truly troublesome. But once this is done well, I’ll be able to focus on cultivation for a while.’ Jaekyung raised his heavy body.
His mind was exhausted from having just cultivated, but that was actually better. Moving through the water was something he could do without thinking. * Three Frog Island.
Jaekyung met with Han Cheong-yu in the dark of night as before.
“Senior.”
Han Cheong-yu bowed his waist in greeting. Mixed within that extreme politeness was a fear he couldn't quite hide. He knew that the Senior before him was a demon race.
And a powerful Great Spirit Beast at that, one who could command hundreds of aquatic spirit beasts at will. Perhaps this Senior was even stronger than that Black Shark Gang Leader. The fear he felt was an instinctive manifestation arising from the difference in their cultivation realms.
Rationally, however, Han Cheong-yu felt grateful to this Senior. Of course, Han Cheong-yu didn't think this Senior had chosen him out of goodwill. He was young and had little experience, but he was not foolish.
This Senior, who had not even told him his name, was clearly using him. Nine times out of ten, he had chosen him and Three Frog Island as bait to strike at the Black Shark Gang. Despite guessing this fact, Han Cheong-yu didn't mind.
No, he rather welcomed it. As long as he could see the blood of the Black Shark Gang water bandits, he didn't care about anything else. That was his dream, and this Senior was a benefactor who had helped him achieve a part of that dream.
Therefore, whether he was human or demon race, whatever schemes he held within, Han Cheong-yu did not care in the slightest.
“Thanks to the decision you made that day, Three Frog Island has become free.”
Jaekyung said, looking into Han Cheong-yu's unwavering eyes. Han Cheong-yu trembled but did not avert his gaze.
“…But at the same time, it has become precarious. Why is that?”
“It’s because of those Black Shark Gang bastards. Because those bastards are still going strong…”
“That’s right. So we must eliminate them.”
Hearing those words, Han Cheong-yu’s face flushed. His body no longer trembled.
“Now that the embers have been successfully lit, it is time to fan the flames.”
“Embers……”
Han Cheong-yu, who had been muttering blankly, soon had a glint in his eyes.
“Are you perhaps telling me to bring in the other islands?”
“Yes. Aren't they also suffering under the Black Shark Gang’s oppression? Good things should be shared.”
The timing was also good. Thanks to the stir caused by the aquatic spirit beasts, the Black Shark Gang's control has weakened, so now it would be easy to contact the other islands.
“I understand!”
Han Cheong-yu did not think deeply. To him, what mattered was that he could deal a blow to the Black Shark Gang by bringing in the other islands.
“Good.”
Jaekyung withdrew, satisfied. He did not give Han Cheong-yu detailed instructions. Judging from how he handled the previous matter, this fellow was excellent at improvising, belying his age.
Having brilliantly taken the most difficult first step, he would be able to handle a task of this level without difficulty. Before long, Jaekyung’s expectations were brilliantly met. The embers that sparked on Three Frog Island crossed the water and spread.
Islands that had been suffering under the Black Shark Gang's cruel rule began to rise up one by one. At this point, the Black Shark Gang could no longer stand by and began to make a move.
They had temporarily postponed the matter of Three Frog Island due to the abnormal behavior of the aquatic spirit beasts, but this time, the story was different. If they didn't extinguish the embers of this rebellion early, people would start to doubt the Black Shark Gang’s dominance.
“Suppress them thoroughly!”
Once the gang leader’s stern order was given, dozens of ships carrying thousands from the Black Shark Gang immediately left Black Shark Island. Such authority and influence clearly demonstrated who the ruler of the waters near Black Shark Island was.
“Impressive.”
Jaekyung couldn't help but marvel as he watched the dozens of departing ships and the thousands of cultivators aboard them.
“Of course! It’s impressive, alright! Those fools who started a rebellion without knowing their place will all taste bitterness this time! A lot of slaves will come in too.”
A Black Shark Gang member with a grubby appearance nodded his head smugly. Then he suddenly made a strange expression and sniffed the air.
“But what is this smell?”
He turned his head towards Jaekyung.
“I think it’s coming from you?”
“It must be this smell.”
Jaekyung took out a gourd and shook it. As the scent of the spirit wine spread, the Black Shark Gang member gulped, mesmerized.
“Do you want a drink?”
The Black Shark Gang member nodded as if he had been waiting for those words, but Jaekyung made a regretful expression and turned the gourd upside down. Not a single drop of wine fell from the inverted gourd.
“Sorry, but I drank it all. It was hard to resist.”
“…Can’t be helped.”
He felt like he had been made fun of, but for some reason, the Black Shark Gang member couldn’t get angry. A strong premonition told him he shouldn't get angry. Suddenly feeling uneasy, he turned his body as if being chased by something.
“Ah, by the way…?”
His body froze at the lazy voice coming from behind him.
“I have some business with the Gang Leader. Do you know where he is now?”
The moment he heard those words, the Black Shark Gang member’s body stiffened like stone.
“Th…”
He wanted to scream, but no sound came out. His comrades, who had been all around him just a moment ago and were still present in no small number, acted as if they couldn't see this person in front of him. They didn’t even glance at him, who had frozen so unnaturally.
‘What is this? Is this a dream?’
He wanted to believe it was a truly terrible nightmare, but… the sensation of all the blood in his body turning cold reminded him that this horrifying situation was real.
“Where is he?”
At that indifferent word, the Black Shark Gang member, with only his eyes able to move, rolled them to point in one direction. Towards the magnificent building situated in the center of the island.