Book 10 Chapter 7

Opening the Phantom Demon Cave

Pushing back the darkness of a troubled night, the morning of trials dawned with the first light of day.

Few people opened their eyes at the sound of the alarm bell.

This was because most of the participants, due to tension and excitement,

had barely slept, staying awake all night.

Yoon Junho stood by the window, gazing at the rising morning sun.

"Finally, today's morning has broken! Let's swear to that sun. I will never run away again…"

A determined will, different from Yoon Junho's past, emanated from his entire body. He wanted to be reborn. All of this was because it was the morning of the start of the mysterious Phantom Demon Cave trial. Perhaps it was his imagination, but the air itself felt taut with tension. His heart beat rapidly, and a shiver ran through his body.

"Everyone must have had a restless night due to tension, excitement, and anxiety, right?"

Despite numerous attempts to sleep last night, he had failed every time. However…

"Hey! The morning has arrived! Stop sleeping, Ryu Yeon! Ryu Yeon!"

Mo Yonghwi shook Bi Ryu Yeon a couple of times and then gave up.

"Snore, snore, snore… Money… Mo-ney… Yum yum yum."

Bi Ryu Yeon, on the other hand, was still rolling around in his sleep on his bed even after the alarm bell rang, showing no intention of getting up.

Mo Yonghwi frowned at Bi Ryu Yeon's appearance.

'Does this guy not know tension or excitement?'

His sleepy face was filled with ease and tranquility.

The dawn light shone through the cold air. Bi Ryu Yeon headed to the designated meeting place with his friends and disciples. An invisible tension flowed between them. Only Bi Ryu Yeon was leisurely enjoying himself.

"Did you sleep well? Ryong? Hong? Junho?"

As they left the dormitory, they saw Hyo Ryong. Jang Hong and Yoon Junho were also with him. Their tension was palpable. Yoon Junho's tension and resolve were particularly strong. Bi Ryu Yeon was very satisfied, seeing that the efforts he had put into training had finally borne some fruit.

"Shall we go then?"

"Okay!"

Everyone nodded in unison.

Bi Ryu Yeon and his group walked towards the meeting place. Before long, the Vermilion Bird squad, led by Namgung Sang and Jin Ryong, joined their group. The Vermilion Bird squad members gave a slight greeting to Bi Ryu Yeon. Then, Jang Hong, Hyo Ryong, and Junho quickly returned their greetings. Having suffered together under Yeom Do through special intensive training, they had a special bond. After exchanging greetings, they all headed to the meeting place. After all, there was only one path to get there. Not only them, but many other people were walking towards the same destination. Among them were Jin Seonggon, Im Seongjin, and the two ghosts of Cheon Mu, Dang Cheolgi and Cheon Soseo. Bi Ryu Yeon greeted them warmly. It seemed they were also planning to participate in the trial. The appearance they showed today was not that of the usual troublemakers of Cheon Mu Academy, who always enjoyed playing and causing mischief.

"There are so many people. Are all these people gathered to participate in the preliminary rounds of the Huasan Quyak Branch?"

Hyo Ryong exclaimed as he looked around. They were all individuals with considerable martial prowess.

"It's a matter of sect, family, and their own honor and advancement. It's natural for everyone to try their best. However, it seems few people understand that the price for it is not so easy to pay. Most of these people probably don't know anything about the Huasan Quyak Branch."

Jang Hong's words were quite cynical. It was a tone uncharacteristic of him.

At that moment, someone caught Bi Ryu Yeon's eye.

"Oh, Miss Ye Rin!"

Bi Ryu Yeon waved happily and called out to her. He was bold enough to call her by her name. Namgung Ryong, who was beside her, scowled intensely at the unexpected encounter. Lee Jin Seol, whose feelings with Hyo Ryong were still unsettled, was flustered, neither happy nor sad. Reluctantly, her group also joined Bi Ryu Yeon's group. They had missed the opportunity to avoid it.

As they walked, many people saw their group first and greeted them. Most of the greetings were directed towards the Vermilion Bird squad and Na Ye Rin. The Vermilion Bird squad's reputation grew day by day, and they were almost idolized by new students these days. Some people even wished to join the Vermilion Bird squad and become a member, such was their popularity.

Their popularity had reached its peak since they defeated the Azure Dragon squad. Of course, among those who harbored such fantasies, not a single one knew about the complex relationship between the Vermilion Bird squad and Bi Ryu Yeon.

Today's meeting place was a small training ground located in front of the trial site, the Phantom Demon Cave. Although small, it was large enough for all the trial aspirants to gather.

When Bi Ryu Yeon arrived with his group, many people who had stayed up all night and woken up early were already there, along with elders busily preparing for the trial. However, perhaps due to tension, the place where about fifty people had gathered was silent, let alone filled with chatter.

However, many more people were yet to arrive. The Phantom Demon Cave trial had a total of 321 participants, including 108 current students of Cheon Mu Academy belonging to the Black and White Swordsmen, and 213 distinguished senior graduates scattered across various prestigious sects and branches of the Murim Alliance. It was a rare occasion for so many masters of the first-class or higher level to gather in one place at the same time. To be chosen as a representative, one had to defeat an immense number of competitors. One had to pour out all their skills.

"Even among the elders, tension is palpable."

Namgung Sang said as he looked around.

"Of course. It's a gateway that has been sealed for 18 years due to its danger. Three days ago, we even wrote those damn written pledges and uneasy wills. Who would have thought we'd be writing wills at such a young age? Everyone is afraid of something happening, why wouldn't they be? They'll probably be desperate too. More importantly, aren't you afraid?"

Hyun Un, a friend and rival, asked. Hyun Un was drifting further and further away from the dignity of a Taoist.

"I'm fine, more than I expected. It's just a bit tense, but there's no fear."

It seemed that being overworked by Yeom Do had paid off.

"What on earth is inside that makes everyone so tense…"

Although reluctant, he had no choice but to find out by experiencing it firsthand.

While Namgung Sang sensed the aura and tension emanating from the elders and participants, Bi Ryu Yeon viewed the participants from a different perspective.

"Many."

"Indeed. I heard there are about 300 participants this time. 300 top-tier experts… it won't be easy."

Jang Hong also seemed unable to hide his tension.

"No, I mean, all these people are going in there at once?"

"Of course!"

The tone implied asking something obvious.

"Then how large is the place inside?"

"It must be quite large."

It wasn't a very helpful answer.

"I know that too. I was just thinking about how much money it would have cost to artificially dig such a vast cave."

"Don't say things like that with such a serious face. People will misunderstand."

Jang Hong shook his head, as if he couldn't help it.

Just then.

"The Head of Cheon Mu Academy has arrived!"

As a loud shout echoed, all the elders seated rose and bowed to Ma Jin Ga, who entered with the gathered disciples.

Clomp, clomp.

Cheon Mu Academy Head, Iron Fist Ma Jin Ga, walked out and stood on the platform prepared in the training ground. As it was an important trial to select representatives for the Huasan Quyak Branch, which would bear the honor of the White Path, he was scheduled to give a speech himself. The importance of this trial was thus immense. As Ma Jin Ga gestured, the disciples relaxed their clasped hands, and the elders sat down again.

Ma Jin Ga slowly looked around and began his speech. Each word he spoke had an invisible power to captivate people.

"It is a perfect day for you to challenge yourselves in a trial to overcome your own limitations. I am proud of all of you standing here. You must be wondering what exactly is inside this place called the Phantom Demon Cave. However, I cannot tell you what it is. What you see and gain from inside is entirely up to you. But I can tell you this one thing. You will likely confront the most terrifying thing in this world inside. You might even consider this place a hell."

These words instilled a terrifying fear in the listeners. Ma Jin Ga continued his speech. Everyone listened in silence, their faces extremely serious.

"We can open the entrance, but we cannot find the exit for you. Finding the light at the exit is entirely your responsibility. I will ask only one thing now. If anyone among you is trembling with fear, step forward now!"

His eyes burned fiercely, and his voice was greatly amplified. The people listening to his voice were deeply captivated by the atmosphere. No one stepped forward.

Ma Jin Ga spoke once more.

"Is there anyone here trembling with fear, a weakling? If so, step forward now. The path you must now walk is the entrance to hell, and the door you must open is the gate of hell itself. If you step forward now, you will be exempt from the trial. Is there no one?"

His resounding voice made the air in the venue tremble.

"No!"

A low but strong voice!

Yoon Junho looked at Bi Ryu Yeon, whose hand was gripping his wrist like a hawk. His feet were slightly off the ground, unconsciously. This had happened in a moment he himself was not aware of. If Bi Ryu Yeon hadn't stopped him, Yoon Junho might have stepped forward. In that case, he might have lived his life as a laughingstock, mocked by others.

Bi Ryu Yeon shook his head resolutely.

"Don't move! Not a single step from here! If you take even one step from here, you will forever live with the stigma of a cowardly fool! If you don't want that, if you want to shout back at those foolish and arrogant senior disciples, then absolutely do not move! Be like a thousand-year-old tree rooted to the earth! Understand?"

Yoon Junho, cowed by Bi Ryu Yeon's sharp words and gaze, nodded feebly. He gently placed his right foot, which had been slightly off the ground, back down.

"Now! Is there no one without courage?"

Ma Jin Ga asked loudly once more. His roar vibrated through the cold morning air.

"No."

A thunderous sound that seemed to shake the training ground, everyone responded in unison. A satisfied smile appeared on Ma Jin Ga's face.

"I am proud of you. I have no doubt that you will overcome any trial with perseverance. Disciples! Remember! The moment you are engulfed by fear, everything is over. It can weary your spirit, and sometimes lead you to death. Be especially careful. The enemy is within you. Pillars of the White Path! Guardians of the righteous path! Now step forward and overcome the trials that approach you!"

Ma Jin Ga thrust his right hand forward forcefully.

"Well then, go!"

With that as a signal, the Phantom Demon Cave trial, no, the trial began.

"Waaaaaaah."

Cheers erupted from the disciples.

However, none of the people gathered here foresaw the ominous accident that was about to occur.

Creak.

The sound of its opening was so strange and hideous that it instilled a sense of foreboding in the hearts of those who heard it. The sound was like the scream of a door that had been tightly shut for 18 years, crying out for the first time. Furthermore, the cave that appeared behind the door looked like the gaping maw of a hungry ghost from hell.

One of the elders in charge of the trial shouted loudly.

"Now! Enter in order according to the numbers you were given!"

The number tags distributed earlier seemed to be for determining the order of entry. Bi Ryu Yeon checked the number tag he had received.

Number forty-four (44).

"Isn't that ominous? It's not a particularly good number."

Jang Hong suddenly appeared from somewhere and said.

"What is so ominous about it?"

Bi Ryu Yeon asked bluntly.

"According to numerology, four has always been an ominous number symbolizing death. Moreover, number forty-four makes it even more ominous. Forty-four means death twice. It implies you might face the risk of death more than twice during this trial. Or perhaps…"

"Or perhaps what?"

Bi Ryu Yeon asked, frustrated by Jang Hong's trailing off.

"I doubt it will end with just twice. Forty-four, when written in Arabic numerals, looks like this."

Jang Hong kindly drew the Arabic numeral '44' on the ground for him to see. Although not commonly used in this era, the concept of Arabic numerals had already been introduced. Jang Hong paused for a moment, then continued, as if he still had something to say.

"Depending on the interpretation, this can also mean that death will visit you four times. The first 4 represents the crisis of death, and the second 4 represents the number of times. But compared to the next interpretation, this is nothing. To give a more serious interpretation, I haven't told you because I was afraid it would put too much mental burden on you, but…"

From Bi Ryu Yeon's perspective, Jang Hong didn't seem sorry at all. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Forty-four can also be interpreted as 4 added eleven times. In other words, it might mean that death will cast its shadow on you eleven times."

"You're casting a lot of curses under the guise of numbers. Why don't you just curse me directly? That would be more effective? Perhaps making a straw doll and sticking nails in it would increase the effect. Shall I lend you a strand of hair?"

Bi Ryu Yeon retorted sarcastically.

"What about you, Brother Jang? What's your number?"

"Thirteen."

Jang Hong said proudly.

"That number isn't ominous, is it?"

Bi Ryu Yeon asked with a twisted tone.

"Of course not! According to numerology, thirteen is one of the most perfect numbers. Do you know what the most perfect shape in the world is?"

Bi Ryu Yeon shook his head. Jang Hong nodded as if he knew he would, and began to elaborate.

"It's a cube. Then, how many vertices does a cube, the most perfect shape, have?"

"Thirteen!"

Bi Ryu Yeon answered. A satisfied smile spread across Jang Hong's face.

"Exactly. So how can such a perfect number be a number of misfortune! Therefore, I have grasped a lucky number, and you have grasped an unlucky number."

"So you must be very happy."

"Of course, I am happy. Misfortune that could have come to me has gone to someone else, and luck that could have gone to someone else has come to me, so how can I not be happy? It would be an insult to divine benevolence."

Jang Hong replied triumphantly.

"Tch, destiny is made and carved by oneself! My destiny is too cheap to be entrusted to numbers written on a piece of paper. We'll see. We'll see who comes back safely from inside."

"Ah! But it doesn't mean I have any ill feelings towards you, so don't misinterpret it awkwardly."

Jang Hong said shamelessly, as if he had forgotten everything he had just excitedly said. Bi Ryu Yeon smirked, his lips curving to one side.

"Well… I'm still a bit suspicious about that."

"Number 44!"

Hearing his number called, Bi Ryu Yeon stepped forward. It was finally his turn to enter.

'Could two deaths be coming? There's no need to believe the words of a fraudulent fortune-teller. O, Grim Reaper! Try to kill me if you can. But first, be prepared to die by my hands.'

Bi Ryu Yeon felt no fear at all. He was even eager to see the face of whatever underworld messenger dared to claim his life.

'I'm not so weak as to be swayed by such a fortune or omen. A true strong person must know how to control even their own destiny.'

Bi Ryu Yeon stood up and slung the inked metal on his back. Im Seongjin, who was beside him, his eyes widened.

"What? Are you planning to go in carrying such a heavy burden?"

Im Seongjin asked with an incredulous expression.

"Of course. This is an object that embodies my artistic spirit. I can't just throw it around! Besides, how expensive is this thing to just leave it anywhere? It's unthinkable."

The inked zither, Muk Rae, was a treasured artifact of the sect. The treasured artifacts of any sect were priceless treasures, meaning they were immeasurably expensive. He couldn't leave it behind for what might be a long absence. He couldn't carelessly handle or leave such an expensive item anywhere.

"Your way of thinking is still beyond my comprehension. Bringing something that seems like it would only get in the way inside…"

Im Seongjin shook his head.

"Number 44!"

He heard his number called once more.

"Then I'll go first."

Bi Ryu Yeon, carrying Muk Rae, strode confidently towards the deeply carved cave entrance of the Phantom Demon Cave, which looked like the path to the underworld.

Soon, his body disappeared into the darkness.

"Number 46!"

It was Wi Ji Cheon's turn. Wi Ji Cheon looked down at his hand. A black, round pill was placed there. He touched the silver cylinder nestled safely in his pocket with a nervous hand. He couldn't find peace of mind due to his anxiety and kept fiddling with the cylinder.

The events of that day flashed vividly before his eyes as if they happened today. His ears buzzed.

"Take this."

On that day, in that place, the person suddenly offered him something. What he offered was a pill.

"What is this?"

Wi Ji Cheon, still somewhat dazed, managed to compose himself and said.

"It's a Hosin Hwan (Heart-Protecting Pill). As the name suggests, it's a pill specially made to temporarily withstand the inside of the Phantom Demon Cave. You'll know when you experience it. You'll definitely need this pill as soon as you enter. Eat it right after entering. And the pill's effect lasts only for one jeong (approximately 2 hours). Make sure to finish everything within that time. Don't forget! The pill's effect lasts only one jeong! If you forget that the effect disappears after one jeong, you'll be in big trouble. You must finish the task before then."

"Is the Phantom Demon Cave a place that requires such a thing?"

It seemed to be a place that surpassed his imagination.

"Yes, I haven't been inside myself, but I've only heard about it, and it's said to be true. It's not a place where you can be safe even if you are careful."

"Then what should I do?"

Gathering as much information as possible would be advantageous for him. It was obvious that his limitations would be significantly reduced. Wi Ji Cheon was desperate.

"Mind!"

"Yes?"

"I said mind."

"Uh…"

When speaking, one must not cut off the head and the waist to distinguish identity. A corpse with its head and legs cut off, making it impossible to distinguish top from bottom, was out of the question.

"That's all I heard. Just know that much."

He emphasized it once more.

"Make sure to take that pill as soon as you enter! Absolutely!"

Now was the time to take that pill.