The 31st Piece Turns the Tables

The Dragons Flowers within the hall were unable to see what was happening outside. And because they couldnt see, a few placed their faith in Jang Du's promise.

However, if they had been able to see outside, they would have realized that the situation there was far from simple.

Fuck off already, you bastards!

[Jang Du used Human Bomb.]

[While charging, all targets that are collided into receive additional damage. If a target is pushed back into an obstacle, it receives twice the additional damage.]

Slaaaaam!

Stop him! Stop Jang Du!

Even a scratch is fine!

Haah Haah

Jang Du had already sensed on his way here that things might not go as smoothly as usual.

The sharp rocks embedded in his back served as painful proof.

Damn it. Why did it

The explosions underground had injured Jang Du. While he might have been able to break through Insulating Steel at full strength, it was nearly impossible now in his injured state.

Restrain him!

Jang Du then turned to face the enemies before him, noting that some possessed rather unique abilities.

They were individuals Yu Gyeong had hired.

While Yu Gyeong wasnt fond of the way they drew an evil spirit on their faces with blood, he couldnt deny their skills.

Slash!

They attacked with their long, sharp fingernails, which looked like they hadnt been trimmed in ages.

That looks dangerous.

Jang Du could tell from their ominous energy that their nails were coated in poison.

Baaaaam!

They were also strong enough to endure a hit from Jang Du.

In truth, it was incredible that they could withstand even one of his attacks. Usually, a single strike from Jang Du was more than enough to turn someone into a corpse, yet somehow, they managed to find another chance.

Damn it! angrily shouted Jang Du, furious at his own weakness.

He knew deep down that he was using them as an excuse.

I cant break it.

Even though he struck the door with all his strength, it repelled the attack completely, leaving his right hand unusable.

Insulating Steel!

Jang Du had realized it the moment he struck it.

Its all Insulating Steel.

Though he realized the meeting hall was reinforced with Insulating Steel, it didn't change anything at this point.

If he defeated Zhe Gaks underlings and had another opportunity

Krgh

Jang Du was still uncertain.

He did not believe that he could break down that door.

Lady Shin Yo!

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

Zhe Gak calmed his racing heart.

The same Jang Du who was supposed to be dead is here. I guess Yu Gyeong failed. That bastard even his arrival is loud.

Shin Yo pulled out the dagger lodged in the back of her hand.

Clatter

Haah Haah

How intense.

Your stupid plans over now that Jang Du is here. Hurry up and

...Are you sure about that?

Shin Yo scowled at Zhe Gaks question.

Despite Jang Du arriving here, he was still very lax.

You know it too, dont you, Shin Yo? mocked Zhe Gak.

......

He might be strong, but hell never break through the Insulating Steel. Even if there were two Jang Dus, it would be impossible. That walls just too thick. He cant save you.

Krgh

Seriously? Even I know that, and Im the dumb one here. Ah, so you were just pretending not to know. Were you hoping that Id get scared by Jang Du or something? Haha

Zhe Gaks madness grew stronger and stronger.

However, it wasnt as if Zhe Gak had become like this because he met Yu Gyeong.

He had always been like this.

Zhe Gak had simply hidden it, biding his time.

Dont you think you looked down on me too much?

Shin Yo bit her lip.

The dent in the door was likely the result of Jang Du using all his strength. He had a habit of going all out, probably intending to break through with a single blow.

But he couldn't break it

Jang Du had failed to break through the Insulating Steel.

This also meant that he wouldnt be able to break through it at all. And judging by the screams outside no help was coming anytime soon.

No one is left to save us now.

Then, there was only one method left.

"Argh, I can't stop feeling nervous knowing Jang Du is right outside. I can't do it how I intended anymore this is all because of you, Shin Yo."

Zhe Gak then gave a fiendish grin.

No more second chances. Ill kill you if you refuse to sign.

......

This crazy

However, no one spoke out against Zhe Gak.

It was clear that whoever dared to speak up first would become his next target.

Now, who should I lets go with you!

H-Hieee Wh-why me?!

Are you refusing?

The woman Zhe Gak singled out was also the same one who looked down on Seol Hong, along with Tae Yul.

Though they had coincidentally met again, both were now in the same extremely dangerous circumstance.

I-I she stammered, staring at the decapitated head.

Step

But then someone stepped forward.

It was Chi Woo.

What do you think youre doing, Chi Woo?

Its as you can see.

Chi Woo, too, had a plan of his own.

I just have to hold out until Kang Seol makes it here.

Jang Du had already arrived, and if Seol could make it as well, there might still be a chance. While Chi Woo had also heard the explosions earlier, there was no way Seol wouldnt have managed to escape safely if Jang Du did.

There was little to expect from the other Dragons Stones.

Chi Woo knew that Jang Du and Kang Seol were stronger than all the other Dragons Stones combined.

Even so

Would Seol be able to turn the situation around?

Could he break through the Insulating Steel?

I should believe in him. No, I must believe in him.

Restrain him, commanded Zhe Gak.

Fuu

Fuu

Two men suddenly appeared in front of Chi Woo.

It was Koeng Hong, the Leech, and Dang Seong, the Thunder.

While they should have been simple opponents for Chi Woo, he was currently under the effects of Dispersing Powder.

He couldnt use even 10% of the ki that he usually could.

I guess its two skills at best?

Chi Woo, rationally calculating his situation, recognized that defeat was inevitable. However, if his goal was to simply buy time, he was confident he could last quite a while.

Should we kill him?

No, just restrain him. Try not to injure him too much either, hell become mine soon anyway.

Understood.

Fwip!

Koeng Hongs chain flew through the air.

Fwirl!

Ill dodge

Though Chi Woo could see the attack, he failed to dodge it properly.

Thrash!

Krgh

The chain quickly wrapped around Chi Woos arm.

Though he tried to resist, it did not budge at all with just his raw power alone.

Fwooosh

Dang Seongs palm quickly flew in, aiming for Chi Woos chin. Taking that attack would clearly knock him out.

I have no choice.

Chi Woo had to use the card up his sleeve.

Fwip!

Hrgh

Chi Woo leaped into the air, then dove down with both feet extended ahead.

[Chi Woo used Wind Fang.]

[Your attack deals 70% extra piercing damage.]

[Deal additional damage if you pierce through your target.]

Where do you think youre going?!

Clatter

Koeng Hong tugged on his chains, pulling Chi Woo down and causing his attack to land on Dang Soengs arms instead of his heart.

Pierce

Ahhhhh!

Furious, Dang Seong clenched his fist and swung it at Chi Woos stomach.

Dont kill him! shouted Koeng Hong, trying to stop him.

Chi Woo swiftly channeled the ki he had saved for his next attack to defend himself.

Ill die if that lands!

It was far better to use his ki to survive than to risk a hole in his stomach.

Bam

Bwrgh

Chi Woo's body was lifted back into the air. However, it wasnt by his own will.

K-Krgh

The opponent was too strong to face with just technique alone.

Yeah, yeah. I almost forgot about you. Look over here, Chi Woo, you damned mutt.

Haah Haah

Stomp

Zhe Gak began grinding his foot on Chi Woos head, pressing it further down.

Stop it!

Zhe Gak quickly turned, searching for the source of the voice.

He then smiled.

You were hiding here too, Seol Hong?

Stop, please Please dont do this.

I cant even watch anymore. You and that damned mutt must be trying to kill me with laughter, right?

Elder Brother Zhe Gak

At least you still call me Elder Brother. How nice, haha

Seol Hong could feel her roots rotting away, as if the water she had been drinking had been poisoned all this time.

Why Why are you doing this?

......

What What turned you into this, Elder Brother Zhe Gak?

Zhe Gaks laughter instantly ceased, as if Seol Hong had completely soured his mood.

Stop being so arrogant.

......

And stop speaking as if you know everything. Everyone has their methods.

Zhe Gak quickly turned to the others.

Even someone like me has their way of surviving!

The man before her was not the Zhe Gak that Seol Hong knew. Zhe Gak was kind, and patient.

Or maybe she just didnt know anything about him.

The pain in Seol Hongs heart grew stronger.

Jang Du! desperately shouted Shin Yo.

With Zhe Gaks henchmen having defeated Chi Woo, the only fate left for the Dragons Flowers was either to die in the order that Zhe Gak decided or to become his slave. Knowing this, Shin Yo resolved to play her final card.

Lady Shin Yo! Please wait just a bi cried Jang Du from beyond the wall.

How much longer would I have to wait then?! I will open the gate to the celestial realm!

Y-You mustnt! If you head there without the proper preparatio

Wish me luck. Well then

Shin Yo swiftly rolled up her sleeves, exposing her arms adorned with intricate, geometric tattoos.

Its uncharacteristic for me, Shin Yo, to yield to anything I dont serve with my whole heart.

...What?

I will open the gate.

Glooooooow

The tattoos on her arm began to glow.

Rumble, rumble, rumble

The room made of Insulating Steel began to shake as well.

It was as if the room itself had been lifted through the ceiling and into the sky.

Wh-what is

[Shin Yo used Open Gate: Celestial Realm.]

[You are transported to the Celestial Realm, the realm of Xians.]

T/N: Xians are the immortal, mythical celestials of Eastern folklore, heavily rooted in Daoism.

Rumble, rumble, rumble!

Strange barely scratched the surface of the sensation everyone in the room was experiencing.

It was as if their bodies were floating while simultaneously being crushed under an immense force.

What the hell did you do?! shouted Zhe Gak.

Ive transported us to another realma world filled with the delusions you cherish so dearly.

Rumble, rumble, rumble

The celestial realm Shin Yo transported them to was an entirely separate world, much like the spirit and ghoul realms known to the people of Pandea.

In simpler terms, it was the realm of Xians, a place where dragons and phantom beasts also existed.

However, this was also the place where Shin Yos master lived.

Once Master realizes that Im here

The residents of this world were eccentric and powerful enough to consume the entire Insulating Steel room.

It would mean death for all of the Dragons Flowers if they were caught. Despite this, Shin Yo still entered the realm, all in the hope of one possibility.

Master, please!

She prayed that her master would notice her first and save her.

......

However, it quickly fell silent.

While it certainly felt like they were floating, there was no other reaction.

As they were unable to see outside of the room, all they could do was awkwardly blink.

No

After a few seconds, Zhe Gak began to laugh madly.

Hah Hahahahaha! You scared me, Shin Yo! Your jokes went too far.

Damn it

The Dragons Flowers fell to despair after even Shin Yos attempt failed.

There was now nothing to stop Zhe Gaks plans.

Bring those three to their knees before me.

Let me go! Let me go!

Seol Hong!

Thud!

A hand pressed each of their heads firmly to the floor.

Chi Woo, Shin Yo, and Seol Hong all knelt before Zhe Gak.

I had hoped to avoid damaging anyone who might become my servant, but... it seems that wasnt possible.

Elder Brother Zhe Gak

Zhe Gak then lifted Seol Hongs face by her chin.

Her eyes began to tear up as a red gash marked her forehead.

However, she did not cry.

Seol Hong.

Seol Hong shut her mouth.

Do you think its unfair? Shouldnt you have learned by now? The weak

No, its not that

Then

Seol Hong seemed sad.

The person who wrote me those words of encouragement in those letters that wasnt you

Zhe Gak began to cackle, revealing the evilness in his heart.

Who would ever pity someone as filthy as you? Know your place, Seol Hong. You are weak.

Clench

Shut your mouth said Chi Woo, trying to raise his head.

Go ahead, mocked Zhe Gak.

Strength gathers toward a will. Seol Hong

Another boring sermon. Its quite a nice one for someone with their head on the floor, though.

Unfurl.

Your scrolls. Now, hurry up and

Just as Zhe Gak was about to hand them their scrolls

Thuuuuuud

The room began to shake once more.

Jang Du? No, its Master!

Color returned to Shin Yos face.

It felt as if a ray of light had pierced through the cracks to save them.

Though she had opened the gate to the celestial realm, she had left a piece of the Insulating Steel room behind in the real world, allowing them to return whenever.

They were now in an unstable situation, with the possibility of someone approaching from either world.

However, if Jang Du were the cause of the rumbling, he would have announced his presence first.

And if it was her master

...it isnt Master either?

They would have searched for Shin Yo the moment they found the room.

But judging by how there was no sound

Shit! Its a phantom beast!

Phantom beasts were ancient monsters who lived in the celestial realm, with some even rivaling the power of dragons.

Zhe Gak.

Was that you, Shin Yo? You really

No, it wasnt me.

......

Let me warn you. A portion of this room is currently floating in the celestial realm.

And?

It isnt just humans who dislike uninvited guests.

Zhe Gak fell silent as Shin Yo slowly continued.

It seems that a resident of the celestial realm has come to welcome us.