Chapter 130

After obtaining the Cheonghongyeong and escaping the Mirror Forest, we immediately headed straight for Cheong Kibeom’s faction’s territory without delay.

We also finally succeeded in contacting Cheong Soha, who had been quiet for a while.

Currently, the atmosphere between the two factions is growing increasingly hostile over time, and it seems there have already been several armed clashes.

If things continue like this, it’s highly likely that a full-scale war between them will break out soon.

“Flies are gathering quite persistently.”

As Cheong Wooncheol, walking ahead, said, subtle gazes have indeed been frequently felt since earlier.

It’s clear that Cheong Doyool’s faction is watching us.

“I have no interest in cowards who won’t even show themselves, but Cheong Doyool won’t just sit idly by like this either.”

That was certainly correct.

Now that our cooperation with Cheong Kibeom’s faction is known, Cheong Doyool will devise some scheme and soon take action.

Perhaps he might even skip further probing and launch a final decisive battle, or there’s also the possibility of him maneuvering something behind the scenes.

It would be convenient if he gave up and retreated at this point, but pulling back here would mean accepting all losses. There’s no way Cheong Doyool, of all people, would do that.

‘The first method that comes to mind is to make the neutral faction Elders move more actively.’

In fact, it’s highly likely Cheong Doyool has already contacted them. While it’s extremely rare for Elder-level figures to move directly in inter-faction fights, he could probably win over one or two by paying a suitable price.

‘…In that case, it would be the 9th Elder.’

The 9th Elder, Cheong Jonghoo, owes a debt to Cheong Kibeom. And it’s certainly not a positive one.

Having such thoughts cross my mind, I finally met Cheong Kibeom and handed over the mirror part of the Cheonghongyeong I brought.

Whoosh.

“Here it is.”

“This is surprising, youngster. I didn’t think it would take less than even a day.”

Cheong Kibeom took it, held it up, touched it several times, then soon nodded and replied to me.

“I can tell it’s genuine even without checking. Good. As promised, I’ll help you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Tell me what you want. How should we proceed from now?”

Even as he said that, the answer was actually extremely simple and clear.

“They have no leeway. Cheong Doyool himself will likely soon step forward and target Cheong Joohwa head-on.”

“So you’re asking me to add strength to that fight.”

“Correct. To be precise, I plan to use this opportunity to whittle down Cheong Doyool’s faction’s power as much as possible. That way, they won’t be able to harbor other intentions for a while.”

Cheong Kibeom closed his eyes briefly in thought, then nodded and said to me.

“Then we’ll move locations immediately. We can’t make this place a battlefield.”

“Yes. I happen to have a separate location in mind.”

A fairly large canyon within Cheong Soha’s faction’s territory—that place should be sufficient to receive Cheong Doyool’s faction.

And I can confidently say that tomorrow will probably be the worst day for Cheong Doyool.

I bowed my head slightly and smiled invisibly to myself.

“What on earth is that……”

Although the situation had been flowing in unexpected directions for a while, Cheong Doyool had never been this greatly flustered before.

‘A mirror containing mysterious power?’

The news delivered by his retainer Cheong Irin was nothing short of a bolt from the blue.

Considering the opponent was Cheong Kibeom, it was highly likely to be none other than the Cheonghongyeong.

And if it was the genuine article, not a replica like Cheong Doyool’s, the situation would become more troublesome than imaginable.

“We need to confirm that part clearly. Was there anything unusual?”

[…I can’t be certain, but I felt a sensation from that mirror similar to Cheong Soha’s Azure-White Sword. Cheong Kibeom, who received the item, also seemed extremely satisfied.]

He hoped it wasn’t true, but it seemed Cheong Kibeom had gotten his hands on the genuine Cheonghongyeong.

For Cheong Doyool, who, like him (added), had been continuously tracking its traces, this was truly frustrating.

‘Where on earth did he get the original……’

Despite searching so diligently with no clear results yet, it had now completely fallen into someone else’s hands.

This creates a very dangerous situation. Cheong Kibeom was originally evaluated as having a large enough faction to succeed Cheong Doyool and Cheong Soha.

With the addition of the third family treasure, the Cheonghongyeong, he might even attempt to formally become the family head.

‘No matter what, we must suppress both of them this time.’

Cheong Doyool gnawed his lip and spoke to Cheong Irin.

“What about the 9th Elder?”

[He accepted the deal. He says he’ll join with his forces soon.]

“Keep a close watch on their movements. As soon as the 9th Elder arrives, I’ll head there immediately.”

Now there’s only one method left. A full-scale war with both factions.

At first glance, it seems like an overwhelmingly disadvantageous situation, but in fact, the situation isn’t necessarily that hopeless.

It’s unfortunate for them, but in this situation, the Elder who sided with Cheong Doyool isn’t just the 9th Elder.

Cheong Doyool turned his gaze to the two people leisurely savoring tea behind him and spoke.

“It seems we need to clearly determine the family’s hierarchy this time.”

“I had a feeling, but it’s come to this after all.”

“Huh, really. Can things escalate this much?”

Words that made them seem lacking in confidence. But Cheong Doyool knew. The two men before him possessed power by no means inferior to his own.

Reading Cheong Doyool’s gaze, the older-looking white-haired man among the two opened his mouth.

“If you just hold Cheong Soha, we’ll quickly settle the situation.”

“…It’s bothersome, but I suppose there’s no choice. We’ll do as you say, sir.”

With the family’s 5th Elder Cheong Kilyeong and 10th Elder Cheong Jiwoon, plus the 9th Elder Cheong Jonghoo, the advantage in military strength is completely on our side.

Cheong Doyool smiled meaningfully, sensing complete victory.

“Long time no see. Is the Ancestor well?”

“Yes. It’s not certain, but it seemed the day he reveals himself isn’t far off.”

Cheong Soha, met after a long time, was indeed displaying an even more formidable aura.

Sneaking a glance at her information, she had already surpassed the dreaded 70s and reached the monstrous level of 71.

In fact, it was an even faster growth rate than in the original work.

‘At this rate, she might reach near level 80 someday even without special opportunities.’

It might not resonate well with just numbers, but it’s an extremely remarkable feat. For a human body, it could be said to have surpassed the limits.

I marveled and spoke to such Cheong Soha.

“How is the situation?”

“There’s considerable damage among the subordinates. But it’s not a problem.”

It’s understandable she’d be confident. Even if two Elders were to confront the current Cheong Soha, it would be difficult to handle her.

Glancing around, I saw roughly less than fifteen people.

Well, that’s natural. Once it becomes a full-scale war, dragging all the subordinates into a life-or-death struggle would only increase casualties; only a few elites representing the factions decide the outcome.

Therefore, it’s highly likely Cheong Doyool’s side will also come in a similar manner.

As we roughly exchanged opinions about future matters, news soon arrived that Cheong Doyool’s side had moved.

Cheong Joohwa beside me swallowed nervously.

“…Will it really be okay?”

The one who answered that wasn’t me, but Cheong Soha.

“Don’t worry. Since the Ancestor has conveyed his will, I guarantee your safety. Cheong Doyool won’t be able to lay a finger on you.”

In that situation, Cheong Doyool’s faction finally revealed themselves in the canyon.

The number was roughly over twenty—definitely more than our side.

Moreover, at a glance, as many as four Elders stood at the forefront, watching us.

Cheong Doyool at the very front opened his mouth quietly.

“…How composed. To even prepare this location and wait.”

“If you retreat even now, I have no intention of causing further friction.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. How long do you plan to ignore the family’s rules and act as you please? Cheong Sawoon’s daughter is clearly muddying our bloodline. Hand her over to us.”

It was practically an excuse-like justification, but frankly, it wasn’t wrong. In fact, most of the neutral forces sympathized with Cheong Doyool’s will and were supporting him.

“Are you planning to ignore the entire family’s will?”

But Cheong Soha, disregarding him, stated her own opinion to the four Elders.

“I clearly said I refuse. If you truly won’t step back, then starting today, there will simply be a few more vacancies among the Elder positions.”

At Cheong Soha’s words, the faces of the Elders who came with Cheong Doyool hardened this time.

“Hoh, still as arrogant as ever. No matter how outstanding your skills are, do you think you can handle all of us?”

“…Holding you off would be enough with just two, and within that time, the other side will likely be settled, but where does that arrogance come from?”

The 9th Elder Cheong Jonghoo, who had been glaring at Cheong Kibeom the whole time, and the remaining Elders restraining Cheong Soha.

Thus, the long-absent massive internal conflict within the family began.

“Clear Resonance Shattering Incantation!”

“Fullness Hammer.”

As expected of the family’s Elders, they instantly began chanting incantations and firing off Advanced Arts. Cheong Joohwa and I, protected by nearby Exorcists, retreated to the rear of the battlefield.

And even to us, the opposing faction’s Exorcists slowly began to approach.

“…If you come any closer, we will respond.”

Cheong Jinsoo, who could be called Cheong Soha’s faction’s second-in-command, warned, but no one who had come this far would listen to such words.

Eventually, the battle began on our side too, with no time to hesitate.

“I’ll handle it. Everyone, protect these two.”

Fortunately, Cheong Jinsoo blocked the front, but that didn’t guarantee safety. From the start, there was one Elder on the opposing side with free hands.

‘So Cheong Jiwoon is in charge of this side.’

Glancing over, on one side Cheong Kibeom and Cheong Jonghoo faced each other, and on the other, Cheong Soha and the remaining two Elders confronted each other.

Then, what we had to do was simple.

Not letting Cheong Joohwa fall to Cheong Jiwoon and the other Exorcists until roughly the appropriate moment arrives. That was all.

‘…They’re coming soon.’

Watching the Exorcists squeezing through gaps in the Barrier Cheong Jinsoo created and chasing us, I poured Spiritual Power into the shadows with all my might.