I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 252

While most eyes were drawn to the transport of El Dorado’s convicts, there was movement in the Central Plains as well.

The identity of that movement was none other than the Blood Cult. They had been secretly training and building up their martial power all this time.

Although it was difficult to openly expand their influence with Heavenly Demon keeping her eyes wide open, they were still a group that had once dominated an era.

Though it took quite some time, they managed to recruit nearly 20 people. Combined, the number of cultists gathered reached roughly 50.

Compared to their heyday, it fell far short, but it was a decent number in its own right.

Above all, there was a part that made the Blood Cult elders rejoice.

"Does this not mean that admiration for our Blood Cult still remains?"

"Haha! Even if empty words, I am pleased!"

The simple fact that there were people joining the Blood Cult was good news to them.

Following the death of Wi Ho-chang, the Blood Cult was akin to a sinking ship.

Recently, after finally declaring their second coming, they got thoroughly thrashed by Heavenly Demon.

Because of that, they became the local punching bag in the Gallery, and their real-world reputation plummeted straight off a cliff.

What kind of person would think to board a sinking ship?

Yet the world is vast and people are many, so there were those who made such reckless choices.

Furthermore, the Blood Cult currently possessed a clear vision.

"We must find that Great Ape (gorilla) at all costs! Understood?!"

"Yes!"

Though that vision was making a gorilla their successor... if anyone else saw it, they’d think it was fucking retarded, but...

The Blood Cult had no other choice. Especially when the Demonic Cult’s might was growing day by day.

They had no choice but to do something before Heavenly Demon completely destroyed the Blood Cult. This was their final hope.

They had to somehow bring back the legacy left behind by Wi Ho-chang. That was their ultimate goal.

"How are the External Arts skills of the newly joined cultists?"

"Since all of them had decent martial arts foundations, they are keeping up well."

"The Blood Demon is watching over us."

For that purpose, the Blood Cult underwent meticulous preparations. First, they acquired all kinds of information regarding the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Most of that information originated from the Gallery, specifically from Grylls, and it was extremely useful.

In particular, the detail that mana—that is, internal energy—could not be used set the Blood Cult’s direction.

If internal energy couldn’t be used, let’s redirect all that internal energy into External Arts.

Though it was an extraordinarily simple-minded direction, it wasn’t completely without results.

Because even if the Blood Cult was declining, there were still many who possessed deep martial arts attainments.

Originally, strengthening External Arts required internal energy, making it surprisingly an advanced martial skill.

The realm known as Vajra Indestructible Body did not exist for nothing.

That said, it wasn’t as if the Blood Cult had reached that realm.

They had merely taken the path of abandoning internal energy and training External Arts.

They simply possessed sturdy bodies, not that they had become hard as steel.

"Are provisions and equipment sufficient?"

"Yes! We pillaged several villages, so there is no problem!"

"What about the cleanup?"

"We eliminated every person in those villages, so there will be no issues!"

"We also obtained slaves to act as porters from there."

"Good."

Was it because the Blood Cult was the Blood Cult? They treated pillaging and murder as trivial matters.

Even if they were treated as punching bags in the Gallery, in reality they were still a terrifying group.

Especially in places untouched by public authority, they were a tangible threat.

"Since preparations are complete, we depart!"

"Warn the porters! Tell them if they attempt to flee, we will take their heads instantly!"

"Long live the Blood Cult! Long live the Blood Cult!"

Including the porters who would serve as bait, the personnel numbered a staggering 100 people.

Having gathered every drop of strength they possessed, the momentum of the expedition force was impressive.

As time passed, the Blood Cult remnants arrived at the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Since the Forest of the Four Seasons belonged to the center of the world, it also bordered the Central Plains.

’Fortunately, news of our departure did not leak.’

Ak Cheon-woo, an elder of the Blood Cult, scrolled through the Gallery with a satisfied smile.

If their departure plan had leaked, he intended to immediately slaughter all the porters and go into hiding.

However, there were only posts related to El Dorado, with almost no mention of the Blood Cult.

Except for occasionally getting beaten like a local punching bag. But this, too, was ending now.

’If it is the Blood Demon, he would surely have left behind a secret manual. Since he taught the gorilla language, it’s certain.’

As an elder of the Blood Cult, Ak Cheon-woo knew about the figure named Wi Ho-chang.

Although famous as a murderer of his era, he surprisingly had a detailed side, consistently keeping a diary.

However, that diary was completely lost during the Orthodox-Demonic War. What remained ought to be inside the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Ak Cheon-woo stroked his wire-like beard and turned his head.

"Is that..."

"Ohhh..."

Before the remnants, the entrance to the Forest of the Four Seasons stretched out.

Originally, the place where they stood was a vast plain.

Yet beyond that entrance lay a multiplicity of natural environments.

Now they only had to pass through there. Just as they were preparing to do so—

"So thou hast come."

"?!"

A delicate woman’s voice pierced their ears out of nowhere. Ak Cheon-woo flinched in confusion and looked around.

Other cultists were also looking around, having clearly heard that voice.

There was no telling where it came from. It felt as if it drilled through their ears and struck directly into their brains.

"What’s that?"

"Where is it..."

"Everyone, raise your weapons!!!"

While the Blood Cultists stood bewildered, Ak Cheon-woo alone barked an order.

At that, the cultists hurriedly drew their weapons. Whatever was happening, an order was an order.

In the meantime, Ak Cheon-woo shouted toward the person who appeared without a sound or presence.

"Who the hell are you?!"

At Ak Cheon-woo’s shout, the remnants looked ahead.

Until just a moment ago, only the entrance to the Forest of the Four Seasons shimmering like an aurora was visible.

Not now. Before them stood a mysterious young woman, poised with confidence.

A black martial arts robe embroidered with a golden dragon. Clothing seemingly crafted from expensive materials.

Yet what caught the eye even more was undeniably the owner’s appearance.

A beauty that was a masterpiece in herself, a woman for whom even the phrase ’peerless beauty’ felt inadequate.

"I am the Heavenly Demon."

The Heavenly Demon, Yoo So-wol, spoke in a calm voice.Read the latest chapters at novelping(.)com.

A voice as beautiful as jade beads rolling on silk, yet its content was the complete opposite.

"T-The Heavenly Demon?"

"Why is the Heavenly Demon here?"

"T-That woman really is the Heavenly Demon! I saw her in photos!"

The remnants began to panic. Within the Blood Cult, the Heavenly Demon’s stature was pure terror.

Had she not effortlessly executed Geum-jang, an elder of the Blood Cult evaluated as second only to Wi Ho-chang?

Though it was deleted now, evidence videos had set the Gallery ablaze for quite a while.

Therefore, Yoo So-wol’s features were something they could never forget.

’Why is the Heavenly Demon here?’

Ak Cheon-woo couldn’t understand. The Blood Cult’s plan had clearly been carried out in secret.

Although there were deserters along the way, no particular signs had appeared since then.

Where on earth had the secret leaked from? Confusion wouldn’t stop.

"W-What is the meaning of this?!"

"Why are you aiming your weapons at us?!"

"Did you bastards eat something wrong?!"

That wasn’t all. Some of the remnants positioned in the rear rank aimed their weapons in this direction.

Those who had suddenly turned traitor. They spoke to the panicked remnants.

"Long live the Heavenly Demon, all demons submit. Did you think we truly followed you?"

"The Blood Cult dies right here."

They were not from the Blood Cult, but from the Demonic Cult—that is, Demonic Cultists.

Spies who had secretly joined the moment they acquired the Blood Cult’s plan.

If it were the Blood Cult of old, they would have identified the spies long ago, but they had lost their judgment long since.

Indiscriminately accepting recruits came back like a boomerang.

"W-What will happen to us?"

"Is the Demonic Cult... protecting us?"

The porters who had been dragged along by force by the Blood Cult stealthily hid behind the Demonic Cultists.

Whatever the reason, it seemed the two sides were about to fight amongst themselves.

The Demonic Cultists also flicked their chins at the porters, signaling them to stay clear.

At that, the porters hastily backed away so as not to get caught up in the fight.

Thus, the Blood Cult remnants were completely surrounded front and back. Ak Cheon-woo thought:

’I anticipated it wouldn’t be easy, but...’

Things were far more tangled than originally planned. He looked forward.

Behind them were over 10 Demonic Cultists arrayed, while in front stood the Heavenly Demon alone.

To anyone’s eyes, the front side offered higher odds of victory, and crucially, the Forest of the Four Seasons was right there.

’First, we take out that bitch.’

He didn’t entertain thoughts of winning. Even Geum-jang was helpless against her.

However, if they forcibly shoved her into the Forest of the Four Seasons, the story would change.

While Ak Cheon-woo was formulating a plan in his head—

"Thou lookest to be deep in thought."

"...."

Yoo So-wol spoke. Her tone was flat yet arrogant.

Looking at Ak Cheon-woo with a contemptuous gaze, she said:

"Kneel."

"...."

"Then I shall at least spare thy life. Consider it my final mercy."

Paang!

Ak Cheon-woo did not answer. He merely moved his feet.

Soon, a palm stained crimson rushed toward Yoo So-wol’s solar plexus.

He was not striking directly. It was to send a powerful pressure wave to push Yoo So-wol back.

He hadn’t yet converted all his internal energy into External Arts. He intended to unleash wind pressure with all his might.

"Thou performest a futile act."

"?!"

However, Yoo So-wol was infinitely faster than Ak Cheon-woo’s movements.

By the time Ak Cheon-woo thrust out his Palm Strike, Yoo So-wol was already passing right by him.

’Wait...’

Something was wrong. A doubt crossed Ak Cheon-woo’s mind.

Aside from his body refusing to obey, his vision was strange.

Until a moment ago, the entrance to the Forest of the Four Seasons was visible in ’front’ of him, so why was he seeing people now?

And why was Yoo So-wol walking away with her back turned?

That was Ak Cheon-woo’s final question and thought. His vision slowly turned pitch black.

"E-Elder!"

"Good heavens. Elder Cheon-woo..."

The Blood Cult remnants were horrified. It happened in the blink of an eye.

The moment Ak Cheon-woo unleashed his Palm Strike, his neck snapped in a direction it could never bend.

They didn’t know what Yoo So-wol had done, but one thing was certain:

That woman was a monster.

Jeobeok— Jeobeok—

Passing by Ak Cheon-woo, who died in the position of delivering a Palm Strike, Yoo So-wol stood before the remnants.

At a pressure that felt as though a massive mountain range were moving in its entirety, the remnants flinched backward.

However, Demonic Cultists were already pointing weapons from behind.

A complete catch-22. The options available to the Blood Cultists were few.

"Damn it. Use the Blood Burst Technique!"

"Yes!"

Another Blood Cultist, presumably a commander, issued the order.

At that order, several of the remnants plunged their fingers into their own chests.

On the surface, it looked like self-harm, but the reaction occurred elsewhere.

"Kkuaaaaak!"

"M-My body...! Aaaaaah!"

The porters who had run away in haste. Those porters began to convulse violently.

While the bewildered Demonic Cultists tried to figure out what was going on, someone shouted:

"Everyone, charge toward the entrance! The Blood Demon awaits!"

"Long live the Blood Demon, all blood submit!"

"Wi Ho-chang-isiyeo! Protect us!"

The Blood Cultists scrambled in a mob toward the entrance of the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Although Yoo So-wol stood right in front of them, they didn’t care.

For the only path to survival right now was the Forest of the Four Seasons.

’They used a pathetic trick.’

This time, even Yoo So-wol couldn’t help but narrow her eyes.

For the act they had just committed was fittingly described as hideous.

The porters currently convulsing would explode before long.This chapter was taken from nоvelping.com without permission.

A demonic art utilizing blood as its medium, it was a technique representing the Blood Cult’s cruelty.

’Though I wish to slay all these slippery loaches...’

The Demonic Cult was a place where the outcast or innocent gathered. She could not turn a blind eye.

Yoo So-wol made rapid calculations in a world that seemed to flow slowly.

The number of porters undergoing the Blood Burst Technique was 12 in total.

The time required to stabilize all of them: roughly 5 seconds.

Finally, to eliminate all the Blood Cultists charging toward the entrance of the Forest of the Four Seasons...

’Sufficient.’

There was no need to even calculate. Time was more than enough.

Yoo So-wol moved her steps with a faint smile.

Around her, Blood Cult remnants risking their lives ran past in a frenzy.

As she took a few more steps in that state, the Demonic Cultists hurriedly began giving chase.

’One. Two. And three.’

In a mere five seconds, Yoo So-wol stabilized all the porters.

Now only one thing remained: the Blood Cult remnants desperately sprinting toward the Forest of the Four Seasons.

Originally, she thought she might miss about two people, but things in the world never go entirely according to plan.

"You bastard...! Fine! Let’s go together!"

"L-Let go of me!"

A Blood Cultist and a Demonic Cultist tussling to stop each other got entangled.

Trying to help ended up becoming a mere hindrance.

Yoo So-wol clicked her tongue inwardly and took measures so that the Demonic Cultists wouldn’t get caught in the blast.

Because of this, four people managed to enter the Forest of the Four Seasons. The very thing she worried about had transpired.

However, remnants still remained.

’I shall have to apologize to my benefactor.’

Only briefly entertaining that thought, Yoo So-wol moved with swiftness.

Udeudeok! Kwadeuk!

"Kkuaaaaak!"

"Aaaaaah!!"

"Auk! Kkkeueuk...!"

Trash incapable of even being sorted for recycling.

"Aaaaaah...! S-Spare me...!"

"Silence."

Kwajik!

She had no intention of illegally dumping that trash.

Once the time of slaughter ended, Yoo So-wol gazed at the entrance of the Forest of the Four Seasons.

The forest entrance shimmering like an aurora was a sight to behold.

Could there be another phenomenon in the world as beautiful as this? At the same time, could there be a place as dangerous?

’Beyond this...’

There lies the benefactor who saved her life. That benefactor was struggling desperately to live.

Just as Yoo So-wol unconsciously reached out her hand, a presence was sensed behind her.

Withdrawing her hand, she spoke with her trademark impassive expression.

"What is it?"

"Hehehe. H-Heavenly Demon-isiyeo. It is nothing other than..."

The person approaching Yoo So-wol was a somewhat mean-looking man.

Rubbing his hands together subserviently as he approached, the description of a rat suited him well.

"What will become of me from now on..."

"...."

Only then did Yoo So-wol turn around to face the man.

The man couldn’t help but lose his mind at her appearance, which could not even be captured in a painting.

Even though bright red blood dripped from her hand, even that felt like a breathtaking scene.

"Come to think of it, the Demonic Brain mentioned thou art the informant. Is that correct?"

"Y-Yes, yes. That is right. I reported this terrible Blood Cult plan to you in full."

The reason the Blood Cult’s plan leaked in real-time was exceedingly simple.

Because there was an informant. And one of elder status, no less.

Was that why? Yoo So-wol narrowed her eyes.

If he was an individual of elder status, he would have surely committed all sorts of atrocities.

Yoo So-wol glared coldly at the man before flashing a smile.

"What dost thou desire?"

"Pardon?"

"I asked what thou desirest."

Was it because he was one of the prime contributors to this outcome?

Yoo So-wol asked with a nuance suggesting she would bestow a reward.

After inwardly rejoicing for a brief moment, the man said in a sly voice:

"I-I ask for nothing. Only allow me to serve a new sky, I beseech thee."

"A new sky... Is that all?"

"Yes. That is correc..."

"Ludicrous."

"...t. Huh?"

Yoo So-wol’s demeanor suddenly transformed into a tone as harsh as midwinter frost.

While the man was caught bewildered, Yoo So-wol extended her hand without a word.

It was a slow, unhurried motion, but grasping the man’s neck was effortless.

"Keu, keuk...?!"

The man’s feet slowly left the ground. He frantically struggled.

Yet it was lesser than even the wriggling of an earthworm.

"One who abandoned humanity and righteousness, and now even trust—aiming to serve a new sky? Thou art a creature as treacherous as a serpent."

"Keueueu... Keuk..."

Uduk!

As Yoo So-wol exerted slight pressure, the man’s neck snapped.

As his neck broke, his tongue poked out limply.

"Those who abandon humanity and righteousness are not needed in the Demonic Cult."

Hwiik!

Saying so, Yoo So-wol tossed the corpse into the Forest of the Four Seasons.

"Ah. Goodness."

The moment she saw the corpse disappear, Yoo So-wol realized her mistake.

’To throw trash at my benefactor... I shall have much to apologize for.’

It was Yoo So-wol, worrying that she might get scolded by Grylls.