Chapter 183: Lizard in Trend These Days
I discovered the secret of the snake’s tail.
...Wait a minute, no wonder they reacted that way when I cut off my tail.
Could it be that tails are considered a sensitive area for snakes?
This sneaky Shikshik.
Didn't she swallow my severed tail whole?
Even though I learned such a shocking truth, nothing changed.
I spent several days with the snake mother and daughter.
I worried I might be trapped forever in an endless swamp of scales, but thankfully, the snake mother and daughter treated me the same as usual.
In other words, I didn’t need to worry about being eaten.
Of course, it was a little suspicious when Shikshik occasionally gazed at my tail with an unreadable expression, but since she didn’t act on it, I let it slide.
While wrapped in the embrace of the Snake Queen, I had various conversations.
It wasn’t so much being embraced as it was being coiled in the Snake Queen’s body.
“Having a territory means you also have the responsibility that comes with it. Well, I trust that my companion will handle it well without me saying much.”
A senior in life.
No, it was more accurate to say the Snake Queen, who had established her territory before me, was offering advice.
Even though I had my territory and even accepted a powerful divine follower, I was still just a young lizard compared to the Snake Queen.
...Not in size, but in experience regarding managing a territory.
The advice the Snake Queen gave was truly invaluable, so I couldn’t help but stick by her side.
It absolutely wasn’t because she was soft and cuddly.
“No matter how much it’s your territory, you know not to push too hard, right?”
“Gek?”
“Even if your territory is abundant, if a predator hunts recklessly, the beasts won’t gather there anymore.”
This jungle was a clear example.
Although the Snake Queen was the apex predator, she didn’t hunt that frequently.
Apart from the creatures devoted to her faith, numerous beasts lived in the jungle.
If the Snake Queen hunted indiscriminately and shared the spoils with her followers, those beasts would naturally leave for another place.
Her followers would eventually dwindle as well.
“Rule, but do not govern.”
“Gyaaak…!”
“Of course, it’s your freedom to choose, but I recommend not intervening too much.”
It was a reasonable suggestion.
There’s no rule stating only my followers must inhabit my territory.
The more diverse the creatures, the richer the territory will become.
“Because of the nature of the Dragon Gate, strong beings may challenge you. ...For now, you can rest easy since White Wolf has become your follower, but there are many stronger than him.”
I had been worried about that too, but I soon realized it was unnecessary.
Most beings wouldn’t even dare approach.
Even excluding the Red Dragon, just the charge of ten Igaksu alone was terrifyingly powerful.
Seeing them storm forward with that rattling noise was... unnerving.
It looked like their eyes were slightly unhinged too.
If someone saw that, they’d probably run away.
“I’m looking forward to it. I wonder how far your territory will expand, ufufu.”
The investment genius, the Snake Queen, chuckled softly.
“It’s not a waste at all that the Mirror of Possibilities was broken.”
“Byaak….”
Was it my imagination, or did the Snake Queen and Shikshik’s sushi roll coil tighten even more?
As I continued to spend time with them, the time to leave finally came.
“Byak.”
Shikshik, now accustomed to my frequent visits, didn’t react as fiercely as before.
“Byaak!”
Was that her way of saying, “Come back safely”?
“Are you heading to the Divine Cult now?”
“Gekgek.”
“…I see. I guess I did hold onto you for quite a while.”
Hold onto me?
I can spare this much time.
“I have a favor to ask—would you hear me out?”
A favor?
As long as it wasn’t removing this necklace, I could probably do it.
The Snake Queen, uncharacteristically, looked hesitant.
“…I’d like you to bring me that item.”
That item?
“I’ve become dependent on your honey—I can’t live without it anymore.”
Ah, she meant the dumplings made from the Honey of Okbong.
So, she was embarrassed about this.
Even though I gave her quite a bit last time, she already finished it and wanted more.
Though it’s originally a rare delicacy, I couldn’t refuse if it was for the Snake Queen.
...I wonder if Baek Seolhwa prepared more of it?
I should be able to find it if I search around.
“Gekgek!”
“…Thank you. Oh, and wait a moment.”
The Snake Queen stretched her arm and began inscribing something on a stone tablet.
“Give this to your master.”
She handed me the inscribed tablet and a plant that seemed to be an herb.
Was I being used as a messenger pigeon now?
“Gekgek.”
If it’s the Queen’s request, I have to do it.
But what did she write?
“This herb is a token of gratitude for last time.”
“Gyaaak.”
A token of gratitude?
Come to think of it, she did ask for Mae-do clothing last time.
So this time’s request is….
“Ufufu….”
Could it possibly be a school swimsuit Snake Queen?
…Even if it costs my life, I’ll deliver it.
A strange creature became the talk of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
The black lizard with white fur was the subject of these rumors.
A mystical creature that saved a follower in danger and shared its prey without asking for anything in return.
Few knew the full story, but that prey contained remnants of Taese that the cult had been searching for.
The tales of this lizard multiplied rapidly.
A black lizard with dragon scales.
The young followers, lacking combat ability, naturally adored these stories.
After all, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was inherently a religion closely tied to mystical creatures.
A being resembling a dragon, possessing incredible power, and showing goodwill toward humans.
It was impossible not to like it.
The rumors spread so much that even the elders caught wind of them.
“Elder Sam, have you heard? There’s talk about a four-legged snake.”
“I’ve heard it. Honestly, I’m grateful it’s been handling tasks I should’ve done myself, but….”
Unlike the followers, the elders’ views were more negative.
No matter how helpful, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was a group devoted to worshipping the Heavenly Demon.
And yet, the attention was being stolen by another mystical creature.
Although they had close ties with mystical creatures, the black lizard at the center of the rumors was a different story altogether.
It had no official relationship with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—it was entirely separate.
“It would be fine if it didn’t cross any lines, but it’s unsettling that even the young followers are all talking about that lizard.”
“Shouldn’t we deal with it immediately? The only god we worship is the Heavenly Demon, no one else. Yet we’re letting a mystical creature unrelated to us draw attention?”
“It’s not like we can exterminate it either. It’s been somewhat favorable toward us.”
“If Elder Sam won’t act, I’ll handle it myself.”
“Elder Sa, are you saying you’ll mess with a mystical creature without the Cult Leader’s permission?”
The elders’ voices grew louder.
Watching them calmly, Baek Seolhwa spoke in a composed tone.
“That’s enough.”
Baek Seolhwa was relieved that Baek Yeonyeong was not present.
If she had heard those words, one of the elder seats would have become vacant.
Of course, the leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult wouldn’t dismiss an elder over a single statement.
On the surface, his words seemed to prioritize the cult’s interests.
But it was obvious where the blade of the Left Protector, the Shadow Phantom Ghost, would point.
“Thinking of a solution for the mystical creature is the right thing to do. But to suppress it with brute force? We don’t even know how that creature could aid us.”
Baek Seolhwa knew the identity of the black lizard the followers were discussing.
According to Seowol-ah's testimony, it made adorable "Gegegek" sounds.
There was only one lizard that made such noises.
Of course, other men claimed the lizard had spoken human words, but that didn’t make Seowol-ah’s words any less credible.
“I don’t see an issue with capturing that lizard unharmed.”
Baek Seolhwa recalled the black lizard.
Its cheeky figure running away with her dumpling was still vivid in her memory.
“And if you capture it, notify me immediately.”
“…If the Shrine Maiden insists, then so be it.”
Elder Sa was momentarily flustered by her response.
The usually calm and gentle Baek Seolhwa had just displayed a hint of anger.
At the same time, he felt reassured.
She had the authority to deal with the lizard.
…Though the way she intended to handle it was likely very different from what Elder Sa had in mind, he had no way of knowing that.
Thus, the conversation about the lizard was concluded.
The next topic was the movements of the Murim Alliance.
“I heard the situation isn’t favorable.”
“Yes, it’s not a positive development.”
The other elders sighed quietly.
The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was strong.
But it didn’t have the capacity to face the entire Murim Alliance.
No matter how powerful Baek Yeonyeong was, there were other warriors in Zhongyuan who could rival her.
Most of these experts were affiliated with the Murim Alliance, and even the top masters of the unorthodox factions were likely to side with it.
“Have any sects made official moves?”
“No sects have acted officially yet.”
Though they desired to subjugate the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, the Murim Alliance was aware.
Even aside from Baek Yeonyeong, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had many experts.
Nine elders.
And three protectors.
Their combined strength was comparable to the leaders of most sects.
The Murim Alliance would have to endure significant losses to go to war with the cult.
Since it wasn’t a single sect but a coalition, they were biding their time and watching each other.
The first sect to act would undoubtedly be annihilated.
Thanks to this mutual hesitation, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had bought some time.
“However, there have been observed movements from Hwasan.”
“Hwasan? If they’ve moved….”
The elders’ expressions darkened.
Hwasan was one of the sects that held a position among the Ten Great Masters of the world.
“It’s not the entire sect that moved—just one Yongin.”
“Only one Yongin?”
“Yes, and the Cult Leader resolved the matter.”
“The Cult Leader? Does that mean the Yongin entered our territory?”
“The Cult Leader left a message not to worry too much. She said there’s a greater chance the Yongin will side with us.”
At this, the elders’ expressions brightened.
“Well, Yongins are known to be unpredictable. Besides, the Yongin from Hwasan has ties to the Cult Leader. That’s a relief.”
It was already fortunate not to face an all-out war with Hwasan.
On top of that, a Yongin with skills just below the sect leader’s might align with the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
Turning the enemy’s strength into their own was more valuable than simply repelling the Yongin.
This was excellent news for the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.
However, Baek Seolhwa hadn’t gathered them here just to deliver such news.
“…Additionally, we’ve received intelligence that Shaolin has made a move.”
“What? Did you just say Shaolin?”
An elder asked in disbelief.
“…Wait, not the Murim Alliance, but Shaolin? Those bald monks wouldn’t act alone.”
“To be precise, it’s said that an Arhat of Shaolin has made a move.”
“An Arhat… Now I understand why the Shrine Maiden called us. Are you suggesting we deal with the lone Arhat?”
Arhats were among Shaolin’s key forces.
If they could eliminate the Arhats before an all-out war, it would give the cult a significant advantage.
“No.”
Baek Seolhwa spoke in a calm voice.
“It’s the opposite.”
“The opposite?”
“The Arhats won’t come to the cult.”
The statement was baffling.
Then why were the Arhats moving in secret?
“Their destination is the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains.”
“Did you think we wouldn’t know that? Of course, they’d head to the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. Wait, don’t tell me….”
It was obvious that Shaolin’s target was not the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult but the mystical creatures within the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains.
However, to enter the mountains, they’d inevitably clash with the cult.
Yet, there was only one reason for Baek Seolhwa’s suggestion.
“By ‘the opposite,’ are you saying we should just let them pass?”
Not obstructing the Arhats entering the mountains.
That was Baek Seolhwa’s suggestion.
“Why on earth….”
As Elder Sa tried to argue, Baek Seolhwa spoke again.
“It is the Cult Leader’s command.”
Baek Seolhwa let out a deep sigh after returning to her room.
“Huu….”
The issues she had to deal with only grew day by day.
Of all things, an Evil God had descended in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, making it impossible to avoid conflict with the Murim Alliance.
While they were steadily eliminating the remnants of Taese, it wasn’t enough.
Even if Taese itself was destroyed, the Murim Alliance would inevitably attack the mountains.
For them, justification was crucial, and the descent of an Evil God provided the perfect pretext.
In a full-scale war, the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult would inevitably lose.
Thus, they were doing everything they could to bolster their strength.
Forming alliances with high-ranking mystical creatures like the Snake Queen to build power against the Murim Alliance.
But it was still insufficient.
Facing the entirety of Zhongyuan required even greater power.
Even foreign powers smelling blood could intervene.
Her head felt dizzy.
‘…Something sweet.’
Out of habit, she opened a drawer to take out a dumpling but saw an unfamiliar object instead.
“…Huh?”
It was a large wooden fruit.
Its ripe red color made it look appetizing.
But as the Shrine Maiden of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, she couldn’t eat food of unknown origin.
As she was about to discard the fruit, a golden ornament caught her eye.
“…A ring?”
It was a ring.
For some reason, it fit perfectly on her left ring finger.
Who could have played such a trick?
Then a few white hairs came into view.
White hairs.
Baek Seolhwa remembered that the black lizard she knew had grown white fur.
“…It has its cute moments.”
Was the fruit left as an apology for stealing her snacks?
Baek Seolhwa smiled faintly.
Her headache seemed to subside a little.
“To think I’d be comforted by a lizard.”
She carefully placed the ring aside and reached into the drawer where her dumplings should have been.
“…Huh?”
But she found nothing.
Her headache vanished completely.
The unease she had felt was replaced by a new emotion.
“Hey, you blasted lizard!”
It was anger at the audacious lizard that had stolen her dumplings yet again.