Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan

Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 162

A while later, the woman left the auction house with a resolute expression.
She had requested the assassination of the Yongmu Sect’s leader, the Supreme Sword of Martial Extremes, but Isaac had no interest in wasting time on someone else’s vendetta.
However, her story revealed just how heinous and malevolent the Supreme Sword was. He had been practicing dark arts for a long time, massacring commoners to absorb their life force and essence. Using the power of these dark arts, he had built the Yongmu Sect to its current prominence.
Despite the leader being a villainous dark practitioner, Isaac was reluctant to interfere actively in the isolated, peripheral civilization of the small world.
Isaac’s sole objective was the Purple spirit Root. The woman had offered hero-grade medicinal herbs and large gold nuggets as payment, but these were of little significance to Isaac, who had plenty in his inventory.
Isaac resolved not to form unnecessary connections with strangers in Yangpyeong Province in the future.
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Early afternoon.
When Isaac returned to the inn, Wang Mu-un, who had introduced himself as the next leader of the Eunha Trading Company, was there.
He had accepted Isaac’s deal and, like Jiyoungak, promised to find a clue about the Purple spirit Root within a month, no matter what.
“I will visit your company in a month.”
“I will make every effort to secure the information you seek.”
Wang Mu-un’s face showed a determined resolve, as if he were willing to risk his life.
Meanwhile, the residents and merchants near the plaza, having heard rumors about Isaac single-handedly defeating the Yongmu Sect’s martial force, began treating him as a pinnacle master. They looked at him with admiration whenever he walked by.
However, one day, the young master with a unique aura who had entered Unha Pavilion’s guest room disappeared without a trace, as if erased from the world.
The efforts of Yangpyeong Province’s two major factions, the Yongmu Sect and the Hwarang Sect, to recruit the mysterious pinnacle master ended in vain.
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Having left Yangpyeong Province, Isaac took the Nexus Jet and scoured the deep mountains and secluded valleys of the Euncheon Forest.
While Jiyoungak and the Eunha Trading Company pursued clues about the Purple spirit Root, Isaac sought to cultivate in places rich in heavenly and earthly energy.
Additionally, the Euncheon Forest was an area with little significance in Clan of Heroes, so there was a chance of discovering unique geographical features.
Swoosh!
The Nexus Jet sliced through the sky at speeds far exceeding the speed of sound. It was on the third day of this aerial journey that Isaac sensed an unusually rich wave of spiritual energy emanating from what appeared to be an ordinary, rugged mountain range.
“This seems to be the best spot.”
The concentration of spiritual energy here was slightly denser than that of the Ark of Trials. Given that over 80% of the small world was contaminated with negative energy, this mountain range was essentially the prime location for cultivating spiritual power.
‘Is there something underground?’
The only distinctive feature was a protruding boulder on one side of the mountain range. However, the concentration of spiritual energy was almost the same around the boulder as it was in the surrounding vegetation.
It seemed likely that an uncontaminated vein of magic stones flowed underground.
Buzz—
Confirming that there were no monsters within a radius of several kilometers, Isaac landed on the boulder and immediately deployed a protective shield with a stealth effect by throwing a disc around the area.
That was all the preparation needed.
Taking a deep breath of the refreshing air at the foot of the mountain, Isaac sat down in a lotus position and began to focus his mind.
As the mountain animals, startled by the Nexus Jet’s engine noise, regained their composure, Isaac melded into the unknown mountain range as a part of nature.
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The lush mountains soared high into the sky.
Halfway up the rugged mountain range, a massive rock jutted out, and from a bird’s-eye view, it resembled a human hand.
The mountain was covered in abundant pine trees and various deciduous trees, enveloping it in the greenery of nature.
Occasionally, a gentle breeze would blow, and with each gust, the forest seemed to breathe.
At the base of the mountain, a clear and refreshing stream flowed, sending the vitality of life coursing through every corner of the wilderness.
Whoosh—
From the flat palm of the massive rock protruding through the mountain range, a soft blue and white glow shimmered gently.
The light seemed to emanate from the young man sitting cross-legged and chanting cultivation mantras, yet it also appeared to be absorbed by him.
The animals of the lush mountains occasionally looked up at the rock where the young man sat, sometimes shivering or making distressed noises.
The young man continued to chant the mantras without opening his eyes for seven days and nights.
During this time, strong winds blew, and heavy rain poured down, but none of it penetrated the semi-transparent spherical barrier surrounding him.
Roar!
A significant disturbance occurred in the seemingly peaceful mountain range as the night of the seventh day gave way to the dawn of the eighth day.
With the brilliant light of the sunrise, something flew towards the lush mountains.
Rumble.
It was a massive dragon, over 30 meters long. The roar of the enormous mythical creature sent the mountain animals and birds fleeing, disturbing the previously serene mountains.
The white dragon displayed clear hostility towards the young man meditating on the rock. It circled the rock slowly, as if probing, before telepathically addressing the young man who continued his meditation.
“Who are you, intruder? Yun Eun Mountain has long been the domain of me, the White-Faced Dragon.”
Despite the dragon’s question, the young man continued chanting his cultivation mantras for another half-day before finally gathering his energy.
The dragon, despite the young man’s peculiar attitude, did not lose its temper and continued to hover in the air.
Finally, after eight days, the young man opened his eyes and spoke calmly.
“I was seeking a place rich in spiritual energy near Hwan Nation and happened to stop here. I apologize for the intrusion. I am Lee Gun-ha from ‘Earth,’ an adjacent realm outside the Euncheon Forest.”
“Oh. As I suspected, you are from outside the Euncheon Forest. It’s delightful to hear that there are other civilizations practicing the path of cultivation besides Hwan Nation in this small world.”
“I am an unusual case. On Earth, ethereals have latent magical circuits within their bodies, and they have developed a detailed system to master or enhance techniques optimized for their circuits. We call them heroes. Of course, in certain countries, some use martial arts similar to the martial artists of Hwan Nation.”
Growl.
A low rumble emanated from the white dragon, who seemed to be pleased with the young man’s demeanor. The dragon gracefully floated closer in the air.
“Interesting information. Your aura is quite extraordinary, so I’ll let this intrusion slide just this once. Since fate has brought us together, how about we engage in a Zen discussion?”
“Let’s do that. I never imagined I would encounter a mythical creature like you in these remote mountains.”
“Haha! If true mythical creatures heard that, they wouldn’t even snort. A jiaolong doesn’t even qualify as a mythical creature. It’s a metaphor for a hero who hasn’t met the right time to achieve greatness.”
Whoosh—
Flash!
In an instant, the massive white dragon transformed into a human. When the light faded, a white-haired boy with dragon horns on his forehead stood there.
With a wave of his hand, a pavilion suddenly appeared on the rocky surface.
Amazingly, the pavilion was already prepared with colorful traditional sweets and steaming hot tea.
“It seems you predicted this meeting.”
“Haha! Unfortunately, I’m not skilled in astrology or foresight. I just have some expertise in spatial techniques. Instead of standing here, why don’t we sit and talk over some refreshments?”
“I would be delighted.”
The young man, now seated in the serene pavilion, briefly examined the traditional sweets and tea before confidently indulging in them, assured that there was nothing amiss.
The Zen discussion between the young man and the white-haired boy continued for an entire day without pause.
During their conversation, they clarified their understanding of the principles of nature, the theory of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and various other abstract and metaphysical concepts.
As the warm atmosphere persisted, the white-haired boy, who had been discussing the enlightenment of cultivation, spoke in a honeyed voice.
“Fellow monk, through our conversation, I feel I understand your nature. I have a proposal for you, and I hope you will consider it positively.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“In three months, I plan to explore an ancient site called Hyeoryeong Forest with two fellow monks of similar rank and a few skilled mortals. Hyeoryeong Forest is a legendary site that has remained untouched for over ten thousand years, known for its endless discoveries of ancient treasures. Although you may not be at the same level of awakening as I am, your peak 5-star strength would be a great asset to our journey.”
“Thank you for seeing me in a positive light.”
“It’s not about that. If I hadn’t acknowledged you, I wouldn’t have shown you any respect. You and I respect each other because we both have confidence that we wouldn’t lose in a confrontation.”
“You’ve noticed. My actual combat power is comparable to an awakened being. Do you have eyes that can see through spiritual power?”
“I assumed there was a reason for your confidence.”
“You have great insight. To match my level based on a hunch is impressive. If Hyeoryeong Forest is such a legendary site, could we find mid-tier weapons or medicinal herbs there?”
The white-haired boy, who had been smiling, shook his head this time.
“Such treasures are rare in the small world. However, based on the map I have, I am confident that at least one mid-tier treasure is hidden there. The place where the treasure lies will undoubtedly be protected by extraordinary barriers, so it would be wise to increase the number of our expedition team. That’s why I made this proposal.”
“At least one mid-tier treasure… Hmm. Listening to you, White-Faced Dragon, I feel that our meeting here in Yun Eun Mountain was destined. If you agree to my condition, I will join the expedition.”
“Please, state your condition.”
“I have recently taken in and am teaching some children. I would like to give them this valuable experience. They are capable of protecting themselves and won’t be a burden. Is that acceptable?”
“Hmm… Yes, that’s fine. However, I won’t be able to increase the amount of treasure allocated to you just because your disciples are joining. Of course, any treasures your group acquires independently are yours to keep.”
“That’s fair. Let’s embark on this grand endeavor together.”
Having forged a bond over the course of a day, the young man and the white-haired boy exchanged a few more words, then arranged a means of contact, a meeting place, and a time before parting ways.
“This is a Sacred Spirit Communication Jade, which allows communication over vast distances. I will give this to you. It is linked to the one I possess. It’s a valuable item, so please don’t run off with it.”
“Oh. Is that so? Hearing that makes me feel conflicted.”
“…You really mustn’t.”
“Of course, I was just joking.”
The white-haired boy, who almost took it seriously, transformed back into the white dragon and disappeared into the sky.
A blue flame quietly ignited on the young man’s shoulder, transforming into a bird.
“Master, do you trust him?”
“Not at all.”
“What’s the plan?”
“It depends on whether I become an awakened being or not.”
Fwoosh.
The blue flame bird nodded at the young man’s words and vanished in a blaze. With the departure of the white dragon, the animals and birds of Yun Eun Mountain, who had been hiding in fear, resumed their activities.
The young man also reactivated the protective barrier and sat cross-legged on the rocky surface. Soon, blue and radiant particles of light began to rise around him, continuously being absorbed into his body as he chanted his mantras.