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And we have reached second world there, it being Cultivation Online.
***
Han Seokbong was already waiting near the entrance when they arrived.
At first, his expression was steady. But the moment his eyes landed on Arube, he stopped.
"…Arube?"
Silence followed.
The guards tightened their hold on the restrained man.
Han Sua stepped forward without delay.
"Father he is the Evil Daoist, he confessed everything." she said. "Everything."
Han Seokbong didn't respond right away. He walked closer, his gaze fixed on Arube.
"…Is it true?" he asked.
Arube kept his head lowered.
"…Yes."
The answer was short and clear.
Han Seokbong closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again. His expression had completely changed. There was no hesitation left.
"Take him inside," he ordered.
The knights moved immediately and escorted Arube into the palace under strict watch.
No one spoke as he was taken away.
Han Sua remained where she was, and Alan stood quietly beside her.
After a few moments, Han Seokbong turned toward Alan.
"…You have done enough for this city," he said.
Alan replied in a calm voice, "I also got paid for it."
Han Seokbong nodded.
"I know."
He glanced toward the palace for a moment before continuing, "We will interrogate him. He will give us the location."
Alan didn't say anything.
Han Sua spoke next, her tone steady but filled with anger.
"If he doesn't, we'll make him."
Han Seokbong looked at both of them before speaking.
"Sua, you should go and rest. I will speak with Benefactor Alan," he said.
Han Sua nodded once and left without arguing.
After she was gone, Han Seokbong turned to Alan.
"You must be wondering about the bow and why losing it is such a big problem," he said.
Alan nodded.
Though I already know it, he thought, but he didn't say it out loud.
Han Seokbong began explaining.
"The Eastern Continent is under the influence of the Hwan Kingdom. Even a single yangban from there can decide the fate of smaller kingdoms."
He continued calmly.
"There are four sacred weapons placed across the continent and each Kingdom is bestowed a sacred weapon by the Hwan Kingdom. The Blue Dragon Dao in the eastern Kaya Kingdom, the White Tiger Spear in the western Pa Kingdom, and the Black Tortoise Jewel in the northern Xing Kingdom."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"These weapons are used to stabilize the barrier that separates this world from hell. They are placed at the strongest energy veins in each direction."
He looked directly at Alan.
"In the south… that weapon is the Red Phoenix Bow. It is located in Pangea."
His expression became heavier.
"That is why losing it is dangerous."
He continued explaining.
"The Eastern Continent has remained stable for a long time because of its balance. Four kingdoms share land equal in size to the entire Western Continent. Their resources and talents are abundant, and each kingdom constantly watches the others."
"Because of this balance, no single power has been able to dominate."
He paused briefly.
"However, that balance depends on the sacred weapons remaining in place."
He then added one more point.
"The flow of magic power in the Eastern Continent is limited. Because of this, dragons rarely stay here. Only a few hidden and weakened ones exist, and they are never seen by ordinary people."
Han Seokbong looked at Alan.
"If the Red Phoenix Bow is not recovered… the Yangban might kill us all."
"Benefactor Alan, please help us," Han Seokbong said as he bowed deeply. "You found the evil daoist. Please find the Red Phoenix Bow as well."
His tone was sincere.
At the same time—
A notification appeared in front of Alan.
The second part of the Red Phoenix Bow quest had been triggered.
Alan looked at the notification for a moment.
Then it faded.
He shifted his gaze back to Han Seokbong.
"…Where did he send it?" Alan asked.
Han Seokbong straightened slightly.
"We will get the exact location from him," he said. "But from what he already revealed, the bow is no longer in Pangea. It was handed over to the master daoist priest beyond Pangea."
Alan nodded once.
"Hmm, so I have to go out of Pangea huh."
Han Seokbong agreed.
"Yes. But it won't be simple."
He continued in a steady tone.
"Due to the absence of the Red Phoenix Bow, the monsters have grown more volatile, and their strength has also increased. Especially the big poisonous rats blocking the road to the next city," Han Seokbong said with a sigh, then nodded.
"…Then it will be more fun," Alan said.
Han Seokbong looked at him for a moment.
He didn't respond immediately.
"…You really are different," he said quietly.
Alan didn't deny it.
"Where is the road blocked?" he asked.
Han Seokbong straightened slightly.
"West of Pangea," he said. "The main route leading to the next city has been cut off for days. Trade has stopped. Anyone who tried to pass hasn't returned."
Alan nodded once.
"I'll clear it."
Han Seokbong frowned slightly.
"Alone?"
"Yes."
There was no hesitation.
Han Seokbong didn't argue further.
"…Then at least take this."
He signaled to a nearby guard.
A small pouch was brought forward.
[You have obtained a one-time use talisman.]
[You have obtained a Poison Warding Talisman.]
[Poison Warding Talisman: Grants immunity to poison for one hour.]
Alan looked at the notification for a moment.
Then he closed it.
He took the pouch and stored it in his inventory without checking further.
"Useful," he said.
Han Seokbong nodded.
"The poison in that area is not simple. It's better to be prepared."
Alan didn't reply.
He turned and began to walk away.
After a moment, he saw Latina and Marie. Both were sitting under the sun, which he always found strange since they were vampires, but he didn't say anything.
The children were playing around in the large, beautiful garden, laughing and running freely while the Red Phoenix Knights watched over them.
Han Sua was there as well, talking with them. From what he could see, only Latina was actively responding, while Marie looked uninterested.