#1
7
6.
– Six casualties from the Emei Sect and the Seokga Sect.
– The elder leading the group is missing.
At the brief message conveyed by the messenger pigeon, the face of Seunghodangju Gu Jeong-ryong stiffened.
“……
oh my god.”
I thought this operation was just a plan to give Jin So-woon a little strength.
Although Jin So-un had created an unclear sense of fear toward the opponent the entire time he was coming, it did not feel real.
The Murim Alliance causing chaos in the Jianghu ‘Ten
After designating the ‘Great Goldsmith,’ the seeds of the Left-Handed Sword Technique dried up.
Thanks to that, even if you know it in theory, you cannot know how scary it actually is in reality.
“If it’s the Cheongseong Sect… isn’t it still an orthodox Taoist sect?”
But to think that even the disciples and elders of the Cheongseong Sect were defeated.
I could instinctively sense that it was not at the level of ‘evil arts’ commonly learned at the Martial Arts Academy, which cannot penetrate a righteous mind.
Moreover, the problem is… … .
“Gamcheonak…… You Pasa
and exorcism
Do you remember what you learned about?
Gam Cheon-ak, the deputy head of Seunghodang and a junior who has been with him for a long time, scratched the back of his head vigorously.
“Pasajeoryeong? What is that? Is it the Sichuan specialty that Jin So-un promised to treat us to?”
“…….”
The fact that this is reality.
Did you bring the Spirit-Repelling Ball?
What is that?
At the look on Gam Cheon-ak’s face as he asked the question as if it were the most natural thing in the world, a vein popped up on Gu Jeong-ryong’s forehead.
“This bastard. Doesn’t he even know what supplies he was given by the Alliance?”
Jeoryeonggu??”
After rolling his head for a while, Gam Cheon-ak slapped his palm with his fist.
“Ah! I remember now. It’s the bead made of wood and jade, right?”
“Right! That’s it! It’s an essential supply we have to pack every time we go on a mission!!”
I don’t have any.
“You bastard!!!”
Gam Cheon-ak dodged Gu Jeong-ryong’s fist slightly and asked back.
And did you take care of yourself, Master?
Gu Jeong-ryong, who had been fuming, stops abruptly.
Gam Cheon-ak asks, furrowing his brow slightly.
“No, do you even have it in the first place?”
“Ask all the kids in the League. See if anyone still has that.”
Gam Cheon-ak shook his head and continued speaking.
Nine out of ten probably won’t have it.
“Then? It’s not like we’ve ever fought an Apostle, so where did you use that?”
“With what money would the girls go to the tavern every day before their first monthly salary comes in? And since it looks pretty, they are sold to geishas for quite a high price.”
Inwardly, he is seething with anger, but he knows it well himself.
This is the current reality of the Murim Alliance.
Because the absence of the Apostles, the Demonic Paths, and the Evil Paths had been so long, ‘Evil Sorcery,’ ‘Sorcery,’ and ‘Magic’ had now become mere mythical creatures to the Murim Alliance, much like the Jade Kirin or the Phoenix. ‘How did I end up getting entangled in something like this…’ Partly to repay the debt to Alliance Leader Won.
I had come out with a light heart, curious about Jin So-woon, who was already engaged in a war of nerves with the Jeongdohoe, Baekdohoe, and the Twelve Peaks within the Murim Academy.
From Gu Jeong-ryong’s perspective, as he already harbored resentment toward the establishment, he thought it was a good opportunity to harass the elders using Maeng Ju-won and Jin So-woon as an excuse.
I came here half-heartedly on a wandering basis, so to think I’m suddenly in a situation like this.
As I keep having such thoughts, I keep feeling the urge to escape reality.
Do you think this is certain?
Gam Cheon-ak shook his head after looking at the letter.
“Why are you asking me that?”
“what?”
“It was you who suggested coming here, Master, and wasn’t it you who took a day off in Sacheon amidst this ‘urgent’ situation?”
Look at this bastard? Is he backing out now?
Then the decision must be made by the Master.
“You bastard! If this becomes a problem, do you think I’m the only one who will die? The Clan Leader and the Deputy Leader are practically one body! You’re going to die with us!”
“What did I do!”
“You’re the one who encouraged the kids to move up our schedule and stay at a better inn! If I get dragged to the Inspection Pavilion, I will definitely drag you in with me!”
As Gu Jeong-ryong thrashed about, even foaming at the mouth, Gam Cheon-ak let out a small sigh.
“Regardless of whether it can be verified, this is not a matter for us to handle among ourselves, is it?”
Leaving aside the casualties among the academy students associated with the Cheongseong faction, an elder of the Council of Elders has gone missing.
This is by no means an issue that can be easily overlooked.
I will send a secret letter to Meng.
It’s too late to act after hearing the answer.
However, we cannot simply wait indefinitely for a response from the Murim Alliance.
According to Jin So-un, it was clear that they were targeting the remaining academy students and elders as well. ‘Who in the martial arts world could possibly challenge the Alliance right now?’ It was such an absurd situation that even though I was aware of the reality, it didn’t feel real.
If it were just a simple war of nerves, this could easily happen, but taking action this seriously means they intend to see it through to the end.
“Anyway, didn’t that bastard Jin So-un give us instructions? It seems right to proceed exactly as he said for now.”
“Right, let’s get moving right away, too.”
Gu Jeong-ryong turned his head straight toward Seunghodang.
As expected, the Seungho Party members all met my gaze at once, as if they had been listening to the conversation.
“I’m going to pick up the pace now!”
“ancient!”
Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the morale of the Seungho Party members changes in an instant.
The men, who had been swaggering and cracking jokes, began to re-check their armor, and did not slow down their pace even once.
After running for an hour without resting, we were able to meet Namgung Seon-hwa and her party from the 12 Peaks, who had set off half a day earlier.
Namgung Seon-hwa continued to attempt to enter the Jongnam Sect’s ranks, but the disciples of Jongnam stood in her way.
Miss Namgung.
“Ah! Master!”
“What happened?”
“I’m sorry. No matter how much I speak, they won’t listen.”
Gu Jeong-ryong immediately dismounted from his horse and approached the group.
While the academy students who recognized Gu Jeong-ryong hesitated awkwardly, looking unsure of what to do with him as he tried to enter the group.
Gu Jeong-ryong led Namgung Seon-hwa toward where Suheo, the elder of the Jongnam Sect, was.
Upon hearing the story, Suhe snorted and said.
“That’s nonsense. Who in the world could possibly interfere with an event organized by the Murim Alliance?”
May I ask when you last contacted Elder Hye-seong or Elder Myeong-hyeon?
Gu Jeong-ryong let out a long sigh without realizing it.
Then, did you not contact the other leading groups?
“We had agreed to separate and reconvene at the faction. I came here to take this opportunity to tell you the history of how our Murim Alliance established the spirit of the White Path in Sichuan.”
Gu Jeong-ryong, who was listening to the story, cursed inwardly.
From the very beginning, they had no intention of investigating Heuksu or anything of the sort.
I really came all the way here just to get some fresh air under the pretext of an investigation.
For now, please join us.
Suheo reacted sharply, as if he had not yet come to his senses despite Gu Jeong-ryong’s words.
“Are you telling me to act based on Jin So-un’s story right now?”
Where on earth did things go wrong?
Are you engaging in extreme escapism in the midst of this, despite being an elder of the Council of Elders?
“Master.”
Elder Suheo’s face was crushed by Gamcheonak, who suddenly interrupted the conversation.
Then again, there probably isn’t anyone bold enough to butt in while an elder of the Murim Alliance is speaking.
But that bastard Gamcheonak is just like that. Did he really go out of his way to interfere knowing the Elders’ tempers?
You need to look at this.
Gu Jeong-ryong’s mind went cold upon seeing the new scroll Gam Cheon-ak handed him.
This is no longer a matter of pride or saving face.
Elder, you will have to come with me.
“What have you been taking me for all this time?!”
“This is an order from the Mantongbu.” Elder Suheo’s face looked as if he were about to explode at the mention of the ‘Mantongbu.’
Gu Jeong-ryong handed the scroll he had seen to Elder Su-heo.
“If this is a lie, Elder, you will be able to cut off Jin So-woon’s head just as you wish.”
Elder Suheo, panting heavily, roughly unfolds the seal as if it will tear.
and.
– Fifteen casualties from the Hwasan Sect and the Seokga Sect.
Twenty-two casualties from the Joint Faction and the Secular Faction.
– Death of Hwasan Sect Elder So Chung-hyeon confirmed.
– Confirmation of the death of Elder Jeong Sa-ik of the Joint Faction.
Elder Suheo’s eyes trembled as he looked at the scroll.
It went way too far to be a joke, yet it was news that was impossible to believe as the truth.
“If this is a scheme Jin So-un pulled off to protect his petty position, I will personally drag him to the Inspection Hall and punish him.”
However, I must carry out the order of the Ministry of Mantong for now.
After hesitating for a moment, Suheo finally nodded.
“Branches… If it is true, I will have to save them.”
Although Gu Jeong-ryong managed to persuade Elder Su-heo, who seemed so stubborn that he couldn’t even ventilate properly, his mind was not at ease.
If Jongnam, who is at the very back, has come this far out, it is only a matter of time before the personnel in front of him encounter an unknown enemy.
Moreover, Seunghodang, which was severely short of personnel, was in a situation where it had to continuously recruit academy students along the way.
The damage is expected to increase.
Depart without delay.
What you can do right now is move even one step faster.
And. ‘Just stay alive. Jin So-un.’ He wished only for the survival of those who had gone ahead. As Mo Yong-jae-hwa nocked an arrow onto the bowstring, he felt something strange in the arrowhead. ‘It is heavier… and loose…’ This was Jin So-un’s consideration for him, as he had not yet completed the Thunderbolt Arrow.
“Really, how do you know me so well, Brother?”
It was the worst situation, but a smile formed on my lips. I squeezed out whatever inner strength I had left and exerted myself.
A steel rod bends strangely.
Thanks to that, tremendous tension placed a strain on my arm, and it felt like my fingers were going to be severed by the silkworms.
Nevertheless, I didn’t feel anxious that it would break like a composite bow.
Thump. Whoosh.
The arrow cleaving the sky moves forward, tracing the expected arc.
Realizing that Moyong Jaehwa had started shooting arrows again, the Blood-clad men began to lift their thick shields and rocks.
puck!
The arrow went halfway through the rock, but ultimately failed to reach the Blood Man.
Nevertheless, Moyong Jaehwa draws the bowstring once again.
Zzz
I feel like my arm muscles are tearing.
Every time I pull the steel bow, my whole body screams, but I actually feel a sense of stability.
The power of the Geongonpa Island Sword is imbued in the arrowhead.
At that moment, the voice of Jin So-un, who had shot arrows together with me at Jeongsi, is heard.
The bow is a weapon that catches the opponent off guard. It takes an opponent’s life unexpectedly at an unforeseen moment. Facing such terror can make even assassins, whose sense of death has been dulled, tremble in fear.
Moyong Jaehwa shoots an arrow straight toward the sky.
And once again, he nocks an arrow on the bowstring and shoots at them.
Thump. Whoosh—as the second arrow is shot, the Blood People raise their shields and pick up stones.
As the arrow was blocked by the triple-layered shield once again, the triumphant Blood-robed men began to emerge from behind the rock.
And at that very moment.
When the arrow that had soared into the sky fell straight to the ground and was placed in line with the Blood-clad men.
It explodes in mid-air, shatters into pieces, and shoots iron fragments in all directions like hidden weapons.
pop.
Quack.
Those standing behind the rock were not prepared for the flying iron fragments.
Puff puff puff.
The blood-clad men, their bodies riddled with holes as if they had taken a shower of flowers, collapse to the floor.
The Blood-clad men, who had barely managed to stand behind and avoid the Thunderclap Arrow’s strike, now retreat even further back and enter this damn archer’s blind spot.
Just because it is not visible does not mean it is not there.
Advice that feels perfectly tailored to you.
But before I knew it, the voice was no longer Jin So-woon’s, but that of an unknown being. ‘Who is it?’ A man with a massive back turned.
Looking lonely, solitary, and desolate.
At the same time, he carries a tremendous burden on his shoulders.
The man says.
Visualize where they are in your mind. If you can visualize where they are, the palace can target them at any time.
It is clearly a story told by Jin So-un, but the voice sounds like that of a mysterious man.
A man I have never seen before, but who feels so familiar.
Following his advice, he draws the arrow once again.
There is no need to verify it visually.
Because I can picture it in my mind.
– It does not need to be accurate.
It’s not about targeting just one person.
There is no need to be fast.
They won’t be able to leave their places out of fear.
Thump. Whoosh──.
The arrow, shot in an arc like that, falls behind the cover where the Blood Men are hiding.
Boom.
Aaaargh.
Aaaargh!
Argh!
From afar, the screams of the hateful Bloodthirsty Ones echo.
“Gasp…… gasp…….”
Moyong Jaehwa was in such a state, having reached the absolute limit, that it was difficult to even consider him human.
After seizing the Iron Bow, he once again struck fear into the hearts of the Blood People, but the more he did so, the more Moyong Jaehwa’s condition began to deteriorate.
“Young Master Jaehwa, the blood….”
Moyong Jaehwa’s fingertips were not only wounded but also split and torn.
Fingers in a mess from pulling the string of a powerful iron bow.
Moyong Jaehwa looks at his fingers indifferently and speaks.
“Miss Eun, would you please freeze this for me?”
“S-you have to stop. Young Master Jaehwa…!”
They will never let us live.
At those words, Eun Seol-ran eventually grabs his finger and activates the Sosu Divine Art.
As the dripping blood stopped, Moyong Jaehwa lifted the palace once again.
A mysterious man’s voice is heard once again in Moyong Jaehwa’s head.
The ruthless leave behind damage even as they die. Confronting them to stop them is also a one-sided loss for us.
Therefore, we must stop them before they approach. We must make them afraid so they cannot come near.
That which instills fear not only in the ruthless, but also in the indifferent, those obsessed with killing, those who look only to their own desires, and even those who have lost their humanity.
Moyong Jaehwa’s bow is drawn.
Instilling fear to prevent access.
An arrow shot like the sun sails over the rock serving as cover and heads toward the center of the enemy lines.
Bang! Crash!
Aaaargh!
*Cough*!
damage!
That is the broken bow.
am.
A scream is heard from afar.
The Blood-clad men who had been approaching suddenly retreated backward, and then backward, as if they wanted to escape even one more step.
Ilgak took in the sight with his own two eyes and trembled all over. ‘Good heavens…’ I wonder who else could possibly pull off something like this?
Moyong Jaehwa accomplished with a single palace what was impossible with either the martial arts of Shaolin or Jeomchang.
The illusion regarding the martial arts of the Shaolin Temple, which was thought to be the pinnacle of the martial arts world and the very guiding star of the martial arts, is completely shattered. ‘Even though I knew that nothing is absolute or perfect…’ Ilgak squeezes his eyes shut and opens them again. ‘This, too, is enlightenment…’ Along with that, those iron bows and arrows said to have been sent by Jin So-un.
I instinctively feel that Moyong Jaehwa’s hidden power is also related to that.
Just how much did he know?
Anyway, now there was hope.
The hope of returning alive.
As Moyong Jaehwa said, if Jin So-un and Ji Won Jo arrive, I won’t have to see the terrible scene I imagined…
“uh……?”
Moyong Jae-hwa, who created this exciting situation, looks forward with a strange gaze.
Ilgak, Eun Seol-ran, and Nam Hwa-seong all follow his gaze.
A doll emerging alone from behind cover.
Unlike those who had only worn blood clothes until now, he was someone who wore strange ornaments.
That wasn’t the only strange thing.
“His gait…….”
A being that bounces up playfully with its feet together.
“no way…….”
“Damn it…….”
Amitabha Buddha.
While Eun Seol-ran, Nam Hwa-seong, and Ilgak were shocked one after another.
Moyong Jaehwa frowned deeply and pulled the bowstring all the way back.
Thump. Whoosh—just as the arrow, flying as if cutting through the wind, was about to pierce the strange man’s head.
The man, who had been moving awkwardly, suddenly turned his head sharply and grabbed the arrow.
Thump.
Of course, this was not the end of what Moyong Jaehwa had prepared.
pop!
With a loud explosion, the arrowhead burst open, scattering iron fragments in all directions.
Thick dust spreads, completely obscuring the man’s entire body.
As the dust cleared, a gruesome corpse appeared, its entire body pierced by pieces of iron… … .
“oh my god…….”
This is driving me crazy.
It was not perfect, but it was the Thunderclap that struck fear into the hearts of the Blood People.
However, the strange man did not shed a single drop of blood despite having iron fragments embedded all over his body.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he stared at the side from which the arrow had flown.
Ilgak let out a single word, groaning in pain.
“Jiangshi…….”
The monster known to have already disappeared
This appeared again.
