Chapter 176
Chapter 176
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7
6. <The Black Flame Dragon That Swallows the Blood Sea (6)>
-Twelve casualties among the Qingcheng Sect and its secular branch sects.
-Six casualties among the Emei Sect and its secular branch sects.
-The Elder leading the group missing.
At the brief contents delivered by the messenger pigeon, the face of Seungho Hall Master Gu Jeongryong hardened stiffly.
“……
Heavens.” (Gu Jeongryong)
He had thought this operation was merely one meant to lend Jin Soun a little strength.
Though Jin Soun had created a vague sense of fear about the opponent throughout the journey, it had not truly felt real.
Ever since the Martial Alliance designated the “Ten
Forbidden Arts” that caused chaos in the martial world, left-path unorthodox arts had been stamped out.
Because of that, even if one knew them in theory, one could not know in practice how terrifying they were.
“If it is the Qingcheng Sect…… they are still an orthodox Taoist sect, are they not.” (Gu Jeongryong)
Yet even the disciples and Elder of such a Qingcheng Sect had been defeated.
He could instinctively tell that this was not the level of “evil arts” commonly taught at the Murim Academy, the sort that could not penetrate a proper righteous mind.
Moreover, the problem was…….
“Gam Cheonak…… do you remember what you learned about Pasa, Evil-Breaking,
and Jeryeong, Spirit Suppression?” (Gu Jeongryong)
Gam Cheonak, the Vice Hall Master of Seungho Hall and a junior who had been with him for a long time, scratched the back of his head hard.
“Pasa Jeryeong? What is that? Some Sichuan specialty Jin Soun promised to buy us?” (Gam Cheonak)
“…….” (Gu Jeongryong)
That this was reality.
“Did you bring a Jeryeonggu, Spirit Suppression Orb?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“What is that?” (Gam Cheonak)
At Gam Cheonak’s expression, asking as if it were only natural, veins rose on Gu Jeongryong’s forehead.
“……
You bastard. You do not even know what supplies were issued by the Alliance?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“……
Jeryeonggu??” (Gam Cheonak)
Gam Cheonak, who had been racking his head for quite a while, struck his own palm with his fist.
“Ah! I remember. Those beads made of wood and jade, right?” (Gam Cheonak)
“Yes! That! It is an essential supply we are supposed to carry every time we deploy!!” (Gu Jeongryong)
“I do not have one.” (Gam Cheonak)
“You bastard!!!” (Gu Jeongryong)
Gam Cheonak subtly dodged Gu Jeongryong’s fist and asked back.
“Then did you bring one, Hall Master?” (Gam Cheonak)
Gu Jeongryong, who had been huffing in anger, flinched to a stop.
Gam Cheonak quietly frowned and asked,
“No, did you have one in the first place?” (Gam Cheonak)
“…….” (Gu Jeongryong)
“Ask everyone in the Alliance. See if there is still anyone who has one.” (Gam Cheonak)
Gam Cheonak continued while shaking his head.
“Nine out of ten probably do not.” (Gam Cheonak)
“Then what? It is not as if we have ever fought the Evil Path, so where did they use it up?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“With what money do you think the boys go to taverns every day before their first monthly salary comes out? They look pretty, so they sell for a fairly high price to courtesans.” (Gam Cheonak)
Though fury burst inside him, he knew it well too.
That this was the current reality of the Martial Alliance.
Because the absence of the Evil Path, the Strange Path, and the Demonic Path had lasted for so long, to the Martial Alliance now, beings called “evil arts,” “sorcery,” and “demonic arts” had become things of fantasy, like jade qilins or phoenixes. ‘How did I end up getting caught up in something like this…….’ (Gu Jeongryong) He had taken this road in a lighthearted mood, partly to repay his debt to Maeng Juwon.
And partly because he was curious about Jin Soun, who was already said to be engaged in a war of nerves within the Murim Academy against the Righteous Path Association, the White Path Association, and the Twelve Peak Stars.
From Gu Jeongryong’s standpoint, as someone who had always felt antipathy toward the vested interests, he had thought it a good opportunity to torment the Elders’ Council using Maeng Juwon and Jin Soun as excuses.
He had come half as though wandering, yet the situation had suddenly become this.
As such thoughts kept arising, the desire to escape reality kept rising.
“Do you think this is certain?” (Gu Jeongryong)
Gam Cheonak looked at the letter and shook his head.
“Why are you asking me that?” (Gam Cheonak)
“What?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“You are the one who said we should come here, Hall Master, and you are also the one who took a day of rest in Sichuan in the middle of this ‘urgent’ situation, are you not?” (Gam Cheonak)
Look at this bastard. Is he backing out now?
“Then you should make the judgment too, Hall Master.” (Gam Cheonak)
“You bastard! If this becomes a problem, do you think only I will die? The Hall Master and Vice Hall Master are practically one body! You will die with me!” (Gu Jeongryong)
“What did I do!” (Gam Cheonak)
“You are the one who encouraged the boys to move up the schedule and stay at a better inn! If I am dragged to the Inspection Pavilion, I will make sure to drag you in with me!” (Gu Jeongryong)
When Gu Jeongryong thrashed about, foaming at the mouth, Gam Cheonak let out a small sigh.
“Putting aside whether we can confirm it or not, is this not an issue we can handle by ourselves?” (Gam Cheonak)
Leaving aside the fact that casualties had occurred among the academy students related to the Qingcheng Sect, an Elder of the Elders’ Council had gone missing.
This was absolutely not a matter that could be passed over lightly.
“Let us send a letter to the Alliance.” (Gam Cheonak)
“It will be too late to move after hearing their response.” (Gu Jeongryong)
But they could not simply wait for the Martial Alliance’s response.
According to Jin Soun, it was clear these people were targeting the remaining academy students and Elders as well. ‘Who in the current martial world could challenge the Alliance?’ (Gu Jeongryong) It was so absurd that even while he recognized reality, it did not feel real.
If it were merely a war of nerves, it could happen any number of times, but acting this openly meant they intended to see it through to the end.
“In any case, that bastard Jin Soun did give us guidelines, did he not? For now, I think it is right to move according to them.” (Gam Cheonak)
“Right, we move immediately too.” (Gu Jeongryong)
Gu Jeongryong immediately turned his head toward Seungho Hall.
As expected, the Seungho Hall members, who seemed to have been listening to the conversation, all met his eyes at once.
“We raise our speed even further from now on!” (Gu Jeongryong)
“Yes, sir!” (Seungho Hall Members)
The momentum of the Seungho Hall members, who had realized the seriousness of the matter, changed in an instant.
Those who had been joking around frivolously began checking their weapons again, and the speed of their horses did not slow even once.
After running without rest for one double hour like that, they were able to meet the group of Namgung Seonhwa of the Twelve Peak Stars, who had departed half a day earlier.
Namgung Seonhwa kept trying to enter the group of the Zhongnan Sect, but the Zhongnan disciples were blocking her.
“Miss Namgung.” (Gu Jeongryong)
“Ah! Hall Master!” (Namgung Seonhwa)
“What happened?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“I am sorry. No matter how much I speak, they will not listen.” (Namgung Seonhwa)
Gu Jeongryong immediately got down from his horse and approached the group.
While the academy students who recognized Gu Jeongryong hesitated with expressions showing they did not know what to do about him trying to enter the group.
Gu Jeongryong led Namgung Seonhwa and approached the place where Elder Suheo of the Zhongnan Sect was.
“What?” (Elder Suheo)
After hearing the story, Suheo snorted and said,
“You are spouting nonsense. Who in the world could obstruct an event of the Martial Alliance?” (Elder Suheo)
“……
May I ask when you last contacted Elder Hyesung or Elder Myeonghyeon?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“…….” (Elder Suheo)
Gu Jeongryong let out a long sigh without realizing it.
“Then did you not contact the other leading groups?” (Gu Jeongryong)
“We were each to scatter and gather again at Padang. I came here on this occasion to tell them the history of how our Martial Alliance established the spirit of the White Path in Sichuan.” (Elder Suheo)
“…….” (Gu Jeongryong)
As he listened, Gu Jeongryong cursed inwardly.
These people had never had any thought about investigating the Black Hand or anything else from the start.
They had truly come all the way here under the excuse of investigation just to get some fresh air.
“For now, please come with us.” (Gu Jeongryong)
As if he still had not come to his senses even at Gu Jeongryong’s words, Suheo reacted sharply.
“Are you telling me to listen to Jin Soun and move right now?” (Elder Suheo)
“…….” (Gu Jeongryong)
Where exactly did this go wrong?
Was he, as an Elder of the Elders’ Council, engaging in extreme escapism from reality in the middle of this?
“Hall Master.” (Gam Cheonak)
Because Gam Cheonak suddenly cut into the conversation, Elder Suheo’s face crumpled horribly.
Well, of course, there would be no person bold enough to interrupt while an Elder of the Martial Alliance was speaking.
But that bastard Gam Cheonak was something else too. Knowing the temper of the Elders, did he have to cut in?
“You should see this.” (Gam Cheonak)
At the new letter Gam Cheonak held out, Gu Jeongryong’s head cooled coldly.
This was no longer a matter for asserting pride or saving face.
“Elder, you must come with us.” (Gu Jeongryong)
“What have you been hearing my words as until now?!” (Elder Suheo)
“This is an order from the Mantong Department.” (Gu Jeongryong) At the words “Mantong Department,” Elder Suheo’s face looked as if it would explode at any moment.
Gu Jeongryong handed Elder Suheo the letter he had seen.
“If this is false, then as you wish, Elder, you will be able to cut off Jin Soun’s head.” (Gu Jeongryong)
Elder Suheo, huffing in anger, unfolded the letter roughly as if he would tear it.
And.
“…….” (Elder Suheo)
-Fifteen casualties among the Mount Hua Sect and its secular branch sects.
Twenty-two casualties among the Kongtong Sect and its secular branch sects.
-Elder So Chunghyeon of the Mount Hua Sect confirmed dead.
-Elder Jeong Saik of the Kongtong Sect confirmed dead.
Both of Elder Suheo’s eyes trembled as he stared at the letter.
It was news that had gone far beyond a joke, and yet was far too unbelievable to be the truth.
“If this is a trick Jin Soun has played to protect his paltry position, I will personally drag him to the Inspection Pavilion and condemn him.” (Gu Jeongryong)
“…….” (Elder Suheo)
“But right now, I must carry out the order of the Mantong Department.” (Gu Jeongryong)
After pondering for a moment, Suheo eventually nodded.
“Let us go……. If it is true, then we must save them.” (Elder Suheo)
He had managed to persuade stubborn Elder Suheo, whose front and back seemed so blocked it would be hard even for air to circulate, but Gu Jeongryong’s heart was deeply uneasy.
If Zhongnan, the very rearmost group, had come this far out, then it was only a matter of time before the people ahead encountered the unidentified enemy.
Moreover, Seungho Hall, whose numbers were endlessly insufficient, had to continue merging academy students into their group along the way.
The damage was expected to grow.
“We depart without delay.” (Gu Jeongryong)
What they could do now was move even one step faster.
And. ‘Please just be alive. Jin Soun.’ (Gu Jeongryong) He could only hope for the survival of those who had gone ahead.#As Moyong Jaehwa nocked an arrow to the string, he felt something strange from the arrowhead. ‘It is heavier…… and loose…….’ (Moyong Jaehwa) This was Jin Soun’s consideration for him, who had not yet completed the Thunderbolt Arrow.
“Truly, Brother, how do you know me so well?” (Moyong Jaehwa)
It was the worst situation, but a smile formed at the corners of his mouth. He squeezed out inner arts he did not have and put strength into it.
The rod made of steel bent strangely.
Thanks to that, the tremendous tension placed a load on his arms, and his fingers felt as if they would be cut off by the heavenly silkworm thread.
Even so, he did not feel the anxiety that it might break like a horn bow.
Tung. Swaek.
The arrow slicing through the sky advanced, drawing the arc he had expected.
The blood-robed people, noticing that Moyong Jaehwa had begun shooting the bow again, started raising their thick shields and rocks as before.
Peok!
Though it pierced halfway into the rock, in the end, the arrow did not reach the blood-robed person.
Even so, Moyong Jaehwa drew the bowstring again.
Jijijijijik.
It felt as though the muscles of his arm were tearing.
Each time he drew the steel bow, his whole body screamed, yet rather, it gave him a sense of stability.
The power of the Heaven and Earth Wave-Cleaving Sword was loaded into the arrowhead.
At that moment, Jin Soun’s voice, from when they had shot bows together during the regular exam, rang out.
-A bow is a weapon that pierces the opponent’s blind spot. At an unexpected moment, in an unexpected way, it takes the opponent’s life. When faced with that terror, even assassins whose sense of death has grown dull can be made to tremble in fear. (Jin Soun)
Moyong Jaehwa immediately shot the arrow toward the sky.
Tung. Swaek.
And he nocked another arrow to the string and shot it at them.
Tung. Swaek──As the second arrow was fired, the blood-robed people raised their shields and lifted stones.
Peok!
When the arrow was blocked this time too by a shield reinforced with three layers, the triumphant blood-robed people began emerging from behind the rocks.
And at that very moment.
When the arrow that had flown up into the sky dropped straight down and came to be on the same line as the blood-robed people.
It exploded in midair and shattered to pieces, shooting iron fragments in all directions like hidden weapons.
Peng.
Kwa-ruru.
Those standing behind the rocks had not been able to prepare for the flying iron fragments.
Pupeopeopeopeok.
The blood-robed people, whose entire bodies were riddled with holes as if they had received Ten Thousand Heavenly Flower Rain, collapsed to the ground.
The blood-robed people who had barely been standing behind and had not been struck by the Thunderbolt Arrow now retreated even farther back, entering the blind spot of this damned archer.
-Just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there. (Unknown Man)
Advice that seemed perfectly tailored to him.
But at some point, the voice no longer sounded like Jin Soun’s, but had changed into that of a being whose face he could not know. ‘Who is it?’ (Moyong Jaehwa) A man showing a broad back.
He looked lonely, isolated, and forlorn.
And yet, on his shoulders, he carried a burden of tremendous weight.
That man spoke.
-Try drawing in your head where they are. If you can draw where they are, the bow can aim at them at any time. (Unknown Man)
It was clearly something Jin Soun had said, yet the voice sounded like that of the mysterious man.
A man he had never seen even once, yet who felt so very familiar and accustomed.
Following his advice, he drew the arrow again.
-There is no need to confirm with your eyes. (Unknown Man)
Because I can draw it in my head. (Moyong Jaehwa)
-It does not need to be accurate. (Unknown Man)
Because I am not aiming at one person. (Moyong Jaehwa)
-It does not need to be fast. (Unknown Man)
Because they will already be unable to leave their places due to fear. (Moyong Jaehwa)
Tung. Swaek──.
The arrow shot in such an arc fell behind the cover where the blood-robed people had hidden.
Kwakwang.
Uaaaak.
Uaaaaak!
Kraak!
From far away, the screams of the hateful blood-robed people rang out.
“Heok…… heok…….” (Moyong Jaehwa)
Moyong Jaehwa’s state, having reached the limit of his limits, was hardly something that could be called human.
After taking hold of the iron bow, he had once again made the blood-robed people tremble in fear, but the more he did so, the more Moyong Jaehwa’s condition began worsening.
“Mister Jaehwa, blood…….” (Eun Seollan)
Moyong Jaehwa’s fingertips were not merely wounded; they had split and torn open.
His fingers had become a mess from drawing the string of the powerful iron bow.
Moyong Jaehwa looked at his own fingers blankly and said,
“Miss Eun, could you freeze them a little?” (Moyong Jaehwa)
“Y, you have to stop. Mister Jaehwa……!” (Eun Seollan)
“They will never leave us alive.” (Moyong Jaehwa)
“…….” (Eun Seollan)
At those words, Eun Seollan eventually took hold of his fingers and roused the Small Water Divine Art.
When the blood that had been dripping down stopped, Moyong Jaehwa raised the bow again.
In Moyong Jaehwa’s head, the voice of the mysterious man rang out once more.
-Merciless people leave damage behind even as they die. Facing them head-on to stop them is also a one-sided loss for us. (Unknown Man)
Therefore, they must be stopped before they approach. They must be made afraid so they cannot approach.
To make not only the merciless, but also the indifferent, those mad with killing, those who look only to their own desires, and even those who have lost their humanity feel fear.
Moyong Jaehwa’s bow was drawn.
To plant fear and make them unable to approach.
The arrow shot as if shooting the sun passed over the rock that had become cover and headed toward the center of the enemy formation.
Peng! Kwakwang!
Kkeuaak!
Keoheuk!
Avoid it!
That was precisely the Destroying Bow.
Screams were heard from far away.
The blood-robed people who had been approaching were now retreating back and farther back, as if wanting to flee even one step more.
Ilgak, who took that sight into both eyes, trembled all over. ‘Heavens…….’ (Ilgak) Who else could accomplish such a thing?
What had been impossible with Shaolin’s martial arts and with Diancang’s martial arts, Moyong Jaehwa had achieved with a single bow.
The illusion he had held of Shaolin Temple’s martial arts, which he had thought were the Mount Tai and North Star of the murim and the pinnacle of martial arts, shattered completely. ‘Even though I knew that nothing absolute and perfect exists…….’ (Ilgak) Ilgak squeezed his eyes shut and opened them. ‘This, too, is enlightenment…….’ (Ilgak) Along with that, there were the iron bow and arrows that Jin Soun had supposedly sent.
He instinctively felt that Moyong Jaehwa’s hidden power was also related to him.
Just how far had he known?
In any case, hope was visible now.
The hope that they could return alive.
As Moyong Jaehwa said, if Jin Soun and the support group came, then he would not have to see the terrible sight he had imagined…….
“Huh……?” (Moyong Jaehwa)
Moyong Jaehwa, who had created this thrilling situation, looked ahead with a strange gaze.
Ilgak, Eun Seollan, and Nam Hwaseong also followed his gaze.
A figure emerging alone from among the cover.
Unlike those who had only been wearing blood-robes until now, it was someone wearing strange ornaments.
That was not the only strange thing.
“Its gait…….” (Ilgak)
A being hopping as if playing, with both feet held together.
“Surely…….” (Eun Seollan)
“Fuck…….” (Nam Hwaseong)
“Amitabha.” (Ilgak)
While Eun Seollan, Nam Hwaseong, and Ilgak gasped in turn.
Moyong Jaehwa frowned deeply and drew the bowstring to its limit.
Tung. Swaek──At the moment the arrow that flew as if splitting the wind was about to pierce the strange man’s head.
The man, who had been showing awkward movements, abruptly snapped his head around and seized the arrow.
Teop.
Of course, this was not the end of what Moyong Jaehwa had prepared.
Peng!
With an explosive sound, the arrowhead burst, and iron fragments scattered in every direction.
Thick dust spread and completely covered the man’s whole body.
As the dust cleared, a horrifying corpse whose whole body had been pierced through by iron fragments appeared…….
“Heavens…….” (Eun Seollan)
“This is insane.” (Nam Hwaseong)
It was not perfect, but it was the Thunderbolt Arrow that had made the blood-robed people tremble in fear.
But though iron fragments were embedded all over his body, the strange man did not shed a single drop of blood.
Then he stared at this side, where the arrow had come from, as if nothing had happened.
Ilgak uttered a single word as if groaning.
“A jiangshi…….” (Ilgak)
The demonic beast
said to have already vanished had appeared once more.