Spoiler Return of the Mount Hua Sect (화산귀환)

i must make myself time to read this peacefully, as i might die from laughing so hard

same i need to knoww too, they serouisly act like they will die any moment something bad happen to him, and now he was almost coming back to the mount as a dead body, no wonder if they would panic like crazy

 

First off, I LOV YOU FOR THE SPOILERS

And second, i hope you get rid of those ticks! Maybe find a spray to kill them?

 

Spoiler: Hwasan gang reaction to cm almost dying

More. Just one more step.



"That insufferable woman!"



The warriors of the Myriad Man stared at Yooi Seol with disdain.



In succession, more daggers flew towards her, and as she absorbed the shocks to some extent, her face began to swell up significantly.



She couldn't even open her eyes properly, let alone secure her field of vision.



But even in that dire situation, she persisted steadily, as if driven by instinct, skillfully evading attacks.



"More..."



The ground beneath her turned red with the blood she shed.



Now, she couldn't feel the pain anymore. All that remained was the determination to escape.



Shweeeeeek!



As another dagger flew towards her, Yooi Seol's sword moved instinctively.



Kwaaaah!



However, her sword lacked the strength to deflect the dagger now. At the moment of collision between the dagger and her sword, her wrist snapped. The misaligned dagger sliced through her thigh, narrowly missing her.



Crunch!



Her thigh spread open, revealing the fractured bone.



But a bigger problem than her severe injury was the fact that she could no longer use her leg.



"More... I have to go..."



She couldn't drive the ground with force anymore, nor could she skillfully evade the enemy's attacks. Her right leg didn't respond to her will anymore.



Squelch. Thud. Squelch.



In the midst of her blurred vision, Yooi Seol saw someone looking down at her.



"Jo... geol?"



"It's..."



Jogeol's face was contorted in agony.



"These damn Sapa bastards, who do they think they...!"



Supporting Yooi Seol with one hand, Jogeol thrust his sword forward.



The explosively released a large gust hole in the bodies of the Myriad Man warriors who were taken aback by the appearance of new enemies.



"Uwaaaaah!"



Jogeol's anger showed no signs of abating. From the tip of his sword, crimson plum blossoms spewed out.



The somewhat violent and brutal sword energy swayed and swept through the retreating opponents, tearing them apart.



"Are you okay?"



Jogeol shouted towards the faintly conscious Yooi Seol.



When Yooi Seol weakly opened her eyes, she saw Jogeol's tear-streaked face.



"Are you alright?"



"...to protect..."



"For crying out loud, start thinking for yourself!"



As Jogeol yelled, Yooi Seol's lips curved into a faint smile.



In no time, Jogeol tightly embraced her as she started to collapse.



Her body was wounded in various places, barely an inch without injury. Both Cheongmyeong and Yooi Seol had fought to this extent..



"It's my fault!"



If he had been a little faster, they wouldn't have been hurt this badly.



If he had been a little stronger, he could have knocked down the opponents blocking their way more quickly and reached this place.



The thought that every single wound on their bodies was a result of his weakness made his blood boil in reverse.



Jogeol gritted his teeth and lifted both of them onto his shoulders. Right now, he didn't need to unleash his boiling anger. What he had to do was to save them.



"Taah!"



He pushed off the ground and shot forward like an arrow.



"Chase them! Right now!"



The Myriad Man warriors, who had hesitated briefly at Jogeol's unexpected appearance, immediately followed suit as soon as they saw his back.



"Get out of the way, you bastards!"



The SaPa members who were aimlessly tracking Haniam, already drained of enthusiasm, were suddenly overtaken by Jogeol. With a burst of energy, he appeared before them.



"Out of the way, you damn brats!"



Jogeol mercilessly pierced through their ranks.



Thunk! Thunk!



These opponents, who had holes the size of fists bored into their bodies, crumbled on the spot.



"What, what's going on?"



"Behind us! They're coming from behind!"



The Sapa members swung their swords desperately, but their hasty attacks lacked the strength to stop Jogeol, who was suddenly attacking.



"Clear the way!"



"Capture him, you idiotic brats!"



The Myriad Man warriors who were trailing Jogeol yelled aggressively at the tangled Sapa members.



As the Manin Clan members arrived, the SaPa members were also panicked, and they tried to make way. However, it was difficult for the closely packed group to retreat quickly.



The Manin Clan members who had been pursuing Jogeol collided with the SaPa members who hadn't managed to give way yet. The SaPa members, unable to dodge in time, were hit as if by a speeding carriage, blood spattering as they fell to the ground.



"Unbelievable!"



The Manin Clan members pursuing them grimaced.



The forces they had mobilized were now hampering them instead. They could never have anticipated such a situation.



"These wretched bastards!"



Frustration welled up among the Myriad Man warriors, and they swung their fists, slashing at the SaPa members. Some who were particularly ruthless didn't hesitate to cleave through the SaPa members.



"Kraaaaah!"



The SaPa members, who hadn't even thought that someone from their side would swing a sword, screamed as they were hit and rolled over.



Of course, this chaos wouldn't last long, but for Jogeol, even this chaos was a golden opportunity.



Thunk!



"Aaaaaah!"



The shoulder of a SaPa member that Jogeol stepped on collapsed. Using the recoil, he launched himself forward like an arrow once again.



Swoosh!



A spear that had swiftly swept down from below aimed for Jogeol's left arm.



However, Jogeol ignored it. If he stopped moving, he would die. What he needed to do right now was simply to move forward. To join the main forces ahead.



Splat!



"Aaaaah!"



Jogeol leaped up again by stepping on another Sapa member's shoulder and descended in an arc. In his two blazing eyes, he saw a spearhead rising up suddenly.



He could retreat or contort his body. But Jogeol's choice was different. The moment he stopped, he would die. He quickly thrust the sword he was holding into its sheath and suddenly extended his hand, tightly gripping the shaft of the spear.



"What?"



Chwaah!



The built-up force in the spear's trajectory tore Jogeol's palm apart in an instant. However, instead of letting go of the spear, he pressed down on it even harder. The sturdy metal shaft of the spear bent and flexed under his strength.



Utilizing that power, Jogeol shot forward like a shell.



Thud! Thud!



The Sapa members swung their swords haphazardly, the blades brushing against Jogeol's body as he zoomed past.



But Jogeol didn't blink an eye. His gaze was fixed solely on the direction he needed to go.



They were there. They must be there! They had to be there!



And finally, when he caught sight of the familiar figure of someone in the distance, he couldn't hold back any longer. He shouted out as if letting out a roar.



"Hye-yeon Sni-ii-ii-iiiim!"



Hye-yeon, who had been fending off the crowd that included Baekcheon, snapped his head up. As he swiftly confirmed Jogeol's approach with Cheongmyeong and Yooi-seol in his arms, he dashed towards them.



"Doojaaah!"



Hye-yeon's body was far from unscathed. However, without even considering his own condition, he leaped into the midst of the Sapa members without hesitation.



Swoooosh!



The SaPa members who collided with Hye-yeon's body, now being used like a battering ram, were sent flying, spewing blood.



He firmly anchored his feet into the ground and blasted away the SaPa members. Perhaps because he had exhausted his strength too much, blood gushed continuously from his nose and mouth.



But now was not the time to tire! He needed to clear a path for them to arrive safely!



"A-mi-ta-bul!"



Hye-yeon shouted as if he was expelling his anger, sending the SaPa members flying.



After a while, a clear path that he created appeared amidst the enemies.



He had already drawn upon his limit of internal energy.



As he reached his limit, Hye-yeon's eyes flashed with determination, and he radiated a bright light.



"Ooooh!"



Hye-yeon's fist slashed fiercely through the air.



Swoooosh!



The ultimate Baekbo Sin-gwon. A pinnacle of Soryim-gwon that couldn't be performed with his current energy... No, that shouldn't be performed.



Pouring his soul into it, he released the power. It forcefully repelled the SaPa members who had been blocking his way, scattering them like fireworks in all directions.



Thud.



Eventually, Hye-yeon's knees gave way, and he collapsed onto the ground. With blood spurting from his palms, which he had used to pound the ground, he gripped the earth, trembling.



'Ah, not yet...!'



Summoning all his strength, Hye-yeon struggled to stand. However, at that moment, someone emerged from behind, shouting sharply.



"Get out of the way, monk!"



"Master, Master?"



Gradually, Hye-yeon's world was covered in crimson petals.



"Aaaah!"



"Kraaah!"



Dososo, who had rushed forward before Hye-yeon, swung her sword fiercely and swiftly. With every slash of the plum blossom blade, screams and blood of the SaPa members filled the air.



Dososo leaped straight into the air and shouted.



"Execution!"



"Got it!"



As she soared over the heads of the Sapa members, stretching out her sword, Jogeol seemed to know in advance. He stomped his foot down on the sword, as if he had anticipated her move.



The moment the blade and his foot connected.



"Eurachaaaah!"



Dososo swung her sword with a fierce burst of energy.



The sound of muscles tearing was so distinct as if the force behind the strike had severed a shoulder muscle!



The strike, filled with the weight of the sword, sent the three people in front of it flying.



"Thud!"



A splatter of red blood sprayed from Jogeol's mouth.



Just a bit further, he had suppressed even the minimum of his internal energy used to protect his body, paying the price of receiving the force of the strike with his entire being.



The shock hit him so hard that for a moment, the world turned pitch-black.



However, even in the midst of the darkness that enveloped his vision, he never forgot his task.



"Monk!"



He couldn't see, but he knew they were there.



Jogeol hurled the two people he had been carrying on his shoulders forward, firmly trusting that Hye-yeon would catch them.



When the world, which had momentarily turned black, regained its color, Jogeol saw it.



Hye-yeon, who had been propelled into the air, had safely caught the two people.



"Heu...heu..."



Only then did a small chuckle escape him.



The ground surged toward him.



With a thud, Jogeol, slammed into the ground, bounced a few times, and was thrust back down.



"Ahoo..."



Amidst the dust and dirt, a faint chuckle escaped Jogeol's lips.



'I... did it...'



Where he had fallen was deep within enemy territory.



The enemies swarmed toward him like a pack of wolves.



There was no chance of resistance. He no longer had the strength to lift a finger.



'What does it matter...'



If the price for saving them was death, then he would meet it with a smile.



Jogeol chuckled weakly, accepting his fate.



Paaah!



Suddenly, an immensely powerful sword strike, as sharp as teeth, swooped down toward him.



The crimson blade seemed more furious than powerful.



Jogeol's eyes widened for a moment.



The attackers charging him were suddenly cut down before they could even scream, torn apart and scattered like leaves in the wind. As Jogeol lay on the ground, a considerable amount of blood rained down on him.



And within that raining blood, a figure emerged and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him up.



"Nicely done, you crazy bastard!"



"Are you... okay?"



"Of course!"



Baekcheon, holding Jogeol's collar, lifted him up completely and shouted.



"Soso!"



"Yes, Master!"



Sososo, who had swiftly arrived, surrounded Jogeol. But Baekcheon's grip on his collar didn't loosen.



Looking at Sososo with a questioning gaze, Baekcheon paused for a moment before speaking to Jogeol.



"We'll talk about this later."



"I... just wish I could die, really."



"What I want to kill is me, you damn bastard!"



"But... um..."



"What?"



"Why... are you crying? It's so annoying..."



"Go!"



Baekcheon pushed Sososo's back. As she ran forward, he turned around without any hesitation.



Finally, they were all gone. Behind his back. Now it was his turn to shield.



Now was the moment he had been waiting for.



He swung his sword forcefully. Explosive energy radiated from the blade, sweeping through the surrounding enemies.



"No one will pass beyond this point."



The tip of Baekcheon's blood-stained sword shimmered like sunlight.



"Not until you kill me!"








-(*Next reaction*)





"Lord Nokrim!"



Yoon Jong, who had received Cheongmyeong from Hye Yeon and carried him on his back, had come running right behind Im So Byeong.



Im So Byeong's face stiffened at the sight of Cheongmyeong.



"Is he still alive?"



"Isn't that obvious...!"



"...You managed to look like that."



Im So Byeong gnashed his teeth. Witnessing Cheongmyeong's pitiable state, he felt an indescribable sense of fury surging from deep within.



"For god's sake!"



"Lord Nokrim! Where are we going now?"



Im So Byeong turned around in response to the question that had been hurled at him.



**Baekcheon swiftly flew back, blocking the pursuing Maninbang members from behind.** He was dealing with the Maninbang members who were chasing from the rear, while the attackers were from the front. Given the circumstances, it was a natural judgment.



In other words, it was entirely Im So Byeong's role to lead everyone from the front, rescuing them from danger.

Spoiler: Hwasan gang etc almost die pt1

( Context: 1336 and 1396 are different events. CM recovered 80% of his injuries from 1336 )

( Continuation from spoiler CM almost dies 1396 )





Gripping the shoulders of Cheongmyeong, who had lost consciousness, Baekcheon's hands trembled.


Is he alive? Is he still breathing?


Even confirming felt daunting. The faint warmth that was transmitted through the fingertips seemed like it could fade away at any moment.


"Cheongmyeong..."


To him, Cheongmyeong was like a towering mountain.


Unwavering, not showing weakness in any situation, a mountain that people couldn't understand, couldn't even attempt to understand.

But the person who looked like that mountain right now had lost consciousness with injuries that wouldn't be considered unusual even if their breath stopped right away.



Why is it that sometimes we forget?



This guy is also human. It means he's nothing more than a person who, just like them, gets hurt, feels pain, and worries.


Baekcheon placed his hand on Cheongmyeong's abdomen and infused him with energy.


"Just wait a little longer. I'll take you to a safe place soon. Just hold on until then... Just until then."


Baekcheon whispered to Cheongmyeong, who had already lost consciousness and pulled him along.


Baekcheon's gaze, as if suppressing something, shifted from Cheongmyeong to somewhere else. There was a gaze from Hogaemyeong, staring at this place with a cold expression as if a shattered mask had been removed.


Clearly, confusion was evident on Hogamyung's face.


Of course, Hogamyung might not be an extraordinary warrior, so deceiving his attention might not be that difficult. Cutting down the neck of Shibbi(was going to kill cm), who had his mind focused elsewhere, might not be an overwhelmingly complex task either.


However, the problem was that Hogamyung was aware of Baekcheon's strengthlessness.


Could his power have surged dramatically in that short span?


Facing Baekcheon's unwavering gaze, Hogamyung murmured,


"These Hwasan folks... seem to have a knack for astonishing people."


Whether his statement was filled with admiration or sarcasm, even Hogamyung himself couldn't clearly discern his intent.


"It won't make a difference even if you try."


Hogamyung looked coldly at Baekcheon.


Baekcheon's body was covered in wounds. Blood stained his clothes, dripping down in dark patches. Cheongmyeong's wounds were severe, but Baekcheon's injuries were no less significant.



He must have rushed here without taking care of himself.


Thanks to that, he prevented Cheongmyeong's neck from being severed, but it would be impossible for him to escape from here while carrying the unconscious Cheongmyeong with his strength alone.


"Are you willing to die together?"


"..."


"Calling it loyalty would be recklessness, and foolishness in the name of cooperation."


It was a provocation aimed at Baekcheon, who seemed to have lost his composure after checking Cheongmyeong's condition.


However, unexpectedly, Baekcheon showed no apparent reaction. He simply stared at Hogamyung with unchanging eyes. An emotionless gaze that didn't convey any feelings, a numb stare. In the presence of that gaze, even Hogamyung felt a faint shiver.


As Hogamyung opened his mouth, sensing the twisting of his insides, Baekcheon spoke first.


"...Die?"


"..."


"Who?"


It was a voice devoid of emotion. However, beneath that icy composure, intense anger slowly revealed itself.


"You dare to kill anyone?"


Hearing that voice, Hogamyung concealed a bitter smile. As if it was fortunate to confirm the anger.


"Do you think you can return alive?"


"...I might be a bit outnumbered."


"I'm well aware..."


"But."


Baekcheon spat out the words.


"We're different."


In that moment, something flew above their heads. As Hogamyung urgently lifted his head, the bodyguards who were present around quickly surrounded him to protect him.


Shing!


With a sound akin to a sword cutting through silk, the two heads of The Myriad Man warriors closest to Baekcheon floated into the air.


Thud.


The individual having cleaved the two individuals with a single stroke, casually lowered their sword and then turned their attention to Cheongmyeong.


The indifference that had always surrounded her face faltered for a moment. Yoo Yiseol, biting her lips with a twisted expression, briefly looked at Cheongmyeong before turning her gaze to Baekcheon.


Before a question could be asked, Baekcheon spoke briefly.


"...He's alive."


That was probably what she wanted to know. Understanding her thoughts, Yoo Yiseol faintly nodded her head at Baekcheon's answer. Then, slowly turning her body, she glanced at the bodyguards surrounding them.


One person fell from above in succession.


Thud!


A strong impact sent dirt and dust scattering in all directions. As the dust settled, what those present saw was the back of a person fluttering a red cloak.


The surroundings fell into an involuntary silence.


The descending monk stared at Cheongmyeong as if he were a stone statue, without even the slightest movement. After a considerable moment of fixedly gazing at Cheongmyeong, he slowly turned his head, his movement so deliberate it seemed suffocating.


A shiver.


The bodyguards who met his gaze unconsciously stepped back.


His eyes were impossible to associate with those of a monk in robes. Within them, a burning hatred suppressed everyone.


Gulp.


Hye-yeon bit her lower lip firmly.


The anger surged intensely. The veins on Hye-yeon's fist, who had even forgotten that she was a Buddhist nun, throbbed blue as she clenched her fist.


However, before that anger could fully erupt, several shadows flew in succession.


"Cheongmyeong!"


The descending young man rushed toward Cheongmyeong with all his might. His outstretched hand abruptly stopped right in front of Cheongmyeong.


He couldn't bring himself to touch him. There wasn't a single spot to be found that wasn't wounded, no matter how closely he looked.


"Ugh..."


The young man's hand trembled uncontrollably, not due to anger. It was due to the terror of potentially losing something he shouldn't lose.


"Do... Dojang. Dojang... Cheongmyeong..."


Right beside him, Yun Jong stared at Cheongmyeong's figure without a word. It was as if he was engraving every single scar on his body into his eyes.


"Step aside!"


Pushing the two aside, Dang So-so rushed towards Cheongmyeong and clung to him. With lightning speed, he inserted several needles and then stretched his hand back while shouting.


"Yosangdan, quickly!"


"Here!"


Dangpae, holding out a vial, broke the entrance open as if he were breaking it, and poured the contents into Cheongmyeong's mouth. Then, with trembling hands, he quickly picked a few herbs and pushed them down Cheongmyeong's throat.


"Here... Ah... And here..."


It was confusing as to where to begin. Not a single insignificant wound, not a single unsevere place. The fact that he was alive despite these injuries was a miracle. Furthermore, the added wounds on top of the pre-existing ones were at their worst.


Despite Cheongmyeong having survived countless injuries until now, his optimism had its limits this time.


"Please, Sahyung... Please!"


Tears flowed incessantly from Dang So-so's eyes.


She had thought he'd be standing at a crossroads of life and death, but he never expected it to be this severe. Just looking at the layers of scars that covered Cheongmyeong's body vividly conveyed how much pain he must have endured.


"Ah..."


Seolsobaek's face seemed to have lost its soul. Shock, sadness, fear, and anger seemed to have all overwhelmed him at once. His entire body trembled like a quivering tree.


But no one here was trying to console or reassure Seolsobaek.


Everyone's attention was focused on Cheongmyeong. Since everyone's focus was on Cheongmyeong, there wasn't a single person with the capacity to spare attention for Seolsobaek.


"...Dojang."


A cold intensity flickered in Namgung Dohwi's eyes. Even Im Sobyeong twisted his face to reveal his emotions.


Irrepressible rage. Hatred so strong it could burn the body.


If they had arrived just a little later, Cheongmyeong might not have been a person of this world. No, he might not have even been someone who could be called a living person.


That's why they could only be angry. They could only hate.


The path they had walked, the relatively smooth path, had been supported by Cheongmyeong's blood and suffering.


"Sahyung...Sahyung, please..."


Dang So-so frantically stemmed Cheongmyeong's bleeding wounds and applied medicine. He was so agitated that he even doubted if he could properly treat him while trembling like this. However, Dang So-so's hands never stopped for a single moment.


At that moment, a chilling voice from Baekcheon reached Dang So-so's ears.



"...Can he survive?"


Dang So-so's body visibly jolted. Unable to give a certain answer, he simply tended to Cheongmyeong's wounds.


"So-so."


"..."


"So-so!"


Finally, Dang So-so glared at Baekcheon with anger-filled eyes. Venom was present in both of his eyes.


However, Baekcheon remained unmoved and sternly addressed her once more.


"Answer."


"..."


"Quickly."


Dang So-so bit his lip until it bled.


"If... if it continues like this..."


At those words, Baekcheon's eyes involuntarily closed.



An infernal silence enveloped them. At the end of this silence, in which no one could open their mouths, Baekcheon's eyes opened again.


"If things continue like this, he'll die..."


"..."


"That means there's a chance if it's not like this. What's the solution?"


Dang So-so's pupils trembled for an instant. It was as if Baekcheon had pointed out something she hadn't even considered.


"Oh, Father."



"Father?"


"Father! We have to go to Danggaju! If it's Danggaju!"


"Understood."


Baekcheon nodded without hesitation.


Getting through to Danggunak would undoubtedly be difficult. However, compared to watching Cheongmyeong die while doing nothing, going through Danggunak was a hundred times easier.


Other people's thoughts seemed to align with hers as well. Once the words "Danggunak" were mentioned, everyone seemed ready to move, as if the very utterance of that name was enough to invoke fear.


A red gleam flowed from the tip of Yoo Yiseol's sword. It was a glint of rage more vivid than any words or expressions could convey.


A fierce determination emanated from everyone's bodies. Their unwavering resolve stood firmly in their eyes, without a trace of wavering.


Baekcheon pulled Cheongmyeong's shoulders even tighter.


"You'll probably get angry, won't you?"


They might call it foolishness, undoubtedly. However, the thoughts of those present here were unanimous.


Even if everyone had to die, they would definitely save Cheongmyeong.


"I'm more than willing to accept your anger. So... so please... absolutely... absolutely!"


Baekcheon stood up, helping Cheongmyeong up as he continued to speak. Even in this moment, he was still infusing energy into Cheongmyeong without pause.


"You know what needs to be done, right?"


There was no need for a response. It wasn't necessary in the first place. What was needed now was action, not meaningless words.


In this moment, there was only one thing Baekcheon needed to say.


"Let's go."


Different sects, different origins, different positions.


All of those distinctions had now broken down in the face of a single purpose. The individuals, fueled by a single spark of determination, aimed towards the path they needed to take.




"Uaaargh!"


Those struck by the sword energy let out agonizing screams.


It wasn't just the severed limbs flying and the entrails spilling out that truly plunged them into terror. It was the frozen, stone-carved faces and the chilling aura akin to bubbling ice. The dissonance that was almost impossible to express to the eyes of those facing her—the sheer mismatch of these aspects instilled an indescribable fear in those who stood against her.


Seok!


Yoo Yiseol, who had just defeated another enemy, glanced briefly behind her.


Her gaze passed beyond the pursuing enemies and landed on Baekcheon in the rear. No, to be precise, it was directed at Cheongmyeong, who was being held by Baekcheon.


After confirming his condition once again, she turned her attention back to the front with venomous determination in her eyes.


Paaah!


A ferocious sword energy surged as if life itself were converging.


Normally, she pursued the pinnacle of efficiency with her swordsmanship. However, now she discarded everything she had pursued and focused solely on maximizing power, if only for a moment longer on the battlefield.


Before Yoo Yiseol's sword energy could dissipate, Namgoong Dowi's sword energy erupted, and above that, Tangpye's flying dagger wove through the air.


Against this all-out assault, the encirclement of the Maninbang, which had been like an iron fortress, began to crumble like a sandcastle.


"Make way, you bastards!"


Kwaaaah!


Just in time, Hyeyeon's released energy caused a massive explosion ahead of the path they were carving.


"It, it's breaking through! We can't stop them! To arms!"


Hogamyeong stared at the unfolding scene with a resolute expression.


Kwaaaah!


With each explosion of power, those who had been blocking their way were flung in all directions. The unyielding encirclement was forcibly twisted, and the formidable iron wall was giving way.


They were forcing through the encirclement in their current, desperately fatigued state. Hogamyeong thought to himself.


"Sickening."


How many times must he go through this?


Since he had followed Jang Ilsu into the Maninbang, there had never been a time when he felt so powerless.


Of course, it wasn't as if he had always succeeded or always defeated his opponent
ts.

But this experience differed from everything he had encountered until now. Until now... Yes, until now, the reasons had always been clear.


Mahwageomgwi(CM title).


Hogamyeong could not tolerate his existence. As long as he existed, all of Hogamyeong's strategies became meaningless, tactics lost their value.


So he had driven him into a corner, completely cornered her. Even if it meant sacrificing himself in a way that went beyond the principles of warfare.


The strategy had fit perfectly, funneling the devilish figure into an oblique attack.


So, it should have been the end now. The moment Mahwageomgwi lost consciousness, this vicious battle should have finally come to an end.


But... why was this happening again? He should have eliminated all possible variables.


Was there a miscalculation? No, there wasn't. He had never made such a mistake. Furthermore, he had never underestimated his opponents.


He had even considered the possibility of the enemies breaking through the encirclement and infiltrating.


The one thing he couldn't predict was this.


The fact that those who should have exhausted all their strength just by breaking through the encirclement were now breaking it with a power that exceeded his expectations. It was as if...


Thunk.


Hogamyeong clenched his teeth.


"It's unbelievable."


They couldn't become Mahwageomgwi(CM title). There couldn't be many like her in the world.


"Commander!"


At the voice of his subordinates urgently calling him again, Hogamyeong took several deep breaths and clenched his trembling hands.


"...Stay calm."


"But right now..."


"I told you to stay calm, didn't I?"


The commotion among the subordinates subsided. Hogamyeong coldly analyzed the situation with a frigid gaze. Then, he finally spoke with a calm tone.


"Open the front."


"What? What do you mean by that...?"


The gazes of his subordinates concentrated on Hogamyeong as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing. "Open the front" meant to break the encirclement.

"Given the momentum, releasing them now and trying to encircle them again would be difficult. Releasing them in this situation wouldn't make all the sacrifices the Maninbang has made so far meaningless, would it?"


"Commander! You must stay composed!"


"Do I look agitated?"


His subordinates gazed at Hogamyeong with trembling eyes. In the midst of their gazes, Hogamyeong spoke with a cool tone.


"Blocking their path now would only boost their momentum. What we need to target now is..."


Hogamyeong's gaze focused on one point.


"Behind."


His blade-like gaze locked onto Cheongmyeong, held by Baekcheon.


I admit it. They had exceeded his predictions at this moment. Although he didn't know the principle behind how it was possible, denying what was already happening would be meaningless.


However, that didn't mean they had become invincible. Their desperation was actually highlighting their vulnerabilities.


"Ignore the others and focus solely on Mahwageomgwi."


The subordinates glanced at each other.


"Immediately!"


"Yes!"


The subordinates issued rapid commands in all directions. Amidst the busyness, Hogamyeong's dark gaze was fixed on the unconscious Cheongmyeong.


"Was this the future you foresaw, Mahwageomgwi?"


So, he could even survive his own death? Perhaps he had believed that someday, they could replace everything he had done.


Honestly... It's a ridiculously arrogant overestimation.


In this world, there can't be two Jang Ilsus. Similarly, there can't be two Cheongmyeongs. They aren't nurtured by someone; only heaven itself can send them down.


But laughter didn't come out.


There was no way to deny it. Since Hogamyeong had now confirmed with his own two eyes the image Mahwageomgwi had envisioned for the future.


Hogamyeong bit his lower lip.


"In the end, it's over here."


That kind of future won't come. No, even the possibility of such a thing existing will disappear today. Right here, right now.


"Weird! This is strange...!"


The enemy didn't feel as strong anymore. It seemed like anyone could trample them if they just set their mind to it.


However, that sense of fulfillment sent a warning to Jo Geol's senses.


The conflict in his mind gradually deepened into confusion.


Could he go just a little further?


If he could feel this sensation a little longer, he would undoubtedly become unbelievably strong. So why did he have to push away this possibility himself?


"What about me?"


I am a swordsman. I want to become stronger. Even more...


"Cheongmyeong!"


Boom!


In that moment, the hazy world that surrounded Jo Geol shattered like a mirror. When he looked around, the current situation was clearly visible.


The enemies that should have been in front of him were now clustered behind him.


"What? Why?"


For a moment, he couldn't understand the situation. Had he attacked too quickly?


No, that couldn't be. If that were the case, the enemies should have blocked his path more vigorously. So why was this situation happening...?


In that instant, a scene appeared before Jo Geol's eyes.


The image of one of the Maninbang with venomous eyes, completely ignoring the sword that was flying towards him, and instead leaping towards Baekcheon.


Even though swords were stuck all over his body, he only had eyes for Cheongmyeong who had lost consciousness.


Kaaaah!


Before Jo Geol could even scream, Baekcheon's sword swung.


"Huaaaaah!"


But that was just the beginning.


The enemies began to rush towards Cheongmyeong. Relentless attacks were pouring in.


"These... these bastards...!"


Jo Geol immediately struck the ground behind him.


Alongside him, the ones who had been forcefully breaking through the encirclement were now surrounding Baekcheon, protecting Cheongmyeong from the onslaught of attacks.


"No!"


Desperation flashed in Jo Geol's eyes.


Cheongmyeong was currently unconscious. This meant he couldn't even offer the slightest resistance against the incoming attacks. It meant he couldn't even put up the minimal resistance to the attacks that were raining down on him. It also meant his body couldn't withstand even the smallest impact, let alone the flying attacks.


No need to target vital points. Cheongmyeong's body wouldn't be able to endure even the most basic of shocks.


Uuuuuung!


A sound reached Jo Geol's ears, causing him to quickly turn around. He saw someone gathering their energy. The power that was accumulated in their raised hand was truly overwhelming. Jo Geol, without thinking, propelled himself towards Baekcheon and Cheongmyeong to shield them.


"Uuaaaah!"


Swoosh!


With all his strength, he swung his sword at the hand holding the accumulated energy. It was a close call.


Hearing the desperate screams, Jo Geol clenched his teeth, the muscles in his jaw bulging.


"Who am I?"


His soul-piercing shout erupted explosively.


"You can't touch Cheongmyeong! You bastards!!!"




-




"These bastards!"


With a ferocious swing, Namgung Dowi's sword cleaved through the air once again. However, even as their body was cut in half, the members of the Maninbang faction did not cease their attacks.


In that moment when Namgung Dowi opened his eyes, Seol Sobyeok intercepted an attack headed for Cheongmyeong.


"Arghhhh!"


Seol Sobyeok's sword, radiating a frosty white chill, pierced through an enemy's throat. The flesh of the Maninbang member, corroded by the cold, was quickly covered in frost.


"Sogungju!"


"I will handle it! Guard the front!"


Seol Sobyeok clenched his teeth and turned his gaze towards Namgung Dowi. In his eyes, a desperate determination burned. Witnessing this, Namgung Dowi nodded and turned his body.


The members of the Maninbang faction were charging forward, focused solely on Cheongmyeong.


It was a sight he had seen many times before, but their fervor seemed somehow different from what he had observed in the past. Rather than appearing mad with determination, they seemed more like people consumed by fear.


He had a hunch.


'Even they are afraid.'


Sending Cheongmyeong away alive from this place, giving him the chance to regain consciousness and wield his sword once more—it was something they were desperately afraid of.


Why were they more terrified of Cheongmyeong's survival than their own deaths?


"Arghhhh!"


A beastly roar echoed, and enemies surged forward from the opposite side.


Screams!


Meeting these attackers head-on, unleashing fierce strikes with her sword, was Yoo Iseol.


Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


With each stroke of her sword, red blood blossomed like flowers. Even so, those whose throats were half-cut, those whose thighs were completely severed, didn't stop their advance. They seemed impervious to pain.


"Arghhhh!"


A Maninbang member unleashed his internal energy and swung his sword towards Cheongmyeong, but before it could reach him, it was deflected away.


Thunk.


The shock caused a gruesome distortion on Baekcheon's face.


Certainly, he had blocked the attack perfectly. However, he couldn't prevent his own body from trembling.


At this moment, even a slight impact could cut off Cheongmyeong's breath.


"Block more thoroughly, damn it! Don't even let them swing their weapons!"


There was no response. No, a response was unnecessary.


Because they all shared the same sentiment. Even if they had to give up their lives, they would save Cheongmyeong. Their goal from the beginning, when they descended this Gangnam, was singular.


"Ooooh!"


With Hyeyeon's inner strength extended widely, she forcefully pushed back the oncoming enemies. The dagger of Dangpae, who charged forward, cut through the air like a streak of light.


"Yoon Jong-a!"


"Yes, Sasuk!"


Yoon Jong leapt into the air. Diving through the enemies falling from above, his sword released a large magnolia-shaped shadow into the air.


'Cheongmyeong!'


Even in that brief moment of slashing enemies and strengthening himself, Yoon Jong turned his head to check on Cheongmyeong's condition. The blood-smeared face, the glimpse of his complexion through the blood, was as pale as a corpse.


Thunk.


Yoon Jong bit his lip and rotated his body. Slashes of energy shot out from his sword.


The enemies still charged relentlessly. The momentum that had been charging forward had long since stopped. Simply pushing away the enemies rushing towards Cheongmyeong would drain all their strength right here.


"This... "


A hollow laughter burst from Lim Sopyeong's lips.


"We're trapped."


He looked around. Among the crowd was the figure he was looking for, Hogamyeong. However, Hogamyeong's figure was not visible, buried within the mob.


If anything, they could have broken through if the Maninbang members had tried to block the front. However, if they aimed for Cheongmyeong, there was no way to block them. Protecting one person was more difficult than fighting a hundred opponents.


Amidst this chaos, they found their vulnerability and aimed thoroughly. That's what made Hogamyeong terrifying.


'We need to escape.'


Realistically speaking, survival came first. They had to live through this, even if it meant leaving Cheongmyeong behind. If that wasn't possible, even if Cheongmyeong had to sustain some injuries, they had to escape.


Yes, that's right. As a soldier, it was an opinion that naturally needed to be voiced.


However, as Lim Sopyeong was about to speak, he noticed Baekcheon's back. In the midst of his confusion, he recognized the resolute back that showed not a trace of hesitation.


His mouth involuntarily closed shut.


'He must know.'


Yes. Even if it wasn't Lim Sopyeong, everyone must know. What they needed to do to survive.


Enemies charging like mad, successive attacks pouring towards the unconscious Cheongmyeong.


If even one person among them closed their eyes, pretended not to see, and left those attacks untouched, they would be liberated.


Then, they might be able to save one life.


But no one hesitated. It was as if they were squeezing out every last drop of their remaining blood until Cheongmyeong's last breath.


What could one possibly say to people like this?


Lim So Byeong's gaze shifted toward Baekcheon, who held Cheongmyeong. This person who had repeatedly acted recklessly and foolishly. He knew very well that it was wrong, but he never hesitated even once.


A sly smile burst from Lim So Byeong's lips.


"Soldiers and all that crap..."


If they had originally intended to strategize, coming this far was a mistake in itself.


'That's why useless people like me end up being worthless in the end.'


Lim So Byeong, who had slammed the ground, swept away the approaching enemies as if they were dust.


'Yeah. You won, Hoga Myeong.'


Defeat was always bitter. However, this defeat was not as bitter as before. He didn't want to admit it, but it seemed there were losses better than winning in this world.


"Try killing me first! You dirty Sa Pa bastards!"


As Lim So Byeong swung the fan, a torrent of azure energy poured out.


Observing his performance, Baekcheon looked around slowly.


It felt as if enemies filled every corner, as if the whole world was filled with foes.


However, Baekcheon didn't feel fear. He only felt pity.


'So this is what you saw.'


Fighting alone in a place like this, what emotions had driven him to swing his sword? What emotions had sustained him?


"You always annoy people."


As Baekcheon smirked, a massive explosion occurred above his head. Lethal poison began to spread in all directions. Bloodshot veins appeared in Baekcheon's eyes.


"Block it!"


"Ooooh!"


Hyeyeon leaped straight into the air. Her hands multiplied into hundreds, thousands. The scene of the golden hands covering the air was so tremendous that words couldn't fully describe it.


However, the successive explosions of the poison mist penetrated even through Hyeyeon's formidable power.


Kwaaah!


As quickly as Namgung Dowi rushed in, his sword released a torrent of energy. The immense energy of the sword formed a vortex of poison mist that surged into the air.


Once! Again! Once more!


Despite sweat pouring down like rain, Namgung Dowi didn't stop swinging his sword, unleashing waves of energy until the air crackled with tension.


"It's a debt-ridden life anyway!"


His life wasn't originally his own to begin with. There's nothing to save, nothing to regret.


Paaaah!


Beneath the sword's release, a crimson explosion akin to a volcanic eruption bloomed.


Even on land devoid of any plum blossom trees, it resembled a rugged mountain on some distant island.


Kwaaah!


"Gah!"


"Sogungju!"


"Don't look back, fight! Look ahead!"


In response to concerned voices, Seol Sobek shouted as if in a frenzy. In a desperate attempt to intercept the incoming blade, he took it on his body, his chest gaping open as blood poured out.


However, Seolsobek didn't hesitate and swung his weapon again at the incoming blade.


"I won't die from this."


Such wounds, even a dozen more wouldn't be enough to kill him. But it's different for Cheongmyeong. Even a small wound right now could be life-threatening for him. However, he couldn't cry out in pain.


"Dieeee!"


Yet, when his movements were slightly delayed by the wound, an approaching enemy seized the opportunity, leaping past Seol Sobek toward Cheongmyeong with a dagger poised to strike. Observing this movement, Seol Sobek's eyes widened.


In that instant, someone's arm blocked Cheongmyeong's path.


Thunk!


With a sound as bone met blade, blood surged out.


"Yoon joon Dojang!"

Seol Sobek swung his sword with anger, striking down one of the Manyinbangdo warriors. However, Yoo Isul continued to cut down other enemies without even sparing a glance in that direction.


Squeezed-out strength and heightened concentration, pushed to their limits, were now laid bare. Yet, despite feeling the clear limitations, not a single person had lost their determination.


"Kuhuk!"


A sword with a blue blade fell fiercely toward the face of a Dangpae, piercing through his shoulder. Just as he was about to tightly close his eyes, a steel fan sprung from behind and forcefully struck the falling sword.


"Snap out of it!"


"Nokrimwang!"


Im Sobyeong swung the fan while gritting his teeth. His neatly arranged crown was long gone, and his face was a mess.


Yet, he continued to fight. Until the very end.


"Dieeee!"


Perhaps sensing the waning of their momentum, the Manyinbangdo warriors redoubled their offensive. Blue blades of energy shot forth from a distance, aimed directly at Cheongmyeong.


"No chance! You bastards!"


Kwaang!


With an impact, blood gushed from Jo Geol's mouth.


However, without showing a hint of pain, he relentlessly deflected all the incoming blades. Each clash between his sword and the blue blades caused his inner being to tremble, and consciousness to drift further away. Yet, in the midst of it all, the sword never once halted.


Kwaah!


At that moment, a surge of energy unleashed by someone struck Jo Geol. He was propelled backward like a fired shell.


"Geol-ah!"


Grkkk!


With his sword barely anchored into the ground, Jo Geol didn't collapse; he managed to stop and prop himself up. Spewing more blood and straining, he turned his head. In his sight was Cheongmyeong, unconscious.


"You're quite something, you brat..."


Jo Geol chuckled weakly.


"Geol-ah! Back away for now..."


"Ughhh!"


Pushing through the torrent of energy from Baekcheon, Jo Geol rushed forward once more. Gritting his lips, Baekcheon aimed a powerful strike at the spear flying toward Cheongmyeong.


Kwaang!


Simultaneously, Baekcheon spun his body around. Two hidden swords that had been discreetly approaching behind the spear thrust were driven mercilessly into his back. Intense agony surged through him. Yet, in the midst of it, Baekcheon infused even more energy into Cheongmyeong's body.



A sudden laugh escaped from Baekcheon's lips.


How would the world judge them?


Would they call them fallen heroes who died upholding loyalty until the very end? Or would they call them martial artists who turned to ashes while opposing the Sa Pa-Ryeon for the sake of an alliance?


"It doesn't really matter."


They were neither.


The people gathered here were nothing more than fools who couldn't overcome their own natures and rushed all the way here to their downfall. The world, the factions—none of it could be protected by these idiots who threw away their lives.


But...


"If being idiots is what we are."


The laughter continued to bubble up.


If they had only pursued reason and done what was theoretically right, they wouldn't have even drawn their swords. At least that was how Baekcheon felt. Now, he was where he wanted to be. And he was facing the ending he had desired.


So, would there be any room for regrets?


This sentiment... even though I haven't delved into its depths, everyone would probably feel the same.


Thud!


The blade that had pierced Yoon Jong's hip came loose. However, Yoon Jong didn't make a sound. He swiftly pulled the sword from his own hip and drove it into the back of the enemy who was trying to pass him. In his eyes, there was nothing but determination, pure and unyielding.


Baek Chun called out silently within himself.


"Yoon Jong."


"Aaaargh!"


With bloodied clothes and fierce determination, Dang So-so, who had been wounded in various places, thrust her sword at the enemies. Every time her disheveled hair fluttered, her eyes emitted a resolute blue light.


"So-so."


Thud! Thud!


Even after her legs had been cut, Jo Geol rolled on the ground and thrust his sword into the enemies' insteps one after another, despite the searing pain.


"Jo Geol."


Crash!


Blocking the incoming attacks, Yoo I-seol was pushed back. Blood that had been forcefully coughed up spilled onto her chest. Her arm that wasn't holding the sword trembled and then dropped again. It seemed like her arm wasn't moving as she intended.


"Yoo l-seol."


They weren't the only ones.


Woong!


"Monk!"


"Aaaargh!"


Hye-yeon was leaping around like an Asura, pouring every last ounce of her remaining strength into blocking the enemies. He, who had been so reluctant to reveal his true power, was now unleashing all his remaining energy to fend off the foes.


"Hye-yeon."


Crash!


Nam Gung Do-wi was thrown back, blood splattering. Seol So-baek quickly leapt to shield him from the raining daggers with his back.


Dang Pa, whose legs had been pierced by a spear, was fiercely throwing punches despite everything. Im So-byeong, who had cast away his broken fan and was now expelling his inner energy with both hands, was in a frenzy.


"To all of you..."


Baek Chun's face was so pale it looked blue. Black blood oozed from his lips. The recoil of the forcibly gathered power was taking its toll. The pain, akin to a sharp blade piercing him, relentlessly surged from his injuries. Despite this, Baek Chun didn't stop channeling his inner energy into Cheongmyeong's body.


"...how about it, you damn brat?"


With blood-soaked lips, Baek Chun smirked.


"Everyone's vowing to protect you alone. So, don't ever pretend to be lonely like this again. Don't boast about doing things alone."


They couldn't protect him.


Their strength fell short. They couldn't safeguard him.


But...


"Don't worry."


His grip on Cheongmyeong's shoulder tightened.


"Because we can die together."


Baek Chun, chuckling softly, pushed the last of his strength into Cheongmyeong. The others, pushed back by the enemies, writhed in pain before him.


Baek Chun surveyed the battered group. The enemies seemed to sense their limits and slightly eased their advance, slowly tightening their encirclement.


"I'm sorry."


Somehow, those words slipped out.


"Bullshit."


Then, Jo Geol spat out those words.


"Don't apologize, Sasuk. It was my choice."


"Besides, it wasn't even Sasuk's idea in the first place."


"Arrogant."


"I always... thought I was a bit unlucky."


The blood-soaked disciples of Hwasan threw in their words one by one.


Instead of getting angry, Baek Chun chuckled lightly.


"Yeah. Let's receive apologies... from this punk."


"I'll take that."


"I'm going to beat him, and I'm going to beat him until he's dead."


"⋯⋯Go to hell."


“Dojang...”


Even those who weren't disciples of Hwasan left behind their own curses. Yet, in their eyes, there was no sign of regret. All that was visible was their determination to fight to the end and die.


"Not bad."


Baek Chun smiled.


This wasn't the kind of death he had imagined. But... this isn't bad either. It's much better than welcoming death with humility, a death that's appropriately pitiful. It would be a hundred... no, a thousand times better. At least he can face it with dignity.


There's just one regret...


Baek Chun slightly closed his eyes. The regret he had buried in his heart was quickly replaced with a firm declaration as he opened his eyes.


"Until the end, we are disciples of Hwasan. Die with dignity!"


"Yes!"


As if that was the signal, the enemies surged forward with determination.


"Ooooh!"


The disciples of Manyinbang unleashed their strikes like a waterfall, pouring down on the enemies. An unstoppable attack. Baek Chun opened his eyes wide.


He would watch closely. Until the last person's final moment. That was his last mission.


But in that moment, what he saw was... a strand of emerald light.


Thud!


A sound that tore through eardrums rang out as the enemies charging with all their might were sent flying, as if struck by a charging cart. The formidable onslaught of flying blades was torn and crumbled as well.


"...What?"


Baek Chun, bewildered, stared in a daze. What in the world...?


"⋯⋯Looks like I'm not completely late."


Everyone, including Baek Chun, simultaneously turned their gaze to one spot.


In the distance, the familiar figure of a person appeared.


"Oh..."


Why is that person there? Is this a dream?


With a composed stance, his face frozen in a calm expression, his icy visage was tinged with anger.


Gradually, another person revealed themselves next to him.


"Oh..."


"Ah..."

Seeing that figure, the disciples of Hwasan collapsed right where they stood.


White hair, a black robe, a plum blossom engraved on his chest, and... a prayer resembling an abstract art piece, refined anger.


His gaze shifted toward Baek Chun, who was at the center. The moment their eyes met, all strength left Baek Chun's body.


It's not a dream or an illusion.


"I command the disciples of Hwasan!"


"Jang... Mun... I!"


A scream erupted from Baek Chun's lips, akin to a desperate plea.


"Annihilate the enemy!"


Hyun Jong's sword, which had soared into the sky, firmly pointed ahead.


"Rescue the disciples of Hwasan!"


The Ungeom and Hyun Sang charged forward at the forefront, leaping into action. Following behind, the disciples in the black attire of Mount Hwasan surged forth with contained fury, ready to unleash.


On the dry land of Gangnam, red plum blossoms bloomed like a dream.

Spoiler: Hwasan gang etc almost die pt2

Paaah!


With a fearful expression, the head of a Manyinbang disciple who had been cut by a plum-blossom sword shot into the air.


The Ungeom's sword, which had taken a life in an instant, lunged into the enemy lines at a speed even faster.


"Charge in!"


Kwaaang!


Hyunsang thrust his sword into the ground with great force. A red glow spread like plum blossoms in all directions.


"Retreat... Re... Arrrrgh!"


Manyinbang disciples were impaled by the plum-blossom swords without any way to counter.


At the front were the two strong swordsmen. And following them, the disciples of Hwasan with plum-blossom swords in hand rushed forth like a unified force, even more powerful than the threatening appearance of the Wae Pal disciples.


Paaah!


The red glow erupted like fireworks. If one were to look down from the sky, they would see a spectacle of consecutive red plum blossoms blooming along the path of the advancing front.


Truly beautiful and fantastic.


However, within that beauty lay deadly blades.


Sshick! Sshick!


The sword ki, countless as flower petals, soared through the sky and left numerous bloody wounds on the bodies of the enemies with each strike.


"Aaaaaaagh!"

In the eyes of the Hwasan disciples, vivid blue sword energy flickered.


This was because it had clearly pierced through. The eyes of their executioners, who were dying with wounds covering their bodies.

Thunk!


No one raises their voice to rebuke the enemy. No one encourages those around them. Instead, they pour all their overflowing anger and hatred into their blades.


Even shouting was a luxury. What they needed to do now was only one thing. To save their brothers bleeding out in front of them.

Paaah!


The fiery red sword ki mercilessly swept through the enemies. The Hwasan disciples, who had become a single crimson sword, only moved forward, always forward.


"Block them! Open up the front...!"

Thunk!


Someone who was about to shout in confusion fell flat on their back. The person who had been about to raise their voice in alarm was already dead, with a poisoned dagger stuck in their mouth.


"P, poison!"


"They're Danga people! Ahh! Bow your heads!"


Paaah!

Despite their efforts to reorganize their formation, countless poisoned darts rained down from above, causing chaos. The formation of the Manyinbang disciples began to crumble.


"Protect! Don't let the Hwasan disciples gain a foothold!"


At Dang Chan's shout, the Manyinbang disciples screamed as though their throats would burst.


Up ahead, the Hwasan disciples turned into a single sword and shot forward, while from above, controlled darts and poison rained down.


Indeed, it was a deadly combination. Even facing the fully armed Manyinbang rather than the exhausted forces that had pursued them from Haenam to here, it wouldn't have been easy.


"Why? Why are these Hwasan bastards here?"

"Don't you dare push... damn it!"


Those trying to retreat, those desperately resisting, those wavering in hesitation, all tangled together as the formation collapsed.


Around the blooming crimson plum blossoms, a green light embroidered the air.


Then, one of the Manyinbang disciples shouted.


"Damn it! Don't panic, there won't be more than a few of them...!"


Quaaang!


But he was soon swept away by a massive white sword energy that came from somewhere. And what followed were the figures of swordsmen wearing sky-blue robes.


"Soga-ju, save the disciples of the Maengdoh!"


"Bokmyeong!"


A blue sky spread over the plum forest. Namgung Se, who was more than fittingly named "Changcheon," rushed toward the Manyinbang disciples with all his might.


"Princess! We've arrived!"


Following him, swordsmen in chilly white robes and warriors from the Yaso Palace led by the Beastly Princess Maeng So also charged forward.


"Sweep away the Manyinbang bastards!"


"Yes!"


With a resounding roar that seemed to shake the heavens, the Yaso Palace disciples surged forward like hungry beasts, targeting their prey.


People who called each other friends. People who referred to themselves as beasts. They had gathered here. All for the sake of protecting those they had to protect.


And.


"Save the Hwasan Sword Union! Now is the time to repay even a little bit of our debt!"


"Yes!"


With Jangmun Geumyangbaek's shout from Haenam and the disciples of Haenam, led by Gwak Hwan-so, charging forward with all their might, their already exhausted bodies pressed on.


Even if their bodies were tired, even if they were gasping for breath, if they could negotiate with their mouths and fight for justice with their swords, there was still something they had to do.


Those united by a single purpose rushed forward like lightning, heading straight for the enemies.


"Damn it! Why are these...!"


"Block them! Bloc...!"



The enemies wielding their swords like seizures had their blades continuously thrown toward them.


Quaaang!


One severed head shot up into the air. With mercilessness, Hyunjong cut through the enemy's neck with a single stroke of his sword. His grip tightened on the magnolia sword.


His children were right there.


Covered in blood from head to toe.


Looking at the disciples who were bleeding and could barely stand, Hyunjong felt a rage unlike any he had experienced before, a rage he had never felt in his entire life.



Who was it?


Who dared to make his children bleed?


Quaaang!


The powerful sword energy surged back, taking out the Manyinbang disciples retreating. Although splattered with warm blood and his hair stained white, Hyunjong marched forward without hesitation.


This was the price of his hesitation.


The blood that his children were shedding should have been his.


Quaaang!


The incredibly powerful Jaha Sin Gong unfolded.(cheongmun's sword)


Tremendous sword energy fell in front of him, causing a massive explosion that made it difficult to stand.


Seogeuk!


At that moment, a sword flying from the side grazed Hyun Jong's cheek. His skin split, blood spurted, but Hyun Jong didn't even feel the minor pain.


What truly tormented him wasn't the wounds etched on this aging body.


It was every breath remaining in his children's bodies, every drop of blood they shed here, all of it pierced his heart like corroded venomous needles.


"Ah, ah!"


Quaaang!


Having decimated the enemy in a single strike, Hyunjong slammed the ground.


"Protect Taesang Jangmunin!"


Hwasan's disciples moved resolutely to both sides of Hyun Jong.



Their determination was conveyed without words. Their intentions were the same wherever you looked.


"Block them...!"


Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!


Flashes of green light were consistently embedded in the foreheads of those rushing toward Hyunjong.


Amid the chilling corpses, Hyunjong advanced. The red sword energy blossomed from his sword.


"Hyunsang!"


"Yes!"


Hyunsang turned his sword into a weapon and swept the enemies away.


Quaaaang!


And so, Hyun Jong continued forward along the path he had cleared with none other than his sword.


Thud. Thud.


Gradually, Hyun Jong's steps began to slow.


Thud. Thud.


And after a moment, his steps finally came to a complete halt.


Having pierced through all those who tried to stop him, Hyun Jong stood silently, gazing at those before him.


His vision kept getting blurry. Even if he were to open his lips slightly, it felt like tears... No, sobs would come pouring out.


"Ah..."


A dazed voice flowed from someone's lips, as if they couldn't believe the reality before them.


Thud.


Advancing a bit closer, Hyun Jong gently tapped a solid shoulder with his hand.


"Jang..."


Jogeol looked at him as if entranced.


"Jangmun..."


Yoon Jong, Dang So So, and Yoo Ei Seol too.


Hyun Jong, still holding onto the sword in his hand, placed his hand on the shoulders of his disciples who hadn't let go of their swords. Then, he knelt down before the person who was sitting at the very back, resting one knee on the ground.


For a while, he simply looked at them without a word. He looked at Baek Cheon, who was holding onto Cheongmyeong as if protecting him, even in this state.


To say that his heart was torn apart would be fitting for this moment.


As Hyun Jong's trembling hand reached out, Baek Cheon flinched and shifted his body slightly. Because of that movement, Hyun Jong's hand stopped abruptly in the air.


"To Elder Jang Mun... I apologize..."


Amidst this, Baek Cheon, who had managed to compose himself somehow, bowed respectfully toward Hyun Jong.


"From Hwasan... Acting Chief Jang, Baek Cheon. Though I haven't... completed the mission..."


"..."


"...I have followed the will of Hwasan... without deviating."


Hyun Jong's hand, which had stopped, moved again, this time slowly. And soon after, it gently rested on Baek Cheon's shoulder.


The hand that no longer trembled softly patted Baek Cheon's shoulder.


"Exceedingly well."


"..."


"You've done exceedingly well." This time, it was Baek Cheon's shoulder that trembled slightly. Hyun Jong, who accepted that tremor just as it was, nodded his head slowly.


A soft smile bloomed on his weathered lips. It was a smile that mingled with the tears at the corners of his eyes, a smile so gentle that it could reassure anyone who saw it.


"As for what's ahead... entrust it to me and to our executioners. We're here now."


As the disciples of Hwasan, who had charged forward to crush the enemy, surrounded the wounded executioners who were now being guarded, Baek Cheon looked at their resolute backs. He finally let go of the restraint that he had been suppressing, and his eyes grew warm. Eventually, tears streamed down his cheeks that had grown dry and sticky from the blood.


"...I accept the command, Grandmaster Jang."


Just as Cheongmyeong was not alone, they weren't the only ones here.


They were here. The place they needed to go.


The place they had to return to had found them and reached this point.





"Protect them! Protect them at all costs!"


A rough voice engulfed the battlefield.


Everyone surged forward like a torrent, surrounding Ogeom and his companions who were encircled. The disciples of Hwasan, the gasols of the Daegok Faction, and even the swordsmen of Namgung Se-ga's faction who had arrived later, all rushed towards the enemies, pushing them back.


"Fall back, you dogs of sapa!"


The space created by Cheon U-myeong's body became a target for the remaining disciples of Hwasan. They charged into that space with determination.


"Sahyung!"


"Damn it, Sahyung!"


As the disciples of Hwasan witnessed the chaotic state of the Death Penalty disciples, a fierce hatred boiled in their eyes.


However, their anger was interrupted by the resounding voice of Unam that suddenly burst forth, preventing them from rushing straight at the enemies.


"Defend your position!"


"Jang... Jangmun..."


"Our task isn't to attack the enemies! Protect the injured Hwasan disciples. Ensure that none of them are violated here!"


"Yes!"


The disciples of Hwasan, their eyes filled with determination, pushed back the members of the Manyin Faction who had been targeting Cheongmyeong and his group. Caught off guard by the flurry of sword strikes from them, the Manyin Faction members stumbled backward, not knowing where to turn.


The disciples of Hwasan, including Cheongmyeong, formed an unyielding wall that the enemies couldn't breach.


"Yoon Jong!"


On the other side, Hyun Sang, who had rushed like a lightning bolt, lost his words upon seeing Yoon Jong. As Hyun Sang, who was out of breath, was about to check Yoon Jong's pulse, Yoon Jong suddenly raised his head and weakly pointed somewhere else.



"Hey, you! Who's doing what to whom right now...!"


"Elder, please, save Cheongmyeong..."


Hyun Sang bit his lips tightly. At that moment, Baekcheon extended Cheongmyeong, whom he had been holding, towards Hyun Sang.


"Elder..."


"..."


"My energy... Cheongmyeong... him..."


The words were disjointed and sporadic, but Hyun Sang understood their meaning right away.


However, he couldn't bring himself to accept Cheongmyeong. He didn't even know where to touch. There wasn't a single place left untouched by wounds, so where could he possibly place his hands?


"Step aside."


"Let Elder Jangmun. Cheongmyeong is..."


"Pull yourself together!"


Just then, Hyun Sang was pushed aside by Hyun Jong, who then took Cheongmyeong into his arms. His clothes were instantly stained with the blood Cheongmyeong had shed. Yet, without blinking an eye, Hyun Jong held Cheongmyeong close and pushed his internal energy into Cheongmyeong's abdomen.


"Ar-are you alright? Is he okay?"


As Hyun Sang urgently asked, Hyun Jong didn't answer but instead shouted with a stern expression.


"Those with the energy, tend to the injured! Quickly!"


"Ye-yes?"


"What are you all doing! Do we have one more Cheongmyeong among the injured?"


"Yes? Oh, yes! Elder Jangmun!"


At that statement, he abruptly snapped back to his senses.


Of course, Cheongmyeong was in the most critical condition, but all the others had also suffered injuries that could not be understated.


Those with the ability rushed over to infuse their internal energy. Hyun Sang also held onto Yun Jong and infused his internal energy into his back.


"Jangmunin..."


"Don't speak, just breathe!"


Unam blew his internal energy into Jo Geol's back with his hand.


"I-I should take care of others rather than..."


"Don't speak!"


"I'm still okay! I need to tend to Sasuk..."


"Shut your mouth!"


Unam bit down on his lips firmly. Amidst this situation, they still had the presence of mind to worry about others? He couldn't tell if they were kind-hearted or just plain foolish.


"These foolish brats..."


How could they neglect their own bodies like this? It was admirable. But at the same time, it was so frustrating.


Among them, there was even someone who wouldn't listen to reason.


"Soso! This won't do!"


"Let go!"


"Soso! Your injuries are severe too!"


"I won't die, so let me go!"


Dang Soso pushed away those trying to treat her and clung to Cheongmyeong, who Hyun Sang was holding. Dang Soso tightly grabbed Cheongmyeong's wrist and felt his pulse, then she raised her head forcefully.


"Where is Father? Where is Lord Danga?"


"They're holding off the enemy's approach. They'll be here soon."


"Quickly! As soon as possible! Taesangjangmunin! Sasuk is dying!"


As if Hyun Sang had no more thoughts to spare, he shouted.


"Ungeom! Bring Lord Dangga here! Immediately!"


"There's no need."


In that moment, a strand of green light suddenly appeared before them.


"Father!"


"Come here."


Dang Gunaak held Cheongmyeong as if taking him away. Dang Gunaak's stern face paled as he examined Cheongmyeong's condition. The collapse of Mount Taesan might not change his unyielding expression, but now that his rigid expression had crumbled, it was more chilling than any scream or cry.


"What were you thinking!"


Dang Gunaak, his lips gnashed, used his gentle touch to properly treat Cheongmyeong. He took out a small box from within his embrace and opened it, revealing around ten large golden needles.


"Nobody! Nobody is allowed to approach him, absolutely!"


There was no need for Hyun Sang to say anything. The moment his words were heard, the demeanor of the Volcano disciples changed drastically. Even those who were hesitant to stand up suddenly rose and tried to protect Cheongmyeong, so much so that Hyun Sang had to calm them down.


"Soso! Pa! Help!"


"Yes!"


"Lord of the Clan. Soso too..."


"Don't interfere, step back!"


Baek Sang, who was trying to calm down Dang Gunak, paled at that moment and took a step back. He realized how urgent the situation was.


"Dangpae!"


"Yes, Lord!"


Dangpae threw himself forward and the moment he attached himself to the other side of Cheongmyeong, Dang Gunaak pushed the energy into the needle he had pulled out.


Whoooom!


The needle in his hand shook wildly as if possessed. At the same time, the edge of Dang Gunaak's robe swelled as if it couldn't overcome the energy and was about to burst. The force was so overwhelming that even the disciples of the Hwasan turned around for a moment.


Just when Dang Soso was about to be pushed back by that force, Hyun Sang held her shoulders and pushed the energy into her.


Whoooom!


The golden needle on Dang Gunaak's palm vibrated like a living fish before finally calming down. As the faint vibrations ceased entirely, Dang Gunaak, like a lightning bolt, plunged the golden needle into Cheongmyeong's throat.


Cheongmyeong's body suddenly jerked in place. Pressing his body tightly, Dang Gunaak shouted:


"Dogbi (犢鼻), Jungwan (中脘), Sugu (水溝)!"


"Yes!"


Dangpae and Dang So-so struck the acupoints indicated by Dang Gunaak.


"Add three more drops of Sugu blood!"


"Oh, Lord. The body of Sahyeong…"


"Do as I say!"


"Yes!"

Dang So-so clenched her teeth and struck the designated acupoint as instructed by Dang Gunaak. In that moment, dark, congealed blood spurted out from Cheongmyeong's mouth.


Wuuuuung!


Another large needle penetrated the center of Cheongmyeong's chest. A needle as long as an adult's palm disappeared into his body, leaving no trace behind.


"Bae hoe (百会), Geo gweol (巨闕), Chungyang (衝陽)!"


Dangaju Tanggunak is a warrior who has stepped into the realm of the absolute. However, his face was soon covered with sweat. The sight of him, drenched in perspiration, showed just how much mental and physical energy he was pouring into this needle technique.


Wuuuuung!


Dang Gunaak clenched his teeth again and pushed his energy into the needle. The sudden expenditure of energy caused his hand to tremble.


After a moment, the last of the twelve needles penetrated Cheongmyeong's philtrum.


"Is it okay to do that to a person's head?"


Unable to bear it any longer, someone shouted, and Dang So-so responded loudly.


"It's not a needle!"


"Ugh, uhm?"


With no strength left to speak further, she gave up on answering and grabbed Cheongmyeong's wrist, infusing her energy into him.


The needle Dang Gunaak had used was not actually a needle. It was a refined medicine made by gathering and purifying rare ingredients that were almost impossible to find even within the clan. Each needle was beyond measure in terms of value.


Within the clan, it was known as the "Hwanhon Dae-rae (還魂大羅) Golden Needle," and only the head of the clan was allowed to possess it, passed down from generation to generation.

In other words, Dang Gunaak was now using a treasure that only the head of the clan was allowed to have, without the slightest hesitation, to aid someone who was not a clan member.


However...


"It's not enough."


Dang Gunaak lifted his head with a sudden movement.


"Ice Palace! Bring the Elder of the Ice Palace here! Also, the Beast Palace Master! Immediately!"


"Unam! Hyunsang!"


"Yes! Elder Jangmoon!"


"Clear the path! Bring Ice Palace and Beast Palace here right now! Hurry!"


With determined faces, Hyunsang and Unam rushed out. Hyunjong placed his hand on Cheongmyeong's pulse point and looked at Dang Gunaak, who was channeling energy through the needle, and spoke softly.


"Danggajunim, what about Cheongmyeong..."


"I've done everything I can for now."


"Can he survive?"


Dang Gunaak didn't answer. However, Hyunjong didn't take that silence as a negative response. Even in his current state, Dang Gunaak was using all his remaining strength to care for Cheongmyeong. It was a determination to save him at all costs.


And that determination wasn't limited to Dang Gunaak alone.


"Step aside, you bunch of maggots!"


Kwaaaah!


Beast Palace Master Maengso knocked over dozens of Maninbang servants with a single blow and appeared in their midst.


"Where is the Hwasan Divine Dragon?"


With a deep growl, he shouted, and at the same time, people from the Ice Palace also rushed in.


"Palace Master!"


"it's not me! Look over there!"


Seolso Baek raised her head and shouted. Maengso and Hanimyeong immediately approached the situation with full force, heading towards Danggunak.


"Dangga-junim!"



Danggunak turned his head to look at Hanimyeong.


"We need someone proficient in the most secretive techniques of the Ice Palace!"


"Yes? Th-that is..."


Hanimyeong's face momentarily showed confusion. The most powerful practitioner of the secretive techniques within the Ice Palace would naturally be the Ice Palace Master. The strongest cryomancer in the Ice Palace, who could wield the most potent ice techniques, was a privilege reserved solely for the Ice Palace Master.

However, Seolso Baek hadn't yet mastered all of those cryomantic techniques.

"If, if not me, it would be the Palace Master."

"Then both of you come!"

"Yes?"

Danggunak turned his head to look at the Beast Palace Master.

"Palace Master! Can you employ the Yeoranggi Techniques?"

Yeoranggi Techniques referred to advanced martial arts techniques. This indicated that Danggunak was seeking expertise from both the Ice Palace and the Beast Palace to tackle the crisis.


"That, that's a specialty of the Namhae Sun Palace, and I...?"


"Can you do it?"


Maengso's expression hardened.


"Is it something I must do? To save the Volcano Sword Sect(CM)?"


"Absolutely!"


Maengso nodded his head as if he had no choice.


"Then I'll do it! I'll extract it even if it costs me my life!"


Danggunak nodded his head quickly and spoke firmly.


"Push the power of the Sinister Technique from the Volcano Sword Sect and the power of the Beast King's Roar from the Beast Palace. Use all the strength you have."


"D-Dangga-ju"? What is this about?"


Maengso and Han I-myeong's faces turned pale in an instant.


The two energies are polar opposites. When these two energies collide within the body, isn't it obvious what might happen, like playing with fire?


They knew very well how dangerous this was, given their expertise in manipulating each energy. Seeing the hesitation on their faces, Danggunak shouted forcefully.


"Do as I say!"


However, they couldn't move easily. Danggunak spoke with a resolute expression.


"He will endure."


"..."


"If it's the Hwasan Sword Faction(CM), even if it's not others, we will definitely endure it!"


The gazes of Maengso, Seol Sobaek, and Han I-myeong turned towards the fallen Cheongmyeong.


With a snap of a finger, they might be the ones to end Cheongmyeong's life. So, it wasn't easy for them to make a decision.


But in that moment, Seol Sobaek knelt beside Cheongmyeong and tightly held his hand.


"Lord!"


"I will do it!"


Seol Sobaek clenched his teeth.


"If it's you, Dojang, you will endure! It's none other than Cheongmyeong Dojang!"


A strong conviction shone in Seol Sobaek's eyes. Seeing that look, Maengso and Han I-myeong finally nodded their heads and held Cheongmyeong's hand.


"No one! No one should approach..."


Danggunak, who was about to speak, closed his mouth.


All he could see now was the backs of the Hwasan disciples surrounding him. The determination on their backs was suffocating.


Danggunak took a deep breath.


"I will definitely save him."


What he held in his hands was everything about Cheon U-myeong. The one who showed them what they should pursue.


And above all else... he was their friend.






The sweat streaming down from Dangguanak's chin fell to the ground.


His face was drained of energy, yet his eyes alone still maintained an intense concentration as he directed his gaze toward Cheongmyeong.


" No more lord.. no more!"


Even though he could sense the desperation in that cry, Dangguanak didn't even shift his gaze.


"Lord... Your energy will burst completely! You can't continue!"


Dangpa's voice grew increasingly desperate. But Dangguanak, with a resolute face, only focused on Cheongmyeong's condition.


'What is he thinking?'


'What on earth is he thinking?'


He couldn't endure any longer. No matter how formidable Cheongmyeong might be, it was too much to handle anymore.


Certainly, Cheongmyeong was an extraordinary martial artist to an unimaginable extent, but what was truly extraordinary was not his physique, but his sword and his spirit, not his physical body!


However, there was a truly astonishing event that unfolded.


As Dangguanak wiped away sweat and observed Cheongmyeong, in an instant, Dangguanak's hand shot into his bosom and retrieved a white jade bottle, opening it and pouring its contents into his mouth.

'Poison?'


The faintly bitter aroma that grazed his nostrils was enough to sense that it was an incredibly potent poison.


"My, my lord! Ahh! What are you doing!"


A scream erupted from Dangpa's mouth. Dangguanak had ingested the poison directly from the open bottle.


Dangguanak's skin instantly turned a purplish color. However, without even blinking, Dangguanak extended his hand and placed it on Cheongmyeong's chest.


Oooouuung!


His martial energy surged as if going mad, and a purplish energy began to emanate gently from his fingertips. Soon, these energies began to infiltrate into Cheongmyeong's chest.


Dangpa's eyes widened as though they might pop out.


"Po, poisoning the patient?"


What kind of insane act was this?


"Lord! The Dojang is dying! What are you thinking!"



Dangguanak turned his gaze slightly. Yet, his eyes did not fall on Dangpae, who was screaming, but rather on Hyun Jong, who had been watching everything silently with a stern expression.



"It's okay."


"How can this be okay!"


"The clash of energies won't kill him. Death refers to a state where the body can no longer contain the energy within it."


Dangpae looked at Dangguanak with trembling eyes. Dangguanak's eyes were filled with conviction.


"Conversely, if you can maintain the energy within the body using any means necessary, you won't die."


At that moment, a change occurred in Cheongmyeong's body.


Distinct boundaries formed within the cycle of burning and freezing. The upper part was covered in a faint violet hue, the lower left with red heat, and the lower right with white cold.


"Ah..."


"Poisonous energy, positive energy, and negative energy can balance each other. As long as that balance isn't disrupted, one can survive."


Dangpae's eyes wavered.


"What about after that? What happens if the balance is disrupted?"


"... "


Dangguanak fell silent, but the meaning of that silence was clear to Dangpae.


"Wh-what is this..."


He had never heard of such an extreme treatment. No, this wasn't treatment; it was more like forced life support. Could such an extreme method, which could turn a living person into a dead one with a single mistake, even be considered a treatment?


"Take your hand off!"


As Dangguanak shouted fiercely, Maengso and Seolsobaek, who had been infusing energy into Cheongmyeong as if they were going mad, along with Han Imyeong, who had been directing energy into him, collapsed in exhaustion on the spot.


Even Dangguanak, who had infused the poisonous energy, withdrew his hand from Cheongmyeong.


Wooooong.


The remaining energies within Cheongmyeong were raging. However, Dangguanak saw it. The energies balancing each other out and seeking equilibrium.


It was a precarious balance that could explode at any moment, but if carefully examined...


"Damn it!"


A scream erupted from Dangguanak's mouth. The poisonous energy he had injected and the negative energy of the Ice Palace were pushing against the positive energy Maengso had infused.


Compared to his poisonous energy and the Ice Palace's negative energy, Maengso's positive energy seemed insufficiently pure.


Dangguanak lifted his head and shouted, "Elixir! Does anyone have an elixir with positive energy?"


Everyone exchanged intense glances at his words, but no one readily stepped forward.


"The Jasodan have it!"


"But we can't use Jasodan! Jasodan is not of the positive energy lineage!"


"Then...?"


"Oh, no..."


Despair filled Dangguanak's face. If things continued like this, the balance would collapse, and Cheongmyeong's body would burst apart.


"I can still extract positive energy!"


Maengso exerted all his efforts, but Dangguanak couldn't say a word. This problem couldn't be solved by the quantity of positive energy alone. They needed a stronger source of pure positive energy.

Dangguanak's face was filled with an indescribable sense of despair.


"Dangga-ju!"


At the critical moment, urgent cries burst from Maengso and Hyunjong's mouths.


Swoosh!


Dangguanak raised his hand and caught something flying towards him. The moment he caught it, he felt the positive energy emanating from it. His eyes widened in astonishment.


"It's the Choyangdan of Haenam. If it's positive energy, Haenam is no less than any other place. With this, we might save the Hwasan Ice Palace."


"The Gold Changmoon-in?"


Suddenly, Geum Yangbaek(sect leader of Haenam), a Changmoon-in from Haenam who had joined them, nodded with a stern expression.


"Changmoon-in! Why didn't you take it yourself?"


Haenam's elders, who had followed him, were catching their breath as they spoke in a reproachful tone.


Dangguanak's eyes fixed on Geum Yangbaek's chest, where a long scar ran from his chest to his abdomen. It was a deep wound that had pierced through his chest.


"Changmoon-in..."


A bittersweet smile appeared on Geum Yangbaek's lips.


"My wound is not something an elixir can heal."


"..."


"What are you doing? Dangga-ju! Our benefactor is in dire straits!"


In response to the stern reprimand, Dangguanak nodded and immediately pushed a vial of elixir into Cheongmyeong's mouth.


As soon as the elixir entered his mouth, the energy within it melted and flowed into Cheongmyeong's body. Dangguanak focused all his efforts on guiding the energy.


Wooooong!


Cheongmyeong's body was enveloped in intense heat.


"Great!"


This level of positive energy was enough! This should be sufficient to restore the disrupted balance.


And then, in no time...


Wooooong.


"Enough!"


The energies within Cheongmyeong's body finally reached a balance. The energies that had been holding back, cautious of each other's movements, finally converged at that moment.


"Dangga-joo! What about Cheongmyeong?"


Dangguanak held Cheongmyeong tightly and shouted.


"I've managed to stabilize his breathing for now! But for a proper treatment, we need to head to Gangbuk as soon as possible."


Hyunjong, seeing Cheongmyeong in Dangguanak's embrace, shouted with determination.


"Listen, disciples of Hwasan!"


"Yes! Master Taesang!"


"Clear the path. Do not forgive or spare anything that obstructs us! Show them just how ruthless Hwasan's sword can be!"


"We shall follow your command!"


The resolute energy of Hwasan's sword surged forth again.


As the Hwasan swordsmen rushed forward with all their might, Hyunjong reached out and supported Baekcheon.


"Lean on me."


"Mas... Master Taesang. I can go on my own..."


"Baekcheon."


"..."


In Baekcheon's startled ears, Hyunjong's gentle voice sounded.


"You've been through a lot. Let's go back now."


Baekcheon turned his dazed gaze towards Hyunjong. He saw Hyunjong's face adorned with a soft smile. Baekcheon's lips trembled slightly, and he silently nodded.


"Yes. Master."


With the wounded carried in their arms, they ran toward the path that Hwasan's sword had cleared.


Though covered in thick layers of fatigue, they pressed on, no longer in despair, but toward a path that held a glimmer of hope.

Why did this suddenly turn into an otome game and the male leads save Cheongmyeong?

Even Gunak with the princess carry

(here is your meal, to who wanted to see the reactions)




( spoiler 1336 might be ch 1337? Im lazy to check)

 

thank you for the spoiler

DAMNN ITS SO INTENSE I DONT KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HOLD MY BREATH WHILE READING THIS

Rightttt its like all of the male leads risking their life to save the princess

 

Anyone here tried translating with chat got 4 the premium option

 

same i need to knoww too, they serouisly act like they will die any moment something bad happen to him, and now he was

youre so right about it looking an otome game but its so sad how everyone is worried he might die at a single touch

 

hii im new here everyone was talking about "voldemort" and even though i went back and read through the entries, i still couldn't find anything. can someone dm me who they are and send me a link if they are a translator or something of that kind? and if not maybe the site that post read able translations (other than mylast- and skydemon) im seriously so curious about this story

sorry for my broken english

 

Welcome to The spoiler sect!!! Your a junior just like me!!!
Anyway voldemort is in the first page where it said....
Unorthodox
.... I'm just wondering how much cookies GimmeAnAnswerNotSleep has....

Gonna try to steal them

 

yes stefasa just informed me.. thank you sooo much im really grateful.. i was reading all the entries to understand who the voldemort was

 

Hi! I came not too long ago~ So fun seeing new people here!! Where are you in the novel?

 

Cookies are for newbies and sickos(people who get sick please inform get a cookie be healthy and share spoilers )

They say curiousity killed the cat!
Welcome to the spoiler sect! Almost everyone here is insane (what are you sane people doing here? It's ROTMHS)

 

it feels good seeing new people like me TT

im at chapter 732!! im reading it at mylasted (should i censor mylasted?) and im trying to stack up chapters.. it feels like hell when the chapter im reading ends with a cliff..

i can't help it.. we're all in the same boat here, no?

 

....
........
.......
Ask the older ones

Yes yes we all are insane at some degrees

No maybe you shouldn't because mylasted themself said they're translating (in some older pages)

 

i was hesitant because of "voldemort".. thank you for your help!!

 

Voldemort is special because when it was called in its real name, every posts containing it will be wiped out.

 

hello! Has anyone read the latest chapter? Are gramp and Yoonjong still fighting?

 

someone askeddd the question yessss i need to know too

 

what does sojeo (소저) mean i didnt find it in the mtl glossary

 

Yoooo I will need some cookies for some celebration I'm having!!!!!
After stefasa infected me with Chung myung rabies.....
I've been having them...
but guess what I'm not infected anymore
Anyways beware of stefasa's spoilers....
As a victim of the Chung myung rabies (mostly stefasa's fault)
I tell you guys a warning about this
I was a new person here reading the spoilers until....
Stefasa infected me