Chapter 1299
Is there a place to rest on this land? (4)
“Uh…”
The disciples of Haenam stared blankly at the figure stepping forward.
The Mountain Cutting Sword, Namgung Dowi.
Once hailed as the most esteemed young warrior in Gangho, destined to lead the Just Sects in the future. Now, he stood before them to protect them.
“Namgung…”
A faint sigh escaped Namgung Dowi’s lips.
‘Not good.’
He was running low on energy. Despite his rigorous training, it wasn’t enough.
After all, it hadn’t been long since he spent time with Hwasan. In that short period, expecting significant growth along the arduous path of martial arts was unrealistic.
Nevertheless, Namgung Dowi did not hesitate to step forward.
‘I’ve already experienced it.’
Fighting against overwhelming odds. Resisting and enduring in desperate situations.
That’s why he could step forward. He could face them. And he could protect.
Like the Namgung clan of the past, these people were flustered and confused.
If he couldn’t protect them this time, it would mean he hadn’t progressed a single step from Maehwado. As Namgung Dowi, that was something he couldn’t accept.
With determination, Namgung Dowi tightly grasped the hilt of his sword.
“Bring it on!”
However, the opponent seemed to have no intention of giving Namgung Dowi a chance to catch his breath, quickly charging towards him, erasing any trace of momentary confusion.
There were only three enemies. The same number as when facing Jo Geol or other disciples of Hwasan. Namgung Dowi’s gaze darkened.
‘Although I appreciate the high evaluation…’
His sword resonated with a deep, resounding hum.
The sword of the Namgung clan was a renowned heirloom passed down through generations. Especially those wielded by direct descendants bore the weight of their illustrious reputation. But it wasn’t because Namgung clan indulged in luxury.
It was because they needed a sword that could endure. Any ordinary blade would crumble under the lineage bestowed upon it by Namgung’s martial arts. Only a well-forged swords could withstand such pressure.
Paaaat!
The bloody warriors wielding their thin swords lunged towards Namgung Dowi like falcons diving after prey. The three crimson streaks seemed poised to pierce through Namgung Dowi in an instant.
In that moment, Namgung Dowi’s eyes emanated white light.
‘To face the opponent!’
He unleashed a powerful strike.
‘You’ve chosen the wrong one!’
With a thunderous roar, Namgung Dowi swiftly swung his sword in a diagonal arc. From the gleaming white blade erupted a tremendous wave of energy, cascading like a waterfall into the air, as if unfurling a pristine white silk in the sky.
The sweeping sword energy engulfed the entire front of the charging bloody warriors in an absurdly vast range.
“What…?”
They momentarily widened their eyes. Before they could react, the sword energy swiftly covered and swept them away.
With no cries of agony, bloody warriors were flung out like arrows, tumbling helplessly. It was truly an overwhelming sight, capturing the attention of everyone engaged in the battle.
Namgung Dowi took a deep breath.
His hand gripping the sword trembled from the rapid expenditure of internal energy.
However, those who now looked upon him would not see that. They only saw his composed expression.
“I’ll handle the front!”
He consciously straightened his shoulders. His formidable momentum caused the bloody warriors to instinctively falter.
At that moment, the central figure among the enemies narrowed his eyes.
‘Is that Namgung clan?’
The situation didn’t bode well.
They wielded thin swords, specialized in exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. To them, inexperienced fighters were nothing more than easy prey.
No matter how skilled the fighters were, they inevitably exposed openings in the heat of battle. And with those openings, the sharp and thin swords could easily bring down the enemy.
But that wasn’t the case with this swordsmanship.
That’s less swordsmanship and more like artillery fire. While there might be openings in the wielder’s stance, what openings could there be in the flying sword energy? Once the distance widens and the exchange of sword energy begins, all that’s left is the thin, feeble swords that are difficult to exert more power with.
Utmost superiority. That phrase is probably used in times like these. While others might not know, the bloody warriors currently have no viable way to deal with Namgung Dowi.
At best, they could endure sacrifices until his surging inner strength is exhausted, resorting to a war of attrition. But even that is not an option at the moment.
So, what’s the plan?
The central figure flicked his finger.
“Ignore him and…”
What that finger pointed to were the disciples of Haenam behind Namgung Dowi.
“…Stick close to Haenam’s lot. He can’t possibly unleash such sword energy without ignoring his allies. Then, he’s just an ordinary swordsman.”
There was no common response. The moment the order was given, the bloody warriors’ feet collectively began to move. Just by witnessing this sight, one could gauge how thoroughly trained they were.
With a swift motion, they charged forward in unison. The direction was subtly altered from before – not directly facing Namgung Dowi, but the flanks.
By completely disregarding Namgung Dowi, they risked being swept by the sword energy from the sides. Yet, they didn’t consider this sacrifice at all. No, they simply ignored that fact.
When orders are issued, they’re just followed.
On the battlefield, they adhered to a principle that was not only crucial but also incredibly difficult to uphold.
“Keugh!”
Namgung Dowi’s face contorted momentarily as he discerned the opponent’s strategy. No matter how much he unleashed his sword energy, it was impossible to block every opponent who emerged in this manner.
Just as Namgung Dowi was about to desperately parry with his sword, a familiar sound reached his ears.
Whoosh!
A single fist-sized pouch, flying to the right, exploded with a burst of pink venom. The approaching bloody warriors hesitated as they saw the spreading poison ahead, slowing their charging speed.
Swoosh!
Successively, countless darting needles poured forth from within that pouch.
Clang! Clang clang!
The bloody warriors frantically swung their swords to deflect the needles flying towards them. Even if these needles seemed clean, the moment they pierced through the poison, they would be heavily venomous.
They knew better than anyone else how lethal it could be to be exposed to poison on the battlefield. That’s why even the slightest prick couldn’t be ignored.
“Of course, the Tangga…”
Amidst the spreading poison, Tang Pae leisurely walked out. It was as if he had no concern about being poisoned by his own venom.
“While it’s true that Tangga may not be regarded as highly as Namgung, but it doesn’t mean I’ll be overlooked by you, Sapa scoundrels.”
Clang! Clang!
The flying daggers wedged between his fingers emitted sharp metallic sounds as they rubbed against each other.
At that moment, as the bloody warriors surged forward on the opposite side, a crescent-shaped energy rained down on them like fluttering butterflies.
“Kuk!”
Clang! Clang!
There wasn’t particularly immense force behind it, but each strike moved vividly, as if alive. It was like a swarm of dozens of butterflies fluttering through a forest.
To ignore such unconventional attack and charge forward was suicidal. It was neither more nor less than that. Eventually, even those who were surging forward had to halt their steps.
Step by step, Im Sobyeong walked forward, waving his fan gently as she clicked his tongue.
“You’re from Haomun, aren’t you?”
“…”
“Let’s see. With those thin swords, the masks, and bloody cloaks… The swordsmanship they use resembles the Hungry Wolf Soul-Chasing Sword [아랑추혼검 (餓狼追魂劍) – alang-chuhon-geom]. Is it the Soul-Chasing Formation of Haomun then?”
The bloody warriors silently glared at Im Sobyeong. In response to their gaze, Im Sobyeong chuckled.
“Anyway, I don’t understand what’s going on in the heads of these Sapa people. What are they thinking, wearing the same clothes, carrying the same weapons, and using the same martial arts just to hide their identities? Wouldn’t it be frustrating if you couldn’t be recognized?”
In response to Lim Sobyeong’s sharp words, the opposite party’s leader burst into a mocking laugh.
“Well, aren’t you Sapa too then?”
“Oh, please. It’s been ages since I washed my hands! Stop bringing up the past over and over again.”
Im Sobyeong shook his head and waved his fan.
However, despite his exaggerated and comical gestures, his gaze remained fixed solely on the enemy, as if he intended to analyze and understand every detail of their flesh.
“I didn’t know Nokrim King would be protecting Haenam.”
“If you don’t have lips, your teeth will feel cold. Even these guys are needed to reduce the number of knives stuck in my body.”
Im Sobyeong glanced briefly to the side but quickly returned his gaze to the enemy.
“Well, it’s not like… I’m scared of anyone, so don’t misunderstand.”
“No one misunderstood.”
Im Sobyeong slowly lowered the fan he was holding.
“The Pursuit Corps of Haomun. If you’re Sapa, you probably have at least one Pursuit Corps. Haomun tends to have many Pursuit Corps due to its characteristics. Just think of them as one of those.”
“Oh, then what’s the strategy for dealing with them?”
“Do you all understand?”
Im Sobyeong shrugged.
“There are not just one but many Pursuit Corps. And I’m not a spy or an informant. I just know that such guys exist.”
“… You’re not spy but a bandit, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Let’s stop talking about this.”
“And when you see situations like this, doesn’t it make Sapa look better than those fancy Just Sect folks?”
“Excuse me?”
When Tang Pae looked puzzled, Im Sobyeong glanced back.
“While someone not much older than me steps forward to protect us, so I step forward, but you just watch from behind, trembling, and criticize me.”
A blatant sneer appeared on Im Sobyeong’s face.
“They act like they would tear apart anyone who dares to injure their comrades, but when they meet someone a bit dangerous, they become so obedient. Those so-called elite Just Sect’s folks aren’t that impressive after all. Sapa may have a different motive, that’s why. But they still have arrogance.”
Upon hearing his words, the faces of the disciples of Haenam contorted. Only then did they realize what they were doing and felt ashamed.
But one sentence was enough to turn that shame into anger.
“Well, no need to worry. I’ll protect you all. So just stand there and watch quietly.”
Upon hearing Im Sobyeong’s words, the disciples of Haenam began to bristle.
“Who said we were trembling?”
“We were just momentarily taken aback!”
“That’s right! How dare you underestimate Haenam!”
“Oh, is that so?”
Im Sobyeong chuckled and said.
“Instead of just blabbering, why don’t you prove yourself with that sword of yours?”
With eyes filled with venom, the disciples of Haenam glared at Im Sobyeong and rushed forward.
With Namgung Dowi and Im Sobyeong at the forefront, the disciples of Haenam surged forward with determination to confront the bloody warriors of Haomun.
As their momentum revived, the faces of the bloody warriors momentarily stiffened.
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