Chapter 1300
Is there a place to rest on this land? (5)
‘Those greenhorns.’
The eyes of a bloody warrior, the central figure of the attack, the Black Hearted Judge [흑심판관(黑心判官) – heugsim-pangwan] Sang Gwan-eung [상관응(上官應)], narrowed involuntarily.
In combat, momentum is half the battle. And once momentum is broken, it’s usually impossible to revive it easily.
However, an unusual event was unfolding now. The momentum of those who had been completely subdued was suddenly coming back to life in an instant.
With just a few attacks and a few words.
As for Haenam, whether its momentum is alive or dead, it can be trampled at any time…
‘Disgusting.’
His gaze shifted to those standing in front of Haenam as if guarding them.
Namgung clan’s Namgung Dowi, Sichuan Tang’s Tang Pae, and Nokrim King Im Sobyeong.
None of them can be underestimated. Especially considering Hye Yeon of Shaolin, who is watching the situation from behind.
‘Namgung’s sword and Tang’s hidden weapons…’
Generally, even if people of same martial arts sects have different temperaments and tendencies, overall, they tend to have similar fighting style. Because they learn the same martial arts and lead similar lives. Therefore, ultimately, there’s no choice but to handle them in a similar manner.
Although the disciples of Hwasan are each different, the method of tying their feet was similar.
But these bastards in front of them are not like that. There’s not a single similarity in temperament or martial arts. According to common sense, it’s impossible for them to move together as a single group like they are now.
For whatever reason, when such individuals gather in one place, it’s inevitable that those facing them will have a headache. Even if one strips away the thick armor of Hwasan, if they can’t bring them down, they can’t prey on the fragile flesh of Haenam.
Namgung Dowi took a deep breath.
“Hoo.”
With Tang Pae and Im Sobyeong guarding left and right, Namgung Dowi’s expression visibly lightened, as if he felt less burdened. It might have been difficult alone, but with them guarding the sides, he could fully demonstrate his abilities.
Regaining composure with a deep breath, he raised his sword and aimed at the bloody warriors.
They were like a pack of wolves. Once they caught the scent of blood, they wouldn’t easily retreat. The only remaining path was to fight until one side was completely annihilated.
Woooong!
As he infused his inner strength, the sword emitted a tremendous aura. It was the moment when he was about to swing the sword.
“Stop.”
As soon as they saw Namgung Dowi’s movement, the bloody warriors who were about to rush forward all stopped at Sang Gwan-eung’s command.
“Hmm?”
At that moment, Namgung Dowi found himself breathing heavily, almost involuntarily.
‘Here?’
He looked at the one who gave the command, but most of the face was covered by a mask, making it impossible to read the expression.
“There’s no need to force it. Withdraw.”
As soon as the words were spoken, they all retreated simultaneously, even more decisively than when they rushed forward.
‘What…’
It was a situation he couldn’t understand. Namgung Dowi pondered as he watched the bloody warriors retreat like receding waters.
Despite their regained momentum, objectively speaking, the situation still favored them significantly. So why would they voluntarily give up their hard-won advantage and retreat?
But for Sang Gwan-eung, this was all too natural.
His goal was never Hwasan to begin with. Although he had momentarily tied them down by targeting their vulnerabilities, it wasn’t just anyone, but Hwasan’s Ogeom.
They weren’t the kind of opponents one could handle with just their current strength. They may be restrained for now, but they would soon break free.
So their objective was always the disciples of Haenam. If possible, to injure more of them, to poison and slow their movements. It was to make it easier for the main force to overwhelm them.
But if the situation continued like this, achieving the initial objective would be considered a failure.
Now, they had to either give up on the mission, or be prepared for sacrifices and fulfill their orders somehow. It was a choice between abandoning the mission or sacrificing themselves.
‘Sacrifice.’
Was there really a reason to do so?
Underneath his mask, Sang Gwan-eung chuckled.
“We’re withdrawing.”
The bloody warriors all retreated behind Sang Gwan-eung in unison.
Even the disciples of Hwasan, who were surrounded by the enemy, looked bewildered as they watched the retreating figures.
Everyone was taken aback. It was an experience they hadn’t encountered despite their numerous battles.
“Hmm.”
Im Sobyeong seemed to speak for everyone as he opened his mouth.
“Now you’re pulling out? But I don’t see any reason why we should let you off easily.”
As his pointed that out, Sang Gwan-eung scoffed and asked.
“So? Are you going to stop us?”
“Hmm.”
It was a clear provocation. As Im Sobyeong squinted his eyes and stared, Sang Gwan-eung calmly asked again.
“Do you have the leisure to do that?”
He gestured with a nod towards the injured lying on the ground. Starting from where the thin sword had pierced them, the poison was spreading rapidly. Immediate treatment was needed.
Im Sobyeong was well aware of this fact. Moreover, the longer they delayed, the closer the enemy’s main force would come.
Im Sobyeong spoke with a bitter tone.
“Well… certainly, we don’t have the capacity to chase after fleeing enemies.”
“Very well then.”
“But.”
Im Sobyeong sharpened his teeth slightly and spoke icily.
“Isn’t it against our nature to simply let those who have been annoyingly sticking to our backs go?”
“I’ll give you one day.”
“…”
“Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?”
Im Sobyeong’s face hardened.
It felt like the situation was being twisted according to his intentions. But he had no choice but to accept it for now. The sound of the injured groaning faintly reached his ears.
As Im Sobyeong remained silent, Sang Gwan-eung nodded as if to say, ‘Very well then,’ and remained still.
Although only half of the originally planned damage had been delivered, there was no need to push further at the expense of sacrifices.
“I consider it accepted and withdraw.”
“How unexpected.”
Im Sobyeong remarked sarcastically, his resentment towards Sang Gwan-eung evident.
“I highly doubt anyone would be overflowing with generosity to the extent of willingly sacrificing themselves for the subordinates of Haomun.”
Sang Gwan-eung laughed at the remark.
“Me, sacrifice myself?”
For a moment, Im Sobyeong’s eyes narrowed.
‘How amusing.’
The law of absolute obedience is the cornerstone of Sapaeryeon’s system. Refusing a command from the leader of the sect is simply unthinkable. This applies not only to Sapaeryeon but to all Evil Sects as an absolute rule.
Given the difficulty in controlling such vile individuals, they must be bound by simple and powerful laws. For Sapaeryeon, absolute obedience is precisely that.
However, this bastard is now saying that there is no need to obey the order. In other words, the one issuing the order may not be the leader of the sect.
‘…If it wasn’t Jang Ilso but Ho Gamyeong who mobilized Haomun, then perhaps Jang Ilso might not even know about this fact?’
But why? Why would Ho Gamyeong do that?
Im Sobyeong quickly set aside the questions swirling in his mind. It may not have much significance to ponder deeply on it now, but perhaps somehow it would provide a clue.
“Thank you for the valuable information.”
“I never provided any information.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. My mistake.”
Im Sobyeong chuckled meaningfully. Sang Gwan-eung glared at him coldly and said.
“I may withdraw for now. However… I wonder if there is any significance to this. We will target you again. No, not just us. Many others will target you. More thoroughly and ruthlessly.”
“It doesn’t matter. As long as I can rest for a while.”
“Rest… you say.”
Sang Gwan-eung openly sneered.
“Is there a place to rest on this land?”
“…”
“There’s no place to rest in hell, is there? Isn’t that right?”
At Sang Gwan-eung’s discreet signal, those guarding his back disappeared into the forest.
“See you again.”
“Anytime.”
Sang Gwan-eung silently stared at Im Sobyeong before backing into the bushes and disappearing.
As Sang Gwan-eung entered the bushes, his subordinates approached him.
“Daeju.”
“Move out!”
Ignoring them, Sang Gwan-eung departed with full force. There was doubt in the eyes of his approaching subordinates. The sight of Sang Gwan-eung swiftly cutting through the forest felt as if he were being chased by someone, which sparked their curiosity.
But that couldn’t be, could it? They were the pursuers, not the ones being pursued.
Regardless, they had to follow, so they suppressed their questions and all followed behind him. After moving for a while, Sang Gwan-eung’s footsteps finally came to a halt.
“…What’s the situation?”
“There’s almost no casualties. A few were hit, but it’s within the expected range.”
“Expected range…”
The expectation was based on the premise of achieving the goal of poisoning about half of the Haenam’s brats.
“However, Daeju, isn’t it too easy to withdraw like that?”
“There’s no reason to risk our lives for someone else’s fight.”
“But they’re just greenhorns. We could have pressed the advantage for a while…”
At that moment, Sang Gwan-eung turned to the speaker.
“So?”
The one speaking, taken aback by the cold gaze, quickly lowered their head in surprise.
“I overstepped.”
“…Understood.”
Sang Gwan-eung turned away with a displeased expression.
“What about Chuhonhyang [추혼향 – Soul Chasing Incense]?”
“…It’s naturally distributed.”
“We’ll resume tracking in a day. Rest until then.”
“Yes.”
As Sang Gwan-eung distanced himself from his subordinates, his face twisted in thought.
‘Losses?’
Of course, they could be tolerated.
Chasing wasn’t as easy as one might think. Hunters chasing predators always risked their lives against the predator’s claws. Due to the nature of Soul Chasing Pursuit Corps, sacrifices were always inevitable. But…
‘The nature of those sacrifices makes all the difference.’
Sang Gwan-eung swallowed hard. If the battle had escalated further?
‘I would have lost my head.’
Everyone who had started the mission with him in the Pursuit Corps was now dead and gone. The only one left standing was Sang Gwan-eung.
The reason he had managed to survive thus far wasn’t solely due to his skills. It was also because of his instinct to avoid death at all costs.
A while ago, he could feel it. The faint presence that was closing in on him. It was subtle, but incredibly ominous.
‘Hwasan Geomhyeop.’
If he had shown even the slightest opening, if there had been fewer subordinates surrounding him, that sword would have been thrust into Sang Gwan-eung’s throat. In the chaotic battlefield where everyone was rampaging like startled wild boars, only Hwasan Geomhyeop was lurking in the bushes like a venomous snake, targeting him.
‘Just one day…’
Sang Gwan-eung’s body trembled.
‘If only a couple of hours had been given…’
Im Sobyeong would have likely accepted his proposal. Even so, the fact that Sang Gwan-eung had offered a whole day was evidence of the immense psychological pressure he had experienced in that moment.
Or perhaps… he was afraid of facing that beast again.
Sang Gwan-eung glanced back towards the path he had just traversed.
‘It’s the first time I’ve been so reluctant to pursue someone.’
But he soon shook his head. It wouldn’t change anything. Another pursuit teams from Haomun were already gathering here.
‘Whether it’s Hwasan Geomhyeop or the return of Maehwa Geomjon from a hundred years ago, it makes no difference.’
In the end, this place would become their grave.
A grave without a single tombstone.
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