Chapter 1684
That’s not my concern! (4)
Boom!
A straight punch slammed into the opponent’s chest. The body of the person hit by the repeatedly trained punch flew back like a leaf caught in a storm.
Thud!
His movements embodied the very essence of self-control [절도(節度)]. The martial art that divides the world with the ultimate softness of Wudang’s Taiji, Shaolin’s Arhat Fist, was being demonstrated perfectly at Hye Yeon’s fingertips.
‘Impressive.’
Namgung Dowi couldn’t help but follow Hye Yeon’s movements with his eyes.
Due to Hye Yeon’s overwhelming fist power [권력(拳力)], he often forgot that he is a master who has internalized everything about Shaolin.
As he dove into the midst of flying weapons, the enemies who had been charging with a fierce momentum were flung back at twice the speed.
Namgung Dowi momentarily gasped. For a brief moment, he had lost track of Hye Yeon’s movements.
‘I can’t lose.’
Clenching his teeth, Namgung Dowi shouted.
“Haap!”
He pushed forward and swung his sword.
No matter how great a swordsman one may become, they all start by simply swinging an iron sword.
Twelve Strikes of the Iron Sword [철검십이식(鐵劍十二式)], which were the foundation of Namgung clan, were unleashed with full force at the tip of Namgung Dowi’s sword.
Slash! Slash! Slash!
This is a practical swordsmanship that minimizes the consumption of inner strength. The charging enemies were cut down in an instant. While some were missed in between, it didn’t matter because they weren’t alone here.
“Don’t let a single one pass behind!”
“Kill them all!”
“Advance slowly while retreating! Very slowly!”
Encouraged by the prowess of Hye Yeon and Namgung Dowi, the members of the division turned their backs to the mountain and blocked the rear like an iron wall.
Inspired by this momentum, Namgung Dowi swung his sword wide.
“What’s the distance to the vanguard?”
“It’s widened a bit, vice-leader!”
“Don’t fall behind! Increase speed!”
“Yes!”
Namgung Dowi, not relaxing his guard, turned to look behind him.
“With the mountain burning like that, if the formation is disrupted, we could be defeated one by one… What, what is that?”
Namgung Dowi’s eyes widened in surprise, unable to finish his sentence.
A black path was opening in the middle of the burning Wudang Mountain. A single path that was too clear to miss.
“…Cutting down trees? In this situation?”
No, could that even be…
“It’s good that the path is clearly visible.”
“Uh, what?”
Namgung Dowi flinched at Hye Yeon’s calm reaction.
Well, come to think of it, that was true. If it’s done that way, there would be no worry about those following getting confused. They wouldn’t have to follow people but just follow the path. In fact, it could be considered a wise method.
But with time being of the essence, cutting down trees unnecessarily?
Or… is that faster?
‘Damn, I don’t know.’
Namgung Dowi eventually let out a chuckle. There must be some thought behind it. Because it’s them.
“It’s good that the speed has increased, but… if we’re not careful, our formation might be cut off in the middle.”
“Then we just have to catch up faster.”
“Hmm. That’s indeed a fair point, Siju.”
As Hye Yeon smiled broadly, Namgung Dowi let out a laugh.
‘They always make things difficult.’
It’s not easy to fend off those following from behind and catch up to those racing ahead. Plus, now that they’ve entered the mountain, they must also be wary of enemies attacking from both sides, not just behind.
However, Namgung Dowi did not voice any complaints.
It was as if he could clearly hear the words that would come in response if he did.
– Can’t do it? Why? What’s so hard about it? Really, that’s why those who grew up in warm greenhouses with hot meals are like this…!
“It’s not wrong.”
“Sorry?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Namgung Dowi wore a bitter smile.
It’s only natural that it’s difficult. There’s nothing easy in the world. If something seems easy, it’s because you haven’t given it your all.
Now, he knows too. That if he doesn’t push himself to the limit, he’ll never be able to achieve the results he desires.
There’s nothing more wasteful than spending time pretending from a step behind.
If only he had realized this simple truth a bit earlier…
“They’re coming, Siju!”
“Yes!”
Namgung Dowi cleared his mind and firmly gripped his sword.
“Not a single one will get past!”
His sword shone brilliantly with a dazzling white aura.
❀ ❀ ❀
‘What’s the situation?’
Baek Cheon’s gaze quickly shifted to the rear. The enemy was following like a swarm of ants, but Namgung Dowi and Hye Yeon were blocking them perfectly.
It felt like he had two shields on his back. Moreover, those shields wouldn’t easily be shaken.
Baek Cheon looked forward again.
“If you want to die, try and block us, you bastards!”
Though his mouth was as reckless as ever, Jo Geol had literally become a spear, piercing through the enemy. And Yoon Jong, who was guarding the front, was ready to support Jo Geol at any moment.
Baek Cheon, sharply scanning his surroundings, commanded,
“Yoon Jong! Left front! The enemies are targeting the front!”
“Yes, Sasuk!”
Yoon Jong led his division and rushed forward. He cut in front of the enemies aiming at Jo Geol, as if declaring he wouldn’t let anyone interfere with him.
“Samae! Right side! Lead the people and support that side!”
“Yes.”
As soon as Baek Cheon’s words fell, Yu Iseol leaped into action. Like a flying bird, she soared and occupied the space where the enemies had yet to reach, standing firm like a great mountain. Her presence was truly intimidating.
The enemies flocked to where Yoon Jong and Yu Iseol had positioned themselves, but they had responded half a step – no, a whole step – faster.
“…You?”
Jin Geumryong looked at Baek Cheon with a somewhat surprised gaze, as if seeing him anew.
Baek Cheon slightly clenched his fist.
‘I can see it.’
It might sound strange, but it felt as if he was looking down at the mountain from the sky, the movements of the enemies seemingly tangible.
This was a sensation that did not exist for him until recently.
‘It’s ridiculous!’
Baek Cheon realized what had brought about this new sense.
In the past, there was no need for him to view the entire battle situation. If someone targeted the front, he would personally step in to block them. If they aimed for the rear, he would rush and swing his sword to handle it.
Do what can be done personally.
Carrying the most weight from the forefront was Baek Cheon’s way, and it was the way of Hwasan.
Ironically, the moment Baek Cheon could no longer stick to that method, he began to see things he hadn’t before. For instance…
“The rear is falling behind! Support the rear and maintain the formation!”
“…Are you talking to me?”
“Move, now!”
“Damn it.”
Jin Geumryong, with a displeased expression, gritted his teeth but nonetheless moved back. After glancing at him, Baek Cheon quickly focused his gaze forward again.
‘Is this the battlefield that he usually sees?’
So, that madman saw the battlefield with such clarity, even while swinging his sword at the front, didn’t he? Wider and more detailed?
“Every time I realize this…”
Baek Cheon gritted his teeth.
The person who knows how high the mountain is not the one looking from below but the one climbing it.
Baek Cheon, climbing toward where Chung Myung stood, was most keenly aware of just how monstrous a human Chung Myung was.
But now was not the time to be lost in admiration or despair.
A black path was being carved through the fiery terrain.
And the current Baek Cheon could catch even the slightest movement beyond the flickering flames.
‘They’re coming.’
They were closing in.
Not just from the front. From the left, right, and even the rear, enemies were approaching. At the moment, the speed at which Cheonumaeng was pushing forward was allowing them to evade the encirclement, but this situation couldn’t last forever.
‘What’s the solution?’
If he were his old self, he would have chosen the simplest method. To charge forward and open the way even faster than Jo Geol. That was the most certain way to break through the enemy’s encirclement.
But not now.
“Haaap!”
Baek Cheon kicked off the charred ground and charged towards Yoon Jong.
The ones following him gritted their teeth and ran after Baek Cheon.
“Sasuk?”
“We’re merging, Yoon Jong!”
Baek Cheon dove beside Yoon Jong and swung his sword immediately.
Ssssskk!
The sensation of the sword slicing through human flesh was vivid at the tip of his fingers.
“Kuhhk!”
Baek Cheon’s unexpected intrusion caught the enemy off guard, and he collapsed, spraying blood.
“Sasuk, l’ll take care of this side!”
“No. We push forward!”
“Yes?”
Instead of further explanations, Baek Cheon surged ahead and swung his sword again.
Even those issuing commands cannot be perfect. That applies to any side.
Even Cheonumaeng, with its simplest command structure, has limited orders it can issue in this situation. Therefore, even the mighty Sapaeryeon cannot deliver detailed commands to everyone scattered across the mountain.
This means that once their intention is disrupted, they will inevitably require time to reorganize their stance.
“Smash them all!”
“Damn it! Understood!”
Yoon Jong might not fully grasp the intent behind Baek Cheon’s command. However, instead of questioning, he executed the orders without hesitation.
That’s enough for now.
“Haaaap!”
The sword energy emanating from Yoon Jong’s sword scattered into countless plum blossoms in the air. The plum blossoms of Hwasan, blooming on the sacred grounds of Mount Wudang, quickly engulfed the approaching enemies.
“Ugh, aaah!”
“Retreat!”
It grew even stronger. To Baek Cheon’s eyes, the brilliant plum blossom sword energy was sweeping away the oncoming foes. His gaze lingered briefly, unable to leave the captivating sight of that sword energy.
The petals that had blossomed so splendidly slowly faded away. The dazzling brilliance lasted only for a moment, but that made it all the more beautiful.
“Sasuk?”
Thud.
Baek Cheon took a step forward. At Yoon Jong’s voice… no, before that voice even reached his mind.
“Lead the charge, Yoon Jong! I’ll support you!”
“Yes!”
As Yoon Jong pushed forward, Baek Cheon suddenly felt a strange sensation. Despite the situation, he paused and looked around.
Jo Geol was still opening the path ahead with all his might, Yoon Jong and Yu Iseol were attacking the flanks as instructed, and Hye Yeon and Namgung Dowi were perfectly blocking the rear.
The entire scene seemed like a rough painting on a large canvas. No, perhaps it felt more like a dream.
At that moment, a gruff voice interjected.
“Jin Dongryong!”
When Baek Cheon quickly turned around, he saw Jin Geumryong running at full speed.
“What are you doing, you idiot! Give the order!”
Snapping back to his senses, Baek Cheon shifted his gaze. Jo Geol, at the forefront, had almost reached the sheer white cliff.
Crunch!
Baek Cheon gripped his sword tightly.
“Fall back! Join the front!”
“Yes!”
Baek Cheon gritted his teeth.
‘Not yet!’
Even if it becomes unavoidable someday, now is not the time.
He was not finished yet.
Baek Cheon ran, not following Chung Myung’s back but pursuing Jo Geol’s.
“Open the way, Geol!”
“Uraaaaah!”
Jo Geol’s sword ruthlessly cut through the bodies of those desperately blocking the way. At some point, bright red blood began to drip from a long cut on Jo Geol’s cheek.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Crack!
Jo Geol’s gaze fixed ahead. Beyond the pierced body of the enemy, his sword reached the cliff.
The blood-stained white cliff stood like an impregnable fortress in front of him.
“Damn it! We’ve broken through, Sasuk!”
His euphoric, frantic shout echoed all around.
The White-Faced Cliff. Cheonumaeng has finally reached the cliff, now stained red.
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