Chapter 245: The War Cries of Heroes
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Birds chirping melodiously, making friends with the bamboo grove.
There was one person quietly walking through that bamboo forest filled with songs.
A woman with a youthful appearance, dressed in a black vest with her long hair tied up high.
She appeared to be a young girl, but she was actually thirty-eight years old this year – Black Rope Wondrous Lady Na Rae-hyang.
‘Cheol Ryu-heun…’
Having inwardly murmured that name, Na Rae-hyang recalled a conversation she had with Cheol Ryu-heun some time ago.
“I already heard from Seop Pyo. Ink Zither Aged Grandmother Song San is your master?”
“That’s right.”
“He said there’s a secretive reason for hiding your master-disciple relationship and operating as an unorthodox person.”
“Yes, but I’m not quite ready to speak of that yet…”
“Forget it. I have no intention of prying anyway.”
“AH… Yes.”
“Anyway, I’ve learned one thing for certain. Watching for and preventing the rise of evil groups like the Sun Moon Demon Cult. That’s the path you and your master walk.”
“Correct. Looking at martial history, organizations that cause chaos always approached secretly. So we too secretly built our strength.”
“I heard you’ve experienced demonic energy before? That’s how you discerned that First Seat’s energy was of demonic nature.”
“More precisely… I learned about the fundamental properties of various demonic energies.”
“Yes, I roughly understand now.”
“Pardon?”
“The energies left behind by the Heavenly Demon. You experienced those.”
“…!”
“Did I hit the mark?”
“H-how…”
“That’s not important. Anyway, I suspect Ink Zither Aged Grandmother Song San is residing in a place where that power dwells.”
“Could it be… are you reading my thoughts?”
“Call it intuition. I have good instincts.”
“Um… I heard you’re still in your twenties though…”
“Just think of me as an old soul in a young body. Well, while we’re at it, let me ask something else. Is the place where your master stays the same place where The Deviant Eccentric is hiding?”
“…!”
“I see. Your eyes gave a very honest reaction.”
“My word… You’re amazing. I truly can’t hide anything from you.”
“I’ll be visiting that place soon. I think we could help each other. Go ahead and wait there.”
“What about the Sun Moon Demon Cult matter…”
“You’d better sit this one out. The scale has grown now.”
“UMMM…”
“No matter how famous you are for a fickle temperament, if you get involved in an all-out war with the Sun Moon Demon Cult, many will find it strange. Then your existing secretive activities will become burdensome. Ink Zither Aged Grandmother also continues hiding there because she has judged it’s not yet time to reveal yourselves. Am I wrong?”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“The only fate awaiting the Sun Moon Demon Cult is destruction. So go back and report. I’ll come looking when things are settled.”
“It won’t be easy to just walk in. As you know, that place has powerful…”
“What are you talking about.”
“Pardon?”
“Let me briefly show you my power. Then that should be sufficient answer.”
At the end of her reverie, a scene flashed through her mind.
‘I was actually speechless when I saw it. Such a thrill… it was my first time.’
Just as Na Rae-hyang was inwardly impressed.
FLUTTER, FLUTTER.
From somewhere, the sound of long garment fabric flapping was heard.
Who could it be?
Somehow the direction was hard to pinpoint.
It felt like someone hiding in the greenery, circling around, yet the presence seemed like multiple people moving.
That meant their lightness skill was very excellent.
Having stopped walking, Na Rae-hyang spoke while gazing forward.
“Come out. Stop playing around.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the fluttering sound abruptly stopped.
SASAS.
A single figure landed as light as a feather at a nearby spot ahead.
A young woman wearing a green palace dress.
She was Bamboo Grove Divine Maiden Jeung Ji-rim, with innocent features.
One who, along with Na Rae-hyang, was called one of the Four Great Strange Women of the Jiangxi region…
Jeung Ji-rim approached with a smiling face and greeted.
“Sister, welcome back.”
“I dropped by on my way back. You happened to be here.”
“I went to Zhejiang region and returned not long ago.”
“Yes, I heard before. Were there any unusual developments in that region?”
“HMM, there’s one thing.”
“What is it?”
“The young Family Head of the Zhejiang Son Family.”
“Son Ja-ryong?”
“Yes. He has finally risen to the ranks of the strongest in Zhejiang region. His development is really fast, isn’t it?”
“I’m not surprised. He was originally a person of outstanding talent…”
“OH MY, OH MY, what are you saying? He’s more than outstanding. I’ve never seen a sword genius superior to him… Why else would some call him the Young Sword King?”
“I have.”
“Pardon?”
“White Peak Sword Sect Leader.”
“White Peak… Sword Sect Leader?”
“The direct disciple of the previous Sect Leader White Peak Sword Gentleman, Cheol Ryu-heun. You haven’t heard rumors about him yet, right?”
“AH… Yes. I only just came home, so… But you’re saying he’s an even greater genius than Son Ja-ryong ? I can’t understand.”
“You’ll understand when you see him.”
“HMMM… Sister isn’t someone who would say such things carelessly…”
“You’ll meet him too. He said he’ll come to where Master is before long.”
“To meet the Elder…? Wait, you told him our location?”
“He just… said he has good intuition. That’s how he guessed.”
“…”
“Shall I tell you something surprising? He also met the mysterious enemy that Master witnessed in the past, the party of Sect Leader Cheol.”
“Pardon? Could it be…!”
“That’s right. The poisonous insect that parasitizes the body and explodes green flames.”
At that, Jeung Ji-rim’s expression greatly wavered.
“…!”
“And one more thing.”
Na Rae-hyang continued, her eyes deepening.
“The energy that’s heavily entrenched in the place where we stay – he said he can control it. Sect Leader Cheol…”
“Goodness! How could he…?”
“I confirmed the possibility after seeing Sect Leader Cheol’s power. Now, let’s talk more as we go.”
“HMM… Yes, understood. Oh, I heard from the Elder. Was the identity of the demonic world confirmed?”
“It was the Sun Moon Demon Cult.”
“AH!”
“I learned that through Sect Leader Cheol as well. It’s today.”
“Today? What do you mean?”
When Jeung Ji-rim tilted her head and asked, a smile spread across Na Rae-hyang’s lips.
“HU… The day Sect Leader Cheol annihilate the Sun Moon Demon Cult.”
* * *
The majestic great peak, the elegant undulation of ridges, the graceful harmony of vegetation.
The scenery of Mount Zhongnan was thus a masterpiece of nature.
About a hundred martial artists carrying swords appeared there.
CHEOK, CHEOK, CHEOK…
The group climbing the gently sloping path with disciplined movements.
It was the imposing procession of personnel from Ximen Family, the prominent orthodox faction and distinguished martial family representing the Shaanxi region.
The person at the very front displayed an exceptional bearing.
The elegant demeanor of the young man draped in ceremonial robes of red silk was truly first-rate.
Even “dignified” wasn’t enough to describe it.
It was to the extent that one could say there was no man superior to him among his peers.
Celestial Wind Sword Youth Ximen Yue.
It was him.
As the old saying goes, clothes make the man.
But Ximen Yue seemed to be the opposite.
It felt as though the red ceremonial robe shone brighter because he wore it.
That garment, creating an elegant flutter, symbolized only one thing.
Family Head.
That’s right.
It was the ceremonial robe symbolizing the generations of Family Heads of the Ximen Family.
How far had they climbed?
Ximen Yue suddenly spoke in a quiet voice.
“Our family’s prestige… and the halo of being Father’s third son… Without those, you wouldn’t have readily followed me. No matter how amazing the power I displayed.”
At that, the eyes of the man behind him quietly deepened.
It was Nu-heum, the Squad Commander of the Swift Wind Squad’s Third Squad.
“Young Master…”
“In truth, there were quite a few coercive elements. I’m sorry. I made you step into that darkness. I was captured by a demonic heart… but you were simply martial artists of the household.”
Nu-heum shook his head and responded.
“Please don’t say such things. It’s not solely Young Master’s responsibility.”
“No.”
“…”
“Responsibility. That’s something I must bear. Therefore… I plan to settle everything and return.”
Having stopped walking, Ximen Yue lightly touched his sword handle.
CHEOKCHEOK-
The procession also stopped.
As Ximen Yue quietly turned around, sunlight shone down on his face.
It was different.
From before…
His eyes beneath his thick eyebrows held a magnanimous spirit and were filled with clear light.
Nu-heum and the others formed slight smiles.
They smiled as if moved by his warm gaze.
Ximen Yue covered the dazzling sunlight with his hand and spoke in a quiet voice while squinting.
“Sect Leader Cheol said. That I was only a demon in name… The outgrowth of prejudice toward discrimination and obsession toward success… Although I gained power based on that, he said I was a rookie who didn’t even have the nerve to actually kill someone…”
All of the Swift Wind Squad listened in silence.
At that moment, Ximen Yue’s eye-light changed.
The warmth vanished and coldness swirled.
“Not today. My heart is steel, and my sword will be merciless.”
Not to be outdone, everyone including Nu-heum made cold expressions.
As if vowing to show no mercy in following his will.
Seeing that, Ximen Yue spoke again.
“I… will step down after this fight ends. This might be our last day. I’ve already fulfilled my wish. Just wearing this ceremonial robe satisfies me.”
At that, Nu-heum was swept by an indescribable emotion.
“Young Master…”
“Let’s decorate the ending splendidly and return home.”
“YES!”
And so the procession led by Ximen Yue resumed climbing the mountain path.
CHEOK, CHEOK, CHEOK, CHEOK…
Soon a mountain gate came into view ahead.
Zhongnan Sect.
Suddenly a series of wind sounds were heard.
HWIRIRIK, HWIRIRIK-
Two men in black clothes appeared ahead.
They were cultists belonging to Sun Moon Demon Cult.
Lower-level forces performing guard duty.
The two cultists spoke with puzzled expressions.
“Welcome. But we didn’t expect you so soon.”
“We’ll guide you first. This way…”
Ximen Yue, with cold eyes, cut off their words.
“There’s no need.”
“Pardon?”
“We came to destroy that den of demons.”
“What…!”
Just as the two cultists’ expressions changed dramatically, sword-light flashed.
SHUKAAAAAK-!
Two cultists fell, felled by a swift sword that outpaced sound.
THUD, THUD…
Immediately after, Ximen Yue gazed at the cliff towering far in the distance.
Suddenly.
FLASH.
A pure white light was seen rapidly descending onto it.
He knew what that was.
Divine Wind and Cheol Ryu-heun.
‘It begins!’
Having withdrawn his gaze, Ximen Yue raised his treasured sword Wind Blowing Sword high.
“Annihilate!”
With his command, Swift Wind Squad all drew their swords simultaneously and charged toward the Zhongnan Sect.
“WAAAAAAAAA!”
That became the signal.
-WAAAAAAAAA… WAAAAAAAAA… WAAAAAAAAA…!
War cries erupting from all directions.
PAPAPAPAPA, PAPAPAPAPA-
Countless shadows leaped through the dense forest.
They were the elite forces of the White Peak Sword Sect, Mount Heng Sect, Thunder Lightning Sect, Jackal Wolf Blade Sect, Azure Heaven Sword Sect, Broken Mountain Sword Manor, Wudang Sect, Heaven-Shaking Sword Palace, Green Forest Alliance, Giant Roc Blade Sect, Gold Spear Fortress, Beggar Sect, and more.
Among them was also Ju Yu-gang, the current Country Magistrate of Wuyang, wearing a mask to conceal his identity.
Ximen Yue glanced at the person who had suddenly appeared right beside him.
A demon who pursues righteousness.
It was Gal Jung-heon, the transcendent expert and former Nine Demon Alliance Leader.
In response to Gal Jung-heon’s voice transmission, Ximen Yue nodded.
BOOM!
The moment Gal Jung-heon, having explosively channeled energy through his Bubbling Spring point, rushed toward Mount Zhongnan’s main gate.
WOONG!
The demonic weapon Demon-Devouring Sword let out a cry and released majestic sword energy.
KWAAAAAAAAA- KKWAGWAGWAGWAGWANG-!
Formidable sword force that demolished not just the main gate but the walls on both sides as well.
CRASH, CRASH, CRASH…
That announced the beginning of the great battle.
* * *
-WAAAAAAAAA… WAAAAAAAAA… WAAAAAAAAA…!
Aryun-nan’s eyebrows rose as he sat in the grand chair.
‘UMMM?’
Just then, the First Apostle of the Eight Great Apostles opened the door and entered.
“Cult Leader! We’re under attack! It appears to be a combined force!”
At those words, a smile spread across Aryun-nan’s lips.
“KEUKKEUKKEUK. How dare…”
He then stood up and said in a calm voice.
“Crush them all. This is an opportunity to weaken the martial world’s forces. I’ll come out immediately too.”
“As you command!”
The moment the First Apostle disappeared outside like the wind, the pavilion shook with a loud noise.
KWAKWAKWAKWANG- DEUDEUDEUDEUK-!
It was the roar and vibration coming from the top of the three-story pavilion.
Aryun-nan, who was moving, stopped in his tracks.
His gaze turned upward.
KWAKWAKWANG- KWAKWAKWANG-!
Immediately more loud sounds followed.
Something was breaking through vertically through the building.
Suddenly the great hall’s massive ceiling was destroyed.
KKWAJIJIJIIK, KKWAJIJIJIIK…!
Something large fell down like a flash of light.
KKUGOONG, KKUGUGOONG- JJEOJEOJEOK, JJEOJEOJEOK, JJEOJEOK…
Amidst the floor being covered entirely with spider-web cracks.
“Where are you going?”
An indifferent voice reached Aryun-nan’s ears.
SEUK.
Aryun-nan’s gaze fixed on the front.
Not far away, the owner of the voice was sitting on a horse.
It was Cheol Ryu-heun.
Aryun-nan smiled upon confirming his clothing.
“HUT, the martial attire of White Peak Sword Sect Leader… So it was you. Cheol Ryu-heun…”
Cheol Ryu-heun, having dismounted, patted Divine Wind’s back.
BOOM!
As Divine Wind kicked off the ground and leaped, disappearing from sight.
SEUREUNG, SEUREUREUNG.
Cheol Ryu-heun and Aryun-nan drew their swords almost simultaneously.
At that moment.
PIT-
In the blink of an eye, Cheol Ryu-heun’s sword tip, having compressed the distance, struck hard at his opponent’s front.
JJEOEOEOEONG- PEOEOEOONG!
With that, Aryun-nan, who had been blown through the back wall and crashed into something, made a thudding sound.
Cheol Ryu-heun strode toward the hole in the wall and said.
“No manners. I’m older than you.”