Chapter 182: Chapter 182
‘It seems Heavenly Ear Beggar’s information was correct.’
Cheon-hwi recalled the information delivered by Heavenly Ear Beggar, who had visited a few days ago.
The advance of the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju.
And that they were rapidly expanding their power by destroying the small and medium-sized sects of Shaanxi or placing them under their feet.
It was a truly unconventional move.
Usually, an advance of this magnitude had to have a justification or some intention.
But right now, there was no reason at all for their movements.
They were simply rapidly expanding their power and growing in size. Just like a greedy beast that wanted to shut up and eat everything in front of its eyes.
So, as soon as Cheon-hwi heard that information from Heavenly Ear Beggar, he held back a sneer.
‘Do they not know that just because their power grows doesn’t mean they become a great sect?’
What was the use if the sect grew like that?
They might become huge, but accordingly, the foundation that should be the center would be weak, so they were liable to collapse at any time.
‘It’s no different from a castle built on sand.’
However, that was Cheon-hwi’s position.
Those who were attacked by the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju could not think so leisurely.
Castle built on sand?
Before considering such things, hadn’t their sects already been turned into ruins?
Cheon-hwi scanned the faces of the sect leaders sitting across the table and those who visited the Mount Hua Sect this time one by one.
Their expressions were serious without exception.
No, was it just their expressions?
Their eyes, all staring at the Sect Leader, were sunken gloomily.
Even so, a faint light of hope was rising, but it was so faint that it felt like it would be passed by if not looked at closely.
Meanwhile, the Sect Leader, who had read their anxious eyes just like Cheon-hwi, closed and opened his eyes once before opening his mouth.
“You have all worked hard.”
Everyone looked at the Sect Leader.
Looking at his profound pupils that harmonized with his gentle eye shape, they felt their boiling anger subsiding.
“How much mental suffering must you have gone through from the vicious attacks of the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju. If there is anyone who has suffered a fatal injury, bring them to this sect. I cannot help with many things, but I will at least provide treatment and protection.”
The listeners’ eyes widened.
Currently, their biggest worry was none other than the safety of their disciples and families.
But the Sect Leader was saying it as if he had noticed that.
The anxiety that had remained deep in a corner of their hearts disappeared as if washed away.
“Thank you.”
“……Thank you.”
As they bowed their heads deeply to express their gratitude, the Sect Leader smiled faintly.
That smile seemed to soothe their wounded hearts.
“More than that, I heard you wanted to join forces with this sect this time, is that true?”
Everyone’s expressions faintly stiffened.
Soon, they nodded one by one, their eyes shining.
“That is correct.”
The Jinmu Dojo Leader spoke as if representing them.
‘Wow, they sure are thick-skinned.’
Cheon-hwi was dumbfounded looking at them.
‘What do you mean join forces, you just want to borrow the power of the Mount Hua Sect.’
It was a ridiculously funny situation.
If you counted their current combat power, those gathered here would probably be the majority.
Well, even giving them the benefit of the doubt, there might be a few disciples, but even so, it was meaningless, like barely adding a scoop of water to the sea.
Probably, their current combat power would not be of much help to the Mount Hua Sect.
The reason they came was obvious.
Revenge.
However, because it was embarrassing to say that, they put forward the great cause of protecting Shaanxi and tried to borrow the power of the Mount Hua Sect.
‘It seems the Sect Leader knows more about that than I do.’
He secretly looked at the Sect Leader.
Beneath his gently smiling eyes, a cold and chilling gaze was sweeping over them.
It was a gaze full of cool-headedness.
However, it disappeared in an instant, and soon his profound gaze emerged again.
“That is good.”
The Sect Leader spoke in a soft tone.
At that single sentence, bright smiles vividly surfaced on the faces of those sitting.
“If it’s the Great Mount Hua Sect, no matter how much it is the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju, they will not be able to make a move.”
“As expected of the Mount Hua Sect!”
They excitedly praised the Mount Hua Sect.
“Then what shall we do?”
For a moment, silence flowed.
As they only thought of visiting the Mount Hua Sect and hadn’t thought of a specific method, they shut their mouths and sweated profusely.
“If you don’t have a plan conceived yet, would it be alright for this sect to think of one?”
The Sect Leader spoke quietly.
“Please do so!”
“We will follow the Mount Hua Sect’s opinion.”
At the answers that came back as if they had been waiting, the Sect Leader wore a faint smile.
Then, looking at Cheon-hwi, he asked.
“What would you do if it were you?”
“If it were me, I would attack right now.”
“……Wouldn’t that be dangerous?”
“It didn’t seem like it would be.”
Cheon-hwi turned his head as he spoke.
“From what I see, those guys called the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju or whatever were blindly attacking everywhere to expand their power. Is that correct?”
As Cheon-hwi looked around and asked, most of them were flustered.
His un-Daoist-like tone was one thing, but to speak so casually of ‘that’ Four Supreme Powers of Sinju.
At that time, the Jinmu Dojo Leader, who came to his senses first, nodded and answered.
“That’s right. Currently, the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju are scattering in all directions and moving separately to expand their power at full speed.”
Cheon-hwi grinned.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to deal with them when their forces are dispersed like that, rather than being grouped as one?”
“B-But no matter how scattered they are, they are all strong.”
The Jinmu Dojo Leader said, biting his lip.
He too had ignored and looked down on them, saying they were just an Unorthodox Faction even though they were called the ‘Four Supreme Powers of Sinju’.
However, their skills were too strong and organized to be called a mere Unorthodox Faction.
It was miraculous how they had remained unknown until now.
Others also agreed with his words.
“The Jinmu Dojo Leader’s words are correct. They were not people who could be easily dealt with.”
“They are not ordinary guys. Their skills cannot be called a mere Unorthodox Faction.”
Cheon-hwi snorted.
“Even so, they are all the same. Besides, if you needlessly dilly-dally, they will likely hasten their advance even more. It seems it will be too late by then.”
“Hmm…….”
Just when everyone was letting out groans.
“Sect Leader!”
A loud shout was heard from afar.
Everyone’s gaze moved in that direction.
At the edge of the hill, Jeok-wun, with a pale white face, was running towards them.
The Sect Leader, who felt that something unusual had happened from his complexion, opened his mouth.
“What is the matter?”
“T-The Four Supreme Powers of Sinju are attacking the secular sects!”
At that moment, Cheon-hwi chuckled and said.
“How about it? My words were right, weren’t they?”
The Sect Leader frowned.
However, that was only for a moment; facing Cheon-hwi, he let out a low voice.
“……What will you do?”
“I have to chase down those guys called the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju or whatever across the world and crush them.”
“Is that possible?”
“Yes.”
At Cheon-hwi’s answer, the Sect Leader closed and opened his eyes as if contemplating for a moment.
“I will entrust this matter to you.”
Just when several sect leaders present were surprised by the unconventional words.
“I was waiting for those words.”
Cheon-hwi abruptly stood up from his seat.
And a little while later.
The disciples of Mount Hua lined up at the mountain gate.
Standing like firm rocks, they tensed up looking at the Sect Leader in front of them.
“Has everyone gathered?”
“Yes!”
A resounding voice echoed in Mount Hua.
The Sect Leader calmed his eyes looking at the disciples full of resolute gazes.
“You must have heard the news and know.”
Tension hung thickly.
“As if it wasn’t enough for the Four Supreme Powers of Sinju, who had previously defeated this sect, to run rampant, they have touched the secular sects of this sect.”
The disciples’ eyes widened.
It was probably because the words ‘defeated’ and ‘Four Supreme Powers of Sinju’ stimulated them.
The Sect Leader continued his words.
“Perhaps this time will be the final battle risking the fate of them and this sect.”
The tension crushed them.
It was something they had already anticipated in their heads, but hearing it through the Sect Leader’s mouth felt new.
For a moment, silence flowed.
In the stillness where not even the sound of breathing could be heard, the Sect Leader observed the disciples.
They were quietly holding their breath, but an unconcealable fighting spirit could be felt in their eyes.
The Plum Blossom Swordsmen were particularly different.
Was it because they recalled the day they were defeated, their eyes were practically fierce.
The Sect Leader subtly stepped back.
“Listen to the rest from the General Squad Leader who has taken charge of this matter from now on.”
Cheon-hwi stepped forward one pace.
“It’s the first mission of the Martial Force Squads.”
It was an incredibly calm remark.
However, the disciples listening to it, no.
The three Martial Force Squads put strength into their eyes.
“We will divide into two and move this time. The Flying Sword Squad and Fire Spirit Squad will move with me, and the Martial Bloom Squad will protect Mount Hua.”
The disciples’ expressions became serious.
Cheon-hwi looked at them and said.
“The two Martial Force Squads, follow me well.”
Cheon-hwi kicked the ground.
Ta-at!
Unlike the light sound, his figure burst forward explosively. The disciples hardened their eyes watching Cheon-hwi cut across the earth and advance like an arrow in a single breath.
And they moved their feet at the same time.
Ta-at!
Dirt scattered in all directions.
Before they knew it, dust clouds spread thickly, and soon everyone except the Sect Leader and the Martial Bloom Squad disappeared from the mountain gate.
The Sect Leader whispered while looking at Cheon-hwi and the disciples who were no longer visible.
“……Return safely.”
* * *
The Hwayu Escort Agency was a quite well-known escort agency in Shaanxi, a group founded by Han Yu-seong, a secular disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.
Not only the escort agency leader Han Yu-seong, but many of the head escorts and escorts were also from the Mount Hua Sect.
Because of that, it maintained a close relationship with the Mount Hua Sect and was treated almost as a semi-secular sect, and it was a place that had grown rapidly while gaining great trust in Jianghu.
But now, a group of people had appeared at the main gate of that Hwayu Escort Agency and was attacking it.
“Keok!”
“S-Sect Leader…….”
At the sight of the escorts and guards collapsing under the attack of the group of people, Han Yu-seong gritted his teeth and shouted loudly.
“Who are you to target this escort agency?!”
Right then.
“It’s because you rejected the offer.”
A voice was heard.
It was a cold voice that seemed to send chills down one’s spine the moment they heard it.
The gazes of the escorts belonging to the Hwayu Escort Agency, including Han Yu-seong, turned towards the source.
There, a man with a gentle impression was walking with his hands clasped behind his back.
Han Yu-seong’s eyes furrowed.
“What do you mean, rejected?”
“Have you forgotten already?”
The man wore a faint smile.
“I told you to abandon Mount Hua and pledge loyalty to this valley. Tsk. To reject that.”
“C-Could it be…… S-Sayu Valley?”
“That’s right.”
The man calmly admitted it.
“You’re crazy. To do such a thing to this escort agency. Do you think the Mount Hua Sect will just stand by?”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
The man’s smile deepened.
“We messed with you this grandly, so if they just stand by, could they be called a sect of Jianghu?”
Han Yu-seong’s eyes trembled.
He was not afraid.
Rather, it was a smile and expression that seemed to welcome it as if he had been waiting for it.
“……Did you aim for this from the beginning?”
“It’s fortunate that you realized it even now.”
The man wiped away his smile.
At the same time, a dreadful killing intent wafted over.
“Keuk!”
Han Yu-seong’s expression turned pale.
However, he did not waver.
He could not afford to waver.
Because he had to show the head escorts and escorts fighting against these groups right now that he was not being pushed back.
Han Yu-seong inhaled deeply.
And infusing the internal energy of the Plum Blossom Qi Art into the sword he was gripping in his hand, his eyes shone.
“I won’t go down easily.”
“You have good resolve. But do you know? To have resolve in Jianghu, you need to possess skills that match it.”
The man grinned. Along with that, he drew the blade he was wearing at his waist.
The appearance of the blade revealed to the outside was truly bizarre. The edge of the tip was irregular, like a beast’s teeth.
‘S-Sawtooth Blade?!’
“But your skills are lacking compared to your resolve.”
Hwa-a-ak!
An even more explicit killing intent flowed out than before and pierced Han Yu-seong’s entire body.
“Meet your death gracefully.”
The man distorted his face and lunged.
Ta-at!
The man’s figure, shot like a ray of light, closed the distance between the two in a single breath.
“……!”
Looking at the distorted face of the man who appeared in front of him in an instant, Han Yu-seong gritted his teeth and raised his sword.
Ka-a-ang!
He barely managed to block it.
“Keok!”
However, the intense energy and weight loaded on the Sawtooth Blade felt like it would shatter the sword and cleave downwards right this moment.
As the man applied more strength.
Gi-gi-gi-gik…
An unpleasant noise erupted.
The Sawtooth Blade pressed down on the sword, and its unique edge slowly gnawed away at Han Yu-seong’s sword body.
“Keu-euk!”
The sword, pushed back by the man’s strength, approached right under his nose before he knew it, and a sharp, eerie sharpness gradually pierced in.
“You’re holding up better than I thought. But do you think this is all I have?”
“What……?!”
The man’s momentum exploded radiantly.
As if what he had shown so far was nothing, a momentum and strength incomparable to before pressed down on the sword.
“……?!”
Han Yu-seong’s body staggered greatly.
His soles were already buried about three inches into the dirt floor, and his face was distorted so miserably that it was hard to look at.
Soon, even his knees gave way completely.
‘A-Am I going to die like this.’
Despair settled in the eyes of Han Yu-seong, who experienced an overwhelming difference in skill in a single exchange.
Even during that time, the Sawtooth Blade drew closer.
Right when the Sawtooth Blade was about to split Han Yu-seong from the crown of his head.
Hu-ung…
Something pitch-black appeared.
The pitch-black something that appeared faster than light struck the man’s face.
Ppa-gak!
Unable to even let out a scream, the man spun in the air several times, then soon fell to the floor and trembled quiveringly.
“Wow, you really caused quite a ruckus.”
At the voice heard suddenly, Han Yu-seong turned his head, and his two eyes widened.
Because there, a handsome youth wearing the uniform of the Mount Hua Sect was standing with a scabbard slung over his shoulder.
An arrogant expression and attitude for a Daoist.
However, Han Yu-seong didn’t think that appearance was strange. It was to the point where he rather thought it suited him.
At that time, the lips of the handsome youth, Cheon-hwi, opened.
“Now then, let’s begin the mission.”
As soon as those words finished.
Pa-ba-bat!
Daoists of the Mount Hua Sect crossed over the wall, displaying astonishing lightfoot martial arts.
“……?!”
“M-Mount Hua Sect?”
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