To where you should be. (5)

“Coming from the right!”

Baek Cheon’s voice erupted with urgency…

No, even before that, Namgung Dowi soared through the air towards Baek Cheon’s right.

“Woooaah!”

A brilliant white sword energy burst forth.

Kwaah!

The rushing torrents of sword energy crushed those charging towards them. Despite the sight that was agonizing to witness, Maninbang’s warriors charged forward without hesitation, even as their comrades fell beside them.

“I-Ik!”

Namgung Dowi’s face showed bewilderment.

The enemies rushing towards Baek Cheon and Chung Myung didn’t even seem to see him as they bypassed, unleashing attacks solely towards Chung Myung held by Baek Cheon.

“These bastards!”

With fury driving him, Namgung Dowi’s sword slashed through the air once again. But even as his waist was severed, the enemy did not cease their onslaught.

In the moment Namgung Dowi opened his eyes, Seol Sobaek intercepted the attack aimed at Chung Myung.

“Aaaargh!”

Seol Sobaek’s sword, imbued with a chilling frost, pierced through the enemy’s neck. The flesh of Maninbang’s warriors, corroded by the cold, quickly became covered in white frost.

“Palace Lord!”

“I-I will block it! Watch out!”

Seol Sobaek gritted his teeth and directed his gaze towards Namgung Dowi. Seeing the earnestness in his eyes, Namgung Dowi nodded and turned away.

Maninbang’s warriors were rushing blindly towards Chung Myung.

It was a familiar sight, but their momentum seemed different from before. They seemed more frightened than filled with madness.

He knew.

‘They are afraid too.’

The idea of sending Chung Myung away alive from this place, and thereby giving him the chance to regain consciousness and wield his sword again, was terrifying.

What have they seen in Chung Myung that made them fear his survival more than their own death?

“Aaargh!”

With a beastly roar, the enemies surged forward from the opposite side.

Saaah!

Meeting them head-on was Yu Iseol, who had turned back and was fiercely swinging her sword.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Wherever her sword passed, red blood bloomed like flowers. Yet, even those with their throats halfway cut, or their thighs severed, did not halt their advance. They seemed oblivious to pain.

Kaaaang!

Before a Maninbang’s warrior, who was spilling his internal organs, could land a blow with his sword, it was deflected away from Chung Myung.

Thunk.

Baek Cheon’s face was horribly distorted due to the impact.

He had indeed blocked it perfectly. But even so, Baek Cheon couldn’t help but feel his body tremble.

Now, even a minor shock could end Chung Myung’s life.

“Block more thoroughly, damn it! Don’t even let them swing their weapons!”

There was no response. No, there didn’t need to be. Everyone was already of the same mind. Even if it meant risking their own lives, they would save Chung Myung. From the very beginning, their sole purpose in coming down this treacherous path from Gangnam had been one and the same.

“Woooo!”

Hye Yeon’s power surged forth, forcefully pushing back the oncoming assailants. Ahead, Tang Pae’s dagger sliced through the air like a streak of light.

“Yoon Jong!”

“Yes, Sasuk!”

Yoon Jong leaped into the air, digging through the descending enemies. His blade conjured a large plum blossom veil in the air.

‘Chung Myung!’

In the brief moment of striking down foes, Yoon Jong turned his head to check on Chung Myung’s condition. His face, drenched in dried blood, appeared as pale as a corpse.

Thunk.

Yoon Jong bit his lip and spun his body around, unleashing a barrage of strikes with his sword.

The enemy continued to advance relentlessly. Five Swords’ momentum had long since ceased, they were no longer charging forward vigorously. Just pushing back the attackers approaching Chung Myung was enough to exhaust all their energy in this spot.

“This…”

A hollow laugh burst from Im Sobyeong’s lips.

“It took a long time.”

He scanned the surroundings, searching for Ho Gamyeong among them. However, his figure was obscured by the crowd.

On the contrary, if Maninbang had tried to block the way, they would have been able to break through. But if they were aiming for Chung Myung, there was no way to stop them. Protecting one person was more difficult than defeating a hundred.

Even amidst the chaos, Ho Gamyeong managed to pinpoint the vulnerability on this side and aimed for it meticulously. That’s what made him terrifying.

‘We have to escape.’

Realistically, survival is paramount. Even if it means abandoning Chung Myung, they must leave this place. If that’s not possible, they must charge out, even if it means Chung Myung suffers more injuries.

Yes, that’s right. It’s an opinion that any strategist would naturally put forward.

But as he was about to speak, Baek Cheon’s back caught his eye. A resolute back that showed no sign of hesitation, not even a hint.

His mouth involuntarily closed.

‘They must know.’

Yes, they must. Everyone, not just Im Sobyeong, must know what they need to do to survive.

Enemies surging like mad dogs, attacks raining down relentlessly towards the unconscious Chung Myung.

If just one of them were to close their eyes, pretend not to notice, they could become free by ignoring the attack. Then, perhaps, they could save their own life.

But no one hesitates. As if refusing to witness Chung Myung’s death until their own lives are extinguished, they squeezed out every last drop of remaining blood.

What can be said to such people?

Im Sobyeong’s gaze turned towards Chung Myung, whom Baek Cheon was holding. This fool who had repeated nothing but foolish and reckless actions. Despite knowing it was wrong, he had never hesitated even once.

A bitter laugh escaped Im Sobyeong’s lips.

“…All this talk about strategy and tactics…”

If they had originally intended to discuss strategy, then coming this far was a mistake.

‘That’s why people like me are useless in the end.’

The members of Maninbang charging towards the ground were swept away by the fan wielded by Im Sobyeong.

‘Yeah. You won, Ho Gamyeong.’

Defeat always tasted bitter. However, this time, it didn’t sting as much as before. Reluctantly, it seemed there were defeats better than winning in this world.

“Try killing me first! You filthy Sapa bastards!”

As Im Sobyeong swung the fan with all his malice, a blue aura surged forth.

Watching his performance, Baek Cheon surveyed his surroundings slowly.

It felt like enemies surrounded him from all directions, like the whole world turned hostile.

Yet, Baek Cheon felt no fear. What he felt was pity.

‘So, this is what you’ve been seeing.’

Fighting alone in a place like this, what emotions did he have swunging his sword? What emotions must he have endured with?

“You always annoyed people.”

Baek Cheon chuckled, but in that moment, a massive explosion erupted above his head. A black poisonous cloud began to spread in all directions. Baek Cheon’s eyes were bloodshot.

“Block it!”

“Ooooooh!”

Hye Yeon leaped straight into the air. His hands multiplied into hundreds, thousands. The sight of the golden palms covering the sky was indescribably magnificent.

However, the successive explosions of poisonous dust penetrated even Hye Yeon’s formidable barrier.

Kwaaaaah!

In an instant, Namgung Dowi dashed forward, unleashing his sword energy. Massive waves of brilliant sword energy coiled with poisonous clouds, soaring into the air.

Once! And again! Once more!

Sweat poured like rain, but Namgung Dowi didn’t stop, swinging his sword until his dantian burst.

‘It’s a life already owed!’

His life wasn’t his to begin with. There was nothing to save or regret.

Paaaaaah!

Beneath the sword energy he released, crimson plum blossoms of Hwasan bloomed.

Even on this barren land where plum blossoms should never bloom, it appeared like a desolate mountain in distant Shaanxi.

Kwaaaaaang!

“Gah!”

“Palace Lord!”

“Don’t look back, just fight! Look ahead!”

At the sound of worrying voices, Seol Sobaek shouted as if seized by a fit. His chest gaping wide, blood pouring out as a result of blocking sword energy with his body because he was too late to react with his sword..

But Seol Sobaek didn’t even consider staunching the bleeding, instead, he swung his sword again at the flying sword energy.

‘I won’t die from this.’

Such wounds wouldn’t kill him, even if he received ten more. But Chung Myung was different. Now, even a small wound posed a serious threat to his life. So, he couldn’t afford to whimper.

“Dieeee!”

However, as his movements slightly slowed from the wound, an enemy seized the opportunity, leaping over Seol Sobaek. At the enemy’s attempt to stab Chung Myung with his sword, Seol Sobaek’s eyes widened in shock.

In that moment, someone’s arm blocked Chung Myung’s front.

Thunk!

With a sound as the sword pierced to the bone, blood gushed out.

“Yu Dojang!”

Seol Sobaek swung his sword, striking down the neck of the member of Maninbang. Yet, Yu Iseol paid no attention, cutting down others.

The concentration, squeezed out from deep within, had reached its limits, exposing the bottom. However, despite clearly feeling the limits, not a single person lost their determination.

“Gah!”

With a fierce swing, the Dao swung by the enemy flew towards Tang Pae’s face, blue blade gleaming. Just as Tang Pae was about to close his eyes, a steel fan suddenly struck the falling Dao from behind with great force.

“Snap out of it!”

“Nokrim King!”

Im Sobyeong, gritting his teeth, wielded the fan. His neatly arranged crown was nowhere to be seen, and his face was a mess.

But still, he fought. Until the very end.

“Dieeee!”

Sensing their wavering momentum, Maninbang intensified their attack. Blue energy blades sprayed towards Chung Myung from a distance where swords couldn’t reach.

“No way! You bastards!”

Kwaaaang!

He was in shock and blood gushed from Jo Geol’s mouth.

Yet, without a hint of pain, he relentlessly struck down every flying blade. With each clash between sword and energy blade, his insides trembled, consciousness fading somewhere far away.

But even amidst this, the sword never ceased.

Kwaaaaaang!

At that moment, someone’s thrown sword energy struck Jo Geol. His body was flung backwards like a bullet.

“Geooool!”

Crash!

Jo Geol barely managed to plant his sword into the ground, refusing to fall, struggling to stand. He coughed up more blood, turning his head with great effort. He saw Chung Myung, who was still unconscious.

“Sleep well, you brat…”

Jo Geol chuckled softly.

“Geol! Get back for now..”

“Aaaargh!”

Ignoring Baek Cheon’s attempts to dissuade him, Jo Geol dashed forward again. Gritting his teeth, Baek Cheon struck down the spear flying towards Chung Myung with all his might.

Clang!

At the same time, Baek Cheon spun around.

Two hidden daggers, concealed behind the spear, mercilessly stabbed into his back.

Agonizing pain surged. Yet amidst it all, Baek Cheon poured even more energy into Chung Myung’s body.

You cannot overcome numerical superiority [중과부적(衆寡不敵) been mentioned previously].

Suddenly, a laugh escaped from Baek Cheon’s lips.

How would the world describe them?

Would they be remembered as fallen heroes who upheld loyalty until the end? Or would they be labeled as righteous masters who stood against Sapaeryeon until the end?

‘It doesn’t really matter.’

Neither description fit.

Those here were just fools who couldn’t resist their nature and ended up running here to meet their demise. Fools who threw away their lives without protecting anything, not even the world, the sect, or anything else.

But…

“If being a fool is what it takes.”

The laughter kept escaping his mouth.

If they had only pursued reason and done what was theoretically right, they wouldn’t have even picked up a sword. At least, Baek Cheon thought so. Right now, he was where he wanted to be. And facing the outcome he desired.

So, would there be any regrets?

This feeling… he hadn’t examined it deeply, but perhaps they all felt the same.

Thunk!

The sword, stuck in Yoon Jong’s waist, was forcefully pulled out. Yet, without a whimper, Yoon Jong thrust the sword into the back of the person trying to push him aside. In his eyes, there was only determination, nothing else.

Baek Cheon called out quietly in his mind.

‘Yoon Jong-ah…’

“Aaaaargh!”

He didn’t know where and how she was cut, but covered in blood, Tang Soso pierced the enemies with a fierce expression. With each swing of her scattered hair, a blue glint emanated from her eyes.

‘Soso.’

Thunk! Thunk!

Jo Geol, having slashed the enemy’s legs, forcefully drove his sword into their feet one after another, despite the onslaught of blades raining down on him.

‘Jo Geol.’

Kwaaang!

Yu Iseol blocked the flying sword energy, but was pushed back. Blood gushed from her mouth falling on her chest as she coughed violently. Her arm that didn’t hold the sword twitched and then dropped limply. It seemed like it wasn’t moving as she intended.

‘Iseol-ah.’

They were not alone.

Kwoooong!

“Monk!”

“Ooooooh!”

Hye Yeon ran wild like an Asura. He, who avoided using his martial arts, now poured all his remaining strength into defending against the enemy.

‘Hye Yeon.’

Kwaaaaang!

Namgung Dowi staggered back, blood spurting. Seol Sobaek urgently leaped in, using his body as a shield to block the flying blades aimed at Namgung Dowi.

His leg pierced through by a spear, Tang Pae grimaced but continued to throw daggers, while Im Sobyeong, having discarded his broken fan, now spewed all his energy with both hands as if possessed.

‘Everyone…’

Baek Cheon’s face was so pale it verged on being blue. Black blood trickled from his lips. The recoil from the forcibly gathered inner strength was catching up to him. The sharp, stabbing pain felt like being sliced with a knife, constantly rising from his dantian. Yet, Baek Cheon didn’t stop pouring energy into Chung Myung’s body.

“…How about it, you damn bastard?”

Baek Cheon grinned, lips stained with blood.

“We are all here trying to protect you. So… don’t ever act lonely again. Don’t venture out pretending you’ll do everything on your own.”

We can’t protect you.

With their own strength, they fall short. We can’t protect you.

But…

“Don’t worry.”

His hand gripping Chung Myung’s shoulder tightened.

“Because we can die together.”

With a grim chuckle, Baek Cheon pushed all his remaining strength into Chung Myung’s body. Those pushed back by the enemy stumbled and collapsed in front of him, blood spraying.

Baek Cheon looked at the battered group. Perhaps sensing their limits, the enemies slowed their advance, gradually tightening their encirclement.

“Sorry.”

Somehow, those words slipped out.

“Damn.”

At that moment, Jo Geol gritted his teeth.

“Don’t apologize, Sasuk. This was my choice.”

“It wasn’t Sasuk’s command in the first place.”

“You’re arrogant.”

“I always… thought I was just unlucky.”

Words flew from the bloodied disciples of Hwasan.

Baek Cheon didn’t get angry. Instead, he chuckled lightly.

“Yeah. Let’s receive apologies… from this guy.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m going to beat him. Until the end.”

“…Go to hell.”

“Still… Dojang…”

Even those who weren’t disciples of Hwasan left behind a curse each. But in their eyes, there was no sign of regret. All that was visible was the determination to fight to the end.

‘Not bad.’

Baek Cheon smiled.

This wasn’t the death he had imagined. But… even this wasn’t so bad. A death embraced with just the right amount of humility would be a hundred times… no, a thousand times better than facing death with disgrace. At least he could face it with dignity.

There was just one regret…

Baek Cheon closed his eyes slightly. After burying the remaining remorse in his heart, he opened his eyes and shouted firmly.

“Until the end, we are disciples of Hwasan. Die with dignity!”

“Yes!”

As if his words were a signal, the enemies surged forward with all their malice.

“Ooooooh!”

Flying blades from the members of Maninbang poured down like a waterfall. An unstoppable attack. It couldn’t be blocked. Baek Cheon opened his eyes wide.

He was going to watch carefully. Until the last moment of the last person. That was his last remaining duty.

But in that moment, what he saw was… a streak of green light.

Thunk!

With a sound that seemed to tear through eardrums, the charging enemies bounced back as if struck by a runway carriage. The blades pouring down with fierce momentum also shattered and twisted.

‘…What?’

Baek Cheon, stunned, watched in bewilderment. What in the world…

“…Looks like it’s not completely too late.”

All eyes, including Baek Cheon’s, turned simultaneously to one place.

In the distance, the familiar figure was visible.

“Oh…”

Why was that person there? Was it a dream?

With an eerie calmness in his stance, his cold face was frozen with anger.

Gradually, another figure appeared beside him.

“Oh…”

“Ugh…”

The disciples of Hwasan collapsed on the spot upon seeing them.

With hair white as snow, dressed in black robes, the plum blossom engraved on his chest, and… a demeanor that seemed almost abstract, filled with refined anger.

His gaze turned towards Baek Cheon at the center. The moment their eyes met, all strength drained from Baek Cheon’s body.

It wasn’t a dream or a fantasy.

“I command the disciples of Hwasan!”

“Sect Leadeeeeeeeeeeer!”

Baek Cheon’s cry erupted like a desperate plea.

“Exterminate the enemy!”

Hyun Jong’s sword, which had soared up to the sky, was firmly aimed ahead.

“Rescue the disciples of Hwasan!”

“Understood!”

With Un Geom and Hyun Sang leading the charge, they leaped forward. Behind them, the disciples of Hwasan, dressed in black robes, charged forward with explosive anger.

On the dry land of Gangnam, the red plum blossoms bloomed as if in a dream.