He’ll be waiting for us. (5)

“Commander! Unit Four has completed the encirclement! Units Five and Six are moving to designated positions!”

“Unit Two is currently engaged in battle with Maehwa Geomgwi! There’s a high probability of the encirclement being breached!”

As the reports poured in, Ho Gamyeong’s gaze grew colder by the moment.

Chung Myung’s speed in breaking through the encirclement was gradually slowing down. No, to be precise, the distance he covered after breaking through the encirclement was decreasing rapidly.

In the past, one might have interpreted this as him deliberately prolonging the time for the main force to escape. But…

‘Considering various factors, this is different.’

Ho Gamyeong’s gaze sank into deep contemplation.

As time passes, the encirclement around him thickens. He’s not someone who would be unaware of his situation. Knowing and yet unable to break free signifies a lack of strength to penetrate the encirclement.

The monstrous being has finally revealed his vulnerability.

Ho Gamyeong glanced around. It seemed that his aides felt the same, their faces flushed with realization.

A sigh escaped Ho Gamyeong’s lips.

“In the end… You are human after all.”

The aides remained silent, looking at Ho Gamyeong.

His voice carried a multitude of emotions – resentment, hatred, relief at finally pushing the enemy into the net, and joy at being able to fulfill Ryeonju’s orders.

However, anyone who heard that voice could sense the subtle undertone of regret. It was an emotion that should never be displayed by a commander of Maninbang, let alone as a commander of Sapaeryeon. Depending on the situation, it might even diminish the chance of success.

But his subordinates didn’t feel the need to point out this fact. Not out of fear of criticizing Ho Gamyeong’s mistake, but because they understood his feelings without needing to say anything.

“There’s no need to rush.”

Ho Gamyeong said, as if regaining control of his mind.

“We’ll cut off his life, slowly but surely.”

“Yes, commander!”

Just as Ho Gamyeong gained confidence and was about to take a step forward…

Peeeeeeeep!

The sharp cry of a hawk pierced through the air. Ho Gamyeong narrowed his eyes and looked up, furrowing his brow.

‘An urgent report?’

As the powerful bird swooped down and landed on Ho Gamyeong’s outstretched arm like catching prey, he swiftly retrieved the message from its pouch and read it without hesitation.

“…Cheonumaeng?”

A laugh escaped his lips.

“I knew recklessness was the hallmark of Cheonumaeng, but this… this is beyond the limits.”

The aides stiffened as they observed the message Ho Gamyeong held out.

“Commander, this is…”

“No need to be alarmed. Even if they try, they won’t accomplish anything. But… we should still be prepared.”

Ho Gamyeong adjusted the positions of the encirclement surrounding Chung Myung and calmly issued orders.

“We’re going to where he is.”

“Commander, it’s dangerous!”

“Dangerous?”

Despite the voices of dissent around him, Ho Gamyeong’s expression remained unchanged.

“Is there a greater risk to us right now than letting him escape?”

For a moment, his subordinates were speechless, then they lowered their heads in acknowledgment.

“Lead the way.”

Finally, the aide nodded in agreement.

“This way!”

Following the lead, Ho Gamyeong stepped forward, his eyes chillingly determined.

‘Not a single variable will be tolerated.’

Chung Myung’s perfect demise. Throughout this entire journey, Ho Gamyeong’s only objective was solely that.

❀ ❀ ❀

“Wait, hold on!”

Namgung Dowi shouted urgently. His forte lay in his vigorous swordsmanship, based on profound internal energy, capable of crushing enemies with sweeping strikes. However, the nature of his swordsmanship meant that his attacks had wide-range effect.

The problem was that every time he attempted to strike with his sword, someone would inadvertently step in front of him.

“Stop, stop! Just a moment!”

“What do you mean, just a moment? Damn it!”

Jo Geol charged forward, his face contorted with anger, pushing past Namgung Dowi. The explosively unleashed crimson sword energy swiftly overwhelmed the approaching members of Maninbang. Despite knocking down more than three of them with a single stroke, Jo Geol, unsatisfied, almost touched the ground as he lunged forward.

“Ugh!”

But before Jo Geol could reach his target, Seol Sobaek’s attack was quicker.

Crack!

Seol Sobaek’s sword swept through the enemies, leaving a layer of white frost on their bodies in an instant.

The two seemed to be competing to carve out a path, or perhaps that expression didn’t quite fit this scene. It was difficult to describe their actions as “carving out a path” when they were leaping into the midst of the enemy lines without even confirming if all the enemies had been defeated or properly dealt with.

“Get out of the way, you damn bastards!”

Both of them wielded their swords furiously, their actions filled with malice.

Observing their precarious situation, Namgung Dowi urgently looked around. He needed to find Baek Cheon.

“Alright, Vice Sect Leader, for now, let’s try to contain…”

The only person here who could calm down these two madmen was Baek Cheon. But Baek Cheon, whom he desperately sought, was nowhere to be found.

“Anyone who blocks us dies!”

The crimson sharp sword energy thrust explosively ahead. A sword that failed to embody the elegance of plum blossoms, forsaking the refinement essential to Hwasan’s sword, instead wielding only fierce and vigorous force, swept ruthlessly through the enemies.

“Hey, when did he…?”

The formation they maintained from Hainan to here had long become meaningless. Everyone was forging their own path as if competing with each other. Witnessing this scene, Namgung Dowi could only feel bewildered.

“Oooh!”

At that moment, a brilliant golden blaze erupted behind him.

“Hey! Aaaaagh!”

Namgung Dowi swiftly leaped aside. The dazzling golden light, that grazed his former position, effortlessly overwhelmed the retreating Maninbang’s warriors.

Kwaaaaang!

In the ensuing explosion of energy, there was not an ounce of mercy of a Buddhist. The bewildered Namgung Dowi turned to look at Hye Yeon.

“Monk, it’s dangerous!”

“What’s the matter?”

“Oh, nothing, but not just me, Vice Sect Leader was almost swept away just now…”

“If you can dodge, do it! If you can’t, move aside!”

“…”

“Too slow!”

Soon after, Hye Yeon’s yelling figure vanished as if extinguished on the spot.

‘Swapping One’s Position*?’

As if conjuring magic, Hye Yeon reappeared in the forefront, wielding his fist with a lion’s roar. With the unfolding of his extreme martial arts, his limbs seemed to multiply as he pierced in all directions.

Namgung Dowi, speechless, could only watch the spectacle unfold before him.

Yoon Jong, the calmest amidst Hwasan, was leaping almost like a yaksha, while Tang Soso, the youngest of Hwasan, was breaking through, trampling down on her Sahyeongs.

Is it strange? No, it’s not strange. When you think about it, Cheonumaeng was always like this. Didn’t Namgung Dowi know that too?

Yet, the reason this sight now feels awkward is one.

‘They’ve all been holding back until now.’

From Hainan to here, seeing how much they’ve carried and restrained themselves, it’s evident. With only one purpose left – to save Chung Myung – everyone now revealed themselves without reservation.

They are all exhausted to the limit.

But gathering every ounce of strength, they relentlessly press on against the enemy. All to reach Chung Myung as soon as possible.

‘Me too!’

As Namgung Dowi was about to step forward with determination, he suddenly felt a heavy weight on his sword.

“Huh?”

Turning around in confusion, he saw someone. Yu Iseol, pressing her sword firmly against Namgung Dowi’s, looked at him.

“Iseol Dojang?”

Namgung Dowi was momentarily puzzled. Wasn’t it not his turn to intervene?

But her following words were indifferent yet clear.

“Swing.”

“Um, what?”

“Swing.”

“…”

“Hurry!”

With a swift motion, Namgung Dowi forcefully swung his sword, pressing it into the ground. Yu Iseol, lightly resting on the sword, flew into the air like a bird of prey. She immediately descended onto the heads of the enemies blocking the front line.

Swish!

Yu Iseol’s plum blossom sword drew a graceful arc through the air. As the arc swept through, the heads of those caught in its path rose one by one.

“Faster, you sluggish brats!”

“Y-Yes, understood!”

Baek Cheon clenched his teeth, thrusting his sword into the retreating enemy’s body. Without even waiting for him to fall, he kicked the enemy’s chest and shot out countless sword energies. .

‘Faster!’

The faster his heart raced, the more prominently the tendons on his jaw bulged.

Toppling one after another, these swarming pests seem endless. No matter how much they fight, it feels like the enemy will replenish forever.

The reason Baek Cheon felt the urgency now wasn’t just because facing them was burdensome. It was because Chung Myung has been facing them alone for quite some time.

It’s understandable. The fact that the enemies blocking Cheonumaeng’s group aren’t particularly formidable. Considering they’re facing Maninbang, this is highly unlikely.

It only means one thing. Every skilled individual among Maninbang has been deployed to pursue Chung Myung.

Can he endure?

Though monstrous, can he truly outrun his pursuers with his current body?

“Argh! Damn it!”

Baek Cheon shot out his sword energy with crazy eyes.

He can escape. Of course, he can. But Baek Cheon also knows. He knows he will never flee in situations like this. He’ll drag his time to the limit and only at the very end he will try to open his own path.

Even if the outcome isn’t favorable.

‘Do whatever you want, you damn son of a ***!’

Baek Cheon’s eyes blazed with determination.

“Sasuk! Over there!”

At that moment, shouts from nearby made Baek Cheon raise his head sharply.

And there they were, indeed – a group facing the opposite direction from Cheonumaeng’s party.

Baek Cheon had a gut feeling.

There they are. If we break through them, Chung Myung will be behind!

This encirclement, like a wall, can’t possibly cover a wide area!

Baek Cheon charged with all his might, brandishing his sword.

Kraaang!

But his blade, unlike before, was swiftly intercepted mid-air. Eyes blazing, the assailants snarled at Baek Cheon.

“You brat!”

A relentless barrage of fierce attacks ensued.

Baek Cheon parried the attacks, thrusting his sword into the necks of Maninbang’s warriors standing before him.

One by one. Slowly but surely, he slashed through.

But…

‘It’s not enough!’

This won’t do. He needs to be stronger. He needs to be faster. That’s the only way to break through this path without delay.

“It’s not enough, damn it!”

Finally, his cry burst out. His face contorted with anger and desperation.

Helpless. If only he were a bit stronger, he could have easily swept away these types of foes in an instant. If it weren’t for him seeking Chung Myung’s safety, but Chung Myung coming to rescue him, he would have already reached Baek Cheon’s location.

He needs to become stronger. Even if it takes time, he needs to become stronger.

The vow he once made now felt hollow. The moment he needed to be strong always came sooner than the moment he actually became strong. Haven’t he already experienced enough frustration against that wall?

Scenes he didn’t want to imagine kept forming in his mind.

The sight of Chung Myung being struck by the enemy’s blade. And him arriving there too late.

“No!”

He couldn’t bear to see that sight at any cost.

Suddenly, a surge of immense power erupted from Baek Cheon’s body.

“Sasuk!”

“Hey, you crazy bastard!”

An imperfect Purple Mist Divine Art [자하신공(紫霞神功) – jahasingong], Baek Cheon forcefully summoned it nonetheless.

The immature martial art, not yet fully developed, devours the body of its practitioner. It’s a perilous act, one that wouldn’t seem out of place in a desperate gamble. Especially in a situation like this, where there’s no room for error, it could be considered an act of self-destruction.

“Move aside!”

Despite Yoon Jong and Jo Geol’s terrified attempts to restrain him, Baek Cheon brushed them aside without a moment’s hesitation and charged towards the enemy.

The crimson sword energy emanating from his sword spread out like the sunset dyeing the western sky.

‘Please, just stay alive somehow!’

He would rescue Chung Myung at all costs, no matter what sacrifices he had to make.