Think of it as an honor, greenhorn. (1)

“Stand your ground!”

A fierce determination ignited in Namgung Myeong’s eyes.

The island was not vast, and there were too many enemies pouring in.

Oddly enough, this situation worked in advantage for Namgung Clan.

From the perspective of the enemy, the forces pushing into the island were overwhelmingly strong. It didn’t matter if it was due to their true strength or having their momentum restrained; the fact remained that they were being pushed back.

In contrast, the survivors of Namgung Clan were relatively easier to deal with.

The enemies who couldn’t muster the courage to face off against Hwasan and Tangga rushed toward Namgung survivors, like wolves closing in on an injured deer.

However, they did not just yield.

They fought fiercely, they were ready to give up their lives even before the arrival of Hwasan. With hope almost within their grasp, they gained newfound vigor.

“Stand your ground! Young Lord is coming!”

Namgong Myeong shouted like he was spitting out blood. The blue light of determination in the eyes of Namgung’s warriors blazed brightly.

They had already seen how Young Lord arrived on this island. Namgung Dowi, who could have survived on his own, returned here with them, clutching the sword tightly in his hand. All of this was to save the people on this island.

But how could they dare to utter such words of difficulty in front of their Young Lord? Regardless of Namgung’s name, the pride of the one holding the sword did not allow it.

Namgung’s sword changed. The sword of those who had used all it’s strength to kill even one more person in order to survive here, began to transform into a sword of defense for self-preservation. They believed in it. As long as they held out here, they believed that Hwasan, the Tang clan, and Namgung Dowi would save them.

Those who walk the path of martial arts sometimes experience moments when their spirit transcends the physical body. Namgung’s swordsmen were just like that. Their bodies had long since exceeded their limits, but their spirits forcibly led them to face the enemy.

And there was something else that gave them strength. A thin mist rose into the air, as thin as a strand of hair. The mist that had risen so high in the sky changed direction and descended all at once.

“Aaaargh!”

A desperate scream erupted from the enemy’s mouths.

When the “enemy” exists, this martial sect exerts its power. Now Surochae confronted an enemy called The Sichuan Tang Clan, who possessed extreme toxicity and lethal memorization abilities, which could be used in martial arts. After a hiatus of a hundred years, they revealed themselves under the sunlight once more.

Swish!

A mesmerizing rain of daggers passed perilously over Baek Cheon’s head. The dagger that pierced through the enemy’s forehead, who blocked his path, drew a grand arc and flew behind Baek Cheon.

‘It feels incredibly reassuring!’

He tightly gripped his sword. Of course, behind him were his comrades holding swords to protect him, but this felt different. The knowledge that there were those who would aid him without being bound by the constraints of time and place. That fact pushed Baek Cheon’s steps even further.

Roar!

Kicking up dust, Baek Cheon charged forward, his gaze penetrating the enemies attempting to block his path with terrified expressions.

‘If I fight with this kind of determination!’

Roar!

His sword descended like a streak of light.

Baek Cheon’s sword, which had torn apart the flying Surochae enemies, spun in a circle once more, producing numerous plum blossoms.

The throwing spears, launched from a javelin, were blocked by the blooming plum blossoms and bounced in all directions.

And then!

Tah!

As he extended his sword forward, the scattered flowers coalesced and swept through the enemies in front of him. Hwasan’s plum blossom swordsmanship. With hundreds of petals, whether they were real or not, riding the gusts of wind like a river, they surged toward the enemies, making it impossible to distinguish between reality and illusion.

In the foreground, the vivid petals of the sword technique, and from above, the falling cowhair needles, made it the perfect time to use the phrase “to make matters worse.”

“Aaaaaargh!”

“Pl-please spare us!”

As the desperate cries of the enemies echoed, Baek Cheon’s sajils, who followed behind him, charged forward in unison, wielding their swords.

Their sole objective was to pierce through to Namgung.

And in the midst of it all, Namgung Dowi struggled, gripping his sword tightly.

“I, I must…”

He had to do something. He was Namgung’s young lord. He couldn’t just stand by and watch their efforts here!

But…

‘What should I do?’

They are incredibly powerful and move as if they are one entity. Within this flawless flow, Namgung Dowi feet like an outsider. If he steps forward, he won’t be able to move at the same speed as he does now.

So, what should he do?

‘What is it that I must do?’

Should he protect Namgung’s pride even though he’s outmatched, or should he prioritize saving Namgung clan members and let go of his own pride?

Certainly, the latter.

Is it really right for him to stand in front, unable to even utilize half of his true strength due to his injuries?

“…”

Namgung Dowi looked at the survivors far away with a despondent gaze.

‘Is this right?’

In that moment, as the strength was about to drain from his hand holding the sword…

Thunk!

Someone tightly gripped Namgung Dowi’s shoulder.

Startled, he turned around to see Chung Myung with a frighteningly resolute expression.

“Dojang!”

When? He clearly launched himself to deal with those ships, so when did he reach Maehwado?

Chung Myung contorted his face and jabbed a finger towards Namgung Dowi.

“What are you doing here?”

“I-I…”

Namgung Dowi could tell from Chung Myung’s expression that he understood what was going through his mind.

“You idiot!”

Namgung Dowi had never heard such harsh words in his life. Yet, he understood that it wasn’t just meant to anger him – it was a sincere curse. His shoulders slumped involuntarily.

Chung Myung shouted again.

“Go!”

Chung Myung’s hand, gripping his shoulder, forcefully pushed Namgung Dowi.

“Dojang, I…”

“I know, you idiot! Do you think there’s anyone here who doesn’t know you’re a burden right now?”

Under Chung Myung’s stern shout, Namgung Dowi bit his lip. The hand on his shoulder grew stronger, and naturally, Namgung Dowi had no choice but to increase his pace.

“Listen closely!”

“Yes?”

“What’s needed from someone who can stand at the front isn’t just strength.”

Chung Myung’s voice echoed clearly in his ears.

“It’s about resolve!”

Chung Myung cast a cold gaze towards Namgung Clan. Namgung deserved to be saved, and Namgung Dowi deserved to stand at the front.

So, what he had to do became abundantly clear.

“Then clear the path!”

In that moment, a resolute voice, one that would not be heard again, interjected.

“I’ll cover your back!”

The deadly rain of Tangga’s daggers grazed above Namgung Dowi’s head and pierced the chest of an enemy ahead.

“Go!”

In response to Chung Myung’s shout, Namgung Dowi turned and charged forward.

It was a strange moment.

As he charged ahead, everyone he brushed against sent him strong, determined gazes.

As if they had been waiting for this moment.

And those glances, to the injured Namgung Dowi, were enough to muster his final strength.

“Huaaaaat!”

From the tip of Namgung Dowi’s sword, a white sword energy surged.

Kwaaaang!

Imperial Sword Style!

A sword of the emperor, dedicated solely to moving forward and forward. His sword was not just for defeating the enemy but also for protecting those who followed.

Namgung Hwang’s profound realization at the very end had been passed down to his son. The previous generation’s achievements carried forward by the next. Wasn’t the family’s existence meant for that?

“Get out of the way!”

Kwaang!

From the vertically descending sword, white sword energy burst forth. The enemies were swept away without even putting up a resistance.

“Yoooooung Loord!”

A voice mixed with tears erupted from Namgung Myeong’s lips.

The fact that only the direct descendants of Namgung could master this sword held immense significance here. It might not compare to Namgung Hwang yet, but it was undoubtedly the Imperial Sword! A symbol of Namgung Clan, it radiated pure white sword energy.

“Kulk!”

Namgung Dowi’s body staggered forward for a moment.

Forcing his inner power to surge had caused his vision to blur and his legs to wobble as if they might collapse at any moment.

“Kill him!”

Taking advantage of this opening, the enemies swung their swords. To show weakness on the battlefield meant impending death!

But…

“Where to?..”

At that moment, a black shadow rose above Namgung Dowi’s head.

“Hwasan Geomhyeop!”

The faces of those who recognized it turned pale in an instant.

Paaaat!

Dozens of red sword energies erupted from Chung Myung’s sword. And with precision, he pierced the throats of those rushing at Namgung Dowi.

The enemies fell without even a scream, collapsing just as they were charging.

Chung Myung landed right beside Namgung Dowi, grabbing his shoulder. But before any strength could transfer through his hands, Namgung Dowi raised his head with his own strength and steadied himself.

Thump!

With the sound of a heavy step, Namgung Dowi’s sword emitted another white flash.

The ones waiting for him were right there.

So, at the very least…

‘I can’t utter complaints about being tired!’

Kwaang!

Namgung Dowi staggered forward, releasing another wave of sword energy. He struggled to advance, thrusting his sword into the throats of approaching enemies and managing to stand upright with every ounce of his strength.

Thud!

He couldn’t possibly take this step alone. He would never have been able to withstand those blocking his path.

But…

At least in this moment, he was not alone. He felt it — the presence behind him, guarding him, waiting for him to move.

“Move!”

Blood flowed from his nose and mouth, but Namgung Dowi’s eyes reflected unwavering determination.

“I am!”

A cry erupted from his mouth, blood-soaked and fervent.

“I am the young lord of the Namgung Clan!”

Namgung Dowi’s sword, thrust forward against the enemies blocking his path, radiated a brilliant glow.

A faintly shining sword energy that seemed about to extinguish at any moment.

But that sword energy did not falter; it clashed with the enemy’s throwing spears.

Kwaaaaang!

The sword energy that should have cut down and crushed the enemies was deflected weakly by the throwing spears.

“Oh…”

Namgung Dowi let out a sorrowful sigh, but then…

“You did well, kid.”

Explosive sword energy poured forth from behind him. The red sword energy released forward spread in all directions, quickly forming vivid red plum blossoms.

The plum blossoms swirled like a storm, beginning to sweep away the enemies in front. The cries of death and agony echoed through the air as lives were extinguished.

And Namgung Dowi saw it.

A clear path opening between him and the enemies who had blocked him from Namgung Clan.

No more thoughts were needed.

“Charge!”

Namgung Dowi clenched his teeth and pounded the ground.

Towards that path, the path he had to take!

His gaze and the gaze of someone watching him met as he ran along the path he had carved through the blood.

“Yoooung Lord!”

In response to Namgung Myeong’s voice mixed with tears, Namgung Dowi fell into his arms with a pure white smile.

Kwaak!

Namgung Myeong embraced Namgung Dowi with all his strength.

“You did well, truly… you did so well. Young Lord… no.”

After clenching his lips, he corrected himself. “Lord.”

This heartwarming reunion, as if it wasn’t someone else’s business, was briefly interrupted as Chung Myung passed by them, swiftly decapitating an enemy with a single swift blow. He then shouted,

“Kill them all!”

“Wuooooo!”

Finally reaching Namgung, Hwasan’s swordsmen began to sweep away the enemies with their fierce determination.