Chapter 368: Give It Gracefully, or Suffer Painfully
Chapter 368: Give It Gracefully, or Suffer Painfully
Baek Ja-gang felt the Combat King’s fighting spirit surging around him.
As the sharp aura pricked his skin, demanding an immediate clash, the first thought that crossed his mind was this:
This man is a true warrior!
Baek Ja-gang’s blood began to boil, and his fists clenched of their own accord. His opponent was someone who stimulated a martial artist’s primal urge for destruction—the yearning to sweep everything away in a single, decisive strike.
The Combat King felt something similar, yet fundamentally different. The relaxed look in his opponent’s eyes and the comment about his vacation being too "splendid" made the hair on his body stand on end.
One wrong move, and I’m dead!
This heart-pounding tension was the Combat King’s favorite sensation. He imagined the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader lying dead at his feet. Just the thought sent a thrill through his soul. It would be a joy like no other—a pleasure greater than all the victories he had ever won combined.
I will win, no matter what.
The intense fighting spirit and heat radiating from the two men swept through the surroundings.
Feeling the swirling energy, Hyeok Sa-gun belatedly stepped out of the carriage. Everything was proceeding according to plan, yet he felt a strange, ominous premonition. It was one thing for the Alliance Leader to remain calm; he was a man of great stature, after all.
However, the reaction of the escort warriors bothered him. Even though Hwang Seok-gyeong had blocked their path, they were calmly staring at the Combat King as if they had expected this exact moment.
Hyeok Sa-gun feigned ignorance and spoke to the Combat King.
“Instructor Hwang, the Alliance Leader is asking you a question. For what reason do you dare block his path?”
My Lord, the day has finally come. May you achieve your great ambition!
The Combat King suppressed his fighting spirit and spoke with chilling calm.
“You said the vacation was splendid? That is fine. Once this vacation is over, I shall return to the most splendid seat in the Unorthodox Path Alliance.”
When his opponent revealed his clear intent to kill, Baek Ja-gang actually smiled.
“My seat is not as splendid as you might think.”
“I shall experience that emptiness for myself.”
The Combat King lightly struck his right fist against his left palm.
Pang!
At the signal of a loud sonic boom that threatened to burst eardrums, the hidden masters began to reveal themselves.
The first to appear was a middle-aged master carrying a sword curved like a crescent moon.
The Divine Moon Blade.
He was one of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path. Following Gwang Seom, who had previously tried to kill Bi Sa-in, another of the Seven Great Masters had emerged as an enemy.
“It has been a long time, Alliance Leader.” The Divine Moon Blade bowed politely to Baek Ja-gang.
“Have you been well?”
“I have been well, thanks to your leadership of the Unorthodox Path Martial World.”
“I am glad to hear it.”
“I apologize in advance for things turning out this way.”
“It is fine. Such things happen.”
Baek Ja-gang did not bother to ask why he had sided with the Combat King. He must have been offered terms that moved him. Baek Ja-gang considered it natural for people to move according to their own interests.
The second person to appear was an old man whose face was a roadmap of deep wrinkles. He looked over a hundred years old, though he wasn't actually that aged.
The Blue Killing Ghost.
He was a master of the previous generation who belonged to neither the Orthodox, Unorthodox, nor Demonic paths—a legendary figure who had been branded a public enemy by all three. He was a villain of such high notoriety that his appearance today, alive and well, was a shock.
The appearance of the Blue Killing Ghost was even more jarring than that of the Divine Moon Blade. His internal energy was far deeper than that of contemporary masters, making him a much more formidable opponent.
“I saw you when you were a child. Do you remember?” the Blue Killing Ghost asked, acting as if they were old acquaintances.
Baek Ja-gang shook his head.
“Well, I suppose you were only this small back then.”
He lowered his palm near his waist as if measuring the height of a small child, but then his palm suddenly snapped forward, unleashing a devastating palm force.
Swoooooosh!
Boom!
The one who blocked the surging blue energy of the strike was In Gung, the Escort Captain. Overpowered by the raw internal energy, he was pushed back, but the other escorts supported him, bolstering him with their own energy. Only after two more people added their strength did the backward slide finally stop.
The Blue Killing Ghost grinned, revealing his few remaining teeth.
“Oops, my hand slipped.”
In Gung and the escorts silently moved to the side. Standing behind them, Baek Ja-gang watched the next person emerge without saying a word.
This time, a hunchbacked, hideous old man walked out slowly.
The Poison Tyrant.
He was a Poison Human who had once been infamous for his toxins. He had disappeared after being branded a public enemy for using mass-slaughter poisons forbidden in the Murim, but today, he had shown his face. He was also the one who had manufactured the poison administered to the Chief Strategist.
Escort Captain In Gung’s expression hardened. The Poison Tyrant was a more threatening figure than any of the enemies who had appeared so far.
“Poison-Repelling Pearls!”
At In Gung’s command, the escort warriors simultaneously pulled Poison-Repelling Pearls from their robes and held them in their mouths.
The Poison Tyrant cackled mockingly. “How long do you think you can last with those pathetic pearls?”
Poison-Repelling Pearls had limits to how much toxicity they could filter. If a chaotic battle broke out and the Poison Tyrant launched a surprise attack, not only their own safety but even the Alliance Leader’s life would be in grave danger.
The Combat King, the Divine Moon Blade, the Blue Killing Ghost, and the Poison Tyrant.
But they weren't the only ones prepared.
About fifty warriors revealed themselves from all directions, surrounding the area with glowing eyes. These were the warriors who would later be known as the Turang—the Fighting Wolves who followed the Combat King. They were bellicose individuals, masters obsessed with combat who did not fear death. If the masters who appeared earlier were tigers, these men were at least a pack of hungry hunting dogs.
Seeing them, Hyeok Sa-gun couldn't help but smile. These were the pieces he had moved for a long time for this very day. Under normal circumstances, he would have made even more preparations, but this was enough.
Even the Alliance Leader won't be able to hold out against this.
Pang! Pang!
Striking his fist and palm together again to draw everyone's attention, the Combat King issued a cold order.
“Kill the escorts first, then join the fight.”
The Turang all drew their weapons simultaneously, radiating thick killing intent. The Combat King felt no shame in a combined attack. If he were the type to care about honor, the Poison Tyrant wouldn't be here.
Baek Ja-gang finally understood why Geom Mu-geuk had pleaded with him yesterday. Since the opponent was trying to kill him by any means necessary, Geom Mu-geuk had asked him not to place any value on a fair and square fight.
The escort warriors, pearls in their mouths, drew their swords and blocked the left, right, and rear, leaving only Baek Ja-gang’s front open.
In this touch-and-go situation where the enemies were closing in, a voice shouted from a distance.
“Wait just a moment!”
The shout reached them clearly despite the distance.
“You there, the tall one, sixth from the left! Put down that hidden weapon and wait a moment!”
The speaker must have had incredible eyesight, for the sixth Turang from the left was indeed pulling out a hidden weapon.
As everyone looked toward the source of the sound, a single carriage raced toward them. Hyeok Sa-gun’s face contorted. He recognized that cheeky voice instantly.
The Young Cult Leader!
Sure enough, the person driving the carriage was Geom Mu-geuk. The Combat King raised his hand to stop the Turang from charging, ordering them to wait and see.
The carriage came to a halt in front of Baek Ja-gang.
“Fortunately, you haven't started yet.”
The Divine Moon Blade, the Blue Killing Ghost, and the Poison Tyrant looked at the Combat King with puzzled expressions. In response to their silent question, the Combat King told them:
“That man is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.”
Whether they had already heard that Geom Mu-geuk had intervened in this matter or not, the three of them nodded and gave him curious looks.
“He’s younger than I thought.”
Geom Mu-geuk recognized them immediately. He wasn't someone who wouldn't know the hunchbacked Poison Human or the master with the curved sword.
“You people are scarier than I thought.”
Far from showing courtesy, Geom Mu-geuk’s attitude was so relaxed it seemed like a joke, causing the villains to frown. Of course, they didn't know that the real "joke" hadn't even begun.
The carriage door opened, and Bi Sa-in stepped out first. Geom Mu-geuk introduced him loudly, like a herald at a tournament.
“He is the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, who has returned like an immortal after escaping the brink of death! He’s embarrassed by me, but he is definitely my friend!”
Bi Sa-in was now unfazed by this level of teasing. He immediately greeted Baek Ja-gang with a trembling voice.
“It has been a long time, Master.”
The look in the master’s eyes as he looked at his disciple was infinitely soft. “Is your body alright?”
“I am fine, thanks to your concern.”
Looking at the unfolding situation, Bi Sa-in felt truly glad he had come.
Next, Goe Ak stepped out of the carriage.
“And this is the Evil Squad Leader, one of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path, who has recently tasted the true bitterness of life due to a friend’s betrayal!”
He’s saying that in this situation? Ah, this guy is truly insane! Goe Ak also feigned ignorance and greeted Baek Ja-gang with a respectful fist salute.
“Have you been well?”
“It has been a while.”
“The Young Alliance Leader’s heart for you is great, Alliance Leader.”
His words implied that he had come here for the sake of the Young Alliance Leader. Bi Sa-in was grateful to Goe Ak for speaking up for him like that.
Goe Ak’s gaze then turned toward the Divine Moon Blade. “Why are you here?”
Goe Ak couldn't understand it. Among the Seven Great Masters, the Divine Moon Blade was the one least interested in the affairs of the Murim.
“It just turned out that way.”
“I never thought the day would come when I’d have to fight you.”
“Is an Unorthodox martial artist anything else but Unorthodox?”
“True. Since it’s come to this, let’s have a good fight without regrets.”
“Let’s do that.”
The person most shocked and flustered by the appearance of these three was Hyeok Sa-gun. The original plan was to naturally slip away to the rear once the combined attack began. The escorts would be busy protecting the Alliance Leader and wouldn't have time to worry about him.
However, their appearance created a problem. He had to either retreat or go behind Hwang Seok-gyeong. But would Geom Mu-geuk really let him go?
On the other hand, the Combat King remained completely unfazed. His mindset was to simply crush any variables that appeared.
“Kill them all!”
Just then, others appeared.
“Stop!”
Thirteen masters landed with brilliant light body techniques—they were the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path. The 1st Wolf shouted to the Turang:
“Your opponents are over here.”
Bi Sa-in’s eyes met theirs. The gaze of the 13 Wolves looking at him was full of heat.
We greet the Young Alliance Leader!
Bi Sa-in’s eyes also grew hot. Yes, if we can just get through this crisis! He felt confident that he could do well in the future. Yes, we will win! We must win!
The reinforcements didn't stop there. Another cold sentence rang out.
“Who is the one who framed me?”
The man with a cold atmosphere, looking as if he wouldn't bleed a drop even if stabbed, was Beon Cheon, the Unit Leader of the Extreme Blade Corps. Behind him, the elite warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps—the most elite unit of the Unorthodox Path Alliance—revealed themselves all at once.
“How dare you attempt to assassinate the Alliance Leader! Not a single one of you shall leave here alive!”
The Turang turned around to face the 13 Wolves and the Extreme Blade Corps. Beon Cheon repeated what the Combat King had said earlier.
“Wipe these men out and assist the Alliance Leader!”
At the thunderous shout, the elites of the Extreme Blade Corps drew their swords in unison. With the situation turning, the momentum and morale of the Alliance Leader’s side soared.
Right then, Geom Mu-geuk saw it. The Poison Tyrant was stealthily reaching into a pouch at his waist.
Geom Mu-geuk had an intuition. He was going to spread a mass-slaughter poison to wipe out the warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps first. Having spent a long time with the Poison King, Mu-geuk knew the psychology and movements of poison users better than anyone. That was why he had been keeping his eye only on the Poison Tyrant, the most dangerous presence here.
There was no way all those warriors had high-grade Poison-Repelling Pearls. Their mid-grade pearls wouldn't be able to block the Poison Tyrant’s toxins.
“Wait a moment, Elder Poison Tyrant!” Geom Mu-geuk shouted quickly. “Let me ask you one thing before we fight.”
The Poison Tyrant’s hand paused.
“Was it you, Elder, who used poison on the Chief Strategist? I heard it was a high-level poison that even evaded the eyes of the Alliance’s Divine Doctor.”
“Yes, it is a poison created by this old man.”
“Do you have the antidote? The Poison King of our Cult said this: the true essence of Poison Arts lies not in administering poison, but in detoxification.”
The way he said it made it seem like even if there wasn't an antidote, there should be. The Poison Tyrant pulled a small pouch from his robes. Fortunately, he did have the antidote.
“It is right here.”
“Give it to me.”
“Why should I give it to you?”
“Because if you give it now, you’ll die gracefully. If you don't, you’ll die painfully.”
The Poison Tyrant let out a contemptuous sneer. “Yes, I’ve heard the rumors. They say a reckless Young Cult Leader is causing quite a stir in the Central Plains.”
The Poison Tyrant glanced at the Combat King, asking if it was alright to kill the Young Cult Leader here. The Combat King nodded slightly. In any case, the Young Cult Leader was supposed to be handled as having died in a mutual destruction while fighting the Alliance Leader. If they claimed the Poison King’s help was involved, everyone would believe it.
The Poison Tyrant held out the pouch. “If you have the confidence to take it, come and get it yourself.”
At the provocation, Geom Mu-geuk walked toward him.
Knowing exactly what kind of monster the Poison Tyrant was, Escort Captain In Gung looked back at Baek Ja-gang, wondering if they shouldn't stop him.
Baek Ja-gang was watching Geom Mu-geuk in silence. He could guess why Geom Mu-geuk was confronting the Poison Tyrant. To get the antidote? It seemed that way, but it wasn't. It was because the Poison Tyrant was the most dangerous one. To return safely, the Poison Tyrant had to be killed first.
Baek Ja-gang recalled what Geom Mu-geuk had said yesterday.
— The honor I believe in lies in the result of killing those who must be killed.
Can you truly kill the one who must be killed and return safely?
The others also watched with tense eyes. From Bi Sa-in to Goe Ak and the 13 Wolves, they had all witnessed Geom Mu-geuk’s astonishing feats. Would that specialness work against the Poison Tyrant as well?
Geom Mu-geuk walked fearlessly right up to the Poison Tyrant. The old man considered this courage to be mere bravado.
He probably believes I won't be able to kill him because he’s the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.
Otherwise, no one in the Jianghu could walk so confidently toward him. No one could look at him with such relaxed eyes.
You foolish Demonic brat, your arrogance will lead you to hell.
Just as Geom Mu-geuk was about to take the pouch.
Puff!
Poison mist erupted around the two of them.
“No!” Bi Sa-in shouted. He tried to rush forward, but the poison mist had already risen thickly around Geom Mu-geuk. He hadn't expected him to be caught so helplessly. If it’s you, you should have had a plan! I thought you’d kill him before he could set it off!
It was right then.
Thwack! Thwack!
Inside the poison mist, sword light flashed, and the sound of flesh being torn echoed in succession.
Whirrrrrrr.
A whirlwind rose around the two of them, gathering the surrounding poison.
Whoosh!
The poison mist caught fire and began to burn. Flames swirled, enveloping the two of them. Everyone watched this incredible sight with shocked faces. The poison mist was completely incinerated and vanished into the sky with the wind.
Geom Mu-geuk and the Poison Tyrant were still standing there. The Poison Tyrant was still holding the antidote pouch forward. As Geom Mu-geuk took the pouch, the Poison Tyrant tried to say something.
At that very moment!
Spurt!
Blood sprayed from his neck and heart, and the Poison Tyrant collapsed backward.
Everyone present stared at Geom Mu-geuk in shock. Such a high-level technique to gather poison and burn it with Heat Yang Energy? No, before that, how did he withstand the Poison Tyrant’s toxins?
Geom Mu-geuk spat out two Poison-Repelling Pearls he had been holding in his mouth. He didn't actually need them, but he had used them because he didn't want to reveal his Immunity to All Poisons in front of everyone.
“Did you think you could ignore the top-grade Poison-Repelling Pearls used by the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? Since you gave me the antidote, I killed you gracefully as promised.”
Baek Ja-gang and the Combat King were half-doubting. They felt that in that situation, the Poison Tyrant must have used a poison that even top-grade pearls couldn't block. In fact, the Poison Tyrant had used an extreme poison that no pearl could stop, but there was no way for them to know that.
In any case, the warriors on the Alliance Leader’s side were sure of one thing: Geom Mu-geuk had saved their lives before the terrible poison could be unleashed.
Geom Mu-geuk tucked the antidote for the Chief Strategist into his robes and spoke to them.
“Now then, take out those pearls you’re biting and let’s fight comfortably.”