Chapter 546: That Carriage Is Mine Now
Chapter 546: That Carriage Is Mine Now
Every time the lanterns swayed, blade-like sword qi sliced through the night sky.
The four men in black fought with a lantern in one hand and a sword in the other. Despite the handicap, they held their own against Bi Sa-in and the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path.
Swish! Boom!
Bi Sa-in threw himself through the air, narrowly dodging a streak of sword qi. A stone lantern behind him was sliced clean through, crumbling into dust.
S-s-s-s-sh!
A relentless barrage of sword qi poured toward Bi Sa-in. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wolves stepped in instantly to intercept the incoming strikes.
Bang! Crash! Boom!
Sword qi collided with sword qi, neutralizing the attacks in mid-air. As more strikes rained down, the other members of the 13 Wolves rotated positions with perfect timing, forming a seamless defensive perimeter.
The enemies focused their attacks obsessively on Bi Sa-in, yet the 13 Wolves blocked every strike with flawless coordination.
It was a fight of four against fourteen. The only reason this lopsided battle was even possible was because of the enemies' monstrous internal energy. They were unleashing sword qi at an astonishing, ceaseless rate.
Initially, Bi Sa-in had expected the fight to end quickly. He assumed that by expending their internal energy so recklessly, their dantians would soon run dry. But their reserves showed no signs of depleting.
It wasn't just their offense that was difficult to handle. Whenever the 13 Wolves launched a counterattack, the four men in black would dodge with eerie, unnatural movements. Their feet hovered slightly above the ground; it was more accurate to say they were flying. Their lightness technique, which allowed them to glide as if on ice, was unlike anything Bi Sa-in had ever experienced.
Furthermore, the dark blue light emanating from the lanterns carried a baleful energy that didn't just dampen one's spirit, but also seemed to weigh down their movements like lead.
"Fall back!" Bi Sa-in commanded.
At his word, the 13 Wolves retreated another thirty feet. At a glance, it looked like they were being overwhelmed by the enemies' momentum, but the retreat was deliberate.
As he fought, Bi Sa-in had been focusing on one specific detail. These were not normal martial artists. He realized the reason they could move so miraculously and pour out endless sword qi was because of those shadow-like strings connected to the carriage.
Let’s see how much further they can stretch!
Bi Sa-in had been backing away repeatedly just to answer that question. Surprisingly, even as they fought their way completely out of the Heavenly Flower Pavilion, the strings continued to lengthen.
Regardless, the longer the strings became, the better. A longer string meant more opportunities to cut it, and surely the internal energy being transmitted would decrease as the distance grew.
However, as if to prove him wrong, the four men in black unleashed even more violent and powerful waves of sword qi. Fortunately, the 13 Wolves were the elite of the elite. Even though their opponents were using attacks that defied common sense, they remained composed.
— 1st Wolf! We have to cut those strings!
— I was thinking the same, Young Alliance Leader.
— I’ll cut the one on the far left! Focus your attacks on the other three!
— Understood!
Bi Sa-in and the 13 Wolves, who had been focused on defense, launched a simultaneous counteroffensive.
Whish! Whish! Whish!
The moment the 13 Wolves unleashed a volley of sword qi to provide cover, Bi Sa-in kicked off the ground and lunged toward the leftmost man in black. He used his footwork to weave through the enemy's sword qi and thrust his blade forward.
Swish!
The man in black slid away with rapid speed. Passing him, Bi Sa-in twisted his body mid-air and brought his sword down. His target wasn't the man, but the black string connected to his back.
In that instant, the black string rippled like a wave, attempting to dodge the strike. Bi Sa-in pursued the string relentlessly, while the man in black launched a fierce assault to drive him back.
The other men in black couldn't help their comrade; the 13 Wolves were currently overwhelming them with the full force of the attacks they had been holding back.
Splurt!
Blood sprayed from Bi Sa-in's shoulder. However, the price he paid by throwing himself into harm's way was worth it.
R-r-rip!
The string on the leftmost man was severed. It thrashed about like a decapitated snake, and black smoke billowed from the cut end. Bi Sa-in and the man in black crossed paths within the haze.
Flash! Spurt!
Blood erupted from the chest of the man in black. Once his string was cut, he was no match for Bi Sa-in. As the man collapsed, the lantern he was holding flickered out.
The remaining three men in black let out a monstrous shriek at the loss of their comrade. Immediately, a ghostly wailing echoed from their lanterns.
Whoosh!
A baleful aura of dark sorcery surged from the lanterns, sweeping toward the group.
The 1st Wolf shouted, "Deploy the Ghost Annihilation Formation!"
The 13 Wolves instantly converged around Bi Sa-in. The powerful energy radiating from the completed formation blocked the incoming aura. When their wicked energy was repelled, the ghostly wailing from the lanterns grew even more mournful.
Bi Sa-in did not miss the opening. He, along with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wolves, lunged forward simultaneously.
The 1st Wolf charged directly at the second man in black. The 2nd Wolf aimed for the black string, while the 3rd Wolf struck at the spot where the man was expected to dodge. The man managed to evade the 3rd Wolf, but Bi Sa-in was already waiting at his landing spot.
Slice! Spurt!
The man's head fell, and he collapsed as blood geysered from his neck. Drenched in blood, the group lunged again. Having fought together for so long, they could read each other's minds with a single glance. They possessed years of shared experience that could overcome even "infinite" internal energy.
They did not let the momentum slip.
"Thirteen Flying Swords!"
At the 1st Wolf's cry, the 13 Wolves unleashed their sword qi all at once. Thirteen streaks of light flew toward the third man in black.
S-s-s-sh!
The man in black wove through the sword qi like an acrobat. It was a dazzling, unbelievable display of movement. But right then, someone shouted.
"Over here, you bastard!"
When the third man turned his head, the 1st Wolf was already bringing his blade down on the string.
Snap!
The severed string thrashed madly, spewing black smoke. When the man turned back, he saw twelve streaks of sword qi flying toward his eyes. He could no longer dodge.
Thud-thud-thud-thud!
As the sword qi pierced his body, the severed string gave one last convulsion, and the light in his lantern died.
The fourth man in black couldn't help him. He was locked in a clash of internal energy with Bi Sa-in, who had rushed in to pin him down. Their palms were pressed together in mid-air.
Vroooom!
The black string connecting the last man to the carriage swelled. A massive amount of internal energy flooded into the man's body, pushing back against Bi Sa-in.
Bi Sa-in gritted his teeth and held his ground. The opponent's internal energy was monstrous. He glanced at the 1st Wolf. Even without words, the 1st Wolf knew what that look meant.
This is it!
Without hesitation, the 1st Wolf swung his sword and severed the man's arm.
Slice!
"Aaaagh!"
Blood sprayed from the stump. The 13 Wolves swarmed him, hacking him to pieces. The 1st Wolf looked back at the corpses scattered on the ground and spoke coldly.
"These bastards... who do they think we are?"
With that, the final lantern was extinguished.
Bi Sa-in asked the group, "Is everyone alright?"
"We're fine." The 11th Wolf's shoulder had been sliced, exposing the bone. "It's just a scratch."
"If that's just a scratch, I shouldn't even mention my own," Bi Sa-in remarked.
The 11th Wolf gave an awkward laugh. The 1st Wolf treated Bi Sa-in's shoulder, while the 12th Wolf tended to the 11th. Fortunately, neither of the injured men used that arm for their swords.
Bi Sa-in addressed the group. "The secret lies in the carriage those strings were connected to."
No matter how much dark sorcery was involved, the internal energy they had used was real. Could someone inside the carriage really have sent out that much energy? It was impossible. The four men in black had attacked with an amount of energy a single person couldn't possibly provide.
Besides, wasn't that carriage currently occupied with fighting Geom Mu-geuk?
After a moment of thought, Bi Sa-in made a decision. "We aren't going to help the Young Cult Leader." He began walking into the darkness. "We'll find the secret of that carriage ourselves. It must be nearby."
The 13 Wolves followed silently behind him.
*
"Put that carriage on the line for our bet."
At Geom Mu-geuk's words, the Dark King's laughter echoed from within the carriage. "A bet only works when both parties have something to wager, doesn't it?"
"Correct."
"The Young Cult Leader is about to die, so what could you possibly wager?"
"Why are you acting like this just because I took one hit? You can get hit once or twice in a fight," Geom Mu-geuk replied, remaining as relaxed as ever. "I'll wager my tongue. How about it? If you have me around, you'll never be bored."
"I'd likely end up with a chronic headache instead." Matching his leisure with her own, a low chuckle drifted from the carriage before a calm voice followed. "Young Cult Leader."
After a brief pause, the Dark King added, "You've lost. You won't be able to save anyone today. Not even yourself."
As soon as she finished speaking, the Combat King stepped forward. Geom Mu-geuk spoke to the Faceless Guests who had been blocking his path.
"Everyone, return to your positions."
However, none of the Faceless Guests moved. They had judged that the Young Cult Leader was in a disadvantageous position. The one angered by this sight was the Combat King.
"You disgusting things!" It was annoying enough just looking at them, and now they were standing in his way. "I'll send you all to the afterlife!"
The Combat King threw a punch toward the Faceless Guests and Geom Mu-geuk.
Boom-boom-boom-boom!
He unleashed the Lightning Dance of the Chain Wind and Cloud Fist, infused with his ultimate internal energy. Dozens of fist-shaped blasts flew toward the Faceless Guests.
The Faceless Guests standing before Geom Mu-geuk didn't flinch; they simultaneously unleashed their Evil Shadow Fingers.
Zip! Zip! Zip!
However, their finger winds were not enough to neutralize the Combat King's Lightning Dance.
Crash! Smash!
The fist-shaped gang qi shattered the finger winds and poured toward them. Even then, the Faceless Guests did not dodge. They were determined to protect the Young Cult Leader, even if it meant using their own bodies as shields. Since their masks were fixed in a smiling expression, they looked like absolute madmen.
Boom! Bang! Crash!
Ear-splitting explosions followed as the very earth shook. The Faceless Guests stared at the scene with wide eyes. By all rights, their bodies should have been blown to pieces.
Sizzle! Hiss!
The incoming fist-shaped gang qi was melting right before their eyes. It was literally dissolving like ice. A single wall had intercepted that terrifying attack.
It was the Great Demonic Wall of the Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
"That damn Nine Calamities Demonic Art again!"
At the Combat King's low growl, Geom Mu-geuk replied, "I want to make bets and be friendly with you all, but you keep forcing me to put up walls."
The Faceless Guests simultaneously performed a fist salute and bowed their heads, showing their respect for the Nine Calamities Demonic Art. Then, they turned to look at Geom Mu-geuk.
Geom Mu-geuk smiled at them. "Thanks for protecting me."
The Faceless Guests were deeply moved. The Young Cult Leader had deployed the Great Demonic Wall for them—a technique he hadn't even used when he was being pummeled himself. They were even more touched by the fact that the martial art that saved their lives was the Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
"Now, trust me and get up there."
The Faceless Guests didn't hesitate; they leaped onto the trees and walls. Even as they did, the eyes watching from the darkness ahead remained fixed in their positions.
The Combat King and the Dark King remained silent. They seemed stunned by the power of the Great Demonic Wall. Previously, they had to use the Dark Path Return Art just to dodge his other forms. Seeing the Great Demonic Wall now, they were overwhelmed by its majesty.
The Dark King's calm voice drifted from the carriage. "I see now why the Nine Calamities Demonic Art is called the Unrivaled Demonic Art."
"Don't be so scared. It's only at the seventh-star stage. Let's have a proper go at it."
Geom Mu-geuk provoked the Combat King again. He hoped the man would clash with his Nine Calamities Demonic Art.
Right then, the strings that had been stretching from the carriage began to convulse before suddenly going limp. Geom Mu-geuk knew exactly what that meant.
"Sounds like bad news for you."
As a faint smile played on Geom Mu-geuk's lips, the Dark King's voice turned cold and heavy. "Then I suppose I should deliver some bad news to the Young Cult Leader as well."
An unknown incantation began to flow from the carriage, and the surrounding air shifted. The Faceless Guests perched on the branches all looked around. Something invisible was gathering from all directions.
It was darkness. A living darkness gathered like storm clouds. It was a visible darkness, a darkness within the darkness.
The gathered darkness formed a shape in the air above the carriage. It was dark yet transparent, shimmering with a sinister light. The darkness took the form of a woman. Delicate light, like the tip of a painter's brush, flowed through the shadows to create her features.
The woman hovered in the air.
"All life shall return to the darkness!"
The Dark King's voice now came from the woman made of shadow. While her previous voice had been soft and enchanting, this voice was deep and mystical.
The moment she finished speaking...
Whoosh.
The woman descended into the Combat King's body. The Combat King and the darkness merged into one. The woman's form overlapped with the Combat King's body like a transparent shadow. When the Combat King raised his hand, the dark woman did the same. They were two, yet one.
This was the Dark King's unique secret technique: the Dark Descent Technique.
The Dark King herself had descended upon the Combat King. He radiated an aura incomparably more powerful than before.
"It was a close fight when he was alone, but what will you do now? There are two of us fighting."
As her voice flowed out, overlapping with the Combat King's, the sight was truly grotesque. Right then, a deep voice pierced through the darkness.
"There are two of us as well."
Someone landed beside Geom Mu-geuk, his robes fluttering as he crossed the night sky. Wearing a white mask that perfectly suited the darkness, it was none other than the Smiling Demon.
"You've arrived?"
"I hope I'm not late."
"You're right on time."
At the Smiling Demon's appearance, the Faceless Guests simultaneously performed a fist salute. Joy and profound loyalty shone in their eyes.
Geom Mu-geuk looked at the Smiling Demon. The eyes behind the mask were shining clearly. "I even placed a bet because someone said the Smiling Demon wouldn't make it in time."
"I've always disliked dogs that bite people," the Smiling Demon remarked.
Geom Mu-geuk laughed brightly. He had always fought difficult battles alongside the Smiling Demon. And he sensed that today's battle would be harder than any they had faced before. Yet, he wasn't afraid at all. He was fighting alongside his Demon Lord.
"I won the bet. That carriage is mine now."
Merged with the Combat King, the Dark King spoke lowly. "Nothing will change tonight."
"Let's see about that. I happen to be an expert at changing things."
Geom Mu-geuk walked forward, side-by-side with the Smiling Demon. As he drew the Black Demonic Sword and let it hang by his side, the Smiling Demon lightly flicked the blade with his finger.
Ting!
The clear ring of metal echoed into the darkness.