Chapter 26: Sama Yeong (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 26: Sama Yeong (1)
Whoosh!
I hadn't realized traveling via the Silver Smoke Thread would be this fast. It was significantly quicker than using Lightness Skills.
The end of the valley was already in sight. As I moved downstream, the violent rapids were gradually calming into a steady flow. I had managed to exit the mountain range quickly, but I wasn't sure if I could catch up with the retreating procession.
"Ah..."
The Namcheon Iron Sword’s words gave me pause. This could indeed be an opportunity. If I chose to disappear and live a quiet life, saying goodbye to the Blood Cult wouldn't be a bad idea. However, there were several problems with that plan.
'I’ve drawn too much attention.'
My appearance and identity were already well-known within the cult. If Baek Ryeonha’s faction had seized power and Baek Hye-hyang’s side had been purged, it might be different, but my current situation was precarious. Even the masked man who tried to take me down with him—despite his face being covered—had recognized me just by the rusted Namcheon Iron Sword.
'And how am I supposed to fix my face?'
A Human Skin Mask. I did know a few experts in that field. As the Namcheon Iron Sword suggested, wearing a mask and living under a new identity was a possibility. But I didn't want to live in constant anxiety like I did in my past life.
'...I have to see this through to the end.'
To be honest, back when I was in Six Blood Valley, my main goal was just to blend in—to stay under the radar so I could escape whenever I wanted. Even though my master, Hae Ak-cheon, had chosen Baek Ryeonha, I had planned to tell him that I might switch sides depending on where the profit lay.
But the situation had changed.
'Exactly.'
At first, I thought they were only after Baek Ryeonha. But something felt off. The masked assassins who had been hired knew who I was, even though I wasn't a Venerable or a Blood Saint. Furthermore, Great Leader Yang Gang-il, the spy for Baek Hye-hyang’s side, had marked me with the powder of the Thousand Li Autumn Scent.
'A coincidence? I doubt it.'
If it were, they should have marked Baek Ryeonha, even if it was riskier, or someone less likely to be noticed. This was a deliberate move against me. Whether I intended it or not, I had clearly become a person of interest as the disciple of the Bizarre Hae Ak-cheon, one of the Four Venerables.
'Yes.'
Since things have come to this, I must ensure Baek Ryeonha is installed as the Cult Leader. Only by dismantling Baek Hye-hyang’s faction can I be free from this danger.
'There’s another way?'
'Overwhelming power?'
-
'......That’s true.'
A small smirk escaped my lips. He was right. If I attained overwhelming power, I could break free from these shackles. That was my goal as the successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest’s techniques. However, reaching that level was no easy feat, and I needed a safe harbor until I got there.
At the Namcheon Iron Sword’s prompt, I looked ahead. As I reached the lower reaches of the valley, the terrain opened up into a bank leading to a small river. A group of figures was visible there.
'Ah.'
Because the distance was quite far, I hadn't sensed their presence or heard the Voice of the Sword. It was lucky the view had opened up; otherwise, I might have run straight into them.
Thwip! Shhhhh!
I infused the Silver Smoke Thread with Innate True Qi, causing it to pull me back. I then clung to the surface of the cliff.
The Lesser Conversation Sword spoke to me petulantly, clearly still sulking.
'Don't be like that.'
'Now that we’re out of Six Blood Valley, I’ll find a blacksmith to fix your broken tip when I get the chance.'
Fortunately, it was easily swayed. It seemed the broken tip had been weighing on its mind. Regardless, I was in a bit of a predicament. Since I had spotted them, there was a chance they had seen me gliding down on the Silver Smoke Thread.
'Probably.'
The distance was significant, but none of them were wearing masks. I expected some might still be on the mountain since only a day had passed, but I didn't think they’d be this far downstream.
I weighed my options. Since there was still some distance between us, should I just run? But if I did, I was worried they might blow a signal horn and call for reinforcements.
Damn it. I overlooked that. If I can't silence them, running might be the better option. But strangely, it was quiet. A signal horn should be audible even from this distance.
'What’s going on?'
I peeked over the edge of the cliff toward the riverbank. Contrary to my expectations, the group on the bank was engaged in combat. I couldn't make out their faces from this distance, but it looked like one person was fighting a group of about ten.
'Who is that?'
'The Blood Cult?'
'Hmm.'
That made sense. If that were true, I’d be quite touched. Given Hae Ak-cheon’s recent behavior, it was entirely possible. He spoke harshly, but he truly seemed to care for me as his disciple.
I nodded at the Namcheon Iron Sword’s question. If that person was preventing them from blowing the signal horn upon seeing me descend the valley, they might indeed be someone sent by Hae Ak-cheon.
Even from afar, the situation looked precarious. The group seemed skilled in combined attacks, maintaining a specific formation. Having made my decision, I pulled the Lesser Conversation Sword from the cliffside.
'I’m going to throw you one more time.'
Despite the complaining, it didn't refuse. In fact, despite the talk, it seemed to have grown accustomed to traversing cliffs this way.
Zip!
I threw the Lesser Conversation Sword toward the opposite cliff. Once it lodged into the rock, I leaped forward, slowly letting the Silver Smoke Thread extend. I then swung toward the opposite bank and landed.
Tap.
The water near the bank was shallow with protruding stones, which I used as stepping stones for my Lightness Skill. As I drew closer, the Voice of the Sword reached me. Since they were all using swords, my head was filled with a cacophonous ringing. This is why having too many swords around gives me a headache.
The Namcheon Iron Sword informed me. Their combined attack was indeed a type of sword formation. Having studied formations in my previous life, I knew how difficult they were to deal with—especially when fighting alone.
As the Lesser Conversation Sword noted, the Blond Youth trapped in the formation was using fluid sword techniques to dodge the combined attacks, managing to hold his own remarkably well.
'Sword techniques?'
The person trapped in the center was a swordsman. It was rare to find someone using a sword among those from Six Blood Valley. Moreover, I had never seen someone so fair-featured and slender there.
'Wait, is he not from the Blood Cult?'
The handsome Blond Youth wasn't even wearing a mask. I was suddenly confused. If he wasn't a Blood Cult warrior, why was he fighting them here?
The "guys" the Namcheon Iron Sword and Lesser Conversation Sword were referring to were the swords the enemies were wielding. As I focused, the voices of the swords became clearer. The word "Blood Cult" popped up frequently in their chatter.
'So he is related to the Blood Cult.'
It would be strange if they hadn't, given how close I was. In that case, there was no other choice. I’d have to help him take them down first.
"Everyone, get back!"
Step, step, step!
As I approached, the group attacking the Blond Youth hurriedly widened the distance. They watched me with tense, wary expressions.
'......What’s this?'
On the other hand, the Blond Youth looked at me with eyes sparkling with anticipation. He shouted to me:
"Great Hero! Please help me!"
Great Hero? What is he talking about? Does he even know who I am under this mask?
Just then, a bearded middle-aged man among the swordsmen, looking just as tense as the others, offered a fist-and-palm salute.
Snap!
"......May I ask if your excellency is one of the Four Venerables of your esteemed cult?"
He was politely asking if I was one of the Venerables. It seemed they were under a misunderstanding. Since I hadn't opened my Middle Dantian, my energy sense shouldn't feel like anything beyond a first-rate master. I didn't understand why they were acting this way.
Then, the ringing in my head intensified.
The swords were all mocking their masters for being idiots. Hearing that, I understood. They had seen me crossing the air on the Silver Smoke Thread and mistaken it for a legendary lightness skill like Void Step or Void Object Retrieval. Consequently, they assumed I was one of the Venerables, the highest-ranking masters of the Blood Cult.
'Ho. Is that so?'
I might be able to use this situation to my advantage. I glanced at the sword the Blond Youth was holding. It was a unique weapon. A blue line ran down the blade, and it emitted a faint luster, marking it as a treasure sword. This sword was also speaking.
It sounded like an old man. But thanks to what the sword said, I realized this Blond Youth wasn't actually a member of the Blood Cult. He was looking for a Blood Cult master? What did that mean?
Regardless, I had to deal with these people first.
'Whew.'
I circulated my Innate True Qi. Then, I carefully sent a Secret Sound Transmission to the Blond Youth.
[Attack them when I give the signal.]
A flash of surprise crossed the Blond Youth’s eyes at my transmission. He immediately replied in kind.
[Understood, Great Hero.]
To think I’d be called "Great Hero," a title I never even heard in my previous life. I knew he was likely just flattering me, but it certainly sounded nice.
'What are you talking about? I just said it sounds nice.'
Focusing my eye power to the limit, I mentally recited the oral formula for the Illusion Eye. Aside from the bearded middle-aged man and two others behind him, there were no particularly formidable masters among them. I deepened my voice to sound as majestic as possible.
"Do those who recognize who I am still dare to hold their weapons?"
The Lesser Conversation Sword burst into laughter at my tone. Was it that awkward? Apparently not to the group of swordsmen. The bearded middle-aged man spoke up.
"......Martial Alliance warriors are stationed all around this area. Even if you are a Venerable, you won't find it easy to escape."
He was clearly terrified, yet he didn't back down easily. He had more courage than he looked. Just then, the Blond Youth’s transmission reached my ears.
[He’s lying. There’s no one else around here but them. There’s another group about three li away, but they can't call them because I broke their signal horn. Hehe.]
Looking at his expression, he reminded me of a loyal dog wagging its tail for praise. It was certainly useful information.
[Thank you.]
At my reply, the Blond Youth grinned, revealing his white teeth.
I thought so too. If he was someone friendly toward the Blood Cult, there was no need to make an enemy of him for now. I could find out who he was after dealing with these people. I raised my voice and addressed them.
"You are lying."
"......It is no lie. If you truly intend to stir the hornet's nest..."
"How pathetic!"
The Blond Youth was right. Seeing how easily he wavered under my pressure, it was clear he was bluffing. The bearded man and his group tightened their grip on their swords. They were too afraid to attack first, but they seemed certain a fight was about to break out.
That’s when I said to them:
"Do you really think I haven't planted spies among you?"
At my sudden claim, the bearded man frowned.
"If you think you can deceive us with such lies..."
"Is it a lie? There might even be someone who recognizes me."
As I spoke, I subtly pointed toward my eyes with my thumb. Several of them instinctively looked at my eyes. In that moment, a portion of my Innate True Qi was consumed, and the eyes of three men grew dull and vacant.
The three entranced men immediately turned their swords on the comrades standing beside them.
Stab!
"Gah!"
Slash!
"Ack! Wh-what are you doing?"
One man successfully drove his sword into a comrade’s neck. It was possible because they had been so focused on me that they let their guard down. Unfortunately, the other two only managed to graze the arms and legs of their targets as they dodged.
'Ha!'
I was momentarily stunned by the sight. I had used the second stage of the Illusion Eye, hoping to catch at least one person. I never dreamed it would work on three.
'I can target multiple people!'
It felt as though I had performed several martial forms in a row, given the amount of Innate True Qi consumed. I had discovered by chance that the Illusion Eye could be cast on multiple targets simultaneously. Regardless, my plan to neutralize the sword formation was a success.
"Oh no!"
"These bastards were spies!"
The men who had been under the Illusion Eye were immediately suspected of being traitors. Though they snapped out of the trance at the shouting, it was already too late to turn back the situation.
"Die!"
"What are you doing? Why all of a sudden?"
"Shut up!"
Clang, clang, clash!
A chaotic melee erupted instantly. Those with no memory of their actions were busy defending themselves against their attacking comrades, while the others tried to quickly eliminate the "spies."
"Wh-what in the world..."
The bearded middle-aged man was at a total loss, unable to hide his bewilderment at the sudden turn of events.
[Now!]
I sent the transmission to the Blond Youth. As soon as the signal was given, he lunged toward the swordsmen in the fray as if he had been waiting for this moment.
I also threw myself toward the bearded middle-aged man, unfolding the first form of the Life Bright Sword Technique.
'Tiger Fang Momentum Sword.'