Chapter 752: Reform (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 752: Reform (4)
CRACK—!!
BOOM—!!
Qi detonated like a bomb.
Decades of cultivated energy surged forth, manifesting as sword aura that relentlessly battered the barrier.
BOOM—! BOOM, BOOM—! CRACK—!!
Sword strikes rained down in a frantic rhythm.
Countless flashes of light flared as if determined to tear the barrier asunder, but…
Swoosh—!
No matter how fiercely the Combat Qi raged, the barrier remained unyielding.
“Dammit—!”
A martial artist, who had been swinging his sword without pause, spat a curse. He had already exhausted more than half his Qi, yet the situation remained hopeless.
He wasn't the only one. He glanced to his side, chest heaving as he gasped for air.
‘…To think that not even the Seven Steel and Three Fists could break it…!!’
The Celestial Plum Blossom of Mount Hua.
The Sword Immortal of Wudang.
Even the Sword Emperor of the Murim Alliance.
Not only were there representatives from the Great Clans and Noble Sects, but three of the legendary Ten Masters of the Central Plains were present. Yet, even with their combined strength, cutting through that barrier was impossible.
“What in the world is everyone outside doing?!”
“…P-Please, hurry up and do something!”
Behind them, the merchant guild leaders, their faces ashen with terror, were pleading with the martial artists. Even they seemed to grasp how bizarre and dire the situation had become.
What was happening?
“…Hmm.”
The Celestial Plum Blossom, who had been unleashing a crimson sword aura, frowned and stroked his beard. He turned to the Sword Emperor beside him.
“This does not appear to be a simple barrier.”
“...”
Nod.
The Sword Emperor nodded in grim agreement. They had landed multiple strikes with their full power, and the masters gathered here were anything but weak. This was enough firepower to be unstoppable even for one of the Three Venerables.
And yet, after taking every hit, the barrier hadn't even trembled. In fact, the light it emanated seemed to grow even more brilliant. At this point, anyone who wasn't a fool could figure it out.
“This is the domain of a formation, or a specialized barrier.”
“Meaning it cannot be solved with brute force. In that case, Woo Bong—do you see anything?”
The Celestial Plum Blossom directed his question to the old man who had been observing the barrier rather than joining the assault—the Beggar’s Sect Leader, Drunken Beggar Woo Bong.
“I am looking… but that is all I am doing.”
“So you’ve figured out nothing. Utterly useless.”
“...”
At the Celestial Plum Blossom’s jab, Drunken Beggar Woo Bong let out a sharp grunt. He wasn't wrong, but the Beggar’s Sect Leader had his own excuses.
“You damn Taoist… How much do you expect a beggar to know about high-level formations? Why are you giving me such a hard time?”
“You were just staring instead of using your strength, so I thought you might actually know something. I see I was mistaken.”
“I’m not an expert in this field… Ah, right! The Captain of the Wind Dragon Army. What is that old woman up to?”
The person in charge of this exact field—the Captain of the Wind Dragon Army, Bimapa Yeoseon—was responsible for all the formations within the Alliance’s territory. Her presence was vital.
The Sword Immortal replied with a grim expression.
“Now that this has happened, she should arrive shortly.”
As he answered, the Sword Immortal glanced around.
—Aaaaaah!
—We have to get out…! We have to! Get out of the way!!
Beyond the barrier, he could see the chaotic scene unfolding. People, lost in confusion, were creating a scene of pure pandemonium. The martial arts tournament, once hailed as the greatest festival in history, was now a scene of total collapse.
Watching this, the Sword Immortal clenched his fist.
Crrrk.
A harsh sound echoed from his tightly balled hand. His emotions were in turmoil.
‘What in the world is happening?’
Something was terribly wrong. How did this happen?
‘An attack? From where? How?’
What fool would dare attack Henan? And the Alliance’s headquarters, of all places. All their forces were currently gathered here. If one were to attack, now was the worst possible time.
Moreover…
‘How did they even appear?’
What method had they used to strike so suddenly?
‘The Captain of the Wind Dragon Army should have been monitoring the formations constantly.’
Even with their forces at full strength, danger always lurked. For that reason, they had continuous patrols and formations laid out everywhere to prevent such an attack. Even if the enemy had breached their perimeter, they should have been detected.
Unless…
‘Did the Captain of the Wind Dragon Army betray us?’
It was a plausible suspicion. She was the one who oversaw all the formations in the Alliance’s territory. If she had betrayed them, this phenomenon would be possible. Especially since there had been reports recently that her condition was strange.
‘…Don’t tell me. Is that why she hasn’t shown up?’
The reason she was absent even as the situation devolved. If her betrayal was the cause, it would all make sense.
Grit.
Fury flooded the Sword Immortal’s eyes. A situation spiraling out of control—why did it have to happen now? Of all times, why during his tenure as the Alliance Leader?
A fierce emotion surged within him. He had to resolve this. For his own future, he had to, no matter what.
As the Sword Immortal desperately tried to think of a solution…
“You all look just like rats in a cage.”
A voice echoed from the empty air. In that instant, everyone inside looked up, turning simultaneously toward the source.
“A truly fitting sight.”
Swoosh.
Against the backdrop of the dark, overcast sky, a crimson line began to form. And beneath it… an old man clad in a black robe could be seen slowly descending.
For an old man, he had a well-proportioned, powerful body. In one hand, he clutched a heavy, blunt weapon. Floating in the air, the old man looked at the people gathered beyond the barrier and curled his lips into a smirk.
“So, how does it feel to be the frog in the well? I am truly curious.”
“...”
At his words, everyone realized: the mastermind behind this entire catastrophe was this old man.
“…W-Who are you?!”
“Do you have any idea who we are?! Let us out this instant—!”
Just as the merchant guild leaders began to scream at the culprit, plum blossoms shot out and sealed their mouths. It was the Celestial Plum Blossom’s doing. Provoking the enemy was dangerous; that was his judgment.
Immediately after silencing them, the Celestial Plum Blossom looked at the old man and spoke in a calm, measured voice.
“I am Dohwa, the 16th Sect Leader of the Mount Hua Sect.”
“The Celestial Plum Blossom. I know you well. It is an honor to see such a great man.”
“I don’t believe we’ve met… May I ask your name, esteemed sir?”
“Heh heh heh…”
The old man chuckled at the Celestial Plum Blossom’s words.
“An introduction… Yes, an introduction is good… Of course, you should know who did this to you!”
After letting out a dry, raspy sound, he…
Fwoosh—!
He raised his blunt weapon.
“It has been a long time since I forgot my name. But I have never forgotten my essence. So, I shall introduce myself thus.”
His eyes were filled with ancient resentment and cold fury. With such eyes, the old man looked beyond the barrier and spoke.
“I am a descendant of the Zhuge Clan, whom you framed and cast aside.”
At the old man’s introduction, those inside the barrier reacted violently.
“…What!?”
“The… the Zhuge Clan…?”
“The Zhuge Clan… Don’t tell me.”
The Zhuge Clan. In the past, they were not only part of the Orthodox Faction but were also one of the Five Noble Clans, a pillar of the Murim world. But they had fallen from grace after it was discovered they were secretly coveting a wicked power behind the Murim Alliance’s back.
Was this old man a survivor of that very Zhuge Clan?
“How does it feel? To have those you thought you had erased by framing them come back to life and hold a sword to your throats?”
“Framed? What do you mean, framed?”
“The Zhuge Clan was definitely…”
They were known to have followed a wicked power—specifically, the power of the Blood Demon who had caused the Blood Disaster in the past. Was he saying that was a frame-up? Confused by his incomprehensible words, everyone wore a puzzled expression.
“Yes, it was a long time ago. And it’s something the Orthodox Faction would want to hide more than anything… You must have erased it without leaving any records.”
The old man frowned, as if displeased by their reaction.
“But we, who were cast into hell, remember.”
RUMBLE—!!!
The vibrations grew stronger and stronger.
“Though you who abandoned us may have forgotten, we remember. How could we forget? It was such a painful memory! How in the world could you ask us to forget—!!”
His roar was laced with Qi as it exploded outwards.
FWOOOOSH—!!
—Kyaaaaak!
—Aaaaaaaah—!!!
The blast was powerful enough to harm those who had not yet escaped the Alliance grounds. The old man’s fury was that intense. Facing it, the Sword Immortal of Wudang took a step forward and addressed him.
“And so, you have done all this?”
At the Sword Immortal’s words, the old man looked at him.
“Sword Immortal, the leader of this rotten Murim Alliance. The most incompetent and useless leader of all.”
The Sword Immortal’s brow furrowed at the insult, but now was not the time to argue.
“I do not know of the Zhuge Clan’s affairs. However, if, as you say, you were framed and now seek revenge out of anger, I understand. But is what you are doing now truly a justifiable form of revenge?”
Whatever the Alliance of the past had done, was it right to take revenge on the people of today? That was the Sword Immortal’s point. It might have been a sound argument, but…
“So, are you telling me to forgive? If that were the case, I would not have come forward like this.”
It was a point that would never reach the old man.
“…There are not only people from the Murim Alliance here, but also civilians who had nothing to do with the events of that time. If you must have your revenge, then at least…!”
“I know. Yes, reformation always requires sacrifice.”
“…Does that mean you intend to harm those who are not involved?”
“Haha.”
The old man burst out laughing at the Sword Immortal’s furious words.
“How amusing, Alliance Leader.”
“What do you find so amusing?”
“The way you prattle on as if that’s the problem. Since when did you—no, since when did any of you—care about such things?”
“…What do you—!”
“Look.”
Cutting off the Sword Immortal, the old man gestured broadly. Past the pandemonium in the distance, he pointed toward the people swarming around the barrier.
“The situation has come to this, yet where is your chivalry and justice?”
—Get out of the waaaay—!! I said, move!!
—Gyaaaah!!!
—Run—!!
The already chaotic surroundings were now filled with screams. And yet, amidst it all…
—Save the Alliance Leader—!
—Break the barrier—! We have to rescue the Leader—!!
—An attack—! They say an attack has occurred…!!
—Vice-Captain—! We need to support the battle…!
—The Alliance Leader is in there right now—!! Send the others and deal with this barrier first! Dammit! What is the Wind Dragon Army doing!
Pointing at the disorganized martial artists, the old man continued to laugh. Was this truly the proper state for the martial artists of the Orthodox Faction, who claimed to protect civilians? Nothing was being done right.
The strange thing was, the martial artists down below seemed unaware of the old man’s presence.
“Is this the discipline and justice you speak of? Is this what you protected while hiding your rotting roots?”
“This is the world you have created, scrambling to protect nothing but your own positions.”
“So do not call this mere revenge against you.”
The old man glared at the Sword Immortal and continued.
“This is the punishment (懲罰) we are bestowing upon you.”
RUMBLE, RUMBLE, RUMBLE—!!!
The vibrations in the dark clouds grew stronger. From within the rift, the old man pronounced his sentence upon the barrier. The faces of those inside were a mixture of shock and fury.
‘Yes.’
Watching them, the old man felt a thrill of pleasure.
‘That’s it.’
That was the look. The expression he himself had worn his entire life. And the very expression he had always wanted to force upon their faces.
‘How does it feel?’
How does it feel to be helpless, to feel nothing but despair? How does it feel to fully experience the emotions we have felt? It was exhilarating. It felt truly wonderful.
‘It won’t be long now.’
There was little time left before the calamity would strike. That barrier could never be broken by force unless one knew its weakness. To break it with force would require a truly immense amount of energy. No matter how many powerful masters were gathered, even their strength would be insufficient.
‘So just stay quietly trapped in your pot and watch hell unfold.’
And then be swept away and disappear in the typhoon I have unleashed.
Just as the old man was savoring his elation…
Vwoom.
“…!”
The old man twisted his body sharply. In that instant…
THWOOOM—!!!
An enormous wave of Combat Qi grazed past where the old man had been.
KABOOOOM—!!!
An explosion erupted in the empty air. It was a sudden attack.
Who?
The old man, startled, turned to identify his assailant.
“Are you the one behind this attack?”
A giant of a man with a gruff voice came into view. He was a middle-aged man wearing a yellow robe.
“I am the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, Hwangbo Yeolwi.”
“...”
What?
The old man was bewildered. Not only had this man attacked him, but he was also staring at him clearly. That shouldn't be possible. After all…
‘The spell is definitely active. How…?’
How could that man see him? It was beyond puzzling. However…
“From this moment on.”
This was not the time to dwell on such questions.
“I, Hwangbo Yeolwi of the Savage Beast Fist, shall punish evil (惡) in the name of the Orthodox Faction.”
With those words, Hwangbo Yeolwi leaped and charged at the old man. In response, the old man hastily swung his blunt weapon.
VWOOOOONG—!!!!
Combat Qi clashed with Combat Qi, and a shockwave exploded.
KRAKOOOOOM—!!!
—Aaaaaaaah!! What is this—!!
—H-Help meeee—!!!
As everyone screamed from the impact, the old man, deflecting the attack, narrowed his eyes. Was he mistaken? The eyes of the man who introduced himself as the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan… for a moment, they seemed to have glowed with a violet light.
BOOM—!! THUD, THUD—!!!
Continuous impacts shook the ceiling. It seemed the plan had begun.
KABOOOM—!!
The impacts were so powerful that the sound reached even this location, some distance away. Perhaps the problem was that I had ordered them to be as violent as possible. It seemed they might be overdoing it a little…
‘That should be fine.’
If anything, it was a favorable situation, so I paid it no mind and continued walking.
Step.
I passed through a dark and murky space. It was a place where one could feel almost no presence. The area was likely sparse to begin with, but with the incident underway, it felt exceptionally empty. Either that, or…
‘The people who were here are gone.’
Perhaps there were people here before. But now, they might have been removed by someone else’s will. With that thought, I continued forward.
“...”
I arrived before a single door. There were several other doors, but this was my destination, so I had no need to go further. Without hesitation, I grabbed the door and tore it from its frame.
Crrrack.
The iron door was ripped away as if it were being shattered.
CRASH—!
The scene beyond the broken door came into view. Seeing it, my eyes narrowed slightly.
Drip.
Drip…!
Along with the unpleasant sound, a metallic scent brushed past my nose. The scent of blood. A thick, sickening stench.
Splash.
As I stepped forward, a damp floor greeted me. It wasn't water. The floor was completely saturated with blood. That wasn't all. The place was filled with torn and mangled corpses. Some had their faces caved in, as if struck by a blunt weapon. Others were torn in half, their upper and lower bodies ripped apart.
There were over ten bodies slaughtered in such a way. I clicked my tongue at the brutal sight.
“You really went on a rampage.”
As I muttered in disgust, I felt a presence ahead. There, in the center of a pool made of human remains… someone was kneeling on one knee.
He had dark green hair. He wore a prisoner’s uniform and his arms and legs were bound by iron chains, but they seemed far too insufficient to restrain the man.
Thud.
My foot hit something. I looked down and saw a human head. It looked as if it had been torn off by hand. Come to think of it, the face looked familiar. As I stared at it for a moment…
“That is the head of the Captain of the First Dragon Army,” a voice from ahead informed me.
“Right. It was him.”
I had been wondering where I’d seen him before. My curiosity satisfied, I immediately stepped over the head and walked toward the man. I had no further interest in the dead.
“How’s your body?”
“No problems.”
As if to prove his words, the man stood up.
Grrr.
As he slowly rose, his height seemed endless. Every time I saw him, I was struck by what a massive physique he had. His skin was covered in scars. Most showed the marks of time, but a few looked recent—likely from recent torture sessions.
“Looking at your arms and legs, it seems your ligaments were torn. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“They have regenerated.”
“Good enough, then.”
I asked, even though I already knew. Of course, if he hadn't regenerated, he wouldn't have been able to turn his surroundings into this state. Accepting his answer, I took out some clothes from my coat and threw them to him.
Tang Duk caught the clothes and immediately unfolded them.
Flap—!
A black uniform. It was the same design as the one the Unyielding Demon wore. Seeing it, Tang Duk grinned from ear to ear. He seemed to understand what this meant. I hadn't even told him to put it on, but he immediately draped it over his body. He seemed incredibly excited.
It’s been years since I’ve seen that bastard smile. Ugh, how disgusting.
“When you get out, a man in yellow clothes will have your weapon ready. Find it yourself.”
“Yes.”
“And… No, never mind. You don’t look like you’re in a state to listen to anything else.”
Tang Duk’s eyes had already lost their sanity. Anything more I said would be pointless. Besides, there was only one thing left to say. He didn't need to be told he had suffered. What he wanted to hear wasn't that, but…
“Go. Run wild.”
BOOM—!!
This must have been it. The moment the words left my mouth, Tang Duk shot past me, smashed through the wall, and disappeared.
… CRACK. RUMBLE—!!
I could hear the sounds of destruction fading into the distance. I let out a small sigh.
‘…Is this really okay?’
I had given him a few orders not to do certain things before. But looking at his state, I doubted he would follow them. If I could, I would follow him and keep him in check, but…
‘I have a lot to do here, too.’
Splash.
Ignoring Tang Duk for now, I walked further in. Behind the spot where he had been, there was another space.
“Found you.”
There was what I was looking for. No, to be precise, who I was looking for. I spotted a figure, crouched down, and met their eyes.
“…Hk… Guhhh…”
An old woman, whose arms hung limply as if broken, and whose leg ligaments seemed to be severed. Her condition was dire. It was the Captain of the Wind Dragon Army, Bimapa Yeoseon.
“Nice to see you. I was wondering where you were. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“…Hk… Hnghh…”
She trembled, seemingly crushed by fear. I watched the old woman from behind my mask and spoke to her.
“It’s nothing much, but I have one favor to ask of you.”
Naturally…
“Will you grant it?”
I had no intention of giving her the option to refuse.