Time of Resurrection (5)
Clang clatter!
With deft hand movements, Yeon Hojeong swiftly retrieved his Jiao Dragon Chain and mounted his warhorse in a flash. The horse reared up on its hind legs, letting out a triumphant neigh.
Hiiinngh!
It was a resounding cry that shook the mountains and forests. The warhorse had galloped across the wilds for months without its master. Now, finally bearing its rider once more, its whinny carried soaring pride and joy.
“Army Leader!”
“Big brother!”
Joy lit up the faces of the Myeol Sa Army soldiers calling out to Yeon Hojeong. But the situation left no room for savoring their reunion.
“Everyone, head north!”
The Myeol Sa Army soldiers' eyes sharpened instantly. It was the Bi-san Yeon family heir's command, one that vibrated deep in their guts just from hearing it. Faces full of delight turned solemn in a heartbeat.
Boom!
Yeon Hojeong charged ahead, and the Myeol Sa Army swiftly formed ranks behind him.
Rumble!
Stone fragments shattered by the hooves of fifty warhorses scattered in all directions.
Hoo.
Even for those skilled in horsemanship, riding dark mountain paths demanded caution. For Yeon Hojeong, nursing internal injuries, it was even more so. He could ignore them for battle, but it inevitably differed from his usual state.
Woooong.
He drew up his Azure Dragon Qi, maximally activating his liver's functions. It was ceaselessly dispelling fatigue with life-generating true energy. On top of that, he pulled in Azure Dragon Wood Qi to fiercely stoke his heart's Vermilion Bird Fire Qi.
The principle of wood begetting fire—pushing bodily strain aside for another fight, drawing out explosive power.
Thump! Thump!
His heart pounded as if about to burst. Forcing up cardiac output, it honed every muscle in his body to a razor's edge.
Woooong!
Vermilion Bird Qi flowed along the pitch-black shaft, gathering on the white axe blade and radiating brilliant light. It was poised to strike at any moment.
Yeon Hojeong's battle spirit at the vanguard blazed like flames, scorching the air around them. Naturally, the Myeol Sa Army's own battle auras began rippling like heat haze.
“Young Master Yeon.”
Muk Bi drew close beside Yeon Hojeong. He kept his eyes fixed ahead as he spoke.
“You must've had it rough getting here. Nearly got dangerous.”
“What're you talking about.”
Tension shadowed Muk Bi's face as well.
“But is there really reason to rush like this? I get we need to consider the pursuing reinforcements, but…”
“Cham Baek Unit.”
“Pardon?”
“The Cham Baek Unit. Before clashing with those guys, the ones chasing us were there. I figured they'd given up once the distance opened, but seeing these bastards changed my mind.”
Then, Jegal A-yeon, riding behind Muk Bi, spoke up.
“They flanked us.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded.
“Right. High chance of that.”
The Sa Hon Company consisted of multiple squads of thirty each. They specialized in battles against masters, needing no great numbers. What mattered was mobility, perfect teamwork, and thorough intel on targets.
The Cham Baek Unit was different. They were a combat unit of murderers who killed as casually as eating, even among the black path. Their methods and tactics differed, but their tenacity matched or exceeded the Sa Hon Company's.
“We were heading north. They could push to the northernmost Hunan, maybe even southern Hubei. With Yang Cheon awakened too, they'll pull every trick to catch us.”
Jegal A-yeon's face grew grave.
“Then the ones who went ahead are in danger!”
“North's a broad boundary. Higher chance they've passed each other than met. But if by some fluke the Cham Baek Unit flanked and blocked their path…”
Impatience flickered across Yeon Hojeong's face.
“The weary support team couldn't handle them. If they rested in northern Cheon Ja Mountain to pace stamina, odds of running into the flanking Cham Baek Unit skyrocket.”
Muk Bi shouted.
“Pick up the pace!”
Hiiinngh!
The Myeol Sa Army's speed surged further.
“Still, one relief…”
Yeon Hojeong glanced back and smirked.
“You trained the kids right. Discipline's tight.”
Muk Bi smiled.
“Not just discipline.”
“Yeah. Forming and breaking formations flows smooth and fast now. And their individual martial arts got way more practical too.”
Yeon Hojeong nodded, praising her efforts.
“Good work. Must've been tough.”
“Tougher for the support team, I'd bet.”
“True. By the way, when'd you pick up spear arts?”
“Father said for mounted combat, better learn something besides archery.”
“Your father?”
“Yeah. Sword felt off, and short spear's easier than long, so I went with it. Not long ago.”
“For 'not long,' your forms were spot-on.”
“Father suffered for my sake.”
If Yeon Wi taught her personally, it wouldn't be half-hearted. Still, Muk Bi's talent and instincts—deflecting the Sa Hon Company leader's strikes with fresh spear skills—were astounding. Mastering one weapon to mastery sped learning another.
Though arrows and spears differed vastly.
“No need, fine. But if capable, it's good. Fist and foot hundred strikes to archery felt worlds apart anyway.”
Jegal A-yeon yelled.
“Save the chat for later! Focus on riding!”
“Ah, sorry.”
Rumble.
The warhorses' speed exceeded expectations—rivaling peak masters' lightness skills. Impressive, considering their bulk and the rugged mountain path.
How long had they ridden? After cresting several peaks and leaping streams—
Hm?
Yeon Hojeong's expression hardened.
Weapon clashes.
From afar, steel rang against steel amid the silent mountains. A ferocious killing intent flowed through the peaks. Undoubtedly a slaughter.
Muk Bi shouted.
“Young Master Yeon!”
“I know! Faster!”
Hiiinngh!
Horses run ragged without proper rest, yet whipping the reins boosted speed further. Their endurance alone outclassed famed steeds.
Woooong.
Over the Vermilion Bird Qi on Gwangryongbu's blade roared the Mountain King's bellow.
Yeon Hojeong gripped the shaft with both hands.
“Raaah!”
Boom!
Smashing all obstacles, they advanced. Fierce winds tore great trees and shattered boulders.
Muk Bi and the soldiers swung weapons, batting away obstructing debris as they rode. Then another leap.
“You bastards!”
Bam bam boom!
Even gasping, their palm strikes brimmed with power. Unleashing vast energy, the palm formulas were masterful. Occasional dragon roars shook the peaks.
Jegal A-yeon blurted.
“Descending Dragon Eighteen Palms?!”
The Beggar Sect's supreme secret, also called Anti-Dragon Palm. Single strikes and chain energy both topped the central plains. So mighty, only the sect leader and vice-leader could perform it—now unfolding here.
Damn.
Yeon Hojeong's face twisted.
Not just the vice-leader.
Splat! Splash!
Smooth, elastic sword strikes sent mad killers screaming to death. Real-combat swordsmanship illuminated the dark night sky red.
Jeom Cheong Pa's arts—most practical among the Nine Great Sects—ravaged foes.
Bam bam bam!
Luckily, the dart barrage shredding everywhere seemed mediocre. But grazes drew blood and death, laced with poison qi—obvious to any eye.
Paeryul, Gadeuksang, Dang Sang-a. Wielding famed supreme arts of the Nine Great Beggars and Six Great Families.
Which means…
Boom!
Yeon Hojeong's lead horse kicked a boulder, soaring into the air.
…that much more dangerous.
Whoooosh!
Pure white true energy cloaked Gwangryongbu.
Snap!
Kicking off the airborne horse, Yeon Hojeong soared higher, plummeting into the battlefield's heart.
Boom!
“Kaaagh!”
“Aaaagh!”
Fierce winds swirled around the ground-smashing axe. Over a dozen Cham Baek Unit members spewed blood, hurled away.
All-out strike: Tiger King Nine Thunder Strikes with Gwangryongbu.
Been a while.
Artfully spinning the eighty-catty Gwangryongbu, he horizontally smashed an approaching foe.
Splat!
Not a cleave, but a battering blow. Bones shattered, the Cham Baek member crashed through a tree.
Really been too long.
Injured internally, yet stronger than bare-handed—doubly so.
Boom!
Advancing with White Tiger Advance Step, Yeon Hojeong wildly swung Gwangryongbu.
Bam bam bam!
Peak destructive power. Storm-like forms, Vermilion Bird Fire Qi soaring on the axe blade, annihilated foes.
Freely wielding weight and speed, the tiger's arts butchered thirty-odd Cham Baek members in seconds.
Gadeuksang blurted.
“Young Master Yeon…!”
Thwack!
“Guh!”
“Shut it.”
Paeryul had smacked Gadeuksang's head. They'd used sect arts, but to avoid risks, no real names.
Yeon Hojeong roared.
“Kill them all!”
“Raaah!”
Myeol Sa Army crashed in, savagely pressing Cham Baek. Clear growth. Scattering without orders, their combat efficiency shone beyond power.
Yeon Hojeong shouted again.
“Changing plans! Annihilate every visible enemy!”
They'd seen White Path supreme arts. Not one could live.
Killing intent flared in Paeryul, Gadeuksang, and Dang Sang-a's eyes.
“Time for some stress relief.”
Boom!
Paeryul closed with divine footwork, unleashing far deadlier strikes. With reliable allies covering backs, momentum shifted.
Not just him. Gadeuksang's palms and Dang Sang-a's hidden weapons grew sharper, more precise.
Allies, comrades—that's what they were. Their timely arrival overflowed one with strength.
“Y-You're safe?!”
They'd taken some down. Gang Ryang panted, his sword slick with blood.
“You good?”
“Of course. But…”
Gang Ryang gawked at Gwangryongbu.
“That's your weapon?”
“Yeah.”
“You swing that around?”
Yeon Hojeong grinned.
“Don't believe me? Watch.”
Boom!
Blazing hot gales rent Cham Baek members apart. Gwangryongbu, Jiao Dragon Chain. And Myeol Sa Army.
Not just the support team surged seeing comrades. Yeon Hojeong unleashed his full martial prowess gazing at Myeol Sa Army.
Half a shichen later.
Nine hundred eighty flanking Cham Baek Unit members lay dead. All annihilated.
