Chapter 264
Chapter 264
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 264
Chapter Title: An Unexpected Alliance
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“Have a seat.”
Guyang Jeong-hak calmly offered Bu Eun-seol a seat.
“What brings you all the way here?”
“I have come to ask for your help.”
“Hahaha.”
Guyang Jeong-hak let out a placid laugh.
“Though our sect may have built up some influence, we are but a minor faction on the outskirts of Qinghai. How could we possibly be of help to the Martial Alliance’s vanguard?”
Contrary to his words, the Fengsa Sword Sect was the most influential faction in the Qinghai Demonic Path.
Moreover, the news that the Martial Alliance’s vanguard was stationed at Yogumji had spread far and wide throughout the martial world.
Knowing all this, Guyang Jeong-hak was playing the part of a cunning old fox, feigning ignorance with false modesty.
Had Bu Eun-seol been an ordinary martial artist, he would have likely played along, praising Guyang Jeong-hak’s humility while proceeding with the conversation.
But he despised dragging out meaningless talk and beating around the bush.
“Please lend us just one of the ships operated by the Fengsa Sword Sect.”
Bu Eun-seol said, getting straight to the point.
“Our vanguard plans to enter Yogumji in secret, avoiding the eyes of the Heuk-ryeon.”
The Nu River, flowing through a narrow gorge, was turbulent and dangerous, making it unsuitable for use as a waterway.
However, the current was gentler on the route toward Yogumji, allowing for the operation of merchant ships carrying goods.
The Heuk-ryeon, true to their nature as a sect of bandits, had chained several vessels together at the passage to Yogumji, collecting tolls from passing ships.
“I have heard that the Fengsa Sword Sect also operates its own merchant ships. Such a vessel would be able to pass through the vicinity of Yogumji without arousing suspicion.”
As Bu Eun-seol laid out his plan without hesitation, Guyang Jeong-hak’s expression changed drastically.
*‘This young whelp is threatening me.’*
To divulge a critical operation to a complete stranger…
Was that not the same as threatening to lay waste to the Fengsa Sword Sect if they refused to help?
*‘If I refuse, he will drench this sect in blood.’*
Thick beads of sweat formed on Guyang Jeong-hak’s forehead.
*‘He must prevent any information from leaking at all costs.’*
“Will you be able to help?”
At Bu Eun-seol’s repeated question, Guyang Jeong-hak took a deep breath.
The fate of his numerous followers hung on his single reply.
“This Sect Leader…”
He paused, unable to continue.
The Fengsa Sword Sect was a historic sword sect that had laid its roots in this barren land of Qinghai for generations.
Their refusal to join the Martial Alliance stemmed from their pride as a sect belonging to the birthplace of the Qinghai Demonic Path.
But to be threatened into submission by this young upstart from the Martial Alliance?
He would no longer be able to walk through the Qinghai martial world with his head held high.
“This sect has absolutely no intention of getting involved in the fight between the Martial Alliance and the Heuk-ryeon.”
Guyang Jeong-hak said with a polite yet firm expression.
“I must refuse your request. Please convey my regrets to the Blood Dance Lord.”
“It seems you have some sort of deal with the Heuk-ryeon.”
Bu Eun-seol continued calmly, his face expressionless.
“Or perhaps you are certain that our vanguard will be defeated.”
*‘Is he trying to sound me out?’*
Guyang Jeong-hak’s eyes narrowed for a moment before he shook his head, denying the claim.
“There is nothing of the sort. We simply have no intention of meddling in the affairs of the Central Plains’ Demonic Path.”
“If the Heuk-ryeon continues to gain power, their next target will inevitably be the Sakgeom-ryeong.”
“We will handle such matters ourselves.”
Guyang Jeong-hak stated firmly.
“Our sect is not a particularly great one. But if we were the type to bow to the might of the Martial Alliance, we would have taken down our sign long ago.”
Sensing the deep animosity in his voice, Bu Eun-seol sighed.
“I am not using the Martial Alliance’s authority to threaten you, Sect Leader. I am making a request.”
“You may call it a request, but from my sect’s perspective, it is nothing but a threat,”
Guyang Jeong-hak said coldly.
“Not a single member of this sect will be deployed in this battle.”
“It seems you have misunderstood something.”
Bu Eun-seol stared intently into Guyang Jeong-hak’s eyes and spoke calmly.
“I am not asking for military support. I am asking to borrow a ship so that our main force can immediately strike the Heuk-ryeon’s main base in Yogumji.”
“Is that not the same thing? You will need a large number of troops to break through the Heuk-ryeon’s coastal defenses anyway.”
Guyang Jeong-hak said with a resolute expression.
“Or are you truly asking to borrow just a single ship?”
Just then, the door to the Pungu Pavilion burst open, and a young woman in a red robe stormed in.
“We will provide it.”
The woman looked at Bu Eun-seol and spoke in a firm voice.
“Everything from our sect’s merchant ships to our elite troops.”
“Cheong-jeong!”
Greatly startled, Guyang Jeong-hak jumped to his feet to stop her.
“This is not your place to interfere.”
“No. It is my place.”
The woman in red, Guyang Cheong-jeong, pointed at Bu Eun-seol and said.
“Because this man is the benefactor who saved not only me, but all the heirs of the Seven Sword Sects of Qinghai from the clutches of the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong.”
“What did you say?”
Shaking his head, Guyang Jeong-hak blinked.
“What do you mean? That man is the heir of Nang-ya-gak…”
“That’s right. This person is the heir of Nang-ya-gak, Young Master Bu.”
Guyang Jeong-hak’s mouth fell open, unbecoming of his station.
The young man he had thought to be a mere messenger conveying the Blood Dance Lord’s words…
The legitimate heir of one of the Ten Demonic Sects, and a powerful candidate for the Martial Alliance’s succession who had single-handedly slain Geol-wang.
He was that very Bu Eun-seol?
“You are…”
Guyang Jeong-hak looked at Bu Eun-seol and spoke in a trembling voice.
“You’re saying you are Bu Eun-seol, the legitimate heir of Nang-ya-gak?”
“I am.”
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Guyang Jeong-hak’s mouth gaped as if he had seen a ghost.
Not only was Bu Eun-seol slender, but he also lacked the characteristic pressure or aura of a martial artist.
If anyone other than his own daughter had told him this, he would have never believed it.
*‘He has reached the state of Returning to Simplicity!’*
Finally grasping Bu Eun-seol’s immense martial prowess, Guyang Jeong-hak spoke in a trembling voice.
“Why did you not reveal your identity?”
“Would that not be a threat?”
Bu Eun-seol said calmly.
“I came here with the sincere intention of asking you for a favor, Sect Leader.”
“I see.”
Guyang Jeong-hak wore a look of utter defeat.
If he had come in his capacity as an heir or a first-class lord, he would never have used honorifics with the leader of a small sword sect in Qinghai.
He had spoken respectfully the entire time because he had genuinely come to ask for a favor.
“I believe you. That you came here to sincerely ask for a favor, without brandishing your high status, your martial arts, or even the kindness you showed my daughter.”
After a moment of contemplation, Guyang Jeong-hak shook his head.
“Therefore, I, too, shall be frank.”
He hesitated for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
“I am sincerely grateful to you, Lord, for saving my daughter. I will surely repay that debt.”
He took a deep breath and said with a pained expression.
“However, I cannot help you with this matter. I cannot stake the fate of my sect on the fact that you saved my daughter.”
“Father!”
“I am the leader of this sect.”
Guyang Jeong-hak said in a stern voice.
“I cannot risk the lives of all my followers over a matter concerning you alone.”
“That is an incredibly cowardly thing to say.”
“Cowardly?”
Guyang Cheong-jeong said firmly.
“Back then, upon hearing that the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong was going to wipe out our sect, our benefactor proudly revealed his identity as a member of Nang-ya-gak.”
“Cheong-jeong.”
“But you, Father, say you cannot risk the sect’s fate for a debt owed to me alone? Is that the pride of the Qinghai Demonic Path you always emphasize?”
Only then did Guyang Jeong-hak recall the story about the Sip-ma-jeon-in from Nang-ya-gak who had helped his daughter long ago.
He had not only saved his daughter, a complete stranger, but had also deliberately revealed his identity to protect the Seven Sword Sects from the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong’s attack.
*‘But wasn’t that a kindness he could afford only because he was from Nang-ya-gak?’*
Guyang Jeong-hak shook his head.
What if Bu Eun-seol had been a disciple of an ordinary sect, not Nang-ya-gak?
He would not have dared to reveal his affiliation.
“I know what you are thinking, Father. You think our benefactor could easily reveal his identity because he is from Nang-ya-gak.”
“Is that not the truth?”
“You are wrong.”
“What?”
Guyang Cheong-jeong said with a determined expression.
“Ever since that day, I have been investigating our benefactor’s movements.”
Composing her agitated emotions, she began to speak calmly.
“At that time, the young master was dealing with the Dae-ui-go-su while avoiding pursuit from the Orthodox Faction. That was why he had been concealing his whereabouts and identity.”
Lifting her head again, she spoke in a powerful voice.
“Under those circumstances, our benefactor willingly revealed his identity for our sake, risking the exposure of his movements and identity.”
Guyang Jeong-hak then remembered the rumor that Bu Eun-seol, the heir of the Martial Alliance, had been attacked by the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong and had fought the Cold-Blooded Demons alone.
What if he hadn’t saved Guyang Cheong-jeong? What if he hadn’t revealed his identity?
He would never have made an enemy of the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong, nor would he have suffered such a perilous attack.
“Hmph.”
Realizing the full situation, Guyang Jeong-hak let out a deep sigh of shame.
Everyone prioritizes their own interests.
Because of this, people intentionally overlook or forget the help or kindness others have shown them in the past.
Perhaps it is human nature, a natural response.
But Guyang Cheong-jeong, despite being a young woman in the prime of her life… had not forgotten the kindness Bu Eun-seol had shown her and was determined to repay it.
“This father of yours was wrong.”
Guyang Jeong-hak bowed his head with a shameful expression.
“Even a young child like you knows to repay her debts… yet this father, under the pretext of protecting the sect, was acting ungratefully toward the benefactor who saved us from the clutches of the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong.”
He then clasped his hands towards Bu Eun-seol.
“I will lend you all of our sect’s ships. Not only that, but I will also provide you with our sect’s martial artists in full support.”
At that, Guyang Cheong-jeong clapped her hands and added another remark.
“Don’t worry, Father. It won’t be just us. All of the Seven Sword Sects of Qinghai will help the young master.”
“What do you mean?”
As Bu Eun-seol blinked with a puzzled expression, Guyang Cheong-jeong smiled brightly.
“When I sent word to my friends that the young master had come here, they immediately started rushing over.”
***
The Fengsa Sword Sect immediately cleared out a large pavilion to provide the Sa-yeong Unit with a comfortable place to rest.
They also prepared delicious food and wine for the members, throwing a grand feast.
Furthermore, they gave Bu Eun-seol the Jeong-su-jae, which had the most beautiful garden in the Fengsa Sword Sect, so he could rest comfortably.
—Rest well. I will have a ship that can pass through the Nu River prepared immediately.
Not only that, but Guyang Jeong-hak also had the Fengsa Sword Sect’s ship, capable of passing through Yogumji, prepared at once.
—There is no need to hurry.
At that moment, Bu Eun-seol spoke with a relaxed expression.
—Our vanguard must head to Yogumji only when we hear rumors that the Blood Dance Troupe’s main force has made its move.
Only then did Guyang Jeong-hak understand Bu Eun-seol’s plan and nod.
He planned to strike at Yogumji’s flank, timing it with the Blood Dance Troupe’s main force engaging the Heuk-ryeon.
That way, they could be the first to break into the heart of the Heuk-ryeon’s forces.
Inside the Fengsa Sword Sect, in the main conference hall.
A faint lantern was lit, and seven people were gathered around a circular table.
They were the heirs of the Seven Sword Sects of Qinghai, including Guyang Cheong-jeong.
They had rushed here as soon as they heard that Bu Eun-seol was present.
But upon hearing that Bu Eun-seol was speaking with the Sa-yeong Unit’s team leaders in the Jeong-su-jae,
they decided to first devise a strategy among themselves to help him.
They stared at the map laid out on the table with very serious expressions.
“I don’t think we’ll be able to pass through the Heuk-ryeon’s checkpoint easily.”
After a long silence, Guyang Cheong-jeong’s lips moved as she looked at the map.
“Although the Heuk-ryeon and our sect have never encroached on each other’s territory, this is a time of war. They will definitely search the ships thoroughly.”
Everyone nodded in agreement with Guyang Cheong-jeong’s words.
The Heuk-ryeon had blocked the narrow waterway to Yogumji with chained ships and were collecting tolls.
In a touch-and-go situation where they were confronting the Martial Alliance’s vanguard, it was unthinkable that they would easily open the waterway leading to their main base.
“That’s a given.”
Wiji Un, the heir of the Gwanghan Sword Sect, said with his arms crossed.
“If a large number of ships from the Seven Sword Sects of Qinghai try to pass, not just one or two, they will conduct a thorough search.”
At that, Ma Han, the young lord of the Haeru Sword Sect, hummed thoughtfully.
“How about we just feed them a bellyful of iron filings? The stockade chief guarding that place, the Axe-Wielding Fiend Mok Jeok, is said to be a former chief of the Janggang Water Stockade…”
*Creak.*
Just then, the door opened, and Bu Eun-seol, dressed in a simple martial uniform, entered.
During his meeting with the team leaders, he had been informed that the heirs of the Seven Sword Sects of Qinghai were waiting to see him.
He came here immediately after the meeting concluded.
“Benefactor!”
The heirs of the Seven Sword Sects all clasped their hands with pleased expressions.
“Have you been well?”
“We have been keeping up with all the news of our benefactor, which has been shaking the martial world.”
Bu Eun-seol looked at the heirs, each offering their greetings, with a slightly surprised expression.
They were originally closer to idlers who comfortably enjoyed what was given to them.
But now, not only were their eyes sharp and bright, but their bodies bore the marks of arduous training.
“You have all changed.”
At Bu Eun-seol’s words, Wiji Un scratched his head in embarrassment.
“After being saved by you, benefactor, we all corrected our lazy attitudes.”
After being oppressed by Go Geuk-shin of the Hyeol-hae-ma-jeong, they realized what pathetic lives they had been leading.
They dedicated themselves to martial arts every day and strove to acquire the knowledge and insight befitting an heir.
—Being an heir is not a position for enjoying and indulging in what one has!
An heir must one day stand in a position to decide the fate of their sect.
It was only after meeting Bu Eun-seol that they truly understood this fact.
“Hmm.”
Bu Eun-seol nodded as he looked at the heirs, who had become dignified and reliable.
“But why are you all gathered here?”
Guyang Cheong-jeong replied with a serious expression.
“We were discussing how to hide a large force, including our sect’s martial artists, on the ships.”
“The forces of the Seven Sword Sects?”
As Bu Eun-seol tilted his head, Ma Han pounded his chest and said.
“Of course, we must also follow you, Lord, and fight against the Heuk-ryeon, mustn’t we?”
Bu Eun-seol firmly shook his head.
“There is no need. My unit only needs one ship from the Fengsa Sword Sect that can safely reach Yogumji.”
The heirs’ expressions all turned strange.
“You don’t mean you’re going with only the members you brought?”
“That is correct.”
“You can’t.”
Ma Han stepped forward.
“To defend against enemies entering Yogumji through the Nu River, the Heuk-ryeon has established a powerful defensive line along the coast.”
Wiji Un quickly added.
“That’s right. And since it’s a time of war… their forces will be at least three hundred. No, perhaps even more.”
“It is fine.”
Bu Eun-seol wore a faint smile.
“Because we can break through even if there are five hundred, let alone three hundred.”
The heirs looked at each other and blinked.
No matter how skilled the warriors of the Martial Alliance were, the Sa-yeong Unit members Bu Eun-seol had brought numbered only fifty.
No matter how well they fought, the probability of them winning against over three hundred Heuk-ryeon members was nonexistent.
*‘Could they be one of the Martial Alliance’s elite units?’*
If the members Bu Eun-seol brought were from one of the Martial Alliance’s three elite units—Cheon-sal, Am-cheon, or Myeol-hon—it would naturally be possible.
But wasn’t the Sa-yeong Unit a newly formed unit that had only been established recently?
*‘It’s a good thing the Sa-yeong Unit’s prowess hasn’t been revealed yet.’*
Bu Eun-seol smiled as he looked at their expressions.
The Sa-yeong Unit was composed of highly skilled members, but they were, of course, no match for the Martial Alliance’s elite units.
However, they had always faced a multitude of enemies and had ingrained the corresponding tactics into their very bones.
In other words, when it came to large-scale battles, the Sa-yeong Unit’s combat power was no less than that of the elite units.
“I appreciate the sentiment.”
Bu Eun-seol said with a gentle but firm expression.
“But there is no need to discuss this matter further. It is really fine.”
“Then is there nothing we can do to help?”
As the heirs of the Seven Sword Sects lowered their heads with dejected expressions, Bu Eun-seol opened his mouth with a serious look.
“Of course, there is something more important.”
He then whispered to the heirs in a low voice.