Chapter 425
Chapter 425
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 425
Chapter Title: The Last Stand
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‘I must remain calm.’
Having regained his composure, Hyeok So-jin asked in a steady voice.
“What are our remaining forces at the main base?”
“Including the main unit, there are five squads. If we count the new disciples…”
“They are not an option. Sending disciples with no combat experience will only result in greater casualties.”
The terror of the Soul-Lost was that they kept moving and attacking until the very end, even with their limbs severed.
The slightest lapse in concentration or a single mistake could lead to a fatal wound.
“Won-hong. Take the troops and evacuate the young disciples to Mungnip Cave.”
Hyeok So-jin’s eyes flashed as he spoke.
“And guard Mungnip Cave tightly. You must not let a single one of them inside.”
“I will fight too.”
“The presence of the Soul-Lost means there are those controlling them from the rear. It is more important to thoroughly protect the young disciples in case of an emergency.”
Hyeok So-jin said with a cold gaze.
“I will eliminate those dregs with the remaining squads.”
*Creeak.*
Having finished his battle preparations, Hyeok So-jin stepped outside, his eyes widening.
In the front courtyard of the Hall of Eternal Ages, elderly men in colorful attire were gathered in small groups, each bearing a weapon.
They were all the demonic practitioners who had been staying in the Peach Blossom Sanctuary.
“Why are you here?”
Hyeok So-jin couldn’t hide his bewilderment.
Even those who had been unable to move due to illness, or who had been confined to their sickbeds.
Had they all come rushing out armed with weapons?
“Heard the story. Some bastards who took a weird drug and went crazy have invaded the base, haven't they?”
The Emotionless Madman, the most troublesome of the old men in the Peach Blossom Sanctuary, spoke up.
“This works out well, doesn’t it? Let’s stretch our legs for the first time in a while.”
“They are not opponents you can just ‘stretch your legs’ against.”
Hyeok So-jin said seriously.
“The Soul-Lost are monsters who know no fear. Moreover, they are beings who move their bodies until their last breath is gone…”
“Even better.”
The Emotionless Madman smiled and looked at Hyeok So-jin.
“I was bored to death anyway, and now they’ve prepared a place for us to die.”
“Elder.”
As Hyeok So-jin’s gaze darkened, the Ghost Whip Elder standing behind him spoke with a smile.
“That crazy old man is right. The place where we should sleep is the battlefield, not some worn-out sickbed.”
Then, a burly old man, the Gold-Faced Blood Fiend, grinned and said.
“Heh heh. It’s been a while since I’ve tasted some blood.”
The old men, who had been ailing in their sickbeds, were now brimming with a vitality that belied their previous state.
As a battle broke out, they were actually pleased.
To die a glorious death on the battlefield, not wasting away in sickness.
Hadn't they lived their entire lives dreaming of this?
“To become a white-haired old man like this… I never thought I’d cling to life for so long in the first place.”
At the Raging Flame Demon’s words, the eyes of the Peach Blossom Sanctuary’s masters grew solemn.
The reason they had survived until now was, ironically, because they had always sought death on the battlefield.
But paradoxically, it was that very courage to face death that had kept them alive.
“This is great. We’ve found a place to die.”
The Gloomy Mountain Screech, standing at the very back, laughed and shouted.
“We’ll block these strange dregs, so you go and strike their main force and make them retreat.”
“Right, right! Don’t let the new young disciples get hurt!”
Hyeok So-jin barely held back the tears that welled in his eyes.
The demonic practitioners wished to die fighting gloriously on the battlefield rather than prolonging their lives miserably.
Hyeok So-jin couldn’t stop them.
How could he possibly stop them on their final journey?
*Plip, plip, plip.*
But in the end, thick teardrops fell from his eyes.
“Very well.”
Hyeok So-jin quickly wiped his tears and shouted loudly to the masters of the Peach Blossom Sanctuary.
“Then show me what you’ve got!”
He then bent his waist and bowed his head.
“I’m counting on you!”
The masters smiled faintly.
The successor of the Heaven-Severing Earth-Annihilator was bowing his head and paying his respects to them.
They were satisfied.
What more could they ask for?
—Now, shall we get going?
The masters of the Peach Blossom Sanctuary headed to the battlefield with bright expressions, as if going on a pleasant stroll.
“Grrrr…”
Filled with sorrowful rage, Hyeok So-jin watched them with wide eyes.
He was searing the masters’ final, dignified appearance into his memory.
“I will not forgive this.”
*Rumble.*
The ground trembled.
Purple lightning continuously struck within Hyeok So-jin’s eyes as he raised his head.
“Never!”
*Whoooosh.*
Simultaneously, a purple radiance flowed from his body, soaring to the ends of the sky.
The Divine Fever Demonic Ki.
The ultimate art of the Heaven-Severing Earth-Annihilator was being perfectly recreated in Hyeok So-jin’s body.
“I will make you see the price for touching my home!”
Hyeok So-jin rose and led his squad toward the battlefield.
He intended to instantly pulverize those behind this attack and once again proclaim the might of the Heaven-Severing Earth-Annihilator to the martial world.
***
South Bank, Byeokgye Village.
For the first time in a while, Mu-mu was enjoying a luxurious meal.
It was noodles simmered in a rich broth.
Seong Su-ryeo, the only daughter of the Seong Clan, had brought her servants to serve food to the vagrants gathered in Byeokgye Village.
“Come on, there’s plenty of noodles, so eat up!”
Seong Su-ryeo smiled as she served the beggars.
Then, she noticed a beggar squatting by a tree stump.
His face was hidden by tangled hair, and through the strands, melted flesh and scabs were caked on.
He had a hideous appearance that would make a child burst into tears, but in Seong Su-ryeo’s eyes, he appeared as a man steeped in sorrow.
“Are you done eating?”
Seong Su-ryeo approached Mu-mu, who was leaning against the tree stump.
“I thought noodles would be better than cold rice. How was it?”
“…”
“Was it edible?”
Even though the daughter of the great Seong Clan Head was asking, Mu-mu didn’t even answer.
It wasn't because he was ignoring her.
It was because he knew that once he started to answer, the conversation would continue endlessly.
“Right, you were always the quiet type.”
Despite the lack of a reply, Seong Su-ryeo didn't seem offended and nodded.
“Then get some rest.”
She gave a slight smile and turned away.
But a faint smile lingered on her lips.
‘It’s so strange.’
His face was covered in burn scars, a hideous sight that would make one flee in the night.
His speech was curt, and for a beggar, he was an arrogant madman…
But whenever she looked into those low, dark eyes, she didn't know why her breath quickened and her heart pounded.
‘Do I have a thing for strange men?’
Though she had a reputation for being a tomboy, she had quite high standards when it came to men.
She had met many outstanding heroes until now but had never felt any particular emotion…
But her gaze was drawn to that hideous beggar?
No matter how she thought about it, she couldn't understand why.
What was certain was those eyes.
She just wanted to gaze endlessly into the man’s eyes, which seemed to suck in one’s very soul.
After that, Seong Su-ryeo often visited Byeokgye Village with her servants.
The official reason was to help the poor beggars. But if that were the case, she could have just sent her servants.
The real reason she came every time was, in fact, because of Mu-mu.
The beggars of Byeokgye Village were overjoyed.
In this cold season, begging was difficult, and insects or animals to eat were hard to find.
But on the days she came, the beggars of Byeokgye Village could eat warm rice or noodles… they were ecstatic.
In contrast, Mu-mu was on the verge of dying from discomfort.
He didn't feel the cold much, nor did he suffer from intense hunger.
When he was hungry, he could manage by catching hibernating frogs or snakes.
But with Seong Su-ryeo coming to give him food and constantly watching him or trying to talk to him… he felt like running away somewhere.
Just like right now.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
“I’m not hungry yet.”
“I heard that beggars, whether they’re hungry or not, stuff any food they see into their stomachs.”
“That’s right.”
“Then why aren’t you?”
Mu-mu, annoyed, didn’t answer further.
At that, Seong Su-ryeo’s gaze became even more blatant.
Having visited so often, she had figured out Mu-mu’s personality.
He hated being watched, so if she kept staring at him like this?
He would eventually answer.
“I can eat more things than they can. So I can fill my stomach when I’m hungry.”
When Mu-mu finally spoke, Seong Su-ryeo smiled brightly.
“Ah, I see.”
*Clip-clop. Clip-clop.*
Just then, a warrior in black on horseback and a carriage stopped in front of the area where the vagrants were gathered.
It was the martial arts instructor, Gyo Cheon-ak, and a carriage sent from the Seong Clan.
“Young Lady. The Clan Head is greatly angered.”
“Why?”
“Did the Clan Head not tell you never to come to this vagrant village again?”
“Did Instructor Gyo tattle on me again?”
As Seong Su-ryeo frowned, Gyo Cheon-ak wore a serious expression.
“Young Lady. The vagrant village is truly dangerous. Underworld figures frequent this place, so…”
“Instructor Gyo, I’ll handle it myself.”
“Young Lady.”
As Gyo Cheon-ak’s eyes turned menacing, Seong Su-ryeo bowed her head.
“Alright. I’m leaving now.”
Seong Su-ryeo looked at Mu-mu and waved her hand.
“See you next time, then.”
She then boarded the carriage.
However, Gyo Cheon-ak did not start the carriage and stared menacingly at Mu-mu.
‘Is she really serious?’
Gyo Cheon-ak.
Originally, he was no ordinary warrior, but the leader of a band of mounted bandits active around the Black Water River.
The reason he had joined the Seong Clan as a martial arts instructor was that he had fallen for Seong Su-ryeo after a chance encounter at an inn.
Sincerely, for the first time in his life.
He had fallen in love with a woman and couldn’t control his feelings.
Just then, hearing that the Seong Clan was recruiting a martial arts instructor, he handed over his position to his second-in-command and immediately headed for the Seong Clan.
He applied while hiding his identity… and thanks to his outstanding martial arts, honed through constant slaughter.
He was finally chosen as a martial arts instructor.
‘I thought that with time, I could surely become the son-in-law of the Seong Clan…’
Gyo Cheon-ak thought he had built a considerable rapport with Seong Su-ryeo while teaching her martial arts.
But only now did he realize.
It was all a delusion… she was less interested in him than in the hideous beggar from that vagrant village.
‘The child’s play is over.’
Gyo Cheon-ak bit his lip.
There was a time when he thought he had become a completely new person after meeting Seong Su-ryeo.
He had ambitions of no longer doing evil and living as the son-in-law of the Seong Clan.
But now he realized.
A leopard can’t change its spots.
“Let’s go!”
A short shout burst out, and the carriage started moving.
A cruel smile played on the lips of Gyo Cheon-ak as he rode his horse, escorting the carriage.
After Seong Su-ryeo and Gyo Cheon-ak left, Fatty approached Mu-mu and sighed.
“Mu-mu, I don’t think you’ll be able to stay in this village for long.”
The reason Fatty had survived in this harsh world was that he was quicker on the uptake than others.
The moment he saw Gyo Cheon-ak’s eyes, he instinctively knew the man held killing intent toward Mu-mu.
“I suppose so.”
Mu-mu nodded.
He too had detected Gyo Cheon-ak’s killing intent.
And he had no doubt that if he disappeared, everything would be resolved.
***
Demonic Cult, Hall of Solitary Command.
In the office of Supreme Commander Yeop Hyo-cheon.
An extremely rare guest, one who could not be seen unless a Demonic Council was convened, was seated there.
It was the Lord of the Hell Blood Castle, Gong Ya-geuk.
“Doubting the abilities of the Martial Soul Lord, you say.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon wore a subtle smile.
“Of all the things I’ve heard, that was the most refreshing, my Lord.”
“Hahaha. Aren’t all young people like that?”
Gong Ya-geuk’s eyes curved into crescents, belying his massive frame.
“At first, they sparkle, showing off their wit… but in the end, they reveal the limits of their abilities.”
He continued speaking with a leisurely expression.
“The Muhasu Pavilion, which firmly supported the Martial Soul Lord, has run out of funds, and the Heaven-Severing Earth-Annihilator was ransacked by a mysterious force.”
“Hmm.”
“As the Muhasu Pavilion's funds dried up, the Nangya Pavilion's finances have also become impoverished.”
Gong Ya-geuk continued with a very amused expression.
“In the end, it means the Martial Soul Lord’s abilities were achieved with help from here and there. Now that the only two powers supporting the Lord are in such a state.”
When Yeop Hyo-cheon showed no particular reaction, a sharp glint flashed in Gong Ya-geuk’s eyes.
“Since the powers supporting the Martial Soul Lord are in such a state, isn’t it natural that his position as successor is also being shaken?”
Yeop Hyo-cheon took a sip of tea and then spoke.
“In that case, what is it that you wish to say, my Lord?”
“I will convene a Demonic Council to formally propose a motion to replace the successor.”
For a moment, a chilling air flowed through the Hall of Solitary Command.
Replacing the successor.
It wasn't the first time such a thing had happened in the history of the Demonic Cult.
But such instances were usually when the person who became the successor realized their own lack of capability and stepped down voluntarily.
Being the successor of the Demonic Cult didn't just mean being the next Cult Leader.
One had to have the power and ability to command the Ten Demonic Sects and the million followers of the demonic path.
And Bu Eun-seol had been recognized for such abilities to some extent.
But to abruptly replace someone who was already establishing himself as the successor?
“Lord Gong Ya.”
Yeop Hyo-cheon said with a sigh.
“Can you handle it?”
After a brief silence, he spoke again.
“The Martial Soul Lord is not one to let such matters slide.”
“Hahahaha.”
A broad smile spread across Gong Ya-geuk’s fleshy face.
“To hear such words from the Supreme Commander of all people… this is quite surprising.”
As his laughter subsided, Gong Ya-geuk’s pupils seemed to fill entirely with black light.
“Weren’t you, Supreme Commander, the one most bitter about the Martial Soul Lord becoming the successor?”
Instead of answering, Yeop Hyo-cheon gave a faint smile.
The smile was so deep and dark that its true meaning was impossible to discern.
“Then, shall we hold the Demonic Council in half a month?”
After a long silence, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s lips moved.
“However, given the nature of the agenda, this Commander cannot compel the sect leaders to attend.”
“Of course.”
Gong Ya-geuk rose from his seat with a satisfied expression.
“Then I will assume the Demonic Council will be held in half a month.”
He then gave Yeop Hyo-cheon a light smile.
“Well then.”
“Travel safely.”
After a brief exchange of farewells, Gong Ya-geuk heaved his massive frame up again and strode out.
Watching him leave, Yeop Hyo-cheon took another sip of tea.
“For that old monster to step out, it must be certain that the Lord has met him…”
Slowly rising from his seat, Yeop Hyo-cheon looked out the window.
“Summon the Nine Kills Unit Leader.”
Not long after his low command was given, the Nine Kills Unit Leader, So Ja-myeong, entered the office.
“You called for me.”
Even as So Ja-myeong clasped his hands, Yeop Hyo-cheon’s gaze remained fixed on the window.
“Still no word on the Martial Soul Lord’s whereabouts?”
“That is correct.”
“And the Flying Shadow Pavilion?”
“The same. They say they can’t find any trace of him.”
“Hehehe.”
The Supreme Commander’s expression looked strangely cheerful.
“I wish things like this happened more often.”
“Pardon?”
“Isn’t it amusing? Hehehe.”
The Supreme Commander wore a faint smile.
“That old man, who was cooped up in Ghost Province, dragged his heavy body out here to ask me to convene a Demonic Council.”
“…”
“If he asks for it, I suppose I should grant it.”
So Ja-myeong wore a strange expression.
—The Supreme Commander’s heart is like a well filled with black ink.
Suddenly, the words Bu Eun-seol had spoken at a drinking party in the past came to mind.
That expression seemed perfectly accurate.
So black and dark that it was impossible to know what he was thinking.
“Relay Lord Gong Ya’s intentions to each of the Ten Demonic Sects.”
“Understood.”
So Ja-myeong swallowed the questions rising in his heart and clasped his hands.
***
As night fell, a biting north wind began to rage once again, sharp enough to cut through bone.
Only silence lingered in the vagrant village where everyone was fast asleep.
Around the third watch, Mu-mu, who had been sleeping in a hut, slowly rose.
“…”
He slowly looked around at the silent scenery of the vagrant village.
Though it had been a short time, he had grown quite attached to this place.
Although Fatty was the only beggar who had treated him well, that was only natural.
If beggars weren't harsh, who in the world would be?
To them, whose ultimate goal was a single spoonful of rice, he, who didn’t even beg, must have seemed endlessly detestable.
“Well then.”
Mu-mu briefly wished for the peace of the vagrant village, then turned around.
And as he left the village entrance and walked down a dark path, he saw a small shadow.
It was Fatty.
“You’re leaving now?”
“How did you know?”
As Mu-mu showed a surprised expression, Fatty crossed his arms and laughed.
“You brat. How long have I been looking after you? I know you like the back of my hand.”
He then took out a bundle from his robes and held it out.
“Eat this on the way if you get hungry.”
Opening the bundle, he found it was full of expensive dried meat, the kind that warriors ate.
As Mu-mu looked at him in surprise, Fatty wiped his nose.
“Don’t be surprised. It’s dried meat I bought with money I secretly saved up, bit by bit.”
This amount of dried meat would have cost at least one silver tael.
And that money was likely what Fatty had saved over a lifetime of begging.
“I cannot accept this.”
As Mu-mu shook his head, Fatty grinned.
“It’s okay. I’m giving it to you because I want to.”
“Fatty.”
“I don’t know. Why did I grow so fond of you in such a short time?”
Fatty smiled and pointed at Mu-mu’s eyes, visible through his tangled hair.
“Damn it. It’s probably because of those eyes. They make a man’s heart tremble too much.”
Striding forward, Fatty hugged Mu-mu’s body tightly and said.
“Take care. And try to be a bit more friendly to people wherever you go.”
“…”
“We beggars have to be much kinder and quicker on the uptake than others… so we don’t get beaten. You know that, right?”
Mu-mu’s eyes clouded over.
If it hadn’t been for Fatty, he might not have regained consciousness by the river.
Fatty had saved his life and helped him stay in Byeokgye Village as a beggar.
A life-saving grace.
To Mu-mu, Fatty was a benefactor who had saved his life.
Mu-mu didn’t say thank you or that he would definitely repay the kindness.
He simply hugged Fatty’s body, which was embracing him, back.
With that, he expressed his feelings more clearly than hundreds of words could.
“I’ll just see you to the next mountain pass. Let’s go.”
Fatty was an incredibly warm-hearted person.
Mu-mu couldn’t bring himself to refuse and set off with him.
Finally, after crossing several mountains, Fatty’s steps came to a halt.
“Well then, travel safely.”
“Stay healthy.”
As Fatty waved, Mu-mu slowly turned around.
—Aaargh!
But just then, a ghastly scream echoed from somewhere.
Mu-mu and Fatty turned their heads and looked down the mountain. But they couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.
“Did I mishear that?”
As Fatty tilted his head, Mu-mu said in a low voice.
“A band of mounted bandits has come.”
“Mounted bandits? Where?”
“The estate over there.”
“There? Isn’t that where the Seong Clan is?”
Fatty tilted his head and strained his eyes.
But all he could see was the faint outline of the estate. He couldn’t see any people.
“You can see what’s happening over there from here?”
“Go to the authorities and report it. Quickly.”
And then, Mu-mu ran forward.
“Hey! What are you doing going there if there are bandits! What are you trying to do!”
With Fatty’s shouts behind him, Mu-mu was madly running down the slope.
Mu-mu knew as well.
He knew that if he went, he would only be throwing his life away.
He didn't know why, but upon discovering the brutal screams and the dying members of the estate… an uncontrollable rage boiled within him.
‘Be calm. I must be calm.’
Mu-mu forcibly swallowed the surging emotions and ran.
It would take a long time for Fatty to report to the authorities and for the officials to arrive.
Somehow, he had to go to the estate and buy time until then.