Prelude to Annihilation at Sagong Manor
The Sagong Family Manor lay nestled in the Cheonsan Mountains. In the martial world, "Cheonsan" didn't refer to a single peak but to the vast, rugged Cheonsan Mountain Range stretching from Gansu to Xinjiang. The particular section Bang So-un and Jang Il had boldly ventured into to meet the Cheonsan Sword Maiden—one of the Martial Ten Absolutes—was the Gansu side of the range. It connected to Gireunsan Mountain at the foothills, right on the border between the Central Plains and the frontier. That's why it was called the Central Plains' Cheonsan.
High in those mountains dwelt the lofty sword fairy, the Cheonsan Sword Maiden, in seclusion. She was practically the symbolic figure of the righteous factions at the very edge of the Central Plains.
By contrast, the Xinjiang side of Cheonsan fell entirely within the Demon Cult's sphere of influence. Even much diminished, the Demon Cult was still the Demon Cult—a place beyond the reach of the righteous factions' power. That was why the Central Plains folk called the Xinjiang side the frontier Cheonsan.
In any case, the Sagong Family Manor was located in Gansu, where the Central Plains' Cheonsan stood. Bang So-un and Jang Il's encounter with Sagong Hemi on their way to Cheonsan wasn't mere coincidence.
The Sagong family might call themselves a "clan," but they hadn't started out as a martial family. It began when two martial artists married, and their children both became martial artists too—naturally forming a martial clan. Most small clans originated this way: simple family units.
Even so, the Sagong family held their own in the region. With three first-rate masters, it was only natural. The patriarch, Clear Moon Sword Sagong Ok. His wife, Nanwha Spear Mok Un-gyo. And their eldest daughter, Cold Blood Sword Sagong Heryeong.
The younger daughter, Rakshasa Sword Fairy Sagong Hemi, was only second-rate, but that was still enough to make a name for herself locally.
Still, the Sagong family had one problem: their daughters showed no mercy in a fight. Their nicknames—Cold Blood Sword and Rakshasa Sword Fairy—spoke volumes. If it were only against evil demons or fiends, no issue. Plenty of righteous masters acted that way.
But their cruelty extended to the innocent, which was problematic for a righteous clan like the Sagongs.
"This won't do."
A few days earlier, at a drinking gathering, Sagong Ok clicked his tongue as he thought of his second daughter, who had crippled a man by severing his leg over a minor quarrel.
"What is it?"
His wife, Mok Un-gyo, asked.
"We need to marry off Hemi soon."
His eldest, Sagong Heryeong, would need to take a son-in-law to carry on the family. But the second daughter, Sagong Hemi, didn't require that. If a suitable match appeared, they could send her off without hesitation.
"...Hemi?"
Mok Un-gyo looked troubled. For one simple reason: no man seemed capable of handling her eccentric temperament.
"Why? Is there a problem?"
"Of course. If her personality causes trouble at her husband's home..."
"Doesn't matter."
"What?"
"Once she's married off, that's it. No take-backs."
Sagong Ok stated it as obvious fact. Mok Un-gyo shook her head.
"What if she's too shrewish and gets thrown out?"
"Who dares cast out a daughter of Sagong Ok? I'd never allow it."
"..."
Mok Un-gyo knew her husband yielded to no one on family matters. The recent incident wouldn't have troubled him so much if the victim hadn't been a local notable's son. The potential backlash had forced this dilemma.
"Fine. Do as you think best. Surely there's at least one decent candidate."
"Heh, exactly."
Sagong Ok nodded and continued.
"Where are the girls, anyway?"
"At Gireunsan. Word of a wanted fiend appeared."
"If rumors are flying, it's probably too late."
"Do you think they'd care?"
"Well, their drive is commendable."
Sagong Ok interpreted his daughters' recklessness positively.
"Then tonight will be peacefully quiet for once."
"Shall we share a drink under the moonlight?"
"Sounds perfect."
"I'll prepare it."
For now, the Sagong family manor remained peaceful.
Gansu was ideal for covert operations. Vast lands, sparse population—fewer eyes to spot you.
Perfect conditions for Bang So-un and Jang Il.
At the Golden Dragon Battlefield Gansu Branch. That's where they were now. As befitted the martial world's top escort agency, they had branches everywhere. Convenient for them—official business provided perfect cover to set foot in Gansu. As branch leader and his guard.
"The branch looks a bit shabby."
Jang Il glanced around.
"Haha, can't compare to Hangzhou headquarters. The money flowing here's different."
Bang So-un laughed. He was right; no contest between prosperous Jiangnan and this frontier outpost.
"Still, it's good. Hardly anyone comes by."
Pure idleness. Fewer prying eyes.
"Heh, true enough."
Jang Il nodded. He knew the real purpose of this Gansu trip all too well.
"Ah, where's the branch manager?"
Jang Il asked suddenly.
"Told him we were just checking a few things, so go about your duties—no need to mind us."
The Golden Dragon Battlefield leader occasionally inspected branches; standard procedure, no suspicion aroused.
"Then for tonight's action...?"
"Haha, just seal their blood points. Easy."
Pinch a sleeping man's blood points, and he won't wake till released. With Yeon Su-rin and a few Jeolhwadae elites along, sealing the weak branch manager and his household was child's play.
"As expected of Young Master—always thorough."
Jang Il grinned and gave a thumbs-up. Bang So-un chuckled.
Yeon Su-rin's scouting had already mapped the Sagong manor and their night raid route. All that remained was execution.
"Then let's relax and wait."
New moon night. The Sagong manor slumbered in peace. Servants had retired after chores; only Sagong Ok and Mok Un-gyo remained awake.
A liquor table sat before Sagong Ok on the grand veranda.
"A peaceful martial world."
He murmured, downing a cup. Indeed, with the righteous factions dominant, the world felt calmer than before.
"Gansu is peaceful, you mean."
Mok Un-gyo refilled his cup. The Demon Cult and evil sects had weakened after the great war, but they still stirred in shadows, rebuilding. Gansu, however, saw no major activity. Her words rang true.
"Haha, whatever. Peace is what matters."
"Agreed."
"Come, a drink, my lady."
Sagong Ok filled her cup. They shared it warmly.
Mok Un-gyo spoke again.
"A man with broad mind and patience would be ideal."
"Who?"
"Hemi's groom."
"Haha, of course. Someone like that."
The parents discussed their daughter's future, oblivious to the intruders drawing near.
Deserted woods. Faint moonlight pierced the pitch darkness.
Four women in skin-tight night suits dashed through. But there were six in total—two men slung across their backs.
The men groped their carriers' breasts freely, kneading away.
Suddenly.
"Halt."
One man commanded. The women stopped instantly.
Revealed in the stillness: Bang So-un and Jang Il. The women: Yeon Su-rin, I Yeon, Ju Ok-yeong, and Im So-min.
Larger groups drew more eyes, so they'd brought only essential elites from Golden Dragon Battlefield.
"Final instructions."
Bang So-un said.
"Yes, Brother."
"Yes, Great Master."
The Jeolhwadae women replied softly.
"Kill everyone except one—no hesitation."
A cold order. But wise. Cruel? Fools' prattle. Extermination was prerequisite for true revenge. Leave roots, and they might ignite Golden Dragon Battlefield.
"Yes, Brother."
"Yes, Great Master."
The loyal Jeolhwadae slaves obeyed without question.
"That bitch Nanwha Spear Mok Un-gyo—subdue, don't kill."
Bang So-un grinned at Jang Il.
"The rest is yours."
"Hahaha, I'll handle her swift and clean."
Jang Il thumped his chest confidently.
"Good. Let's go. Raise the curtain on merciless, thorough vengeance."