Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Vanguard Squad
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The murderous intent pouring in from all directions stung the skin as if it had physical form.
The valley basin where our Azure Dragon Squad had arrived was a powder keg on the verge of explosion. On one side stood a ragtag group of unorthodox warriors, clad in mismatched attire with no flags or uniforms, gripping their individual weapons and glaring with fierce eyes. On the opposite side, orthodox martial artists had formed orderly ranks under the banners of their various sects.
They resembled two starving wolves eyeing their prey, growling as if ready to lunge and tear into each other at any moment, yet neither side dared to make the first move.
And at the single point where all their greed and wariness converged.
The entrance to the Secret Cave at the center of the basin gaped like the maw of a living beast, spewing pitch-black darkness. Just looking at it felt like you might get sucked in—an ominous pull. The aura emanating from within thickened the metallic tang and bloody stench in the air.
Even with the arrival of the Murim Alliance's elite Azure Dragon Squad, both camps merely flicked brief glances our way before returning to their vigilant stances. In this place, raw power was the only law.
Soso's hand tentatively grasped my sleeve. I firmly clasped her trembling fingers, sensing her tension. Her warmth seeping through my palm helped calm the whirlwind in my mind.
"Head to the camp! Maintain formation!"
Byeok Cheonwi's booming voice echoed across the basin. Without a hint of hesitation, as if entering his own living room, he strode toward the orthodox alliance's camp with his massive greatsword slung over his shoulder. Our Azure Dragon Squad members followed in perfect unison.
Our appearance rippled through the orthodox camp. The disciplined warriors parted to let us pass, their gazes a mix of wariness and curiosity. In their eyes lingered contempt for the "Murim Alliance's dogs," mingled with awe for a force they couldn't ignore.
At that moment, a group of warriors emerged from the largest tent at the camp's center, blocking our path. At their forefront stood a middle-aged man in silk robes, a fine sword at his waist. Slender in build, the sharp aura radiating from him proved he was no pushover.
"Well, well, who might this be? If it isn't the Murim Alliance's blue mutts. Rumors say you hid a honey pot in that Secret Cave, and looks like they're true. Crawling back to the battlefield you fled from tail-between-legs."
The middle-aged man sneered at Byeok Cheonwi with a venomous smile. Several Azure Dragon Squad members flushed with anger at his words. But Byeok Cheonwi didn't flinch—instead, he burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahaha! Righteous Heaven Sword Venerable Moyong Bi! Your silver tongue's as sharp as ever! A dog that prowls the battlefield is worth a hundred peacocks prancing with fans, wouldn't you say?"
Byeok Cheonwi's retort made Moyong Bi's eyebrow twitch. An invisible clash of auras erupted between them. After a tense staredown, Moyong Bi snorted dismissively and turned away.
"...Come in for now. The barking will carry inside the tent just fine."
The tent Moyong Bi led us to was far larger inside than it appeared. A massive table dominated the center, where leaders from various sects sat grim-faced, poring over a map. When Byeok Cheonwi plopped unceremoniously into an empty seat, the atmosphere grew even heavier.
Soso and I quietly took positions behind Byeok Cheonwi. As physicians, we had no say—we simply listened in silence.
"So, what's the situation?"
Byeok Cheonwi tapped the table with his fingers and cut straight to it. Moyong Bi frowned and replied.
"As you can see, it's a stalemate. That cave... it's far more vicious than we thought. Small scouting parties from our side, and theirs... none came back alive."
"Hmm. And?"
"So, the leadership from both sides agreed to a temporary truce. Each camp picks their elites to form a joint vanguard and enter together. Whatever's found inside is every group for themselves."
It sounded reasonable. But Byeok Cheonwi just snorted again.
"What a joke. So where's this grand vanguard now? They're not just eyeing each other, waiting to see who stabs first and goes in?"
Byeok Cheonwi's blunt words hit home, hardening the faces of Moyong Bi and the other leaders. Without trust, the joint vanguard was nothing but a hollow title. Who would risk their neck plunging into that deadly cave first?
What pathetic fools.
I clicked my tongue inwardly. These self-proclaimed upholders of justice and the world order couldn't advance a single step due to greed and distrust. Their hypocrisy drew a hollow chuckle from me. I slipped my hand around Soso's waist where she stood quietly beside me, pulling her gently close. The soft feel of her under my palm brought an odd sense of calm.
That was when it happened.
BAM!
"Enough of this pathetic game of chicken!"
Byeok Cheonwi slammed his massive palm on the table and shot to his feet. His roar seemed to shake the entire tent. All eyes locked on him.
"If we can't trust the orthodox or the unorthodox... then the Azure Dragon Squad will take point."
The tent's air froze solid. Gazes filled with shock, confusion, and suspicion speared toward Byeok Cheonwi at the storm's eye.
"This squad leader comes in the Murim Alliance's name to end this Secret Cave mess. Any objections? Speak now... with your sword."
Byeok Cheonwi's feral glare swept the room. None dared open their mouth under his murderous pressure.
In the icy silence, only Moyong Bi stared at Byeok Cheonwi with a complicated expression.
"Still a mad dog, eh, Byeok Cheonwi."
He sighed, pressing his forehead as if exasperated or incredulous. But the blatant mockery had vanished from his tone. I caught a flicker of relief deep in his eyes—he'd been hoping someone would break this endless deadlock.
"I'll grant you that guts of yours. Fine. The Moyong Family won't oppose the Azure Dragon Squad taking point."
As Moyong Bi spoke, the other sect leaders grudgingly nodded. It cost them nothing. They'd even gained bait to handle the risky scouting.
But Moyong Bi quickly raised the real issue.
"Problem is those unorthodox bastards. Who knows what they'll pull from behind when we send in the vanguard? You think they'll just agree?"
"Hahaha! Simple!"
Byeok Cheonwi laughed heartily again, thumping his chest.
"I spar their leader and win—then they follow the victor's word. Isn't that the way of the martial world?"
"Cut the crazy talk, you bear-brained oaf!"
Moyong Bi finally lost it and shouted. He let out an incredulous laugh.
"Think the unorthodox are all green kids? Who'd stick their neck out in a fight they know they'll lose? No idiot's volunteering to duel you!"
I nodded inwardly at his sharp rebuke. From their talk, no one in this basin could overpower Byeok Cheonwi by force. His idea sounded good on paper, but it was impossible in practice.
For once, Byeok Cheonwi seemed stumped, rubbing his chin with a thick forearm—"Hmm..."—as he pondered seriously. His massive frame lost in thought looked almost comical.
Everyone watched his next move. Moments later, a flash of realization crossed his face.
"Aha! That's it!"
Byeok Cheonwi slapped his knee and spun toward me.
And then.
THWACK!
"Guhk!"
"There! Send this guy!"
His enormous palm slammed into my back without warning. My breath caught, vision flashing white. It felt like nonexistent inner energy churned, twisting my guts. The man truly had no concept of restraint. If Soso hadn't caught my staggering form from the side in shock, I'd have face-planted.
All eyes in the tent snapped to me at the sudden commotion.