Chapter 198
Chapter 198
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 198
Chapter Title: Why Did You Come to My House? (4)
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- Looking closely, you're more wary of the distant areas than your surroundings? What are you waiting for?
‘In case the Demonic Cult's main force comes this way.’
- Hm. If we consider this battlefield a go board, the Fragrant Orchid Pavilion's private troops were the great horse pieces. Unless they'd been wiped out, would those guys make such a reckless move when you've rescued them all with your ingenuity? That Nangjung Demon Marshal seemed pretty cautious in how he handles things.
‘I came up with a scheme. I can't guarantee it, but I expect a high chance they'll commit their main force.’
- ...A scheme? Wait, bringing the Chief's Banner wasn't just to crush the Fragrant Orchid Pavilion guys? The way you used the Mara Firebomb too—you're basically volunteering as bait, aren't you?
‘Yes. Spot on.’
- Why go that far? Didn't you say the battle situation favors the Righteous Martial Academy?
‘That's true.’
However, the reason I'd assessed the situation as favorable for the Righteous Martial Academy was because our goal was simply to hold out with minimal casualties until reinforcements arrived.
‘When HQ was monitoring the transfers to the medical ward in real time, there were severe injuries, but no deaths yet.’
That was why I'd said we had the advantage.
‘With the academy's policy under Elder Kyung Hye and the other committee members prioritizing students' lives, from the Righteous Martial Academy's perspective, we're fighting well enough.’
But if we evaluated this fight as the opening clash between the Orthodox Murim and the new Demonic Cult?
‘Then it gets a bit ambiguous.’
Rumors naturally embellish as they spread.
The academy's outer walls have collapsed, and the Four Pavilions dorms are burning.
Even passed through a few channels, that news would morph into "The Demonic Cult has ravaged the Orthodox Murim's cradle."
In that case, even if we won this battle outright, the Demonic Cult would claim a moral victory in the greater war for hegemony over the world.
‘They say cunning rabbits dig three burrows to escape. Even in this situation, the Demonic Cult still has a path to victory?’
That grated on me.
I'd tracked down the spy I'd planted.
Hunted the hidden safehouses.
Gathered the clues they'd scattered, leading me here.
‘And it ends with a Demonic Cult moral win?’
It felt wasteful.
And infuriating.
‘If only I had the strength my master once wielded over the world...’
When I'd faced Nangjung Demon Marshal Song Gil-jun and Black Thread Demon Marshal Man-woo at the Ho Won Ironworks.
They'd have been sent straight to the afterlife.
‘I've always made the best choices in every situation, but the regret is real.’
But was this regret mine alone?
No.
The academy's audacious plan to dig tunnels underneath had been thoroughly disrupted at the final stage.
It was like rice ready to eat, only for ashes to be sprinkled on top.
Song Gil-jun must feel the same regret and fury deep down.
Of course, he was the type who could still decide to retreat in such circumstances.
So, with the eastern defense line already shaken, I'd devised one scheme.
‘Lure out Song Gil-jun's next move using myself as bait.’
Song Gil-jun would know most of the academy's exposed situation on the surface.
Especially that the Ma Bang Alliance was here, and that Fragrant Orchid and Blue Bamboo Pavilions were sworn enemies—none of that was hard to learn.
Plus, I'd leaked info through Shim Ryul.
‘In this situation, if I move only the Chief's Banner without any noticeable troop movements?’
Beyond just seizing the symbolic Chief's Banner.
The thought of capturing me, the one commanding the Ma Bang Alliance, would enter Song Gil-jun's head.
And then, high chance he'd opt for a bigger payoff over retreat.
"Hey? Looks like Demonic Cult reinforcements are coming from the dorm side?!"
"...It's not 'looks like'—they're definitely coming. Two axes. Seems like that Black Thread Demon Marshal you mentioned, Eon Yong-un, is leading them."
"Ack! Same difference, you blockhead!"
And it actually happened.
A grin tugged at my lips, nearly reaching my ears.
"The big fish bit the bait."
Seeing me like that, Dang Ok-gi flashed an awkward smile.
"Ah, whatever. This is you pulling some scam again, right, Eon Yong-un? You have a plan, yeah?"
"I do."
"Phew. Then I can relax..."
"But in that plan, survival's entirely up to us."
"?"
"Cut the dumbfounded look and fall back behind me for now. Tighten up the new defense formation."
At my words,
Namgung Yun furrowed his brow and spoke.
"Here? Aren't all the Fragrant Orchid troops who didn't take the poison in the back?"
"Fragrant Orchid troops perform better under commanders like Professor Cheongryang or Hall Leader Mae than me. So we'll leave them as is."
To my response, Dang Ok-gi snapped out of it and asked,
"Th-then what are you gonna do?"
"The Eon Family Soul Binding Technique I restored isn't limited to just activating on zombies."
Ignoring their questions,
I extended my hand toward the surroundings littered with Black Daoist corpses.
"Rise."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ At the same time.
In the main building overlooking all directions, the special unit HQ.
"Whoa? Whoaaa? Sister Yin! Sister Jegal! A new Demonic Cult force appeared on the east side?!"
At Woo So-rung's shout, the Demonic Cult's main force gathering at the eastern defense line was confirmed.
Jeong Hyeon spoke gravely.
"These guys are a different caliber. It's because one brigade got isolated overconfidently, but the Fragrant Orchid defense line—which was holding best—is crumbling helplessly."
Jegal Seolji added,
"Young Master Yong-un's prediction was spot on. This means the eastern defense line will decide the outcome of this incident."
To Jegal Seolji's words, Yin Ha-yeon—who'd heard nothing but "handle it appropriately"—finally spoke.
"If it's Young Master Eon's idea, did he share any details? We need a concrete plan to respond."
"Ah, he didn't mention any specific plans. Earlier, when he took the Chief's Banner, I tried warning him it could become an enemy target if set up like that, but he already knew."
"...So Young Master Eon volunteered as bait to draw out the Demonic Cult's main force?"
At the exchange, Jeong Hyeon and Yin Ha-seong scowled and stepped forward.
"...He did the same in Shanxi, and now again? And you knew, Lady Jegal, but let him go?!"
"Brother Yong-un always shakes people off in moments like this! At least you went along to Shanxi, Instructor Jeong Hyeon!"
A hint of resentment colored their voices.
Listening, Jegal Seolji spoke firmly.
"Come to think of it, Young Master Yong-un did mention something earlier. He told us to keep quiet about the idea that came to him. If we'd spoken up beforehand, could we have handled HQ duties properly, Instructor Jeong Hyeon?"
"We could've at least sent reinforcements nearby..."
"Then the enemy's main force wouldn't have been drawn out, right?"
"......"
"And it happened in the east, but other sides could've been hit too."
The two couldn't retort to Jegal Seolji's logical rebuttal.
That's when Yin Ha-yeon chimed in.
"Lady Jegal is right. No need for hard feelings, you two. This is different from Shanxi. I think Young Master Eon trusts us, that's why he went ahead with this plan."
"......"
"......"
"We can't blindly shift forces from anywhere to the east anyway. We have to handle it. Entrusting us with 'appropriate response' is basically staking his life on us."
"Hall Leader Ha-yeon is right."
Having calmed Jeong Hyeon and Yin Ha-seong, Yin Ha-yeon immediately began commanding.
"Brother Woo So, head south right now."
"Head there?"
"The southern line seems to have repelled the Demonic Cult. But things could change, so check the site. If it's fine, escort Chief Professor to the east. Don't explain details until you're almost there to avoid stirring the students."
"Yes!"
"Ha-seong, do the same with Professor No Sam in the north."
"Got it!"
"The rest of Blue Bamboo Unit—leave one brigade, send everyone else east. Hall Leader Jin, Instructor Jeong Hyeon, and Lady Jegal, you lead them. I'll handle HQ..."
As everyone nodded to Yin Ha-yeon's orders,
Jegal Seolji suggested,
"No. You go to the east, Hall Leader Ha-yeon. I'll take HQ."
"Pardon...? Your martial prowess outranks mine, Lady Jegal."
Yin Ha-yeon had always bickered with Jegal Seolji in the Ma Bang Alliance, but truly, no one respected her more.
That's why she'd assigned Jegal Seolji to the east.
But respect went both ways.
"True. But you're the one who can draw out Blue Bamboo Pavilion's strength best."
"......"
"This isn't a fight for individuals—it's about group power. You should go."
"...Makes sense. Alright."
The two shared brief smiles before scattering to their tasks.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Kraaaah!
The corpse soldiers I raised halted the Demonic Cultists led by Black Thread Demon Marshal Man-woo for a moment.
But only that much.
‘If I keep raising the corpse legion with full commitment, I could buy a tiny bit more time.’
But with Man-woo and those old fogeys—who seemed like his aides—chopping corpses to bits with every swing, I couldn't waste internal energy foolishly.
‘Maintain the ones I've raised and prepare to draw my sword.’
So, once Fragrant Orchid Unit's defense line was properly reformed, I stopped adding corpse soldiers and wrapped my sword in regret.
No new corpses rising, the Demonic Cultists went berserk as if waiting.
"He looks tired!"
"Of course such sorcery can't last forever! Break through!"
I waited for them to close in,
Then signaled Dang Ok-gi.
"Incoming."
Pik! Pik!
Pipipipik!!!
His scattered hidden weapons felled quite a few, foaming at the mouth.
"Gah!"
"Kek?!"
But the lead old wanderer casually deflected the projectiles and grinned, baring yellow teeth.
Titing!
"Kekeke. Come, you've come. You're Eon Yong-un, right? The tongue that dared attach 'exterminate' to our cult's name—today I'll slice it and see how many pieces."
At that moment, unprecedented killing intent enveloped us.
Professor Cheongryang descended, flapping his black robe emblazoned with orchid patterns, stepping on air.
Whirrlik—
He shook blood from his sword and spoke.
"Drag that rotting corpse to a grave already, yet you dare eye the Righteous Martial Academy? Shut your trap, old Demonic Wanderer. You're wasting Dan River Valley air."
"Mount Hua's White Plum. Cheongryang. Hah, you lot follow seniority. If it's your turn, guess I send you first."
"I said shut it—air's precious."
Chaeng! Chaeng!!
No sooner had they finished than Cheongryang's sword, scattering wild plum blossoms, clashed madly with the old wanderer's, exuding eerie energy.
Chaenchaenchaechang!!!
I desperately wanted to aid Cheongryang's fight, but no time.
Shortly after the old wanderer burst through the corpse wall,
Black Thread Demon Marshal Man-woo charged like a buffalo, smashing through the corpses, swinging his twin axes.
Shaaaak!
Shaaaak!!
As his axe dance targeted one spot, I slotted Regret in and urgently shouted.
Chaeng!
"Namgung Yun, you take left."
"Got it!"
Chaeng!!!
"Ok-gi, pin down others so they don't interfere, support here and there! Watch friendly fire!"
"Team? What's that?!"
Chaeng!!!
"Don't poison your allies!"
"Ah!"
Cha chaeng!
Chaechaechaechang!!!
After exchanging over a dozen clashes in an instant,
Namgung Yun muttered in shock at experiencing a Demon Marshal firsthand.
"...Same age group, yet handling both me and Eon Yong-un at once?"
But Nangjung Demon Marshal Man-woo ignored him,
Frowning at me, tilting his head.
"You... met me before? Your eyes look familiar."
Well, we brushed past once.
I was disguised, though.
‘Beast-like instincts—remembers a mere graze?’
No need to answer, so I just caught my breath silently.
Meanwhile, Man-woo muttered to himself.
"...Hm. Definitely seen you somewhere. Not important. But capturing you alive? Tough. Nangjung said save if possible, so killing's fine, right?"
He regripped his axes, stance ready to stomp the ground.
His aura turned even more ferocious.
But it was worth trying.
"Young Master Eon!"
At that moment.
Jeong Hyeon joined us.
I grinned.
"Man-woo, why'd you come to my house?"
What're you doing, Man-woo?
I started the chant—you say, "Came to die, came to die."