Chapter 55: A Stroke of Luck (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 55: A Stroke of Luck (1)
That aside, the way the people around me were looking at me with admiration was becoming a burden. Those looks of misunderstanding always put me in a difficult spot.
Pung-hyeon let out a boisterous laugh and spoke.
"Seeing the look in Young Hero Eo's eyes, as if inviting me to stand at the vanguard with him, makes my body itch for action again."
That’s not it at all.
"There are Blood Luo Living Jiangshi over there as well," Do Yeon said, pointing toward the Blood Lamas whose movements seemed somewhat stiff.
The Blood Luo Living Jiangshi were entering through the eastern mountain gate.
I figured that about twenty-five Emei Sect experts, Bullyong, and the young master Jeok Yeong would be more than enough to face them.
At the Seong Estate, we had suffered because we lacked experts, but now there were plenty of masters here who were a match for the Blood Lamas.
As expected of one of the Nine Sects, the Emei Sect had dispatched a large number of first-rate experts for this Demon Subjugation Group. They knew the truth about the Blood Lamas, and their pride wouldn't allow them to send anything less than their best.
Thinking it would look better to step forward first if I couldn't avoid it anyway—and believing that with so many experts around, I could at least save my own skin—I spoke up.
"I will take care of the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi. The Emei experts should handle the Blood Lamas."
"Can you handle them alone?" Pung-hyeon asked, sounding worried when I volunteered to take on all the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi by myself.
After all, wasn't it the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi, not the Blood Lamas, that I could kill with the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet?
But just as I was about to take charge of the Jiangshi, some random guy had to go and rain on my parade.
Jeok Yeong spoke with a face full of confidence.
"It seems it would be too much for you alone. I shall fight the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi with you. If you could kill three in a single strike, I should be able to do the same."
If you can really do that, I’ll acknowledge you as a disciple of the Sword Palace.
I turned to the Twin Heroes of Guiyang, who were following behind me.
"You two, help Fairy Doyeon face the Blood Lamas."
"No, sir. We will protect our Lord. The situation is too dangerous."
Good grief, you guys.
You’re the ones in danger, not me.
I have my lightness skills to run away if things get hairy, so don't worry about me. You’re better off mixed in with the Emei experts.
"I am well aware of your loyalty, but for now, please allow me to focus entirely on the fight."
Understanding the meaning behind my words, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang bowed their heads. They bit their lips, perhaps feeling like subordinates who were only a burden to their master.
"Do not think of anything else for now; focus on the battle. And you must return to my side in one piece. I will say it again: I did not take you as my subordinates because your martial arts were exceptional. I took you in because your chivalry is great and you are people I can lean on with a peaceful mind. Do not forget that. You are not my arms, but my head and my heart."
Moved by my words of comfort, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang clasped their hands in a polite salute and squeezed their eyes shut.
The reason I was speaking with such elaborate care was that the Emei experts were watching us. Since I had already earned the fancy title of the New Dragon of Sichuan, shouldn't my words and actions live up to it?
The Emei experts nodded, showing their favorable impression of me.
I then glanced at Hwang Chu. He had so little presence that I sometimes forgot he was even there.
"It seems Brother Hwang will have to find his own way again this time."
"Don't worry about me. I know more ways to survive than anyone."
I felt relieved, knowing he was a practitioner of the occult.
Hye-sim’s voice, infused with internal energy, rang through the temple grounds.
"Disciples of Emei, deploy the Demon Subduing Dragon Formation!"
At her command, the Emei experts unfolded their formation. She was a wise nun indeed. In this situation, a chaotic melee would only benefit the Blood Lamas. Just like the Moon Shadow Slashing Blade formation at the Seong Estate, using a formation was the only way to minimize casualties.
Moreover, I believed that with the Emei Sect’s ultimate Demon Subduing Dragon Formation, they could easily crush those Blood Lama bastards.
I stole a glance at Jeok Yeong.
The kid is definitely a novice to the Murim. Now that he’s out in the world, he’s probably itching to make a name for himself. If he still has that much fighting spirit after fighting a Blood Lama, he’s definitely a master. In that case, this might be a chance to get the job done without lifting a finger.
I decided to provoke him.
"The Blood Luo Living Jiangshi are at the same level as first-rate experts. You cannot win by attacking blindly. You won't be able to kill them in a single strike, so you must engage them with caution."
When I spoke with a slight, mocking smile, Jeok Yeong took the bait perfectly.
"What? Do you think I’m lying? Do you think I can’t kill a mere Jiangshi in one move? I just took the life of a Blood Lama with my own hands earlier!"
"Shall I see that skill for myself then? I’m the type who only believes what I see with my own eyes."
I approached him and whispered.
"I could handle about five of those Blood Luo Living Jiangshi by myself!"
Did I push him too hard? The guy was getting way ahead of himself. I thought he’d say he’d take three, but when he claimed he’d take all five, I felt a pang of unnecessary guilt.
"Haaat!"
Jeok Yeong let out a kiai and drew his sword toward the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi.
Oh! Seeing the Sword Glare shimmering on his blade, he really is the disciple of a famous master.
Jeok Yeong wielded his sword against the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi with ethereal footwork.
I opened the internal energy in my upper dantian, and the energy began to move on its own, gathering the reserves stored in each acupoint. I guided it toward my wrists.
Jeok Yeong faced the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi with his mysterious sword techniques, but he began to slowly retreat. He held his own against one or two with his strange footwork and swordplay, but once three or four attacked in coordination, he couldn't hold out any longer and was driven into a defensive position.
Still, he’s impressive. To be at that level at his age, he must be beyond a first-rate expert.
Thinking about how he was likely raised on bone-cleansing marrow-washing and every kind of spirit medicine made my stomach churn with envy. Still, I wasn't the type to let jealousy ruin a fight and make things worse.
Regardless, the priority was to end this situation.
If I attacked with the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet, at least three Blood Luo Living Jiangshi would die, so I figured Jeok Yeong could handle the remaining two.
Before attacking the Jiangshi, I looked back at the Emei experts.
As expected, the Blood Lamas were struggling, unable to land a proper attack against the Emei sword formation. The Blood Lamas' strength lay in poisoning opponents who got close with their Poison Blood Palm, but against a sword formation, they couldn't utilize it properly and were forced onto the defensive.
Furthermore, Pung-hyeon’s saber techniques were merciless; the Blood Lamas couldn't exert their full power against him.
The Blood Lamas might have been victorious against ordinary sects until now, but their attacks didn't work against the Emei Sect, one of the Nine Great Sects. That was the difference in skill and depth between an ordinary sect and the Nine Great Sects.
Pung-hyeon didn't join the formation but moved independently, and within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he was already lopping off the heads of the Blood Lamas. It was a truly formidable display of martial prowess.
I wondered if any of the other Sichuan Four Dragons could fight and kill a Blood Lama alone like Pung-hyeon. When he swung his saber, the saber light and resonance seemed to envelop the entire area.
He truly deserves to be called a genius of the saber.
Even while fighting, the Twin Heroes of Guiyang kept glancing my way. They seemed worried since I had said I would face the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi alone.
I gave them a reassuring nod and turned back to the Jiangshi.
But it was then.
Pop! Bang! Boom! Crash!
Sudden explosions rang out, and thick smoke swirled in all directions.
"What the—?"
The Blood Lamas had detonated Thunder Cloud Bombs. It seemed they had resorted to a final measure since they couldn't break through the Emei sword formation.
Thunderbolt Bombs were banned by the Imperial Court and couldn't be used in the Murim. Thus, the most they could use were Thunder Cloud Bombs, which only created fog or mist, but I hadn't expected the Blood Lamas to use them.
They were likely terrified after seeing the first group of Blood Lamas annihilated by a sword formation at the Seong Estate and now facing the same fate against Emei.
As visibility was cut off by the sudden smoke, Hye-sim shouted.
"Everyone, do not break the formation! Hold your positions!"
But her words were as empty as an echo. The Blood Lamas took advantage of the moment the formation stalled to launch their attack.
"Agh!"
As screams erupted from all over, Hye-sim shouted again.
"Form three-man groups and deploy the Three Calamities Sword Formation!"
I was just as disoriented. With no visibility, I couldn't tell where the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi would attack from.
"Lord! Where are you?"
I reflexively answered the Twin Heroes of Guiyang when they called for me.
"Over here!"
But that was a mistake. Hearing my voice, the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi launched an attack at me.
As palm strikes lunged at me from the left and right, I scrambled to retreat. If I didn't have my lightness skills, I would have been as good as dead.
I need to at least know where they are to release the poison from the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet.
Recalling how I had used the Qi from my upper dantian to locate an assassin before, I opened that energy again.
But it was no use. In a moving situation, the Qi from my upper dantian couldn't properly grasp the surroundings. My cultivation was still lacking.
"Ugh!"
I heard Jeok Yeong groan.
"Young Hero Jeok!"
"Pant, pant... I’m over here!"
I approached cautiously and heard the sound of someone gasping for breath. It seemed he had been fighting the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi desperately in the meantime.
His grit is at least worth something.
As I got within arm's reach, the outline of Jeok Yeong’s rugged face came into focus.
Swish!
A Poison Blood Palm thrust between us. The Blood Lamas were attacking by following the sound of our voices.
"Let's escape to a place without the smoke first! They’ll follow us anyway, so it’s better to lure them out."
Jeok Yeong followed my lead without a word. A situation where we couldn't distinguish friend from foe was disadvantageous for us.
Jeok Yeong and I left the temple grounds and ran to a place clear of the Thunder Cloud Bombs' mist. As expected, the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi followed us.
Jeok Yeong looked exhausted, but he didn't fall behind me.
After running for a bit, we cleared the smoke and regained our vision. Perhaps because they lacked intelligence compared to the Blood Lamas, the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi didn't realize they were at a disadvantage as they pursued us.
"Let's settle this here!"
Blood was flowing heavily from Jeok Yeong’s left arm. It looked like he had been struck by one of the sword-wielding Blood Luo Living Jiangshi.
"Fine! I can't keep running either. It’s hurting my pride. Let's end this here."
Jeok Yeong raised his sword.
Vroooom!
Judging by the sword resonance, it seemed he intended to stake everything on this one clash.
I stood beside him, deciding to release the poison from the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet at the same time he moved.
Jeok Yeong shot forward.
Clang! Shuck! Slice!
Jeok Yeong’s sword emitted a brilliant light as it clashed with the palm strikes of the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi.
Seeing it again, the kid really is something.
The sword skills of this boy, who looked only a year or two younger than me, were no joke. Facing those powerful Blood Luo Living Jiangshi, he didn't back down and poured on the pressure.
"Hyaaaah!"
The moment light flashed from Jeok Yeong’s sword, the sturdy arms and necks of the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi were instantly severed.
However, he couldn't maintain the offensive against the other Jiangshi and was forced back into a defensive stance.
Waiting for the Blood Luo Living Jiangshi to swarm toward me, I guided my internal energy to my wrists.
"Young Hero Jeok, lure them toward me!"
I shouted, intending to release the poison from the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet.
Perhaps realizing it was impossible to handle four Blood Luo Living Jiangshi alone, Jeok Yeong obediently followed my instructions. Seeing that, he wasn't just a guy full of empty bravado.
Yes, come a little closer.
The Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet began to vibrate faintly. Once the internal energy completely flowed into the bracelet, I planned to draw my sword and perform a martial stomp simultaneously to make the poison spread.
I believed that, just as I had at the Seong Estate, I could kill at least three Blood Luo Living Jiangshi this way.
When the bastards raised their hands to unleash their Poison Blood Palms, I performed a stomp and drew my sword.
Thump!
The ground shook as I stomped.
Wait?
No matter how much internal energy I put into a stomp, it shouldn't be this powerful. The entire ground was trembling.
Regardless, I felt relieved to see the four Blood Luo Living Jiangshi collapse, vomiting blood. It was dizzying to think what would have happened if I didn't have the Golden Qi-Poisoning Bracelet. While I was catching my breath for a moment, the shaking of the ground grew even more violent.
It felt as if I were standing on a wobbling boulder. Feeling that something was very wrong, I looked behind me.
"Aaaagh!"
I screamed in shock before I could even fully turn around.
I hadn't seen it while fighting, but behind the screen of bushes, there was a precipice. It looked like a fairly high cliff.
The entire cliff face was exposed red earth, and with uprooted trees scattered here and there, it seemed a recent heavy rain had caused the ground to collapse, creating this precipice.
By performing a martial stomp on that weakened ground, the very spot I was standing on had given way and crumbled.
Almost the instant I looked back, the weak ground collapsed. I felt my heart drop as I experienced the sensation of falling. If I fell from here, I was bound to break something at the very least.
Jeok Yeong, who had finished his sword strike almost at the same time as me, tried to regain his balance and escape the collapsing ground.
But because I instinctively grabbed the seat of his pants, he was dragged down with me.
"Let go!"
But I couldn't let go. If anything, I gripped even harder.
The saying that trying to save a drowning man only gets you killed was true. Strangely, the thought flashed through my mind that if I was going to die, I wasn't going down alone. Even so, Jeok Yeong didn't use force to shake me off just to save himself. Even if he had tried, it wouldn't have been easy.
Since I was stuck to his back like glue, gripping his pants, he probably couldn't have shaken me off anyway.
Looking down, it seemed we were about to hit the bottom, so I yelled.
"Hey! You’re a master, so you can protect yourself with a Body Protective Aura, right?"
"Of course I can!"
Even in this situation, the guy was full of confidence.
I felt relieved hearing that. I’m just a third-rate hack with no Body Protective Aura, and even if I had the energy for it, I wouldn't know how to use it, so you’d better save me.
Even as he was falling, Jeok Yeong activated his Body Protective Aura.