Chapter 114
Chapter 114
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: Dark Heaven Village
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A moment later, Lee Gwang summoned Jin So-cheong. When Jin So-cheong was introduced to me by Lee Gwang, he smiled warmly.
"I'm Jin So-cheong. Pleased to meet you, junior brother."
"Yes."
Since I'd decided to become Lee Gwang's disciple, we were now officially senior and junior brothers. Jin So-cheong glanced outside before continuing.
"Did you take down Bang Il, junior brother?"
"Yes. Our stories didn't line up."
"As long as you didn't use lethal force, it's fine."
Lee Gwang said.
"Come here. There's something important we need to discuss."
"Yes."
Lee Gwang headed deeper into the more secluded area of Crouching Dragon Hall, and Jin So-cheong and I followed. As I trailed behind, I couldn't help but think it was unexpected.
'I figured it'd take at least a day to settle into Azure Dragon Martial Hall before we talked business.'
Rescuing General Hwang Yeon!
It seemed far more urgent than I'd imagined. Once inside a private chamber isolated from the outside, Lee Gwang sat at the table and gestured for us to do the same. With all three of us seated, Lee Gwang began.
"General Hwang Yeon is currently imprisoned by the Embroidered Guards and the Eastern Depot."
"......!!"
Jin So-cheong flinched in shock. He clearly knew who General Hwang Yeon was, and his reaction suggested more than just familiarity—perhaps a personal connection.
"Is that true?"
"Yes. Baek Woong here brought the information. It came from Jang Kyung-ik's request."
"Hmm..."
Jin So-cheong looked pensive. I listened quietly before raising a question that had been on my mind.
"Jang Kyung-ik oversees Shandong Province as its commander. Do you have ties with him?"
Lee Gwang gave a cold laugh at my question.
"Ties? Back when I was active as the Azure Dragon, he was just a greenhorn. He climbed that high by walking a fine line, but I have no personal interest or curiosity in him."
"......"
I couldn't even fathom the heights of Lee Gwang's prime, to dismiss Jang Kyung-ik—who wielded military authority rivaling Shandong's governor—like that. Lee Gwang glanced at the map and said.
"We have the map, so we can just go rescue him."
Jin So-cheong said quietly.
"It's a trap."
"You think so too?"
"If the Embroidered Guards or Eastern Depot really had General Hwang Yeon captive, they wouldn't leave him in such an obvious spot. They'd have thrown him in the imperial dungeon at the very least."
"True enough."
Their exchange left me inwardly astonished. Their minds worked as sharply and intuitively as Miho's instincts, honed by countless schemes. Lee Gwang studied the map in silence before speaking.
"But this trap is brilliant. You know it's one, yet you can't help but walk into it."
"What do you plan to do?"
"Whoever sent such a polite letter delivery must not have the general's life in immediate danger. Schemes like this don't mishandle hostages lightly—they take time."
"But the Hwang clan will grow more endangered by the day."
"Can't be helped. Once the Embroidered Guards have you in their sights, no one's safe."
Lee Gwang's words carried a clear implication: he prioritized General Hwang Yeon over the Hwang clan. As I listened without interrupting, he continued.
"The best course is to leverage influence through the Pure Stream faction officials."
"The Pure Stream faction..."
"I know a few who can be persuaded to act."
With that, Lee Gwang glanced at me.
"But this time, I'll pursue both the best and worst options."
"You plan to storm in yourself?"
"Heh. The more I think about their provocation, the more ridiculous it seems. And with my new disciple just reaching the Unity realm, I want to hone him through real combat."
Hearing that, I suddenly understood.
'So that's it.'
Even in the history where I hadn't delivered Jang Kyung-ik's letter, Lee Gwang must have learned of Hwang Yeon's plight somehow. No fool, he hadn't walked into the obvious trap but had instead pressured them via Pure Stream contacts.
But now, with me as his disciple and wanting to give me battle experience, he was deliberately stepping into it. Stunned by the idea, I blurted out.
"What are you talking about? It's a trap set by hordes of Embroidered Guard elites— you're saying you'll walk right in?"
Even I wasn't sure I could take two Embroidered Guard squads without invoking heavenly thunder. And who knew what other traps they'd laid. Charging in with just three of us was insane.
Lee Gwang said.
"This trap isn't scary—it's filthy. I'd avoid it if possible, but it's not necessary. Better yet, stomping them flat will make them think twice before scheming again."
"......"
"Pack your things. We're heading out now. Destination: Merging Waters Valley."
Lee Gwang moved like lightning. We barely had time to prepare properly, yet he was set on going immediately. Back at the annex, I watched Jin So-cheong busily packing beside me and said in disbelief.
"Senior brother, don't you think this is reckless?"
"...Huh? Reckless? Why?"
"......"
Jin So-cheong's genuine confusion left me speechless. He truly believed a trap like this was no big deal.
'Then why'd you act so grave earlier?'
Seeing my twisted expression, Jin So-cheong burst out laughing.
"Haha, junior brother, don't worry. It's just a good brawl—no need to feel burdened."
"A 'brawl'..."
I replied weakly.
I'd seen firsthand what Jin So-cheong meant by a "brawl" during our past raid on the Nine Great Sects' Zhongnan Sect plaque-breaking. Without that experience, I wouldn't have grasped his words.
'These guys are destruction demons.'
Jin So-cheong chuckled, cinching his bundle tight.
"Besides, Elder Hwang Yeon is like a grandfather to me. I'm actually glad to rescue him myself."
"Pardon?"
"It's from when I was very young, so memories are fuzzy, but I think Elder Hwang Yeon played with me as a kid. My parents must have been close friends with him..."
"......"
I fell silent. Having spent a year or two with Jin So-cheong, I knew his backstory well.
His parents had died in some inexplicable accident, and Lee Gwang had taken in the orphan and raised him. Lee Gwang was like a father to him, and Jin So-cheong like a son in return. That's why he'd confessed to me that martial arts was his lifelong pursuit, pouring his soul into it.
Just to be sure, I asked.
"Senior brother, what if General Hwang Yeon really is there, and they threaten his life? What then?"
"Hm?"
"Like, 'Drop your weapons or the general dies!'"
"Hmm..."
Jin So-cheong pondered briefly before answering.
"Then I'll charge in and slaughter them all."
It was an unexpected response.
"But General Hwang Yeon..."
"If I'm captured, he'll die anyway. So I'll tell him to leave revenge to me, then wipe them out without hesitation."
"......"
"Don't overthink it. If the Embroidered Guards are dead set on this, compromise is impossible."
Got it.
Jin So-cheong's thinking was remarkably cold and rational. He seemed warm and affable on the surface, but he was as detached and merciless as Lee Gwang. He knew how to separate duty from personal feelings without getting swept up in emotions.
With his bundle packed, Jin So-cheong said.
"First time meeting you, junior brother, but I feel we'll get along great. Let's make this mission a success."
"Understood, senior brother."
Soon, our trio—Lee Gwang, Jin So-cheong, and I—departed Azure Dragon Martial Hall. We rode hard along the official roads and soon passed Hangu Pass. Resting there briefly, Lee Gwang said.
"Merging Waters Valley is three hundred and forty li from here. We'll switch to foot a hundred li out."
"Got it."
That's when a voice echoed in my mind.
[What's going on all of a sudden? Why are you so far away?]
Miho was reaching out via sorcery from afar. Unsure how to reply, I hesitated. No—how should I even respond?
[Just think strongly in your head. No time—hurry!]
I quickly summarized events mentally. Miho replied.
[Understood. I'll head to Merging Waters Valley first. Meet you there.]
The connection faded, like a thin spiritual thread snapping after brief use. I didn't stop her, figuring Miho's presence would help with any interrogations.
Clop clop.
After riding for about half a day, we neared Merging Waters Valley. As planned, Lee Gwang ditched the horses a hundred li out, and we proceeded on foot. As we traversed a reed field nearby.
"Attack!!"
Suddenly, black-clad figures sprang from everywhere. From all directions in the reeds came foes wielding swords, spears, exotic weapons, or bows—easily over a hundred at a glance.
Lee Gwang said irritably.
"You two handle them."
"Yes."
An unspoken agreement: I'd take north, Jin So-cheong south. I drew my sword and charged, unleashing sword qi to instantly bisect three. With momentum left, I spun three times, claiming twelve more.
In seconds, over a dozen lay dead or dying, shocking the black-clad attackers into retreat.
"Ugh, ugh."
"What the—? These guys are way too strong..."
I realized their skills were laughably below Embroidered Guard level—second-rate at best, with a few first-rate mixed in. Even those paled against proper Embroidered Guards.
'Probably unorthodox thugs the Embroidered Guards hired while hiding their involvement...'
No mercy regardless.
Medicine aids the virtuous, but I had no reason to spare those gunning for my life—especially Embroidered Guard lackeys. They were just stress relief.
Slash!
I smirked coldly and unleashed a frenzy of swift and illusory Manseung Sword Principles. Sword qi erupted in blazing trails, whipping up a storm of blades. Everything in their path was shredded.
"Arghhh!"
Jin So-cheong's side fared similarly. He moved lightly a few times, and heads exploded soundlessly from unseen strikes. In a way, more terrifying than my slaughter.
"Aaack!!"
"Kyaak!"
Blood soaked the reeds.
The metallic stench filled the air.
Less than ten seconds in, their numbers had dwindled to under forty percent. They stopped attacking and fled.
"Uwaaaah!!"
"Spare us!!"
Jin So-cheong and I glanced at Lee Gwang simultaneously. He said matter-of-factly.
"Kill them all."
"Understood."
At the extermination order, we dashed after the remnants, slaying every last one without mercy. No pleas were heard—they died clean and swift. Not a soul left, we returned, and Lee Gwang said.
"Well done."
"Was killing them all necessary?"
"Mercy is killing them. You think the Embroidered Guards will let scum like that die peacefully?"
"......"
I grasped his meaning. Survivors would face torture anyway, so this cut off any info leaks to the Embroidered Guards. That was Lee Gwang's "mercy."
'As an imperial martial hall veteran, he knows their cruelty better than anyone...'
As I pondered, Lee Gwang said.
"If they throw this at us from the start, something decent must be waiting at the end. Exciting."
Why was that exciting?
I wanted to ask his benchmark for "decent," but fear kept me silent.
I'd long sensed his common sense diverged wildly from mine.
Soon, we reached Merging Waters Valley. At the vast gorge's entrance, a roar echoed from somewhere.
[Azure Dragon, don't act rashly! We have Hwang Yeon hostage!]
On a distant cliff, two dark silhouettes appeared. Squinting, one was an elderly man bound tightly to a chair; the other, a man in white robes embroidered with gold—Embroidered Guard for sure. I couldn't confirm the old man as Hwang Yeon.
Lee Gwang said expressionlessly.
"Fools. With ten thousand troops prepped, poison smoke, and fire traps barely sufficient."
"What now?"
"What else?"
Lee Gwang's command was straightforward.
"Kill them all."
Flash!
His form shot forward explosively. In an instant, he soared toward the cliff over a hundred zhang away. Leaping again midair, his lightness skill was at least Heavenly Ladder caliber.
The Embroidered Guard, caught off-guard by the distance, panicked and tried dropping Hwang Yeon. But before he twitched, Lee Gwang's spear pulverized his skull.
Blood mist sprayed across the cliff.
[Die, Azure Dragon!]
Embroidered Guard elites swarmed Lee Gwang like a torrent. The sight filled me with dread.
'At least four squads...!! Too dangerous!'
Embroidered Guards were elite first-rate upper-tiers and peak experts. Forty-plus of them charging was nightmarish.
But the next instant, I doubted my eyes.
[Secret Art: Thunder Duke Annihilation!]
Lee Gwang's roar unleashed a spear strike like a plummeting storm. From that range, the ground quaked violently, lightning flashes dazzling the eyes.
Boom rumble roar
Kabuuum!!
Heaven and earth flipped.
"Uwaaaaaah!"
"Arghhh!!"
The explosion crumbled the cliff, sending over ten guards plummeting to their doom, bodies torn by the strike. Survivors recoiled, but Lee Gwang chained into Whirl and Instant forms.
[Perish!]
Fwoosh fwish thunk
Splat boom
A massive spear vortex spawned midair, splintering into hundreds of strikes. Guards resisted with sword qi and techniques, but erratic thunder blades rent limbs asunder.
"Grraaaah!!"
"Aaaah?!"
Blood and flesh painted the blue sky.
Boom rumble roar
A second blast echoed—not just crumbling the cliff, but uprooting the forest below with raw qi. The earth peeled back like an earthquake. Five peak Embroidered Guard commanders united against him.
"Die!"
"You monster!"
"Uwaaaaa."
Their assault—flamboyant sword qi barrages even I might not dodge unscathed—reeked of desperate, life-or-death resolve.
Lee Gwang bellowed madly.
[Hahaha! Is this all the Embroidered Guards have?!]
Pop pop boom
Incredibly, his spear erased the qi onslaught midair as if it were nothing, then pierced the upper-peak commanders hundreds of times.
As their bodies shredded into mist, Lee Gwang leaped again, cleaving one from crown to groin, then knee-struck another's head exploding the skull.
Splat
As another attacked, he astonishingly used Three Shadow Clones midair, smashing the commander's chest with Thunder God Fist.
The last charged suicidally; Lee Gwang casually smacked his waist with the spear shaft, hurling him down.
Thud
[Join them!]
Slaying four peak experts in a blink, Lee Gwang hurled his spear at the survivors.
"Uwaaaaaah!!"
"Mercy!"
A mere throw, yet devastating.
Splurt splurt thunk
The pleading guards were skewered like kebabs and flung our way. On cliff impact, blood erupted, then the spear spun on its own.
Spluuurt
Spinning, it mulched the impaled bodies into gore. Blood rain poured.
All this in under a quarter incense stick. Aside from us, nothing lived.
Except one: an Embroidered Guard squad leader, trembling in the blood sea, whom Lee Gwang had spared. Agony from the spear shaft had him on the verge of blackout.
Tap step.
Finally descending, Lee Gwang gripped his blood-drenched spear. Despite the carnage, not a scratch or drop marred him. He said.
"The one on the cliff was a fake from a nearby village."
"......"
"A decent foe was lurking, but fled. Pity."
Likely a transcendent peak or equivalent, hidden—but deeming Lee Gwang impossible, it escaped.
'Crazy...'
I was speechless.
In that moment, I'd witnessed the full might of the former imperial top four—the Azure Dragon who painted Shaanxi in blood and death.
============================ Works Afterword ============================
Please leave recommendations and comments!