Chapter 174
Chapter 174
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 174
Chapter Title: Misjudgment (2)
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“Elder.”
After breakfast, the North Heaven Sword Demon, who had been sipping tea lightly, quietly set down his cup.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a man in his mid-thirties from the military staff, Jang Cheonbi—who had followed the North Heaven Sword Demon to the battlefield—entered with an excited expression.
“Judging by your face, it’s begun.”
“Yes. The attack started just moments ago.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon let out a hearty laugh at Jang Cheonbi’s thrilled voice.
“That happy about it?”
“It’s not so much happiness as relief that the end is in sight. It’s been over four months chasing those bastards already.”
“You’re right. It’s time to wrap this up.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon was weary from the long campaign as well.
“And the reinforcements from the Qingcheng Sect and Tang Clan have arrived. They’re moving stealthily instead of joining the Emei Sect right away, so it looks like they plan to strike Huicheon from behind.”
“What about Huicheon? Are they preparing countermeasures?”
“That’s the strange part.”
Jang Cheonbi furrowed his brow, his face showing clear confusion.
“What do you mean?”
“They must have noticed the reinforcements from the Qingcheng Sect and Tang Clan, but there’s no sign of any preparation at all.”
“That can’t be. They’re not laying a trap by exposing a weakness and waiting for the enemy to commit fully?”
“At first, I thought that might be it and watched closely, but there’s no indication of that whatsoever.”
As Jang Cheonbi shook his head with firm conviction, the North Heaven Sword Demon’s expression turned troubled.
“If the Qingcheng Sect and Tang Clan reinforcements hit their rear, Huicheon will be caught between two fronts and could be annihilated in an instant. That’s not the outcome we want. Crushing Huicheon is our top priority, but those sects need to take enough damage to hinder their recovery too.”
“Exactly. For the sake of our cult, we need to steer them toward mutual destruction.”
“What do you think we should do?”
“We need to eliminate one of them—either the Qingcheng Sect or the Tang Clan. That way, the balance holds.”
“Which one?”
Jang Cheonbi answered resolutely, as if it went without saying.
“The Qingcheng Sect.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon, who had expected at least some deliberation, raised a questioning look at Jang Cheonbi’s confident reply.
“Why?”
“The reinforcements are larger from the Qingcheng Sect, but overall combat power favors the Tang Clan. Above all, the Tang Clan is ruthless. They’re the type to drag everyone down with them if it comes to it. Considering the danger of their poisons and hidden weapons, I judge that targeting the Qingcheng Sect will minimize damage to our cult.”
“I know well how vicious the Tang Clan dogs are. My judgment aligns with yours. Their poisons are indeed perilous. One misstep, and we could suffer heavy losses.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon lifted his teacup and issued the order in a calm low voice.
“Strike the Qingcheng Sect reinforcements. Prepare and relay the command.”
“Understood.”
Jang Cheonbi hurriedly left the room upon receiving the order. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “Phoenix Ridge is just ahead.”
Blood Slaughter Faction Leader nodded at the words of the man assigned by Jong Yo, who was trailing slightly behind.
“Relay the order to prepare.”
Having given the quiet command, Blood Slaughter Faction Leader moved toward the Black Slaughter Sect leading the vanguard.
“Hey, Sect Leader.”
At Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s call, Black Slaughter Sect Leader Bi Dong turned with a scowl.
“What is it?”
“I hear Phoenix Ridge is coming up soon.”
“That’s right. That mountain ahead, shrouded in clouds right now—that’s Phoenix Ridge below it.”
Bi Dong pointed to the peak.
“How about a short break? Everyone’s worn out from marching since dawn.”
“Tch, complaining about fatigue after that little bit of travel?”
Bi Dong scoffed derisively.
“A fierce battle’s coming soon. A bit of rest wouldn’t hurt.”
Bi Dong glanced around at Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s words. Indeed, everyone looked fatigued. Even his Black Slaughter Sect disciples, though not showing it openly, were breathing heavily.
Bi Dong turned to Moon Seal Manor Leader Cho Seo-ga and signaled for his opinion with his eyes. When Cho Seo-ga nodded slightly, Bi Dong spoke as if granting a favor.
“Half a gak. We can’t delay any longer.”
“That’s plenty. My thanks.”
Blood Slaughter Faction Leader expressed gratitude and stepped back.
Bi Dong snorted at Blood Slaughter Faction Leader and her surrounding entourage.
‘Just arrow fodder.’
Most of the forces deployed to Phoenix Ridge were from Ten Thousand Poison Valley, Red Flame Clan, Phantom Spirit House, and others who had played key roles in Huicheon’s early days. Now, diminished in numbers and influence, they were sidelined from the power center. Crucially, Huicheon’s leadership distrusted them.
‘Intelligence says the enemy’s main forces are concentrated at Phoenix Ridge. So when the battle starts, put them in front.’
Tae Bo’s instructions from just before the assault echoed in his mind.
Bi Dong’s gaze shifted back to the Moon Seal Manor Leader.
He was the only other one who fully grasped the situation: that Phoenix Ridge was a battlefield meant to sacrifice Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s forces.
Meeting his eyes at that moment, Cho Seo-ga sent a meaningful glance.
They had already agreed to place Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s followers upfront and withdraw if the situation turned sour.
“Sect Leader.”
“What is it?”
“From Moon Seal Manor.”
“Hah! I wondered what you were carrying—it’s liquor.”
Bi Dong chuckled dryly at the bottle his subordinate held.
Glancing around, he saw liquor already being passed and shared everywhere. He didn’t mind. A light drink before battle could ease tension.
“Didn’t peg you for such a thoughtful type.”
Bi Dong glanced at Moon Seal Manor Leader’s burly face, took the cup from his subordinate, and paused just before drinking, as if struck by a thought.
“This liquor... you’re sure it’s from Moon Seal Manor?”
“Yes? Yes, it is.”
“It’s not from Ten Thousand Poison Valley or some other group, is it?”
“No, it’s prepared by Moon Seal Manor.”
“Got it.”
Bi Dong nodded and downed the liquor without hesitation.
“Not as good as the preparation. It’s strong, but too thick and...”
His complaint about the unexpectedly poor taste cut short as his face suddenly stiffened.
Beyond the burning liquor sliding down his throat, he sensed something alien.
Something separate from the alcohol began infiltrating his body immediately.
‘Poison?’
Bi Dong’s eyes widened in horror.
He hurriedly circulated his inner energy to control the poison spreading through his body. But the toxin was far more vicious than he’d anticipated.
“Kuaaagh!”
“Aaaagh!”
Black Slaughter Sect disciples who had drunk the liquor clutched their throats and chests, writhing in agony. Noticing that only they were collapsing in screams despite Moon Seal Manor’s liquor being shared, Bi Dong gritted his teeth.
“M-Moon Seal Manor, why?”
Rage mingled with bewilderment.
“Sect Leader, huh? Holding out pretty well.”
Turning, he saw Blood Slaughter Faction Leader standing there with a sneer.
“Y-You bitch...”
“Don’t strain yourself. It’s a poison you can’t handle.”
Blood Slaughter Faction Leader mocked Bi Dong’s desperate energy circulation, then flashed a bright smile at the approaching Moon Seal Manor Leader.
“Thanks to you, Manor Leader, this went smoothly.”
“Not at all. We just carried the liquor.”
Cho Seo-ga laughed, shaking the bottle.
“Y-You traitors...”
Bi Dong glared murderously at Cho Seo-ga but vomited a gush of dark red blood.
“Traitors? Such harsh words. Moon Seal Manor was never on your side to begin with.”
At Cho Seo-ga’s cold gaze, Bi Dong finally realized he—and Huicheon’s leadership—had fallen completely into Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s trap.
Trembling with humiliation, Bi Dong suddenly launched himself forward. Blood Slaughter Faction Leader and Cho Seo-ga, anticipating his final struggle, struck simultaneously.
Even a healthy body couldn’t withstand their joint assault; poisoned as he was, survival was impossible. Resigned, Bi Dong flailed wildly but soon grew dizzy, overwhelmed by the toxin, and collapsed.
“Your underlings are waiting. Get lost.”
Blood Slaughter Faction Leader plunged her hand into Bi Dong’s chest, ripped out his heart, and shouted.
Bi Dong toppled lifelessly without a final scream.
“Filthy worm.”
Recalling how Bi Dong had scorned their forces under leadership protection, Blood Slaughter Faction Leader crushed the heart in her hand.
“We must hurry. We could face their attack otherwise.”
Cho Seo-ga was certain Emei Sect scouts nearby were watching. Blood Slaughter Faction Leader wasn’t oblivious either.
“Right. Move out now.”
Blood Slaughter Faction Leader’s forces confirmed the Black Slaughter Sect disciples’ deaths and began a mass retreat.
Her unexpected betrayal quickly reached the warlords awaiting at Phoenix Ridge—and the Emei Sect. ◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ “How much farther?”
Jeong Hye, the Emei Sect disciple guiding the Qingcheng Sect reinforcements led by Do Hyun, replied politely.
“Rounding that pine tree ahead leads to a trail. Follow it, and we’ll arrive shortly.”
“Time to the battlefield?”
“Within two gak.”
“Soon enough. We have some leeway.”
Do Hyun nodded, and Jin Hyun beside him pointed to the fatigued disciples.
“A short rest would be good, senior brother.”
“I was thinking the same. Tae Mu.”
A burly middle-aged man hurried over at Do Hyun’s call.
“Yes, senior uncle.”
“Let’s rest briefly.”
“Yes.”
“Stay vigilant, just in case.”
“Understood. I was already planning a brief...”
Tae Mu’s cheerful words trailed off as his face hardened slightly.
“Senior uncle.”
At Tae Mu’s low voice, Do Hyun and Jin Hyun turned simultaneously.
A group was approaching from around the pine tree Jeong Hye had indicated.
“Do you know who they are?”
Do Hyun asked, and Jeong Hye shook her head.
“No idea. Never seen them before.”
A groan escaped Do Hyun’s lips.
“Enemies, then. Everyone, prepare.”
At Do Hyun’s shout, Qingcheng Sect disciples who had been about to rest drew their swords in unison.
“Knew they’d come quick, but they’re later than expected. Got quite bored waiting.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon swept his chilling smile over the Qingcheng Sect disciples.
‘Huicheon had an expert like this?’
Cold sweat already beaded on Do Hyun’s back as he sized up the North Heaven Sword Demon. The man’s aura was beyond imagination—like standing alone amid a raging sea storm.
“Who are you?”
Do Hyun asked, feigning calm despite his inner turmoil.
“North Heaven Sword Demon.”
“Mm.”
Do Hyun and Jin Hyun gasped in shock at the name.
The North Heaven Sword Demon’s fame echoed through the martial world, his infamy from the Jiangnan martial fray amplified by rumors into a three-headed, six-armed monster.
“No idea when the Heavenly Demon Cult joined hands with Huicheon.”
“Not joined hands. Just that the fight’s tilting too far one way as is.”
Do Hyun instantly grasped what the North Heaven Sword Demon—and the Heavenly Demon Cult—desired.
“You want mutual destruction.”
“Sharp for a monk.”
“Won’t be as easy as you think.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon grinned with delight at Do Hyun’s icy glare.
“Is that so? Outcome’s set either way, but you’ll fight regardless, right? No more stalling—come at me.”
The North Heaven Sword Demon drew his sword confidently.
His demeanor shifted once more upon gripping it.
Do Hyun’s face darkened as he surveyed the Heavenly Demon Cult warriors awaiting their leader’s command.
The North Heaven Sword Demon was fearsome enough, but the cultists’ auras were no joke.
‘Immeasurable Buddha!’
Do Hyun closed his eyes, chanting inwardly, then snapped them open.
“Charge!”