Blood Sea Spreading to Sichuan (6)
Victory Tiger Hall and Jin Sowoon's group finally arrived in Chengdu.
The members of Victory Tiger Hall, including the 12 Peak Stars, immediately went into rest and reorganization. But not everyone could afford to rest. Nam Hwaseong, excluded from that "everyone," exploded in anger.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean!"
Nam Hwaseong's face twisted in fury. He'd thought they'd get at least a little break upon reaching Chengdu, but when Jin Sowoon spat out the absurd order to set off immediately, his pent-up frustration boiled over.
"Even Victory Tiger Hall and the others are resting at least half a day before leaving. So why do we have to go ahead first!"
Jin Sowoon replied nonchalantly.
"We have to target the foremost group. Where the hell do you think we have time to rest?"
Nam Hwaseong's lips trembled, but Jin Sowoon just shrugged.
"Don't like it? Then go back."
That damn bastard always has 'go back, go back' on the tip of his tongue. He knew damn well Nam Hwaseong couldn't return alone while the other 12 Peak Stars stayed here.
"...If we keep pushing like this and collapse..."
Jin Sowoon tilted his chin up at Nam Hwaseong's grave tone.
"Is Nam Hwaseong of the Three Origin Sect really that weak?"
"...Grind."
"You coming or not."
Part of him wanted to just beat the crap out of everything and head back to the academy right now. But he couldn't.
Ever since last night, when he'd learned he'd be moving with Jin Sowoon, Cheol Sunjik had secretly sent him a transmission.
-Remember everything he does. This incident will put shackles on him.
He didn't know what Cheol Sunjik was scheming, but it was surely to the benefit of the 12 Peak Stars. So he had no choice but to follow.
"Lead the way!"
Nam Hwaseong ground his teeth as he watched Jin Sowoon smirk and turn his horse around.
'You're plenty exhausted yourself by now.'
He'd endure to the end and flatten that bastard's nose for sure. Stamina-wise, he'd never lost to anyone.
Cheol Sunjik had told him to observe, sure—but crushing the guy's pride came first.
# Even after leaving Chengdu and entering the main road to Fandan, Jin Sowoon had been running tirelessly for several shichen. With his ass feeling like it was about to fall off from exhaustion, Nam Hwaseong finally couldn't hold back.
"...Hey, aren't we resting?"
"Already tired?"
Does he have to phrase it like that...! Nam Hwaseong's brow furrowed at Jin Sowoon's nerve-grating words.
"At this rate, we'll burn out soon!"
"I'm not burning out."
"Then slow down at least. There's a Green Forest Stronghold around here!"
The road from Chengdu to Fandan connected to the largest route to the Western Frontier. It was only natural for a Green Forest Bandit stronghold—not your average mountain bandit den—to be positioned there, frequented by merchants from the Central Plains and the West.
But not a trace of worry showed on Sowoon's face.
"Don't worry. I have a way around it."
"...You serious? You gonna just stroll past three Green Forest Strongholds blocking the official road?"
Nam Hwaseong doubted his own ears. No one was more sensitive to tolls than Green Forest bandits. They obsessed more over money they didn't get than what they did.
"Nam Hwaseong, what did I say before we left?"
That damn absolute obedience again... It wasn't wartime—why the hell did he have to obey just because they were traveling together?
"Complain all you want, curse me out, I don't care. Never gave a damn anyway. But if you won't follow orders, turn back now."
"..."
"Cheol Sunjik told you to watch me, right?"
Nam Hwaseong flinched at the unexpected words.
"Watch good, report what you see. I don't care. But keep interfering, and I'll break both your legs so you can't follow."
Even as he rode fiercely, Jin Sowoon's voice remained utterly calm. Hearing it sent chills down Nam Hwaseong's spine.
'W-What the...?'
He hadn't even raised his killing intent, yet it felt like a blade at his throat. Nam Hwaseong's head involuntarily bowed.
Then came the resolute voice from above.
"What's it gonna be? Obey? Or go back?"
Both charging back in rage and slinking along like a dog bruised his pride.
Damn bastard. Ever since meeting this guy, Nam Hwaseong kept grinding his teeth.
But the overwhelming pressure left him no choice.
"I'll follow."
Jin Sowoon nodded with a smile at Nam Hwaseong's heavy reply.
"Good. Isn't the Three Origin Sect's Green Branch Wind Cloud Palm supposed to be amazing?"
The Three Origin Sect's Green Branch Wind Cloud Palm was indeed counted among the realm's elite techniques.
But why bring it up now? Unease flooded Nam Hwaseong.
"We're ditching the horses now."
"...You mean cross straight through?"
His unease became reality.
"Yeah."
Nam Hwaseong freaked out.
"Didn't you just say we'd avoid the Green Forest Stronghold!"
Green Forest bandits were even more sensitive to those approaching from the mountains than the road. Road travelers were likely customers; mountain ones, enemies.
"We will avoid it."
Jin Sowoon grinned at Nam Hwaseong.
"It'll be a bit rough, though."
"..."
A bit? Nam Hwaseong's legs went weak for no reason.
#
Piiiik——
A shrill flute pierced the mountains. The Green Forest Stronghold on the ridge stirred, as if ready to move at the signal.
"We're spotted."
Nam Hwaseong cursed inwardly at Jin Sowoon's calm words.
'Who wouldn't spot us?'
In broad daylight, under watchtowers manned by bandits across the peaks, two warriors not in stealth gear climbing the mountain? Even a herb gatherer would notice.
"Pick up the pace."
"...What?"
Wasn't this full speed already?
Regardless of Nam Hwaseong's confusion, Jin Sowoon surged ahead. But the direction was off.
"H-Hey! Where the hell you going!"
Forgetting to avoid the bandits' eyes, Nam Hwaseong yelled at Jin Sowoon.
Who was heading straight for a watchtower in the woods.
"That crazy son of a—"
Jin Sowoon descended the steep slope like flat ground and punched toward the watchtower. His fist left over a dozen afterimages, smashing the support leg hard.
Kwajik!
Kuuaaaak!
"Intruders!"
"Attack!"
The tower collapsed in a cloud of white dust.
"C-Crazy!"
Bandits from all around rushed toward the dust. As Nam Hwaseong belatedly reached the area, Jin Sowoon was heading that way too.
"We go down this way."
"What?"
"Drew their eyes, so now we break the encirclement."
"What the hel—"
"Didn't they teach you the 'East Flash West Dodge' maneuver?"
Just slapping "maneuver" on "flash east, dodge west" makes it a plan?!
But Nam Hwaseong couldn't argue with Jin Sowoon's nonsense. The bandits were charging with eyes blazing now that the tower was wrecked.
He unleashed Green Branch Wind Cloud Palm desperately to catch up.
"Fuck, should've known from that shitty name!"
"What's the problem?"
"Why execute a plan that's doomed to fail!"
Countless bandits rushed with greatswords and staffs.
"What failure? If we break through, it's a success."
You crazy bastard, you said avoid them!
Chaeng.
Jin Sowoon drew his sword and charged ten bandits. Their momentum was fierce.
"Kill 'em!"
"These punks think this is a playground!"
"Surround 'em!"
Facing bandits swarming from all sides, Jin Sowoon sliced through at double their speed.
"Kuhk."
"Keuk."
"So fast..."
In a blink, Jin Sowoon was running again, bandits collapsing in his wake like it was unreal.
'What the hell...?'
His win over Ilgak had caused a stir at the academy. But this movement was on another level. Unbelievable progress in just two months—he felt like a different person.
"Nam Hwaseong, wake up!"
At Jin Sowoon's shout, four bandits swung greatswords at him. Nam Hwaseong swung his gauntleted fists wildly.
Papapapapang!
Blast waves sent bandits flying like stones. Then came Jin Sowoon's dissatisfied voice.
"Idiot. Making that noise ruins the East Flash West Dodge."
"No, your plan was fucked from the start..."
Ignoring him, Jin Sowoon took off first.
"Let's go. Your fault the plan failed, so..."
His cold gaze pierced like an arrow.
"You better run properly."
Crazy bastard, it wasn't my fault!
Jin Sowoon tossed something at the bandits charging from the tower ruins and bolted.
'Flower bud?'
The brass bud landing among them clicked and bloomed.
Panggrr—
The metal flower spun wildly in place. Mesmerized by the sight, Nam Hwaseong's face hardened.
"Kuaaak!"
"Kuhk!"
"Kuaaaak!"
Dozens of bandits tumbling down the ridge clutched faces and necks, collapsing.
"Nam Hwaseong, you coming?!"
It had to be that flower bud Jin Sowoon threw. But what the hell was it?
-A metal flower bloomed, and dozens of Green Forest bandits dropped at once.
What face would Cheol Sunjik make? Would he even believe it?
"I wouldn't."
Nam Hwaseong felt he'd never report it.
"Nam Hwaseong!"
"Coming, damn it! They'll hear your yelling!"
Nam Hwaseong sprinted full tilt to catch up.
"Why not just stick to the road then?"
Climbing to the peak and back down had doubled the effort.
"Don't worry. We'll definitely avoid them this time."
"..."
"Why the face? Don't trust me?"
Like hell I do. Nam Hwaseong couldn't fathom Jin Sowoon's confidence. Yet he followed unwittingly.
#
'Hmm... Wasn't I supposed to join the White Path Society from the start?'
Moyong Jaehwa paused, tray of food in hand, tilting his head.
He was direct lineage of one of the Five Great Families, heir to lead the Moyong Family despite lacking qualifications. Grandson of the absolute master Windbreaker Sword Saint, quirks aside.
Truth be told, if not following Big Bro Jin Sowoon, he'd have joined the White Path Society long ago, snagging an executive seat easy.
'Hmm... But what's this?'
Why was he at a Righteous Path Society event, doing menial chores? It didn't compute.
Scratch scratch.
"Hey! What're you doing! The elder says he's hungry!"
At the call, Moyong Jaehwa scurried over with "Y-Yes!" and delivered the food, forcing a smile despite his doubts. But the Geomchang Sect disciple receiving it scowled.
"What is this! Food's cold!"
"It's high mountains, forest. Cools fast."
Moyong Jaehwa tried to soothe, but the disciple hurled the food and bellowed.
"Can't even do this right! You think this shit goes to the elder?!"
Moyong Jaehwa stared blankly at the spilled food. The Geomchang disciple menaced him.
Something's off. Really off.
"Why am I doing these errands anyway?"
Moyong Jaehwa tilted his head.
"What?"
"I'm the eldest son of Moyong Family, direct lineage, Sword Breaker's grandson. Why me doing this?"
"...You said you would!"
"I did?"
"Yeah! Said you'd do it instead of Eunseollan!"
Snapping to, Moyong Jaehwa smacked his head repeatedly.
"Ah! Aah! Right! Yeah, I did."
After scouting, seeing Eunseollan serving, he'd flipped and snatched the plate.
"Get it again! If it's not right this time..."
"Hey."
The air chilled instantly. The Geomchang disciple furrowed his brow, thinking he'd misheard.
"You just say 'hey' to me?"
"You anybody special?"
"...What?"
"Anybody special? In line to inherit Geomchang?"
"..."
Compared to Jin Sowoon, these guys got in without proper exams. Already sick of their disrespect, now this posturing.
Moyong Jaehwa's fists itched; he clenched and unclenched.
"Nah? I could inherit my family if I wanted. You gonna live at the academy then hermit in the jianghu? Bold in front of Moyong Family?"
"..."
"Right? So don't act up."
"..."
The Geomchang disciple bit his lip, then went to the cooks himself. Moyong Jaehwa's cold gaze followed.
'S-Sleep... Sleep deprived...'
Days without proper sleep blurred his memory. Awake asleep, asleep awake.
'Damn, should've gone to Akyang...'
Then no this suffering.
"Sorry, Young Master Moyong. I could've done it."
Returning, Eunseollan looked guilty.
They were at fault—why her guilt?
"No. Serving my sect elders is their job. But Miss Eun, aren't you cold?"
Others bundled in cloaks and extra layers against highland chill.
"I'm fine. Hometown's cold anyway. My art's strong yin energy."
"Ah, North Sea, right."
Memories failed him now.
"But you okay?"
"Pardon? What?"
Eunseollan eyed Moyong Jaehwa's bloodshot, vein-popping eyes worriedly.
"You look exhausted..."
"Me? Nah?"
But his state was wretched: endless night patrols, no food or sleep.
"Young Master Jaehwa, you don't have to push so hard. Others just pretend to scout."
"...Still, you never know..."
Moyong Jaehwa nodded off mid-sentence, then jolted awake.
"...Young Master Jaehwa."
"...Haha."
Scratching sheepishly, he ventured cautiously.
"Can I nap a bit?"
"Yes, please do."
Eunseollan draped her blanket over him, added wood to the fire.
"Thanks..."
Moyong Jaehwa fell asleep instantly.
"...He was really beat."
Eunseollan gazed pityingly. Dragged to this Righteous Path event, yet nothing special happened.
Advance team led by Geomchang and Shaolin. Their focus: how well subordinate sects entertained them.
Out to investigate Jeongsi incident, but never neared it.
What a joke.
Her mind raced to return, perfect Lesser Frost Divine Art. Insight from Muryangbulgolmokhonjin opened a new path, but far from legendary power.
'Gotta consult Big Bro Jin.'
Staring blankly at the fire, lost in thought.
"Kinda... cold?"
Mountain temps plunged. Even chatty academy students huddled in blankets, asleep by fires.
Silence pierced the freezing cold.
Slither.
A red centipede passed the fire. Eunseollan stared blankly, puzzled.
'Centipedes live in damp heat, right?'
Snow barely melted; hard ground barren of leaves.
"Huh?"
The centipede from the hard earth crawled toward academy students.
Slither, slither, slither.
Another. Then more. Dozens of red centipedes emerged, approaching people.
Eunseollan startled, tried to grab one—but her body wouldn't move.
'Huh?'
Lowering her gaze, centipedes covered her body.
Aa- Ack- Ack-
Mouth opened, no sound. Instead, red centipedes burrowed into mouth, nose, ears.
Shuddering in horror—
-...Lan, ...go, ...you there.
A urgent, warm voice from somewhere. Desperate to reply but unable, tears welling—
"Miss Eunseollan!"
Eunseollan jolted awake. Moyong Jaehwa stared worriedly, already up.
Recalling the centipedes, she leaped up, brushing herself frantically.
"Kyaaak!"
"You okay?"
"Hah! Haah! Haah!"
Countless red centipedes had swarmed her.
'G-Gone?'
No trace.
Ziiing——
Needle-like pain stabbed her brain; she clutched her ears, but the shrill persisted.
"Recite the Demon-Exorcism Mantra, Miss Eunseollan!"
At Moyong Jaehwa's shout, she murmured it. Miraculously, the pain faded.
But eerie sounds returned to her ears.
Jangling.
Jangling.
"W-What is this?"
"E-Enemy... I think."
"Enemy?"
Jangling.
Jangling.
The sinister bell toll echoed everywhere.