Chapter 66
Chapter 66
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 66
Chapter Title: Black Dragon Gang (5)
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However, the tide of battle did not turn so easily.
Just because Ouyang Jue had eased up a little, Bai Wun-hwan's assault pressed the Taoists even more fiercely.
And if there was a more unfortunate reason, it was this:
Bai Wun-hwan had seen right through Ouyang Jue's intentions.
“How dare you! You intend to use me, the Black Dragon Gang, as your stepping stone!”
At those words, Ouyang Jue let out a smirk.
But it was not Ouyang Jue who answered, but the other Taoists.
“This is the justice of the orthodox sects!”
“To cause such a ruckus before the eyes of the people and officials! You vile fiend!”
He had wanted a response from Ouyang Jue, so why were these worthless freeloaders trying to act so important?
Bai Wun-hwan let out a monstrous roar and swung his iron staff.
“Uwoooaaaargh!”
Though injured, he was still the leader of the Black Dragon Gang.
Drawing on internal energy equivalent to a full sixty-year cycle, he wielded his monstrous strength like the wind.
*Fwoooosh!*
Countless swords swung, aiming to take Bai Wun-hwan's life. Amidst them all, only Ouyang Jue was not fighting desperately.
Only then did Bai Wun-hwan realize.
‘Is that so? Was that it all along?’
He bit his lip hard.
Bai Wun-hwan saw the robes of the Taoists who were unleashing their full power before him.
Zhongnan.
If things had gone according to plan, they were men who would have had no overt connection to the Black Dragon Gang.
A plan had been in place to create a rift by having Mount Hua harm Zhongnan's young prodigies, then widen that gap to cut off their financial support.
The one who had thwarted it was Ouyang Jue.
Not only that, but a rumor had spread that the Black Dragon Gang had invaded Zhongnan’s sacred ground. After that, the entire Taoist order of Shaanxi had been united.
*Clang!*
Before his thoughts could even conclude, Bai Wun-hwan barely managed to deflect a strike from a Zhongnan Taoist.
He followed up by kicking the man in the stomach and shattering his ribs with a fist.
“Keoheok!”
The Zhongnan Taoist coughed up a mouthful of blood and staggered far back.
The next to approach was a Taoist who revered the Taiji.
It was Wudang.
They were an enemy he had never even considered. They had no ties to the Black Dragon Gang whatsoever; they were complete strangers.
Perhaps, as a rival Taoist sect in the Central Plains, they might have even been content to watch Mount Hua fall.
Zhongnan and Wudang.
Under normal circumstances, they would have been pawns in his hand or spectators on the sidelines.
Yet these very men were now charging at Bai Wun-hwan.
‘For the crime of defiling Zhongnan's sacred ground and injuring Yeong Heo-ja!’
‘If we defeat Bai Wun-hwan here, a bright future will shine upon Wudang!’
*Whoosh, shwing!*
Pouring the value they could each gain and the ideals they sought as Taoists into their single blades, they swung their swords to cut down Bai Wun-hwan.
They weren't just swinging blindly, either. It was a hastily formed, yet surprisingly well-coordinated joint attack, with the force of their movements well-distributed.
It was a show of their will—that they would not be outdone by Ouyang Jue.
‘What a joke.’
Bai Wun-hwan smashed a Taoist's skull.
He laughed and laughed until he couldn't even manage a hollow chuckle.
‘Do they really think they’re contributing to my defeat?’
To put it simply, it was absurd.
He was confident he could take down hundreds of such Taoists.
In fact, hadn't he maintained absolute superiority until Ouyang Jue intervened?
These men were nothing more than a flock of timid sheep.
But Ouyang Jue had stepped aside, making it seem as if they were the protagonists of this stage.
He had given them the chance to claim the ultimate prize: Bai Wun-hwan, the leader of the Black Dragon Gang.
“Dammit.”
Bai Wun-hwan gritted his teeth.
He finally understood Ouyang Jue’s intentions.
“You mean to tell me you orchestrated all of this?”
“……”
Ouyang Jue remained silent, offering no reply.
But Bai Wun-hwan was already certain.
“You used me, the Black Dragon Gang, as bait!”
*Pow!*
Bai Wun-hwan’s fist slammed into the abdomen of a Taoist who had just swung his sword. Any semblance of composure had long since vanished.
He could no longer send telepathic messages to probe Ouyang Jue’s thoughts. Bai Wun-hwan poured his fury into his fists.
‘He must think that if Mount Hua grows any stronger, they’ll be checked by the other sects, so he’s decided to share the credit for exterminating the Black Dragon Gang!’
Since Mount Hua had dealt the decisive blow, they would be able to dispel much of the animosity against them.
That was why Bai Wun-hwan despised Ouyang Jue, the architect of this scheme.
“You piece of trash!”
The internal energy fueled by his desperate will was gradually depleting, bit by bit.
If this battle of attrition continued, he would eventually tire.
As long as he was human, his vision would blur, fatigue would build in his muscles, and his senses would inevitably dull.
As if pleading for an answer to his question before he died, Bai Wun-hwan’s expression was almost desperate.
-No. How could I have possibly planned that far ahead?
Ouyang Jue denied it. There wasn't even a faint, deceitful smile.
The reason was simple.
His eyebrows were twitching in an unnatural rhythm.
An artificial movement, devoid of pain or struggle.
Ouyang Jue saw through the strange behavior.
‘Is he feeling regret on the verge of death?’
Having had the same experience, he could empathize. But this time, he intended to use it as a weapon to dig deeper.
Ouyang Jue sent a strand of telepathic thought.
-It is a pity you lost two sons, but your delusions are severe.
“You bastard! How dare you!”
Bai Wun-hwan’s eyes flew open. Right now, Bai Cheong-il and Bai Dong-il were a raw nerve for him.
There was no way Ouyang Jue, the one responsible, didn't know this. No, he knew, and that was why he used it.
That was the way of the Bloodhound, as Ouyang Jue had been called on the battlefields of his past life.
“Was the Black Dragon that aimed to rule Huguang merely a black dog? Even a stray mongrel in the market wouldn't bark so wretchedly.”
Ouyang Jue narrowed his eyes and stared at Bai Wun-hwan.
Bulging muscles and a menacing aura, as if it would pierce through Ouyang Jue at any moment, radiated from Bai Wun-hwan, spreading across the entire area.
Even the government troops had realized the gravity of the situation and had brought some of the soldiers guarding the castle gates to aim their bows at Bai Wun-hwan.
Just then, Ouyang Jue took a step forward.
*Thud.*
One large, exaggerated step.
“Is he coming?”
*Thud.*
One short, composed step. The way he lifted his toes from the ground made it seem as if he might retreat.
“Is he not coming?”
*Thud.*
Ouyang Jue stopped in his tracks.
“There are only two possible answers. What could a man like the leader of the Black Dragon Gang possibly fear?”
-Your sons weren't afraid, you know.
Bai Wun-hwan’s expression crumpled. He had no idea what face he should be making.
‘They weren't afraid.’
Bai Wun-hwan let out a watery sigh internally.
As death drew near, his regrets multiplied.
Once the regrets began to fall, they became a flood, forming a river in his heart.
Seeing Bai Wun-hwan standing still, an old Taoist, thinking he was taking a break, shouted.
“That fiend is using a trick to rest! Disciples of Wudang, prepare the wheel formation immediately!”
“Yes, sir!”
After about a quarter of an hour had passed…
*Thwack!*
As his energy waned, it became difficult to counter a young Taoist's palm strike. Bai Wun-hwan staggered as his chest took the blow.
“I-I did it!?”
The Taoist who shouted that had half his face caved in by Bai Wun-hwan’s counterattack.
“Hah, haah…”
If Bai Cheong-il could see him now, fighting so desperately that he was drawing upon his very life essence, what would he say?
‘He would probably laugh and say it serves me right.’
He had many regrets concerning Bai Cheong-il.
He had publicly declared he would raise him as his successor, but once he left for the Shaanxi branch, he cut off all support. He had even constantly interfered to hinder his growth.
Despite that, Bai Cheong-il had grown up well, and thanks to him, the Black Dragon Gang had prospered day by day.
Out of greed, Bai Wun-hwan had even exploited Bai Cheong-il's fame.
In a way, that might have been what got him killed.
If he had dispatched the Black Dragon Gang's elders to the Shaanxi branch, the whole affair would have been over quickly.
Had his strength finally given out?
Bai Wun-hwan's arm dangled limply, like a kite with a snapped string.
*Slice!*
A sword, seizing the opportunity, slashed across Bai Wun-hwan’s torso.
“……”
“Heok!”
*Crack!*
Bai Wun-hwan grabbed the sword that had left a long gash on his body and snapped it. With his next swing, his fist broke the swordsman’s neck.
The end.
Realizing it was near, Bai Wun-hwan thought of the person he regretted the most.
‘Bai Dong-il, you foolish boy.’
A blood-tinged sigh escaped his lips.
Since he had already designated Bai Cheong-il as his successor, he hadn't even registered Bai Dong-il in the family records or taught him any martial arts. He had just thought the boy grew up spoiled as a result.
A child who was of no help to the Black Dragon Gang, one he wouldn't miss even if he were captured. That was how he thought he had raised him.
But how did Bai Dong-il's life end?
‘……’
Bai Wun-hwan recalled his last conversation with the man with the bewitching eyes.
That man had laughed hatefully as he explained in detail how Bai Dong-il had died.
He had said that with skills not even at the second-rate level, he had held off three or four Taoists, fighting desperately until the very end.
His second son, whom he had regarded as a nuisance, had been more dedicated than anyone who had spent their entire lives in the Black Dragon Gang.
He had given his very life for his father, Bai Wun-hwan, who had treated him like a son he never had.
He had never done anything for him, had never even thought of doing anything for him.
“Uwaaaaaah!”
Bai Wun-hwan let out a fierce roar, shattering the wheel formation.
He then took a step forward, glaring at Ouyang Jue with eyes full of rage.
The root of this entire affair.
The man who had personally killed Bai Cheong-il and had a beggar tail Bai Dong-il.
Bai Wun-hwan looked at Ouyang Jue and said stubbornly.
“I, Bai Wun-hwan, have always lived as the fear of others. So how could I possibly be afraid?”
Besides, if I were afraid, I wouldn't have the face to see my two sons again.
Bai Wun-hwan mustered all his remaining strength and glared.
“Draw your sword. I will kill you myself—the man who murdered Bai Cheong-il and Bai Dong-il.”
At those words, a few Taoists were taken aback, wondering if there had been someone named Bai Dong-il. Some even speculated about the probability of a hidden illegitimate son having escaped Huguang.
*Shing.*
But Ouyang Jue, who knew everything, silently drew Severing Manifestation and took a right-handed sword stance.
His posture was remarkably fluid, ready to slice into Bai Wun-hwan’s side at any moment.
His Senior Brother, Liu Zhangming, also wove through the Taoists and stood beside Ouyang Jue.
Two against one.
Although it was a disadvantageous fight by any measure, none of the onlookers thought Bai Wun-hwan was at a disadvantage.
The Black Dragon Gang may have crumbled in his later years, but he was a true master.
Just as he himself had declared, he was the fear of others.
“Good.”
Bai Wun-hwan smiled, seeing Ouyang Jue treating him with seriousness at the very end.
Even if it was all an act for his own sake and that of his sect, it didn't matter.
Because the higher and more brilliantly Ouyang Jue soared, the longer the name of the Black Dragon Gang would be remembered.
“Come!”
Bai Wun-hwan prepared to meet them with all his heart and soul.
***
As of that day, the Black Dragon Gang vanished from Huguang.
Even the ruffians in the back alleys who used to impersonate them hushed any mention of the Black Dragon Gang.
Instead, in the marketplaces and in the lines of people bustling before the city gates, there was something else being discussed.
“As expected, justice always prevails in the end!”
“I hear that north of the river, Mount Hua's Twin Prodigies are the strongest among the rising generation, right?”
Though it was an affair that would normally only interest those in the martial world, this time the news was spreading far and wide, even among the common folk.
In a way, it was only natural.
Merchants would inevitably pass through Huguang, and the farmers and landowners who met those merchants would hear the stories.
Moreover, the Black Dragon Gang had been a heretical sect that went beyond the power struggles of the martial world, ruthlessly devouring any source of profit.
For them to disappear overnight was a huge event.
With even the usually indifferent commoners chuckling over it, the rumor grew wings and traveled a thousand li.
“The Mount Hua Sect? Didn't they become a place of no consequence after Jin Mu-wol?”
“Liu Zhangming… I never paid him much mind.”
“I must go and request a duel!”
A has-been sect.
The Sword Gate of Empty Talk, who loved nothing more than to run their mouths.
Such scornful remarks had vanished at some point. In their place rose the names of Liu Zhangming and Ouyang Jue, two prodigies of the new generation.
Some questioned whether a sect's reputation could rise because of a couple of young disciples, but they were silenced by the following words.
The martial arts of the Twin Prodigies have already reached the pinnacle.
And not a physical peak achieved merely by chugging elixirs, but a peak in martial scholarship.
In particular, the perfect sword energy displayed by Liu Zhangming was enough to send shivers down the spine of the entire martial world.
This was a remarkably early achievement, even compared to his past life.
For that reason, Ouyang Jue watched Liu Zhangming intently at Mount Hua.
‘What on earth did he realize to achieve this…?’
It was still a mystery.
Liu Zhangming had undoubtedly reached the pinnacle at an early stage thanks to him. But unlike his past life, the process had been exceedingly strange.
‘Is this some kind of side effect from reaching the pinnacle too quickly…?’
Ouyang Jue pondered, resting his chin on his hand.
However, an enlightenment is a momentary glimpse into the path toward the ultimate martial truth that an individual, a warrior, pursues.
Liu Zhangming couldn't remember it, couldn't even recognize it.
And yet, he was able to execute it unconsciously, as if he had mastered it.
Even Bai Duanxian, who had watched him since he was a child, seemed bewildered.
But one thing was certain.
Though there was a mysterious aspect to his enlightenment, his growth rate would be incomparably faster than in his past life.
Ouyang Jue headed to the training cave to instruct Jo Hun.
Meanwhile, Gwak Un-pae, who loved to jest, grinned and clapped Liu Zhangming on the shoulder.
“If anyone could reach the pinnacle like you, then every braggart and lazybones would be a master. The ones who actually try are probably dying of envy.”
“You jest too much, Master of the Reception Hall.”
“Haha, that's just between us. Elsewhere, they'd probably want to shave your head first.”
At Gwak Un-pae's words, Liu Zhangming tilted his head.
“Why is that?”
“Well, of course. They'd want to crack it open and see if it's different from anyone else's.”
“…Surely they wouldn't go that far.”
“You think I’m joking?”
Gwak Un-pae chuckled and swung his sword in an awkward stance.
A slash that was neither sharp nor fast.
In that single move, Liu Zhangming realized many things were contained.
But he also had a vague thought that if he practiced it over and over, he might be able to imitate it.
“Did you see it?”
When Gwak Un-pae asked, Liu Zhangming nodded. There was not a trace of hesitation.
“That right there is what makes ordinary people want to split your head open.”
Gwak Un-pae looked up at the sky, as if reminiscing about the distant past.
The afterimages of his senior brothers, who had perished without ever reaching the pinnacle, flickered past.
Just then, Liu Zhangming spoke.
“…Jue said something similar.”
“Jue said that?”
“Yes. He told me to hide thirty percent of my strength before people started paying too much attention.”
As he said this, Liu Zhangming wore a bitter smile.
“Although I failed to keep that promise, hearing what you’re saying now, Elder Gwak, it seems my junior brother was right.”
Gwak Un-pae thought, mulling over the rumors floating around.
It was true that Liu Zhangming’s martial prowess was being exaggerated as it spread.
If it continued to spread like this, it was certain that eccentrics with enmity towards Mount Hua or with peculiar dispositions would start to appear.
‘Could it be that Ouyang Jue saw through all of this?’
After glancing for a moment in the direction Ouyang Jue had disappeared, Gwak Un-pae patted his thick belly and led Liu Zhangming away.
“Come, let’s get back to training.”
“Yes, Master of the Reception Hall.”
***
After instructing Jo Hun in lower body training, Ouyang Jue sat down in a spot where the sunlight shone warmly.
A single bird flew to him and chirped.
Clasped in the bird's beak was a small, rolled-up piece of paper.
-Lost.
It was a message from the Beggars' Sect, stating they had lost the Demonic Doctor.