Chapter 191: Demonic Sword Flower (3)
It didn’t happen to me, so why did it feel so familiar?
For a moment, a vision of a bloodstained, wretched-looking bastard flickered before my eyes, but it vanished just as quickly.
‘Eh, it’s probably nothing.’
In any case, there was a reason Namgung Cheong had gone down so pathetically.
Mad Rage Blade, Bae Joong-son.
A swordsman of the orthodox faction who had made his name throughout the Hebei region, standing at the late stages of the Master Level.
Even the renowned Peng Clan of Hebei had acknowledged him, and his name, Mad Rage Blade, was well-known even among those from the notorious Geukdopae.
“N-Namgung hyung!”
“Guhh! Gkkk! Kuaaah!”
Namgung Cheong’s pitiful and shabby state made many turn their heads away.
“…Goodness.”
Only Jegal Eun offered a sympathetic gaze as she looked at him, silently consoling him.
Whether Namgung Cheong could accept that sympathy was another matter entirely.
‘Those gathered by Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend’s call are among the top ten elites in the entire demonic faction. Someone of mere post-peak level can never handle them.’
Ghost Bone Claw, Forsaken Sword Guest, Hollow Ghost, and Black Corpse Blade.
Every single one of them had reached the late Master Level, each just one step away from the Transcendent Realm.
“G-Get ready for battle! These aren’t ordinary foes!”
Only then did Peng Yunho, realizing the gravity of the situation, draw his sword and shout.
“Hehehe, so it’s a brat from the Peng Clan.”
“That meat on his bones looks like it’ll be fun to beat up.”
When Mad Rage Blade and Black Corpse Blade licked their lips, Peng Yunho felt a chill crawl down his spine.
“As a descendant of the Great Peng Clan, I shall never back down!”
“Who told you to back down?”
“This isn’t Beijing, ruled by the Peng Clan. This is faraway Luoyang.”
“Hehehe, come here, boy.”
If this were near Hebei, they wouldn't have dared to touch a member of the Peng Clan, even if there were only two of them.
But as they said—it was Luoyang.
“Kh... kuhk!”
Pressed by five Master Level experts, Peng Yunho found himself instinctively stepping backward.
Just then—
“That’s far enough!”
“Wretched bastards from the demonic faction!”
Tak! Tak! Tak!
Ten first-generation disciples of the Wudang Sect, clad in blue uniforms, landed in front of the post-peak level fighters.
“W-Wudang seniors?!”
At the head of the group, Jeon Seok shouted as he averted his gaze.
“Post-peak level warriors of the noble families! Hurry to the Dokgo Clan! We’ll handle things here!”
“Th-Thank you!”
“We pray for your victory, seniors!”
Feeling a prick of conscience, Jeon Seok subtly avoided their fervent gazes.
As Namgung Cheong was carried off frothing at the mouth and unconscious by Murong Gun and Hwangbo Mun, the rest of the post-peak fighters began withdrawing all at once.
Seeing this, Mad Rage Blade sneered at Jeon Seok.
“Ha! Figured some of you might show up once a few of your pals dropped. Guess your conscience still works, eh?”
“You... you were aware of us?”
“That’s not what matters. Hm... now let’s see.”
Mad Rage Blade looked around the market street and said,
“If we fight here, this whole place will be reduced to rubble.”
“……”
Jeon Seok didn’t answer, but inwardly, he agreed.
This was a battle between multiple Master Level experts.
Even if they won, the collateral damage in such a densely populated place would be catastrophic.
Mad Rage Blade pointed behind him with his thumb.
“Follow me. I doubt either side wants unnecessary casualties.”
“…What’s your scheme?”
“Don’t like it? Then fight me here.”
*Crack!*
No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were being played.
We’d set the trap, but it felt like we had walked into the one they laid.
“…Fine. Lead the way.”
“Kekekeke, that’s more like a disciple of Wudang.”
***
“What a relief. The Wudang Sect showed up just in time…”
After arriving at the Dokgo Clan, the post-peak fighters breathed a sigh of relief.
Murong Gun looked around with a deep exhale of relief.
“Those bastards from the demonic faction were definitely powerful. Especially that guy they called the Ghost of Luoyang…”
“He was a ghostly swordsman indeed. I swear I’ve seen him somewhere before…”
Feeling a vague sense of familiarity about Mad Rage Blade, Peng Yunho muttered in contemplation.
Then, Jegal Eun spoke sharply.
“Something about this all feels too convenient. I can’t help but think they were waiting in advance.”
“Waiting in advance?”
“There’s no way they just showed up at the perfect moment. Especially when they’ve been out of sight for so long.”
“Lady Jegal, you mean to say…”
The faces of the post-peak fighters changed as they realized what she meant.
“In other words, the Wudang Sect used us as bait.”
“T-That can’t be true!”
Murong Gun, who had ties to Wudang, immediately denied it.
But for the others, suspicion toward Wudang was already settling in their minds.
“Brother Jin, Lady Baek! What do you two think—huh?”
Murong Gun hurriedly turned to seek their support, but—
The two of them weren’t even there.
“Huh? Where are they?”
“Lady Cheon is gone too.”
“But they were just here a moment ago, weren’t they?”
Had they been in such a rush to flee that they didn’t notice getting separated?
The post-peak fighters stood there, stunned into silence.
“……”
Among them, only Jegal Eun kept her sharp gaze turned elsewhere.
***
On the rooftops of Luoyang, dozens of demonic faction members moved in unison toward the northern gate.
“You bastards! How far do you think you’re running?!”
“As far as we need to get a decent fight.”
Mad Rage Blade, unfitting for his age, stuck out his tongue in mockery.
“That damn son of a—!”
While the other first-generation disciples seethed with anger, Jeon Seok’s mind was growing cold.
‘This isn’t good. If we keep heading north like this, it’ll take time for the Sect Leader in the south to arrive. Could they be aiming for that?’
As the unsettling thought surfaced, Jeon Seok shook his head vigorously.
‘No. We’re the Wudang Sect! The greatest sword sect in the Central Plains!’
Drawing strength from his pride in his sect, Jeon Seok quickened his pace.
Time passed—almost to the extent of a full incense stick burning down.
Jeon Seok and the first-generation disciples of the Wudang Sect finally arrived at a massive open area north of Luoyang, where nearly a thousand members of the demonic faction had gathered.
“Hmph, those demonic bastards, as expected.”
“Is this the trap you prepared for us?”
The sheer density of people alone would have overwhelmed the average warrior into paralysis.
But these were no ordinary martial artists—they were the first-generation disciples of Wudang, beyond the level of post-peak fighters.
Even if things went awry, they had the skill to pull out at any time.
Mad Rage Blade let out a dry chuckle.
“Puhuhu, we’re not that petty. Not if we’re to spread the name of the Black Lotus Union across the world.”
“…Black Lotus Union?”
Then, from the center of the crowd, a young man of striking appearance stepped forward.
“Heh… Jeon Seok of Wudang. I commend your spirit for standing firm despite the overwhelming numbers.”
Jeon Seok’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend!”
“That I am, kekeke!”
Jeon Seok gritted his teeth.
Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend was clearly two levels above him.
But he couldn’t show fear.
“I’ll end this chaos by cutting you down myself!”
“Sorry, but that won’t be possible.”
“…What?”
“Though I may be the instigator of this little event, the core of the Black Lotus Union is no longer me.”
Chill.
In that moment, a terrible thought flashed through Jeon Seok’s mind.
‘No… don’t tell me, Colorful Flower Lord?’
Jeon Seok quickly shook his head.
‘No. The Sect Leader said Colorful Flower Lord would never set foot in Luoyang. He didn’t tell me the reason, but… he was certain. I have to believe him!’
“Allow me to introduce the one who shall soon become the leader of the Black Lotus Union—a magnificent, noble, and beautiful—hmm?”
A subordinate approached Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend and whispered something to him.
“Oh? She hasn’t arrived yet?”
With a slightly awkward expression, Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend waved his fan.
“My apologies, but I ask for your patience just a little longer.”
“…What game are you playing?”
“There is someone I must introduce to you. Every formidable figure here has sworn loyalty to her.”
At those words, the Five Ghosts of Luoyang all nodded in unison.
“Mhm.”
“She’s powerful, yes, but also young and pretty.”
“Easy on the eyes, and her background is solid too.”
“I thought the original phrase was that she’s a feast to devour.”
“The one who said that had his head cut off for saying it. Best not bring that up.”
Jeon Seok was baffled.
‘Just who…?’
Who could stand above these monsters, and be described in such ways?
Just then—
“She’s arrived!”
The crowd of demonic faction members parted cleanly into two rows.
And emerging from the back—was a mysterious young woman wearing a black mask.
‘…A girl?’
A circular emblem symbolizing a full moon was engraved on her forehead.
But before he could dwell on its meaning—
The moment Jeon Seok saw her at the front, a chill ran through his chest.
‘Unbelievable… She’s definitely not beneath me!’
Though the black mask and outfit concealed her figure, she clearly looked just past her early twenties.
“Let me introduce her. The great flower of the Heavenly Demon Cult—Lady Demonic Sword Flower, one of the Twin Blossoms of the Demonic Path!”
At Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend’s proud declaration, the Wudang disciples collectively gasped.
“D-Demonic Sword Flower?!”
“One of the Three Blossoms of the Demonic Path who supposedly killed Colorful Flower Lord?”
“So that rumor wasn’t nonsense?!”
“No, more importantly—!”
Jeon Seok exploded at Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend.
“You lot… you’ve allied with the Demonic Cult!”
Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend smirked slyly.
“And what of it? The Heavenly Demon Cult has guaranteed the autonomy of the Black Lotus Union and our control over the territories north of the Yellow River. That’s more than reason enough to pledge loyalty.”
Though Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend hadn’t planned it, neither the Five Ghosts of Luoyang nor the other demonic sects objected to Baek Sang-ah taking the seat of union leader.
In fact, they actively supported it.
Though she was young, Demonic Sword Flower held great prestige. By naming her as the symbolic head, they could monopolize the benefits of Luoyang while using the Demonic Cult as backing.
Even proud Master Level warriors had agreed to Soul-Corrupting Lust Fiend’s plan because of that.
While the others indulged in their dreams—
Demonic Sword Flower stepped forward, her black mask concealing her face.
Then, from behind the mask, a voice emerged—artificially altered.
“Come at me however you wish—alone or together.”
“…Kh! You dare?!”
Jeon Seok burned with fury, but he couldn’t bring himself to propose a group assault.
No matter how dangerous she might be, outwardly she appeared to be a young girl.
If word spread that Wudang ganged up on such a girl, they’d be ridiculed across the martial world.
“I’ll go. Jeon-mu, my junior.”
“Yes, Senior Brother.”
Jeon-mu replied quietly, his expression unreadable.
“If I fall, flee this place and report to the Sect Leader immediately.”
“…Are you serious?”
“She’s no mere puppet figure. This could go badly for us.”
His words stirred unease among the Wudang disciples.
Jeon Seok was not known to misjudge a situation—his insight had always been reliable.
Jeon-mu nodded.
“Understood.”
“I’m counting on you.”
Hoo!
Jeon Seok exhaled deeply and stepped forward.
“I am Jeon Seok, the Azure Pine Sword of Wudang! I will sever the seed of evil with my sword this day—do not blame me if the edge is sharp!”
“Bae— No, no, you don’t deserve to know my name.”
Demonic Sword Flower quickly changed what she was about to say.
“How arrogant can one be, girl?!”
Jeon Seok roared, raising his sword.
“You look like a junior barely out of training, but as your senior in the martial world, I’ll grant you the first strike! Come!”
At his words, Demonic Sword Flower chuckled.
“Arrogant? That would be you.”
“W-What did you say?!”
“I’ll make you regret those words.”
Pachiiing!
As soon as she finished speaking, black, elongated Qi projections streamed from her twin swords.
Tsssshhh!
She was manifesting Qi projections with such ease—right from the start?!
“Die.”
Demonic Sword Flower dashed forward, twin swords slashing wide.
Heavenly Waves Twin Saints Sword Technique
Tyrannical Twin Steps
“W-What?!”
Faced with a cross-shaped wave of black sword Qi right in front of his nose, Jeon Seok’s mouth hung slightly open.