Chapter 114: Princess Gyeongseon (2)
“Ah.”
Princess Gyeongseon had tucked a thick book of poems inside her robe.
That was what blocked the dagger.
It could only be called a stroke of luck.
“Thank goodness.”
“I recently found a rare edition of Xue Tao’s poetry and had been keeping it close.”
Xue Tao was a famous courtesan and poetess of her time. Mae Yeongyeong especially adored her, and Yong Hwarin had even memorized all her poems.
“Ah, Xue Tao has saved Princess Gyeongseon.”
“No. It was you, Young Master Yong, who saved me.”
Relief washed over Yong Hwarin, and his legs began to tremble.
Thinking there might be another assassin, Yong Hwarin didn’t leave the princess’s side.
He approached the masked man who was writhing, his vital acupoint pierced.
As he pulled the sword out with a smooth motion, the masked man convulsed.
“You’ll get nothing from me.”
The man bit something in his mouth, rolled his eyes back, and dropped his head.
‘He even had poison ready in his mouth? They’re thoroughly prepared... Elder, is there any way?’
When Yong Hwarin called out to the Demonic Master in his mind, the latter spoke urgently.
‘There’s a brief moment before the poison spreads completely through the body. You can scan his mind in that time. Place your Palace of Labor acupoint against his Crown Point.’
Yong Hwarin placed his right palm over the masked man’s Crown Point, and the Demonic Master’s spiritual power entered the man’s acupoint, scouring his memories.
A few images flashed in Yong Hwarin’s mind.
‘What a deadly poison. It’s already invading the brain…’
The Demonic Master’s spirit quickly returned.
Because of that, they only recovered a few images from the man’s memory.
Yong Hwarin and the Demonic Master were briefly speechless.
The first image was the face of a middle-aged Demonic Master.
Another was a youthful noble-looking man with a round face, and a group of dozens of masked individuals.
All of them were wearing masks.
‘Does this mean even a middle-aged Demonic Master was mobilized to kill the Southern King?’
‘They probably don’t intend to kill him—only enrage him. You can tell that much from the fact they didn’t kill Princess Gyeongseon.’
‘I don’t get it. Why does that fool always act like someone else’s lackey?’
Judging from the images pulled from the masked man’s memory, the middle-aged Demonic Master was leading dozens of masked figures dressed in black to attack the Duke.
‘These guys are truly dangerous. To even think of attacking the Duke…’
Sensing the urgency, Yong Hwarin turned to Princess Gyeongseon and spoke.
“Your Highness, I’m sorry, but I must escort you myself.”
“This isn’t the time for formalities. Do as you see fit, Young Master Yong.”
With her consent, Yong Hwarin wrapped his arm around Princess Gyeongseon’s waist and leaped into the air.
“Ah!”
As she cried out, Yong Hwarin said,
“Close your eyes if you're scared.”
Watching herself soar through the air like a bird, she suddenly wished to learn lightness technique if nothing else.
Perhaps it was because of Yong Hwarin’s arms wrapped around her waist, but the fear began to ebb away.
Eventually, when she could even feel his warmth, she kept her eyes open and stared intently at his side profile, even as they landed on the roof and soared again.
Yong Biyang swung his sword relentlessly at the oncoming assassins.
He knew that showing mercy in moments like this could leave a lasting regret, so he set aside his usual emphasis on compassion.
Yong Biyang, the later-generation disciples of Mount Hua, and the sharp swords of the Three Slayers—more brutal than the gentle swordsmanship of the others—prevented the attackers from even brushing the Duke’s sleeve.
“How many guards are stationed at Princess Gyeongseon’s residence?”
The Duke was more worried about his daughter than himself, his gaze fixed on the western sky.
“Your Grace, do not worry. Since the Sword Hero of the Heavenly Central Sect has gone there, she’ll be safe.”
The captain of the guards reassured the Duke while glaring at the swarm of attackers.
The guards were only capable of holding the enemy back—not defeating them. But Yong Biyang, the Three Slayers, and the young swordsmen of Mount Hua decisively took the attackers’ lives.
Especially the Arhats of Shaolin, who fought brilliantly and drove back the attackers.
Because of them, the guard captain could breathe easier.
‘Ah, to think the elite guards of the Duke’s palace are only this capable…!’
The captain couldn’t help but admire the martial prowess of the Murim warriors. In particular, he was secretly astonished at Yong Biyang’s skill.
‘There are many martial artists in the Duke’s household, but none who wield such profound swordsmanship as him.’
If not for these warriors, the Duke would’ve already fallen victim to the assassins.
Thanks to them, they managed to fend off this overwhelming onslaught.
“Move!”
Just then, a masked figure shouted at Ho Cheongun and threw a sword strike.
As Ho Cheongun clashed with the masked man, the sound of metal striking metal rang out nearly ten times in a single exchange.
Overwhelmed by just one strike, Ho Cheongun was forced back helplessly.
Seeing this, the younger disciples of Mount Hua lunged at the masked man.
Having seen one of the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Masters pushed back so easily, their pride was wounded, prompting a united assault.
“Stand down!”
Yong Biyang shouted at them, but it was already too late.
Ddddddang!
Until now, the attackers wore black robes. The ones who now appeared—about fifty in number—wore grey.
The moment the one who had pushed Ho Cheongun back appeared, a powerful force spread out, and Yong Biyang grew wary.
With all his meridians already opened, Yong Biyang had surpassed his previous level by more than a single stage.
Because of that, he had gained the insight to see through martial arts and techniques. His physical transformation had brought about mental clarity as well.
Four disciples of Mount Hua were flung back simultaneously by the grey-robed masked warriors.
The fact that they couldn’t even raise a hand in response made the captain of the guards tense.
The Shaolin Arhats stood around the Duke in a tight formation, guarding him.
The Duke frowned at the sudden appearance of such powerful enemies.
Among them, Sa Ilhyang had been the first to charge. She was suddenly flung into the air and coughed up blood.
One strike had shattered her qi, leaving her internally injured.
At that moment, someone caught her gently around the waist in midair and brought her down to the ground.
Then, channeling qi into her vital point, they stabilized her rampaging energy.
“Khuh!”
Coughing up dark red blood again, Sa Ilhyang spoke.
“Th-thank you…”
Yong Hwarin looked at her and gave a gentle smile.
To Sa Ilhyang, that smile felt just like the one her father used to give her, and a wave of emotion surged through her.
“Miss Sa, please step back for a moment. I’ll take care of that villain. I’ll make sure he coughs up ten times the blood you did.”
“Yes.”
Sa Ilhyang lowered her head, feeling pathetic for responding like a young girl in such a situation.
But that answer had come out before she could stop it, against her will.
When Yong Hwarin brought Princess Gyeongseon over, the Southern King placed her by his side and asked,
“Are you hurt anywhere? Where are your guards?”
“The guards at my chambers all died protecting me. Thankfully, before anything happened to me, Young Master Yong rescued me.”
“Thank heavens, truly.”
The Southern King comforted her, stroking her hand.
However, her eyes were not on the Southern King. What filled her gaze was Yong Hwarin, standing tall and staring at the newly appeared grey-masked assailants.
Without turning, Yong Hwarin called to Yong Biyang behind him.
“Father.”
“Speak.”
“I’ll take the front.”
“What are you saying! I’ll handle this. You take care of His Grace.”
“Father. This isn’t the time.”
“You’re telling your father to stand by while his son takes the vanguard?”
“These are not ordinary enemies. Even Mount Hua’s prodigies couldn’t handle them.”
“Then the two of us should go together.”
Yong Biyang didn’t want to leave his son alone in danger.
“Father, if anything happens to the Southern King, we’re as good as dead.”
“I know.”
“I also know something about them. So please, just watch for now.”
“Are you worried this old man will jump in out of reckless pride?”
“Well… aren’t you doing exactly that right now?”
In truth, Yong Biyang had regained confidence after opening all his meridians.
He felt like he could do anything.
Realizing that his son was worried about him made Yong Biyang feel sheepish.
“Fine.”
Yong Biyang took a step back and stood beside the Southern King. It was a gesture to say he would protect him.
Just then, Yong Hwarin shouted.
“If you do not wish to be declared traitors of the state, withdraw now!”
A masked figure in grey responded.
“We cannot withdraw.”
The voice clearly belonged to the middle-aged Demonic Master. It was the very voice Yong Hwarin had secretly heard at the manor.
‘If they had harmed Princess Gyeongseon, that Demonic Master wouldn’t have even shown himself. But since she’s unharmed, they’re now aiming for the Southern King. He must be desperate if he’s come out personally.’
“I want something. If you give it to me, we’ll withdraw.”
At those words, the captain of the guard shouted.
“How dare you try to negotiate! Committing treason wasn’t enough for you?!”
Yong Biyang addressed the captain.
“Let’s hear them out for a moment. How can we form a countermeasure without knowing their intent? Don’t just shout blindly.”
The Southern King agreed and scolded the captain.
“You should temper that fiery temper of yours. Can’t you be more composed, like Lord Yong?”
The captain blushed and lowered his head.
Yong Hwarin asked the middle-aged Demonic Master,
“What is it you want?”
The grey-masked man, the middle-aged Demonic Master, smiled with satisfaction and said,
“Are you the Sword Hero of the Heavenly Central Sect?”
“Yes.”
“If you become our hostage, we will withdraw without complaint.”
The Demonic Master was, in truth, aiming for two things.
According to Bingajeong of East Moon Pavilion, the Sword Hero of the Heavenly Central Sect had taken the Black Silk Venom Silkworm.
So, he believed it must be in Yong Hwarin’s possession.
Furthermore, if he could take him hostage, he thought he might obtain the final sacred object hidden within the Heavenly Central Sect.
This hadn’t been part of the original plan. Ideally, the operation would’ve been wrapped up cleanly and they would’ve withdrawn.
But with the situation escalating, the Demonic Master chose what he believed to be the most advantageous option. It was, in his mind, the best possible choice under the circumstances.
Yong Hwarin fell into brief contemplation.
But others protested before he could respond.
“What utter nonsense are you spewing?!”
Jeong Suji shouted coldly.
Even Princess Gyeongseon, who had been watching silently, finally spoke.
“The villains dare break into someone’s home to rob and now even try to kidnap someone?”
But Yong Biyang said nothing.
Then, Poong Imso—famous among the Mount Hua Sect for his chivalry—stepped forward.
“If you need a hostage, take me. I will go with you.”
“Senior Brother!”
The younger disciples of Mount Hua were shocked. Though it was typical of Poong Imso’s nature, the current situation made them uneasy.
After a moment of thought, Yong Hwarin said,
“Very well. I will become the hostage.”