Chapter 372 – In the Storm, It's Not Just a Small Boat That Sways (1)

"Ah! I ate well. Thanks to you, I survived."

Yo Sa-ran muttered as she set down the porridge bowl. Her face clearly showed the expression of truly being saved. ​

Hwang Hye-ryeong asked such Yo Sa-ran:

"Would you like more?"

"No! This is enough."

Yo Sa-ran shook her head gently. ​

"But sister, how did you end up wandering around in the mountains?"

"I lost my companions."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

Yo Sa-ran nodded. ​

"How did that happen?"

"I don't know! I guess they found me bothersome. They suddenly disappeared."

"Is that so?"

"Thanks to that, I wandered the mountains all day."

"You wandered all day?"

"Yes!"

Hwang Hye-ryeong frowned. ​

The mountain Yo Sa-ran said she had wandered all day wasn't very wide or high. It was such a small mountain that even someone without martial arts knowledge could escape in half a day. ​

"Sister, perhaps?"

"Yes?"

"Don't you usually have trouble finding your way?"

"Hmm!"

Yo Sa-ran let out a contemplative sound with her brow furrowed for a moment. From her appearance like this, Hwang Hye-ryeong instinctively knew her guess was correct. ​

'She's directionally challenged.'

Sometimes there are such people. People whose sense of direction is broken and who wander the same path several times more than others. Yo Sa-ran seemed to be that type. ​

"Ha! You must have had a hard time."

"Yes!"

"Then let's go together tomorrow. I'll guide you down the mountain."

"Really?"

Yo Sa-ran's eyes widened. Her already dreamy-looking pupils mysteriously shone as they caught the light. Hwang Hye-ryeong thought her eyes were very beautiful. They were like gems that emitted their own light in the darkness. ​

"Ha! This is so grateful. Not only did I get food, but you'll even take me down the mountain. How can I repay this kindness?"

"You don't need to repay anything. It's nothing much."

"No. If you receive kindness from someone, you must repay it."

Yo Sa-ran briefly caressed her red lips with her long, white fingers. Her appearance like this looked very sensual even in the darkness. ​

"Good! As repayment, I'll play a song for you."

"A performance?"

"I learned how to play the pipa from an old friend. It should be worth listening to."

Yo Sa-ran immediately took the pipa she had been carrying on her back into her hands. And without anyone having time to stop her, she played the pipa. ​

Twang! Twang twang! ​

Powerful pipa sounds echoed through the darkness. ​

"Ah!"

"Hmm!"

Not only Hwang Hye-ryeong but even Muk Il-gwang admired Yo Sa-ran's performance. ​

Yo Sa-ran's pipa sound contained such strong power and spirit that it couldn't possibly be considered played by a woman. It was so magnificent and moving that it created the illusion of thousands of troops galloping across vast plains. ​

Muk Il-gwang forgot his wariness toward Yo Sa-ran and became absorbed in the pipa sound. His heart was stirring. ​

He swore such playing was a first in his life. Yo Sa-ran's white fingers moved back and forth over the pipa strings without rest. ​

Hwang Hye-ryeong was enchanted by the fantastic movement as if her fingers had multiplied into dozens. And when Yo Sa-ran's playing finally ended, she forgot about dignity and applauded. ​

"Wow! Sister, that was really amazing. It was the best playing I've heard in my entire life."

"Really? Then the effort I put into learning paid off."

Yo Sa-ran showed a proud expression at Hwang Hye-ryeong's lavish praise. ​

"It really was the best."

"I'm glad I listened to my friend's advice. He said it would be very useful to learn."

"Your friend?"

"Yes! I had a friend who was versed in music. I learned from him."

"He must have been really amazing?"

"He really was amazing. When he played, everyone would be mesmerized."

"I'd like to meet him once too. If sister is this good, I wonder how good the person who taught you is."

"I'd like to introduce you too, but I can't."

"Why?"

"He's not of this world anymore. A few years ago, he picked the wrong fight with the wrong person and was beaten to death."

"I'm sorry. I brought up something I shouldn't have."

"It's okay! His fate ended there, so what does little sister have to be sorry about? Besides, it was a long time ago, so it's fine."

Though Yo Sa-ran acted as if it was nothing, Hwang Hye-ryeong couldn't do the same. So Yo Sa-ran smiled. ​

"You're kind!"

"Yes?"

"What's your name, little sister?"

"I'm called Hwang Hye-ryeong."

"Your name is as pretty as your heart. I like it."

"Thank you."

"We won't be traveling together for very long, but let's get along well during the time we're together."

"Yes!"

As Yo Sa-ran nodded at Hwang Hye-ryeong's answer, her gaze turned toward Muk Il-gwang. ​

"You too."

"Yes?"

"Let's get along well."

"Yes!"

At Yo Sa-ran's unexpected words, Muk Il-gwang nodded reflexively. ​

Yo Sa-ran smiled at such Muk Il-gwang. For a moment, Muk Il-gwang felt dizzy. ​

It wasn't because Yo Sa-ran's gaze was captivating or seductive. Her eyes strangely had the power to shake people's hearts. Even Muk Il-gwang, who had raised his guard to the fullest, was shaken to that extent. ​

'What exactly…?'

Then Yo Sa-ran began playing the pipa again. This time she even added singing. ​

Her clear voice that flowed from her small lips harmonized with the pipa sound and spread far and wide. ​

Muk Il-gwang forgot what he had been wary of just moments before and became absorbed in her voice and playing. ​

Yo Sa-ran's playing continued until dawn. ​

***

Yueyang by Dongting Lake was a city with a very deep history. Since ancient times, countless poets and scholars had visited this place, charmed by its beautiful scenery, and accordingly many historical artifacts existed throughout. ​

However, recently the most famous thing in Yueyang wasn't the old artifacts but the massive complex of halls built on the site of the old Martial Alliance. ​

The complex of halls built on the empty lot that had been destroyed, burned, and left only as ruins exuded such tremendous intimidation that just looking at it made people's spirits wither. ​

The complex of halls reminiscent of a massive fortress was precisely the Demon Cult's main headquarters. When the Demon Cult's main headquarters was first established, the people of Yueyang and Hunan Province trembled in fear. ​

The people thought the Demon Cult would oppress the people of Yueyang and force them to believe in the Demon Cult. But contrary to their expectations, even after occupying Yueyang, the Demon Cult didn't impose any particular restrictions on the people or force proselytization. ​

The only ones the Demon Cult showed hostility toward were sects with roots in the martial world. They made no interference or intervention in anything else. As the situation became like this, even those who had initially looked with suspicious eyes could gradually focus on their daily lives. ​

When people's wariness had thus faded, the Demon Cult secretly infiltrated among them. ​

Demon Cult followers scattered throughout the Central Plains were deployed to Yueyang and all of Hunan Province, and they naturally infiltrated among ordinary people to spread rumors favorable to the Demon Cult. ​

"It's not the Demon Cult but the Divine Cult."

"The name Demon Cult is a name maliciously given by the Central Plains sects who feared their doctrine."

Along with rumors, enormous funds were released into the market through many Divine Commerce groups. Many people benefited from this, and negative perceptions gradually improved. ​

Though the beginning was difficult, once perceptions changed for the better, the Demon Cult rapidly expanded its influence in Yueyang and Hunan Province. For people who hadn't received much benefit even when the Martial Alliance was intact, the Demon Cult's support was like sweet rain in a drought. ​

"What has the Martial Alliance or martial world people ever done for us? They only knew how to show off their strength, but have they ever given even a speck of help?"

"The Demon Cult is rather better than the Martial Alliance that does nothing."

Such stories burst forth everywhere. ​

Thus popular sentiment began leaning toward the Demon Cult starting from Yueyang and Hunan Province. Especially the popular sentiment in Yueyang, where the Demon Cult's main headquarters was established, was fully supporting the Demon Cult. ​

Rumors were already circulating that more than half the people living in Yueyang believed in the Demon Cult. ​

At the center of all these plans was the strategist Sang Han-cheon. All these processes were carried out under his command, and eventually Yueyang became a solid base for the Demon Cult. ​

Sang Han-cheon had chosen the second-largest of the Demon Cult's halls as his residence. Like the Martial Alliance's Namgung Chang had done, he too set up a strategy department in his residence. ​

The most brilliant minds in the Demon Cult took positions in the strategy department, and information from all under heaven was collected. ​

Even sitting here, Sang Han-cheon grasped the affairs of the world like reading his palm. His face was hardened stiff like a stone. ​

"Namgung Chang is dead?"

"That's correct. It's intelligence that just came in. We're currently confirming its veracity, but it seems to be true."

In front of Sang Han-cheon, his trusted subordinate was kneeling on one knee and looking up. His name was Chu Go-wol, who oversaw the Demon Cult's intelligence organization and received Sang Han-cheon's deep trust. ​

The information Chu Go-wol brought was that the Martial Alliance strategist Namgung Chang had died at Shaolin Temple. ​

Finding it hard to believe, Chu Go-wol had ordered the intelligence organization to verify the information once more and rushed to Sang Han-cheon. ​

"Namgung Chang is dead? And beaten to death by the Fist Demon?"

Sang Han-cheon's eyes trembled. ​

It was hard-to-believe information. ​

Namgung Chang was the Martial Alliance's strategist. Though he had been driven from Yueyang after falling into his own scheme, he was still the second-in-command of the massive force called the Martial Alliance. The fact that such a person had been beaten to death by another was hard to believe. But the moment he heard that the one who killed Namgung Chang was Dam Ho, he thought it might be true. ​

The Dam Ho he knew was absolutely not someone who thought about consequences. He was someone who would first ruthlessly destroy anything that bothered him. If it was him, he might kill Namgung Chang without regard for consequences. ​

"Is it because of old grievances after all?"

Sang Han-cheon muttered. ​

Three years ago, Namgung Chang had intentionally leaked information about Dam Ho's route. Even knowing it was a scheme to kill with a borrowed knife, Sang Han-cheon had taken Namgung Chang's bait and dispatched the Blood Name Unit and two of the Seven Great Demon Masters. ​

In this fight, the Demon Cult lost Blood Sea Judge Deung Cheon-so and Full Moon Fairy Jin Hye-won, along with hundreds of Blood Name Unit members. Even thinking about it now, it was a painful loss. ​

At that time, Dam Ho had been held back by them and arrived late at Mount Hua. Because of this, the Mount Hua Sect suffered great damage, and his friend Cho Yeon-woon had his left foot severed. ​

"Did he not forget the grudge from that time and repay it?"

Since it was the Fist Demon who did it, it made sense. ​

Sang Han-cheon tapped his chin with his finger. Chu Go-wol silently watched such Sang Han-cheon. ​

It was quite a while later that Sang Han-cheon opened his mouth again. ​

"Find out about the atmosphere at Shaolin Temple and the Martial Alliance. If Namgung Chang really was killed by the Fist Demon, morale would have dropped, so we must use that situation."

"Understood."

The enemy's confusion was a great opportunity for them. ​

Sang Han-cheon was never someone who missed opportunities. Even at this moment, countless schemes to utilize the current situation were arising in his mind. ​

"He's truly reckless. Though they're freeloading at Shaolin Temple, to kill the strategist at the place where the Martial Alliance's main force is located."

"Right! He's no different from a mad dog that bites anything without regard if it's an enemy. In his eyes, everything that bothers him would look like an enemy."

"It's really suspicious how such a martial artist could emerge from Mount Hua Sect, which can be called a prestigious righteous sect."

"There are bound to be mutants anywhere. But the appearance of such a mutant is itself a great opportunity for us."

"An opportunity?"

"Hasn't the Namgung family become like a kite with a broken string because of him?"

"Ah!"

Instantly Chu Go-wol let out an exclamation without realizing it. ​

"First, move the Golden Demon Pavilion and Divine Transformation Hall to Anhui Province. I'll get permission from the Cult Leader."

"Understood."

Chu Go-wol answered with a stern expression. ​

Both the Golden Demon Pavilion and Divine Transformation Hall belonged to the Inner Circle and boasted powerful strength within the Demon Cult. Even if just one of them was deployed, they could erase any ordinary sect in the Central Plains without a trace. ​

Sang Han-cheon was never someone who missed given opportunities. He who would burrow into even the smallest gap wouldn't miss such a good opportunity. ​

"Ah!"

Chu Go-wol, who was getting up to carry out Sang Han-cheon's order, suddenly let out an exclamation as if something had occurred to him. ​

"What is it?"

"Come to think of it, that person is in Anhui Province."

"That person?"

"The Blood Wheel Witch is still there."

"Perfect! Send her an urgent message."

"Yes, sir!"

Chu Go-wol withdrew with his answer. ​

A cold smile appeared at the corners of Sang Han-cheon's mouth as he was left alone. ​

"Of all places, she's there – it's a disaster for the Namgung family."

The Four Great Military Commanders who symbolized the Demon Cult's military might. ​

Among the Four Great Military Commanders, the most persistent and cruel commander's name was Blood Wheel Witch Yo Sa-ran. ​

With all the wounds on his face torn open and exposing raw flesh, fire caught.

Whoosh!

Fire burst out all at once as tremendous smoke rose. The poison powder burned and toxic smoke seeped into his skin.

Gong-hon clutched his smoke-filled face and screamed.

“Ugh… AAAAHHH!”

How painful must it be for even a Vajra monk of all people to scream!

Because Gong-hon bent his waist backward, Mu-gak’s finger couldn’t reach Jin Ja-gang.

Jin Ja-gang kicked with his leg and pulled down the Soul Seizing Thread wrapped around Gong-hon’s neck. Though Gong-hon staggered, he endured.

Mu-gak’s finger extended. Jin Ja-gang shook the Soul Seizing Thread around Gong-hon’s neck this way and that like grasping and shaking a bull’s horns, preventing Mu-gak’s finger from properly finding direction.

“Gong-hon!”

Mu-gak shouted with a voice full of fury.

Gong-hon was Mu-gak’s legs. If Gong-hon didn’t move, Mu-gak couldn’t move either. Though screaming, Gong-hon took one step forward toward Jin Ja-gang.

Jin Ja-gang kicked Gong-hon’s ankle bone, which wasn’t protected by Golden Silk Iron Beads, forcefully with his right toe.

Crack! Gong-hon’s ankle twisted. But Jin Ja-gang also had injured left thigh muscles, so despite delivering the strike himself, he couldn’t stand properly and limped. Gong-hon fell forward and struck Jin Ja-gang’s thigh with the hard part below his palm.

Thud! Jin Ja-gang also couldn’t endure and stumbled before falling forward. Both couldn’t properly put strength in one foot, so they ended up in awkward positions with both hands on the floor as if crawling. Since Mu-gak was held in Gong-hon’s chest, when Gong-hon fell forward, Mu-gak’s hands couldn’t reach Jin Ja-gang no matter what.

When both Jin Ja-gang and Gong-hon raised their heads while in crawling positions, their eyes met. But because Gong-hon’s build was larger, his head was higher up.

Gong-hon gritted his teeth while looking down at Jin Ja-gang with eerie eyes. Blood dripped from his face that was completely cut and torn vertically, and even his flesh was burned from the flames, creating a horrible appearance.

The corners of Gong-hon’s eyes rose and his lips, torn like rags, lifted. Gong-hon’s head gradually rose. He intended to strike Jin Ja-gang with Iron Head technique.

When Jin Ja-gang tried to pull his body away, Gong-hon tightly gripped the Soul Seizing Thread around his own neck. Jin Ja-gang also had Soul Seizing Thread wrapped around his hands and body, so he couldn’t quickly untangle and escape.

Gong-hon rammed from above to below. There was absolutely no space to dodge. It looked like Jin Ja-gang’s head would be smashed to pieces at any moment.

An Ryeong shouted in surprise.

“Poison Dragon!”

Crack!

The sound of bones breaking rang out horribly.

But it was Gong-hon, not Jin Ja-gang, who spewed blood. Gong-hon’s head, which had been ramming Jin Ja-gang, jerked backward while spraying blood.

Before Gong-hon could ram, Jin Ja-gang had actually rammed Gong-hon’s face first.

All the observers were shocked.

Where in the world was there a madman who would ram his head first against Shaolin Temple’s Iron Head technique!

But thanks to that, Gong-hon’s nose was completely crushed. If Jin Ja-gang had hesitated even slightly and been late, it would have been Jin Ja-gang’s head that was crushed.

“KRAAAAH!”

Gong-hon roared and forcefully struck his head down again. Jin Ja-gang rolled his body sideways in that gap.

Crash!

Gong-hon’s Iron Head technique struck the floorboards. The wooden planks crumbled and shattered as Gong-hon’s head pierced through the floor and buried itself.

Jin Ja-gang untangled the twisted Soul Seizing Thread while retreating a couple steps.

Gong-hon slowly raised his head that had been buried in the floor.

Crunch, crunch.

Gong-hon chewed wooden plank fragments with his mouth while glaring at Jin Ja-gang.

If a tiger and dragon were to engage in a life-and-death battle, would it look like this?

An Ryeong, who was watching, got goosebumps all over.

Though Im Yi-eon didn’t speak, she seemed impressed despite being an enemy.

The Cherry Blossom Corps youngsters were the same. They were almost out of their minds, completely dazed.

“…He’s not being pushed back?”

“H-he’s fighting equally.”

Of course, it hadn’t started as an equal one-on-one from the beginning. Gong-hon had already been fighting the previous masters and suffered major injuries from Yuk Ha-seon’s Pressing Nail Blade.

Even so, it was unbelievable. Disaster Sword Guest Namgung Geol had died and Pleasure Heaven Lord Yuk Ha-seon had her leg severed, yet Poison Dragon, who was far below them as a junior, was fighting this equally.

Jin Ja-gang retrieved and organized his Soul Seizing Thread, while Gong-hon also removed fragments and dirt stuck to his face, both catching their breath briefly.

Then without either going first, the two clashed again.

Though Jin Ja-gang seemed to be fighting recklessly, he was very cleverly staying outside Mu-gak’s attack range. Mu-gak’s terrifying attacks were essentially sealed.

While holding Mu-gak with one hand, Gong-hon struck at Jin Ja-gang’s neck with his other hand’s blade. Jin Ja-gang limped while turning his body to dodge behind a pillar. Gong-hon’s hand blade crushed and destroyed the pillar as it passed.

Jin Ja-gang kicked the floor next to the broken pillar with his foot.

One plank flew up and Gong-hon’s foot suddenly fell through the floorboards. With his intact ankle trapped and the other ankle injured by Jin Ja-gang being unreliable, Gong-hon couldn’t stand properly.

While Gong-hon staggered, Jin Ja-gang scattered poison powder. Then he ignited flames again with Blazing Flame Twin Palm.

Whoosh!

Flames burst and tried to trap Gong-hon in toxic smoke once more.

Then Mu-gak’s finger touched the air.

“Whoosh!”

The flames and smoke that had been exploding and spreading through the air instantly disappeared downward.

As usual, a hole large enough for one person to stand appeared in the floorboards, with flames burning around the hole’s edges. Mu-gak had crushed the flames themselves.

Meanwhile, Gong-hon pulled out his trapped foot.

Mu-gak said with an angry voice.

“You’ve pulled quite a lot of tricks.”

Jin Ja-gang rubbed his thigh with its torn muscles with his hand while responding.

“I prepared quite a bit, but much of it became useless. Thanks to you.”

The inside of the inn was smashed everywhere. Not only the floor in various places, but the second floor railing was also tilted.

Jin Ja-gang demonstratively threw Soul Seizing Thread upward to hook it on the ceiling beam. Then when he pulled the Soul Seizing Thread, the roof shook and the beam dropped. The end of the beam had rope wound around it, so as it fell, it swung in a semicircle like a battering ram to strike Gong-hon.

Gong-hon leaped sideways and kicked the beam away with his foot.

Whooom!

The beam circled greatly around the inside of the inn.

“Uwaaaah!”

The Cherry Blossom Corps youngsters were startled and ducked their heads to dodge.

Jin Ja-gang followed behind the beam while throwing hidden weapons at Gong-hon. Worried he might fall through the floor again, Gong-hon didn’t move rashly and deflected the hidden weapons with Golden Silk Iron Beads.

Then he quickly ducked his head.

Whooom!

The beam he had kicked came back and passed over Gong-hon’s back of the head. Jin Ja-gang also twisted his body sideways to dodge the returning beam. While dodging, he threw and tied Soul Seizing Thread to the second floor railing on the opposite side.

Gong-hon rushed at Jin Ja-gang then ducked to dodge the beam. But his leg caught on something and he floated in the air. Black thread was tied between the beam and the second floor railing, sweeping past his legs. Though his leg wasn’t cut due to Golden Silk Iron Beads, the already shaking second floor railing collapsed entirely.

Gong-hon spun several times in the air before landing. Then as he was getting up, he looked behind.

The beam collided with Gong-hon’s head.

Crash!

The front of the beam crumbled and shattered like a ball of yarn bursting, while Gong-hon was pushed back smoothly.

The beam swayed and stopped. Gong-hon remained standing while ramming the beam with his crown from above.

Gong-hon pushed the beam aside and patted his head where wood fragments and powder had settled to brush them off. Though his face was a mess, his head protected by Iron Head technique was still fine despite hitting the beam.

It was sickening to watch.

But Jin Ja-gang didn’t miss the opportunity and rushed in. Mu-gak’s finger greeted Jin Ja-gang first. Jin Ja-gang didn’t face Mu-gak but went around to the side and punched Gong-hon’s ribs.

Thud!

Jin Ja-gang’s fist bounced off Golden Silk Iron Beads.

However, afterward an impact sound occurred and Gong-hon’s body also flinched.

Thump!

A strange phenomenon occurred where the fist bounced off first and then the remaining internal energy’s release struck Gong-hon afterward.

Gong-hon grabbed Jin Ja-gang’s head with his hand. When he applied force, his thick fingers began digging into Jin Ja-gang’s head.

Jin Ja-gang struck Gong-hon’s ribs again. His fist touched the stone-like Golden Silk Iron Beads, bruising the ends and crushing the flesh. But Jin Ja-gang didn’t stop punching.

Thump! Thump!

Gong-hon’s body shaking became more severe. Since the pillar-like body was shaking, Mu-gak held within had no choice. Even when Mu-gak extended his finger, he couldn’t properly touch Jin Ja-gang.

But then…

“Huh?”

Something strange caught the others’ eyes.

Mu-gak… was bleeding from his mouth.

“Huh huh?”

The observers’ eyes widened.

Was it because of the energy release? Or because of the poison powder from earlier!

Jin Ja-gang pulled his arm completely back then swung greatly to strike Gong-hon’s ribs once more.

Bang!

Gong-hon’s waist bent sideways as he was blown away. Jin Ja-gang also couldn’t stand properly and his body rolled in the direction he had been striking.

Gong-hon flew and rolled more than one zhang. Though he got up immediately, he staggered unable to maintain balance. His pupils weren’t properly focused. Though it barely showed because his face was stained with blood, fresh blood could be seen spurting from the corners of his mouth.

“Kugh!”

Internal injuries!

Both Mu-gak and Gong-hon!

This was truly an amazing occurrence. It was a scene where the outcome of the future battle could be roughly predicted.

Perhaps…, perhaps!

Perhaps Jin Ja-gang might be able to defeat Mu-gak?

The Demon Exterminating Monk kneeling to Poison Dragon!

Im Yi-eon, who had been watching, slightly turned her head.

Ham-geun was also seriously observing the situation.

“Great Hero Ham. As you can see, Master Mu-gak has become very disadvantaged. If we lend just a little help, we might all be able to return alive today. Do you still have the will to continue?”

When Ham-geun didn’t answer, Im Yi-eon persuaded again.

“I promise. Even if Master Mu-gak falls, I won’t turn my sword tip toward you.”

An Ryeong added one more thing.

“I’ll repay the debt someday, but I’ll hold back today.”

Ham-geun considered with a very serious face then answered.

“I cannot hand over So-min’s corpse.”

Im Yi-eon replied.

“Demanding another sect’s disciple’s corpse goes against martial world etiquette. I won’t force it.”

“Then… I understand. Now I’ll lend my strength to capturing Master Mu-gak… uh…”

An Ryeong let out a long sigh.

“Phew. Thank goodness…”

But at that moment, Ham-geun’s form became blurred. He deployed movement techniques at maximum speed.

Ham-geun appeared behind An Ryeong. He had been moving even before finishing his words. Ham-geun thrust his sword into An Ryeong’s back. An Ryeong quickly swung her sword while deploying sword techniques.

Ham-geun’s sword was blocked by the sword techniques An Ryeong deployed. An Ryeong poured out internal energy to the maximum, completely occupying the space and creating a solid sword wall.

An Ryeong sneered.

“How truly cowardly…!”

But Im Yi-eon shouted while running over.

“Be careful!”

Crack crack crack!

Though she was clearly blocking, Ham-geun’s sword energy dug into An Ryeong’s space in zigzag patterns.

Thunk, An Ryeong’s belly was pierced by Ham-geun’s sword energy. An Ryeong’s eyes opened wide.

Ham-geun said quietly with eyes containing purple aura.

“Plum blossom branches bloom without yielding even in the coldest winter.”