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Chapter 20

I told them to keep the inn door closed. You never know when an attack might come.

As I watched the innkeepers and Jeomsoi gather their weapons, I turned my gaze to Sayoon.

“Are you okay where you got hit earlier?”

“Yes, of course. I can fight more.”

The sight of the small girl clenching her fists was truly reassuring. I nodded at her and unfolded the map of Seomhwa Village.

“We won’t have issues with the guards near the government office… The first place we should head to would be the village chief’s house. This road is connected to the entry from outside, so it’ll be easy to monitor the enemy’s movements.”

I thought of the kind old village chief. He didn’t know any martial arts but was wise and would resolve disputes in the village with a soothing tone. If something were to happen to him, it could throw Seomhwa Village into chaos.

With that decision made, I headed toward the chief’s house with Sayoon. On the way, I spotted a few injured soldiers. After checking on them and leaving them with the frightened villagers, I continued moving when Sayoon, who had been silent, started to speak.

“Who are they?”

“Well…”

There are just too many possibilities.

The first one is obviously the Iron Blood Clan’s scheme.

Hongseong has taken Seomhwa Village as its territory and lent them their name. But what if Seomhwa Village suffers a significant blow and falls into chaos? That would tarnish the honor they cherish so much.

In that case, to restore their honor, they would likely send disciples to protect Seomhwa Village for the time being.

And in the process, their numbers would dwindle, allowing for a targeted strike.

The second possibility.

It could be one of the ongoing events, like an attack from the Monster King.

The Monster King, one of the fallen immortals, can control evil monsters and uses money and power to create chaos in the empire. For half of the time during Heavenly Bright Moon, his attacks were an event. That’s why he’s even referred to as the Toad King in the gallery.

According to the setting, the Monster King existed even before the Iron Blood Clan and has consistently caused havoc, so I can’t be certain that this raid isn’t an attack from him.

The third possibility is the aftermath of the Demon Sect’s invasion of the empire.

Whenever something goes down in the martial world, half the blame can comfortably fall on the Demon Sect.

They use wicked sorcery and control evil monsters while also attempting to create chaos through sword-wielding mercenaries.

The chaos typically affects territories of the world’s strongest.

Considering other potential movements from the rogue factions or other long-standing events, it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly who’s responsible.

Maybe I should just say it’s the Iron Blood Clan’s doing?

“Well, who cares who it is.”

Sayoon tightened her grip on her sword.

Haha. This kid. Hahaha.

With proud eyes fixed ahead, Sayoon took a firm step forward.

In the path leading to the chief’s house, we came face-to-face with a guy dressed in black who was heading in the same direction.

“…I hear metal clashing. It seems the Senior Sisters are protecting the chief. Let’s take this guy down and move on.”

“Right.”

The man in black, upon seeing us, quickly assessed the situation.

He raised his sword and growled at us.

“…Tsk. Looks like a foolish lad got himself caught.”

“Yeah, a real idiot.”

I immediately threw a stone.

As it hit his sword with a clang, Sayoon took off like an arrow.

Seryuboh.

With a bizarre footwork akin to the movement of stars, the man in black seemed quite surprised, his eyes widening.

-Chaeeng! Ching! Ching!!

In an instant, swords clashed three times. Despite the strong attacks that sent sparks flying, neither the man in black nor Sayoon showed any change in expression.

Is this just some level of guarding?

“You little brat…!!”

His voice dripped with malice. The dagger in his right hand aimed for Sayoon’s neck. As I twisted my body to dodge it, I threw another stone at him.

-Skreech!!

The kick that I launched met the stone heading towards Sayoon’s head, kicking it aside. Seizing the opportunity, Sayoon took a step back and quietly placed a few strands of her hair that had fallen around her into her sword’s center.

“…Pose.”
“You’re not going to call me a coward, right?”

The sharp blade jutting out from the tip of his right leather shoe slid in. Sayoon glanced at it and slowly took a deep breath to calm her mind.

“Looks like you don’t have much real-world experience. Your body is stiff. Are you frozen because you don’t know when to memorize? Heh heh. Tough. Tough. Go drink more of your mother’s milk.”

“I don’t have a mother.”

“…Tsk.”

Even in the face of such banter, Sayoon remained unfazed. Wow. Immune to trash talk.

The guy in black seemed momentarily flustered, not expecting his provocation to hit a wall.

But it didn’t seem like he planned to retreat out of guilt over his comments. He just slithered closer, dragging his body on the floor.

Then, licking his lips like a snake spotting its prey, he smiled and sprang into action.

His body swayed back and forth. The dagger targeting her neck moved quickly.

It was the Black Serpent Step.

One of the footwork styles often used in the Sapa sect, effective for lateral attacks but weak against downward strikes.

Seeing Sayoon was shorter than him, he probably thought she wouldn’t be able to launch an overhead attack.

“Wait?!”

Holding her tense expression, Sayoon lightly leaped at the last moment. When the shocked guy’s eyes widened at her soaring over adult height, she spun around in mid-air and kicked him right in the head.

Using the Flying Blossom Step to leap, was that a combo with the Heavenly Awakening Technique? Wow! Well learned!!

That’s a combo that appears in the tutorials.

Sayoon executed the Heavenly Awakening with crisp finesse, extending her sword toward the guy who was about to fall forward. The sharp tip of the sword trembled slightly.

Still, he wasn’t an easy opponent. He didn’t falter after taking a hit. He quickly turned his body and threw a dagger.

-Swish!!

Sayoon narrowly tilted her head to dodge it. However, she didn’t completely avoid it…

“That jerk!?”

How could he leave a mark on that porcelain face!?!

-Whoosh!!

As a result, his dagger embedded itself in his own neck, but his anger was palpable.

After slightly twisting the sword stuck in his neck to pull it out, a fountain of blood burst forth.

Stepping back to avoid it, Sayoon gasped for breath and flashed a faint smile at me.

“I won. Let’s go!”

“But your face is hurt…”

“Huh? Oh. This much is fine.”

“Fine, my foot.”

I pulled out a handkerchief from my pocket. And also Golden Healing Ointment.

“Wha…?! It’s really fine?! Isn’t that Golden Healing Ointment? That stuff is expensive!”

“This much isn’t a waste.”

“…Uh. Okay.”

When I opened the box of ointment, a sharp fragrance wafted out, revealing the medicine inside. Sayoon’s eyes widened at the luxurious box.

It was understandable. This stuff is really expensive.

It’s a premium Golden Healing Ointment made by a divine artisan, costing one gold per bottle!

“Alright. Stay still for a moment.”

“I can do it myself.”

“You have no experience at all.”

“Ahaha…”

Sayoon awkwardly laughed and squeezed her eyes shut. Maybe it was because her eyelashes were so long? Even with her eyes closed, the delicate lashes showcased a beauty not fitting for her age.

But is that really what’s important now?!

Sayoon has a cut on her face!

“It shouldn’t scar…”

“For a martial artist, a wound like this is a badge of honor…”

“Throw that badge in the trash. Alright. Done.”

The only consolation was that the wound wasn’t too deep. If she keeps applying the ointment, she should be fine.

I placed the remaining ointment in Sayoon’s small hand.

“Huh?”

“I’ve already used it once, so I can’t sell it again. It’s better for you to have it. You’ll be fighting more than I will.”

The ointment in the box could last her about ten more uses. Considering future battles with the Iron Blood Clan and any unforeseen events, it’s better to hand it over like this.

I can always order more from the shop if I need some.

After a moment of thought, Sayoon hesitated and then bowed her head deeply.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. You saved my life. Just like earlier at the inn.”
“Well, it’s the same at the inn too.”

I pointed at the one lying on the ground.

“That guy too.”

“Hehe… Ah, right! We should get going soon!”

“Wait just a second. Let’s search that guy’s pockets.”

“Y-Yes.”

Is it the Iron Blood Clan, the Beast King, or the Demon Cult? Or maybe just a random thug? I thought maybe something would come out if we searched his pockets. But as expected, just like the guy we met at the inn, there was nothing to prove his identity.

“What a shame.”

“Yeah, I know. Alright, let’s go.”

The sound of metal clashing grew stronger, indicating a serious battle was happening over there. I ran towards the village chief’s house with Sayoon, and there I spotted Yoohee fighting against four black-clad warriors.

“Sajuh!!”

The stone I threw and Sayoon leaping out were enough to distort the faces of the black-clad warriors attacking Yoohee with their combination technique.

“Yoo Innkeeper!!”

The village chief, trembling in fear from behind us, called out anxiously. I quickly moved to his side, and finally relieved, Yoohee broke the combination technique and started petting Sayoon’s head vigorously.

“Oh my. You’re so cute! Just when I needed you, huh?! This is why I love our little one!”

“Hehehe…”

“Alright, then shall we give it a go?”

When people who’ve learned the same martial arts fight together, their synergy becomes stronger. Especially for the Hongseong Sect disciples, who live like sisters, practicing together almost every day, that bond is even greater.

“Hah!!”

“Yap!!”

The girls’ movements were swift and sharp. Like starlight illuminating the vast, dark night sky, they began to dodge and counterattack against the relentless assaults of the black-clad warriors.

“Y-Indeed, Hongseong Sect!”

Maybe it’s because he was feeling pumped up after coming so close to death? The village chief clenched his fists tight and shouted.

“Kill them! Tear them apart! Show them that their future is bleak…”

“Hey, don’t say that in front of the kids.”

“Cough.”

Only then did the village chief clear his throat and grab me tightly.

“By the way, Yoo Innkeeper, who are they?”

“I’m not sure either… Didn’t I mention it when they were about to attack you, Chief?”

“They just said they needed to come with us.”

Well, this is something. Should we just capture one and torture him?

Just then, Yoohee’s sword severed the arm of one black-clad woman. Seizing the moment while their formation weakened, Sayoon leaped onto Yoohee’s shoulder and kicked the enemy’s head off.

As he tumbled on the floor, groaning, a glow emanated from Yoohee’s sword.

Sword Energy.

It seemed she was about to use the later half of Hongseong Divine Art.

“Huh!!”

With a low battle cry, a beam of starlight shot forth.

The destructive power contained within the stars broke through everything in its path and advanced towards its target.

Star Soul Sword.

The destructive spirit inside the starlight shattered the black-clad warrior’s sword and even destroyed his heart in one strike.

“Guack…”

Two of them fell. That alone was enough for the tides to turn.

“T-What the hell.”

“I didn’t say it would be this bad…”

Wavering, they began to retreat, realizing their disadvantage.

“Damn it… why isn’t backup coming…?!”

Backup? There’s more?

As darkness began to settle on Sayoon and Yoohee’s beautiful faces, I asked the black-clad warriors, “Backup?”

“….”

“I’ll spare you if you answer.”

“…W-Well, you see, we came here on a commission…”

A commission? Who’s it from?

As I looked over, one of the black-clad warriors gritted his teeth and spoke.

“Damn it! I never wanted to take this stupid job! That guy was totally ominous…”

-Pook!!

Something elongated stabbed out from the chest of the black-clad warrior who was about to shout.

A blade.

Staring down at it in disbelief, the black-clad warrior crumbled, and just as the one beside him was about to scream, a sharp blade burst out from his neck as well.

I, along with Sayoon and Yoohee, turned to look at that direction.

“…This is something.”

It was a woman in black clothes, just like those I had seen so far.
She was a woman clothed in black.

The woman grinning with several long blades in her hands looked like she could kill us all in one strike.

Her presence was different.

Just by walking forward, she radiated an aura that made our skin tingle all over.

This is…

I can’t win.

I froze.

A quick glance showed the village chief had fainted from the pressure, Sayoon was biting her teeth hard enough to draw blood, and Yoohee was glaring wide-eyed.

So, the mere appearance of this person was enough to put all of us on edge.

– Tap. Tap.

Each step she took was filled with power.

A perfectly shaped nose,

dark eye makeup,

lips as red as blood.

Her long black hair cascaded down to her waist.

And then…

– Wuuuuh…!!

A black energy enveloped her body.

It was the dark magic symbolizing the Demonic Sect.

In this perilous situation, my mind quickly raced to calculate an escape route.

Thank goodness she didn’t say it was the Iron Blood Clan. That would have been embarrassing…

“…Who are you?”

“It’s none of your business… Hey, you gentlemen back there?”

Her fingers moved sensually, adorned with sharp iron claws, and she twisted her red lips into a smile.

Beautiful.

But that beauty was dangerous.

Her eyes, shrouded in darkness like an abyss, were fixed on me. I subtly looked away, but it didn’t work.

“Don’t pretend you don’t see me. Now, you’re coming with me. If you refuse… well, you know? I might have to chop off an arm or two. Don’t want to cause unnecessary deaths, do we?”

Damn it.

Is there no way out?

I had to buy some time by stepping up.

If I could stall with conversation, Chaejin would come, and then we might have a chance.

I started recalling a hundred stories that the Demonic Sect would find entertaining before stepping forward.

“Innkeeper?!”

“Stay behind me!”

Guys.

I’m the one who’s better at stalling against the Demonic Sect.

“I’ll buy some time, so go fetch Lady Chae!”

“Oh? The Moonlight Sword is here? Then I should hurry as well! I wonder if there’s even time to chat?”

“Before that. I don’t know your reasons for wanting to take me and the village chief, but if you’re from the Demonic Sect, surely there are interesting stories I can share. Why not listen to them and gauge my worth?”

“Hmmm?”

“Surely you don’t look dumb enough to not understand how valuable a few words can be?”

But what should I talk about?

The location of the former Demonic Sect commander, Samajun, who stole the sect’s treasures?

Or maybe the whereabouts of the other half of the Half Moon Sky Art?

Or perhaps forgotten locations of the Temple of the Demonic God?

Secret passages to the Demonic Sect?

Or maybe…

Ugh. I don’t know. Let’s just say anything for now to buy some time.

“Hahaha. I like a man who’s always confident like you.”

With a beautiful, dangerous smile, she winked and licked her lips.

“I hope you’ll be this confident even if you lose an arm…”

– KAAAAAAM!!

What the?

Where did the person I was just talking to go?

Wait, is that even a sound a human can make?

Like being smashed by an angry bull. I watched as the woman who had been standing leisurely was sent flying with a loud crash, rolling on the ground and groaning.

“When I saw those crazy bastards loitering outside Seomhwa Village, I thought something was up… I’m glad I rushed over to deal with this.”

The figure who had swatted her away lightly planted a massive blade into the ground.

Then, with a swift motion, she swept her blood-red, rose-like hair back with an old leather band, looking towards us.

“Innkeeper Yoo, I hope I’m not too late?”

The woman who calmed our tense spirits with a single gorgeous smile.

The Grand Disciple of Hongseong.

Hongryeon.


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