The mention of bait left Jeongwang and the people around him in silence.
Yeah, it’s bait.
It’s clear that the Gi Won Yuga is moving to snatch the event item, which is undoubtedly the half of the Cheonma Divine Art.
If that wasn’t the case, why would they suddenly appear from Gi Won Yuga?
The Ma-kyos also have their next leader closest to the Gi Won Yuga, so if they abandon that advantageous position, it’s because they have something to gain.
And what could possibly make Yu Jangmok, the head of Gi Won Yuga, salivate other than the remaining half of the Cheonma Divine Art?
If he gets that, Yu Jangmok could hold not just the Ma-kyo, but the whole world in his hands.
In that situation, attacking Seomha Fortress with just Jeongwang, a few nameless Ma-kyo members, maybe Blood Demon Gangshi, and a handful of hastily assembled Gangshi troops?
There might be a lot of them, but considering the power of Gi Won Yuga, that’s not really a formidable force.
So they must think it’s bait, and the real attack is somewhere else.
That somewhere else is probably…
“Hongseong?!”
When Hongryeon gasped, I nodded. Seeing her flustered and at a loss, I patted her back.
“There’s a Sword Saint in Hongseong Mountain.”
“Y-yes, that’s true.”
“What about inside Seomha Fortress?”
“There’s the Moonjeong branch and the Murim Alliance.”
In response to Seongju’s urgent question, I replied calmly. And if things go south, Namgoong Cheon, who’s probably still enjoying his sauna at the bathhouse, would step in too.
No, not just them.
The reason I built a big inn and advertised around the world was partly to gather information, but also to entice martial artists to come often.
The Ma-kyos are a common enemy of the martial world.
If such individuals appear, there will be some who flee, but undoubtedly, there will be those who fight without thinking.
And even those fleeing will likely try to rescue civilians from Seomha Fortress as they escape.
In other words, the more martial artists come, the closer I get to my plan to protect Seomha Fortress.
“Yu Seonsaeng…”
“So for now, let’s focus on the enemies in front of us.”
Of course, it’s bait, but I couldn’t ignore those numbers, the Blood Demon Gangshi, and Jeongwang.
If the gates get breached, they would attack the people inside, and Seomha Fortress would literally turn into a Gangshi show.
“Hongryeon, can you fight?”
“Uh. Yes.”
Though we set up camp in Hongseong Mountain, if Yu Jangmok has carefully selected his elite warriors, they might well make it to Hongseong.
Unlike last time with Cheolhyeol Master, the defenses at Hongseong are properly set up this time, so it shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s natural to be worried.
I kept glancing toward Hongseong Mountain and ruffled Sayoon’s hair.
“Are you worried?”
“Uh… Yes.”
“Can’t you trust your master and senior sisters?”
“Of course I can!”
“Then good. I hope you don’t forget what you need to do.”
“…Right. Sayoon. Your task is.”
– Swoosh!!
An arrow flew through the air, slicing the wind. Was it fired by a soldier turned Gangshi? As the old, rusty arrow aimed at me, Sayoon instinctively moved her sword to deflect it and bared her teeth.
“How dare you!!”
“Yeah. You have to protect Yu Wol. You are the last line of defense. So…”
Hongryeon looked around. Gangshi, the giant, and evil monsters were approaching.
Seeing the tense warriors gripping their weapons, Hongryeon spoke in a calm tone.
“…Take Yu Wol and fall back.”
“Understood. Senior Sister. But you be careful too.”
“Haha.”
At Sayoon’s worried voice, Hongryeon burst into laughter.
“Who do you think I am?”
Saying that, Hongryeon gazed at the advancing enemies and shouted.
“Murim Alliance! And all the warriors at Seonghwa Castle!!”
Hongryeon stepped forward.
The great disciple of Hongseong Clan, and just recently a superhuman, stood up, instantly raising morale.
“We’re not going to let them go just like that?!”
“Ooohhh!!”
A red energy surged from Hongryon. Seeing the Hongseong Divine Art reach its peak, the people raised their weapons and cheered.
“Let’s go!! Seongju, please support us from the rear!”
“Leave it to me!! Everyone!! Get ready for battle!!”
“Wowww!!”
The soldiers on the castle walls followed the Seongju’s orders, taking up their bows and arrows. Gangshi might not fall to a few arrows, but at least they could stop the evil monsters from getting closer.
If that alone could help the warriors, that was enough.
“I’ll turn them all into Gangshi!!”
Jeongwang shouted, foaming at the mouth.
“Haaah!!”
Hongryeon jumped down from the castle wall, grabbing the Dragon’s Phoenix Sword.
– Whoooooosh!!!
The wind blew.
Just like when the dragon appeared at the Dragon’s Shrine, a fierce wind began to envelop Hongryeon and the greatsword she held with both hands.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but be amazed.
Wow… I knew Hongryeon’s talent was outstanding, but she could already wield the power of the dragon’s sword?
The Dragon’s Talisman and Dragon’s Phoenix Sword were weapons capable of harnessing the dragon’s power. But to use them properly required significant skill, and she could already use it?
She really is a genius…
I marveled, and in response, Hongryeon quickly swung the Dragon’s Phoenix Sword.
Kuuuuuuunng!!
A gigantic wind turns into a storm, sweeping away the army of Gangshi and Evil Monsters. With a single strike, Hongryeon blows away a third of the enemy forces and looks at me with a tired smile.
“Flying Dragon Style.”
I applauded Hongryeon, who successfully executed a technique that could be used after obtaining the Dragon Slayer Sword and building her proficiency. She shrugged her shoulders and slashed at the charging Demon Cult members.
If she used the Flying Dragon Style three times, she could wipe out the entire army, but it has a cooldown, so it can’t be helped.
But that’s okay.
“Haaah!!”
The red-haired beauty leading the martial artists, military officers, and soldiers was undeniably a powerhouse at the level of a superhuman.
*
“Ouch, ouch, ouch…”
Chaejin, who brought Chaeran with her, headed to a manor not far from the inn. As soon as they entered the newly established Moonjeong Island’s Flame Fortress branch, Chaejin immediately began her nagging.
“Hey. You’ve been clinging to Yu Wol lately. Are you doing it on purpose?”
“Of course. How can I resist this opportunity to mess with my sister?”
“What?!”
Just when Chaejin was about to smack her on the head…
“…What’s up?”
Chaeran tilted her head, having braced herself for a headbutt. What is this? Why isn’t she hitting me? Is this a delayed attack?
When she opened her eyes, she saw Chaejin’s expression frozen in place.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just feeling a bit…”
Just then…
– Deeeeeeng!! Deeeeeeng!!
A ominous bell rang out. It was the alarm bell used when something went wrong in the Flame Fortress.
Why on earth is this ringing right now?
Panic-stricken, they stood up just as the door burst open, and a member of the Moonlight Team who followed Chaeran rushed in.
“Branch Leader! It’s a disaster!”
“What is it?”
“The Demon Cult is attacking outside the fortress…!”
The Demon Cult, out of nowhere?
Chaeran was flustered, and Chaejin bit her lip.
Why the hell is the Demon Cult attacking this place out of the blue?
Of course, the Flame Fortress had been rapidly gaining fame recently. It was practically becoming a sanctuary for the righteous, so it was no surprise the Demon Cult would be annoyed.
But even so, attacking this place wouldn’t benefit the Demon Cult much.
On the surface, at least.
Chaejin and Chaeran thought simultaneously.
“…No way.”
“…That’s gotta be it.”
The reason for the Demon Cult to target this place.
There’s only one reason they would attack a fortress housing four superhumans.
To find half of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art.
That’s probably what they’re after with this attack.
Four superhumans present.
Plus, there are the warriors of the Hongseong Clan, and the Moonlight Team of Moonjeong.
Moreover, since Yu Wol has been consistently promoting the inn and even offering consultations, quite a few martial artists have come by.
Recently, the Murim Alliance and the government have been reacting to the movements of the Demonic Sect with attacks, so they mentioned they can’t provide additional support.
No matter what, this place is practically a den for the Demonic Sect.
But attacking here?
“Aren’t those guys crazy?!”
Chaeran was shocked. Even if the Demonic Sect members weren’t in their right minds, this was just over the top.
“Wolgang Troop! Prepare for battle and move out!”
“Yes!!”
The members of Wolfgang quickly followed the orders. Seeing them move, Chaejin grabbed her Moonlight Sword.
“He said they might do anything to get half of the Cheonma Divine Art from the Demonic Sect. And, in case something like this happens, he also told me what I should do.”
“Wow… you prepared for this? Your brother-in-law is definitely not an ordinary person…”
Whether Chaeran was impressed or not, Chaejin confidently stepped outside. Grabbing her Soora, Chaeran followed behind her, puzzled as Chaejin headed somewhere other than the inn.
“Where are you going?”
“Hongseongmun.”
“Not the inn?”
“There’s a terrifying old man in the hot springs there. If we want to keep using the membership, we’d better be on guard.”
She spoke casually, but there was an underlying tension in Chaejin’s voice.
After clearing her throat a few times to regain her composure, she instructed the Wolfgang members and Chaeran to check on Seomhwa Village and protect the people fleeing.
This was also part of the task he’d given her.
Seeing Chaeran glance at her and move with the Wolfgang members, she headed alone toward Hongseongsan.
She was certain Hongryeon and Sayoon had been with Yu Wol earlier.
In that respect, she could trust them with Yu Wol’s safety.
Although Hongryeon was her rival and also her love rival, that’s precisely why she could trust her.
Therefore, she hurried her steps toward Hongseongmun.
She had her own duties.
She hadn’t forgotten what Yu Wol said.
If the Demonic Sect found out that they had the design of the Cheonma Divine Art, they would definitely attack.
But with the defenses in Seomhwa Fortress solid, they would try to sneak in and launch a surprise attack as quickly as possible to seize it.
Also, given that she didn’t possess any real combat power, the Demonic Sect would know not to keep the designs guarded.
So if the Demonic Sect did attack, everyone except those with her must hold off their ambush at Hongseongmun.
It was true she was worried about Yu Wol, but she couldn’t disregard his orders, his trust.
Thus, having ascended Hongseongsan quickly and stealthily, she discovered the enemies radiating an unpleasant amount of magical energy facing off against the Hongseongmun defenders centered around the Sword Saint.
She smiled coldly.
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