Chapter 238: Battlefront (8)
The Hwangbo Clan was an orthodox faction affiliated with the Murim Alliance. Among the prestigious clans, it was one of the most notable families, ranked just below the Four Noble Clans.
Martial artists from the Hwangbo Clan were recognized alongside the Peng Clan for their resilient physiques. They belonged not only to the sects of martial arts but also to the top tier of combat factions.
This reputation can be traced back to the past, succeeding the famous Lord of the Fist, Yeon Il-Cheon, who had thwarted the calamity of the Blood Demon. Seeing the numerous names from the Hwangbo Clan who inherited the esteemed title from the previous lord, it was indisputable that they were not to be underestimated in the martial arts realm.
However, their pride as a prominent family often spiraled into arrogance.
It should come as no surprise.
The Hwangbo Clan was a well-known name across the Central Plains, blessed with numerous renowned martial artists of physical prowess. Unless in the presence of the Four Noble Clans or the Ten Sect Alliance, they had little reason to feel humble.
With the privileges and talents of being from the main family alone, their sense of self-worth would be sky-high.
As with other noble clans, this was often the fate of martial artists who belonged to the direct lineage of the clan. In fact, it was quite rare to see anyone maintaining humility and respect.
Particularly for Hwangbo Seon, who lived under the collateral line of the clan, this sentiment resonated even more deeply.
Being a collateral descendant, he lacked the Hwangbo blood that imparted the clan’s distinctive robust physique, leading him to endure scorn and disdain from those around him.
His thin frame and modest stature rendered him unsuited to learn the Hwangbo Clan’s martial arts, painting him as easy prey for the clan’s predators due to his weaknesses.
For someone like Hwangbo Seon, a talentless member of the collateral line, life felt akin to hell.
To him, the Hwangbo Clan was a den of monsters who toyed with him, overflowing with arrogant individuals hiding behind the banner of nobility.
Yet, despite it all, Hwangbo Seon couldn’t flee the clan’s grasp simply because he bore the Hwangbo surname.
Just that single fact bound him to a lifetime of servitude.
He was likely destined to endure eternal torment beneath their feet.
How could he dare rebuke the primary family, especially those with such noble status?
He had no choice but to accept and bear with it.
That was the bleak future Hwangbo Seon gazed into.
It was merely the way things were.
What in the world…
But what unfolded before his eyes filled him with astonishment, causing him to forget the pain coursing through his battered body. It shattered all his preconceptions.
Crack-!
“Agghhh!”
The horrific sounds of bones breaking and screams filled the air.
Those clad in deep yellow garb crumpled to the ground, one after another, each far from pristine.
All of them either had broken bones or were spewing blood.
Crack-!
“Ugh…!”
Yet another figure collapsed, squirming in agony and choking on blood, soon losing consciousness.
Hwangbo Seon couldn’t help but be shocked upon recognizing the fallen figure.
“…Gasp!”
It was none other than the Vice Captain of the guards, responsible for protecting the blood relatives of the main clan.
From what Hwangbo Seon knew, this martial artist had achieved greatness even in middle age, yet he succumbed so easily.
“…Unbelievable…”
It was inconceivable that all these people had fallen in such disarray from just one person.
“…Just who is that person?”
Clutching his aching chest, Hwangbo Seon glanced at the lone martial artist standing nearby.
He couldn’t muster the courage to meet the fierce gaze in that young man’s eyes. Surprisingly, the martial artist seemed to be about the same age as him.
He didn’t even have the hefty physique that some of the fallen possessed.
Actually, he looked somewhat smaller, perhaps even smaller than Hwangbo Seon.
But how can someone like him…
Hwangbo Seon couldn’t begin to comprehend it, especially as he noticed who was being restrained in the young man’s grip.
The Young Master…lost?
In the martial artist’s hand was Hwangbo Cheok, the future Young Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, destined to lead their clan one day.
The small hand of the martial artist tightly gripped the thick neck of Hwangbo Cheok.
Despite Hwangbo Cheok’s formidable physique, the young man hoisted him as if it were playtime. It was as if Hwangbo Cheok’s massive bulk was utterly inconsequential to him.
Hwangbo Seon witnessed it with his own two eyes.
The once terrifying Hwangbo Cheok, who had instilled fear in Seon, was now being pummeled without so much as a chance to retaliate.
The young man smashed Hwangbo Cheok’s fist, and in the blink of an eye, brought him down to his knees just like breaking a stick.
How could this even be happening? Even when the martial artists of the Hwangbo Clan joined in, attempting to aid Hwangbo Cheok, the young man appeared to handle them all as if they were mere toys.
I couldn’t even keep up with…
Hwangbo Seon had no clue what was transpiring.
He couldn’t even perceive how the young man moved.
As astonishment and shame battled within him, he heard the mysterious martial artist click his tongue in irritation.
“Tsk.”
“Ugh, I just wrecked them all because they were getting on my nerves… Now I’m screwed.”
Despite his remarkable martial prowess, he spoke with anything but a noble demeanor.
“If that madman catches me, it’ll be a disaster… What to do? Should I just bury them all to avoid witnesses…?”
Initially, Hwangbo Seon thought he misheard something.
Those words were beyond crude.
Bury them all in the ground… How terrifying…!
“But there are witnesses here…”
Gasp…!
The young man’s gaze was directed at him.
Hwangbo Seon felt himself stifling a scream as he met those glowing red eyes.
The fierce expression along with the blazing red gaze instilled deep fear within him.
How can a person loom this terrifying…?
And then—
“Kugh…”
He wasn’t the only one affected this way, it seems.
Hwangbo Seon’s attention snapped to the sound that came from behind him.
“Huh…?”
To his astonishment, another figure stood there.
“S-Second Young Master…?”
“…”
It was Hwangbo Cheolwi, the second son of the Hwangbo Clan.
Hwangbo Cheolwi had always been a more comfortable presence during recent encounters.
Unlike earlier in their relationship, where he would look down on Hwangbo Seon just like Hwangbo Cheok, he had stopped behaving that way at some point.
…Did the Second Young Master not join in on the fight?
Why had he chosen to refrain?
To be fair, who would willingly throw themselves into such an asymmetrical battle?
But witnessing Hwangbo Cheolwi merely watching as his brother faced the beatdown felt odd to Hwangbo Seon.
His perplexity didn’t last long.
“Hey, you over there.”
“…!”
The young man who had single-handedly decimated the area was now walking over.
Hwangbo Seon’s instinct pushed him to crawl away, but his legs wouldn’t budge.
“I’d been wondering who you were.”
The young man smirked as he regarded Hwangbo Cheolwi.
That frightening smile made Hwangbo Seon involuntarily jitter.
…I think I just soiled myself.
He hoped not, but given that he felt nothing below, he had no guarantee.
As the young man approached with a smile, he remarked, “You came here too?”
Who is he talking to?
Hwangbo Seon briefly pondered but then heard a response from beside him.
“…It has been a while.”
To his surprise, the young man was addressing Hwangbo Cheolwi, and judging by the reaction, it seemed they were familiar with each other.
“Nice to see you. It’s been a year, hasn’t it?”
“That…yes.”
While Hwangbo Cheolwi stepped back at the young man’s approach, it felt odd to Hwangbo Seon.
“I heard that the Hwangbo Clan came to the frontline, but did they send two whole blood relatives of the main clan?”
“…”
“T-That’s right…! I couldn’t make it last time, so we came together.”
Upon Hwangbo Cheolwi’s panicked words, the young man turned to regard the one standing behind him.
“So, this is your older brother?”
“…Yes, he will become the Young Lord of the Hwangbo Clan.”
“…”
The young man seemed to simultaneously ridicule the notion of someone like Hwangbo Cheok obtaining such a title.
After realizing that he had defeated the future Young Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, the young man was flustered rather than worried.
In fact, he appeared even more annoyed.
Hwangbo Seon found the situation baffling.
“I should’ve recognized the annoying way he spoke… If I’d known, I would’ve given him a more thorough beating.”
“Wait… maybe I actually should do it now that I think about it.”
As the young man began to approach Hwangbo Cheok with a serious expression, he glanced back at Hwangbo Cheolwi.
“Oh, right.”
“…?”
“Will you seek revenge?”
“Pardon…? W-What did you just say?”
“Your brother, I defeated him. So now I’m asking whether you will fight me.”
“…”
The young man’s obnoxious tone came off as irritating to Hwangbo Seon, but the display of combat prowess he had shown only moments earlier solidified that he was far from an ordinary bully.
Curiosity nagged at him as to how Hwangbo Cheolwi would respond.
Though the young man’s words were peculiar, what he had done previously wasn’t up for debate. He had thrashed Cheolwi’s brother very publicly.
“…Um… about that.”
Hwangbo Cheolwi stammered, his eyes darting around as he deliberated.
From afar, Hwangbo Seon could sense the depths of his thoughts.
Would Hwangbo Cheolwi maintain inaction after watching his brother being pummeled?
Or would he rise to fight, wishing to uphold the honor of his clan and brother?
In a fleeting moment, it became apparent that Hwangbo Cheolwi had arrived at a decision. He faced the young man with resolute determination.
Hwangbo Seon could see that unwavering resolve lighting up Cheolwi’s expression.
The thick muscles coiled, radiating an aura of anticipation.
Clearly, Hwangbo Cheolwi made his decision to confront this young man.
Crack-!
The young man cracked his neck while locking eyes with Hwangbo Cheolwi.
Could he truly emerge victorious against someone who had toyed with Hwangbo Cheok like a child…?
As Hwangbo Seon watched with wide eyes trembling, Hwangbo Cheolwi growled defiantly towards the young man.
“Men can settle things with their fists. To interfere here would be unmanly!”
“…”
“I, Hwangbo Cheolwi, will respect my brother’s honor and will not dishonor it.”
“…Uh, sure.”
Ultimately, his conclusion was to not cause an uproar.
As Hwangbo Cheolwi shouted defiantly, Hwangbo Seon felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him.
Hmm…?
Maybe I misjudged?
Hwangbo Seon couldn’t shake the feeling that the young man’s stare was directed at him, rather than Hwangbo Cheolwi.
I’m not just imagining…
Sadly, the young man’s burning gaze was fixated on him.
Those fierce red pupils were aimed right at Hwangbo Seon, who struggled not to meet the sourcing glare.
…W-Why is he directing that look at me?
The faint smile frozen on the young man’s face only deepened Seon’s unease.
Is it possible… he’s planning to take his frustration out on me instead of Hwangbo Cheolwi?
With trepidation mounting and dread gushing in his throat, Hwangbo Seon couldn’t avoid eye contact any longer and stared desperately at the ground.
After tossing those fools to the side, I turned toward the hefty Hwangbo… What was his name again? Ah, doesn’t matter.
Anyway, I instructed the Hwangbo guy to handle the sorry bunch lying motionless on the ground.
He assented, but his demeanor suggested reluctance.
Still, he’d probably carry out my orders.
Honestly, I was feeling a bit punchy and would’ve loved to bash them up further…
But I’ll let it slide since I unexpectedly spotted a familiar face.
For now, I let them off easy.
He may have a different vibe now, but it was unmistakably him.
The man on the ground, bruised and moaning in pain.
A meek-looking martial artist whose humbler frame seemed inconsistent with his surname.
The Silent Fist.
In my past life, he was a Demonic Human and my subordinate—none other than the Silent Fist, Hwangbo Seon.
I was certain it was him.
I had gleaned some bits and pieces through the Beggar’s Sect, but I wasn’t expecting to find him here.
In my past life, The Silent Fist made a name for himself by exterminating Demonic Humans, until a specific incident within the Hwangbo Clan led him to the Demonic Cult, where he subsequently lived life as a Demonic Human.
Yet his overall vibe feels oddly different now.
If I reminisced about the Silent Fist from the former days, he was indeed a man of few words, truly embodying his title. He executed orders without question and engaged in combat against anyone, be they stronger or weaker.
He was far from weak.
So he’s still like this at this time, I see…
The Hwangbo Seon before me appeared noticeably diminished from my expectations; his fear-stricken visage was almost pitiable.
Intriguing.
A martial artist proficient in the Hwangbo Clan’s arts was reduced to such a state during this time.
I found it genuinely fascinating.
Perhaps something enlightening awaited him in the near future?
As for Hwangbo Cheok, the potential Young Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, there wasn’t much to ponder since his strong physique was squandered.
In contrast, Hwangbo… Cheolwi, quietly observing from the sidelines, seemed far more promising in terms of potential.
Maybe I should’ve left him battered, half-dead.
Only regrets awaited a scoundrel like Cheok.
Hwangbo Cheok was a pivotal figure in driving the Silent Fist, Hwangbo Seon, into becoming a Demonic Human.
In the past, upon returning from Demonic Human hunts, Hwangbo Seon was shocked to witness a devastating sight within his clan.
Fueled by envy over Hwangbo Seon’s ascendant reputation in the Central Plains, Hwangbo Cheok murdered Seon’s wife and child, all while plotting to eliminate Seon himself.
Thinking of all this, while I toyed with the idea of preemptively removing Cheok, I eventually decided to refrain.
Vengeance isn’t an endeavor for another to carry out.
In our past life, The Silent Fist surely would’ve advised against it.
At most, he might have requested just a little aid with his own vendetta.
Recalling the figure who had once walked alongside me during our Demonic Human days, I nodded slightly.
“…I can at least do that much.”
Assisting him would understandably be far more complex than merely handling Hwangbo Cheok myself, yet I was willing to lend him support.
Though I’m uncertain if the current Hwangbo Seon seeks that help.
He seemed quite frightened.
But why is that?
I gazed at him with utmost kindness, admiring his presence.
“Oh.”
Could it be that he was terrified of the giant next to him?
Completely fair; who wouldn’t be scared standing beside such a towering figure?
If I were in his position, I’d be quaking in my boots, especially in his present condition.
“But since I helped him, I should’ve left a favorable impression, right?”
I’m certain I did.
In Hwangbo Seon’s eyes, perhaps I shone like a hero?
“Hm, how refreshing.
Isn’t it rare of me to do a good deed? Yet, oddly enough, I felt invigorated as if my weary body had become entirely revitalized.
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