Chapter 172

Chapter 172
Chapter: 172

Chapter Title: Long Time No See (3)

—

“The two of you were quite formidable. It truly caught me off guard.”

Sima Geon offered a blunt assessment, which immediately made Dang Cheonhwa’s temper flare.

“Stop with the empty praise and speak plainly.”

“Haha! I didn’t witness the opening exchange, so giving a full account is difficult. My view began when Neung Sohwa obstructed the elder’s strike and launched her counter.”

“And your thoughts?”

Neung Sohwa inquired. Seeing the gravity in her eyes, Sima Geon felt compelled to provide a more meticulous critique.

“The execution was high-level. However, the distribution of internal power felt slightly unrefined, and more importantly, your techniques were excessively broad. If that is your inherent method, so be it—but had the elder been prepared to endure a wound to close the distance, you would have struggled. Neutralizing his initial move was impressive, but the follow-up…”

Sima Geon continued like an unblocked spring, pouring out a harsh, unfiltered analysis of the duel, focusing his scrutiny on Neung Sohwa.

Initially, Neung Sohwa listened with disciplined interest, but her expression gradually turned to ice. Sima Geon, however, failed to notice the shift in the room’s temperature.

Those watching from the sidelines listened with wide eyes, stunned by Sima Geon’s bold lecture. They found it incredible that anyone would dare point out flaws in the Sword Empress’s martial arts so casually. Furthermore, it was baffling that Dang Cheonhwa and the Sword Empress herself were permitting such insolence.

“Furthermore, regarding the final…”

“Shut it.”

So Surin, unable to bear the awkwardness, delivered a sharp elbow to Sima Geon’s ribs.

“What was that for?”

“You’ve spoken more in these last few minutes than you have in the past several days.”

“Is that so?”

“It is.”

“Well, I’ve said my piece regardless.”

Neung Sohwa shifted her gaze between Sima Geon and So Surin before narrowing her eyes and giving a curt nod.

“My gratitude. I have taken your observations to heart.”

Radiating a palpable chill, Neung Sohwa turned and walked away.

“Good grief, you really have a way with words.”

As Dang Cheonhwa clicked his tongue in disapproval,

Woooooo!

The piercing cry of a wolf resonated from the distance.

Sima Geon’s party recognized the sound immediately. It was the call of Black Fang, whom they had momentarily forgotten amidst the bustling crowd. They understood the signal: enemies had been sighted.

“Is that Black Fang’s voice?”

Dang Cheonhwa asked.

“Indeed. That is his warning for an approaching threat. It appears some unwelcome guests are closing in.”

“Unwelcome guests? Who would be so bold as to trespass here?”

Dang Cheonhwa had never imagined that the Dang Family or the mighty Dangga Fortress could actually be targeted for an assault.

“Chief, could it be those fanatical monks we encountered?”

At Cheol Woo’s suggestion, Dang Cheonhwa’s expression darkened.

“Explain yourself.”

“Shortly before we arrived at Dangga Fortress, we crossed paths with masters from Thunderclap Temple. They were being led by a monk from Demon Buddha Temple.”

“Ah, that explains your appearance.”

Only then did Dang Cheonhwa take note of Cheol Woo’s shredded attire and the dried blood on his skin. So Surin was in a similar state of disarray.

“They were formidable, but their numbers were few. It is unlikely they would challenge the Dang Family with such a small force—they must be coordinating with a larger group.”

“A larger group… it must be the Hwe Cheon Alliance.”

Dang Cheonhwa deduced the truth instantly.

“I received word they dispatched forces to assist the Emei Sect. They are likely seizing this moment while our defenses are perceived as thin.”

“Arrogant fools. I will ensure they regret this oversight. Clan Leader.”

Dang Cheonhwa addressed Dang Yu.

“I am here, Uncle.”

“Verify the situation at once. Confirm if an intrusion has truly occurred, as our friend suggests…”

The sentence went unfinished.

The crowd began to stir as a man, covered in gore, ran toward them in a state of panic.

“I-invaders! We are under attack!”

Before his words could settle, the air was filled with the sound of distant wailing.

“Enemies!”

“Flee for your lives!”

As the chaos erupted, Dang Cheonhwa’s body blurred, moving forward like a streak of lightning.

As they led the Dang Family’s elite out of the training grounds, they were met with the sight of dozens of Dangga Fortress residents lying dead.

While most of the populace possessed a foundation in martial arts, they were no match for attackers specifically targeting the Dang Family.

“Cease this!”

Dang Cheonhwa’s voice boomed like a crack of thunder. In the same motion, he released a volley of hidden weapons toward the assailants hounding the fleeing civilians.

The steel projectiles curved through the air with lethal precision, bypassing the panicked residents.

Dang Cheonhwa expected the strike to be decisive, but the primary target reacted with startling speed, sweeping his blade across his torso to knock the hidden weapons aside.

Dang Cheonhwa’s brow furrowed. Even though he was fatigued from his bout with the Sword Empress and hadn’t used his full strength, the ease with which his projectiles were neutralized was concerning.

As the Dang Family’s primary warriors gathered behind him, the chaotic attackers pulled back and organized themselves into a battle formation.

There were over a hundred of them—two-thirds draped in gold vestments, the remainder in deep crimson.

“You dogs… from Thunderclap Temple.”

At Dang Cheonhwa’s accusation, the ranks of the golden-robed monks split, and So Binta stepped forward with measured strides.

“Are you the one they call the Poison Ghost?”

Dang Cheonhwa squared his shoulders, radiating pride.

“I am. Poison Ghost Dang Cheonhwa stands before you.”

“Where is the Sword Empress?”

So Binta scanned the area until his eyes landed on the cold visage of Neung Sohwa.

“So, you are the Sword Empress wench.”

Neung Sohwa’s expression grew even darker as So Binta looked her over with a disgusting, predatory leer. The sensation was like a viper sliding across her skin.

So Binta was internally surprised to see the Sword Empress looking so capable, but seeing his subordinate easily deflect Dang Cheonhwa’s opening move convinced him that the prior duel had exhausted them.

He felt confident. Even if the Sword Empress were at full strength, he believed his numbers were superior, especially since the core of the Dang Family had left to support the Emei Sect. He saw no path to failure.

“Do you comprehend the magnitude of your crimes?”

Dang Cheonhwa’s gaze burned with a desire for vengeance as he looked upon the fallen residents.

“None of you shall draw breath by sunset.”

A mocking grin appeared on So Binta’s face.

“Those were the very words I intended for you. This day marks the end of the Dang Family’s legacy.”

The monks of Thunderclap Temple roared in a show of force.

In contrast, the members of Demon Buddha Temple seemed uneasy—particularly the leaders, Yo Gong and Yo Un, who appeared visibly shaken.

“How… why are those terrors here?”

“Sect Leader, if my eyes do not deceive me… are those not the leaders of the Divine Demon Division?”

“It appears so.”

“What business do they have with the Dang Family?”

Yo Un’s voice was brittle with fear.

“I cannot say. Why would they be here of all places?”

Yo Gong shook his head, his composure failing.

So Binta noticed their agitation immediately.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“Elder, observe those men standing there.”

Clicking his tongue at Yo Gong’s cowardice, So Binta looked in the direction he pointed.

“Who do they think…”

So Binta’s voice died in his throat.

‘That gaze…’

When he locked eyes with Sima Geon, a cold shiver raced down his spine. His fingers tightened instinctively around his staff.

“Identify them.”

“They are the Division Leader and Deputy Leader of the Divine Demon Division.”

Yo Gong trembled as he spoke.

“Hmm.”

A low grunt escaped So Binta.

These were the monsters responsible for the destruction of Demon Buddha Temple—the figures who had consolidated the demonic factions and were feared as top-tier masters.

He had previously dismissed the stories as mere myth, but their aura told a different story.

And it wasn’t just the leader.

Beside him stood a mountain of a man with a terrifying smile.

‘The Deputy Leader, Diamond Yaksha.’

While he didn’t possess the same chilling intensity as Sima Geon, Cheol Woo’s physical presence was overwhelming.

“Hey, you old monk!”

Cheol Woo’s shout provoked the Thunderclap disciples to prepare for a charge.

So Binta struck the ground with his staff to hold them back, hiding his own growing dread behind a mask of arrogance.

“State your business, Diamond Yaksha.”

“Ho! So you’ve heard of me. Heh heh! My reputation has reached all the way to Thunderclap Temple. Excellent. Regardless, on our trek here, we ran into a bunch of baldies wearing the same rags you are.”

So Binta’s pupils contracted sharply.

He had been concerned about the delay of his backup from the temple, and hearing Cheol Woo mention them sent a bolt of anxiety through him.

“You… you encountered them?”

“I did. How many were there again?”

Cheol Woo glanced back, and Manchu answered without hesitation.

“Thirty-five. Thirty-six if you count the one from Demon Buddha Temple.”

“Right. They claimed they were just visiting Dangga Fortress to see the sights. It was quite a joke.”

“What did you do to them?”

Cheol Woo acted as if he hadn’t heard the question.

“Can you believe the nerve? They smelled of blood yet told lies that wouldn’t fool a stray dog…”

“I demanded to know what happened to them!”

As So Binta’s voice rose to a scream, Cheol Woo’s grin widened.

“What do you think? I broke their necks, every last one.”

“Absurd lies! There is no way they would fall to—”

“They put up a decent fight, actually. They managed to ruin my favorite clothes.”

So Binta looked at Cheol Woo’s shredded garments, realizing the violence that must have occurred. The realization hit him: the blood on those clothes belonged to his brethren.

“Amitabha!”

A low, wrathful chant vibrated in So Binta’s chest.

He slowly hoisted his staff, his killing intent radiating outward in waves.

“Kill them all. Leave no one alive!”

At his command, the Thunderclap disciples surged forward.

The Demon Buddha Temple disciples, though terrified of Sima Geon and Cheol Woo, joined the charge with desperate shouts—though they notably avoided getting too close to the demonic pair.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Father, it is I.”

Recognizing Jong Yo’s voice, Blood Slaughter Papa gestured for his servant to depart.

Jong Yo entered the room, his face taut with tension.

“I was informed there was a council. What has transpired?”

Blood Slaughter Papa, who had been starting his meal, looked up with concern.

“I had to leave for a pressing matter. We must prepare ourselves.”

“Prepare for what?”

Blood Slaughter Papa’s expression turned grim.

“It is as we feared. Demon Buddha Temple and Thunderclap Temple are moving forward with their schemes.”

“Yes. A moment ago, it was confirmed that reinforcements from the Qingcheng Sect and the Dang Family have been spotted nearby.”

“It must be total bedlam. Those fools.”

Blood Slaughter Papa mocked the Hwe Cheon leadership.

“They remain ignorant—and they will stay that way. The scouts were actually members of the Ghost Gate Clan.”

“A brilliant stroke!”

Blood Slaughter Papa couldn’t help but cheer.

“The siege of the Emei Sect commences at dawn tomorrow. We will seal all four approach paths and strike simultaneously.”

“At last, we leave this miserable temple behind. What is our assigned route?”

“We are to cross Phoenix Ridge.”

“That is a treacherous path. I thought we were meant to hold the rear?”

“That was the original intent, but the mood in the council chamber has changed. They are growing suspicious. Placing untrusted units in the back won’t satisfy them anymore. It is better for us to be at the vanguard.”

“That limits our options for evasion. Phoenix Ridge is a primary assault point—will we be alone?”

“There may be other units, but they will be few. We will take care of them when the opportunity arises.”

Blood Slaughter Papa took a nervous breath at Jong Yo’s cold calculation.

“As I said before…”

“Strategist.”

“What is it?”

“The council requests your presence back in the hall immediately.”

“I am coming.”

Jong Yo stood up.

“Do not worry, return to your duties. I have everything under control.”

After sharing a meaningful look with Blood Slaughter Papa, Jong Yo offered a respectful bow.

“I will see you at daybreak.”

Once Jong Yo had departed, Blood Slaughter Papa fell into a deep silence, beginning to move with quiet purpose.