Chapter 752: Reform (Reform)

Kkwa-deu-deuk-!!

Kwang-!!

Energy bursts forth as if exploding.

An aura that seemed to contain decades of time. The sword energy born from that aura repeatedly struck the barrier.

Kwang-! Kwang-kwang-! Kkwa-deu-deuk–!!

Slashes erupted.

Countless flashes appeared, as if trying to tear the barrier apart somehow, but

Seu-eu-eu-!

No matter how fiercely the internal energy surged, the barrier remained unchanged.

“Damn it-!”

The martial artist who had been swinging his sword continuously spat out curses.

He had already used over half his internal energy, yet the situation remained unclear.

Moreover, it wasn’t as if he was the only one. He had to glance sideways and catch his breath heavily.

‘…Even Chilcheol Samgwon couldn’t break that…!!’

Mount Hua’s Plum Blossom Immortal.

Wudang’s Sword Immortal.

Even the Martial Alliance’s Sword Emperor.

Not only were there people from renowned families and prestigious sects, but also three of the so-called Ten Great Masters of the Central Plains.

Even if all of them combined their strength, it was impossible to cut through that barrier.

“What in the world are you guys doing out there!”

“…P-please do something, quickly.”

From behind, the caravan leaders, their faces pale, urged the martial artists on. They seemed to know how strange this situation was.

What in the world could have happened?

“…Hmmmm.”

The Plum Blossom Immortal, who had been scattering crimson sword energy, frowned and stroked his beard. Then, he spoke to the Sword Immortal beside him.

“It seems this isn’t just a simple barrier.”

“…”

Nod.

The Sword Emperor also nodded in agreement. Several full-power slashes. The gathered individuals’ cultivation levels were not low either. With this level of power, even the Three Venerables wouldn’t have been able to block it. Yet, even after taking all of that, the barrier showed no signs of wavering; rather, its light seemed to intensify. At this point, anyone not a fool could figure it out.

“It’s the domain of a formation, or perhaps a barrier.”

“That means it can’t be solved with brute force. Then, U-bong. Do you see anything?”

The Plum Blossom Immortal, who had been unleashing power, instead of joining the fray, had been observing the barrier, turning to the elder. He asked the question towards U-bong Chwi-gae, the leader of the Beggars’ Sect, but

“I am observing… I am only observing.”

“So you haven’t figured anything out at all. You’re completely useless.”

“…”

At the Plum Blossom Immortal’s barbed words, U-bong Chwi-gae let out a groan…! While it was true, he felt unfairly treated.

“This Taoist bastard… How much do you think I know about formations to be giving me grief?”

“You were just staring without using any strength, so I thought maybe you knew something. But that wasn’t the case either.”

“I’m not involved in this… Ah, right! The Wind Dragon Commander. What is that old geezer doing?”

The one precisely in charge of this. The Wind Dragon Commander, Bi-ma-pa Yeo-seon, who was responsible for the formations throughout the entire Alliance. Since her presence would be helpful, he urgently asked the Sword Immortal.

Then, the Sword Immortal replied with a contorted face.

“Since the situation has occurred, she should arrive shortly.”

Even as he answered, the Sword Immortal looked around.

-Uuaaaaaa-!

-I have to get out…! I have to get out! Move aside!!

Beyond the barrier, the chaotic situation was visible. People caught in the confusion, having lost their bearings, were creating a mess. The scene of the martial arts festival, hailed as the greatest ever, collapsing. The Sword Immortal, witnessing this, clenched his fists.

Ppu-deu-deuk.

A rough sound echoed from his tightly clenched fists. The Sword Immortal’s emotions were churning just as much.

‘What in the world is going on.’

Something unusual had happened. How could this have happened?

‘Is it an attack? From where and how?’

What kind of fool would attack Ha-nam. Especially a place where the Alliance headquarters was located? Right now, all forces should be deployed. If one were to attack, shouldn’t they have avoided this timing at least?

Moreover.

‘How did they appear?’

What method did they use to cause this incident so suddenly?

‘Surely the Wind Dragon Commander was constantly checking the formations.’

Although forces were abundant, danger still lurked. Therefore, not only were patrols conducted continuously, but formations were also set up everywhere to prevent attacks. Even if they had breached the perimeter, they should have been detected by the formations.

Could it be.

‘Did the Wind Dragon Commander betray us?’

It was a plausible suspicion. The Wind Dragon Commander was in charge of overseeing the formations in the entire Alliance territory. If she had betrayed them, this phenomenon would be possible. Especially since there had been reports of the Wind Dragon Commander’s recent behavior being strange, this was a possibility.

‘…Could it be. Is that why she hasn’t appeared?’

The reason she hadn’t shown up even with the situation like this. If the reason was the Wind Dragon Commander’s betrayal, then it was a fitting explanation.

‘Kkeu-deuk.’

Emotions welled up in the Sword Immortal’s eyes. The situation, bursting and tangled. Why did it happen now? Of all times, when he was the Alliance Leader. Intense emotions surged. He had to resolve it somehow. Somehow, for his own future. Thinking thus, the Sword Immortal desperately tried to recall a method when

“You all look like rats trapped in a jar.”

A voice echoed from the air. Everyone inside the barrier immediately looked up. They all looked in the direction of the voice simultaneously.

“It’s truly a fitting sight.”

Seu-eu-eu.

Against the backdrop of the sky filled with dark clouds, crimson lines began to connect. Below that. An old man wearing a black robe could be seen slowly descending. For an old man, he possessed a well-balanced physique. In one hand, he clutched a heavy blunt weapon. The old man, floating in the air, looked at the people gathered beyond the barrier and lifted the corners of his mouth.

“So, how does it feel to be trapped in a well? I’m truly curious.”

“…”

At his words, everyone realized. That this old man was the perpetrator of the current situation.

“…W-who are you!”

“How dare you do this without knowing who we are! Let us out immediately–!”

Just as the caravan leaders who were gathered there raised their voices upon seeing the culprit. Plum blossom petals shot out and covered their mouths. It was the Plum Blossom Immortal’s doing. It was dangerous to provoke the opponent. He had acted based on that judgment. Immediately after covering their mouths, the Plum Blossom Immortal looked at the old man and spoke in a calm voice.

“I am Do-hwa, the 16th Sect Leader of Mount Hua Sect.”

“Plum Blossom Immortal. I know you well. It is an honor to see someone so great.”

“You don’t seem to be someone I know… May I ask for your name?”

“Kkeul-kkeul-kkeul…”

At the Plum Blossom Immortal’s words, the old man chuckled.

“An introduction… An introduction is good… Yes, you must know who made you all like this!”

He let out a dry, withered voice, then

Hu-ung-!

He raised his blunt weapon.

“I forgot my name long ago. But I have never forgotten my essence. So I shall introduce myself like this.”

Eyes filled with resentment and anger. The old man, with such eyes, looked beyond the barrier and said.

“I am a descendant of the Zhuge family, whom you framed and cast aside.”

At the old man’s introduction, those inside the barrier reacted intensely.

“…What!?”

“Je, Zhuge…?”

“If it’s Zhuge… Could it be.”

Zhuge Family. In the past, not only did it belong to the orthodox sects. It was called one of the Five Great Families and was a pillar of the orthodox sects, but it was a family that fell after being discovered coveting evil powers in secret from the Martial Alliance. Does that old man mean he is a survivor of that Zhuge Family?

“How is it? How does it feel when those you thought you had framed and erased come back to life and point swords at your throats?”

“Framed? What do you mean, framed?”

“The Zhuge Family clearly…”

Evil powers. Specifically, it was known to have coveted and followed the power of the Blood Demon, who caused the past bloodbath. Is he saying that was a frame-up? As everyone wore expressions of bewilderment at his incomprehensible words.

“Yes, it happened a long time ago. And for the orthodox sects, it’s something they desperately wanted to hide… so they must have erased it without leaving any records.”

The old man frowned, seemingly displeased with their reaction.

“However, we who fell into hell remember.”

Gu-gu-gu-gung—!!

The vibration began to grow stronger.

“Even if you who abandoned us have forgotten, we remember. How could we forget? It was such a painful memory! How could you possibly tell us to forget–!!”

His roar-like outburst caused his internal energy to erupt.

Hu-wa-ak–!!

-Kya-a-ak-!

-Uuaaaaaa–!!!

This was to the extent that it could harm those who had not yet escaped the Alliance. The old man’s anger was that intense. The Wudang Sword Immortal, facing him, took a step forward and addressed him.

“So, you did this?”

At the Sword Immortal’s words, the old man looked at him.

“Sword Immortal, you are the leader of this rotten Martial Alliance. The most incompetent and useless leader.”

The Sword Immortal’s brow furrowed at the accusatory words. However, now was not the time to argue about it.

“I know nothing of the Zhuge family’s affairs. However, I understand that it was a frame-up, as you say, and you are angry and seeking revenge. But is what you are doing now truly justifiable revenge?”

Regardless of what the past Alliance had done. The Sword Immortal was asking if it was right to take revenge on the people here and now. While it might seem like a sound argument to some.

“So, are you asking me to forgive you? If that were the case, I wouldn’t have stepped forward like this.”

It was words that wouldn’t work on the old man.

“…This place isn’t just for people of the Martial Alliance; there are civilians here who were not involved in the events back then. If you’re going to seek revenge, perhaps…!”

“I know. Yes, reform always requires sacrifice.”

“…Does that mean you intend to harm those who weren’t involved?”

“Haha.”

The old man burst into laughter at the words spat out by the enraged Sword Immortal.

“How amusing, Alliance Leader.”

“What’s so amusing?”

“It’s amusing how you talk as if that’s the problem. Since when did you. No, since when did you people care about such things?”

“…What do you mean-“

“Look.”

Cutting off the Sword Immortal, the old man gestured broadly. Past those in utter chaos far away, he pointed towards the crowd gathered around the barrier.

“With the situation like this, where are cooperation and justice?”

-Moveeeeee-!! I said move!!

-Kkwa-a-a-!!!

-Run away—!!

Was it the old man’s power that was the problem? The already chaotic surroundings were filled with screams. And yet, even amidst that.

-Save the Alliance Leader-!

-Break the barrier-! We must rescue the Sect Leader!!

-Attack-! An attack has occurred…!

-Commander-! Support the battle for now…!

-The Alliance Leader is over there right now!! Send the others and deal with this barrier first! Damn it! What is the Wind Dragon Force doing!

Pointing at the disheveled martial artists, the old man continued to laugh. Is this truly the appearance of orthodox martial artists who claim to protect civilians? Nothing is being done properly. The strange thing was, the martial artists below seemed unaware of the old man’s presence.

“Is this the discipline and justice you spoke of? Is this what you protected while hiding your rotten roots?”

“This is the world you built while struggling just to hold onto your positions.”

“Therefore, do not simply call this revenge against you.”

The old man continued, glaring at the Sword Immortal.

“This is the punishment (懲罰) we are delivering upon you.”

Gu-gu-gu-gu-gung—!!!

The vibration grew larger amidst the dark clouds. From within that gap, the old man spat out words as if passing judgment upon the barrier. Everyone inside wore expressions of panic and anger.

‘Yes.’

Seeing that, the old man felt exhilaration.

‘That’s it.’

That’s the expression. The expressions he had worn his entire life. And it was the expression he desperately wanted to make you wear.

‘How does it feel?’

How does it feel to feel only despair, unable to do anything? How does it feel to fully experience the emotions we have felt?

It’s thrilling. It felt truly good.

‘Not much time left now.’

The situation was only moments away from disaster. That barrier cannot be broken by force unless its weakness is known. If one were to try and break it with force, immense energy would be required. Even if the strongest gathered, that strength would still be insufficient.

‘So, stay quietly trapped in the jar and watch hell.’

And be swept away and disappear in the storm I have unleashed. Just as the old man was feeling exhilaration while thinking this.

U-ung.

“…!”

The old man quickly twisted his body away. In that instant.

Tu-u-ung–!!!

Immense internal energy grazed the spot where the old man had been.

Ku-a-a-a-!!! An explosion erupted in the air.

It was a sudden attack.

Who is it?

The old man looked at his opponent with panicked eyes.

“Are you the mastermind behind this attack?”

A giant with a gruff voice came into view. He was a middle-aged man wearing a yellow robe.

“I am the head of the Hwang-bo Family. Hwang-bo Yeol-wi.”

“…”

What is this?

The old man was flustered. Not only did he attack him, but he was also looking directly at him. It was an impossible situation. That’s because…

‘Surely, the spell is activating properly.’

‘How…?’

How could that guy see him? It was certainly a puzzling matter.

However.

“From now on.”

It wasn’t a situation where one could ponder such questions.

“I, Maeng-ho-gu-kwon Hwang-bo Yeol-wi, shall punish evil (惡) in the name of the orthodox sects.”

Hwang-bo Yeol-wi leaped after finishing his words and charged at the old man. At that sight, the old man quickly swung his blunt weapon.

U-u-u-ung—!!!

Internal energy clashed with internal energy, and waves erupted.

Ku-a-a-a-!!!

-Uuaaaaaaak!! What is this–!!

-S-save meeee—!!!

While everyone screamed in shock. The old man, who had been deflecting the attack, suddenly narrowed his eyes. Was it a mistake? The eyes of the person who introduced himself as the Hwang-bo Family Head. Somehow, they seemed to glow purple.

---

Ku-ung-!! Kung-kung-!!

Impacts repeatedly erupted, shaking the ceiling. It seemed the plan had begun.

Ku-a-a-a–!!

The impact was so strong that the sound could be heard even from this relatively distant location. Was it a problem that I had ordered them to be as violent as possible? It seemed a bit excessive, but…

‘That should be fine.’

It was actually a good situation, so I didn’t bother paying attention and moved forward.

Ttu-beok.

I passed through a dark and murky space. It was a space where one could barely sense any presence. It was a space that originally had few presences, but perhaps due to the incident, it felt even sparser. Or perhaps.

‘Those who were here have disappeared.’

Originally, there were people, but now, they might have disappeared by someone else’s hand. As I thought this and moved forward.

“…”

I arrived before a door. Even if it wasn’t this door, there were several more, but my objective was here, so there was no need to go further. Without hesitation, I ripped the door open.

Kka-deu-deuk.

The iron door was ripped off as if shattering.

Kung-!

The scene beyond the broken door came into view. Seeing that, my eyes slightly narrowed.

Ttuk.

Ttuk…!

Not only were there unpleasant sounds, but a faint, fishy scent brushed past my nose. The scent of blood. A strong smell of blood.

Chal-bak.

As I stepped forward, a damp floor greeted me. It wasn’t water. The floor was entirely filled with blood. Not only that. There were corpses everywhere, torn and mangled. Some faces were caved in, as if hit by a blunt weapon. Others were torn in half, their upper and lower bodies ripped apart. The number of those slaughtered like this exceeded ten. I clicked my tongue slightly at the gruesome sight.

“You really went wild, didn’t you.”

As I muttered with a look of disgust, I sensed a presence ahead. Ahead, in the center of the puddle made of humans. Someone was kneeling on one knee there. Dark green hair. He wore prisoner’s clothes signifying a criminal, and though his arms and legs were bound by chains, they seemed insufficient to restrain the man.

Tuk.

Something caught on my toe. I looked down to confirm it was a human neck. And it looked like it had been ripped off by hand. Come to think of it, that face looks familiar? As I stared for a moment at the familiar appearance.

“It’s the neck of the First Dragon Commander.”

A voice came from ahead, as if informing me.

“That’s right. It was him.”

I wondered where I’d seen it before, so that’s what it was. My curiosity is finally satisfied. My interest gone, I immediately walked past the neck and towards the man. I felt no further interest.

“How’s your body?”

“There are no problems.”

As if to prove his words, the man stood up.

Gu-gu-gu.

As he slowly stood up, his height seemed endless. Every time I see him, I feel it, but he has such a massive physique. His skin is covered in scars. Most of them show signs of age, but a few seem to be recent. They seemed to be scars from recent torture.

“Looking at your limbs, it seems your ligaments are torn. Are you okay?”

“They regenerated.”

“Then that’s fine.”

I asked, even though I already knew. Well, if they hadn’t regenerated, he wouldn’t have been able to turn the surroundings into this state. Nodding in understanding, I took out clothes from my pocket and threw them to the man.

Dang-deok took the clothes and immediately unfolded them.

Peol-leok-!

Black martial attire. It was the same style as the clothes worn by Pil-du-ma. Seeing that, Dang-deok grinned widely. He seemed to understand what this meant. Seeing him put it on immediately without being told, he seemed extremely excited. It feels like I’m seeing that bastard smile for the first time in years. Ugh, how disgusting.

“When you go out, someone in yellow will have your weapon ready, so find it yourself.”

“Yes.”

“And… never mind. It seems you wouldn’t listen even if I said more.”

Dang-deok’s eyes were already glazed over. There was no point in saying anything more, and anyway, there was only one thing left to say. Words of encouragement aren’t necessary either. What he wanted wasn’t that…

“Go and cause chaos.”

Kung-!!

This must have been it. As soon as the words left my mouth, Dang-deok passed me and broke through the wall.

…Kkwa-deu-deuk. U-reung–!!

The sound of him breaking everything and leaving could be heard from afar. I had to let out a slight sigh at that sound.

‘…Is he really okay?’

I had given him a few instructions not to do things before, but seeing his condition, I doubted if he would keep them. If I could, I’d want to follow him and control him, but…

‘I have a lot to do on this side too.’

Chal-bak.

I ignored Dang-deok for now and walked further. Where Dang-deok had originally been. Behind that, there was a space.

“Found it.”

There was what I was looking for. No, more precisely, the person I was looking for was there. I spotted a person, bent down, and met their eyes.

“…H-hkeu-eu-…”

Both arms hung limply, appearing broken. And the old woman’s ligaments seemed torn, her condition looking quite bad. It was none other than the Wind Dragon Commander, Bi-ma-pa Yeo-seon.

“Nice to meet you. I was wondering where you were, and here you are? I’ve been looking for you for a while.”

“…H-h-h-eu-eu-…”

She trembled violently, as if overcome by fear. Watching the old woman’s state through my mask, I spoke to her.

“It’s not for any particular reason, but I have one request for you.”

Naturally.

“Will you do it for me?”

I had no intention of giving her the option to refuse.