Chapter 502: Chapter 502

A quiet mountain path cut through the forest.

This was an official road avoided by commoners, as one could never predict what kind of misfortune might befall them here. The road was narrow, and the bare winter branches jutted out like blades, but to those who had mastered Grass on Water Flight, this terrain was no different from a well-paved staircase.

Moreover, it was one of the paths leading to Ipwang Fortress, making it a strategic point contested by warlords, foreign powers, and great sects alike.

Right in the middle of that path, a scar-riddled middle-aged man stood with his eyes closed. Suddenly, he threw his scabbard to the ground and, gripping only his sword, broke into a sprint.

His coarse, dark blue martial robes rippled wildly in the strong wind, and as the opposing wind intensified, so did the speed of Blue-Clad Warrior Hong Jugeom.

His footwork incorporated the mysteries of Wind Deity, a movement technique unique to the Seomye Martial Vein of Ipwang Fortress.

With no leaves to fill the forest, the mountain path was left bare, swept by the chilling wind. Hong Jugeom surged forward like a tailwind, but before long, three figures had begun to pursue him, matching his speed.

At that very moment, events began unfolding simultaneously on all four fronts of Ipwang Fortress.

"You’re mimicking the Ming bloodline. The intel was accurate."

The foremost pursuer spoke in a curious tone.

She was clad in a white cotton robe over a pale green battle dress, with long black hair flowing down to her waist. As she raced forward using her Light Body Technique, the strands of her hair rippled in the wind, contrasting sharply against her pale skin.

Her sharp gaze, enhanced by her activated visual technique, fixated on Hong Jugeom’s back as she relentlessly pounded the ground.

With a single light step, she shot forward over three yards, rapidly closing the distance to her target.

This woman was none other than Hwayeonbi, the top disciple of Murim Dragon Society’s Leader, and one of the squad captains assigned to lead the covert strike against Ipwang Fortress in the so-called Annihilation War of Ipwang Fortress.

Her task: to shatter Ipwang Fortress’s last intelligence network after the gates had been sealed with only a minimal force left inside.

Meanwhile, an old man in yellow robes, following her leisurely with his hands clasped behind his back, gestured toward Hong Jugeom with his chin.

"That must be the Seomye Martial Vein?"

"Yes, that’s Hong Jugeom of the Annihilation Division. Judging by his movements, he must have received direct instruction from the Great Master. Clearly, Yeoryeong’s intelligence wasn’t falsified this time."

There was an air of certainty in her insight. Her words could only be spoken by someone who had completely seen through her opponent’s limits.

—The practitioners of One Lineage humbly pay respects to the Grand Master.

The martial artist who heralded the rise of Seomye Martial Vein.

It was an anecdote spread by the high-ranking officials and merchants residing in Ipwang Fortress at the time.

A white-clad man, also using Light Body Technique to carve through the wind alongside Hwayeonbi and the yellow-robed old man, suddenly spoke.

"Didn’t you encounter Yeonhwa Nata on the day the Namgung Clan's direct descendants perished? You speak of intelligence as if it were new."

"The one I met was a mere Post-Nine-Rank Genius, not one of the Five Peerless Swords of the Martial World. Those two are different people."

She replied languidly.

"A great master of a single lineage affects a Life-and-Death Duel even in their absence. A living teaching is just that. When dealing with a martial lineage like theirs, it’s only right to examine every detail."

"...Is that so? But according to Yeoryeong’s reports, Ipwang Fortress’s main stronghold currently has not a single supreme expert remaining... It’s no different from a pavilion built on a sand dune, is it not?"

The white-clad martial artist countered.

It was a response reflective of the Murim Dragon Society’s unique ethos.

They prioritized martial brotherhood over blood ties, breaking one of the most sacred taboos of the martial world by freely sharing martial arts. As the Thirteen Heavens of Murim Dragon Society, they freely posed questions and sought answers that they themselves could accept.

The gust created by Hong Jugeom’s movement began to make the robes of the Murim Dragon Society’s masters flutter.

The distance had narrowed to just over ten yards. Now, they were within reach.

Hwayeonbi’s lips, tinged a deep red from her Seven Star Completion of the Supreme Qi Art, parted slightly.

"We are currently waging war against the greatest stronghold in the world. Undoubtedly, we hold an overwhelming advantage in power, but if we grow complacent, we may suffer unexpected casualties—"

She never finished that sentence.

With her left hand raised like a sword, she channeled invisible sword wind and struck down at the back of Hong Jugeom’s neck.

Even that simple movement was enough to send a dim whirlwind splitting apart in both directions, drawing in dust along the trajectory of her hand.

Hong Jugeom’s body spun wildly like a leaf caught in a storm and was thrown backward.

However, the pursuing Murim Dragon Society masters did not smile.

Instead, they accelerated, each unleashing their fists, palms, and swords.

They had realized that Hong Jugeom had dispersed over eighty percent of the impact using Wind Deity’s Movement and Defensive Inner Strength.

A faint orange ripple burst from the shoulders of the Murim Dragon Society masters, shattering dry branches and even fracturing the ground beneath them.

The momentum-enhancing footwork shockwave amplified their next strikes.

At the same time, Hong Jugeom spun like a vortex, his sword slashing in a long, curved arc, causing an ethereal bloom of light to emerge along his path.

In that instant, Yeonhwa Nata’s sword strike, once realized in the peaks of Zhongnan Mountain, clashed against the slaying techniques of the Murim Dragon Society’s masters.

Three collisions in rapid succession.

As countless feathers of light scattered in the air, Hong Jugeom coughed up a mouthful of blood.

The ground beneath him trembled, preventing him from finding stable footing, causing him to stagger momentarily.

At the same time, the Murim Dragon Society masters surrounded Hong Jugeom and landed silently.

Since all had executed Grass on Water Flight’s movement technique, no sound was made.

In a life-or-death faction war, suppressing one’s presence was a fundamental skill.

"Would you deliver a letter for us? We have no other requests."

Hwayeonbi spoke softly.

"A letter? You lowly ruffians draw your blades first, then speak of correspondence? No doubt you intend to wield your brush like a sword."

Hong Jugeom spat out blood as he muttered, but Hwayeonbi’s smile remained unshaken.

"We sent challenge letters to Ipwang Fortress multiple times, yet the Divine Sword Corps Leader cowered in silence. Such absurd non-responses have displeased our Society Leader.

As his disciple, I intend to at least call forth Yeonhwa Nata. That’s why I ask you to deliver this letter.

Ipwang Fortress appears to be hiding its hopes of survival in a battle they cannot win... Would it not be better to settle things honorably?"

"Our Murim Dragon Society’s Leader desires a battle befitting his rank. This war has drawn the eyes of the entire martial world. We cannot allow it to end blandly."

Despite her words, she did not truly expect anything.

The remaining strength of Ipwang Fortress had already been laid bare before the world’s greatest warriors.

This Annihilation War was a grand scheme long in the making.

No matter how skilled Yeonhwa Nata was, he alone would not change the tide of war.

Hwayeonbi merely played along with decorum.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Unlike the rest of the Murim Dragon Society, who were obsessed solely with martial arts, she cared about the public eye.

"Right now, others like you, the ‘Eyes’ of Ipwang Fortress, are suffering the same fate across the land. If Hong Jugeom of Seomye Martial Vein dies in vain, how do you think Yeonhwa Nata will feel?"

Then, with a soft, feathery laugh, she concluded.

"...You Murim Dragon Society whelps."

A crooked grin formed on Hong Jugeom’s scarred face.

From the hilt of the sword in his grip, the distinct Sword Qi of the Radiant Sword Flow seeped out like mist.

"Forget the three of you. Could you say the same thing if you were alone?"

Hwayeonbi’s command was smooth.

Unlike the yellow-robed old man who remained relaxed with his hands behind his back, the white-clad martial artist reacted instantly to her words.

He aimed to slice through Hong Jugeom’s crown with a short, precise downward strike.

A flash of reddish-orange gleamed along the sword’s controlled trajectory.

A small shockwave erupted, and the blade was suddenly deflected sideways.

There was no sound, no visible energy wave.

Someone had surged in at lightning speed and struck with their knee.

The intruder’s blue robes fluttered in midair before they landed smoothly, standing firmly in front of Hong Jugeom.

He was a noble young man with strong, striking eyes.

He was quite tall, and his smooth cheeks bore signs of an upbringing in luxury. His face still carried the softness of youth.

"Senior Hong Jugeom."

A boy, nearly a young man, opened his mouth to speak.

"Now I understand why the order to retreat was given. The main fortress will not open its gates for some time. Right now, it wouldn't be surprising if that place had already turned into a battlefield."

"The young master of the Ma family, I see. Where are the bodyguards who always followed you? Did you leave them behind and come alone?"

Hong Jugeom, gripping his sword properly, asked.

"...This is war. What does rank or status matter now?"

The boy—Ma Se-in of the Ipwang Ma Family—spoke with an oddly hoarse voice. Then, without another word, he unsheathed the Ipwang Sword from his waist with a metallic whisper.

Hwayeonbi's brows furrowed.

"That earlier movement..."

"It’s Unified Eye Technique," the elderly Huangsan man murmured, stroking his wrinkled chin. "I’ve already seen a few of the Ipwang fortress men use it, but his technique is slightly different. Much more refined. It’s worth studying."

Upon hearing this, Ma Se-in's face hardened quickly.

The elderly man, dressed in scholarly robes suited for the sweltering heat, was standing there, completely unbothered by the winter chill.

His appearance was gentle.

His demeanor seemed leisurely and indifferent, but the fact that he was present in this place at all was the real problem.

He was Beoncheon-no, the Grand Protector of Murim Dragon Society, someone who should have long since withdrawn from the council of elders. Within the ranks of Ipwang Fortress, his presence here was as outrageous as if Ak Su-rim, decades in the future, were still acting as the commander of the Divine Sword Corps despite having retired.

Beoncheon-no smiled faintly.

"Don’t mind this old man. Do you really think I would exchange blows with you in earnest?"

"Rather, it would be wiser for you to prepare for the chaotic tides of battle that you will soon face. As has always been the case with war throughout history, the fate of Yangyang will change countless times in the blink of an eye."

The aura of Beoncheon-no was nothing like his words. The more his aged voice carried on, the heavier the pressure rising from his body became.

The dust rolling faintly along the ground was suddenly flattened under an unnatural force, and both Ma Se-in and Hong Jugeom had to summon their Qi to resist the crushing weight.

"They said he mainly trained in orthodox martial arts, but...!"

There were only two possibilities.

These maniacs were openly stealing martial arts manuals and casually discussing it as if it were some intellectual debate. Of course, there was nothing they wouldn't dare do.

Ma Se-in clenched his eyes wide open, channeling his energy step technique to shed the pressure off his body.

"Yes, this is indeed a great war between the highest factions of Murim," Beoncheon-no continued, his voice calm and even. "The upcoming battles will be unpredictable."

As he finished speaking, Beoncheon-no suddenly stretched both arms toward the sky.

At that instant, massive ripples spread out in two points above him, like waves on a lake. Then, at the exact centers of these impact points, two things emerged—a single blue blade and a pair of metallic boots glistening as if bathed in polished steel.

Figures dressed in black cloaks billowed through the air.

In the span of a single breath, Ipwang Fortress’s Blue Sky Commander and Mugeuk Battle Master each launched a deadly strike.

The ground caved in a massive circular depression.

It happened in an instant.

The air currents, which had turned into a raging storm, crashed into the ground over and over again, producing an ear-splitting frictional sound.

Ma Se-in, who had immediately unleashed his footwork to escape the force, was the first to break free from the pressure.

He was a blue-ranked warrior.

"To the main fortress!"

With a thunderous shout, he swung his sword horizontally, forcing Hwayeonbi and the man in white back.

He had already understood the intent of the two Commanders.

The Blue Sky Commander and the Mugeuk Battle Master were an elite strike force sent to recover the last remaining warriors of the main fortress.

With the relay transmission of Baekseok Warrior Ma Ung, Ipwang Fortress had ultimately decided to retrieve its scattered forces throughout Yangyang.

"We have to move fast...!"

Ma Se-in turned swiftly, slamming his foot into the ground alongside Hong Jugeom.

They had no time to waste.

Yangyang had long since turned into a land where terrifying beings roamed.

Unfathomable entities, known as the absolute masters of Murim, wandered freely.

The master of Dream Moon, clad in both exquisite and tattered robes, roamed the streets of Yangyang as if they owned the place.

Green Forest Cavalry, never taking detours, crushed martial sects and villages alike in a straight path, drawing ever closer to the main fortress.

Haeil Kwoncheon, the Fist Master of Ten Thousand Tides, had already crippled Celestial Grove Commander’s left arm with a single strike. And as if that wasn’t enough, he had evaporated all the defensive waterways surrounding the fortress before leisurely announcing that he would return "when things got interesting."

These events had all taken place recently.

Meanwhile, the martial artists of Murim Dragon Society were still scattered across the outskirts of the fortress, engaging in battles at multiple fronts.

The top leaders of several major sects had already arrived and were planting their oppressive presence in preparation for a prolonged siege.

The Yangyang winter winds were disturbingly dry.

The Grand Command Headquarters had determined that the war would officially begin the moment the Green Forest Cavalry’s full martial forces arrived.

"If we delay any longer..."

There was no telling when one of the Thirteen Heavens—the natural disasters of Murim—would arrive.

Ma Se-in was not a fool.

Rather than attempting to assist the Commanders and becoming a burden, it was smarter to retreat where he could be more useful.

"Two Commanders at once... that's overwhelming. Especially Mugeuk... I didn’t expect you to join the combined attack."

Beoncheon-no’s voice faded behind them.

Ma Se-in stomped against the earth even harder, pushing his speed to the limit.

But his expression only grew darker.

An overwhelming presence, like a massive explosion of condensed fire, unleashed a monstrous ripple of energy.

It was as if a volcano had erupted.

An impossible opponent.

The phrase surfaced in his mind immediately.

The aura and Qi fluctuations were identical to the descriptions of Murim Dragon Society's Master given by the Grand Command Headquarters.

"Is this really martial arts created by a human?"

Was this what an absolute master truly was?

"They’re going to strike! It’s already too late!"

Hong Jugeom suddenly skidded to a stop, spinning around.

Suddenly, the movements of all the warriors on the mountain path froze at once.

From those who had meticulously trained their Baihui Acupoint, to those who had only just begun sensing their Upper Dantian.

Ma Se-in, Hong Jugeom, the high-ranking warriors of Murim Dragon Society, and even the Ipwang Fortress Commanders all halted in their steps and lowered to ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) the ground.

They all turned their heads in the exact opposite direction of the aura presumed to be from the Master of Murim Dragon Society.

Each of them, as if their heads were being forcibly guided by an invisible force.

Ma Se-in felt it faintly.

Something towering far above them, like an all-seeing entity gazing down upon Yangyang from an unfathomable height.

A massive, unseen gaze locked onto them, sending a shiver down their spines.