Chapter 294 : War (2)
Chapter 294: War (2)
One of the Divine Dragon Family martial artists being dragged away as a prisoner spotted Yong Seo-hee gathering artifacts.
“Yong Seo-hee?”
As though his words were a signal, everyone nearby raised their heads. The moment they saw Yong Seo-hee, their eyes widened.
“You traitorous bitch! How dare you come here!”
“You filthy whore! You betrayed your own clan and brought enemies upon us!”
“Traitor! You damned bitch who sold out her own bloo- Ghk!”
The face of the man cursing Yong Seo-hee crumpled inward.
A member of the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division lowered his fist, then kicked away the collapsing Divine Dragon Family martial artist.
“You bastards really can’t read the mood, huh? What do you think you’re doing right now?”
“Seriously. Looks like they haven’t been beaten enough yet.”
Another Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division martial artist beat the startled prisoners. The Divine Dragon Family martial artists rolled across the ground after being struck.
“You bastards, do you even know why you’re still alive? If not for Lady Seo-hee, none of you would even be breathing right now.”
In the previous battle, fifteen members of the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division had died at Yong Cheon-myeong’s hands.
Naturally, the division originally intended to massacre every enemy in this battle to avenge them.
In truth, exterminating enemies was not the Battle Demon Division’s style.
Usually, after a fight, they would let defeated enemies go and simply tell them to return for another battle later.
But the situation now was different.
War was not a game.
It could become cruel beyond measure.
However, Yong Seo-hee had bowed her head and begged everyone to show mercy.
She insisted that many had merely made the wrong choice, and some might have been forced into obedience against their will.
Thanks to her persuasion, those unwilling to fight or those who surrendered were taken prisoner instead.
So when the Divine Dragon Family martial artists immediately bared their fangs at Yong Seo-hee the moment they saw her, the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division could not simply stand by.
“Traitor, my ass. Are you bastards doing anything normal right now? You started a war in the Middle Heavens Murim. Even the Hundred Martial Assembly doesn’t pull this kind of shit, you bastards. Lady Seo-hee, please continue with your work.”
The Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division martial artists smiled at the flustered Yong Seo-hee.
But the moment they turned back toward the Divine Dragon Family martial artists, their expressions became terrifying once more.
“If you’re going to humiliate us like this, then I’d rather- Ghk!”
“Yeah, then just die. Go on and die.”
The Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division members kicked the prisoners around as they dragged them away.
Watching the scene, Yong Seo-hee let out a powerless laugh before hugging the communication artifact tightly and moving onward.
“How in the world does Jang Woo-hyun even control people like them?”
“Yoo-hye, what do you mean ‘Jang Woo-hyun’ when talking about Oppa?”
“Seriously. You’re part of the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division now too, so what’s with calling Hyung-nim by name?”
At the criticisms from Yong Seo-hee and Jin Ha-un, Gun Yoo-hye stopped walking.
“Hm? Why?”
She stared blankly at Yong Seo-hee.
“From what I heard, I’m older than Jang Woo-hyun, so what am I supposed to call him? And Unni, you’re older than Jang Woo-hyun too, so-”
Yong Seo-hee’s expression instantly stiffened, and Gun Yoo-hye stopped talking.
“It’s…… the culture…… of the cultivation world.”
Gun Yoo-hye truly could not understand Yong Seo-hee’s behavior.
She wanted to ask whether this really mattered at all, but she swallowed the words.
Yong Seo-hee’s face looked completely different from usual.
Avoiding Yong Seo-hee’s piercing gaze, Gun Yoo-hye awkwardly turned her head and muttered.
“I mean, sure, it’s not necessarily about age. Strong people are the adults. Right, if someone fights well, then they deserve to be captain. That part’s true, but still…….”
As Gun Yoo-hye rolled her eyes around, she noticed Jin Ha-un grinning beside her.
“Hey, Jin Ha-un!”
“Hm? Why me?”
“Call me Noona.”
“Out of nowhere?”
“I’m older than you. How old did you say you were again?”
“You have to actually feel like a Noona before I call you that. Besides, you’re not even stronger than me.”
“I’m weaker than you?”
“Yeah. You’ve never properly beaten me.”
“Hah! Ridiculous. Fight me again later.”
The sparks from Gun Yoo-hye’s irritation suddenly flew toward Jin Ha-un instead, and the two continued bickering uselessly for quite some time.
Leaving the two behind, Yong Seo-hee entered a building that had almost completely collapsed, leaving only its walls intact.
She set upright a table rolling across the floor, placed the artifact atop it, and began operating it.
The place she intended to contact was the house where her family was staying.
After the artifact hummed several times, someone’s voice emerged.
Before Yong Seo-hee could even say her name, the other party recognized her first.
【Young Lady? Is that really you, Young Lady?! Oh heavens! Thank goodness you’re safe! Do you know how worried we’ve been? No, wait, this isn’t the time for that. I’ll go bring Grandfather immediately, so please wait just a moment. Absolutely, absolutely do not disappear!】
The other side hurriedly poured out words before suddenly vanishing.
A moment later—
A faintly trembling voice came from the communication artifact.
【Is it really…… Seo-hee?】
Within that short question lay worry, fear, and overwhelming joy.
Yong Seo-hee knew just how tense her grandfather must have been to utter those few words.
“Yes, Grandfather. It’s me.”
【Ohh, yes. You’re safe. You’re truly safe. You’re not hurt anywhere, are you? Where are you now? You’re somewhere safe, right? Don’t worry about the family. Nothing has happened. You absolutely must not overdo things. Your safety comes first. Your safety comes second too. The most important thing is that you do not get hurt.】
Even while trapped within the house himself, Yong Woon worried only about his granddaughter.
Though she could not see his face, his feelings still reached her, and Yong Seo-hee suddenly felt choked up.
To suppress her tears, Yong Seo-hee bit her lip and repeatedly reassured him that she was doing well.
Afterward, she asked about the rest of the family.
【Do not worry about Mu-hwi. He may be confined, but he has not been seriously harmed. Although the Divine Dragon has walked the wrong path, his feelings toward the clan have not changed.】
The Heavenly Dragon Sovereign, Yong Cheon-myeong, valued his bloodline more than anyone else.
Thus, although Yong Seo-hee’s grandfather Yong Woon had been confined within the house, he was neither imprisoned in a dungeon nor restrained with sealing artifacts.
After learning that the rest of her family was safe—
Yong Seo-hee finally explained her true purpose.
When Yong Woon heard about the movements of the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division and how Jang Woo-hyun intended to confront Yong Cheon-myeong, he merely let out silent groans.
“Once the fighting truly begins, the people guarding Grandfather and the family will loosen up too. Then you’ll be able to get out as well. This is our chance. If not now, we may never be able to restore the family to normal again.”
【…….】
“Grandfather?”
Even after she finished speaking, Yong Woon remained silent for a long time.
【Seo-hee.】
The voice that came next sounded different from before.
Until now, his voice had floated lightly with emotion.
Now, it sounded firm.
He was speaking not as Yong Seo-hee’s grandfather, but as an elder of the Divine Dragon Family.
【Can you truly trust that child?】
“Yes.”
Yong Seo-hee answered immediately without the slightest hesitation.
Jang Woo-hyun was simply someone worthy of that trust.
Yong Woon was briefly startled by her swift reply, but he too quickly reached a conclusion.
【My granddaughter would not speak carelessly. Very well, I shall do as you say. As your grandfather, I should trust the eyes of our youngest child.】
“Thank you!”
【My words are not finished yet, so save your thanks for later. Seo-hee, listen carefully to what I say now. You absolutely must obey it.】
“Yes.”
【If things become dangerous, then flee without looking back. You must do so.】
Even though Yong Woon could not see her, Yong Seo-hee smiled brightly and nodded vigorously, feeling the concern in his voice.
“Yes, I will.”
【You must. Never forget that.】
Worried about his granddaughter, Yong Woon repeated his warning several times.
“Yes, don’t worry. I’ll abandon everything and run away.”
There would never be a need to flee while Jang Woo-hyun was present, but she said it anyway to reassure Yong Woon.
Besides, he would never truly believe it until seeing things with his own eyes.
Grandfather and granddaughter exchanged a few more brief words before ending the communication.
After saying farewell, Yong Seo-hee smiled to herself with satisfaction.
She had always believed she was unable to help.
But this time, it seemed she might finally be able to assist Jang Woo-hyun and the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division somehow.
And through this incident, she would likely be reunited with her family again.
Because if it was Jang Woo-hyun—
He would surely make it possible.
---
“The forces of the Beast King Sect are moving together with the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division. The Young Sect Master of the Beast King Sect and the Three Ferocious Beasts are following behind them.”
“The Five Wheels Five Elements Cult has entered the territory. Leading them is Cult Master Seo Gyeong-mu.”
“From the Sun Palace, Elder Cheok Hwa-hong and the Young Palace Master have entered. The Young Palace Master Hwa Jin-myung is said to have only recently entered the Murim, so little is known about him.”
Inside a massive conference hall—
Around a circular table, more than ten individuals continuously exchanged reports.
Strangely, every single one of them had horns protruding from their heads.
In the largest and highest seat sat a beautiful young man wearing golden dragon robes.
When he frowned slightly, everyone around him immediately fell silent and watched his mood carefully.
A youth so beautiful one might mistake him for a woman, with golden horns upon his head.
Golden Scale Dragon King Yong Wi-gun.
One of the Seventeen Emperors of the Middle Heavens Murim and the current Clan Head of the Divine Dragon Family.
The continuing reports of battle left him in a terrible mood.
“What is the Young Scale Sect doing?”
To hinder the enemy’s advance, the Divine Dragon Family had gathered numerous small and mid-sized sects centered around the Young Scale Sect, one of the factions under their control.
Quite some time had passed since they moved out, yet no further reports had arrived.
That was why Yong Wi-gun asked.
Receiving Yong Wi-gun’s gaze, the subordinate hesitated briefly before speaking.
“……They were routed by a magical treasure used from the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division’s floating fortress.”
Yong Wi-gun silently stared at him, prompting the subordinate to continue explaining.
“With a single attack from the magical treasure, nearly twenty percent of the gathered five-thousand-man force vanished. They fled immediately afterward.”
“Pathetic fools.”
Worthless insects incapable of buying even a little time.
He had not expected much from them, but he had not imagined they would prove this useless.
“We have already contacted the Sovereign Family. We received word that both the Black Blood Divine Lord and the Clan Head are moving personally.”
“If they wish to remain allies, they should at least do something. The Taiji Sect isn’t behind the enemy forces, is it?”
The only force capable of gathering all those scattered rabble together was the Three Purities Taiji Sect.
If the Taiji Sect moved directly, then entirely different measures would be required.
As much as he hated admitting it, the Taiji Sect was still the number one sect of the Middle Heavens Murim.
“We detected movement from them, but they are not heading this way. We suspect the Taiji Sect is clashing with the Demon Suppression Hall.”
“The Demon Suppression Hall? So those bastards have moved too.”
It was an unexpected variable, but for now, it was rather fortunate.
If the Demon Suppression Hall occupied the Taiji Sect, then it would be the perfect opportunity to crush the rest of the rabble.
Looking down at the table, Yong Wi-gun measured the strength of both sides.
On his side stood the Divine Dragon Family and the Sovereign Family.
Three members of the Divine Dragon Eight Swords had been imprisoned after refusing the Heavenly Dragon Sovereign’s orders.
Of the remaining five, Yong Jeok-shim had died while pursuing Yong Seo-hee and the Heavenly Escape Sword Art, while Yong Tae-shin had recently been killed by the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division.
‘Three of the Eight Swords. And excluding the confined Yong Woon, two elders.’
Three members of the Divine Dragon Eight Swords and two elders.
It was not their complete strength, but it was more than sufficient.
On the enemy’s side was merely the small organization called the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division, alongside a few martial artists from the Sun Palace.
The Beast King Sect, which could barely fend off alliances of small sects.
And the Five Wheels Five Elements Cult, battered and bloodied from the betrayal of the Spear Thunder Duke and the war against the Illusion Gate.
Even without mobilizing the full power of his clan, this battle was manageable.
No, not merely manageable—
Yong Wi-gun was confident he would win.
“What about the elders’ positions?”
“Both should arrive within two days.”
At the subordinate’s report, Yong Wi-gun nodded and rose from his seat.
“Tell them to stop these meaningless battles and gather all forces into one place. I will move personally.”
“Yes!”
At the same time, all the subordinates stood and bowed deeply as they responded.
The great clan carrying the blood of dragons.
The Clan Head of the Divine Dragon Family had begun moving personally.
---
The Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division, which had been rapidly advancing while crushing the Divine Dragon Family’s branch families and outposts, soon noticed a sudden change in the enemy’s atmosphere.
The Divine Dragon Family’s forces stopped defending individual territories and instead gathered together in one location.
In response, the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division slowed its advance and prepared for a proper war.
This was no longer a mere raid.
It had become a full-scale battle.
When the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division withdrew without entering deeper into the Divine Dragon Family’s territory—
Their allies arrived.
And several days later, both sides’ forces finally assembled.
Five Wheels Five Elements Cult.
Cult Master Five Wheels Bright King Seo Gyeong-mu.
Right Dharma Protector Red Wind Marquis Im Gwan-hwa and two of the Five Elements Envoys.
Beast King Sect.
Young Sect Master Fierce Fist Hero Maeng Ye-ju.
Thousand Cruelties Evil Beast Dan Hong of the Three Ferocious Beasts. Red Curse Evil Tiger Dan Young.
Two elders of the Beast King Sect.
Sun Palace.
Young Palace Master Hwa Jin-myung.
Ice Blaze Fire King Cheok Hwa-hong.
Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division.
Division Leader Heavenly Scale Sword Hero Jang Woo-hyun.
Temporary Vanguard Thunderbolt Cannon Gongsun Jung-rak.
Right Wing Thousand Chains Closed-Eyes Mak Ya-wol.
Left Wing Threefold Phantom Sword Seo Ryeom.
Former Tenth General of the Illusion Gate, Green-Horned White Mask Seon Tae-gyeong.
Twenty members of the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division, including Jin Ha-un and Yong Seo-hee.
The mobile fortress Great Thunder Fortress and the Gigantic Kingdom native Cho-su.
Beast King Sect vanguard Dan Moon.
Divine Dragon Family.
Divine Dragon Family Clan Head Golden Scale Dragon King Yong Wi-gun.
Three members of the Divine Dragon Eight Swords and two elders.
Sovereign Family.
Supreme Clan Head Black Blood Divine Lord.
The current Clan Head and the Seven Heroes of the Sovereign Family.
As well as elite forces from various sects and countless martial artists waiting in the rear.
Five forces among the Ten Sects and Three Great Families—
And the Demon-Immortal Slaughter Division—
Had gathered within the territory of the Divine Dragon Family.