Chapter 24
"If I'd been just a little later, I would have killed a few of your subordinates. Kukuku. As expected of Pacheon Gong."
Red Demon spoke as he withdrew his long, sharp silver thread—the Blood Silver Thread.
Pacheon Gong's gaze lingered briefly on the Blood Silver Thread.
He had realized over a decade ago just how troublesome a weapon it was.
'... Especially in this darkness.'
Chak! Chak! Chak! Chak! Chak! Chak!
At that moment, the Seven Freaks of Zhejiang leapt down from the wall, surrounding Pacheon Gong.
Each one emanated an unmistakable aura of a first-rate master, overpowering the entire manor.
'... Just as expected, they've gotten stronger than ten years ago.'
Pacheon Gong glanced briefly down at his artificial leg.
'Seven first-rate experts... If it were my younger days, I could have managed. But now...?'
His gaze shifted to the Fierce Sky Faction executives fighting nearby.
Mantis Maiden, Jihyung, Little Devil, Silent Traveler, Double-handed Heaven Net.
They were locked in a fierce and bloody battle with other Kaiyang Society executives.
Although gaining the advantage, it looked like it would take more time before they could join Pacheon Gong.
'In any case, I'm the only one who can face the Seven Freaks of Zhejiang. Therefore... whether it's seven or seventy, I'll kill them all with my own hands.'
He muttered inwardly, raising the flow of his internal energy to its peak.
But at that moment, something unexpected happened.
"All of you, step back. I alone am enough for Pacheon Gong."
Black Demon stepped forward by himself.
Seeing that, Pacheon Gong's eyes twitched.
"What are you doing?"
"If seven of us teamed up against an old cripple who lost even his right leg, wouldn't that be too disgraceful? Kukuku."
"......"
"Well, and I want to see how much my skills have improved."
Red Demon laughed maniacally as he spoke.
At those words, Pacheon Gong's gaze grew infinitely deep.
"I see. But..."
"?"
"Have you already forgotten who I am?"
Pacheon Gong pushed the internal energy from his dantian to its limit.
Then, at that very moment,
Gwoooo―
An immense murderous aura filled the manor.
Even the Fierce Sky Faction and Kaiyang Society warriors, locked in life and death struggle, shuddered and stopped their swords for a moment.
"Wow, as expected of Pacheon Gong. Gives me tingles. Black Demon, are you really okay to go alone?"
"I can manage."
Black Demon also raised his own spirit.
With both champions radiating killing intent, the air in the manor tightened between them.
Black Demon struck first.
"Then I'll go first."
Having said that, he dashed toward Pacheon Gong at tremendous speed—shuaak!
He then began to unleash his unique martial art technique, Black Star Spear Arts.
"Black Heaven Demonic Banner!"
Black Demon's black spear curved like a snake, slicing through the air.
It was a dazzling and mysterious spear technique, on par with the spear arts of the Yang Family—the best in the Central Plains.
Initially, Pacheon Gong seemed hard-pressed to defend himself against this mysterious spear technique.
"Lost your right leg, and you're not as frightening as you were ten years ago!"
Kang! Kaang! Kang!
"Even your precious Pacheon Lightning Nine Swords has rusted with the years!"
Black Demon sneered.
Back then, not even seven could overpower this veteran master—now, forcing him back alone brought an undeniable thrill.
But after around thirty seconds of exchanges between Black Demon and Pacheon Gong—
KAAAAANG!!!
Suddenly, an incredible metallic clang echoed out.
Next, chwaruruk! Black Demon's body was sent flying backward.
'?!'
Black Demon's spear trembled, having blocked Pacheon Gong's counterattack.
The smile vanished from Black Demon's lips.
'This old man's energy suddenly increased...?'
As Black Demon's eyes filled with surprise, Pacheon Gong returned the sneer.
"That's a relief."
"?"
"Seems your martial arts haven't improved much."
"What...?"
In truth, Pacheon Gong had focused solely on defense so far to gauge Black Demon's martial arts.
He wanted to see how much Black Demon had changed over the past ten years.
Now done with his assessment, Pacheon Gong began to strike in earnest.
'Pacheon Lightning Nine Swords 5th Form—Nine Sword Linked Circle!'
His sword split into nine, leaving afterimages behind.
A terrifyingly fast swordsmanship—the same that had shaken all of Sichuan with dread in the past.
Now empowered with a force nearly a level and a half higher.
'In exchange for my lost right leg, I relentlessly trained my internal energy. It was all for a day like today...!'
This was why the martial world never looked down on veteran masters.
The old masters, with years of accumulated energy,
Became stronger the older they grew.
Because of this, every time Black Demon received a strike from Pacheon Gong's technique, he was roughly pushed back again and again.
Faced with such overwhelming force, Black Demon's spear technique lost its vigor.
Then, at some point, a large gap opened up on Black Demon's right.
Pacheon Gong—armed with countless combat experiences—would never miss such an opening.
'Die! Pacheon Lightning Nine Swords 7th Form—Heaven and Earth Shatter!!!'
His sword formed a sharp sword aura, aiming at Black Demon's head.
It was a life-or-death crisis for Black Demon.
At that very moment,
'?!'
Just as Pacheon Gong was about to unleash his technique, he hastily drew back his sword and retreated instead.
Then—
Chuak!!
Blood burst from Pacheon Gong's left arm as he pulled back.
At the same time, red Demon's regretful voice rang out.
"Ha, such a pity. If it had gone just a bit deeper, your arm would've been severed. Truly, you're a ghostly old man."
When Black Demon was being overwhelmed, red Demon had let his silver thread fly and joined the fight.
It was enough to furrow Pacheon Gong's brow.
'Damn it. I was hoping for their arrogance to continue a while longer...'
No one knew better than Pacheon Gong how deadly the joint attack of the Seven Freaks of Zhejiang could be.
That's why at the start, he'd pretended to be losing to Black Demon, preparing an opening in Black Demon's defense.
His plan was to take out Black Demon instantly, and then deal with the remaining Freaks.
But that one and only plan went up in smoke.
"... Red Demon. Didn't I tell you not to step in?"
"And if I hadn't? Black Demon's head would be flying right about now."
"......"
"Even having lost his right leg, he's still at his peak. We'll have to attack together after all."
At Red Demon's words, the remaining Freaks drew their weapons and surrounded Pacheon Gong.
However, of the Freaks, 5th Freak (marked with [五]) and 6th Freak (marked with [六]) were missing.
"Ah, 5th and 6th Freaks will join soon. Bringing the heads of the Fierce Sky Faction executives. Kukuku."
"What...?"
"An old man from the Mocheon Sect said so—no one leaves the Fierce Sky Faction alive today. In other words, the Fierce Sky Faction will be annihilated."
Red Demon cackled manically.
Pacheon Gong clenched his jaws and glanced at Little Devil, Jihyung, Silent Traveler, and the other executives.
Though they'd mostly secured victory against the Kaiyang Society's Dark Path fighters, with 5th and 6th Freak's sudden attack, they were overwhelmed and helpless.
"Pacheon Gong, where do you think you're looking? Worry about your own life!"
Red Demon spread the Blood Silver Thread in the air and began his secret technique: Red Blood Silver Thread Technique.
Almost simultaneously, Black Demon stabbed forward with his black spear.
And then, the remaining Freaks surrounded Pacheon Gong too.
The infamous killers of Zhejiang Province began their coordinated assault.
Kaang! Kang! Kaang! Kang! Kakakakang!!!!
Against them, Pacheon Gong did his utmost to unleash the Pacheon Lightning Nine Swords.
Like an old tiger desperately fending off a pack of wolves.
As a result—
Chuak! Chuaaak!! Chwak!!
After more than five hundred seconds of fierce combat, Pacheon Gong beheaded the 1st and 10th Freaks, sending them to the underworld.
He rendered the 3rd Freak incapable of battle with mortal wounds, and, most importantly, left a deep wound in the chest of Black Demon, the second-in-command of the Seven Freaks.
But in return, Pacheon Gong's whole body was a ruin.
Jureureuk—
A river of blood drenched Pacheon Gong's body, even covering his eyelids.
"Huff! Huff! You monster—just die already!"
Red Demon shouted, panting.
Black Demon cried out anxiously:
"5th Freak! 6th Freak! What are you doing against those small fries?! Finish them and rejoin us!!"
It was a cry of despair for Pacheon Gong.
If 5th and 6th Freak arrived now, Pacheon Gong, already at his limit, wouldn't last long.
'... Damn. Is this the end for me?'
At that moment, 5th Freak appeared.
At once, red Demon and Black Demon's faces brightened.
"You're here, 5th Freak!"
"Hurry and join us to finish off this monster!"
Both Red and Black Demon shouted at once.
But for some reason—
The 5th Freak just stood there vacantly.
"What are you doing? Get over here and join in! And where's 6th—?"
Red Demon frowned and shouted again at 5th Freak.
But right then, the 5th Freak said something entirely unexpected:
"Strong..."
"?"
"He... is... strong..."
Thud!
5th Freak spat blood and collapsed.
Stunned, Red and Black Demon could not grasp what had just happened.
Then—
Step, step—
Behind the fallen Freak, a boy of about sixteen or seventeen appeared.
Sword dripping with blood in his right hand,
6th Freak's severed head in his left.
"So you're the notorious Seven Freaks of Zhejiang or whatever."
Jaseong muttered in a low voice.
His gaze burned with unspoken rage and a murderous intent that defied words.
"Today, I'll end your infamy."
"......!"
"I'll kill every last one of you...!"
* * *
'How did that brat get here...?'
Pacheon Gong stared at Jaseong, dumbfounded.
Jaseong was supposed to be heading toward the capital in Sichuan.
Besides—he had taken down both 5th and 6th Freaks and appeared here.
"Why are you here?! Didn't I tell you to go to the capital?!"
Covered in blood, Pacheon Gong shouted.
In response, Jaseong answered expressionlessly.
"I read your letter, leader."
"What...?"
"You said you wanted to see the flower I'll someday bloom."
"......!"
"So don't die. How can you see it if you're dead?"
Jaseong's words were quietly stirring.
At that, Pacheon Gong's eyes shook roughly.
'This brat... When did he grow so much...?'
But Pacheon Gong's thoughts couldn't continue.
Shuaak!
Black Demon swung his black spear at Pacheon Gong and charged.
Kaaang!
Pacheon Gong barely raised his sword to block.
Meanwhile, red Demon unleashed the Blood Silver Thread, launching himself at Jaseong.
[Black Demon. Leave the kid to me. Just stall Pacheon Gong for time. I'll finish him quickly and join you so we can finish things together.]
Red Demon took on Jaseong simply because he was the de facto leader of the Seven Freaks of Zhejiang.
He was confident he could take Jaseong out swiftly.
'... Red Demon's Blood Silver Thread is such a unique weapon that even first-rate experts fall to it. With only might, Jaseong won't be able to withstand it...!'
Of course, Pacheon Gong wanted to face Red Demon himself.
But regrettably, he couldn't help Jaseong.
"Pacheon Gong! Your opponent is me!!"
Black Demon pressed Pacheon Gong with a barrage of moves to keep him pinned.
It was not a scenario Pacheon Gong wanted.
All he could do for Jaseong now was share a few words of advice.
"Be careful! That one uses a unique weapon called Blood Silver Thread! Just stall him! I'll come help you after defeating Black Demon!"
At his warning, Jaseong glanced down at Red Demon's hands.
'... That weapon looks troublesome even at a glance, especially at night.'
So thin as to be barely visible to the naked eye, the silver thread.
That was the very secret by which Red Demon had assassinated so many masters in his Killing Valley days.
And yet—why was it?
Even facing such a deadly weapon, Jaseong remained calm.
He just gazed at Red Demon with his signature blank expression.
And within, Jaseong was thinking:
'... I made a promise.
To become a master who could look down on the world,
to rip apart the arms and legs of those who killed my eldest brother and sister-in-law,
to annihilate both Righteous Faction and Demonic Cult alike.
So... whether it's the Seven Freaks of Zhejiang or whatever,
I can't possibly lose to the likes of these.'