Kang Sogun

When Sim Mabaek and Wi Eunghwan, who had gone out for reconnaissance, returned, Jang Mugang called Jungrang and Yeon Hwasim to his guest room.

"About fifty people are surrounding us, but only the eastern direction is empty."

"Only the east is empty?"

Jang Mugang frowned.

When Jungrang spread out the map, everyone looked at it.

The eastern road passed north of Anqing City and continued to Hefei.

"It seems they have set up an ambush there."

Jang Mugang looked at the terrain where an ambush could be set and tilted his head.

Looking at the terrain alone, there was no reason to drive them to the east.

Jungrang drew a line from the Lu'an side.

"If the enemies crossed the mountain and came to Xinyang, they would come down here via Lu'an."

"Are you saying they would bring their main camp down to catch just a few of us?"

"He is there."

Yeon Hwasim chimed in. She was talking about Kang Sogun.

"That's right. He is a match for a hundred."

Wi Eunghwan agreed.

"Since it has come to this, let's go to Anqing City. Anqing is a big city, so the scale of the government army will be considerable."

Jang Mugang said.

Even martial artists could not help but be mindful of the government army in a big city.

Although the government army rarely stepped up, once they did, it would become a headache.

"Anqing is adjacent to the Yangtze River, so we can escape by boat or cross the river to shake off the enemy."

As the number of enemies was large, there were not many boats that could accommodate them.

Even if they mobilized small boats, there would be a limit.

It was effective in reducing the scale of the enemy.

"But the bastards guarding the Anqing side are the most numerous."

"Hmm."

Jang Mugang was lost in thought.

Sim Mabaek and Wi Eunghwan had not yet fully recovered. Although they could handle a short battle, it would be difficult for them to endure a long one.

'If I and Mabaek open the way in front, and Jungrang and Eunghwan block the rear?'

Although it was a reckless move, they could not just sit and face the enemy.

"What about Great Warrior Kang?"

Yeon Hwasim asked Jang Mugang.

She was asking because she had seen Jang Mugang with No Ichil, Kang Sogun, and Jo Unryong.

"We don't need to worry about them. They are masters and high-ranking members of the Great Righteous Martial Hall and the Dragon Slaying Society, so they will have a security force."

Jungrang hesitated and then said.

"How about asking them for help?"

Jungrang also did not like asking for help from a complete stranger.

But Yeon Hwasim's life was at stake. It was not a time to worry about face.

Jang Mugang had the same thought, but he could not be the first to speak.

Sim Mabaek said.

"If we receive help from the Dragon Slaying Society or the Great Righteous Martial Hall, we can be safe for now. But if we're not careful, we might end up under their shadow."

The grudges and favors of the martial world were clear.

If martial artists who valued grudges and favors like the Three Tigers of Shandong received help, they would want to repay it two or three times over.

Even now, weren't they on a ten-thousand-li journey with his daughter because of their connection with Yeon Seongyeol?

"We don't know what they want, so it's difficult to rashly ask for help."

Unlike Yeon Seongyeol, the Great Righteous Martial Hall and the Dragon Slaying Society were forces that were trying to dominate the martial world. So he did not think highly of them.

Yeon Hwasim also knew such circumstances.

"There's no need for that. I am truly grateful to the three great warriors."

Yeon Hwasim suddenly stood up and bowed to the Three Tigers of Shandong.

"Just by coming this far, I have received a great grace. What they want is just me. There is no need for everyone to be sacrificed. I will go to them!"

Jungrang was startled.

"Hwasim! What on earth are you talking about?"

"Miss Yeon! Don't think such useless thoughts."

The Three Tigers of Shandong also shouted at the same time.

"No. I don't want any more blood to be shed because of me."

Yeon Hwasim's expression was resolute.

Jang Mugang lamented.

"You vowed to avenge Sect Master Yeon. Are you saying you will die by the enemy's sword like this?"

"No, I will not just die. So I have a favor to ask."

Yeon Hwasim looked straight at Jang Mugang and said.

"I heard that there is a hidden weapon in the martial world called the Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles. Could you get it for me?"

"The Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles?"

As Sim Mabaek asked back, Wi Eunghwan, who was well-versed in hidden weapons, explained.

"It is a weapon of the Tang family, which is outstanding in poison and hidden weapons. It is a bamboo tube the thickness of a finger, and inside it are a hundred ox-hair-like needles."

The Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles was about a span long, so it was hidden under the sleeve and used.

When fired once, a hundred ox-hair needles covered a radius of ten feet.

It was a hidden weapon that no one could avoid if they were ambushed at close range.

It was even more fatal if the ox-hair needles were coated with poison.

In the old days, a peerless master called the Hundred-Beast Demon King had gotten into a dispute with the Tang family and had died after being hit by the Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles. Since then, it has been a hidden weapon that is talked about in the martial world.

Wi Eunghwan looked at Yeon Hwasim and said.

"But the Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles is not an easy item to obtain. Because it is so fatal, the Tang family manages it very thoroughly. It would be better to break through the bloody path."

Yeon Hwasim shook her head.

"The Heavenly Martial Faction will not kill me right away. While I am captured, couldn't you get the Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles and give it to me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I will make a proposal. Although the Heavenly Martial Faction has taken over the Three Blade Sect, they cannot obtain all of the many shops and commercial rights under the Three Blade Sect's jurisdiction."

"...?"

"I have been managing the shops and commercial rights on behalf of my father for several years, so I know well."

"Are you saying you want me to get the Soul-Stealing Hundred Needles while you are buying time in exchange for handing over the commercial rights?"

Jang Mugang frowned.

He was a martial artist who did not think highly of using hidden weapons.

"I know it is not a fair and just method. But it is the only move I have left."

"That is not the right path."

Jungrang said flatly.

"What Sect Master Yeon wanted was not revenge, but your safety and happiness. That's why he entrusted the Fujian manor and the Heavenly Fire Brigade to you."

Jungrang's expression was stern.

After becoming sworn siblings with Yeon Hwasim, he was playing the role of an older brother quite well.

"Let's say you kill the Heavenly Martial Faction Master with a vicious hidden weapon. What will happen next?"

He would probably be killed by the masters next to him right away.

"Do you think that is what Sect Master Yeon wanted? He probably wouldn't be able to close his eyes even in the afterlife. It means you are going against your father's will."

At Jungrang's harsh words, Yeon Hwasim shed tears.

Jang Mugang was inwardly surprised by Jungrang's presence.

'This kid has more backbone than he looks. He must have a character of being gentle on the outside and strong on the inside.'

Jang Mugang looked at Jungrang anew and then comforted Yeon Hwasim.

"I understand that you thought of such a move because the situation is so frustrating. But as Jungrang said, Sect Master Yeon's will was firm. We three brothers guarantee it."

Sim Mabaek and Wi Eunghwan also nodded.

"We have already promised the deceased Sect Master Yeon that we will risk our lives to send you safely to Fujian. So if you argue any further, we will consider it as ignoring us."

At Jang Mugang's words, the brief argument came to an end.

Just then, Kang Sogun's voice was heard from outside.

"May I come in for a moment?"

Jungrang opened the door. Kang Sogun came in and said while standing.

"I will open the way to Anqing. The rest of you, please follow behind with Miss Yeon."

Everyone was surprised at Kang Sogun's words.

When he was at the Three Blade Sect, Kang Sogun had stayed completely alone.

Even when he had left the Three Blade Sect, he had decided and left on his own without consulting anyone.

But for him to suddenly say he would help Yeon Hwasim escape was unexpected.

"If Young Hero Kang steps up, it will be a great help."

Wi Eunghwan said.

Jang Mugang also thought that he had gained a great strength.

He judged that if Kang Sogun opened the way in front and he and Jungrang blocked the rear, they would be able to go to Anqing.

"I heard that the main camp of the Heavenly Martial Faction is coming. We have to hurry."

Kang Sogun had heard from No Ichil that the Heavenly Martial Faction's main camp was heading south.

"Then let's prepare right away and leave."

The side door of the Pyeong'an Inn opened, and Kang Sogun came out on his horse first.

The long spear stuck next to the horse shone particularly red.

Following him, Jungrang and Yeon Hwasim came out on one horse. Since Kang Sogun had no horse to ride, Jungrang and Yeon Hwasim had decided to ride together. Following them, Sim Mabaek, Wi Eunghwan, and Jang Mugang came out in that order.

No Ichil, who was watching Kang Sogun's party leave from the outer building, raised his wine bottle and drank it down.

"Kuh. Shall we have a go?"

No Ichil wiped his mouth and stood up, but there was no sign of being drunk at all.

No Ichil left the Pyeong'an Inn and entered the forest by the roadside.

Thirty warriors were waiting with their horses.

The warriors' attire was varied. Originally, the Great Righteous Martial Hall wore blue martial arts uniforms.

No Ichil did not want to reveal the intervention of the Great Righteous Martial Hall yet, so he had ordered the warriors to change their clothes.

No Ichil got on his horse and said.

"We will watch the close combat and step in the moment they are in danger. Until then, we must hide our tracks as much as possible."

"Yes! Hall Master!"

The warriors answered in unison.

While No Ichil was following Kang Sogun's party using the mountain, Jo Unryong left the inn.

As Kang Sogun's party left, the pursuers who had been crouching on all sides began to move.

Five of them blocked Jo Unryong's path.

The masked men in black were holding long sabers.

"You're underestimating me too much. Only five."

The masked men in black were silent. As one person moved, the other four split to the left and right and came in.

It was a movement that showed at a glance that they had been working together for a long time.

Jo Unryong's Fire Dragon Saber was drawn from its scabbard.

A red saber qi flashed, and it was as if a fire dragon were dancing.

The masked men were different from the Azure Star Brigade. They let the red saber qi flow and squeezed in through the gaps on the left and right.

Jo Unryong's eyebrows twitched.

After setting out on a martial arts journey, it was the first time he had seen warriors of this level, other than the masters he had deliberately sought out.

'As expected of the Heavenly Martial Faction.'

Jo Unryong had blown off the heads of the Azure Star Fourth Team Leader and two members at once.

At that time, the Azure Star Brigade was in a state of confusion right after the head of their commander had fallen at the hands of Kang Sogun.

The killing demon squad was stronger than the Azure Star Brigade and were men who had lived with the sole purpose of killing the enemy.

Although Jo Unryong's saber was extraordinary, they attacked together without wavering.

'Damn it.'

While receiving the combined attack of the five, Jo Unryong was also secretly concerned about the masked man standing on the side of the road.

A masked man had appeared at some point and was watching the fight without moving.

Jo Unryong instinctively felt that he was the biggest threat.

***

Arrows flew from the forests on both sides of the road.

Kang Sogun's spear was drawn from the horse's back and danced in the air.

-Clang!

The arrows were blocked by the spear and were deflected, but surprisingly, a few did not even clash with the spear.

They were swept away by the energy and were deflected.

Jungrang, who was following right behind, was impressed but did not let down his guard.

Yeon Hwasim, who was riding behind, also let her sword hang down and was on guard behind.

"Hah!"

Wi Eunghwan pulled the reins, ran forward, and rode alongside Kang Sogun, then he took the crossbow that was stuck in the side of his horse.

-Swish!

As many as five arrows shot out from Wi Eunghwan's crossbow.

The arrows headed for the forest from which the arrows had flown.

-Thwack!

Wi Eunghwan's crossbow was specially modified, so its power was twice as strong as a normal crossbow.

It pierced or shattered small trees.

"Kuh!"

A low scream was heard.

Wi Eunghwan picked up five arrows with his left hand and loaded them into the crossbow.

He handled the crossbow with both hands while riding his horse, and he looked very skilled.

-Swish!

-Swish!

Arrows flew again from the forests on both sides.

While Kang Sogun was deflecting the arrows, arrows flew from Wi Eunghwan's crossbow.

"Kuh!"

"Ugh!"

This time, since he had confirmed where the arrows had flown from and had aimed, the damage the enemy had suffered was great.

Kang Sogun ran without stopping.

He passed right through the area where the enemy's archers were ambushing.

But.

-Neigh!

Kang Sogun suddenly pulled the reins and turned his horse.

On the main road, iron chains with sharp thorns were laid in layers.

"It's an ambush! Be careful!"

Wi Eunghwan shouted.

Kang Sogun, who had turned his horse in a circle, struck the horse's back again.

The horse shot forward as if it had been bounced.

"That reckless!"

Wi Eunghwan was surprised and shouted without realizing it.

(End of Chapter)