Chapter 51

Yongbong Branch (3)

Xian Yuan Chang, who was standing beside him, lightly swept his hand across his eyes.

For a moment, Jung Yeon Shin thought it was understandable.

He had seen the same explosive bombs come out of the travel bags of the twenty Blood Fiend Swordsmen.

It was truly surreal. The attitude of the sect towards those who had learned supreme martial arts was like this.

Their behavior was to kill at all costs. It seemed that they had all adapted throwing techniques to their methods, leaving afterimages in their wake.

Kwaang!

There was no time to shout a warning. Using the technique of the Extreme Meridian, he pushed off the ground, targeting the lower body meridians and the waist vertebrae points.

Even though he avoided a direct hit, his body flew uncontrollably. His ears rang as if struck by a sudden burst of energy.

It felt like his bones were being shaken to the core.

Kung!

His entire body ached. He was unable to move for a moment.

“Chok, Kuh!”

As he fell and spat blood, he realized that his internal organs were damaged. A strong, cold sensation rose from his abdomen.

Bang! Kwaang! Puh!

The ground around them surged like waves. The clean and tidy atmosphere of the Lotus Flower Pavilion was instantly swept away by dust.

The groans coming from all directions added to the horror.

‘Crazy.’

The Blood Flame Sect’s method of breaking the Demon Slayer Blue Steel was not a martial art. It was extremely meticulous.

He had already come prepared, knowing that there was no chance of winning in a direct confrontation.

‘Explosive bombs. Since they were declared a heretical sect, they don’t need to consider the imperial court’s stance.’

It was the same last time. The explosion that destroyed the mechanisms of the Yi Tian Sword Family came to mind.

Despite their large influence, the Blood Flame Sect had managed to hide their main base and move around stealthily.

These were the ones who had immediately tracked and followed Jung Yeon Shin’s movements. The Blood Flame Sect’s tracking techniques were said to be in the realm of magical arts. Given that they were known for their subtlety, it was unlikely that they would be sloppy.

‘Senior Qingming mentioned this several times.’

He remembered the time when Qingming had talked about the Sichuan Tangmen. They were known for their poisons and hidden weapons.

There was no other explosive that could detonate at a speed effective against martial artists.

These were supreme explosive bombs, activated by inner energy. Perhaps they had someone with iron legs.

‘It’s too early to be certain that they received assistance from the Tangmen, but...’

Regardless of their backing, these items were not common. Some martial arts were prioritized over the strength of a group.

Especially those that were devastatingly destructive. These people must have taken great risks.

Perhaps he should feel relieved that the Blood Flame Sect’s envoy did not come in person.

‘Where are Xian Yuan and Xin Sobin?’

Jung Yeon Shin’s eyes darted around as he slowly got up. He could sense a familiar aura nearby.

Through the thick dust, he saw a figure guarding the surroundings. It was Xian Yuan Chang.

He seemed to have benefited from his unusual footwork.

—Xin Sobin?

—He said he would scout the area towards Huang Bao Ming Lin before the enemies arrived. He must have headed towards the pavilion.

Xian Yuan Chang replied telepathically, his demeanor changing.

His words, which conveyed only the essentials, revealed the severity of the situation.

The Blood Fiend Swordsmen, now closing in, were using both swords and explosive bombs.

Their purpose was clear: the annihilation of the young talents from the upright schools and the White City’s elite.

Using explosives privately was an act of rebellion. The imperial court might launch a large-scale military operation.

These people always took risks. They truly deserved to be called a fanatical sect.

As Xian Yuan Chang approached, he flinched at the sight of the battered Jung Yeon Shin.

—Can you move?

—To the pavilion.

Jung Yeon Shin spoke briefly. At the same time, he and Xian Yuan Chang ran as quietly as possible.

His body felt like it was being torn apart. Even though the distance was not far, it felt incredibly long.

They were about to approach the battle when they could see the area above more clearly.

Huang Bao Ming Lin, who had been escaping with the young talents of the three families, had subtly moved to the very back.

Xin Sobin was right in front of her.

Xin Sobin, who had been on guard against the Blood Flame Sect, was suddenly caught off guard and struck from behind by Huang Bao Ming Lin. They were extremely close.

It seemed she had already channeled a tremendous amount of energy, and the youngest of the White City, dressed in white, could not react in time and was hit.

It was a sneak attack from close range. Her palm technique, which did not distinguish between front and back, sent Xin Sobin flying like an arrow.

She was at the back of the group. No one seemed to have noticed.

“Th-there!”

Xian Yuan Chang’s eyes narrowed in anger beside him.

‘Five counts before hitting the lake surface. The distance is seven zhang. If she falls like this, it will attract attention.’

In an instant, he analyzed the situation and calculated the distance for his lightness technique. The energy in his body surged.

He focused on the Chengfu point below his buttocks, the Yinmen point on the back of his thigh, and the Yongquan point on the soles of his feet.

He ignored the pain from the slightly damaged meridians.

Kwaang!

Using the White City’s lightness technique, he pushed off the ground. It was swift, like a gust of wind, and he ran close to the ground.

In three steps, he reached the end of the open space, and with the fourth step, he leaped from the edge of the lake.

Whoosh!

Xin Sobin of the Xin Family. Her young face, eyes tightly shut, rapidly enlarged before him.

Despite her attitude of knowing everything, she was a precious daughter of a prestigious family.

It seemed she had never experienced such a sudden and hidden attack.

She was conscious. Jung Yeon Shin immediately sensed her breathing. Her internal injuries did not seem severe.

‘This is enough.’

The energy in his eyes raced painfully. It traveled along his back muscles, over his shoulders, and down his arms.

His inner energy had the softness of the Yue Ling Zao Hua technique.

He extended his left hand to embrace Xin Sobin’s waist and grabbed the outer railing of the pavilion with his right hand, spinning like a leaf.

This was a technique to disperse the impact, a specialty of the White City.

Thud.

The small landing felt like a shock. This was the first time he had been so injured since entering the martial world.

“Xin Sobin. Use the leg technique.”

As soon as they landed inside the pavilion, he muttered.

She tried to support him, but he pushed her away. They needed to leave the Lotus Flower Pavilion quickly.

The two of them ran together, landing in the chaotic battlefield. Xian Yuan Chang hurriedly whispered.

“The enemies are coming from the south.”

“Northwest. Let’s follow the lakeshore.”

“It could be a trap.”

Xin Sobin replied. In the midst of this, she was massaging her waist, where Jung Yeon Shin’s arm had touched.

Was she trying to lighten the mood in this tense situation? She looked at him directly, not avoiding his gaze.

She did not approach him boldly. Despite the pain tearing through his body, he almost smiled.

“We have no choice. The lake forces us to make a decision.”

Jung Yeon Shin spoke calmly. This was a decisive statement.

“Let’s go.”

The order from the Blue City’s elite was given. The three of them began running along the lakeshore.

They were not running aimlessly. This was the direction where Huang Bao Ming Lin and the young talents of the various martial families had headed.

‘The Blood Flame Sect is just a common obstacle.’

He thought as he forced himself to move. The mission was the priority.

His current physical condition was not a concern. He could not afford to lose track of the Huang Family.

The explosions had already subsided. The explosive bombs were no longer detonating.

It was unclear whether they were conserving them or had run out. He could not afford to be complacent and remained vigilant.

“They must be busy killing other young talents. I feel guilty.”

“The Blood Flame Sect is the one accumulating karma. Why should we?”

After running for a while, they seemed to have a bit more leeway. Both Xian Yuan Chang and Xin Sobin had valid points.

This was a situation he had to be acutely aware of. The price to be paid by the Demon Slayer Blue Steel.

Now, the White City’s elite would have to live with the Blood Flame Sect hanging over their backs. Anger and guilt intertwined.

‘Blood Flame Sect. I will open your third eye every time I see you.’

Jung Yeon Shin thought calmly.

“There they are!”

Xian Yuan Chang pointed ahead. Jung Yeon Shin had already noticed.

They were the young talents of the Huang Family and other martial aristocrats. It seemed none of them were injured.

With their agile lightness techniques, they had already reached the foot of the mountain and were running up the path.

Fleeing was the logical choice.

Among the Blood Fiend Swordsmen, the outstanding ones were said to have reached the Blue City level.

This explained the Blood Flame Sect’s Seven Fiends’ confrontation with Ma Guang Yi and Wu Wei.

These were such meticulous and powerful enemies. It was unlikely that there were no mid-level experts.

“Hey? There!”

A young man, who had been glancing back while climbing the path to the mountain, pointed at them.

He was referring to Jung Yeon Shin and his companions, disguised as members of the Chui Shi Gate.

The young talents of the families turned and stopped. They waited for the three of them to approach.

For a moment, a cold look flashed in Huang Bao Ming Lin’s eyes.

“What’s with that appearance? You look very serious! At least your limbs are intact.”

Tai Yan Long spread his arms wide. He seemed to be very welcoming towards Jung Yeon Shin.

It was somewhat burdensome, seeing him fawn over the beautiful women he carried.

“In such chaos, the main family will come from above, and the Nangong from below. It won’t take long. You are someone I can discuss martial arts with. I’ll use my influence to get you some extraordinary medicine. I have that authority. Despite the many who call you a bastard.”

“Brother!”

Huang Bao Ming Lin pushed Tai Yan Long.

Perhaps they were half-siblings. There was no sign of respect in her attitude. She immediately approached Jung Yeon Shin.

‘What should I do?’

Jung Yeon Shin thought as he looked at Huang Bao Ming Lin. If his mission did not require him to hide his affiliation with the White City, his internal injuries would not be a problem.

Swallowing the Mingzheng Pill given by Elder Ge Zheng would solve it.

He had not brought it. He had entrusted it to Qingming along with the White City Sword.

The Shaolin internal injury medicine, which contained secret techniques of the White City, had a very strong, clear fragrance.

It was noticeable enough for any expert who had honed their senses.

He had heard from the White City’s intelligence. Elder Ge Zheng enjoyed praise as much as his visible character.

He traveled the martial world, speaking highly of the White City’s elite.

The whereabouts of the rare Mingzheng Pill would inevitably become known.

“Scum.”

Huang Bao Ming Lin glared at Jung Yeon Shin. Her face was dirty from the explosion, but her inherent beauty had not faded.

Her features were finely chiseled, making her look good. If not for her arrogant expression, she would have looked even better.

“You. What’s your true identity? The Blood Fiend Swordsmen were clearly after you. You said you were from the Chui Shi Gate. What grudge did you bring?”

“...”

“Answer me. Do I look like someone to be mocked?”

After a brief glance around, Jung Yeon Shin slowly spoke.

“Are all of you from the families? It seems the young talents from the smaller sects have either died or scattered.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Don’t put on a show. Just by looking at your ragged appearance, I can see your internal injuries clearly. Do you think you can still show off your meager skills?”

Huang Bao Ming Lin said with a sneer. Her lusterless hair swayed.

Xian Yuan Chang and Xin Sobin, who were angry, stepped forward. Jung Yeon Shin shook his head and extended his arm.

His aching feet moved. He slowly faced Huang Bao Ming Lin.

When their eyes met at such close range, her beautiful face, filled with venom, looked particularly ugly.

“You intended to use my fellow disciple as bait. At the Lotus Flower Pavilion.”

He said.

The tension in the quiet forest path began to rise.