Book 13 Chapter 15

A long night!

The constellation of stars, shining silver, splendidly embroidered the darkness of the night sky that Hua Shan bore. The beauty created by the blend of their incandescent light was so enchanting that it evoked admiration, yet the beauty of great nature could not compare to Na Yerin.

An ice-cold, pure white phoenix!

Adorned with starlight, Na Yerin stood quietly.

Her dark hair, tied up, was deeper than the color of the night, and a sheen flowed over it. Starlight and moonlight rushed forward, flowing down her hair to the ground.

The starlight of Polaris, the center of the night's constellation, seemed to be absorbed by her, gradually losing its light. In the middle of the night, it seemed as if only Na Yerin was shining.

The only regrettable point was the distance and coldness emanating from her entire body, as if trying to isolate her and her existence from the world.

Indifference flowed from her mysterious eyes. It was a gaze as if looking at a world painted gray, devoid of color.

Na Yerin turned her gaze to a group of people.

She saw her senior sister, Dokgo Ryeong, and Yi Jinseol was also visible. And Hyoryong was next to her. There were a few other people.

Being with so many people was something she couldn't have imagined before. But what was unimaginable then was now possible. What was the reason?

Na Yerin's gaze turned in one direction. In the center of that group was Biryu Yeon.

Today was the second day since they came to Hongmaegok.

As the sun set and darkness fell, people divided into several groups based on their friendships and gathered together. Of course, those from Macheongak and Cheonmu Academy maintained a strict distance.

Harmony and coexistence were very, very far-fetched stories for them. Didn't they get into a fight as soon as they saw each other yesterday? The lingering resentment had not completely dissipated. They were constantly looking for an opportunity to unleash that resentment. Of course, the method would be extremely unpeaceful and non-conversational.

Black and white, true and false. They had only these two colors from birth. Gray, a mixture of black and white, was a non-existent color. Furthermore, wishing for that gray to shine silver was an idealistic notion possible only in dreams.

It is said that the basic part of a human's ego is fixed at the age of 8. Therefore, it would be an unreasonable demand to destroy the common sense instilled for over 20 years overnight and accept new common sense.

After the evening roll call, time was free to do whatever one wished. Up above, the youths from the Black Path and the White Path were gathered around a campfire, hoping to understand and harmonize with each other through conversation, but looking at the current situation, it would be a miracle if a fight didn't break out.

The place they were staying was said to be a temporarily assigned accommodation. This implied that the accommodation would change in other ways.

For some reason, the Elder of the Conference was not seen since entering Hongmaegok. Biryu Yeon did not pay much attention to this fact.

People were gathered around Biryu Yeon as well. Jang Hong, Hyoryong, Yi Jinseol, Dokgo Ryeong, Moyong Hwi, Namgung Sang, Jinnyeong… and Na Yerin. It was quite surprising that Moyong Hwi was among them. If Yi Jinseol hadn't pestered him, he would have been engrossed in his own training alone. As always.

However, neither Moyong Hwi nor anyone else gathered here had the slightest premonition that this would be the beginning of a long night.

"The wind carries a scent of blood."

Biryu Yeon stirred the campfire, and embers flew like falling petals. Despite the ominous content, he spoke with an tone as if he just noticed the wind was cold.

Naturally, people's gazes turned to Biryu Yeon. But he remained unconcerned.

"The mountain nights are cold. Why don't you come here and warm yourself by the fire, guest?"

Then, a bush about five paces away rustled. Tension heightened for a moment. No one had noticed the presence until Biryu Yeon pointed it out. To evade their attention from just five paces away was impossible for an ordinary skill.

Biryu Yeon remained unconcerned.

Rustle!

With the sound of a small branch shaking, an old man stumbled out. The old man was in a terrible state. His arms, thighs, and legs were not intact, and blood was profusely flowing from dozens of wounds. Fortunately, among the wounds on his limbs, there seemed to be no fatal injuries. The worst was the wound on his abdomen. He was clutching his abdomen with his left hand, and blood was severely flowing through the gaps. A fishy scent of blood tickled his nose. His complexion was as pale as a corpse, but his eyes burned brightly like torches.

"Elder!"

It was Na Yerin who recognized the old man first. Biryu Yeon, understanding the meaning of the resonance in her voice, finally raised his head to confirm the guest's face.

"Climbing a mountain in the middle of the night is a nice hobby. But where did you leave your carriage?"

It took a day to climb the mountain. They spent the entire night and then the day shaking off over a dozen pursuers.

Since he encountered them while already injured, he was not unharmed, but the dozen hunting dogs were even less so. In exchange for the wounds inflicted on his limbs and shoulder, they had to give up all their lives. And the old man, leading his injured body, had to crawl all the way to Hongmaegok. It was a feat of superhuman willpower.

The uninvited guest was Han No, the coachman of Eun Seollan.

"What? What did you just say?"

It was quite surprising that Moyong Hwi was the first to speak in a frantic tone. For him to react in this way to such a matter – a matter of urgency, of course – was very unusual, given his past behavior. He must have been taken aback himself.

"I said that Miss Eun was kidnapped."

Han No explained again. For a moment, everyone's gaze, as if by agreement, turned to the old man's abdomen and limbs from which blood was flowing. Suddenly, a terrible worst-case scenario flashed in their minds, sending shivers down the spines of some.

"Who is responsible?"

Surprisingly, the most composed person among them was Biryu Yeon, who was often called erratic and frivolous.

"We don't know yet."

Han No answered honestly.

"Where was she taken?"

"To Pungmaegakjan."

"Oh, Pungmaegakjan…"

Yun Junho knew very well what kind of place Pungmaegakjan was. Moreover, at present, there…

"It's where the escorts of the Jungwon Escort Service are staying!"

Han No answered in place of Yun Junho.

Drip, drip!

Blood dripped from his wounds again, falling in drops to the ground. However, the old man stood upright as if nothing had happened, with an expression that made it difficult to even speak to him.

"Hmph…"

Biryu Yeon also knew about the Jungwon Escort Service. It had been quite noisy a few days ago.

"Oh? So, are you suspecting that escort service, Grandpa?"

"How could that be! The Jungwon Escort Service is the most famous escort service in the Central Plains, the Jeongdo Escort Service! That's absurd."

Namgung Sang retorted.

"You only know what's inside the pot after you open the lid! Let's hear the whole story first."

Only then did Han No begin to explain in detail what he had experienced.

And so, the long night began.

Early evening (around 19:00), Hongmaegok, Cheonmu Peak, Hua Shan.

"Surely you're not thinking of going to save her?"

"Huh?"

To Jang Hong's question, Biryu Yeon gave a puzzled look.

"Is there a problem?"

"Sigh, I thought not, but it seems you really intend to go save her."

With a sigh, Biryu Yeon nodded.

"A beauty's life is precious!"

What about a life that isn't a beauty? Jang Hong stopped himself before asking, as there was no time for arguments.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

Biryu Yeon asked again.

"Are you asking because you don't know? Participants of the Hua Shan Convention are not allowed to leave Hongmaegok unless there is a special circumstance. That is the rule. Didn't you hear it yesterday!"

Jang Hong's words were true.

'Once you have ascended to Cheonmu Peak, all contact with the outside world is prohibited until the end of the Hua Shan Convention. Participants are reminded of this and are asked not to leave the boundaries of Cheonmu Peak. Those who violate this prohibition will face appropriate consequences. Morning roll call is at 6:00 AM, and evening roll call is around 6:00 PM. Please ensure there are no discrepancies in the headcount.'

This was what they heard just yesterday. The participants of the Hua Shan Convention could not leave freely. The operators stated that there would be unknown consequences for violating this. In the worst-case scenario, they could be disqualified.

However, Biryu Yeon did not seem to take it seriously.

"A special circumstance? Is there anything more special than this? A beauty's life is at stake. It's a super special circumstance. Am I wrong?"

Of course, there was nothing wrong with Biryu Yeon's words. A beauty's(?) life is precious! He was stating the obvious.

Speechless! Jang Hong could only be as mute as if he had eaten honey.

"Exceptions are always allowed in case of an emergency!"

Biryu Yeon said with a confident voice.

Would it really be possible? Just climbing up and down the mountain in the middle of the night was not an easy task. However, Biryu Yeon seemed determined to do it.

"If you don't feel like it, you don't have to follow! I can't force you if you think a beauty's life and friendship are less important than your own safety!"

"You sly dog!"

An offer that couldn't be refused!

Biryu Yeon smiled at Jang Hong's grumbling.

"Yerin! Will you go with me?"

Biryu Yeon asked in a tone quite different from the one he used with Jang Hong. However, he wasn't that serious. There was no reason to speak seriously and gravely about something he considered trivial.

Surprisingly, Na Yerin nodded without hesitation.

"I can't just stand by when a friend is in danger."

At that answer, Dokgo Ryeong looked at her senior sister with wide eyes.

She has changed!

That much was certain. A friend? And someone from the Black Path…

Friend!

It was a word Na Yerin rarely uttered from some point on.

"I'm going too!"

Dokgo Ryeong declared.

"Senior sister?"

Na Yerin looked at Dokgo Ryeong. She knew her senior sister's personality well. This one-eyed phoenix never liked this kind of behavior that broke established rules.

"I can't leave a beautiful flower alone in a pack of wolves. My sword will protect you."

Dokgo Ryeong said, raising her beloved sword in its scabbard.

It was then.

"I'm going too!"

Yi Jinseol, who suddenly pouted and came forward, was the one. Everyone had to wear a bewildered expression at this statement.

"Seol-ah! We are not going for a stroll. This is dangerous! We can't take a young and inexperienced you."

Dokgo Ryeong advised. But it was no use. This young lady had her own stubbornness. Yi Jinseol looked straight ahead, straightened her back, and said in a clear voice.

"Of course, I know how dangerous this is. But I like Lan unnie. Since Lan unnie is in danger, I want to help too. I won't be a burden. Please take me too! If you don't take me, I'll force my way and follow you."

That bold girl.

Dokgo Ryeong knew well that if she said that, she would definitely do it. A sudden headache struck her.

"Senior sister, let's take her with us."

"But…"

Dokgo Ryeong looked at Yi Jinseol with a displeased gaze. Jinseol looked at her with eyes full of trembling anticipation, like a squirrel.

That mischievous girl.

Both she and her junior sister were too weak for this girl. A sigh escaped her lips.

"Alright, let's go together!"

A reluctant answer.

"Waaaaaaaah!"

A cheer erupted. Then she bounced around like a puppy seeing snow for the first time. Dokgo Ryeong couldn't help but give a wry smile at her cheerful and lively demeanor.

"If we're going to do this, we'll need people!"

Biryu Yeon's principle was to have others do things rather than stepping forward himself. It wasn't a strategy of borrowing a knife to kill, but rather a strategy of borrowing a knife to cook… His usual thought was that it was a waste to rashly step forward for unnecessary tasks.

"Gungsang!"

"Yes, Senior Disciple Brother!"

"Where is Nohak?"

"He's probably sleeping after dinner, isn't he?"

"Already?"

"They say beggars have to sleep right after eating. It's a waste of the food they ate."

A beggar is still a beggar, and a beggar is still a beggar. Not just anyone can be a beggar's disciple.

"Go get him!"

Biryu Yeon said only one word.

Namgung Sang quickly ran towards their accommodation. Nohak would now have to expend the food preserved through sleep on other tasks.

"Then I'll go too!"

Biryu Yeon headed towards the accommodation where Yeomdo and Binggeom were staying.

Finally, all the necessary personnel were gathered.

Among them, Namgung Sang and Jinnyeong, though not willing, were forced to join the group simply for being present. Next to them was Nohak, who was forcibly dragged out due to necessity. Yun Junho was also there. He was a crucial asset for understanding the village's geography. He seemed to have shown considerable courage, uncharacteristic of his timid nature.

The most surprising person among them was undoubtedly Yeomdo. This large, red-haired middle-aged man stood among the people, unable to hide his reluctant expression.

When Biryu Yeon suddenly dragged Yeomdo along, everyone wondered why Biryu Yeon was committing suicide without permission. And they thought all plans were ruined.

It was the same when Biryu Yeon said that he would readily help after explaining the situation. That sour face did not belong to someone who had readily agreed. Yet, Yeomdo surprisingly expressed his willingness to act with them. It was understandable that they initially thought it was a joke.

"What time is it?"

"Between early evening and evening."

When Biryu Yeon asked, Namgung Sang replied.

People couldn't understand why Namgung Sang used polite language to his junior, Biryu Yeon. However, Jinnyeong also used polite language. There was clearly a bond between them that others didn't know. And it might be a truth that it's better not to know than to know.

"Hmm, early evening…"

There were less than six hours left. Time was desperately short. But Biryu Yeon was not impatient.

"Alright! We just need to be back before dawn tomorrow!"

He said it with the tone of someone going for a stroll. Han No suddenly wondered if he even knew how difficult this task was.

"Can you move?"

"Of course!"

Han No readily answered Biryu Yeon's question.

"It's better for the elder not to overexert himself."

"I'm fine!"

A strong objection came back. However, it lacked persuasiveness given the sight of precious blood constantly dripping from his limbs onto the ground.

The old man's bravado was reckless.

"That's your claim, Grandpa!"

At that moment, Biryu Yeon moved swiftly.

Paba-bat!

Simultaneously, his fingers touched Han No's acupuncture points.

"Wh-what…"

But the old man collapsed before he could finish speaking. Namgung Sang quickly supported him from behind and laid him on the ground.

"I'm not the type to carry luggage."

It was a chillingly cold remark.

Evening (around 20:00), a clearing on Cheonmu Peak, Hua Shan.

There are two paths on Cheonmu Peak. One is the path they took after breaking through three checkpoints, and the other is the road paved with manpower to bring in supplies. This road was guarded by pairs of people dispatched from the Hua Shan sect and various martial arts alliances. It was impossible to slip out quietly.

They had no choice but to find a path used by animals. It was secret, but difficult.

'Will they really be able to make it on time using such a path?'

This was the same question in everyone's mind.

The woman was there, as always, by chance. She simply worked harder than others during their rest time.

Exceptional beauty, perfect physique, outstanding martial arts.

However, she was not a person who was complacent. Of course, that effort was made in places where people's eyes could not reach.

Even though she was a perfect woman like that, she was never complacent. She knew that there were people in the world who were more outstanding than her, as many as could be scraped with a rake.

That night was also like that.

However, that night, there was an encounter. That encounter became one of the key moments that greatly changed her fate.

The woman liked the intense colors of the flickering flames, so she preferred to wear red. Like a firebird, her body was always wrapped in crimson silk.

Her curiosity about the sword was unfathomable. Furthermore, her sword technique was called the best among the later generation disciples of the Black Path. In terms of martial arts alone, even Eun Seollan, the foremost of the four prominent figures of the Black Path, was said to be no match for her.

The Crimson Swordswoman, Seok Ryuhwa!

That's what people called her.

While hearing such a title was pleasant, it wasn't enough to make her feel excessively superior.

She was that kind of woman.

The fact that she was on the descent path of Biryu Yeon's group was undoubtedly a coincidence.

"Who is it!"

With a clear voice, her sword was drawn from its scabbard, and her red robe fluttered. The force of it made Biryu Yeon's group stop.

'Damn it!'

This was an unexpected event for both Seok Ryuhwa and Biryu Yeon's group. Unexpected variables always complicate things.

[What should we do?]

Yeomdo sent a telepathic message.

"You guys…"

Before her words finished, Biryu Yeon sent a brief signal.

First strike wins!

In such situations, the swift ones win. Receiving that signal, Yeomdo moved as fast as a gale.

He was incredibly fast.

Of course, Seok Ryuhwa had never considered her sword to be the best in the world. The martial world was vast, and extraordinary people were as numerous as grains of sand. She knew there were countless people with much superior sword skills than her. However, she was confident that she wouldn't be easily defeated by anyone. Her sword was not the strongest, but it was not ordinary. To be more precise, it should be called extraordinary. Moreover, she was always confident in herself.

She was always prepared. Like a sharp sword ready to be drawn from its scabbard!

However, that was a big mistake.

'These people?!'

She had a memory of seeing them. She had watched them enter Hongmaegok yesterday. She didn't remember most of their names, of course. But there were people she knew. Moyong Hwi of the Seven-Cut Divine Sword. He was quite famous even in Macheongak. She had only heard rumors and hadn't seen him in person, but after yesterday, she could remember his face.

And Na Yerin of the Ice White Peak! Seok Ryuhwa could feel the intense gazes of men focused on her. It seemed a strange current was already flowing among the men of Macheongak, centering on her stories.

In fact, there were implicitly followers of Na Yerin even within Macheongak. These followers were led by a few people who had interacted with Cheonmu Academy by chance. She vaguely heard that they had grown into a considerable force recently. Moreover, above all, the disciple of the Sword Empress! That alone was something she envied to the point of jealousy. She couldn't help her jealousy in this regard. Sword Empress Yi Ok-sang was the person she respected the most.

And the last, most impressive person.

Yeomdo (Flame Sword) Gwak Yeong-hui!

Binggeom (Ice Sword) Gwan Cheol-su, one of the Five Great Swordmasters of the World, and Yeomdo (Flame Sword) Gwak Yeong-hui, one of the Five Great Swordsmen of the World, were both famous figures, regardless of their affiliation with the Black or White Path. She couldn't help but pay attention.

Of course, as a sword practitioner, her gaze was more drawn to Binggeom, but Yeomdo was so uniquely distinctive that it was impossible not to notice him.

All in red: scarlet, scarlet eyebrows, scarlet hair!

If only looking at their clothes, they might have been mistaken for father and daughter. Of course, looking at their faces would quickly reveal otherwise, but both were completely wrapped in eye-catching red silk. It wouldn't be unfair to cause such a misunderstanding.

Her candid first impression of Yeomdo was that she didn't seem very strong. It was a stark contrast to Binggeom, who was like a sharp sword.

Yeomdo's figure, which didn't seem very strong, flashed before her eyes for a moment. Her reaction was a little late.

She only sensed Yeomdo's movement again when he had approached within three paces.

Seok Ryuhwa hastily swung her sword to block Yeomdo's path. But Yeomdo jumped into her embrace faster than her sword could block his path. A person can't be cut if they are too far away, but cutting someone when they are too close is also impossible.

'Damn it!'

However, Seok Ryuhwa did not just give in. With her free left arm, she drew a dagger from her back and quickly slashed it horizontally. Her red fangs, spitting out a flash of light, cut through the air.

Thud!

However, as if expecting it, Yeomdo easily blocked the move. Her left fist was completely enclosed by Yeomdo's thick-knuckled hand.

"Sorry!"

Paba-babang!

Without missing a beat, Yeomdo quickly touched Seok Ryuhwa's pressure points all over her body. Her body stiffened, and the sword she had aimed at her opponent fell to the ground.

Yeomdo quickly grabbed the sword with his left hand and threw it towards her scabbard.

Shhh-

As if being sucked in, the sword slid into the scabbard without a single error. Her dagger did the same.

Suppression complete!

It was an impeccable movement, without a single wasted motion.

Since even her pressure points were suppressed, Seok Ryuhwa could only blink and couldn't say anything.

Anger, confusion, bewilderment.

Seok Ryuhwa was unable to think properly due to the intense shock.

"Ugh…"

Yeomdo scowled. He was holding a beautiful woman whose eyes were wide open, but he didn't feel particularly good.

Although she was subdued, the aftermath was a problem. If she reported it later, everything would be ruined.

"What should I do? Should I just leave her here?"

Yeomdo, despite having caused it, didn't know what to do.

"How can you say such a cruel thing?"

A scolding tone.

Biryu Yeon glared at Yeomdo as if he had gone too far.

"Do you know how cold the mountain is at night? My master said that beautiful women shouldn't be left out in the cold!"

He had the air of someone who would not tolerate acts that deserved divine punishment.

"Then…?"

"Let's carry her!"

Seok Ryuhwa, whose pressure points had been targeted,'s eyes widened. Biryu Yeon added one more sentence.

"Besides, if we go together, we'll be accomplices. The more sins are shared, the more they possess a mysterious magic that makes the sharers' lips heavier."

A faint smile appeared on Biryu Yeon's lips.

'Besides, it will be difficult to report them then!' he didn't explicitly add.

However, that wasn't the only problem. Another problem had followed them without their knowledge.

This was when everyone's attention was focused on Seok Ryuhwa's incident. Yi Jinseol suddenly realized that someone was standing behind her. At first, she thought it was a colleague. But the next moment, she shuddered. She could see all the members gathered around the subdued Seok Ryuhwa.

Biryu Yeon, Yerin unnie, Dokgo unnie, Young Master Namgung, Jinnyeong unnie, Master Yeomdo, Nohak, Young Master Moyong, Jang Heung, Yun Junho, and herself, Yi Jinseol. Even counting them one by one on her fingers, no one was missing. Suddenly, she felt a chill as if cold water had been poured on her head.

'Hiiik! Is it a ghost?'

A cold shiver ran down her spine, and goosebumps appeared.

She was still a girl who hadn't completely shed her childishness. No girl prefers ghosts. They instinctively hate, avoid, and dislike them. Yi Jinseol was no exception. It was undeniable that the place they were standing was a perfect location for ghosts. She suddenly felt an urgent need to urinate.

'Be brave, Jinseol!'

She encouraged herself diligently. However, she didn't have the courage to look back. It was clear it wasn't a hallucination. Even now, she could feel a heavy presence looming behind her.

Her tongue felt stiff, and words wouldn't come out easily. This was a separate issue from martial arts. She needed to muster more courage to call her other colleagues.

"Um, excuse me…"

Her teeth chattered loudly. Her voice was as small as a mosquito's buzz.

However, a few people heard her and looked towards Yi Jinseol. They saw Yi Jinseol standing with a pale face, sweating. Their gazes were full of question marks.

"Is… is there… something behind me?"

Yi Jinseol asked in a trembling voice like a quivering aspen.

Their gazes shifted slightly. Only then could people see it.

Their eyes widened.

The figure standing with disheveled black hair fluttering in the cold mountain wind and a flapping robe, looking like a ghost, was Hyoryong.

"Wh-how did you get here?"

Yi Jinseol, who finally turned around, exclaimed with a voice full of bewilderment.

There was no way they could take him to such a dangerous and important event when he hadn't even regained his senses. Even Biryu Yeon, who boasted of his fearless recklessness, was the same. That's why Hyoryong was left at the accommodation. They thought he would be sleeping by now. But that was a mistake.

Even in his unconscious state, he had secretly followed them. What was even more surprising was that no one had noticed his presence until they reached here. Of course, their attention was diverted by the matter of Seok Ryuhwa.

'Even if he's not in his right mind, does the body remember martial arts?'

It was undeniably a very interesting fact. However, the important thing now was that they had one more burden.

"What do we do?"

Yi Jinseol asked in a bewildered voice.

"It's too late to turn back now!"

Jang Hong said. Besides, even if they went back and left him, there was no guarantee he wouldn't follow again. Annoying as it was, they had no choice but to accept this burden and carry him along. They were too short on time to ponder.

"Since he's come this far, he can probably follow us well."

And so, Biryu Yeon reached a conclusion.

"Let's take him!"

And the mountain race in the dead of night began.