Book 24 Chapter 11

Preliminary Battle

― Beat them all. Take them down.

"The captain for this match is Lynn. I'll take the role of the second in command this time."

To be honest, Yeonbi had never made any significant contributions to the "Misoje Alliance's" victory until now. She had merely occupied a spot on the bench. Although she occasionally stepped into the center of the arena, she would simply surrender and retreat. This was because with one of the seals on the Black Dragon Orb released, it was better to avoid exerting too much strength. The reason they were able to reach this point without dropping out midway was thanks to the efforts of Bingbaekbong Nayelin, whose swordsmanship had reached its peak through relentless effort honing her innate talent and senses, and Yunmi, who had made significant progress through numerous experiences in recent years. However, this time was different. Having visited the opponent's waiting room a little while ago and heard some things, she couldn't stand by idly.

"Are you sure about this?"

The format of this match was not a best-of-three but a survival battle where the side that defeated all opponents would win.

"Of course, I'm sure. Who do you think I am?"

Yeonbi continued with a smile.

"I'll create the stage. So, Lynn, you just focus on going all out."

"Are you sure about that, Yeonbi? What if I lose?"

Choosing that strategy meant betting everything on Nayelin's sword alone.

"If I lose here, everything will be in vain."

"Oh my, were you planning to lose, Lynn?"

"No. Of course not."

She was determined to win, not only for Yeonbi but also for the spirits. She felt that her words wouldn't hold any weight unless she defeated the spirits with her sword first. Furthermore, she harbored a hope that she might be able to revive the lost memories of the spirits through this battle.

"That's a good thought. If you lose here, who knows when another opportunity will come. An opportunity to regain the memories of Dokgo Saja, whom you like."

"That's true, but…"

Then, with a bright smile, Yeonbi hugged Nayelin tightly.

"I believe in you, Lynn. So believe in yourself too."

Nayelin was so grateful for Yeonbi's unwavering trust. Touched, Nayelin embraced Yeonbi tightly.

"Thank you, Yeonbi. Thank you so much."

Yeonbi scratched her temple and replied in a slightly flustered tone.

"Is it uncomfortable?"

"What? This is good in its own way. It's not uncomfortable at all, not at all."

Patting her back, Yeonbi boosted Nayelin's spirits.

'I can't let things unfold according to their plan. No matter what schemes they devise, they will never be able to harm Lynn. I won't allow it.'

For that very reason, a clean sweep was essential. This was already a match that carried exceptional tension and emotional burden. There was no telling what kind of mistakes might occur. This was even more so because the outcome of the match didn't solely depend on swordsmanship skills. She didn't want to drain Lin's energy with unnecessary exertion before fighting the spirits. It was best to eliminate any potential anxieties. This meant that, unfortunately, she couldn't entirely relax about Yun Misoje. And considering the matter with the man named Eunmyeong whom she had met earlier, she wouldn't be at ease unless she handled this herself.

"Now, let's begin the highly anticipated semifinals! Uniquely, both teams that have advanced to the semifinals consist entirely of women. Ah, as a fellow man, it's a cause for shame. Will a new wave of female martial artists sweep through the martial world? We might be witnessing that very moment. If the winning team of this match can survive the battle against him! The winning team of this match will finally earn the right to face the fearsome Blood Flame Emperor, Chil Sang Heun!"

The announcer shouted with an excited voice. The inside of the Wonthong Arena was so drowned in roaring cheers that one couldn't hear anything else, even if someone spoke next to them. However, no one paid attention to that fact. Everyone was too busy shouting, intoxicated by the heated atmosphere.

"We've finally made it this far. My sister is over there."

Nayelin said, gazing intently at the opponent's waiting area. She would finally be facing Dokgo Saja soon. She still had no doubt that she was Dokgo Ryeong. Now was the time to prove it, to Dokgo Ryeong herself.

"Then I'll go first…"

As always, it was Yun Junho, who appeared as a woman, Misoje Yunmi, who stood up first. However, Yunmi couldn't even take her second step. Yeonbi stopped her. Yunmi looked at Yeonbi with a slightly bewildered expression, as this was unprecedented. She had always been the one to take the lead, wear down the opponents, and largely resolve the situations herself. Only then would Nayelin step in when necessary. For reasons unknown, Yeonbi, who had been looking unwell throughout the match, had remained quietly seated in the waiting area. They had defeated many strong opponents with the strength of just two people.

"Yun Misoje, please rest."

"Yeonbi, are you okay? You should rest too. Your internal injuries haven't healed yet, have they?"

"Oh, you noticed, Lynn?"

"Anyone could have expected that much. Your complexion is very poor, and you're sweating a little. You're not acting like your usual self at all."

"Oh dear, I've been found out. It seems my acting skills are still lacking. I didn't want to worry you."

It seemed Yeonbi's condition wasn't good, perhaps a lingering effect from fighting her mother, Bingwolseonja Yecheong. Her right arm, in particular, seemed almost unusable. Even now, she was holding her right arm with her left hand. She clearly wasn't fine. She was just not showing it.

"So I'll…"

However, Yeonbi raised a finger and stopped Nayelin's lips, smiling as she said,

"It's nothing serious. Lynn, focus on the fight that only you can have. I'll clear the path, the way to that stage. Well, one arm is enough. In fact, it's more than enough. You won't need to use the right arm."

Yeonbi stood up, holding the Hyeoncheon Eunrin. She immediately walked towards the center of the arena. Mongmu was already waiting there. His face was etched with visible tension. Yeonbi, upon reaching her spot, looked at Mongmu once, then turned her gaze to Hwanmu and Yeongryeong waiting in the other waiting area. After her gaze lingered on Yeongryeong for a moment, Yeonbi then looked at Hwanmu, and finally back at Mongmu. Why is she acting like this? A look of bewilderment appeared on Mongmu's face.

"Young lady, you can't do this alone. So, let's call one more friend."

Yeonbi said with a smile, offering advice.

"What do you mean? Surely you don't mean…?"

Yeonbi nodded.

"It's bothersome, so I mean you should attack all at once."

"They're here, kkkk."

Yeonbi stood still, waiting for Hwanmu to arrive. She appeared remarkably nonchalant.

"Are you looking down on us?"

Hwanmu, who was considered the more composed of the Monghwan Shuangmu, asked.

"No, I just don't want anyone to interfere with Lynn's fight. And I don't want to swing twice when once will suffice."

"You can subdue us in a single second? That's impossible. Don't be ridiculous!"

The impetuous Mongmu shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Maintain your composure, Mongmu."

Hwanmu interjected from the side.

"Oh, is that what you heard? Your comprehension is surprisingly good. Ah, this is definitely a compliment, so you can feel happy about it."

Yeonbi said with a smile. Naturally, the Monghwan Shuangmu were not happy at all. How could they be?

"Don't regret it."

"Ah, that's a very cliché line."

People from the dark path typically value efficiency, so they wouldn't foolishly throw away an opportunity to fight both of them. If they were being arrogant, it would be enough to show them a lesson as a pair. If they were digging their own graves and tightening the noose, there was no reason not to help them. There was no reason why they couldn't help them dig their graves, cover them with soil, and make the rope for hanging tighter. They seemed to be always ready to actively assist in such matters.

"I have a proposal. If you two forfeit, we'll forfeit our last remaining person, so two will forfeit from our side as well. How about this condition?"

Yeonbi said as if she had come up with a brilliant idea.

"Don't be ridiculous! Why should we do that?"

The hot-tempered Mongmu shouted loudly again.

"Because I'm a bit bothered right now. Frankly, I'm not feeling well, so fighting is very bothersome."

Using one's inner energy carelessly was not good. Yeonbi's body was currently like a wine glass filled to the brim, almost overflowing.

"What? Are you on your period?"

In reality, menstruation never postponed itself for important events or finals. However, that kind of pain was probably something Yeonbi would never experience in her lifetime.

"Oh my, there's nothing women can't say. How embarrassing."

"So what? You're a woman too, aren't you?"

"Regardless, what do you think of my proposal? I'd like an answer soon."

Yeonbi urged for a response.

"We need time to think. But still, it won't work."

"Why?"

"Because we are the Young Lady's loyal attendants."

"Ho? Loyal attendants? Not diligent guards?"

Yeonbi asked with a knowing smile.

"That's absurd!"

Mongmu shouted indignantly.

"Why are you getting so agitated? Is something hitting a nerve?"

"N-nothing is hitting a nerve…"

However, Hwanmu stepped forward, cutting off Mongmu's words, and said briefly,

"No."

Mongmu, who was still aching, looked like he wanted to retort further, but seeing Hwanmu's expression, he shut his mouth tightly.

"In any case, we won't forfeit. You don't even need to step forward, Young Lady! We will deal with not only you but also the remaining two people there!"

Mongmu shouted confidently.

"That is absolutely, absolutely, absolutely impossible. So it's better not to say it. You should know your own limitations to live without inconvenience, shouldn't you? It's not a good habit to boast loudly without considering things carefully and acting on impulse."

Yeonbi said with a cheerful, seemingly friendly smile.

"You, you, you…"

Mongmu was so furious that he couldn't even speak properly and just gaped.

"Oh my, did I say something too accurate that you can't even find a rebuttal? Well, that's probably why you have a smart-looking friend by your side. Your master must be quite a handful. Since one isn't useful on its own, you have to send out two of them to make a pair. It's like chopsticks."

Yeonbi's words were relentless. And every word she spoke grated on Mongmu's nerves. Every time Yeonbi opened her mouth, Mongmu's face alternated between red and green. Feeling that nothing would be accomplished if it was left to Mongmu any longer, Hwanmu stepped forward again.

"Come!"

Her words were always brief.

"Are you really not going to forfeit? You'll regret it."

"It's not worth a shred of consideration."

"Sigh, how truly regrettable. Ah, I didn't want to exert myself… I can't even guarantee if I can take it easy… Talented people do have a lot of worries, don't they?"

However, she felt compelled to clean up for Lynn, who was about to take the stage.

"You'll regret that choice in a moment."

"We'll see who regrets it."

"There's no need to wait and see. If you don't believe me, it's certain. Unless a miracle happens."

And as someone aptly put it, miracles are called miracles because they don't happen in the world.

And one more thing, although Yeonbi was smiling and chattering on the outside, anger was simmering like lava in her heart. If there was anyone who intended to harm Lynn, she would never forgive them, even if they were women.

This fight was not Yeonbi's own battle. This was purely Lynn's fight. She couldn't intervene in this battle beyond offering a little advice. This was entirely a matter between sisters. It was a knot that the two of them had to untangle.

'For that, it's unavoidable to overexert myself a little. Surely I won't die, right? It'll be fine if I just use a little bit of strength, just a little.'

Even though she repeated this to herself, she knew in her heart that all those words were just self-deception. She resented her overly rational judgment at times like these. Because she couldn't just let things slide by.

'Perhaps it won't be fine after all.'

"Let's go, Mongmu! Monghwan Shuangmu formation."

At that moment, Hwanmu shouted in a cold voice.

"Of course! That's the only way! Let's crush them, Hwanmu!"

Mongmu shouted excitedly. Their opponent was also a strong contender who had reached the semifinals. They were not people who could afford to conserve their strength and fight.

"You should be careful. I can't properly use my right hand right now, so I don't know what will happen."

Yeonbi rubbed her right shoulder and frowned slightly.

"Why is an arm-cripple out here?"

Mongmu shouted roughly. Hwanmu's admonishment to speak more elegantly went unheard.

"Oh my, you're quite a lively speaker, aren't you? Look, my right arm can move perfectly fine. It's just that I can't control it. So, be careful not to kill me. I might actually kill you if things go wrong."

For a moment, the Monghwan Shuangmu shuddered at the chilling killing intent. The formless killing intent flashed like a lightning bolt and then disappeared like an illusion, but merely being exposed to it for an instant sent shivers down their spines. The source of this killing intent was currently wearing a deep smile and a twinkle in her eye.

"I'm not sure myself if I have any mercy left for me right now. So, be careful."

In Yeonbi's view, Yeongryeong was the only victim. The rest were all accomplices and perpetrators. Yeonbi had not a single ounce of leniency left for perpetrators. This was true even if they were women.

Especially now, they were clearly women on the outside. There wasn't much to hold back, even without considering their circumstances.

The combined technique of the two Monghwan Shuangmu, the Monghwan Shuangyeongmu, had a unique hypnotic effect. It aimed to disrupt the opponent's mind using special, inconspicuous powders, special movements, and special sounds. And those who fell victim to the duo's combined attack were defeated amidst the confusion without even realizing when they were hit.

Normally, one would find themselves rolling on the ground when they regained their senses, but their current opponent was different. Yeonbi was completely unfazed by the persistent illusionary attacks of the two. Nor were Hwanmu's acupuncture techniques or Mongmu's joint locks effective.

"Huh? Are you playing around now? Let's try a little harder~ ~ ~ ~."

Yeonbi lightly deflected their attacks with a motion as if she were brushing dirt off her palm. No matter how hard the Monghwan Shuangmu tried to attack, they couldn't breach the invisible gap surrounding Yeonbi. Something was blocking their footsteps and their hands. And their covert tricks were also ineffective now.

"If you've already shown your hand, it's no fun."

Yeonbi smirked. It was a terrifying smile. The two also read the killing intent emanating from Yeonbi's widening smile. And they finally realized that they had been toyed with all this time. Yeonbi had been playing with them. And for some reason, Yeonbi was extremely angry.

'I might really die!'

As they felt a vivid sense of crisis, the two shivered.

"Well, it seems you still have mercy. Consider yourselves lucky to have been born women. Usually, there aren't many such opportunities."

Yeonbi said, still deflecting the continuous barrage of attacks from the Monghwan Shuangmu.

"What do you mean?"

It was as follows:

"It's a choice between two evils. You only need to choose one. We will respect your choice, whichever you pick. Such kindness is rare. So, here are your options. Will you die without pain, or will you live and suffer immense pain?"

Both options led to death, but only one type of death could be chosen.

"Of course, the latter…"

Before the answer could even finish, Yeonbi's body moved. The folded Hyeoncheon Eunrin flew towards the Monghwan Shuangmu. And then, the terrifying beating began.

"Hitting with fists is too barbaric, so…"

It seemed to be a consideration on her part, but it was not a welcome consideration at all.

Thwack! Thump-thump-thump!

It was quite a sight to behold from the side, and if the person hitting had been a man, there might have been a torrent of condemnation from the surroundings. However, they didn't quite know how to react when a woman hit another woman. Thus, for a brief moment, Yeonbi was able to administer a beating without any interference from anyone.

"Still, I didn't hit your faces. Does it hurt a lot?"

However, both of them were in agonizing pain.

"Urgh urgh…"

Crouched on the ground like a shrimp struck by lightning, wriggling, the two could only respond like that. They were so severely beaten that they could barely speak. Yeonbi was not unscathed either. The sudden burst of internal energy caused her vital energy to become chaotic. Wiping the sweat beading on her forehead with her sleeve, Yeonbi said coldly,

"Remember this pain well. If anything happens to Lynn's body, I will make you feel a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred million times this pain. And it won't just be the two of you. That person named Eunmyeong too. And if there's anyone above them, they'll be the same. So, act wisely. The next action you take could determine your fate."

It was a final ultimatum and a last warning. With those words, Yeonbi returned to her waiting area with a pale complexion.

The arena fell silent as if cold water had been poured over it. No one uttered a word. Not until later, when the handsome young master Yu Jin, snapping back to his senses, loudly declared Yeonbi's victory.

Leaving the belated cheers behind, Yeonbi returned to the waiting area where Nayelin and Yeonbi sat with wide eyes.

"Why are you both looking so wide-eyed, like birds shot with a slingshot?"

"That, well…"

"Well, gosh, why could that be?"

The two couldn't give a proper answer.

These two also seemed surprised by Yeonbi's drastic actions. Frankly, there was nothing elegant about Yeonbi's methods this time.

"Wasn't that a bit too harsh?"

Nayelin asked in a cautious tone.

"Not at all."

Yeonbi's answer was unwavering. Yeonbi, quietly suppressing her anger, truly believed so. However, the two couldn't understand why she acted that way, and Yeonbi didn't explain.

"Now, it's Lynn's turn. Go and settle it with your own hands. I'll be here, waiting with trust."