Book 29 Chapter 4

Shake! Shake!

—A secret passage shaking violently.

"Kyaaaaaaak! It's collapsing, collapsing!"

Geum Yeong-ho, who instinctively covered his head with both hands, let out a short scream.

Rumble.

"You're so scared!"

Maha-ryeong, who was watching, feigned composure and chided him, but Geum Yeong-ho wasn't the only one flustered.

"I'd rather die fighting the enemy than be buried alive like this!"

Jin-ryeong cried out with a face that looked like she was about to cry, covering her head like Geum Yeong-ho.

No matter how brave the prodigy of the Ami sect was, it was extremely difficult to maintain composure when the ceiling of a confined passage was shaking and dust was falling on their heads.

"Endure it, Miss Jin. Running out now will only be a useless death."

"Aren't you scared, Miss Ma, knowing that the ceiling could collapse at any moment and bury us alive?"

"Of course I'm not scared. Obviously? What's there to be afraid of with this little thing?"

Despite her confident answer, Maha-ryeong's complexion wasn't good. A smile played on her lips, but it was stiff, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

In fact, Maha-ryeong was no less susceptible to claustrophobia than Jin-ryeong. At other times, even entering a narrow space would make her feel as if the walls were pressing down on her, causing her to have difficulty breathing. However, at that moment, Yong Cheon-myeong was by her side, and Jin-ryeong did not have Namgung Sang beside her. That was the only difference.

Jin-ryeong felt an unbearable sorrow about that.

'Sang-gong, this human isn't by my side at such an important time! Idiot, idiot, idiot!'

But no matter how many times she cursed inwardly, Namgung Sang wouldn't magically appear.

Rumble!

The ceiling shook again, and dirt and sand fell with a rustle.

How did things get this way?

There was no problem when they arrived at the end of the secret passage…

The unpleasant music was still echoing from outside the passage.

"Aaaargh! I hate this!"

Jin-ryeong covered her ears with both hands as if she couldn't stand to hear it. To her, the ensemble sounded like the laughter of the Grim Reaper. She wished with all her heart that someone would stop the sound of the lute and the flute.

'Really, how did it get like this!'

Why did she have to go back and forth between heaven and hell in such a short time, barely 'two hours'!

She screamed inwardly, but there was nowhere to complain.

"It seems to be caused by the music we've been hearing for a while."

Baek Mu-yeong of Hyungsan Ilgi, who had been silently observing the situation while following Yong Cheon-myeong into the secret passage, spoke for the first time. Then, Cheong Heun of Samjeolgeom agreed as if he had been waiting, frowning.

"To be able to exert such power with mere music! It's truly surprising."

The music was not so loud or strong that it bothered people's eardrums. The conversation of the companions, spoken in low voices, was clearly audible for that reason.

If so, it meant that the sound waves were only impacting the secret passage and the stone slabs that formed it.

'How on earth?'

That was the question that flashed through everyone's minds.

"It's probably resonance!"

Na Ye-rin nodded at Yong Cheon-myeong's murmuring words.

"Yes, one of those who have set up camp outside must be a master of sound techniques who has reached the peak of their art."

Even though it was a situation where the ceiling could collapse with a pile of dirt at any moment, Na Ye-rin's voice was calmer than anyone else's.

'Is this woman not feeling fear even in this situation?'

Yong Cheon-myeong couldn't help but look at Na Ye-rin again.

"If we stay like this, we'll be buried alive, won't we?"

Gongson Jeol-hwi said with frustration. It was a horrific thought even to imagine, but no one could deny his words.

"To be buried alive without putting up any resistance! I absolutely refuse to accept that!"

Maha-ryeong was also a martial artist. She detested such a meaningless death.

"That's right! Even if we die, let's face it bravely like warriors! Let them taste the spirit of the righteous heroines!"

Jin-ryeong chimed in.

"I… I also agree with my sister."

Ryu Eun-gyeong, who had been with them until now without even a presence, raised her hand and said in a voice as small as a mosquito.

"Right!"

"Agree!"

"I agree!"

The companions, who had been trembling in fear and remained silent until now, began to stir, murmuring their agreement and support.

"Then it seems to be decided. What do you think, President Yong?"

Na Ye-rin asked for Yong Cheon-myeong's opinion. With the absence of Yeomdo and Binggeom, the highest authority among them was none other than Yong Cheon-myeong and Maha-ryeong.

"President, I can't handle that anymore. Ask Miss Ma. From now on, she is the student president of Cheonmu Academy."

After pausing to give people time to accept the fact, Yong Cheon-myeong continued,

"I will just follow the orders of her, the general commander."

"H-how could you do such a thing without discussing it…"

Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong were astonished by his words. They had never imagined that the proud and confident Yong Cheon-myeong would so easily obey a woman.

"It's my unilateral decision. I hope you both agree?"

"…I cannot answer at this time."

Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong replied with grim faces. They were still unable to accept it.

"However, if Miss Ma shows the ability to overcome this crisis, we will consider it. We acknowledge your skill in defeating President Yong, but we have not yet seen if you can lead people and overcome moments of crisis,"

Baek Mu-yeong said skeptically.

"If Miss Ma is a leader capable of leading both the Gujeonghoe, composed of disciples from the Nine Sects, and the Gun-ung Palgaho, composed of the Eight Great Clans and minor sects, then prove your skills. Until then, we cannot accept it."

Cheong Heun's stance was clear.

"So it seems. What do you say, Miss Ma? Or rather, President Ma?"

Na Ye-rin asked Maha-ryeong. Maha-ryeong seemed equally taken aback by the suddenness of it all. It was foolish to expect the accumulated resentment to disappear overnight. However, she had no intention of backing down. She didn't want to let Yong Cheon-myeong's decision go to waste.

Standing tall with her back straight, Iron Jade Lock Maha-ryeong looked at Wu Shang and Wen Sang of Gujeonghoe and said in a firm voice,

"All right. If Cheong Heun and Mu-yeong follow my instructions, I will break through this difficulty. What are your intentions? Will you follow my instructions?"

After a moment of deliberation, Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong answered simultaneously.

"For this occasion, we will follow your instructions."

They would follow her, but only as a test.

"Don't worry. You will continue to follow my instructions from now on!"

Finally, confirming Maha-ryeong's decision, Na Ye-rin turned her gaze elsewhere.

"Instructor Ok, what about you?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Ok Yu-gyeong at Na Ye-rin's question. She had been standing at the very back of the group, suppressing her presence, with her arms crossed, watching.

'Since when was she there?'

'Well, she's probably been there for a while.'

'Was she?'

'She must have been.'

'How could we have completely forgotten about her?'

'Well, you can't ask me that. I don't know either.'

It was unbelievable that they had forgotten someone as significant as Ok Yu-gyeong until now. Yet, the rest of the group, who had walked closest to her, had completely forgotten her presence. This meant that she had suppressed her presence so perfectly that even people's perception of her had faded.

'Come to think of it, wasn't there one more person?'

'No, there wasn't!'

'No, there was. Faintly, I seem to remember. Him, along with a small kid…'

'Really? Come to think of it, I think I remember that small kid too…'

However, before the group could even recognize Mu-myeong and Jang So-ok standing behind Ok Yu-gyeong, Ok Yu-gyeong's retort drew everyone's attention back to her.

"Why do you ask? Are you worried I'll interfere with your activities?"

Ok Yu-gyeong asked, slightly curling the corners of her mouth. There was a clear hint of provocation in her tone. Na Ye-rin, unfazed by the provocation, quietly shook her head.

"No, of course not. I trust Instructor Ok's words that you will only watch without interfering with our activities. This question was asked in case you might lend us a hand."

Na Ye-rin's voice was very calm.

"You're a smart child. You must have thought that if you said that much, I wouldn't be able to 'do anything to you,' right? Don't worry. I will only watch until that person arrives. There are still some unanswered questions. Until those suspicions are resolved, I will remain an observer. Of course, I cannot possibly oppose the elder sisters, so I will never help you."

Ok Yu-gyeong shrugged.

"Elder sisters… could it be…?"

"Yes, that's right. Who else would it be? It's the people surrounding this place outside."

"It's surprising that you know them."

"So, I'm sorry, but I'll just watch from the sidelines with my veil on. Don't forget, we are people who are not here."

"That alone is enough."

As Ok Yu-gyeong said, Na Ye-rin's words were not spoken after meticulous calculation, but even so, it was more than enough that she wouldn't interfere.

"Hmm… but I'll give you one warning in advance."

Ok Yu-gyeong hesitated before speaking.

"We will listen attentively."

"Those people are not to be underestimated. If you charge them in this state, you will die immediately. Do not underestimate them. Or you will all die."

That was the best advice she could give.

"We already know."

Ok Yu-gyeong shook her head as if she had expected it.

"No, you probably don't know. Most of the people involved in the martial arts world don't know."

Then, after a long hesitation, Ok Yu-gyeong sighed softly and said,

"Absolutely do not think of confronting them head-on, and only think of escaping. That's all I can tell you. I've spoken too much today."

In fact, what she had already said was more than enough. Ok Yu-gyeong firmly shut her mouth.

Just then.

"Hmm? I can help, you know?"

Mu-myeong, who existed like a ghost, so much so that they didn't even know if he was there, suddenly interjected.

'Haaak! I knew it! That white-haired man clinging to that little kid!'

'It's true, when did he appear?'

'He probably wasn't appearing, but following us the whole time.'

However, even more surprised than the companions by Mu-myeong's sudden words was someone else.

"Captain! Are you in your right mind!"

Jang So-ok, the vice-captain beside Mu-myeong, shouted in exasperation at his innocent remark.

"Why? Is it not allowed?"

Mu-myeong, looking at him with a face of incomprehension, was truly incomprehensible to Jang So-ok.

"Of course it's not allowed! They are people of the righteous path! Are you going to help them and stand against 'those people'?"

But Mu-myeong just tilted his head.

"What's wrong with that? It's natural to help the weak and those in trouble, isn't it?"

"Since when have you been so kind to say such things! And is that something a person of the dark path should say? Be ashamed!"

Jang So-ok's face turned red as he yelled at Mu-myeong. Jang So-ok also had an appearance and demeanor that was far from evil, but he seemed to think that becoming a kind person was shameful for someone of the dark path.

Mu-myeong nodded as if he found sense in So-ok's words and replied,

"Uh-huh, I see. But then, So-ok, were you a bad person?"

Jang So-ok, somewhat flustered by his words, composed himself and retorted,

"…Why are you acting like this these days? You, who normally didn't care if people died or not, except for sleep and sweets!"

"No, I was always kind. A shameful person of the dark path."

Then Jang So-ok exclaimed with a disbelieving face,

"Don't lie! Have you forgotten how you used to act?"

"Hmm? I don't remember."

Regardless of Vice-Captain Jang So-ok stamping his feet, Mu-myeong's attitude remained nonchalant. It even raised suspicions that he was enjoying Jang So-ok's frantic reaction.

"Really not allowed?"

Mu-myeong tilted his head and stared intently at Jang So-ok.

"I won't fall for that kind of tactic! Do you think I've been fooled a few times? Absolutely not."

Jang So-ok turned his head sharply, as if trying not to look at Mu-myeong's puppy-like, shining eyes.

"So-ok? Really, really, really not allowed?"

"Ah, don't pretend to be innocent! It's absolutely, absolutely not allowed, Captain!"

"Is that so? Then there's no other choice."

Mu-myeong sighed softly in a dejected voice.

"Finally, you understand my feelings, Captain!"

Touched that his opinion had been accepted, Jang So-ok turned his head towards his respected Captain, his eyes wide open.

"……!!"

His Captain, Mu-myeong, was holding a club, from who knows where, above his head.

"Sorry."

Thwack!

And, Jang So-ok's vision was enveloped in pitch darkness.

"Well, the obstruction is gone, shall we continue our conversation?"

Mu-myeong said with a bright smile, as if nothing had happened. The thought that fighting on their own would be a hundred times better than receiving help from someone like this crossed the companions' minds due to his nonchalant demeanor.

Mu-myeong, the captain of the Twelve Great Leaders of the Sky Demon.

He was a man whose thoughts were utterly inscrutable. Jin-ryeong, soothing her anxious heart, thought inwardly,

'I hope no more strange and uncomfortable companions like this are added…'

Whether her wish would come true or not remained to be seen.

"Then let's all go out. But before that… I have one question. If Instructor Ok called you 'sister,' what would be the age of the people outside?"

Maha-ryeong couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked. Based on Ok Yu-gyeong's words, it was clear that some or all of the Eight Immortals of the Demonic God were waiting outside. But weren't they very young, appearing to be in their late twenties to early thirties?

At that moment, Ok Yu-gyeong's eyes, which had been crossed, shone with a terrifying light. This was a kind of warning. The surrounding air seemed to turn cold, and a strong killing intent emanated from her, causing shivers.

Even without speaking, the meaning was clear.

"I-it would be wiser not to find out."

Maha-ryeong said, avoiding Ok Yu-gyeong's gaze. Jin-ryeong then chimed in with an awkward laugh.

"Y-yes, that's right. That would be good. Hahahaha."

There are things in the world that should never be asked, and questions that should be sealed in doubt and suspicion forever. Needless curiosity always ruins one's own body.

Dong, dadadang!

The music from outside grew even louder.

Rumble.

The entire secret passage shook violently as if screaming, and dirt and dust fell in heaps.

Now, the duet of the black flute and the silver lute had reached its climax. The more it did, the more the passage screamed and thrashed.

Creak!

Finally, hairline cracks began to spread like a spiderweb along the stone slabs.

The speed was so terrifying that it looked like it could crumble into dust at any moment.

Rustle!

A corner of a cracked stone slab, unable to withstand the cracks, fell onto Maha-ryeong's head.

Thump!

At that moment, Yong Cheon-myeong's fist glowed with green qi, and with a light punch, the fragments turned to dust and vanished.

"It seems to be the critical point. The passage can't hold any longer."

Chief Dam shouted urgently.

"It seems that's the only way now. Please, Miss Ma."

At Na Ye-rin's words, Maha-ryeong looked at Cheong Heun, Baek Mu-yeong, and Yong Cheon-myeong and asked,

"Did everyone remember? Is the preparation finished?"

The three men who had discussed a simple plan with Maha-ryeong while Ok Yu-gyeong and Mu-myeong were talking nodded simultaneously.

"Then let's begin. Please, Baek Mun-sang."

Baek Mu-yeong nodded once, then took out a jade flute from his pocket and brought it to his lips.

Bee-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri!

To Gal Hyo-min, the flute music that was now playing felt quite contemptible. A musician of her caliber could gauge the opponent's skill with just a single phrase. In her opinion, the flute music that had begun to be heard from inside the secret passage was clearly the work of a very young man, but his depth, power, and technique were still lacking.

With a little more effort, she could have neutralized the flute music in an instant. However, she did not do so because she wanted to see how they would struggle next. But even that did not last long.

Baek Mu-yeong, who had reached his limit, signaled to Cheong Heun without removing the flute from his lips. Cheong Heun nodded as if he understood, then stretched both his left and right hands, holding sword seals, towards the opening in the ceiling.

Bang!

With a sudden explosion, sand surged like a hot spring from the center of the encirclement. Cheong Heun jumped up along with the sand.

Cheong Heun, who had jumped from the passage entrance to Jieunjong, extended both his sword-sealed hands forward.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Three swords were automatically drawn from the three sheaths on Cheong Heun's back and shot out like arrows of light towards Gal Hyo-min, Gal Hyo-hyo, and Gal Hyo-myo.

Three Emotions Tai Chi Sword Wisdom

Upper Grade Profound Technique

Three Sword Feast

Clang! Clang! Chae-chaeng!

The three swords intertwined like lovers, emitting clear sword cries like jade beads rolling on a silver tray.

"Combine!"

Cheong Heun crossed the sword seals in both hands in a cross shape and shouted.

Three Sword Feast

Final Chapter

Three Swords Return to One

The three swords, which had been emitting sword cries like a true monk chanting scriptures, collided into one in mid-air, and a thunderous roar that shook heaven and earth erupted.

Boom! Kwa-booom!!

As the separated Three Tai Chi returned to one, a tremendous explosion occurred.

A magnificent sound, worthy of being called 'Heaven-Shattering Roar,' echoed, nullifying the continuous music of Hyo-min and Hyo-hyo.

Even for a master of sound techniques who had reached the peak, it was nearly impossible to continue playing in the midst of an ear-splitting roar that made the air vibrate.

Because their internal energy was high, but their skill in sound techniques was lower than Gal Hyo-min's, Gal Hyo-hyo's rhythm faltered first, and when the collaborator's rhythm faltered, Gal Hyo-min's black flute sound also faltered.

The attack of Baek Mu-yeong and Cheong Heun, the dual pillars of Gujeonghoe, seemed to be almost successful.

However…

Bee-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri!

The fingers moving on the black flute suddenly sped up, and Gal Hyo-min restored the disturbed sound and rhythm to their original state. Then, her music began to guide Gal Hyo-hyo's discordant lute sounds correctly.

As if guided by an invisible hand, Gal Hyo-hyo's ten fingers dancing on the silver lute began to regain stability.

'How dare you insult music with noise!'

Cold anger was blown into the black flute with Gal Hyo-min's breath. Along with it, her eyes, which had been dignified and calm, began to shine menacingly.

'Hiiik! This is bad!'

Gal Hyo-hyo inwardly panicked as she saw her sixth sister's eyes deepen. She knew better than anyone how fierce her sixth sister became when she got angry, even though she was usually quiet. In particular, she had a tendency to transform when her playing was interfered with. As far as she knew, her sixth sister was not merciful enough to leave alive those who desecrated her music.

If it were not for the fact that she was currently playing the black flute, she would surely have shouted like this if she were playing another instrument like the lute or pipa.

—Did you think you could stop my performance with such crude tricks? Your kind, who only know noise, are only fit for funeral dirges!

Hyo-hyo felt as if Hyo-min's shout was ringing in her ears.

"Min, unnie! Don't kill them all yet! If you do, the plan will…"

Fortunately, Gal Hyo-hyo's instrument was the silver lute, so she quickly sent a telepathic message.

Bee-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-ri-~

However, a flute sound imbued with immense power erupted from the black flute in Gal Hyo-min's delicate hands.

'Aargh! She's not listening!'

Whether she truly wasn't listening or was pretending not to hear, the flute sound only grew louder. Gal Hyo-hyo, though her face crumpled, had no choice but to raise the sound of the silver lute to avoid disrupting the harmony. If she suddenly stopped playing or made a drastic change alone, she didn't know how the situation would unfold, and she feared retribution.

Was it because the cold anger had turned into sound? The rapidly escalating duet sounded like a storm and turbulent sea.

—I'm not holding back anymore. I will now sweep everything away! Without a trace!

The intensified duet seemed to cry out like that.

Thud!

Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong clasped their hands over their ears and knelt down.

"Kruaaaargh!"

"Kkeuk!"

Groans escaped from their mouths as they writhed, covering their ears. The pain was so intense it felt like their eardrums would burst.

The current performance was much more brutal than the song that had shaken the secret passage earlier.

Creak!

Rumble.

The secret passage where the rest of the companions were still hiding began to crack on the floor as if experiencing an earthquake, and parts of it started to collapse.

'Just one more note…'

With just one more note, the secret passage drilled below would undoubtedly become a mass grave.

Just then, a figure sprang out of the secret passage leading underground. In his hand was a sword glowing with a jade-green light. It was the Jadeite Arhat Divine Sword, one of the two treasures of Shaolin, namely Yong Cheon-myeong.

Shaolin Unconventional Buddhist Secret Movement Technique

Lotus Seat Nine Grades Third Grade

Amitabha Three Bodhisattvas Buddha Shadow Three Exists

Triple Lion's Roar

Lotus Seat refers to a lotus pedestal, that is, the seat of a Buddha. Lotus Seat Nine Grades is a top-tier Buddhist movement technique that is close to an advanced clone technique. As the stages increase, the number of shadows increases, and it is said that eventually, nine Buddha shadows can be created in the same spot in a cross-legged position.

Furthermore, these Buddha shadows, or illusions, are not simple clones. The martial arts techniques displayed by each Buddha shadow are all different, and their power is almost the same as usual. Therefore, if one can create nine grades of Buddha shadows, it can exhibit the miraculous effect of nine Yong Cheon-myeongs attacking simultaneously from all directions.

Oho—ong!

A lion's roar erupted simultaneously from the Three Bodhisattva shadows in three directions.

The third-grade Three Bodhisattvas were a martial art where the central main Bodhisattva and the two supporting Bodhisattvas, like the three Buddha statues placed in the Great Hero Hall, attacked simultaneously from three directions with demonic energy. In this case, Yong Cheon-myeong even added the power of the Buddhist Lion's Roar, which contained demonic subjugation energy.

Doo—ung!

It was not just a loud sound.

Like the sound of a bell ringing at a mountain temple at the third watch of the night, a powerful, majestic sound that penetrated the depths of the lungs spread out in all directions.

It was the Buddha's roar, 'Buddhist Lion's Roar,' which awakens the confused minds of the delirious, opens the eyes of those blinded by foolishness, opens the ears of those deafened by arrogance and prejudice, and ultimately subjugates and kneels the 'demons.' It was released through Yong Cheon-myeong's body.

The lion's roar, released simultaneously from three directions, canceled out the duet of the two people just before it reached its final climax, which seemed to reach the stars in the night sky. The completely broken sound technique duet did not recover immediately like Cheong Heun's attack. Moreover, miraculously, the lion's roar only attacked the 'listeners' and had no effect on the collapse of the secret passage.

"You endured well, both of you."

Yong Cheon-myeong said with a grin, looking back at the two who had just managed to stand up, freed from the pressure of the sound techniques.

"I thought my eardrums would burst waiting."

Cheong Heun grumbled, brushing off the dirt on his knees.

"You didn't tell us to last this long. You should have given us a heads-up beforehand."

"I'm sorry. But I had no choice but to wait for the duet to reach its peak."

Yong Cheon-myeong's tone conveyed a hint of apology. However, if asked to do it again, he would have acted the same way.

If one is not using their full power and is conserving their strength, they can recover quickly even if shaken. However, when the performance reaches its peak and becomes intense, the performer has no choice but to pour all their strength into it. And a string that is already pulled taut is more likely to break.

"To unfold a Lion's Roar that most people with internal energy cannot even utter a word with such profound depth at your age… You're quite something."

The backlash from the abrupt halt of the music at the moment it was about to reach its peak was considerable. If Gal Hyo-min, Gal Hyo-hyo, and Gal Hyo-myo's internal energy cultivation had been weak, they would have surely coughed up a liter of blood from the backlash of the broken duet.

"You are quite something, but don't think you can escape us to this extent. It seems you have also consumed almost all of your internal energy with that last move."

Gal Hyo-min said, biting her lips. Since her internal organs had been shaken, she also needed some time to recover.

Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong looked at Yong Cheon-myeong's face in surprise at her words. As Gal Hyo-min said, his face was very pale. Cold sweat also beaded on his forehead. However, what was on Yong Cheon-myeong's lips was not despair.

"I don't think so. However, I find it hard to believe that others possess such profound internal energy as to withstand that Lion's Roar."

'Oops!'

Gal Hyo-min and Gal Hyo-hyo realized what they had overlooked and heightened their internal sight, looking around.

"……!"

Even though they were quite a distance from the emergency passage, the members of the Black Dog Squad, who had been scattered around and surrounding them, were seen staggering while clutching their ears.

The three women of the Shinma family, with their solid foundation, were able to withstand the Lion's Roar unleashed with Yong Cheon-myeong's full power, but the Second Unit of the Black Dog Squad, who had formed the encirclement, was not so fortunate.

Yong Cheon-myeong's objective was not the difficult-to-deal-with Eight Immortals of the Demonic God, but the Second Unit of the Black Dog Squad forming the encirclement. This was also the reason why Gal Hyo-min and Gal Hyo-hyo's sound techniques were focused on the target, while Yong Cheon-myeong's Lion's Roar exploded outwards in all directions.

Although he couldn't inflict fatal damage by having too many people within effective range, he could create confusion in the encirclement by giving them a staggering blow.

However, about half of them were still intact. After all, one Lion's Roar was insufficient to break through the encirclement. Furthermore, it was only those with lower internal energy among the Black Dog Squad who were staggering. About half of them, including Meng-gyeon, the vice-captain of the Second Unit of the Black Dog Squad, were still maintaining their encirclement with fierce gazes.

"You tried your best, but it's a shame. You failed to achieve your goal and became useless."

As Gal Hyo-min's words, tinged with a hint of mockery, implied, Yong Cheon-myeong was now practically incapacitated for combat.

However, he smiled brightly with a pale face, as if unaware of his fatal mistake.

"No. My role is sufficient as it is."

Then Gal Hyo-min frowned and said,

"Surely you're not relying on that girl on the tree, are you?"

At her words, Cheong Heun and Baek Mu-yeong's gazes turned to the tree her finger was pointing at.

"Huh? Where? Huh, she's really there?"

Gal Hyo-hyo and Gal Hyo-myo, who were distracted by the fight before their eyes, seemed not to have noticed.

When did she climb up there? At the top of that tree, Maha-ryeong was standing proudly.