Ok Hobang spoke with an utterly grave expression.
“A hundred of our hall’s elite mercenaries went, so wiping out the Wind Tiger Gang should’ve been straightforward. But, as if they anticipated this, the Wind Tiger Gang recruited formidable masters.”
“Masters?” Bu Eunseol asked.
“Yes. We couldn’t obtain precise information, but we believe they’re connected to Hell's Blood Fortress.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes glinted sharply.
Hell's Blood Fortress, one of the Ten Demonic Sects—why would they interfere in such a matter?
Reading Bu Eunseol’s expression, Ok Hobang lowered his head with an embarrassed look. “They’ve always seen our hall in Guizhou as a thorn in their side. And given what happened before…”
He had once schemed to offer the Divine Spirit Sword, the prize of the Jeongmu Tournament, to the Hell's Blood Fortress Lord. But Bu Eunseol’s participation in the tournament foiled that plan, souring relations with Hell's Blood Fortress.
‘Considering Hell's Blood Fortress’s actions so far, it’s plausible.’ Hell's Blood Fortress was sensitive to profit and often left its hall leaders’ actions unchecked.
After a moment of thought, Bu Eunseol asked, “Is there evidence these collaborators are Hell's Blood Fortress masters?”
“No reports of poison arts yet, but… the masters the Wind Tiger Gang brought suddenly started using strange poisons and hidden weapons. Ordinary antidotes don’t work.”
“Hm.” Bu Eunseol’s eyes narrowed.
In a clash of forces, poisons and hidden weapons were supremely effective.
Hell's Blood Fortress was a master of poison arts. If they were truly using Hell's Blood Fortress’s poisons and weapons, the tide could turn swiftly.
“But Black Leopard and the mercenary team haven’t given up and are still fighting,” Ok Hobang added.
Bu Eunseol nodded lightly. “Good.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ll register as a Dongpyoseorang mercenary.”
Realizing Bu Eunseol’s intent, Ok Hobang shook his head gravely. “Absolutely not.”
“Why not?”
“You’re already a Majeon leader. If they’re really Hell's Blood Fortress masters and the Death Shadow Corps gets involved…” Ok Hobang trailed off.
Bu Eunseol’s current status was as a Majeon leader. If he used the Death Shadow Corps to aid Dongpyoseorang, it could backfire catastrophically.
“Don’t worry,” Bu Eunseol said calmly. “I won’t use the Death Shadow Corps.”
***
The next day, around noon, a carriage outside the Unhyeon Inn began to move slowly.
Inside were Bu Eunseol, Myo Cheonwoo, and Yoo Unryong.
“A mercenary?” Myo Cheonwoo tilted his head after hearing Bu Eunseol’s explanation. “So, to quickly retrieve that mercenary boy you had, you’re taking on a mercenary team job?”
“Yes.”
“If it’s a job for mercenaries, why not use the Death Shadow Corps warriors?”
Bu Eunseol replied firmly, “That’s not possible. Hell's Blood Fortress might be involved.”
“Hell's Blood Fortress?” Yoo Unryong, silent until now, gleamed with interest. “That sounds fun.”
His voice carried deep resentment and regret.
Yoo Unryong had endured the worst treatment among the Ten Demon Warriors, so even the mention of the Ten Demonic Sects made him grind his teeth.
“You’ve arrived,” Ok Hobang said, bowing as they reached Dengmyeong Hall.
He had his subordinates promptly register Bu Eunseol, Myo Cheonwoo, and the others as Dongpyoseorang mercenaries.
“It’s done,” Ok Hobang said, handing each a sturdy black cloth. “This is the Black Sleeve, symbolizing our hall’s elite mercenaries. You can attach it to your weapon or wear it at your waist.”
As Bu Eunseol took it, Ok Hobang said with utmost sincerity, “Please take care of that boy.”
Having reformed after meeting Bu Eunseol, Ok Hobang felt guilt and affection for Black Leopard, who grew up fatherless.
Bu Eunseol looked at him silently, then nodded lightly. “Understood.”
***
Cheonhyerim, a medical house near Fanjeong Mountain in Guizhou, was surrounded by rugged mountains but renowned for its herbs, earning fame as a healing sect.
Yet, instead of a peaceful atmosphere, a grim air hung over Cheonhyerim.
Clang! Clash!
In the center of the vast estate, about two hundred warriors clashed fiercely.
‘What in the world is happening?’ A middle-aged man, swinging his sword against the onslaught, gritted his teeth. He was Im Hwan, the leader of the mercenary team hired by Cheonhyerim.
‘Did all the mercenaries guarding the mountain pass get wiped out?’ Dongpyoseorang’s mercenaries had built a fort near Fanjeong Mountain’s pass, using it as a base to fight the Wind Tiger Gang. Yet, the gang’s masters had descended to Cheonhyerim, meaning the mercenaries at the fort were annihilated.
“Argh!” Amid the chaos, the mercenaries’ screams echoed.
The attackers were not only skilled but wielded poisoned weapons and bizarre hidden devices. Despite Im Hwan and the mercenary team’s full efforts, they were outmatched.
Whoosh!
A sharp sickle grazed Im Hwan’s back.
Instantly, his body felt paralyzed, and his vision darkened.
‘Poison!’ Barely blocking the attacks and retreating, he quickly swallowed an antidote. It alleviated the paralysis, but his vision remained impaired.
“Hah!” He forced his inner energy to surge, swinging his sword, but his body slowed, and wounds multiplied. “Ugh.” Im Hwan bit his lip until it bled.
No amount of energy circulation or antidotes could suppress the poison. The attackers’ skills were far beyond what Wind Tiger Gang members should possess.
‘Is this the end?’ His grip on the sword weakened. No method could defeat them. A life sold for money… a warrior lives and dies by the blade. There was no regret in dying on the battlefield.
But dying to these vermin was bitter.
As resignation filled Im Hwan’s unfocused eyes,
Ping! Papapak!
A piercing sound cut through the air, and silver light descended from the sky. It was a thin, razor-sharp throwing knife.
“Who’s there!” The Wind Tiger Gang members swung their weapons to deflect it.
But the knife moved slowly and gently, unlike its piercing sound. It wasn’t meant to kill but to halt their attacks—a cunning technique.
Tap.
A black shadow landed from the air, unleashing sharp sword energy.
“Argh!” Screams rang out as the gang’s front line fell like leaves in a storm.
“You…” Im Hwan’s jaw dropped.
The black shadow saving them was none other than Black Leopard.
“How did he…” Im Hwan rubbed his eyes. Black Leopard, fighting with a dagger, was covered in blood and wounds.
“Black Leopard, what happened?”
“There was an ambush. Not the Wind Tiger Gang, but masters using unique hidden weapons…” Blocking relentless attacks, Black Leopard couldn’t finish.
But Im Hwan understood instantly.
‘The masters the Wind Tiger Gang hired annihilated the mercenaries at the fort.’ The gang had summoned unknown masters to easily dispatch the mercenary team.
And Black Leopard was the sole survivor of that hellish battle.
Flash!
Black Leopard’s swordplay shifted.
Each time sharp light gleamed from both hands, gang members fell, bleeding.
In moments, he cut down the front line and approached the injured Im Hwan. “I’ll clear a path. Take the others and retreat.”
Swish!
Three large blades aimed at Black Leopard’s vital points. The gang’s masters, having regrouped, targeted the skilled Black Leopard.
Hum!
A faint glow flickered from Black Leopard’s dagger.
Clang!
The incoming blades tangled in midair. Using a precise dagger technique, he redirected their paths.
Flash!
Sharp light gleamed from his dagger, unleashing a torrent of sword energy like a downpour.
“Argh!” Beheading three gang members instantly, Black Leopard produced countless more sword energies.
Those struck at various angles spurted blood from their necks without fail. Black Leopard transcended the dagger’s limitations, wielding techniques freely.
“Argh!” “Aah!” Screams erupted as the bandits fell like straw.
The gang’s pressure on the mercenaries eased. Black Leopard’s presence alone shifted the battle.
“Use hidden weapons!” As Black Leopard dominated, cutting down foes, the gang unleashed hidden weapons.
But his movement was too swift, repeatedly evading. He even lured their weapons to increase the gang’s casualties.
Boom. Boom.
Each burst of light from his dagger felled enemies.
Im Hwan, watching, gaped in disbelief. “His skills are that advanced?”
Years ago, Black Leopard was just a fast-moving informant mercenary. Now, he was a peak master, easily defeating first-rate warriors.
“I’ll fight too!” Im Hwan, despite a clear retreat path, rallied the mercenaries. “Help Black Leopard take them down!”
The battle continued.
With Black Leopard leading, the tide quickly turned. As they pushed the gang back toward the entrance,
“Well, to think there’s such a master among mercenaries,” a low voice echoed.
Whoosh.
With a bizarre sound, ten shadows descended into the gang’s ranks. They wore glossy red robes, their fingers dyed red like burning coals. The middle-aged leader eyed Black Leopard like a fascinating toy.
Step, step.
As they advanced, the battlefield fell silent, as if doused with cold water. Their presence alone shifted the air.
“Leave not a single ant alive. Wipe them all out,” the leader commanded.
The lined-up warriors charged into the fray.
Whoosh!
One of the blood-robed warriors closed the distance, swinging claws at Black Leopard.
Clang! Clang!
Dagger and claws clashed, ringing with metallic sounds. As Black Leopard held his ground, two more blood-robed warriors joined, surrounding him in a triangular formation.
Whoosh! Slash!
Sword and claw shadows chaotically wove through the air. Scratches began appearing on Black Leopard’s body.
“Argh!” Meanwhile, mercenary screams echoed as the blood-robed warriors overwhelmed them.
Clang!
Creating a massive cross-shaped sword energy, Black Leopard broke the encirclement and rejoined the mercenaries. As he held his own against three, the remaining mercenaries barely withstood attacks.
“He’s the problem,” the leader said, pinpointing Black Leopard as the reason for their tenacity.
Boom.
Leaping into the air, the leader extended a hand, darkening the sky.
Crash!
A black aura poured from his hand, and immense pressure engulfed Black Leopard.
“Ugh.” Black Leopard swung his dagger fiercely to escape the pressure.
But it followed him like a ghost, clinging relentlessly.
Boom! Crack!
Realizing he couldn’t evade, Black Leopard infused his dagger with inner energy.
Hum!
A low vibration erupted, and tremendous force poured from the dagger, using heavy sword techniques to repel the pressure.
Flash!
As Black Leopard unleashed his full power,
Boom!
A shockwave spread, and as the dust settled, Black Leopard appeared, breathing heavily, holding his dagger in a cross. He’d neutralized the pressure but sustained significant internal injuries.
“Well,” the leader said, unable to hide his surprise.
To withstand his Vacuum Force, which crushed foes instantly, at such a young age?
“To endure the Heavy Ten Thousand Poison Aura…” the leader muttered.
“Heavy Ten Thousand Poison Aura…” Black Leopard bit his lip, realizing the leader’s identity.
“Poison Heavy Mountain… Dok Mu-jeong.”
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