"Damn it, those bastards!"
"They managed to climb that cliff...!"
"Stop them! No, surround and kill them!"
The members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance began to act like wild boars struck by lightning.
Mu Jin was quite baffled by the unusually frantic reaction of the Evil Tyrant Alliance.
'What is this?'
This was clearly a different reaction than before. These were the same guys who smirked at the Wudang Sect as if mocking a wounded deer.
But now, clear tension and deep-seated fear were etched on their faces.
In terms of numbers, there were barely a hundred of them.
In a place where thousands of martial artists had gathered, a hundred was a negligible number. Yet, the entire Evil Tyrant Alliance was trembling in fear of these hundred enemies.
"This way! Finish these guys first!"
"Kill them before they get here!"
At that moment, the ones who seemed poised to charge directly towards Mount Hua suddenly turned towards the Wudang Sect and started attacking.
Clang!
Mu Jin quickly blocked a flying sword. The enemies were now desperate.
Clang! Clang!
Mu Jin's eyes wavered slightly as he blocked another sword filled with killing intent.
'These guys…?'
The members of the Evil Tyrant Alliance were unusually urgent.
It was as if something terrible would happen if the Wudang Sect they surrounded and the Mount Hua Sect, which had just climbed the cliff, were to join forces.
Their current state was a stark contrast to their previously confident demeanour, where they pressured the Wudang Sect leisurely. They were no longer the demons who smirked at the dying swordsmen of the Wudang Sect.
What Mu Jin saw now were terrified minions, frozen in fear before a formidable foe. It was enough to make him wonder if they could even display half of their true abilities.
"Anyway!"
Swoosh!
Jin Hyun deflected a flying spear with his sword and instantly took the enemy's life. He smiled bitterly as he cut down an enemy who had lost precision due to desperation.
"While we've been training here... it seems Mount Hua has built up quite a reputation among the enemies."
Mu Jin didn't respond. An indescribable emotion welled up within him.
'No. Now is not the time to be sentimental.'
Mu Jin bit his lip.
Survival was a prerequisite for enjoying any emotions.
Though salvation had arrived, they had not yet escaped the swamp. On the contrary, the enemy's attacks became more urgent and ferocious.
"Hold on!"
The pain in his lost eye was intense. His body felt as heavy as lead, and his dantian was about to tear from reaching its limit.
But the vividness of all this pain was undeniable proof that he was still alive.
Swoosh!
Mu Jin deflected a flying sword imbued with blue killing intent.
Though he blocked the attack, his wrist tingled and his legs buckled. He barely had the strength left to fend off an attack from an unknown member of the Evil Sect.
Bang!
But as long as he could use the essence of Taiji, which leverages the enemy's strength, he could still fight. Mu Jin clenched his teeth as he struck the enemy's jaw with his elbow and launched three consecutive sword strikes over the falling enemy.
'I can do this!'
Even though only a hundred more had joined, the result was far from insignificant. Those hundred were completely changing the dynamics on this cliff.
"Survive until we fully join forces with Mount Hua!"
Mu Jin shouted until his voice was hoarse.
A cold gaze scanned the cliff.
'Is it working?'
A short sigh escaped from Im Sobyeong. Fortunately, it seemed Mount Hua was performing well upon reaching the cliff.
'Mount Hua is still Mount Hua, even without Chung Myung Dojang!'
How many battlefields had they fought through, and how many Evil Sect members had they faced?
There were no other people in the world as familiar with and knowledgeable about the Evil Sect as they were. Especially against the Evil Tyrant Alliance, Mount Hua's prowess was unmatched.
'Luckily, it seems the Wudang Sect hasn't been completely wiped out either.'
Im Sobyeong's eyes darkened.
No matter what, he must save the Wudang Sect.
Even if only a few remain, it doesn't matter. Achieving that single goal would be enough to break the momentum of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, which had risen to the sky by destroying Shaolin.
"Now, the next question is how to get out of here…"
Im Sobyeong, who was about to look away, confident that Mount Hua would succeed, suddenly froze and mumbled to himself.
'What is that?'
A chill ran down his spine. His eyes hurriedly followed the source of the unease.
From the place where he stood to the sky-high cliff.
The cliff, known as Baekanam for its white rocks, now more fittingly called Jeokkanam (Red Cliff), showed a group of unidentified martial artists appearing from the steep slopes on either side.
"What are those...?"
The newly appeared figures, who had emerged on the cliff where the Evil Sect minions still clung densely, began to run horizontally, pushing off the steep rocks.
A foreboding premonition struck him like lightning. Im Sobyeong's eyes widened in horror.
"No, no…."
A terrifyingly loud scream erupted from his mouth.
"Stop them!!!"
Unconcealable despair swept through his eyes.
Yoon Jong flinched and turned around. Jo Gul shouted urgently.
"What are you doing, Sahyung!"
"No, right now…."
"Run while you can!"
"...Alright."
Yoon Jong bit his lip at the inexplicable feeling and turned his gaze away. His neck felt chilly. But as Jo Gul said, now was not the time to look back.
Even in the brief moment he hesitated, the disciples of the Wudang Sect were falling, spilling blood.
'They can't hold out any longer!'
It was clear at a glance. They had already exhausted all their strength.
The terror of being overwhelmed by an innumerable enemy, and the intense pressure of protecting their sect, had driven the Wudang Sect to their limits long ago.
They needed to create an opening for them to catch their breath, if they didn't want to see the end of the Wudang Sect here.
"Run!"
Yoon Jong shouted roughly, thrusting his sword forward.
The retreating enemies were pierced mercilessly by the tip of his sword. Enduring the unsettling sensation of repeatedly taking lives, Yoon Jong pushed forward.
'What about Sasuk?'
Even as he advanced, he kept focusing on Baek Cheon. He couldn't help but be concerned.
Just behind him, not far away, he could feel Baek Cheon's presence. Although not at the forefront, he was in the vanguard, in a position where he had to bear the brunt of the enemy's attacks.
Yoon Jong clenched his teeth.
He knew. He knew very well.
Baek Cheon was someone who had to be at the front. Without Chung Myung, all the swordsmen of Mount Hua would be following Baek Cheon's back.
Though Jo Gul and Yoon Jong were clearing a path, Baek Cheon's presence was crucial for morale. However...
"Damn it!"
Yoon Jong's sword aura became fiercer.
'I should have been stronger.'
If he could take on the role Baek Cheon was playing now. Then Baek Cheon wouldn't have to push himself so hard.
But the current Yoon Jong couldn't do that. He could push someone forward, but he couldn't lead. That was how Mount Hua saw Yoon Jong, and it was the limit Yoon Jong himself recognized.
"Chaaah!"
Yoon Jong's sword emitted hundreds of plum blossom sword auras. It wasn't his usual composed swordsmanship. The somewhat rough plum blossom sword auras pierced the enemies.
"S-Sahyung?"
Startled, Jo Gul looked at Yoon Jong. The killing intent was too strong to be just a desperate attempt to save the Wudang Sect.
Then, Yoon Jong shouted.
"What are you doing! When you urged me to hurry!"
"Yes? Oh, yes!"
Jo Gul quickly nodded and dashed forward.
Yes, he could think about it later. It's almost done. Soon, they would be able to save the Wudang Sect.
'It could have been this easy!'
Jo Gul gritted his teeth. If only they had stepped up sooner, they could have done this so easily...
'...Wait. Easy?'
Crunch!'
Jo Gul's sword, which had pierced the enemy's heart, trembled.
'Easy?'
His gaze, which had been focused forward, wavered slightly.
Jo Gul stared blankly at the distorted face of the enemy, who clutched the sword in his heart. But the enemy collapsed helplessly without further resistance.
Jo Gul stared at the scene in a daze.
"What are you doing! Get a grip!"
"Yes!"
Jo Gul snapped back to his senses and moved forward.
The minions of the Evil Tyrant Alliance, who had been pale with fear, screamed frantically as they charged at Jo Gul.
Swoosh!
Jo Gul's sword cut through their bodies without resistance. But despite easily repelling the enemies, Jo Gul's face remained tense.
He was even more confused now.
'Has the Evil Tyrant Alliance always been this easy?'
That couldn't be. How many people knew better than Jo Gul how tough these enemies were?
Of course, there could be reasons. The enemies might not have anticipated Mount Hua's arrival, and perhaps there weren't enough elite troops stationed here at the time.
Since the moment they faced Jang Ilso, they had not seen a single trace of those persistent Hong Gyeon bastards. But...
Jo Gul eventually couldn't hold back and asked,
"Sahyung! Aren't these guys... much weaker than we thought?"
"What are you talking about?"
"No, these people..."
"These people have been fighting Wudang all this time! They must be exhausted!"
Yoon Jong's answer made Jo Gul shut his mouth.
Indeed, the faces of the Evil Sect members clearly showed signs of fatigue. It certainly couldn't have been an easy task for them to march through this treacherous terrain, fighting their way through the blazing fires to get here.
Sure, it's not strange if you think about it. It's probably a fear born out of impatience.
Although there was still an uneasy feeling, these were the same people who had just been driving Wudang to the brink. You couldn't simply call them weak.
"Aaaahhh!"
At that moment, a desperate scream cut through Jo Gul's thoughts.
A blood-red blade had pierced the chest of a Wudang swordsman who had been fighting with all his might.
'That...'
"Aaaahhh!"
Soon, the blade twisted and ripped through his chest.
Even though he was already beyond saving, the blade did not allow the Wudang swordsman a clean death. Every movement of the blade inside his body was filled with malice, intending to inflict as much pain as possible.
The Wudang swordsman's face turned ghostly pale and then was quickly dyed red with the blood that surged up.
Jo Gul's mouth dropped open.
"You bastards!"
His explosive rage burst out in a shout.
He didn't particularly have any great affection for Wudang. In fact, Jo Gul's feelings towards Wudang were closer to discomfort than goodwill.
From the distant past to the Yangtze River incident, Wudang had continuously been in conflict with Mount Hua.
But now, he couldn't help but be enraged by Wudang's suffering.
No matter their relationship, those standing there should not be tormented and brutally killed like that. As Baek Cheon had said, there was no such thing as a worthless will in this world.
His boiling anger turned into a fierce sword energy that swept through the enemies.
An army formation is like a dam.
When it's firmly constructed, it can hold back even a single drop of water, but once a single point breaks, it collapses all at once.
To Jo Gul, the Wudang formation now seemed extremely precarious. If even one point was breached, they would all be swept away.
'Faster!'
Jo Gul gritted his teeth and prepared to strike with his sword.
"Stop."
"Huh?"
Jo Gul halted his sword in mid-air and turned to look. Yoo Iseol was standing beside him. She still showed no expression, but her slightly furrowed brows suggested she sensed something ominous.
"Problem?"
"No command."
"What do you mean?"
"Disorganized. It wasn't like this before."
"Well..."
Jo Gul, who was about to say something, shut his mouth.
He was about to say that with so many people in such a narrow space, it was naturally going to be disorganized.
But... would Yoo Iseol raise a question like that without knowing such a basic thing?
"Problem? What do you mean?"
Without answering, Yoo Iseol looked around. Her expression still hadn't changed much, but to Jo Gul, it seemed unusually serious.
His mind grew increasingly frantic.
This isn't the time to be worrying about such things. Wudang's lives are hanging by a thread.
Jo Gul eventually turned his body.
"I'm going back in."
"Wait."
"Sago! Every second counts!"
Despite Jo Gul's shout, Yoo Iseol's gaze grew colder as she quickly scanned their surroundings again.
"A trap... No, here..."
"A trap?"
Jo Gul couldn't understand at all.
"What do you mean? How could this be a trap?"
A trap is something set to ambush the enemy. Therefore, the word trap shouldn't apply here. The ones who first chose this place as a battlefield were not the Evil Sect, but Wudang.
Moreover, this place was chosen to hold out. The ideal position to ambush and the ideal position to defend are distinctly different.
That's why Jo Gul had forcibly dismissed the discomfort he felt earlier.
"We've already broken through the fire attack, and with the Sichuan Tang Family here, poison won't work. The only thing left is people, and we're already breaking through those people."
It meant they had no other tricks left. But Yoo Iseol didn't respond, lost in thought.
"Sago!"
As Jo Gul was about to urge her again, she spoke.
"Bait..."
"What?"
Yoo Iseol's gaze quickly shifted behind them, beyond the Mount Hua members, to the cliff that seemed to touch the sky.
Yoo Iseol, who was staring at the cliff, where the sword energy of Heo Gong had left a mess, suddenly widened her eyes.
"They're not people... Bait."
"What?"
"Bait? Wudang?"
"No, these people here. The Evil Sect!"
Jo Gul, who couldn't understand, just stared blankly at Yoo Iseol. What on earth...
"Ah!"
At that moment, Jo Gul turned his head sharply.
And saw Yoon Jong's face turning almost ashen. Unlike Jo Gul, Yoon Jong seemed to have understood Yoo Iseol's words.
"Sahyung?"
"..."
"Sahyung!"
The hand holding Yoon Jong's sword was trembling faintly.
"Sahyung, what on earth are you..."
"Sasuk!"
Yoon Jong, as if he couldn't afford to explain, screamed towards Baek Cheon.
"It's a trap! We need to get out! Sasuk, immediately...!"
At that moment,
KABOOM!
A colossal explosion erupted from outside the cliff. Everyone fighting froze in place.
Rumble!
The ground beneath their feet began to shake. Left, right, up, down. It felt like it could flip and shatter at any moment.
"W-what is this!"
"Get down!"
Mount Hua's swordsmen and the Evil Sect members all simultaneously dropped to the ground in shock. Feeling the intense vibrations through their hands, Jo Gul's face turned pale.
"What is this..."
He reflexively glanced at the enemies.
The Evil Sect members were also crouching down just like Mount Hua's members. They too looked completely baffled. Those expressions and eyes were not something they could fake. Nor did they need to.
They too hadn't expected this situation at all.
At that moment, a word that Jo Gul couldn't understand earlier flashed in his mind.
Bait.
And only then did the puzzle start to piece together.
"No way..."
Jo Gul, as if in a trance, looked towards the edge of the cliff.
The cliff, where no one climbed anymore, was starting to crumble bit by bit under the strain.
'No.'
A deep fear appeared in his eyes.
It wasn't just the fear of the situation. It was the fear of the horrible malice that crossed his mind. The very thought of it made him nauseous.
'No, no! That can't be...'
At that moment, everyone's thoughts on the cliff aligned. And this terrible prediction, without a single deviation, turned into reality.
KABOOM!
Another massive explosion from below the cliff shook the entire mountain.
The mountain, devoid of animals or birds after the fire, fell into a sudden silence once the explosion subsided.
Then, the ground beneath them began to crack with a loud creaking sound.