Results of the Rescue Operation
Mookhyang continued his training even after returning to the sect. He spent most of his time shuttling between his home and the pine forest. Recently, he had been spending more time at home than in the pine forest. Aside from occasional visits from Eumhee Seolyakbyeok or his teacher Yoo Baek, he remained confined within his house.
As days passed, five months went by, and Mookhyang suddenly received a summons from the sect leader. However, unlike usual, it was not in the conference room or office but at a pavilion built on the high cliffs of Shiman Dae Mountain. When Mookhyang arrived, the sect leader's guard was lying in ambush near the pavilion, and there was no one inside. As Mookhyang used his lightness skill to ascend to the pavilion, the sect leader greeted him warmly, though there was a hint of worry on his face.
"Welcome. The truth is, I called you because of an urgent matter."
"What is it?"
"The vice leader, Jang, has caused a situation."
"Are you saying he has plotted rebellion?"
"No, it's something worse."
"Pardon?"
"He has kidnapped the two granddaughters of the Murim Alliance leader and is secretly holding them captive."
"What?!"
"This has created a rift so deep that we cannot easily mend our relationship with the Murim Alliance. We must resolve this matter favorably, quietly if possible. In the worst case, we may have to kill Jang In-geol."
"Why did he kidnap the two granddaughters?"
"Before instigating a rebellion, he intended to divert my attention toward that direction, and he successfully kidnapped them in utmost secrecy. They are currently confined near Jang In-geol's residence. I've set up a celestial net in that area to monitor it secretly, but if I act recklessly, their lives could be in jeopardy, so I haven't taken any action yet."
"What do you want me to do?"
"You must lead the Four Geniuses and infiltrate to rescue them. Jang's residence is guarded by three hundred of his subordinates. Given Jang In-geol's status within the sect, we cannot indiscriminately search his home. If he catches on and escapes with the hostages, we will face the worst-case scenario."
"But if it's three hundred skilled fighters, they're not that formidable. Why not take this opportunity to eliminate Jang In-geol?"
"That's not possible. If we execute him based solely on suspicion, there will be those in the sect who question and scrutinize the decision. Therefore, in my view, the safety of the hostages is paramount... Look at this."
The sect leader took out a map from his robe. "This is a very detailed map of the Shiman Dae Mountain area. Jang In-geol's house is here, and you need to go in and rescue them. However, it's not certain where they are, but I suspect they are likely confined in a hidden chamber underground. You must proceed with extreme caution. Once you rescue them and lead them back here, I will be having a drink with Jang In-geol and other experts. Once the safety of the hostages is guaranteed, you can bring them here, and I will deal with Jang In-geol then."
"Why make things so complicated? If we just storm in and behead him, it would be over…"
"When leading a group, you must learn to handle matters in this manner. That way, your subordinates will trust you, and the sect will be maintained. If there is no mutual trust, even the strongest sect can collapse swiftly. Do you think you can handle the task I've entrusted you with?"
"I understand. I will handle it properly. When should I infiltrate?"
"Three days from now, I will summon Jang In-geol. That will be the time to act."
Once the final decision was made, Mookhyang nodded in agreement.
"Understood!"
Two days later, Mookhyang, along with the Four Geniuses, headed toward Jang In-geol's residence. The demonic sect had constructed the residence according to his desires, making it a massive stronghold, and it was guarded by three hundred elite members of the Sasa Bloodhound Squad. As they were the best of the best from the demonic sect, Mookhyang found it difficult to enter recklessly. Therefore, they first took position near the residence and waited for a moment when the guard would be less vigilant. Under the cover of night, they successfully used their profound energy to silently breach the walls with extreme yin pressure, allowing them to infiltrate.
Unlike the extreme yang pressure, the extreme yin pressure leaves the outside intact while silently pulverizing the interior. Although difficult to master, its danger surpasses that of extreme yang.
Mookhyang successfully entered the residence using this silence, while Nan and Juk, along with the assassin from the National Guard, stayed behind to assist in the escape. Assassins are specially trained individuals who infiltrate without being detected, patiently enduring in hiding until the prey arrives. Both Nan and Juk were former assassins, so Mookhyang and the National Guard worked in tandem to swiftly enter and begin reconnaissance.
The first to break into the basement, Mookhyang and the National Guard held their breath, cautiously observing their surroundings. Soon, voices emerged from the other side.
"Isn't it time for the shift change?"
"Two more turns left."
"You were making a fuss earlier, and now you've quieted down. That older one among the two girls is truly vicious."
"Indeed. But that figure and body are really something. If only that temperament could be tamed…"
"There's no point in drooling. Do you think such a girl would even come our way? The higher-ups will taste her and take her as a concubine."
"What about the girl standing silently beside her? Isn't she quite nice too? But why do they have to seal their blood vessels and make it so they can't even eat?"
"Why not? You don't know yet because you've never brought food, but… heh… bringing food in front of them…"
"What's so good about it that you're grinning like that all of a sudden?"
"Those two girls really have a firm and plump figure. When something so enticing is right in front of you, you have to touch it without making it obvious… heh…"
"Really, was there such a way? I should have realized when that guy from the Wang family had that expression, pretending to be generous and offering to serve me."
There was no point in listening any longer. Mookhyang instructed the National Guard to rest since the target was right in front of them, planning to move the next day during daylight. He then closed his eyes and entered a meditative state.
As Mookhyang waited, time dragged on, and finally, the moment arrived. Before taking action, he spoke to the National Guard.
At the same time as he spoke, Mookhyang charged forward. He dashed toward the two masters who were exchanging jokes to pass the tedious watch time and swiftly crushed one of their heads. As Mookhyang's reddened hand collided with the guard's skull, the brain burst, releasing a smell of burning flesh that stung his nose.
The Blood Demon Art has a terrible odor; I can't use that anymore. I'll have to use the Small Demon Art next time.
Thinking this, he searched through the fallen guard's clothes for keys, unlocking the door to enter. Inside, two women lay in a pitiful state. Mookhyang drew a dagger and cut through the iron handcuffs and shackles binding them. After freeing their blood vessels, he asked telepathically,
Unexpectedly, Okmaehwa replied softly,
Even though she had been rescued by the person she liked, Okryeong's expression while looking at Mookhyang was somewhat bittersweet. However, Mookhyang was oblivious to her feelings for him, simply thinking that her expression was likely due to fatigue from being trapped for a long time.
Wondering if there might be any weapons lying around, Mookhyang slightly opened the door to glance at the two defeated masters, but they didn't have swords, as they were traditional martial artists who practiced combat techniques. Reluctantly, Mookhyang drew his Mookhon Sword and handed it to Okmaehwa.
No sooner had he spoken than an immense force of profound energy erupted from Mookhyang's hands.
Boom!
With a tremendous roar, the force swept up from the basement, creating a massive hole as it traveled diagonally upwards. Okmaehwa, astonished by his sudden action, exclaimed, "What in the world are you doing?"
"Stop with the nonsense and follow me." Mookhyang took the lead as he faced the over three hundred members of the Blood Demon Sect charging at him like a swarm of bees. Each opponent barely lasted two seconds before their heads exploded upon impact with Mookhyang. No matter how powerful the Ghost Spirit Enhancement Art was, there was no organ left in the body to command the restoration of a head that had burst.
In an instant, Mookhyang killed over thirty men and joined the Four Guardians. As the Four Guardians protected the women, Mookhyang began to roam around freely, battling the members of the Blood Demon Sect. He defeated another fifty men and broke through their encirclement to return to the group of the Four Guardians.
Upon arriving at the location designated by the sect leader, Mookhyang found the leader, Jang In-geol, along with several top masters, enjoying a drinking party. Jang In-geol seemed a bit startled when he saw Mookhyang appear with the two women. "Vice Leader Mookhyang, who are they...?"
"You know very well," Mookhyang replied. The sect leader and ten other masters approached the women. "Are you the granddaughter of the leader?" Okmaehwa nodded, prompting the sect leader to shout at Jang In-geol, "What is going on here?"
Jang In-geol burst into laughter and exclaimed, "Hahaha, I had the world in front of me... but I can't forgive you even if I die!"
At the same time, Jang In-geol lunged at Mookhyang. Mookhyang did not hesitate to charge back. Jang In-geol pushed his vital energy to the limit, launching a fierce attack. Just before colliding with Mookhyang, he released a powerful Black Demon Art.
When Mookhyang countered with a sword wind, Jang In-geol closed the distance to one step and exchanged several blows using Black Demon Art and Blood Demon Art before he was knocked back. Drawing his sword, he shouted, "Take this!" At that moment, dozens of sword energies shot out.
As Mookhyang waved his hand, a surge of his own energy broke through Jang In-geol's defense and struck his body. Blood and flesh splattered, yet Jang In-geol stood unharmed, and the wound quickly healed.
Mookhyang attempted to land a finishing blow, but he suddenly felt a powerful shock on his back. When he turned around, he saw the sect leader had collapsed. The vice leader, Neung Bi-gye, had ambushed him with a silent, intangible Demon Yin Palm.
Suffering significant internal injuries from the sudden attack, Mookhyang was enraged and abandoned Jang In-geol to launch himself at Neung Bi-gye. Receiving the brunt of Mookhyang's powerful energy, Neung Bi-gye was sent flying backward, spitting blood from the immense shock.
Mookhyang lifted the sect leader and asked, "Are you alright, Sect Leader? Please hold on!" At the same moment, Mookhyang felt a tremendous shock at his lower dantian and was sent flying backward. He crashed into Okryeong and Okmaehwa, barely managing to stabilize himself.
Spitting blood, Mookhyang shouted, "Sect Leader, why the ambush?" The sect leader hurriedly assumed a defensive stance, smiling gently. "Impressive. Even though I could only use the strength of eight stars for the ambush, you survived after taking my Thunderstorm Energy directly..."
Upon hearing the sect leader's words, anger surged within Mookhyang, and he shouted.
"You... Aaargh!" Mookhyang screamed as he felt a sharp pain piercing through his lower dantian while channeling his vital energy to strike the sect leader. A black sword tip protruded from his abdomen, a sight he was all too familiar with. While Mookhyang was momentarily distracted, Okmaehwa launched a surprise attack with the Mookhon Sword. When Mookhyang turned around with a bewildered expression, Okmaehwa smirked and said, "You brought this upon yourself because you're so strong and arrogant, so don't blame me. This was a collaboration orchestrated by my grandfather and the sect leader to eliminate you. The orthodox sect believes that getting rid of you is the way to balance things with the demonic sect, and the demonic sect wanted to eliminate you because you've been so arrogant, teaching martial arts to anyone. So…"
Okmaehwa's words could not continue. Mookhyang had closed the distance to her so swiftly that it was hard for others to notice. After striking Okmaehwa with a decisive blow, she had been caught off guard when he grabbed her by the throat. Lifting Okmaehwa off the ground, Mookhyang shouted to the sect leader, "Sect Leader, is what this girl said true?"
At that moment, Mookhyang felt another immense pain radiate through his heart. His hand instinctively reached out toward his opponent. As Mookhyang's hand penetrated deep into her abdomen, Okryeong coughed up blood but smiled nonetheless. "I couldn't defy my grandfather's orders. Please forgive me. It seems the vow I made with you... has been kept."
As Okryeong breathed her last, Mookhyang, having gone this far, crushed Okmaehwa's cervical vertebrae and tossed her aside. However, his injuries were far too severe. Mookhyang realized that there was no way for him to survive in this place. As a last resort, he began to draw upon the Reverse Blood Demon Art, circulating his vital energy. His body was in tatters from multiple ambushes, and his lower dantian was destroyed, leaving him with no other means to recover his strength. Though using this technique would allow him to regain some energy, it would also quickly deteriorate his body, leading him to death after a short period.
Mookhyang unleashed a blue energy from his hands and charged at the sect leader. The sect leader shouted as he faced Mookhyang's onslaught, "Go!"
From the sect leader's palm, a fierce energy erupted. However, Mookhyang pressed forward through the powerful force. Witnessing Mookhyang's terrifying momentum, the masters around him unleashed their own energy attacks against him. Eventually, overwhelmed by their combined assault, Mookhyang was sent flying backward. Before losing consciousness, he realized that someone had caught his falling body.
At the same time, shouts of astonishment erupted from all around. "Grab him!" "Don't let him go!"
Guk, holding Mookhyang's body, executed a graceful movement with the highest speed of his body technique, softly saying, "Vice Leader Mookhyang, you are a mythical figure to us assassins. I was truly happy to know that I would serve you, and I was so grateful when you taught me martial arts. This time, numerous masters were mobilized to take you down. However, the fact that you fell so quickly was perhaps due to trusting those around you too much. The sect leader decided to eliminate you after your visit to the Martial Alliance. The problem arose when you revealed to the leader how to enter the Xuanjing. Knowing this, the sect leader decided to eliminate you and contacted the leader to summon those sisters. I'm sorry, Vice Leader. I should have told you sooner, but I lacked the courage to defy the sect leader's orders. It wasn't until I saw you fall that I couldn't hold back anymore and intervened. Please forgive me."
At that moment, energy attacks from pursuing masters of the demonic sect continued to rain down from behind Guk. Even as his consciousness faded, Mookhyang murmured to Guk.
"Forgive me..." Guk, running for his life, dodged left and right to avoid the numerous projectiles flying at him from behind. However, with so many aimed his way, it was impossible to avoid them all. He dodged the larger ones and those carrying the most energy, while letting the rest hit his body, relying on his inner energy shield to protect him. But even his strength was nearing its limit.
I've already run nearly 25 li. Just a few more li, and I'll reach the Tanryeong River. Guk had a plan to throw Mookhyang into the river, which was known for its incredibly fast currents, said to sound like the wailing of souls in the underworld. There was almost no chance Mookhyang could survive in such a place, but staying here would guarantee death. Clinging to the slightest hope, Guk pressed on.
The Four Gentlemen already knew about the plan to eliminate Mookhyang. They had assumed Mookhyang would not foolishly flee to the Tanryeong River, so they set up an inescapable net across all other exits from the Demonic Sect's territory, leaving the river lightly guarded. This was because even experts at the Profound Realm wouldn't be able to cross the river in their current state of injury, making it the least likely escape route. Guk, however, was taking the gamble of escaping toward the river.
As he neared the Tanryeong River, Guk spotted about ten high-level martial artists standing guard. Judging by their attire, they were from the Suramachamdae, a formidable strike force of the Demonic Sect. The entire sect had mobilized to kill Mookhyang. Since Mookhyang had no intention of gaining power within the sect, he had not built up any loyal followers. When the Four Gentlemen betrayed him under pressure from the sect leader, the main forces of the Demonic Sect moved without Mookhyang ever knowing about the plan. However, the sect leader knew full well how terrifying Mookhyang's martial prowess was. Even after mobilizing all his available forces, he still wasn't confident he could land a decisive blow on Mookhyang, so he convinced the leader of the Martial Alliance to lend him his granddaughters.
It was easy to borrow the two granddaughters. When he mentioned killing Mookhyang, Okmaehwa, who had a grudge against Mookhyang, volunteered to go, while Okryeong, softer in nature, was forced to help under pressure from her grandfather. Okryeong had always been less favored compared to Okmaehwa, who was fiercely devoted to martial arts, and so the leader of the alliance readily agreed to send Okryeong to the Demonic Sect. Okmaehwa, having overheard the conversation, insisted on going along, and thus the sisters joined forces.
The greatest damage Mookhyang had taken had come from these two sisters. The sect leader had ordered the Blood Demon Squad not to be armed, forcing Mookhyang to hand over the Mookhon Sword to Okmaehwa. Though both sisters had concealed daggers in case Mookhyang refused to comply, these weapons were no match for the sword that Mookhyang had given to them, forged from dark steel by a renowned craftsman of the Demonic Sect. Had they brought weapons capable of piercing through his inner energy shield, Mookhyang would have detected their intent.
Seeing the ten martial artists guarding the riverbank, Guk charged straight at them. The Suramachamdae warriors drew their weapons, ready to finish off both Guk and Mookhyang. But Guk had no intention of fighting. His body was in ruins from the countless projectiles embedded in his back, and his inner energy had almost completely depleted.
As soon as he got close to the Suramachamdae, Guk hurled Mookhyang into the Tanryeong River and threw several projectiles he had prepared in advance. While his opponents dodged, Guk leaped into the river right after Mookhyang, positioning himself to fall next to him. The Suramachamdae launched a barrage of projectiles and energy attacks at both Guk and Mookhyang, but Guk took the full brunt of it.
In this way, Mookhyang, barely clinging to life, was swept away by the raging currents of the Tanryeong River.