The Aftermath of Delight - 2
Unaware of the commotion outside, Gukgwang lay wrapped in the embrace of a woman's warm body, utterly consumed by the moment. He had no sense of how much time had passed, but as clarity gradually returned to his mind, he instinctively surveyed his surroundings. Beside him lay Seol Yakbyeok, utterly spent, her body marked by traces of their prolonged encounter.
I'm… still alive?
He channeled his energy through his body, and to his surprise, everything felt exactly as it had been; his inner strength hadn't diminished nor grown.
Does that mean I haven't mastered the Virgin Art? Or have they mistaken me for this person called Mookhyang? I can't be sure.
As Gukgwang rose and started dressing, Seol Yakbyeok, coming to her senses, looked at him in shock.
"Vice Leader… did you not… master the Virgin Art?" she exclaimed, not caring about her own nakedness as she focused solely on him with a look of urgent concern. Gukgwang smirked, amused by her reaction, but turned away slightly as he replied.
"Well, like I told someone before, maybe I'm not really the Vice Leader. In any case, one thing's for sure—I haven't mastered the Virgin Art."
Seol Yakbyeok looked at him in disbelief. "That can't be… You're definitely the Vice Leader. I'm the one who taught you zither. We've been together for so long; there's no way I wouldn't recognize you."
A bitter smile formed on Gukgwang's face. "So, it was you who taught me the zither. I had a feeling…" He fastened Mookhon to his waist and turned to look at her. "Then, could you tell me what happened to me in the past?"
Seol Yakbyeok, now seated, picked up a garment lying on the floor and draped it around herself. "If I'd known you hadn't mastered the Virgin Art and had such… vitality, I'd have embraced you much sooner… Ah, my whole body aches."
"It's the drug, not my vitality. Enough theatrics—could you give me a proper answer?"
"I'll keep it simple. You were the Vice Leader of the Asura Blood Sect. Your strength intimidated the Sect Leader and the other Vice Leaders, so they tried to dispose of you."
"The other Vice Leaders?"
"Yes. The Sect Leader, Neung Bigye, and Vice Leader Jang Ingeol are all considered masters of extremity among the Four Demon Emperors. With you gone, tension between the Sect Leader and Vice Leader Jang has only worsened. But as long as you're a threat, they're bound to join forces to eliminate you."
"Interesting. But I'm not someone they can take down so easily."
"That may have been true in the past. But now, without any of the martial arts you learned in our sect, you won't be able to withstand their combined assault."
"That may be true. But that was then, and… I'm not foolish enough to seek revenge over events I can't even remember," Gukgwang replied, pausing briefly before continuing. "If they come after me, I'll have no choice, but I won't strike first."
He fell silent for a moment, deep in thought, then spoke again. "For now, I have no desire to kill you. After all, you didn't try to assassinate me, so there's no reason for that. I'd prefer to return to my lodging now—would that be alright?"
Seol Yakbyeok smiled warmly. "Thank you for sparing me. You're free to do as you please."
"Free to do as I please?"
"Yes, there isn't a single expert from our sect in this house. They've all gone to General Ok Yeongjin's residence. No one will stand in your way."
"What? Why did they go there?"
"Why else? To take care of General Ok Yeongjin."
Gukgwang muttered a quiet curse, and in the next instant, his form shot through the window, disappearing into the night.
The Appearance of the Demonic Sect - 1
The vast estate of the Ok family, a noble clan with a legacy of glory, exuded an austere grandeur in its architecture. Tonight, however, the atmosphere around the manor was tense, as residents in the vicinity were kept awake by piercing war cries, the clash of weapons, and various screams that filled the night air. All sensed that a calamity had befallen the Ok family, but no one dared to confirm it, choosing instead to stay hidden in their homes in fear.
The expansive courtyard was littered with bodies and soaked in blood. Warriors clad in battle robes fought fiercely against another group dressed in yellow garments embroidered with the character "禁" (forbidden). The battle, however, was strikingly one-sided; though the warriors in battle robes displayed formidable martial arts skills, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Golden Guard soldiers. Amid the chaos, ten or so men in crimson robes entered the fray, their martial prowess surpassing even that of the battle-robed warriors.
At that moment, around a thousand men in black uniforms arrived and swiftly formed a battle line. Their disciplined movements displayed a high level of training, yet they simply observed without engaging. The ominous aura emanating from them made it clear they were far from being righteous warriors, and their strength was not the reason they refrained from joining the conflict.
With the situation under control, the crimson-clad fighters withdrew, as if they deemed further action unnecessary. One of them approached a young man in black and spoke.
"We're a bit late."
"Yes, but it doesn't seem like we'll need to intervene, Lord Haegong."
"Hahaha! That may be true, but I summoned you to cover the rear. Some of that old fool's followers are stationed nearby. Though they're bound by imperial decree, there's still a chance a few might head this way. So, how many did you bring?"
The young man's smile faded upon hearing Haegong's shrill laughter, which carried a power that matched his own. To have strength akin to the Four Kings of the Unorthodox Sect... the imperial palace should not underestimate such a presence. In a respectful tone, he replied to the repulsive, androgynous figure before him.
"I brought two brigades. Here is the Thousand Wolf Brigade, and outside the city awaits the Yan King Brigade. If the Black Wind Brigade rebels show up, the Yan King's Flute will handle them."
"Can I trust that?"
The young man in black replied confidently, unfazed by the crimson-robed man's skepticism.
"Of course, Lord Haegong. Should anything exceed his capabilities, he'll call for help here, and the Thousand Li Lone Walker will lead a thousand wolves to finish the job. But if the Black Wind Brigade's strength is as I estimate, even if they come in full force, they won't escape the Yan King's deathly grasp."
"Impressive. The strength of a single brigade from your sect surpasses that of the Black Wind Brigade…"
"Hahaha, you're too kind. According to our intelligence, the Black Wind Brigade's power might rival two brigades of ours or even match the Heavenly Demon Blood Sword Brigade. However, with all its leaders here, the Brigade is like a headless beast—a force that amounts to little. Our sect's dominance over the ten thousand unorthodox sects is built on more than raw power; it's also based on strategy and information. Now that the toughest figure has succumbed to the allure of Inhee's hands, there's little to worry about. Rest easy, Lord Haegong."
With a hint of interest, Haegong asked, "The toughest figure, you say? Beyond General Ok?"
"Our purpose in assisting you in this affair wasn't solely to assassinate General Ok but rather another significant threat—a most dangerous figure to our sect."
Haegong, even more intrigued, pressed on. "Is he highly skilled?"
"At this moment, he might be on par with me… if not slightly ahead."
"Ha! That's astonishing. And to think that even the renowned, deadly master of the unorthodox Four Kings, the Green-Eyed Venomous Lord, Neung Bige, would regard this threat so highly. Who is he? Zhang Ingeol?"
Neung Bige responded with deference, "No, Lord Haegong. His name is Mookhyang, the vice leader."
"Mookhyang? I've never heard of him…"
"It's not surprising. He was our sect's prized secret weapon."
"A secret weapon?"
"Indeed. His martial arts are now likely on par with our sect leader's."
"Astonishing. Perhaps we should update the Four Kings to the Five Kings now."
"No need. He's likely been taken care of by Inhee, so Four Kings remains accurate."
"Is Inhee capable of handling someone on par with your sect leader? Judging by the nickname 'Inhee,' she seems like a temptress who uses confusion and aphrodisiacs. But would such tricks work on someone of supreme martial prowess?"
"Not quite. He has a critical weakness."
"A weakness?"
"Foolishly, he practiced the Virgin Arts. Since our sect knew of this, it was easy to deal with him. Had another sect attempted it without this knowledge, the outcome would have been far bloodier."
"Virgin Arts? Hah! One might as well become a eunuch to train in that."
At that moment, a voice called from outside.
"Someone is approaching at great speed from the east!"
"What?"
Indeed, from the eastern sky, a figure was approaching at near-lightning speed, radiating a golden aura that made it resemble a streaking comet. Watching this, Haegong muttered to himself, "Golden Emperor's Divine Step! Astonishing. I never thought I'd witness the appearance of an unfinished lightness skill…"
"Unfinished?"
"In addition to the Three Grand Techniques of the Imperial Palace, there are many skills hidden within the Imperial Martial Vault. But not all of them are complete. Some techniques were abandoned because their creators lacked the power or skill to complete them. Yet, as unfinished arts, their potency is less than the Three Grand Techniques, so any palace warrior can learn them. But if they were completed, their power would be unmatched, even by those three. But… who is this person? I've never heard of a martial artist of this caliber in the palace…"
"That person is Mookhyang. It seems that Inhee has failed. His martial prowess is likely at the Hwagyeong level—or perhaps, at worst…"
Neung Bige hesitated, quickly calling to a black-clad figure nearby to avoid alarming Haegong with too much truth.
"Yes, sir!"
"Tell Hanjungpyeong to move the Flame King Brigade here immediately."
"Understood!"
"Deploy the Thousand Wolf Sword Formation!"
"Understood!"
Following Neung Bige's command, the Thousand Wolf Sword Formation unfurled. Watching the arrangement, Haegong remarked in awe, "An impressive formation. But is it really necessary to go this far?"
"It might even be insufficient…"
"What?"
"That individual has mastered the Thousand Wolf Sword Formation in the past. If his memories somehow return…"
For a moment, a flash of fear crossed Neung Bige's face, which didn't escape Haegong's notice. He was inwardly shocked. If Neung Bige's words were true, then the man approaching was a martial artist slightly more skilled than Neung Bige himself. But no one should feel such terror toward someone only marginally stronger than themselves.
It seems he's hiding something from me. With the skills these warriors possess, even the Black Wind Brigade would be no match for the Thousand Wolf Brigade alone. But if they're also bringing in the Flame King Brigade…
While Haegong pondered in suspicion, the golden light barreled into the estate. At that very moment, the figure radiating golden light drew a sword from his waist and launched an attack without any warning. As Gukgwang charged in recklessly, Neung Bige's heart, which had been pounding with anticipation, began to ease.
He doesn't remember the Thousand Wolf Sword Formation. Then we have a chance.
As Gukgwang charged forward, his heart felt ready to explode with rage and hatred. Corpses lay scattered everywhere, and only about thirty Black Wind Brigade officers remained, surrounded by warriors dressed in imperial garb, and it seemed they wouldn't hold out much longer. However, the moment he drew his sword, his mind was consumed by a fierce aura of malevolent energy, transforming him into a relentless conqueror. Thoughts of the Black Wind Brigade or General Okyeongjin vanished from his mind, leaving only a singular purpose—how best to strike down the prey before him.
In an instant, the hall was filled with a whirlwind of sword light and violent slashes. Haegong closely observed the fierce clash between the Thousand Wolf Brigade and the young man called Mookhyang. He silently thanked the heavens for the chance to study the martial arts of the Demonic Sect, considering that a future confrontation with them could very well lie ahead.
Mookhyang really is using only the Imperial Palace's martial arts techniques. I never imagined that those miscellaneous skills would carry such power. It's clear he hasn't even learned the Three Grand Techniques of the Imperial Palace. And yet, he displays this level of force... The Thousand Wolf Brigade is quite formidable too. The Thousand Wolf Sword Formation may seem like a poor excuse for a sword formation, lacking elaborate traps or intricate techniques. Rather, it simply allows those within the formation to unleash their power freely, ensuring no one person bears the full weight of the battle—a remarkably unrestricted formation. While the formation itself isn't inherently powerful, the skill of the swordsmen executing it is beyond imagination. When the formation is broken in more powerful formations, it collapses uncontrollably, leading to ruin. But with such a minimal inherent power in this formation, the only way to break it is to eliminate each swordsman individually... No easy feat.
While Haegong marveled at the sight, the battle raged on. Gukgwang was accumulating minor injuries, and anxiety began creeping in as he realized that even his most potent techniques, reinforced with powerful Sword Qi, couldn't penetrate the formation's defenses. Prolonging this fight was only going to bring more trouble. The final nudge toward his decision came when five swordsmen from the rear struck, leaving him with three light wounds.
If that's how it is, I'll use the most powerful technique I know…
"Hyah!"
A powerful roar accompanied an eruption of terrifying energy. The overwhelming surge of his Sword Qi obliterated the nearby swordsmen, leaving them in pieces, their blades disintegrating into dust.
K-KRAAAK!
Around Gukgwang, an area nearly 60 meters in radius was decimated, and over two hundred lives were reduced to mere fragments of flesh. Another three hundred were caught in the whirlwind of energy and sword slashes, suffering severe injuries and being flung away. Witnessing this, Haegong's eyes widened as he gasped in astonishment.
"The Desolation Unleashing Blade!"