Book 29 Chapter 11

"Manifestation! The divine might of the Three Great Nangrang!"

— A Grand Welcoming Ceremony

"Hey, you guys. We… did we actually get out?"

Jang Hong's face was stiff as he asked, having escaped the Great Wilderness.

"I suppose so, Brother Jang."

However, neither Jang Hong's complexion nor Mo Yong-hwi's, who replied, looked bright at all.

"But for some reason, I don't feel comfortable. Goong-sang, are you feeling alright?"

"Well… I also have a feeling that something isn't right… Did we perhaps find the wrong entrance?"

To Namgoong Sang's cautious question, Jang Hong strongly denied it.

"No. That was the only entrance inside the Great Wilderness. It was a passage that could only be used once to go outside."

"Haha… Then is this a dream after all?"

But even to those words, Jang Hong still denied it.

"I wish this were a dream too. I had a feeling it was too easy to get in…"

A bitter smile, close to self-deprecation, appeared. Then, Bil Yu-yeon, who had been silent, whistled and said,

"This is truly a chillingly wonderful welcoming ceremony."

Rumble! Clack-clack-clack!

Looking around, archers appeared, forming three concentric circles around them. It was a vast 'Sagongjin', spanning at least thirty jang in radius from where Bil Yu-yeon and his group stood.

Including the archers nocking arrows, there seemed to be over a thousand of them. If they just lightly moved their fingers, a rain of countless arrows, like the torrential downpour of the monsoon season, would pour down on their heads.

What they had just shot out moments ago was merely a polite gesture.

"…What do we do now, Hyung? We're dead!"

Namgoong Sang, his dazed mind finally returning, asked urgently, and Bil Yu-yeon replied with a look of disdain.

"Stop acting so pathetic. They won't shoot for now."

"How do you know that for sure?"

Jang Hong retorted disbelievingly.

"Genius individuals know all those things."

"Stop joking. Can you joke in a situation like this?"

"I'm serious. Well, those scary women wouldn't settle things with a trivial method like arrows, would they? They'll likely step forward themselves soon."

Jang Hong's eyes, filled with doubt and disbelief, turned towards Bil Yu-yeon.

"Is that really so?"

"Look, they've finally arrived."

As he said, after the archers formed a surrounding fence, one side opened, and the Ten Divine Maidens, led by Gal Hyo-hye, walked forward.

Although no arrows flew, a killing intent more formidable than the Sagongjin spanning thirty jang in radius enveloped them all.

Finally, the women of the Shinma family revealed themselves before Na Baek-cheon.

"We never expected you to pass through the Cheonrajimang Mumunse in such a way. Thanks to you, we had to go through some trouble to reconstruct the formation. My eldest sister did the hard work."

Gal Hyo-hye, the Ten Divine Maidens, said with a broad smile.

The eldest, Gal Hyo-in, stood with her arms crossed, silently watching them. Her gaze was heavy and serious, her face embodying an earnestness that seemed impervious to jokes.

"In any case, we thank you. You've made it easy to find the fiend we couldn't find even after releasing three thousand men. You've saved us the trouble of searching."

Her eyes, full of smiles, turned towards Na Baek-cheon, who was being supported. Though her lips were smiling, her eyes were as cold as ice blades.

"We must offer a greeting at least. Thank you."

Gal Hyo-hye said with a wide smile.

"How did you find this place?"

"Because we let you find it on purpose. Didn't you know?"

Gal Hyo-hye, the Ten Divine Maidens, replied to Bil Yu-yeon's words with a gentle smile.

"No, I already knew you let us find it on purpose."

A subtle glint appeared in Gal Hyo-hye's eyes as she looked at Bil Yu-yeon.

"Oh my, you're quite perceptive."

"Your praise is too kind. But you can praise me even more, as much as you like. Oh, by the way, we've dealt with the black dog pack you released for pursuit. How did you track us?"

The Black Dog Brigade had already been annihilated by Bil Yu-yeon's hand.

"We didn't expect you to be this capable, but there's no need to use only one pursuit party, is there?"

"That can't be it. I didn't feel any other presence at all. I'm quite sensitive, you know."

Bil Yu-yeon had absolute confidence in his senses.

"Does a pursuit party necessarily have to be human? For example, what about a scent (香氣)?"

Gal Hyo-hye smiled kindly and beamed.

"You didn't use the Thousand Ri Scent (千里香), did you?"

Jang Hong, an expert in that field, exclaimed in surprise.

Thousand Ri Scent, also known as Thousand Ri Pursuit Scent (千里追從香).

As the name suggests, it's a scent that follows for a thousand ri once sprayed, but the person carrying the scent cannot smell it. Only specially trained animals can smell it.

"That's impossible. I made sure to take countermeasures against the Thousand Ri Scent just in case."

He had put in so much effort to avoid being caught. There should have been no problem with the precautions against the pursuit scent.

"Hmm, it's a product that doesn't wash off in water and lasts a long time. Since detection and countermeasures for Thousand Ri Scent have developed a lot these days, we used a new product, the Ten Thousand Ri Scent (萬里香)."

She said it in a casual tone, as if it were some expensive cosmetic, but it meant it was a terrifying scent.

"Even so, there was no need to wait like this. If it was Ten Thousand Ri Scent, it would have been better to show up after chasing us for ten thousand ri."

Then they would have been out of Hubei Province.

"Hoohoo, I wanted to meet you quickly."

The way she spoke, it sounded as if they were heartbroken lovers.

"Anyway, this is the second time we've been caught like this."

Yes. This was already the second time.

The first time was when they were staying at the New Dragon Mountain Inn. At that time, their identities were revealed, and Yeom-do and Bing-geom, who were the greatest strength of the rescue team, were captured, and their forces were split in half, yet they were caught again.

No, this time it was much more fatal than then. While they were being chased at the time, there was still hope. Afterward, they captured the Black Dog in a counterattack, and after evading the relentless pursuit of the Black Heaven Alliance, they savored the joy of rescuing their leader, Na Baek-cheon.

And now, at the moment they finally believed they would realize their hope of returning to their home, the Cheonmu Academy, which they missed terribly enough to feel homesick, they appeared.

It seemed their hopes up until now were likely to remain just hopes. The existence of Na Baek-cheon, their most important target, had been revealed. Even more painful was the fact that they themselves had guided them here.

"You don't need to be so discouraged. Most people make mistakes a couple of times."

Gal Hyo-hye comforted them with a smile, and Bil Yu-yeon responded with his usual crooked smile.

"That's not much comfort. I prefer to be a special individual rather than one of most people. It's an era where individuality is valued, isn't it?"

"What does all that matter now? We all become corpses when we die anyway."

It was as if she meant, 'In my eyes, you all look like the same corpse already.' Even Bil Yu-yeon, who could easily handle those who were not skilled, found it difficult to deal with her sharp tongue, or rather, her venomous wit.

Rumble!

However, Bil Yu-yeon, who had been instinctively looking for a way to survive since earlier, kept his attention focused on the fierce sound of water, which he could hear continuously while talking to Gal Hyo-hye. That's right. Nearby, there was still the rapid current they had plunged into to enter the Great Wilderness.

'Even in that rapid current, the flow in the middle is more stable?'

As if reading his thoughts, Gal Hyo-hye stared at Bil Yu-yeon with a bright smile and said,

"Oh, by the way, if you're thinking of doing the cliché act of jumping into the river, you should give up. It's not a good idea."

"River? Hoho, I hadn't even thought of that. You're so kind to tell me how."

Bil Yu-yeon feigned ignorance and acted nonchalant.

"That's good then. If someone were to jump in, we'd have to deal with people caught in a steel net, which would be troublesome. You didn't think the Cheonrajimang would avoid it by going under the river, did you?"

Since they were going to be caught anyway, there was no point in making things difficult by jumping into the river.

'Tch, they've already thought of that!'

They couldn't even jump into the river flowing behind them, so they were truly cornered.

"…It seems this is the end of the line. Cough, cough."

Na Baek-cheon said with difficulty, breathing heavily as he moved.

"I'm sorry to you all for having you suffer this fate while you're still young."

"No, Lord Leader! We have only done what we are supposed to do."

Mo Yong-hwi and Namgoong Sang replied with solemn expressions to Na Baek-cheon's words. Judging by their unwavering voices and gazes, they seemed to have half-accepted their impending death.

"I'm sorry. And thank you."

Seeing that, Bil Yu-yeon sighed and grumbled.

"Sigh, the atmosphere is too grim. Uncle Jang, let's change the operation name for now."

"What? You're still joking at such a serious time?"

To Jang Hong, who frowned, Bil Yu-yeon clicked his tongue and retorted.

"Of course, we should do it at times like these. We might not be able to joke anymore soon."

"That's a grim prediction."

Bil Yu-yeon was implying that they should laugh now if they wanted to. It was a valid point. They were indeed in a desperate situation.

"So, what do you want to change the operation name to?"

"From 'Lord Leader Rescue Operation' to 'Lord Leader Escape Operation'."

Gal Hyo-hye, who had been watching them silently with a warm smile and cold eyes, chuckled and asked at Bil Yu-yeon's words.

"Isn't escape and rescue the same thing?"

"They're completely different. Rescue prioritizes stealth and safety, but escape is about survival! It allows for drastic measures like a forceful breakthrough!"

Bil Yu-yeon also smiled back. Being able to laugh in such a situation required nerves of steel.

"Hohoho, you have quite the nerve."

Even without the injured Na Baek-cheon, they seemed confident enough with their current lineup. However, Gal Hyo-hye did not lose her relaxed smile. Her attitude towards them was like that of a merciful official who granted a final moment with family to a prisoner on death row. In other words, she wasn't in a hurry, but her eyes conveyed that she could kill Bil Yu-yeon and his companions with a mere gesture, as they were destined to die anyway.

"Hmm, speaking of which, perhaps the source of that nerve… is it because you think that foolish encirclement you saw on the way here is the real, prideful Wide-Area Siege Annihilation Formation, Cheonrajimang Mumunse, of the Black Heaven Alliance?"

Gal Hyo-hye asked, gazing intently as if trying to read Bil Yu-yeon's mind, and he tilted his head and retorted.

"Oh, then what was that?"

"Hmph. Seeing is believing. I'll show you what the 'real' Cheonrajimang Mumunse (Form without Gates) is. Not having gates means not having gates to enter from the outside, but not having gates to exit from the inside."

With that, Gal Hyo-hye, the Ten Divine Maidens, raised her right hand and shouted.

"Thousand Bow Round Formation (千弓圓陳)!"

As if on cue, archers, numbering at least a hundred, rose around them and drew their bows towards the center of the round formation. The first line of the three thousand troops completely encircling them entered a state of readiness, drawing their bows from all directions. The tips of over three thousand arrows were simultaneously aimed at Bil Yu-yeon and his companions without a single gap.

Just as the three thousand arrows were about to rain down on Bil Yu-yeon and his companions, and Na Baek-cheon.

"Stop."

Though it was a soft voice, it was miraculously clear, as if spoken directly into everyone's ears.

Then, as if she had been waiting, Gal Hyo-hye naturally bowed slightly and stepped aside. It seemed she had only intended to intimidate Bil Yu-yeon's group, not actually shoot.

The remaining sisters of the Shinma Eight Immortals also alternately stepped aside to the left and right.

A heavy silence descended. Although a thousand people surrounded them, not a single person spoke. And between the daughters lined up on either side, the Woman of the Nine Heavens, Mu Hwa, and the two ladies dressed in red and blue walked out.

The mothers who lost their sons.

The Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady, Mu Hwa, and the Red Lotus Fairy, Dan Hye, and the Ice Lotus Fairy, Sa Ran.

As the three ladies stood at the front, an pressure incomparable to when the Shinma Eight Immortals were guarding the front overwhelmed them.

The Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa's gaze landed on Na Baek-cheon, who was being supported by Namgoong Sang. Sensing her gaze, Na Baek-cheon slowly raised his head.

The eyes of the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa and the leader of the Zheng Tian Alliance, Na Baek-cheon, met in the air. Na Baek-cheon's pupils trembled violently. The Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady's left eye twitched momentarily, and she showed no further movement.

The first to speak was the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa.

"We finally meet."

Her voice was devoid of any emotion. Yet, because of that, an even stronger hatred could be felt. The people around them could barely breathe in the silence that followed that single, short sentence. Na Baek-cheon, looking at Mu Hwa with trembling eyes, finally managed to open his mouth and called her.

"Eldest Sister-in-law…"

The title that came from his lips was astounding. Mu Hwa's hardened face seemed to be swept by a surge of fury for the first time, but faster still, the red-haired woman beside her, the Red Lotus Fairy Dan Hye, roared.

"Shut up! With what face do you utter that title!"

It was a roar that seemed to shake the mountains and rivers.

"That's not it! You've misunderstood!"

Na Baek-cheon exclaimed, his face pale.

The earth and air seemed to tremble with the women's anger.

A chilling, needle-like killing intent, anger, and hatred. And uncontrollable sorrow.

Even the world-renowned Bil Yu-yeon couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat inwardly in the face of a mother's pitiful wrath for her lost child. Though his face remained outwardly calm as if nothing had happened, cold sweat was already trickling down his spine.

Crash!

The first to stamp on the ground was Hong Ryeon Seonja Dan Hye.

"To try and save your life with excuses even now! Before I hand you over to my eldest sister, I will burn your limbs, which have committed sins shamelessly, lest my heart be appeased!"

Regardless of what anyone said, it seemed she couldn't restrain her grief without taking action herself. Gal Hyo-hye looked at Sa Ran as if to ask her to stop her. Sa Ran, lost in thought, stepped forward and stood next to Dan Hye, saying in a quiet voice.

"Can I not take action myself?"

'Even Mother?'

Even Gal Hyo-hye, who was known for her composure and intelligence, could not help but be surprised by those words. It was an action that seemed unimaginable from her own mother, who was usually so calm and collected.

"Third sister, you also wish to avenge the family's blood debt. However, according to the laws of the Shinma family, we will keep this fiend alive until he is properly dealt with. After I take his limbs, there will still be room for you to act!"

Dan Hye nodded as if it were obvious and sealed the deal.

"It's been a while since I've partnered with you, Second Sister."

Gal Hyo-hye's smile faded, replaced by a look of distress.

It seemed like both of them were genuinely going to step forward at once.

'Not only Second Mother, but Mother too…!'

Even she, the daughter of the third wife, Sa Ran, had never seen these two act together before.

At that moment, Sa Ran, having obediently listened to Dan Hye's words, turned around, bowed respectfully to the stoic Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa, and then bowed to Dan Hye again, saying.

"Eldest Sister, Second Sister, I too will remove obstacles and present the son's enemy alive before Eldest Sister. Especially to that fiend Na Baek-cheon, according to the laws of the Shinma family, I will make him writhe in pain, neither alive nor dead, before he is dealt with. However…"

Gal Hyo-hye, whose brow was furrowed,'s eyes sparkled as she focused on Sa Ran's final words, but she did not hear what followed 'however…'. However, seeing the way Dan Hye, with her red hair, looked at Sa Ran with narrowed eyes immediately after, it seemed a telepathic conversation was taking place between the three mothers.

Bil Yu-yeon's group and Na Baek-cheon were also focused on them, but they could not discern anything.

The gazes of the other Shinma Eight Immortals were similarly focused on observing the expressions of the three women.

The third mother, Sa Ran, was always impassive, while the second mother, Dan Hye, looked like she was suppressing her anger. The first mother, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa, seemed to be deep in thought.

Gal Hyo-hye, the Ten Divine Maidens, observed them with a complex and subtle gaze.

'Is Mother also thinking the same thing… But why focus so much attention…?'

And after a moment.

Mu Hwa, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"I permit it."

Dan Hye and Sa Ran bowed again.

"Thank you, Eldest Sister."

"Yes, Eldest Sister. Please wait for a moment."

And finally, two of the Three Great Nangrang set out.

Perhaps they thought further questioning was meaningless. Sa Ran, one of the two who stopped ten jang away from Bil Yu-yeon's group, quietly extended her right hand towards them.

What is this?

Namgoong Sang felt the cold droplets on his cheek and initially thought it had suddenly started raining. But rain doesn't usually fall from the sky to the ground and then float upwards. And it doesn't hover in the air after reaching a certain height.

"What in the world is this?"

What kind of natural phenomenon was this?

"Pour!"

Sa Ran dropped the hand she had extended towards them.

The water droplets immediately turned into sharp ice spikes and began to pour down on them like rain.

Ice Palace Secret Technique

Ice Soul Divine Art

Ultimate Secret

Absolute Ice Prison

The water in the surrounding ditches erupted and instantly froze, forming a cold and hard prison of ice that trapped them with its chill and frigidity.

"Are you cold? Don't worry, I'll warm you up soon!"

The woman holding a house-sized boulder with one hand and laughing menacingly was Dan Hye, the second wife of the Shinma family, the Red Lotus Fairy.

"Huh? Why is the surface of that rock so shiny?"

Jang Hong grumbled, frowning. He had a feeling the boulder she was holding like a gaming stone was glistening as if smeared with oil, and it bothered him.

What on earth was she planning to do with that rock?

Before his thoughts were even finished, the house-sized boulder was engulfed in flames and began to burn with fierce heat.

*Sigh!*

As the shadow of the flickering flames was superimposed on Dan Hye's smiling face, her smile looked like that of a demon in hell, laughing as it threw sinners into the burning inferno. In fact, she was once called the Red Lotus Demon. Though it was a story from the distant past, it meant that many had turned to ashes by her flames.

"N-no way…"

However, Dan Hye's next action surpassed their imaginations. Instead of throwing the flame-engulfed boulder at them, she threw it upwards.

Whoosh!

"My strike is invincible, the hammer of God that brings the wrath of fire!"

Dan Hye kicked off the ground and leaped into the air.

Her clenched fist, pulled back to its fullest, began to burn red.

"Take this!"

Her fiery fist struck the center of the massive boulder.

Flame Palace Secret Technique

Fire Spirit Divine Art

Ultimate Secret

Explosive Flame Fist

Burning Flame Meteor Shower!

Crackle! Roar!

Rumble! Sizzle!

Dan Hye raised a giant boulder, heavily coated with the special oil called Fire Dragon Oil, and struck its center with a fist burning with flames.

She had seen blood rain from the sky, but never hail of fire.

But now, fire hail was falling, burning the black sky red.

A storm of red flames and a storm of ice simultaneously rained down upon them.

The aftermath was terrifying.

Hundreds of fragmented rocks rained down like volcanic bombs, or a meteor shower of flames.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

With a momentum that threatened to burn the earth black and turn it to ash, it was truly chilling. They were facing unprecedented martial arts.

"Argh! What kind of martial arts is this?!"

Even Bil Yu-yeon, known as a breaker of common sense due to the unconventional forms and styles of the martial arts, exclaimed in protest.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Towards the incoming volcanic fireballs and the icy rain, Bil Yu-yeon's group desperately swung their swords to deflect them.

They used their most powerful defensive techniques to protect themselves and their companions. However, with every clash of the sword wall and sword curtain they created against the hail of fire and the rain of ice spikes, they felt a shock that shook their internal organs.

The flames and ice, possessing weight and speed, were extremely threatening and their power was immense. When it was hot, it turned cold, and when it was cold, it turned hot, making it impossible to predict. However, if it broke through even once, they would undoubtedly be ravaged by the deluge of ice and fire, so they had no choice but to grit their teeth and endure.

Where did such monstrous women come from to appear now! Bil Yu-yeon cursed inwardly and dodged this way and that.

Mo Yong-hwi, along with Jang Hong and Namgoong Sang, spread out, maintaining their distance, and desperately unfolded a sword curtain to surround Na Baek-cheon and Bil Yu-yeon. At first glance, it seemed Bil Yu-yeon was hiding within the sword curtain created by Mo Yong-hwi and the other two, deflecting only what flew towards him. But in reality, he was sticking close to Na Baek-cheon, so deflecting what flew towards his own body naturally meant protecting Na Baek-cheon.

"Ryu-yeon, don't just watch, help out too!"

However, Mo Yong-hwi shouted, swinging his sword, as if it was becoming difficult to withstand even with the sword curtain.

"I don't have a sword?"

"Are you saying that in this situation? If you don't step forward, we'll all die! The three of us have reached our limit! Come out and block, even with your bare hands!"

"Hyung, hurry!"

It was Jang Hong and Namgoong Sang's cries. In fact, the sword curtain was weakening under the assault of ice and fire. Moreover, Na Baek-cheon also added with a serious expression.

"Go. I'm fine."

"…Good grief. Alright, alright. Do I really have to get involved? You might regret it!"

Whoosh!

The air shimmered and became wind, wrapping around Bil Yu-yeon's right arm. The wind spun faster and faster, eventually turning into a gale.

Bil Yu-yeon hadn't reached the realm of wind god for nothing.

As Bil Yu-yeon's hand, enveloped by the gale, spun in circles, the surrounding air flickered and swirled, arbitrarily deflecting the flames and ice in all directions. It had a similar effect to the Hyunsuk Meteor Shower technique used by Hyeon Un, but it was more chaotic.

"Hey, you damn friend! Watch where you're swinging! Watch! My head almost burned off and I almost became bald!"

A blind fire bomb narrowly missed hitting Jang Hong on the back of his head.

"Ah, sorry! But it's still not enough, is it! Don't worry about it!"

Bil Yu-yeon apologized with a smile.

"What?! Not enough? What do you mean not enough? Are you picking a fight? Do you want to fight!"

Jang Hong retorted with a voice filled with anger.

"Geez, why do people get so upset when the truth is spoken."

Bil Yu-yeon, with a bewildered expression, batted away the shower of fireballs and ice spikes.

"And don't worry about it! Does that make sense? I worry more because it's not enough! If it were overflowing, why would I worry!"

Unlike his usual self, Jang Hong's reaction today was intense. Everyone has a sensitive spot that twitches when poked. Touching it carelessly can lead to a fight to the death with a light word. Isn't it always the mouth that causes trouble!

However, as Bil Yu-yeon also stepped forward to block the incoming flames and ice, there seemed to be a hole somewhere in their defense. While everyone was busy deflecting fireballs, Na Baek-cheon, their most important charge and the enemy's target, was inevitably exposed.

"Oh no, Lord Leader!"

When did she get this close? The great lady, the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa, who had been watching with her arms crossed from afar, was now standing before Na Baek-cheon.

'When did that happen?!'

At that moment, the question simultaneously arose in everyone's minds. Given her martial prowess, it seemed likely that even if they hadn't been busy forming a sword curtain, it would have been difficult to stop her. They had paid close attention to their most powerful opponent, yet she was there as if she had slipped through a blind spot of their consciousness. She was enveloped in dark energy.

*Hiss.*

As the dark energy surged and intensified, the grass beneath Mu Hwa's feet began to wither and burn black. As if unwilling to even engage, Mu Hwa remained silent.

"I am not a fiend, Sister-in-law! How could I do such a thing! But I will not resist, so please end this with my life. Please let my companions go."

Na Baek-cheon closed his eyes, as if sensing his fate. He did not resist. In his current physical condition, resistance would be meaningless anyway.

*Swish!*

Mu Hwa's outstretched hand grasped Na Baek-cheon's neck.

Nine Heavens Mysterious Divine Art

Fourth Heaven

Northern Darkness Profound Sea Divine Art

Nine Link Absorption Technique

Bone Separation and Joint Dislocation Style, Object Grasping and Star Absorption

Suddenly, a dense darkness spread from the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa's body in a spherical shape, engulfing Na Baek-cheon's entire body. The black sphere that swallowed both Mu Hwa and Na Baek-cheon looked like the Profound Heaven that had manifested on the ground, or as if a black hole leading to the abyss had suddenly opened in this world.

"Kuaaaahhhhhh!"

Na Baek-cheon, held by Mu Hwa's hand, let out a scream. The wound in his chest that he had been suppressing burst open, and blood flowed red. His bones and muscles twisted, and with immense pain, his inner energy began to drain away like the tide. It felt as if his body would vanish into a handful of dust. The entire black sphere surrounding him seemed to be draining his life.

"Lord Leader!"

Mo Yong-hwi and Namgoong Sang quickly raised their sword energies, lunged towards the black sphere, and swung their swords.

Clang! Clang!

Then, a dark, glowing hand shot out from the black sphere, and with a light flick of her fingers, a dark ring formed at the tip of her middle finger shot towards the swords of the two approaching them.

The moment the swords of Namgoong Sang and Mo Yong-hwi, surrounded by sword energy, collided with the dark ink ring.

'Tang! Tang!' with an immense roar, they were flung away.

"Could that have been… finger wind (指風)?"

Did she repel swords clad in sword energy with mere finger wind?

If they hadn't raised their sword energy, their swords would have shattered like tin pieces. That was no ordinary finger wind.

'Could it be a ring wind?'

There was no more time for thought. Namgoong Sang and Mo Yong-hwi, performing aerial somersaults and landing, bent their knees deeply, and then, like springs, they kicked off the ground and shot towards the black sphere. They couldn't afford to delay for even a moment.

The swords of the two, fighting with all their might, pierced through the black sphere. Then, the black sphere dissolved, revealing what was inside. The swords of Namgoong Sang and Mo Yong-hwi were precisely aiming for Mu Hwa's vital organ.

"Gasp!"

Namgoong Sang and Mo Yong-hwi let out startled cries of disbelief. By then, their swords were neatly caught between the two fingers of Mu Hwa's left hand.

"Su Gang!"

The faintly glowing ink-colored qi surrounding Mu Hwa's left hand was undoubtedly Su Gang. Knowing that one of Mu Hwa's specialties was the Absorption Technique, Mo Yong-hwi and Namgoong Sang hastily tried to distance themselves. However, their swords were already trapped by Mu Hwa's left hand, so no matter how much they struggled, they wouldn't come out.

*Slurp.*

The black energy spread like vines along their swords, enveloping their arms. For a moment, a chilling cold and burning pain were felt, and it felt as if their inner energy was draining away, as if holes had been punched into their bodies.

'Gasp!'

Thinking it was dangerous, the two looked at each other and unleashed a palm strike towards each other with their still healthy hands.

As the inner energy clashed, with a 'pop!', the two bodies were propelled in opposite directions, aided by the impact, breaking free from their restraint. Using the repulsion of their own inner energy was an extremely dangerous method, and if the power of the inner energy was not similar, they could suffer a great loss. Both of them, failing to dissipate the recoil force completely, faltered and knelt on one knee.

"Oh no, Lord Leader!"

Though their attention had been diverted to the two for a moment, Na Baek-cheon was still held captive by Mu Hwa.

'Damn it! Is everything going wrong!'

Just then, a white flash of light flew towards the space between Mu Hwa and Na Baek-cheon. This thin, sharp lightning bolt aimed precisely at the center of Mu Hwa's right wrist, which was holding Na Baek-cheon.

However, Mu Hwa's reaction was unexpectedly fast.

Her left hand, glowing black, unfurled, creating a black wall with Su Gang.

Nine Heavens Mysterious Divine Art

Fifth Heaven

Profound Heaven

Profound Heaven Wall

The black wall created by Su Gang blocked the path of the white lightning bolt. It was an extremely powerful defensive technique that could perfectly block not only sword energy but also considerable sword intent. Naturally, it should be able to block this white lightning bolt as well.

Whoosh! Clang!

However, contrary to expectations, the white lightning bolt penetrated the black profound heaven wall and flew directly towards Mu Hwa's wrist.

"……!"

Surprised by the unexpected development, Mu Hwa momentarily released her hand from Na Baek-cheon's neck. In this moment, even the Nine Heavens Mysterious Lady Mu Hwa could not continue to hold Na Baek-cheon. If this judgment had been even a moment late, the white lightning bolt would have pierced her wrist.

The next moment, the white lightning bolt that suddenly passed by changed direction and headed towards Na Baek-cheon's body. It then coiled around his body a few times and snatched him away from in front of Mu Hwa.

It happened so quickly that there was no time to react.

Whoosh, Na Baek-cheon, who was pulled away, landed right in front of Bil Yu-yeon.

"Are you alright, Father-in-law?"

Bil Yu-yeon asked with a wide smile.

"Y-yes, I'm fine."

Na Baek-cheon seemed just as bewildered, as he nodded absentmindedly to the term "Father-in-law" without any protest.

Ironically, Na Baek-cheon knew Mu Hwa's skills better than anyone present. He had never expected that the thief who was coveting his daughter would be able to snatch him away from Mu Hwa's grasp.

Na Baek-cheon had also given up hope.

"…Who are you?"

Mu Hwa asked quietly for the first time, looking at Bil Yu-yeon.

"Me? I will be this person's son-in-law in the future. My name is Bil Yu-yeon, First Madam."

Bil Yu-yeon said with a cheerful voice, bowing.

"Bil Yu-yeon? I've never heard that name before."

"I prefer to be quiet."

Bil Yu-yeon replied with a bright smile.

"And you say son-in-law?"

To Mu Hwa's question, Na Baek-cheon tried to shout no. But as if he had been struck by a mental acupuncture point, his body was fine, but his mouth only moved, and no words came out.

"…Ah, no. Son-in-law? That's preposterous!"

Na Baek-cheon, escaping from his confusion, finally managed to speak and vehemently objected.

"Ay, Father-in-law, you're too shy."

Bil Yu-yeon nudged Na Baek-cheon's side and said. Then, Na Baek-cheon, forgetting his dignity, roared.

"No! It's different! Who says I'm shy!"

However, Bil Yu-yeon seemed not to hear his protest.

"Anyway, it will be soon. Wouldn't it be problematic if Father-in-law disappeared before the wedding ceremony?"

"Wedding, that's something to celebrate."

Mu Hwa said with eyes devoid of any celebratory spirit, her gaze sinking.

"Thank you."

Bil Yu-yeon replied with a smile, but his smile was a little stiff.

"Don't worry about the wedding ceremony."

Although the context suggested something like, 'I'll take care of it,' no one expected it to continue that way. As expected…

"Because all members of the Na family will die before my son's funeral ends."

It was a truly terrifying declaration.

"That's a bit problematic."

Isn't Na Ye-rin included among the Na family? Bil Yu-yeon's face, which rarely stiffened, became quite serious.

"So, give him back."

Bil Yu-yeon, with his lips firmly shut, shook his head with a serious expression. Then, in a low voice, he said gravely.

"It's not for free."

"What did you just say?"

To Mu Hwa's question, Bil Yu-yeon smiled and said.

"How much will you give me?"

"Y-hey, Ryu-yeon! Are you crazy? Are you thinking of selling the Lord Leader now?!"

Mo Yong-hwi, who was agitated, exclaimed in shock. Jang Hong, who had been through thick and thin, was equally surprised.

"Not that, Ryu-yeon! No matter how much you like money, you can't sell the Lord Leader."

"Perhaps reconsider…"

Namgoong Sang's statement was the most timid.

Then, looking at Jang Hong, Namgoong Sang, and Mo Yong-hwi with an expression that said, 'What kind of nonsense are you all talking about now?', Bil Yu-yeon said.

"What? Are you saying I should hand him over for free?"

His expression was as if to say, 'Surely you're not suggesting I do something that results in such a loss?'

"Of course not! Absolutely not!"

Jang Hong retorted as if to say, 'What kind of absurd statement is that?'

"See? It's not for free, so we have to get the full price."

"Hey, Ryu-yeon. This seems to be a different issue than how much you sell it for…"

Mo Yong-hwi, still reeling from the shock, cautiously offered his opinion. Bil Yu-yeon nodded and concluded.

"As expected, it's not for free for everyone."

It was a conclusion that cheerfully ignored his colleague's opinion.

"Not for free, does that mean you want us to save all your lives?"

To Dan Hye's exasperated question, Bil Yu-yeon shook his head as if he absolutely could not admit it.

"That would be a deficit. We've gone through so much hardship, if we don't gain anything compared to the effort, the cost-benefit doesn't add up."

"Hooh, so just saving your lives isn't enough? You have quite the nerve."

Dan Hye retorted in astonishment.

"Hahaha, I'm often told that I'm a wonderful and handsome young man full of courage and spirit."

As if he had a thick skin, Bil Yu-yeon spouted such words without a care.

"You probably mean you have the guts to be out of your mind!"

Jang Hong, who couldn't stand it anymore, interjected. He paid no attention to it and Bil Yu-yeon asked again.

"So, are you buying or not?"

"State your price. How much will it be?"

To Dan Hye's words, all the Shinma Eight Immortals were surprised. Especially the eldest, Gal Hyo-in, thinking she should dissuade her, stepped forward and advised.

"Second Mother! This is absurd. You're going to pay a ransom for the fiend Na Baek-cheon?"

She had never imagined that her second mother would allow such a thing, so the shock was even greater. Given Dan Hye's personality, as known by the Shinma Eight Immortals, it was behavior that was completely unimaginable. In fact, it was surprising that she had endured their impudent chatter until now.

Given Dan Hye's usual fiery temper, shouldn't she have already unleashed a fiery fist, calling them 'cowardly scoundrels!'?

'She must have some other idea in mind.'

Gal Hyo-hye, the third daughter, closely observed Dan Hye, and only then, looking at her right hand which had slipped down, was she able to relax.

'As expected.'

Dan Hye's right hand, hidden by her flowing red sleeves, was glowing red like a heated iron bar in a furnace due to the intense heat.

"What are you hesitating for? I asked for the price."

In fact, Dan Hye was ready to unleash a palm strike the moment Bil Yu-yeon stated his price. Given her personality, she could not tolerate selling out a comrade, even an enemy. Especially if the contemptible enemy was the one who proposed selling the leader of the martial arts world and father-in-law with his own hands.

"For a special limited-time half-price discount… I'll take eleven, no, eight people."

"Eight people, what do you mean?"

Dan Hye, who had been about to raise her right hand, paused inwardly and asked with an incomprehensible voice.

"Since I'm selling people, I should receive people as payment."

"You want to receive people?"

Dan Hye asked in a bewildered voice.

"Since there is no monetary value for him that can be compared to my Ye-rin, I must measure his value by people."

Bil Yu-yeon said with a sly smile.

"It seems so, and yet it doesn't."

Because he was so confident, Dan Hye couldn't find a starting point to argue and could only reply like that.

"To replace my Ye-rin, I would need at least thirty thousand super beautiful women just to start weighing the options. But I value quality over quantity, so it still feels like a loss to trade even for thirty thousand people. So, Ye-rin is mine, and it won't work. However, for Father-in-law, I could sell him at a slight loss. After all, he's a hindrance, a doting father, and likely to interfere greatly with my married life."

It seemed he had quite a few grievances. Meanwhile, Na Baek-cheon's face was flushed red and he could only move his lips, and Jang Hong, Mo Yong-hwi, and Namgoong Sang had already given up trying to guess Bil Yu-yeon's thoughts and were just staring blankly.

"So what are you trying to say? Get to the conclusion!"

Dan Hye had inwardly made up her mind.

'Now, hurry up and tell me! Whatever you say, I'll make it your last dying words!'

The process to do that would only take one palm strike, but she was waiting out of slight curiosity about what "eight people" meant.

"Eight beautiful women at a special discount! How about it?"

At that remark, the intense heat in Dan Hye's right hand, which she had concentrated with all her might, fizzled out like gunpowder soaked in rain.

"No way…"

Dan Hye was not a fool either. She understood instantly what Bil Yu-yeon meant. That's why Dan Hye's face turned rapidly red with anger.

"You dare to ask for all our daughters!"

Dan Hye's enraged voice sounded like a volcanic eruption.

The faces of the Shinma Eight Immortals who came with her also changed drastically, and they began to emit a fearsome killing intent.

They had never dreamed that such an absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, and rude request would be made.

Who had ever dared to utter such an outrageous statement in front of them?

Bil Yu-yeon was undoubtedly the first.

"Hoho… Hoho……."

Even Na Baek-cheon let out a dry laugh. He even thought that trading for eight beautiful women wasn't a bad price. That's how absurd and disheartening Bil Yu-yeon's offer was.

It was only natural that people were astonished by this outrageously nonsensical transaction. Especially Dan Hye's rage was immense.

"You infernal scoundrel! Apologize immediately!"

However, even in the face of volcanic rage, Bil Yu-yeon's attitude remained serious.

"My goodness, I made this decision after careful consideration. Think about it. If I just hand over Lord Na here, what will happen?" This matter concerns my life."

"What?"

"Yes, that's right. If I hand over Father-in-law, will Mother-in-law just leave it at that? And what will Ye-rin think, selling off her father? In any case, Father-in-law will be a great impediment to my married life and future…"

"You infernal scoundrel!! Stop calling me Father-in-law! I cannot accept someone like you as my son-in-law! Hand me over instead, you infernal scoundrel—!"

As the word "Father-in-law" was repeated continuously, Na Baek-cheon, unable to bear it any longer, interrupted Bil Yu-yeon and vehemently denied it.

"Father-in-law is sacrificing himself for his son-in-law, boo hoo."

Bil Yu-yeon said with feigned tears, wiping his eyes with his fingers. Of course, there was not a drop of moisture on his fingers.

"In any case, handing over Lord Na now means ruining my future life, so I have concluded that you must pay the price for my life," I say this carefully. After all, if I am to give Lord Na to you, wouldn't it be somewhat presentable to Ye-rin and Mother-in-law if I return with about eight young ladies from the Shinma family?"

Bil Yu-yeon was of the principle of selling everything he could sell. However, he couldn't sell his life. Life was an investment, not a commodity to be sold. In other words, as long as Na Baek-cheon was deeply involved in his life through Na Ye-rin, he had no intention of selling him in the first place.

"……."

From Dan Hye's perspective, he was truly persistent.

"You have a silver tongue. Do you, a nameless fledgling martial artist whose name I've never even heard of, even qualify to be a shoe-shiner for our daughters?"

"I do, me?"

To his strange answer, the members of the Shinma family, including Dan Hye, were dumbfounded.

"You do?"

"Yes. I have a martial name too. I even have a moniker. Many people seem to know it, so even if you strictly check my qualifications, it seems sufficient."

Bil Yu-yeon replied as if it were someone else's business.

"He says he has one? That's a very ambiguous answer."

He had seen many who boasted about their nicknames, but this was the first time he had heard someone speak so vaguely, saying 'I heard it from somewhere.'

"I only heard it very recently. You've probably heard of it too. I even saved a famous old man named Hyeok-jung, and now I have a moniker."

Realizing that this casual mention referred to Gal Hyeok-jung, Dan Hye exclaimed in surprise.

"How dare you! How dare you, a mere brat, speak his name…! And calling him Grandpa!!"

No one dared to call him that so casually. Nor should they have.

"To dare mention his honorific name in front of us, you are hastening your own death!"

Even Sa Ran, who could not overlook this matter, warned in a chilling voice.

"I'm just stating facts, so I don't understand why I should die. It definitely happened recently. That old man also clearly certified it."

Bil Yu-yeon did not back down.

"This guy is still at it!"

Dan Hye clenched her fist, thinking that he needed to be taught a lesson.

"…Then, could it be that you are the Divine Wind Hero who managed the wind like a god at the Huashan branch and ascended the enraged Fire Dragon?"

Following Dan Hye's roar, Sa Ran questioned in a chilling voice. The ladies of the Shinma family were also curious and held a very favorable opinion of the Divine Wind Hero who had suddenly appeared like a comet and saved everyone at the Huashan branch. Their husbands were also there, of course.

"Of course not, younger sister! Hmph, even if I generously concede that much, I'll overlook your current rudeness!"

Naturally, their husbands were not the type to die from such a fire, but they might have been injured while saving others. Also, many of her acquaintances from the past were at that Huashan. Strictly speaking, it was thanks to that young hero, the Divine Wind Hero, that they were safe.

Hyeok-jung had also written in a letter to the Shinma family after a long time, 'I met an interesting fellow.' He also mentioned that it was embarrassing at his age to be indebted to a young man.

"Yes, that's right. That's what they call me."

Bil Yu-yeon nodded with a wide smile.

"They call you that?"

Dan Hye asked in a questioning tone.

"Yes, that's what they call me, the Divine Wind Hero."

"You… are the… Divine Wind Hero?"

"Yes, I told you so."

Bil Yu-yeon nodded, his voice conveying that he had heard correctly, not mistakenly. Sa Ran confirmed one last time.

"Is that truly so?"

"Of course. It's true."

As soon as he finished speaking.

"Eeeeeek!"

"L-lies!!"

Several of the Shinma Eight Immortals who were watching from all sides simultaneously exclaimed in shock. It seemed they couldn't believe Bil Yu-yeon's words.

"It's true…"

At this moment, no one was thinking about the ransom transaction. All their attention was focused on the appearance of the newly emerged master who had been shrouded in mystery. They had expected a more formidable young hero, so they couldn't help but be surprised that it was such a flippant fellow. At the same time, doubts arose like a cloud of smoke as to whether it was true.

"Then prove it. Then I will believe you."

Dan Hye, who was impulsive and sometimes exploded violently, was not so naive as to blindly believe what she heard.

"Ay, true faith should be believed without seeing."

However, the discussion about faith was immediately rejected.

"I don't want to play word games. If your words are true, show me your power as the Divine Wind Hero."

Dan Hye liked strong people. She had secretly marked the Divine Wind Hero as someone she wanted to meet someday. After all, it was the first time in decades that Hyeok-jung had mentioned someone in such terms. She couldn't help but wonder who this young man was who owed a debt to the martial arts' divine being, the Shinma.

And it turned out to be this fellow in front of her, with his long bangs, flustered demeanor, and big mouth?

Judging by the way he rescued the fiend Na Baek-cheon a moment ago, he seemed quite skilled, but he was nothing like the impression she had of the Divine Wind Hero from rumors, so she didn't particularly want to believe him.

"Why should I do that?"

"If you prove you are the Divine Wind Hero, I will spare your life!"

"…Really?"

That was quite a generous condition.

"Yes, but only your life. My daughters are absolutely not included."

At that, the Shinma Eight Immortals were surprised. They had never expected such a generous offer. Only the great lady, Mu Hwa, remained unusually silent.

"Really? Of course, including our Father-in-law, right?"

However, excessively good conditions always come with traps.

"Are you crazy? That's impossible!"

"Tch! Stingy."

Bil Yu-yeon said with a disappointed tone.

"How can you give up such a valuable opportunity so easily? But I can't save the life of that fiend, but I can save yours. What will you do?"

"Well, since it's come to this, it's not a losing deal."

At that moment, Gal Hyo-in, the eldest daughter of the Shinma Eight Immortals, who had advised before, stepped forward again to dissuade her.

"Second Mother, you shouldn't make such promises carelessly. Isn't that child also an accomplice who helped Na Baek-cheon, the murderer of our elder brother? Furthermore, Father-in-law is also akin to a member of the Na family. I believe it is inappropriate to decide such a matter without Mother's permission."

"What's the big deal? We're just 'saving' one person! And besides, there's no guarantee that that annoying fellow is the Divine Wind Hero."

She still seemed to think it was a bluff. Then, Gal Hyo-hong, the second daughter of the Shinma family and the eldest daughter of Dan Hye, cautiously stepped forward and added.

"Mother, I also think this should be withdrawn…"

"No."

Surprisingly, Sa Ran, the Ice Lotus Fairy, opposed.

"How can the mistress of the Shinma family take back her word? It's impossible. I believe the Great Lady would also think so."

Sa Ran looked towards Mu Hwa, seeking her understanding, and after a moment, Mu Hwa nodded heavily.

It meant she permitted it.

"Deal made, negotiation concluded! Alright. Then I'll prove it."

Bil Yu-yeon replied with a confident voice.