Book 8 Chapter 2

**A Thousand Miles One Warrior (一騎當千)**

- Battle with the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade (鐵脚飛馬隊)

"A single hand cannot clap!" (孤掌難鳴)

There is an old proverb that says it takes two hands to clap.

Unfortunately, in accordance with the law of pairings that exists in the world, also known as the commutative property, conversation cannot happen alone.

Anyone who claims that conversation is possible alone is undoubtedly, without a shadow of a doubt, either insane, a schizophrenic, or has multiple personalities, so it would be wise to keep a distance from such individuals.

For a long time, a boy, fearless and without hesitation, had been blocking the savage figures of the dark whirlwind of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, and a strange standoff continued. Towards the boy, who had only uttered his name and remained silent, Wei Wushang decided to speak first. He had a premonition that if he didn't, this endless silence would continue. And so, Wei Wushang finally took the first step towards a conversation with Bi Liuyan.

"What in the world is your purpose?"

Wei Wushang, the deputy commander of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, asked. Even if he was going to kill him, he had to satisfy his curiosity first. Otherwise, he was sure a part of his back would itch.

"I'm just a common troublemaker you can find anywhere."

In response to the question about his purpose, Bi Liuyan answered by stating who he was. Bi Liuyan revealed his identity without any hesitation, in a rather nonchalant tone. However, while the speaker might have been nonchalant, it was an extremely significant matter for the listener.

"Troublemaker?"

"No, don't you know? They are people who professionally disrupt the affairs of others, inflicting a decisive blow on the purpose of their actions. They are engaged in a so-called specialized profession."

"Do you want to die?"

Wei Wushang exuded a dense killing intent.

Since serving as the deputy commander of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, he had never witnessed anyone as audacious as this youth. However, to tell the truth, the boy's death was already provisionally decided, making his threats meaningless. After all, the boy's fate to die soon would not change.

"Even for a beautiful boy with a short life (美少年薄命), death is not scheduled for about three hundred years from now. Isn't true beauty, peerless beauty, something that even conquers death?"

Upon hearing his cringe-worthy voice, Wei Wushang's face contorted uncontrollably. He had never encountered such a bizarre person before.

"You're beating around the bush too much about wanting to die! If it's your wish, I'll kill you! Your courage and spirit in daring to block our Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade's path are commendable, but your recklessness is something I cannot praise in human terms."

"It's the first time I've learned today that calculated execution can be described as recklessness."

Bi Liuyan was not considering his own death at all. There was no scent of death emanating from his body.

"Then, did you think you could block our path and remain unharmed?"

"You could just go around, couldn't you?"

A simple statement! It was a nonchalant reaction, as if blocking a path was no big deal. However, the recipient of this trivial response felt a burning rage from the depths of their heart, and steam seemed to rise from their head.

"Heh heh heh! What an insolent brat…"

"Stop!"

It was Gu Cheanhak, the commander of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, Jilpung Mukheon (疾風墨痕), who had remained silent until then, who grabbed Wei Wushang, who was about to pounce like a madman.

Even Wei Wushang, as much as he was, had no intention of committing disloyalty by defying Gu Cheanhak's authority. His faith in Gu Cheanhak was close to fanaticism. What Gu Cheanhak wanted to say was clear.

Wei Wushang looked at Bi Liuyan again and said,

"Kid?"

"Where is a kid here?"

Bi Liuyan feigned ignorance. Wei Wushang's eyebrow twitched for a moment. However, they couldn't afford to waste any more time arguing. It was one of the things Commander Gu Cheanhak intensely disliked.

"Excuse me, young man!"

Reluctantly, he chose compromise. After compromising, he intended to kill him immediately.

"What is it?"

Only then did Bi Liuyan answer. A murderous intent began to brew within Wei Wushang's chest. He was an annoying fellow for no apparent reason.

"Do you have a nickname? As a special commemoration for being selected as the number one reckless fool who single-handedly blocked the path of our Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, I will remember your nickname and honor your foolishness, stupidity, and recklessness for generations to come."

"Nickname? I don't have one!"

"What? You don't?"

"Yes, I don't! Even without one, it doesn't inconvenience my life, so do I really need one?"

However, to Wei Wushang, who possessed ordinary common sense, this was an utterly absurd and preposterous retort. Bi Liuyan thought that he was pretending to be too surprised by something that was not particularly surprising.

A brief silence descended softly between them.

"You really don't have one? Really? For real? Not joking, for real, for real?"

Wei Wushang asked again, his face filled with ridicule and bewilderment. Usually, he would have crushed the boy under his horse's hooves without a word of question.

"Yes! Really, truly not joking, I really don't have one?"

In fact, he did have one. There was a gem of a nickname, 'Yun Su Da Tong Geuk Ta Geum' (運數大通擊打琴), circulating within the Cheonmu Academy, but it hadn't reached Bi Liuyan's ears yet. This was thanks to Jujakdan and Yeomdo voluntarily blocking the information flow. Also, there was no one around Bi Liuyan bold enough to use his nickname as a joke. They all knew too well the terrible consequences of the bloody retaliation that could ensue.

"So you don't have one, is that it?"

Wei Wushang's lips twisted further, and the smile that formed on his lips deepened.

"Yes! I don't!"

By now, even answering felt tiresome. Did he really need to ask so persistently about such a trivial fact? In his opinion, martial artists tended to obsess too much over pointless superficialities. In his eyes, it was a waste. However, that did not mean those superficialities were without value to others.

"Hoo hoo, truly! Living this life, I've seen all sorts of strange things… To experience such a wonder… Perhaps the world is something to be lived and judged?"

Wei Wushang uttered a string of hollow exclamations, unsure what was provoking him so much.

"To think that the brat who obstructed our Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade's path has no nickname! I'm so astounded I can't speak."

In the martial arts world, even the most insignificant thing, if it received a nickname or a martial arts name (武林名), it meant a certain degree of recognition from others. Therefore, someone who had not yet received a nickname could only be evaluated as an awkward, mediocre third-rate. Even if not a 'Peerless Invincible Divine Sword' (絶代無敵神劍), a first-rate individual would at least have a trivial nickname like 'Three Bears of Hexi' (河朔三熊). In this world, where even a bandit leader had one or two nicknames, not having one was equivalent to failing to achieve fame and fortune, that is, to make a name for oneself.

However, such common sense did not apply to Bi Liuyan. In the laws of the world, there are always hateful, yet unavoidable exceptions.

"It seems that these days, one can gain recognition for their skill based on a fancy name alone, right? I didn't know. That naming skill is a reflection of martial arts skill!"

Bi Liuyan said with a smirk, his gaze clearly condescending.

"Insolent brat! Do you want to die?"

The hot-tempered deputy commander flared up again. Although he had received implicit orders to kill Bi Liuyan, Wei Wushang himself was prolonging the situation by getting caught up in Bi Liuyan's verbal dexterity. However, he was not aware of this at all.

A low, dignified voice stopped Wei Wushang, who was contemplating how to deal with this insolent brat.

"Wushang!"

Gu Cheanhak, the commander of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, Jilpung Mukheon, called him again.

"Yes, Commander!"

The deputy commander immediately corrected his posture and replied.

Commander Gu Cheanhak of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade was always an object of reverence to him.

"We have a long way to go. We've delayed too long."

The voice was quiet, but the command it contained was clear. Wei Wushang's audacity did not extend to disobeying that command.

"Report!"

Wei Wushang, after saluting, turned back to look at Bi Liuyan.

"Kid! I'd like to tell you to go home and drink more milk, but we have never let anyone who blocks our Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade's path live. You are no exception."

"Since you refused my kind warning and are not returning, our negotiation is now broken."

Bi Liuyan put on an expression of regret to the best of his ability.

"If it were you, would you turn back?"

Bi Liuyan shook his head left and right. Then, he said in a low voice,

"Then I will also not hold back my hand."

Flying Thunder Saber (飛雷刀) Ultimate Secret Art (窮極秘意)

Spiritual Thread Heart Knot (靈絲心結)

Unrivaled Mental Defense (絶代精神防禦) Void Dao (虛無道)

Activate (發動)

Bi Liuyan's hidden eyes began to glow with a golden light. In his golden eyes, there was no longer any emotion, not even a trace of it. He had become a weapon purely for destruction and slaughter.

Originally created as a mental training method for the effect of extreme concentration, the Spiritual Thread Heart Knot had another unique function. It served as a shield to protect the soul from mental shock, confusion, and external mental interference.

Once activated, emotions such as mercy or pity were completely paralyzed. There was no fear of seeing blood. Nor was there any sense of guilt. The heart became encased in a fortress.

*Clack!*

Wei Wushang raised his hand high.

*Click, click.*

As his hand was raised to the sky, two warriors, Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang (飛快雙槍), who were guarding Deputy Commander Wei Wushang, slowly brought forward their armored horses. Now, as soon as Wei Wushang lowered his hand, they would spur their horses. In their hands, they already held jet-black, ink-colored spears. They were bloodthirsty weapons that had consumed hundreds of lives.

It was then.

*Thump! Thump!*

The sound of something heavy falling to the ground! And then a drawn-out voice followed.

"Ah… refreshing!"

Bi Liuyan, stretching his limbs leisurely while yawning, entered Wei Wushang's sight. His voice was like the cheers of someone who had relieved a twenty-year-old indigestion, or if you listened carefully, like a glorious victor celebrating the successful end of a six-month brutal war against constipation. Wei Wushang had no choice but to momentarily halt the descent of his raised hand at the sight.

*Thump!*

Bi Liuyan lightly jumped in place.

*Crack! Crack! Snap!*

The joints in his entire body played a pleasant tune. His body felt so light, he felt as if he could break free from the earth's bonds and soar into the sky at any moment.

"It's been a while!"

It had been a long time since he had simultaneously untied the two Ink Dragon Rings (墨龍環) that clung to his legs like water spirits. The suppressed energy throughout his body activated and raged within him. It was difficult to control the surging impulse. His legs did not want to stay still. He felt like a hawk released from its chains.

Bi Liuyan barely managed to control the rampant energy within his body. And then he let his arms hang loosely.

With his arms hanging loosely and his entire body relaxed, Bi Liuyan's appearance was one of pure nature.

"Come in anytime."

Bi Liuyan said in a confident voice.

"Insolent brat!"

Wei Wushang no longer wanted to wait.

His hand went down powerfully.

It was a death sentence.

When viewed from the front, Kuai Qiang (快槍) Zuo Jiao, on Bi Liuyan's right, held the reins of his horse in his left hand and the spear in his right. Conversely, Bi Qiang (飛槍) Zhu Guang, who stood to Bi Liuyan's left, held the reins in his right hand and the spear in his left. This was to facilitate simultaneous attacks from both sides.

As Wei Wushang's hand descended, Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang spurred their beloved horses. Their horses shot forward at arrow-like speeds.

Their intention was to charge at Bi Liuyan from both sides simultaneously, then Zuo Jiao would aim for his waist, and at that moment, Zhu Guang would aim for his neck.

As they had always accompanied Wei Wushang in his guard, these Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang could fully confirm each other's intentions with just a glance. They were a well-coordinated pair.

However, their intentions were ultimately not realized. Something unimaginable unfolded before their eyes.

As they spurred their beloved horses, doubling their speed, they couldn't understand why the ground was approaching them at a terrifying speed.

And then, a loud noise echoed across the dry, barren land.

*Crash!*

*Snap!*

"Gasp!"

Wei Wushang sucked in a breath of air. At the same time, his eyes widened as if they would tear open.

The two horses, which had been running forward without any problems, suddenly folded their front legs in half as if by agreement. Naturally, their bodies, unable to withstand the running speed, pitched forward, and with the force that still remained, they spun in the air.

The two horses, as if by agreement, rolled on the ground, raising a cloud of dust. The sight of horses, not humans, doing a front aerial flip with their heads as the axis was spectacular. It was not a trick that could be seen every day.

"I… Is this possible?"

Wei Wushang stammered, so shocked that he could barely speak. His dignity was completely lost.

"Oh dear! Did they trip on a rock? You should have been careful."

Bi Liuyan said with exaggerated gestures, as if he genuinely worried. The listener could not help but feel disgust rather than gratitude for the other party's concern.

"Shut up! What kind of rock are you talking about!"

An Ironclad Horse (鐵鉀馬) would not fall so noisily over a mere rock! It was clear that they had been tricked by some unknown maneuver. The problem was that they couldn't figure out the trick the opponent had played.

Furthermore, the Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang, sprawled on the ground, had no intention of moving. Their necks were twisted at a bizarre angle. They had already stopped breathing.

The masters of these horses, the Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang, who had shown such a magnificent trick, had met their demise by breaking their necks from rolling on the ground. It was an incredibly absurd and futile end for such skilled martial artists, the reason being that the armor they wore was too heavy, hindering their movements.

"You brat! What trickery did you pull!"

Wei Wushang roared. He felt as if he were living a dream he never expected in broad daylight.

"Well? What trickery? I have no idea, what can I do?"

Wei Wushang could not shake off the feeling that he was being toyed with. The sweet urge to smash Bi Liuyan's smiling face dominated his soul.

What Bi Liuyan had done was nothing extraordinary. He had secretly released Lightning Spirit Threads (雷靈絲) and loosely wrapped them around the front legs of the two approaching horses. If they had remained still, nothing would have happened, but as the horses started running, the wrapped Lightning Spirit Threads tightened, blocking the Ironclad Horses' front legs. Unable to withstand the momentum, they collided with the ground.

Gu Cheanhak, who had been watching silently, became even more serious. He too could not figure out what had just happened. Gu Cheanhak slowly realized that his body was instinctively tensing up, and he was surprised.

"Grrr! The Four Great Whirlwinds (四大疾風)!"

Wei Wushang opened his clenched teeth and loudly summoned the four masters of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade. His face was flushed red like iron in a furnace. If it came to this, even if they won, it would be difficult to avoid complete disgrace. They could not afford any further humiliation.

The Four Great Whirlwinds would be able to shatter this insolent brat into pieces in an instant. Now that they had been summoned, he had no doubt that the boy's blood would soon paint the air like falling flowers.

The Four Great Whirlwinds, consisting of the four winds: Hot Wind (熱風), Whirlwind (旋風), Gale (狂風), and Autumn Wind (秋風), stepped forward, exuding a dark fighting spirit.

His original intention was to personally punish Bi Liuyan, but due to the hierarchy and face-saving considerations, he couldn't. It was not necessary for someone as high-ranking as the deputy commander to step in. They would be more than enough.

'Is it a trap…'

Wei Wushang concluded that the reason Bi Kuai Shuang Qiang had been defeated so futilely must have been due to an invisible trap. It was the most logical and common-sense conclusion.

Of course, there was no trap. He didn't have the leisure time for that, and even if he did, Bi Liuyan wasn't diligent enough to go through the trouble of digging traps and setting up formations. If he had that much energy, it would be more economical to deal with it bare-handed.

'It must be a trap. There's no other explanation.'

Wei Wushang was mistaken, but neither he nor the Four Great Whirlwinds realized it.

"Beware of traps!"

"Yes!"

The Four Great Whirlwinds replied in unison.

*Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!*

Targeting Bi Liuyan, the Four Great Whirlwinds simultaneously raised their spears. Their killing intent pierced Bi Liuyan simultaneously. The spears in their hearts had already cleanly severed Bi Liuyan's breath.

"Send him off with your best technique!"

"Report! Yi-yah!"

As Wei Wushang gave the signal, the four horses simultaneously kicked off the ground and shot forward. The four men moved with perfect synchronization, as if they were one. A sharp light flashed in their eyes.

Even though they were still more than ten zhang (about 30 meters) away from Bi Liuyan, they thrust forward the spears they were holding, had planted beside them, or had attached to their saddles. They were already extending their spears forcefully forward.

With more than ten zhang still remaining, did they think they could reach him?

Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade (鐵腳飛馬隊)

Linked Attack Technique (連環合擊技)

Four Riders in a Circle (四騎連環) Iron Chain Whirlwind (鐵鎖旋風)

*Clang, clang, clang!*

With a whistling sound, the joints of the spears they thrust forward began to separate and lengthen. The separated joints were connected by thin, long chains, compressing the ten zhang distance in an instant. Distance was no longer an issue.

The Linked Chain Breaking Spears (連環鎖節槍) thrust by the four men swirled in the air, merging together. The surrounding dust was swept up and caught in the vortex they had artificially created.

The increasingly dense and massive vortex of sharp spearheads descended upon Bi Liuyan, exuding a fierce and menacing aura!

Even when faced with the terrifying vortex of iron chains that seemed to crush everything, his steps did not retreat. Bi Liuyan seemed to have a serious aversion to his footsteps moving backward.

As if he had lost his fear, Bi Liuyan didn't even think of dodging. He stood as if nailed to the spot. It was as if his soles were glued, or as if he had rooted himself to the ground, not moving at all.

Only his gaze, sunk deep into the abyss, calmly observed the reality.

"I'm coming!"

Finally, Bi Liuyan moved.

Bi Liuyan swung his right hand horizontally once.

Flying Thunder Saber (飛雷刀) Ultimate Secret Art (奧義) Sword Qi (劍氣)

Chapter of Severing Shadows (斬斷切影)

Grinding (切削)

Heaven and Earth Divided (天地二分)

A movement of the hand, silent and traceless!

However, its power was immense, enough to be acknowledged by heaven.

*Sharaaak!*

With a flash of light like a shimmering mirage, a single line was drawn, dividing the space between heaven and earth.

The dragon's roar (龍嘯) of the spearheads and iron chains, which had been fiercely swirling to swallow Bi Liuyan's life, was split in half as if by magic. It was a scene that seemed too good to be true, as if fabricated.

The killing blow, which had never failed in a multitude against one battle, was effortlessly broken by a single gesture of the opponent. The shock was immense. It was natural to feel the urge to deny reality.

The golden blade of light did not aim only at the vortex of spearheads. The sharp blade of light simultaneously bisected the four horses ridden by the Four Great Whirlwinds. The inexplicable and profound sharpness felt like a lie.

Wei Wushang's entire body was covered in goosebumps. The lingering goosebumps showed no signs of subsiding.

He had heard rumors of such sharp, fast, and fearsome sword qi, but he had never witnessed it.

The horses, losing half of their bodies, rapidly lost their balance and tumbled forward. Of course, it was impossible for the riders to survive in such a situation.

From the swirling dust, the upper bodies of the four horses, scattering like red mist, rolled on the ground. The Four Great Whirlwinds, who had been charging with such ferocity moments ago, flew into the air and crashed onto the ground. Their heavy iron armor was indeed their fatal poison. That poison had paralyzed their movements and claimed their lives.

*Crack! Snap!*

With the unnerving sound of neck bones snapping backward…

And so, on this day, the names of the Four Great Whirlwinds were erased from the roster of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade. Instead, their names appeared on receipts for the deceased warriors of the Black Heaven Alliance, which were then passed to the finance department.

"Are we just going to stand by and do nothing? If we do, we might end up having to clean up the bodies."

Qinghun said, pushing his serious face towards Yeomdo.

"Hmm! Bodies… that might be good."

The desire to escape this exhausting nightmare, if by cleaning up someone's corpse, emerged from a corner of Yeomdo's heart, stimulating his patience.

"But…"

Qinghun continued his sentence.

"We can't do that. We can't just leave him like this. No matter what anyone says, he's a disciple of Cheonmu Academy. We can't just watch him walk into a death trap like this, can we?"

Yeomdo pretended to consider Qinghun's opinion.

Even Yeomdo, who knew Bi Liuyan's abilities better than anyone else present, could not easily guarantee victory in this match. In normal circumstances, he would have bet more than 120% on Bi Liuyan's victory and even written a guarantee, but this time, the opponent was too formidable. He had also heard of the majestic reputation of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, described by the famous eight characters: 'Swift Wind Flying Horse' (疾風飛馬), 'Invincible Ironclad' (無敵鐵甲). Even the wildly unconstrained Bi Liuyan could not be guaranteed an easy victory against such famous individuals.

'But…'

Yeomdo's eyes sank deep. Could Bi Liuyan's fate truly come to an end today? Bi Liuyan's capacity was also not insignificant. Even after spending over a year and a half by his side, he still hadn't seen the end of him.

That's right! No matter how he thought about it, it was hard to believe that Bi Liuyan would display such reckless self-sacrifice, which seemed completely unsuited to him, in a fight with no chance of winning.

'What kind of person is that guy…'

It's also wrong to think too highly of someone. No matter how he tried to give Bi Liuyan a high rating for his humanity, the possibility was too slim. He wasn't called a monster for nothing.

Yeomdo said in a quiet voice,

"Running away and pretending not to know is also a very positive option to consider! Don't you think?"

This statement, a step towards becoming the most cowardly person in the world, would have been ignored, condemned, or passed over if it had come from someone else. However, the speaker being Yeomdo changed the situation. Yeomdo was one of the people who did not fit the description of cowardice in this world. The common assessment was that Yeomdo lacked the cunning to be cowardly.

Yeomdo's low voice resonated in their eardrums with a strange, ominous undertone.

What kind of answer did Master Yeomdo expect to get here?

Qinghun could not fathom Yeomdo's intentions at all.

If he had two or three extra lives, he could answer without hesitation, but unfortunately, having only one, he couldn't answer rashly. No, he couldn't. To treat one's single life lightly and throw it away carelessly was not an act of bravery, but utter foolishness.

"That… I…"

Jujakdan and Munmu Shuangjyeol could not answer, as if their mouths had been sewn shut with silk thread.

In fact, Yeomdo was in the same predicament, unable to grasp what action he should take next. Perhaps that's why he was taking his frustration out on the youngsters.

If he died like this, he could escape this relentless nightmare without any effort, and that sweet temptation was hard to refuse. However, the lack of cunning to commit such cowardice was a big problem.

It would be simple if he could classify it as an act of removing the evil of the martial arts world through the principle of "fighting poison with poison" (以毒制毒)… He hated his own righteousness, which was burning so fiercely today. If he had been more sly, flexible, shrewd, and possessed skills like cunning (奸邪) or cowardice (卑怯), he could have handled the matter more smoothly and cleanly.

He truly hated himself today, with his reason and emotions working separately.

'Hmm… What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?'

His wits, which were already lacking, were not functioning today either. It was then that Yeomdo's thoughts were broken by a woman's words.

"Still, we have to go and save him, don't we?"

Yeomdo raised his head and looked for the source of the beautiful voice.

While Jujakdan and Munmu Shuangjyeol were talking a lot and expressing various opinions, and while Yeomdo was lost in his own thoughts, someone quietly got up. Walking silently towards the battlefield with tightly closed lips was a woman with a slender physique and a beauty that was hard to believe belonged to this world.

"Unnie!"

Lee Jinseol cried out in surprise at Na Yerine's sudden action. Na Yerine turned her gaze and looked at her with indifferent eyes.

"You don't need to follow."

She said in an indifferent voice.

"Unnie!"

Lee Jinseol cried out with a surprised face. Her words clearly conveyed her intention to stop Na Yerine's actions. However, Na Yerine was not someone whose actions would be swayed by Lee Jinseol's words. She looked forward again and walked silently.

"Miss Na, where are you going?"

Baek Muyoung quickly asked. He tried to stop her actions.

"Do I have to say it out loud?"

Na Yerine retorted with a blank expression. Her tone implied that he shouldn't ask the obvious. Baek Muyoung, regaining his composure, continued,

"Even so, there's no need to expose yourself to danger alone, is there? You should consider those who worry about you. If even a single hair on your body were to be injured…"

The words that followed were so horrific that even Baek Muyoung, a being of cool reason, could not bring himself to utter them. If even a speck of dust were to touch Na Yerine's body, Na Yerine's fanatical followers, whose hearts would shatter from fierce anger, would surely charge into the demonic path with fiery eyes. The martial world would then be swept away by the bloody storm of the righteous and demonic war. It was a terrifying thought even to imagine.

"……"

Despite Baek Muyoung's words, she did not bother to open her mouth to answer. She just kept walking forward silently.

"Oh dear, oh dear! Miss! Stop."

Baek Muyoung's attempt to stop Na Yerine once more ended in vain. She slipped through his grasp like the wind that cannot be caught.

'Why am I walking this path right now? Why?'

She didn't know the reason, but she decided to follow the direction her heart guided her. That kind of man was not worth a single bit of concern, no matter what happened… Na Yerine did not yet understand her own actions.

"Oh dear, oh dear! If it's like this, I can't just sit here awkwardly alone!"

Nohak stood up, scratching his hair. Namgung Sang and Hyeon Un did the same. Jang Hong and Hyo Ryong also couldn't stand by idly. Letting a woman lead the way into a dangerous battlefield was a disgrace to men. Such a person would not deserve to be called a true man.

All of Jujakdan stood up.

"Women are dangerous, so how about waiting here?"

Tang Sam said. Immediately, Tang Munhye retorted.

*Thwack!*

Her retort was accompanied by a punch.

"Tang Sam! Since when did you become a sexist? Since when did you start looking down on women?"

Tang Munhye pierced Tang Sam's entire body with a gaze as sharp as a venomous snake.

Tang Sam cursed his own mouth for not assessing the situation properly and trembled. He was still pitifully unable to win an argument against his sister. Against his will, he chastised himself for speaking out of turn. But the water had already spilled.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Speak quickly! Tell me when you started looking down on women."

Tang Sam, sweating profusely from a single slip of the tongue, was at a loss for what to do.

"No… I… that…"

Tang Sam's face was now crumpled in tears. There was nowhere to run.

The men all sympathized with his plight but dared not extend a helping hand. Silently, they could only offer their heartfelt condolences internally.

"Why aren't you saying anything yet?"

Tang Munhye's fingernails glinted in the sunlight, exuding a terrifying killing intent. Tang Sam had no desire to receive ancestral offerings next year.

"I'm sorry! I was wrong! I won't do it again, Nuna!"

With no other choice, Tang Sam clasped his hands together and confessed his mistake and defeat, begging profusely until his fingerprints wore down. No one dared to meet Tang Munhye's gaze. Only the women around her cheered for her victory and the advancement of women's rights.

"Do you have the confidence to win?"

Yeomdo, who had risen from his seat at some point, said to everyone standing. As everyone stood up, Qinghun and Baek Muyoung could no longer remain seated.

"Even if you don't have confidence, there are times when you must act. If women are leading the way, can men shamelessly trail behind? Or, as an even more humiliating act, would you run away with your tail between your legs? Rather than live in disgrace for the rest of my life, I would choose to fight gloriously and perish."

Namgung Sang said, his eyes shining with firm conviction. Everyone nodded in agreement with his opinion. Everyone's hearts had become one.

Na Yerine was still walking ahead, leading the way.

*Flash!*

"Heeeeeeng! Kuaaak! Udangtangtang! Ttuduk!"

"W-what is that?"

Yeomdo asked.

"Uh… well?"

He couldn't answer what he didn't know.

"Hey! This isn't a dream, is it?"

A sudden doubt arose!

"Uh… well."

Namgung Sang could not answer readily.

Upon arriving at Bi Liuyan's location, what they witnessed was Bi Liuyan's unbelievable might, cleaving the Four Great Whirlwinds in two with a single blow. Thus, they stood rooted to the spot. This was also the case for Na Yerine.

Now, the Black Heaven Alliance would no longer need to worry about the maintenance costs for the four horses that had just charged forward. They could cease worrying about all the public funds spent on their expensive feed or the even more expensive iron armor maintenance. It was the surest basis they could erase from their accounting books. And there was no need to worry about the salaries and hazard pay of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade members who had ridden those four horses. Of course, the issue of paying sufficient condolence money for these four people still remained. However, other than that, there would be no further expenses.

This was because, with Bi Liuyan's strike just moments ago, the four warriors called the Four Great Whirlwinds, who had charged on their Ironclad Horses, had all been cut in half horizontally.

In the end, the Four Great Whirlwinds had to stare with wide-open eyes. It was a sign of rebellion against the reality that someone had severed four of them in a single move. And it was also the last expression on their faces.

The bodies of the people, once whole, cleanly cut by a dazzling flash of light that seemed to divide heaven and earth! As the divine blade-like flash divided heaven and earth, the four horses even performed a trick, flipping in the air.

They stared blankly at the battlefield, having forgotten the purpose for which they had come.

Even in the midst of confronting the fifty members of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, who boasted of immense troops and power, in the center of that desolate plain, Bi Liuyan's imposing presence remained.

"Let's postpone helping for now!"

Finally, Yeomdo made a resolute decision.

It seemed they needed time to distinguish whether this was a dream or reality.

"R-right."

Everyone, dazed, nodded their heads.

"Am I seeing an illusion? Or a terrible nightmare swallowing reality?"

A trembling voice escaped from the depths of his chest. Wei Wushang was truly afraid now.

"I can pinch your cheek for you. But there's no need to try; it's clearly reality. The most true and righteous reality! Escaping reality is a bad habit."

Bi Liuyan said as if admonishing him.

"I don't believe it."

Wei Wushang stubbornly insisted. How frustrating must it have been for a grown man to act stubbornly in the face of obvious reality? We must understand Wei Wushang's current psychological state.

"Then there's nothing I can do!"

"Aaargh!"

Suddenly, Wei Wushang felt an extreme pain in his right cheek. The scream was a byproduct.

"W-what was that?"

Bi Liuyan did not pinch him as promised. With a burning pain, as if scalded, a clear red gash had appeared on his cheek.

"W-when did that happen?"

"You wanted to know if it was a nightmare or an illusion? Ah, what a diligent, kind, and gentle young man I am… As a person…"

Certainly, for any sane man, these words would be extremely difficult to listen to. However, they were of considerable help in Wei Wushang's perception of reality.

'W-what do I do about this now?'

There was no solution. If there were a solution, he could devise a countermeasure!

However, no matter how much he racked his brain, he could find no solution to this situation. After thinking until his head felt like it was smoking, Wei Wushang realized once again that he was absolutely not cut out to be a strategist. He was a man of action, not a man of intellect. Therefore, he decided to resolve this incident through forceful action once again.

"Iron Arm Twelve Strikes (鐵臂十二擊)!"

In a confused state, unable to distinguish whether his mental state was sane or insane, Wei Wushang invoked the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes.

The Iron Arm Twelve Strikes! These were innate warriors who knew no fear from birth. The encirclement and annihilation technique (包圍殲滅術) simultaneously unleashed by these twelve was rumored to possess power one level higher than the Linked Attack Technique of the recently deceased Four Great Whirlwinds. Originally, their encirclement attack technique was used against a large number of enemies, but this time, it was to eliminate a single enemy.

Having already witnessed two miraculous illusions, their gazes were desperately serious. As they possessed the ability to learn, there was no room for contempt. The Iron Arm Twelve Strikes concentrated all their internal energy to the tips of their spears. Their cloaks fluttered as if by an unseen wind.

"Line Formation (一字整列)!"

The twelve Ironclad Horses lined up in a single file.

"Raise Spears (擧槍)!"

*Click! Click! Click! Click!*

All the members simultaneously raised their spears.

They raised one of the spears attached to their saddles. These warriors primarily enjoyed long-range spear throwing attacks, so they had multiple spears attached to their saddles. They had picked out one of them. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, as expected of those trained hundreds of times.

"Spear Throwing Stance (投槍勢)!"

With a clanging sound, their spears were raised over their shoulders. Energy was injected into the spears, and the spear qi (槍勁) materialized like sword qi on a sword.

"Qi Spear (氣槍)?"

Bi Liuyan showed a look of interest.

Although he had glimpsed it briefly during the demonstration by the spear-wielding elder, Chang Gun (槍君) Eon Yu-gyu, this was his first time facing it directly.

Spears are often classified as military weapons rather than martial arts weapons, so they are quite neglected in the orthodox path.

"Advance (進擊)!"

At Wei Wushang's signal, all the warhorses simultaneously kicked off the ground and charged forward.

"Single Point Concentration (一點集中)! Cross Spear Throw (十字投槍)! Rapid Fire (連射)!"

They hurled their spears with all their might, adding the speed of their charging horses to their trained strength. The target, of course, was Bi Liuyan. This was the undefeated formation of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, which had never missed and never failed.

*Swoooosh!*

A white flash, possessing blinding speed and immense destructive power, pierced the air with a piercing sound, drawing a white trajectory towards Bi Liuyan.

The spear strikes and throws of the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes were attacks of brute force, capable of piercing iron plates over a span of a foot and shattering rocks. The 'Arm' (臂) in their nickname 'Iron Arm' referred to their forearms, which were like cast iron. However, Bi Liuyan did not move from his spot. Of course, he had not planned to commit suicide.

Flying Thunder Saber (飛雷刀) Exclusive Secret Art (獨門) Secret Transmission Body Technique (秘傳身法)

Phoenix Dance (鳳凰舞) Ultimate Secret Art (奧義)

Shake the Night (振夜)

*Swoosh!*

Bi Liuyan's body flickered, drawing multiple layers of afterimages like a shimmering illusory night.

*Swish, swish, swish, swish!*

Wei Wushang, Yeomdo, and all the Cheongwan warriors rubbed their eyes with their sleeves.

The spears that had passed through Bi Liuyan's body without any effect were embedded in the ground, causing a large explosion and raising dust. The area behind Bi Liuyan had become a mess. However, there was not a single scratch on Bi Liuyan's body. All attacks had been in vain.

When Bi Liuyan, who had seemingly let all the spear throws pass by, stopped in place, he held a spear in his hand.

He had caught the spears of the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes, an attack almost impossible to parry head-on, with his bare hands. Bi Liuyan was someone who readily did things that should be avoided. He seemed to have no fear from the outset. Even though he could have dodged them all, he deliberately caught the spear, which seemed to be for show.

It was as if he were saying, 'I can do this too… It's not that I don't have the strength to dodge!'

"I-is this possible!"

Wei Wushang's jaw dropped again. It seemed his jaw joint would become dislocated today.

The Iron Arm Twelve Strikes also seemed confused. This was because their movements had briefly deviated from their control. However, as seasoned masters, they soon regained their formation.

"Snap out of it!"

Wei Wushang shouted, urging them on. No more failures were allowed.

When their trusted ultimate attack, the Cross Spear Throw, failed, the leader of the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes immediately gave a new order.

"Charge Stance (突擊勢)!"

With a clanging sound, the spears were firmly fixed near their waists. The spears of these warriors, thrusting forward from their waists, began to glow with a milky white light.

The twelve members of the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes instinctively knew that if this attack failed, it would directly lead to their deaths. Therefore, they exerted all their internal energy and charged forward.

"Qi Spear Impact (氣槍衝擊)!"

Finally, the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade's strongest attack formation was revealed to all.

*Dudududududu!*

The Iron Arm Twelve Strikes, divided into two groups, spurred their horses and closed in on Bi Liuyan from both sides.

Ten horses charged forward simultaneously, kicking off the ground. Since this was not a war, more than ten people would be a hindrance when encircling and attacking a single individual. There was a risk of obstructing their comrades' movements.

They had already disregarded their own lives and were determined to defeat Bi Liuyan with all their might. However, Bi Liuyan showed no fear at all.

Instead, Bi Liuyan smiled at them. His eyes glowed golden, and his heart was frozen cold. And his unfettered spirit, like a sharp needle, emitted a frosty sharpness.

The Iron Arm Twelve Strikes formed a wall of iron, surrounding Bi Liuyan in a circle. However, the real attack did not come from the ten people who had formed a circle around Bi Liuyan. This was because there were ten of them.

"Heeeeeeng!"

Two horses, with the sunlight of the sky behind them, leaped over the circular wall and simultaneously thrust their spears at Bi Liuyan from both sides. It was an incredible leap and horsemanship, easily clearing a height of about one zhang (approximately 3 meters). To build this formation, their armor was much lighter than others.

It was a death trap, with no room to escape to the top, bottom, left, or right. However, death ultimately failed to grab Bi Liuyan by the scruff of his neck.

Flying Thunder Saber (飛雷刀) Sword Qi (劍氣) Ultimate Secret Art (奧義)

Chapter of Heaven Collapsing and Earth Splitting (天崩地裂)

Lightning Strike (雷擊打) Thousand Jin Thunder (千斤雷)

It looked as if an invisible giant fist had sent the two horses flying backward.

Two streaks of light pierced the two horses.

"Boom!"

No, it would be more accurate to say they were struck rather than pierced. The sound of immense force colliding for an instant echoed.

Despite being struck by the sharp flying saber, the horses, astonishingly, were sent flying two zhang (about 6 meters) backward. It was a sight that would be unbelievable if not witnessed firsthand.

*Crash, crash, crash!*

The two men were sent flying backward in an instant. As their initial attack failed, the Iron Arm Twelve Strikes immediately moved to a second, full-scale attack. However, Bi Liuyan did not allow it.

Flying Thunder Saber (飛雷刀) Ultimate Secret Art (奧義) Sword Qi (劍氣)

Chapter of the Four Divine Beasts Dance (四神舞)

Phoenix (鳳凰)

Phoenix Wings Soaring (鳳翼飛上)

The ten members of the Iron Arm Eight Strikes, who were trying to encircle and pressure Bi Liuyan from both sides, were neatly torn apart by the brilliant sword qi that erupted from their sides like phoenix wings. Once activated, the sword qi was as heartless as ice and showed no mercy.

The phoenix wings became dozens of cold sword shadows, slaughtering the Iron Arm Eight Strikes. Even the Ironclad Horses, armored in iron, were helpless against the shining phoenix wings. They were simply cut into pieces with clean edges. A phoenix, armed with the light of sword qi, soared into the sky.

There was no opportunity to dodge. As dazzling sword qi, drawing dozens of afterimages like wings, shot up into the sky… until the rain of blood once again drenched the earth, Bi Liuyan stood alone, not moving an inch from his original spot.

The fear of the unknown began to creep from the abyss of the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade's hearts.

"I can't believe it!"

Gu Cheanhak, who had only been watching until now, could not help but express his admiration. The admiration for the opponent's martial arts erupted before his anger at his subordinates' suffering. It was one of the bad habits of martial artists. The astonishing power that Bi Liuyan had displayed now seemed beyond human limits. It had already surpassed the realm of humanity.

Who would believe that the renowned, fear-inspiring, and symbol of power, the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, had suffered near-annihilation at the casual gesture of a young boy? It was an impossible story from the start.

Anyone who was not insane or weak-hearted would have thought the same.

However, Bi Liuyan, as if to prove that incredible and inexplicable events still occurred in this world, put on a spectacular display.

"Hmph!"

Yeomdo, who had been watching, sprang to his feet. Without hesitation, he walked forward and slung Hongyan on his shoulder with a 'thump.' His fighting spirit was ignited, and he seemed unable to control himself. He was a martial artist by birth, after all.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it, daaaamn it!"

While muttering "damn it," "heck," and "sh*t" with his mouth, he got up from his seat. And he walked forward with a crestfallen face. His feet were heading towards Bi Liuyan, who was confronting the Iron Leg Flying Horse Brigade, without him realizing it.

Yeomdo barely suppressed the urge to cut off his own legs, which were walking towards that place.

"Let me make this clear, I'm not going because I want to! I'm absolutely not acting out of desire! I'm just walking because I have no choice, really no choice. Understand?"

*Nod, nod!*

Who would dare to object to Yeomdo's powerful words?

"Daaamn it!"

And then Yeomdo diligently walked towards the battlefield.