Chapter 1400: To Where You Belong (Part 5)

"From the right!"

As soon as Baek Cheon's voice exploded...No, even before that, Namgung Dowi soared through the air, moving to Baek Cheon's right.

"Ahhhhh!"

A dazzling white radiance burst forth.

Kwaaaah!

The cascading sword energy crushed those rushing towards them. It was a sight that made one's hair stand on end just by watching, but the members of Myriad Man Manor charged forward without hesitation, even as their comrades fell right next to them.

"I-Ik!"

Namgung Dowi's face showed bewilderment. The enemies rushed towards him without even taking care of their own bodies, bypassing him as if he wasn't there, and attacked Chung Myung held by Baek Cheon.

"These bastards!"

The sword of the enraged Namgung Dowi cut through the air once again. But even with their waists severed, the members of Myriad Man Manor didn't stop their swings.

At the moment Namgung Dowi opened his eyes wide, Seol So Baek blocked an attack aimed at Chung Myung.

"Euaaah!"

Seol So Baek's sword, filled with a cold aura, pierced the enemy's throat. The body of the Myriad Man Manor member, corroded by the cold, was quickly covered in frost.

"Ice Palace Lord!"

"I'll, I'll stop them! Ahead!"

Seol So Baek gritted his teeth and gave Namgung Dowi a meaningful look.

Witnessing the earnestness in his eyes, Namgung Dowi nodded and turned his body.

The members of Myriad Man Manor were targeting only Chung Myung.

It was a familiar sight, but their momentum seemed different from before. Rather than people filled with madness, they seemed more like those driven by fear.

He understood.

'They're afraid too.'

Surviving here meant letting Chung Myung go, allowing him to regain consciousness, raise his sword, and face them again.

What on earth did they see that made them fear Chung Myung's survival more than their own deaths?

"Huaaah!"

With a beast-like roar, enemies from the opposite side pushed forward.

Saaaah!

Facing them was Yoo Iseol, who had turned back and was wielding her fierce sword.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Blood blossomed like flowers wherever her sword passed. But even for those with throats half-severed or thighs completely cut off, they continued their advance without stopping. They seemed not to feel pain.

Kaaah!

One member of Myriad Man Manor, wielding a sword while pouring out his entrails, was knocked away before reaching Chung Myung.

Thud.

Due to the impact, Baek Cheon's face contorted gruesomely.

He had perfectly blocked it, of course. But even so, Baek Cheon couldn't prevent his body from shaking.

Right now, even a small shock could be enough to cut off Chung Myung's breath.

"Block more thoroughly, damn it! Don't let them wield their weapons at all!"

There was no answer. No, an answer wasn't necessary.

Because everyone had the same mindset. Even if they died, they would protect Chung Myung. From the beginning, their goal was only one when they descended to Gangnam.

"Ohhh!"

Hye Yeon's powerful aura pushed away those rushing towards them without mercy. In front of him, Tang Pae's daggers cut through the air.

"Yoon Jong-ah!"

"Yes, Sasuk!"

Yoon Jong leaped into the air. Passing through the enemies falling from above, his sword created large plum blossom shadows in the air.

'Chung Myung!'

Even in that brief moment of descending after slashing enemies, Yoon Jong turned his head to check Chung Myung's condition. Dried blood covered his face, and glimpses of his skin were as pale as that of a corpse.

Thud.

Yoon Jong bit his lips and rotated his body. Streams of sword energy were unleashed one after another.

The enemies continued to charge endlessly. The momentum with which the Five Swords had charged forward was long gone. Simply pushing back the enemies rushing towards Chung Myung was enough to deplete all their energy.

"This... ."

A hollow laugh escaped Im Sobyeong's mouth for a moment.

"We're in trouble."

He looked around. What he was looking for was Ho Gakmyung. However, Ho Gakmyung's figure was not visible, buried among the crowd.

On the contrary, if the members of Myriad Man Manor tried to block the way, they could have broken through. But if they aimed at Chung Myung, there was no way to stop them. It was more difficult to protect one person than to defeat a hundred.

Amidst the confusion, that person pinpointed the vulnerability on this side and aimed for it thoroughly. That was why Ho Gakmyung was so frightening.

'We need to escape.'

Thinking realistically, surviving was the priority. Even if it meant leaving Chung Myung behind, they had to leave this place. If that wasn't possible, even having Cung Myung enduring some injuries to rush out was necessary.

Yes, that was right. That was the right thing to do. As a strategist, it was an opinion that had to be put forward, even if it meant abandoning Chung Myung.

However, at the moment when he was about to speak, Baek Cheon's back caught his eye. A resolute back that showed no hint of hesitation. His mouth unintentionally shut.

'He must know.'

Yes. Even if they weren't Im Sobyeong, everyone would probably know. What they needed to do to survive. 

Enemies rushing in like mad, continuous attacks towards the unconscious Chung Myung.

If even one person closed their eyes, pretended not to notice, and left the attack alone, they would be free. Then, perhaps they could save their lives.

However, no one hesitated. As if no one could bear to witness Chung Myung's death until their own lives were severed, they fought fiercely, extracting every last drop of remaining blood.

What could possibly be said to such people?

Im Sobyeong's gaze turned towards Chung Myung, who Baek Cheon was holding. This person who had repeatedly done foolish and reckless things. Someone who knew it was wrong but never hesitated.

A sardonic laugh escaped from Im Sobyeong's mouth.

"...A strategist and a fool..."

If they had planned to discuss strategy from the beginning, coming this far was already a mistake.

'That's why people like me are useless in the end.'

Im Sobyeong, who kicked the ground, swept away those rushing towards Chung Myung with his fan.

'Yes. You won, Ho Gakmyung.'

Defeat always tasted bitter. But this defeat, although it left a bitter taste, wasn't as unpleasant as before. Unwilling to admit it, it seemed that in this world, there were defeats better than victories.

"Try killing me first! You dirty Evil Sect bastards!"

Im Sobyeong swung his fan with murderous intent, and a blue wave of energy surged forth.

Watching his performance, Baek Cheon surveyed his surroundings slowly.

It seemed like enemies filled every direction, the entire world.

But Baek Cheon didn't feel fear. What he felt was only pity.

'So this is what you've been seeing.'

Fighting alone in a place like this, what emotions must he have wielded his sword with? How must he have endured?

"You always annoy people."

As Baek Cheon smirked, a large explosion occurred above his head. A faint poison spread in all directions. Baek Cheon's eyes were tinged with bloodshot veins.

"Block it!"

"Ohhhhh!"

Hye Yeon jumped straight into the air. His hands multiplied into hundreds, thousands. The spectacle of the golden hands covering the air was so tremendous that it couldn't be expressed with words.

However, the consecutive explosions of poison even infiltrated Hye Yeon's powerful aura.

Kwaaaaah!

In an instant, Namgung Dowi, who had rushed in, unleashed a sword energy. The massive sword energy wrapped the poison and soared into the air.

Once like this! Once again! One more time!

Even though sweat poured like rain, Namgung Dowi did not stop and swung his sword until his dantian exploded.

'I owe you my life anyway!'

His life wasn't his to begin with. There was nothing to save, nothing to regret.

Paaaaaat!

Under the sword energy he released, red plum blossoms bloomed profusely.

Even though there was no reason for plum blossoms to bloom on this barren land, it looked like a desolate mountain in Shaanxi.

Kwaaaaah!

"Kuk!"

"Lord So!"

"Don't look back, just fight! Look ahead!"

In response to the worried voices, Seol So Baek screamed. As he twisted his body to block the delayed attack with his body, his chest was wide open, pouring blood.

However, Seol So Baek didn't think about stopping the bleeding and once again swung the flying sword.

'I won't die from this kind of injury.'

Even with ten more wounds like this, he wouldn't die. But Chung Myung was different. Even with a small wound, his life would be at risk. However, he couldn't cry out loud.

"Dieeeeee!"

But as the slight delay due to the injury caused his movement to slow down, an enemy took advantage and leaped over Seol So Baek. In his movement to stab the sword into Chung Myung, Seol So Baek widened his eyes.

At that moment, someone's arm blocked Chung Myung.

Thunk!

Along with the sound of a blade piercing bone, blood gushed out. 

"Yoo Dojang!"

Seol So Baek swung his sword with malice, aiming for the neck of the person blocking the way, but Yoo Iseol paid no attention, cutting down others instead.

The strength they had squeezed out and the concentration they had pushed to its limits were now running out. However, even realizing the clear limits, no one lost their determination.

"Cough!"

A blue blade fiercely swung towards Tang Pae's face. Just as he was about to close his eyes, a steel fan from behind fiercely struck down the sword.

"Snap out of it!"

"Lord Nokrim!"

Im Sobyeong wielded the fan while grinding his teeth. His neat crown was nowhere to be found, and his face was a mess. Nevertheless, he fought. Until the very end.

"Dieeee!"

Perhaps noticing the faltering momentum, the Myriad Man Manor members increased their aggression. Blue daggers sprayed towards Chung Myung from a distance where the sword could not reach.

"It's hopeless! You bastards!"

Kwaaang!

With the impact, blood gushed from Jo Gol's mouth.

However, he did not show any signs of pain and mercilessly struck down every flying blade. Every time the sword clashed, his insides trembled, and consciousness faded away. Yet, amidst it all, the sword never stopped.

Kwaaaaah!

At that moment, a force thrown by someone hit Jo Gol. Like a bullet, he bounced backward.

"Jo Gol!"

Grrrrrk!

With the sword barely stuck in the ground, Jo Gol didn't fall but managed to stop himself. Spitting out more blood, he turned his head with great effort. Chung Myung, who had lost consciousness, was visible.

"Sleep well, kid..."

Jo Gol laughed weakly.

"Jo Gol! Back off for now..."

"Aaargh!"

Ignoring Baek Cheon's command, Jo Gol rushed forward again. Baek Cheon bit his lips and swung his sword with all his might towards the spear flying towards Chung Myung.

Kwang!

Simultaneously, Baek Cheon spun his body. Behind the spear, two dark flying daggers ruthlessly stabbed into his back. Intense agony surged. However, Baek Cheon continued to infuse more energy into Chung Myung's body.

Duty. [not sure "중과부적"]

A sudden laughter escaped Baek Cheon's lips.

What would the world say about them?

Would they call them heroes who died protecting loyalty to the end? Or would they call them hypocrites who opposed peace for the sake of righteousness and ended up in tragedy?

'It doesn't matter.'

Because it wasn't either.

Those here were just idiots who couldn't control their own temper, rushing here and throwing away their lives. They were idiots who threw away their lives unable to protect the world, their sect, or anyone else.

But...

'It's okay to be an idiot.'

His laughter kept flowing.

If he had followed reason and only done what was theoretically right, he wouldn't have bothered with a sword. At least that's how Baek Cheon felt. Now, he was where he wanted to be. And he was facing the conclusion he desired.

So, could there be any regrets?

Although he hadn't looked into their hearts, most likely, everyone felt the same.

Thunk!

The sword that had been stuck to Yoon Jong's waist popped out. But Yoon Jong, without a groan, pushed past and stabbed the sword into the back of the person trying to pass by. There was only earnestness in those eyes.

Baek Cheon quietly called out in his mind.

'Yoon Jong-ah.'

"Aaaaaah!"

In whatever way she had cut, wherever she had stabbed, the bloody Tang Soso was viciously stabbing enemies. Every time her scattered hair fluttered, a blue glint shone from her eyes.

'Soso.'

Thunk! Thunk!

Jo Gol, who had his legs cut, crawled on the ground and stabbed the enemy's instep with the sword. Even though flying blades exploded around him.

'Jo Gol.'

Kwuuung!

"Monk!"

"Ohhhhh!"

Hye Yeon was leaping around like a devil. He, who had been extremely reluctant to release his murderous intent, was now pouring all his remaining strength into blocking the enemy.

'Hye Yeon.'

Kwaaaaah!

Namgung Dowi, with blood spattering, fell forward. Seol So Baek urgently leaped forward to block the flying daggers raining at his back.

As the spear pierced through his leg, the disheveled Tang Pae managed to throw a hidden weapon. Im Sobyeong, who had thrown away his broken fan, was now spewing aura with both hands as if possessed.

"All of you..."

Baek Cheon's face turned pale, almost bluish, blood dripping from newly cracked lips. The recoil from the forcibly gathered inner strength was catching up. A piercing pain, like being sliced with a sharp blade, relentlessly surged from his lower abdomen. Despite that, Baek Cheon did not stop channeling his inner strength into Chung Myung's body.

"...How about that? You damn bastard."

Baek Cheon smiled faintly, his lips stained with fresh black blood.

"Everyone is here for you, guarding you. So...don't pretend to be lonely like that again. Don't boast about doing things alone."

I can't protect you.

My strength fell short. I can't protect them.

But...

"Don't worry."

Baek Cheon's hand on Cheongmyeong's shoulder tightened.

"We can die together."

Baek Cheon chuckled and pushed his remaining strength into Chung Myung. The ones pushed back by the enemies tumbled before him, bloodied.

Baek Cheon looked down at those who had become a mess. Sensing their limits, the enemies slightly slowed down, gradually tightening the encirclement.

"Sorry."

For some reason, those words came out.

"Nonsense."

Then, Jo Gol bit his lip.

"Don't apologize, Sasuk. It was my choice."

"It wasn't ordered by Sasuk in the first place."

"Arrogant."

"I originally...thought I was a bit unlucky."

The Mount Hua disciples, now covered in blood, threw in a word each.

Baek Cheon laughed lightly.

"Yeah. Let's receive the apology... from this bastard."

"Receive it."

"I'm going to die anyway."

"...Fall into hell."

"But still... to Dojang..."

Even those who were not Mount Hua disciples left behind a curse. However, there was no regret in their eyes. All that was visible was the will to fight until the very end.

'Not bad.'

Baek Cheon laughed.

The death he thought of was not like this. But... such a death was not bad. Rather, it was a thousand times... no, a million times better. At least they could die with pride.

The only regret was...

Baek Cheon closed his eyes slightly. Burying the remaining regret in his heart, he soon opened his eyes and shouted firmly.

"Until the end, we are disciples of Mount Hua. Die with dignity!"

"Yes!"

As if that were a signal, the enemies rushed forward, screaming.

"Ooooooh!"

The members of the Myriad Man Manor, too, hurled their blades like a waterfall.

Baek Cheon was going to watch carefully. Until the last person's end. That was his last duty left.

But at that moment, what he saw was... a streak of green light.

Thunk!

A sound that seemed to tear the eardrums apart echoed as the charging enemies were thrown away like they had been hit by a runaway carriage. The fierce attacks pouring down like a waterfall also tore apart, twisted, and disappeared.

'What...?'

Perplexed, Baek Cheon absentmindedly watched. Everyone's gaze simultaneously turned to one place.

"I guess it's not too late."

In the distance, a familiar figure appeared.

"Ah..."

Why is he there? Is it a dream?

With a strangely undisturbed posture, his cold face exuded anger like a cold breeze.

Gradually, another person revealed themselves beside him.

"Ah..."

"Ah-ah..."

The disciples of the Mount Hua Sect collapsed at the sight.

A head full of white hair, a black uniform, a plum blossom engraved on his chest, and... an abstract yet intense aura of gentle, refined anger.

His gaze was directed towards Baek Cheon at the center. The moment their eyes met, the tension in Baek Cheon's body relaxed.

It was neither a dream nor an illusion.

"I command the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect!"

"Sect Leaderrrrrrrrr!"

A cry of agony erupted from Baek Cheon's mouth.

"Annihilate the enemies!"

The sword of Hyun Jong, which had soared high in the sky, decisively aimed forward.

"Rescue the disciples of Mount Hua!"

"Understood!"

Un Geom and Hyun Sang rushed forward at the forefront. Followed by the disciples of the Mount Hua Sect wearing black uniforms, they charged with explosive anger.

On the dry land of Gangnam, red plum blossoms bloomed like a dream.