Chapter 971: Consider It An Honor, Kid (Part 1)

"Endure it!"

Venom filled Namgungmyeong's eyes.

The island was vast. And the pirates present here were far too many.

This situation was disadvantageous for the Namgung Family.

From the pirates' perspective, the enemies pushing onto the island right now were overwhelmingly strong. Whether it was due to their true strength or their momentum, it didn't matter. They were treating; that was a fact.

However, compared to that, the survivors of the Namgung Family were relatively easier to deal with.

The pirates who couldn't muster the courage to confront the Mount Hua Sect and the Tang Family head-on rushed toward the Namgung Family like wolves trying to finish off an injured deer.

But the Namgung Family was not simply yielding.

Even before the arrival of the Mount Hua Sect, they fought as if staking their lives, and now that hope was within reach, they were invigorated.

"Endure it! Sogaju is coming!"

Namgung Myung shouted as if vomiting blood. The Namgung Family's swordsmen had a new shade of determination in their eyes.

They had already seen how Sogaju had stepped foot on this island. Namgung Dowi, who had been able to survive on his own, returned with them to this place. He gripped his sword tightly, carrying hope, with the firm intention of saving the people on this island.

However, how could they dare to utter such words of hardship before Sogaju? Their pride as swordsmen, irrespective of the name Namgung, would not permit such an utterance.

Namgung's swords underwent a transformation.

The swords used to employ whatever means necessary to kill more enemies, however, now they were beginning to become shields for self-defense. This was in preparation to kill even one more enemy to protect themselves.

It was because they believed.

Because they believed that as long as they endured in this place, the Mount Hua Sect, the Tang Family, and Namgung Dowi would come to their rescue.

Sometimes, those who walked the path of martial arts would feel the moment when the spirit transcended the body. The swordsmen of the Namgung Family felt exactly that now. Their bodies had long exceeded their limits, but their spirits forcibly led them to confront the enemy.

Furthermore, there was one more thing that fueled them.

Swish!

Thin needles, thinner than hair, rose in abundance into the air. Those needles, which reached the height of the sky, abruptly changed direction and rained down.

"Aaargh!"

A terrible scream erupted from the mouths of the pirates.

This was a martial art sect that unleashed its power when an 'enemy' was present.

Extreme and deadly martial skills that couldn't be used in Beomu [idk, duels?] came to light after a hundred years to the Su Lo Chae.

Swish!

A surreal rain of poison passed perilously over Baek Cheon's head. The daggers that pierced the enemy's forehead in front of him flew behind Baek Cheon, drawing a large arc.

'It's reassuring!'

Baek Cheon tightened his grip on his sword.

Of course, behind him were those who wielded swords to protect him, but this was a different feeling.

The fact that there was someone who could help him anytime, anywhere, without the constraints of distance.

This fact propelled Baek Cheon more than half a step forward.

Paaat!

With dust flying, Baek Cheon advanced, his eyes locked on the pirates who tried to block his path.

'If I fight with this look in my eyes!' [idk]

Paaaaaat!

His sword shone like a streak of light in a diagonal line.

"The damn bastard swears for three days!"

The end of Baek Cheon's sword, which tore apart the flying pirates, spun again. Then dozens of plum blossoms bloomed.

The harpoons that flew toward him in all directions were blocked by the blooming plum blossoms and bounced back.

And then!

Taaat!

As he extended his sword forward, the scattered flowers disintegrated, sweeping the enemy in front of him.

Mount Hua's Plum Blossom Sword.

It was difficult to tell whether it was real or fake, as hundreds of flower petals, resembling genuine swords, and a rain of cow hair needles fell from above. The term "fantasy" would be appropriate at times like this.

"Aaaargh!"

"Save meeee!"

At the moment when the agonized cries of the pirates resounded, the swordsmen from Mount Hua, who followed Baek Cheon's lead, rushed forward, wielding their swords.

There was only one way to clear the way to Namgung.

And in the midst of it all, Namgung Dowi struggled, clutching his sword tightly.

'I, I also... should do something.'

He was the leader of Namgung's disciples. He couldn't just stand by and watch their actions from here! But...

'What should I do'

They were too strong, moving as if they were one entity within this perfect flow. Namgung Dowi was just an outsider. If he stepped forward, he wouldn't be able to match their speed.

So what should he do?

'What should I do?'

Should he dive in to protect Namgung's pride? Or should he prioritize saving the Namgung Family, setting aside his own pride?

The latter, of course.

Was it really right for him, who couldn't even match half of his true strength due to injuries, to stand in the front due to pride?

"..."

Namgung Dowi stared at the survivors in the distance with a bewildered gaze.

'This is right.'

At that very moment, as his strength was slipping away from his hand holding the sword...

Thunk!

Someone tightly grabbed Namgung Dowi's shoulder.

Startled, he turned around to see Chung Myung, whose face had an intimidating determination.

"D-Dojang!"

When did he arrive here? He must have leaped his way to handle those ships, but when did he manage to reach this Plum Blossom Island?

Chung Myung twisted his face and asked Namgung Dowi, "What are you doing here?"

"I, I..."

As if he could read what was on Namgung Dowi's mind just by his expression, Chung Myung scolded him.

"You idiot!"

Namgung Dowi had never heard such harsh language in his entire life. Yet he could understand. This wasn't just an attempt to make him angry but a genuine scolding. His shoulders involuntarily slumped.

Chung Myung shouted once more.

"Go!"

Chung Myung's hand, gripping Namgung Dowi's shoulder, forcefully pushed him.

"Do, Dojang! I..."

"I know, you bastard! Is there anyone here who doesn't realize that you're a burden right now?"

Under Chung Myung's harsh rebuke, Namgung Dowi bit his lips tightly. The hand on his shoulder tightened further, and naturally, Namgung Dowi accelerated.

"Listen carefully!"

"Yes?"

"What is needed for the person at the front isn't just strength."

Chung Myung's voice echoed clearly in his ear.

"It's qualification!"

"..."

Chung Myung cast a cold glance toward the Namgung family. Namgung had the qualifications to be saved, and Namgung Dowi had the qualifications to stand in front.

So, what he had to do became abundantly clear.

"Then you clear the path!"

At that moment, a firm voice intervened in this world.

"I'll cover the rear!"

Tang Gunak's dagger brushed past Namgung Dowi's head and impaled the chest of an enemy in front.

"Go!"

As a signal of Chung Myung's shout, Namgung Dowi turned and rushed forward, pounding the ground.

It was a strange occurrence. As he charged forward, everyone he passed sent him powerful, determined glances, as if they had been waiting for this moment. And those gazes, combined with the one he received from the injured Namgung Dowi, provided him with the final surge of strength he needed.

"Aaaaargh!"

From the tip of Namgung Dowi's sword as he rushed forward, a white aura overflowed.

Kwaah!

The Emperor Sword Style!

A royal sword meant to move forward, always forward. His sword was for breaking through the enemies and protecting those following behind!

Namgung Hwang's profound realization from the very end was fully passed on to his son. The achievements of the previous generation are carried on by the next. Isn't that what a family exists for?

"Step aside!"

Kwaah!

From the vertically descending sword, white energy burst forth. The enemies were swept away without resistance.

"Sogajuuuuuu!"

A voice mixed with moisture burst from Namgung Myung's lips.

The fact that only direct descendants of Namgung could wield the sword had tremendous significance. It may not be comparable to Namgung Hwang just yet, but it was undoubtedly the emperor's sword! A symbol of the Namgung family, a pristine aura.

"Gulkk!"

Namgung Dowi's body swayed forward. Because he had forcibly summoned his inner strength, his vision was rapidly blurring, and his legs felt like they could give way at any moment.

"Kill him!"

Taking advantage of this opportunity, the enemies swung their swords. Showing weakness on the battlefield often meant death!

But...

"Where to?"

At that moment, a black shadow rose above Namgung Dowi's head.

"Hwa, Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword!"

The faces of those who recognized him turned pale in an instant.

Paaat!

From Chung Myung's raised sword, dozens of red energy beams shot out. Then, precisely piercing the throats of those rushing towards Namgung Dowi.

The enemies fell without even being able to scream, tumbling forward with the same momentum.

Chung Myung landed right next to Namgung Dowi, grabbing his shoulder to help him up. However, before Chung Myung's grip could tighten, Namgung Dowi raised his head and restrained his body with his own strength.

Thud!

With the sound of heavy footsteps, Namgung Dowi's sword once again emitted a blinding white light.

The ones waiting for him were right over there.

So at least...

"I can't talk nonsense about it being tough!"

Kwaah!

Namgung Dowi, who had released his energy once more, staggered forward. He thrust his sword into the approaching enemy's throat, somehow managed to rise from the brink of falling, and moved forward.

Thud!

Alone, he could never have taken this step. He could never have stood against those blocking his way.

But at least, at this moment, he wasn't alone. He could feel it. Someone guarding his back. Someone waiting for him to advance!

"Move!"

Blood oozed from his nose and mouth, but Namgung Dowi's eyes radiated an even stronger determination.

"I am the head of the Namgung family!"

The sword of Namgung Dowi, thrown into the midst of the enemies blocking his path, emitted a brilliant radiance.

The glow was on the verge of fading away.

But that radiance never went out; it collided with the enemy's arrows.

Kaah!

The aura that should have cut down the enemies was deflected by harpoons, losing its power.

"Ah..."

A regretful sigh escaped from Namgung Dowi's lips. But at that moment...

"Good job, kid."

Explosive energy burst from behind. The red aura released forward expanded rapidly, and soon, it vividly painted red plum blossoms.

The plum blossoms began to swirl like a storm, sweeping away the enemies in the front. The screams of those who had their lives taken rang out in the air.

And Namgung Dowi saw it.

A clear path opened up between him and the enemies who had been blocking his way and Namgung's family.

No more thinking was necessary.

"Charge!"

Namgung Dowi gritted his teeth and pounded the ground.

Towards that path, the road he had to tread!

Namgung Dowi's gaze as he rushed down the path he had cleared met the gaze of someone watching him.

"Sogajuuuuuu!"

In response to Namgung Myung's voice filled with emotion, Namgung Dowi collapsed into his arms with a pure white smile.

Kwaaak!

Namgung Myung hugged Namgung Dowi with all his strength.

"You did well, really... You did so well, Soga... No."

After clenching his lips, he corrected himself.

"Gaju."

This heartfelt reunion, as if it were someone else's affair, passed by Chung Myung, and he nonchalantly sent one of the enemies' heads flying with a single stroke. Then he shouted,

"Kill them all!"

"Woooh!"

The Mount Hua swordsmen who had finally reached the Namgung Family began to sweep away the enemies ferociously.