Chapter 216

The training ground inside Pear Blossom Manor.

The Deathly Shadow Squad members, who always roamed freely with a loose atmosphere, were lined up in solemn formation with serious expressions.

Thud, thud.

When Bu Eunseol finally revealed himself, the Deathly Shadow Squad members straightened their postures even more sharply.

“A corps of the Beggar Sect will swarm here soon.”

Bu Eunseol’s low voice resonated across the training ground.

“It is the Dog Beggar Squad, said to be among the top elite corps of the Beggar Sect.”

Black Leopard had established connections with the Black Gang forces in Kaifeng under Bu Eunseol’s orders and had been receiving intelligence from them. Finally, news arrived that the intelligence organizations of the Beggar Sect had discovered the identity of the Deathly Shadow Squad hiding in Pear Blossom Manor, prompting the Dog Beggar Squad to launch a surprise attack.

“The Dog Beggar Squad not only has much combat experience but are elites who have been taught the Killing Arts of the Beggar Sect to kill enemies without hesitation.”

Despite Bu Eunseol’s words, the expressions of the members did not waver in the slightest.

Until now, the Deathly Shadow Squad members had risked their lives to carry out missions if they were Bu Eunseol’s orders. And there was one truth they had realized.

That fighting strong enemies could be dangerous, but it could also be an opportunity to develop oneself one step further.

“Their numbers are three hundred.”

Three hundred elite experts with peak-level skills and abundant combat experience, not just the disorderly martial arts of the Beggar Sect, were swarming in. Under normal circumstances, avoiding the surprise attack and hiding for a while would be the correct judgment. But no one had any intention of moving. Rather, flames were burning in the eyes of the Deathly Shadow Squad members.

Thirty against three hundred. Even in the face of this fierce battle, their morale was not dropping at all.

“They will soon surround Pear Blossom Manor and pour in from all directions.”

Bu Eunseol spoke in a solemn voice.

“Dispose of them cleanly.”

Instantly, a power overwhelming ten thousand demons flowed from Bu Eunseol’s eyes.

“Let the name of the Deathly Shadow Squad shake the martial world!”

“We receive your command!”

The members, who always cut off honorifics, shouted ‘We receive your command’ naturally. They instinctively felt that now was the time to maintain solemn military discipline, not freedom.

Flutter!

At that moment, the sound of clothes brushing against the wind began to ring out endlessly from the distant sky.

Simultaneously, martial artists wearing worn-out clothes began to arrive one after another and descend in front of Pear Blossom Manor. They were all experts who had mastered the Divine Buddha Palm and Long Flower Staff Art to over eight stars, highly specialized in fighting against many.

It was the Dog Beggar Squad of the Beggar Sect.

The Beggar Sect disciples standing in front of Pear Blossom Manor stood in relaxed postures as if they were out for a stroll.

Combat units of ordinary sects formed ranks and used formations, but the Beggar Sect was different. Except when using the Dog Beating Formation, they used tactics that overwhelmed the enemy solely with numerical superiority.

In short, if there was one enemy, they sent ten. If ten, they sent a hundred.

As if proving those words, over three hundred experts were encamped at Pear Blossom Manor.

Thud.

As three hundred members of the Dog Beggar Squad surrounded Pear Blossom Manor, a shadow holding a long staff descended in front of the main gate. It was a middle-aged man in tattered clothes holding an iron staff in his hand. He was the Squad Captain of the Dog Beggar Squad, Sword Summoned, Laughter Unbound, Yi Sim-hwa.

Sword Summoned, Laughter Unbound.

It meant ‘clapping and laughing when a sword comes.’ He loved fighting enough to be given such a nickname. And as if proving it, his exposed face and arms were covered in large and small scars.

Thud, thud.

As the Dog Beggar Squad finished preparing for battle, Bu Eunseol and the Deathly Shadow Squad members came out of Pear Blossom Manor as if they had been waiting.

“Ha, it seems the information of our Sect was truly leaked.”

Even though Pear Blossom Manor was isolated by overwhelming forces, the expressions of Bu Eunseol and the Deathly Shadow Squad members were calm.

“You must be the Deathly Shadow Squad Captain.”

Yi Sim-hwa recognized Bu Eunseol, the leader, at once like an old hand in the Gangho who had experienced countless battles.

“Quite young. And your eyes are alive.”

Letting out a sound mixed with a sigh, he frowned and said, “Why try to make an enemy of our Sect? At that age, being a Squad Captain of the Demonic Palace should leave you wanting for nothing.”

“Are you curious?”

“Of course.”

Bu Eunseol looked down at Yi Sim-hwa with cool eyes and said, “I will tell you after sweeping you all away.”

“Hahaha.”

Killing intent flowed from the eyes of Yi Sim-hwa, who laughed low.

“Your confidence is impressive.”

Shaking his head, he put strength into his lower abdomen and shouted in a loud voice.

“Kill!”

Then, with a loud spirited yell, the experts of the Dog Beggar Squad pounced on the Deathly Shadow Squad like a wave swallowing a sandcastle.

But it was strange.

The Deathly Shadow Squad Captain, who could be called the strongest combat power, stood still without participating in the fight. Wasn’t he just watching the scene with a strange smile?

Clang! Cha-ang!

As the Deathly Shadow Squad and the Dog Beggar Squad finally collided, loud metallic sounds rang out everywhere.

The Dog Beggar Squad, accustomed to tactics that targeted the few, naturally attacked the Deathly Shadow Squad members, even as allies surrounded them. However, the Deathly Shadow Squad was also adept at dealing with numerous enemies with limited numbers.

The Third Team members, who advanced at the forefront, had mastered the Dark Poison Demonic Art. Consequently, swords and blades failed to penetrate their defenses. They effortlessly blocked flying weapons and unleashed immense strength to disrupt the Dog Beggar Squad’ formation.

The Second Team swiftly unfolded their movement techniques, throwing concealed weapons and disrupting the Dog Beggar Squad’ attacks.

In the center, the First Team members engaged in a relentless assault, cutting down Beggar Sect disciples.

They all executed a series of retreats and advances, demonstrating exceptional sword and blade skills in response to the Beggar Sect’s offensive.

“Aaaagh!”

“Kuh!”

Screams rang out in succession from the Beggar Sect side.

Yi Sim-hwa’s eyes bulged.

The martial prowess of the Deathly Shadow Squad members was not at the level of a Third-Grade Combat Squad. Moreover, because those with terrifying martial prowess were mixed in here and there, the tide of battle was collapsing uncontrollably.

There was one who poured out strange silver threads wrapped around his hands like crazy, and another who used two whips over three jang long.

And turning his head, there was also an expert pouring out mighty palm power comparable to the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms, shattering rocks with a single palm.

Also, those with movement techniques fast as lightning were throwing flying daggers and hidden weapons everywhere, disrupting the Dog Beggar Squad’ attacks.

“How can this be.”

Yi Sim-hwa, watching the scene, widened his eyes.

“A mere Third-Grade Combat Squad is this strong?”

According to information before acquisition, the Deathly Shadow Squad was a Third-Grade Combat Squad just organized. He had brought a force capable of overwhelming them in an instant. But rather, wasn’t the formation collapsing, and thirty-odd experts were pressing three hundred disciples?

“Is the information wrong? That can’t be.”

Yi Sim-hwa shook his head, his eyes clouding over. It looked as if he was having a nightmare with his eyes open.

“No, wait…”

Only then did he realize that he had only obtained information about the Deathly Shadow Squad and knew little about the Deathly Shadow Squad Captain. He should have checked how he became a Squad Captain of a Third-Grade Combat Squad of the Demonic Palace at such a young age. And why the Deathly Shadow Squad was created.

‘I was too hasty.’

He had thought of it as merely a laughable combat squad of the Demonic Palace touching his nerves.

He had thought too easily that it was just sweeping away a Third-Grade Combat Squad of the Demonic Palace.

“Ugh!”

“Kuh.”

Screams did not cease, and fresh blood splashed everywhere every time a weapon cut through the air.

It did not take long to judge victory and defeat.

Because the time it took for the Deathly Shadow Squad members and Bu Eunseol’s party to wipe out more than half of the Dog Beggar Squad was only about one sikgyeong (approx. 15 mins).

‘At this rate, it’s annihilation.’

Yi Sim-hwa widened his eyes.

Until now, the Dog Beggar Squad had always overwhelmed few enemies using overwhelming numerical superiority. But for the first time, they had met an opponent against whom such tactics did not work.

“Retreat!”

He shouted loudly, but retreat was not easy either.

Because the Deathly Shadow Squad members using fast movement techniques were cleverly pouring out hidden weapons and blocking the retreat path.

“All retreat!”

Eventually, Yi Sim-hwa stepped into the battlefield holding his long staff, trying to block the Deathly Shadow Squad members.

But at that moment—

“Open a path.”

Deathly Shadow Squad Captain Bu Eunseol ordered the Deathly Shadow Squad members in a loud voice.

“There is no need to wipe out all those beggars.”

Although half of the Dog Beggar Squad had fallen and been killed, there were no Deathly Shadow Squad members with unscathed bodies either. Since they had already achieved a great victory, there was no need to suffer damage by completely annihilating them.

“Do not just go back.”

At that moment, Bu Eunseol approached Yi Sim-hwa with his hands behind his back and spoke.

“Clean up all the corpses of your disciples before you go. If the corpses of beggars are piled up here… you will be even more humiliated.”

What could a defeated general say?

Yi Sim-hwa nodded, biting his lip.

“I understand.”

***

Hae Pung’s eyes were wide open after hearing shocking news in succession.

The undefeated Dog Beggar Squad had suffered a crushing defeat to merely thirty experts?

That meant, contrary to what was known, the Deathly Shadow Squad was not a Third-Grade Combat Squad. But at the following words of Small Beggar Path Leader Jeong Sam, he had no choice but to doubt his ears.

“The Deathly Shadow Squad Captain was the Ten Demonic Successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion who defeated Masters of Great Righteousness in succession in the past?”

Hae Pung stared at Jeong Sam as if looking at a ghost.

“But he is the orthodox successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion… and now a successor candidate of the Demonic Palace?”

“That is correct,” Jeong Sam spoke, sweating on his forehead. “According to what our Path has found out…”

Jeong Sam calmly explained again the information he had found out by mobilizing the full intelligence network of the Beggar Sect.

Deathly Shadow Squad Captain of the Demonic Palace.

He was the Ten Demonic Successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion who had crushed Masters of Great Righteousness in the past, and now he held the status of a successor candidate of the Demonic Palace. It was said he was even one of the most likely successor candidates to succeed the Divine Demonic Emperor, the number one person of the Demonic Path.

Successor candidate of the Demonic Palace.

Was that a position one could obtain by winning a game of tiles? Was it not a position obtainable only by building a mighty force capable of convincing not only the Ten Demonic Sects but also the Demonic Palace and the Council of Elders?

“I cannot understand at all,” Hae Pung said, shaking his head. “Why is a successor candidate of the Demonic Palace trying to make an enemy of our Sect?”

If he was a successor candidate of the Demonic Palace, he would be busy enough dealing with competitors. But why was he suddenly stirring up the Beggar Sect?

“That is…”

The Small Beggar Path Leader hesitated and spoke carefully.

“He publicly declared he would strike down and kill the Supreme Elder.”

Hae Pung opened his mouth in disbelief, “What?”

Someone who had just put his name on the list of successor candidates of the Demonic Palace intended to kill the Supreme Elder, one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings?

“He must be crazy,” shaking his head, Hae Pung frowned. “Then don’t tell me the reason he brought the whole Deathly Shadow Squad was to deal with the Supreme Elder?”

“No, he says he will deal with him alone.”

“What?”

“It is said the mission he received as a successor candidate of the Demonic Palace was to kill one of the Four Gods and Seven Kings.”

“To deal with the Supreme Elder alone?”

“That is correct. As if to prove it, all Deathly Shadow Squad members have returned to the Demonic Palace, and only that Squad Captain and one attendant remain at Pear Blossom Manor.”

Beyond absurdity, a hollow laugh burst out from Hae Pung. “I can’t understand at all. He must be crazy to want to die.”

It was true that the Supreme Elder Gu Hong-cheong held the lowest rank among the Four Gods and Seven Kings in terms of martial prowess. However, even so, he was not a match for a rising expert who had only been in the Gangho for a few years.

“Perhaps that decision is not unrelated to the killing of Seong Ryun, who was a disciple of our Sect.”

“What does that mean?”

“Since the Supreme Elder keeps his mouth shut, we do not know the situation at that time in detail… but when Seong Ryun died, wasn’t there a story that experts of the Wolf Fang Pavilion were killed?”

“Then do you mean the reason that fellow touched the intelligence organization of our Sect was because of the Supreme Elder?”

“That is correct. It seems he did this to draw the Supreme Elder back into the martial world.”

“Hmm.”

Hae Pung groaned.

Supreme Elder Gu Hong-cheong, known as the Beggar King for his wandering ways, was often seen roaming the martial world without a fixed abode. However, beneath his seemingly aimless existence lay a different reality. He operated his own covert intelligence organization within the Beggar Sect, skillfully concealing his true intentions.

“It seems it wasn’t a matter for us to step in anyway.”

Jeong Sam spoke carefully, watching Hae Pung’s reaction.

“If rumors spread soon, the Supreme Elder will appear and kill that arrogant demonic bastard.”

Hae Pung spoke forcefully with a firm expression, “Absolutely not. News of that fellow must never reach the ears of the Supreme Elder.” He narrowed his eyes with a very serious expression. “If the Supreme Elder steps into this matter, then again… something like the past will happen.”

“Ah, that could be possible.”

Jeong Sam nodded, spitting out a sigh.

In fact, Gu Hong-cheong was not content with his position as Supreme Elder. Particularly as the current Sect Leader, No Bong, fell ill and his health declined, he openly displayed his ambition. Had Hae Pung and the leaders of the Eight Paths not restrained his actions, the Beggar Sect would have already fallen under the command of the Beggar King.

“The Supreme Elder is eagerly watching for a time to intervene in sect affairs. We must never give him an excuse with something like this.”

“But we can’t just leave that fellow alone, can we? Since he will use all kinds of schemes to have a one-on-one duel with the Supreme Elder… the future troubles will be endless.”

“One-on-one duel.”

Hae Pung, thinking of something, nodded. “If he wants a one-on-one duel, there might be a good way.”

“What do you mean?”

Hae Pung spoke in a low voice, “Didn’t you mention that the Ten Demonic Successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion defeated even Song Ak, the Masters of Great Righteousness of Wudang, in the past?” He continued, “In fact, Wudang had already anticipated a problem that Shaolin should have addressed. However, when Song Ak lost, Shaolin displayed a notable sense of regret.” A faint smile graced his lips. “Furthermore, Shaolin has been diligently searching for that individual for quite some time, sending out the Masters of Great Righteousness Gwang Yeon into the Gangho.”

When Jeong Sam let out an exclamation of ‘Ah’, Hae Pung wore a confident smile.

“Inform Shaolin.”

Pausing for a moment, he spoke with flashing eyes in the darkness.

“That the Ten Demonic Successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion they have been looking for all along is staying at Pear Blossom Manor.”