Chapter 177

By the time Namgung Woo entered the outer city, Song Woojeol and the remaining members of the Nam Pungjo were already pushed to their limits.

The core forces of the Imperial Guards, the Thousand Households, and above them, the two Commanders who led the divided Northern and Southern Imperial Guards.

Each guard post had five Thousand Households, and five guard posts combined to form the Northern and Southern Imperial Guards. Depending on the era, the scale varied, sometimes with only two or three guard posts under the Northern and Southern Commanders, or a single guard post with only three Thousand Households. However, the general structure remained as described.

Although a significant portion of the Imperial Guards’ forces were scattered across the nine provinces along with the northeastern region, one Commander still remained in Beijing to hold the position.

The Commanders, who served as the right and left hands of the Imperial Guards’ Commander-in-Chief, were undoubtedly top-tier masters. Especially after the death of Gwak Dan, a peerless master who single-handedly elevated the Imperial Guards’ martial prowess to a higher level, and the appointment of Man Tong, the younger brother of Man Gwibi, as the new Commander-in-Chief, the martial strength of the Commanders became even more crucial.

Even Song Woojeol, who possessed countless real combat experiences, exceptional Ascendant Martial Arts, and outstanding talent, had naturally reached his limit.

Southern Commander Dang Se-seung, while facing the Imperial Guards, had not caused a single casualty. He spoke to Song Woojeol with the respect befitting a martial artist.

“Surrender now. Those who fled the inn will also be caught sooner or later. I will report to the Commander-in-Chief that there have been no deaths.”

“If caught, they’ll be executed, won’t they?”

“We are well aware of your identities. Former members of the Martial Alliance’s Eight Elite Units, and even daughters of the Seven Great Families. Executing all of you would be difficult.”

“So, you’re saying a few will be executed as an example. In that case, I refuse. I was never taught to betray my comrades.”

“Your master…”

Dang Se-seung felt a bitter taste in his mouth at the mention.

How had the Imperial Guards fallen to this state?

During Gwak Dan’s lifetime, the Imperial Guards were an object of admiration and reverence for martial artists who aspired to serve the government rather than the martial world.

But everything changed in an instant. After Gwak Dan’s death, with the appointment of Man Tong, the younger brother of Man Gwibi, as the Commander-in-Chief, the Imperial Guards underwent an unbelievably rapid transformation.

However, it was an imperial decree, and the appointed superior was already in place.

Dang Se-seung, summoning his Aura Energy into his sword, steeled his resolve to completely subdue Song Woojeol.

“…Following orders is the duty of a military officer. Do not resent me.”

“Of course. I feel the same.”

Song Woojeol, feeling the emptiness of his internal energy for the first time since achieving the Three Flames Convergence, prepared the Seventeen Swords of Absolute Severance, a technique taught by Gwak Dan.

“I won’t kill you, but be prepared to lose your martial arts.”

Song Woojeol’s words were neither a simple threat nor a bluff, but genuine.

Both had been taught by Gwak Dan, and in a way, their fight could be considered a bloody battle between master and disciple.

Just as Dang Se-seung was about to say, “I too—”, the ground beneath him shattered.

Kuuung—

A massive presence enveloped the outer city of Beijing.

The oppressive feeling was as if a giant roc had descended from the sky, casting its shadow over everything.

In the midst of the shock that made his heart sink, Song Woojeol curled the corner of his mouth.

“…He’s here.”

Victory was theirs.

§

Above the skies of Beijing, Namgung Woo was there.

Void Treading Step.

Displaying the pinnacle of this miraculous movement technique, Namgung Woo arrived at the outer city of Beijing.

‘First, Song Woojeol.’

Using the Void Spirit Divine Art to empty himself and contain the world within, Namgung Woo transformed the entire outer city into his domain.

And with his Azure Tranquility Eyes, he observed everything happening within his domain, transmitting every detail to his mind.

The worst situation was undoubtedly Song Woojeol’s. Namgung Woo’s body shot forward like an arrow, a technique that maximized the efficiency of his internal energy.

He landed between Song Woojeol and Dang Se-seung.

Dang Se-seung’s sword, following its momentum, was caught by Namgung Woo’s hand. Although Namgung Woo had also gathered Hand Aura to counter the Sword Aura, it was a move that could be called a flawless disarming technique.

“…How?”

Before Dang Se-seung could even finish his sentence, Namgung Woo’s hand drew an arc and swung.

A soft fist technique, unusual for the aggressive martial arts of the Namgung Family. But Namgung Woo had already transcended the limitations of his martial arts.

His body moved as he willed, and his intent followed his principles.

Dang Se-seung, being a top-tier master himself, would rather die than let go of his sword, but it was snatched away by Namgung Woo in an instant. It was like the illusions spoken of by sorcerers, or the bewitchment of malevolent spirits.

Dang Se-seung, having his force redirected and used against him, simply stared at Namgung Woo, who had taken his sword.

Namgung Woo glanced at Dang Se-seung’s sword and then tossed it back at his feet.

“I don’t want to hurt you. Go back now.”

“…Thank you.”

If Namgung Woo had wished, he could have taken Dang Se-seung’s head instead of just disarming him. Even without that, by taking the sword, Dang Se-seung’s life was essentially in Namgung Woo’s hands.

The fact that no blood was shed was a mercy from Namgung Woo.

‘Should I be grateful that no one died over there?’

Although there were injuries, none were fatal, and no limbs were lost among the Changcheon Pavilion members. Dang Se-seung was unsure whether to consider it luck or lament the Imperial Guards’ incompetence.

As Dang Se-seung prepared to retreat, one of the Thousand Households voiced a concern.

“But, Commander… the orders from the Commander-in-Chief…”

“Enough. I’ll take responsibility.”

The orders had been disagreeable from the start. But there had been no reason to refuse them. Although Namgung Woo was fearsome, within the Forbidden City, there had been a chance.

But with Namgung Woo joining the fray, this mission had essentially turned into a suicide order.

He would follow orders if there was some possibility of success, as befitting his status as an Imperial Guard. That much was fine. But to send beloved subordinates to their deaths in a hopeless operation, entangled in political strife?

Dang Se-seung could not do that.

‘For Man Tong and Man Gwibi, why must we shed blood?’

If the orders had come from the Emperor himself, Dang Se-seung would have gladly charged, even if it meant a meaningless death. But this was not the case.

‘Kang Yonghu… you left us too soon…’

Dang Se-seung looked at the Bonding tied around Namgung Woo’s waist.

It was said that Gwak Dan had gifted Namgung Woo the horn of the Black Ghost Gate Master, which he had captured at the cost of his life. And the one who received the horn forged it into a sword, making it his beloved weapon. Was this not the entanglement of fate, where even a brush of the sleeve could form a bond?

In a moment of faint realization, Dang Se-seung spoke with regret.

“Go quickly. Among those who fled, there seemed to be a considerable master, but it won’t be easy.”

“I’ll forget this matter.”

Both grace and resentment will be buried here.

At Namgung Woo’s words, Dang Se-seung muttered self-deprecatingly.

“You’re at a disadvantage.”

There was no further response.

Namgung Woo, along with Song Woojeol and the remaining Nam Pungjo members, quickly left the scene.

Though the members were nearly drained of their internal energy, they struggled to follow, focusing only on their movement techniques.

“Great Master. Myorin and Senior No are still…”

“I know. Once they join, we’ll leave Beijing immediately.”

“There are still others…”

“They’ve already escaped. No need to worry.”

“Ah… as expected of the Elder.”

While Song Woojeol marveled at Namgung Baek’s experience, Namgung Woo’s thoughts were quite different.

‘That might be true… but well, we can confirm later.’

Having escaped Beijing, there was nothing to worry about, and Namgung Woo leisurely crossed the outer city.

Meanwhile, Geumshin and So Un-pyeong joined them. Judging that Namgung Woo’s presence would handle any issues, the two had scouted the surroundings and returned.

“The Imperial Guards are still roaming. It seems they’re still searching for others…”

“We couldn’t find Myorin and Senior No.”

“Enough. They’ll find their way…”

“They’re here, youngsters.”

“…They’ll come on their own.”

The sudden appearance of Heo Ryeo-mun and Myorin from the shadows startled everyone.

Unconsciously, some reached for their weapons, as Heo Ryeo-mun and Myorin had completely concealed their presence. Everyone, including Song Woojeol, was caught off guard.

“How…”

“Haha, this is the Formless Soundless Technique.”

A technique that erases sound and form, similar to Myorin’s Kirin’s Step.

The fact that they had been so close made the youngest member of Nam Pungjo, Maeng Euncheon, grumble. His shoulder was bloodied, though not deeply, from a sword cut.

“Couldn’t you have helped…”

“Kid, do you think we were idle? We were on our way to the Forbidden City. But when the Namgung Family Head returned, we followed.”

The two had ventured into the inner city but quickly turned back to the outer city. However, Namgung Woo was so fast that they only just caught up.

“Then we’ll leave Beijing now. Anything left behind?”

“We left some belongings, but we’ve got the important stuff. We can resupply in Tianjin.”

“Good.”

“But where’s our little rascal?”

Still, as fellow members of the Wudang Sect, Heo Ryeo-mun asked about Mun Se-gang.

“Don’t worry. He’s with those who left earlier.”

“…Huh, in all my eighty years, I’ve never met someone with as vast a perception as the Family Head.”

Heo Ryeo-mun clicked his tongue in amazement at Namgung Woo’s perception, something he had never experienced in his long life.

With this, the commotion in Beijing was over.

But in Namgung Woo’s heart, a new blade had been forged.

‘Another reason to deal with Dongbang Hwa.’

He would deal with Dongbang Hwa and expose all the inhumane acts he had committed.

Even the Emperor would have to refuse Man Gwibi’s words at least once.

‘You should’ve picked your angle better before making a move.’

§

Ma Seung knew the streets of Beijing like the back of his hand. From the main roads and alleys to the secret paths unknown to commoners and low-ranking officials.

Of course, he didn’t know the top-secret routes known only to the highest echelons above the Imperial Guards’ firearms, but Ma Seung’s knowledge was enough to escape Beijing.

The Imperial Guards, knowing Ma Seung was with them, had predicted which routes they might use to escape, but Ma Seung successfully used himself as bait to lead the Changcheon Pavilion out of Beijing.

And not long after, he reunited with the Changcheon Pavilion at the designated meeting point outside Beijing, having somehow shaken off pursuit.

In truth, Ma Seung had been prepared to be captured and punished. But thanks to the might of two individuals, he was able to return safely.

One was, of course, Namgung Woo, who had left the martial artists of Beijing’s outer city in shock.

The other was traveling with Ma Seung and the Imperial Guards under his command.

“Ah…!”

Seeing that person, Paeng Ha-ryeong let out a startled exclamation.

It wasn’t just Paeng Ha-ryeong. Others also showed signs of surprise as the person spoke.

“We have a lot in common, don’t we? Sister.”

Princess Jihyang. Successfully running away for the second time.