Chapter 65

In the midst of the rushing crowd, Namgung Woo observed the people.

Their expressions, actions, and energy waves… these things combined gave glimpses of their emotions and thoughts.

Some seemed impatient, while others moved with a sense of duty, appearing indifferent.

There were also those burning with ambition, eager to make a name for themselves or to save the Jegal Family and gain favor.

However, what they all shared was the recognition that this was something they had to do.

“Interesting.”

“What is?”

“Most of the people here have no prior connection to the Jegal Family. Yet, they treat this matter as a given. Fame, rewards, a sense of duty… their trust in these things. Is this what a family is?”

“Hmm, I suppose so. And it’s even more so in the south. With the fall of the great sects that once held the center, the unorthodox martial world has taken over. They’ve experienced it firsthand.”

The fall of the Namgung Family, a great pillar of the Southern Directly Administered Region.

It was said to be the greatest shock of the Jeongsa Great War.

With the Dokgo Family taking control of the martial world in the Southern Directly Administered Region, the area south of the river became a symbolic territory of the unorthodox martial world.

This showed just how immense the influence of a renowned family could be.

“A family… can we create one?”

Namgung Woo muttered under his breath.

Was it too quiet?

Paeng Ha-ryeong, as if she hadn’t heard, asked again.

“Huh? What did you say?”

“Nothing. By the way, could you tell me more about the Jegal Family?”

“Ah, the Jegal Family?”

Paeng Ha-ryeong began a brief lecture on the Jegal Family.

While using her Heavenly Wind Body Technique, she was moving leisurely to match the pace of the others, so she had the leisure to talk or send Whispering Transmissions.

The Jegal Family was divided into the Outer Hall and Inner Hall. The Biun Unit mobilized this time was a martial force belonging to the Outer Hall.

The Outer Hall consisted of five groups and three martial units. The Inner Hall had three academies, and one elite martial unit like the Northern Sky Unit of the Hapbuk Paeng Family.

This was the internal organization of the Jegal Family. The General Affairs Bureau, which managed the family’s major and minor affairs, was a separate entity not belonging to either the Outer or Inner Hall and was directly under the Family Head’s Hall.

“The Biun Unit is a martial force of the Outer Hall.”

“What’s their level?”

“About equivalent to two or three small to medium sects combined. If the Biun Unit Leader has come out, it’s likely the entire unit has been mobilized. Since Seon-a is here, the Hobeopwon must have also come out.”

“Is she a direct descendant?”

“Not the Family Head’s direct descendant… she’s a niece.”

Almost like a daughter, Paeng Ha-ryeong added.

The Jegal Family Head had two sons, so he doted on his only niece.

“But why was she sent on this mission?”

“Firstly, the Biun Unit Leader is a considerable master… and for other reasons, you’ll probably understand when you see her.”

Namgung Woo took this to mean that Jegal Seon-a had something special. The fact that it wasn’t conveyed through Whispering Transmission suggested it was either very difficult to explain or to prevent the possibility of the transmission being overheard.

If someone had exceptionally developed energy perception or possessed a special artifact, they could eavesdrop on Whispering Transmissions.

‘First, we need to find her.’

Having observed the surroundings and gathered information about the Jegal Family, it was now time to focus on the search.

Namgung Woo didn’t know the observation methods used by the search team at the forefront. Even if he could detect the direction of broken branches or footprints with his keen senses, he couldn’t fully understand their meaning.

However, Namgung Woo had something others couldn’t match.

‘First, the Void Spirit Divine Art…’

The Spiritual Energy of the Void flowed from his Upper Dantian through the acupoints in his head. With a clear-headed sensation, Namgung Woo activated Azure Tranquility Eyes.

It felt as if the flow of the world itself was being sucked in through his eyes. His brain, awakened by the Spiritual Energy of the Void, began interpreting the waves of energy coming in through his eyes, drawing a map.

It was like feeling the faintest ripple in a vast lake and tracing it back to its source. He was tracking the traces of energy, not physical evidence.

‘We can’t pinpoint the exact location immediately, but at least we can find where the clash occurred.’

Pop-

Following the ripples, Namgung Woo identified a specific location.

He increased his speed, elevating his Thousand Miles Courtyard Steps and Heavenly Wind Body Technique.

“Leader?”

“Let’s go forward. Yang Kwae, Yang Jeong, follow me.”

Namgung Woo dashed past those ahead.

The lead search team. And right behind them, Jeong Gwang, who was receiving their reports, frowned as he saw Namgung Woo breaking formation.

“Hey. Moving on your own like this…”

“I’ve figured out where the clash occurred. I’ll guide us there.”

If an ordinary wanderer had said this, he would have dismissed it as nonsense, but Paeng Ha-ryeong, a direct descendant of the Paeng Family, was with Namgung Woo.

Jeong Gwang asked somewhat reluctantly.

“…Are you a sorcerer?”

“Something like that.”

§

To the west of Guyajang is Guhwa Mountain, and to the south is Hwang Mountain.

And southwest of those two mountains lies Seonwoo Mountain, with paths leading from both Guhwa and Hwang Mountains. Alternatively, one could go east all the way to Jeun Mountain. Chasing someone who entered Seonwoo Mountain was quite difficult.

But the pursuers were doing it perfectly.

They hadn’t missed a single direction the Jegal Family’s group had taken.

This time was no different.

“They’re here.”

“Already…”

Jegal Pan clicked his tongue and gripped his sword.

They had already been attacked three times. Fortunately, they had predicted the attacks and avoided major damage. They had set up formation techniques in advance to trap and shake off the enemies.

But it was unclear how long this could last.

Jegal Pan looked at the girl who had just warned of the attack.

Jegal Seon-a. Born with a special Upper Dantian ability, she had mastered the Jegal Family’s secret Upper Dantian martial art, the Resonance Star Sky Diagram.

Until now, they had been able to predict attacks thanks to Seon-a, but her condition had noticeably worsened under repeated crises.

‘If she uses the Resonance Star Sky Diagram one or two more times, her body won’t hold up.’

Jegal Pan preferred martial arts over academics, but he was still a member of the Jegal Family. Moreover, one couldn’t rise to the level of a Great Master within the Jegal Family without being quite knowledgeable.

Quickly assessing the situation, Jegal Pan spoke.

“If we continue like this, we’ll be caught. If they have a way to track us, fleeing will only wear us out. It’s better to set up a formation and hold our ground here. While preparing the formation, Seon-a, you should rest and conserve your strength.”

At Jegal Pan’s words, Jegal Seon-a shook her head.

“I’m still fine. I’ll help too.”

“Young Lady, the Biun Unit Leader is right.”

Supporting Jegal Pan’s words was Geumshin, a monk from Hwaseong Temple.

“We have the terrain on our side, so their tricks will have limits.”

“But…”

“Monk Hangwi is one of the best at Protective Divine Technique in Hwaseong Temple. By now, he should have reached Gyeonghyeon and be returning with the righteous martial artists of the White Path. Holding out until then is crucial.”

“In the end, the core of the formation will be up to you, Seon-a.”

“Understood…”

“Don’t even think about using the Resonance Star Sky Diagram. You need to conserve your energy.”

After giving his instructions, Jegal Pan dispersed with the Biun Unit warriors.

Meanwhile, Geumshin and the monks from Hwaseong Temple, who had no expertise in formation techniques, stayed put.

“Young Lady.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t worry. Even if the enemy is numerous, the Jegal Family’s formation techniques render numerical superiority useless.”

Geumshin tried to comfort the anxious Jegal Seon-a, but his words didn’t reach her.

The Jegal Family’s formation techniques were unparalleled. Even the Mosan Sect, known for its mastery of sorcery, admitted that they couldn’t match the Jegal Family in formation techniques.

But formation techniques weren’t something that could be deployed quickly in such a short time. The effectiveness of a formation depended on how much time, manpower, and resources were invested.

Only a family like the Jegal Family could even suggest deploying a formation on the spot. But its power wouldn’t be as formidable as Geumshin claimed.

‘If only it were night…’

The power of the Resonance Star Sky Diagram came from the stars.

Stars could be seen during the day, though faintly and with difficulty.

Thus, the power of the Resonance Star Sky Diagram was weakened, requiring more mental strength and internal energy.

Just using her ability to sense danger moments ago, Jegal Seon-a was already suffering from a splitting headache.

“Ah!”

A sharp pain, as if a large needle had pierced her head.

Jegal Seon-a clutched her head and staggered.

“Young Lady?”

Geumshin supported Jegal Seon-a.

Her body trembled, and her pupils contracted. The enemies were here. Right in front of them. They would be upon them soon!

“We must inform the Great Master…!”

“What is there to inform?”

For a moment, the world seemed to turn black for Jegal Seon-a.

Her innate Upper Dantian ability, Resonance Power, had activated.

And what she saw was the energy, martial arts, and intentions of those who had been chasing them.

“Ah…”

It was too late.

Overwhelmed by despair, Jegal Seon-a knelt down despite Geumshin’s support.

Resonance Power had given her the great strength of the Resonance Star Sky Diagram, but it also left her with a fragile mind.

Black Sword Ghost Jeongpo. Even Jegal Pan found him a formidable opponent. For Jegal Seon-a, facing him was impossible, even if she died and came back to life.

“…Young Lady, rest for a while.”

Geumshin stepped forward in front of Jegal Seon-a.

In one step, the staff on his back was in his hands.

“A monk from Hwaseong Temple. Phoenix Pine Staff Technique. I’ve heard it’s not a bad martial art.”

Creak-

The sound of Black Sword Ghost’s sword was unlike the clear ring of ordinary swords, more like the scraping of rusted iron.

Evil energy flowed from the black blade. It was a strange weapon, a demonic sword.

“Bodhisattva of the Wooden Staff. Your karma is deep, so I’ll help you return to Buddha here.”

“If you can.”

As the confident words of Black Sword Ghost fell.

Geumshin’s figure surged forward.

§

“Stop.”

Namgung Woo sensed the energy waves from afar and halted the group.

“We’ll change direction. I think we’ve found it.”

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