Chapter 72

Wuhan had been experiencing its busiest days in recent years.

However, peeking inside, it felt like a storm in a teacup. Surprisingly, life in Wuhan itself hadn’t changed much. Even with the war, there were no visible lines of refugees fleeing.

The series of events shaking Wuhan this time were matters of the martial world.

Both orthodox and unorthodox factions generally avoided involving ordinary civilians if possible.

While wandering unorthodox martial artists might not care, doing so would provoke the local unorthodox factions managing the area, leading to swift retribution. They wouldn’t hesitate to kill without considering disputes with orthodox factions.

Once a faction claimed a region as its territory, the civilians within became their source of income, whether through extorting merchants or receiving voluntary tributes.

Moreover, if martial artists openly oppressed civilians, the authorities would step in.

The existence of a Martial Governor position within the military showed the Imperial Family’s intent not to completely neglect the martial world.

Especially since Martial Governor Han Won-chun was one of the Imperial Family’s proud peerless masters.

No martial force dared to squeeze civilians for a few coins at the risk of antagonizing the Imperial Family. At least, not until now.

In any case, sensible martial artists didn’t mess with civilians.

Civilians, knowing this, avoided provoking them, creating a parasitic yet symbiotic relationship between martial artists and civilians.

Despite this, civilians were also deeply interested in the current events.

Everywhere in Wuhan, discussions about the all-out war between Banunbang and the Jegal Family could be heard. Wherever two people gathered, debates erupted over whether Banunbang or the Jegal Family would win.

Had Wuhan ever been this heated before?

This incident highlighted both the rarity of such a large-scale war and the Jegal Family’s rational management of the Hubei martial world.

Even civilians were all ears, let alone those within the martial world.

For days, the Jegal Family’s estate was flooded with visitors, its gates never closing.

People arriving in response to the Jegal Family’s call for aid, those coming from all over to support the Jegal Family, those seeking to establish connections by betting on the Jegal Family’s victory…

The Jegal Family, showing their determination to spare no effort in this war, was gathering even wandering warriors who passed a brief vetting process.

“Governor, support from the Twin Pole Gate in Yangyang has arrived. One first-class and five second-class.”

“Governor, my friend Baekhak Sword Yoo Won has arrived. I’ll go greet him. Ah, classify him as first-class.”

“Governor, urgent news from the Star Net Group. Gwangseo Manga has arrived to support Banunbang. Details on their members are still being investigated!”

“The Black Tiger Squad we hired last time is requesting a change of lodging. They say it’s too cramped for their numbers.”

“Contact from the Hyeong Mountain Sect. They might be delayed due to an attack by the Black Sword Ghost Jeongpo.”

Jegal Jong, the Jegal Family’s Governor, known as Ten-Hand Ice Mind, felt his brain overheating, contrary to his nickname.

Reports and requests pouring in from all directions overwhelmed Jegal Jong’s mind. In a situation where an overload was imminent, Jegal Jong demonstrated why he held the position of Governor.

“Tell the Cloud Unit Master to receive the Twin Pole Gate’s people. Instruct the Star Net Group to cooperate with Gaebang to identify the members. Detailed composition isn’t necessary; just confirm the numbers and formation. The Black Tiger Squad? That shouldn’t even reach me. There’s plenty of space; handle it yourselves. The Black Sword Ghost again? He’s running wild. Forward the Hyeong Mountain Sect’s report to the Family Head.”

His hands moved swiftly, creating afterimages.

The speed and efficiency lived up to his Ten-Hand Ice Mind nickname.

“Governor, Lady Seon-a has returned from Guyajang.”

“Seon-a? Where’s the Biun Unit Master?”

Jegal Seon-a had arrived before the message could even reach him.

Though surprised, Jegal Jong’s hands never stopped moving.

“It seems she came separately from the Biun Unit Master. She also brought five more people, including Lady Paeng Ha-ryeong from the Hapbuk Paeng Family.”

“The Paeng Family? From Hapbuk Paeng? Oh no, all the Great Masters are out right now…”

“Governor! The Family Head is…!”

§

Jegal Chong, the Jegal Family Head, known as the Three-Peak Scholar.

Renowned for his mastery in martial arts, literature, and etiquette, he had three sons, none of whom lived up to his expectations. Not that they lacked ability—they were all talented, as befitting the Jegal Family’s direct lineage.

But their personalities were lacking. They were either blunt, sly, or reclusive…

Thus, Jegal Chong doted even more on his niece, Jegal Seon-a.

“Seon-a, welcome back. You’ve been through so much. So much.”

Jegal Chong, nearly barefoot, rushed out and hugged Jegal Seon-a, patting her back.

A sight that would shock those familiar with Jegal Chong’s usual adherence to etiquette.

“I was careless. I should’ve sent not just the Biun Unit Master but the Lingyun Unit Master as well. I was careless.”

He had sent only the Biun Unit Master to avoid drawing attention, but his attempt at subtlety had backfired.

Jegal Seon-a, embarrassed in front of her companions, blushed and gently pushed Jegal Chong away.

“F-Family Head, I’m fine. If anything, I failed to complete the mission on time…”

“Enough. That artifact can be restored within the family as we’ve always done. Your safe return is far more important.”

The Jegal Family had secretly been restoring the Heavenly Divine Sword’s White Scroll, a treasure of immense power capable of sealing even a supreme master like the Black Sword Ghost and his Black Sword Squad.

With the current crisis, they had hurriedly taken it to Guyajang for assistance.

“Now, are you hurt anywhere? I received the message from Hwang Mountain, but seeing you like this worries me.”

“I’m really fine. The Biun Unit Master was more injured than me.”

Outside Jegal Seon-a and Jegal Chong’s conversation.

Namgung Woo, feeling like a sack of rice, exchanged awkward glances with Jegal Chong’s attendants, who wore similar expressions.

The attendants nodded apologetically.

Noticing their movements, Jegal Chong finally turned his gaze to them.

“Ah… I’ve shown disgrace in front of guests. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Namgung Woo adjusted his initial impression upon seeing Jegal Chong’s apology.

The position of Jegal Family Head was akin to a high-ranking official, yet Jegal Chong prioritized etiquette.

Namgung Woo smiled faintly and said,

“Not at all. It was heartwarming to see your love for family.”

“Haha, thank you for saying so. I’ve heard about the Changcheon Pavilion heroes. Let’s head to the prepared seats.”

§

Heavenly Son Mountain in Hunan Province.

Located above Zhangjiajie, said to be the inspiration for the Peach Blossom Spring, Heavenly Son Mountain’s scenery rivaled even Huang Mountain and the Five Great Mountains.

Eight hundred rivers and three thousand peaks created a majestic landscape, with bizarre rocks adding an otherworldly charm.

It was said that one couldn’t truly grow old without visiting Zhangjiajie in their lifetime.

A mystical mountain seemingly detached from the flow of time.

There, Banunbang resided.

“So?”

The Black Sword Ghost looked at a man lounging casually on a throne.

A man who seemed to exist outside the flow of time, which treats all equally.

A living legend of the martial world, having lived through the Jeongsa Great War and even the Blood Sect’s calamity. Few knew his exact age, but he had lived long enough to approach his nineties, defying the natural order.

Maintaining youth at such an age was truly bizarre.

This man, said to have undergone bone transformation or rejuvenation, was none other than Dongbang Hwa, the Fallen Immortal and founder of Banunbang.

Dongbang Hwa pondered the Black Sword Ghost’s words, then rested his chin on his hand and spoke.

“So, you failed to retrieve the White Scroll?”

“Instead, I brought the head of the Hyeong Mountain Sect’s Elder, Biho Sword.”

Biho Sword, a renowned master in Hunan, had given the Black Sword Ghost quite a fight.

“Well, fine. Unexpected variables intervened. I understand. Let’s consider this failure as if it never happened.”

“…That man is dangerous. He’s not to be taken lightly.”

The Black Sword Ghost warned Dongbang Hwa, who seemed too nonchalant.

The young swordsman he had faced had forced the Black Sword Ghost to prepare for death.

Within Banunbang, where individual strength surpassed even the Nine Sects, the Black Sword Ghost was top-tier. The appearance of an unknown swordsman stronger than him joining the Jegal Family was no trivial matter.

But Dongbang Hwa chuckled and waved his hand dismissively.

“I may not know how strong our leader is, but don’t forget. This war won’t be easy.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll go rest now. That day is coming soon.”

“…Go ahead.”

After the Black Sword Ghost left, Dongbang Hwa shifted his gaze to the side where the ghost had been.

“You heard that, right? A master of that level is warning us. He’s a formidable enemy, worthy of awakening you.”

“…Indeed.”

In the empty hall, Dongbang Hwa’s mutterings received a response that shouldn’t have been possible.

Someone emerged from behind a pillar, unnoticed even by the Black Sword Ghost.

“This is your share.”

“…Once this is over, the grand technique will be certain, right?”

Dongbang Hwa’s lips twisted into a smirk.

“Of course! With the White Scroll and the Seven Star Life-Extending Technique the Jegal Family has been hiding, we’ll be one step closer to our goal. I, Dongbang Hwa, guarantee it.”

The Seven Star Life-Extending Technique.

A grand technique that imbues the essence of seven stars into lanterns, praying for the extension of life.

It was said that even Zhuge Liang attempted this technique at Wuzhang Plains to prolong his life.

Though even Zhuge Liang failed, the success rate would be different with the White Scroll.

“We will live. Forever. Defying this wretched fate.”

Those who defy (反) fate (運).

Those prepared to do anything for it.

That was Banunbang.