Chapter 74

At that moment, Namgung Woo guessed their true intentions.

Wuhan, the front yard of the Jegal Family. No matter how powerful the Jegal Family is, they can’t control who enters Wuhan. That is strictly the domain of the government.

The government and the martial world are inviolable. As the famous saying goes, the government watches from afar as martial artists kill each other, like watching a fire across the river.

Even now, the government officials are present on this street. But they only whisper among themselves, keeping an eye on the martial artists, showing no intention of intervening even in a tense situation.

Even if the Jegal Family and Banunbang openly occupy the streets and engage in battle, as long as civilians aren’t directly involved, the government won’t interfere.

However, regardless of the government’s indifferent attitude, the Jegal Family’s reputation has taken a significant hit at this moment.

Can’t stop unorthodox martial artists from entering Wuhan? Everyone understands that much.

But the Jegal Family needed to know how many unorthodox martial artists were in Wuhan and what they were plotting to prevent any disturbances in advance.

They are the de facto rulers of Wuhan and the main players in this war.

The moment the Wudang Sect, their most crucial ally, clashed with Banunbang on the streets of Wuhan, the Jegal Family’s reputation was severely damaged.

‘But was that all they were aiming for? Their reputation might be tarnished, but on the flip side, the Jegal Family would go all out to eliminate them, even at the cost of losing strength, wouldn’t they?’

The unorthodox martial artists who entered the tiger’s den of Wuhan.

If they were crushed by the Wudang Sect without any results, it would only crack Banunbang’s reputation and boost the morale of the orthodox factions. They wouldn’t have sent just any random fighters.

Even from Namgung Woo’s perspective, their skills were hardly inferior to the Wudang Sect’s Taoists. Hallyong Mado, in particular, was so strong that he could rival the Black Sword Ghost or Myeolseomma.

Since his nickname spread, even the common folk’s reactions changed dramatically. It was clear he was a master whose reputation extended beyond the martial world to the general public.

But even if they succeeded in neutralizing the Wudang Sect, even if Banunbang won, they wouldn’t withstand the subsequent attacks from the Jegal Family and the orthodox factions.

‘What a waste. Whether they can defeat the Wudang Sect or not, their strength is too valuable to throw away recklessly. So, they’re not just disposable pawns. Then…’

Namgung Woo turned his body toward the direction of the Jegal Family’s estate.

‘They must be aiming for something bigger.’

By provoking the Wudang Sect, they draw attention to the center of Wuhan while targeting the estate on the outskirts—a classic diversion tactic.

But would the Jegal Family not know this? The only reason they didn’t anticipate this move was their overwhelming confidence.

The Jegal Family’s estate is like the Forbidden City, filled with all sorts of mystical techniques—a massive formation technique. Even a peerless master would struggle to contend within their estate, or so the Jegal Family believed.

Even a small creature is half-eaten in its own home—how much more so for the Jegal Family?

Conversely, Banunbang must have prepared this plan because they were confident they could break through. Even if Banunbang brought a secret weapon to pierce the Jegal Family’s formation technique, it would still take considerable time to breach.

Namgung Woo had only spent a few minutes pondering this.

“Geumshin.”

“Yes.”

“Go now…”

“Captain, what’s all this commotion?”

“No need to go now.”

Namgung Woo hurriedly left the inn and cut off his words to Geumshin upon seeing the Yang Brothers looking for him.

“Training?”

“I was in the middle of it, but I felt a clash of energy, so…”

“Enough. You came at the right time. Go with Geumshin and the three of you to Ha-ryeong. Send me a signal if anything happens.”

Paeng Ha-ryeong and Jegal Seon-a were inside the Jegal Family’s estate. If Banunbang’s target was indeed the Jegal Family, the two were in a dangerous battlefield.

Sensing the gravity of the situation from Namgung Woo’s tone, the Yang Brothers nodded with serious expressions.

“Understood.”

“Hey, monk. You heard him, right? Let’s go.”

The three quickly disappeared into the crowd using their Protective Divine Technique.

With this, he had prepared for the worst-case scenario. There was still time.

Namgung Woo began to focus on the front again.

§

Despite his bold command to return to the Wudang Sect, Hallyong Mado’s feelings were deeply complicated.

‘Damn it. Is this some kind of Six Harmonies Transmission? I can’t even sense the direction of the gaze. It’s like Six Harmonies Omniscience. That guy’s eyes are said to be strange, but this is ridiculous.’

The strange sensation of being watched without knowing where the gaze was coming from unnerved Hallyong Mado.

But only for a moment. Hallyong Mado focused his scattered consciousness back into one.

Even among the many masters of Banunbang, Hallyong Mado was one of the top experts. Even he had to go all out against the Wudang Sect.

If the mysterious young master the Black Sword Ghost and Myeolseomma mentioned was determined to help the Wudang Sect, he would have shown up by now. The fact that he was only watching meant he had no intention of intervening for now.

‘Then, I’ll settle this before he gets involved.’

A fierce energy erupted explosively from Hallyong Mado’s entire body.

It was as if he didn’t care if anyone came running.

“Taoist Gowon, your answer?”

The mouth of Gowon Jinin, the representative of the Wudang Sect’s reinforcements, opened.

“Needless to say. You should be the ones leaving.”

Gowon Jinin’s Pine Sword revealed its edge.

Like a pine tree that bends softly despite its sturdy body.

Gowon Jinin’s gentle energy flowed past Hallyong Mado’s fierce energy.

He didn’t avoid the clash.

Right after Gowon Jinin’s move, the sound of weapons being drawn simultaneously echoed from both sides.

“Fight!”

“Everyone, step back! If you get caught in the aftermath, you won’t even have bones left!”

“Back! Get back!”

Rumble.

The Wudang Sect and Banunbang.

A clash of titans that even those with decent martial skills had to swallow their pride and retreat from.

The open space, which had been narrowing as people gathered, began to expand rapidly. The fierce battle between top masters couldn’t avoid causing collateral damage, no matter how skillfully they controlled their energy.

Even the slightest ripple of their energy could injure people. Amateur martial artists risked their lives if they were hit in a vital spot.

Of course, that was the concern of mediocre martial artists, not Namgung Woo.

Namgung Woo stood his ground quietly. Those who tried to push him away felt as if they were pushing against a massive cliff, grunting in frustration before backing off in surprise.

This wasn’t unique to Namgung Woo. In the crowd retreating, there were those who stood firm like unshakable reefs amidst the waves.

Naturally, such individuals drew attention, and Namgung Woo didn’t miss memorizing them.

‘Showing the top recruitment candidates at a glance.’

It was worth holding his ground just for that.

A spacious road about 10 meters wide had transformed into a battlefield exclusively for the Wudang Sect and Banunbang.

Gowon Jinin and Hallyong Mado.

And seven other Wudang Sect Taoists facing Banunbang’s martial artists.

Once their opponents were set, neither side waited any longer.

“Attack!”

“Kill those Wudang Sect bastards!”

With Hallyong Mado’s shout, Banunbang’s martial artists charged forward with murderous intent.

“I’ll handle Mado! Deploy the True Seven Extremes Formation!”

“Yes, Elder!”

The Wudang Sect didn’t stand idle either. Blocking Hallyong Mado’s path, Gowon Jinin shouted, and the seven Wudang Sect Taoists swiftly set up the formation.

To Namgung Woo, the entire process felt fresh. Unlike the chaotic battle at Seonwoo Mountain, this was a proper group battle in the martial world.

Banunbang’s martial artists, each using different martial arts, secured their own areas without interfering with each other.

But what was even more impressive was the Wudang Sect’s formation.

Namgung Woo wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with formation techniques. He hadn’t practiced them himself, but the Yang Brothers had considerable expertise.

However, the True Seven Extremes Formation had a different level of discipline and formality compared to the intuitive formations practiced by lifelong brothers.

Despite being outnumbered more than two to one by opponents of similar skill, the Wudang Sect Taoists didn’t yield an inch.

‘As expected of the Wudang Sect. But the real deciding factor is…’

While admiring the True Seven Extremes Formation, Namgung Woo coldly analyzed the situation.

The top masters on both sides. They were the ultimate balance that would determine the outcome.

But it seemed Namgung Woo wouldn’t get the chance to witness the clash between Gowon Jinin and Hallyong Mado.

Kwaa-ang!

A massive explosion from behind shook Wuhan.

“Over there, it’s definitely…”

“The Jegal Family! The Jegal Family is under attack!”

Banunbang’s offensive was just beginning.