Bachelor Swordsmanship Remastered [EN]: Chapter 448

448. The Blood Devil’s Assault

Darkness had fallen upon the Giryeon Mountains.

The moon was yet to rise, deepening the gloom.

Through the darkness, a chilling aura surged, thick as a quagmire.

Though only Unhyun fully sensed the ominous presence, he wasn’t alone in realizing something was approaching.

Thump.

The response was immediate.

Unhyun and Gaekong shot to their feet, and Geum Hwa-yeong also sprang up, reaching for the wall.

Clack.

She retrieved the sword hanging there and handed it to her master, Neung Se-yeong.

Neung Se-yeong accepted the sword without glancing at Geum Hwa-yeong.

Her eyes gleamed sharply as she stared out the window.

“Could it be…”

Swish.

Neung Se-yeong moved swiftly to the door.

And carefully reached out.

Click.

The door opened, and a chilling air swept into the room.

But even more distinct was the murderous intent that pricked at the skin.

Neung Se-yeong bit her lip.

“Why are they here now…”

“Krrr.”

As if in answer, a low growl echoed from the darkness.

With a sound like a wild beast, red eyes began to materialize from the shadows.

Rustle, rustle.

Red eyes appeared at the gate, along the fence, and among the trees.

Dozens of crimson eyes cast sharp glares from all directions.

Thud.

“What are these things?”

Gaekong stood beside Neung Se-yeong and spoke.

Even in the deep darkness, Gaekong’s eyes clearly discerned the nature of those red eyes.

They weren’t beasts, but people.

However, they were far from whole.

As Gaekong called them ‘things,’ their eyes had lost their reason and gleamed red with only murderous intent.

“These are Blood Fiends.”

Neung Se-yeong said with a grim expression.

“…Those whom the Blood Devil uses like extensions of himself.”

Gaekong’s eyebrows twitched.

Neung Se-yeong’s words meant the Blood Cult had made its move.

“Grandma, then…”

Geum Hwa-yeong began to speak, but was interrupted.

“Kekekeke.”

A laughter echoed from the darkness.

Geum Hwa-yeong frowned at the unpleasant laughter that sounded like scraping metal.

Thud.

A figure emerged from the darkness.

Tidy hair, a handsome face, and a splendid red martial uniform.

“Thousand Day Sword, Neung Se-yeong.”

The young man, who looked like he could be encountered on any bustling city street, said, his crimson eyes gleaming.

“Didn’t I tell you? It wasn’t over with that.”

“…Hellblood Dragon!”

Neung Se-yeong spat out the name like a curse.

“Yes, it’s me.”

The young man licked his lips with his tongue.

“The Hellblood Dragon you cut down has come to find you again. As promised.”

“Hellblood Dragon?”

Gaekong frowned and asked.

Neung Se-yeong said in a low voice.

“A Blood Devil. Unlike the Blood Fiends who have lost their reason, he is cold-blooded, cunning, and even strong. I clearly beheaded him back then…”

“Hmm.”

Gaekong stared at the Hellblood Dragon standing before him.

That *he*, who just looked like a young and arrogant man, was a Blood Devil?

However, Neung Se-yeong’s expression was stiff as she looked at the Hellblood Dragon.

“Heh heh, time is truly cruel. Thousand Day Sword, Neung Se-yeong, in this state.”

The Hellblood Dragon said with a sneer.

He scanned Neung Se-yeong up and down with a blatant gaze.

“The Neung Se-yeong who was so beautiful and full of life is now old, sick, and even her hair has turned white? Is this all that came of risking your life for the world and cutting me down?”

Neung Se-yeong gritted her teeth.

“You…”

“What’s wrong with this appearance?”

The voice was Gaekong’s.

Gaekong raised his head and looked down at the Hellblood Dragon, saying.

“What’s wrong with having white hair? The years have crowned this woman’s life with silver because it is noble and her intentions are precious.”

At those words, Neung Se-yeong was startled.

She even forgot there was a Blood Devil in front of her and turned to look at Gaekong.

However, Gaekong’s face didn’t change.

“It’s the beauty of a true life that you guys can never understand.”

Geum Hwa-yeong, who was behind him, widened her eyes, and Unhyun couldn’t hide his surprise either.

It was because they had never seen Gaekong praise someone so highly.

But the most surprised person was Neung Se-yeong.

She looked at Gaekong and let out an awkward laugh.

“I appreciate it, but saying such things in front of the person involved is a bit…”

“There’s no need to thank me. And no need to be embarrassed either.”

Gaekong said in his usual tone.

“Because it’s all true.”

At those words, a blush spread across Neung Se-yeong’s cheeks.

She even forgot what to say for a moment.

“Kekeke.”

A chilling laughter cut off their conversation.

“Indeed, the tongue of the *dokseon* [a reclusive and highly skilled individual] is sharp. People call you the ‘Ruler of Life and Death,’ don’t they?”

The Hellblood Dragon’s eyes gleamed with undisguised curiosity.

The Blood Cult, which was preparing to intervene in the Great War between Righteous and Evil, had already gathered information about the *dokseon*.

That memory from the past was as vivid as yesterday to the Hellblood Dragon.

“I came to repay an old grudge, but to think I’d meet you here. But it’s a good thing.”

Staring at Gaekong, the Hellblood Dragon said.

“Today, I’ll shatter that ridiculous reputation of yours. Along with the life of the Thousand Day Sword.”

Swish.

The Hellblood Dragon raised his hand.

Then, the eyes of the Blood Fiends changed instantly.

“Krrr.”

The Blood Fiends bared their teeth, expressing hostility.

Their teeth had transformed into sharp fangs like those of beasts.

“Go.”

Whoosh.

As soon as his words ended, the Blood Fiends leaped.

The Blood Fiends, who had been hiding in the darkness, charged all at once.

Swoosh, swoosh.

In the hands of the Blood Fiends, *cheoljo* [sharp, long, claw-shaped weapons made of iron] gleamed.

Dozens of *cheoljo* lunged towards Gaekong and Neung Se-yeong.

However, Unhyun’s group didn’t just stand there.

“Taha!”

With a clear shout, a green sword aura cut through the darkness.

Geum Hwa-yeong, who had stepped forward, swung her sword at the Blood Fiends.

Swoosh.

Her sword scattered a green sword aura.

But the result was surprising.

Clang, clang.

A sharp metallic sound erupted.

For some reason, their *cheoljo* withstood Geum Hwa-yeong’s sword aura.

Still, the impact from the internal energy contained in the sword was unavoidable, and the Blood Fiends paused, but then other Blood Fiends rushed in like a downpour.

“Hwa-yeong!”

Neung Se-yeong drew her sword and tried to step forward.

But Gaekong’s hand stopped her.

Swish.

Neung Se-yeong frowned and turned around, and Gaekong said.

“The patient should step back. Here…”

“I said I would entrust my life to you.”

Neung Se-yeong said in a firm voice.

“But I have no intention of passing on my responsibilities as well. I will save my disciple.”

Thud.

Neung Se-yeong drew her sword and stepped forward.

Unhyun could clearly see a faint smile on Gaekong’s lips as he looked at her back.

Woong.

With a low hum, her sword began to gather a green aura.

But Unhyun, and Gaekong as well, could clearly tell.

That her sword aura was trembling slightly.

“Haa!”

Swoosh.

Neung Se-yeong’s sword fearlessly cut down the Blood Fiends.

Clang.

But her sword aura was also blocked by the Blood Fiends’ *cheoljo*.

However, thanks to Neung Se-yeong joining the fight, the Blood Fiends’ attacks targeting Geum Hwa-yeong were dispersed.

Whoong, clang, clang.

The two green sword auras intertwined dazzlingly, cutting through the darkness.

The two women, who knew each other so well, were effectively blocking the Blood Fiends’ relentless attacks.

No, they were even pushing back the Blood Fiends.

But the Hellblood Dragon’s bitter sneer didn’t disappear.

Swish.

At the same time as the Hellblood Dragon moved his hand, a Blood Fiend charged towards Geum Hwa-yeong.

“Kiaaaa!”

Geum Hwa-yeong fearlessly swung her sword at the Blood Fiend who was rushing at her with a scream.

As if not even thinking of blocking, the Blood Fiend offered its neck to Geum Hwa-yeong’s green sword aura.

Slice.

The Blood Fiend’s neck was severed.

But surprisingly, not a single drop of blood flowed.

Neung Se-yeong urgently shouted.

“Be careful! Those guys…”

But Geum Hwa-yeong couldn’t hear her master’s warning.

Because the Blood Fiend whose neck had been cut off was still charging towards Geum Hwa-yeong.

Geum Hwa-yeong fell into confusion at the shocking sight and sudden situation.

It was when the headless Blood Fiend was about to pounce on Geum Hwa-yeong.

Thwack, thwack.

With a dull sound like beating a drum, the Blood Fiend’s body was pushed back.

Neung Se-yeong, who was next to her, didn’t miss the opportunity.

“Taha!”

Neung Se-yeong immediately swung her sword.

A thick sword aura extended from her sword.

Slice.

The Blood Fiend’s waist was cut in two.

Neung Se-yeong spun her body and kicked the Blood Fiend’s upper body.

Thwack.

The severed upper body of the Blood Fiend flew towards the Hellblood Dragon.

But the Hellblood Dragon only slightly tilted his head.

Whoosh.

The Blood Fiend’s upper body brushed past the Hellblood Dragon’s head, and in the meantime, Geum Hwa-yeong, who had regained her senses, kicked the remaining lower body of the Blood Fiend.

“Eit!”

Thud.

The severed remains of the Blood Fiend disappeared into the darkness.

It was a bizarre scene, but no one frowned.

“Thank you.”

Neung Se-yeong said, turning to look at Gaekong.

Gaekong slowly lowered the hand he was holding up.

The force he had unleashed had pushed back the headless Blood Fiend that had been charging towards Geum Hwa-yeong a moment ago.

“Elder. I too…”

Unhyun said, placing his hand on Myeong.

“Wait.”

Gaekong said in a low voice.

His gaze was fixed on the Hellblood Dragon.

Even though a Blood Fiend had been cut down right in front of him, the Hellblood Dragon’s sneer remained.

“Originally, the trump card is revealed later.”

Gaekong’s eyes, as he said that while looking at the Hellblood Dragon, were as cold as ice.

“Hmph.”

The Hellblood Dragon scoffed.

He lightly moved his hand again.

“Kuaaaa!”

Four Blood Fiends opened their mouths and howled.

And immediately leaped into the air.

Whoosh, whoosh.

The Blood Fiends, who had risen into the dark night sky, fell towards Neung Se-yeong and Geum Hwa-yeong from different directions.

‘Ugh!’

Neung Se-yeong, who raised her head, saw the Blood Fiends’ red eyes glowing crimson.

“Dodge!”

Neung Se-yeong immediately wrapped her arms around Geum Hwa-yeong’s waist.

“Ah! Grandma! Why suddenly…”

Ignoring Geum Hwa-yeong’s words, Neung Se-yeong leaped into the house.

Thud.

“Close the door!”

Neung Se-yeong shouted as she jumped into the room.

Gaekong slightly stepped back and closed the door.

At the same time, the bodies of the falling Blood Fiends swelled greatly.

Thwack.

With a loud noise, the Blood Fiends exploded.

Their bodily fluids and flesh splattered in all directions, and the Blood Fiends’ fluids were scattered on the door as well.

Sizzle.

The Blood Fiends’ black fluids burned the door, emitting a pungent smoke.

It was a clearly different sight from when they didn’t bleed a single drop even when their necks were cut off.

“Good heavens.”

Geum Hwa-yeong, who was half-kneeling, said as if she was dumbfounded.

“What on earth is this…”

Swish.

Neung Se-yeong released her arms that were holding Geum Hwa-yeong and stood up.

“Blood poison. It’s one of the Blood Devil’s powers.”

Thump.

Gaekong opened the door again.

Outside the door, dozens of Blood Fiends were still gleaming with red eyes.

Beyond them, the Hellblood Dragon’s bitter sneer could be seen.

“What’s wrong? Didn’t you say *dokseon* is the ruler of life and death? Kekeke.”

The Hellblood Dragon said with a chilling laugh.

“Today, I will let you know who the true ruler of death is.”

The Hellblood Dragon’s eyes were burning red in the darkness.