Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 683

The Burning Mountain (2)

Jongnam’s main mountain, Sadoam.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Numerous swords and spears clashed, creating a magnificent roar.

Jongnam’s Third Elder, Cho Suk, shouted,

“Don’t scatter! Maintain the formation until the end! We must pressure them to retreat!”

The number of Jongnam swordsmen blocking the entire path to Sadoam was nearly two hundred. They formed four large formations of fifty men each, confronting the enemy.

The Jongnam sword formation, with its gentle curves, was like a solid fortress. Furthermore, like a first-rate formation, it pressured the enemy as if it were alive, channeling the swordsmen’s true Qi [internal energy].

“Tighten the gap between the Falling Thunder Sword Formation and the Falling Haze Sword Formation!”

Clang!

The Blood Wolf Band’s demons, who had been charging fiercely, were blocked by Jongnam’s splendid swordsmanship and retreated.

Paeyul, who was watching the Jongnam formation from a slight distance, was inwardly impressed.

‘What tremendous resilience.’

It was different from the formations of Jeomchang.

Of course, some of Jeomchang’s sword formations also created an invisible rebounding force based on the inner power of the swordsmen, but they were endlessly fierce, not as dignified as this.

While Jeomchang’s formations might be better for offense, Jongnam’s formations seemed to be several levels higher when it came to defense.

Moreover, he thought that setting up such a sword formation at the most vulnerable Sadoam was an excellent choice. If this place were breached, it could lead to a direct breakthrough to Jongnam’s main mountain.

‘However.’

Paeyul’s eyes scanned the surroundings like a beast.

He wasn’t interested in joint attacks and lacked the tactical insight of Hwang Seok-tae, but he was more sensitive than anyone when it came to the flow of battle.

‘They wouldn’t just stand there and watch an impenetrable wall.’

Paeyul’s eyes flashed over the Blood Wolf Band.

‘They’re strong.’

The power of the Blood Wolf Band he saw was incredibly strong.

The number of Blood Wolf Band members gathered at Sadoam was around three hundred. And a much larger force was concentrated on the Cheongmok Cliff side.

It was impossible to know whether they had divided their forces into two or three. If they had divided into two, then Sadoam and Cheongmok Cliff were the end, and if they had divided into three, it meant that they were making other preparations in a place that even the senses of the top experts couldn’t detect.

‘Whatever it is, securing this place first is the priority.’

At that moment, the Blood Wolf Band’s formation, which had been hesitant for a moment, changed.

Woo-oo-oo-oo!

The sound of wolves howling echoed from various parts of the Blood Wolf Band.

Instantly, the swordsmen’s eyes wavered.

It was the sound of wolves howling, but it was not an ordinary howl. The eerie wolf cries, filled with strange power, were severely shaking the concentration of the swordsmen who had mastered proper martial arts.

Shhh!

While the howling continued, the Blood Wolf Band’s formation transformed into a sharp point.

Woo-oo-oo-oo! Woo-oo-oo-oo!!

The wolf cries grew louder and more resonant. It wasn’t a collective shout, but rather a rotating one, so the sound was continuous, like a form of group warfare.

Just as the Blood Wolf Band finished preparing to advance.

Whoosh!

Blue true Qi surged from Third Elder Cho Suk’s body.

“Hah!!”

The resounding sonic wave erased the Blood Wolf Band’s wolf howls.

Cho Suk shouted,

“Do not be deceived by strange tricks! The sword heart comes from a steadfast heart! Do not forget the teachings of Jongnam!”

The shout, filled with concentrated power, instantly corrected the wavering minds of the swordsmen.

Roar!

The power of the Falling Thunder Sword Formation increased, making a thunderous sound.

Swoosh.

The power of the Falling Haze Sword Formation increased, and the sound of cool blades echoed.

Paeyul looked at Cho Suk and quietly admired.

‘Impressive.’

He had instantly seen through the enemy’s sound attack, gathered all his strength to shout, and stopped the enemy’s advance while also correcting his allies’ sword hearts. [A swordsman’s mental focus and resolve]

Without experience, the atmosphere would have become chaotic with random shouts. His judgment in reading the situation was top-notch. He could see why Cho Suk was in charge of Sadoam.

Clang!

Cho Suk, who had drawn his sword, pointed it at the tip of the Blood Wolf Band and shouted,

“You filthy followers of the demonic path! Even if the mountain’s spirit is defiled, I will stain the mountain with your blood and show the world the power of Jongnam!”

The resounding voice was like thunder. Beyond just having strong inner power, his voice itself was filled with a powerful fighting spirit and confidence.

It was an excellent voice for breaking the enemy’s momentum and raising the morale of his allies.

‘Not bad.’

Paeyul’s hand touched his bizarre sword.

‘Is there a need to add my strength here?’

He recalled the words of Yeon Ho-jeong and Hwang Seok-tae.

‘Senior is an exception. Move according to your instincts. Since you are so quick on your feet, please roam the battlefield and check for any weak points in our forces.’

‘The troops in formation will move according to my orders. They won’t move even if they see an opportunity. But you are different. It’s better for you to move based on your own judgment. After all, your combat skills won’t blend well with Jongnam and Hwasan’s martial arts.’

Paeyul took a step back.

‘I should go towards Cheongmok Cliff…’

That was when it happened.

Clang!

With a chilling reverberation, Cho Suk’s body staggered.

“Shut up, old man.”

Pyungso, the leader of the three hundred Blood Wolf Band members, said in his unique metallic voice.

Cho Suk’s eyes wavered.

It was a sudden surprise attack, but it was just a single dagger that was thrown. Yet, he had received a shock that shook his entire body. His martial power was not inferior to his own.

Pyungso growled.

“I’ll bite off the old man’s head first!”

“You bastard!”

Just as Cho Suk was about to pour powerful inner energy into his sword.

Clang!

A master, who shot out like an arrow from a strong bow, pushed Pyungso back.

Pyungso’s eyes widened.

‘What?!’

The attacker swung his sword from the lower to the upper position.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Four collision sounds erupted from a single swing. He had unleashed four bursts of power in one sword strike.

It was an incredible quick attack. The speed of the sword was fast, but the speed at which the power was generated was even faster than the sword movements.

It didn’t end there.

He quickly grabbed the raised sword in reverse, then moved to the side with a bizarre movement, aiming for the neck like a ghost.

The movement was erratic and fast. Surprised, Pyungso quickly turned his head.

Swish!

Although the sword didn’t touch him, the power carried by the sword tore the skin on his neck.

It was a sword technique with tremendous sharpness. If it had been a little closer, the power that pierced the wound would have destroyed his muscles and nerves.

Pyungso’s eyes turned red.

Bang!

The attacker retreated backward from a single, rotating punch.

It was a deadly blow. A formidable killing technique unleashed in a short moment, befitting the leader of the Blood Wolf Band, a group that the Demonic Cult prided itself on.

Pyungso shouted angrily,

“Who the hell are you…!”

Flash!

He couldn’t finish his sentence.

While retreating, he rotated his upper body, drawing a half-moon with the sword held in reverse, and an invisible sword energy that cut through the air instantly aimed for Pyungso’s collarbone.

‘Damn it!’

Pyungso pulled out two short spears from behind his back.

Clang!

He blocked the sword strike with the Wolf Head Twin Spears, short spears with ornate wolf heads.

‘It’s heavy.’

Even though it was a sword energy released momentarily, the weight carried by the power was tremendous.

It was a sword strike that was absolutely impossible with ordinary training. Pyungso fiercely swung his two short spears.

Boom! Boom!

Just as a red light flashed, the ground where the attacker had been standing exploded.

Swoosh!

Like a flower petal carried by a warm spring breeze.

A master with elegant movements landed in front of the Falling Thunder Sword Formation and the Falling Haze Sword Formation.

The sword in his hand was short enough to be called a small sword, but the width of the blade was much wider than any long sword. It was a sword shape that was hard to find even in the Central Plains [the heartland of martial arts], let alone the outer regions.

“I was just going to pass by,” said Paeyul, the swordsman with the bizarre sword, frowning.

“But your voice is too unpleasant to hear. Do you mix iron filings with your rice? I can’t stand listening to it.”

Murderous intent filled Pyungso’s eyes.

“The Blood Wolf Band will immediately…!”

“Falling Thunder!”

Cho Suk didn’t miss the opportunity and shouted,

“Falling Thunder One Sword Stance!”

The swordsmen who formed the Falling Thunder Sword Formation pointed their swords at the tip of the Blood Wolf Band.

Flash! Boom!

The sword wave, concentrated with power, brutally shook the tip of the Blood Wolf Band’s formation.

At the same time, Paeyul charged at Pyungso again.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The two men’s spears and swords clashed, sending sparks flying.

Pyungso shouted,

“Charge! Crush the right formation first!”

Boom!

Pyungso staggered back. He had given the order while blocking Paeyul’s sword strike. He had no choice but to risk an opening.

Woo-oo-oo-oo!!

The Blood Wolf Band’s formation, which had been briefly disrupted, once again became a sharp offensive formation and charged towards the Falling Thunder Sword Formation.

Paeyul’s eyes flashed.

It was obvious that the Falling Thunder Sword Formation was fiercer than the Falling Haze Sword Formation. If they were going to attack, it would be normal to attack the Falling Haze Sword Formation first.

However, Pyungso had ordered them to crush the Falling Thunder Sword Formation first.

‘He has a good eye.’

He didn’t know how well he knew Jongnam’s martial arts, but Pyungso’s judgment in targeting the Falling Thunder Sword Formation, which had gaps despite its power, was commendable.

“You bastard!”

Woo-oo-oo-oong!

Red and fierce true Qi rose from Pyungso’s body.

“I’ll kill you first!”

Paeyul grinned.

“That’s what I wanted!”

Whoosh!

Paeyul, who charged with a springy movement technique, unleashed the Whirlwind Sword.

Swoosh! Clang! Clang!

It was a sword strike that contained the flow of the wind. It was both soft and fierce. The Whirlwind Continuous Strikes, which rotated and overlapped with each strike, displayed the pinnacle of power.

‘Left-handed sword?!’

Pyungso’s martial arts, which blocked Paeyul’s sword strikes with two short spears, were also impressive. His quick and precise movements minimized damage and deflected attacks, embodying the battlefield tactics of conserving stamina and maximizing efficiency.

‘He suddenly switched the hand he uses to wield the sword. It can’t be just to take advantage of the form.’

In that moment, Pyungso’s eyes caught the club sticking out from above Paeyul’s right shoulder.

A sly smile spread across Pyungso’s lips.

Whoosh!

Pyungso, who had shattered twenty-five sword strikes one by one, instantly closed the distance.

Paeyul’s eyes lit up.

‘Good!’

Thwack!

He quickly reached behind his back and slammed the short spear down on Pyungso’s head.

That was when it happened.

‘…?!’

Paeyul, sensing that Pyungso’s upper body movement had subtly shifted, quickly turned his body.

Swish!

One of the Wolf Head Spears cut through the clothing on his shoulder. If he hadn’t dodged, his left shoulder would have been completely torn off.

Paeyul’s eyes wavered.

‘This guy read the timing of when I would draw my spear!’

It didn’t end there.

Whoosh!

Pyungso, abandoning his follow-up attack, instantly caught up with the rear of the Blood Wolf Band.

Boom! Clang! Clang! Clang!

The Blood Wolf Band and the Falling Thunder Sword Formation collided, creating a terrifying explosion.

At the same time, Pyungso ran towards Cho Suk, stepping on the shoulders of his men.

He was targeting Cho Suk, not Paeyul. While he wanted to kill Paeyul as well, he hadn’t forgotten that to win this battle, he had to capture the enemy commander, Cho Suk, first.

‘Damn it!’

Thud!

With a fierce kick, Paeyul shot out a short spear.

Flash! Bang!

The short spear, aimed at the moment Pyungso attacked Cho Suk, pierced the ground and caused a powerful explosion.

“Ugh!”

“Hmm!”

Pyungso, who was charging, and Cho Suk, who was preparing to defend, both groaned and flew to the side. Paeyul’s short spear had interrupted Pyungso’s attack flow.

Paeyul’s eyes flashed.

‘So that’s how you’re going to play it?’

Wham! Wham! Wham!

Paeyul, who was about to charge at the two men, suddenly changed direction and slammed into the side of the Blood Wolf Band’s offensive formation.

Boom!

Two Blood Wolf Band members collapsed, spitting blood.

Paeyul shouted with a playful voice,

“I’ll make you regret not fighting me!”

Clang! Thud!

Another Blood Wolf Band member’s head flew high into the sky from a fierce sword strike.

Pyungso’s face twisted.

“That cowardly bastard!”

“What’s cowardly in war! If you’re angry, come here!”