Chapter 1272: A Tiger in A Trap (Part 2)

[I'm replacing Gwayang with Goyang]

The Snake Belly Swords soared through the air like hungry serpents.

If it were a regular sword, dodging would be enough to avoid harm. However, at the moment, that wasn't an option. The Snake Belly Swords, more akin to a whip than a sword, could change the direction of its attack at any moment.

And even if one tried to dodge, one couldn't stop the sword from wrapping around the body. If the chain-like Snake Belly Swords coiled around the body, the outcome was as clear as day.

Thud!

At that critical moment, Chung Myung forcefully stepped forward. The inner power that had been dormant deep in his dantian surged through him like a raging torrent. His internal power, gathering only the purest energy in the world, instantly created an explosive force.

Clang, clang, clang!

The Snake Belly Swords attached to Chung Myung's sword tightened as if they were about to break. At that moment, Chung Myung abruptly pulled the Dark Fragrance Sword toward himself.

Thud!

A dull, resounding noise echoed. Simultaneously, those who had been pulling the Snake Belly Swords with all their might were sent flying forward like arrows.

In the eyes of those who had always been calm, there was a momentary look of confusion.

Because even though more than five of them exerted all their strength, they were being pulled toward him with such force?

No.

It was because they knew what was flying towards the place they were being pulled to.

The Blood Sword members who were being dragged along desperately tried to let go of their swords and retreat. However, the strong suction force from the Snake Belly Swords riding on them didn't allow their hands to let go. [I'm...also a little confused here lol...]

'Ah, no...'

Even as they were mercilessly dragged in, Chung Myung's face, sneering with a hint of malice, was visible. His face looked as sinister as a demon.

Squelch! Squelch! Squelch!

The Snake Belly Swords that flew like venomous snakes burrowed into the ranks of the Blood Sword members.

"Kuk..."

They stared blankly at the Snake Belly Swords that pierced through their stomachs like a snake's tongue. Even though they saw it with their own eyes, they seemed unable to believe it. Shaking, they reluctantly raised their heads. Chung Myung, smiling, met their gaze.

"It was quite impressive, but..."

Pah-ah-ah-ah!

In an instant, the descending Dark Fragrance Sword sliced a Blood Sword member who was in front in half.

"That's not enough."

Chung Myung, bathed in the pouring blood, rushed forward. Although the agile Snake Belly Swords swirled around him like a python, Chung Myung, who had experienced being hit once, wasn't going to let it happen again.

Kang! Kwaang! Kwaang! Kang!!

The Dark Fragrance Sword successively slashed the heads of the Snake Belly Swords flying. The Snake Belly Swords, which had wriggled as if alive, were sent back powerless as if they were snakes pierced through the head.

While the Snake Belly Sword could exert tremendous force when pulled, it could not unleash even half of the usual force when piercing something.

Having lost the momentum they once had, the Snake Belly Swords were no longer a threat to Chung Myung.

Pah-ah-ah!

Chung Myung pounded the ground, accelerating even more.

In front of him were only five Blood Sword members remaining, the vast sea stretching out behind them, and the Heavenly Comrade Alliance's ship disappearing into the distance. Charging forward like a fired arrow, Chung Myung reached the Blood Sword members who were desperately wielding their Snake Belly Swords in one breath.

At that moment, a look of bewilderment flickered in the eyes of the Blood Sword members who had always been chilly.

Pah-ah!

Turning his body sideways, Chung Myung swung a fierce strike. The energy imbued in that sword seemed capable of cutting through anything that stood in its way.

An attack that was impossible to block with the skills of the Blood Sword members!

However, at that moment, a strangely sinister light flickered in their eyes.

Shoo-ra-ra-ra-rak!

The Snake Belly Swords targeting Chung Myung were withdrawn like flashes of light, surrounding the bodies of the Blood Sword members holding the swords.

Thud! Thud!

As the Snake Belly Swords, composed of intersecting blades, wrapped around the bodies of the Blood Sword members, crimson blood gushed forth. It was a behavior utterly incomprehensible. Blood Sword members, without a blink of an eye, willingly threw themselves in front of Chung Myung's sword, engaging in self-destructive actions.

Chung Myung's eyes slightly widened at that moment.

Kwaaaah!

The bodies of the Blood Sword members, entangled by the Snake Belly Swords, were instantly torn apart. No matter how tightly the Snake Belly Swords wrapped around them like armor, no matter if all their internal power was infused into the swords, it was impossible for the Snake Belly Swords, connected by strong strings, to block Chung Myung's full-force swing.

The shattered bodies couldn't withstand the force and were violently thrown out. The Dark Blossom Plum Blossom Sword, which had already shattered three bodies in an instant, impaled the fourth body without losing its momentum.

Kagagagak!

The intersecting blades and the strings entwined around Chung Myung's sword. Even human muscles and bones, like tough rubber, were constricted by the force of Chung Myung's sword.

Kwaaaah!

However, Chung Myung's sword mercilessly split the fourth body, as if crushing it. And yet, at the moment his sword flew towards the last Blood Sword member with energy to spare.

A chilling sensation ran up Chung Myung's spine.

Intuition. No, perhaps a sixth sense.

Something indescribable detected the danger flying from behind. A subtle approach that, had he been slightly more distracted by the heat of battle, he would never have noticed.

But the moment Chung Myung tried to turn his gaze, the last Blood Sword member standing in front rushed forward, impaling himself on the Dark Blossom Plum Blossom Sword.

Kagagagak!

The Snake Belly Sword, embedded in the body, began to tighten and pull backward. It was a determination that showed, even if his body turned into minced meat, he would never let go of this sword.

Chung Myung's gaze reflexively turned back. The terrifying appearance of Goyang, the Blood Sword Unit leader, was flying towards him at an indescribable speed.

Swoooosh!

It seemed as if the world blurred. In the distorted world, the only thing visible was the dark tip of Goyang's sword thrusting toward him like a bird's beak.

Pudddeuk!

The Blood Sword member must have seen that sight. With all his might, he grabbed Chung Myung's sword. Having pulled out all his internal energy, blood poured out like a waterfall from the Blood Sword member's mouth.

However, at that moment, Chung Myung, with a smile as if biting the corner of his mouth, let go of the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword he was holding.

Thud!

At the moment the balance of power collapsed, the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword was embedded directly into the chest of the Blood Sword member, taking the handle along with it.

Chung Myung didn't miss that moment. He rotated his body, utilizing the recoil to swing the end of the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword with his elbow.

Bang!

With a short and powerful explosion, the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword pierced through the chest of the Blood Sword member. As smooth as a willow, but faster than a flash of light, Chung Myung swept past the Blood Sword member's side, grabbed the handle of the Dark Fragrance Plum Blossom Sword, and spun around in a fluid motion.

The eerie gaze of Goyang, who had just reached close proximity, and the cold eyes of Chung Myung intersected in mid-air.

Chwaah-ah-ah-ak!

As if drawing a line in the air, a single sword stroke clashed directly with Goyang's sword.

Kwaaah!

A massive explosion followed.

The seawater, unable to withstand the collision of strength and strength, qi and qi, surged into the air. It was as if heaven and earth had been flipped upside down.

The erupted seawater completely blocked the view of everyone watching this scene for a moment.

Chwaah-ah-ah-ah.

The gushing seawater soon poured down like rain.

On the coastline that had just revealed itself again, only Goyang stood alone.

Splat.

Goyang, who had been swaying precariously, knelt down on one knee.

From the left shoulder to the lower right abdomen, a split wound gushed blood, flowing into the blue sea.

"Leader!"

A Blood Sword member rushed over in surprise, but Goyang paid no attention, sharply surveying the distant sea.

Before anyone knew it, Chung Myung was soaring above that sea, too far to catch.

"....Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword."

Goyang chuckled. Between his twisted lips, blood-soaked teeth were revealed.

"Truly amazing."

Even after throwing his subordinates as bait and seizing the opportunity for a surprise attack, this was the result. However, he was neither disappointed nor discouraged.

This was an entirely expected outcome.

"Now, it begins."

Goyang grabbed his chest.

The wound was so deep that if he poked it, his internal organs might spill out. However, it did not endanger his life. For now, that was enough. If he hadn't died, it meant there was still a chance.

"Prepare to pursue."

"Yes!"

Goyang surveyed the coastline stained with the aftermath of battle.

"...What a pretty sight."

Although it was something he had prepared for, seeing the results with his own eyes, he couldn't help but burst into bitter laughter.

The dazzling white sandy beach of the Southern Sea was now drenched in dark red blood. And the corpses scattered across it were so gruesome that even someone with a strong stomach would feel horrified.

Finding an intact body among the corpses was difficult. Even if the Evil Sect fought amonst each other with a determination to annihilate each other, the outcome wouldn't be this gruesome.

"Hahaha."

What made Goyang even more absurd was that most of these corpses belonged to the Myriad Man Manor. Although there were some visible bodies of Southern Island disciples [Noooo], they were so few that they wouldn't be noticed unless intentionally searched for them.

It was a spectacle beyond a one-sided defeat, a tragic sight.

"It looks like you're laughing."

At the chilling voice coming from the side, Goyang turned his head. Ho Gakmyung, whose face was stained with blood, was approaching him. He spoke coldly.

"If the Lord knew, he would find it ridiculous and burst into laughter."

"No, he'd probably praise it."

"..."

"Hunting is like that."

Goyang said with a creepy smile as he continued.

Hunting to animals and hunting to humans were different.

Animals hunted weaker animals, but humans hunted stronger animals. To hunt was not necessary to be stronger than the opponent.

Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword would soon find out.

The fear of being hunted by someone weaker, and the shame of being trampled by someone weaker.

"Now, just track them reasonably. In any case, he's like a tiger in a trap"

"A tiger in a trap, indeed."

"Hmm."

Ho Gakmyung did not argue and gazed out to sea.

The destination of that ship was Gangnam. It might be a wise choice compared to heading elsewhere, but for them, either side would be a death trap.

"We have to tighten the noose."

Just as Goyang was about to nod, he heard a report.

"Commander!... The ship, there's holes in the bottom! All of them!"

"...What?"

"If it continues like this, even if they're pulled out from the sand dune..."

Ho Gakmyung stared intently at the one reporting, then shifted his gaze back to the sea. The now-distant ships came into view.

"You got in a hit."

Ho Gakmyung, who would not normally fall for such an obvious trap, seemed annoyed.

'No matter what I do, Mount Hua's Chivalrous Sword always manages to surprise me.' [*Ahem*, it was actually our bandit's idea...]

There was rare irritation in Ho Gakmyung's eyes.

"Arrange them to search for the ships! Right now!"

"Yes!"

After giving the order, he stared at the ships that were getting farther away with cold eyes.