Chapter 138 – Fateful Encounter (3)
“Nokrim. The gunshots of those bastards have moved. And they brought all of their subordinates with them.”
…No one in this place expected this.
Who are the Nokrim?
After the corruption of the Samaryeon, Sapa became the true madness of this era, living as they pleased. They were a group of bandits with one master-level expert and seventeen peak-level experts, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Despite their strength, they were like cockroaches, always running away at the slightest hint of danger. They ran away so often that the title of “Chaeju” didn’t mean the owner of the mountain, but rather someone who could lead their subordinates to create a mountain anywhere.
The Nokrim who were harassing Pungsoso were able to catch on to Hong Yeon-hwa’s stone throwing and quickly fled. Although the Chaeju died from the Heavenly Demon Army’s attack, most of the other Nokrim managed to escape unharmed.
Because of their nature, they never stayed in one place for long, nor did they all gather in one place. Perhaps it was because they found it difficult to escape when they needed to, or because they were wary of the danger of being wiped out.
Anyway, that’s why they were called the Nokrim Eighteen.
They were a force divided into eighteen factions, living as they pleased throughout the martial world.
That’s why they sent Pung Ji-hyuk as their successor.
It was part of their plan to improve their standing within their family, gain the support of the people in the northern region, and establish a connection with the martial world. But no one expected what happened next.
“At first, everything went smoothly. Of course, it did. The elite forces of the Ha Buk Pung family, the Hwadae, and the Baekho-dan, one of the four major martial arts organizations in the martial world, joined forces.”
It consisted of three peak-level experts, Pung Chul-jin, Pung Ji-hyuk, and a hundred or so top-level martial artists.
In fact, it was like an army, and they only set out after receiving permission from the imperial court.
They were an opponent that the Nokrim could never hope to defeat. Normally, they would have fled from the news alone and escaped from Ha Buk.
Even those who lived outside of Ha Buk would have tried to stay as far away as possible.
Yes, normally.
“After finishing their patrol, they stopped by Cheongan-hyeon. They found out that a small village was completely occupied by the Nokrim.”
Despite their grandiose name, the Nokrim were essentially a group of bandits. It was their main job to rob people passing through the mountains…
Chapter 138 – Fateful Encounter (3)
“Sometimes they occupy a rural village that is out of reach of the government or the martial world and act as kings.”
Perhaps the village that the expeditionary force discovered was one such case.
“We couldn’t even get a glimpse of the Nokrim until now, and the tragedy of the village was terrible, so we drew our swords immediately. We should have been more careful…”
The expeditionary force was undoubtedly a considerable force, almost equivalent to an army. However, the Nokrim gathered from all over the country were even stronger.
“I was able to deal with the Chaeju, Surahyeolbu Shura Blood Axe. But the problem was the others.”
The Nokrim accepted anyone who followed their rules, regardless of their past. They even gave them a fitting position if their abilities were sufficient.
There are no top-notch experts who are willing to devote themselves to the Nokrim, but for mediocre top-notch experts, the Nokrim is not a bad choice.
Although the top-notch level is undoubtedly strong, the Central Plains is not an easy place to thrive alone.
That’s why the modern-day Nokrim has 16 top-notch experts, since Hong Yeon-hwa killed one of them.
On the other hand, the top-notch martial artists belonging to the expeditionary force were only Pung Ji-hyuk, the leader of Hwadae, and the deputy leader of Baekho-dan, barely three of them. In addition, there were almost three times as many ordinary warriors on the Nokrim side.
Unlike the expeditionary force, which consisted only of first-class martial artists, there were also second-class or third-class martial artists in the Nokrim… However, the difference in level is not overwhelmingly significant at the level below top-notch.
The expeditionary force, which drew their swords with confidence, was eventually pushed to the brink of destruction by the number of enemies. Pung Ji-hyuk also suffered injuries while facing the three Chaeju at the same time.
“Many subordinates sacrificed their lives to save me and Ji-hyuk. I wonder how many of them survived…”
Both Pung Chul-jin and Pung Ji-hyuk are talents that should not die in that place.
Pung Chul-jin, a top-notch expert, is responsible for one of the pillars of the martial world’s military power, except for the Hwagyeong expert who cannot move easily, and Pung Ji-hyuk is the only successor of the Ha Buk Pung family.
Either way, if they lost their lives to the Nokrim, it would have caused great confusion. The subordinates also knew this well, so they would willingly sacrifice their lives to buy time for Pung Chul-jin and Pung Ji-hyuk to escape.
That’s how it is now.
After hearing the whole story, Pung Oh-jin patted Pung Chul-jin’s shoulder as if to comfort him.
“I understand the situation. You did your best as the leader of Baekho-dan and my younger brother. You can rest now. …And as soon as it gets bright, send a letter to the martial world. Since the Pung family is going to take action, don’t let the ones who run away slip away.”
“Brother… I understand.”
As soon as Pung Chul-jin bowed his head, Pung Oh-jin continued speaking in a firm voice.
“The expeditionary force has been scouring the area around Ha Bukseong for months. But instead of the Nokrim running away, they have been brazenly attacking… What do you think this means, little father? No, I mean, Iljangro.”
“Hehe. Whatever the lord guesses, the nobu will simply follow.”
“I think the Nokrim are challenging the Pung family because they have no one left who can stand up to them.”
“In that case, we need to prepare.”
“Cheonganhyeon is on the edge of Hanam. If we bring enough people, it will take about a week. But we won’t wait idly. We’ll go ourselves, so please prepare as soon as possible.”
“I will follow the lord’s orders.”
The Iljangro bowed politely and left the medicine hall with brisk steps.
Pung Oh-jin, showing his authority as the lord, exuded a completely different sharp and solid atmosphere than usual.
It was not intentional to lower his momentum. He was simply emitting an intimidating aura that spread around him.
It was a rare sight for his daughter to see, so Pung Soso hesitated for a moment before raising her hand.
“Father. I… “
“I forbid it.”
“Father!”
Although she was refused like a sharp knife.
“If it’s just the Nokrim, I can take care of them alone. There’s no need for you to risk yourself.”
“But… I’m also a woman of the Pung family!”
Pung Oh-jin’s expression softened for a moment when he heard Pung Soso’s words.
“I know. So, Soso. You will protect this place.”
“What?”
“The Nokrim are thorough in their self-protection. They are not the kind of people who would do something like this without thinking. Maybe they will attack our home to avoid me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion.As soon as Pung Chul-jin bowed his head, Pung Oh-jin spoke in a firm voice.
“The expeditionary force has been scouring the area around Ha Bukseong for months. But instead of the Nokrim running away, they have been brazenly attacking… What do you think this means, little father? No, I mean, Iljangro.”
“Hehe. Whatever the lord guesses, the nobu will simply follow.”
“I think the Nokrim are challenging the Pung family because they have no one left who can stand up to them.”
“In that case, we need to prepare.”
“Cheonganhyeon is on the edge of Hanam. If we bring enough people, it will take about a week. But we won’t wait idly. We’ll go ourselves, so please prepare as soon as possible.”
“I will follow the lord’s orders.”
The Iljangro bowed politely and left the medicine hall with brisk steps.
Pung Oh-jin, showing his authority as the lord, exuded a completely different sharp and solid atmosphere than usual.
It was not intentional to lower his momentum. He was simply emitting an intimidating aura that spread around him.
It was a rare sight for his daughter to see, so Pung Soso hesitated for a moment before raising her hand.
“Father. I… “
“I forbid it.”
“Father!”
Although she was refused like a sharp knife.
“If it’s just the Nokrim, I can take care of them alone. There’s no need for you to risk yourself.”
“But… I’m also a woman of the Pung family!”
Pung Oh-jin’s expression softened for a moment when he heard Pung Soso’s words.
“I know. So, Soso. You will protect this place.”
“What?”
“The Nokrim are thorough in their self-protection. They are not the kind of people who would do something like this without thinking. Maybe they will attack our home to avoid me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion. Pung Oh-jin smiled and continued.
“There may be a chance that they will attack our home while avoiding me. Ji-hyuk has survived the crisis, but he won’t wake up right away. If anything happens, you stop them.”
“….”
Pung Soso’s eyes were filled with confusion.
Hong Yeon-hwa stopped speaking and waved her hand, prompting Paeng O-jin to express his gratitude with a light embrace.
Next, he looked at Na-in with a reliable expression, as if to say, “I’ll help too!”
“Of course you will,” Paeng O-jin replied.
“….”
Na-in blinked with a foolish expression, causing Paeng O-jin to smirk.
“You’re part of the Paeng family now too.”
…It was true! It was true!
Anyway, that’s how the Paengs began preparing for their first full-scale battle in a long time.
***
As soon as they were ready, Paeng O-jin set out with the Paengs before sunrise, as if to keep his promise to leave immediately.
The fastest and most reliable way to resolve this issue was to ask Hong Yeon-hwa for help.
Hong Yeon-hwa would gladly go to great lengths to help Paeng So-so.
But this was a matter of the Paeng family’s reputation. No matter how close Hong Yeon-hwa was to Paeng So-so, she couldn’t just go out recklessly.
Unless Paeng O-jin received formal permission, the only thing Hong Yeon-hwa could do was to help Paeng So-so protect their home.
Of course, she could ignore Paeng O-jin’s intentions and act on her own. But that would definitely strain the relationship between the Paengs and Hong Yeon-hwa.
Well, in the first place, there was no need for such a thing in Nokrim.
As one reaches higher levels, the gap between them and those one level below them becomes increasingly insurmountable. When one reaches the level of Hwagyeong or Chojuljeong, the gap becomes so great that it is impossible to bridge.
As Paeng O-jin said, if they fought properly, they could defeat even the Hwagyeong masters alone. They were just troublesome because they kept running away.
It was a bit worrisome that they might try something sneaky…so they were taking all the elders except for Samjangro just in case.
With Hong Yeon-hwa there, they could focus solely on the attack.
With the power of one Hwagyeong master and three Chojuljeong masters, they could handle anything.
In other words, this issue was practically a guaranteed victory.
However, there was one thing that bothered him.
“What about the house where the teacher and I lived…?”
The empty house on the side of the mountain? Wouldn’t the bandits love that?
The house itself didn’t matter, but the problem was that the teacher’s grave was there.