Chapter 145 – Fateful Encounter (10)

The torn clothes, blood-stained body, merciless and firm grip that showed no mercy, and sharp, cold eyes that could cut through anything.

Although he couldn’t see Jin So-chan’s appearance, Samamaeng felt his threatening aura and couldn’t say a word.

Is that really the man Samamaeng knows?

While he was focused on the battle with the Surahyeolbu, Jin So-chan managed to take down all the Salsoo with ease, but what is this energy he’s emitting?

It’s like a well-sharpened sword.

Samamaeng knows this feeling all too well, the feeling that makes his throat dry just by looking at it.

The aura of a demon.

The madness that those who only have martial arts left in them possess, as their emotions as humans wear away.

As someone who was once a soldier of Samaryeon, Samamaeng has encountered many people who emit such energy, and he could immediately recognize it in Jin So-chan.

The current Jin So-chan emits an energy that is not inferior to that of a Gyeong-gwi.

“How…?”

But that’s strange. Jin So-chan, whom Samamaeng knows, is a person who is overflowing with recognition more than anyone else.

A person whose heart is as warm as a flame.

“Could it be that he’s been corrupted by power?”

A realization that is clearly wrong can turn a person’s emotions in a negative direction.

It’s not a common occurrence, but it happens when you least expect it.

Murder always comes with shock, no matter how big or small.

The corpses of dozens, maybe even hundreds of Salsoo at a glance. He killed as many people as he did, so it wouldn’t be strange if he was corrupted by power.

Perhaps she may never see the Jin So-chan she knows again.

Just before his heart sank with such vague anxiety, Jin So-chan’s sharp energy suddenly enveloped Samamaeng like a mountain breeze.

It’s because Jin So-chan quickly withdrew his energy after confirming Samamaeng’s presence.

“Ah.”

Samamaeng realized that if Jin So-chan were to be compared to a sword, he would be the hilt, not the blade.

For Jin So-chan, Samamaeng is an absolute ally and a target to protect.

The feeling of being protected by a younger man who is much younger than himself made Samamaeng’s body tremble.

***

Seogeok.

The head of the last remaining Salsoo flew into the air. All that’s left now is to team up with Samamaeng and take down the Surahyeolbu.

When he looked up, he saw the Surahyeolbu and Samamaeng looking at him with dazed expressions, as if they were in a state of shock.

Yeah. They probably didn’t expect it. Even if he was highly regarded for his post-training index, he probably didn’t think he could defeat dozens of skilled Salsoo and two top-level Salsoo at the same time, having just crossed the threshold.

“Hoo…”

He checked his body’s condition while wiping the blood off his sword.

He moved his body vigorously, but his stamina wasn’t depleted. At most, he was slightly out of breath.

His inner energy was also similarly relaxed. No, it was overflowing. Even though he was regaining his forgotten achievements, he had never possessed such a huge amount of inner energy before.

Perhaps it was because his existing inner energy and the rewards he gained through the trials of the movie were combined.

…Actually, such reasons aren’t really important.

He firmly gripped the hand holding the sword and raised his head. Then, he took a step forward. And another step forward.

He stood next to Samamaeng, staring intently at the Surahyeolbu.

“Sohyeop! Why didn’t you run away and come here…!”

“You’re crazy.”

The Surahyeolbu interrupted Samamaeng’s words.

“That look. It’s the eyes of someone who’s not in their right mind. This guy’s nickname is Samjae Geomryong?”

For some reason, the Surahyeolbu found it amusing and burst out laughing.

“A guy who doesn’t seem to belong to the Jungpa faction or have a post-training index is Samjae Geomryong! To put it bluntly, isn’t he from a different department than us! Kukhahaha!”

“You brat. You talk too much.”

“…What?”

Oops. My inner thoughts came out unintentionally. It doesn’t matter though.

“Shut your mouth. Your breath stinks.”

It’s not a lie, his breath really stinks. How long has it been since he last brushed his teeth?

While maintaining his guard against the Surahyeolbu, who looked bewildered, he turned to look at Samamaeng, who still had a dazed expression.

Why is his face so red? Is it a bruise?

“Madam Noh Hon. Are you okay?”

“What? Yes. I can still fight a little more.”

“No. It’s a question of whether you’re badly hurt.”

“Ugh! Yes… If I rest properly, it’s not a problem…”

“That’s a relief.”

If Samamaeng was badly hurt, it would be a big problem. Fortunately, it’s not too severe.

However, her injuries will worsen every time they fight together, so I have to be the one to face the enemy in front of us.

I pointed my sword at Samamaeng while taking a step forward.

“Huh?”

The Surahyeolbu didn’t like that and scrunched up his face.

“What’s wrong? Are you planning to fight this old man?”

“There’s no reason why I can’t.”

A violent energy mixed with murderous intent.

At first, it was overwhelming, almost like an animal rather than a human, but not anymore.

I can win.

And I can protect Samamaeng and return to where Hong Yeon-hwa and Peng Soso are.

The only thing that matters is that.

Sharpening my determination, the sword flame burned brilliantly in response. White flames resembling starlight illuminated the surroundings.

“You will die today.”

“I’ve decided that.”

***

Kwaaang!

The deafening sound of the clash between the giant axe and sword made my ears ring.

Despite his appearance, he’s just a brute with overwhelming strength. But that’s precisely why he’s an easy opponent for me.

My strength is unmatched, after all.

Thump!

The reaction that comes from stepping on the ground with all my might. Normally, I would use my entire body to disperse the force and pull myself up with the help of my inner energy.

From the ankles to the knees, from the knees to the waist, from the waist to the shoulders, and from the shoulders to the tip of the sword.

It would have been impossible originally, but now that I’m using the abilities of the Myeongryeong Sin Gong, it’s possible.

The movements I make in my mind are fully realized in reality. My body moves as I think.

Skipping hundreds of hours of practice needed to use it in real combat, only the results come out.

And with that, a full-body explosion.

The sword, imbued with all my strength, pushed back the Surahyeolbu’s axe.

Kagagak!

Our standardized inner energy tried to devour each other, but in the end, they annihilated each other. In the final moments, only cold metal collided with full force.

Kwaaang!

The resounding noise echoed once again. My strength, enhanced by the Cheolwanghosim Gyeol and the Howang Gong, along with the assistance of the Myeongryeong Sin Gong, had long surpassed human limits.

But the same goes for my opponent.

“What! Who the hell is this punk…!”

The Surahyeolbu looked bewildered, not knowing how many times we’ve fought today, and swung his axe down.

“Are you even a bastard from Pengga’s family? Or did you inherit the Gajeon Mugong?”

“I’ve learned the external martial arts of the Nuegeu clan!”

I retorted and struck the side of his axe.

Tuwong!

Our strength was clearly equal. The sword was able to clash with the axe. But…

“It was you! You were my brother’s enemy!”

There’s a difference in martial arts.

The axe, surrounded by a sinister energy like congealed blood, swung towards me again.

Kwagak!

“Ugh!”

I barely managed to deflect it, but the impact transmitted through my grip was clearly stronger than before.

I don’t know exactly what kind of martial arts the Surahyeolbu is using, but every time he swings his axe continuously, its power and speed increase.

At the same time, his killing intent and hostility also swell to the point where I can’t control them.

Of course, due to the nature of the Myeongryeong Sin Gong, this kind of pressure doesn’t affect me.

On the contrary, because I can’t control my own killing intent, my movements become simpler and easier to predict. The provocation from earlier was also part of it.

The problem is the overwhelming power that I can’t handle… but I’m not fighting alone right now.

As I struggled to maintain my offensive, the Surahyeolbu’s eyes glimmered with a dangerous light.

Crackle.

“Hah!”

Samamang, who had only been restraining himself, dug deep with both hands wrapped in bright yellow lightning.

A lightning-fast strike that accurately pierced the gap in the Surahyeolbu’s mind, where even tracking with the eyes was difficult.

The Surahyeolbu twisted the trajectory of his axe at the last moment to block Samamang’s attack.

Pang!

Samamang naturally stepped back, knowing that his attack would be blocked.

He didn’t cause any significant damage, but disrupting the Surahyeolbu’s flow was the goal in itself, so it didn’t matter.

The amplifying power reset, and the Surahyeolbu regained his senses, licking his lips. Then he charged towards Samamang, but I intercepted him.

…

How many times have we repeated this offensive and defensive battle?

The Surahyeolbu was strong, showing a perfect offensive and defensive stance against me and Samamang.

Well, it’s only natural since he’s been at the pinnacle for over ten years.

In this life and death situation, the first one to make a mistake or get tired will lose.

… And that will probably be us.

“Kulk…”

Samamang coughed up blood and spat it out. His injuries were gradually getting worse.

The number of times he could restrain the Surahyeolbu and the power of his attacks aimed at the gaps had significantly weakened. We were slowly reaching our limits.

On the other hand, the Surahyeolbu was still in good shape, albeit a little tired.

This can’t go on like this. But there’s no way out.

What should we do…