Episode 346

Those gathered near Wudang Mountain held their breaths.

In the distance, the Wudang Sect could be seen. Only a deathly silence, as quiet as a mouse, flowed there, as if nothing had yet transpired.

However, in reality it was different.

The Wudang Sect was currently in a state of tension.

The gate near the Sword Removing Pond, which had never been breached, was shattered, and in front of it, several figures sat leisurely with the Wudang disciples kneeling.

The warriors of Wudang rushed out and drew their swords, but none dared to approach or attack recklessly.

The reason being, they knew that the moment they swung their swords, they would all become mere lumps of flesh.

Already, more than ten warriors of the Wudang Sect had died.

The leader was carried out with serious injuries, while the elders and escorts had to watch all the scenes with bloodshot eyes, unable to act recklessly.

A feeling of indignation soared high into the sky.

When had Wudang ever suffered such a blow?

That’s why everyone found it hard to accept this situation easily.

“They have taken Master Seon Jin…”

“So it seems.”

At Zhuge Yeon’s words, Kwon Mujin nodded.

Even though it was a long distance, they could vaguely see the figures of the opponents.

They maintained a distance to avoid being detected by their opponents’ senses, but even from this distance, Kwon Mujin could feel the intense aura.

‘This is no joke….’

It was no lie that they had captured Seon Jin.

The pressure that doesn’t disappear even from this distance might be similar to that of Namgung Chun or Sa Dohak.

“What should we do?”

At that moment, Tang Mun-hye asked, biting her lips.

For someone usually so composed, she seemed rather anxious. This was because she had watched Seon Jin for a long time and respected him.

She had to suppress the urge to rush out immediately.

“We can’t do anything right now, can we?”

“……”

At Zhuge Yeon’s words, everyone sighed.

The lack of capability was truly regrettable. It was incredibly unfortunate that, as fellow warriors, and once comrades of the Wudang Sect, they couldn’t lend a hand.

“But if there are others, things might change.”

Zhuge Yeon turned her back.

Even those who couldn’t understand her meaning followed her gaze and looked there, where the bushes slowly parted, and several figures began to reveal themselves one by one.

They were the experts from the Heavenly Way Alliance and the Murim Alliance.

“Have you been waiting?”

The first to arrive was none other than Un Ha-pyeong from the Jinju’s Un family. Beside him was Tang Jung-ack, as well as Jin Gu-ack from the Kongtong Jin family and Peng Do-Woong, the current leader of the Heavenly Way Alliance, along with Hwang Bo Won.

It seemed that all the key family heads of the Heavenly Way Alliance had gathered.

Additionally, on one side, the figures of the experts from the Nine Great Sects could be seen. Each exuded a deep murderous intent, seemingly unable to easily shake off their desire for revenge against Blood Heaven.

However, there was someone at that place who surprised Zhuge Yeon the most.

It was none other than the Namgung family.

“Haha, how have you been?”

Namgung Yong, who had appeared, approached Zhuge Yeon and greeted her. Contrary to what was thought, had he joined the Heavenly Way Alliance?

Why didn’t the Lower District Clan mention that?

Zhuge Yeon’s mind became complicated.

“There’s no need to think complicatedly. I simply came to lend a hand because I heard that Abbot Seon Jin was in danger.”

As if reading Zhuge Yeon’s mind, Namgung Yong muttered with a hearty laugh. That laughing appearance reminded him of Namgung Chun, which somehow made her feel good.

Zhuge Yeon let out a small chuckle.

“If this gets out later, everyone will be surprised, won’t they?”

“Now that the affairs of the family are somewhat settled, shouldn’t we officially announce the revival of Namgung family?”

“The situation doesn’t seem very favorable for that. Are you sure about this?”

Zhuge Yeon asked with a worried expression.

The level of those who captured Seon Jin would be comparable to the Five Emperors.

She didn’t even know how many of those present here would survive.

“If we can’t overcome it, isn’t that all there is to it? From the moment one decides to live as a warrior in the Murim world, life is as good as lost, so I don’t worry about it.”

“Sohye will be sad if she hears this.”

“Haha, that child is a proper warrior too. What saddens me is not being able to see Sohye’s child.”

At Namgung Yong’s words, the Namgung family members nodded readily.

They were not afraid of dying.

However, not being able to meet Namgung Sohye’s child was frightening.

But the thought of Namgung Sohye getting married was even more unsettling for them.

They revealed their complex feelings.

Zhuge Yeon sensed this and let out a long sigh.

“Is Sohye really that lovely?”

“Of course! Isn’t it obvious! Of course, you are also pretty and cute too! How about it! Will you marry me?”

At that moment, someone interjected, and it was Namgung Kang.

With eyes sparkling, he tried to grasp Zhuge Yeon’s hand, but she withdrew it naturally with a smile.

“Become a slightly better man. Not that I’d be interested anyway.”

“…It feels like I’ve been rejected a thousand times already.”

“I can reject you more. About ten thousand times?”

“If I’m taking so much rejection, will you marry me?”

“No.”

“…You’re so firm.”

“I can be even firmer. Want to hear it?”

“No… It’s enough. Any further, and my heart might break.”

Namgung Kang sighed and dropped his shoulders.

Namgung Yong, standing beside him, patted his shoulder to console him.

Having been rejected more than once, Namgung Kang, who had slapped both cheeks, now faced forward.

His gaze was fixed on Peng Do-woong, the leader of the Heavenly Way Alliance.

“We don’t have time to dawdle. We must find the Abbot as soon as possible.”

Zhuge Yeon, who was looking at Peng Do-woong, shook his head. With just that one remark, he realized what those present were thinking.

‘No thoughts, no plans, they simply believe they can somehow manage just because it’s them…’

Zhuge Yeon glanced at Kwon Mujin.

He too seemed to share the same thought as her, awkwardly smiling.

-At this rate, we’re all going to die, aren’t we?

-So, what do you plan to do?

Kwon Mujin replied to Zhuge Yeon’s telepathic message with a question.

Even if one has thoughts, expressing them is not easy. Those present here are individuals with some power in the Justice Faction.

No matter how smart Zhuge Yeon is, it’s not easy to raise her voice unless she has as much prestige as Zhuge Yun.

Zhuge Yeon smiled awkwardly. Even though they have known each other since childhood, in such a situation, it was unlikely they would easily follow her words.

“So, what do you plan to do?”

At that moment, a familiar voice was heard from somewhere.

Everyone was startled by the sudden words and turned their gaze. Soon, from one side of the bushes, he slowly began to reveal himself.

Hwang Bo Won, feeling intimidated, turned his head without realizing it.

Namgung Yong and Namgung Kang naturally lowered their heads.

The moment the people of the Namgung family and the Hwang Bo family bowed their heads.

All those watching were unable to hide their astonishment.

Hwang Bo Won paid no attention to anyone else and looked only at Zhuge Yeon.

“Have you finally arrived? I thought you weren’t coming.”

“What were you planning to do if I hadn’t come?”

“Just run away, I suppose. Everyone’s going to die anyway.”

At Zhuge Yeon’s bold words, everyone widened their eyes.

Who were the people present here?

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the top warriors of the Justice Faction were gathered in one place.

Though Bang No-baek was absent, the current strongest in the Murim world were gathered here.

And yet, they would die?

Pang Do-woong and several other proud warriors glared at Zhuge Yeon.

However, the people from the Namgung clan and the Hwang Bo clan nod calmly, as if it was only natural.

“Who are you?”

Peng Do-woong frowned as he looked at Dan Woo-hyun. This man had suddenly appeared and captured everyone’s attention. It was even more unsettling to know that he seemed to have connections with the Namgung and Hwang Bo families.

A quick glance to the side revealed the head of the Sichuan Tang family, Tang Jung-ack, and Tang Mun-hye, gazing intently at him.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just a spectator.”

Dan Woo-hyun ignored them and sat down. His demeanor was as if he couldn’t care less whether he went out to fight or die.

Peng Do-woong frowned and glared at Zhuge Yeon.

She shrugged at his gaze and spoke.

“He’s the head of the Hunan Dan family.”

“…!”

That one sentence explained everything to him.

The family currently shining the brightest in the Central Plains Murim world.

Despite the fact that everyone was falling into ruin, there was still a place that was rising and flaunting its presence.

A place that swept through the martial arts tournament hosted by the Prince Geum, known to house warriors comparable to the Seven Stars or Five Emperors.

The Hunan Dan family, whose affiliation—whether Justice, Evil, or Demonic—was unknown, continued to draw attention and became the subject of reconnaissance.

As such, it was only natural for all eyes to turn to the head of that place.

“So, what’s the plan?”

However, Dan Woo-hyun asked without paying any attention to the surrounding gazes. It was undoubtedly a question directed at Zhuge Yeon, so no one else spoke, and they could only look at her.

“There isn’t one. The opponent is too strong to find a way?”

Zhuge Yeon shook her head with a slight smile.

Even strategies require a matching level to be effective.

Warriors capable of capturing Seon Jin.

In that case, they must be on the same level as Namgung Chun and Sa Dohak, and against such individuals, strategies would be impossible without deploying a huge array of tactics.

Could what Moyong Hyuk-mun did to Namgung Chun be considered a trick? Despite spending that much money, time, and manpower, Moyong Hyuk-mun failed to kill Namgung Chun, which could be considered the objective.

The difference in level is stark.

In the end, it was rather difficult for Dan Woo-hyun to achieve something without stepping forward in this situation.

At that moment, Hwang Bo Won approached quietly.

“Can you assist us?”

“Are you asking me?”

“Yes, I am.”

Dan Woo-hyun let out a slight smile.

Hwang Bo Won’s actions were extremely polite.

His manner of speaking, as well as his actions, were as if he were addressing someone his senior. The Hwang Bo family was originally known for their unrestrained nature, so everyone was shocked as they watched him be so gentle.

Not just anyone, but Hwang Bo Won himself bowed his head to a family lord who hadn’t even reached the ranks of the Eight Great Families.

This was a situation that could not be easily accepted.

“……”

Even Tang Jung-ack of the Sichuan Tang family looked at the scene with surprised eyes.

Considering that he usually showed no change in expression and never revealed his thoughts to anyone, it was something that should never have happened.

“I have no interest in that.”

“A single act of generosity from the Lord can change the future of the Justice Faction in Murim.”

The one who spoke those words was none other than Namgung Yong.

He approached and, bringing his hands up together in a fist clasp, bowed his head naturally as if addressing someone of higher status.

At that moment, Dan Woo-hyun looked at Namgung Yong with a slight smile.

It seemed as if he was mocking his opponent, causing Namgung Yong and Hwang Bo Won’s expressions to harden even more.

“In that case, you should demonstrate your sincerity. I’m curious to see how far you can go.”