Blood Battle (1)
The first formation was complete.
The initial formation of the Dark Abyssal Sea Array was a labyrinthine trap. The moment you stepped into the maze, where finding a way out seemed impossible, hidden weapons flew from all directions, and blades shot up from the ground.
Breaking through the walls was not an option either. Any attempt to do so would only intensify the attacks manifold.
Without knowing the exit, escape was impossible.
Once inside and the formation activated, unless you had a formation expert of considerable skill, annihilation was inevitable.
Even if by some miracle you passed the labyrinth, a second and third formation awaited.
The second formation was a fiery inferno, and the third, a tidal wave. Survive the flames and molten lava, and you’d face storms and tsunamis on a vast ocean. No matter how strong one’s martial arts, how could a human withstand the wrath of nature?
Without knowing the exit, death was certain.
With the first formation complete, Galsaryang took a moment to breathe. As long as the labyrinth functioned properly, surprise attacks from outside were no longer a concern.
Even if the enemy had an expert to break the formation, it would buy them time. Strategically, having that time could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
“You’ve worked hard.”
At Galsaryang’s praise, Song Hwarin waved her hand dismissively.
“No, it was you who worked hard, sir. I merely assisted.”
Her words were humble. Throughout the creation of the formation, Song Hwarin had been a tremendous help, to the point where Galsaryang worried she might collapse from exhaustion.
How could Galsaryang not find her admirable?
He had shared all his knowledge of formations with her, teaching her with sincerity.
“Try leading the creation of the second formation, the fiery inferno.”
“Me? That’s too much!”
Song Hwarin was taken aback.
“I’ll be there to help.”
“Even so, I…”
“You can do it.”
Song Hwarin realized this was both a gesture of trust and an opportunity from Galsaryang. Leading the creation was a world apart from merely assisting. Just as she had learned martial arts from Byukridang, this was another chance for growth.
“Thank you for giving me such a great opportunity despite my shortcomings. I’ll do my best.”
She accepted with gratitude.
“Ha ha, excellent. Let’s get started.”
“Yes.”
As they began crafting the second formation, a third person arrived on the other side.
＊ ＊ ＊
Finally, Seobulpae arrived at the manor.
He was an unassuming middle-aged man. While Jeokyo and Hyeollu had striking appearances, Seobulpae was utterly ordinary.
In the attire of a martial alliance warrior, he looked the part. In the garb of a bodyguard, he was indistinguishable from one.
But he was far from ordinary. The name Seobulpae alone spoke volumes.
“They say the name Seobulpae means you never lose in the west, even if you split the martial world in half?”
Seobulpae was known for his exploits in the western regions. At Jeokyo’s question, Seobulpae politely clasped his hands in response.
“It’s an exaggeration of my abilities.”
“Oh! Such humility from someone who could split the martial world in half.”
Jeokyo was meeting him for the first time today. Though she had heard many stories about him within their organization, this was their first encounter.
“It’s an honor to meet the strongest in our group.”
Meanwhile, Hyeollu sat silently, though inwardly displeased.
The reason was Jeokyo. She was always playful with him, even teasing him about his lower half just yesterday.
Yet here she was, showering Seobulpae with flattery. Her usual irreverence made Seobulpae the target of his irritation.
‘Hmph! Arrogant fool! The title of “unbeatable” isn’t something to be thrown around lightly.’
But he kept his feelings hidden.
“I’ve heard of your reputation, senior. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Seobulpae greeted him courteously.
“Likewise.”
Hyeollu responded curtly.
Jeokyo, ever the instigator, couldn’t resist stirring the pot.
“Is there a reason you mostly operate in the east, senior?”
“You cheeky girl! What are you implying?”
Hyeollu shot her a fierce glare.
“Just curious.”
Jeokyo quickly darted behind Seobulpae, playfully touching his shoulder.
“Oh my! Your muscles are no joke, brother.”
Seobulpae suddenly spoke up.
“Brother? I thought I was the younger one.”
Jeokyo rolled her eyes.
“Really? Where do you see that?”
“If not, my apologies.”
“Apology accepted.”
In truth, Seobulpae was younger than Jeokyo. Hyeollu laughed heartily, teasing her.
“Ha ha ha, sister, come over here and greet your younger brother.”
“Hmph! I have no use for a brother who can’t stand up!”
“You brat!”
Hyeollu stood up angrily.
Jeokyo seized the moment to hide behind Seobulpae again.
“Help me, brother.”
This time, her hands roamed over Seobulpae’s waist and chest. He didn’t mind the blatant flirtation.
Just then, Maehyeol Merchant entered the guest hall they had been waiting in.
Everyone quieted down and took their seats.
“Finally, everyone is here.”
At Maehyeol Merchant’s words, Jeokyo looked around and commented.
“Even without me, with senior Hyeol, senior Seo, two hundred blood swords, and the merchant, we could take on the martial alliance.”
Though exaggerated, it wasn’t entirely baseless.
But Maehyeol Merchant had a surprising response.
“I find it easier to take on the martial alliance.”
Everyone was taken aback by her assessment. She emphasized the danger of their current mission.
“Let me be clear, our opponent this time is the strongest we’ve ever faced. If you want to do the most foolish thing in the world, it’s simple. Just let your guard down in this fight.”
Maehyeol Merchant had never rated an enemy so highly, and everyone felt the tension.
She added in a dry tone, as if to underscore her sincerity.
“The attack is at dawn tomorrow. Rest well until then.”
＊ ＊ ＊
Galsaryang brought news through the Three-Eyed Pavilion.
“Warriors are gathering at a manor on the outskirts of Gokbu.”
“Is it them?”
“Confirmed. They’ve spotted people in red martial attire guarding the manor. I’ve instructed them to keep their distance and only report major movements.”
We were using all our resources to track their movements. The Three-Eyed Pavilion, Taeseong Trading Group’s intelligence, and even Cheonmang Society. Our information network was beyond their imagination.
“Well done.”
“What will you do now? Will you draw them in to fight, or attack directly?”
Before answering, I asked for Galsaryang’s opinion.
“What do you think, strategist?”
“There are pros and cons. Drawing them in allows us to use the Dark Abyssal Sea Array to our advantage. But if the formation is breached, even non-elite warriors will be caught in the battle. On the other hand, fighting at their manor means only our chosen warriors will fight, but we lose the formation’s advantage.”
Ultimately, the decision was mine. After considering both scenarios, I made my choice.
“If we fail to attack, they won’t spare our family.”
In other words, even if we fought outside and lost, they would kill everyone left in the Byuk family.
“Indeed.”
“Then let’s draw them in and use the formation to our advantage.”
“Understood. We’ll prepare accordingly.”
Galsaryang gathered Baekpyo, my father, Song Wugyeong, Gwangdu, and Gwanhui to plan together.
The primary goal was to inflict maximum damage on the enemy using the Dark Abyssal Sea Array.
Though formidable, the enemy was equally so. The formation wouldn’t hold indefinitely.
Once breached, they would attack from all sides.
We divided our forces in preparation.
If the formation broke, the Black Panther Unit, led by Baekpyo and me, would face the enemy first.
The Byuk family would defend the left of the central building, the Song family the right, and the Taeseong Sword Unit and Small Sword Unit the rear.
In terms of scale, this was not a mere fight but a war. A life-and-death battle where one side had to be annihilated.
＊ ＊ ＊
The next dawn, the warriors led by Maehyeol Merchant arrived at the Byuk family manor.
Over two hundred moved silently, without a single footstep heard.
Well-trained, they surrounded the manor in layers, keeping a distance of several yards. After positioning the warriors, the leader of the Blood Sword, Hyeolgeomju, reported to Maehyeol Merchant.
“Not even a mouse can escape.”
“Be extra cautious! They know we’re here.”
“Yes. I’ll send in a reconnaissance team immediately.”
“Wait.”
Maehyeol Merchant stopped Hyeolgeomju and turned to Hyeollu.
“Could you take a look, senior?”
“Of course.”
Hyeollu accepted her request without hesitation and walked slowly toward the Byuk family manor, carefully inspecting the area along the wall.
Watching him, Jeokyo approached Maehyeol Merchant.
“Are you worried about a formation?”
The reason for such a question was that Hyullu was a person with a deep understanding of formations. Not only was he a martial artist, but he was also an expert who could easily dismantle most formations.
The blood merchant nodded quietly.
“Just in case.”
Jeokyo widened his eyes and scanned the surroundings. The quiet area was devoid of even a hint of mist.
“It seems like there’s nothing here. When a formation is activated, isn’t there usually some sign?”
“Better to be cautious.”
“Of course, but still.”
After a moment, Hyullu returned from inspecting the perimeter.
“The entire building is enveloped in a powerful formation.”
Jeokyo, listening intently, was impressed.
“As expected! The merchant’s instincts are always spot on.”
Hearing this, the blood merchant felt a pang of worry.
‘There should be times when I’m wrong.’
Ever since receiving orders from the Dark Target and facing the enemy, a sense of foreboding had been looming over him. This time, he hoped his instincts were off.
“The formation stretches from the outer wall to the central building inside. The fact that it doesn’t activate until you cross the wall means they’re trying to lure in as many people as possible. In other words, it’s a well-prepared trap.”
Despite his instincts being correct, the blood merchant remained composed.
“What kind of formation is it?”
Hyullu answered her question with a slightly concerned expression.
“Without going inside, it’s impossible to determine the exact nature of the formation. But given that it leaves no trace unless closely examined, it’s undoubtedly a very advanced one. Entering without a plan would be disastrous.”
“Can it be dismantled?”
“There is no formation that can’t be dismantled. It’s just a matter of how much time and effort it takes. I’ll need to go inside to give a definitive answer. Let me take a look.”
“Wait.”
The blood merchant stopped him from entering the formation immediately.
Hyullu was indeed a remarkable expert in formations. He had dismantled many and had every reason to be confident in his skills.
But the problem was the enemy.
An enemy that instilled such fear and apprehension in him.
If such an opponent had set up the formation, it wouldn’t be an ordinary one. Sending Hyullu in recklessly could mean losing him. Losing him would be a significant blow to their side.
Bringing in another expert would be difficult, and they could be counterattacked while their momentum was broken.
“I’ll destroy that formation with force.”
“How?”
Hyullu asked, and she replied coldly, her gaze fixed on the wall of the Sword Sect.
“I’ll unleash the Hungry Ghost Hound.”