HDCLSSRS Ch 61

Chapter 61 That Which Does Not Change (2)

 

“Senior Brother!”

Heo Saeng, Ma Jincheon’s disciple, screamed as if in a shriek. Only then did he and the other disciples grasp the gravity of the situation and draw their weapons. At the same time, Ma Jincheon leapt forward with his movement technique, aiming for Jeom Soi.

Chwararak—!

A barrage of sharp hidden weapons struck the spot where Jeom Soi had just been standing. Whether he got hurt or not was of no concern to them.

Before Ma Jincheon could fully steady his stance, a burst of energy imbued with demonic force struck him squarely. The two bodies collided and flew across the room.

Just then, the figures wearing bamboo hats who had been silently seated in the corner moved faster than Lee Saeng and the disciples to catch the flying pair. Their movements were flawless.

Ma Jincheon, who thought he was about to crash into the wall, lifted his head in surprise when the expected impact never came. The man who had caught him lifted his bamboo hat slightly, revealing a gentle, smiling face. Upon recognizing the man, Ma Jincheon’s eyes widened like a startled rabbit.

“Brother Paeng?”

“Are you alright, Senior Ma? It’s been a long time.”

The man smiling gently was Paeng Wongeum, the eldest of the two sons of the Paeng family of Hebei. They had been acquainted in the past, but due to the bamboo hat, Ma Jincheon hadn’t recognized him.

“Then the other one must be…”

Ma Jincheon turned his head. A ruggedly handsome man with a wild air had just laid down the unconscious Jeom Soi in a corner.

“Senior Ma! Have you been well?”

Paeng Dohwan, the younger brother, let out a hearty laugh.

“You two… Why are you here…?”

He had never imagined encountering the Paeng brothers of Hebei in Henan.

Though it was a welcome sight, it was not the time for cheerful reunions.

“Is today some special occasion? First the Mount Hua people, and now even the Paeng family of Hebei shows up.”

The man who appeared to be the leader slung a curved saber over his shoulder and sneered. Behind him, no fewer than twenty demonic cultivators poured outside. There had been far more people inside than expected.

Ma Jincheon quickly pulled himself up. The Paeng brothers also drew their massive broadswords from their backs.

“Who the hell are you people!”

Heo Saeng shouted sharply.

“Typical orthodox bastards… You’re the ones who started causing trouble in someone else’s place of business, and yet you’re the ones shouting the loudest?”

The leader’s stance and twisted expression exuded a thuggish aura.

“You came to a tavern—you should’ve just eaten quietly. But no, you had to sneak in like rats and eavesdrop on our conversation…?”

Heo Saeng and the disciples exchanged uneasy glances with Ma Jincheon, feeling a pang of guilt.

If they had only paid attention to their senior brother’s words from the start, this wouldn’t have happened. Because of their negligence, Ma Jincheon had suffered a humiliating misunderstanding.

However, Ma Jincheon merely flushed slightly and didn’t even glance at his disciples, let alone blame them. It was clear he didn’t care in the least. That only deepened their shame.

Heo Saeng shouted fiercely.

“Shut up! And even if that were the case, how could you attack someone without provocation? What kind of scum are you?”

“You shut your mouth! This establishment is mine! I was already in a foul mood, and now this nonsense too?”

“State your affiliation and name!”

“You really want to know who I am, and what my name is?”

The leader taunted Heo Saeng. Heo Saeng’s face turned a deep shade of blue with rage.

“If you’re so curious, I’ll tell you. I am called Dokgoe. We are of the noble Fourth Prince’s faction of the mighty Demonic Heavenly Cult.”

“What?”

“The Demonic Cult…!”

Heo Saeng and the disciples were struck with shock. Ma Jincheon had already realized this and was trying to quietly withdraw.

But even more surprising was that the Paeng brothers showed no sign of surprise either.

“You knew, Brother Paeng?”

Paeng Wongeum gave a bitter smile and nodded.

“We brothers have been traveling the martial world to gain experience. By chance, we saw some suspicious figures gathering here in Luoyang and decided to follow them quietly.”

“…So that’s what it was.”

The Paeng family of Hebei had only two sons, both exceptionally gifted and the pride of their clan. Lately, stories of their exploits during their martial travels had spread widely. People referred to the two together as the Twin Polestars of Hebei.

As the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, Ma Jincheon stepped forward.

“I am Ma Jincheon of Mount Hua. I deeply regret offending you unintentionally. I would prefer to leave quietly without causing further trouble. What say you, Dokgoe?”

“So it can all be undone just like that?”

“What did you say?”

Sensing that cooperation was unlikely, Ma Jincheon and his group grew tense.

“Ma Jincheon, was it? Well, well… You’re quite the famous figure, aren’t you? But what now? I’m not really inclined to let this end so simply.”

As Dokgoe grinned, the demonic cultivators behind him let out ominous laughter.

“There’s no place left for you to retreat to.”

In a flash, Dokgoe’s expression turned cold and demonic energy surged around him.

He shouted, his voice imbued with internal force.

“Brothers! Today, we shall sever the heads of these worm-like fools and offer them to the Fourth Prince’s altar! Raise your blades for the Fourth Prince!”

“Waaaaah!”

Dozens of demonic cultivators launched an assault. Black sword energy surged violently toward Ma Jincheon, the disciples, and the Twin Polestars of Hebei. Ma Jincheon and Paeng Wongeum shielded Jeom Soi from the indiscriminate attacks.

No one was injured. However, while they were fending off the attack, most of the demonic cultivators had already fled into the streets.

“Glory to the Heavenly Cult! Ten thousand demons prosper!”

“Glory to the Heavenly Cult! Ten thousand demons prosper!”

The demonic cultivators cried out in unison.

The Paeng brothers rushed out to stop them, but it was too much. No matter how lauded they were as exceptional martial artists, it was impossible for the two of them to stop dozens alone.

The fleeing demonic cultivators began summoning other hidden cultists scattered throughout the city. Those who followed the Fourth Prince threw off their masks and spilled into the streets. Rather than bow to another prince after their leader’s death, they chose to fight to the death.

Chaos unfolded in an instant.

The demonic cultivators unleashed their fury and grief on innocent civilians without hesitation.

“Aaaargh! Please spare me!”

The Paeng brothers and the disciples rushed out to minimize the damage. Ma Jincheon also made to follow, but Paeng Wongeum stopped him.

“Senior Ma, please go to Shaolin and inform them of what’s happened.”

“He’s right, Senior Brother! You won’t be much help here. That would be better!”

They said it out of concern, knowing Ma Jincheon’s martial prowess was lacking. Though his face darkened, Ma Jincheon was well aware. If he stayed, he would only be a burden needing protection.

“…Very well.”

He nodded heavily, sheathed his sword, and immediately began running toward Shaolin.

By the time Baek Ryeoil arrived in Luoyang, the sun had already sunk behind the western hills.

But the night sky was dyed red as if by the glow of sunset.

Fire had engulfed the city.

Baek Ryeoil’s pupils narrowed. But only for a moment—he soon pierced through demonic hearts with savage intensity, hesitating not at all.

‘Where is Master?’

Even as he struck down enemies, his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings.

‘Where could he be?’

Everything in his field of vision was in ruins. Homes engulfed in flames, civilians fleeing, and black demonic energy raining down upon their backs.

Baek Ryeoil dashed forward, cutting down a demonic cultivator who was attacking a civilian.

‘…Where were all these cultists hiding until now?’

With each step he took, more enemies appeared. He slashed, and slashed again—no matter how many he cut down, it never ended.

He grew anxious. Every second, every moment, he only wished to confirm his master’s safety.

Just as he took another step in search of his master, a voice called out, pulling at him.

“Please help!”

A woman screamed. Fire blocked her retreat, and in front of her stood a demonic cultivator raising his sword. She was trapped, her desperate eyes pleading with Baek Ryeoil.

“…Damn it!”

Grumbling or not, he was a Taoist trained in the Mount Hua way. Though he often found the inflexible doctrines a nuisance, his body moved of its own accord.

He swiftly struck down the demonic cultivator and jerked his chin at the woman.

“Find a safe place to hide.”

“Th-thank you.”

Even after the woman fled, Baek Ryeoil couldn’t continue his search for Ma Jincheon.

“Uwaaaagh!”

“Help! Somebody!”

“Kill them! Take them all with us to the underworld!”

“Aaagh!”

Screams and the clash of weapons rang out from all directions, battering his ears. Baek Ryeoil froze for a moment. The ground beneath him seemed to fall away, and the noise around him grew distant and faint.

Who should I save first?

Which way should I go?

Master… Where are you?

Sweat soaked the palm of his hand gripping the sword.