Chapter 57 The Five Brothers of Doksu – Part 3

Chapter 57: The Five Brothers of Doksu – Part 3

Heo Gyeong, the Sword Master of the Mountain Sword Sect, gritted his teeth as he looked at the countless warriors visible across the plain.

Beyond the plain, Huang Janggon, the renowned peak master of the Zhengxie Sect, stood at the head of a formation of over five hundred Zhengxie Sect warriors.

He suddenly glanced behind him.

Even including the ronin, fewer than two hundred warriors came into view.

Most of them were second-rate warriors whose skills fell short compared to the Zhengxie faction.

It was heartbreaking.

This was all because the elite forces had been wiped out in the previous battle, and the sudden advance of the Zhengxie Sect had prevented them from receiving aid from the Yun Clan, with whom they had formed an alliance.

Then came the voice of Iron Fist Hero Huang Zhanggon.

It was a booming voice, resonating through the air with full force.

– I thought I’d see you at the last meeting, but it’s only now that we meet, Lord Heo!

Those words were likely a sarcastic jab at the Mountain Sword Sect for having proposed the meeting first, only to cowardly ambush them.

Heo Kyung, unable to find a retort, gritted his teeth again.

But Hwang Jang-gon wasn’t finished yet.

– Ah, right. I wonder if you’ve heard any news about the Department Head who sent you in my place back then! He asked me to pass on his regards to the Gate Master since he was traveling far away! Hahahahaha!

The loss from that ambush wasn’t just the two hundred elite warriors.

Heo Jung, the peerless swordsman and master of the San Geom Sect, who stood alongside Heo Kyung as the sect’s sole remaining supreme expert, had died during the ambush on the Zheng Xie Fang.

He was even Heo Gyeong’s only younger brother.

Hwang Jang-gon’s smooth talk drew relaxed smiles from the Zhengxiefang warriors.

The more Hwang Jang-gon spoke, the more the momentum of the Zhengxie Sect grew, while conversely, the momentum of the Mountain Sword Sect steadily waned.

Then, unable to contain his rage, Heo Kyung shouted, his body trembling violently.

– You shameless scoundrels! You call yourselves righteous factions, yet you brazenly invade others’ homes first and then have the nerve to spout such nonsense! You commit such banditry and still walk around with your heads held high? Aren’t you ashamed to call yourselves the Zhengxie Sect?!

Heo Gyeong’s rebuttal wasn’t half bad.

After all, it was true that the Zhengxie Faction had invaded first, unworthy of its name as a righteous faction.

But Huang Jang-gon laughed heartily and retorted casually.

– Ha ha ha ha! What’s there to be ashamed of?! What is the duty of us righteous sect practitioners?! Isn’t it precisely ‘eliminating demons and destroying evil’?! Therefore, attacking the heretical sect, the Mountain Sword Sect, is precisely fulfilling our duty, isn’t it?! Ha ha ha ha!

His tongue was indeed smooth as silk.

Hwang Jang-gon’s words, as smooth as if greased, left Heo Kyung speechless once more.

Already in a bad situation, he was now outmatched in eloquence, making verbal resistance utterly impossible.

It was just another time to leave.

“Eeek!”

Moreover, Hwang Jang-gon’s words continued.

He stopped laughing and spoke again.

– Also, as far as this old man knows, the law of the heretical sect is ‘survival of the fittest’. Yet Master Heo of the Sword Sect speaks of righteousness and cooperation instead of survival of the fittest? How amusing! Could it be you’ve been reborn as a righteous sect disciple?! Hahahaha!

Huang Jang-gon’s words made the martial artists of the Justice Alliance burst into laughter once more. Heo Kyung, too, could only flush crimson and pale repeatedly, unable to respond.

Bisa Yeong, watching from nearby concealment, muttered to himself.

“Wow, he’s tough. I don’t know about his martial arts, but when it comes to talking, he’s in a league of his own, huh?”

Then, as expected, Sak Muhun, who had been hiding with them, replied.

“Still, their martial arts skills are no joke. Both Heo Gyeong and Hwang Jang-gon are known masters with over seventy years of cultivation.”

Hearing this, Sun Woo-jin, who was nearby, shook his head and said.

“But it seems that eloquence matters more than martial prowess right now. We were already at a significant disadvantage in terms of strength, and now the momentum has completely shifted to the Zhengxie Sect. We’re overwhelmed in numbers, quality of troops, and even morale. This battle today will be tough, won’t it? If we slip up, the Sanjian Sect could vanish today. That would be troublesome…”

Hwang Jang-gon, the Iron-Armed Hero leading the Zhengxie Sect, shared similar thoughts with Sun Woo-jin.

He felt that striking them now could yield a tremendous victory.

That’s why Hwang Jang-gon felt such deep regret.

Today could be the day we finally put an end to the mountain checkpoint.

It was nothing but regret that we couldn’t attack due to the Commander’s orders.

Not long ago, the Chief of the Justice Council had issued an order.

‘Hwang Ho-beop, until further orders are given, you must only pressure the Mountain Gate, but you absolutely must not destroy it.’

He couldn’t fathom the meaning behind it, but once the order was given, even Hwang Jang-gon had no choice but to comply.

Hwang Jang-gon scanned the wavering warriors of the Mountain Sword Gate once more with a look of regret.

They glared this way, but instead of rallying their fighting spirit, they merely kept murmuring incessantly. Those who appeared to be ronin, their attire mismatched, looked as if they might flee at any moment.

But Hwang Jang-gon soon shook off his disappointment and smiled faintly.

‘It’s a pity I can’t wipe out the Mountain Sword Gate today, but even without a direct fight, it seems entirely possible to ruin them.’

The seasoned veteran understood the ways of the heretical sects well.

Given the nature of the Sapa faction, which acts based on profit rather than loyalty, if they see no chance of victory, they will prioritize their own survival.

Therefore, Hwang Jang-gon decided to limit today’s objective to crushing the San Geom Mun’s will to fight by demonstrating an overwhelming disparity in strength.

With just a little more pressure, the terrified San Geom Mun disciples would collapse on their own without needing to be touched.

So, the next time they met, wouldn’t their forces be significantly reduced without even needing to fight?

They would likely be cut in half.

With that thought, Hwang Jang-gon decided to slowly begin implementing what he had prepared for today.

He shouted toward the mountain checkpoint.

– But! Even though our duty is to exterminate demons, I know full well it’s not proper etiquette to face you in such a sloppy state! Today, I’ve only come to pay a brief call. Next time, I shall meet you again with proper forces assembled!

Hearing this, Bi Sa-yeong frowned and muttered under his breath.

“Huh? What’s his game? We could easily win if we fought now, yet he just says he’ll retreat?”

Seon Woo-jin answered that question.

“Seems like they’re trying to scare us first? The force they showed today is only a fraction of what they have, meaning they’ll strike next time with far greater power, right? But it still leaves me wondering. Rather than trying to scare us now, wouldn’t it be far more effective to just attack directly…?”

As Hwang Jang-gon intended, the San Geom Mun warriors exhaled sighs of relief yet began murmuring uneasily.

Even at a glance, they showed no sign of fighting spirit whatsoever.

Scanning them with a sharp gaze, Hwang Jang-gon continued.

– But! Now that we’ve met like this, wouldn’t it be a shame to just part ways?! How about we exchange a few simple moves?!

Huh Kyung, who had briefly relaxed at the promise not to fight today, grew anxious.

Glancing around, he saw the San Geom Mun warriors stirring restlessly at the mere suggestion of a quick exchange.

Their fear had already reached its peak.

Bisaeng, watching from the sidelines, muttered with a look of pity.

“Oh dear. Those guys… if Hwang Jang-gon were to shout ‘Attack!’ right now, they’d probably all scatter like rabbits. They’re a complete rabble, aren’t they?”

“Ah, I suppose that’s what Hwang Jang-gon intended? If he could defeat the Sword Gate without lifting a finger that way, it would be truly remarkable.”

Hearing this, Heo Kyung, who seemed to have sensed something similar, hurriedly shouted back in protest.

– What the hell are you talking about?!

Hwang Jang-gon answered.

– Since ancient times, our ancestors have measured their strength against each other through one-on-one duels and raised the morale of their allies! So why don’t we follow their example and measure our strength against each other through one-on-one duels?!

One-on-one duel?

Hyeokyeong’s face twisted at those words.

He was well aware of the information that, besides Hwang Jang-gon, there were two more peak masters whose identities remained unknown.

In contrast, he was now the sole peak-level master left in the Mountain Sword Sect.

Their proposal to simply test their strength was undoubtedly a ploy to eliminate him one-on-one as well.

But even so, Heo Kyung accepted Hwang Jang-gon’s proposal.

– Fine! Hwang Jang-gon! I accept your challenge! But there’s a condition! Let the winner keep fighting! Sound good?! I’ll go first for our side! If you’ve got the guts, come out now, Hwang Jang-gon!

Biseoyoung frowned and muttered after hearing Heo Kyung’s words.

“Isn’t that reckless? Didn’t you say there are two more unknown peak masters on the side of the Zhengxie Sect?”

Sak Muhun shook his head at that remark.

“No, it seems he actually thought it might be an opportunity. After all, if they fight with all their might, isn’t it a situation where they’re bound to lose? But if it’s a one-on-one duel, that’s a different story. Moreover, if someone who wins once can keep fighting, wouldn’t it be possible for Heo Kyung to defeat Hwang Jang-gon and the other two peak masters one after another?”

Seon Woo-jin agreed as well.

“That’s right. If we lose, everything will be over anyway. This is an opportunity Huh Kyung absolutely cannot let slip away. An opportunity to turn everything around. Hwang Jang-gon seemed like a very clever man, so I can’t understand why he’d give away such an opportunity.”

But as if answering Seon Woo-jin’s question, Hwang Jang-gon burst out laughing again and shouted.

– Ha ha ha ha! Lord Heo seems rather impatient! But how can we simply say we’ll test our strength when the leaders go out?! How about this?! Lord Heo and I, of course, along with the peak masters of , will not participate in the duel! Isn’t it the duty of seniors to give the young men an opportunity to raise their reputation whenever possible?!”

Heo Gyeong’s expression grew complex at his words.

While it was somewhat disappointing that this wasn’t a chance to completely turn the tables, if the peak masters weren’t participating, it certainly couldn’t be seen as solely disadvantageous for them.

Rather, it seemed like this opportunity could actually boost morale, which had hit rock bottom.

Heo Kyung readily agreed.

– Great! Let’s do it!

As the duel was set, Seon Woo-jin’s eyes lit up as he said.

“This could be an opportunity for us too.”

“Huh? What kind of opportunity?”

“I mean an opportunity to infiltrate the Zhengxiefang while everyone’s attention is focused on the one-on-one duel.”

At those words, Sak Muhun’s gaze also sharpened.

“Are you trying to confirm the identities of those peak masters whose true nature remains unknown?”

“Yes, let’s confirm whether those men are Blood Sect demons or not. And if they are Blood Sect demons…”

Sak Muhun and Bi Sayeong nodded at Seon Wujin’s words.

The three relayed the plan to the other party members mingling among the Sanjian Sect’s ronin, then began moving stealthily around the side toward the Zhengxie Hall.

At the same time, Heo Gyeong, the leader of the Mountain Sword Sect, immediately appointed Lee Gong-san, the commander of the escort unit, as the deputy leader.

Still in his early thirties, Lee Gong-san was a rising star Heo Kyung had long kept an eye on, possessing first-rate intermediate martial prowess despite his youth.

“I trust you know this battle is no ordinary contest. We must win at all costs!”

“Yes! Commander! Leave it to me!”

Lee Gongsan, bowing respectfully to Heo Kyung, was about to deploy his light footwork toward the battlefield.

But just as he was about to dash out, he saw someone approaching from the direction of the Justice Alliance and froze in place.

Lee Gong-san looked back at Heo Kyung with a troubled expression and said.

“M-Master, but the one who came out as the opponent…”

“Huh? What about the opponent…? What is it? A woman?!”

Indeed.

The opponent emerging from the Zhengxie Hall was a woman.

And she was a young and beautiful woman.

Heo Gyeong shouted in fury.

– To send a woman into a sacred duel! What are you doing, Hwang Jang-gon?!

An immediate reply came back.

– Ha ha ha! Don’t get too excited, Heo Mun-ju! Isn’t there always an appetizer before the main course?! What fun is there in watching rough-and-tumble men fight from the very start?! Our Justice Alliance has quite a few talented young female warriors, so I gave them a chance first to liven up the atmosphere! Even if the Mountain Sword Sect has no female warriors, don’t worry too much! We can just send out a man who looks like a woman, right?! Hahaha!

Hwang Jang-gon’s reply made Heo Gyeong grind his teeth again.

Of course. There was no way that bastard would do anything good for them.

In a duel where both sides’ morale was at stake, facing a woman was no easy matter.

First off, there weren’t many female warriors in the Mountain Sword Sect.

And even if there were, they weren’t skilled enough to be put forward.

But sending out a male warrior wasn’t an option either.

Even if a male warrior went out and won, it would be a wash. But if they lost? The shame would be beyond words.

Moreover, that sly fox Huang Janggon wouldn’t have sent out just any woman.

He would undoubtedly have sent out a skilled fighter capable of defeating any man who came out.

Heo Kyung’s worries were deepening.

Then it happened.

Suddenly, a petite, cute-looking woman sprang up from among the ronin and landed right in front of Heo Gyeong.

Clang!

Startled by her sudden approach, Heo Gyeong’s guards drew their swords, wary of her.

“Who are you?!”

But she seemed oblivious to the guards’ threat, smiling brightly as she bowed to Heo Gyeong.

“Pleased to meet you, Lord Mun! I am Cheon Ju-eun, the youngest of the five Doksu siblings!”

Her vibrant, cute voice made Heo Kyung frown as he repeated the name.

“Huh? The Five Brothers of Doksu? Cheon Ju-eun?”

Then Chief Secretary Heo Jeon-sam hurried over and said.

“Didn’t I tell you before? That they were brought here with great difficulty from Zhejiang Province…”

Only upon hearing this did Heo Gyeong recall the memory. He remembered Heo Jeon-sam suddenly visiting and making a big fuss about bringing reliable vagabonds.

At the time, he had inwardly wondered why Heo Jeon-sam was making such a fuss over bringing ronin he had never even heard of before…

Heo Kyung suddenly understood why she had come to see him now. His eyes brightened as he opened his mouth.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cheon. But I imagine there must be a reason you sought me out at this very moment?”

Then, with her signature adorable smile, Cheon Ju-eun replied.

“If you grant me the opportunity, I wish to teach those hypocrites of the Zhengxie Sect a lesson on behalf of the Mountain Sword Sect!”

It was exactly the reason he had anticipated.

Hearing the words he had longed to hear from Cheon Ju-eun, Heo Gyeong smiled warmly.

There was no reason to refuse if a woman stepped forward, whoever she was.

Even if she lost, he believed a duel between women wouldn’t carry much significance.

Even if it turns out the opponent’s woman is an unbeatable female master, couldn’t we then steer it into a proper duel between men, saying it’s time to fight properly from now on?

Heo Gyeong answered heartily.

“Very well! Young Lady Cheon! If you, Young Lady Cheon, would do this Heo and the Mountain Sword Sect the honor of saving face, I shall reward you handsomely!”

Hearing the words she had been waiting for, Chen Zhuyun smiled brightly, clasped her fists, and immediately leapt into the air.

Whoosh!

In an instant, she soared into the air, covering a distance of four zhang in a single bound.

At that agile, bouncing movement, the warriors of the Mountain Sword Sect let out gasps of admiration.

“Whoa!”

But that wasn’t the end of it.

She seemed poised to shift her stance and land on the ground, but like a rubber ball bouncing, she thumped off the ground and shot back into the air. Repeating this five times, she landed instantly before the waiting woman of the Zhengxie Sect.

The San Geom Mun warriors erupted in cheers.

“Wooooo!”

“What incredible lightness skill!”

“What a cat-like grace?! So agile… How can she be that adorable?!”

“You really are a doll-like young lady! Young lady, you’re beautiful!”

Cheon Ju-eun smiled brightly once more as she watched the warriors cheering for her. She stepped out of the Jeonghyeopbang and bowed to the woman waiting for her.

“I am Cheon Ju-eun, the youngest of the five Doksu siblings.”

The three individuals, who had been moving toward the Jeonghyeopbang while concealed, saw Cheon Ju-eun step forward as the main representative and were momentarily flustered, halting their movement.

Sak Muhun silently asked Seon Woo-jin.

– Is that young lady going to be alright? I thought Sister Qingyan and I were more skilled than her?

Seonwoojin and Biseayoung were equally concerned.

Cheon Ju-eun felt more like a cute little sister to the Seventh Division than a colleague you could rely on.

Of course, her cute appearance played a part, but it was also true that she still lacked a lot in terms of skill.

But Seon Woo-jin soon decided to shake off his worries.

– She probably came out with Young-yeon’s permission. If Young-yeon judged it was okay, then it should be fine.

Seon Woo-jin couldn’t fully trust Cheon Ju-eun’s abilities, but he could completely trust Hae Cheong-yeon’s judgment.

For Seon Woo-jin, Hae Cheong-yeon was the wisest person he could trust above all others.

As Seon Woo-jin’s group began moving again, the person standing opposite Cheon Ju-eun also glared at her with sharp eyes, saluting with a fist salute.

“I am Ji Sang-im, the youngest daughter of the Chief Prosecutor of the Justice Council.”

Heo Gyeong’s earlier thought had been accurate.

The Ji Clan Sisters, three sisters from the renowned Ji Clan Mountain Villa—one of Sichuan Province’s prestigious sword clans—were all famed female martial artists within the province.

They were confident they wouldn’t lose to any man who came forward, and especially among the three sisters, the youngest, Jisang-im, who possessed the most outstanding beauty, volunteered to be the vanguard first, eager to use this opportunity to showcase her beauty and fame.

But then…

“The Five Brothers of Doksu? Who are they?”

“Cheon Ju-eun? Was there ever such a cute female martial artist?”

“How can she be so cute and agile at the same time?”

The murmurs around them were not about Ji Sang-im herself, but solely about Cheon Ju-eun before their eyes.

And it wasn’t just the San Geom Mun warriors murmuring.

Behind Jisang-im, even the warriors of the Jeonghyeopbang were murmuring, their attention drawn not to her but to the girl up ahead who looked like a little brat.

Ji Sang-im could not contain the boiling jealousy and rage within her.

‘How dare that stunted little brat try to steal my moment to shine! I absolutely cannot forgive this. I’ll make her the sacrifice for my fame right here!’

Without delay, Ji Sang-im drew her sword and shouted.

Clang!

“Let’s begin right away!”

At her words, Cheon Ju-eun also smiled brightly, placed her hand on the sword at her waist, and assumed her drawing stance.

Her small frame, crouched low and hunched, looked like a wildcat crouched in readiness.