Chapter 32
The Sword Ghost Appears! (3)
The next day, the body of Nang Mu-ak was discovered by a woodcutter, confirming his death.
His death caused an even greater stir than the previous deaths of the other Nine Dragons.
Even though he belonged to the heretical sect, Nang Mu-ak was recognized by everyone in the martial world of Gangseo as a swordsman beyond the boundaries of right and wrong.
“To think he would even fall to the Ethereal Sword Ghost…”
“It seems he wasn’t calling himself a Sword Ghost for nothing.”
Those who had heard the rumors began to truly believe in the self-proclaimed Sword Ghost.
People soon gave him a new title: Nameless Sword Ghost.
Meanwhile, the Sword Ghost himself remained missing, which only amplified the mystery surrounding him.
At the same time, the Nine Dragon Gang, now having lost even the Fourth Dragon, Nang Mu-ak, became significantly subdued.
Not only the remaining dragons but also the lower-ranking martial artists who used to roam Namchang Street boldly vanished, much to the relief of those who had long suffered under their tyranny.
Seizing this opportunity, the Yushinmun did not hesitate.
“We will reclaim what was lost.”
Finally rising from his sickbed, Yushinmun’s Sect Leader Cheolgeomja Yujinbaek led his disciples to swiftly regain the lost businesses.
The balance of power had shifted heavily toward Yushinmun, and the Nine Dragon Gang no longer posed a threat.
At this point, there was no reason for the Phoenix Squad to remain.
Yet, Ki Woo-seong did not return with the Phoenix Squad.
They had still not found the missing Namgung Hyuk.
“Let’s storm the Nine Dragon Gang immediately, Squad Leader!”
“All we need is proof that they harmed our youngest member.”
Even as the squad members crowded in to protest, Ki Woo-seong’s response remained unwavering:
“Our mission has already been completed.”
“So you’re saying we should just go back!”
“Not until we find the youngest!”
Because of their backgrounds, Phoenix Squad members were already viewed with suspicion within the Martial Alliance.
This led them to depend on one another, forming bonds far stronger than other groups.
“Hoo…”
Ki Woo-seong also felt conflicted.
They had even sought help from the open markets of Namchang to find the missing Namgung Hyuk, but not a trace could be found.
“Ki Dae-hyeop!”
At that moment, Yushinmun’s Deputy Sect Leader Yu Seon-woo hurried to find Ki Woo-seong.
With an excited expression, he brought astonishing news.
“The missing member has returned.”
“…!”
At these words, Ki Woo-seong and the Phoenix Squad rushed outside.
Namgung Hyuk stood there, unharmed, awkwardly smiling.
“You… you…!”
“You bastard! You’re alive!”
The squad quickly surrounded him. He had been missing for five whole days, leaving much to ask.
Ki Woo-seong stepped forward to Namgung Hyuk.
“Squad Leader, Namgung Hyuk has just returned.”
“…Have him follow me.”
Namgung Hyuk, noticing Ki Woo-seong’s unusually serious demeanor, wiped the smile from his face and nodded.
Soon, he would have a private conversation with Ki Woo-seong.
“So… what happened?”
Ki Woo-seong asked coldly from his seat.
Namgung Hyuk recounted the events of that night.
After hearing the entire story, Ki Woo-seong’s expression hardened:
“So… they were called the Blood Shadow Squad?”
“Yes.”
“…”
Some information about the Paechunseong organization was already known to the Martial Alliance. Among them, the existence of the Blood Shadow Squad, responsible for espionage and assassination, had been confirmed through rumors.
“So, you barely escaped and have been hiding all this time to avoid them?”
“Yes.”
He had used this explanation to conceal that he had fought the Nine Dragon Gang as the heretical swordsman Sword Ghost.
Ki Woo-seong looked at him, swallowing what he wanted to say, and continued:
“Regardless, I’m glad you returned safely.”
“I apologize for causing concern.”
“No. Now that it’s clear Paechunseong interfered here, you’ve actually done a service.”
Indeed, exposing Paechunseong’s scheme to advance into Gangbuk would allow the Martial Alliance to respond more swiftly.
“Squad Leader Ki, I heard the Alliance has already issued a return order.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
The order had come two days earlier. Execution had been delayed due to Namgung Hyuk’s disappearance, but now there was no need to wait.
However, Namgung Hyuk spoke:
“I’d like to delay our return.”
“…Although it’s certain Paechunseong intervened, we cannot intervene in a conflict between two sects.”
Without solid proof, they had no choice but to obey the Martial Alliance’s order.
Then Namgung Hyuk revealed something astonishing.
“Actually, one of the assassins from the Blood Shadow Squad that I faced has been captured alive.”
“…!”
Ki Woo-seong jumped to his feet in surprise. Surviving an ambush by the Blood Shadow Squad was remarkable, but capturing one alive was even more so.
“Where is he?”
“I hid him so no one else would know.”
Namgung Hyuk had subdued the Blood Shadow Squad leader and forced him to reveal information without killing him. His existence was crucial evidence. He had been put into a deep unconscious state using a vital point technique for several days.
“Ha… you’ve really kept me on my toes.”
“Now, with this evidence, we can finally bring down the Nine Dragon Gang and crush Paechunseong’s ambitions.”
Namgung Hyuk’s eyes shone with determination. Ki Woo-seong agreed—having this level of evidence made retreat impossible.
“Don’t act prematurely. Send the captured assassin to the Alliance, and stay here until further instructions.”
“Yes.”
“By the way, since it’s a prisoner, I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“The Mad Lord who was captured earlier is looking for you.”
“Mad Lord… you mean the one who attacked here before?”
Namgung Hyuk was puzzled by why the Mad Lord sought him, but prioritizing the captured assassin was more urgent. The meeting would have to wait.
That night, on the day Namgung Hyuk returned, a secret meeting took place at the residence of Yumyeong Hyeol-ong.
“Things have gone so wrong… I have no face to show the lord.”
“…”
“Yes. In that case, the Nine Dragon Gang can no longer be used.”
Yumyeong Hyeol-ong realized that using the Nine Dragon Gang to justify a northern expansion had failed. Though just one of many strategies prepared by Paechunseong, it was a painful setback.
“In that case, we must thoroughly erase all traces of our presence in the Nine Dragon Gang before leaving.”
His voice was chilling.
At that moment, a Blood Shadow assassin in a covert outfit appeared at the door and knelt. He transmitted a message, and a loud crash was heard from inside.
“Tch, one last task before leaving.”
The report Yumyeong Hyeol-ong received was that Namgung Hyuk had returned to Yushinmun. This greatly unsettled him, as he had mobilized the Blood Shadow Squad to search for the body but failed.
“Given how things stand, we’ll have to use the Nine Dragon Gang one last time.”
“…!”
A shadow on the window shook, indicating the other party was surprised. Yumyeong Hyeol-ong gave orders via transmission. The shadow bowed and quietly departed as it had come.
Once again, the Sword Ghost disappeared, suffocating Namchang with tension.
On a stormy day, the Nine Dragon Gang’s martial artists marched toward Yushinmun.
“The Nine Dragon Gang is moving?”
“Yes.”
“They intend to settle matters with our sect once and for all.”
Yujinbaek said gravely. Suddenly, he clutched his chest in pain.
“Father!”
“I’m fine.”
Though most of the Nine Dragons were gone, hundreds of martial artists remained, and the First Dragon, Black Dragon King Jang Mu-ryong, was an exceptional master. Even if Yujinbaek were in full health, predicting the outcome of a fight against him was difficult.
“Ki Dae-hyeop.”
“Yes, Sect Leader?”
Ki Woo-seong stepped forward quietly.
Yujinbaek said, “We will never forget the favor of defending our sect despite past connections.”
“I’m honored.”
“One last favor—protect the sect’s dependents while we go out.”
“I swear on the Phoenix Squad.”
“Thank you.”
Yujinbaek’s expression brightened, confident that even in defeat, the dependents could safely leave Namchang under the Phoenix Squad’s and Martial Alliance’s protection.
“Fight so that no one will be ashamed of Yushinmun.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!”
With Yujinbaek leading, the Yushinmun martial artists, including Yu Seon-woo, left resolutely.
All that remained were the untrained dependents, servants of Yushinmun, and the Phoenix Squad.
“Do not lower your guard.”
“Yes!”
The squad moved alertly, knowing the lives of these people depended on them.
Namgung Hyuk exchanged a meaningful glance with Ki Woo-seong.
Thunder rumbled, lightning flashed, and heavy rain began to pour.
“Damn, of all days, it had to rain.”
“Yes… feels ominous.”
The Phoenix Squad spoke as they patrolled in the rain.
A shadow appeared over the outer wall and began climbing silently.
-First eliminate the Phoenix Squad members, then every person here.
-After killing, leave traces of the Nine Dragon Gang to frame them.
The assassins nodded slightly at the instructions.
Suddenly, thunder struck directly where they stood.
“Argh!”
The drenched assassins were electrocuted, trembling violently.
At that moment, a figure appeared calmly before them.
“So… how does it feel to be struck by lightning from the sky?”
Namgung Hyuk delivered this remark with a confident smile, scolding the assassins.
