The Vulture Siblings (3)
The Sect Leader of the Mountain Sword Sect, Heo Gyeong, ground his teeth as he stared across at the countless warriors lined up before him.
Beyond the plains stood Iron-Palm Hero Hwang Janggon, one of the Jeonghyeop Clan's famed supreme masters, leading no fewer than five hundred warriors in perfect formation.
Heo Gyeong glanced back.
Even counting the mercenaries they had scraped together, the Mountain Sword Sect could barely muster two hundred men. And most of them were second-rate fighters, far inferior in skill compared to the Jeonghyeop warriors.
His chest ached.
This was all because in the last battle, their elites had been annihilated, and when the Jeonghyeop Clan's sudden advance came, they hadn't yet managed to receive support from their new allies in the Un Clan.
Just then, Hwang Janggon's voice thundered across the plain, inner energy rippling through the air like rolling drums.
—I had expected to see you at the last meeting, Sect Leader Heo, but it seems we finally meet now!
The words were a jab—mocking how the Mountain Sword Sect had proposed talks, only to launch a cowardly ambush instead.
Heo Gyeong clenched his teeth again, unable to retort.
But Hwang Janggon wasn't finished.
—Ah, yes. I wonder if you've had any news from your Deputy Sect Leader since then? He asked me to pass along his regards on his long journey, ha ha ha!
The ambush hadn't just cost them two hundred elite warriors.
Heo Jung, Heo Gyeong's one and only younger brother and one of the Mountain Sword Sect's only two supreme masters, had been killed when they attempted to ambush the Jeonghyeop Clan.
Hwang Janggon's oily words drew relaxed laughter from the Jeonghyeop warriors.
The more he spoke, the higher their morale rose, while the Mountain Sword Sect's spirits sank further.
Heo Gyeong, trembling with rage, finally shouted back:
—You shameless dogs! You dare call yourselves the righteous, when it was you who first invaded our lands under a false pretense of justice? To raid another's home and then strut proudly as though righteous—does the so-called Jeonghyeop Clan feel no shame?!
It was not a bad counterattack. After all, the Jeonghyeop Clan had indeed launched the invasion first, hardly befitting their name as "righteous sect."
But Hwang Janggon only laughed heartily and shot back smoothly:
—Hahaha! And why should I feel shame? What is the sacred duty of the righteous? Eradicate the demonic! Is that not so? To strike down the heretical Mountain Sword Sect is fulfilling nothing more than our sworn duty!
His tongue was as sharp and polished as his martial skill.
Heo Gyeong faltered, unable to answer, his fury only making him grind his teeth harder.
"Kkghh!"
And Hwang Janggon pressed on:
—Besides, as I understand it, the laws of the demonic sects are 'survival of the fittest.' Yet here you are, Sect Leader Heo, speaking of justice and honor! What a laugh! Have you perhaps been reborn as a righteous man? Ha ha ha!
The Jeonghyeop warriors roared with laughter once more, while Heo Gyeong could only flush red and remain speechless.
Hidden nearby, Bi Sa-yeong whispered:
"Yikes, he's sharp. I don't know about his martial skill, but when it comes to rhetoric, Heo Gyeong doesn't stand a chance."
Beside him, Sak Muhun replied:
"Even so, his martial skill isn't to be underestimated. Both Heo Gyeong and Hwang Janggon are said to possess over seventy years of inner cultivation."
Seonu Jin shook his head.
"But right now, martial skill matters less than rhetoric. The Mountain Sword Sect is already at a massive disadvantage in strength, and now even the atmosphere has turned completely in the Jeonghyeop Clan's favor. Their numbers, their quality, and now their morale—all crushed. At this rate, the Mountain Sword Sect might be wiped out today… and that would be troublesome."
Interestingly, Hwang Janggon himself was thinking along similar lines.
If he struck now, he could achieve a sweeping victory.
But he felt frustrated.
He could end the Mountain Sword Sect today, yet…
The Jeonghyeop Clan's leader had given a direct order not long ago:
"Guardian Hwang, until further instructions are given, you are to apply pressure on the Mountain Sword Sect, but under no circumstances are you to annihilate them."
Why this command had been given, he did not know. But an order was an order.
So, regretfully, he held back.
Still, as his eyes swept across the wavering Mountain Sword warriors, he saw them glaring without conviction, whispering constantly, and the mercenaries—obviously ready to bolt at the first chance.
Hwang Janggon smiled faintly.
If I can't erase them today, then I'll break them without even fighting. When next we meet, their numbers will already be halved.
Having decided on this approach, he raised his voice again:
—But! Though it is our duty to eradicate the demonic, I also know it would be discourteous to strike you down in your current weakened state! Today I have come only to pay my respects. Next time, when we are properly arrayed for battle, we shall meet again!
Bi Sa-yeong frowned.
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean? He could win easily right now, but he's just… pulling back?"
Seonu Jin answered:
"Looks like he's aiming to frighten them. To say: what you see today is just a fraction of our strength—next time, we'll come with far more. But I agree, it's odd. Striking now would be far more effective."
Just as he intended, the Mountain Sword warriors exhaled sighs of relief… yet their whispers were anxious, fearful. Their fighting spirit was nowhere to be seen.
Sensing this, Hwang Janggon pressed further:
—Still, it seems a pity to part without so much as crossing hands! What say you, Sect Leader Heo—shall we test our strength with a simple exchange?
The Mountain Sword Sect's warriors, who had just relaxed at the thought there would be no battle, now stirred in panic.
Bi Sa-yeong muttered with disgust:
"Tch. Look at them. If Hwang Janggon simply shouted 'Attack!' right now, they'd scatter like chickens. What a rabble."
Seonu Jin replied:
"Exactly. And I think that's his goal. If he can rout them without lifting a finger, that's truly impressive."
Growing anxious, Heo Gyeong shouted back:
—What exactly are you proposing?!
Hwang Janggon laughed.
—Since ancient times, our forebears would test strength with single combat to inspire their men. Why don't we follow their example? Let's settle it with one-on-one duels!
One-on-one duels?!
Heo Gyeong's face twisted.
He already knew that, aside from Hwang Janggon, the Jeonghyeop Clan had two more unidentified supreme masters.
Whereas the Mountain Sword Sect had only him.
This "duel" was clearly a ploy to eliminate him outright.
Still, Heo Gyeong shouted back:
—Very well! Hwang Janggon, I accept your proposal! But with one condition: the victor shall remain on the field and face the next challenger! Do you agree?! I shall fight first! If you have courage, step forth, Hwang Janggon!
Bi Sa-yeong grimaced.
"Isn't that reckless? Weren't there supposed to be two more supreme masters on their side?"
Sak Muhun shook his head.
"No, he must see it as a chance. In a full battle, they'd surely be crushed. But in duels, it's different. If the victor continues, Heo Gyeong might defeat Hwang Janggon and then the other two in succession."
Seonu Jin agreed.
"Yes. If he loses, it's over anyway. But if he wins, this could flip everything. Strange, though… Hwang Janggon seemed clever. Why would he allow such a chance?"
As though answering Seonu Jin's question, Hwang Janggon burst into laughter.
—Ha ha ha! Sect Leader Heo, you are impatient indeed! But do you think our leaders should step forward in such trivial exchanges? No, let the younger generation prove themselves! We elders must give them that opportunity!
At this, Heo Gyeong's expression shifted.
It was no longer a chance to overturn the war completely, but… with the supreme masters abstaining, the fight wouldn't be utterly hopeless either.
In fact, it might even serve to rally their broken morale.
So Heo Gyeong finally shouted:
—So be it! We shall do as you say!
As the duel was thus agreed upon, Seonu Jin's eyes gleamed.
"This might be an opportunity for us as well."
"Hm? What opportunity?"
"While everyone's attention is fixed on the duels, we can slip into the Jeonghyeop Clan's camp."
At Seonu Jin's words, Sak Muhun's gaze sharpened.
"You mean to confirm the identity of those unknown supreme masters?"
"Yes. We'll find out whether they're truly the Blood Cult's Demon Heads. And if they are…"
Sak Muhun and Bi Sa-yeong both nodded at Seonu Jin's words.
The three quickly passed the plan to their companions hidden among the Mountain Sword Sect mercenaries, then circled wide and began moving stealthily toward the Jeonghyeop camp.
At that same time, Sect Leader Heo Gyeong of the Mountain Sword Sect designated Yi Gong-san, deputy commander of the guard corps, as their first challenger.
Though only in his early thirties, Yi Gong-san was already an upper first-rate expert, a rising talent Heo Gyeong had been watching with interest.
"Deputy Yi, you understand this duel is no ordinary duel. You must win."
"Yes, Sect Leader! Leave it to me!"
Yi Gong-san clasped fists respectfully, then prepared to dash forward onto the field.
But as he saw who emerged from the Jeonghyeop side, his body froze.
With a troubled look, he turned back toward Heo Gyeong.
"S–Sect Leader, the opponent… it's…"
"Hm? What about the opponent—what?! A woman?!"
Yes.
The challenger stepping forth from the Jeonghyeop Clan was a woman. A young and beautiful woman, at that.
Furious, Heo Gyeong shouted across the field:
—To send a woman into a sacred duel?! What trick is this, Hwang Janggon?!
The reply came back, smooth and mocking.
—Hahaha! Don't be so worked up, Sect Leader Heo! Even a banquet begins with appetizers, does it not? Why should we start with burly men hacking at each other? Our clan has many talented young heroines, so I thought I'd let them liven the mood! Don't worry if your sect has no female warriors—you can always send out one of your men who looks like a woman, hahahaha!
Grinding his teeth, Heo Gyeong cursed inwardly.
Of course—Hwang Janggon would never do them any favors.
In a duel where both sides' morale was at stake, facing a female opponent was a thorny issue.
The Mountain Sword Sect had very few female warriors. And none with the skill to represent them proudly.
If they sent out a male warrior, even if he won, it would mean little. But if he lost to a woman, the humiliation would be immeasurable.
And that sly fox Hwang Janggon would never send just any woman—certainly he had chosen one capable of defeating any man the Mountain Sword Sect put forward.
Heo Gyeong's dilemma deepened.
At that moment—
Whoosh!
A petite, bright-eyed young woman vaulted from among the mercenaries and landed lightly before him.
Tak!
Startled, Heo Gyeong's guards drew their blades.
"Who goes there?!"
But the girl only smiled sweetly and clasped her fists toward Heo Gyeong.
"An honor to meet you, Sect Leader! I am Cheon Jueun, youngest of the Vulture Siblings!"
Her lively, charming voice made Heo Gyeong frown as he repeated the name.
"Vulture Siblings? Cheon Jueun?"
At once, Chief Commander Heo Jeon-sam hurried up.
"Didn't I tell you before, Sect Leader? The mercenaries I worked so hard to bring from Zhejiang—the Vulture Siblings."
Only then did Heo Gyeong recall. Heo Jeon-sam had indeed fussed excitedly about trustworthy fighters he had managed to recruit. Back then, Heo Gyeong had thought it was a fuss over nobodies.
Now, however, he understood why this girl had stepped forward. His eyes lit up.
"I see. So that's why you've come. You have something in mind, don't you?"
Cheon Jueun beamed her trademark smile.
"If given the chance, I would like to teach those hypocrites of the Jeonghyeop Clan a lesson on behalf of the Mountain Sword Sect!"
Exactly what he had hoped for.
Delighted, Heo Gyeong grinned broadly.
If a woman volunteered, there was no reason to refuse. Even if she lost, it would only be woman against woman. And if her opponent turned out to be a formidable female expert, then he could demand the next fight be between men.
"Good! Lady Cheon! If you uphold my honor and the Mountain Sword Sect's face today, you will be well rewarded!"
Cheon Jueun smiled, clasped fists, and then leapt high into the air.
Fwoosh!
In one bound she covered more than forty feet.
The Mountain Sword warriors gasped in awe.
"Ooooh!"
But she didn't stop there.
Just as she seemed about to land, she bounced off the ground like a spring, soaring up again. Five times she repeated the feat, light and nimble as a rubber ball, until she landed gracefully before the Jeonghyeop Clan's waiting female challenger.
The Mountain Sword warriors roared in excitement.
"Waaaah!"
"What amazing qinggong!"
"Like a cat! So agile—how can she be that cute at the same time?!"
"She looks like a doll! Lady Cheon, you're beautiful!"
Cheon Jueun gave them another radiant smile, then clasped fists toward her opponent.
"I am Cheon Jueun, youngest of the Vulture Siblings."
Meanwhile, hidden and circling closer to the Jeonghyeop camp, Seonu Jin, Sak Muhun, and Bi Sa-yeong halted in surprise at seeing her step out as challenger.
Sak Muhun whispered through sound transmission:
—Will she be all right? I thought her skills were lacking compared to Lady Cheong-yeon or Lady Na.
Seonu Jin and Bi Sa-yeong shared the same concern.
Cheon Jueun felt more like the cherished little sister of the Seventh Squad than a comrade they could entrust their lives to.
Her childlike looks played a part, but truthfully, her skills were still a step behind.
But Seonu Jin shook off his worry.
—She must have Lady Cheong-yeon's permission. If Lady Cheong-yeon judged it was fine, then it's fine.
Seonu Jin might not trust Cheon Jueun's strength completely—but he trusted Hae Cheong-yeon's judgment absolutely.
While they resumed their stealthy approach, Cheon Jueun's opponent finally clasped fists with a sharp gaze.
"I am Ji Sang-im, youngest of the Three Sword Sisters of Ji Sword Manor."
Heo Gyeong's earlier suspicion had been correct.
The Three Sword Sisters from Ji Sword Manor, a famed sword sect in Sichuan, were all well-known female experts.
Confident they could defeat any male opponent, the youngest—Ji Sang-im, considered the most beautiful of the three—had leapt at this chance to gain fame.
But…
"Vulture Siblings? Never heard of them."
"Cheon Jueun? How can she be that cute and still move so nimbly?"
"Adorable… like a doll, but deadly fast!"
The murmurs around them weren't about Ji Sang-im at all. They were about Cheon Jueun.
And not only from the Mountain Sword side—
Even Jeonghyeop's warriors were whispering about the petite girl before them, ignoring Ji Sang-im completely.
Jealousy and rage surged within Ji Sang-im.
That stunted little brat dares steal the spotlight meant for me? I'll make her my stepping stone to fame this very instant.
Shing!
She drew her sword at once.
"Let's begin!"
Cheon Jueun only smiled sweetly and touched the hilt of her sword, dropping into a crouched stance.
Her small frame, coiled low to the ground, looked like a lithe wildcat ready to spring.