Chapter 192

The goal of Yoo Haon’s group, including Cheong Joohwa and Arietta, was simple.

To somehow clear Han Kangyoon’s false charges and, based on that, extract Han Kangyoon from Yangcheolkoong.

But that was not such a simple matter.

“On the contrary, it’s more difficult. To clear false charges, you must first resolve their cause.”

Fortunately, through Shin Noeul’s connections, they were able to obtain detailed information about those false charges.

A series of videos showing a man who appears to be Han Kangyoon ambushing and killing other Exorcists.

Upon confirming this, Yoo Haon’s group was startled and spoke up.

“His appearance and mannerisms are definitely Oppa’s, but…”

“It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?”

They had assisted in resolving the incident within the Academy during the Seed of Solitude Incident.

Thus, they could sense it.

“This… it looks too much like the shadow soldiers from back then.”

Only then did the outline of the incident become clear. And they also knew what they had to do.

“We need to find the guy in the video.”

“Is there no possibility he’s already been disposed of?”

“…I don’t think the probability is high. He still has remaining utility value.”

If the guy had been disposed of anyway, proving Han Kangyoon’s innocence through normal means would be nearly impossible.

For now, they had no choice but to assume the opposite and act.

“The area shown in the video isn’t that far from Cheong Soha’s territory either. Something smells a bit fishy?”

If so, there was a possibility that Cheong Soha was controlling and hiding him.

With their objective set, the group decided to deliberately expose their location once, then utilize all possible means to invade Cheong Soha’s territory at full speed.

“Information has come in that the other Elders have also started moving to obtain Azure Dragon. So Cheong Soha will have no choice but to come personally.”

In other words, while those two forces clashed, they could freely loot the empty house.

The plan went smoothly.

Especially at the point where they succeeded in luring out the Elders through the exposed location.

However, soon after infiltrating Cheong Soha’s territory, Yoo Haon’s group realized in an instant that all such thoughts had been complacent.

“…You really came. As expected of Cheong Soha, it’s Cheong Soha.”

Unexpectedly, a considerable number of Exorcists were lying in wait, holding their breath and setting a trap in Cheong Soha’s territory.

Moreover, at its center, even two Elders were present.

“Cheong Gahwi, and Cheong Gyebok…”

“And you are the leader of Jeokhwadan. I didn’t expect you to be acting together with Azure Dragon’s Adversary.”

Cheong Gahwi, the 3rd Elder of the Cheong Family, and Cheong Gyebok, the 7th Elder.

Those two were undisputed Special-Rank Exorcists, opponents even Shin Noeul could not easily face.

‘Even if Cheong Gyebok is somewhat lacking, he is still not to be taken lightly.’

But nevertheless, there was a positive aspect.

“Seeing that Cheong Soha isn’t here, it seems they didn’t fully anticipate this either?”

“Hmph! With just the likes of you, there’s no need for Cheong Soha to step out.”

That was good news.

It meant there was no one else to support them, and the shadow soldier they originally targeted was also likely still here.

Accordingly, Shin Noeul decided to make one gamble.

“We don’t need to fight them head-on anyway. I’ll buy time, you find him.”

“…It’ll be hard alone. I’ll stay too.”

Thus, as Shin Noeul and Arietta confronted the two Elders, Yoo Haon’s group slipped away through the gap.

From here on, it was a race against time.

“…A petty act. I don’t know what you’re aiming for, but I’ve already stationed subordinates everywhere.”

“Well. I wonder if you can really stop them with just that.”

It was a short time, but during that process, Shin Noeul could accurately gauge the potential possessed by Yoo Haon’s group.

There were individual differences, but they were all remarkable. They were qualified to reach sufficiently high positions.

“At the very least, they’re kids too precious to be sacrificed in such petty factional strife.”

There was no regret about getting involved in unnecessary matters.

Lighting their path forward was precisely the role given to Shin Noeul, who had already filled his vessel to its limit and reached his ceiling.

“Those people…”

The first thing Haekaram and I encountered upon setting off was the Cheong Family Elders who had come chasing Cheong Joohwa’s trail.

“Didn’t you say there’s nothing here?”

“It seems they tried to target Azure Dragon but stepped on the wrong foot.”

To my knowledge, Cheong Joohwa was no longer here. They had been completely fooled.

‘On the other hand, Cheong Soha…’

Was already heading precisely to where Cheong Joohwa was, one step ahead of them.

If things continued like this, it was clear we would face the worst possible situation.

“It seems we need to make contact with them.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“There is someone with a usable Cursed Tool.”

No matter how hard we tried to head for our destination, we wouldn’t make it in time like this.

Accordingly, I approached without hesitation and revealed myself before them.

Thud.

“Who is this?”

There’s no particular sign of tension. Of course, with several individuals of Elder rank gathered, it’s only natural.

However, among them, there was one who showed a somewhat noticeable reaction.

“You… how…”

“Long time no see.”

He was none other than Cheong Doyool, who had suffered great losses at my hands before.

Judging by appearances, he now seemed to be in an ambiguous position, not quite a representative among the group.

“I distinctly heard you were imprisoned in Yangcheolkoong.”

“Isn’t that important right now? I already know your objective.”

“…Are you planning to interfere again?”

No. Coincidentally, it was rather the opposite.

“I want to join forces.”

“What…”

“I know the locations of Cheong Soha and Cheong Joohwa. And I also do not wish for Cheong Soha to get his hands on Azure Dragon.”

Cheong Doyool’s expression twisted strangely.

By now, his head was probably aching from utterly unfathomable ulterior motives.

However, the urgency of the situation was the same for them.

“First Elder, what is this guy saying now? It seemed like he knows Azure Dragon’s location.”

“Judging by appearances, you seem to have a connection. Is what he says true?”

“…He has a close relationship with Azure Dragon’s Adversary. It’s probably not a lie.”

Cheong Doyool looked extremely displeased, but he showed no sign of refusing the proposal.

Accordingly, I pointed to the 8th Elder, Cheong Kanghoon, among those behind him, and continued.

I need the power of the Wind-Crossing Cloud that the 8th Elder possesses. Otherwise, it will be too late.”

“Hmm? How do you know about that?”

“There’s no time.”

Anyway, Cheong Kanghoon is someone who enjoys acting decisively rather than thinking complicatedly.

As I expected, he soon made an expression as if it didn’t matter and took out his Special-Grade Cursed Tool, the Wind-Crossing Cloud (Wind-Crossing Cloud).

Whoosh.

Clatter!

“Everyone, get on. It’s a special occasion, just for today.”

With the situation resolved, I called out Haekaram, and the Elders stared at her with somewhat surprised expressions, glancing sideways.

As the Guardian of Yangcheolkoong, called the greatest in history, they must have encountered her face at least once.

Screech!

“We’re almost there.”

Thus, having moved instantly to Cheongdam-dong, Cheong Soha’s jurisdiction, we could soon spot Cheong Soha and his subordinates approaching from not far away.

And to me, only the old man wearing a mask in the very center caught my eye.

‘…Finally, we meet.’

Jinmyeong Daesa.

The very person who implanted deep suggestions into the young Cheong Soha, and the greatest formidable enemy of the Second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters.

To my ears, now fully resolved, came the grumbling of the 8th Elder, Cheong Kanghoon.

“By the way, what are you going to do? The difference in numbers is too great since we didn’t bring our subordinates.”

The Wind-Crossing Cloud was an excellent means of transportation, but of course, it was impossible to carry everyone present.

Accordingly, only the Elders, including Haekaram and myself, had arrived at this location.

Naturally, it would be difficult to wage a frontal war.

And now was the time to throw them an enticing bait.

“We will hold Cheong Soha on our side. Will subduing the remaining forces be possible for you?”

“Of course. But even with the Guardian of Yangcheolkoong, will you have the leeway for that?”

“Since we both have business with each other, buying time should be possible.”

The Elders beamed and immediately took the bait. Of course, there was no reason to refuse when they were voluntarily holding Cheong Soha, the most troublesome enemy.

But in truth, I needed time to face Cheong Soha and Jinmyeong Daesa without anyone’s interference.

From that perspective, there were no better individuals to use as shields.

“…It’s decided. Let’s move.”

Immediately after Cheong Doyool’s statement, Cheong Kanghoon descended with the Wind-Crossing Cloud and gradually revealed himself before Cheong Soha’s faction.

Soon, everyone landed on the ground, and a sharp killing intent spread from Cheong Soha, who had spotted me.

“What’s this, in such a hurry… Keuk!”

Swoosh!

Zzzzzzzz─!

A quick glance showed Cheong Soha’s Azure-White Sword already drawn from its scabbard.

I expressed gratitude to Haekaram, who blocked my path, and broke out in a cold sweat.

‘…I almost didn’t see it.’

Because I was on guard in advance, I succeeded in deploying a Defensive Art, but perhaps I might not have made it in time.

As expected, with my current self, I cannot reach Cheong Soha. I keenly felt that fact.

“You insignificant creature who dared to mock the Ancestor, how brazenly you show your face.”

“……”

Her completely sharpened attitude was frightening, but on the other hand, also pitiable.

Wasn’t she being played in the palm of the enemy’s hand without even knowing the truth?

So now, I had to free her from those shackles.

“…As promised, we will take care of her.”

“Understood. I leave it to you.”

Even as the Elders scattered, Cheong Soha kept her gaze fixed on me, not even thinking of moving.

And immediately after, the old man wearing a mask revealed himself beside her.

“Kekeke. I was about to leave easily for once, but in the end, you wish to see the conclusion.”

As Jinmyeong recited an Incantation, instantly, thick walls covered all directions, blocking the scenery and sound.

A Barrier Technique using the stone staff he held as a Medium had been activated.

‘…I knew it would come out like that.’

A space possessing strength equivalent to a Barrier made with a Grand Art; of course, it cannot be easily broken.

With this, only four people, including Haekaram and myself, remained in this space. It could rather be said to be what I desired.

“I just happened to have many things to ask, but this can also be seen as an opportunity.”

“…Ancestor, there is no need for you to step forward. I will make him confess the truth in detail with my own hands.”

Finally, with the situation unfolding as planned, I subtly winked at Haekaram and nodded.

“…Are you really okay?”

“Yes. I can do it. Rather, Garam-nim might be in danger.”

“Certainly, even a rough look shows he’s no ordinary guy.”

But Haekaram, even amidst this, exuded an air of enjoyment as she removed the mask she was wearing and dropped it.

“But then again, I’ve never been pushed around by Barriers anywhere either.”

A different object from the goblin mask that was linked to Yangcheolkoong’s Great Barrier.

A Medium for Barrier Technique, brought in advance for the current situation.

Whoosh.

Zzzzzzzt!

“What…?”

As the Art Formula activated, Haekaram and Jinmyeong Daesa were swept into another Barrier beginning to form inside the Barrier and disappeared from sight.

Thus, the stage was set.

Left alone with just the two of us, Cheong Soha and I met each other’s gazes, each holding different meanings.