Chwaaaak!
The battleship sliced through the water currents. The sudden maneuvers and acceleration created white foam that quickly turned the Yangtze River white.
It was literally spectacular to see dozens of giant battleships turning their heads and pushing forward at the same time.
No, the term ‘spectacular’ might not be apt. For the Namgung Family on Plum Blossom Island, that scene was ‘terror’ itself.
“Ah….”
The enemy was approaching. Those who bear the name Namgung have never been afraid of enemies. Rather, they had welcomed them.
But now, what surfaced in their eyes was not fighting spirit but despair.
He had never once imagined a situation where they fell into despair and lost confidence, not because the enemy was strong, but because they were not in perfect condition.
None of them had known.
How terrible war can be.
The situation of facing each other in the best state, overcoming a tough opponent with chivalrousness and perseverance, is just in stories.
“Wake up!”
At that moment, a resounding roar erupted from Namgung Hwang’s mouth.
“Don’t forget! The last sight of you is not seen by me or your comrades standing behind you! It’s those very enemies who will see your last moments!”
His voice pierced everyone’s ears painfully.
“Don’t let them remember the last sight of Namgung Family swordsmen as being powerless and scared! The last thing you must protect is the awe the enemy feels towards you!”
Did it work?
It is unknown. However, what was certain was that the moment the words to stand up came from the mouth of Namgung Hwang, the swordsmen of the Namgung Family, who had collapsed from exhaustion, were somehow standing up.
“Isn’t this good! The enemy is coming. Now, there are those to be cut down by our sword. Smile! Prove that Namgung’s sword truly exerts its power when facing the enemy!”
It was a voice filled with fury.
That was the moment when Namgung Hwang made his final determination to fight. Some of the battleships approaching the island turned sharply to the side.
“Huh?”
Kwaaaaaaang!
Before the turn was even complete, the fired barrage hit Plum Blossom Island. It wasn’t aimed to hit precisely. It was a good attack if it hit, but even if it didn’t, it was still a good attack. It was an attack meant to break the enemy’s morale and scatter their focus.
However, even the bombardment fired without expectations could not help but be a great threat to the Namgung Family, who were pushed to their limits.
Kwaaaang! Kwaaaaaaang!
Cannon shells poured all over the island.
The sky is as clear as ever. The pouring cannon shells that dotted the sky and the dust rising as a result forced a sense of reality into their otherwise blurry mind.
“Keuk.”
The swordsmen of the Namgung Family clenched their teeth and raised their swords again.
That’s true.
A warrior proves their life by how they die.
They know it too. The odds of them surviving this battle were slim. So shouldn’t they prove their life with this last battle?
Kwaang! Kwaaaaang!
The barrage continued, but the eyes of the Namgung Family swordsmen grew colder.
The moment those ships reach this shore is the beginning!
All the swordsmen of the Namgung Family looked at the approaching ships, took deep breaths, and began to steel themselves. But at that moment.
Paaaaat!
Before they could even fully prepare their minds, dozens of pirates erupted from the water surface touching the island, accompanied by a splash.
“Wha- What!”
“I- It’s coming! Damn it!”
The pirates, who caught them off guard, rushed forward with all their might without even shouting.
Black Dragon King was indeed a cunning one. As if refusing to give Namgung Family any time to gather their spirits, he had sent the assault team to Meihua Island a step ahead.
Paaaaaat!
The sheer speed of the onrush made it clear these weren’t just ordinary water pirates.
The pirates, their faces as stern as iron armor, came right before their eyes, and exuded a chill colder than the eternal ice of the North Sea.
“Azure Sky Sword Squad! Hold the front!”
“Yes!”
Training ingrained in the body proves its worth in any situation. Even though the Azure Sky Sword Squad members were at their physical limits, their feet moved first at the command of their Daeju.
Azure Sky Sword Squad quickly moved to the front and formed a battle line.
If Chung Myung had witnessed this scene, he would have nodded approvingly immediately. The power of a prestigious family isn’t proved by the clear sword energy at the edge. It’s the will that testifies to its history and name.
At this moment, the Namgung Family was proving with their will that their accumulated reputation was not mere vanity.
Kwaaaaang!
The bombardment didn’t cease either.
Amidst the heated battlefield with cannon shells flying, the Azure Sky Sword Squad of the Namgung Family and water fortress of the Black Dragon of the pirates collided head-on.
Kagagagak!
Swords and blades, swords and harpoons clashed, sparks flying everywhere.
This was different from before. All the battles fought till now were with the knowledge that there was a retreat. The water fortress did not intend to push the Namgung Family to the end, and the Namgung Family recognized that the pirates had no intention to completely cutting off their breath.
But it’s different now.
What’s left is the annihilation of one side.
A battle where everything is at stake, not ending until one side is completely breathless.
Kagagagak!
The arm with the tendon on edge pushed against the weapons. It was a sight that showed the will not to be pushed back even an inch.
Under normal circumstances, it would be the Black Dragon Water Fortress that would have been pushed back.
Azure Sky Sword Squad. Those who bear that name are the elite of the elite of Namgung Family. How could the swords that have led the Azure Sky Namgung Family be light?
However,
Kagagagak!
“Kkeuk….”
As the confrontation lengthened, it was the sword of the Namgung Family that was gradually pushed back.
As if to prove that no matter how strong your will is, you cannot ultimately overcome the limits of your body, water fortress’ dao and harpoon began to push away Namgung’s sword.
“Keuaaak!”
“Aaargh!”
The dao, which gained victory, eventually cruelly split the fragile body.
Blood splattered everywhere, and sharp screams echoed. However, even at the moment when the harpoon pierced the stomach and dao cut through the shoulders, the Azure Sky Sword Squad didn’t retreat easily.
This is because they knew, even without someone shouting and rallying them.
That this is where they are supposed to die.
“Don’t mess with me!”
One of the Azure Sky Sword Squad members let out a desperate shout and swung his sword.
Paaaaat!
With a swift motion, the sword, which flew like a beam of light, pierced the neck of the enemy who was charging from the front.
“Kkereuk!”
The sword that drilled through the front of the neck came out from the nape. The enemies, who looked down at the sword stuck in his neck, trembled in disbelief.
“Mere pirates…”
Puuk!
But at that moment.
The harpoon of the enemy, whose throat was pierced, unexpectedly penetrated the lower abdomen of the momentarily distracted Azure Sky Sword Squad member.
A sound of wind came out of the Azure Sky Sword Squad member’s mouth. Although their will may be strong, they are still cubs with little battlefield experience. They neglected the all-too-important fact that one should never lower their guard until the enemy’s breath has completely ceased.
“Kkeuk….”
Paaaaaat!
At that time, a dao flew in from the back, and severed the neck of an Azure Sky Sword Squad member who was twisting his body. His head with wide eyes rose as it spun into the air.
“Gwa- Gwang-ah!”
“Namgung Gwang-aaaaah!”
The great family is incredibly cohesive.
Unlike sects, where unrelated people gather together and share a common value, great family members grow up together from an early age.
This means that the shock of losing someone is incomparable to that of a normal sect.
The head of the man who was a younger brother to some, an older brother to others, and a son to others rose into the air, and tears of blood began to flow from the hearts of those who had to see the scene clearly with their own eyes.
“You bastaaaards!”
“Euaaaaaa!”
As hatred and rage swelled, chivalrousness and righteousness vanished from the battlefield.
What remained was a blatant animosity, a resolve to tear apart those in front of them.
The gently embellished stories meant to instill dreams in those growing up with swords were completely torn down, and the true face of the battlefield began to be revealed.
Victory is bought by sacrificing one’s son’s head.
Glory is obtained by offering a brother’s heart.
Who discusses sacrifice?
Who talks about grief?
There is no praise for the fallen. Glory belongs entirely to the living.
Someone had to know. Who shed blood behind that glory? Behind every triumph lies a multitude of forgotten deaths.
Unfortunately, however, those present were consumed by animosity, fear, and hatred, blindly charging at the enemy before them.
“Dieeee!”
“Aaaaaahhh!”
The Azure Sky Sword Squad, their eyes bloodshot, swung their swords at the pirates with furious defiance.
It was a fierce strike. The amount of sword energy poured out was so extreme that it was unbelievable that it came from people who were completely exhausted.
But the Black Dragon Water Fortress did not panic.
A cornered rat will even bite a cat. But would a cat die just because it’s bitten by a mouse? They had anticipated the fierce resistance. The key was to corner the enemy completely.
Unlike their initial fierce assault, the Black Dragon Water Fortress relaxed its offensive. They deliberately slowed down, taking their time, unhurriedly.
Kuung! Kuung!
At that time, the sound of ships advancing to Plum Blossom Island crashed into the sandbank and anchored echoed ominously.
In time.
The Black Dragon Ship, a huge ship made entirely of black, symbolizing the Black Dragon King, finally arrived at Plum Blossom Island.
Kwaaaang!
The loud noise penetrated everyone’s ears.
It was a loud noise that made others doubt whether the ship could be safe even after docking at that speed. However, the impact of that noise was undeniably significant.
The Namgung Family, realizing through their ears rather than eyes that the enemy’s main force had arrived, instinctively shrank.
Kuung!
A moment later, someone slowly emerged at the bow of the Black Dragon Ship.
A physique so majestic enough to intimidate onlookers.
Black beard reminiscent of Guan Yu.
Eyes fierce as a tiger’s.
A person who makes those who watch onlookers shrink not only by his skills but also by his appearance has revealed his majesty.
“These insect-like…..”
The Black Dragon King, having finally set foot on Plum Blossom Island, sneered down at the Namgung Family.
“Turn all those who dare oppose me on this river into fish food!”
“At your command!”
No sooner had the order been given than pirates began pouring out of the docked battleships like a swarm of ants.
It was a breathtaking sight.
From the ships that had seized all sides of the island, and from the water, pirates inexorably pressed onto the land in an unending stream.
“Black Dragon Kiiiiiiing!”
Namgoong Hwang let out a lion-like roar.
“Emperor Sword.”
However, the Black Dragon King, upon hearing the sound, merely twisted the corner of his mouth. Namgung Hwang, his eyes reddened with hatred, fixed his gaze on him and shouted.
“If you are a true martial artist, come forward! Surely you have the courage to settle our unfinished duel!”
“Still the same foolish man, Namgung Hwang.”
Black Dragon King made a blatant mockery.
“Do you really think someone like you is worthy to challenge me?”
“This….”
“Just struggle as much as you can before you die. I’ll be sure to watch your last moments with my own eyes!”
“Black Dragon Kiiiiiing!”
“Kill them.”
The pirates began to rush towards the bleeding big fish. As if they were going to eat all the flesh without leaving a single piece of it behind.
![Arcane Sniper [Matan’s Shooter]](https://cpunovel.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/arcane-sniper.jpg "Arcane Sniper [Matan’s Shooter]")
