Translator: Nox
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Thunder in the Ravine
#1
After the battle, the caravan moved more swiftly.
The morale among the guards rose sharply.
The merchants, too, seemed to breathe easier — especially after seeing the combined might of the Peng and Zhegall warriors.
Zhegall Yeong-yeong reviewed the strategy in her notebook.
“It was well executed. We minimized damage and saved arrows. Acceptable result.”
“Glad you’re satisfied,” Hyeon-do said, smiling.
“I didn’t say I was.”
Still a pain.
But at least she wasn’t frowning anymore.
“Your Thunderforce technique. It doesn’t resemble any of the standard Peng forms.”
“It’s a hidden art.”
She gave him a suspicious look.
“I see. That would explain the output.”
She wasn’t prying — just observing. Calculating.
“You performed better than expected.”
“Thanks.”
“That wasn’t praise.”
There it was again.
Hyeon-do chuckled softly.
But deep down, he was curious too.
<How strong is Yeong-yeong?>
In the game, she had never shown her full power until the Zhegall Sect route’s climax.
But here and now, he could sense it.
Beneath her calm demeanor was terrifying power.
“Let’s keep moving.”
She turned and walked off.
But her steps were lighter than before.
#2
Two days passed without incident.
The convoy approached the midpoint where the Zhegall Sect’s territory began.
Once past this point, the escort was officially a success.
But Hyeon-do didn’t let his guard down.
And his caution was warranted.
Because—
“Sir! Movement in the rear!”
“Numbers?”
“At least thirty. No flags. Probably a different bandit group.”
The scouts were sharp.
Yeong-yeong gave commands instantly.
“Rear Team, deploy pincer formation. Peng warriors, front assault!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Once again, the Zhegall Sect took control of the battlefield from the rear.
While the Peng Sect burst forward like an iron battering ram.
But this time, something felt off.
“These guys... fight too well.”
The bandits were far more disciplined than expected.
Tactics. Formations. Even their footwork was tight.
“Military training?”
“Or worse — Sado-Ryeon mercenaries.”
That explained a lot.
The Demonic Alliance.
If they were interfering this early...
“This could be trouble.”
Zhegall Yeong-yeong looked genuinely concerned.
But Hyeon-do just grinned.
“Let me handle the middle line.”
“You alone?”
“Yep.”
He tightened the grip on his saber.
Electricity surged.
BOOM!
He charged like a thunderclap.
[White Tiger Crosses the Stream!]
[Thunder Fang Slash!]
Sparks danced along the blade.
The mercenaries couldn’t react in time.
One. Two. Three—
Each strike took out an enemy in a single hit.
He spun mid-air.
[Heaven Splitting Roar!]
An explosive shockwave knocked down ten men at once.
The rest scattered.
Behind him, Peng warriors roared.
The tide had turned.
In the end — another swift victory.
#3
After the battle, Zhegall Yeong-yeong stood alone, looking out at the battlefield.
The sun had started to set.
A golden hue stretched over the bloodied ground.
She didn’t turn as Hyeon-do approached.
“I warned you this might happen.”
“You did.”
“You handled it well.”
“That sounds like praise.”
“It is.”
Hyeon-do smiled.
They stood there in silence for a moment.
Then Yeong-yeong spoke.
“When we reach the sect, I’ll be submitting a report.”
“About what?”
“About you.”
“...I see.”
“You may receive a formal invitation.”
“To the Zhegall Sect?”
She nodded.
“I hope you’ll accept.”
“Even though I’m a brute from a third-rate sect?”
“You’re more useful than half the people I’ve met in the central plains.”
It was the most sincere thing she’d said so far.
Hyeon-do didn’t reply.
He just grinned.
【To be continued in Chapter 10】
