The Undying Supreme Demon furrowed his brow as he stared at the enemy camp. "Tsk."
Moments ago, the Ak Clan's martial artists had been on the verge of infighting, but now they marched with perfect discipline. Spears glinting menacingly, they scaled the walls of the main gate to reinforce their defenses.
"A single cripple is making things difficult."
The Undying Supreme Demon recalled Ak Jinheon berating the Ak Clan's martial artists. A master's senses far surpass an ordinary person's, allowing him to survey the enemy camp even from a great distance.
Fuck. Who would have thought that a worthless man with martial arts inferior to even a low-ranking cultist could influence the atmosphere so much?
"Aren't you just going to leave them be? Wouldn't it be better to strike before they're fully prepared?"
"Let me personally cut the throat of that old coot who was blabbering about dying a hero's death."
"I'll charge in and slaughter them all!"
The Infernal Eccentric Trio, who had been dragged there against their will, spat on the ground and glared at the enemy camp, a sinister killing intent radiating from their bodies. They didn't fully believe the Undying Supreme Demon's promise to remove the poison after this was over, but they at least wanted to vent their pent-up frustration through slaughter.
The Undying Supreme Demon placated them gently, as if they were his hunting dogs. "Kekeke! Just wait. The Azure Dragon Hero will have no choice but to show himself eventually."
Even as the enemy strengthened their defenses, he remained relaxed.
The swordsman, the First Eccentric of the Infernal Eccentric Trio, sneered. "Hmph! What if he flees to save his own skin? Do you even have a way to catch him?"
The First Eccentric looked at the three cliffs that surrounded the Ak Clan Branch Estate, turning it into a natural fortress.
They were sheer cliffs, impassible to most, but a peerless master could certainly scale them and escape. If that happened, all their efforts would be wasted, like a dog that chased a chicken only to lose it.
"When things get tough, everyone looks out for themselves first. Do you think the Ten Supremes are any different? Just look at the Spear King."
The Undying Supreme Demon nodded knowingly. "That's right. The Azure Dragon Hero is a cunning man."
Upon hearing the First Eccentric's words, the Second and Third Eccentrics also cackled and sneered.
"I hear the Azure Dragon Hero's extremely cunning. Would a guy like that let himself get caught so easily?"
"Don't let him get away and then order us to chase him like some damn hunting dogs."
The Infernal Eccentric Trio had often seen so-called heroes of the orthodox sects abandon their comrades and flee. Naturally, they assumed the Azure Dragon Hero would be no different.
Having suffered at the Azure Dragon Hero's hands so many times, the Blood Cult had investigated him thoroughly in order to capture him.
They knew that while Baek Suryong was merciless to the Blood Cult's followers, he dearly cherished his students and the people around him. While he was a peerless master and nearly perfect as a martial artist, he was also human with weaknesses.
As the Head Elder of the Blood Cult, he had plenty of experience trapping men like this. A foul smile crept across his lips.
"Most of his students and acquaintances are in there. He will never escape alone."
"Tsk, tsk. You're pretty naive for the Blood Cult's Head Elder. I'm telling you, he'll bolt as soon as things get dangerous."
"Kekeke! This old man has a solid plan, so don't you worry about that."
"Ha! This is so frustrating! Why don't you just listen to us instead of...?"
"You're quite talkative today. Why is it so hard for you to know your place?" The Undying Supreme Demon bared his teeth in a smile, revealing his sharp fangs.
The Infernal Eccentric Trio gulped at the sight of the old man's glistening canines. They had seen him eat people several times on their way here.
"...I-I was just sharing my thoughts. Trying to help, you know?"
The Undying Supreme Demon glanced at the now-silent Infernal Eccentric Trio, then turned back to the enemy camp.
If they had started infighting among themselves and reduced their own strength, things would have been much easier.
Even so, it didn't significantly affect the overall situation. The Azure Dragon Hero had surely read the letter enclosed with the gift. He would surely be deep in turmoil and anguish by now.
That man will definitely make his move soon.
Smirking wickedly, the Undying Supreme Demon muttered, "You have until sunset, Azure Dragon Hero. You'd better hurry and make your decision."
The leaders of the Azure Dragon Academy, the Vermilion Phoenix Academy, and the Ak Clan convened a meeting. With the enemy in sight, they held a strategy meeting on the ramparts overlooking the main gate. The Ak Clan's martial artists had reinforced the front entrance, making it as impenetrable as a fortress wall.
"Our main family has military origins and regularly trains for sieges. The terrain also gives us an advantage, so please tell the students not to worry," Ak Yeonhwa reassured, having regained her usual composure.
The schools' management nodded
"I'm impressed by how well you managed the Ak Clan's martial artists, Young Lady," the Fire King complimented.
Ak Yeonhwa lowered her head in shame. "Not at all. On the contrary, I almost caused a crisis with my incompetence. If Uncle Jinheon hadn't stepped forward, I would have tarnished the family name."
"Ahem! Stop with the unnecessary flattery." Ak Jinheon, who was present as an Ak Clan elder, cleared his throat. The atmosphere seemed to leave him both awkward and embarrassed.
Despite the serious situation, everyone smiled warmly. If the Ak Clan had decided to expel Baek Suryong, it would have caused internal strife, and they would have crumbled without putting up a fight. Because of that, Ak Jinheon was a savior to all present.
"Thank you once again, Master Ak!"
"You embody the spirit of a martial artist unlike any I've ever seen before."
"It is truly an honor to meet the hero of the Ak Clan."
As praise poured in from all sides, Ak Jinheon's face turned beet red. "Keuheum! This old man has shown a shameful side in front of the heroes of murim. I was just acting recklessly..."
The Fire King snorted. "You? Reckless? Few martial artists in history have shown such spirit in the face of the Blood Cult's army. Master Ak, please don't humble yourself and further shame the rest of us."
Ak Jinheon was both stunned and moved. Of all things, he never imagined a day would come that the Fire King, a former member of the Ten Supremes, would call him 'Master Ak'. Suppressed his surging emotions, he nodded stiffly. "...Yes. I understand."
Ak Yeonho grinned widely, looking even happier than his father.
Still, they couldn't exchange pleasantries all day.