Chapter 1827. No Matter How Insignificant the Fertilizer (3)

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"Stay still!"

"I-I'd rather you treat the other injured first..."

"Stay still. Unless you want to end up wielding a sword with your mouth!"

At Tang Soso's sharp outburst, Namgung Dowi hesitated and shut his mouth. She examined his badly burned hand with a grave expression, biting her lip.

Namgung Dowi hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

"Dojang. Your father is in critical—"

"I said shut up!"

Namgung Dowi flinched and stopped talking. The murderous intent radiating from Tang Soso was no joke.

Her entire body was stained with blood. It wasn't hers. How many deaths had she witnessed, and how many final moments had she tended to on her way here?

"Don't underestimate the Tang family. Sogaju medical skills are far beyond mine."

Namgung Dowi slowly nodded.

Tang Soso focused on assessing his injury and then clenched her teeth.

"It has to be cut!"

Namgung Dowi's face stiffened.

"My... hand?"

"No. Your fingers are stuck together. If we don't cut the fused flesh now, they'll be permanently attached."

"Ah... I see. That's a relief."

"A relief? Just because they're stuck together doesn't mean you won't feel pain. It'll be like tearing through live flesh."

"Then let's hurry. Others need treatment as well."

Tang Soso lifted her head and stared at Namgung Dowi. The burn scars were severe, but his calm expression showed that he wasn't just putting on a brave front.

Without hesitation, Tang Soso pulled out a small knife [sodo, 소도(小刀)] and pressed it against his hand.

"..."

The procedure was no different from slicing away living flesh. But Namgung Dowi didn't even blink.

Tang Soso worked swiftly to minimize the pain, severing the fused fingers as quickly as possible. Then, she immediately sprinkled a white powder from her pouch onto the wound.

"Ugh...!"

This time, even Namgung Dowi trembled, clenching his lips tightly. He had endured the pain of having his flesh cut apart without a sound, but the powder's effect must have been excruciating.

Tang Soso, indifferent to his reaction, sprinkled the powder onto his chest as well, where his burns were severe.

Namgung Dowi squeezed his eyes shut, yet still, he did not scream.

'Thank goodness.'

Tang Soso sighed in relief.

Previously, when they had fought against the Sun Palace, there were countless burn victims. So she had hurriedly prepared Li Yang Powder this time. Without it, Namgung Dowi's survival would have been uncertain. 

[tl note: Iyangsan, 이양산(理陽散) is a medicinal powder or remedy used for treating burns or injuries caused by extreme heat.]

After applying a medicinal ointment over the white powder, she skillfully wrapped his hand in bandages. Then, she tried to push a pill into his mouth.

"Wait."

But Namgung Dowi suddenly turned his head away and clamped his mouth shut.

Tang Soso spoke firmly.

"Open your mouth."

"What kind of medicine is this?"

"It's not medicine. It's a yeongdan." [restorative pill]

Namgung Dowi shook his head in refusal.

"I'm fine. Give it to someone else."

"You stubborn fool! It's not some great pill. It just helps treat burns—it's a cheap pill! Taking it won't even boost your internal energy!"

"That's exactly why I can't take it."

"What?"

"If I take it, I'll have to circulate my qi to absorb it. Now isn't the time for that."

"…But there will be aftereffects."

"I'll endure them."

Namgung Dowi slowly sat up. Tang Soso instinctively reached out to push him back down but hesitated.

He was right. This wasn't the time to focus on healing.

"Take care of the others."

"You might really die if you push yourself."

"Don't worry. I won't die here. And..."

Namgung Dowi's gaze shifted elsewhere.

Not far from them, Maeng So, Hye Yeon, and Lee Songbaek were still locked in fierce battle.

They, too, were heavily injured, barely able to stand. Yet they kept fighting.

If he simply sat back and watched just because he'd suffered some burns, what would people say after the battle was over?

"I'd rather die than be called weak."

"It already seems that way."

"....Don't say such terrible things."

Namgung Dowi shivered as if he didn't want to even imagine it.

"Anyway, thank you..."

But just then, a strange sound interrupted him.

"Re, retreat!"

"Run! Everyone, retreat!"

Namgung Dowi froze. Tang Soso, who had been about to move to the next injured person, also stopped in place.

"….What did they just say?"

It wasn't just a single shout.

Urgent screams spread across the battlefield. 

Even the Evil Tyrant Alliance warriors, who had initially looked bewildered, soon fell into confusion.

When they turned their gaze to assess the situation, they saw the rearguard already withdrawing.

"Those bastards...!"

Retreat. The decision to cease fighting and fall back.

Such a tactical decision had entirely different meanings depending on one's position on the battlefield.

For those in the rear, retreat simply meant turning around and running. But for those engaged in direct combat, retreating was nearly impossible unless they could somehow fight their way through their own ranks—or worse, turn their backs on the enemy and flee.

That left only two choices.

Either keep fighting, holding the line until the rear troops had safely withdrawn, or shove through allies in a desperate bid for survival.

For evil sect warriors, the choice wasn't difficult.

Fwoosh!

A burst of red energy surged.

"Guh!"

A warrior, caught off guard, was instantly split in two by the crimson blade.

"Get out of the way."

Red Dog had cut down a comrade without hesitation. In an instant, other Red Dogs warriors followed suit, ruthlessly slashing through their own ranks to carve a path backward.

It was an act that should have incited rage.

But instead of fury, an overwhelming fear spread through the Evil Tyrant Alliance warriors.

"Aaaaah!"

Terror-stricken screams filled the battlefield as they all turned and fled.

"What...?"

Namgung Dowi murmured in disbelief at the sudden chaos.

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"Hmm. I guess I'll have to stop here."

The first to assess the situation was, of course, Thousand Faced Manipulator. Pressing a bleeding wound on his left arm, he gave a wry smile.

"What do you think?"

Jongli Gok silently glared at him. His tattered robe was scorched in several places, and the exposed flesh beneath had turned blackened and necrotic. Yet his eyes remained as sharp as ever.

"It seems unreasonable to keep fighting in this situation."

"Don't even think about playing tricks."

Jongli Gok spat.

"No matter what happens, we won't let you go. Especially now."

The 'situation' they spoke of carried different meanings.

For Thousand Faced Manipulator, it referred to the entire battlefield, where the Evil Tyrant Alliance forces were retreating.

For Jongli Gok, it meant only the confrontation between them.

Thousand Faced Manipulator glanced sideways.

"Huff... Huff..."

Nearby, Jeok Ho stood, breathing heavily. He had been pushed to his limit, barely staying conscious through sheer willpower.

"...Tch."

Thousand Faced Manipulator clicked his tongue in irritation.

'All talk and no substance.'

That fool had already reached his limit. His only redeeming quality was his endurance, but that was all.

Meanwhile...

"Retreat."

Im Sobyeong slowly fanned his face with an open fan.

"...This is a disaster."

There weren't any noticeable wounds on his body. It wasn't because Jeok Ho was weak—far from it. Even a master like Thousand Faced Manipulator would have doubted his own ability to completely dominate an opponent like this. Yet, Im Sobyeong had utterly crushed Jeok Ho. Im Sobyeong martial art was something even Thousand Faced Manipulator hadn't anticipated.

'This isn't good.'

Thousand Faced Manipulator narrowed his eyes.

'My legs are fine. But…'

Rescuing Jeok Ho and escaping? That kind of foolish idea didn't even cross his mind. The real problem was that even escaping alone wouldn't be easy. Facing Jongli Gok alone wouldn't be simple, and if Im Sobyeong joined in, it might cost him his life.

'No other choice. I'll have to sacrifice an arm and—'

Just then—

"Ugh…"

Im Sobyeong, who had been watching the scene with a composed and relaxed demeanor, suddenly fidgeted like a restless puppy about to relieve itself. Then, with a thud, he plopped down on the spot.

"I can't go on anymore."

Jongli Gok frowned as he glanced at him.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"Whew, I can't fight anymore."

"....You have the luxury to joke around in this situation? You must be completely out of your mind."

"Does it look like I'm joking?"

Jongli Gok bared his teeth at the seated Im Sobyeong.

"Enough with the theatrics! Or are you showing mercy just because you're both from the evil sects?"

"That's not it, I seriously have no strength left? I can't even lift a finger."

"Does that make sense?"

"Why not? I have meridian qi disorder."

"You…!"

Jongli Gok was about to explode in anger but suddenly paused. Im Sobyeong, who smirked at him, had black, coagulated blood trickling from his mouth.

In a voice that sounded more like a sickly chick than his usual relaxed tone, Im Sobyeong muttered weakly.

"I'm a genius because of my meridian qi disorder… but because of it, I have no stamina. I can't fight for long."

"..."

"Well, what can I do? There are pros and cons to everything. Makes me more human, don't you think?"

"…This is insane."

Jongli Gok unconsciously grimaced.

It was still hard to believe, but it didn't seem like Im Sobyeong was lying. His face had gone deathly pale in an instant, and cold sweat was pouring down his body—things that couldn't be faked.

'No. This actually makes sense…'

Even Jongli Gok wasn't confident he could overpower Jeok Ho so one-sidedly. Even if he ultimately won, it would be a hard-fought battle.

If Im Sobyeong could wield that kind of power without limitations, his name would already be famous throughout the world. He could have even claimed the title of the greatest evil sect master.

With a hollow voice, Im Sobyeong mumbled.

"Ugh, what a shame. If only I could've fought a little longer…"

"Shut up and focus on recovering. You look like you're about to die."

"Oh? Fighting together for a bit made you grow attached to me? Wow, I didn't know our sect leader was so sentimental—"

"I said shut up."

Jongli Gok, grinding his teeth, suddenly asked.

"How bad is it?"

"….Didn't you just tell me to shut up?"

"Just answer me!"

"….I can't even move a finger."

Jongli Gok quickly calculated the situation in his head. 

Im Sobyeong was immobile. If he rushed at Thousand Faced Manipulator now, he might be able to hold him back…

Jongli Gok glanced at Im Sobyeong.

'He's going to die.'

Even though Jeok Ho was battered, he could still swing his blade at least once. And that would be enough to kill Im Sobyeong. If Jongli Gok then tried to take on both of them, the situation would spiral further out of control…

After a long deliberation, Jongli Gok finally lowered his sword.

"…Get lost."

Thousand Faced Manipulator's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Hm, that easy?"

"I told you to leave. Before I change my mind."

"Haha. Should I be thanking you?"

Thousand Faced Manipulator slowly approached Jeok Ho, who was still holding his sword, and lightly grabbed his shoulder from behind.

Jongli Gok's eyes twitched as he watched. Thousand Faced Manipulator smirked and added.

"I tend to be a bit suspicious."

"What do you take me for?"

"A hypocrite?"

"…You filthy evil sect scum dare—"

With Jeok Ho as his shield, Thousand Faced Manipulator grinned.

"As a token of my gratitude, let me give you a hint."

"Hm?"

"You'd better keep your eyes wide open. Otherwise… you might regret it. I never thought he'd actually use that here."

"What nonsense are you spewing?"

"That's all I have to say. See you next time."

Pat.

Thousand Faced Manipulator disappeared into the distance. Jongli Gok muttered.

"What a persistently lucky bastard."

His mouth tasted bitter. Eventually, he turned his gaze away from where Thousand Faced Manipulator had vanished and looked at Im Sobyeong.

"Are you alright?"

"….You could've killed him."

"My abilities weren't enough."

"Is that really true?"

Jongli Gok didn't answer. Even he wasn't entirely sure why he had made that decision. He simply shook his head and asked.

"So, what's happening now?"

"Well…"

Im Sobyeong, who had been observing the battlefield, slowly became expressionless.

"It's as you see. They're retreating."

"For what? The damage they're taking is immense."

"True. But damage is relative. If they gain more than they lose, then it's worth it."

"Gain? What do you mean—"

Jongli Gok was about to ask when he suddenly froze, as if struck by lightning. He quickly snapped his head around and frantically scanned the battlefield.

Gone.

"Ho Gamyeong is there… but someone else who should be there isn't."

"Where is he? Where is Jang Ilso?"

"…Something worth sacrificing many lives to protect and secure."

Even without hearing the rest, Jongli Gok understood. He bit down hard on his lower lip.

"Yes. If that 'something' is Jang Ilso's life… this isn't madness at all. For them, at least."

A chill ran down Jongli Gok's spine.