Chapter 152
“...That is all we have uncovered so far.”
*Inside the Family Head's Hall.*
Jin So-baek was the one who had come to visit the Peng Family.
A heavy silence hung over the Family Head's Hall as Jin So-baek, who introduced himself as the Leader of Hao Sect, finished relaying his story.
Peng Mugang, along with Peng Seo-jin and Elder Gu Wang-pyo, wore expressions of utmost gravity.
The cause of their distress was the news that the Demonic Cult was leading a large force, including four of the Ten Great Demon Stars, towards the Peng Family.
Of course, they could have doubted Jin So-baek's identity and his story.
However, he possessed a Divine Object that proved he was the Leader of Hao Sect.
It was the Red Feather Fan.
This was the Divine Object symbolizing the Leader of Hao Sect.
True to its reputation, a mysterious aura emanated from the red fan.
This meant that everything Jin So-baek had just reported was true.
There was no reason for the Leader of Hao Sect to come all this way and spout nonsense.
“Hmph, is it true that the Demonic Cult is truly headed this way?”
“How could such a thing...?”
It was unbelievable.
What was their objective, and why was this situation unfolding?
Everyone was puzzled and bewildered, but discussing such matters now was meaningless.
The event had already occurred, and from this point on, they had to decide what to do.
That was the priority.
However, what truly enraged everyone in the Family Head's Hall was the information regarding the Murim Alliance from Jin So-baek's report.
Even though Jin So-baek-baek conveyed the situation, they seemed to have no intention of acting at all.
Everyone let out a hollow laugh at the mention that there wasn't even an attempt to verify whether the information they received was true.
That was tantamount to declaring their intention to offer no assistance whatsoever to the Peng Family in its current predicament.
“How could the Murim Alliance act like this?!”
“Indeed. For those who represent the Orthodox Martial World to feign ignorance in such a situation is unacceptable!”
Peng Mugang was equally dumbfounded.
How had they become so corrupt?
Their relationship hadn't been particularly good in the past either, but in times of crisis, the Orthodox Martial World would still unite and help as if it were its own affair back then.
But now...
“Regardless, thank you for coming here personally to deliver this news.”
Peng Mugang sincerely expressed his gratitude to Jin So-baek.
“It is nothing.”
“But may I ask why you are offering us such assistance?”
Peng Mugang was curious as to why the Hao Sect, which neither belonged to the same Orthodox Faction nor had any particular ties with it, had stepped forward like this.
Jin So-baek smiled faintly and replied.
“Some time ago, I had the opportunity to interact with a certain individual from the Peng Family and formed a friendly acquaintance. When I coincidentally heard this news, I couldn't ignore it, so I came to visit.”
“Who was it?”
“I apologize, but I am a person who buys and sells information. The only thing I can give you without expecting anything in return is the news I delivered today, so please understand.”
“Hmm. I see. Very well.”
He was curious about who in the Peng Family had ties with the Hao Sect, but he couldn't press the matter further.
More importantly, this man had willingly stepped forward to help the Peng Family.
“Then, what should we do now?”
If the Murim Alliance was going to act like that, the only ones it could ask for help were the Five Great Families and the Nine Great Sects.
However, it would take too long for them to arrive.
It was possible they might only arrive after everything was over.
But they couldn't just stand by.
Peng Mugang sent people to every possible location.
Since they didn't know how things would turn out, it was better to do everything they could.
“I suggest that for now, you evacuate all your family members.”
“That would be best. Until we can join forces with others...”
“No. We cannot do that.”
Peng Mugang shook his head at the Elders' suggestion.
“But Patriarch, right now, this is the only way...”
“I am not saying this out of pride. If we leave like that, how will they react?”
Would those who came with such a force, only to find an empty house, simply retreat?
Unlikely.
Ultimately, their wrath would undoubtedly turn towards the ordinary people living in Hebei.
For all to see.
“Surely not to that extent.”
Everyone's faces turned pale at Peng Mugang's words.
“Why else would they be called the Demonic Cult? And they have done such things many times before.”
“In that case...”
“We must fight. Somehow.”
It would be a reckless battle, of course, but shouldn't they uphold the reputation of being called the hegemon of Hebei?
Regardless of the outcome.
*Is this truly the Peng Family of Hebei?*
But no matter how he thought about it, it was a battle they couldn't win.
Jin So-baek, having roughly observed their decision, bowed and left the Family Head's Hall.
His head throbbed, and he rubbed his temples.
He had already done everything he could.
But what was this feeling?
It was then.
“Oh! It’s Daddy’s friend!”
A small child appeared and greeted Jin So-baek cheerfully.
He had just run into Yul-i and Peng Seo-yeon, who were strolling in the garden.
Peng Seo-yeon also looked pleased to see him, having met him before.
“What brings you here today? My husband is currently out.”
“Ahaha. I just happened to be passing by for another matter.”
“I see. Well, we’ll see you again then.”
“Yes.”
“See you again! Goodbye!”
Yul-i smiled sweetly and waved her hand.
Jin So-baek smiled and nodded unconsciously.
*Daddy’s friend... this is quite something, haha...*
Soon, Bae Cho-jin, Jin So-baek's subordinate, approached him as he fully exited the Peng Family estate.
“Did the discussion go well?”
“What's there to go well? I merely delivered disheartening news.”
“Well, that’s true.”
Jin So-baek scratched his head vigorously.
“Haa. This is driving me crazy.”
The image of Yul-i, whom he had just met, lingered in his mind.
Moreover, the Peng Family he had observed was truly a good place.
A place filled with human warmth, yet maintaining the dignity of a regional hegemon, exuding a positive influence.
Such a place might disappear because of the Demonic Cultists.
Jin So-baek then looked at Bae Cho-jin, the woman who always followed him.
“Perhaps it’s time to choose a successor. Can you handle it?”
“Excuse me? What do you mean...?”
“How many Martial Force Units can the Hao Sect mobilize most quickly?”
“Why are you asking that? S-surely not! Right? Please tell me it’s not true!”
“We can’t lose such a valuable guest so easily.”
“No! There’s no chance of winning! No chance!”
No matter how many Martial Force Units the Hao Sect gathered, the enemy's strength far surpassed it.
It was absolutely impossible to stop them with just the Peng Family and the Hao Sect.
What was this man thinking?!
“We’ll just do what we can and then pull out. Don’t worry. And I’m counting on you.”
*No, is that even possible?*
*And if you’re going to pull out on your own, what are you counting on me for?!*
But Bae Cho-jin-jin fell silent, seeing the determination in Jin So-baek's eyes.
She had a feeling that perhaps the Hao Sect might disappear along with the Peng Family.
She couldn't just say, *Good luck, Sect Master,* and leave him to it.
“Ugh! Damn it! Why did I have to meet such a crazy Sect Master?!”
“Hey, hey! I think what you were thinking inside just slipped out, didn’t it?”
“Oh, I don’t care! He’s crazy! Truly!”
Soon, they began to move even more busily.
*Meanwhile, the Peng Family was also in a frenzy.*
Since they had decided to fight and not abandon the Peng Family, they had to prepare for battle, following Patriarch Peng Mugang's will.
To stop them as much as possible!
But even before the battle, evacuating the family members was the priority.
...So, everyone, leave as quickly as possible. If you hear news that the Peng Family is safe, then return, but if not, do not come back.”
Peng Mugang gathered all the Peng Family members and spoke.
Everyone who heard the story was dumbfounded.
*No, what is this sudden turn of events?*
Today had been an ordinary day, just like any other, but now the Demonic Cult is invading?
And those who didn't know Martial Arts were told to leave quickly?
“Patriarch... how can we leave you alone? We cannot.”
“That’s right. We will fight too!”
Everyone expressed their intention to stay and fight.
But Peng Mugang shook his head resolutely.
“They are Demonic Cultists. They show no mercy to anyone. Moreover, if those who don't know Martial Arts remain, how can we properly fight?”
“But Patriarch, we...”
“Everyone has worked hard. I wish you all safety.”
Everyone shed tears at the sudden farewell.
“H-husband.”
“Father.”
Dan Hee-young and Peng Seo-yeon's faces were also utterly pale.
Just moments ago, the pleasant time they had spent together in the garden felt like a dream.
“I will fight too.”
“You must take care of Yul-i.”
“Don’t worry. The Peng Family will not fall so easily. We will protect this place so that everyone can return.”
But Peng Seo-yeon-yeon knew.
How impossible that task was.
“Grandpa, is something wrong?”
Yul-i, sensing the unusual atmosphere, looked up at Peng Mugang with a slightly anxious expression and asked.
Peng Mugang smiled quietly and picked Yul-i up.
“What’s wrong? Our Yul-i, you’re just going on a fun picnic with Grandma and Mommy. Won’t that be fun?”
“Aren’t you coming, Grandpa?”
“Grandpa has some work left to do, so I can’t go.”
“Aww. That’s a shame.”
“Next time, let’s definitely go together, you, Grandpa, and me.”
“Really?”
“Of course!”
“Hehe. Okay!”
“Hahahaha!”
Yul-i laughed brightly, her anxiety seemingly gone.
Peng Mugang also let out a hearty laugh.
Soon, Peng Mugang put Yul-i down again, gazed at her for a moment, and then spoke.
“Yul-a. Then, always stay healthy.”
“Yes!”
Yul-i simply replied to her grandfather's words cheerfully.
Afterward, Peng Mugang firmly held Dan Hee-young's hand.
Dan Hee-young knew.
Especially at times like this, she shouldn't show any weakness.
“You must protect both the Peng Family and yourself. Understood?”
“Of course. Whose words would I disobey?”
Next, Peng Seo-jin also bid farewell to his family.
He stood by Peng Mugang's side more steadfastly than anyone.
Before long, all the family members quickly packed their belongings and set off.
As Peng Mugang watched Dan Hee-young, Peng Seo-yeon, and Yul-i mingle among the departing family members, he suddenly called out to Peng Seo-yeon.
He was thinking that he might never be able to say these words again.
“Seo-yeon.”
“Yes, Father.”
“I was truly happy that you came back.”
Peng Mugang conveyed his belated true feelings to his daughter.
At his words, Peng Seo-yeon tried her best to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
Dan Hee-young patted her shoulder.
And soon, all the Peng Family members left the estate.
Only the Peng Family Warriors, ready to fight, remained.
“If there are any among you who wish to leave now, you may. I grant you permission.”
“How could that be? Are you underestimating us too much, Patriarch? We are all ready to risk our lives and fight for the Peng Family.”
Gu Wang-pyo laughed heartily at Peng Mugang's words.
Everyone's eyes gleamed, as if agreeing with Gu Wang-pyo.
Thus, the White Martial Squad, the White Tiger Unit, and the Black Dragon Unit, the Patriarch's direct guard all appeared, excluding the White Wolf Unit that had gone to the Demonic Alliance.
And there, the place was filled with proud Warriors belonging to the Peng Family.
They were individuals who had already resolved to die here for the Peng Family.
Peng Seo-jin was no different.
He shook his head at Peng Mugang's suggestion to evacuate with the family members, just in case.
He was a Warrior of the Peng Family before being the Eldest Young Master.
He intended to risk his life with everyone else here today.
Having confirmed everyone's resolve, Peng Mugang nodded and raised his voice.
“From now on! Do not entertain any thoughts of defeat or lack of victory! No matter what, we will protect this place! Understood?!”
“Yes!”
Thus, the Peng Family prepared to face the enemy in full readiness.
And then,
“They’re here!”
Not long after, they appeared.
The Demonic Cult: those bloodthirsty murderous ghosts.