“Gyoryong Water Fortress was attacked by Shaolin. We got a message that the Chaeju is running away from the water fortress!”
“Wudang is advancing toward Clear River Water Fortress (???(淸河砦))! Clear River Chaeju has requested support.”
“Na- Namgung Family is moving northward! We must, we must find a way...”
A middle-aged man seated on a black throne looked down upon the scene below.
The throne on which the man sat was pitch-black as if it was absorbing light, and the clothes he was wearing were all black. Even the long beard reminiscent of Guan Yunzhang and the rough, unkempt hair were utterly black.
But what resembled the color of darkest was his eyes. Those dark eyes stared at those who prostrated before him.
“L- Lord Black Dragon King!”
The man’s eyebrows twitched when he heard an urgent cry.
The Eighteen Water Fortress of the Yangtze River that dominates the Yangtze River, the highest name that only one person who controls the river can have.
No matter how large Eighteen Water Fortress of the Yangtze River are, it is only a very small place if it is sandwiched between the Ten Great Sect and the Heavenly Comrade Alliance.
Not only Shaolin and Wudang from Ten Great Sect, Namgung Family of the Five Great Family, but also the Sichuan Tang Family of Heavenly Comrade Alliance alone can compete with Eighteen Water Fortress of the Yangtze River.
How can such a sect deal with a coalition of five or ten forces alone with eighteen water fortresses along the Yangtze River?
Considering that the sect that did not come forward are actually willing to join, more than half of the Righteous Factions in the world are flocking to the Yangtze River.
“So....”
“Yes, Lord Black Dragon King.”
“What’s the plan?”
“....”
Everyone fell silent at the Black Dragon King’s question.
“Surely, with those gaping mouths, you’re not going to tell me there’s no plan.”
“....”
“Come up with a plan.”
The subordinates sneaked glances at each other.
It was like putting a bell around a cat’s neck. Even if they knew the answer, no one had the courage to speak frankly in front of the Black Dragon King.
“You’re not going to answer?”
The Black Dragon King’s voice grew rougher.
“Those snouts usually eat the benefit of the fortress, but when asked to speak you keep shut. Then, are those mouths and heads of yours useless?”
The faces of the subordinates paled instantly.
How else would the Black Dragon King be the Black Dragon King.
He was a man who would not bat an eyelid even if he cut off all the heads of those here.
In the end, one of these people, who could not overcome the pressure, carefully opened his mouth.
“I humbly apologize for speaking...”
“Tell me.”
“...There’s a saying to avoid the rain. They say they’re coming into the Yangtze now, but... It’s an expedition after all. Considering their home base, they won’t stay in the Yangtze River for long.”
“...So?”
“Perhaps we should momentarily lay low and order all water fortresses to temporarily leave the Yangtze River. Once the rain stops, we can return...”
Pooook!
Suddenly, the man who was speaking fell as blood spattered.
Kwaang!
But no one dared to turn their heads. They only wished that the Black Dragon King’s wrath would not be directed at them.
Black Dragon King, who turned a man into a puddle of blood with a mere gesture, rose from the throne angrily.
“These spineless fools are chirping so damn well! What? Abandon the Yangtze and hide? Me! Am I, the Dragon of Yangtze River, supposed to flee from those ruffion of the Righteous Faction? This me?!!”
Everyone held their breath at the thunderous roar.
Upon hearing the identities of the visitors, the Black Dragon King’s gaze turned cold.
“Let them in.”
“Yes!”
As the subordinates made their way, about six envoys confidently walked in. Then, he came to the front of Black Dragon King and knelt down on one knee at once.
“I greet Black Dragon King.”
“Well-mannered... I’m seeing a rare sight.”
Black Dragon King asked with a clear sneer.
“You thought of coming all the way here, I see. Let’s hear what message you risked your lives to bring.”
The man in the front, who was kneeling, carefully handed over a sealed envelope from his chest.
“This is the letter Bangju asked me to deliver.”
As Black Dragon King stared at the scene without saying a word, one of his men, who had been quick to notice, rose and received the envelope to hand it to the Black Dragon King.
“Hmm.”
Black Dragon King, who opened the seal of the envelope, slowly began to read down.
It didn’t seem to be a long letter, but the expression of the Black Dragon King changed several times in that short period.
“....”
Finally, the Black Dragon King, who took his eyes off it, frowned. At the same time, the hand-held letter began to burn.
“Do you know what is written in this letter?”
“We don’t.”
“Then, do you also know that the content of this letter cannot guarantee your lives?”
“We know.”
“Then what nerve did you have to come in front of me with this letter! This one-day old puppy!”
Black Dragon King’s killing intent suddenly exploded.
At that tremendous killing intent, the bodies of those who had brought the letter were soaked in cold sweat in an instant.
“Tell me. Is delivering this letter more important than your lives?”
“We... We don’t know.”
“Then why did you come?”
The man at the forefront clenched his teeth and spoke.
“......If Bangju commands, I will go even if it’s not here but to hell. Then, what could possibly scare me?”
At that moment, the killing intent that was suppressing them vanished as if washed away.
“...Hoho.”
Black Dragon King rose from his seat with a smile and looked far south.
“Jang Ilso. Jang Ilso....”
His lips twisted.
“Guangxi’s kiddo has grown up a lot. How dare you call me.”
“Lord Black Dragon King?”
Black Dragon King looked back at his subordinates who were watching without knowing what was going on.
“Dong Mang (??(毒蟒))!”
“Yes! Lord Black Dragon King.”
“Tell each water fortress to avoid fighting for a while and to protect themselves.”
“That, that’s....?”
“Let’s go see. What that bastard has prepared.”
Swirling his black cloak, the Black Dragon King walked off without hesitation.