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Chapter 451: This Is Not It (3)

Clank.

The damp, musty smell mixed with the distinct metallic tang of iron filled the air.

There was a small window, but not a single ray of light pierced through.

Only a tiny light fixture stuck to the wall illuminated the surroundings.

This situation felt strangely familiar.

In a moment of absurdity, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Crack—

As I lifted my hand and moved it slightly, I felt something constricting.

Handcuffs were tightly binding my wrists.

“…”

I frowned at the sight. I figured handcuffs couldn’t possibly hold me back.

As I scanned my surroundings, I started to understand the nature of these handcuffs.

‘They used something outrageously expensive.’

It was clear that this item had some serious attributes.

‘Evergreen Iron…’

These handcuffs were undoubtedly made from Evergreen Iron.

If they weren’t made of something of that caliber, it would be impossible to bind a top-level martial artist.

‘Though they seem a bit murky…’

It’s not like Evergreen Iron is some easily found material, nor would anyone use a full piece just to make handcuffs.

‘No, there’s probably more than before.’

If this really is the past, there would indeed be more Evergreen Iron than in the world after my return.

Evergreen Iron had been so precious that even a fortune of billions wouldn’t guarantee you could acquire it.

In a few years, a mining location would be discovered in the Zhe Jiang region, filled to the brim with Evergreen Iron, vastly increasing its availability.

Of course.

There would be all sorts of incidents, like that mining site mysteriously vanishing due to a sudden attack.

Or the Martial Alliance secretly handling the distribution until they got caught.

All manner of things could happen, but in the end, there would indeed be more Evergreen Iron than before.

Thanks to that, even the handcuffs I wore were laced with Evergreen Iron.

‘…This is ridiculous.’

Even a minuscule amount of Evergreen Iron was treated as top-tier swords.

Now, in this time period, it is in handcuffs.

Truly absurd.

‘I should definitely visit Zhe Jiang when I get back.’

One of the biggest reasons I hadn’t given much thought to monetary matters was because of this.

I might not know all of the future, but I certainly remembered the big events.

I also recalled the rumors about Evergreen Iron, which amplified my concern regarding how much the flow of time had changed, leading to potential issues if I didn’t utilize the time appropriately.

Now that I know the information, I couldn’t take it for granted.

‘But I can’t just ignore it.’

It’s not just any ordinary material; it’s Evergreen Iron.

Given its value for the future, it would be a shame to pass it up.

As I contemplated the handcuffs, a wave of frustration washed over me, causing me to slump down.

After all, I wasn’t in a situation where I could be brooding about such things.

“Ha…”

I turned my gaze back to the wall.

Suddenly, a jolt! The ground vibrated beneath me, and I felt a slight lift.

As that uncomfortable feeling hit me, I muttered.

“Argh… this driver sucks.”

It was a rather crude remark.

But I couldn’t phrase it any better given my predicament.

I was on a moving carriage.

Though I couldn’t see it, given the situation and the sensations, it was pretty clear.

Bouncing and shaking, I ground my teeth together inside this jostling box.

I was currently being transported to the base of the Martial Alliance.

Looking at the handcuffs binding me, I sighed repeatedly.

“Ugh, this doesn’t feel right…”

How did I end up in such a mess?

“What do you mean how?”

There was no need for thought.

The reason I was in this state was all my own doing.

Crash—

A rough sound reverberated from dark clouds that suddenly formed in the sky.

Within the jet-black clouds, a crackling energy of thunder enveloped everything, radiating fury as if it would strike the ground any moment.

Could this even be described as a human-made phenomenon? It invoked a sense of awe.

I recalled the martial artist who created such a phenomenon.

‘Thunder Empress.’

Another name for the Demon Sword Queen, which, in my opinion, suited her perfectly.

Having mastered manipulating thunder energy to the point of altering natural phenomena.

This was a realm that many striving martial artists, especially those specializing in releasing forms of energy, wished to reach.

Remembering what Pejon had once said about a transcendental realm.

He had mentioned it was a state that transcended the boundaries of martial arts to become one with it.

Looking at the current Demon Sword Queen, I couldn’t be entirely sure, but she seemed to have reached—or be on the verge of reaching—that state.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t display such power.

Boom!

The dark cloud expanded and thickened.

The thunder energy oozing from the Demon Sword Queen amplified.

It was as if she had decided to unleash her full potential, and a palpable aura began to erupt from her.

‘What on earth is going on with her?’

I gulped, unable to fathom why she was reacting this way.

Not only was I startled by the news that the So Sword Sect wanted me,

the Demon Sword Queen’s furious reaction was even more shocking.

‘Wait, they said they want me, but why is she acting like this?’

Wondering if she was angered because the newly appointed subordinate might end up causing chaos for her.

‘But that’s not like her…’

It didn’t align with the nature of the Demon Sword Queen.

Despite being part of the Black Flame Sect, she had no connections with other demons and lacked any interest in others.

‘Then what’s going on?’

I stared at the fuming Demon Sword Queen, who was frantically releasing energy.

Could it be…

‘Did she recognize who I am?’

It seemed far-fetched, but if that was the case, how did she figure it out?

I had sealed away the Fire Technique, changed my appearance completely, and the Black Flame Demon Emperor was strolling about freely.

I may have experienced a reincarnation, but it was unlikely that she would recognize someone like me, who hadn’t gone through such a process.

“…Demon Sword Queen.”

The thunderous aura radiating from her began to spread.

The one most surprised by this was none other than the So Sword Sect leader.

He had realized the killing intent from the Demon Sword Queen was genuine.

Bang!

A sword intent forged from thunder energy enwrapped the Demon Sword Queen’s sword.

With an energy that seemed ready to explode at any moment, the Demon Sword Queen walked toward the So Sword Sect leader.

The So Sword Sect leader frowned, beginning to surround herself with her own distinct aura.

‘Huh?’

I widened my eyes in surprise.

The So Sword Sect leader started to raise her energy in response, preparing to counterattack.

‘Is this really going to lead to a fight?’

It was downright terrifying.

Especially considering that the Demon Sword Queen was a member of the Demonic Sect but didn’t utilize demon energy.

Which meant she was someone who could match the So Sword Sect leader using only her strength.

This implication was that if a battle did break out, it could lead to a bloody confrontation.

Swish—

Several energies emerged behind the So Sword Sect leader, transforming into sword shapes.

A sword appeared in one hand while she wielded another created from energy in the other.

Dual swords.

In one hand was her usual weapon, and in the other hand was the sword forged from energy.

Additionally, countless sword blades flitted behind her in a shrill display of technique.

This was the style she had practiced—the Moonless Sword Dance.

Raising her sharpened gaze, the So Sword Sect leader addressed the Demon Sword Queen.

“Demon Sword Queen, are you really planning to fight?”

“If that’s what you want.”

The Demon Sword Queen sounded unwavering in response.

“Even the Mage remains still, yet why do you wish to involve yourself in this?”

The Mage, the practical leader of the demons present, stood off to the side, silently observing the two.

It was as if he were curious about how this would all unfold.

That bastard is just watching, not even attempting to intervene.

‘Damn you, may your heart explode.’

I cursed furiously, with flames in my eyes.

Meanwhile, it seemed the Demon Sword Queen was unlikely to stop.

Indeed, if that’s what she wanted, blood would probably spill right here.

With her white hair glinting with ominous energy, her azure eyes, resembling the ocean, flickered.

Having completely transformed into the Thunder Empress, she approached the So Sword Sect leader and spoke.

“I have no interest in that.”

“…”

“Naught at all.”

“What do you mean…”

The So Sword Sect leader was bewildered by the Demon Sword Queen’s assertive and articulate response.

“What’s crucial is that you intend to take something from me, and I have no intention of relinquishing it.”

“…!”

The So Sword Sect leader’s eyes widened as the usual clumsiness in the Demon Sword Queen’s dialogue vanished, replaced with crystal clarity.

Her gaze turned icy.

“I have no intention of giving you anything in your current state.”

“Demon Sword Queen…!”

Crash—

Thunder began to coalesce in the air.

In this sudden escalation, the energies of both sides of the martial artists soared higher.

Though the Heavenly Lord still stood back, I sensed the presence of distortions in the aura surrounding him.

It meant he could intervene at any time, and even the Mage was not showing any intention of intervening.

While he might seem merely observant, I knew his mind must be racing with countless thoughts.

I was no exception.

‘What do I do?’

I had no clue from one moment to the next.

I couldn’t grasp why the Demon Sword Queen was this furious, nor could I comprehend why the So Sword Sect, or rather the Martial Alliance, wanted me.

I had no idea how things had reached this stage.

But one thing was clear.

‘If I let this go on, it’ll get ugly.’

If I continued watching like an idiot, a catastrophe would likely unfold.

I bolted upward.

Even if the thunderous energy of the Demon Sword Queen could tear me apart, I didn’t hesitate.

Despite not knowing her intentions, I knew she was looking at me differently.

Perhaps it was an anxious, shallow conviction that urged me to act.

Dashing through the thunder energy, I seized her wrist.

“…!”

The Demon Sword Queen shot me a furious look upon the abrupt contact.

Yet as soon as she realized it was me who grabbed her, the crackling energy surrounding her dissipated.

The dark clouds that had filled the sky vanished, and the tumultuous energies subsided.

What remained was the gaze of the Demon Sword Queen, fixed on my wrist.

Zing—

A sharp pain coursed through me, prompting me to check.

I discovered a wound from the thunder energy that was now bleeding.

The moment the Demon Sword Queen noticed, her gaze stirred.

I recalled in silence that the Demon Sword Queen was treating me differently.

The very fact she wasn’t immediately drawing her sword to behead me was significant.

That she hadn’t pushed me away was proof of her unusual treatment.

Having thought this far, I spoke to the Demon Sword Queen.

“It’s okay.”

“…”

“I’m fine. So just calm down.”

As I spoke, I worried about how she might react.

The building tension around her steadily dissipated.

The Demon Sword Queen regained her composure.

Seeing that, I turned my attention to the So Sword Sect leader.

“You said you want me.”

The abruptness of my statement made the So Sword Sect leader flinch.

I clicked my tongue inwardly at her reaction.

The Heavenly Demon had clearly warned them not to covet Sichuan.

Ignoring that, they sought to harness enough power for it.

What’s worse was the implication that the Heavenly Lord and the So Sword Sect leader were prepared to wage war because they wanted me.

Why?

‘I wouldn’t know.’

What mattered here was that I was a problem regardless of the circumstances.

Moreover, it meant someone wanted me for a particular reason.

‘An ally of the So Sword Sect and Heavenly Lord who is moved to this extent.’

Someone like that existed in the shadows.

If they specifically declared they wanted me, it implied they knew something, if only a little, about my situation.

Which meant…

‘It’s probably best to meet them.’

That person could have vital information regarding this unknown world.

Despite the apparent danger in this situation, I couldn’t simply allow the So Sword Sect leader or the Demon Sword Queen to fight, nor could I cause a war at this juncture.

In the end, the only choice I could make was simple.

“…Let’s go.”

For now, it was about moving forward.

I believed this was the best course of action at the moment.

And now.

I found myself trapped in a dark carriage, illuminated only by a single lamp, bound in handcuffs.

The only sensation was the jolting vibrations of the carriage.

‘How far are we going?’

Could it be toward the HQ of the Martial Alliance in Hanam?

Surely, that was too far.

If it was by carriage, it would take days to reach.

‘…Did I make the right choice?’

I twisted and turned in confusion.

While I acted impulsively, whether it was a good decision was debatable.

It was merely the optimal choice I could make at that moment.

At the time I declared I’d go on my own, the Demon Sword Queen tried to stop me, but the Mage restrained her instead.

I understood his motives.

He had an interest in me and, fearing unnecessary conflict would endanger the So Sword Sect, appeared to want to avoid that.

‘…I wouldn’t have done that.’

While he was the Mage, I found his choice a bit peculiar.

If it were me, I would have fought to protect myself, especially when they wanted me with such fervor.

Perhaps there was a reason they wanted me so desperately, even if it led to conflict.

Feeling odd about the Mage’s nonchalance, I reflected on whether my thought process had genuinely changed due to my reincarnation.

‘Who knows?’

Now I wasn’t even sure.

What remained certain was that this world diverged significantly from the one I once knew.

That was the absolute problem.

‘Something feels off.’

Something was definitely different.

Not only with regards to the Thunder Fang but an almost palpable sense of abnormality lingered.

‘Sigh.’

If I just navigate through things casually, will it escalate?

There’s no such thing as a simple way out when a situation spirals out of control.

‘What a life.’

At this point, it felt like luck had completely abandoned my existence.

‘What in the world do they want from me?’

Was this trial labeled as regret?

Tang Je-mun had suggested I might need to make a choice—anything would suffice, it seemed.

But thus far, it seemed no actual moment for a significant decision had arisen.

What were they hoping for from me? Why thrust me into such a predicament?

The more I thought about it, irritation began to seep in.

“Ha…”

With a sigh, I found myself exhaling throughout the day.

Jolt! Bang!

The carriage jolted violently before gradually coming to a halt.

Just after that.

Creeeak.

The previously shut carriage door swung open, letting in a faint light.

I squinted in that direction, and the first thing I noticed was a glorious golden hair.

“…Step outside.”

It was none other than the So Sword Sect leader.

Putting on a composed act, I asked, “Have we arrived already?”

It felt like it had only been a day or two at most.

If we hadn’t covered much ground, how could we have arrived already?

I pushed my stiff body upright and stepped outside.

It was night.

I felt eyes upon me.

The martial artists of the alliance were all staring at me.

Their disdain and loathing directed towards me were unmistakable.

I brushed past their glares as I scanned my surroundings.

‘No sign of the Heavenly Lord.’

I couldn’t be sure if he was vigilant or hiding elsewhere.

I couldn’t detect him at my level.

“Follow me…”

The So Sword Sect leader spoke and led the way.

Looking toward the intended route, it led into a dark forest.

“…”

I didn’t utter a word as I followed behind her.

There was no sign of other martial artists coming along. Were we to go just the two of us?

As we walked, I suddenly called out to the So Sword Sect leader.

“Excuse me.”

She paused briefly and glanced my way.

“Could you please take off these handcuffs?”

I gestured towards the restraints around my wrists.

She looked at me, clearly baffled by my request.

“What’s the point when your lower dantian is sealed?”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t take them off…”

“Not happening.”

“Tsk.”

Her firm reply dissuaded me from pressing further. Honestly, I wouldn’t have released them if I were in her position.

“Then could you at least tell me who’s searching for me?”

“…”

This time, there was no answer at all.

As I silently examined her features, I sensed an odd hesitation flickering in her golden eyes amidst the silence.

Just when I wondered why she was looking at me like that.

“What’s your name?”

She suddenly asked.

Taken aback by such a direct question, I hesitated for a moment.

I hadn’t expected such an inquiry to come out of nowhere.

Trying to play it cool, I deflected.

“…You want me specifically yet don’t even know my name?”

“Because all I sensed was the energy you harbor within…”

With that revelation, I finally understood why she had singled me out.

‘Was it the resonance with the Divine Sword’s energy that drew her here?’

It seemed my connection with the Divine Sword’s energy was indeed the reason behind her focus.

If that was the case, it signified she was already aware I had been present in this realm.

‘What the hell?’

How did she find that out?

Questions swelled in my mind.

“…”

As I contemplated, the So Sword Sect leader seemed about to ask me another question.

Suddenly—

Sssssss…!!

“…!”

I felt an unknown chill creeping up my spine.

Startled, I shifted my gaze behind me.

Suddenly, the air in front of us began to crack and shatter.

The sight elicited an immediate frown from the So Sword Sect leader, who looked entirely unfazed, as if she knew what to expect.

Undoubtedly, it was a Demonic Gate.

Before I could process what was happening, someone emerged from the rift.

Careful, composed footsteps echoed.

Who stepped out was a woman with a veiled face.

Just what was happening? I stared at her curiously as she slowly approached me and, without warning—

Bowed her head.

“I stand before the existence of another world.”

Immediately, I heard an unfamiliar honorific.

What in the world was happening? I frowned.

Raising her head, she spoke to me.

“I am a Dancer.”

A Dancer.

That was how she introduced herself.

 

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