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Chapter 560: The Main Attraction

The morning dawned five days later, amidst a buzz of conversations as people gathered around.

Most of them were clad in pale blue martial robes, as if forming a circle to confirm something.

To my astonishment, the center of attention was none other than a corpse.

The body belonged to Ji Cheol, the promising heir to lead the Wudang faction.

Woo Baek, the Sword of Righteousness, silently gazed down at Ji Cheol’s cold, lifeless form.

A sword had pierced through Ji Cheol’s neck, and blood pooled onto the ground.

Beside him lay what looked like a farewell letter.

It revealed an overwhelming guilt due to the narrow-minded actions of Wudang, expressing that he could no longer endure it.

Crack!

Woo Baek clenched his fist tightly after reading it.

Suddenly—

Whoosh—!

A tremendous energy erupted from Woo Baek’s frail, aging body.

Despite his wrinkled skin and wan physique, his strength was formidable, living up to his reputation as a martial master in the Central Plains.

Surrounding objects trembled in response.

“Ugh…”

“Hah…”

The Wudang disciples clutched their hearts, staggering.

In that moment, Woo Baek spoke with fierce eyes.

“When was the child found?”

“Just past the hour of the Tiger, Elder.”

“…The hour of the Tiger.”

It was not long after he had instructed them to proceed.

Crack!

Thinking back, Woo Baek ground his teeth.

Was Ji Cheol driven to suicide due to disappointment in Wudang? No, that didn’t make sense at all.

‘Who did this?’

He couldn’t believe that Ji Cheol had taken his own life.

Absolutely not.

Because—

‘The treasure of Wudang is missing.’

The Wudang treasure was gone.

Even though the Three Great Disciples and some second-generation disciples suspected that the Wind and Cloud Ghost was responsible—

Woo Baek did not align with that theory.

Alongside him, the first-generation disciples and high-ranking elders thought otherwise.

After all—

‘The Wind and Cloud Ghost doesn’t even exist.’

The vow that it would appear was nothing but a ruse.

In such turmoil, Ji Cheol’s death occurred.

Ironically, it was Ji Cheol, the one assigned to fulfill the role of the Wind and Cloud Ghost.

This clearly indicated that someone was behind this atrocity.

‘Who could it be?’

With a chilling stare, Woo Baek pondered.

Who in the world had the audacity to carry out such an act within Wudang?

Especially with no traces left behind.

‘Not a single sign of someone’s hand having touched this.’

It was as if Ji Cheol had written the letter, almost desperately wishing to sever his own life.

Unbelievable.

Who could commit such a heinous act?

Perhaps—

‘Is it really the Wind and Cloud Ghost?’

For a moment, that thought flickered in his mind, but he quickly banished it.

That too, was highly unlikely.

After all, it had been dozens of years.

The probability of a human who hadn’t shown up in that span making an appearance was extremely slim.

Moreover, the Wind and Cloud Ghost had never killed, even while stealing.

So he was out of the suspect pool.

‘Then who could it be?’

Woo Baek exhaled sharply, deep in thought.

Despite his struggles, the solution wasn’t elusive.

If it wasn’t the Wind and Cloud Ghost, there weren’t many choices left.

‘If this incident occurred in Wudang, not by its own members…’

There could only be one or two options at this point.

“…I should go meet the guests,”

Woo Baek murmured and turned, instructing to have the corpse handled.

His cold gaze seemed as though it could bring down frost.

Yet within those eyes, there was not even a hint of sorrow for the fallen warrior of Wudang.

Not a bit.

Amidst the raucous atmosphere, I found myself sipping tea in my residence.

“Hmm.”

I took a sip and savored it sweetly.

“It’s disgustingly bad…”

And set it down without hesitation.

Really, what flavor is tea supposed to have?

Hmph, I blew a breath through my nose and discarded the cup.

In front of me, Seongyul was quietly drinking tea without a word.

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but grin.

“Is it good?”

“…I don’t know.”

“Right.”

He looked utterly clueless.

Seeing that expression, I pressed on.

“Speak up.”

“…Huh?”

Startled by my sudden remark, Seongyul gave me a confused look. I continued.

“You must have something to ask.”

“How…?”

“Your eyes say it all.”

“…”

His eyes undoubtedly brimmed with unsaid questions.

I was tired of his hesitance, so I inquired first.

“…About that.”

Seongyul hesitated before saying.

“Back when we sparred against the Sword Dragon Junior… there’s something I don’t understand.”

“That time? Why’s that?”

“How… did you stop it?”

I tilted my head in response to Seongyul’s comment.

What exactly was I stopping?

“Your killing intent. You stopped it, didn’t you?”

“Oh.”

Was that what he was referring to?

Seongyul was asking how I managed to reign in his killing intent before he struck down Yeongpung.

He seemed genuinely intrigued by it.

No, more so—

‘Hope, perhaps?’

That feeling washed over me.

‘What to say.’

I had no particular method to explain.

“I just told you not to do it.”

“…”

That was truly it.

Simply telling him to stop was all I had done.

But—

‘Explaining is tricky, but not impossible.’

There was a method, albeit a bit peculiar.

This was not a martial arts technique. I didn’t employ a bet or demonic energy either.

It was just ‘an order.’

The order had been a tad special, that’s all.

What that meant was—

‘An advantage gained since my transformation.’

Physical growth and changes within my lower dantian.

Including the major expansion of my vessel, it was another transformation embedded in my body.

Even the King of Demons (암왕) referred to it as a power bestowed by a dragon.

‘Power, huh?’

It sounded fancy from just the term.

Yet in reality, it was formidable.

At least the King of Demons’ explanation of his powers held immense value.

Beneath the curse of dragon’s blood, the King of Demons had not possessed the strength of a dragon, yet—

He wielded an immortal body that could not die by will and powers reserved for dragons.

Here, ‘powers’ referred to—

Not specific energies, but simply the raw force that came with being a dragon.

‘The darkness the King of Demons wielded—those were the powers he talked about.’

Creating immeasurable shadowy barriers or trapping someone in darkness, resurrecting even after countless deaths.

A perfectly fitting power for the King of Demons.

‘Such abilities are likely why he’s called the King of Demons.’

Regardless of the circumstances, being a dragon grants such power.

It’s an overtly biased and absurd power, isn’t it?

This unequal strength also exists within me since my transformation.

The real issue is—

‘…Though it’s such an extravagant power, am I left with something as trivial as this?’

Juggling shadows.

The curse-purged King of Demons has such remarkable powers, yet—

Here I sat with something that seemed trivial by comparison.

‘What’s with this Dragon Word (용언) even?’

That was my ability.

Just speech.

Being able to make others better hear what I said.

It was pretty absurd.

“…At least when arguing, I can’t lose.”

“Y-yeah?”

“Forget it. Just ignore it.”

How ridiculous to consider such a trivial ability a power.

Moreover, it didn’t function effectively on those with a higher status, making it a questionable tool even in practice.

At the very least—

Given the presence of demonic energy, the significance of Dragon Words shrinks.

The instant you transform someone into a demon, they essentially listen well regardless, making this power seem pointless.

‘It’s honestly just a way to alleviate my guilt.’

The guilt felt when corrupting others.

This ability may as well be a means to lighten that burden.

‘How laughable. If they aren’t worth killing, I won’t even turn them into demons.’

Unless they deserve to die, I wouldn’t transform them.

That was my golden rule.

‘That said, it doesn’t seem entirely useless either.’

With that thought, I turned to Seongyul.

‘It definitely worked that time.’

When Seongyul unleashed his killing intent, ready to strike down Yeongpung.

In that tense moment, I had employed Dragon Words.

When I infused my words with intent, Seongyul loosened his killing intent.

Seeing that—

‘Could it mean Dragon Words can control the killing intent?’

Perhaps it could be a viable means.

That was the reason behind my reluctance to corrupt him into a demon.

Such questions lingered as I took a moment to reflect.

‘Now, to verify that for sure.’

I needed to establish whether it could or not.

If it proved fruitless, I could consider corrupting him later.

That was the idea.

‘If it were not for that, I would have proceeded already.’

The experiment of whether I could control his killing intent or not aside, there was another reason not to corrupt Seongyul into a demon.

‘If only he wasn’t tied to that fallen figure.’

If he didn’t share a connection with the one who had passed away, I would have turned him long ago.

It was a bit of an inconvenient situation.

—May you find peace.

The visage of the old man who had worried for my peace flashed in my mind.

The only reason I hesitated about Seongyul was solely that connection.

Whether he knew it or not, Seongyul looked at me and asked a question.

“Umm… Junior.”

“What?”

“May I ask you something else?”

“What’s it about?”

What else could possibly remain?

Though, truthfully, there were plenty of questions to be asked.

‘What about his own future? Where he’s headed? How he plans to move forward, etc.’

It felt almost unnatural for him to stay quiet until now.

Just as I anticipated him asking more—

“How did Wudang claim to be the Wind and Cloud Ghost?”

“…!”

The unexpected question widened my eyes as I stared at Seongyul.

When I saw the astonishment on my face, he looked back with his signature curious expression.

“How did you know?”

How on earth did he discern that? I asked with a mix of surprise and intrigue.

“I….”

Responding without a change in his demeanor, Seongyul replied.

“I can sense lies from my opponents.”

“What?”

Another fascinating reply.

He could sense lies?

As I opened my mouth to request further details, Seongyul interjected.

“Yesterday, when I crossed paths with the Sword of Righteousness, I felt the lie wash over him.”

The letter claiming the Wind and Cloud Ghost’s appearance and all surrounding discussions about it.

Most were lies.

“Wow…”

As I listened, my eyes widened.

If that statement rang true, he possessed quite a useful ability.

‘Did the Sword Demon have such an ability?’

Indeed.

He had been known for such a phrase in his previous life.

[Hehe… I despise lies. That’s why you’re dying.]

Famous for his phrases when dispatching foes rather often.

‘And come to think of it, he used to be a torturer.’

Most of the interrogations performed on captives were done by the Sword Demon.

That realization cemented the credibility of Seongyul’s words.

“Interesting. I didn’t think that was possible.”

With astonishment escaping my lips, Seongyul’s eyes widened.

“…You believe me?”

“Then I suppose it’s likely true.”

Honestly, having lived through past experiences led me to take those words somewhat lightly.

Who would easily trust such claims?

“And speaking of which, I’m even more curious. Why reveal this to me?”

“…”

That was not a simple matter to disclose.

To realize the lies woven by others?

It was rather sensitive information.

Especially as Seongyul was the Killing Intent.

Given that he had enough reasons to eliminate me, it was astonishing he would grant such a justification.

“…I express it towards you, Junior.”

“Express?”

“I possess such an ability. This is my way of ensuring you recognize it’s valuable enough to keep me around.”

“…”

His calm delivery was unusually chilling.

“…Wow.”

I had thought he was just a madman wrapped in delusions, yet—

Seongyul’s gaze was unexpectedly sharp.

‘Feigning innocence while observing it all, huh?’

He perhaps noted that I weighed things regarding him.

It’s not as though Seongyul was analyzing his own usefulness either.

‘Not that it wouldn’t be useful anyway.’

Now at an age where I had yet to reach maturity, chills of expertise leveled with the peak was still developing.

It was already extraordinary potential for him as a Sword Demon.

“So, what’s your plan if I end up wanting to eliminate you after hearing this?”

“I thought it was valuable information for you, but killing me… that’s… of no concern…”

Killing wasn’t a bother.

But being discarded was.

That statement was a bit ambiguous.

“That’s odd. Why is being cast aside such a dreadful prospect?”

After all, we’d only known each other for under a month.

There was neither emotion built nor any bond formed.

From Seongyul’s perspective, he had been dragged along without choice, so resentment was understandable—yet paradoxically, he shared valuable insights to maintain his worth.

I couldn’t fathom it.

And—

“I don’t understand either.”

Seongyul seemed equally confounded.

“Thus, I wish to use the time to discover the reason.”

“What a crazy fellow you are.”

“…”

He meant he would follow me.

I sighed, dumbfounded by his expression.

“Do as you wish.”

After all, it was my position to manage him. I wouldn’t be discarding him anyway.

Not just yet.

With that thought, I steered the conversation back.

“You asked about Wind and Cloud Ghost, right?”

A question Seongyul had previously asked.

Why Wudang had issued false claims regarding the Wind and Cloud Ghost.

“It’s simply a political maneuver.”

A political maneuver indeed.

That’s precisely what it seemed.

“The newly appointed Wudang Sword Master, and the flourishing Wudang sect as a result.”

It was the perfect moment to catch the wave of change, causing various rumors to circulate.

With the clan leader placing swordsmen across regions to boost stability and bolster support—

The Wudang faction’s influence had been growing continually.

Amidst all that—

‘If the rumor spread that the Wind and Cloud Ghost targeted Wudang…’

Interest surrounding it would surely multiply.

The sect reinstated alongside the return of the Wind and Cloud Ghost.

That had been the overarching theme.

‘Moreover…’

I recalled Ji Cheol from last night.

‘He was also aiming to snatch Hwasan’s treasure…’

From a chance to strike while the Sword Demoness was unavailable, that’s what he attempted.

I scratched my head, wondering why someone would risk such actions.

‘Perhaps circumstances allowed it to fit perfectly.’

Having been injured earlier, he must have slipped in for treatment, making him entirely off the hook for suspicion.

‘The guards surely had known all too well by now.’

The guards at the time would have secured their story thoroughly.

Assuming Ji Cheol claimed to be the Wind and Cloud Ghost, he could have easily slipped away.

Had he done so, Wudang would have faced the accusatory brunt for failing to protect Hwasan.

‘Public opinion would undoubtedly turn against them.’

– An item stolen by none other than the Wind and Cloud Ghost.

– Is it sensible to blame only Wudang for that?

Such remarks could easily emerge.

Public sentiment often sways that way.

‘Perhaps my hunches are correct.’

Though it wasn’t something I particularly wished for, there had been early communications with the Beggar Clan.

Should that unfold, holding Wudang accountable might become a challenge.

Thus, Wudang would—

They could potentially safeguard their treasure while maintaining their reputation, even recovering their own lost items.

If Hwasan ignored all these ramifications and demanded accountability—

‘They’ve already garnered public interest. Even as Righteous Faction, it wouldn’t affect their standing.’

Whatsoever, Wudang would emerge with stronger gains.

It was an utterly vexatious situation.

Is that indeed how the Righteous Faction behaved?

‘They should focus on mastering martial arts instead of engaging in politics!’

In the long run, repercussions would undoubtedly follow.

Fools.

Ah, of course.

‘Thanks to their mess, things have become considerably simpler for me.’

Thanks to these overlapping circumstances, handling my side became somewhat easier.

Wudang rotting and decaying had facilitated that.

As the current events would reflect.

Swoosh.

I turned my gaze towards the sensation felt outside.

[Are you there?]

Someone had come seeking my residence.

I stood up and stepped outside.

Surrounded by several Wudang figures, the one at the center was none other than the Sword of Righteousness, Woo Baek.

He turned his gaze towards me with a slight smile.

“Apologies for visiting when you are presumably resting.”

“It’s no trouble at all, Elder. Why do you find yourself here? Surely you have plenty on your plate.”

It was a reference to Ji Cheol’s death and the loss of the treasure.

At that moment, the corners of Woo Baek’s eyes twitched.

“…I assume you’ve heard, but the situation has become somewhat tumultuous.”

“I’ve indeed been worried about that. Are you all right?”

“…Haha, your concern is appreciated.”

There was barely a shred of sincerity in his concern.

“Though it should not have come to this, it seems I must seek your understanding due to the circumstances at hand.”

“What is it?”

“May I search your residence for a moment?”

“…!”

Instantly, I knitted my brows.

“Elder, are you suspecting me?”

“I apologize to you, Junior. It is merely for verification.”

“Hah.”

That elicited a bitter exhale from me.

I then held out my wrist.

It was the wristband Woo Baek had insisted on having for monitoring purposes.

“After your surveillance, now you want to search my place? Is this some nonsensical twist of fate…!”

“…I truly am sorry. However, this is for absolute certainty. I sincerely hope for your understanding.”

Grinding my teeth, I stomped forward.

“…What a ridiculous notion. If you wish, go ahead. But I won’t forget this disrespect by Wudang.”

“…”

I let out a growl as I stepped aside, and Woo Baek nodded.

Instantly, Wudang’s martial artists surged into my residence.

They commenced a meticulous search as if to leave no dust behind.

Before long—

“Hey, Elder!”

One disciple rushed to Woo Baek, visibly shaken.

“W-We found it!”

They had carefully retrieved a blue-hued jade bracelet from my drawer.

Yes, the very item Wudang had sought to exchange.

As Woo Baek gazed at it in surprise, his eyes fixed upon me.

“W-What is this? Junior.”

His voice dripped with a coldness that oozed suspicion.

I stammered out defensively.

“This… why is it in my drawer?! I-I have no idea about it!”

“…”

Desperately protesting, it was evident no one was believing me.

“Seize them immediately! Lock them up! The ‘Clan Leader’ will deal with them personally.”

Woo Baek’s voice was laced with rage, practically ready to kill.

As the approaching disciples approached to subdue me, my body trembled in fear.

But inwardly, I couldn’t help but smirk.

‘This will be quite the spectacle.’

The dried-out, rotting wood was primed for a roaring fire.

Watching Wudang operate in this manner was just that kind of situation.

As I endured the forceful subjugation, I quietly whispered inwardly.

‘Ddol-dol.’

To the worm who must be frolicking in a distant forest.

‘Prepare yourself. Bring them here.’

Immediately—

Boom—!

Vibrations echoed from somewhere in the deep forest.

 

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