Chapter 737
“Reporting the return of the First Dragon Great Lord.”
A man.
In response to the words of Song Jong-ho, the First Dragon Great Lord, the clan leader, Sword Sovereign, replied.
“Ah, you returned safely without any issues?”
“Yes.”
Thirty personnel joined from Nasong. No casualties.
There were a few who sustained minor injuries, but nothing severe.
His ability to execute commands was nearly perfect.
He was a reliable figure, second only to the Sword Sovereign in the alliance.
“You endured a lot.”
“It’s nothing. It’s only an honor if it’s for the clan.”
The First Dragon Great Lord spoke firmly, and the Sword Sovereign nodded in response.
At the same time, he shifted his steps.
As the Sword Sovereign moved, the waiting First Dragon Great Lord immediately stood up to follow him.
“How is his condition?”
“We’ve subdued him and have locked him in a secret room.”
“Did you gain any useful information during the process?”
“…”
At the clan leader’s inquiry, the First Dragon Great Lord paused for a moment before replying.
“He’s tight-lipped. I apologize for not acquiring any significant information.”
“Hm.”
The Sword Sovereign let out a shallow sigh at his answer.
It was disappointing. However, the Sword Sovereign did not blame the First Dragon Great Lord.
‘Could it be that Death Sound Sword couldn’t be made to talk…’
Death Sound Sword, Song Jong-ho.
He was nicknamed for his ability to bring death to those who heard his voice.
Though he had a somewhat demonic-sounding moniker and originated from the shadows, he had spent a long time within the righteous faction of the martial world.
A shadow of the martial alliance, a righteous man of the dark.
‘If Death Sound Sword failed to extract information, this adversary must be something remarkable.’
It was quite surprising that such a person could not provide any intelligence.
The very reason to send the Death Sound Sword was his expertise in such missions.
‘This is troublesome.’
Truly troublesome.
There should still be many means left, but if he could not derive any profit in the end, the options for the Sword Sovereign were severely limited.
If it came to that, they would need to call in someone even more specialized than the Death Sound Sword…
‘Is that what the situation demands?’
The issue was that the individual in question happened to be the Poison King.
Originally, it was the Tang Clan who handled the dark dealings of the alliance and tortured criminals for information.
Yet, with the Tang Clan’s sins revealed, the whole clan had fallen under the sealing gate and could not easily be sought for help.
‘Tsk.’
The Sword Sovereign’s furrowed brow deepened amidst the tangled situation.
‘It can’t be helped.’
Even if the situation had come to this, a solution had to be sought regardless.
He couldn’t allow things to become even more complicated than they already were.
‘…’
As he contemplated this, a figure crossed his mind.
The young man who had subdued the monster produced by Shaolin and who had become the most renowned figure in Hanam.
‘…So Yeomra.’
The son of that renowned Gu clan hero.
They say the talent runs in the family, and recalling the striking youth, the Sword Sovereign bit his lip in frustration.
‘Who would have thought he could defeat Shin Ryong?’
He knew So Yeomra was an exceptional martial artist.
However, he never imagined he would end up besting Shin Ryong.
The reason was quite simple.
‘…Having fought him myself, I can attest that Shin Ryong was certainly not weak.’
The Sword Sovereign had faced Shin Ryong directly in an unofficial capacity.
Just how valuable is that child?
What kind of exceptional talent must he possess for Shaolin to hold him in such high regard?
Moreover.
‘Could that child truly become a symbol?’
For the future of the martial alliance.
Beyond the venerable martial masters of the tenth generation and the three eminent beings. Does he indeed possess the qualities to become a symbolic figure of the righteous faction?
This was a necessary endeavor to assess.
And Shin Ryong had undeniably passed the Sword Sovereign’s test.
An overwhelming inner strength that should not be underestimated.
And with that strength, he unfurled the Hundred Steps Divine Power and Hwang Ah Gangram.
These were sure to make him a figure of significance on his own, even without the alliance’s aid.
Then, with assistance, he would rise faster and higher.
He was planning this, and the martial arts tournament was merely the start of that plan.
The so-called plan to define the greatest in the world.
With the appearance of the Red Demon Beast, the Central Plains began to shake.
To regain stability and fix the martial alliance, a center of gravity was required.
And that would be tied to the presence of Shin Ryong.
‘…No one could have predicted that even Shin Ryong would not become their opponent.’
Who could have foreseen that the overwhelming presence of Shin Ryong would be so utterly defeated?
The Sword Sovereign still could not forget the sight from that day.
The dreadful energy that had overwhelmed their surroundings.
The ferocity that could not be attributed to a righteous being.
Those who witnessed it were likely all thinking the same thing.
Shin Ryong is incredible.
That Shin Ryong dared to continue fighting against such a being was nothing short of remarkable.
It may have been a martial arts sparring session among martial artists, but it seemed like they were fighting an entity of a completely different caliber.
A genius, a monster.
Something beyond mere words.
Gu Yangcheong was such a person.
That’s why it drew more questions.
‘…Cheonan. What on earth did you see?’
Cheonan, the sect leader of Shaolin.
Why did he request that particular matchup?
Ideally, Shin Ryong should have soared up several ranks since then.
And having faced the Sword King at the end, he was to conclude it there.
‘That child is messing everything up.’
This was true back then, and again it appeared to center around the Gu clan.
Memories of a past he wanted to forget surfaced.
The Sword Sovereign advanced without relaxing his furrowed brow.
His destination at last was the alliance’s underground prison.
Creeeak-!!
As he pulled open the thick door, a strange sound accompanied the view within.
“The First Dragon Great Lord is here to see you!”
Thud thud thud-!!
Everyone inside knelt before the Sword Sovereign.
The Sword Sovereign gave a slight nod to them and looked ahead.
In the distance, he saw a massive figure bound by shackles.
The source of the foul energy he had felt upon entering.
“Hmm.”
The Sword Sovereign approached slowly, observing him.
The man had his head bowed, regulating his breathing.
He seemed not dead, yet it appeared his limbs were all but severed.
No other wounds were visible.
For some reason, there were piles of torture instruments and weapons nearby, all of which appeared to be in terrible condition.
The Sword Sovereign reached out.
Ssshhh-! Clink!
A branding iron from the floor came along with a sound.
It was still warm, suggesting it had recently been heated.
“It seems they were preparing for something in advance.”
Then those broken instruments had the same purpose, huh?
If that were the case…
‘Why is this man still intact?’
Despite having undergone torture, no other notable injuries were visible, save for the severed tendons.
What could possibly be the reason?
As the Sword Sovereign glanced back at the First Dragon Great Lord, he hurriedly began to explain.
“…His skin is unnaturally tough. We’ve attempted various torture methods, but he hasn’t sustained any injuries easily.”
“Can even the Great Lord’s efforts not penetrate it?”
“…I regret this.”
Such an absurd statement.
After hearing the explanation, the Sword Sovereign immediately drew a sword nearby and swung it.
There was no hesitation.
Clang-!!
“…”
The sword wielded by the Sword Sovereign collided against the man and was deflected away.
The blade could not pierce the skin and ended up breaking.
“Ha…”
Even without applying any internal energy, it broke so easily.
Is his skin made of steel or something?
Suddenly, taken aback, the subdued man appeared to awaken and lifted his head.
“…Hah…how irritating…”
The Sword Sovereign flinched as their eyes met.
Roughly grown facial hair and a gaunt appearance from lack of food, but the peculiar gaze in his eyes sparked strange sensations.
Violet.
The man’s eyes were a vivid shade of violet.
“…This is quite bothersome. Why must you wake me up?”
“…”
He frowned momentarily at those words.
The Sword Sovereign then realized right away.
‘That’s right.’
This was precisely the description he had received.
Worn green clothing on a body nearly hulking in size.
He had heard that this man owned a lunar blade through underhanded means, thus he must be…
‘This is the one who assaulted Wudang.’
The one who had invaded Wudang, killed the elder, and left chaos in his wake.
A bizarre martial artist leading the Demonic Sect. The right hand of the Heavenly Demon.
“How delightful to see you here. Do you know who I am?”
“Cough cough…”
At the Sword Sovereign’s inquiry, the man suddenly broke into a smile.
“…Ah…my apologies. I was just amused that you would ask if I knew the illustrious Sword Sovereign.”
“I’m glad you do.”
“Then, you do know me well.”
As he spoke, the man’s eyes glimmered faintly.
“The owner of the rotten roots. The one who has lost all belief, it seems. That would be you, correct?”
Swiissh-!
BAM-!!
Right after the words were uttered, a heavy object came crashing down onto the man’s head.
“Speak lightly, you sinner!”
It was the First Dragon Great Lord’s action. However.
“Heh heh…! This one stings a little.”
Once again, the man merely lifted his head unaffected.
The Sword Sovereign, observing this, asked him again.
“Is it true that you invaded Wudang, killed an innocent elder, and murdered the branch leader of the Hohuk Branch of the Martial Alliance?”
“Cackle cackle…”
The man began to laugh at those words.
The Sword Sovereign’s expression twisted further at this.
“Speak plainly, Sword Sovereign.”
“…What did you say?”
“Indeed, I did. But to say that there is no sin in what I did…how can one be such a stubborn fool?”
Clank-!
As the man moved, the shackles rattled.
At that instant.
Swish-!
Everyone around them simultaneously drew their swords.
“Did you punish those rotten beings who are devouring the Central Plains? Is that truly a sin? Sword Sovereign, you have no right to label me a sinner.”
“What crime did they commit?”
“Seeing what they know and closing their eyes—how disgraceful can it be? So you are indeed the clan’s leader, I see.”
Squirm.
As his words continued, the Sword Sovereign’s patience finally reached its limit.
He wanted nothing more than to behead the man right then and there.
No matter how infallibly tough his body seemed, decapitating him with inner energy was not an issue.
Yet, due to the need for precise control of strength while torturing him, it could only lead to either death or survival.
Surely he understood that.
Thus, it seemed this man was shrewder than he appeared.
“What is your identity and your purpose?”
Despite everything, he retained extreme patience. It was something that had to be done.
“The cleaner.”
“The cleaner?”
“A cleaner of the filthy and vile righteous faction. That is both our identity and our purpose.”
Heh heh heh-!
The man’s laughter startled those nearby. The weight of the emotions in his tone was severe.
The Sword Sovereign ignored his words.
Such statements were trivial and of no use for intel.
Cleaning up the righteous faction? No one had ever succeeded in such an endeavor throughout history.
Not even the famed “Iron-Blooded Sword Master.”
“I’ve heard that the Heavenly Demon is behind you.”
He flinched.
When the Sword Sovereign mentioned the Heavenly Demon, the man subtly shuddered.
He did not miss that hint.
“Is his intention the same as yours?”
“…I could never perceive the intentions of such a being.”
“Hm.”
Insane.
The Sword Sovereign quickly labeled the man in such a manner.
What on earth is the Heavenly Demon?
Collaborating and concealing the acts of the Demonic Sect while quietly causing immense destruction.
Given the precedent of the Wudang assault, he could not turn a blind eye to such actions.
“Then where is he?”
“…”
Where could the Heavenly Demon possibly be?
What purpose does he have, especially at this moment?
The massive figure just gazed at the Sword Sovereign.
The Sword Sovereign met his gaze without averting his eyes.
Before long.
“Wait.”
The giant smiled grotesquely and spoke to the Sword Sovereign.
“You won’t need to seek him; he will soon make his appearance all on his own.”
“…”
“All you trivial beings must do is wait for him to bring about oblivion.”
With a tone filled with firm conviction.
Listening to that, the Sword Sovereign cast a lowering glance at the giant before turning away.
There was no need to hear any further.
“First Dragon Great Lord.”
“Yes, Clan Leader.”
“Please keep him alive as long as possible.”
There were many more questions, but time was running short.
With pressing matters at hand, the Sword Sovereign had to move.
Step by step.
The moment he lifted his foot, faint clinking sounded from behind.
They were beginning the torture anew.
A cruel and violent deed.
Even as he heard it, the expression of the Sword Sovereign, a martial artist, showed no change whatsoever.
‘The Heavenly Demon, is it?’
His head was filled with that one name.
‘What could you possibly want?’
What sort of purpose motivates such heinous acts?
Moreover.
‘You’ll come to me directly?’
He recalled the words spoken by the giant.
‘That can’t be possible.’
This place was none other than the center of the righteous faction.
Hanam, the location of the main headquarters of the martial alliance, and he casually comes here on his own?
None of the countless entities that incited past blood calamities had ever dared that.
Could the Heavenly Demon be capable of such a feat?
‘It’s impossible.’
There’s no way that’s true.
The Sword Sovereign had that conviction.
Thus, with a flash of determination in his eyes, he thought.
‘Heavenly Demon. I don’t know who you are, but I won’t take long to find out.’
For the sake of the position he had earned and aimed for.
The Sword Sovereign was determined to seek out and eliminate this Heavenly Demon by any means necessary.
Hanam.
The waiting room of the Martial Alliance headquarters.
“Phew-ACHOO!”
I erupted into a fierce sneeze, wiping my nose with my hand.
As I did, I scratched my ear with my pinky.
“Ugh…. My nose itches.”
Where was this nonsense coming from, making my nose and ears itch like this?
Is someone talking bad about me? Honestly, at this point, I’ve gotten used to it and don’t even care who’s saying it.
“Ahem.”
After sneezing once more, I surveyed my surroundings.
Once again, it was a sight I was growing accustomed to.
I had once again entered the Martial Alliance before noon.
The reason was simple.
Following the conclusion of the previous martial arts tournament, I had returned to rest and was preparing to engage in the Sixteen Trials.
At long last, I was nearing the Sixteen Trials.
In other words, this meant only a handful of participants remained, and the tournament was reaching its climax.
“Hm.”
While sitting in the prepared chair and nursing my nose, I cautiously rolled my eyes around to take in the surroundings.
I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh at the sight.
‘The energy in the air is absolutely fierce.’
From all around, the energy of competition surged.
The fact that they were down to the Sixteen Trials signified that everyone had reached peak mastery, and the airstream they created was overwhelmingly thick.
Everyone seemed to be focused solely on each other.
Some had their eyes closed, some stared blankly at the ground, and others quietly polished their swords.
Though they appeared to lack any active engagement, their energy was all too intent on scanning one another.
Not a single participant was without a scheming gaze.
Especially.
‘If this goes on, I might faint. Can you stop watching me already?’
So many gazes directed my way were becoming exhausting.
Apparently, my earlier martial arts duel with Shin Ryong had made quite the impression.
‘Tsk.’
Even on my way here, I had been rather swamped by the crowd.
Just days ago, I could stroll around without notice, but now, it seemed everyone knew my face and rushed toward me like mad.
Honestly, I was contemplating whether to use a veil or invisibility art next time.
‘…The life of a celebrity…’
It was similar in my past life, but with a difference.
‘In my previous life, those who saw me were often trying to kill me, but now it feels a bit different.’
Instead of the vile and twisted demons, it seems now I attract the attention of the late-stage talents.
That’s what it feels like. Is that necessarily a bad thing? It’s a nuanced situation.
Am I unconsciously enjoying this?
Such thoughts made me feel somewhat miserable.
I’m getting old, and what on earth am I doing?
At that moment, the irony hit me like a ton of bricks.
So I let some steam out.
Whoosh-!
“…!!”
“Cough!!”
“Gah…!”
I played around with the energies that were watching me.
I intervened in the flow of energy and reversed its direction.
I might have caused a few minor injuries but not seriously; my sudden vibrations terrified everyone around me.
Most were startled enough to stop what they were doing and stare at me.
Amidst those gazes, there were four who remained unaffected.
Among them, one was merely holding back a response, while the other three were genuinely oblivious.
Removing those three, it meant almost everyone else was now looking right at me.
The energy flowed into me in an instant, and now real gazes came rushing in at me.
Seeing them, I grinned mischievously.
“See, being openly observed is so much better than sneaking glances. The latter’s just so inappropriate, you know?”
“…”
Perhaps I had been too sardonic; discomfort appeared on the faces of those I taunted.
So what?
Who told you to watch me so blatantly?
With a lightened heart, I leaned back into my chair.
With some time left before the trials began, I figured I could rest a little.
“Still as refreshing as ever.”
Next to me, Yeongpung spoke up. He was one of those waiting alongside me.
By the way, Yeongpung was among those who hadn’t been directing energy toward me.
The other two were Peng Woojin and Tang Soyeol, while the one who managed to suppress a reaction was the Sword King.
“What do you mean refreshing….”
“Haha, Junior Gu is always like this, but you are someone to look up to.”
“…Uh-huh.”
Had any of the others, like the Sleeping Dragon, Cheol Jiseon, or Seongyul heard that, they’d have been all over him for saying such a thing.
Knowing this, I simply smiled awkwardly.
Yeongpung maintained his signature smile while polishing his sword.
Then, suddenly, he turned to me and continued.
“How’s your body holding up?”
“My body? I’m all good.”
“It seems you received quite a few injuries…. Are you really alright?”
“Yes, I’ll be fine with just a little ointment.”
The injuries from my fight with Shin Ryong.
Honestly, I hadn’t healed completely yet.
It would take some time for those wounds to fully recover and still be painful.
But it was manageable; there wasn’t anything overly difficult coming up, anyway.
That’s what I thought until—
“I apologize.”
Out of the blue, Yeongpung offered an unexpected apology.
Why suddenly apologize?
I looked at him, puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
“My heart wishes to act the same way Junior Gu did toward Shin Ryong, yet… I fear it may not be possible this time around.”
Ah.
Only then did I realize what Yeongpung’s apology meant.
In my duel with Shin Ryong, I had placed myself on the same level by inflicting wounds on myself.
That was the very scenario Yeongpung was thinking back on.
The reason being—
“Given my current condition, I’m not confident whether I can reach you… So I will simply do my utmost in this situation.”
In this upcoming match, Yeongpung would be my opponent.
While he had eagerly anticipated a duel with me, it seemed it would finally come to fruition.
Amidst those sentiments, neither he nor I truly seemed affected by such thoughts as we simply laughed together.
“Alright. Just do your best.”
I wished for him to give it his all as I too sought the same.
I wanted him to pour everything into trying to land a Plum Blossom Leaf with me.
No, he absolutely must.
‘That much is required.’
Only then could he earn the right to be called the successor to that irritable old man.
