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Chapter 7: The Shocking Encounter

Screech!

The sensation of flying was palpable. A chill ran down my spine. My stiff body refracted its eyes, taking in the vast scenery around me, and I swallowed hard.

Golden Sword Blade.

The golden sword that symbolized the Sword Sovereign and Divine Sword was sprawled in every direction. Dozens of sword tips pointed directly at my neck.

It was the Three Eminent Beings’ Qi. The Pejon had said that those of their caliber had reached transcendence, leaving only themselves aside.

The Sword Sovereign was undoubtedly at that level too.

‘…This is insane.’

Why on earth was someone like that aiming a sword tip at me? As I said earlier, I hadn’t done anything suspicious.

So, I thought there wouldn’t be any issues.

‘What’s your true identity?’

The Sword Sovereign’s words pricked my spine. What could he possibly mean? My father stood beside the Sword Sovereign, staring at me intently.

The Sword Sovereign sat across the table, his frosty eyes locked onto me.

“…What do you mean?”

I faced his fierce gaze and asked. The Sword Sovereign gave me a slight smile.

“I heard you were born of the Hundred Families.”

“Yes.”

“Currently in the Hundred Families, there isn’t a bloodline that bears your name.”

“……”

I furrowed my brows. Oh no.

‘Did he already uncover that?’

He immediately figured out the issue concerning my Hundred Families affiliation. Was he confirming it since he already utilized the Beggar Clan’s insights?

Where did the suspicion even stem from?

‘No matter how meticulous the Martial Alliance is,’

They wouldn’t chase after someone merely because they were a new recruit. It was odd for them to have gathered this detailed information so quickly.

At that moment.

“I can’t understand.”

The Sword Sovereign said.

“If you intended to hide your identity, there wouldn’t be a need to be top of the class… How could that be?”

“……”

Ah.

Only after hearing those words did I understand. Not just the Sword Sovereign, but Gu Tae and the Martial Alliance were trying to figure out my identity.

‘I’ve been too flashy.’

It was clearly my fault for acting so showily. Not only did I beat the examination, but I also aced the written test. If I had topped the class, they’d definitely want to dive into my details. I hadn’t considered this aspect.

“I don’t quite follow.”

So I shrugged it off for now.

“I’m born of the Hundred Families. My identity was verified when I entered the clan.”

That was a point I had slipped through using the power of the Mang.

At the very least, it should have been properly checked while entering the alliance.

“The eyes and ears of the Beggar Clan aren’t that dull.”

The Sword Sovereign was resolute.

Furthermore, the sensation of the sword tip against my throat grew closer.

“The head of the Hundred Families should receive a letter regarding the selected recruits soon. Before that, I’ll ask to confirm, what is your true identity? And also,”

Grrrgh!

The room shook. It was due to the Sword Sovereign’s Qi.

“Regarding the recent occurrence of the Red Demon Beast, was that your doing?”

“Y-Yes…?”

What kind of insane talk was that? But, in reality, it was technically my fault.

The anomalies that arose since I came to this world. That was likely why the Red Demon Beast appeared in the alliance.

However.

‘That’s not what the Sword Sovereign means by that.’

The significance he was alluding to wasn’t what it sounded like.

“No, it wasn’t me.”

So I quickly denied it.

“Then does that mean what you previously said is true?”

“……”

The Sword Sovereign’s eyes sparkled as he questioned me.

He was like a sword-wielding elder.

‘Ugh.’

What do I even do about this? If I say it’s wrong, will he let it slide?

‘It surely isn’t going to be easy.’

I had managed to enter initially, which was fine. Yet, I didn’t know how to pass through this moment. As expected, the crisis came swiftly.

“It’s strange that a powerhouse like you has only just shown up.”

A late-stage talent hiding their strength. That’s how the Sword Sovereign viewed me.

No, even if I hadn’t concealed my strength, I was undoubtedly a strong individual, and it was abnormal not to belong to any of the current clans.

“I’ll ask again.”

Gradually, a thick layer of Qi sank into the Sword Sovereign’s voice.

“Who are you?”

Suuuuuuu—!!!

The sword’s edge trembled against my neck.

“……”

I pondered. Just how should I break through this?

Could I slip away by denying it? It was said a letter from the head of the Hundred Families would take some time, so should I just deny it and see if it works?

‘No way.’

Looking into the Sword Sovereign’s eyes told me it wouldn’t work that way, and deceiving him with acting would be tough too.

If so.

‘Should I just break through?’

Should I attempt to flee through force right now?

That was one way to handle things. Doing that would likely complicate future dealings, but it might be better than getting caught as I was.

The question was.

‘Can I actually break through?’

Could I escape past the Sword Sovereign?

‘……’

I had no idea how strong the Sword Sovereign currently was. He was known as the closest to the strongest martial artist in the world.

Being the symbol of the current righteous faction, there was no doubt he was formidable.

‘I’ve never fought a Sword Sovereign before.’

In my previous life, I had never faced the Sword Sovereign. I had also tried to avoid any possible conflicts.

Thus, I had no clue what his current state was like.

‘While I could sense Qi to gauge some level of him.’

To do so now would mean, in the end, declaring I was ready to fight. It was an irreversible choice.

‘Hmm.’

That being said.

Crreeeek.

I couldn’t just let the sword approaching me settle.

What to do?

‘…What to do?’

I had already reached my decision.

‘Wasn’t my pondering too long?’

Strike or be struck. If there’s no retreat, then I’ll simply charge ahead. First, I escape, and then I’ll formulate a plan afterward.

With such thoughts, I steeled my heart.

No.

I was going to.

Boom-!!!

“Wait a minute!”

“Huh?”

Just as I was channeling my energy into my heart to launch an attack, the back door swung open, and someone entered.

“Enough.”

A hefty figure dressed in black robes entered with an imposing aura.

‘…The Pejon?’

It was none other than the Pejon, Bi Ju. He burst through the Sword Sovereign’s office door.

“…Bi Ju.”

Upon seeing him, the Sword Sovereign’s face distorted.

“What’s going on here?”

An exceptional level of Qi radiated from him, vastly different from the threatening pressure he had displayed before.

“Senior.”

Paying no mind to his Qi, Bi Ju smiled.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I’ve got something to discuss.”

“Something to discuss?”

“Yup.”

At the sudden mention of a matter, the Sword Sovereign looked puzzled as the Pejon pointed his large finger towards me.

“I will vouch for this boy’s identity.”

“…What?”

“Y-Yes?”

What kind of nonsense was this? I widened my eyes at his absurd statement.

Then.

Swoosh!!!

A sword that had been hovering in the room shot towards the Pejon at great speed.

Thud-!

With one hand, the Pejon blocked the incoming sword. However, since he caught it barehanded, blood trickled down his hand.

“Goodness, that was frightening.”

Despite those words, the Pejon maintained a smile on his face.

In contrast, the Sword Sovereign’s expression twisted in fearsome anger.

“Bi Ju. What do you think you’re doing?”

“What am I doing? Didn’t I just say I’d take responsibility for this boy?”

“Nonsense.”

Creaking—!!!

A golden aura seeped through, enveloping the Sword Sovereign, Wi Hyogun.

Simultaneously.

“Hmm.”

Boom!

The Qi radiating from the Pejon clashed with that overwhelming energy. The skies of the Central Plains felt the friction of their might.

Crrrrrreeeek.

Rough sounds echoed throughout the hall. Whoa, can we leave that like this? It’s giving me serious anxiety.

“Don’t spit out irresponsible nonsense. That boy’s identity is a matter the alliance should clarify. That’s not something you should involve yourself in.”

“Why wouldn’t I be responsible? Wasn’t it me who said I’d take responsibility?”

“If that boy happens to be from the Demonic Faction, then what’s your plan?”

“That too is my responsibility. So, senior, just accept it.”

“You punk…!”

It looked like he was ready to draw his sword. Seeing that, the Pejon’s eyes glimmered.

“I can take care of that matter if anything goes wrong. How does that sound?”

“……!”

At those words, the Sword Sovereign hesitated for a moment.

“That’s not a bad deal. Furthermore, I’ll keep you from fleeing. Isn’t that a safer deal?”

“……”

“I don’t think so.”

The Sword Sovereign glared at the Pejon without speaking.

Things were becoming increasingly strange.

‘What the heck is this?’

How did it turn into such a developing situation? Suddenly the Pejon intervened to take responsibility for my identity?

“…Bi Ju. You bastard.”

Now that things had progressed, the Sword Sovereign’s expression twisted further.

“Were you waiting for this moment?”

“Oh please. Not at all.”

Bi Ju smiled as he lifted the corner of his mouth.

“Just lucky, that’s all.”

“……”

Swish.

The swords surrounding me faded away.

And then.

“Whether it’s good luck or bad, we’ll see now.”

After extinguishing the Qi he had pulled back, the Sword Sovereign spoke.

“You’d better uphold your word without question. This matter will be closely monitored by the alliance.”

“Then, I have to keep my word.”

“Boy.”

The Sword Sovereign’s gaze turned towards me.

“I’ll be watching you.”

“……”

It was a warning. Before I could even respond to that,

“Alright! I’m leaving! We’ll meet up again later.”

“Gah!?”

Before I could react, the Pejon suddenly grabbed the back of my neck and dragged me out.

In an instant, my field of vision flickered as this guy leaped out of the window.

Thud-!

The moment I landed on the ground, it was back to the air. The Pejon moved swiftly through the bushes.

By the time I regained my senses, we had already arrived at the center of a mountain range.

Barely regaining my breath, the Pejon spoke to me.

“I saved you.”

“How do you feel? Doesn’t it feel like a benefactor? Don’t you feel like you want to be my disciple now?”

“Uh… what…?”

I let out a bewildered breath after hearing those words.

This guy.

‘Did he do all that to recruit me as his disciple?’

Did he make that absurd claim to guarantee my identity?

What was he aiming to achieve by having a Demonic Faction member at that?

One wrong move, and I’d be in hot water with the righteous faction.

‘…I knew he was a madman.’

I already knew Bi Ju was the kind of person who didn’t care about such things, but I never imagined it would get to this level!

Flabbergasted and perplexed, I said.

“I’m terribly sorry, elder…”

I had no intentions of becoming his disciple. Regardless of how things turned out, that was a given.

“I don’t plan on becoming your disciple.”

“Isn’t that so? We’re already bound by the essence of a disciple.”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

“The Tua Pacheonmu. You’ve mastered it, haven’t you?”

“……!”

Chills went down my spine.

I thought I must have misheard him. Staring at Bi Ju with trembling eyes, I realized he was no longer smiling.

“Isn’t that right?”

“……”

I gulped hard. I thought I had managed to keep it under wraps.

‘Already.’

It seemed the Pejon had known all along.

 

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