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**

“…….”

As I moved my feet, I felt farther away.

Where Dad is.

Sua walked silently. She couldn’t utter a single word.

A face she had never seen before. Words she had never heard. Mixed with those was the face of her dad, making an indescribably complicated expression.

It seemed somewhat resigned… yet also a face trying to make the right judgment for himself.

I want to go back.

I want to be next to Dad.

But what would change if I went back? I know better than anyone that nothing would change even if I returned.

I’ve seen.

It was strangely dark…

A man, his back obscured in the gloom.

It was different from before. Different from the Huashan uncle who was called a sage.

A feeling of blackness and heaviness that obscured the end. At the sight, it felt like my breath caught and my whole body froze.

And thus, I understood.

That what remains is merely the childishness.

That being next to Dad would be of no help.

“…….”

“Sua, are you alright?”

Ju Ryeongryeong spoke to me. But without a word, I nodded my head.

Still, there was at least a relief in the fact that Dad had made a promise.

He had never once broken a promise to me. Since that Dad said he would chase after us…

He will come.

He will definitely come.

—KWA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A!!!!!

A moment later, the wind blew in from behind. The pressure that reminded me of a storm nearly made Sua tumble.

I hurriedly turned around and saw something. The whole world distorted, and the sky turned black…

Only that place radiated an atmosphere as if it were detached from the world.

“…Ah.”

A voice escaped my lips. Unconsciously, I reached out my hand.

But it didn’t reach. Dad was over there…

I couldn’t do anything.

Eun Seol-ran screamed.

“Move!”

“W-What is that…? What is it?!”

“What just appeared…?”

“O-Oppa…”

The masters of Huaxing trembled. Even the warriors known to be closest to transcendence did.

The storm’s grip grew larger. Everyone was consumed by the dread emanating from it.

Eun Seol-ran’s face contorted. The voice expelled from the black thickening core of the storm sank down to the ground.

“…Move… quickly…!”

Sua sensed that her hand was being pulled by someone. Being dragged along, her gaze was still set on the place she had left.

It was no longer visible. Swallowed by darkness, nothing beyond that could be seen.

“…Dad…”

But he will return.

Surely… he will return.

Dad is a person who never breaks promises.

After all, he promised me.

…

The words screamed. The shockwaves of the spirit tore apart the warriors, scattering them in every direction.

I stood at the center. In a place where pouring out my sincerity was necessary just to withstand basic pressure.

I put strength in my legs. Straining to keep my back straight.

Don’t break my posture. If I do, I won’t even be able to swing my sword properly.

“The gate leading to Hyun-kyung is referred to as Opening Heaven.”

The spirit of everything rose and was sucked into him. Colors and scents changed, and the world turned black.

I could see my opponent. The light still existed. But the whole stage became murky, as if it were melting into a sticky shadow.

Every visible place was like that. No matter how far I looked, it was all tainted by his color.

Broken wood fell to the ground. Lifeless leaves withered away.

Someone’s scream was consumed by the shadows. One gathered beneath my feet too.

I struggled to shake it off, but it wouldn’t come off.

Only the Yi-hyeong Ki I barely summoned protected me from it.

“I will open the heavens. What a splendid statement, huh? But you see, merely opening the heavens accomplishes nothing. The pinnacle of nothingness connects to one’s own cultivation. Even if you can communicate with the heavens, what’s the meaning if you can’t turn it into your own?”

—KWA-A-A-A-A-A-A-A!!!

Suddenly, the pouring thunder and lightning consumed the shadows. The dragon’s shadow, wrapped in lightning, settled beside me.

Lord Im Wol-ryong of the Cheonryong Association.

He hurriedly scanned the surroundings, raising his voice sharply.

“You! Who are you?!”

Jin Baek-cheon laughed.

“I am the First Sword of Sapa, the finest swordsman of this era. Lord of the Cheonryong Association, I have a proposal.”

“What…?”

“What I need are precisely two people. That’s my role. Just allow me to send the rest away. A quarter distance away, there’s Sado Clan. Let them figure things out and mix it up over there.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?!”

“What else would it be? The best martial artists of the Cheonryong Association who have reached Hyun-kyung! And behind them… the Heartless Sword Jeok-un! Hahaha! Aren’t they currently known as the two strongest warriors in the Cheonryong territory? I’m saying that you two are more than enough for me.”

Jin Baek-cheon’s shoulders quivered.

Then, suddenly, his laughter stopped.

“The slaughter of bugs? For me, that could be accomplished with just a flick of my finger. But that’s far too peaceful a death. My master desires otherwise. He believes bugs should die fighting amongst themselves. This is also a mercy from me. Lord of the Cheonryong Association.”

“…….”

“Send the warriors of the Cheonryong Association forward. Let them handle Sado Clan themselves. You have a few generals in place… Besides, there’s quite a number of capable fighters without you. Even if your absence lowers the chances of victory… better think it over. Should I enact a massive massacre here, or is it better to reduce the numbers of Sado Clan?”

“…You bastard…!”

“Do as planned. Do as planned. A full-scale confrontation between Sado Clan and the Cheonryong Association. Let them write their own tale… while you two remain here to mix swords with the First Sword of Sapa. That’s my role and what I desire. If warriors interfere in the bugs’ battle, what use is that? Come on then, Lord of the Cheonryong Association. Decide. You know best.”

The head tilted.

A mass of arrogance.

But beneath it all…

Was a figure backed by strength.

“Having them here is a pointless death. But if they go there, they might at least be of use. Seeing two delicious prey, I can no longer contain myself. One quarter of time, I give you, Lord of the Cheonryong Association.”

“…….”

The Lord of the Cheonryong Association looked back at me.

Complicated expressions swept past him. In the end, what settled was resolve.

“Cheonryong Association!!!”

From his raised voice, the remaining warriors of the Cheonryong Association responded. The wave of chi that engulfed the area suddenly ceased.

Whether it was Jin Baek-cheon’s consideration or a ploy, the Lord of the Cheonryong Association raised his sword and pointed ahead.

“From now on, I entrust all authority to the Dragon of the Earth Command! Advance to break down the wicked forces of Sado Clan!”

“Head, Lord…!”

“Go! Dragon of the Earth Command! Leave this to me! Move the troops immediately! The Sado Clan is waiting a quarter distance away! Stop them with all your might!”

The tip of the Lord of the Cheonryong Association’s sword was stained with lightning.

“I’ll chase after dealing with them! Don’t fall apart! Cheonryong Association! Fight till the end! If we falter, the innocent will be dragged in! Don’t crumble! Absolutely!!!”

“…….!”

The face of the Dragon of the Earth Command crumbled. But the body that had been on one knee soon rose again.

“I shall obey the Lord’s command!”

The collapsed formation began to move. The troops of the Cheonryong Association that had left the area drew their swords and advanced toward the nearby forces of Sado Clan.

In the now quiet ground, the Lord of the Cheonryong Association turned to me.

“…Who is that person?”

“…….”

“Definitely not the First Sword of Sapa. That’s for sure. If such a person were the First Sword of Sapa, the Cheonryong Association would have been consumed by Sado Clan long ago. Rival hero. Answer me. Who is that person?”

“What’s the use of standing someone in front and talking amongst yourselves?”

Jin Baek-cheon held his hand to his forehead. After confirming that the last warrior had exited the area, he shrugged.

“I’ve declared myself to be the First Sword of Sapa, and I’ve revealed my face to all… which is enough, right?”

Jin Baek-cheon placed his hand on his face. He tossed aside the straw hat he had worn and ripped off the mask he had been using, throwing it behind him.

With tousled hair, a striking appearance was revealed. His eyes, slightly playful, were soaked in an unspeakable intent, and it felt like all of it was focused solely in one place.

The intoxicated warrior whispered.

“I am the Reverse Star Jin Baek-cheon. Lord of the Cheonryong Association. Come on then, give it your all. Let’s sing our swords till we die in the midst of the battlefield. Whether it’s Heart Sword or anything else, bring it on. The important point is that my identity doesn’t matter, right? Huh? The important thing is that we stand in different places, aiming for each other’s lives.”

The sword he playfully raised shone upon me.

“And Jeok-un.”

“…….”

“Raise your standards. If you don’t want to die in the next moment… you better follow along diligently. Otherwise…”

The tip of Jin Baek-cheon’s sword ignited in darkness. An unfathomably heavy presence loomed.

“I’ll think of chasing after what I just released.”

Shadows began to swarm. I raised Yi-hyeong Ki to its limit to confront it.

It was coming.

An inevitable death.

…

“Master.”

“Huh?”

“When will I ever be able to defeat you?”

Ilma blinked. He jabbed the tip of his sword into my forehead.

“You’re getting cocky just because I compliment you, huh?”

“…I was just curious…”

“A million years off. You’re still nowhere near Hyun-kyung… trying to grasp the heavens with your hands… what a laughable scene.”

“Master…”

“Don’t be a nuisance. Seriously, you’re growing more cutesy.”

Ilma chuckled lightly. He swiftly sheathed his sword back at his waist.

“I believe in your potential.”

“…….”

“But your potential is like a flower blooming over a long time. It can’t blossom in an instant.”

“Then… what should I do if I face a warrior at a level similar to yours?”

“A level similar to mine?”

Ilma tilted his head. After pondering, he slapped his cheek a few times and eventually spoke in a heavy tone.

“I know you’re not the kind to avoid a fight that comes your way.”

“…….”

“And I know you’re one who wouldn’t hesitate to confront even the mightiest, to protect something precious.”

“…….”

“I know you’re someone who accomplishes seemingly impossible tasks and ultimately stands firmly on the ground.”

“…….”

“But.”

Ilma placed his hand on my chest.

His gaze was endlessly serious.

“Aside from the Master, there’s practically no one else at a level similar to mine, but… if it really seems like you’ve encountered someone like me…”

“……”

“Run. Don’t ask, don’t question. I don’t even know if that’s possible, but first, just run. Far away. So far away that it can’t reach you.”

“…Why….”

“A place where hope or grit doesn’t work. A place where miracles can’t even step foot.”

Ilma looked up at me.

He whispered softly.

“That’s where I stand. Jeok-un.”

…

The distorted vision returned.

Within it, I realized I had subconsciously held my breath.

My broken body. The damaged flesh caused by it.

I was embedded in the ground.

Having lost my limbs, only my body remained…

Unaware of what had struck me.

 

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