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**

I made eye contact with the person standing behind Heuk Dae-wun.

“Is it you? The one who asked for a sword to be made.”

She seemed quite strict. She looked like she was of a certain age, with wrinkles crinkling under her eyes.

It felt like she emitted a similar vibe to Master Guigok Yajang. I adjusted my gaze to meet hers.

Her eyes were deep—very deep.

They belonged to someone who seemed to know more than what appeared on the surface.

“That’s correct, elder.”

“I am Dosoryeon. I’ve made a sword for that guy before, and the same goes for Lianju over there.”

“No way. You really brought her? How? Dos pa-pa! It’s been a while!”

“I heard you had some trouble, but you look better now. Lianju, you’re keeping the sword I made for you, right?”

“I almost lost it, but I got it back. Hehe. Since I’m here, can you take a look at my sword?”

“I made it so it wouldn’t need repairs. I know my sword well. It rarely chips, you know.”

Master Geumgang and Dosoryeon gazed at me intently.

“I came here for one reason only. I’m not one to leave my place often. But despite that, I came out because I heard you have an ‘interesting’ sword.”

I looked at Heuk Dae-wun, and he avoided my gaze.

“…To get a look at the elder, you have to wait at least a year. To get her to personally move would require something more. I’m sorry about the mention of your sword… but there was no other way.”

Just showing it wouldn’t wear it down. I nodded.

I drew Paiweon and revealed the sword within. Dosoryeon flinched.

“…What is this…?”

“This is a work of Master Guigok Yajang.”

“Guigok Yajang? Are you talking about the Guigok Yajang I know?”

“If you mean the one in the Demon Cult, then yes.”

“…Can that guy really create such a strange artifact? No, can a human even make this? I want to see it more closely. Can you draw the sword for me?”

Her tone turned slightly polite. I slowly drew the sword.

A bizarre blade mixed with various metallic fragments. The moment she saw it, Dosoryeon staggered back, covering her mouth.

“Wh-What…!”

“Come on, Dos pa-pa. You’re overreacting. It’s just a famous sword—why respond like that?”

“If you don’t know much about swords, then shut up.”

“…But I’m the Master of Sado Clan…”

“Be quiet.”

“Okay.”

“This is… fascinating… it’s a sword but not a sword. You say Guigok Yajang made this? No way. This can’t possibly be a sword made by a human. Is Guigok Yajang some kind of god?”

“Ah, that’s…”

I explained what had happened.

Dosoryeon’s expression stiffened.

“What a peculiar creature.”

“Somehow, it happened…”

“This isn’t something that can be brushed off as ‘somehow.’ Alright. You need a sword for your daughter, huh? Indeed, I am the best craftsman of the Sado Clan. Modesty is for the mediocre. I am unquestionably the best, so I won’t hide it or constrain myself. Those who take my swords are all the best, and the reason they are the best is because I too am the best.”

Dosoryeon straightened her bent back and looked up at me, slightly taller now.

“I will make a sword for your daughter. But there’s a condition. I want to observe this sword. That’s all I ask. Just one opportunity a day to observe this sword.”

“That’s not too difficult…”

I stroked Gumang. The sword chimed softly.

“This sword may look singular, but it actually houses two more spirits within it. You could say there are three personalities living in it.”

“And?”

“I need to get the permission of those three. They don’t want to be apart from me for even a moment.”

“Aren’t you the master? Why do you need permission?”

“I am not the master of these spirits. I’m just…”

I chuckled softly.

“One could consider me their friend.”

Gumang trembled slightly, and the atmosphere turned heavy.

Gu Ok-gyeong and Heuk Dae-wun also shuddered.

“Ugh, why’s it suddenly so cold?”

“I feel a bit hot, actually…”

I teased the two spirits, Bai Ya and Heukju, who seemed to be enjoying themselves, and quietly asked them what they thought.

The ones who were clinging to me suddenly shook their heads in unison.

“They say they don’t want to…”

“What? Can’t it be done?”

“It seems I need to be present for it to happen… besides, they also don’t like having their bodies touched.”

“Such strong-willed spirits. It looks like Guigok Yajang’s skills are even greater than I heard. That’s impressive. It can’t be helped. One must listen to the sword’s call. So, I will only observe what you wear.”

“Dos pa-pa? I thought you’d be stubborn about this, but you’re not?”

“A craftsman must respect the sword. Lianju. Now, let’s discuss in more detail. After all, the one who will wield this sword isn’t you, but your daughter…”

Dosoryeon took a seat.

“Seeing it once would be better, but I heard the situation won’t allow for that. Then, I suppose dealing with a drawing would be best.”

“…I’m not that good at drawing…”

Heuk Dae-wun picked up a brush.

“A person who has seen it can draw it easily. So, no need to worry.”

“…Heuk Dae-sir.”

“I told you before, you can call me by my name. So just stop calling me a swindler now. I keep my word.”

…

Master Geumgang Dosoryeon began working.

I observed Heuk Dae-wun drawing Su-a’s picture with unsettling precision.

“Do you have something to say?”

“…You’ve drawn it really well… Were you paying that much attention to these details?”

“Wow. This is shocking. Dae-wun, is this your taste in little kids? You even drew the size of her hands so carefully. Wow…”

“I just transferred what I saw. Jeok-un, don’t stare at me with those strange eyes. I have no interest in kids.”

Master Geumgang claimed that he wasn’t a craftsman who made ear swords like Guigok Yajang.

“Putting spirits into a sword is an extremely risky act. If you’re not careful, the sword can hurt its owner. A tool that’s supposed to help can turn on its owner. That makes no sense.”

“So, in that case…”

“That’s why I value the external aspects over the internal. It’s about crafting a sword that can faithfully serve its purpose. That’s why I’m called Geumgang Yajang. The best sword I aspire to possess isn’t one with spirits but a illustrious sword (明劍).”

“Illustrious sword… You mean?”

“I don’t mean a sword with a name. I mean a bright sword. One that shines on its own and cannot be compared to any other sword. The sword I temper shines even in the dark and can cut through anything. Usually, I would need to go through many difficulties to make it after a cleansing ritual…”

Master Geumgang turned to look at me.

“Lianju said you would spare no support. With the best support to the best craftsman, the money involved in creating this sword alone, minus the labor costs, would be worth dozens of buildings. Be grateful to Lianju.”

“…….!”

Absolutely nonsensical pricing made me glance at Gu Ok-gyeong. She was grinning at me, blowing a kiss with her fingertips.

“This is the Master of Sado Clan, darling. You ought to make a life here, you know?”

“…Thank you, Ok-gyeong. How can I repay this…”

“Dae-wun will cover everything. Don’t worry.”

“Me…?”

“Then who else? You’re the one who promised, right? Payback for a lifetime. Got it?”

“…Yes.”

Master Geumgang occasionally observed the drawn sword while holding me still. He sometimes tossed questions my way.

“As a warrior, where do you stand? I know nothing of martial arts. So, I’d appreciate an explanation. You’re certainly not on the level of Lianju… are you a master of Huaxing?”

“Yes?”

Gu Ok-gyeong, who was sticking close to me while working, burst out laughing.

“Does it look that way?”

“Yeah? Of course. There’s no one stronger than Lianju in the Sado Clan.”

“Right? I lose to her. During the day…”

Gu Ok-gyeong covered her mouth and whispered.

“…I might lose at night too?”

“…Ok-gyeong.”

“Ahaha! Just kidding, just kidding. Dos pa-pa, whatever shall we do? I might be stronger than you!”

“…Is that true?”

“That’s why you’re my husband. Ugh. Don’t mention it. She’s totally got it going on. The way she swings a sword is just right. At night, I’m sure she can shake other things too…”

Like Heavenly Demon.

And Sado Clan Master as well.

Are the heads of these organizations normally like this?

I turned my flushed face away. Gu Ok-gyeong grinned devilishly.

“Ugh, how cute. Hey, you. Have you had any experiences in this area? I haven’t, and I hope you haven’t either.”

“…This isn’t a conversation for the daytime.”

“Eh?! You’ve never even been with a girl?! What a loser!! You’re a virgin!”

“A virgin… Isn’t that a weird choice of words? I’m a guy…”

“It looks more delicious… Ah, I can’t help it. You, later…”

“Cut it out. Lianju. We’re in the middle of work here.”

“Okay.”

As the work progressed steadily, Su-ryeon’s physical condition had also improved greatly.

I heard she was now fine enough to do some movement.

After a long period of healing, she suddenly clung to me the moment she heard she was completely healed. Il-ho was the same.

“Jeok-un, I’ll protect you. Don’t mind the wicked words of Master Sado Clan.”

“What’s with that, brat?”

“I’ll be the one to wipe those dirty ears for you.”

Su-ryeon got up and shook off her spot, then organized the assassin group branches one by one.

She informed them about the Demon Cult, advising anyone who wanted to leave to do so. However, most of the assassins wanted to stay and follow.

Regardless of the assassin group, it showcased her influence. Thus, 110 more assassins of Sapa expressed their desire to join the Demon Cult.

“Is that too many?”

“Seems like… it might be, but…”

I trusted that Il-ma-nim would take care of it.

As time flowed, Su-a’s sword was finally completed. Master Geumgang said confidently.

“I made it by combining the newly acquired and the existing. It’s like my own creation.”

I stared at the finished sword.

Slowly, I drew the sword from its scabbard.

 

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