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00347 천계(天界) ————————————————————————=

After taking down the giant toad, I got the wooden armor, Nine Stars Main Capital, and twin swords to rescue General Hwang Yeon’s party. Then I moved to the Blood Blade Group’s base and, just like before, slaughtered the pirates while rescuing the pirate prisoners and grabbing the treasure from Pirate Island.

After that, I made a quick stop at Dongyoung to gather some obsidian, then headed to the Shadowless Gate. When I brought Seo Mun-hye to the Sword Demon, he looked quite surprised—not just because his daughter was back but also due to the pressure he felt from me.

The Sword Demon didn’t hide his competitive spirit.

“You possess an extraordinary sword qi at such a young age. Have you perhaps undergone Half-Transition Master?”

“No, I haven’t.”

I shook my head and handed the obsidian to him. As he took it in surprise, his expression changed dramatically when he absorbed its memories. He trembled for a moment before saying,

“Ha! As they say, disaster often comes with fortune. I never expected you, Baek Woong, to meet such a death.”

I bitterly smiled.

“Who would’ve thought the Vermilion Bird had such preparations?”

“That guy is truly thorough. He must have accounted for his own death due to someone’s curse and prepared a counter curse from the beginning. A troublesome and fearsome being indeed…”

While he was sharing his honest thoughts, the Sword Demon pondered,

“Does that mean we have no choice but to subdue the Vermilion Bird of the Imperial Palace in a straightforward manner?”

“For now, yes.”

“Hmm, I sense chaos brewing. A significant battle may be about to occur.”

“I was prepared for that.”

I said firmly before addressing the Sword Demon.

“I have more places to visit. We’ll meet again later.”

“Indeed.”

Pa-at

I immediately used Golden Lamp and headed toward the suspicious fishhook in Namgung Clan’s separate room. This was the place where the clan leader, Sword King Namgung Myeong, had been tortured in his previous life. Sure enough, upon my arrival, the suspicious fishhook was glowing, and I promptly grabbed it. Then, using Golden Lamp again, I rushed into the secret space of the Namgung Clan.

I frowned.

‘Unbelievable… these people aren’t human.’

I saw the same women being kidnapped and held prisoner as before. And the sounds of women being assaulted echoed from a nearby building. The sharp screams indicated they were in the midst of horrific acts, and the creaking of beds was uncomfortably audible.

I barged straight into the building, kicking the door open, and saw explicit scenes of depravity. The sight of several Namgung Clan subordinates engaging in inhuman acts was vivid. One of the naked lackeys jumped up in shock.

“Wha-what are you…?”

Thud!

Having just come from slaughtering dozens of pirates, my blood was boiling. Without any hesitation, I threw a punch that shattered his jaw, brain matter splattering everywhere. As one head vanished in an instant, the others turned pale as they grasped the situation.

“Eek!”

“S-save me, great hero…”

I felt my ears ringing. So I clenched my fists. I had a foreboding that today, my fists would be coated in blood and brain matter.

“Die.”

Brrrbb

The corpses splattered all around. The women who were about to be assaulted trembled in fear at the sudden massacre. I covered them with blankets and said,

“I’ve come to rescue you. Is everyone inside here and those outside?”

“H-hic…”

“Are you really here to save us…?”

The women looked tearful and overjoyed. One of them said,

“Yes, that’s right… Oh, no.”

“What’s not right?”

“Two of them were taken by the Young Master.”

The Young Master had to be none other than that scoundrel Namgung Hwan. After a moment of thought, I asked,

“… Where is he?”

“In that building…”

She pointed at a building about fifteen yards away. I glanced at it and then without a word, dashed toward it using the Soul Removal Technique. In the blink of an eye, I ghosted through the window, and there it was—the scene I had anticipated.

“Ugh…”

In nothing resembling the dignity of the Namgung Clan, there was a beast enjoying the women. Namgung Hwan’s face, devoid of any grace, was twisted with lust, showing his sadistic side. However, it seemed he too had surpassed first-rate martial arts, as I began to sense something off, my back muscles tightening.

I immediately ambushed Namgung Hwan and subdued him.

Tydaht

“Ugh…”

He hastily tried to draw his sword, but before he could, I slipped behind him and knocked him out. His body flopped on the ground. As Namgung Hwan lay limp, I turned to the two women he had been attacking.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-young hero. That man is Young Master Namgung Hwan…”

“No.”

I replied firmly.

“This is a beast. A beast that must be killed!”

Then I collected the women and put them inside the wooden armor. I decided to spare Namgung Hwan for now, thinking he could serve as a hostage or a target for my anger later. I shot a sidelong glance at him, then thought,

‘Well, I’ve done all I set out to do. Time to go…’

Suddenly, I halted. I wasn’t under a curse or being attacked, yet I couldn’t move. It was as if my will had intervened unknowingly.

I stood there for a long time, a low voice escaping my throat.

“… I can’t go on like this…”

I was angry.

I could understand what Jin So-cheong felt when she annihilated the Namgung Clan. After witnessing such crimes twice, I wanted nothing more than to shatter and kill them all. Especially after just having wiped out the pirate scum. My urge to eradicate the Namgung Clan intensified.

But the Namgung Clan wasn’t the Blood Blade Group. If I used my current martial arts, I could win against Namgung Myeong one-on-one, but if Namgung Eight Swords and the powerful martial force supporting the Namgung Clan got involved, I wouldn’t stand a chance alone. Jin So-cheong in my previous life was just too strong, while the Namgung Clan was undoubtedly one of the top ten powerful factions in the world.

Not being able to smash the things I wanted to smash filled my mind with rage. I wanted to take out my frustrations on these bastards, but nothing went my way.

Then suddenly, a brilliant idea popped into my head. I spoke to Yeodong-bin.

‘Yeodong-bin. You must manifest and help me with my ten-year lifespan.’

[Understood, Dharma Protector.]

Swoosh!!

Just like in the past when I’d seen him, Yeodong-bin appeared before me. He looked at me with a piercing gaze and said,

“What is it?”

“Sword Master Yeodong-bin. Please annihilate the Namgung Clan.”

“That is not possible!”

Yeodong-bin responded stoutly. I had predicted this response but asked back,

“Why not?”

“My purpose in wielding power alongside you is to protect humanity and uphold justice. My sword must be directed solely toward evil. I cannot use my sword against human beings.”

I spoke softly in response to his statement.

“Yeodong-bin. These individuals have thrashed the weak, kidnapped and exploited women. If I hadn’t come, they would suffer abuse until the day they died. Are you saying such beasts are still considered human?”

“……”

“If the sword for justice is not used to punish evil, what then!”

As I spoke vehemently, Yeodong-bin answered calmly,

“Then act with your own strength. It is humans who must resolve human matters.”

“It’s because I lack the strength that I’m asking for help. Is there really no way?”

“I’m afraid not.”

I clenched my teeth.

“You spoke of vanquishing evil and protecting humanity. That is indeed a noble act. But what of a human who falls to evil, becoming worse than beasts? What purpose does it serve to eradicate evil?”

“……”

“I’ve lived longer than I appear. And in my life, I’ve seen much evil. I’ve realized that humans can be as wicked as otherworldly races.”

I had felt this from the Imperial Palace and the Vermilion Bird.

Those who would slaughter thousands without hesitation for their own greed wouldn’t hesitate even if they were otherworldly races.

“Yeodong-bin! Is annihilating evil merely a convenient concept that can be ignored because it concerns oneself? Does that not mean killing humans for the sake of humanity!!”

“Young Protector.”

Yeodong-bin sighed and said,

“… In my human days, I too harbored thoughts like yours. I expressed a completely identical thought to my master, the Fire Dragon Incarnate. He only said that humans must resolve human affairs.”

Taken aback by his words, I paused. Yeodong-bin glanced skyward as if recalling old memories and continued,

“When I finally vanquished great evil at Mount Ye, I was able to discern the meaning. There were many Great Immortals who could suppress that great evil, but if they intervened, a larger evil would get involved. The chain reaction of power knows no limits, ultimately trivializing human affairs.”

“……”

“Young Protector. I completely understand your rage. Right now, you want nothing more than to tear everything related to the Namgung Clan apart. You would show no mercy even to women and infants. But what meaning does that rage hold?”

“That is…”

“Think carefully. Anger narrows your perspective, and there is likely a truth you are overlooking.”

Yeodong-bin’s words helped me calm my anger and gain a clearer head. I came to see that seeking to eradicate the Namgung Clan out of vague anger was not just. I realized how foolish my earlier thought was about sacrificing fifty years of my life to destroy the Namgung Clan.

‘I’m getting overly emotional at times without realizing it.’

Isn’t that a flaw I need to correct?

While I was self-reflecting, something suddenly hit me.

“Ah!”

A brilliant thought arose in my mind. So I turned to Yeodong-bin and said,

“Then Yeodong-bin, will you follow me and help me?”

“What is the request?”

“It’s nothing about killing someone; I only need this one thing.”

“Understood.”

A short while later, I used Golden Lamp to go together with Yeodong-bin to Ezhou. After that, we walked to a small village with about a hundred residents that the Sword King Namgung Myeong mentioned. I was certain this was the village, so I headed toward the blacksmith’s location.

Clang

Clang

The sound of a blacksmith hammering iron was loud. Watching him busily forge, I felt no hint of internal power from him. It indicated he was either a complete novice in martial arts or had Master-level skills in Return to Simplicity. But I was fully confident he was the latter.

So, I spoke from behind the blacksmith.

“Namgung Jo.”

The burly blacksmith halted his movements. Slowly, he turned to face me, and I saw he was an average middle-aged man without any distinctive features. Once our eyes locked, I firmly said,

“Master of Shadowless Sword Namgung Jo! The time has come to punish your clan’s wrongdoing.”

The blacksmith blinked in confusion.

“You’re saying strange things. I’m Seoljo, a blacksmith. What’s this nonsense?”

I didn’t care about his trickery and began.

“Sword King Namgung Myeong has raised his son poorly. That boy has remodeled the Namgung Clan’s interior to imprison women, and he has abused them with perverted lust. Moreover, upon learning this, Namgung Myeong has become complicit with his son, Namgung Hwan. The Namgung Clan, once a prestigious family, has now become nothing more than cruel beasts.”

Seoljo’s expression didn’t change at all. But I continued.

“In truth, if you are indeed the Master of Shadowless Sword, you’d be uninterested in worldly affairs. So, I have a proposal.”

“A proposal?”

“If you can endure for a hundred seconds, I’ll grant you my life. However, if you fail, you’ll have to go to the Namgung Clan and punish them as I say.”

“……”

Seoljo shifted his gaze toward Yeodong-bin. Then he sighed.

“Get lost. I don’t know how you figured out that I’m the Master of Shadowless Sword, but as you said, I’ve retired from Jianghu. And the Namgung Clan would never commit such despicable acts. I have no reason to accept your proposal.”

“As I mentioned, I’m betting my life on this.”

“What?”

“I’ll say this again: if you can endure for a hundred seconds, I’ll grant you my life.”

Seoljo, or rather the legendary Master of Shadowless Sword Namgung Jo, looked contorted. He seemed astonished and asked,

“Who is this person for you to say such a thing?”

“The one who wields the sword better than anyone else in the world.”

“Haha!”

The Master of Shadowless Sword chuckled softly before suddenly raising his hand. As our gazes turned toward him, he waved his hand suddenly.

Crash –

“…!!”

In an instant, it seemed like at least thirty trees nearby had been cut down. A saber with tremendous power and speed flew through the air. But what was odd was that there was no sword in the Master of Shadowless Sword’s hand.

‘This isn’t the Invincible Sword…’

Answering my questioning eyes, the Master of Shadowless Sword spoke,

“This is the realm of Shadowless Sword that I realized in my later years. I can use my energy to simulate a sword even without one. Do you think you can handle my Shadowless Sword?”

I shook my head.

“No, I can’t.”

The Shadowless Sword’s power was clearly equal to or greater than the Invincible Sword. The fact that the Master of Shadowless Sword had earned the title of the greatest sword in the world wasn’t an exaggeration. He was a formidable master I couldn’t hope to defeat right now. The Master of Shadowless Sword chuckled lightly.

“I’ll overlook your rudeness today. Stop the nonsense and leave.”

“Master of Shadowless Sword.”

“Why do you call?”

I nodded slightly.

“Stop talking nonsense and endure for a hundred seconds. Are you not capable?”

“……”

The Master of Shadowless Sword Namgung Jo looked visibly angered. He stepped forward and stood before Yeodong-bin, glowering at him. Yet, Yeodong-bin replied with an expressionless face.

Namgung Jo said,

“You seem to have skill, yet you chose the wrong opponent. Instead, I’ll teach you a lesson in a hundred seconds.”

Despite the Master of Shadowless Sword’s provocation, Yeodong-bin remained unresponsive. Eventually, with an air of inevitability, he responded.

“Understood, Protector.”

At that, the Master of Shadowless Sword was stunned.

“Ha! Who do you think you are? Even if you were a Half-Transition Master, I am Namgung Jo, the Master of Shadowless Sword, and you do not frighten me. Just who do you think you are to claim you would beat me in a hundred seconds? Today, I shall collect two corpses.”

“Um… I’m Sword Master Yeodong-bin.”

“Are you joking? Where are you trying to impersonate?”

In an instant, anger filled Yeodong-bin’s face.

Woooooo!

The Master of Shadowless Sword’s Shadowless Sword technique surged in the dark, a frightening wave of martial energy enveloping the surroundings. Even I felt a chill swallow my throat. Truly, he was worthy of calling himself the greatest sword in the land.

“Take this!!”

The Master of Shadowless Sword’s might threatened to engulf everything!

Thud Thud Thud

Thud Thud Thud Thud

“Ugh… please… stop hitting…”

Yeodong-bin had grasped the Master of Shadowless Sword by the collar, striking his face relentlessly. The Master of Shadowless Sword’s face was already swollen and bloodied, but Yeodong-bin continued to beat him expressionlessly.

Thunk!

A tooth flew into the air.

The showdown was decided exactly at the thirty-second mark. In just five seconds, Yeodong-bin unleashed a series of unknown Heavenly Escape Sword Techniques, effortlessly dismantling the Master of Shadowless Sword’s imposing Shadowless Sword. For the following twenty-five seconds, the Master of Shadowless Sword was entirely focused on surviving. Soon, as he revealed a major weakness and fell, Yeodong-bin continued to administer silent punishment.

‘He’s furious…’

To have infuriated a Great Immortal, Namgung Jo certainly lived up to his name.

Thud Thud Thud

“Ugh, please…”

I sensed that if this continued, the Master of Shadowless Sword might end up disabled, so I quickly intervened.

“That’s enough! Stop…”

“Uhmm…”

Yeodong-bin calmly brushed off the blood from his hands and said,

“Human. Know your place.”

The Master of Shadowless Sword desperately nodded.

“Y-yes… I understand…”

“Do you truly understand?”

“I won’t act up again.”

The beaten Master of Shadowless Sword was kneeling humbly. Fear that he could be further beaten without prompting led him to yield. After a moment of looking down at the Master of Shadowless Sword with an emotionless expression, Yeodong-bin said,

“Protector, please retrieve my Fire Dragon Sword…”

A moment later, he vanished as if sucked into the void. The Master of Shadowless Sword Namgung Jo trembled and then whispered in a quaking voice,

“… Was that truly Sword Master Yeodong-bin?”

“Yes. You had no luck today.”

“Uuugh…”

As I smiled softly, the Master of Shadowless Sword’s expression crumpled.

“Now then, let’s head to the Namgung Clan as promised.”

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