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I couldn’t claim that I had fully mastered the Thunder Shadow Step’s secret, Heavenly Gathering Kill. I had a rough idea of how to operate it, but controlling the intricate flow of mysterious energy for it to truly pack a punch was still beyond my capabilities. Much like when my older brother, Jin So-cheong, had toyed with the famed expert’s swordsmanship from the Zhongnan Sect, I still struggled to effectively dodge my enemies’ attacks. I might be able to reach similar speeds, but that was entirely reliant on my internal power.

To completely master Heavenly Gathering Kill, one needed either innate talent or extraordinary effort. My declaration of having ‘mastered’ it was merely a pretense of imitation. That was why I sought real combat experience against experts; it was theorized that intense focus on the mysterious energy during life-and-death duels would lead to natural mastery over it.

After about a month of residing in this place, I had taken to reviewing the martial arts I had learned, including Thunder Shadow Step and Heavenly Gathering Kill, aiming to cast them perfectly. I also worked on improving my control over internal power scattered through the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. This might seem meaningless to some, but I firmly believed this training would benefit me in the long run.

“No way. This is impossible.”

Today, I couldn’t unleash Heavenly Gathering Kill properly and felt a wave of frustration wash over me. The detailed maneuvers were just too complicated. If only I could master this, my martial arts would become faster and stronger; so why was it so difficult?

I needed a breakthrough.

It was imperative to elevate my skills a notch before the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament.

“Let’s gather some intel.”

After contemplating for a while, I decided to leave the house and wander around Luoyang City. I was hoping to pick up any information that might aid my martial arts.

The first place I headed was the arch bridge beyond Changhe Street, where the beggars of the Open Sect supposedly hung out. According to Jeom So-i, the Open Luoyang Branch was located there. As I approached the bridge, I could feel the beggars glancing over at me.

Standing on the bridge, I took a quick look at them before gracefully leaping down. The beggars, gathered on the gravel beside the creek, turned their attention toward me in unison. I slowly walked over and spoke.

“I hear there are Open Sect beggars here.”

“What brings a new guest of the Han Clan to this place?”

One beggar, limping forward, caught my eye. I could sense an unusual aura about him. He might well be the overseer of this Open Branch. Being that he was somewhat of a senior in the martial world, I decided to play along and said, “I’m Baek Woong. I’ve come to buy information.”

“I’m sorry, but we can’t do that.”

“And who exactly are you to make such a decision?”

The lumbering beggar scratched between his teeth and replied, “I am Mr. Cheol Li-gae, the overseer of the Open Luoyang Branch. I hold the authority to trade information.”

“I see.”

“To put it plainly, we have no intention of selling you any information.”

I was aware that the overseers of the Open Sect held a considerable position in the martial world. Even from my time as an escort, I had learned that those who had gathered at the Open also had access to True Sect Mastery and were capable of significant heroic acts. Some were said to surpass even the late late-stage experts of major sects, which is why martial artists tread carefully around them.

“Mr. Cheol Li-gae, I have ample money, so why can’t you sell me information?”

“That’s exactly it. You’re too wealthy.”

What on earth does he mean by that? I cocked my head in confusion as Mr. Cheol Li-gae grinned in a shifty manner.

“It seems you’re the only one unaware of this. Everyone knows about your recent purchase of a large estate, and the fact that you traded gold bars during the process has spread throughout Luoyang’s underworld.”

“……”

“Right now, everyone is keeping their distance because you are a guest of the Han Clan and under their protection. Soon, chaos will erupt around you. We don’t want to get involved in this muddy fight, hence our disinterest in connecting with a young hero like you.”

Upon hearing this, a light bulb went off in my head.

Could it be the strange aura I felt around my house for the past month had something to do with this?

It meant that expert thieves or scouts had been lurking around my house. I was too ignorant to notice them due to my weak aura, but now that I understood, it was alarming. If I weren’t a guest of the Han Clan, they would’ve long made their move against me!

As I fell into silence, Mr. Cheol Li-gae continued, “If you understand, then be on your way. Don’t take it personally.”

“That’s strange. If I’m such a wealthy guest of the Han Clan and at the center of fortune, shouldn’t you be more eager to covet my treasure? Your words are contradicting.”

“Heh, what a funny remark.”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae chuckled.

“We are aware that you, Baek Woong, possess unparalleled internal power. We’re not foolish enough to get on your bad side and suffer losses. Moreover, being a guest of the Han Clan… it’s best not to pull the tiger’s whiskers.”

I decided it was time to take a firmer stance.

Pwaah!

“……!!”

The gold bar I pulled from my robe landed just short of Mr. Cheol Li-gae’s feet, causing all the beggars to gasp in surprise. Mr. Cheol Li-gae’s complexion changed instantly.

I shot daggers at him and said, “If that’s the case, I definitely need to buy information. I’ll give you this gold bar if you share whatever information you have with me. That’s my demand.”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae gulped.

“Are you… serious? You’re offering this for mere information?”

“Hurry and pick it up before I change my mind.”

“……”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae hesitated. Logically, he should refuse my offer, but the shimmering gold at his feet was too tempting to ignore. Eventually, he bent down and slowly picked up the gold bar, gasping in awe.

“To think that after being thrown so forcefully, the gold remains undamaged thanks to your internal power… you’ve truly mastered the Inner Family Techniques.”

“Enough with the chit-chat. Now, tell me all you know about this situation.”

“Fair enough. But first, could you clear out the onlookers?”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae’s glance was directed towards the archway above.

“You will be held accountable for your words.”

“I understand, so just take care of it.”

“Of course.”

As I had sensed something from that direction as well, I slowly placed my hand on my waist and, in the next moment, drew my sword, unleashing Thunder Spirit Technique as I leaped upwards.

Pwaah!!

Like a Flying Tiger, I compressed my energy into about twenty strikes and landed in what seemed to be an empty alley, where a figure was startled and cursed loudly.

“Damn it!!”

Kawangk!

“Aaaah!”

The culprit hastily blocked my sword and seemed ready to run, but that was a huge miscalculation. Even a peak expert like the elder of the Zhongnan Sect would struggle to withstand a single strike of my powerful sword. There was no way a rat-like loser could stop it. In a flash, the Thunder Spirit Technique paralyzed his upper body, and he fell to his knees.

“Pl-Please spare me…”

Noticing he was wearing a night cloak made for stealth, I realized that in broad daylight, he managed to remain hidden in the alley. I leveled my sword at his throat and coldly inquired, “Are you a bandit?”

“Y-Yes, please spare my life…”

“Hmmm.”

Kawangk!

With that said, I swung my sword again, sending a hidden projectile flying. The five-pronged projectile clearly displayed incredible craftsmanship, with two prongs aimed directly at the bandit’s life. Realizing his life was in peril, the bandit’s face turned pale as I pulled him along and leaped beneath the archway.

As I spun in the air, landing softly, Mr. Cheol Li-gae’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Now that’s an unexpected guest.”

The bandit, eyeing Mr. Cheol Li-gae, forced a weak grin.

“Hehe… Mr. Cheol Li-gae. We have some history, don’t we? I haven’t done anything yet, so please ask this young hero to let me go. I beg you…”

“Mr. Cheol Li-gae, who is this?”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae ignored the bandit and answered my question.

“He’s a bandit who roams Luoyang, notable for his skills, known as the Celebrated Thief. It seems he was aiming at your treasure.”

“Ahhh…”

“Hmmm, should we torture him?”

I muttered dryly, causing the bandit to turn pale as he grasped my pant leg, desperately pleading, “Young hero! I swear, I’ll share everything I know. I’m not the only one targeting you, I promise!”

I tightened my grip on the bandit’s blood, making him immobile. Mr. Cheol Li-gae appeared indifferent, watching as if he had no intention of saving him. Indeed, for the overseer of the Open Sect, there was no loyalty to protect a petty thief. I said, “Let’s hear your story first, Mr. Cheol Li-gae. Please tell me what’s happening.”

“Understood.”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae pointed at the bandit and explained, “Including this swindler, there are at least ten martial artists and bandits circling around you. From my sources, they include the likes of the Heavenly Emperor, Blood Rose Twin Swords, Silent Golden Hand, and the Fire-Lilies; all of them are high-tier experts in the martial world… As for the others, we’ve seen suspicious movements from the Afternoon Gate, Black Society, White Blade Sect, and the Strikers’ Association.”

“……”

Though I had never heard those names before, his words implied that dozens or even hundreds of martial artists were lurking around, eyeing my gold bars. I had been comfortable in my house, blissfully unaware, while they quietly observed my every move. Perhaps they hadn’t struck, believing my hidden golden armor and the backing of the Han Clan would bring them risk, waiting for the right moment to act.

“Have I been too careless…? Occasionally, I sensed first-rate or peak experts wandering around my house, yet I brushed them off when they didn’t show any killing intent…”

It wasn’t entirely unfounded. There were times when skilled martial artists passed nearby. However, since they emitted no killing intent, I thought nothing of it, only to discover they were now targeting my gold. In disbelief, I stood still as the Celebrated Thief blurted out.

“Oh no, young hero… you must especially be cautious of the Black Society. They are the most vile and terrifying within the Luoyang underworld. These guys are indifferent to noxious poisons and evil qi, so it’s best to avoid them.”

Kawangk!

“Yikes!”

Before he could finish, another projectile grazed by me. Being targeted by yet another projectile aimed at the Celebrated Thief was both absurd and comedic.

So, I snatched a falling projectile and highlighted its engravings, chuckling. The projectile bore a black snake insignia.

“Seems like the Black Society doesn’t particularly enjoy you, huh?”

“N-No… if the Black Society has locked onto me…”

The Celebrated Thief’s face twisted in despair. I glanced at Mr. Cheol Li-gae and stated, “With that level of information, it won’t buy you even a single gold bar.”

“What do you expect me to do?”

“At least let those folks over there know that the Open Sect holds influence here.”

“Ugh, I have no choice.”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae frowned, amplifying his internal energy to unleash the Lion’s Roar.

[Our Open Luoyang Branch stands with Young Hero Baek Woong! We consider any show of force within a hundred yards here as a provocation against us!]

His roar was powerful and resonant, echoing even to nearby houses. The government officials were startled and quickly turned to us, but upon seeing the situation, they seemed eager to ignore our affairs in the martial world.

Suddenly, loud laughter filled the air.

“Hahaha… greed certainly blinds even the Open Sect, doesn’t it?”

A group of about twenty shadowy figures appeared atop the archway, each brandishing a sword. It was evident they were martial artists. Mr. Cheol Li-gae, seeing the leader among them, frowned and shouted.

“Black Snake Society Leader. Didn’t you hear what I just said?”

The leader, who partially ruled over the Luoyang underworld, casually mocked Mr. Cheol Li-gae with his arms crossed.

“I’ve seen you chasing after gold bars with quite the spectacle.”

“What did you say?!”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae’s eyes sparked with flames, and the nearby Open Sect disciples grabbed their staffs and clubs, ready for confrontation. The leader of the Black Society waved them off, saying, “No need for that. Don’t be rash. We wouldn’t dare interfere with the Open Sect’s chief overseer and his goodwill.”

“Then back off.”

“However, I smell gold. The aroma of great fortune is wafting from that young hero. If you attempt to hoard it all for yourselves, we won’t stay idle, either.”

As the Black Society leader subtly pressured Mr. Cheol Li-gae, the overseer appeared perplexed.

“Hoarding? You do know who I am—Baek Woong is associated with the Han Clan, right?”

“I know that very well. Which is why we have been biding our time. If we misstep with the Han Clan, our sect could face utter disaster.”

With that, the leader slyly examined me.

“But hear this, my underlings observed you, and it seems you’re itching for a fight? When not eating or sleeping, you’ve been training your martial arts with a flourish of killing intent, displaying the demeanor of a born fighter.”

“What are you getting at?”

As I asked, the Black Society leader grinned.

“Baek Woong, do you really intend to take them all on? If you hand over some gold bars, I can assure you I’ll do my utmost to disperse the lackeys. Additionally, I can introduce you to a prime venue to test your martial arts. I hold the darkness of Luoyang, after all.”

He seemed to understand exactly what I desired. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so confident in his negotiations.

I briefly glanced at Mr. Cheol Li-gae. His expression suggested that the Black Society leader indeed wielded significant power in Luoyang’s underworld.

“To sum it up, you’re telling me to hand over my gold?”

“Hahaha… isn’t that only natural? But genuinely, I can provide you with a proper training ground. You seem fixated on the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament.”

“Where is this place?”

“It’s known as the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament hosted by Tuma. Winning here may earn you grand gifts from Tuma. You can kill to your heart’s content without worrying about morality or consequences. All killing and torture are allowed there.”

Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament?

Hearing such a concept for the first time made me cock my head in confusion. However, Mr. Cheol Li-gae gasped in disbelief.

“W-What? Tuma hosts the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament?”

The Black Society leader grinned slyly.

“Hehe. This isn’t something I intend to hide from you. Yes, the Tuma you’re thinking of is indeed the same.”

“Hmmm…”

The leader of the Black Society added cheekily, “Tuma is seeking to attract more participants, after all. I hope you promote it generously, Mr. Cheol Li-gae.”

“Shut it!”

I looked at Mr. Cheol Li-gae, seeking explanation. He sighed and said, “Young hero, you should reject such an offer outright. Participating in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is suicide.”

“And what’s the reason behind that?”

“The Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is the largest fighting arena condoned by the powers in Luoyang. It’s a place where heretical sects and demonic path experts participate, who cannot reveal themselves openly in the martial world. The victor receives rewards while the losers face certain death.”

He spat the last part bitterly.

“Furthermore, Tuma is one of the leaders of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path, the supreme being of the Shura Sect. He’s known to be among the top-tier experts of demon martial arts.”

“……!!”

“To think the background of the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament links back to the Shura Sect…”

The leader of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path—Tuma! That’s certainly unexpected intel. After pondering for a while, I asked, “What if I refuse your proposal?”

The Black Society leader shrugged.

“Well, then I suppose there’s nothing that can be done. From what I see, even if the Black Society exerted our power, whether we’d kill you is questionable. But I’d bet that no one else has the strength to brush us off like flies, do they?”

He pointed at Mr. Cheol Li-gae.

“Mr. Cheol Li-gae may be acting like he’s willing to lend you support, but under the surface, he’s plotting how to squeeze the last bit out of you. I can assure you, you will exhaust all your stamina and mental fortitude before participating in the Imperial Palace Martial Arts Tournament.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Hehe, I’m not the only one interested in you. These high-profile figures are all maintaining their own clandestine agendas. I won’t stop you from racking up a mountain of enmity by offing them left and right.”

“……”

I reflected further and articulated, “The entry fee for the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament, as well as the price for the life of the Celebrated Thief here.”

Pang!

As I tossed the gold bar, it soared through the air with a thunderous clap.

“Ugh!”

The Black Society leader, startled, reached out to catch the flying gold bar, but lacking the strength, he was pushed back several steps. Other members of the Black Society rushed to assist, barely managing to prevent it from falling. The leader, finally securing the gold bar, coughed up a bit of blood.

“You’re quite the jester.”

I chuckled lightly.

“You really need to learn to keep your mouth shut. Anyway, now you must fulfill my demands.”

“Fine. Using the influence of the Black Society, I’ll help sweep off the flies buzzing around you. And I might even let you see the Celebrated Thief get his comeuppance.”

The Celebrated Thief appeared bewildered, and upon realizing my intention to free him, he collapsed in gratitude, bowing profusely. “Oh young hero, thank you… thank you…”

Meanwhile, Mr. Cheol Li-gae wore a slightly bitter expression, muttering, “Aren’t you concerned about wasting gold on such a scoundrel? To give a gold bar to him and then agree to partake in the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament is quite ludicrous.”

“And what did you think you would offer me? If you can’t provide protection, I’m not interested in your opinions.”

“……”

Mr. Cheol Li-gae avoided my gaze. Seemingly, he, too, had thoughts of pocketing the gold while letting me fend for myself against the Black Society and other experts. It was evidently seen as an unprofitable venture to protect me with a single gold bar.

I muttered, “I don’t really care about life or death.”

“What?”

I chose not to answer him.

‘I need to understand what the Dark Realm Martial Arts Tournament really entails.’

Now wasn’t the time to save my skin. If I was destined to die but can come back, I should gamble my life, seize as much information and experience as I can, and ideally uncover any weaknesses regarding Tuma, the leader of the Eight Demons of the Demon Path. That would undoubtedly aid me in my future vendetta against the Demon Path.

 

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