Chapter 358: If I Get Stabbed Twice, You Get Stabbed Once
Chapter 358: If I Get Stabbed Twice, You Get Stabbed Once
Bi Sa-in steeled his resolve, forcing his racing heart to steady.
I can do this. I can win.
On paper, it was an impossible fight. Goe Ak was a match for any of the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path, but the weak link was Bi Sa-in himself.
He lacked both the deep reserves of internal energy and the raw combat experience of his opponents. Furthermore, while the enemies had spent their entire lives fighting side-by-side, this was the first time he had ever coordinated with Goe Ak.
And yet, he wasn't afraid. He had felt this strange clarity ever since he had decided to let Goe Ak go with a clean heart. He had changed. And above all else...
I am the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance.
He would fight a battle he wouldn't regret, even if it cost him his life.
Bi Sa-in’s expression hardened. His already intimidating features twisted into something truly terrifying.
—Take the one on the left.
Goe Ak’s voice echoed in his mind, directing him toward Yama Sword. It wasn't just because the composed Thousand-Hand Sword was the more dangerous opponent. Based on temperament alone, Yama Sword was the type to toy with his prey. Goe Ak intended for Bi Sa-in to hold out as long as possible while he finished Thousand-Hand Sword and circled back to help.
—I won't be able to hold out for long.
Bi Sa-in had been initiated into the Overlord Heaven-Shaking Sword Technique, the ultimate martial art of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader. However, the only move he could currently execute was the first form: White Heaven Form. Since he was only at the fourth stage of mastery, he had to make his one shot count.
I only have one chance.
To create that opening, Bi Sa-in planned to rely on his original signature style, the Soul Chasing Four Swords, which he had mastered long before touching the Overlord’s techniques.
As Goe Ak moved to intercept Thousand-Hand Sword, Bi Sa-in stepped forward to face Yama Sword.
Yama Sword’s aura was thick with a suffocating killing intent. Just standing before him created a tension so sharp it felt like a blade was already hovering over Bi Sa-in’s heart. Every nerve on edge, Bi Sa-in broke the silence.
"I heard you were dead."
"Your people were the ones who brought us back to life," Yama Sword replied.
"Our people?"
"Yes. Your lot."
Bi Sa-in understood immediately. The Unorthodox Path Alliance had saved them.
"Who sent you here?"
"I told you. Your own people."
The hostility toward the Alliance was palpable. In the end, these men were nothing more than blades being wielded by the organization—heavy cleavers meant for slaughtering oxen rather than chickens.
Yama Sword drew his blade and lunged with a light, predatory leap.
Clang!
Their swords collided. Over the crossed steel, Bi Sa-in glared into Yama Sword’s eyes. They had only exchanged a single blow, yet Bi Sa-in’s arm throbbed with a dull ache, as if the bone itself might shatter.
How much did that hurt you?
Yama Sword’s expression remained serene.
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!
In a blur of motion, they exchanged a dozen strikes before locking blades in another stalemate.
"As expected of the Young Alliance Leader."
Yama Sword’s eyes flickered with amusement as he noticed the slight tremor in Bi Sa-in’s grip.
"I never thought I’d live to see the day I got to butcher the successor of the Alliance."
"If you kill me, do you think the Alliance Leader will let you live?"
"I only did what your people ordered. And if he doesn't? So be it."
Who exactly did he mean by "your people"? Bi Sa-in was desperate to know who was pulling the strings from within the Alliance.
"Young Alliance Leader, do not blame me for this."
"Why would I blame you? If I’m stabbed by a sword, I blame the hand holding it. I’ll save my resentment for the 'people' you mentioned."
He had hoped to provoke the man, but Yama Sword was far more disciplined than he appeared.
"Fine. Let us both blame the ones holding the swords, then."
"Will you allow me the first move?"
"It is a request from the Young Alliance Leader; I suppose I can grant you that much."
Bi Sa-in, who had been leaning into the blade lock, suddenly leaped backward and unleashed his technique. He held nothing back, pouring every drop of internal energy into the strike.
Soul Chasing Four Swords, First Sword: Soul Severing.
A wave of pure white sword qi erupted from Bi Sa-in’s blade, surging forward like a localized hurricane.
Boom!
The earth groaned under the thunderous impact. Despite the power of the attack, Yama Sword neutralized it with a casual release of his own sword qi. The shockwave sent both men skidding back, but Bi Sa-in was forced several paces further.
"If I didn't lack internal energy, I would have been more than a match for you," Bi Sa-in spat.
Yama Sword snorted, seeing right through the bluff.
"You've been making futile efforts for a while now. Do I look like some low-life who would fall for such petty provocation?"
"If you were, such provocation wouldn't have been necessary."
Bi Sa-in maintained a veneer of courtesy. It wasn't out of respect, but a desperate attempt to keep his own mind from fraying.
I can't let this turn into a chaotic brawl. I'll lose.
He had to force the fight into a contest of pure martial skill. He was certain that both the Overlord Heaven-Shaking Sword Technique and the Soul Chasing Four Swords were fundamentally superior to whatever Yama Sword practiced. He just had to find a way to bridge the gap in power.
"Young Alliance Leader, no matter what tricks you use, they are useless."
"Speak after you've actually survived my moves."
Soul Chasing Four Swords, Second Sword: Soul Pacification.
Five streaks of sword qi spiraled out to the left and right, resembling five living dragons pouncing on their prey.
In response, a tide of dark sword qi poured from Yama Sword’s blade. They were wolves sent to devour dragons. The dragons, not yet fully formed, were torn apart by wolves the size of monsters.
Neither the Third Sword, Iron Soul, nor the Fourth Sword, Mad Soul, could breach Yama Sword’s defense.
Yama Sword proved exactly why he held a seat among the Seven Great Masters. Conversely, as Bi Sa-in’s anxiety mounted, the precision and power of his swordsmanship began to wane.
"Wait! Let's take a break before we continue!"
Yama Sword sneered openly at the request.
"Do you think if you stall for time, Goe Ak will come to save you?"
"I'd like to think so."
"On the contrary, you'll likely have to face both of us soon."
Both men instinctively glanced toward the other battle.
Goe Ak’s Slashing Iron Man Technique was a sight to behold. He was weaving through Thousand-Hand Sword’s relentless barrage, taking glancing blows with his toughened body while launching devastating counterattacks.
Swish!
Ducking under a flying sword, Goe Ak drove his elbow toward Thousand-Hand Sword’s chest. Narrowly avoiding the strike, Thousand-Hand Sword swung his blade, the edge grazing Goe Ak’s neck.
Boom!
Gang qi erupted from Goe Ak’s fist as he lunged again. Thousand-Hand Sword twisted mid-air to dodge, and a wave of sword qi swept through the space Goe Ak had occupied a second prior. Goe Ak didn't retreat; he fought to keep the distance closed at all costs.
It was a razor-thin stalemate. A single mistake would mean death for either man.
Bi Sa-in and Yama Sword watched the breathtaking exchange for a heartbeat.
"If you really trust your friend, let's wait until that fight is over," Bi Sa-in suggested. "I'll gladly take on both of you then."
"If such a cheap trick worked on us, do you think we would have survived this long?"
Yama Sword lunged, pressing the attack with renewed ferocity.
Clang, clang, clang, clang!
The gap in experience was simply too vast. Yama Sword had survived a thousand battlefields, and Bi Sa-in couldn't find a single opening.
Slash!
Blood sprayed from Bi Sa-in’s arm.
Whoosh!
That split second of flinching was nearly fatal. Yama Sword followed up with a vicious flurry.
Too late to dodge!
But in the next instant, it was Yama Sword who was forced to retreat. Goe Ak had intervened.
Whoosh!
Charging like a lightning bolt, Goe Ak attempted to shoulder-check Yama Sword into oblivion. The sheer mass of the attack forced Yama Sword to abandon his strike and leap away.
Thud!
However, Goe Ak paid the price for leaving his own duel. A streak of sword qi from Thousand-Hand Sword struck him squarely in the back.
A pained groan escaped Goe Ak as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. His Body Protection Qi had saved him from being cleaved in two, but the impact had rattled his internal organs.
Seizing the opening, Yama Sword’s blade whistled toward Goe Ak’s exposed neck.
Clang!
This time, Bi Sa-in threw himself forward, parrying the blow to save Goe Ak.
Goe Ak wiped the blood from his chin and stood tall. Yama Sword looked at him with genuine curiosity.
"You weren't this kind of man, Goe Ak. What did the Young Alliance Leader promise you?"
"When I agreed to take something from him, I wasn't this desperate," Goe Ak grunted. "But now that I've decided to take nothing at all, I feel like I absolutely have to save him."
Yama Sword and Thousand-Hand Sword exchanged looks of confusion. Only Bi Sa-in understood. He felt the same way. Facing death, his mind had become strangely tranquil.
"I thank you in advance," Bi Sa-in said, his voice tinged with the weight of their situation. "I don't think I'll have another chance to say it."
Goe Ak shook his head firmly. "Tell me you're thankful after we win."
Bi Sa-in saw it in the older man's eyes. It wasn't just bravado. He truly believed they could win.
"You're fighting well. Better than I expected. Believe in yourself."
In that instant, a flame ignited in Bi Sa-in’s chest. Until a moment ago, he had been looking for an exit—a way to use his final move and accept whatever happened.
Suddenly, he realized he had been fighting with the wrong mindset.
Why am I looking for one single chance? Why am I not fighting him skill for skill?
He was the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance. He hadn't been chosen out of pity; he was chosen because he had something in him. Something that wouldn't let him die in a place like this.
Right. Stop underestimating yourself. This is the time for bravado!
Burning away his hesitation, Bi Sa-in charged.
Dozens of sword lines carved through the air. Sparks flew with every clash. The rhythm of the fight was the same, but the intent had shifted entirely. Bi Sa-in stopped holding back for a "decisive blow." He poured everything into every second.
Blood sprayed from Bi Sa-in’s side. But in exchange for the wound, he managed to slash Yama Sword’s shoulder.
It was Yama Sword’s first injury.
Seeing his own blood, Yama Sword’s attacks became feral. But Bi Sa-in felt a surge of grim joy. His opponent’s composure had finally cracked.
Bi Sa-in fought like a man possessed. If you're one of the Seven Great Masters, then I'm the successor of the Unorthodox Path Alliance. If you've survived a thousand battles, I've learned from the Alliance Leader himself. If I get stabbed twice, you’re getting stabbed once. I’m younger than you—I can bleed longer!
Blood sprayed from Bi Sa-in’s arm again. A deep gash in his leg made his knees buckle, and another cut opened across his waist. For every two wounds he took, he forced Yama Sword to shed blood once. He was only alive because of the high-grade protective armor beneath his robes.
Bi Sa-in’s desperation was manifesting a miracle.
Stab!
He drove his blade deep into Yama Sword’s arm.
"Watch out!" Goe Ak shouted.
Bi Sa-in threw himself aside just as a projectile whistled past. Thousand-Hand Sword had intervened, judging that Yama Sword was in genuine danger. But he, too, paid a price for the distraction.
Thud!
Goe Ak closed the distance instantly, slamming his shoulder into Thousand-Hand Sword’s torso. The master rolled across the ground, and Yama Sword retreated, swinging his blade wildly to create space.
Bi Sa-in was stunned. He had to save Yama Sword!
It meant he was winning. He could see it now—the other three were all watching each other, terrified of being the first to fall. If one side collapsed, it would become a death sentence.
While they fought with caution, Bi Sa-in fought like a madman. While his opponent could only exert eighty percent of his power due to fear, Bi Sa-in was exerting a hundred and twenty.
Goe Ak and Thousand-Hand Sword clashed again, and Bi Sa-in threw himself back at Yama Sword.
He fought like a demon, but eventually, the fire began to dim. His body was failing. He was being pushed back again. A hundred exchanges, two hundred, three hundred... In a prolonged battle, the side with more internal energy and experience inevitably wins.
Bi Sa-in felt a pang of regret. The gap wasn't as insurmountable as he had feared. If they had met just a year later, he could have killed this man.
There was a limit to what youth and spite could endure. Having lost too much blood, his movements slowed to a crawl. He was driven into a corner, gasping for breath as he leaned against a crumbling wall.
This is it.
He had enough strength left for one final thrust.
Perhaps it was the blood loss, but the world seemed to slow down, like a revolving lantern showing the final images of his life. He could see Goe Ak and Thousand-Hand Sword locked in a dance of death, Goe Ak too occupied to help.
Yama Sword was saying something as he approached, but Bi Sa-in couldn't hear it. He just watched the man's mouth move in silence.
And then, he saw it.
A dot in the distant sky. Everything else was moving in slow motion, but that dot was moving with impossible speed. It grew larger and larger as it approached.
He saw the look of certain victory on Yama Sword’s face. He also saw the dot over the man's shoulder.
Yama Sword thrust his blade.
Bi Sa-in could see the steel flying toward his neck, but his own body felt like it was trapped in lead. Using his final reserves, he thrust his sword forward in a mutual kill.
Two blades, destined to pierce.
But the dot was faster. It was moving several times faster than their swords. Was it a bird? A stone? A person?
In the distance, a wall collapsed. The thing that had fallen from the sky kicked off the masonry and took flight again. Dust rose slowly from the impact, but the figure was already gone.
Yama Sword’s blade reached his neck.
Just as the cold steel touched Bi Sa-in’s skin, a hand dropped from above and firmly gripped Yama Sword’s arm from behind.
The sword stopped dead.
At that exact moment, time slammed back into its original speed.
Whoosh!
Splurt!
Bi Sa-in’s sword didn't stop. It extended straight out, piercing through Yama Sword’s flesh, bone, and heart.
It wasn't an illusion. The resistance of the meat and the spray of blood were real. He watched as Yama Sword’s eyes went dull and he collapsed.
Standing behind the corpse was a man drenched in sweat, breathing heavily.
It was Geom Mu-geuk.
He had moved so fast that the sound of the wall collapsing in the distance only now reached their ears.
Bi Sa-in’s eyes began to close; he didn't even have the strength to remain upright. Slumping against Geom Mu-geuk’s body, he used his final breath to whisper.
"...Please... save Senior Goe."