Chapter 370: Raise Your Hand if You Think He’s Ugly!
Chapter 370: Raise Your Hand if You Think He’s Ugly!
“First, please circulate your qi.”
Bi Sa-in looked at Goe Ak with concern. The man’s complexion was so deathly pale it seemed as if he might collapse at any moment.
“Don’t worry. I’ve survived worse than this.”
Before sitting down, Goe Ak glanced at the corpse of the Divine Moon Blade.
Over that body, he saw the overlapping images of Gwang Seom’s corpse and the Thousand-Hand Sword, one of the Scorching Heaven Twin Swords. He had never imagined the day would come when he would slay the Seven Great Masters of the Unorthodox Path with his own hands.
When life changes drastically, it strikes like an assassin’s dagger—swift and without warning.
Goe Ak had always kept one foot out the door while working for the Unorthodox Path Alliance, ready to cut ties at a moment's notice. And yet, here he was.
I’ve waded in too deep.
But as he had told Bi Sa-in earlier, the feeling wasn't bad—even if acting for the sake of someone else felt incredibly awkward.
Goe Ak sent a voice transmission to one person.
— Is it always supposed to feel like this?
The recipient was Geom Mu-geuk. Despite the question being blunt and lacking context, Mu-geuk answered without hesitation.
— This is only the beginning.
Did he even know what was being asked?
— Then what happens later?
— You’ll regret it. You’ll wonder why you got so involved and why you’re suffering like this. You might even die because of those uncharacteristic emotions.
Mu-geuk knew exactly what he meant.
— But when you die, it will be different.
— How?
— At the very least, you won’t leave behind words of bitterness like the Divine Moon Blade did. You’ll leave behind something else. And I will be there to listen to every word.
— I’m going to outlive you. I’ll show you just how tenacious the life of an unorthodox martial artist can be.
Goe Ak closed his eyes and began his qi circulation.
Mu-geuk’s gaze shifted toward Baek Ja-gang. Feeling the weight of the stare, Baek Ja-gang looked back.
Having caught his attention, Mu-geuk immediately looked toward the Combat King. His gaze seemed to say: I will handle the Combat King now, so please look after your disciple for a moment.
The Combat King was an opponent one could not take their eyes off for even a second.
At the same time, Mu-geuk sent a voice transmission to the Alliance Leader.
— What you see might not be everything. This is a conspiracy aimed at none other than the Alliance Leader himself.
Mu-geuk then provided an extreme example.
— For all we know, my own father could come walking out of those bushes back there.
How could he speak of such a danger so cheerfully? Baek Ja-gang felt a surge of intense jealousy toward Geom Wu-jin once again.
I admit it, Wu-jin. You’ve raised a hell of a son.
It wasn't just a good harvest; it was a legendary one.
But isn't farming something you do every year?
There was still hope. Goe Ak had stepped forward for Bi Sa-in. The fact that Bi Sa-in had won over such a difficult man meant he had finally developed the capacity to gain true allies.
Mu-geuk sent another transmission.
— You must not be harmed—not even a single hair on your head. I will help as well.
Seeing Mu-geuk repeat himself, it was clear he truly intended to resolve the situation that way.
Fine. I shall enjoy your "bumper crop" for this year.
Indeed, if he wanted to properly compete with Geom Wu-jin in the "farming" of children...
— Very well. Not a single hair shall be harmed.
While the atmosphere on the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s side was improving, the mood on the Combat King’s side was grim. With the Poison Tyrant dead and the Divine Moon Blade fallen, the morale of the Turangs had plummeted to the floor.
No matter how much they loved to fight, they didn't love fighting a losing battle. They were men who could usually make an opponent bow their heads with a single glare, but that glare wasn't working now. Their opponents were the 13 Wolves of the Unorthodox Path and the warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps—foes they might not beat even if their morale was sky-high.
Naturally, everyone’s eyes turned to the Combat King.
He remained entirely unfazed. He didn't try to encourage the Turangs or force their morale up. Ironically, his calm demeanor served to settle their anxiety better than any speech could.
The Combat King spoke politely to the Blue Killing Ghost.
“Senior, please step forward and settle this.”
The Combat King trusted his skill. He was slightly concerned about the man’s hot-headed and foul personality, but since the Blue Killing Ghost had weathered many storms, he wasn't overly worried.
The Blue Killing Ghost stepped forward and addressed the Alliance warriors.
“Since your side picked someone, I suppose it’s only fair I pick someone too, right? Surely the elites of the Unorthodox Path Alliance won’t swarm me like a pack of dogs just because they’re afraid of one old man? You lot, your Alliance Leader is watching!”
He grinned, revealing the few teeth he had left.
A faint smile touched the Combat King’s lips. Yes, keep doing exactly that.
On the other hand, Baek Ja-gang’s expression hardened. He knew there was no one present who could face the Blue Killing Ghost one-on-one. Furthermore, the villain wouldn't dare name Mu-geuk.
The Blue Killing Ghost spoke to Goe Ak.
“Why don’t you come out first? You, the one acting all high and mighty as if you’re going to become the strongest in the Unorthodox Path after killing off the Seven Great Masters.”
He was picking a fight with Goe Ak, perhaps out of some personal connection to the Divine Moon Blade. Of course, Goe Ak was not one to be easily provoked. He opened his eyes.
“And what exactly are you hoping to gain by standing there?”
The Blue Killing Ghost’s expression twitched.
“Did someone on the Alliance’s most-wanted list actually expect to be treated like a senior? Just how filthy a life have you led to become a public enemy to the Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions alike?”
The Blue Killing Ghost stepped forward, radiating killing intent. Immediately, Bi Sa-in stood in front of Goe Ak to shield him.
“Back off.”
The Blue Killing Ghost gave him a contemptuous look.
“Young Alliance Leader, unless that hideous face of yours can be converted into martial power, don’t you dare stand in my way.”
The Blue Killing Ghost was intentionally provoking Bi Sa-in. His target hadn't been Goe Ak from the start; it was Bi Sa-in. Knowing the bond between the two, he had attacked Goe Ak specifically to draw the disciple out.
His plan was to take Bi Sa-in hostage if the young man charged at him in a rage. If Bi Sa-in closed the distance by even ten paces, the old ghost intended to snatch him up like a hawk.
It was the best way to turn the tide now that the Poison Tyrant and the Divine Moon Blade were dead. With a hostage, the Unorthodox Path Alliance wouldn't be able to engage in a chaotic melee. He planned to pick them off one by one and eventually eliminate the Alliance Leader alongside the Combat King.
“Since no one else has been honest with you, I’ll say it. Your face is nauseating to look at.”
When was the last time Bi Sa-in had heard his face called nauseating? It stung. In the past, he might have fallen for the provocation. He was truly angry.
But the current Bi Sa-in was different. How would Mu-geuk react? I can be angry, but I shouldn't let that emotion dictate my actions.
“There is someone who told me this face is cool.”
“Who on earth would say that?”
Bi Sa-in looked at Mu-geuk. Mu-geuk spoke with an awkward expression.
“...I was joking.”
Bi Sa-in laughed. He felt a sense of self-satisfaction that he had become someone who could laugh at a time like this. He was certain this change would make him stronger.
He was also grateful to Mu-geuk for being someone he could share such a joke with without feeling offended. That grateful friend always looked after his emotions with such delicacy. After the joke, Mu-geuk didn't forget to add:
“When you laugh like that, you actually do look quite cool.”
Since all the warriors of the Alliance were watching, Mu-geuk praised Bi Sa-in once more.
“Those who don't know how to look at a person will only see your scars, but those who do will see how handsome the face beneath those scars truly is.”
He wasn't just talking about inner beauty. Mu-geuk hoped these words would act like magic. He wanted people to start saying, Now that I look again, he’s actually quite alright. He wanted those people to increase one by one.
“And your laugh reminds me a lot of Lord Fist Demon, a Demon Lord of our Cult. Aside from my father’s, it’s my favorite laugh.”
How could he not be grateful when Mu-geuk said such things in front of everyone? Ever since meeting Mu-geuk, his long-standing inferiority complex had been fading. He felt so happy and thankful that he thought he might be able to cast it all off after today.
“Then I shall have to create many reasons to laugh.”
“Won’t that depend on your own efforts?”
Listening to the conversation, the Blue Killing Ghost felt like he had been played. Instead of provoking his opponent, he had helped strengthen their bond, which made him feel disgusted. Regardless, he had failed to take Bi Sa-in hostage.
The Blue Killing Ghost’s gaze shifted to his original target.
“You, come out.”
The person he pointed to was Beon Cheon, the Unit Leader of the Extreme Blade Corps.
“I will face you.”
Beon Cheon wasn't intimidated by the Blue Killing Ghost at all. This was the spirit of the man. It was why he led the Extreme Blade Corps, the most elite unit directly under the Alliance Leader.
There were many pavilions and units in the Unorthodox Path Alliance. But in a situation like today, where it was unclear who could be trusted, the Extreme Blade Corps was the first organization to be mobilized. He was the head of such an organization. Therefore, even if the Combat King himself stepped out alongside the Blue Killing Ghost, he was not a man who would feel fear.
This was why Baek Ja-gang had to stop this fight. No matter how strong Beon Cheon was, he couldn't match the internal energy of a master from the previous generation like the Blue Killing Ghost.
However, if he stepped in to stop it, the Blue Killing Ghost would mock Beon Cheon’s honor and pride with all sorts of insults. Since his subordinates were watching, he had to respond carefully.
Baek Ja-gang found himself looking at Mu-geuk. Though he hated to admit it, he realized he was relying on the boy in this moment.
And Mu-geuk began to meet the Alliance Leader’s expectations once again.
Mu-geuk spoke politely to the Blue Killing Ghost.
“Before you two fight, may I say one thing to our old senior?”
“What is it?”
“Actually, in terms of being ugly, you are much uglier than the Young Alliance Leader, Senior.”
“What?”
The Blue Killing Ghost’s face contorted in bewilderment, never expecting such a comment.
“I’m telling you this because I’m afraid you’ll die in battle without ever knowing the truth.”
Die to Beon Cheon? This was another comment that grated on his nerves. But the other part bothered him more.
“Are you saying I’m uglier than the Young Alliance Leader?”
“That is correct.”
Mu-geuk knew. Although the Blue Killing Ghost was now unsightly with missing teeth and deep wrinkles, he had been called a "handsome young master" in his youth. He was a man with immense pride in his appearance. His mockery of Bi Sa-in’s looks had stemmed from that very pride.
“Even comparing your younger self to him, you were definitely uglier. I’m sorry.”
When Mu-geuk even bowed his head in apology, the Blue Killing Ghost grew even angrier. If Mu-geuk had just hurled insults, it would have been meaningless slander, but this polite apology made him feel truly insulted.
This brat is something else!
He knew he was being baited, but he couldn't let it go. He absolutely could not accept the claim that he was uglier than Bi Sa-in—a face he had just called nauseating.
“Since you don't seem to believe me, shall we verify it?”
Mu-geuk spoke loudly to everyone gathered there.
“Now then, let’s see who is uglier. Everyone who thinks the Young Alliance Leader is ugly, please raise your hand!”
Everyone was stunned. Baek Ja-gang was surprised, and even the Combat King was taken aback. There wasn't a single person present who wasn't shocked. An appearance contest in the middle of a battlefield?
Naturally, no one on the Alliance’s side raised their hand. Even if they thought so, who would dare? Conversely, some of the Turangs failed to raise their hands because they were caught off guard by the sudden question.
“Now, everyone who thinks our old senior is ugly, raise your hand!”
As soon as he finished speaking, Mu-geuk raised his hand high, and the 13th Gyo followed suit. Soon after, all the warriors of the Extreme Blade Corps raised their hands as well.
At that moment, Bi Sa-in’s eyes widened.
Baek Ja-gang had raised his hand. He had never dreamed that his Master would raise a hand for him in such a ridiculous situation.
Master!
It was just a raised hand, but he was deeply moved. He didn't know that his Master’s action also contained an apology for having doubted him.
Mu-geuk spoke to the Blue Killing Ghost.
“Look at that. Aren't there far more people who think you’re uglier, Senior?”
“You brat, that’s only because your side has more people!”
“Isn't it the same thing?”
“What is?”
“Aren't you acting however you please just because you’re older? Mocking a junior for being ugly—isn't that all just because you have more internal energy?”
“...!”
Since it was an unexpected point, the Blue Killing Ghost couldn't respond for a moment. This was Mu-geuk’s true intention.
“Earlier, Senior Goe pointed out someone of similar age and skill to fight. But you aren't doing that, are you? If you want fairness, we should put forward enough people to match your age.”
“What does that mean?”
“I’m saying we’ll step forward in a number that adds up to your age and fight you. Or, you can just proudly admit that you’re uglier.”
“You crazy bastard, listen to yourself!”
The Blue Killing Ghost had brought up appearance to provoke Bi Sa-in, but he was the one falling into Mu-geuk’s provocation.
“Do you really think you can beat me with a combined attack? Is that why you’re pulling this cheap trick?”
“Just admit you’re ugly and fight Unit Leader Beon!”
“What kind of nonsense logic is that?”
“No, I spoke out of turn. Please, continue with your duel.”
“You...!”
“I don't see why a man should be so ashamed of admitting he’s ugly.”
Finally, the Blue Killing Ghost couldn't take it anymore and roared.
“Fine! I’ll kill you all at once.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Bi Sa-in stepped forward first.
“Let’s settle who is uglier.”
As if he had been waiting, Mu-geuk followed.
“If my friend goes, I go! Our combined age is still far short of yours, so I’ll bring in one more person.”
Mu-geuk looked back and forth between the 1st Wolf and Beon Cheon, then spoke to the 1st Wolf.
“Since Unit Leader Beon was the one challenged and even framed this time, why don't you let him have this?”
The 1st Wolf nodded readily. If Mu-geuk and Beon Cheon were stepping up, he didn't necessarily need to. He had already decided to intervene regardless of any agreements if Bi Sa-in fell into danger anyway. It was better to stay out of the initial lineup for that.
The Blue Killing Ghost realized his mistake too late.
Ah, this wasn't the plan.
In a fit of temper, he had snapped, and now three people were standing before him. It was this very temper that had made him a public enemy of all three factions. No matter how old he got, he couldn't fix it.
It was the Combat King who settled the situation.
“The ages don't match.”
The Combat King spoke to Mu-geuk in a calm tone.
“You should step back, and the 1st Wolf should step in.”
Mu-geuk had expected the Combat King to intervene, so he accepted it readily. The Combat King would never allow him to fight alongside the others.
“Then I leave it to you, 1st Wolf.”
The 1st Wolf took his place.
An image flickered in the Combat King’s mind. He saw Mu-geuk, who had just been full of words, jokes, and nonsense, returning to the blood-soaked battlefield. He saw him standing there alone, looking this way with eyes of unfathomable depth. It was because the Blue Killing Ghost couldn't see that side of him that he had been played so helplessly.
Where Beon Cheon was supposed to stand alone, Bi Sa-in and the 1st Wolf now stood with him.
Stepping back, Mu-geuk looked at Baek Ja-gang.
This is the extent of the effort I can provide.