Chapter 585: Difficult Because You’re Strong
Chapter 585: Difficult Because You’re Strong
It was an unforgettable night.
Everyone stood upon the sparring arena, gazing up at the night sky. No one spoke as they watched the stars cascading down toward them like a silent silver river.
They simply watched in silence. It was a moment where silence was the only fitting tribute.
When they had been suddenly gathered and led outside, many had shared the same terrifying thought: The excavation is nearing its end. They’re going to kill us all now!
Since entering this place, they had never once been allowed to see the sky.
But they were wrong. The Sword King had brought them out for no other reason than to look at the stars.
At first, the workers were bewildered, but gradually, a wave of deep emotion washed over them. The beauty of the constellations, the cool outdoor breeze they hadn't felt in so long—in that moment, they truly felt alive.
At least for that one moment, they were free.
If I survive, I’ll use the money I earned to...! With that hope, I can...! The cluttered, desperate thoughts that usually plagued them began to clear.
The stars and the wind seemed to whisper a single truth: You are still alive.
Had they been alone, the sentiment might not have been so profound. But because they were looking up together—those who had endured that hell side-by-side—the starlight felt even deeper.
The Sword King stood among them.
He, too, was watching the stars, his gaze fixed on the horizon for a very long time.
Eventually, the Sword King turned his head to look at Geom Mu-geuk. Despite being the one who had suggested showing the workers the sky, Geom Mu-geuk was the one staring at the stars most intently.
With those deep eyes reflecting the starlight, what was the Young Cult Leader thinking?
Everyone’s thoughts differed, but they all shared one certainty: they would never be able to forget these stars, or the taste of this night air.
*
When Hong-in opened his eyes the next morning, last night felt like a dream. In fact, he had actually dreamed about it. Of course, in his dream, a meteor had fallen on their gathering and scattered them in all directions, which was when he woke up in a cold sweat.
His dream used to be simple: take the money he earned here, establish a small martial arts hall in a peaceful village, meet a good woman, and live out the rest of his life in comfort.
Now, one more wish was added to that dream.
He would survive, no matter what, so he could look at the stars every single night.
As Hong-in prepared to get out of bed, he looked at the snow-white blanket covering him. Naturally, his gaze shifted to a familiar spot.
Geom Mu-geuk was sitting cross-legged atop his bedroll, circulating his qi. Had he stayed like that all night?
Everything had changed since this newcomer arrived. Was it really all because of him?
“Alright, everyone, up!” Hong-in shouted as he climbed out of bed.
The workers washed and ate breakfast as usual. It was a morning like any other, but the atmosphere between them had subtly shifted. Once they finished their preparations, they gathered before the Iron Wall once more.
“Alright. I don’t need to tell you why we need to focus today, do I?”
At Hong-in’s words, the workers all laughed. It felt like a lifetime since they had shared a genuine laugh.
Hong-in stepped forward to speak to the Sword King on behalf of the group. “Thank you truly for last night, sir.”
The workers standing behind Hong-in bowed their heads in unison.
The Sword King stared at them for a moment before speaking softly. “I was too late, wasn't I?”
“Not at all!” came a thunderous, heartfelt reply.
The Sword King’s gaze shifted to Geom Mu-geuk. His eyes seemed to ask, Are you satisfied now?
Geom Mu-geuk replied with a bright, knowing smile: See? Isn't this much better?
“Alright, then. Let’s get to work!”
Clang, clang, clang!
Starting with Geom Mu-geuk’s rhythmic hammering, the workers began their assigned tasks.
The excavation team’s workflow had become a well-oiled machine: Geom Mu-geuk would dig out the primary sections with rapid precision, and the workers would handle the finishing touches.
The excavation of the mechanisms was even more difficult than on the first day. Complex, ancient devices were revealing themselves at every turn. However, Geom Mu-geuk’s movements remained light and brisk. As the work grew harder, he seemed to adapt to the challenge instantly.
Even so, he didn't let ego get in the way. He didn't try to do everything alone.
“I need some help here,” he would call out, involving the workers whenever possible. If a task seemed too dangerous or difficult for them, he even asked the Sword King to lend a hand. Because of this synergy, the work proceeded with lightning speed.
Gradually, the mechanisms that had been buried for ages began to reveal their true forms. They stretched out in every direction like the limbs of a living creature.
Geom Mu-geuk, who possessed a deep knowledge of mechanical formations, could tell. This isn't a mechanism made in recent times.
Though ancient, its sophistication was incomparable to modern standards. It must have been crafted by a legendary master of a bygone era. Of course, that didn't mean it would be harder to dismantle; mechanical theory had advanced remarkably since then.
As the work continued—!
Clank!
At the sharp sound, everyone’s eyes snapped toward the source. One worker stood with a panicked expression. He had accidentally tripped a pressure plate.
Slid-e.
The walls on both sides ground open, revealing dozens of dark apertures.
“Watch out!”
The moment Geom Mu-geuk’s shout rang out—
Ssh-ssh-ssh-ssh-ssh!
Dozens of lethal hidden weapons poured out from both walls at incredible speed.
In an instant, Geom Mu-geuk’s sword spun.
Whirrrrrrr!
A small circle expanded instantly, whipping up a localized gale.
Whoosh!
It was Geom Mu-geuk’s Sword Wind. He had generated the gust because he feared he might miss a single projectile if he tried to strike them down individually.
Clatter-clatter-clack!
The incoming hidden weapons were caught in the Sword Wind and blown back toward the walls.
However, he hadn't blocked all of them. Geom Mu-geuk had only covered the weapons flying from the left. Cries of agony should have erupted from the workers on the right, but not a single scream was heard.
When Geom Mu-geuk turned around, he saw the Sword King’s back. The man had surged forward in a blur, swinging his sword to deflect every single projectile with surgical precision.
Since they had been back-to-back, neither could see exactly how the other had performed. It wouldn't have been visible to the workers’ untrained eyes anyway, but it must have been a fantastic sight. Geom Mu-geuk felt a twinge of regret that he hadn't seen the Sword King's technique firsthand.
But was the Sword King confident he wouldn't miss a single one? Or did he simply think it was fine if one or two people died?
“Is anyone hurt?” the Sword King asked.
Hong-in answered loudly, his voice trembling slightly. “No one, sir! Thank you for saving us!”
The workers looked at each other and sighed in relief. Perhaps it was because they had seen the stars the night before, but the joy of having survived felt greater than ever. No one scolded the colleague who had made the mistake.
Their gazes fell to the floor. Dozens of hidden weapons deflected by Geom Mu-geuk and the Sword King lay scattered in the dust. They took it for granted that the Sword King could block them, but they hadn't expected Geom Mu-geuk to stop them all as well.
As they stared at him with shocked faces, Geom Mu-geuk smirked. “I told you I was a match for a hundred men, didn't I?”
It was the moment they confirmed with their own eyes that Geom Mu-geuk was a truly formidable master. They should have realized it the moment the Sword King began giving him special treatment.
After expressing their gratitude to the Sword King, the workers flocked to Geom Mu-geuk.
“Thank you,” Hong-in said, speaking for the group. His tone and attitude toward Geom Mu-geuk had shifted to one of genuine respect.
“Please, just treat me comfortably as the newcomer, like before,” Geom Mu-geuk insisted.
How could they do that when he was their best worker, a powerful martial artist, and the man who had just saved their lives?
“I actually enjoy being the 'hidden master' newcomer! So please, act naturally!”
At Geom Mu-geuk’s joke, Hong-in and the other workers finally broke into smiles.
Hong-in did as Geom Mu-geuk requested. “Thanks, kid.”
Work resumed.
As if the accident had never happened, Geom Mu-geuk immersed himself in the task. With him leading the way, the work—which would have taken weeks otherwise—was nearing completion. At this rate, they could fully excavate and dismantle the mechanism by tomorrow.
“Work is finished for the day!” Hong-in shouted.
Geom Mu-geuk immediately yelled, “I’m hungry!” But he didn't stop there. “But aren't you going to throw a welcoming party for the newcomer?”
Naturally, the Sword King’s hand went to the shoe hanging at his waist. But he couldn't very well throw it in front of everyone—especially not at the man who had just saved the entire crew.
*
“He bought alcohol and meat this time?”
At Lee An’s report, even the Fist Demon let out a hollow laugh. Whenever a report regarding Geom Mu-geuk arrived, expressions that didn't suit his terrifying face kept appearing.
“It seems the Young Cult Leader is still doing alright. At least he’s not buying medicine or a coffin yet,” Lee An joked.
The One Flower Sword Venerable picked up on the humor. “Actually, wouldn't medicine be better? From the enemy’s perspective, I mean.”
Lee An laughed, knowing exactly what she meant. It would probably be easier to block sword qi than to deal with Geom Mu-geuk at a drinking table.
“I will update you again as soon as the next report comes in.”
Lee An left the room and stepped out into the courtyard. Though she had left with a smile, she was worried about Geom Mu-geuk deep down.
Buying blankets, looking at stars, buying booze...
There was no way Geom Mu-geuk was just playing around. That made her even more concerned, because she knew the man better than anyone.
Even there, the Young Master is working so hard.
The stranger the reports were, the harder he was likely working behind the scenes.
Just then, someone spoke from behind her. “Are you worried about the Young Cult Leader?”
She turned to see the One Flower Sword Venerable walking toward her.
Lee An answered honestly. “The Young Cult Leader saw something in him that I couldn't.”
The Sword Venerable nodded. “Yes, he is that kind of person.”
While Lee An had initially viewed the fact that he saw through the Sword King negatively, the Sword Venerable viewed it positively. She was telling Lee An not to worry, as he was a man who saw what others missed.
“Don't you know what kind of person the Young Cult Leader is?”
True. Just as she worried because she knew him, she also felt a strange sense of peace because she knew him. That was Geom Mu-geuk.
“Yes! Who am I to worry about him? From now on, I’ll wrap my worries up tight and tuck them under a blanket.”
The two women smiled at each other. The Sword Venerable was someone who could have been difficult to be around, but Lee An was grateful for her approachability.
The One Flower Sword Venerable started to walk away, then paused. “Captain Lee.”
“Yes, Sword Venerable?”
The Sword Venerable offered an unexpected piece of advice. “When the moment comes that you must make a decision, do not hesitate.”
Lee An was inwardly flustered. Those words weren't about martial arts. It was about a life-altering choice. It sounded less like an instruction to decide quickly, and more like an instruction to decide rightly.
“Yes! I will never hesitate.”
At the spirited reply, the One Flower Sword Venerable smiled and walked away.
Lee An stood there for a moment, watching her back. Just now, she had seen a flicker of regret in the woman’s eyes. It was an impulsive remark born from deep, personal experience.
What decision did you hesitate on that makes you regret it so much?
*
The mechanism was fully revealed.
It looked like a prehistoric monster that had been hiding underground, exposing its bones and entrails to the light. All the workers in the tunnel gathered to watch. It was a moving moment; they had endured immense hardship just to see this.
Of course, no one knew what awaited them beyond that Iron Wall. Whether more dangerous traps were lined up in a row, or if this was the end, they knew nothing. They only hoped that this ordeal would end soon.
The mechanism expert spoke to the Sword King. “This is a mechanism built with very ancient techniques.”
“Can you dismantle it?”
The man looked at the complex gears and nodded confidently. “I can.”
When the Sword King gave the word, the man spoke to his trained team. “Begin the operation.”
Geom Mu-geuk stood side-by-side with the Sword King, watching the dismantling team work.
“Thank you for the welcoming party yesterday.”
The Sword King shook his head. Yesterday’s party had been nothing short of chaos. Perhaps it was because they had tasted the outside air, but once Geom Mu-geuk started leading the atmosphere, everyone was busy laughing and chatting like madmen.
When a drunken Geom Mu-geuk mentioned he wanted to hear his 'Big Brother' sing, the Sword King had immediately stood up and left. He had only muttered one thing to himself at the time: Insane. It was a comment directed at Geom Mu-geuk, but also at himself—for actually throwing the party.
“To be honest, I’m still confused,” the Sword King said. “Whether this is your true heart, or if it’s all just for show.”
Geom Mu-geuk gave his answer without hesitation. “It’s for show.”
The Sword King looked at him, surprised by the bluntness.
“If no one were watching me, I don't think I would have done this. Even now, I’m putting in effort for you, Instructor. I want you to see how special I am.”
“Even while admitting your intentions like this?”
“Confession is also part of the effort.”
“Fine, let’s say it is. Why are you putting in the effort?”
After a brief silence, Geom Mu-geuk spoke honestly. “I suppose I’m afraid of fighting you, Instructor.”
The Sword King’s gaze deepened.
“So, perhaps I’m trying to build a good relationship like this. In the hopes that later, right before you kill me, you might hesitate for even a split second. And because of that hesitation, you’ll be the one to die by my hand.”
The Sword King spoke with an incredulous expression. “It’s meaningless if you just say it all out loud like that, isn't it?”
“This is all part of the strategy, too.”
Seeing Geom Mu-geuk’s devious grin, the Sword King turned back to watch the dismantling work. Then, he spoke abruptly. “It is never easy for a person to change their fate.”
After a short pause, Geom Mu-geuk asked, “With your skills, Instructor, couldn't you change even that?”
The Sword King did not answer.
Geom Mu-geuk understood. He knew Jo Chun-bae, who ran a business in Ma Clan Village; he knew the Sword King before his eyes; and he knew himself. He knew how difficult it was to change the course of one's life.
It was difficult because one was strong, and difficult because one was weak.
“You got angry before,” Geom Mu-geuk continued. “When I described the people I killed as your comrades. Then what kind of work are you doing with people who aren't even your comrades?”
And then, he asked the question he truly wanted to ask.
“Who is above you, Instructor?”
Geom Mu-geuk’s heart throbbed. Would the name Hwa Mu-gi come out of the Sword King’s mouth?
But the Sword King said nothing. Geom Mu-geuk did not press him. This, too, was a question that had to be saved for the right moment.
Just then, the mechanism expert came over to report. “The dismantling is complete.”
Geom Mu-geuk felt a swirl of emotions radiating from the crowd—surprise, tension, fear, and anticipation.
Geom Mu-geuk and the Sword King stood at the very front of the Iron Wall. The other workers gathered behind them, praying that their long hardship would end here.
“Then, I am opening it.”
Gr-r-r-ind!
The sound alone told them it hadn't been opened in an eternity. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, the Iron Wall slowly began to groan open.