Chapter 40: A New Card (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 40: A New Card (2)
To think I’d find a way to make being under surveillance useful.
I suppose everything depends on how you use it.
Having noticed the watchers, the man in the eye patch asked me suspiciously via Secret Sound Transmission.
[…Why are you telling me this? You have no reason to help a complete stranger.]
I answered him bluntly.
[Because I need you.]
[You… need me?]
The man in the eye patch—Myeong Gyeongin—asked back, sounding as if he couldn't understand.
[Did you really think I was helping you out of the goodness of my heart?]
[…Ha!]
Myeong Gyeongin let out a scoff of disbelief, then quickly composed his expression, mindful of his surroundings.
[I can protect myself even without your help.]
[Is that why you didn't even realize you were being watched?]
[That’s…]
[I figured you’d get caught if I left you alone.]
[…Who the hell are you?]
[I am So Woon-hwi.]
At those words, a strange light flickered in the eyes of the man in the eye patch—no, Myeong Gyeongin.
[You’re that disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest?]
[I am.]
[…You’re quite different from the rumors.]
I’m glad to hear that. It meant the perception of me was spreading exactly as intended.
[Rumors are bound to be distorted. You should know that better than anyone.]
[You!]
Myeong Gyeongin’s gaze intensified at my words. His eyes were filled with bitterness and a deep-seated rage.
—Why are his emotions so all over the place?
‘Because I provoked him.’
The fallen Kunlun Sect.
They had suffered the tragedy of having every single member of their sect slaughtered in a single night.
—In a single night? Isn't that a massive incident?
Yes. It was.
It was an event significant enough that the Martial Alliance should have stepped in to investigate. However, the Alliance simply brushed it off as an unsolved case committed by the Evil Faction during the Great Orthodox-Evil War.
—Huh? Why?
‘Because Kunlun had fallen out of favor.’
—How did they fall out of favor?
Twenty years ago, the Great Orthodox-Evil War plunged the entire martial world into the fires of conflict. When the Martial Alliance, Peerless Fortress, Blood Cult, Evil Faction, and the Black Path were all drowning in a crucible of endless bloodshed, there was only one sect that refused to participate: the Kunlun Sect.
—Why didn't they join?
‘Kunlun is a Taoist sect that leans more toward the path of immortality than other martial-focused Taoist sects. They prioritized helping the common people, regardless of whether they were Orthodox or Evil.’
Though they were an Orthodox sect, Kunlun took no sides. They always maintained a neutral stance. Their intentions were rooted in benevolence, but to the other Orthodox practitioners who had seen so much blood during the war, it didn't look that way.
—Humans always try to divide everything into black and white.
The Lesser Conversation Sword clicked its tongue in disapproval.
True. It’s unfortunate, but in the current martial world, you are either an ally or an enemy. Regardless, since there were no survivors left in Kunlun, the Martial Alliance saw no reason to invest resources into helping them.
—Aren't they worried about their reputation? They’re supposed to be the "Orthodox" faction.
There was no reputation to worry about. From the start, public opinion within the Orthodox Faction was cold toward Kunlun for not participating in the war.
I spoke to the man who couldn't hide his anger.
[You seem to harbor a deep resentment.]
[…Do you think you could possibly understand the grudge of Kunlun, which was reduced to ashes in a single night?]
[I don’t. However, I’m telling you this because that grudge is blinding you.]
[Blinding me?]
[Even I know you are the last survivor of Kunlun. Do you really think these giant powers that divide the martial world between them are unaware?]
Myeong Gyeongin’s pupils shook at those words. In truth, the Martial Alliance hadn't realized there was a final survivor of Kunlun until now. If they had, they would have taken action one way or another.
Myeong Gyeongin, lost in thought for a moment, began to tremble.
[Are you saying they knew and simply turned a blind eye?!]
[…Regrettably, that is likely the case.]
[Those bastards!]
There was a reason he was reacting so violently. Myeong Gyeongin intended to win the Successor's Martial Discussion—the flower of the Grand Martial Assembly—to announce the existence of a Kunlun survivor and officially request help from the Martial Alliance.
—Didn't you say Lee Jung-gyeom won the discussion?
‘Yeah.’
—That means…
‘He didn't even come close to winning.’
Myeong Gyeongin had been eliminated after meeting Lee Jung-gyeom in the quarter-finals. It wouldn't have been a problem if he had just lost and left, but during the match against the powerful Lee Jung-gyeom, Myeong Gyeongin revealed the martial arts of the Kunlun Sect, causing the duel to be halted midway.
—Why?
Because he used the martial arts of the destroyed Kunlun Sect, he was instead suspected of being a spy. At that point, Myeong Gyeongin removed his human skin mask and revealed himself as the last descendant of Kunlun, but to make matters worse, he had violated the rules of the Successor's Martial Discussion, which only increased the suspicion.
Contrary to his original goal, Myeong Gyeongin ended up imprisoned in the Martial Alliance’s Golden Prison, and the incident escalated so much that the Successor's Martial Discussion was suspended for three days.
—Aha! So that’s why you told me to find him.
Exactly. If a situation like that happened again, my plans would go awry. If the Alliance started a massive frenzy to root out spies, everyone would be too busy running away to worry about the Blood Demon Sword.
Therefore, I had to prepare for the possibility of Myeong Gyeongin competing in the Successor's Martial Discussion.
—Oh. So you’re preparing for that, doing a good deed, and increasing the number of cards you can play. Killing three birds with one stone!
Two birds, maybe. I’m not so sure about the "good deed" part.
—!?
Later, after his identity was verified, the Martial Alliance claimed they would help rebuild the Kunlun Sect. Eventually, Myeong Gyeongin would become famous under the title "One-Eyed Poison of Kunlun." To rebuild his sect, he abandoned the pursuit of the immortal path and took the lead in fighting the Evil Faction and the Blood Cult.
—………You really are something.
The Lesser Conversation Sword marveled at me.
Why? I’m also going to offer a hand in rebuilding Kunlun. The only difference is that the benefactor will be me instead of the Martial Alliance.
I sent a transmission to Myeong Gyeongin.
[I don’t mind if you proceed as you originally planned. However, wouldn't it be better to think more carefully about what’s best for Kunlun’s reconstruction?]
Wouldn't it be better to hold hands with me rather than receive help from those who turned a blind eye when the tragedy occurred?
He stared at me with narrowed eyes, seemingly deep in thought, before sending a transmission back.
[What is it that you want?]
The corners of my mouth curled up involuntarily.
After concluding a certain conversation with Myeong Gyeongin via transmission, I immediately headed toward someone. That someone was one of the people monitoring me.
—What are you doing? Weren't you going to pretend you didn't notice?
The Lesser Conversation Sword asked, puzzled.
I originally intended to leave them be, but I realized I could make use of this too.
—!?
The man, who was disguised as a presiding warrior for the Successor's Martial Discussion, tried to avoid me and pretend he didn't see me as I approached, but I caught him.
“Are you by any chance following me?”
“What are you talking about?”
The man feigned ignorance, acting as if he knew nothing. Of course he would.
I gestured toward Myeong Gyeongin with my eyes and whispered quietly.
“An acquaintance of mine told me that you, that person over there, that person, and… even you, a total of four people, have been constantly watching me. I’m asking if that’s true.”
When I pointed out the watchers with pinpoint accuracy, the man couldn't hide his fluster. I looked at him with suspicious eyes.
“Are you perhaps spies from the Blood Cul—”
Before I could finish my sentence, the man barked out.
“What are you talking about! I am a warrior of the Alliance in charge of presiding over the discussion. Are you recklessly suspecting people now?”
He must have received some training. Despite being flustered, he didn't back down or make a mistake; instead, he came on even stronger.
“If you’re not, then you’re not. Why are you getting so worked up? Are you really from the Blood—”
“Hey, hey! Why does the Blood… anyway, why are you bringing that up here?”
“Then why are you monitoring me? Are you really a warrior of the Alliance in charge of the proceedings? Or perhaps, to that Hall Master over there…”
“Good heavens. You’re accusing an innocent man.”
After a few more exchanges of bickering, he firmly denied everything and eventually hurried away as if fleeing. The other three watchers did the same.
Once they had disappeared one by one, I sent a transmission to Myeong Gyeongin and winked.
[It’s been taken care of.]
[…I won’t forget this. I give you my word on the honor of Kunlun.]
Clearing out the watchers and gaining favor—now this is killing two birds with one stone.
The Lesser Conversation Sword asked in a worried voice.
—That’s all well and good, but will it be okay? Won't they just replace the watchers with different people?
‘Well, maybe, maybe not.’
—Maybe not?
*
The First Strategist Division.
Zhuge Won-myeong’s office.
Upon hearing the report from the four Alliance warriors, the middle-aged escort warrior standing beside Zhuge Won-myeong shook his head and said, “We should replace them with others immediately…”
Before he could finish, Zhuge Won-myeong suddenly burst into loud laughter.
“Hahahaha!”
“Strategist?”
“That’s enough. I don’t think we need to attach any more people to him.”
The middle-aged escort warrior asked in confusion, “We can just attach more skilled individuals, so why?”
“The boy was mocking us. Can’t you see?”
“Mocking us? What do you mean?”
“Blood Cult spy, my foot. If So Woon-hwi really thought that, do you think he would have just let them go? He would have come straight to me to report it or tried to capture them on the spot.”
“Does that mean…?”
“Yes. He must have realized they were sent by the Strategist’s Hall.”
“Ha!”
The middle-aged escort warrior clicked his tongue at the realization.
“To think he’d play me like this.”
Zhuge Won-myeong muttered, sounding intrigued. He had assumed that even if the boy noticed, he would pretend not to know to avoid suspicion, but this was unexpected.
“He’s not just clever; he’s bold.”
The middle-aged escort warrior asked him, “Then are you removing that one percent of doubt regarding So Woon-hwi?”
“It’s still too early for that. But we’ll know for sure during the second preliminary round.”
Zhuge Won-myeong looked at the documents on his desk with a meaningful gaze. The documents listed the names of those who passed the first preliminary round, ranked by their performance on the Generation Stone.
*
Early the next morning.
Before the second preliminary round began, Taoist Master Hoyang—the Second Elder of the Martial Alliance and a member of the Huashan Sect known as the Plum Blossom White Sword—began explaining the rules.
The explanation was exactly as I had heard from my younger sister, Yeong-yeong.
The successors would ascend the dueling platforms in order of their performance in the first preliminary. Attacking a single successor with three or more people was forbidden, and the last person remaining on each platform would advance to the finals.
There were a total of 16 dueling platforms. Thus, 16 people would advance to the finals to compete for the championship.
‘Hmm.’
But if that’s the case, aren't there 20 people left over?
—Why?
‘500 people passed, and if 16 advance, that means at least 30 people go up per platform. That leaves 20 people left over, and since there are only 16 platforms, those 20 will have to be distributed among them.’
At least four platforms would have two extra people. That meant those platforms would inevitably be more intense. I wasn't sure if this would be decided by drawing lots or some other method.
Taoist Master Hoyang cleared up that confusion.
“As you can see, there are 20 people remaining. It wouldn't be fair to have those 20 compete separately. Therefore, one extra person will ascend each platform, and the platforms featuring the top performers from the first preliminary will have four additional people.”
‘Damn.’
Of course, I was right on the cutoff.
The top ten were announced yesterday evening. First place was Lee Jung-gyeom, the joint successor of the Eight Great Masters. Second was Kwon Young-ha, the disciple of the First Venerable. Third was Jin Yong, the grandson of Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun. I was fourth.
I hadn't left a massive mark on the Generation Stone compared to the others, but it seemed using a Sword Formula instead of a simple martial form carried a lot of weight, landing me in fourth place.
I was already going up first, and now I had to face 31 other people.
“Now, the presiding officials will distribute the Gap, Eul, Byeong, and Jeong tokens. Successors who receive a token should gather at the platform marked with their respective letter.”
The Hall Masters and presiding warriors came forward, calling out names and handing out tokens. The token I received was the ‘Jeong’ (Platform D) token.
It seemed they had divided the top sixteen exactly in order of Platform A, B, C, and D.
Being the first to arrive at Platform D, I ascended the stage. Just thinking about the consecutive duels ahead was already making me tired.
But then, someone approached the base of Platform D.
‘Ah.’
It was the successor from the first preliminary who had pierced through the Generation Stone in the foundation area without leaving a single crack.
—Isn't that the guy you said was suspicious?
‘That’s him.’
Our eyes met, and he wore a meaningful smile. As expected, he seemed to be one of Baek Hye-hyang’s people. A strange competitive streak and killing intent flickered in his eyes. Could he be the person Kwon Young-ha had warned me about?
What a coincidence that we’d meet in the second preliminary.
‘…Actually, this might be better.’
It was more advantageous to meet Baek Hye-hyang’s people as early as possible and knock them out. There was no telling what they might try otherwise.
But then, someone else approached Platform D. He was…
‘!?’
Song Jwa-baek.
‘Oh, come on…’
He also seemed quite flustered to see me, hesitating for a moment. This was a truly awkward situation. Song Jwa-baek was the one person I didn't want to meet in the preliminaries; it was a loss for both of us.
[Dammit. What kind of luck is this?]
Song Jwa-baek sent me a transmission in a voice full of disbelief. I didn't respond and simply pretended not to know him. Since I was already on the platform, sending a transmission—whether I was looking at him or not—carried a high risk of being intercepted. He seemed to realize that as well and didn't send any further transmissions.
Then, another successor walked toward Platform D.
But…
‘…Ha!’
I couldn't help but be dumbfounded. It was another completely unknown face, but this was also a successor I had suspected of being on Baek Hye-hyang’s side. The first of Baek Hye-hyang’s successors to arrive seemed startled to see him and immediately looked away.
‘Could it be…?’
I looked toward Platform B. Successors were gathering there as well, and several people whom Jo Seong-won and I had flagged as suspicious spies were standing at the base of that platform with grim expressions.
A name flashed through my mind.
‘Zhuge Won-myeong.’
There was only one person who could manipulate the brackets like this. All the suspected spies had been gathered at Platforms B and D.
In the distance, I saw someone entering the presiding area of the Martial Alliance. It was the First Strategist, Zhuge Won-myeong.
‘Impressive. Truly impressive.’
If it hadn't been for the ranking based on the Generation Stone results, he probably would have gathered them all in one place.
*
Zhuge Won-myeong smiled faintly as he looked at Platforms B and D. This had created a foundation to clearly identify the spies. If they cooperated with each other, it would be easy to tell.
Sitting in the adjacent seat, Taoist Master Hoyang, the Sect Leader of Huashan, spoke in admiration.
“A brilliant move, Strategist. You’ve put them in checkmate.”
“It’s not certain yet, so let’s not be too biased, Master.”
“This old Taoist trusts your insight.”
“Even I can be wrong sometimes.”
“Hahaha, such modesty.”
“Master, please keep a close eye on Platform B. I will watch Platform D.”
“Understood. If they show even the slightest hesitation in their duels or act suspiciously, I will surely catch them.”
“I’m counting on you, Master.”
This move considered several variables. If they held back and went easy on their opponents to avoid hurting their own side, the likelihood of them being spies would increase significantly. And if they intentionally delayed their matches to deal with other successors as they came up, that would also raise suspicion. One way or another, he would be able to glimpse the truth.
‘Even if they choose sacrifice to avoid suspicion, only two can advance. And of course, that’s only possible if they defeat all 31 opponents.’
Zhuge Won-myeong’s gaze was fixed on Platform D like a hawk.
Meanwhile, the youth waiting second in line at the base of Platform D couldn't hide his inner joy. His true identity, hidden beneath a human skin mask, was Sang Hyeon-myeong, the first disciple of the Fifth Blood Star.
‘So Woon-hwi.’
He had been desperately waiting for an opportunity like this. This was the perfect chance to inflict a fatal wound on the boy under the guise of a duel. Since he had to fight his hardest to avoid suspicion anyway, this was perfect for him.
‘Only Brother Kwon is in a tough spot.’
On this side, people from both Baek Ryeonha’s and Baek Hye-hyang’s factions were mixed together. It wouldn't be bad for them to fight each other fiercely, but Platform B was composed entirely of Baek Hye-hyang’s people, so they would have to suffer losses one way or another.
‘Not my concern.’
All he had to do was take care of this arrogant brat who dared to aim for Baek Hye-hyang.
‘The position of her husband belongs only to me.’
He believed that if he eliminated So Woon-hwi and presented the Blood Demon Sword to her, she would see him in a different light.
Just then, the Hall Master on the platform called his name.
“Successor number two, Do Byeol-su, ascend the platform!”
Do Byeol-su was his alias. Sang Hyeon-myeong climbed onto the stage. He stood facing So Woon-hwi, about eight paces apart. Seeing the boy’s virtuous face as he hypocritically gave a fist-and-palm salute to the spectators made Sang Hyeon-myeong’s skin crawl.
‘Stop acting.’
The boy was clever enough to figure out his plans and stab him in the back. He had to be eliminated now while the chance existed. Sang Hyeon-myeong calculated in his head.
‘If I use a killing move immediately, it will alert the Young Lady watching from somewhere or the people coming up after me. I’ll trade at least ten moves first.’
He possessed enough skill to control the flow of this match. The reason he had hidden some of his strength despite being able to destroy the Generation Stone further was to make the other successors let their guard down.
‘Early Peak Realm. Laughable.’
For someone who was supposedly the disciple of a Venerable, he was pathetic. Sang Hyeon-myeong, who had reached the pinnacle of the Peak Realm, could play with him whenever he wanted.
‘Exactly ten moves. Then, a single strike to his heart.’
The Hall Master acting as the referee raised his hand high. Then, he signaled the start.
“Begin (開)!”
Sang Hyeon-myeong confidently lunged toward So Woon-hwi. But the moment he was about to unleash his sect’s fist technique—
So Woon-hwi lunged toward him with terrifying momentum and stomped his foot hard on the ground.
Boom!
Simultaneously, a whirlwind suddenly surged before his eyes.
‘!?’
Startled by the whirlwind created by the sharp sword stance, Sang Hyeon-myeong changed his technique. This wasn't a momentum that could be blocked with an ordinary move. However, the speed at which the whirlwind closed in far exceeded anything he had imagined.
Slash-slash-slash-slash!
Sharp killing intent dug into his hands and wrists, even through his gauntlets. Only then did he realize.
‘T-This bastard isn't at the early Peak Realm—’
But by the time he realized it, it was already too late. The swirling sword stance easily shattered his fist technique and swept over his entire body.
‘Dammit!’
Caught in the whirlwind of the sword stance, his body was pushed back, then suddenly lifted into the air. He spun several times before being sent flying backward.
“Gah!”
Thud!
Sang Hyeon-myeong, having bounced off the ground several times, was in a wretched state. His clothes were reduced to rags, and blood flowed from sword wounds all over his body.
‘He was hiding his strength…’
He looked pathetic. This wasn't an opponent he could afford to go easy on. This was a rival he had to face with everything he had.
But then, an incomprehensible voice reached his ears.
“Next, please.”
It was So Woon-hwi’s voice. At the same time, a thunderous cheer erupted from the spectator stands.
“WAAAAAAAOOOOOOOH!!!”
Unable to understand, he struggled to pick himself up, and then he realized. He realized just how far he had been blown back.
‘Y-You bastard!’
The ground he was standing on was none other than the area below the platform.