Chapter 42: Blood Demon Sword (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 42: Blood Demon Sword (2)
“May I take a look at your scabbard?”
At the words of Northern Warrior Gwak Hyeong-jik, the faces of Sama Yeong, Jo Seong-won, and myself stiffened.
I hadn't expected him to strike at such a precise weakness.
My scabbard was a specialized piece, cleverly crafted with a hidden space specifically designed to conceal the Blood Demon Sword.
The moment I showed it to him, it would be over.
“I only ask that you show it to me.”
“...And why is that?”
In response to my question, Gwak Hyeong-jik drove the sheath hanging over his shoulder into the ground as if anchoring it. Then, he pressed a blunt protrusion near the hilt of the sheath.
With a click, the sheath unfolded like a wooden box, revealing its contents.
‘.......’
To my surprise, there were two blades inside.
One was a long, thin willow leaf saber, while the other was shorter and uniquely shaped, featuring a large, circular handle near the hilt.
The handle was large enough for a foot to fit into, let alone a hand. It was so bizarre that one couldn't help but wonder why it had been attached in the first place.
“This is a custom-made sheath I ordered myself. I noticed your scabbard is wider and thicker than the Namcheon Iron Sword requires. I might be overreacting, but it looks like there’s more than enough room for another blade inside.”
I hadn't anticipated this variable.
The scabbard had been crafted so exquisitely that most people would never notice anything amiss. Under normal circumstances, it was hard to imagine there being a hidden compartment inside.
But the world is vast, and it was inevitable that I would eventually run into someone who shared the same line of thinking.
‘I’m caught between a rock and a hard place.’
The moment I showed him the scabbard, I would be caught.
That left only two options.
Either I had to run, or I had to fight the Northern Warrior Gwak Hyeong-jik right here in a life-or-death struggle.
‘...Can we escape?’
I couldn't see a scenario where all of us got away safely. He would pick us off one by one.
In that case, fighting was the only way.
If the Martial Alliance found out about my identity because of the Northern Warrior, things would become complicated anyway.
‘At least this is better than last time.’
When I fought Falcon Warrior Na Yuk-hyeong, the situation was far worse. Now, at least the three of us could launch a combined attack.
Even if Northern Warrior Gwak Hyeong-jik was a master superior to Na Yuk-hyeong, I had also grown since then.
“Do you truly intend to refuse?”
The Northern Warrior’s voice sank, turning cold.
Seeing my hesitation, his suspicion was rapidly turning into certainty.
Without taking my eyes off Gwak Hyeong-jik, I spoke.
“If you see an opening, take it without hesitation.”
It was an order to Sama Yeong and Jo Seong-won.
Sring!
Sama Yeong drew the sword from her back, and Jo Seong-won took a Qi control stance for his palm techniques.
Finally, I drew the Namcheon Iron Sword.
“Sigh.”
A deep sigh escaped Gwak Hyeong-jik’s lips.
“A tragedy for the Orthodox path. To think the one who inherited Ho Jong-dae’s legacy was a spy.”
His voice was filled with genuine disappointment.
Deep down, I felt a pang of bitterness. The reality of having to fight someone who had treated me with such kindness was unpleasant. The Northern Warrior was someone I would have preferred to have as an acquaintance rather than an enemy.
Then, Gwak Hyeong-jik said something unexpected.
“...Is it impossible for you to return to the Orthodox path?”
‘!?’
It was a proposal I hadn't anticipated at all. I had assumed he would try to suppress me by any means necessary, but I never expected him to make such an offer.
“I won’t ask how you became involved with the Blood Cult. For the successors of the great Namcheon Sword Guest to side with the cult, there must have been a reason so profound that you felt you could no longer stand with the Orthodox factions.”
‘...Ah.’
It seemed Gwak Hyeong-jik had misunderstood, assuming that Sama Yeong and I had joined the Blood Cult out of some deep-seated grudge against the Orthodox world.
Come to think of it, during our conversation, I had used information from the Namcheon Iron Sword to mention things he would recognize. Because of that, Gwak Hyeong-jik seemed firmly convinced that even if I was a spy for the Blood Cult, I was indeed the successor of the Namcheon Sword Guest.
“If such a grievance exists, I, the Northern Warrior, will personally step forward to help you. So please, do not fall into the Evil path.”
He was sincerely trying to persuade me.
It seemed his affection for a worthy rival's legacy ran that deep. Northern Warrior Gwak Hyeong-jik was a man of much greater character than I had imagined.
‘...This man truly walks the path of the righteous.’
What would have happened if I had met him before my regression? Would he have tried to help me then? He was qualitatively different from trash like Elder Baek Wi-hyang or Mo Yong-su.
‘Sigh...’
I really didn't want to kill him.
But if I didn't, I would be branded a traitor to the Orthodox factions, and the repercussions would eventually reach Yeong-yeong.
After a moment of deliberation, I spoke.
“I have my own circumstances. I also have no desire to point my blade at you, Senior.”
“Then put down your sword.”
“If I put down my sword, the other side will not forgive me.”
At those words, the Northern Warrior thumped his chest with his fist and spoke in a booming voice.
“I will protect you and your brothers on my honor.”
“It is impossible with your strength alone, Senior.”
“...Do you not trust the Orthodox path?”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, Senior. I simply don't trust the parts of the 'Orthodox' world that have rotted to the core.”
Gwak Hyeong-jik fell silent.
Naturally, a martial artist with his level of experience and maturity would know the dark side of the Orthodox world. He likely understood better than I did that being 'Orthodox' didn't automatically make one right or good.
“Do you truly intend to walk the path of Evil?”
To his question, I replied with a voice full of firm resolve.
“The path I intend to walk is not the path of Evil.”
“If not Evil, then what?”
“I will walk a path that is not bound by the labels of Orthodox or Evil.”
A strange light flickered in Gwak Hyeong-jik’s eyes. It was a feeling entirely different from disappointment.
“Neither Orthodox nor Evil... Sophistry.”
“Orthodox and Evil aren't the only answers, are they? Just as there are villains in the Orthodox factions, there are good and kind people in the Evil factions.”
“...Are you speaking of the Middle Path?”
“If you wish to call it that, then so be it. I simply do not wish to be bound by those labels.”
I told him this because I wanted him to know my true heart—that I hadn't truly fallen into the Blood Cult or the path of Evil.
“Whew.”
Gwak Hyeong-jik let out a long breath. Then, he raised his saber and pointed it at me.
“It seems you have your reasons. However, as one who walks the Orthodox path, I have my own duties. I cannot simply let you go.”
...As expected, it seemed we were destined to clash.
Gwak Hyeong-jik spoke to me.
“How could a senior take the first move against a junior?”
I had no reason to refuse the advantage. If we had to fight, I had to do my best to kill him.
I lunged toward Gwak Hyeong-jik.
‘Tiger Fang Momentum Sword!’
I unleashed the first form of the True Life Bright Sword Technique: Tiger Fang Momentum Sword. It was a technique designed to overwhelm the opponent with fierce momentum.
I had already opened my middle Dantian and finished circulating my internal power to the sixth star of the Life Bright Divine Art.
“Impressive!”
With a short exclamation, Gwak Hyeong-jik skillfully swung his saber, lightly parrying the fierce momentum of the Tiger Fang Momentum Sword.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
‘He’s strong.’
His balance was so perfect it was hard to believe he was using only one hand. Usually, losing an arm causes a loss of balance, leading to a significant decline in martial prowess. Despite using his left hand and being one-armed, Gwak Hyeong-jik’s martial arts were so powerful one could believe he was in his prime.
Swish!
‘Huh?’
Suddenly, an unexpected strike came. From his rear left, a blind spot just outside my field of vision, a saber came spinning toward me like a windmill.
I wondered what was happening, and then I saw it.
‘His foot?’
A saber was spinning on Gwak Hyeong-jik’s right foot. That circular handle had been for this purpose. It was my first time seeing such a bizarre technique that used both hands and feet to execute saber methods simultaneously.
‘I have to dodge.’
It was impossible to block both attacks at once. I swung my sword to keep him at bay while using footwork to create distance.
“Do you think I’ll let you go!”
Whir! Whir!
Gwak Hyeong-jik easily parried my sword, and his spinning saber suddenly aimed for my legs.
But in that split second, someone skillfully blocked it—Sama Yeong.
“Ugh!”
Sama Yeong was knocked back slightly by the force of the spinning saber. Since Gwak Hyeong-jik was superior in internal power, she managed to block the attack but couldn't withstand the impact.
However, she had created an opening for me.
Thump!
Stamping my foot, I rotated my hand and thrust my sword forward. It was the sixth form of the True Life Bright Sword Technique: Chasing Return Sword.
“Chasing Return Sword. It’s been a long time.”
As a worthy rival, Gwak Hyeong-jik recognized the technique. As the sword technique surged forward like a whirlwind, Gwak Hyeong-jik leapt backward and thrust his saber forward.
Clang! Clang!
Blue sparks flew as the saber collided with the whirling sword momentum. In that brief moment, Gwak Hyeong-jik quickly released his grip on the saber and struck the pommel like lightning.
The center of the Chasing Return Sword was shaken by the powerful force, and I was the one pushed back instead.
Step! Step!
Just then, Jo Seong-won appeared from behind and launched a palm technique at Gwak Hyeong-jik’s back. It was a strike that should have landed, but in that instant, Gwak Hyeong-jik performed a backflip.
“Hah!”
As he flipped through the air, the saber attached to his foot swung down, threatening to split Jo Seong-won’s head open.
Sama Yeong grabbed Jo Seong-won by the collar and pulled him back.
Thud!
The saber narrowly missed and dug deep into the ground. As the blade prepared to surge upward, Jo Seong-won and Sama Yeong simultaneously used footwork to dodge.
‘...Incredible.’
I couldn't help but be impressed. I had thought that even if he had once dominated an era, he would be relatively weaker now because he was one-armed.
On the contrary, he was much stronger than Falcon Warrior Na Yuk-hyeong. His martial talent was so great that he had even created a saber method using his feet to compensate for his weakness.
‘To show this much skill while fighting three people at once...’
If we let our guard down even for a moment, we might be the ones in danger.
Just as I was about to lung toward Gwak Hyeong-jik again, I sensed multiple presences.
[Deputy Unit Leader.]
Sama Yeong must have sensed them too, as she looked in that direction and sent me a sound transmission.
Then, Gwak Hyeong-jik spoke to us.
“Did you think I would come alone when I pursued you? Just in case, I told my disciple to bring the other young warriors and the Martial Alliance warriors while I followed you.”
‘Dammit.’
A curse almost escaped my lips.
“You have no chance of winning. Give up, Young Master So.”
This was a worse situation than the one with Na Yuk-hyeong. We couldn't even be sure of victory with the three of us combined, and now reinforcements were arriving. It was incredibly frustrating.
Six young men emerged from the thicket. They were the young warriors led by Gwak Hyeong-jik’s disciple, Jang Myeong.
“Brother So?”
Jang Myeong couldn't hide his confusion upon seeing me. From his reaction, it seemed he had been called for backup but didn't know who they were pursuing.
“I knew it! You were a spy!”
Among the young warriors was Hwangbo Donghyeon of the Hwangbo Family. It seemed Gwak had asked for help from whoever was available, and this nuisance had been included. He already held a massive grudge against me.
“What are you all doing!”
“Y-Yes, Master!”
Whoosh!
At Gwak Hyeong-jik’s shout, the six young warriors, including Jang Myeong, lunged forward simultaneously.
At my signal, Sama Yeong and Jo Seong-won moved to intercept them.
This meant I had to use the same tactic as before. I had to hold him off alone until the two of them could defeat the others.
Sssssss!
The blood throughout my body began to circulate rapidly, and my body temperature rose. At the same time, steam began to rise from my skin. It was the manifestation of the True Blood Golden Body.
‘!?’
Gwak Hyeong-jik’s eyes widened at the sight.
“True Blood Golden Body? Have you learned the martial arts of the Bizarre Hae Ak-cheon?”
He recognized the True Blood Golden Body immediately. Ignoring his surprise, I leapt into the air and unleashed the fifth form of the True Life Bright Sword Technique: Meteor Falling Sword.
Gwak Hyeong-jik hurriedly raised his saber to block it.
Clang!
“Hmph!”
With the increased power from the True Blood Golden Body, Gwak Hyeong-jik’s feet sank slightly into the ground. Just as I was about to pour more strength into the sword with the intent to cut him down—
Gwak Hyeong-jik slightly bent his knees. Shifting his center of gravity toward his feet, he moved one leg.
Swish!
At incredible speed, the saber spinning on Gwak Hyeong-jik’s foot aimed for my flank. It was too fast.
‘I have to dodge.’
Snap!
Using the sword pressing against Gwak Hyeong-jik’s saber as a fulcrum, I propelled myself into the air and spun to avoid the rotating blade.
However, I couldn't dodge it completely.
Rip!
The sound of something being sliced reached my ears.
‘!?’
The scabbard on my back split open, and the Blood Demon Sword hidden inside began to fall. Even as I was spinning, I desperately tried to catch it, but—
Clang!
Gwak Hyeong-jik struck the Blood Demon Sword with his saber.
Whiz! Whiz!
The Blood Demon Sword was sent flying toward the group of young warriors fighting nearby.
“It’s the Blood Demon Sword! Seize it!”
Gwak Hyeong-jik shouted to the young warriors.
‘No!’
I couldn't let them take the Blood Demon Sword. I reached out, trying to snag it with my Silver Smoke Thread. However, aiming accurately while spinning in mid-air was impossible. The Silver Smoke Thread missed its mark.
In the meantime, someone leapt up and caught the Blood Demon Sword.
‘Ah...’
It was none other than Gwak Hyeong-jik’s disciple, Jang Myeong. Sama Yeong and Jo Seong-won, who were busy dealing with the other five young warriors, had no chance to intercept it.
Jang Myeong raised the sword in triumph and shouted.
“Master! I have the swor—Gack!”
Suddenly, Jang Myeong made a bizarre sound. With a look of agony on his face, he desperately tried to pull his hand away from the sword.
But he couldn't.
His hand began to tremble, and soon the tremors spread to his entire body.
“Jang Myeong! Let go of the sword immediately!”
“G-G-G-Guh.”
Gwak Hyeong-jik urged him in alarm, but Jang Myeong’s convulsions showed no sign of stopping.
A grotesque phenomenon occurred. Veins began to bulge and throb across his face. Looking as if he were suffering from Qi Deviation, one of the nearby young warriors tried to help him.
“Brother Jang! Let go of the sword!”
It happened in that very instant.
Slash!
“Argh!”
With a sharp ring of the sword, the young warrior’s body was sliced in half.
‘!?’
Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events. Jang Myeong, his face covered in bulging veins and his eyes glowing with a red light, radiated a murderous intent that overwhelmed everyone present.
‘The talismans?’
I was even more bewildered by the fact that the talismans attached to the sword had vanished. I had no idea what had happened while it was inside the scabbard.
While everyone was in shock, Hwangbo Donghyeon screamed.
“H-He’s been possessed by a Demon Sword!”
No sooner had he spoken than Jang Myeong lunged at him. A panicked Hwangbo Donghyeon swung his saber to block, but—
Clang! Slash!
Jang Myeong’s sword instantly sliced through both Hwangbo Donghyeon’s saber and his body. He died without even being able to scream.
“He... he killed another one.”
“B-Brother Jang! Get a hold of yourself!”
The remaining three young warriors were at a loss, paralyzed by panic. Jang Myeong glared at them and spoke in a chilling voice.
“Kill... everyone.”
“Eek!”
Terrified, the young warriors turned pale and tried to flee, but Jang Myeong was faster.
Slash!
Using his lightness skill at incredible speed, Jang Myeong decapitated two of the fleeing warriors simultaneously. His next target was Sama Yeong.
He lunged to pierce her throat, but she hurriedly blocked with the flat of her blade.
Clang!
“Ahhh!”
However, the internal power behind the strike was so immense that she was sent flying backward with a scream.
‘My Lady!’
I lunged forward and caught her mid-air.
Skid!
‘What kind of power is this!’
Even with the True Blood Golden Body active, I was pushed back more than ten paces after catching her. Blood trickled from the corner of Sama Yeong’s mouth; she had clearly suffered internal injuries.
“He suddenly became too strong,” she said to me, her voice grave.
I completely agreed as I held her. His power had exploded to an impossible degree.
“Kill!”
In the meantime, Jang Myeong targeted the last remaining young warrior and Jo Seong-won.
“Jang Myeong! Stop!”
Gwak Hyeong-jik blocked his path. He unleashed a saber technique, attempting to disarm him.
In response, Jang Myeong unleashed a sword technique.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their blades clashed rapidly. Gwak Hyeong-jik’s expression was grim. The sword techniques Jang Myeong was using were beyond sophisticated; they were pure killing moves designed to utterly destroy the opponent.
“Wake up!”
Gwak Hyeong-jik urged him, but it was useless. As their techniques clashed, Gwak Hyeong-jik spun the saber on his ankle, aiming for an opening.
However, Jang Myeong caught that saber with his bare hand.
Grab!
“What?!”
His hand, stained red with bulging veins, was a terrifying sight. He had caught Gwak Hyeong-jik’s blade with his bare hand.
In that moment of shock, the Blood Demon Sword in Jang Myeong’s other hand lunged for Gwak Hyeong-jik’s heart. Gwak Hyeong-jik barely managed to block it.
Clang!
The force sent Gwak Hyeong-jik flying backward. In that opening, Jang Myeong instantly caught up to the last fleeing young warrior.
“Jang Myeong, no!”
Gwak Hyeong-jik’s cry didn't reach Jang Myeong’s ears. Without a moment’s hesitation, Jang Myeong ruthlessly cut the young warrior down.
“Kill!”
In that short span of time, five people had died by Jang Myeong’s hand. Seeing his own disciple turn into a murderous monster and slaughter the other young warriors, Gwak Hyeong-jik stood dazed, lost for words.
Regardless, Jang Myeong was still thirsty for blood. His next target was Jo Seong-won.
“Gasp!”
Jo Seong-won desperately used his lightness skill to flee, but Jang Myeong was far faster. He caught up in an instant.
Just as he was about to cut Jo Seong-won down, I skillfully parried the blow.
Clang!
“Urgh!”
The sheer weight of the strike nearly knocked me backward. In that opening, Sama Yeong aimed for Jang Myeong’s back.
She tried to take his head with her sword, but Jang Myeong didn't even look back; he simply blocked her blade with his forearm.
“Kill!”
Jang Myeong began to turn, intending to slice Sama Yeong.
It was at that very moment—
Whoosh! Thud!
A saber flew into Jang Myeong’s flank, sending his body tumbling to the side.
The one who had thrown the saber was none other than Gwak Hyeong-jik. Normally, a saber thrown with the internal power of a master of his caliber should have pierced through, but Jang Myeong remained unscathed as if he possessed an Indestructible Diamond Body.
Instead, he grabbed the saber Gwak Hyeong-jik had thrown and crushed it with his bare hand.
Crunch! Clang!
‘!?’
Calling him a monster wasn't enough.
Gwak Hyeong-jik looked at me with a grave expression and spoke.
“Help me.”
To him, I replied:
“I was just about to say the same thing.”