Chapter 687: Gathering
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 687: Gathering
‘Well, now.’
A strange sensation washed over me as I watched the sunlight stream through the barred window.
The air felt damp. The space was strangely dark for a place the sun could reach. Although it seemed to be maintained to some degree, every object within the room was worn and weathered.
Taking in the sight, I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh.
‘So, it turned out like this.’
This space, furnished with only a chair and a table, was called an interrogation room. It was located in the Alliance's basement, and in time, it would likely be used for a far grimmer purpose.
‘I never thought I’d be back here.’
I stared at a solid wall, knowing that soon it would be torn down and replaced with iron bars. Right now, it was an interrogation room, but eventually, it would be known as a prison.
Yes, this was the exact same location as the underground prison where I had died in my past life. It was just that, for the moment, it served a different function.
As the realization hit me, a wave of complex emotions followed—a mixture of the lingering unease of returning to the site of my death and a sense of dissonance from arriving here in a position so different from before.
As I was lost in these thoughts, my gaze wandering, a sound broke the silence.
Click.
Pour…
It was the sound of liquid hitting a teacup. I looked past the filling cup to the old man holding the pot.
His robes symbolized his high-ranking position within the Alliance. Beneath them, the symbol of the Wudang Sect was faintly visible. Above all else, a subtle yet dense Taoist Qi filled the room. His presence, which announced that he was no mere martial artist but a true master, made the hairs on my neck stand on end.
It was the exact same sensation I felt when facing the Sword Emperor. My impression of the old man now was no different from when I had first seen him.
‘Well, of course.’
Just as the Sword Emperor was a figure who had risen to the ranks of the Ten Great Masters, this old man was his equal. It was only natural.
Once the tea was poured, his Taoist Eyes turned toward me.
“It has been a while.”
I steadied my breath at the old man’s greeting.
“Yes, it has been a long time, Sect Leader… No, I suppose I should call you Alliance Leader now.”
I was face to face with the Sect Leader of Wudang, the Sword Immortal. He was the man currently responsible for the Murim Alliance.
At my words, the Sword Immortal’s lips curled slightly upward.
“It matters not what you call me. The title of Wudang’s Sect Leader is also a name I bear.”
I gave a slight nod.
‘"Also" the Sect Leader of Wudang, he says.’
Something about the phrasing felt off.
‘That makes it sound as if the title of Alliance Leader comes first.’
It was an open secret that the Sword Immortal’s involvement in Wudang’s internal affairs was gradually decreasing. I had heard he had even appointed an acting Sect Leader to reduce his workload. Hearing him speak like this confirmed my suspicions.
‘Is this proof that the Murim Alliance is more important to him?’
If so, it was likely a good thing for the Alliance. There was a reason they hadn't appointed a sect leader as the Alliance Leader for the past several centuries.
‘Because for most sect leaders, their own sect comes first.’
As was typical for those of the great sects, many valued their organization more than their own lives. Since a sect leader was the most vital person in a sect, the Alliance was usually reluctant to entrust them with supreme power. Furthermore, given their nature as Taoists pursuing enlightenment, entrusting them with messy politics didn't inspire much confidence.
‘This old man, though…’
The Sword Immortal seemed to be a man suited for the title of Alliance Leader, for better or worse. Then again, for a Taoist, he had always displayed a strange hint of worldly ambition.
As our eyes met, the Sword Immortal spoke.
“I heard that something had happened to a precious child, so I came to see for myself.”
“I’m not exactly the "precious" type…”
“Haha. You are precious. The young prodigies are the future of the Orthodox Faction, after all. How could you not be?”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
I wasn’t thankful at all, but I coated my tongue with honey. Arguing here would be pointless.
“So, you had an incident with a senior martial artist.”
“There was a dispute due to a very minor misunderstanding.”
“A dispute from a misunderstanding, you say…”
The Alliance Leader’s smile deepened. Seeing that, I had to hide my unease.
‘I can’t believe this man came here himself.’
I thought I would just undergo a routine investigation. I never imagined the Alliance Leader himself would come for a face-to-face meeting. If anyone, I expected the Sword Emperor.
‘What’s going on?’
Why would this old man come to see me? I racked my brain. He surely didn’t come just because a young prodigy was detained. I knew long ago he wasn’t that kind of man.
“For a minor misunderstanding, it seems things unfolded in a rather peculiar way.”
“...”
“I heard you fought the Oil Bullet Sword to a standstill. Is that correct?”
That moronic bastard.
He had so many openings; how could I not strike? I had intended to go easy on him, but he was so weak that I ended up stomping him harder than I expected.
‘But I can’t exactly say that out loud…’
I chose my words carefully.
“It was a coincidence and a miracle. Senior Oil Bullet Sword went easy on me.”
“A miracle, you say…”
The Sword Immortal wore a strange expression. Seeing him, I narrowed my eyes.
“No matter how much of a miracle it was, I can see that your potential is outstanding. You are remarkable.”
“Not at all. As I said, the Oil Bullet Sword was holding back.”
“The Sword Emperor told me. He said that even he could not grasp your level.”
“...”
I was about to offer more humble words, but the next sentence made me shut my mouth. It was an unexpected development. If what the Sword Immortal said was true, then I had made a mistake.
‘…Ah, damn it. Should I have suppressed my power more?’
The moment I saw the Sword Emperor, I had revealed a certain amount of my strength. It seemed even that was too much.
‘My level was higher than I thought.’
I thought I had lowered it to a point where someone like the Sword Emperor could easily categorize me. Apparently, I needed to hide it even deeper.
“Perhaps the Sword Emperor was tired that day.”
“The Sword Emperor? Haha.”
The Sword Immortal laughed. Of course. There was no way that cold, calculating man would make a mistake just because he was tired. The Sword Emperor was called the Alliance Leader’s guard, but he was more than that; he was the guardian of the Murim Alliance itself. He never made mistakes and never backed down.
The Iron-Blooded Sword Emperor. Such was his title.
The Sword Immortal, knowing this well, continued to smile. I sighed inwardly.
“At first, I thought you had learned a peculiar martial art. But seeing you in person, I see that’s not the case.”
As the Sword Immortal continued to speak, his true intentions began to surface.
“You are strong. It seems you are much stronger than the world knows.”
“I’ve never been called weak, that’s for sure.”
My expression changed. I had tried to maintain my composure, but it was pointless now. I tried to make a joke, but the Sword Immortal’s expression remained fixed. He was smiling, but the emotion within was as dry as a desert, even for a Taoist.
“A great blessing has come to the Central Plains.”
“Alliance Leader.”
I cut him off.
“It seems you have something you wish to say. This inadequate junior will listen attentively.”
Stop beating around the bush and spit it out.
I spoke with that hidden meaning. In response, a slight tremor ran through the Sword Immortal’s smile.
‘I’m tired of him testing the waters.’
I thought I knew why the Alliance Leader had sought me out. The confrontation with the Oil Bullet Sword was the catalyst, but the core issue was something else.
‘It seems my being strong is a problem for some reason.’
A strength that far exceeded their expectations. The fact that I possessed it seemed to be causing some kind of issue for their plans.
“I hear you plan to participate in the tournament. Is that correct?”
“That is correct. I heard it is a festival personally hosted by the Murim Alliance. As a member of an Orthodox Faction bloodline, I felt I must attend.”
I hid my justification within my words. I’m just trying it out because it’s a tournament you guys are holding, no other reason.
“I thought it would be an unparalleled experience for an inexperienced martial artist like myself.”
“That’s right. It will be a valuable experience not only for you but for all martial artists.”
“Yes. I am very much looking forward to it.”
“I’m grateful you say so, but there is one thing you should know.”
“I am listening.”
I focused my gaze on the Sword Immortal.
“As there was a dispute within the Alliance, you could have your right to participate in the tournament revoked if things go wrong.”
My eyes widened.
“Gasp…! Is that true?”
I reacted as if I had no idea, covering my mouth with my hand.
“I didn’t know…! I had no idea it was such a serious matter!”
“Therefore, depending on the situation, you may not be able to participate.”
“I see…”
I lowered my eyes, feigning disappointment. Then I continued.
“Since that is the law of the Alliance, I will act according to your decision. It is my fault, after all.”
I said it with a smile. If you want to kick me out, go ahead.
This was my sincere feeling.
‘Something is definitely going on.’
If the Alliance Leader himself came to check on me, then something was afoot. I was trying to confirm if they could really remove me. Although I was playing the part of the repentant junior, my initial thought upon entering was different.
They couldn't remove me.
‘To be precise, they can’t remove me now that I'm tied to the Oil Bullet Sword.’
It was true that a fight had broken out. But the problem was that one of the Hundred Masters of the Central Plains was involved. One of the Hundred Masters participating in the tournament—that alone added significant prestige to the event. To exclude a master over a trivial matter? That would be a loss for the Murim Alliance.
They would try to smooth things over. Besides, rumors about me must have already spread. Something like ‘the young man who faced one of the Hundred Masters.’ It would generate interest. The Murim Alliance couldn't easily cast that aside, especially when they needed to attract attention.
‘That was my judgment when I came in.’
But seeing the Sword Immortal’s reaction, I could tell something was different.
‘If they remove me from this, then there’s a specific reason for it.’
Normally, since I broke the rules, I should be disqualified, but the Murim Alliance would never handle things that way unless it served them. Knowing this, if they still removed me...
‘They must be working on something behind the scenes.’
It would be proof that I was an obstacle to their plans. If I got that proof, I just had to change my strategy.
‘The tournament? Fuck it, I just won’t go.’
The plan involving Bongsun was a lower priority, but if things got twisted, I could pivot immediately. With that thought, I looked at the Sword Immortal.
“...”
Silence fell. The Sword Immortal was also looking at me. I met his gaze without blinking. What choice would he make? What would he say? I watched him with curiosity.
“Haha.”
The Sword Immortal smiled once more.
“There is no need to worry so. Today… I came purely out of curiosity about you.”
“I-I see.”
“The interrogation is over, so you will be released soon. This meeting was at my insistence, so I apologize if I have taken up your time.”
“That is truly a relief to hear.”
It seemed that, as expected, nothing major was going to happen yet.
“We will have to confirm things internally, but I doubt there will be any issues.”
Those were the words of the Alliance Leader. That was as good as a confirmation.
“We cannot stop a great star of the Central Plains from rising over such a trivial matter. Is that not so?”
“…A star. You flatter me.”
Right, because I have no intention of remaining a mere star.
Creeak.
The Sword Immortal rose to his feet.
“I apologize for taking your time. I hope we can see each other for a different reason next time.”
The conversation was over. We hadn't talked for long, but had the Sword Immortal achieved his goal?
‘Or perhaps he decided it was too risky to try anything further.’
Whatever it was, the Sword Immortal had come to see me with a purpose. Knowing that was enough. The Sword Immortal, his smile never fading, said to me:
“I hope you achieve great results in the tournament.”
“Thank you for your words. I will do my best.”
“Yes, and ah. I heard you are friends with our child.”
The child he mentioned was, of course, Woo Hyuk.
“Yes. We are the closest of friends.”
“I was always worried about that child. It puts my mind at ease to see he has gained such an outstanding friend. Please, I hope you get along well.”
“Haha…”
I laughed. It was truly laughable. To think that the man who, in my past life, told Woo Hyuk to his face not to associate with the likes of me would say something like this now.
Moreover...
‘Worried about that child?’
What a fucking joke. The man who threw him away like trash in my past life was worried? Bullshit.
‘Why did Woo Hyuk die?’
Wudang’s actions were a part of it, yet here he was, acting like a kind Sect Leader. It was enough to make me want to vomit. But I held it in. I had to.
“Yes. I will take good care of him.”
“Yes, yes. Thank you.”
Thud!
The Sword Immortal finally left, and the door closed. Only then did I let the smile drop from my face.
‘This isn’t easy.’
It really wasn’t. I knew that there were far too many bastards in the world who deserved to die. Because I knew that better than anyone… it was not easy at all.
* * *
After the Sword Immortal left, perhaps an hour passed. Only then was I able to leave the Alliance headquarters. As I followed the Alliance members outside, something was suddenly thrust in my face.
“…What is this?”
“It’s tofu.”
“This is ridiculous.”
Tang Soyeol cheerfully handed me a block of tofu. I carefully took it and took a bite. It was actually delicious—they made it well.
“You went through a lot… Are you okay?”
“What’s there to not be okay about? I just sat there and came out.”
It was literally not difficult at all. They called it an interrogation, but they were extremely wary of me and only asked a few questions about the situation. And the Oil Bullet Sword probably didn't say much either.
‘Would he even talk about it? He'd be too embarrassed.’
That’s what martial artists were like. They would boast endlessly about their victories but keep their mouths shut about their defeats. How could a man, a senior at that, possibly admit that his groin was nearly shattered because he was hitting on a woman?
‘It shouldn't have been nearly shattered. I should have broken them for sure.’
If I had kicked a little harder, they would have truly broken, but the problem would have become much bigger, so I controlled myself. You could say I left it at a treatable level.
‘I’m an expert in that sort of thing, you see.’
It was a highly advanced method of torture, something that only a skilled practitioner could perform. Only I could do it.
Chewing on the tofu, I asked Tang Soyeol, “Where did that guy go?”
I was asking about the Oil Bullet Sword. He must have gotten out before me.
“Ah… he came out a while ago. He glared at us for a bit, then quickly disappeared.”
“He did?”
It seemed there were no further confrontations.
“Why were you two waiting? I told you to go on ahead.”
Before I went inside, I had told Wi Seol-Ah and Tang Soyeol that they could leave. But it seemed the two of them had waited until I came out. Bongsun and Seong Yul seemed to have quietly disappeared. That was a relief; it would have been more annoying if they had waited too.
“How could we just leave… You were taken away because of me.”
As Tang Soyeol spoke with a gloomy expression, I laughed out loud.
“Did it look like I was being dragged away?”
“Whether you went on your own or were forced, you went because of me… If only I had been a little more patient.”
“It’s fine as long as nothing happened. And what do you mean, patient?” I said, stroking Tang Soyeol’s hair. “If you hadn’t gotten angry then, I would have wrecked him even more. It would’ve ended up the same.”
It was only because Tang Soyeol seemed to be getting angry that I ended it there. Though I didn't know what she said to make the Oil Bullet Sword so furious.
‘Thanks to that, I’ve drawn a bit more attention… but it’s not a huge problem.’
More eyes on me? That much didn't matter.
“So stop making that face and let’s go get something to eat.”
I said casually, about to lead Wi Seol-Ah and Tang Soyeol away.
“Ah, Young Master…” Tang Soyeol avoided my hand and spoke. “I’ve seen you come out, so… I’ll be on my way now.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have something to take care of. I’ll be back before it gets late.”
“…Alright. Be safe.”
Since she said she had something to do, I didn’t press her. It seemed Tang Soyeol had been disappearing frequently lately, but it was probably nothing serious. She could take care of herself.
After Tang Soyeol disappeared, I turned to Wi Seol-Ah.
“What should we eat? How about some dumplings?”
I asked, recalling the dumplings we had before, and Wi Seol-Ah smiled brightly.
“Anything is fine with me.”
“Let’s go, then.”
I brushed Wi Seol-Ah’s hair and slowly started walking.
* * *
Just as the Sword Immortal and Gu Yangcheon had expected, rumors began to slowly spread throughout Henan.
—A young martial artist fought against the Oil Bullet Sword, one of the Hundred Masters, and the match was a draw.
These were the stories spread by word of mouth by those who had witnessed the fight.
“That’s a lie.”
“If you’re going to lie, shouldn’t you at least make it realistic?”
Naturally, most people didn’t believe it. But...
“Hey, I’m telling you it’s true! I saw it with my own eyes!”
“It’s true. I saw it too!”
There were so many witnesses that it didn’t take long for the rumor to catch fire. A young martial artist—a prodigy—had fought one of the Hundred Masters to a standstill. That alone was enough to set the city ablaze with excitement.
“The Oil Bullet Sword is one of the absolute masters. Who is this person who fought him?”
“I heard he is called the Lesser King of Hell.”
“The Lesser King of Hell…? Don’t tell me, the Heavenly Dragon Academy…”
News of the man whom the Beggar’s Sect and the Alliance had intentionally kept quiet also spread.
“Even back then, there was a lot of talk about him being a new hero. It’s only been a few years… No matter how much of a genius he is, does that even make sense?”
“The Oil Bullet Sword should be a martial artist of the Fusion Realm… If he fought him on equal footing, does that mean the Lesser King of Hell has also reached the Fusion Realm?”
“Nonsense. I heard the Lesser King of Hell just passed his twentieth year! The Fusion Realm? Is that even possible? The Fusion Realm isn’t some dog’s name from next door!”
“Why is it nonsense? The Heavenly Dragon has also reached the Fusion Realm, has he not?”
“That’s because he’s the Heavenly Dragon…!”
“Have you forgotten that the Lesser King of Hell was also called the True Dragon? In fact, back then, rumors that he was the youngest to reach the Fusion Realm spread first, didn’t they?”
“But the Murim Alliance officially confirmed that the Heavenly Dragon was the one…”
The debates were endless. That one short fight was gradually heating up the atmosphere. This was something even Gu Yangcheon had not anticipated. No, it would be more accurate to say the backlash was much greater than expected.
Was the rumor true? Had the Lesser King of Hell truly reached the Fusion Realm? If so, when did he reach it, and what about the past rumors? Furthermore, if the rumors were indeed true… what would become of the prestige of the officially recognized Heavenly Dragon?
As the many stories were becoming a small storm in Henan…
“Here you are.”
At the tournament registration desk, still crowded with people, someone was handing over a letter.
“No… so the Lesser King of Hell… here…”
“The Oil Bullet Sword, I tell you…”
The sounds of endless chatter filled the surroundings. Listening to it, the black-haired young man had a strange look in his eyes. He looked as if he found it absurd.
“I look away for a few days and look what he’s been up to. Tsk, tsk…”
He had been away for a short while due to some business, and in that gap, it seemed the other had caused trouble again.
‘He once said he hated gaining fame because it was embarrassing. If he was going to do this, I wonder why he even bothered holding back.’
He really was a piece of work. But the fact that he himself was following such a person was also amusing.
A martial artist from the Alliance took the letter the young man offered and opened it.
“…Oh.”
The registrar’s eyes widened slightly as he read the letter.
“Bi-Bi Eejin of the Xi’an Bi clan… Young Master. You are confirmed.”
The young man, Bi Eejin, smirked. Just as the registrar was carefully preparing a wooden pass…
“Ah, and this is something my master asked me to deliver.”
“Pardon?”
“He also asked me to convey his apologies, saying that while he appreciates the letter, he is too busy to attend.”
“What does that mean…”
He handed over another letter. The registrar took it and opened it.
“…Haaah!!!”
The registrar’s expression, unlike before, was filled with much greater shock. His body began to tremble. It was only natural, as the sender of the letter was none other than…
“The, the… the Dishonored Venerable…!”
One of the Three Venerables of the Orthodox Faction. The Strongest Martial Artist, the Dishonored Venerable, Bijuu. It was his letter.
While the registrar trembled, Bi Eejin swiftly grabbed the wooden pass and started to walk away.
“I’ve delivered everything, so I’ll be on my way.”
“W-Wait! Young Master Bi…!”
The registrar urgently called out, but Bi Eejin was already long gone.
The second day of tournament registration. The Dragon Warrior, Bi Eejin, had requested to participate in the tournament with a letter from the Dishonored Venerable. This was, in effect, an admission that the Dragon Warrior was the direct disciple of the Dishonored Venerable.
Before long, Henan was filled with yet another explosive rumor.