Chapter 726: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (34)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 726: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament (34)
Yul.
My master once told me something.
There will come a time in your life when you feel as though the world is singling you out for its cruelty.
He was a father to me, a friend, and my entire world. He would often whisper those words while I, a small child, sat perched on his lap.
Swoosh.
The hand that stroked my hair was calloused and rough, yet incredibly gentle.
Whenever that happens, I want you to remember this.
His voice was dry, yet it carried a profound softness.
Even if the world makes your life a misery, it is not your fault, Yul.
He said it to comfort me, usually after I had come to him in tears because the other children had bullied me. As a child, I simply nodded at his words, but even as the years passed, I couldn't truly understand them.
Was it really not my fault?
The world was gradually being stained a charred black.
A murderous impulse threatened to erupt from within me at any moment. No matter how many times I recited the scriptures or recalled the teachings of the Taoist sect, I could not suppress it.
I want to kill.
I want to slaughter everything in my sight.
I didn't know why. I didn't know why I was turning into this thing. But it felt like a command—as if it were the very reason I had been brought into this world.
When the urge became unbearable and I bit my master’s hand with all my strength… he would simply stroke my back with that same unchanging expression.
It’s okay.
You can endure this.
I know you can.
Hearing his voice, I would try to hold back. Instead of biting my master’s hand, I would sink my teeth into my own flesh. On the days when the darkness was too much to bear, I would crawl under my blankets and face the void alone.
That was how I lived. A cursed existence.
And yet, I had a master who accepted me for exactly what I was. I endured by clinging to that one truth. My master was my sanctuary—a refuge that embraced and protected me. I could endure because he was there; I could live because he existed.
So then…
‘What am I supposed to do now?’
That was the only thought in my mind when I killed a person for the first time. Now that my master was gone, how was I supposed to go on?
Blood stained my blade.
Seong Yul looked down at the man he had slain with his own sword. The body was a ruin, riddled with brutal gashes. They said he was a criminal—a man who had raped a woman from the neighboring village and fled.
“…”
What did I feel at that moment?
Swoooosh.
That day, the heavens opened. The rain fell so violently that entire regions were said to have flooded. And there I stood, watching the blood wash away in the downpour, watching the man grow cold in the mud.
The guilt of a Taoist disciple who had committed murder. The terror of finally having taken a human life. It would be a lie to say I felt none of those things, but the emotion that eventually swallowed all that weight—the one that stood at the very center of my soul…
Was, in the end, ecstasy.
“Huu… Huuk.”
It’s breathtaking.
So this is a dying human. How radiant.
Even through the rain, the copper stench of blood was thick, and the scent that brushed past my nose was unbearably tantalizing. How could something be so beautiful?
I was becoming addicted to the act of slaughter.
The moment I realized that…
“Uuuk…!”
Seong Yul collapsed and retched.
“Keoheok…!”
I couldn't stand my own depravity. To feel awe at the sight of death… I felt less than human. I felt like a monster, and the realization was unbearable.
“Heuk… Sob…”
Swallowing his sobs, Seong Yul raised his sword. The same blade that had frantically butchered the man. This time, the edge was pressed against his own throat.
If this is what I’ve become, I’d rather die.
It’s better to simply disappear.
Just as he resolved to end it and prepared to slit his own throat…
Yul.
“…”
At the faint memory of his master’s voice, Seong Yul’s body froze. He remembered the words his master had left him. He remembered the old man’s face, smiling even as he faced his own end.
So, live.
Seong Yul couldn't bring the blade across his neck.
“…Ah… ah…”
Was there any meaning in a life prolonged like this? A life that would eventually transform me into a monster. Did I have any value left as a human being?
“Please…”
If anyone knows, please give me an answer.
Back then, Seong Yul had prayed for that answer in the rain.
* * *
“Jin Imseok.”
“…”
At the sound of the voice, Seong Yul opened his eyes.
Beyond his now-clear vision, a vast arena came into focus. It was a wide, flat, rectangular stage surrounded by a sea of spectators.
Thump!
Seeing the crowd, Seong Yul’s heart began to pound violently.
Insects.
The masses filling the stands looked like a swarm of crawling insects.
I want to crush them all. I want to stain the world with their blood.
The moment the thought surfaced, he clutched his chest.
‘Huuu.’
It’s okay.
He steadied his breathing and forced himself to remember.
He is behind me.
So it’s okay.
Seong Yul repeated this like a mantra, cooling his heated blood.
“Jin Imseok. Are you alright?”
He nodded at the judge’s inquiry.
“We will begin now. Are you truly ready?”
The judge was checking his condition one last time. His answer had been decided long before the question was even asked.
“Yes. I am ready.”
“I see.”
The judge’s gaze shifted to the other side of the arena, toward the man standing directly opposite Seong Yul. He was a figure cloaked in black from head to toe.
‘…The Great Saint Blade, was it?’
The Young Lord of the Peng Clan. The Great Saint Blade, Peng Woojin. That was the name the young man carried.
“Peng Woojin.”
“I’m ready over here. Been ready for a while, actually.”
“…Very well. Then, prepare for the duel.”
At the judge’s words, Peng Woojin grinned. Seeing that smile, Seong Yul felt a strange sensation.
‘What is this?’
He couldn't describe it. It was a bizarre feeling that defied words—as if his very instincts were screaming a warning. As Seong Yul furrowed his brow at the unknown energy…
“You are Young Master Jin, correct?” Peng Woojin spoke before the duel could begin.
“Yes.”
Jin Imseok. It was a name he still wasn't used to. But since he had told him to use it, Seong Yul simply nodded.
“From what I can see, you seem to be quite close with our Young Master Gu.”
“…Pardon?”
Our? The nuance was strange, but Seong Yul didn't bother to question it.
“What do you say?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“They say a friend of a friend is a friend. I, too, share a deep bond with Young Master Gu. How about you and I deepen our friendship as well, Young Master Jin?”
“…”
What was he talking about so suddenly? Flustered, Seong Yul remained silent. To say something like this right before a duel—was he mocking him? The thought crossed his mind, but Seong Yul decided not to dwell on it.
‘There is something more important.’
He had something to gain from this duel. He couldn't afford to be swayed by trivialities.
Shing.
Before giving his answer, Seong Yul drew his sword. At the sight of the steel, Peng Woojin’s smile faltered for a moment.
“First, my apologies.”
“Oh, my! Is that a refusal? That’s quite a shame.”
“It is not so much a refusal as a correction. I am not friends with Young Master Gu.”
“Hmm?”
He and Gu Yangcheon could not be bound by a word as simple as ‘friend.’
“I am simply following in his footsteps. Our relationship is not something that can be called a friendship.”
Following him didn't mean he was tracing the path Gu Yangcheon had lived or would live. He was literally just following him.
“Furthermore.” Seong Yul tightened his grip on his hilt. “I am grateful for your offer, Young Master Peng… but if we were to form a bond, I would hesitate to point my sword at you. So I must respectfully decline.”
He didn't want to hold back. He had to win this duel, no matter the cost.
“Hmm.”
At Seong Yul’s words, Peng Woojin let out a disappointed hum. Even so, the smile didn't leave his face.
“Truly a shame. You can’t compare to Young Master Gu, but… you have a decent color yourself, Young Master Jin.”
Color? Did he mean his clothes, his eyes, or his hair? Seong Yul wondered briefly, but Peng Woojin continued.
“I fully understand your words, Young Master Jin. Which makes it all the more regrettable.”
If we form a bond, it will be difficult to point my sword at you. Peng Woojin understood those words all too well.
“That is precisely why I wished to form a bond with you.”
“…?”
The moment Seong Yul frowned in confusion…
“Ready!” the judge’s voice rang out.
Seong Yul’s nerves tensed. I must not let my guard down. He was determined not to be careless. Before stepping into the arena, Gu Yangcheon had made it very clear.
—Give it everything you’ve got. If you don’t, you’ll have to answer to me when you get down, got it?
It was a warning that sent a chill down his spine. Just recalling it made him break out in a cold sweat, but Seong Yul understood the meaning behind the threat.
This is an opponent against whom I can use my full strength.
Gu Yangcheon had given him a heads-up. Peng Woojin is strong, so focus. That was the true warning.
“Huu.”
Tension. Alertness. Focus.
Slowly, Seong Yul’s instincts awakened, and his body began to heat up. He channeled his Qi with steady breaths, focusing all his senses on Peng Woojin.
I will not lose.
I will win, no matter what.
And then…
‘I will hear my master’s story.’
He steeled his resolve. Within that hardened state of mind, the judge finally spoke.
“Duel. Begin!”
Shk!
The judge’s hand chopped down. Seong Yul was about to charge—
“My apologies in advance.”
KUUUNG!
“Kuup!”
Thud.
‘Huh?’
With a sudden, violent impact, Seong Yul’s knees buckled. What just happened? Through his blurry vision, Seong Yul barely managed to plant his hands on the ground to keep from collapsing entirely.
Drip. Tuk!
Blood trickled down, staining the arena floor. It was his own. Seong Yul quickly covered his mouth with his hand. As his vision flickered, he realized the truth.
‘Did I just lose consciousness…?’
It couldn't have been for more than a second. But for that brief moment, Seong Yul had definitely blacked out. How was that possible?
Seong Yul stiffly raised his head and looked at Peng Woojin. The man, who had been several steps away, was now standing directly in front of him.
What did he hit me with? A fist? Or the flat of his sword? Whatever it was, the speed was incomprehensible.
“Ordinarily,” Peng Woojin’s voice drifted down, “I don’t much care for this sort of thing.”
“…What…?”
“It’s pointless trying to teach incompetent fools anything, and since I have my own desires, it’s difficult to show too much.” Peng Woojin scratched his cheek as if he were genuinely displeased. “However.”
“…!”
Seong Yul hastily threw himself backward.
KRA-GAK—!!
Even as he spoke, Peng Woojin swung his sword, slashing the spot where Seong Yul had been a millisecond before. WHOOSH! Seong Yul swallowed a groan at the sheer weight of the sword Qi. If he hadn't dodged, his chest would have been cleaved open.
“It was a request from someone who can give me what I desire. And unlike the other idiots, you are not incompetent. So, I shall give it a try.”
BANG!
Peng Woojin’s sword struck the ground briefly. The recoil triggered a change. The blade began to turn a deep, abyssal black.
“If there is one thing I ask of you here, Young Master Jin… I sincerely request that you…”
WUUUUUUUUNG!
An incredible Blade’s Resonance shook the air. At the sound, Seong Yul bit his lip. What was this man saying? His incomprehensible words were confusing, but Seong Yul had no time to ask for clarification.
“Please make me just a little bit happy.”
As soon as Peng Woojin finished speaking, he smiled darkly and rushed forward.
KRA-GAK!
“Keuk!”
Blocking the sword with his own, Seong Yul let out a short groan. He thought he finally understood. That unidentifiable feeling he got from Peng Woojin—he now knew what it was.
Fear.
Seong Yul’s very instincts were terrified of the man before him.
KIIING!
He hastily coated his sword in Combat Qi. He could somehow block Peng Woojin’s heavy assault, but just making contact felt like it would drive him mad.
BANG! BANG-BANG! BANG!!
It was like being beaten with a massive blunt weapon. He was parrying every strike, yet it felt like his arms were about to be torn from his shoulders.
KII-GEEK!
“…!”
The clashing sword twisted, changing its trajectory mid-swing.
BOOM! A burst of pressure sent a massive recoil through his sword arm. A huge opening appeared in his guard. Seong Yul quickly gathered his Combat Qi to defend his torso, but…
KWA-JIK!
Peng Woojin struck not with the edge, but with the flat of his blade. The Combat Qi shattered instantly. The power was monstrous.
KWAAK!!
“…Keoheok!”
The flat of the sword slammed into Seong Yul’s ribs. He could clearly feel his bones rattling.
WHOOOSH!
Sent flying by the impact, Seong Yul rolled across the ground. With every rotation, a trail of blood marked his path.
“Keeeuh…”
Finally coming to a stop, Seong Yul clutched his chest, his breathing ragged. A sharp, stabbing pain flared with every breath, as if his ribs were cracked or broken. Even so, he knew he had to move. Peng Woojin had no intention of letting him rest, continuing his relentless assault.
Barely dodging an incoming wave of sword aura, Seong Yul realized the grim reality.
‘He’s strong…’
Overwhelmingly so. He realized it after just a few exchanges. This man was stronger than he could have ever imagined. It was a different sensation from when he dueled Gu Yangcheon, but the conclusion was the same.
‘…I can’t win.’
The end was clear. He was at a level where victory was impossible, no matter what he tried. The overwhelming gap in power was draining his will to fight.
Perhaps that was why Gu Yangcheon had made that bet. Did he say those things because he knew I could never win? If so, it was too cruel.
KWAAANG!
The impact that slammed into the flat of his sword made Seong Yul’s legs give way. They trembled uncontrollably. This was the result even after blocking with both hands. It felt like he had been struck by a falling boulder.
“One more time,” Peng Woojin said.
It was a calm warning, a stark contrast to his ferocious power. Seong Yul bit his lip. He knew it was coming, but he couldn't avoid it. The moment he heard the words, the sword was already descending.
KWAAAAANG—!!!
An even greater impact crashed down.
“Kkeuk…!!!”
THUD!
Just like before, one of Seong Yul’s knees hit the ground. The sword in his hands lowered.
‘Ah…’
It’s over.
Looking at his trembling blade, Seong Yul felt utter defeat. There was nothing left to do.
Clang!
Seong Yul’s sword fell to the ground. On his knees, his head hung low. There was no strength left in his limbs. His muscles were simply vibrating, screaming in a silent agony of exhaustion.
“…”
As he stared at the floor, his vision began to fade. It was agonizing to think he wouldn't get to hear his master's story, but he was at his limit.
‘…I can’t win.’
I can’t do it.
It was impossible from the start.
As Seong Yul was about to let his body go limp…
[Hey.]
“…!”
Flinch!
At the familiar voice, Seong Yul’s eyes shot open.
[What the hell are you doing?]
It was a telepathic message. Seong Yul immediately turned his head toward the stands. Below the packed spectators, amidst the waiting contestants, he found a pair of eyes boring into him.
[What the fuck are you doing, you bastard?]
Gu Yangcheon, his eyes narrowed with murderous intent, spat out a rough curse. His sharp, blue eyes were enough to instill fear in anyone.
[Why are you trying to give up when you haven't even done anything? Are you fucking crazy?]
“…”
At the scathing rebuke, Seong Yul bit his lip. Normally, he would have quietly accepted the insult, but…
[…What am I supposed to do?]
For the first time, Seong Yul talked back, his voice dripping with defiance and frustration.
[What do you mean, what are you supposed to do? Do it properly. Don’t give up—just do it.]
[I can’t win.]
[You can’t win? What have you even tried that makes you so sure?]
[…I’ve used all the strength I have. I cannot defeat that man…]
[Ha.] Gu Yangcheon laughed as if the words were the height of absurdity. [Used it all, my ass. You look like you have plenty of strength left. What do you mean you’ve used it all?]
[That’s not true…! I definitely—]
[The guy who says he’s used it all still has enough energy left to send me a telepathic message. Is that really everything you’ve got?]
[…!]
Seong Yul fell silent.
[Tried everything? What have you tried? You haven’t done a damn thing. You got hit a few times and now you’re just tucking your tail between your legs and whining.]
Squeeze.
He clenched his fists. He wanted to argue, but the words wouldn't come.
[Stop acting like a fucking kid. Don’t just accept defeat like you’ve given it your all when you haven’t done shit because you’re scared. That’s pathetic.]
[What… What the hell do you know…?]
[I don’t know, so show me, you moron! You still have plenty left to do. Pick up your sword instead of making excuses.]
The irritated tone and provoking words made Seong Yul’s blood boil. He wanted to give up, but that anger kept him anchored.
[Fuck, are you going to pick it up or not? If you come down here like this, you’re not dying to Peng Woojin—you’re dying to me. Got it!?]
At the fierce shout, Seong Yul finally gripped his sword again. His muscles twitched violently. His body was truly at its limit.
“Kkeu… eugh…”
He tried to stand, staggering, but his legs were like lead. Peng Woojin waited for him with a relaxed expression. His eyes seemed to say, Go on, try something else.
[You only give up after you’ve truly done everything you can,] Gu Yangcheon continued as Seong Yul struggled to his feet. [Quitting without trying everything, like a moron like you, isn’t giving up. It’s running away.]
What was the difference? Seong Yul didn't understand.
[Do it right.]
“…”
[You know it too. There’s still something you can do.]
Something I can do.
At those words, Seong Yul’s eyes lost their focus. Right. Just as Gu Yangcheon said, there was one thing he hadn't done yet. Something he hadn't done because he was terrified of it. Something he had suppressed with every fiber of his being.
As Seong Yul calmly closed his eyes, a lock appeared in the darkness of his mind. It was a rusty, cracked lock—an object that looked like it would shatter with a single touch.
The lock was keeping a door shut, but because of its dilapidated state, a foul, dark energy was leaking from the cracks.
I must not open that.
If I open it, the monster inside will come out and devour me.
He knew this. That was why, even when he was tempted, he had always held back.
“…”
Seong Yul looked at the lock and steadied his breath. He didn't know why Gu Yangcheon was pushing him like this. He didn't know what that man saw in him.
All Seong Yul could see was the lock—the thing that had made his life a curse. The fear of touching it was still overwhelming, but… after hearing Gu Yangcheon’s voice…
[Don’t be scared.]
[It’ll be fine.]
“…”
Without realizing it, Seong Yul reached out and touched the lock.
Tuk.
Pashak!
With a light touch, the lock shattered into dust.
Kreeeeak!
The door it had been holding shut swung wide. In that instant…
HWAAAAAAAK—!!!
The energy that had been trapped inside surged out, swallowing Seong Yul whole.