Chapter 737: Oops, a mistake.
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 737: Oops, a mistake.
“The First Dragon Army reports its return.”
The man spoke with a crisp, military edge. In response to the words of Song Jongho, Captain of the First Dragon Army, the Alliance Leader—the Sword Immortal—replied.
“I see. Did you return safely?”
“We did.”
Thirty members had been assigned to the transport mission. There were no casualties. A few had sustained minor injuries, but none were deep. It was a near-perfect execution of his orders.
It was exactly as expected from the man said to be the most reliable in the Alliance, second only to the Sword Emperor.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Not at all. It is nothing but an honor to serve the Alliance.”
The Captain of the First Dragon Army spoke in a resolute voice, and the Sword Immortal nodded. At the same time, he began to walk. As the Sword Immortal moved, the waiting Captain immediately rose and followed half a step behind him.
“What is the prisoner’s condition?”
“After subduing him, we confined him in a secret chamber.”
“Did you obtain any information on the way?”
“...”
At the Alliance Leader’s question, the Captain hesitated for a moment before answering.
“He is a tight-lipped bastard. We were unable to extract any particular information. I apologize.”
“Hmm.”
The Sword Immortal let out a soft groan. It was a disappointing outcome, but he did not blame the Captain.
So even the Death Sound Sword couldn’t make him talk…
The Death Sound Sword, Song Jongho. It was a title earned because all who heard the sound of his blade were said to meet their death. Though his title sounded like it belonged to the Unorthodox Faction—and he was indeed a former assassin—he was a man of the Orthodox Faction who had served the Murim Alliance for a long time.
An Orthodox martial artist who was once an assassin. As such, he was known as the dagger of the Murim Alliance. Or the Alliance’s shadow.
If the Death Sound Sword failed to make him open his mouth, it must mean he’s no ordinary man.
That such a specialist had failed to obtain information was quite surprising. The very reason he had sent the Death Sound Sword was that he was a martial artist specialized in such grim missions.
This is troublesome.
Truly troublesome. There were still many methods left, but if they ultimately failed to gain anything, there were few options the Sword Immortal could choose. If it came to it, he would have to call in someone even more specialized than the Death Sound Sword…
In this situation?
The problem was that the person in question happened to be the Poison King. Originally, the Tang Clan handled the Alliance’s dark affairs, torturing criminals and extracting information. But now that the Tang Clan’s crimes had been revealed and the entire clan had entered seclusion, he couldn’t easily ask for their help.
Tsk.
The Sword Immortal’s wrinkled brow furrowed at the tangled situation.
It can’t be helped.
Even if things had turned out this way, he had to find a path forward. He couldn’t allow an already complicated situation to become even more knotted.
‘...’
As he pondered the matter, a certain figure flashed through the Sword Immortal’s mind. The young man who had crushed the monster Shaolin had presented, and who was now the most famous person in Henan.
…The Lesser King of Hell.
The son of ‘that’ Tiger Warrior from the Gu Clan. Like father, like son, they say. The Sword Immortal silently ground his teeth as he thought of the brat who had just passed the age of twenty.
I never imagined he would even defeat the Heavenly Dragon.
He knew the Lesser King of Hell was a more exceptional martial artist than expected. However, the Sword Immortal had never predicted he would defeat the Heavenly Dragon. The reason was simpler than one might think.
…From having fought him myself, I know the Heavenly Dragon was by no means weak.
The Sword Immortal had unofficially met and crossed hands with the Heavenly Dragon himself. Just how much was that child worth? Just how outstanding was he for Shaolin to be so confident?
And also.
Could that child truly become a symbol?
The future of the Murim Alliance. With the Ten Great Masters and the Three Venerables entering their old age, did he have what it takes to become the symbol of the Orthodox Faction?
That was what he had wanted to see. And the Heavenly Dragon had squarely earned a passing grade from the Sword Immortal. An overwhelming amount of internal Qi, unthinkable for someone barely twenty. The Hundred Steps Divine Fist and the Yellow River he unleashed using it. He was clearly the kind of talent who could become a symbol on his own, even without the Alliance’s help.
If so, with the Alliance's backing, he would rise faster and higher. With that judgment, he had been gradually forming a plan, and the martial arts tournament was the beginning of it.
The so-called Zenith Under the Heavens Elevation Plan.
The Central Plains had begun to waver with the appearance of the Red-Grade Demons. To steady it once more, centered around the Murim Alliance, a focal point was needed. The plan was to use the existence of the Heavenly Dragon as that focal point.
…To think that even the Heavenly Dragon was no match for him.
Who would have known that the Heavenly Dragon, who had exuded such an overwhelming presence, would be so miserably defeated? The Sword Immortal still couldn’t forget the sight of that day.
The suffocating Combat Qi that slowly pressed down on the surroundings. The tremendous killing intent, unlike that of any Orthodox Faction member. Everyone who witnessed that scene must have had the same thought.
The Heavenly Dragon is incredible.
That the Heavenly Dragon, who tried to continue fighting against such a being, was incredible. It was a duel between fellow martial artists, yet it looked as if he were fighting an opponent beyond common sense—to the point where one felt the Heavenly Dragon was the amazing one for simply standing his ground.
A genius, a monster. Something that couldn't be contained by such simple words. The Gu Yangcheon the Sword Immortal had seen was that kind of person.
Which was why he was all the more puzzled.
…Heavenly Eye. What in the world did you see?
The Abbot of Shaolin, Heavenly Eye. Why had the man with the Eye of Premonition, who could see the future, requested the tournament matchups be arranged that way? Originally, the Heavenly Dragon should have advanced two more rounds. He was supposed to reach the end and be defeated by the Dao King.
That child is ruining everything.
Then, and now. Is it the Gu Clan again this time?
Memories of a past he wanted to forget resurfaced. The Sword Immortal walked on, his brow still furrowed. The place he finally arrived at was the Alliance’s underground prison.
Screeeech—!!
As he pulled the heavy door, an unnatural sound echoed, and the interior came into view.
“The First Dragon Army greets the Alliance Leader!”
Thud, thud, thud—!!
Everyone inside knelt before the Sword Immortal. He gave them a slight nod and looked ahead. He could see him in the distance.
A giant of a man, his entire body restrained by heavy iron chains. The owner of the disgusting energy he had felt the moment he entered.
“Hmph.”
The Sword Immortal slowed his pace as he approached the man. The prisoner’s head was bowed low as he regulated his breathing. He didn’t seem to be dead, but it looked like the ligaments in his arms and legs had all been severed. No other wounds were visible.
For some reason, weapons and torture instruments were piled up nearby, all in poor condition. The Sword Immortal reached out his hand.
Shwick—! Thump!
A branding iron from the floor flew into his hand. He could feel the heat, as if it had just been pulled from a fire.
“It seems you were already at work.”
Then were those broken weapons also used for that purpose? If so…
Why is this man unharmed?
For someone who had been tortured, the man showed no particular injuries aside from his ligaments. What was going on? When the Sword Immortal looked at the Captain, the man quickly offered an explanation.
“…His skin is strangely tough, sir. We have been attempting to torture him, but he is not easily wounded.”
“Hah, even when a Captain uses his strength?”
“…I apologize.”
It was an absurd claim. Hearing the explanation, the Sword Immortal immediately grabbed a nearby sword and swung it. There was no hesitation.
Clang—!!
“…”
The sword swung by the Sword Immortal struck the man and bounced off. The blade had shattered without piercing the skin.
“Hah…”
Even without imbuing it with Combat Qi, for a sword to break so easily… Was his skin made of steel?
Ssk.
The surprise was brief. Jolted by the impact, the restrained man seemed to awaken and lifted his head.
“…Hoo… that tickles…”
Meeting the man’s eyes, the Sword Immortal flinched. The wildly grown beard, the gaunt impression from not having eaten for days… but it was his eyes that awakened a strange sensation.
Violet. The man’s pupils were a vivid violet.
“…I was sleeping so well. How troublesome of you to wake me.”
“...”
The Sword Immortal’s eyes narrowed. He looked at the man and immediately realized.
That’s right.
His appearance matched the report exactly. Light green, long hair and a massive physique. He was said to wield a guandao as his beloved weapon, so this man was undoubtedly…
The one who attacked Wudang.
The being who had invaded Wudang, killed an elder, and left the surroundings in chaos. A bizarre martial artist who led a cult called the Demonic Cult. A limb of the Heavenly Demon.
“It is a pleasure to meet you like this. Do you happen to know who I am?”
“Heh heh…”
At the Sword Immortal’s question, the man suddenly let out a laugh.
“…Ah… my apologies. The thought of you asking if I might not know the great Sword Immortal of all people was just a little amusing.”
“I am glad you know.”
“Oh, I know you well.”
As he spoke, the man’s violet eyes faintly glowed.
“The master of a rotten root. A Taoist who has long since lost his way. Isn’t that you?”
Shwiiik—! Kaaang—!!
Before he could finish, a blunt weapon flew through the air and struck the man hard on the head.
“A prisoner dares to wag his filthy tongue so carelessly.”
It was the Captain of the First Dragon Army. But…
“Heh heh…! This one had a bit of a sting to it.”
Once again, the man simply lifted his head as if he hadn't taken any damage. Watching him, the Sword Immortal asked again.
“Are you truly the one who invaded Wudang, murdered an innocent Wudang elder, and killed the branch manager of the Murim Alliance’s Hubei Branch?”
“Heh heh…”
The man chuckled. Just as the Sword Immortal’s expression was about to crumple further…
“Sword Immortal, you should get your facts straight.”
“…What did you say?”
“Yes, I did it. But to say they were innocent… how shameless can you be?”
Clank—!
The chains rattled as the man moved. Instantly, Shing—! the men surrounding him drew their swords in unison.
“I executed the bastards who were eating away at the rotten Central Plains. Is that truly a sin? Sword Immortal, you have no right to condemn me as a sinner.”
“What sin did they commit?”
“To pretend not to know what you already know is truly despicable. I suppose that’s to be expected from the leader of the Orthodox Faction.”
Twitch.
At the continued provocations, the Sword Immortal’s patience finally reached its limit. He wanted to sever that bastard’s neck with his Blade Aura right this instant. No matter how abnormally tough his body was, cutting his neck with Combat Qi wouldn’t be difficult.
However, the delicate control required for torture was impossible; he could either kill him or let him live, only one of the two. Did this bastard know that? Was that why he was acting this way? If so, he was smarter than he looked.
“What is your identity, and what is your purpose?”
Still, he maintained extreme patience. This was something that had to be done.
“A cleaner.”
“A cleaner?”
“The Orthodox Faction has become filthy and hideous. We are the cleaners who will cleanse you all. That is our identity and our purpose.”
Heheheh—!
The people around flinched at the man’s laughter. The emotion contained in the sound was too heavy. The Sword Immortal ignored his words. They were useless as information.
Cleanse the Orthodox Faction? No one in history had ever accomplished that. Not even Cheolhyeol Buseon, who was called the Zenith Under the Heavens.
“…I heard there is someone called the Heavenly Demon behind you.”
Flinch.
At the mention of the Heavenly Demon, the man’s body trembled slightly. The Sword Immortal did not miss it.
“Is his purpose the same as yours?”
“…The will of the Great One is something the likes of me cannot even begin to fathom.”
“Hmm.”
He’s mad.
That was the Sword Immortal’s assessment. What in the world was this Heavenly Demon? Although he was cooperating with the Beggar’s Sect to conceal the Demonic Cult’s activities, the damage was growing, whether it was public knowledge or not. Moreover, they had a record of striking Wudang’s main headquarters, so it was impossible not to be concerned.
“Then, where is he?”
“...”
Where in the world was this Heavenly Demon? For what purpose was he causing trouble at this particular time? At this question, the giant simply stared at the Sword Immortal. The Sword Immortal met his gaze without flinching.
Not long after, the giant spoke with a grotesque smile.
“Wait.”
“...”
“Even if you do not seek the Great One, he will reveal himself soon enough. All you insignificant beings have to do is wait for him to deliver the end.”
His words were resolute, filled with a precise, chilling emotion. Hearing this, the Sword Immortal looked down at the giant for a moment before turning his back. There was no need to hear any more.
“Captain of the First Dragon Army.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“Keep him alive, if possible.”
There was more to ask, but he had no time now. With things to do, the Sword Immortal had to move.
Step.
The moment the Sword Immortal took a step, the clanking of chains sounded from behind him. The sound of the torture resuming. A cruel and violent act. Even hearing this, the expression of the Taoist Sword Immortal did not change in the slightest.
The Heavenly Demon.
His mind was completely filled with the existence of the Heavenly Demon. What in the world was he? What purpose could he have to commit such terrible acts?
And also.
He’s coming here himself?
Recalling the giant’s words, the Sword Immortal stroked his beard.
Nonsense.
This was none other than the heart of the Orthodox Faction. To walk into Henan, the location of the Murim Alliance headquarters, on his own two feet? It was something that none of the countless beings who had caused bloodbaths throughout history had ever dared to do. Could this person called the Heavenly Demon really do it?
Impossible.
It was absolutely impossible. The Sword Immortal was certain of it. And so, with a glint in his eyes, the Sword Immortal thought:
Heavenly Demon. I do not know who you are, but it will not take long.
What kind of position, what kind of goal had he worked to achieve? For the sake of the seat he now occupied, the Sword Immortal planned to find and execute the one called Heavenly Demon, no matter what it took.
Henan. The waiting room of the Murim Alliance headquarters.
“Phew-aaah-CHOO!”
I let out a massive sneeze and wiped my nose with my hand. At the same time, I scratched my ear with my pinky.
“Ugh… my nose is so itchy.”
Someone must be talking nonsense about me; my nose and ears are itching like crazy. Is someone cursing me? I’ve been cursed so much I don’t even care who’s doing it anymore.
“Sniff.”
After sniffing once more, I looked around. It was a familiar sight by now. Before noon, I had once again entered the Alliance’s headquarters. The reason was simple: following the previous round of the martial arts tournament, I was here to compete in the Round of 16 after a period of rest.
The top sixteen. It meant there were only a handful of people left, and the tournament was reaching its final stages.
“Hmm.”
As I sat in the provided chair, sniffing, I carefully scanned my surroundings. I had to hold back a laugh at what I saw.
These auras are truly murderous.
Combat Qi was running rampant in all directions. To have made it to the top sixteen meant everyone was at least at the Perfected Peak Realm. The currents of Qi they generated together were incredibly stifling.
Moreover, everyone seemed busy paying attention to each other. One had his eyes closed, another stared at the ground, and one was quietly polishing his sword. All of them had their gazes fixed, but their senses were busy scanning everyone else. Every single one of them was a cunning snake.
Especially…
I’m going to get indigestion at this rate. Stop staring.
I was getting tired of the sheer number of senses directed at me. It seemed my duel with the Heavenly Dragon had left quite an impression.
Tsk.
It was already annoying on the way here, with crowds gathering. Just a few days ago, I could walk around openly and no one would know me, but now they recognized my face and swarmed me like crazy. I seriously had to consider using a mask or the Qi Body Transformation Technique from now on.
…The life of a celebrity…
It was similar in my past life, but the difference was that in my past life, the ones who saw me were all people who wanted to kill me. I guess it’s a little different now. Not a filthy and hideous Demonic Human, but a young prodigy currently in the spotlight. That was probably closer to the feeling. If you asked if that was entirely bad, it was a bit ambiguous.
Was I secretly enjoying it? The thought made me feel pathetic. I’m old enough to know better; what am I doing? For a moment, it felt ridiculous. So, I decided to vent a little.
Fwoosh—!
“…!!”
“Keuk!!”
“Keoheok…!”
I messed with the senses that were watching me. I intervened in the flow of their Qi and reversed it. It wouldn’t cause any internal injuries, but surprised reactions erupted around me from the sudden vibration. Most of them were so startled they dropped their acts and stared at me.
Among them, four showed no reaction. Of those, one was holding it in, and three genuinely hadn’t been looking at me. Which meant, aside from those three, everyone had been watching me. The senses were withdrawn in an instant, and this time, actual gazes flew my way.
Seeing this, I grinned.
“See? So much more comfortable looking openly. Glancing over like that is just so tacky, don’t you think?”
“...”
Was it because I said it too mockingly? Uncomfortable emotions surfaced on the faces of those who’d been caught. What about it? Who told them to stare like that?
Feeling a bit more at ease, I leaned back deep into my chair. There was still some time until the start, so I was thinking of getting some rest.
“You’re as refreshing as ever.”
Someone next to me struck up a conversation. It was Yung Pung, who had been waiting with me. For the record, Yung Pung was one of the people who hadn’t been sending his senses my way. The other two were Peng Woojin and Tang Soyeol, and the one who had suppressed his reaction was the Dao King.
“Refreshing is a bit much…”
“Haha. Young Master Gu has always been this way, but you are someone with many qualities to learn from.”
“…Hmm.”
If the Sleeping Dragon, Cheol Jiseon, or that Seong Yul bastard had heard that, they would have immediately told him to cut the crap. Knowing that, I could only give an awkward laugh. Yung Pung was polishing his sword with his characteristic smile. Then, he suddenly looked at me and continued.
“How is your body?”
“My body? I’m fine.”
“It seemed you were badly injured… Are you really alright?”
“Yes. A bit of spit and I'll be good as new.”
The external and internal injuries from the fight with the Heavenly Dragon were, to be honest, not fully healed yet. They were wounds that would take some time to mend completely… but this much was fine. It wasn’t like I had any difficult fights left, anyway.
That’s what I was thinking when I said it, but…
“I apologize.”
At my words, Yung Pung suddenly offered an apology. Why was he apologizing all of a sudden? I looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“For what?”
“If I could, I would wish to do the same as you did with the Heavenly Dragon… but I don’t think I can this time.”
Ah. Hearing his next words, I understood what his apology meant.
The duel with the Heavenly Dragon. There, I had deliberately injured myself and expelled my internal Qi to put myself on the same level as him. Yung Pung must have been referring to that.
“Even in my current state, I am not confident I can reach you… I will simply do my best in the given situation.”
…It was because my opponent in this round was none other than Yung Pung. He had been so eager to fight me, and in the end, he was matched up against me. I wasn’t sure if it was right for the two of us to be chatting so casually at a time like this, but neither I nor Yung Pung seemed to care much.
I just smiled at his words, which were spoken like a vow.
“Yes. Please, do your best.”
I, too, wanted him to do his best. I wanted him to try his absolute best so that Yung Pung’s plum blossoms could reach me. No, they absolutely had to.
He has to be at least that good.
Because only then could he even be called the descendant of that foul-tempered old man, if only in name.