Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Martial Extreme Venerables
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The final bid for Island Thunder Seven Forms came in at 540 million sel.
The manager's estimated bidding price had been 600 million sel, so in a positive light, it had been snagged for 60 million sel less.
But that was only if it had been bought with his own money. Since Yuri and Elena hadn't bid on Island Thunder Seven Forms, it could essentially be called free.
‘I wish it had gone for even more.’
He'd ended up using Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist as a smokescreen in the bidding war with Bakerd. In the end, only 10 million sel remained out of the 1 billion sel, so naturally, he'd hoped Bakerd would take a loss too. But since Blazing Bead Flame had come up before Island Thunder Seven Forms, it hadn't drawn much attention.
“Island Thunder Seven Forms... Island Thunder Seven Forms...!”
Elena, sitting beside him, looked out of her mind. She kept muttering the name of Island Thunder Seven Forms, her hands trembling.
“You like it that much?”
“N-No? It's not good?”
“You're lying without even wetting your lips.”
“When did I lie? I told you earlier. I'm the prospective disciple of Heavenly Thunder Orca. One day, I'll become the lord of Derusia Magic Tower and inherit her unique magic formula.”
Elena clenched her fist with resolve in the hand that had been shaking just moments ago.
“You saw it last time too, right? Orca's Thunder God Illusion! I experienced it thanks to her grace back then, but honestly, I couldn't understand its principles or depth at all. That's what Orca's magic is like.”
After spending several days with Elena, he'd gotten a rough sense of her personality. She quickly admitted and apologized when she messed up or crossed a line, but when she was embarrassed or ashamed and needed to make excuses, she went on and on.
She was doing it now too.
“Flash Soul Chase's Jang Un is an outstanding mage, sure. But his final tier is 5th tier. And I'm 4th tier. Know what that means? We're not that far apart.”
It was true that a mere 1 tier difference wasn't small by any means.
To be recognized as a 4th tier mage, one had to synthesize different common magics and abbreviate spell formulas. A 5th tier mage had to go beyond common magic, develop their own unique magic formula, and know how to use it.
Not all unique magics were absolutely superior to common ones, but developing one's own formula in the first place meant a different level of understanding of magic.
“Well, I'll admit I got a bit excited in a way that's not like me, since we got Island Thunder Seven Forms as a great opportunity. Can't be helped. Mages are the type to get all hyped up when they learn something new. No, wait, it's not just mages. Ha-ryeong, martial artists are like that too, right?”
“Of course, Lady Elena.”
Ha-ryeong didn't tease her as usual, given how desperately Elena was making her excuses. She nodded slightly and glanced at Yuri.
“So I'm actually a bit disappointed and regretful inside. I could have learned the new Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist, but it went up in smoke. Yuri, did you really have to do that to me?”
“Yes?”
“Why are you taking it like that? We're close friends, aren't we? Doesn't closeness make us friends?”
As Yuri blinked in confusion, Ha-ryeong stared at his face with an expressionless look for a moment.
“Unbelievable. So the talk of being close was a lie. I got fooled.”
“No, I do think we're close. You just came at me so suddenly, so I was flustered.”
“Is that so? My mistake. Even close friends can't become friends right away.”
“No, that's not what I meant...”
“Is that so? My slip of the tongue. Even friends shouldn't use informal speech. Yes, I understand.”
Was she serious or teasing? Ha-ryeong's face was so devoid of expression that it was hard to tell her true intent from her words.
“Lady Ha-ryeong is surprisingly cheerful for an assassin.”
“That's because my relationship with you isn't a bodyguard contract or an assassination commission. When I'm on an assassination job, I'm cold and ruthless—a very scary assassin.”
“She's like that even with me, whom she's contracted to protect.”
Elena grumbled with a side-eye, but Ha-ryeong replied immediately with the same expression.
“But I definitely keep the lines that shouldn't be crossed.”
“Is that so...?”
“If I crossed them, Lady Elena wouldn't be able to overcome her embarrassment and would cancel our contract.”
Ha-ryeong answered and then looked at Yuri.
“Please be careful in your actions so that you only see my cheerful side, Yuri. It probably won't happen, but if you ever meet me as an assassin assigned to one person, then smack.”
“Smack what?”
“I'd have to smack something.”
Even as the three of them chatted, Bakerd's expression remained poor. He wouldn't have to borrow money here and there to scrape together 1.5 billion sel—but he still couldn't help feeling repulsed at the idea of learning a martial art alongside Yuri.
‘Do I have to teach him myself?’
The basics of Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist. Forms and stances of the techniques. Even if it was just the postures stripped of their profound meanings, it still didn't sit well.
For one, Bakerd had never taken a disciple. He'd never taught martial arts to anyone else. Nor had he ever had a separate master to learn from. Bakerd's martial arts were self-forged for revenge.
His furrowed brows under thick eyebrows turned toward Yuri. Bakerd still didn't know Yuri's exact identity. A friend of the famous Golden Lily from Derusia Magic Tower...
‘Friend... more like her sugar daddy, perhaps...?’
He didn't know the details, but the one who bought Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist was that Golden Lily, Elena Haiderga. So she'd bid 990 million sel on Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist for her friend... No matter how deep their friendship, was it possible to buy a martial art worth 1 billion sel for a friend?
“Why are you staring like that?”
Bakerd's gaze was so blatant that even without keen senses, it was obvious. He was looking at him openly with displeasure, making it hard to pretend not to notice.
“You're not thinking of backing out now, are you?”
“It's already been auctioned. What’s there to change?”
Bakerd spat out his irritation plainly.
“So. Have you really never learned any martial arts?”
“I've fought plenty of times, and I'm receiving daily body technique instruction from Lady Ha-ryeong.”
“Hmph. Body techniques taught by an assassin are probably just stealthy walking and fleeing at best.”
“I understand you have strong negative preconceptions about assassins, Bakerd.”
Even though it was outright insult, Ha-ryeong's expression didn't change.
“From the perspective of Bakerd, who reached 6th tier through harsh martial combat, an assassin's body techniques might seem trivial.”
“I don't look down on all assassins. I acknowledge the Tang clan of the Black Dragon Society's Six Evils' Killing Gate and its gate lord.”
“I see. What about Killing Guard Sect's sect leader?”
“That faceless killer whose activities aren't even clear? Hmph, how could I acknowledge someone whose tier isn't even known?”
“That's precisely what makes one an outstanding assassin.”
Ha-ryeong replied and pointed at Yuri.
“From the position of having instructed him, even if it's just humble body techniques, I'll say this: Yuri's martial talent is quite impressive. This isn't just my opinion—it's acknowledged by the lord of Derusia Magic Tower, Heavenly Thunder Orca herself.”
“Heavenly Thunder Orca acknowledged him...?”
“Yes. Orca said Yuri has sturdy meridians with few blockages. His body is truly gifted.”
“That's right.”
Yuri nodded in agreement. Hearing that Heavenly Thunder Orca had acknowledged him changed Bakerd's expression slightly. Rather than irritation, he now regarded Yuri with curiosity.
“Hmm...”
Indeed. The body beneath his clothes was quite well-trained. His sitting posture was steady... and there was no turbidity in his eyes. To have no turbidity without proper martial arts training meant either secluded mountain life or a natural constitution like that.
“Where's your hometown?”
“Oldor.”
“Oldor? A small western city. Lived there all along?”
“I lived there for 20 years and came to Lutran a week ago.”
“What did you do in Oldor?”
“Just got by.”
He already seemed to have low favor; no need to admit to pickpocketing.
“I see.”
Fortunately, Bakerd didn't pry further. He probably wouldn't falsely invoke Heavenly Thunder Orca's name, and verifying any real talent could be done directly.
“Then, I'll visit in two days.”
After confirming Bakerd, who stood first, leave the auction house, Yuri's group also rose.
While the auctioned martial art underwent final verification, he bought a heart method from the basic catalog on Ha-ryeong's recommendation.
Pure True Flawless Heart Method. Despite the grandiose name, it was a first-rate low-grade heart method with no standout advantages or flaws—just ordinary.
“What do you think is the difference between first-rate and peak martial arts?”
“No idea.”
“High point and low point.”
While Elena went to pay, Ha-ryeong imparted her lesson with an expressionless face.
“First-rate martial arts have low highs and lows. Peak martial arts have high highs and lows.”
“What about divine arts?”
“Different league. Their low point matches the high point of decent peak arts to be called divine. Of course, good arts aren't easy to learn, but they offer that much higher achievement potential.”
“What martial art did you learn, Lady Ha-ryeong?”
“Casually prying into a martial artist's secrets. How brazen. Are we close, Yuri?”
“That hurts. You already know what I learned.”
“You're you, and I'm me.”
Ha-ryeong narrowed her eyes as she replied.
“If you dislike only I know, learn another heart method without my knowledge later. Preferably better than Pure True Flawless Heart Method.”
“Where's it easy to get a peak heart method?”
“Who knows. You seem extremely lucky to me, Yuri. If there's a Goddess of Fortune, she might be blessing you.”
“...”
“With a childhood friend whose rosy future is guaranteed. And a 3.5 billion man. Someone like you might one day get not just peak arts, but divine ones.”
At those words, Yuri thought of the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art he was secretly practicing.
‘Not first-rate, maybe peak?’
It wasn't in the game, so hard to guess.
“Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist...!”
After final verification, the manual handed over for Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist looked worn and dingy from the cover, which somehow made it seem more authentic. Ignoring Ha-ryeong's fussing beside him, Yuri received it with both hands.
“You sure it's okay to look at it with that old man?”
“Thanks to him, we got Island Thunder Seven Forms for free.”
“That's that...! What if he harbors grudges and teaches you weirdly?”
“No way he'd do something that petty.”
Honestly, he could probably learn Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist without Bakerd's help. But what Yuri needed was a plausible ‘master’ figure. Saying a 6th tier like Bakerd had taught him the basics would convince others far more than self-study.
Elena took custody of the Southern Heaven Cloud Flow Fist manual for Yuri. Only after various spells were cast on the bag containing the 990 million sel manual could they leave Le Seun.
“Never heard of Kwon Rang Bakerd. Who is he?”
“6th tier isn't low at all. Really never heard of him?”
“Lady Elena knows mages well but not much about martial artists.”
The sun was already setting outside, so the three headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
“Do you know about Bakerd, Yuri?”
“How would I?”
“Ignorance isn't a brag, but you answer so matter-of-factly—truly brazen.”
Ha-ryeong shook her head as she spoke.
“Kwon Rang Bakerd. From Sairan City's guard unit, he quit suddenly 20 years ago and became a wandering warrior. Originally used a spear, but switched to martial artist.”
“Why?”
“Since he abandoned a spear he was good with to become a martial artist, there must've been reason, but details unknown.”
Maybe related to Raspeon Family, but he couldn't suddenly ask about them here.
‘I'll look into it later.’
“Bakerd made his name through reckless duels. About 10 years ago, he started seeking out renowned martial artists and challenging them outright.”
“Did he win a lot?”
“If challenging weaker opponents, sure, but Bakerd didn't. He lost miserably, challenged again, then moved on—earning the nickname Fist Wolf.”
With that build, more bear than wolf. As Yuri had that silly thought, Ha-ryeong clicked her tongue.
“If you aspire to be a martial artist, Yuri, you should know high-tier names.”
This was his first time eating out in Lutran. The place Elena dragged them to as her ‘regular’ looked upscale from outside, and her claim wasn't bluff—the manager personally escorted her.
“Basics to know: One Demon, One Emperor, Two Saints, Three Hegemons, Four Absolutes, Four Guardians.”
Seated, Ha-ryeong wiggled her fingers.
“These 15 are collectively called the Martial Extreme Venerables.”
“I know One Demon and One Emperor.”
One Demon: Heavenly Demon of the cult.
One Emperor: Pride's Orsia Family patriarch of the seven high-status families in the western clan alliance Cartel. Sword Emperor Albatour Orsia.
“Commoners need only know those two. But you don't want to be a commoner, so learn more.”
Ha-ryeong tsked with her tongue and continued.
“One Demon and One Emperor are confirmed at least 8th tier. The remaining 13 are confirmed at least 7th tier.”
He remembered game high-level NPCs, but not Three Hegemons or Four Absolutes. So Yuri listened quietly without pretending knowledge.
“Three Hegemons are black path martial artists; Four Absolutes are righteous or gray path.”
“No Heavenly Demon Cult members besides the Heavenly Demon?”
“They have Seven Evils designation, but it changes often. Might even change this instant.”
Killing Gate lord Dark King Tang Yu-shin.
Sword Ghost Wi Do-young.
“Up to former Black Dragon Society lord Ferocious Monster made the Three Hegemons, but he died to the new lord. Little known about new lord, but those three are the Hegemons.”
Righteous Heavenly Alliance lord Swordless White Crane Mo Yong-hyeon-rak.
Heaven-Piercing Divine Spear Luderck Torres.
Fist King Dokgo Gwi-jin.
White Silver Martial Queen Yeon Ri-sang-ah.
“The Four Absolutes haven't changed since the chaos started 30 years ago. The Four Guardians, however... are post-chaos emergents, all suspected or confirmed Possessors.”
Words Yuri had to focus on.
Brutal Uproar Eleia Yudel.
Massacre Frenzy Wave Geum Young-gwan.
Full Moon Play Ox God Head.
Radiant Extreme Heaven Joo Jin-hak.
“...”
Yuri desperately schooled his expression.
“Which are confirmed Possessors?”
“Two: Full Moon Play Ox God Head for one.”
As expected.
“No one knows his past. That name's a pseudonym, but the bizarre guy always uses it.”
This crazy bastard. Boldly pulling that shit even after coming here. In a world where getting caught as a Possessor screws you—not just hated by natives, but wary of other Possessors too.
‘No... wait... but he survived to become a Martial Extreme Venerable, meaning he's that strong.’
From the talk, he'd advertised as Possessor from early on, surely attacked everywhere.
Yet Ox God Head lived.
‘Well, he was the first to hit Hall of Fame #1 among us.’
[Fuck this shit game, can't play anymore.]
[Bye losers, bro's out.]
[I'll return if we win World Cup later lol]
[Padrip bitch, stay logged in till then. I'll buy drinks ㅋ]
Ox God Head's unfulfilled dream and vague promise stirred Yuri's mind.
“Brutal Uproar Eleia Yudel is confirmed too; the other two just suspected... but I think they're definitely Possessors.”
Food arrived. Yuri calmed his startled heart secretly and picked up cutlery.
“Martial Extreme Venerables—quite grandiose. Mages don't have that.”
“Magic tower lords or Venerables, same thing.”
“What's the same?”
Elena grumbled while mixing her salad.
“But what's Two Saints?”
“You mocked it as grandiose but were curious inside?”
“I was just wondering since you didn't finish.”
“Both affiliated with churches.”
Ha-ryeong ignored the salad, sneaking glances at the kitchen awaiting her main.
“War Church's Fighting Saint Kares. Order Church's Ferocious Saint Lorellia.”
Yuri desperately schooled his expression again.
“Order Church? Isn't that half-defunct?”
“It prospered once, but declined after chaos began. Self-inflicted. They sheltered Possessors voluntarily, and even the Goddess of Order herself protected one before falling into endless slumber.”
“I still don't get it. Why did Goddess of Order shelter Possessors?”
Elena grumbled, frowning.
“I know Chaos God... the evil god forcibly dragged Possessors here. But why did Order Goddess protect them?”
“She pitied them.”
“Who doesn't? My point: why only pity Possessors? What about us original dwellers?”
“How could we guess the merciful goddess's heart?”
“Don't like it.”
Scraaape. Elena scratched the table with her nails.
“Thanks to Order Goddess guiding them, Possessors run wild, right? If she'd noticed first, better to kill them then.”
From this world's residents' view, Elena was spot on.
“Yeah.”
So Yuri agreed.
Why did the Goddess of Order shelter Possessors?
He'd heard rough reasons. As Ha-ryeong said, merciful Order Goddess pitied the unjustly dragged Possessors. She shone miracles to prevent dog-like deaths and ordained priests to guide them.
Hoping adapted, strengthened Possessors would one day kill chaos's root, the Chaos God.
Thus, Possessors survived somehow.
Some joined chaos or became chaos monsters themselves.
“Not all Possessors are evil. Some reveal it and focus on righteous acts. Brutal Uproar, despite fierce name, only targets demonic and black path figures, pursuing Chaos Church.”
“Ha-ryeong, taking Possessors' side?”
“I take no side. Just facts.”
Main finally arrived. Ha-ryeong's eyes gleamed at the thick steak; she grabbed knife instantly.
“Anyway, Order Church is effectively gone now. Attacked by other churches and factions for Possessor-friendliness, expelled even from Union holy city... now barely clinging in some unknown sanctuary.”
“Still Possessor-friendly in that state?”
“No choice against goddess's oracle, but... Priests are human too. After 30 years of such decline from Possessors, doubt they're still friendly. Long time.”
Such circumstances. Yuri silently listened while cutting steak, figuring better to shut up.
“Order Church maintains thread thanks to Ferocious Saint Lorellia.”
“That priestess Lorellia that strong?”
“Yes. Estimated tier at least high 7th, maybe 8th.”
Chomp. Ha-ryeong shoved big steak into her slightly open mouth. Jaw quickly chewed and swallowed.
“Order Church's representative violence. Nickname Ferocious Saint. Aka Order Injector.”
Should he be glad? Yuri chewed his meat with complex feelings.
The Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art Yuri learned was Lorellia's martial art.
Thus, he was learning a Martial Extreme Venerable Two Saint's—minimum high 7th tier Ferocious Saint—martial art. Meaning Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art might surpass peak as divine art.
‘If caught...’
Fucked. Not just anyone's—everyone knows Ferocious Saint's art. Yuri's link to Lorellia was single.
Order Church priest.
Possessor.
‘Especially not to her.’
Yuri chewed while glancing at Elena. He'd thought never to be exposed anyway—but Elena was anti-Possessor.
‘How long can I hide?’
Living at Elena's, relying on Veil of Deception, hiding achievements...
‘No.’
No plan to leech off Elena's house forever.
Find chance to leave Elena.
Return to occasional letter exchanges.
Best for both.