Chapter 25
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 25
Chapter Title: The Bandit Leader's Offer
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“Hey, mister. Don't you think you're a bit too old for playing the hero?”
“…….”
Mister?
Where does this fresh-faced kid get off talking about age... Ah, I suppose I do look that way.
I'm covered head to toe in this molting shed-like stuff right now, after all.
“This all you, mister?”
“Of course it's just me. You think the bandit scum would come charging in as a mob when I'm beating them down?”
“…….”
The word “mister” grated on his nerves something fierce, but Yu Hyun twisted his lips into a smirk as he answered the iron-rod-wielding man.
Things weren't looking good on the inside, though.
Yu Hyun forced down the blood surging up his throat without pause and glared at the man.
He couldn't afford to look weak. If he did, these dogs would all pile on and tear at his throat.
“Ha, what a bluffer... That's entertaining. So you did all this by yourself, huh?”
“…….”
Not buying it, you bastard.
The iron-rod man snorted dismissively, as if Yu Hyun's taunts meant nothing, and glanced around at his burning stronghold.
“Damn, it burns real good.”
“…….”
“Burning hot even soaked through like that. Breaks my heart. These buildings have been in the family for three generations.”
“Then fuck, you built 'em out of wood—what'd you expect, they wouldn't burn?”
“Well, fair enough. But you know that building over there? That one's packed with all the kids we kidnapped.”
“…….”
“The buildings can burn, but those kids can't. They're all money, see.”
Money... that's all?
This bastard never gave a damn about lives from the start.
But Yu Hyun swallowed his boiling rage and snorted.
“Hmph! Why should I give a shit about that?”
“What?”
“Once I wipe your kind out, no one's gonna care if a few powerless nobodies croaked. All that'll matter is that I single-handedly crushed the Nine Dragons Stronghold that even the Nangong Clan and the garrison couldn't touch.”
“…….”
The man wiped the smirk off his face and met Yu Hyun's murderous glare with a cold stare of his own.
Did it work? He had to make them think the people had escaped without noticing...
“Kekeke, kuahaha! This guy's the real deal! The real fucking deal. Lives don't matter as long as you get the credit, huh? I like it. I really like it.”
“……What?”
What's he like about it?
Yu Hyun's eyes filled with confusion at the sudden laughter.
“Hey! You lot! What the hell are you doing!”
Out of nowhere, the iron-rod man snapped at the bandits.
“You just gonna stand there gawking till the whole place burns down?”
“…….”
“Put out the fire, you idiots!”
“Yes, Boss!”
At his shout, the bandits surrounding the area rushed toward the flaming buildings.
“Hey.”
“…….”
“I'm Kwak So-san, leader of the Nine Dragons Stronghold.”
“You wanna exchange names in the middle of this shit?”
“Fuck names. Just saying I like you.”
“What bullshit is this?”
“You've got some skill, and that attitude where lives are just collateral for your goals? Makes you a piece of trash on my level. How about it? Come work for me.”
The bandit chief was extending a hand instead of raging? What the hell was this?
He was trying to recruit him now? After I torched his lair and killed a bunch of his men?
What kind of lunatic... No, wait. This could work in my favor.
If he was giving me time, I'd take it gratefully.
In my current state, I couldn't beat the iron-club bastard in front of me, let alone any of the four surrounding me with annoyed looks.
Better to stall, recover my spent energy, and look for an opening.
“Phew... You want me to become a bandit?”
Yu Hyun plopped down on the ground, testing the waters, and Kwak So-san grinned.
“Yeah.”
“…….”
“This line of work? Turns out good talent's hard to find.”
“…….”
“Most bandits are poor sods who got kicked off their land by corrupt officials. But among those, the useful ones are rare. We're not swinging sickles or pickaxes here. That's why I need guys like you—skilled, and the kind who treat lives like dirt.”
“…….”
“So? You in?”
Yu Hyun just stared at Kwak So-san, who was winking and trying to sweet-talk him.
“What? Having second thoughts? Fine. Rejecting you and cutting your head off ain't hard. Take your time.”
“…….”
Second thoughts my ass.
Can't talk 'cause I'm pushing the Spirit Heart Core Method to its limits, you prick.
Why do you think I sat down?
And I've already recovered somewhat.
Just you wait.
A quarter-hour—no, half that...
“Heh, even if it's a life-changing decision, ain't taking too long?”
“…….”
“I'm all for it, but my patience is thin. So wrap it up and give me an answer.”
“…….”
If you're in such a rush, why didn't you ask yesterday?
Hold on. Let me focus. Just half of a half-quarter-hour...
“You...”
“Phew...”
Unable to wait, as Kwak So-san moved to act, Yu Hyun let out a long sigh.
“Fucking took you long enough. Made up your mind?”
“Yeah.”
Yu Hyun pushed off his knee and slowly stood, stretching his back.
“So? You in? Join up, and we forget all about earlier. Treat you the same as those guys.”
“…….”
Yu Hyun smirked as he glanced at the four men encircling him, following Kwak So-san's chin gesture.
“Not bad.”
“Right?”
“Yeah. But here's the thing.”
“Hm?”
“A tiger cub working under a wolf pup's already an ego bruise. You think I'd work for a dog pup?”
“…….”
Kwak So-san's face went slack for a moment before flushing bright red at Yu Hyun's lifted-chin grin.
“...You son of a bitch!”
Kwak So-san glared at Yu Hyun, his eye twitching.
“Who you calling a son of a bitch? Your dog eyes see everyone as dogs?”
“What?”
“Ask before I rip that mouth off.”
“…….”
“Since when does a snake-head eye a dragon-head? Fuck off before you die.”
“…….”
Yu Hyun clenched his fist amid the sharp provocation.
Short time, but he'd recovered plenty.
Good thing I trained in that water park. Got used to running the Spirit Heart Core Method while holding my breath.
Alright, most bandits are busy putting out fires. In front of me: one present-realm dog bastard and four around late-acquired realm.
Bandits at best.
How many masters have thieves like them even faced? How many real fights?
They fill the gaps with mob tactics and experience.
Focus-fire the leader, take him down, then handle the rest. This fight's winnable... Huh?
As Yu Hyun prepared to lunge at Kwak So-san in one burst, he spotted a finger pointed right at him.
Followed by Kwak So-san's icy command.
“Boys, beat him down!”
“Yes!”
Fuck...
Everyone plans in their head before getting their ass kicked.
Overlooked that Kwak So-san's a vicious bandit bastard.
The type who sends underlings first instead of fighting himself...
Yu Hyun couldn't even target Kwak So-san; he had to dodge attacks flying from all four sides.
Shuwaak!
Folding at the waist, a sword blade sliced thin air past his chest.
Simultaneously, as he kicked off the ground and leaped, a flail arced underfoot.
Twisting backward, he altered the trajectory of the incoming sickle's slash, then crossed his arms to block a powerful flying fist.
Shuak, pak, ppak, papapak!
In an instant, a four-on-one exchange unfolded.
Trapped in the midst of the foes, Yu Hyun couldn't rest for a second.
These four, the stronghold's real muscle, weren't just strong individually—their coordination was seamless, like they'd drilled formations nonstop.
Energy gathered at sword tips, and the flail striking the ground kicked up a snowstorm.
Creeeang!
“Urk!”
Yu Hyun, clinging on desperately for dozens of seconds, took a punch from the burly one loaded with energy and slid back.
“Not bad, kid. Even I struggle against those four... And you blocked without using internal energy?”
Kwak So-san watched from afar, admiring nonstop.
Admire quietly instead of mocking, asshole.
Who said I'm not using internal energy?
I've been at max effort since the start—heart pounding like it'll burst from cranking power to the limit.
They just couldn't sense it. My energy's based on spirit energy, not internal energy.
“Phew...”
Yu Hyun caught his breath while retreating momentarily.
Four encircling him, one watching.
Thought they were average bandits, but they're overflowing with combat experience.
Fight like bandits, damn it—why's their teamwork this good?
Odds of winning? Shit, call it zero now.
Bad call from the start. Should've ignored it, bit my anger down.
But I saved the people.
That's what matters, right?
What's left...
Yu Hyun exhaled the deep breath he'd drawn in, hardening his gaze.
Even if my goal here's done for, I won't let this be my grave!
Swoosh.
Yu Hyun reset his stance with a blank expression, and Kwak So-san frowned.
“Such a shame. No matter how you thrash, looks hopeless...”
“…….”
“Guess I misjudged. Thought you were a viper, but you're just a fool.”
Kwak So-san shook his head and spat coldly.
“Kill him.”
Paak!
At his order, the halted formation wheel targeted Yu Hyun's neck and spun back to life.
As the three weapons and one fist closed in, Yu Hyun—who'd been eyeing only Kwak So-san—suddenly curled his toes hard into the ground.
Lower body firm as a rock, upper swaying soft like in a breeze.
For an instant, his body wobbled like he was drunk.
Shuwaak, sweeek!
Dozens of attacks grazed him, blood spraying from wounds here and there, but none fatal.
Another master.
The Beggars' Sect's Drunken Fire, ever kindly despite the constant booze.
His taught Eight Drunken Immortals Steps slipped Yu Hyun through the inescapable barrage.
“Huh?”
As Kwak So-san blinked in surprise at Yu Hyun escaping the four's assault...
Kuuuk, pahak!
With a light sound, Yu Hyun kicked off the ground and shot forward like lightning.
A speed where one step soared to the heavens, leaving not even a shadow behind.
Yu Hyun poured every ounce of spirit energy into the Beggars' Sect's Flying Heaven Shadowless Step.
“Y-You bastard!”
Kwak So-san, caught off-guard, desperately swung his iron rod at the instantly approaching Yu Hyun.
Whoooosh!
“...!”
But the rod merely cleaved empty air, and Yu Hyun's inverted mid-air hand blade raked Kwak So-san's cheek.
Zzzzt!
Nails dug into flesh, tearing it; chunks of meat and blood sprayed as Kwak So-san's face twisted in agony.
He reached to grab, but Yu Hyun was already soaring far toward the cliff edge.
“You... fucking...”
Curses spilled naturally.
Yu Hyun turned back mid-flight, grinning toothily at Kwak So-san's rage-filled eyes.
Look at that face—like a dog that lost the chicken.
What can you do? You're too much for me right now.
Cliff's pretty high, sure, but you think I jumped to suicide?
I planned this. Got a spot in mind already.
Call it a half-step back for a full step forward?
So wait just a bit.
I'll come back to lop that head clean off.