Chapter 81 I'll Complete It For You
Thinking about it, that was exactly right.
The Goe Mountain Iron Family was a clan of blacksmiths who crafted treasure artifacts.
It was only natural that they would know about a sword with immense power mentioned only in ancient texts.
The first day I arrived, he stared right through Pa Cheon... He must have known even then.
But there was one fortunate thing: both Cheol Mu Geuk and Cheol So Pyeong saw me as a powerhouse.
Especially after absorbing the jade, Cheol Mu Geuk had looked at me with a subtle expression beyond just calling me his benefactor.
"It's the Pa Cheon Sword."
"The demonic sword that devoured people and brought down ancient nations. And you're unscathed while wielding it?"
I shrugged—my go-to move when I had nothing to say.
"Legend says it was sealed away where no one could find it because it destroys anyone not acknowledged as its master... So that's why your journey through the martial world was delayed."
"Something like that."
"To think it holds such tremendous energy, and now you've even obtained the Pa Cheon Sword. It's like giving wings to a tiger wasn't enough—you've added horns too."
Tremendous energy.
Perhaps as a side effect of the Flame Fire Jade, Cheol Mu Geuk could sense the Heavenly Demon Divine Art dormant in this body. That might explain his subtly changed attitude.
"But there's something people don't know."
"Something they don't know?"
"That the Pa Cheon Sword is unfinished."
Cheol Mu Geuk's words startled even Pa Cheon, but I was the most shocked. Even I, a diehard fan of Murim Returner's lore, didn't know that.
Well, the Pa Cheon Sword only appeared as kindling in the epilogue, so its details were probably left blank.
Cheol Mu Geuk continued.
"Draw the sword."
I pulled Pa Cheon out. I'd practiced drawing it like a madman, so it looked convincingly like a master's flourish.
"Doesn't it look off to you? The blade and hilt aren't properly defined, and it's all one uniform black."
"I just thought that was the Pa Cheon Sword's feature."
"No. That's because it's unfinished."
So the Pa Cheon Sword was already this powerful as an incomplete treasure artifact?
"I'll complete it for you."
"...You, Head of the Iron Family?"
"I've ignited the Azure Flame and melted Cloud Demon Iron. I'm now a Heavenly Grade blacksmith."
Cheol Mu Geuk pointed to the furnace. The liquid still shimmered with golden light.
"A Heavenly Grade blacksmith is permitted to name his treasure artifacts with 'Heavenly.' In other words..."
"That's why it's called Pa Cheon?"
Cheol Mu Geuk nodded.
"Only a Heavenly Grade blacksmith can repair or enhance an existing Heavenly Grade treasure artifact."
"What changes once the Pa Cheon Sword is complete?"
"For starters, it won't be that ugly uniform black. And its durability will increase."
"It's plenty strong now."
"No."
Cheol Mu Geuk shook his head.
"It won't be on that level. The true completed Pa Cheon Sword is said to cleave even sword gang."
"...That would indeed be impressive."
I kept my reaction measured to maintain the act, but it was the kind of thing that could knock you flat in shock.
Sword gang—what was it, exactly?
It wasn't just proof of the Super Peak realm.
Gang qi was, simply put, "forcing your energy onto the world." A phenomenon created by a warrior's will that shouldn't exist otherwise.
In other words, sword gang destroyed everything it touched except the warrior's will—like an eraser scrubbing a page.
Not just withstanding it, but cleaving it?
It was utterly absurd. A mere inanimate sword slicing a warrior's will—and a Super Peak-level will at that.
If Cheol Mu Geuk was telling the truth, it made sense why wars had erupted over the Pa Cheon Sword in ancient times.
"And there's one more function."
"What is it?"
"Jade absorption."
At this point, it was either jackpot or spectacle—I could barely keep my face straight.
"To be precise, the Pa Cheon Sword can harness a jade's power without restriction. You can even swap jades if you want."
Honestly, until Cheol Mu Geuk's rejuvenation, I'd felt a bit—no, a lot—regretful. If it had the power to turn an old man middle-aged, wouldn't it have made me even healthier?
Not anymore. Giving him the Flame Fire Jade felt like the best decision I'd made lately.
Jades always carried risks in use. Even if I got a new one through the merchant guild, I wouldn't have to hesitate over the danger anymore.
"How long to complete it?"
"I'm a Heavenly Grade blacksmith."
Cheol Mu Geuk declared.
"I'll have it done before sunset."
But Pa Cheon sounded subtly displeased.
What's wrong?
[This sword's body being ink-black was to my liking, yet now you're adding color to it.]
It's not just color—its functions improve.
[Don't speak so lightly; it's not your body.]
Typical Pa Cheon, obsessed with black.
"One issue remains: the Pa Cheon Sword destroys anyone but its master who touches it. Of course, that's solvable too."
Cheol Mu Geuk stomped the floor where he stood. Then—
Ziiing—
Like some hyper-modern facility, the floor parted, and a metal table rose up. A massive workbench about three yards wide and ten yards long, with tools stored beneath.
I'd wondered why a forge lacked proper tools and benches... This was befitting the Goe Mountain Iron Family. Everything before had been makeshift.
"Let me see... Ah, here it is."
Cheol Mu Geuk bent down and picked something up. No more groaning like before—thanks to his rejuvenation.
"It's called the Dragon-Turtle Armor Gloves."
A pair of crude, dark gloves that looked like leather or metal.
"Made from dragon-turtle hide, they block impure intrusions. A heirloom passed down in our family for handling energy-infused items. Hand it over."
"..."
Truth be told, I didn't need those gloves. After Pa Cheon's imperfect Three Flowers Gather at the Summit, it no longer absorbed energy indiscriminately. It could even stop mid-absorption.
But I couldn't say that. Admitting Pa Cheon had its own ego was out, and Cheol Mu Geuk's eyes sparkled with pride.
"Be careful."
I untied my sash and handed Pa Cheon over. Cheol Mu Geuk, flushed and tense, swallowed hard and gripped it. Pa Cheon, of course, controlled its energy drain.
"...Phew. The Dragon-Turtle Gloves live up to their name."
Cheol Mu Geuk sighed in relief.
The protagonist's intelligence nerf was powerful indeed.
Anyway.
"Sit there. I'll finish it soon."
Cheol Mu Geuk placed Pa Cheon on the workbench and donned spectacles. He leaned in close, murmuring "Hm," "Hmmm," "Indeed!" in admiration.
"Magnificent, the Pa Cheon Sword. Sealed for at least a millennium, yet its circuits remain intact."
I took that to mean it drew smoothly.
He set Pa Cheon down and returned to the furnace. With a wave, the flames roared blue and fierce.
I knew nothing of smithing, so judging his work was impossible. But it was exquisitely precise—and fast.
One moment he'd pour molten Cloud Demon Iron into molds; the next, he'd quench, hammer—clang, clang—then melt it again.
Cheol So Pyeong brought the family seal midway, but Cheol Mu Geuk was lost in his work. Cheol So Pyeong watched fondly, murmured "Sorry about earlier," handed it over, and left.
If he's sorry, give me more stuff... No, too greedy.
Cheol Mu Geuk had said "while I'm alive." He'd meant it considering his age, but rejuvenation extended that timeline greatly.
Future losses loomed, so I'd let this slide.
Lost in thought, suddenly—
Cheol Mu Geuk approached Pa Cheon on the bench.
Whoosh!
The Azure Flame enveloped him and the sword.
[Hm...]
What is it?
[Feels toasty. A sensation I haven't felt in ages.]
Pa Cheon purred like a content cat.
[Good.]
Glad it doesn't hurt.
Soon, the work ended.
Exactly four hours later, just before sunset as promised.
"Perfect."
Cheol Mu Geuk lifted Pa Cheon ecstatically and handed it to me.
"...I'm no good with words, but this is truly awe-inspiring."
No flattery—it was like beholding art.
The uniform black blade had transformed.
A golden band ran along the blood groove in the center, as if always there. The hilt was now wrapped in white leather.
Most crucially, a diamond-shaped slot connected hilt and blade—for the jade, no doubt.
Black, white, and gold harmonized beautifully.
"Swing it once. The balance has changed."
Even if Cheol Mu Geuk wasn't a martial expert, my clumsy swing would show. Instead, I used fake Flying Sword to slash the air.
[Balance shifted subtly, but perfectly. Now I see why it was called unfinished.]
I relayed Pa Cheon's words. Cheol Mu Geuk smirked and chuckled.
"I coated that mismatched tassel thinly with Cloud Demon Iron. It's a flash-emitting treasure artifact. Just veiled its look—no functional change."
Indeed, the shabby tricolor tassel was now a ornate golden one.
"Finally, I reinforced the scabbard with Cloud Demon Iron lining. Unlikely, but if the Pa Cheon Sword chips or damages, sheathing it will auto-repair."
This upgrade was insane.
[Ahem. Ahem.]
The ink-black fanatic was humming contentedly. So simple-minded.
"Now few will recognize it as the Pa Cheon Sword."
"Thanks to you."
"Natural. You're my benefactor."
From "you bastard" to "you fellow"—upgraded.
"Now get lost."
"Iron Family Head."
"What."
"I'll visit when it's cold sometimes."
"...You rascal!"
Cheol Mu Geuk turned away with a flick.
"Next time, bring liquor. Body's young again—time for a drink."
Warriors were all tsunderes.
"Farewell."
With his non-escort escort, I exited to Sa Wol's welcome.
She eyed the changed Pa Cheon.
"Looks like it went well."
"Very."
"Then... next is, as expected."
"Yeah."
I replied.
"Tomorrow. To the Kwak Family."
To become Bill Gates's son-in-law—no, Kwak Jeong's master.
Pretending to Be the Heavenly Demon