Chapter 13: Killing a First-Rate Demon (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 13: Killing a First-Rate Demon (1)
“And yet, even today, we didn’t get to see Young Hero Eo’s swordplay. He deals with masters using nothing but his Draw Sword Instant Kill; I can’t even imagine the true power of his actual technique.”
“I was thinking the same thing. I secretly hoped this would be the day we’d see it. What a shame.”
“Well, perhaps Poison Wolf Ibu simply wasn’t enough of a threat to warrant it. I expect Ice Jade Ice Sword will be the one to finally draw out Young Hero Eo’s sword.”
I had expected my sword technique to come up eventually.
Up until now, I’d been pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes by settling things with a simple draw of the blade, but that only worked on the small fry. Against a true master, such a trick wouldn't stand a chance.
And there was a very good reason why I couldn't actually perform the technique with that grand name, the Ten Severing Soul Sword.
I don’t know what’s wrong with the damn thing, but executing even the first form sucked my meager internal energy dry and threatened to exhaust my physical stamina to boot.
Because of that, I only practiced the forms without any internal energy, moving naturally as if I were dancing.
It was for this bizarre reason that I couldn't bring myself to abandon the technique. I held onto a lingering hope that it might actually be an advanced martial art containing some profound, hidden truth.
Leaving behind the crowd that watched me with eyes full of wonder, I stopped by the exchange office to secure five taels of silver. I gave half-hearted nods to anyone who tried to greet me and headed straight back to the guest quarters.
The duels were heating up, and everyone was engrossed in the competition.
Consequently, no one thought it strange that I was returning to my room instead of watching the matches. I had to take advantage of the fact that everyone was distracted by the tournament to slip away.
“I’m getting out of here today, no matter what. Even if it kills me.”
I couldn't remember the last time I’d made such a grim, determined resolution.
I packed my bundle and checked outside the door before stepping out. Just as I cleared the back gate, I ran smack into So Gu-chi.
“I have a request.”
Gah! You scared the life out of me!
I thought it was Mok Seon-hwa for a second; my heart nearly dropped out of my chest.
So Gu-chi seemed to be facing some serious problem, as he didn't even notice my traveling gear before speaking.
I hid my bundle behind my back and asked, “What is it?”
“I seek your guidance, Brother Eo.”
Seeing the sword in his hand, it was clear he wanted advice on his technique. He looked like he wouldn't budge until I granted his request.
When I hesitated, So Gu-chi pleaded again with desperate eyes.
“Even if it’s beneath your notice, please, just watch once. I apologize for making such an impudent request. I know it’s bold, but Brother Eo is the only one I can turn to. What master would ever deign to watch the swordplay of a low-level fighter like me and offer advice? Only someone like you would do that.”
He was pleading so pathetically that I couldn't refuse. He was so full of obsession that I was actually afraid to tell him I lacked the ability to help.
Ah, whatever.
“Fine, let’s do it. It’s not hard to watch. But I’m just going to watch, so don’t expect too much.”
Having set that disclaimer, I leaned against a tree. Fortunately, everyone was focused on the duels, so no one was passing by the back gate of my quarters.
So Gu-chi drew his sword and earnestly performed his ultimate technique.
He was definitely more skilled than Sim Geol.
In fact, he was much more skilled than me.
With Sim Geol, his level was similar to when I was training, so I could at least say something. But looking at So Gu-chi’s swordplay, I couldn't think of a single word to say.
Even if I tried to force it, there was nothing I could offer regarding a technique that already surpassed my own level.
When he finished the forms, So Gu-chi stared at my mouth with such anticipation that I felt truly sorry for him.
He had come to the wrong person—the very wrong person.
If I said something reckless to a man like this, he might actually believe it and follow it to his ruin. So, I spoke honestly.
“The swordplay is very good. However, I have nothing to say to you. I couldn't even recognize the path of your blade.”
At those words, So Gu-chi’s expression slowly froze.
Then, he began to mutter to himself.
“He couldn't recognize my sword... That means...”
He repeated the words a few times, then looked at me as if he’d been struck by lightning before collapsing onto the ground.
Sitting there, he continued to murmur like a man who had lost his soul.
“The fact that he couldn't recognize my sword or my forms means that while they are unconventional, they are wandering without a path. To not be able to see my sword... Until now, I thought my sword was so precise that anyone would recognize it, but that wasn't it. In the end, my sword was lost in the wrong place. Why did I always reject the forms others spoke of? Why did I ruin the forms with my own interpretations? Even though the path others take is the true path, why did I always stray and wander? I didn't even realize that the path others walk is the proper one...”
Good grief!
This guy is a master at over-interpreting things too.
I told him I couldn't recognize his swordplay because I’m simply not good enough, yet he somehow gained a profound realization about the essence of the sword from that.
You’re the real genius here.
I left So Gu-chi to his mad mumbling and slipped away. Now, all I had to do was pass the back gate, and I’d be clear of Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.
But that final stretch proved to be the hardest.
“Brother Eo!”
As I was rushing out, Sim Geol called from behind. I decided to strike first.
“Brother Sim, what brings you here?”
“Ah, I heard Brother So came this way...”
“Brother So is by the inner gate over there.”
“But where are you going?”
Seeing my appearance, Sim Geol scanned me from head to toe, realizing I looked like someone about to depart. Since he was going to find out anyway, I decided to be blunt.
“I’m thinking of leaving Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress.”
“What? Why?”
He stepped closer, his face full of incomprehension.
“Did something upset you?”
“No.”
“Then what’s the problem? You defeated Smiling Face Sword and Poison Wolf Ibu, so the position of squad leader is practically yours. You could even challenge for the Fragrance Lord Rank again.”
“I didn't come to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress seeking comfort.”
I needed words that would sound plausible to someone like Sim Geol.
“I still cannot see the true trajectory of the sword. I feel that if I settle in one place, I will never see it. That is why I must leave again.”
Sim Geol looked deeply moved by those words.
“As I thought. I was certain Brother Eo was the successor of a hidden master. You must be traveling in search of the ultimate Way of the Sword.”
Sim Geol nodded, muttering to himself.
“I suspected as much, but I didn't know it was truly the case.”
I spoke up to stop his wild imagination.
“As I’ve said before, I am not the successor of some hidden master or anything of the sort. I’ve simply learned a bit of my family’s secret swordplay. I travel like this because I simply love the sword.”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying! That your family is a family of hidden masters!”
I had no response to Sim Geol’s stubborn delusions, so I just gave a bitter smile.
“Even so, I cannot understand. Is the Way of the Sword something one pursues alone? To be honest, is the position of the Lord’s daughter’s savior a small thing? Even if you stayed here as a guest, who would dare say anything? You could pursue the Way of the Sword while living here as a guest.”
He kept making me repeat myself, and I felt a surge of irritation.
My dear man. Do you think I don't know that?
I didn't want to let go of this golden opportunity either.
But a weakling must know his place.
That was the eighth item of my Eight Iron Rules of the Weakling.
If you run wild without knowing your place, you’ll end up in a grave.
Do you think what I’ve shown so far is my real strength? It just happened by chance—pure, lucky chance.
I wailed inwardly in frustration while maintaining a smile on the outside.
“I cannot bear the title of 'savior.' It was something any martial artist should have done. To expect something in return for that does not suit my nature.”
Fine, since I’ve made up my mind, I’ll play the part of the chivalrous hero to your liking.
As expected, Sim Geol looked inspired. For a wanderer like us to give up such a stroke of luck was no easy feat. It was impossible unless one was a hero truly filled with righteous spirit.
“My eyes did not deceive me. I knew Brother Eo was the descendant of an extraordinary master. Your restrained internal power and the way every word you speak seems to stem from deep experience... they carry such profound meaning. I wanted to stay by your side and learn more, so I am truly saddened to hear you are leaving.”
Wow, this guy can really talk.
My dear man. That’s exactly why I’m leaving.
I was someone who would have been perfectly content just staying here and getting free meals. But the situation had moved beyond my control and my actual skill level, and that was dangerous.
There are all kinds of masters, but everyone in Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress thought I was a first-rate master. That was like putting a noose around my own neck.
At the very least, I wanted to live without looking like a weakling, but I had no desire to impersonate a first-rate master. Pretending to be a master is a quick way to shorten your lifespan.
But strangely, ever since I entered Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress, nothing had gone according to my intentions. I couldn't help but feel that some malevolent spirit was constantly pushing me into danger.
“I pay my respects to your path, Young Hero Eo. If we have the chance to meet again, please give this Sim the opportunity to repay the debt I owe you.”
The "debt" Sim Geol referred to was the martial insight he had gained because of me.
As I turned my back, Sim Geol gave a cupped-fist salute. I returned the gesture.
Leave without a word.
That was the dignity of a master.
I simply turned and walked away. Sim Geol was likely watching my back with eyes full of respect until I disappeared.
However, I failed to notice one thing.
That there was a shadow following me.
*
I felt something was wrong when I noticed a carriage that had been trailing me ever since I left Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress and passed through a nearby village.
Thinking it would eventually pass, I stopped, but the carriage stopped as well.
When I remained stationary, the carriage pulled up in front of me and halted.
And when I saw the person stepping out, I felt like fainting on the spot.
“It’s quite troublesome for you to leave without a word like this, Gaga.”
Mok Seon-hwa said as she stepped onto the carriage's footboard.
What sin did I commit in my past life?
I felt a surge of genuine anger. An impulse to smack her on the head rose within me, and my fist clenched involuntarily.
“Thank you.”
Mok Seon-hwa took my hand as she descended from the carriage.
“Be careful. The ground is soft.”
Contrary to my inner thoughts, different words came out.
Oh, my traitorous tongue.
I glanced at the driver; he was the guard I’d seen with her before. Rumor had it he was a first-rate master.
“Take the young lady back. Why have you followed me all this way?”
When I rebuked the guard, his face twisted into a grimace.
“Lady Seon-hwa set fire to her quarters, claiming she was going to follow Young Hero Eo. In the chaos, she gave us the slip and drove the carriage this far herself. I only just managed to catch up to her.”
I turned my gaze back to Mok Seon-hwa.
“How did you know I was leaving?”
I was starting to find this cute-looking girl terrifying. To set fire to her own room just to distract the guards and chase after me...
I laughed hollowly, speechless, and Mok Seon-hwa gave a bright smile.
“I planted some of my own people around Gaga, you see. Hehe.”
No wonder I’d thought it strange that the maidservants were always loitering around my quarters; there was a reason for it. Just like when she’d slipped me that sleeping draught before.
And since she said such things so innocently, it was hard to even get angry.
In short, she was a girl whose upbringing was a total disaster.
“Well done,” I said sarcastically.
Mok Seon-hwa took it as a compliment.
“Right? Otherwise, how could I have followed Gaga?”
Please, can you stop with that 'Gaga' business?
But now wasn't the time to argue over small things.
“Go back,” I said coldly. If I kept humoring her, she’d be climbing all over me in no time.
Suddenly, Mok Seon-hwa pulled out a silk handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.
I can’t believe this.
I watched closely, but there wasn't a hint of moisture in her eyes. She was just pretending to cry.
Wait.
Come to think of it, I felt like I understood what was happening.
I got the impression that Mok Seon-hwa was acting out a parting scene between lovers from some wuxia novel.
To put it simply, she imagined me as a cool master from a story and herself as a beautiful swordswoman in love with him. Her delusion was so severe that she had followed me here to reenact the plot of a novel.