The Divine Star and the Meteor Star (3)
More than ten li from the outskirts of Chengdu.
The very spot where Do Gwang and Heo Chang-baek had once traded a light sparring match ten days ago was now so riddled with craters and gouges that it could only be called a canyon. The aftermath of a clash between masters who had reached the Star Realm—Hyun-gyeong—left no patch of ground untouched.
Kwaaaang—!
“Ghh…!”
Heo Chang-baek’s face twisted in agony. Even though his body was far from its peak, every exchange made the gap painfully clear.
“Heo Chang-baek, you’re truly impressive!”
The Fist Star, Hwangbo Tae-ung, rained down fist strikes from right in front of him—each one delivered with leisurely ease, yet carrying the force of a single, merciless blow meant to end the fight.
“What a shame! To think I can’t face you at your absolute best!”
“Ghh…! Then why not wait until I’m at my best?”
“Puahaha! That won’t do. It’s for the balance of the Murim.”
“Balance? I still don’t understand what balance you’re talking about!”
He had already said it clearly—he intended to leave the Nine Provinces Black Lotus, the core alliance of the unorthodox factions, and devote himself solely to the saber.
“You spoke of Murim’s balance, didn’t you?”
Kwaaaang—!!
“Kuh-heo-eok—!!!”
Thud—!
The Storm-Cleaving Saber in Heo Chang-baek’s left hand was blasted from his grip and buried in the ground.
“Huff… huff…”
Gasping for breath, he switched the Heavenly Thunder Saber to both hands. After a moment to steady himself, he asked the Fist Star,
“I still don’t understand. Aside from the Nine Provinces Black Lotus, isn’t it true that not a single one of the Five Stars exists among the unorthodox factions?”
“Now there is one.”
Hwangbo Tae-ung smiled leisurely as he flexed his fists.
“No, I said I’m leaving the Black Lotus.”
“Even so, that doesn’t make you orthodox, does it?”
“Haha…”
Heo Chang-baek let out a hollow laugh, utterly dumbfounded.
“So I have to die just because I’m not orthodox?”
“That’s right.”
“Then why don’t you kill the Black Lotus Lord?”
“That isn’t my role.”
“What…?”
“For the future of the orthodox Murim, I cannot be the one to deal with him directly.”
“Haha…”
Heo Chang-baek laughed again, the absurdity washing over him. Yet Hwangbo Tae-ung continued, his expression unwavering.
“It must be difficult for someone who hasn’t walked the righteous path to understand.”
“Understand what? If it’s truly for the glorious future of the orthodox Murim, then why not wipe out every unorthodox bastard and march straight into the Demon Cult or the Blood Cult?”
The Paedo Sect had even signed a non-aggression pact to avoid unnecessary conflict, and they never attacked commoners—or even orthodox Murim warriors—without cause. The Fist Star knew this well. Far more dangerous threats to the orthodox Murim existed in abundance, yet here he was, fixated on him alone.
But when Heo Chang-baek voiced that obvious question, the Fist Star offered no reply.
“……”
“Why aren’t you answering? Aren’t there two far more dangerous Stars in the demonic path—ones that can’t even be compared to me, who just reached the Star Realm?”
“Hmph… Quite the long-winded last words.”
Hwangbo Tae-ung raised his fist once more.
“You damned old man!!”
Kwaaaang—!
“Kuh-heo-eok—!”
Thud—!
Without his twin sabers, Heo Chang-baek was hurled backward with even greater force, rolling across the ground. The Heavenly Thunder Saber slipped from his grasp and fell limply.
Step. Step.
Hwangbo Tae-ung approached slowly.
“Heo Chang-baek, it’s time to give up. No matter what you say, my decision won’t change.”
“You stubborn old bastard… Was I wrong…? Cough…!”
Heo Chang-baek wanted to keep resisting, but his body refused to obey. He had already reached his limit.
“Then let’s end this. Hah!!”
As Hwangbo Tae-ung clenched both fists and let out a battle cry—
Paaaat—!!
A brilliant golden light erupted from his body. His opponent was already battered and broken. Still, a master of the Star Realm might have one final hidden card. To finish things cleanly and safely, the Fist Star adjusted his stance to unleash the Sacred Fist once more.
Soon after, golden sacred qi gathered and swirled around his fists.
“Farewell, Meteor Star.”
“Meteor Star, my ass… Cough…”
Heo Chang-baek finally resigned himself and closed his eyes. In that moment, a faint memory surfaced.
— I suppose I’ll have to give you a gift too…
The image of Do Gwang, seen just before they parted, flashed through his mind.
‘Keu-ka-ka-kat. How ridiculous. Why is that madman’s face the last thing I see?’
— What about the remaining hand?
— Hmm. Looks like you received the gift well.
‘…I’m sorry. I won’t even get to use the gift you gave me before I die.’
Just as that thought ended—
Kuwaaaang—!
The earth shook violently, and a deafening roar tore through the air from every direction.
“!!!”
Hwangbo Tae-ung’s eyes widened as he turned toward the sound. A massive wave of blue qi was hurtling straight at him. He had no choice but to redirect the Meteor Exploding Fist to intercept it.
Kwaaaang—!!
###
“Huff… huff… Damn, I barely made it.”
Do Gwang muttered, breathing heavily. He had just poured every last drop of internal energy from his dantian into a reckless blast aimed at the Fist Star.
“Uncle, are you okay?”
“Haha… Why are you here…?”
Heo Chang-baek stared in disbelief. The man who had left Chengdu three days ago had suddenly appeared, and the Thunderbolt Saber Technique he had unleashed with that steel bat back then—he now realized—hadn’t even been at full power.
“So you weren’t going all out that day, were you?”
Heo Chang-baek was genuinely impressed. Though it had been a surprise attack and the direction had shifted mid-strike, reducing its full might, the blast had still swallowed the Meteor Exploding Fist and sent the Fist Star flying. And it hadn’t come from any divine art or ultimate technique—just raw, brute-force swings of a steel bat releasing internal energy.
“Impressive! Truly impressive! Keu-ka-ka-kat!!!”
Heo Chang-baek burst into laughter—not just from relief at surviving, but from sheer awe at Do Gwang’s very existence.
“You really are like someone from another world!”
His admiration had gone beyond mere interest into reverence. Yet Do Gwang’s expression remained grim.
“…Uncle, we’ll talk later. Get somewhere safe for now.”
“Huh? What do you mean? The Fist Star’s already been sent flying by you. Let’s head back to the sect and have a drink…”
“It’s not over yet.”
“What…!?”
When Heo Chang-baek followed Do Gwang’s gaze, his jaw dropped in shock. Even after taking that monstrous blow—
“Puahaha!!!”
The Fist Star was already rising to his feet, casually dusting himself off.
“Coming to Sichuan was the right choice after all! Puahaha!!!”
Hwangbo Tae-ung laughed heartily at the sky before turning his golden eyes toward Do Gwang.
“So you’re the Mad Young Master!”
###
“Tsk…”
Do Gwang clicked his tongue. So this was one of the Five Stars—the strongest in the world. The difference in level was undeniable.
Meanwhile—
“You’re truly remarkable!”
Even the Fist Star had to admit it inwardly. Though caught off guard by the surprise attack, the blast had sent both the Meteor Exploding Fist and himself flying in one go.
‘A brat who doesn’t even look twenty-something pulling off this level of martial prowess… It’s absurd!’
When he had stopped by headquarters by chance and heard about it from the Alliance Leader, he had thought—
‘Moyong Jin, has that young fellow already gone senile?’
But once he arrived in Chengdu, everyone he met spoke of the Mad Young Master with the same stunned horror. And that wasn’t all. When he visited the Sichuan branch—
— Haha… Senior, this junior has a request. If you’re going to fight that fellow, please do it somewhere with no one around…
— Branch Leader, what are you saying? We should be stopping him…
— Gwak Byeok, shut your mouth.
— ……
The very people tasked with protecting the orthodox Murim had already thrown up their hands in resignation, as if they had achieved enlightenment. It was a ridiculous sight.
‘So I was really curious…’
Now that he was facing him directly, the Fist Star was certain.
“I’m glad I came to Sichuan today.”
Because he had met the man in person.
‘Heo Chang-baek is no longer important.’
More than an unorthodox Star who could threaten the orthodox Murim—
‘The disaster right in front of me is the priority.’
Hwangbo Tae-ung’s golden eyes locked on clearly.
“You’re the Heavenly Slaughter Star…!”
No—those eyes held an even deeper, unfathomable madness laced with killing intent.
“The title Mad Young Master wasn’t given for nothing…!”
The Fist Star took his stance, aghast. How could such a ferocious existence have appeared in the Murim without warning?
Do Gwang nodded as if it were obvious.
“Right? Whoever came up with it did a good job.”
“A good job? Puahaha!!!”
Hwangbo Tae-ung burst into laughter, utterly flabbergasted.
“The Mad Demon is the same. Anyone with ‘mad’ in their title knows full well they’re insane! And they all love their own epithets just as much!”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Do Gwang made a disgusted face.
“Why are you lumping me together with that crazy bastard?”
“What…?”
“That guy’s ‘mad’ as in insane.”
“That’s true. And you as well—”
“What? Did you never study characters properly at your age? Seriously… No wonder you’re from the ignorant Hwangbo clan.”
“Wh… what… what did you just say…?”
When Do Gwang suddenly spat out a remark that dismissed both age and family, Hwangbo Tae-ung’s face twisted in fury. But Do Gwang paid it no mind and kept going.
“Light, vast, upright—don’t you know those three meanings?”
“Haha… Surely you’re not about to spout nonsense claiming your title carries all three meanings?”
“Nonsense? The real nonsense is you trying to put me on the same level as that mad dog, the Mad Demon.”
“Haha…”
This brat was truly insane. Not only his insolent way of speaking, but even the way his brain processed words—nothing about him was normal. At least the Mad Demon admitted he was crazy. This one didn’t seem to have the slightest intention of doing so.
But the madman wasn’t finished.
“It’s a precious title the people of Chengdu gave me, meaning I’m more upright, broader-minded, and radiant than anyone. Who are you to twist it however you like?”
Finally—
“……”
The Fist Star gave up on conversation.
‘No wonder that promising junior from the Clear Wind Wave got caught in heart demons.’
Even a member of the Five Stars like himself felt his mind going blank.
“Fine, I understand. It’s not like the title matters anyway.”
“What? You’re suddenly acting all high and mighty because you’ve got nothing left to say. Old man’s got no game.”
“……”
“See? You shut up again because you’ve got nothing to say.”
“You brat! You’re really noisy!!!”
Paaaat—!!!!
Even the Fist Star finally snapped and exploded.
“For the balance of the Murim and for peace, I must erase you here and now!!!”
But Do Gwang didn’t flinch. Instead, he snorted.
“Bullshit. No wonder you’re that bastard’s master.”
“What nonsense are you spouting now! I have no disciples!”
“Yeah, I already took care of that.”
“Haha… I don’t know who this ‘bastard’ is, but you speak so boldly of committing slaughter!”
“What? If anyone heard you, they’d think you came from the government office.”
Do Gwang was dumbfounded. Murim warriors casually bragged about beheading people or taking down opponents all the time. The only difference was how politely they phrased it. In the end, proudly admitting you killed someone you didn’t like was exactly what Murim people did.
And Do Gwang was very proud. He had only killed a hypocritical fool who tried to stop him from dealing with a black-path bastard who was raping helpless women. Like master, like disciple—both were shameless to the core.
‘Well, different worldline and all.’
Anyway—
Do Gwang kept up the most annoying expression he could muster, provoking the Fist Star even further.
“An old man who’s killed way more people than me is really saying that? Got dementia or something?”
“You little—!!!”
The Fist Star, thoroughly riled, roared.
“I swing my fists for the peace of the Murim! Not like you, swinging that crude steel bat around like a madman!!!”
He had tried not to engage with the lunatic any further, but having his lifelong devotion to righteousness mocked by a snot-nosed brat had pushed him over the edge.
At that—
“Bullshit.”
Do Gwang let out a derisive laugh.
“Playing hero while spouting all this peace crap.”
Pfft—
The sight of him openly sneering, hand covering his mouth, made the Fist Star’s face darken even more.
“Playing…?”
How could serving and sacrificing for Murim’s peace be called playing?
“You’re the one who purified that rotten Murim Alliance in your head? This bullshit again?”
“!!!”
The Fist Star’s eyes widened. The brat had said exactly what he was about to retort, as if reading his mind.
“Crazy old man, is that purification? That’s just turning a blind eye.”
“You brat!!! Shut your mouth!!!”
Paaaat—!!!
This time, the Fist Star no longer hid his killing intent. There was no point in talking to this madman any longer. For the peace of the Murim—and for his own peace of mind—he had to eliminate him.
Golden sacred qi flared explosively around the Fist Star’s fists once more.
Heo Chang-baek, still collapsed on the ground, turned pale.
“Th-this is impossible…!”
He still had that much internal energy left? Once at the Paedo Sect headquarters, once here clashing with him, and once more when he tried to finish him off after Do Gwang’s intrusion—that made three times he had unleashed the terrifying Meteor Exploding Fist. And now he was about to do it again?
“Mad Young Master!!!”
Heo Chang-baek struggled to force his battered body upright.
“I’ll try to hold him off somehow—run!!!”
He didn’t want the man who had come to his aid to die here. Do Gwang had already spent everything on that one strike; his internal energy and stamina had to be nearly gone. But—
‘Even the Fist Star won’t have the strength to chase after him if he unleashes that!’
With that resolve, Heo Chang-baek tried to throw himself forward. Seeing this—
“Run? Puahaha!! Go ahead and try if you can—I’ll send you flying in one shot!!!”
Paaaat—!!!
Hwangbo Tae-ung sneered contemptuously and pushed his aura even higher. The pressure was far more overwhelming than the three strikes he had used on Heo Chang-baek before. Of course it was—because what he was about to unleash now was—
True·Meteor Exploding Fist (眞·流星爆碎拳)!
It was no longer a divine art, but divine punishment itself!
Realizing this, Heo Chang-baek—
“Th-this is impossible…”
—could only despair. Even if he staked everything on a mutual destruction, there was no way to stop it.
Then—
“What are you saying, crazy old man.”
Do Gwang sneered.
“If you don’t want to die, put that away.”
He actually warned him. The Fist Star let out a disbelieving laugh.
“Ha…!”
This was definitely a madman. Begging for his life would have been more appropriate, yet here he was, threatening instead.
“You brat, one lucky hit and you’ve grown arrogant!”
It was true that he had landed a blow, but it had only succeeded because it was a surprise attack.
“You’ve already squeezed out every last drop of strength, yet you still dare to bluff!!”
Even if he had somehow recovered enough internal energy to fire that strike again, there was no way he could block the True·Meteor Exploding Fist!
The moment the Fist Star was certain of this—
Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwang—!!!!
!!!???
Both the Fist Star and Heo Chang-baek’s eyes filled with shock.
Pfft—
“Squeezed out every last drop?”
Do Gwang smirked, the corner of his mouth curling up. From his body—
【Infinite Source: The Eternal Spring of the Unfading Source】
“…Having an unfading source, how could one fear ruin?”
An unbelievable fighting spirit erupted.
“I can just squeeze out more if I need to.”
“And I’ll show you what real power looks like.”
Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwang—!!!!
It wasn’t the clear blue qi from before. Instead, a violent, domineering crimson-red lightning began to engulf everything around them in a frenzy.
The Fist Star’s face hardened like stone.
‘Th-this is truly dangerous…!’
Acting on pure instinct, he unleashed his fist without hesitation.
“You braaaat!!!”
True·Meteor Exploding Fist!
This was a single strike that carried the weight of the galaxy to shatter a star. Behold—the sacred fist that could crush stars with the weight of the Milky Way. This fist was the very symbol of the orthodox Murim’s peace, the most radiant heavenly judgment descending upon the earth!
“Evil, be shattered!!!”
Hwangbo Tae-ung roared and unleashed the Sacred Fist!
Or at least, he should have—
Puh-uh-uh-uh-uhng—!
A thunderous crash like a collapsing mountain rang in their ears. What had been shattered was not the evil before him, but—
Shuuuuk—!!!
His own right arm, thrust forward. Not just the fist—the entire right shoulder had been cleanly blown off.
The Fist Star, one of the Five Stars of the World, Hwangbo Tae-ung. All the legends and achievements he had built over seventy-plus years in the Murim now felt meaningless. All he could do now was—
“Kuh-heo-eok…!!!”
—vomit blood without understanding what had just happened.