Chapter 43 - The Survivor is the Strong One
- Kraaaack!
- W-what the hell is this!
The screams echoing from afar clawed at the night sky like the screech of tearing metal.
Jin Muhon turned his back on the roiling hellscape below and stepped onto the roof of the tallest pavilion in the estate.
Thud.
The rooftop bathed in moonlight felt eerily serene, almost unreal. If only the screams filling the heavens could be erased, it might as well have been a paradise.
"It's been a while, my lord."
The man standing on the roof bowed his head to Jin Muhon. His silver robe shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and the bright, leisurely smile on his pale face made him look like the epitome of a righteous sect disciple. But his eyes gleamed ominously, like black pools of unfathomable depth.
Jin Muhon spoke indifferently.
"So it is. Wi Mugyeol."
Once one of the four most loyal captains under the Sword Demon. The man grinning ear to ear was none other than Wi Mugyeol, the Iron Guard Captain who had betrayed his comrades.
"Whew! Impressive. Is that the power of your new demonic sword?"
Wi Mugyeol shifted his gaze from Jin Muhon to the blood-red soul shades below. Intrigued enough to whistle. What should have been a living hell of screams and blood reeked like a well-crafted play to him, his face full of amusement.
Jin Muhon nodded curtly.
"Yes."
He didn't bother correcting Wi Mugyeol's misunderstanding. There was no truth to share with a mere traitor anyway.
"Hahaha! As expected! Incredible! You fled the cult like a rat but snagged one on the way out! So, what's that demonic sword's name? I didn't know there was one with power like that."
"......"
Jin Muhon stood firm, silently staring at Wi Mugyeol.
Wi Mugyeol's lips curled slyly.
"I was wondering how a man with a shattered dantian could use martial arts. Now it makes sense. It's all the demonic sword's power, right?"
Wi Mugyeol slowly turned his head toward Jin Muhon. His face was smiling, but his eyes glittered like a snake eyeing prey.
"Something like that."
"The Heavenly Demon really played favorites. Some of us slaved away our whole lives without ever laying eyes on a demonic sword, while you wreaked havoc and got a shiny new one. Look where that got you. Tsk tsk."
Wi Mugyeol shook his head, clicking his tongue.
For a split second, Jin Muhon's eyes flickered.
"What did you say?"
"I said you wreaked havoc and still got a new demonic sword."
"After that."
"Oh! The Heavenly Demon? Haha! Yeah, something like that."
Step.
Jin Muhon took a step forward. Killing intent seeped from his entire body.
Wi Mugyeol hurriedly circulated his inner energy. Their auras clashed, making the roof tiles rumble drdrdr.
"Did something happen to the Heavenly Demon?"
"Who knows. Is it really 'something'? After what you did, it was about time he stepped down. He's still clinging to life, at least."
Wrinkle deepened between Jin Muhon's brows. The Heavenly Demon, peerless under heaven. Some in the world praised his Sword Demon days, but that was mere ignorance from never witnessing the Heavenly Demon's might.
'Who the hell could...'
His inner energy was vast as the sea, impervious to all poisons. Who could have cornered such a being?
Cheon Gunak? No, that bastard was barely worthy of being the Heavenly Demon's seed.
Then, a figure flashed in Jin Muhon's mind. The old schemer who had manipulated countless demons and righteous folk like chess pieces with his wits alone.
"Ma Noe?"
The strategist Ma Noe. The one who, to the very end, insisted on killing him. That mind might have woven a trap even for the Heavenly Demon. A loyal servant longer than Jin Muhon himself, but who knew how hearts could turn.
"Sadly, no. In fact, that old man threw a wrench in the works big time."
But Wi Mugyeol shook his head firmly. Mentioning Ma Noe even ignited rage in his eyes, burning red. It was unfamiliar coming from the usually mild-mannered Wi Mugyeol.
"Oh! My lord, do you know? You're still breathing partly thanks to those idiots in Poison Dragon Valley, but mostly because Ma Noe pulled strings from behind."
"...What do you mean?"
"Come on, don't be dense. Where do I even start?"
Wi Mugyeol chuckled, scratching his chin. Jin Muhon narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him. It seemed something he didn't know had been brewing for a long time.
"He doesn't like the current order of the jianghu. He's been carefully laying the groundwork for a new one for ages."
"He? So there's someone behind Cheon Gunak."
"Haha! Exactly! Getting it now?"
"Hmm..."
Jin Muhon nodded, shifting his gaze to the moon in the sky. Someone had manipulated Cheon Gunak to eliminate him, and now even turned on the Heavenly Demon.
"Not Ma Noe... Then it must be someone outside the cult."
Jin Muhon voiced his realization. Wi Mugyeol's eyes widened.
"Why only mention the strategist? Could be someone else."
"Huh? Who? You?"
Their gazes locked in the air. A sneer crept onto Jin Muhon's face.
"A worm like you capable of moving the pieces? You've gotten cheekier since we last met."
"......"
Wi Mugyeol ground his teeth. Cracks formed in his leisurely facade.
"I've hated that arrogance of yours from the start."
Wi Mugyeol's red pupils blazed as if to incinerate Jin Muhon. Jin Muhon's lips curved higher.
"Really? I rather liked you. Shame."
"...So composed."
"Why wouldn't I be?"
Shing.
Wi Mugyeol slowly drew his sword. The blade gleamed coldly in the moonlight.
"He destroyed your fate. Your subordinates who helped you are dead or dying. You have nothing left. So why the composure?"
"Hearing it laid out, things do sound dire."
"Kekeke! My lord, if anyone's sharpened their tongue, it's you."
They grinned at each other atop the roof, glaring. Once lord and subordinate, it would take time to sever that bond.
A very brief moment.
Swish.
Jin Muhon stepped back with his right foot, assuming a stance. Wi Mugyeol's eyes flashed as he lowered his posture.
"You won't tell me who, even if I ask?"
"Of course not."
Hummmm.
Red sword aura flared along Wi Mugyeol's blade. His wit might have sharpened, but his martial prowess had undeniably grown.
Jin Muhon narrowed his eyes.
"You ate it too?"
"Ate what?"
"That Demon Spirit Pill or Soul Demon Pill or whatever."
"......"
Wi Mugyeol dodged the question.
"You did. Pathetic worm."
"Gah-!!"
Kaboooom!!!
Wi Mugyeol exploded his aura and stamped forward. The roof shattered with a thunderous impact. Jin Muhon and Wi Mugyeol plummeted through dust and debris.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Wi Mugyeol cratered the floor with every step. Stone shattered, wooden pillars splintered, debris flying everywhere.
Rumble rumble!!
Finally, they crashed to the first floor. Thick dust clouded everything, obscuring vision.
"Ugh..."
"Ahh... p-please... spare... me..."
Groans and cries rose from the ruins of the pavilion. Jin Muhon glanced around. Elders, women, children—those too weak to fight, hiding amid the crisis.
"Sword Demon. Don't tell me you're feeling pity for them?"
Wi Mugyeol asked incredulously. Jin Muhon neither confirmed nor denied, just impassively surveyed the floor and surroundings.
"Tsk tsk. Relying on a demonic sword has weakened even the great Sword Demon."
"......"
"What? Ashamed your old subordinate sees your tricks? The old you would've taken my head by now. But you didn't. Why? No confidence you'll win. Uhahaha!"
Wi Mugyeol threw his head back in laughter. Stone fragments rattled up from the floor into the air.
"......?"
Astonishing inner energy rivaling the Sword Demon at his peak.
Wi Mugyeol bellowed triumphantly.
"See this! This is the power he granted me! With him, we'll gain divine might! Defy him, and you'll end up like this!"
"I never defied him."
"...What?"
"How can I defy someone whose face I don't even know? Idiot. Eating pills made from ground-up people must've rotted your brain."
"...You worm-!"
Wi Mugyeol's eyes bulged in fury. Veins popped on his flushed face.
BOOM!
Jin Muhon coldly kicked off the floor. He thrust the Four Emperors Sword forward.
Slashhh!
"Not a chance!"
Wi Mugyeol parried the lightning strike without flinching.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Claaang! Clang clang clang!!
Dozens of clashes in an instant. Sword flashes lit the dust, sparks flying. Ten-odd years as closest lord and subordinate. Now, they swung without hesitation at each other's throats.
Slash! Slash!
Jin Muhon's robes tore, blood spraying from wounds. Regaining composure, Wi Mugyeol raised his voice.
"Sword Demon! Pathetic! Summon your demonic sword's power! I'll shatter it!"
Wi Mugyeol arched back, deflecting Jin Muhon's blade. Using the momentum, he kicked off and thrust at Jin Muhon's heart.
Slashhh!
Jin Muhon spun away sharply. His forearm gashed, blood spurting. Not shallow. But he smashed the sword hilt into Wi Mugyeol's shoulder.
Thud! Crack!
"Kuhk!"
Trading flesh for bone, Wi Mugyeol took his first hit. As his torso wobbled, Jin Muhon kicked the back of his knee.
Thwack!
"Ack!"
Wi Mugyeol staggered wildly. Jin Muhon slashed downward.
Slashhh!
"Not so fast!"
Wi Mugyeol slammed his palm into the floor. His airborne body spun away from the strike. But at a cost.
Slash!
The Four Emperors Sword grazed his waist. Not deep, but enough to stain his silver robe red.
"Damn it!"
Dozens more exchanges in mere breaths. Wi Mugyeol retreated, steadying his breath. Jin Muhon crouched, ready to pounce. His robes shredded, body bloodied and ragged. Yet his eyes gleamed like a predator's.
'Shit...'
The situation favored him, no doubt. But with every clash, Wi Mugyeol's blood ran colder. Shaking off fear with a forced grin, he taunted.
"Tired already? Has the great Sword Demon weakened, or have I grown stronger? Tell me, Sword Demon. Which is it?"
"Neither, seems like."
"Kekeke. Pride intact, huh? A bit of advice?"
"Spit it out."
Huuuuuh.
Jin Muhon exhaled deeply, unfolding Cloud Peak Demon Sea. Red mist spread swiftly across the floor. Simultaneous activation of First Stage Rise Mist and Fifth Stage Sword Intent.
'As expected.'
The blood mist slithered silently toward Wi Mugyeol per Jin Muhon's will, without screams. Bit by bit. Hidden by darkness and dust, Wi Mugyeol didn't notice.
"I'll admit you were strong once. Terrifying, even as an ally. But this world isn't survival of the strongest. Look—the Four Emperors Leader who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Heavenly Demon is dead. Heavenly Demon's next. And you, the promising heir? You'll die by my hand."
The blood mist finally coiled around Wi Mugyeol's ankles. Jin Muhon's gaze shifted behind him.
Shhh.
A red shadow slowly rose behind Wi Mugyeol's back. Oblivious, he bellowed at Jin Muhon.
"Sword Demon! You listening?!"
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"Mocking me?! Want a painful death?!"
"Sorry, really didn't hear. Say it again."
"Gah-!"
Puuk!
"...Guhk?!!"
Wi Mugyeol's mouth gaped as he was about to kick off. Scorching pain erupted from his back like fire.
In disbelief, he slowly looked down. A blood-red blade protruded from his chest.
"H-how...?"
No presence at all. Who? Wi Mugyeol spat blood, turning his head with effort. Right behind him.
"......!"
The red shadow that had painted hell against the Tang Clan stood tall.
Step. Step. Step.
Footsteps approached from the front. Jin Muhon was coming.
"L-lord... wait... hear me... out..."
Wi Mugyeol raised a hand desperately. Jin Muhon swung the Four Emperors Sword.
Slice!
Wi Mugyeol's head flew off, landing in a pile of dust.
Spluuurt!
The headless body spewed blood and toppled forward. Red pooled quickly across the dirt-caked floor. Jin Muhon stared blankly at the spreading puddle.
"So much talk."
Jin Muhon flicked the blood from the Four Emperors Sword.
Then,
- Keeeaack!!
"......?"
A wail rose from the blood Wi Mugyeol had spilled, red smoke seeping ominously upward.