Chapter 12
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: They're All Dead (2)
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"No way, boss. That just doesn't seem right."
Ma Du-gwang, who these days frequented the Diamond Escort Agency more often than his own Silver Push Sect, shook his head vigorously.
"That doesn't make any sense, boss. Even for you, that's pushing it."
Wearing an expression like someone with urgent business, Ma Du-gwang stepped in front of Kang Moo-jin to block his path.
"It'll work."
"It won't. Seriously. There's no reason to push yourself like that."
"It's not pushing. It'll just work."
The reason these two were arguing in front of the eight challengers was the number of spars.
Kang Moo-jin wanted to take on all eight challengers who'd signed up today in a row and get it over with, but Ma Du-gwang insisted that was impossible.
"Boss, if you lose even one, it'll be a disaster."
"I won't lose."
"...Boss!"
"And this is how we make real money."
Just because the debt was paid off didn't mean the Diamond Escort Agency was swimming in cash.
They needed money to repair the house, money to cover food and shelter, and even more to run the escort business properly.
"You said it yourself. My win rate is too high for single bets to be profitable."
By defeating one of the New Swords of Mount Hua, Moo-jin had earned a nickname and gained fame.
That meant ordinary sparring bets wouldn't yield the same high odds as before.
There was only one way to get those high payouts.
Open bets on just how many wins in a row he could pull off.
"Even so, boss, eight in a row is too risky. You're strong—hell, a monster—but everyone has limits on stamina and internal energy."
"You were about to say 'monster bastard' just now, weren't you?"
"You must've misheard."
Moo-jin glared at Ma Du-gwang and spoke.
"Dealing with those eight? I won't even need to go all out. It's just a warm-up."
"... "
Ma Du-gwang stared at him with eyes full of disbelief.
"Don't believe me? Wanna bet?"
"You're on. If you beat all eight without breaking a sweat? I'll hop around on one leg for a month."
"Deal. If I lose, I'll do the same."
Ma Du-gwang's eyes burned with conviction while Moo-jin smirked with amusement. They nodded at each other.
Moo-jin stepped onto the sparring ground with his arms crossed and a nonchalant expression.
The Diamond Escort Agency, usually off-limits to outsiders, was packed to the brim with spectators, not a spot to stand.
"Alright, alright! The spar's about to start. Last call for bets! Four wins in a row has the best odds. That's where I'd put my money!"
Ma Du-gwang weaved through the tight crowd, drumming up bets.
His silver tongue worked wonders—wherever he went, people pulled money from their pouches.
'That sly fox. Running a real business out here.'
Moo-jin shook his head at the sight of Ma Du-gwang's men hawking drinks and snacks.
He hadn't even thought of that angle. The guy sure had a nose for money.
"Pleased to meet you, Golden Ghost Indestructible. I'm Eun Do-hyun."
The long-haired, refined warrior who'd queued since dawn cupped his fists politely.
"Whoa! Isn't that the Silver Flash Sword?"
"Silver Flash Sword showing up here? This event's bigger than I thought!"
"Kang might lose right out the gate."
Moo-jin tuned out the murmurs and focused on Eun Do-hyun's aura.
'Daoist school.'
A clear, pure energy emanated from the sword-bearing man at his waist.
"Likewise."
Moo-jin returned the salute politely, then clasped his hands behind his back.
"...?"
Eun Do-hyun raised an eyebrow at the odd stance—one hand and foot forward, sword un-drawn.
"Is that your ready stance?"
"Nah. Don't need one."
"...Fine. Arrogance befitting your skill. Let's see if you can back it up against my Meteor Sword Art!"
Thud—!
Eun Do-hyun kicked off the ground, closing the distance in a flash, and swung his overhead sword straight down.
Whoosh—!
The stroke was straight and true, calluses on his hands speaking to his dedication. It was fast, sharp, and clean.
'Not bad.'
Moo-jin tilted his right shoulder back, aligning his body to evade.
"...!"
Caught off-guard by the effortless dodge, Eun Do-hyun recovered for a follow-up.
But—
Thwack—!
Moo-jin's raised knee slammed into his gut first.
"Guhak!"
Eun Do-hyun folded like a shrimp and flew back faster than he'd charged, crashing into the stone wall.
Rumble—!
The northern wall of the Diamond Escort Agency shattered and collapsed.
"... "
Ma Du-gwang, who'd been resting nearby, glared resentfully from under the debris.
'S-sorry.'
Moo-jin apologized with his eyes and quickly turned to the next challenger.
'Gotta dial back the power.'
As Moo-jin reflected, the second challenger climbed up.
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Do-ryang, practitioner of the Sevenfold Spear."
"Kyaa! Brilliant Flash Spear! So cool!"
"Oh my, doesn't Do the hero look extra dashing today?!"
Do-ryang struck a pose amid the women's cheers and launched into a flashy spear dance from the start.
He'd learned from the first bout: half-measures meant instant defeat.
"Too flashy."
Crack—!
One punch shattered the spear shaft and Do-ryang's ribs. He collapsed, snot, tears, and drool spilling everywhere.
"Oh... "
The women who'd cheered him fled with disgusted looks.
"Next."
"I've mastered the Three Disasters Sword to perfection and awakened its true essence..."
"Next."
"I wield the ancestral arts of Jo Yu..."
"Next."
"Heh. I won't tell you my style. The true strike is the unexpected one that leaves you frozen in—"
Crack—!
Moo-jin side-kicked the eighth challenger's ribs, sending him flying off the platform. He dusted his hands.
"That's all."
The crowd gaped at Moo-jin—not a scratch, not a drop of sweat after eight straight fights with different weapons.
"What the hell... "
"Is he even human?! A monster?!"
"How does he beat eight in a row?"
"Humans have limits on stamina and qi... "
The spectators gasped in awe.
Those who'd bet big and lost were dazed, but even they marveled first.
But their shock paled next to the eight warriors who'd faced him directly.
"...Couldn't even block one move."
"Was I... really that weak?"
"That wasn't even a technique. Just a kick."
"...My girls all left."
"... "
Moo-jin approached the defeated men sitting stunned on the ground.
"Hey."
"...?"
"You were pretty weak."
"... "
They scowled, pride stung, glaring at him.
They stayed put only because they'd felt the overwhelming gap. Otherwise, they'd have charged.
"But decent potential. Polish it, and you'll improve fast. I'll help."
"...?"
"If you want, I'll teach you martial arts."
"...!!"
Their eyes widened.
Learning from a master who'd crushed them all at once? Priceless.
"Excellent."
"We accept."
"Sure, why not."
They wanted to beg, but played it cool, mindful of each other.
No pride before a superior like Moo-jin, but plenty among peers.
"One condition."
"Condition...?"
Their eyes flickered with anxiety.
A master's teachings were worth more than gold.
Especially from Moo-jin, who'd beaten a Mount Hua elite. What would he demand?
'My life?'
'Secret techniques?'
'My family spear?'
'...A woman? But I just lost everything...'
"Work for me unpaid. Room and board provided."
"Perfect!"
"Absolutely!"
"Me too! Count me in!"
Relieved at the easy terms, they jumped at it.
"...?? "
Moo-jin backed away in confusion at their enthusiasm—no pay, yet more hype than before.
...These guys always dreamed of escort work?
A month had passed since the new recruits joined the Diamond Escort Agency.
"Gaaah!"
"Ughak! M-mercy!"
Screams and groans echoed nonstop from the training yard in the main compound.
'They sure endure well without dying.'
Ma Du-gwang watched the unpaid recruits' training with a queasy look.
He'd endured plenty of harsh training as an evil sect warrior, but this was next-level brutality.
'External arts training.'
He knew high external cultivation could compensate for weak internal energy.
So Moo-jin started with that.
"The Iron Ox Art I made for you grows stronger the more you endure."
"Guh... "
"Endure! Tough it out—that's how you get strong!"
Moo-jin sat atop Do-ryang, channeling the Thousand-Pound Hammer technique to increase his weight.
"Ughhh!"
Do-ryang's thighs quivered, his upper body and face beet-red.
"Endure, and your muscles grow stronger. Do-ryang."
"Y-yes... Gak!"
Unable to take the mounting weight, Do-ryang passed out like a frog.
"Tch."
Moo-jin kicked off his wobbling shoulder, landing lightly, and turned to Eun Do-hyun.
"Hold steady."
"Yes!"
Moo-jin infused Water Spirit Arts into his fist from the Linked Qi Realm and struck Eun Do-hyun's body in key spots.
Thud—! Thwack—! Thud—!
Each blow from fists that could shatter stone paled Eun Do-hyun's face white.
Moderated power and healing arts kept him upright, but pain was pain.
"Good. Big improvement."
"Th-thank you!"
Moo-jin nodded at the thanks and surveyed the trainees.
These thirty-two men—from third-rate to peak—varied in origins and weapons, but a month of brutal external training had transformed them.
Firm muscles and bronzed skin made them look like battlefield generals; their sharp gazes evoked unbreakable warriors.
"Now they're usable."
Still lacking by Moo-jin's standards, but solid basics. He smiled, satisfied.
Others wouldn't see it that way.
"Boss, you plotting rebellion or something?"
"What?"
"I mean, calling those monster... er, sturdy warriors 'usable'."
"I aim higher."
"... "
Ma Du-gwang swallowed, staring at Moo-jin's skyward gaze.
Those unsatisfied eyes—what were they chasing?
'Rebellion for real...?'
As suspicion grew, he saw Moo-jin's hands form a seal and quickly spoke.
"I'll go feed the agency head then."
"Go ahead."
Thud—thud—
Ma Du-gwang carried the tray toward agency head Kang So-gong.
Just then, the family quarters' door opened, and Kang So-gong emerged.
"Father!"
Moo-jin's face lit up at his father's much healthier complexion.
"Moo-jin. Have you eaten... "
Kang So-gong's affectionate gaze shifted to Ma Du-gwang.
"Agency head. Brought your meal."
"Thanks. But Ma the hero... why are you hopping on one leg?"
Kang So-gong rarely questioned his son's doings, but this begged asking.