Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: The Killing Sword
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The execution was set for three days later.
After hearing that, I pondered what I should do.
Practicing with the sword would be good. But who knows what might happen on the day of the operation. It might be better to just do a simple check on my condition...
So what should I do with the empty time?
Black Peony spoke as if it was absurd.
"Rest."
"...I know that's right."
"You need to rest. Red Cloud. For real."
The first day, I did as she said and rested. Since fatigue had built up quite a bit, I slept deeply for the first time in a long while.
But the accumulated fatigue melted away in just one day. With nothing left, it felt so idle that I casually picked up my sword.
Black Peony clicked her tongue.
"Don't overdo it. Please."
"Of course."
I tuned up my body. I diligently polished my cherished sword, White Night.
To be honest... I was also tense. To the point where it was hard to sleep from the trembling.
My cherished sword White Night hummed as if telling me to stop. Thinking I'd overdone it, I let go.
Black Peony sighed.
"If you're that worried, go out and have a meal. Red Cloud. Eating something delicious will calm your mind a bit."
"And you...?"
"I'm thinking of refining my Bewitching Demon Phantom Art a little. I had some insights amid the Soul Capturing Arts I've been using lately. Go ahead first. When you get back, can you help me replenish my Mist Hundred Elixirs?"
"Of course."
"Eat your fill. I'm planning to suck them dry."
"Then I'll eat first and come back."
The usual place. The usual inn.
I turned my steps away from there. Headed somewhere else.
To be honest... eating the same thing over and over had gotten a bit boring.
I wanted to put some meat in my body. Not cheap stuff, but the real deal.
Now that the journey was nearing its end, it wouldn't hurt to spend a little. I could pack some moderately for Black Peony too.
I scanned the crowded spots. Slipped into a bustling inn and ordered meat dishes.
"I'd like to pack a few... is that alright?"
"Of course! Sir! We have just the right ingredients left, so I'll prepare plenty!"
It seemed like a popular place. The crowds looked satisfied too.
I waited happily. The packed food came out soon, wrapped in paper and placed before me.
Now all that was left was to enjoy the meal that came with it.
But the moment I picked up my chopsticks, I heard a server sounding troubled from behind.
"What? No ingredients left?"
"Yes, sir. I'm sorry..."
"What kind of business runs out halfway through the day?"
I turned my head. A man interrogating sharply.
The flustered server bowed his head repeatedly. The man turned away as if helpless, clicking his tongue.
It didn't look like frustration from anger.
It felt like genuine regret.
I glanced down at my packed food. Come to think of it...
I'd ordered quite a large amount. Thinking of Black Peony, my hand had gotten generous.
"Excuse me..."
"What?"
"If it's not rude, would you join me? It seems because I ordered so much, they've run out."
"What?"
The man swept his eyes over me and the table with food.
"Do you know me?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"You caught my eye, that's all. Sorry if I was rude."
"...You're a strange one."
The man snorted. He turned to leave, but sniffed, then sat at the table.
"I won't refuse the kindness. I'll pay."
"It's fine. I'm just worried there might not be enough."
"With this much, lack would be the weirder thing. What's your name?"
"Nameless."
"...You trying to play name games with me?"
"I have my reasons."
"Reasons, yet sharing food with a stranger... Truly a strange one."
The man picked up his chopsticks with an incredulous look.
"Still, it's good that oddness doesn't spill into bad places. I'll pay for one of those packed ones and take it."
"As I said, no need to pay. Take what you want."
"Rich young master?"
"I know the discomfort of hunger. With plenty of food right now, I just thought to share. I'm not short on money."
"...Hmm."
The man smiled for the first time.
"You're a funny guy. No. I'll pay. Take it."
Something flew at me with a tap.
Glinting gold coin.
"...That's too much. I can't accept it."
"Pocket it quietly. Hiding your name, sharing food... and refusing even when offered gold... I heard Leaky People has all sorts of eccentrics, but you're the strangest."
"That strange?"
"What's the point of saying. Whatever. Eat. Since I heard something name-like, I should give mine too."
The man curled his lips.
"Gokcheong. That's my name. Few know it, so remember it well. It might help you someday."
...
Gokcheong.
The man who introduced himself that way busily ate the meat.
"Eating is what matters when it's there. Like you said, I know hunger's discomfort too."
"You seem like nobility."
"Now I am. But not before. No better than street scum. To fill a meal, I took all kinds of beatings."
"Me too."
"Hm? You why?"
"Family was poor. Had a younger sister to support, and I had to handle it alone. No food at home, so wandering outside filled my belly better."
"Picked pockets too?"
"No. Just a bit of scavenging..."
"Soft-hearted guy. I did. Pickpocketing. Stole wallets like a pro."
"Not something to boast about, right?"
"...True, but..."
Gokcheong paused.
"Still, thanks to that, I'm here now. Among the wallets I stole, one owner saw talent in a wretch like me. Became my master."
"Same for me."
"Yeah? You're pretty lucky too. Two who crawled from the bottom meet... pretty funny picture, huh?"
Gokcheong coughed lightly. I handed him a cup of water.
"Take it slow."
"Fast eating's habit. Damn. Everything changed but habits are so hard to break..."
"Don't you save the tasty parts for last?"
"...You too?"
"When filling a meal, tasty bits are scarce, so naturally you savor."
"Still do?"
"Not that much now... but I eat the disliked stuff first."
"Me too. Never told anyone... funny."
Gokcheong leaned in.
"Looks like you swing a sword. What's your sect?"
"None."
"No sect?"
"Never formally learned. But there's someone like a master."
"Like a master...? What's that?"
"Couldn't form proper disciple bond. My talent lacked..."
"Odd relationship. Me, I was chosen by my current master. Pierced through his many disciples, learned a sword hard for others."
"Impressive."
"Want a lesson?"
"I'd like to learn... but have other duties."
"Related to Ghost Shadow Black Night Squad?"
"Something like that..."
Gokcheong paused.
"Looking for Ghost Shadow Black Night Squad? Leave Leaky People."
"Pardon?"
"They're probably not here. Half a year passed already; weirder if they were."
"Is that... so?"
"Obviously. The ones Ghost Shadow Black Night Squad truly sought killed each other. Survivors cling to slim chances. Rakshasa Sect, Black Snake Sect same. Among usable remnants, Ten Thousand Demons Sect's Ghost Demon Squad lingers... but with forces gutted, it's over."
"I see."
"What's 'I see'. Get out. Better for you too. And, if you want strength, focus elsewhere than Ghost Shadow Black Night Squad."
"Swinging the sword?"
"Swinging sword. Not bad. But better ways exist."
"What...?"
"Learn the sword that kills people."
Gokcheong crunched the meat in his grasp.
"Called Killing Sword too. It grows faster the more blood it tastes. Essential for the weak to rise."
"........."
"Start with dogs. Hard at first. But once, easy. Then cats. Ducks. Cows. Pigs. Slash anything; soon you'll see how to kill best."
"Ultimately, kill people?"
"Yes. Right path. Martial arts made to kill. Using as intended isn't strange. That's what my master taught. Sword to survive, must learn."
"...Don't want to kill the innocent casually."
"Foolish talk."
Gokcheong set down his chopsticks.
"Martial world is predation. Kill to possess. To surpass realms, must clash with others. Know why?"
"........."
"Sparring gains little. Sword advances only near death's scent. Righteous arts differ, but essence same."
"I think more swings mean better swings."
"Takes ages to grow strong. Ideal sword."
"Still think it's right."
"Right... maybe. Haven't tasted bitterness enough."
Gokcheong's gaze grazed me.
His eyes sharpened.
"World is weak eat strong. Don't eat, get eaten. Around my master, many talents. Picked up kids like me too. To live, swung sword; to live, killed even those I didn't want. Slashed laughing friends too. For my survival."
"........."
"Only top survives. But was that special? No. All sword-bearers same. In cycle of kill or be killed, must choose. Only way: grow stronger than stronger foes first."
"Become monster for power? What's the point."
"Has meaning. Meaning in that monster being me. Omnipotent tyrant. Power is one's value. Feared as monster solidifies power's worth."
"Dangerous thinking."
"Isn't your cult's teaching same?"
"........."
Couldn't say wrong.
Cult's essence rooted in power.
But this man before me held the doctrine intensely. From navigating life of kill or die?
"...I."
Thought before answering.
Set down finished chopsticks.
"Think gaining power is good."
"Obvious."
"But before that, upholding one's will is important too."
"........."
"Agree killing is martial essence. Can't deny. But believe sword holds something beyond."
"What?"
"Power to realize will. Power to change situations without killing. Of course, times come to kill. Everyone has moments to draw sword. But aside, don't crave blood much."
"Hmm..."
"I'll give my all each moment to advance. Looks foolish repeating to others. My talent mediocre anyway; that's my best. But... stacking daily small efforts to reach goal someday. That's my sword."
"You from righteous faction?"
"...No."
Chill ran down my spine.
Gokcheong clicked his tongue.
"Well, fine. Each has their sword. Daily small efforts..."
"What do you think?"
"I'm genius; never did small efforts. Got big chunks."
"Enviable. If I were, might think different. But benefactor often said I lack talent..."
"........."
Gokcheong stared at me.
"Soft. But unyielding where it matters. Prone to early death."
"I'll take as praise."
"You'll handle it. No need for me to care. Day will come you grasp Killing Sword's need. Before harsh reality, ideals bend. Life always matters most, not will. No life, will crumbles too. Useless then."
"Yet things dearer than life make us grasp sword."
"...You're different. But you'll become like me someday. Humans are such. That's what master taught. At crossroads, bend will for survival. That made me."
Gokcheong wiped his mouth.
"Meal done, talk ends."
"What you mentioned earlier is here. Take the gold too."
"You keep it. I have plenty."
Gokcheong tossed words at me.
"Ghost Shadow Black Night Squad not here. Leave in a week. If you want to live."
"Pardon?"
"No place for you in Leaky People. Get out."
The martial artist walking to door glanced back.
"Your sword detached from reality."
"......"
"I know bending will. Know walking unwanted paths. Know all survivors' swords are thus."
Gokcheong fiddled with his sword hilt.
"You're wrong, Nameless. But..."
"......"
Gokcheong trailed off, smirking.
"Whatever. Don't forget my advice."
Gokcheong left. I watched till he vanished.
Not strange person... but one forced to strangeness.
I called the server. Packed other foods besides meat, returned to Black Peony.
"Late... no, what's with all this? Skipped dinner?"
"Ate already."
"Then I eat all alone? This much?"
"Hand got generous thinking of you..."
"Calling me a pig?"
"Not that."
"I know. Joke. Still... lots. Eat with me."
As we ate, food went down. Black Peony asked curiously.
"Ate already, eating well again? Just a little?"
"Focused on talk, ate slow."
"Talk? With who?"
"Stranger... but."
Recalled Gokcheong.
"Many similarities. But decisively different."
"How?"
"The person... met. Or environment."
To be honest, my environment wasn't great either.
But still, learned sword from one who truly saw me late.
One who taught effort's meaning, results.
Then what of person who taught Gokcheong sword?
"...Black Peony."
"Yes?"
"What kind of person teaches only Killing Sword?"
"Master teaching Killing Sword? Hmm..."
Black Peony put stir-fried veggies in mouth. Chewed slowly.
"Master-disciple like family. New parents... many say. Tender bond. Passing life's work like martial arts; light relation odd, right?"
"True."
"If master learned only Killing Sword, possible. But if straight personality? Hard to say. Sword reflects person; sword for killing people comes from killer."
"Aren't martial arts originally people-killing swords?"
"Were. But now different? Weapons' meanings changed; handling power diversified. Righteous focus lively swords, training like cultivating Tao. Cult reveres power, many follow Killing Sword mysteries, but not all. Honing body, building strength just means to empower; not directly how to kill best. Thus... paths of martial many; even born to kill, not always slaughter visible."
"Hmm..."
"Beat around, but opinion: Killing Sword? Fine. Martial essence killing, sure. Not wrong. My Bewitching Demon Phantom Art kills too. But master teaching sword, not opening choices, stressing only Killing Sword..."
Black Peony nailed what I'd vaguely felt.
"Not proper master-disciple. Maybe... sees as tool. Not person, but wieldable sword? Speculation though."