At the Ak Clan Sword Family (1)
Baek So-cheon returned to Hyun-cheon-dae after leaving the brain prison.
Im Choong and Beon Saeng were practicing the swordsmanship Baek So-cheon had taught them in the training grounds.
With no official duties yet, they spent the entire day honing their sword skills.
Baek So-cheon stood watching for a moment.
Im Choong was at an average level, but Beon Saeng displayed exceptional swordplay. He had a natural talent for martial arts. His usual chatter, antics, and silly remarks created a preconception that he was far from serious cultivation, but surprisingly, he possessed innate genius.
Baek So-cheon corrected their stances. Whose guidance wouldn't help? With each word, they grew by leaps and bounds.
"At this rate, you'll advance to the next stage soon."
Beon Saeng asked in surprise at Baek So-cheon's words.
"There's a next stage?"
"Of course."
"How many stages are there?"
"Around a hundred and eight?"
"Hahaha! Hearing big bro's tall tales after so long feels nostalgic and nice. Come on, no more jokes—what's the real number?"
"……."
"You're not joking."
"I actually shortened it a bit to boost your morale."
"Argh! You're invoking the 108 Earthly Desires on me!"
Of course, it was Baek So-cheon's joke meant to urge him not to slack off.
With overflowing talent and such sweat-drenched effort, Beon Saeng would soon rise to the ranks of masters if he kept this up.
After encouraging Beon Saeng, Baek So-cheon turned to Im Choong.
"How's it going? Manageable?"
"I'm putting in the effort, but my body just won't keep up."
"Don't rush. Steady progress is key."
"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."
Im Choong lacked talent compared to Beon Saeng, but he had something Beon Saeng didn't: endurance and consistency. Thinking of his family made even hardships bearable.
Especially since his son Chan aspired to the martial world, he wanted to at least be a milestone for the boy—a worthy father.
When things got tough, he recalled Baek So-cheon's words. At their age, Baek So-cheon couldn't even walk. Yet here he was, soaring before their eyes.
I can do it too.
Yeah, at least he had one excuse ready.
I'm getting old, it's tough.
But Im Choong planned to save that excuse like a master's final move. He'd push to not fall behind the young Beon Saeng.
"Mix in stamina training too."
"Got it."
As Baek So-cheon headed to the office, he called back.
"Grow fast! That way I can put you to work!"
"Yes, sir!"
The reborn Im Choong and Beon Saeng swung their swords again, immersing themselves in practice.
* * *
From that day on, Baek So-cheon visited the brain prison daily.
He'd place a bottle of liquor in front of it and train. Some days stamina work, others punches and kicks.
The demon, who at first only peeked slyly, now watched openly.
"Mindless flailing at the air?"
"In this frustrating world, I'm practicing to beat it all down."
"That fist technique doesn't look ordinary."
He recognized Baek So-cheon's fist art was no common style. Intrigued, he offered pointers.
Today, something caught his eye again.
"Shouldn't that stance lower the waist more?"
Baek So-cheon humbly tried it, lowering his waist.
"Feels awkward."
"Endure it."
"Why?"
"So you can explode into the next move faster."
"Hm."
Baek So-cheon pondered. His own realm far surpassed the demon's.
But he never dismissed the demon's words lightly.
What does one at the absolute peak learn from?
Baek So-cheon had two principles.
First, seek the ultimate, whatever form—manuals, people, anything. Even mastering the supreme arts of history served that. Including insights to reclaim his inner power.
Second, heed advisors.
As the saying goes, among three travelers, one is a teacher. Someone of the demon's caliber made an excellent advisor.
One crucial rule: never get swayed or confused by their words.
A novice is just that. Misinterpreting half-baked advice could weaken you. Elevate it to your level, then recreate from there.
That's why he seriously considered the demon's input today.
"No. Even if it's slower, this feels better here. Bending more exposes the left side—riskier."
"A gap on the left?"
"You wouldn't see it."
"If my eyes don't see it, it doesn't exist."
"Fair point."
Baek So-cheon conceded readily. A flaw visible only to fellow masters—did it count if this opponent couldn't spot it?
He stood motionless, deep in thought.
Is a "perfect" move truly perfect? Can rationality sacrificed for absolute transcendence be discarded? If compromising, what path?
When Baek So-cheon sank into such contemplation, the demon quietly drank without interrupting. Villain or not, he showed that much respect.
After half a shichen of meditation, Baek So-cheon smiled.
"Two bottles tomorrow."
Enlightenment achieved.
"Good, good."
Having discussed martial arts with no one lately, these talks with the demon greatly aided Baek So-cheon.
After fifteen days, Baek So-cheon said to him.
"Today's the last."
The demon flinched at "last."
"Not coming anymore?"
"That's right. I'd love to chat martial arts for months or years, maybe even change your mind, but I'm not that free."
The demon's face twisted—like a bolt from the blue.
Fifteen days of daily liquor; the thought of none left him unbearable.
"You planned this."
"Think what you want. Likely our final meeting. Farewell. Neither of us is heading to paradise—see you in hell."
Baek So-cheon turned and walked away.
As he went, the demon called from behind.
"What'll you give if I answer about the Alliance Lord?"
Baek So-cheon turned back.
"A bottle daily till you die."
"For real?"
"Promise."
"Deal."
In that moment, the demon questioned himself.
Just for the liquor?
He'd endured to avoid betraying the Black Heaven Alliance Lord. Speaking would void his lifelong loyalty.
But now he was weary... his loyalty too.
He resisted thinking I've been betrayed. Strived to be the traitor to the end—that was his final loyalty.
Meanwhile, Baek So-cheon returned.
"What exactly do you wonder about the Black Heaven Alliance Lord?"
The demon was more curious himself—what was he asking?
Baek So-cheon's first question concerned Yeom Hwa-sin's body.
"In our final duel, my sword precisely split his heart."
"You! For real?"
Few knew of Baek So-cheon's last clash with the Black Heaven Lord. The demon, captured before, was unaware.
"Yet he didn't die. Know why?"
Baek So-cheon unleashed every ultimate technique; Yeom Hwa-sin matched him.
In the climax, Baek So-cheon seized the moment.
Pouring all remaining inner power, he shattered the protective aura and pierced the heart. Yet Yeom survived, counterattacked—shattering Baek's dantian.
"Why ask now?"
Not "I don't know," but "why"—implying he knew the answer.
"Might fight again."
"You lost all your power? Think I don't know you're stuck here?"
"Exactly. That's why I need to know. That fight made me this way. Why didn't your lord die?"
Mind made up, the demon answered without hesitation.
"The Black Heaven Lord's heart is congenitally elsewhere."
"As I thought!"
He'd suspected as much, but checked for hidden aces.
"Where?"
"Not left, so right. Not up, then down."
"Precisely!"
"Don't know. Think he'd tell anyone?"
The demon spoke truth.
Baek So-cheon recalled Yeom Hwa-sin's form.
That massive, sturdy frame hid the heart somewhere. Not left, then right? If not...
No one knew how hard piercing him was.
Positive spin: at least not the left chest.
Second question.
"Did the Black Heaven Lord learn soul subjugation arts?"
"Soul subjugation? Why?"
"No need to know. Did he or not?"
"Yes. Dark Spirit Control Technique. Top-tier soul art. But I hear the lord learned it not to mesmerize foes, but to counter their attempts. Strong enough without using it."
Baek So-cheon nodded silently.
"One last thing."
"What?"
"Where's Ban Yun-saeng now?"
The unexpected name startled the demon.
"Why him?"
"No need to know."
"You don't seriously..."
The demon looked suspicious.
"Believe that madman's ravings? He's insane."
"If I don't try mad things... my situation won't resolve."
Staring at Baek So-cheon, the demon spoke. Mouth open, might as well go all in.
"Heard he secluded in Qilian Mountains. Not sure if alive."
Qilian Mountains in Gansu—Black Heaven territory, near the Jade Gate Pass to the western regions.
"Got it. Questions end here. Thanks for answering. I'll ensure a bottle daily."
As Baek So-cheon turned, the demon asked.
"Our lord will unify the martial world."
"Still 'our lord,' huh."
"You'd call me traitor, but he'll understand."
"I don't think so. Drink up while you can—no regrets."
Meaning: having spilled secrets, the lord wouldn't spare him. The demon couldn't deny it.
Irritated, he yelled at Baek's back.
"Keep your promise!"
Heading to Hyun-cheon-dae, the emergency bell tolled—not training, but real action.
Soon, Iron Sword Unit riders galloped out.
Baek So-cheon stepped aside, watching.
Leading was Iron Sword Lord Chung Yang. Among followers, Hwang Il-bi too. The lord personally leading a squad captain meant major incident.
He learned the details back at Hyun-cheon-dae.
Sa-ma Il-jung awaited.
"Greetings. Hyun-cheon Pavilion Strategist Sa-ma Il-jung."
"Baek So-cheon."
"I'll handle liaison between Strategy Command and Captain Baek from now on. Honored to meet you."
No flattery—sincere. He'd volunteered to Je-gal Hyeon for this. The man atop the Murim Ranking Records. Just conversing thrilled Sa-ma Il-jung.
"Please take care of me."
"Likewise."
Je-gal Hyeon's promise: share Strategy intel.
"Saw Iron Sword Unit mobilize urgently—what happened at the Alliance?"
"Incident at the Ak Clan Sword Family."
Now it made sense. The Ak Clan Sword Family was Murim Alliance Lord Ak So-gun's clan.