Gwangheosanin, the Mad Void Wanderer
"So, they were Kunlun disciples after all."
The mysterious Daoist muttered as he inspected the clothes of the men he had just slain.
His tone was entirely devoid of emotion, as if he had merely swatted a fly or a mosquito he happened to cross paths with.
Looking at him, a certain man came to mind.
A man in his forties, dressed in free-spirited wanderer's attire, who killed people without a second thought.
There was only one figure in the Murim who fit such a description.
And it seemed I wasn't the only one who had realized it.
"By any chance... are you Senior Gwangheosanin, the Mad Void Wanderer?"
"Ho? You know of me?"
To Yeongho Bin's cautious inquiry, the man replied with utter nonchalance.
They say a man might be given the wrong name, but never the wrong moniker.
The mere fact that his moniker contained the character *Gwang*, meaning 'madness,' was more than enough to show how dangerous the man before us was.
And it wasn't just his mental state that was the problem.
Just moments ago, he had severed a man's head from a distance with a single swing of his sword.
To not only manifest sword Qi but to project it over a distance meant, by the standards of this world, that he was a master of the Peak Master realm.
A Peak Master-level madman who killed people for no particular reason.
That was Gwangheosanin.
To be realistic, even if Baek So-cheong, Yeongho Bin, and I all attacked him at once, we stood no chance of winning.
Should we be glad we escaped the Kunlun Sect's grasp?
But what if this madman decided to view us as enemies?
Sensing the looming crisis, my introverted nature began to rear its head once more.
No, anyone would be terrified in this situation, introvert or not.
"Forgive my rudeness, Senior, but is there a reason you have sought us out?"
At Yeongho Bin's question, Gwangheosanin rolled his half-closed eyes, scanning each of our faces one by one.
"Why would I have business with the likes of you? I was simply annoyed that my sweet slumber was interrupted by those pests buzzing around and making a racket since dawn."
While it was a relief, it also sent a colder shiver down my spine than before.
He had slaughtered three Kunlun disciples on the spot simply because they disturbed his nap.
He was undoubtedly as insane as the rumors suggested. I could only pray that this madman's blade wouldn't turn toward us next.
"In that case, we shall take our leave so as not to disturb you any further, Senior."
"Hold on a moment."
But Gwangheosanin had no intention of letting us go so easily. Keeping us in place, he began to mutter, as if speaking to himself—or perhaps to us.
"Listening to those fools babble, they seemed to be searching for someone. They said if they found a group traveling with a young boy, they were to immediately summon their martial uncle or whatever. It seems you fit the bill perfectly, which is why you got caught."
This was within my expectations, so it wasn't particularly surprising.
However...
"I also heard them mention something about the Demonic Cult... and yet, they had you cornered..."
The moment the words "Demonic Cult" left Gwangheosanin's mouth, my heart plummeted.
Though no one showed it on their faces, I was certain the others felt the same.
"Are you lot, by any chance, Demonic Cultists?"
His dry, raspy voice made my heart feel as though it had stopped with a heavy thud.
Though the question wasn't directed at anyone in particular, Yeongho Bin stepped up to represent us once again.
"How could that be? We are siblings on our way to a village down the mountain to attend a relative's wedding."
"Hmm... Is that so? I suppose."
The man's monologue continued.
It was impossible to tell what Gwangheosanin thought of the Demonic Cult.
Since he wasn't an orthodox martial artist, he might not have cared either way.
"I despise the Kunlun bastards, but I hate those Demonic Cult freaks even more. Their bizarre doctrines and the way their Sect Leader struts around... just thinking about it makes me sick. Even if they didn't disturb my sleep, I'd want to slaughter them the moment they caught my eye."
As he spoke, his gaze locked onto me, piercing right through me.
My vision began to blur from the sheer tension.
"But why would the Kunlun Sect scour the mountains for a single boy from the Demonic Cult? What do you think, boy?"
"I... do not know."
It was a simple, short response, but I had to concentrate with every fiber of my being to keep my voice from trembling.
Gwangheosanin continued.
"I heard an interesting rumor recently. The son of the Demonic Cult's Sect Leader accomplished something quite extraordinary. They say he found the Three Great Sacred Treasures of the Ming Sect, and one of them is a legendary saber, isn't it...? I couldn't care less why the Kunlun dogs want to capture the Young Sect Leader... but since I wield a saber myself, I can't help but covet it. Hmm... Though they say it looks rather ordinary at a glance."
Gwangheosanin lifted the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber, which was still clutched in the dead Daoist's hand, with a suspicious look.
My discovery of the Three Great Sacred Treasures of the Sun and Moon Sect was a secret known only to the high-ranking officials of the headquarters.
But before I could even wonder how a man like Gwangheosanin had caught wind of it, he kept speaking.
"What was it again? They said he has blood-red eyes—the Crimson Eyes, or some such. The Young Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult, that is. I suppose that Kunlun first-class disciple wanted to take a closer look at your eyes too. Now that I look at you, your eyes seem a bit red..."
"My brother's eyes always turn red like that around spring and autumn."
This time, Namgung Eon stepped in, making an excuse for my naturally reddish eyes, even though the Crimson Eyes hadn't fully manifested yet.
Gwangheosanin stared into my eyes for a long moment, then let out a smirk and tossed the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber back to me.
"I've kept you travelers for too long. Run along now."
The moment Gwangheosanin gave his permission, Yeongho Bin and Baek So-cheong exchanged glances, bowed to him, and prepared to turn around.
But...
"Wait. Before you go, look into my eyes and answer me one by one. I have an exceptional talent for sniffing out lies. Yes, you. Come here first."
With those few words, Gwangheosanin halted us in our tracks once more.
He pointed at Yeongho Bin, stepping close with his hand resting on his blade.
His voice was cold as ice.
"If you lie, your head will fly. Are you of the Demonic Cult?"
Yeongho Bin did not answer immediately.
I knew how unyielding his resolve usually was.
Which only made me more anxious.
Yeongho Bin held a pride in the teachings and ideals of the Holy Sect that was greater than anyone else's.
If he had to deny being a disciple of the Holy Sect just to save his own skin, he was the type who would absolutely refuse to do so.
"No."
Even after Yeongho Bin's lie, Gwangheosanin didn't budge.
Next, he pointed at Namgung Eon.
"Are you of the Demonic Cult?"
"No."
Namgung Eon also denied it with a stiff expression.
I knew they weren't lying because they wanted to save themselves.
They were doing it to protect my life.
But...
"Next, the lady. Come forward."
Baek So-cheong stepped before Gwangheosanin, her expression rigid.
Before he could even ask, she spoke first.
"Senior Gwangheosanin, your renowned name shakes the very heavens. Must a man of your stature go to such lengths against a mere child and a woman?"
"If you are not a member of the Demonic Cult, I will let you go immediately, so do not fret. Now, lady, do you belong to the Demonic Cult?"
Baek So-cheong's answer did not come immediately.
As a member of the Sect Leader's direct bloodline, denying her identity was no easy task.
But I could tell that she, too, was about to lie for my sake.
Knowing this, I couldn't just stand by and watch.
"Sister, that is enough. Step back."
I should have done this from the start.
Of course, it wasn't because I was too proud to lie.
If telling a lie could save my companions and me, I would lie a hundred times over.
But I simply lacked the confidence.
I didn't possess a heart of iron that could lie calmly in the face of death.
Nor did I have the stomach to watch Baek So-cheong meet a terrible fate if she chose to speak the truth.
"Yeon..."
"I will handle this. Yeongho Bin, Namgung Eon, you two step back as well."
Was I not afraid of death?
Of course I was terrified.
But hadn't I already died once before?
If I had to die again, it would be far better to die doing what I believed was right.
With that thought, an strange sense of calm washed over me.
"Gwangheosanin. Forgive my subordinates' lies. They only made a misjudgment out of a desire to protect their lord's life."
"Ho... Then you are?"
"Indeed. I am the Young Sect Leader of the Great Sun and Moon Sect, Baek Yeon."
My trembling ceased, and only a single thought remained.
The man before me was a master of a realm I couldn't hope to reach.
But if killing him was the only way for my sister, my subordinates, and me to survive... then there was no other choice.
I had to make it happen, no matter what.
"Hahaha!"
Gwangheosanin suddenly burst into uproarious laughter.
He pointed a finger directly at my eyes.
Come to think of it, as the Heavenly Killer Star awakened, my eyes were now blazing with the blood-red glow known as the Crimson Eyes.
Even without my words, my identity had been laid bare.
"What a masterpiece! To actually confess your identity in this situation. So, you truly are the Young Sect Leader of the Demonic Cult?"
Gwangheosanin stared into my eyes, his mouth stretched into a wide, manic grin.
After laughing so hard his shoulders shook, his amusement finally subsided, and the tension in the air grew thicker than ever.
Baek So-cheong, Yeongho Bin, and Namgung Eon were all poised, ready to spring into battle at a moment's notice.
"You lot should thank your master. If even the Young Sect Leader had lied, all of your heads would have rolled together in perfect harmony."
Saying this, he surprisingly sheathed the blade he was holding back onto his waist.
And then...
"It would ruin my reputation as a senior of the Murim if I mercilessly slaughtered a young boy. So, Young Sect Leader... Baek Yeon, was it? I shall give you a chance."
"A chance?"
Gwangheosanin.
True to his title of *Sanin*, or wanderer, he was a madman who belonged to no sect, drifting aimlessly through the Murim.
Aside from his moniker, nothing was known about him—not his real name, his lineage, his origins, nor what he desired or pursued...
He was simply a Peak Master who pursued absolute strength.
"I will yield three moves to you. If your saber so much as grazes my collar, I will let all of you go."
"Young Sect Leader. There is no need to listen to this man. We will buy you time, so—"
Yeongho Bin stepped forward to stop me, but I waved my hand, signaling him to step back.
I had no intention of fleeing at the cost of their lives.
Besides, considering Gwangheosanin's lightfoot technique and the sheer reach of his sword wind, running away would be nothing but a foolish pipe dream.
"I shall gladly accept your offer."
"As you should."
The man chuckled as he agreed, then wiped the smile from his face, letting his arms hang loosely in a relaxed stance.
I, too, stared into his hollow eyes as my fingers tightened around the hilt of the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber.
Graze his collar, is it?
Perhaps this was a golden opportunity for me.
My cultivation was only at the mid-stage of the Second-class Realm, at least two entire realms below Gwangheosanin, who was at the Peak Master level.
In a head-on clash, I stood absolutely no chance...
But through my cultivation of the Dark Demonic Inward Heart Method, I had reached a remarkably high level for my age, and he had no information on my true capabilities.
Furthermore, with the Heavenly Killer Star active, I could temporarily unleash martial arts far exceeding my usual limits.
Even I didn't know how powerful I could become when fully unleashing the Heavenly Killer Star.
Thus, this was an incredibly dangerous gamble—not just for me, but for him as well.
Heavenly Killer Star... are you listening?
Not just the collar. We must strike with the resolve to cleave him in a single blow.
Yes. Go ahead... run as wild as you please.
With a single deep breath, I drew upon the energy of the Dark Demonic Inward Heart Method, but the violent waves of Qi no longer ran rampant.
The twisted meridians within my body formed a fierce yet silent vortex of demonic Qi.
With the power of the Heavenly Killer Star joining the fray, the flow of my internal energy swelled to a magnificent, roaring tide.
It must not merely extend from the hand. It must be made a part of the entire body's circulation.
And as the spark of inspiration I had gained from Baek So-cheong's advice fused with this power...
"Here I come."
"Come then."
*Shlick.*
A saber form containing everything I had cultivated up to this moment.
The blade of the Heavenly Slayer Demonic Saber, enveloped in a mysterious, crimson-glowing saber Qi, drew a smooth, elegant arc through the empty air.