Chapter 29
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Meeting the Leader of the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad
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“Find anything?”
“No.”
Pure shook her head with a crestfallen expression.
“Don’t be too disappointed. This is Seop Yu-heun and the Dark Nine Lairs we're talking about. Do you really think they'd leave any real information behind? If you had found something, I would have been suspicious.”
“Why?”
“They abandoned this estate but didn’t burn it down. And yet they left behind an important clue? That would be a trap. A deadly trap meant to kill anyone who came looking.”
“Then why did you ask me to search?”
“Because by looking at the information, I can tell by instinct whether it was intentionally leaked or truly left behind by mistake.”
I answered confidently.
I had spent eighty-two years of my life fighting nothing but the forces of evil.
That was why I prided myself on being the foremost expert when it came to dealing with them.
If I had to name one other expert, it would be Zhuge Mun-hyeon.
“What do we do now?”
“We wait for orders, Affectionate.”
“Why?”
“There should be a fairly large reward for this.”
“The more, the better.”
I grinned broadly.
For the time being, all the money I earned would go into Elder Geum’s pocket, but having gained 120 years’ worth of internal energy by consuming the Azure Stone Milk, I didn’t regret it at all.
“There’s a safe house nearby. I’ll go and report.”
“To report?”
“Yes.”
Pure was about to leap away but stopped, turned back, and apologized to me.
“I’m sorry for taking you to that abandoned house last time instead of the safe house. According to the rules, Executioners aren’t allowed inside the safe houses.”
“I understand. Be careful.”
I plopped down on the wooden porch.
Pure’s body blurred and then vanished.
Honestly, I had no interest in the safe house.
My mind was currently preoccupied with only one thought: ‘How can I earn a lot of money to consume good elixirs and increase my internal energy?’
Having increased my internal energy with the Azure Stone Milk, it would now be difficult to enhance it with just any ordinary elixir.
‘Something like a thousand-year snow ginseng, a ten-thousand-year fleeceflower root, the core of a spirit beast, or one of Shaolin’s Great Rebirth Pills? Damn it. This won’t be easy. When I was the Alliance Leader, I could get these things easily.’
I found myself missing those days.
But I quickly shook my head.
It was a life I could never return to, and now I had to be faithful to my life as Guyang Cheon.
‘Let’s work hard. Fortune will follow those who strive.’
This was my creed.
In my previous life, I had risen to the position of Alliance Leader through sheer effort and luck alone.
Even after that, through grueling effort, I had surpassed all my rivals and managed to hold on to my position.
Pure, whom I expected to return soon, only appeared several days later.
And she wasn't alone; she was with the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad.
Seeing Yeo Jung-myeong, the leader of the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad, I broke into a welcoming, bright smile.
“Are you Affectionate?”
Yeo Jung-myeong asked cautiously.
Normally, someone of Yeo Jung-myeong's standing could have questioned an Executioner arrogantly, but he was being extremely cautious.
From this, I sensed that Yeo Jung-myeong had some other purpose.
“I am.”
“You’re wearing a disguise.”
“It’s the rules.”
“Do you know who I am?”
“Yeo Jung-myeong, leader of the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad, the direct strike team of the Information Pavilion. Correct?”
“That is correct. Well, I’ll be.”
Yeo Jung-myeong was dumbfounded.
He thought the man was far too arrogant for a mere Executioner.
He shook his head again, trying to banish the negative thought.
“What happened to them?”
“They all fled. As for where they went, it’s a complete mystery.”
“Why do you think they fled?”
“Well… they must be afraid of the Martial Arts Alliance.”
*They must be afraid of me.*
I almost said it but held my tongue.
Yeo Jung-myeong sat right next to me and began asking all sorts of questions.
He was subtly trying to dig into personal matters, as if trying to uncover something, but I only answered what was necessary and coldly refused to answer anything else.
Zhuge Mun-hyeon must have ordered this.
To figure out my identity.
But I wasn't one to fall for that.
“But was it really Seop Yu-heun? Blood Demon Saber, Seop Yu-heun?”
“It was.”
“How can you be so sure? Seop Yu-heun is a great demon of a past era who vanished from the martial world thirty years ago.”
“Do not doubt me based on your own small prejudices, warrior Yeo. Well, if you really can’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”
“This is a matter of great importance. So I must ask.”
Yeo Jung-myeong clasped his hands in a fist-and-palm salute as he made his request.
He looked quite earnest.
“He used the Primordial Demon Art. The characteristics of the Primordial Demon Art are…”
As I briefly explained the key points, Yeo Jung-myeong’s eyes widened.
He knew I was accurately describing the features of the Primordial Demon Art, and through our conversation, he realized I wasn't lying.
He finally understood that I had defeated Seop Yu-heun.
He had rushed here with doubts, but upon confirmation, it turned out to be true.
“May I request a duel?”
“Did Strategist Zhuge order this? To test my martial prowess?”
Yeo Jung-myeong didn't answer.
But his stubbornly shut mouth and fierce gaze said it all.
This was a warrior's competitive spirit, predating any order from Zhuge Mun-hyeon.
“Pure, what should I do in a situation like this?”
“A duel is a decision that rests solely on your will, Affectionate.”
“I see. Then I refuse.”
As if he hadn't expected it, a flicker of bewilderment crossed Yeo Jung-myeong's face.
“Pure, could you give us a moment?”
“Yes.”
As Pure disappeared, Yeo Jung-myeong also dismissed the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad.
Once we were alone, I was the first to ask a question.
“First, state your purpose clearly. And isn't it proper to make a request after that?”
“Are all Executioners like this?”
“I’m a bit special. Warrior Yeo, you would never understand, so don’t even try. I’ll ask again. What did Strategist Zhuge instruct you to do?”
“Why do you keep bringing Strategist Zhuge into this?”
“Because the warrior Yeo I know wouldn’t be this talkative. You aren’t usually one for many words, are you?”
“What kind of charade is this?”
Yeo Jung-myeong shook his head from side to side as if he’d had enough.
He felt as if this person could see right through him and the entire Martial Arts Alliance, yet he knew nothing about the man, which was frustrating.
After some thought, Yeo Jung-myeong opened his mouth and admitted it.
“You’re right. He gave the order. May I know what sword art you used?”
“The Ouyang Sword Art.”
“That’s impossible!”
“Then what were you thinking of?”
Yeo Jung-myeong flinched, then finally revealed his true thoughts.
“Could it be the Heavenly Will Sword Art?”
“I will not answer that.”
I neither confirmed nor denied it, but Yeo Jung-myeong pressed further.
“How did you obtain it?”
“I will not answer that either.”
“Affectionate, you are also a member of the Martial Arts Alliance. Why won't you answer Strategist Zhuge’s questions?”
“I was told that according to the rules, I can refuse to answer. An Executioner’s identity and authority are guaranteed by the Alliance Leader’s Decree.”
I replied with a faint smile, then made a new proposal.
“Arrange a meeting for me with Strategist Zhuge.”
“Do you think you are qualified to meet him?”
“If I weren't, warrior Yeo, you wouldn't be here having such a deep conversation with me. Am I wrong?”
As I finished speaking, I fully opened my dantian, drawing out my Universe's Will True Energy to its absolute limit.
*Whoooosh.*
As the utmost yang energy pricked his skin like searing needles, Yeo Jung-myeong turned pale with shock and let out an involuntary groan.
“Hah.”
Completely unprepared for such a situation, Yeo Jung-myeong was startled and hastily retreated.
After witnessing my terrifying aura, Yeo Jung-myeong’s face was filled with disbelief.
“So it was true. You really defeated Seop Yu-heun. Is this even possible? Considering who Seop Yu-heun is.”
Upon confirming my aura, he poured out words mixed with admiration and sighs, yet his expression remained full of disbelief.
“I do not know if Strategist Zhuge will agree to meet you.”
“Warrior Yeo, do not make the judgment yourself; simply relay the message. The decision is his to make, after all.”
Suddenly reduced to a mere errand boy, Yeo Jung-myeong felt a sense of emptiness.
Before coming here, he had thought he could overwhelm Affectionate with his authority and martial skill.
But it didn't take long for him to realize how foolish that thought had been.
Forget overwhelming him; he now even doubted if he could win in a fight.
**
Once Yeo Jung-myeong left with the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad, Pure reappeared.
“What did you talk about?”
“Are you curious?”
“I’m sorry. It’s okay if you don’t tell me.”
“No, it’s not something I can’t tell you. I asked him to arrange a meeting with Strategist Zhuge.”
“Do you think he’ll meet you?”
Pure’s eyes widened.
Zhuge Mun-hyeon was the de facto second-in-command of the Martial Arts Alliance.
For someone like him to meet an Executioner from the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion? It was unheard of.
“He will.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Because he’ll be curious. Why is a mere Executioner so strong? What sword art did he use to defeat Seop Yu-heun? And if it's the sword art he suspects, how did I obtain it? How will he utilize me in the future? See? Just a rough thought gives him plenty of reasons to meet me, right?”
“I’m getting really curious about your past, Affectionate.”
“What’s there to be curious about? I was just the Ouyang Clan’s scoundrel.”
“In Jeongju Prefecture, does the word 'scoundrel' mean 'someone who harbors a great ambition while deceiving the world'?”
“Hahahaha.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“Because you’re saying something ridiculous. A scoundrel is just a scoundrel. Why would you attach such a grandiose meaning to it? That’s why I’m laughing. Isn’t it funny?”
Pure didn't laugh.
“Why?”
“Because I feel like you’ll be leaving the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion soon, Affectionate.”
“Why do you think I’ll leave?”
“Honestly, being guaranteed a high position in the Martial Arts Alliance is much better than living as an Executioner, isn’t it? You’d be respected by other martial artists, too.”
“I’m going to remain an Executioner for the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion for a while.”
“Why?”
“Just because. I like the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion. And you, Pure, you’re easy to be around.”
A faint blush appeared on Pure’s face.
Truthfully, I did have thoughts of joining the Martial Arts Alliance.
The reason I decided to remain in the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion, despite that, was because the descendants of the Dark Blood Heaven Cult, the Evil Emperor Union, and the Black Way Union would soon reveal themselves to the world.
And as Elder Geum had advised, their spies were hidden deep within the Martial Arts Alliance.
Therefore, for the time being, I planned to live as Affectionate, fending off external enemies while searching for internal ones.
Even if I didn't trust anyone else, I could trust Zhuge Mun-hyeon.
What if Zhuge Mun-hyeon was a spy?
Then, frankly, I had no confidence I could defeat the forces of evil.
But the chances of that were close to zero.
During my time as the Alliance Leader, I had moved according to his plans and crushed countless evil factions. He was directly or indirectly involved in the destruction of the Dark Heavenly Cult, the Black Way Union, the Evil Emperor Union, the Blood Heaven Cult, and the Blood Palace.
So, I was certain he couldn't be a spy.
“Huh? What’s with your face?”
Lost in thought for a moment, I turned my head to see Pure looking at me with a slightly flushed face.
“It’s nothing. I was just suddenly struck by how amazing you are, Affectionate.”
“Hahaha. Everyone’s the same.”
“Um, you know.”
“Go on.”
“About ten years ago, have you ever met the former Alliance Leader?”
“Me?”
“Pardon?”
“No, sorry. My mistake. Please continue.”
“It was when we were dealing with the remnants of the Evil Emperor Union, and the Executioners of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion were mobilized. I was on a mission with you back then, Affectionate, and I saw the Alliance Leader. From a hidden spot, of course. He was truly incredible back then. He was like a heavenly god.”
“I see.”
“It’s strange. When I look at you, Affectionate, I keep thinking of the Alliance Leader from back then.”
“To be compared to Alliance Leader Hwa is quite an honor. Now, what should we do?”
I changed the subject.
“You can return to Jeongju Prefecture now and wait for the next orders. When the reward comes…”
“Leave it with the Full Moon Tower. They’ll know what to do.”
“Still?”
“Yes. I have a debt to pay, so I’ll have to keep paying it off for a while.”
As I rose to my feet, Pure stood up as well.
“You’ve worked hard. Well then.”
I immediately took off towards Jeongju Prefecture.
Pure kept her eyes fixed in the direction of Jeongju.
Only after my figure had completely vanished from sight did she let out a short sigh and leap in a different direction.