Chapter 186: Pinnacle (1)
"Heheh."
Gyu Soha, who ended up possessing the body of the female Fourth Mountain Grass Smoke Group's leader Seo Hye-in according to her wishes, snickered as if satisfied.
Seeing Gyu Soha like that, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue.
– Tsk tsk. I don't understand how she can insist that she's a man while being so happy.
– Indeed.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.
In fact, it didn't matter to him whether Gyu Soha was a woman or a man.
He just needed a card that could move as he wished.
– By the way, what are you going to do? Regardless of the process, it seems you've gotten the factions of the second disciple Jang Neung-ak and his junior sister Wi So-yeon under your control, just as you intended.
– Not completely yet.
– Why do you think so?
– We can only say we've succeeded in merging the two groups when we can move the real powerhouses.
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Cheong-ryeong said as if impressed,
– Oh? Is that so?
– Isn't this the natural course of action?
– Yes. You're right. The greenhorn subordinates may follow their masters' orders, but the real ones are different.
The real ones Cheong-ryeong was talking about.
It didn't refer to the loyal subordinates of the two successors.
The majority of the subordinates were disciples of the next generation who would take responsibility, but currently, the executives behind them were the real power holders.
– If we try to hastily merge the two forces, we may face opposition from the elders behind them.
– Indeed.
The subordinates following Jang Neung-ak or Wi So-yeon are disciples of the next generation of similar age.
Unless it's an extraordinary case, they have no choice but to move according to their lord's will.
However, as Cheong-ryeong said, the executives were different.
– If it goes against their interests, they are likely to react differently.
– Do you have a plan for that?
– Well… What do you think is the best way?
At Mok Gyeong-un's question, Cheong-ryeong asked in puzzlement,
– Are you asking seriously?
– Yes.
– …Are you seeking advice from me?
– Yes, that's right.
– Ha? The sun must be rising from the west. You're the one who doesn't even listen to the advice I give and does whatever you want.
– You seem more familiar with handling an organization than I am.
– …
– Am I wrong?
– …Hmph. You're talking nonsense.
Cheong-ryeong, who was looking at Mok Gyeong-un while within a wooden puppet, seemed surprised.
Judging by his actions, she thought he might act on his own until the end.
But at some point, he had started adopting her advice little by little.
Especially in matters of handling an organization like this.
'This guy… He may have the qualities of a leader too.'
It was an unexpected aspect.
The Mok Gyeong-un she had been watching so far was close to a lone wolf who never trusted others.
But as he began to face enemies with an organized force, his judgment and insight were gradually rising to match it.
This was truly the quality of a leader.
A leader doesn't just lead an organization with pressure or stubbornness, but must be able to contemplate and discern the situation with a broad perspective and utilize talented individuals in the right place at the right time.
Without realizing it, Mok Gyeong-un was gradually doing that instinctively.
'Is it not just his martial arts that are growing?'
He's a truly peculiar fellow.
Usually, when one thing is outstanding, another tends to be lacking, but it was strange to the point of being remarkable that he was growing in various aspects.
To her, who inwardly found him admirable, Mok Gyeong-un said,
– If there's no particular plan…
– Move people.
– Move people?
– Yes.
– How?
– No matter how much you run around alone, it's difficult to make the elders behind them move as you wish. But if you move people, it will become a bit easier.
– …
– It doesn't seem to click with you. There's a good example related to this.
– What is it?
– When that old King of Poison said he would clean up his surroundings and talk to the Shadow Clan Master about the current situation and pursue an alliance, what did you do?
– …I asked him to do it.
– Yes. Didn't you entrust that to the old man and do what you had to do?
– That's right.
– That old man is not your servant spirit, nor do you have any leverage over him, so why did you casually entrust that to him?
– That's…
Mok Gyeong-un didn't continue.
It was because he realized what intention Cheong-ryeong had in saying these words.
When Cheong-ryeong said to move people, it wasn't with a simple intention.
The true meaning of her words was,
'…Is she telling me to trust?'
Mok Gyeong-un never trusted others.
That's why, until he became a death row inmate, he didn't trust anyone and moved alone.
But at some point, the situation changed.
It was because he encountered the limit of his own strength.
If the one he considered an enemy had not been a martial artist or someone associated with a huge organization like the Heaven and Earth Society, he would have still tried to solve everything alone.
However, now it was different.
He realized that he needed various cards to face a huge organization.
'Trust…'
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
He was aware that he needed various cards, so he was gradually increasing the number of servant spirits.
However, there was something he realized while newly turning spirits into servant spirits this time.
It was that he couldn't infinitely increase the number of servant spirits.
[Oh? There was one more.]
He thought only one spirit was born among the martial artists on the terrace, but two entities were trying to be created at that time.
So Mok Gyeong-un tried to make that one spirit a servant spirit as well.
However, he couldn't.
It was because the karma wasn't formed.
[As I thought.]
[What do you mean by that?]
[Karma is literally like forcibly connecting fate. Fate is inevitable and like the yoke of law, so it would be stranger to infinitely increase it in the first place.]
[Is there a limit?]
[If karma could be endlessly connected, that would rather go against inevitability.]
Mok Gyeong-un couldn't understand the enlightenment of the dead because he wasn't dead.
However, what was certain was that the act of increasing servant spirits itself was close to going against inevitability and law, so there had to be restrictions.
In conclusion, there was a limit to the number of servant spirits that could be maintained.
Therefore, there was a limit to increasing the number of cards that could be utilized by increasing servant spirits.
'No other way?'
As Cheong-ryeong said, in order to increase the cards, that "trust" might be somewhat necessary.
Mok Gyeong-un chuckled as he thought about this.
The fact that he, who could never absolutely trust anyone, was contemplating trust in others to increase the cards he could utilize.
Cheong-ryeong said to him,
– You're quite peculiar too. How can someone who needs to move people not be able to trust people?
– Is it a contradiction?
– Contradiction… Yes, that's a word that suits you well. But suddenly I'm curious.
– About what?
– Why is it that you can't trust people?
– Who knows? Do I have to trust them?
At Mok Gyeong-un's dry response, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue inwardly.
'A peculiar brat.'
If he had been betrayed by someone he trusted like her, it would be understandable.
What was the reason why a guy who had barely lived a youthful age couldn't trust others to this extent?
Simply because he had a way of thinking that deviated from ordinary people?
Of course, that could be the case.
Considering his appearance that she had been observing so far, he was full of irregularities and surprises.
But somehow it didn't seem like that was all.
'…I'll know if I keep watching.'
What he ultimately wanted to do was revenge.
If she watched the process of that revenge, she would be able to understand why Mok Gyeong-un couldn't trust people to this extent.
Until then,
– Well, whether you trust someone or not is up to you. But in order to organically move an organization, you need to have some level of trust.
– Since you say that, I'll keep it in mind. Then what's the best way to do it?
– What do you think is the most important card on Jang Neung-ak's side?
– It would be Ho Jong-hyeok's master.
Ho Jong-hyeok's father, or the Axe King Ho Tae-gang, was one of the Five Kings and the Eight Stars considered the top masters of the current Central Plains martial world.
– Yes. He would be the main pillar of the forces supporting Jang Neung-ak.
– If he moves, the others will naturally have no choice but to follow the trend.
– That's right. So move the Axe King through Ho Jong-hyeok.
– That makes sense.
Wi Maeng-cheon was possessing Ho Jong-hyeok.
As a servant spirit, Wi Maeng-cheon had no choice but to move according to Mok Gyeong-un's orders, so he would be helpful in persuading Axe King Ho Tae-gang, the father of that body.
– The problem is not Jang Neung-ak's faction, but Wi So-yeon's faction.
– …That seems to be the case.
– The biggest supporter and main pillar of Wi So-yeon's faction… You wouldn't be able to like him even if you wanted to.
– The biggest supporter of Wi So-yeon's faction.
– He was Bright Blade King Son Yun, one of the Five Kings.
As Cheong-ryeong said, the most tangled relationship since entering the Heaven and Earth Society was with Bright Blade King.
He had also refused when Bright Blade King said he would accept him as a disciple, and his relationship with his disciples Woo Ho-rang and Yeop Wi-seon was close to bad karma.
Even Bright Blade King Son Yun's newly accepted disciple Mok Yu-cheon was like that.
Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and said,
– Not everything can go smoothly.
– You don't think it's the grave you dug even if you die soon?
– Is there any meaning in arguing about what has already happened?
– Tsk tsk. Anyway.
Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue.
Then she soon said,
– Anyway, it's obvious that even if you move, the relationship will only worsen, so move someone else.
– It seems his disciples are already like that.
There was no way Woo Ho-rang or Yeop Wi-seon would move for Mok Gyeong-un's sake.
Moreover, since he had made Wi So-yeon his woman, if they found out about that, they would have even more antipathy.
– It would be better to persuade through the Shadow Clan Master or the King of Poison.
– Through the Shadow Clan Master or the King of Poison?
– Yes. It would be easier to persuade if a fellow executive moves. But the King of Poison would be better than the Shadow Clan Master. You should know well why, right?
At Cheong-ryeong's words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.
It was because he understood her words.
The Shadow Clan Master had also confronted Bright Blade King Son Yun at the Corpse Blood Valley's Succession Ceremony to obtain Mok Gyeong-un.
If he stepped up and asked Bright Blade King to help the two factions join forces, would it even work?
– Then I'll have to move quickly.
The night wasn't very long.
He had to quickly establish an alliance system before the Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang regained consciousness.
***
Mok Gyeong-un, who had left Jang Neung-ak's residence, hurried to head to the King of Poison Baek Sa-ha's estate.
However, on the way there, he encountered a martial artist from Shadow Clan running towards him out of breath.
"Young Master! You were here."
Mok Gyeong-un asked in puzzlement,
"What's the matter?"
"The Shadow Clan Master is urgently looking for you."
"My master?"
"Yes, it's a very urgent matter, so he told me to bring you right away."
'An urgent matter?'
What on earth was it that he was like this?
Could it be because the King of Poison Baek Sa-ha had talked about the incident with the Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang and suggested forming an alliance?
But now he had to go find Baek Sa-ha first and talk about Bright Blade King Son Yun.
So Mok Gyeong-un said,
"I understand. For now, a moment…"
"You have to go right now."
"It won't take long. First…"
Before Mok Gyeong-un could even finish his words, the martial artist from Shadow Clan said impatiently,
"No. You have to go right now."
"Ah, this is quite troublesome. I'll return to Shadow Clan soon…"
"It's not Shadow Clan."
"What?"
"Right now, the Shadow Clan Master is paying respects to the Society Leader at the main hall of the inner city."
'!?'
At his words, Mok Gyeong-un's expression changed.
The Shadow Clan Master was paying respects to the Society Leader of the Heaven and Earth Society and urgently called for him?
In the end, this meant…
'Can I meet that person?'
Mok Gyeong-un had tried to enter the factions of the successors in order to create an opportunity to contact the Society Leader.
But unexpectedly, the opportunity for a meeting had come.
188: Chapter 187: Pinnacle (2)
Mok Gyeong-un followed the martial artist from Shadow Clan towards the main hall of the inner city.
Not long after, Cheong-ryeong, smoking a long pipe, flew to his side.
She said to Mok Gyeong-un,
– Hey, you fool. I've told Go Chan.
– Thank you.
Mok Gyeong-un sent a sound transmission to her.
Since he couldn't go right away, he sent Cheong-ryeong to give orders to Go Chan, who possessed the body of the Society Leader's second disciple Jang Neung-ak, to send someone to the King of Poison Baek Sa-ha instead.
Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue and said,
– Anyway, when it comes to revenge, you don't consider the consequences.
In fact, when the opportunity to meet the Society Leader arose, Mok Gyeong-un had tried to find Baek Sa-ha to ask him to persuade Bright Blade King Son Yun without hesitation.
So Cheong-ryeong had stepped up and said she would relay the message through Go Chan.
Mok Gyeong-un casually replied to her rebuke,
– The chance to see the Society Leader won't come easily.
– Hmph. Your judgment is clouded because your mind is elsewhere.
– It's fine since you helped.
– What's fine? Tsk tsk. Anyway, even if you meet the Society Leader right now, what do you think you can do?
– Who knows?
– Oh please. You fool. Even if he's ill, he's practically the pinnacle of the current martial world. Do you think you can get the answer you want from him right away?
Mok Gyeong-un had one goal.
To hear about the Ghost Sword's connection to the Society Leader or his identity.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un didn't think this was possible right away either.
However, through this opportunity, he couldn't miss the chance to gauge what kind of person the Society Leader was or how strong he was.
'Pinnacle…'
The Six Heavens, called the pinnacle of the current martial world.
The Society Leader was one of those Six Heavens.
He was definitely curious, not just for clues to his revenge.
Among the countless martial artists, he wondered how much of a gap there would be between himself and the one called the pinnacle, grand master, the supreme master.
Cheong-ryeong said to Mok Gyeong-un, who was thinking that,
– Mortal..
– Yes.
– This time, I'll clearly warn you. If the Six Heavens, the pinnacle of the current martial world, have crossed the wall of walls as I expect, you must never provoke them.
– You seemed very concerned?
– Do you know what it's called to cross the wall of walls?
– Who knows?
– It's called the Profound Realm[1]. Profound means the heavens or the supreme. It means reaching the highest realm that cannot be touched.
– The realm that cannot be touched…
– Yes. Of course, your current level is also a realm that ordinary martial artists wouldn't even dare to dream of. But the Profound Realm is on a completely different level.
At her words, Mok Gyeong-un's eyes narrowed.
Judging by her warning to this extent, the realm of the Profound seemed to possess unimaginable power in martial arts.
Perhaps he shouldn't let his guard down.
Not long after moving like that, Mok Gyeong-un finally arrived in front of the main hall building of the inner city, following the martial artist from Shadow Clan.
He thought he would go inside, but,
Clang!
The two martial artists guarding the entrance of the main hall crossed their spears and blocked him.
Mok Gyeong-un asked the martial artist from Shadow Clan in puzzlement,
"Didn't you say I need to come to the main hall?"
The Shadow Clan Master definitely said that.
The martial artist from Shadow Clan also looked puzzled as if he didn't know what was going on.
So Mok Gyeong-un clasped his hands together in a salute and said,
"Excuse me. I am Mok Gyeong-un, the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master. Right now, we…"
"The disciple of the Shadow Clan Master?"
Before Mok Gyeong-un could finish speaking, one of the martial artists guarding the entrance of the main hall asked.
"Yes. That's right."
"We were waiting for you. Follow me."
Fortunately, there was no mistake.
The martial artist from Shadow Clan who had finished guiding him bid farewell and left.
Mok Gyeong-un followed the martial artist who had been guarding the entrance into the main hall.
However,
'Huh?'
Why are we not going upstairs but entering through the corridor instead?
He knew that the size of the inner city's main hall building was the largest within the Heaven and Earth Society, but seeing the considerably long corridor continuing, it seemed to be larger than expected.
The martial artist who had been walking down the corridor turned to the right and led him to a passage that seemed to lead outside.
Entering there, a very wide space was revealed.
'Where is this?'
There were numerous weapons and training tools everywhere.
It seemed to be a training ground.
What was peculiar was that it seemed to be made so that no one could recklessly intrude or leave, with thick walls blocking all four sides.
However, one of Mok Gyeong-un's eyebrows slightly rose.
He had naturally assumed that he would be led to where the Shadow Clan Master and the Society Leader were.
But waiting here were not them, but young men who seemed to be in their mid to late twenties.
A young man with a handsome appearance in his mid-twenties wearing a red leather belt was sitting cross-legged, and another man in his late twenties with thick muscles was leaning against the wall, chewing on something that looked like a rice cake.
So Mok Gyeong-un asked,
"I don't see Master… No, the Shadow Clan Master?"
"I was told to wait here."
"By the Shadow Clan Master?"
"No."
"Then by whom?"
"It was the Society Leader's order."
'The Society Leader?'
The Society Leader told him to wait here with them?
It was difficult to guess what was going on.
While he was puzzled, the martial artist guarding the entrance left as if his business was finished.
It was a truly strange situation.
If he had told him to stay alone, that would be one thing, but telling him to wait with unfamiliar people without any introduction.
'Hmm.'
Since he couldn't understand the reason, he had no choice but to wait.
Then the young man in his late twenties who had been leaning against the wall eating the rice cake approached and said,
"Wow. So you're the famous disciple of the Shadow Clan Master."
"…"
Mok Gyeong-un silently stared at him.
Then the young man in his late twenties held out the skewer with the rice cake and said,
"Want some?"
"I'll pass."
Mok Gyeong-un lightly shook his head.
Then the young man chuckled and pointed to the young man sitting with his eyes closed, saying disapprovingly,
"At least you seem more communicative than that guy."
"And who are you?"
"Me? Or that guy?"
"Either one."
"It would be great if you could tell me about both."
Then the young man shrugged his shoulders and pointed to himself with his thumb, saying,
"I'm Seop Chun, the captain of the third guard unit of the main hall."
"Captain of the main hall guard unit?"
At his introduction, interest flashed in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
This was information he had heard not from the Shadow Clan Master, but from the leader of Corpse Blood Valley, Lee Ji-yeom.
[The place with the thickest military power in the inner city is none other than the main hall.]
[Is it because the Society Leader is there?]
[Yes, the Society Leader is the center of the Heaven and Earth Society, after all.]
[I see. Do you know roughly how strong they are?]
[It's difficult to grasp the hidden power, but counting only the revealed forces, there are three guard units in the main hall, each consisting of thirty men.]
[Thirty men? Even if you add them all up, it's only ninety… That's smaller than I thought.]
The number was smaller than he expected.
As if he knew Mok Gyeong-un would react that way, Lee Ji-yeom said,
[At a glance, you may feel that way, but each one of them is an elite.]
[Elite?]
[Yes. Although they are called units, each individual is a Peak Realm master equivalent to the captain-level of an ordinary unit, and those captains possess the martial prowess of a great elder.]
[The guard captains are at the great elder level… The gap is clear.]
[Yes, the guard captains are originally people who have no problem becoming great elders. Ah, come to think of it, the most recently appointed captain of the third guard unit is from Corpse Blood Valley here.]
[From here?]
[That's right. Thanks to you, my liege, that friend came to mind.]
[Thanks to me?]
[Yes. Like you, my liege, that friend also obtained three top disciple tokens from the gates eight years ago and exited as the top disciple.]
[Three? He must have done well.]
It was very difficult to obtain even one top disciple plate from the Corpse Blood Valley gates.
Obtaining more than two could be considered truly exceptional.
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Lee Ji-yeom said quite seriously,
[It's not just doing well. He's quite an oddball, so he gave up at the last few gates, but if he had put his mind to it, it wouldn't have been strange for him to receive all the top disciple tokens.]
[Wouldn't have been strange to receive them all?]
[Yes, he stopped at that level because he gave up voluntarily, but that friend's talent can definitely be called a genius.]
[Hmm. Interesting. What's that friend's name?]
[Seop Chun. I heard he's also part of the Five Tigers, who are called the most outstanding rear disciples in the sect.]
Mok Gyeong-un, who recalled the conversation with the leader of Corpse Blood Valley Lee Ji-yeom, looked at the face of Seop Chun, the captain of the third guard unit of the main hall, with interested eyes.
There were only two people the leader of Corpse Blood Valley Lee Ji-yeom had praised for their talent.
One was the Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang, and the other was none other than this Seop Chun.
"Oh no. The top disciple junior of this Corpse Blood Valley class is staring at me so intently, I don't know what to do with my body."
Seop Chun covered his muscular chest with both arms and said.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.
He had only heard praise about his talent, so he didn't know what kind of person he was, but he seemed to have a very outgoing and humorous personality.
Mok Gyeong-un, who quickly looked him over, was puzzled to see the sword case at his waist.
'It looks light.'
Although it was in a sword case, it seemed to be about four feet long.
But even the sword case looked very thin, so the sword itself seemed to be quite light.
As if sensing Mok Gyeong-un's gaze, Seop Chun said,
"Ah. As expected of the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, you have a lot of interest in swords."
"A muscular person is carrying a very light sword."
"You have good eyes?"
"You don't need good eyes to see that."
Swish!
As soon as Mok Gyeong-un finished speaking, the sword had already come out of the scabbard.
As expected, the sword looked very thin and light.
It even felt like it was fluttering.
However, despite such lightness, the faint luster flowing from the blade showed that it was no ordinary sword.
Mok Gyeong-un stared at the blade and muttered,
"Mad Dance?"
On the inside of the sharp blade, the characters for Mad Dance[2] were engraved.
At Mok Gyeong-un's mutter, Seop Chun showed his teeth and said,
"That's this friend's name."
"This friend?"
"Yeah. For a swordsman, the sword is a lifelong companion. Of course it's a friend."
"Is that so?"
"The reaction is less interesting than I thought. I even showed you my friend, but… Hey, you're the disciple of the Shadow Clan Master… That's not a sword."
Seop Chun said in a puzzled tone, looking at the sword case at Mok Gyeong-un's waist.
Mok Gyeong-un casually replied,
"It's a gift from my master."
"Your master, you mean the Shadow Clan Master?"
"Yes."
"That's quite unusual. The Shadow Clan Master should be a swordsman, but he gifted a sword to his disciple? Then it must not be an ordinary sword."
"It's a pretty useful sword, he said."
"Oh! Is that so? What's that friend's name?"
As Seop Chun kept referring to the weapon as a friend, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and replied,
"The Evil Commandment."
"The Evil Commandment…? What?"
Suddenly, Seop Chun couldn't hide his surprise.
It wasn't just him who was surprised by this.
The handsome young man who had been sitting cross-legged with his eyes closed opened his eyes and frowned, looking at Mok Gyeong-un.
Their reactions were natural.
Whether they were swordsmen or swordmasters, who in the martial world wouldn't know about the Evil Commandment Sword?
It was a demonic sword made by the legendary craftsman Ou Yezi.
Seop Chun said as if dumbfounded,
"No way. Is that really the Evil Commandment Sword?"
"Yes."
"Ha!"
Seop Chun clicked his tongue inwardly.
As far as he knew, although the Evil Commandment Sword was a masterpiece made by the craftsman Ou Yezi, it was a cursed weapon known as a demonic sword.
He gave such a dangerous thing to his disciple?
No matter how great the sword was, he couldn't understand giving him that, which had a high risk.
So Seop Chun asked,
"Is that… sword okay?"
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"Like gradually losing energy or seeing things that aren't there?"
"You're worrying a lot."
"No. What is there to worry about when we just met for the first time? It's just that even though it's our first meeting, that sword seems to be very good but also very, very dangerous…"
"Have you mastered the sword?"
At that moment, someone interrupted.
It was the young man with the red belt who had been sitting cross-legged.
As the young man intervened, Seop Chun, the captain of the third guard unit of the main hall, raised one eyebrow and said,
"Is the guy who didn't even answer once when I talked to him so much opening his mouth because of a sword?"
Naturally, he thought it was understandable.
No matter how demonic the sword was, as a swordsman, he couldn't help but be interested.
However, ignoring his words, the young man said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"I asked if you mastered the sword."
To that question, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and replied,
"To some extent."
"To some extent?"
At that answer, the young man snorted.
Then he uncrossed his legs, stood up, and opened his mouth.
"Then it's a pearl necklace on a pig's neck."
'!?'
At those words that came out of the young man's mouth, it wasn't Mok Gyeong-un but Seop Chun who shook his head and said,
"A pearl necklace on a pig's neck? Oh, that's harsh. No matter what, saying that at the first meeting is…"
"…"
The young man paid no attention to Seop Chun's words.
So, feeling uncomfortable, Seop Chun made a disgusted expression and said to Mok Gyeong-un,
"Just ignore what that guy says. He's just jealous…"
"A sword in the hands of someone who hasn't properly mastered the sword is nothing more than a decoration, so what else can I say but a pearl necklace on a pig's neck?"
At the young man's continuing words, Seop Chun said as if dumbfounded,
"Hey. Even if you're the vice-leader's son, you're going a bit too far. Take it easy, will you?"
'The vice-leader's son?'
Mok Gyeong-un looked at the young man.
If he was the vice-leader's son, was he that person?
He had heard of him before.
Vice-leader Mong Seo-cheon had twin children.
Mong Seo-hye and Mong Mu-yak.
The young man in front of him couldn't possibly be the daughter Mong Seo-hye, so he must be Mong Mu-yak.
'What a coincidence.'
And Mong Mu-yak was also one of the Five Tigers, called the best rear disciples of the Heaven and Earth Society.
In other words, two of the Five Tigers were gathered here.
Why did they call him together with these people?
As he was thinking about that, Mong Mu-yak approached Mok Gyeong-un and said,
"Leaving aside the demonic sword, do you think you deserve to carry such an excellent sword?"
'This guy doesn't know moderation.'
Seop Chun clicked his tongue.
He knew well that Mong Mu-yak was crazy about swords, but he didn't expect him to pick a fight with Mok Gyeong-un, whom he was meeting for the first time, in this way.
Based on his long observation, that guy wasn't doing this because he coveted the sword.
He literally disapproved of Mok Gyeong-un having that sword.
'This will lead to trouble at this rate.'
Seop Chun thought he should stop Mong Mu-yak.
Even if he was the top disciple at the Corpse Blood Valley gate, his opponent was one of the best rear disciples who had received the vice-leader's teachings.
If he got involved in this fight because he was in a bad mood, he might suffer a big…
"Hey. Take it easy…"
"I think I deserve it more than you, don't you think?"
'Huh?'
Seop Chun turned his head in surprise.
It seemed Mok Gyeong-un had fallen for Mong Mu-yak's provocation.
But for someone who had fallen for the provocation, Mok Gyeong-un had a smiling face.
So,
"More than me?"
Rather, Mong Mu-yak showed his discomfort.
Judging that this would lead to trouble, Seop Chun stepped between the two to dissuade the situation and said,
"Stop it, you two…"
At that moment, Mong Mu-yak's hand suddenly reached for the hilt of the sword at his waist.
Then he tried to swiftly draw his sword, but,
Bam!
Before he could even draw half of the sword, something blocked it.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un's palm.
'!?'
Mong Mu-yak looked at Mok Gyeong-un with surprised eyes.
To him, Mok Gyeong-un said with a sneer in a whispering voice,
"If you're slower than a pig, are you a maggot?"
189: Chapter 188: Pinnacle (3)
Half a quarter-hour ago.
Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, stood in front of the entrance to the Society Leader's bedchamber with a somewhat tense gaze.
'When was the last time?'
It had been quite a long time since he had seen the face of the Society Leader, whose illness had deepened.
He hadn't seen the Society Leader for so long that he gave orders through the vice-leader, even to him, the head of Shadow Clan in charge of secrets.
But unexpectedly, he had been summoned abruptly.
So he couldn't help but be inwardly puzzled.
However, there was one thing he could guess.
'…Could it be that the vice-leader's side found out?'
If that's the case, it becomes quite troublesome.
How much effort had he put in to prevent that information from reaching the Society Leader?
He hoped that what he was worrying about wouldn't happen.
Creak!
At that moment, the door to the residence opened.
The one who opened the door was none other than Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon.
Thud!
The Shadow Clan Master managed his expression and clasped his hands together in a salute with a smile.
"Ohoho. Greetings to the Vice-Leader."
At his greeting, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon showed no particular reaction.
Rather, he looked at the Shadow Clan Master with a strange expression.
Then,
"Why didn't you bring your disciple?"
"My disciple is out on an errand for me, so I sent a subordinate to bring him…"
"Then come in."
Before he could even finish speaking, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon turned his body and gestured.
At his appearance that seemed much colder than usual, the eyes of Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, narrowed.
He thought that his concern might become reality.
'It's troublesome.'
He couldn't make a move yet because he hadn't secured the exact location and a perfect escape route.
In the meantime, if the Society Leader finds out about it, the situation will end up throughly twisted.
If that happens…
'…'
Hwan Ya-seon clenched his teeth slightly.
Then he soon entered the residence with a smiling face, covering his mouth.
The Society Leader's residence, where a few lamps were lit, was a place he had been to many times, but today the entire interior felt heavy and chilling.
There was no way the air in the residence of a sick person could be cold, and it was probably because the tension had grown.
Step step!
The footsteps were heavy.
Although he maintained a smiling face, his stomach was about to churn.
The other party was the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society, one of the Six Heavens (六天) called the pinnacle of the current martial world.
Facing him had to be uncomfortable, no matter who it was.
On the large bed attached to the wall of the spacious residence, there was a thin cloth hanging down, so the inside could be seen dimly.
Swish!
The vice-leader stood in front, clasping his hands together, and said,
"The Shadow Clan Master has arrived."
"Cough cough."
A coughing sound came from inside.
At this, Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, who was standing behind the vice-leader, hurriedly clasped his hands together and lowered his head.
"I pay my respects to the Society Leader."
The eyes of Hwan Ya-seon, who was bowing his head, narrowed even more.
He was already curious about the extent of the Society Leader's condition.
But hearing the scratching sound mixed with the coughing, it seemed like the illness was still the same.
'Strange.'
Why is the illness of such a master like the Society Leader himself is lasting so long?
'Is it certain that he suffered incurable internal injuries from that person?'
Only a very few people in the organization knew about this.
The reason why only a very few people knew was obviously because the Society Leader's internal injuries were more severe than expected, and because they ultimately failed to gain the upper hand in the confrontation with that person.
But even so, it was too long.
If a person was an inner master with profound internal energy like the Society Leader, he should have been able to heal his own internal injuries by this point and still have plenty left over.
It was at that moment when he was finding it strange.
"Shadow Clan Master."
It was the Society Leader's voice that he heard after a long time.
"Yes, please speak."
"Do you perhaps have something to say to me?"
"…"
For a moment, the expression of Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, hardened.
He thought there would be some prior discussion about the reason for calling him, but he didn't expect for the man to suddenly come at him like this.
However, Hwan Ya-seon did not easily expose his emotions in such situations.
"Ah ah. Is your illness a bit bett-"
"The Imperial Palace."
It was before he could even finish speaking.
With just one word, Hwan Ya-seon's throat felt blocked.
What he had been worrying about had happened.
He had tried so hard to confuse the information so that the vice-leader's side wouldn't notice, but it seemed he couldn't stop it after all.
'It was reckless.'
If it weren't for the Imperial Palace, he could have bought more time.
But it seemed he had missed that opportunity.
As he was quickly thinking about what to do,
The voice of Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon, who was in front of him, was heard.
"Don't tell me you're saying that the information department of our esteemed organization, the Shadow Clan, have no knowledge of what you've found out?"
"…"
Damn it.
There was no room for evasion.
They already found out.
Testing him like this was a kind of trial in itself.
The Society Leader was that kind of person.
If it came to this, there was only one way.
Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, raised his head, smiled brightly, and said,
"Ohoho. How could that be? This subordinate has also obtained information of that person being detained in the Imperial Palace."
As soon as he finished speaking, the vice-leader slightly turned his head, glared fiercely, and said,
"But why didn't you report it?"
"This is quite troublesome."
"Troublesome?"
"The vice-leader is speaking as if I deliberately hid it."
Hwan Ya-seon spoke in a tone as if he was offended by being suspected.
Then the vice-leader snorted and said,
"Then what's the reason you haven't reported the fact that you knew that person is being imprisoned in the Imperial Palace's Golden Jade all this time?"
'Ah ah.'
So this is how it's going to be.
Seeing how he was interrogating and pressuring him, it seemed he was indeed called because of suspicion.
There was no other way now.
Hwan Ya-seon said calmly, without losing his composure,
"Do you really believe that's true?"
"What?"
The vice-leader frowned.
"What if it's information deliberately spread by the Imperial Palace to lure in the remnants of the Fire Faith Order?"
"…"
At these words from Hwan Ya-seon, the Shadow Clan Master, the vice-leader was momentarily at a loss for words.
This was also a gamble for Hwan Ya-seon.
From his position as a real remnant of the Fire Faith Order, it was better not to talk about the Fire Faith Order as much as possible, but now he had no choice.
Otherwise, it was obvious that the vice-leader would press him even more.
Fortunately,
'He's not convinced of the information yet.'
It seemed the vice-leader had not obtained definite information.
Like himself, it seemed he had only obtained information that that person was being detained in the Imperial Palace's Golden Jade.
If so, he could push a little more.
"As the head of the information department, if I report unconfirmed information, I have to take responsibility for it. Naturally, I have to carefully verify the authenticity…"
"Verification is unnecessary."
The one who cut him off was none other than the Society Leader.
At this, Hwan Ya-seon hurriedly bowed his head as if apologetic and said,
"But Society Leader…"
"Cough cough. There's not much time left."
"What?"
What on earth does that mean?
There's not much time left?
It was right then.
"Look at me."
Swish!
The thin cloth was lifted, and the Society Leader revealed himself from the bed.
The two eyes of Hwan Ya-seon, who unconsciously raised his head to look at the Society Leader, widened.
'…What the hell is this?'
***
Half a quarter-hour later.
In the training ground of the secret wall inside the main hall.
"If you're slower than a pig, are you a maggot?"
'This bastard!'
The surprise was brief, and at Mok Gyeong-un's sneer mocking him, Mong Mu-yak's eyes turned fierce.
However, unlike how he started the fight first, Mong Mu-yak was a very cool-headed person.
So, in a short moment, he analyzed Mok Gyeong-un.
'The energy I felt from him is only at the Peak Realm level at most. But this series of movements and the strength pressing the tip of the sword are beyond that.'
That meant he had concealed his energy.
Realizing this, Mong Mu-yak inwardly clicked his tongue.
He had heard that the person in front of him had graduated as the top disciple from the Corpse Blood Valley gate, but the boy was only 17 years old, and considering the level of the previous rear disciples of Corpse Blood Valley, Mong Mu-yak had expected Mok Gyeong-un to be at the proficient-stage or at the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm at most.
But if this bastard could deceive his own energy sensing to this extent,
'I'll have to consider the possibility of his real level to be more than I expected.'
Bam!
Mong Mu-yak, who judged that Mok Gyeong-un might have higher martial arts than expected, soon shifted his weight back with his footwork, making his center of gravity unbalanced.
Then naturally, Mok Gyeong-un's body, which was pressing the tip of the sword, also leaned forward.
At that moment,
Bam!
Mong Mu-yak swiftly kicked towards Mok Gyeong-un's neck as he leaned forward.
If the guy has a narrow field of vision, he would get hit by this, and if his martial prowess is indeed higher, he would have to avoid the kick and let go of the sword hilt to prevent himself from leaning forward.
However,
Grab!
Mong Mu-yak's prediction was off.
Mok Gyeong-un, who had been pressing the tip of the sword with his palm, grabbed it, and,
Swoosh!
He seized it and swung it.
As a result,
'Urk.'
Mong Mu-yak's body, which had been holding the sword hilt while kicking, staggered to the side and was forcibly twisted.
But it didn't end there.
Mong Mu-yak drew upon his inner force to resist this, but,
Whoosh!
'Damn it!'
Nevertheless, Mong Mu-yak's body was swung even more strongly, and soon,
Whoosh!
Along with letting go of the sword hilt he was holding, he was sent flying nearly eight steps away.
Although startled, Mong Mu-yak calmly twisted his body in the air to regain his posture, but,
Skid skid skid skid!
He was pushed back nearly seven steps on the ground, unable to dissipate Mok Gyeong-un's inner force.
Watching this with wide eyes, Seop Chun, the captain of the third guard unit of the main hall, clapped his hands and cheered.
Clap clap clap!
"Gwahahaha! Good! Very good!"
Inwardly, he had thought that if trouble occurred, Mok Gyeong-un would naturally be the one to suffer.
It had to be that way because Mong Mu-yak was the son of Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon and the grandson of Bright Blade King Mong Woo-jong, who had retired before joining as an elder in the elder council.
Seeing Mong Mu-yak being pushed back by a newcomer who wasn't even the same age as him, let alone the same Five Tigers, after receiving teachings from a supreme master who was considered one of the top five even including the previous and current generations, Seop Chun couldn't help but feel excited.
Grit!
Of course, Seop Chun's cheers were enough to stimulate Mong Mu-yak's pride.
Although he was the one who picked the fight first, he had his own reasons.
It was because he thought Mok Gyeong-un had insulted the sword.
He really didn't like the fact that a disciple of the Shadow Clan Master, who must be a swordmaster, not a swordsman, was carrying that great sword made by the legendary craftsman Ou Yezi like a decorative piece.
So he went calling it a pearl necklace on a pig's neck.
But the situation had become ridiculous.
He had tried to teach him a lesson as a swordsman, but he ended up being humiliated instead.
Mong Mu-yak glared at Mok Gyeong-un.
If he backed down like this, this humiliation would really become set in stone.
So,
Swish!
Mong Mu-yak, gripping his sword hilt, raised his energy.
"Good. Let's have a proper duel-"
"Before that, take this back."
'!?'
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un threw something as if throwing a spear.
It was none other than the sword he had taken from Mong Mu-yak.
Whoosh! Swish swish swish!
The sword flew to right in front of him in an instant.
Just how strong was this bastard's inner force that the sword flew right in front of him in the blink of an eye?
Just by looking at the speed, one could guess its power.
However,
Bam!
The flying sword suddenly stopped in midair.
Boing boing!
Seeing the sword stop precariously right in front of him, Seop Chun couldn't hide his surprise.
'No way. He blocked that with his energy?'
The power imbued in the sword seemed to be no joke, so he thought he should avoid it, but he didn't expect him to be able to block it with just his energy.
Mong Mu-yak's inner energy level seemed to have become much thicker than before.
At this, Seop Chun shouted to Mong Mu-yak with amazement,
"Hah! Mong Mu-yak! Did you eat centuries-old wild ginseng or something?"
However,
"…It wasn't me."
Mong Mu-yak said with a perplexed expression.
Seop Chun tilted his head.
What is he saying now?
It wasn't him?
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying it wasn't me who stopped the sword just now!"
"What?"
At this, Seop Chun looked at Mok Gyeong-un, thinking it couldn't be.
'Huh?'
But Mok Gyeong-un was looking at Mong Mu-yak's sword floating in the air with a serious face, the smile gone from his face.
It wasn't him either?
What on earth is going on?
He was puzzled, wondering what was going on, when,
Swish!
'Huh? The sword?'
At that moment, the sword that had come out of Mong Mu-yak's scabbard on its own, which was floating in the air, charged towards Mok Gyeong-un at a tremendous speed, cutting through the air.
Swish swish swish!
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes looking at this turned sharp.
The energy imbued in the flying sword was something he had never experienced before.
The energy was moving the sword as if it were a living, breathing supreme swordsman.
What kind of sorcery is this?
As he was shocked, Cheong-ryeong's exclamation pierced his ears.
– It's the Art of Sword Control[1]!
190: Chapter 189: Pinnacle (4)
A hundred years ago.
The past, when even the exact time is no longer clearly remembered.
She asked, gazing at the back of a man holding a sword technique manual in the training grounds.
"What are you doing?"
A sword was floating in front of the man.
He tried to move the floating sword more naturally.
However, the sword that had been hovering in the air soon escaped his qi control and flew away with a whoosh, falling to one side of the training grounds.
-Clang!
"As expected, it's difficult."
"Of course it's hard. The moment the connection of qi released outside the body is severed even slightly, the void attraction will be released."
"Yes, that's why it's hard. But what if one could handle that qi more smoothly and manipulate the sword like a living horse?"
"Manipulating the sword like a horse? Is that really possible?"
The qi circulated within the body is the inner force in the danjeon.
Inner force strengthens the body with qi, but the moment it leaves the body, the qi naturally disperses.
Therefore, to maintain the qi sent outside the body, one needs vast and deep inner force and the enlightenment to concentrate it without dispersing.
The man, with his hands clasped behind his back, responded to Cheong-ryeong's words.
"Yes. It might be impossible. However, I heard that the great sword masters who were renowned in the Old Martial World were capable of it."
"The Old Martial World…"
The Old Martial World.
Unlike now, when the overall level of martial artists has declined, there was a time in the past when martial arts flourished.
Looking at the oral traditions and records from that time, there was an overflow of techniques that seemed almost absurd.
One of them seemed to be what the man was talking about.
She shook her head and said,
"Even at your age, there's no one as obsessed with the Old Martial World as you."
"It's not an obsession. I just want to recreate the glory of the Old Martial World."
"Yes, yes, of course. So, what do they call manipulating the sword with qi like controlling a horse in the Old Martial World?"
"That's…"
***
The sword that flew out of the scabbard on its own and stopped in front of Mong Mu-yak, the son of the Vice-Leader.
Although it was inside a wooden puppet, Cheong-ryeong could instinctively tell upon seeing it.
'Art of Sword Control!'
It was none other than Art of Sword Control.
Was this actually possible?
Shocked by this, she shouted to Mok Gyeong-un as a warning,
"It's Art of Sword Control!"
'Art of Sword Control?'
At her cry, Mok Gyeong-un, who was on guard, quickly twisted his body to the side and avoided the sword rushing at him.
However,
-Swish!
He thought he had dodged the sword, but it changed direction as if someone was wielding it, trying to slash Mok Gyeong-un's neck.
Mok Gyeong-un drew his Evil Commandment Sword without a moment to think.
-Clang!
-Screech!
The moment the swords clashed, his body was pushed back nearly five steps.
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes flashed with surprise at the unexpectedly fierce sword strike.
Who would have thought that this much qi would be infused into the sword that changed direction midway, even though no one was directly holding it?
But it didn't end there.
-Swish!
The sword instantly pierced toward Mok Gyeong-un's glabella as he was pushed back.
Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un hurriedly raised his sword.
-Clang!
However, Mok Gyeong-un's sword, which had blocked upward, was instead bounced downward.
'!?'
The force infused into the sword had not diminished at all.
Rather, it had grown stronger than before.
Mok Gyeong-un's eyes sharpened.
Since this was the main building where the Society Leader resided, he had adjusted his martial power to match the level of a pinnacle-stage of Transcendent Realm as a precaution, but it seemed difficult to block with this.
"Don't confront it and dodge!"
Cheong-ryeong shouted urgently.
At her cry, Mok Gyeong-un hurriedly executed the Light Body Technique.
The Light Body Technique he used was the Ghost Shadow Steps he had learned from Shadow Clan Master.
-Tap tap tap tap tap!
The Ghost Shadow Steps, which valued change, had unparalleled flexibility in foot movements, like reeds.
While avoiding the sword, Mok Gyeong-un asked through voice transmission,
"What on earth is this? The qi is manipulating the sword as if it were a living swordsman."
"It's Art of Sword Control."
"Art of Sword Control?"
"A technique that manipulates the sword with qi."
"Manipulating the sword? Is it possible to control it so precisely?"
"This is the first time even I have seen it in person… Be careful!"
-Swish!
As soon as Cheong-ryeong's warning ended, the sword brushed past the chest of Mok Gyeong-un, who was employing the steps.
Narrowly avoiding it, Mok Gyeong-un focused his qi on the Yongcheon acupoint and kicked the ground.
-Bam!
Mok Gyeong-un, who instantly gained a distance of more than six steps backward, shot Profound Energy toward the sword that was trying to change direction.
-Swish swish swish!
Profound Energy flew in succession.
The sword seemed to be briefly blocked by the sharp qi.
-Swish swish swish!
However, the qi infused in Art of Sword Control was so strong that the Profound Energy was split instead.
It seemed useless to try to block it with just Profound Energy.
At least,
-Clang!
At that moment, something flew in like lightning and struck the sword away.
It was none other than Seop Chun, the Third Captain of the main building.
The sword, which had been rampaging on its own, was thrown to the ground by the Blue Martial Saber imbued with blue-colored powerful energy.
-Clang!
'The qi is weaker than powerful energy.'
The qi infused in the sword was above Profound Energy but below powerful energy.
"Phew, hey, are you alright?"
Seop Chun asked Mok Gyeong-un while waving his left hand.
He had intervened midway, thinking he shouldn't just stand by and watch.
Mok Gyeong-un was about to express his gratitude for his help when he suddenly shouted,
"Help… Look behind you!"
-Gasp!
As soon as Mok Gyeong-un's words fell, Seop Chun instinctively sensed a sharp qi and executed his saber technique.
'Butterfly Saber Technique, Second Stance: Butterfly's Warning!'
Seop Chun spun his body like a top while wielding his saber.
Then, a whirlwind of powerful energy surged due to the blue-colored saber energy infused in the Blue Martial Saber.
"That guy isn't ordinary either."
An exclamation escaped Cheong-ryeong's mouth.
The saber technique Seop Chun executed was so outstanding that it could be called a transcendent saber technique without hesitation.
Even with Art of Sword Control, it seemed difficult to penetrate that saber technique.
However,
-Swish!
The sword soared upward.
Then, it pierced from above Seop Chun, who was spinning while executing the stance.
'No way?'
Seop Chun's eyes widened.
Just like the eye of a typhoon is calm, the only gap in the Butterfly's Warning stance was right above where the stance was being executed, and it had penetrated that in an instant.
Realizing it wouldn't work, Seop Chun twisted the trajectory of the stance and executed a variation.
'Butterfly Saber Technique, Eighth Stance: Butterfly Dance in Full Bloom!'
-Swish swish swish swish swish!
The saber trajectories of the Butterfly Saber, fluttering like a butterfly, created numerous afterimages and instantly trapped the sword that had been piercing toward Seop Chun's crown.
-Clang clang clang clang clang!
The sword, trapped in the net created by the dazzling saber technique, bounced around wildly, losing its strength.
Seeing this, admiration flashed in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
Seeing the net created by the dazzling saber technique, it seemed evident how exceptional Seop Chun's combat sense was.
He was completely blocking the connection of qi to the sword.
'Has it been severed?'
The sword could no longer do anything.
Not only Mok Gyeong-un but also Seop Chun, who had trapped the sword with his saber technique, was confident of this.
However,
'!?'
Mok Gyeong-un frowned.
Although the qi connection was severed, to find out who had utilized Art of Sword Control and in what way, he opened the power of his Third Eye.
'What the hell is this…?'
It was completely different from what he expected.
He thought there would be traces of qi connecting to the sword.
But there were no traces of qi.
"Why are you doing that?"
"There are no traces of qi connected to the sword."
"What?"
If qi had been connected to the sword, traces of it should have remained visible to this eye.
However, nothing could be seen.
That meant the sword had truly moved on its own?
While he was puzzled, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue in admiration.
"Sword and self as one. The sword itself has been used as a medium for qi."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Instead of sending qi to the sword to connect it, the sword itself is made to gather and manipulate qi. That's why the sword can be freely controlled like this. Ha!"
She was genuinely impressed by this.
She had even doubted whether Art of Sword Control was actually possible.
But now she had seen the answer to that.
And thanks to that, she realized.
"Mortal. This isn't a technique that can be achieved by simply surpassing the wall."
"Then?"
"One must reach a realm where they can harmonize with the surrounding qi and themselves. At least the pinnacle-stage of the Transformation Realm… Or surpassing the wall of walls."
"That means…"
"Yes. There is only one person here who can display such profound arts to this extent."
"…The Society Leader."
Mok Gyeong-un sent a voice transmission with a confident tone.
The only one who had reached a realm beyond walls, to the point where even Mok Gyeong-un, who had surpassed walls himself, could not discern the authenticity of qi with his Third Eye.
That person was none other than the Society Leader of the Heaven and Earth Society, the sole person among the Six Heavens.
Cheong-ryeong spoke in a rather serious voice,
"There are mountains beyond mountains, indeed."
She had guessed that he might have reached the realm of Profound Realm after reaching beyond the walls.
But now that she knew for certain, the path of revenge still seemed far away.
Perhaps Mok Gyeong-un was feeling similar to her.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un's shoulders trembled faintly.
'This guy?'
Could it be that he had encountered a wall?
This was the first time she had seen him react like this.
Seeing his appearance, Cheong-ryeong inwardly understood.
'When faced with a being whose limits are unknown, it's natural to feel awe or fear. As expected, even you, Mortal, are human after all…'
Twitch twitch!
'!?'
Cheong-ryeong couldn't hide her puzzlement.
That was because she saw the corners of Mok Gyeong-un's mouth, whose shoulders were trembling even more, twitching.
'Is this guy actually smiling?'
Shouldn't one feel fear after encountering a wall?
He's smiling in this situation?
She thought she might have seen it wrong, but the corners of Mok Gyeong-un's mouth were faintly raised.
"Mortal, are you really smiling?"
"Huh? Was I smiling?"
"What? You didn't even know what expression you were making?"
"Ah ah ah. I almost made a mistake."
"A mistake? Why were you smiling in the first place?"
"Just because."
"Just because?"
"Yes, it seems that martial arts have more room for further exploration than I thought."
At Mok Gyeong-un's answer, Cheong-ryeong was inwardly surprised.
To this guy, martial arts were nothing more than a tool for revenge.
But after encountering a higher level of martial arts, instead of being blocked by a wall, he was showing interest in it.
'Ha!'
Does this guy even realize?
How much his mindset has changed.
But there was no need to mention it.
This was moving in a very good direction.
It was right at that moment.
-Clang!
"No way?"
Seop Chun, who was confident that he had completely severed the sword's qi by continuously executing the stances of the Butterfly Dance in Full Bloom, tried to stop it, but at that moment, the sword revived and pierced his shoulder.
There was no time to dodge.
However,
-Clang!
The sword that was about to pierce his shoulder suddenly lost its strength and fell to the ground.
'Huh?'
What's going on?
Could it be that the person who has been moving the sword with qi had released the connected qi?
While he was puzzled, Seop Chun stepped back to gain distance.
Then he looked towards the entrance of the training grounds.
The person who had controlled the sword with qi might be there.
However, there was no one at the entrance.
'Who is it?'
He couldn't sense any qi in the surroundings based on his perception.
But it was right at that moment.
-Rustle!
Suddenly, there was someone standing in the middle of the training grounds with their hands clasped behind their back, their face wrapped and covered with cloth like a bandage.
The moment he saw that person, Seop Chun's eyes widened, and then,
-Bam! Thud!
He knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, lowered his head, and shouted,
"Seop Chun, the Third Captain of the main building, pays homage to the Society Leader of the Great Heaven and Earth Society!"
'!!!!!!!!'
As soon as those words ended, Mong Mu-yak was also startled and knelt on one knee, paying his respects like Seop Chun.
"Paying homage to the Society Leader!"
'Society Leader? This person?'
Mok Gyeong-un's right eyelid trembled faintly.
Would everyone present here see this?
The qi stored within that person's body was so intense and thrilling that no qi he had ever seen could compare to it.
He even wondered what would happen if that qi were to be unleashed.
Is this the pinnacle of the Heaven and Earth Society?
He was in awe.
"Gyeong-un!"
Seop Chun, the Third Captain of the main building, urgently called out to Mok Gyeong-un.
It was disrespectful to stand there blankly when the Society Leader himself was present, not just anyone else.
At this, Mok Gyeong-un knelt on one knee and paid his respects, following their lead.
Seeing that, Seop Chun sighed in relief.
At that moment,
-Thump thump!
Footsteps were heard, and the Society Leader's legs appeared right in front of him.
Seop Chun lowered his head even more with a tense expression.
Then a voice was heard.
"Cough cough. What are you doing?"
'Ah!'
At that voice, Seop Chun's eyes trembled.
He had a hunch, but was this profound art of the sword moving on its own a test from the Society Leader for them?
He had wondered why they were summoned here, but he didn't know it would be for something like this.
-Tremble tremble!
'It was indeed a test.'
Seop Chun spoke with an utterly excited voice as if it were an honor.
"My skills are insignificant. I merely did my best…"
"No. Not you."
"Pardon?"
At this, the startled Seop Chun slightly raised his head.
However, the gaze of the Society Leader, whose face was wrapped and covered with a bandage, was directed at Mok Gyeong-un.
Moreover, it was with a rather intrigued look.
'Why on earth?'
Why was the Society Leader reacting like this?
While he was puzzled, the Society Leader spoke again.
"How did you scatter the qi infused in the sword?"
'What?'
191: Chapter 190: The Test (1)
Half a moment ago.
In the Society Leader's quarters located at the topmost floor of the main building.
The Society Leader, whose face was obscured by shadows as he had his back to the lantern, had his face wrapped in bandages.
The expression of the Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon, who was looking at him, was stiff, unlike his usual self.
'…So this is why he kept hiding his appearance.'
As the Shadow Clan Master who had thought it was because he had suffered an incurable injury, he couldn't help but be quite shocked.
To him, the Society Leader said while wrapping the bandages,
"Cough cough. Why do you think I showed this to you?"
"…"
At the Society Leader's question, Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon couldn't easily answer.
The intention behind hiding this until now and only revealing it to him, who was in charge of confidential matters and information.
Of course, there were a few guesses that came to mind.
The first was the impact it would have if this fact were to be known.
It would likely cause a big commotion even within the Heaven and Earth Society.
'This is an obvious problem, and the next is indeed…'
The Society Leader's trust.
It seemed that even before, but especially after his illness had worsened, he didn't trust anyone except for the Vice-Leader and his closest aides.
If that's the case,
"Perhaps, you have determined that there are spies even within the inner fortress?"
"…"
At his words, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon snorted with a displeased expression.
This meant affirmation.
'Spies…'
Spies were bound to appear from time to time.
Even the Righteous Sect Alliance, a martial arts alliance opposing the Heaven and Earth Society, frequently sent spy organizations called the Silent Strides to investigate and disrupt the Heaven and Earth Society.
The role of catching such spies belonged to the Shadow Clan.
However, the fact that he had hidden it even from him, the head of the Shadow Clan,
'I am also a subject of suspicion.'
It was troublesome.
Although he tried his best to manage his expression and not show it, Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon was not pleased with this situation.
Because he was a person of the Fire Faith Order.
The fact that he, as such a person, had become a subject of suspicion was not good for the future reconstruction of the Fire Faith Order.
For a brief moment, Hwan Ya-seon fell into contemplation.
'I must somehow regain trust.'
Otherwise, even the reconstruction of the Fire Faith Order might become impossible.
Fortunately, the fact that he had revealed the hidden truth, even if it was for a test, meant that there was still some trust left.
At that moment, the Society Leader, who had finished wrapping the bandages, got up from the bed.
The Society Leader spoke,
"The imperial palace has requested the later generation disciples again this time. You are aware of that, right?"
For over a decade, the Imperial Guards, a special agency of the imperial palace, had been requesting young later generation disciples from the Righteous Sect Alliance and the Heaven and Earth Society, claiming to be reorganizing and reforming.
Although it seemed like a simple request, it was a policy of the imperial palace to maintain its relationship with the martial arts world.
The Righteous Sect Alliance had already been accepting their request and sending later generation disciples since the beginning, but the Heaven and Earth Society did not do so.
To the Society Leader's words, Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon replied,
"Yes. However, since it was a matter not approved by the Society Leader…"
"Cough cough. It's not a matter worth approving. How can the martial arts world and the government coexist?"
"…"
Of course, this was not the only reason.
The imperial palace and the government had taken the side of the Righteous Sect in the war between the Heaven and Earth Society and the Righteous Sect Alliance.
As a result, the Heaven and Earth Society faced a disadvantageous situation in the war.
This was the reason why the Heaven and Earth Society did not officially move in the direction the imperial palace wanted, even though they did not have a grudge against them.
"But we can no longer just stand by and watch."
"If we can no longer just stand by…"
"Vice-Leader."
The Society Leader called for the Vice-Leader.
The Shadow Clan Master looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Then the Vice-Leader continued,
"Officially, our association has rejected the imperial palace's request, but the Society Leader's direct subordinates have been making their own investments in addition to the spies being sent to the imperial palace."
"Their own investments?"
What does this mean?
Could it be that they have built friendly forces on the imperial palace's side?
When did they go to such lengths?
While he was thinking, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon answered,
"Imperial Consort Seo."
"Imperial Consort Seo?"
She was one of the two consorts currently most favored by the emperor.
That favor was so great that her seven-year-old child, overriding the grown children of the empress, became the crown prince.
As a result, she became one of the four people wielding absolute power in the imperial palace.
'Ha!'
The Shadow Clan Master clicked his tongue.
Of course, there were also Shadow Clan spies in the imperial palace.
However, most of the spies were active for information purposes, and there was no special intervention in the imperial palace.
But while the Society Leader outwardly took a hardline stance, saying that he could not coexist with the imperial palace, he had intervened in the inner palace behind the scenes.
In a sense, it was truly astonishing finesse.
"…It's truly remarkable, without even a word to the Shadow Clan."
"It was just a precautionary measure. Anyway, through the information from Imperial Consort Seo's side, we learned that this information is certain enough to take action."
"…Then you plan to attempt a rescue?"
"Yes."
The answer came from the Society Leader.
At his resolute voice, the Shadow Clan Master felt his determination.
The Society Leader had been continuously seeking 'that person' instead of physicians since his illness had worsened.
He would never let go of this opportunity.
However, the situation of 'that person' falling into the Society Leader's hands was just as bad as being detained in the imperial palace.
What should be done about this?
At that moment, the Vice-Leader continued,
"So this time, we will accept the imperial palace's request."
"Ah… Then you're going to dispatch later generation disciples?"
"That's right."
At the Vice-Leader's words, the Shadow Clan Master silently looked at him.
It was utterly ironic.
He had predicted such a situation when he heard the news of that person's detention.
Due to the emperor's illness, there were signs of internal strife in the imperial palace.
Therefore, the various factions in power were fiercely competing to seize power in many departments.
This was indeed an opportunity.
"Then, to recruit the later generation disciples to dispatch…"
"No, there's no need for that."
The Vice-Leader shook his head.
The Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon was puzzled by this.
To rescue that person imprisoned in the underground Golden Prison of the imperial palace, they needed to recruit suitable talents, so why was there no need for that?
Could it be,
"…You plan to proceed in secret?"
At the Shadow Clan Master's words, the Society Leader coughed and smiled faintly.
As expected, his prediction was correct.
The Society Leader was someone who was cautious to the extent of being convinced that there were spies within, to the point of hiding it even from him.
If that's the case, if they were to officially recruit and dispatch later generation disciples to the imperial palace for the mission, this information would flow to the mastermind through the spies, and there would be significant obstacles.
"Then what do you plan to do?"
If recruitment was impossible, they had no choice but to secretly designate and issue secret orders.
However,
"Shadow Clan Master. Did you separately inform your disciple?"
"Inform? No. I just told him to bring him straight here… !?"
Suddenly, the Shadow Clan Master stopped mid-answer and frowned.
Then, as if glaring at the Vice-Leader, he asked,
"You're not planning to send my disciple, are you?"
"That's right."
At his answer, the Shadow Clan Master was at a loss for words.
He had a hunch, but it turned out to be true.
In the case of secret orders being issued, it was often carried out abruptly like this.
That was to prevent information from spreading outside.
However, there was an issue to raise here.
"Vice-Leader… That child has just completed the Corpse Blood Valley and become my disciple. He's not yet at the level to take on a dispatch mission…"
"If he passed the gate of the Corpse Blood Valley as the top disciple, his abilities are sufficient."
"But you know that child's background, don't you? I trust that child belonging to us, but…"
"Is there a problem with trust?"
"Pardon?"
"I heard that he showed his will to be loyal to our sect in front of everyone at the Corpse Blood Valley's closing ceremony."
'…It reached the ears of the Society Leader and Vice-Leader.'
As expected, they were aware of most things, operating their own direct intelligence unit.
However, it was utterly unacceptable.
Even if that child, Mok Gyeong-un, had made a pledge, there was no way the Society Leader or Vice-Leader would believe it right away.
Rather, they were figures who would continue to test that child for a while to verify it.
But they're saying they'll entrust such an important mission to that child, believing in him?
What are they thinking?
The Shadow Clan Master spoke in a troubled voice,
"I'm grateful for your words as his teacher, but if that child, who hasn't even received training as a spy yet, is entrusted with such a mission and fails…"
"He's not being sent alone."
"Pardon?"
"There are already three people who have been dispatched unofficially in advance, and with the official dispatch as per the request, your disciple and two others will be additionally dispatched."
"Ah…"
"Imperial Consort Seo's side wanted trustworthy personnel, so we had to select quickly, and your disciple was inevitably chosen."
"…"
'Inevitably?'
The Shadow Clan Master's eyes narrowed.
Could this really be explained away as inevitable?
If Mok Gyeong-un were not a hostage of the righteous faction and had been his disciple for ten years, it might be an understandable selection.
This was probably,
'A test?'
It wasn't a test just for himself.
It seemed to include a test for that child, Mok Gyeong-un, as well.
It was truly troublesome.
To him, the Vice-Leader spoke with a soft sigh,
"Don't be too dissatisfied. I'm not only sending your beloved disciple but also my own son."
"Your son, you mean Mong Mu-yak?"
"That's right."
At this, Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon couldn't hide his inner surprise.
He had thought it was a test to make things difficult for him and Mok Gyeong-un, but if it included Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon's son Mong Mu-yak, the matter was different.
Wasn't Mong Mu-yak the successor of Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon and one of the Five Tigers, known as the Heaven and Earth Society's greatest later generation disciples?
Even he is being dispatched on such a dangerous mission?
'What is the intention?'
Anyway, he had no choice but to follow the Society Leader's orders.
It was definitely not a desperate measure to reassure him.
However, the fact that they were even sending the Vice-Leader's son…
'Could it be?'
Hwan Ya-seon glanced at the Vice-Leader.
Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon's eyes were strangely bitter.
Seeing this reaction, it seemed that the Vice-Leader was also not very pleased with sending his child on this rescue mission.
It seemed to be to prove his loyalty to the Society Leader.
'That position is not very good either.'
Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon clicked his tongue inwardly.
It was so pitiful that even the Vice-Leader, one of the closest aides, had to continue proving his loyalty in this way.
"Since my son, the Vice Commander of the Society Leader's direct subordinates, is also being dispatched, do not raise any more objections."
"…I understand."
Anyway, it was impossible to object further.
If he continued to object, it would only incur the Society Leader's anger and suspicion.
'There's no other way.'
Now that it had come to this, it seemed he had no choice but to trust Mok Gyeong-un.
Fortunately, Mok Gyeong-un was a person of the Fire Faith Order, just like himself.
No.
Come to think of it, it might actually be for the best.
It could be an opportunity to prevent 'that person' from falling into the Society Leader's hands.
At that moment,
-Click!
The Society Leader opened the window.
Then, looking down, he spoke,
"Cough cough. They're here."
"What do you mean?"
"The three people to be dispatched."
With those words, the Society Leader's eyes narrowed as he looked down at the training grounds below.
'That guy?'
The hostage of the righteous faction who had mastered the Moon Sword Technique.
The Society Leader's gaze became strange.
He had thought that with the existence of Wi So-yeon, the Earth Preserving Sword and the Moon Sword Technique were meaningless.
That's why he had sent him to the Corpse Blood Valley without any lingering attachment, but not only did he survive, he even became the Shadow Clan Master's disciple.
Truly a peculiar child.
[In the end, he will find his place. That is fate and the natural order.]
The words that person had said came to mind.
Then, is all of this because of that so-called natural order?
Even the fact that that kid survived there.
After looking down for a while, the Society Leader grabbed a sword technique manual and lightly waved his fingers.
At that moment,
-Whoosh!
Sharp Profound Energy rose from him.
Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon, who was watching from behind, was gripped by a sense of unease.
What is he trying to do?
While he was puzzled, the Society Leader continued to wave the sword technique manual.
He wanted to watch closely what he was doing, but he couldn't.
At that moment,
The Society Leader, who had been waving the sword technique manual as if commanding a battle formation, suddenly stopped his hand and trembled.
Then,
"Ha? Look at this guy."
He showed a reaction as if it were absurd.
He even had his eyes wide open, what could have happened to make him react like that?
While thinking that,
-Bam!
"So- Society Leader!"
The Society Leader jumped out the window.
The startled Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon and Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon ran and looked down below the window.
***
The Society Leader, who had landed on the ground with a light body, glanced at the sword that had fallen on the ground, then turned his gaze back to Mok Gyeong-un and asked,
"How did you scatter the qi infused in the sword?"
'What?'
At those words, the eyes of Seop Chun, the Third Captain of the main building, widened.
What does this mean?
Mok Gyeong-un scattered the qi infused in the sword?
No.
Wasn't it him who blocked the sword flying at Mok Gyeong-un and severed the qi to stop it?
It was utterly incomprehensible.
At that moment,
'Could it be?'
Seop Chun recalled the moment when the sword had revived for a moment and then lost strength and fell.
Could it be that it wasn't the Society Leader who had withdrawn the qi?
No. Something is strange.
If it was a method of creating a net with a saber technique like he did, the connected qi could be severed, but otherwise, how was that possible?
-Tap tap tap tap!
At that moment, two more people landed in the training grounds.
They were none other than Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon and Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon.
Not knowing exactly what had happened below, they were puzzled and asked,
"Society Leader, why are you…"
-Swish!
The Society Leader raised his hand, signaling them not to intervene.
At this, Vice-Leader Mong Seo-cheon stopped speaking and looked around.
The hilt of a sword lying on the training ground floor.
And seeing the numerous saber marks filling the surroundings, he could roughly guess what had happened.
'Did the Society Leader test them?'
Judging from him waving the sword technique manual, it seemed he had used Art of Sword Control.
However, midway, the Society Leader had looked absurd.
[Ha? Look at this guy.]
Did someone among them surprise the Society Leader?
But was that even possible?
No matter how severe his illness was, the only ones who could block the Society Leader's Art of Sword Control were the two people with the title of Eight Stars or the head of the Elder Council, not anyone else.
At that moment, the Society Leader spoke again.
"Why is there no answer?"
Following the Society Leader's gaze, the two executives also turned towards Mok Gyeong-un.
Then Mok Gyeong-un spoke,
"This lowly one does not know what you mean."
Everyone was puzzled by his response, as if he truly had no idea.
At this, the Society Leader soon chuckled.
"Cough cough. Do you think you can deceive my eyes?"
"…"
"It was clearly you who did it."
The Society Leader spoke with a confident voice.
Then Mok Gyeong-un, with his head lowered, repeated the same words again.
"This lowly one truly does not know what you mean."
At his words, the Society Leader scoffed.
Then,
"Is that so? Then this will be an unfortunate accident."
-Swish!
As soon as those words ended, the Society Leader lightly nodded his head,
-Clang! Swish!
A sword from the weapon rack on one side of the training ground drew itself and flew towards the head of Mok Gyeong-un, who was kneeling with his hands clasped.
'How!'
Shadow Clan Master Hwan Ya-seon flinched for a moment at the Society Leader's sudden outburst.
It was because he had agonized in an instant whether to block it or not.
But at that moment, something astonishing happened.
-Bam! Clang!
The sword flying towards Mok Gyeong-un's head suddenly stopped as if it had lost strength and fell to the ground.
'!!!!!!!!!!'
Everyone who witnessed this scene couldn't hide their shock.
That youngster blocked the Society Leader's Art of Sword Control without moving a single finger?