Chapter: 548
Shhh-!
A sword blade enveloped in black ink dances through the air.
Chwaak-!
Not only was there no break, but the number of strikes was also plentiful.
A chaotic sword path.
Yet within it, there are distinct rules.
Years of hard work have forged skilled movements.
Actions to block paths and punish opponents.
Dozens of swords moved in unison for the singular purpose of catching one person.
Looking at the situation, it seemed utterly insurmountable, but surprisingly, the opponent stood unfazed, absorbing the onslaught as if it were nothing.
The head of the Guangdong branch of the Murim Alliance, Hwagyeong Muin Wi Seok, squinted in disbelief.
What in the world?
Thud-!
“Ugh!”
In the chaos, someone shot up into the sky.
Starting with one.
Thud-! Thudthud-!
One after another, the fighters from Meng went crashing down.
What the heck is going on…!
Wi Seok’s eyes widened at the bewildering scene.
It resembled a tempest.
A whirlwind of blades raged, yet how could this individual remain so serene?
Like the eye of a storm.
Their swordsmanship was both dazzling and precise.
Guangdong, a region rife with Sapa warriors.
In such a place, they trained to subdue not only monsters but criminals as well.
Were they weak? Not at all.
From the reports I received from Seo Dong, I estimated they were at least skilled enough to be Hwagyeong warriors, so I came with a group of strong fighters.
Excluding those below the top tier.
All were peak warriors.
Plus, there were two high-ranking leaders and Hwagyeong himself.
In terms of strength, they could easily capture what’s commonly referred to as ‘main family-level’ warriors.
Yet, the opponent appeared completely unconcerned.
Sshhhh-!
The swords surged forward.
No.
Just attempting to do so.
Bam-!
The warrior swinging his sword lost grip due to a sudden shock.
Grasp-!
“Ugh!”
The ensuing impact made him roll his eyes and collapse.
As one fell, two more rushed in from behind.
It was the same story.
They swung their swords with great effort.
Bang-!
“Ugh!”
“Gah!”
The direction twisted, and their sword paths collapsed.
And with the ensuing shockwave, they were sent sprawling.
The ones flung away lost their minds, a universal reaction.
The battle had hardly begun; it was akin to a fraction of the initial phase.
“Ugh… .”
“Ugh… .”
The once spacious plain was filled with groans.
Sharp swords were either embedded in the ground or carelessly scattered across the field.
“…”
Wi Seok’s expression upon witnessing it was one of utter shock.
As everyone lay on the ground, gasping in pain.
At the center stood a young man.
He had just grabbed the collar of one of the rogue fighters who had attacked him.
Without so much as a bead of sweat, he surveyed the scene.
And then he grinned slyly.
“Looks like everyone’s a bit sleepy. How tired must you be to lie down this early? Am I right?”
“…”
Wi Seok couldn’t muster a reply to the question.
He was preoccupied trying to gauge the situation.
This isn’t good.
In such a short time, so many elite warriors had fallen.
Moreover.
They’re all still breathing.
They were merely panting heavily; none had perished.
It indicated they’d all been subdued without a single fatality.
Thud.
As the young man released his grip, the fighter he had caught collapsed in a heap.
Now, only Wi Seok and the young man remained standing on this plain.
Gazing at that scene made Wi Seok feel an icy sensation.
This is different.
A youthful façade coupled with an unsettling aura.
That alone was enough to raise alarm bells.
From their combat style alone, Wi Seok sensed a troubling depth.
I couldn’t intervene.
In the midst of countless fighters clashing.
He should have engaged to subdue his target.
Yet, he remained a mere spectator.
It wasn’t just that I was idle.
He intended this.
The young man maneuvered so that Wi Seok couldn’t intervene.
As a result, Wi Seok found himself completely helpless while his subordinates crumbled.
How could this be?
In such a convoluted scenario, how could he orchestrate such a situation?
Only someone with extensive experience against large numbers could accomplish such a feat.
“…”
Wiping away the sweat, Wi Seok finally spoke.
“I have something to ask you.”
At that, Gu Yangcheon flashed a grin.
“In this sort of situation? You’re quite the curious fella.”
“The old saying… ‘Domun River.’”
“Hmm?”
At the familiar name, Gu Yangcheon nodded.
“You were the one who killed him, weren’t you?”
“Hmm….”
Domun River… Domun River.
“Ah.”
Then the memory clicked.
“It’s him.”
The man he had dispatched just days prior.
His name was likely Domun Kang.
That guy loitering around Vigo.
One of the reasons Gu Yangcheon had come here.
It was related to the iron tools he sought to procure from Vigo.
There had been a prior clash with someone lingering near that area.
When it turned out to be Sapa, I think I dealt with him.
Was he one of the Simao rulers?
He might have boasted that during their fight.
But that didn’t concern him much.
He was too weak for such a title.
The reason Gu Yangcheon was called a ruler often eluded common sense, but in his eyes, Domun Kang simply didn’t measure up.
Seeing Gu Yangcheon’s reaction, Wi Seok swallowed hard.
“…As expected.”
“How did you know?”
Gu Yangcheon seemed intent on being open.
“I figured that the sudden demise of Domun Kang and the emergence of a master like you in the vicinity weren’t mere coincidences.”
“Oh, I see.”
Only then did Gu Yangcheon grasp Wi Seok’s line of reason.
“So that’s why you gathered such a force?”
“… My answer is the same as before. I simply wanted to escort you with the utmost courtesy.”
“But if I refused, you were prepared to kidnap me?”
“…”
Wi Seok was silent in response to Gu Yangcheon’s words.
He merely.
Swish.
Lifted his sword and aimed it at Gu Yangcheon.
“What is your purpose…?”
“This old man is amusing. What purpose could I have in trying to kidnap you…?”
“This isn’t quite what you imagined.”
Stop!
At Wi Seok’s words, Gu Yangcheon’s smile vanished.
“Oh.”
And then a hint of admiration escaped his lips.
Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes at Wi Seok.
“What’s your basis for that?”
“I read the report your subordinate submitted regarding the discovery of a master who can tame monsters.”
As he spoke, Wi Seok’s gaze drifted to the unconscious Seo Dong.
“There’s also recent news of a notorious killer causing a ruckus.”
“But.”
“I hadn’t contemplated it much, yet now I realize it raises questions.”
“What are you talking about?”
Gulp.
Wi Seok swallowed dryly and looked into Gu Yangcheon’s eyes.
“Why did you allow me to report without killing me?”
“…”
“Though revealing such information wouldn’t be beneficial, you had the means to gather ample insights and dispose of me instead. Yet, you let your subordinate live to report back.”
The demise of the old master.
Simultaneously, an unidentified master appears.
Moreover, they were in pursuit of a murderer, accompanied by a beast capable of devouring red demons.
“Did you deliberately reveal this information?”
It was as if you wanted me to find out.
Hadn’t the author intended this?
Such thoughts flitted through Wi Seok’s mind.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yangcheon remarked,
“You’re sharper than you look?”
As before, he showed no signs of negativity.
That reaction only heightened Wi Seok’s unease.
“… What’s your true objective?”
“A purpose.”
Tink!
Gu Yangcheon relaxed slightly.
“Initially, I intended to visit the branch directly before my departure.”
“To the Guangdong branch?”
“Exactly. I had business there.”
“What…?”
“But it became unnecessary. That business arrived right before my eyes.”
As he spoke, Gu Yangcheon pointed at something with his finger.
Hesitantly, Wi Seok flinched.
For that finger was directed straight at him.
“…Your purpose is me?”
“No, not quite. Just a passerby, I suppose?”
“Why on earth…?”
Wi Seok wondered with confusion.
It was only natural to have such doubts.
He bore no personal animosity toward someone like Gu Yangcheon.
It was hard to recall any moment that could connect them immediately.
Yet, the objective centered around him? He couldn’t comprehend it.
At this, Gu Yangcheon fixed his gaze on Wi Seok and said,
“Is more explanation needed?”
“…”
“After all, you have one thing to do now, don’t you?”
Upon hearing Gu Yangcheon’s words, a previous report popped into Wi Seok’s mind.
“There was a story that circulated not long ago.”
It was news he had heard several weeks back.
“Recently, multiple key figures within the Meng faction have been assassinated in the Central Plains.”
“Is that so? I hadn’t heard of such a tale.”
Gu Yangcheon feigned surprise, as if captivated by the narration.
Wi Seok couldn’t help but frown.
“Are you the culprit?”
“What do you think?”
Tap, tap.
As Gu Yangcheon stepped forward, Wi Seok summoned his energy.
Calm your mind.
He couldn’t lower his guard after witnessing the fight.
“No matter your intention, I won’t back down.”
Swoosh-!
Wi Seok’s sword bristled with energy.
The pressure emanating from him enveloped the surroundings.
From the very start, he was prepared to unleash his full power.
It would have worked better had he suppressed them alongside his subordinates, but since that was impossible, he had no choice but to act decisively.
Aiming for the lower body.
With that judgment, Wi Seok sprang into action.
Just as his sword was about to slice through the air.
Crack!
“…!!”
Before the flow even took shape, Wi Seok’s arm was twisted.
Gu Yangcheon had swiftly appeared and shattered his joint.
“Augh!”
Yet, Wi Seok promptly twisted his body, switching grips on the sword with his bent arm.
Crash-! Snap-!
Before he could initiate his move, he was thwarted.
His knees buckled, and the force slammed into his chest.
“Cough…!”
He collapsed.
Thud.
Wi Seok weakly knelt.
Blood dripped from his lips. Although only a single clash had passed, Wi Seok’s body was battered.
“Ugh… Ugh…”
Wi Seok gazed at Gu Yangcheon with disbelief.
Gu Yangcheon’s gaze, looking down at Wi Seok, was devoid of any emotion.
“I asked earlier, why am I your target?”
“… Khuh… ugh…”
“I don’t harbor any particular grudge against you at this moment, you know?”
Gu Yangcheon lowered his gaze slightly as he continued, locking eyes with Wi Seok.
“I have some unfinished business with your past self.”
“… What… what do you… mean…?”
“Do you know this? ”
A glint flashed in Gu Yangcheon’s azure eyes.
“You’ll take charge of a decent unit in the war occurring about three years from now.”
I think the unit was called Seolhwa.
It was rather noteworthy, in fact.
“That redoubtable unit was effective because the leader executed tasks admirably.”
His tone was playful, yet Wi Seok was overwhelmed by an unknown dread.
“But they ended up betraying me midway.”
“… Hoo… Hoo… Wh… what…?”
“During that ordeal, a woman at the forefront suffer from a grievous wound and nearly died.”
“What are you… saying now…”
“Blood gushed forth, and I carried her, running like mad, even in the pouring rain.”
His back soaked with fatigue.
Raindrops cascaded down, washing away any traces of her blood.
All the way to the cave where they found refuge.
“Thinking about that time still makes me feel terrible.”
It was a memory he could never forget, not even for a moment.
That’s why Gu Yangcheon deemed it essential to relay this to the present Wi Seok.
“That’s why I wanted to see you.”
“That… is… nonsense…”
Bam!
Unable to continue his protest, Wi Seok was silenced as Gu Yangcheon swung a fist and crushed his skull.
Thud-!
The headless form of Wi Seok crumpled to the ground.
Gu Yangcheon wiped off the blood on his clothes and rose to his feet.
He then immediately walked away, kicking someone amidst the fallen figures.
“I know you’re awake.”
“…!”
The individual Gu Yangcheon nudged was Seo Dong.
Seo Dong, who had fainted during the battle, had just regained consciousness.
Gu Yangcheon addressed Seo Dong directly.
“You can’t rise too soon, so don’t strain yourself to get up. Just listen to what I have to say.”
“… Sa… save… me….”
“I won’t kill you, so don’t panic. We’re still in conversation. Can you keep your mouth shut about anything else?”
“…”
Seo Dong’s lips closed tightly at Gu Yangcheon’s instructions.
“I just dispatched your branch head.”
“…”
“Then what should you do about it?”
“…”
“You can answer this one.”
“…! I refuse to say anything…! I’ll remain silent until my last breath…!”
“No, that’s not it.”
Gu Yangcheon appeared dissatisfied with Seo Dong’s response.
“Such behavior is unbecoming of the righteous Murim Alliance. You must adhere to protocol.”
“What… do you imply…?”
“You excel at reporting; do it as is. Detail this entire situation and relay it back truthfully.”
As he stated this, a smile made itself apparent across Gu Yangcheon’s features.
“And, be sure to write down the criminal’s information like this.”
Gu Yangcheon moved closer to Seo Dong.
“Call him the Heavenly Demon.”
The mention of that title sent a shiver down Seo Dong’s spine.
“That’s why I’ve spared your life now. Remember that?”
“… Sleep….”
Bam-!
“Ugh.”
With no further reply needed, he struck the back of Seo Dong’s neck, knocking him unconscious once more.
Thus, no one else remained conscious around them, save Gu Yangcheon and the young observer.
“It seems the matters here are pretty much wrapped up…”
Gu Yangcheon announced casually, looking as if he were cleaning up.
His gaze fell upon the black knight leaning against a tree.
The knight’s eyes widened, appearing unable to believe the events unfolding.
Addressing the bewildered knight, Gu Yangcheon stated,
“Hey.”
“…!!”
Startled by the call, the knight jumped.
Despite Gu Yangcheon not wiping off the splattered blood on his face, he appeared disturbingly imposing.
For reasons unknown, the knight felt compelled to keep his eyes locked onto that sight.
Gu Yangcheon inquired.
“What’s your name?”
“…”
A cold query.
The knight hesitated before stammering a response.
It felt oddly imperative to answer.
“… Yul… Seongyul…”
“Seongyul?”
Upon hearing the name, Gu Yangcheon chuckled, as if disappointed.
“That name doesn’t suit you at all. What’s with that soft-sounding name?”
After making that statement, he turned and walked away.
A few steps later, Gu Yangcheon paused and looked back at Seongyul.
“What’s taking you so long? Get moving.”
“…!”
“Follow me, I said!”
The invitation to follow caught Seongyul off-guard.
As he struggled to comprehend, Gu Yangcheon quickly added,
“Oh, if you don’t want to go, just say so in advance.”
For a moment, he pondered that maybe saying no could exempt him from joining.
“Because I’d just break your legs and carry you.”
“…”
With those words, Seongyul cautiously got to his feet.
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