Chapter: 726
-Yul-ah.
There is something my Master once said.
-There will be times in life when it feels like the world is particularly harsh to you.
He was both a parent and a friend to me.
While seated on his lap, he would often say these words to his younger self.
Swish.
The hand that stroked my hair was rough yet affectionate.
-Think of this every time.
His voice as he spoke was dry but gentle.
-Even if the world makes it hard for you, it’s not your fault.
These were the words meant to comfort Seongyul when he cried after being bullied.
Young Seongyul nodded when he heard this, but even after a long time, he still couldn’t understand it.
Could it really not be my fault?
The world grows darker by the day.
The murderous intentions that threaten to surface at any moment.
No matter how much I recite and remember the enlightenment learned from Taoism, there are things I simply cannot control.
I want to kill.
I want to kill everything in my sight.
I don’t even know why it has to be like this.
I don’t understand why I’ve become this way.
There was one thing I felt I absolutely had to do.
It felt as if that was the reason I was born.
During the time I couldn’t hold back anymore, I bit my Master’s hand with all my might.
My Master always patted Seongyul’s back with the same expression.
It’s okay.
You can endure this.
You can do it.
I tried to hold back from saying that.
I changed the hand I used to bite from my Master to my own.
On days when it was just too much to bear, I would crawl under the blankets and face the darkness.
That’s how I lived.
A cursed life.
A Master who accepted me as I am.
I somehow managed to withstand it all by remembering that one thing.
My Master is my fence.
A fence that protected and shielded me. Because my Master was there, I was able to endure, and because my Master was there, I was able to live.
So now…
‘What should I do?’
How should I live now that such a Master is gone?
This was the thought that arose when I first killed someone.
Blood on the blade.
Seongyul gazed at the person he had killed with his sword.
The body lay brutally mutilated all over.
They said he was a man who had raped a woman from the next village and fled.
“…”
What was I feeling at that time?
Swish.
That day, it rained from the sky. It poured down crazily, causing floods in some areas.
Amidst the rain, I saw blood flowing and a person dying coldly.
Guilt clung to me for having killed someone while living as a disciple of the Taoist sect.
The fear of having ultimately killed a human being.
If I said there was nothing like that, it would be a lie, but at the core, swallowing all those heavy emotions.
In the end, it was joy.
“Phew… huff.”
It’s so moving.
How splendid a dying human can be!
Even in the rain, the stench of blood was thick, and the scent that tickled my nose was irresistibly enticing.
How could something be this beautiful?
I was quickly becoming addicted to killing.
The moment I realized it.
“Ugh…!!”
Seongyul sat down and vomited.
“Cough…!”
I just couldn’t stand the ugly person I had become.
Seeing a person die and being fascinated by it made me feel less than human.
It was unbearable, making me feel like a monster.
“Ugh… sniff…”
Holding back tears, Seongyul picked up his sword.
It was the very sword that had mercilessly sliced down a man.
This time, the sword was aimed at Seongyul’s own neck.
If it’s going to be like this, I might as well die.
Better to die and disappear.
Just as I was about to cut my own neck.
-Yul-ah.
“…”
Seongyul froze at the faint sound of his Master’s voice.
-It’s okay.
Memories of his Master’s words flooded back.
The image of the old man who smiled even as the end loomed before him visited my mind.
-Hey, just live.
Seongyul couldn’t bring himself to bring the sword closer.
“…aaaa…”
Would there be any meaning in prolonging life like this?
If I end up becoming a monster, will I have any value as a human anymore?
“Please…”
If someone knows, please tell me the answer.
At that time, Seongyul prayed in the rain.
“Jin Im-seok.”
“…”
The voice he had been wrapped in rhythm rose.
A vast open space became visible beyond his focus.
A wide, flat space in the shape of a square, surrounded by countless spectators.
Thump-!
Upon confirming this, Seongyul’s heart began to race.
Bugs.
The crowd surrounding him felt like insects.
I wanted to stomp them all into the ground and coat the world in blood.
As that thought crossed my mind, I grasped my chest.
Phew.
It’s fine.
Calm my breathing and remember.
He is behind me.
So it’s okay.
Seongyul kept reminding himself and cooled his head.
“Jin Im-seok. Are you okay?”
He nodded in response to the referee’s question.
“We’re about to begin. Are you really okay?”
The referee asked to check his state.
The answer to that question had already been fixed in his mind.
“Yes, I have no problems.”
“Understood.”
With that, the referee’s gaze turned to the opposite side. It was Lee, positioned directly in front of Seongyul.
A figure clad entirely in dark colors.
‘…Was it called the non-Christian city?’
A Pangga’s minor master. Peng Woo-jin.
He was undoubtedly a young man who was referred to as such.
“Peng Woo-jin.”
“This side is also ready. As previously mentioned.”
“…Understood. Then, I will prepare for the martial arts match.”
His words drew a wide grin from Peng Woo-jin.
Seongyul felt a strange sensation upon seeing that smile.
‘What is this?’
It was something that couldn’t be described.
An inexplicable feeling that felt off.
Naturally, he felt a twinge of wariness.
Seongyul slightly frowned at the unknown energy.
“Did you say you’re Jin Confucius?”
Before the match began, Peng Woo-jin addressed Seongyul.
“Yes.”
Jin Im-seok was still a name that felt unfamiliar to him.
Yet, because he had asked, Seongyul merely nodded.
“I see you appearing quite close with our former Prince.”
“…What?”
We?
There was something odd about the tone of his words, but Seongyul didn’t bother to point it out.
“What do you mean?”
“What are you saying?”
“They say a friend’s friend is a friend of all. I am also close to Prince Gu, so how about forming a bond with Prince Jin?”
“….”
What in the world does he mean all of a sudden?
This unexpected situation left Seongyul unable to say anything.
Saying something like that right before the match? Is he messing with me?
Such thoughts crossed his mind, but he decided not to dig too deeply.
‘Because I have something essential at stake.’
He had something to gain from this battle.
He couldn’t afford to be swayed by meaningless chatter.
Swish.
Before answering, Seongyul drew his sword first.
In that moment, Peng Woo-jin’s smile faltered.
“I apologize in advance.”
“Oh no! Are you rejecting me? That’s quite disappointing.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s a rejection, rather, I need to clarify—I am not friends with Prince Gu.”
“Hm?”
There’s no way to refer to a friendship between him and himself.
“I’m just following him. We are not friends in the least.”
Simply following doesn’t mean having lived alongside or emulating someone’s footsteps.
It was literally just following along.
“Moreover.”
Seongyul tightened his grip on the sword.
“I appreciate your words, Prince Pang, but… If we were to develop a relationship, I would hesitate to put down the tip of my sword, so I’m afraid I must decline.”
He didn’t want to risk wasting a hand.
He had to win this battle no matter what.
“Hmm.”
Pang Woo-jin sighed, appearing somewhat regretful at Seongyul’s words.
Yet, the smile on his face didn’t fade.
“This is quite unfortunate. Compared to Prince Gu, it doesn’t even compare, but… Prince Jin has decent qualities as well.”
Qualities?
Would that refer to the uniform, the eyes, or hair?
Seongyul held a brief moment of doubt, but Peng Woo-jin continued to speak.
“I fully understand your position, Jin Confucius. That’s why I feel even more regret.”
Once a relationship is formed, it’s tough to put aside the sword.
Peng Woo-jin understood that sentiment quite well.
“That’s why I aimed to forge a relationship with you.”
“…?”
In the moment Seongyul frowned at his words.
“Ready.”
The referee’s voice announced.
At those words, Seongyul’s focus sharpened.
He couldn’t afford to let his guard down.
Seongyul was determined to remain vigilant against Peng Woo-jin.
Before stepping onto the platform, Gu Yangcheon had clearly stated.
-Use everything you can. If not, come down and I’ll help you out.
That ominous warning sent chills down Seongyul’s spine.
Even thinking about it caused cold sweat to form, but he grasped the meaning behind the words.
An opponent he could give his all against.
Gu Yangcheon had already given Seongyul a heads-up.
Focus because Peng Woo-jin was strong—that was the warning implied.
“Phew.”
Tension,
Caution,
Concentration.
Slowly, Seongyul’s energy began to awaken, and his body warmed up.
With a steady breath, he focused all his energy on Peng Woo-jin.
I won’t lose.
I will find a way to win somehow.
Thus…
‘I will heed my Master’s words.’
I made a resolution.
With that determined mindset in place, the referee slowly opened his mouth.
“Martial arts match. Begin.”
Slash-!
The referee’s hand, lifted high, soon fell to the ground.
Seongyul was ready to charge straight at Peng Woo-jin.
“I’m sorry in advance.”
Kugh-!
“Cough!”
Thud.
‘Huh?’
With a sudden impact, Seongyul’s knees buckled down.
What in the world is happening? In a hazy daze, Seongyul barely found stability on the ground.
Drip-drop.
Thud!
His blood flowed, soaking the floor.
It was his own blood.
Seongyul quickly covered his mouth with his hand.
Through his fading vision, he came to a realization.
‘Did I lose consciousness for a second…?’
As brief as that might wander, it was clear that Seongyul had succumbed to fainting.
What happened to me?
With a stiff neck, Seongyul looked up at Peng Woo-jin.
Peng Woo-jin, who had been a few steps away, was now standing directly before him.
What did just hit me?
Was it a fist or was it the edge of a sword?
Whatever it was, he relentlessly attacked him.
At that moment…
“It’s like this by nature.”
A voice rang out from Peng Woo-jin.
“I don’t particularly enjoy this kind of thing.”
“…What…?”
“It’s pointless to teach anything to the incompetent. I also have something I’m hoping for, so it’s hard to show much.”
Peng Woo-jin scratched his cheek as if deeply displeased.
“One.”
“…!”
Seongyul instinctively jumped backward.
Crash-!!
Even while uttering those words, Peng Woo-jin swung his sword and struck the ground where Seongyul had stood.
Woosh! Seongyul stifled a gasp as he sensed the heavy force behind the slice.
Had he not dodged, his heart would have been viciously cleaved.
“It’s also a request from someone who can satisfy your desires. You’re not incompetent like those other fools. Try it out.”
Bang-!
Peng Woo-jin’s blade briefly struck the ground.
A recoil reverberated and change began to unfold.
The sword gradually turned dark.
“If there’s one wish I have from Jin Confucius… please, I’m asking you.”
Whoosh—!!
A tremendous sound of the blade echoed through the air.
Seongyul bit his lip at the sound.
What kind of insanity is pouring out?
The unintelligible words left Seongyul confused.
But he couldn’t question it.
“I hope you will make me a little happy.”
Just after Peng Woo-jin ended, a deep smile spread across his face as he charged toward Seongyul.
CRASH!
“Agh!”
With a short groan, Seongyul blocked the attack with his sword.
Now, he felt like he finally understood.
The strange feeling he’d sensed around Peng Woo-jin.
Now he recognized what it was.
Fear.
Seongyul’s instincts were screaming to fear Peng Woo-jin.
SSSSHHHH!
Rapidly channeling energy into his blade.
Though Seongyul managed to block Peng Woo-jin’s tremendous assault, the sheer force of contact made him feel dizzy.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
It was as if being smacked with a blunt object.
Despite blocking every strike, he felt as though his arms might fall off.
CRUNCH!
“…!”
As the swords clashed, their angles shifted unpredictably.
BAM! The air pressure burst forth, sending shockwaves through Seongyul’s arm as he struggled to maintain his grip.
This left him vulnerable, creating a massive gap in his defense.
Seongyul hastily gathered his energy in anticipation of defense.
SMASH!
Peng Woo-jin attacked with the flat side of his blade.
In an instant, the barrier of energy shattered.
The force was tremendous.
CRACK!
“…Kugh!”
The blade slammed violently into Seongyul’s upper body.
The sensation of his bones trembling was all too vivid.
WHOOSH!
Seongyul, blown back by the impact, tumbled across the ground.
With each roll, he left traces of his blood upon the stage.
“Ugh….”
Finally coming to a stop, Seongyul grasped his chest and gasped for breath.
Every time he took a breath, pain shot through, possibly indicating cracked ribs.
Yet, despite the pain, Seongyul had to move.
Peng Woo-jin continued pouring in relentless attacks, showing no signs of stopping.
As Seongyul barely dodged another incoming strike, he became aware of something.
Strong…
He was strong.
After this barrage of attacks, it became clear.
Peng Woo-jin was unimaginably strong.
Though it felt different from battling Gu Yangcheon, the end conclusion remained unchanged.
‘… I cannot win.’
The outcome was evident. No matter what he attempted, he couldn’t overcome this level of power.
The overwhelming chasm of disparity eroded his will to fight.
Was this why Gu Yangcheon had made such a bet?
Did he speak those words knowing I could never win?
If that were the case, it was unbearably cruel.
CRUNCH!
The force from the sword sent Seongyul’s lower body collapsing.
His legs quaked.
Though he blocked with both hands, it still resulted in this.
It felt akin to being crushed by a stone.
“I will strike again.”
Peng Woo-jin’s assertion rang out.
In contrast to the fierce strength, his tone conveyed calmness, causing Seongyul to grit his teeth.
Even knowing he couldn’t escape, he had no means to do so.
The moment he heard the words, the strike had already begun its descent.
CRAAAAASH—!!!
A more tremendous impact crashed down onto his sword.
“Ugh…!!!”
BANG!
As before, one of Seongyul’s knees buckled.
The sword in his grasp slipped from his grip.
‘Ah….’
It’s… over.
Seongyul reflected on his weapon.
There’s nothing more I can do.
Clink!
Seongyul’s sword fell to the ground.
His head bowed down as he knelt.
There was no strength left in his limbs.
His muscles trembled silently, screaming without sound.
‘…’
Peering at the ground, the fading of his vision began to take hold.
It hurt not to hear my Master’s word. There was little that could be done.
‘…I can’t win.’
I cannot accomplish this.
It was inevitable from the outset.
As the sight grew dim, Seongyul finally surrendered to gravity.
[Hey.]
“…!”
Freezing!
Seongyul’s eyes sparkled with surprise at the familiar voice.
[What are you doing?]
It was a telepathic connection.
Immediately, Seongyul cast a glance behind him.
Below, in the gathered crowd, he caught an intense stare directed at him among the spectators.
[What are you doing, you punk?]
A young man swearing forcefully, his wide eyes blazing.
Those vibrant eyes filled with intensity were alarming to behold.
[What have you done to want to give up? Are you crazy?]
“…”
Being scolded made Seongyul bite his lip.
Normally, he’d quietly acquiesce.
[…What am I supposed to do?]
For the first time, Seongyul retaliated against Gu Yangcheon in defiance.
This conveyed how suffocated he felt.
[What do you mean “what to do”? Get your act together. Don’t give up.]
[It’s impossible for me to win.]
[You think it’s impossible? What experience do you have that brings you to this conclusion?]
[…I’ve exhausted all my strength. I can’t defeat the author… .]
[Ha.]
Seongyul’s words prompted Gu Yangcheon to laugh as if the situation were amusing.
[You finished everything? You still seem to have quite a bit of strength left, why claim you exhausted everything?]
[No…! I definitely…]
[The one who claims to have used it all up is still able to maintain a connection to me. Is this truly your full effort?]
[…!]
Seongyul abruptly fell silent at Gu Yangcheon’s remarks.
[You tried everything? You didn’t do anything. After a few hits, you just tucked your tail and whined.]
Clench.
He clenched his fist.
He wished to counter, yet he had no arguments to offer.
[Stop acting like a spoiled brat. Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean you’ve done everything. That’s truly pathetic.]
[What do you know…?]
[I don’t know, so show me! You have much left to accomplish. Instead of making excuses, just grip that sword.]
His scolding tone, laced with annoyance, stirred something deep within Seongyul. He wished to accept defeat. Such thoughts kept bubbling to the surface.
[Why aren’t you moving, damn it? If you keep this up you will lose to me, not Peng Woo-jin. Do you understand!?]
With the exasperated shout, Seongyul finally resumed his grip on the sword.
His muscles twitched in response to his actions.
His body truly teetered on the brink of collapse.
“Guh… ugh…”
He attempted to budge, but staggering steps proved challenging.
Peng Woo-jin stood with an expression of leisure as he awaited Seongyul’s next move.
As if encouraging him to make another attempt.
[Only when you genuinely give it your all should you consider giving up.]
As Seongyul struggled to rise unsteadily, Gu Yangcheon continued.
[For someone like you, simply ending matters without trying is nothing but running away.]
What’s the difference between the two?
Seongyul failed to grasp the distinction.
[Focus!]
“…”
[You know it too. You still have possibilities.]
Possibilities.
At those words, Seongyul’s eyes opened wide.
There were indeed actions yet to be taken, ones he had withheld from fear of failure.
Calming himself, Seongyul closed his eyes, glimpsing a lock beyond his darkness.
An old, decayed lock.
It was something that would shatter with a mere touch.
The lock sealed a door behind which a ghastly aura seeped out beyond the shabby lock.
That door should not be opened.
To open it would mean awakening the monster that would consume him whole.
Knowing that, he had long resisted the impulse to ascend.
“…”
Gazing at the lock, Seongyul drew a breath.
I don’t know.
What’s behind that door that you may speak so decisively?
I can’t even fathom that.
All he could see was the lock.
The very source of his internal curses.
The urge not to touch it echoed loudly, yet…
[Don’t panic.]
Upon hearing Gu Yangcheon’s words, he steeled himself.
[It’ll be alright.]
“….”
Without realizing it, Seongyul reached for the lock.
Bang.
Crack!
With a light brush, the lock shattered.
Click!
The door that had been sealed swung wide open.
At that moment.
Whoosh—!!!
The energy within enveloped Seongyul.
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