A golden spirit, charging at an incredible speed. It’s really fast. Definitely a top-tier master. Even with the three of us fighting together, the fact that they seem so relaxed proves they’re well beyond our level.
This isn’t an opponent I can afford to take lightly.
I’ll end this with a Spirit Strike.
“Tsaaah!”
As I took a step forward, I could see the golden spirit roaring. Galbijong and Jaemi Son took steps to the left and right.
—Gooooo.
The energy within me was already fully drawn up. The power in my dantian was spreading through my whole body and concentrating in my arms.
—Whoosh!
A sinister flame rose from my sword.
“What the!”
The golden spirit was taken aback when it spotted me, trying to hit the brakes, but it was already too late, you bastard!
“Haaah!”
Spirit Strike!
—Kiiiiaaaah!
As I swung my sword with great force, a haunting scream echoed, and the purple blade energy exploded, painting the air. The golden spirit hurriedly tried to defend, but perhaps judging in the moment, it dropped its sword and pulled back… Damn it!
—Bang!
Because of that, my Spirit Strike went to waste.
I merely shattered their sword.
“What the hell! How did you do that with your sword energy!”
The golden spirit swiftly moved and snatched the sword of the one behind it. I withdrew the Spirit Strike and prepared for my next move. Damn it, I thought I had it! I used up more than half my energy, and now they’re ditching the sword and running away…!
“Galbijong! Jaemi Son!”
“Uh, um…”
“What the hell…”
Both of them were looking at me blankly.
Hey, you guys need to move right now if we want to win! Why are you just staring at me in shock? I know the Spirit Strike was impressive, but we’re in a real battle here!
—Saaa.
Soon, the sinister flames raging from my sword dwindled.
“Alright! One hit and it’s over!”
The golden spirit burst into laughter and moved again. Being a relatively skilled master, it quickly regained its composure.
This isn’t good!
“That was an interesting trick! Now die!”
As the golden spirit prepared to attack again, Jaemi Son and Galbijong finally snapped to attention and formed their defensive stances.
“Spirit Strike, that’s!”
“Amazing martial skill…!”
“Is this really the time to be surprised? Ah!”
—Zzzzzzz!
The golden spirit’s sword came rushing in. I barely defended myself and took a step back while Jaemi Son supported me.
Even with that, the golden spirit was strong. It pressured all three of us while attacking freely.
“I’ll make sure you die this time!”
A thick murderous intent radiated from them.
Am I really about to lose? No, I won’t! Although Serin will support me from behind, I can’t let myself look pathetic as a man!
—Whoosh!
In that moment, memories of obliterating the Il-do sect flashed through my mind. Yes, I can do this. I control the sinister energy.
Do you think it ends with just that one time!
—Whoosh!
Once again.
I directed my sword toward the spirit and summoned forth the energy.
“Haha! Can I do it one more time? But that twisted martial skill of yours has already been neutralized!”
The golden spirit dropped its sword and quickly backstepped to create distance. Truly a master, thinking up the response immediately. With that, the Spirit Strike won’t work anymore.
That’s why.
I recalled the feeling of taking down Madunachal. In that split second, I felt my perfect thrust resonate within my body.
The moment I stepped forward in that state.
—Whoosh!
My entire being, and from the Heavenly Thunder Sword, the sinister energy burst forth.
And I shot toward the spirit.
“Eh?”
Like an arrow piercing the sky, my thrust penetrated the very space itself and flew toward the heart of the golden spirit. In that moment, I became one with the sword, gliding smoothly on the ground without even running.
—Whoosh!
Sinister energy ignited, following that trajectory.
Literally the thrust of a ghost.
Ghost Spirit One Sword.
—Whoosh!
That was the end.
“Uhh…!”
The energy-laden blade pierced through the chest of the golden spirit. It rapidly closed the distance and explosively thrust.
“Gah…!”
The golden spirit knelt, coughing up blood.
“Cough!”
An overwhelming sense of loss seized my entire body. Following the Spirit Strike, I showcased my new technique, Ghost Spirit One Sword. The intensity of that realization was so overwhelming it made my head spin, and my rapidly depleting energy made me nauseous.
Still, I acted.
“I’ve killed the golden spirit!!! I did it with my own hands!!! So I need to kill everyone who defied him!!! All of you who stood against our Madunachal must die!!!”
A powerful cry.
“Uuuaaaah!”
Did the atmosphere shift?
My crew, whom I had brought, began to rampage. The utterly defeated faction and their henchmen were nothing but a ragtag group and died uselessly under my furious blade.
“Impressive, impressive! Spirit Strike! I can’t believe you were hiding that…!”
“That was truly incredible, Geunhyeop! Absolutely surprising…! Hehe!”
Both of them spoke to me, elated.
But right now, I’m just trying to keep my cool amidst all this drama…
* * *
When I regained consciousness, I saw a familiar ceiling.
“Ah.”
What’s going on?
“Geunhyeop. Are you awake?”
“Um… what? Am I awake?”
My body felt warm.
Looking around, I noticed Serin and Hayoung lying beside me. And they were only wearing inner garments! For a brief moment, I thought I was dreaming of this absurd luxury. Am I really not seeing the golden spirit and headed for the underworld?
“This ambiance. You just woke up and you’re already making a fuss? So rude.”
“What is wrong with you, seriously? Waking up like that?”
—Grasp!
The two girls said that and lowered their hands, grabbing me tight!
“Wait a minute…! What is going on here?!”
“Geunhyeop won! The golden spirit has fallen, and the members of Madunachal have taken over the scene. They should be finishing up by now.”
“Ah! Thank goodness!”
It seems I must have lost consciousness halfway through.
It appears that the cleanup was finished during that time.
Dodging that annoying work feels like a huge win. Plus, since I killed the golden spirit, I’ve done what I needed.
“What are you being so pleased about, Geunhyeop? Are you aware that it was dangerous?”
“Well, I… I do know.”
Serin scolded me.
“The golden spirit was clearly a higher-level master than you. The fact that the Spirit Strike didn’t even faze it was dangerous.”
“Still…”
“I was watching your back. You can’t just rely on that!”
That’s a fair point.
“Of course, I was ready to jump in as soon as your Spirit Strike failed, but it seemed faster for Geunhyeop to kill the opponent with the new technique.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That was… astonishing. The way you closed the distance instantly and executed such a thrust was like watching the Sayel clan’s swift sword technique.”
Is it really that impressive?
My shoulders felt a little lighter.
“Well, I guess fighting a dangerous opponent led to some enlightenment? Also, your sinister energy seems to have deepened a bit too.”
“Yeah, I definitely felt that.”
“It’s not just that. Aren’t you missing something more important? Your power is unique, and I told you it’s better to keep it hidden.”
Hayoung’s tone turned cold.
“You just revealed your power to everyone. From now on, everyone will say that the Spirit Strike has deadly power.”
Thinking about it, this could be a big deal.
“Geunhyeop. Do you now realize what you did wrong? This could lead to danger.”
“I’m truly sorry…”
“Well, at least I’m here, so you can feel reassured.”
“Serin!”
Right when I tried to bury my face in Serin’s chest.
“What the!”
Hayoung yanked at me!
“Gah!”
“My chest is bigger! Come here!”
“Okay, okay…!”
“Where are you going, Geunhyeop! If you decided to stay here, stay!”
Right at that moment, Serin gathered me into her embrace.
“Honestly, you’re still not competent! This time you handled the situation well and raised Madunachal’s reputation, so I’ll give you credit! Your skills have also increased, which is wonderful! But you still can’t concentrate on my chest!”
A sharp rebuke!
“If you keep acting confused, I won’t let it slide!”
“That can’t happen!”
“Hmm, then should I just let it slide?”
“Wi Hayoung, you need to be quiet!”
The Spirit of Madunachal cried out.
* * *
The events wrapped up.
Both factions, the evil and the merchant association, have been destroyed. There are no more major evil groups in this region. Though there are still minor underlings, they’re like pests that can’t be eradicated, so I’ll have to leave them be.
Regardless of what it is, our Madunachal has taken over the underground of this area.
“A great evil group has risen! Congratulations.”
The Gang Leader said that, and what?
“Great evil group? We’re the righteous faction! Watch your words!”
“Ah, ah! I’m sorry!”
Now our Madunachal will operate as a righteous faction. We just need to increase our fame and power like this. Just imagining it makes my chest swell with excitement.
“Ha ha ha! Don’t be too harsh on the Gang Leader, Spirit Strike. Now he is also our honorary member.”
“True enough.”
Galbijong approached with a bright smile.
“Seriously. Amazing. To kill the golden spirit like that…! It’s truly admirable!”
“That’s just a fraction of my power.”
“Of course!”
This guy seems to have completely turned into my fan.
“Anyway. Now Madunachal is supreme. And that rumor is spreading quickly. The low-level merchant association has sent a representative to meet us.”
“A low-level merchant association?”
“They probably came to greet us upon hearing we’re a righteous faction. There will likely be negotiations for protection fees and whatnot.”
That makes sense.
“And one more thing.”
“What else is there?”
“We’ve had numerous applicants wanting to join! They all say they want to be members of Madunachal!”
“Oh! Has the Gang Leader’s promotion worked? Hey, Gang Leader! Good job!”
“Ahem… Please take good care of me moving forward.”
The Gang Leader blushed as he cleared his throat.
I’m growing more attached to him by the minute.
“Let’s go see these applicants! Oh! First, let’s talk to the merchant association!”
“Hehe, they’ve all been waiting. Jaemi Son is guiding them, so we can go right away.”
Finally, I’ll do something constructive instead of just killing.
“Phew.”
As I looked up at the sky, it was incredibly clear.
“Beautiful.”
The sunlight seemed to wash away all the negative feelings lingering in my heart. Yes. I am Kim Geunhyeop, the Spirit Strike of Madunachal. If a righteous skilled fighter swept away the forces of evil, that’s just justice.
There’s no need to worry about anything else.
I made that choice and moved forward to produce results!
I will continue to advance with even more vigor!
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