“It’s the corpse of the Revolting Mother, Cheol Su-ryun.”
After those words were said, silence filled the room… before it exploded into a ruckus.
Such reactions were to be expected.
It would be even stranger to not be surprised when someone came in claiming that they brought a corpse that belonged to one of the Five Great Evils of the realm.
“Oh my….”
“The Revolting Mother?”
“Did the Little Immortal Swordsman defeat another of the Five Great Evils?”
“No way.”
“How long has it been since he was rumored to defeat another evil and the Blood Demon?”
It was quite embarrassing to hear, really. I had initially planned to increase his fame as the Blood Demon and claimed that he had dealt with Cheol Su-ryun using that identity.
But along the way, I changed my mind.
It was because I realized that if the Blood Demon’s path coincided with mine, a lot of suspicion could arise.
[Young Lord. Is it truly her corpse?]
Sima Young inquired of me silently.
As everyone tried to regain their composure, everyone’s eyes were fixed on me as they stood up.
From Song Jwa-baek to Jang Mun-ryang, everyone appeared stunned.
They thought I had gone to form an alliance with her, but instead, I arrived back here with her lifeless body.
[Did you meet with my father?]
Yes.
I did.
It was quite a remarkable reunion.
If it weren’t for this corpse, I would have faced consequences for what we did at the guesthouse. I would explain it to her later, though.
[I will inform you later.]
Now I have to deal with this young man.
- Look at his expression.
Just as Short Sword said, Jin Young, the grandson of Jin Gyun, couldn’t control his expression.
He had been speaking quite well until just a moment ago, but he couldn’t even maintain his expression now due to how speechless he was.
However, he quickly fixed his expression, perhaps being cautious of the gazes around them.
“The Revolting Mother?”
“I just said that. That corpse is hers.”
Jin Young reacted with disbelief to those words.
“Why do you have her body?”
“Isn’t she responsible for the kidnapping incident?”
“So, Warrior So, did you make her into this state?”
A lot of things had happened, to tell the truth.
I didn’t need to explain it to her, though.
“Well, that was how it ended up.”
‘…!!’
Upon hearing this, Jin Young’s face contorted as he stared at the bloody sack.
It appeared that he was in disbelief. Well, I suppose this was enough.
We had met at the Dual Martial Troops, but he only knew of me as So Wonwhi from the tournament.
Even then, he believed that I had been strong enough to trample on him.
-Does it still seem that way?
Hmm.
No matter how much effort he put in, he must have heard the rumors about me. Well, I didn’t know when he had arrived, but the quality of his internal qi had changed.
It must be because he had studied under my father for a few months. I had expected that he would stay there for a whole year, so this reunion happened sooner than I expected.
Had he left quickly because he knew that the position of sub-leader had been filled? Or did Jin Gyun have something to do for him?
-The old man is watching you.
As Short Sword said, Jin Gyun sat there and looked at me.
It had been a long time since I saw him, and the pressure I felt from this man was quite different.
Was he still growing?
No, not that much.
After crossing the wall, I thought I could somewhat understand his strength.
However, the veteran’s sense of pressure was palpable. His ability to suppress his opponent with sheer pressure through a glance was astonishing.
“He’s looking at me.”
Jin Gyun seemed intent on gauging my progress as well. I had tried to hide my true abilities, but it seemed that his keen eyes could still discern the truth. That was why his gaze felt like it could penetrate my very soul.
Now that our eyes had met, it was only proper to offer a greeting.
I was preparing to bow to him when Jin Young interjected,
“Are you certain it was the Revolting Mother?”
Did he really not believe it?
When I glanced at him, he exclaimed in disbelief.
“They say no one has lived after gazing upon her visage, so how can we be certain if this is truly her corpse or not?”
Upon hearing those words, all eyes shifted to the sack. Everyone questioned if the body inside was indeed the real deal.
This man truly knew how to make my job difficult.
-It’s quite unbelievable.
Really?
That was going to be tough.
There were many people eating in the inn. How could I show them a body cut in half in broad daylight? It would make them puke.
“This isn’t the right place.”
“Not the right place?”
“If I show a body in the place where people are eating, the host will not like this.”
“Just a little…”
“It isn’t much different from your appearance, so if you want to see it, I will show you later.”
When I cut him off, his face turned red. It seemed like he was angry.
Well, he hadn’t changed at all.
After studying under my father, I had expected him to change, but nothing had changed.
It seemed that people of the same age found it hard to accept that one of them could be stronger.
-It’s even stranger to accept that you’re known as one of the Eight Great Warriors at such a young age. Wonhwi.
Iron Sword was right. I wouldn’t believe it if I heard the rumors about me either.
Who would believe that someone like me, who should be in their late teens or early twenties, could overcome the wall and defeat three of the Five Great Evils?
Well, regardless of whether he believed it or not, I didn’t need to worry about their pride. I just needed to greet Jin Gyun.
“Senior…”
Just as I was about to bow, Jin Young abruptly interrupted me.
“If that’s what you mean, we can do nothing about it. But warrior So, since we haven’t seen each other in so long, how about a simple spar?”
‘Spar?’
Was he asking for a spar out of nowhere?
I thought he would just let me pass, but now he suddenly wanted to spar?
“… so sudden?”
“Is there anything sudden about this? Isn’t it common for warriors to exchange greetings by sparring?”
Though that didn’t seem to be his actual intention.
Judging from the fact that his face was still flushed, he wanted this spar to regain his pride. This was becoming bothersome.
He continued to talk.
“Even if it wasn’t the case. It was unfortunate that I was unable to match up with you or Lee Jung-gyeom, as our matchup was ruined.”
He was speaking without purpose. Doing it in front of so many people meant he was clearly itching for a fight.
Thanks to this, all the eyes were on us. However, the commotion only ended up fueling more conversation.
“The grandson of Flame Emperor Great Blade challenged the Little Immortal Swordsman to a duel.”
“This is incredible.”
“With the First Star, Lee Jong-gyeom, they had all made a name for themselves. They must be rivals now.”
“But their classes are different now, aren’t they?”
“Well, you never know. Who’s to say the grandson won’t surpass his skills?”
“Didn’t you see it a few days ago? One of the top warriors in the province got knocked out with just one move.”
“Really?”
“Is that so? It’s not just a fight; it’s a challenge.”
The people reacted as if this spar would not be a fight between rivals.
It was already regarded as a fight between warriors of different levels. This made Jin Young grind his teeth.
He worked hard to keep it under control and said,
“You have built up an amazing reputation since we last meet. And I should also learn a thing or two from you. So, should we do it?”
I looked at Jin Gyun, who was on the floor above. There was a frown on his forehead. He must have known that his grandson was no match for me.
It was polite to just look and nod.
[What do I do now?]
I asked him silently, and Jin Gyun sighed as he nodded.
It was likely because if he stopped it now after his grandson declared it in front of everyone, the child would become more embarrassed.
[Do not think of going easy on him just because he is my grandson.]
Jin Gyun told me.
I think this was why they said that the cub of a tiger always ended up becoming a tiger. Of course, there were several other reasons too.
-What is that?
He seemed to have some idea of my skills, but he wanted me to prove myself. He didn’t want me to hold back. At that moment, a tall man in his mid-30s wearing a dark blue uniform stood up from next to Jin Gyun.
After excusing himself to Jin Gyun, he jumped down to our floor.
Tak!
Seeing the man effortlessly jump down, he had clearly used light footwork.
“Taoist Chung Myung.”
‘Chung Myung?’
Where have I heard this name before… ah!
-Someone you know?
He was.
It was my first time seeing his face, though.
- What are you talking about?
Chung Myung, the Plum Blossom Swordsman.
If I recall correctly, he should be around 35 now.
He may not belong to the younger generation, but he was one of the Three Dragons Two Peaks, who were in the limelight ten years ago.
Just a normal yet handsome face.
- Wasn’t it like this in the other life?
That’s right.
At that time, he was the leader of a martial troop, and his face became disfigured after being bitten by a poisonous beast while fighting Gu Jae-yang.
After his face changed like that, I heard that his personality also became cold. But looking at him now, I had a different impression.
He seemed more composed, and the eyes looking at me held compassion as well.
‘And his skills?’
It seemed quite alright.
In my past life, he was touted as the next sect leader of Mount Hua. He was at roughly the super master level, with his energy still improving. It appeared that he would eventually reach a level beyond super master.
Considering his skill level, he likely would survive a fight against Gu Jae-yang.
- He won’t have to ruin his face anymore.
Ahh… that was right.
Gu Jae-yang, who had been the golden-eyed man’s subordinate in the Blood Sect, had been exposed and his martial arts destroyed before he was imprisoned.
Those who received an advantage from this changed history, whether consciously or unconsciously, would inevitably emerge.
Chak!
Bowing before me, Chung Myung, the renowned Plum Blossom Swordsman, spoke.
“It is an honor to meet our esteemed junior, the most famous of our ranks. I am known as Mount Hua’s Chung Myung.”
“I greet the Plum Blossom Swordsman. I am So Wonwhi.”
“Even if we hadn’t met now, I wanted to see you in person because of your growing fame. I also wanted to come and seek guidance from you.”
‘Guidance?’
Did Sima Jong-hyun imply that this would happen after revealing his hand?
Since the Murim Alliance had suffered chaotic situations recently, Sima Jong-hyun had been claiming the need for a new hero. Was it because of that?
With So Wonwhi’s increasing reputation, the Murim Alliance must have started to take notice.
Wait, Taoist Chung Myung was a member of the alliance, so why was he with Jin Gyun here?
-What’s the issue?
Jin Gyun was someone who tended to remain neutral even in the Justice Faction. He didn’t involve himself in any power struggles and only joined the tournament to help his grandchildren gain experience. He was only somewhat related to the Murim Alliance.
Although uncertain, Taoist Chung Myung bowed and said,
“It is the first time that this is happening, but I also want to ask my junior for a spar. Is that alright?”
Huh?
What was this now?
Apart from Jin Young, even Chung Myung wanted a spar? Jin Young, who initiated the spar, looked perplexed.
“Taoist Chung Myung? Why all of a sudden?”
“Well. Did you think you were the only one who wanted to compete with him? I also wanted to spar with this most famous friend in recent times.”
From his eyes and voice, it was evident that he was desperate to duel me. It was pure greed.
-Did he hear the rumors about your skills? Why would he do this?
I could sense it by just looking into his eyes.
His eyes were slightly more innocent than Jin Young’s, but it seemed like he had the same motivation - to confirm if the rumors were true.
There was no one who valued people’s skills more than the Justice Faction, but once a person reached the position of Chung Myung, they had no choice but to engage in sparring to continue growing.
-Even if they can’t fight?
Yes.
How would he be able to apply for the position of an Alliance member or captain otherwise? He could face criticism if there was no justification for it.
-You’re the easiest target.
Yes.
If my reputation was as high as that, how could they miss the chance?
A fantastic opportunity to test oneself against formidable fighters and acquire valuable experience, possibly even cultivating a renowned reputation.
- Based on what you’ve mentioned, this scenario is likely to persist.
Indeed.
When there existed a disparity of abilities, individuals aligned with the Forces of Evil would avoid engaging in combat unless they found themselves in dire circumstances where they needed to gamble their life.
It was evident that if this strategy was implemented within boundaries, they would persistently launch further challenges.
-What will you do?
I needed to set some boundaries, but still allow it to happen.
As it involved So Wonwhi, I couldn’t simply back down. Meanwhile, the two were locked in a subtle battle of wills, each vying to be the first to go.
“If Taoist Chung Myung wishes it, then go ahead. However, shouldn’t we spar first since you’re the senior?”
“No. Jin, I’ll go first. I initiated the spar, so how can you be selfish now?”
Those who went later would have an advantage over those who did it first in a spar. This was because they could predict the opponent’s strength, giving them an edge.
Making concessions to each other like this was not just for the experience. Both parties seemed to have a strong desire to duel properly with me.
“Still, isn’t there a thing called duty? Junior should yield.”
“Huh, isn’t it alright?”
I addressed the seemingly endless conversation between the two who were trying to push the other.
“I am running out of time, so let’s do it for both of you simultaneously.”
Upon hearing this, both individuals gazed at me with a rigid expression.
“What does this entail?”
“Perform the task simultaneously?”
I remained silent, offering no response.
“If you engage in a spar, does it truly matter who completes it more quickly? And with your combined effort, wouldn’t you achieve something greater?”
“Both of us?”
Upon hearing these words, the countenances of the two men contorted.
It appeared that their sense of pride had been provoked.
But I needed to address this right now to prevent it from happening again. Jin Young couldn’t hide his anger and exclaimed,
“Despite our growing reputation, do you expect us to work together? Are you mocking us?”
“I am not.”
“But you want both of us to attack simultaneously? What are you playing at when I said this was a spar…?”
I raised my right hand to his forehead.
Then I gently snapped my fingers.
Snap.
“Ack!”
He clutched his forehead, screaming in pain, before spinning around a couple of times and finally collapsing.
‘…!!’
Chung Myung’s mouth hung wide open in disbelief, unable to conceal his shock, and I responded politely.
“I simply thought it didn’t fit.”
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