Chapter 99 to 101

 Chapter 99

Moonless Void Sword – Moon Fragrance Defeating Sword.

The moment he imprinted this technique, Mok Gyeong-un saw someone with a pale face and a scholar-like appearance holding a sword and displaying the technique in his mind.

-Swish swish swish swish swish!

The sword path resembled a full moon, and upon seeing it, goosebumps rose all over Mok Gyeong-un’s body.

Since entering the Treasure Vault of Corpse Blood Valley, he had experienced a state of selflessness through imprinting the sword techniques Cheong-ryeong had told him to memorize, but this sword technique evoked an incomparable thrill compared to those.

Mok Gyeong-un stared blankly at the technique.

Watching Mok Gyeong-un, who was so immersed, Cheong-ryeong thought to herself,

‘He has just started, but to enter a state of selflessness immediately upon seeing it.’

His concentration is remarkable.

Judging from his trembling eyes, it seems this mortal brat is also quite astonished by the sword technique, which is on a different level from what he has seen so far.

It’s understandable.

Even she herself had marveled at it when she saw it during her lifetime.

Moonless Void Sword – Moon Fragrance Defeating Sword.

It was the sword technique of a peerless swordsman, one of the top five in the world, during the lost era of the Old Martial Arts World, which was known as the most fierce.

Although only two techniques remained, all of them damaged, she had gained so much enlightenment from seeing them that she completed her unfinished Sword Techniques of the Moon.

‘If he grasps even a little of the true value contained in the strokes, his insight into the sword will improve by leaps and bounds, regardless of the duration of his cultivation.’

Of course, it was uncertain to what extent Mok Gyeong-un’s level would allow him to discern it.

However, unlike before, the state of selflessness was considerably long.

Most of the other books had ended around thirty counts, but he was still gazing at this technique.

-Spark spark!

‘There’s no excess.’

Mok Gyeong-un kept exclaiming in admiration as he watched the middle-aged man perform this technique.

The sword technique techniques he had seen so far often had unnecessary movements or sword paths that caught his eye, but this sword technique had none of that.

Each trajectory was beautiful, but it was thoroughly focused on killing the opponent.

‘Ah…’

It was like looking at a work of art.

There was a charm to staring at it intently.

For Mok Gyeong-un, this sword technique possessed the aesthetics of the sword and death.

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un assimilated with the middle-aged man in scholar’s attire and began to display the sword technique together.

At that moment,

-Swoosh!

The energy of death, the death qi, flowed out from Mok Gyeong-un’s body.

-What?

While this wouldn’t be visible to the eyes of an ordinary person, it was clearly visible to Cheong-ryeong’s ghostly eyes.

The surging death qi was rapidly spreading to the surroundings.

-You…

Cheong-ryeong, who had been about to call out to Mok Gyeong-un, stopped.

Thinking about it, the death qi wasn’t something that living beings could perceive, and judging from Mok Gyeong-un’s current state, it seemed he had gone beyond a state of selflessness and attained some kind of enlightenment.

‘What did he realize to make the death qi flow out of his body and take shape?’

She was curious.

The flowing death qi swayed and rippled like waves.

Cheong-ryeong couldn’t hide her inner astonishment upon seeing this.

Although it appeared to be a simple ripple, to the eyes of those who had surpassed the peak and had depth in martial arts, like her, it looked like a sword qi.

‘This guy… Could it be?’

Was he assimilating with the strokes written in the sword technique and visualizing the technique in his mind?

Cheong-ryeong was dumbfounded.

It was something absolutely impossible at Mok Gyeong-un’s level.

Only when one reached the early-stage of Transcendent Realm could they visualize and implant an image in their mind by looking at characters or sword traces.

Yet, Mok Gyeong-un, who hadn’t even attained enlightenment at the Peak Realm, was doing it?

‘…How many times is he going to surprise me in a single day?’

Drawing an image through the sword technique and gaining enlightenment from it.

Something she hadn’t expected at all was happening at this fellow’s level.

As Cheong-ryeong was waiting,

-Clank! Clank!

At the end of the third floor where the bookshelves were displayed, there was an entrance in the form of a cave excavated from the cavern to the inside.

A red line was drawn there, and one of the bookshelves inside started to make a clanking sound.

However, the sound wasn’t very loud, and neither Cheong-ryeong, who was inside the wooden doll, nor Mok Gyeong-un, who had entered a state of selflessness, heard it.

***

“Phew.”

Corpse Blood Valley’s Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi let out a sigh with an irritated expression.

Only he and Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom knew the location of this place in Corpse Blood Valley, so he had no choice but to guide them personally instead of ordering his subordinates.

As a result, he had to wait here for a sichen.

He was filled with dissatisfaction because he had to do this for a fellow who was not only a hostage from the righteous faction but also someone he didn’t particularly like.

‘I don’t understand. Why is the Society Leader doing this, and why is the Valley Master acting like so?’

The Society Leader’s whims were nothing new, so that could be overlooked, but Valley Master Lee Ji-yeom, although not openly showing it, didn’t really like the Society Leader.

Yet, he couldn’t understand why he was extending courtesies to someone who could become an arrow aimed at him, unlike his usual self.

‘What could he be thinking?’

His mind was filled with doubts.

-Rustle!

‘!?’

At the sound of rustling leaves coming from somewhere, Gwak Mun-gi flinched and turned his head.

At that moment, his eyes widened.

Suddenly, behind him, there was someone with a slender build wearing a straw hat with a veil, and a handsome young man who appeared to be in his early twenties with a large sword on his back.

‘Who dares?’

This was Corpse Blood Valley.

Just who were these people to intrude here?

Gwak Mun-gi was about to move his hand to the sword hilt at his waist.

Right at that moment,

-Pak!

‘What?’

Before he could even draw his sword, the young man firmly pressed down on the back of his hand.

“This…”

“Judging from your belt, you seem to be a warrior of Corpse Blood Valley. Calm down.”

At the young man’s words, Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi frowned.

This young man knew his identity.

Not only did he possess extraordinary lightness skills to block him before he could draw his sword in an instant, but he also seemed to be a member of the main sect.

So, Gwak Mun-gi asked,

“Who are you?”

Then, the young man took out a plaque from his bosom and showed it to him.

‘!!!!!’

Upon seeing it, Gwak Mun-gi’s eyes widened.

The pattern engraved on that plaque was none other than the emblem of the Bright Blade King.

***

Sitting on a chair and staring intently at the incense stick, the guardian Unit Leader Yang Mu-won yawned loudly.

Then, he lowered his head diagonally and shifted his gaze away from the incense stick to somewhere else.

It was a treasure vault filled with secret manuals.

‘Hmm.’

The person he was looking at was Mok Gyeong-un, who was holding a book and staring at it intently.

Until now, he seemed to be skimming through the secret manuals rather carelessly.

However, unlike the other secret manuals, he was holding this one and concentrating on it, so it seemed he had finally found the right secret manual.

‘That’s good.’

He might have come out before completing a sichen.

Just then,

The person who had been watching Mok Gyeong-un flinched and stood up, looking behind him.

‘What is it?’

He felt someone’s presence.

It didn’t seem to be Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi who had come.

The person who had just entered was a master of a much higher level than Gwak Mun-gi.

At this level, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were almost at the Unit Leader level.

‘Who could it be?’

If it wasn’t Gwak Mun-gi, who had entered?

-Step step!

As he was on guard, the sound of footsteps could be heard.

In his sight, he saw someone with a slender build wearing a straw hat with a veil, and a handsome young man walking slightly behind.

So, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won spoke in a voice loud enough for them to hear.

“Who are you?”

For now, there was a high probability that they had come from the main headquarters, considering they knew the location of this place.

However, even if they were from the main headquarters, no one could enter this place without permission.

At that moment, the handsome young man took something out from his bosom.

And showing it, he cupped his hands together in a salute and said,

“Are you the one in charge of the treasure vault? I am Yeop Wi-seon, a disciple of the Bright Blade King.”

‘A disciple of the Bright Blade King?’

Interest gleamed in Unit Leader Yang Mu-won’s eyes.

For a disciple of the Bright Blade King, one of the Five Kings who led the Heaven and Earth Society, to come here…

What on earth was going on?

‘To think he’s only in his early twenties and at this level.’

It was surprising.

The rumors that most of the Five Kings’ disciples were masters at the Unit Leader level or above were not unfounded.

Just based on his qi sensitivity, it seemed impossible to guarantee victory against him.

Then who was the person beside him?

‘…Even though they’re close by, their presence is barely detectable. I can’t even judge their level based on qi sensitivity.’

A master.

Even higher than himself, who was currently at the Peak Realm.

So, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won was about to ask who the person beside the disciple of the Bright Blade King was.

“I am Unit Leader Yang Mu-won, the guardian of the treasure vault. The person beside…”

“You’re the one in charge of the treasure vault, right? Then, there’s a secret manual I’m looking for inside. May I enter?”

Before he could even ask, the disciple of the Bright Blade King asked if he could enter the treasure vault to find something.

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won shook his head and replied,

“I apologize, but according to the rules, no one can enter this place freely.”

“Rules? Corpse Blood Valley’s…”

“No. The sect’s rules. I don’t know how you, a disciple of the Bright Blade King, found out about this location, but according to the rules, this place is not accessible except in special circumstances. If there’s something you’re looking for, please go to the treasure vault in the main headquarters…”

“I need the original.”

“…”

At Yeop Wi-seon’s words, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won’s eyes narrowed.

He didn’t know where they had obtained this information, but they knew the secret of this treasure vault.

Who had revealed this fact to them?

Wondering, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won shook his head again.

Even if they knew the truth that this was a treasure vault containing the originals, according to the rules, he couldn’t let them enter.

“I’m sorry. Even if you’re a disciple of one of the Five Kings, you can’t enter this place, so please leave…”

“Oh my. I really didn’t want to say this, but Unit Leader Yang. Do you know who this person in front of your eyes is?”

How could he know when their face was covered?

As he was puzzled, the person in the veiled straw hat lifted the hem of their robe and revealed a round plaque made of jade.

‘!!!!!!’

-Pak!

The moment he saw it, Yang Mu-won knelt on one knee.

Then, he cupped his hands together in a salute and said,

“Unit Leader Yang Mu-won greets the…”

“Shh. Quiet.”

The person in the straw hat revealed their voice.

It was the voice of a woman, not a man.

At the command of this veiled person, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won stopped speaking.

‘Why is she here?’

Although Unit Leader Yang Mu-won tried his best not to show it, he inwardly clicked his tongue.

Was this woman the famous one?

He had heard rumors about her, but it was quite surprising.

‘Was she at this level?’

Based on his qi sensitivity, it was impossible to gauge her level, so the circulating rumors were true.

Overwhelmed by the veiled woman’s imposing presence, the disciple of the Bright Blade King, Yeop Wi-seon, spoke,

“Then, may we enter?”

As he said that, he tried to enter with the veiled person, but,

-Pak!

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won hurriedly stood up and blocked them.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“I apologize. But inside, there is currently…”

“I know. Isn’t there a cadet who obtained top score plaques in the Corpse Blood Valley trials and entered to receive a martial arts secret manual?”

“How do you know that?”

“I heard it from the Senior Warrior of Corpse Blood Valley at the bottom of the cliff.”

They had already heard it from Senior Warrior Gwak Mun-gi.

So, Unit Leader Yang Mu-won said with a troubled expression,

“If you already know, could you please wait a little longer? Inside the treasure vault, at a time…”

“We will quietly find what this person is looking for and leave. Surely, Unit Leader, you’re not telling this person to wait just for a mere cadet to choose a secret manual?”

“That’s…”

Unit Leader Yang Mu-won was in a difficult position.

According to the rules, if someone was already inside the treasure vault, those who wanted to enter next had to wait.

However, Yang Mu-won couldn’t stop the veiled woman in front of him.

She possessed that level of authority.

“…I understand. Please enter. However, since there are rules, I kindly request that you quietly find what you’re looking for and leave. And…”

And try not to disturb the cadet who is selecting a secret manual.

He was about to say that but didn’t.

He judged that people of their caliber wouldn’t deliberately bother a cadet who had received top score plaques and come to receive a reward in Corpse Blood Valley.

“Hohoho. I understand. Let’s go in.”

And so, they finally entered the treasure vault.

They paid no heed to Unit Leader Yang Mu-won’s restless demeanor.

Once inside, the disciple of the Bright Blade King, Yeop Wi-seon, said to the veiled woman in amazement,

“Oh my. It’s really similar.”

“Indeed.”

The veiled woman also nodded in agreement.

She had heard that the structure of the main headquarters’ treasure vault had been replicated here, but it felt like it had been almost entirely transplanted.

As they looked around, they soon headed towards the upper floor of the treasure vault.

The secret manual they were looking for was on the second floor.

“That person up there seems to be the cadet who received three top score plaques.”

At that, the veiled woman’s gaze also turned to Mok Gyeong-un on the third floor.

Watching Mok Gyeong-un, who was concentrating on something, the veiled woman spoke,

“Three top score plaques in Corpse Blood Valley. That’s impressive.”

At her words, the eyebrows of Yeop Wi-seon, a disciple of the Bright Blade King, twitched slightly.

Then, he smiled and said, “He seems quite capable. However, among the disciples of the Five Kings, there is no one who couldn’t achieve that level. No, wouldn’t they have obtained more than three?”

“…”

Yeop Wi-seon naturally mentioned the disciples of the Five Kings, implying that if he, who was included among them, had participated in the Corpse Blood Valley trials, he would have obtained not just three, but all of the top score plaques.

Even though she understood his intention, the veiled woman showed no particular reaction.

Instead, she muttered while looking at Mok Gyeong-un, “A cadet who obtained three top score plaques is likely to become a disciple of one of the executives.”

“That’s…”

Probably true.

At the point of obtaining three top score plaques, he had the highest probability of being the most outstanding among the cadets.

With this level, he would likely pass the final trial smoothly and be chosen by one of the executives.

However, in response to her continued interest, Yeop Wi-seon replied, “If his abilities are truly exceptional, that may be the case. But the executives also have their own preferences, so it’s uncertain what will happen.”

“Still, for a talent of that caliber, it would be good to make his acquaintance lightly for the future.”

At her words, Yeop Wi-seon felt displeased inwardly.

He had gone through the trouble of creating this opportunity, but she was showing interest in a mere cadet who had participated in the Corpse Blood Valley trials, which didn’t sit well with him.

Yeop Wi-seon raised his head and looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

Seeing him concentrating on something, Yeop Wi-seon soon said to the veiled woman, “Then, Young Lady, please wait a moment.”

“There’s no need…”

“It’s beneath your dignity to personally approach a mere cadet. I will bring him to you.”

“…Alright.”

Having said that, Yeop Wi-seon went up to the third floor where the bookshelves were.

Upon reaching the top, Yeop Wi-seon snorted.

He had suspected it, but after coming up, he realized that this cadet fellow had fallen into a state of selflessness.

If that weren’t the case, he would have at least been aware and glanced at them on the lower floor, but he never directed his gaze at them even once.

Yeop Wi-seon found this strange.

‘What should I do?’

Yeop Wi-seon glanced at the veiled woman waiting on the lower floor.

He was displeased that she was showing interest in a mere cadet.

So, he was conflicted.

‘…Enlightenment, huh.’

The fact that he was staring at the book with such a blank expression, completely unaware of his presence even though he had come right next to him, meant that he had undoubtedly gained some kind of enlightenment.

It was likely in progress at the moment.

Usually, in such a situation, one would either not interfere or, if they had a close relationship, set up a protective formation to prevent anyone from disturbing him.

That’s because if the enlightenment was mistakenly disrupted while it was in progress, it could lead to becoming a living dead or, in severe cases, falling into a state of delusion.

‘…Well, it’s none of my business.’

His only intention was to bring this fellow to the Young Lady.

The Young Lady couldn’t wait for this bastard.

Yeop Wi-seon raised the corner of his mouth, smirking.

‘Don’t blame me. It was just your bad luck.’

If the Young Lady hadn’t shown interest, he wouldn’t have deliberately disrupted the enlightenment.

And so, Yeop Wi-seon reached out his hand towards Mok Gyeong-un.

‘Just a light touch, and that enlightenment…’

Right at that moment,

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had been blankly concentrating on the secret manual, slowly turned his head to the side while keeping his upper body still and looked at him.

“What are you doing?”

‘Huh?’

For a moment, Yeop Wi-seon couldn’t hide his bewilderment as their eyes met.

Did this fellow’s consciousness return at this very moment?

This was extremely awkward.

It was right before his hand was about to touch Mok Gyeong-un’s head, so what should he say about this?

For now, he had to make up an excuse.

“Uh… This is…”

“Intentionally touching someone during a state of selflessness or visualization is said to be an act of deliberately inducing mental demons, isn’t it?”

“…”

For a moment, he was at a loss for words.

Why was this fellow, who had just emerged from visualization, so quick to grasp the situation?

Feeling like a thief whose foot was tingling, Yeop Wi-seon was perplexed about what to say, but,

“You did it knowingly, didn’t you?”

“Hey, Cadet. You’re misunderstanding something…”

“No need for discussion.”

“What?”

-Pak!

“Ack!”

There was no time to block or do anything.

In an instant, Yeop Wi-seon’s head was struck hard on the larynx by the blade of the hand between the thumb and index finger, causing his head to tilt back.Chapter 100

‘This…’

Cheong-ryeong hesitated as she saw a tall, handsome young man approaching Mok Gyeong-un.

Judging by the look in the approaching young man’s eyes, he did not seem to have good intentions.

Currently, Mok Gyeong-un was in a state of oblivion, having gained enlightenment during his meditation.

Beyond simply being immersed, if disturbed incorrectly in this state, there was a risk of the energy flowing in reverse, potentially leading to qi deviation, also a deviation of cultivation.

‘Could it be that he intends to disturb Mok Gyeong-un?’

It certainly seemed that way.

She hesitated, wondering if she should break out of the wooden puppet and intervene.

As Mok Gyeong-un’s servant spirit, their fates were intertwined.

-Swish!

As expected, the young man was reaching out his hand.

‘Damn that mortal. To do this at such a crucial moment…’

Just as she thought this,

-Swoosh!

In that instant, a portion of the death energy, the killing intent that had escaped Mok Gyeong-un’s body, was suddenly sucked back in as if nothing had happened.

Along with it, Mok Gyeong-un’s blank eyes came back to life.

‘Ah!’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes now shone with a radiant light and had gained depth.

She had been worried about a heart demon appearing, but it seemed he had achieved some success.

Confirming this, she hurriedly shouted,

-Look to your right!

At her cry, Mok Gyeong-un instinctively turned his head to the side.

As he turned, someone was bringing their hand towards his forehead, nearly touching it.

“What are you doing?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, the tall young man, no, Bright Blade King’s disciple Yeop Wi-seon, couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

It was natural, as he had reached out with ill intentions.

-Can’t you see? That mortal was trying to disturb you.

‘Disturb?’

-When you’re in a state of meditation or oblivion, if you’re disturbed, you may fall into a heart demon. If that happens, the heart demon will arise, and the energy will flow in reverse, causing adverse effects.

That is precisely qi deviation.

Hearing this, Mok Gyeong-un looked coldly at Yeop Wi-seon in front of him.

It was the first time seeing his face, yet he had approached with malice.

“I’ve heard that touching someone during a state of oblivion or meditation is an intentional act of causing a heart demon. Is that correct?”

“…”

There was no answer.

With just this, Mok Gyeong-un reached his own conclusion.

“You did it on purpose, didn’t you?”

“That, that’s…”

“No need for explanations.”

“What?”

-Pak!

“Ugh!”

Suddenly, Yeop Wi-seon’s head was thrown back as Mok Gyeong-un’s thumb and index finger struck his Adam’s apple.

It could be said that he had let his guard down due to the shock of being caught trying to intentionally cause a heart demon, but the speed of that strike just now was incredibly fast.

‘This, this bastard?’

What was that?

Based on his perception, Yeop Wi-seon only felt like a first-rate expert.

But how could his hands be so fast?

However, now was not the time to be surprised.

‘Damn it, he just had to hit the throat…’

Among the vital points, when struck on the throat, one’s breath is momentarily blocked, making it difficult to circulate energy freely.

Thus,

-Pak!

“Cough, cough!”

Yeop Wi-seon coughed and performed a somersault in the air, spinning and utilizing footwork to distance himself.

Having been caught off guard, he needed a moment to recover.

However, Mok Gyeong-un seemed to have no intention of allowing that.

-Pat! Tatatatatak!

Mok Gyeong-un leaped up and unleashed a series of kicks.

Seeing this, Cheong-ryeong couldn’t hide her inner astonishment.

The footwork Mok Gyeong-un was displaying was the fourth stance of the Shadowless Flash Kick[1].

-Papapapapak!

‘Damn it!’

Yeop Wi-seon hadn’t even drawn his sword yet, and the incoming kicks forced him to use his fist techniques.

Even though Bright Blade King Son Yun was renowned for his sword techniques, there was no way he wouldn’t have prepared for situations involving hand-to-hand combat.

-Swish!

He managed to block the kicks, but Yeop Wi-seon’s feet were pushed back.

This caused Yeop Wi-seon to be unable to hide his inner bewilderment.

Even though he couldn’t properly circulate his energy after being hit in the throat, for someone who had reached the peak of the transcendent realm to be pushed back while blocking kicks?

‘Who the hell is this guy?’

He was perplexed by the unexpected level of skill.

However, thinking that the ‘Young Lady’ downstairs was witnessing this scene, anger suddenly surged within him.

It couldn’t be helped that the original plan had been ruined, but this was a proper humiliation.

Thus,

“Huff!”

While deploying his defensive fist technique, Yeop Wi-seon switched to a simplified stance with his left hand.

It was a difficult task to block Mok Gyeong-un’s kicks with a single fist, so while transitioning, he was hit in the chest and left shoulder, but,

-Thud!

At the same time, he was able to draw the large sword strapped to his back.

-Shing!

As soon as he drew the sword, Yeop Wi-seon immediately unleashed a sword technique.

Bright Single Blade Technique[2], Third Stance: Single Strike Sword Rotation[3].

Faced with the domineering sword energy infused with sharpness, Mok Gyeong-un twisted his body to the side and instantly created a brief moment of aerial time.

-Papapapapak!

-Crash!

No sooner had he done that than five sections of the bookshelf behind him were split in half.

The range of the sharp energy was wider than expected.

However, seeing the secret manuals that were cut in half along with the bookshelves, Yeop Wi-seon’s face turned pale.

‘Gasp!’

In the heat of the moment, he had thought to cut down the guy with his sword, but he had ended up cutting nearly thirty secret manuals in half.

Fortunately, the third floor didn’t have the bookshelves fully filled with secret manuals, so only this many were cut, but cutting the original secret manuals with sharp energy was a huge mistake.

‘Damn it!’

Even though his master was one of the Five Kings, he might still receive a severe punishment for this.

Thinking about that, Yeop Wi-seon became even more enraged.

Because of this bastard, things had become thoroughly messed up.

‘This won’t do.’

-Pak!

Yeop Wi-seon stabbed his sword into the ground.

Then, he concentrated his energy into one hand, forming a sharp blade of energy.

The giant sword he had received from his master was too large, so unleashing sword techniques with sharp energy would cause too much damage to the surroundings.

Even if there was some energy consumption, it was better to use his bare hands to control the sharp energy.

‘I’ll kill you in one strike.’

Now that things had come to this, he had to kill the guy.

That way, there wouldn’t be any talk about him disturbing the guy’s meditation.

‘It’s not meant to be used in a place like this, but…’

Yeop Wi-seon assumed an extraordinary stance.

The Bright Single Blade Technique consisted of a total of 11 stances and had 5 hidden ultimate techniques.

His master, Bright Blade King Son Yun, had said,

[Only use the ultimate techniques on those you must kill.]

That was because each of those ultimate techniques was a sure-kill move.

Most martial artists wouldn’t want their stances to be known or analyzed by others, but this was even more true for ultimate techniques.

The less they were analyzed, the more they held the meaning of certain death.

-Pat!

Yeop Wi-seon launched his body.

‘Bright Single Blade Technique, Second Ultimate Technique: Fatal Retribution[4]!’

The trajectory of the sword instantly split into five branches, converging like a whirlwind towards the center, and the sword strokes concentrated on a single point as they charged forward.

Among the ultimate techniques, this was his favorite stance, and if one was hit by it, their chest would be completely blown away, resulting in certain death.

‘Die!’

It was at that very moment.

-Shimmer!

As Mok Gyeong-un clenched his sword fingers, the air around his fingertips shimmered like a mirage.

It was a phenomenon caused by the manifestation of sharp energy.

-You!

Cheong-ryeong couldn’t hide her surprise.

This meant that Mok Gyeong-un had attained enlightenment and had reached the complete peak realm.

‘This guy can use sharp energy?’

Yeop Wi-seon also saw this.

Seeing the sharp energy emanating from Mok Gyeong-un’s sword fingers, he realized that Mok Gyeong-un was at least at the mature peak realm or above.

‘He;s hiding his true skill.’

Then, it was all the more reason to do his utmost to kill the guy.

In that fleeting moment, Mok Gyeong-un’s concentration reached its peak.

‘I can see it.’

It was a strange occurrence.

Perhaps it was because he had experienced various stances while becoming one with the universe through a state of oblivion?

In Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, he could see how the sword strokes of the Fatal Retribution stance unleashed by Yeop Wi-seon would complete their trajectory.

Upon seeing this, he noticed a faint opening.

-Pat!

Without any hesitation, Mok Gyeong-un moved towards the opening he had spotted.

It was incredibly fast.

Yeop Wi-seon curled his lips bitterly.

‘Foolish fellow.’

The only way to break the Fatal Retribution stance was to maintain a distance and aim for the gap when the sword strokes converged and then dispersed again.

Approaching this closely would only make the stance more powerful, and it was no different from throwing away one’s life.

-Swoosh!

Mok Gyeong-un’s sword fingers entered the very center of his sword stance.

The five branches of sharp sword energy wrapped around Mok Gyeong-un’s sword fingers, wrist, shoulder, waist, and chest, attempting to split his entire body into five pieces.

It was at that very moment.

-Papapapapang!

The moment before they touched Mok Gyeong-un’s body, the five branches of sharp sword energy were deflected as if bouncing off.

‘What?’

The opening became even more apparent.

Mok Gyeong-un’s sword fingers accurately aimed for that opening.

The opening was Yeop Wi-seon’s left eye.

The sword fingers infused with sharp energy flew towards the left eye like a bolt of lightning.

‘This, this can’t be!’

It was too fast to avoid.

It was at that very moment.

-Pak!

‘!?’

Just as Mok Gyeong-un’s sword fingers were about to touch the eye, someone grabbed his wrist.

At the same time, Yeop Wi-seon’s wrist, who was unleashing the sword technique, was also grabbed by that someone.

It was a slender woman wearing a bamboo hat.

“Young Lady?”

-Thud!

“Ugh!”

Yeop Wi-seon’s wrist was twisted, and he was forced to kneel on the ground.

Startled by this, Yeop Wi-seon raised his head, trying to say something, but he was suddenly at a loss for words.

The eyes visible through the veil were cold beyond description.

It was as if those eyes were telling him to shut his mouth.

-Swish!

The woman who had silenced Yeop Wi-seon turned her head.

There was a glint in her eyes behind the veil.

It was because Yeop Wi-seon, the second disciple of Bright Blade King, one of the Five Kings, couldn’t withstand her martial power and was forced to kneel, but Mok Gyeong-un was different.

Rather than making him kneel, she had intended to push him away, but he didn’t budge.

‘He’s resisting the power of a 3-star warrior.’

It was surprising.

At first glance, he seemed to be at most a first-rate expert.

However, seeing him use sharp energy, she realized that he was a master who had reached the peak realm.

So she thought the power of a 3-star warrior would be enough, but he was holding his ground.

-Tremble!

“As expected of a cadet who received 3 plaques. With this level of skill, you’d be stronger than most other sects’ masters.”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

Although she wasn’t using the energy of the danjeon, this woman’s internal energy was extraordinary.

The face vaguely visible through the veil was very young.

However, judging by the energy emanating from her, she possessed a vast amount of internal energy reminiscent of the Valley Master of the Corpse Blood Valley, Lee Ji-yeom.

“…You’re the one with delicate wrists but extraordinary martial power. Can I ask who you are?”

“Crazy! How dare you address her as ‘you’…”

-Squeeze!

“Aah!”

“Quiet.”

The woman in the bamboo hat, who had warned Yeop Wi-seon while squeezing his wrist even harder, smiled and said,

“Wi So-yeon.”

‘Wi So-yeon?’

Just knowing her name didn’t reveal who she was.

But then she continued,

“I am Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Heaven and Earth Society’s Society Leader.”

‘!?’Chapter 101

“I am Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Heaven and Earth Society’s leader.”

‘!?’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes shone with surprise.

He never expected to encounter someone so close to the leader of the Heaven and Earth Society in a place like this.

Moreover, a disciple.

He had thought it strange when she suddenly entered the treasure vault without regard for the rules, but now that he knew her identity, it made some sense.

‘A candidate for the next leader.’

Mok Gyeong-un had briefly heard information about important internal figures through the Valley Master of the Corpse Blood Valley, Lee Ji-yeom.

The leader of the Heaven and Earth Society had three disciples who were qualified to be successors.

One of them was none other than the third disciple, Wi So-yeon.

Despite being a woman, she was known to possess a rare martial talent that appeared only once every few hundred years, which was why she was accepted as a disciple. She was said to have ambition and was aiming for the position of the leader.

‘To think I’d meet such a woman here.’

It was truly a coincidence.

Judging by Cheong-ryeong’s silence, it seemed that her emotions had been stirred upon hearing that Wi So-yeon was the Society Leader’s disciple.

When it came to matters related to the leader, she couldn’t contain her anger.

‘But her strength is no ordinary matter.’

Having gained enlightenment, he now knew how to handle the energy within his body.

However, unlike him, she was standing in an extremely ordinary posture while holding his wrist, yet there was not the slightest movement.

Moreover, she was holding another fellow with her other hand.

‘Is this the level of the Heaven and Earth Society Society Leader’s disciple?’

If the youngest disciple was at this level, he could roughly estimate the level of those above her.

And just how strong would the Society Leader of the Heaven and Earth Society be?

What was certain was that even though he had gained enlightenment, he had yet to reach the level of the Society Leader’s disciple.

At that moment, Yeop Wi-seon, the disciple of Bright Blade King, who had his wrist twisted and was in pain, pressed on.

“Haa… haa… What are you doing? How dare a mere disciple of the Corpse Blood Valley not show respect even after knowing the Young Lady’s identity…”

-Crack!

“Ack!”

Before he could finish his words,

Yeop Wi-seon’s wrist was completely twisted, and the bone was broken.

Since an intact bone had been broken, it was natural for a scream of pain to escape, but Yeop Wi-seon gritted his teeth with his face swollen as if the blood vessels were about to burst.

To him, Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader, spoke in a cold voice.

“I believe I told you to be quiet.”

“Ugh… I, I apologize.”

“Do I need to list out the things you have done with my own mouth?”

“Ugh… No, you don’t.”

In fact, Yeop Wi-seon had nothing to say even if he had ten mouths.

Not many had the authority to enter the treasure vault without regard for the rules.

Even though he was a disciple of Bright Blade King, one of the Five Kings, he naturally did not have access to this place. He had only entered by taking advantage of Wi So-yeon’s authority as the Society Leader’s disciple.

However, in the midst of that, he had gotten excited and damaged some of the original secret manuals in the treasure vault.

This alone had already crossed a line that he couldn’t handle.

“Your foolish actions have also put me, who brought you here, in quite a predicament. So, if you open your mouth again, I will execute you on the spot.”

“I will keep that in mind… huff.”

Yeop Wi-seon firmly closed his mouth.

He shouldn’t upset her any further.

-Pak!

Wi So-yeon, who had released Yeop Wi-seon’s hand, similarly released Mok Gyeong-un’s wrist.

And she said,

“I apologize. Forgive this person’s rudeness. He is quite loyal, which is why I keep him around, but I never thought he would do such a foolish thing like today.”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un brought his wrist and examined it.

The handprint was still there.

Looking at it, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and then turned his gaze to Yeop Wi-seon, saying,

“A loyal but stupid dog must be quite tiresome for you.”

‘This bastard!’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Yeop Wi-seon’s face instantly distorted terribly.

However, he couldn’t open his mouth, knowing that if he disobeyed her words again, he wouldn’t be able to handle the consequences.

At that moment, Wi So-yeon chuckled.

“A loyal but stupid dog. Quite a fitting description indeed.”

‘Even the Young Lady…’

Yeop Wi-seon’s insides were boiling.

He had arranged this situation to make a better impression on her and deepen their relationship.

But in an instant, he had become a stupid dog.

Then, Mok Gyeong-un politely clasped his hands and said,

-Swish!

“Unit Leader Mok Gyeong-un pays his respects to Miss Wi So-yeon, the third disciple of the Society Leader.”

“Mok Gyeong-un?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s greeting, she tilted her head slightly.

The Mok (木) surname was quite rare throughout the martial world of the Central Plains.

She had never heard of it within the Heaven and Earth Society, and the only one she had heard of was the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, one of the righteous sect’s famous martial families.

‘Yeon Mok Sword Manor… It’s unlikely.’

Even she was unaware of the fact that the children of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor had been taken as hostages to the Heaven and Earth Society, as it was known only to a very few within the organization.

Moreover, who would think to send hostages to the Corpse Blood Valley?

She then said,

“If you’re a unit leader, you must be facing the final test.”

“That’s right.”

In fact, she had already heard through the senior warrior Gwak Mun-gi that Mok Gyeong-un was facing the final test.

However, she was only pretending not to know because she had become interested in Mok Gyeong-un.

Wi So-yeon looked at Mok Gyeong-un’s face.

‘… He’s really handsome.’

She had never seen a man this beautiful before.

At a glance, Mok Gyeong-un’s face was so handsome that he could even be mistaken for a woman, surpassing mere good looks.

However, she was more interested in Mok Gyeong-un’s martial arts than his appearance.

‘He doesn’t seem to be older than seventeen, but if he’s already at the level of a Sect Master, he should be able to pass the final test without any issues.’

In that case, he would be chosen by the executives.

As the successor structure was gradually emerging within the Heaven and Earth Society, she was trying to recruit as many useful talents as possible.

‘He seems like a good talent.’

If he was a step above Yeop Wi-seon, who had been taught by Bright Blade King Son Yun, then his future was promising.

It wouldn’t hurt to recruit him in advance at this opportunity.

She directly brought up the main topic.

“Your solid internal energy shows that you have the potential to reach the pinnacle-stage of Peak Realm or even beyond in the near future.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“So, I was wondering…”

“Ah! I apologize, but may I say a word, no, two things to you first?”

“Huh?”

When Mok Gyeong-un suddenly interrupted her, she momentarily frowned.

It was quite rude of him, even though he knew her identity.

However, since Yeop Wi-seon, whom she had brought along, had also been rude, and with the thought of wanting to make Mok Gyeong-un her person, she decided to tolerate it.

“Alright. Speak freely.”

“Ah. It’s fortunate that you are a magnanimous person.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, she smiled slightly.

If she could recruit a talented person as her own, she could show this much magnanimity.

“First, since you are the Society Leader’s disciple, I believe you have the authority. Originally, I was supposed to have the reward of choosing secret manuals here for an hour.”

“Ah…”

With these words, Wi So-yeon immediately understood what Mok Gyeong-un was saying.

Due to Yeop Wi-seon and herself, Mok Gyeong-un had been robbed of that time.

Perhaps he had mentioned authority to ask the keeper of the treasure vault to grant him that.

“Don’t worry. Even if you don’t mention it, I was planning to ask the keeper of the treasure vault, Valley Master Yang, about that matter.”

Of course, it wasn’t something she had just thought of, but it was true.

At Wi So-yeon’s words, Mok Gyeong-un smiled as if relieved.

Then he continued,

“Thank you for your consideration. The second thing is, thanks to the person sitting over there, I nearly lost my life, so I’d like to receive proper compensation.”

“What?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Wi So-yeon furrowed her brows.

That was because she had personally apologized and even broke Yeop Wi-seon’s wrist, who was a disciple of Bright Blade King.

Breaking his wrist here was also partly to show it to Mok Gyeong-un.

But he wanted compensation?

‘What nonsense is this bastard spouting now?’

Yeop Wi-seon glared at Mok Gyeong-un as if he was angry.

If it weren’t for her warning, he would have wanted to engage in a rematch immediately.

At that moment, Wi So-yeon spoke.

“May I hear what you mean by proper compensation?”

“Since I nearly lost my life, to match the equivalent exchange, wouldn’t it be right for me to receive his life in return?”

-Grit!

Was this guy crazy?

No matter how much humiliation he had suffered, he was a disciple of Bright Blade King Son Yun, one of the Five Kings.

Yet, he was saying that he should receive his life?

This bastard, really…

“That’s what I thought, but if I do that, I would be making you lose your loyal and stupid dog, so I would be grateful if you could provide me with suitable compensation.”

“Suitable compensation?”

“Yes. Since I nearly lost my life, I think it’s fair for me to receive that much from him, don’t you think?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, not only Yeop Wi-seon, who was the subject of the conversation, but even Wi So-yeon couldn’t help but snort.

She had seen many people within the organization, but this was the first time she had seen someone so brazen, even though he was just a disciple who had entered the Corpse Blood Valley.

He was requesting compensation from her, who could potentially become the next leader.

It was somewhat refreshing, but it also made her slightly annoyed.

‘… Looks like he’s not just talented in martial arts.’

Through the brief conversation, she judged that Mok Gyeong-un was a person who pursued his own interests more than he appeared.

Because of that, she lost a bit of interest.

What she wanted was someone who was not only outstanding in martial arts but could also swear unwavering loyalty to her.

But to bargain with the person who would become his lord?

‘If he’s that brazen, let’s see how he responds to this.’

So she decided to test Mok Gyeong-un.

Since she had already confirmed his outstanding martial arts, she was going to see if his wit matched the boldness he had shown towards her.

“Life… Alright. There is some truth to your words.”

“I’m glad that you are someone who understands reason.”

“Then kill him.”

“Excuse me?”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed slightly.

It was an unexpected response.

In fact, the reason Mok Gyeong-un had made such a request to her was to see the caliber of a successor who was aiming for the leader’s position.

But he didn’t expect her to tell him to kill Yeop Wi-seon on the spot.

“That’s unexpected.”

“What’s unexpected? I personally apologized and even broke this person’s wrist as a price for his rudeness. But if you say it’s not enough for the price of your life, there’s no choice, is there?”

“So you’re telling me to kill him?”

“That’s right. I can’t think of a compensation that can replace a life.”

At her words, Yeop Wi-seon’s expression instantly darkened.

To think that his lord, to whom he had sworn loyalty, would make him give his life to this bastard.

Was she being serious?

While he was thinking that, Wi So-yeon said,

“However, I cannot take responsibility for what happens after you kill this person.”

“Cannot take responsibility.”

“Yes. You don’t seem to know who this person is, so I’ll tell you his identity. He is Yeop Wi-seon, a disciple of Bright Blade King.”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un turned his gaze to look at Yeop Wi-seon.

Now he fully understood her intention.

It wasn’t that she was really telling him to kill.

‘She was saying to kill him if I had the confidence to handle the aftermath.’

She had bluntly stated it.

He was free to kill Yeop Wi-seon, but he would have to directly deal with the repercussions that would arise from killing him.

Those repercussions would naturally be the wrath of Bright Blade King.

“The choice is yours. However, I won’t hold you responsible for taking the life of someone who had sworn loyalty to me, so I believe that should be sufficient compensation.”

At her words, Yeop Wi-seon’s face slightly brightened.

Of course, how could she abandon him?

As expected, she had a plan.

‘Damn that bastard.’

Yeop Wi-seon glared at Mok Gyeong-un.

If this guy wasn’t a fool, he wouldn’t be able to lay a finger on him.

Yeop Wi-seon made a vow to himself.

He would definitely pay back the humiliation he was experiencing now many times over.

While he was doing that, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.

“Hmm. If my ears aren’t mistaken, it sounds like you’re telling me not to do something I’ll regret and to choose wisely.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, she chuckled.

She naturally thought that he would have the brains to understand at least this much.

However, if he gave up on his boldness and the compensation he had demanded here, it would ultimately mean that he was just a guy who talked big.

That’s what she was thinking.

“If you are someone who holds a position as the leader’s disciple, you will surely keep your own words, right?”

At his words, she snorted and replied,

“Words carry weight. I take responsibility for what I say.”

“Is that so?”

“Have you made your decision?”

“Yes. I have no choice. I wanted to receive the price of his life for trying to take mine, but thinking about it, the repercussions from Bright Blade King bothers me.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, she lightly shook her head.

He was just a person of this caliber.

A fellow who schemed for compensation against her.

No matter how outstanding his martial arts were, he didn’t have the wit to navigate this situation and only lowered his head, showing that she had lost interest.

“Go…”

“Ah. Wait a moment.”

“What?”

It was at that very moment.

-Swish! Thud!

Mok Gyeong-un moved swiftly and kicked Yeop Wi-seon’s chin with his foot.

“Ugh!”

Yeop Wi-seon, who was suddenly hit on the chin, shouted at Mok Gyeong-un in bewilderment.

“You bastard, how dare you!”

“Oh? You opened your mouth?”

“What?”

“Didn’t your lord just say that if you opened your mouth, she would execute you on the spot? You ignored that warning.”

‘!?’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Yeop Wi-seon’s expression instantly froze.

This bastard, did he kick him with his foot just now to make him open his mouth?

While he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un turned his head, smiled brightly, and spoke to Wi So-yeon in a sneering voice.

“Didn’t you say that words carry weight and that you take responsibility for what you say yourself?”