Mist c 49 to 53

 Chapter 49

“You…… saw that?”

Mok Gyeong-un sensed bewilderment in the Bright Blade King Son Yun’s expression.

In the world of martial arts, he had recognized the importance of secret manuals to a certain extent.

However, judging by this man’s reaction, it was quite different from the anger of seeing someone who had viewed a secret manual that was no less than a treasure to them.

It was a reaction of disbelief.

‘What is it?’

At that moment…

-Swish!

The sharp blade of Son Yun’s large Taoist sword was pressed against his neck.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

He had been watching the movements clearly with his eyes, yet he hadn’t noticed it until it touched him, as if he hadn’t perceived it.

‘…….. Is this a true master?’

Amazing.

It made sense why the Manor Master Mok In-dan was so tense and submissive.

However, that was the extent of his admiration.

In reality, if one let their guard down, they could be stabbed to death by a five-year-old child while sleeping.

It was right to be wary of everything.

Son Yun looked straight into Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes and spoke,

“You saw that and survived……”

“Pardon?”

“Then it’s one of two things.”

What is happened is he talking about?

As he wondered, Son Yun continued in a chilling voice,

“Either a lie or heaven’s fortune.”

“A lie or……. heaven’s fortune?”

“Until now, almost no one has remained alive and breathing after seeing the contents inside.”

“…….. What do you mean by that?”

No one remains breathing?

Aren’t I right here?

Son Yun scoffed and slightly pressed the blade against his neck, saying,

“It’s exactly as I said. So I find it hard to believe that you’re alive and well like this.”

“As you can see, I’m alive.”

Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.

Son Yun clicked his tongue at his attitude.

He had a sword pressed against his neck, yet there was still no change in his demeanor.

Had he lost all fear? Or was he audacious?

“Looking at you, I can’t tell if you’re spouting lies out of brazenness or taking a gamble.”

“If I’m going to die anyway, what’s the point of taking a gamble?”

“………”

Son Yun stared intently into Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

If he were even slightly tense or anxious, his eyes would have wavered, but they didn’t.

[Make sure to retrieve it.]

He couldn’t disobey that order.

Then there was only one way.

“Fine. Then prove it by reciting the oral formula or demonstrating the stances. Then we’ll know for sure.”

At his proposal, Manor Master Mok In-dan and all the members of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor looked on with tense gazes.

Initially, when Mok Gyeong-un had revealed that he possessed it, they had felt a strong sense of betrayal.

However, in the current situation, Mok Gyeong-un was the only one who could save them.

‘Please.’

They desperately hoped it wasn’t a lie.

“It shouldn’t be difficult.”

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un was about to recite the oral formula.

He considered deceiving them with an incomplete formula, as he had done with Mok Yu-cheon, but they were the rightful owners of that secret manual.

If he tried to deceive them, his head might roll.

As he was about to open his mouth,

-Mortal.

A familiar voice echoed in his mind.

It was Cheong-ryeong.

Mok Gyeong-un rolled his eyes and surveyed his surroundings.

However, he couldn’t see her anywhere.

He was already puzzled by her absence when he had called for her earlier.

-Look at the roof across from you.

‘Roof?’

At those words, he looked up at the roof.

Cheong-ryeong was standing there.

Why wasn’t she coming closer?

Could it be that she was keeping her distance out of wariness of this monster-like man and that diviner?

It seemed to be the case.

However,

‘What is it?’

Cheong-ryeong’s demeanor was somewhat different from usual.

The crimson glow in her eyes as she stood on the roof was incredibly deep.

No, it felt like a blazing flame.

He could tell through their connected fate.

‘Anger?’

The emotion he sensed from her was immense anger.

It was an intense anger that could drench this entire place in blood, but she was suppressing it with tremendous self-control.

Why was she acting like this?

As he wondered, Cheong-ryeong spoke.

-The moment you recite that oral formula, you will die.

What?

Was she trying to dissuade him out of concern for that?

Of course, if he recited the entire formula, they could strike him from behind.

It would be better to recite half of it and handle the rest in a different way…..

-Mortal. Follow the oral formula and posture that I recite exactly.

Mok Gyeong-un slightly furrowed his brow.

What did she mean by following her oral formula and posture?

They would know what was written inside, so if he recited a different formula, they would surely know it was wrong.

However,

-Don’t overthink it and trust me for now.

‘Hmm.’

-If you die, mortal, I will die too.

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un pondered numerous thoughts in an instant.

The moment the oral formula was wrong, his head would roll, but if he recited the formula she taught him……

As he was contemplating, the Bright Blade King Son Yun said,

“Why aren’t you doing it?”

“………”

After deliberating, Mok Gyeong-un finally reached a conclusion.

He then clenched his sword fingers.

And he imitated Cheong-ryeong, who was assuming a bow stance on the roof with the moonlight at her back.

From a distance, the postures of the two became identical.

Cheong-ryeong opened her mouth.

-The source of non-existence, the order of the Dao. The eagle soars through the clouds, the hawk catches the hare. The sword descends like a falling leaf.

Along with that, she slowly performed the first stance while extending her sword fingers forward.

It was as if a beautiful woman was performing a sword dance.

The phrase “a beauty under the moon” came to mind.

Her fluttering red robe swayed in sync with her stances, resembling scattered flower petals.

‘………’

It was a movement that naturally captivated the soul.

If only the situation weren’t like this, he would have loved to watch leisurely.

Mok Gyeong-un then opened his mouth.

“The source of non-existence, the order of the Dao. The eagle soars through the clouds, the hawk catches the hare. The sword descends like a falling leaf!”

And he followed Cheong-ryeong’s movements.

Exactly as he had received them.

He reproduced them without a single difference.

-Ache! Ache!

Some untrained muscles cried out in pain, but he ignored it and focused on her every fingertip.

-Swish! Swish swish swish!

‘!!!!!!!’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s sword technique, the Bright Blade King Son Yun’s eyes wavered.

He wasn’t the only one.

Manor Master Mok In-dan also couldn’t take his eyes off the first stance Mok Gyeong-un was demonstrating.

‘How……. could this be…….’

He couldn’t help but be astonished.

It was truly a peerless sword technique.

Each stance was flawless, and it was difficult to find any defects.

Since it was a secret manual guarded by the Heaven and Earth Society, he had expected it to be remarkable to a certain extent, but it was truly incredible.

However, what was even more surprising was…

‘This child……. How can he move like this?’

Mok Gyeong-un’s current movements were not something a mere third-rate martial artist could achieve.

Although he moved slowly without infusing internal energy, everything from his fingertips seemed as if a peerless swordsman who had reached the realm of the sword was demonstrating a sword dance.

A swordsman of that level could clearly discern it.

‘Ha.’

If he was like this, how could Son Yun be any different?

Son Yun also couldn’t hide his admiration at Mok Gyeong-un’s display.

Not only did he recognize and view the stances, but the swordplay he demonstrated was a movement that absolutely couldn’t be achieved at that child’s level.

‘Is it talent?’

It was an incomprehensible talent.

Based on his perception, he was at most a third-rate or barely second-rate level.

Yet, he demonstrated the stances as if a peerless swordsman was performing for someone to see?

It was at that moment.

-Murmur murmur!

The sound of stirring could be heard among the masked individuals.

Son Yun knew why they were reacting like that.

“The evil perishes under the heavenly light, nothing can resist the Dao. The swordsman……””

Mok Gyeong-un was about to recite another oral formula and demonstrate the second stance.

‘Oh no!’

He had to stop him.

They couldn’t let others hear any more of the stances’ oral formulas.

Son Yun hurriedly shouted,

“Enough!”

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had been extending his sword fingers diagonally, halted his movement.

And he checked Son Yun’s reaction.

He had been following Cheong-ryeong’s movements on the roof with extreme concentration, so he hadn’t noticed the reaction.

‘Huh?’

Mok Gyeong-un was inwardly puzzled upon seeing the Bright Blade King Son Yun’s expression.

This time, it was truly a gamble.

After all, the oral formula wasn’t the one written in the secret manual.

However, judging by Son Yun’s expression, it didn’t seem like he had made a mistake at all.

If that weren’t the case, they would have already beheaded him.

Mok Gyeong-un asked,

“Are you convinced now?”

“………”

At this question, Son Yun stared intently at Mok Gyeong-un without uttering a word.

In his mind, an image of someone else demonstrating the same stances as Mok Gyeong-un was painted like a picture.

It was utterly villainous.

However, the sword technique Mok Gyeong-un had demonstrated was completely different in nature.

If that was the case,

‘Without a doubt.’

It was definitely the secret manual.

There was no room for doubt.

Son Yun tried his best to hide it, but his heart was pounding.

Although it had turned out differently than expected, to think he would witness the sword formula of the Moon Lineage (月脈) that was said to have been severed a hundred years ago.

It was hard to contain his excitement.

However, Son Yun quickly suppressed that emotion.

[Make sure to retrieve it.]

Retrieving the original secret manual was the best course of action.

However, if what this fellow said was true, the original had already disappeared from the world.

This fellow’s mind was the only secret manual.

“Bright Blade King.”

At that moment, the voice of the middle-aged man with the eye patch, diviner Jo, was heard.

Although he didn’t say anything else, judging by diviner Jo’s slight head shake, Son Yun seemed to understand what he meant.

He was probably telling him not to kill the kid.

‘He must be tempted.’

It was intriguing for him as well.

This brat had accomplished what no one in the society had been able to do.

Most of them had lost their lives.

If that was the case, either the cursed secret manual had chosen that child, or there was something special about him.

‘But the secret manual must not be learned by anyone other than the permitted individual.’

Therefore, the right course of action was to extract the contents from his mind and kill him.

However, it felt like a waste.

Seeing his contemplative demeanor, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes narrowed.

‘There’s something.’

They were unaware of the true contents within the secret manual.

However, judging by their reactions, they seemed convinced that the oral formula of the stances Cheong-ryeong had taught him was the content inside.

If that weren’t the case, they would have already beheaded him.

But that expression of considering something while looking at him…

‘Is he reconsidering?’

There was only one thing he could guess.

Perhaps, since it was a secret manual precious enough for them to call it their treasure, it shouldn’t be learned by outsiders.

If that was the case, now that they had confirmed it was genuine, were they planning to extract it from his mind and then kill him?

Mok Gyeong-un glanced at diviner Jo.

Judging by his reaction, he seemed to have considerable interest in him.

In that case,

“Considering you went through the trouble of coming all the way here to find the secret manual, it must be a valuable item, right?”

“What?”

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un leaped towards a nearby warrior of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor.

And he practically snatched the sword from him.

“I’ll borrow this for a moment.”

“Wh- What?”

Mok Gyeong-un placed the sword he had snatched against his own neck and said,

“If I die, all your efforts in coming to find it will be in vain.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, one of the Bright Blade King Son Yun’s eyebrows rose.

Was this brat trying to bargain with his own life?

Son Yun scoffed and said,

“Do you have the courage to take your own life while saying such things?”

In response to that question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.

“It’s not particularly difficult.”

-Stab!

The blade of the sword pierced Mok Gyeong-un’s neck.

‘!?’

For a moment, Son Yun was dumbfounded.

He had naturally assumed that Mok Gyeong-un would try to bargain with his life to survive against him.

But that bastard was now trying to behead himself without hesitation.

“Stop!”

Son Yun shouted a reprimand infused with internal energy.

“Ugh!”

“Urgh!”

At the resounding sound that echoed, everyone momentarily covered their ears.

Mok Gyeong-un also frowned and staggered from the pain and dizziness caused by the sound infused with internal energy, but he didn’t let go of the sword piercing his neck.

Despite the discomfort, he endured it.

‘This bastard?’

Son Yun then shouted,

“Stop!”

-Swish!

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un relaxed his strength and stopped pushing the sword into his neck.

Blood flowed down his neck, staining his collar red.

Son Yun spoke in a dumbfounded tone,

“You’re insane, you bastard.”

If it were anyone else, he would have scoffed at the brat’s foolish actions.

But this fellow was different.

Not only his eyes but also the way he didn’t hesitate to take his own life, as if he had no attachment to it.

“It’s hard to live in this world without being a little insane.”

“You talk as if you’ve experienced the world, you young brat. What do you want?”

-Tap tap!

Mok Gyeong-un tapped his forehead with his finger and said with a smile,

“Now that you know how valuable the contents in my mind are, I have no intention of easily revealing them. So, don’t bother assessing this and that, and take the secret manual nicely.”

“What?”

“That diviner over there also wants that, doesn’t he?”

Son Yun’s expression turned peculiar.

‘Take it nicely?’

Is this bastard not asking to be spared in exchange for revealing the secret manual, but instead suggesting he will willingly follow them to their headquarters?

As Son Yun was dumbfounded, a glint of interest flickered in his eyes.

‘Ha. Look at this bastard.’

Chapter 50

The Bright Blade King Son Yun, who had been glaring at Mok Gyeong-un, burst into laughter and said,

“Hahahahaha! This one is quite the character.”

It had been a long time since he encountered such a brazen fellow.

Even those who knew of his notoriety, whether outside or within the society, couldn’t muster the audacity to behave in such a manner.

No, it was hard to even consider it audacity.

‘He’s different.’

The Yeon Mok Sword Manor was a renowned martial arts family.

To think he would encounter such a lunatic-like fellow in a place that was no different from a righteous sect.

For some reason, this brat seemed closer to their side than the other.

That’s why it was intriguing.

After laughing for a while, Son Yun shook his head and said,

“A living secret manual willingly coming to our headquarters, there’s no reason to refuse. Very well. I hope you don’t regret those words.”

At his words, Lady Seok, the first wife, and the second son, Mok Eun-pyeong, couldn’t hide their inner joy.

The Heaven and Earth Society was known for its notoriety, so they had been worried about the worst-case scenario, but this was the best outcome.

How wonderful was it that everything was resolved with that Mok Gyeong-un alone?

However, Manor Master Mok In-dan felt differently.

-Clench!

The hand gripping his sword tightened.

This sense of powerlessness was a first for him.

If he could, he wanted to shout at them to release Mok Gyeong-un immediately.

Whether he liked him or not, he was his son.

However, the situation was ambiguous.

‘He had memorized the secret manual.’

When he first learned of that fact, he had been greatly surprised.

That was because he, too, had tried various means to view the secret manual but had been unable to even untie the prayer beads.

Thus, he had naturally assumed that Mok Gyeong-un possessed the secret manual rather than having memorized it.

Since he hadn’t seen the secret manual in the first place, he thought there would be no problem if they just returned it.

However, that had completely gone awry.

‘…….Having memorized the secret manual, they will never let him go.’

If an outsider had secretly memorized the Yeon Mok Sword Manor’s secret manual, it was only natural to demand their life as punishment for that crime.

That’s how important a secret manual was to martial artists.

Therefore, Mok Gyeong-un’s judgment might be correct in this situation.

It was the only way to stay alive, even if only slightly.

‘I’m sorry.’

As the Manor Master, he had no choice but to bear the responsibility for everyone’s lives.

If they fought to protect Mok Gyeong-un, they would surely be annihilated.

That Son Yun was a monster to that extent.

‘…….Endure it for a while.’

Once they left, he planned to seek help from the Righteous Alliance.

The Righteous Alliance was one of the three major factions in the current martial arts world, along with the Heaven and Earth Society.

He had some high-level connections and friendships, so he was determined to retrieve his son by borrowing the power of the Righteous Alliance.

However, an unexpected event occurred at this point.

-Swish!

At that moment, Son Yun’s figure blurred, and he suddenly appeared behind Mok Gyeong-un.

Then, like a flash of lightning, he sealed his acupressure points.

-Pak pak pak pak pak!

Mok Gyeong-un, whose acupressure points had been sealed, collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.

Son Yun caught him with his hand and called out to a masked individual.

“Take care of this fellow.”

At this, Manor Master Mok In-dan shouted,

“What is the meaning of this?”

“What is this? Even if he willingly came with us, did you think I would let him continue to bargain with his own life?”

At Son Yun’s words, Mok In-dan gritted his teeth.

As expected, he was not an easy opponent.

Objectively speaking, it was a natural response.

“Well, putting that aside, now that we have retrieved the secret manual, shall we settle the remaining debt?”

“Debt?”

“Manor Master Mo. Did you really think that after tampering with our society’s item, you could simply return it and move on as if nothing happened?”

At those words, everyone in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, who had been inwardly relieved, tensed up again.

They had a feeling that things wouldn’t be resolved so easily.

At that moment, Manor Master Mok In-dan assumed a bow stance and spoke,

“Will you break your promise?”

“Promise?”

“That’s right. If that child learns that you have broken your promise, do you think he will reveal the secret manual he has memorized?”

“Hahahahaha! That’s ridiculous. Will it matter whether you live or die?”

The strong aura emanating from him.

It was so powerful that the expressions of everyone in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor darkened.

“So you’ve finally come to this?”

As he spoke, Manor Master Mok In-dan drew true energy from his danjeon.

It was a situation on the brink of explosion.

The Bright Blade King Son Yun aimed his Taoist sword at him, grinned, and said,

“But since this elder is in a good mood today, I’ll give you one last chance.”

“Chance? What do you mean?”

“I’m saying I’ll give you a way for the Yeon Mok Sword Manor to survive.”

“A way to survive?”

“That’s right.”

At Son Yun’s words, Mok In-dan frowned and asked,

“What is it?”

“I’ll give you two choices. If you refuse all of this, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor will be annihilated tonight.”

“…….What are those choices?”

For now, he decided to hear him out.

If they fought, there was a ninety percent chance that the Yeon Mok Sword Manor would be annihilated.

“First. Surrender to our Heaven and Earth Society and become a subordinate sect.”

‘!!!!!’

At the Bright Blade King Son Yun’s words, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor side stirred.

That was because although the Yeon Mok Sword Manor was a renowned martial arts family that upheld righteousness, the Heaven and Earth Society was not.

They walked their own path of villainy, neither righteous nor evil.

Therefore, surrender was tantamount to abandoning their pride as righteous individuals.

-Grit!

It was only natural for them to be furious to the point of stirring, even while fearing them.

They would have preferred death, but they couldn’t do that.

“Even if it means dying, we will resist until the end.”

“You have integrity.”

Son Yun had naturally expected them to refuse the first proposal.

“Then, for the second, seal your sect for ten years and hand over your successor as a hostage.”

“………”

The moment they heard the second proposal, the entire Yeon Mok Sword Manor fell silent.

Manor Master Mok In-dan’s expression was also grim.

He had expected them to make a difficult proposal.

That ominous premonition had been correct.

Sealing the sect[1].

It literally meant sealing off martial arts activities for ten years.

Typically, when a sect was defeated in a war between sects or when a sect fell, they would seal their sect.

‘Sealing the sect…….’

It was more realistic than the previous proposal.

It was the only way to acknowledge defeat without compromising their last shred of dignity.

However, during those ten years, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor would gradually weaken, unable to engage in external activities, and they would be unable to interact with other sects or anyone else.

‘If we seal the sect, our clan will decline.’

However, it was a better choice than everyone dying.

As he was contemplating, someone approached him.

“Father.”

It was none other than the eldest son, Mok Yeong-ho.

The first son, known as a debauchee, had only brought disappointment to him by indulging in wine and women.

For him to speak up at this crucial moment, Mok In-dan couldn’t help but be puzzled.

“What is it?”

“They say to sleep on firewood and taste gall. Although it may be difficult, please accept this proposal.”

Sleeping on firewood and tasting gall[2].

It meant enduring humiliation and suffering for the sake of the future.

At Mok Yeong-ho’s words, a glint of surprise flashed in Manor Master Mok In-dan’s eyes.

‘This kid……’

It wasn’t his usual demeanor.

He had thought he had lost his spirit by indulging in wine and women.

However, looking at his eyes and expression now, he could see him barely restraining his shame.

He seemed even angrier than himself.

As he was inwardly puzzled, Mok Yeong-ho said,

“Please send me. As the eldest son of our clan, am I not the closest to being the successor?”

“What?”

He volunteered to go himself?

Was this really the same child who had only brought disappointment by indulging in wine and women?

As he was astonished, Mok Yeong-ho whispered softly,

“Fortunately, you haven’t made that youngest child the successor yet.”

‘!?’

Manor Master Mok In-dan’s eyes wavered.

With those words, Mok In-dan understood Mok Yeong-ho’s true intentions for the first time.

Mok In-dan’s eyes reddened.

‘Ah……. Yeong-ho. Yeong-ho. All this time, you indulged in wine and women for that reason?’

Was it to yield the succession to the youngest, Yu-cheon?

Was that why he had brought disappointment by indulging in wine and women?

Mok In-dan clutched his chest, overwhelmed by shock.

It pained his heart that he had only scolded this child without trying to understand his true feelings.

He was so different from his mother.

“Father. I apologize for causing you distress all this time. Please take care of your health.”

Mok Yeong-ho politely bowed and turned to the Bright Blade King Son Yun, speaking in a loud voice,

“The Manor Master has accepted Hero Son’s second proposal. I, the eldest son and successor of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, will be the hostage……”

“No.”

At that moment, Son Yun interrupted him.

He then pointed at someone with his finger and said,

“Where are you trying to deceive me? I will take that child.”

‘Oh no!’

The eldest son, Mok Yeong-ho, bit his lip firmly.

The one Son Yun pointed to.

It was the youngest, Mok Yu-cheon, whom he had been trying to protect by sacrificing himself.

They had overlooked something.

Unlike the righteous martial arts world, which prioritized the firstborn eldest son or the first accepted disciple in terms of respect, the Heaven and Earth Society strictly followed the law of the strong.

Therefore, in their eyes, the successor of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor was naturally Mok Yu-cheon, who possessed the most outstanding martial arts talent.

***

-Rattle! Rattle!

Inside the carriage, there was a masked warrior and two people lying motionless, their eyes covered and bound.

They were none other than Mok Gyeong-un and Mok Yu-cheon.

As hostages or prisoners, their treatment was not very good.

‘They’re thorough. Sigh.’

Mok Yu-cheon let out a sigh.

Unlike Mok Gyeong-un, his acupressure point for fainting hadn’t been sealed, so he hadn’t lost consciousness, but the acupressure points for paralysis and muteness had been sealed, rendering him unable to move.

As if that wasn’t enough, they had also blindfolded him and tied his entire body, arms, and legs with thick ropes.

They were meticulous in their precautions.

‘How far have we gone?’

They seemed to have traveled for about a few shichen.

Although sunlight didn’t enter the carriage, it must have been daylight.

He had thought they would camp at some point since it was late at night, but they continued to move without rest.

‘Hostage…….’

Mok Yu-cheon had been reflecting on his predicament throughout the journey.

When Manor Master Mok In-dan had awakened, he had been elated with hope that he might become the successor, but in an instant, he had become a hostage.

Moreover, he was a hostage of the Heaven and Earth Society, the most dangerous group in the martial arts world.

He had no choice.

‘…….. What will happen from now on?’

A hostage was no different from a prisoner.

If it were a hostage exchange between groups of similar standing, he might expect good treatment, but it was difficult to expect that from the Heaven and Earth Society.

Even now, he was treated less than human.

-Thud!

As the carriage climbed a slope, someone’s body naturally touched him, and he felt their weight pressing against him.

Even though he couldn’t move his body, his sense of touch hadn’t disappeared.

‘Mok Gyeong-un.’

It was probably Mok Gyeong-un.

Was he in a better situation than this fellow for now?

No, maybe it was better to be unconscious.

At least in that moment, he was no different from being asleep without any worries.

Right at that moment, the carriage came to a stop.

-Creak!

The sound of the carriage’s rear door opening was heard.

And a soft voice spoke,

“We’ll……. rest here for a while……. So……. go take care of any business you have.”

“Understood!”

-Creak!

With the sound of the door closing, the presence disappeared.

It was hard to hear clearly, but it seemed they were taking a short break here.

After all, they had been moving for half a day without rest.

Even if they had cultivated martial arts, their stamina wasn’t infinite.

‘How long do I have to stay like this?’

As he was pondering, at that very moment…

-Swish!

A very faint movement was felt beside him.

‘!?’

What was that?

Right now, only he and Mok Gyeong-un were in this carriage, as the masked guard had temporarily left.

But who was moving?

As he was wondering, he felt someone squirming behind his back.

‘Could it be?’

It couldn’t be.

Not only had he been struck on his acupressure points, but his entire body was also restrained.

Moreover, unlike himself, wasn’t it that monster-like man, the Bright Blade King, who had personally sealed Mok Gyeong-un’s acupressure points?

As he found it strange, someone lifted the cloth covering Mok Yu-cheon’s eyes.

‘What?’

Mok Yu-cheon’s eyes widened.

It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.

‘How?’

Surprisingly, Mok Gyeong-un was moving freely, and not only that, he had somehow untied the ropes that had been restraining him.

How on earth did this fellow release the acupressure point sealing?

Chapter 51

“How?”

Surprisingly, Mok Gyeong-un was moving perfectly fine, and on top of that, he had even untied the ropes restraining him.

How did this guy release the pressure points?

As he wondered, Mok Gyeong-un lightly struck his chest.

-Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-tak!

Soon, the mute acupoint was released, and his voice tried to come out.

“You…”

Mok Gyeong-un whispered to him.

“Shh.”

At this, Mok Yu-cheon lowered his voice and whispered back.

“…How did you release the pressure points?”

Mok Gyeong-un didn’t answer his question.

Because there were no pressure points applied in the first place.

No, they were applied for a very short time, but due to his yin death energy, Bright Blade King Son Yun’s true energy dispersed not long after.

Mok Gyeong-un had merely been quietly observing the situation.

“You don’t need to know that.”

As he avoided answering, Mok Yu-cheon frowned and said,

“Don’t tell me you’re trying to… escape?”

Mok Gyeong-un smiled silently.

It was a sign of affirmation.

Mok Yu-cheon was flabbergasted and asked,

“By what means? The warriors of Heaven and Earth Society will be guarding all around.”

“Now is the opportunity. Most of them, starting with Bright Blade King, are gone. There are only four men guarding outside the carriage. Six more are spread out nearby keeping watch.”

‘!?’

For a moment, Mok Yu-cheon was puzzled.

His eyes had been covered and his meridians sealed just like him, so how does he know all this?

Moreover, this fellow is merely a third-rate martial artist who would struggle to detect presences within a few jang, let alone sense all that.

Mok Gyeong-un spoke to the skeptical man.

“If you tell me just one thing, I’ll help you escape too.”

“What?”

“That’s why I only released the mute acupoint.”

‘Huh?’

Come to think of it, his body still had no sensation.

Not because the ropes weren’t untied, but because the paralysis acupoint hadn’t been released.

“What are you playing at? If you’re going to free me, do it properly…”

“Sorry, but I don’t need to accommodate you once we’re outside, so I’d appreciate it if you just answer my question.”

A subtle killing intent emanated from his voice.

Together with his expressionless face and indifferent eyes, it created a peculiar atmosphere.

It was a completely different feeling from usual.

“You, what the ….…”

“Who is Ghost Blade?”

“What?”

“I asked who Ghost Blade is.”

Mok Yu-cheon furrowed his brow at Mok Gyeong-un’s question.

Is he really asking because he doesn’t know who Ghost Blade is?

There shouldn’t be a single person in the martial world who doesn’t know of that individual’s notoriety.

“…Are you seriously asking because you don’t know?”

“Yes.”

“Are you messing with me right now…”

“Just answer the question.”

He didn’t add anything else, but Mok Gyeong-un exuded an intimidating aura as if he would kill him if he didn’t answer.

Even before, it was strange, but is this fellow really the cowardly Mok Gyeong-un?

“You’re not going to answer?”

“…He’s one of the Six Celestial Demons.”

“Six Celestial Demons?”

“What… are you really?”

Mok Yu-cheon couldn’t comprehend Mok Gyeong-un’s reaction that seemed to genuinely not know.

In the current martial world, there are six great leaders considered to be at the pinnacle.

Their martial prowess is said to be heaven above heaven, so the martial artists of the Central Plains call them the Six Celestials.

Below them, not reaching their level but still attaining the highest realm, there are eight supreme masters.

They are known as the Eight Stars.

“How can you not know about the Six Celestials and Eight Stars…”

“I don’t know about Eight Stars or whatever, but where is that Ghost Blade?”

Mok Yu-cheon stared intently into Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes at that question, then sighed and said,

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?”

“How would I know about someone who disappeared seventeen years ago?”

“Disappeared?”

“Yes. And no one has been able to uncover Ghost Blade’s true identity to this day.”

“No one knowing means everyone is clueless?”

“That’s what I just said.”

“Hmm.”

Mok Gyeong-un stroked his chin as if troubled by Mok Yu-cheon’s words.

The scars left on his deceased grandfather and the scar on the side of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor Sect Leader were very similar.

That’s why this Ghost Blade individual was the prime suspect.

But if no one knows that person’s identity, it becomes difficult to know where to start investigating again.

However, there was one curious point here.

‘He said Ghost Blade disappeared seventeen years ago… Then why did the man target Grandfather?’

If the scars were the work of the same culprit, it had to be Ghost Blade.

But he couldn’t understand why someone who had disappeared suddenly targeted his grandfather.

As he pondered this, Mok Yu-cheon opened his mouth.

“Maybe if you go to Heaven and Earth Society, you might be able to find out.”

“What?”

“I heard rumors that the masters Ghost Blade targeted were all renowned experts in the righteous faction, so he might be a master from Heaven and Earth Society or the imperial family.”

“Heaven and Earth Society or the imperial family?”

“Yes. Although I don’t know why you’re curious.”

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sharpened at those words.

If so, the enemy who killed his grandfather might be in either Heaven and Earth Society or the imperial family.

At that moment, a voice rang in his ear.

-Mortal, hurry.

It was Cheong-ryeong’s voice.

Mok Gyeong-un said,

“I’ll keep my promise.”

With those words, he reached out his hand to release the other acupoints.

However,

“I appreciate you releasing the acupoints, but don’t do anything unnecessary.”

“…Unnecessary?”

“If we escape now, Yeon Mok Sword Manor will be in danger.”

“In danger, you say.”

“We’re hostages. You know what that means too. What do you think they’ll do to Yeon Mok Sword Manor if we disappear?”

Mok Gyeong-un scoffed at Mok Yu-cheon’s words.

Mok Yu-cheon frowned.

What kind of reaction is this? As he wondered, Mok Gyeong-un spoke in a cold voice.

“What does that have to do with me?”

“What?”

“Then stay here.”

“You!”

-Thwack!

Mok Yu-cheon, struck on the back of the neck with a hand technique, immediately fainted.

With his usual martial prowess, he would never have allowed Mok Gyeong-un to land a blow, but his acupoints were sealed, rendering him unable to circulate his internal energy, so he was helpless.

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un carefully laid the unconscious Mok Yu-cheon on the floor.

From his perspective, it might be infuriating, but it truly had nothing to do with him.

Whether Yeon Mok Sword Manor was ruined or they all died, it wasn’t his concern.

It was the real Mok Gyeong-un’s concern.

Also,

‘It’s a pity I was planning to use him as bait.’

That was the reason he tried to release Mok Yu-cheon’s acupoints.

‘Heaven and Earth Society.’

Mok Gyeong-un pondered as he looked down at Mok Yu-cheon.

If, as he said, this Ghost Blade was really in Heaven and Earth Society, it could be an opportunity.

But the risk was quite significant.

They were interested in the secret manual in his mind.

So there was a possibility they would mercilessly kill him after uncovering it.

‘It’s better to thoroughly prepare before approaching them.’

That was the rational choice.

With his current martial arts, a reckless approach could backfire.

Then shall I step out for now?

Mok Gyeong-un carefully walked to the door of the luggage carriage.

The four masked individuals guarding the surroundings had been temporarily rendered unconscious by Cheong-ryeong’s technique, so he could just leave.

-Creak!

Mok Gyeong-un opened the door.

However,

-Gasp!

The moment he opened the door, he felt something strange, even if only for an instant.

As he hesitated, Cheong-ryeong appeared and said,

-Go northwest. Don’t stop. I will deal with those monitoring you.

“Alright.”

-Whoosh!

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un launched his body.

Although he had practiced the Light Body Technique for four days, this was the first time properly utilizing it.

The Light Body Technique can be basically divided into footwork and lightness skill.

Lightness skill is a running technique to move faster over long distances or close the gap.

-Pa-pa-pa-pa-pat!

As the death energy flowed through the Yongcheon (feet) acupoint, his body shot forward at great speed.

It was incomparable to normal running.

The surrounding scenery rapidly changed.

In just half a moment, he seemed to have traveled a considerable distance.

However,

-Mortal, why are you making that expression?

“It’s the same.”

-The same?

“It’s repeating.”

-Repeating?

-Tak!

Mok Gyeong-un stopped his lightness skill and pointed to a tree wrapped in vines, saying,

“I feel like I’m seeing that tree for the fourth time already.”

Cheong-ryeong, right beside him, frowned at his words.

Then she said,

-Are you sure you’re not mistaken?

“How could that be?”

-If it was some kind of sorcery or technique, I couldn’t have failed to notice.

“…That’s true.”

-It could be because you’re tense. Hurry.

With those words, Cheong-ryeong tried to move forward.

But Mok Gyeong-un didn’t budge from his spot.

Cheong-ryeong became irritated.

-Why are you doing this again? If we don’t hurry, we won’t be able to escape this place.

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at Cheong-ryeong and spoke.

“You… Who are you?”

-What?

“I asked who you are.”

She made a flabbergasted expression and said,

-Mortal, have you gone mad? Right now, to me, who…

-Swish!

Before she could finish speaking, Mok Gyeong-un reached out his hand.

It was the Art of Binding technique.

Cheong-ryeong’s body was forcibly pulled, and before she knew it, her neck was offered up to Mok Gyeong-un’s palm.

-Ack! Wh-what is this…

“You chose the wrong person to imitate. No, if you were going to do it, you should have done it properly.”

If it was the real Cheong-ryeong, she would never have overlooked his comment about the tree being the same.

No, in the first place, someone of her high caliber wouldn’t easily fall for such a thing.

-Mortal, you’re making a mis-

“It doesn’t seem to be a mistake.”

The peculiar energy surging through his palm.

It was far from the unique death energy possessed by vengeful spirits.

And if it was Cheong-ryeong, she wouldn’t have been pulled by the Art of Binding, but rather would have lightly flung him away.

-Woooong!

At that moment, a bizarre occurrence unfolded.

Cheong-ryeong’s body rippled, then scattered, revealing a wooden puppet in his palm.

The wooden puppet had a talisman attached that read “Wooden Fetching Spell[1]”.

-Sizzle!

The talisman in his palm soon burned to ashes.

-Pa-pa-pak!

Mok Gyeong-un immediately clasped his hands together, forming the Immovable Mind Seal[2] mudra.

Then, closing his eyes, he chanted an incantation.

“………………….”

The scattering ashes flew off somewhere.

Then, swiftly circling the tree entwined with vines,

-Swish!

they were sucked into the tree.

Witnessing this, Mok Gyeong-un launched his body towards it.

-Whoosh!

He charged at the tree entwined with vines, and the moment he collided with it,

-Shhhh!

His field of vision changed, revealing a middle-aged man wearing an eye patch, diviner Jo, sitting on a large rock beside a bonfire.

There were ashes on his upper garment, which diviner Jo brushed off, then he smirked.

‘Ha… Look at this fellow.’

Diviner Jo was sincerely impressed.

At Yeon Mok Sword Manor, he had confirmed that the fellow’s talent was extraordinary.

However, he didn’t have much faith in a martial family’s disciple self-learning sorcery, so he took this opportunity to test Mok Gyeong-un with the Spirit Training Method and the Truth Seeking Technique.

Spirit Training Method

It is a technique that transforms a willow puppet into a target the opponent trusts or is close to.

By deceiving the opponent’s five senses, it makes them perceive the willow puppet as someone imaginary, an advanced technique effective for gathering information by catching the opponent off guard.

Yet, this fellow not only saw through the fakery in just half a moment, but even escaped from the technique.

‘To find the escape path like this…’

There is an orthodox method to finding the escape path in a technique.

But Mok Gyeong-un forcibly broke the Spirit Training Method, and in that instant, used the remnants of the talisman to find the Life Gate and his location through the Summoning Harmonization Technique, a tracking method.

‘His adaptability is no joke.’

Such exceptional talent was truly hard to come by.

It was incomparable to the disciples he had accepted thus far.

diviner Jo raised the corners of his mouth and said to Mok Gyeong-un,

“You… become my disciple.”

Chapter 52

“You… become my disciple.”

‘!?’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sharpened at diviner Jo’s words.

He was already quite displeased from being manipulated by the technique earlier.

‘Did he do something unnecessary?’

Mok Gyeong-un surveyed his surroundings, rolling his eyes.

No one was visible for now, and no unusual presences were detected.

Was it because of his confidence in handling things alone that he lured him here with the technique?

‘Ten steps.’

With this distance, he seemed capable of subduing him.

He had become faster after learning the Light Body Technique.

And compared to martial artists, the physical abilities of sorcerers were significantly inferior.

‘If I kill him before he uses sorcery…’

“There’s no one around, so it’s a misconception if you think you can do anything to me.”

“…”

He wasn’t as inattentive as expected.

But there was definitely no presence.

And he hadn’t taken out any talismans or anything.

Trying once wouldn’t hurt…

-Gasp!

Mok Gyeong-un hesitated.

The moment he slightly lifted his foot off the ground, he felt the surrounding energy distorting.

That strange energy when he let go of the carriage.

It was similar to that, but this time it was sharp like swinging a weapon.

“Quite sensitive, aren’t you?”

A glint of interest flashed in diviner Jo’s eyes.

Naturally, he had expected that if the fellow was smart, he would find a way to escape the technique.

That’s why he had prepared in advance.

“To survive in this treacherous world, preparation must be thorough. That’s the first lesson I’ll give you.”

“…”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un surveyed his surroundings.

No talismans or anything like that were visible.

But why did he feel that ominous sensation the moment he tried to take a step?

Sorcery indeed had depths the more one delved into it.

Mok Gyeong-un looked at diviner Jo and spoke.

“…I never said I would become your disciple.”

“Do you think you have a choice?”

“I can see you have a lot of interest in me, but I also have my own stance.”

“Stance? Ha.”

Diviner Jo scoffed.

Then he immediately took something out from his waist.

It was a wooden puppet with a talisman attached that read “Seal”.

Diviner Jo tossed and caught it, saying,

“Don’t you want to get this back?”

Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head slightly.

Then, out of curiosity, he sent death energy into his eyes and looked at the wooden puppet, and it seemed like something was inside.

But the energy was barely detectable, making it difficult to notice without focusing.

“Have you already forgotten what you were trying to protect?”

“Don’t tell me that’s…”

“Yes, it is. Did you think I would leave such a dangerous thing there?”

“…”

“You’re an interesting fellow. Even among excellent sorcerers, few have taken a vengeful spirit as a familiar.”

Diviner Jo only realized it after sealing the evil spirit into the wooden puppet.

Not only did he self-learn sorcery, but he also took a vengeful spirit as a familiar, something even outstanding sorcerers struggled to do.

He was undoubtedly a talent that couldn’t be more desirable as a disciple.

“I don’t know how you did it, but if you obediently agree to become my disciple, I can return this to you.”

He thought it was a pretty good offer.

The fellow must have done considerable research of his own to take a vengeful spirit as a familiar.

So he believed he wouldn’t easily want to lose his servant ghost.

However,

“You don’t have to return it.”

“What?”

“It has already left my hands, so what can I do?”

“…Huh?”

Look at this guy.

He must have struggled a lot to make the vengeful spirit his servant ghost, but he’s giving it up so easily?

Is he deliberately putting on a strong front?

“Then you’re fine with me destroying this vengeful spirit?”

“Do as you wish.”

The complete lack of reluctance was absurd.

His thinking differs from ordinary sorcerers.

No, is it because he originally comes from a martial arts background?

“Hmm.”

If he destroyed this vengeful spirit as the fellow said, it would make him seem narrow-minded.

After all, a master’s capacity should appear vast.

Diviner Jo tossed the wooden puppet towards Mok Gyeong-un.

“Take it.”

-Tak!

“…Why are you giving it to me?”

“Do you think my capacity is so small that I would covet something belonging to a prospective disciple?”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un scoffed inwardly.

He desperately wants him as a disciple.

What should he do?

For now, there were three options.

Kill diviner Jo and escape, taking somewhat of a risk without knowing what trap there might be?

Or pretend to agree to be his disciple while dealing with him and escaping?

Lastly,

‘…Infiltrate Heaven and Earth Society by becoming his disciple, despite the danger.’

It was the riskiest among the three.

If he encountered the person who appeared back then, sensing his pursuit, he could definitely be killed before even taking revenge.

‘The second option seems better after all.’

It was the most appealing method.

It was also the method he enjoyed using the most originally.

At that moment, diviner Jo spoke.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t refuse the offer.”

“Why?”

“Becoming my disciple would at least increase your chances of survival, so why hesitate?”

“…”

“Having arbitrarily learned the manor’s secret manual, do you think you have a high probability of surviving if you go there? I think not. It’s a place where your life hangs by a thread based on the sect leader or executives’ moods. If you become my disciple, you can at least raise that probability.”

“…”

Mok Gyeong-un showed no change in expression.

Seeing his reaction, diviner Jo clicked his tongue inwardly.

Is this approach ineffective with this fellow?

Well, he’s someone who bargained with Bright Blade King while holding a sword to his own throat.

‘Does he have no attachment to his life? Or is he thoroughly calculative?’

If it’s the latter, the method needs to be changed.

diviner Jo clicked his tongue and said,

“You’re the type to just break if I push too hard, I see. Fine, then how about this? Although you’ll learn it anyway if you become my disciple, I’ll teach you the sorcery to contain a familiar in a medium.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It’s exactly as it sounds. Don’t you have a similar example in your hand right now?”

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un looked at the wooden puppet in his hand.

The wooden puppet with “Seal” written on it emitted no energy whatsoever.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sparkled as he stared intently at it.

“Seems like you’re interested in this sort of thing.”

diviner Jo smirked.

He had thought the fellow would naturally show interest.

‘He would definitely need it if he wants to carry that vengeful spirit around intact.’

Otherwise, sorcerers would try to subdue it without knowing it’s a familiar whenever it’s noticed.

What Mok Gyeong-un needed right now was this sorcery, he believed.

And that prediction was spot on.

‘Concealing a familiar’s energy…’

Mok Gyeong-un was already seeking such a method.

It was a more appealing offer than the earlier mention of his life.

If there were outstanding sorcerers or supreme masters like Bright Blade King around, he couldn’t keep Cheong-ryeong or the evil spirit close.

Seeing Mok Gyeong-un’s interest, diviner Jo said,

“How about it? Are you inclined to become my disciple now?”

“If I become your disciple, I can learn what you just mentioned?”

“Of course.”

At this, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“Then teach me that technique first. I will become your disciple then.”

“Teach you first? Hahahahaha! Teaching it is not difficult at all. But if you want to learn it, you have to swear an oath first.”

It wouldn’t be that easy.

Mok Gyeong-un licked his lips slightly, having expected he wouldn’t readily agree.

diviner Jo took out something else from his waist.

It was a small iron chain.

“Take it.”

-Swish!

-Clang!

Mok Gyeong-un caught it and looked puzzled.

Then diviner Jo said,

“Wear that on your wrist and say this: I, Mok Gyeong-un, will become Jo Ui-gong’s disciple and follow his will.”

“…”

Suspicion clouded Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes at those words.

“Wear this iron chain and say it?”

“Yes.”

“…It doesn’t seem like you’re just telling me to do it.”

“Of course not. How can I trust and simply accept as a disciple someone who tried to escape despite being practically a hostage?”

“Then what happens if I make that oath?”

The man, now revealed to be diviner Jo Ui-gong, answered with a smile.

“A restriction is imposed.”

“Restriction?”

“If you make that oath, you won’t be able to harm me in any way. It’s almost absolute.”

‘Of course, you’ll have no choice but to obligatorily follow my commands.’

When accepting a disciple he liked, diviner Jo Ui-gong would pass on this Oath Chain.

By staking one’s own self and swearing an oath through the Oath Chain, one becomes absolutely unable to refuse his orders.

But he didn’t mention that, knowing the fellow wouldn’t readily comply if he did.

‘How will he respond?’

But the fellow was so suspicious that he might not easily swear the oath.

While he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un put on the iron chain and spoke.

“Please keep your promise. I, Mok Gyeong-un, will become Jo Ui-gong’s disciple and follow his will.”

The moment those words ended,

The iron chain subtly shook and rattled.

Seeing this, Jo Ui-gong raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction.

‘With this, I’ve got him.’

He was the type who had to obtain what he wanted to feel at ease.

Jo Ui-gong took out something folded in leather from his bosom.

“Take it.”

-Swish! Tak!

Mok Gyeong-un snatched it with one hand.

It was titled:

[Corpse Inquiry Secret Manual]

“What is this?”

“It’s a sorcery technique I created. Memorize it entirely and return it while we head back to Heaven and Earth Society.”

“…You’re not keeping your promise?”

“How could that be? The sorcery you want is also in there.”

“Thank you.”

“Call me Master.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Pleased with being called Master, diviner Jo Ui-gong got down from the rock he was leaning on, grasped his walking stick, and walked off somewhere.

Mok Gyeong-un said,

“Aren’t you going to release the technique you set up?”

If he didn’t undo it, he couldn’t even take a single step.

In response to this question, diviner Jo Ui-gong smiled and said,

“I’ll give you about an hour.”

“What?”

“The method to undo the sorcery is also in there, so look for it carefully. If you can’t find it and return within that time, quite an arduous situation will unfold. Hahahahaha!”

With those words, diviner Jo Ui-gong entered the forest to the southeast and disappeared.

Mok Gyeong-un let out a soft snicker.

Is he already trying to teach him?

‘Interesting.’

He didn’t care what method was used.

As long as he could extract what he needed, that was enough.

-Swish!

Not long after, someone lightly descended from the sky.

It was none other than Cheong-ryeong.

-The sorcerer has finally left your side.

Mok Gyeong-un looked at her with suspicion in his eyes.

“You’re not a fake, right?”

-Fake? What nonsense are you spouting? More importantly, it was amusing to see you caught in the sorcery, jumping in place alone. You should have done it a bit longer.

“It’s really you.”

-… On what basis are you so certain it’s really me?

“Well… There are reasons.”

Should he say it’s a feeling?

Cheong-ryeong asked Mok Gyeong-un.

-But why did you do such a thing, unlike your usual self?

“What thing?”

-I’m asking why you made such an oath when that chain seems to contain quite a strong curse.

“To obtain this.”

Mok Gyeong-un waved the Corpse Inquiry Secret Manual at her.

She snorted and said,

-You did that to get that sort of thing? Did you suddenly become stupid? Or are you confident you can escape that curse?

“There’s no need to escape or anything.”

-What?

Mok Gyeong-un casually removed the iron chain he had on his arm.

She frowned and asked,

-Is it originally that easy to take off?

“No. In the first place, an oath is something you have to swear by staking your own name.”

-Ha!

At those words, Cheong-ryeong finally understood why Mok Gyeong-un had made such an oath.

Mok Gyeong-un wasn’t his real name in the first place.

Naturally, there was no way the oath would be established and a curse imposed.

‘So that’s how it is.’

That brat wouldn’t do something detrimental just to learn sorcery.

-Since you got what you wanted, are you going to attempt to escape again?

“… I was considering it, but now I’m conflicted.”

-Changed your mind?

“Yes. I’m thinking it might be better to enter the darkest place.”

Although the risk was significant, in a way, it was the darkest place.

Cheong-ryeong showed a peculiar gaze at Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

Mok Gyeong-un asked,

“Seems like you have something to say. I also had something I wanted to ask.”

-What kind of sophistry is saying you have something to ask when you say I seem to have something to say?

“I mean I want to ask first.”

-What is it?

“Why do they think it’s real after seeing the sword techniques you showed, not the Eight Postures of Destruction?”

That was something he had been curious about.

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Cheong-ryeong closed her mouth.

-…

“Do you not want to tell me?”

-Phew.

She silently smoked her pipe and exhaled the smoke.

Usually, such a reaction meant she had no intention of telling him.

Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, if that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do.”

-…

“I need to take a look at this for now. That way, both the evil spirit and Cheong-ryeong can be by my side…”

-Are you really going there?

“What?”

-To Heaven and Earth Society.

At her somewhat serious question, Mok Gyeong-un recalled the gaze on the rooftop.

Those blood-red eyes seemed as if they would dye everything in blood.

But even now, that fury slightly shows.

“Depending on the situation.”

-… How coincidental.

“What is?”

-The situation.

“Hmm. What are you trying to say?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Cheong-ryeong exhaled a long puff of smoke and extended her hand to Mok Gyeong-un, saying,

-If you’re really going there, become my disciple.

“… Hm.”

Mok Gyeong-un scratched his head.

Today, he seemed to hear people telling him to become their disciple here and there.

He even heard it from Cheong-ryeong of all people.

“Uh… I don’t know your reason for saying that, but there’s no need for a master-disciple relationship between us…”

-The weight is different.

“What?”

-Becoming my disciple means you will bear the karma of the moon and carry out a bloody purge.

Chapter 53

-The weight is different.

“What?”

-Becoming my disciple means you will bear the karma of the moon and carry out a bloody purge.

‘A bloody purge?’

Cheong-ryeong’s aura, brimming with murderous intent, was different from usual.

But thinking about it, she was a vengeful spirit.

Her resentment was so deep that she had existed in this world for over a hundred years.

Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth while making eye contact with her.

“As I thought, you have a connection with Heaven and Earth Society.”

-… I won’t deny that.

“But why are you talking about moon’s karma and bloody purge when it comes to becoming your disciple?”

-It’s exactly as you heard. I desire a price in blood.

“In simple terms, revenge.”

At those words, Cheong-ryeong took a long drag from her pipe as if displeased and exhaled the smoke into Mok Gyeong-un’s face, saying,

-Phew. Though the weight may be different, if put in your terms, yes, it’s revenge.

A glint of interest flashed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes at her words.

It was due to the shared sentiment of revenge.

He too was wandering like this to avenge his grandfather.

However, unlike her, he would resolve this grudge while alive, not after death.

She said,

-What will you do? Will you become my disciple?

“Don’t you think you should at least tell me why I need to become your disciple for me to decide whether to accept or not?”

-That’s…

“That’s?”

-No. If you’re not going to Heaven and Earth Society, just forget what I said.

“… Seems like you have the ability to raise someone’s interest and then make it fizzle out.”

-Hmph. I wasn’t saying it to pique your interest.

“…”

Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at Cheong-ryeong.

In fact, Mok Gyeong-un had no interest whatsoever in other people’s circumstances or stories.

Even if they shared the sentiment of revenge.

He had told Cheong-ryeong to share her circumstances, but it was merely to see if she could convince him why he should become her disciple.

“Can I ask you one thing?”

-If it’s a question I can’t answer, don’t even bother asking in the first place.

“That’s up to you. Given Cheong-ryeong’s caliber, you must have died a very long time ago, so hasn’t time already taken revenge for you?”

Cheong-ryeong scoffed at Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

Then she asked,

-If it were you, would you just let your enemy go, thinking time will resolve everything?

“No.”

-Why not? Isn’t that what you were implying just now?

“… I got hit back.”

Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and continued,

“You’re right. If you’re going to take revenge, you have to see it through to the end. You can’t just leave everything related to that person alone.”

Family, relatives, everything precious must be taken away.

If one is going to take revenge, there’s no reason to consider circumstances or hold back.

At least, that was Mok Gyeong-un’s idea of revenge.

Cheong-ryeong opened her mouth, her red lips quivering.

-Our intentions align. I feel the same way. I can’t forgive that his despicable bloodline still breathes or that the truth is buried, insulting me. In that case, I’ll take everything away with my own hands. Even if it means staining everything with blood.

-Woooooong!

Mok Gyeong-un pointed his hand while looking around.

Perhaps due to her immense fury being unleashed, the surroundings were in chaos as if a storm was raging.

Even the surroundings were being dyed in a blood-red hue.

“Calm down.”

-…

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, she seemed to realize this and calmed herself.

Then the sudden changes in the surroundings stopped as if nothing had happened.

Witnessing this, Mok Gyeong-un clicked his tongue inwardly.

If Cheong-ryeong was like this, how dangerous and powerful would a vengeful spirit of even higher caliber be?

He was curious.

But that wasn’t what mattered now.

“Cheong-ryeong.”

-Speak.

“Even if I’m not your disciple, couldn’t we carry out your revenge together if the situation aligns?”

-No!

“What?”

-It only has meaning if you, a mortal, inherit the moon’s karma.

“So what exactly is this moon’s karma?”

-You will naturally find out if you go there as my disciple.

“You’re stubborn. Then I just won’t become your disciple.”

-What?

A frown formed on Cheong-ryeong’s beautiful brow.

She spoke in a voice filled with irritation.

-Then you won’t go to Heaven and Earth Society?

“No. I’ll go. I’ve decided to go.”

-Then why!

A resounding cry rang in his ears, and Mok Gyeong-un furrowed his brow.

Cheong-ryeong wanted to forcefully have her way, but she couldn’t due to the relationship between a familiar and its master.

It was truly an annoying relationship.

Because of this, she was restrained and unable to do anything.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“Sorry, but I don’t like being controlled by someone. That applies even to you, whom I currently trust to some extent.”

-… Annoying.

“Still, there’s no other way…”

-I said it’s annoying!

Cheong-ryeong shouted, her hands trembling.

She was furious at the reality of being a young brat’s familiar and being manipulated.

She had barely escaped from being sealed and possessed the caliber to move freely, not just as a ground-bound spirit, but what was this?

She wanted to kill him and vent her frustration.

But if she did that, the hundred years she had endured, ruminating on her grudge, would become meaningless.

‘Damn that stubborn mortal!’

It was frustrating that that boy hadn’t even lived half of a hundred years.

After glaring at Mok Gyeong-un for a long time, she opened her mouth.

-Fine. Let me at least tell you this. I don’t know the current situation, but originally, Heaven and Earth Society was born from three lineages.

“Three lineages?”

-One of them is the Moon Lineage.

“… And Cheong-ryeong is a person from that Moon Lineage?”

He’s quick-witted, at least.

Cheong-ryeong didn’t deny it.

-This is all I can tell you for now. Since a hundred years have passed anyway, it’s meaningless to investigate what happened back then. Not everything from that era will remain the same, so you just need to inherit the moon’s karma.

She stared intently into Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

With other humans, she could tell what they were thinking just by looking at their eyes or expressions, but she couldn’t figure out what this particular mortal was thinking.

She wasn’t sure if his emotions other than anger were genuine.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un readily said,

“Alright.”

–Phew. Your stubbornness is really… What?

“I said I’ll learn from you.”

-You’ll become my disciple?

“Yes. But I have a condition.”

-… What condition?

“Let’s just skip the formalities of calling each other master and disciple.”

-Presumptuous mortal.

“Even if you’re my servant ghost, I don’t call you master either.”

-…

She clicked her tongue at Mok Gyeong-un but soon nodded.

Well, it didn’t matter anyway.

Normally, as the one receiving martial arts instruction, it would be proper to clarify the master-disciple relationship, but she was already dead.

What meaning did etiquette and morality in this world hold?

-Tsk tsk.

Seeing her like this, Mok Gyeong-un faintly smiled.

In fact, if he was going to Heaven and Earth Society anyway, he was in a position where he needed to learn the remaining techniques of her swordsmanship and the essentials of qi circulation from her.

If anything, he was the one who needed to make the request.

-Why are you nitpicking?

“It’s nothing. More importantly, we need to hurry.”

-What do you mean?

“It’s difficult to keep doing this here.”

Mok Gyeong-un opened the Corpse Inquiry Secret Manual he was holding.

He needed to undo the technique so he could lift his feet within an hour, and he also needed to grasp the sorcery to conceal Cheong-ryeong’s energy.

***

Half a moment before an hour passed.

The surroundings were hectic.

The masked individuals who had been absent were returning one by one.

‘Hmm.’

Diviner Jo Ui-gong looked towards the northwestern forest with slightly disappointed eyes.

It was taking longer than expected.

In fact, an hour wasn’t that long.

Because even for a designated technique, grasping sorcery within an hour was quite difficult.

In this situation where he had to find what technique it was within the Corpse Inquiry Secret Manual, it was quite pressing.

‘I thought it might be possible.’

If he failed, the given situation might have been more difficult than he anticipated.

Then there was no choice.

He would have to personally go and undo the technique for him.

It was at that moment.

‘!?’

A figure walking out of the dark forest was seen.

It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.

“What?”

“How did this fellow…?”

The masked individuals who spotted Mok Gyeong-un were surprised to see him outside the luggage carriage and tried to subdue him again.

Diviner Jo Ui-gong stopped them.

“Halt.”

“But…”

“That child is now my disciple. I merely had him train for a bit.”

“What?”

The masked individuals glanced at Mok Gyeong-un and diviner Jo Ui-gong with slightly surprised eyes.

They seemed taken aback, not expecting him to really accept him as a disciple.

However, diviner Jo was their superior, and they couldn’t disobey him, so they soon returned to their positions.

Diviner Jo said to Mok Gyeong-un, who was looking around.

“You’re later than expected.”

No, in fact, it was beyond expectations.

He had really found and undone the technique within an hour.

However, having accepted him as a disciple, he intended to refrain from praise as much as possible.

Mok Gyeong-un slightly bowed his head and replied,

“If I’m late, I apologize… Master.”

“I have expectations for you, so don’t disappoint me.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Anyway, undoing the technique must have consumed a lot of mental strength, so rest for a bit. We’ll depart as soon as Bright Blade King arrives.”

“Understood.”

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un looked around.

But he had been curious about something for a while.

The masked individuals had brought in pairs of boys who looked around 15 to 18 years old.

They all had hoods covering their faces, so he couldn’t see in front of them.

Mok Gyeong-un asked in a low voice,

“Who are they?”

In response to that question, diviner Jo Ui-gong chuckled and replied,

“They are new recruits gathered by each faction.”

“New recruits?”

“Since we’re here anyway, you can consider it killing two birds with one stone.”

It was difficult to understand what he was saying.

In the first place, he seemed to be deliberately vague about it.

“You’ll find out later, so there’s no need to be interested in such things now. From now on, you’ll ride in my carriage with me, so go and rest there in advance.”

He pointed to a clean-looking carriage, not a luggage carriage.

Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and said,

“I apologize, Master. Is it alright if I just ride in the luggage carriage I was originally in for a while?”

“What?”

Diviner Jo Ui-gong made a puzzled expression but soon spoke as if he understood.

“Ah. Is it because of your younger brother?”

Of course not, but Mok Gyeong-un nodded as if it was.

Jo Ui-gong clicked his tongue at him and said,

“You’re unnecessarily bringing hardship upon yourself. If you change your mind, switch to my carriage.”

“Understood.”

“Ah. And I’m warning you, but this time you were able to leave because I intended it, but don’t even dream of trying to help your younger brother escape or anything like that. If you do something needless, you’ll witness Yeon Mok Sword Manor being annihilated.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Since I’ve become your disciple, such a thing won’t happen.”

“Of course it shouldn’t.”

Diviner Jo Ui-gong grinned.

Anyway, since he was wearing the Oath Chain, he wouldn’t be able to disobey his orders.

Mok Gyeong-un said to him, who was smiling,

“Master, is it possible for you to send away the person monitoring inside the luggage carriage with your authority?”

“That’s…”

“If it’s difficult even with Master’s authority, it’s fine. I just wanted to quietly memorize this while inside the carriage.”

Mok Gyeong-un spoke, holding up the Corpse Inquiry Secret Manual.

At his words, diviner Jo Ui-gong, who was about to refuse, soon nodded.

It was because the former part of what he said bothered him more than the latter.

“Do you think I lack even that much authority? Alright.”

“Thank you.”

“But don’t do anything that might arouse suspicion. Even if you’ve become my disciple, it won’t be good to provoke Bright Blade King.”

“Understood.”

The corners of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth slightly rose as he bowed his head in gratitude.

***

Mok Gyeong-un entered the luggage carriage, closed the door, and took out something from his bosom.

It was a small wooden puppet the size of a finger, shaped like a person, with the character “Connect” engraved on it.

Mok Gyeong-un smiled and whispered softly,

“It’s a success.”

-… Success or whatever, I’m suffocating. Being trapped in this damn wooden puppet.

The voice coming from the wooden puppet was none other than Cheong-ryeong.

Mok Gyeong-un had successfully concealed her energy.

If diviner Jo Ui-gong found out that he had not only undone the technique within an hour but also roughly grasped this technique, he would have been astonished.

He thought Mok Gyeong-un had barely undone the technique and came out.

Mok Gyeong-un placed the wooden puppet on his palm and said,

“Just bear with it for a bit.”

If she came out of this, the unique energy of a vengeful spirit would be revealed.

It wouldn’t be good for diviner Jo Ui-gong to notice.

At that moment, the wooden puppet trembled and moved on its own, wriggling on Mok Gyeong-un’s palm.

Then a grumbling voice came out.

-Now I’ve even possessed this damn wooden puppet. You have no idea how difficult this is, you mortal.

The method Jo Ui-gong had taught was none other than possessing a medium.

It was a technique similar to sealing.

So Cheong-ryeong couldn’t exert any power inside this wooden puppet… or so he thought, but that wasn’t the case.

The evil spirit was unable to, but she could break the wooden puppet and come out at will.

It seemed to be due to the difference in caliber.

“Be careful. It cracked again.”

-How much more careful can I be here? Even a decent physical body can’t endure this body of mine.

“That’s true.”

It was enduring thanks to the technique that controlled her energy.

Otherwise, the wooden puppet would have shattered long ago.

Cheong-ryeong, now a wooden puppet, sat on his palm and said,

-But if this technique is used well, it seems I can somehow endure even in a weak body.

That was the one thing she found consoling.

“Yes. So please bear with it for a bit. Once we get there, I’ll have you enter a suitable body.”

-Alright.

“Anyway, I’ve secured a decent training place until we reach there.

He hadn’t had high expectations, but securing the inside of the luggage carriage was quite a gain.

Otherwise, it would have been difficult to do anything.

At least while traveling, the conditions were set for him to quietly receive that sword art from Cheong-ryeong and practice the reverse qi circulation technique.

-But what are you going to do with that fellow?

-Kek kek kek!

Cheong-ryeong moved the clumsy hand of the wooden puppet and pointed at someone.

It was Mok Yu-cheon, who was still unconscious.

Mok Gyeong-un approached him, tied the loosened cloth to cover his eyes, and then,

-Ta-ta-ta-ta-tak!

he struck the mute acupoint again.

With this, Mok Yu-cheon returned to his original state.

“Keeping him like this will keep him quiet, right?”

-… You’re really something else.