“You wanted to hear what advantages there are? Alright. I’ll speak first. If you follow me, I’ll grant you the position of Vice Clan Leader in the Scarlet Blood Clan and pass down my exclusive martial art, the Scarlet Blood Mysterious Ancestral Technique. With your excellent martial talent, you’ll be able to inherit my position in no time.”

At the words of Dae So-man, the Grand Elder of the Scarlet Blood Clan, Bo Hyuk-so, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, clicked his tongue.

If it turned out like this, wouldn’t it go according to that impudent fellow’s wishes?

It was truly perplexing.

Bo Hyuk-so looked at the other leaders with an expression asking if this was alright.

Although he couldn’t say much to Grand Elder Dae So-man since they held the same position, if the higher-ups drew a strong line at a time like this…

“You can sufficiently imagine what benefits there would be if you become this Valley Master’s disciple, so I’ll only say this. This Valley Master is the only one here who can teach you the sword.”

‘Oh no!’

When Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang stepped forward, Bo Hyuk-so, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, bit his lip hard.

He had hoped for them to draw a line, but instead, even a leader of the Valley Master’s rank had stepped forward.

With this, he lost the grounds to say anything to the fellow.

If he were to say something, it would be criticizing her, who held a higher position.

‘Damn it.’

Maybe he should have pretended to be unable to resist and spoken up as well.

But if he stepped forward now, it would only make him feel embarrassed because of what he had said earlier.

Moreover, for those like him who could be considered the lowest-ranking leaders here, the Grand Elders, it was an unfavorable bidding.

‘But will Shadow Master and the two Kings go this far to take that kid?’

They had their pride, after all.

As he was thinking that, someone spoke up.

“The sword. Is that the path you wish to pursue?”

‘Ah…’

The one who asked this question was none other than Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak.

Seeing even him step forward, Bo Hyuk-so, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, slid his buttocks into the inner side of the chair he was half-sitting on.

With even Thunderbolt Fist King stepping forward, taking this child was already a lost cause.

“If you have chosen the sword as your path, I will naturally give up, but with your innate martial talent, you can pursue the path of a grandmaster in any martial art, not just the sword.”

‘Grandmaster?’

Grandmaster (宗師).

It refers to becoming a master in any field.

In the martial world, grandmasters are those who have surpassed the wall and reached the realm of Unrestrained Realm [1], and they are called grandmasters. Seeing Thunderbolt Fist King evaluate Mok Gyeong-un so highly, everyone clicked their tongues inwardly.

His determination to take him seemed incredibly strong.

“Is the sword the path you have chosen?”

At Won Byeong-hak’s question, everyone looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

Eventually, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.

“It doesn’t have to be the sword. My goal is to become strong, regardless of the path.”

‘!?’

At those words, Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang’s eyes turned fierce.

She had said that she would teach him the sword, so him saying that was no different from drawing a clear line.

She wanted him, but he truly knew how to provoke her.

At that moment, Won Byeong-hak burst into hearty laughter at Mok Gyeong-un’s words.

“Hahaha! As expected, your aspirations align well with your talent, which is great.”

He was very satisfied with Mok Gyeong-un’s response to his question.

If Mok Gyeong-un had no intention of choosing him and was going to choose Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang, he would have drawn a clear line in response to this question.

However, Mok Gyeong-un didn’t do that.

If so, it probably meant that he was inclined towards him, who held the position of a King.

Won Byeong-hak spoke to Bright Blade King Son Yun beside him with a triumphant expression.

“Brother Son, you also wanted him, but it seems I will be the one taking him.”

At those words, Son Yun snorted.

Regardless, Won Byeong-hak seemed confident that Mok Gyeong-un would come to him, so he stood up from his seat and spoke, wanting to drive the point home.

“If you become my disciple, not only will you be my successor, but I will also pass down my lifelong martial arts to you. If you complete the True Origin Lightning Fist of our sect, no one will be able to stand against you with the Thunderstrike Fist.”

It could be heard as an arrogant promise, depending on how one listened to it.

However, since he had drawn a line earlier regarding the Thunderstrike Fist, no one said anything.

They took it as him earnestly desiring Mok Gyeong-un.

‘Come to me. As my disciple.’

Won Byeong-hak extended his hand towards Mok Gyeong-un.

It was at that very moment.

“Truly remarkable, child of the Mok family.”

‘As expected…’

Bright Blade King Son Yun, who was beside Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak, finally stepped forward.

At this, Won Byeong-hak shook his head as if displeased.

As if not caring about this at all, Bright Blade King Son Yun spoke to Mok Gyeong-un.

“Our connection runs deep, you and I.”

‘Connection?’

At those words, everyone, including Won Byeong-hak, looked at Bright Blade King Son Yun with puzzled expressions.

What did he mean by saying their connection was deep?

Could it be that they already knew each other?

As they were thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth while making a gesture of respect with both hands.

“Thanks to Bright Blade King, I was able to come here, but I didn’t expect to see you again in this place.”

‘Oh no…’

At those words, Won Byeong-hak furrowed his brows.

Did they really know each other?

But why didn’t they show any signs of it until just now?

‘Was it intentional?’

To make him harbor false hopes and then feel deprived?

If that was the case, he couldn’t help but feel quite displeased.

As he was doing so, Bright Blade King Son Yun continued speaking.

“Remarkable. Even then, I thought your talent was outstanding, but I never imagined you would survive here.”

“Should I say it was a good experience, thanks to you?”

At those words, a glimmer of admiration appeared in Son Yun’s eyes.

He had thought that Mok Gyeong-un might resent him for making him suffer in the Corpse Blood Valley, but surprisingly, he spoke about it so calmly, which was unexpected.

In fact, there was no trace of resentment in his eyes.

‘Not bad.’

He had thought Mok Gyeong-un was just cunning, but seeing him show such composure, he took a liking to him.

With that, he wanted to confirm one thing.

“There’s something I want to ask you.”

“Something you want to ask?”

“That’s right.”

“Please, ask away.”

“If given the opportunity, do you have the desire to return?”

At that question, everyone couldn’t hide their puzzlement.

What did he mean by that?

It was difficult to understand the meaning behind this question.

However, not everyone was like that.

‘Is that so? Ohoho.’

Shadow Master, who knew the fact that Mok Gyeong-un’s origin was as a hostage from the Yeon Mok Sword Manor of the righteous sect, understood the gist of the question and nodded his head.

Indeed, this was an important question.

He was also interested in Mok Gyeong-un, but since his roots lay in the righteous sect, he wanted to confirm this.

If Mok Gyeong-un had intentions towards the righteous sect, accepting him as a disciple would be a futile act.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.

“I don’t particularly place significance on returning. Besides, I came here of my own accord.”

As soon as those words were spoken, the corners of Bright Blade King Son Yun’s mouth rose.

He had heard the answer he most wanted to hear.

With that, Son Yun stood up from his seat and spoke.

“Not only do you possess martial talent, but you have also become a suitable talent for our sect. Alright. Become my disciple. If you do so, even if your background becomes an issue in the future, I will protect you until the end. You know what this means.”

‘!?’

At those words, the other leaders murmured softly.

What did he mean by background?

Come to think of it, they were curious about which sect these siblings, who had jointly become top rankers in this Corpse Blood Valley’s gates, belonged to.

At this, Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang opened her mouth.

“What do you mean by background? What did you just say?”

“It’s exactly as you heard.”

“Exactly? So, Bright Blade King, you’re saying you know that child’s background, and it’s something that could be problematic?”

At this question, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master on the platform, showed a perplexed expression.

Although his liege was possessing him, that shell could be considered the son of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor of the righteous sect.

If his identity were to be revealed, the repercussions would be quite significant.

‘Was it intentional?’

Lee Ji-yeom looked at Bright Blade King Son Yun.

He had cleverly revealed Mok Gyeong-un’s identity without explicitly stating it, creating a sense of crisis.

He wasn’t talking about the benefits but rather emphasizing the potential losses, persuading that only he could protect Mok Gyeong-un.

‘With this, he has no choice but to be taken away.’

It seemed that his lord’s position had become difficult.

Bright Blade King Son Yun was a relentless person, and he had many disciples under him, so he didn’t particularly want to recommend him.

However, if he came out like this, his lord currently had few allies and couldn’t afford to make enemies, so he might have no choice but to take Bright Blade King’s hand.

‘You’re quite the strategist, Bright Blade King.’

Shadow Master covered his mouth with his hand and smiled.

At first glance, it might sound like Bright Blade King Son Yun was saying he would protect Mok Gyeong-un if he became his disciple, but this was literally a warning.

Don’t forget your situation.

That offer was a strategy to make the other party submit mentally.

The moment Mok Gyeong-un’s identity as a son of the righteous sect was revealed, he would find himself in a difficult situation.

‘There’s no other choice.’

If he were Mok Gyeong-un, he would have no choice but to choose Bright Blade King Son Yun.

That was the only way to obtain a relatively safe haven.

Bright Blade King Son Yun was a person with a clear stance and stubbornness, so he would definitely keep his word.

To overcome the weakness of his background, the best option was him.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un opened his mouth.

“Ah, that could indeed be a problem.”

“That’s right.”

If he knew that, there was only one choice.

Even if his identity wasn’t revealed now because he was attached to the sect, if it became known due to the Society Leader’s whim, would others become a protective haven for him like Son Yun?

They wouldn’t be willing to take on such a risk.

‘Come. Take my hand.’

However,

“Hmm. Then, I should make it clear here.”

“Make it clear? What do you…”

“Since this might hold me back, I thought it would be better to tell you in advance.”

At those words, Bright Blade King Son Yun’s eyes wavered.

What was this child trying to do now?

With that,

“Wait… Stop…”

Bright Blade King Son Yun tried to stop Mok Gyeong-un.

However,

-Bam!

Mok Gyeong-un made a gesture of respect with both hands together and spoke in a loud voice.

“Let me introduce myself again. I am Mok Gyeong-un, the third son of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor of the righteous sect.”

‘!!!!!!!!’

As soon as those words were spoken, not only the leaders but also the warriors of the Corpse Blood Valley who were unaware of the truth, and even the students, all became agitated.

This was something no one had anticipated.

The final top ranker of the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates, which had produced the best disciples of the later generations in the Heaven and Earth Society for a long time, was from the renowned martial family of the righteous sect, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor?

But how did he end up participating in the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates here?

As they were doing so, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said,

“But let me add one more thing. I was brought here as a hostage by Bright Blade King, who is present here.”

‘!?’

In an instant, Bright Blade King Son Yun was dumbfounded.

He revealed this fatal weakness and potential gossip with his own mouth?Chapter 120 – Choice (3)

“But let me add one more thing. I was brought here as a hostage by Bright Blade King, who is present here.”

‘!?’

In that instant, Bright Blade King Son Yun’s expression stiffened.

Publicly revealing this critical weakness that could become a source of gossip?

Just what was he thinking?

Even if it was outside the fortress, this place was still within the territory of the Heaven and Earth Society, and everyone here belonged to the Heaven and Earth Society.

To reveal this inside the Heaven and Earth Society, whose internal factions had long vied for dominance in the martial world with the righteous faction, to the point where calling them mortal enemies would be no exaggeration, was truly a foolish choice.

-Murmur murmur!

‘He’s from the righteous faction?’

‘The righteous faction?’

The atmosphere quickly heated up as murmurs arose from all around.

It was the same for the other trainees.

Mok Gyeong-un’s forcibly sworn followers, Mu Jang-yak and Demon Fire Hall’s Mo Ha-rang, couldn’t hide their shock either, glaring at him with dumbfounded expressions.

At the very least, they had thought Mok Gyeong-un was from a small or medium-sized faction under the Heaven and Earth Society, even if he was a nameless one.

But the righteous faction?

‘Then, I’ve sworn loyalty to someone from the righteous faction?’

‘How could this be….’

The two individual’s faces were instantly colored with humiliation.

‘Ohoho. What a vexing child.’

Knowing his true identity, a man who was one of the few, the Shadow Master, clicked his tongue inwardly while looking at Mok Gyeong-un.

Right now, Mok Gyeong-un had practically revealed his identity in the middle of enemy territory.

Even if he was here as a hostage.

‘To the Heaven and Earth Society martial artists, those from the righteous faction must be rejected as enemies.’

This was true for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Especially for the younger generation of promising talents, as they had been educated by their parents and teachers from a young age, the animosity was passed down even more strongly.

It wouldn’t be surprising if a commotion broke out at any moment.

-Thud!

“The Yeon Mok Sword Manor? Did you just say the righteous faction’s Yeon Mok Sword Manor?”

As expected, someone jumped up from their seat.

It was the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so.

Having lost his father in the battle against the Hwasan Faction, his hatred for the righteous faction ran deep.

But when Mok Gyeong-un’s identity was revealed to be none other than a member of the righteous faction, he reacted intensely.

“How could a mere righteous faction underling enter the Corpse Blood Valley, which can be called the gateway to the Great Heaven and Earth Society! Kneel!”

-Whoosh!

Bo Hyuk-so shattered the armrest of his chair with a single strike.

Then, imbuing the shattered, pointed piece of the armrest with his internal energy, he hurled it towards Mok Gyeong-un’s thigh.

It was at a tremendous speed.

However, Mok Gyeong-un calmly unleashed his footwork, stepping back and evading it.

-Crack!

The armrest piece pierced the stone floor of the plaza right in front of Mok Gyeong-un, embedding halfway.

It seemed he had intended to impale Mok Gyeong-un’s leg with this.

“Dodged it? Good. Then, I, the Flame Demon Grand Elder, will personally make you kneel!”

The Flame Demon Clan’s Grand Elder, Bo Hyuk-so, was about to stomp his foot and step forward.

At that moment, someone blocked his way.

“Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan. Stop.”

It was none other than the Corpse Blood Valley Master, Lee Ji-yeom.

As Lee Ji-yeom blocked his path, Bo Hyuk-so raised his voice with a flushed face.

“Valley Master. What in the world is the meaning of this? How can a mere righteous faction underling be here? Surely you couldn’t have been unaware, right?”

At this question, Lee Ji-yeom couldn’t hide his tremendous discomfort.

Because the one possessing the body was from a renowned righteous faction family, he thought he wouldn’t carelessly reveal the identity of his vessel.

But he didn’t expect him to suddenly make it public like this.

‘…This is troublesome.’

The problem wasn’t just that he revealed it, but also that the Society Leader had ordered to keep the identities of the two Mok brothers, who were brought here as hostages, a secret.

It was a direct order from the Society Leader, so it had to be followed.

If he were to disregard it in the middle of all this attention, the Society Leader would certainly use it as an excuse to pressure him.

‘Should I remain silent….’

However, for the sake of his liege, this had to be revealed.

That was the duty of a subordinate.

With this, Lee Ji-yeom was about to reveal that it was an order from the Society Leader and that there had been instructions to keep it a secret.

“This is…”

Before he could finish his words,

“Inserting the Yeon Mok Sword Manor’s hostages into the Corpse Blood Valley entrance was an order from above. So, don’t raise any more objections. Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan.”

“Isn’t that right, Bright Blade King?”

The one who stepped forward before Lee Ji-yeom could speak was none other than the Bright Blade King, Son Yun.

Seeing Son Yun take action, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes glinted with interest.

He had expected Son Yun to show anger after he willingly exposed his own weakness, which Son Yun had intended to use against him. Instead, he was unexpectedly trying to resolve the situation.

“An order from above, what do you mean by…?”

“I advise against discussing this matter further.”

“…”

At Son Yun’s warning, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so, closed his mouth.

If it was an order from the upper echelons above the Five Kings, then it was beyond the line where he could step in and argue.

“I understand.”

As Son Yun responded and sat back down, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, Lee Ji-yeom, let out a sigh of relief and sent a grateful look towards the Bright Blade King, Son Yun.

Thanks to Son Yun stepping in first, saying it was an order from above, the difficult situation was resolved.

However, despite his lord’s unexpected actions, seeing him step in to resolve the matter like this showed that he truly wanted to accept him as his disciple.

Even if there might be dissatisfaction arising from accepting a hostage from the righteous faction as a disciple, he was willing to take on that risk, which was indeed remarkable.

‘Well.’

If he hadn’t known that his liege was residing in that body, he himself would have been tempted to take him as a disciple.

But right then,

“I find it hard to accept.”

The owner of the displeased voice was none other than Hang Yeo-ryang, the Summoning Sound Valley Master.

Just a moment ago, she had been desperate to have Mok Gyeong-un, but now she was glaring at him with eyes full of hostility.

Son Yun spoke to her.

“What is it that you find hard to accept?”

“Even if it was an unavoidable order from above, if we hadn’t known about this fact, one of us would have almost accepted a hostage from the righteous faction as a disciple, wouldn’t we?”

At her words, the two Grand Elders nodded in agreement.

Even if it was an order from above, he was still a hostage from the righteous faction.

If they had unknowingly accepted someone detestable from the righteous faction as a disciple, wouldn’t they have had to bear the consequences later on?

“…The Summoning Sound Valley Master has a point. Brother Yun and the Corpse Blood Valley Master, why didn’t you give us even a hint despite knowing this?”

Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, also expressed his dissatisfaction.

Judging by the change in his way of speaking, it seemed he had also developed reservations about Mok Gyeong-un after learning about his background.

This was, in a way, a natural reaction.

At that moment, the Summoning Sound Valley Master, Hang Yeo-ryang, smiled bitterly and said,

“Ah. Now I understand.”

“Now you understand?”

“Yes. If it was an order from above to send the righteous faction’s hostage to Corpse Blood Valley, then perhaps the original purpose was something else, wasn’t it? We all know well what kind of place Corpse Blood Valley is.”

“…”

At her words, the others showed gazes of agreement.

Corpse Blood Valley was a place from which it was difficult to come out alive once you entered.

Sending the righteous faction’s hostage to such a place was closer to implying that they didn’t want him to survive, rather than giving him a chance.

“Perhaps those above also intended for that, but things didn’t go as expected?”

“Don’t cross the line. Summoning Sound Valley Master.”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, warned her in a sharp voice as she continued to express her dissatisfaction despite it being an order from above.

Then, Hang Yeo-ryang laughed and bowed slightly with her hands clasped in front of her waist.

“Yes, yes. How could I, a lowly one, dare to disobey those above? However, I have no desire to accept a righteous faction member who killed my sister and can be called our sect’s eternal enemy as a disciple or subordinate. So…”

-Screech!

The Summoning Sound Valley Master, Hang Yeo-ryang, turned her chair around and sat down.

Her actions seemed to be a protest of her own dissatisfaction.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

-Screech!

As if agreeing with her, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so, and the Grand Elder of the Crimson Blood Clan, Dae So-man, also turned their chairs around.

However, they weren’t the only ones.

-Screech!

‘…Thunderbolt Fist King.’

Even Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, turned his chair around.

Their actions appeared to show their firm resolve to reject anyone from the righteous faction, even if it was an order from above.

Considering their future standing within the sect, their behavior was understandable.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Mok Yu-cheon, who was coughing as quietly as possible.

Fortunately, he had woken up just a moment ago, and the heavy atmosphere made his thoughts complex.

‘They’re the same too.’

It wasn’t just the righteous faction.

The martial artists of the evil factions and the Heaven and Earth Society also hated the righteous faction.

Well, it might be natural.

Haven’t they rejected each other and fought and killed each other for a long time?

‘…Similar.’

Perhaps that was why his heart felt heavy, and on the other hand, there was understanding…

‘No. I understand them?’

Why did he have such thoughts?

Mok Yu-cheon inwardly denied his own thoughts.

Then, he looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

That guy was unexpected.

He didn’t think he would reveal his identity so boldly.

‘Still, his roots are in the righteous faction after all.’

He was truly hard to understand, even when you thought you knew him.

How much disappointment had he received because of that guy?

He had thought he was a demon who belonged here, not in the righteous faction.

But if that guy was going to uphold his honor as a member of the righteous faction and as a martial artist of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor until the end, the story would be different.

‘If he does so, I will also risk my life to help…’

Right then,

Mok Gyeong-un shouted in a loud voice that everyone could hear.

“I, Mok Gyeong-un, was born as a member of the righteous faction, but as I grew up, I despised their hypocrisy and rotten ways, as if anything other than the righteous path was evil, following a black-and-white logic.”

‘!?’

In an instant, Mok Yu-cheon was dumbfounded.

What did this guy just say?

Until just a moment ago, after waking up and hearing what Mok Gyeong-un said, he thought he had misunderstood this guy.

But now he was insulting the righteous faction.

-Murmur murmur!

Everyone’s attention was once again focused on Mok Gyeong-un.

As if not caring about their gazes, Mok Gyeong-un continued his shout.

“Because of that, from a young age, I have admired the heroes of the Heaven and Earth Society. The reason I have revealed my identity to the esteemed heroes of the Heaven and Earth Society is to bid farewell to my past self.”

‘This guy, could it be?’

At his words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, frowned.

He knew what this cunning fellow was trying to do.

And just as he suspected, Mok Gyeong-un bowed his head to everyone with a fist and palm salute and shouted,

“I vow to the gods of heaven and earth. I, Mok Gyeong-un, will sever my ties with my family, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, and furthermore, the righteous faction. And I will become a member of the Heaven and Earth Society and fight against those detestable people!”

His voice resounded through the plaza.

At this, the plaza was once again in an uproar.

When he had revealed his identity, they couldn’t hide their outrage at the fact that someone from the righteous faction was in Corpse Blood Valley, but who would have thought he would suddenly make a declaration of defection?

The Shadow Master covered his mouth and laughed softly.

‘I wondered what he was trying to do by willingly revealing his weakness, but he’s defecting, huh.’

Even he didn’t expect this.

He was the son of a renowned martial family of the righteous faction, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, and his talent was outstanding.

Usually, such individuals have strong beliefs and never yield, but this guy was a completely different type of person.

‘What an interesting child.’

The Shadow Master’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

It didn’t feel like he was defecting just to get through this moment and save his life.

Then, what kind of thoughts did he have?

‘This child, he must have something.’

He became curious about what it was.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke in a voice that only the executives could hear.

“Now there shouldn’t be any issues with my background, right?”

At these words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, who had been staring at him with an astonished expression, suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahahahahahaha!”

In all his life, this was truly the first time he had seen such a fellow.

He had intended to accept him as a disciple and tame him well to make him abandon the righteous faction and become a talent of the Heaven and Earth Society.

But he came on his own, no, he declared his entry with his own mouth.

He had thought he was reckless even in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, but he was really an unpredictable fellow.

Son Yun looked at the executives behind him and said,

“It would be difficult to argue about his background now.”

“…”

At his words, the executives who had turned their chairs couldn’t give any response.

They had already shown their will to reject him based on his background, so if they changed their attitude now because of his declaration of defection, how unsightly would that be?

Seeing their reactions, Son Yun thought it was rather fortunate.

‘In the end, he’ll come to my side.’

He had shown his unwavering support for Mok Gyeong-un until the end.

If that guy had even a bit of gratitude and felt their hostility, he would have realized that there was only one choice in the end.

Son Yun was about to extend his hand towards Mok Gyeong-un and open his mouth.

At that moment, “Ohoho. Is it my turn to make a bid now?”

‘!?’

At the unique, grating voice, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, frowned and turned his head.

The one who, along with him, was the only person who hadn’t turned his chair.

It was none other than the Shadow Master.

‘Ah…’

That’s right, he was still there.

But there was no particular worry.

The only one who could pose a challenge was the Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, but he had kicked away the fortune that came to him on its own.

While that was happening, the Shadow Master said to Mok Gyeong-un, “Well, I don’t think you’d be drawn to me teaching you Taoist techniques since I’ve cultivated the Tao… And talking about the advantages of my position would be nothing compared to His Excellency, the Bright Blade King, so I suppose this would be the only thing that might entice you.”

‘This?’

What was he trying to lure Mok Gyeong-un with?

As he wondered, the Shadow Master smiled and said, “I see you’ve trained in the sword, but it doesn’t seem like you have a suitable famous sword. Am I right?”

“…That’s true, but-“

He didn’t particularly have a desire for famous swords.

He didn’t even know much about famous swords.

“That’s great. A swordsman should have a famous sword befitting him.”

Son Yun’s eyes narrowed.

What kind of famous sword did he have that he was saying such things?

But the next words that came out of the Shadow Master’s mouth suddenly stirred up the surroundings.

“If you agree to join me, I will give you one of the legendary demon swords, the Evil Commandment Sword.”

‘!!!!!!!!!!’

-Murmur murmur!Chapter 121 – Demon Sword (1)

“If you agree to join me, I will give you one of the legendary demon swords, the Evil Commandment Sword[1].”

-Murmur murmur!

At the Shadow Master’s words, the crowd stirred.

“The Evil Commandment Sword?”

“Yes. He said the demon sword, Evil Commandment Sword.”

“That, that was in the Shadow Master’s possession?”

“Oh my…”

It wasn’t just the warriors wearing the red belts of Corpse Blood Valley who were astonished like this.

Even the executives who had their backs turned looked at the Shadow Master with surprised eyes.

Even the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, who was confident no matter what proposal the Shadow Master made, had his eyes wavering at the mention of the Evil Commandment Sword.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un swept his eyes around and wondered.

He had only mentioned a single sword, so why were they reacting like this?

-Ha… The Evil Commandment Sword.

Then, Cheong-ryeong’s voice reached Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.

She also seemed quite surprised, as her voice was filled with excitement.

Curious about her reaction, Mok Gyeong-un tried sending a silent message, focusing on the wooden puppet at his chest.

-Do you know what the Evil Commandment Sword is?

-Huh?

It was a doubtful silent message.

But she replied in a surprised voice.

-How in the world did you do that?

-Ah. It’s called a silent message. I thought it might work, and it seems you can hear it.

Even though she was sealed in the wooden puppet, it seemed possible because this was also a method of transmitting sound.

-When did you learn this?

-The Summoning Sound Valley Master over there taught me.

-I see you learned it from that flirtatious wench who uses Sound Techniques.

-Yes.

-I think I’ve heard of it. There are some among the Shaolin monks who know how to use this method.

-Anyway, why are you and everyone else so surprised?

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue.

However, since Mok Gyeong-un barely knew anything about the martial world, it was right to explain it to him.

-Among the blacksmiths who make weapons, there are those who are called master craftsmen. The weapons made by them gain fame and are called famous swords or unrivaled weapons.

-I think I’ve heard of them. Like the Heaven Reliant Sword[2], Gan Jiang, or Mo Ye[3], right?

-Yeah. That’s it.

-What?

-Gan Jiang and Mo Ye.

-Gan Jiang and Mo Ye?

-Yes. Those are called famous swords, but they are also known as demon swords.

-I didn’t know that.

Mok Gyeong-un learned writing and scholarship through his grandfather.

In his studies, he heard various ancient tales and only knew that Gan Jiang and Mo Ye were made by heating a furnace with Mo Ye’s hair and nails at the request of King Helü of Wu.

-Do you know who the master of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye was?

-Master? Could it be Ou…

-Yes. The Evil Commandment Sword was made by their master, the great craftsman Ou Yezi.

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes glinted with interest.

That was because if it was Ou Yezi, he was known as the greatest craftsman of his time and even to this day.

The Great Craftsman Ou Yezi[4].

Even now, the swords that could be called the best were made during the Spring and Autumn period, and half of those famous swords were made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi of the Yue (越) Kingdom.

The legendary famous swords such as Great Destroyer, Juque[5], Black, Zhànlú[6], Purity, Chúnjūn[7], Victory over Evil, Shengxie[8], Fish-belly, Yuchang[9], Dragon Gulf, Longyuan[10], Great Riverbank, Tai’e[11], and Artisanal Display, Gongbu[12] were all born from his hands.

These were famous swords that anyone with a little education would know, as there were many well-known anecdotes and tales about them.

-That’s interesting. Ou Yezi… But I don’t think I’ve heard of the Evil Commandment Sword before.

-That’s to be expected. Those were the swords Ou Yezi wanted to keep hidden.

-He wanted to keep them hidden?

-Literally. There was a strange legend circulating among craftsmen a long time ago.

-What strange legend?

-The legend that if you make a sword using the flesh and blood of a living human as an offering, the greatest famous sword will be born.

Making a sword with a living human?

For ordinary people, it would be a story that not only gave them goosebumps but also made them express shock.

However, at those words, the corners of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth curved up.

-That’s cool.

-What?

-No, it’s nothing. So, is that Evil Commandment Sword made by offering a living human?

-That’s not known for certain. In the historical records of ancient times, there is a record that Ou Yezi succeeded in melting the Guanya black iron, which was said to be unmeltable, and made a few unknown demon swords.

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un asked in wonder.

-You’re calling it a demon sword, not a famous sword.

-There’s a reason it’s called that. It’s…

As she was about to answer, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, stepped forward and said,

“The Evil Commandment Sword? How is it that you, Sir Shadow Master, have it?”

At his question, the Shadow Master covered his mouth and replied,

“Ohoho. Somehow, I was fortunate enough to acquire it not long ago. You see, I have a personal hobby of collecting famous weapons.”

“Collecting?”

“Yes. Didn’t I give your eldest disciple, Grand Elder Woo Ho-rang, the famous Fierce Tiger Blade that I had in my possession?”

At those words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, recalled an event from six years ago.

As a gift for his eldest disciple Woo Ho-rang becoming a Grand Elder, the Shadow Master had given him the famous blade Fierce Tiger Blade, Hogul[13].

The Fierce Tiger Blade was a famous blade made by Moo Ha-tae, who was known as the most talented craftsman of his time, possessing a sharpness that could cut through even giant rocks with a single stroke.

It was a blade that suited Woo Ho-rang perfectly.

“…I’m still grateful for that. But what you’re talking about now is a demon sword. Isn’t it literally a cursed sword?”

‘Cursed?’

What does that mean?

As he wondered, the Shadow Master shrugged his shoulders and said it was fine.

“It’s just a sword that hasn’t found its owner. To the chosen owner, it’s an endless famous sword. Isn’t there a clear example of that? Like the Renowned Cleaving Sword[14] of Wee Tak-hyun, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Righteous Alliance.”

At those words, the crowd stirred once again.

Wee Tak-hyun, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Righteous Alliance.

He was one of the Eight Stars of the Six Heavens and Eight Starsand was known as one of the top five swordsmen in the current martial world.

However, the reason they were surprised wasn’t because of this peerless master named Wee Tak-hyun.

Son Yun frowned and said,

“Are you saying that without knowing how the previous owners of that Renowned Cleaving Sword sword all died of illness within half a year?”

That’s right.

The Renowned Cleaving Sword Sword, another demon sword known to have been made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi.

Because of that sword, countless swordsmen engaged in bloody conflicts, and there were several instances where the owner changed.

However, the owners who possessed this sword all died of illness within half a year without exception.

“That’s too dangerous…”

“But hasn’t Wee Tak-hyun been fine for fifteen years?”

Everyone died.

However, there was a single exception: Wee Tak-hyun, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Righteous Alliance, one of the Eight Stars, known as the Sword of Satisfaction[15].

“He is a peerless master who has surpassed the wall. He’s different from the previous owners.”

With those words, Son Yun looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

No matter how outstanding his talent was, he still considered him an unpolished gem.

Giving a demon sword to such an unpolished gem was a dangerous act.

“Demon swords aren’t called demon swords for nothing. If you really want to entice this child, it would be better to replace it with another collected item…”

“Alright.”

“What?”

In an instant, at Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Son Yun furrowed his brows.

What did this guy just say?

Did he not properly hear why he said that demon sword was dangerous?

As he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“If I go with the Shadow Master, you’re saying you’ll give me that sword called the Evil Commandment Sword, right?”

“You?”

Could this guy possibly be coveting it just because it was made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi?

At this, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, dissuaded him with a somewhat heavy expression.

“Listen, child. That’s not a sword you should covet yet.”

“It’s not a sword I should covet?”

At this question, Son Yun clicked his tongue and said,

“It’s not to belittle you. As I said earlier, a demon sword is literally a demon sword. You seem to be taking my words lightly because you’re young and have a strong desire, but it’s not a sword to approach with idle greed or curiosity.”

This was a sincere warning from Son Yun.

Although Ou Yezi’s demon swords gained attention due to Wee Tak-hyun, just fifteen years ago, four owners lost their lives because of it.

Considering the case of the Renowned Cleaving Sword Sword, Son Yun believed the Evil Commandment Sword would be no different.

-What do you think?

Mok Gyeong-un sent a silent message to Cheong-ryeong.

Then, she replied,

-His words aren’t unreasonable.

-What do you mean by that?

-Even before I died, the martial world was engulfed in a storm of blood because of the Great Craftsman Ou Yezi’s demon swords.

-It seems there’s more than one.

-Yes. It’s not known exactly how many there are, but a few are known. Renowned Cleaving Sword, Fear-Killing Sword[16], Evil Commandment Sword…

Although she was dead, the memories were still vivid.

Three swords were discovered in a collapsed royal tomb by a local official and a wealthy merchant.

Those three swords brought a storm of blood to the martial world at that time.

Recalling this, she soon said,

-To be honest, if it were before I died, I would have definitely told you not to covet that demon sword.

-What about now?

-If there is a vengeful spirit in the demon sword, it could also become a source of power for you.

This was Cheong-ryeong’s honest opinion.

Mok Gyeong-un had already absorbed Cheong-ryeong’s energy, the Gu poison, and even the spiritual beast-level Imaemangnyang, who were weakened due to being sealed, making it his own power.

Considering this, no matter how notorious the demon sword was, she didn’t think there would be something so tremendously dangerous to that extent.

-But you’re not choosing the Shadow Master because of the demon sword, are you?

At Cheong-ryeong’s question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.

Of course, that wasn’t the reason.

Although he was interested in the so-called demon sword, it wasn’t enough to change his planned objective.

However,

-That’s not the reason, but it turned out to be a coincidence.

-You, mortal…

She had been continuously advising him to choose one of the two Five Kings.

It was because being close to someone in a high position would allow him to get closer to the core.

But Mok Gyeong-un’s thoughts were different.

-The Shadow Clan plays the role of shadows, handling information and intelligence, right?

-Mortal… I know you have a lot of interest in things like information, but once you reach a high position, such things will naturally…

While she was speaking, the Shadow Master opened his mouth again.

“Ohoho. The Bright Blade King’s words also have a point. Indeed, it’s true that demon swords are somewhat dangerous, but since it’s also a famous sword made by the Great Craftsman Ou Yezi, I offered it to win that child’s favor.”

At those words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, softly said, “You’ve thought well.”

He thought the Shadow Master had taken a step back.

However,

“But it’s a bit awkward to withdraw what I’ve said in front of everyone watching, isn’t it?”

“What?”

“Then, how about this? What if we let that child hold the Evil Commandment Sword once and see if he has the potential to become its owner?”

‘!?’

At the Shadow Master’s words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s expression twisted.

He had said that demon swords were dangerous and shouldn’t be given, but now he was going further and suggesting to let him hold it, as if he was taking his words lightly.

“Shadow Master, I clearly…”

“Coincidentally, I happened to bring the sword with me.”

“You… brought the sword? What do you mean by that?”

-Snap!

The Shadow Master snapped his fingers.

Then, the martial artists who seemed to be from the Shadow Clan, dressed in black and waiting behind the platform, ran off somewhere.

Soon after, they carefully brought back a long wooden box, carried by two people on a wooden plank.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the wooden box, which appeared to be the exact length of a sword (劍).

“Why in the world did you bring this?”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, asked in an incomprehensible tone.

It was already a dangerous sword.

He couldn’t understand why it was brought all the way to Corpse Blood Valley.

At that question, the Shadow Master smiled slightly, clasped his hands together, bowed his waist, and replied,

“I apologize, but I cannot answer that question, so please understand.”

“Understand? Are you avoiding my question now?”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s voice was filled with anger.

His energy was surging, as if he was ready to have a showdown at any moment.

“Ah, ah, ah. No choice, I guess.”

At this, the Shadow Master approached Son Yun and whispered something in his ear.

Then, Son Yun’s eyes, which had been filled with anger, narrowed.

Son Yun also said something softly.

In that way, the whispered conversation between the two went back and forth a few times.

Then, the Shadow Master said in an audible voice,

“What do you think?”

At those words, Son Yun remained silent for a moment before replying,

“…If it becomes a problem, I will have it confiscated at any time.”

“That’s perfectly reasonable.”

What in the world did the Shadow Master say that made the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, suddenly change his attitude?

As he was wondering, the Shadow Master turned his head to Mok Gyeong-un and said,

“Ohoho. That took a bit long. Anyway, since the Bright Blade King also gave his advice, it seems difficult to simply give you this sword, so would you like to hold it once?”

With those words, the Shadow Master nodded to his subordinates.

Then, a warrior opened the tightly closed lid of the wooden box.

The executives who were already curious about the Evil Commandment Sword got up from their seats, turned their bodies, and looked at it.

‘!?’

However, inside the opened wooden box, there was another wooden box.

And on the outside of that wooden box, numerous talismans were stuck all over.

Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sparkled.

It might not be visible to the eyes of others, but to Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, an ominous demonic energy (妖氣) was leaking out through the gaps where the talismans were attached.

‘It really seems to be a demon sword.’

If it weren’t for the talismans, the energy would have been even more exposed on the surface.

The Shadow Master pointed to this wooden box with his hand and said,

“Take it out and hold it yourself. If the sword chooses you, I will give you that instead of a substitute. Ah, of course, on the premise that you come to the Shadow Clan.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un walked forward.

And he placed his hand on the wooden box, which was covered in talismans.

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s eyes watching this turned peculiar.

He recalled what the Shadow Master had said just before.

[It’s difficult to say why I brought it, but let me tell you something interesting.]

[Something interesting?]

[I also found out only after obtaining this, but that sword makes human desires surface.]

[It makes desires surface? What do you mean by that?]

[Literally. It makes you unable to control your own desires.]

[How could you bring such a dangerous thing…]

[Aren’t you curious? What the true desire of that child who defected to our sect is?]

[…]

Mok Gyeong-un’s true desire.

Would the Evil Commandment Sword really reveal that desire as the Shadow Master said?Chapter 122 – Demon Sword (2)

Mok Gyeong-un’s hand was reaching towards the wooden box covered in talismans.

[That sword makes human desires surface.]

[It makes desires surface? What do you mean by that?]

[Literally. It makes you unable to control your own desires. Aren’t you curious? What the true desire of that child who defected to our sect is?]

Mok Gyeong-un’s true desire.

Since desire is a deep wish, it was akin to one’s actual inner thoughts.

Even the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, was curious about it.

Although he had declared his defection, Son Yun didn’t really believe it was genuine.

There was a high probability that he did it to avoid the current situation.

Then, what was that fellow’s true objective?

-Creak!

The lid of the wooden box covered in talismans opened under Mok Gyeong-un’s hand.

As the lid opened, the Evil Commandment Sword wrapped in a leather scabbard was revealed.

The moment he tried to take a closer look, Son Yun felt goosebumps on his arm from something strange that stimulated his five senses.

-Flinch!

‘What is this?’

It’s a feeling that can’t be explained.

This was felt not through spirit perception, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it stimulated the five senses, no, the sixth sense.

That subtle ominousness one might feel when walking alone on a dark night path.

It was as if it had been maximized.

‘Is this what they call a demon sword?’

It’s clearly different from those called famous swords or famous blades.

Those didn’t have this unpleasant feeling from the beginning, but this stimulated the senses even while wrapped in leather.

‘Hmm.’

The Shadow Master, who had been observing Mok Gyeong-un’s reaction more closely than the contents inside, had a glint of interest in his eyes.

He had already seen it.

That’s why he knew that most people would be engulfed in a strange sensation the moment they saw that sword for the first time.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s reaction was different from what he expected.

“Hmm.”

Mok Gyeong-un was unaffected.

Rather, he was looking at the sword in the scabbard with interest.

An indescribably strange ominousness was emanating from that demon sword, yet he showed such a reaction, so he truly wasn’t ordinary.

-How is it?

Cheong-ryeong asked Mok Gyeong-un.

Being sealed in a wooden puppet, it was difficult for her to discern the external energy.

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

-It’s…different.

-Different?

The energy Mok Gyeong-un was looking at was similar to the demonic energy of the Two Demonic Beauties, but also resembled the ominous spiritual energy of vengeful spirits.

It was a complex energy that he had never felt before.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un’s lips curled up as if he found it interesting.

-I think I’ll know if I touch it directly.

The ominous energy emanating from the sword was tempting him.

It was telling him to remove the scabbard and grasp its hilt.

‘If it wants, I should oblige, right?’

Mok Gyeong-un grasped the scabbard and lifted the Evil Commandment Sword.

And with his right hand, he gripped the hilt.

At the same time,

-Shing!

He freed the sword from the leather scabbard.

“Ooh.”

“Is that the Evil Commandment Sword?”

“Ah! It’s indeed a precious sword.”

Exclamations poured out from here and there.

With a small groove carved near the center of the hilt and a unique pattern drawn on the blade, it was as if looking at a work of art.

Half of the blade was black, and the other half was white, adding to the antique and beautiful atmosphere.

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Read The Supreme God of Martial Arts Chapter 3930 A Strange Cosmos - Find Novel

-Gulp!

Son Yun, who got to see it up close, unknowingly swallowed his saliva.

The moment he saw the sword, greed arose from deep within his heart without him realizing it.

Even though he wasn’t a swordsman.

However, in that instant, Son Yun drew up his true energy and gathered his senses.

‘Demon sword…it’s definitely a demon sword.’

For someone like him who had no interest in swords to feel greed the moment he saw a sword, it was truly a strange occurrence.

If one were to be bewitched by it, a great disaster would unfold.

Son Yun looked around.

‘This…’

As expected, the concerns he had came to fruition.

Some of the warriors of Corpse Blood Valley and those brought by the executives were walking over with blank eyes as if they were possessed by something.

Judging this situation to be dangerous, Son Yun infused his true energy and let out a shout.

“Roar!”

-Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar!

At the same time, Son Yun’s shout spread out in all directions like an echo.

This intense shout infused with true energy was none other than the Lion’s Roar[1].

As Son Yun’s Lion’s Roar resonated throughout the entire plaza, those who had been momentarily possessed by desire as if bewitched by something all covered their ears at once.

“Ugh!”

“My, my ears?”

They weren’t the only ones who regained their senses after being shaken by the tremendous shout.

‘Huh?’

‘What is this?’

The two Grand Elders also unknowingly half-rose from their chairs for a moment, then gathered their senses with perplexed expressions while circulating their energy.

It was a moment when they directly experienced the power of the demon sword they had only heard about.

Still, it ended at this level because they didn’t personally hold it.

‘Mok Gyeong-un?’

Son Yun looked at Mok Gyeong-un with worried eyes.

However, contrary to his concerns, Mok Gyeong-un was looking at the sword with indifferent eyes.

What’s this?

There wasn’t a hint of greed in those eyes.

The Shadow Master also found this strange.

‘Hmm. What is it?’

He had already seen his subordinates being possessed by desire several times after grasping that sword.

Didn’t he himself also reveal the desires he had hidden the moment he grasped it?

[Shadow Master, how could you…]

[Ah ah ah…did I say such a thing?]

He still couldn’t forget the expression his dead subordinate had made.

It was truly a regrettable incident.

That demon sword was a genuinely dangerous sword.

The Shadow Master had obtained what he had longed for, but he decided to give up his desire to collect it.

It was an uncontrollable demon.

‘…There’s no way he doesn’t have desires.’

Even he, who prided himself on having a strong willpower, had revealed the desires he had hidden because of that demon.

However, no matter how outstanding Mok Gyeong-un’s talent was, there was no way a greenhorn like him could endure the power of that demon.

Right at that moment,

-Thud!

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes closed, and his head tilted back.

Seeing this, the Shadow Master muttered with gleaming eyes,

“As expected.”

There was no way he wouldn’t be captivated by the demon sword.

-Mortal? Mortal?

Cheong-ryeong called out to Mok Gyeong-un, who had suddenly lost consciousness.

She didn’t know what was happening.

He had said it was a unique energy and that he would try absorbing it through the Ritual of Binding, but he suddenly lost consciousness.

Just what was going on?

***

Jeong ran.

After running for a while and reaching the top of the mountain,

‘!?’

Jeong frowned.

He saw black smoke there.

The place where the smoke was rising from was where the house was located.

Seeing this, Jeong threw the water jug and ran like crazy towards that place.

Soon, he arrived there.

-Crackle crackle!

The scorching heat was felt.

The house was burning fiercely.

Jeong’s face stiffened terribly.

Jeong, who was hurriedly looking around, ran to the back of the burning house.

There was a small vegetable garden in the backyard.

Normally, his grandfather would wake up early in the morning and pick medicinal herbs in the vegetable garden.

‘Please…please…’

Jeong, who ran to the vegetable garden, stopped in his tracks.

Through his eyes that had widened as if they would burst, he saw something stained with blood.

Things that should be inside the body were scattered in the vegetable garden.

-Gnash!

Jeong gritted his teeth.

And he followed the trail of blood and fragments.

Looking down the hill, Jeong shouted,

“Grandfather!”

His grandfather was there.

The sight of his grandfather with only the upper body remaining, the lower part torn away, was indescribably horrible.

Jeong’s face, looking at this, was distorted like a demon, along with sadness.

The killing intent that had been pressing deep in his chest filled his mind.

-No.

At that moment, everything stopped.

-The killing intent from revenge…this isn’t your fundamental desire.

The entity examining the memories shook its head.

Revenge could also become a desire, but this wasn’t the desire that this person fundamentally possessed.

-Show me your true desire.

It wanted to see the desire closest to the purest origin.

That desire was the very reason for its existence.

-You’re truly peculiar. Who blocked the origin of your desire?

It dug deep into the depths of the mind and discovered a huge wall filling all sides.

The moment it saw this wall, it didn’t hide its bewilderment.

Strong willpower was sometimes projected in this way as a wall.

However, this didn’t seem to be created by the will of Mok Gyeong-un, no, the one called Jeong, but rather planted by someone.

-To erect a wall of lamentation in another person’s mind. How truly strange.

An artificially created wall.

Here, a strong emotion beyond the sadness and vengeance seen earlier was felt.

This was blocking the origin of this fellow named Jeong.

However, once this seemingly impenetrable wall of lamentation was shattered, the origin of desire that had been accumulating would pour out.

-I will open this for you.

The wall of lamentation that seemed like it would never open.

However, it had the ability to open even this.

There was no need to break the wall.

If the nature of the wall was changed so that it would naturally flow out,

-Slither!

The wall was meant to become a path.

It was right at that moment.

-Whoosh!

Something began to pour out from a part of the wall that had become a path.

It was,

-Darkness?

Deep darkness.

It was difficult to even see it as a fragment of desire.

-What in the world is this?

How could such deep darkness be lurking inside a human?

It began to feel ecstasy upon seeing this.

It thought it was close to the high-purity desire it had been searching for.

It entrusted its spiritual body to the pouring darkness.

If it absorbed this and became one, an individual of sword-human unity[2] made solely of the high-purity desire it had longed for would be born.

-Now, let’s become one.

It tried to assimilate with this darkness.

However,

-!?

At that moment, it realized that this darkness wasn’t simple.

-This is…

It wasn’t high-purity darkness.

This was turbidity itself, dizzying enough to make one lose their mind.

This turbidity that seemed to destroy everything was…

***

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had his head tilted back, slowly raised it.

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, carefully observed Mok Gyeong-un.

It was clear that he was possessed by the demon sword, but what kind of desire he had would soon…

‘!?’

Pitch-black eyes like black jade.

They were like an endless abyss.

‘…What happened to his eyes?’

Is that the state of desires being expressed?

Something was strange.

At that moment, one of the Grand Elders, the Flame Demon Grand Elder Bo Hyuk-so, shouted at Mok Gyeong-un,

“You bastard! Come to your senses!”

Judging by Mok Gyeong-un’s condition, it seemed like he was definitely captivated by the demon sword.

Thinking that he needed to be awakened immediately, Bo Hyuk-so hurriedly tried to separate the demon sword from Mok Gyeong-un’s hand.

Right at that moment,

-Swish!

Bo Hyuk-so grabbed his own neck.

Then, he widened his eyes and broke out in a cold sweat like someone under immense tension.

‘!?’

Just what was he doing?

Bo Hyuk-so’s eyes were trembling like crazy.

Seeing his appearance, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, wondered what was happening and the moment he met Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes,

‘Huh?’

In an instant, it was as if time had passed quickly, the sky turned red and then darkened, and the ground all around was stained with sticky blood.

It was definitely the same place.

However, all the people around had their necks cut or various parts of their bodies torn off, screaming in agony.

Every being breathing within this plaza was suffering a horrible death or agonizing in the face of it.

‘What in the world…’

What was happening?

As he was engrossed in questions and looking around,

-Crackle crackle!

The bodies of those who were dead or dying all began to burn at once.

The red and crimson flames soon turned blue, gradually darkening from purple, and ultimately transformed into black flames.

-Crackle crackle crackle!

These black flames quickly became a fire demon and tried to devour everything around.

Surprised by this, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, tried to leap back to avoid it.

However,

‘I can’t move.’

His body wouldn’t move as if someone was holding him.

He couldn’t understand what was going on.

-Crackle crackle crackle!

The black flames that had devoured everything around had grown enormous and tried to swallow him.

Although Son Yun wasn’t greatly afraid of death, it was so eerie that he unknowingly closed his eyes for a moment.

In an instant, silence came, and nothing could be heard.

Then,

-Swish!

Soon, the surroundings brightened, and the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, opened his closed eyes.

However,

‘No?’

The plaza that had been devoured and burned by black flames had somehow returned to normal, and the Flame Demon Grand Elder, Bo Hyuk-so, was seen drenched in cold sweat with heavy breathing.

But that wasn’t all.

The Shadow Master also seemed shocked by something, looking around with surprised eyes.

It was as if he had also seen something.

While that was happening,

-Clang clang clang!

A strange resonance sound that hurt the ears spread from somewhere.

‘This sound is?’

The source of it was none other than the demon sword, Evil Commandment Sword.

The blade of the Evil Commandment Sword was trembling wildly on its own, and this resonance sound seemed to be coming from the groove carved in the middle.

It was as if the sword was in agony.

***

-This can’t be…this is…chaos…

Itself.

It trembled in fear, swept away by the chaos-like darkness.

It had tried to become one with this origin, but it felt like it would be devoured by it instead.

While that was happening,

-Whoosh!

In an instant, the overflowing darkness was rewound as if time was going backward, and Mok Gyeong-un, no, Jeong, was sitting in front of the pierced wall of lamentation with his chin resting on his hand.

-!!!!!

Seeing his appearance, it trembled even more crazily.

Fear, dread.

These emotions were the by-products of humans that it had never felt before.

But just what was that?

At this, Jeong wiggled his index finger and clicked his tongue, saying,

“Not yet.”

-Snap!

With those words, he lightly flicked his finger.

Then, the will of that entity, no, the will of the Evil Commandment Sword that had dug into his psyche, disappeared from this space as if it had been extinguished.

-Sizzle!

***

Soon, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, which had turned black like black jade, returned to normal.

As if nothing had happened.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had regained his senses, frowned and then looked around.

‘Huh?’

However, starting from the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, to the Shadow Master and the other executives, they were all looking at him with serious expressions.Chapter 120 – Choice (3)

“But let me add one more thing. I was brought here as a hostage by Bright Blade King, who is present here.”

‘!?’

In that instant, Bright Blade King Son Yun’s expression stiffened.

Publicly revealing this critical weakness that could become a source of gossip?

Just what was he thinking?

Even if it was outside the fortress, this place was still within the territory of the Heaven and Earth Society, and everyone here belonged to the Heaven and Earth Society.

-Murmur murmur!

‘He’s from the righteous faction?’

‘The righteous faction?’

The atmosphere quickly heated up as murmurs arose from all around.

It was the same for the other trainees.

Mok Gyeong-un’s forcibly sworn followers, Mu Jang-yak and Demon Fire Hall’s Mo Ha-rang, couldn’t hide their shock either, glaring at him with dumbfounded expressions.

At the very least, they had thought Mok Gyeong-un was from a small or medium-sized faction under the Heaven and Earth Society, even if he was a nameless one.

But the righteous faction?

‘Then, I’ve sworn loyalty to someone from the righteous faction?’

‘How could this be….’

The two individual’s faces were instantly colored with humiliation.

‘Ohoho. What a vexing child.’

Knowing his true identity, a man who was one of the few, the Shadow Master, clicked his tongue inwardly while looking at Mok Gyeong-un.

Right now, Mok Gyeong-un had practically revealed his identity in the middle of enemy territory.

Even if he was here as a hostage.

‘To the Heaven and Earth Society martial artists, those from the righteous faction must be rejected as enemies.’

This was true for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Especially for the younger generation of promising talents, as they had been educated by their parents and teachers from a young age, the animosity was passed down even more strongly.

It wouldn’t be surprising if a commotion broke out at any moment.

-Thud!

“The Yeon Mok Sword Manor? Did you just say the righteous faction’s Yeon Mok Sword Manor?”

As expected, someone jumped up from their seat.

It was the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so.

Having lost his father in the battle against the Hwasan Faction, his hatred for the righteous faction ran deep.

But when Mok Gyeong-un’s identity was revealed to be none other than a member of the righteous faction, he reacted intensely.

“How could a mere righteous faction underling enter the Corpse Blood Valley, which can be called the gateway to the Great Heaven and Earth Society! Kneel!”

-Whoosh!

Bo Hyuk-so shattered the armrest of his chair with a single strike.

Then, imbuing the shattered, pointed piece of the armrest with his internal energy, he hurled it towards Mok Gyeong-un’s thigh.

It was at a tremendous speed.

However, Mok Gyeong-un calmly unleashed his footwork, stepping back and evading it.

-Crack!

The armrest piece pierced the stone floor of the plaza right in front of Mok Gyeong-un, embedding halfway.

It seemed he had intended to impale Mok Gyeong-un’s leg with this.

“Dodged it? Good. Then, I, the Flame Demon Grand Elder, will personally make you kneel!”

The Flame Demon Clan’s Grand Elder, Bo Hyuk-so, was about to stomp his foot and step forward.

At that moment, someone blocked his way.

“Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan. Stop.”

It was none other than the Corpse Blood Valley Master, Lee Ji-yeom.

As Lee Ji-yeom blocked his path, Bo Hyuk-so raised his voice with a flushed face.

“Valley Master. What in the world is the meaning of this? How can a mere righteous faction underling be here? Surely you couldn’t have been unaware, right?”

At this question, Lee Ji-yeom couldn’t hide his tremendous discomfort.

Because the one possessing the body was from a renowned righteous faction family, he thought he wouldn’t carelessly reveal the identity of his vessel.

But he didn’t expect him to suddenly make it public like this.

‘…This is troublesome.’

The problem wasn’t just that he revealed it, but also that the Society Leader had ordered to keep the identities of the two Mok brothers, who were brought here as hostages, a secret.

It was a direct order from the Society Leader, so it had to be followed.

If he were to disregard it in the middle of all this attention, the Society Leader would certainly use it as an excuse to pressure him.

‘Should I remain silent….’

However, for the sake of his liege, this had to be revealed.

That was the duty of a subordinate.

With this, Lee Ji-yeom was about to reveal that it was an order from the Society Leader and that there had been instructions to keep it a secret.

“This is…”

Before he could finish his words,

“Inserting the Yeon Mok Sword Manor’s hostages into the Corpse Blood Valley entrance was an order from above. So, don’t raise any more objections. Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan.”

“Isn’t that right, Bright Blade King?”

The one who stepped forward before Lee Ji-yeom could speak was none other than the Bright Blade King, Son Yun.

Seeing Son Yun take action, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes glinted with interest.

He had expected Son Yun to show anger after he willingly exposed his own weakness, which Son Yun had intended to use against him. Instead, he was unexpectedly trying to resolve the situation.

“An order from above, what do you mean by…?”

“I advise against discussing this matter further.”

“…”

At Son Yun’s warning, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so, closed his mouth.

If it was an order from the upper echelons above the Five Kings, then it was beyond the line where he could step in and argue.

“I understand.”

As Son Yun responded and sat back down, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, Lee Ji-yeom, let out a sigh of relief and sent a grateful look towards the Bright Blade King, Son Yun.

Thanks to Son Yun stepping in first, saying it was an order from above, the difficult situation was resolved.

However, despite his lord’s unexpected actions, seeing him step in to resolve the matter like this showed that he truly wanted to accept him as his disciple.

Even if there might be dissatisfaction arising from accepting a hostage from the righteous faction as a disciple, he was willing to take on that risk, which was indeed remarkable.

‘Well.’

If he hadn’t known that his liege was residing in that body, he himself would have been tempted to take him as a disciple.

But right then,

“I find it hard to accept.”

The owner of the displeased voice was none other than Hang Yeo-ryang, the Summoning Sound Valley Master.

Just a moment ago, she had been desperate to have Mok Gyeong-un, but now she was glaring at him with eyes full of hostility.

Son Yun spoke to her.

“What is it that you find hard to accept?”

“Even if it was an unavoidable order from above, if we hadn’t known about this fact, one of us would have almost accepted a hostage from the righteous faction as a disciple, wouldn’t we?”

At her words, the two Grand Elders nodded in agreement.

Even if it was an order from above, he was still a hostage from the righteous faction.

If they had unknowingly accepted someone detestable from the righteous faction as a disciple, wouldn’t they have had to bear the consequences later on?

“…The Summoning Sound Valley Master has a point. Brother Yun and the Corpse Blood Valley Master, why didn’t you give us even a hint despite knowing this?”

Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, also expressed his dissatisfaction.

Judging by the change in his way of speaking, it seemed he had also developed reservations about Mok Gyeong-un after learning about his background.

This was, in a way, a natural reaction.

At that moment, the Summoning Sound Valley Master, Hang Yeo-ryang, smiled bitterly and said,

“Ah. Now I understand.”

“Now you understand?”

“…”

At her words, the others showed gazes of agreement.

Corpse Blood Valley was a place from which it was difficult to come out alive once you entered.

Sending the righteous faction’s hostage to such a place was closer to implying that they didn’t want him to survive, rather than giving him a chance.

“Perhaps those above also intended for that, but things didn’t go as expected?”

“Don’t cross the line. Summoning Sound Valley Master.”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, warned her in a sharp voice as she continued to express her dissatisfaction despite it being an order from above.

Then, Hang Yeo-ryang laughed and bowed slightly with her hands clasped in front of her waist.

-Screech!

The Summoning Sound Valley Master, Hang Yeo-ryang, turned her chair around and sat down.

Her actions seemed to be a protest of her own dissatisfaction.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

-Screech!

As if agreeing with her, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Bo Hyuk-so, and the Grand Elder of the Crimson Blood Clan, Dae So-man, also turned their chairs around.

However, they weren’t the only ones.

-Screech!

‘…Thunderbolt Fist King.’

Even Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, turned his chair around.

Their actions appeared to show their firm resolve to reject anyone from the righteous faction, even if it was an order from above.

Considering their future standing within the sect, their behavior was understandable.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Mok Yu-cheon, who was coughing as quietly as possible.

Fortunately, he had woken up just a moment ago, and the heavy atmosphere made his thoughts complex.

‘They’re the same too.’

It wasn’t just the righteous faction.

The martial artists of the evil factions and the Heaven and Earth Society also hated the righteous faction.

Well, it might be natural.

Haven’t they rejected each other and fought and killed each other for a long time?

‘…Similar.’

Perhaps that was why his heart felt heavy, and on the other hand, there was understanding…

‘No. I understand them?’

Why did he have such thoughts?

Mok Yu-cheon inwardly denied his own thoughts.

Then, he looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

That guy was unexpected.

He didn’t think he would reveal his identity so boldly.

‘Still, his roots are in the righteous faction after all.’

He was truly hard to understand, even when you thought you knew him.

How much disappointment had he received because of that guy?

He had thought he was a demon who belonged here, not in the righteous faction.

But if that guy was going to uphold his honor as a member of the righteous faction and as a martial artist of the Yeon Mok Sword Manor until the end, the story would be different.

‘If he does so, I will also risk my life to help…’

Right then,

Mok Gyeong-un shouted in a loud voice that everyone could hear.

‘!?’

In an instant, Mok Yu-cheon was dumbfounded.

What did this guy just say?

Until just a moment ago, after waking up and hearing what Mok Gyeong-un said, he thought he had misunderstood this guy.

But now he was insulting the righteous faction.

-Murmur murmur!

Everyone’s attention was once again focused on Mok Gyeong-un.

As if not caring about their gazes, Mok Gyeong-un continued his shout.

‘This guy, could it be?’

At his words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, frowned.

He knew what this cunning fellow was trying to do.

And just as he suspected, Mok Gyeong-un bowed his head to everyone with a fist and palm salute and shouted,

His voice resounded through the plaza.

At this, the plaza was once again in an uproar.

The Shadow Master covered his mouth and laughed softly.

‘I wondered what he was trying to do by willingly revealing his weakness, but he’s defecting, huh.’

Even he didn’t expect this.

He was the son of a renowned martial family of the righteous faction, the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, and his talent was outstanding.

Usually, such individuals have strong beliefs and never yield, but this guy was a completely different type of person.

‘What an interesting child.’

The Shadow Master’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

It didn’t feel like he was defecting just to get through this moment and save his life.

Then, what kind of thoughts did he have?

‘This child, he must have something.’

He became curious about what it was.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un spoke in a voice that only the executives could hear.

“Now there shouldn’t be any issues with my background, right?”

At these words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, who had been staring at him with an astonished expression, suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hahahahahahaha!”

In all his life, this was truly the first time he had seen such a fellow.

He had intended to accept him as a disciple and tame him well to make him abandon the righteous faction and become a talent of the Heaven and Earth Society.

But he came on his own, no, he declared his entry with his own mouth.

He had thought he was reckless even in the Yeon Mok Sword Manor, but he was really an unpredictable fellow.

Son Yun looked at the executives behind him and said,

“It would be difficult to argue about his background now.”

“…”

At his words, the executives who had turned their chairs couldn’t give any response.

They had already shown their will to reject him based on his background, so if they changed their attitude now because of his declaration of defection, how unsightly would that be?

Seeing their reactions, Son Yun thought it was rather fortunate.

‘In the end, he’ll come to my side.’

He had shown his unwavering support for Mok Gyeong-un until the end.

If that guy had even a bit of gratitude and felt their hostility, he would have realized that there was only one choice in the end.

Son Yun was about to extend his hand towards Mok Gyeong-un and open his mouth.

At that moment, “Ohoho. Is it my turn to make a bid now?”

‘!?’

At the unique, grating voice, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, frowned and turned his head.

The one who, along with him, was the only person who hadn’t turned his chair.

It was none other than the Shadow Master.

‘Ah…’

That’s right, he was still there.

But there was no particular worry.

The only one who could pose a challenge was the Thunderbolt Fist King, Won Byeong-hak, but he had kicked away the fortune that came to him on its own.

‘This?’

What was he trying to lure Mok Gyeong-un with?

As he wondered, the Shadow Master smiled and said, “I see you’ve trained in the sword, but it doesn’t seem like you have a suitable famous sword. Am I right?”

“…That’s true, but-“

He didn’t particularly have a desire for famous swords.

He didn’t even know much about famous swords.

“That’s great. A swordsman should have a famous sword befitting him.”

Son Yun’s eyes narrowed.

What kind of famous sword did he have that he was saying such things?

But the next words that came out of the Shadow Master’s mouth suddenly stirred up the surroundings.

“If you agree to join me, I will give you one of the legendary demon swords, the Evil Commandment Sword.”

‘!!!!!!!!!!’

-Murmur murmur!

Chapter 121 – Demon Sword (1)

“If you agree to join me, I will give you one of the legendary demon swords, the Evil Commandment Sword[1].”

-Murmur murmur!

At the Shadow Master’s words, the crowd stirred.

“The Evil Commandment Sword?”

“Yes. He said the demon sword, Evil Commandment Sword.”

“That, that was in the Shadow Master’s possession?”

“Oh my…”

It wasn’t just the warriors wearing the red belts of Corpse Blood Valley who were astonished like this.

Even the executives who had their backs turned looked at the Shadow Master with surprised eyes.

Even the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, who was confident no matter what proposal the Shadow Master made, had his eyes wavering at the mention of the Evil Commandment Sword.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un swept his eyes around and wondered.

He had only mentioned a single sword, so why were they reacting like this?

-Ha… The Evil Commandment Sword.

Then, Cheong-ryeong’s voice reached Mok Gyeong-un’s ears.

She also seemed quite surprised, as her voice was filled with excitement.

Curious about her reaction, Mok Gyeong-un tried sending a silent message, focusing on the wooden puppet at his chest.

-Do you know what the Evil Commandment Sword is?

-Huh?

It was a doubtful silent message.

But she replied in a surprised voice.

-How in the world did you do that?

-Ah. It’s called a silent message. I thought it might work, and it seems you can hear it.

Even though she was sealed in the wooden puppet, it seemed possible because this was also a method of transmitting sound.

-When did you learn this?

-The Summoning Sound Valley Master over there taught me.

-I see you learned it from that flirtatious wench who uses Sound Techniques.

-Yes.

-I think I’ve heard of it. There are some among the Shaolin monks who know how to use this method.

-Anyway, why are you and everyone else so surprised?

At Mok Gyeong-un’s question, Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue.

However, since Mok Gyeong-un barely knew anything about the martial world, it was right to explain it to him.

-Among the blacksmiths who make weapons, there are those who are called master craftsmen. The weapons made by them gain fame and are called famous swords or unrivaled weapons.

-I think I’ve heard of them. Like the Heaven Reliant Sword[2], Gan Jiang, or Mo Ye[3], right?

-Yeah. That’s it.

-What?

-Gan Jiang and Mo Ye.

-Gan Jiang and Mo Ye?

-Yes. Those are called famous swords, but they are also known as demon swords.

-I didn’t know that.

Mok Gyeong-un learned writing and scholarship through his grandfather.

In his studies, he heard various ancient tales and only knew that Gan Jiang and Mo Ye were made by heating a furnace with Mo Ye’s hair and nails at the request of King Helü of Wu.

-Do you know who the master of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye was?

-Master? Could it be Ou…

-Yes. The Evil Commandment Sword was made by their master, the great craftsman Ou Yezi.

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes glinted with interest.

That was because if it was Ou Yezi, he was known as the greatest craftsman of his time and even to this day.

The Great Craftsman Ou Yezi[4].

Even now, the swords that could be called the best were made during the Spring and Autumn period, and half of those famous swords were made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi of the Yue (越) Kingdom.

These were famous swords that anyone with a little education would know, as there were many well-known anecdotes and tales about them.

-That’s interesting. Ou Yezi… But I don’t think I’ve heard of the Evil Commandment Sword before.

-That’s to be expected. Those were the swords Ou Yezi wanted to keep hidden.

-He wanted to keep them hidden?

-Literally. There was a strange legend circulating among craftsmen a long time ago.

-What strange legend?

-The legend that if you make a sword using the flesh and blood of a living human as an offering, the greatest famous sword will be born.

Making a sword with a living human?

For ordinary people, it would be a story that not only gave them goosebumps but also made them express shock.

However, at those words, the corners of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth curved up.

-That’s cool.

-What?

-No, it’s nothing. So, is that Evil Commandment Sword made by offering a living human?

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un asked in wonder.

-You’re calling it a demon sword, not a famous sword.

-There’s a reason it’s called that. It’s…

As she was about to answer, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, stepped forward and said,

“The Evil Commandment Sword? How is it that you, Sir Shadow Master, have it?”

At his question, the Shadow Master covered his mouth and replied,

“Ohoho. Somehow, I was fortunate enough to acquire it not long ago. You see, I have a personal hobby of collecting famous weapons.”

“Collecting?”

“Yes. Didn’t I give your eldest disciple, Grand Elder Woo Ho-rang, the famous Fierce Tiger Blade that I had in my possession?”

At those words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, recalled an event from six years ago.

As a gift for his eldest disciple Woo Ho-rang becoming a Grand Elder, the Shadow Master had given him the famous blade Fierce Tiger Blade, Hogul[13].

It was a blade that suited Woo Ho-rang perfectly.

“…I’m still grateful for that. But what you’re talking about now is a demon sword. Isn’t it literally a cursed sword?”

‘Cursed?’

What does that mean?

As he wondered, the Shadow Master shrugged his shoulders and said it was fine.

At those words, the crowd stirred once again.

Wee Tak-hyun, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Righteous Alliance.

He was one of the Eight Stars of the Six Heavens and Eight Starsand was known as one of the top five swordsmen in the current martial world.

However, the reason they were surprised wasn’t because of this peerless master named Wee Tak-hyun.

Son Yun frowned and said,

“Are you saying that without knowing how the previous owners of that Renowned Cleaving Sword sword all died of illness within half a year?”

That’s right.

The Renowned Cleaving Sword Sword, another demon sword known to have been made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi.

Because of that sword, countless swordsmen engaged in bloody conflicts, and there were several instances where the owner changed.

However, the owners who possessed this sword all died of illness within half a year without exception.

“That’s too dangerous…”

“But hasn’t Wee Tak-hyun been fine for fifteen years?”

Everyone died.

However, there was a single exception: Wee Tak-hyun, the Vice Alliance Leader of the Righteous Alliance, one of the Eight Stars, known as the Sword of Satisfaction[15].

“He is a peerless master who has surpassed the wall. He’s different from the previous owners.”

With those words, Son Yun looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

No matter how outstanding his talent was, he still considered him an unpolished gem.

Giving a demon sword to such an unpolished gem was a dangerous act.

“Demon swords aren’t called demon swords for nothing. If you really want to entice this child, it would be better to replace it with another collected item…”

“Alright.”

“What?”

In an instant, at Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Son Yun furrowed his brows.

What did this guy just say?

Did he not properly hear why he said that demon sword was dangerous?

As he was thinking that, Mok Gyeong-un said,

“If I go with the Shadow Master, you’re saying you’ll give me that sword called the Evil Commandment Sword, right?”

“You?”

Could this guy possibly be coveting it just because it was made by the great craftsman Ou Yezi?

At this, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, dissuaded him with a somewhat heavy expression.

“Listen, child. That’s not a sword you should covet yet.”

“It’s not a sword I should covet?”

At this question, Son Yun clicked his tongue and said,

This was a sincere warning from Son Yun.

Although Ou Yezi’s demon swords gained attention due to Wee Tak-hyun, just fifteen years ago, four owners lost their lives because of it.

Considering the case of the Renowned Cleaving Sword Sword, Son Yun believed the Evil Commandment Sword would be no different.

-What do you think?

Mok Gyeong-un sent a silent message to Cheong-ryeong.

Then, she replied,

-His words aren’t unreasonable.

-What do you mean by that?

-Even before I died, the martial world was engulfed in a storm of blood because of the Great Craftsman Ou Yezi’s demon swords.

-It seems there’s more than one.

-Yes. It’s not known exactly how many there are, but a few are known. Renowned Cleaving Sword, Fear-Killing Sword[16], Evil Commandment Sword…

Although she was dead, the memories were still vivid.

Three swords were discovered in a collapsed royal tomb by a local official and a wealthy merchant.

Those three swords brought a storm of blood to the martial world at that time.

Recalling this, she soon said,

-To be honest, if it were before I died, I would have definitely told you not to covet that demon sword.

-What about now?

-If there is a vengeful spirit in the demon sword, it could also become a source of power for you.

This was Cheong-ryeong’s honest opinion.

Mok Gyeong-un had already absorbed Cheong-ryeong’s energy, the Gu poison, and even the spiritual beast-level Imaemangnyang, who were weakened due to being sealed, making it his own power.

Considering this, no matter how notorious the demon sword was, she didn’t think there would be something so tremendously dangerous to that extent.

-But you’re not choosing the Shadow Master because of the demon sword, are you?

At Cheong-ryeong’s question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled faintly.

Of course, that wasn’t the reason.

Although he was interested in the so-called demon sword, it wasn’t enough to change his planned objective.

However,

-That’s not the reason, but it turned out to be a coincidence.

-You, mortal…

She had been continuously advising him to choose one of the two Five Kings.

It was because being close to someone in a high position would allow him to get closer to the core.

But Mok Gyeong-un’s thoughts were different.

-The Shadow Clan plays the role of shadows, handling information and intelligence, right?

-Mortal… I know you have a lot of interest in things like information, but once you reach a high position, such things will naturally…

While she was speaking, the Shadow Master opened his mouth again.

At those words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, softly said, “You’ve thought well.”

He thought the Shadow Master had taken a step back.

However,

“But it’s a bit awkward to withdraw what I’ve said in front of everyone watching, isn’t it?”

“What?”

“Then, how about this? What if we let that child hold the Evil Commandment Sword once and see if he has the potential to become its owner?”

‘!?’

At the Shadow Master’s words, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s expression twisted.

He had said that demon swords were dangerous and shouldn’t be given, but now he was going further and suggesting to let him hold it, as if he was taking his words lightly.

“Shadow Master, I clearly…”

“Coincidentally, I happened to bring the sword with me.”

“You… brought the sword? What do you mean by that?”

-Snap!

The Shadow Master snapped his fingers.

Then, the martial artists who seemed to be from the Shadow Clan, dressed in black and waiting behind the platform, ran off somewhere.

Soon after, they carefully brought back a long wooden box, carried by two people on a wooden plank.

Everyone’s attention was focused on the wooden box, which appeared to be the exact length of a sword (劍).

“Why in the world did you bring this?”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, asked in an incomprehensible tone.

It was already a dangerous sword.

He couldn’t understand why it was brought all the way to Corpse Blood Valley.

At that question, the Shadow Master smiled slightly, clasped his hands together, bowed his waist, and replied,

“I apologize, but I cannot answer that question, so please understand.”

“Understand? Are you avoiding my question now?”

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s voice was filled with anger.

His energy was surging, as if he was ready to have a showdown at any moment.

“Ah, ah, ah. No choice, I guess.”

At this, the Shadow Master approached Son Yun and whispered something in his ear.

Then, Son Yun’s eyes, which had been filled with anger, narrowed.

Son Yun also said something softly.

In that way, the whispered conversation between the two went back and forth a few times.

Then, the Shadow Master said in an audible voice,

“What do you think?”

At those words, Son Yun remained silent for a moment before replying,

“…If it becomes a problem, I will have it confiscated at any time.”

“That’s perfectly reasonable.”

What in the world did the Shadow Master say that made the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, suddenly change his attitude?

As he was wondering, the Shadow Master turned his head to Mok Gyeong-un and said,

“Ohoho. That took a bit long. Anyway, since the Bright Blade King also gave his advice, it seems difficult to simply give you this sword, so would you like to hold it once?”

With those words, the Shadow Master nodded to his subordinates.

Then, a warrior opened the tightly closed lid of the wooden box.

The executives who were already curious about the Evil Commandment Sword got up from their seats, turned their bodies, and looked at it.

‘!?’

However, inside the opened wooden box, there was another wooden box.

And on the outside of that wooden box, numerous talismans were stuck all over.

Seeing this, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sparkled.

It might not be visible to the eyes of others, but to Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, an ominous demonic energy (妖氣) was leaking out through the gaps where the talismans were attached.

‘It really seems to be a demon sword.’

If it weren’t for the talismans, the energy would have been even more exposed on the surface.

The Shadow Master pointed to this wooden box with his hand and said,

“Take it out and hold it yourself. If the sword chooses you, I will give you that instead of a substitute. Ah, of course, on the premise that you come to the Shadow Clan.”

At his words, Mok Gyeong-un walked forward.

And he placed his hand on the wooden box, which was covered in talismans.

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun’s eyes watching this turned peculiar.

He recalled what the Shadow Master had said just before.

[It’s difficult to say why I brought it, but let me tell you something interesting.]

[Something interesting?]

[I also found out only after obtaining this, but that sword makes human desires surface.]

[It makes desires surface? What do you mean by that?]

[Literally. It makes you unable to control your own desires.]

[How could you bring such a dangerous thing…]

[Aren’t you curious? What the true desire of that child who defected to our sect is?]

[…]

Mok Gyeong-un’s true desire.

Would the Evil Commandment Sword really reveal that desire as the Shadow Master said?Chapter 122 – Demon Sword (2)

Mok Gyeong-un’s hand was reaching towards the wooden box covered in talismans.

[That sword makes human desires surface.]

[It makes desires surface? What do you mean by that?]

[Literally. It makes you unable to control your own desires. Aren’t you curious? What the true desire of that child who defected to our sect is?]

Mok Gyeong-un’s true desire.

Since desire is a deep wish, it was akin to one’s actual inner thoughts.

Even the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, was curious about it.

Although he had declared his defection, Son Yun didn’t really believe it was genuine.

There was a high probability that he did it to avoid the current situation.

Then, what was that fellow’s true objective?

-Creak!

The lid of the wooden box covered in talismans opened under Mok Gyeong-un’s hand.

As the lid opened, the Evil Commandment Sword wrapped in a leather scabbard was revealed.

The moment he tried to take a closer look, Son Yun felt goosebumps on his arm from something strange that stimulated his five senses.

-Flinch!

‘What is this?’

It’s a feeling that can’t be explained.

This was felt not through spirit perception, but it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that it stimulated the five senses, no, the sixth sense.

That subtle ominousness one might feel when walking alone on a dark night path.

It was as if it had been maximized.

‘Is this what they call a demon sword?’

It’s clearly different from those called famous swords or famous blades.

Those didn’t have this unpleasant feeling from the beginning, but this stimulated the senses even while wrapped in leather.

‘Hmm.’

The Shadow Master, who had been observing Mok Gyeong-un’s reaction more closely than the contents inside, had a glint of interest in his eyes.

He had already seen it.

That’s why he knew that most people would be engulfed in a strange sensation the moment they saw that sword for the first time.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s reaction was different from what he expected.

“Hmm.”

Mok Gyeong-un was unaffected.

Rather, he was looking at the sword in the scabbard with interest.

An indescribably strange ominousness was emanating from that demon sword, yet he showed such a reaction, so he truly wasn’t ordinary.

-How is it?

Cheong-ryeong asked Mok Gyeong-un.

Being sealed in a wooden puppet, it was difficult for her to discern the external energy.

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

-It’s…different.

-Different?

The energy Mok Gyeong-un was looking at was similar to the demonic energy of the Two Demonic Beauties, but also resembled the ominous spiritual energy of vengeful spirits.

It was a complex energy that he had never felt before.

At this, Mok Gyeong-un’s lips curled up as if he found it interesting.

-I think I’ll know if I touch it directly.

The ominous energy emanating from the sword was tempting him.

It was telling him to remove the scabbard and grasp its hilt.

‘If it wants, I should oblige, right?’

Mok Gyeong-un grasped the scabbard and lifted the Evil Commandment Sword.

And with his right hand, he gripped the hilt.

At the same time,

-Shing!

He freed the sword from the leather scabbard.

“Ooh.”

“Is that the Evil Commandment Sword?”

“Ah! It’s indeed a precious sword.”

Exclamations poured out from here and there.

With a small groove carved near the center of the hilt and a unique pattern drawn on the blade, it was as if looking at a work of art.

Half of the blade was black, and the other half was white, adding to the antique and beautiful atmosphere.

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-Gulp!

Son Yun, who got to see it up close, unknowingly swallowed his saliva.

The moment he saw the sword, greed arose from deep within his heart without him realizing it.

Even though he wasn’t a swordsman.

However, in that instant, Son Yun drew up his true energy and gathered his senses.

‘Demon sword…it’s definitely a demon sword.’

For someone like him who had no interest in swords to feel greed the moment he saw a sword, it was truly a strange occurrence.

If one were to be bewitched by it, a great disaster would unfold.

Son Yun looked around.

‘This…’

As expected, the concerns he had came to fruition.

Some of the warriors of Corpse Blood Valley and those brought by the executives were walking over with blank eyes as if they were possessed by something.

Judging this situation to be dangerous, Son Yun infused his true energy and let out a shout.

“Roar!”

-Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar! Roar!

At the same time, Son Yun’s shout spread out in all directions like an echo.

This intense shout infused with true energy was none other than the Lion’s Roar[1].

As Son Yun’s Lion’s Roar resonated throughout the entire plaza, those who had been momentarily possessed by desire as if bewitched by something all covered their ears at once.

“Ugh!”

“My, my ears?”

They weren’t the only ones who regained their senses after being shaken by the tremendous shout.

‘Huh?’

‘What is this?’

The two Grand Elders also unknowingly half-rose from their chairs for a moment, then gathered their senses with perplexed expressions while circulating their energy.

It was a moment when they directly experienced the power of the demon sword they had only heard about.

Still, it ended at this level because they didn’t personally hold it.

‘Mok Gyeong-un?’

Son Yun looked at Mok Gyeong-un with worried eyes.

However, contrary to his concerns, Mok Gyeong-un was looking at the sword with indifferent eyes.

What’s this?

There wasn’t a hint of greed in those eyes.

The Shadow Master also found this strange.

‘Hmm. What is it?’

He had already seen his subordinates being possessed by desire several times after grasping that sword.

Didn’t he himself also reveal the desires he had hidden the moment he grasped it?

[Shadow Master, how could you…]

[Ah ah ah…did I say such a thing?]

He still couldn’t forget the expression his dead subordinate had made.

It was truly a regrettable incident.

That demon sword was a genuinely dangerous sword.

The Shadow Master had obtained what he had longed for, but he decided to give up his desire to collect it.

It was an uncontrollable demon.

‘…There’s no way he doesn’t have desires.’

Even he, who prided himself on having a strong willpower, had revealed the desires he had hidden because of that demon.

However, no matter how outstanding Mok Gyeong-un’s talent was, there was no way a greenhorn like him could endure the power of that demon.

Right at that moment,

-Thud!

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes closed, and his head tilted back.

Seeing this, the Shadow Master muttered with gleaming eyes,

“As expected.”

There was no way he wouldn’t be captivated by the demon sword.

-Mortal? Mortal?

Cheong-ryeong called out to Mok Gyeong-un, who had suddenly lost consciousness.

She didn’t know what was happening.

He had said it was a unique energy and that he would try absorbing it through the Ritual of Binding, but he suddenly lost consciousness.

Just what was going on?

***

Jeong ran.

After running for a while and reaching the top of the mountain,

‘!?’

Jeong frowned.

He saw black smoke there.

The place where the smoke was rising from was where the house was located.

Seeing this, Jeong threw the water jug and ran like crazy towards that place.

Soon, he arrived there.

-Crackle crackle!

The scorching heat was felt.

The house was burning fiercely.

Jeong’s face stiffened terribly.

Jeong, who was hurriedly looking around, ran to the back of the burning house.

There was a small vegetable garden in the backyard.

Normally, his grandfather would wake up early in the morning and pick medicinal herbs in the vegetable garden.

‘Please…please…’

Jeong, who ran to the vegetable garden, stopped in his tracks.

Through his eyes that had widened as if they would burst, he saw something stained with blood.

Things that should be inside the body were scattered in the vegetable garden.

-Gnash!

Jeong gritted his teeth.

And he followed the trail of blood and fragments.

Looking down the hill, Jeong shouted,

“Grandfather!”

His grandfather was there.

The sight of his grandfather with only the upper body remaining, the lower part torn away, was indescribably horrible.

Jeong’s face, looking at this, was distorted like a demon, along with sadness.

The killing intent that had been pressing deep in his chest filled his mind.

-No.

At that moment, everything stopped.

-The killing intent from revenge…this isn’t your fundamental desire.

The entity examining the memories shook its head.

Revenge could also become a desire, but this wasn’t the desire that this person fundamentally possessed.

-Show me your true desire.

It wanted to see the desire closest to the purest origin.

That desire was the very reason for its existence.

-You’re truly peculiar. Who blocked the origin of your desire?

It dug deep into the depths of the mind and discovered a huge wall filling all sides.

The moment it saw this wall, it didn’t hide its bewilderment.

Strong willpower was sometimes projected in this way as a wall.

However, this didn’t seem to be created by the will of Mok Gyeong-un, no, the one called Jeong, but rather planted by someone.

-To erect a wall of lamentation in another person’s mind. How truly strange.

An artificially created wall.

Here, a strong emotion beyond the sadness and vengeance seen earlier was felt.

This was blocking the origin of this fellow named Jeong.

However, once this seemingly impenetrable wall of lamentation was shattered, the origin of desire that had been accumulating would pour out.

-I will open this for you.

The wall of lamentation that seemed like it would never open.

However, it had the ability to open even this.

There was no need to break the wall.

If the nature of the wall was changed so that it would naturally flow out,

-Slither!

The wall was meant to become a path.

It was right at that moment.

-Whoosh!

Something began to pour out from a part of the wall that had become a path.

It was,

-Darkness?

Deep darkness.

It was difficult to even see it as a fragment of desire.

-What in the world is this?

How could such deep darkness be lurking inside a human?

It began to feel ecstasy upon seeing this.

It thought it was close to the high-purity desire it had been searching for.

It entrusted its spiritual body to the pouring darkness.

If it absorbed this and became one, an individual of sword-human unity[2] made solely of the high-purity desire it had longed for would be born.

-Now, let’s become one.

It tried to assimilate with this darkness.

However,

-!?

At that moment, it realized that this darkness wasn’t simple.

-This is…

It wasn’t high-purity darkness.

This was turbidity itself, dizzying enough to make one lose their mind.

This turbidity that seemed to destroy everything was…

***

-Swish!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had his head tilted back, slowly raised it.

The Bright Blade King, Son Yun, carefully observed Mok Gyeong-un.

It was clear that he was possessed by the demon sword, but what kind of desire he had would soon…

‘!?’

Pitch-black eyes like black jade.

They were like an endless abyss.

‘…What happened to his eyes?’

Is that the state of desires being expressed?

Something was strange.

At that moment, one of the Grand Elders, the Flame Demon Grand Elder Bo Hyuk-so, shouted at Mok Gyeong-un,

“You bastard! Come to your senses!”

Judging by Mok Gyeong-un’s condition, it seemed like he was definitely captivated by the demon sword.

Thinking that he needed to be awakened immediately, Bo Hyuk-so hurriedly tried to separate the demon sword from Mok Gyeong-un’s hand.

Right at that moment,

-Swish!

Bo Hyuk-so grabbed his own neck.

Then, he widened his eyes and broke out in a cold sweat like someone under immense tension.

‘!?’

Just what was he doing?

Bo Hyuk-so’s eyes were trembling like crazy.

Seeing his appearance, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, wondered what was happening and the moment he met Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes,

‘Huh?’

In an instant, it was as if time had passed quickly, the sky turned red and then darkened, and the ground all around was stained with sticky blood.

It was definitely the same place.

However, all the people around had their necks cut or various parts of their bodies torn off, screaming in agony.

Every being breathing within this plaza was suffering a horrible death or agonizing in the face of it.

‘What in the world…’

What was happening?

As he was engrossed in questions and looking around,

-Crackle crackle!

The bodies of those who were dead or dying all began to burn at once.

The red and crimson flames soon turned blue, gradually darkening from purple, and ultimately transformed into black flames.

-Crackle crackle crackle!

These black flames quickly became a fire demon and tried to devour everything around.

Surprised by this, the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, tried to leap back to avoid it.

However,

‘I can’t move.’

His body wouldn’t move as if someone was holding him.

He couldn’t understand what was going on.

-Crackle crackle crackle!

The black flames that had devoured everything around had grown enormous and tried to swallow him.

Although Son Yun wasn’t greatly afraid of death, it was so eerie that he unknowingly closed his eyes for a moment.

In an instant, silence came, and nothing could be heard.

Then,

-Swish!

Soon, the surroundings brightened, and the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, opened his closed eyes.

However,

‘No?’

The plaza that had been devoured and burned by black flames had somehow returned to normal, and the Flame Demon Grand Elder, Bo Hyuk-so, was seen drenched in cold sweat with heavy breathing.

But that wasn’t all.

The Shadow Master also seemed shocked by something, looking around with surprised eyes.

It was as if he had also seen something.

While that was happening,

-Clang clang clang!

A strange resonance sound that hurt the ears spread from somewhere.

‘This sound is?’

The source of it was none other than the demon sword, Evil Commandment Sword.

The blade of the Evil Commandment Sword was trembling wildly on its own, and this resonance sound seemed to be coming from the groove carved in the middle.

It was as if the sword was in agony.

***

-This can’t be…this is…chaos…

Itself.

It trembled in fear, swept away by the chaos-like darkness.

It had tried to become one with this origin, but it felt like it would be devoured by it instead.

While that was happening,

-Whoosh!

-!!!!!

Seeing his appearance, it trembled even more crazily.

Fear, dread.

These emotions were the by-products of humans that it had never felt before.

But just what was that?

At this, Jeong wiggled his index finger and clicked his tongue, saying,

“Not yet.”

-Snap!

With those words, he lightly flicked his finger.

Then, the will of that entity, no, the will of the Evil Commandment Sword that had dug into his psyche, disappeared from this space as if it had been extinguished.

-Sizzle!

***

Soon, Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes, which had turned black like black jade, returned to normal.

As if nothing had happened.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had regained his senses, frowned and then looked around.

‘Huh?’

However, starting from the Bright Blade King, Son Yun, to the Shadow Master and the other executives, they were all looking at him with serious expressions.

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