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I quickly moved into the secret space of the Namgung Clan and acquired the suspicious fishhook. After getting my hands on it, I headed to where my companions were and made my way to the secret room where the women were being abused. The horrific scene I had seen before was being reenacted right in front of me, leading to just a slight frown rather than extreme rage this time.

“This bastard… is just…”

But Extreme Tiger didn’t seem to share the same sentiment. He wielded his spear, using it to skewer the guardians like kebabs, reducing them to mere meat chunks. Just as he was about to finish off the remaining ones with a lethal blow, Jin So-cheong stepped in to stop him.

Bang!

“Brother, calm down!”

“Damn it!!”

Extreme Tiger let out a thunderous Lion’s Roar, then suddenly bowed his head, lost in thought. Calmly, with a cold gaze, he looked at me and spoke.

“Sorry, Baek Woong. I got too excited. We need to leave a few alive to provide testimony.”

“Nah, it doesn’t really matter if we don’t have testimonies…” I replied, glancing at Extreme Tiger.

“Didn’t you see it all already through the obsidian? Aren’t you getting a bit too worked up?”

This wasn’t a random comment. Had Jin So-cheong not intervened just now, Extreme Tiger would have literally shredded those remaining guys into hundreds of pieces. Such displays of anger were rare.

“I thought I’d feel the same,” Extreme Tiger shook his head.

“But I was wrong. Facing them in person stirred emotions that were completely different. When I viewed it through the obsidian, it felt like I was just watching someone else’s business, but now… I couldn’t help but feel angry.”

“…” I remained silent, sensing the reason behind his feelings.

‘The obsidian transmits memories and emotions based on my perspective,’ I realized.

However, if the obsidian’s ability was merely that, then it wouldn’t be a technique of vision. The obsidian could align the recipient with my feelings and understanding of the memories shared. That’s why those who received the memories until now could comprehend and accept them without significant resistance. It was a safety measure to protect the psyche of its user.

But in cases, like Extreme Tiger’s experience, where one directly confronts something that infringes on their common sense and pride, it seemed plausible that the mental defenses created by the obsidian could slightly falter. I then spoke to Extreme Tiger.

“Don’t bother thinking about those scum one by one.”

As I lightly executed the Snake Fist, two trembling guardians nearby had their heads explode. I stared at my unblemished hand, slightly perplexed, before continuing,

“That takes care of them all. There’s no need to testify about the Namgung Clan’s evils to the Jianghu.”

Miho, who was crafting light clothing for the women with her magic, glanced at me with a nod. “You’ve made up your mind.”

“I just wanted to keep it clean.”

“As a maiden, I find that more agreeable,” the Sword Demon crossed his arms and added.

“Baek Woong, according to the plan, we will stir things up from here. You do your part.”

“Understood.”

Clap!

I immediately led Extreme Tiger and Jin So-cheong towards the meeting hall where the leaders of the Namgung Clan were gathered. I was relieved to see all of them were present.

“Everyone is here! Thank goodness.”

The hall was packed with Namgung Clan’s leader, Sword King Namgung Myeong, along with the Eight Swords of Namgung and numerous capable martial artists. Excluding the Sword King and the Eight Swords, there were still at least fifty skilled fighters present, confirming that the Namgung Clan was indeed holding its day-to-day meeting at this hour.

In an instant, all eyes raced towards us three, locking in place.

One of the Eight Swords jumped up from his seat, shouting.

“Who are you?! How dare you invade the Namgung Clan!”

Such human trash had the audacity to act tough.

I felt an immediate urge to draw my sword and start a massacre, so disgusting was their mere existence. But Extreme Tiger gestured to stop me and yelled back.

“Oh esteemed Sword King Namgung Myeong, have you been well? You seem radiant!”

“Who are you?”

“Just a passerby, Extreme Tiger!”

At that, the grandly seated Namgung Myeong responded gravely, “So it’s you, Jin So-cheong. What is going on here?”

“…”

Namgung Myeong demanded an explanation from Jin So-cheong, but she turned her head with a bitter expression. She had once respected him as an admirable warrior, but now, having discovered all the vile truths, she couldn’t bear to meet his gaze.

Instead, Extreme Tiger spoke cheerfully, “Sword King! You’ve committed some wicked deeds, haven’t you? Just curious, aren’t you scared of retribution from the God of Death?”

“What do you mean by ‘God of Death’?”

“I mean Mursal.”

In that moment, Sword King Namgung Myeong’s expression changed completely. It was a shift that only he would exhibit, even causing him to tremble slightly. The Eight Swords stared at him in confusion, not comprehending his reaction.

“Leader! What’s…?”

“Wait a moment.”

Sword King Namgung Myeong carefully spoke, watching us closely.

“Are you saying you’re connected to Mursal? Or that you might be?”

“Hehe.”

Extreme Tiger grinned sinisterly, sending me a message.

[See? It’s effective. The Sword King knows something about Mursal. That alone gives us a reason to be here.]

[The Eight Swords don’t seem to have a clue.]

[Why would we discuss a legendary assassin who can kill anything?]

[That’s true.]

Mursal! That was a legendary existence that the Sword Demon had mentioned to me just once before. It was said to be the greatest assassin in the Jianghu, appearing long before the Three Generations of Sword Demon, operating solely for its own grand purpose. Having reached a realm akin to the God of Death, it had earned the title of Mursal, which was known only in whispers.

However, this title seemed to be shared only among high-ranking figures like Sword King Namgung Myeong, while the lower levels remained oblivious. Clearing his throat, Extreme Tiger answered the Sword King’s question.

“What do you think?”

“Profits… dare you mock me?”

“Mock? I merely want to hear your enlightened insights, Sword King.”

As Extreme Tiger teased him, Sword King Namgung Myeong bit down on his lip, responding.

“Whether you have a connection to Mursal or not doesn’t matter. It’s all just a legend. First, I’ll eradicate you scoundrels who have invaded our clan!!”

Tydaht.

The moment the Sword King raised his hand, the martial artists of the Namgung Clan fiercely charged at us like lightning. Extreme Tiger and Jin So-cheong began to counterattack, while I prepared to unleash the Soul Removal Technique, advancing forward as promised. The entire series of events flowed as if we had rehearsed it in advance.

Bang!!

Two of the Eight Swords leaped up, unleashing their sword qi, but I held my ground with internal power without using any basic techniques, astonishing them.

“What…?”

“What kind of internal power is this…?”

Thunk!

‘So slow…’

I dashed forward and lodged a strike into the neck of one Eight Swords member. As the blood flowed like starlight, I swiftly delivered a blow to the temple of another. Following a smooth series of attacks, I found myself behind two of them, casually brushing my hands off.

Thud…

One’s throat shattered, while the other’s brain became mush, slowly collapsing. As I subdued two peak experts without even drawing my sword, the remaining Eight Swords stared in disbelief.

“What?!”

“Is he a Fist Saint…?”

Their shock came from the fact that subduing a peak expert in one blow wasn’t typically allowed in Jianghu. Even those on the brink of achieving peak mastery wouldn’t easily accept defeat. Yet, I managed to pull it off. The six remaining members of the Eight Swords, visibly shaken, seemed to falter while Sword King Namgung Myeong barked at them.

“Get a grip!”

“Huh… Leader…”

“Fist Saint? No, he merely struck quickly and accurately by exploiting an opening with his swift divine technique. It’s not that a fist is his specialty. It’s only that those coming under attack shifted to defense too late!”

“How can that be…?”

While the Eight Swords appeared baffled, I found myself intrigued by Sword King Namgung Myeong’s precise analysis.

‘He has sharp perception. Truly a top expert among the Five Great Families.’

The others, lacking mastery, were oblivious to how I maneuvered and struck down their colleagues, but Sword King Namgung Myeong had discerned the speed of the Soul Removal Technique and evaluated my martial prowess in a single glance. Indeed, he was an ultra-peak expert far beyond the Eight Swords.

With a grin, I wielded my sword.

“I’d like to try the same as Jin So-cheong, but I guess I’m not quite there yet, so I’ll stick to my sword.”

“What?”

“Don’t run away.”

Clap!

I used the Soul Removal Technique to deceptively slide in sideways. One of the Eight Swords, focused, seemed to read my attack line and prepared to block. But I disregarded his defense and concentrated internal energy into my blade.

Swish!

“……!!”

I obliterated the sword with flames and vertically split my opponent’s body as well.

‘If my understanding was lacking before, it’s certainly not the case now.’

When I considered the level of the techniques I had mastered, unless blocked by Mind Control Technique, no one could completely counter my Absolute Slash. I could even change the trajectory via Bowing Sky Slash. Demonstrating that defense was futile, I swept my sword sideways to cleave the two beside me.

“Ugh.”

“Duck!”

This time, the Eight Swords seemed to brace themselves nervously, sacrificing one arm to save their lives. They preferred losing a limb over losing their lives.

Wiying!

Thunder God Sword Dance!

A buzzing sound resonated from the tip of my blade, as if a swarm of bees had taken flight, and suddenly lightning crackled at my sword’s edge. The technique flew through the air like a whip, and with a swift motion, I severed the head of one of the elders. Performing a full rotation, I launched another attack, claiming yet another head.

Blood burst forth.

Having swiftly dispatched more than half of the Eight Swords, only three remained, their eyes now filled with terror. They had lost their will to fight and began to stumble back when I was about to press the attack.

Clang!

“Noo!!”

Sword King Namgung Myeong let out a furious roar as his blade clashed against mine. I received his sword head-on, internal thoughts racing.

‘A powerful steel blade.’

Since I had seen Namgung Myeong duel on multiple occasions, I was aware that his sword techniques allowed him to fluidly integrate both ferocious and agile styles. While he may be despicable as a person, this Sword King was absolutely an ultra-peak swordsman reigning supreme in the Jianghu.

But that was all.

Facing off against me, I said, “Namgung Myeong, do you know why I intentionally sought you out as per Extreme Tiger’s suggestion?”

“You vile scoundrel… why?!”

“I came to regain my confidence.”

“… What?”

Tang!

Stepping back to release the tense standoff, I said to the bewildered Sword King, “A peak expert exists within Dongyoung who could easily turn you into hundreds of pieces in one second. Beyond that, I must fight monstrous foes capable of dealing with him. To do so, I need to affirm that the strength I’ve accumulated isn’t in error.”

“Bullshit… where in the world is such a monster?”

Namgung Myeong shouted belligerently.

“The Namgung Clan’s sword technique is the finest in the world!! I will kill a braggart like you.”

Ka-pang!

With Namgung Myeong launching an aggressive onslaught, we clashed for a good fifteen seconds. As the three elders of the Eight Swords charged alongside, I, in a mocking manner, appeared behind them, smashing some heads.

Bam!

“Gah!”

Numbers barely mattered.

I could come alone from here on out.

Unlike mere fodder, Sword King Namgung Myeong was a difficult opponent. He was definitely no one to be easily resolved in one second. His fierce swordplay targeted the weaknesses of my defenses, something I’d have to handle with care.

Five-colored sword qi erupted, taking the shape of a dragon—it was Mind Control Technique.

Fwoosh!

I barely evaded the Absolute Slash of his Emperor Sword Technique, but a small cut marred my cheek; I couldn’t underestimate the power laced within his blade.

‘Did I undervalue him too much?’

While I was confident my skill was indeed above Namgung Myeong’s, it seemed odd for me to struggle against him now. This was especially true since Jin So-cheong acknowledged I had laid the groundwork for transcending the Absolute Realm, yet I found myself flustering before Namgung Myeong. Yet, this scenario possessed relative elements.

Namgung Myeong was currently engulfed in fierce desperation, maximizing his powers. The fact that this was his home territory only added to his confidence. Had I not underestimated him initially and unleashed my full potential right away, I could have easily disposed of him. Instead, I toyed around, allowing him to draw out his maximum strength, leading us to a standoff appearance now.

But I wasn’t about to back down any longer. Calmly engaging with Namgung Myeong as time passed the sixty-second mark, I constricted the Heavenly Secret Technique of the Three Treasures and scrutinized his barrier.

A weakness appeared.

Just as Jin So-cheong had mentioned, once I mastered the Three Treasures Technique, I could precisely determine the spaces we occupied. I instinctively sensed how to penetrate a barrier maintained by a peak expert. I took a step forward, deliberately luring Namgung Myeong into attack.

I could hear him yelling out beyond the mental commands.

[You! You’ve let your guard down.]

“Emperor Sword Technique!”

Ultimate Form!

Suddenly, a tremendous power charged forward, combined with vibrant golden energy—a formidable force that could obliterate even the famed Golden Hall if landed squarely. However, I had intentionally waited for the precise moment when he would unleash such a formidable technique.

Thunderclap!

Suddenly, every ounce of potential within me surged, dozens of lightning bolts erupted around my body. In that instant, I poured immense internal power into the Thunderclap, amplifying my capacities and eliciting a fervent reaction from my legs, bones, and muscles.

Shosh!

With a body quickened by the Thunderclap, I executed the Soul Removal Technique once more, bringing myself behind Namgung Myeong. The look of astonishment painted across his face was priceless.

[Wha… How could this be? It was just a trick…]

Of course, the gap presented was merely a feint. Unbeknownst to him, I had read when he was about to use a significant technique, and I capitalized on that moment as a counter using Thunderclap and the Soul Removal Technique together.

Bam!

Without hesitation, I drove my sword into Namgung Myeong’s back. Not bursting with internal force this time, causing him to merely halt in shock, blood flooding from his wound. He spoke through gritted teeth,

“Are you not going to finish me off?”

“Do you think you’re in a position to die comfortably?”

After responding, I shoved the sword deeper.

“Aaaagh…”

Blood dripped profusely. In the distance, Extreme Tiger, with blood-stained spear slung over his shoulder, approached with something in hand.

“Baek Woong. I’ve wiped out the Special Investigative Team.”

“Good job.”

“Shall we dispose of the trash?”

In his hand was the head of Namgung Hwan. It seemed Extreme Tiger had tortured him with Thunder God Lineage techniques; Namgung Hwan’s eyeballs were rolled back. Extreme Tiger tossed the head before the eyes of Sword King Namgung Myeong.

Thud.

“Next year today will mark the anniversary of your ancestral rites. If there’s someone to hold them…”

“Grrr…”

Namgung Myeong, shaking with rage, found himself utterly powerless, knowing I could easily end him in just a second if I chose to. He shouted in futility.

“Kill them!!”

“Why?”

“I’ll curse you all in death.”

I stared at Namgung Myeong, stating, “Those wrongfully abused and killed by your hands would have said the same.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t waste much time on a little pest like you.”

Without further ado, I severed Sword King Namgung Myeong’s head. Extreme Tiger snickered beside me.

“Guess he found interrogating too tedious.”

“What… let’s just use the Heavenly Secret Technique to ask.”

After responding indifferently, I set off to find Jin So-cheong. She looked weary, suggesting she had just been engaged in fierce combat, likely with the Sky Team. However, she sat atop a pile of corpses, and besides minor bruises, it appeared she had annihilated the entire Sky Team. Upon seeing me, she waved.

“Baek Woong. It’s all over here.”

Then, from afar, Miho used her technique to relay, “I’ve cast the Naseng Gate barrier across the entire clan, and the thugs have all been mentally suppressed by the maiden. Today, nothing that transpires here will be known.”

With Miho efficiently wrapping things up, I sensed that our day’s tasks had come to an end. Finally joining Miho, I felt something was off.

“Where’s the Sword Demon?”

“He seems to be in a fight with someone.”

“What?!”

“Looks like quite a strong opponent.”

We were all startled as we hastened to where the Sword Demon was allegedly engaged. True to Miho’s words, we found the Sword Demon locked in a fierce battle with someone.

It appeared he was on the verge of victory, seeming relaxed and mostly unscathed. In contrast, his opponent, panting heavily with his bow stuck in the ground, seemed to be barely holding on. Evidently, the Sword Demon had allowed him to walk away several times when dealing decisive blows.

He looked quite young. Probably about the same age as Jin So-cheong. The young man was clad in all black, and oddly enough, the bow he wielded had no string.

“Huff… huff…”

The Sword Demon looked intrigued.

“A remarkable youth with extraordinary prowess. What’s your name?”

The archer answered the Sword Demon’s question with a serious tone.

“Yeon Jong-hwi…”

“Yeon Clan, a rare name… I’ve never heard of it. Any alias?”

“None.”

“Why do you face me? We have no grudges between us.”

Yeon Jong-hwi responded, “I planned to leave the Namgung Clan today, but since I’ve dined here until now, I deemed it proper to repay my debt.”

The Sword Demon turned to look at me, chuckling.

“So that’s how it is, Baek Woong. Do you want to let him go?”

“…”

“He might become a big shot one day.”

Hearing the Sword Demon’s praise, I considered it to be true. Finally, with a trembling voice, I replied, “…Of course. But I can’t let him go right away.”

“Is that so? Yeon Jong-hwi, surrender to us. The Namgung Clan has been exterminated.”

As the Sword Demon pointed, showcasing the severed heads of Namgung Myeong and Namgung Hwan, Yeon Jong-hwi sighed.

“… It seems I have no choice. Do as you please with me—kill or spare.”

Jin So-cheong stepped forward, holding the rope.

“Extend your hand.”

“Understood.”

As Jin So-cheong tied the rope around Yeon Jong-hwi’s wrist, a strange feeling washed over me. Miho caught sight of my expression, teasingly asking.

“What’s going on? Who is that Yeon Jong-hwi?”

“… He’s the Ten Great Masters binding one of the Ten Great Masters.”

“Huh?”

I stared blankly at the scene.

‘To think I’d see him here.’

Yes. In fifty years’ time, he would be known as one of the Ten Great Masters, a top expert of the Martial Arts World—Yeon Jong-hwi, the legendary Bow King, who achieved the impossible kill count of a hundred with just a single arrow. And here he was, bound by Jin So-cheong, the Divine Spear, right before my eyes.

 

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