Chapter 51 – Honey Belly Sword (10)
The title of ‘Hundred Great Masters’ is essentially a designation guaranteed by the Righteous Sect’s Martial arts Alliance for both skills and identity. At the same time, it also served as a stepping stone to narrow the gap them and the old masters.
It is virtually impossible for young people who started late to catch up with the existing towering figures. That is why the title of ‘The Hundred Great Masters’ is used to narrow the gap.
Thanks to this, once one has their name listed among the Hundred Great Masters, even if it is the last one, they will not be disrespected anywhere. Even if their counterpart is one of the Five Great Families or the Nine Schools and One Sect of the Righteous Sect.
Of course, it is a clear fact that even among the Hundred Great Masters, the gap is still significant. But it was closer to the meaning that they would acknowledge the effort to some extent.
In other words, the title of ‘One of the Hundred Great Masters’ is the minimum qualification that allows young martial artists to stand on equal footing with their predecessors. Go Gyeom was well aware of this fact as well.
“The smile never leaves your face. Are you that happy?”
“Of course. It’s like the joy of a blind person suddenly starting to see the world.”
“Is that so? You can still smile despite our current predicament?”
“No matter where I am now, I’ve found the path I must walk. Then I just need to walk it.”
Ma Kang, who was right next to him, was laughing merrily with a smile on his lips, though it wasn’t clear what made him so happy. Truly, his appearance was embarrassing and unpleasant to look at.
Still, letting good things be good, Go Gyeom said nothing. Currently, Go Gyeom and Ma Kang had joined the Namgung family for investigation and testimony regarding this attack.
In truth, the reason Go Gyeom accepted this job was for another ulterior motive. That was to monitor the Sword Demon who had returned to the Martial arts world. In the past, the Sword Demon had massacred many martial artists.
In the process, a considerable number of sects were destroyed. As a result, they needed skilled masters to monitor the Sword Demon in case he went mad again.
‘This simple-minded guy seems to know nothing. That’s why when I first approached the Master earlier, I had quite a hard time dissuading him.’
Because he had to act naturally to the point of putting his arm around his shoulder, Ma Kang almost drew his sword for real, telling him not to pretend to be friendly. At any rate, his temper is certainly real.
“Take it easy, Ma Kang. You haven’t forgotten why we came here, have you?”
“I know. One must properly repay one’s benefactor.”
“Things are unfolding in an unusual manner. We can’t unconditionally trust even the Righteous Sect’s Martial arts Alliance.”
At first, he thought his peers had fallen for empty temptations. But thinking again, something didn’t feel right. Even Go Gyeom was well acquainted with the Sword Demon’s reputation.
‘To monitor the Sword Demon who nearly annihilated the Righteous Sect’s Martial arts Alliance in the past. And they send only six members of the Hundred Great Masters? Does that make any sense?’
It’s not that he was dismissing the military power of the Hundred Great Masters. But considering the Sword Demon’s reputation, it seemed like calling all of the Hundred Great Masters would still be insufficient. Yet they only sent six.
And above all, what was most strange was the open-mindedness of Master Sword Demon compared to the infamy described by the Righteous Sect. When even clicking one’s tongue at his arrogant appearance wasn’t enough.
He even guided Ma Kang personally and spared no advice. That appearance was far more like an exemplary predecessor than many of today’s Righteous Sect masters who only pay lip service to what is right.
‘He might have become more gentle with age… But at least the Master Sword Demon I saw was not someone who would indiscriminately massacre people. Moreover, the unidentified masters who attacked the Master are also concerning.’
At this point, even a fool would notice that something unusual is happening. Go Gyeom looked at Ma Kang for a moment. And soon after, he let out a sigh.
“There’s someone here who’s worse than a fool.”
“I see, so you want to settle this once and for all today?”
“Let’s postpone it. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.”
Currently, Go Gyeom and Ma Kang were at the residence where the Namgung family was staying in Shandong. The Namgung family was currently staying in Shandong, leading a delegation for talks with the Murong family.
As soon as they arrived in Shandong, Go Gyeom and Ma Kang personally visited the Namgung family’s residence to explain the entire situation and ask for help. Unfortunately, this was the result.
Go Gyeom silently looked at the iron bars confining him and Ma Kang. They came up with the excuse that there was no law saying that he and Ma Kang hadn’t participated in the attack, so they would confine them for the time being.
It was a measure that made no common sense. If it were a lie, it would be found out soon anyway. So why bother putting us in prison? Go Gyeom opened his mouth with a sigh.
“Someone must find our survival very irritating.”
And that someone must be quite high-ranking.
◇
While staying at the Murong family’s residence and catching up with old friends he hadn’t seen in a long time. A messenger came from the Namgung family. However, the content brought by the messenger was truly outrageous.
“The Master cannot come to the meeting place? What nonsense is that?!”
Murong Hyun, who had now properly assumed the role of the head of the Murong family, shouted at the messenger in disbelief. However, the messenger rather sneered and retorted.
“Excuse me, but it seems the head of the Murong family lacks scholarly knowledge.”
“What did you say……?!”
“Do you truly not know what the Sword Demon did to the Righteous Sect in the past? The blood spilled and the vengeful spirits still remain on this land, breathing resentment.”
Coming with Namgung family warriors and then pointing out the lack of scholarly knowledge of Murong Hyun, the head of the Murong family. What should I say, this fellow truly lacks basic decorum.
At first, I considered explaining that I wasn’t the Sword Demon, but soon gave up. It was obvious that even if I told the truth here, they would dismiss it as a lie and ignore it.
“But the Master was attacked by villains!!!”
“I heard that story and personally investigated, but could find no trace of an attack. Rather, it’s suspicious enough to think it might be a self-staged act by the Sword Demon.”
“Are you saying the Master is lying?!”
“Considering the Sword Demon’s past actions, it’s not entirely nonsensical, Family Head.”
This is quite something.
I was almost impressed by the messenger’s determined push. At least he has tenacity. So I should give him at least one chance.
“So you’re saying that I killed all the escorts of the procession and the Hundred Great Masters, and then colluded with the survivors?”
“It’s not entirely impossible, is it? Considering what you’ve done in the past.”
“Very well, I’ll give you a chance to apologize for that rudeness right now.”
I deliberately didn’t release any killing intent. I just purely wanted to gauge the other’s sincerity. At my words, the messenger momentarily displayed a disbelieving expression, then soon sneered and retorted.
“It seems you don’t understand the situation. The brave warriors of the Namgung family, who were the main players in the past Sword Demon War, are here. Do you think you can rampage freely like in the old days?”
“So about that apology?”
“We cannot do something that would bury the honor of the Namgung family in the ground. I refuse.”
“Excellent, I acknowledge that tenacity.”
I couldn’t help but applaud the messenger’s straightforward manner. Whatever the case, he mistakenly believes I am the Sword Demon. I don’t know what the old man did in the past.
But at the very least, it’s named as grandly as the ‘Sword Demon War’. Despite thinking I am such a vicious demon, he still says what he wants to say.
So he would have no regrets even if he died.
Before I knew it, I was putting the sword I had drawn back into its scabbard. Perhaps not knowing what had happened, the messenger was just blinking and staring at me.
“When did you draw the sword……”
Thud.
The messenger’s head, which had been attached to his shoulders, fell to the ground with a thud like a persimmon. Everyone froze momentarily at the reality-transcending sight. I looked at the Namgung family warriors and said.
“Take that head and deliver it to your master.”
“Do, do you think you can get away with this?!”
“I return those words to you.”
If it had been before, I would have moved while considering various situations. Things like the face of the Murong family or future cooperation. But my thinking has changed after carrying out this task.
My hesitation almost got my disciples killed.
And that probably won’t change much in the future.
So, I’ve decided not to hesitate anymore.
At first, I tried to understand the relationship between the Namgung family and the Evil Sect. There might be people in the Namgung family who haven’t been recruited by the Evil sect. But now my thinking has changed.
I won’t hold back anymore by considering the situation. Whether the opponent is in Hwa-gyeong or Hyeon-gyeong doesn’t matter. To protect my disciples. I will kill all those who stand in my way.
“The price of this rudeness will be paid by your so-called great family.”
“……”
“And it won’t take long. I promise.”
Right today.
On this very land.
