Emperor’s Sword [EN]: Chapter 72

As soon as Pa-cheon left Ak-yang, he immediately headed north. Although he avoided the main roads where many people traveled and chose a relatively secluded path, he couldn’t move very quickly due to the terrain, which was dominated by vast plains such as the Hugwang and Jianghan plains. Furthermore, even though he wanted to use the Wind Riding Flight Technique to its fullest extent, he couldn’t because Dokgo-mu, who was accompanying him, couldn’t keep up with Pa-cheon’s speed. There were numerous lakes and marshes scattered throughout the area, dividing it into sections, making it a place where people moved around frequently.

They had been moving at a relatively slow pace, but at some point, they began to pick up speed. Judging by the direction they were heading, it seemed they had decided to take a comfortable route through Jingzhou, then pass through Xiangyang and Fancheng, and finally reach Mount Longzhong, located in the western region. The western area was relatively mountainous and less frequented by people, so there wouldn’t be many who would pay close attention to them. Although it wouldn’t matter if people saw them, they probably wanted to avoid the hassle of their route being exposed. Despite leaving at noon, they were able to reach the foot of Mount Longzhong after the hour of Shin [3-5 PM], thanks to their incredibly fast light footwork. This place was where Zhuge Liang once lived in seclusion and is also known as Mount Fulong.

As they entered the mountain, moving like a gale, they immediately slowed down. Dokgo-mu looked at Pa-cheon and cautiously asked,

“Why did you come here, of all places?”

He had no choice but to follow Pa-cheon, so he was finally voicing the question he had been holding in all along.

“Heh heh, you’ll know when we get there.”

Pa-cheon simply wore a mysterious smile. Dokgo-mu looked at him with a questioning gaze. Come to think of it, there was something else strange. Although Mount Longzhong couldn’t be called a great mountain, it was still a deep mountain unlike the usual hills, yet there wasn’t even the sound of common mountain birds, nor were there any traces of the wild animals that should have been abundant in the mountain.

[Could it be?]

[Have you finally noticed? There was a guy leading us all the way here. As if telling us to follow. So how could we not follow? I need to find out what kind of guys they are.]

Dokgo-mu was dumbfounded. Did that mean they were going to blindly walk into a place that could very well be a trap?

‘Did he always have this side to him? The man I’ve known didn’t seem like someone who would move so easily out of pointless curiosity…’

They looked exactly the same as when they had left Ak-yang. So, if they were enemies, they would be the ones targeting the Heavenly Demon Scholar, and if they knew he was one of the Five Greats of the Martial World, it wouldn’t be a simple trap. He wasn’t foolish enough not to expect that, so his current behavior seemed to stem from excessive confidence. As if no one in the world could harm him…

‘Still, something doesn’t feel right.’

Adding to Dokgo-mu’s inner thoughts, the surrounding air seemed to be supporting it. Pa-cheon climbed the mountain without hesitation, as if he had already seen the path. As they passed the middle of the mountain and went through a denser area, the surrounding air rapidly cooled, and a sharp energy that felt like it could cut through flesh pressed in on them from all directions.

“Heh heh heh heh.”

Pa-cheon let out a low laugh and continued to move forward without changing his expression. Dokgo-mu, who was closely following behind him, was busy looking around in all directions. When he spotted shadows flickering in the forest,

[The enemies are starting to appear. It would be best to go back down here…]

[We can’t turn back now that we’ve come this far. Shouldn’t I at least find out what kind of bold guys invited me here?]

‘Damn it… I’m sure everything will be alright. After all, who could possibly trouble that man? Unless all the strongest people in the world are gathered here, there shouldn’t be any danger.’

This was a conclusion close to Dokgo-mu’s conviction. At least from his perspective, Pa-cheon’s martial arts were so formidable that they could be counted among the top five in the history of the martial world. No matter how elaborate the trap or how tightly woven the net, it would be no danger to him. At least, Pa-cheon’s martial arts, as he knew them, were far more incredible than what was known in the martial world.

It was an open space that looked as if it had been artificially carved out. The bases of the giant trees had been cut off and neatly cleared away. It was a wide area, easily fifty yards in all directions. As Pa-cheon stepped into it, an even more pleased smile spread across his face. They had made considerable preparations to welcome him, so he wasn’t in a bad mood. Pa-cheon, standing in the center of the open space, looked around and shouted,

“Who exactly invited me to this place?”

His shout was filled with internal energy, causing the entire mountain to echo.

As soon as he finished speaking, figures in black clothes poured out from the surrounding forest. The moment they appeared, they surrounded the area without a gap and formed a certain battle formation. Judging by the presence felt in the surrounding forest, in addition to those who had appeared before them, there seemed to be well over a thousand people.

“It’s truly unexpected. That you would actually show up here…”

It was a quiet voice. What was unusual was Pa-cheon’s excessive reaction the moment he heard that voice. His face contorted severely, and he wore a displeased expression.

“Tch, I thought it was some big shot… Turns out it was just a guy who got kicked out of the Martial Alliance.”

When Pa-cheon immediately identified him, the Unrivaled Divine Sword, Dokgo Han-cheon, who had appeared in the area, expressed his bewilderment.

“When did we… ever meet?”

Only then did he realize his true identity, but Pa-cheon remained relaxed.

“How could that be? I just took a guess… It’s surprising that it’s true.”

When he said it with a straight face, the other party didn’t express any more doubts. Dokgo Han-cheon, or rather, Blood Demon Heaven’s Second Leader, Sang Yeo-rak, stepped forward and looked at Pa-cheon boldly.

“Are you the Heavenly Demon Scholar, Pa-cheon? I heard you were the Great Demon Lord of the Demonic Alliance… I didn’t know you were bold enough to follow us all the way here.”

‘The fact that that guy appeared means these guys are part of the Blood Demon Heaven’s forces. They’re just a bunch of nobodies.’

Pa-cheon was underestimating the opponents in front of him.

“Well, how would a guy like you, who got kicked out of the Martial Alliance, know me? So, what’s the reason you called me here? Surely you didn’t call me here just to have a brawl?”

“Heh heh heh heh.”

Sang Yeo-rak’s eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he glanced at his subordinates surrounding him, looking relieved as if he felt reassured. After several of his planned schemes had gone wrong recently, Sang Yeo-rak had developed a habit of not letting his guard down in any situation. Sang Yeo-rak, who had been emitting an unpleasant murderous aura, glared at Pa-cheon and said,

“Of course, it’s to kill you. You no longer have any reason to live in this martial world. However, I am grateful as a fellow traveler on the demonic path for what you have done so far.”

“Fellow demonic path? Hahahaha.”

Pa-cheon’s laughter was clearly mocking. Sang Yeo-rak, who couldn’t possibly not know that, seemed offended and took another step forward, cutting off Pa-cheon’s laughter.

“You’re about to die, so go ahead… laugh to your heart’s content. It will be the last laugh you’ll ever make in this world.”

Pa-cheon momentarily stopped laughing and stared intently at Sang Yeo-rak.

“It can’t be just you… Tell them all to come out. You’re not enough.”

“Y-you arrogant bastard! Your arrogance is reaching the sky. Today, I will show you that there is a sky beyond the sky.”

“I don’t welcome a sky like you. You still have some pride left… If I were you, I’d be too ashamed to even lift my head. Kicked out of the Alliance Leader position, and you’re talking about a sky beyond the sky? Hmph… What a ridiculous guy. I thought a pretty impressive guy would be welcoming me, but I’m so disappointed…”

“Y-you, you bastard!”

“Don’t get too worked up. You look like you’ve eaten your fair share of age, you might die from a stroke before you can even use your strength.”

Sang Yeo-rak, who was huffing and puffing as if he was about to attack, barely calmed himself down and then cast a sinister gaze.

“Heh heh, very well. Let’s see if your life is as tough as your mouth. Today, I will taste your flesh. Heh heh heh, you can look forward to it. I will give you as much pain as you can handle on your final journey.”

“Stop talking nonsense. Show me what you’ve got. Surely you’re not just relying on numbers… Or are you relying on those old men in the forest? Hey there… Hurry up and crawl out.”

When Pa-cheon moved only his finger, three old men really did walk out from the place he had pointed to. They were so old that it was difficult to even guess their ages. Their white hair was long and flowing, and even their beards were as white as if they were covered in snowflakes. For the first time, admiration appeared in Pa-cheon’s eyes, and he didn’t even try to hide it.

“Ho… impressive old men. They look better than that guy. And you are?”

Even though a young brat was talking to them like that, they didn’t show any signs of anger. The old man in the middle opened his eyes, which were oozing pus, with difficulty and stared at Pa-cheon. His eyes were devoid of any emotion.

“It’s truly a pity for a guy like you to die a violent death in a place like this.”

Then, the old man next to him said,

“Is your compassion acting up again, Senior Brother? He’s a foolish guy who doesn’t even know his own situation… What’s there to pity?”

The last old man looked at Sang Yeo-rak and said,

“You, Yeo-rak! There’s no more time to hesitate. Let’s finish this quickly and go.”

“Yes, Uncle!”

Sang Yeo-rak said, bowing deeply.

‘Uncle? Then they must be elders of the Blood Demon Heaven? They’re not ordinary old men. That calm demeanor, and unwavering gaze, the natural flow of their energy, there’s nothing to criticize.’

It was probably the first time Pa-cheon had ever been this impressed.

“Alright, let’s finish this quickly. I’m a busy man, I don’t have time to dawdle here with you guys.”

Sang Yeo-rak scoffed at Pa-cheon’s words.

“Heh heh heh, I don’t know how a guy like you was called one of the Five Greats of the Martial World. Try circulating your internal energy. You’re already poisoned and won’t be able to gather even a single point of internal energy.”

“Is poison all you’ve prepared? It’s a sad story, but… I’m already immune to all poisons. So, with poison…”

Pa-cheon’s face hardened seriously. Just then, Dokgo-mu, who was behind Pa-cheon, shouted in surprise,

“T-that can’t be?”

Dokgo-mu had tried to circulate his internal energy at Sang Yeo-rak’s words, and he was surprised that, as he had said, no internal energy was gathering at all. He had already been poisoned. Pa-cheon’s face gradually became serious.

“What exactly did you do?”

Pa-cheon’s words were filled with clear signs of panic. No poison in this world could invade him. But as Sang Yeo-rak had said, his dantian [energy center] felt as if it were completely empty, and he couldn’t feel even a single bit of internal energy.

Seeing his panicked expression, Sang Yeo-rak let out a triumphant shout as if he was feeling exhilarated.

“Puhahaha, you fool! What you’ve been afflicted with isn’t strictly speaking a poison. It’s a type of energy-dispersing poison, but it’s on a different level from those. It’s something only our sect uses, and even if you’re immune to all poisons, you can’t stop this. It’s our sect’s secret weapon. Consider it an honor that you’re the first victim.”

Pa-cheon showed extreme composure. He tried to raise his internal energy once more. It didn’t feel even slightly weak, as if all his internal energy had disappeared at once. Since Pa-cheon’s life was now practically in his hands, Sang Yeo-rak blurted out words he hadn’t even been asked.

“It’s the result of our sect’s thousand years of research. The moment you stepped into this place, you were already poisoned. Without you even noticing, it disperses the internal energy in your dantian. It will take at least a day before you can gather your internal energy again. So, the fact that you will die in this place will not change.”

Sang Yeo-rak slowly approached Pa-cheon.

“You bastards! To resort to such a despicable act… I will not forgive you.”

Pa-cheon’s anger was immense. But what could he do? His internal energy had already been lost, so no matter how high his martial arts were, it was useless. Sang Yeo-rak slowly walked towards Pa-cheon, emitting a cruel murderous aura.

“Didn’t I tell you? I would give you the most excruciating pain in this world… I never thought you would show up here so willingly. I had also deployed another group of subordinates in the Henan province, but you unexpectedly came here. It’s truly unbelievable. If you had been moving, it would have been difficult to poison you, and our men would have suffered great losses. But your own arrogance made things easier… You never thought this day would come.”

Now, the distance between them was only two yards.

“Was this the Grand Master’s doing?”

“Huh?”

Sang Yeo-rak looked surprised.

“I knew the Grand Master was the mastermind behind everything… but I didn’t expect him to move so quickly?”

“Oh, really? So you expected everything, so you won’t feel wronged. Your subordinates will also be eliminated soon.”

‘If I’m in this situation… this is a big problem. No matter how strong they are, if it’s like this, they’ll be helpless. Even if they noticed beforehand, three people are not enough. I need to get out of here quickly and return to the Demonic Alliance…’

Even in this desperate moment, he was worried about his subordinates’ safety. It was truly unexpected for Pa-cheon, who had been using everything for his own purposes, to be worried about his subordinates.

“You were a fool. Not even knowing your own situation… tsk tsk. Or rather, you?”

Sang Yeo-rak, who had been clicking his tongue, finally looked at Dokgo-mu, who was standing behind Pa-cheon, and exclaimed in surprise. Pa-cheon, looking at him, had a question mark on his face. Without realizing it, he turned around and also showed a surprised expression. Dokgo-mu had returned to his original appearance, and Sang Yeo-rak had recognized him. He was the guy he had captured and tortured, so there was no way he wouldn’t recognize him.

“How the hell are you with the Heavenly Demon Scholar?”

Sang Yeo-rak’s cunning eyes darted back and forth between the two, looking suspicious.

“How is that guy, who should be in the Martial Alliance, with you?”

At his question, Pa-cheon was momentarily speechless. As his internal energy disappeared, Dokgo-mu’s transformation technique had been undone. One strange thing was that Pa-cheon’s transformation technique was still intact.

Sang Yeo-rak, who had taken a step forward, stared intently at Pa-cheon and then chuckled.

“Well, it’s all going to come out anyway, so there’s no need to rush. It wouldn’t be fun if things ended too easily.”

“Is that so? But… things in this world don’t always go as planned.”

Pa-cheon said those words with a smile. For some reason, Sang Yeo-rak felt a chill run down his spine at that smile, and at the same time, he felt all the hairs on his head stand on end. As if trying to hide his unease, he started to make his move first. The Golden Grasp Technique, which instantly grabbed his vital points, was truly exquisite.

It was at that very moment. Pa-cheon’s limp arms twisted with a subtle movement, like a fish swimming upstream, nullifying Sang Yeo-rak’s Golden Grasp Technique and instead striking his Jungbu [Middle Mansion] acupoint.

*Thud!*

“Ugh!”

With a loud crash, Sang Yeo-rak groaned and was thrown back three steps.

“Cough!”

He coughed up a mouthful of blood. He had managed to activate his protective energy at the last moment, but it had been a close call; he could have been sent straight to the afterlife. More than the pain that made his whole body feel weak, he was filled with confusion and disbelief at Pa-cheon’s sudden attack. He felt like he couldn’t think straight until he resolved this question.

“Y-you, you weren’t poisoned?”

“Hmph, did you think such a trick would work on me?”

Looking at his confident demeanor, who would think he was poisoned? The three old men thought the same. However, Pa-cheon’s inner thoughts were truly complex.

‘Damn it… I can’t gather internal energy in my dantian [energy center below the navel]. If those guys notice that, everything will be for naught.’

But how was he able to launch such an attack?

The whole story was like this: As Pa-cheon’s mastery had begun to increase, true energy had started to arise spontaneously from each of his meridians [energy channels in the body]. Pa-cheon had never stopped circulating his energy, no matter the situation. He could even do it automatically while sleeping. Gradually, each meridian began to generate energy on its own, without the help of the main internal energy from the dantian, and this was a new realm of power for Pa-cheon. The power Pa-cheon had just displayed was that very internal energy. The power remaining in the meridians themselves!

For some unknown reason, his dantian was not generating any energy, as if it were empty. So, Pa-cheon had secretly tried to generate energy from within his meridians. It was faint, but he could feel the power.

He slowly gathered that power into one point and released it through his palm in an instant. Normally, an attack like that would have shattered Sang Yeo-rak’s upper body, but the power Pa-cheon could muster now was only enough for an attack of this level.

Unaware of this situation, Sang Yeo-rak and his group believed that Pa-cheon was not poisoned and became wary. Sang Yeo-rak took a few more steps back and looked at the old men. They exchanged glances and seemed to be communicating through telepathy. Then, Sang Yeo-rak raised his hand. His subordinates, who had been surrounding them, moved in unison at Sang Yeo-rak’s signal. At the same time, Pa-cheon looked at Dokgo-mu behind him. He was now just an ordinary man who had lost all his internal energy.

He couldn’t let him die like this. At Pa-cheon’s glance, Dokgo-mu moved closer behind Pa-cheon.

“I admit you’re impressive. But… the fact that you’ll die today remains unchanged. Kill him!”

*Waaaaah!*

The warriors, shouting like soldiers going to war, charged at Pa-cheon. There were easily a thousand of them, and without a miracle, it seemed impossible to survive.

‘This is bad. A moment of carelessness has led to this absurd danger… I need to get out of here first.’

He drew his sword, looking at the subordinates of the Blood Demon Heaven rushing towards him. His face was even filled with a sense of grim determination. He was facing the greatest crisis since he had entered the martial world. Pa-cheon tried to circulate the internal energy in his meridians again. He could feel the flow of energy, but it was less than half of what it usually was.

“Haaah!”

The moment Pa-cheon’s sword flashed, three men who had been grinning cruelly were instantly cut in half, and before their bodies could even hit the ground, more men rushed in. Because he had to protect Dokgo-mu, his range of movement was limited, and the enemies cleverly exploited that. Pa-cheon’s sword seemed to multiply into dozens, scattering sword rain in all directions.

“Ugh!”

“Kyak!”

“Keck!”

The screams they let out awakened the quiet Yungjung Mountain, followed by Pa-cheon’s battle cry.

“Haaah, come at me, you bastards!”

Sword energy emanated from the Heavenly Demon Sword, sweeping in all directions. It seemed impossible to even approach within three steps. Watching him, Sang Yeo-rak was talking to the old men.

“That guy is impressive, isn’t he?”

“Hmph, does he look like that to you? That guy! It seems his claim of not being poisoned was just a bluff.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“Look at him closely. Do you think he would be called one of the Five Greats of the Martial World with just that much? To me, he doesn’t seem that impressive. I don’t know why, but it seems that even though he’s been poisoned, his internal energy hasn’t completely dissipated.”

“Is that possible?”

“I don’t know. No matter how strong one’s martial arts are, this shouldn’t be possible… It’s not logical. Perhaps he has mastered a unique internal energy cultivation method.”

They were not concerned about the deaths of their subordinates, but only watched Pa-cheon’s movements. After observing the power of his sword energy, the old man ordered Yeo-rak.

“Withdraw your subordinates. At that level, you should be enough on your own.”

“Yes, I understand. Everyone, step back!”

The members of the Blood Demon Heaven stopped attacking Pa-cheon at Sang Yeo-rak’s shout and quickly retreated. The only change was the dozens of corpses scattered around Pa-cheon. Sang Yeo-rak stepped forward, carefully observing Pa-cheon. There was blood on his clothes here and there. Of course, it wasn’t Pa-cheon’s blood.

“To withstand the Supreme Poison, you are truly impressive. I will personally fight you to see if you truly deserve to be called one of the Five Greats of the Martial World.”

Sang Yeo-rak’s attempt to boost his own prestige by taking advantage of his opponent’s crisis showed no sign of a great man’s demeanor. Pa-cheon’s heart was heavy as he looked at him.

‘There’s no way to escape from here. What should I do? With my current level of internal energy, I can barely handle that one guy. Moreover, the three old men behind him don’t seem to be below him…’

What should he do? Even if he tried to escape, they wouldn’t let him go easily, and he couldn’t do that because of Dokgo-mu. Was he destined to die here? Sang Yeo-rak smiled wickedly and charged at Pa-cheon. Even though he had a sword at his waist, he attacked with his bare hands.

“Take this! It’s the Mara Zhurong Palm!”

Red flames erupted from Sang Yeo-rak’s palm, emitting intense heat. Pa-cheon couldn’t afford to be careless and unleashed his sword with all his might. The sword energy, reaching three steps, collided with the heat of the Mara Zhurong Palm.

*Clang!*

“Ugh!”

Pa-cheon was pushed back, only stopping when he bumped into Dokgo-mu. Seeing this, Sang Yeo-rak became even more menacing and laughed cruelly.

“Hehehe, now, go to your end.”

Was it a firebolt falling from the sky? The flames that erupted from Sang Yeo-rak’s hand turned from red to bright blue and struck Pa-cheon directly in a straight line. Pa-cheon drew his sword downwards, creating sword energy.

*Clang!*

“Cough!”

Some of the flames broke through the sword energy and rushed towards Pa-cheon. He barely managed to dodge, but he was scorched by the flames in several places. Having already gained the upper hand, Sang Yeo-rak didn’t hesitate and quickly approached Pa-cheon. But Pa-cheon, instead, gripped his sword and charged at him. It was a desperate struggle, as if he was making a final stand. Sang Yeo-rak’s body seemed to blur and then disappeared before his eyes. Having momentarily lost sight of his opponent, Pa-cheon stopped and looked around cautiously.

“Hahahaha, so you weren’t normal after all.”

It was a voice from behind. Pa-cheon turned around and saw Sang Yeo-rak, who had already reached that spot, standing behind Dokgo-mu, gripping his neck.

“Y-you, you cowardly… bastard!”

Sang Yeo-rak mocked Pa-cheon, who was seething with anger.

“Hehehe, cowardly? I’ve always been like this. I won’t hesitate to do anything unscrupulous to get what I want. I don’t know why this guy is so important to you, but considering the hardships I’ve suffered because of his family, I wouldn’t be satisfied even if I ground his bones to dust. Dokgo-mu, isn’t that right?”

Dokgo-mu’s face was dark. He had already thought he had died once, so he had no fear of death. But if the opponent was Sang Yeo-rak, it was a different story. If his life was to be toyed with again by the enemy who had killed his father and put him and his grandfather through more pain than death for years… he would rather take his own life.

“You bastard! Even if I die by your hand, I will haunt you as a ghost!”

That was all he could do, curse him. Gradually, more force was applied to Dokgo-mu’s neck. His face turned red as the blood flow was cut off, and he had difficulty breathing, feeling a faint pain in his neck.

“Hehehe, how should I kill you? Hey, Heavenly Demon Scholar. If you abandon your martial arts and kneel and beg for forgiveness, I’ll let this guy live.”

Sang Yeo-rak raised his hand, and Dokgo-mu, whose neck was in his grip, was lifted into the air, struggling.

“You bastard! Let him go!”

As Pa-cheon tried to move forward, Sang Yeo-rak raised his hand.

“Uh-uh. Don’t be rash. The more you do, the more pain this guy will be in…”

Pa-cheon looked at Dokgo-mu’s face. His eyes were gradually losing focus, as if he was running out of breath.

He could have killed him instantly, but he was slowly inflicting pain. Sang Yeo-rak lowered the hand holding Dokgo-mu and slightly released his neck. Dokgo-mu gasped for air. Dokgo-mu’s gaze towards Pa-cheon seemed to contain a desperate plea to ignore him and run away.

‘Please, it doesn’t matter what happens to me, please run away. If the Great Commander escapes, he can avenge me, right? Please…’

“Please, run away!”

Dokgo-mu’s voice was enough to awaken Pa-cheon. But he couldn’t abandon him and leave, nor did he have the ability to do so. Looking at Dokgo-mu, Pa-cheon felt the presence of another person.

‘I’m sorry, Heavenly Demon. I couldn’t protect you… My arrogance has led to this result…’

Sang Yeo-rak was smiling, as if he was enjoying himself.

“Puhahaha, run away? Go ahead and try. A fleeing prey is more interesting to a hunter. Go on, run away. Oh, I see, you’re hesitating because of this guy? It’s very different from what I heard. I heard you wouldn’t hesitate for your own goals, but is that not true? Then, how about this?”

*Thud!*

“Cough!”

Sang Yeo-rak’s other hand was deeply embedded in Dokgo-mu’s side. He pulled out his bloody hand and wiped it on Dokgo-mu’s clothes.

“You bastard!”

Pa-cheon shouted and instantly closed the distance with Sang Yeo-rak, thrusting his sword towards Sang Yeo-rak’s unguarded upper body.

But as if he had expected it, Sang Yeo-rak dodged to the side and instead used Dokgo-mu as a shield. Pa-cheon had no choice but to deflect his sword to the side, and at that moment, Sang Yeo-rak’s palm strike hit Pa-cheon directly.

*Thud!*

“Ugh!”

He was thrown back, coughing up dark red blood. He was no match for him. The light of life in Dokgo-mu’s eyes gradually faded. He couldn’t help but feel sorry as he watched Pa-cheon being thrown back.

‘Your Excellency. You shouldn’t show such a sight. Please… I think I understand what my grandfather meant now. So that’s how it was. You weren’t a petty villain like this guy. A true demon! I still don’t know well… but I think so. Hehe, to go like this… it’s so unfair. A Central Plains where such guys run rampant is bound to be unhappy. If not you… who will wipe out these guys? If you show such weakness… who will avenge me? Grandfather… Seol…ran!’

*Thump.*

Seeing Dokgo-mu’s head fall, Pa-cheon, who was rolling on the ground, let out a cry.

“Dok-go-mu!”

He was dead. So absurdly… He had died because of his mistake. He was so angry. It was unfair. A rage that felt like his heart would explode surged within him, but he hated himself for being powerless.

To feel this way again… He hated it. He hated himself, and he cursed the world.

He would kill them. He would kill them all.

Sang Yeo-rak looked at Dokgo-mu, whose head was drooping, and threw him to the ground.

“Hehe, one is gone, and now you’re the only one left? I’ll send you to follow him soon.”

It was then that one of the three old men standing to the side spoke to Sang Yeo-rak.

“Yeo-rak! Stop playing around and finish it quickly. What are you doing?”

‘Damn old man! Playing around? You might think this is playing around, but this is important to me. Fine, I’ll finish it quickly.’

Pa-cheon, who had been looking down, slowly raised his head. Blood was flowing from his eyes.

“Huh?”

Sang Yeo-rak, who had been approaching Pa-cheon, was startled and stopped in his tracks. How intense must his emotional turmoil have been for the blood vessels in his pupils to burst? Was this what they meant by tears of blood?

“Hehehehe, yes, I will avenge you. Even if I have to turn the world upside down, I will… definitely avenge you. Curse me. I’m sorry…”

He was getting up. He was looking at Sang Yeo-rak with blood flowing from his eyes. Sang Yeo-rak felt a chill as he looked at him.

‘That guy! He’s truly ominous. He’s a jinx. I need to kill him quickly to feel safe.’

His conclusion was simple. Just kill him. Pa-cheon looked at Dokgo-mu, who was lying on the ground, once more. His eyes seemed to be saying, ‘Run away quickly…’

‘Yes, I will go. Not for myself, but for you, I will leave this place. To bring death to those who killed you… I will survive.’