Book 12 Chapter 12
The Duel Between Biryuyeon and the Twin Lightning Demons
- One Worthy of a Name
“Hey, what are you doing? They are not people you can handle! Come back quickly! Do you want to end up in a coffin before the sun sets in the sky?”
Chwiyounggeom Shinyuseong, startled by Biryuyeon’s sudden action, urgently tried to stop him. In his eyes, Biryuyeon’s actions were sheer recklessness. When Biryuyeon said he was going to have a brief discussion with the two old men, how could he, as a sane person, not doubt Biryuyeon’s state of mind? However, Biryuyeon was unyielding.
“Hey, Moyonghwi! Aren’t you a friend? Please, stop him!”
Chwiyounggeom Shinyuseong said urgently. But Moyonghwi quietly shook his head. He already knew. No matter how reckless the action, he could not turn back someone who had already set out.
“He won’t listen, even if you tell him.”
His answer was full of conviction. He had never once seen his friend reverse a decision he had already made. Moyonghwi’s gaze turned to Biryuyeon. His pupils trembled faintly, as if reflecting his confused inner self.
‘Even if it’s called courage born of recklessness! Could I really stand before them so confidently and without hesitation like my friend?’
The young man with the handsome features soon shook his head. It was too difficult.
“Hmph, someone who doesn't know their place! What can you possibly do by stepping forward?”
Maharyeong, who was unfolding a barrier with other disciples nearby, shouted in uncontrollable anger. Even she was confused as to why she was so angry. Tanglanggecheol! Wouldn’t it be easier to just die like a praying mantis blocking a cart?
“Hey! You idiot! Come back quickly! You think you’re so great!”
Despite Maharyeong’s sharp cries, Biryuyeon paid no mind, calmly waved his hand, and walked towards the center of the formation. What he intended to do was clear.
“So reckless!”
Yongcheonmyeong couldn’t understand his behavior at all. He was also puzzled as to why Maharyeong was so upset. What belief drove that person? He guessed that his skills were not ordinary, but that also depended on the opponent. Those were demonic figures who had spread immeasurable terror a hundred years ago during the Great Calamity.
In Yongcheonmyeong’s eyes, Biryuyeon was like a moth bathing in oil and then throwing itself into a furnace. Despite the doubtful stares of many, Biryuyeon did not stop walking.
‘No! Those people are too dangerous!’
Naye-rin could tell at a glance how dangerous those old men were. The oppressive aura emanating from the two old men, pressing down on everything, was no joke. Yet, Biryuyeon, as if unaware of this fact, fearlessly approached those dangerous individuals.
‘Biryu, please…’
In a corner of her heart, a seed of anxiety began to sprout. Naye-rin had never expected to feel anxious because of a man. Why did her heart feel so tight and suffocating? Naye-rin still couldn’t understand. Perhaps she didn’t want to admit it…
As she experienced worry and anxiety, Biryuyeon finally approached closer to the center where the four were facing off. The swirling killing intent at the center of the formation could be felt even from more than five *jang* away.
“Don’t worry too much.”
Eunseol-ran, who had approached at some point, lightly patted her back and encouraged her. Fortunately, she seemed to be unharmed in the midst of the chaos. Her gaze, like a calm lake at night when the wind held its breath, turned to Eunseol-ran.
“Do I look like I’m worried?”
Eunseol-ran smiled sweetly.
“Yes! You look very, very worried. Yer-in’s emotions rarely change, so anyone with a little keen observation can tell right away.”
Only then did Naye-rin realize that her mind, which was as clear as a still mirror (明鏡止水), had been broken because she was anxiously worried about his safety.
“It will be alright. Don’t worry too much. From what I see, he doesn’t look like someone who would die easily. Today probably won’t be his grave. That’s how I feel. A man who foolishly dies first and makes a woman cry is the worst! The lowest!”
Her voice was firm, filled with strong conviction.
“I don’t really plan on crying or anything…”
However, Naye-rin had to shut her mouth when she met Eunseol-ran’s eyes. She had seen the river of sorrow flowing in her pupils and the lake of grief formed by its currents. And soon, the two could no longer pay attention to anything else. Naye-rin and Eunseol-ran were so shocked when they saw Biryuyeon recklessly jump into the heart of the tempestuous, formless energy that they almost fainted.
This was what had happened just moments ago.
“…Who are you?”
Dongbanghak said, trying to conceal the shock he felt. Everyone, stunned by the boy’s (from their perspective, Biryuyeon was just a young boy) astonishing appearance, had unknowingly withdrawn their formless energy.
“I apologize for interrupting the fight…”
Biryuyeon began his speech, but he didn’t look apologetic at all. Someone with a heart full of regret doesn’t act so shamelessly yet confidently.
“In any case, I do have a sect and a master, so…”
“Is there anyone who doesn’t?”
Gongpae, with a large saber on his shoulder, shouted irritably. To be interrupted by such a brat was a matter of pride.
“What a noisy old man. Just listen to the end.”
From the perspective of Yeomdo and Binggeom, Biryuyeon seemed eager to provoke Gongpae’s anger.
“A, a noisy o, old man?”
Gongpae was beyond angry; he was verging on despair. Old man… it was a strange title he hadn’t heard in over 120 years.
“Because of that situation, I must enforce the sect’s precepts. I hope you understand.”
“What precepts are you talking about?”
Dongbanghak asked with an interested expression. However, instead of answering, Biryuyeon asked.
“Your esteemed name is Seomnoe Maggeom, is it?”
“That’s right!”
“And the two of you are a pair called the Twin Lightning Demons, aren’t you?”
Biryuyeon’s questions had a rather irritating tone.
“Ye-yes.”
Thanks to Dongbanghak’s restraint, Gongpae managed not to explode.
“To attach the name of lightning, the fastest and strongest power in heaven and earth, before it, you must have the skill to match. In other words, anyone who wants to use the name of lightning must get my permission. However, if it’s Bi-roe (Twin Lightning), that might be problematic. We never grant permission to both characters.”
“How incredibly arrogant!”
“It’s common.”
Biryuyeon remained calm as ever.
“But do you really have the right to do that?”
Seeing that Dongbanghak was still engaging in conversation instead of instantly decapitating him, he seemed interested in this unexpected intruder. He was curious about the absurd reason why this young boy had risked his life (though he didn’t seem to think so at all) in the middle of their fight. Conversely, Gongpae’s only interest seemed to be to sever that babbling tongue as soon as possible.
“Don’t worry. Our sect is very flexible, so we don’t unconditionally say no.”
“So, you are trying to test me now? Me, Seomnoe Maggeom Dongbanghak?”
“No. I am going to judge you.”
It was the same thing. However, the latter gave a stronger sense of looking down from above. Biryuyeon continued.
“Ah, and unfortunately, past reputations won’t be of much help in this test. There are no bonus points. Of course, connections like alma mater or acquaintances will also not be helpful. And bribes… hmm, that’s a problem that requires some thought. We’ll consider that based on the amount later.”
He didn’t say he would never accept them, even if he died.
“Ho ho ho…”
Where did that absurd arrogance come from endlessly? It was now beyond baffling, bordering on the mysterious.
‘He’s really going to do it.’
‘It seems so.’
Yeomdo whispered, and Binggeom nodded slightly. It seemed their young master was serious. However, both of them shared the opinion that showing that seriousness to many people would not be a good thing.
Yeomdo shouted loudly.
“All disciples of the Celestial Martial Academy, except for the Vermilion Bird Brigade, turn back and prepare for attacks from outside the barrier! Turn back!”
Most of the disciples, except for the Vermilion Bird Brigade, turned back at Yeomdo’s command. However, not everyone obeyed.
Seomnoe Maggeom Dongbanghak was speechless for a while, staring blankly at the absurd situation unfolding before his eyes, like a clown show.
‘Has my name also been swept away by the river of time?’
He had never imagined that the impermanence of time would come so vainly. But this little brat really seemed intent on fighting him. Moreover, he showed no sign of tension. He was so full of confidence that he didn’t even consider his own defeat.
“You truly have overwhelming spirit! I am impressed. At your age, to possess such spirit and skill is rare. Your talent is so exceptional that I can hardly believe my eyes.”
“As I said before, it’s common.”
“But your arrogance is too great. How can you navigate the harsh martial world and this cruel life? Don’t you know that humility is the treasure sword of everything? Humility is an excellent navigator, a powerful ally, and a magnificent weapon. You seem to need to learn more about this virtue of humility. I would like to introduce you to this lifelong friend.”
“I decline. I appreciate the thought, but I don’t need it.”
“Ho ho, don’t you know that humility is a powerful ally, but arrogance is the most fearsome enemy?”
“I don’t know. And I don’t want to know, of course.”
“Hahaha, good spirit. That’s how a young person should be. Ho ho… But what about this matter?”
“Is there a problem?”
“No, no! It’s just a small matter, but there is someone who is anxious to teach you that humility.”
Nam-ui said with a serious expression. His gaze flashed like lightning.
“Tsk tsk, well, I suppose. To care about other people’s affairs when you’re already struggling to manage your own must mean you have a lot of free time.”
“So, who is that person?”
Biryuyeon asked. He wasn’t particularly curious enough to want to know. But he felt it was polite to ask.
“That person with abundant free time is none other than myself!”
The old man smiled coldly.
“It’s not that surprising.”
“Tsk tsk, I told you humility is a lifelong friend!”
“That can wait until after you defeat me.”
“Then, shall I hear about the test method?”
“Hey, Hak! Are you really going to do it?”
Gongpae asked in surprise. It was natural. They had no time to play around with such a crazy brat. Yet, Dongbanghak seemed amused by this illogical brat. He didn’t know what part he found interesting, but he thought it wasn’t a good hobby.
“After hiding for a hundred years, all sorts of flies are flocking.”
Gongpae’s voice was filled with annoyance.
“Don’t worry. It’s just a simple entertainment.”
“Venerable sir, which face of lightning do you pursue?”
“I pursue the pleasure of chasing light!”
Biryuyeon nodded as if satisfied with the old man’s answer.
“So, have you achieved it?”
A condescending smile spread across Dongbanghak’s lips.
“Ho ho, to hear such a question from someone again. Living so long, I’ve experienced all sorts of strange things. I have never felt slow in any contest I’ve had until now.”
“Then, shall you show me if your boasted speed can compare to lightning? I will meet your pleasure with my own pleasure.”
“Presumptuous!”
“Common.”
Dongbanghak thought that the word “common” was being distorted too often by the boy’s mouth. It was a trivial thought.
“I’m asking out of curiosity because of an old man’s curiosity? Do you even know what you’re saying right now?”
“More than enough!”
It was a fearless answer. What gave that fellow such arrogance and presumption? To predict an attack using the opponent’s strengths! How much confidence would that take?
Except for the Great Prince, he had never seen someone with such courage at that age. Is it a dragon? Or a mud dragon (土龍)? The answer would come soon.
“If you are truly wishing for death, I will show it to you.”
“We’ll have to see about that.”
Biryuyeon grinned.
*Click!*
Two black dragon rings were released from his right arm and right leg and fell to the ground.
*Thump!*
“Let this falling coin be the signal!”
Biryuyeon took out a coin from his pocket and handed it to Yeomdo. It was the simplest yet most accurate way to compete in pleasure. Dongbanghak was dumbfounded. Biryuyeon’s action was a direct challenge to his speed. It was too disrespectful to be excused by mere interest and amusement.
“Do you really want to die that badly?”
“We’ll only know which one dies when the coin hits the ground. The coin hasn’t been flipped yet. Isn’t it better to avoid hasty conclusions?”
Dongbanghak was so flabbergasted that he didn’t even have the strength to reply. He even thought, ‘Has my status already been swept away by the river of time!’
“Wouldn’t it be better to commit suicide to save time?”
Biryuyeon just grinned.
“Then, let’s flip it now!”
Yeomdo nodded.
With a *ting-!* sound, the coin soared into the sky. All eyes surrounding them were focused on that single coin.
…*Thump!*
Finally, the coin fell to the ground. The two moved simultaneously. At that moment, light and life crossed paths in an instant.
A murmuring commotion arose from the surroundings. No one had properly seen their exchange of moves. Everyone was busy checking each other’s eyesight.
“Did you see it?”
“No, I didn’t!”
To Yeomdo’s question, Binggeom shook his head.
“Ho ho ho ho! Ho ho ho ho! Khahahaha!”
Suddenly, Dongbanghak, who had been silent, burst into maniacal laughter. His laughter, as if his throat would burst, continued wildly. The old man’s laughter suddenly stopped as if by magic.
“…What was the result of the test?”
The old man asked with a blank expression. The two were now standing in each other’s positions.
“With that speed, you are worthy.”
*Tuduk!*
Biryuyeon’s front was cut in a cross shape. Looking down at his chest, Biryuyeon said.
“I wish it had been just one change, not two. What a shame.”
“Is that so? I seem to have been mistaken all this time.”
Dongbanghak suppressed a smile.
“Am I accepted?”
Biryuyeon nodded.
“I acknowledge the name of lightning in your esteemed name.”
“Thank you. Now I can proudly state my epithet before King Yeomna.”
*Jureuk!*
A stream of blood trickled from between his eyebrows, tracing a red line down his nose, across his dry cheek, and to his chin, beginning to dye his beard red.
“What is the name of that move just now?”
“Seom-roe (闪雷)!”
“Ho ho, indeed! So, you broke me with my own name? A perfect defeat, nothing less. To die by the fastest speed… it is an honor…”
With difficulty, Dongbanghak finished speaking, and his body fell forward. The sword master who had made a name for himself a hundred years ago (even if it was a notorious name) ended his life here today. Binggeom, as a fellow swordsman, felt a complex mix of emotions. And Biryuyeon’s words and movements continued to linger in his mind. If he were in Dongbanghak’s position, could he have stopped Biryuyeon’s single move? The possibility was slim.
‘This won’t do!’
He shouted inwardly. He had to become stronger. He could never escape the bondage of his disciple like this. That was something he would rather die than avoid.
“Hak! Haaak! You, you bastard!”
Gongpae, his eyes rolling from the death of his only friend, swung his jaggedly bladed Jan-roe-do with brutal force, aiming at Biryuyeon’s waist. He still couldn’t believe Dongbanghak was dead.
However, Dongbanghak, with his face buried in the cold ground, showed no sign of getting up; he was already dead. Gongpae knew. His heart had stopped beating, and his blood had stopped flowing. He would never open his eyes again.
But Biryuyeon easily dodged. One strike swept past his waist, another split his head, and a third cut his neck, but Biryuyeon’s body remained intact and healthy. The three afterimages were the Phoenix Dance Triple Human (봉황무 삼첩인), dazzling the opponent’s eyes.
“You’re an old man who doesn’t know what fair play is. You shouldn’t act like that when you’re old. How will the young people around you see it?”
“I don’t need it. Die!”
Gongpae swung his saber again.
“What face of lightning do you pursue?”
Despite the wildly sweeping saber energy, Biryuyeon asked. But no answer came back. Instead of answering, Gongpae swung his saber with explosive force. Each time his saber was swung, the ground trembled as if an earthquake had struck.
But no matter how powerful a move, it was useless if it didn’t land. Biryuyeon was still dodging Gongpae’s saber by a hair’s breadth, annoyingly cunningly.
“I’ll ask again. What aspect of lightning do you pursue?”
Even while dodging Gongpae’s storm-like attacks, Biryuyeon seemed to have enough leisure to speak.
Then, Gongpae shouted like a madman.
“The strength to pulverize you in one blow. Ultimate strength.”
Then Biryuyeon nodded and said.
“Then, I will test that qualification.”
Saying so, Biryuyeon continued to dodge Gongpae’s saber in various ways for a long time with monstrous movements. Sometimes at his face, sometimes at his shoulder, sometimes at his left and right waist, the saber energy rushed in from all directions. But Biryuyeon did not counterattack. His right hand remained hanging down.
“This requires some preparation time. Please wait patiently, can’t you?”
Dodging a horizontal saber aimed at his neck, Biryuyeon protested. The blinded Gongpae couldn’t hear Biryuyeon’s plea.
Biryuyeon had to dodge seven more moves. Gongpae’s resources were starting to run out. Gongpae’s ‘殘雷三十六覇’ (Thirty-Six Hegemons of Residual Lightning), which focused too much on brute force, couldn’t keep up with Biryuyeon’s swift legs and flexible evasion skills that surpassed those of a vermiform.
Although it was a powerful martial art whose force was expanding the surrounding encirclement, it was useless if it didn’t hit. Finally, Gongpae assumed a ready stance for the final move of his ultimate technique, Jan-rae-beon-cheon-ji (殘雷飜天地). It was the most domineering and powerful move he possessed.
At that moment, Biryuyeon’s right hand, which had been hanging down, slowly moved.
Flying Lightning Saber (飛雷刀) Secret Art (奧義) Sword Qi (劍氣)
Chapter of Roaring Heavenly Mad Lightning (轟天狂雷)
Hong-roe (宏雷)
Biryuyeon’s sleeve fluttered, and a tiny silver droplet shot out from its shadow. It looked as small as dew on a morning blade of grass. And it was painstakingly slow. Despite its immense name implying incredible strength, the result was absurdly small, but it was as beautiful as it was small.
Gongpae’s eyes widened. He almost lost his grip on his saber, his entire body losing strength. Soon, a snort of contempt escaped from his nostrils, as deep and large as a cave. He didn’t even think of dodging. He just disliked Biryuyeon for playing a prank at such a critical moment.
*Swoosh!*
The small silver drop, shining like a tear of starlight, approached Gongpae at a maddeningly slow pace. It seemed too weak to compete with the river of strength and power. Gongpae, who had already assumed a ready stance, raised his saber, intending to cleave both the silver drop and Biryuyeon into two.
It was a blow with a tremendous force, as if Mount Tai were collapsing. Finally, the last move of Jan-rae-sam-sip-yuk-pae, Jan-rae-beon-cheon-ji, was unleashed.
*Kwaka-kwaka-kwaka-kwaka! Bang!*
As the silver bead-like droplet collided with the great saber, which had teeth as fierce as a shark’s, a roar that shook heaven and earth echoed. Who could have ever predicted such a thing would happen!
Yeomdo and Binggeom, with wide-open eyes, saw it clearly. A vortex, as if to swallow everything around it, swirled around the silver droplet that had collided with the great saber. Gongpae’s strained, contorted face, struggling to hold it back, was almost pitiful.
Gongpae himself couldn’t believe the immense weight hitting his saber, and he kept looking down at his hands and the saber. His beloved saber, which had never been damaged even after cutting through tens of thousands of lives, began to show fine, spiderweb-like cracks.
But this was just the beginning.
*Bang-bang-bang-bang-bang!*
Dozens of white lightning bolts shot out from around the silver droplet like wild beasts, lashing at Gongpae’s entire body. With a strong impact like a sledgehammer, his internal organs were dislodged, and his bones were broken. The massive Gongpae staggered back five or six steps.
*Chaenggang!*
Caught in the whirlwind of silver and the barrage of white lightning, Gongpae’s cracked saber could no longer withstand it and shattered. The pieces, shimmering like scales in the sunlight, scattered like fragments of a broken mirror.
“Kuaaaak!”
Gongpae threw away the saber, which was now only a handle, and staggered back five or six steps, covering his eyes. Blood flowed from both eyes. Some of the shattered saber pieces had flown at a strange angle and pierced his eyes.
“Since your eyes have only seen filth, they are no longer needed, are they?”
Biryuyeon, watching him, had eyes as cold as winter frost.
Gongpae’s appearance, after being savagely raked by hundreds of broken saber fragments, was utterly tragic. His hair was disheveled, like a prisoner on death row, and his face was covered with numerous red wounds left by the saber fragments. His clothes were torn and tattered here and there, and blood oozed from the exposed flesh.
Furthermore, several saber fragments seemed to have pierced his thighs, causing him to kneel and be unable to stand. And blood flowed from his eyes instead of tears.
Who would believe that one of the Twin Lightning Demons, who had spread so much terror and committed so many wicked deeds a hundred years ago, was killed by the hands of a boy, while the other was reduced to this humiliating state, kneeling on the ground. Biryuyeon looked at Gongpae with eyes like a judge of the underworld. Now, Gongpae’s life or death rested solely in Biryuyeon’s hands.
“You must kill him!”
Binggeom shouted.
“For the sake of the entire martial world, you absolutely cannot let that man go alive! That secret must be kept absolutely secret!”
Binggeom’s voice was even pleading. Biryuyeon hesitated for a moment. This was not his original intention. Since he had already lost his eyes, he had considered forgiving him with just one arm. If Biryuyeon had known what feelings Gongpae harbored for Naye-rin, he would not have hesitated at all. Biryuyeon was not the type of person to show mercy to someone who had no value in living.
Moreover, the meaning of this ritual would fade if it led to death.
If the person in question died suddenly, who would know that they had abandoned their epithets? As long as it was not known in the martial world, their names would continue as they were, wouldn’t they?
“What should I do…”
It was a problem to ponder.
As Biryuyeon pondered the life and death of one person for a moment, a black object fell at his feet with a loud noise. It looked like a round, black ball, and Biryuyeon had seen an identical object before in Huanmadong.
*Chijijijik!*
The sound of a burning fuse was heard, and smoke rose. Since there was no fuse, it was clearly a specially made lightning bomb (雷彈). And it could explode at any moment.
“It’s a lightning bomb, get away!”
People instantly moved away from the lightning bomb. If its power was comparable to Yama-roe, they could all be buried here if something went wrong.
*Kwaka-kwang!*
Finally, a deafening explosion echoed. However, it was only a loud bang, and there was no noticeable destructive power. Instead, a faint smoke billowed out.
“Deceived! This is a trick!”
Binggeom shouted. It was simple when you thought about it. When he thought about it again, the lightning bomb was too close to Gongpae. Even if the Thousand Calamity Spirit had an unfathomably deep and vast organization, they wouldn’t discard someone like Gongpae like a pawn on a chessboard. Yet, the lightning bomb was so close that Gongpae could have been pulverized by its explosion.
“Damn it!”
Yeomdo also cursed and rushed forward. He couldn’t let him go alive. He couldn’t inform the Thousand Calamity Spirit of the death of the Martial God. That would be too dangerous. Without hesitation, Yeomdo plunged into the billowing smoke, roughly estimating Gongpae’s location. He could feel a human presence. It was definitely Gongpae.
Yeomdo swung his saber towards that spot with a triumphant smile. He was sure he wouldn’t be able to dodge it with his legs.
*Cheng!*
However, Yeomdo’s attempt failed. A man in a blood-red mask, enveloped in crimson killing intent, blocked Gongpae’s path and intercepted his saber.
‘A master!’
Yeomdo recognized the opponent’s skill at a glance. The man in blood-red raised his left hand to stop Yeomdo, who was about to charge again.
“You’d best stop!”
A low but powerful voice.
“Mad! Do you think I’ll listen to your words…”
As he spoke, Yeomdo, taking a step forward, was startled by a sharp *swish* and retreated.
*Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!*
Six black spears were deeply embedded in the spot where Yeomdo had been standing. Their speed was faster than ordinary arrows, and their power was incomparable.
“As I said, you’d best stop!”
The unidentified man in blood-red spoke again.
“Hmph, how pathetic! Do you think you can block me with such toys? If so, I will personally educate you on how mistaken you are.”
Red sword energy blazed from Yeomdo’s saber. He now looked valiant and spirited, like a lion of flame.
Then the man in blood-red said.
“I warn you again. Do not act rashly any further. What you just saw was a fake to save this person, but my subordinates are eager to ignite and throw real ones from up there.”
Not only Yeomdo, but also Binggeom, who was ready to jump in if necessary, froze. If that happened, the most difficult situation would arise.
“Who would believe such a trick!”
Yeomdo roared.
“A trick? Then the one that exploded in the Huanmadong of the Celestial Martial Academy must have been a toy firecracker.”
“Th-how do you…”
“You should know the answer without asking such a simple question. Now, have you changed your mind? We still have 70% of our strength left. If you want to fight us head-on, we will fight you anytime. But if you don’t take any further action here, we will also withdraw. Without lifting a finger against you…”
“These insignificant members of the Thousand Calamity…”
Yeomdo cursed vulgarly.
“Hmm.”
Binggeom let out a muffled groan. He was cornered with a choice between two options. But he was in a situation where he could choose neither. At that moment.
“Then let’s do that. People should live by doing what they want to do! Isn’t that right?”
Yeomdo and Binggeom, and the man in blood-red, stared in shock at one man. A man who looked like a youth, and sometimes like a mischievous boy, grinned.
“Kid, who are you? You’re too arrogant to get involved here.”
Cheok-hyeol was far away and preoccupied with preparing for retreat, and the fog and dust were hindering him, so he didn’t know the exact reason why Dongbanghak and Gongpae had fallen. If he had known, he would never have acted so rashly.
Biryuyeon pointed to one side and replied.
“For now, let’s just say I’m someone who has a debt with that big old man over there.”
This was an introduction that Cheok-hyeol would not understand even after a hundred years.
“I still have a debt with that old man, so I can’t let him go like this. If all of you want to attack, attack.”
“You, you can’t just decide something like that…”
Biryuyeon cut off Binggeom’s protest. He seemed serious.
“Because it would be a matter of face if I couldn’t collect the remaining debt, even if blood flowed like a river and corpses piled up like mountains, I would have to sacrifice all of you.”
“…Such unbelievable audacity!”
The man in blood-red murmured.
“I’ll take it as a compliment.”
A deep smile spread across Biryuyeon’s lips.
[No. It is too dangerous. Let’s just let him go today. There will be another chance next time.]
Binggeom pleaded. This time, even Yeomdo sided with Binggeom. This was an extremely rare occurrence for these two, who were like cats and dogs. Because of Biryuyeon’s utterly absurd and unreasonable actions, they even abandoned the fact that they absolutely had to let Gongpae go. This meant the situation was dire.
Biryuyeon looked displeased. He seemed uncomfortable letting Gongpae go like this.
However, it was difficult for him, as a master, to refuse his disciples’ earnest pleas. This was perhaps what they meant by ‘a wart that runs catches up’. After looking at Gongpae for a moment, Biryuyeon turned back without a word.
As if they had been waiting, Binggeom and Yeomdo stepped forward. They breathed a sigh of relief, thinking it was fortunate that Biryuyeon wasn’t stubbornly insisting. They couldn’t risk the lives of the entire delegation on a gamble. And even if it was slightly exaggerated, more than 80% of his words were clearly true. Letting Gongpae, who knew a crucial secret, go was a painful decision, but now the safety of the disciples was the top priority.
“Alright. I will not touch you any further. You may leave now.”
Binggeom said through gritted teeth.
“Thank you.”
“What is your name?”
Cheok-hyeol, after hesitating for a moment, replied.
“My name is Cheok-hyeol! We will meet again.”
“It would be better if we didn’t. That will be your last day!”
Binggeom shouted towards the rising smoke. Cheok-hyeol, carrying Gongpae on his back, vanished like smoke before the delegates. Looking at the empty space, Binggeom muttered.
“Cheok-hyeol… was by no means inferior in skill to the Twin Lightning Demons.”
Indeed, what were their true identities and where were their bases? That remained an unsolved mystery.
And none of those present could have predicted how great the repercussions of the grave mistake they had made today would be.