Book 27 Chapter 2

碎魂毒匕 (Soul-Shattering Poison Dagger)

- Na Baekcheon Receives the Poison Sword

Preparing for Business!

"Is this the place?"

A middle-aged man frowned, looking up at the sign hanging above the closed inn's main entrance. It was the same middle-aged man with a black beard he had disembarked from the ship at dawn and melted into the fog.

The sign he was looking at bore the characters 'Heuk Sang Ru (Black Frost Tower)' in black ink. At first glance, it appeared to be a perfectly respectable inn situated in the middle of a bustling town's main street. As it was still marked as "preparing for business," no customers were visible. Without hesitation, the middle-aged man stepped inside.

'Eleven.'

As he expanded his five senses to scan his surroundings, he felt the presence of hidden individuals here and there. These were presences that an ordinary inn would not have, presences of those trained to kill their aura like predators before a hunt. Although vigilance was evident, there was no killing intent.

'What a shame. If they had shown killing intent, I could have annihilated them all…'

The middle-aged man wished this place was a trap set for him. That way, he could kill the attacking enemies in self-defense and wouldn't have to take on any more absurd tasks. However, the presences he felt around him were insufficient to ensnare and kill him. To do so, they would have needed ten times the number of people they currently had. He couldn't believe 'that guy' was foolish enough to not know that. That guy was truly mad, but unfortunately, not foolish.

"Guest, didn't you see the sign? We're not open yet. Please leave."

A server standing at the counter grumbled, not bothering to hide his frown. His attitude towards customers was utterly deplorable.

"This inn has a terrible attitude towards customers. How do you expect to do business?"

For a server, whose job it was to attract customers, to chase one away, and so rudely at that! It was preposterous.

"That's none of your concern. Please leave."

It was a clear dismissal. A smile crept onto the lips of the middle-aged man with the black beard.

"I am the guest you are waiting for. So, go and call your tower master."

At his words, the server's expression clearly showed panic.

"Th-that's impossible. The person we're waiting for is over a hundred years old…"

However, the server's words were cut short. It was because he saw a letter that came out of the middle-aged man's embrace.

"Do you believe me now? Or do I need to prove myself with my sword?"

He meant that if they didn't believe him, he could show them his swordsmanship. Of course, the price would be his life.

"Th-there's no need to prove anything further."

Only then did the middle-aged man with the black beard nod with satisfaction.

"Well then, shall I call your tower master now? No, there's no need to call him."

The middle-aged man said sharply, glaring at the wall behind the server.

"Does burying your head in the bushes hide your tail? Whether you hide or not, it's the same. Why don't you come out?"

At his words, the server's face turned ashen.

"Oh, my. Oh my. To think that the esteemed Na Baekcheon, leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance, who is over a hundred years old, would be so full of vigor and youth. We were quite surprised by the significant difference from the appearance records we have."

A stout man in silk clothes emerged from behind the wall, exclaiming dramatically. He wore a mask, and somehow, even the mask was made of expensive, high-quality silk.

"It's just a human skin mask. If a person has eyes and ears, isn't it a problem for someone like the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance to loiter around the Heukcheon Alliance's stronghold?"

This was a violation of about thirty agreements between the two sides simultaneously.

It was natural for there to be spies in crowded places. Moreover, from this point onward, it was the Heukcheon Alliance's front yard, and he was certain their eyes and ears were everywhere. This was because it was the same for the Jeongcheon Alliance.

"A human skin mask… it's too natural for that."

The stout man with the mask looked extremely suspicious, but Na Baekcheon completely ignored him.

"Human skin mask techniques have developed greatly these days. What can be done if your knowledge is limited?"

The black hair and lustrous black beard made him look no older than forty. However, this man was none other than Na Baekcheon himself, the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance.

"But I didn't come here to have such pointless conversations, did I?"

He couldn't keep dealing with mere minnows forever.

"Then I shall deliver the orders."

The silk-masked man's tone changed. Na Baekcheon's eyebrows twitched for a moment. Just a single piece of cloth covering his face seemed to overflow with courage. To be so intoxicated by such flimsy anonymity that his gall was beyond measure.

"Oh, orders? Do you know who you're talking to right now?"

Na Baekcheon asked deliberately in a relaxed voice. The masked man shrugged.

"Of course, I do. Aren't you Na Baekcheon, leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance?"

His attitude was completely devoid of restraint or caution. It was obvious from his demeanor that he thought, "What can this shrimp do to me? I have a hostage, after all."

Na Baekcheon let out a scoff.

"No, you don't know at all. It seems your head only contains the wisdom of a pheasant."

"What do you mean…"

Before the silk-masked stout man could finish, Na Baekcheon moved like a gale. In an instant, he grabbed the masked man's neck and roughly pushed him against the wall. He did so with such force that he almost slammed him into the wall.

"Cough!"

Unable to endure the pain, the masked man let out a groan, mixed with blood. In that moment, the killing intent of eleven individuals, presumably the stout man's guards, surged.

"Haaat! Don't move, everyone! If you don't want to die a dog's death!"

As Na Baekcheon's shout rang out, the eleven strands of killing intent that were about to move all stopped. Eleven people were suppressed simultaneously by the aura of a single person. There was no trace of the dignified leader of the martial arts alliance in Na Baekcheon now. He had transformed into a ferocious beast.

"Now, do you have some self-awareness? Do you know who you're talking to?"

His widened eyes emitted a terrifying brilliance. Those pupils burned with anger, projecting an aura that could subdue even a fierce beast. Without considerable internal energy, it was impossible to meet those eyes head-on. The glare emitted by a peak swordsman was like a blade, suppressing the opponent's spirit.

"Y-yes."

*Squeeze!*

He tightened his grip on the man's throat.

"No, you still don't seem to fully understand. Think again. Think harder. This is probably your last chance."

His voice was calm but carried a weight that pressed down on mind and body. It was infused with a subtle yet powerful internal energy, so much so that it resonated in the head as if he had heard a lion's roar. The stout man, unable to bear the pain, replied.

"Y-yes."

Only then did Na Baekcheon slightly loosen his grip.

"Good, it seems you're finally ready to talk. Now, shall we hear it? Where is your master, and where is my daughter being held captive?"

"Uh… I don't know."

*Crack!*

"Ahhhhhhhh!"

A rough scream erupted from the stout man's mouth. Na Baekcheon had twisted and broken one of his fingers. However, there was no need to worry about the scream escaping the inn. The barrier of energy he had spread around had blocked the sound from leaking out.

"Now, I'll ask again. I hope you'll answer more carefully this time. We'll start lightly with a single finger, but I don't want to resort to 'splitting tendons and dislocating bones,' so please…"

At the four-character phrase, which meant "I will cut your muscles into pieces and mix up your bones," the stout man turned ashen. His past habit of always bullying the weak and then coincidentally encountering someone strong had led to a brief period of adjustment. Or rather, the face in the drawing he had memorized looked completely different, causing him to forget for a brief, very brief moment who he was dealing with.

"Cough. I-I really don't know. Information like that doesn't reach lowly individuals like me. My only command was to deliver the instructions to you."

"Hmph, and your role is to monitor whether I follow those instructions or not, right?"

"…No."

"What?"

Na Baekcheon asked, frowning.

"…No. I am not an observer."

"That's hard to believe. Are you trying to fool me?"

"N-never. There's a separate observer. They'll be watching from afar to see if I successfully deliver the instructions and if you follow them."

"What if you are not safe?"

The stout man's eyes shook violently with fear.

"I-I will immediately report to the higher-ups that you have violated the instructions."

"Then what happens?"

"Th-that I don't know. I really don't."

Na Baekcheon infused more internal energy, twisting his bones and muscles, and the man let out another agonizing scream.

"Then what is your role?"

Sweat dripped down the man's pale face as he said,

"To carry out the instructions."

"Instructions?"

"Yes, my role is to briefly hold the sect leader's sword."

Only then did the force around his neck weaken, allowing the stout man to breathe properly.

"My sword 'Baek Rae (White Thunder)'? Why?"

Na Baekcheon's brow furrowed, creating deep lines.

"Th-that… all I know is that the sword must not be used to carry out the task. Instead, you can use this."

The stout man carefully took out a bundle of cloth from his embrace and held it out. When he unfolded the cloth, a dark dagger was revealed. It was a dagger that looked extremely unpleasant. He lightly drew the dagger, and the blade was stained black, as if dipped in something. It had a rough, ominous sheen.

"What is this?"

"It's called 'Swae Hon Dok Bi (Soul-Shattering Poison Dagger).' As you can see, it's a poison sword."

"Do you think I'm asking because I don't know?"

"No, that's…"

"Are you implying that my current skill is insufficient to face the Heukcheon Alliance leader?"

The stout man quickly shook his head.

"Of-of course not. It's just to ensure the task is carried out properly. That is the command I received. Please accept it first."

"…"

Na Baekcheon hesitated for a moment. This was a weapon completed with only the intent to kill and malice towards the opponent. It could hardly be called a sword; it was a murder weapon. His hand hesitated to reach for it.

"Please accept it. Only then can your daughter be safe."

"Don't you dare mention my daughter!"

Na Baekcheon shouted in a voice like a stern command. The stout man, flustered by the terrifying aura, quickly closed his mouth. His words were enough to make one's legs go weak.

"…"

Na Baekcheon pondered. He felt that if he accepted this, there would be no turning back. However, if he did not accept this hideous weapon, his beloved daughter could be harmed.

'It would be simple to subdue this stout man right here. The eleven hidden individuals are also not a cause for concern.'

But he felt that simply subduing this man would not end the matter. The opponent was quite cunning. And they knew very well what kind of person he, Na Baekcheon, was. They knew how he would act. Therefore, they knew how to be cautious. As long as that devil was watching, every move had to be careful.

"That bastard Ilcheon!"

The malice of his opponent was so palpable that an unbearable rage surged within him. He wanted to rush to Macheongak immediately and turn the place upside down. However, his actions were currently severely restricted.

'As expected, do I have no choice but to rely on that guy now…?'

If that guy, Bi Ryu-yeon, couldn't rescue his daughter in time, he would have no choice but to continue following the orders of that hateful person.

"Alright, I'll accept it."

Na Baekcheon roughly accepted the Swae Hon Dok Bi.

"Then, please hand over your white sword to me."

Na Baekcheon was reluctant to entrust his treasured sword, the life of a warrior, to another, but he had no choice and unfastened his sword, holding it out. The stout man, perhaps due to his previous scolding, politely accepted the sword.

"Don't worry. I won't trade it for candy."

It seemed this stout man hadn't learned his lesson yet.

"You still haven't come to your senses. Or are you curious about what 'splitting tendons and dislocating bones' means?"

As Na Baekcheon prepared to act again, the stout man waved his hands and said,

"It was a joke, a joke. Once the task is completed, I will return it to you when you come back to this Heuk Sang Ru."

Na Baekcheon lowered the hand he had raised. He had unexpectedly been forced to hand over collateral.

"You'd better keep it safe. If even a speck of dust or a single fingerprint gets on it, your head will be forfeit."

"Of-of course."

The stout man replied with an extremely polite demeanor.

"Until when do I have to do it?"

"By tomorrow."

It meant he had no intention of giving him any leeway.

"Of course, you'll be watching, right?"

"Even if you enter the Heukcheon Alliance, we will still be watching. Please do not let your guard down."

Although he said it politely, it was a clear threat. Na Baekcheon almost showed the stout man another lesson, but he restrained himself. Taking his anger out on such a petty individual would not help improve the situation. This was merely a letter in human form. It was useless to take out his anger on a unilaterally sent letter.

"What do I have to do by tomorrow?"

"Don't worry. We have prepared a room for you in Room No. 4."

He was being told to stay at Heuk Sang Ru.

"I don't want to stay even for a moment in such an ominous place. It seems like it will be an uncomfortable place to sleep. I'll find a place to sleep myself."

"You cannot."

"You're trying to see if I'll contact anyone else."

"Since you know, it's easier to speak. Please."

"Alright."

As long as his daughter's safety was not secured, even the formidable leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance had no choice but to follow the orders of a subordinate.

Entering Room No. 4, Na Baekcheon, after confirming there were no surveillance eyes, slumped onto the bed.

"Yerim-ah…"

His daughter's name escaped his lips with a quiet sigh. The ferocious aura he had displayed earlier was nowhere to be seen. All that remained was a father.

'And tomorrow…'

He had to make a decision between his daughter, placed on scales, his duty as the leader of the martial arts alliance, his dignity as a person, his life, and the stability of the entire martial world.

'Great righteousness to destroy kinship…'

In the past hundred years, he had never felt that saying weigh so heavily as it did at this moment.

'Can I truly destroy kinship for the sake of the greater good? Can I just watch my daughter, Rin-ah, die?'

When that final moment came, when all the time had burned away and only ashes remained, what decision would he make?

Na Baekcheon himself could not guarantee what decision he would make if it came to that final, final point. He himself did not know.

'Please, this guy!'

Although he wouldn't admit it, and never wanted to admit it, with his hands and feet tied, his only hope was the actions of that guy, Bi Ryu-yeon.

'But that doesn't mean I've acknowledged him! Don't misunderstand! Of course, I misunderstand!'

He couldn't possibly give his precious daughter to someone like that. In fact, it was Na Baekcheon's will that he couldn't acknowledge any opponent, no matter who they were.

But now, he had no choice but to trust in the 'spirit' and 'guts' that had boldly expressed their will before the great leader of the martial arts alliance and grated on his nerves.

Even though he felt extremely untrustworthy.

There was no other way. No other way.

* * *

"Gasp! Cough!"

Red blood stained the bluestone floor red. Was it all for nothing, despite being so careful?

"Ryu-yeon! Are you okay?"

Hyo-ryong cried out, his face turning ashen as he saw Bi Ryu-yeon spitting blood.

*Clang! Clang!*

In an instant, twin swords were drawn from their scabbards and touched Rakbio's neck.

"You cowardly wretch! How dare you poison him!"

However, Rakbio looked more bewildered than triumphant.

"Wh-who said I poisoned him? I don't do cowardly things like that! Didn't you just see me take the same pill as him? Look, I'm fine!"

He vehemently asserted his innocence. But to Hyo-ryong, it didn't seem credible.

"Who knows if you took an antidote beforehand!"

No, Hyo-ryong was certain that was the case. Otherwise, there was no way the robust Bi Ryu-yeon would be spitting blood immediately after swallowing the pill.

"Give me the antidote now!"

Hyo-ryong demanded, as if he would cleave Rakbio in two at any moment. The qi wave that erupted momentarily startled Rakbio.

'I thought he was a nobody who'd be blown away in one hit, but he's emitting such a force!'

An aura that seemed capable of cleaving him in two, despite having cultivated the Golden Diamond Rebounding Body Technique, emanated from his entire body. A chill that felt like it would freeze to the bone was transmitted from the two blades touching his neck. Cold sweat began to bead on Rakbio's forehead.

'Am I really being overwhelmed?'

He wanted to deny it, but he had to admit the reality. Just then, a hand touched Hyo-ryong's shoulder, who was raging and threatening to cut him into pieces if he didn't hand over the antidote.

"Stop it, Ryong-ryong."

It was Bi Ryu-yeon who intervened.

"Are you alright?"

At Hyo-ryong's words, Bi Ryu-yeon grinned.

"As you can see, not really."

"Wait a moment. I'll make sure I get the antidote, even if I have to cut this guy into twelve pieces!"

Hyo-ryong swung his twin swords with all his might. He intended to talk after chopping off both of Rakbio's arms.

"There's no need, Ryong-ryong."

Bi Ryu-yeon shook his head.

"No, why?"

"Because it's not poison."

With a face as pale as if he were on the verge of death, how could it not be poison? Hyo-ryong couldn't understand Bi Ryu-yeon's words.

"It's not poison?"

"Uh, it's just that the medicinal effect is too strong."

"What? What do you mean…!"

Without answering the question,

"Protect me, Ryong-ryong! My life is expensive, so guard it well."

And with that, he sat down cross-legged right there. He entered the state of circulating internal energy.

"Hey! Hey, friend! Are you crazy? We're in the middle of enemy territory!"

But Bi Ryu-yeon was no longer listening. With his eyes closed, he had entered a state of self-forgetfulness. Truly, unbelievably, he had actually started.

"Damn it! I'm going crazy!"

Meditating cross-legged in the middle of enemy territory. This was not something a sane person would do.

When is a martial artist most defenseless? Isn't it during the circulation of internal energy? No matter how strong a martial artist is, they are inevitably full of flaws during this process. Although Rakbio, the King of the West Sea, had admitted defeat, there was no telling when he might change his tune and order his subordinates to attack. Could he really defend against that assault then? Bi Ryu-yeon's life now depended on Hyo-ryong.

*Swish!*

Hyo-ryong raised his U-sword and swung it in a wide arc. Then, with the wind of the sword, a circle with a radius of twozhang was drawn around where Bi Ryu-yeon was sitting cross-legged. It was a surprisingly precise circle, as if drawn with a tool.

"This line is the line of life and death. Anyone who crosses this line…"

After looking around, Hyo-ryong shouted, brandishing his twin swords, which flickered with red sword energy, to his left and right.

"Will die!"

"Captain, now is our chance."

A subordinate cautiously approached Rakbio and whispered in his ear.

"Chance? What chance?"

Rakbio asked with an expression of not understanding what he was talking about.

"Of course, a chance to attack."

"Attack? What attack?"

Rakbio asked with a face that still didn't understand. At this point, the subordinate was even more exasperated. He should have understood after one explanation. Was this captain truly all muscle and no brain? The tenth squad member began to deeply worry about the fate of his unit. To revive the great cause with such a foolish captain, a subordinate as brilliant and worldly as himself was needed.

"Oh my, you're so frustrating. Of course, it's a chance to smash those guys! Just give the order. I'll turn them into a bloody mess in an instant."

"Bloody mess?"

Rakbio asked.

"Yes, bloody mess."

The subordinate looked at Rakbio with an expression that said, "I'm really smart, aren't I?" For a moment, Rakbio was puzzled.

Why were blue veins bulging on the captain's temples? Why was his expression so cold? However, the answer to that puzzle was quickly found.

"You fool!"

*Slap!* Rakbio's fist landed squarely on the subordinate's face. Hit by the captain's iron fist, the subordinate's face flattened like a pancake, and he was sent flying three jang away.

"Do I look like such a cowardly person? A match is a match! Defeat is defeat! No one moves until I give the order!"