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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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Why was it called the Three-Step Sword Technique?
Because it contained concise sword forms designed to defeat an opponent within three steps.
The limited distance and time constraint of three steps made each form incredibly efficient.
So concise that it was difficult to even perceive the movements.
Therefore, the Three-Step Sword Technique contained no feints or deceptive maneuvers. It simply cut down the opponent.
‘It’s more difficult to apply than I thought. This must be an advanced technique.’
Despite being incomplete, the Three-Step Sword Technique was still beneficial.
Conciseness.
Longsword techniques also emphasized concise movements.
As did most martial arts.
‘Ox.’
William’s sword moved in a circular motion, gently pushing aside Mokgyeong’s blade. Mokgyeong tried to break free, but his skill was no match for William’s.
As if preordained, William’s sword naturally deflected Mokgyeong’s attack, completing a semicircle, and he stepped forward.
‘This is…transcendent expert level. An unfathomable realm.’
Longing flickered in Mokgyeong’s eyes.
William didn’t miss it.
He responded by sliding his sword along Mokgyeong’s neck and pressing the tip against his throat.
“…I yield.”
“A good match.”
“Thank you for sparring with me.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“For a martial artist, the opportunity to spar with a superior opponent is a blessing.”
What did a martial artist need to overcome their limitations?
Some might say luck.
Others might say trials.
And some might say experience. For Mokgyeong, William was a combination of all three.
A superior opponent, a transcendent expert, offering to spar was a rare opportunity.
Most transcendent experts were reluctant to exert themselves.
William’s youth was also a significant advantage.
He was still young enough to prioritize growth over self-preservation.
‘If he keeps his promise and helps me with my revenge…’
Even the assistance of a peak expert would be a cause for celebration, let alone a transcendent expert.
Mokgyeong’s heart pounded as he looked at the man before him, one of the strongest martial artists in the world.
“Your swordsmanship has become even sharper.”
“You flatter me. I’m more impressed by your progress, Hero Wi.”
“I’ve been trying to reduce my killing intent since my visit to Mount Wudang, but I’m not sure how successful I’ve been.”
Reducing killing intent.
Easier said than done.
His experiences on the battlefield were the source of his strength, but also his shackles.
However, heeding the True Immortal’s advice, he was making an effort.
‘Can a killing sword prevail against the ultimate embodiment of killing intent?’
The Heavenly Demon’s martial arts were built upon a foundation of countless slaughters.
William recalled the Heavenly Demon’s brief but terrifying display of power in the original story and sheathed his sword.
“…Hero Wi. May I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Where are you headed?”
“In reality? Or ideally?”
“…Both.”
“In reality, I want to live well. Ideally, I want to reach a higher level.”
He had overcome the barrier to the master level.
So, aiming for grand master wasn’t a bad choice.
William thought of the grand masters of Europe, of whom there were only three.
Aurelius, the master of Roman swordsmanship.
Rodrigo, the greatest knight.
And Theogenes, the grand master of the Greek martial arts.
While he had never met them, they were his ideal role models. The martial artists of the Murim pursued different paths.
“Higher…you aim to surpass the transcendent expert level?”
“Of course.”
“I believe you can achieve it, Hero Wi.”
William smiled wryly at Mokgyeong’s words and nodded.
“You can reach that level as well.”
“…How could I? I’m still a novice who hasn’t even broken through to the next level.”
“Perhaps…”
William stopped and looked at Hye-ryeong, who was approaching. As always, she handed him a towel, then offered one to Mokgyeong as well.
Her demeanor was slightly less enthusiastic towards Mokgyeong, but it wasn’t a big deal.
“Good work!”
“Thank you. Hye-ryeong, has anyone come looking for me?”
“Um…I don’t think so.”
‘I thought Zhuge Xian-shang would have arrived by now. Is he still busy?’
“Hero Wi! Young Master Zhuge is here!”
“Let him in and tell him to wait!”
At the servant’s announcement, William quickly wiped his face with the towel and turned. He couldn’t meet a guest in his current state, so he decided to wash up quickly.
He turned to Mokgyeong before heading towards the bathhouse.
“We’re short on time. Want to bathe together?”
“I-it’s fine…”
Mokgyeong’s face flushed crimson at the unexpected invitation.
“No!”
Hye-ryeong shouted, her voice filled with indignation. William tilted his head, confused by her reaction.
“Why are you so upset?”
“Y-you can’t do that!”
“Alright, alright. I’ll go wash up first. Mokgyeong, you can get ready while I’m gone.”
“Understood…”
‘Why is she so flustered?’
William shrugged and headed towards the bathhouse.
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“It’s been a while.”
“It’s only been four days.”
“Four days is a long time when we live less than thirty li apart.”
Was it?
“Well…never mind. What about the information?”
“First, regarding the Seongcheon Merchant Guild, while it’s not confirmed whether they possess the Three-Step Sword Technique, there are rumors that they’re planning to auction off a famous master’s secret manual.”
Were they planning to sell the Three-Step Sword Technique?
Or…were they looking for the second half?
They couldn’t possibly be unaware of the hidden chamber, but perhaps they assumed someone had taken the second half.
Well, that wasn’t important right now.
“What about the Yunnan Pill Valley?”
“It appears the Bloodfang Gang was responsible for the destruction of the Yunnan Pill Valley, but…there are some inconsistencies.”
“Inconsistencies?”
“While the Yunnan Pill Valley wasn’t a large sect, it wasn’t weak enough to be destroyed by a mere Demonic Cult gang. The Bloodfang Gang has no peak experts, but the leader of the Yunnan Pill Valley was Bai-hwa-geom, one of the Seven Swords of Yunnan.”
“So, there’s another party involved?”
“Indeed.”
His information network was better than I thought. Zhuge Xian-shang’s answer was almost identical to the information from the original story.
My request regarding the Yunnan Pill Valley had been a test of his information gathering abilities.
“Do you have any idea who it might be?”
“I have a few suspects, but I can’t understand their motive. The Yunnan Pill Valley wasn’t a significant target. They weren’t one of the Nine Great Sects, their reputation wasn’t particularly noteworthy, and they didn’t have many enemies.”
Zhuge Xian-shang looked at his teacup, his expression troubled.
“…Well, if it were that obvious, we would have known already. In any case, there’s something fishy about the destruction of the Yunnan Pill Valley, so I’d like you to investigate further.”
“For that, the Hao Clan would be a better resource. Since the Bloodfang Gang was ostensibly responsible, the Hao Clan, with its connections to the Demonic Cult, would have more relevant information.”
“Aren’t they expensive?”
“Surely, Hero Wi, you can afford their fees.”
True, considering the value of a transcendent expert, it wasn’t unreasonable.
Zhuge Xian-shang’s words made me realize the significance of my breakthrough.
“Well…fine. Did you find a way for me to meet with the Martial Alliance Leader?”
“I’ve gathered information, but…there’s no conventional way to meet him privately. As the Alliance Leader, his safety is paramount.”
“Surely, someone of his level wouldn’t be threatened by ordinary assassins.”
He was a transcendent expert himself.
“But even the Alliance Leader is human. He’s bound to have vulnerabilities.”
“I see…so, there’s no normal way to meet him?”
“Correct. Not through conventional means.”
There was no ordinary way to meet him privately.
Which meant there might be an extraordinary way.
“So, what is it?”
“Challenge him to a duel. A succession duel.”
An unexpected answer.
“Simple.”
I smiled and nodded.
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