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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
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“What do you mean you yield? It’s only been half an hour!”
“Has it been that long?”
“We could easily go for another half hour.”
“I apologize, but I’m out of internal energy.”
“Too bad. I felt like I was back in my youth.”
Had I been too focused on the duel?
I hadn’t realized so much time had passed. I wiped the sweat from my brow and looked at the audience. People were cheering and clapping.
Some were looking at me with admiration.
And…
“…She’s like a child.”
Hye-ryeong was waving frantically at me. I waved back and turned my attention to the Alliance Leader. He was still smiling.
“You’re going to be very busy now.”
“Perhaps I should have sent a letter anonymously.”
“Then the information wouldn’t have reached me. Assuming you’re telling the truth.”
“Read it and decide for yourself. I acquired it from raiding several Demonic Cult branches, so it shouldn’t be wrong.”
If the Alliance Leader was still assassinated after this, it would be his own fault.
I had done my best.
…Though, judging by the Grand Commander’s anxious demeanor, that was unlikely.
“You should act quickly.”
“I know. But more importantly, wouldn’t you like to work for the Martial Alliance? I can create a unit just for you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but…I can’t right now. I have things to do.”
“Hmm. I’ll give you a title, at least.”
“…Is that allowed?”
I hadn’t done anything for the Martial Alliance. I looked at him dubiously, and the Alliance Leader chuckled.
“Don’t worry about it. This is a small price to pay for securing your cooperation. You’re…opposed to the Demonic Cult, are you not? That’s enough to warrant the Martial Alliance’s support.”
So, they needed all the help they could get against the Demonic Cult. With the attack on the Haenam Sword Sect and the discovery of Demonic Cult branches near Wuhan, the Martial Alliance would be preparing for war.
Receiving their support would be beneficial.
Unless the world suddenly realigned itself with the original story, the Demonic Cult’s forces were significantly weaker now.
The situation was in our favor. We had to steadily prepare for war and further weaken the Demonic Cult.
Ideally, we would eliminate their main forces before they even reached the Central Plains, but…that was unlikely.
They weren’t easy to find.
“I’m grateful for the offer.”
“Come to my office in four days.”
“Understood.”
“Then, I must get back to work. Let’s spar again when we have time.”
The Alliance Leader turned to leave, his expression filled with regret. I left the arena as well.
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“Mister! That was amazing! You fought the Alliance Leader to a standstill!”
“We weren’t evenly matched. He was holding back.”
He had probably only used about 70% of his strength.
The difference in our aura reserves was significant, so my reckless charges, relying on Aura Armor, weren’t as effective. And with his mastery of various techniques, he easily countered my unpredictable attacks.
The Alliance Leader was the Alliance Leader for a reason.
I needed to become stronger.
“It was still an incredible duel. I doubt I’ll ever witness anything like it again…”
“Don’t exaggerate.”
A duel was just practice.
It couldn’t compare to actual combat. Though, the ability to exchange blows with various opponents without bloodshed was a valuable asset.
Perhaps this was the advantage of the righteous factions.
The Demonic Sects, lacking a central authority, were constantly fighting amongst themselves. And the Demonic Cult engaged in life-or-death battles as a matter of course.
The ability to train without bloodshed was one of the reasons why the righteous factions remained strong.
“Mister, what are you going to do now?”
“I’m going to rest. Then, I’ll talk to the Alliance Leader in four days…and then we’re going to Yunnan.”
“Yunnan?”
“Mokgyeong’s hometown. It’s time to…look for clues.”
It wasn’t just about clues. I had to take Mokgyeong to his uncle’s grave and the Yunnan Pill Valley’s secret chamber.
And…I had to eliminate the culprits responsible for the destruction of the Yunnan Pill Valley and find the real mastermind.
According to the original story, the Demonic Cult had destroyed the Yunnan Pill Valley for a specific reason. I had to determine if that reason was the same in this reality.
If it was, the future events would likely follow a similar path.
“There’s no need to rush. A gentleman’s revenge is never too late, even after ten years.”
“No, we have to hurry. If we wait too long…the clues might disappear.”
If I dawdled, the clues could be lost, and the Yunnan Pill Valley incident would become an unsolvable mystery.
I couldn’t let that happen, especially after making a promise to Mokgyeong.
“…Benefactor…”
Mokgyeong looked at me with gratitude. His expression was…intense.
I felt a sharp gaze and looked at Hye-ryeong. She was looking back and forth between Mokgyeong and me with a complicated expression.
She seemed bothered, but hesitant to say anything.
“So, Mokgyeong, Hye-ryeong, start preparing for our departure.”
And I should start looking for suitable horses.
I could afford them now, and horses were more efficient than Qinggong for long-distance travel.
I would also have to find a reputable horse dealer.
“Okay!”
“Understood.”
“Then, let’s return to the Haenam Sword Sect’s residence.”
I needed to wash up.
We headed back, attracting countless stares, but no one approached us.
Perhaps they were intimidated, or perhaps it was because of Hye-ryeong and Mokgyeong. I looked down at Hye-ryeong, who was holding my hand.
She had a deceptively youthful face and a…voluptuous figure. She met my gaze and smiled.
“Hehe. Mister, were you looking at me?”
“Well…yes.”
As soon as I spoke, she moved closer, pressing her chest against my arm. I wasn’t sure why she was doing this in public, but I didn’t mind.
Both emotionally and…practically.
It would deter any unwanted attention from other women.
Was Hye-ryeong’s status really that low?
She wasn’t on the same level as the daughters of the Five Great Clans.
“I really like you, Mister.”
“I know.”
“Are you blushing, Mister?”
“No.”
“Yes, you are.”
As we chatted, we arrived at the Haenam Sword Sect’s residence, where Elder Baek was waiting for us.
“Welcome back. I watched the duel. You were…impressive.”
“You flatter me.”
“If that’s flattery, then what would you call a complete transformation? There’s no need for modesty. Reaching the transcendent expert level at your age is a rare feat. Perhaps you have the potential to become a Grandmaster, like the founder of our Haenam Sword Sect.”
The founder…
If I gathered people and taught them my Arts, I would essentially be creating a new sect. I imagined myself as a sect leader, and it seemed like a lot of work.
I just wanted a peaceful life. I had no desire to burden myself with such responsibilities. If I were to teach my Arts, it would be to my children or a worthy disciple.
“I have no intention of creating a sect.”
“It was just a thought. Don’t worry about it.”
“By the way, where is everyone?”
The Haenam Sword Sect’s residence was unusually quiet. I was used to hearing the sounds of training and activity.
“Inspired by your duel, they all went to the main hall to request permission to use the training grounds.”
“Ah.”
I see.
“How could they relax after witnessing such an achievement from someone their age?”
“Indeed.”
“I’ve kept you standing for too long. Go and rest.”
“Thank you.”
“See you tomorrow.”
We headed towards our rooms.
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“Hero Wi?”
“Yes? What is it?”
“You…have a visitor.”
“A visitor?”
Visitors lately had been nothing but trouble.
Every single one in the past two days had been a nuisance.
Awkward encounters with women and unnecessary drama.
…And Hye-ryeong’s jealousy.
I had told them I wasn’t interested, but they kept coming.
“Who is it this time?”
“It’s…Seo-ryun.”
Huh?
I tilted my head in surprise.
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Was this dropped? Been an awful long time without anything updates.