Chapter 92

The Sword Master sighed the moment he sat down after receiving his juniors’ greetings.

“Anyway, Senior. Everything’s fine, but please just drop that ‘cutie’ thing. I’ve lived half a century now.”

Kwang-shin replied indifferently.

“What can I do? To me, you still look like the youngest.”

“I have more juniors now too.”

“Right. Congratulations. Our youngest now has more juniors. Hahahaha…”

The “youngest” Gwangshin referred to here meant the youngest among the renowned masters of the White Path who had participated in the Five Ridges Battle. The Sword Master was indeed the youngest at the time.

But the Sword Master of that era was one of the few masters respected by the White Path.

He was also one of the few undefeated swordsmen in the martial world. However, there was a story behind that undefeated record. Because there were great swordsmen like the Sword Saint and the Sword God, the Sword Emperor was not the greatest swordsman of his era. His seniors and juniors alike all acknowledged that they were one step below the Sword Emperor.

It was his tracking skills.

This was also why the Sword Master always traveled alone.

His lightness skills were so exceptional that he could flee from anywhere if the situation turned unfavorable. Simply escaping and vanishing would have allowed his enemies to breathe easy, but he would ghost-like reappear and launch surprise attacks.

It was none other than the Sword Master’s ambush.

By the time he had assessed the situation and returned, he had already studied the enemy’s martial arts and the characteristics of their techniques. He instantly reduced everything to ashes and vanished again.

Repeating this in the martial world earned him the nickname Iron-Blooded Sword Master.

How else could it be that among the countless men fleeing, the strongest man was said to be the Sword Master?

This was true not only in the Twelve Demon Swords but also in the Five Tombs War.

Even as this Sword Master neared his fifties, the title “Fanatic” remained unchanged.

The Sword Master addressed the fanatic.

“What brings you to the martial world? I thought I’d never see you again.”

Kwangshin replied.

“If I’ve returned to the martial world, the reason is obvious. Our darling junior has gray hair now too. Still not married?”

The Sword Master retorted.

“What marriage is there for a reckless man who lives by the sword?”

Kwang-shin asked.

“Still can’t forget that demonic immortal?”

“Who could forget Yoxian?”

Yoxian was a master who died in the Five Tombs Great Battle, the former Grand Disciple of the White Dragon Sect Master. That meant she belonged to the private residence of the current White Dragon Sect Master, Zhu Yanyue. She was a beautiful and powerful female master, with an exceptionally bright personality. She was also the object of many men’s admiration.

Kwangshin casually jabbed at the Sword Master’s weak spot, and the Sword Master responded as if it were nothing. The two knew each other’s vulnerabilities well.

The Sword Master addressed Cheolmyeongho, Baekyak, and Danwooseong.

“Tell me your names or aliases, juniors. I’m just called the Sword Master. I abandoned my name.”

When Yoseon died, he discarded his name too. He discarded many aspects of the life he had clung to. In a way, all that remained now was the Way of the Sword.

“My name is Cheol Myeong-ho.”

“Baekyak.”

The Sword Master looked at Danwooseong.

“And you?”

Kwang-shin introduced him.

“He is the disciple of the Sword King.”

The Sword Master nodded.

“Ah, so Woo-sung was your disciple. Pleased to meet you.”

Dan Wooseong found it extremely difficult to control his expression when his name was spoken in such a familiar tone by the Sword Master.

“I am Lee Jin-eon.”

“Lee Jin-eon? I’ve heard that name. Ah, so you’re the junior merchant the leader mentioned.”

Kwang-shin chuckled.

“How does he compare to Kwonwang?”

The Sword Master retorted immediately.

“Woo-sung was stronger than the world knew. But your disciple is remarkable too. Did you teach him as well, senior?”

Gwang-shin shook his head.

“No way. We just got along well because we both had shitty personalities.”

The sword master smiled.

“Of course. To get along with you, one must have a bad temper like mine.”

Kwangshindo acknowledged.

“Yeah, you’d need a nickname like ‘Iron Blood’ to be considered my equal.”

As Geomje held out his cup, Danwooseong poured him tea.

Gyeomje revealed an old secret even Dan Wooseong didn’t know.

“Wooseong kept challenging me all this time, but I deliberately didn’t accept.”

Dan Wooseong stared at Geomje. He hadn’t understood why Geomje had avoided him all this time, but the reason was now flowing quite naturally from the man’s own lips.

Geomje continued.

As you know, your master’s martial arts knew no moderation. He fought duels with the Kunlun Sect, breaking the arms and legs of several Taoists and earning their enmity. He also had a major clash with the Zhongnan Sect. How could that be called a duel? It was a brawl. Your master had many enemies even among the righteous. Above all, his martial arts weren’t suited for duels. Besides, neither Woo Seong-i nor I could claim to be the best in the world, so duels were somewhat meaningless. I never bothered to explain all this in detail, but now that he’s gone, I miss him and regret it. We were a difficult pair to get along with.”

The swordsman, his expression desolate, spoke with a hollow tone. Even after drinking his tea, he remained seated. His thoughts seemed to have sunk into the weight of the Kwonwang.

Dan Wooseong let out a short sigh while listening to the tale of a past life. The martial contest Dan Wooseong envisioned was one where combatants could die. Since even within the White Path, perspectives differed this much, he had no intention of declaring another’s thoughts wrong.

Dan Wooseong said.

“I’ve heard the same.”

The swordsman asked.

“Senior, would you care for a drink? Are you busy?”

Kwang-shin exclaimed in surprise.

“You drinking? You really have grown up. You who only drank water.”

The sword master said to Cheolmyeongho.

“Order me some liquor.”

After speaking, the Sword Master closed his eyes for a moment. Kwang-shin spoke as if utterly flabbergasted.

“That bastard is at it again.”

Gwangshin pointed at the Sword Master and explained to his juniors why he was closing his eyes.

“It’s called the Xiao Yao Eye. It’s a martial art that uses the Mind’s Eye. A rare martial art from the Immortal Way lineage. He’s distinguishing your qi with his eyes closed. They say it’s the most difficult martial art to learn in the Sword Master’s sect.”

As Gwangshin said, the Sword Master had memorized the energy signatures of Danwooseong, Cheolmyeongho, and Baekyak through his mind’s eye. Since each person’s energy form and shape differed, the Sword Master’s method of distinguishing individuals was truly unique. Once identified through his mind’s eye, disguises or disguised appearances were utterly useless against him.

After casting his spell, Cheol Myeong-ho asked.

“You see by closing your eyes?”

“Something like that.”

Kwang-shin let out a hearty laugh.

“That’s why crossing swords with the Sword Master brings suffering. It follows you to the very end.”

Gyeomje, looking somewhat startled, suddenly opened his eyes and looked straight at Baekyak.

“Hey, Miss Baek.”

Baekyak replied.

“Yes.”

“Are you the descendant of Lord Baek Moo-jin?”

Baekyak smiled.

“That is correct.”

The Sword Master looked at Gwangshin with a surprised expression.

“It seems something major is about to happen in the martial world. The balance between the White Path and the Dark Path has never tilted so heavily to one side. Twenty years have passed; it should have recovered by now. The ones I’m chasing—unlike during the Five Tombs War era—have grown more immune to blades. With you stepping forward and Baek Moo-jin’s successor appearing… it’s fortunate, at least. And you.”

The Sword Master looked at Dan Woo-seong.

“You’ve surpassed your master at such a young age. Woo-seong would be immensely proud.”

It was the moment when the Sword Master officially acknowledged Dan Wooseong had surpassed the realm of his past life.

Dan Woo-sung looked at the Sword Master and nodded. Far from feeling joy, his heart was complex and sorrowful.

‘So now I’ve earned your recognition, Senior. It took a long time.’

When the liquor arrived, everyone fell silent for a moment.

Dan Wooseong picked up the bottle first and filled Gwangshin’s cup. Next, he poured for the Sword Master, Cheolmyeongho, and Baekyak in that order.

This was also Dan Wooseong’s first time drinking with Geomje. Unconsciously, Dan Wooseong repeated his own name as if in a daze.

“I am Jin Eon.”

Geomje tilted his head, looking at him.

“Huh, didn’t I just say that?”

Danwooseong replied with a bitter expression.

“Ah, I forgot.”

When living centered around Eunha Sangdan, he hadn’t really cared much about names, but meeting someone he knew from his past life threw him into utter confusion.

The Sword Master scrutinized Dan Woo-sung closely as he spoke.

“You and the Kwonwang disciple have remarkably similar auras. I’ve often heard tales of you traveling to find disciples—your talent for recruiting them far surpasses mine.”

Kwang-shin’s eyes widened.

“Ah, haven’t you found a disciple yet?”

“I’m busy. Senior, there are so many bastards to kill.”

Kwang-shin stroked Cheol-myeong-ho’s head and chuckled.

“How about this one?”

The Sword Master looked at Cheolmyeongho’s fierce face and said.

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-six.”

“Give me your hand.”

Cheolmyeongho extended his hand, and the Sword Master grabbed his wrist, chuckling heartily.

“So you’ve just been picking up a few elixirs to eat, but you still haven’t learned the heart technique?”

“Yes.”

“You’re full of murky energy. At least you haven’t been drinking too much.”

“Are you a physician?”

“No.”

Cheol Myeong-ho pulled his hand away with a sullen expression and asked Dan Woo-seong.

“Why didn’t you teach me the meditation technique?”

Instead of Dan Wooseong, the Sword Master spoke.

“What’s the deal between you two?”

“We’re friends.”

“The Oryo Sect, a faction of the Kwonwang, only accepts one disciple. Since they take on a disciple to lead the next generation, it’s only natural they can’t teach their heart-mind technique to a peer. The age gap must be at least twenty years. It’s a single-lineage transmission—how could they possibly teach you the Oryo Sect’s heart-mind technique? And the same goes for me.”

Cheol Myeong-ho nodded.

“Ah, I see.”

Kwang-shin said.

“So, will you take me as a disciple, or not?”

The Sword Master grinned.

“Senior, you can’t insist on something like this. Still, recruiting a disciple isn’t exactly an ordinary matter, is it? I’m seeing this for the first time too.”

Kwang-shin burst out laughing.

“Hey, how many times did you swing that Three Calamities Sword Technique?”

“Thirty-two… I forgot. I’ll just start over from thirty-two.”

The Sword Master chuckled heartily.

“You did the Three Calamities Sword Technique thirty-two thousand times?”

“Yes.”

“That’s unusual.”

The Sword Master said, looking at Kwangshin.

“Senior, are you not taking on disciples?”

“With my personality?”

He considered teaching Cheolmyeongho the spear technique something not even worthy of being called a disciple. It felt more like he’d just taught him martial arts on the spot, true to his free-spirited nature.

The Sword Master asked.

“Ah, what about me?”

“······.”

The Sword Master and the Fanatic glared at each other before bursting into laughter simultaneously.

“Hahahaha…”

The Sword Master looked at Danwooseong.

“Hey, junior.”

“Yes.”

“From now on, I’ll call you Kwonwang.”

Dan Woosung replied that he understood, and then the liquor circulated once more. A short while later, the Sword Master asked Baek Yak.

“Young Master Baek, how many of the Four Great Mysteries have you mastered?”

“I have not completed the last one.”

The sword master nodded.

“Excellent. Excellent.”

Baekyak asked as if amazed.

“How is it that you know even the Four Great Arts our family cultivates?”

The Sword Master grinned.

“How could I not? My master’s master, that master’s master, that master’s… well, tracing it back, there was even one who sparred with Lord Baek Moo-jin. Our sect is quite ancient. Much like your family, you see.”

It wasn’t merely ancient; it could easily be called the oldest sect in the martial world.

This time, the Sword Master picked up the wine bottle and filled everyone’s cups as he spoke.

“Senior, may you live forever. Your coming to aid us juniors is a blessing to the martial world. And Myeongho, you’ve finished your big task.”

“Yes.”

“While I haven’t found a disciple yet.”

“Yes.”

“If you’re still alive, I’ll consider it then.”

“Huh?”

First, Cheolmyeongho must survive.

And while surviving, the Sword Master must not have found a disciple.

And he must complete a major task before he would accept me as a disciple. Truly, the obstacles were many.

Cheolmyeongho accepted the wine with both hands, bowing respectfully, and asked again.

“No, Senior. If you don’t want to accept, just say so.”

“Hahaha.”

This time, everyone burst out laughing at Cheolmyeongho’s words. Though they were a motley crew gathered for drinks—varying in age, with no shared life experiences, and differing views—the atmosphere wasn’t bad.

After filling his own cup, the Sword Master raised his goblet and gazed intently at Danwooseong.

“Your master’s enemy is also my enemy. I had hoped to share a drink with the King of Swords when I was older, but that opportunity was taken from me. You must drink this wine with me today instead.”

Dan Woosung raised his cup and replied.

“Once I’ve resolved the great matter, saved my disciples, and no longer have cause to fret over this martial world, I will challenge you once on behalf of my master. Accept my challenge then.”

As the crowd watched the Sword Master, he silently drank his wine. He stared intently at Danwoo Seong, then rose from his seat and drew his sword before everyone’s eyes.

It was such a sudden action that everyone fell silent.

Pointing his sword at Dan Woosung, the Sword Master declared.

“Do you think I trained in swordsmanship to defeat you? No.”

This time, the Sword Master brazenly aimed his sword at the fanatic.

“Did I train in swordsmanship to defeat you, senior? Not at all.”

The swordsman smiled faintly, then spoke as he lightly swung his sword.

“We are swordsmen who flee and flee again. Swordsmen who survive and rise anew. Men who can ease the loneliness gained through endurance merely by gazing at the moonlight… But because we live, the Demon Realm will become a dreamlike thing…”

Kwang-shin burst out laughing and slapped his knee.

“Junior, are you drunk?”

The Sword Master backed away as he spoke.

“I’m drunk because I can’t hold my liquor. Senior, and juniors. I will flee again. Let us meet again, alive.”

As the Sword Master unleashed his lightness skill, he shot forward as if caught in a sudden gust of wind, soon becoming a whirlwind that vanished into the wilderness. He was a man with a unique charm distinct from madness. While Cheolmyeongho, Danwooseong, and Baekyak were marveling at the Sword Master’s extraordinary bearing, Kwangshin spoke as if breaking through a mountain pass.

“He really is a darling, you know. Just like when he was a kid.”

Cheol Myeong-ho seemed utterly moved.

“So that’s what a swordsman is like. Where is the sect?”

Kwang-shin muttered.

“Well, I suppose they might be descendants of the sword immortal Lü Dongbin. Those fellows—whether master or disciple—are all cut from the same cloth. Only their aliases change, but their deeds always warrant the title ‘sword immortal.’ When times are peaceful, they live as immortals; when demonic forces swarm, they appear as emperors.”

Dan Woo-sung stared for a long time at the spot where the Sword Master had vanished. Only then did his long-held misunderstanding about the Sword Master finally clear away.

ⓒ Yoo Jin-seong