Chapter 315. Stand off (One Step Forward, One Step Back) (2)

Gulp.

A dry swallow traveled down So Yu-myeong’s throat. The past few days of being utterly defeated by Jin-hyuk to the bone had now led him to fear Jin-hyuk more than So Yu-hyeon. Especially after witnessing the formidable high-level expert Cheon Yoo-seong being stripped of his soul before Jin-hyuk, So Yu-myeong’s fear was beyond imagination.

‘If I antagonize that man, I might as well beg to be killed instead.’

So Yu-myeong instinctively felt it. If there was a person in the world you should never provoke…

It was that demon.

At that moment, Jin-hyuk’s lips subtly moved.

-‘Say one more unnecessary word and you’re dead.’

Shivers!

Chills ran down So Yu-myeong’s entire body.

“Yes, that’s absolutely correct. I assure you, I didn’t use any strange methods, and I saw him behead that man with martial arts that seemed to be learned outside the Tower. You can trust me. Yes, absolutely!”

So Yu-myeong nodded as emphatically as anyone could.

“Yu, Yu-myeong?”

So Yu-hyeon’s eyes widened in surprise. His disciple had always been calm and composed. But now this frivolous demeanor was completely unexpected.

“A top disciple from the Mudo Faction behaving so oddly today… “

“Among the young dragons, he was a talent with great potential, but it seems the fight with the Cheonma Sin Sect has been fierce.”

“Are you saying he’s been terrified?”

“Hehehe. Amitabha.”

The other faction leaders looked incredulously at So Yu-myeong. However, So Yu-myeong paid no attention to their gazes. Of course, they would not sneak into his bedchamber with a sword tonight or force him to eat abominable food and watch him squirm in pain.

“On my name, I promise you. That man… no, that person is neither a spy of the Cheonma Sin Sect nor trying to deceive us.”

So Yu-myeong asserted once more.

Solely filled with the thought that he must survive.

＊＊＊

So Yu-myeong’s testimony made things go smoothly. Who would dare to argue when the top disciple of the Mudo Faction had vouched for Jin-hyuk? To doubt his words was akin to doubting the entire Mudo Faction. Many looked down on the situation with distaste, but at least they couldn’t openly show hostility.

“Ha-ha, what’s all this about… I will surely use this very well. Stop being foolish and just hand it over. That goes for you over there, too.”

In the end, five treasures vanished from the martial arts alliance’s temporary treasury.

Jin-hyuk had personally gone to the storeroom to select the treasures he wanted. Although only taking five felt regrettable, it was a fairly decent outcome.

‘I’ve really feasted my eyes this time.’

Returning to the personal accommodation provided by the Open Faction, Jin-hyuk immediately laid out the treasures on the bed. Among them, a longsword with a blade as white as snow caught his eye.

[Floral Sword of the Destroying Blossom]

Attack power: 26,400

Durability: 5,000 / 5,000

Description: The sword, forged from everlasting steel, is granted only to those who carry the title of the Blossom Sword Master. As long as the wielder’s will is unbroken, the sword will never shatter.

Normally, the Floral Sword of the Destroying Blossom would have been unobtainable, for the Hwasa sect would rather face their destruction than relinquish their pride. However, if the sword’s fate is tied to the future of the entire martial arts world rather than just the Hwasa sect, could anything weigh more heavily than that one sword?

That answer now lay in his hand.

Swish!

Jin-hyuk drew the sword from its scabbard. An eye-blinding light emitted from the blade.

‘The rumors that someone without internal power could manifest sword energy was true.’

It felt weightless, and the balance was beyond perfect, naturally inspiring awe. In addition, the ‘Ja So Dan’ from the Mudo Faction and ‘Unrobaek-ui (Cloud Path White Garment)’ from the Gonryun Faction were rare treasures not easily found.

First, the Ja So Dan, when consumed, increased one’s magical power by 75 stats, equivalent to increasing one’s level by 25. It was easy to see why the Mudo Faction treated it so preciously. In contrast, the Unrobaek-ui increased movement speed by 30% and had rebounding properties capable of deflecting common sword energies.

‘They surely wouldn’t have willingly given up all this.’

Once the immediate crisis was quelled, they would bare their fangs, seeking to reclaim their lost swords and artifacts. It’s human nature to boil alive a hunting dog that outlived its usefulness.

Jin-hyuk had already glimpsed the murderous intent in Ha Ryeo-hwa and Danmok-il’s eyes. However…

‘How cute. They’re trying hard to think with their limited brains.’

The future they envisioned for themselves would never come to pass. The last one to laugh in this political struggle had already been decided.

Jin-hyuk activated his personal status window.

Ding!

Name: Kang Jin-hyuk

Gender: Male

Age: 28

Level: 125

Strength 109, Agility 58, Stamina 67, Magic 294, Gap 100, Luck 10, Adaptive Type 78, Esprit 84.91

Available stat points: 9

Available coins: 11,315,520

Occupation: Ruler of Runes

Unique abilities: ‘Fusion’, ‘Sword Tomb’, ‘Star’s Blessing’, ‘Anubis’s Judgment’, ‘Blood Devil Qi’, ‘Mandala’, ‘1 Second Invincibility’, ‘Thousand Poison’, ‘White Tiger’, ‘Divine Sharing’, ‘Sanctuary of the Sun’, ‘Black Heavenly Demon Emperor Technique’, ‘Triple Magic’, ‘Titan’s Blow’, ‘Dragon’s Breath’, ‘Swift Sword’, ‘Tombgrave’s Right Arm’, ‘Berserker’, ‘Domain of the Wind’, ‘Shadow Extreme Kill’, ‘Blood Explosion’, ‘Black Tears’, ‘Tombgrave’s Leg’, ‘Monstrous Strength’, ‘Core of the Legion’, ‘Ancient Barrier’

First, he had to allocate the stats obtained from dealing with the Devil Sorcerer.

‘It’s getting harder to level up even after dealing with such strong foes.’

Clearly, the experience required to level up had skyrocketed.

[Agility has increased from 58 to 67!]

Jin-hyuk invested all his received stats into agility. Considering the characteristics of the Demon Child, it was necessary to increase his reaction and movement speed.

Next…

Jin-hyuk’s gaze fell upon a red-tinted elixir.

‘Ja So Dan’

An elixir with outstanding effects for boosting inner power.

‘So Yu-hyeon gave me this because he thought I couldn’t possibly consume it.’

The methods for consuming highly effective elixirs were vital; recklessly downing one could lead to energy backfiring, madness, or even turning into a cripple.

“Phew.”

After steadying his breath, Jin-hyuk placed the Ja So Dan in his mouth. Contrary to its solid appearance, the pill melted instantly upon contact with his tongue. A pleasant aroma filled his mouth.

[The level 7 ‘Genuine Taecheonghwang Simbeop’ is activated!]

A searing heat orbited through his gullet and roared within. This was the crucial moment. Seated in a lotus position, Jin-hyuk cultivated the absorbed energy. A meticulous process where the slightest error was impermissible. Only when the technique and energy perfectly merged could the Ja So Dan be converted fully into magic power.

Of course, Jin-hyuk had absorbed much deadlier poisons, so he wasn’t intimidated by the likes of this.

Kukukuku!

The refined energy grew more turbulent. His neck and back were drenched in cold sweat.

After some time…

[Your magic power has increased by 75!]

Scorching heat, as if swallowing molten iron, vanished like a lie. The magic power was completely absorbed.

‘…Huh.’

Perhaps it was because it was equivalent to a 25-level increase, but it felt very different compared to when he raised agility. It’s as if…

His senses, even his energy perception, had become sharper. The faint buzzing of insects, the flurry of a mouse on the ceiling, and…

The sound of someone filled with rage rushing towards the door also rang clear.

Eh? Someone filled with rage?

Just as Jin-hyuk tilted his head, he swiftly leaped into motion.

Kwaang!

The door exploded into fragments with a thunderous roar.

“I finally found you, you bastard! Thinking of beheading you has got me through this ordeal.”

Cheon Yoo-seong brandished his sword, releasing a fierce murderous intent. Despite his battered body, he still retained the strength to wield his sword.

“Yoo-seong, I’m truly… truly glad you’re safe. The thought of something happening to you… kept me awake at night… sob.”

With a handkerchief suddenly in hand, Jin-hyuk wiped his eyes as if moved to tears.

“Quit that pathetic act… Do you think I’ll forget how you cornered me with your atrocities!”

Rumble!

Blue energy surged around Cheon Yoo-seong’s sword. His intentions were clear; he was intent on a kill.

“Now, now, to corner you? I prepared all this for you, yet you speak such harsh words?”

Hesitation.

Cheon Yoo-seong, who had raised his sword high, froze in place.

“The Floral Sword of the… you’re giving it to me?”

Cheon Yoo-seong barely had desires, but he had a peculiar obsession with swords. Having possessed no substantial weapons since his attribute sword, acquiring a good one had been his top priority. And being offered one of the best swords in the martial arts…

His boiling rage subsided in an instant. The conviction to kill or be killed was forgotten.

Jin-hyuk teasingly waved the carved blossomed sword in front of Cheon Yoo-seong’s eyes.

“Do you want it? Huh? Sublime swords like this aren’t found in your house, are they?”

“…”

Whoosh!

Just as Cheon Yoo-seong reached out to grab the sword, Jin-hyuk quickly pulled it back.

Swish! Swipe!

Cheon Yoo-seong swiftly reached out for the sword again, but Jin-hyuk was slightly quicker.

“Ck! After promising to give it, what do you call this trick!”

“I’ll give it to you. Really, just one thing you have to do beforehand.”

“Another outrageous demand? I will not partake in anything that’s worth more than the sword, even if it kills me.”

“You think of people as…”

This time it’s different.

“All you need to do is play the role of a bodyguard for one night.”

“A bodyguard? For whom? Don’t tell me it’s for you.”

“No. Not me. It’s for our ‘guma’.”

From underneath the covers, the ‘sweet potato’ poked its head out.

“Gumi!”

“Right, our ‘gumi’. Did you sleep well? Are you hungry?”

“Gumi gumi!”

At the mention of food, ‘sweet potato’s’ eyes sparked.

Drool dripped from the corners of its mouth.

“I’ll get you lots to eat soon. You see this guy with the face of an unpleasant entertainer? He’ll keep watch while you have your meal.”

“Hold on! What do you mean by ‘watch over during the meal’? Normal dining doesn’t require protection.”

“It’s not a normal dining spot.”

“Then where?”

That, of course…

“The treasure vault of the martial arts alliance, filled with demon crystals.”

Earlier, Jin-hyuk had seen a pile of demon crystals stored as spoils of war with the empire.

If ‘sweet potato’ devoured all of that…

The anticipation of how strong it could become thrilled him.

“…So, you’re saying your pet is going to steal and eat from the alliance, and you want me to keep watch?”

“Yeah.”

“And if we get caught, I take all the blame?”

“Yeah!”

Jin-hyuk grinned cheerfully.

“Oh, and one more thing. There’s something else ‘guma’ will find there, could you bring that back too?”

Unlike the famous Floral Sword of the Destroying Blossom or Ja So Dan, this was an artifact whose very existence was unknown. That’s why Jin-hyuk didn’t ask for it before; they would have just denied its existence.

However, with ‘sweet potato’s’ sense of smell, it would surely find the hidden artifact.

“Theft after dine-and-dash… Such audacity.”

“Since we’re doing it, I’d appreciate if you could erase the evidence, too. Something more creative than arson would be ideal. Something that prevents them from even thinking of responding because of the shock.”

“Sigh… The hottest spot in hell will be reserved for you.”

“Then, you’ll be right there beside me.”

“…”

Perhaps realizing that nothing more than an increase in blood pressure would come from continuing this conversation, Cheon Yoo-seong heaved a long sigh.

“… But, I demand the sword as an upfront payment.”

“Absolutely.”

Jin-hyuk handed over the Floral Sword of the Destroying Blossom to Cheon Yoo-seong.

With that, the accomplice recruitment was complete.

＊ ＊ ＊

That night, a dreadful wailing resounded across the various martial arts factions.

“Oh my heavens, what on earth has happened?”

Danmok-il from Gonryun collapsed, grasping the back of his neck.

“How shall we face our ancestors.”

“Which vile person could do such a thing…”

“They will receive divine punishment! Divine punishment!”

“Ahhh…”

The representatives of the other sects also shed tears of blood and wailed.

Places where records of each faction’s long-standing achievements and history were stored had been desecrated by someone.

Ink-drenched footsteps demolished everything inside the sacred place. As the guards had been assaulted and knocked unconscious, identifying the culprit was impossible. The only clue was that the footprints seemed to belong to a small reptile.

Hence, nobody noticed that the ‘Returner’s Bracelet’ hidden in the treasure vault had vanished.

At least, not immediately.