Chapter 196: Know Your Place. (4)

I could tell from Elder Il’s face, which looked as if he’d received a shock.

‘As expected.’

The fact that Elder Il suffered from a chronic illness was something I already knew from my past life. And that his life wasn’t long for this world even before he was burned to death by Father. And the reason he was stirring up trouble like this as I gradually began to stand out. It must all stem from his impatience.

And.

Conversely, the reason I could brazenly bare my fangs at Elder Il like this… Was thanks to knowing that Elder Il had weakened.

‘Though he seems less weakened than I expected.’ I could tell from our last exchange. It seemed he sensed my presence just in time and coated himself in energy, unfortunately. The fact that he couldn’t pinpoint my presence even for a moment, and the reaction Elder Il showed to that last strike.

‘For someone who’s reached the Peak Realm…’ A martial artist who has reached the Peak Realm is supposed to shed their mortal coil and reside in a higher dimension, like possessing a contradictory presence that is both dense and faint. Of course, this is something only someone with exceptionally keen senses, or someone who has reached a similar level of mastery could perceive, but thanks to my past life’s experiences and having overcome my own hurdles, I could sense it to some extent.

‘Elder Il’s body is tainted.’ It’s true that Elder Il has reached the Peak Realm, but judging by his current condition… It seemed most of his internal energy was being diverted for the wrong purposes. If I had to trace the flow to its end… ‘He’s using it to prevent his body from collapsing.’ The cause is likely the aftereffects of his chronic illness.

‘Though it’s not showing yet…’ He seems to be maintaining his body, which should have aged slower due to his mastery, by carefully regulating it. It seems he’s even managing to hide the effects from plain sight. Even I, if I hadn’t known about Elder Il’s chronic illness, wouldn’t have noticed it properly.

At this, Elder Il speaks to me.

“…You keep spouting nonsense.” He seems intent on playing dumb again, just like before, but that had nothing to do with me. If he wants to keep playing dumb, let him.

“You must be awfully impatient. You’re the most fox-like person I know, and seeing how you botched the job…”

“You rascal! I showed you respect considering our blood ties! Yet you grow more arrogant by the day. How dare you utter such base words to a clan elder!” Elder Il roared, but I found it utterly laughable. I didn’t bother hiding the chuckle escaping my lips and offered it to Elder Il.

“I definitely told you before.” About the fate of a dog that not only bared its fangs at its master but attacked him. “Didn’t I say its teeth were all pulled out, and it starved to death?” That was a clear warning. A warning not to mess with me.

“So why did you try to bite?” Was my warning laughable? Perhaps. A warning from a seemingly young boy wouldn’t be scary, but what he should have feared wasn’t me. Not just Father, the clan head. He should have feared Elder Lee, along with the few who supported me. Father, whom I mentioned earlier, would be the biggest factor, though. Elder Il surely knew this, yet… He ultimately reached out to me. Did he have confidence he wouldn’t be caught? Perhaps he did, but… As far as I could see…

“He must have been so desperate he couldn’t see straight.” He was simply desperate. “Wouldn’t you agree?” Elder Il answered my question with silence. Knowing the methods and outcomes he pursued in the past… I could understand Elder Il just a little, knowing what I do, but that’s only because I, too, was a despicable person, recognizing him as if looking in a mirror. Ultimately, he simply couldn’t handle his overflowing desires with his decaying body.

“Hah.” Elder Il, who had remained silent, finally let out a sigh of resignation. “You keep spouting nonsense.” It was still feigned ignorance, but the cracks in his facade were undeniable.

Kkrrrk-! The internal energy filling my lower dantian began to react subtly. Simultaneously, the heat stored within my body surged.

Sss- The breath clearly escaping now wasn’t due to the cold. It was solely because of the heat. “If you want to keep playing dumb, go ahead. It doesn’t matter anyway.”

“Yangcheon-ah, it seems you’re the one making a mistake.” The chilling aura felt in the middle of the night was undoubtedly Elder Il’s sword energy. An energy that had advanced a step beyond sword ki, becoming more materialized. Despite his body breaking down, it was as expected of a martial artist who had reached the Peak Realm. The killing intent emanating from Elder Il was definitely not something to be ignored. A heavy sensation felt before actual combat. I tried to ignore the cold sweat running down my spine.

“You rascal! It seems you don’t realize you’ve committed an act you cannot possibly handle yourself.”

“An act I can’t handle?”

“I don’t know what happened to you, but yes, you could think it was my doing. Our relationship isn’t exactly pleasant, after all.” Even while listening to Elder Il’s sophistry, I constantly maintained my readiness. While listening, I was heightening my senses and organizing my fighting style, but… ‘This cunning old fox?’ While talking to me, Elder Il was using his internal energy to encroach upon the surroundings. So that he could block me no matter where I tried to penetrate. He probably intended to divert my attention with conversation and set up a formation around me.

“However, there should be no evidence.” The tip of Elder Il’s sword trembled slightly. The sword, imbued with energy, was reacting to this. The sword’s name wasn’t ringing out, but I couldn’t let my guard down. “In such a situation, do you truly think your father will easily overlook your reckless actions if he finds out?”

“Oh, come on, are you worried he might kick me out or something?” As I replied with a slight smile, Elder Il chuckled, as if saying, ‘I knew it.’

“You’re arrogant just because you’re the only heir. If that’s the case… your position will only become more disadvantageous. It seems you truly believe that seat will remain yours…”

“I don’t know what strange thoughts you old folks are having.”

“What did you say?”

“Why on earth do you think I came without any evidence?” I saw Elder Il’s eyes flinch at my words.

“Nonsense.”

“Does it sound like nonsense?”

“Perhaps because you’re cornered, you’re just spewing words. You’ve caused quite a few incidents, but if you apologize properly now, I might be able to overlook it within my capabilities.” Elder Il seemed to dismiss it as nonsense, but amusingly, evidence for this actually existed. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t evidence of the attack on me, but rather… Precisely, it was the justification that would allow me to beat Elder Il to death and wreck him… without the clan holding me accountable.

“You’re still a foolish old man.” My body was flushed with heat from the endlessly circulating energy. Not to mention the steam rising profusely… My body was practically itching to move. “I don’t know if your mind has become as wretched as your broken body, but you shouldn’t have let greed consume you.”

“…You rascal! Did you think the world was yours just because the Clan Head and Elder Lee were watching you!”

“Watching my ass.”

Hwa-reureu-! Crimson-purple flames, originating from the rings of the Nine Flames Wheel Technique, enveloped my entire body. Unlike the time when I almost fainted just from igniting the flames for the first time. Now, I could ignite them with such ease.

‘[It’s thanks to stuffing myself so much.]’ Shin Noya added with a tut. However, I couldn’t deny it. I myself thought I had eaten way too much. Meanwhile, Elder Il’s eyes trembled noticeably as he gazed at the flames surrounding my body. Noticing what lay within his pupils, between the wrinkles around his eyes, I immediately asked Elder Il.

“Are you envious?”

“…!”

“Because you’re looking at flames you can’t wield?” When people mention the Gu family of Shanxi, many know them as a clan that primarily uses fire arts. That’s correct. In fact, any direct descendant primarily uses fire arts. Although it’s not the Nine Flames Transformation, which has now become one with my body… These flames were the quickest way to prove one’s lineage as a Gu family member. However, collateral branches cannot use them. While they might use techniques similar to the Nine Flames Wheel Technique, storing heat within their bodies… It’s still just heat. It meant that just because they shared the same surname didn’t mean they could all ignite flames. That’s why I could clearly discern the subtle emotion visible in Elder Il’s eyes. They resembled the look I often saw in others when I looked at them in my past life.

“You rascal…”

“Didn’t you say there was no evidence?” I slowly reached out and pointed towards Elder Il’s quarters. “There’s no need to bring the evidence; it should all be there.”

“Hah, do you really think there’s anything in there? How foolish.”

“Ah, not in your room, of course. You’re not that incompetent.”

“Then…”

“How about the secret basement you probably hid behind the bookshelf?”

“…!” Elder Il gasped at my words. A fact I learned through my past life. The wealth Elder Il had accumulated through the Nine Sects Gate, and the documents proving his reach into various places. There was an abundance of evidence, so much so that it seemed deliberately hidden. ‘Of course, it seemed he’d already disposed of the important-looking items, somehow knowing…’ That was a story for a few years later. So what about now? Had Elder Il anticipated this and prepared for it? Judging by Elder Il’s expression, thankfully, it didn’t seem so.

“How… how could you possibly know…” He seemed quite flustered. It wasn’t surprising, considering I casually mentioned a place layered with various formations. In my past life, it took me a good month just to find and dismantle it. How he managed to secretly set up such an advanced formation was another story.

‘Besides, did Father really not know?’ If you ask whether Father truly knew nothing of Elder Il’s transgressions… Honestly, I couldn’t say. If he knew but pretended not to… That didn’t seem likely either.

“Do you really think I’d answer you if you asked that now?” I heard Elder Il grit his teeth at my sarcasm. Watching Elder Il, I gradually intensified the flames.

“Don’t mistake this for the petty anger of a child, Elder Il.” Along with the flames, the slowly spreading energy began to erode the fighting style Elder Il had deployed around us. It meant I was gradually expanding my domain.

“This is punishment being delivered by a member of the main family.” Now that Father, the clan head, is absent, all command authority within the clan rests with the Steward. Not Elder Il, who ranks highest among the elders. Not even any of the other elders. But the Steward. This was a rule that had remained unchanged for the Gu clan over the hundreds of years since the Blood Demon War. And I had obtained the rights regarding this from the Steward before coming to the Nine Sects Gate.

‘Honestly, I didn’t think he’d actually give it to me.’ The Steward resolved this after I roughly explained the situation and said I intended to take down Elder Il, but… From my perspective, it was merely a notification. It was basically saying, ‘I’m going to do this, so punish me or don’t, as you see fit.’ Things resolved more easily than expected.

“Punishment? How dare a brat like you try to punish someone! What did I do wrong?”

“You can ponder that yourself. If you still don’t know…” Enough of this pointless Q&A.

“Just think of it as me flipping you over because you’re a fucking asshole. That’s pretty much how I see it too.” With that, the miniature suns filling the surroundings descended upon Elder Il.

The biggest difference between the First-Class and Zenith Realms… Was how internal energy gradually assimilated with the body. Internal energy that merely resided in the dantian… Began to change as enlightenment allowed one to overcome the barrier. The dormant lower dantian would awaken. As internal energy permeated it, the body would begin to activate further. The body, which previously needed energy to strengthen, would change… And things perceivable only by spreading one’s energy could now be seen and heard much more clearly. It was the beginning of breaking free from the framework one called ‘human.’ That was the Zenith Realm.

Then… What is the Peak Realm? Many people answered this question, and while their words differed… Ultimately, the meaning was the same. I dared to call it Transcendence (超脫). Becoming able to do what was previously impossible. In the past, the demon beast Muk-gyeon (默拳), who bore the Hwangbo surname, spoke of this… He even said it was stepping onto the path towards godhood. At the time, I scoffed, thinking, ‘What kind of ridiculous talk is that?’ and hit him on the head, but I could vaguely understand why he felt that way now. It meant they were that different. And the moment one reached another realm beyond this Peak Realm… It was described as reaching a sublime domain.

Ku-woong! The flames swept across the floor, spreading in all directions. The flames, beginning to dominate the surroundings as if taking root… Was a sight that even frightened me.

Sugeok! Sword energy sliced through the flames, flying towards me. A steady, straight line, the resolute sword path accurately targeted my location. It wasn’t a particularly threatening attack, so I could dodge it easily, but…

Huuk! The subsequent gust of wind pressure was the real deal.

“You rascal!” Along with Elder Il’s roar, intense heat surged around us. This was Elder Il’s heat.

“You truly intend to draw blood! Very well! If that’s what you desire, I shall bestow upon you a lesson as your elder.”

“Your tongue isn’t dead yet, is it? Seeing how smoothly you’re spewing bullshit.”

Tuk. With a small sound, I leaped low. My heated body quickly reached Elder Il. I unleashed the flames fully coating my fist.

Nine Flames Wolf Form (俱炎態牙狼). A secret technique I used during the martial arts tournament.

Kwaaahk! A massive flame, taking the form of a wolf, swept through the surroundings. The seemingly solid stone floor crumbled, leaving its mark. If it were an opponent of the ‘Hugi-jisu’ level I faced back then, they would have ended with this strike, but…

Seogeok-! The flames were cut so easily by the heat-infused blade. Amidst the exploding, scattering flames… I observed Elder Il’s movements. ‘Too easily? No, that’s not it.’ Elder Il’s sword was sharp, fitting his realm, but… In the subtle gaps of his breathing… I could tell Elder Il was exerting more force than necessary. ‘It seems his malfunctioning body is causing him considerable trouble.’ That’s why a martial artist at the Peak Realm looked like this. Wasn’t he using so much strength just to swing his sword once? How many martial artists have I seen reach that level in my current life? I couldn’t count them one by one, but when I recalled their presence… Where did Elder Il stand now? ‘He’s certainly not on their level.’ Especially when compared to Namgung Jin, the Sky-Piercing Sword King, whom I somewhat looked down upon. Even if I personally thought little of him, if Namgung Jin were to truly face me… If we fought using only my inherent strength without any other means, wouldn’t I barely last ten exchanges? That’s the difference in realms. Ten exchanges is actually absurd. ‘It means I still have a long way to go.’ In that context, how about Elder Il now? ‘He’s manageable.’ Both reason and intuition told me so.

Swiiik! Elder Il’s swift sword drew a diagonal line, thrusting towards me. It was basic swordsmanship, but executed by the fingertips of a skilled swordsman, it was incredibly sharp. It looked like a familiar sword technique. Nine Dragon Seven Strikes Swordplay (구룡적칠검). It’s a sword technique taught at the Nine Sects Gate. It was a representative sword technique used by the Gu clan. The sword, having elevated a single technique to its extreme, was thick with killing intent. The heat-infused sword was threatening even just by brushing past. I could tell this just by feeling the heat on my body, which contained fire arts.

“You’re quicker than you look.” Maintaining his breath, Elder Il approached progressively faster. Compared to Mu-yeon or Gu-jeol-yeop, who used the same sword technique, the difference was worlds apart.

Pfft-! In an instant, a flash grazed my cheek. ‘Tsk.’ Was it due to his illness? If not for the occasional faltering movements… It would have been dangerous. Just like that moment. No matter how broken his body was, a Peak Realm expert was still a Peak Realm expert.

“You burn with such spirit, yet what you show is fleeting.”

“As soon as you feel you’ve got the upper hand, you start talking trash. You old geezers are just too sly.” At my words, Elder Il grinned and adjusted his stance.

Huuk! Simultaneously, a fierce killing aura erupted from Elder Il’s shoulder. The killing aura and fighting spirit mixed, pressing down heavily on the air.

‘Hoo.’ Seeing that, I ran a hand through my hair. Perhaps due to the oppressive energy, my body reacted involuntarily, my hair damp with cold sweat. ‘This won’t be easy, will it?’

‘[If you already know the answer, don’t ask.]’

‘That’s stingy. Wouldn’t it hurt to help a little?’

‘[You say that, but you don’t want that kind of process, you chatterbox, brat.]’ I calmly focused my gaze at Shin Noya’s words. The internal energy filling my lower dantian still had reserves left. About half? Even after excessively using it to keep up the speed, spewing flames in all directions, this much remained. It showed just how much internal energy I had stuffed into this small body.

Meeting my gaze, Elder Il spoke to me. “This is your last chance.”

“What chance?”

“I don’t know how you found out about my condition. Look, Yangcheon, no matter how great your talent, your current actions are merely youthful bravado.”

“So.”

“If you apologize to me now and end this matter, I will accept it and let it pass amicably.”

“Oh? If I apologize, you’ll just pretend it never happened? Without asking for anything?” Elder Il chuckled briefly at my words. Then, changing his expression, he continued. “That won’t be possible, I’m afraid. To let it pass amicably, I’ll probably need a few things granted.” In the end, he meant he’d let it slide in exchange for an apology and secure his own advantage. As he chewed over his words, revealing his desires without hiding them, I asked him back.

“What if I don’t let it slide?”

“Then, it won’t end well.” He couldn’t kill me, being kin. It meant he would steer things in an unfavorable direction, whatever the case.

“Why? Are you going to threaten the people around me again?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It was still a statement playing ignorant, but… “Still, there might be ways.”

“Hah.” A hollow laugh escaped me at Elder Il’s clear threat. The old dog was old and sick, but still sharp. His desires grew along with his age and size, and he didn’t hide them.

“Even so, you’re just a beast, senile and unable to see what’s right in front of you.”

“…You.”

“Can’t you understand when I say it simply? Fuck off.” Elder Il flinched at my harsh words. He apparently hadn’t expected to hear such language. Immediately after, Elder Il contorted his face and further amplified his killing intent. In an instant, the energy pressed down on the entire Nine Sects Gate. If this was his level even while suffering from his illness, it made one wonder how strong he must have been in his healthy days. However, I wasn’t afraid despite that. If anything, I felt a tinge of bitterness. Or perhaps it was anger.

“What did you say?” Was he asking again because of my unexpected words? Or was he asking once more, hoping for a different answer? I gave him a proper answer.

“If you’re a dog who’s been holed up in your own house, then know your damn place, like the dog you are.”

“Ho ho…” For a moment, the surrounding energy scattered like mist. No, it hadn’t scattered. All that immense energy had somehow gathered at the tip of Elder Il’s sword.

“Very well. If you insist on acting this way, I’ll give you what you want.” At Elder Il’s words, I too raised my energy.

‘That looks a bit dangerous.’ What was already dangerous had become lethal even upon mere contact. Does that old man intend to kill me? If not kill me, he seemed intent on crippling me at least. Seeing that, I also raised my energy. Soon after, Elder Il moved slowly.

“You brought this upon yourself, so resign yourself to it.” The energy was so immense that it gave the illusion the sword was moving slowly. The way the space seemed to distort was enough to instill fear in ordinary people. Ahead of his lightly stepping feet… Elder Il repeated inwardly.

‘Nine Dragon Seven Strikes Swordplay, Seventh Form.’

Preceding Sword Strike (備先一劒). As the sword was swung… As if by magic, the moon hanging in the night sky split in two.

‘I won’t kill him.’ The space split, sweeping through the area where Gu Yangcheon stood.

Kwa-ga-ga-gak! The heavy sound of air being pierced raged, destroying everything around. Not just the surrounding buildings, the sound of collapse and destruction from such a massive force was endless. It was the Nine Sects Gate’s ultimate technique. The final sword strike. It was a technique Elder Il had barely managed to perfect late in his life. Though its power was weak compared to when he first used it… This much was enough. Just enough not to kill him. That was the level Elder Il desired.

‘With this…’ Judging by that man’s level, he probably wasn’t killed. Amidst the continuing surge of energy, Elder Il clutched his chest and panted for breath.

“Hoo… hoo…!” Because he used more energy than necessary, the backlash hit his body excessively. At this rate, he’d need at least half a month to recover.

“…However, if it’s this much…” It wasn’t a bad deal. He had secured the justification to cripple the son of a noble hero. And he had bought himself time to silence things for a while and deal with the evidence in the basement. This much…

“Honestly.”

“…!”

“You crazy old bastard.” At the suddenly heard voice, Elder Il strained his exhausted body to turn. It was a voice that shouldn’t have been audible so clearly right now.

Ku-woong!

“Kkeureuk!” Elder Il’s body bent sharply as a fist burrowed into his solar plexus. Without even time to scream from the unbearable agony… His head snapped back from a punch that struck his face. Simultaneously, teeth burst from his mouth, spraying blood. There wasn’t even time to process what was happening. All he could see was flames. However.

‘…Blue…?’ The color of the flames was different. The color Gu Yangcheon emitted was somehow crimson-purple, but… What was visible now was a clear sky-like blue flame (靑炎). I couldn’t look at it for long.

Woo-deuk! In an instant, his legs were crushed, and Elder Il collapsed.

“Hgeu-eok….” From Elder Il’s kneeling mouth, only the sound of escaping air emerged. With all his teeth gone, he couldn’t even scream properly.

“Didn’t I tell you.” The voice came from right in front of him. Elder Il slowly lifted his head. There stood Gu Yangcheon, looking down at Elder Il completely unharmed.

“If you bark carelessly, I’ll pull out all your damn teeth.”