Chapter 726: Divine Dragon Martial Arts Festival.

-Yul-ah.

Sometime ago, Master-nim said something.

-As you live, there will be times when the world seems cruel only to you.

The words he, who was a parent and a friend, who was a friend and everything, would often say while sitting the young him on his lap.

Syuuk.

The hand stroking his head was rough but affectionate.

-Remember this each time.

The voice that reached him was dry but gentle.

-Even if the world makes things difficult for you, it’s not because of anything you, Yul, did.

These were words spoken as if to comfort Sung-yul, who was crying after being severely bullied.

Young Sung-yul nodded upon hearing those words, but even after much time had passed, he couldn’t understand.

Is it truly not my fault?

The world, increasingly scorched black.

The murderous intent that tried to burst out without warning.

These were things he couldn’t control, no matter how much he recited and recalled the enlightenment learned in the Daoist sect.

I want to kill.

I want to kill everything I see.

He doesn’t know why he has to.

He doesn’t know why he’s becoming like this.

But it felt like something he absolutely had to do.

It felt as if that was the very reason for his birth.

Around the time he couldn’t bear it and bit his Master-nim’s hand with all his might.

Master-nim always stroked Sung-yul’s back with the same expression.

It’s okay.

You can endure it.

You can do it.

He tried to endure, listening to those words.

He switched from biting his Master-nim’s hand to biting his own.

On days he couldn’t bear it, he’d go into his blankets and face the darkness.

He lived like that.

A cursed life.

Master-nim, who accepted such a him.

He somehow endured, recalling only that one thing.

Master-nim is his fence.

A fence that embraced and protected him. He could endure because Master-nim was there, and he could live because Master-nim was there.

So then.

‘What should I do now?’

Now that such a Master-nim is gone, how should he live?

This was the thought that crossed his mind the first time he killed someone.

The bloodstains on the sword blade.

Sung-yul looked at the person he had killed with his sword.

The man was brutally dead, his body mangled all over.

He was said to be a man who had raped a woman from the next village and was fleeing.

“…”

What did he feel like back then?

Swaaaah.

It rained from the sky that day. It poured down like crazy, causing floods in some areas.

There he was, watching the blood flow away, swept up in it, and the person dying coldly.

Guilt about killing someone, having lived as a disciple of the Daoist sect.

Fear of having finally killed a human.

It would be a lie to say there wasn’t any of that, but swallowing all those heavy emotions, what remained at the core was…

Ultimately, exhilaration.

“Hoo… hook.”

It’s overwhelming.

So this is what a dying human looks like, so brilliant.

Even in the rainwater, the smell of blood was thick, and the scent brushing his nose was utterly luscious.

How could it be this beautiful?

He was instantly addicted to killing.

The moment he realized that.

“Oog…!”

Sung-yul sank to his knees and vomited.

“Keoheok…!”

He couldn’t stand his own ugliness.

Himself, marveling at a person’s death.

Because he wasn’t like a human.

He felt like a monster and couldn’t stand it.

“Heuk… heuk….”

Swallowing his tears, Sung-yul picked up his sword.

It was the sword he had used to hack away at the man like crazy.

Now, that sword was aimed at Sung-yul’s own neck.

If it’s going to be like this, let’s just die.

Let’s just die and disappear.

Just as he decided that and was about to cut his own throat.

-Yul-ah.

“…”

At the faint sound of his Master-nim’s voice, Sung-yul froze.

-It’s okay.

Because he remembered his Master-nim’s words to him.

Because he remembered the old man’s face, smiling even with death right before him.

-So, live.

Sung-yul couldn’t bring himself to touch his neck with the sword.

“…Ahhh…”

Would a life prolonged like this truly have meaning?

Himself, who would ultimately become a monster.

Would he even have value as a human?

“Please…”

If anyone knew, he wished they would tell him the answer.

That Sung-yul, at that time.

Had prayed like that in the rain.

“Jin Im-seok.”

“…”

At the voice, Sung-yul opened his eyes.

Beyond his now-clear vision, a vast space came into view.

A wide, flat area shaped like a square.

And countless spectators surrounding it.

Thump-!

Upon confirming this, Sung-yul’s heart pounded wildly.

Insects.

The crowd filling the surroundings was like insects.

He wanted to trample and kill them all, dyeing the world in blood.

As soon as that thought arose, he clutched his chest.

‘Hoo.’

It’s okay.

He calmed his breathing and recalled.

He is behind me.

So it’s okay.

Sung-yul repeated this to himself, cooling his head.

“Jin Im-seok. Are you alright?”

Sung-yul nodded at the referee’s words.

“We’re about to begin. Are you truly alright?”

These were words asking to confirm his condition.

His answer was already decided before the question even came.

“Yes. There’s no problem.”

“Understood.”

With that, the referee’s gaze turned to the opposite side.

It was the person standing directly in front of Sung-yul.

A figure clad entirely in dark ink-colored attire.

‘…Was he called Bi-seong-do?’

The young master of the Peng family. Bi-seong-do Peng Woo-jin.

He was indeed the young man called that.

“Peng Woo-jin.”

“We are ready over here as well. Since long ago.”

“…Understood. Then, we shall prepare for the duel.”

At the referee’s words, Peng Woo-jin grinned.

Seeing that smile, Sung-yul felt a strange sensation.

‘What is it.’

He couldn’t describe it.

It was a bizarre feeling that couldn’t be explained in words.

It made him instinctively wary, so to speak.

Sensing an unknown aura, Sung-yul slightly furrowed his brow.

“You were called Young Master Jin, weren’t you?”

Before the duel began, Peng Woo-jin spoke to Sung-yul.

“Yes.”

Jin Im-seok. It was still an unfamiliar name.

However, since he had told him to do so, Sung-yul merely nodded.

“From what I see, you seem quite close with our Young Master Gu.”

“…Yes?”

Our?

Although the nuance in his words felt somewhat strange, Sung-yul didn’t bother pointing it out.

“How about it.”

“What are you referring to.”

“They say a friend’s friend is also a friend. I am also close with Young Master Gu, so how about you, Young Master Jin, also build a friendship with me?”

“…”

What was he talking about all of a sudden?

In the awkward situation, Sung-yul couldn’t say much.

To say something like this right before a duel, was he perhaps mocking him?

Such a thought flashed through his mind, but Sung-yul decided not to dwell on it.

‘Because there’s something important.’

He had something to gain from this duel.

He shouldn’t be swayed by trivial matters.

Seureung.

Before answering, Sung-yul drew his sword.

At that sight, Peng Woo-jin, who had been smiling, paused slightly.

“First, I apologize.”

“Oh my…! You refuse? Then that’s quite a shame.”

“Rather than a refusal. To correct you, I am not friends with Young Master Gu.”

“Hmm?”

He and himself couldn’t be linked by the word ‘friend’.

“I am simply following in his footsteps. We are not in a relationship that can be called friendship.”

Following in his footsteps doesn’t mean following the path he has lived or will live.

It literally means just following.

“Furthermore.”

Sung-yul tightened his grip on his sword.

“I appreciate your words, Young Master Peng… but if we form a bond, I would hesitate to wield my sword, so I apologize, but I must decline.”

He didn’t want to waste effort on his hands.

Because he had to win this duel somehow.

“Hmm.”

At Sung-yul’s words, Peng Woo-jin let out a sound of regret.

Yet, he didn’t erase the smile he wore.

“What a shame. While incomparable to Young Master Gu… you, Young Master Jin, possess a not-bad color as well.”

Color?

Did he mean his martial attire, eyes, or perhaps hair?

Sung-yul pondered for a moment, but Peng Woo-jin simply continued his words.

“I fully understand your words, Young Master Jin. That’s why it’s even more regrettable.”

If one forms a bond, it becomes difficult to wield the sword.

Peng Woo-jin understood that statement all too well.

“That’s precisely why I wanted to form a bond.”

“…?”

The moment Sung-yul frowned upon hearing that.

“Prepare.”

The words were heard from the referee.

At those words, Sung-yul’s nerves sharpened.

He must not let his guard down.

Sung-yul was determined not to be careless with Peng Woo-jin.

Before stepping onto the dueling stage, Gu Yangcheon had clearly said.

-Do everything you can. Otherwise, you’ll die by my hand when you come down?

A warning that sent chills down his spine just hearing it.

Even recalling it made him break into a slight cold sweat, and Sung-yul realized the meaning behind the words.

An opponent against whom he could use all his strength.

Gu Yangcheon had given Sung-yul a heads-up in advance.

He was warning him that Peng Woo-jin was strong, so he should focus.

“Hoo.”

Tension.

Wariness.

Focus.

Slowly, Sung-yul’s senses awakened, and his body warmed up.

Breathing steadily, he channeled his energy, focusing all his nerves on Peng Woo-jin.

I will not lose.

I will win somehow.

And so.

‘I will hear Master-nim’s story.’

He solidified his resolve.

With his mind thus hardened, the referee slowly opened his mouth.

“Duel. Begin.”

Sak-!

The referee’s raised hand, like a blade, then dropped to the ground.

Sung-yul was about to charge straight at Peng Woo-jin-

“My apologies in advance.”

Kooong-!

“Kooop!”

Teolseok.

‘Huh?’

With a sudden impact, Sung-yul’s knees buckled.

What is happening?

Through his blurring vision, Sung-yul barely managed to brace himself on the floor.

Jureureuk.

Tuduk-!

The flowing blood stained the floor.

It was his own blood.

Sung-yul quickly covered his mouth with his hand.

Beyond his fading vision, Sung-yul realized.

‘I lost consciousness for a moment…?’

Even if it was long, it wouldn’t have been more than a second.

Even if it was a brief moment, Sung-yul had definitely fainted.

What happened?

Sung-yul turned his stiffened head to look at Peng Woo-jin.

Peng Woo-jin, who had been several steps away, was now standing in front of Sung-yul.

What hit me just now?

Was it a fist or the flat of the blade?

Whatever it was, it had attacked him.

Just then.

“Originally.”

Peng Woo-jin’s voice was heard.

“I don’t particularly like this sort of thing.”

“…What…?”

“After all, it’s futile to try and teach something to incompetent people, and since I have something I want, it’s difficult to show too much.”

Peng Woo-jin scratched his cheek as if displeased.

“However.”

“…!”

Sung-yul quickly lunged backward.

Kwa-ga-ga–!

Even as he spoke, Peng Woo-jin swung his saber, cutting where Sung-yul had been.

Hwa-ahk–!! At the heavy saber strike, Sung-yul swallowed a groan.

If he hadn’t dodged, his chest would have been deeply cut.

“It’s also a request from someone who can give me what I want. And unlike other fools, you are not incompetent, so let’s give it a try.”

Kwang-!

Peng Woo-jin’s saber struck the ground briefly.

The recoil erupted, bringing about a change.

His saber began to darken.

“If there’s one thing I wish from you, Young Master Jin… I implore you.”

Woo-woo-woo-woo-oong—!

An immense saber’s cry (刀鳴).

At that sound, Sung-yul bit his lip.

What was this guy going to say?

The meaningless words confused Sung-yul, but…

He couldn’t ask about it.

“I hope you’ll make me a little happy.”

Because as soon as Peng Woo-jin finished speaking, he grinned and charged at Sung-yul.

Kwa-ga-ga-!

“Kkeuk!”

Blocking the saber with his sword, Sung-yul let out a short groan.

He finally understood.

That inexplicable feeling he sensed from Peng Woo-jin.

He recognized what it was.

Fear.

Sung-yul’s instincts feared Peng Woo-jin.

Giiing-!

He quickly coated his sword with qi.

He could somehow block Peng Woo-jin’s heavy offense, but just making contact felt like it would shatter his mind.

Kwang-! Kwang-kwang-! Kwang-!

It felt like being struck with a blunt weapon.

He was clearly blocking everything, but his arm felt like it would fall off.

Kkigik-!

“…!”

The sword in contact twisted, changing its path.

Boom-! The pressure burst, causing the arm holding the sword to recoil violently.

This created a large opening in his upper body.

Sung-yul quickly gathered his qi to one spot for defense, but…

Kwa-jik-!

Peng Woo-jin struck with the flat of his blade, not the edge.

His qi defense shattered instantly.

It was immense strength.

Kwa-ak-!

“…Keo-heok!”

The flat of the saber directly hit Sung-yul’s upper body.

He could clearly feel his joints rattling.

Hoo-ook-!

Sent flying by the impact, Sung-yul rolled on the floor.

With every roll, the blood he shed left a trail on the dueling stage.

“Keeu….”

Finally stopping himself, Sung-yul grabbed his chest and breathed heavily.

His ribs might have cracked, as pain accompanied every breath.

Sung-yul had to move despite feeling that.

Peng Woo-jin, seemingly with no intention of letting Sung-yul rest, continued his onslaught.

Barely dodging the incoming saber energy, Sung-yul thought.

‘Strong….’

He’s strong.

He realized this in just a few exchanges.

This person is stronger than he imagined.

It felt different from when he dueled Gu Yangcheon, but the conclusion was the same.

‘…I can’t win.’

The end was clear.

A level he couldn’t win against, no matter what he did.

The overwhelming gap naturally extinguished his fighting spirit.

Perhaps, was that why?

The reason Gu Yangcheon made such a bet.

Did he say that because he knew I could never win?

If so, it was too cruel.

Kwa-ah-ng-!

The impact of the strike on his sword caused Sung-yul’s lower body to collapse.

His legs trembled.

Even blocking with both hands, this was the result.

It felt like being struck by a boulder.

“Let’s do it one more time.”

It was Peng Woo-jin’s voice.

Unlike the fierce power, the calm warning made Sung-yul bite his lip.

He knew it, yet he couldn’t avoid it.

The moment the words were heard, the saber’s hilt was already falling.

Kwa-ah-ah-ng–!

An even greater impact struck the flat of the blade.

“Kkeuk…!”

Kung-!

Like before, Sung-yul’s one knee buckled.

The sword he held also lowered.

‘Ah….’

It’s over.

Looking at his sword, Sung-yul thought.

There was nothing he could do about this.

Ttaeng-geurang-!

Sung-yul’s sword fell to the ground.

Sung-yul, kneeling, bowed his head.

His limbs already had no strength.

His muscles trembled uncontrollably, silently screaming.

‘…’

Looking down at the floor, his vision gradually faded.

Not being able to hear about Master-nim was a bitter regret, but it couldn’t be helped.

‘…I can’t win.’

He can’t do it.

It was impossible from the start.

As Sung-yul finally surrendered himself amidst his fading vision.

[Hey.]

“…!”

Meomchit-!

At the familiar voice, Sung-yul’s eyes flashed.

[What are you doing?]

It was telepathic communication.

Sung-yul immediately turned his head and looked behind him.

Below the area packed with spectators. Amidst the waiting contestants, he found a gaze looking at him.

[What the hell are you doing right now, you bastard.]

A young man spitting out curses roughly, with eyes glaring menacingly.

His deep blue eyes were enough to instill fear just by looking at them.

[What have you done to give up already? You crazy bastard?]

“…”

At the harsh scolding, Sung-yul bit his lip.

Normally, he would have silently accepted it, but…

[…What do you want me to do?]

For the first time, Sung-yul retorted to Gu Yangcheon as if rebelling.

It meant he was also frustrated.

[What do you mean ‘how’, you bastard. Do it properly. Don’t give up and fight.]

[I can’t win.]

[Can’t win? What have you done to conclude that so easily?]

[…I used all the strength I could. I can’t win against that guy….]

[Ha.]

Gu Yangcheon laughed as if Sung-yul’s words were ridiculous.

[Used it all, my ass. You look like you still have plenty of strength left, so what do you mean you’ve used it all?]

[No…! I definitely….]

[The guy who says he’s used it all still has the strength to send me telepathic messages. Is this really all you’ve got?]

[…!]

At Gu Yangcheon’s point, Sung-yul fell silent for a moment.

[Do it all? What ‘do it all’? You haven’t done anything. You just got hit a few times and then tucked your tail and started whining.]

Kkuuk.

He clenched his fist.

He wanted to retort, but he had no words.

[Don’t act like a brat. Don’t accept defeat just because you’re scared and haven’t done anything. That’s a truly pathetic act.]

[What do you… what do you know….]

[Because I don’t know, show me, you idiot! You still have plenty left to do. Pick up your sword instead of making excuses.]

The tone, filled with annoyance, naturally made Sung-yul angry too.

He just wanted to give up like this.

As that thought kept surfacing.

[Damn it, aren’t you going to listen quickly? If you come down like that, you’ll die by my hand, not Peng Woo-jin’s. Got it!?]

At the fierce shout, Sung-yul finally gripped his sword again.

His muscles twitched with the movement.

His body was truly at its limit.

“Kkeu…eu….”

He tried to move as if staggering, but it wasn’t easy.

Peng Woo-jin waited for Sung-yul, looking relaxed.

As if expecting him to do something more.

[Giving up is something you do after you’ve truly done everything you can.]

Even as he staggered to his feet, Gu Yangcheon kept adding words.

[Ending it like a moron without doing anything is not giving up, it’s running away.]

What’s the difference between those two?

Sung-yul didn’t understand.

[Do it right.]

“…”

[You know it too. That there’s still something you can do.]

Something he could do.

At those words, Sung-yul’s gaze softened.

Yes, just as Gu Yangcheon said, there was indeed something he hadn’t done.

Something he hadn’t done and had suppressed out of fear.

As Sung-yul calmly closed his eyes, a lock appeared beyond his darkness.

An old, cracked lock.

It was an object that would break with just a nudge.

The lock was securing a door behind it, and perhaps due to the shabby lock, a terrible aura was leaking from beyond the door.

He must not open that.

If he opened it, the monster inside would burst out and devour him.

Knowing that, it was an object he had always endured not opening, even when he wanted to.

“…”

Sung-yul took a breath, looking at the lock.

He didn’t know.

What did he know to say that?

He didn’t even know that.

To Sung-yul, only the lock was visible.

The thing that made him cursed.

The thought that he shouldn’t touch it was still strong, but…

[Don’t be scared.]

After hearing those words from Gu Yangcheon.

[It’ll be okay.]

“…”

Sung-yul touched the lock without realizing it.

Tuk.

Pasak-!

With a slight brushing sensation, the lock broke.

Kkiiiiik-!

The door the lock had secured opened.

At that moment.

Hwa-ah-ah–!

The energy within engulfed Sung-yul.