Chapter 548: Sword Demon (Sword Demon)

Swish-!

The sword blade, covered in sword energy, floats through the air.

Chwaaak-!

Not only was there no rest, but the number of blades was also plentiful.

A sword path that even appears chaotic.

However, within it, a clear rule exists.

Hardened by arduous years, the practiced techniques.

Movements designed to block attack routes and punish the opponent.

Dozens of sword techniques were moving in unison like that.

Solely to capture one person.

Judging by the situation alone, it was a flow that absolutely couldn’t be endured.

Surprisingly, the opponent was enduring the onslaught nonchalantly in this situation.

Seeing this, the Branch Leader of the Martial League’s Guangdong Branch.

Hwa-gyeong martial artist Wi Seok had to frown.

‘What is this?’

Boom-!

“Kkeueok!”

Amidst the chaotic scene, someone shoots up into the sky.

Starting with one person.

Boom-! Boom boom-!

One after another, the League’s martial artists fell.

‘What in the world is that…!’

Wi Seok’s eyes widened at the sight.

It’s a typhoon.

A typhoon made of swords is raging like that, yet how is that person so calm?

Like the eye of a typhoon.

The sword techniques are flashy and precise.

Guangdong, where the unorthodox sects are particularly rampant.

In such a place, these are individuals trained to capture not only monsters but also criminals.

Are their cultivation levels low? Not at all.

Based on the report from Seo Dong, they were estimated to be Hwa-gyeong martial artists at the very least, so he came with a team composed of strong individuals.

Excluding martial artists below the first-class level.

All were peak-level martial artists.

Plus two Daeju-level experts and himself, a Hwa-gyeong master.

In terms of overall strength, it was enough to capture even the commonly referred to ‘House Leader-level’ martial artists.

The opponent looked unfazed.

Shiiik-! Swords rain down.

No.

He tries to, but.

Kkang-!

The one swinging the sword dropped it due to a sudden impact.

Paak-!

“Kkeureuk!”

He collapses, eyes rolling back from the subsequent impact.

While one person falls, two people behind him charge forward, but.

They too, met the same fate.

They try desperately to swing their swords, but.

Pang-!

“Heok!”

“Kkeuak!”

Their sword paths twist, collapsing.

They are sent flying far away by the subsequent impact.

Those who flew off like that, 100 out of 100, lost consciousness.

It had barely been a quarter of a quarter hour since the battle began.

“Kkeueueu….”

“Eueo….”

The not-so-narrow plain filled with groans.

Sharp swords were stuck in the ground, or carelessly lying around the field.

“…”

Wi Seok’s expression, watching that, was filled with shock.

While everyone lay on the ground, gasping in pain.

A young man stood at the center.

Grabbing the collar of the subordinate who had been attacking just moments ago.

Showing no sign of having broken a sweat, he glances around with dry eyes.

Then, he chuckles and says.

“Everyone must have been sleepy? How sleepy must they have been to lie down this early. Isn’t that right?”

“…”

To the question, Wi Seok couldn’t offer any response.

Because he was busy assessing the situation.

‘This isn’t good.’

At best, so many martial artists fell in that short time.

Moreover.

‘Everyone is still breathing properly.’

They were just breathing raggedly. Not a single person had died.

It meant he subdued them all without killing them.

Thump.

When the young man let go, the one whose collar was grabbed also collapses with a thud.

Now, the only ones standing on this plain were Wi Seok and that young man.

Seeing that, Wi Seok felt something chilling.

‘He’s different.’

A young appearance and an alien aura.

That alone was enough to raise his senses, but.

From the current fighting style, Wi Seok had to feel much more.

‘I couldn’t intervene.’

While countless people were fighting mixed together.

Normally, Wi Seok should have intervened to subdue that person.

But he couldn’t.

This wasn’t because Wi Seok was just watching.

‘He intended it that way.’

He orchestrated every movement to prevent Wi Seok from joining the fight.

Because of that, Wi Seok couldn’t even lift a finger while his subordinates were falling.

‘How is that possible?’

How could he create such a situation amidst such complexity?

This kind of thing requires extreme experience in dealing with large numbers.

“…”

Wiping the flowing sweat, Wi Seok opened his mouth.

“…I have something I want to ask.”

At those words, Gu Yangcheon contained a smile.

“In this situation? You’re a curious fellow.”

“The Nine Authority Sword Demon, Do Mun-gang.”

“Hmm?”

Hearing a somewhat familiar name, Gu Yangcheon nodded.

“You are the one who killed him, correct?”

“Hmm…”

Do Mun-gang… Do Mun-gang.

“Ah.”

He remembered.

“That guy.”

The fellow he killed a few days ago.

His name was probably Do Mun-gang.

‘The guy hanging around the Bigo.’

One of the reasons Gu Yangcheon came here.

It was for the Bigo containing the Ten-Thousand Year Cold Iron.

There was an incident where he clashed with the person lingering around that Bigo.

‘When we fought, I realized he was from an unorthodox sect, so I killed him.’

Was he one of the Four Demonic Emperors?

He seemed to have said so himself during the fight.

He didn’t pay it much mind.

‘He was too weak to be called that.’

It was unknown how he was called one of the Four Demonic Emperors, but in Gu Yangcheon’s judgment, Do Mun-gang didn’t reach that level.

Seeing Gu Yangcheon’s reaction, Wi Seok swallowed hard.

“…As expected.”

“How did you know?”

Gu Yangcheon showed no intention of hiding anything.

“Coupled with Do Mun-gang’s sudden death a few days ago, and the appearance of a master like you in a not-too-distant area, I deduced there must be a connection.”

“Ah.”

Only then could Gu Yangcheon understand Wi Seok’s actions.

“So that’s why you brought this much force?”

“…My answer is the same as before. I merely wished to escort you respectfully.”

“But you intended to capture me if I refused, didn’t you.”

“…”

Wi Seok didn’t respond to Gu Yangcheon’s words.

Instead.

Sreung.

He just drew his sword and pointed it at Gu Yangcheon.

“What is your purpose….”

“This guy’s funny. You tried to capture me, and now you ask about my purpose….”

“This is a situation you intended, isn’t it.”

Freeze.

At Wi Seok’s words, Gu Yangcheon erased the smile he was wearing.

“Oh.”

Followed by a word of admiration.

Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes looking at Wi Seok.

“On what grounds?”

“I saw the report submitted by my subordinate. It mentioned discovering a master who tamed a monster.”

Wi Seok said that, looking at Seo Dong lying collapsed.

“And also, news that you were searching for information about the recent notorious serial killer.”

“But.”

“I didn’t think much of it then, but looking back now, it’s suspicious.”

“What is?”

Gulp.

Wi Seok swallowed dryly and looked at Gu Yangcheon.

“How did you let him report back without killing him?”

“…”

“These are all things that shouldn’t be known by others, yet even though you could have gathered enough information and killed him, you deliberately let your subordinate live to report to me.”

The death of the Nine Authority Sword Demon.

A master of unknown identity appearing at the same time.

Moreover, he’s searching for a serial killer and has a monster capable of devouring a red demon.

“Could it be that you intentionally revealed such information?”

So that it would reach him intentionally.

Wasn’t that what he intended?

Such a thought crossed Wi Seok’s mind.

Hearing this, Gu Yangcheon.

“You’re smarter than you look?”

Just like before, he didn’t show any particular denial.

That reaction, instead, made Wi Seok uneasy.

“…What exactly is your purpose.”

“Purpose, you say.”

Ttuduk.

Gu Yangcheon stretched his body slightly.

“Originally, I intended to visit the branch directly before leaving.”

“The Guangdong Branch?”

“That’s right. I had business there.”

“What…?”

“But there’s no need anymore. That business came right before my eyes, didn’t it?”

As he spoke, Gu Yangcheon pointed at something with his hand.

Seeing that, Wi Seok flinched.

Because the fingertip was pointing at none other than himself.

“…Are you saying I am your purpose?”

“No, not exactly the purpose. Just something I’m passing through?”

“Why on earth?”

Wi Seok asked, harboring doubt.

He couldn’t help it.

Wi Seok had no reason to incur the enmity of someone like that, nor.

Could he immediately think of any entanglement.

Yet, his purpose was him? Wi Seok couldn’t understand.

To this, Gu Yangcheon looked at Wi Seok and said.

“Do we need more talk?”

“…”

“Either way, you have only one thing to do right now, don’t you?”

Hearing Gu Yangcheon’s words, Wi Seok bit his lip at a suddenly recalled story.

“…There was a story circulating through the League’s official records.”

It was news he’d heard just seven days ago.

“News that several key personnel of the League in the Central Plains have been assassinated recently.”

“Wow, is there such a story?”

Gu Yangcheon wore an expression as if hearing a curious tale, but.

Wi Seok had to frown at this.

“Are you the culprit?”

“What do you think?”

Ttubuk.

As Gu Yangcheon took a step forward, Wi Seok also raised his energy.

He cooled his mind.

He had just witnessed the battle, so he couldn’t let his guard down.

‘Whatever his intentions, I won’t back down.’

Saaaah-!

Gang-gi materialized on Wi Seok’s sword.

The fighting spirit erupting from him enveloped the surroundings.

Go all out from the start.

It would have been better if he had subdued him beforehand with his subordinates, but since that wasn’t the case, he couldn’t hesitate.

‘Target the lower body.’

Judging so, Wi Seok moved.

Just as his sword was about to swing through the air.

Uduuduk-!

“…!!”

Before he could even get into the flow, Wi Seok’s arm was twisted.

Gu Yangcheon had appeared out of nowhere and broken his joint.

“Kkeueueuk!”

However, Wi Seok quickly switched his grip on the sword with his twisted arm and tried to twist his body again, but.

Duduk-! Eujeok-!

He was immobilized before he could even start the movement.

His knees buckled, and a shockwave hit his chest.

“Keok…!”

Teolseok.

Wi Seok knelt powerlessly.

Jureureuk.

Blood flowed down his lips.

Barely one exchange had passed, yet Wi Seok’s body was battered.

“Kkeureu…eueu….”

Wi Seok looked at Gu Yangcheon with disbelief.

Gu Yangcheon’s gaze, standing above and looking down at Wi Seok, held no emotion.

“You asked earlier. Why you were the purpose.”

“…Keuheu…heueu….”

“I don’t really hold a grudge against you now, you know.”

Gu Yangcheon spoke, lowering his gaze slightly to meet Wi Seok’s eyes.

“I have some business with the you of the past.”

“…What…what…are you…saying…”

“Do you know that?”

A light flashed in Gu Yangcheon’s clear blue eyes.

“About three years from now, you’ll be put in charge of a pretty decent unit in a war.”

It was called the Snow Flower Unit, I think. Probably.

“It was a decent unit. The Daeju there did his job quite well.”

Though spoken playfully, Wi Seok felt breathless from an unknown energy.

“But while they were doing well, those bastards betrayed us midway.”

“…Hoo…hoo…that…hoo….”

“In the process, a woman standing right at the front was stabbed and nearly died.”

“What…what…are you…saying…right now…”

“She was bleeding profusely, and I carried her, running like crazy. It was raining, too.”

A blood-soaked back.

The downpour that seemed to wash it away.

All the way to the cave we escaped to.

“Even now, recalling that time makes me feel sick.”

It’s a memory from that day he never forgot for a single moment.

That’s why Gu Yangcheon felt compelled to tell Wi Seok this now.

“That’s why I wanted to see you.”

“That…doesn’t…make…sense…”

Ppa-deuk.

Wi Seok couldn’t continue speaking.

Because Gu Yangcheon swung his fist and smashed Wi Seok’s head.

Tuk-!

Wi Seok’s headless body collapsed onto the ground.

Gu Yangcheon wiped the blood off on his clothes and got up.

Then he immediately walked somewhere.

Tuk-tuk.

He nudged someone with his foot amidst the fallen bodies.

“I know you’re awake.”

“…!”

The person Gu Yangcheon was nudging was none other than Seo Dong.

Seo Dong, who had fainted during the battle, had just regained consciousness.

Gu Yangcheon speaks to Seo Dong.

“You can’t get up right away, so don’t force it. Just listen.”

“…S-save…me…”

“I’m not going to kill you, so don’t panic. We’re still talking, so don’t interrupt. I could break something else, you know?”

“…”

Seo Dong’s mouth clamped shut at Gu Yangcheon’s words.

“I just killed your Branch Leader, you know?”

“…”

“So, what should you do?”

“…”

“This one, you can answer.”

“…! I will absolutely not say anything…! I’ll stay quiet until I die…!”

“No, that’s not it.”

Gu Yangcheon seemed displeased with Seo Dong’s reaction.

“If you’re the Sword Unit of the Martial League, known for chivalry, you shouldn’t act like that, right? You have to follow procedure.”

“What… what do you mean…”

“You’re good at reporting, right? Do just that. Write down the entire situation as you saw it, and report it properly.”

As Gu Yangcheon said that, his eyes were clearly smiling.

“And, regarding the culprit’s information, write this.”

Gu Yangcheon moved closer to Seo Dong and said.

“Call him the Heavenly Demon (天魔).”

Seo Dong flinched at that voice.

“That’s why I’m letting you live right now. Remember that?”

“…Wait…”

Ppak-!

“Keok.”

Perhaps having nothing more to say, he struck the back of Seo Dong’s neck, knocking him out again.

With that, there was no one conscious left in the surroundings.

Except for Gu Yangcheon and the young man watching him.

“It seems the business here is mostly done….”

Gu Yangcheon spoke as if tidying up and shifted his gaze.

Towards the Sword Demon leaning against the base of a tree.

The Sword Demon’s eyes were wide, as if unable to believe the current situation.

Gu Yangcheon speaks to the Sword Demon like that.

“Hey.”

“…!”

The Sword Demon, hearing the call, was startled.

Gu Yangcheon, without even properly wiping the blood spattered on his face, was particularly terrifying, but.

For some reason, the Sword Demon couldn’t tear his eyes away from that sight.

Gu Yangcheon said.

“What’s your name?”

“…”

He asked nonchalantly.

To this, the Sword Demon hesitantly replies.

He felt like he absolutely had to answer.

“…Yul…Seong-yul…I am.”

“Seong-yul?”

Hearing the name, Gu Yangcheon laughed as if resigned.

“It suits you like hell. What’s with that innocent-looking name?”

Saying that, he turned and started walking.

After a few steps, Gu Yangcheon turned his head, looked at Seong-yul, and said.

“What are you doing, follow me.”

“…!”

Follow him?

As Seong-yul showed surprise, Gu Yangcheon, seeing this, continued speaking.

“Ah, if you don’t want to go, tell me beforehand.”

Just as he thought maybe he could refuse and not go.

“Because I’ll have to break your legs and carry you.”

“…”

Seong-yul carefully got up at those words.