51 – 04# Honeyed Words, Dagger in the Belly (10)

The Hundred Grandmasters: a title practically guaranteed by the Righteous Martial Alliance for both skill and identity. At the same time, it served as a ladder, bridging the gap to the older masters.

The established giants, overtaken by young men who started late—it was practically an impossibility. Thus, the title of Hundred Grandmaster served to close the distance.

Thanks to that, once one’s name, even if last, was on the list of Hundred Grandmasters, one wouldn’t be ignored anywhere. Even if the opponent was from the Five Great Clans or the Nine Factions of the Righteous Path.

Of course, even amongst the Hundred Grandmasters, the disparity in strength was certainly considerable. Still, it was closer to an acknowledgment of one’s effort, a degree of recognition granted.

In essence, the title of Hundred Grandmaster was the bare minimum qualification allowing younger martial artists to stand on equal footing with their seniors. Go Gyeom, too, knew this well.

“You can’t seem to wipe that grin off your face. Are you that pleased?”

“Of course. It’s the joy of a blind man suddenly being able to see the world.”

“Is it to that extent? You can still smile even after seeing our sorry state?”

“Wherever I am now, I’ve found the path I must walk. If so, then all that remains is to walk it.”

Magang, right beside him, seemed elated. A smile lingered on his lips, cheerful as a lark. Truly, his countenance was embarrassing and unpleasant to behold.

Still, good was good, so Go Gyeom said nothing. Right now, Go Gyeom and Magang were with the Namgoong Clan to investigate and give testimony regarding this assault.

In truth, Go Gyeom accepted this job for another, ulterior motive. It was to monitor the Sword Demon, who had returned to the martial world. In the past, the Sword Demon had massacred countless martial artists.

In the process, not a small number of sects had been destroyed. Because of this, in preparation for the Sword Demon possibly going mad again, high-level experts were needed to monitor him.

‘This simple-minded friend probably doesn’t know anything. That’s why I had such a hard time dissuading him when he first approached the Great Hero.’

His acting had been so natural that he’d even put an arm around Magang’s shoulder, to the point that Magang had nearly drawn his sword, telling him not to act familiar. Truly, his temper was something else.

“Moderate yourself, Magang. Don’t forget why we came here.”

“I know. One must repay debts to their benefactor handsomely.”

“Things are unfolding in an unsettling manner. We can’t even trust the Righteous Martial Alliance unconditionally.”

At first, he thought his colleagues had succumbed to empty temptations. But, upon further reflection, something felt off. Even Go Gyeom was familiar with the Sword Demon’s reputation.

‘In the past, to monitor the Sword Demon, who nearly annihilated the Righteous Martial Alliance… they’ve only sent six Hundred Grandmasters? Does that even make sense?’

He wasn’t discounting the martial prowess of the Hundred Grandmasters. But considering the Sword Demon’s reputation, even summoning all of the Hundred Grandmasters would feel insufficient. Yet, only six were sent.

And above all, what was most strange was the Sword Demon Great Hero’s magnanimity, far beyond what the Righteous Path’s notoriety suggested. Instead of scolding Magang for his insolence, he’d

even personally mentored him, offering unwavering advice. That figure was far more of a noble senior than the Righteous Path’s masters who only paid lip service to righteousness.

‘It is possible that he has become gentler with age… but at least the Sword Demon Great Hero I saw was not someone who would indiscriminately massacre people. And the unidentified masters who attacked the Great Hero are also troubling.’

By now, even a fool would realize that something unusual was happening. Go Gyeom briefly looked at Magang. And soon, he let out a sigh.

“Looks like there *is* someone more foolish than a fool here.”

“Oh, is that so? Are you trying to pick a fight, here and now?”

“We’ll postpone this for later. Don’t fret, it won’t take long.”

Currently, Go-gyeom and Ma-gang were at the residence of the Nangong Clan in Shandong. The Nangong Clan was leading a delegation in Shandong for a summit with the Moryong Clan.

Barely having arrived in Shandong, Go-gyeom and Ma-gang personally sought out the Nangong Clan’s residence, explained their situation in full, and requested assistance. Alas, this current predicament was the result.

Go-gyeom wordlessly stared at the iron cage that confined him and Ma-gang. It wasn’t impossible that they had been involved in the ambush, so they were being held for a while, or so they said.

Logically, it made no sense. If they were lying, it would be exposed soon enough. Why go to the trouble of imprisoning them? Go-gyeom sighed and opened his mouth.

“Someone finds our continued existence rather irksome, it seems.”

And likely someone of considerable standing, at that.

◇

At the Moryong Clan’s residence, while catching up with old friends after a long time apart, a messenger arrived from the Nangong Clan. The message he brought, however, was truly a spectacle.

“You say Great Hero cannot attend the summit? What utter nonsense is this?!”

Moryong Hyeon, now quite capable of performing the role of Clan Head for the Moryong Clan, shouted at the messenger as if dumbfounded. The messenger, however, scoffed and retorted.

“Forgive me, but it seems the Clan Head of the Moryong Clan lacks a certain education.”

“What did you say…?!”

“Does the Clan Head truly not know what the Sword Demon did to the Righteous Sects in the past? The blood that was spilled and the vengeful spirits still linger on this land, venting their resentment.”

To bring warriors of the Nangong Clan and then point out the lack of knowledge of the Moryong Clan Head, Moryong Hyeon… What should I say? He’s a really unprincipled fellow.

At first, I considered clarifying that I was not the Sword Demon, but I quickly dismissed the idea. Even if I told the truth here, they would likely just dismiss it as a lie and ignore me.

“But Great Hero was attacked by villains!!!”

“We heard that story and launched our own investigation, but no traces of an ambush could be found. We even suspect it was the Sword Demon’s own fabrication.”

“Are you implying Great Hero is lying?!”

“Considering the Sword Demon’s past actions, it’s not an entirely unbelievable proposition. Clan Head.”

This one’s a real piece of work.

Faced with the messenger’s determined push, I almost felt a sense of fondness. At least he has conviction. Which means I should at least give him a chance.

“Are you implying that I killed all the members of the retinue and the Hundred Great Masters, and then colluded with the survivors?”

“Isn’t that entirely possible? Considering what you’ve done in the past, that is.”

“Fine, I’ll give you a chance to apologize for that impudence right now.”

I deliberately didn’t release any killing intent. I simply wanted to discern the other’s true heart. At my words, the messenger briefly wore an incredulous expression, then scoffed and retorted.

“It seems you haven’t grasped the situation. The valiant warriors of the Nangong Clan, key players in the Sword Demon War, are here. Do you really think you can run rampant like you used to?”

“So, the apology?”

“I cannot do anything that would drag the Nangong Clan’s honor through the mud. I refuse.”

“Excellent, I acknowledge that conviction of yours.”

The messenger’s ramrod posture was truly something to behold. Whatever the reason, the fool clearly mistook me for the Sword Demon. Gods know what that old man did in the past.

At least enough to warrant something grandiose called a ‘Sword Demon War.’ To think he believed me some vile fiend of that magnitude, and yet he still dared speak his mind.

Well, then he shall die without regrets.

Almost without realizing it, I resheathed the sword I’d drawn moments before. Unaware of what had transpired, the messenger simply blinked, staring at me.

“When did you even draw yo—”

*Thud.*

The messenger’s head, separated cleanly from his shoulders, landed on the ground like a ripe fruit. A sight defying all comprehension, freezing everyone momentarily. I addressed the warriors of the Namgung Clan.

“Take that head and deliver it to your master.”

“You think you’ll get away with this?!”

“I’ll return those words right back to you.”

In the past, I would have weighed the situation carefully before acting. Considering the Namgung Clan’s reputation, potential cooperation. But this ordeal changed my thinking.

My hesitation nearly cost my disciples their lives.

And that would likely remain true in the future.

Therefore, I resolved to hesitate no longer.

At first, I wanted to ascertain the connection between the Namgung Clan and the Demonic Cult. Perhaps there were those within the Namgung Clan untainted by demonic influence. But now, my mind was made up.

I would no longer tolerate, calculating based on circumstance. Whether they were Peak or Profound Realm, it mattered not. To protect my disciples, I would kill all who stood in my path.

“The price for this impertinence will be paid directly by your esteemed clan.”

“…”

“And it won’t be long in coming. I swear it.”

This very day.

Right here, on this land.