Book 17 Chapter 4

Contract (請負)!

—Kill the Sword Saint!

"Kill the Sword Saint!"

The request was short and to the point. However, it was clear that no proportional relationship existed between the length of words and the weight of their content.

The young man, who had been kneeling and listening respectfully, turned as pale as snow. As if his very life had drained away.

Giving him a hundred paces, no, a thousand or ten thousand paces of leeway—though unwillingly—I can understand that such an impudent outburst can indeed come from a human mouth, given the nature of human words and actions, which are entirely entrusted to the supposedly unreliable concept of free will, regardless of era or time (and even at this point, I've already given about ten thousand paces of leeway).

Just as brighter light casts deeper shadows, it was understandable—though again, unwillingly—that someone of the stature of the Three Saints of Celestial Martial Arts, who had many admirers, would also have an equal number of enemies. To build such a reputation, a commensurate price or sacrifice would naturally be required. Of course, the victims themselves would protest that they were innocent sacrifices, but they were also the ones who had used others as sacrifices to build their own fame. In any era, the perpetrator never understands the victim's feelings until they become one.

Setting that aside, a request as terrible as assassinating the Sword Saint was the kind of thing that should emerge from the bottom of the dark abyss, a place swarming with sinister, sticky, ghostly, and evil demonic energy, not something to be blurted out in broad daylight, with the sun shining, the wind blowing gently, and new leaves budding green, especially not in the heart of the Celestial Martial Arts Academy, the center of mental cultivation. Furthermore, there was an even greater, more critical issue: whether by coincidence or by inevitable consequence, the surname of the person being urged to accept the commission—most coincidentally—was Mo Yong, and his given name was Hui. His opponent was clearly not concerned with human ethics.

It was one thing for one's heart to stir, and another to arbitrarily express that stirred heart through words, but judging by the circumstances and common sense, this was certainly not something one should say to one's own grandson. No matter who the other party was, even giving them a thousand or ten thousand paces of leeway, this point was absolutely non-negotiable. However, what the other party desired was absolute obedience and compliance, not understanding.

'How did things turn out this way? Where did it all go wrong?'

His world was churning like a restless sea. If he lost his focus even slightly, he felt as though he would immediately fall into the dark abyss below.

He felt dizzy.

Despite the lingering confusion, enough to make him feel nauseous, he knew he couldn't collapse like this. Before calming his mind, he controlled his breathing to steady his body. His rapid pulse, the faint tremors still lingering in his limbs, and the beads of cold sweat on his forehead were all evidence of his mental turmoil manifesting physically. He consciously regulated his breathing, exhaling slowly and deeply, to regain control. As his breathing stabilized, the tremors subsided, the sweat on his forehead dried, and his heartbeat returned to its normal rhythm. Then, albeit slightly, the turbulent waves of confusion in his mind began to calm.

Only then did Mo Yong Hui begin to recall the conversation they had just had, replaying it step by step.

"Are you prepared?"

"Of course!"

To Hyuk Joong's question, Mo Yong Hui replied with unwavering strength. The old man nodded.

"You speak with conviction. I hope your actions will be as convincing as your words."

Anyone can speak, but to act on those words requires commensurate will and resolve.

"I will do anything. I will never give up."

The model youth of good conduct replied once more, without a hint of hesitation.

"Really? Can you truly do it? Can you move forward without faltering through any hardship or trial? Are you truly prepared to obey anything I command, if it is my order? Without any doubt? Any command whatsoever?"

The old man asked with a tone of doubt.

"Yes, if you tell me to die, I will die, and if you tell me to live, I will live. If I can become stronger, I will endure any hardship."

He had never yearned for strength so desperately as he did now. His will blazed like wildfire. At his solemn reply, the old man shed his imposing demeanor and let out a hearty laugh.

"Haha, why would I tell you to die? If the one who needs to become strong dies, who will I teach? However… since you answered so earnestly, I want you to show me the resolve to match."

Words cannot be shown. Only actions can.

"I won't tell you to die. In fact, it's much easier than that. It's nothing special, but if you don't have that level of resolve, it's better not to attempt it at all, right?"

"Command me. I will never disappoint you."

The will to act blazed in Mo Yong Hui's eyes.

"You still have no hesitation. But it's reassuring to hear you say that. Good, good! Don't be so tense. Am I going to eat you? You just need to do one thing."

"What do I need to do?"

The old man's words were not long. In an instant, fear descended, dancing to the melody of despair.

—Kill the Sword Saint!

Mo Yong Hui was crushed by the old man's imposing presence, which seemed to overwhelm his very soul, and dared not even utter a short retort. Though not congenitally mute, his tongue and lips felt paralyzed, and the words he wanted to say trembled in his chest with fear, unable to escape.

—Kill [殺]… Kill [殺]… Kill [殺]…….

Whom? The Sword Saint? Whom? His own grandfather? Whom? His idol? Whom? His god……?

A question thrown without end. Was there a spirit of words imbued in the old man's sudden, shocking, thrilling, and terrifying pronouncement? Ensnared by the power of words, Mo Yong Hui felt as if his body and mind were bound, unable to move a single finger.

The old man's words touched upon the greatest, highest taboo for Mo Yong Hui, for the being that was Mo Yong Hui. Was this the path he was meant to take? Was he standing on the path of Asura right now?

He had to realize, through the cold sweat trickling down his spine, the frantic tremors at the tips of his limbs, and the frantic pounding of his heart, just how arduous a path he had embarked upon.

And that there was no turning back.

'How I wish it were a joke…'

But it was clearly no joke. The old man was undoubtedly demanding the Sword Saint's death from Mo Yong Hui. His gaze and tone were clearly not joking. He was forcing him to kill the Sword Saint in some way.

Mo Yong Hui felt his inner passion cool down, and the tower of his will, which he believed to be solid, crumble like a sandcastle. And he cursed his own mouth for having uttered such a pledge so easily.

—Still no hesitation!

The echo of words already lost to the past thundered in his ears.

He had no choice but to hesitate. Burdened with the greatest dilemma of his life.

He only resented his own mouth, which had carelessly uttered words without thought.

—I am prepared! I will do anything!

One should not carelessly utter words that cannot be kept. The words already thrown out of his heart were binding him. He wanted to retract them, but his lips felt glued, unable to part.

"I will leave the method to you!"

After glancing at the bewildered young man, the old man quietly left the room. The door closed.

*Bang!*

With blank eyes, Mo Yong Hui, in a state of complete absentmindedness, like someone in a trance, watched the old man disappear. The sound of the only exit closing was faint, as if saying there was nowhere to escape.

"Tsk tsk, grandfather, aren't you a bit too mischievous for your age? Do you really think that righteous young master will be able to do it?"

Hyuk Joong, who had carelessly left the room, leaving Mo Yong Hui in complete despair, suddenly stopped.

"Ah, it was you?"

The old man's gaze fell upon Bi Ryu Yeon, the self-proclaimed mysterious genius prodigy, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed, smiling with amusement. The self-proclaimed number one handsome man in the universe asked,

"About the Sword Saint you just told him to kill. Isn't he that friend's biological grandfather?"

"Was there another Sword Saint in the martial world besides him? This old man has never heard of such a thing."

"Hmm, so you're a man of conviction. Oh, I thought maybe it was someone else."

"No, am I insane? Would I have this child kill anyone other than the Sword Saint? What benefit would that bring?"

Huh? Then he's not insane? Any martial artist who heard their conversation would ask themselves that hundred percent of the time. Of course, this is a feat only allowed to those who don't value their lives or wield the blade of ignorance.

"That's true. So it has to be the Sword Saint for it to have meaning, right?"

Without criticizing the old man's immorality, Bi Ryu Yeon nodded in understanding. A slight expression of surprise flickered across Hyuk Joong's face.

"You're really quick to understand."

"Definitely a desirable fellow."

"Except for that aspect."

"Hmm, was that so?"

This time, it was Hyuk Joong's turn to look surprised, as if hearing something for the first time.

"I've been staying here for quite some time and observing closely, but it seems others don't acknowledge it?"

At that, Bi Ryu Yeon scoffed as if he had just heard the most foolish question.

"Tsk tsk, if you get acknowledged by foolish commoners, are you really a genius? That's just a talented person or a swindler. How can you use the yardstick of commoners to measure a genius? Don't say such absurd things elsewhere. Everyone will think you've lost your mind."

Bi Ryu Yeon said as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It was clear he truly believed it without a shred of doubt.

"That's an extreme opinion."

It was not easy to be so shameless at such a young age. However, there was a strange persuasiveness in that opinion, which seemed radical and ignorant at first glance.

"…But now that I hear it, it makes sense."

The old man replied reluctantly.

"It's not just making sense; it's the truth. Since ancient times, the masses and rulers have disliked geniuses. All they like are the corpses of geniuses and saints (聖人), ones they can wrap up and package to their liking."

That was an immutable truth. The corpses of saints have always enriched the rulers and various religious organizations. The saying that the dead are always silent is not just for silencing someone; perhaps if the deceased saints knew of the existence of crows feasting on their corpses, they would rise from their graves.

That was something the old man conceded. And regarding the argument of whether Bi Ryu Yeon was a genius, there was nothing more to discuss, and he didn't want to bother with the hassle of arguing. The old man decided to change the subject.

"Do you think I'm being too harsh? Will you condemn me as heartless? But the path this child must take is one of hardship, impossible without such resolve. He must be prepared to give up everything he possesses."

"No. I think it was an appropriate measure. It's the most necessary thing for that kid right now. It's not an obstacle that can be bypassed, is it?"

For a moment, the old man looked at Bi Ryu Yeon as Baek Ya felt upon meeting Jong Gi, who understood his zither music.

"You might truly be a genius."

Hyuk Joong exclaimed in admiration.

"Not 'might be,' but 'is.' Believe me. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Blessed are those who believe'?"

"I haven't. Where is that from?"

Hyuk Joong denied it as if cutting with a knife and then asked.

"Well, I heard it from some grumpy old man once. Let's just say the source is unknown."

This time, Bi Ryu Yeon changed the subject.

"But will he really be able to do it? For him, that is the greatest taboo, a sacred land and forbidden realm that must not be trespassed. Can he truly deny the world he stands on?"

Killing the Sword Saint was equivalent to Mo Yong Hui denying himself. Both of them knew this fact well. Or rather, perhaps it was because they knew it.

"Because he might not be able to do it himself, I'm giving him a nudge out of concern. He must trample on that sacred ground with muddy feet and break through the forbidden boundary. That's where that child must go now."

"What if he fails? Then he gives up?"

At this moment, the probability of failure was higher than success. However, he didn't want to utter the word 'give up' carelessly.

"What do you say? Shall we make a bet?"

The old man proposed with a sly tone, raising one corner of his mouth. Talking to someone on the same eye level was a refreshing and novel experience in this stifling world.

"A bet… that's a rather sudden proposal. And it sounds quite immoral and unjust."

"Why, are you not interested?"

Bi Ryu Yeon quickly waved his hand and said,

"No. Not interested? Who do you think I am? It's even intriguing."

It was certainly tempting.

Perhaps these two regarded human lives as mere flies. They were terrifying individuals. Did the life and death of the Sword Saint, one of the pillars of the martial world, the Three Saints of Celestial Martial Arts, mean nothing more than a mere bet to them? If so, then these old and young men must have some mental problem. Such reckless thinking would be impossible if their nerves were properly ordered.

Mo Yong Hui, who was agonizing and struggling in that room, would have been better off meeting a more decent human being instead of such delinquents, as it would have helped him live a smooth, ordinary, and boring life without wasting his vibrant youth.

"Well, what do you think?"

Bi Ryu Yeon also smiled. Hyuk Joong said with impatience.

"Don't hesitate, and be clear about your stance. Do you think that friend can do it, or can't he? Let's make a bet. Whether your prophecy will be right or wrong. This is a contest. Who between you and me has a broader, deeper, and more accurate foresight, who can more accurately await the coming present from the future? There is even the saying, 'Counting the past is following, knowing the future is reversing'?"

The old man's last words, spoken without much thought, stirred Bi Ryu Yeon's buried memories.

"Heaven and Earth are in their proper positions, Mountains and Lakes communicate their energies, Thunder and Wind clash with each other, Water and Fire do not fight each other, the Eight Trigrams are interwoven, counting the past is following, knowing the future is reversing, therefore Yi is reversing numbers!"

A scripture flowed from Bi Ryu Yeon's mouth unconsciously. It was almost a reflex.

"The words come from the third chapter of the "Commentary on the Trigrams" in the Book of Changes (周易)."

Counting what is passing is following (順), and knowing what is coming is reversing (逆). Therefore, Yi (易) means counting backwards. In other words, to put it simply, following the tail of time is following (順), and arriving at a point in the future to await the coming time is reversing (逆). Counting backwards (逆數) also means the same thing. If you submit to the situation, you are simply swept away; if you anticipate what is coming, you can take the lead. It is a matter of active versus passive. Without knowing Yi, without knowing the rules of change, it is all useless.

"Huh? Oh? You knew that too?"

A smug smile formed on Bi Ryu Yeon's lips.

"I had to learn it, albeit reluctantly, because of someone with a bad temper."

—How can you truly understand change without studying the ultimate exploration of change? Are you crazy?

It was better for his mental health to quickly forget unpleasant memories. Constantly being trapped in such dark and gloomy memories would excessively contaminate his mind. He calmed his mind by envisioning a bird's-eye view of a bright future.

"Haha! You seemed insignificant at first, but the more I see you, the more you surprise me. In the past few decades, this is the first time I've been so frequently surprised."

This time, even Hyuk Joong was genuinely surprised. People are sometimes taken aback when their intentions are caught off guard. He hadn't expected him to know that much.

Even renowned figures in the martial arts world rarely studied that far. Although all martial arts called first-class or peerless do not deviate from the Dao of Yin and Yang, or rather, are created and passed down based on it, almost everyone is ignorant of Yi, the ultimate of change. How can one fully understand martial arts built upon it without understanding its core essence? He couldn't understand such reckless attitudes even after a hundred years.

"If you know and understand that, then it will be easier to talk. I don't have to explain everything from scratch, word by word. That's very troublesome. And frankly, it's not fun either. It's boring. It's good if the listener is distracted, but usually they just nod off. So, most people just ignore it, and then the conversation breaks down. How can there be a proper conversation between people with different bases of understanding? Don't you agree?"

Therefore, most people recognize the distance between them and give up on conversation. Still, those who try to communicate and understand are truly possessed of indomitable will. Or perhaps they are just fools.

"That's right. I understand."

How much mental effort and violence (?) had he himself used to converse with those trapped within the framework of conventional common sense? Human mutual understanding has undoubtedly been humanity's grand challenge against the impossible since ancient times.

"One must always hone their vision to see further. And what's better than practical experience for that? Humans don't concentrate well unless there's a bit of tension. You need the courage to throw yourself into the unknown."

Bi Ryu Yeon summarized the old man's lengthy speech in a single sentence.

"So, you're saying let's compete to see who's more capable?"

It meant a contest to see who could count backwards better.

"That's right! Let's do it with gusto!"

The old man exclaimed, spreading his arms wide. He had a mischievous look on his face. His dignity had been thrown into the wilderness for a moment, or left in an open field, as his playful, clear eyes sparkled brightly. The old man's spirit seemed to have transcended time and age. For better or worse.

"Didn't you call yourself a genius earlier? The accuracy of a prophecy is the proof of genius. Geniuses sometimes can't see beneath their feet, but they can see much farther and more obscurely ahead than ordinary people can, or even imagine. It's not a genius to tinker with what's in front of them. Moreover, this isn't looking too far into the future, is it? If you can't even do this much, how can you dare to claim the title of genius? Don't you think so?"

It was a clear provocation. And a challenge. If you're truly a genius, prove it. There was no reason to refuse.

"Hmm…"

However, just because his mind was made up didn't mean he had to accept the offer immediately, so Bi Ryu Yeon pretended to ponder, crossing his arms and looking away. He wanted to avoid giving the impression that he was being manipulated by others' intentions.

"Hey, the meal has been ready for a long time, why are you still taking so long? We all know your mind is already made up. Don't you think I know you would have brought it up first if I hadn't? Players shouldn't do that. No, they shouldn't!"

It was a subtle but highly skilled provocation designed to incite fighting spirit, but Bi Ryu Yeon didn't fall for it.

"Players? What a harsh thing to say. A good-natured student like myself does not blindly step into a dangerous gamble that leaves the odds to fate."

If some people had heard this, they would have been so shocked they'd have coughed up blood. Of course, the old man, who considered himself a sensible person, didn't believe him.

"If not you, old man, where else would I find a betting opponent like you? These kinds of bets are only fun when the eye levels match, aren't they?"

The old man pleaded.

"Since you say so, I can't refuse any further. Alright, let's do it."

Nodding as if reluctantly agreeing, Bi Ryu Yeon secretly smiled with satisfaction. He had pretended to back down, but in truth, this was what he wanted. And it wasn't bragging, but he had never lost a bet before, which was his pride.

"Then let's place it!"

The old man Hyuk Joong said resolutely. Finally, Bi Ryu Yeon nodded, signaling his willingness to participate in the conspiracy of familial murder. Even if he didn't directly participate in the murder, would he still be an accomplice if he condoned it? That might also be very interesting.

"Alright!"

Bi Ryu Yeon answered heartily. The old man, with a gentle smile as if satisfied with his answer, asked,

"What are you betting on?"

It meant he was conceding the first move as the proposer of the bet. There was no reason to refuse.

"Since it's 'nothing to lose, everything to gain,' I bet that friend can kill the Sword Saint."

"Hoho, so that's how you're playing?"

Thinking he was no ordinary fellow, the old man smiled meaningfully and stared at the young man, who was at least a hundred years younger than him. Even though he squinted a little, Bi Ryu Yeon remained unfazed. In today's martial world, how many people could meet the old man's gaze head-on? If they knew that fact, they would be astonished at the value of his achievement in returning the gaze without flinching.

Maintaining his smile, Bi Ryu Yeon replied with a relaxed demeanor,

"I'm doing it at a loss."

However, the veteran old man had accumulated too much experience to be fooled by such a bluff.

"I can't seem to trust that you're doing it at a loss. I don't believe it. No, I absolutely don't believe it."

"They say you get more suspicious as you get older… Have a little more faith in people."

Regardless of who said it, it was not a statement Bi Ryu Yeon would make. The moment the words left his mouth, they scattered like smoke in the air, giving a glimpse of how unconvincing they were. Despite not having known each other for long, the old man seemed to have grasped the nature of Bi Ryu Yeon quite accurately, suggesting that old ginger is indeed spicier. He had certainly not lived his years in vain.

"I can't help it. The beautiful tradition of respecting elders has been disappearing for more than just a day. Fine, then this old man will bet that the child cannot kill the Sword Saint."

"You've thought it through well."

"Then, shall we consider the bet established?"

"Of course."

It was the moment the Sword Saint's life was reduced to a mere gamble. The reputation of the Three Saints of Celestial Martial Arts, shining brilliantly like the sun of the martial world, was being subjected to unimaginable humiliation from an unknown source. Anyone who heard it would surely make it a martial world offense. On the charge of instigating the Sword Saint's death. Yes, if anyone were to hear it, they certainly would.

"Then shall we discuss the most important matter?"

"What?"

"The stakes!"

The young man with the long bangs smiled brightly and answered concisely, as if it were obvious.

As Bi Ryu Yeon was confirming the bet with Hyuk Joong, his hawk, Thunder-Lightning, cut through the wind, circled gracefully in the air, descended smoothly, and perched on Bi Ryu Yeon's wrist with its wings spread wide, looking majestic like the king of the wind. A letter was attached to Thunder-Lightning's leg. A reply had arrived.

"Faster than expected."

Bi Ryu Yeon murmured with a slightly surprised look.

"What is that?"

The old man asked, unable to hide his curiosity, which radiated from his many wrinkles. After glancing at the letter, Bi Ryu Yeon folded the completed message and put it in his pocket, saying,

"It's just a personal business matter. Nothing that would interest an old man like you."

"Hmph, if you don't want to say, you don't have to. I don't have a hobby of digging into secrets you want to hide."

Hyuk Joong said, putting on an injured expression. It was an expression utterly unsuited to him. If any unfortunate person who knew the old man's true nature witnessed this scene, they would freeze with shock and fear. In severe cases, they might even die from the psychological shock.

"I have a place to go, so I must take my leave."

"What grand farewells for not being able to read a simple letter? Well, have fun without this old man."

It was a pointed remark, but Bi Ryu Yeon's mind had already reached an adamantine state, so it did not affect him at all. Not only that, but he even counterattacked.

"Then, the next time we meet, it will be the day I win. I'll be looking forward to that day with joy. Winning always feels good."

With a slight bow, Bi Ryu Yeon disappeared across the garden. The old man watched his back, disappearing unhurriedly and without any sign of being intimidated, with a focused and serious gaze.

"Who raised such a monster?"

The unresolved question continued to twist and turn, weaving countless patterns of mystery within him.