Book 24 Chapter 17

Pushing

―Chilsangheun's Mistake

"Strong."

That fact surprised Yeonbi more than anything. This person was too skilled for someone in a state of becoming a spectacle for the crowd in a place like this.

"Well, a nobody wouldn't have been able to slaughter a master of the Danmok family so easily."

How many people had she fought that were stronger than this person? But they were mostly monsters who were still spry and active even after turning a hundred. However, this person, no matter how she looked at it, didn't seem to be fifty. Even that polished young master she met at Hwasan wasn't this strong.

"What you see is not everything!"

This person was still hiding a lot. Just as she herself didn't reveal all her skills, the opponent was doing the same. Due to her physical condition—this was all because of her master!—if she was like this, the opponent was hiding their skills to keep their internal energy a secret.

"What are they hiding so much?"

What kind of big secret would it be if others found out? The old man Hyukjung she met before the match came to mind.

"What does that old man know? And what does he want to hear? What kind of story would he want to hear so badly that he'd even put his secret techniques on the line?"

She couldn't understand what kind of incredibly great secret it was that someone would try so desperately to hide and someone else so desperately to uncover.

"I want to know."

The motivation for all great events often begins with such trivial human curiosity.

At this moment, the fate of the martial world was veering in an unknown direction.

Currently, Yeonbi was barely escaping death by a hair's breadth, but she couldn't win by just dodging. To win, effective attacks were indispensable. And she didn't like being cornered like this.

Hwaak!

Pyubyubyubyuk!

The folded Hyeoncheon Eurin unfurled, and fine needles shot out from the tips of the umbrella ribs. Another secret weapon attached to the Hyeoncheon Eurin had just activated. To put it nicely, it was a hidden weapon, but to put it badly, it was a despicable hidden weapon.

"It's useless, such hidden weapons!"

Chilsangheun swung his saber like a net, deflecting all the fine needles flying towards him at high speed. As he spread his saber energy, which was infused with qi, his defense was as solid as a golden fortress, and clumsy hidden weapons couldn't even leave a scratch.

"Did you think you could block my saber with such toys!"

Chilsangheun shouted with a sneer.

"Of course, I didn't think it would pierce through. But I bought us about two sheets of paper's worth of time, didn't I?"

As Yeonbi spoke, she was already holding the separated umbrella canopy of the Hyeoncheon Eurin. To switch from defense to offense, she needed a gap of about one more sheet of paper from the original. To switch from a single sheet of paper required a frontal block, which was very dangerous given her current physical condition.

"Here, a gift."

Chwiriririririg!

The umbrella canopy of the Hyeoncheon Eurin, released from Yeonbi's hand, spun wildly like a chariot wheel and flew towards Chilsangheun.

"I'll cut you in two!"

Chilsangheun roared and brought his saber down in a straight line. Even though the Hyeoncheon Eurin was made of Murin Hyulmang leather with special treatment, it couldn't possibly survive a saber strike of that magnitude, especially with its speed.

Swaeaeaaeaeaeak!

Shugak!

However, what Chilsangheun's saber qi neatly split was empty air. The Hyeoncheon Eurin had already changed its trajectory to his left. Chilsangheun, as if it was impossible, twisted his body to the left again and swung his saber. But this time too, the Hyeoncheon Eurin slipped out of his saber's reach like a loach. As if the umbrella had eyes, or was being controlled by invisible strings, it retreated when he attacked and attacked when he retreated, bothering him. Angered by the black moon's movements, which seemed to be taunting him, Chilsangheun roared and swung his saber.

Shook!

At that moment, Chilsangheun's saber qi extended by more than a foot. The distance had been instantly closed.

"This!"

Yeonbi's reaction was faster than his roar.

She quickly pulled back the Hyeoncheon Eurin and simultaneously swung the umbrella handle she was holding.

Click!

A spearhead shot out from the tip of the umbrella handle that cut through the air. The next moment, golden spear qi flew towards Chilsangheun, clashing violently in the air.

"Huk!"

Chilsangheun, who had never imagined she could control the톱-like spinning umbrella canopy with one hand and unleash sword qi with the other, was startled. He abandoned his pursuit and turned his saber qi towards the incoming spear qi.

Boom!

Qi clashed with qi, and sparks instantly ignited. A moment later, with a roar like two lightning bolts colliding, the saber qi canceled out the spear qi. Although the spear had the advantage, the saber was still superior in terms of cutting.

Although he had lost the initiative, Chilsangheun was as flustered by the unexpected attack as anyone. Without missing a beat, Yeonbi leaped towards Chilsangheun with her utmost speed. She was confident in her movement techniques.

Yeonbi, having instantly closed the distance between herself and Chilsangheun at her maximum speed, raised a spear with a blade that had emerged from the tip. Her posture was so aggressive, like beating a dog to death on a hot summer day, that it didn't seem suitable for a woman. Yet, it strangely suited this woman named Yeonbi. Taking a breath of inner energy, Yeonbi swung the umbrella handle, which was neither a staff nor a spear.

Udududududududud! Pabubabubabubabub! Dadadadadadada! Ralaralarara! Kwakwakwakwakwa!

Sam Bok Gu Da Bong Chang Beop (Three Heatdays Beat Staff Spear Method).

奥義 (Secret Technique).

Malbok (Last Heatday).

Cheon Ji Mu Gyeon (Heaven and Earth Without Dogs) Ja Da Bong Chang (Self-Many Staff Spear).

Instantly, the shadows of the staff split into hundreds, pressing in on Chilsangheun from all sides.

The principle of the moves followed staff techniques, but because the tip of the staff had a blade, it was also a spear technique. The staff strikes, which descended like a vise from all sides, were powerful like a staff, but the blades at the tips flashed at unexpected moments, pressing Chilsangheun. This technique was not flashy but tenacious, persistent, and chaotic. There was no set rule or framework to this technique.

Chilsangheun was utterly disoriented by the relentless barrage of clubbing blows like a shower and the interspersed hail of spear blades.

The techniques from moments before didn't seem to be as ingrained in her body, but this technique seemed to be in sync with this woman, Yeonbi. Therefore, its power was incomparable.

The members of the Vermilion Bird Squad, including Namgung Sang, who were watching from the spectators' seats, were greatly bewildered by the technique.

"Doesn't that… look like a technique I've seen somewhere before?"

"What is that? I don't know, it's scary."

"Ugh, I don't want to think about it."

They all felt an instinctive chill. There was something in that scene that stimulated their latent and inherent fears.

'Are you trying to hit or cut! Just pick one, pick one!' they felt like shouting. Chilsangheun had already retreated ten steps, pushed back by Yeonbi's staff momentum. The footprints he left behind were deeply etched into the ground. This was proof that he was desperately blocking this technique.

'This is dangerous!'

If this continued, the opponent's momentum would surely grow like a snowball rolling down a mountain. If he couldn't stop this momentum, his defeat was all but certain. Once the dike, barely holding on, collapsed, the overflowing water would sweep away everything in an instant.

"Nonsense! Haaap!"

In his desperation, Chilsangheun resorted to a forbidden technique he had sealed away.

Hyeol Mu Mak Mak (Blood Mist Curtain).

To block the barrage of staff strikes, a red mist erupted from his half-broken saber. The rising blood mist instantly enveloped his body. Then, Yeonbi's staff momentum could no longer pierce the barrier. The "Sam Bok Gu Da Beop," which had always unhinderedly overwhelmed opponents and was called the "Finishing Technique" by some who knew it, was almost blocked for the first time.

The blood mist, which looked like a blood-colored fog from afar, was actually a massive lump of qi. It was a method of protecting himself by unleashing qi in a special way simultaneously with spreading his saber energy. It was a type of protective qi, but fundamentally different from others in that the mist also served as an attack. The mist had a tendency to absorb, draw in, and suck in his attacks like a swamp. Yeonbi could not forget the unpleasant sensation she felt in her fingertips when she struck the blood mist. Judging it to be dangerous for a moment, Yeonbi withdrew her hand and took a step back.

"It's a sticky technique, like blood."

Yeonbi expressed her honest impression.

"Your senses are amazing."

Chilsangheun seemed quite surprised by Yeonbi's flexible response. If she had forced her way through the blood fog, his red qi would have instantly consumed Yeonbi. However, he didn't look particularly happy even after successfully blocking Yeonbi's fatal attack.

"Why the sour face?"

"You don't need to know."

Chilsangheun was inwardly very flustered. In front of so many people, he had unconsciously used that technique, even if he was cornered…

'Am I crazy? Someone will surely recognize it…'

He wouldn't have done this if he were sane. Although it was hardly known in the martial world, there were people who would recognize this technique. To use a technique that was practically his signature move… The accumulated negative karma he had built up was on the verge of collapsing like a sandcastle.

"What was that just now, Master Mubaek? It looked like a blood fog?"

"……"

Heavy silence followed instead of an answer.

"Master Mubaek?"

But there was still no answer.

"……?"

Misenggonja turned his head with a puzzled expression and looked at Master Mubaek's face. Master Mubaek's eyes were wide open, his mouth agape, and he was frozen like a statue. His complexion was pale, as if he had a heart attack.

"Master Mubaek, are you alright?"

Master Mubaek, who didn't react even when Misenggonja waved his hand in front of his eyes or blew air next to him, finally moved when Misenggonja twisted his third beard hair.

"What is this! I'm fine."

"I thought you had fainted again. I'm glad you're alright. But why the reaction? Do you know something about the blood fog technique that Chilsangheun just showed?"

"Um… could it be… but that's… he… he… it can't be…"

It was more like mumbling to himself than an answer. Master Mubaek's mind was still too chaotic to organize properly.

"You have some idea. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so surprised."

"That's right. However, it's such an immense fact that it's difficult to speak of it carelessly. If what I suspect is true, it would be an incredibly significant event. It might cause a bloodbath in the martial world."

"What on earth is it that makes you so afraid? I can't even explain it out of fear. Even a guess would be good, could you tell me just a little?"

Master Mubaek shook his head.

"No. I can't. If I did, I couldn't guarantee my own life. If you get too close to a secret out of curiosity, you might fall like a moth to a flame and crash."

"Then give me just a little taste. You can do that, can't you? If we continue like this, the audience, driven mad by curiosity, might riot. If Chilsangheun's identity is too dangerous, let's set that aside, but can you at least teach me what that technique is? It would be fun to predict based on that."

Conflict flickered across Master Mubaek's face. He hesitated, but eventually succumbed to Yujin's skillful persuasion. After much deliberation, Master Mubaek opened his mouth. Still burdened by residual conflict, his speech seemed extremely difficult.

"The technique he just showed was… it was… one of the 'Great Heaven Sabers'."

"G-Great Heaven Sabers? You don't mean…"

"Gyeok Cheon Do (Great Heaven Saber). Blood Mist Twelve Forms, yes. It's the unique saber technique of the Martial God's wife."

Thump!

A great shock fell upon the venue. People held their breath for a moment.

"N-no way…"

Misenggonja's eyes, filled with shock, seemed to plead, "Please don't say I pressured you to reveal it." Though nothing touched them, their throats felt cold. They might have just touched something they should never have touched.

The karma they incurred would be immense.

Having each shown a bit of their skill, the two faced each other without rashly attacking. In such cases, an unconditional first strike was not always advantageous.

"Why are you fighting?"

"A trivial reason. It's just for money."

And that was the undeniable truth. Though if you traced it back further, it was all because of her master.

"It doesn't seem like it."

"Even if it doesn't seem like it, the truth is the truth. I do appear honest, humble, and frugal, don't I?"

"Are there no other reasons?"

"Of course."

"Then you cannot defeat me. With such a vulgar heart, you cannot break my ideals, never."

"No, I will win!"

Yeonbi replied firmly.

"If you think you can sway me with such generalities, you are greatly mistaken. And don't dismiss money. Money is good. And it's important. Living on this earth, you shouldn't forget you are human. Humans need to eat, wear clothes, and have a place to sleep. And those aren't free. Even if it's not something flashy, something is needed in return. To achieve ideals, you must first live. Surely, you don't think everything you eat and wear is free?"

"Of course not. But money is not my goal. I have a mission to fulfill. I absolutely cannot die before accomplishing that mission."

Then Yeonbi chuckled and replied.

"Oh, I never said money was my goal either. I just said money is good, and the more the better. To achieve a goal, you need tools and means, don't you? Nothing is free in this world. Besides, I use money as a means to achieve my goal, but what about you? You use 'other people's blood' as a means to achieve your noble mission!"

Yeonbi's index finger pointed like a sword towards the space between Chilsangheun's eyebrows. Chilsangheun froze for a moment. He had been hit right on the mark. A smile spread across Yeonbi's lips.

"I can't tell which is worse. Don't you think so?"

"Are you trying to insult me?"

Yeonbi's finger moved slightly away from his brow.

"What is that coffin you're carrying on your back? Isn't it heavy when you tie it up so tightly with chains? It seems a bit small for your corpse."

To fit his body inside, it would have to be compressed three times its current size.

"You have no right to know that. If you try to know, I'll kill you."

Yeonbi chose to scoff rather than say "Oh, how scary."

"Pfft, that's an amusing thing to say. If I try to know, you'll kill me, and if I don't try to know, you'll kill me anyway. Since you're going to kill me no matter what, wouldn't it be better to be interested? Isn't curiosity the driving force for human wisdom?"

In fact, without curiosity, without asking questions about the world, humans wouldn't have developed this much. They were still primitive, but… At least now, they could "split" someone's head with an iron axe, rather than "crush" it with a stone axe.

"That's wrong. Curiosity is a shortcut to hasten one's death."

After a moment of silence, Yeonbi slowly opened her mouth.

"Do you want to punish yourself like that?"

Yeonbi had no intention of shutting her mouth. She would say everything she had to say, no matter what happened afterward.

"W-what are you talking about!"

Chilsangheun, who was provoked, shouted.

"Do you want to run away from the past like that?"

"I'm not running away!"

"No, you are a coward."

At those words, Chilsangheun froze. He seemed to have been hit right in the bull's-eye from an unexpected place. He denied it, but his heart couldn't deny it.

"First, that broken saber."

Yeonbi pointed to the saber in Chilsangheun's hand with one finger.

"Your saber technique is not meant to be performed with a half-broken saber. That's why you always step half a step further than others to compensate for the lost length. Your footwork, which instantly makes the distance to the opponent zero, is also to make up for that deficiency. The saber qi you use constantly is just another means to compensate for the insufficient length."

"H-how do you know that?"

But Yeonbi's words didn't end there.

"And the coffin on your back and the chains you've wrapped around your body to secure it? It looks like shackles for a criminal. Did you want to punish yourself like that?"

"……"

Chilsangheun said nothing. However, his complexion was as white as a sheet, as if he had been struck by a fatal blow.

"I agree that it's a very peculiar way to punish oneself. To punish yourself by killing others. No, that's not it. That was running away. To avoid being reminded of what you abandoned. That's why you killed and killed and killed in places like this."

Chilsangheun's expression hardened with each passing moment. Yeonbi continued to speak as smoothly as flowing water, unconcerned by the change.

"You don't need to tell me what's inside that coffin. I already know!"

At Yeonbi's confident declaration, Chilsangheun's body trembled as if struck by lightning.

"Nonsense! That's absolutely ridiculous. There's no way someone like you could know what's inside! So, shut up! If you say any more, I'll kill you."

"Try to kill me if you can. But you won't be able to shut me up."

Chilsangheun gripped the handle with all his might, to the point where his veins bulged, but he couldn't swing it. Towards the trembling Chilsangheun, Yeonbi spread her fingers wide. Then, she declared,

"What's confined inside is your 'past'!"

At those words, Chilsangheun finally fell to his knees. The past he had been running from, the sins he had been avoiding, all rushed at him at once. His thoughts were momentarily paralyzed, and he could do nothing.

"Kuaaahhhhhh!"

He screamed, unable to bear the pain. The scream, filled with years of regret, was enough to make one's hair stand on end and weigh heavily on one's heart. The undefeated king, who was once called the Bloodied Emperor, now knelt before an unknown woman. But Yeonbi thought, it's not over yet.

"Now! If you have the courage, declare who you are in front of all these spectators. Can you shout it out loud? That I am So-and-so. That I am the one you all knew. Try it if you have that courage. Bring out the corpse you buried inside that coffin. Bring forth the evidence that proves who you are into the light of this world. If you can't do that, then just admit your defeat. I don't want to fight a coward who runs from his past. Now, choose!"

Yeonbi pressed on with her commanding voice. Chilsangheun remained silent, his head bowed. There was no trace of fighting spirit anywhere in his posture. He seemed to have completely lost the will to fight. In Yeonbi's amber eyes, watching him, there was no trace of pity.

"Is this it?"

At that moment, Chilsangheun's lips, which had been silent, moved.

"Coward… Coward… Coward…"

"Huh?"

Yeonbi shifted her gaze back to Chilsangheun. He was no longer in the completely deflated state he had shown moments before. He now looked like an active volcano ready to erupt at any moment. A force simmered deep within him, like hot lava. Finally, Chilsangheun stood up abruptly and shouted,

"Kuaaahhhh! Who are you calling a coward now? How dare you call me a coward? Nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, nonsense!"

Chilsangheun was unable to control the emotions boiling within him like water in a heated kettle. The simmering emotions seemed to have blown off the lid of reason. This was unlike him, who was indifferent to everything, even to enemies trying to kill him.

"What are you afraid of?"

Yeonbi asked what he feared, not what he was angry about. At that question, Chilsangheun froze like a stone.

"It seems you're not angry simply because I dug up your buried past and opened the coffin lid."

"……"

Chilsangheun did not answer. It was as if his mouth had been sealed shut with strong adhesive.

"What are you afraid of?"

Yeonbi repeated the same question. By now, cold sweat was running down Chilsangheun's forehead. But he couldn't show weakness to his opponent.

"No, I am not afraid. There is nothing for me to fear! The one who should be afraid is you!"

Chilsangheun shouted hysterically.

"No. I don't want to hear that from someone who can't face their past and runs away from it. What are you afraid of?"

Chilsangheun couldn't endure the question repeated for the third time.

"Khuuuuuhhhhhh!"

With a roar like a lion's, Chilsangheun charged like a gale and shouted,

"I. AM. NOT. AFRAID. OF. A. N.Y.T.H.I.N.G!"

For the first time, a significant flaw appeared in Chilsangheun's attack. He was too agitated. This was fortunate for Yeonbi.

'Things are going so well!'

At times like these, one must give thanks. He couldn't control himself, but his speed was fast. He was already within the range of the Hyeoncheon Eurin. However, his fist was still available. He clenched his fist with all his might. Now, Chilsangheun was within arm's reach.

"Thanks!"

Yeonbi swung her fist with all her might towards his face.

With a satisfying impact, Chilsangheun bounced three times on the ground like a skipping stone and rolled four times.

"He rolled incredibly disgracefully."

Na Baekcheon remarked with a frown.

"It looks incredibly painful."

It looked so painful that it hurt just to watch.

"Stupid fellow!"

Hyukjung the old man muttered disapprovingly.

"Is he dead?"

"Probably not."

Mu Baek replied to Yujin's question.

"But this is the first time he's suffered such a humiliating defeat, so he's probably very ashamed. Ah, he's getting up now."

"Is it my imagination? His face looks a bit red. Is it because he just got hit?"

"Well, it's probably because he's embarrassed. Wouldn't anyone be?"