Chapter 350 : I have quite the experience in getting annihilated

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker: Saphartlantis

Murim Term Consultant: Kopke

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Chapter 350: I have quite the experience in getting annihilated

Pyo Gigwang realized it was time to reveal the name.

At last, the name behind everything came out of his mouth.

“The one who came looking for me was Hwang Seokgyeong.”

“Hwang Seokgyeong? Who is that?”

“He’s an instructor from the Unorthodox Alliance Training Center.”

Someone completely unexpected had been named.

When one joined the Unorthodox Alliance, they were first sent to the Unorthodox Alliance Training Center to receive the basic education required to become a proper member. Afterward, they were assigned to a suitable organization. 1

It was there that one would face formal evaluations, and naturally, the more skilled individuals would be placed into elite units. Hwang Seokgyeong was an instructor at that very place.

It was truly unexpected. Geom Mugeuk had assumed the person behind it all was at least someone at the Division Leader level, perhaps a Branch Leader or even an Elder. But an instructor in charge of testing and assigning warriors?

That made it feel even more dangerous.

“You trusted the words of some mere instructor?”

“He is no mere instructor. He’s highly skilled—everyone knows Instructor Hwang. That’s why I trusted him.”

In truth, it was precisely because he was an instructor at the Unorthodox Alliance Training Center that Pyo Gigwang had trusted him. Somehow, someone in that position just seemed right for the task of creating a secret organization. And being part of the training center, it seemed only natural to assume he had received the Alliance's permission.

Pyo Gigwang looked at Geom Yeon with an unburdened heart.

“Now that you know the name, you can escape the net. Go and report to the Young Leader who was behind this. And tell him I will accept my punishment without protest.”

If convicted of conspiracy in a rebellion, he would live out the rest of his life in prison.

Pyo Gigwang looked up at the sky. The rain that had been pouring down fiercely was beginning to let up.

‘So it’s all over now.’

It felt like a weight had lifted, but also left him strangely angry. It was his life, one he should have lived on his own terms—but he had completely been played by someone else.

Not that he could take revenge directly. He couldn’t very well beat Instructor Hwang with his own hands.

Then Geom Yeon said something unexpected.

“That man is probably just a subordinate.”

“Just a subordinate?”

“That’s what the Flowing Sword Gate Master said. That someone in the Alliance received benefits—bribes. Instructor Hwang might be skilled and well-known, but he doesn’t have the authority to secure those benefits from Flowing Sword Gate.” 2

Now that he heard it, it made sense. How had this young martial artist caught on to something he himself hadn’t even considered?

“We have to find out who’s really behind it through him.”

He had thought knowing about Instructor Hwang was some massive secret, but it turned out even he was just a disposable pawn moving under someone else's orders?

If that were the case—if it was revealed that Instructor Hwang’s identity had been exposed—would an assassin be sent for him, too?

“There’s another problem.”

Geom Yeon had realized what he had missed.

“Is there any proof that Instructor Hwang entrusted the task to the Division Leader? Like a secret letter he wrote himself, or a witness who heard him give the order?”

Pyo Gigwang shook his head. There was no way something like that existed.

“Then Instructor Hwang will absolutely deny ever giving such an order.”

That seemed likely. He had already gone as far as to send an assassin to kill him. With all pretenses cast aside, what conscience would make him confess honestly?

On the other hand, he himself was someone who had been living like a ruined man. Who would they believe—Instructor Hwang or him? Even without going through the process, the result was obvious.

“Then does that mean we won’t be able to catch him?”

“No, we must catch him.”

“How?”

“We have to get him to admit with his own mouth that he gave the order. And also find out who’s really behind him.”

“And how do we do that?”

Geom Yeon seemed to ponder for a moment, then spoke.

“If he’s dragged before the Young Leader, he’ll never speak.”

That would be the case. If he had grown a private organization without the Alliance's approval, he’d face execution. There would be no reason for him to talk.

Geom Yeon silently stared at Pyo Gigwang.

“You’re not saying… the two of us should meet with him together, are you?”

“No.”

Then came something completely unexpected from Geom Yeon’s mouth.

“The Division Leader must meet him alone.”

Pyo Gigwang was stunned.

“If you don’t meet him alone, he will never tell the truth.”

“He’ll try to kill me.”

“I’ll hide nearby and keep watch over you.”

Pyo Gigwang hadn’t expected Geom Yeon to make such a proposal. Truly, this young martial artist had never once acted according to his expectations.

“So what you’re saying is… you’ll hide from Instructor Hwang’s view, and if he tries to kill me, you’ll appear and save me?”

“That’s right. You have to get him to admit he gave the order. And if he reveals who was behind it, even better.”

Pyo Gigwang grew uneasy. To avoid being spotted by Instructor Hwang, Geom Yeon would have to stay quite far away. If Hwang suddenly tried to kill him, could he protect him in time?

Then a different thought came to him. So what if he died at the hands of Instructor Hwang? He was supposed to die today anyway.

Yes, this was a chance to confront that bastard. Somehow, he would make him confess and pay for his crimes. He wouldn’t go alone. 3

Pyo Gigwang looked at Geom Yeon for a moment.

Just yesterday, when they first met, he had never imagined he would be revealing the person behind it all to him. Nor had he thought that this young man would end up saving his life multiple times.

And more than anything, he was grateful that someone had finally listened to his story.

“All right. Let’s do it that way.”

Perhaps even the heavens recognized his resolve—the rain that had been falling came to a stop, and before long, sunlight began to shine through.

“Come on, let’s go.”

As Pyo Gigwang strode forward, Geom Yeon said,

“The path down is this way.”

Pyo Gigwang changed direction and walked that way.

While he had a sheepish look on his face, Geom Yeon greeted him with a wide grin.

‘Don’t smile so brightly, will you? That’s what makes death start to feel scary.’

*         *         *

Hwang Seokgyeong was walking from afar.

Pyo Gigwang stood before his quarters, waiting with a tense heart. This was the first time he had sought him out directly. He’d surely be surprised to see him.

Whiik.

Just as he registered the sound of wind brushing by, he found himself up in a tree. Someone had snatched him up and flown into the air. In that moment, even his pressure points had been subdued.

The one who had restrained him and brought him into the tree was Geom Yeon.

He made a shh gesture.

‘What the hell is going on?’

Just earlier, he had been so confident. He’d promised to protect him no matter what, told him not to worry.

‘So why this, all of a sudden?’

Then, Hwang Seokgyeong soared into the air and landed nearby.

The tree where the two of them had just been was now empty. After scanning the area, Hwang Seokgyeong dropped down again and returned to his quarters.

By that time, Geom Mugeuk and Pyo Gigwang were already far from the scene.

Only after they had gotten a safe distance from Hwang Seokgyeong’s quarters did Geom Yeon release Pyo Gigwang’s pressure points.

“What the hell was that all about?”

Why, indeed? Because he had recognized a familiar face.

Geom Mugeuk had used the New Eye Technique to observe Hwang Seokgyeong from afar. And he had immediately realized who he truly was. He wasn’t some mere subordinate.

He was one of the Twelve Zodiac Kings—specifically, one of the Three Kings.

The Battle King, Cheonnya. 4

Back when the Twelve Zodiac Kings ruled the martial world, the Battle King was known as a god of combat. He loved to fight and hated to lose. Countless martial masters had lost their lives at his hands. 5

He was a man who had staked his life on battle. His martial prowess ranked among the top three within the Twelve Zodiac Kings. Some said he was first, others said third. There were even rumors that his dream was to defeat Hwa Moogi.

That Battle King was now living under the name Hwang Seokgyeong, serving as a mere instructor within the Unorthodox Alliance. And at the center of this conspiracy stood him.

“That man is no fish to be caught in a common net.”

Pyo Gigwang’s focus was no longer on Hwang Seokgyeong.

“You’re not one of the Thirteen Wolves of the Unorthodox Alliance, are you?”

Geom Mugeuk gave a faint smile.

“Now I’m more curious about who you are than who he is.”

“If I reveal my identity, it could bring your annihilation. Are you okay with that?” 6

“Don’t worry. I’ve got quite the experience when it comes to getting annihilated.”

After exchanging a round of dry humor, Geom Mugeuk revealed his true identity.

“I am Geom Mugeuk, Young Cult Leader of the Divine Cult.”

For a moment, Pyo Gigwang froze. Normally, he would have scoffed—Yeah right, what nonsense—and dismissed it without a second thought.

“You really are the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.”

He just knew. That this man was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Everything that had felt special about him until now suddenly made perfect sense with that one line of introduction. Even the reason he hadn’t died.

Then came the wave of shock.

The one who had listened so closely to him was the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult? The one who had saved his life was really the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult?

“Why is the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult here?”

His voice trembled.

“I am handling this matter together with your Young Leader.”

Even after revealing his identity, Geom Mugeuk continued to treat him with respect.

“So… what happens to me now?”

Was he going to be taken to the Demonic Cult? So the part about annihilation for discovering someone's identity wasn't a joke?

“What would you like to happen?”

He had only ever thought about dying. Not once had he imagined what life might look like afterward.

“Take a moment and think about it.”

And then, what came to Pyo Gigwang’s mind first—

“I want to live a new life.”

He wanted to leave everything behind and start anew.

“But my sins are too great…”

He had essentially aided those who betrayed the Alliance, harming the organization which held all his loyalty.

Geom Mugeuk stared at him intently, then spoke an incomprehensible sentence.

“Are you good at massaging shoulders?”

*         *         *

“Aaaaarrrrgh!”

Pyo Gigwang screamed while being carried on Geom Mugeuk’s back, and before he knew it, they had arrived somewhere.

It was Geom Mugeuk’s Star Light Step that had crossed the Ten Star Greatness, and reached the Eleventh Star. He moved so fast that not only was the surrounding scenery a blur, but it felt like being in a constant state of falling off a cliff.

‘This has to be a dream.’

That was all he could think. No matter how skilled a martial artist might be, there was no way one could move this fast—especially while carrying someone.

There was one thing he didn’t realize: even while running, Geom Mugeuk was emitting his internal energy to ensure that Pyo Gigwang could be carried comfortably. Without that, no ordinary person could withstand such speed. *

The place they arrived at was a manor.

On the signboard above, the name read Geukrakwon. Not “won” as in garden, compound or manor, but the won meaning “wish”—as in Paradise Wish. 7

It was the same place they had visited when Seo Daeryong was injured. The place where Geom Mugeuk had become immune to all poisons.

As they entered the courtyard, an old woman stepped out from inside and asked,

“Who’ve you brought on your back this time?”

It was the Insect Doctor, the owner of this place. She still had a bandage wrapped around her arm and was massaging her shoulder as if it were sore.

“Doctor! I missed you.”

Geom Mugeuk ran over and lifted her into a warm hug.

“What are you doing, acting all improper?”

“What else? I’m just happy to see you.”

He was truly overjoyed to see her after such a long time.

“You’ve improved even more since I last saw you.”

As someone deeply knowledgeable in martial arts, she could see Geom Mugeuk’s growth at a glance.

“It’s all thanks to you, Sister.”

At his playful use of “Sister,” she shook her head with an incredulous expression—but the truth was, she was genuinely glad to see him again after so long.

Though she didn’t show it outwardly, her joy at seeing Geom Mugeuk was even greater than his.

“And who is that gloomy soul?”

Just by looking at his face, she seemed to see the life Pyo Gigwang had led.

Geom Mugeuk introduced him.

“This is Pyo Gigwang, who once served as the Black Dragon Division Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance. Go on, introduce yourself. This beautiful lady here is the Insect Doctor.”

Pyo Gigwang had heard of her as well.

“If she's the Insect Doctor, isn’t she the healer said to be so skilled with insects that she can cure all kinds of illnesses and even bring people back from the brink of death?”

He had thought she was just a figure of rumor, so it was a surprise to discover that the legendary Insect Doctor was real. But then—why had Geom Mugeuk brought him here?

“I’m sure you’ve heard other rumors too?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Pyo Gigwang glanced at her and couldn’t bring himself to speak.

The one who answered was none other than the Insect Doctor herself.

“They say I love money so much, they call me a money grubber, don’t they?”

Geom Mugeuk spoke the truth.

“She used that money to support abandoned children. She sends them food, enrolls them in schools, sends them to training halls. She builds them a path to live on and sends them out into the world. She’s someone who has dedicated her entire life to caring for orphans.”

“I had no idea she was such a great person.”

Pyo Gigwang offered a martial bow filled with all his respect.

“But why did you bring me here?”

“You said you’re good at massaging shoulders, didn’t you? Elder Insect Doctor constantly has pain in her limbs and needs someone to help with her shoulders.”

It was Geom Mugeuk’s way of suggesting that he become her disciple and start a new life here. 8

“Let him go through a probation period. If he’s no good, you can feed him to the bugs.”

“You couldn’t bring a younger guy?”

“Come on, what young guy would stick around in a rural place like this nowadays? Besides, he’s younger than he looks.”

Pyo Gigwang couldn’t quite bring himself to protest with, What’s wrong with my face?! After all, he’d been called old-faced more than a few times in life.

The Insect Doctor sat on a boulder.

“Come over here and try massaging my shoulders.”

With a dazed heart, Pyo Gigwang walked over and began to knead her shoulders. Her bones felt so small and delicate, it was almost pitiable.

As she let out a relieved sigh, she said to Geom Mugeuk,

“So you haven’t forgotten me.”

“How could I ever forget you, Great Doctor?”

She felt deeply moved. She had thought of him as a fleeting encounter.

But Geom Mugeuk hadn’t forgotten her. He had come back to see her—and even brought a disciple. In these days, when being forgotten felt especially bitter…

“I think it’s time for me to head out.”

“Stay and eat something first.”

“This opponent won’t be easy. I might be the one getting carried back this time.”

The two exchanged a look in midair. Don’t get hurt. The Insect Doctor’s concern was clear in her eyes.

“If it’s that bad for you, the enemy must already be halfway to the afterlife.”

“As expected! You’re the only one who truly recognizes my worth, Doctor!”

While the two of them carried on their banter, Pyo Gigwang found himself lost in thought.

To confess the truth about the mastermind in a single day… and suddenly becoming the Insect Doctor’s disciple—could a person’s life change so drastically, so quickly?

Then, his gaze happened to meet Geom Mugeuk’s. With clear, deep eyes, Geom Mugeuk said,

“Whether it’s the Demonic Cult or the Unorthodox Alliance, we should at least protect the children.”

In that instant, Pyo Gigwang understood. Why Geom Mugeuk had brought him here. It hadn’t been solely because of the Insect Doctor—it was for his sake.

The Insect Doctor had lived her whole life for orphans.

In contrast, Pyo Gigwang had been the one responsible for delivering children kidnapped by the Black Snake Gang into the hands of the Unorthodox Alliance. Though he hadn’t committed the crime himself, and wasn’t aware that they were kidnapped before being informed by the Young Leader, he couldn’t claim to be innocent of it either.

That’s why he’d brought him here. To serve under the Insect Doctor and atone. To live a second life in this place.

To someone who should have spent the rest of his days in a cold, dark prison, Geom Mugeuk had granted a new life. A life that should have already ended if not for him.

Guilt and gratitude swirled together. A storm of indescribable emotions tore through his chest. And those emotions pooled into a single result that fell downward.

Drip.

A tear dropped.

Pyo Gigwang was startled. He had never cried in his life. Not even when told he would never wield martial arts again. Not even when facing death.

But now, he cried. Why me? Why give someone like me such a chance? A fool who had done nothing but get used by others.

Startled, he wiped the tear away with his sleeve—only to find that Geom Mugeuk was already nothing but a speck on the edge of the sky. Gone before he could even say thank you.

The words Geom Mugeuk had spoken when they first met rose in his mind one final time.

—Once our meeting is over, I’ll vanish like smoke.

‘Thank you, Young Cult Leader.’

The tear that had dropped a moment earlier had landed on the nape of the Insect Doctor’s neck.

Feeling the warmth of it, she shouted out in a loud voice,

“You rascal! If you don’t want to end up bug food, you’d better press harder!”

1 : Dangerous. Such a position would allow him to select members for the conspiracy, and for him to not get exposed after all these years means he’s highly skilled.

2 : Mugeuk is much more clever than me, I would have assumed he was the final link to the masterminds, not yet another pawn.

3 : Come on !!! You can do it !!!

4 : Amazing, Mugeuk was wrong for once…. And I was right for once !!! Why am I so lucky all of the sudden ? *confusion*

5 : A crazed battle junkie. The worst kind, who doesn't stop until he has killed his opponent.

6 : Here, the symbols used are the same as Human Annihilation, you know, the Four Demonic Fiends of the Nine Calamities Demon Art.

7 : Heeey, it’s been a while ^^ So glad to see that grumpy old woman again ^^

8 : He did promise her that he'll bring a disciple in chapter 167 ^^ Still, it’s funny that someone who participated in a children trafficking scheme ended up becoming the disciple of someone who dedicated her life to taking care of orphans. In his defense, he wasn’t aware they were kidnapped.

* : I wanted to develop the fact that at such speed, people would actually lack air from the wall of wind whipping at their faces, but I realized something.

If the Star Light step consistently followed the laws of physics, Mugeuk would be creating sonic booms every time he ran, which would ruin any attempt at stealth.

However, Hwang Seokgyeong/Cheonnya clearly didn’t detect them leaving.

That means that the Star Light Step potentially creates a distorted bubble of space around Mugeuk that is unaffected by normal laws of physics, like a warp drive.

That means the theoretical power and speed of the Star Light Step goes far beyond what I, we had previously anticipated.

With such step, Mugeuk could hypothetically go into outer space, really earning that name of Star Light Step. But doing that would kill him instantly from unshielded radiation, explosive decompression, suffocation and absolute zero freezing, so I’m pretty sure it won’t happen. Plus, running fast on a planet is not the same thing as running fast between solar systems, let alone planets, so any attempt would take years, and running out of internal energy midway would mean death.

Still, having the possibility alone is insane.

Reminds me that I need to read Cosmic Heavenly Demon 3077 too ^^