Chapter 207

"That’s not it."

"Then something must be weighing on you."

Saying this, Unhwi dismounted and gestured for Ju Soa to follow.

Naturally, the two walked over to a nearby tree. Once there, Ju Soa spoke in a quiet voice.

"I think things got a little twisted from our very first meeting."

"Is that so?"

"To be blunt, you only tied me down back then because of that Heavenly Demon martial art you got in the secret realm, didn’t you?"

Unhwi didn’t bother answering. There was no need to deny or rehash something they both already understood.

"By now, you should know I’m not the type to go blabbing about things like that... But I can’t help wondering. Am I really one of your people?"

"You are."

"Cheonpung, who’s no longer here, dreamed of becoming strong enough to support you. Wonyang dreams of avenging her uncle Namgung Ho of the Original Blood Sect. Han Murin wants to wipe out the Hon Do Ma Yeomgung sect that framed and killed her father. Then what about my dream? Do you know what it is?"

"Do I need to?"

"...What if it’s to conquer the entire martial world, or to take the head of its supreme ruler—what would you do then?"

Unhwi let out a faint chuckle.

"What else? I’d help you."

"...You really do know you’re built very differently from other people, don’t you?"

Ju Soa gave a deep sigh at Unhwi’s silent stare and suddenly asked:

"Do you know about the Heavenly Demon Turmoil?"

It was an unexpected question—but her expression was completely serious.

"If you mean one of the histories lost during the Millennium Cataclysm, then yes."

The Heavenly Demon Turmoil.

It was an event that occurred roughly 1,500 years ago. The cult master Won Geukcheon had led the demonic factions in an all-out invasion of the Central Plains, declaring he would unify the martial world.

Following that war, Won Geukcheon

did

unify the martial world, and his sect became known as the Millennial Demon Sect.

It was a period of utter upheaval—the most shocking event to rock the martial world right before the Millennium Cataclysm occurred.

But the problem was that most records about it were lost. Including the specific events of the Heavenly Demon Turmoil itself. No one really knew what had happened.

"There was a man named Ju Jihoo. The first sect master of the Killblade Sect—the one who created the Killblade Sword Art."

"Ju Jihoo..."

"You’ve heard of him?"

Unhwi shook his head.

"That makes sense. He’s not exactly famous."

Scratching her head, Ju Soa gazed at the falling snow.

"There was someone who stood against Won Geukcheon."

"And that man was Ju Jihoo?"

"Yes. He fought him for seven days and seven nights—and lost."

Unhwi said nothing, just watched her quietly.

"I know. He was defeated. He couldn’t stop Won Geukcheon’s ambitions. In the end, the Millennial Demon Sect took over the martial world."

"But even the story of a defeated man holds meaning."

"That’s a noble thing to say. But I’ve only heard fragments passed down within the Killblade Sect. Not much detail."

"If there’s anything worthwhile among those fragments, I’d like to hear it."

"Something worthwhile... hmm. There’s only one thing you might care about. They say that before he was defeated, our ancestor managed to sever Won Geukcheon’s arm."

"His arm?"

"Yes. His left arm, apparently. Not just the flesh—the meridians and even the source. The claim is that, no matter how great Won Geukcheon was, he must have spent the rest of his life just trying to recover from that. Then again... maybe it’s just what our ancestor hoped would be true."

But at that moment, Unhwi’s eyes glinted sharply.

"Just to confirm—his

left

arm?"

"Yes. Left."

"And his name was Ju Jihoo?"

"Yep. Ju Jihoo, founder of the Killblade Sect."

"And you’re a direct descendant of Ju Jihoo?"

Ju Soa tilted her head.

"You could say that. But why? Is that weird?"

"Not weird. Just... fascinating."

"Fascinating how?"

"I was never particularly interested in the Millennium Cataclysm, but I was in a position to hear rumors now and then. And in all those, it was said that from the end of the Heavenly Demon Turmoil onward, Won Geukcheon never once used his left hand again."

Ju Soa blinked.

"Even during the Martial Alliance’s counteroffensive that sparked the Millennium Cataclysm, and all the way through to its end—he only ever used his right hand. I thought it was just arrogance. But... hearing your story, that might not be it."

Ju Soa quickly waved her hands.

"Come on, now. It’s just an old legend. You’re making it sound like something epic."

"I’m not glorifying it. I’m saying it’s credible."

Unhwi’s tone was serious, and Ju Soa was visibly taken aback.

She already knew he was incredibly well-informed—but

this

?

"So then, what’s your goal?"

Ju Soa scratched her head.

This—this was why she came to see Unhwi.

The reason she started this whole conversation.

Unlike Wonyang or Han Murin, she’d never shared her goal with him before.

Now she would.

"Honestly, it’s not so much a goal... more like a lingering wish. I want to find two things: the Killblade Sword Art, and Ju Jihoo’s sword—

Cheonae

."

"But you don’t have a single clue, do you?"

"Nope. After the Heavenly Demon Turmoil, the Killblade Sect scattered while fleeing from Won Geukcheon’s pursuit. The art and the sword were both lost. My family preserved the last bloodline of the sect, but we have no proper martial records ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ left."

Unhwi stared quietly at Ju Soa. A deep thought passed through his eyes.

"What are the characteristics of the Killblade Sword Art? If you know any, tell me."

Ju Soa paused in thought.

"According to my grandfather... the Killblade Sword Art was the epitome of softness. It flowed like wind, and then exploded with the force of lightning at the critical moment."

Unhwi’s eyes gleamed faintly.

"That’s all?"

"Not quite. He also said that while there are countless martial arts in the world, none were as beautiful as the Killblade Sword Art. It was like a sword dance. But no matter how beautiful it was, it always ended in death."

Unhwi gazed up at the distant sky. A memory flickered through his mind.

Yu Cheong’s sword dance.

Even within the Blood Sect, it had always been seen as strange. Too beautiful to be practical in real combat. But Unhwi had sensed the truth.

That the final step of that dance—was always death for the opponent.

He had evaluated it as a supreme martial art, beyond even the level of Martial God.

He’d always thought Yu Cheong was a man of many secrets.

But now—after hearing Ju Soa’s next words—he was certain.

"They said it was a sword dance that looked like it was made for a performance. But no matter how elegant it was, the finale was always fatal. I’ve never seen it myself, but... maybe something like that really exists."

No doubt about it.

Yu Cheong’s sword dance—

was

the Killblade Sword Art.

Just to be sure, Unhwi asked:

"What does Cheonae look like?"

Ju Soa held her hands apart to show the sword’s length.

"They say the blade is silver with a faint blue sheen, and seven stars are etched into the guard. The edge bears a mysterious pattern—like flowing clouds."

At that moment, Unhwi let out a quiet, incredulous laugh.

A mix of realization and surprise.

"Well now... what an odd bit of fate."

"What do you mean...?"

Unhwi spoke via silent transmission.

—The sword used by Yu Cheong, Vice Sect Master of the Original Blood Sect, is the Cheonae you’re looking for.

Ju Soa’s eyes widened.

"Why the sudden voice transmission—wait, what?!"

—Yu Cheong uses two swords. One is the Heaven-Earth Profound Yellow Sword, one of the Ten Great Blades. The other is an unnamed sword. That unnamed sword perfectly matches your description of Cheonae.

Disbelief crossed Ju Soa’s face.

—Then... the Killblade Sword Art...?

—He has a sword dance he occasionally practices. Too beautiful, people said. Useless in a real fight. But from what I saw—it’s a supreme martial technique. One that defies the classification of even Martial God grade.

Ju Soa was speechless. She had never imagined the long-lost legacy of her clan would be found so easily.

—But how did it end up with Yu Cheong...?

—I don’t know. I never asked, and he never explained. Our positions in the sect weren’t exactly conducive to bonding. He was the Vice Sect Master. I was Blood Heaven’s Executioner. That was all.

Unhwi’s gaze grew serious.

—Now your goal is clear: seek out Yu Cheong, Vice Sect Master of the Original Blood Sect, and uncover the truth behind Cheonae and the Killblade Sword Art.

Ju Soa said nothing.

If she failed to notice how strange this whole conversation had become—she’d be better off dead.

A profound sense of dissonance had taken root.

—...This conversation—what

is

this, exactly?

—Exactly what you think it is.

Ju Soa slowly retraced every memory of Unhwi she’d seen until now.

It had always been odd.

Insight far beyond his years. Combat ability capable of crushing high-realm martial artists with ease.

And knowledge no normal person should possess.

Not to mention the time he used demonic energy from the realm of Martial Gods—despite being at the Smoke Level.

There could only be one explanation.

—...You’re a regressor, aren’t you?

—Strictly speaking... reincarnator.

—That’s just splitting hairs!

—You have secrets of your own to uncover. So do I.

—...I’m gonna lose it.

"I’m seriously gonna lose it..."

Ju Soa muttered aloud, then punched Unhwi square in the chest with a loud thud.

—Are you insane?! Why the hell would you just

tell

me something like that?!

—Is it a problem?

—What if someone tortures me?! I might swear to never say a word, but there are techniques that could force it out of me!

Even in the middle of her panicked tirade, Unhwi smiled faintly—touched by how she was more worried about protecting his secret than herself.

The moment she noticed his expression, Ju Soa snapped.

—You’re

smiling

?! I just learned your biggest secret, and you’re smiling?! This isn’t—

"I’ve thought this before... you really are a coward, aren’t you?"

"Ha? Me?!"

Unhwi reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You’re my person. And I’m yours. As long as we walk together, there’s nothing in this world to fear."

"...Ah..."

Ju Soa let out a soft breath. Her face flushed bright red.

"Now that we know each other’s secrets, I imagine a bit of weight has been lifted. That’s enough, right?"

She stared at Unhwi for a long moment—then shook her head and sighed.