Episode 26
“I’m sorry, Squad Leader Han Gyoseong.”
“Oh, it’s alright, Nasojeo. When Seolpung and the others get back, tell them to hand out some snacks, will you?”
It was supposed to be the Seventh Squad’s turn for the afternoon patrol, but since Seolpung and his team hadn’t returned yet, Nasooyu had to ask the First Squad to cover instead.
By the rules, if a squad failed to return by the end of their shift while out hunting the Zhugui, the next squad would move up their patrol to fill in.
Still, no one was ever thrilled about having to start their duty earlier than scheduled.
In that sense, it was a small relief that the First Squad was next in line.
Han Gyoseong, the easygoing leader of the First Squad—where Nasooyu and Seolpung belonged—had kindly reassured his team and taken on the patrol.
Standing beside Nasooyu, Cheon Jueun let out a relieved sigh.
“I’m glad he took it well. I was a bit worried.”
Nasooyu smiled softly in response.
“Leader Han’s a good guy. Though he can be a bit lazy, has a huge appetite, and is terribly forgetful.”
Cheon Jueun blinked in surprise.
“…Really? I heard he’s considered a genius even within the Cheongseong faction.”
“That’s true. He’s a prodigy when it comes to martial arts. Though sometimes that genius blinds him to others’ feelings, and he ends up hurting them. Still, he’s a genuinely good person. It’s just that his world is so self-contained that his deputy, Haewon, has had to put up with a lot and turned into a bit of a nag. But yes, he’s truly a good man.”
“…I see.”
Nasooyu’s words seemed to carry some unspoken weight. Cheon Jueun glanced at Bae Jonggwan, silently asking what was going on.
Nasooyu sighed again.
“Anyway, I should ask this squad leader to take the next shift too. Though, honestly, I’m a bit uneasy about him…”
Cheon Jueun’s expression stiffened slightly.
“You mean the First Squad leader, Sagunil of the Jeomchang Sword Dragon?”
Nasooyu nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes.
“That’s right. If it gets too uncomfortable, I’ll go alone. You can just wait here, Jueun.”
Cheon Jueun’s father had died in the Muhwangchong Blood Clan, and she harbored a deep resentment toward the Jeomchang faction, much like Bisa-yeong.
That was why, when she first joined the Thirteenth Generation, she hadn’t entered the First Squad under Mayugyeom of the Jeomchang Sword Response.
Still, she smiled gently and shook her head.
“It’s okay. We’re comrades fighting together, after all. I can’t keep holding onto hatred forever. As long as they’re not like someone in our squad—like Joo Taekyung—it’s fine.”
Nasooyu ruffled her hair affectionately.
“Right. Sagunil is probably the most reasonable among the Jeomchang people. Though he’s a bit cold, which can be intimidating, that’s just his nature—not because he looks down on others or is arrogant.”
Bae Jonggwan nodded and added, “That’s right, Nasojeo. Even as a man, I find Sagunil quite impressive. He treats everyone with the same cold fairness—like a finely honed sword.”
Cheon Jueun frowned.
“Treating everyone coldly and fairly—isn’t that just being mean?”
Bae Jonggwan chuckled.
“No, no. What I mean is that Sagunil doesn’t discriminate. Whether someone’s strong or weak, Jeomchang or from another faction, he treats all equally.”
Listening to their conversation, Nasooyu let out a quiet sigh.
On the surface, she was calmly asking other squad leaders to cover the next shifts, but inside, she was deeply uneasy.
She knew Seolpung’s martial prowess well and hadn’t expected anything to happen to him.
Still, the delay in their return was definitely unusual.
Could it be…
As she silently clasped her hands, praying for Seolpung and his team’s safety, someone suddenly spoke to her.
“Seolpung still isn’t back?”
It was Joo Taekyung of the Jeomchang Sword Flying faction.
He approached arrogantly, flanked by three lackeys.
Nasooyu sighed quietly but answered with a neutral expression.
“They’re running late. I asked the First Squad leader to take the patrol.”
Joo Taekyung sneered.
“Figures. Always making a fuss for no reason…”
As he spoke, his three lackeys—Ha Mujin, Ji Mankum, and Man Guin—started muttering among themselves.
“Maybe that Seonwoo pig’s just scared to face Taekyung and is deliberately avoiding it.”
“Could be. Imagine how nervous he must be. Probably begging Seolpung right now, ‘Leader, I don’t want to go back. Please save me.’”
“Ha ha ha, that’s hilarious.”
Nasooyu shot them a disdainful look.
“You three should feel some sense of belonging—not just as squad members, but as comrades. Isn’t it only right to worry if something might have happened to your fellow warriors?”
Ha Mujin sneered back.
“Worry? Why would we? If something happens to Seolpung, Taekyung finally becomes leader. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. Should’ve happened a long time ago.”
“Right, right.”
That was the last straw.
Nasooyu’s expression shifted from mere disdain to icy cold as she glared at them.
“Joo Taekyung as leader? Why? Even if it’s not likely, if someone has to take over after Seolpung, shouldn’t it be me?”
“What?!”
“What did you say?! Deputy leader, how dare you say that!”
Nasooyu’s presence surged, pressing them down with her fierce energy.
“How dare you? How dare you, the likes of you, shout at me, your deputy leader?”
The three—Ha Mujin, Ji Mankum, and Man Guin—still only second-rate warriors, turned pale and fell silent.
Joo Taekyung stepped forward, trying to absorb the tension.
“I know you’re a fine warrior, Nasojeo. But… aren’t you a bit lacking to aim for leader?”
Nasooyu smiled sweetly, replying with a hint of sarcasm.
“I may be lacking, but are you any better? You’d have to beat Seonwoo Jin first. Though I doubt that’ll happen.”
Joo Taekyung’s face hardened.
“That scoundrel? He’s no match for me.”
“Who knows? From what I see, Seonwoo Jin doesn’t even seem to care about facing you. Something about it not being important.”
“How dare you!”
Joo Taekyung exploded in anger, but Nasooyu just smiled and turned away.
“Well then, good luck, Joo.”
But as she turned, her expression stiffened.
She could sense that Joo Taekyung’s level had risen recently, not unlike her own.
At this rate, even if he took some kind of elixir, it was questionable whether Seonwoo Jin could handle him.
A knot of anxiety tightened in her chest.
As she headed to meet Sagunil, the Jeomchang Sword Dragon and leader of the First Squad, Nasooyu silently prayed.
“Leader, please come back soon. I’m so worried.”
Even as the First Squad returned from their afternoon patrol, Seolpung and his team had yet to come back.
It was already time for the evening patrol.
Nasooyu was seeing off Sagunil and the First Squad members who were heading out in place of the Seventh Squad.
“Leader Sagunil, thank you for your hard work. Sorry for the trouble because of our squad.”
Sagunil nodded silently but paused before leaving, turning back to Nasooyu.
“Seolpung is one of the most outstanding warriors I know.”
Nasooyu blinked in surprise.
“Excuse me? What do you mean…?”
Sagunil gave a nonchalant look and left with just one more sentence.
“So don’t worry too much.”
His calm yet caring words left Nasooyu staring after him, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Apparently, her worried expression had been obvious.
Taking a deep breath to steel herself, she turned back to her squad with a smile.
“Alright! No slacking off just because the leader’s gone. Let’s train… Jueun? What’s wrong?”
She noticed Cheon Jueun covering her flushed face with both hands, her vacant gaze fixed on Sagunil’s retreating back.
Nasooyu guessed what was on her mind and forced a wry smile.
“Jueun! Come on, let’s train!”
“Y-Yes! Yes, sister!”
Meanwhile, oblivious Bae Jonggwan stood nearby, still grinning at Cheon Jueun.
Nasooyu sighed.
Just then, Joo Taekyung approached again.
Nasooyu sighed and asked, “What is it now, Joo?”
Joo Taekyung smirked.
“At this point, shouldn’t we take this seriously? Maybe we should tell the Grand Master to form a search party.”
His expression was anything but serious.
Nasooyu smiled in return.
“What are you talking about? You know the leader’s strength better than anyone. It’s only been three days.”
This time, Joo Taekyung responded with a calm, confident smile.
“It’s not ‘not yet,’ but rather ‘already,’ isn’t it? As far as I know, no one who’s disappeared in the jungle for three days has ever come back. And yet, you say the round trip should only take a day… Three days is far too long. It’s unwise to cling to such excessive hope. If you want to be a squad leader, sometimes you have to assess the situation coldly and accept reality.”
Joo Taekyung’s sneering smile was like watching a snake coil and strike.
No wonder his nickname was ‘Venomous Sword of the Pointed Blade.’
Naseoyu suddenly felt a chill just standing in front of him.
But regardless of that, she couldn’t deny the truth in his words.
It was true that no one had ever returned alive after being missing for three days, and more than anything, her own heart was gripped by anxiety.
Still, she couldn’t afford to show weakness in front of Joo Taekyung. Clenching her lips tightly to steel herself, Naseoyu spoke firmly.
“If the squad leader is absent, the vice-leader makes the decisions. We’ll wait until tomorrow, then take action.”
Joo Taekyung snorted in response.
“Oh? Really? But Squad Leader Mayugyeom thinks differently. I expect the squad leader will call a meeting first thing tomorrow.”
Naseoyu’s face instantly flushed with anger.
“You! Did you—did you tell Mayugyeom about this without my permission?!”
But Joo Taekyung only replied with a sly, easygoing tone.
“It’s all for the good of our squad and the Thirteenth Generation. The longer this drags on, the more damage the others suffer. It’s best to solve the problem quickly before it grows.”
“You—”
Before she could finish, someone cut in.
“Exactly. This should have been dealt with before it got worse. I was too hesitant. Jin, you were right.”
“Now that you realize it, that’s what matters. Rotten fruit must be picked out quickly, or the rest will spoil too.”
Startled by the voice, Naseoyu and Joo Taekyung both whipped their heads around.
Their expressions split sharply.
“Squad Leader!”
“Seolpung?!”
There, four figures stood, looking somewhat worn but otherwise fine, smiling as they returned.
Naseoyu covered her mouth in awe, while Cheon Jueun and Bae Jonggwan ran toward them with bright faces.
“Ahhh!”
“Squad Leader! Sayoung! Jin! Lieutenant Cheong!”
“Ahhh! Squad Leader! Why were you so late? Seoyu unni was so worried!”
Cheon Jueun charged forward fiercely, causing Seolpung to recoil awkwardly.
“Ah, s-sorry. I was a fool and got injured, so Jin had to carry me. That’s why we were late.”
Naseoyu’s eyes filled with tears as she rushed to him in surprise.
“Injured?! Where? How bad? Are you okay now?!”
Overwhelmed by her fierce concern, Seolpung stammered.
“I… I sustained some internal injuries, but it’s nothing serious. I’ve mostly recovered on the way here. And…”
He trailed off, then smiled awkwardly, his eyes unusually gentle.
“Sorry for being late, Lieutenant. And thank you for worrying.”
Hearing Seolpung’s soft words for the first time, Naseoyu suddenly choked up.
Tears streamed down her face.
Seeing her cry, Seolpung was startled as well.
“Ah! Th-this isn’t tears… I’m not sad.”
“I’m sorry, Lieutenant. I was really wrong.”
“No, that’s not it.”
While they both fumbled awkwardly, Joo Taekyung, wearing a twisted expression, spoke to Sun Woojin nearby.
“So you managed to return on time. But let me be clear: even if you carried the squad leader on your back, nothing changes. Don’t expect me to postpone our duel.”
Sun Woojin smirked in reply.
“Oh? You’re here too? Why would I want to postpone? I just want to finish this quickly and rest. Come on, let’s get it over with.”
Annoyed by Sun Woojin’s dismissive tone, Joo Taekyung gripped his sword tightly.
“You insolent brat!”
Sun Woojin grinned.
“Or… should we just do it right here? That’d be fine too.”
Joo Taekyung froze. No matter how angry he was, that was out of the question.
This duel had to be public, in front of as many people as possible.
He wanted to crush this arrogant fool in front of everyone, to showcase his skills.
He wanted to prove he was now a proud, top-tier martial artist, to etch his name into everyone’s minds.
Grinding his teeth to contain his fury, Joo Taekyung said, “Half past six, at the training grounds. I trust you won’t run away.”
“Run away? Me? Why would I?”
Ignoring Sun Woojin’s incredulous expression, Joo Taekyung strode off.
His first stop was to find Mayugyeom, the chief disciple of the Pointed Blade Sect.
He’d make sure the stage was set properly.
Already, his heart pounded with anticipation at the thought of humiliating Sun Woojin in front of a crowd.
He couldn’t kill him, but he planned to push him to the brink—thoroughly, mercilessly.
He’d make Sun Woojin wish he’d died instead.
So that he’d never dare breathe in front of him again.
His whole body trembled with excitement.
After Joo Taekyung left, Bi Sayoung suddenly asked Sun Woojin, “Jin, are you really okay?”
Sun Woojin gave a bitter smile.
“No, of course not. I’m exhausted, about to collapse. It’s a relief we’re not fighting now. I need to focus on my breathing and energy cultivation.”
He collapsed on the spot and began his breathing exercises.
Naseoyu looked at Seolpung with concern.
“Today, I felt like Joo Taekyung’s level has risen another notch. Do you think Sun Woojin will be alright?”
Seolpung, Bi Sayoung, and Hae Cheongyeon exchanged knowing smiles.
Bi Sayoung said confidently, “Just wait and see, Lieutenant. You’ll be surprised.”
“…Huh?”
Naseoyu, Cheon Jueun, and Bae Jonggwan exchanged puzzled glances.
After a full session of breathing exercises, I finally headed to the training grounds.
As expected, a large crowd had gathered.
Joo Taekyung must have deliberately called people out.
All the squad leaders were there except for Squad Leader Sagunil, who was on patrol, and of course, Vice-Leader Mayugyeom.
First Squad Leader Cheongpung Geomryong Han Gyoseong, Third Squad Leader Dangga Geombong Dang Yeoeun…
He probably wanted to trample me in front of all these witnesses.
But…
I looked at Joo Taekyung standing in the center of the grounds, grinning coldly.
Seeing his face waiting for me, memories from my past life flashed through my mind.
The times he cruelly insulted me, the constant trouble he stirred up with Seolpung, and most of all, the vivid image of Naseoyu dying because of him.
A laugh escaped me.
Finally, in this second life, the time had come to repay it all.
As I stepped into the training grounds, he said with eyes full of exhilaration,
“I won’t kill you. But I’ll make you so ashamed you’ll wish you were dead.”
I had a pretty good idea what he was thinking.
He wanted to kill me, but with so many witnesses, he couldn’t.
I smirked and flicked my finger at him.
“Shut up and come.”
His face stiffened instantly, and he drew his sword, shouting,
“You insolent—!”
His blade flashed like a ray of light, aiming straight for my right chest.
The Pointed Blade Sect’s thrust was said to be fast enough to pierce the sun itself.
The moment it pierced my right chest, I moved lightly, like a petal blown by the wind, naturally dodging his sword.
His blade was still unsheathed.
“What?!”
He narrowed his eyes and unleashed a flurry of strikes.
His sword emitted a pale mist, raining down like a curtain of rain in the fog.
“Hah!”
But the result was the same.
I already knew his Fourfold Sword Technique inside and out from my past life, and now my cultivation and level far surpassed his.
Moreover, after the Jade Ghost incident, my mastery of the Cheonpung Divine Technique had surpassed even my previous life.
My body moved softly like a breeze, evading his storm of thrusts with minimal footwork.
I glanced over to see Bi Sayoung’s expression blank—probably impressed.
The Cheonpung Step of the Secret Sect was neutralizing the Pointed Blade Sect’s Fourfold Sword Technique.
This was my way of showing gratitude for the elixir Bi Sayoung had given me.
Despite his relentless assault, Joo Taekyung’s face flushed with shame and anger as he failed to land a hit.
“What are you doing?! Are you just going to keep running?!”
I laughed.
He still didn’t understand what it meant that he couldn’t gain the upper hand against me, even with his sword unsheathed.
Or maybe he just refused to admit it.
I said simply,
“Until now, that was the Cheonpung Step of the Secret Sect.”
“What?”
He frowned in confusion.
Gripping his sword, I smiled fiercely.
“And from now on, it’s the Sunwoo Family’s Sunwoo Thirteen Sword Technique.”
“What?!”
In that instant, my sword finally transformed into a white dragon and burst out of its sheath.
Sshhhhk!
Along with the blade’s swift movement, a hazy aura spread out like wings, descending upon him.
It was the first move of the Thirteen Divine Swords of Seonwoo—the Divine Response Soaring Strike.
“Ugh?!”
Startled, he stumbled backward, trying to defend himself.
A dark smile crept across my face.
Retreating in the face of my attack—he was even more foolish than I’d thought.
Since he’d opened the path himself, there was no reason to hesitate.
I immediately followed up with the second move—the Divine Response Winged Strike.
From the unfurled, misty wings, dozens of shimmering sword lights rained down on him like feathers.
This was the pinnacle of the Phantom Sword technique.
His panicked expression was etched clearly in my mind.
“Gah?!”
As he wildly swung his sword in defense, one single beam of light shot through the countless phantom blades, striking him like a ray of pure energy.
It was the third move of the Thirteen Divine Swords—the Divine Response Piercing Strike.
Joo Tae-kyung stood frozen, staring blankly at my sword hovering just inches from his throat.
He couldn’t believe he’d been defeated in just three moves.
“Th-this can’t be… How is this possible…?”
I grinned and said to him,
“From now on, call me ‘Brother,’ Joo Tae-kyung.”
It was the most utterly distorted, broken expression I’d ever seen on his face—across both this life and the last.