Episode 268: Return to the Demonic Sect
“Your brother… is dying?”
Churyang blinked in disbelief as he listened to the story.
The anguish that Jo Shinryang had felt at that time was etched clearly on his face.
“Yes, I heard my brother was going to die. At first, I couldn’t believe it. It seemed impossible. I was just about to gift him a legendary sword. I could already picture his joy, and it made me smile. But… belief didn’t matter. My brother died then.”
”…”
Churyang found himself at a loss for words.
He could hear the tears in Jo Shinryang’s voice as he struggled to continue.
After taking a moment to compose himself, Jo Shinryang went on.
“I don’t even remember how I got there. I was out of my mind, hoping it was all some cruel joke. But when I arrived and saw my brother, it felt like the sky was falling. We had always relied on each other. And there he was, dying with his eyes wide open. And then I saw the man looking down at him with cold eyes, holding a sword stained with my brother’s blood. It was…”
Gulp.
Churyang swallowed hard, sensing what was coming next.
And he was right.
“It was the Mansang Sword.”
“That bastard…!”
Churyang erupted in anger, jumping to his feet.
But what could he do, hearing a story from the past?
Jo Shinryang continued with a bitter expression.
“The Mansang Sword was a masterpiece I poured my heart and soul into. It was the finest sword I’d ever crafted. And to think that very sword tore through my brother’s heart… it’s just too much… too much…!”
Jo Shinryang couldn’t finish his sentence.
He buried his face in his hands, as if the wound had never healed.
The day his brother’s heart was pierced, a deep scar was left on Jo Shinryang’s heart as well.
”…”
Churyang couldn’t find the words to say.
He regretted asking.
After a long silence, Jo Shinryang finally spoke again.
“When I came to my senses, I noticed there was another inscription on the Mansang Sword.”
“An inscription?”
“It was the character for ‘kill.’ The Mansang Sword had become the ‘Mansang Sword of Death.’”
“The Mansang Sword of Death…”
“It meant only one thing: to take ten thousand lives.”
“That damned bastard!”
Churyang stood up again, shouting in fury.
Jo Shinryang gave a wry smile.
“It turns out the man was a friend of someone my brother had killed in a life-and-death duel.”
“So, it was revenge for his friend? But if that’s the case, who in the martial world doesn’t have grudges from such duels?”
“That’s the way of the world. It seems like a place of honor and justice, but it’s actually quite dirty. This martial world… no, this world we live in.”
“And that’s why you stopped working as a blacksmith.”
Jo Shinryang nodded silently.
He had realized then that there was no such thing as a sword that could save lives.
He put down his hammer and anvil.
He no longer had any reason to forge.
In his desolation, he turned to carving to soothe his empty heart.
The first thing he carved was a statue of sorrow and joy.
It was a likeness of his brother, Jo Shinwoo.
As he chiseled away, a peculiar piece emerged.
Looking at the statue, one could feel the sorrows and joys of life.
Churyang asked, “What happened to the Mansang Sword of Death after that?”
“I heard it became a tool for hired killings. Whether it’s still being used, I don’t know.”
“It is.”
A sudden voice interrupted.
Startled, the two turned to see Sabigang had entered the room.
Jo Shinryang asked, “How do you know?”
“I heard it from my subordinates. The information is reliable.”
“I see… so it’s true.”
“But soon, he won’t be able to continue. Tomorrow, we’ll go after him.”
“He’s strong.”
“Don’t worry. I’m stronger.”
Sabigang smirked slightly.
**
At that moment, the Mansang Sword of Death was meeting with a client.
The client was an old man wearing a deep black hat, his face painted entirely blue, making it impossible to discern his true features.
But he was a familiar figure, having come to him for jobs several times before.
The Mansang Sword of Death poured the old man a drink and spoke.
“It’s been a while since you last visited.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“Things must be going well for you.”
The old man gave a bitter smile.
“If they were, would I be here?”
“True enough.”
The old man downed his drink in one go and said, “I need you to take care of someone.”
“Who?”
“A man named Sabigang.”
“Sabigang, you say.”
The name rang a bell.
After a moment of furrowed brows, the Mansang Sword of Death nodded in recognition.
“Isn’t he the one held hostage by the Blood Demon Sect?”
“You know him well.”
“It’s a unique case. But why him?”
“Why else? He’s becoming a nuisance. There was a bit of trouble recently.”
“I see.”
“As always, payment will be made upon success.”
“His head will cost you.”
“Do you know much about him?”
“No. That’s why it’s expensive. The rumors are varied, and his actions are unpredictable. Such cases are usually tough.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll pay accordingly.”
“Five million nyang.”
Anyone overhearing would have doubted their ears, as it was an exorbitant sum for a contract killing.
But the old man wasn’t surprised.
He simply nodded calmly.
“Just succeed.”
“Very well. But may I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why hire me, even with such a hefty price? There are other organizations.”
“Because, as you said, we know little about Sabigang. We don’t know how far his information network reaches or which organizations he might have infiltrated. We could be tracked. But you, you’re reliable. We’ve worked together for a long time.”
The Mansang Sword of Death nodded, understanding.
The old man stood up, glancing at the sword.
“So, how many have you claimed? Out of your goal of ten thousand lives.”
A self-deprecating smile crossed the Mansang Sword of Death’s face.
“Who knows? How many do you think?”
“Heh, not my concern.”
The old man shook his head and turned to leave.
Even after he left, the Mansang Sword of Death remained still, cradling his sword.
He murmured softly, “Not even halfway there.”
He took a rough swig from his cup.
**
The rain had stopped.
But the streams were swollen, and the roads were muddy, making travel difficult.
There was no time to waste staying in a village for days.
Having been away from the Blood Demon Sect for too long, they needed to send a message as soon as they reached a large town.
Sabigang and his group pressed on.
It was nearly dusk when they finally arrived at their destination.
Sabigang pointed to a solitary house below the hill.
“There it is.”
“That’s… where the Mansang Sword of Death lives…”
“I heard he operates his business from there.”
“Can you really kill him?”
“I’m not one for empty words. But.”
“But?”
“Before I step in, these two will go first.”
“What?”
“Excuse me?”
Jo Shinryang, along with Seok Tangang and Yoo Songryeong, were taken aback.
Jo Shinryang shouted, “What are you saying? I told you, he’s strong.”
“I know.”
“Then why aren’t you going yourself…?”
“Isn’t this a perfect chance to test the weapons you crafted for them? Don’t worry. If things go south, I’ll step in.”
Sabigang looked at Seok Tangang and Yoo Songryeong, who were still in shock.
“Prepare for battle, you two.”
“But, suddenly like this…”
“Did you expect a year’s notice?”
“Well, no, but…”
“Real battles happen without warning. You’ve got new weapons, so why not put them to use?”
The two hefted their weapons.
With determined expressions, they replied.
“Understood. We’ll do it.”
Sabigang nodded.
“Good. But attack together. Use whatever tactics you need.”
“Together?”
Seok Tangang and Yoo Songryeong exchanged glances.
Sabigang didn’t repeat himself.
Soon, the two nodded.
“Understood.”
“Alright, let’s go.”
Sabigang strode forward confidently.
**
Srrrng.
The sword was drawn about a third of the way.
The inscription on the gleaming blade was clear.
Mansang Sword of Death.
The characters for ‘Mansang Sword’ were elegant and refined, but the ‘Death’ character was as chaotic and twisted as its meaning.
It couldn’t be helped.
He had carved that character himself.
Every time he saw it, it reminded him of his vow.
To claim ten thousand lives.
Clack!
Sheathing the sword, the Mansang Sword of Death took a few steps before pausing.
“Someone’s here?”
It wasn’t just one person.
Five, maybe?
No, six.
One of them had a faint aura of inner strength, but it was barely noticeable.
All six were undoubtedly heading toward his house.
Manseng Geomsal opened the door and stepped outside.
Just then, Sabi Kang and his group were approaching nearby.
“Who are you?”
Anyone coming straight to his house in a place like this was bound to bring trouble.
This wasn’t the first time, so Manseng Geomsal asked with a look of annoyance.
Seok Tan-gang and Yoo Song-ryeong stepped forward to answer.
“I’m Seok Tan-gang of the Blood Alliance.”
“And I’m Yoo Song-ryeong of the Blood Alliance. We’ve come to challenge you to a duel.”
“What is this now? A duel out of the blue?”
Are they on some kind of martial arts journey?
At this point, isn’t the Blood Alliance getting a bit too full of themselves, relying solely on their reputation?
Manseng Geomsal chuckled and stared at the two.
“Get lost. You’re not worth my time.”
“What arrogance! Or are you just scared you’ll lose to us?” Yoo Song-ryeong shouted, bristling with anger, but Manseng Geomsal ignored him.
They didn’t seem very old, probably too young to understand the dangers of the martial world.
He had no time to waste on such naive kids.
He needed to get to Cheonsang Palace as soon as possible to learn more about this Sabi Kang.
As Manseng Geomsal turned to leave without a backward glance, Yoo Song-ryeong suddenly let out a battle cry and launched himself off the ground.
“Don’t mess with me!”
Whoosh!
The massive sword sliced through the air, aiming for the back of Manseng Geomsal’s head.
In an instant,
Clang!
A flash of light erupted as the massive sword was deflected by Manseng Geomsal’s blade.
But Yoo Song-ryeong, though staggered, continued to swing the sword with its momentum.
Whoosh!
Perhaps not expecting a follow-up attack, this time Manseng Geomsal widened his eyes and twisted his waist.
Slash!
The sword narrowly grazed his front as it passed by.
A smile crept onto Yoo Song-ryeong’s lips.
“Definitely different! It’s like the sword itself has become more attuned to my body!”
His heart raced with excitement.
Meanwhile, Manseng Geomsal, with a cold gaze, retied his loosened robe and spoke icily.
“You must have a death wish. If that’s the case, I’ll grant it. After all, there are lives I need to take.”
His aura began to shift, growing more menacing.