Strange rumors began to circulate within the Martial Alliance.
"Have you heard about the disciple of the Sword Venerable who became the captain of the Divine Might Corps? They say he’s a bit unhinged."
"Exactly. Even when he uses martial arts, they say he doesn’t just cut—he slashes with unnecessary cruelty."
"Not to mention, he’s supposedly incredibly selfish. I heard the members of the Divine Might Corps nearly lost their martial skills because of him."
As negative rumors spread one after another, the Martial Alliance found itself in a difficult position.
The Heavenly Sword, in particular, was someone who had risen to the position of Sword corps captain through the favor of the Alliance’s leadership. With such unfavorable rumors circulating, the Alliance could not simply stand by and do nothing.
The Azure Sky Fan Sword, Baek Incheong.
He was a key figure in the Martial Alliance, serving as the captain of the Divine Might Corps, one of the seven elite forces.
Baek Incheong, in particular, had a close relationship with the Sword Venerable. As such, he was well aware of the Heavenly Sword’s formidable prowess.
So, when the Heavenly Sword expressed his desire to join the Martial Alliance, Baek Incheong swiftly appointed him as a captain of the Divine Might Corps under his command.
‘To have an exceptional young talent like the Heavenly Sword under my command!’ Baek Incheong thought, elated.
If someone as skilled as the Heavenly Sword joined his ranks, the Divine Might Sword Corps would undoubtedly become the most powerful among the seven elite sword corps.
But the results were far from satisfactory.
Instead, negative rumors about the Heavenly Sword began to spread, and people even started questioning the judgment of the Martial Alliance’s leadership. Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, Baek Incheong summoned the Heavenly Sword to his office.
In the Azure Sky Pavilion, Baek Incheong’s office.
Seated before a wide desk was a middle-aged man with a refined appearance.
His face was fair and clean, but his eyes carried a commanding dignity, sharp as a blade.
This was none other than Baek Incheong, the captain of the Divine Might Corps.
Across from him sat a hulking man with a stoic expression—the Heavenly Sword, known as the Golden Divine Eye.
"Rumors have been circulating within the Alliance about you lately, and they’re not good," Baek Incheong said with a grave expression. "I personally asked the members of the Divine Might Corps to see if there was any truth to them."
He let out a deep sigh and shook his head.
"They were reluctant to speak, but… it’s clear they don’t acknowledge you as their leader." Baek Incheong’s face was etched with deep concern.
In truth, he had pushed for the Heavenly Sword’s appointment as the captain of the Divine Might Corps despite opposition from several high-ranking members.
But with these negative rumors spreading, his position was becoming increasingly precarious.
"You came to the Martial Alliance out of the blue, shared your story, and asked for even a minor position," he continued.
"..."
"And out of respect for Master Sword Venerable, I appointed you as the captain of the Divine Might Corps, despite the objections of many leaders and even the corps members themselves."
Seeing no change in the Heavenly Sword’s expression, Baek Incheong spoke with renewed emphasis.
"But if these negative rumors keep spreading, there’s little I can do to protect you."
The Heavenly Sword, who had been listening silently, suddenly brought up an unrelated topic.
"The successor of Majeon, the Martial Soul Command Lord, was quite adept at using such methods in the past, wasn’t he?"
"Hm?"
"When opposition and discontent from those around him grew, he silenced them by achieving even greater feats."
The successor of Majeon, Bu Eunseol, the Martial Soul Command Lord.
His exploits were legendary in the martial world, and Baek Incheong was well aware of them.
As one of the Ten Demonic Warriors, Bu Eunseol had rightfully risen to become the heir of Majeon, but he faced criticism for wielding power recklessly.
In response, he single-handedly eradicated the Five Poison Sect, which had been kidnapping children, using his vast intelligence network. After that, those in Majeon who sought to restrain Bu Eunseol’s actions vanished entirely.
"If I were to step down now, it would be the right thing to do. But that would mean failing to repay the kindness you’ve shown me…" the Heavenly Sword said with a faint smile. "Even if I must leave, shouldn’t I do so honorably, after achieving a great feat?"
"If you could manage that, it would be ideal," Baek Incheong replied.
Seizing the opportunity, the Heavenly Sword spoke as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Ultimately, I will deal with the Black Lands."
"The Black Lands?"
The Black Lands were one of the four infamous evil factions, a ruthless group of unorthodox martial artists who dominated the Black Dragon River region with their unique martial techniques and dark arts.
To take them down, the Martial Alliance would need to mobilize an entire corps.
"Are you suggesting we go together?" Baek Incheong asked.
"Of course not. I’ll handle it myself."
"But aren’t the injured members of the corps still recovering?"
"I don’t need them," the Heavenly Sword declared confidently. "I’ll take care of it alone."
For a moment, Baek Incheong fell silent.
He knew the extent of the Heavenly Sword’s abilities, but taking on a massive faction like the Black Lands single-handedly was an impossible task.
"Listen here," Baek Incheong said, sighing and shaking his head. "Destroying a faction like that won’t necessarily turn public opinion in your favor. Do you understand?"
"Of course. That’s why I said ‘ultimately,’" the Heavenly Sword replied, speaking fluently as if he had already planned everything.
"I heard there’s a strange plague spreading in the Heungsan region."
"A plague?"
"Yes. The Heungsan area is home to many frail and elderly people."
For the first time, the Heavenly Sword’s expression turned serious.
"My master’s Myriad Phenomena Sword Style cannot be mastered without a deep understanding of the human body. My skills are likely superior to those of ordinary physicians."
"Are you saying you’ll go to Heungsan and act as a physician?"
"Exactly," the Heavenly Sword said confidently.
"Even if I can’t fully cure them, if I stay there and provide medical care until the end, the Alliance will start to see me differently."
Common people admire martial artists the most when they are saved from villains or when their ailments are treated.
Receiving treatment from a physician is costly, and medicines are far from cheap. To the sick, martial artists who can use their internal energy to heal or cure diseases instantly are like divine beings.
However, few martial artists are willing to expend their precious internal energy to heal others.
"That’s not a bad idea," Baek Incheong said, swallowing a bitter taste as he furrowed his brow. "But even if you manage to sway public opinion, what about the discontent among your corps members?"
"Once public opinion improves, their attitudes will change quickly enough."
"Hm?"
"People praise you when you do something good and tear you down when things go wrong. That’s just how they are, isn’t it?" The Heavenly Sword spoke with confidence.
"If I bide my time, the current criticisms will fade, and I’ll regain my honor."
Baek Incheong, who had been listening quietly, swallowed his astonishment.
It was now clear that the Heavenly Sword had no intention of addressing the grievances of his subordinates.
‘He’s aiming to climb higher. He has no intention of stepping down,’ Baek Incheong realized, mulling over the Heavenly Sword’s words.
The Heavenly Sword didn’t care about his subordinates’ opinions. His only goal was to quell the negative rumors and maintain his position as the captain of the Divine Might Corps while achieving greater feats to rise even further.
‘Master Sword Venerable raised his disciple poorly,’ Baek Incheong thought, inwardly sighing and shaking his head.
While the Sword Venerable had passed down unparalleled swordsmanship, he should have taught his disciple more about the ways of the world.
The martial world wasn’t a place where one could survive on intelligence or martial prowess alone. The “experience of the martial world” that martial artists often spoke of referred to the process of overcoming countless setbacks and trials.
But the Heavenly Sword, who had rapidly advanced his martial skills due to his extraordinary talent, lacked such experiences entirely.
‘He’s still young… It can’t be helped,’ Baek Incheong thought.
Not every young martial artist could be as capable and astute as Majeon’s heir, Bu Eunseol.
‘From now on, I’ll guide him properly,’ Baek Incheong resolved.
He was determined to lead this talented young man down the right path.
But what he didn’t realize was that the Heavenly Sword was already deeply entangled in a trap set by Bu Eunseol, floundering helplessly.
***
Suppressed Demon Pavilion, the Meeting Room
Bu Eunseol, Myo Cheonwoo, and Yoo Unryong sat with grave expressions.
"It’s going according to plan," Yoo Unryong said in a firm voice. "They say a plague is spreading in the Heungsan region, and he’s preparing to go there to restore his reputation."
Myo Cheonwoo, arms crossed, smirked.
"Hmph. With so many elderly people there, he must be thrilled."
Children and the elderly.
These two groups were ideal for shaping public opinion.
Shaking his head, Yoo Unryong continued, "He doesn’t care about his subordinates. He thinks that as long as he can sway public opinion and impress the leadership, everything will be resolved."
"What about the preparations?" Bu Eunseol asked.
Myo Cheonwoo grinned. "Already done and waiting." Shrugging, he added, "As you said, old ginger is spicy. Those old folks aren’t ordinary."
With a chuckle, Myo Cheonwoo continued, "To survive this long, they’ve all got a trick or two up their sleeves."
"By the way, how did you know the Heavenly Sword would go to Heungsan and prepare for this?" Yoo Unryong asked.
Bu Eunseol replied calmly, "Because it’s the easiest and most convenient way to sway public opinion." Staring out the window, he murmured, "Winning people’s hearts takes a long time and isn’t easy."
Gazing at the clouds in the distant sky, Bu Eunseol continued, "He’s skilled in martial arts and not unintelligent, but he’ll never grasp that simple truth in his lifetime."
Bu Eunseol had predicted all of the Heavenly Sword’s actions.
He knew the Heavenly Sword would try to restore his tarnished reputation as quickly as possible.
If the Heavenly Sword were someone who cared about others’ feelings and showed consideration, he would have taken his time to correct his behavior and mindset, working to earn people’s trust.
But Bu Eunseol knew better.
The Heavenly Sword wasn’t that kind of person.
He would seek the fastest, most effective method available.
So Bu Eunseol deliberately spread rumors of a plague in the Heungsan region.
Then, he divided a single Jasodan pill, a miraculous elixir from the Hwasan Sect, into several pieces and fed them to twenty-five commoners.
When consumed by martial artists, Jasodan purifies the organs and clears the qi and blood. But when ordinary people without internal energy consume it, the potent elixir causes them to fall ill for no apparent reason.
Bu Eunseol had spread the plague using the elixir, and the Heavenly Sword had taken the bait, seeing it as a golden opportunity to restore his honor.
It was also proof of how little composure the Heavenly Sword had.
He was desperate to hold onto his position as the Sword corps captain and continue thwarting Bu Eunseol.
"But will this be okay?" Yoo Unryong asked with a worried expression. "Even if we drag the Heavenly Sword down, his martial prowess is truly formidable."
"Of course," Bu Eunseol replied with a resolute gaze.
"This time, he will fall into ruin."
His eyes gleamed with a fiery bloodlust.
"And he will pay the price for brutally killing Yeong Munho."
***
The Heungsan Region of the Martial Alliance, Yanghyeon Village
This remote mountain village was home to many elderly and infirm people.
Due to the nature of the cave-dwelling Blood Dwellers, they couldn’t form large communities, and the younger generation had all left for the cities.
As a result, the village was mostly populated by elderly residents or herbalists scraping by collecting herbs. Though the area was known for its quality herbs, attracting some visitors, it had become a ghost town after rumors of a plague began to spread.
Whoosh.
Arriving in the Heungsan region in a single bound, the Heavenly Sword roamed the area.
Most of the elderly lived alone in small, scattered houses.
Their life signs were faint, and with their illnesses, even a master like the Heavenly Sword could barely sense their presence unless he was close.
"Hm." Surveying his surroundings, the Heavenly Sword entered a nearby house. "Is anyone here?"
"Who’s there?" a frail voice answered from an elderly man lying in bed, groaning.
"I’m from the Martial Alliance. I heard there are sick elderly people here due to a plague." In a strong voice, he declared, "I am the Heavenly Sword, captain of the Divine Might Corps. I’ve come to treat you."
"I don’t have any money," the old man said.
"No need to worry. I’m here to treat you for free."
"Ugh." At the mention of free treatment, the old man let out a low groan.
"Come in."
"Thank you." With a friendly smile, the Heavenly Sword opened the door and stepped inside.
The room was cramped, and the old man lay under coarse blankets. The Heavenly Sword carefully examined the old man’s condition.
"Fever, sweating, and coughing. His tongue is yellow and dry, and his pulse is weak… It seems cold energy has entered his lungs."
Martial arts and medicine both involve studying the human body, sharing a common thread.
In particular, the Sword Venerable’s Myriad Phenomena Sword Style pursued the most natural movements of the human body. Thus, mastering it required a deep understanding of human anatomy, making the Heavenly Sword’s medical skills superior to those of ordinary physicians.
"I’ll inject some internal energy to treat you." By channeling energy through the meridians, natural healing could be accelerated.
With no herbs or medicine available nearby, using internal energy to promote healing was the best option.
‘It’ll take a lot of energy to fully heal him,’ the Heavenly Sword thought, narrowing his eyes.
As long as word spread that he was doing good deeds, there was no need to fully heal anyone.
He deliberately used only a small amount of energy, just enough to alleviate symptoms.
"How do you feel?"
Even with a small amount, the Heavenly Sword’s pure energy instantly opened dozens of the old man’s acupoints.
But then, the bedridden old man muttered, "Big as a mountain, huh." And suddenly, he grumbled with profanity, "This punk’s stingy as hell. Treatment, my ass. Just here to show off."
Sensing something amiss, the Heavenly Sword’s eyes widened, but at that moment, white smoke billowed from inside the hut.
‘Poisonous mist?’
Flash!
A sharp glint shot through the smoke, aiming for his throat.
Clang!
The Heavenly Sword’s reflexes were extraordinary, blocking the attack in an instant.
"Who are you?" he demanded, waving his hand to clear the mist and pulling back the old man’s blanket.
But the old man who had been lying there was gone. Even with his heightened senses, he couldn’t detect any life signs within fifty paces.
"Could it be… him again?" the Heavenly Sword muttered, a bad feeling creeping over him.
The thought crossed his mind that Bu Eunseol had set a trap to assassinate him.
"But that was definitely an old man just now." No matter how well someone disguised themselves, they couldn’t hide the texture of their skin or the condition of their organs.
When the Heavenly Sword had taken the old man’s pulse, it was unmistakably the body of an elderly person.
"He knew I’d come to Heungsan and prepared in advance?" the Heavenly Sword growled, clenching his fists.
If Bu Eunseol had predicted his actions, then the entire Heungsan region was likely rigged with traps.
"He’s trying to block me from restoring my reputation."
But he couldn’t back down.
He had boasted to the Divine Might corps captain, and returning empty-handed would leave him with no justification to remain in the Martial Alliance.
"Fine. I’ll take on the challenge!" the Heavenly Sword said with a bright smile. "No matter what traps are set, I’ll break through them."
He was confident.
No matter what assassins or traps awaited him, even if a group of old men like the one earlier attacked, he could handle them.
"It’s a pity, but I won’t back down, Bu Eunseol," he muttered coldly, sneering. "No matter what traps are set, I’ll keep treating people."
It was impossible for every commoner in the Heungsan region to be disguised as an assassin.
The Heavenly Sword resolved to push through the traps while continuing his treatments.
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