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9.
This black sword, meaning it cuts through all darkness with its red light, is the 15th of the Murim Alliance.
It was one of the divine artifacts and also the divine artifact of Mt. Hwajeong, the Divine Plum Blossom Sword.
The red plum blossoms he scattered with the Red Light Sword were the flowers that demons feared the most, and the Red Light Sword was also called the Red Blood Sword because it held the most demon blood among the Fifteen Divine Artifacts.
But was it too sharp?
In the end, it was this Red Light Sword that drove Hwajungsan mad.
It seemed that the Red Light Sword, imbued with Jang Do-won’s grudge and Hyeolhaeok’s bloodlust, was something Hwajeongsan could not handle.
Sreung—the distinctive dark color of Geumgangmugwaecheol is visible.
However, for some reason, the Red Light Sword is much brighter in color compared to the Black Dragon Sword I was originally using. Should I say it is closer to gray than black? ‘Huh?’ Moreover, the unique and extraordinary aura that the Red Light Sword originally possessed has also disappeared.
Even though the blade was fully drawn, only a faint killing intent emanated from the Red Light Sword; there was no killing intent to be felt that would pierce the skin just by looking at it.
I looked at Jang Do-won.
“What are you looking at?”
Something… … has changed.
This is not the bloodthirsty Red Light Sword I knew.
It was not that terrifyingly sharp weapon that kills everything and ultimately kills even itself.
Why has it changed?
They say that a weapon holds more of the heart of the maker than of the person wielding it.
Is it because, unlike in his previous life, Jang Do-won’s heart is not filled with resentment toward the Demonic Cult?
“Why? Is it not the item you were expecting?”
“…….”
The red line that originally ran across the blade of the Red Light Sword has also disappeared.
Aside from the faint killing intent emanating from it, it is believable that it is an ordinary sword.
While I was pondering what to do about the chaotic situation, I heard Jang Do-won’s words.
Judging by your eyes, it seems you were looking for something.
“……
Did you want a real monster?
“Did you… know?”
Jang Do-won lit a cigarette.
After taking a long breath, exhale slowly again.
A strange scent of tobacco lingered around me, then swept past the Red Light Sword.
“When they asked me to make a weapon using an object imbued with the grudge of someone whose value is unknown, I couldn’t believe it…”
Jang Do-won let out a long, despondent sigh and stared at me.
“What was it that you wanted to kill so much?”
Fifteen after first meeting Jang Do-won
As I devised a plan to steal the divine artifacts, the first one that came to mind was the Red Light Sword.
I met his eyes straight in the eye.
It is an enemy.
Because without the Red Light Sword, you would never be able to kill them.
Are you saying you would put yourself in danger?
Because if I don’t kill those guys who are darker than the deep darkness, everything I hold dear will disappear.
“Sometimes, you must make sacrifices to defeat enemies that are too strong. If that sacrifice is of your own accord, wouldn’t it be a very worthwhile trade-off?”
“You lunatic…….”
The man before my eyes, even though he clearly knew my intention, ultimately [was] a red light
did not make.
And at the same time, I realized.
Jang Do-won from his past life also knew what he was making. ‘So, such an object wasn’t created by chance.’ I was mistaken.
Since weapons were made with the same materials, the result would eventually be the same.
Jang Do-won did not continue speaking.
I also remained silent at the unexpected result.
And by the time the cigarette had completely burned out.
You bastard.
Jang Do-won opened his mouth. With a very complicated expression.
Do you want to become a demon?
Evil spirit, evil spirit.
Whenever necessary.
“The fire that burns my own body cannot make anyone warm.”
“At least it won’t be consumed by darkness.”
Tsk.
Jang Do-won clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction, flicked the cigarette, and clutched the tobacco leaf again.
Take a look at the sword.
I tilted my head at the unexpected remark.
Then his gaze turns fierce.
“Stop glaring at me with those naughty eyes and just do as I say!”
He quickly bowed his head at Jang Do-won’s shout.
When did I ever open my eyes in a bad way? I was just a little worried.
Now that there are no materials left and we might never see the Red Light Sword of the past again,
Swallowing my worries, I slowly infused my bet into the sword.
“……?”
Then, strangely enough, the gray blade began to emit a faint golden glow.
And at the same time, there was something felt from the sword.
Ddddddd—like a ferocious beast wanting to break out of a small space.
As if another world existed within this small sword, an endless killing intent was screaming to be let out immediately.
What on earth is this?
Is that all you intend to try?
Jang Do-won speaks as if the key is in his hand.
I thought about it.
From what I’ve heard, Jang Do-won clearly melted the Blood Sea Jade into this sword.
Then, where did the killing intent and resentment possessed by Hyeolhaeok go?
If it is ultimately inside here, unless it has disappeared somewhere… … .
What will be the key to get that out?
I recalled the memory.
The most desperate moment.
The members of the Sojeongdae died at Mine’s hand, swung like a game, and the face of Mine, who stood before us wailing with a bitter smile.
I recalled the helpless moment when I could do nothing, even as fiery rage surged within my heart.
My hair stands on end at the thought.
My peaceful daily life from just moments ago had been shattered into pieces, and I had fallen into another corner of hell.
The corpse of a dead comrade and the blood spilled by the body.
The gaze of a colleague, whose vitality has already run out, whispers endlessly to me.
Kill!
asleep!
Kill him!!
asleep!!
Kill him!!!
asleep!!!
I slowly opened my eyes in the middle of that battlefield where hatred and murderous intent were endlessly rising.
And the diamond gradually disappeared from the sword blade that had been shining like a gold mine.
Saaa
-Past Red Light Sword
Just as it had been, a red line crossing the blade stood out clearly.
A murderous aura stronger than intended is emitted.
Like someone truly insane with murder, like Cheonsalseong whose only goal is murder.
Even amidst the chaos of the battlefield, the surroundings have fallen silent, and the mind is focused solely on a single target.
Move your feet and hands following the emotions your mind arouses.
Just as I approached Mine in an instant and was about to pierce that filthy neck.
Suddenly, a passage from the Taeeuljingyeong flashed through my mind.
Everything in the beginning was nothingness
Since it started from, Han
Whispers of death are all in vain.
At that moment, I suddenly came to my senses, my memory vanished, and the mine that should have been in my hand also disappeared without a trace.
With the piles of corpses around me and the stream of blood gone, I had returned to the blacksmith’s shop where I originally was.
His gaze immediately turned to the Red Light Sword.
The Red Light Sword was displaying its vivid original form.
Have you come to your senses?
Turning my head toward the source of the voice, I suddenly see Jang Do-won holding a helmet and shield.
He was trembling all over.
When did you go all the way there again?
Did they anticipate that I would lose consciousness the moment the Red Light Sword bloomed?
Jang Do-won was keeping an eye on me from the corner of the blacksmith shop.
“Snap out of it and get rid of this damn killing intent! At this rate, you won’t live to see your day.”
Oh dear, that won’t do. There are still fourteen divine artifacts left that you need to make.
I moved in a hurry.
“sorry.”
As he withdrew his killing intent, the energy that had been swirling all around him just moments ago vanished into the sword as if being dragged away by something.
The red line that had been clearly drawn across the blade also disappeared.
It was a form that was not present in the Red Light Sword I saw in my previous life.
How did this happen?
I thought I would become a madman, but I guess I’ve been quite trained.
Jang Do-won wiped away the sweat and let out a long sigh.
I asked right away.
How did you do it?
The Red Light Sword created by Jang Do-won in the present life.
In a normal state, far from living, it seems to emit a faint dizziness.
However, the moment it revealed its hidden form, it emitted a killing intent stronger than the Red Light Sword seen in its previous life.
It was completely incomprehensible from a common-sense perspective.
Jang Do-won lets out a groan at my question.
“Is it really that you want to know?”
Do you have a big secret?
“I scoured the black market quite a bit to find that material. It is an item that your father would never have been able to make if he had pried into every detail. The killing intent in its original form is simply too strong.”
Jang Do-won changed the subject, as if he didn’t really want to talk about it.
“The moment I received the materials, I immediately realized what your intentions were. However, even knowing how dangerous it was, my benefactor
“We can’t just drive them to their deaths, can we?”
Then why?
Did they make it despite being worried?
“It is simply… because I trusted you. The guy named Jin So-woon that I saw.”
His words sound somehow heavy.
“I don’t know what your backstory is or what your goal is, but…”
Jang Do-won was looking at me with a warmer gaze than ever before.
“Please achieve only your goals with the sword I have crafted. Do not burn yourself.”
Like a grandfather handing a blacksmith’s hammer to his youngest grandson, Jang Do-won’s gaze was a mixture of worry and pride.
Feeling that gaze, I ran my hand through my sword.
“What is the name of the sword?”
I was curious.
The Red Light Sword changed from the previous life.
Has the name changed as well?
It is written beneath the blade.
Two characters are visible, engraved on the gray blade.
Silent light.
It was a name derived from a Buddhist term meaning “light of true wisdom.”
I let out a chuckle at the name, which was the same as my past life but had a different meaning.
Do you know that I am a disciple of Taoism?
“Of course I know. Still…….”
Jang Do-won, after hesitating for a moment, continued speaking.
“Since I have received the grace of Buddhism, shouldn’t I at least leave my name behind?”
The grace of Buddhism? No way…
Suddenly, I became extremely curious about what Jang Do-won had bought at the black market.
No, to be precise, I was anxious.
“Sir, by any chance…….”
Stop it! Ignorance is bliss.
Jang Do-won slipped right into the blacksmith’s shop as if he had nothing more to say.
What on earth has this old man done? #An invitation has arrived from the Galaxy Merchant Guild once again.
To be precise, you could call it the fulfillment of a contract disguised as an invitation.
The final decision is…… that you have to come.
The Galaxy Merchant Guild was already aware that the Great Heaven Merchant Guild needed luxury goods, so they concluded the invitation by suggesting that the actual parties come to draw up the contract.
therefore.
So you’re threatening that if I don’t come, there won’t be a contract.
Ahem, that’s right.
First a request, second a temptation, third a threat.
That is a really skillful way of negotiating.
As I read the invitation carefully once again, my father spoke to me worriedly.
“Are you really… planning to go?”
Didn’t I tell you?
I raised my head, met my father’s eyes, and smiled.
“They said they would build one pond for each party.”#The group heading to the Galaxy Merchant Guild was packed simply.
Me and Wang So-so.
Just two people, that’s it.
Since I was the only one the Galaxy Merchant Guild wanted anyway, there was no real need for Wang So-so to go, but she insisted on going herself and volunteered.
Well, it wasn’t bad for me either.
Thanks to that, I was able to travel comfortably to the Galaxy Merchant Guild in the royal family’s finest carriage.
He enjoyed a luxurious journey unlike any other in his life, sleeping continuously during travels in a carriage equipped with even a small bedroom, and eating meals prepared by servants during his occasional breaks.
I have arrived.
As I stepped out of the carriage, the entrance to the Galaxy Merchant Guild came into view. At the entrance, countless people were standing in line, forming a massive crowd.
It seems the people who received invitations are entering over there, Miss.
The coachman pointed to one side.
Over there, people who had gotten off the carriage like us were entering without waiting in line, handing out invitations.
That’s luxurious.
The clothes and accessories worn by those entering look quite extraordinary. ‘Just the clothes and accessories they are wearing alone seem like they would amount to a decent household’s living expenses for a year.’ Come to think of it, Wang So-so changed her clothes and put on her accessories during the break right before arriving… … I suppose there was a reason for it all.
“Why, brother?”
Wang So-so tilted her head because I was staring at her intently.
I watched it because it suited them well.
“Hehe! It was worth getting all dressed up. I changed clothes because I didn’t want to be looked down upon here.”
“You think I’m being looked down upon?”
Wang So-so is the precious only daughter of Wang Geum-san, one of the four great merchants in the world.
I, too, am of excellent business acumen, so I will one day inherit the royal household.
To think that someone like Wang So-so is looked down upon.
The guy snorted and straightened his shoulders.
“The Eunha Merchant Guild mainly interacts with high-ranking officials. That is why there are likely many nobles who have come in person after being invited from Beijing. Nobles look down on both warriors and merchants.”
After all, in any world, it is a natural habit for those who think they are the best to look down on people from other worlds.
Moreover, it would be even more so for high-ranking officials, let alone nobles.
Come on in. You must have had a hard time traveling.
Since I was so used to sleeping outdoors and camping, the journey here wasn’t difficult at all for me, but Wang So-so looked a bit tired, so I followed her without a word.
As I approached the entrance, someone who appeared to be a guard held out a hand and asked for an invitation.
“……!”
The guard unfolded the invitation and glared strangely for a moment.
Is it just my imagination, or did they look me up and down for some reason?
“Welcome. You may come in, Wang Soso.”
As Wang So-so moved first at the escort’s guidance, and I tried to follow her inside,
The guard raised his hand to block me.
The servant went another way.
The guard nodding and pointing to one side.
There was a middle gate there that you could barely enter by bowing your head.
It looks like this bastard’s philtrum got a little longer for a moment, but it must be my imagination, right?
“I am Jin So-un of the Taeeul Sect. I have come at the invitation of the Eunha Merchant Guild.”
“Jin So-un? I don’t have a name like that.”
The guard casually rummaged through the list as if glancing over it, then spoke.
It is difficult to verify right now, so please go over there.
이 씹새끼 보소.
You clearly saw my name while scanning the list just now, but you’re pretending not to know.
Is it just my imagination that I feel like punching someone?
In the meantime, voices of dissatisfaction came from those who had started waiting because of me.
“What are you doing? Get out of the way!”
“Hey! How dare a lowly fellow try to walk the path used by the elders so presumptuously?”
“Get out of here!”
As the condemnation continued from those who were all dressed in flashy clothes and jewelry, Wang So-so, who had entered first, could not hide her flustered expression.
“Jin Ora…….”
Didn’t you hear me tell you to come out quickly?
I can see the corners of the guard’s mouth turned up slightly.
“Three times so far. ‘So, you intend to break my spirit right from the start? Is that it?’ As if what I saw was no coincidence, the guards, the warriors standing beside them, and even the scholars were all struggling to hold back their laughter.”
Then again, I was persistent enough to send invitations three times. It makes no sense that they don’t know about me.
Moreover, they didn’t even call me by the nickname they used to mockingly call me wherever they went.
The guard who had blocked me eventually even started making a menacing face.
As if knowing I wouldn’t be able to move.
Then again, mistakes like this happen often.
It would be the right approach to just go along with their wishes for now and correct the mistakes later.
but.
“Get lost…… *Cough! Cough!*”
It’s because my personality isn’t exactly great.
The guard, who had been lifted up from the floor while being held by the nape of the neck, opened his eyes wide as if he had not expected it.
“W-what is this…… How dare…… the Galaxy Merchant Group…….”
“What kind of ruffian behavior is this!”
“As expected, there was a reason he was called the Black Flame Dragon, deeply connected to the Black Path…”
I understand what you’re saying.
I guess they mean to save face and act like a proper Baekdo.
But I don’t necessarily have to play along with your tune, do I?
“Oh, didn’t you know? I have more friends in the Black Sect than in the White Sect. Even the nickname ‘Black Flame Dragon’ was given to me by a big shot in the Black Sect.”
“As expected…… just as the rumors said.”
“Let them all go right now!”
For some reason, everyone easily accepts what I said.
At the same time, they put on a look as if they’ve been caught in the wrong place.
I did do something, though.
A look on my face as if I didn’t expect to turn out like this.
The guys, who had been arrogant just moments ago thinking I wouldn’t be able to act without justification, have now started to worry anxiously, unsure of what kind of impulsive action I might take.
I didn’t know until now, but there was a reason why the Black Sect members endured the inconvenience and lived on the Black Sect.
“They had a plan all along, too.” “This is super convenient, isn’t it?” The bodyguard, whose feet were lifted off the ground as I grabbed him by the neck, was struggling to somehow break free from my grasp.
But do you think that will work with such tiny internal energy?
Perhaps due to gradually becoming out of breath, his flushed face turns purple.
And just before he was about to pass out, I threw him onto the makeshift table.
Crash.
The writing implements used to record the register scattered in all directions, and the table was broken in half.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
And the warriors of the Galaxy Merchant Guild drew their swords in unison.
It was the first time I liked a nickname.
