MTL NOVEL Chapter 36
“……!”
A beastly sound.
Hearing beastly sounds from inside a cave is quite common.
Especially now that it’s winter, it’s not strange to find animals like bears that have gone into hibernation.
Nevertheless, something feels off.
I can distinctly feel my heart pounding violently.
I know this feeling; I’ve felt it not too long ago.
‘It’s not a bear…!’
The feeling of becoming ‘prey.’
Danger. I must move from here immediately.
I need to quickly extinguish the bonfire and quietly leave this cave.
“Krrrr….”
I’m not sure if these bizarre creatures will let me go easily.
Creak, Creak-.
Before I even realized it, a cold breath brushes against my neck.
A chilling memory comes to mind.
The day Sword Lord, Blade Lord, and Water Lord came to the Namgung clan.
“Slight traces of Blood Cult talismans and Jiangshi were found in the caves of Seoan and Satcheon, that’s all.”
That was the news they brought.
‘Could it… could it really be Jiangshi?’
Begging it not to be true, I slowly turn my head.
“Krrrr…!”
The dreaded sight that slowly comes into view.
Faces painted white like powdered faces, strange talismans stuck on their foreheads—three pale corpses.
…Jiangshi.
“Quaaak!!”
“Damn it!”
As soon as I roll out of the Jiangshi’s reach, the spot where I was gets overtaken by them.
Lüetagon (懶驢打滾). Most martial artists consider this movement taboo, but what can I do in this situation?
“Kuaaaakkk!!”
The Jiangshi are charging towards me again. They unnaturally fold their joints and run despite being creatures unable to bend their limbs.
“Groh..!”
Whirrr!
I once again narrowly evade.
Though I’ve managed to get a little distance from the Jiangshi, I’ve ended up heading deeper into the cave by mistake.
If this keeps up, I’ll eventually be cornered and surrounded.
I need to burst through them.
Shaak!
I grip the dagger I used to butcher a chicken earlier.
“Kuaaaakkk!!”
Once again, the Jiangshi charge at me like savage beasts.
Their sharp teeth warn me clearly what will happen if they manage to get a hold on me.
Pull myself together. Even though I’m currently prey, I can still become the hunter here.
They are not the real deal. Since the Twelve Ancestors have already triumphed, so can I.
I am the White Shadow Assassin King, a top-tier assassin and former leader of the martial alliance’s first major faction.
I can’t afford to lose my one life to mere Jiangshi.
Tap-tap-tat!
All three Jiangshi are rushing toward my left neck.
Of course, I intentionally left that side open.
Now, at the moment they’ve gotten close enough, I shall shatter them with Gol-yuk-nan-bi (骨肉亂飛), my life-saving technique.
“Kraaaack!!”
Right, just a bit closer.
Claws, please…
“Kiaaaaackkk!!”
Right now!
Gwaddeuk!
…Huh?
Gwajik! Gwa-jji-jik!
Wait, why isn’t my technique working?
Gwadddeuuk!
Ah.
My right arm is gone.
I forgot about the most important detail while focusing on the dagger.
Though I’ve realized this late, it seems to be too late already.
“Koo… kuhhug…”
I feel my neck being torn apart, and my legs losing strength.
Cold pieces of metal are penetrating my insides. My head feels numb and paralyzed.
“Kueeog-eeek!”
I need to report back to my lord about the threat from the Sword Sage soon.
If the Sword Sage is angered more than necessary, retaliation from the assassin’s guild might follow.
“Krrrrr…!”
My head feels numb.
A strange obsession grips my nerves.
“Krrrrrr…!”
I don’t know.
Right now, I only have one thought in my mind—tear apart this fresh, breathing creature.
*
Perhaps it’s because of the names ‘Jade Flower’ and ‘Sword Flower’.
What was supposed to be a quiet practice bout in the backyard has turned into a public match with dozens of spectators.
This was an unwelcome event for Byul Rak.
Of course, since Jinyeong Jin is far more skilled with axes than swords, her use of axes is practically her ‘secret weapon,’ making this display less than ideal from Rak’s strategy for the upcoming Seven Flowers Contest. Rak prepared to exploit the potential weakness in sword-focused opponents by unveiling her hidden ace.
However, with this bout becoming public knowledge, everyone will now be aware of Jinyeong’s proficiency with an axe.
Byul Rak found that bothersome.
“Relax, it’s just a practice bout—what’s worrying you so much?”
Saying this in a casual tone, Jinyeong Jin stretched her muscles.
“But the other Seven Flowers may prepare against Miss Jinyeong’s axe technique.”
“Eh, didn’t Uncle say it before? ‘Look at the sea, not the fish.'”
“…Ah.”
“One defeat in the Seven Flowers Contest won’t mean much. This is a great opportunity to test my axe technique against the famed Jade Flower.”
“…”
‘”Look at the bigger picture’ you keep saying, but you were the one looking too narrowly.”
Realizing the competitive streak he unconsciously harbored when it came to Jinyeong-related matters, Rak reflected inwardly.
Jinyeong Jin often let emotions influence her behavior.
“I’ll be back. Watch carefully.”
Jinyeong Jin hoisted her massive axe onto her shoulder and stepped confidently into the crowd.
Jade Flower stood before her, holding a sword that was considerably thinner than Jinyeong Jin’s massive axe.
Onlookers had gathered around, encircling Jinyeong and Jade Flower.
“Konlun, Jade Flower.”
“Jin Cheon, Sword Flower.”
Thereafter, both exchanged formal bowing respects.
– Hmm, so my Moonlight Division is finally seeing some action.
‘Who knows if she’ll be completely demolished?’
– You’re never around to cheer me on.
‘Don’t I always do the same to you?’
Jade Flower then made preparatory movements for the Great Void Dragon Slaughter Sword Technique, gently flicking her fingers.
“I’ll give you three moves as a handicap. Please come forward.”
Offering not to counterattack against an immense and heavy weapon like the axe for three moves was not an easy promise, but since it was Jade Flower, no one questioned it.
“I appreciate it.”
Jinyeong Jin readily accepted with an overly eager, competitive smile, taking a step toward Jade Flower.
Understanding the drawbacks of the Moonlight Division’s heavy and slow nature better than anyone, she was relieved by the three-move courtesy.
– Oh no, could she be letting her guard down unnecessarily because of this?
“Miss would never do such a thing.”
– True, it’s unlikely anyone else but my own offspring would know better.
‘You didn’t teach her, I did.’
– You keep acting like her teacher despite teaching her my techniques.
‘Exactly. It was the modified techniques I taught her.’
– …Pesky fellow.
Even as Jin Woo-yong and others were quietly conversing, Byul Rak remained watchful of Jinyeong’s demeanor.
Fortunately, there was no trace of arrogance in her.
Jinyeong only exuded unadulterated competitive spirit.
WHOOSH – WHAM!
As soon as Jinyeong Jin, using centrifugal force, started spinning the massive Moonlight weapon—so big that most people could barely observe it—reactions from the crowd followed one after another.
“Wow, she might be Sword Flower, but swinging an axe certainly doesn’t look bad.”
“How could someone of that petite build wield such a massive axe? How much inner energy must she have?”
“Tsk tsk. She’s clearly showing she’s inexperienced with axes. Such heavy weapons aren’t meant to be swung by brute strength but by skill.”
“Still, it’s not easy for someone of such a small frame—barely over five feet—to wield such a large weapon, is it?”
While some were impressed by her unexpected prowess, others were dismissive.
“Could it be she abandoned the universal king among weapons, the sword, to train in axe techniques? She’s still young, but she seems rather immature.”
“Of course she’s reckless—she doesn’t come from a prestigious lineage.”
“I was somewhat excited because she bested Violet Flower, but maybe Violet Flower just fought mindlessly.”
Jinyeong paid no attention to the derogatory remarks about her choice of weapon, but Byul Rak felt personally insulted and glanced irritably toward the source of the comment.
There, among the crowd, stood a woman evidently from Mount Hua, with her robes adorned with flowers. And a woman dressed in robes marked with the name ‘Ami’.
Mount Hua’s White Flower and Ami’s Snow Flower—both renowned for their pride—had come to spectate.
Besides them,
“Make sure to observe carefully. This is the child you’ll face.”
“Even with the profound principles of Taiji Soft Swords, can it withstand such a heavy weapon?”
“Regardless of softness or hardness, the one who understands more deeply will win.”
Heavenly Lord, in conversation with Jinyeong, observed her carefully.
“The axe is a pretty excellent match for my poison techniques.”
“Don’t be careless. If the Sword Flower, who earned that title, has chosen to abandon the sword for the axe, there’s a reason.”
“Hmm, what do you take me for…? I’m not some idiot incapable of such considerations.”
Even Heavenly Flower of the Fourth Division watched her with interest.
Just briefly catching a glimpse, Byul Rak’s attention was drawn most strongly by…
“Mom, what do you think? That sister will fight me. Not just Sword Flower, but all the Seven Flowers here.”
“…Just don’t get hurt. That’s what I’m most worried about.”
The Thunder Flower, Namgung Su-a, and Yu So-eun.
– Wow, I never thought we’d meet my son-in-law this way.
‘Hm…’
– What’s with the sigh? Do you feel uncomfortable?
“It’s less about discomfort and more about awkwardness.”
– What did you do to be so nervous?
“It’s not nervousness—it’s just awkward. Yu So-eun and I aren’t particularly on good terms.”
Checking to make sure his White Blade Wanderer mask was in place, Byul Rak shifted his attention back to Jinyeong.
She had already gathered enough momentum, spinning the axe several times per second before Jade Flower.
The wind pressure alone was powerful enough to lift the spectators’ hair from meters away, showcasing her Moonlight Division’s aggressive might.
– Whirlwind Axe Slash! I didn’t think I’d see this move again!
‘Isn’t that getting carried away?’
– Only someone who doesn’t know what they’re talking about could dismiss such an emotionally significant moment.
As Jinyeong Jin thrust her axe forward like a thrown weight directly at Jade Flower,
“Whirlwind Axe Slash!”
Jade Flower prepared to block honestly, firmly placing her sword horizontally as promised.
It was a straightforward, unadorned response without any special techniques or principles.
As Jinyeong’s inner energy, centrifugal force, and the heavy axe collided with Jade Flower’s slim blade,
KWAHHHANG!!
“……!”
A stunned silence enveloped the spectators.
Though startled by the unexpected loud noise, the fundamental reason for their shock was elsewhere.
“Her sword…”
Jade Flower’s sword, though slightly, bore a dent.
Though Jade Flower neither used any true essence nor any special techniques, it’s no simple feat for her sword to bear such a mark.
She was Jade Flower—someone who ranked among the best martial artists in the current realm.
And yet, this eighteen-year-old girl had achieved such extraordinary feats.
No matter how heavy the weapon may be, it was an incredible accomplishment.
“Heh heh, only two moves left, right?”
While Jade Flower stood dumbfounded, Jinyeong retrieved her axe, pulled it back, and swung it again.
This time, unlike the first, the axe aimed directly to slice through Jade Flower’s waist.
Watching this, Byul Rak couldn’t help but smile as he conversed with Jin Woo-yong.
‘Indeed, genius is genius it seems.’
– Haha! That’s my grand-niece!
‘Also my student.’
– You keep insisting on calling her your student. Just because you slightly altered the technique and taught it to her.
‘You acknowledged that my adjusted technique was superior to your Jincheonbingyeom Moon.’
– …Cough, you leave me speechless.
Though momentarily diverted by the appearance of Namgung Su-a and Yu So-eun, Byul Rak quickly returned to his gratification in Jinyeong.
It was made possible since he had, to some extent, moved past his previous connections to the Namgung sect.
“Heaven and Earth Axe Cut!”
‘What kind of move name is that? How is it not cringey?’
– That’s the guy who uses a sword technique that calls himself an emperor. Not a word he can’t say.
‘A bit too much. How can a human split the heavens and earth?’
– True though he says, isn’t it odd for someone who isn’t human to say such things?
During Jinyeong’s second assault, no one other than her dared to talk.
Not only due to the impact of her first move, but because ‘heaviness’—which was unseen in the ‘Whirlwind Axe Slash’—now filled her second attack with vivid clarity.
This ‘weight’ was a quality none of the Seven Flowers, except the Namgung house, possessed, making it feel even more refreshing to the audience.
SHUUURKK!
Besides, Jade Flower’s response was different from before.
Adhering to the three-move courtesy, she refrained from counterattacking, yet she deflected Jinyeong’s axe with her uniquely soft and fluid technique from Mount Konlun.
As a result, Jinyeong lost her balance and stumbled comically.
KWAHHHANG!!
When her axe plunged into the ground, creating an enormous shockwave that shattered the stone floor, no one dared to speak recklessly due to the overwhelming destructive force.
White Flower and Snow Flower, who had earlier chuckled at Jinyeong, unconsciously swallowed their saliva.
“Ah, just one move left.”
“……!”
Jade Flower’s pupils had massively dilated.
They carried the same sense of ‘exhilaration’ seen in the Heavenly Lord who was also observing.
“Huff!”
Jinyeong gripped her axe embedded in the rock with both hands and pulled it out, once more drawing it back.
Everyone’s gaze followed her movement.
At that moment, she had become an unquestionable focus of everyone’s attention.
– However, what in the world is this technique she’s using?
‘…Exactly. I haven’t taught her a technique like this…?’
– Must be the unpredictability inherited from my granddaughter. What is she plotting?
‘She’s not someone like you. She won’t do anything beyond control.’
Byul Rak firmly conveyed this to Jin Woo-yong while observing her.
Even though she was his master, Byul Rak was subtly warning Jin Woo-yong to not speak lightly about Jinyeong.
Hoooooooong!
When Jinyeong’s axe flew forward an instant later, both Jin Woo-yong and Byul Rak couldn’t help but doubt their eyes.
The reason being, Jinyeong’s axe was not aimed at Jade Flower.
“Gyaah!”
“What, what is it?”
KWAAANG!!
Startled, White Flower and Snow Flower shielded their faces with their arms from the massive axe flying straight toward them.
And there stood Jinyeong, shaking, barely managing to halt her axe inches above their heads, using only one hand.
With a smile that could be described as the ‘Grinning Killer Smile,’ she spoke.
“Oops, I accidentally sent my axe flying.”
As White Flower and Snow Flower realized the situation and angrily erupted at her apparent madness, Jinyeong nonchalantly continued.
“Sometimes… I can’t control myself like this.”