MTL NOVEL Chapter 5
Truly, it’s such a peculiar circumstance.
Through thousands of iterations, over a time span nearing ten thousand years, I endured only because there were people who believed in me.
I kept taking lives over and over again without losing my resolve.
Because people trusted in me, even though there were times I faltered, I ultimately managed to survive those eras stained by bloodshed.
However, now that those who believed in me are gone…
Even though the peace I desired so much has arrived, I couldn’t hold on.
I realized that being alone in this peace was far more sorrowful than standing in a battlefield surrounded by others.
“During our return to Taewon, I thought we might stop briefly at the Hangan Sword School. Is that alright?”
In that sense, life has certainly improved since yesterday.
Yesterday, I killed hundreds of bandits.
Yet, because there’s someone who cares for me, I instinctively feel at ease.
It feels as though the suffocating tightness inside me has loosened.
“Is there some high-ranked person around here deciding our route based on a servant’s wishes?”
“Here I am. If it bothers you, please let me know so we can change our route.”
Is it because they know I’m skilled?
Jinyoung Jin kept attending to each and every need of mine during our journey.
Considering her kind nature the first time we met, even if I weren’t skilled, I believe she’d have treated me kindly.
“Hangan Sword School…”
One of the famed Nine Great Sects, which stands as a pillar of the righteous factions.
It holds deep ties with me.
“Just get me an inphi mask. If that’s not possible, any kind of mask will do…”
“Looks like there’s someone you don’t want to meet at Hangan Sword School.”
“I can’t disclose who. I apologize.”
“Don’t be sorry; it’s your choice.”
Even with my hair cut short and my voice altered…
I can’t deceive my sister who trains at Hangan Sword School.
Byul Hwa, Namgung So So.
A younger sister by seven years, she’s the top disciple of Hangan Sword School and one of the current seven great swordswomen of the martial world.
She’s someone I cherished deeply and, throughout many iterations, sacrificed her life countless times for me.
Now, she is nothing but a sworn enemy who hates me.
I feel a constant sense of guilt towards Namgung So So.
Though many people have died because of me across the iterations…
Among them, Namgung So So’s situation was especially unique. Because she cared for me so much, she would immolate herself more frequently than others.
“Even if this keeps happening, I really like you, big brother. Please, remember my feelings, even if you leave this place.”
This is something she once said during one of the iterations, at Beihai Binggong, when strange creatures surged from the Bing Chuan ravine, and she decided to stay behind to face them alone.
When she saw me three years ago…
“Piece of trash. Just cut that thing off. You’re disgusting.”
…I don’t want to reminisce about that moment.
Perhaps sensing my gloomy mood, Gayoung Jin gently poked my cheek and smiled.
“Are you uncomfortable?”
“…”
“It’s all over your face. You have uncomfortable ties to Hangan Sword School.”
“I have nothing to say.”
“That’s alright. It’s fortunate that I’ve learned this now. I’ll find a new resting place, so you can relax.”
“Ugh…”
Once more, Jinyoung Jin drew me closer.
Like a falling flower petal, I leaned on her thigh.
Of course, I made sure not to press too much so that it wouldn’t hurt her.
“Do you like alcohol?”
“Are you speaking of alcohol?”
“You look unwell. I drink when I feel this way.”
“…”
Does Jinyoung Jin somehow have a knack for making me lose myself in thought?
When alcohol comes to mind, related memories surface…
I enjoy drinking.
Originally, I wasn’t a fan, but during my iterations, alcohol became a crucial source of solace when my spirit wore thin.
After an end to the prolonged cycle of regression and finding peace, I moved away from alcohol.
However, when unusual rumors surfaced about me and fabricated evidence labeled me as utterly despicable, alcohol became my close companion again.
Looking back, that period was perhaps one of the better times.
Since reaching the Xianjing level, where getting drunk wasn’t permitted, I even had to consume the toxic Shan Gong to achieve drunkenness. However, at least I still had alcohol.
There was a time when I got utterly drunk with my younger brother.
Back then, unaware that he was plotting against me, I genuinely believed him when he suggested a drink to ease me. The next morning, though I don’t remember much, I recall my wife looking at me tearfully.
“How can love change like this?”
Did I make a drunken slip of the tongue?
Even when drunk, I never indulged in improper behavior…
In any case, after that day, I stopped drinking.
I didn’t want to make my wife cry again.
After that, life became the hardest.
The only person who didn’t scold me was my wife. She merely treated me with a curt manner.
Now, with no alcohol to lean on…
I just kept going, telling myself that with such a hard-won peace, I should endure.
Now, those days feel quite foolish in hindsight.
If only I’d given up sooner, left the household, and started this anonymous life earlier, it might have been better.
“Hmm… If you don’t like it, I’ll put it away. I’m sorry for bringing it up.”
“Nip…”
“Pardon?”
“No, I do like alcohol.”
Whatever it is, all those ties are now ended.
Now that Yu So-eun and I are strangers, there is no reason to be wary about drinking.
“Really? I’ll fetch it right away! Please wait a moment!”
Jinyoung Jin, looking quite delighted, hurriedly exited the carriage.
Seeing her exit, a strange sense of cuteness washed over me, and I chuckled softly to myself. It was odd, but I found myself smiling naturally at the sight.
Certainly, even if I’m not the famed Sword Sage Namgung Cheolbin but just an enigmatic expert known as Byul Rak, it feels good to know that someone accepts me for who I am.
Creak!
“Huff! Huff! Here! I’ve brought alcohol! It’s Bamboo Leaf Green.”
“You arrived quickly! Yet, we’re not in Sichuan. Isn’t this a bit extravagant?”
“What do you think Taewon Jin Clan is? We can buy thousands of bottles of this easily, so please enjoy without any restraint.”
Clunk.
Out of breath, Jinyoung Jin placed the bottle on the floor and opened its lid.
The smell of alcohol, long forgotten, tickled my nose.
Clink!
Upon receiving my cup, I picked up the bottle intending to fill hers first.
However, Jinyoung Jin turned the bottle’s mouth toward my cup to fill mine first.
Glug…
Seeing my cup full, only then did she extend hers for me to fill.
Though she was my superior, she treated me as though I were.
“Here, let’s toast for the first cup.”
Tinkle, Tinkle…
For some reason, as I observed her hand extending the cup, it was slightly trembling,
perhaps out of nervousness.
“Understood.”
Click.
Chug, chug.
After clinking our glasses and gulping it down, the long-missed sweet and astringent taste enveloped my tongue.
As I glanced at her, Jinyoung Jin was smiling broadly and muttering incomprehensible words.
“Hehe… Successfully started drinking with Uncle…”
“Master? What did you just say?”
“Nothing! Please pour another one!”
“Yes, as you wish.”
Glug…
From there onward, I spent quite a long time sharing drinks with Jinyoung Jin.
It was a pleasant day.
The Wu Lin Alliance.
Master’s Office.
Knock, knock.
With the polite knocking sound, the Wu Lin Alliance Leader, Sword Lord, chose to ignore it.
However, the person outside the door,
Bang, bang, bang!
Began banging frantically on the door, as if intent on breaking it.
This caused the Sword Lord to rise lethargically, exasperated, and opened the door. At the entrance stood a towering man, grinning widely.
On his back rested a massive sword nearly as long as himself, with fiery red hair. Known as the ‘Flaming Heaven Saber Emperor’, he was also called the Blade Lord.
“Leader, an unusual event is happening!”
“Tut tut, calm down a bit, won’t you? You’re still not able to control that temper of yours.”
“Don’t laugh! This is serious!”
At the unusual demeanor of the Blade Lord who had entered, the Sword Lord’s posture changed.
He removed the elbow propping up his chin and, sitting up a bit more attentively, asked,
“What’s the matter? What could possibly be so urgent for you to summon the leader of the Wu Lin Alliance?”
“As your humble servant, during my visit to Xichuan yesterday…”
The Blade Lord didn’t manage to finish his sentence.
Crash!
He was interrupted by a blue-haired middle-aged man who burst into the room, out of breath.
“Master! Master! Are you here!?”
His agitated voice matched, if not surpassed, that of the earlier Blade Lord.
The Sword Lord observed the panting man with mild distaste, while the Blade Lord, who missed his opportunity to speak, wiped the sweat from his forehead and glared at him.
The Blade Lord and the Water Lord.
The Flaming Heaven Saber Emperor and the Water Dragon King.
Both belonged to the Twelve Exalted Lords, the apex predators of Central Plains martial arts.
Furthermore, each was the head of one of the five great families: the Blade Lord was from the Pang family in Hebei, and the Water Lord was the Sect Leader of the mysterious Water Dragon Yangtze school that preserved unique techniques.
And these incredible individuals, the very center of the tumultuous world of martial arts,
were now losing their composure as they stood before the Wu Lin Alliance Leader.
“Alright, calm down now. Since the Blade Lord arrived first, let’s hear the Water Lord’s story later.”
Sensing the gravity of the situation, the Sword Lord calmly organized the order.
This caused the Water Lord to mutter in discontent, “This isn’t right!”, “We need to resolve this as soon as possible!”, but the Sword Lord ignored him and turned to the Blade Lord.
The Blade Lord wasted no time, cutting directly to the point.
“When the head of our house was in Xichuan and crossed a mountain, we entered a cave…”
“And?”
“There were three women there. Completely bald, emaciated, and as pale as ghosts… They resembled jiangshis.”
“Ah, jiangshis. Are you sure you’re not reading too many novels? The latest volume of Plum Blossom Hero’s Tale just came out, you know.”
“That’s not it! I saw them clearly with my own two eyes!”
Crash!
Unable to control his rising agitation, the Blade Lord slammed his fist into the desk.
The massive explosion of sound split the Alliance Leader’s table in half.
Despite the disapproving look from the Master, the Blade Lord’s face turned red as he continued shouting.
“They suddenly attacked me! So I cut them down with one stroke… And their flesh regrew! Despite splitting their bones and cutting them completely, within a few seconds they reconnected!”
“You know, if you just spoke reasonably, that would help. Jiangshis don’t actually exist.”
“Furthermore, their speed and strength were beyond ordinary! Even without my inner forces, without utilizing my skills, it’s possible I couldn’t have guaranteed a victory!”
“Alright, that’s enough. Sit down, please. Water Lord, what were you about to say?”
“Not until I’ve finished! Damn it, you old fool!”
“Gah, looks like you’ve gone mad in your later years. What kind of fool is this ‘Respected Master’…”
Faced with the discordant opinions and bickering, Water Lord muttered in frustration.
He looked severely shocked.
“Because… I also saw the same sight… Those beings you described, Blade Lord… I witnessed them in some underground cave in Sichuan…”
With that statement, silence fell in the office.
Both Blade Lord and Sword Lord stopped their argument, staring seriously at the Water Lord with hardened expressions.
With a terror-stricken face, Water Lord murmured.
“However, the ones I encountered were male jiangshis. Creatures that only existed in novels and ghost stories… Their movements were virtually impossible to track with the eyes, and though they couldn’t properly throw punches, every single strike was threatening! If it hadn’t been me, there would have been bloodshed right then and there!”
Blade Lord’s expression turned severe, making Sword Lord’s even more rigid.
This confirmed what had been dismissed as mere hearsay from Blade Lord but was now validated by Water Lord.
“And…and…”
“Speak on. We’re listening attentively.”
“There were… the ‘Xue’ character, meaning ‘Blood,’ written everywhere…!”
“I saw the same! Everywhere I went, it was covered in red ‘Xue’ in the most ominous tones, and strange talismans were plastered all over it!”
“…”
Silence.
Another period of heavy silence followed.
Jiangshi, Blood, Talismans.
It can only mean one thing.
“Impossible… this is absurd!”
Sword Lord’s delicate eyebrows were trembling.
By this point, she was more panicked than both Blade Lord and Water Lord.
“Blood Cult… how could this be! Didn’t Sword Sage completely erase all of the Blood Cult’s traces?”
“Ho, how we wish to deny it… but the evidence points only to this!”
“…Ten years… Ten years have passed since the last war between Blood Cult and the martial world…”
“Ah, where did these people emerge from! We thought the Blood Demons were eradicated completely, and now why are they surfacing like this!”
“An investigation must start immediately. We need to find out their size, how deep they are hidden.”
“How exactly? Even the esteemed leader hadn’t noticed this issue. With no information, how can we begin?”
“The cave! Let’s visit again the cave where the Blood Cult’s traces were found!”
“It would be meaningless. Upon revisiting, the place was entirely burnt with not a trace remaining. Even if you check where you saw them, Water Lord, the result would be the same.”
“Exactly like the Blood Cult’s methods. Stealthy in their actions. Then… what do we do?”
“…”
“…”
Naturally, no one could answer the question posed by the leader.
“Wah… Without information, this is a dire situation.”
“L-Leader! Your language is too crude!”
“Don’t speak this early without investigation?”
“…Still, don’t worry too much. We have the Sword Sage after all…? During the last battle against the Blood Cult, he was the first to reveal their existence and took down more than half of them alone. Could there be any real concerns?”
Ultimately, the leader, who shouldn’t have, sought reassurance from the Sword Sage.
Of course, that was unavoidable.
To her, and many others of high stature, the Sword Sage was otherworldly.
And having relied on him for such a long time, it was impossible not to lean on him now.
“So, it is true! We have the Sword Sage!”
“Why didn’t I think of that? Leader! That’s a great insight!”
“Much like eight years ago, the Sword Sage will surely handle this for us… Let’s head towards the Namgung family immediately. We must inform him of the Blood Cult’s traces!”
A great calamity born purely from the fact that they only had the Sword Sage to depend on.
Despite not being drunk,
My breath quickened.
Perhaps it was due to drinking for the first time in ages.
“Hehe… Uncle…”
With her head leaning on my shoulder, Jinyoung Jin dozed off, nodding repeatedly.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen someone dreaming about me.
“Master, I’ll try once.”
Perhaps emboldened by alcohol.
Courage that wouldn’t usually surface.
This might be reckless, but…
I want to indulge in this momentary boldness now.
“Mm-hmm? Uncle… what did you say…?”
Her words were slurred as she questioned me, indicating she had woken.
I regretted waking her a little.
I covered her cheek with my large, rough hand to guide her back to sleep as I answered.
“I’m saying I’ll go see the Hangan Sword School.”
“Really? Is it alright…?”
“Now I’m just Byul Rak, what reason do I have to hold back?”
“I’ve decided not to concern myself with those who abandoned me, as the world has abandoned me. What reason do I have to care about them?”
“Hee… you’ve made the right choice, our Uncle! You should live doing whatever you like… You deserve it!”
In no time, overtaken by drowsiness, Jinyoung Jin once again drifted to sleep, leaning her head on my shoulder.
I rested my head on hers and fell asleep.
It was a cozy night.