Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 157 – Coercion (3)

It was not only him who was surprised.

Cheong-ryeong was also astonished by the vicious energy emanating from Mok Gyeong-un’s entire body.

‘What is this energy?’

It might be difficult for ordinary people to perceive clearly.

However, the energy of Mok Gyeong-un, visible through her Ghost Eye, was both ferocious and ominous beyond compare.

This energy had become significantly different from the deathly qi that could be considered the energy of the deceased.

-Whoosh!

Originally, the Three Yang Convergence referred to the energy penetrating the essence, energy, and spirit, completely opening the Ren and Du meridians, and surpassing one’s limits.

However, Mok Gyeong-un had forcibly pierced through it using the opposite method of reverse acupoint energy circulation with deathly qi.

He had achieved this through the contrasting yin.

The energy that had been condensed and exploded through the Three Yang had now transformed.

A new energy had been born, unlike anything Cheong-ryeong, who had existed for over a hundred years, had ever encountered before.

‘Vicious… Ferocious… The embodiment of ominousness. How was such energy created? This is truly akin to a demon.’

It differed from both the vengeful and malevolent spirits.

It had completely transformed into a new energy unique to Mok Gyeong-un himself.

At that moment, Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang, the Society Leader’s first disciple, spoke.

“I thought you were just an immature brat, even if we were of the same ilk… You, bastard. You’re a more bothersome existence than I anticipated.”

“I share a similar opinion.”

It was mutual.

Mok Gyeong-un also recognized Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang as someone who needed to be killed rather than a mere tool to be exploited.

In response to Mok Gyeong-un’s answer, Na Yul-ryang clicked his tongue.

Then, he spoke again.

“Are you truly human?”

Na Yul-ryang’s question was entirely reasonable.

In this urgent situation, Mok Gyeong-un had performed the outrageous feat of forcibly breaking through his threshold.

It was an absurd pace of advancement and a gamble with his life on the line.

“I am human. Do you think I might turn into a monster?”

“A monster? …That makes sense too. That ominous black energy emanating from you… It’s like a demon from hell.”

“A demon?”

At these words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

A demon, he said.

He understood why Na Yul-ryang would say such a thing.

Since it was his own energy, he could comprehend it even more clearly.

[Forget the viciousness within you. Only then can you live on.]

Come to think of it, those were the words his grandfather had spoken to him since childhood.

He had assumed it was simply due to a strong sense of liberation, a desire to destroy something.

However, this energy that had transformed after penetrating the essence, energy, and spirit.

Somehow, it did not feel unfamiliar.

The darkness and chaos that seemed to suck him into an abyss felt as though they originated from himself.

“Demonic energy… Not bad. Then, shall we call this Demonic Qi?”

“Demonic Qi? Ha! You speak as if you’re some kind of sect leader.”

“Who knows? More importantly, it’s intriguing. Those eyes of yours.”

“…”

“Can you see my energy with those eyes?”

Mok Gyeong-un, who had opened his Ghost Eye, could clearly discern.

Na Yul-ryang’s right eye, from which a silver light flowed, was certainly extraordinary.

However, Mok Gyeong-un’s words became the trigger.

As soon as the question ended,

-Whoosh!

Na Yul-ryang’s figure swiftly charged towards Mok Gyeong-un.

Before forcibly achieving the Three Yin Convergence, Mok Gyeong-un had struggled to grasp Na Yul-ryang’s movements.

But now that he had accomplished it,

‘I can see.’

He could finally perceive Na Yul-ryang’s movements.

As Mok Gyeong-un extended his hand, the Wicked Blade that had fallen to the ground was drawn into his palm.

-Whoosh!

Black strong energy surged from the Wicked Blade.

Simultaneously, Mok Gyeong-un swung his sword diagonally upward.

-Clang!

At that moment, sparks erupted as the blue sword energy collided with the black strong energy of the Wicked Blade.

-Skid!

At the same time, Mok Gyeong-un’s figure was pushed back by about two steps.

Although he could grasp Na Yul-ryang’s movements, Na Yul-ryang still held the upper hand in terms of martial power.

Having forcibly broken through the threshold without enlightenment, Mok Gyeong-un was still inferior to Na Yul-ryang in martial power.

However, Na Yul-ryang’s expression was not particularly pleased.

‘He has become capable of properly perceiving my movements.’

Although he could still claim superiority as Mok Gyeong-un had just broken through his threshold, the fact that someone who had merely been at the pinnacle of Peak Realm had entered the same realm as himself in an instant was significant.

The realm of Transformation.

This was not something that could be ignored and brushed aside.

‘This won’t do.’

He had to kill Mok Gyeong-un on the spot to prevent future troubles.

Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang, who had elevated Mok Gyeong-un from a future headache to a dangerous individual who must be eliminated, no longer held back his energy and unleashed his martial power to the extreme.

-Rumble!

As Na Yul-ryang raised his energy, the grains of sand on the ground began to tremble and heave.

“Abandon any thoughts of returning alive.”

“Will that be easy?”

-Rumble!

In response, Mok Gyeong-un also raised his martial power to the extreme.

Having just broken through his threshold, his energy had not yet stabilized, but if he did not match Na Yul-ryang’s momentum, he would be cut down by the overwhelming force.

-Clang! Clang!

Na Yul-ryang’s eyes narrowed as he clashed sword energy with Mok Gyeong-un.

He was clearly superior in martial power.

However, as his sword energy made contact with Mok Gyeong-un’s, a phenomenon of gradual dispersion began to occur.

It seemed to be due to the destructive nature of this energy.

As a result, Mok Gyeong-un did not easily yield, drawing upon more true energy to prevent his energy from scattering.

‘Bothersome.’

Realizing that a clash of martial power would not suffice, Na Yul-ryang stomped his foot on the ground.

-Thud! Crack!

At that moment, the ground beneath Mok Gyeong-un’s feet shattered, causing his figure to waver.

Not missing this opportunity,

-Clang!

Na Yul-ryang deflected the clashing strong energy with his sword strike and aimed for Mok Gyeong-un’s left shoulder.

However,

-Gasp!

A sharp murderous intent was sensed from behind.

‘Oh no.’

Na Yul-ryang kicked off the ground and twisted his body, enveloping himself with strong energy.

-Whoosh!

As he rotated his body, the strong energy formed a whirlwind, scattering sharp murderous intent in all directions.

-Clang clang clang clang clang!

-His senses are keen.

-Clang clang clang clang!

Cheong-ryeong, who had attempted to target Na Yul-ryang’s back in an instant, blocked the flying strong energy with her pipe.

Of course, Mok Gyeong-un also stabilized his wavering figure and deflected Na Yul-ryang’s strong energy, seeking an opening to exploit.

There were no gaps in this technique of enveloping oneself with strong energy.

-He’s still stronger than you. We need to cooperate. I will obstruct his movements, so…

Before Cheong-ryeong could finish her words, Mok Gyeong-un shook his head.

-What?

What was this fellow thinking?

If they did not kill Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang on the spot, they would create the worst enemy within the Heaven and Earth Society.

Forcibly breaking through the threshold was indeed a miraculous feat, but the opponent was already a supreme master who had reached the Transformation Realm, so Mok Gyeong-un’s chances of victory alone were still low.

-It’s still too risky…

-I have spare puppet figures, so hide yourself.

-What?

-I sensed a vast curse power from that direction.

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Cheong-ryeong’s eyes flickered with surprise.

She had thought he wouldn’t be able to pay attention to anything else while focused on the person, but had the fellow also detected it?

In fact, Cheong-ryeong had also sensed the curse power.

Curse power could be considered the foundation of sorcery and magic.

The moment Cheong-ryeong fully unleashed her power as a vengeful spirit, known as spiritual power, a wave of vast curse power had surged.

It likely meant that an exceptional diviner had noticed her presence.

It wouldn’t be long before the diviner tracked down her location.

However, Cheong-ryeong was willing to take that risk to assist Mok Gyeong-un.

-No. Then you’ll be in danger, mortal…

-I’m fine now. You know what it means if the diviner here has noticed, right?

-…

At Mok Gyeong-un’s telepathic message, she fell silent.

What was this fellow thinking?

Even if he had broken through his threshold, he would still be at a disadvantage in terms of martial prowess.

-Whoosh!

At that moment, Cheong-ryeong and Mok Gyeong-un simultaneously glanced at a certain direction.

Just now, the vast curse power had spread throughout the entire inner city.

It meant that the pursuit had begun.

-Hurry.

-You…

-Do you want to ruin everything?

After a moment of hesitation, Cheong-ryeong finally spoke.

-…If you sense danger, immediately flee to the poison-wielding elder.

With the current gap, she believed he could escape to that distance.

With those words, Cheong-ryeong merged into Mok Gyeong-un’s body.

-Swish!

At that moment, Na Yul-ryang, who had been indiscriminately scattering strong energy while rotating, stopped.

Then, he steadied his breathing and surveyed the surroundings with his right eye.

‘Where?’

Where had that existence, taking the form of Wi So-yeon, gone?

It was impossible for her to escape his Penetrating Eye, yet she was nowhere to be seen.

Na Yul-ryang glared at Mok Gyeong-un and spoke.

“Where did that woman go?”

In response to that question, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged and replied.

“What are you talking about?”

“The youngest disciple, no… That strange existence taking the form of the youngest disciple.”

“I have no idea what you’re saying. Who are you referring to?”

“What?”

Na Yul-ryang scoffed in disbelief.

They had been engaging in battle until now, so what nonsense was he spouting?

“Do you take this young master for a fool? She was clearly in front of you and suddenly disappeared. Do you think I wouldn’t have noticed even while rapidly rotating?”

The issue was that at the moment of her disappearance, her energy had also vanished completely.

Even with his Penetrating Eye, he couldn’t locate her, so Na Yul-ryang was on guard in all directions.

He didn’t know when or where she might appear.

Facing such a Na Yul-ryang, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said.

“Perhaps you’re seeing things.”

“…”

Na Yul-ryang’s expression turned frigid.

After staring intently at Mok Gyeong-un, Na Yul-ryang tilted his neck to the side and stretched his muscles.

-Crack! Crack!

“It seems you’re misunderstanding something.”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Yes. You’ve merely gained the qualification to face this young master. Don’t mistake that for becoming equal.”

-Swish!

As soon as those words ended, Na Yul-ryang’s figure scattered like smoke.

In response, Mok Gyeong-un swung the Wicked Blade upward.

-Clang!

Sparks erupted as the black strong energy collided with the blue sword energy.

Then, Mok Gyeong-un twisted his body to the side and slashed the Wicked Blade towards the air once more.

Something seemed to appear and disappear like it was dissipating.

-Swish! Swish!

Afterimages were left intermittently, and each time, Mok Gyeong-un’s Wicked Blade slashed at them.

This phenomenon of continuously leaving faint afterimages was none other than the Shifting Form and Changing Position technique.

Na Yul-ryang was currently employing an ultra-high-speed lightness skill, rendering his figure invisible except for the moment of attack.

Of course,

-Swish swish swish!

Mok Gyeong-un’s pupils were rapidly trembling.

In those eyes, Na Yul-ryang’s shadow was imprinted in each fleeting moment.

He was capturing the instantaneous movements.

However, since he couldn’t match that level of speed with his lightness skill, he could only respond to the brief moments when Na Yul-ryang attacked.

‘A single mistake, a single error, and your life will end.’

Na Yul-ryang relentlessly pressured Mok Gyeong-un.

Each sword strike that accompanied his ultra-high-speed movement was a fatal technique.

Having just broken through his threshold and entered the same realm as Na Yul-ryang, Mok Gyeong-un had not yet fully embodied his own abilities.

That clumsiness would lead to his own…

-Swish!

It was at that moment.

Mok Gyeong-un moved his foot.

He was trying to disrupt the flow, but he would never allow…

-Clang!

At that instant, Mok Gyeong-un’s figure followed behind Na Yul-ryang’s back, and black strong energy aimed for his chest.

Na Yul-ryang lightly blocked it and resumed his ultra-high-speed movement.

-Tap tap tap tap tap!

At the speed an ordinary person would take one step, he took nearly twenty steps.

Those steps were graceful and swift, like flowing water.

However,

-Tap tap tap tap tap!

‘!?’

One of Na Yul-ryang’s eyebrows raised.

He had considered it a momentary coincidence, but before he knew it, Mok Gyeong-un was once again attempting to follow his movements.

Moreover, the footsteps he left behind…

‘Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?’

He was imitating Na Yul-ryang’s own lightness skill, the Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps.

The Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps, which enabled the most ideal ultra-high-speed movement at close range, was not a technique passed down by the Society Leader but a secret of Na Yul-ryang’s own family, the Na clan.

Na Yul-ryang was dumbfounded for a moment.

He, too, could analyze the opponent’s martial arts within a short time using his cold-hearted mind and insight, adapting his own martial arts accordingly.

However, this person was taking a different approach.

‘You dare try to steal this young master’s technique in the midst of our duel?’

It was utterly absurd.

He had never encountered someone like this before.

Not only had he met someone similar to himself for the first time, but that person’s talent might even surpass his own.

‘This won’t do.’

Na Yul-ryang’s eyes glinted with strong killing intent.

He was already using his full power, but he had not yet employed the three secret techniques of the Heavenly Sword.

Even though Mok Gyeong-un had entered the same realm, Na Yul-ryang still did not consider him an opponent worthy of using those techniques.

However, his thoughts had now changed.

He had to quickly kill the person, even if it meant using the secret techniques…

-Gasp!

At the intense energy felt in close proximity, Na Yul-ryang stopped his lightness skill.

The same went for Mok Gyeong-un.

Their gazes simultaneously turned towards the figure who had approached them.

It was none other than…

“Poison King?”

The Poison King, Baek Sa-ha.

“Eldest Young Master.”

“This is… quite unexpected.”

The reason for Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang’s remark was simple.

It was due to Baek Sa-ha’s appearance, which had become noticeably younger compared to before.

Moreover, the energy of Baek Sa-ha, visible through his Penetrating Eye, had grown incomparably stronger than before.

“You have broken through your threshold.”

In response to his words, the Poison King Baek Sa-ha scoffed and said, “Eldest Young Master… May I ask what you were doing with my disciple?”

“…”

It was a straightforward question.

It was a kind of warning, asked despite already knowing the answer. Instead of answering, Na Yul-ryang looked at Mok Gyeong-un with a hint of regret.

Then, he chuckled and said, “You’re fortunate.”

At his words, Baek Sa-ha inwardly clicked his tongue.

Even though he had appeared here and revealed that Mok Gyeong-un was his disciple, Na Yul-ryang still boldly refused to extinguish his hostility and killing intent.

He was truly an arrogant individual, both then and now.

This was one of the reasons why Baek Sa-ha did not support him.

-Swish!

The blue strong energy that had enveloped Na Yul-ryang’s finger dissipated.

In response, Mok Gyeong-un also released his strong energy.

‘Hmm.’

Doubt crept into Baek Sa-ha’s eyes as he observed this.

Why was the color of the strong energy enveloping Mok Gyeong-un’s sword such a dark hue?

Moreover, the power within the strong energy seemed extraordinary.

‘Just what happened here?’

He couldn’t hide his bewilderment.

With Mok Gyeong-un’s level of martial prowess, he should not have been able to confront Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang.

However, judging from the traces of aftermath in the surroundings and a glance from afar, it seemed they had been fighting on almost equal footing.

What on earth is going on?

In that moment of perplexity, Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang spoke to Baek Sa-ha.

“Poison King. Congratulations on achieving a breakthrough. Then, this young master shall take his leave.”

With those words, Na Yul-ryang attempted to depart without hesitation. Seeing this, Baek Sa-ha felt a sense of relief in that fleeting moment.

-Whoosh!

At that instant, Na Yul-ryang, who had been about to turn around, suddenly and unexpectedly thrust his finger towards Mok Gyeong-un’s chest.

Mok Gyeong-un hastily grabbed his wrist, but it had already penetrated nearly two joints deep.

-Stab!

“Eldest Young Master!”

Baek Sa-ha shouted, his voice laced with anger.

In response, Na Yul-ryang smiled contentedly and said, “Did you think I would spare this bastard’s life and simply leave?”

With his finger pierced into Mok Gyeong-un’s chest, the situation was already over.

If his finger were to penetrate just an inch further, it would reach the heart.

In any case, Na Yul-ryang held a significant advantage in martial power, so grabbing his wrist was futile.

However,

‘This bastard?’

Mok Gyeong-un was grinning, his smile stretching from ear to ear in an eerie manner.

He was smiling even though his life was hanging by a thread?

“Have you gone mad…”

“Thank you for allowing yourself to be caught.”

“What?”

It was at that very moment.

-Snap!

Na Yul-ryang’s wrist was twisted and broken.

‘!?’