Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 163 – Proposition (3)

‘This is?’

For a moment, Wi So-yeon couldn’t hide her surprise.

The high-speed movement technique Mok Gyeong-un had just displayed.

If her eyes weren’t mistaken, it was the Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps, a unique movement technique of First Senior Brother Na Yul-ryang.

[Master, why is First Senior Brother’s movement technique different from ours?]

[Hohoho. Are you referring to the Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?]

[Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?]

[Yes. The Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps, the unique movement technique of the Na family that your First Senior Brother has mastered, was once considered one of the three greatest movement techniques in the Central Plains.]

[The best movement technique, you say?]

[Indeed. Along with the Cloud Ladder Stride of the Wudang Sect, known for its profound mysteriousness, and the Wind and Cloud Steps of the Peerless Fortress, which has disappeared as a remnant of the old martial world but was regarded as the best in terms of swiftness and versatility, it gained fame as one of the three greatest movement techniques.]

[Ah! To think he has mastered such an amazing technique…]

[But that’s a thing of the past now. If you complete the Sun and Moon Steps that I have imparted to you, you will be able to dominate the world with a single step.]

[Dominate… the world!]

Suddenly, the words her master had spoken to her more than a decade ago came to mind.

Even after ten years, Wi So-yeon still hadn’t fully grasped the profound principles of the Sun and Moon Steps.

No, she wasn’t even sure if it was truly a stepping technique that could dominate the world, as her master had said.

Because no matter how much she practiced, she couldn’t surpass First Senior Brother’s Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps.

The same was true for Second Senior Brother Jang Neung-ak.

Anyway, that wasn’t the important thing right now.

“How do you know the Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?”

“Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?”

“Yes. Do you think I wouldn’t recognize First Senior Brother’s Clear and Manifest Water Crossing Steps?”

“Ah…”

Mok Gyeong-un let out a small gasp.

They certainly seemed to be senior and junior disciples.

He had closely observed Na Yul-ryang’s movement technique during their confrontation, finding it to be quite efficient, and had learned the stepping method.

But to think she could recognize it at a glance.

“You have keen eyes.”

-Pat!

As soon as those words ended, the tip of Wi So-yeon’s index and middle fingers, forming a sword finger, touched Mok Gyeong-un’s neck.

The sharp aura flowing from it was like a sword.

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes twinkled with interest.

It was because there was not a single wasted movement in her actions.

“Your hands are fast.”

“You… Just what are you?”

“Pardon?”

“Could it be that First Senior Brother planted you?”

“First Senior Brother? Ah. Are you referring to Eldest Young Master Na Yul-ryang?”

“Don’t play dumb. First Senior Brother doesn’t even reveal the secrets of his stepping technique or breathing method to Master. Do you think such a First Senior Brother would carelessly teach his unique movement technique to others?”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

“You’re laughing now?”

“Ah. I apologize. It seems I’ve caused a misunderstanding.”

“Misunderstanding?”

“Yes.”

“What misunderstanding are you talking about?”

“It’s true that I learned this movement technique from Young Master Na Yul-ryang, but it’s not what you think.”

“Not what I think?”

“Yes. Rather, should I say I just learned it?”

“Just learned it? What nonsense are you spouting?”

One of Wi So-yeon’s eyebrows arched upwards.

She thought Mok Gyeong-un was toying with her.

No, from the moment he had reduced her subordinates to this state right before her eyes, he had already crossed the line of no return.

-Woosh!

A strong murderous aura emanated from Wi So-yeon.

It was as if she would pierce or slash Mok Gyeong-un’s neck at any moment.

However, despite having such immense anger and killing intent, she was restraining herself.

The reason was that if Na Yul-ryang was behind Mok Gyeong-un, the moment she attacked him, she would be making enemies of not only First Senior Brother but also Shadow Clan Master and Poison King.

Wi So-yeon spoke, maintaining as much composure as possible.

“Speak clearly. What is your relationship with First Senior Brother?”

“There’s no particular relationship.”

“You expect me to believe those words…”

“Come to think of it, I should say we have a rather unpleasant relationship now.”

“An unpleasant relationship?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t it be better to talk about you and me rather than that?”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, Wi So-yeon snorted.

“Having First Senior Brother, Poison King, and Shadow Clan Master backing you up, I guess you’ve lost sight of everything? Seeing as you don’t even bother answering my questions.”

At her sharp words, Mok Gyeong-un shrugged his shoulders and said.

“I’ve given you proper answers. If there’s anything else you’d like to ask…”

-Swish!

At that moment, Wi So-yeon’s left hand moved.

She moved her hand with lightning speed, attempting to strike Mok Gyeong-un’s chest acupoints.

However,

-Pak!

‘!?’

Wi So-yeon furrowed her brows.

It was because her wrist, which was trying to strike the acupoints, was suddenly caught by Mok Gyeong-un.

This caused a hint of wariness to appear in her eyes.

‘He caught my wrist?’

She had already been convinced that Mok Gyeong-un’s martial arts had advanced compared to before.

Therefore, without holding back, she had properly utilized her acupoint striking technique.

Yet, he had intercepted her wrist.

That meant Mok Gyeong-un’s martial arts had become much stronger than she had anticipated.

“You… Just how much stronger have you become?”

Wi So-yeon asked bluntly without beating around the bush.

In response to her question, Mok Gyeong-un answered nonchalantly.

“Who knows? It seems my skills are not yet satisfactory.”

“What?”

Was he toying with her now?

His martial arts had improved to the point where he could easily catch her wrist when she was determined to strike his acupoints, yet he claimed it wasn’t satisfactory?

Of course, this was true.

Mok Gyeong-un was not at all satisfied with his current martial arts.

However, from Wi So-yeon’s perspective, there was no way she could believe Mok Gyeong-un’s true intentions.

“…Just who are you really?”

A member of the orthodox Yeon Mok Sword Manor.

A hostage of the orthodox faction captured by the Heaven and Earth Society.

The top graduate of the Corpse Blood Valley.

A disciple of Shadow Clan Master.

A disciple of Poison King Baek Sa-ha.

In less than half a month, his martial arts had rapidly improved, and he had even mastered First Senior Brother Na Yul-ryang’s unique movement technique.

Each and every step was so difficult to understand that it was hard to make connections.

Wi So-yeon glared at Mok Gyeong-un and said.

“Could it be that you’re First Senior Brother’s disciple?”

“I told you I’m not.”

“If you’re not, then provide clear evidence that you’re really not…”

At that moment, before Wi So-yeon could finish her sentence, Mok Gyeong-un pointed to his waist.

There was a small blood-stained leather pouch on Mok Gyeong-un’s waist.

“What is this supposed to mean?”

“Should I say there’s something like a trophy inside?”

“Trophy?”

What nonsense was this fellow spouting now?

As she was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un put his hand into the pouch and pulled something out.

Seeing it, Wi So-yeon’s eyes widened.

“You?”

What Mok Gyeong-un held in his hand was none other than an eyeball.

However, this eyeball was somewhat different from that of an ordinary person, as the pupil had a silvery hue.

‘!!!!!’

Upon seeing this, Wi So-yeon’s expression soon froze.

For a moment, she found it hard to believe.

If her thinking was correct, the owner of this eyeball was none other than,

“First Senior Brother?”

“Wow. You recognized it at a glance, just like the movement technique.”

‘This… How…’

For a moment, Wi So-yeon was utterly confused.

She had seen the pupil of First Senior Brother’s right eye taking on a silvery hue only once.

It was during his confrontation with Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak.

She had attended the confrontation to witness the martial arts of the Five Kings, the top experts and highest-ranking members of the Heaven and Earth Society, as opportunities to observe their skills were rare.

At that time, Wi So-yeon had seen the change in one of First Senior Brother’s eyes.

‘Impossible.’

But what was going on here?

How did Mok Gyeong-un have this in his possession?

“You… How did you?”

“How do I have this, you ask? As I mentioned, it’s like a trophy.”

A trophy?

Could it be that he had fought First Senior Brother?

As she was perplexed, Mok Gyeong-un smiled brightly and said.

“I think this is enough to explain my relationship with the Young Master. Now, shouldn’t we talk about you and me?”

“You and me?”

“Yes. Didn’t I tell you earlier? I wanted to have a private conversation with you. But now, how about you remove this hand?”

Mok Gyeong-un gestured with his eyes towards Wi So-yeon’s sword finger.

However, with her wariness at its peak, there was no way she would easily withdraw her sword finger.

“…I can’t believe it.”

“Ah. First, let’s remove this…”

“First Senior Brother has crossed the threshold and reached the Transformation Realm. He’s a peerless master. How can you have First Senior Brother’s eye?”

Wi So-yeon’s voice grew louder.

All her attention was now focused solely on this matter.

Although she had been praised by her master for possessing such innate talent and martial potential, no matter how much her martial arts progressed, she couldn’t imagine a scenario where she could defeat First Senior Brother.

Yet, how could this person, who was merely at the Peak Realm just half a month ago, possibly bring down First Senior Brother?

“It’s impossible. Even if your martial arts have advanced, First Senior Brother is…”

“Yes. It seems it would still be difficult to handle him alone.”

“What?”

“If Master hadn’t helped, it would have been challenging to subdue him smoothly.”

“Master, you say…”

“Poison King Master assisted me halfway through. As a result, my original intention to stay quiet was slightly disrupted.”

“What are you talking about…”

“It’s exactly as you heard. As you can see, it seems I’ll be at odds with the Young Master because of this incident. Thanks to that, it has become quite troublesome. I’m not ready to face the Young Master yet, and I’ve heard that his supporting forces are the most solid among the three successors.”

-Swish!

With those words, Mok Gyeong-un put the eyeball back into the pouch.

Then, he casually grasped Wi So-yeon’s sword finger.

-Pak!

‘!?’

Wi So-yeon’s pupils trembled.

Although it wasn’t a strong energy concentrated with internal force, he remained unfazed even while holding her hand that had been sharpened with a keen aura.

Not stopping there, Mok Gyeong-un tried to remove her sword finger from his neck.

With her wariness reaching its peak, Wi So-yeon drew upon her internal energy.

‘Good. If he truly has the skills to compete with First Senior Brother, I’ll see for myself how much his internal energy has increased.’

-Woosh!

For the first time in several years, Wi So-yeon raised her internal energy to its extreme.

Due to her innate physique, she was unrivaled in terms of internal energy, surpassing even Second Senior Brother Jang Neung-ak. She was even praised for being close to the Transformation Realm.

‘Ho.’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes twinkled with interest.

With his spiritual eye open, he had estimated her energy to some extent.

But it was exceeding his expectations.

-Crack!

As the confrontation of internal energy unfolded in an instant, cracks appeared on the ground of the courtyard where they stood.

The dirt and sand on the ground even trembled and scattered in all directions.

-Rumble!

The energy of the two was so strong that the cracks on the ground widened further.

Wi So-yeon, who was drawing upon more energy, couldn’t help but be inwardly surprised.

Although she hadn’t crossed the threshold yet, thanks to her unique body structure called the Heavenly Yin Absolute Meridians, her internal energy was close to the Transformation Realm.

However, Mok Gyeong-un didn’t yield to her internal energy in the slightest.

-Urk!

Soon, Wi So-yeon felt blood rising from her stomach to her throat.

Thanks to her master, she could handle the energy of the Heavenly Yin Absolute Meridians, but if she exceeded the limit of internal energy she could endure, her entire body’s meridians would run wild.

Wi So-yeon looked at Mok Gyeong-un.

Unlike herself, who was gradually struggling, Mok Gyeong-un showed no change in expression and remained at ease.

As a result, she had no choice but to admit it.

‘Going further is too much.’

If she continued the confrontation, it would be to her disadvantage.

Looking at Mok Gyeong-un now, he wasn’t using his full strength but was drawing upon his energy to match her internal energy.

‘It was true, after all.’

There was no doubt that this child had crossed the threshold.

Realizing this, she felt a sense of absurdity and even despair.

Eventually, Wi So-yeon began to lower her internal energy little by little.

She was retreating.

-Swish!

As they both lowered their internal energy, the dirt and sand that had been scattering in all directions settled down.

Wi So-yeon spoke with genuine astonishment.

“…You’re truly a monster.”

“I don’t know whether to take that as a compliment or not.”

“I’ve never seen someone whose martial arts advance as rapidly as yours. Even First Senior Brother, who was praised as a genius, wouldn’t have been like this.”

“Who knows? That’s something we can’t be sure of.”

Wi So-yeon clicked her tongue inwardly, thinking Mok Gyeong-un was being modest.

However, Mok Gyeong-un truly had no particular feelings about it.

To such Mok Gyeong-un, Wi So-yeon said.

“…I think I know why you fought with First Senior Brother.”

“You think you know?”

“Yes. Even if First Senior Brother desires talented individuals, he doesn’t want those he can’t handle.”

At her words, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.

As expected of senior and junior disciples, she knew Young Master Na Yul-ryang quite well.

“Since you know that well, I suppose you also know why I came here.”

“Since you said you’re at odds with First Senior Brother, you probably need the shelter of other successors, right?”

“Well, you could say it’s a similar reason.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s answer, Wi So-yeon spoke as if she couldn’t understand.

“But then, why did you go this far? If you need me, in the end…”

“No, that’s not it.”

Before Wi So-yeon could finish her sentence, Mok Gyeong-un denied it.

She furrowed her brows and said.

“Not it, you say? Then why did you do all this…”

“To show you.”

“What?”

“To show you how incompetent you are as a successor.”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s cutting words, Wi So-yeon’s expression turned fierce. So, after reducing her subordinates to such a state and seeking to have a private conversation, was he aiming to say such things?

As she was feeling angry and dumbfounded, Mok Gyeong-un spoke with a smile.

“So, about that body of yours, give it to me.”

‘!?’

In an instant, her expression hardened.