The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 100

“Find the key.”

This was the mission given to Pal Du-Hyeok. The task was to find a key that lay dormant somewhere in Sichuan and return to the main palace. This was the mandate bestowed upon Pal Du-Hyeok by the great palace master.

To Pal Du-Hyeok, this command was everything. Questions such as what the key was or where to find it lingered in his mind, but he did not ask. Asking was unnecessary; if the palace master commanded it, following was the only course of action.

Pal Du-Hyeok moved in accordance with the order he received. This was the law of the current palace, and Pal Du-Hyeok executed his task without any resistance. It wasn’t particularly difficult. The entrance he needed to locate was somewhere near Sichuan. The palace suggested a certain household might possess the information. Thus, they only needed to search all the nearby households for the information. If information was not forthcoming, it was acceptable to kill until it was obtained.

Sichuan was within the Tang Clan’s territory, but there were ample methods to divert their attention. After all, the palace had reached everywhere. With such capabilities, anything was feasible.

Despite hearing that the Blue Moon Sect Leader had made a recent movement, Pal Du-Hyeok thought it was inconsequential. Indeed, even though the Virtuous Moon Sword was a monster, he could not move from Henan. Pal Du-Hyeok believed there would be no significant issues.

Yet, unexpectedly, an issue arose.

The Small Moon Division. This elite unit said to rival the Plum Blossom Swordsmen of Mount Hua had appeared in Sichuan. Was this a coincidence? Pal Du-Hyeok wondered if their movements perfectly coincided with their plans by sheer chance. Though a report on this irked Pal Du-Hyeok, a subsequent report provided some relief.

The Tang Clan’s head was scheming something, and had called in the Small Moon Division for assistance. The problem was that the Small Moon Division began to interfere with their plans.

Moreover, “They said that guy is among them.”

The one who the palace master subtly paid attention to—the subject of spreading rumors. The Sword Saint’s successor. The prestige of the orthodox faction, thought to have died off, crawled back to life. Despite being rumored to have defeated the young warrior of Namgung, the news gradually spread.

“It’s truly strange.”

Pal Du-Hyeok found it perplexing. Defeating the young warrior? Although a promising late-stage warrior, he was still just a greenhorn. If even a low-ranked boy lost, it shouldn’t concern him.

However, the issue was that the person who accomplished this sudden feat was the Sword Saint’s successor. This was why even the palace master took steps personally and issued additional orders.

“Bring the Sword Saint’s successor before me.”

Another command had come to bring the successor, residing in Sichuan, before them. Finding the ‘key’ was not the sole objective. Shaking the Tang Clan was also crucial. Much preparation had already gone into this.

“Fortune was on our side.”

Assessing the situation, Pal Du-Hyeok judged it favorable. The appearance of the Sword Saint’s successor? The interference by his group, the Small Moon Division, might become an issue. Nevertheless, the silver lining was,

“Everything can be handled in one fell swoop.”

Pal Du-Hyeok knew what the Poison King desired and why he summoned the Small Moon Division. It was questionable if the Small Moon Division was necessary, but,
“He still harbors attachments, it seems.”

This insider information came from their own cult members. They knew the key was somewhere within a secret vault left by the Poison Sovereign. They also knew the Poison King was trying to unravel the secret to this very place. They possessed all this knowledge.

“Isn’t it fortunate?”

The key, the Tang Clan’s matters, and the successor the palace master was interested in—all were converging to one point. Pal Du-Hyeok believed handling them would be perfect.

At that very moment,

“We found the traces.”

Pal Du-Hyeok received the news that traces of the entrance he sought were found. This marked the beginning of their preparations for the mission involving the Tang Clan.

“This is coming together nicely.”

Using the secret vault would make it easier to deal with the Poison King, one of the Five Kings of the martial world. Reports from spies made it clear when the Poison King would enter the place. Limited by the unknown traps likely set by the sinister Poison Sovereign, bringing in large numbers was not wise. Given the nature of the mission, the strength in numbers was important but, “Once the Poison King is confined, it won’t matter.”

After confining the Poison King within the secret vault, the remaining was simpler. This part didn’t concern Pal Du-Hyeok much. Indeed, once they confined the Poison King, the enemy’s forces were minimal. It seemed easy, though a small anomaly occurred during the process.

“That guy.”

In the unfolding situation before him, Pal Du-Hyeok focused his gaze on one person. As his subordinates fell one by one, Pal Du-Hyeok’s eyes fixed solely on one person, even amidst the chaos.

The Small Moon Division. Knowing they entered the secret vault alongside the Poison King, their presence here wasn’t a surprise. They were as formidable as rumors suggested. Compared to the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, they appeared just as strong. However, “This applies to only one person.”

Within the Blue Moon Sect, three warriors stood out. Only one among them appeared significantly strong in Pal Du-Hyeok’s eyes. Though he didn’t catch his name, he recognized him as the oldest among the three and strikingly different from the other two handsome, effeminate men.

“He’ll be great one day.”

Seeing this, Pal Du-Hyeok smirked.

He was a considerable fellow.

No gaps at his age.

How had he trained? His grip on the sword was solid, his stance unwavering, and there was no hesitation in cutting down his opponent.

Both his physique and his mental state were well-honed.

If he let him go or if he survived this, he might become one of the representatives of the Blue Moon Sect.

In terms of strength, it seemed he was the best.

‘Strangely enough.’

Pal Du-Hyeok’s attention was more drawn to another guy than him.

One of the two good-looking ones.

The white-haired guy was irrelevant. His level and talent seemed fine, but he was far from blooming.

There was no need to keep an eye on him.

So Pal Du-Hyeok looked at the last guy.

‘What is he?’

It was strange.

His level seemed to be First-Rate, but…

‘His movements are peculiar.’

For a First-Rate, he was sluggish. There was a creaky feeling, and something didn’t fit.

It was as if his body and level were different.

Was his body unable to keep up with his sudden increase in level?

This was a common issue seen in those who abruptly raised their level.

He had that problem.

Nonetheless.

‘He handles it unusually well.’

Instead of managing his creaky body well, he skillfully utilized his twisted state.

Rather than fixing it, he made the best choice in the current situation.

‘Slow movements and plenty of gaps.’

Clearly, there were many openings to exploit.

‘He even uses those.’

He made use of the numerous gaps as bait to handle his opponent.

‘Hah.’

Pal Du-Hyeok let out a sigh.

‘Strange.’

It was the first time he saw such a fighting style.

Where did the deceit end and the reality begin?

Even his seemingly disorganized breath would return when noticed.

He pretended his footwork was tangled to lead the situation.

In the midst of that, he blocked enemy attacks aimed at allies.

He pulled the flow of battle towards himself multiple times.

If the others were mere warriors, he was a strategist.

One who could read the flow of the situation.

The most necessary existence on the battlefield.

In other words.

‘A dangerous fellow.’

A dangerous guy.

‘Yes, he was the first to notice, wasn’t he?’

He was the first to notice the spy’s state and move, and now he was leading the current situation.

Watching that, Pal Du-Hyeok found himself unconsciously smiling.

‘They call him the successor, huh. He’s even inherited the annoying parts.’

An unimaginable monster.

They said he was the Sword Saint’s successor, and he even inherited the unique fighting style.

Pal Du-Hyeok had to tremble slightly at the thought of the blue-eyed Yaksha.

‘The Lord showed interest, indeed.’

Certainly, it was true.

That guy was dangerous. Pal Du-Hyeok realized it the moment he saw him.

If he was already like this now, what would he become as he continued to grow?

If his brilliant mind and overwhelming strength, like the Sword Saint, were embedded in his body, what would happen?

‘……..’

Pal Du-Hyeok’s gaze grew cold.

His subordinates fell, screaming.

The power was gradually decreasing, but it didn’t matter.

The real elite weren’t here anyway.

‘Hmm.’

*Creak.* Pal Du-Hyeok slowly loosened his shoulders.

‘This can’t go on.’

He steadied his mind.

At the same time, Pal Du-Hyeok looked at the Sword Saint’s successor.

He looked at the fellow named Bang Sung-Yun.

‘In that case.’

The Lord ordered to bring him back alive, ‘I can’t follow that command.’

He seemed to have no choice but to disobey his command.

* * *

*Crack!*

Stone dust fell from the broken wall.

The impact caused a slight breeze, and the tremendous sound brought momentary silence.

“Ugh…”

Bang Sung-Yun, who was embedded in the wall, coughed up blood.

Not only his mouth but blood also flowed from his head.

“Young master Bang!”

“Bang Sung-Yun!”

Chun Uijin and Do Hyung quickly tried to move.

*Shiik-!!*

“Ugh!”

But they couldn’t move because there were enemies left.

“Originally, I planned to watch a bit longer.”

*Tap, tap.*

Shaking off his hands, Pal Du-Hyeok approached Bang Sung-Yun.

“But it seems I can’t.”

The smile disappeared from Pal Du-Hyeok’s rough face.

“Annoying.”

Bang Sung-Yun severely annoyed him.

“His gaze, his actions. Everything gets on my nerves.”

The gaze as if he knew everything.

The actions based on that gaze.

Everything annoyed him.

“So, I’ll have to get rid of him.”

He would be punished for disobeying the Lord’s order, but that was fine.

Pal Du-Hyeok’s instincts told him so.

“Boy. You die here.”

Even if nothing else, this guy must die.

Pal Du-Hyeok, thinking so, approached the unconscious Bang Sung-Yun.

*Swish!*

“Huh?”

Something stood in front of Pal Du-Hyeok.

“Huff… Huff…”

A woman with an extremely tense expression but deep beauty.

It was Tang Yelan.

She was regulating her rough breathing while blocking the path in front of Pal Du-Hyeok.

“Heh.”

Pal Du-Hyeok smirked, finding it ridiculous.

“Poison Flower.”

Poison Flower, the precious treasure of the Tang family and a headache in another sense.

“You have no business with me, yet you insist on standing in my way?”

“……”

Tang Yelan did not utter a word. She simply tightened her grip on the dagger in her trembling hand.

“… Do not come any closer.”

The barely spoken words were filled with the same anxiety that reflected in her eyes.

“Girl, do you think you can stop me?”

Seeing her pitiful state, Pal Du-Hyeok moved slightly.

Raising his hand to generate energy, with a sudden motion—*Slit-!*

He cut his own palm.

Blood oozed from the torn hand.

Seeing this, Tang Yelan trembled greatly.

Then,

“Here.”

Pal Du-Hyeok showed his bloodstained hand to Tang Yelan.

At that moment, “Eek…!”

Tang Yelan recoiled suddenly, her face turning pale.

“You’re afraid of blood, it seems. So, the rumors were true.”

“…!”

Tang Yelan bit her lip at Pal Du-Hyeok’s words.

“A warrior’s child afraid of blood… how laughable.”

Pal Du-Hyeok moved closer while speaking.

In response, Tang Yelan had to keep stepping back.

“Hm.”

Pal Du-Hyeok tilted his head, as if he had thought of something while watching the uneasy Tang Yelan.

“You certainly are pretty, just as the rumors said.”

She wasn’t stunning enough to be called a peerless beauty, but she was unquestionably attractive.

“Originally, I had more business with the Poison Dragon… but this works out.”

He had incidental business with the Poison Dragon anyway. Given the circumstances, “This isn’t bad.”

It wasn’t bad indeed. It would infuriate the Poison King, and more than anything, “Our Lord will be pleased.”

His master would find this favorable.

Thinking of this, Pal Du-Hyeok approached her.

“… Eek…!”

Seeing him approach, Tang Yelan stumbled and fell.

Her eyes remained fixed on Pal Du-Hyeok’s bloody hand.

“Keuk.”

Pal Du-Hyeok laughed out loud, finding her reaction amusing.

Just as he was about to continue speaking,

“Don’t be scared, I’ll treat you kindly enough—”

He suddenly froze, as if he saw something.

His smile vanished, and a look of shock spread across his face.

Tang Yelan, still fearful, wondered why he had such an expression.

His gaze wasn’t on her.

Following Pal Du-Hyeok’s line of sight, she tried to turn around, *Swoosh.*

But a hand suddenly rested on her crown.

The hand didn’t feel particularly large.

“… Darn, my whole body aches.”

As the words came, Tang Yelan lifted her head.

“Had I known, I would’ve just acted earlier.”

She saw the owner of the voice.

“Young master Bang…?”

It was surprisingly Bang Sung-Yun.

He stood up again, wiping the blood from his head.

Bang Sung-Yun’s gaze met Tang Yelan’s call.

When their blue eyes locked, Tang Yelan felt her heart drop involuntarily.

Something had changed.

He seemed the same, but something was different.

His eyes held a much heavier and colder aura.

“You’ve had a hard time.”

He spoke gently, stroking her hair, which oddly reassured her.

“Stand aside for a moment.”

Saying this, Bang Sung-Yun walked past her.

He approached Pal Du-Hyeok.

“You…”

Pal Du-Hyeok frowned, confronting the standing Bang Sung-Yun.

“How did you get up?”

Surely, he had passed out. The wounds alone would have kept him down. How had he risen?

Pal Du-Hyeok stared at Bang Sung-Yun, bewildered.

‘What?’

Pal Du-Hyeok’s eyes widened upon seeing what Bang Sung-Yun was holding.

A giant saber nearly his own size. Where had he pulled that from? He had another weapon.

“Kid.”

Bang Sung-Yun spoke.

“What?”

Pal Du-Hyeok thought he misheard.

Had he been called a kid? Did he just call him a kid?

“Feel honored.”

“You little—”

Pal Du-Hyeok tried to raise his voice at Bang Sung-Yun.

But he couldn’t say what he wanted.

*Slit—!!!*

Suddenly, his chest was slashed, and blood gushed out.

“Eek!?”

Blood splattered as Pal Du-Hyeok’s chest was cut.

Pal Du-Hyeok stared at Bang Sung-Yun, his lips tight.

The indifferent blue eyes.

Seeing those eyes, Pal Du-Hyeok felt an unknown emotion bubble up.

What was this feeling?

For a moment he pondered, Pal Du-Hyeok recognized what this emotion was.

No, he had likely known all along.

But he simply did not want to acknowledge it.

“From now on.”

That emotion was none other than,

“I will show you a sword that can cut the sky.”

Fear.