The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 123

The sun had risen high into the sky.

After a busy and exhausting morning, it was now noon.

Under the clear, cloudless sky, I took a short break inside the Iron Workshop, engulfed by the heat.

This was the place that Tang Yelan had used to restore the divine sword, and it was known to be accessible only by the Iron Workshop Master.

Upon arriving there, I picked up a piece of paper lying on the floor.

It turned out to be a talisman I had made for Tang Yelan.

“… Hmm.”

I picked up the fallen talisman and examined it. It was a blood talisman made with bloodstains.

The spiritual energy that had been infused in it had already dissipated.

Seeing this, I slightly nodded my head.

‘Is it because I haven’t done it in a while?’

Typically, the spiritual energy should have remained for at least three more days.

However, not even two days had passed, and the spiritual energy was completely gone.

As I was enigmatically looking over the talisman, pondering this occurrence,『What is that?』

Yu Chun-gil asked me, evidently interested.

“It’s a spiritual talisman.”

『A spiritual talisman?』

“Yes, to be precise, it’s a blood talisman, but it is fundamentally a spiritual talisman.”

『What is it used for?』

“In terms of usage… It’s often referred to as a ‘continuation’, though I don’t quite like that term.”

That name had been given by my grandmother from my past life, but I didn’t particularly favor it.

This lack of favor came from the fact that, apart from this instance, its uses were never pleasant.

“In my terminology, I simply called it the ‘Little Ghost Line’.”

『Little Ghost Line?』

“Yes. By placing this on someone’s back, they could briefly hear the voices of nearby ghosts.”

『What?』

Yu Chun-gil’s eyes widened at my words.

“Oh, just to clarify, it’s not something just anyone can use. There are some strict conditions.”

Several prerequisites existed.

First, the person preparing the talisman must possess exceptionally strong spiritual energy.

Secondly, the ghost’s earnestness played a vital role.

Thirdly, the relationship between the talisman recipient and the ghost was crucial.

‘Usually, it doesn’t work unless they are blood relatives.’

Blood connects spirit through blood.

‘It would have been better if the blood used were Tang Yelan’s.’

Given the circumstances, asking Tang Yelan for blood wasn’t an option, so I resorted to a slight deception.

‘I utilized my own blood to deceive the spirit.’

The process was unpleasant, but it wasn’t unachievable.

Regrettably, I had considerable talent in that area.

『… Blood relatives…』

Yu Chun-gil’s interest waned upon hearing the explanation.

Apparently, the mention of blood relatives was a sticking point.

『Did you use that to connect the girl and the Poison Sovereign?』

“It was less of a connection and more like a moment of empathy.”

At best, it would have lasted a fleeting moment.

A few words, mostly influenced by the Poison Sovereign’s desperation, wouldn’t have constituted much of a conversation.

“Don’t you think so?”

*Crinkle!*

I crumpled the talisman and turned around. The Poison Sovereign stood there.

When I asked if my assumption was correct, the Poison Sovereign quietly stared at me.

Then, after some time, he uttered,『Thank you.』

It was an unexpected expression of gratitude, which made me pause momentarily.

I scratched my cheek awkwardly.

“What do you mean all of a sudden?”

『Your small act of goodwill soothed my troubled mind. Don’t I owe you words of thanks for that?』

“… Ahem.”

『Look at him. Is he embarrassed now? That expression is priceless.』

“….”

『Heh heh heh.』

Yu Chun-gil’s laugh quickly dampened what had been a swelling mood.

… Should I be grateful?

Oddly enough, the mocking laughter had a calming effect on me.

At that moment, *Creak*

The door creaked open, and someone walked in.

“Indeed.”

It was the Iron Workshop Master, a bulky and muscular elderly man.

He narrowed his eyes at me.

“Hello.”

“What brings you here?”

“Ah, I had something to ask about the Full Moon. I stopped by because I left something behind.”

I put the crumpled talisman back into my pocket. I had to burn it later to get rid of it.

“Ah, the Full Moon.”

“I was wondering when I can receive it.”

“Since it’s seasonal, it might take some time to be ready. It should be possible within the next three to five days.”

“… So, at most, five days.”

I had to stay here for another five days. This was not a pleasant thought.

‘I wish I could get this over with quickly and leave.’

Being forced to stay this long was not ideal.

As I was stroking my chin, thinking about it.

“Is that it?”

The Iron Workshop Master spoke to me. What did he mean by that? I followed his gaze to confirm.

He was looking at the sword hanging from my waist.

“Is that the one Lan-ih made?”

“Ah. Yes, that’s right.”

So that’s what he meant. I nodded in understanding.

“… Can you show it to me?”

*Sreung.*

At his request, I immediately drew the sword.

It’s the same every time. As soon as I gripped the handle, a powerful sensation enveloped me.

The blackened steel blade emerged into the world.

Seeing this, the Iron Workshop Master’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Huh.”

I handed over the sword, and he scrutinized it closely.

Then.

“… Impressive.”

A genuine admiration escaped his lips.

I felt an unexpected sense of relief at his words.

I didn’t know much about swords, and even Yu Chun-gil, despite being a martial artist, had limited knowledge. I wasn’t sure if this sword was truly exceptional.

But hearing such high praise from an elder craftsman, renowned as the best in the Central Plains, brought me comfort.

“Did Lan-ih really make this?”

“It seems so. Is the sword okay?”

“Yes…”

The Iron Workshop Master nodded.

“It’s at least top-grade… She really created a masterpiece.”

There was a visible sense of pride in his old, weary eyes.

When he had threatened to expel her from the Iron Workshop, his eyes had been terrifying.

But now, those same eyes resembled that of a loving grandfather thinking of his granddaughter.

It reminded me of the way the Poison Sovereign looked at Tang Yelan.

* * *

After leaving the Iron Workshop, I went straight to where the leader of the Tang family was staying.

“Excuse me.”

As I entered, the Poison King was already seated, waiting for me.

Since I had requested an audience in the morning, meeting him wasn’t difficult.

“Greetings.”

The Poison King looked at me in response to my greeting.

“Welcome. I heard there was an incident this morning.”

His straightforward mention of the matter made me inwardly click my tongue.

He was referring to the sparring match with Tang Chun-il.

‘The news travels fast.’

There didn’t seem to be many witnesses, but how had he heard about it already?

“Yes, there was a minor issue.”

“I see.”

At my reply, the Poison King nodded.

“…”

“…”

That was the end of the conversation.

The Poison King, staying true to his word from before, did not blame me nor ask for further details.

-As long as it doesn’t involve killing, I won’t interfere.

He was sticking to his promise to not care whether I beat up the Poison Dragon or not.

“And, I heard your sword was completed.”

“Ah. Yes, that’s correct.”

Just as I had shown it to the Iron Workshop Master, I now showed the divine sword to the Poison King.

His eyes widened slightly upon seeing the sword.

“This was crafted by Young lady Tang.”

Strictly speaking, it was a repair, but since she had created an entirely new blade, calling it merely a repair seemed insufficient.

“…”

The Poison King silently looked at the blackened steel sword.

What could he be thinking? Although his expression was blank, there was undoubtedly emotion in his gaze.

“The Iron Workshop Master said it was at least top-grade.”

“I see.”

After a moment, the Poison King averted his gaze.

‘Indeed.’

“Is that all?”

I wondered why people here couldn’t be more straightforward.

Was it the family name, Tang?

Perhaps it might be.

After slotting the sword back into its scabbard with a swishing sound.

I spoke to the Poison King.

“Since the sword is complete… As mentioned previously, I will exclude one condition involving a sword.”

This was something I hadn’t mentioned to Tang Yelan.

Given that she had to use black iron, I had to forgo certain parts of the reward from the Poison King.

That meant giving up the top-grade sword I was supposed to receive.

‘In the end, it wasn’t a loss.’

Giving up one sword had led to acquiring another.

That part was undoubtedly beneficial.

‘Is this even right?’

I had my doubts.

To be honest, I was hesitant. Should I really use this?

‘I am, after all, a member of the orthodox faction.’

In the past, there was a war waged by the Demonic Cult against the orthodox sects.

The Demonic Cult’s leader, the Heavenly Demon.

The sacred sword he wielded was now mine.

I kept questioning if it was appropriate for me to use it.

‘… Plus, the person who gave me permission is problematic.’

Sword Saint Yu Chun-gil, a hero and a living legend of the current orthodox faction.

That old man had told me to use the Heavenly Demon’s sword.

‘Unbelievable.’

If the world found out that the Sword Saint’s successor was using the Heavenly Demon’s sword, they would be shocked.

Moreover, ‘Why did someone inscribe this on the blade?’

The black sword had the words ‘Sword Saint’ engraved on it.

It seemed like it was Tang Yelan’s doing.

‘Ha ha.’

An indescribable feeling washed over me.

‘Is this okay…?’

Was this really okay?

Could I wield this sword? Despite the doubts, the answer remained.

‘I have to use it.’

It was no ordinary sword; it was a top-grade sword. Where else could I find such a thing? So what if the Heavenly Demon used it?

‘No one knows anyway, right?’

Since it was practically remade, no one would know.

With this thought, I comforted myself.

I had to, considering it wasn’t the right time to waver mentally. I needed to stay focused and continue the conversation.

“Anyway.”

I said to steer the conversation. The Poison King’s eyebrow twitched slightly at this.

He probably knew what I was about to discuss.

“I think we need to discuss the matters we couldn’t cover last time. Is that alright with you?”

“I will listen.”

There were many things to discuss with the Poison King.

Including information about the Broken Heaven Palace and the items or rewards that I was to obtain.

I planned to mention them all to ensure I received everything.

Before leaving the Tang family, I intended to claim everything owed to me.

‘Before that though.’

I turned my thoughts inward while also turning my head.

Glancing sideways.

『Hmm?』

I looked at Yu Chun-gil next to me, and the old man wore a perplexed expression.

He seemed puzzled as to why I was looking at him.

I responded with a mischievous grin.

『What’s with that smile?』

Yu Chun-gil’s reaction was amusing.

It was the first time I saw that old man looking uneasy.

Did he grasp the meaning behind my smile? Yu Chun-gil’s expression was priceless.

『Hey kid, why are you smiling?』

The old man asked urgently, but I ignored him.

“I have another question, Tang Family Head.”

“Speak.”

“I just wanted to ask something.”

Fixing my gaze on the Poison King, I asked, “Is what you’re searching for the ‘Sky Filling Flower Rain’?’

『What!?』

Upon mentioning Sky Filling Flower Rain, the Poison King’s eyes changed.

Yu Chun-gil also looked at me like I was crazy.

Their reactions were exhilarating.

‘How do you like that, old man?’

Having been constantly annoyed by him, I found it satisfying.

“If that’s the case, I believe I can offer some assistance.”

This time, it seemed I could turn the tables and irritate the old man instead.