The World’s Greatest is Dead

Break the Young Azure Sword.

When Grandpa first told me to break the Young Azure Sword, my immediate thought was not whether I could do it. The key issue here wasn’t how it could be possible but the justification behind it.

The justification to break the Young Azure Sword. It was pointless to suddenly approach Namgung Sung and say, “I need to break you a bit, can I get your permission?”

Curious about his skills, I wanted to challenge him to a duel. Would Young Azure Sword allow it?

No. Here’s why.

“Those who have a lot are often the most fearful.”

Namgung Sung. His surname alone was enough to signify one of the five great clans forming the Murim Alliance.

The nickname Young Azure Sword represented what he had achieved, and in a fight, he stood to lose more than just a few things if he were defeated.

Would Young Azure Sword be willing to fight me under such circumstances?

“A mysterious opponent whose capabilities are unknown?”

Unless he was insanely obsessed with martial arts, Namgung Sung was far from that type. If you wanted to compare, he was closer to my side.

Fighting a battle where there’s little to gain but much to lose, it was unlikely Namgung Sung would accept.

Thus, I thought about it.

‘Not making him think about accepting, but forcing him to accept.’

I needed to set up an unavoidable stage for the fight. And, as luck would have it, various pieces had fallen into place.

‘Thanks to that, things became easier.’

All it took was linking things together. If it was a lie, I’d just add truth to it. If situations needed adapting, I’d adjust them. This was the stage I crafted like that.

『When did you gather all these onlookers…?』

Grandpa seemed amazed, but I couldn’t answer. Namgung Sung was ahead, and those skilled in martial arts had sharp hearing.

“It was just before Namgung Sung arrived.”

I had spread words beforehand. I approached the members, hinting that we might have a friendly duel with Young Azure Sword soon, implying it was just for them to know.

“Just for you to know.”

One of the most unreliable things to say. Surely, they wouldn’t keep it to themselves.

And indeed.

“This is what happened.”

Spectators filled the area around the duel stage. Under the gaze of countless curious eyes, I secretly took a deep breath. It wasn’t easy. Having so many eyes on me.

That was truly not an easy thing.

“Tsk.”

What a sight. Life really was unpredictable. I initially planned to earn enough and retire peacefully, but I got entangled in such odd affairs.

“It’s not only Namgung Sung possessed by an evil spirit. I must be possessed too.”

If he wasn’t an evil spirit, what else could he be?

Damn old man.

『You’re cursing me a lot inside, aren’t you?』

“……”

The evil spirit was sharp.

Suppressing a sigh, I shook my head.

Thud.

I placed my hand on the sword hilt and looked straight ahead. In front of me was the Young Azure Sword. His face was impeccably handsome, and he was tall too.

He glared at me as if he would kill me, but quickly managed his expressions. From a chilling impression to a most gentle look.

“Wow.”

That was an ability worth learning.

I should remember that.

While I was observing Young Azure Sword with such thoughts.

“I didn’t expect so many people to gather.”

Young Azure Sword suddenly spoke, looking at the crowd.

“We just wanted a light-hearted interaction between ourselves…”

I held back a laugh while listening.

“Damn, look at him laying the groundwork.”

His words were full of implications.

“I didn’t expect so many people to gather.”

– I didn’t announce this.

“We just wanted a light-hearted interaction between ourselves…”

– This is just a light skirmish. I have no intention of giving it my all.

‘Tsk.’

He pretended to be courteous while playing all sorts of word games, probably because he had a lot to lose.

It didn’t matter.

I already knew he would act like that.

“This is quite embarrassing, but… since it isn’t a secret, I hope you can enjoy it with a positive heart.”

– Listen up, idiots. This is just a half-hearted martial arts competition.

He filled every word with meaning. Whether they understood it or not, people would subconsciously ponder over it.

Such was his rhetoric. I quickly dismissed the useless thoughts and glanced sideways. Next to me was Grandpa, and that was the signal. The signal to stop watching and start acting.

The stage was all set, and now it was Grandpa’s turn to act.

“I don’t consider this a light martial arts match.”

I said, continuing the conversation as if speaking to Young Azure Sword.

“Young master Bang…?”

Young Azure Sword’s expression stiffened momentarily at my words but soon changed just like before.

“Ha ha. I didn’t mean to take it lightly.”

“Didn’t you just say that it was a lighthearted social interaction?”

I caught him by the tail of his words.

“I don’t take it lightly. Be sincere.”

“…”

Namgung Sung fell silent momentarily.

“… I apologize for the misunderstanding. Young master Bang.”

Despite my accusatory tone, he responded with a smile and a somewhat bitter expression.

It was impressive how he could still put on that act even amidst all this.

“Yes, you’re right. One must always be sincere in a martial arts match.”

For some reason, cold sweat trickled down my back. Unconsciously, I frowned at Namgung Sung.

Could I retract my words now, saying it wasn’t so?

Even if it was a bit disgraceful, it seemed like a better option.

Swoosh.

Before I could say anything, Young Azure Sword drew his sword.

It wasn’t a real sword but a wooden one.

However,

‘… Oh my.’

The atmosphere grew heavy. That was my immediate impression. The moment Young Azure Sword aimed his sword at me, the surroundings changed drastically.

My skin tingled.

I recalled how he had exuded killing intent earlier. It was different now. Much thicker and more overwhelming.

‘Is it because he’s wielding a sword?’

Could such a simple difference bring about this drastic change?

Gulp.

I secretly swallowed my dry spit.

『Hehe. The Lightning Sword guy certainly has great bloodline luck.』

That was Grandpa’s straightforward assessment of Young Azure Sword. Just holding the sword created such intense pressure. If it was the old me, I would have fled instantly. Honestly, I still felt like running away now.

‘The problem is, I can’t.’

Life.

I suppressed my urge to cry and briefly stroked my face.

『Now, draw your sword. You need to prepare.』

Regardless of whether he knew my condition, the old man gave orders nonchalantly.

Could I really bring down such a martial artist with my own body?

Though I questioned it, there was no solution.

‘Hoo.’

Like the Young Azure Sword, I drew my wooden sword.

Whether I believed it or not didn’t matter; I just had to trust and do it.

『Now, let’s begin.』

As the old man’s light tone ended, at that moment, all strength drained from my body.

* * *

Young Azure Sword, Namgung Sung.

Age twenty-three.

A direct descendant of the main family of the Namgung clan.

He was said to resemble the family head, the Sword King, in appearance and talent, and was recognized as a promising late-stage master due to his abilities.

Known for being considerate and looking after those around him. Many believed that if he ascended to the position of family head, the Namgung clan would shine even brighter.

Despite this common belief, the real Namgung Sung was somewhat different from those rumors.

There were so many differences that it was hard to pinpoint just one. If there was a major difference, it would be the hidden perversion within Namgung Sung.

Namgung Sung liked women who screamed.

It all began when he saw a servant girl who had been burned by hot water and screamed in pain. From that moment, he felt sexual arousal toward women who cried out.

It might have been better if it was just arousal, but Namgung Sung couldn’t control himself and succumbed to his desires at the age of fifteen.

He raped his servant girl. Giving her pain made her scream, and Namgung Sung felt ecstasy watching her. In the end, he strangled her to death.

Over the next five years.

Namgung Sung raped several more victims up until he turned twenty. He erased all evidence and lived as if nothing had happened. However, ‘How did he find out?’

Someone had discovered Namgung Sung’s secret.

『White skin. A mole on the bridge of the nose. Shoulder-length bobbed hair. Around nineteen years old.』

This was the first sentence in the letter Namgung Sung received. He had been so shocked reading it. He could hardly remember the rest of the letter, but he couldn’t forget her.

The appearance of the first woman he raped—his own servant.

‘How?’

It had been eight years since then. The corpse had long decomposed underground, and very few in the family knew. Actually, he believed no one knew.

Because.

‘I got rid of everyone who knew.’

Both witnesses and accomplices had already lost their lives at Namgung Sung’s hands. He had thought he committed the perfect crime.

‘Who is he?’

How did he uncover this secret?

Namgung Sung narrowed his eyes and stared at his opponent. Standing in front of him was a young man. Slight in build and somewhat slim.

With a face more like that of a boy than a young man, that boy was Bang Sung-Yun, the disciple of the Sword Saint.

He knew Namgung Sung’s secret.

‘What is his identity?’

He had already conducted an investigation. Someone from an impoverished family in a rural area. He had come with a recommendation letter, probably having spent all the family’s remaining wealth to obtain it.

Originally, he wouldn’t have even dared to meet Namgung Sung’s gaze.

‘And he’s the Sword Saint’s disciple?’

Everything changed when the name of Sword Saint was mentioned. Namgung Sung could not believe that such a boy could become the Sword Saint’s disciple.

‘Does the family, liaodong’s Bang Family, of Bang Sung-Yun hold some secret?’

He even had such suspicions.

‘Damn it.’

Namgung Sung cursed internally. Be it Liaodong’s Bang Family or Bang Sung-Yun, this whole duel was a problem.

‘… I must make a move quickly.’

He had to end this duel swiftly and handle the matter. He needed to find out how the boy knew his secret.

And he had to retrieve the Azure Dragon Orb again. Then.

‘I’ll take care of him.’

Namgung Sung would eliminate Bang Sung-Yun. Whatever the boy knew, he was a thorn in Namgung Sung’s side.

He had to be dealt with no matter what. With a firm grip, Namgung Sung pointed his wooden sword at Bang Sung-Yun. He scrutinized the boy closely.

His eyes held an undefinable emotion. His expression seemed somewhat scared and looked anxious.

‘Did that boy really kill the Mountain Sky Demon?’

The more he looked, the less he could believe it. A warrior skilled enough to kill a master. It didn’t seem possible, no matter how he looked.

Based on the aura alone, at best, Bang Sung-Yun was a second-rate warrior. His stance revealed it clearly.

The way he held his sword lacked strength, and his waist failed to maintain his center of balance.

His shoulder positions were skewed, thus full of openings.

With a single strike.

Namgung Sung judged that he could subdue Bang Sung-Yun with just one bout.

That’s how full of openings the boy was.

‘…..’

Namgung Sung recalled the conversation they had. Reflecting on it, he noticed something. If the boy were truly insignificant, he wouldn’t have spoken in that manner.

There was something. Maybe, the boy was trying to make him lower his guard. That’s what he thought. But even if it was true, it did not matter to Namgung Sung.

As he looked at Bang Sung-Yun, his aura grew stronger.

‘… Don’t be mistaken.’

Whether the Mountain Sky Demon or the bodyguard of Blue Moon Sect, even though he killed master warriors, he shouldn’t think Namgung Sung was like them.

Whatever Bang Sung-Yun’s intention had been, this duel itself was an act of disrespect.

‘How dare you.’

Did he judge that he could defeat him and dare to initiate a fight?

That foolish arrogance would block your path in the future.

Namgung Sung steeled his resolve.

Guuuu-!!

Still insignificant.

Seeing this, Namgung Sung carefully took a step forward.

Swish.

At that moment, Bang Sung-Yun moved—

Slash—

‘What?’

Feeling strange, Namgung Sung grabbed his neck and paused. His neck had just been slashed. No, it felt like it had been slashed. He wrapped his hands around his neck in surprise, but oddly, his neck was just fine.

‘What… is this?’

It was beyond comprehension. Was it an illusion? Just as he thought that—

“Don’t get distracted.”

The voice came from ahead. Bang Sung-Yun was walking toward him, speaking.

However—

“…!”

Namgung Sung’s eyes widened when he confirmed Bang Sung-Yun once more. The man was approaching calmly. Even though he looked the same as before, Namgung Sung swallowed dryly as he watched.

Something had changed.

‘No openings?’

The openings that had been present earlier were now gone. Even while walking, there were no gaps. His previously awkward posture was now firm.

One step, Bang Sung-Yun walked forward.

Flinch.

Unknowingly, Namgung Sung took a step back.

“Hmm?”

Seeing this, Bang Sung-Yun tilted his head.

“Scared?”

“… What…?”

“I haven’t even done anything yet, so why are you scared?”

Namgung Sung frowned at Bang Sung-Yun’s amused smile.

“In that sense, you really are similar. Should I even commend you for your perceptiveness…?”

“Stop mumbling nonsense.”

“I might as well give you an award along with the compliment.”

Ignoring Namgung Sung’s words, Bang Sung-Yun gestured with his hand.

“Come at me first. I’ll give you a couple of moves.”

“…”

Crunch.

Conceding a couple of moves? Was he saying he’d go easy on him? Namgung Sung’s pride was pricked by Bang Sung-Yun’s words.

To think he would hear such words from this kind of person.

‘Fine.’

How far could that arrogance take him? Namgung Sung gritted his teeth and drew his sword.

‘If he says he’ll concede, I’ll accept it.’

He planned to end it with one strike using his full power.

That way, he would make him grovel on the ground.

Namgung Sung slowly infused his sword with his qi.

He intended to use the secret art of the Namgung family.

Swish—! Thwack—!

“Guh!?”

But before he could do so.

Suddenly, a wooden sword struck his waist.

He was hit so hard that his body almost folded in half.

Thud.

“Ugh… guh… guh…”

Namgung Sung, who had fallen to his knees, spat on the floor of the stage.

It was a direct hit.

“Ha… ha… ha…”

Spitting profusely, Namgung Sung looked up. He stared at Bang Sung-Yun standing before him, questioning with his eyes. How could he hit him before he even did anything? He asked with eyes full of resentment.

“Ha.”

Bang Sung-Yun laughed mockingly.

“Fool. Did you really believe that?”

“…”

“Nowadays, people are so naïve. To let your guard down just by believing the opponent’s words… Tsk, tsk.”

“You…!”

Hearing this, Namgung Sung made a vow.

No matter what it took, he would kill that bastard.

TL’s Corner:

Grandpa is fun.