The World’s Greatest is Dead

“……”

“……”

With my words, the surroundings fell silent. Those who had been watching, as well as Chun Uijin who had been blocking in my place, reacted similarly.

“…… You.”

A gaze of surprise. A sharp, grating sound.

Soon, the sound of something grinding reached my ears. It seemed that his teeth might break from the stress.

His eyes were dangerously hostile as they glared at me. I wondered if he might actually draw his sword.

Although I felt quite uneasy,

“…… Remember this well.”

Fortunately, Namgung Sung did not draw his sword. He merely spat out threatening words directed at me.

“I swear on my name, I will never forget this. In the near future, you will surely pay for your sins.”

“Mm.”

I nodded after hearing his words. It resonated with me.

“Exactly.”

“What?”

“When you say ‘you’re right’.”

He appeared slightly flustered by my nonchalant agreement. But, he was right.

“I’ve lived and seen a lot.”

Including my previous lives, countless times, I have learned one clear thing.

“People invariably pay for their sins. No matter when it happens.”

My gaze wandered upwards to the malicious spirits still glaring at Namgung Sung.

Sins circulate and accumulate on the soul.

Eventually, the accumulated karma would explode at some point.

Whether one receives the punishment in life or after death is unknown.

‘If possible, it’s better to receive it while alive.’

From what I saw, The punishment one receives as a ghost is much harsher than when alive.

Thinking of this, I smirked.

Namgung Sung clenched his fist, perhaps thinking I was mocking him.

But realizing there was nothing more to do, he gritted his teeth and turned away.

“…… I will watch how long you can remain arrogant with your newfound fortune. Soon enough, you will kneel before me.”

I saw no need to respond to such words.

“By then, it will already be too late.”

Continuing the conversation felt pointless.

Remaining silent, I simply raised my middle finger.

“…… You……!”

Namgung Sung tried to contain his anger.

It seemed he realized staying here any longer was futile.

Still limping from his pain, his figure appeared rather ridiculous.

‘Is he broken?’

Probably not.

If he were truly broken, things would not have ended this easily.

As I quietly watched Namgung Sung leave.

‘Hmm?’

Namgung Hyun, who had been following him, stopped and glanced my way.

As if asking why I was looking at her, I gave a slight glare. Startled, she quickly resumed following Namgung Sung.

I chuckled at the sight.

The siblings had a strange vibe together.

『Not as strange as you.』

‘…… Don’t read my thoughts, you old man.’

The clueless old man.

After they all left the place,

“…… Sigh……”

Chun Uijin let out a soft sigh of relief. His sigh was filled with a sense of relief.

Though he had spoken confidently, it seemed he had been anxious inside.

I patted Chun Uijin on the shoulder.

“Good job.”

“No……. Not at all.”

“See? It turned out as I said, right? I told you not to worry.”

I said this with a smile. I had briefed Chun Uijin about the situation beforehand.

I had just told him to show up at the right time and block Young Azure Sword.

And to say the necessary words.

I had assured him that if anything went wrong, I would take responsibility. I had simply told him to give it a try.

Making such bold, unguaranteed claims had surprisingly resulted in success.

I was lucky. If something had gone wrong, honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it, let alone take responsibility.

‘If the result is good, all is well.’

I dismissed negative thoughts. If it ended well, that was enough.

Thinking this, I patted Chun Uijin on the shoulder again.

“Yes……”

Chun Uijin appeared somewhat dazed. Then he looked at me and said,

“…… Really, it turned out just as you said, Young master Bang. From beginning to end.”

Was it my imagination?

There seemed to be an inexplicable trust in his eyes.

“Oh, dear. Hurry on in…!!”

When I hinted that I would visit, the branch manager came running out barefoot, as if he had been waiting.

Every time I saw him, it felt quite peculiar.

‘Who would have thought this old man would act like this towards me?’

Throughout the entire year I was a member, it was hard even to see his face.

Even if I did see him, I couldn’t manage to speak to him, let alone make eye contact.

“Oh dear… I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer, just some tea…”

“…”

Now, seeing him on edge around me felt somewhat…

‘Exhilarating.’

It was exhilarating.

It was clear that reputation was everything. This was exactly the satisfaction I craved.

“Have you been well?”

“Oh, not at all. I couldn’t sleep worrying about you, Young master Bang.”

“The reason I came here is simple. As you may have heard, I need to leave the Murim Alliance to go to the Blue Moon Sect.”

I swiftly cut to the chase, omitting unnecessary pleasantries.

The branch manager briefly furrowed his brow, displeased with my abruptness, but it was fleeting.

“Ah… Of course, I’m aware.”

He must have already been informed by Chun Uijin. The branch manager looked at me with a slight hint of regret in his eyes.

“I imagine you’ll miss our branch dearly. Are you truly alright with this?”

I barely restrained myself from cursing him out.

‘Miss it? You treated me like I was invisible for a year, what’s there to miss?’

Any affection I might have had disappeared long ago.

“Indeed. It’s truly unfortunate, but… things turned out this way.”

I concealed my true feelings and forced myself to spout perfunctory words.

“I see…”

Despite his visible regret, the branch manager had no grounds to hold me back.

Moreover, considering Blue Moon Sect’s significant ties to the Murim Alliance, it felt like I was moving up to a higher division, making it even more understandable.

In truth, there was no need for me to see the branch manager.

Had I informed them about leaving, Chun Uijin’s side would have handled everything, and I could have just left.

“Before I leave, I have a favor to ask of you, branch manager.”

“A favor?”

The only reason I came to see the branch manager was to handle one last piece of business.

“Yes, a favor.”

There was someone I needed to look out for before I left.

* * *

“You don’t need to keep coming by.”

As soon as I saw his face, those words greeted me, making me frown instantly.

“That’s a cold greeting. I came all this way.”

When I spoke with a hint of hurt, the young man laughed awkwardly.

“You were here yesterday. And the day before as well.”

“But today is the first time for today, so can’t you just welcome me a bit?”

I responded curtly and took a seat beside him.

This was the infirmary inside the Alliance, and the person who scolded me straight away was my senior, Yu Hyung-In.

Yu Hyung-In had regained consciousness a few days after the battle with the Mountain Sky Demon.

“How’s your body holding up?”

“I’m fine.”

“Fine? I heard you need a few months of rest. How is that fine?”

“… Why ask if you don’t believe me?”

Yu Hyung-In was told that because of his injuries, he needed at least three months of recovery.

Luckily, the critical points had been avoided, so as long as he received proper treatment, there wouldn’t be any lasting issues.

“Be sure to eat well, too. Your bones will heal faster if you do.”

“I’ve been eating well.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

I nodded, satisfied with his answer.

After that, silence fell between us. As usual, Yu Hyung-In didn’t initiate any further conversation.

Unable to bear the silence, I finally spoke up first.

“Senior, I’m leaving the Murim Alliance.”

“Yeah.”

“… Yeah?”

“What about it?”

“Your reaction is really underwhelming.”

“I tried my best, you know.”

Sure you did.

“Why aren’t you surprised?”

“I already heard the rumors about you. It’s not really shocking.”

I chuckled awkwardly at Yu Hyung-In’s words.

Of course, there was no way the rumors wouldn’t have spread. And there was no way Yu Hyung-In wouldn’t have heard them.

“They say you defeated the Young Azure Sword. Impressive.”

“Well, you know…”

I was about to say it wasn’t my strength alone, but I bit my tongue.

That wasn’t something I should say. For the sake of my future.

“… That’s how it turned out.”

I avoided his gaze. I couldn’t bear to say it while looking directly at him.

Shifting my eyes away, I asked Yu Hyung-In.

“Why aren’t you asking any questions?”

“What should I ask?”

“Well, it’s something like that.”

Why did I hide my power… and such. Or maybe, “the you I know isn’t like that. What did you do…”

There were many questions he could have asked me since he was Yu Hyung-In.

For the past year, he had been guiding me through tasks while also overseeing my training.

Without Yu Hyung-In, I might not have been able to endure inside the alliance.

That’s how significant he was.

However, even after hearing all the rumors, Yu Hyung-In didn’t ask me anything significant.

Why was that? I couldn’t understand, so I asked him.

With a somewhat indifferent expression, he spoke to me.

“Well, I figured you had your reasons. Whatever those reasons were… you had them because you’re that kind of person.”

“……”

I was speechless at his response.

“… Senior, you always said that people seem too gullible. You warned me to be cautious lest I get stabbed in the back.”

“Haha.”

What was so funny that he laughed so aimlessly?

I couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t ask anything just for such simple reasons.

He was a completely different type of person from me.

I spoke to the laughing Yu Hyung-In.

“Senior.”

“Hmm?”

“Would you like to come with me?”

“…Hmm?”

“I mean to the Blue Moon Sect. It feels a bit presumptuous to say this, but I’ve become quite influential. I can arrange for you to come with-”

“Sorry. That’s not possible.”

Even before I finished, Yu Hyung-In laughed and turned down my offer.

“I have family here.”

“……”

“Also, I like my current position. I’m sorry.”

Though he was smiling, his eyes were resolute. No matter what I did, that expression would never waver.

“I see.”

I didn’t insist any further. It would be pointless to ask two or even three times.

“I understand.”

With that, I stood up. There was no need for further conversation.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes, I came to deliver this message. Take good care of yourself. I’ll visit one more time before I go.”

Leaving no regrets, I exited the infirmary.

The sun was still blazing hot outside.

As I stared at the sun, the old man, who had been quiet until now, spoke to me.

『It was exactly as you expected.』

Turning my gaze towards the old man’s voice.

『You said he’d refuse your offer, and indeed he did.』

“……”

Yu Hyung-In was bound to reject my proposal.

I had anticipated this outcome even before I spoke to him.

That was the kind of person Yu Hyung-In was.

I knew this all too well.

『Yet despite knowing it all, your expression is quite something.』

“… What do you mean?”

『You said you were fully prepared, but the disappointment is all over your face.』

“……”

Was it really that evident? I brushed my hand over my face.

『For someone who seems unyielding, you do have a soft spot in such areas.』

“What do you take me for…?”

Really, how absurd.

Tsk. Clicking his tongue briefly, Yu Chun-gil spoke to me.

『Aren’t you disappointed?』

“… About what?”

『Pretending not to know while knowing everything, you…』

“……”

『I’m talking about sending all the money you saved to his family.』

I scratched my cheek at the old man’s words.

“What’s the big deal… I sent it because I wouldn’t need it.”

『Using Murim Alliance’s name so earnestly to hide it?』

“That’s just because it’s embarrassing.”

『Haha.』

If he needed three months to recuperate, it meant he wouldn’t get any salary during that time.

Thinking about that, I sent the paltry amount I saved.

‘That’s the extent of my charity.’

Yu Hyung-In wouldn’t want any more from me, and there was little else I could do.

So, that’s the limit.

“I don’t need to take care of anything more since I’ll clearly be suffering from someone soon.”

『Who are you talking about?』

“You old evil spirit.”

『Now you’re just outright insulting me.』

“Anyway, this is as far as I go. That’s all I can do. So.”

Taking my eyes off the old man, I looked to the side.

“Don’t expect anything strange from me and just carry on with what you do.”

There was someone standing where I looked. It wasn’t a person though.

—

**New Elements and Characters**

– 유형인 = Yu Hyung-In(he/him)

– 유천길 = Yu Chun-gil(he/him)

It was a being that I recognized.

“Whatever it is you want from me, I have no intention of doing anything.”

Upon hearing my words, the woman-shaped entity reacted.

The entity in question was an evil spirit.

It was one of the evil spirits that had been behind Namgung Sung.

I frowned as I looked at her.

‘It was a mistake.’

Thinking of the sins Namgung Sung had committed, I had inadvertently glanced at the evil spirit and our eyes had met.

I thought I had quickly averted my gaze, but it seemed I had been caught.

The only fortunate part here was.

‘She didn’t tell the other evil spirits.’

If she had informed them, other evil spirits would have gathered. Since that didn’t happen, she must not have told them.

This also meant.

‘She must want something from me.’

Not informing the others meant she wanted a favor in return. It must be something like that.

“Sigh.”

A sigh escaped me. Exhaling deeply, I asked the woman.

“…What is it you want?”

『Why, are you thinking of granting my request?』

“That’s not it. I’m just going to hear you out first.”

If it turned out to be too difficult, I wouldn’t do it.

If she still tried to cling to me.

‘…I’ll have to exorcise her.’

Though the process was troublesome, it wasn’t impossible.

So, I hoped she wouldn’t ask for anything unnecessary. As I thought that, the woman began to speak.

-…

She opened her mouth and started to say something.

“Hm?”

I tilted my head in response to her words.

The reason was simple.

“…Is that really all you want?”

Her request was surprisingly trivial.

Especially for an evil spirit, it was quite an easy task.

After a moment of consideration, I answered.

“If it’s just that… I can’t do it right away, but if the opportunity arises, I will fulfill it. Can you understand that much?”

-…

She nodded.

Then she quietly bowed her head to me and muttered something.

I could easily understand that her silent muttering was an expression of gratitude.

At that moment.

Whoosh—!

Light suddenly burst forth from the woman’s body.

“…This.”

『Oh?』

I frowned at the sight. It was a light that could not be seen by others.

‘To think I would see this again in this lifetime.’

It was the light I had grown sick of in my past life and had vowed never to see again.

It was the process by which a spirit fulfilled its wishes and departed.

This was commonly referred to as ascension.

“Tsk.”

To think she would ascend just because I granted such a small request.

The woman had been pure-hearted despite having become an evil spirit due to deep resentment.

This meant.

‘She must have been an exceptionally pure person who was utterly ruined.’

I felt displeased. Hiding my emotions, I took a respectful stance.

A bow.

It was the least I could do for the departing spirit, and the light soon faded away.

『How curious. So, this is what it means for a soul to leave.』

Yu Chun-gil chuckled as if he found it amusing.

『Seeing this makes me wonder if those ascended people the Daoists speak of really exist.』

“….”

Regardless of how amusing he found it, I didn’t want to say anything just then.

The process of making an evil spirit ascend had been too easy. I was merely grateful for that.

After that, I resumed walking.

“…Let’s go bac—”

Just as I was about to say those words.

“Huh?”

『Hmm?』

My eyes widened.

At the same time, I stroked my stomach with my hand.

“What, what is this?”

『What is it? Did something happen?』

“No….”

Thinking it was a misconception, I focused, but it turned out it wasn’t.

With eyes as large as lanterns, I spoke to Yu Chun-gil.

“Grandpa.”

『Yes, what on earth is the matter?』

“My inner qi… has increased.”

『Hmm?』

The energy in my dantian had suddenly increased.

TL’s Corner:
For those who are confused, MC calls the old man ak-gwi(악귀) in this chapter which means evil spirit. But in the previous chapters, he calls the old man gwishin(귀신) meaning ghost.
The MC deliberately calls the old man evil ghost because of the misfortunes he had encountered so far after meeting the old man.