The World’s Greatest is Dead

For a martial artist, inner qi was an indispensable, precious resource in executing martial arts.

In a way, it was also the most fundamental reason why a martial artist could be called a martial artist.

They accumulated inner qi through learned techniques and integrated it into their every movement.

This was what was known as martial arts in the current Central Plains, and thus, inner qi was significant.

The deeper and more abundant one’s qi, the more one could accomplish.

However, this inner qi was not easily obtained as one might wish.

It was acquired either through the years spent in harsh training or through consuming a rare elixir that was difficult to obtain, even with a fortune.

That is why everyone lived in obsession for a fortuitous encounter.

But then.

“My inner qi has increased?”

『What did you say?』

Out of nowhere, my inner qi had increased.

When I mentioned this absurd situation, Yu Chun-gil too was bewildered.

『What do you mean by that?』

“No…”

Whatever I said was the truth.

“My inner qi has increased.”

Although not a significant amount, it had indeed increased. It couldn’t be a mistake on my part; how much qi did I have to make a mistake about that?

『… Huh?』

Yu Chun-gil’s reaction to my words was a sight to see.

What was with that expression? It was very annoying to look at.

『What’s up, man?』

“No, how do you know even when I don’t say anything?”

『I just guessed, and it seems like you cursed internally.』

“Now you even guess…?”

I thought he might have lost his mind.

Anyway,

“It really increased.”

『No, why would your inner qi suddenly increase?』

“I don’t know either.”

If I knew, why would I be surprised? It really increased out of nowhere…

“Huh?”

I paused mid-thought.

I remembered the situation just now.

‘Surely…’

I recalled the cause of the increased inner qi. It wasn’t certain, it was just an impression, but something came to mind.

‘Was it because of the evil spirits’ release?’

The moment the evil spirits delivered their message and disappeared.

At that time, something reacted inside my body.

A warm sensation wrapped around me, and I felt something indescribable seep into me. Could it be because of that?

‘Does that mean…’

Could it be?

‘When an evil spirit is released, inner qi comes into me?’

As this crossed my mind, I swallowed dryly.

It was absurd, but nothing else came to mind.

* * *

In my miserable past life.

Out of everything, if I had to pick the most disgusting thing, it was definitely the release of ghosts.

Resentment, regret, or desires accumulated in death.

There were those whose ties were so deep they couldn’t leave without resolving them.

And I, having horribly been entangled with them, spent many miserable days appeasing countless souls.

There were so many souls I had released that I could not count.

Among them were ordinary ghosts as well as evil spirits full of malice.

There were ghosts of all genders and ages, but they all had one thing in common.

That was.

‘They didn’t give me anything to release them.’

No matter how much I suffered, nothing really fell into my hands.

Sometimes, they put conditions and gave me money or their hidden treasures.

‘But there were many times I almost died trying to take such things.’

One should never touch an item left behind by a ghost. Even if there was permission from the ghost, the world wouldn’t allow it unless a sufficient price was paid.

Thanks to this, frantically rolling around became a part of daily life.

“…… My inner qi is increasing.”

I sat in a chair, deeply contemplating the situation.

An increase in inner qi and its connection to helping spirits in finding peace.

If, according to my predictions, this really was a remarkable fortuitous encounter.

If I could gain inner qi in this way, what else could it be but a fortuitous encounter?

However, there was one problem…

‘Could putting spirits to rest be a condition?’

What was the condition for this happening? If it was indeed putting spirits to rest…

“That would be quite troublesome.”

There were too many issues that would arise.

『What do you mean, troublesome?』

Yu Chun-gil interrupted my thoughts.

『At a time when it wouldn’t even be enough to capture and enlighten all the ghosts right away, what could be the problem?』

Yu Chun-gil believed that if increasing inner qi only required putting spirits to rest, then we should put countless spirits to rest to gain inner qi.

But,

“…… It’s not that easy.”

I couldn’t accept Yu Chun-gil’s words lightly.

“The more I involve myself with souls in this world, the more trouble it brings me.”

As I mentioned earlier, karma existed. While ghosts could achieve their desires and find peace, the karma they accumulated was a burden I couldn’t dismiss.

‘Karma is something I cannot erase.’

The problem was what happened after sending the ghosts off.

‘Karma can be terrifying.’

If I recklessly went around enlightening spirits just for benefits, the possibility of ill consequences was high.

Besides,

‘If rumors spread among the ghosts…’

If rumors about me were disseminated among the ghosts, my life in this world could be severely disrupted.

Especially in a world where many died at the hands of others.

“Tsk.”

I couldn’t fully understand how putting spirits to rest and the increase in my inner qi were connected, nor could I comprehend the principles behind it.

‘If it’s true.’

How should I handle this?

If it was indeed a providential chance, then it was indeed that.

As the old man said, it was possible to gain energy through putting spirits to rest.

‘But I don’t think I can handle the aftermath.’

There was too little known to verify or utilize it.

If I had known earlier, I would have researched further…

‘Who could have known?’

Unlike my past life, I had tried to live distantly from ghosts, and this was my first encounter with putting spirits to rest in this life.

* * *

“Hmm.”

It was a difficult issue to conclude easily.

Three days had passed since the day my inner qi increased, and yet I remained deep in thought.

Meanwhile, my hands continued to move.

I had to do so to pack my belongings.

While packing for some time, a voice called out from outside.

“Young master Bang, are you ready?”

“Ah, yes. I’m almost done.”

In response to Chun Uijin’s voice from outside the door, I hastily answered.

‘Why is there so much to pack when there isn’t even much?’

I had expected to finish quickly, but it took longer than anticipated.

After filling my luggage to a certain extent, I barely managed to lift the wooden coffin beside me.

“Phew…”

I wanted to discard it immediately. Suppressing the urge, I walked forward.

“…… Let’s think about the rest on the way.”

The reason for packing my belongings was simple.

Today was the day.

The day I would leave Anhui to join the Blue Moon Sect.

* * *

Later, with Chun Uijin’s help, all the luggage was loaded onto a carriage.

“…… Wow, it’s big.”

The carriage was so large that even after loading some baggage, there were no issues.

It was fortunate.

‘What kind of carriage is this?’

It was a carriage I had never seen before.

As I curiously examined it from all angles, Chun Uijin explained to me.

“This carriage was graciously provided by the branch.”

“… Such a thing was at the branch?”

This was my first time seeing it. Even the one the branch manager rode seemed cheaper than this.

“Hahaha…if it’s uncomfortable, we can arrange another carriage…”

“No, it’s fine if it’s comfortable.”

The more luxurious, the better. Who would refuse such a thing?

It’s best to receive it gratefully when offered.

As I was thinking this, someone approached me from afar.

“Hahaha! I hope you find the carriage to your liking.”

It was the branch manager.

“No, it’s perfect.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Thank you for taking care of it.”

“Nonsense! Since it’s for our Young master Bang, I had to prepare something suitable.”

‘Our Young master Bang?’ My ears almost bled hearing such a title that I had never heard before.

“Haha…”

I hid my emotions with an awkward laugh. The branch manager kept nodding his head while speaking to me.

“Please, do not forget us even after you leave. That’s all I ask.”

It was too burdensome to promise not to forget. I wanted to forget right away.

“… Of course.”

I forcefully responded and got on the carriage.

Behind him, not only the branch manager but also many members from the alliance had gathered, but I didn’t look at them.

‘I have already said my goodbyes to my senior.’

I had met Yu Hyung-In before boarding the carriage for the last time.

There was no more business with the others.

As I hastily boarded, Chun Uijin asked curiously.

“Do you need more time?”

“No. Let’s leave immediately.”

“Ah… Understood. Please start the journey.”

“Yes!”

Neigh–!

The coachman answered and gestured, and the horse responded, beginning to move the carriage.

Looking out the window, I saw that we were gradually leaving the branch.

“… Ha…”

I sighed and thought.

‘Is this what you call success…?’

The road to Blue Moon Sect, which others could only dream of.

Though I was heading there, I didn’t feel happy at all.

I could clearly see a harsh path ahead.

The brightly lit path seemed to welcome me to hell, making me feel exceptionally uneasy, but. There was little I could do, so I closed my eyes and felt the breeze from the window.

* * *

One day had passed since Bang Sung-Yun left.

The usual atmosphere persisted.

“… What do you mean by that?”

Jin Kyungchan, the current branch manager of the Murim Alliance’s Anhui branch, asked with a frown.

“Who visited the branch?”

His expression showed disbelief. Naturally, it was hard to believe.

“That is…”

The member answered, looking troubled by Jin Kyungchan’s question.

“We are still verifying their identity, but according to the guest, they are from the Murong family…”

“Murong family…”

Hearing the same answer again, Jin Kyungchan fell silent.

Among the numerous families in the current Central Plains, the five most outstanding were called the Five Great Families.

And, the Murong family was one of these Five Great Families, and particularly,

‘From the Murong Family that has an extremely bad relationship with the Namgung Family?’

The Murong family was particularly notorious for its bad blood with the Namgung family, known as the rulers of Anhui.

Sending someone unexpectedly to the Anhui branch from such a Murong family?

In this unforeseen situation, Jin Kyungchan immediately stood up.

It was for confirmation.

He needed to verify whether the words were true or not.

‘If it isn’t.’

Pretending to be the prestigious Murong family would warrant serious punishment.

‘Conversely, if it’s true…’

For Jin Kyungchan, the truth was the bigger problem.

With that, he hurriedly walked towards the entrance of the branch.

As soon as he reached the entrance, he saw the figures standing there.

“……I am Jin Kyungchan, the current branch manager of the Anhui branch…”

As Jin Kyungchan completed his introduction, the person at the lead turned to face him.

“……!”

Jin Kyungchan swallowed hard when their eyes met.

First, the other person was a woman.

With her long hair and luxurious silk clothes, she half-covered her face with a fan.

‘……What is this feeling?’

Jin Kyungchan involuntarily swallowed dryly at the aura emanating from the woman.

Additionally,

‘The person beside her isn’t ordinary either.’

The man who appeared to be her guard looked like a considerable strongman even to Jin Kyungchan.

The woman then spoke to Jin Kyungchan,

“Oh, nice to meet you.”

Her voice was cold, devoid of any emotion.

“……I heard you are from the Murong family.”

“Yes, we came to find someone… I heard you brought someone to confirm that. Is that you?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“All right. How should we go about this confirmation? I don’t like waiting too much.”

“…….”

Not ordinary, highly suspicious.

Jin Kyungchan’s instincts were pricking at him.

“……Miss.”

“Yes.”

“Before confirming your identity… You mentioned you were looking for someone…”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Is it a mistake? The woman, who was about to speak, closed her mouth. Her brow furrowed momentarily and then relaxed.

“……I heard there’s a sly fox hiding here.”

“……A fox, you say?”

Jin Kyungchan asked in confusion about the sudden mention of a fox.

“Yes. A fox.”

The woman replied with a slight smile in her eyes.

“There’s someone here who has a handsome face but nothing else remarkable. Oh, and he thinks he’s quite smart.”

“…….”

A name flitted across Jin Kyungchan’s mind at the woman’s continuous words.

The scoundrel who turned the branch upside down in recent days.

Could it be?

“Uh… By any chance, the name of the person you’re looking for is…?”

Jin Kyungchan cautiously asked.

Snap-!

The woman closed her fan. Jin Kyungchan was startled twice.

‘……What beauty.’

The woman’s appearance without the fan was beyond his imagination.

‘Surely not.’

As he looked at the woman’s face, Jin Kyungchan recalled someone.

By any chance, there was someone renowned for her stunning looks among the Murong family.

Ignoring Jin Kyungchan’s surprise, the woman said,

“Bang Sung-Yun.”

“……!!”

“He’s here, right? That sly fox. Oh, if he’s pretending not to be here, please relay a message for me.”

The name he recalled made Jin Kyungchan swallow hard.

Simultaneously, she spoke to Jin Kyungchan.

“Since his fiancée went to the trouble of coming to find him, he should at least show his face. And.”

Her name was Murong Yungsun.

Twenty years old.

“If he tries to escape again this time, I’ll catch him and burn all his hair off.”

She was known as the most beautiful woman in the world.

TL’s Corner:

Damn, a wild fiance appears! Bang Sung-Yun, I choose you!