The World’s Greatest is Dead

Sky Filling Flower Rain(滿天花雨).

It was a poetic phrase implying a sky filled with falling flower petals.

In reality, it was a brutal and deadly name.

The reason being: ‘What fills the sky is not flowers, but a myriad of hidden weapons.’

Sky Filling Flower Rain was a technique that launched scores of hidden weapons into the sky, creating a deadly downpour.

It was said that during the time when the Tang family oscillated between righteousness and evil, the old master, Poisonous Shadow Lord (독영군/毒影君), used this technique to commit massacres during decisive battles.

When the Tang transitioned to a righteous faction, it purportedly abandoned Sky Filling Flower Rain, a technique that claimed countless lives from the righteous factions.

People still feared the Tang family for this reason.

Along with their past ties to the Evil Faction, they had displayed a memorable and formidable power during battles with just this one technique.

Therefore, everyone knew the significance of Sky Filling Flower Rain to the Tang family.

Thus, I didn’t find it particularly strange when I heard the story from Yu Chun-gil.

‘The old man helped restore the Tang’s Sky Filling Flower Rain.’

When I heard that, I did feel curious as to why Yu Chun-gil suddenly assisted in the restoration of Sky Filling Flower Rain.

‘… Given the old man’s abilities, it’s possible.’

Despite his cranky and foul nature, Yu Chun-gil was considered the greatest of the ancient and current times.

If one spoke only in terms of martial knowledge, no one could disregard him.

If they requested his help in restoration, it roughly made sense.

‘… But what does it mean to have “made” it?’

He said he made it, not restored it.

It was an incomprehensible statement.

“How could Grandpa make that?”

It wasn’t even a martial art of the Blue Moon Sect but a technique of the Tang family.

How did Yu Chun-gil manage to make it? Puzzled, I asked, and Yu Chun-gil responded nonchalantly.

『How did I make it? I just made it.』

“… Was creating a martial art such a casual thing?”

『Well, Sky Filling Flower Rain is just throwing a bunch of hidden weapons into the air to smash the enemies below, isn’t it? I just made something that fit that description, and the Tang leader kept pestering me for it, so I gave it to him.』

“… I see…”

I realized.

Martial arts, even techniques of another sect, could be created roughly. So that was it.

‘… Is that really possible?’

Wiping my face with a dry hand, I found it hard to accept.

Even trying to understand seemed futile.

The only understandable point might be, ‘Yu Chun-gil saying that, but ultimately, the completion level was high enough for the Poison Sovereign to demand it.’

And, ‘After obtaining Sky Filling Flower Rain, he didn’t pass it on to his successors but erased it.’

Now, the Poison King was searching for it.

Why was the Poison King looking for Sky Filling Flower Rain?

This was not a hard question to think about.

‘It’s symbolic…’

The power enclosed in Sky Filling Flower Rain.

Just that could consolidate the position and presence of the Tang family.

Currently, the Tang family was in the top five noble families and solidified its standing with the Iron Workshop, but, ‘Irrespective of that.’

Unlike the Tang family of the past, the current Tang family felt different.

‘Back then, they were known as masters of hidden weapons and poison techniques.’

Presently, due to the Iron Workshop, they were more seen as weapon manufacturers.

Perhaps, ‘Is it because of that?’

Was the Poison King chasing the traces of Sky Filling Flower Rain because of this?

‘If that’s the case, it explains it somewhat.’

Although, it still felt a bit crude to say it was conclusive.

“Hmm.”

It was concerning.

Depending on the Poison King’s objective, there would be numerous considerations, so I couldn’t help but worry.

“Tsk.”

I clicked my tongue.

Ultimately, the Poison King was searching for Sky Filling Flower Rain.

And Yu Chun-gil created it, and the Poison Sovereign received and destroyed it.

If these were the confirmed truths, ‘From here, what could I obtain?’

I decided to focus solely on that for now.

* * *

Time passed. As the Poison King said, it was the afternoon.

Having finished training with Chun Uijin and Do Hyung, I had been staying in my quarters when members of the Tang family arrived. They used the same method as the previous day.

Blindfolded us and led us to our destination.

‘… Annoying.’

It felt unnecessary for a short distance.

Of course, they wouldn’t know that I already knew the location, so they were doing this.

But I felt it was a waste of time.

Eventually, after a little more time, we arrived at our destination. When my vision cleared, I saw the same individuals from yesterday, along with the Poison King.

“Welcome.”

“Greetings to the family head.”

After giving a light bow, I looked at the open entrance.

‘The door hasn’t been closed.’

It could have been reopened. I had reported the opening method to the Tang family.

And then, ‘… That.’

A large box on the wall made me frown.

“… Family head. That…”

“Indeed. It’s the Full Moon.”

‘Just as I thought.’

The familiar box was the Full Moon, which the head of the Iron Workshop had said was being supplemented.

Again, it wasn’t repaired but supplemented.

They said it was difficult to repair completely, but bringing it here meant…

“It was not used yesterday, but it might be useful today, so I brought it again.”

“… That’s what I thought.”

“I apologize for bringing this without Young master Bang’s permission. We will formally send a letter of apology to the Blue Moon Sect for this.”

“…”

They knew it would be problematic, but they did it anyway.

This meant.

‘It’s quite urgent.’

So urgent that they couldn’t care about being impolite to another sect.

The urgency implied that either the Poison King or the Tang family was in a serious hurry.

‘Hmm…’

I stared at the Poison King.

While he maintained his usual expressionless face, a closer look revealed subtle differences.

Was it impatience? No, not exactly. It wasn’t anger or anxiety either.

‘What is it?’

While I wasn’t entirely sure yet, one thing was clear: something was different.

As I observed the Poison King, my gaze naturally shifted to the box containing the Full Moon.

The Poison King aside.

‘… Do we really need to take that?’

Listening to Poison Sovereign’s story, it seemed unnecessary.

Was it really that important to take the Full Moon?

While I was contemplating this.

『Take it with you.』

Yu Chun-gil spoke to me.

『It will be needed.』

Needed? That?

‘… Hmm.’

Was it different from what Poison Sovereign said? Although I had doubts, I didn’t hesitate.

I strode over to the box.

“It’s better if I carry it, right?”

The Poison King nodded. Given the ownership was mine, it made sense for me to take it.

*Creak.*

‘Ugh.’

The weight was clear the moment I tried to lift it.

Wow. It was unbelievably heavy.

I managed to sling it over my shoulder with difficulty. How could a single sword be this heavy?

As I tried to hide my struggle.

『Tsk tsk. If you’re already struggling with this, that’s no good. Originally, the Full Moon was even heavier.』

The old man easily noticed my struggle and wasted no time mocking me.

Damn old man.

‘Still.’

Maybe because I reached First-rate, it didn’t feel just heavy.

Yes, First-rate.

‘I am First-rate.’

A warmth surged from within. I rubbed my nose and straightened my shoulders with pride.

“… Young master Bang, what’s the matter?”

“Why?”

“You seemed quite happy about something.”

“Oh… It’s just, thinking about carrying my master’s sword makes me feel proud.”

『Nonsense.』

“Ah, I see…”

Chun Uijin nodded, seemingly impressed by my words. He always had that look when it came to me.

Feeling a bit awkward, I glanced at Do Hyung.

‘The Guardian Spirit seems fine…’

The Guardian Spirit wandering near Do Hyung looked the same as before.

Wouldn’t be a problem going in now.

Thinking about this, I spoke to the Poison King.

“… Let’s go. I’m ready.”

At my words, the Poison King turned around.

And we reentered Poison Sovereign’s warehouse.

* * *

Since I already knew the way, it wasn’t difficult to come and go.

Having been there once, it now felt familiar.

Although the potential traps were slightly intimidating, remembering them allowed me to walk a bit more confidently.

‘Because I’m First-rate.’

Ah, I should control myself, but my lips kept curling.

I covered my face with my hand to forcibly hide my expression.

‘Crazy fool.’

Losing my composure in a place like a warehouse.

I could die if I triggered something wrong here. I had to stay alert.

“Phew.”

I let out a careful breath.

It was to calm myself.

‘… There’s a long way to go. I shouldn’t be too excited yet.’

Not yet. It was too soon.

Just barely First-rate.

Barely First-rate.

That’s how I had to think. Yes, I had to.

‘I don’t intend to be satisfied with merely First-rate.’

I had to aim for higher places. Now was not the time to be excited, but to be prepared.

Thinking this calmed me down gradually.

“Phew…”

I walked while repeating deep breaths.

As I descended the stairs, I noticed a gap to the side. It was the space I had opened last time.

I went inside. Though the Full Moon on my back was still heavy, it was bearable.

*Thud.*

I advanced further.

It led to a broad and bright area.

It was the heart of the storeroom, packed with luminous pearls.

As soon as I entered, my eyes naturally turned to the place where I had accompanied Poison Sovereign last night.

The place which was filled with weapons and the secret room within.

Thankfully, it was still closed.

Looking at it, I spoke to the Poison King.

“How should we proceed with the search?”

When I asked if he planned to scour the area like before.

“Do you see anything peculiar, Young master Bang?”

“… Me?”

The Poison King directed his question to me, not the others he brought along.

Did I see anything?

“… Well, not yet.”

As much as I wanted to provide an answer, that was the truth.

There was no helping it.

‘Because Poison Sovereign isn’t here.’

There was no Poison Sovereign to inform us about the storeroom.

“We’ll need to search a bit, it seems.”

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

“…”

“…”

“… Ah, you mean I’m supposed to look for it?”

The Poison King nodded.

Look at this fellow.

‘Now he’s openly trying to use me, isn’t he?’

It was absurd. He had brought both the Qi Engineer and the Formation Master here, only to leave the task to me?

Damn.

‘I knew I shouldn’t have acted so smart.’

If I had just pretended to know a little, I wouldn’t have ended up being tasked with everything, which was quite annoying.

Moreover, ‘… I do know the method, though.’

As ridiculous as it sounded, I actually knew how to open the safe. I had memorized the method the last time. It didn’t seem like it would be much different this time.

‘The dots are visible.’

The position of the dots and the pattern. As long as I found those, opening the Poison King’s safe wouldn’t be too difficult.

But, ‘Rather than opening it right away’,

Wouldn’t it be better to first observe the situation a bit more?

I pondered but, ‘Hmm…’

After a moment of thinking, I spoke to Do Hyung, who was next to me.

“Senior.”

“… Hmm?”

“Could you follow me for a moment?”

“… Alright.”

Do Hyung’s face showed confusion, but he followed without a word.

Looking at Do Hyung, I said, “Do you see that wall over there?”

I pointed, and Do Hyung nodded.

“Could you walk over there?”

“Walk over?”

“Yes. Just walk over there as you like.”

“As I like?”

“Yes, whether you walk in a straight line or zigzag, just go as you please.”

“…”

What nonsense was this? Do Hyung furrowed his brows but, as usual, didn’t complain.

He stared at the wall for a moment and then walked straight toward it, slowly, one step at a time.

Watching as he walked, I shouted,

“Senior! If it looks slightly dangerous or if you feel reluctant to go further, just come back!”

There was no response. Do Hyung reached the wall and only then looked back at me.

After confirming that, I nodded.

“Hmm, thankfully, it seems there’s no problem.”

It looked like there was neither a mechanism failure nor any danger. I found it reassuring.

While I was satisfiedly watching Do Hyung,

“..”

“…”

“Um…”

The people around me showed subtle reactions while looking at me.

What was it?

“Why are you all like that?”

“No, it’s nothing… Young master Bang must have had his reasons…”

“What?”

Chun Uijin tried to rationalize it, but why was he acting like that? Feeling confused, I looked at Yu Chun-gil, who answered in his stead.

『You’re an audacious rascal, using a companion to check for traps. Isn’t that why they react this way?』

‘Damn.’

I widened my eyes at his words.

Indeed, that could be how they saw it. I hadn’t considered that.

‘No, I just wanted to use the Guardian Spirit.’

From my perspective, I intended to utilize Do Hyung’s Guardian Spirit, who would be extremely vigilant about his safety, and would react before an issue occurred.

‘Did they see it that way?’

Could they have mistaken me for a bastard exploiting a companion to bypass traps?

There was no greater misunderstanding-

『… What exactly is different, then?』

‘Indeed…’

Though I knew he wouldn’t die, I had still used Do Hyung to check for traps.

“Ahem…”

Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat and approached Do Hyung.

I followed the exact steps Do Hyung had taken earlier.

“Senior, you’ve done a great deed. Now leave it to me. I will handle all the dangerous tasks.”

“…”

Do Hyung’s gaze was slightly scornful. Ignoring it, I fiddled with the mechanism.

I employed the method I had memorized last night.

Then, *Creak—!!!*

As if waiting, the sound of the mechanism was heard, and the door opened.

*Boom-!!*

“That was fast.”

At the sight, the Poison King murmured, his voice filled with clear admiration.

“Alright, let’s begin the search again…”

Just as I was about to step into the opened room,

“… Young master Bang…?”

I heard someone calling me.

Though the title used was Chun Uijin’s, the voice was not his. In fact, it came from the front, not from behind.

The front was… the room that had just opened, right?

Curious, I looked inside.

“What?”

An unexpected person appeared.

“How come you’re here?”

A woman with eyes wide in surprise at seeing me.

‘What is this?’

It was Poison Flower Tang Yelan, the Poison King’s daughter.

‘Why is she here?’