It had been over fifty days since I shut myself in the Black Cat Pavilion.

Aside from cultivating the Wolyeong Heartless Art, I had cut myself off entirely from worldly affairs. Since I focused solely on my training without getting involved in the affairs of Haomun, Cha Seong-tae had no choice but to handle the duties of Chief himself, and Chief Byeok had taken on most of the matters concerning the dark sect forces.

But the letter Cha Seong-tae brought me forced me back into the realm of worldly matters.

It was an unexpected message from the Sword Demon.

Its contents were brief.

Myogae Mountain, Oksoo Mountain Villa.
On the upcoming new moon.
A private duel will take place.
Each side may bring two observers—one spot remains, and you shall take it.
Originally, I meant to allow only my foolish disciple to attend, but you came to mind.
It will be a meaningful day, even for one as idle as I.
Come and witness it.
Awaiting our reunion at Oksoo Mountain Villa.
The Swordsman of Baek Eung-ji, to the Lord of Haomun.

I read the letter over and over. The tone, the handwriting, the air it carried—it all pointed unmistakably to the Sword Demon. There was no need to doubt it.

Cha Seong-tae asked,

“What’s it about?”

I answered vaguely.

“I’ve been invited. I’ll be heading to Myogae Mountain. If I leave today, I’ll arrive on time.”

“Will it take long? Should I come along?”

“It would be nice if you could, but unfortunately, not this time.”

“Oh? Is there a good reason to come along?”

I nodded.

“I’ll just be watching a fight. Leave it at that. Unless it’s serious, don’t come to Myogae Mountain. Even if someone comes looking for me, don’t tell them I went there.”

“Yes. Are you leaving right away?”

“No. First, I’m taking a bath.”

Cha Seong-tae’s eyes widened.

“Oh…?”

“What.”

“Is it a woman fighting? You don’t usually bother.”

I blinked at Cha Seong-tae, staring silently.

“……”

Cha Seong-tae bowed his head slightly.

“Apologies.”

I brushed a hand down my chest and murmured,

“Peace in the heart.”

“Yes.”

“Peace like a river flowing through me.”

“Wonderful. Just beautiful. So calm. Like a gentle stream. Pavilion Lord, you are changing by the day. Growing into the dignity, the poise, and the presence befitting your station. Truly admirable. Right now—truly moving.”

I nodded at first, but as I caught him stifling a grin, my hand shot out. I smacked the top of his head and said,

“Enough of that.”

Rubbing his scalp with one hand, Cha Seong-tae replied,

“Pavilion Lord, may you return safely.”

***

After dressing neatly in my own way, I arrived at Oksoo Mountain Villa on the new moon day.

As soon as I arrived, I knew who the Sword Demon’s opponent would be—because of the martial artists standing outside the villa.

Unbelievable.

Among all the standardized uniforms in Jianghu, the one before me was the most recognizable: pure white robes from head to toe, with the single embroidered character 盟 (Alliance) on the shoulder.

As I approached, the guards at the entrance asked,

“Were you invited?”

I nodded slightly and answered,

“I am the Lord of Haomun.”

At the mention of “Haomun Lord,” the martial artists—clearly already informed—opened the gate. Perhaps it was my youth that surprised them, but I didn’t pay it any mind.

As I stepped into Oksoo Mountain Villa, I chuckled inwardly.

Here comes a Public Enemy of Jianghu.

Even if the Martial Alliance investigated Haomun now, all they’d find is a sect that had beaten down the dark factions.

Exactly what I wanted.

This was my first time visiting Oksoo Mountain Villa. It must have been the Alliance Leader’s private retreat—spacious beyond belief. Soon, a man who appeared to work at the villa approached and held out his hand.

“Pavilion Lord, I’ll guide you.”

I’d gone to Baek Eung-ji to watch the Left Guardian shit himself—

Thanks to that, I met the Sword Demon—

And now, due to the Sword Demon’s duel, I was meeting the Alliance Leader far sooner than expected.

Such is the mystery of shit, I suppose.

That shit had been caused by Moyong Baek’s medicine. Moyong Baek was the Poison Demon in a past life—just like me, a public enemy of Jianghu. Life’s flow truly defies prediction.

When I was guided into the grand hall, the Sword Demon and Mongrang were waiting and looked over at me.

The Sword Demon spoke with his usual calm.

“You’re here?”

“I’m here.”

“Sit.”

Once I sat down, the Left Guardian parroted the same line.

“You’re here?”

I ignored the bastard and asked the Sword Demon,

“Who’s your opponent?”

The Sword Demon answered,

“The Alliance Leader.”

I glanced around the spacious hall and replied,

“Why isn’t he out yet? Summons a guest and hides inside? That Alliance Leader’s got no manners.”

The Sword Demon stared at me for a long moment before letting out a rare chuckle. Even the Left Guardian seemed dumbfounded, letting out a long wheeze as he laughed.

The Left Guardian turned to me and said,

“You’re out of your mind. You think the Alliance Leader’s your buddy? He’s not some village hiking club leader—he’s the Martial Alliance Leader. Watch your damn mouth.”

I looked at him with an exasperated expression.

You were a public enemy of Jianghu too, you bastard. I can’t even tell you. So frustrating.

He still fancied himself a noble heir of the Mong Family, clearly thinking he belonged on the righteous path.

Ignoring his disciple, the Sword Demon asked me,

“How have you been?”

“Nothing much.”

“Your training?”

“Focused on it lately.”

“Hope I didn’t interrupt you with this invitation?”

I shook my head.

“A duel like this? Even in closed-door cultivation, you’d be duty-bound to break through the door and rush here. By the way, senior…”

“Go on.”

“I heard you were injured. Why are you fighting the Alliance Leader so soon?”

The Sword Demon gave a faint smile.

“When the busiest man in Jianghu makes time for you, a free man like me can hardly refuse.”

“Hm.”

“Staying uninjured is also a skill. One must accept the consequences. If the two of you watching this duel are inspired, then regardless of the outcome, it will be worthwhile.”

The Left Guardian looked quietly at his master.

There wasn’t much I could say to that either.

As I leaned on my chin, lost in thought, I suddenly felt as if I owed the Sword Demon something.

Just then, three people emerged from within.

And the moment I saw the Alliance Leader, I was stunned inside.

Wow. Scared me. It's really the bastard Alliance Leader.

Since I’d come back to the past, it made sense that the Alliance Leader would also be younger. But even though I remembered his face, seeing him in his prime—probably in his forties—startled me. Back then, he had more black hair than white, and though his face was younger, that stoic expression was the same.

Martial Alliance Leader Im Sobaek.

A swordsman.

A hero.

The man the Cult Leader hates most.

That’s all I knew. Back then, I’d only seen his face from afar, so this was my first time seeing him this close.

When Im Sobaek sat at the head seat, the two young ones at his sides stood in waiting.

Im Sobaek spoke.

“Sword Demon, these two are the observers?”

“As you can see.”

“Are you the second son of the Mong Clan?”

The Left Guardian stood up, bowed respectfully, and revealed his full name.

“Mong Yeon of the Wind-and-Cloud Mong Clan greets the Alliance Leader.”

That was the first time I heard the bastard’s full name.

Im Sobaek nodded and said to him,

“There are rumors that you're the strongest among Baek Eung-ji’s young men.”

The Left Guardian answered immediately.

“In Baek Eung-ji, that is correct.”

“Good. When will you be joining the Martial Alliance? I should give you a post. Normally, you'd have to pass the entrance exam, but I can just place you.”

“Ah…”

As Mong Yeon floundered, the Sword Demon stepped in.

“Alliance Leader Im, this brat’s still in training. Let’s talk later.”

Im Sobaek looked at him and said,

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

“Training is something you do daily. You’ll have plenty of time even after joining the Alliance.”

Mong Yeon lowered his head slightly.

“I will keep that in mind.”

Now it was Im Sobaek who looked ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) at me.

“Yi Zaha, Lord of Haomun. A pleasure to meet you.”

I replied without much thought.

“Pleasure.”

“………….”

The atmosphere instantly froze over.

I looked around at the others’ expressions. The Sword Demon was gazing at me, the Left Guardian was furrowing his brows as deeply as they’d go, and the young men flanking the Alliance Leader were staring at me in a daze, their souls halfway out of their bodies.

But oddly enough, Im Sobaek didn’t seem surprised. He turned to the young man beside him and asked,

“By the way, what kind of sect is Haomun?”

“It’s something like a regional martial outpost.”

“You sure?”

“There’s very little information.”

“I’ve heard rumors they’ve been cracking down on the dark factions.”

“I’ll look into it.”

Im Sobaek turned to the Sword Demon.

“Why is this fellow observing all of a sudden?”

The Sword Demon replied curtly.

“He’s highly skilled.”

“If he’s that skilled, shouldn’t I have heard of him?”

“He’s still young. Not unusual if you haven’t.”

Im Sobaek nodded.

“I see. So, what will we use for the match? Live blades? I heard a rumor you got injured by the Cult Leader. Don’t overdo it. We can always spar again another time.”

The Sword Demon responded.

“Let’s use wooden swords.”

Im Sobaek nodded.

“Wooden swords. Good choice. Go bring them.”

As one of the young men left to fetch the swords, Im Sobaek said to the Sword Demon,

“If you lose, join the Martial Alliance.”

The Sword Demon answered,

“What would I do there?”

“What else? Become an instructor and train the younger generation.”

“I’ll decline.”

“If you refuse, I can’t promise anything about our next duel. Think about it. If you happen to win, is there anything you want from me?”

“An elixir.”

Im Sobaek nodded and said to the youth beside him,

“Fine. If I lose, give the Sword Demon the best elixir we have in storage.”

“Yes, Alliance Leader.”

Im Sobaek turned back to the Sword Demon.

“It’s a bit cramped here. Let’s move outside.”

Everyone in the room stood up.

As I walked out of the main hall, I let out a short sigh. No matter how I looked at it, the Sword Demon wasn’t going to win this. Though it was my first time seeing Im Sobaek up close, I could tell—his energy wasn’t inferior to the Sword Demon’s.

And it wasn’t just me. The Sword Demon himself seemed to know it, and even the Left Guardian had picked up on it—his expression had darkened.

As we walked outside, Im Sobaek turned to me.

“Why the sigh, Lord of Haomun?”

“A sigh comes from my heart.”

“It may be yours, but I’m curious about the reason.”

Outside, I answered Im Sobaek plainly.

“I sighed because I think Senior Sword Demon is going to lose.”

Im Sobaek gave a calm nod.

“It’s natural to sigh if the one you’re cheering for seems like he’ll lose. But since this is a wooden sword match, there’s no need to put too much weight on winning or losing.”

The young man returned and offered a wooden sword to Im Sobaek.

“Alliance Leader.”

Im Sobaek took the wooden sword and examined it from every angle. The youth then handed the second sword to the Sword Demon.

Im Sobaek studied his weapon and said,

“Everyone, back away.”

The Sword Demon and Im Sobaek remained in the center of the courtyard while the observers stepped far back.

Im Sobaek asked the Sword Demon,

“Sword Demon, ready?”

The Sword Demon stepped back, lowering his wooden sword into a low guard, and silently stared at Im Sobaek.

Then Im Sobaek addressed him again.

“Take your time. I’ll wait.”

The Sword Demon remained tight-lipped, eyes locked on Im Sobaek. Meanwhile, Im Sobaek seemed lost in thought, occasionally glancing at the villa or at me and the Left Guardian. There wasn’t even a trace of tension in him.

I crossed my arms and looked back and forth between the two.

The Sword Demon stood as still as a statue, while Im Sobaek remained in his daydream-like state.

He wasn’t paying the duel much attention.

It felt like he was only accepting the challenge out of politeness, and even I found the vibe unpleasant.

When the Sword Demon still didn’t move, Im Sobaek spoke.

“If there’s anything you’d like to ask, go ahead. You’re too tense.”

The Sword Demon asked right away.

“Alliance Leader, when did you surpass the level of the wooden sword?”

Im Sobaek tilted his head.

“The level of the wooden sword?”

He looked to the young men beside him.

“When did I become the Alliance Leader?”

“Four years ago.”

“Then I must’ve passed that stage about five years ago. Not that long ago. Sword Demon, you’ll get there soon too. Don’t rush. Mastering something quickly doesn’t always mean it’s better. Take your time.”

The Sword Demon asked again, now without ego.

“Why take your time?”

Im Sobaek nodded, answering with conviction.

“Because the realm beyond that is vast and boundless. No need to rush into it. You'll eventually hit the wall of boredom.”

A faint smile appeared on the Sword Demon’s lips as he raised the sword slightly from its lowered guard.

“I’m ready.”

Im Sobaek nodded.

“Then begin.”

Finally, Im Sobaek’s stoic expression changed. His eyes widened just a bit, and a subtle smile crept across his face. His stance didn’t shift much, but his entire body began to ripple faintly, like he was breathing through every muscle.

In contrast, the Sword Demon stood rooted to the spot.

I didn’t think the match would last long.

The moment I thought the Sword Demon moved—

He was already swinging his wooden sword before Im Sobaek.

The motion was absurdly simple.

Im Sobaek mirrored the movement, swinging his sword in nearly the same fashion. But the trajectory of his swing looked subtly strange to me.

As the two wooden swords collided, one of them shattered instantly.

At the same time, the Sword Demon thrust with his left palm.

Im Sobaek met it with his own palm—and with a thwack, the Sword Demon staggered back three steps.

It was a shockingly simple duel.

The Sword Demon, holding only a shattered hilt, tossed it to the ground without hesitation and gave a small nod toward Im Sobaek.

“Alliance Leader.”

“Yes?”

“I lost.”

Im Sobaek tossed his own wooden sword to the youth beside him and replied,

“You fought well. The palm strike was unnecessary, but you showed it anyway. Begin circulation immediately. Your existing injury might worsen.”

Im Sobaek looked around and snapped his fingers once.

“Everyone, return.”

The youths, as well as the Martial Alliance members stationed outside, all responded in unison.

“Yes, Alliance Leader.”

Im Sobaek turned to the Sword Demon.

“Until next time.”

The Sword Demon extended his hand toward the entrance.

“Take care on your way.”

Without another word, Im Sobaek turned around and headed toward the front of the villa. The main gate swung open. The duel had been brief—but the retreat was like lightning.

The Martial Alliance Leader vanished from Oksoo Mountain Villa in an instant.

I found myself speechless.

“…….”