The World’s Greatest is Dead

“What is that guy?”

He narrowed his eyes as he looked at the trembling Black Greatsword standing before him. Despite his bulky frame, Black Greatsword looked pale and stared in their direction.

He confirmed this observation and thought, “Can he see it?”

The nameless man was definitely looking this way. But when I said “this way!”

I didn’t mean myself…

『Oh-ho?』

It meant he was looking at Yu Chun-gil, the old man behind me.

The gaze was undoubtedly directed there. Though it seemed like he was looking at me, his eyes were clearly looking behind me.

‘… Can he see this?’

I frowned. Could he possibly…

‘Does he possess the ‘Ghost Eye’?’

The eye that sees what shouldn’t be seen. While pondering if he might have it, I thought, ‘No.’

I was certain. He didn’t possess the Ghost Eye. I could feel it. Just as I could sense spiritual energy in someone like the figure named Fortune Teller, we already had a way to know whether others had the Ghost Eye or not.

Of course, depending on the level of possession, one might not be able to notice.

‘Even so.’

When I looked at Black Greatsword, it seemed he couldn’t hide his spiritual energy. So that must mean…

‘Rather than seeing it, he might feel it?’

‘It’s absurd.’

I stifled laughter. To feel it rather than see it. It was somewhat common, actually. People seeing spirits not through spiritual eyes but just through sharp intuition.

‘It’s just people with sensory acumen.’

There were those who had such extraordinary senses that they felt what they shouldn’t. Black Greatsword seemed like one of those individuals to me.

‘I heard he’s said to have the Celestial Martial Physique. Is that why?’

A martial body bestowed by the heavens. Said to be the ultimate physique for mastering and utilizing martial arts. Perhaps that’s what let him sense Yu Chun-gil.

That thought crossed my mind.

『An interesting fellow. He doesn’t see me but feels me?』

Yu Chun-gil felt intrigue.

‘Ah.’

A bad premonition struck me. I tried to quickly stop him.

『Then, how about this?』

Before I could speak, Yu Chun-gil had already stirred up trouble.

Hoooooo—!!!

Internally, I gasped as Yu Chun-gil abruptly heightened his presence.

‘This crazy old man?!’

I was astonished. No matter how much Yu Chun-gil heightened his presence, he couldn’t have a tangible influence.

To demonstrate this, Chun Hye-In and Do Hyung stood still.

They couldn’t feel a thing.

Some might argue heightening presence was meaningless since humans couldn’t feel it, but…

‘It’s just that humans can’t feel it.’

There could be spirits nearby reacting to it, which would be a matter of chance.

It would likely be one of two scenarios.

‘Either flee or gather.’

Judging by the state, it didn’t seem like they’d rush, but one couldn’t be sure.

‘Why express presence like this?’

It was bizarre how intense Yu Chun-gil’s spiritual pressure was.

‘It seems like a higher spirit.’

It was unexpectedly intense. This level of energy was remarkable.

‘If it’s at this level.’

A higher spirit.

It seemed comparable to the formidable foes I faced in a previous life.

Or perhaps…

‘It might even be higher.’

His spirit was intact despite leaving his corporeal body, long past his life.

To see him bear such a form with only a shadow missing was new even to me.

‘This is not easy.’

My eyes rolled back repeatedly. Other spirits might flee preemptively, but…

‘If it were an evil spirit, it’s different.’

They would rush blindly, those creatures called evil spirits. Feeling this spirit could spur a sudden charge.

‘Seriously, quit it.’

I couldn’t fathom why this already long-dead old man, with all his age, was still so bad-tempered.

“… Tsk.”

As the situation seemed to spiral into chaos, I felt the need to offer mediation, lest it merely compounded my difficulties.

‘Will that guy be okay?’

His name was Peng Dojin or something. Known as the future of the Peng Family, would that guy be alright?

Given that he could sense spiritual pressure at this point, it’s likely that it could drive him into a state of mania or…

“Haaaaaaaa—!!!”

Whoosh!

I thought he would, but Black Greatsword suddenly emitted a loud shout and dispelled the spiritual pressure.

『Oh-hoh!』

‘Is he mad?’

I widened my eyes at what I saw. Is he nuts?

‘Can that be solved by shouting?’

I’ve never heard of such a thing. Was spiritual pressure naturally dissipated like that?

‘It’s not supposed to be that simple, right…?’

Today was indeed a day of many firsts.

“Huh… huh… huh…”

Black Greatsword, drenched in cold sweat, caught his breath while wiping his sweat with the back of his hand, and looked squarely at me.

Facing Black Greatsword like that, I flinched.

“What’s with those eyes?”

The sheen in his eyes was intensely uncomfortable.

Already with his burly features, his intense stare added to the discomfort.

Moreover,

‘Why is he smiling?’

Despite sweating buckets, his eyes and mouth seemed to smile.

What is this?

‘… A pervert?’

Gone was the thought as I realized.

No way, could that be true? Even if he is a direct descendant of the Five Great Families—

“I like it. Yes, I like it very much–!!”

‘He’s a pervert.’

I was convinced. That guy is indeed a pervert.

“I like it… I didn’t think it’d be to this extent. You’re the Little Sword Saint, aren’t you?”

“… No.”

“To think you possess such power–!! The rumors weren’t false.”

“Wait… Calm down for a moment…”

I wanted to calm down his manic reaction, but…

Whoosh–!!!

Crash-!

Something flew past me with the sound of wind.

I didn’t bother looking back at the sound of a loud crash that followed.

I didn’t need to see it to know something had broken.

“Draw your sword, Little Sword Saint. Show me how amazing it is, let me taste it!”

“….”

Vroom-!

The sword Black Greatsword held vibrated. The energy within it was intense enough to make my back go cold just from looking at it.

“This guy-!! Truly!”

Do Hyung, witnessing it, exclaimed fiercely.

Rumble-!!

The sword was clad in aura.

Witnessing this, I said,

“Senior. Just a moment.”

Stop-!

At my words, Do Hyung halted his steps. Fortunately, he listened.

“Hah.”

I sighed.

“Ah, seriously.”

Every time I emerge, trouble brews.

I’m so sick of it when such things happen.

Clang.

I placed my hand on my waist, gently grasping the handle of my sword, and walked forward.

“Hehehehe–!!”

『Oh-ho?』

Beyond Black Greatsword’s laughter, Yu Chun-gil reacted.

『Are you thinking of fighting?』

Upon hearing this, I stifled a smile inside. Thinking of fighting?

“Of course not.”

Why would I be insane enough to fight that guy? Whether I could win or not, he seemed like a troublesome fellow at a mere glance.

However.

“I can’t just let this go, can I?”

I couldn’t easily overlook this amidst prying eyes.

Above all,

“He crossed the line.”

This guy continually crossed the line.

It infuriated me.

“Little Sword Saint! I can’t believe it’s true…”

“Shut up. Your voice is so loud it’s hurting my ears.”

I interrupted his words.

Simultaneously, I took a step forward, altering my stance.

『Oh?』

Yu Chun-gil seemed to recognize what had changed and widened his eyes.

『Look at this guy?』

Step.

The moment I took a step, Black Greatsword’s eyes changed.

Confirming this, I focused.

‘Focus on the movement.’

Though still practicing, I couldn’t fully emulate it yet, but I could follow it to some extent.

The movement of joints.

The breathing during walking.

I mimicked them to create the desired atmosphere.

This was the method I first used when meeting the Small Moon Division Leader as a member of the Small Moon Division.

Imitating Yu Chun-gil’s walk.

Not sure if it helped, but personally, it seemed useful enough that I practiced it often.

I employed this on Black Greatsword.

“… Haha…”

Black Greatsword’s reaction was unique.

Was it working?

“Focus.”

Confirming, I concentrated further.

“Who are you?”

I spoke with a low voice. A slightly high tone for someone past puberty, but naturally flowed.

“Do you not know who I am?”

In response, Black Greatsword answered.

“Should I know you?”

He spoke nonchalantly. The truth was, I knew well, but I pretended otherwise.

“Well, that’s true.”

Yet, Black Greatsword casually nodded at my response.

“I am Peng Dojin of the Peng Family. From now, remember my name. I am an extraordinary man.”

“….”

He seemed to possess quite a remarkable self-esteem.

However.

“That’s problematic.”

I brushed my hair back and spoke.

“I don’t remember weakling names or the like.”

『Wow.』

Yu Chun-gil expressed admiration. I inwardly held back a gag reflex.

Ah, damn. Was that a bit too much? It’s quite a problematic statement, yet I had to endure.

“Huh?”

Peng Dojin furrowed his brows at my words.

“I don’t care who you are!”

I continued walking. As I walked, I glanced at Yu Chun-gil.

『Hmm.』

Seemingly understanding the intent of my gaze, Yu Chun-gil appeared to ponder for a moment.

『Tsk.』

He clicked his tongue once and generated spiritual pressure just like before.

Kuuuuuuuuu—!!!

“… Grr!”

Feeling the spiritual pressure again, Peng Dojin trembled.

Amidst it all, he seemed intent on moving somehow.

As he was before, his willpower was quite strong.

But.

Kuuuuuuuuuu—!!!

The spiritual pressure intensified. Damn, so it wasn’t serious before?

『He’s fascinating. Just how long can this child endure?』

He seemed quite intrigued, applying even more force.

“… This was… a bit…”

Sweat trickled down my back and forehead under my hair. By now, sustaining it became somewhat challenging.

“Grghhhh!!!”

Peng Dojin shook to the point his body trembled under it.

Those watching bore confused expressions.

Though they felt nothing, only Peng Dojin appeared to be breaking down, it seemed odd to them.

“Are you amazing?”

I approached the trembling Peng Dojin and spoke.

“Not really?”

I then casually flicked my finger against his chest, and—

Thud-!!

The eight-foot-tall giant was pushed back and dropped to the ground.

“Doesn’t seem that way.”

“… Blah!”

Just as he fell, the spiritual pressure vanished.

Peng Dojin gasped for breath repeatedly.

“Huff… Huff…”

He stared up at me from behind his labored breath.

I met his dark eyes without evading his gaze.

“I’m not interested in your reasons. It doesn’t matter who you are.”

I emphasized power into Moon Eye. My eyes must have been glowing.

“If you’re part of the Orthodox faction, show the proper etiquette. This sword wasn’t drawn for a sordid place like a back alley thug scene.”

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue disdainfully and turned away.

I walked, and silently hoped.

‘Please stay put.’

Just stay put.

Let’s just go quietly.

While praying fervently, that was when…

“Hahaha!! Etiquette?”

I felt Peng Dojin rising.

Did I mess up? Do I have to fight? As tension mounted and I was about to touch my sword.

“It’s a good word. Had an idiot said it, I would’ve called him a coward, but you’re different.”

Clang. He sheathed his sword back, continuing to speak.

“I like it. I really do… How long has it been since I felt this? Are you in the same lineage as that person?”

‘That person?’

I was momentarily puzzled.

“Whatever it is, if you’re telling me to show some etiquette, fine. You’re likely headed to the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, aren’t you? Planning to draw your sword there?”

“….”

I slightly turned my head to glance at him.

“If I have to.”

I spoke with the hope that I wouldn’t have to, even if it killed me.

“Good. I’ll look forward to it.”

Peng Dojin seemed to take it differently, laughing roughly as he spoke.

“I’m eager to see your skill, rumored to place even the Seven Geniuses beneath you.”

Thud.

Peng Dojin moved towards his carriage. He squeezed his large body through the entrance he had previously broken upon coming out.

“I apologize for blocking the path. This seemed like the best way.”

His large hand emerged from the window, waving.

“Ah, and I didn’t mention the most important thing.”

Then his face peeked out, looking at me.

“Lady Murong is mine. That’s non-negotiable.”

“What?”

“Let’s go!”

Neigh—!!!

Upon the shout, the Peng Family’s carriage moved.

Watching the departing carriage, I was left dumbfounded.

“… Did he… what?”

What did that guy just say?