The World’s Greatest is Dead

The Main Headquarters of Henan.

Its location was slightly removed from the center, yet it was also the most populated area.

Even though the Great Demon War had ended, the Evil Faction was still thriving, and danger was ever-present.

Still, that was the reality.

Therefore, righteous sects that pursued justice and chivalry established branches of the Murim Alliance in each region, supporting or making agreements with local families responsible for protecting people from the Evil Faction while maintaining peace and safety.

Among various aspects, they received support from merchants under the banner of preserving peace and safety.

While these connections existed, the place known as the epicenter was the Main Headquarters.

It was considered the origin and standard of all Murim Alliances.

Along with Shaolin of the Nine Great Sects and the Blue Moon Sect, it protected Henan.

“Identification confirmed. You may enter.”

The gatekeeper returned the letter and spoke.

Creak—!!

The gate opened at his words.

I entered through the opening gap.

As I entered inside, a tremendous scene unfolded before my eyes.

“Wow.”

I widened my eyes as soon as I saw it.

“It’s huge….”

Although the branch of the Blue Moon Sect and the notable representatives of Liaoning were large, this was on a different level.

Certainly, being the representative city of the Central Plains, its population and vibe were distinct.

“The quality of the buildings is different too.”

The atmosphere was sophisticated and the surroundings exuded the feeling of a metropolis.

“It’s comparable to what I saw in my past life.”

An impressive urban landscape. I slowly entered, fascinated by the intriguing sight.

I was still riding a carriage.

Because of that, “That emblem….”

“Blue Moon Sect? That’s the Blue Moon Sect’s emblem.”

“Wow. Was the rumor true?”

Voices came from beyond the closed window. My ears perked up.

“What rumor?”

“Well, you know, the one about the Blue Moon Sect participating in the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.”

“What? The Blue Moon Sect?”

I sighed at the astonished voice. The rumor seemed to have spread quite extensively. I hadn’t expected it to reach here already.

“Hmm.”

I wondered how it had leaked. As rumors naturally tended to spread even through the smallest gaps.

Recalling that, I clicked my tongue regretfully. At that moment,

“Does that mean he’s in that carriage too?”

“By ‘he’… do you mean…?”

“You know.”

“Little Sword Saint.”

I flinched.

My eyes opened at the familiar title. At the same time, the gazes in the carriage all turned toward me.

I pretended to be oblivious and avoided their eyes.

“Damn it.”

I never imagined they would talk about me even here. While trying to hide my embarrassment and regain my composure.

“The hero of Sichuan?”

What?

‘… What is this?’

An odd title preceded it.

“Well of course. If the Blue Moon Sect is participating, naturally he would be involved.”

“… Whoa. Is it really possible to confirm the rumor that he even surpassed the great Seven Geniuses?”

“That’s a bit much, isn’t it? The current Seven Geniuses are truly remarkable… Could someone who appeared so suddenly actually achieve that?”

“Oh come now. He didn’t just ‘appear’. He’s none other than the Sword Saint’s successor.”

“Indeed, if he’s Yu Chun-gil’s successor, that’s certainly possible.”

『Hmm.』

At the mention of me, Yu Chun-gil nodded with a proud demeanor.

“It was such a sad affair when Yu Chun-gil passed away… But hearing about his successor emerging was truly exciting.”

“I heard that this time, all members of the Seven Geniuses were going to attend.”

“What? Where did you hear that?”

“Well, I have ties with the Beggar Sect. There are ways to find out.”

“Whoa. All Seven Geniuses attending?”

My eyes widened in surprise. This part surprised me too.

‘All Seven Geniuses attending?’

I hadn’t expected this.

Since the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament was a festival for next-generation disciples, it wasn’t odd for them to attend.

‘But all attending was unprecedented.’

Just last year, two hadn’t shown up, and since the birth of the Seven Geniuses, there hadn’t been a time when all of them attended the tournament together.

At the time, Chun Hye-In couldn’t attend because of her sect affiliation.

‘But now all are here….’

It sent a slight chill down my spine.

‘This could be bad.’

If all Seven Geniuses were attending, then even the attention that wasn’t focused elsewhere would converge on my participation in the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

‘Every gaze will be drawn to me.’

Every possible unnoticed gaze might turn this way.

“Tsk.”

I swallowed hard while organizing my thoughts. How should I handle this? As I pondered.

『What are you worrying about?』

Yu Chun-gil spoke to me in a nonchalant voice.

『Just beat them all up.』

“……”

Such a simple-minded solution.

Good grief.

‘If that were possible, I wouldn’t be worrying like this.’

If that were an option, I wouldn’t be having these concerns.

As I was rolling my eyes thinking, a voice came from the side.

“We are set to stay at Wicheon Inn, right?”

It was Do Hyung’s question. Before I could answer, Chun Hye-In responded.

“Yes, it’s always been there. It seems it will be this time too.”

‘Wicheon Inn’, it was the location noted in the letter. We were to stay there throughout the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

They had rented out the entire inn and provided rooms for the participants.

‘It’s a place of collaboration.’

From Chun Hye-In’s words, it seemed to be a place used whenever the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament was held.

Meaning, it was connected to the Murim Alliance.

Possibly extensively supporting the Murim Alliance, or perhaps having good connections with the upper ranks.

I glanced outside the window.

The bustling crowd and the hum of voices.

As the carriage passed slowly, everyone looked this way.

Their eyes were filled with interest and anticipation.

The fact that the Blue Moon Sect was attending was one thing, but I knew very well why they had such expressions.

‘Because of me, surely.’

The Sword Saint’s successor was attending.

That troublesome reason was certainly the cause.

‘Haah.’

A low sigh escaped my lips, dispersing like steam.

Would it be alright? It was the start of these apprehensive thoughts.

* * *

We reached the inn. Wicheon Inn was indeed large and wide enough to accommodate all attendees.

Not limited to a single building, they seemed to be using all three adjacent structures.

“Well then, I’ll go sort out the carriage.”

“… Please take care.”

Chu Dong headed toward the stable set up near the inn.

No doubt they had prepared for numerous incoming carriages.

After Chu Dong left, we entered the inn.

“Pardon me. May I verify your recommendation letter?”

As they entered, a familiar figure approached us, requesting verification.

The group, including me, handed over our letters.

“!”

Upon checking the letter, the person’s eyes widened.

I felt a sidelong glance directed at me.

Even without words, I knew.

-This guy is the Little Sword Saint.

That was precisely the kind of gaze.

“… Ah, uh… *ahem*.”

With a slight cough, the person quickly continued.

“… Verifying identities. Four members from the Blue Moon Sect and… hmm?”

As I confirmed, my gaze landed on another person this time.

“Sichuan… Tang Family’s Tang Chun-il. Verification… confirmed.”

Why was a member of the Tang Family, and no less than the Poison Dragon, included here?

That was the puzzled look. Then.

“Ah…”

A small realization dawned on him.

I wondered what had been realized, but then I understood. This person.

‘He recalled the rumor.’

There was a particular rumor about me. After saving Sichuan, the Poison Dragon, a member of the family, followed me as a benefactor.

Because of that rumor, this person seemed to be looking at the Poison Dragon with such eyes.

Realizing this, the Poison Dragon scowled briefly.

“Tut!”

He clicked he tongue sharply but refrained from further reaction.

Observing it, I stifled a laugh.

‘This guy….’

He had been looking quite dejected.

The reason must have been the fight with the Black Greatsword.

‘His cheeks are all swollen.’

Was the blow he received such a big shock?

His swollen cheeks and grimacing face looked oddly strange.

“… Ah. The four of you and one Tang Family member is confirmed. All five of you may use the top floor. I’ll guide you there promptly.”

Following the person’s instructions, we moved.

* * *

The top floor of the inn. The feeling was distinctively different.

It exuded a very luxurious ambiance.

The further we ascended, the more it enhanced.

‘Did they grade the floors?’

It seemed they had graded the floors of the inn.

The grade of the recommendation we received was Gold, the highest.

Naturally. If the Blue Moon Sect didn’t receive the Gold grade, it would indeed be strange.

Perhaps because of that, we were guided to the top floor.

Below it, two more floors had a similar feel.

“Here it is.”

“Thank you.”

We were shown into our rooms. Each one received a single room.

I casually dropped my luggage and exited. I hadn’t bothered to properly organize it.

“Let’s go grab some food.”

I said to Do Hyung, who was coming out at the same time. He was in the room next to mine.

The meal times were set, and since it was nearing the last session, we decided to gather for a meal.

The Poison Dragon expressed no interest in eating and was left behind. Judging by his condition, he might not even eat tomorrow.

‘It doesn’t matter.’

It wasn’t my concern if someone chose not to eat.

Thus, as we descended together.

‘Hmm.’

I felt gazes once more.

The dining area was in the adjacent building, and heading there, I saw many people gathered.

From observing them, I could tell.

‘They’re all martial artists.’

Everyone present was a martial artist. Without exception.

Being a space filled with martial artists, the atmosphere was intense.

People not making eye contact.

Those who glanced over.

Those covertly sizing us up.

Despite the three existing categories, it was clear.

‘They’re all watching.’

Regardless of their actions, they were watching this place. I could feel it well.

“Blue Moon Sect.”

“Small Moon Division.”

“… Isn’t that Moonlit Delight? It’s true then.”

“In that case….”

Beyond the murmurs, the swift scans of eyes passed over.

After confirming Chun Hye-In, they quickly checked the rest of the group.

Seeming to focus on Chun Uijin, Do Hyung, and me.

The reason was.

‘They’re looking for me.’

Looking for the Little Sword Saint among them.

It was the gaze searching for me.

Sussing it out, I proceeded down the stairs.

I slowly descended, scouting for an empty table.

Upon seeing me descend, someone sprinted toward us.

It appeared to be the inn attendant.

“I’ll guide you to your meal!”

We were guided to a table.

We sought only to fill their hunger, so we ordered simple dishes and sat quietly.

“… Ugh, tired….”

Fatigue washed over me. It was mostly mental exhaustion.

It made my brows furrow involuntarily.

Not only from the eyes fixed intently upon us, but also from concerns about the future.

‘I’d better just eat a decent meal and rest today.’

My heart was set on just filling my stomach and resting.

While we waited, the food arrived.

Even then, we didn’t exchange a word among ousrselves.

Partly, everyone was worn out, but primarily, we weren’t particularly talkative to begin with.

The dishes were set out.

My stomach growled with hunger.

‘Finally, I’ll get to eat.’

Being so mindful and distracted had killed my appetite, preventing me from having a proper meal.

But now, hunger gnawed at me, compelling me to eat whatever lay before me.

As I was about to grab some food.

“You scoundrel!”

A voice cut through. I paid no attention.

Certainly, it wasn’t directed toward me.

So I assumed.

“At last, I’ve found you.”

Out of nowhere, a voice came drastically closer.

Bang–!!

“Ah?”

The chopsticks I held flew out from the impact.

Naturally, so did the food.

Someone had grabbed my hand.

“You crazy— What the—?”

I was about to curse and rise in anger when I saw the face of the one gripping my arm.

Oh.

It was a familiar face.

“You?”

The eyes, nose, and mouth were arrogantly set, but the face was deeply furrowed with a scowl.

Even the shimmering murder in those eyes.

And.

The sinister aura creeping over my shoulder.

I confirmed the identity as I declared.

“That perverted bastard. No….”

The name was surely.

“Namgung Sung?”

The Young Azure Sword, Namgung Sung.

The young next-generation disciple I had once decimated with my body possessed by Yu Chun-gil back in Anhui.