The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 143

“What is the Mount Hua Sect?”

The Mount Hua Sect was one of the Nine Great Sects, pillars of the Murim Alliance, and was known as the Sword of Shaanxi, a prestigious and illustrious sect.

The leader of the sect, like the Alliance Leader Divine Spear, was the famous ‘Plum Blossom Sword’, one of the Heaven Beyond Heaven.

He had been considered a candidate for the leadership of the Murim Alliance alongside Divine Spear.

There were even those who wished for him to rise to the position of the Alliance Leader more than the Divine Spear.

“Didn’t he say that the Mount Hua Sect was more important to him, and he wouldn’t step up?”

I didn’t know exactly, but it seemed he had said so.

Thus, I heard Divine Spear became the Alliance Leader as a result.

“This alone is enough to measure the prestige of the Mount Hua Sect.”

Even without the Plum Blossom Sword, the prestige of the Mount Hua Sect was renowned and kept rising. Just like the Blue Moon Sect’s Small Moon Division, the Mount Hua Sect’s collective strength was formidable.

“Because it is home to the famous Plum Blossom Swordsmen.”

The Blue Moon Sect’s Small Moon Division, the Wudang Sect’s Taiji Swordsmen, and the Mount Hua Sect’s Plum Blossom Swordsman were often compared.

This indicated the extraordinary power possessed by the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.

Considering the position and prestige held by the sect leader, and the power of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, among many other factors, the Mount Hua Sect was indeed one of the significant sects among the Nine Great Sects.

“… I get that they’re remarkable, but still.”

Everyone was aware of the Mount Hua Sect’s greatness, so I could accept it.

“Why is this here?”

I found myself questioning as I stared at the coat before me repeatedly.

A black coat filled with black fur.

It exuded an evidently noble aura, suggesting it was not an ordinary item.

Even if one couldn’t recognize its expensive and esteemed nature, it was impossible to miss.

“No matter how you look at it, this doesn’t seem like what we were seeking, though?”

Frowning, I glared at the flower pattern embroidered prominently on the backside and delicately on the front of the coat.

It couldn’t be helped.

“There’s only one place in the Central Plains that uses this floral pattern.”

Mount Hua’s plum blossom.

Plum blossom symbolized Mount Hua.

Such a distinct plum blossom pattern was exclusive to the Mount Hua Sect…

“Why is it here?”

Why did a coat bearing the Mount Hua Sect pattern come along?

“Isn’t this supposed to be the White Fang Silent Cloth?”

Where was the supposed white color?

No white appeared even if one scoured the entire piece.

When I glanced at Yu Chun-gil, his expression was equally perplexed.

“Is it something you’re unaware of too, grandpa?”

『Why is the Black Night Fabric here?』

The Black Night Fabric.

Even if it wasn’t what we were looking for, Yu Chun-gil seemed to recognize this coat’s identity.

“Is it something you know?”

『It’s the coat used by that Plum Blossom guy.』

“By the Plum Blossom guy, you mean the Plum Blossom Sword, right?”

『Exactly.』

“Oh dear.”

It was not just anything but the coat used by the Plum Blossom Sword. The very coat Yu Chun-gil was searching for wasn’t there; instead, this was unexpectedly here.

What was going on? Did the Plum Blossom Sword sneak into the warehouse and swap coats?

“How does that make any sense?”

It was a ridiculous thought even to myself.

This couldn’t be right, so what else could it be? As I pondered over the mystery.

『Aha?』

Yu Chun-gil suddenly reacted.

“Grandpa?”

『Aha… That’s it!』

“What is it?”

『I remembered.』

Seeming to recall something, he clapped his hands delightedly.

『We were drinking together, decided to try on each other’s coats, and this one was brought back.』

“What?”

The explanation instantly twisted my expression.

“What… What did you say?”

『Haha… I forgot to switch them back before passing away. Hahaha! This is truly something!』

“This is truly something? Are you out of your mind?”

Did they switch coats symbolizing themselves while drinking, then parted ways just like that?

‘The ‘so-called’ finest Daoists and the Alliance Leader did that?’

How should I process this? It was undeniably a matter that defied common sense.

『Hahaha. This is indeed a dilemma.』

“Seriously…”

I nearly swore but managed to hold back. By now, I had almost given up. Nothing left to be surprised about whatever this man encountered in the past.

“Having trouble dealing with just Divine Spear’s fiancée story and the eye talk.”

And now, a drunken mishap with the Plum Blossom Sword.

“How far does this go?”

How could there be no end?

“So, what do we do with this?”

No White Fang Silent Cloth, only Black Night Fabric.

“We can’t wear this, right?”

『Of course you can’t, you fool. The world would think who knows what if you walked around in it.』

“They’d at least see me as a lunatic.”

The Sword Saint’s successor donning a symbolic Mount Hua item was an absurd thought.

“Even the Black Heavenly Demon Sword is mixed in here.”

Hahaha.

A bizarre hybrid indeed.

“So, what should I do then?”

『What should you do… Retrieve it. While doing so, return this one too.』

“So, that means…”

Surely not.

“You’re not telling me to go to Shaanxi, are you?”

『Oh, of course not.』

“Hahaha. I believed as much. Even crazy talk has its limits.”

『Hahaha. Sure, sure.』

“Hahahaha!”

『Hahahaha!』

“…”

『… Wouldn’t it work somehow?』

“How could it possibly work, you old man?”

What a sneaky question.

“How long has it been since I arrived from Sichuan, and you want me to go to Shaanxi?”

Even nonsense has its limits.

Though I had gone to Sichuan on a mission, this was something else entirely.

In fact, it was, as they say, “It’s all bound up with the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, so I can’t even move.”

The Virtuous Moon Sword had firmly rooted me into this situation, leaving me with nowhere to go.

『Hmm…』

Knowing this, Yu Chun-gil seemed to ponder for a moment.

『Ah, that’ll work.』

“What will?”

『Send a letter to the Mount Hua Sect. Ask them to bring a bit of White Fang Silent Cloth.』

“… What?”

『It’s obvious they haven’t gotten rid of it, and when the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament begins, those folks will come as well. We can exchange then, can’t we?』

“… Ah.”

A letter to ask them to bring it there?

“… Me?”

『Then, who else is there besides you, young one?』

“That’s right. It’s always me who cleans up after Grandpa.”

『Talking about ‘cleaning up’, such vulgar words you use.』

“What should I say instead?”

『A cute mistake?』

“….”

『Your expression is a bit intimidating.』

“Sorry. I can’t manage my expression right now. Damn it.”

『…… It seems your mouth needs managing too.』

“Could you manage if you were in my shoes?”

『…… Ahem.』

I had come all the way to the Secret Vault, lured by the promise of receiving something worthwhile, only to find myself entangled with the Mount Hua Sect, with nothing to gain.

How could I see this positively?

“Sigh…”

I let out a deep sigh. Should I just quit everything? That thought briefly crossed my mind.

“Is it Mount Hua now?”

From Namgung to Tang Family… various entanglements had formed.

Things I never thought I’d be involved with, things I wanted to avoid if possible.

Not that being involved was necessarily bad, just…

“I didn’t want to be entangled in such a messy way.”

I simply wished to be involved in a more normal manner, if possible.

『Ah, but… there’s something rather nice about it.』

“Sure, there’s something nice. Why? Did you steal the Plum Blossom Blade’s sword or something?”

『…… How did you know?』

“I’m going crazy….”

『I tried but failed. And that’s not why I brought this up.』

“… Then what is it?”

『While we ask to exchange the Black Night Fabric and White Fang Silent Cloth, there is another thing to demand from Mount Hua.』

“… Demand?”

I listened closely, curious about what else was to be said.

『Purple Mist Pill.』

“!”

『We also plan to receive the agreed Purple Mist Pill, so make sure to bring it along as well.』

“Purple Mist Pill…?”

If it was a Purple Mist Pill, it was a pill that rivaled Shaolin’s Great Rejuvenation Pill.

And they were supposed to receive Purple Mist Pill…?

『Yes, there was something to extort from those guys.』

“Elder, how can you speak of such an important matter just now?!”

『…….』

“Shall I go up immediately and send a letter to the Mount Hua Sect to arrange it then?”

『…….』

Seeing my actions, Yu Chun-gil’s expression gradually soured.

Disgust and disdain were strikingly obvious.

『Young one.』

“Yes, elder? Speak freely.”

『…… You never change, do you?』

“Thank you for the compliment. Shall I move immediately?”

『…….』

Yu Chun-gil ultimately fell silent.

I had lost my conscience, but it was alright.

‘Is a conscience necessary to eat?’

Sure, a conscience could help with food, but Purple Mist Pill could not be consumed with it.

So, I decided to just cover for myself.

With very thick and smooth skin, that is.

* * *

Later, I left the Secret Vault and returned to my place.

There was nothing to gain by staying there. Once the sun rose, it would become evident I had disappeared, so returning as quickly as possible was imperative.

The difference between when I entered and left was that I was empty-handed at first, but now I held something in my hands.

On one hand, I grasped the Black Night Fabric, a long robe belonging to the Plum Blossom Blade. In the other, I held a jade ring with a violet hue.

Per Yu Chun-gil’s instructions, I roughly stored the long robe somewhere in the corner.

I placed the jade ring inside a lucky pouch and tucked it away safely.

Then, I promptly laid down for sleep.

It was my first time in a long while to enjoy a warm and soft bed.

Even if I didn’t feel sleepy, there was no resisting it.

I fell straight into a deep slumber.

However, “Hmm?”

When I opened my eyes again, I was standing in a strange place.

“Ah.”

I let out a sigh, assessing the situation.

“Again?”

Was it another spiritual dream?

“Does this old man have no conscience?”

He had worked me tirelessly back at Secret Vault, and now he was planning this again?

“Seriously, how can one be this cruel?”

I gritted my teeth as I spoke.

“… Come out from hiding.”

My voice echoed around the space.

Unlike what I always experienced, this time the entire space wasn’t white, but pitch black.

“Come on, I already know everything. Just come out. What is it this time?”

What kind of task was going to be assigned now?

“Can’t I rest for at least a day? How can you do this right after I arrive?”

Even as I spoke resentfully, only my voice reverberated back at me. There was no reply.

“What is this?”

Where had the old man gone?

“He must be hiding somewhere.”

It was clear that someone was secretly hiding and observing me.

“What a nasty temper.”

Not only did he look nasty, but his temper was also atrocious.

Especially his disposition seemed to hit rock bottom.

‘How can such a person be called the greatest hero of the orthodox faction?’

I couldn’t tell if the people of the world were blind, or if the old man had been acting all along.

“Ugh…”

No matter how much I called out, he never appeared, so I eventually took a step forward first.

At that moment.

*Splash!*

“Hmm?”

I felt moisture underfoot.

‘What is this?’

Looking down, I saw water reaching up to my ankles.

It was black and murky water.

“What is this all of a-!”

*Splash!*

“Gah!”

As soon as I spoke, my body was rapidly pulled into the water.

Until a moment ago, I was standing fine. But now, my body was trapped in the water.

*Groans… Gah!*

No sound came out.

I was suffocating.

Oxygen bubbled out of my mouth constantly.

With a pained expression, I kept rolling my eyes, but all I could see was still a dark world.

‘Damn!’

I thought I had been through all sorts of ordeals. Is this drowning now?

*Gurgle!*

It was painful. The phantom always inflicted pain no different from reality.

‘… Damn it…’

While cursing and clutching my neck.

‘Gah… Urgh…?’

Beyond my struggling gaze, something started to appear in the water.

‘What is that… a person?’

It was a person.

In the distance. I saw someone’s back.

Was it Yu Chun-gil? No, it didn’t seem like it.

“Ugh…”

I tried to call out, but words didn’t come easily underwater.

I was losing consciousness when the distant figure slowly turned around.

Both his clothing and the water were black, obscuring his face.

The moment his gaze reached me.

“!!!”

Suddenly, a shuddering current, as if electricity, ran through my body.

I couldn’t see his face.

It was obscured by a black aura. Still, I instinctively knew that he was looking at me.

What is this? Just what is that?

What could possibly be?

‘That terrifying?’

It felt like someone was gripping my heart with their hand.

With a slight squeeze, it seemed it could burst.

The water surrounding me felt like death itself.

Faint and terrifying. I only wanted to escape this place immediately.

Then, the figure’s hand moved.

Slowly, his raised index finger touched his lips.

-Shh.

With that low utterance.

“Haah─!!!”

I woke up from sleep, jerking my upper body upright.

“Haah… Huff…”

I stared at my hands with widened eyes. My hands were trembling madly, and my palms were slick with sweat.

“What…”

I kept wiping my palms on my clothes while I thought.

“What was that…?”

What kind of dream did I just have?

Strangely, I couldn’t remember.

“… Surely… I saw something, right?”

I felt as though I’d had a terrible nightmare.

“Whew…”

I sighed deeply. Having a nightmare wasn’t unusual, but it seemed this one had the most significant impact recently.

I couldn’t even remember it.

“… Whatever it was.”

It seemed like a genuinely spine-chilling dream.

“Whew…”

Anyway, it was good that I’d woken up. Considering that, I prepared to rise completely when…

-… Whatever.

-… Just like…

“… Hmm?”

Voices were suddenly audible again from outside my room.

‘… What is this? Am I not fully awake?’

Was I hearing things due to not fully waking up?

It was an incredible situation otherwise.

‘A woman’s voice.’

Why would a woman’s voice be heard in my place?

And not just one but two. I thought I might be hallucinating, so I turned my head and even gave my cheek a slight slap. However, the voices only became clearer instead of disappearing.

-… Tried it──.

-Than you…

The closer I got to the door, the clearer they became.

So, to check, I grabbed the doorknob and opened it.

*Creak!!*

As the door opened.

“What’s this?”

I wore a blank expression at the scene unfolding outside my door.

“What are you all doing here?”

On the veranda outside my room.

Sitting were the owners of the voices I’d heard earlier, Chun Hye-In of the Blue Moon Sect and Murong Yeongsun of the Murong family.

Both glaring intensely at each other while speaking.