The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 140

Not long after leaving the village, we arrived at the Blue Moon Sect. It had been several months since we last returned to the Blue Moon Sect.

Pulling the carriage prepared by Murong Yeongsun, we entered the Blue Moon Sect.

Though we were stopped at the gate by the guards, as soon as Do Hyung spoke through the carriage window, we were allowed to enter without any fuss.

Inside the Blue Moon Sect, familiar scenery unfolded before my eyes. Even though they hadn’t stayed long before, the place had become familiar during my brief stay.

With the sound of the horse, the carriage came to a stop, and soon the carriage door opened.

“We have arrived,” said the Sword Emperor with a benevolent smile as he opened the door.

Just as I was about to step out upon seeing that, Tang Chun-il furrowed his brow and spoke to the Sword Emperor.

“I told you before, why do you keep driving like this?”

Hearing that, he was taken aback.

“This time and the last time, the way you handle horses is just unsatisfactory.”

“Oh dear… It seems I have caused you some discomfort…”

“How can you say that…”

*Smack!*

“Oof!”

Before things could continue, I slapped the back of Tang Chun-il’s head without warning.

“You crazy fool. Why can’t you just ride quietly without complaints?”

“Grr!!”

Hit directly, Tang Chun-il groaned, clutching his head.

“You get scolded by me every day, and now you’re angry? If you need a place to vent, go to the training ground instead of lashing out here!”

In truth, the Sword Emperor’s skill at handling horses was proficient. It was impressive how skillfully he managed with just one hand.

Tang Chun-il should have known this, but he seemed to just want to vent his frustration.

It was perhaps because of how harshly he got hit that Tang Chun-il gave him a rather fierce glare.

*Smack!*

“Ugh!”

Seeing that, I hit the back of his head once more.

“Why are you giving him that look?”

I thought to myself, ‘If you knew the truth, you’d be begging on his knees.’

Tang Chun-il had no idea to whom he was being insolent. So, he didn’t realize he had been spared.

After roughly throwing the groaning Tang Chun-il aside, I turned to the Sword Emperor.

“Thank you for your efforts, elder.”

“Oh no… it’s nothing… my skills must have been lacking…”

“Oh, not at all. It was truly comfortable. Don’t mind what that insect said. Hahaha.”

As I spoke, I nudged Tang Chun-il with my foot, indicating for him to leave quickly.

Do Hyung then got off, followed by Chun Uijin. Murong Yeongsun, as usual, descended gracefully, busy observing her surroundings. At that moment, I spotted people coming from the entrance. They were members of the Blue Moon Sect.

Seeing them, Do Hyung spoke, “First, let’s go make our report.”

“Understood,” they replied with a noticeably tense expression.

Having completed their mission, the person they were to meet was clearly preordained.

‘Virtuous Moon Sword.’

The Blue Moon Sect Leader Virtuous Moon Sword. The person most burdensome to meet immediately upon arrival.

* * *

“We come to see the Sect Leader.”

Without unpacking, the three of us headed straight to the residence of the Blue Moon Sect’s leader. Whether it was fortunate or not, the Virtuous Moon Sword was not away, and they could meet him immediately.

The Virtuous Moon Sword looked not much different from when they had left. Still sharp. Maybe even more so than before. With his characteristic blue eyes, he nodded at the three of them.

“Well done.”

It was a brief statement. No other words followed. After glancing over the report that Do Hyung handed him, Virtuous Moon Sword added shortly after.

“You must be weary from the long journey. Take some rest for now. I will hear the detailed report tomorrow.”

“We obey your orders.”

“Leave.”

The brief words made the long mission seem trivial. Just as I thought I could leave in peace, “Young master Bang, stay behind.”

“…”

Before I could even allow the thought, the Virtuous Moon Sword held me back. I quickly tried to grab Do Hyung and Chun Uijin, but they were already long gone.

‘Fast runners…’

They moved twice as fast as usual, clearly escaping to avoid being caught.

“… Ahem.”

Left alone in the room, I deliberately cleared my throat and spoke to Virtuous Moon Sword.

“Have you been well…”

“You’ve reached the peak.”

“…”

My words were cut off before I could finish. The certainty in Virtuous Moon Sword’s eyes left me without anything to say.

“Was it always like this, or is it recent?”

“Well, that…”

“You don’t need to answer. It’s not something I’m that curious about.”

“Ah, yes…”

It wasn’t really important whether I had reached the peak, or so it seemed, as Virtuous Moon Sword ended it with a brief nod.

“I’ve reviewed the reports that were sent. Is this true?”

“If there were no issues on the way, then yes, it is.”

“Hmm…”

Virtuous Moon Sword’s gaze turned toward me. Wow, every time, it felt like just his eyes could cut someone down.

“From making an agreement with the Tang family to their official declaration of supporting you, all of it is true, then.”

“Yes, it is.”

“So, the reason lies in killing the Spear Demon and consequently saving the Tang family?”

“According to the family head, yes.”

“Are you also looking to establish a deal between the Iron Workshop and the Blue Moon Sect?”

“Yes. That would ultimately be the Sect Leader’s decision.”

Despite these words, Virtuous Moon Sword was not likely to refuse. Who would dare decline preferential trading rights with the Iron Workshop, especially in a martial family?

“…”

The Virtuous Moon Sword looked at me silently. I couldn’t read his gaze. Time passed without a word, and then his gaze shifted slightly—to my waist.

“You’ve changed your sword.”

“…”

The sharpness was uncanny, even though I carried it in its sheath. How did he know?

“… Yes. It’s a gift.”

“Is that so?”

“Full Moon has also been well repaired. Have you checked its condition?”

I deliberately changed the subject.

“Not yet. I’ll check it later.”

“I understand.”

“…”

“…”

The conversation stalled again. Was there nothing more to say?

Should I be the one asking questions now? There was something I wanted to ask the Virtuous Moon Sword.

Honestly, I wanted to just leave and rest, but since it had come to this…

‘I should ask about the Broken Heaven Palace.’

Reflecting on what I experienced at the Tang family, I thought of asking about it to Virtuous Moon Sword. Before I could speak—

“Soon, the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament will be held.”

“Pardon?”

Virtuous Moon Sword spoke before I did.

“Oh, yes… The Dragon-Phoenix Tournament. Right.”

I had already heard about it. For most in the Central Plains, it was a much-anticipated festival.

‘Why would it matter to me?’

From my perspective, it didn’t seem significant.

‘The Blue Moon Sect can’t participate anyway.’

Being a festival organized by the Murim Alliance, sects directly under its jurisdiction, like the Blue Moon Sect, were not allowed to attend.

So, the opening of the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament wouldn’t make much of a difference.

“You shall attend it.”

“Yes, I understand. I shall attend… What do you mean, I shall go?”

I stopped mid-reply. Had I misheard? Yes, it must have been a mistake.

I asked Virtuous Moon Sword to clarify.

“Represent the Blue Moon Sect at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.”

“What kind of nonsense is this?”

“What?”

As soon as I spoke, I covered my mouth. It was a mistake.

『Lol. This crazy guy.』

Virtuous Moon Sword’s eyes turned fierce. Simultaneously, the air in the room became heavy.

Chills ran down my spine, and goosebumps prickled across my skin.

“What did you just say?”

I had unknowingly overstepped. Even knowing that didn’t change what I felt.

‘… I’ve lost it.’

I shuddered under the pressure the Virtuous Moon Sword exuded. It felt like countless sword tips targeting me from all directions—a sensation unlike killing intent.

“I apologize.”

I instantly offered my apologies. It was indeed my fault for crossing the line. However…

“… I don’t quite understand. To my knowledge, the Blue Moon Sect traditionally cannot participate in the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament. Why would you suddenly tell me to attend?”

“…”

I felt the intensity of Virtuous Moon Sword’s presence wane.

“Furthermore, I can’t comprehend the notion of being a representative. I haven’t even been with the sect for a year.”

Although nominated as the Sword Saint’s successor, if one considered the timeframe, it was extremely short. Even those who had spent a decade as disciples might hesitate to represent, let alone me?

‘If this isn’t madness, what is?’

As I kept questioning the bizarre claim, Virtuous Moon Sword replied.

“You asked for the reason.”

“Yes.”

Virtuous Moon Sword spoke to me.

“This is an order from the Murim Alliance.”

“… What?”

An order from the Murim Alliance…?

“It came directly from the Alliance Leader himself.”

“What does that mean…?”

“This year, for the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, they allowed the Blue Moon Sect to participate and decided that we must send Little Sword Saint Bang Sung-Yun as the representative.”

“…”

『Oh? Hahaha! This is becoming interesting!』

As I wore an expression as if I had tasted something unpleasant, Yu Chun-gil clapped his hands in delight upon hearing the news.

“… The… Alliance Leader?”

“Indeed.”

“No way….”

How did this happen…?

‘The Alliance Leader…?’

It wasn’t just anyone; it was the leader of the Murim Alliance who had chosen me, forcing me to blink continuously in disbelief.

‘If the Alliance Leader…’

If it’s the current leader of the Murim Alliance, it certainly is ‘The Divine Spear(神槍).’

The Divine Spear Jeok Ho-Myung.

He had assumed leadership of the Murim Alliance after Yu Chun-gil’s death, and was one of the heroes who had shone in the Great Demon War. Known for his mastery of the spear from the Northern Shaolin Temple.

‘Why would he choose me…?’

It was utterly perplexing how someone with whom I had no connection whatsoever had picked me directly and issued a directive.

‘He’s even altering the rules for this?’

The Blue Moon Sect’s participation in the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

The repercussions from this were unimaginable.

‘And to be sent as the representative…?’

I was instructed to participate as the representative of the Blue Moon Sect’s young disciples.

What kind of nonsensical order was this?

“Hey, Sect Leader-”

“The decree from the Murim Alliance is absolute.”

Before I could utter anything further, the Virtuous Moon Sword interrupted me decisively.

“I’ve relayed all the necessary words. As for you, Bang Sung-Yun, hear the rest of the details after taking a rest tomorrow.”

“…”

The Virtuous Moon Sword shifted his blue eyes away from me and back to the documents on the desk, implying there was no more to discuss, signaling me to leave.

‘Damn it…’

I turned my back, suppressing a sigh, and grabbed the door handle.

“And also.”

I paused at the Virtuous Moon Sword’s remark.

What now? I was bracing myself for another piece of significant news.

“You did very well with the mission.”

“… Oh, thank you.”

The Virtuous Moon Sword praised me, and I nodded in acknowledgment upon hearing it.

I exited the room.

* * *

Outside the Virtuous Moon Sword’s quarters, Do Hyung and Chun Uijin were waiting for me without making a move.

“Are you okay?”

Do Hyung spoke to me with concern, and I forced a smile at his words.

“Yes. Well, I’m okay… It was just telling me I did a good job. That’s all.”

I decided not to mention the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament matter.

Chun Uijin reacted to my words.

“… Young Master, what did the Sect Leader say?”

“As I just said. He complimented me for doing well on the mission.”

I casually deflected to change the subject.

“Really?”

“Huh?”

The two of them widened their eyes like saucers after hearing my words.

What’s with them?

“Why are you acting like this?”

“Young Master.”

“Yes.”

“The Se… I mean, the Sect Leader praised you?”

“… Yes.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, he did. He said I did well.”

“……”

“What’s going on with you?”

Chun Uijin’s expression turned quite peculiar in reaction to my account. Why was he acting like that? I furrowed my brow in confusion.

“Bang Sung-Yun.”

“Yes, senior.”

It was Do Hyung, not Chun Uijin, who answered my unspoken question.

“The Sect Leader does not give praise.”

“… What?”

What was that supposed to mean?

“He doesn’t give praise?”

“Yes.”

“Why…?”

Why wouldn’t he give praise? It’s not like he loses anything by doing so.

“I don’t know. But out of all the members, no one has ever received praise from the Sect Leader.”

“…… So, one has been born today.”

Chun Uijin commented with a complicated look.

‘… Hmm.’

This was apparently.

A much more expensive praise than I anticipated.

‘… So what? I don’t need it.’

No matter how much praise the Virtuous Moon Sword showered upon me, I had no interest at all.