The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 46

“How was it?”

It was the beginning of the night. The Virtuous Moon Sword, sitting on the porch, spoke.

Naturally, the listener was his bodyguard and the division leader of the Small Moon Division, the Small Moon Division Leader.

“What do you mean?”

The Virtuous Moon Sword chuckled at the Small Moon Division Leader’s reply.

It was such a faint laugh that it could have gone unnoticed.

“That’s not like you. You already know the answer, don’t you?”

“……”

The Small Moon Division Leader remained silent at the Virtuous Moon Sword’s words. He was right.

In reality, the Small Moon Division Leader knew exactly what the Virtuous Moon Sword was asking about.

He just didn’t want to answer.

“Are you asking about Young master Bang?”

It was about what had happened at the Blue Moon Martial Test during the day, and about Bang Sung-Yun, who had been present at that time.

“What did you think?”

The Virtuous Moon Sword asked without hesitation, and the Small Moon Division Leader paused for a moment.

How should he answer? He thought about it, but in the end, there was only one answer that came to mind.

“…… He possesses amazing talent.”

The Small Moon Division Leader admitted it. He had something far more exceptional than he had anticipated.

And this was something the Virtuous Moon Sword also acknowledged.

How could he not?

“He is eighteen years old, making him the youngest in Blue Moon Sect’s history.”

“…… Yes.”

Yu Chun-gil, the previous sect leader, had been twenty-three.

Chun Hye-In, who had been praised as the youngest until recently, had successfully entered the Small Moon Division at the age of twenty.

Bang Sung-Yun, who entered at eighteen, was without a doubt the youngest.

Moreover,

“Not only did he join, but he also achieved victory in the Blue Moon Martial Test, making his accomplishments even more impressive than the Elder’s.”

When recalling that Yu Chun-gil had won against a Small Moon Division member at twenty-three, Bang Sung-Yun was undoubtedly superior.

Especially given that he was already a part of the elite team, not just a newcomer.

However, one thing still bothered the Small Moon Division Leader.

“…… However, if it wasn’t Seom Sung-Gyeong but Do Hyung, the outcome might have been different.”

He thought that if the actual newcomer, Do Hyung, had been in the fight, the situation might have been different.

Do Hyung was currently a special figure among the Small Moon Division.

Hearing this, the Virtuous Moon Sword laughed softly.

“Division Leader.”

“Yes.”

“Even if that were the case, are you sure the result would have been different?”

“……”

The Small Moon Division Leader did not answer. Seeing this, the Virtuous Moon Sword took a sip of tea and continued.

“At least, I am not certain.”

“…… Sect Leader.”

“The sword he showed had that much value. Even you can’t deny that, can you?”

“……”

The Small Moon Division Leader remained silent.

At the same time, he recalled the sword technique Bang Sung-Yun had displayed.

The sword he drew vertically towards Seom Sung-Gyeong.

Night Moon (夜月).

It was the second form of the Blue Moon Sword Dance, expressing the moon rising in the night. A sword imbued with spirit so overwhelming that it blinded the opponent’s vision.

It was said that when the opponent felt the blade approaching, it was as if the night itself was enveloping them.

At that moment, the approaching sword felt like a crescent moon.

Thus, its name became Night Moon.

“Indeed, it was a perfect sword reaching the same level as that person.”

“…… Sect Leader. Those words are too……”

“Don’t you think so?”

“Young master Bang’s sword was impressive, but no matter what, it cannot be compared to the Elder.”

He was the Sword Saint, after all.

How could anyone compare a young man not even twenty years old to the world-saving symbol of the Blue Moon Sect?

‘Even if he is truly the Sword Saint’s successor.’

The Small Moon Division Leader could not accept that. There was definitely no way to accept it, but.

‘…… That sword at that moment.’

He admitted that the Night Moon Bang Sung-Yun had displayed was indeed an exceptional sword.

The words he had spoken were no different.

“Contemplate deeply and pursue what kind of moon you create.”

These were words that the Sword Saint had repeated countless times in his lifetime.

To busy oneself with honing swordsmanship and also pursue the moon? The disciples could not understand what he meant and often showed their confusion.

“Now I understand.”

Just barely. Very barely.

Only after reaching this level did he begin to understand the Sword Saint’s words.

“… He seemed to have understood it from the very beginning.”

It appeared that Bang Sung-Yun had already grasped the meaning of those words.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to wield such a sword.

“Truly, an outstanding talent.”

It was a mystery why such a talent had remained at a secondary level until now.

Seeing it in person made it clear.

“The rumors that he defeated the Young Azure Sword might not be just rumors.”

Setting aside the question of level, the presence that Bang Sung-Yun exhibited made it plausible that he had defeated the Young Azure Sword.

“If it were not the Young Azure Sword but his brother, it might have been different. Nevertheless, his abilities were exceptional.”

The sword that Bang Sung-Yun displayed was just that.

Thus,

“He is dangerous.”

So the Small Moon Division Leader was increasingly wary of Bang Sung-Yun.

“Hmm?”

At his words, the Virtuous Moon Sword made a peculiar expression.

It was a silent pressure to elaborate further.

“He knows about his talent and has an unparalleled confidence in his own strength.”

He believes he is right, and everyone else is wrong. The demeanor Bang Sung-Yun showed in martial arts implied such an attitude.

“It would be hasty to call it arrogance—he undoubtedly possesses enough talent to justify it, but that same talent will make him the eye of the storm.”

The world longed and pined for a genius. After the Sword Saint left this world, there was a vacancy for the title of the World’s Greatest.

Additionally,

“Is there a genius comparable to Yu Chun-gil?”

This was the current interest of the people.

Being called a “seven-stake” arose from this very notion.

In such a situation, if the successor to the Sword Saint was Bang Sung-Yun…

“The Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Families will move too.”

“……”

The Small Moon Division Leader affirmed the Virtuous Moon Sword’s words with silence.

They would move, one way or another.

Or perhaps, they might already be moving.

This meant,

“For people who are as slow-moving as anchored in the sky, it means that Bang Sung-Yun is exceptional enough to move them.”

“Sect Leader…”

“You have mentioned it. Only those without qualification would turn to be poison, but his arrogance is merely a form of expression.”

“Are you genuinely thinking of taking him in, Sect Leader?”

“Taking in?”

Ha ha.

The Virtuous Moon Sword burst into laughter as if it was absurd.

“He is already enlisted in the Small Moon Division. On top of that, didn’t he say with his own mouth that he would become the Young sect leader?”

“But…”

“I’m curious about you now.”

The Virtuous Moon Sword’s blue eyes turned toward the Small Moon Division Leader. His eyes, as if holding the moon, made the Small Moon Division Leader momentarily avert his gaze.

“Why would the current Blue Moon Sect reject Bang Sung-Yun?”

“……”

“Eye of the storm? Since when have we been afraid of such things? Or do you think him aiming for the Young sect leader’s position is wrong? Absolutely not.”

The Virtuous Moon Sword smiled. The meaning behind that smile was far from kind, so the Small Moon Division Leader swallowed his words.

“If he is qualified, he will take it. If he is not, it will be taken from him.”

No matter how outstanding his talent was, even if he was of his bloodline, it didn’t matter.

He would hand it over to someone more qualified.

The Virtuous Moon Sword was making a warning.

“I respect you questioning him, but at least observe him rationally as he is part of your division now. This is not a request.”

“… I will keep that in mind.”

The Small Moon Division Leader barely nodded his head under the chilling and heavy tone.

Looking at the Virtuous Moon Sword’s expression, he was convinced.

‘It’s too late.’

Bang Sung-Yun was already in the eyes of the current sect leader.

‘There’s no point in saying anything more here.’

Moreover,

‘…There’s nothing incorrect in what the sect leader said.’

Even if Bang Sung-Yun was a dangerous entity, there was no reason for the Blue Moon Sect to reject him.

The fact that the Small Moon Division leader found him untrustworthy was purely due to his own stubbornness.

“… Even so.”

While the Small Moon Division leader tried to accept many things, he could not accept at least one thing, even if it meant death.

“He can never be compared to the Elder.”

He never intended to place Bang Sung-Yun on the same level as the Sword Saint, no matter what.

This resolution would never change, even in death.

As the Small Moon Division leader made this vow.

“What happened to the order I gave?”

The Virtuous Moon Sword’s words widened the Small Moon Division leader’s eyes.

“Coincidentally, I just received a message. I have compiled the information you requested, Sect Leader.”

In the midst of discussing Bang Sung-Yun, he had momentarily forgotten about it.

The Small Moon Division leader quickly pulled something out of his pocket.

It was a few letters.

“These are detailed letters concerning the Liaodong Bang family.”

Trailing off, the Small Moon Division leader handed them to Virtuous Moon Sword.

“There’s something peculiar written in them.”

“Peculiar?”

Virtuous Moon Sword unfolded the letters and began reading them slowly.

“… Hmm?”

After reading a particular part, he narrowed his eyes momentarily.

“There doesn’t seem to be any issues regarding Bang Sung-Yun or his brother… but the problem is…”

The Small Moon Division leader spoke, noticing the widening of Virtuous Moon Sword’s eyes.

“It concerns his sister.”

* * *

“… I’m going crazy.”

Staring at the fully risen moon, I muttered.

“I’m really going insane.”

As I kept repeating myself like a madman, the evil spirit beside me reacted.

『What the hell are you muttering about? Go to sleep instead of disturbing others.』

Seeing the evil spirit clicking its tongue, I glared at it and said.

“Who do you think is causing this? Annoyed? How can you be annoyed when you don’t even sleep? You’re not even a person.”

『What…? This brat!』

Yu Chun-gil scowled, but this time, I couldn’t let it slide.

“If you caused the problem, just shut up for once, please.”

『Caused the problem? What nonsense. I went through hell to fix things for you, and you want me to shut up?』

“What kind of fixing is that? I cleaned up the messes that Grandpa made.”

No matter how much he cleaned them, new messes kept appearing endlessly.

‘Just when I think I’ve cleaned it up, another bigger mess appears.’

Cleaning one thing through gritted teeth only led to an even bigger problem.

At this point, dying seemed like a better option.

“Seriously, what were you trying to do?”

I clutched my head. It felt like all my hair would fall out, but this was the only thing I could do.

『Why do you keep acting crazy after eating something so beneficial?』

“… Beneficial, my ass. If it gets discovered, it’s over for me.”

The reason for my desperate struggle after the Blue Moon Mind Technique training was simple.

“Why did you steal something meant for the next sect leader…!”

The real problem was that I had eaten the Blue Moon Pill intended for Virtuous Moon Sword.

Moreover,

“You said that it can no longer be made.”

The one I ate was apparently the last Blue Moon Pill.

While it may have been possible in the past, he said it’s impossible to reproduce it now.

The reason,

“Only Grandpa knows the recipe… Why? Why?”

The real issue was that only this damn evil spirit, Yu Chun-gil, knew the process for creating the Blue Moon Pill.

The evil spirit, no, Yu Chun-gil, who was picking his nose, responded.

『The recipe for the Blue Moon Pill is only passed down to the sect leader.』

“But the current sect leader, Virtuous Moon Sword, doesn’t know it.”

『Of course.』

Yu Chun-gil flicked the booger from his finger and continued speaking.

『Before I could tell him, I died. Hehehe.』

“…”

After hearing the words, I continuously rubbed my face with my hand.

This was a kind of madness I had never experienced before.

‘Is he really bragging?’

Why did this person talk as if he was enjoying himself? I felt extremely troubled at that moment.

‘What would happen if this got exposed?’

Even if I wasn’t sure, it would probably be troublesome.

Would I claim that I found it in that cursed cave again? That explanation had worked best in the past.

‘Well, if it doesn’t get exposed, all the better…’

Keeping my mouth shut and staying silent was the best approach.

As they say, it’s fine as long as it doesn’t get exposed.

It would only become seriously problematic if it got discovered.

“… Ha.”

I sighed and laid back.

“Oh, my life.”

How did it come to this?

After being saved by an evil spirit, I found myself not only joining the Blue Moon Sect but also becoming part of the Small Moon Division.

To others, this might seem like a stroke of luck despite it happening in a whirlwind.

‘It feels like walking on thin ice.’

Attaining a position without merit always felt unstable and miserable.

Just imagining getting caught and ruining everything gave me a severe headache.

‘… What should I do from tomorrow onwards?’

Even though I survived today, I wondered how to make it through tomorrow.

I couldn’t come up with a clear plan.

‘I’ve gained incredible eyes, though…’

Eyes that could foresee the opponent’s sword path.

I didn’t know the principle behind this phenomenon, but it was indeed an extraordinary power.

If only I could control it properly.

“… Ugh.”

The problem was that I was in a situation where I could barely take care of my own body.

‘Getting into the Small Moon Division was good, but…’

I was in a situation where I could be discovered if I let my guard down even a little.

It was obvious that everything I had built up would come crashing down. For that reason alone.

‘I need to become stronger.’

I needed to build my strength.

Not only to further establish my legitimacy but also to avoid situations like the one I recently faced.

‘Chun Hye-In.’

I clenched my fist as I recalled Chun Hye-In’s face.

‘The damned woman.’

She had finally crossed the line after teasing it for so long.

‘Curse it all.’

With the help of Yu Chun-gil, I managed to get through it somehow, but it seemed like she would keep acting that way in the future.

‘What should I do?’

How should I respond if she continued?

While I contemplated that, fatigue swept over my body.

The repercussions of the possession had left my body drained.

Maybe lying down in such a state was the reason; my eyelids started to droop.

‘… I need to sleep for now.’

Forget plans for now; sleeping was a priority. I would think about the rest when I woke up.

Any plan I made now would be weak at best without something important.

What did I need for my plan?

As mentioned before…

‘Strength.’

I needed a certain level of power, even if it wasn’t extraordinary.

But how could I build that power?

Was there any way to become stronger in a short amount of time?

‘If I knew that, I would’ve used it already.’

Unfortunately, I didn’t know of such a method.

‘Life really is tough.’

Both in past and present lives, I couldn’t understand why things were so difficult.

Nothing ever seemed to go smoothly.

With those thoughts, I fell asleep.

Shortly after, when I opened my eyes,

“Where is this place…?”

I found myself in an unknown white space.