The World’s Greatest is Dead

When it came to Sichuan, there was something my father had once told me. Rather than a simple saying, it was more of a warning.

‘Son.’

‘Yes, father?’

‘If you ever go to Sichuan, you must always act with utmost caution.’

My father, who usually spent my days daydreaming about women, wore an unusually serious expression.

‘Why?’

‘Because Sichuan is an extremely dangerous place.’

‘Oh, come on. Is there any place in this land that isn’t dangerous?’

In a place where carrying swords was common and people were cut down at the slightest provocation, where in this wretched world could be considered safe? I thought this as I took a bite of the meager side dish in front of me.

‘Sichuan is a place where you have to be exceptionally careful, even among other dangerous places.’

My father continued to warn me, noticing my skeptical demeanor. Though I had no plans to go to Sichuan and had only asked out of curiosity, I decided to listen more closely.

‘Since ancient times, it has been a gathering place for the Evil Faction. Although the Murim Alliance has cleaned it up and it has become relatively stable, the old habits still remain.’

I had heard of it. There was a faction called Bicheon, an Evil Faction sect that had settled in Sichuan and controlled it as if they ruled it. One day, the Murim Alliance had intervened, driving them out after a hard-fought battle.

‘Even as time passes, certain things never disappear, especially if they are bad. That is exactly the case with Sichuan.’

‘So there are still remnants in Sichuan?’

‘Indeed. Especially with the disappearance of Bicheon, another formidable clan emerged, which is also very dangerous.’

‘A clan? Could it be…’

‘The Tang family in Sichuan.’

The Tang Family of Sichuan (四川唐家). A family that wielded strong influence over Sichuan. Their hallmark was their exceptional proficiency with iron. However, they were more famous and dangerous for another reason.

‘The Tang family specialized in poisons and hidden weapons.’

This statement about the Tang family’s unparalleled skill in weaponry in the Central Plains also implied another truth: every poison in existence could be found within the Tang family.

One needed to be wary of their hospitality, scrutinize the food they offered, and be cautious of their friendly words and gestures. It was hard to fathom why the Tang family, considered part of a righteous faction, was viewed as so dangerous. But even I had to admit the Tang family seemed somewhat perilous.

‘Though it’s unlikely, if you ever encounter someone from the Tang family, you must stay sharp.’

‘How would I ever meet someone from the Tang family when I live in this remote village?’

‘There’s no harm in being prepared. Your father worries about these things for you, after all…’

‘Yes, though it’s unlikely, if I ever meet someone from the Tang family, I’ll be careful. If I do come across them, that is.’

The idea of going to Sichuan was absurd enough, let alone meeting the Tang family. It seemed implausible. I had laughed it off, thinking it would never happen.

“… This is happening?”

I frowned at the enormous gate before me.

The Sichuan Tang family.

The words written on the gate confirmed it.

* * *

One of the Five Great Families in Murim. A family known as the rulers of Sichuan.

‘… I never imagined I would actually come here.’

I had expected never to have any connection with them in my lifetime, and certainly never expected to come here on my own two feet.

As I stood staring at the gate, Chun Uijin approached me.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, more or less.”

In truth, I wasn’t alright. I had spent days in a carriage, and despite Chu Dong’s remarkable driving skills, fatigue had set in. Additionally, an unsettling incident during the journey had urged them to hurry even more.

I looked at my hand.

“…”

It still trembled slightly, and an uneasy feeling lingered within. I knew it wasn’t just the aftermath of a grueling journey. I clenched my fist, trying to ignore it.

The fatigue from the trip alone was overwhelming.

‘This is hard enough as it is.’

I looked at Chun Uijin and Do Hyung with a weary expression.

‘Aren’t those people tired…?’

During the entire journey, those two relentlessly trained.

It meant they kept swinging their swords, even cutting down on sleep.

Because of that, they could not even sleep two hours a day.

‘And they did that without missing a single day.’

They were truly insane people.

“… Why are you like this?”

“It’s nothing. Just thinking… no, I’m amazed.”

“Excuse me?”

“By the way, should we just wait like this?”

I said while looking ahead. It felt like we had been waiting for a while after arriving, but no one had come.

Were we late in sending the message? It didn’t seem like that.

‘Are they trying to engage in some sort of mental battle?’

I slightly narrowed my eyes as I looked at the Sichuan Tang family.

Starting off with a mental battle like this would be extremely tiring.

‘Should I just knock on the door?’

Just when I was about to raise my hand to knock on the door.

Creak-!

The door opened as if they had been waiting.

Several people came out from the slowly opening door to greet us.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The person in the lead said. He seemed like a man just over thirty.

“Greetings to the honored guests of the Blue Moon Sect.”

‘Oh.’

I was impressed as I looked at him.

That’s because I thought I knew who he was.

Slightly upward-slanting eyes. Fair skin for a man.

Just under seven cheok in height. A slender frame.

A somewhat cold impression, and…

‘A mole by the ear.’

Upon seeing that, I recalled the person’s name.

“I’m from the Tang family-”

“Greetings to the Young Master.”

“…!”

At my words, the man hesitated.

“Aren’t you the Young Master of the Tang family?”

He nodded with a peculiar expression at my smiling words.

“… Yes, I am Tang Jun, the current Young Master of the Tang family.”

Tang Jun.

Known by the nickname ‘Poison Tiger’, he was the Young Master of the Tang family.

He was famous as a considerable powerhouse since childhood.

His features were exceptionally prominent, making him an easy person to remember.

Tang Jun seemed curious about how I recognized him, but as a Young Master, he maintained his composure instantly.

At that moment.

“I am Do Hyung of the Blue Moon Sect.”

Do Hyung stepped forward first and greeted Tang Jun. He was responsible for the current schedule.

“Nice to meet you.”

As courtesy was exchanged, Tang Jun’s gaze turned in our direction.

“I am Chun Uijin of the Blue Moon Sect.”

Chun Uijin met his gaze and bowed. With that, I had no choice but to follow suit.

“I am Bang Sung-Yun of the Blue Moon Sect.”

“…”

Upon introducing myself, Tang Jun’s eyes fixed on me.

His gaze conveyed one thing.

‘It’s you.’

The clarity of his intent was unmistakable, even though our eyes met for just a moment.

‘Well.’

I managed my expression and smiled.

It seemed the Tang family already knew my name.

‘The rumors have spread more than I thought.’

Word that the Sword Saint’s successor had appeared was already gradually spreading from Anhui.

Even if the Blue Moon Sect wanted to suppress it, they must have known it was impossible.

‘… I made quite a scene after all.’

Dozens of people witnessed me defeating Namgung Family’s Young Azure Sword.

Would all those people keep quiet? They had no reason to, so of course, they wouldn’t.

There was no reason for the Murim Alliance to suppress the news either, so the rumors were spreading.

‘… It’s all been heard in the local villages anyway.’

I had heard stories about myself in several villages before coming here.

Of course, even without those rumors.

‘It seems they would have sought me out…’

Given the conditions Tang family requested from the Blue Moon Sect, it was more appropriate to say they searched for me rather than just hearing about me.

The Sword Saint’s successor must bring the Full Moon personally.

That was the condition.

“Please follow me.”

Tang Jun said courteously, removing his gaze.

When he turned around, the servants aligned themselves to lead us.

“Hmm.”

I followed them into the Tang family property.

As I took my steps, I pondered.

“It smells like iron.”

That was my first impression of the Tang family manor.

* * *

The interior was considerably large.

The Tang family, hailed as the greatest family in Sichuan and one of the Five Families, lived up to its reputation with its majestic size and breathtaking scenery.

Even the parts that one might pass by in a glance were noticeably well-decorated.

Columns stood along the way.

Ponds were created along the side paths, among other things.

Just by looking, one could tell a lot of care was put into maintaining it.

“How luxurious.”

Compared to the Blue Moon Sect, this place seemed more sophisticated.

I walked, enjoying and observing every little detail.

After walking for a brief moment, “This is it.”

Tang Jun stopped at one place and told the servants,

“Hey, there.”

At Tang Jun’s words, the servants approached and took our luggage.

There wasn’t much to carry, so I handed it over without any concern.

Except for the wooden coffin I was holding.

Tang Jun took a brief glance at what was in my hands. He seemed to know what it was.

“… Let’s go.”

Tang Jun spoke in a calmer tone than before.

“The family head is waiting for you.”

At those words, tension surged within me.

“It’s here.”

Considering the reason for this visit, this was to be expected.

“To meet the family head of one of the Five Families…”

Meeting the head of one of the Five Families was a significant event for me.

Especially on the very first day of my arrival.

Creak.

Tang Jun entered the place first. The servants did not move.

Were they expecting us to follow?

I followed him inside slowly.

It was a long and wide corridor.

Interestingly, unlike earlier, the smell of iron had noticeably diminished, replaced by a faint floral fragrance.

There was a distinctly pleasant scent lingering.

I followed Tang Jun, inhaling the fragrance as I walked.

After walking a bit further, a door came into sight.

“Family Head, it’s Tang Jun. I have brought the guests.”

Tang Jun reported in a calm voice, and immediately, there was a sound from inside the door.

“Come in.”

With permission granted, Tang Jun grasped the door and opened it.

Creeeeak.

As the previously closed door opened, a man sitting at a desk came into view inside.

“Welcome.”

A well-dressed middle-aged man greeted us. He had a sharp look, the kind that Tang Jun would have if he aged a bit more.

His sharper eyes and solid build compared to Tang Jun’s stood out.

I immediately bowed my head.

“Greetings to the Head of the Tang family.”

No sooner had we paid our respects than I heard the sound of the man rising from his seat.

“You must have had quite a journey. I am Tang Gyung-ak, the head of the Tang family.”

My nerves were on edge.

This was a man who didn’t need to introduce himself unnecessarily.

The Poison King, Tang Gyung-ak.

One of the Five Kings in the martial world, known as one of the strongest in the Central Plains.

A master who ascended to an extraordinary position by wielding poison and hidden weapons.

“It is an honor to see the young talents of the Blue Moon Sect. Please raise your heads.”

Tang Gyung-ak spoke warmly with a smile. Though he asked us to raise our heads, I couldn’t bear to look directly at him.

Was it because I was afraid to face Tang Gyung-ak? That was partly true. How could one easily face one of the Five Kings?

However,

“… This is insane.”

That wasn’t the only issue.

“You young people are quite handsome. The future of the Blue Moon Sect looks very bright”, Tang Gyung-ak said, scanning the three of us.

“So I must ask…”

At that moment,

『Who are you?』

Tang Gyung-ak’s voice overlapped with someone else’s voice.

Listening to the words, I focused on his back.

There was no need to search further. The culprit was there.

“Who is the disciple of Elder Yu?”

『Whose damn disciple are you?』

“…”

Attached to Tang Gyung-ak’s back was a terrifyingly ominous presence.

Seeing that, it dawned on me.

“… My God.”

I realized this situation was far from simple.