The God of Death and the God of War - Chapter 43

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Evil Hegemon Martial God

 

Chapter 43

 

Why did you save me?

 

Instead of answering immediately, Jeok-un met Hae-yeon’s eyes.

 

He could clearly see fragments of fear in the gaze that looked at him.

 

‘Well, she hasn’t gone through those hardships and trials this time.’

 

Before his regression, Hae-yeon’s eyes had always been strong and unwavering.

 

It was because she had met him after overcoming all sorts of difficulties, making Ya-ju’s matter seem trivial in comparison.

 

But not now.

 

She hadn’t been tempered by the world’s hardships yet, nor had she experienced crossing the line between life and death.

 

However, Jeok-un didn’t mind.

 

‘There’s plenty of time. I’ll gradually fill in what’s missing.’

 

Just as Jeok-un was thinking this, Hae-yeon carefully continued speaking.

 

“…The Black Robe Lord told me. That Daeju covered all my medical expenses.”

 

This was the first thing Jeok-un did after eliminating Ya-ju.

 

He paid for Hae-yeon’s treatment with the money he had taken from Ya-ju.

 

Since he spared no expense on medicinal herbs, using only the finest ones, even the physicians of the Black Robe Sect were shocked by the enormous sum charged.

 

‘Still, it was worth the money. The medicinal effects were so good it was like she had consumed spiritual medicine.’

 

Not only did she recover, but Hae-yeon’s internal energy had increased dramatically after her recovery.

 

Jeok-un knew this fact from what he had heard, and Hae-yeon must have known it too.

 

Since it had happened to her own body.

 

“…May I ask why you did this for me, someone you’ve never even met?”

 

That’s why she had come to see him.

 

From Hae-yeon’s perspective, it was a very bewildering situation.

 

She had received life-saving grace from someone she met for the first time, had her lifelong enemy dealt with on her behalf, and on top of that, had received tremendous spiritual medicine.

 

“Were you curious about that?”

 

At Jeok-un’s question, Hae-yeon nodded with a slightly tense expression.

 

He almost burst out laughing at her innocent appearance.

 

What thoughts was she pondering so deeply with that little head of hers?

 

Jeok-un spoke leisurely with a relaxed expression.

 

“You tell me. What do you think it might be?”

 

“…!”

 

Hae-yeon made eye contact with Jeok-un for a moment.

 

Then slowly parted her lips.

 

“At first, I thought your original goal was to eliminate Ya-ju… that you used me as a catalyst for that… But…”

 

“But?”

 

Hae-yeon hesitated for a moment, then spoke with slight uncertainty.

 

“…Thinking about it again, now it seems like a completely different reason.”

 

“Why did you think that?”

 

“The scale is too grand. For using me as a catalyst, the cost of medicine and spiritual herbs you spent on me doesn’t make sense. There’s no way I could be worth that much…”

 

“Wait.”

 

Jeok-un interrupted her words.

 

“First, let me clarify one thing.”

 

“…I’m listening.”

 

Hae-yeon took on a serious attitude.

 

Looking at her, Jeok-un put on a serious expression.

 

It seemed like the time had come to display the brilliant eloquence that had moved countless subordinates to tears before his regression.

 

“You’re right that I used you as an excuse to eliminate Ya-ju. But that’s just a very minor reason. The important thing is something else.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

When Hae-yeon looked puzzled, Jeok-un said quietly.

 

“Value is determined by the buyer.”

 

“…!”

 

“And I judged you to be very valuable.”

 

Here Jeok-un paused for a moment.

 

“Yes, valuable enough that I’d consider it worthwhile to make enemies of Ya-ju, the three Oecheon Units, and ultimately even Bucheonju.”

 

“…!”

 

Hae-yeon’s already large eyes grew even wider.

 

She seemed moved, as expected.

 

Jeok-un delivered the finishing touch.

 

“That’s how much I judge your usefulness and value to be.”

 

Damn, that’s impressive.

 

No wonder all the subordinates fell for this.

 

Jeok-un leaned back leisurely in his chair and asked.

 

“Well, is that answer enough?”

 

Jeok-un was quite confident, but.

 

“…What kind of nonsense is that?”

 

Hae-yeon had an expression like she was seeing something absurd.

 

…Oh, right.

 

She was meticulous.

 

* * *

 

“Ugh, she’s not buying it.”

 

Jeok-un scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

 

“…Of course not. I’m not an idiot. When have you ever seen me to evaluate my worth like that?”

 

“I thought it was impressive…”

 

“That’s not impressive, it’s bluffing. Pure bluffing.”

 

Hae-yeon stated firmly, then seemed to realize something and carefully added.

 

“…Ah, I’m sorry. You’re my benefactor, but I was a bit harsh with my words…”

 

“Haha, it’s fine. Well, I’m used to it.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

…Used to what exactly?

 

Hae-yeon had that question, but Jeok-un didn’t seem inclined to answer and naturally moved on to the next topic.

 

“Anyway. I’m sincere about evaluating you highly.”

 

“Then how…?”

 

Hae-yeon asked once again. Knowing her personality, he expected her to ask repeatedly, so Jeok-un gave his prepared answer.

 

“Did you think only my observation skills were exceptional? Though I abandoned it, I’m from the Jegal clan.”

 

Jeok-un tapped his temple as he spoke.

 

“It means I’m a genius not just in martial arts, but also in intellect.”

 

“…”

 

“And geniuses recognize other geniuses. The moment I saw you, I knew you were as smart as me.”

 

His attitude was quite confident, but Hae-yeon wasn’t convinced.

 

Rather, as if she had heard something she shouldn’t have, she immediately objected.

 

“I can see that you’re strong, but in terms of strategy, you’re rather…”

 

“Now, now, let’s stop with the rude remarks.”

 

She was becoming increasingly similar to the Hae-yeon he had known.

 

When Jeok-un unconsciously chuckled at the strange similarity, Hae-yeon bit her lip and said.

 

“I’m sorry… I always have a loose tongue…”

 

Then Hae-yeon straightened her posture and spoke clearly in a loud voice.

 

“…Well, I’m the type who can’t live with debts. I’ve received three great life-saving graces from Daeju. So I too will risk my life equally three times for whatever Daeju commands.”

 

Equally innocent but therefore full of sincerity in that appearance.

 

Chuckle.

 

In the end, Jeok-un couldn’t hold back the laughter that was escaping.

 

‘A guy who can’t live with debts, has a rough mouth but worries more than anyone, and is full of affection.’

 

Before his regression, Hae-yeon had died for him.

 

During Magyo’s great invasion, Magyo’s terror was partly due to Cheonma’s power.

 

But it wasn’t entirely the result of Cheonma alone.

 

Before the invasion, Magyo had thoroughly analyzed the martial world’s situation.

 

They avoided strengths and thoroughly exploited weaknesses.

 

Just before the invasion, when Jeok-un had brought Heukpaesong to its knees, spread the fame of Heukcheon Paegyeon throughout All Under Heaven, and was about to pierce the heart of the Martial Arts Alliance.

 

The greatest contributor to the war called the Great Turmoil was undoubtedly Hae-yeon.

 

Hyeol-hu Hae-yeon had helped Jeok-un’s unification of the martial world with divine calculations and extraordinary strategies, so everyone had to know her fame.

 

That’s why Magyo targeted Hae-yeon precisely.

 

Just before unification, five elders of Magyo had ambushed Jeok-un.

 

They aimed for the fact that targeting Jeok-un would loosen Hyeol-hu’s protective network as his strategist.

 

When Jeok-un barely managed to hold off the five elders.

 

Magyo sacrificed countless offerings to deploy the worst formation.

 

Bloodline Annihilation Formation.

 

A terrible formation where the formation’s space rapidly shrinks, annihilating the existence within.

 

Though the formation’s target was Hyeol-hu, Jeok-un also failed while trying to save her and ended up trapped together.

 

-…Cheon-ju, there are only two ways to escape this place.

 

The first is to precisely break the formation and quickly reconstruct it so an escape route appears.

 

The second is to tear through the formation with extreme force.

 

Hae-yeon chose the former, and Jeok-un chose the latter.

 

…But there was a problem.

 

Before entering the Bloodline Annihilation Formation, Jeok-un had used too much energy fighting the five elders.

 

The conclusion was that even with all his might, he could only create a crack barely enough for one person to escape.

 

But Jeok-un chose without a moment’s hesitation.

 

‘I must send Hyeol-hu out.’

 

Jeok-un decided to sacrifice himself.

 

There was nothing to consider.

 

How could he drive family to death in his place?

 

So, the moment Jeok-un secretly broke the formation and tried to grab Hae-yeon to send her outside.

 

Swoosh!

 

Suddenly, Jeok-un felt his body becoming blurred like mist.

 

-Hae-yeon…?

 

-…Huh, I also could only find a way to send out one person.

 

The formation’s mysteries were fluctuating, trying to expel him from this place.

 

-Why…!

 

-Why, you ask? If I hadn’t done this, Cheon-ju would have sacrificed himself for me.

 

Hae-yeon was the same as Jeok-un.

 

Without hesitation, she chose the path where she would remain.

 

-No! I said no…!!

 

Jeok-un shouted, but no sound came out.

 

The energy filling the Bloodline Annihilation Formation had blocked even sound.

 

So in the quiet silence without any sound.

 

Gradually, Hae-yeon, who was losing her light, moved her lips.

 

-Please take good care of the guys.

 

As if she didn’t want to plant even a bit of guilt in Jeok-un.

 

Hae-yeon sent him away with that smiling face.

 

* * *

 

“…Daeju?”

 

At Hae-yeon’s call, Jeok-un emerged from his thoughts.

 

He quickly organized his scattered emotions.

 

‘The same thing won’t happen again.’

 

Jeok-un thought this and asked.

 

“But when you’ve repaid all three life debts.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Are you planning to leave Baekya Unit and return to the Military Division?”

 

“If Daeju permits it, I would like to do so.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Yes…?”

 

…Why, indeed.

 

When she joined Sadocheon, it was originally for the Military Division.

 

So she just wanted to return to her original position.

 

But Jeok-un looked at her clearly and continued speaking.

 

“A strategist ultimately needs a lord to follow.”

 

“…!”

 

“Well, whatever master you choose is your choice and your freedom.”

 

Jeok-un said with a grin.

 

“I plan to take All Under Heaven into my hands in the future.”

 

“…!”

 

“Rather than doing the cleanup for that old man Dokgo Cheon, following me would be more interesting, wouldn’t it?”

 

“!!”

 

Hae-yeon couldn’t say anything.

 

But that was understandable.

 

Jeok-un’s statement was far beyond expectations.

 

Crack.

 

Then, suddenly Jeok-un sprang up from his seat.

 

“Now, let me show you the first step of that world conquest.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

“I’ll use the first life debt right away.”

 

“…!”

 

“There’s a place we need to go together.”

 

* * *

 

Jeok-un put a black robe on Hae-yeon and left the estate together.

 

On the way out, Hae-yeon asked ‘You’re under house arrest… is this okay?’

 

“Such things only bind the weak. I’m not weak, so it’s fine.”

 

He spouted nonsense nonchalantly while leading the way.

 

Hae-yeon followed Jeok-un without hearing a single word about where they were going.

 

‘I can’t figure out what kind of person he is…’

 

The more she looked at Jeok-un’s back, the more complicated Hae-yeon’s feelings became.

 

From birth, she had been particularly good at reading people.

 

Of course, this didn’t mean she had good eyesight.

 

Not appearance, but the heart.

 

She could easily guess people’s emotions, and going deeper, what intentions they harbored.

 

This was probably thanks to her mother, who was the village’s best shaman.

 

From childhood to adulthood, meeting countless people, Hae-yeon had met many good people, but she had met far more with dark hearts.

 

Those who pretended to be kind were hypocrites wearing masks of virtue, and there were also openly vicious evildoers, so it wouldn’t be unreasonable to develop misanthropy.

 

When she began viewing the world cynically and harshly, she got hurt less often.

 

But the person before her was different.

 

‘Jeok-un, was his name.’

 

This person was somehow different.

 

No matter how much she looked at his words and eyes.

 

Nothing could be seen.

 

As if painted over with countless colors, only deep black.

 

It was different from Ya-ju’s black color that looked ominous and disgusting just by seeing it.

 

Though she couldn’t examine his inner thoughts, she could feel his firmness.

 

An opponent who somehow felt comfortable.

 

Perhaps that was why.

 

Even at their first meeting, she had cut off his words, argued back, and acted playfully as if speaking to a close friend.

 

She might have been unconsciously swept up in that atmosphere.

 

‘He’s like Uncle Hwang-no…’

 

Then, was he hiding some secret like that person?

 

Hae-yeon quietly moved about half a step to the side and examined Jeok-un’s face.

 

An opponent who moved like the wind yet showed not a single drop of sweat or disturbed breath.

 

‘He said that earlier…’

 

Suddenly, the words Jeok-un had spoken came to mind.

 

-Even if it means making enemies of Ya-ju, the three Oecheon Units, and ultimately Bucheonju, I think it’s worth it.

 

-That’s how much I judge your usefulness and value to be.

 

To be honest, her heart had pounded.

 

It wasn’t romantic feelings.

 

It was the first time someone had acknowledged her abilities.

 

Words that recognized her as she truly was had definitely moved her heart.

 

But what wouldn’t leave her mind now was one phrase.

 

-Watch and see. I intend to take all of All Under Heaven into my hands.

 

…Taking All Under Heaven into his hands.

 

Was such a great undertaking really possible?

 

Of course it was nonsensical talk.

 

‘Why didn’t I call it nonsense back then?’

 

Just as Hae-yeon was reflecting on her emotions.

 

Tap.

 

“We’re here.”

 

“!”

 

Jeok-un suddenly stopped walking.

 

Deep in the thick mountains.

 

A cave where wild beasts might take shelter from rain showers.

 

No, it wasn’t a cave.

 

There were traces of artificial work everywhere.

 

‘This place is?’

 

Hae-yeon finally realized where this was.

 

An abandoned mine.

 

A gloomy abandoned mine lay before her eyes.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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