The World’s Greatest is Dead - Chapter 42

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Heavenly Supreme Has Died – Episode 042
The moment I mention Sowoldae, Wol Seon-geom’s eyes narrow to slits.
A chill runs down my spine. It might be my imagination, but the temperature in the room seems to drop as well.
Part of me wants to rub my arms, but I hold back.
We haven’t even begun the conversation yet.
“Sowoldae, you say…? I didn’t expect you to take an interest in them.”
“How could I not be interested? That’s precisely why I’m asking.”
They’re not just any force—they’re the elite unit of Cheonwol Gate. Simply being affiliated with Cheonwol Gate elevates one’s standing in society, but Sowoldae ranks among the very pinnacle of that organization.
It’s a position that ordinary cultivators wouldn’t dare to even glance at.
From what I understand, Sowoldae is…
‘They were treated like distinguished guests at regular branches.’
Taking the Anhui Branch where I was stationed as an example, whenever someone bearing Sowoldae’s seal appeared, even the Branch Leader would come out to greet them.
Of course, I’ve only seen Sowoldae firsthand since coming to Cheonwol Gate, so I can’t say with certainty, but that’s what I’ve heard.
Cheonwol Gate—a sect directly under the Martial Arts Alliance.
That’s what it means to be the elite unit of such an organization.
At this, Wol Seon-geom asks a question.
“Then, what do you intend to do once you hear the answer?”
“Well…it would depend on what you tell me, I suppose.”
I pause as if considering, then continue.
“If it seems feasible, I thought I might attempt it.”
…
A confident statement. If it’s possible, I’ll try. At those words, Wol Seon-geom studies me quietly.
I’ve felt it before, but this man’s gaze is remarkably heavy. Even without him doing anything in particular, just meeting his eyes makes my body stiffen, you could say.
The distinctive presence that leaders possess was clearly evident.
‘Unlike anyone else.’
[…Those eyes are the same ones he has when cursing me out?]
“If it displeases you, there’s no need to elaborate.”
[The way he’s ignoring me confirms it, doesn’t it?]
As I speak, backing away slightly, Wol Seon-geom finally breaks his silence.
“No, that wasn’t my intention. It’s simply old-man’s worry.”
“Old-man’s worry, you say?”
“Bang Disciple has inherited that person’s legacy and is clearly a talented individual, I can see that much.”
[Talented my ass, this incompetent fool—what talent does this punk have—]
“But I thought it might be somewhat dangerous to compare him to Sowoldae just yet.”
[This bastard, and here I am cultivating him, and he dares compare him to Sowoldae. The kid’s barely dried behind the ears!]
…
I wish he’d either curse me out or defend me—just pick one.
Especially calling Moonju a kid with barely dried ears. There’s much I could say, but I must restrain myself.
“Does Moonju believe I am still lacking, then?”
“Rather than lacking, I think it would be good if you understood the weight of what Sowoldae represents.”
There was unexpected pride in that calm voice.
[That’s true.]
I wished the Old Man would step back a bit.
“The meaning is significant, so… I’m still not quite ready to accept it…?”
“I would appreciate it if you could take it in good faith.”
“Mm.”
[Hehehehe.]
Yoo Cheon-gil laughed. Hearing it, I flinched slightly. Something about the way he was laughing bothered me.
[I like the pride, but the arrogance doesn’t sit right with me.]
I glanced at him sideways, then immediately turned my head away.
‘Ugh, that face is terrifying.’
He was grinning so widely it looked exactly like the smile of someone with ulterior motives.
It was damn scary, but this time it was fine.
Looking at it clearly, this seemed like it would actually help me.
[Do as you wish.]
Permission—or rather, something close to it—was granted. Oddly enough, hearing that made me feel reassured without meaning to.
“Then Moonju, I have a proposal for you.”
“A proposal?”
“Yes.”
I said it with a smile.
“Would you care to make a wager with me?”
“…A wager?”
Interest suddenly flickered across Moonju’s face.
“I don’t know what kind of test it is, but I really do want to enter Sowoldae.”
Truth be told, I wasn’t quite at the “really” level, but I wanted to use more provocative language.
“However, you seem to give off the impression that I absolutely won’t make it… so let’s wager on that.”
“…A wager, you say…”
“Yes. A wager.”
“I’ve felt this every time I see you.”
Wol Seon-geom’s gaze shifted slightly.
“Bang Disciple, you are quite an unusual person.”
“That’s interesting. I’d say there’s no one as ordinary as me.”
[Bullshit.]
The Old Man only chimed in at times like these.
“Haha.”
Even Moonju laughed. Did he think I was joking? I was being serious.
“That can’t be. No one has ever been so bold before me. Much less arrogant enough to make a wager with Sowoldae right in front of them.”
Scrape—
“…!”
I swallowed hard. I felt something cutting. What had been cut? Where had it been cut?
[Calm yourself. You’re not injured.]
“….”
At Yoo Cheon-gil’s words, I steadied the turbulent thoughts swirling within me.
Not injured anywhere—was he saying this was purely a delusion?
‘No, this is a warning.’
A warning from Moonju, telling me to conduct myself properly since I’d just crossed a line.
The sensation that if I overstepped much further, I’d have nothing left washed over my entire body.
Perhaps the original me would have retreated here. I would have cooled my head and thought of another approach, but.
“If you put it that way, it is rather peculiar, isn’t it?”
I did not back down.
Because.
‘Do as you wish.’
It was solely because of those words Yoo Cheon-gil had spoken.
“However, I believe the same applies to you, Moonju.”
“…Hmm?”
At my words, Wol Seon-geom furrowed his brow.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, isn’t it so?”
I added my words with a faint smile.
“If you’re asking this much of me, I’d think there must be some method to it… I could overlook it with that understanding, yet you only measure Sowoldae by its value and refuse to truly see it.”
I erased the smile from my expression.
“Then who exactly is being arrogant right now?”
“…!”
[Oh!]
Yoo Cheon-gil burst out in admiration.
Whoooosh—!
In that instant, a gale swept through the room.
‘This is… insane.’
I swallowed dryly at the wind I felt. Wind was emanating from Wol Seon-geom’s very body.
How was this even possible? Could all masters do this? Interest sparked within me unbidden, but this was not the moment to show it.
I did not avert my gaze. We held each other’s blue eyes for a long while.
The wind that had been blowing gradually subsided.
“Bang Disciple.”
“Yes.”
“I overlook your remarks solely because I consider you the successor of that person.”
“I understand.”
I was using that very fact to defy him—how could I not know?
“This also means there are limits.”
I felt a different emotion beginning to settle in those blue eyes.
“I acknowledge that my words have overstepped their bounds.”
Sensing this, I took a step back.
“However, I believe there is no issue with the statement itself. I have no regrets.”
Even so, I held firm to what mattered.
“….”
Wrinkles finally formed on Wol Seon-geom’s brow.
I watched intently to see how he would react.
Whoooosh—! The wind that had been blowing died down.
“May I ask… what are you willing to wager?”
This time, Wol Seon-geom took a step back. Seeing this, I smiled and spoke.
“Manwol. I will stake that.”
[What? You crazy bastard. Why are you deciding that on your own….]
“Manwol?”
“Yes. If I cannot enter Sowoldae, I will transfer ownership of Manwol to you.”
“…Hmm.”
To be honest, since Cheon Euijin found it and gave it to me, it’s awkward to use it this way.
Well, it doesn’t matter. It’s mine now.
[Technically, it’s not yours but mine….]
Never mind the dead man.
“Since you call it a wager, you must have something you desire in return.”
“I do.”
Of course I do. However.
“All you need do is grant me one favor, Moonju.”
“A favor…?”
“Yes.”
“What sort of favor?”
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll use it when something comes to mind later.”
“….”
Wol Seon-geom stared at me as if dumbfounded. I suppose it was a somewhat underhanded wager.
“If you dislike it, you may withdraw.”
If you’re scared, then back out.
“Haha….”
Realizing my intent, Wol Seon-geom laughed quietly. Then he spoke softly.
“…Sochul Daeju.”
“Yes.”
‘…Startled me.’
The sound came from right beside me. A man was now kneeling at my side.
‘Sochul Daeju.’
He was the martial artist most renowned in Cheonwol Gate after Wol Seon-geom.
Naturally, he was one who had opened Wol-an.
“Can you prepare for the test now?”
“I can prepare it immediately if you wish.”
“Then do so.”
“I accept your command.”
“Furthermore.”
He gave the order to Sochul Daeju while his gaze turned toward me.
“Since this is a proper wager, I believe it would be best to have many witnesses. What do you think?”
Witnesses, then.
“I have no objection.”
“Sochul Daeju.”
“I accept your command.”
Sochul Daeju spoke and vanished immediately. Once again, I failed to perceive his departure. Silence descended upon us.
I stood there awkwardly, motionless.
“Do you have no regrets?”
Wol Seon-geom posed the question. Regrets, he said…
“It’s fine.”
“A response brimming with confidence.”
I didn’t particularly elaborate on that point. His observation was accurate.
After all, I had someone of renown in this field to rely upon.

* * *
As noon approached, I followed the guide to a certain location.
It was called Soweol Jeon, as I had heard.
I wondered what sort of place it was, but it appeared to be a training hall of sorts.
However.
‘It seems somewhat different from where others typically train.’
The atmosphere felt distinctly different from the places where scholars practiced during my walks.
The scale was immense, and there was something about it.
‘It’s magnificent.’
The aura it emanated was entirely different.
It felt more solemn and far more sacred.
[Soweol Jeon is a trial ground that has been used throughout generations to select members of Sowoldae.]
I nodded at Yoo Cheon-gil’s explanation.
‘So it’s a trial ground, not a training hall.’
The name seemed rather straightforward, now that I thought about it.
Still, it seemed excessively large for such a purpose.
At this scale, it would be more efficient to use it as a training hall instead…
[The more important such things are, the more they tend to observe such formalities, do they not?]
The Old Man’s words held merit.
Especially for renowned sects and prestigious families, these were aspects that had to be upheld.
Wasteful spending on unnecessary things.
That’s my position, but from the organization’s perspective, well…
‘They value tradition.’
It could be viewed from that angle.
Standing still for a moment like that.
Creeeeak—!
The entrance opened again and people streamed in.
‘Wow.’
At the front was Sochul Daeju, whom I’d met earlier.
And behind him, more people poured in.
‘They’re all from Sowoldae.’
Everyone entering was from Sowoldae.
‘You can tell from the clothes they’re wearing… huh?’
As I examined them one by one, there was someone mixed in who shouldn’t have been visible.
It was Cheonhye-in, smiling at me with a grin.
‘That crazy woman was from Sowoldae too…?’
Last time she wore ordinary martial robes, so I thought she was just a junior disciple.
But now it seemed she was from Sowoldae.
‘Hah.’
Wol Mun-hee was truly impressive. I felt anew the value of her abilities.
“All members are present except for eight on missions and five absent for treatment.”
Sochul Daeju finished speaking and Wol Seon-geom nodded.
“Take your positions.”
With the command, they moved in perfect unison. I wondered where they were going, but slightly over thirty people lined up facing each other in a single row.
At the ends of that line, Moonju and I stood facing each other.
The atmosphere was heavy. I rolled my eyes and looked around.
Even Cheonhye-in, who had entered with a smile earlier, now stood expressionless.
“Now that Sowoldae has assembled,”
Whoooosh—!
I narrowed my eyes at the sensation I felt.
‘The air is terrifying.’
An inexplicable pressure emanated from Wol Seon-geom.
“As the Moonju of Cheonwol Gate, I will directly confirm whether you have the qualifications to be the moon.”
Hearing those words, I swallowed dryly.
The change in tone was understandable.
‘…This is a bit overwhelming.’
If this continued, I was worried my breathing would become problematic, and I was pondering what to do.
[Circulate your inner energy.]
“…”
Hearing Yoo Cheon-gil’s words, I immediately activated Cheonwol Heart Technique in my body.
Then.
Whoooosh—!!
‘Huh?’
The energy rotated far more intensely than usual.
Blaaaaze—!!
The rotating energy discharged outward through my body.
“What?”
“That’s—!”
Reactions erupted from those around me immediately.
“….”
Azure energy rippled around my body. At first glance, it looked like stars drifting through the air.
Resplendent and beautiful.
‘What is this now.’
This never happened before—a sudden transformation.
Moreover.
“…Moonlight, you say….”
“To think Wol-an wasn’t enough, and now Moonlight at that age…!”
Judging by Sowoldae’s reaction, it seemed I had done something quite extraordinary.
“…Heh.”
As if to prove it, even Wol Seon-geom let out a sharp breath.
“A sign of readiness, then? Quite a dramatic way to express it.”
No, that’s not what this is…?
‘What the hell did that old fool do now.’
My breathing had certainly become easier, but from everyone’s expressions, it seemed I had done something I shouldn’t have.
Bewildered, I looked toward Yoo Cheon-gil.
[Kekekeke.]
Sure enough, that Demon was laughing.
It seemed she had known this would happen.
This was truly infuriating.
‘Anyway.’
Setting that aside.
‘What about the test.’
What kind of test would I need to pass to enter Sowoldae?
‘That old man said not to worry about it.’
Would it really be as he said? While I was looking at Wol Seon-geom with doubt.
“We shall now proceed with the Cheonwol Martial Trial according to tradition.”
‘…Huh? Cheonwol Martial Trial?’
An unfamiliar term spilled out from the start.
Martial? When you say martial….
“Do-hyeong of Sowoldae, prepare for the duel.”
“…This disciple Do-hyeong accepts the command.”
‘Oh… damn it.’
At Wol Seon-geom’s words, the Young Man at the very end appeared.
It was a familiar face. The martial artist from Sowoldae who had guided me just moments before.
Which meant.
‘Oh no.’
Unease surged through me.
‘I thought it was strange that all of Sowoldae had gathered. This…?’
A suspicion flashed through my mind.
[The traditional method of selecting members of Sowoldae, that is.]
Yoo Cheon-gil spoke as if he’d been waiting for this.
[You must face Sowoldae’s youngest member and receive the Moonju’s recognition.]
‘…’
[Easy, right? Didn’t I tell you it would be easy?]
‘What a load of crap. Sure, it’s easy.’
I bit my tongue slightly at his confident words.
Easy it certainly was.
It was an absurdly simple and crude method.
‘Why does Cheonwol Gate keep producing such violent people?’
Something felt off.
‘A martial match with the youngest member?’
I looked at Do-hyeong. Was he the youngest?
‘So it wasn’t Cheonhye-in.’
For a second-generation disciple, he was unusually young, but Cheonhye-in was even younger.
Then again, Cheonhye-in had been a second-generation disciple from the moment of entry… so it was certainly possible.
‘This doesn’t feel right.’
I frowned as I looked at Do-hyeong.
It really didn’t feel right. The match itself was awkward, but…
‘I don’t want to fight this guy.’
A match with Do-hyeong was even worse. Or rather, it wasn’t that I was reluctant to fight Do-hyeong.
‘…I don’t want to make an enemy of what’s behind him.’
The ‘presence’ behind Do-hyeong bothered me more.
‘Tch.’
There was no way to refuse. Just as I thought this was unavoidable.
Boom—!!
At the loud sound, Do-hyeong and everyone else’s eyes turned toward it.
Wondering what it was, I looked over to see someone suddenly kneeling.
‘Hm?’
It was a face I recognized.
And for good reason.
“…Second-generation disciple Seom Seong-gyeong. I have something to say.”
He was one of the men who had been watching me in secret on the day of the incident at the restaurant.
“What is this about?”
Wol Seon-geom asked with a blunt expression.
“…Disciple Seom Seong-gyeong. I would like to take this opportunity to directly experience the sword technique of our Master.”
“You bastard—!”
It was not Wol Seon-geom who shouted at Seom Seong-gyeong’s words, but Sochul Daeju.
“How dare you, what kind of fool are you…! Do you not understand what kind of place this is!”
To experience the sword technique of our Master.
In other words, he wanted to cross blades with me. And of all times, now.
“In this sacred place, you dare…!”
“Enough.”
Wol Seon-geom stopped Sochul Daeju, whose face had flushed with anger.
“…Hmm.”
Interest gleamed in his expression.
Standing before him, I was—
‘That damned woman really is something.’
My face twisted as I looked at Cheonhye-in.

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