The World’s Greatest is Dead - Chapter 542

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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 542
Muryeonggak, they called it. I wondered what kind of place it would be, but contrary to my concerns, I arrived at a remarkably intact location.
‘A flower garden?’
A beautifully cultivated flower garden. It was strangely lovely—a stark contrast to the Demonic Sect, where shallow blood stench and thick murderous intent permeated everything.
I couldn’t help but wonder why they’d bothered maintaining such a place. At least from what I knew of the Demonic Sect, they wouldn’t desire something like this.
‘Well, it’s not my concern.’
Right, there was no reason to dwell on it. If there was anything I needed to focus on here…
‘The spiritual energy concentration in this garden is shallow.’
The moment I entered the garden, the abundant spiritual energy I’d felt from all directions diminished.
It wasn’t that I couldn’t sense it at all—rather, it had settled to ordinary levels.
The outside had simply felt excessively dense by comparison.
“We have arrived.”
The disciple bowed respectfully. The place he indicated with proper courtesy was at the far end of the garden, where a landscape appeared that seemed almost impossible to exist within the Demonic Sect.
And at its center.
‘…That.’
I had to narrow my eyes at the sight of a single towering tree.
Why was that here?
‘It’s a divine tree.’
The divine tree I’d seen in Yoo Cheon-gil’s secret chamber beneath the Cheongwol Sect. An identical one stood here without question.
‘Ah.’
Only upon seeing it did I understand. So that’s why—the reason the spiritual energy concentration was low in this place.
‘It’s absorbing the spiritual energy.’
That divine tree was absorbing all the spiritual energy from the surrounding space. Its range appeared to encompass the entire garden.
‘Did they construct this garden with that expectation?’
It was possible, or it might not be.
‘Do you know about this?’
So I posed the question to someone who would likely know. When I asked the Celestial Demon, he responded:
[Similar. Half right, half wrong.]
‘That’s an ambiguous answer.’
[That divine tree is merely a small sapling at best. The garden wasn’t built for something specific—it exists for the symbolic significance of that tree.]
‘So there was no particular intention? But…’
Half right and half wrong meant…
‘It gained meaning later, then.’
[You’re quite perceptive.]
It wasn’t entirely without meaning. I nodded in acknowledgment.
Right, it would be nonsensical for such a divine tree to exist without any significance whatsoever.
‘What meaning could it hold?’
I glanced at it briefly out of curiosity, but that was all.
‘I’ll investigate further later.’
For now, I had a reason for seeking out Muryeonggak.
“Welcome.”
At the far end of the garden. Someone stood in the constructed quarters. A figure dressed as a Disciple, just like the others.
“I am Yean of the Divine Sect.”
The being offered a greeting with a thin smile. Something about that presence made me narrow my eyes slightly.
‘This person seems rather troublesome.’
My first impression wasn’t favorable. The feeling was off. Usually when I sense something like this, my bad premonition proves accurate.
“The Elder awaits you inside.”
The young man called Yean opened the door with his hand. The interior was revealed. The inside was just as beautiful as the garden that decorated it.
Even the fragrance that wafted over was different. It seemed as though incense had been scattered about.
It was curious that such a space could exist even within the Divine Sect.
“Please, come inside.”
“….”
Inside was a figure who looked most out of place in this setting. A body that clearly exceeded eight feet in height. A frame not much different from Paeng Dojin’s, yet covered entirely in scars.
Just looking at him, I could feel an overwhelming aura. This was no ordinary Martial Artist.
You could tell from the atmosphere alone.
He rose to his feet. Standing, he appeared even larger.
“I am Hong Yucheol, an Elder of the Divine Sect. It is an honor to meet you.”
“…Guchiulguma. You were alive?”
“Sword Emperor. It is an honor to see you again.”
It seemed the Sword Emperor knew this man as well. For someone whose social skills are completely destroyed, he certainly has a wide network.
Wait, can you even call that having a wide network? It’s a bit ambiguous, but anyway.
“I heard you’ve already met with another Elder. Ah, what a shame. I should have been the first.”
“Did you become an Elder by surviving the war?”
“It just happened that way.”
Hong Yucheol shrugged his shoulders as he spoke.
“I’m not particularly fond of such titles. But what can I do? If the Divine Sect wishes it, then I must.”
“Narrow-minded thinking. Back then, everyone said your lust for power would be your downfall.”
“I appreciate your concern. But in the end, isn’t the result what matters?”
Whoosh.
The air grew cold. Neither Hong Yucheol nor the Sword Emperor seemed to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
“First, please sit. Since I am responsible for this matter, shouldn’t you hear what I have to say, Sword Emperor?”
“…Responsible. Do you truly believe there is meaning in this pointless affair?”
“That is not important. What matters is that the Young Master desires this.”
“….”
Hearing his words, I understood. This man was backing the Young Master.
It seemed this Elder was the one supporting him.
“We eschew meaningless conflict. This gathering was for that purpose. The Young Master is aware of this as well.”
“Ha.”
The Sword Emperor twisted his lips upward. In that instant, the air froze cold.
“There is a limit to indulging in foolishness, yet you remain unchanged even after experiencing that incident.”
“That remark is rather crude, is it not? Surely you understand as well—such words hold no currency between us.”
Clatter, clatter, clatter.
The table trembled, and the teacup rattled. Just as the overwhelming pressure of the absolute masters began to spread in all directions.
“…Are you intending to continue this?”
I stepped in to mediate.
I wedged myself into the gap where their energies clashed and twisted it aside.
Whoooosh—!!
“Oh?”
Hong Yucheol’s eyes widened at my action.
“I apologize for daring to interject in the esteemed elders’ conversation. However, I believed it more prudent to discuss other matters at this moment.”
“A fair point. We’ve been rather foolish, entertaining such needless banter with honored guests present.”
Hong Yucheol smiled with a sinister edge, his expression made all the more menacing by the countless scars etched across his face.
“Please forgive them. Old fools like us tend to indulge in greed and speak in vain.”
He waved his massive hand as he spoke, presenting an air of reason, yet I remained vigilant nonetheless.
It was because of that young man named Yean who stood outside. He was the reason for my caution.
‘Bizarre is what it is.’
Should I say he was of a similar class to Gwima? An inexplicable unease emanated from him.
Because of that fellow, my wariness toward Hong Yucheol had heightened considerably.
“….”
The Sword Emperor observed me briefly before closing his mouth. He too had concluded there was nothing more to discuss.
“In any case, the purpose of this gathering is clear. You are to participate in the Magekyeokgwan currently being conducted by the Demonic Sect and undergo training together.”
“…The Magekyeokgwan, you say?”
“It would be most accurate to describe it as a training ground for becoming a true disciple of the Demonic Sect.”
“…I see.”
In other words, a breeding ground for Marins. Why dress it up so prettily?
And we’re supposed to participate in this?
The very name sounds harsh and brutal.
“In the past, it was a place where disciples fought to the death, and failure meant execution—a place reeking of blood. Fortunately, that is no longer the case, so you may enjoy yourselves without concern.”
“…Are you truly certain it’s a place where one can enjoy themselves?”
“Of course. Would we subject honored guests from the righteous sects to hardship? Especially when the Young Master himself is present with us.”
Tsk, tsk.
I rolled my eyes at the amused tone of his laughter.
The Magekyeokgwan. They too would be entering an educational institution of the righteous sects and receiving instruction in a similar manner.
This arrangement was created to remind both sides that they would cause no harm to one another.
‘…I doubt they intend anything untoward.’
Yet one can never be certain. The question remained whether the Demonic Sect could be trusted.
[Kekeke.]
The Celestial Demon laughs at my thoughts. That’s right. The Madoo and leader of the Demonic Sect is standing right beside me at this very moment.
“The Magekyeokgwan is currently in preparation, and it shall commence two days hence. We hope you will participate and demonstrate your finest abilities.”
“May I pose a question?”
The voice that interjected belonged to Paeng Dojin. The man who had been quiet until now turned to Hong Yucheol and asked.
“Ah? Very well. What is your name?”
“I am Paeng Dojin of the Peng Clan.”
“A familiar bearing, I said. So you are of Peng Clan blood. Very well then, what is it you wish to ask?”
The moment Paeng Dojin’s name was spoken, I caught Hong Yucheol’s expression crumpling in an instant.
Was there something entangled between him and the Peng Clan?
“When one performs well at the Mageok Pavilion, how far does that reputation extend?”
“What do you mean?”
“I am asking whether one can obtain anything by achieving the best results there.”
“Ha ha?”
Hong Yucheol laughed at such audacious words.
“The best results? You?”
“Anyone.”
“A fine sentiment. I know not what you seek, but ordinarily a disciple might become an elite disciple, and there are cases where one catches an Elder’s eye and becomes their student… but then again. I wonder what I should give to the likes of you. What do you desire?”
Hong Yucheol smiled wickedly. His expression showed intrigue.
“If you wish for a Spirit Pill, that could be arranged, but if not…”
“Is the Guicheoui Blade here?”
“…”
At Paeng Dojin’s question, Hong Yucheol hesitated.
“May I receive that?”
“Tsk tsk tsk…”
Hong Yucheol’s eyes gleamed. He let out a laugh, but his eyes were not smiling.
“Did your grandfather tell you?”
“Something similar.”
The Guicheoui Blade. What did that mean? Was it something of the Peng Clan?
“I never expected to hear that name in this place. Excellent. If you accomplish what you’ve said, I shall give it to you.”
“…”
There was no response. Paeng Dojin, who usually seemed so lively and foolish, was grave this time.
“Then, is there nothing you desire?”
“Me?”
This time he asked me. I scratched my cheek. I wondered if there was any need for me to want something.
I thought about what difference it would make even if I obtained something good here.
‘Ah.’
There was actually one thing.
It wasn’t something I necessarily needed to obtain from Hong Yucheol, but it would still be nice to have.
I did recall it.
‘But speaking of it would be dangerous.’
It would be dangerous to mention it to Hong Yucheol.
“I shall think about it for a moment. There is nothing I need right now.”
“Is that so? That’s possible. Yean.”
“Yes.”
At Hong Yucheol’s call, that strange young man from outside entered the room.
I turned my gaze toward him and paused mid-observation.
‘As I thought.’
That sense of incongruity from before was no mere illusion.
“Please escort our honored guests back. And Sword Emperor, I would appreciate a moment of your time for a private conversation.”
“….”
The Sword Emperor gave a subtle nod.
“Understood. I shall see to it.”
Watching Yean approach with a smile, realization struck me.
‘This bastard.’
No matter how I looked at it.
‘He possesses eyes.’
Divine Eyes.
He was definitely someone who wielded them.

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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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