Chapter 1220

<Chapter 1220> 1220. The Path of Radiant Ascension

I stared at the main gate of Seonja Temple.

Since it was broad daylight with the sun shining, the gates were wide open. Through the opening, I could see inside. The garden was pristine, and the buildings were grand and ornate.

The gates stood boldly open, but that didn’t mean one could just waltz in.

Two gatekeepers guarding the entrance glared at me fiercely with piercing eyes.

Ignoring them, I took a step forward. Instantly, they raised their spears, aiming directly at me.

As I stepped back, they returned to their original rigid stance. They’d been trained impeccably.

…

Taking a step forward again. They aimed their spears. Stepping back. They lowered their spears.

After repeating this about eight times, one of the gatekeepers yelled out in irritation,

“Enough! Are you joking around?! If you have business, speak!”

“Don’t shout. I’ll kill you before you finish.”

“…!”

I emanated murderous intent. Overwhelmed, they swallowed hard and assumed a combat stance. Killing the gatekeepers would be easy. After all, they were merely ceremonial foot soldiers.

‘The problem is handling whatever’s inside without lifting the restrictions.’

The Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect must be watching my every move from the shadows. Breaking through without removing the seals is impossible. If I did, everything accomplished so far would be for nothing.

“I’ve come from the Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect.”

The gatekeepers exchanged glances and lowered their weapons. Beads of cold sweat trickled down their foreheads.

“…What brings a warrior of the Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect to Seonja Temple?”

“I’m carrying out an order from the sect—to eliminate a traitor. Seonja Temple should cooperate.”

“…We don’t have the authority to make such decisions. We’ll report to our master. Please wait a moment.”

One of the gatekeepers rushed into Seonja Temple.

Seonja Temple was one of the forces allied with the Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect, mainly because Haguashi City was close to the sect’s territory.

‘Seonja Temple can’t afford to defy the Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect. Things should go smoothly. All I need to do is kill my target, Chujue. Since his skills are on par with mine, he might try to flee. If he runs, it’ll complicate matters.’

I spread my senses. If anyone tries to escape from within Seonja Temple, I’ll act immediately.

I didn’t have to wait long. The gatekeeper who had gone inside came running back, panting.

“Our master formally invites you! I’ll escort you to the reception hall!”

Things were proceeding as planned.

With dignity, I crossed the threshold of Seonja Temple.

Inside the reception hall, I faced the head of Seonja Temple, Sun Haedo. He looked to be in his forties. Neatly dressed and composed, with thick eyebrows and a beard on his chin—he embodied the classic image of a righteous swordsman from martial arts novels.

“It’s good to meet you. I am Sun Haedo, the head of Seonja Temple.”

Hakryeo Seon Geom (Glorious Heron First Sword).

That was Sun Haedo’s epithet.

“I am Yeom Guseok from the Heavenly Horse Spirit Sect, known as ‘Lightning Blade.'”

“Let’s sit and talk first.”

At his gesture, I flopped unceremoniously onto the chair. On the table sat a teacup, steaming green tea rising gently. I took a sip…


And then said,

“My purpose for coming to the Seon household is exactly as I told the gatekeeper. Choo-jeo. I am aware that a traitor of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect is residing here as a guest. Bring him to me.”

He brazenly exuded hostility.

Seon Haedo didn’t even flinch, despite my mention of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect.

“Choo-jeo being a traitor of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect… I find that hard to believe.”

“Are you doubting the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect?”

“No, don’t misunderstand. Our Seon household has an alliance with the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect. Of course, we trust them. The one I don’t trust is you.”

“The Cheonma Shin-gyo sect gave me an order. To kill the traitor and bring back their head. Seon Haedo. If your household is truly allied with the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect, assist me immediately.”

“Haha. You sound just like someone speaking on behalf of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect. Are you perhaps their Celestial Horse? …No, that was disrespectful. Let me rephrase: Are you a senior elder of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect?”

“…”

The atmosphere was strange. It seemed Seon Haedo had no intention of cooperating. Things weren’t going well at all.

“You’re not easily dismissing guests of the Seon household.”

“He’s a traitor of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect, I said.”

“It’s not about the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect. I simply can’t trust what you say. Bring an official cooperation request letter bearing the name of an elder from the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect. Then I’ll assist without hesitation.”

“…”

Should I return to the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect right now? Even if I use high-speed movement techniques, it would take at least four days. There’s nowhere near enough time. And I can’t waste a teleportation scroll on this trivial matter. Even if I returned, there’s no way they’d issue the cooperation letter Seon Haedo wants.

“By now, the third trial must be underway at the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect’s Demon Gate.”

“…You knew from the start.”

“I fully believe you’re a warrior of the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect. However, I see no reason why I must unconditionally cooperate with you.”

I have no support from the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect for this mission. It’s up to me to complete it using my own strength. Persuading the Seon household is also my responsibility. Securing Seon Haedo’s assistance to kill Choo-jeo is part of the task.

“You should’ve politely requested cooperation from the start. Though, it’s not too late. Show some respect. Get on your knees, bow to me, and apologize. Then I might consider your request.”

Buying his cooperation with money might’ve been faster.

I sighed.

My irritation skyrocketed. Seon Haedo’s cultivation level was barely at the second stage of Qi Condensation. He was weaker than me. If I unleashed my full strength, I could kill him within fifty exchanges.

As I stood up, Seon Haedo’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

I grabbed a teacup from the table and hurled it at the wall. *Clang!* The cup shattered, and tea trickled down the wall. A murderous intent radiated from Seon Haedo.

I spoke, my voice laced with killing intent. My Cheonma Arts trembled. Malevolent energy seeped into my words.

“You piece of filth. When I come back, I’ll obliterate your insignificant Seon household, leaving not a single stone standing. I’ll violate and kill your wife, tear apart your children, and burn all your retainers alive. The name ‘Seon household’ will vanish forever from the martial world. Wait in despair for that day.”

*Crack!*

The teacup Seon Haedo was gripping shattered. His body trembled. Was it anger? No. He was clearly terrified of me. He bit his lip, desperately trying to hide his fear while pretending to be angry.

“…Are you threatening the Seon household? Someone like you? The Cheonma Shin-gyo sect wouldn’t hold me accountable even if I killed you right now!”

“Try killing me if you can.”

“…”

He clamped his mouth shut.

Refusing to cooperate and killing someone affiliated with the Cheonma Shin-gyo sect were two different matters. He probably suspected I had backup behind my bold attitude.

I quietly calmed my Cheonma energy. I checked the seal. The seal remained intact. Still rigid and overpowered, Seon Haedo…


Staring, I fully grasped the power of the Heavenly Demon Arts.

I stepped outside. I encountered a martial artist from the Lotus Sect. I just passed by. Even though he rubbed me the wrong way, I couldn’t cause a ruckus here. A full-scale conflict with the Lotus Sect would be disadvantageous.

“Approaching at night to assassinate Chujeh… seems difficult. Their defenses must be on high alert. Chujeh has probably sensed my presence and won’t leave the Lotus Sect compound…”

Standing outside the main gate, I turned back to gaze at the Lotus Sect headquarters. The grand buildings were extremely annoying. If only I had received cooperation from the Lotus Sect, this mission could’ve been wrapped up easily. My killing intent began to rise.

“……!!”

The two gatekeepers gripped their weapons tightly and glared fiercely.

“What’re you staring at? Blind yourselves.”

“……”

As I growled while channeling the Heavenly Demon Arts, the gatekeepers immediately averted their eyes.

Walking down the street, I racked my brain for ideas, but nothing came to mind. Rising frustration clouded my thoughts.

Passing through an alley, I spotted some thugs snickering. They were crouched in the alley, laughing amongst themselves about something. As soon as they saw me standing there, their faces twisted in annoyance.

“What’s this… grrk!!”

I kicked the one who tried to talk to me.

“You guys are my punching bags. Just take it.”

Punch! Punch! Punch! Punch!

I mercilessly beat the thugs, grabbing their collars. Of course, I controlled my strength. I’m Yan Guseok—I can’t kill people so easily. Especially since I’m on a mission.

After beating them for a while, I stopped. I didn’t intend to kill them, but they were too weak, and I accidentally killed them. They had some martial arts training, but these third-rate thugs hadn’t even reached the Entry Level.

“Shit. Can’t even make decent punching bags? Useless bastards.”

The alley was already covered in blood. Since it was secluded, no witnesses were around. The Spirit Sect’s informants weren’t monitoring my every move, so they wouldn’t know about this incident.

As I was sneaking out of the alley, an amusing thought struck me.

I smeared the fallen thugs’ blood on the alley wall and left a message.

“Your punching bags are terrible.

Reviewer: Passing Great Swordsman

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

No brand name, hence the punches feel like garbage.

To the parents of these punching bags:

Make better ones, you morons.”

Writing the review calmed me down a bit.

“Hmph. In times like these, I should definitely head to the pleasure quarters. Let’s relieve stress at Boyru.”

And the next day, before leaving, I bought the adjacent building and wrote a review on its wall.

“The unparalleled pleasure quarters of Haga City, Boyru.

Reviewer: Passing Great Swordsman

Rating: ★★★★★

(Disclaimer: No advertising fees were received.)

The food is decent. The alcohol is top-notch, which explains its excellent quality. But in a pleasure house, food and drink aren’t that important. What matters most are the courtesans.

The courtesans are exceptionally talented. Their beauty needs no explanation, they sing beautifully, and dance gracefully. Especially Youngi’s (Zero Two) dance was satisfying. Among the top-tier courtesans, Hweyuel has the best bosom. Wolhyang boasts the finest vagina.

I recommend calling at least three courtesans at once. It keeps the mood lively.

Boyru’s private rooms are well-decorated compared to other houses. However, I strongly suggest renting a boat and enjoying yourself on the river.

Boat rides are a whole new world. The reflection of the courtesans in the river water stimulates my dry senses. By the way, I heard the top-tier courtesans here have mastered the Maiden Technique.

Additionally, waiters, move faster! I almost deducted a star because of you but remembered Hweyuel’s chest and Wolhyang’s vagina instead.”

Later, when someone broke into the building, the review became public, making Boyru even more famous.

The “Passing Great Swordsman”‘s reviews of pleasure houses became legendary across the continent.

Any place rated 2 stars or lower by him was considered trash. Any place rated 4 stars or above was hailed as the best. A 3-star rating meant it was decent. Then, another reviewer named “Halgasu” appeared, shocking the world.