Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 118 – Choice (1)

-Bulge! Bulge!

At that moment, the veins on Mok Gyeong-un’s left hand bulged prominently, and soon, the muscles up to his wrist swelled, and his skin turned black.

‘!!!!!’

Seeing this, the eyes of Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, widened.

The phenomenon occurring in Mok Gyeong-un’s left wrist was almost identical to what had happened to Mok Yu-cheon’s body during his rampage.

The only difference was that it was limited to his wrist.

‘No. What on earth?’

To the astonished Lee Ji-yeom, Mok Gyeong-un spoke nonchalantly.

“It seems to put a lot of strain on the meridians, perhaps because I changed the location of the acupoints and detonated the internal energy. But if I apply it only to a part of the body without going berserk, it seems quite useful. What do you think?”

“…”

At this question, Lee Ji-yeom was at a loss for words.

Was this even possible?

If he had said that he had thoroughly examined Mok Yu-cheon’s body, explored the circulation paths, and found a way to utilize it like this after numerous studies, it would have been understandable.

But how did he do this?

“Why are you like that? Does it seem lacking in utility?”

“That’s…”

Oh my.

What should he say?

It wasn’t a realm that could be understood with the thinking of an ordinary person.

No, rather than that, it might be possible because Mok Gyeong-un, or rather his liege possessing his body, was a deceased spirit.

This seemed difficult for even martial artists with innate talent to replicate, let alone their martial prowess.

Who could reproduce and utilize it like this just by observing it?

Moreover, it was no different from the rampage of an evil technique.

‘Perhaps his words about surpassing the wall within three years weren’t empty.’

However, there was something Lee Ji-yeom didn’t know.

It was the fact that Mok Gyeong-un accurately remembered the incorrect mnemonics he had taught Mok Yu-cheon from the beginning.

‘If utilized well, it should be fine.’

Based on this, Mok Gyeong-un had visually confirmed how Mok Yu-cheon’s circulation paths and energy worked, which was why he could replicate it like this.

Even Cheong-ryeong clicked her tongue in admiration of Mok Gyeong-un’s talent.

‘This brat…’

How did he come up with the idea to make it his own like this?

In her eyes, Mok Gyeong-un’s development speed and open-mindedness were not just surprising but also terrifying.

Even with the Ghost Eyes of the deceased, this brat was truly a monster.

‘It might not be an impossible feat.’

Perhaps fulfilling her grudge wasn’t an entirely impossible task.

Because of that, her emotions were further heightened.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un muttered while releasing his blackened hand to its original state.

“What should I call it?”

This was an evil technique that changed the locations of the acupoints.

Considering that,

‘Since it’s an evil technique that arbitrarily changes the acupoints, I should call it the Reversed Acupoint Evil Technique.’

Reversed Acupoint Evil Technique[1].

Thus, another potential emerged for Mok Gyeong-un.

For ordinary martial artists, it was a shortcut to delusion or becoming a cripple, but for Mok Gyeong-un, who had a fast recovery speed, whether externally or internally, and originally possessed a reverse acupoint circulation method, it was no different from an exclusive potential that wouldn’t put much strain on him if controlled well.

Seeing this, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, clicked his tongue and said,

“…My liege, you truly astound your subordinate a lot.”

“Is that so?”

Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and then asked.

“What happened to Mok Yu-cheon?”

“Fortunately, the leaders intervened before a mishap occurred.”

‘Ah…’

At those words, Mok Gyeong-un couldn’t hide his disappointment.

Since the surging energy had exceeded the level Mok Yu-cheon could handle, he had naturally thought that this time, he wouldn’t be able to endure it and would become a cripple or die.

But did he survive this time as well?

At this point, Mok Yu-cheon also seemed to be lucky and have a long lifeline.

‘It’s a pity, but there’s no other way.’

Thanks to that, he had to be satisfied with acquiring a new technique called the Reversed Acupoint Evil Technique.

***

Thus, the final duel of the last gate came to an end.

However, a controversy arose here.

It was about who the victor of this duel was.

The first person to bring this up was none other than Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak.

Originally, after much deliberation, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, had intended to declare Mok Yu-cheon’s defeat, as he had suffered severe internal injuries by recklessly employing an evil technique.

However,

“I object.”

“What do you mean by object?”

“Although we intervened midway, if we look at it in terms of the duel, shouldn’t Mok Yu-cheon’s victory be acknowledged?”

At Won Byeong-hak’s objection, some of the other leaders showed signs of agreement.

It was understandable because a duel ultimately meant a confrontation.

However, if they hadn’t intervened, Mok Gyeong-un might have lost his life at the hands of the rampaging Mok Yu-cheon.

Considering this, Mok Yu-cheon could be seen as the victor.

“Hmm. Thunderbolt Fist King’s words also have a point.”

Lee Ji-yeom, who had intended to make the announcement, responded in that manner, perhaps conscious of the opinions surrounding him.

At this, Won Byeong-hak twitched the corners of his mouth.

Although he had put forward a plausible justification, Won Byeong-hak’s true intentions were different.

‘This way, I can slightly increase the chances of taking that child.’

If Mok Gyeong-un became the victor of the duel, he would be the top ranker in the final gate, so the choice would lie with him, not the spectators.

In that case, the probability would be one-sixth, including Bright Blade King Son Yun, Shadow Master, Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang of the Summoning Sound Valley, Bo Hyuk-so, the Grand Elder of the Flame Demon Clan, Dae So-man, the Grand Elder of the Scarlet Blood Clan, and himself.

On the other hand, if Mok Gyeong-un didn’t become the top ranker, he would also be in a position to be chosen.

‘Then it becomes a fight between the Bright Blade King and myself.’

Although it felt somewhat forced, if he pushed forward with his position here, how could the other leaders dare to drool over what he was aiming for?

This was Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak’s calculation.

However, someone else raised an objection again.

“That remains to be seen.”

‘Huh?’

It was none other than Bright Blade King Son Yun.

At this, Won Byeong-hak furrowed his brows.

Since they held the same position, he had thought that Son Yun would agree with him, as they were in similar situations.

But what was this?

“What do you mean by that remains to be seen?”

“If we look at it now, we can see that the injuries of the student named Mok Gyeong-un are lighter than expected. As you esteemed masters know, in a life-and-death duel, superiority in power doesn’t always determine the outcome.”

“Hah. This wasn’t a life-and-death duel.”

“That applies even if it’s a duel.”

The two once again showed a sharp confrontation.

Seeing this, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, couldn’t hide his perplexity.

For now, he understood why they were behaving like this after Bright Blade King Son Yun presented a dissenting opinion.

‘Thunderbolt Fist King is trying to increase the chances of taking the Lord, even if only slightly, while Bright Blade King is trying to win favor by giving the Lord the top ranker position.’

His prediction was somewhat accurate.

Bright Blade King Son Yun believed that if Mok Gyeong-un was a martial artist, he would choose not from all six leaders but from the strongest and most powerful ones among the Five Kings.

At least that cunning fellow from the Yeon Mok Sword Manor wouldn’t do anything detrimental to himself.

So there was no need to take away the top ranker position from him.

“Ahem. In any case, I maintain that the victor of this duel is the student named Mok Yu-cheon.”

Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak made his opinion clear.

In response, Bright Blade King Son Yun spoke as if he shared the same sentiment.

“Considering everything that student Mok Gyeong-un demonstrated today, I believe he is sufficiently the victor.”

‘…So this is how it’s going to be?’

Won Byeong-hak gnashed his teeth slightly.

If it turned out like this, wouldn’t he become the villain in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes?

He thought about changing his opinion right now.

At that moment, someone stepped forward.

“I also agree with Thunderbolt Fist King’s opinion.”

‘Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley?’

The one who stepped forward and agreed with his opinion was none other than Hang Yeo-ryang, the Valley Master of the Summoning Sound Valley.

Looking at them, she said,

“Of course, it’s clear that the student named Mok Gyeong-un possesses exceptional martial talent, but if we consider the purpose of this duel, we should reach a conclusion in line with that purpose.”

“Purpose?”

Bright Blade King Son Yun raised one of his eyebrows.

As expected from their adversarial relationship, the corners of Hang Yeo-ryang’s mouth rose even more at this reaction.

“Yes, the purpose. Our sect recognizes evil techniques as martial arts. Even if he went berserk, the fact that the student named Mok Yu-cheon overwhelmed Mok Gyeong-un for a moment doesn’t change. Isn’t that right?”

At her words, the two supreme leaders glanced at each other and nodded their heads.

In fact, her words also had a point.

‘Hehehe. Do you think this Valley Master will easily concede?’

Hang Yeo-ryang also coveted Mok Gyeong-un.

Therefore, from her perspective, she needed to guide the spectators to make the choice.

Since she had already confirmed through voice transmission that Mok Gyeong-un had no intention of choosing her, it was all the more necessary to solidify Mok Yu-cheon’s victory.

She had no intention of backing down from the qi battle with the two kings.

“Ahem.”

At this point, Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak, seemingly pleased with her agreement, tried to drive the point home.

“You see. Most of the spectators share a similar opinion to mine. Although I personally evaluate that Mok Gyeong-un child more highly in terms of talent, considering the purpose of the duel, naturally…”

“Ohohoho. I apologize, but may I also express my opinion?”

At the grating laughter, the gazes of everyone, including Won Byeong-hak, turned towards Shadow Master.

Shadow Master stood up modestly, covering his mouth with his palm.

Then, he made a gesture of respect with both hands and spoke.

“First, I apologize for the interruption.”

“Ahem.”

At his apology, Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak coughed as if displeased.

It was undoubtedly because Shadow Master had interrupted his words and stepped forward, which meant he would surely express a dissenting opinion.

At this, Shadow Master waved his hand lightly and said,

“Did I offend you? I apologize. However, I stepped forward and interrupted because I thought it would be right to reach an accurate conclusion.”

“An accurate conclusion? What do you mean by that?”

Won Byeong-hak asked bluntly.

If the Shadow Master said anything unreasonable, he was ready to confront him immediately.

At this, Shadow Master politely opened his mouth.

“To be honest, in my case, I share the same opinion as Bright Blade King.”

“No, how is that an accurate conclu…”

“Of course, it’s not an accurate conclusion but merely my opinion. However, the fact that opinions are divided into two means that it’s difficult to determine the victor of this duel with certainty.”

“What do you mean it’s difficult to determine the victor? Anyone can see that if we hadn’t intervened in the duel…”

“Yes, that’s the problem.”

“What?”

Won Byeong-hak furrowed his brows.

What on earth was Shadow Master talking about?

As he was puzzled, Shadow Master continued speaking while bending his waist with his hands together.

“The duel had already returned to square one the moment we intervened. That’s why this debate is taking place.”

“Square one?”

“Yes. If we hadn’t intervened, a conclusion would have been reached in some way. That’s something everyone agrees on, right?”

“…”

At his words, Won Byeong-hak let out a soft sigh.

Wasn’t that obvious?

However, if they hadn’t intervened, Mok Gyeong-un would have lost his life, and Mok Yu-cheon’s meridians might have all ruptured, turning him into a cripple or leading to his death.

They were able to save both of them because they had intervened in some way.

“Shadow Master… Your words certainly have a point, but if we hadn’t intervened, a mishap would have occurred for both students. Do you not acknowledge that?”

“I acknowledge it. That’s why I believe we should choose one of two options rather than determining the outcome as a victory or defeat.”

“Two options?”

“Yes.”

At this, Valley Master Hang Yeo-ryang asked curiously.

“What are they?”

“It’s simple. Since the match was interrupted due to the spectators’ intervention, either hold a rematch…”

“Do you think a rematch is possible now?”

Hang Yeo-ryang frowned and gestured with her head towards the unconscious Mok Yu-cheon.

Mok Yu-cheon’s internal injuries were severe, so he wouldn’t be able to fight for a while.

How could they hold a rematch?

At this, Shadow Master smiled and said,

“Then, we have no choice but to declare it a draw due to the spectators’ intervention.”

‘!?’

At those words, everyone fell silent.

It was a conclusion completely different from what each of them had been thinking.

However, it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable argument.

‘A draw…’

‘Nominally, that’s correct.’

‘A rematch is difficult right away. We can’t hold another spectating session at that time.’

‘Since opinions are divided, it might be better than that.’

Most of them showed signs of agreeing with Shadow Master’s words.

There was no point in continuing to argue over who the victor was, as they would surely not back down from each other.

However, there was another problem here.

“Shadow Master’s words also have a point. Since the match was interrupted, declaring it a draw is also an option. But then, how do we handle the top ranker position?”

This was everyone’s concern.

The reason opinions were divided over this outcome was because of whether the choice would be given to Mok Gyeong-un or to the spectators.

At that moment, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master, stepped forward.

“Then, how about doing it this way?”

Everyone’s attention focused on him.

“There has never been a case where spectators intervened in a duel like this before. However, what everyone acknowledges is that it wouldn’t be strange for either of these two to be the victor, right?”

“Valley Master… Do you mean?”

“Since it’s difficult to hold a rematch in this situation, if the conclusion is a draw, we can’t declare both students who remained until the end as losers, can we?”

‘Oh no!’

At these words, Thunderbolt Fist King Won Byeong-hak’s expression stiffened.

In the end, he was suggesting that both students who had fought in the final duel of the last gate should be treated as top rankers.

If this happened, the choice would be given to the two students, not the spectators.

He wanted to object to this, but there were no more grounds for him to step forward.

‘Phew.’

Stepping forward would only result in them holding onto each other.

***

Thus, for the first time in the history of the Corpse Blood Valley’s gates, two top rankers were born.

However, although he had contributed to the two of them becoming top rankers, Bright Blade King Son Yun was concerned about the repercussions if the fact that the two hostages brought from the righteous sect had jointly become top rankers became known to the entire sect.

But he couldn’t overturn the already determined result.

It was a done deal, and the aftermath was a problem that the Society Leader, who had sent the hostages to the Corpse Blood Valley, had to bear.

His concern was now only one thing.

‘Mok Gyeong-un.’

He wanted to accept that person as his disciple.

He agreed that probably everyone here shared the same opinion.

Although they were joint top rankers, there wouldn’t be many who wanted to accept Mok Yu-cheon, who had mastered an evil technique and had a high risk, as a disciple or subordinate.

At that moment, Lee Ji-yeom, the Corpse Blood Valley Master on the platform, spoke to Mok Gyeong-un, who was standing.

“Mok Gyeong-un, no, Mok Gyeong-un-danju and Mok Yu-cheon-danju, who have passed all the gates of the Corpse Blood Valley and become top rankers, I congratulate you. As mentioned earlier, as a benefit of becoming top rankers, the two Clan Leaders have been given the opportunity to choose from the leaders who have spectated here.”

The moment of choice had finally arrived.

Who would he choose?

Since the choice lay with Mok Gyeong-un, no matter how high-ranking the leaders were, most of them couldn’t help but have eyes filled with tension and anticipation.

At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un politely made a gesture of respect towards the leaders sitting in front of the platform, raised his head, and spoke courteously.

“I apologize. All the leaders are such excellent individuals that it’s difficult for me to conclude who to choose.”

‘Hmm?’

What did he mean by that?

As they were puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said,

“So, I will speak frankly. No matter what, I want to go to the one who earnestly desires me. If there is such a person, it would be great if you could raise your right hand slightly.”

-Swish!

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the leaders simultaneously raised their hands slightly, as if it didn’t matter who was first.

Coincidentally, it was all six leaders.

They all glanced at each other, revealing an uncomfortable air.

It was the expected result.

Then, Mok Gyeong-un twitched his lips and said,

“This is quite a predicament. Everyone wants me…”

“…”

“Then, there’s no other way. For the sake of fairness, I will say this. Please don’t be too angry. If I were to choose you, what benefits would there be? I would like each leader to tell me one by one.”

‘!?’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the six leaders simultaneously furrowed their brows.

This was no different from telling those who wanted to take him to present a suitable price for him, wasn’t it?