Myst, Might, Mayhem

Chapter 221 – Mixed-blooded (2)

Song-ah, the real daughter of the Hong Bong Meat craftsman, who had fallen over after being pushed by the masked Embroidered Uniform Guards, widened her eyes.

It was because of the face that was revealed when the mask cracked.

Although it was only half, from the blue eyes to the high nose bridge and that exotic face, anyone could see that he resembled a person from the Western Regions rather than the Central Plains.

“My lord…”

Without realizing it, she called out to the masked Embroidered Uniform Guards, no, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The man, covering his face with his hand, scolded her.

“Don’t look at me!”

Instantly, she lowered her head without realizing it.

Even if he had just shouted, she would have been startled, but when an expert of that level yelled with killing intent, it was only natural for an ordinary person like her to feel her heart skip a beat.

-Gnash!

However, even at her reaction, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard became even more agitated.

He was extremely wary of his face being exposed.

[Blue eyes?]

[Why is a bastard who should be in the Western Regions here?]

[Filthy foreigner’s child!]

These were the words he had heard even before he could walk.

The countless acts of discrimination he had faced simply for being different had tormented him and made him emotionally closed off.

If he hadn’t met his master, his life might have taken a turn for the worst.

However, he still didn’t want to show his face to anyone.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, covering the exposed area with his hand, glared at Mok Gyeong-un, who had shattered his mask like this.

But then…

“Why are you so embarrassed?”

“What?”

“There’s no particular flaw on your face, so why are you covering it like that?”

At these words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s expression distorted terribly.

Was this guy mocking him now?

He was already sensitive about his face being exposed, and now his blood was boiling.

‘At least this bastard!’

-Papak!

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard stomped the ground twice.

Along with that, his figure dispersed like an afterimage, split into two, and simultaneously charged toward Mok Gyeong-un.

The two split figures executed stances simultaneously.

‘Cloud-Sending Palm Technique, 6th Stance, Secret Softness Rush!’

‘Terrain Fist Technique, 4th Stance, Rock-Shattering Form!’

The left figure charged softly at an angle that was difficult to gauge the distance, while the right figure unleashed a heavy, destructive fist technique.

‘Soft palm and heavy fist?’

-Papak!

In response, Mok Gyeong-un also stomped the ground twice.

Then, just like the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, his figure split into two along with afterimages.

Seeing this, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s eyes sharpened.

‘It’s certain.’

It was absurd.

He had a feeling it might be the case, but this fellow was utilizing the same footwork of the lightness skill as him.

Just what was going on?

In the first place, the footwork of a lightness skill wasn’t something that could be imitated simply by watching.

One needed to know the exact breathing technique and hand seals to execute it.

However, the important thing now wasn’t that.

‘I need to stay calm.’

Even if this fellow had superficially imitated his lightness skill, he thought he wouldn’t be able to fathom its depth.

Thus, the two figures split from the two individuals clashed.

-Papapapapak!

The afterimages intertwined, and a bizarre confrontation unfolded.

Certainly, the movements of the two afterimages performed by the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, who could be considered the original, were incomparably more natural.

However, Mok Gyeong-un countered this by executing different stances with both hands.

‘Again?’

Executing different stances with both hands was even more troublesome to deal with than the split body technique.

That was because, although he didn’t know how it was possible, the stances executed independently by both hands retained their full power.

-Papapapak!

‘Kuk!’

As a result, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard had no choice but to be pushed back.

He couldn’t fathom this fellow’s true identity.

From the moment he split his figure into two using the lightness skill, it was equivalent to splitting his thoughts into two, but on top of that, he executed different stances with both hands.

‘He’s a monster.’

Excluding his master and those two in the imperial palace, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard was confident that no one within Gaebong could match him in pure martial arts.

However, he had never imagined that he would be pushed back in a stance battle.

-Papapapapak!

In the end, unable to withstand the technique battle, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard was the first to distance himself.

-Pat!

Of course, Mok Gyeong-un wouldn’t let him go.

He tried to follow immediately.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, glaring at Mok Gyeong-un, had a solemn look in his eyes.

At this rate, he couldn’t defeat this person.

In that case, he had to unleash his secret technique, which could be considered his full power.

[You, who haven’t fully mastered the essence of this martial art, can only handle up to the second class at best. However, if you truly encounter an unexpected situation, I will pass on the secret technique so that you can execute the fourth class for a single stance.]

This was his ultimate secret technique that he had learned from his master.

He was confident that even this monstrous fellow wouldn’t be able to defend against it.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was propelling his body backward to create distance, placed his foot on the ground and bent his knee.

Along with that…

-Bang!

He fiercely kicked the ground…

-Swoosh!

A whirlwind and fierce wind surged, and a bizarre event occurred.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s figure split into four.

‘Four?’

Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes sparkled with interest.

He thought splitting afterimages into two was the limit, but he never expected it to split into four.

However, the breathing method was completely different from before, and this wasn’t a stance that could be replicated instantly just by watching.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, split into four, charged toward Mok Gyeong-un.

“Haap!”

Stances executed with a strong shout.

-Papapapapapapa!

They consisted of four entirely different schools of martial arts: fist, palm, leg, and claw.

However, these martial arts were linked in an extremely clever manner.

Therefore, their power was on a different level compared to when the afterimages were split into two.

The momentum was truly like a storm.

-Pat!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had been following the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, distanced himself by propelling his body backward.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard shouted at him.

“Do you think you can dodge it?”

-Papapapapapak!

If a monstrous fellow like him retreated, it meant he couldn’t find a way to break through his secret technique.

He couldn’t miss this golden opportunity.

Right at that moment…

“If it’s at this level, even if it’s not fully complete, it’s worth testing out.”

-Sreung!

Mok Gyeong-un drew the Evil Commandment Sword from the scabbard on his back.

The Evil Commandment Sword, revealed from its scabbard, emitted a strong killing intent along with its sword aura.

‘It’s not an ordinary sword.’

Although it was a precious sword, it felt somewhat ominous.

However, the sword wasn’t the issue.

The moment Mok Gyeong-un held the sword and assumed a stance, the atmosphere changed.

As if a volcano about to erupt, a sense of discomfort greatly intensified.

‘What is it?’

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard was confident of his victory from the moment he executed his secret technique.

However, for some reason, the intensifying discomfort from Mok Gyeong-un didn’t boost his fighting spirit but rather made him feel cautious.

Right at that moment…

-Pat!

Mok Gyeong-un, who had assumed a stance, swung his sword towards him.

The first sword technique wasn’t very powerful.

It was utterly ordinary, but…

‘Was I overthinking?’

If it was at this level, perhaps he had been unnecessarily cautious.

Did he think he could counter the fourth-class secret technique with a stance composed of such ordinary sword techniques?

-Papak!

Thus, the fourth class and Mok Gyeong-un’s sword technique clashed.

The momentum of the fourth class, surging like a storm as if four experts were attacking together, was truly unstoppable.

‘I’ll settle this decisively.’

Although the killing intent was sufficient to protect his hands and feet, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard further concentrated his martial power and transformed it into strong qi.

His two hands and two feet shimmered with a blue light.

However…

-Clang!

It was when about three techniques clashed.

Mok Gyeong-un’s Evil Commandment Sword turned black at one point.

‘What in the world?’

The moment the strong qi clashed, blue sparks flew, and a strong pain surged through his palms.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard inwardly questioned this.

He didn’t know what this black, ominous energy on the sword was, but it was distorting his strong qi with each clash.

However, that wasn’t the only problem.

-Cha cha cha cha chang!

‘The sword techniques in a single stance exceed six?’

The sword techniques contained in Mok Gyeong-un’s sword stance went beyond common sense.

Instead of transitioning to the next stance, the sword techniques continued to unfold, creating trajectories that were completely unexpected.

And as the trajectories increased…

-Cha cha cha cha chang!

‘No way!’

The power of the stance was rising.

Clearly, at the moment of clashing with the stance, there were several flaws visible.

However, as the trajectories increased, let alone flaws in the sword technique, it was difficult to find even a gap.

A sword technique that grew stronger and more perfect with each clash, just what kind of swordsmanship was this?

-Cha cha cha cha chang!

It was the moment when the sword techniques exceeded seventeen.

Three of the afterimages executing the fourth-class stance dispersed, and only one figure intensified.

In that instant, Mok Gyeong-un’s sword thrust towards the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s brow.

His pupils trembled wildly at this.

‘I can’t block it.’

The sword aimed to pierce his brow without giving him a chance to react.

Numerous memories flashed through the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s mind like a kaleidoscope in the face of death.

Was this how he was going to die?

Right at that moment…

-Pak!

The sword, thrusting towards his brow with tremendous momentum, suddenly stopped.

Just before it touched his forehead.

-Drip!

However, as if it couldn’t completely extinguish the momentum, blood flowed from a scratch on the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s brow.

-Gulp!

As the sword stopped right before his death, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard unknowingly swallowed his saliva.

Why did it stop?

He couldn’t understand it at all.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard finally asked.

“…Why did you stop?”

To his question, Mok Gyeong-un smiled nonchalantly and replied.

“I almost left a scar on your face.”

“Scar?”

“Yes. I thought your face needed to be as intact as possible if I were to skin it. But unfortunately, a scratch appeared. Well, I guess this much is fine.”

-Shudder!

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard felt a chill run down his spine, finding it absurd.

The reason he stopped the sword was to avoid leaving a scar on his face?

Was he really planning to skin his face?

“Are you out of your mind…”

-Swish!

At that moment, the Evil Commandment Sword’s blade moved towards the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s neck.

The black, ominous killing intent seemed ready to sever his neck at any moment.

“I said your face needs to be intact, but I never said I wouldn’t kill you. So calm down.”

“…”

At Mok Gyeong-un’s threat, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard was at a loss for words.

It was a complete defeat.

He was no match for this monstrous fellow.

Even with the secret technique he had learned from his master, he couldn’t possibly win against this opponent. Perhaps the outcome had been determined from the beginning.

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, looking down at the Evil Commandment Sword touching his neck, asked.

“…Since I’m going to die anyway, tell me.”

“Tell you what?”

“That sword technique that broke the fourth class… What is its name?”

“Ah, this sword technique?”

“Yes.”

He wanted to know at least this one thing.

Since it surpassed the secret technique his master had taught him, it must be a renowned sword technique.

However, unexpected words came out of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth.

“Hmm. What should I do about this?”

“What do you mean? What are you saying?”

“I’ve only created one stance so far, so I haven’t named the sword technique yet.”

“Wh-What did you say?”

Upon hearing those words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard’s mind momentarily went blank.

What did he just hear?

He thought this exquisite and peerless sword technique must be a renowned and extraordinary swordsmanship.

But this fellow said he had personally created it?

‘Ha…’

It was even absurd.

Just what kind of being had he faced?

How could he claim to have created such an incredible sword technique himself?

“…I can’t believe it. You created this peerless sword technique?”

“Do I have a reason to lie to someone I’m about to kill?”

‘!!!!!’

At Mok Gyeong-un’s words, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard was rendered speechless.

If what this fellow said was true, it was even more terrifying.

It meant he had not only faced a monster with innate martial talent but one with the qualifications of a Grand Master and had been defeated.

‘Does such a person really exist?’

He was genuinely astonished.

To think he would face a monster capable of creating martial arts himself.

The face of the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had been in despair and felt a sense of futility due to his defeat, gradually relaxed.

He even felt somewhat fortunate.

Perhaps this was the best situation a martial artist could face in death.

When and how would he ever encounter such a worthy opponent?

‘Yes, this might be for the best.’

In any case, his life had been manipulated by that fellow.

It might not be bad to die now without causing trouble for his master.

Was it because his mind was settled?

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke to Mok Gyeong-un with a serene face.

“I have no more regrets. Kill me.”

‘Hoho.’

At his words, interest flashed in Mok Gyeong-un’s eyes.

He had met countless people, but he had never encountered someone who truly settled everything and accepted death in the face of it.

Yet, this person was genuinely accepting his death with a clear mind.

He was truly a unique individual.

“Hurry up and kill me.”

The blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard spoke again.

Mok Gyeong-un, who had been staring intently at him, opened his mouth.

“It’s nice that you’re being clean about it, but can I ask you one thing before I kill you?”

To this question, the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard replied firmly.

“Just because I’ve cleanly accepted my defeat doesn’t mean I have an obligation to tell you everything about myself. So kill me.”

This was his last shred of dignity.

And in any case, he knew what the fellow would ask.

It would be something like why he, a Thousand-men Commander of the imperial palace, was a blue-eyed person from the Western Regions.

He didn’t want to argue about such things until the moment of his death.

However, contrary to his expectations, completely different words came out of Mok Gyeong-un’s mouth.

“Is that so? That’s quite a shame. I was curious as to why you have something like a bug in your stomach.”

‘!!!!!’

The moment he heard those words, the eyes of the blue-eyed Embroidered Uniform Guard, who had been prepared for death, widened.

Just what was this fellow?