Chapter 56: Memories

Chapter 56: Memories

The vivid image of a man coughing up blood and collapsing replayed itself over and over in my mind.

Keuk

The mans wounds were fatal. The gaping hole in his chest meant that not even the gods could save him now, but nonetheless, the man struggled to rise to his feet using a broken dao as support.

It was Master Crazy Demon.

I wont let it end like this Keuk! he coughed, throwing up blood yet again.

Read this at , or else.

Seeing this, the Bandit King approached, shouting, Hold still, dumbass, Ill close that wound!

The Crazy Demon glanced down at the hole in his chest, and smiled bitterly. Dont, Im fine.

How the fuck are you okay?

Move out of the way, the Crazy Demon suddenly said, kneeling on the ground.

Startled, the Bandit King stepped aside.

Slowly, the Crazy Demon bowed his head, facing the direction of the Hyonwon Clan. Father. Mother. Hyung-nim. My siblings. My relatives In this life, I dont think I can repay the favor you have bestowed upon me, he mumbled in a hoarse, cracked voice.

He then raised his head and gazed at the cloudy night sky, tears of blood streaming from his eyes. If I could be reborn I would repay the favor I couldnt repay in this life.

You son of a bitch! Dont leave me a stupid will! Youre not dead yet!

Why arent you reading this at ?

Hey, bandit.

What, you crazy bladesman!

The Crazy Demons eyes shifted from the Bandit King to me. Thank you for your help.

Youre so Hey, wake up! Wake up! Wake up!

The Crazy Demons eyes, which had gradually clouded over the past few minutes, became completely lifeless, and his body fell helplessly to the side.

I shuddered.

AHHHHH! You fucking Blood Cult bastards, Ill kill you all! The Bandit Kings wails echoed across the battlefield.

Hyung-nim Hyung-nim?

I opened my eyes to find three concerned faces looking down at me. The present felt unreal, like a blurry mix of past and present.

Ak Yeon-Ho studied my expression carefully and asked, Are you okay?

Im fine, I just got drunk faster than usual today.

That day, Master Crazy Demon, Master Maeng, Master Sword Saint, and Master Eun had all died right in front of my eyes. I was the only person in the world who knew their fate, their sacrifices, and the role they played in the Blood Cults downfall.

Im sorry, but I think Ive had enough partying for today. You guys continue without me, I said, rising from my seat.

Ak Yeon-Ho nodded. Yeah, you should go inside and get some rest.

Y arent you reading this at ?

Its your first day on the job, so you must be exhausted, Myeong Il-Oh added.

As I walked out of the inn, Jaegal So-Yeong followed me, a look of concern on her face. Did I say something unnecessary? she asked.

No, its not your fault. I just suddenly felt sick.

A-Are you really unwell? Do you want me to escort you home?

Her obliviousness is endearing, but if I want to get my message across, it seems that Ill have to speak bluntly. I smiled weakly at her and firmly said, Thank you, but no. I just need a minute to myself.

I-Im sorry, I didnt catch the hint again

No, Im the one who should be sorry for causing you distress. See you later. I waved Jaegal So-Yeong goodbye.

As I wandered alone through the night streets, I organized my jumbled thoughts.

The decades-old enmity between the Hyonwon Clan and Hebei Peng Clan which began with the Crazy Demon, and the fake Crazy Demon who single-handedly destroyed the Hyonwon Clan.

Even if by some miracle, Master Crazy Demon came back from the dead, there is no way he would do such a thing. So who could it be? An impostor who resembles Master so much that the Hyonwon Clan Head mistook him for his own brother

It was probably easy to mimic Master Crazy Demons physical appearance using masks or bone manipulation, especially since he hadnt been seen for decades. No one would notice a small discrepancy, not even his closest welcomes you.

Yes. We get along just fine, Hyonwon Kang replied, smiling.

His fathers worried expression faded.

Dad, I have no intention of becoming a loyal dog of the Peng Clan.

Better to be a wretch so pathetic, they wont even look at me.

Just then, Baek Su-Ryongs annoying face resurfaced in his mind.

If you continue living in Peng Sa-Hyuks shadow, the Hyonwon Clan will always be dogs of the Peng Clan.

Shut up! Shut up!

Hyonwon Kang leapt to his feet. He felt that if he remained in his room, Baek Su-Ryong would keep coming to haunt him.

Im going drinking.

He changed out of his pajamas and left the dormitory. Today, he would go to a cheap bar and drink until he was delirious.

However, as he tried to exit the academy, something flew toward him from behind.

This is a non-profit translation. Ads? What ads?

SPLAT!

He dodged, only to see a ball made from a pigs bladder fly past him and land in the mud.

Sorry!

Who the fuck is playing soccer at this hour Shit, its them. Hyonwon Kang scowled.

Hey, delinquent from the Hyonwon Clan, Peng Sa-Hyuk shouted.

Hyonwon Kang ignored him and tried to walk away.

Pick up the ball next to you and bring it to me.

Are you deaf, or is the Hyonwon Clan making a killing these days?

Y arent you reading this at northbladetl.com?

Haa. Hyonwon Kang sighed and kicked the ball toward Peng Sa-Hyuk.

The ball landed neatly at Peng Sa-Hyuks feet, but instead of thanking him, Peng Sa-Hyuk frowned disdainfully, Oi, what is this attitude? Are you fucking kidding me?

He kicked the ball hard.

BOOM!

The ball flew out of the academy.

When your master orders you to fetch him the ball, you should politely bring it back with both hands. Now, do it properly this time. Peng Sa-Hyuk smirked.

Hyonwon Kang hesitated. Normally, he would have ignored Peng Sa-Hyuk or started swearing at him. After three years of doing the same thing, it should have been easy Yeah, right. No way it was ever easy. The simple fact that Ive endured this shit quietly for three years, Three. Whole. Years. is so funny that I want to laugh. No, maybe I should do exactly that.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Whats wrong with him?

I think hes still drunk.

Hyonwon Kang wiped a tear from the corner of his eye and turned toward Peng Sa-Hyuk, saying, Hey, Peng Sa-Hyuk.

What? Peng Sa-Hyuk was bewildered.

Hyonwon Kang drew his dao. Lets fight for the first time in a long while.

What!?

We havent sparred since we were kids, right? Hyonwon Kang grinned maniacally.

Have you finally gone nuts?

What, are you afraid youll lose to me and cry like a baby?

Bring it on, asshole.

Moments later, two dao-wielding students clashed in the training grounds.