“How dare you talk back like that when you’ve been treated with such respect as a sect leader by the likes of me! I’m here to punish your rudeness today!”
After exchanging a few words with the Brain Knife Outcast, Elder Cheokwi, filled with confidence, chose to strike first.
Witnessing Cheokwi’s determination, Sect Leader Deung Sa-pyeong and the other sect members felt a spark of hope ignite within them. Especially Deung, who had a son that caused a big scandal, desperately wished for Cheokwi to subdue the Brain Knife Outcast.
Ever since the trend started of throwing Black Rib into the Dongjeong Lake, everyone has known that Brain Knife Outcast was the target of baseless slander. No matter how much influence Cheon-ho Sect wielded in this Ak-yang region, it was impossible to silence everyone who bore witness to Deung’s behavior.
Thus, there was only one way to resolve the current situation.
Rumors must be buried with rumors.
If a more shocking rumor spread than the one about the Brain Knife Outcast attacking Cheon-ho Sect due to Deung’s reckless behavior, that would work perfectly.
That rumor was none other than the shocking defeat of the Martial World Hero, Brain Knife Outcast!
If Cheokwi could manage to defeat Brain Knife Outcast, the current crisis could definitely be swept under the rug!
But that wasn’t all.
If Cheokwi truly triumphed over Brain Knife Outcast, the reputation of Cheon-ho Sect would echo across the world, possibly providing a chance for a significant leap in status.
With these happy thoughts firing up in his mind, Sect Leader Deung Sa-pyeong was over the moon.
Kruuuuuuurrrr!!
However, the moment Ho Cheon-an began to harness the power of Thundering Wheel, Deung felt that something was amiss.
The air buzzed, and the ground vibrated under the discord of immense power.
Simultaneously, the thunderlight arose from the Great Sword raised high. Its brilliance could hardly be compared to the intermittent flickers of Cheokwi’s sword’s spirit.
Indeed, the difference in strength was overwhelming.
In awe of Ho Cheon-an’s momentum, Cheokwi hurried to concentrate his power.
Kwahhhhhhhhhhhh!!
The clash of thundering explosions left Cheokwi’s feeble resistance in dust.
Those who reached the realm of understanding the flow of Ho Cheon-an’s sword technique could clearly feel it.
The total amount of inner strength was simply different.
Compared to Cheokwi, who was notably older, the vigor of young Ho Cheon-an crushed Cheokwi’s cultivated Qi.
Even the finesse with which they unleashed their power was worlds apart.
Despite being the one to strike first, how much of his power had Cheokwi poured into this single strike compared to Ho Cheon-an, who wasted none of his energy in unleashing all he had in just one hit?
The top-tier martial artists present at Cheon-ho Sect had merely reached the Peak Stage, so no one could accurately gauge the amount of power Cheokwi exerted.
However, there was one undeniable fact that those witnessing the clash could recognize.
Cheokwi could never withstand Ho Cheon-an’s thunderous onslaught.
The thunder might wrapped around the nameless Great Sword in Ho Cheon-an’s hands ripped apart the flow of Qi that wrapped around Cheokwi’s sword in an instant.
Simultaneously, Cheokwi’s sword, without the protection of his Qi, shattered into pieces. Unable to withstand the impact, Cheokwi’s body flew into the air.
The electricity of Ho Cheon-an pierced through Cheokwi’s arm, wreaking havoc inside him, while the explosion of Thundering Wheel smashed into Cheokwi’s entire being.
“Elder, Elder Cheokwi!”
Elders rushed forward to catch Cheokwi, while Deung Sa-pyeong stared dazed by this spectacle.
What on earth is happening?
Only moments earlier, Cheokwi had been so confidently assuring victory. But now, he couldn’t even exchange a single blow before being defeated?
How could this happen?
Deung’s gaze landed on the Elder who had caught Cheokwi, and upon examining him, the Elder shook his head slightly. It was evident that the power of the thunder had invaded his body, sending jolts of electricity with just a touch, making it look impossible to shake it off anytime soon.
Boom!
The heavy sound drew Deung’s attention. Unlike the uncertain state of Cheokwi, who might never rise again, Brain Knife Outcast stood unscathed, with his Great Sword dragging the ground.
“What will you do now?”
Ho Cheon-an’s provocation etched a conflicted expression on Deung Sa-pyeong’s face. Should they attempt to capture Ho Cheon-an through a coalition attack? Or would they simply surrender?
If they surrendered right now, Deung’s son, Deung Bo-wei, would be severely impacted.
Having stirred up trouble with an unfounded tongue and brought calamity upon their sect, this wasn’t an incident that could be brushed off lightly.
His mere surrender might lead to a severe consequence, forcing him to resign as the sect leader.
But what about an alliance?
There were multiple risks tied to that option too.
Even if they managed to subdue Brain Knife Outcast as a coalition.
Even if they did manage to capture Brain Knife Outcast, the crisis for Cheon-ho Sect would not be over but beginning anew.
With the situation escalating, it would be impossible to halt the rumors.
Deung Bo-wei had conspired against Brain Knife Outcast and in a fit of rage, Brain Knife Outcast attacked Cheon-ho Sect. But how would Cheon-ho Sect’s reputation hold up? Instead of an apology, rumors would spread that they had cowardly taken down Brain Knife Outcast through a collusion of forces, which would provide other sects with justification to attack Cheon-ho Sect without hesitation.
In other words, Cheon-ho Sect would face an onslaught from numerous sects even if they managed to subdue Ho Cheon-an.
If in the process of capturing Ho Cheon-an, their elite members faced considerable damage, they could find themselves walking the path of complete annihilation.
As Deung Sa-pyeong pondered, a determination shimmered in his eyes.
Simply surrendering would mean that his son would bear severe consequences, and leading a coalition with influential members would shake the foundation of the sect.
So…
Let’s make the ordinary sect members rush in to attack the Brain Knife Outcast first!
“I sincerely apologize for Elder Cheokwi’s reckless actions. He is a martial artist with a heart for the sect, so I hope you can understand the circumstances.”
As Deung bowed and made his apologies, he thought inwardly. On the outside, it appeared to be a polite apology, but how would it also reflect on the Brain Knife Outcast’s position?
It was clear as day that Deung was deliberately allowing Cheokwi to act recklessly. In such a situation, it was natural for the Brain Knife Outcast’s anger to boil over.
As expected, Ho Cheon-an frowned heavily.
However, contrary to Deung’s hopes, Ho Cheon-an showed no reaction, simply lifting his Great Sword back to his shoulder.
“Moreover, Cheon-ho Sect respects and honors Brain Knife Outcast as a Martial World Hero. Just think about it. In this Ak-yang region, it has become a trend among the tourists to express their admiration by throwing Black Rib into the Dongjeong Lake. Surely if there were any ill will from Cheon-ho Sect, we wouldn’t let the tourists behave this way?”
The martial artists of the sect nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Deung’s confidence swelled as he too nodded inwardly.
In the end, arms bend inward. From the perspective of the sect members, empathizing with the plea of their sect leader was easier than siding with an outsider who’d faced an absurd insult.
“I hope that Brain Knife Outcast can calm down and analyze the situation with a clear mind.”
A peculiar smile curled at the corners of Ho Cheon-an’s lips. It was apparent that he was terribly displeased, but it seemed that Deung believed he was steering events in his desired direction.
“So, you’re saying Cheon-ho Sect has no responsibility?”
“That’s not the case. How can I say there are no mistakes from Cheon-ho Sect as its leader? The sect leader’s failure to act accordingly is ultimately Cheon-ho Sect’s responsibility. I shall correct the sect leader’s actions without fail.”
Deung began to play word games to ignite Ho Cheon-an’s fury intentionally. After all, this was the Brain Knife Outcast rushing in, already extremely angry, and it was only natural for him to see red faced when confronted with such implications.
An excited opponent often leaves an opening behind. Deung believed he could rile Ho Cheon-an into making a mistake, but he froze as Ho Cheon-an’s next words chilled him to the bone.
“Fine. I shall accept the intentions of the sect leader.”
It was a proposal Ho Cheon-an would never truly accept.
* *
Brain Knife Outcast defeated Cheokwi of Cheon-ho!
Is this rumor even noteworthy?
To be honest, it might quell the speculation surrounding Brain Knife Outcast, but it’s not surprising news. Frankly speaking, a famous Hwa-gyeong martial artist defeating a local martial artist is nothing that couldn’t happen.
Thus, defeating Elder Cheokwi wouldn’t necessarily prove the strength of the Brain Knife Outcast.
Furthermore, there was no way he could start swinging a sword at innocent sect members just to establish his reputation. It was quite the pickle when suddenly Deung Sa-pyeong laid everything out for him!
Having underestimated the young man who suddenly appeared without a home, he thought he had lost a substantial portion of his power in an instant; he must have been caught off guard.
Did he really think I would be bothered by this childish banter?
Ah, well, this has actually snagged my interest.
So, half in indignation and half in delight, I decided to utilize the stage Deung had set for me.
“Since the sect leader’s resolve to correct the actions of the sect leader is so strong, I will take a chance on that. So, if I could receive an apology from the sect leader here, I shall overlook this incident.”
The sect members of Cheon-ho looked shocked at my words. To be honest, my proposal was exceedingly generous as well.
Yet Deung’s face bore an expression of disbelief.
Would that reckless Deung Bo-wei actually apologize to me here? The probability of that was exceptionally low. If he had an inkling of how to behave, he wouldn’t have stirred things up like this.
If Bo-wei showed no sign of repentance despite the current situation, Deung’s claims would crumble faster than a house of cards.
Therefore, it was impossible for Deung to accept my proposition.
Since he was examining the situation to flip it back in his favor, the sect members were already focused on Deung Bo-wei.
Clearly, Sect Leader Deung thought his members would unite against an outsider in the presence of danger, but it seems he failed to see his son in an objective light.
If it was a conflict between this outsider Brain Knife Outcast and the sect to defend the sect, they would most definitely choose the sect.
However, in the face of my generous proposal versus the embarrassment of their own sect leader, it wouldn’t be odd for them to side with me.
Bo-wei, glancing around at all the scrutinizing eyes, fidgeted while Deung found himself trapped, unable to accept or reject my proposal.
The only variable Deung could hope for was Bo-wei stepping up to apologize, but… even if that miraculous change occurred, nothing would truly change.
If Bo-wei stepped up to me, I could easily provoke him without anyone noticing, causing a spectacular outburst.
Needless to say, an unexpected epiphany in Bo-wei would not blossom, and I flashed a wrathful expression to corner Deung further.
“Is it hesitation, just to hear the apology of the offended party? How many times must the sect leader trample my goodwill?”
“That’s a misunderstanding…!”
“A misunderstanding? A misunderstanding? In this situation, how can there be any misunderstanding? I’ve extended my goodwill, and yet you insist on mocking me with your nonsense!”
Even with me raising my tone, the martial artists from Cheon-ho lowered their heads in shame rather than retaliate in anger; the situation had clearly reached its conclusion.
“No more words are needed! Sect Leader Deung Sa-pyeong, draw your sword!”
What if I dealt with him and managed to include a number of masters that I could handle?
It would complete the clickbait rumor that Brain Knife Outcast defeated all the elite martial artists of Cheon-ho Sect by himself!
“If I had my way, I’d slice him in one go, but I’ll allow a coalition of up to ten men!”
In the current scenario, Deung Sa-pyeong had no options left; he could only charge at me along with nine Elders.
Kuwahhhhhh!!
I concluded my business with Cheon-ho Sect without allowing for any unforeseen events.
* *
Dragging along Deung Bo-wei, Ho Cheon-an returned to Cheon-ho Sect.
“It was handled thoroughly. Henceforth, neither you nor your Cheon-ho Sect will cause any trouble, so rest assured.”
Ho Cheon-an spoke calmly, yet Son Mi-ok couldn’t shake off her worries. She found it hard to believe that Ho Cheon-an achieved victory against Cheon-ho Sect and managed to handle everything without any remaining issues that could spark future trouble.
“Oh my, I’m fine! Mom, I told you so!”
Watching the cheerful Black Cat, Mi-ok sighed. While it’s good to hold faith in one’s partner, her unconditional trust was tangled with complexity.
“I also believe in Brain Knife Outcast. However, everyone makes mistakes; we have to verify.”
“Well, I suppose.”
As Son Mi-ok’s anxiousness simmered, a servant came running back to report what he had learned.
“So, did you find out?”
“Yes! I’ve gathered all the rumors without missing a single word!”
Son Mi-ok was taken aback by the excited servant spilling information like a waterfall.
“Cheon-ho Sect is… shutting down?”
“Yes. They announced a three-month shutdown of the sect, and the sign has already come down, so it’s confirmed!”
The declaration of sect closure meant they would not partake in any external activities, which hinted that Cheon-ho Sect would forfeit massive earnings for three months.
Given the enormous size and membership of the sect, they must require untenable maintenance costs. Maintaining their current size while halting all income for three months would undeniably drain their finances.
This essentially meant they’d received a critical blow, enough to force close their doors.
“And it seems that Brain Knife Outcast not only defeated the Hwa-gyeong expert Cheokwi in a single exchange but также overpowered a group of ten Elders, including the sect leader!”
Hearing this, Son Mi-ok was sincerely amazed. How many Hwa-gyeong experts can a few Peak Stage experts handle? This was a common debate among enthusiasts, but the general consensus was that three to five Peak Stage martial artists could neutralize a Hwa-gyeong martial artist.
Yet, Ho Cheon-an overcame the combined strength of ten Peak Stage martial artists — shocking news that could topple the entire Martial World.
“The martial arts of Brain Knife Outcast transcend those of common people.”
Seeing Son Mi-ok sincerely admire the strength of her husband, Black Cat wore a bittersweet smile.
While Ho Cheon-an was indeed strong, Black Cat knew that he wasn’t an otherworldly master capable of overpowering ten Peak Stage martial artists.
Black Cat speculated Ho Cheon-an must have focused on the sect leader Deung Sa-pyeong.
While the sect leader was indeed in the Peak Stage realm, Black Cat thought Deung would have significantly deteriorated due to the lengthy time spent leading a large sect.
Could he possibly withstand Ho Cheon-an’s attacks?
Deung wasn’t just one of the ten in the examination group but the head of Cheon-ho Sect, meaning the Elders would naturally protect him. Ho Cheon-an must have handled the restrained Elders one by one to claim victory.
Therefore, Son Mi-ok’s belief that Ho Cheon-an possessed overwhelming power sufficient to suppress ten Peak Stage masters was an oversimplification.
Black Cat pondered whether to reveal the truth but ultimately decided against it.
Even if the situation was not what it seemed,, Ho Cheon-an did prevail against ten Peak Stage masters by himself; that was still his impressive capability!
What’s more, Ho Cheon-an pulled himself up for her sake. Who else would care for him as she did?
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
And so, Black Cat embraced Son Mi-ok, brightening her tone as she said, “See? You had no reason to worry!”
“…Right. You’re right.”
As Mi-ok stroked the head of the cuddly Black Cat nestled against her, she reflected on how her daughter had come back to her, having faith in Brain Knife Outcast’s strength. While it was heartwarming, she couldn’t help but feel anxious that her daughter’s decision might have been too hasty.
But that concern turned out to be but a misplaced fear.
The power of Ho Cheon-an, which she once doubted as a rumor, was much more real than she anticipated.
“Let’s host a banquet.”
Thus, Son Mi-ok could shake off her worries and solidify her resolve.
“It will be a banquet to announce your return.”
She resolved she would reclaim everything her daughter had lost since leaving the So-Ga Po-Mok-Jum.
“I’d like to arrange a meeting with Brain Knife Outcast and his companions tomorrow; can you relay the message?”
Feeling her mother’s firm resolve, Black Cat replied energetically.
“Of course!”
