Absolute Warrior V3C7: Reprisal
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TL: FoodieMonster007 If you see this, you are at the wrong site!
That night, Yeon visited Crimson Tiger again, but before she could open her mouth, he said, "I've been assigned a mission, haven't I?"
"How did you know?" Yeon asked, surprised that Crimson Tiger knew exactly why she had come.
"Because Jin Chung hired Taoist Scarlet to kill me," Crimson Tiger replied coolly as if discussing someone else's affairs. Having already composed himself, he was now remarkably calm.
"Taoist Scarlet!" Yeon gasped.
As far as I know, Taoist Scarlet is a master among masters! There's no way Crimson Tiger can take him on!
Yeon pleaded, "He's dangerous. You have to avoid him."
Crimson Tiger smiled. Yeon still didn't know his true strength. "What kind of man is Taoist Scarlet?" he asked.
He is one of the four elders who support the First Young Lord. He has an aggressive and hot-blooded personality, yet he is a peak-level master. His Boomerang Sword is known to unleash seven strands of enhanced sword qi at once. Peculiar rumors that he murdered his master and senior brother circulated for a while, though this was never confirmed."
"Let me see the mission details."
Yeon handed the mission directive to Crimson Tiger.
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"Oh, it's an assassination mission."
"Yes, the target is about fifteen kilometers away."
"I presume Taoist Scarlet will be waiting there instead of the target."
"If they intend to kill you, Crimson Tiger, it's the simplest method. If they dispose of your body, you'll simply be labeled missing, and the case will remain unresolved," Yeon reasoned.
Crimson Tiger shook his head. "No, the Radiant Hall will know that the First Young Lord was behind it. However, they won't find any proof, so eventually, the incident will be buried and a new Crimson Tiger appointed."
"Crimson Tiger…" Yeon furrowed her brows with concern.
"I hope they send someone young and handsome," Crimson Tiger quipped.
"This isn't the time for jokes!"
Crimson Tiger smiled playfully. There was no reason to become angry or frustrated in this situation. This was simply how all organizations operated in the ruthless jianghu that followed the law of the jungle.
"What do you plan to do about this?" Yeon asked.
"I'm going to carry out the mission."
"No, you can't!"
"There's no other way."
"Even if you kill him, they'll just send another master. Jin Chung won't give up."
"Before that happens…" Crimson Tiger paused for a moment, then grinned. "…I'll tattle on him."
"Pardon?" Yeon was initially bewildered by the seemingly frivolous answer, but then she realized that Crimson Tiger was serious. Quickly understanding his intention, she gasped in surprise, "You mean… are you going to leak this information to the First Young Lord?"
Yeon's mind whirled. If this was something that was done without the First Young Lord's knowledge, then pointing the finger at Jin Chung would certainly be a good move.
However, Crimson Tiger had more up his sleeve.
"…Or to the Third Young Lady," he added.
"…!"
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Crimson Tiger narrowed his eyes. "…Who, I wonder, would be the more effective one to tell?"
"The Lord of Sword Heaven is a man of many talents."
The Sword Seeking Pavilion Master, Woon Jungha, offered a rather high assessment of Sin Paegeuk, who could be considered his foremost political opponent.
Of course, Ju Hwayin, seated opposite him, knew this wasn't his honest sentiment. While Sin Paegeuk, the Lord of Sword Heaven, was the second most powerful figure in the Association, several individuals vied for third place. Woon Jungha was one of them.
And deservedly so. Woon Jungha was a man of formidable skill and deserved to be considered a top contender for the third spot.
Nevertheless, he was jealous of Sin Paegeuk. His Sword Seeking Pavilion was undoubtedly a powerful faction, yet it was considered inferior to Sword Heaven.
His jealousy was so pronounced that, despite his reputation for composure and sophistication, Ju Hwayin could smell the dark, gloomy odor it produced.
He was of the same species as her. He wanted to be the best, or at least be recognized for fighting to become the best.
Ju Hwayin quietly sipped the tea placed before her.
Come to think of it, the Association was truly a diverse group of people. It seemed like a place where rebellions should have erupted dozens of times, yet no one had ever attempted it.
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She was once again reminded of how her master's tremendous martial prowess kept all their ambitions in check.
"I agree, but his hunger for power is too great," Ju Hwayin replied.
Woon Jungha smiled. These were the words he had been waiting for. He couldn't bring himself to say them for fear of damaging his reputation, but Ju Hwayin had scratched that itch for him perfectly.
"Furthermore, he is a petty and narrow-minded individual. He cannot be compared to you, Pavilion Master," Ju Hwayin added.
Woon Jungha shook his head. "You flatter this old man too much."
"Not at all. The day will come when everyone realizes your true worth."
Woon Jungha smiled faintly. Today's meeting had been arranged for that very day.
When the engagement between Sin Yeongyeong and the First Young Lord was first announced, Woon Jungha regretted being one step too slow. Until then, he had been considering Baek Museong and Ju Hwayin.
However, once Sin Paegeuk made his choice, Woon Jungha regretted not choosing the First Young Lord.
At the time, his only option was to follow Ju Hwayin. Looking back, however, he did not regret his decision. Ju Hwayin was far more outstanding than the rumors had led him to believe.
The phrase "because she's a woman" simply didn't apply to her. She had vast ambition, as well as the magnanimity, courage, drive, and ability to match it.
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Now, all that remained was to wage an all-out war and emerge victorious.
This battle would leave only one winner. The losing side would be eliminated, ousted, and pushed aside, and thus, one by one, they would vanish. They would disappear forever from this Association and this jianghu. Whether that meant death or reclusion, the outcome was the same.
"The wedding is just over two months away now."
"Indeed."
"The jianghu will tremble."
"It certainly will."
Ju Hwayin nodded, then said profoundly, "However, if Heaven wills it, a wedding can even be canceled on the day of the event, no?"
"Indeed, it can." The corners of Woon Jungha's mouth lifted slightly. The hidden meaning in Ju Hwayin's words was delightful to imagine.
Yes, she won't just take this lying down. She shouldn't.
Woon Jungha smiled faintly. "Have you prepared a fine wedding gift?"
Ju Hwayin smiled radiantly. "Of course I have. It's my only remaining Senior Brother's wedding, after all. I've prepared something truly grand."
The rest of their conversation flowed pleasantly.
After concluding their secret discussion, she saw him off. As she turned around, however, Lee Dansim hurried toward her, looking anxious.
"What is it?" Ju Hwayin asked.
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"That person requests an audience with you, Young Lady."
Ju Hwayin's expression turned serious. "With whom, specifically? Gahwa? Or the Third Young Lady?"
Though both were her, she had to make the distinction.
"With the Third Young Lady," Lee Dansim replied. "What are your orders?"
Ju Hwayin pondered for a moment, then steeled her resolve. "I will meet him."
"Will you be alright?"
"Are you worried I might be found out?"
"Yes."
Ju Hwayin smiled. "Don't worry. Women like us have many faces. No matter how powerful a man's martial arts are, there are aspects of us he can never fully understand."
Lee Dansim shuddered. Her mistress wasn't merely referring to physical appearance. "Do you have any idea why he wants to meet you?" she asked.
Ju Hwayin shook her head. "No."
"Then why are you smiling like that?"
Ju Hwayin said thoughtfully, "Do you remember Jin Chung and Taoist Scarlet, whom we encountered earlier?"
"Yes."
"Think about it. Right after those two had a secret discussion, that man asked to see me. This is undoubtedly all part of the same thread. My decision to send Soeun to the Hundred Flavors Restaurant is finally starting to bear fruit."
"Ah!" Lee Dansim nodded in understanding.
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Ju Hwayin smiled brightly. "I've waited a long time for this. For a crack to appear in Senior Brother's defenses!"
Crimson Tiger was escorted into the same manor where he had previously handed over Soeun.
"Please wait here for a moment," Lee Dansim said, then left.
Crimson Tiger looked out the window. There, he saw a garden where flowers were just beginning to bloom. The grasses and flowers that had pushed through the frozen earth of winter stood proudly, and butterflies fluttered around them.
He found himself wishing for summer to arrive quickly. Why? Because after that scorching summer, autumn would come. Then, while he was clearing fallen leaves, snow would begin to fall. Heavy snowflakes would blanket the jianghu in white.
Though it was only spring, Crimson Tiger fervently awaited the arrival of winter.
CREAK!
The door slid open, and someone entered. Crimson Tiger turned around to find himself face to face with Ju Hwayin.
He froze. He was struck by Ju Hwayin's beauty and grace, yet for some strange reason, she gave him a strange sense of familiarity.
Weird. Have I ever met her before?
Crimson Tiger bowed his head slightly. "Greetings, I am Crimson Tiger."
Ju Hwayin smiled and returned the greeting politely. "I am Ju Hwayin."
"It is an honor to meet you."
"The honor is all mine. Please, speak casually with me."
Crimson Tiger gazed at Ju Hwayin. After some thought, he was certain that he had never seen her before. After all, there was no way he could forget someone so beautiful.
Besides, she was the Third Young Lady. She wasn't someone he could casually run into on the street.
Nevertheless, he was now forced to update his mental list. He had thought that the only woman as beautiful as Soeun was the one who had left him. Today, another was added to that list.
Ju Hwayin was as beautiful as Soeun, or rather, she was a more mature version of Soeun.
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"You seem older than I expected," Ju Hwayin remarked.
Currently, the Crimson Tiger wore the face of the Hundred Flavors Restaurant Manager, but he didn't mention that he had altered his appearance. He had no reason to try to look good for the Third Young Lady, nor did he need to.
Ju Hwayin smiled at his nonchalance. That's just so like him. He's on a different level from the rabble who always try to appear even slightly more handsome in front of me.
Then again, if he hadn't been like that, she wouldn't have fallen so deeply in love with him.
"Why did you seek me out?" she asked.
"You said that you would protect me."
"Yes, I did."
"Has that changed?"
"No."
"In that case, I have a favor to ask."
"What kind of favor?"
"It concerns the First Young Lord."
"How very interesting. Tell me more."
Crimson Tiger's eyes glinted slyly. "What do you think about breaking one of his wings?"
Ju Hwayin beamed radiantly. "I would gladly tear off my own wings to lend you strength if it would help you accomplish such a task."
Eom Baekyang gazed at the map on the wall, his eyes fixed on Crimson Tiger's flag. Until yesterday, it had been at the main headquarters, but now, it had been moved.
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Only days before, Crimson Tiger had returned after successfully completing a major operation in the Evil Coalition's territory. He felt the man deserved more rest, yet the Director had insisted of assigning him a new mission, one involving the elimination of the Black Ghost, a wanted fugitive.
He sighed. Aren't we overworking the poor man?
Suddenly, Hong Sabaek approached him and whispered, "This time, they've gone too far, haven't they?"
"……" Eom Baekyang glanced at his colleague, and Hong Sabaek grinned.
Eom Baekyang let out a faint chuckle. Indeed, after spending ten years together, how could they not read each other's minds? Sighing, he remarked, "Pull a fishing rod too hard, and it will break. Pull it too lightly, and the prize will slip away."
"This time, don't you think they're pulling too hard?"
"Right?"
Hong Sabaek glanced towards Gu Yangseo's office. "Why don't you go and say something to him?"
"Should I?"
Eom Baekyang headed toward Gu Yangseo's office.
Truthfully, he had been hesitating about whether to speak up. How could Gu Yangseo not know that the order was excessive? If he did it anyway, then he must have been left with no other choice.
Still, after hearing Hong Sabaek's words, he felt he really needed to say something.
"What is it?" Gu Yangseo snapped irritably.
Eom Baekyang immediately realized that his boss was in a bad mood. He said hesitatingly, "Well, it's just…"
"Have a seat first."
"Yes."
Eom Baekyang sat down across from the Radiant Hall Director. Glancing at the documents Gu Yangseo was looking through, he asked curiously, "What's that?"
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Gu Yangseo didn't answer. Instead, he silently flipped through a stack of papers, giving off an aura that made it clear he didn't want to be bothered on such a bad day.
Eom Baekyang sighed and pushed his chair back. Right, when has he ever not been overworked?
Just as Eom Baekyang was about to get up, however, Gu Yangseo said without looking up, "Just say what you came here to say."
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"You don't mean that, do you? Ask what you really want to ask."
"Did you send Crimson Tiger out on a mission?"
"Yes."
"He probably hasn't fully recovered from his injuries yet."
"So?"
"Isn't it too soon? He also needs time to adapt to the Hundred Flavors Restaurant. Honestly, I think you're overworking him too much."
Finally, Gu Yangseo raised his head. To Eom Baekyang's surprise, he didn't seem that annoyed.
Eom Baekyang realized that something was up. "What on earth is going on? This task doesn't necessarily require Crimson Tiger, does it?" he asked.
"I didn't give him that mission."
"What?" Eom Baekyang blinked in confusion. "Don't tell me…is it the First Young Lord again?"
Gu Yangseo nodded slowly. "He sent the order through Jin Chung."
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"Damn it! This is absurd!" Eom Baekyang bellowed, instantly enraged. "Does he think of the Phantoms as his private soldiers? Even if he's the First Young Lord, we can't let him push us around like this!"
"……" Gu Yangseo fell silent.
Suddenly realizing his mistake, Eom Baekyang bowed his head. "Sorry, I got too worked up."
Gu Yangseo shook his head. "No, you're right. This isn't right."
"I can't understand the First Young Lord. Doesn't he have many masters under him? Why is he targeting…"
"Isn't it obvious?" Gu Yangseo interrupted grimly.
"Pardon?" Eom Baekyang asked, before widening his eyes in sudden realization. This wasn't a real mission. It was a trap to assassinate Crimson Tiger. "So it's really…because of that?" he asked gingerly.
Gu Yangseo nodded. "That's what I think."
"To think he'd resort to such a dirty trick! What…" Eom Baekyang cut himself off forcefully, struggling to compose himself. The words 'what a despicable bastard' had nearly escaped his lips.
No, Gu Yangseo isn't the person I should be taking my anger out on.
Gritting his teeth, Eom Baekyang said determinedly, "We have to stop it."
"How?"
"Somehow."
Gu Yangseo shook his head. The order had already been given. They couldn't go against the tide. "Once that man has made a decision… it's out of our hands. All we can do is wait for Crimson Tiger to return alive on his own, as he always has."
BANG!
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Eom Baekyang slammed his fist on the desk. "He will definitely return alive."
"Yes, he must," Gu Yangseo agreed.
Despite his outward show of confidence, however, Eom Baekyang was filled with anxiety.
Can Crimson Tiger truly survive a trap set by the First Young Lord's supporters?
It would be devastating if Crimson Tiger was eliminated. He would miss him for a long time. He would feel disgust for the First Young Lord who killed him, for the Association, and for this merciless jianghu.
Eventually, though, he would forget it all. As he always had.
Finally, Eom Baekyang said weakly, "Sir… I'm scared. I'm terrified of what will happen if they keep targeting Crimson Tiger…"
He glanced around furtively, feeling as if Crimson Tiger might break down the door at any moment and enter. As if he would draw his sword and cut everyone down. As far as he knew, Crimson Tiger was a man who would do anything to survive. Anything.
"…And I'm afraid of the monsters we're becoming," he whispered gloomily.
An old man stood at the top of a mountain so rugged that even inner demons supposedly couldn't climb its treacherous slopes, gazing down at the thousand foot drop before him.
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"You're finally here?" he suddenly asked without turning around.
"Were you waiting for me?" Crimson Tiger asked, acting as if he was genuinely surprised to prolong his opponent's carelessness.
For now, he believed that Taoist Scarlet was still underestimating him, but he couldn't afford to be careless. This old man was one of the First Young Lord's four cherished supporters. A supreme master against whom a moment's negligence would immediately lead to his defeat.
Taoist Scarlet turned towards Crimson Tiger.
Crimson Tiger squinted at the old man for a while. "You're not Black Ghost," he concluded.
"Correct. I am not the one you're hunting."
"Then who are you?"
"You're too skilled to kill without an explanation, so I'll tell you. Ever heard of the Boomerang Sword?"
"The Boomerang Sword, Taoist Scarlet? Why are you here…?"
"Sorry, but I can't tell you, because even I don't know why you have to die. Rather, I want to ask you. Why the hell did you provoke them?"
"I never provoked anyone deliberately. I simply did my job. I receive missions and carry them out."
"Yes, I suppose so. I too don't think you've committed any particular sin. It's all because of these damn power struggles, isn't it?"
"And yet you intend to kill me?"
"Unfortunately, I'm also caught up in those damn power struggles." Taoist Scarlet spat on the ground. It was an attitude unbecoming of an elderly master, yet it suited him well.
Crimson Tiger paused for a moment, then asked quietly, "Is that rumor true?"
Taoist Scarlet's expression hardened. "What rumor?"
"The rumor that you killed your master."
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"Damn it! So it's that again." Taoist Scarlet scoffed. How long would this accursed label follow him around?
Killing intent poured from his body. His fiery aura was already scorching hot, and now that energy was boiling over.
"At least tell me the answer before you kill me. I don't want to die curious, "Crimson Tiger said.
"Yes, it's true, you rotten bastard!" Taoist Scarlet roared, his voice echoing thunderously through the mountains. "So? What are you going to do about it, huh?"
Since it was a deserted place, and his opponent would soon be dead, he spoke honestly. The rumor was indeed true. Still, from his perspective, his master deserved to die.
For a very long time, he had resented that man and wanted to vent his troubles to someone.
"That son of a bitch took a seven-year-old kid and put him through hell. Then, after twenty years, he taught the kid some paltry martial arts and passed on his true martial legacy only to his senior brother. If it were you, wouldn't you have killed him? You would have done the same damn thing! Hahahahahaha!"
After shouting his piece, Taoist Scarlet burst into laughter. Finally, he felt liberated.
It seems that taking on this job wasn't that bad of an idea after all?
He felt that he could live without thinking about the stupid rumor for a while now.
Crimson Tiger replied softly, "…No, I wouldn't. I don't think most ordinary people would do it, either."
"What? What did you just say?"
"I said I wouldn't kill him. There aren't many in this jianghu who would kill their master just because he made them suffer. Though I guess you're an exception."
Crimson Tiger let out the breath he had been holding. He felt just as relieved as Taoist Scarlet. Since the man had come to kill him, he had to fight back, and it helped to know that his opponent wasn't a good person.
SHING!
Crimson Tiger drew his sword. "Show me the skills you've amassed by resorting to such vile deeds," he said coldly.
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Taoist Scarlet's narrowed into slits. " Your audacity knows no bounds. Is it because you know you're about to die?"
Taoist Scarlet kicked off the ground and lunged at Crimson Tiger.
CLANG!
The sound of metal striking metal rang out.
The next moment, both men stood in their original positions.
Taoist Scarlet's eyes widened in disbelief. His sword arm was trembling. "…What?"
Crimson Tiger watched him closely, keeping his composure.
SWISH!
Taoist Scarlet's form vanished again, as if he had teleported.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
This time, three consecutive impact sounds followed.
Once again, Taoist Scarlet retreated back to his original spot, his mind reeling. "You blocked all of that?" he gasped, his eyes widening even further.
Did he hide his true martial prowess?
The man with the faint aura that he had sensed at the Hundred Flavors Restaurant could never have blocked the last three-strike combination.
Even so, how did he block it? I couldn't see what he did at all!
That previous attack looked simple, but it was not an easy technique to counter at all.
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Crimson Tiger tightened his grip on his sword. He had initially planned to lure Taoist Scarlet into carelessness with a surprise attack, but he changed his mind after the first exchange. It had been a long time since he had faced a peak master, and his whole body burned with excitement and fighting spirit. He desperately yearned to fight with all his might.
Truthfully, this desire didn't stem solely from him, it was a side effect of the Asura's Eight Narakas. Whenever he encountered a worthy opponent, his martial arts would writhe as if they were alive, much like a famous sword might sing on its own…
WOOONG!
Soul Crusher let out a long cry as Crimson Tiger's form split the air. This time, it was he who initiated the offensive.
CLANG! CLANG!
Taoist Scarlet's survival instincts screamed in alarm at the two rapid strikes. At the first strike, he came to a realization.
He hid more of his strength than I thought!
At the second clash, he gritted his teeth in desperation.
If I'm not careful, I'll die!
Taoist Scarlet had not experienced the terror of dying in combat for a long time, but his foe's exceptional skill made this fear completely justified. No, what frightened him more was Crimson Tiger's obvious joy and excitement, as if he were thoroughly enjoying the fight.
FWOOOSH!
Heat radiated from Crimson Tiger's sword as he traced a bizarre trajectory through the air.
Taoist Scarlet's eyes widened in shock. The heat's origin was not derived from either elemental sword qi or enhanced qi. Rather, it stemmed from the sheer intensity of Crimson Tiger's concentrated energy itself.
Suddenly, Crimson Tiger brought his sword to an abrupt halt mid-swing.
SWOOSH!
Two streams of energy flew towards Taoist Scarlet, one ice cold and one blazing hot. Propelled in a spiral, they intertwined like a rope as they accelerated toward their objective.
Taoist Scarlet raised his protective qi and unleashed his enhanced sword qi. Nevertheless, he wasn't confident that he could parry the attack.
What in the world is this martial art? I've never seen anything like this before!
Taoist Scarlet watched closely as the opposing energies drew near, calculating the optimal moment to swing his sword.
KWAAAANG!
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Enhanced sword qi erupted from his blade and dissipated the cold energy. However, the hot energy remained intact crashed into his qi barrier.
BOOM!
The impact sent Taoist Scarlet staggering backward.
Taoist Scarlet's legs quivered. He had narrowly avoided falling off the cliff. His insides were shaken, and he felt nauseous.
"What technique… is that?" he asked in a trembling voice.
Crimson Tiger replied simply, "The Sañjīva Blast!"
The Sañjīva Blast was the first of the Asura's Eight Narakas. Until now, he had never used the Asura's Eight Narakas in battle for fear that someone would recognize it, but today, he wanted to go all out.
"The Sañjīva Blast?" Taoist Scarlet repeated, looking confused.
Crimson Tiger readjusted his grip on his sword. It was clear that Taoist Scarlet knew nothing of the Asura's Eight Narakas, but he had no intention of continuing the conversation and giving the old expert time to recover.
Instinctively sensing Crimson Tiger's intention, Taoist Scarlet brandished his sword, unleashing his ultimate trump card.
ROAAAAR!
Like seven dragons ascending to the heavens, seven strands of enhanced sword qi poured out simultaneously from Taoist Scarlet's sword and descended upon Crimson Tiger.
Crimson Tiger's sword lashed out so quickly that it appeared to split into seven illusory blades. Enhanced sword qi erupted simultaneously from those seven apparitions.
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SHIIIIIIING!
This was the Third Naraka, the Saṃghāta Edge.
BAAAANG! BAANG! BANG! BAAAANG!
"What?" Taoist Scarlet's eyes bulged in disbelief as he watched his enhanced sword qi dissipate. It was enhanced sword qi infused with his entire being. He felt like he was dreaming.
Unfortunately for him, if everything up to this point had been a dream, then the real nightmare was just beginning.
Crimson Tiger placed his right foot forward. The ground shook from the powerful stride, and was followed immediately by the refreshing rush of wind.
Did he just thrust his sword at the ground? Taoist Scarlet wondered.
He didn't have to wait long to find out.
SLITHER…
Like snakes darting out from tall grass, black sword qi erupted from beneath Taoist Scarlet's feet, brushing past him like a gentle breeze.
This was the Second Naraka, the Kālasūtra Weave.
SPLURT! SPLATTER!
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Blood burst from all over Taoist Scarlet's body.
And then, he saw it. The flames enveloping Crimson Tiger's body, shimmering around him like a midsummer heat haze.
The man's eyes, which seemed capable of melting everything, resembled the sun.
KIIIIIIIIING!
Suddenly, a ear-splitting screech rang out, rupturing Taoist Scarlet's eardrums and causing blood to flow from his ears.
This was the Fourth Naraka, the Raurava Screech.
THUD!
With his sense of balance destroyed by the damage to his ears, Taoist Scarlet could no longer stand. He collapsed backward. His injuries were fatal.
"Cough!"
Crimson Tiger, having unleashed the first to fourth Narakas, slowly approached. The heat haze that had shimmered around his body disappeared as if it had never existed.
Blood pouring from his mouth, Taoist Scarlet met Crimson Tiger's eyes. The man was looking down at him dispassionately, with no joy, as if he had merely finished a routine chore.
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Only now did Taoist Scarlet clearly realize that Crimson Tiger was the superior master.
"…Fucking son of a bitch," he swore bitterly.
The curse wasn't directed at the Crimson Tiger. It was for Jin Chung.
Then again, Jin Chung probably didn't know Crimson Tiger's true strength either. Even he, who had experienced it firsthand, had a hard time believing it.
Who would have thought that a mere secret agent was hiding such tremendous skill?
"Fools… why the hell did you provoke this guy?"
Those were the words he had said to Crimson Tiger only moments before. Now, however, these same words were directed at Jin Chung and the First Young Lord.
"……" Crimson Tiger said nothing.
Taoist Scarlet looked up at Crimson Tiger and uttered his last words. "Fuck… what a meaningless death."
"…Don't worry, your role isn't over yet," Crimson Tiger whispered.
Taoist Scarlet's eyes slowly fluttered closed. Even in death, he would never understand what Crimson Tiger meant with his cryptic reply.
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The moment Jin Chung arrived at the promised meeting place, his expression brightened. "You've done it!"
Taoist Scarlet smiled and nodded. "It was a difficult fight. I suffered severe internal injuries," he said in a weak and raspy voice.
"Yes, thank you." Jin Chung bowed deeply. "You've worked hard. I will not forget this favor."
"But… there's one thing I want to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Why did you want me to kill Crimson Tiger?"
"That… didn't I say I couldn't tell you?"
"I just killed one of the Twelve Phantoms. Don't I deserve to know the truth?"
Jin Chung hesitated, feeling troubled. When he first made the request, Taoist Scarlet seemed willing to comply without question. Now that the job was finished, however, it appeared that he had changed his mind.
"Please just understand that it was something that absolutely had to be done," he pleaded.
"…Fine, but you must keep your promise to protect me when the Lord of Sword Heaven tries to get rid of me."
"Don't worry, I'll definitely uphold that promise."
"Good. You may go."
Jin Chung turned to leave. As he slowly walked away, though, he was suddenly overcome with a deep sense of unease.
He glanced back. Taoist Scarlet was nowhere to be seen.
He stopped dead in his tracks. Something felt off.
Wait. Why did Taoist Scarlet insist on meeting me in a forest clearing? Also, he didn't need to give me that final reminder… Shit, there's someone watching me!
Jin Chung shouted, "Who's there! Show yourself!"
Someone stepped out from behind a tree, but it wasn't just one or two people. The Chief Inquisitor and over ten other veteran masters of the Association emerged from hiding.
The Chief Inquisitor said coldly, "Jin Chung, you are under arrest for soliciting the murder of Association martial artist Crimson Tiger."
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Jin Chung's face turned ashen. A single thought flashed through his mind.
Is this a trap?
Gritting his teeth, he denied, "I don't know what you're talking about."
The Chief Inquisitor scoffed. "We all heard your conversation with 'Taoist Scarlet' just now. Are you still trying to deny it?"
Jin Chung identified each of the masters lined up before him. It was a total nightmare. If they were all from the Inquisition, he could have argued that he had been framed. However, most of them were neutral veterans of the Association who followed neither the First Young Lord nor the Third Young Lady.
He had no way of knowing, of course, that Ju Hwayin had manipulated them all into being there, regardless of their political affiliation.
Holy shit, I held a conversation tantamount to a confession with all of them listening. There's no way out of this!
He had fallen into a perfect trap. Attempting to murder a fellow Association martial artist was an extremely severe crime, and the punishment was harsh.
Nevertheless, there was still one thing that puzzled him.
"Why aren't you arresting Taoist Scarlet?" Jin Chung asked.
The Chief Inquisitor sneered. "So, you finally admit to your crime?"
Jin Chung realized his mistake. In his panic, he had blurted out something he shouldn't have. However, at the thought that Taoist Scarlet had betrayed him, fury consumed him.
Fuck, I won't go down alone!
If you′re seeing this, you are at the wrong place.
Before he could speak, though, the Chief Inquisitor explained, "Taoist Scarlet is dead. The man you just spoke to was an imposter wearing a human skin mask. His job was to confirm your guilt."
"What?" Jin Chung froze.
He was wearing a human skin mask? That's impossible! I would have noticed… Crimson Tiger!
Jin Chung knew that Crimson Tiger had been given the Thousand Transformations Hundred Faces Art for the Evil Coalition operation.
Damn it all! Taoist Scarlet failed!
He clenched his teeth tightly. Taoist Scarlet hadn't betrayed him. He had been fooled by Crimson Tiger.
Ahhhh! Crimson Tigerrrr! Just what kind of man are you!
Seeing the approaching masters, Jin Chung squeezed his eyes shut.
If you see this, you are at the wrong site!