The World’s Greatest is Dead

Meal time had ended.

The food hadn’t gone down well, and it was a struggle even to discern what I had eaten as the time dragged on.

Soothed by a heavy stomach, I barely managed to make my way back to my room.

‘I hope I haven’t got indigestion!’

I muttered while grimacing as I touched my stomach.

Judging by my condition, it seemed like I truly had indigestion.

‘Tsk.’

Of course, how could I not have it?

‘I’m not some zoo monkey, after all.’

Everyone had been staring at me. Throughout the entire meal, in fact.

It was all due to what the Black Greatsword had said.

The moment they heard I was the Little Sword Saint, everyone around started to focus their attention on me.

Especially the stares from the Seven Geniuses were somewhat piercing. Among them, particularly the one known as…

“Was it So Pyung?”

He was known as Wudang’s Cloud Dragon from the Seven Geniuses.

His gaze was intimidating, and the way he looked at me was unsettling.

The wariness and hostility he exuded were particularly bothersome.

Why did he look at me that way?

As for the other Seven Geniuses, though—

“Given the rumors, it’s understandable.”

Even geniuses who were deemed unparalleled in a century.

Moreover, with the news that the Poison Dragon was part of my entourage, the situation was getting even rowdier.

Especially when combined with the response from Black Greatsword, the rumors were becoming more accepted as fact.

If the Cloud Dragon was sending uncomfortable looks due to that, it would make sense to some extent.

“But is that really the sole reason?”

I felt there was more to it than just that.

I could tell by his eyes.

“That bastard had murderous intent in his eyes.”

It wasn’t just a cautious look.

Why would he look at me like that? It reminded me of the way Namgung Sung, the Young Azure Sword, used to observe me.

“How strange.”

It was truly peculiar. I hadn’t had any interactions that would involve me with Wudang’s latter generations.

“I’ve never even seen someone from Wudang until now.”

The Wudang of the Nine Great Sects.

In terms of position within Taoism, they were considered as close to equal with Mount Hua Sect.

A prestigious school known for a sword style that was as naturally flowing and beautiful as it was firm.

Why would someone from such a place look at me with those eyes?

“Hmm…”

Not knowing made it even more frustrating.

“In any case, if I surmise the reason…”

Nine out of ten times, it was—

“It must be because of that old geezer.”

Yu Chun-gil. That old man was surely the cause. It had been that way until now, so it seemed safe to assume it would be this time as well.

“Or perhaps…”

I grimaced, conjuring the image of another troublesome character.

A member of the Peng Family who was particularly annoying.

“Peng Dojin.”

The Black Greatsword, Peng Dojin.

There might be another reason, just like him.

“What has he been up to?”

Why would he say such a thing considering his relationship with Murong Yungsun?

And why was he trying to get friendly with me?

“Could it be that the Cloud Dragon is the same?”

If they were connected in the same enigmatic way, it would be truly troublesome.

“What have I done wrong?”

To be hated for no reason, there could be no more tiresome affair.

“Tsk.”

I ruffled my hair.

“The Seven Geniuses…”

The Seven Geniuses of the Central Plains.

The seven most outstanding among the next-generation disciples.

Having met them face-to-face left me with a strange sense of realization.

“They’re all monsters.”

I managed to win, but just from the Poison Dragon alone, I could sense their strength.

Possessing power that next-generation disciples should never have had.

If there had been only one, it would have sufficed to fill the chatter about the future of the Central Plains.

“Yet, there are seven of them.”

Whatever intentions the world had, it had somehow produced seven with such grotesque talents.

And among them…

“Sword Phoenix.”

Amidst them, someone particularly stood out.

The Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix.

A woman deemed the strongest among the abundance of next-generation disciples in the Central Plains.

“What are her intentions?”

She suddenly attacked me.

If Yu Chun-gil hadn’t spoken, I might have lost an arm.

“What is it?”

Seeing her arrive with Yu Chun-gil’s long coat, I wondered if she intended to return it.

“But that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

If that were her only intention, she wouldn’t have attacked.

I thought she might have some demand or dissatisfaction with me.

“I can’t read her expression.”

I failed to read Sword Phoenix’s expression.

Her intentions, the emotions she approached me with.

I couldn’t discern them because Sword Phoenix…

“…seemed devoid of anything.”

She remained expressionless from start to finish.

Even when swinging her sword. Thus, I had no clue what she was thinking.

“… Even more so than Chun Hye-In.”

Chun Hye-In was hard to read because she managed her expressions well.

“This one… just shows nothing.”

Sword Phoenix differed in her approach.

She didn’t make any expression at all, making it even harder.

“… None of them are normal.”

The talented geniuses, not one of them turned out to be normal.

“Sigh.”

I let out a deep sigh.

Simultaneously, my hand, which had been flitting about with thoughts, stopped moving.

The writing on the letter I had been composing stopped as well.

I tapped the inkbrush on the paper lightly.

At that moment—

『Boy.』

Yu Chun-gil addressed me.

“Yes?”

『What do you think?』

“What do you mean?”

I replied while reviewing the letter I had written.

『About the kids, of course. Did they seem beatable?』

“Oh, that.”

It seemed he was asking about the Seven Geniuses. Probably wondering how I felt after having met them directly.

“Hmm.”

At his question, I glanced at the letter I was holding.

The Seven Geniuses.

They were certainly geniuses. In normal circumstances, they wouldn’t have been individuals I could criticize.

“Yes, well.”

As of now…

“They’re not unbeatable.”

They didn’t seem all that daunting.

I folded the letter labeled ‘Seven Geniuses Strategy Guide’ and said so.

* * *

The next day dawned.

As soon as the early morning came, I lifted myself up and stepped outside the inn.

Even though it was barely morning, the people were busy moving about.

The sheer number of people leaving the inn was immense, but their expressions didn’t reflect fatigue despite the hour.

Instead, there seemed to be a sense of tension in the air.

“Ah, you’re here.”

As I descended the stairs, Chun Uijin approached me as if he had been waiting.

“Did you manage to rest?”

“No, I was too nervous to get a wink of sleep.”

“Haha, such jokes!”

“…?”

It wasn’t a joke.

I really didn’t sleep a wink, yet Chun Uijin seemed to think I was joking.

“Let’s go, everyone’s waiting.”

“Ah, yes.”

Following Chun Uijin, I moved to where the rest of our group had gathered.

It remained a quiet bunch.

Do Hyung was extremely taciturn, and Chun Hye-In had never been one for words.

Tang Chun-il, ever since being hit last time, had practically taken a vow of silence.

“… Let’s go.”

I spoke, looking at the group that was uncomfortable to say the least.

My words caused us to set off immediately.

The reason for moving without even having breakfast was straightforward.

“It’s to head to the Murim Alliance.”

Today marked the start of the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

While it wasn’t the martial arts competition, the first day was akin to a banquet, requiring us to set off early in the morning.

* * *

Fortunately, the distance wasn’t too great.

After walking a little, we could already see it in the distance.

The main headquarters known as the Murim Alliance.

The towering building with a massive flag atop it.

A long line of people marched towards it.

“Wow—!!”

Cheering resounded. As I raised my head, I saw people lined up on the streets examining us.

“So cool-!”

I heard more cheers. It was truly difficult to know how to respond.

How was I supposed to react to this?

I hadn’t expected this kind of turnout.

While I knew the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament was a large festival…

“Was it this much?”

I was unprepared for such interest.

The overwhelming attention was burdensome and overwhelming.

『Enjoy it. You’ll need to get used to it progressively.』

Yu Chun-gil spoke nonchalantly, recognizing my discomfort.

Get used to it? I genuinely disliked the idea.

“Sheesh.”

In my past life, and still now, I disliked receiving attention.

Especially overt attention like this, even more so.

* * *

-Wow.

Listening to the crowd’s noise, we entered the main headquarters.

The vast space seemed incapable of filling up despite the massive influx of people.

“So this is the main headquarters?”

As my gaze wandered, I surveyed the surroundings.

It was, indeed, vast.

And spectacular.

“Impressive.”

Similar feelings arose as when I had visited the Blue Moon Sect or the Tang Family, yet this place seemed even grander.

Indeed, it was the heart of the righteous factions, so a size like this seemed necessary.

And—

“The martial artists’ aura is no joke.”

The martial artists stationed all around also exuded intense energy.

I had heard only the elite from the righteous factions could enter this place. Perhaps that’s why?

“Fascinating.”

Filled with curiosity, I walked on.

As I walked a bit further, I arrived at the banquet hall within the main headquarters.

“Verification of identities will commence.”

A martial artist barring the path began confirming identities one by one.

While it appeared they were lax about overseeing entrants at the main gate, it seemed here they were being thorough.

“Bang Sung-Yun of the Blue Moon Sect. Verified.”

In response to the matter-of-fact announcement, I reaccepted my recommendation letter.

It’s been quite a while since someone wasn’t shocked upon seeing my name.

Permission granted, I entered. The banquet, naturally, was grand.

It had to be; hundreds of people were set to converge here, after all.

“Our seat is… over there, it seems.”

Our designated spot was right at the front.

Judging by the opulent location, it indicated those with golden recommendation letters could sit there.

Scratching my cheek, I headed to my seat.

By the time I sat down, several individuals were already seated.

“… Huh.”

Something seemed off.

“This is odd.”

I’d have assumed they’d seat companions together according to recommendation letters, but—

“… Why are these people here?”

As I took my seat, the person next to me initiated conversation.

“Oh! Young hero!”

It was the sharply handsome Young Master Myung.

Namgung Chun, the one known as Thunder Dragon.

“We didn’t have a chance to properly greet each other yesterday, so meeting again like this… Could this be fate?”

“… Nice… to see you.”

“It is indeed nice! Hahahaha!!!”

His overwhelming vivacity was staggering.

Upon seeing me, thunder Dragon immediately took my hand and began furiously shaking it.

Witnessing this, someone else clicked their tongue.

“Tsk tsk. You’re noisy as always.”

It was the Black Greatsword. Sitting a bit awkwardly due to the chair not matching his size, he spoke while cleaning his ear.

“With so many people around, why do you talk so much?”

“Peng-hyung, you’re one to talk…?”

“What?”

“Setting my talking aside, Peng-hyung’s loud voice makes it noisy.”

“Hah!”

The Black Greatsword gasped at Namgung Chun’s defiant words.

“What do you mean I have a loud voice?”

“… My ears are hurting.”

I found myself agreeing.

I was right across from him, and yet his voice was incredibly loud.

While observing the Black Greatsword, I noticed my eyes were darting around.

I felt a gaze. Sitting beside Namgung Chun was So Pyung.

That bastard was glaring at me yesterday, and still doing so today.

Plodding along, someone took a seat beside him.

It was Chun Hye-In and the Poison Dragon.

No matter how I looked at it…

“It seems they’ve gathered all the Seven Geniuses together?”

It appeared they intended to gather the current Seven Geniuses in one place.

And then…

Creak.

Across from me, a woman took a seat.

It was beside Chun Hye-In and the person was the Plum Blossom Sword Phoenix.

She sat wearing what appeared to be Yu Chun-gil’s long coat, exactly as it was.

She didn’t look in this direction.

She merely closed her slightly sleepy eyes.

“With this…”

Excluding the Dog-Watching Twins of the Beggar Sect, it meant all Seven Geniuses were seated.

“Why am I here?”

Why was I included in this gathering?

While pondering over the baffling situation—

“Quiet—!”

A loud voice instantly quelled the buzzing atmosphere.

It happened before I could grasp the situation.

“Silence! The Alliance Leader will enter shortly!”

“!”

Those words made me widen my eyes.

If it was the Alliance Leader…

“Divine Spear?”

The message arrived the instant the latter generation disciples had entered.

“The Alliance Leader?”

“… Lord Divine Spear, suddenly?”

“What the…”

All seemed surprised.

That was understandable. Typically, the Alliance Leader made an appearance at the end of the banquet or right before the martial arts competition began.

And yet, to be appearing this early in the morning?

While everyone was bewildered and puzzled—

“The Alliance Leader is entering.”

With the announcement—

Thunk!

Footsteps echoed. A visibly clear sound, prompting everyone to instinctively look at that spot.

Someone was striding over from the source of the sound.

He possessed a large frame like Peng Dojin, clad in martial attire and a light green coat indicative of the Murim Alliance.

Wearing an eyepatch on one eye, with a markedly intimidating gaze.

I recognized him immediately.

“Divine Spear.”

He was the current Murim Alliance’s Leader and the master closest to being the World’s Greatest.

“The problem is…”

However…

“Why does it seem like he’s staring at me?”

From the moment he arrived, the old man’s gaze seemed to be piercingly directed at me.

And it didn’t seem like my imagination.