Chapter 212: One Question One Answer (2)


    What did you say just now?


    I would like you to tell me the route to the 7th chamber inside the relic known as The Tomb of the Red Christ located on the 15th floor of the Tower.


    Gawein repeated the statement he had made earlier, in a calm manner.


    The Tomb of the Red Christ.


    It was the dwelling ce of the boss monster on the 15th floor, the Witch of Lamentation.


    Up to this point wasmon knowledge to those in the know


    The problem was that what he was asking for was specifically the 7th chamber inside that relic.


    One of the three Sacred Demon Grounds () within the Tower.


    Specifically, locations where the Demon King and demons could be manifested through sacred relics.


    Does this mean they have located all the relics?


    Or


    Do they have at least the minimum requisite relics needed for manifestation?


    Either way, it implied that the demons who had been quiet until now had not been simply fooling around.


    How do you suppose I would know the location of that ce?


    Dont y innocent. Were well aware that youre an old fossil whos rotten beyond imagination.


    I appreciate the praise, but arent you overestimating me a bit? I really might not know.


    Haha. Still trying to fake ignorance, I see. Anyway, whether its true or not, its not my ce to judge the veracity of such ims.


    A lie would simply move the scales.


    Jinhyuk felt the gears under his feet start to rattle vigorously.


    He could no longer dy his response.


    In the tomb, youll find a chamber where various monsters statues are ced.


    The Chamber of Repentance, you mean?


    Thats right. Look for the spot where the goblin statues gather. If you look closely, youll notice that theyre arranged in the form of a cross.


    Upon hearing this, Gawein realized what Jinhyuk was talking about.


    The Tomb of the RedChrist.


    An inverted cross.


    It meant that the goblin statues should be rearranged to match that same shape.


    That should lead you to the chamber you desire.


    Jinhyuk concluded, but the scales did not waiver.


    You have spoken the truth.


    No interest in bing fish jerky.


    Jinhyuk shrugged.


    He spoke in earnest.


    To die miserably crushed was a fate far from thefortable retirement he desired.


    And of course.


    To actually give urate information to the foe was equally fitting.


    Believing in unique abilities against me That was your biggest mistake.


    Gaweins unique ability Scales of Trust.


    Though it sounded usible, its working principle was far from supernatural.


    Should it be called a sophisticated lie detector?


    An ability that discerned the truth of words through heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and such was closer to modern technology than the supernatural.


    Of course, knowing that didnt make it possible to deceive the unique ability easily.


    The human body was not a machine.


    How could one control all those factors with precision?


    But,


    For veterans, it was feasible.


    They were no ordinary humans.


    Alright


    Jinhyuk was alreadypletely aware of his bodily rhythms.


    Thump! Thump! Thump!


    Using cial Sculpting and Element of Fire concoctions to maintain his body temperature.


    And Shallow Breathing to regte his breath.


    He deceived even himself, cloaking a lie with truth to perfect his fabrication.


    Thus, a new reality was created.


    Not the route to the 7th chamber, but a path leading straight to the residence of the Witch of Lamentation.


    Go on, try to manifest the Demon King for a hundred days.


    That voice, could it even reach the vicinity of the demon world?


    Instead, the intruders would profoundly experience how the Witch of Lamentation treated those barging into her bedroom.


    Meaning.


    He meant to sacrifice living beings to copy abilities, but had given up on copying the witchs power.


    Unexpectedly, live sacrifices rolled right into hisp.


    This could be killing two birds with one stone.


    Considering the unexpected opportunity put a consistent smile on Jinhyuks lips.


    Now, is it my turn to ask a question?


    Ah, yes please ask.


    How many yers have ss-changed to ck Apostles within the Demon Guild?


    !


    Gaweins face lost its smiles.


    Theres a saying, what goes aroundes around.


    And this situation was a fine example of that proverb.


    Gawein bit his lip.


    We were prepared to divulge some information in order to learn about the 7th chamber


    It was unexpected that Jinhyuk would have such a deep understanding.


    Naturally, it couldnt be helped.


    The ck Apostle, a job only avable to those chosen by the Demon King or high-ranking demons, was unknown to any but the demons themselves.


    Even within the Demon Guild, only a hidden ss known among the high-ranking officials.


    Were we too careless, despite our caution


    At this point, it wasnt just the surprise that naturally led to a creeping fear about the opponent.


    But there was no luxury ofmenting ones mistakes while sitting on the scales; he had to answer the question.


    Three, he admitted reluctantly.


    Three


    More contracts than he had presumed had been made.


    Considering the level of the demons and their actions so far, he had a rough estimate of their involvement.


    This information was invaluable, not something that can be converted into money.


    Thanks for the good info.


    Jinhyuk smiled faintly.


    Simultaneously, the scales on the ground gradually disappeared.


    Just then.


    Noise erupted from outside.


    Dozens of torches shed and flickered chaos.


    Causing such a ruckus, the Empire would have sent guards unless they were fools.


    Sadly, it looks like well have to part ways for today. Even though youve taken the flesh in exchange for the bone, Ill collect the price of this incident with your life next time, Mr. Jinhyuk.


    Mm. I, for one, would much prefer to avoid killing you so we can continue to meet.


    What do you mean by that?


    What do I mean?


    Youre like a generous tree that just keeps on givingI wouldnt want to chop you down.


    A treeden with sulent fruits.


    Why would one kill a tree that could be used as firewood, chopping it right to the stumpe winter?


    Best to keep and use it for as long as possible.


    Ill remember what you said.


    Having fulfilled his purpose foring here, Gawein dismissed Jinhyuks taunt.


    Then, as he was about to leave, something seemed to ur to him, and he paused.


    Oh. Also, there was something I wanted to mention and almost forgot.


    Gawein nced slyly at Jinhyuk.


    Did you say his name was Cheon Yuseong?


    CheonYuseong? Why does his name suddenlye up?


    Its nothing much. Beforeing to the Empire, I briefly visited the martial world and by chance, I encountered him there. To be precise, it was just a glimpse from a distance.


    Cheon Yuseong being mentioned at this timing, in the martial world.


    It implies only one thing.


    A gentle breeze brushed through the grass.


    The scent of grass filled the air.


    .


    Cheon Yuseong stood silently for a while before slowly closing his eyes.


    Swish


    His sword began to move slowly through the air.


    As if facing an invisible opponent, the speed and trajectory of his sword became increasingly dazzling.


    The subject that appeared in his mind was none other than Jinhyuk.


    The reason he was climbing the Tower, and the purpose for remaining in this world.


    I will definitely surpass you.


    An obsession nearly at the brink of madness.


    Desperation to defeat and be recognized by such an opponent filled his whole being.


    Vroom!


    The speed of the sword increased.


    As the ultimate skills of Chasing Souls Sword unfolded, a sword dance reminiscent of a storm emerged.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Thendscape split open relentlessly.


    Soil and grass were torn apart and scattered.


    Beautiful.


    There was no other word to describe Cheon Yuseong, who had be one with his sword.


    How many minutes had passed in this intense, imaginary duel?


    When his whole body was drenched in sweat and he was panting heavily


    You are truly remarkable. Now I understand why you are called Sword Saint among the yers.


    Baekseollyn approached, apanied by the scent of plum blossoms.


    Though enemies who should have shed in a fight


    Cheon Yuseong did not react upon seeing her.


    Didnt I say I woulde down when its all over?


    Yes, you did. But I wanted to see it with my own eyes. Though not a real battle, I wanted to witness your obsession with this opponent that drove you to such lengths.


    The depth of the footsteps and the trails left by the sword allowed her to deduce the caliber of the imaginary foe.


    And naturally, the oue of the fight as well.


    I couldnt surpass him. Not this time either.


    Cheon Yuseong let his sword hang down.


    Despite giving his all.


    Without making a single mistake.


    Once again, he had failed to defeat Jinhyuk.


    No matter how much he reviewed and re-reviewed, he just couldnt see a way to ovee that monster.


    Indeed The man I met that day was extraordinary. If there were to be a proper fight, I cant imagine thered be a yer that could strike him down.


    Baekseollyn calmly epted the reality.


    A vein rose on Cheon Yuseongs forehead.


    Among those yers she talked about, he was included as well.


    Dont get too upset. Thats why wevee looking for you, Mr. Cheon Yuseong. If you grasp the essence of the sword and ovee that barrier, you too will reach a realm beyond human.


    He came to the martial world to be stronger.


    To chase after that incredible sword technique.


    To surpass the strongest ranker whose mere presence sent shivers down his spine.


    I need to shorten the growth period even more.


    He couldnt remain in the shadow of Jinhyuk forever.


    At least, not this time.


    Is it possible? To aplish this in such a short time?


    As you know, if you are as skilled as you, ordinary methods will take far too long to break through the barrier.


    The journey to the pinnacle and beyond was never smooth.


    Initially, one could forcibly break through the barrier with intense training and expensive elixirs.


    But, beyond a certain point, no amount of training or elixirs could help, it was futile.


    What remained was enlightenment through meditation or achieving a breakthrough from a duel with an overwhelmingly strong opponent.


    But.


    How could you possibly bring such a master here at this time?


    In the past, Cheon Yuseong, also known as the Supreme Sword of Hwasanje, even defeated the Plum Blossom Sword Demon.


    Of course, he had a long way to go to reach that level to challenge the monster named Kang Jinhyuk, and the Sword Demon would be woefully inadequate.


    He needed a stronger opponent.


    Then.


    Baekseollyn reassuringly smiled.


    Theres one person. You, Mr. Cheon Yuseong, are well-versed in the martial world, so perhaps you might know.


    Tap.


    As the gentle sound of footsteps on grass approached.


    Someone closed in.


    And uponying eyes on that person.


    How could he be here


    Shock tremored through Cheon Yuseongs pupils.


    This person shouldnt be here.


    Someone who could not possibly be present had revealed himself.