Chapter 4

Black Death God Jeok Seong He was a figure of legend in the assassin world. In his everyday demeanor, he appeared carefree and not particularly intimidating. However, when the job began, he transformed into the most fearsome being in existence. Jeok Seong was the strongest assassin of Saengsamun (生死門), the most powerful assassin organization in the central plains, and its vice leader. Among the top hundred martial experts in the martial arts world, his name ranked near the top. Especially at night, his strength seemed to multiply. He was a monster who had never failed a single mission. Jeok Seong, the vice leader, was even stronger than the leader of Saengsamun. Yet, he chose to follow his sworn brother, the leader of Saengsamun.@@@@ The leader himself was well aware of this and always expressed his gratitude, despite his words often suggesting otherwise. The disciples of Saengsamun regarded Jeok Seong not with fear but with familial respect—sometimes as an older brother, sometimes as an uncle. This was thanks to his bright personality and his principle of not taking lives carelessly. The disciples would often say, "He’s not someone who fits the role of an assassin." He preferred resolving matters peacefully whenever possible. But when that failed, his assassin instincts would awaken, and at that point, one no longer faced a good-natured man but a terrifying demon. A demon so fearsome he could wipe out an entire martial sect without breaking a sweat. Such an incredible being had now appeared at Ilmu Manor. “What's this? There aren’t any warriors here?” Jeok Seong tilted his head as he surveyed Ilmu Manor. “What kind of boldness is this? What would they do if bandits attacked in the middle of these deep mountains?” The manor had no warriors in sight—only a few people who looked like servants and one child. Jeok Seong fell into thought. “No warriors... Then announcing my alias would be pointless.” Ordinary people usually didn’t care about the aliases of martial artists unless they were figures who had shaken the world. It was highly likely that the people in this manor wouldn’t recognize the name Black Death God. If he introduced himself and they responded with, “What’s that supposed to mean?” it would be unbearably humiliating. But he couldn’t bring himself to harm ordinary people, children, or women. Jeok Seong never targeted them—unless they were truly evil, in which case he wouldn’t hesitate. “How should I deal with those who don’t respect my reputation? Should I just scare them off?” But what if they reported him to the authorities? That would be troublesome. Wait... authorities? This manor belonged to Saengsamun in the first place. If the occupants refused to leave, he could simply report them to the authorities himself. The solution was simpler than he initially thought. He could deal with ordinary people using ordinary methods. First, he decided to try intimidating them. If that didn’t work, he would proceed according to the law. And if the law failed, he would reluctantly use his expertise. Hoping it wouldn’t come to that, Jeok Seong approached the manor. For now, he intended to try talking first. Knock, knock, knock. The gates of the manor, once known as Cheongho Manor but now renamed Ilmu Manor, echoed with his knock. A person appeared from within. “Who are you?” “I’d like to meet the owner of this place.” “The master is currently away.” “When will they return?” “How could I possibly inquire about my master’s schedule so casually?” The servant’s flustered expression made it clear he wasn’t lying. “Well, I can’t just leave and come back later...” “May I ask what brings you here?” “There’s an unresolved issue regarding this manor. I need to discuss it with your master.” Jeok Seong refrained from revealing that the manor belonged to Saengsamun. There was no use explaining such matters to a servant, and there was no reason to risk damaging the master’s dignity. There’s no point in stirring up unnecessary trouble, he thought. If things could be resolved amicably, there was no need to escalate. “All right then. I’ll come back another time.” Though he said this, Jeok Seong had no intention of leaving. He planned to stay until the owner returned. “It’s been a while since I’ve camped out under the stars,” he mused. Nostalgia for old times filled him with unexpected delight. Jeok Seong was nothing if not an optimist. Meanwhile, in the bandits’ hideout: “Boss! Boss!” One of the bandits rushed in, looking alarmed. “What is it?” “You know that manor at the base of Mount Akean?” “Yes, the abandoned one. Why?” “People have moved in.” “What?” "Now that you know who’s going to kill you, you won’t feel unjustly wronged." At these words, the bandit leader immediately prostrated himself. "P-please spare me!" "Hmm, you want to live?" "Y-yes!" "Then I’ll let the boy decide your fate," Jeok Seong said. "What?" "If the boy tells me to spare you, I will." "T-this can’t be..." "Hey, kid..." Jeok Seong began, but his voice faltered as he noticed the boy. The boy’s pupils had turned black. A chilling sensation crept over Jeok Seong. The boy slowly walked forward, picking up the sword that had fallen to the ground. Then, without hesitation, he swung it at the neck of the prostrate bandit leader. Slash. Thud. The leader’s lifeless body crumpled to the ground. Without a hint of emotion, the boy muttered, "This is vengeance for all the innocent people who died unjustly." Leaving those words behind, the boy collapsed and fainted. Jeok Seong felt a shiver run down his spine. The boy’s decisiveness in taking a life without hesitation. His care for the innocent. His unyielding resolve, even in a hopeless situation. Everything about the boy resonated with him. He wanted him. The thought of taking this boy as his disciple crossed his mind. Jeok Seong glanced at the trembling bandits. If left alive, they would undoubtedly kill others again. With that in mind, he finished off the remaining bandits. "Is this fate?" Jeok Seong felt that coming here was destiny—his purpose was to meet this boy. Yet, one thing troubled him. The boy’s blackened eyes. That unsettling sight lingered in his mind. "Where have I seen this before...?" Then it struck him. "No, I didn’t see it—I heard about it. The rumor of the Ilmushin with black eyes. They say never to encounter him..." Jeok Seong’s gaze shifted to the plaque at the manor’s gate. Ilmu Manor. Ilmushin. A chill ran through him. No, it couldn’t be. It couldn’t possibly be true. As Jeok Seong tried to shake off his growing unease, his senses picked up on numerous presences. Not ordinary ones. "Damn it, we’re surrounded." It didn’t feel like they intended to attack the manor, as there was no hostility in their presence. Still, Jeok Seong couldn’t let his guard down. Realizing there was nothing to gain by staying here, he decided to leave quickly. "Woo-jin!" A desperate cry rang out behind him. "When...?" Someone had approached this close without him noticing. A chill ran down Jeok Seong’s spine as he turned to see an elderly man cradling the boy in his arms, his expression frantic. All of Jeok Seong’s instincts screamed for him to leave, but his body wouldn’t move. Paralyzed by overwhelming fear. Who was this man? The old man inspected the boy, then let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness, there’s nothing wrong." He confirmed the boy was merely asleep and relaxed slightly. But then— "Urgh!" An immense aura suddenly surged from the old man, as vast and unyielding as a mountain. When the old man turned to look at him with blackened eyes, Jeok Seong’s entire body began to tremble uncontrollably. The old man slowly rose to his feet. "Who are you?" The voice carried an undeniable authority, compelling Jeok Seong to answer. "I... I am Jeok Seong, the Black Death God." "I’ve heard of you. You’re the so-called prodigy assassin of some renown."