Chapter 330

Words : 2273 Updated : Oct 15th, 2025

Chapter 330 Woong- The crimson blade lit up the darkened workshop. It was solely a blade with no grip, about one hundred twenty centimeters long, and had a gentle curve throughout its entirety. And within the blade, a vermilion glow flickered like flames, radiating a mysterious aura. It looked as though it was fire rather than a weapon. “Hm...” Se-Hoon observed the crimson Sin-Eclipsing Blade in his hands with an intrigued expression. I didn’t think I would manifest the synesthetic mindscape in such a way... Though there was a strong feeling he would succeed near the final stages of its completion, he hadn’t expected it to truly succeed. Curious, he inspected the blade carefully before turning his gaze to the information message. [Sin-Eclipsing Blade] [Tier: Aspirant] [Quality: Average] [A blade refined from the essence of fire mana. The power of Anatta dwells within this blade, allowing the wielder to purify whatever the flames touch by consuming mana. The strength of the blade increases proportionately to the amount of impurities purified, which can also be converted into the wielder’s own power. Only ‘Lee Se-Hoon,’ who is recognized by the weapon, can bring out the full potential of this blade. *Purifies the impurities of a target with its flames *Absorbs the purified impurities to strengthen its flames or change their properties *Enables the use of the synesthetic mindscape skill ‘Infernal Purge’] This... is quite a grim item. On paper, the blade purified impurities, using them as fuel to strengthen the wielder, which made it seem virtuous, but the problem lay in the definition of “impurities.” Since the flames are based off Sacred Flames, I should assume they’re similar. Humans carried countless thoughts—worries, doubts, and emotions—that disrupted their state of mind. And the power of Anatta regarded all of it as impurities. In other words, it could make one forget fear, hostility, or any desire to resist altogether during battle. If it goes one step further, it could even burn away one’s body. It was already dangerous since it could directly influence the mind, and, being no ordinary flame, resisting was incredibly difficult on top. But while just that alone made it one of the most perilous weapons in Se-Hoon’s possession, it wasn’t even the real threat. [Infernal Purge] [Fully unleashes the flames within the Sin-Eclipsing Blade, forming a barrier that engulfs all inside in Flames of Atonement. And until they repent for their sins, they will not be released. *The effect of the barrier strengthens depending on the target’s guilt *If the target has committed a sin defined by the user ‘Lee Se-Hoon,’ the effect persists regardless of their guilt *The Flames of Atonement are sustained by the repenters’ mana, and if that is completely exhausted, their physical body will be consumed instead] “...” Se-Hoon’s expression was complicated. By principle, the more complex a barrier’s activation and release conditions were, the exponentially more dangerous they became. From that perspective, Infernal Purge was overpowered to the point of being sinister. If it activates when they carry guilt, or if I define their actions as sins... is there even anyone who could avoid this? The first condition was tied to one’s emotions, so a target might fall victim to even if they weren’t consciously aware of their own guilt. But regardless of their guilt, the second condition meant that the barrier would activate unconditionally the moment someone opposed Se-Hoon. To make matters worse, the effect would persist by consuming their own mana or physical bodies instead. While the range was uncertain, the only realistic way to survive would be to flee the moment one witnessed it. It seems like it could even affect allies.... It’s dangerous in every way. Although Se-Hoon could control the definition of a sin, an individual’s guilt was beyond his interference. That meant that if his allies within the barrier held guilt... they could also be burned by the Flames of Atonement. I thought ‘forgiveness’ would have a gentler effect... but this skill seems to show no mercy until true atonement is achieved. The lingering emotions of countless departed souls—once trapped inside the Fire Heaven Greatsword and tormented for decades as subjects of Offering’s human experiments, until In-Cheol, one of the researchers, realized their atrocities too late and sacrificed his life to free them—formed the conceptual image of “forgiveness” that Se-Hoon had inscribed into the Sin-Eclipsing Blade. And with the image formed, the synesthetic mindscape manifestation was triggered. Considering how dangerous this seems, it’s almost a relief that there are restrictions. Synesthetic mindscape manifestations occurred only in weapons forged with Fatestones, resulting in extraordinarily powerful synesthetic mindscape skills. But equipment with them came with one major restriction: only the owner of the Fatestone could properly wield them. Since my own Fatestone was used this time, it makes sense that only I can wield it... Lost in thought, Se-Hoon was staring down at the Sin-Eclipsing Blade in his hands when he heard a voice behind him. “Is it complete?” Turning, Se-Hoon saw Li Kenxie watching from a distance. He was standing motionless in the dark workshop, his figure exuding a sense of calm resolve. “Yes. Would you like to see it?” Se-Hoon responded, pausing his thoughts. At Se-Hoon’s words, Li Kenxie silently extended his hand forward. Despite his usual indifferent demeanor, he couldn’t quite hide his eagerness. Faintly smiling, Se-Hoon handed over the Sin-Eclipsing Blade. “...” With it in his hands, Li Kenxie carefully inspected the blade, his touch causing the vermilion glow within to ripple faintly. In the meantime, Se-Hoon began repairing the workshop’s equipment, damaged by the Sacred Flames. Woong- Soon enough, the lights flickered back on in the workshop. When that happened, Li Kenxie, still examining the blade, glanced at Se-Hoon as he worked. How did he make something like this? The Aspirant tier was an entirely new tier pioneered by Se-Hoon. Superficially, it was stronger than Legendary-tier gear but weaker than Mythical-tier gear. Yet, in actuality, the truth was far different. This is already on par with Mythical-tier weapons. The only difference between Aspirant and Mythical was that Aspirant-tier equipment was constrained by severe limitations. Could he have strengthened the blade using the restriction? No, if that were possible, the world would be overflowing with Mythical-level weapons. The Mythical tier wasn’t something achieved through high-quality materials or superior craftsmanship. It required the touch of those who had conquered the Tower of Heroes. This weapon defies all of that. It should have been impossible, yet the crimson blade in his hands proved it possible. Contemplating it for a long while, Li Kenxie finally asked, “Can you explain how you made this?” “Of course,” Se-Hoon answered, looking up from his work. Walking over, he then began explaining the key technique he used: Limit Break. He intended to commercialize the method soon, therefore he had nothing to hide. And he needed Li Kenxie to fully understand it anyway, in order to persuade him that his method of forging was superior. “You’re creating an incomplete shell and relying on the user to fill it? That’s the most irresponsible method I’ve ever heard.” “It’s not about irresponsibility. It’s about trusting others to complete it. Why are you always so cynical?” “Tsk. Your words are smooth; I’ll give you that.” Though Li Kenxie grumbled, clearly unimpressed with the principle behind Limit Break, he acknowledged the effectiveness of the method. So this is why my steel sword broke. If a sword’s maximum potential was 100, Li Kenxie drew out every bit of its strength to hit it. Se-Hoon, however, ignored the maximum and created a sword that started at 90 but contained a synesthetic mindscape that allowed a capable user to add 60 more, reaching 150. The more I think about it, the more absurd it seems. He relied on another’s strength to complete an imperfect weapon while simultaneously surpassing its limitations. Of course, the method wasn’t without drawbacks—if the conditions weren’t met, then the weapon remained incomplete. But regardless, it was still nothing less than a superior version of all existing forging techniques. Now he understood, but one question lingered. How on earth did he come up with such a method? The synesthetic mindscapes created through Limit Break contained none of the blacksmith’s personal desires or subjective thoughts. It didn’t particularly sound impressive, but in reality, it was nothing short of impossible. All humans—especially high-ranking heroes—ultimately judged everything based on their own beliefs and ideals. Even those who claim to be objective always have their own subjective viewpoint. From Li Kenxie's perspective, two major conditions were necessary to develop a technique like Limit Break. The first was the receptiveness to accept another person’s synesthetic mindscape completely. The second was the ability to remain pure, untainted by that synesthetic mindscape. The conditions contradict each other, so how...? Se-Hoon had achieved an impossible balance, allowing him to build the framework for the absurd technique called Limit Break successively. When his thoughts reached that point, Li Kenxie suddenly recalled how Se-Hoon could use the powers of other Perfect Ones, himself included. So that’s how he was able to use them... Realizing the true nature of Se-Hoon’s talent, Li Kenxie gazed at him with a complex expression. Most people believed that the talents of the Perfect Ones were the rarest gifts in the world. But perhaps the talent of the arrogant kid before him was even rarer. Wrapping up his long period of contemplation, Li Kenxie slowly opened his mouth. “So, do you think you’ve successfully proved your point?” Se-Hoon considered what to say. “You place an enormous importance in drawing out the innate potential of materials, and I don’t think that’s wrong. But that isn’t the only thing that's important.” No matter how deeply one might bury themselves in the mountains of Huangshan, the world would continue to move forward, and sooner or later, the waves of change would come crashing in. “The question is, who will use this weapon? What do they want to achieve with it? And...” Se-Hoon paused, meeting Li Kenxie’s gaze directly. “What do I want from that person?” “...” “I believe that considering all of these factors will bring us closer to the right answer—whether it’s blacksmithing or raising a child.” Li Kenxie had said he took in Li Fei to understand the dying words of Luo Mingmei, his disciple and daughter-in-law. But was that really the entire story? Se-Hoon couldn’t claim to know the old man’s true intentions. But one thing was certain. She was so kind that it’s hard to believe she was raised by such a stubborn man. That was Se-Hoon’s impression of Li Fei before the regression, when she had reached adulthood, and it was no different now. It was that very thought that drove him to challenge the obstinate old man, believing there was a side of him he didn’t know. “...” Having heard Se-Hoon's lengthy explanation, Li Kenxie silently looked down at the crimson blade in his hand. And after a long pause, he finally spoke. “What are you going to use for the grip?” “...Huh? Oh, well, I was thinking of using the Verdant Lotus Spear as the base material.” Most blacksmiths would have been appalled at the idea of using one of the Five Element Equipment as material for another weapon. But to Se-Hoon, the Verdant Lotus Spear wasn’t particularly an attractive weapon. He instead intended to use the opportunity to enhance the Sin-Eclipsing Blade and craft the other weapons on his backlog while he was at it. “How are you planning to use it?” “I haven’t decided on that part yet...” “Tsk.” Clicking his tongue in frustration, Li Kenxie stretched out his hand. “Hand it over.” “...Hand what over?” “The Verdant Lotus Spear, obviously. I fear you’ll ruin it accidentally. I’ll make the grip myself.” Surprised, Se-Hoon blinked repeatedly before breaking into a smile. “How long will it take?” “The grip itself won’t take long. But...” Reading Se-Hoon’s expression, Li Kenxie gruffly finished. “It might take a few months to stabilize the Verdant Lotus Spear first. I won’t be able to return to Huangshan until then.” He couldn’t fully admit that he was wrong, but he conceded—to some extent, at least. It was a very Li Kenxie-like response. Stubborn as always... Se-Hoon looked at him with an exasperated expression. No matter how anyone looked at it, Se-Hoon had clearly surpassed him as a blacksmith. But Li Kenxie couldn’t bring himself to acknowledge it outright, exactly like how he behaved before the regression. Chuckling quietly at the thought, Se-Hoon pulled out the Verdant Lotus Spear. “Here you go.” “I’ll warn you now: if you bother me in any way, I’ll leave immediately. Make sure to tell Ludwig too. Understood?” “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of bothering you.” “...Tsk.” Seeing Se-Hoon’s obviously mischievous expression, Li Kenxie wanted to say something but decided against it. For now, I’ll just keep observing him. And once Li Kenxie made a decision, he never went back on it. Settling the matter, he began inspecting the Verdant Lotus Spear.. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Se-Hoon asked. Irritated, Li Kenxie responded, “What is it? Go ahead and ask already. Don’t you see that I’m quite busy here?” He was distracted, studying the spear. “The Five Element Equipment. You’re the one who made them, right?” Se-Hoon’s eyes gleamed as he stared at Li Kenxie.

Chapter 330

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