Chapter 1: Jaseung, It Begins

If someone asked me if hard work can create miracles, then I could confidently give one answer.

Yes, it can.

Hard work creates outcomes that transcend one’s imaginations. However, those who never worked hard would never know.

I pushed myself to my limit and worked hard so I could achieve my dream. Along the way, I encountered three types of enemies.

First, were those who also put in the work. I wasn’t the only one who was capable of working after all.

However, winning against such enemies was simple, and that was to work harder than them. If they slept two hours, I slept one. If they trained for 10 hours, I did double the amount. Doing that, I won against them.

The second type were those who were born with too many privileges.

They had great power and wealth that was difficult to overcome through effort alone.

Yes, it was scary to fight against those who had everything to lose. They did anything to protect what they had.

I used my brain to win against them. Though of course, they likely believed that they were outwitted, but I relentlessly took advantage of their weakness.

What’s their weakness you ask?

I already mentioned it. They had too many things to lose. Their greed and obsession led them to their downfall.

The last type of enemies were those that were known as ‘geniuses’.

I found out hard work could ultimately overcome even genius talents. After all, geniuses often doomed themselves by getting trapped in their own walls made of pride.

However, there were geniuses that worked hard and overcame their walls.

I, of course, fought against them as well.

No, I faced the world and fought my destiny. I came close to death many times, but I didn’t give up.

I worked hard to go beyond the limit that fate has made for me.

I am the one who saw the end result of hard work.

I achieved this at twenty-nine years old.

Those that don’t know me, say this.

They say that I was blessed with extreme luck, and it’s impossible to achieve such a thing at my age otherwise.

However, those who know me say that it was an obvious outcome.

Now, what’s the thing I achieved you ask?

It would be endless if I tried to explain every little thing. It wouldn’t even be enough to fit it in ten books if I were to write them down.

However, there is a phrase that could describe it.

The Unification of the Unorthodox Faction.

It was a world known as the ‘Evil Path’, or the ‘Black Way’.

Yes, it was behind the Jianghu.

A world filled with people from the Unorthodox Faction, all kinds of Demons, and those who betray their own families for their own gains. It’s where dark martial arts shatter a great hero’s sword, and trickery brings down the robes of venerables.

Such darkness took over Jianghu.

Most of the enemies I faced were evil and I felt no guilt in killing them. I mercilessly cut down those who stood in my way and rose to this position.

The supreme leader of the Unorthodox Faction of this era.

I am Lee Jaseung, the leader of the Black Way Alliance.

* * *

“…I can sense a huge hole deep inside your mind.”

The Black Way Alliance Leader, Cheon Yeombaek spoke while struggling.

Standing about ten paces away from him was Lee Jaseung.

From the eerie blade of the dagger Asura in his hand, blood dripped steadily.

Lee Jaseung spoke bluntly.

“I’m more concerned about the hole in you.”

The one with a hole in his chest was Cheon Yeombaek. Seven wounds were carved by Lee Jaseung’s dagger, and blood poured endlessly from them.

“…I scoffed when I first heard that you used a dagger. I thought that anyone who lost to someone wielding such a petty weapon was pathetic. Though that became the greatest arrogance of my life, kughhh.”

Cheon Yeombaek coughed violently, vomiting a lump of blood mixed with fragments of his entrails and Qi.

“Heh… heh heh… “

Sensing his end, Cheon Yeombaek laughed faintly. His eyes, caught in the clarity of his final moment, shone brightly in the phenomenon of returning light before death.

“You’ve killed me and taken over the Black Way Alliance… The Unorthodox belongs to you now, congratulations.”

It was a heartfelt congratulation to his opponent, a miracle granted by the heavens to one standing at death’s door.

However, Cheon Yeombaek’s smile did not arise from that grace. He was enjoying this moment for another reason entirely.

“This position… it offers immense wealth, power, and all the beauties of the martial world. But do you know? To enjoy those things, you also have many things to endure. The Orthodox Faction treats us like trash and the Demonic Cult only seeks to exploit us. And your subordinates? They are only waiting for the chance to stab you in the back to take your place. Can your youthful blood really bear all that?”

Lee Jaseung replied calmly.

“I can.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I’ll make a new dream.”

“…!”

Cheon Yeombaek’s eyes widened in shock as it was slowly about to close.

“…You, don’t tell me…?”

The carriage shook after a bump.

Leaning against the window, Lee Jaseung slowly opened his eyes after having dozed off for a brief moment.

Then, he heard a voice from beside him.

“We are almost there.”

After turning his head, he saw a young man wearing a pair of spectacles, gazing at him.

Dan Woobin.

He was Lee Jaseung’s right hand and the chief strategist of the Black Way Alliance, the greatest genius of the martial world.

He had feminine pale skin and a delicate, fragile appearance. It was the kind of face that would make any woman turn for a second glance, evoking a strong urge to protect.

Furthermore, his eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence, making one think instantly, “Ah, he must be a really smart person!”. His tightly shut lips also carried the stubbornness of typical highly intelligent people.

And most notably, he was young.

There were other geniuses in the martial world, but Dan Woobin was the youngest among them, which was one of the reasons why Lee Jaseung chose him. Another reason was his purity, something uncommon in the Unorthodox World.

“Did you have a bad dream?”

“Why do you assume such a thing?”

“Just a habit of strategists. Always assume the worst first.”

Lee Jaseung gave a faint smile as a response.

Unlike Dan Woobin, Lee Jaseung had a manly appearance. He didn’t look rough or brutish, but warm and approachable. It was his eyes that gave him a strong presence.

They were like staring into an abyss. It looked as if something might emerge from the depths and drag you into endless darkness.

Moreover, Lee Jaseung looked so young like he was still in his teens, despite being twenty-nine.

There were many rumors about him. The most common one was that he was ruthlessly cruel, shedding no blood or tears for his enemies.

The second most common were speculations about his age, ranging from a man in his twenties to a middle-aged man in his forties, to an old man over seventy. Some even whispered that he was a woman, or a child.

This air of mystery was cultivated by none other than Dan Woobin. He intentionally spread these rumors, believing that mystery equaled strength in the martial world. There was no need to reveal the truth to enemies.

The carriage slowly came to a stop and the man on the horse called out.

“We have arrived.”

They stopped in front of a solitary inn in a desolate wasteland.

As Lee Jaseung was about to get out of the carriage, Dan Woobin stopped him.

“Leader, please wait a moment.”

He then took something from beneath the seat and held it out.

“Please wear this.”

It was a thin piece of armor. The Dragon Scale Armor, a legendary treasure that repelled blades, Sword Qi, and sword flux.

“I don’t need it.”

“You are not leaving if you don’t. Absolutely not!”

Dan Woobin seemed like he had no intention of backing down.

“That thing is uncomfortable though.”

“Even so, you must.”

In truth, the armor wasn’t uncomfortable at all. It was thin and flexible, so wearing it felt like nothing since it clung perfectly to my body like a second skin.

Lee Jaseung usually didn’t wear protective gear because he wanted to maintain his sharpness.

All of the battles he fought were also a part of his training. Life threatening situations and real combat helped him sharpen his skills.

“Your body is too precious now.”

Knowing Dan Woobin wasn’t going to back down, Lee Jaseung removed his robes.

His upper body was revealed, and so were his solid muscles built from countless battles. It was like a work of art sculpted by a professional.

There were many scars on his body, but each one of them was a mark of legend.

Dan Woobin’s gaze landed on the scar that was at the center of his chest.

It was a lightning-shaped scar.

His gaze lingered as he thought about saying something, but he didn’t say anything in the end.

As Lee Jaseung put on the Dragon Scale Armor and began putting his robe back on, Dan Woobin quickly handed him one more item. It was another top-tier piece of gear known as the Heart Protector.

“Hey!”

Lee Jaseung tried to protest, but Dan Woobin already had a plan for it as he smiled kindly with eyes filled with warmth.

He knew that Dan Woobin would nag him about how much work trouble he goes through every time for him, so Lee Jaseung chose to wear the Heart Protector as well.

Only then, Dan Woobin made a satisfied smile on his face.

“Now even the Hell’s King of Death won’t be able to kill you.”

“Don’t be so sure. The martial world is full of strange people like grains of sand.”

“No need to be so humble.”

“I feel like I have to be when I’m forced to wear all these.”

“Hahaha.”

Dan Woobin got off the carriage first with a cheerful smile. Lee Jaseung slowly followed after him.

They entered the inn, but it had no other guests, likely due to the early hour.

The sleepy innkeeper sprang up.

“Welcome.”

As the two were being led to their seats, the innkeeper glanced at Lee Jaseung’s waist. Average martial artists would have a sword in that area, but there was a dagger instead.

It was around the length of an adult’s forearm, and its blade was dark black. However, the thing that stood out the most was the grotesque demon-faced hilt.

It was so intricately carved that it looked as if it was going to leap out into the world at any moment.

The innkeeper had dozens of martial artists coming to his inn every day, but he didn’t realize that the dagger was Asura, the greatest dagger of the Unorthodox Faction.

‘A martial artist who uses a dagger?’

The innkeeper tilted his head in confusion.

In general, longer weapons had the advantage in the martial world.

Though of course, that wasn’t always the case. If it was, then everyone would have tried to learn how to use spears.

However, swords had the most practical uses in real combat. Understandably, swords were the most commonly used weapon because of it.

Moreover, it was rare to find those who used a dagger as their primary weapon. Even when they were used, it was for throwing in emergencies.

Stopping the innkeeper for a moment, Dan Woobin asked a question.

“Shall we have a drink as well?”

Lee Jaseung nodded.

Dan Woobin ordered drinks and food.

A dog’s barking could be heard from a distance. Both men glanced outside. They saw that the sandstorms were growing stronger.

“Have you decided on the person?”

Dan Woobin answered quietly after hearing Lee Jaseung’s question.

“Yes, Dobek seems like a good choice.”

“Okay.”

Lee Jaseung knew just how much Dan Woobin had thought this through for him to reach that conclusion. It was a very important day today.

The innkeeper brought the drinks first.

Dan Woobin poured for Lee Jaseung first, and then himself. Then, he pulled something out from his robe. It was a leather pouch containing dozens of needles. He dipped a silver needle in his drink.

The needle color didn’t change.

He didn’t stop there and took another needle out and dipped it — still nothing. He then tried another, and it surprisingly changed color this time.

“It’s Invisible Poison.”

They glanced at the Innkeeper standing at the kitchen, kindly smiling at them. It seemed like he had no idea that there was poison inside the drinks. It was most likely that the cook had been bribed or threatened.

Food came out shortly after. It seemed obvious that there was going to be poison inside their food as well, so they didn’t bother picking up their chopsticks.

Dan Woobin frowned in annoyance as he was hungry but was unable to eat.

“Why did you bring me to such a filthy and dangerous place?”

He grumbled, but he honestly felt a bit afraid as he always made operations in safe areas.

However, Lee Jaseung invited Dan Woobin this time, to a pretty dangerous mission at that. Something like this never happened before which is why Dan Woobin felt nervous.

Gazing into his eyes, Lee Jaseung asked Dan Woobin softly.

“Why? Are you afraid that I’ll discard you since your use is over?”

“It is a perfect time after all. They say that new wines go in new wineskins you know?”

Today marks 100 days since Lee Jaseung seized the Black Way Alliance.

“Drinks are better with old friends.”

“Friend?”

Dan Woobin’s face darkened.

“What’s wrong?”

“Hearing you say such things only makes me feel more nervous. It almost feels as if you are saying something kind before killing me.”

Lee Jaseung chuckled because he knew that Dan Woobin was being serious. He was fond of his honesty.

Dan Woobin diverted his tension and spoke.

“Calling someone here only to poison them… that’s pretty cheap and pathetic.”

“We’ve poisoned plenty ourselves you know?”

“That is true.”

Dan Woobin smiled awkwardly.

Lee Jaseung believed any means were valid to kill his enemies, whether it was by sword or poison.

Of course, he never killed the weak and never used hostages. He had a clear line he made sure to never cross.

Dan Woobin respected that part about him. It was one of the reasons he admired Lee Jaseung.

And another was-

“In the end, they are the fools for falling for it.”

That was Lee Jaseung’s mindset.

There was nothing worse for an army than to have an indecisive leader. In that sense, Lee Jaseung was a perfect leader, as he made firm decisions no matter the situations.

Suddenly, someone entered the inn and spoke.

“Aren’t you just as filthy? You took over the Black Way Alliance using any means.”

It was an old man with an unusual appearance. His big black pupils were unnaturally large like a snake’s, and his long arms hung down past his shins.  

He stopped a short distance away from the two men. He had an atmosphere of a seasoned survivor.

While glaring at Lee Jaseung, the old man spoke in an articulate tone.

“Lee Jaseung, the Leader of the Black Way Alliance. Is that really you?”

He was aware of him being young as he heard them from rumors, but he looked way too young in his eyes.

“Yes, it’s me.”

“‘It’s me’ you say? You have no manners at all.”

The old man scowled. He had every right to — he was Go Cheonyang, the strongest of the outer Black Way, and the Leader of the Ten Thousand Evils Alliance.

The outer regions of the martial world were divided between the Black Way and White Way. The one who ruled over the Black Way, was this old man in front.

Go Cheonyang contacted them after hearing the news of Lee Jaseung taking over the Black Way Alliance. He requested to meet him one on one, and Lee Jaseung brought Dan Woobin with him.

“Are you just brave or are you dumb? You really only came here with a servant.”

Then, Dan Woobin spoke with a scowl.

“I’m not a servant.”

However, Go Cheonyang didn’t even pretend to hear him.

“Or perhaps you’ve lost all senses of fear?”

Lee Jaseung spoke with a smirk.

“It’s not because I’m not afraid, but because I’m just that strong.”

Go Cheonyang couldn’t fully deny it. He lived seventy years of his life and experienced many things. He was able to read his opponents, or how powerful they were at a glance, but he wasn’t able to easily see through Lee Jaseung.

“You don’t have a face suited for the Black Way… but you at least seem to know how to use a blade.”

Dan Woobin pushed his spectacles up and spoke in between.

“Also, our Leader hates being evaluated by someone.”

Swish!

Clang!

Go Cheonyang swung at Dan Woobin’s face, and Lee Jaseung countered, nullifying the force. If it weren’t for Lee Jaseung, Dan Woobin’s face would’ve been obliterated.

Dan Woobin spoke with a scowl again.

“I’m not a servant. I’m not someone who’ll be killed so easily.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep