Martial Arts Ain't That Big of a Deal

Chapter 88

Seo-jun looked down at Jang Geuk, who was kneeling before him, then shifted his gaze to Huangbo Jun, who took a hesitant step back.

With a sweep of his eyes, Seo-jun surveyed both the Golden Steel Unit and the Qingfeng Unit before releasing a surge of dark energy. The shadows around him seemed to warp and twist as his aura intensified.

“This energy may resemble demonic energy,” he mused aloud, “but since I don’t follow the path of the demonic arts, I wouldn’t call it that.”

He paused, considering his own words. Is that really so? He found himself questioning his resolve. Was there any reason not to fully embrace the demonic path? If he continued down this road, he could eventually claim the position of Heavenly Demon, ruling over the martial world.

Just as his thoughts started to veer towards darkness, an absurd echo resounded in his mind: - Brother! If you turn into a demon, Chunbong will cry. Sniffle, sniffle.

Snapping out of it, Seo-jun laughed to himself. Bluetooth Chunbong effect—very effective. He reached up and, with a swift motion, severed the horns that had sprouted from his temples. The sharp pain helped clear his mind.

“Alright, let’s call this qi... ghostly energy. I’m no demon,” he declared, his voice firm. “As Namgung Jin-cheon, Lord of the Namgung family and the Azure Sky Sword Saint, would vouch for me, I am not demonic.” He had permission to invoke that name, after all.

The declaration seemed to work as Huangbo Jun relaxed and gave a nod of relief. Seo-jun then turned to Jang Geuk, who was still kneeling.

“And as for you, don’t take this the wrong way.” Seo-jun extended his hand toward Jang Geuk’s head, resting it momentarily before withdrawing it.

He had initially intended to end Jang Geuk’s life but, after discarding his horns, a rebellious impulse had taken hold. Instead, he implanted a small amount of energy in Jang Geuk’s baihui point at the top of his head.

“You’ve got a year,” Seo-jun explained, smirking. “After that, this energy will dissipate on its own. But until then... you know what happens if I decide to detonate it?”

Jang Geuk’s grin widened at the unspoken threat. “So you’re accepting my loyalty! Excellent! Though, while I’m at it, could I perhaps learn a bit of that Giant Spirit Technique?”

Seo-jun chuckled. “We’ll see about that. Besides, you’re fine with it? I just took out five of your men.”

Jang Geuk sighed, heavy but resigned. “It couldn’t be helped, and it’s no fault of yours.”

Rising, Jang Geuk offered a respectful bow. Seo-jun mirrored the gesture, a faint smile lingering on his lips. Just then, he felt a strange twisting within himself. He refocused his energy inward, feeling the imbalance as his qi, essence, and spirit began to distort slightly.

“Do you sense an enemy?” Bae-ho asked, readying his weapon.

“No, not quite,” Seo-jun replied. “It’s just... there’s a kid over there running around. Bae-ho, can you bring him here?”

“Yes, sir!” Bae-ho replied, sprinting toward the source of Seo-jun’s gaze.

Moments later, Bae-ho returned, carrying a scrappy young boy no older than fifteen. The child looked battered and worn, eyes wide with desperation.

“P-please help me!” the boy cried, tears streaming down his face. “My little sister... she was kidnapped!”

Seo-jun's eyes narrowed. The boy’s story might have seemed unlikely, yet the desperation on his face was genuine enough.

With a gentle pat on the boy’s shoulder, Seo-jun rose to his feet. “Bae-ho, we’re going to help this kid. Get the others ready.”

Hwan Bae-ho seemed concerned, urging caution. “Sir, given your current condition, we should call for reinforcements—”

“No, this one’s personal,” Seo-jun replied, a shadow of determination settling over his face. “Besides, we have a new recruit.”

He gestured at Jang Geuk, who grinned, stepping forward with a confident stride. Seo-jun looked at Huangbo Jun as well, who seemed to tense.

“We’re going in. You have a problem with that?”

Huangbo Jun shook his head, finally relenting. “I’m in.”

Seo-jun smiled, gesturing for Bae-ho to carry him. As he did, Seo-jun called to Jang Geuk, who moved to help the boy onto his back.

“Alright, kid,” Jang Geuk said with a comforting smile. “Tell us everything you know, and we’ll handle the rest.”

Seo-jun watched with a smirk as they set off to face the unknown. Here comes Seo-jun, protector of the soft and squishy! he thought with a grin.