The Support Ate it All
Chapter 73: No.104 Black Death (5)

White Snake.

A remaining elder of the heavenly demon cult that was torn apart and hidden beneath the surface.

Even the clan leader of the Black Death clan, known as the Black Snake, couldn’t fully control him which made him an extremely unpredictable factor in the conquest of the Black Death dungeon.

While wandering aimlessly within the Black Death dungeon without any clear pattern, you might encounter this hidden boss “if you were really unlucky”.

And now was exactly such an unlucky moment.

Go Hyeon-woo attempted to gauge the extent of White Snake’s power, but his eyes couldn’t see through his limit.

True to the nature of a hidden boss in a B-rank dungeon, his skills were significantly superior to Go Hyeon-woo’s.

If it comes to a battle, we will certainly lose.

The outcome of their confrontation would be decided within a mere ten exchanges.

The disparity in their martial strength was so vast that escape was also out of the question.

Yet, it was too soon to give in to despair.

There’s still a way out.

When Kim Ho created his strategy, he also took this slim probability into account.

Naturally, there were plans to deal with situations where the White Snake appeared.

The only issue was that these plans were far from simple to execute, and their success now hinged on Go Hyeon-woo’s actions.

Meanwhile, White Snake surveyed Go Hyeon-woo with his piercing white pupils and started assessing him from head to toe.

And then as if he was impressed by what he discerned, he remarked in a low voice,

“To achieve so much at such a young age is truly remarkable.”

“It’s all thanks to my masters and friends.”

“You’ve been blessed with good masters and friends. But it’s a shame.”

White Snake seemed to view Go Hyeon-woo quite favorably, yet as a member of the Black Death clan, he appeared determined to fulfill his duties.

The tension that had been contained began to unravel, making the atmosphere in the room grow oppressively heavy.

“If you had been given another 10, or even 5 years, you would have made a name for yourself as an exceptional swordsman. But having met me today… You can only blame your luck.”

Just as White Snake’s sleeve began to flutter.

Go Hyeon-woo who was doing his best to conceal his emotions spoke in a calm tone.

“I have one request for you, senior.”

“Speak.”

“Do you remember the promise you made to Hyun Yang-jin?”

“…I have not forgotten.”

A profound look appeared in White Snake’s eyes.

The reason he had managed to survive the Great Demonic War in the past.

It was all due to Hyun Yang-jin, a Taoist master who had subdued him before showing mercy at the last moment.

In doing so, Hyun Yang-jin had extracted a promise from White Snake: should he ever find himself in a position to take the life of a promising young talent, he should show mercy just once.

To put Go Hyeon-woo’s words simply, they amounted to a plea of “Repay your debt of life and let us go”.

Go Hyeon-woo felt uncomfortable at the thought of mentioning a promise between legendary masters of the previous generation which he barely understood. Still, he decided to move on as this was also part of the strategy.

White Snake responded,

“I did indeed make such a promise. However, whether you are worthy of mercy remains to be seen until I have tested you.”

This implied that unless Go Hyeon-woo proved to be the promising talent mentioned in the promise, White Snake was prepared to kill him.

Shin Byung-chul silently protested internally,

Didn’t you just commend his remarkable achievements? Are you changing your words now, old man?

Yet, sensing that speaking up might lead to dire consequences, he remained silent.

Go Hyeon-woo then asked,

“What must I do?”

White Snake answered plainly,

“Why complicate matters? If you can withstand three moves of mine, I shall let you go.”

…That settles it.

Go Hyeon-woo clenched his fist tightly,

As per the strategy guide, they have successfully steered the situation towards enduring three moves.

He knew a direct confrontation with White Snake was out of the question, but there seemed to be a glimmer of possibility in surviving just three moves.

This was the only way to carve a path to survival in their current predicament.

“I will take your test, senior.”

“Very well. Prepare yourself.”

The task was relatively more feasible, yet by no means easy.

After all, he was to withstand three moves from an opponent who was leagues above him in skill.

White Snake unsheathed his sword.

At first glance, it looked similar to a regular long sword.

However, everything from the hilt to the blade was white, and the tip was split like a snake’s tongue.

This was White Snake’s unique weapon, the Snake Tongue Sword.

With the sword hanging down, White Snake offered,

“I will let you make the first move.”

“Then I ask for your guidance, senior.”

Go Hyeon-woo gathered all his energy.

In the next moment, he rode upon the fierce wind that arose and shot forward.

Attack is the best form of defense.

He aimed a powerful thrust at a single point, provoking the opponent’s defensive technique.

This way, he hoped to overcome one of the three techniques.

[Clear Stream]

“……”

The white pupils of White Snake took in Go Hyeon-woo’s approaching form.

In the briefest of moments, he examined everything in front of him.

“……Not only the wind, but you also control the flow of energy. This is no ordinary skill. But,”

Just as White Snake’s eyebrows seemed to be pierced by Go Hyeon-woo’s magic sword.

White Snake assumed a sword stance and then swung his sword lightly.

Recognizing the familiar form of the technique immediately, Go Hyeon-woo identified it.

Viper Guarding the Hole?

Viper Guarding the Hole.

This technique mimicked the appearance of a viper coiling in its cave and guarding its domain.

It was known as a very basic technique and was second only to foundational forms like the Three Movements Sword Technique.

However, the Viper Guarding the Hole as executed by White Snake was anything but simple.

The moment the technique was unleashed, his treasure sword split at the sides like a snake’s tongue.

It turned out that his treasure sword was a flexible blade capable of bending like a whip.

Thus, the split blades formed two separate sword paths, each moving independently.

The concentrated energy in Go Hyeon-woo’s magic sword clashed with one Viper Guarding the Hole, only to be neutralized and dissipated by it.

Then, a second Viper Guarding the Hole struck Go Hyeon-woo.

A tremendous impact was inflicted on his entire body, and Go Hyeon-woo’s figure smashed into the wall before crashing down.

Crash!

“Grrr…”

He nearly lost consciousness in that instant.

It felt as though he had been struck by the massive tail of a serpent.

White Snake looked at Go Hyeon-woo and said,

“Your technique has strength but lacks consideration for the aftermath. It’s something that would be used in a do-or-die situation.”

“……”

“Prepare for the next.”

The second technique.

Having yielded the first move, it was now White Snake’s turn to attack.

Go Hyeon-woo forced his immobilized body to rise with great effort and steadied his breathing.

Almost immediately, White Snake’s form glided closer.

It was unclear what technique would unfold next from his lowered treasure sword.

However, the trembling and splitting of the sword’s tip indicated that a move was imminent.

But seeing the attack and reacting to it was not possible.

In that case, I can only counter with my best move.

[Clear Stream]

Go Hyeon-woo’s sword moved fluidly.

A gentle breeze came from somewhere and began to wrap around the blade.

A sharp blade of wind was aimed at White Snake.

White Snake’s coiling sword split into two as well.

He thrust it forward as it was, piercing through.

It was yet another move that looked all too familiar.

[Viper Emerges from its Hole]

Two thrusts that were clear to see.

But in Go Hyeon-woo’s eyes, they appeared as two thick snakes with their jaws wide open lunging at him.

The force was so overwhelming that, even though the thrusts were visible, he doubted his ability to parry them.

But I still have to do it.

Go Hyeon-woo’s eyes were filled with resolute determination.

He heightened his concentration to its utmost, trying to read even the slightest bend in the flickering sword.

Just before he was about to swing his Clear Stream in response.

The image of a Dharma statue he had seen earlier flashed through his mind.

The countless lines that formed the Dharma statue.

One of the lines seemed to draw itself in the air before him.

Go Hyeon-woo, as if captivated, traced the Clear Stream along that line.

Flash!

Was it due to a moment of enlightenment that just passed?

The Clear Stream he executed was more perfect than anything he had ever performed before.

Yet, it was not enough to fully defend against White Snake’s technique.

White Snake remained in the same place, but Go Hyeon-woo was pushed back a considerable distance.

“Cough.”

His insides churned, causing blood to spurt from his nose and mouth.

Blood from his torn grip flowed down the magic sword.

Does this mean it’s not enough….?

That he couldn’t make his opponent take even a single step back, despite surpassing his own limits, meant there was still a vast gap between them.

Go Hyeon-woo who was focused solely on this fact failed to realize something. Sᴇaʀᴄh the n0vᴇl(ꜰ)ire.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

The incredible feat he had just accomplished.

Even stopping White Snake in his tracks was a significant achievement.

White Snake seemed to think so too as he narrowed his eyes.

“I did not expect someone of your age to be able to block my Viper Emerges from its Hole so effortlessly. You should take pride in that.”

White Snake let his coiling sword hang loosely with its tip nearly touching the ground.

As he gathered more energy, a pressure that was incomparably stronger than before pressed down on him.

“It is only right that I show more of my skill. This will be the last. Brace yourself.”

The tangible energy was compressed and gradually took on a white color similar to that of a white snake.

White Snake who was now surrounded by a white aura resembled both a sharp, prestigious sword and a massive snake coiled and ready to strike.

The snake before Go Hyeon-woo seemed to glare at him, coiling tightly as if about to spring forth.

Go Hyeon-woo sensed it.

White Snake was about to unleash a technique that was absolute, one that he could not possibly block with his strength alone.

Yet his shoulders felt too heavy to fall now.

There was the legacy his master had left, the longstanding issues of his sect that needed resolution, and the friends who believed in and awaited him.

He was not yet ready to lay down these burdens.

“…..”

At that moment, Go Hyeon-woo appeared to have made some sort of resolution.

He positioned the magic sword vertically in front of him and started rallying his momentum.

A gentle breeze blew from somewhere and tickled his hair.

“……”

White Snake’s eyes discerned the flow of energy merging with the wind.

He immediately recognized that the stance Go Hyeon-woo was about to assume was highly defensive.

A technique focused on deflecting the enemy’s attacks, heavily reliant on yielding and flexibility.

However…

Is this all?

It seemed hardly sufficient for White Snake.

The stance used during their second clash seemed better whether in terms of offense or defense.

There’s no way that’s all.

The idea that Go Hyeon-woo would respond with a weaker stance when the White Snake was bringing out a more powerful technique was inconceivable.

There had to be another strategy prepared.

If he’s relying on my meager mercy instead… he will meet his end here.

Finally, White Snake unleashed his technique.

[White Dragon Ascending to Heaven]

A colossal white serpent filled the entire view, bearing down on Go Hyeon-woo with overwhelming force.

In comparison, Go Hyeon-woo who was standing with only his sword drawn seemed as frail as a candle flame in the wind.

– Rooooooaaaaar—!

The magic sword he wielded trembled violently, cracks forming along its blade, while blood trickled from Go Hyeon-woo’s nose and mouth.

Just like White Snake had anticipated, Go Hyeon-woo’s defensive stance was intended to deflect the white serpent’s assault.

And as expected, it was insufficient to fend off the White Dragon Ascending to Heaven.

Just as the serpent seemed about to devour its prey in a single gulp,

Go Hyeon-woo moved his free hand.

And in the next moment,

Flash!

Everything vanished as if washed away.

A brief silence followed.

“……”

The expression on White Snake’s face was indescribably complex.

Go Hyeon-woo remained in his stance with the magic sword still held upright.

However, he now clutched something long and slender in his other hand.

Wrapped in old cloth and bound with iron chains, part of it had torn away to reveal a dark lustrous sheen.

It was a long sword that was still sheathed.

Even in its sheath.

It seemed that this sword had neutralized the White Snake’s final and strongest technique.

“Cough.”

Go Hyeon-woo spat out another mouthful of blood.

His complexion had turned significantly paler than before. It seemed like he had paid a considerable price just for holding that long sword for a moment.

Even so, it is a great sword…

White Snake was impressed.

It’s common to compare a highly skilled master to a well-forged sword, but this was the opposite.

It felt as though some transcendent being, rather than a sword, was blocking the way.

What was the true nature of this long sword?

And what was the identity of Go Hyeon-woo who owned that long sword?

Although many questions remained, the duel had concluded.

Asking more would only make him sound petty.

After White Snake retrieved his private sword, he spoke,

“This old man does not speak falsehoods. Make way.”

By that time, the arena was already filled with people in black robes who had rushed in upon hearing the commotion. But following White Snake’s command, they parted like the tide and created a path.

Go Hyeon-woo did not immediately step forward but instead bowed deeply to White Snake with utmost respect.

“I shall come here again.”

“I look forward to it.”

With that, Go Hyeon-woo and Shin Byeong-cheol quickly left the scene.

By the time the backs of the two people were no longer visible.

One of the elite warriors among the men in black spoke to White Snake.

“Please give the order. I will bring back their heads.”

Wordplay could have been played on to no end.

Considering the promise made with Hyeon Yang-jin, it was “White Snake” who had promised to spare them, not the warriors of the “Black Death clan”.

Moreover, White Snake had only promised to spare Go Hyeon-woo, not Shin Byeong-cheol who was with him.

Sending subordinates to deal with them wouldn’t pose any problem.

However, White Snake shook his head.

“Let them go. Do you intend to make me a petty man, unworthy of respect?”

Go Hyeon-woo had already proven his worth beyond measure.

White Snake had no desire to tarnish the outcome of their recent confrontation.

Beyond the distinctions of righteous and evil sects, or even the Heavenly Demon Cult, he was a martial artist above all.

Despite White Snake’s firm stance, the elite warrior persisted in his plea to send a pursuit team.

“The barrier has been breached. If we let them go like this, our leader will not stay still.”

Shhh!

The treasure sword split the air before wrapping around the high-ranking warrior and slicing him into three pieces in an instant.

Now, a subtle fury laced White Snake’s voice.

“Are a few items more important than the debt I owe?”

“…..!”

“..…!”

The people in black robes quickly bowed their heads.

No one dared to raise any further objections.

In the ensuing silence, White Snake gazed in the direction Go Hyeon-woo had vanished while deep in thought

Even on the brink of death, he had maintained his manners with a respectful bow.

His eyes blazed with a fighting spirit.

People like that always kept their word.

He will definitely return.

***

Even though he was staggering, Go Hyeon-woo moved swiftly through the passageway.

Shin Byeong-cheol kept looking back, but it seemed the warriors from the Black Death clan truly did not pursue them any further.

“At least the old man doesn’t play with words.”

It was too soon to be completely at ease, but the immediate danger seemed to have passed.

With this thought in mind, Shin Byeong-cheol pulled out a potion from his inventory.

The high-quality glass bottle contained a swirling red liquid.

“Let’s recover a bit before we go on. Drink this.”

Go Hyeon-woo drank the potion handed to him by Shin Byeong-cheol in one gulp without even checking it properly.

He frowned because the taste was extraordinarily bitter, but soon the color slowly returned to his face.

“Phew… That’s much better. Thank you.”

“It should be better. It’d be strange if it wasn’t.”

His tone carried the confidence of an assured recovery.

It was only then that Go Hyeon-woo looked down and noticed that even the empty glass bottle was of high quality.

This implied that the contents must have been of considerable value as well.

“This is…”

“It’s called a high potion.”

“Shin-hyung must have spent a lot on this. To offer such a precious item…”

“I spent a lot really. It’s a critical loss. But what choice do we have? The situation demanded it.”

The high potion had been carefully stored in his inventory for a time when their lives might hang in the balance.

Shin Byeong-cheol himself never had the opportunity to taste even a drop of it.

However, their luck was at its worst when they encountered a hidden boss. Thanks to Go Hyeon-woo risking his life in battle, both were able to leave the place unscathed.

Even Shin Byeong-cheol, who was usually sensitive to gains and losses, felt a pang of conscience that prevented him from just standing by idly and pretending nothing had happened.

Moreover, realistically speaking, Go Hyeon-woo who was severely injured would slow them down. In the event of a chase, they would stand no chance which led Shin to reluctantly pull out a high potion.

Go Hyeon-woo nodded his head in understanding.

“Shin-hyung shows great generosity in crucial moments. Truly, you are a man of honor.”

“I too am a man who does what needs to be done. Remember that.”

“Haha, is that so?”

Despite this, the high value of the high potion meant he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.

So Shin Byeong-cheol decided to shift his thoughts.

And he recalled the last conversation between Go Hyeon-woo and White Snake and asked,

“So, you plan to come here again?”

“Yes.”

“Do you really need to? Next time you come, that fellow won’t remember you anyway, right?”

It was said that the swordsmanship club had already bid on this dungeon.

In the near future, they would destroy the dungeon, and after some time when the Black Death dungeon regenerated, White Snake would no longer remember Go Hyeon-woo.

Yet, Go Hyeon-woo seemed resolute in his decision.

“Whether he remembers me or not is not what matters. What’s important is that our battle is not yet over.”

While it was true that White Snake had shown them mercy because of a past debt, that was merely the superficial reason.

If White Snake had only cared about the past debt, there would have been no need for him to test their potential under the guise of wanting to see if they were “promising talents”.

If the skill gap was so wide, the outcome would be evident at a glance, and one exchange of moves would have sufficed.

The real reason they exchanged as many as three moves was likely the warrior’s spirit within him, desiring to face a fully grown Go Hyeon-woo in a proper duel someday.

Therefore, even if he doesn’t remember this encounter if the circumstances were explained to him, White Snake would likely gladly engage in a match with him.

I will definitely return.

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