The next Points...
The peaceful morning silence was shattered by a cold voice suddenly piercing the air.
"Disappointing. For a swordsman, sleeping in a strange place without any vigilance... even animals aren't that foolish."
"WAAAH!!"
Chen Ye jolted awake with a scream of fright when he found a pair of lifeless blood-red eyes staring straight into his face from far too close.
The mysterious figure hung upside down from the ceiling, right above his lying body.
Too startled, Chen Ye tumbled off his bed inelegantly.
The petite figure from the ceiling landed on the floor with graceful movements, making not the slightest sound, a contrast to the racket Chen Ye had made.
Snow-white hair flowed in her distinctive twin-tail style.
The girl wore a kimono dominated by red and white, with open sleeves that revealed pale skin rarely touched by sunlight.
In both of her small hands, she held a sheathed katana with full vigilance.
Her blood-red eyes were closed again, as though they had never opened at all.
Chen Ye recognized her as one of the reasons he had come to Master Swordsman City—Inaba Tsukuyo.
"Y-you! How did you get into my room?!" Chen Ye shouted, panting, still shocked by the sudden appearance.
Inaba Tsukuyo frowned, her expression showing clear displeasure.
"Stop being so loud, it's very annoying."
Her voice was flat yet sharp, like the blade of the sword sheathed in her hands.
The girl tilted her head slightly, an uncomfortable expression clear on her usually emotionless face.
"As for how I got in, blame yourself. The door was unlocked, so I came in. It's that simple."
"D-don't you know anything about privacy?! This is my room!" Chen Ye protested, his face red from a mix of anger and embarrassment.
"Your room?" The corner of Inaba Tsukuyo's lips lifted into a barely visible cold smile. "That's very funny."
In a blink that normal vision could not catch, Inaba Tsukuyo's figure vanished and reappeared right beneath Chen Ye's transfixed gaze.
A lightning-fast movement that made the hairs on his neck stand up.
"Until you obtain the approval of the others, you're just a stranger here."
Her voice was like a whisper of winter wind piercing to the bone.
"Remember that well."
Chen Ye fell silent, the memory of his conversation with Yozakura Tsubomi and the Sword King replaying in his mind.
He sighed in irritation, gathering his courage to ask, "Then why are you here?"
"To be your guide, of course," Inaba answered in a slightly lighter tone.
"So you're going to be my guide?"
"It's easier with someone we already know, isn't it?" There was a faint trace of playfulness in her voice.
"Well, even if we've only met once." She paused, arranging her words carefully.
"Or perhaps you'd prefer that person—Aoi Sui—be your guide?"
"No, thank you," Chen Ye refused firmly, his shoulders tensing just at hearing the name.
Rather than a guide, he probably wouldn't be able to stop himself from fighting Aoi Sui the moment they met!
Inaba Tsukuyo seemed satisfied by the spontaneous answer.
But her expression changed and her voice suddenly sounded annoyed.
"But it's very disappointing. I should have been your only teacher, yet others have also been given the right to train you."
"Hahaha..." Chen Ye laughed awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.
"But it doesn't matter." Inaba Tsukuyo straightened her back proudly.
"In the end, the one who will train you seriously is me."
"T-that's right." Chen Ye hurriedly nodded, choosing not to contest the statement.
"Good, now change your clothes." Her command was firm and irrefutable. "We'll be leaving soon."
"Leaving? Where are we going?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Inaba Tsukuyo shook her head, as though speaking to a small child, even though her eyes remained tightly shut.
"I'm going to introduce you to the other members of the Yozakura Family."
***
"I'm done." Chen Ye stepped out of his room, this time looking far neater.
Though not particularly luxurious, it was at least presentable enough to meet honored family members.
Inaba Tsukuyo, who had been waiting patiently, nodded briefly and began walking.
"Then follow me. While we walk, I'll explain a few important things to you."
"Important things?" Chen Ye matched his pace to the petite girl's.
"Yes, you may have heard it from Aoi Sui." Her voice was so low Chen Ye had to sharpen his hearing.
"But don't wander to other places without me, or you might die."
Hearing the deadly warning, Chen Ye furrowed his brow deeply. "...Why?"
"The answer is simple," Inaba Tsukuyo replied with an almost unnatural calm.
"Only a minority of Yozakura members like me are willing to train you," she paused, "while the majority... don't take you seriously."
"What? They're defying the family head's orders?"
"You're exaggerating." Inaba Tsukuyo shook her head slightly.
"They're loyal, of course, but… their attitude toward outsiders has never been kind."
She glanced toward Chen Ye, as if she could see despite her closed eyes.
"Moreover..." her voice turned into a sharp whisper, "they look down on you for relying too much on that 'old ghost' to help you."
"W-what?!" Chen Ye gasped. "We haven't even met, yet they already look down on me?"
"That's natural," the Sword King's heavy voice suddenly echoed as his transparent figure appeared.
"Master?"
"Don't be surprised by what that girl said, Chen Ye." The Sword King folded his arms with a serious expression.
"In fact, your coming here is like trying to forcibly steal their techniques and make them your own. Not all swordsmen are happy to share their knowledge."
"But I have two Rank SS Talents!" Chen Ye couldn't hide his irritation.
"Shouldn't they be glad to train me?"
The Sword King shook his head wisely.
"Not necessarily. There are also swordsmen who simply don't want disciples, no matter how talented the prospective student. Besides..." he looked at Chen Ye deeply, "finding a disciple is not only about Talent."
"The old ghost is right." Inaba Tsukuyo nodded.
"A person's personality or appearance can also make them like you."
Then her closed eyes seemed to look toward the Sword King. "So... you are the Sword King? That's a little surprising."
"Yes, that's me." The Sword King nodded with a bit of pride.
Ah... it truly felt wonderful to have someone recognize and acknowledge his existence.
"At first I thought you were just an ordinary wandering spirit." Inaba Tsukuyo shrugged slightly.
"It seems you've been in trouble all this time, old man."
"And this old man is curious." The Sword King folded his arms, his gaze sharpening.
"How did you know of my existence? You're not like that Yozakura girl, are you?"
"Well... my situation is similar to hers." Inaba Tsukuyo nodded slowly.
"If the Family Head is sensitive to life energy, I am sensitive to sound." She turned toward Chen Ye.
"Before, I heard this man—Chen Ye—talking like a madman, but after hearing that necklace often emitting strange sounds of light, I simply drew the logical conclusion."
The explanation sounded impressive from another angle, but something odd began to nag at the Sword King.
Not only him, even Chen Ye began to grow suspicious...
Their first meeting, where Inaba Tsukuyo had pointed in the wrong direction, her habit of always keeping her eyes closed, the way she relied on hearing to navigate, and this morning… Chen Ye had caught a glimpse of her lightless red pupils.
"Little girl... are you..."
"You guessed correctly, Sword King," Inaba Tsukuyo said in an indifferent tone.
"Yes, perhaps because I possess extraordinary sword talent, I was born blind."
"..."
"..."
This time, not only Chen Ye but even the Sword King fell silent, shocked by the confession.
"That..."
"No need to think too much about it." Inaba Tsukuyo raised her hand, stopping any sympathy about to come out.
"I'm already used to life like this. But…"
Her voice turned slightly threatening, "stop speaking loudly or shouting, because it's so annoying that I want to cut you."
"All right, I'll do that." Chen Ye hurriedly nodded, cold sweat running down his forehead.
"So now—" Inaba Tsukuyo was about to continue, but a casual voice that suddenly appeared cut off her words.
"Oh? So this is the disciple of the famous Sword King?"
"?!!"
Chen Ye's eyes widened in shock, while Inaba Tsukuyo's expression hardened, her small hand ready on the hilt of her katana.
A young man who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere now stood before Chen Ye, observing him with undisguised curiosity.
There had been no sign of his presence a second earlier, as if he had just melted out of empty air.
His eyes were a brilliant blue, radiating a cheerful and relaxed aura that contrasted with the intimidating aura emanating from his body.
His long dark blue hair was carelessly tied into a ponytail, giving an impression that was mysterious yet dangerous.
He wore an elegant peach-pink kimono with a pattern of purple mist flowing beautifully along its hem. Over it, a bright blue haori covered the kimono.
A pair of handmade wooden sandals completed his appearance, which looked so traditional yet captivating.
At a glance, the young man seemed friendly and approachable, but Chen Ye's instincts screamed a warning!
Cold sweat began to soak his back as he sensed the terrifying aura hidden behind that friendly smile.
'Who is this person?!'
Chen Ye felt dread.
Though the young man before him looked amicable, he carried a deadly aura—especially from the two katanas calmly sheathed at his left hip.
Even the Sword King, who had experienced thousands of battles, trembled invisibly.
As the young man was about to step closer to observe Chen Ye, a katana blade suddenly appeared, pressing against his neck with terrifying precision.
"Come any closer, and my katana will cut you," Inaba Tsukuyo's voice was cold as ice.
Her empty blood-red eyes were now open, radiating a frightening intimidation even though they could not see.
But even Chen Ye could feel that Inaba Tsukuyo's voice trembled slightly—a sign that the girl was not as calm as she appeared.
The young man blinked several times, seemingly startled, before laughter burst from him, light and carefree.
"Oh dear, it seems I'm not welcome here."
He raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.
"Well, since our cute Tsukuyo says so, I'll yield."
In a casual, almost playful tone, he looked Chen Ye up and down and then nodded several times.
"I see, no wonder you need intensive training." He assessed sharply.
"Despite your extraordinary Talent, it seems your body can't keep up with its development. No wonder the Sword King asked for our help."
His smile widened, showing teeth that were too perfect.
"If I had to compare..." he paused, "it's like an insect with superpowers," he said lightly, as though he had just given a compliment.
"..."
"..."
Not only Chen Ye and the Sword King fell silent at the subtle insult, even Inaba Tsukuyo did not flinch.
The girl finally let out a long sigh.
"I didn't bring him here to meet you."
"Yes, yes, I know." The young man chuckled.
"You're always so rude, Tsukuyo, but I'll have to train him too, won't I? I just came by to take a look at what kind of person he is for a moment."
Inaba Tsukuyo ignored him and firmly pulled Chen Ye's arm, leading him away from the dangerous young man.
The young man did not try to follow the two of them, merely waving casually with a meaningful smile, watching their departure with a gaze that was hard to interpret.
"That person just now..."
"I'm warning you, stay away from him," Inaba Tsukuyo said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Who is he?" Chen Ye asked nervously.
He still felt uneasy, the young man's shadow still dancing in his mind.
"Cecilus Segmunt." Inaba Tsukuyo's expression darkened.
"He is..." the girl seemed to search for the right words, "let's just say a madman. This is my advice, old man..."
She looked at the Sword King seriously.
"Stay away from that person. I fear you'll be annihilated forever."
"Master could be killed by that person?!"
Chen Ye was stunned, unable to believe anyone could kill his master.
"..."
The Sword King was struck speechless, but quietly followed Inaba Tsukuyo's advice.
Though it slightly wounded his pride, it was better to play it safe for now…
He also admitted that he had shivered when facing the young man named Cecilus Segmunt...
"We've arrived," Inaba Tsukuyo stopped before a large wooden door adorned with intricate carvings, "but before that, I'll give you one last warning."
"W-what is it?"
Chen Ye swallowed, feeling his throat go dry.
"Never take offense at their words or try to do anything stupid."
Inaba Tsukuyo's voice lowered, almost like a whisper.
"Even I can't help you if you make a mistake."
"..." Chen Ye was silent for a moment, thinking about the implications of those words.
"There's something I want to ask... how strong are you in the Yozakura Family?"
"..." Inaba Tsukuyo did not answer for a while, a suffocating silence enveloping them.
Finally, in a voice barely audible, she answered…
"It's a disappointing answer, but in the Yozakura Family... I am the weakest."
"?!" Chen Ye's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wha—"
"We're going in."
Inaba Tsukuyo cut him off, giving no chance for further questions.
"W-wait!"
Chen Ye hurriedly followed Inaba Tsukuyo, who had already stepped into the large room awaiting him behind the door...
***
On the other side of the Yozakura compound, the figure of Cecilus Segmunt walked with light steps along the vast courtyard.
A gentle breeze toyed with his long blue hair while his gaze drifted far away.
He looked carefree, as though the world were merely his stage and he was free to do whatever he wished.
Suddenly, his steps halted.
He stood still, his head tilted slightly to the side while his hand casually held his chin, a contrived thinking gesture.
"Hm... why don't you all just come out?" His voice was calm yet full of provocation.
"Besides, your hiding is like a children's game of hide-and-seek. Quite embarrassing to imagine."
As those words echoed in the air, several figures dressed in black suddenly flickered into existence before him, as if created from shadow itself.
At a glance their appearance resembled professional assassins—all-black clothing clinging to their bodies, masks covering their identities, and a thick killing aura.
But with the conspicuous snake-patterned symbol engraved on their backs, it was clear they were not a Guild focused on assassination.
Cecilus Segmunt raised an eyebrow, seeming slightly interested.
"I don't recall the Yozakura Family inviting any guests besides that young man?" he said in a light tone, as if discussing the weather.
"Hand over that person," a deep, heavy voice came from one of the masked figures.
"Oh?" Cecilus Segmunt blinked several times, his expression turning to undisguised interest.
"So you can talk. Well, I myself don't care much about that young man, but..." his eyes sharpened, "what will you offer in exchange?"
"We will not disturb the Yozakura Family," the masked figure replied in a cold tone.
"..."
Cecilus Segmunt was stunned for a moment, his eyes widening slightly... then laughter burst from his mouth.
Not mere light laughter, but a booming laugh full of contempt.
"Hahaha!! You say something so funny! As far as I recall, you're not a circus troupe?" He wiped an imaginary tear from the corner of his eye.
"Oh, or perhaps..." Cecilus Segmunt's gaze flashed with danger, "...the 'Black Mamba' really has just switched professions to circus clowns?"
"You seek death, boy?!"
One of the Black Mamba members hissed in anger, a dark aura beginning to radiate from his body.
"Boy?" Cecilus Segmunt chuckled.
"Oh yes, compared to you, I am still yo—"
𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙈!!!
His words were cut off by a blast of dark energy that swept the spot where he stood.
Dust and wood splinters flew, obscuring the view for a moment. But...
"Not bad. That attack just now was enough to kill a Rank B swordsman instantly."
Cecilus Segmunt's casual voice came from behind them.
"Even Tsukuyo might struggle against it."
"?!!!"
The Black Mamba members were stunned, their bodies stiffening as they realized Cecilus Segmunt stood calmly behind them, without even the smallest scratch. There was no trace of how he had moved so fast.
"Kill him!" Their leader shouted in fury, rage coating his voice.
The Black Mamba members scattered at impressive speed, their movements coordinated with a precision attainable only through years of training.
One by one, they drew swords with a terrifying dark aura, black energy wafting from the sharp blades!
"Hm... the weapons that are the symbol of Black Mamba's pride." Cecilus Segmunt observed with an interested expression.
"Demon Swords, as you call them? A little advice from me," he smiled, "those weapons aren't good for your health—"
"DIE!!"
The Black Mamba swordsmen shouted in unison, cutting off Cecilus's words, which they took as an insult.
"Hah, you're truly stubborn."
Cecilus Segmunt sighed dramatically, as if dealing with naughty children.
"In that case..." his eyes flashed coldly, "I'll show you the difference in our strength, insects."
All the Black Mamba swordsmen swung their weapons at once, trying to stab and slash at Cecilus Segmunt, who still stood casually without moving at all.
Cecilus Segmunt took one small step forward and—
His figure flickered in a dazzling flash of blue light.
𝘽𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙈...!!
"?!!"
All the Black Mamba swordsmen staggered back as Cecilus Segmunt's footfall produced a tremendous shockwave that shook the entire area!
The ground beneath his feet instantly cracked like a giant spiderweb, and their balance was disrupted by an unreasonable force!
"You're a thousand years too early to face the Yozakura Family."
That bored whisper was the last thing they heard before—
𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃! 𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃! 𝙎𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙃!
Flashes of blue sword light, almost invisible to the naked eye, spread in every direction like a deadly storm of light.
Strangely, though, those flashes seemed to have a consciousness of their own, automatically targeting the Black Mamba swordsmen without missing even once!
Unable to evade attacks too fast for their senses to catch, the Black Mamba members were torn apart in horrifying ways!
Their screams didn't even have time to escape as their bodies were cut into irregular pieces!
Blood sprayed in every direction like red rain, creating pools of death on the ground that had been clean moments before!
Body parts and human flesh scattered grotesquely, a few headless bodies still standing for a few seconds before collapsing, spurting blood from their severed necks!
And standing amid that bloody chaos was Cecilus Segmunt—still with a relaxed expression, as though he had just finished a light warm-up.
Not a single drop of blood stained his clothes.
"Black Mamba turned out to be not as strong as I thou—oh?"
Cecilus Segmunt was slightly surprised when his eyes caught the figure of the Black Mamba leader still breathing weakly among the pile of his comrades' corpses.
"You're still alive? I have to praise your vitality."
"Y-you monster..."
The swordsman hissed, blood flowing from between his pale lips.
"Not quite right," Cecilus Segmunt smiled gently, creating a horrifying contrast with the slaughter he had just committed.
"More precisely, this is the difference between my strength and yours, you frogs in a well who have never seen the vastness of the ocean."
"Pffft..." The Black Mamba swordsman spat fresh blood, his breath growing weaker.
"O-our group won't let you Yozakura Family... just wait," his eyes flashed with hatred, "Black Mamba will soon prepare its main force to attack you..."
"Your words make me look forward to it."
Cecilus Segmunt smiled broadly, pure delight radiating from his face.
"The Yozakura Family will gladly welcome you with open arms."
"P-psychotic madman..."
With those last words, the Black Mamba swordsman breathed his last.
Cecilus Segmunt looked at the dying body with a flat gaze before casually kicking it.
The nearly lifeless body was hurled against the wall with unimaginable force, instantly turning into a horrifying red paste as it hit the hard surface.
Cecilus sighed long, his eyes looking at the bright morning sky—a perfect contrast to the slaughter that had just taken place.
He seemed lost in his own thoughts.
'Things will get troublesome, but that's not a problem because everything is going according to plan.'
Immediately after the thought ended, a system notification appeared before him.
[𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗢𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀!]