Chapter 144. I’ll Have to Decline

Gao Lin smiled as he looked at the old man in front of him. This was the third time he had seen him—first through a video, second at the meeting with Kim Do-Joon, and now, here in person.

The first time he saw the video was during a regular guild master meeting of the Eight Dragons Association. The memory still sent shivers down his spine. The old man had been sitting quietly in front of the World Tree's roots.

At first, Gao Lin had not thought much of it. He knew about the incident where an entire Academy in South Korea had been swallowed by those roots. So, he assumed the man was just one of the victims’ family members, maybe praying.

However, the old man stood up slowly, drawing a sword.

—What the...

—Huh?

The old man displayed a swordsmanship so graceful, so flawless, that everyone in the room went speechless. Although no one said it out loud, they were keenly aware that the old man’s skills surpassed even the famed Guild Master of Sword Dragon, touted as the greatest swordsman of their time.

However, the real shock came next. As the old man swung his sword, the air itself seemed to tear apart, and the indestructible roots of the World Tree ripped open like a piece of cloth.

No weapon, no matter how sharp, was supposed to be able to cut the World Tree's roots. The only known way to destroy them was by defeating the dungeon boss inside. Yet, the old man had done it with a single stroke. Seeing that, Gao Lin wondered what kind of skill it was.

Honestly, the technical details did not matter. What truly left a deep impression on everyone was the immense mastery, the years of cultivation, that were palpable in that single, seemingly simple swing.

The meeting that day, which had been set to discuss various important issues, was quickly diverted. Besides, only one topic remained on the table.

We need to bring that old man into the Eight Dragons Association.

That decision was unanimous, and now Gao Lin was here, in person, to convince him to join.

“So, you want me to be the martial arts instructor for the Eight Dragons Association?” Jecheon Seong let out a soft chuckle.

Martial arts instructor was quite a nostalgic term. However, he knew well that there was a significant gap between the martial arts Gao Lin was referring to and the ones he had in mind.

Because it was China, I was once interested...

The term “martial arts” did originate from China after all. Therefore, when he first arrived in this world, he looked into it out of curiosity. However, even a cursory glance at their histories made it clear that the martial arts here were entirely different from those in Jecheon Seong’s world.

Gao Lin continued, his tone filled with pride. “We want you to be the teacher of the entire Eight Dragons Association. All the guild masters would learn from you, including myself. There’s no position more prestigious in this world, I assure you.”

His pride in his organization and his country’s greatness was sincere. Jecheon Seong didn’t think bad about his attitude, he preferred that than the endless pessimism some people carried.

However, what Gao Lin didn’t realize was that Jecheon Seong no longer cared about prestige.

“

Hmm...

I’m not quite interested,” Jecheon Seong replied bluntly, his expression unreadable.

“Not interested?” Gao Lin blinked, unable to hide his surprise.

Prestigious titles? Wealth? What value do those things have?

Kim Do-Joon was already making more than enough money. And no matter how prestigious the title of "teacher of the Eight Dragons Association" could be, it could never compare to the leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

Besides, he had long abandoned any personal ambition for fame or glory. Jecheon Seong’s rise to power had been driven by a desire to honor his elder brother’s name. Now, living his own life, he simply wanted to live as a grandfather and teacher to a single child.

“Wait, are you seriously refusing?” Gao Lin asked, blinking rapidly as if trying to process the words.

He couldn’t believe it. The Eight Dragons Association was one of the most powerful organizations in the world. And yet, this man refused so easily.

“I already have a disciple,” Jecheon Seong said, his tone dismissive. “I don’t plan on taking any more.”

“Your disciple... you mean that man?” Gao Lin asked, his brows furrowing.

Jecheon Seong paused. Gao Lin was clearly referring to Kim Do-Joon, but his real disciple was actually a young girl, Kim So-Eun. Still, seeing the calculating look in Gao Lin’s eyes, Jecheon Seong decided it was better to let the misunderstanding continue.

“Yeah, him,” Jecheon Seong replied.

Sorry, Do-Joon... But this is for your sake. You would agree that they focus on you more than So-Eun.

The strategy worked because Gao Lin, completely unaware of the truth, never even considered the possibility that the "disciple" might be a seven-year-old girl.

“I don’t understand,” Gao Lin said, clearly baffled. “Is it sentimentality? Did you raise him from childhood or something? If that’s the case, it’s simple. We can just bring him into the Association too. We’ll make a suitable position for him.” Gao Lin spoke as if it were nothing.

For him, it really was. Creating a new position and giving someone a title were trivial matters in an organization as powerful as the Eight Dragons Association. Besides, Kim Do-Joon was an S-rank.

However, Gao Lin’s real focus was still on Jecheon Seong. Kim Do-Joon was just a means to that end. Jecheon Seong laughed quietly, as if mocking Gao Lin’s understanding of the situation.

“Well... I’m not sure if an organization like yours can even handle a disciple like mine,” Jecheon Seong remarked with a calm but sharp tone.

To Gao Lin, it sounded like an insult, and it stung. The vein on Gao Lin’s forehead twitched as he stood up from his seat, his face twisted in irritation.

“Alright, I’ll stop here today. It seems like we’re not getting anywhere,” Gao Lin said, his voice tinged with frustration.

He decided it was better to leave now and try again later. Staying any longer would likely escalate things, and Gao Lin was not looking for a battle—at least not yet.

“I won’t go far,” Jecheon Seong said with a faint smirk.

Gao Lin’s face contorted further. He, the leader of the Eight Dragons Association and one of the world’s most powerful Hunters, was being treated as an afterthought!

Normally, even foreign presidents would rush out to greet him when he arrived in their countries. However, Jecheon Seong did not seem to care at all. The old man was focused only on bragging about his disciple.

“I’d advise you not to get too arrogant,” Gao Lin warned as he walked to the door. “Your swordsmanship may be impressive, but strength alone isn’t everything.”

With that, he slammed the door behind him, the echo lingering in the room.

***

Knock knock

“Who is it?” Kim Do-Joon muttered as he rose from his seat and headed toward the door.

Was it Jecheon Seong? Or perhaps Ryung Yao?

No one else would be coming to visit him here, so it had to be one of the two.

Click

However, when he opened the door, a tall man he had never seen before stood in the doorway.

The man asked in English, so a translator who was standing beside him relayed the message in Korean.

“Hello, are you Kim Do-Joon, the Hunter?”

“Yes, I am,” Kim Do-Joon answered cautiously.

“My name is Daniel. I’m from the United States. Currently ranked as A-rank, but I’ll be moving up to S-rank soon. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Daniel introduced himself, offering a handshake.

Kim Do-Joon, still unsure of the man’s intentions, returned the handshake. There did not seem to be any hostility, at least for the time being.

“Why don’t you come inside?” Kim Do-Joon offered.

“No, I’m fine out here. I won’t take much of your time,” Daniel politely declined, remaining in the doorway.

𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Kim Do-Joon furrowed his brow, wondering what this was about.

The next moment, Daniel got straight to the point. “You’ve probably heard the Chinese government’s stance on the upcoming large dungeon, right?”

“You mean the part where they said they would forfeit all rights?”

“Yes, that’s right. What that really means is that no matter what happens inside, China won’t be held responsible.”

Kim Do-Joon nodded. He had already pieced that together, but hearing it confirmed was unsettling. Seeing his reaction, Daniel whistled, looking impressed.

“I knew you would’ve already figured it out. Sharp as expected,” Daniel remarked.

“Thanks, but what’s your point?”

“My point is simple,” Daniel said, leaning in slightly. “Since the Chinese government is backing out, it’s up to us Hunters to ensure our own safety. We need to stick together.”

Stick together?

Kim Do-Joon raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting we form an alliance?"

“Exactly! We may all come from different countries and guilds, but we’re here for the same purpose, aren’t we?”

In truth, Kim Do-Joon was here for a rare elixir. However, most Hunters had simpler motivations.

“People are probably here for the money.”

“Exactly! But money means nothing if you’re dead, right? That’s why many Hunters have already formed attack squads to head into the dungeon. Strength in numbers, you know?” Daniel explained, his tone upbeat.

Kim Do-Joon began to understand the picture Daniel was painting. Inside the dungeon, it was lawless, a free-for-all. The only thing he could rely on was his own skill and the trust of his allies. Some Hunters had probably brought their own teams from their countries, but many others, like Daniel, had come alone and were now forming alliances on the spot.

If they’ve formed groups, then it might not be as chaotic there as I feared.

At least with people banding together, there would not be mindless killing at every corner. The worst-case scenario he had envisioned, where dead bodies littered every step, probably wouldn’t come true.

“What do you think? We’ve got other S-rank Hunters in our squad. Having you join would make us even stronger,” Daniel suggested.

However, Kim Do-Joon shook his head.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to decline,” Kim Do-Joon said firmly.

Kim Do-Joon didn’t need to rely on others. He trusted in his own abilities and, more importantly, in Jecheon Seong.

Daniel looked slightly disappointed but did not give up easily.

“I guess you don’t know how things work in there yet. Even if you’re an S-rank, it’s dangerous. Without enough people, other groups might underestimate you. You know what that means, right?”

Normally, being underestimated was not something that would bother Kim Do-Joon, but in a place like that dungeon, it was different. Being seen as weak could be a matter of life and death.

"Thanks, but I’m not interested. You should find someone else." Kim Do-Joon’s voice was firm. This was not something he had any stake in.

“Shit!” Daniel cursed under his breath, his face twisting with frustration.

Up until now, there had not been any hint of malice or hostility, but now both poured off of him in waves.

“So, you're saying you’re my enemy, then? Understood. Let’s just hope we don’t meet deeper inside,” Daniel said coldly, before turning to leave.

He walked away without ever having taken a single step inside Kim Do-Joon’s room.

Kim Do-Joon simply shrugged as the door clicked shut behind Daniel.

Teaming up with someone who won’t even set foot in your room because they don’t trust you? Yeah, that was never going to work.

He could understand Daniel’s cautious behavior, but it was clear that someone that paranoid would not make a good ally. It would probably cause more problems than it would solve.

***

The next day, there was no reason to delay any longer. Therefore, Kim Do-Joon and Jecheon Seong called for Ryung Yao and headed straight to the dungeon. They arrived at the massive root-like structure and entered just as planned.

***

The Hwangseong Aktura dungeon, located north of Shanghai, China, was an enormous S-rank dungeon. Half of it consisted of mountains and forests, while the other half was a ruined city.

True to its name “Hwangseong”, the once-glorious city had long since crumbled into a desolate wasteland.

“

Phew

...”

“Alright, let’s take a break!”

Daniel shouted to the group after a period of hunting. At his order, his makeshift raid team quickly and efficiently scattered, each Hunter finding cover or a secure spot to rest.

All of them were at least A-rank or higher. Finding cover and keeping out of sight in a dungeon was second nature to them.

It feels good to have allies.

There was a sense of security in being surrounded by seasoned veterans. However, their firepower was still lacking compared to some of the other attack teams. That was why Daniel had tried to recruit Kim Do-Joon the day before.

“Hey, Daniel, take a look at that guy. Is he out for a casual stroll or what?” one of the Hunters, Tyler, called out.

“Huh?”

Daniel turned to see who Tyler was talking about. He then instantly recognized the figure walking calmly in the distance. It was Kim Do-Joon and an older man, who Daniel guessed was his companion.

“What kind of idiot strolls around in the open like that in this place?” Tyler said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Tyler was one of Daniel’s closest friends and an S-rank Hunter himself. Unlike most of the others, he had come with Daniel from the United States.

“That’s Kim Do-Joon.”

“The guy you mentioned yesterday?”

“Yeah, that’s him.”

Tyler clicked his tongue quietly. Walking around so openly was a great way to get noticed by monsters, or worse, by other Hunters. And sure enough, they soon spotted Kim Do-Joon and his companion encountering a group of monsters.

“They don’t know how dangerous this place is yet. Should we go help them?” Tyler asked.

“No... We’ll attack them from behind,” Daniel said coldly.

“What?” Tyler blinked, stunned. That was not what he had expected.

“Come on, we’re not bandits. Sure, they probably have some rare items in their inventories, but—"

“That’s not what I mean. I want to make another offer,” Daniel interrupted.

“Then why attack?” Tyler asked, clearly confused.

“They need to understand how dangerous this place is. Once they do, they’ll be more willing to listen to reason,” Daniel said, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Tyler gave Daniel an exasperated look. He was friends with the guy, but sometimes he had to admit that Daniel was a real piece of work.

Still, Daniel had made up his mind. He signaled to his team, preparing to strike. Just as he was about to step out from cover, something caught his eye.

Behind Kim Do-Joon, flames began swirling in the air, forming a circle. From within that fiery ring, shadows emerged—Skeletons with dark, bone-like armor, and Orcs with burning red hearts. Dozens of them appeared, charging toward the monsters in front of Kim Do-Joon.

The Orcs and Skeletons worked together seamlessly. The Orcs charged ahead, smashing through enemies with brute force, while the Skeletons unleashed a barrage of arrows from behind, forming an overwhelming, brutal combination. The monsters didn’t stand a chance and were ripped apart in seconds.

Daniel watched, frozen in place, as Kim Do-Joon and his companion stood calmly amidst the chaos, merely observing.

“Not bad—you’ve got some serious skill,” the old man beside Kim Do-Joon said, amused.

“Yeah. They turned out to be stronger than I expected. I won’t even need to lift a finger for monsters of this level,” Kim Do-Joon replied.

“Then what are we supposed to do?” the old man asked, his tone playful.

“Just enjoy the view,” Kim Do-Joon said with a smirk.

Daniel slowly lowered his foot, silently retreating back into the shadows. He stayed perfectly still, holding his breath as Kim Do-Joon, his companion, and their army of undead soldiers passed by without noticing him.

Tyler, watching all this, turned to Daniel with a smirk of his own.

“Daniel, I’ve never been more embarrassed to call you my friend than I am right now.”

“Yeah... Sorry about that,” Daniel muttered, unable to meet Tyler’s eyes.

In that moment, any authority he held as their raid leader vanished completely.