Chapter 48: The Path of Absolute Dominance

They finally received the equipment from Master Blacksmith Rodon.

These items were of a much higher quality than those they had previously sourced from the craftsmen the Flying Dragon Agency usually dealt with!

“Thank you so much. Thanks to you, Tae-sung, I think our agency’s trip this time will be incredibly profitable!”

This successful deal meant that Hwang Gyun would also be pocketing a decent amount of silver.

“I’m glad it worked out. Make sure to put in a good word for me when we get back to the agency headquarters.”

“Yes, sir! Of course. I’ll sing your praises to my superiors, my colleagues, and every person I meet!”

Lee Tae-sung didn’t hesitate to let Hwang Gyun credit him for the achievement.

It would be frustrating if his contributions were overlooked or diminished while he just sat back.

‘And this will all be converted into contribution points and experience later.’

Procuring the equipment from Rodon was Tae-sung’s achievement, and safely transporting it to Ellen was also his responsibility.

He expected to gain not only contribution points within the Flying Dragon Sect but also a significant amount of quest experience and skill points.

If he leveled up a few more times…

‘I’ll be able to learn the Celestial Fire Holy Law!’

Tae-sung clenched his fist tight.

***

*Clip-clop, clip-clop*

*Rumble*

A donkey-drawn wagon was crossing the mountains.

Mount Deton lay between Morustead and Ellen.

Passing through here would take only half a day, but taking the detour would take as long as five days.

An agency that didn’t fear bandits would push through Mount Deton; otherwise, they were forced to take the long way around.

Although the Flying Dragon Agency was a newly established one, they chose the mountain path confidently since they currently had two chief-level combatants among their ranks.

Tae-sung kept his eyes sharp, remaining alert to their surroundings.

“Tae-sung, you don’t have to work that hard.”

“No. I can’t be negligent in my duties.”

Tae-sung shook his head at Hwang Gyun’s remark.

He had no intention of slacking off, especially when this escort mission promised so much experience.

“Ahem.”

“Hmph!”

The other escorts and porters nearby straightened their postures for no reason.

It was surprising enough that a first-class disciple had accepted the position of a mere escort without complaint, but seeing him work so diligently made them feel self-conscious.

The senior escorts instinctively gripped their weapons tighter, and the escort leader also began to look upon Tae-sung with favor.

Meanwhile, someone was sighing while watching the agency members from a distance.

“Damn it. Is it those guys again?”

It was Maddic, the master of the mountain fortress on Mount Deton.

He was a master of the Twin Axe technique, wielding two axes with ghost-like precision.

He was a formidable expert who had managed to hold his own against a first-rate warrior for over a hundred exchanges before escaping!

Thanks to his skill and reputation, Maddic had enjoyed a successful “business” for a long time.

A first-rate expert was equivalent to the leader of a decent escort agency, so it was usually better to avoid them or negotiate rather than fight.

He had tacit agreements with most well-known agencies, but no such agreement existed with the Flying Dragon Agency.

However, two of them looked quite strong—strong enough to make him hesitate.

Because Maddic had sharp instincts, he had let them pass when they were heading toward Morustead…

“What should we do?”

“Shouldn’t we just back off again, Boss?”

“We’ve been empty-handed for too long lately.”

Maddic licked his lips.

It was currently the off-season, and his income was severely lacking.

If they had been an ambiguous, weak agency, he would have captured them and sold them into slavery.

It was then.

‘Huh? Did we just make eye contact…?’

He felt as though one of the agency members was looking directly at him.

Maddic was puzzled because he thought he was well-hidden, but it wasn’t just a feeling.

The man suddenly used a movement technique and began charging toward him!

“We’re spotted! Damn it! Everyone, get your weapons out!”

Maddic drew his twin axes, and his subordinate bandits followed suit.

In that moment, Tae-sung arrived before them.

He performed the steps of the Floral Shadow Steps.

*Whoosh!*

Flames erupted along his path.

They blocked the bandits’ retreat, preventing any escape.

Although the flames were small due to his low proficiency, they were in the middle of a mountain filled with fuel.

If he continued to spark fires with his footwork, they would soon grow into a raging blaze.

“Boss! The rear is blocked!”

“Curse it…! We’ll kill this guy and run!”

Realizing the situation was turning grim, Maddic charged forward to kill Tae-sung.

Tae-sung also approached while taking a starting stance, causing Maddic’s eyes to flicker.

‘This brat! He’s not even drawing his weapon against me?’

Tae-sung had a sword at his waist, but his posture suggested he was going to use a palm technique.

Maddic snorted.

Contrary to rumors, his skill level barely scratched the surface of a first-rate expert, but in terms of pure frontal power, he could easily handle one.

*Sizzle!*

In response, Tae-sung unleashed the Heavenly Net Flame Hand.

Both of his hands turned a deep crimson, and condensed flames dripped onto the ground.

There was only one path the Flame Emperor’s hybrid sought.

The path of absolute dominance!

Overwhelming power that crushed everything in its way!

*Boom!*

He closed the distance in an instant by triggering a burst of flames from his soles using the Floral Shadow Steps.

Startled by the overwhelming speed, Maddic swung his axes, but Tae-sung’s Heavenly Net Flame Hand blew the axe handles away.

“What!?”

He had never seen an axe blade infused with mana disappear before his eyes.

Maddic tried to dodge in terror, but Tae-sung was already right in front of him.

Then, with a dull *thud*, Tae-sung’s hand pierced through Maddic’s heart.

“Gurgle…”

Maddic collapsed, blood bubbling from his throat.

“T-The boss was killed in an instant…?”

“I-I can’t stay here! Move!”

The bandits in the back were thrown into a state of panic.

Seeing their terrifying leader die so quickly drained every bit of their will to fight.

However, their path of retreat was engulfed in flames.

It didn’t take long for Tae-sung to finish off the remaining bandits.

*Ding!*

**[You have gained experience.]**

**[You have gained experience.]**

**[Level Up!]**

Notifications popped up before his eyes.

Tae-sung thought to himself.

‘I’m glad no one stole my experience.’

The main body of the escort agency arrived late, but no enemies remained.

Tae-sung had sensed the bandits’ presence with his senses, which had become sharper as the proficiency of his Sun Star Force increased.

The reason he had rushed ahead alone was to deal with the bandits himself.

Thanks to that, he had secured a level up and skill points.

The agency members swallowed hard as they looked at him, their eyes filled with fear.

‘T-This guy is a first-class disciple of the main sect?’

‘There’s no way… He’s too strong…’

The way Tae-sung had wiped out the bandits in an instant was definitely not at the level of a first-class disciple.

Even the escort leader realized this and treated Tae-sung with great respect for the remainder of the journey.

The trip continued peacefully, and Tae-sung felt a bit disappointed that no more enemies attacked them.

*Clip-clop, clip-clop*

*Rumble*

Half a day later, they arrived at the great city of Ellen.

***

The escort mission was a success.

The members of the Flying Dragon Agency headed to their headquarters, and Tae-sung went to see the Chief Administrator to complete his mission.

“Oh! You’re back?”

The Chief Administrator welcomed Tae-sung with a satisfied smile.

His attitude was completely different from when Tae-sung was a third-class disciple.

It made sense, considering the significant achievements he had made this time.

The Chief Administrator already knew everything that had happened, as a communication had been sent while they were still in Morustead.

“Purchasing equipment from Rodon… Those items are so rare that we can’t sell them fast enough. It’ll be a huge profit. It’s all thanks to you!”

This would greatly improve the Flying Dragon Sect’s financial health.

For the Chief Administrator, whose main duty was managing funds, this was a massive relief, and he was deeply grateful to Tae-sung.

“Could you settle the accounts?”

“Of course. The contribution points you’ve earned within the sect are no joke. First, you successfully completed the escort mission to Morustead, right?”

*Ding!*

**[Quest Completed]**

**[Reward: 1 gold coin, 3 skill points, and a large amount of experience]**

**[Level Up!]**

‘That’s one quest finished.’

Including the level up, he gained 4 skill points.

Plus, 1 gold coin.

Considering the trip there was basically just traveling, it felt like a free gift.

“And next. You helped the Flying Dragon Agency with a task they almost failed. You even secured items from a Master Blacksmith. A portion of the sales will be given to you.”

“Oh!”

Tae-sung hadn’t expected this.

It seemed like he would receive a fair amount of money; he should buy a decent elixir later.

*Ding!*

**[Quest Completed]**

**[Reward: 3 gold coins, 7 skill points, and a large amount of experience]**

**[Level Up!]**

Another quest completion notification popped up.

Tae-sung clenched his fist.

‘7 skill points!’

Counting the level up, that was 8 points.

And it wasn’t over yet.

“Finally, for safely transporting those armaments here. I’ll record all of this as contribution points. Feel free to use them whenever you like.”

*Ding!*

**[Quest Completed]**

**[Reward: 2 gold coins, 4 skill points, and a large amount of experience]**

This time, he unfortunately didn’t level up.

Still, the rewards were satisfying.

‘Wait, how many do I have now…?’

Tae-sung opened his skill window.

A line appeared at the very bottom.

**[Current Skill Points: 30]**

Tae-sung’s face involuntarily twisted.

The skill points required to learn the basics of the Celestial Fire Holy Law were 32.

He was exactly two points short.

“You’ve worked hard. You must be tired, so go in and get some rest…”

“Chief Administrator!”

“Whoa, you startled me. I can hear you just fine without you shouting.”

“Is there an assignment I can do right now?”

“An assignment? Of course there are, but you should rest—”

“I’m fine! I want to do one more before I rest!”

“!”

The Chief Administrator looked moved.

To think the Flying Dragon Sect had such a dedicated and loyal disciple!

He felt proud of himself for having kept an eye on him from the beginning.

‘If anyone looks down on this friend just because he’s an Outsider, I’ll step forward and give them a piece of my mind!’

Even if it were an Elder, he wouldn’t forgive them!

With that thought, the Chief Administrator flipped through his ledger.

“There’s plenty of work to do. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

“Yes, sir! Just leave it to me!”

***

That night.

After quickly finishing a night mission, Tae-sung returned to the Flying Dragon Sect feeling quite exhausted.

It was tough, but he had successfully gathered all the necessary skill points.

‘Whew. That wasn’t easy.’

According to the Dream World community, other users had more skill points than they knew what to do with because they didn’t have opportunities to obtain high-level skills.

For some reason, Tae-sung was constantly thirsty for more points.

It was a good problem to have, but it certainly made him feel rushed.

Still, he could afford to relax now.

Tae-sung sat in a corner of the training grounds and pulled out the manual for the Celestial Fire Holy Law.

**[Celestial Fire Holy Law – First Half (Legendary)]**

**- Grade: Rank 6 Hybrid Mana Operation Method**

**- Feature: Its rank has dropped by one because it is limited to the first half.**

It was a Rank 6 hybrid mana operation method.

Apparently, if he obtained the second half, the grade would rise by at least one more rank.

It was the best item among all the hybrids, martial arts, and magic books Tae-sung had obtained so far.

*Ding!*

**[Would you like to learn the Celestial Fire Holy Law – First Half (Legendary)?]**

**[Requires 32 skill points]**

He would have to pour in everything he had, but he had no regrets.

He needed to learn the mana operation method as soon as possible to reap its benefits.

“Learn it.”

As soon as he muttered those words, notifications appeared simultaneously in the game and in reality.

*Ding!*

**[You have acquired a new skill.]**

**[Skill: Celestial Fire Holy Law – First Half]**

With a sensation like an explosion in his head, the knowledge of the Celestial Fire Holy Law began to flow into Tae-sung’s mind.

He instinctively took a posture and began to circulate his energy.

Around him, fiery mana and a faint holy power began to dance together.