Chapter 40: A New Hand (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 40: A New Hand (1)
“Isn’t he amazing? As expected of Sahyung.”
Sama-yeong, who was watching the platform in Section B from the spectator stands, spoke excitedly to Jo Seong-won.
‘...?’
However, Jo Seong-won’s gaze was fixed somewhere else entirely.
It was the platform in Section C.
Curious, she looked over and saw a disheveled young beggar standing before a Generation Stone, taking a Qi Control Stance with a smirk on his face.
“Is that a beggar from the Beggar’s Sect?”
Jo Seong-won nodded with a stiff expression.
“Who is he to make you look like that?”
“It’s Hong Geol-gae.”
Looking at the beggar’s insignia, he was an Eight Principles beggar. That meant he was the Back Opening—the successor to the nine-knotted Chamber Leader, the Junior Chamber Leader.
Seeing this with his own eyes left Jo Seong-won feeling incredibly complicated.
With Hong Geol-gae’s Dragon Soaring Strike, a hole in the shape of a palm was blasted through the Generation Stone.
‘...Has he mastered them all?’
Jo Seong-won could tell at a glance that Hong Geol-gae had fully mastered the Descending Dragon Eighteen Palms.
The Descending Dragon Eighteen Palms was a high-level palm technique that could be counted on one hand. Once fully mastered, all energy circulation becomes synchronized, doubling its destructive power.
To Jo Seong-won, who had been unable to learn all the forms, the sight was heart-wrenching.
“Ooh! So that’s the famous Descending Dragon Eighteen Palms.”
“What a magnificent palm technique.”
As the voices of praise drifted from the side, Jo Seong-won’s eyes grew cold.
The person standing there should have been him.
‘Damn it... just because he’s the grandson...’
He didn’t know when the Beggar’s Sect had changed like this. The Beggar’s Sect he knew was supposed to be inherited by those with the talent. Only a hero worthy of the sect’s ideals of patriotism and the Orthodox path could become the Chamber Leader, but now, the Beggar’s Sect was no different from any other clan or sect.
“Hahahaha!”
Hong Geol-gae stood with his arms wide open toward the spectators, soaking in the glory.
The sight made Jo Seong-won’s blood boil with rage.
‘What am I even doing?’
Seeing the man in person made him feel pathetic. He had intended to flip the support within the Beggar’s Sect by achieving great deeds, but somewhere along the way, he had become entangled with the Blood Cult.
Yet, he couldn’t even resent So Woon-hwi. If he hadn’t been caught by him, he might have been a wandering ghost by now, killed because of the information he leaked from the Beggar’s Sect.
‘Can I really get my revenge?’
They said a gentleman’s revenge is not too late even after ten years. However, it was hard to predict if it was even possible. If he failed the mission to recover the Blood Demon Sword, he would remain a traitor and a failure in the history of the martial world.
‘Shit. This is no time to be idling.’
He had to support So Woon-hwi so that he succeeded, no matter what. That was the only way he would survive and take a step closer to his revenge.
With that thought, Jo Seong-won stood up.
“Where are you going?”
Jo Seong-won replied to Sama-yeong’s question via Sound Transmission.
[Great Leader Sama, please stay here and identify anyone who might be a threat to the Deputy Unit Leader. I’m going to move around and gather some information.]
He intended to do what he was best at, dating back to his days in the Beggar’s Sect. Information was power.
[Ah! Great Leader Jo. Can I ask a favor?]
[A favor?]
[Could you check if the Sama Clan is participating in this Martial Discussion? There are so many people that it’s hard to tell who’s who.]
[I... I understand.]
Jo Seong-won nodded at Sama-yeong’s request. Since he knew her surname, he didn’t ask why she was making such a request. Despite her smiling face, he found himself wondering what kind of past she might have.
Looking at Moyong Su’s face, he looked like he had swallowed a bitter pill. He had tried to use me to elevate himself, but now that the opposite had happened, his stomach must be turning.
If it were any other young expert, they would have raised their hands and basked in the glory after showing off their skills, but that wasn't my goal.
I politely gave a Fist-and-Palm Salute to the Hall Master acting as the moderator. Then, I bowed and gave a Fist-and-Palm Salute to Moyong Su, the other young experts, and the spectators.
My polite attitude clearly earned the favor of those around me.
“As expected of the Namcheon Sword Guest’s disciple. I look forward to seeing good results in the upcoming discussions as well.”
“Thank you for your encouragement.”
The Hall Master also gave me a satisfied smile and offered some kind words. I could show off my skills whenever I wanted, but what I needed right now was to imprint the image of a perfect Orthodox martial artist more than anyone else.
“He’s impressive.”
“To have such skill and humility.”
“He really is the disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest.”
Judging by the reactions, it seemed to have worked perfectly. I squared my shoulders and descended from the platform with dignity. I was a veteran when it came to acting.
I stole a glance at Moyong Su. He had managed to suppress his emotions and, like me, gave a Fist-and-Palm Salute to the spectators before proudly stepping down. He was better at self-control than the others. That was why he had been able to stab me in the back before.
‘I will.’
‘It’s too early right now.’
If I thought it were possible right now, I would have driven a sword through his heart long ago. For now, I had to focus on the mission. There was nothing to be gained by getting tangled up with him out of a desire for revenge and drawing suspicion.
Since those who finished the first preliminary round were allowed to return to their quarters, I decided to head toward Sama-yeong and Jo Seong-won in the stands.
As I was passing through the crowd of young experts, I noticed one particular platform. It was the platform in Section D.
‘Sharp.’
A sword pierced the Generation Stone with a sensation as sharp as a honed blade. The sword sliced through the stone in a straight line without hesitation, then stopped at the very edge. But then, with an extra surge of power at the tip, the stone split completely.
Crack! Thud!
The crowd buzzed as they stared at the man who had split the Generation Stone in two. He was a young man with an ordinary-looking face.
“Did you see that?”
“Another one split the stone in half.”
A second person had appeared who could split the Generation Stone, following Lee Jung-gyeom. It was only natural for the young experts to be shocked.
The young man was wearing red silk robes, and as he sheathed his sword, he wore a dissatisfied expression. I think I knew why he looked like that.
‘Because it stopped at the end.’
The youth in red silk had tried to cut the Generation Stone in one go using a Flowing Sword, just like Lee Jung-gyeom. But he had failed. Ultimately, he was one step below Lee Jung-gyeom. However, the fact that he had succeeded until the very end meant he was nearly his equal.
‘...Who is he?’
I listened to the chatter of the young experts.
“I didn’t know the Wind Spirit Sect had such a young expert. He’s a total monster.”
“What is with this Martial Discussion?”
“First that Lee Jung-gyeom, and now this guy. Aren’t they basically championship material?”
Wind Spirit Sect? It was a sect I had never heard of. It seemed to be a small-to-medium sect, but it hadn't even been mentioned before my regression. That meant there was a high probability he was a spy. With that level of skill, he was likely the one Baek Hye-hyang’s side was pushing the hardest.
‘This is getting difficult.’
Then again, Baek Hye-hyang’s side was also aiming for victory; there was no way they would send in someone with mediocre skills. Along with Lee Jung-gyeom, he was someone to watch out for. I needed to keep him in mind.
As I was about to leave, a Sound Transmission reached my ears.
[So Woon-hwi.]
It came from the direction of the platform. It was a Sound Transmission from the youth in red silk, the suspected spy, who was now stepping down.
[Don’t look this way. There are about two tails attached to you.]
I didn’t expect him to initiate a conversation like this. Naturally turning my gaze elsewhere, I sent a Sound Transmission back.
[I’m aware of at least that much.]
There was no way I wouldn’t know. Spies had been attached to me ever since I left the First Strategist Division. And it wasn't two, but four. They were cleverly disguised as servants or Alliance warriors, never leaving my vicinity.
I was a former spy myself. Before my regression, when I had no internal energy, I had resorted to every means and method to survive. As a result, I had developed an insight that allowed me to observe my surroundings better than others.
[Are you on Lady Baek Hye-hyang’s side?]
After a moment, his voice pierced my ears again.
[“Side”... I suppose that’s an accurate expression. Yes. My master supports Lady Baek Hye-hyang.]
His master. Did that mean he was the disciple of one of the Revered Stars? He used a sword, so he didn't seem like a disciple of the Fifth Blood Star. That level of swordsmanship wasn't something that could be built in a short time.
Then, the man said something shocking.
[I’m late with my introduction. I am Kwon Young-ha, serving the First Venerable as my master.]
‘The First Venerable?’
The Demon Blade Overlord, Gwangshin-gun. He was the old monster regarded as the greatest expert in the current Blood Cult. To think that the disciple of none other than the First Venerable was participating in the Successor’s Martial Discussion. It showed just how important seizing the Blood Demon Sword was. He was even bold enough to reveal his name and identity.
[I heard about you while sharing drinks with the Lady. She seems to have taken quite a liking to you.]
...Is this guy similar to that fellow Yo Eop’s senior brother? He might be someone aiming for the position of Baek Hye-hyang’s husband. Becoming her spouse would mean gaining the chance to stand at the very center of the Blood Cult.
[A talent like you would certainly be qualified to be the Lady’s husband.]
‘!?’
What was he talking about? He continued his Sound Transmission.
[Personally, I find it meaningless for those of our Cult to fight like this. Especially when it’s hard enough to face the Martial Alliance even if we cooperate.]
Hmm. To think there was someone on Baek Hye-hyang’s side who wasn't a radical. But why did he contact me? Was it an attempt to win me over?
[I’ll get straight to the point. Come to our side. It would be even better if your master came along.]
As expected, it was an attempt to recruit me.
[Since I’ve already rejected the Lady’s own attempt to recruit me, did you think I would accept your proposal?]
[You are as stubborn as they say.]
[How can a disciple go against his master’s wishes?]
[Wouldn’t it be better for you to advise him rather than wasting strength on a fight you can’t win?]
[Why do you think we can’t win?]
[I’m not trying to belittle your skills, so don’t take it the wrong way. Neither you nor that friend of yours, Song Jwa-baek, can defeat me, let alone the other participants on this side.]
[...You’re very confident.]
[It’s based on fact. Furthermore, there is a monster in this discussion that you cannot possibly fathom. Even I cannot guarantee a victory against him.]
He seemed to be referring to Lee Jung-gyeom, the joint successor of the Eight Great Masters. Since he had tested himself through an indirect confrontation, he must have accurately grasped the difference in their skills.
[The sword is destined to fall into our hands anyway.]
He was echoing exactly what Baek Hye-hyang had said.
[If that happens, Lady Baek Ryeonha and the other Revered Stars who support her will have no choice but to follow.]
[The same applies if our side gets the sword.]
[...You really are stubborn.]
[Please understand my circumstances.]
[I suppose it can’t be helped.]
Glancing at him, I saw him shaking his head slightly. His Sound Transmission came through again.
[I hope you have good luck with the brackets. There’s someone who desperately wants your life.]
Targeting my life? Was it that senior brother of Yo Eop, the disciple of the Fifth Blood Star? I thought he would get more aggressive or even threaten me if persuasion failed, but he ended it with just a warning.
Kwon Young-ha, the disciple of the First Venerable. He was a man of considerable character. He also had great pride in his own martial prowess.
Since there was no point in further conversation, I headed straight for the spectator stands. Only Sama-yeong was there; Jo Seong-won was nowhere to be seen.
“Sahyung! You were amazing.”
Sama-yeong greeted me with a fuss. I asked her via Sound Transmission.
[Where is Jo Seong-won?]
[He said he was going to look around and gather information.]
Seeing him find work to do voluntarily without being told made him an excellent worker. Taking him in as a subordinate was worth it. I wondered if he had finished the task I gave him before leaving.
[Did you find the man?]
Before the first preliminary round began, I had given Jo Seong-won and Sama-yeong an order. They probably thought it was part of the mission, but it was my personal command.
[There’s one in Section B-Jin, one in Section C-Myo, one in Section D-Ja, and one in Section E-Jin. My eyes almost popped out looking for someone wearing an eyepatch.]
[You did well.]
When I praised her, she gave a silly grin. I immediately scanned the sections she mentioned. Starting from Section B-Jin, my eyes eventually landed on a man waiting for his Generation Stone test in the final Section E-Jin. He was a tall man with two scabbards crossed on his back.
‘He’s here!’
I had been half-doubting because the Martial Discussion had been moved up compared to my previous life, but he was indeed here.
A man who had left a deep, cross-shaped sword mark with twin swords walked down from the platform. He wore a black eyepatch over his left eye, and the gaze from his single remaining eye was extraordinary.
After descending from the platform, he tried to quietly slip through the crowd of young experts. That was when I blocked his path. When he tried to step aside to pass, I blocked him again.
The man’s eyes narrowed sharply. I greeted him with a smile.
“It’s been a long time.”
I gave a Fist-and-Palm Salute and tried to move closer, but he backed away with an expression full of wariness. I sent him a Sound Transmission.
[If you don’t want to be suspected, it would be best not to move away from me.]
The man looked at me with a face that said he couldn't understand.
[What are you doing?]
I sent another Sound Transmission.
[Are you not Lord Myeong Gyeongin?]
As soon as the Sound Transmission ended, the man with the eyepatch hurriedly grabbed my collar and pulled me close. Then, as if embracing me, he wrapped one arm around my neck.
“Ahhh! I didn’t know it had been this long!”
Contrary to his friendly-sounding words, one of the man’s hands was pressed against a vital point in the center of my chest, and his Sound Transmission was saying something entirely different.
[Who the hell are you?]
[Aren’t you admitting it a bit too easily?]
[Didn’t you approach me knowing who I was?]
I didn't deny his words. Of course, I had approached him knowing.
[You’re quite bold. A man over thirty wearing a human skin mask and even participating in a Successor’s Martial Discussion.]
‘!?’
The man’s pupil shook. While maintaining a forced smile, the man sent a Sound Transmission in a heavy voice.
[What do you know?]
[The last descendant of the destroyed Kunlun Sect...]
Before the Sound Transmission could even finish, the man’s finger pressed hard against my chest. He looked ready to pierce my vital point at any moment. I grabbed his wrist with a smirk.
[I’m not trying to harm you, so why don’t you put this down?]
[Why should I trust you and put—!?]
His hand began to move downward against his will. He tried to maintain his hand's position by drawing more internal power, but because I had also opened my Middle Dantian, I didn't budge at all.
[You, what are you?]
The man looked utterly dumbfounded. It was understandable; he was an expert who had reached the peak of the Supreme Peak Realm. To have someone who appeared to be a mere young expert show equal or superior internal power was naturally bewildering.
[If we keep clashing like this, it’ll be easy to get suspected.]
[You...]
I signaled with my eyes toward four specific directions. They were the tails sent by the First Strategist Division to monitor me. His eyes trembled slightly as he naturally looked around in the directions I indicated.
[This is...]
I sent him a Sound Transmission as if it were nothing.
[They are the ones monitoring you.]