Chapter 53: The Star Tower's Trial (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 53: The Star Tower's Trial (3)
I hadn't anticipated this situation at all.
I never imagined that Tian Wuxing, the Muchen Sword Emperor—one of the two absolute masters of Peerless Fortress—would seek me out.
-Isn't he the guy who might’ve killed your biological father in your past life?
The Sodam Sword chirped excitedly.
In an instant, a flurry of thoughts raced through my mind.
Did he suspect my true identity? Or had I made a mistake that invited suspicion?
Perhaps the fake identity I created to meet my father, Jin Seong-baek, was the problem.
-The Flowing Sword Sect or whatever?
The Flowing Sword Sect was a lineage with a single successor that had vanished about a hundred years ago. My maternal grandfather said it was a name still talked about even when he was young.
Since it was a sect that had disappeared so long ago, there shouldn't have been anything to arouse suspicion, but hearing that the future lord of Peerless Fortress was looking for me made me uneasy.
-What are you going to do?
There was no way to avoid it.
Avoiding him now would only invite more suspicion.
I cupped my fists in a salute, putting on a look of surprise as I spoke to the muscular, middle-aged man.
“It is an honor for a martial artist like me to have the chance to meet the Muchen Sword Emperor.”
“I thought you’d say that. Follow me.”
Satisfied with my attitude, the middle-aged man took the lead.
As we moved away from the vicinity of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect’s Star Tower, the crowds of martial artists thinned out rapidly.
Most of the people I saw now were warriors of Peerless Fortress.
We walked in silence until we approached the area near the Muchen Sword Sect’s Star Tower to the northwest. Then, the muscular man finally spoke.
“I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Gap Wonchun, the Sect Leader of the Hegemon Fist Sect within Peerless Fortress.”
I had been wondering who he was, and contrary to my expectations, he wasn't a member of the Mucheonjeong Sect.
Instead, he was the head of one of the internal sects within Peerless Fortress.
To think such a man would act as a guide for me, almost like a servant of the Mucheonjeong Sect.
‘...But how was this man able to guard the entrance and even enter the tower during the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect’s trial?’
That was the question.
I debated whether to ask directly, then decided to phrase it naturally.
“Since you guided me into the Star Tower, I assumed you were a member of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.”
At my question, Gap Wonchun gave a short, dry laugh.
“I was merely an observer. No sect within Peerless Fortress can conduct an official event without an observer from another sect present.”
“Ah, I see.”
I replied nonchalantly, but I had gained valuable information.
This man had watched the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect’s trial in accordance with the fortress’s Sacred Decree.
And looking at the current situation, he likely had closer ties to the Mucheonjeong Sect than the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.
-It seems they’re keeping each other in check, Unhwi.
Exactly.
Between the Sacred Decree and the rumors, it seemed true that the fortress was divided into two factions.
I began to suspect that the Muchen Sword Emperor’s reason for seeking me out wasn't just because he doubted my identity.
Eventually, Gap Wonchun pointed toward a building.
“It is there.”
‘That place is...’
It wasn't the Muchen Sword Sect’s Star Tower.
It was a tiled building with cloths hanging from the trees around it, looking for all the world like a shrine.
There weren't even any Peerless Fortress warriors in the vicinity.
As I approached the shrine-like building, I sensed a presence inside.
-You hear it too, right?
Just as the Sodam Sword said, I could hear the voice of a sword.
The ringing was distinct, suggesting it was a precious blade.
However, the presence I felt was too clear for someone who was supposed to be one of the Eight Great Masters.
The Eight Great Masters I had met so far couldn't even be detected through Qi Sense.
As I stood there wondering, Gap Wonchun spoke to me.
“Go inside.”
“Are you not coming in with me?”
“My job ends here. I must return to observe the Star Tower trials.”
Hmm.
That sounded like an excuse.
If he were truly there to observe, he should have stayed at his post from the beginning.
He was likely told to send me in alone.
After staring at the shrine-like building for a moment, I passed through the gate pavilion and opened the doors.
As the doors swung open, the interior, lit by lanterns, was revealed.
‘It really is a shrine.’
The scent of incense stung my nose.
Inside was an altar for ancestral tablets, and standing before it with his hands behind his back was a man with salt-and-pepper hair dressed in white.
In front of him, a clean-cut young man who looked to be in his late twenties sat in meditation with his eyes closed.
A scabbard, presumably holding a precious sword, lay before the youth.
The presence I had felt must have belonged to this young man.
Creeeeeak!
I closed the door and cupped my fists toward the man standing before the altar.
“Junior Ha Un greets the Great Senior.”
Despite my greeting, the man with his hands behind his back did not turn around.
Instead, he picked up a stick of incense, lit it, and placed it in the burner.
It felt as though I had walked in during a private memorial service.
As I waited in my respectful posture, the man’s voice drifted toward me.
“What is the sword?”
The sudden question left me momentarily speechless.
He hadn't even acknowledged my greeting before throwing out such a blunt question; how was I supposed to have an answer ready?
‘What is the sword?’
There had to be an intention behind the question.
Answering too hastily felt like falling into a trap, so I remained cautious.
When I didn't speak, the man spoke again.
“The sword is the King of a Hundred Weapons.”
-He’s right about that, Unhwi.
The Namcheon Iron Sword agreed.
Being a sword himself, he seemed quite pleased to hear his kind called the king of all weapons.
Then, the man with salt-and-pepper hair turned away from the altar.
He was a middle-aged man with a strong impression, his hair neatly tied up.
Though half his hair was white, his face looked to be only in his early fifties.
I knew his actual age was over eighty.
Flinch!
The moment our eyes met, I felt overwhelmed by his intense gaze.
His eyes were as sharp as blades; it felt as if they were piercing right through me.
Was this man Tian Wuxing, the Muchen Sword Emperor, the man called the strongest warrior in Peerless Fortress?
Tian Wuxing looked at me and spoke.
“They say a hundred days for the spear, a thousand for the saber, and ten thousand for the sword. You are walking the path of ten thousand days of discipline, so why are you trying to learn such trifles?”
“Trifles?”
What was he talking about?
Did he mean the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect?
“Even ten thousand days of discipline are not enough; the sword is something one must spend a lifetime with. So why do you seek to walk a heterodox path? Can you not feel the swords you carry weeping?”
“......”
-What is he talking about? Why would we be weeping?
-Hmm. My previous master loved swords like us too, but this guy seems to be a true sword fanatic.
The Namcheon Iron Sword called him a fanatic, but it was clear that the Muchen Sword Emperor Tian Wuxing possessed immense pride in the sword.
He had called me here only to talk about swords.
Based on what he said, he was criticizing why a swordsman would covet other martial arts instead of focusing on the sword.
I was starting to feel uneasy.
After a moment’s hesitation, I spoke up.
“Senior. If it is not rude, may I ask why you sought me out?”
At that moment, the meditating youth opened his eyes, gripped the scabbard in front of him, and spoke.
“Master. May I exchange blows with him?”
‘Exchange blows?’
What was this now?
Was he saying he wanted to duel me?
Instead of answering the youth’s question, Tian Wuxing called his name.
“Mu-hyeok.”
“Yes, Master.”
‘Mu-hyeok?’
I realized who the youth was.
Kang Mu-hyeok.
He was the disciple of the Muchen Sword Emperor and one of the two rising stars who would represent Peerless Fortress in the future, later known as the Lesser Muchen Sword.
He was a man often compared to Lee Jung-gyeom, the representative of the Martial Alliance.
The aura he radiated was certainly strong—stronger than any other young expert I’d seen.
Even stronger than Jin Yong, the grandson of the Ardent King Hegemon.
-Does that mean he’s on the same level as Lee Jung-gyeom?
I didn't think so.
While it was hard to gauge Lee Jung-gyeom’s full capacity since he had opened his Lower Dantian, I could get a sense of Kang Mu-hyeok’s skill.
Kang Mu-hyeok’s gaze was fixed on me, his eyes burning with battle lust.
He possessed a level of power similar to mine when I opened my Lower Dantian.
What martial artist wouldn't feel a competitive spark when faced with an expert of similar caliber?
However, Tian Wuxing’s answer did not meet his expectations.
“It is too much for you.”
“What?”
“I summoned him thinking he was a tiger, but he is truly a dragon.”
“Master!”
His pride wounded, Kang Mu-hyeok jumped to his feet.
He looked ready to duel me right then and there to prove his superiority.
At this, Tian Wuxing let out a sharp shout.
“Enough!”
“Ugh!”
The voice, like a Lion’s Roar, was so thunderous it made me wince.
Kang Mu-hyeok, being closer, was left reeling by his master’s stern rebuke.
Tian Wuxing said to him:
“How can one who has not even finished tempering his Essence (精) hope to compete with one who has opened his Energy (氣)?”
‘Ah!’
I was inwardly startled.
This man could sense my Middle Dantian as well.
Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak had realized I was training my Innate True Qi, and this man had seen through it instantly as well.
They weren't called superhumans for nothing.
Tian Wuxing looked at me and said:
“To think a mere successor of the Flowing Sword Sect has opened the Energy of the Essence-Energy-Spirit trinity... it is truly remarkable.”
I didn't know how to respond.
Since he had already discovered that I practiced Innate True Qi, there was no point in lying.
‘Let’s just be humble for now.’
It was impossible to face one of the Eight Great Masters right now.
After a brief thought, I cupped my fists, bowed my head, and spoke in a modest voice.
“You flatter me, Senior. I am unworthy of such praise from a master like yourself.”
“If you have reached such a realm at your age, you deserve the praise.”
The atmosphere seemed to be turning amicable.
But then, words I never expected came out of Tian Wuxing’s mouth.
“Give up on the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect’s trial.”
“Pardon? What do you mean by that?”
“What you need is not a master to teach you new martial arts that are little more than parlor tricks. You need a master who can lead you to a higher realm of the sword.”
I was momentarily speechless.
Though he didn't say it directly, he was essentially telling me to become his disciple.
-What in the world is happening?
My thoughts exactly.
I thought I was called because of some suspicion, but this was baffling.
If I hadn't come here to meet my father, or if I were any other martial artist, I would have accepted this joyfully—but not me.
I already knew from Haomen’s information that the Mucheonjeong Sect was in conflict with the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect and the Sea King Fortress Sect.
If I became the Muchen Sword Emperor’s disciple, I would be in direct opposition to the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.
“Senior. If I give up on the trial, I must serve as a guest of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect for three years.”
I indirectly expressed my refusal.
Tian Wuxing turned around and walked toward the altar.
Then he spoke.
“Do you think you can win the competition against Lee Jung-gyeom, the joint successor of the Eight Great Masters?”
“Shouldn't we wait and see the results?”
“You have quite the competitive spirit. But there is something you don't know.”
“What is it?”
“The Merciless Wind God is not looking for a disciple or a successor. Even if you take that trial, you will eventually fail and end up serving as a guest for the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.”
“...Are you saying I will fail no matter what?”
“Does it make sense to you to hold a trial like this just to pick one disciple? Not a single expert who has come so far has passed.”
“......”
This was something I had also been suspicious of.
However, I had my own reasons for needing to meet him.
Tian Wuxing touched the memorial tablets on the altar and said:
“The Merciless Wind God is simply trying to expand his influence. If you agree to become my disciple, I will protect you from him.”
“From becoming a guest?”
“Correct.”
Was he saying this with pure intentions?
If so, he wouldn't hold it against me if I refused to be his disciple.
Thinking of his pride, I paused for a moment before speaking.
“I am truly grateful for your kindness, Senior. However, I am already in the middle of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect’s trial. As a man of integrity, how can I give up in the middle of a challenge?”
“Are you refusing this old man’s kindness?”
“I do not wish for you to clash with the Merciless Wind God because of me, Senior.”
I thought I had said enough.
I had phrased it as carefully as possible to avoid offending him, so he surely wouldn't force me to be his disciple anymore.
Tian Wuxing shook his head and spoke.
“You are a stubborn one.”
“I am sorry.”
“I suppose it can't be helped.”
“I will never forget your kind—”
“There is no need for that.”
“Pardon?”
“I will give you time to think.”
This old man was surprisingly persistent.
Did he not realize that he was the one being stubborn, not me?
Then, Tian Wuxing said something cryptic.
“When you find yourself in a situation where you must accept my kindness, your mind will change. Rest well for a few days and think it over.”
“What do you mean by—”
It happened in that very instant.
Thud!
“Gah!”
The floor beneath my feet suddenly gave way.
It happened so fast that I plummeted straight down.
*
As So Woon-hwi fell, Tian Wuxing took his hand off the memorial tablet he had been pushing.
Rumble!
With a mechanical sound, the floor that had split in half and dropped away rose back up.
Tian Wuxing shook his head.
“The ones who seem useful are always so pointlessly stubborn.”
His disciple, Kang Mu-hyeok, replied.
“From the way he spoke, he seemed just as stubborn as you, Master. Will a few days really be enough to persuade him?”
“It doesn't matter. If he can't take the second trial by noon tomorrow, he’ll be forced to serve as a guest for the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect anyway. In that situation, do you think he’ll still be prattling on about integrity and such?”
Kang Mu-hyeok nodded at his master’s words, then asked cautiously.
“Master. But what if he insists on being a guest for the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect anyway?”
“Then we’ll just have to keep him locked up until his will breaks, just like that other fellow.”
“Understood. Then, once the Dispersal Poison Incense and Sleeping Incense have cleared, I will place a Restriction Seal on him and lock him in the dungeon.”
“I leave it to you.”
With those words, Tian Wuxing and his disciple Kang Mu-hyeok left the shrine.
On the other side of the shrine floor that had dropped away...
A thin, silver thread was tied to a small hole beneath the floor.
Following that thread down, someone was hanging precariously like a spider.
It was So Woon-hwi.