Chapter 71: Escort Transport Bid (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 71: Escort Transport Bid (4)
A familiar sight unfolded along with the heavy stomp of a foot.
It was unmistakably the sixth form of the Life Bright Sword Technique: the Chasing Return Sword.
I had never imagined a situation where someone else would use this sword technique against me. Without a moment to think, I deployed my footwork and widened the distance by more than ten paces.
It wasn't a matter of whether I could block or counter the move.
-How can this be...?
The Namcheon Iron Sword let out a gasp of pure astonishment.
Aside from the fifteen duels I had heard about, I knew nothing else of the history between them. Yet, the Wolf King, Hyeok Cheon-man, was executing the Chasing Return Sword with perfect precision. I could even feel the specific intent embedded within the form.
[Young Master. Wasn't that sword form yours?]
Sama Yeong’s voice reached my ears via Secret Sound Transmission. Her eyes were wide with shock.
So, it wasn't just my imagination. Having seen me perform the Life Bright Sword Technique many times, she recognized the form instantly.
I questioned the Namcheon Iron Sword.
'Did the Namcheon Sword Guest pass his techniques down to the Wolf King?'
-Impossible. During their duels, he might have given the man some advice on handling a sword back when he was a greenhorn wanderer, but he never taught him the Life Bright Sword Technique.
The Namcheon Iron Sword denied it vehemently. Despite his tragic end, the Namcheon Iron Sword had never left the Namcheon Sword Guest's side until his final moments. There was no way he could be mistaken.
Then how on earth could he perform a form from the Life Bright Sword Technique?
"What is the meaning of this?"
As I used my footwork to pull away, the Wolf King’s eyebrows shot up, his face clouding with displeasure.
Are you really the one who should be offended right now?
Since there were many eyes on us, I questioned him through Secret Sound Transmission.
[Senior, how do you know the Life Bright Sword Technique? And why are you calling me your Junior Brother?]
The Namcheon Sword Guest had no disciples. I was dying to know what secret he was hiding.
At my question, he stared at me blankly.
"Are you curious about that?"
Is that even a question?
The Wolf King aimed his sword at me and spoke.
"He was always refining his sword. If you truly inherited his legacy, then you must show me a Life Bright Sword Technique worthy of him."
Swish!
The Wolf King lunged toward me. His movements were so fast that he likely appeared as a mere blur to the onlookers.
However, I had mastered the Wind Shadow Step, known as one of the fastest Lightness Skills in the martial world.
Slide!
I couldn't use it openly in case someone recognized it, but if I blended it appropriately with the Lightness Skill of the Life Bright Divine Art, it produced an even greater effect.
Riiiiiip!
A line of sharp killing intent tore through the ground where I had just been standing. Startled, the crowd retreated even further.
Wolf King Hyeok Cheon-man turned his head back and let out a smirk.
"Your Lightness Skill is quite decent."
"It is lacking compared to yours, Senior."
"Cut the modesty. Show me his sword technique."
He was persistent. Why was he so intent on clashing with me using the same Life Bright Sword Technique?
I didn't know how he had learned it, but I had no intention of having a proper duel with him anyway.
[Wasn't this supposed to be a test for the transport bid?]
"It's for both."
I'd really appreciate it if you'd reply via Sound Transmission when I send one to you.
Did he feel there was no reason to hide this? If he was going to act this way, I had no choice but to call him out on it.
"Even if you are the Great Wolf King, using our sect's sword technique like this..."
Shudder!
A chilling sensation washed over me. I quickly tilted my head and threw myself backward. A blade of sharp intent grazed past, narrowly missing my hair. I saw the air itself ripple.
'He cut me off.'
-Neck!
I heard the Lesser Conversation Sword's warning. Without time to think, I ducked low. The Wolf King’s sword, having appeared before me in an instant, traced a silver arc from above.
Aiming for the neck? Is he insane?
"Are you using killing moves now?"
At my words, Hyeok Cheon-man spoke in a cold voice.
"He raised a mere husk, it seems. Do you intend to do nothing but run away like a coward?"
He was deliberately provoking me. Did he think I’d fall for that?
I deployed my Lightness Skill and spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear.
"I am not running. Did you not call me your Junior Brother with your own mouth? I do not wish to fight someone who might be of my own sect without knowing the truth."
Murmur, murmur!
The crowd began to stir at my shout. He had said it earlier, but it seemed everyone thought they had misheard. Now that I had brought it up directly, the shock was palpable.
"Junior Brother? What does that mean?"
"Are the Wolf King and the Twin Hero from the same sect?"
"Come to think of it, that sword technique the Wolf King used earlier... wasn't that the Namcheon Sword Guest's technique?"
With so many people gathered, there were bound to be a few who remembered the Life Bright Sword Technique. They were likely the older generation. Regardless, unless the Wolf King was deaf, it would be hard for him to ignore the crowd's reaction.
Hyeok Cheon-man shook his head.
"For someone claiming to be his disciple, you certainly have a cunning mind."
"This is a matter that must be clarified."
"Stubborn, aren't you? Fine, I'll tell you. I, the Wolf King, have trained alone my entire life. My Heart Method, footwork, and combat techniques—every single one was forged by combining the Three Talents Heart Method and common third-rate martial arts that circulate among wanderers."
'!!!'
What was he saying? Did he reach that realm all by himself, without a master or a sect?
The square fell silent as if everyone had been struck dumb by the Wolf King’s declaration. He continued, completely unbothered.
"I had no one I could call a master. Or rather, every martial artist I dueled taught me the meaning of martial arts."
"...Are you saying you learned their forms while dueling them?"
"Exactly."
A chill ran down my spine. I had seen many people with heavenly martial talent—Lee Jung-gyeom, the joint successor of the Eight Great Masters, and Baek Hye-hyang were prime examples. But I had never heard of someone who learned martial arts through the act of dueling their opponents.
If this was true, he wasn't just a genius; he was a monster beyond imagination.
'Wait...'
But isn't that just stealing techniques? It was impressive, but it wasn't exactly grounds for calling me his Junior Brother.
"You called me your Junior Brother, but doesn't that just mean you learned the Life Bright Sword Technique without permission by dueling my master?"
"I have trained alone my whole life, but there is one man who is the only person to ever truly teach me the sword."
Was he talking about those fifteen days of dueling?
"It was an experience unlike any other in my life. He quenched a thirst that I could never satisfy alone."
I see. He must have been deeply moved by the advice given during those fifteen days of clashing. It made sense; if a legendary master gave advice to a nameless wanderer every time they challenged him, anyone would be moved.
So, had Hyeok Cheon-man fallen for the Namcheon Sword Guest's character and come to view him as a master?
"Because I received his teachings, I have lived my life considering him my only benefactor and mentor."
My guess was spot on. It was a touching story, in a way. However, in terms of a formal relationship...
"...Isn't that just your one-sided opinion, Senior?"
"You are a suspicious one. He acknowledged me."
"What?"
What was he talking about now? Namcheon Iron Sword?
-Impossible. I have no memory of such a thing. On the fifteenth day, their final duel, that man simply bowed to my former master and left.
...He bowed and left? And what did the Namcheon Sword Guest do?
-He simply nodded. They never met again after that.
Ah... Namcheon Iron Sword.
-What is it?
Even you, who always talks about what your former master said, don't fully understand humans.
Accepting a bow after giving instruction means that even if he wasn't a formal disciple, the Namcheon Sword Guest acknowledged that he had passed on teachings. In a sense, Hyeok Cheon-man was the only disciple the Namcheon Sword Guest had ever personally taught.
-You are also his disciple, Un-hwi.
Well, that's true. I learned the traces he painstakingly left behind before his death. In a way, he truly was like a Senior Brother to me. We both received the teachings of the Namcheon Sword Guest.
-Are you going to acknowledge him?
I have no choice. He is a man acknowledged by the Namcheon Sword Guest, who is essentially my other master. Who am I to deny him?
Clack!
I flipped the Namcheon Iron Sword in my grip and performed a respectful Fist-and-Palm Salute. Then, I spoke in a polite tone.
"This junior, So Woon-hwi, greets his Senior Brother..."
Before I could finish, Hyeok Cheon-man raised a hand, signaling me to stop.
"If you wish to call me Senior Brother, prove to me that you have properly inherited his legacy. Only then will I acknowledge you as my Junior Brother."
...The roles have been reversed.
A man with the fame of the Wolf King, one of the Eight Great Masters, had publicly declared himself a student of the Namcheon Sword Guest's teachings. I couldn't afford to hold back now.
-What if he ends up joining this escort journey?
Nothing I can do about it. Perhaps it's better to be on good terms with the Wolf King. No matter what anyone says, he is one of the Eight Great Masters and the pinnacle of all wanderers.
Shing!
I raised my sword into a Qi Control Stance. Hyeok Cheon-man let out a smirk and slowly walked toward me. Once we were within range, he unleashed the first move.
'Illuminating Shadow Sword.'
It was the third form of the Life Bright Sword Technique, the Illuminating Shadow Sword. It was a technique that delved in as smoothly as a willow branch.
It was truly astounding. To think he could replicate the form so closely without ever being taught the internal energy circulation method. Furthermore, thirty years ago, the Life Bright Sword Technique hadn't even been fully refined. Yet, the Illuminating Shadow Sword he performed was so flawless it rivaled the "True" version.
To think he learned this just by dueling... he really was a monster. If I didn't give it my all here, it would be an insult to both him and the Namcheon Sword Guest.
'Fine.'
Then I shall show him the Illuminating Shadow Sword as well.
The third form of the New Path Life-Drawing Sword Technique: Illuminating Shadow Sword.
The Namcheon Iron Sword delved into the Wolf King’s technique, which was shifting like a willow branch, moving as subtly as a swimming loach.
"Ho."
An exclamation escaped the Wolf King’s lips. He seemed surprised by the New Path Life-Drawing Sword Technique, which had been further refined by the Sword Immortal's touch.
But as his feet moved—
Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!
The sword form that had been swaying like a willow branch suddenly tightened like a wire fence, trapping my encroaching blade. It was my first time seeing the Illuminating Shadow Sword used this way. So, the variations could evolve like this.
Clang!
I used my footwork to retreat, slipping my sword out of the closing net. There was no need to walk into a trap.
"Good. Very good. Then how will you handle this?"
Hyeok Cheon-man stomped his foot. It was the sixth form of the Life Bright Sword Technique he had tried to use earlier: the Chasing Return Sword.
Whirrrrrrr!
The sword spun like a whirlwind as it lunged toward me. So this is what it looks like from the perspective of someone facing the Chasing Return Sword. It spun even more violently than the True Chasing Return Sword I used, amplifying its power.
However, I knew the counter to this.
'Divine Sword Unity.'
The blade of the Namcheon Iron Sword shimmered with a white light. In that state, I simply thrust the sword toward the center of the Chasing Return Sword.
A look of interest flickered in the Wolf King’s eyes. He seemed curious to see how I would counter the form.
I concentrated all my senses into a single point. The tip of my sword began to vibrate, inducing a complex change within the Chasing Return Sword. This was the method the Sword Immortal had used to break the form.
Clash!
I had once helplessly lost my sword to this counter. Looking at how the Wolf King’s precious sword, Silver Wolf, was vibrating rapidly, he might lose his as well.
At that moment, Hyeok Cheon-man drew the other sword strapped to his back. It was Black Star, one of his two famous blades.
Thud!
'Huh?'
Hyeok Cheon-man plunged Black Star into the very center of the swirling whirlwind. This stopped the vibration at the point where my sword tip met his, halting the complex transformation I was trying to induce.
Taaaaang!
To counter it like this... it was breathtaking. Wolf King Hyeok Cheon-man truly possessed heavenly martial talent. To think it was possible to react with such improvisation.
"Is this the end?"
Having pinned down the Namcheon Iron Sword with his other blade, the Wolf King shouted at me. If he pushed forward even slightly, I would be consumed by the whirlwind of the Chasing Return Sword's intent. I had to pull my sword back first...
'Adherence?'
The sword tips were stuck together and wouldn't separate. It was the Principle of Adherence, a mystery within the rise of martial arts. It was a technique that used internal energy to suction the sword tips together, interfering with the opponent's trajectory.
'Flash Thunder Sword Jagyun wouldn't even be a match for him.'
His swordsmanship was too superior. His internal energy was also a level above mine. I had to change my approach.
'Did my master show you the secret techniques too?'
-No.
Good.
I narrowed my left eye and opened my Middle Dantian. In that instant, my internal power converted into Innate True Qi, becoming significantly stronger.
Clang!
The swords that had been stuck together by the Principle of Adherence finally snapped apart. The Wolf King’s eyes narrowed at the sudden surge in my internal power.
Now, it was time to show him.
Dash!
I threw myself backward to gain distance, then kicked off the ground.
'Twelve Heavenly Realm Sword.'
The seventh form of the New Path Life-Drawing Sword Technique: Twelve Heavenly Realm Sword, Open.
A trail of white light embroidered the air as twelve sword strikes flowed together in an instant. It looked as if a white flash was stretching out like the Milky Way.
Seeing this, the corners of the Wolf King’s mouth curled up.
Clang!
He crossed his two swords, Silver Wolf and Black Star. Then, he charged at me like a surging tide in the middle of a typhoon.
He swung his two swords like a wild beast in a frenzy, carving out trajectories of madness. As they clashed with the Twelve Heavenly Realm Sword, blue sparks flew and a deafening roar echoed in all directions.
Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!
A powerful wind pressure erupted, and sharp killing intent sprayed everywhere.
Slash-slash-slash-slash!
If the crowd hadn't already backed away, they would have been caught in the aftermath. Every time the swords collided, it felt as if my palms were being torn apart. That was how powerful the Wolf King’s sword forms were. It was a clash so intense it was hard to tell who would emerge victorious.
Then, the Silver Wolf in the Wolf King’s right hand began to draw a large circle, threatening to bloom like a flower.
'This is...'
The memory of my duel with Moon Evil Sword Sama Chak flashed through my mind. He was trying to break the Twelve Heavenly Realm Sword using the same method Sama Chak had used.
In that split second, I shifted the direction of my sword path. I blocked the trajectory of Silver Wolf and lifted my sword upward.
'!?'
Clannnnng!
With a sharp metallic ring, Silver Wolf was sent flying upward. Even the Wolf King hadn't expected me to counter that, and his eyes wavered for a moment. But soon, the blade of his other sword, Black Star, stopped at my throat.
I lost.
The three-form duel ended in the Wolf King’s victory.
Hyeok Cheon-man spoke to me.
"If you had a longsword in your hand, the fight would have been more interesting."
He was right. The Lesser Conversation Sword in my left hand was stopped at the Wolf King’s elbow. Even if I had stabbed him, my throat would have been cut first.
"Even so, I wouldn't have won."
I wasn't sure if I could ever beat him if we continued to duel using only the Life Bright Sword Technique. I was only able to respond because of my various experiences. He was, quite literally, a genius of the sword. To truly match the Wolf King, I would likely have to use everything in my arsenal, including Blood Demon Transformation and the Wind Shadow Eight Streams.
The Wolf King gave me a broad grin.
"You have truly inherited his legacy. Now, do you still intend to play modest and claim you aren't at the level of the Eight Great Masters? Junior Brother."
As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous roar of cheers erupted from the surroundings.
"WAAAAAAAAGH!!!"
Everyone in the square was looking at me and the Wolf King in a state of high excitement. Even amidst the cacophony, certain voices pierced through to my ears.
"My god!"
"To show martial prowess equal to the Wolf King!"
"Who would dare call someone with such power a mere 'New Star'?"
"The youngest of the Eight Great Masters has appeared!"
"A new Eight Great Master!"
Ah...
In the end, this mess had happened. Because I was so focused on the duel, I had shown the fact that I had broken through the wall to all these people.
As if that wasn't exhausting enough, I could hear people everywhere buzzing about how the Wolf King and I were from the same sect.
My head was starting to throb when the Wolf King asked me a question.
"Which escort agency is my Junior Brother serving as a guest guard for?"
"It is the Hwangyeong Escort Agency."
Upon hearing my answer, the Wolf King nodded and shouted loudly for all to hear.
"The Hwangyeong Escort Agency has passed the bid! My Junior Brother shall stand at the vanguard of the journey with me on the first ship!"
'!?'
...I'm screwed.