Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (3)
"It is the corpse of Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon."
A brief, heavy silence followed my words, only to be shattered an instant later as the surroundings erupted into a chaotic din.
I had expected this reaction to some extent.
She wasn't just anyone; she was one of the Five Great Villains and a peerless master counted among the top five in the martial world. It would have been stranger if they hadn't been shocked.
"My god..."
"Wicked Heart Granny?"
"Does this mean the Lesser Sword Immortal defeated another of the Five Great Villains?"
"That’s impossible."
"How long has it even been since the rumors said he took down the Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon and the Blood Demon?"
The buzzing whispers were enough to make my skin crawl with embarrassment.
Originally, I had intended to spread my fame as the Blood Demon by taking credit for disposing of Cheol Su-ryeon. However, I changed my mind halfway through. I realized that if the Blood Demon’s movements overlapped too closely with my own, it would inevitably invite suspicion.
[Young Master! Is that really Wicked Heart Granny’s body?]
Sama Yeong’s voice reached my ears via sound transmission.
She and the rest of the group were still standing by their table; they had intended to come over to me, but stayed put once the crowd’s attention converged on the scene.
From Song Jwa-baek to the Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon Jang Mun-ryang, everyone wore expressions of utter disbelief. They knew I had gone to form an alliance, so the sudden appearance of Wicked Heart Granny’s corpse must have come as a total shock.
[Did you meet my father?]
I did.
I certainly met him. It was a spine-chilling reunion. If it hadn't been for Wicked Heart Granny, that incident at the inn might have turned into a complete disaster. I’d have to tell her about that later.
[I’ll tell you everything in a bit.]
For now, I had to deal with the fellow standing right in front of me.
Just as the Lesser Conversation Sword noted, Jin Yong—the grandson of Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun—was failing miserably at maintaining his composure. He had been talking quite smoothly until a moment ago, but now his mouth hung slightly agape, and he couldn't seem to smooth out the deep scowl on his face.
However, perhaps conscious of the eyes watching him, he quickly shifted his expression and spoke.
"Wicked Heart Granny, you say?"
"You heard me correctly. It is her corpse."
At that, Jin Yong raised his voice as if he couldn't believe it.
"Why do you have her body, So Woon-hwi?"
"She was the mastermind behind the Inak Village incident."
"Are you saying you were the one who turned that old crone into... this?"
Strictly speaking, several factors had coincided to make it happen. But there was no need to explain every little detail.
"Well, that is how it turned out in the end."
"!!!"
At my confirmation, Jin Yong stared at the blood-stained sack with a heavily distorted face. He seemed to find it incredibly hard to believe.
Well, I suppose that’s understandable. As I saw back at the Peerless Fortress, the version of me he remembered was from the Successor's Martial Discussion held by the Martial Alliance. Back then, he had firmly believed I was a step below him.
Who knows? Even if I’ve concealed my energy to the best of my ability, he must have heard the rumors.
Regardless, I didn't know when he had left the Peerless Fortress, but his energy was certainly more refined than before. He must have spent the last few months diligently practicing the martial arts of the Wind Shadow Eight Streams Sect.
Still, I expected him to stay at the Peerless Fortress for at least a year. He came out sooner than I thought. Did he leave as soon as he got what he wanted once the position of Young Sect Leader was decided? Or was this the influence of Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, who was currently on the second floor of the inn?
Just as the Lesser Conversation Sword said, Jin-gyun was sitting in his seat, looking down at me. It had been a long time since I last saw him—not since before the competition hosted by the Martial Alliance.
The pressure I felt from him back then felt quite different now.
No, it’s not that intense anymore. Now that I’ve broken through the wall, I can finally gauge the extent of his strength.
However, the intimidation he radiated as a battle-hardened veteran remained. The aura he projected just by staring down at someone was no less than that of any other superhuman.
He’s sizing me up.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun was also measuring me with his eyes. Although I had suppressed my energy as much as possible, he must have sensed a glimpse of my true capacity. That was likely why a strange light flickered in his eyes.
Since our eyes had met, I felt I should at least offer a greeting. But just as I was about to clasp my hands in a fist-and-palm salute, Jin Yong pointed at the sack.
"Are you absolutely certain this is Wicked Heart Granny?"
Does he not believe me? As I looked at him with a questioning gaze, Jin Yong spoke with an incredulous tone.
"They say no one has ever survived after seeing her face. How can we possibly know if this corpse is actually her or not?"
At his words, the attention of the crowd shifted back to the sack. Everyone seemed curious to know if the body of the infamous Wicked Heart Granny was truly inside.
He’s really making a scene out of this.
Show him? I don't think that’s a good idea. There are so many people eating in this inn; how could I show a severed corpse in a place like this in broad daylight? It would only turn everyone's stomach.
"I don't think this is the right place."
"The right place?"
"Showing a corpse in an inn where people are eating would be a nuisance to the owner."
"No, just a quick look..."
"She doesn't look much different from her known descriptions. If you're that desperate to see, I'll show you later, as it's difficult to do so here."
When I flatly refused, his face flushed a slight red. It seemed his temper had flared up for a moment.
He really hasn't changed. I thought he might have come to his senses at the Peerless Fortress, but his pride is as overbearing as ever. I suppose it’s hard for him to accept that there’s someone stronger than him among his peers.
The Namcheon Iron Sword was right. It certainly would be hard to believe. Who would easily believe that a young successor in his early twenties had broken through the wall and defeated three of the Five Great Villains?
Regardless, whether he believed it or not, I didn't feel the need to coddle his ego.
Now, I had to greet the senior.
"Senior..."
I was about to offer my salute toward the second floor when Jin Yong suddenly cut me off.
"If that is your wish, I suppose it can't be helped. However, So Woon-hwi, since we’ve met after such a long time, how about a light spar?"
A spar?
Out of nowhere, the guy was asking for a duel. I thought he’d let it go since there were so many eyes on us, but a spar?
"...This is rather sudden."
"What’s sudden about it? Isn't it common practice for martial artists to exchange blows as a greeting and a light way to interact?"
It’s only common when the motive isn't so transparent. Judging by his flushed face, he was clearly asking for a duel to reclaim his wounded pride. This was becoming quite a nuisance.
He continued.
"Besides, it was quite a shame that the Successor's Martial Discussion was cut short back then, preventing me from competing against you or Lee Jeong-gyeom on a grand stage."
He was spouting nonsense he didn't even mean. He was just setting up a plausible excuse to fight in front of everyone. Thanks to that, all eyes were now fixed on us.
However, the murmurs of the crowd only served to provoke Jin Yong further.
"The grandson of the Ardent King Hegemon challenged the Lesser Sword Immortal to a duel."
"This is going to be one hell of a show."
"Weren't those three, including Lee Jeong-gyeom of the Twin Heroes, all famous for being rivals of similar skill?"
"Eh, they’re in different leagues now, aren't they?"
"Who knows? Maybe the Ardent King Hegemon’s grandson is also incredibly skilled."
"Didn't you see it a few days ago? Shin Gil-lip, one of the top young experts from northern Gansu, was knocked out in a single move."
"Is that true?"
"Yeah. This isn't a duel; it's a challenge."
The crowd’s reaction wasn't that of a match between rivals. They already viewed it as a duel between masters of entirely different ranks. Consequently, Jin Yong’s pride took another hit, and he began to grit his teeth audibly.
Struggling to suppress his anger, he spoke to me through clenched teeth.
"You’ve certainly built quite a reputation for yourself. I, Jin, must learn a thing or two from you, So Woon-hwi. Will you grant me that?"
I glanced up at Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun on the second floor. A furrow had formed between his brows. He likely already knew that my skill was incomparable to his grandson's.
My look was a gesture of courtesy toward a senior. I was essentially asking, 'What would you like me to do?'
Jin-gyun, who had been scowling, let out a sigh and nodded. Since his grandson had already boldly declared a challenge in front of everyone, stopping him now would only result in further embarrassment.
[Do not think of going easy on him just because he is my grandson.]
Jin-gyun sent me a sound transmission. It seemed the saying that a tiger raises its cubs strictly was true. Though, there seemed to be another reason as well.
He probably gauged my skill through his Qi sense, but he likely wants to see me in action for himself. That’s probably why he isn't stopping this.
Just then, a tall, handsome man in his mid-thirties wearing a dark blue Taoist robe stood up from his seat next to Jin-gyun. After saying, "Senior, please excuse me for a moment," he leaped down from the second-floor railing.
Thud!
As the man landed with a light form, Jin Yong spoke.
"Taoist Master Jeongmyeong."
Jeongmyeong?
I’ve heard that name somewhere... Ah!
I do. It’s just that this is the first time I’ve seen his face looking so normal.
Plum Blossom Quick Sword Jeongmyeong. If my memory serves me right, he should be thirty-five now. He isn't part of the current generation of successors, but was one of the "Three Dragons and Two Phoenixes" who were in the spotlight ten years ago. He is the top disciple of Taoist Master Hoyang, the Plum Blossom White Sword of the Huashan Sect.
So, his face was actually this handsome.
No. Back then, as the Hall Master of the Nokhyeon Hall, he fought against Blood King Gu Je-yang and was hit by a poison technique, which left his face hideously disfigured. I heard that after his face was ruined, he became a cold and ruthless man, but looking at him now, the impression is entirely different. He seems more relaxed, and the gaze he directs at me is filled with both vitality and a competitive spirit.
How is his skill?
It’s quite good. He was the man once called the future Sect Leader of the Huashan Sect. He is currently at the peak of the Supreme Peak Realm, and judging by how his energy is constantly rising, he’ll likely reach the realm of a superhuman before long. Well, I suppose he had to be that skilled to survive a fight with Gu Je-yang.
Ah... that’s true. Gu Je-yang was revealed to be a subordinate of the Jonju during the Blood Cult’s civil war. His martial arts have been crippled, and he’s currently locked in a prison. It seems that as history changes in subtle ways, there are those who benefit accordingly.
Clasp!
Taoist Master Jeongmyeong, the Plum Blossom Quick Sword, offered me a fist-and-palm salute.
"It is an honor to meet the junior who has been making the most waves recently. I am Jeongmyeong of the Huashan Sect."
"It is an honor to meet you, Senior Plum Blossom Quick Sword. I am So Woon-hwi."
"Actually, the Alliance told me to ask you to come to them if I ran into you. I wanted to see you for myself, and indeed, your reputation is well-deserved."
They want me to come to the Alliance?
Did the Second Strategist, Sama Jung-hyeon, have a hand in this? Recently, the Martial Alliance has failed several times, and Sama Jung-hyeon mentioned something about needing a new hero. Could that be it? As my fame as So Woon-hwi grows, the Martial Alliance is showing active interest.
Wait a minute, though. Taoist Master Jeongmyeong is a man of the Martial Alliance. Why is he with Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun?
What do you mean? Although Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun is considered close to the Orthodox Faction, he maintains a neutral stance. He only participated in the Successor's Martial Discussion to give his grandson experience; he avoids taking sides between the Orthodox and Evil factions. Yet here he was, accompanying people from the Martial Alliance.
While I was wondering about this, Taoist Master Jeongmyeong offered another salute.
"This is a first for me, but I would also like to request a spar with you, Junior. Would that be alright?"
Huh? What’s this now?
Jin Yong was one thing, but even Taoist Master Jeongmyeong was asking for a duel? Jin Yong, who had asked first, looked confused.
"Taoist Master Jeongmyeong? Why so suddenly?"
"Junior Jin. Did you think you were the only one who wanted to test your skills against the Lesser Sword Immortal? I, too, have been itching to exchange blows with this young man who has been the talk of the town lately."
I could see it in his voice and his eyes—he was dying to fight. He was a mass of pure competitive spirit.
I can tell by looking at his eyes. He seems a bit more pure-hearted than Jin Yong, but it’s for a similar reason. He probably wants to verify if the rumors are true. There are no people who value seniority and rank more than those of the Orthodox Faction, and once someone reaches a position like Jeongmyeong’s, they are bound by those very ranks when it comes to dueling other masters.
Exactly. How could he possibly ask the Leader of the Martial Alliance or the Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect for a spar? He’d have no justification, and he’d likely just be criticized for it.
Right. In that sense, if my reputation is truly at the level of the Eight Great Masters, he can't afford to miss this opportunity. It’s a golden chance to gain experience by fighting a superior master and, if he’s lucky, build even more fame for himself.
It seems so. People of the Evil Faction won't even consider a duel in the first place unless there’s a massive gap in power and it’s a desperate life-or-death situation, or if they have a personal friendship. It was clear that if I played it safe, people would keep coming at me with these kinds of excuses.
I shouldn't just play it safe; I need to make things clear. It’s not good to appear too approachable just because I’m 'So Woon-hwi of the Orthodox Faction.'
In the meantime, the two of them were engaged in a war of nerves over who would go first.
"Taoist Master Jeongmyeong, please, you go first. You are my senior; how could I possibly duel before you?"
"No, Junior Jin, you go first. You were the one who requested the spar first; how could I be so greedy?"
The person who goes second has the advantage. They can analyze the opponent's strength beforehand. The fact that they were yielding to each other like this suggested that they weren't just looking for experience; they both had a strong desire to properly test themselves against me.
"Still, there is such a thing as propriety. As your junior, I will yield."
"Haha. I told you it’s fine."
As they continued their transparent display of 'politeness,' I spoke up.
"Since time is short, why don't you both come at me at once?"
At those words, both of them froze and stared at me simultaneously.
"What did you just say?"
"At the same time?"
I replied nonchalantly.
"Since this is a guidance duel, does it really matter who goes first? Besides, wouldn't you both need to use a combined attack to actually gain anything from this?"
"A guidance duel?"
At my words, their expressions twisted into masks of fury. I had struck their pride right where it hurt.
But then again, I had to make a proper statement here so that this wouldn't keep happening.
Unable to hide his rage, Jin Yong raised his voice at me.
"No matter how much your fame has grown lately, to tell us to use a combined attack... are you looking down on us?"
"I have never looked down on you."
"Then why tell us to attack together? And that 'guidance duel' nonsense..."
At that moment, I slowly brought my right hand toward his forehead. Then, I lightly flicked my finger.
Snap!
"Agh!"
He clutched his forehead and was sent spinning backward through the air before crashing to the ground.
"!!!"
Jeongmyeong’s jaw dropped in sheer bewilderment at the sudden turn of events.
I spoke to him in a polite, steady voice.
"I simply felt that our ranks were not a match."