Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 82: The Rumors Were True (4)
“Uuuugh.”
Jin Yong, his forehead more than just red—already beginning to swell into a lump—groaned in a daze.
Even though I had regulated my internal power, his brain must have been rattled enough to leave him disoriented.
“Ah…”
Dojo Master Jeongmyeong of the Huashan Sect, who had so confidently requested a duel, stood with his mouth slightly agape, unable to hide his bewilderment.
Jin Yong’s martial prowess wasn’t significantly different from Jeongmyeong’s. Both were essentially at the threshold of the Supreme Peak Realm.
The fact that Jin Yong had been reduced to this state by a mere flick of a finger meant that Jeongmyeong would likely face a similar result.
—Buzz, buzz!
The inn, which had been momentarily plunged into silence by the sudden turn of events, erupted into a cacophony of whispers.
“Did you see that just now?”
“He just reached out and flicked his forehead, didn’t he?”
“Why couldn’t he block it?”
“More importantly, he only flicked a finger, but the guy spun around twice before falling.”
“Hooo… the reputation of the Eight Great Masters is no joke.”
“Is there anyone else in their early twenties who has reached such a realm?”
If anything, this only served to bolster my reputation.
If Jin Yong had managed to hold his own for at least ten moves and put up a good fight, his fame might have grown. Instead, he gained nothing but embarrassment.
I had to show at least this much to discourage others from getting foolish ideas in the future. If rumors spread that I was soft or that I held back to match my opponent’s level, I would be plagued by endless nuisances.
I turned to the flustered Dojo Master Jeongmyeong.
“There are many guests here. Shall we take this outside?”
“Th-that is…”
At my question, Jeongmyeong’s eyes darted left and right. He was conscious of the crowd’s gaze.
In truth, having seen the gap in our skills and realizing I wouldn’t go easy on him, the right thing to do was to back down. However, he had used the pretext of wanting to learn from a renowned master. If he quit now, he would lose face entirely.
I wonder.
Unlike those in the Evil Faction who prioritize practicality, members of the Orthodox Faction have an incredibly strong desire for honor. While I’d prefer it if he gave up, from his perspective, wouldn’t he rather lose disgracefully in a challenge than tuck his tail and run?
Jeongmyeong swallowed hard, then composed his expression and spoke to me.
“Let us go outside.”
It seemed he had steeled his resolve.
As we headed toward the entrance of the inn, Jeongmyeong asked a middle-aged man who appeared to be the innkeeper.
“Is there a backyard here?”
“Aigo, where would an inn of this size have a proper backyard? There’s a rear courtyard with a warehouse and an outhouse.”
“May we use it for a moment?”
“As long as there’s no damage…”
Having received the innkeeper’s permission, he turned to me.
“There are too many people near the entrance, and we might cause trouble. Let’s go to the rear courtyard.”
I couldn't help but scoff inwardly. It was a roundabout way of saying he wanted to avoid the public eye as much as possible.
Jeongmyeong performed a fist-and-palm salute to the people in the inn, politely asking for their understanding.
“This is merely a light duel between seniors and juniors of the Orthodox Faction. We shall ensure no inconvenience is caused to the guests. I ask for your understanding in not following us to the rear courtyard.”
At those words, the onlookers’ expressions turned mocking.
His intention was far too transparent. It was no different from telling them not to watch because he didn't want to be seen suffering the same fate as Jin Yong.
‘These Orthodox Faction types…’
In moments like this, they were truly transparent.
Yet, without realizing it, I seemed to have stopped thinking of myself as a member of the Orthodox Faction. Then again, my biological father is the lord of the neutral Peerless Fortress, and I am the leader of the Blood Cult, so thinking of myself as "Orthodox" would be absurd.
“Let us go.”
Thick-skinned despite the embarrassment, Jeongmyeong led the way. I chuckled softly and followed behind him.
Just then, the murmuring of the crowd grew louder.
The reason was Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, who had been on the second floor, now descending the stairs with his hands behind his back.
As he moved, the spectators’ eyes lit up.
“Two of the Eight Great Masters in one place?”
“Are we about to see something incredible?”
Voices filled with anticipation echoed from all sides.
I performed a fist-and-palm salute to Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun as he reached the bottom of the stairs, greeting him properly.
“It has been a long time, Senior.”
“Indeed.”
Jin-gyun gave a slight nod and passed by me.
“……”
He walked over to Jin Yong, who still hadn't managed to stand up, and placed a hand on top of his head.
“Uuuuugh.”
Jin Yong’s head trembled slightly, and white steam began to drift from his mouth and nose. Jin-gyun was dissipating the lingering aftereffects of the internal power I had left in him.
“Gr-Grandfather?”
Having regained his senses and realized the situation, Jin Yong’s face flushed red with shame. He likely never imagined he would be taken down in a single blow.
“Foolish boy. Tsk, tsk.”
Jin-gyun clicked his tongue as he looked down at his grandson.
Feeling the sting of his grandfather’s rebuke, Jin Yong hurriedly made an excuse.
“Grandfather, that wasn't a proper duel. If someone strikes suddenly without warning, anyone would—”
“Close your mouth.”
“Grandfather…”
“Knowing your opponent is also a skill. I have told you this time and again, yet nothing changes.”
“……I apologize.”
Dejected, Jin Yong bowed his head in apology. It was a quick judgment. Making more excuses would only lead to more lecturing.
Shifting his gaze from his grandson, Jin-gyun approached me again with his hands behind his back.
Just as the Lesser Conversation Sword said, the expression he wore as he looked at me was no joke. I had done exactly as he asked—not to hold back—but now that it had happened, he seemed displeased.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun spoke to me.
“So, the rumors were true.”
Those words carried many meanings. But the most significant was acknowledgment. He had been skeptical of the rumors, but now he recognized me as one of the Eight Great Masters.
“I have seen many talents in my time, but I have never seen one grow as rapidly as you.”
“You flatter me.”
“The saying that the back waves of the Yangtze River push the front waves is not wrong.”
Janggang-hurang-chu-jeon-rang. It was a phrase signifying the changing of generations.
“In ten years, who will be left to stand as your equal?”
While it sounded like warm praise, his aura was growing increasingly sharp and intense. He was focusing it solely on me, so the others couldn't sense it.
‘He looks ready to strike at any moment.’
I could guess what he would say next.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun said to me, “It seems there will be no opportunity like today. I, too, shall request a duel from you.”
“!!!”
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the whispering around us intensified. It wasn't just anyone, but Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun, a long-standing member of the Eight Great Masters, who had initiated the challenge. Naturally, all eyes were fixed on us.
“No way!”
“Two of the Eight Great Masters are going to fight!”
The spectators couldn't hide their excitement.
‘Hmm.’
This was quite awkward. It was amazing how such things kept happening one after another in just a single month.
First Wolf King Hyeok Cheon-man, then Ghost-Slaying Fist Demon Jang Mun-ryang, then Wicked Heart Granny Cheol Su-ryeon. And now, I was about to face Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun.
Tell me about it. I keep getting tangled up with monsters regardless of my intentions.
Then, the voice of the Namcheon Iron Sword echoed in my mind.
That’s not very comforting.
To Dojo Master Jeongmyeong, who was standing there dazed like everyone else, Jin-gyun said, “Dojo Master Jeongmyeong. I apologize, but would you mind stepping aside?”
At those words, Jeongmyeong’s complexion brightened instantly. He had been looking like he was on his way to an execution, but now he looked as if he had caught a lifeline.
“How could I not yield to a senior?”
He didn't miss the opportunity. He wasn't just skilled in martial arts; he was as slippery as an old snake.
Jin-gyun pointed toward the rear courtyard and said to me, “Let us go.”
He had preemptively blocked any excuse for refusal. Still, I couldn't just jump into it immediately.
“Senior, how could a junior like myself accept a challenge from you? Even without a duel, I am still no match for—”
“Do not think of refusing.”
“It is not a refusal; I am merely saying I am still lacking.”
“You speak words you do not mean.”
“That is not true.”
“Even if that is your intent, you struck down that child in a single move. If I let this pass, the people of the Murim will mock my sect for having no talent.”
Jin-gyun was being blunt about his motives. Since he had staked the honor of his sect, I had no grounds to refuse.
“Follow me.”
—Shook!
As Jin-gyun reached out his hand, the saber wrapped in cloth—shaped like a lute—that had been strapped to Jin Yong’s back was pulled through the air by Void Object Retrieval.
The crowd went wild at the sight. It was a technique possible only for those at the peak of the Supreme Peak Realm, so their surprise was natural.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun was the first to head outside.
‘Sigh.’
With no way out, I had to fight. I didn't know how things had ended up like this.
“Young Master. Isn't the Ardent King Hegemon one of the Eight Great Masters?”
“Yes.”
“He’s a scary man. Will you be okay?”
A-Song whispered, looking worried. I gave him a faint, silent smile.
Meanwhile, Sama Yeong sent me a Secret Sound Transmission.
[Young Master, knock him down a peg!]
She didn't seem worried at all. Perhaps because this wasn't a life-and-death struggle but a duel, or because I had brought back the corpse of the even more monstrous Wicked Heart Granny, her faith in me was absolute.
I gave a slight nod and stepped out into the rear courtyard.
‘It’s cramped.’
The courtyard was smaller than I expected. The warehouse and the outhouse took up most of the space, leaving barely five pyeong of actual yard.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun was unwrapping the cloth from his lute-shaped saber.
The Rending Saber. It was the prized blade Jin-gyun was famous for.
—Rumble!
Sure enough, the people from the inn came swarming through the back door. Who would want to miss such a spectacle?
The space was already tight, and as people crowded in, leaning against the walls, it felt even smaller.
‘Will this work?’
This was a clash between superhuman-level masters. If we fought properly, the surrounding area would be devastated by the aftereffects alone.
Ardent King Hegemon Jin-gyun seemed to realize this as well, frowning as he looked around. I was about to suggest moving to a different location. Here, the damage would be too great.
“Senior, the loc—”
“Since the space is narrow, let us change the method of the duel.”
“Pardon?”
Change the method? Did he mean competing with martial forms without using internal energy to avoid damage? If we did that, there wouldn't be much destruction.
However, an unexpected proposal came from his lips.
“I heard you can use the Sword Control Art?”
“……I can.”
Why was he asking that?
As I wondered, Jin-gyun smiled and said, “That is fortunate. I, too, have practiced the Saber Control Art for over ten years.”
—Slide!
As Jin-gyun took his hand off the Rending Saber, the blade rose into the air. The way it floated so naturally suggested he had indeed practiced it extensively, just as he said.
It was my first time seeing pure Saber Control Art that didn't rely on the power of the Prison Torture.
“Wooooo!”
“It’s the Saber Control Art!”
“The Ardent King Hegemon can use Saber Control!”
The spectators were in an uproar. Even I was impressed; it was only natural for the others to be stunned.
The voice of the Namcheon Iron Sword rang in my head.
He was itching to fly. Well, if this was the situation, I had no reason to refuse. I suppose this would turn into a battle between the Namcheon Iron Sword and Jin-gyun.
—Shring!
The Namcheon Iron Sword slid out of its scabbard and soared into the air. The crowd gasped in awe once again.
“Incredible!”
“A clash between the Sword Control Art and the Saber Control Art!”
“I can die happy having seen something so magnificent in my lifetime.”
Thanks to the onlookers, the atmosphere of the duel reached a fever pitch.
Jin-gyun approached me and said, “If we only compete with control arts, we cannot land a direct blow on each other. Let us add one more element.”
His point wasn't without merit. In a duel, victory is usually decided by suppressing the opponent, even if you don't kill them. But if we only used control arts, the outcome would be quite ambiguous.
“What will you add?”
“You know well how much concentration the control arts require. Let us duel while engaging in an internal strength contest.”
An internal strength contest meant pressing palms together and purely comparing the superiority of one's internal power. However, if we did this while simultaneously performing control arts, our mental focus would be divided, making it inevitable for one's internal energy to falter.
‘He wants to raise the level of the duel…’
Jin-gyun’s face was full of confidence. He clearly intended to demonstrate his superiority here and now.
Jin-gyun said to me, “If it is too difficult, we can just compete with control arts.”
……This was a blatant provocation. He wasn't telling me not to do it out of consideration; he was telling me to give up if my level wasn't up to it.
What should I do?
I spoke to Jin-gyun in a troubled voice.
“I do not mind, but are you sure you will be alright, Senior? This could easily lead to internal injuries.”
At that question, Jin-gyun’s brow furrowed fiercely. He must have taken it as a counter-provocation.
Jin-gyun spoke in a slightly heavier tone.
“They call you the Lesser Sword Immortal, and your confidence is indeed extraordinary. Fine. Let us see if your skill matches your confidence. Let the duel begin.”
Jin-gyun held out both palms toward me. I walked forward and pressed my palms against his.
Whispers broke out around us.
“Isn't the Lesser Sword Immortal at a disadvantage in an internal strength contest?”
“No matter if he broke through the wall, the Ardent King Hegemon reached that realm decades ago.”
“He’ll be at a disadvantage in terms of internal energy.”
The crowd also judged the situation to be unfavorable for me. His grandson, Jin Yong, was watching me with a smirk. He seemed certain his grandfather would win.
Jin-gyun looked me straight in the eye and said, “Whew. Then, let us begin.”
“Understood.”
—Shook! Shook!
As soon as the words were spoken, the Rending Saber and the Namcheon Iron Sword moved simultaneously, tracing brilliant arcs in the air as they clashed.
At the same time, Jin-gyun surged his internal energy.
—Gooooooo!
As Jin-gyun’s internal power flared, the ground near his feet trembled, and grains of sand began to float. I thought he would raise it slowly, but he seemed to be jumping straight to seven or eight stars of his power. He intended to end the match instantly with an overwhelming offensive.
However…
“!!!”
Jin-gyun’s eyes widened. He had likely expected to fluster me by surging his power all at once, but the reality was entirely different.
“You!”
He clearly hadn't expected me to hold my ground in the internal strength contest.
I looked at the surprised Jin-gyun and said, “You can go harder, Senior.”
“What?”
Jin-gyun looked dumbfounded. I had been curious about what level I had reached after absorbing the Wicked Heart Granny’s internal energy, so this was perfect.
‘Then, shall I properly raise my power?’
I instantly boosted my internal energy from six stars to eight stars.
“Hut!”
In that moment, Jin-gyun’s face flushed deep red, and the veins in his forearms bulged. Realizing he was in trouble, Jin-gyun pushed his internal power even further.
But I raised mine as well.
—Cr-crack!
The ground where Jin-gyun’s feet were planted began to slide backward inch by inch.
The crowd erupted at the sight.
“My god!”
“The—the Ardent King Hegemon is being pushed back in internal power!”