Chapter 32: Heavenly Secret
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 32: Heavenly Secret
I was momentarily speechless at Family Head So Ikheon’s unexpected words.
There is a saying that a thief’s own feet go numb from guilt. If I hadn't been skilled at controlling my facial expressions, I was so startled that it wouldn't have been strange if I’d been caught right then and there.
Lesser Conversation Sword asked me, sounding just as surprised.
‘I don’t know.’
Judging by So Ikheon’s furious voice and the way he had already drawn his sword to strike at any moment, he seemed convinced that I had become a member of the Blood Cult.
If I let this slide, I’d be a fool. For now, I had to feign ignorance and find out what was going on.
“Are you asking me if I’ve become a minion of the Blood Cult? I must say, I’m quite bewildered.”
I was seasoned in the art of deception and emotional control. However, So Ikheon’s expression didn't change at all. Not only did he not let down his guard, but he pushed even harder.
“Stop playing innocent! You, who were supposedly kidnapped by the Blood Cult, suddenly appear and shake up the main family—and you expect me to believe you?”
‘!?’
Did he just say I was kidnapped by the Blood Cult? How on earth did this man know that? My mind fell into a state of confusion.
‘A-Song?’
That couldn't be. I was told A-Song hadn't even been allowed into the main estate; he’d been beaten and driven away. Besides, So Ikheon didn't even consider me his son. It didn't make sense that he would have learned that fact from the exiled A-Song.
‘...Did the twins get caught?’
Even if they had, it hadn't even been a day yet. It was too fast for information to travel from their side.
‘Baek Hye-hyang?’
That was also strange. From what I’d heard, it was highly likely that Baek Hye-hyang’s side didn't even know I was alive yet. It was impossible for them to have noticed my plan and made a move already.
‘What is it, then?’
I couldn't figure it out with just these fragments. I had no choice but to ask directly.
“I truly cannot understand what you are saying, Father. Who told you I was kidnapped by the Blood Cult?”
Then, another unexpected answer came from So Ikheon’s mouth.
“It was A-Song.”
The source of the information was none other than A-Song. How could he have heard that from A-Song, who was supposed to have been chased away and disappeared? I stepped forward and questioned So Ikheon.
“I heard A-Song was driven out from the Outer Hall, so how...?”
“A-Song is one of my men.”
‘!?’
What kind of ridiculous nonsense was this? Family Head So Ikheon was claiming A-Song was his man. There wasn't a single flicker of doubt or hesitation in his eyes or expression.
‘...That can’t be...’
Even as I thought that, questions began to crawl up from the depths of my heart. Although A-Song had served my mother and me for a long time, strictly speaking, the one who had hired him and placed him with us was the Family Head.
However, that boy had served us with all his heart. He had even followed me when I was kicked out of the main family.
‘The opposite?’
‘Planted by the Family Head?’
I couldn't accept that. For what reason would he plant him? Was it because he actually thought of me as his son, even though he never showed it?
‘That’s nonsense.’
If that were the case, he should have protected me long ago. Instead, the family treated me like trash and eventually cast me out.
I think I understand now. He’s testing me. Does he think that if he claims A-Song is his man, I’ll reveal the truth?
I spoke with a somewhat cold voice.
“Where is A-Song?”
“Answer the Family Head’s question first! What happened during the year and several months you were gone? Do you think it’s logically possible for someone whose Dantian was destroyed to not only recover it but also break through the wall of a First-Rate master?”
Logic, huh? Right. I used to think that way too. But after my regression, I realized that just staying still wasn't the answer. If you clash, other answers and paths reveal themselves.
“I’m standing here like this because it is possible, am I not?”
At my words, So Ikheon shook his head. Then he spoke.
“Even if I haven't done much for you as a father, I’ve watched you since you were a child. You, who only ever looked at others' reactions and lived like a wreck after your mother died, were taken in as a disciple of the Namcheon Sword Guest and changed? Do you think a person can change that much in such a short time?”
“Is that your evidence that I’ve become a minion of the Blood Cult?”
“People do not change easily. However, it is not a difficult task if one borrows the power of evil arts, like those of the Blood Cult, the Evil Faction, or the Black Path.”
“You sound just like my eldest brother. Hengshan's First Sword has already proven my skill. Even so, do you still believe I’ve fallen into the Blood Cult or the path of heresy?”
“It has been fifteen years since the Namcheon Sword Guest disappeared. Did you think this Family Head would believe you just because you showed a single martial form and mentioned a few words about the relationship between Hengshan's First Sword and that man?”
“........”
It seemed I had underestimated So Ikheon. It appeared that my attempt to draw attention to myself to secure the position of successor representative had instead piqued his suspicion. So Ikheon continued, his sword still aimed at me.
“There is more evidence that you are a minion of the Blood Cult.”
“Evidence?”
“You appeared coincidentally just before the Grand Martial Assembly. And then you suddenly demanded the position of successor representative.”
I was momentarily speechless. It seemed there was much I didn't know about the man known as So Ikheon. I hadn't realized he was someone with this much insight.
‘What?’
When I showed my displeasure, Lesser Conversation Sword glossed over it. So Ikheon must have opened his energy sense, as a sharp aura began to radiate from him. He was indeed worthy of being one of the three great masters representing Hunan Province.
“Do you know why the Grand Martial Assembly is being held? Do you think it’s being held simply because the alliance with Peerless Fortress was broken?”
“What do you mean by that?”
So Ikheon spoke meaningfully, his voice growing heavier.
“The Blood Cult is attempting to rise again. They have been hiding in the shadows for a long time, building their strength. Do you think that power was created out of thin air?”
...Ha. This is truly impressive. In a way, he’s just the head of a single martial family, yet even he possesses this level of insight. It seems the victory of the Orthodox Martial World in the last Great Orthodox-Evil War wasn't just due to heaven's luck.
‘Young Lady. This won't be easy.’
In the midst of this, Baek Ryeonha came to mind. Had I already started thinking of myself as a member of the Blood Cult without realizing it? So Ikheon pointed a finger at me and said:
“The secret to how those bastards build their strength isn't difficult to guess. They kidnap young boys like you and raise them to be their people.”
He was right. He was so accurate that I was at a loss for words.
“If I were the Blood Cult, there would be no better opportunity than this assembly.”
I unknowingly swallowed hard. Had he even guessed the plan to seize the Blood Demon Sword?
“If they kidnap someone from a prestigious orthodox family like you and brainwash them into a minion of the Blood Cult, how useful you would be as a spy.”
However, his thoughts hadn't reached that far yet. Even so, it was amazing that he could deduce this much.
‘A-Song?’
Ah... Lesser Conversation Sword’s words made sense. Originally, A-Song was destined to die, but he survived while knowing the fact that I had been kidnapped by the Blood Cult. Perhaps that had an influence. Before my regression, I was simply kicked out when I returned to the family, but to think it would have an effect like this.
Lesser Conversation Sword asked worriedly. It seemed he felt that So Ikheon was already certain of his suspicions. Right. Anyone else in this situation would be flustered and not know what to do. But how many times had I faced suspicion while serving as a spy?
I shook my head and said, “So, Father, are you saying that I’m trying to become the family’s successor representative just to act as a spy for the Blood Cult at the Grand Martial Assembly? Now you’re framing me like that.”
Seeing me speak as if I were disappointed, So Ikheon’s eyes narrowed. He stared intently into my eyes, as if trying to gauge whether I was lying or telling the truth.
“My Master would be unable to hide his disappointment in the Yikyang So Family.”
I deliberately brought up the Namcheon Sword Guest. He said he didn't believe me, but he must be half-doubting. If I wavered here, it would only expose my weakness. I had to push back even harder.
So Ikheon, who had been watching me, finally spoke.
“Do you wish to prove your innocence?”
“You’ve already framed me like this; how am I supposed to prove it?”
“It’s not difficult. If you want to prove your innocence, undo everything you’ve done since you arrived here. And give up on the position of successor representative.”
This isn't easy. So this is how he’s playing it.
“It’s laughable that my innocence is proven only if I give up everything and stay still.”
I sneered openly. If I just followed his wishes like this, all my plans would be ruined.
“And if I can’t do that? Will you then refuse to give me the position of successor representative? I can bring more glory to the family than my two brothers...”
“Stop right there!”
“Pardon?”
“Even if you do not give up, I will not give you the position of successor representative.”
“...I see you truly do not consider a child your own unless they are born of the legal wife.”
“Do not misunderstand.”
“?”
“You are not qualified. What meaning would there be if the person representing this family as the successor representative gained fame using the sword techniques of the Namcheon Sword Guest?”
I finally understood his true intentions. He had planned to reject my request for the successor representative position at the banquet in this manner.
At that moment, So Ikheon took a Qi control stance. It was the stance for the Cave Breaker Sword Technique, the family’s high-level sword art that So Yeong-hyeon had shown when he fought me.
I felt a tremendous pressure. It was incomparable to So Yeong-hyeon, who was merely a First-Rate master.
“This is my final warning. If you have even a shred of righteous spirit as an orthodox martial artist and pride in the blood of the Yikyang So Family, stop here and surrender.”
Ha! Righteous spirit as an orthodox martial artist? Pride in the blood of the Yikyang So Family? Anger surged from deep within me.
“...And what will you do if I surrender?”
“I will examine the source of your internal energy and thoroughly check if you have been brainwashed. If you are truly innocent, there is no reason for you not to accept this.”
That would only prove my innocence. In the end, he had no intention of making me the successor representative anyway.
Sring!
I drew the Namcheon Iron Sword from the scabbard on my back. So Ikheon’s face hardened terrifyingly.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“You say you won't give me the position of successor representative no matter what, yet you ask me to surrender and allow you to examine my Dantian when I belong to another sect? Even for a father, you are going too far.”
So Ikheon frowned at my words. For a member of another sect to examine the source of one's internal energy was the same as forcibly learning their energy circulation method. This was an act considered taboo even in the Orthodox Faction, unless the person was an enemy. He reacted that way because I had pointed this out.
“For the sake of my sect’s honor, I have no choice but to protect myself.”
So Ikheon’s eyes turned sharp at my words.
“Whether it be evil arts or not, do you think you can defeat me with such meager training?”
It seemed I had touched his pride. He had already gauged my skill through the aura I radiated. Furthermore, since he had seen my brief duel with Hengshan's First Sword with his own eyes, it was natural for him to act this way.
“Won't we have to fight to know the outcome?”
Thump!
So Ikheon stomped his foot on the ground. Cracks spread across the solid floor of the training hall, centered around his foot. The internal power of So Ikheon, known as the Yikyang Sword Genius, had indeed reached the peak of the Supreme Peak Realm.
“You will regret your decision.”
“I will not.”
“Hmph!”
With a snort, So Ikheon’s figure rapidly closed the distance. The Cave Breaker Sword Technique was a style that emphasized weight as it utilized a heavy sword, but in the hands of a master of his caliber, the sword forms possessed speed as well.
‘Whew.’
I circulated the power in my lower Dantian to its maximum. I unleashed my sword forms while maintaining Ten Stars of internal power.
‘Illuminating Shadow Sword.’
The third form of the Life Bright Sword Technique: Illuminating Shadow Sword.
Like soft willow branches, the sword form underwent numerous transformations, surrounding the heavily tracing Cave Breaker Sword Technique as if enveloping it in a net.
Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!
The ringing of steel echoed through the training room as sword met sword. I tried to suppress strength with softness, but the internal power and domineering momentum loaded into the Cave Breaker Sword forms were so strong that my sword strikes were repeatedly deflected.
“Hah!”
Clang-clang-clang!
As my sword form wavered, So Ikheon didn't miss the opening and thrust his sword forcefully through the gap in my technique, aiming for my chest. I hurriedly changed the trajectory of my sword and blocked it with the flat of the blade.
Clang!
Step-step-step-step!
Although I blocked it with the blade, the difference in internal power caused me to be pushed back. Seizing the momentum, So Ikheon changed his sword path and swung at my left shoulder.
‘He’s not going to give me any breathing room.’
Clang!
I hurriedly twisted my sword to block it. As the swords collided, the blade of the Namcheon Iron Sword vibrated, and my body was flung to the side.
“Urgh!”
The difference in internal power was too great. If I had just reached the Supreme Peak Realm, my opponent was at its very peak. As he stood before that wall, our levels were fundamentally different.
Thud!
As I was flung back, I kicked off the wall of the training room to utilize that force. Then, I swung my sword toward So Ikheon.
“It’s useless.”
So Ikheon struck my incoming sword downward with great force.
Clang!
Was this the essence of the heavy sword? As if a thousand pounds of force had been applied, my body, holding the sword, was forced to the ground. I forcibly rotated my body to dissipate this force.
Whirl!
The force loaded into the heavy sword was neutralized, and my body felt lighter. However, So Ikheon didn't miss that gap and unleashed a leg technique at me while I was still spinning.
Clang!
I blocked it with the flat of my sword, but I was sent flying and crashed into the training room wall.
Boom!
“Kh...!”
Cracks appeared in the solid wall. If it hadn't been for the Namcheon Iron Sword, the blade would have bent under that supreme internal power. He was clearly utilizing his superior internal power to his advantage.
So Ikheon said to me, “That’s a better sword than it looks. If not for that sword, you would already be lying on the ground.”
“I suppose so.”
“The gap between you and me is vast. Accept your defeat and surrender.”
“You’re treating me like a criminal, not a son.”
“Do not appeal to my emotions.”
So Ikheon rebuked me coldly.
“Sigh.”
A sigh escaped me involuntarily. Seeing this, So Ikheon put his hands behind his back and looked down at me arrogantly.
“This is my final warning. If you swing your sword again, you must be prepared for broken bones this time.”
“You truly are worthy of the title Yikyang Sword Genius.”
“Will you surrender?”
“Father.”
Dust-dust!
I stood up, brushing the dust off my clothes. Then I said to him:
“You’re too strong for me to face while holding back.”
“What?”
At my words, Family Head So Ikheon’s expression twisted terrifyingly. Since I had been pushed back to the point where the gap was obvious, my words must have sounded incredibly arrogant.
Slide!
I aimed my sword at So Ikheon and said, “The Life Bright Sword Technique of my Master that is known to the world is the version before it was supplemented and its forms evolved. From now on, it is the True Life Bright Sword Technique.”
“What are you talking about...?”
Flash!
In that instant, my figure lunged toward So Ikheon.
‘!?’
As my speed suddenly increased, So Ikheon hurriedly unclasped his hands from behind his back and swung his sword to block.
Clang!
The moment the swords collided, So Ikheon’s body was sent flying backward. His eyes widened. It was only natural for him to be surprised. Since I had opened my middle Dantian, the internal power was worlds apart from before.
“You!”
So Ikheon hurriedly unleashed a sword form while still suspended in the air. Judging by the way the momentum of the heavy sword surged more fiercely than before, it seemed to be an ultimate technique of the Cave Breaker Sword Technique.
Boom!
I stomped my foot hard on the ground. Then, from a thrusting stance, I turned the hand that had pulled the sword to the left. An intense momentum, like the precursor to a gathering storm, concentrated at the tip of the sword.
‘True Chasing Return Sword.’
The sixth form of the True Life Bright Sword Technique: Chasing Return Sword.
The true Life Bright Sword Technique, manifested by the Five Star internal power of the Life Bright Divine Art, which was based on innate true Qi rather than ordinary internal energy.
Its power...
Clang-clang-clang-clang-clang-clang-clang!
...instantly shattered and pierced through So Ikheon’s ultimate technique. It was like an irresistible force. So Ikheon’s body was swept away by the maximized thrust that spiraled in like a storm.