Chapter 75
Chapter 75
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: The Man Who Will Deal with the Old Timer
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A middle-aged man in flashy golden robes disembarked from a small boat. He headed straight toward Do Cheon and his group.
"Might you be Young Master Do Cheon of the Iron Lion Sect?"
He asked politely, but without any hint of subservience.
"Let's go."
Do Cheon made a beeline for the small boat. Byeon Ryeo-gun, Yi Yeol, and Ong Jung-seo followed without hesitation. The middle-aged man watched them with a peculiar gaze before finally stepping aboard himself.
Moments later, the small boat turned back along the waterway, heading toward a large ship in the middle of the Yangtze.
As Do Cheon's group boarded the large vessel, Iron Rod Sovereign awaited them on deck. She lounged in a grand chair that exuded comfort and luxury. Before her stood a massive table, clearly worth a fortune at a glance.
Steaming dishes, exotic liquor bottles and glasses shaped in strange, foreign designs.
But there was only one chair.
Do Cheon's group numbered four, yet there was just a single seat.
"You like playing games, huh."
Do Cheon halted and spoke.
Iron Rod Sovereign merely tilted her head in feigned confusion.
Do Cheon placed his right hand on the table and said calmly,
"I don't mind a bit of fun myself. Should I chop the legs off this table? Or sink the whole ship? If we're doing this, might as well go big—sound fun?"
At Do Cheon's words, Iron Rod Sovereign gestured with her hand. Her subordinates swiftly brought three more chairs.
"Protector, please, have a seat."
Do Cheon spoke courteously to Ong Jung-seo, who nodded and sat first. Do Cheon and the other two followed suit.
"So the legend among thieves has become the Iron Lion Sect's protector. It seems it's true."
"Since it's fact, he's being treated as such. More importantly, I couldn't care less if you're Iron Rod Sovereign or not. You seem to have business with the branch head of the main house, so talk to him. I'll step back."
Ong Jung-seo slid his chair backward while seated, crossing his arms in a clear observer's pose. Iron Rod Sovereign's gaze shifted to Do Cheon.
"Not startled? You knew I moved?"
"How could I not, when you move so blatantly. Seeing you still dress like that, it must be because you're confident in yourself, just like she said."
Do Cheon let his eyes drift to Iron Rod Sovereign's chest as he asked.
"First time."
Do Cheon met her eyes at her response.
"What?"
"Someone recognizing it's because of my confidence. First one to say it too. Who was it?"
As Iron Rod Sovereign asked, Do Cheon placed a hand on Byeon Ryeo-gun's shoulder and replied,
"My junior sister Byeon here has a knack for seeing through people's hearts."
Only then did Iron Rod Sovereign's gaze turn to Byeon Ryeo-gun.
From the moment Do Cheon's group stepped onto the deck, her eyes had been instantly drawn to the stunning beauty. But she'd deliberately looked away and never glanced back. She'd tried to deny that only the Iron Divine Dragon—who'd fought Heaven-Rending Legion on equal terms—qualified to speak with her. Yet now, looking again, she realized it.
Damn instincts envying that incredible beauty.
"I have to admit it."
Iron Rod Sovereign spoke abruptly after a pause.
Byeon Ryeo-gun simply watched. Her demeanor showed she wouldn't step forward rashly, as Do Cheon led them.
"The reason you wore that veil. It wasn't to draw eyes. You had no choice but to hide that absurd face."
Iron Rod Sovereign acknowledged Byeon Ryeo-gun's beauty outright, dispelling the envy and jealousy she'd unconsciously felt.
But that was it. She could accept one, but not two. No matter who the opponent, taking one thing from her was enough.
Iron Rod Sovereign turned her gaze back to Do Cheon.
"You must guess why I struck the Yangtze Waterway Eighteen Strongholds. No need for beating around the bush—we both know. From now on, the Yangtze waterways are the main house's."
She declared it like a proclamation. Do Cheon stared at her blankly and asked,
"What happened to the Yangtze Waterway King?"
"You already know, don't you?"
"You said he slipped away, and it was true."
"He was already mortally wounded, with the main house's pursuit squad on his tail. He's as good as dead. More importantly, why not accept the Yangtze is ours and back off? It's the path to less hassle for both sides."
"You think if I back off, the Yangtze becomes yours?"
"It already is."
"That's just your hasty assumption."
"It's not hasty—you're the one refusing to accept it."
"Quite confident."
"No need for confidence in a matter this trivial."
"Do you know what Geon struggled with most when planning for the Yangtze?"
"...?"
"The pirates. Cut them down, and they sprout back like weeds. His conclusion? Eliminating a hundred might be easy. But guarding ships when pirates set their minds to it? Near impossible. Fish slipping in anywhere, anytime, to punch holes in the hull—how do you stop that? Does Golden Emperor House think it can?"
"Station martial artists trained in underwater stealth on every ship."
"Have them guard from the water all the way to port?"
"So that's why you tried to subjugate the Yangtze pirates? And now that the main house monopolizes the ships, you'll have the pirates collect tolls instead?"
"So you struck first after figuring that out."
Do Cheon laughed.
It wasn't an admission of defeat. It was mocking. Whether deliberate or not, it irked Iron Rod Sovereign.
"Right, I struck first. Didn't want the hassle. Crush the head, and it's simple. You reclaimed the Iron Lion Sect's arts? Good—stay holed up with that. The Yangtze isn't a playground for kids. Think like it's Lake Dongting, and those hard-won arts will be worthless."
A warning laced with threat. But Do Cheon kept smiling.
"Someone said Golden Emperor House is like the demonic cults of the merchant world. The only force that can face righteous and unrighteous sects at once."
Iron Rod Sovereign neither confirmed nor denied. She just fixed her sharp, gleaming eyes on Do Cheon.
Do Cheon smirked at her expression.
"You think so too, huh."
He sneered. Before she could react, he continued,
"The merchant world's demonic cult—quite the tale. But why seek me out from such an amazing place? Waiting like this now. What's the reason? Someone like me should be beneath notice from the greats. Got me curious, so I pondered. I can't read Iron Rod Sovereign's mind, but the thought kept nagging, so I followed it."
"...?"
"Feeling offended?"
"What do you mean?"
"You've got the world in your grip, yet arrogant fools hail some trivial Iron Divine Dragon with cheers. Must've pissed you off."
"...!"
"Admit it. I'm not the first, right? Not the first you've sought out, waited for, and looked down on."
Do Cheon's question was utterly unexpected.
How could he think like that?
But he was right. It annoyed her, and it was trivial.
"I have the right to look down on you all."
"Right, right... Impressive."
Do Cheon mocked. Iron Rod Sovereign didn't even frown.
"Everyone says the world is cruel. But it's just words. They don't truly know. I wanted to show them. Reveal power even in the unknown world, and you're all nothing."
"Maybe you're right. From a demonic cult like yours, the world must seem petty. But why hole up in your house all this time?"
Iron Rod Sovereign's eyebrow twitched. He'd hit a nerve.
"Iron Divine Dragon. Fighting Heaven-Rending Legion made the world seem laughable, huh?"
"Yeah, pretty laughable."
At Do Cheon's reply, Iron Rod Sovereign scowled and stood.
"The Iron Lion Sect seized a chance through you, but you'll wipe it out too. Should've met that Yoo Geon like you said. Smart guy—he'd grasp the situation."
"True. Meeting Geon would've shown some fear at least."
"No reason to meet again."
"Negotiations off, so get lost?"
Do Cheon stood too. Ong Jung-seo, Byeon Ryeo-gun, and Yi Yeol rose as well.
"Right, get lost. Lurk around the Yangtze, and I'll uproot the Iron Lion Sect's foundation. Remember that."
Iron Rod Sovereign said coldly. Do Cheon met her gaze and grinned.
"You gave us this meeting, so I'll give you a chance. Next time, show proper deference. Or kiss every coin invested in the Yangtze goodbye."
"Won't happen. Wake up from that dream."
"So firm. Fine. Didn't tell the one who called you the merchant demonic cult, but I'll tell you."
"...?"
"The main house faced that mighty demonic cult alone. You, the world—seems you've forgotten."
Do Cheon smiled faintly.
He led Ong Jung-seo away from the spot.
Iron Rod Sovereign watched him go, then shook her head.
"Cocky punk relying on what he's got!"
"Didn't you poke her too hard?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun asked the moment they boarded the carriage. Ong Jung-seo looked on with interest. Same thought.
"Should've played nice and watched the flow?"
"That's usual."
"Yeah."
Do Cheon nodded, agreeing with Byeon Ryeo-gun. Yet he showed no worry. Meaning this wasn't usual.
"Not concerned at all?"
"Worry? My hand's too strong for that. And they haven't a clue what it is."
"...!"
"...?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun and Ong Jung-seo looked more curious.
Do Cheon smiled but didn't explain.
"You'll know soon. Don't pry. More importantly, where'd the Yangtze Waterway King flee?"
"Save him?"
"If possible."
As Do Cheon hinted, Ong Jung-seo stated firmly,
"He hasn't left the Yangtze."
"Why?"
"He's the chief of the Yangtze Waterway Eighteen Strongholds."
"...!"
"Fleeing from a strong foe and abandoning the Yangtze to survive are different."
"Leaving means losing authority as chief?"
"Exactly. So even in flight, he's somewhere on the Yangtze."
"Easy to find then."
"Hao Sect intel said Golden Emperor House warriors headed toward Jingzhou. Trace upstream that way—you'll find him. Of course, you'd need lightness skill and aura sense at branch head level."
Ong Jung-seo nodded in agreement, implying only Do Cheon could pull it off.
"Then we part ways briefly?"
Byeon Ryeo-gun asked. Do Cheon looked at her.
"This is Yichang, right?"
"Yes. Across the river."
"Wait there. Protector Ong, wait for me in Yichang. If I'm not back in two days... no. Latest, tomorrow this time."
"Very well."
Search that vast Yangtze and return in a day?
Absurd. But Ong Jung-seo accepted. Because it was Do Cheon.
Once the plan was set, Do Cheon slipped out the carriage door as it rounded a secluded hillside, vanishing in an instant.
No sound, no wind—an astonishing lightness skill.
"He could make a living as a thief."
Ong Jung-seo muttered, shaking his head.
He had comprehended his ultimate art.
Indeed. But comprehension and executing it with the body were different. Yet trying it, it wasn't hard to embody what his mind grasped. It grew smoother, more natural over time.
The energy of great nature exists everywhere.
Since leaving the cave, he'd gathered familiar natural energies to oppress surroundings. Easy, effective. Perfect against anyone short of Heaven-Rending Legion.
The lightness skill he now wielded.
Not Heavenly Demon Supremacy, the Generation's Heavenly Demon's power.
Merely slicing space ahead and leaping through the rift. Yet blindingly fast.
Against the Yangtze's mighty current, he sought traces of experts rivaling Heaven-Rending Legion. Covering distances that'd take lesser masters half a day in mere double hours, he scanned the river sharply.
Another hour passed when he spotted it—a fierce battlefield where clashing auras proclaimed their presence.
'He really didn't leave the Yangtze!'
Do Cheon smiled triumphantly and flew toward it.
Golden Martial Hall was one of three halls upholding Golden Emperor House.
If Iron Rod Sovereign's Golden Spirit Hall was the brain handling info, Golden Martial Hall handled force. Not that it represented all their might—it couldn't. Barely a third. Still not dismissible. As their official external force amid current restraint, even its lord and elites had pushed Yangtze Waterway King and his stronghold to the brink.
Golden Martial Lord skimmed the Yangtze surface, thrusting straight with his sword.
Sword aura clashed with Yangtze Waterway King's Chain-Gold Eighteen Spear. Deafening impacts rocked him, his upper body swaying wildly.
Internal injuries from facing Iron Rod Sovereign hampered his power output, costing him in direct clashes.
"Damn it!"
As Yangtze Waterway King grimaced, Golden Martial Lord's sword tip stabbed like a awl. He arched back, flipping his body to evade, then plunged into the river with a splash.
"Filthy old rat! Even a pirate chief should know shame!"
Golden Martial Lord gnashed his teeth and yelled.
He'd flee to the water whenever they went for the kill. He could pursue, but past tries gained nothing. In water, he could match, but couldn't keep up with the speed and freedom, ending on defense.
"Fine! Let's see how long you last!"
Golden Martial Lord kicked off the surface, soaring skyward. A subordinate hurled a log from the distant bank. He landed atop it, scanning the murky depths. Vision useless, but masters like him sensed beyond sight.
Yangtze Waterway King's wounds weren't light. Over a dozen clashes in pursuit left no time to heal or recover qi. Time wasn't on his side. More chases would exhaust him, worsening injuries.
Splash!
A water pillar erupted.
A black spear whirled ferociously from the depths. The log shattered. But Golden Martial Lord in midair took no scratch.
'Old man! You're at your limit!'
Attacking instead of fleeing meant desperation for a finish here.
Smirking, Golden Martial Lord flipped, sword downward, unleashing full aura to meet the surging spear head-on.
Boom!
Explosion rent the air. The pillar shattered, water spraying wildly, aura shards glittering. The two collided sharply and plunged into the river.
Splash!
Delayed pillar.
Rumble!
The Yangtze churned in massive rapids.
A final showdown, far beyond prior clashes. But it ended before resolution.
Something dropped from high sky like lightning, crashing into the depths.
Boom!
A towering water pillar surged.
Splash!
It crashed like a thunderbolt onto the roiling waves, which soon calmed.
Splash!
Another pillar, something rocketing to the bank.
Do Cheon.
He landed gripping Golden Martial Lord and Yangtze Waterway King by the napes.
Golden Martial Hall warriors onshore drew weapons, wary. Do Cheon tossed the limp Golden Martial Lord at them.
"Get lost."
He spat curtly.
They caught and checked him hastily.
Unclear how he'd been struck—semi-conscious. Someone fed a recovery pill, stimulating his philtrum. Golden Martial Lord barely opened his eyes.
"Don't... let go! Kill him!"
Gripping returning wits, he commanded.
Golden Martial warriors charged Do Cheon. His brow furrowed. Mastering natural energy allowed endless techniques. His aura drew and compressed it instantly.
Their movements slowed drastically. Do Cheon palm-thrusted with Earth-Shaking Palm, blasting them away.
Bang!
Compressed air burst, sending a hundred flying at once.
"Gotta hit hard to learn."
Do Cheon muttered, turning. Yangtze Waterway King sprawled on the ground.
"Open your eyes. I know you're awake."
Yangtze Waterway King slowly did.
"...Who might you be, young master?"
"The man who'll deal with the old timer."
Do Cheon grinned like he'd claimed his prize.