Chapter 120: Sword with no Honor (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 120: Sword with no Honor (2)
You bastard…
[Will you stop cursing already? How can a Taoist have such a foul mouth?]
You are truly peerless when it comes to shamelessness. To dump this tedious work on this old man without so much as a flicker of guilt.
[You don't pay rent. Is it so wrong to help out a little?]
Just go die…
Elder Shin’s grumbling was endless. Yet, he still picked up the sword.
Just so you know, I’m taking this body for good this time.
[Are you a bandit with a conscience now, giving a warning first?]*
Control of my body naturally passed to Elder Shin.
He had told me before that he couldn’t do this often.
But seeing him now, I had to wonder if that was really true.
I never lied to you. It’s true that I cannot remain in your body for extended periods.
My stance and my breathing changed the moment he took over.
It was fascinating to watch.
Just like before, I was able to perceive things that were normally beyond my grasp.
Was this a form of enlightenment? If so, what could I learn from it?
You could have fought yourself without picking up the sword. Was there a reason to hand the task to me?
A reason?
[I’m not sure.]
I had chosen this option simply because it was the safest, and also out of shock.
After all, no one in this world knew that Elder Shin resided within me.
Your chances of winning weren’t that low, given your skill with fists. I’m sure you realized that yourself.
[Yes, I know.]
To maximize my odds, I had arranged a duel forbidding the use of Qi. But to properly provoke Namgung Jin, I thought wielding a sword would be the most effective method.
In the end, everything went according to plan, yet I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
You’re disappointed that you aren’t the one fighting, aren’t you? Even though you pushed this work onto me… Do you want to switch back right now?
I really am a martial artist at heart. I grew greedy, wanting to experience a clash between two masters firsthand. But I know now is not the time. I must endure.
[No, I’m fine. Good luck.]
Tsk…
Elder Shin stood still, staring straight at Namgung Jin, who still looked furious. His brow was furrowed, and it didn't seem like he would let go of his anger anytime soon.
“How did I end up with a brat like you… God must truly be dead.”
Elder Shin slowly raised the sword. Seeing this, a light ignited in Namgung Jin’s eyes.
He promptly asked, “You have experience with the sword?”
It seemed he had sensed something just from Elder Shin’s movements. He truly lived up to his title as the Sword King.
Well, I had to respond, so I whispered to Elder Shin.
[In the past…]
“…In the past?”
[I learned it as a joke, my Lord.]
“I learned it as a j-joke, my Lord.”
[Elder Shin… your voice.]
Must I really speak so formally to that young pup?!
Elder Shin’s pride rebelled against the idea, but thankfully, it didn’t cause an issue.
In fact, it seemed to agitate Namgung Jin even further. His expression twisted, becoming even more terrifying than before.
“You insist on fooling around until the very end.”
[He seems very angry.]
…And whose fault do you think that is?
“I’m curious how long you can keep up this act in front of me. Fine. Since you wish for it so dearly, I will surely take your arm.”
-Ring-!
The sword drawn by Namgung Jin resonated, vibrating with a loud hum. This phenomenon was known as Sword Resonance.
It was said that when a swordsman reached a certain level of proficiency and mastery on the path of the sword, they would become one with their blade. This ability had nothing to do with the manipulation of Qi.
Becoming one with the sword.
The more the sword and its wielder harmonized and resonated, the louder the echo would become.
Thus, Sword Resonance… was the beginning of that unity. To reach this point was the dream of every sword practitioner, and it also signified the start of the final journey on the path of the sword.
Not a bad resonance.
Even as Namgung Jin’s sword resonated wildly, Elder Shin remained still, seemingly impressed.
“If I were to compare him to that Myung bastard, it would be like comparing heaven and earth, but I can see he is well-trained.”
[Myung?]
Just someone I knew. A guy from the Namgung family, and a skirt-chaser.
…Was he talking about Namgung Myung just now?
If he meant the Thunderous Sword, that was one of the five heroes who, alongside the others, had slain the Blood Demon.
It seemed I was correct, as Elder Shin clicked his tongue and continued.
Tsk. At the very least, I should be served drinks in the afterlife, yet here I am, playing with that bastard’s descendant.
A sudden pang of guilt hit me upon hearing his words. It was a feeling I hadn’t experienced before.
You rotten little shit, I swear to god…
[Anyway, will you be alright?]
…About what?
[Even without using Qi… the opponent is quite formidable.]
Wow, you’re worried after dumping this on me?
Elder Shin’s voice was full of clear astonishment. I wasn’t underestimating his ability, but he wasn’t using his own body. He was using mine, which still had many flaws. I couldn’t help but worry.
Don’t worry about useless things.
As Elder Shin spoke, Namgung Jin leveled his sword and spoke arrogantly.
“Come, brat. I’ll give you ten sec—“
Namgung Jin couldn’t finish his arrogant sentence…
-Riiiing-!
…because an echo, far too loud and sharp, stabbed at his eardrums, drowning out his words. It was significantly louder and clearer than the Sword Resonance emanating from Namgung Jin’s own blade.
It was as if a giant bell was tolling nearby—a deafening ring erupted from the sword in Elder Shin’s hand.
Elder Shin then spoke to me.
You little shit, do you remember who I am?
Namgung Jin’s astonishment didn’t even register with me.
The surroundings were instantly flooded with Elder Shin’s overwhelming presence. How was he able to exert such pressure without using a single wisp of Qi?
Even if I brought my prime self from my past life here, I highly doubted I could manifest such an overpowering aura as Elder Shin did.
I never knew the gap between levels could be so overwhelming.
As I marveled at Elder Shin’s aura, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
Nothing can stop me… except time.
Just what level had Elder Shin reached as a martial artist?
And how had a martial artist of his caliber become trapped as a mere wandering spirit inside a treasure? It was one of the greatest mysteries to me.
I am the Divine Sword of Mount Hua, Shincheol.
-Riing-!
* * *
The current generation of prodigious martial artists was called the Generation of Meteors.
However, not so long ago, there was a similar group of geniuses and prodigies who shared a comparable fame.
Geniuses are indifferent to the era. No matter the season, the stars will always shine in the night sky.
Namgung Jin was one such star.
It didn’t take long for the young prodigy—Namgung Jin, then hailed as the Sword Dragon—to earn the title of Sword King.
This was almost inevitable.
The title of Sword Dragon was practically reserved for the Namgung Clan.
And so was the title of Sword King.
If not for the existence of a monstrous talent named Yung Pung in the martial world, Namgung Cheonjun would have easily claimed the title of Sword Dragon for this generation.
Namgung Jin never doubted that he would reach the pinnacle.
His grandfather, though never earning the title of Sword Venerable, was called the Lord of Heaven, meaning he had transcended to the ephemeral skies.
Namgung Jin never even entertained the thought that he might not achieve the same.
His arrogance matched his overwhelming ability, and he believed he would one day earn a title of his own.
He would stand above the heavens as time flowed onward. His realm was more than sufficient for such a feat. At least, that was the future Namgung Jin envisioned for himself.
If only that insufferable ‘man’ had never existed.
…Your remnant still haunts me, even here.
The autumn night was as cold as ever. A breath leaking out as white steam was proof of that.
Exhaling slowly, Namgung Jin steadied his emotions.
He keenly observed the boy standing before him.
The boy who bore an uncanny resemblance to the Gu Cheolun of the past.
Namgung Jin had already gathered information on him beforehand.
He was, after all, the son of Gu Cheolun. That alone was enough to pique his interest.
The boy was said to have little talent and was inherently lazy. He had even heard the boy had a cruel and violent temper, making him difficult to deal with.
He may have fathered the ultimate genius—the Sword Phoenix—but he had no luck with his son.
With that thought, Namgung Jin had drowned himself in alcohol one lonely night.
That was a year ago.
But then… just who was this monster standing before him now?
Namgung Jin couldn’t comprehend it.
-Ring… Ring…
“Impossible…!”
The boy’s sword was resonating.
That was undoubtedly Sword Resonance. Even as he acknowledged it in his mind, it was still incredibly hard to believe.
That can’t be.
The boy might have reached a high level as a martial artist, but making a sword resonate was an entirely different matter.
It was a phenomenon difficult to achieve even for swordsmen who had undergone immense training.
Furthermore, Gu Yangcheon was primarily a fist fighter. His gait, his breathing, even the way he evoked and manipulated his Qi—all were vastly different from a swordsman’s.
But now?
…Everything has changed.
His breathing, his movements—everything about him had transformed completely. The change was so drastic that Gu Yangcheon now gave the impression of having been a swordsman all along.
Had he… been hiding his power? But what reason would a mere brat like him have to do such a thing?
He wasn’t even at an age where he could conceal his strength effectively.
Namgung Jin wondered if the boy had done something to the sword itself, but the sword he held belonged to the Namgung Clan.
He had seen it with his own eyes—the boy picking up the sword from an unconscious Namgung clansman.
“You said you’d give me ten seconds?”
Hearing Gu Yangcheon’s voice, Namgung Jin’s breathing rhythm shattered.
“I have no intention of refusing this offer. So, think carefully, lest you regret it.”
There was a strange change in his manner of speech now, but Namgung Jin had no time to ponder it.
Ten seconds? Originally, whether it was ten seconds or a hundred mattered little to him.
Their levels were clearly different, as was their depth of enlightenment.
They stood on completely different planes as martial artists.
This would hold true even without the use of Qi.
Their perspectives, their perceptions, were worlds apart. And it should have remained that way.
But now? What about now?
Namgung Jin was forced to doubt that conviction.
-Crack.
A rough sound escaped Namgung Jin’s lips.
Am I… afraid? Of a brat younger than my own son?
Me, the Azure Heavenly Sword?
Impossible.
He refused to believe it. No, it was obvious he didn’t even entertain the mere possibility.
“You must have some trick up your sleeve.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Yangcheon’s expression instantly morphed into one of profound disappointment—a reaction Namgung Jin clearly recognized, as the boy made no effort to hide it.
“You’re different from that Myung bastard. How disappointing.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s nothing, Lord Namgung.”
As he spoke, the sound from Gu Yangcheon’s sword ceased.
The sword’s resonance had stopped.
The night’s cold breeze continued to blow, but the boiling emotions within Namgung Jin refused to cool.
He wanted to swing his sword and cut the boy in half right then and there, but he restrained himself.
Everything he had worked for would be ruined if he lost control now.
So he held back, desperately.
However, he had no intention of letting the brat off lightly after all the insults hurled at him from his undeserved high horse.
He said to take an arm, right?
That was the wager. Namgung Jin suppressed the smile trying to creep onto his lips.
The boy was the Young Lord endorsed by Gu Cheolun himself. Therefore, even Namgung Jin couldn’t go too far.
I’ll just cut it off.
He planned to sever the arm cleanly. That would make reattachment easier.
Namgung Jin knew the Immortal Healer was currently staying with the Gu Clan. The information wasn’t exactly hidden.
He didn’t know how the Immortal Healer had ended up with the Gu Clan after being with the Namgung Clan and then traveling to Shaanxi.
But Namgung Jin thought, ‘If the Immortal Healer is here, I don’t have to hold back too much when teaching this little rascal a lesson.’
“I’ll give you ten seconds.”
“Hmm… Will you be alright?”
“How ridiculous that you dare worry about me.”
“…I know. How did I end up like this?”
Suppressing his resentment, Gu Yangcheon raised his sword with a lamenting expression.
-Tap!
He rested the sword on his shoulder and began moving at a leisurely pace. His movements were terribly poor.
Was I mistaken?
His breathing and movements earlier had been those of a skilled swordsman, but now that impression had vanished as if it were all a lie.
Why even make a bet if he was going to be like this?
Was this just the whim of an immature child?
As these thoughts raced through Namgung Jin’s mind, Gu Yangcheon continued his approach with clumsy steps and poor posture.
His movements were so full of openings it was almost comical.
Namgung Jin felt he could kill him with a single blow, no matter where he struck.
I was worried for nothing.
When Gu Yangcheon came within striking distance, he moved his sword hand, his face calm.
-Ring.
Suddenly, the sword in Gu Yangcheon’s hand began to resonate again.
It was an electrifying sensation.
A chill ran down Namgung Jin’s spine the moment he registered the sword's echo. Simultaneously, Gu Yangcheon’s sword moved in a bizarre manner.
The swing was slow and heavy. The blade traced a path like a semicircle, akin to the crescent moon in the sky. The speed was so sluggish that Namgung Jin could see every minute movement.
The Namgung Clan’s sword arts specialized in speed. They imbued their blades with Lightning Qi and lived life at a faster tempo than others.
There was no way Namgung Jin, standing at the pinnacle of such a clan, would be unable to dodge such a slow, amateurish strike.
At least, that should have been the case.
Then why won’t my body move?!
The night sky seemed to be split in two by this sluggish, seemingly amateurish sword swing.
His poor movements now appeared elegant and refined.
What is this? How can such profound enlightenment be imbued within this strike?
The stars seemed halved, and even the moonlight from above was split by the sword. The poor, sluggish blade finally reached Namgung Jin.
-Swish-!
After what felt like an eternity…
The outcome could not have been more pathetic.
Gu Yangcheon had simply made a straight swing.
But the same could not be said for Namgung Jin.
Observing the scene, Gu Yangcheon spoke calmly and evenly.
“I thought you promised…”
Namgung Jin, who should have been right in front of Gu Yangcheon, had vanished. Looking around, he found him standing far away in a completely different direction.
Huff…
The sound of ragged breathing filled the air. It did not come from Gu Yangcheon.
Standing a fair distance away, Namgung Jin was breathing heavily.
Cold sweat streamed down his face alongside his rough breaths. His body was tense and nervous.
“…that you wouldn’t use Qi.”
Only upon hearing these words did Namgung Jin finally check his own condition.
A faint trail of Lightning Qi was swirling around his body.
Namgung Jin could only stare at Gu Yangcheon, his face a mask of horror.
“How…?”
“I’ll pretend your offer never existed. I’d like to extend the same courtesy, but it would be too taxing on this poor body. I hope you understand.”
Gu Yangcheon’s sword was pointed at Namgung Jin. There was no resonance now.
Yet, Namgung Jin felt as if he could still hear the sword ringing in his ears.
He finally perceived what he couldn't before. Was it a hallucination? In Namgung Jin’s eyes, Gu Yangcheon’s body now resembled a sharp, deadly sword.
Has he become one with the sword?
Namgung Jin shook his head, trying to dispel the terrifying thought, though doubt lingered.
He himself had not reached that level. No, could it even be called a level? His grandfather once said it had nothing to do with reaching a specific stage.
Does that mean he truly unified with his sword? Namgung Jin wanted to shout that it was impossible, but he couldn't, because he himself was uncertain.
“Your sword isn’t resonating.”
Namgung Jin snapped out of his thoughts upon hearing Gu Yangcheon.
“That’s what I told a friend in the past.”
“You dare to teach me—?!”
“That part is similar to him. That crazy bastard responded the same way.”
“What nonsense are you spouting now…?!”
“It’s nothing. It’s only natural for things to change with time.”
The footsteps slowly approaching him were unwavering. His grip on the sword remained clumsy, but Namgung Jin’s mind was already in turmoil after witnessing the previous movement.
Gu Yangcheon took another step forward…
“But I suppose that bastard wouldn’t have wanted things to turn out this way, so it falls to me to clean up. How ironic. This was never supposed to be my role.”
“You…!”
Just as Namgung Jin’s shattered pride was about to transform into raging anger, something slashed past his neck.
Namgung Jin stumbled back, clutching his neck. Despite the clear sensation he had felt moments before, his neck was not severed.
“I suggest you focus. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
As these words ended, Gu Yangcheon’s sword swept through the empty air once more.