Chapter 367: Gathering of the Orthodox Faction (8)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 367: Gathering of the Orthodox Faction (8)
Heroes are born in times of turmoil.
This saying is well-known throughout the Central Plains. Historical records attest to its truth, and the current generation is no exception. It seems history itself speaks with undeniable clarity.
Wherever danger arises, there will always be those who rise to meet it. Some strive to find hope in the darkest hours, pressing forward even in the face of death. People call such individuals heroes.
The ambush at the Heavenly Dragon Academy was no different.
Although the world has been largely peaceful, with only the occasional Demon causing trouble, this incident resulted in many young prodigies being injured or killed. Thankfully, the ambush was resolved within a single day, but the casualties were significant. The Murim Alliance never released an official count, but it's estimated that dozens, if not a hundred, perished.
If this wasn't a shock out of nowhere, then what was?
Many criticized the Murim Alliance for failing to prevent so many deaths. Some even began to question the Alliance's very purpose. They ignored the circumstances and the challenges involved, focusing solely on the fact that the Alliance had failed to protect the young prodigies. They claimed the future's brightest hopes had been crushed by the Alliance's incompetence.
Even though the Unorthodox Faction was responsible for the ambush, the Murim Alliance bore the brunt of the blame. It has always been this way. In times of crisis, people look for a scapegoat, and this time, the Alliance was the target. Though, to be fair, it was true that the Murim Alliance had been incompetent.
Furthermore, those who distinguished themselves during the incident captured the public's attention. People took a keen interest in the individuals who played key roles in the disaster. The Central Plains still hadn't managed to rid itself of Demons, and the people longed for a hero, so they effectively willed one into existence. In short, this generation seemed determined to make a hero out of anyone with sufficient talent.
So, who were the ones who stood out to people while the Alliance was busy dealing with the aftermath? Was it the Sleeping Dragon, who stepped forward against the Unorthodox Faction to protect his seniors and juniors? Or perhaps the Sword Dragon, who radiated heroism with his aura of plum blossoms?
Many students and instructors had fought bravely against the Unorthodox Faction, yet, amusingly, it was someone else who stole the spotlight entirely. One person had taken down the leader of the ambush, forcing him to his knees.
Many were shocked by the fact that a young prodigy had fought and defeated the enemy commander, especially since even the Qinghai Sword of the Kunlun Sect had lost an arm in the battle. Because of this, people began to speculate that this young prodigy might have reached the Fusion Realm.
Fewer than a thousand martial artists in history have ever reached the Fusion Realm. It is notoriously difficult to achieve, even for those who devote their entire lives to training. The Peak Realm isn't called the graveyard of martial artists without reason. Countless individuals struggle to advance beyond the Peak Realm, which is why it's also known as the grave of mediocrity.
But for a young prodigy, not even twenty years old, to achieve such a level? It was almost unbelievable. After all, no one in recorded history had ever accomplished such a feat. Still, it wasn't a lie that the young prodigy had defeated the enemy leader. The Qinghai Sword himself confirmed this after regaining consciousness.
Moreover, it was said that the young martial artist had left immediately after his victory to confront other Unorthodox Faction members who were targeting the students. Witnesses also remarked on how the sky had turned a particularly deep red that day.
The mountain, saturated with the scent of blood, saw its sky change color, and shortly after, a burning smell filled the air, overwhelming the metallic odor. The cries of the young prodigies soon gave way to the screams of their enemies. By sunset, all the Combat Qi and killing intent that had permeated the mountain had been replaced by an overwhelming Flame Qi.
The one who ruled under that crimson sky showed no hesitation in sending his foes to hell. Furthermore, his methods were said to be exceptionally violent for someone belonging to the Orthodox Faction. He either crippled his enemies by destroying their bodies or burned them alive while holding them by the neck.
Many frowned upon the story of a young Orthodox martial artist being so vicious, but others believed it was his uncontainable rage that drove him. It was said that the young prodigy knew many Orthodox comrades had been killed in the ambush, which was why he didn't hold back his violence on that blood-soaked mountain.
Bullshit.
Of course, the young man in question dismissed the tale, saying he was simply blowing off steam, but most believed he was just being modest.
In the end, he was the hero who had stopped the ambush by defeating the enemy leader. He was more ruthless than anyone toward his enemies, yet he showed no hesitation in saving others. His fierce appearance struck fear into those who witnessed it, yet his heart was said to be kinder than anyone's. He was following the same path as his father, the Tiger Warrior.
False rumors had once circulated, calling him the "dog son" of his "tiger father," but many now believed these were spread by the Tiger Warrior himself to mask his son's true abilities. This seems obvious, but when the young martial artist heard this theory, he ground his teeth, calling it all nonsense.
Despite his protests that he wasn't the heroic figure the stories made him out to be, it was too late; the rumors had already spread everywhere across the Central Plains.
Moreover, his background added fuel to the fire. He was the only son of the Tiger Warrior, a man who had once instilled fear in the hearts of all Unorthodox martial artists. Furthermore, he was the younger sibling of the greatest young prodigy of their generation, the Sword Phoenix. He had won the tournament of the Dragons and Phoenixes, was the youngest to reach the Fusion Realm, and bore the title of True Dragon, proving himself the real deal among the Six Dragons and Three Phoenixes. Others even referred to him as the biggest star of the Meteor Generation.
Because of all this, after the incident, people began acknowledging him as a master rather than just a young prodigy. They admitted that the True Dragon couldn't be considered a mere prodigy anymore. Thus, they bestowed upon him a new title.
He was no longer just the True Dragon among the young prodigies, but a new hero born into the world. People wanted a hero, and he was precisely the hero they sought. He had not only performed heroic acts, saving others without hesitation, but he had also shown utmost brutality against the Unorthodox Faction. He brought brutal punishment to his enemies with a demon-like ferocity, inspiring people to grant the True Dragon a new title.
"Lesser King of Hell."
"...!"
Trip.
Slam-!
As I was repeatedly striking the wall, my fist slipped at the sound of that name, colliding with the stone. A crack appeared with a loud impact, shaking the entire cave. I quickly covered my ears, flushed with embarrassment, and glared at the person who’d uttered the name.
"Hehe."
"...You think that's funny?"
As I looked at her in disbelief, Moyong Hi-ah just smiled, munching on the dumplings she’d brought.
"It's hilarious."
"I don't find it funny in the least."
"How odd… Do you really hate it that much? I think it's a pretty cool title."
"You know… you should at least say that with a straight face, Young Lady of the Moyong Clan."
"Ah, it seems I slipped up there."
Moyong Hi-ah realized her slip-up and tried to stifle her smile with her fingers. I ground my teeth after seeing that.
Sigh.
However, I couldn't afford to do anything bad to her. I couldn't hurt someone who had come out early just to bring me food. All I could do was grumble silently.
Lesser King of Hell, my ass.
My blood boiled every time I heard that name.
If I ever find the person who came up with that name, I'll show them the real meaning of hell.
It was a title that made even "True Dragon" sound respectable by comparison. I was from the Orthodox Faction, yet my title had "hell" in it.
Who in the world would come up with that?
The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. It had been a month since people started calling me by that title. The trouble began when odd rumors about me started circulating.
…What? I fought against evil… and what?
I only fought those Unorthodox bastards because I was in a bad mood, but somehow, the story got twisted in the most bizarre ways. Sure, I despised the Unorthodox Faction, but what I did wasn't anything grand enough to be called "judgment" or "punishment." I only killed those I needed to, and I did it without hesitation. I couldn't understand why people saw this as some great, heroic deed.
Seriously, these guys love spreading rumors.
The real problem was the way the Qinghai Sword made it sound like I'd single-handedly taken down the enemy leader.
I'm going to go insane.
Well… it was sort of true. But the real issue wasn't just that the story was twisted to make me look like a hero. It was how fast the rumors spread and how quickly they stuck me with that bizarre new title.
"It sounds fine to me. Do you really hate it that much?"
"Does it… really sound normal to you?"
The 'Lesser King of Hell' sounds normal? Is she serious?
Moyong Hi-ah offered an awkward smile when she saw my disgusted look. Judging by her reaction, it seemed she didn't even think the title was exactly normal.
"The name may be weird…"
"See? You agree with me."
"...But what matters is that you've earned yourself a title as a martial artist."
She wasn't wrong. A title for a martial artist is very important. It embodies their essence. It reflects their martial style, their traits, and the level they have achieved. Because of this, some immature types make up titles for themselves to sound impressive, but those are quickly forgotten. A true title is one given by others.
The current Three Venerables weren't called that because they claimed the title for themselves. They earned it because people acknowledged them as the strongest martial artists. It was the same with my father's title, the Tiger Warrior, and the titles held by the Lords of the Four Noble Clans. For a martial artist, a title carries immense weight.
…Even so.
"This is just too much…!"
I stomped my foot in frustration, but Moyong Hi-ah watched me calmly, her expression unchanged. She was more than used to seeing me act this way.
It's all fine.
People now considered me a master instead of a mere young prodigy? Fine. That was fine. It was all fine. This incident had earned me fame, and I figured it might even help me later on. The Lesser King of Hell? So what if it sounded a little cringe-worthy? When I thought about it, it was still better than the title I'd had in my previous li—
…Maybe not, they're both pretty awful.
…Still, I could live with it. People had already started calling me the Lesser King of Hell whenever they saw me, with some even calling me terrifying or remarkable, but I could tolerate it all.
The important part was something else.
How did these rumors spread so quickly?
Rumors about me had spread at an unbelievable speed. I didn't know about other regions, but here in Henan, they spread at a ridiculous pace. It was so out of hand that people in bars and inns talked about me day and night.
"It is indeed strange."
Judging by Moyong Hi-ah's reaction, it seemed I wasn't the only one who thought so.
"I can't help but feel that it was done artificially."
"Agreed."
"But… You already know the reason for this."
"…"
She wasn't wrong. I knew exactly how I'd ended up in this mess.
It is all planned.
I may have played a big role myself for these rumors to spread, but the Alliance was ultimately behind it.
"Considering how quickly these rumors spread, the Beggar’s Sect must have helped."
I was almost certain. I was convinced the Murim Alliance had a hand in spreading these rumors about me. There was no other explanation. The Murim Alliance's reputation was at an all-time low. People had tolerated the Alliance's incompetence because they were the heart of the Orthodox Faction, but now complaints were erupting openly against them. As a result, people started calling for the Alliance to be reformed, and some even questioned their existence if they couldn't protect anyone.
This only made me wonder more.
Why focus on me in this situation?
At first, I thought the Murim Alliance was using me to divert attention away from their own failures. This was the method they used every time they faced problems. I figured they were doing the same thing now, but a closer look suggested otherwise.
At this point,
It seemed like they were actually elevating my reputation. They were even willing to tarnish their own image to boost mine.
But why?
If that really was the case, why would they go to such lengths? No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't understand. I couldn't figure out their goal.
And the biggest problem,
…Why did I end up with such a terrible title?
In the end, my frustration circled back to that ridiculous title. Because if all of this was true, then it meant that the Murim Alliance was responsible for coming up with such a name.
Craaack-
I ground my teeth and threw another punch.
Slam! Slam!
The echo of my blows filled the cave again. Moyong Hi-ah sighed as she watched.
"Please, I told you to rest."
"I've rested plenty."
I kept training as I replied.
"…You've barely rested for five minutes."
"That much is enough."
"You are seriously crazy."
Moyong Hi-ah sounded exasperated, but I didn't let it stop me. How many days had it been since I'd started this?
I'm not sure. It feels like a week.
I hadn't kept track, so I wasn't sure. I'd only guessed the days I'd spent here in the cave, not counting my previous days of training. Even though I was starting to feel worn out, I didn't have a choice.
I'll do it since he told me to.
The crazy training was only because the Dishonored Venerable himself had commanded it. Some time had passed since I'd asked him to train me.
For martial artists, it's an unspoken rule to abandon everything they've learned in order to master new techniques. Everyone believes that it's necessary, but I still clearly remember the Dishonored Venerable's expression when I'd stubbornly told him I wouldn't train under him unless he accepted my terms, and the shift in his gaze as I began absorbing his Mind Arts.
He had a speechless expression, and it was also correct to say that he was shocked by it. Just as I'd expected, I managed to contain the Dishonored Venerable's martial arts without discarding my Gu Flame Wheel Art. Putting that aside, I was able to learn his martial arts in just a few days.
It was much easier than I expected.
To my surprise, learning his martial arts wasn't difficult at all. The Dishonored Venerable himself also said that it wasn't difficult to learn. Of course, containing two distinct Mind Arts simultaneously was a different story. The Dishonored Venerable's expression had shown just how shocking this was.
-This is unbelievable.
I assumed it was only possible because my body could tolerate multiple types of Qi. Honestly, I hadn't encountered any issues. I was a little nervous because 'Mind Arts' were different from Qi, but this omnivorous body of mine didn't seem to be picky with anything.
However…
-So you… truly possess the Celestial Martial Body.
The Dishonored Venerable seemed to view me differently. He'd spoken with a deeply shocked expression.
-You are able to contain two different Mind Arts with such control. Just what kind of control do you possess?
He sounded as if he'd discovered a new world, though to me, it was just nonsense. What did he mean by how I controlled my Qi in such a way? He said this with his hand placed on my back when he was helping me learn his Mind Art.
-How can you have such fine control over it?
-…Pardon?
Even the Dishonored Venerable's curiosity had been piqued. But, of course, all I could say was,
-…It just worked.
That was all I could say. Honestly, I didn't understand it myself. Even I thought my answer was absurd, and I worried he'd be angry, but to my surprise, he looked amused. That face of his, it was scary… Was that the problem? I believed it was.
That was why he made me do this crazy training. I successfully learned his Mind Art, so it was now time to learn his martial arts. A Divine Art known as the Heaven Destruction Art. The Dishonored Venerable had created it himself, and it hadn't even existed for a full century. Just his strength alone showed how powerful this Divine Art was. Having been on the receiving end of his attacks, I knew better than anyone just how powerful his art was.
I wondered what he'd teach me first. When I, unusually excited, asked him, he answered with a cheerful tone.
-Pass through these mountains using only the Heaven Destruction Art.
-…Pardon?
-You are only allowed to use your fist and nothing else.
After taking me to the mountain, the Dishonored Venerable started to leave, leaving me with that nonsense. When I quickly tried to get some clarification,
-…Wait, could you-
-Oh, also,
The Dishonored Venerable cut me off and said this.
-I don't want you to call me master just yet, so there is no need for that.
With that final sentence, he vanished instantly. Now, he only reappeared occasionally to check on my progress. That was why I found myself in the middle of this insane training.
That crazy man..
Only using my fist to get through these mountains? The idea was absurd, and I was at a loss for words every time I thought about it.
I must be just as crazy for actually doing it.
Here I was, just as insane, trying to break through these mountains with my fist. Anyone else would probably wonder why they were even attempting this. Moreover, it wasn't just one or two days, but close to two months. One might think I'd be better off continuing my original training, but I realized on the first day just how different this was.
This is…
The Divine Art called the Heaven Destruction Art. I began to understand why it had been easier to learn than I'd expected. If anything, this was more of a restriction than a Divine Art. Whenever I moved my body using this Mind Art, my muscles screamed in agony. My Dantian felt weighted, as though iron marbles were dragging my entire body down.
At first, I grumbled, questioning why he'd taught me this, but over time, I began to understand. This Mind Art didn't exist to bring pain to one's body; it was meant to change the body. Every time I used this Mind Art, my body transformed. The changes were subtle, yet each time I trained, I could feel my muscles strengthening. It was an unbelievable Mind Art.
Its effects were staggering, and while constant training was necessary, it was amazing how simply using this Mind Art enhanced my body. It would shock the whole world if this Mind Art were revealed. It explained how the Dishonored Venerable had grown so powerful after achieving Eternal Youth, but there was one major problem.
It's too painful.
Using this Mind Art to move brought an overwhelming amount of pain. As I said, my whole body felt great pain from it. The pain was so intense that even throwing a single punch was difficult at first. Every movement, twisting my hips, lifting my arm, sent waves of intense pain through me. Even now, after all this time, the pain remained just as intense. Sweat poured from me after the slightest movement, and more than once, I'd even fainted from the pain.
I couldn't help but wonder if the Dishonored Venerable himself experienced this pain each time he used the Mind Art. If so, then he really is a pervert… This Mind Art was way too crazy.
As absurd as it was…
I could feel myself getting stronger.
The progress was slow, almost imperceptible, yet I could sense the gradual increase in my strength. The key was that I could feel it. It was as if my body itself was transforming, rather than just my skill level. If the Dishonored Venerable had created this with that intent, then he was indeed a monster. Though I hadn't even received proper training in the Heaven Destruction Art yet, I continued this grueling routine in the cave because it was undeniably effective.
"How long do you intend to keep this up?"
To anyone who didn't understand, this training must have looked pointless, maybe even insane. Moyong Hi-ah seemed to be thinking exactly that.
"You are seriously going to hurt yourself, Master Gu…"
"It's fine."
I couldn't reveal the Dishonored Venerable's identity to anyone, nor could I talk about his training methods. So, to anyone else, I probably looked like a lunatic pounding away at a cave wall. Despite everything, she still brought me food without asking questions.
Is that because… they are already used to me doing strange things? That was kind of insulting, actually—
"Ugh…"
My fist stopped midair as a sudden, intense pain shot through me, too overwhelming to ignore. I probably would have fainted if I hadn't been careful.
"…"
Moyong Hi-ah sighed deeply and stood up after watching me.
"Please make sure you eat."
"You're leaving?"
"Yes, and Young Lady Namgung will visit you tomorrow."
"You all should just rest instead of coming out here every day."
The girls seemed to be taking turns bringing me food, even though I wasn't in the cave all day. I came back at night to eat, so I didn't understand why they bothered to bring me lunch. And yet, they still took turns.
And how does she even know that I leave the cave at night?
Moyong Hi-ah somehow knew that I had left at night and visited me from time to time. Just how did she find out?
"I'd like to rest too, but it's not so easy. Young Lady Namgung is sharp about these things… unlike someone."
"What?"
"Anyway, I'll take my leave now. You'll be back by evening, right, Master Gu?"
"Maybe…?"
Moyong Hi-ah frowned, clearly unsatisfied with my answer, but turned back toward the entrance without saying anything further.
Then,
"Oh, right."
"What now?"
"Make sure you're all cleaned up a week from now, alright?"
With that reminder, she turned and left the cave, disappearing from sight.
"…Tsk."
Her words reminded me of something I'd forgotten. She was referring to the gathering of the Orthodox Faction starting next week, and I had to attend the meeting. I wondered why I had to go, and it was because I was involved with the incident and how people now called me the Lesser King of Hell. Just thinking about it gave me a headache.
And that wasn't the only thing making my head throb.
"Sigh…"
The thought made me sigh automatically.
How many are coming again?
It was because of who would be attending the meeting. It made sense for key figures from the Four Noble Clans and the Ten Sect Alliance to come, but that wasn't what was giving me a headache. It was because of who I'd heard would be coming from the Gu Clan.
Who was it again? The First Elder, the Captain of the First Army, Lady Mi, Gu Huibi… and even Father.
Honestly, the lineup itself was fine. I knew it was necessary for the Gu Clan to attend an Orthodox Faction gathering as a noble clan. It's just…
…Why father?
Father coming to Henan was unprecedented. With the Lords of the Four Noble Clans attending, it made sense for the Lord of the Gu Clan to attend as well. But Father always seemed to avoid coming to Henan for some reason. He was called the guardian of Shanxi, and it was true that he was busy as a Lord, but he especially showed reluctance coming to Henan. He never left Shanxi unless absolutely necessary, and since he'd only ever left for matters concerning Gu Huibi and my engagement, I guessed he must feel uneasy about Henan.
Was this incident really so important that Father would come all the way to Henan?
In some ways, maybe it was, but I couldn't help but wonder. But more than anything else,
Seeing father makes me feel uncomfortable.
It was still the same. It might be a little better than before, but facing Father still felt uncomfortable. Just thinking about it was enough to make me pause mid-punch.
"Maybe I'll stop here for today."
With that thought weighing on me, I couldn't focus. In the end, I decided to end my training for the day and halted the flow of the Mind Art within me. Instantly, the pressure and pain melted away, and I could move freely again. I was drenched in sweat. Training through the pain had left me soaked. But it also felt pretty refreshing. My usual training rarely left me sweating, so I took this as a good sign.
Afterward, I changed into a fresh set of clothes and left the cave. I headed to the inn provided for the students. The survivors of the ambush weren't allowed to return to their clans or sects unless people from their homes were sent to them. Of course, students were allowed to leave if their clans or sects sent a letter to the Alliance saying it was unnecessary, but that rarely happened. With the upcoming Orthodox Faction gathering a few months away and the Alliance providing decent lodging, most students opted to stay.
As I reached the bustling streets of Henan, fragments of people's conversations reached my ears.
-The Alliance this time…
-Last time, the Alliance Leader said…
As usual, people were loudly discussing the latest rumors.
-So about the Lesser King of Hell.
With me as one of the main topics, I pulled up a face cover. I didn't usually bother with one, but the persistent rumors practically forced me to use it.
…How annoying.
It made me sigh. I don't know how I ended up in such a situation.
I'll return as soon as possible.
As I was walking past people with fast footsteps,
"Master."
A voice called out to me. Who was it? Did they recognize me? I stopped, turning toward the voice. I considered ignoring them but found myself pausing. The man addressing me also wore a face cover. I wasn't able to see his face, but-
He's strong, huh?
I could sense his strength. The man stopped, studying me, likely sensing the same thing.
"…Do you need something?"
He didn't seem to recognize me. The man, masking his surprise, answered my question.
"Do you know how I can get to the White Forest Inn?"
"…Hmm?"
I frowned slightly at his response. His destination was the same as mine. Sensing my wariness, the man continued,
"I was told that my daughter was staying there, but I don't really know how to get there as I came in secret."
Hearing this, I sized him up from head to toe. He was powerful. My inability to gauge his level suggested he was either in the Fusion Realm or an advanced Peak Realm martial artist. Sensing my continued caution, the man reached into his pocket and pulled something out for me to see. It was a letter with the Alliance's stamp on it.
That's…
It was an invitation to the Orthodox Faction gathering. After seeing that, I turned my back to the man. He seemed to be a relative of one of the students staying at the inn. With so many students there, I couldn't tell whose family he belonged to, but judging by his stance, he was clearly a formidable martial artist. Was he from a clan or a sect? I was curious, but there were more important things on my mind.
"Follow me."
"Oh, you are guiding me there?"
"Not exactly. It just so happens I'm headed there myself."
I began to lead the way. Following me, the White Heavenly Sword, Moyong Tae, started to make his way as well.