Chapter 686: Tang Soyeol of the Tang Clan (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 686: Tang Soyeol of the Tang Clan (3)
“Guuuaaargh!”
Oil Bullet Sword rolled on the ground.
“Huuuurgh!!”
The sight of him clutching his groin and writhing was pathetic, but no one pointed it out. At least, none of the men did.
“I heard it…”
“It definitely broke. That sound… something definitely snapped.”
Who knew such a sound could be so vivid? Every man present watched Oil Bullet Sword with expressions of pure, unadulterated pity.
“Ghh… Gaaah… Hkk…”
He finally stopped thrashing and managed to compose himself, though his face was pale and slick with cold sweat.
“You… You!!”
Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon remarked, “Ah, my mistake. I was aiming for your thigh. My apologies, Senior.”
He offered the apology with an expression that was anything but sorry. At his words, Oil Bullet Sword’s eyes turned bloodshot.
“You demonic bastard—!!”
“Then why’d you have to go and be a prick, running your mouth until you ended up in this fucked-up situation?”
Even as Oil Bullet Sword screamed, Gu Yangcheon simply shook his head, showing no other reaction. Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Oil Bullet Sword drew his sword.
Shing—!
A thin blade was revealed to the world. Immediately, something distinct coated its surface.
Combat Qi.
A faint blue Combat Qi swirled at the tip of Oil Bullet Sword’s sword. The image of him emitting Sword Qi while clutching his groin was somewhat bizarre, but those who saw it couldn't help but express their admiration.
“…Such beautiful Sword Qi…”
“That is the Yoryeong Baek Clan’s Yuseon's Delicate Art…! It is as beautiful as the rumors say.”
Yuseon's Delicate Art. It was the signature martial art of the Yoryeong Baek Clan. Its flowing energy was said to resemble drifting stars, making it one of the most frequently cited techniques when discussing the aesthetics of the blade.
Whoosh!
The tip of the sword trembled, and the energy began to spread slowly. Though the pain must have been immense, his grip on the sword remained steady. It seemed that despite being a bastard, he truly earned his place in the Fusion Realm.
“How dare you… u-use witchcraft!?”
“Witchcraft?” Gu Yangcheon tilted his head.
The surrounding crowd began to murmur at Oil Bullet Sword’s accusation.
“Witchcraft?”
“Did Oil Bullet Sword just say witchcraft?”
“Does he mean what just happened was the result of some spell?”
For words spat out in a fit of rage, they had a significant impact. This was the weight of Oil Bullet Sword’s reputation.
“It makes sense. It was strange from the start that such a young man could do that to Oil Bullet Sword…”
“But did anything seem strange just now? No, we couldn’t even see it.”
To ordinary people or martial artists who were Second-Rate at best, the movements had been too fast to track. The only ones who might have grasped the situation were First-Rate martial artists or stronger. They must have seen what happened, yet their faces were filled with doubt.
It couldn’t be helped. Who was Oil Bullet Sword? He was one of the hundred absolute masters in the Central Plains. Despite his serious issues with women, his standing as a swordsman was solid. And such a master…
Was beaten by someone so young?
It was something they couldn’t believe even after seeing it with their own eyes. Witchcraft was the only explanation that made sense to them.
“To use witchcraft in Henan, of all places, inside the Murim Alliance…! This is something only a madman would do!” Oil Bullet Sword shouted, pointing his sword at Gu Yangcheon.
Seeing the shimmering energy, Gu Yangcheon let out a smirk. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard that.”
Witchcraft. He used to hear it often in the past, but since he hadn’t stepped forward like this recently, the accusation felt fresh. Then again, lately, I’ve killed them before they could even say such things.
He had repeatedly disposed of his enemies before they could spout their nonsense, so there had been no time for such labels. Gu Yangcheon looked at Oil Bullet Sword with his characteristic cold gaze.
“Go on, then. What part of that looked like witchcraft?”
“Are you still trying to mock me?!”
“No, it’s not mockery… Haaah…” He started to speak but then let out a deep sigh. It seemed that whenever things reached this point, civilized conversation became impossible. “Forget it. What’s the point of talking? Just take your beating.”
Taking a step forward, Gu Yangcheon scanned his surroundings. All eyes were fixed on him. The weight of their collective gaze settled on him, heavy and burdensome.
“…Come to think of it, that young man…! I was wondering who he was, but it’s the Lesser King of Hell.”
“What? The Lesser King of Hell?”
As the title was uttered, the crowd rippled like a wave.
“I saw it clearly yesterday! The Great Saint Blade acknowledged that young man.”
“I heard Young Lord Peng caused quite a stir yesterday… Is that really true?”
The more the crowd whispered, the more intense the gazes became. It had always been this way for Gu Yangcheon, but he never liked this kind of attention. A nauseating wave of dizziness washed over him.
But he had to endure it. At the same time, a faint regret surfaced. Should I have stayed out of it?
He originally had no intention of getting involved, nor did he want to draw this much attention. The tournament hadn't even started yet; causing trouble this early would only be a nuisance later. He had intended to handle it moderately.
But that bastard.
Whether his name was Oil Bullet Sword or Yuntangeom, that fucking bastard wouldn't have pushed him this far if he hadn't crossed the line. If he had kept it moderate, Gu Yangcheon might have even let it go when the Murim Alliance martial artist intervened. But how could he hold back when the man kept running his mouth?
I didn’t like his face, either.
For such a shitty personality, the man was handsome. He looked to be over forty, yet he was attractive enough that it was no wonder women were drawn to him. That made Gu Yangcheon dislike him even more. It meant that even if he tried to go easy, his heart wasn't in it.
As Gu Yangcheon took a step, Oil Bullet Sword roared, “You baaastard—! Do you think that will work twice?!”
Oil Bullet Sword unleashed his aura and executed a move. The blue Sword Aura formed a path, carving through the air.
Swiiish—!!
It was a smooth, crisp sword art—a testament to his skill. Gu Yangcheon moved fluidly, observing the technique. Then, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
This old man is scared.
He detected a faint hesitation in Oil Bullet Sword’s swing.
He’s not a complete idiot. Looks like he knows.
When he’d babbled about witchcraft, Gu Yangcheon had wondered if the man's brain had truly migrated to his crotch. Fortunately, a bit of his mind was still intact. Oil Bullet Sword knew that what had just happened wasn't merely witchcraft. That was why his sword tip carried hesitation.
Watching this, Gu Yangcheon moved lightly. He grazed past Oil Bullet Sword’s sword art, calmly closing the distance.
“You bastard—!”
As his attacks failed repeatedly, Oil Bullet Sword’s Sword Aura grew denser. And then—
Paaaaak—!!
A haze of energy scattered and began to float in the air. It was as if stars had appeared in broad daylight. Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon’s eyes lit up with interest.
Is this similar to the Plum Blossom Sword Technique?
It looked that way at a glance, but he wouldn't know for sure without delving deeper.
Woooong.
Opening his Mind’s Eye, he examined Oil Bullet Sword’s martial art.
Judging by its level, it seems to have decent destructive power.
Though it looked delicate, the energy contained within was pure. If unleashed fully, it would be enough to sweep through this entire area. Looking at Oil Bullet Sword’s level…
He’s above Tang Soyeol in a direct confrontation.
If Tang Soyeol, an assassin, were to fight Oil Bullet Sword head-on during the day, she would lose. If they fought at night… that, he didn’t know. He didn’t know the full extent of Tang Soyeol’s skills, so he couldn’t say for sure. However, he could tell that Oil Bullet Sword’s reputation was not just empty talk.
In that case, should I just crush him now?
If he unleashed his flames, he could easily overwhelm him. Should he do that and half-kill this prick? He pondered this, but soon shook his head internally.
It’s a waste to reveal that much.
Although he had stepped forward, he had clear lines he wouldn't cross. Even if he didn't use his flames now… There’s someone who will step in anyway.
The person who would end this situation was already prepared. Remembering this, Gu Yangcheon’s gaze shifted. He extended his Mind’s Eye beyond the countless spectators. As expected, he felt a presence approaching.
If I’ve come this far, I should at least get something out of it.
If he was going to cause a disturbance, he couldn't afford to walk away empty-handed. He would gain something, one way or another. With that decision made, Gu Yangcheon looked at Oil Bullet Sword.
Swiiish—!!
In the moment he was thinking, Oil Bullet Sword’s sword art had already begun to accelerate. Gu Yangcheon increased the distance. Then, like a ghost, the tip of the sword followed. In addition, the energy Oil Bullet Sword had spread rushed toward Gu Yangcheon.
It poured down. The countless fractured energies rained down on Gu Yangcheon.
Dududududuk—!!!
The energy began to sweep across the ground.
“Uwaaah!”
“Hiiik!”
People nearby screamed at the sudden bombardment. Fortunately, there was no significant damage; it seemed Oil Bullet Sword had controlled that aspect.
He must be nervous.
He was fighting with all his might, but he knew the consequences. Causing a scene in the Murim Alliance wouldn't do him any favors.
Shriik!
A sword grazed the top of Gu Yangcheon's head. While he dodged the Combat Qi, Oil Bullet Sword persistently followed, continuously swinging his sword. It was a truly annoying martial art to deal with. It would be so much easier to just overpower him with energy, but not being able to do so was the bigger problem.
But it didn't matter.
“You only run like a rat!”
It wouldn't be long now, anyway.
Fwoosh!
Thinking Gu Yangcheon was being pushed back, Oil Bullet Sword raised his momentum. Thump! He stomped on the ground and shot forward. The distance closed in an instant. No, to be precise, Gu Yangcheon had allowed the distance to be closed.
“This is the end—!”
Oil Bullet Sword thrust his sword. The blade, imbued with Sword Aura, rushed toward his torso. Seeing it, Gu Yangcheon also slowly extended his hand. He moved slightly slower than the incoming sword—at a speed where the sword tip would reach him first if they clashed.
Finally, just before the sword reached Gu Yangcheon.
“Stop.”
Someone appeared between them.
Tuk!
“Hut!”
Oil Bullet Sword’s sword and Gu Yangcheon’s hand were stopped simultaneously.
Wuuuuung—!!!
In that instant, a Sword Resonance echoed. The sound came from Oil Bullet Sword’s blade. His blade was caught in someone’s hand. Caught between a middle finger and a thumb, the blade cried out. Gu Yangcheon’s hand was also caught, unable to reach Oil Bullet Sword.
“It seems you two have forgotten where you are.”
At the chilling voice, Oil Bullet Sword’s shoulders flinched. In contrast, Gu Yangcheon heard the voice and smirked.
He’s here.
Thankfully, he showed up right on cue.
Flutter.
A white robe fluttered in the wind. Those who saw the figure let out voices of admiration.
“Th-that person is…”
“…The Jinnyeong Sword Emperor!”
An exclamation filled with awe emerged. In an instant, the surroundings fell silent. The white uniform symbolized a member of the Alliance. The presence of the old man wearing it silenced everyone around.
The old man looked at the two and twitched his white eyebrows. “Within the Murim Alliance, drawing a sword is forbidden, except in duels permitted by the Alliance.”
As he spoke to Oil Bullet Sword, the man's hand trembled.
“Furthermore, during the tournament, disputes between martial artists are also forbidden.”
The Jinnyeong Sword Emperor. Also known as the First Sword of Henan. A figure who protected the Murim Alliance, and one of the ten true martial artists in the current Central Plains.
One of the Ten Masters of the Central Plains.
He was one of the Seven Steel and Three Fists. The old man’s eyes flashed as he spoke. “In accordance with the laws set by the Alliance, I will arrest you two for violating them.”
“B-But!” Oil Bullet Sword, his face pale, tried to protest.
But the Sword Emperor’s blade-like gaze turned to him. “Are you resisting, Oil Bullet Sword?”
“…!”
At the heavy question, Oil Bullet Sword’s lips trembled. “…No… sir.”
The man who walked around with his head held high as one of the Hundred Masters was nothing more than a loafer before the Sword Emperor. Despite the countless stories told about him, only silence surrounded him in front of the Sword Emperor. That was the presence of one of the Ten Masters.
As Oil Bullet Sword fell silent with a miserable expression, the Sword Emperor turned to Gu Yangcheon. Their eyes met. Gu Yangcheon immediately smiled brightly and said, “Please, arrest me. I won’t resist.”
“...”
Hearing his words, the old man’s expression soured for some reason, but Gu Yangcheon paid it no mind. The arrest was the same. Gu Yangcheon wasn’t particularly concerned about that either.
Even if I get captured like this, in the end… I’ll be released soon enough.
* * *
“What is the meaning of this?”
The leader of the Murim Alliance, the Wudang Sword Immortal, frowned upon receiving the report. “…Oil Bullet Sword has been arrested?”
“That is correct,” the Sword Emperor, kneeling on one knee before him, answered. “He engaged in combat within the Alliance grounds. He was subdued and arrested, and is currently placed in the basement for interrogation.”
“...”
Even after the explanation, the Sword Immortal’s expression did not soften. Oil Bullet Sword was suddenly arrested? And he was subdued while fighting?
That Oil Bullet Sword?
One of the Hundred Masters, a man famous for being a considerable expert, was caught fighting? And inside the Murim Alliance, no less? In this incomprehensible situation, the Wudang Sword Immortal examined the letter in his hand.
Flutter.
The letter detailed the events of the incident. As he slowly read, the Wudang Sword Immortal’s expression began to contort.
“His groin…?”
“...”
The Sword Emperor said nothing. It seemed he didn't even want to utter the words.
“…What was his condition?”
“He requires some treatment, but they say there is no permanent damage.”
“…That is a relief.” It was a relief in many ways. “In any case… it means that Oil Bullet Sword did, in fact, display his skills.”
“That is correct.”
“Was he serious?”
Did Oil Bullet Sword engage in the fight seriously? To this question, the Sword Emperor replied, “As he was the one who was attacked first, it is difficult to say it was his full strength. However, he was certainly not underestimating his opponent.”
“Hmm…”
It seemed like a vague answer, but it was also accurate. In any case, it was true that Oil Bullet Sword had displayed his skills. The problem was the opponent Oil Bullet Sword had fought.
“Lesser King of Hell… a scion of the Gu Clan…?” The Sword Immortal’s eyes widened as he read the text.
He knew the name. After all, wasn't he the close friend of the child the Sword Immortal both cherished and found troublesome?
So it’s that child.
The Wudang master recalled the face of the Lesser King of Hell. He had met him once before at an Orthodox Faction meeting. He was the son of the Tiger Warrior, and at the time, he was known as the True Dragon.
That child fought with Oil Bullet Sword?
Did that mean he not only crushed Oil Bullet Sword’s groin but also withstood his sword?
Hmm. The Sword Immortal’s wrinkles deepened. Is that possible?
A surprise attack might have been possible somehow, but according to the report, it was difficult to see it as just a surprise attack. Then, did the child of the Gu Clan truly fight Oil Bullet Sword? He withstood his sword and held out until the Sword Emperor intervened?
This is strange.
Although there were rumors that he had fallen from the ranks of the young prodigies after the Heavenly Dragon Academy incident… He is still a child, after all.
He had just passed the age of twenty. He was even younger than Woo Hyuk, the Sleeping Dragon. Could such a child withstand Oil Bullet Sword’s sword? Thinking this, the Sword Immortal immediately looked at the Sword Emperor.
“Guardian Captain.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“What would you say is the level of the Lesser King of Hell?”
“...”
Since the Sword Emperor had gone himself, he must have gauged the child’s level. He asked, believing this to be the case, but…
“I do not know.”
“…!” The Sword Immortal’s eyes widened in shock. “You don’t know…?”
“Yes.”
He couldn't gauge his level. That is what the Sword Emperor was saying. Hearing this, the Sword Immortal frowned.
“How is that possible?”
This was the Sword Emperor, of all people. A man who would have received the title of Sword King if not for the Sword Venerable, the current First Sword of Henan, and a man called the Guardian of the Alliance. A man who held a seat among the Ten Masters of the Central Plains couldn't gauge the level of a mere young prodigy?
The Sword Immortal showed a reaction bordering on astonishment, but the Sword Emperor’s expression remained unchanged.
“I am not lying. I could not gauge the Lesser King of Hell’s level.”
To be precise, he couldn't see it. He hadn't tried with all his might to gauge it, but even so, the fact that he couldn't see it remained. Despite his own standing, the Sword Emperor could not see through the Lesser King of Hell.
The meaning of this was none other than… The Sword Emperor and the Lesser King of Hell are at the same, or a similar, level.
Or… Has he learned a special martial art?
It could be the case that he had learned a special martial art that made it difficult to gauge his level. The Sword Immortal stroked his beard as he read the part written in the letter.
There’s a part where Oil Bullet Sword mentioned witchcraft.
There was a report that he had unleashed his Combat Qi and shouted about witchcraft.
Witchcraft…
Did the Lesser King of Hell truly use witchcraft? In the middle of the Murim Alliance? A member of an Orthodox Faction bloodline?
The former case is unlikely.
He didn't consider the possibility of their levels being similar. That was something that couldn't be explained by talent alone. It would be something beyond a miracle, defying logic and reality. However, what bothered him was…
The fact that this child is the son of that Tiger Warrior.
Of all people, the Tiger of Shanxi. The fact that he was his bloodline was what was troubling. A miracle might be out of the question, but the story could change if it was about his bloodline.
Rustle.
The Sword Immortal neatly folded the letter, put it in his sleeve, and narrowed his eyes. “Huuuum…”
This was not good. It wasn't about the friction before the start of the tournament. What was important to the Sword Immortal was that the Lesser King of Hell was starting to attract attention. He would try to quell the rumors somehow, but they were likely already spreading quietly.
That the Lesser King of Hell fought Oil Bullet Sword on equal footing. That a young martial artist’s attack had worked on Oil Bullet Sword. The rumors would be spreading one way or another. And that was the problem for the Sword Immortal.
Of all times, why is he showing his prominence now?
Yes, of all times. A martial artist of the same age as the Heavenly Dragon was showing such prominence now, of all times.
If that child has reached the Fusion Realm like the Heavenly Dragon…
He wanted to believe it wasn't true, but the circumstances made it suspicious. If that were the case, it would surely become a problem. The matter that the Alliance was currently promoting with Shaolin.
There might be a setback in the Meteor Generation Plan.
The disaster foretold by the Abbot of Shaolin, and the plan for the complete annihilation of the Unorthodox Faction before it. The plan they were proceeding with for that purpose might be twisted. Such an unsettling seed sprouted within the Sword Immortal’s mind.
Screech.
Sensing this, the Sword Immortal finally rose from his desk. “Where did you say the two are now?”
“In the interrogation room in the basement.”
“Then, now… let us go there.”
At the Sword Immortal’s words, the corners of the Sword Emperor’s eyes moved slightly. “You will go yourself, Alliance Leader?”
“That is right.”
The Sword Immortal nodded and began to walk. It seemed he had to see for himself. Only then could he be sure whether the child of the Gu Clan was a person who would be beneficial to the plan, or… a person who would be detrimental.