Chapter 690: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 690: Heavenly Dragon Martial Arts Tournament
Humans possess a great many emotions.
They are typically represented by the Five Desires and Seven Emotions.
The five cravings and seven feelings—that is what they are called.
They say these are the fundamental drivers of a human being, and that to completely transcend them is to reach a state of enlightenment…
But to be honest, I wouldn't know. I never had any interest in that sort of thing.
What matters is this:
Whether it is lust for the flesh, greed for wealth, or the thirst for fame, none of it can be obtained without life.
If that is the case, isn’t the most fundamental desire the will to survive?
The wish to preserve one’s life. The yearning to escape death.
Perhaps that is the most crucial desire a human can possess.
That was my thought as I looked down at the middle-aged man kneeling before me. He was the living proof of it.
Hwangbo Yeolwi, the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists.
A martial artist of the Fusion Realm who had joined the ranks of the Hundred Masters of the Central Plains—a close-combat specialist renowned for his heavy, devastating strikes.
As the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, he was neither particularly lacking nor exceptionally outstanding. He was simply the head of a noble clan. That was the extent of his standing.
“I heard Shaolin contacted you.”
But now, he was a man who had fallen and become a Demonic Human.
At my words, the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists spoke cautiously.
“…That is correct. They attempted to approach the clan several months ago.”
“The reason?”
“It was to request an invitation to the upcoming tournament and an official letter of congratulations from the clan lord.”
“An official letter…”
I nodded.
The request to attend is one thing.
This was a festival the Alliance was pouring its heart and soul into. It was only natural to invite a prestigious family like the Hwangbo Clan.
But to request an official letter of congratulations…
I stroked my chin, my eyes glinting.
Does the Sword Immortal intend to further solidify his position?
The Sword Immortal’s standing was weaker than that of previous Alliance Leaders, so this was likely an attempt to bolster his authority. If the noble clans and great sects sent official letters of congratulations, it would be no different from a public endorsement of his leadership.
He might have requested it with that in mind, but…
What was strange was this:
Shaolin made the move themselves.
The fact that Shaolin had personally contacted the Hwangbo Clan to deliver such a message was odd. It wasn’t a messenger from the Alliance, or even someone from the Sword Immortal’s own Wudang Sect. Out of nowhere, Shaolin had visited a noble clan to act as a proxy for the Alliance.
It felt out of place.
Are they trying to make a statement?
Shaolin was involving itself in the Alliance’s affairs. In other words, this was a demonstration of their full-fledged support for the Murim Alliance.
It must also mean they intend to get more involved.
The Shaolin Abbot, Heavenly Eye, was said to be able to see the future and read the laws of man. He had essentially declared his support for the current Murim Alliance.
“Were there any other contacts?”
“…None have been reported.”
“Tsk.”
I clicked my tongue.
This isn’t much different from what I heard before.
It was the same information I had already received through Nahee. That was the problem.
I’m sure there’s something more.
I was already receiving intelligence from Shandong through Nahee. I had hoped for a new lead this time, but it seemed that wasn't the case.
“I understand for now.”
As I spoke, hiding my disappointment, the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists bowed his head even lower. I watched him, observing his state.
His body has stabilized considerably.
The burly martial artist was as sturdy as he looked. The same went for the Qi within his body. Perhaps because he was a close-combat specialist who had reached the Fusion Realm, his internal state was quite stable.
However, I could faintly perceive a subtle instability. It was something you would only notice if you looked very, very closely.
After examining his energy, I gave a slight nod.
Not bad.
At first, his condition wasn’t just unstable—it was shattered. Now, he seemed to have finished recovering and entered a stable phase.
“You look well. It’s good to see.”
“It is all… thanks to the blessing bestowed by you, Cult Leader.”
I narrowed my eyes.
It seems he’s almost finished absorbing the Heavenly Poison Orbs.
Seeing how his energy had grown in volume and density, I was sure of it.
I fed him three of them. It’d be a miracle if he didn’t recover.
The Heavenly Poison Orb was said to be as valuable as Shaolin’s Daehwandan Pill. I had given him three. The reason was simple.
He needed that many.
The Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists’ body had been utterly wrecked. It was also the reason he had fallen to my hand.
Rumors had circulated for years that the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan was in poor health, and he had vanished from the public eye. After living in hiding as if he were dead, he began to reappear a year ago. Contrary to the rumors, he looked perfectly healthy. Thanks to that, the shaken Hwangbo Clan regained its footing.
But the truth was that the rumors were correct. The Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists had indeed been dying at the time.
And it was because of a trait specific to the Hwangbo bloodline.
The problem lay with the special martial art that only the direct lineage could inherit. Due to the nature of the Hwangbo Clan’s martial arts—which involved extreme external conditioning and the use of hegemonic techniques—it would eat away at the practitioner's life force with age.
In this process, some would contract an "External Sickness" that caused their bodies to collapse. Their muscles would break down, their internal vessels would rupture, and their lives would draw to a close.
That was his weakness.
The yearning for life.
Fall.
And I will let you live.
Those were the terms I offered him. The dying Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists accepted them all too easily.
The regenerative power he would gain by becoming a Demonic Human, combined with the Heavenly Poison Orbs to mend his broken energy, was an offer he couldn't refuse.
There were a few other steps involved, but the decisive reason the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists fell and became a Demonic Human was this:
—I will place you among the Four Noble Clans you so desire.
I would elevate the Hwangbo Clan to the status of one of the Four Noble Clans. His heart must have been swayed by that. The primal desire to survive, coupled with the desire for fame he held as a clan lord.
I exploited that, and the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists fell into becoming a Demonic Human more easily than I expected.
Until now, the Hwangbo Clan had always been second-best.
They were the clan most suited to be one of the Four Noble Clans, yet they always fell just short. That was the general perception. This was the legacy of the past lords of the Hwangbo Clan.
To end that legacy in his own generation and become the greatest lord in the history of the Hwangbo Clan—that must have been his greatest wish.
I offered to restore his health and fulfill his ambition at the same time. The Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists simply took my hand.
I just exploited his weakness.
The expense might have seemed large, but in exchange, I gained a useful pawn. It wasn’t that great an expenditure after all.
I can just make more Heavenly Poison Orbs.
I already had the recipe. Based on that, production was already underway. Naturally, the Tang Clan was in charge of this production—in absolute secrecy.
According to the Young Lord of the Tang Clan… he said there should be results within the year at the latest.
Since it was something lost centuries ago, I wasn’t expecting a perfect replica of the original. But as long as they could produce it, that alone would be enough.
“What about the other matter I asked of you?”
“The matter concerning the collateral branch has been handled as you instructed.”
The collateral branch of the Hwangbo Clan. He was talking about the Silent Fist.
“While they won’t receive the direct lineage’s martial arts, I have reduced the injustices they have suffered until now…”
I had taken measures to ensure that man could live more comfortably.
“Furthermore.”
The Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists’ purple eyes gleamed as he continued.
“As you commanded, I have prepared to convene the council of elders to nominate the Second Young Master as the Young Lord.”
The Second Young Master of the Hwangbo Clan—Hwangbo Cheolwi.
I told him once before.
That the First Young Master, Hwangbo Cheok, was trash and should be dealt with, and that I planned to make Hwangbo Cheolwi the next lord. Preparations for that were also underway.
“Not bad. You’ve worked hard.”
The corners of my mouth lifted slightly. Not bad at all. The plan seemed to be proceeding step by step.
I spoke to the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists.
“Continue preparing the rest. The time will soon be upon us.”
“…!”
“Isn’t it time you went? To join the Four Noble Clans.”
The time would be after the tournament ended. Or, perhaps, during the tournament. I would prepare according to the situation, but that would be the most fundamental timing. It was time to lay a solid foundation.
“…I will offer this worthless life to you, Cult Leader.”
The Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists bowed his head so low it nearly touched the floor. I looked down at him with cool eyes.
Of course, you’ll offer your life.
That’s why I’m using you.
There were no problems with the plan. The only variable was the reason for Shaolin’s intervention.
I’ll have to relay this part more clearly to Zhuge Hyuk.
I had an outstanding strategist on my side who could figure this out, so I would trust him. Whether that man would move according to my will was another question.
Just as I was organizing my thoughts.
“Yangcheon.”
I heard a voice call me from the side. It was Cheol Jiseon. When I turned my gaze, I saw him take something from his robes and hand it to me.
“…A message from the strategist.”
“Hm?”
I wondered why Cheol Jiseon looked somewhat uncomfortable, and it turned out to be a letter from Zhuge Hyuk.
He still seems displeased.
Just like the Immortal Healer, Cheol Jiseon didn’t seem to have a very good impression of Zhuge Hyuk. He had been like this ever since he found out Zhuge Hyuk was the Immortal Healer’s grandson. For him to act this way despite them sharing the same surname meant there was definitely some issue between them.
They’ll figure it out themselves.
I wasn’t getting involved in that. I was busy enough as it was; I didn’t have the luxury of looking into their personal affairs.
Rustle.
I immediately unfolded the letter. Inside, a few short lines were written. They were all solutions to the information and orders I had requested.
—The child of the Captain of the Sky Dragon Army has been identified. Deployed as ordered.
It seemed he had successfully found Beomdong’s daughter. I had instructed him to simply keep her under surveillance, so he must have assigned personnel.
And then.
—Unusual activity confirmed from the Wudang Sect.
Hm?
There was a piece of unusual information.
—It appears they are secretly collecting treasures.
Collecting treasures?
The Wudang Sect? If Zhuge Hyuk wrote it, the information must be correct, but I couldn’t think of any reason why the Wudang Sect would be gathering treasures.
What are they planning?
It bothered me. I knew it instinctively.
They’re up to some bullshit.
The Wudang Sect was about to cause some serious trouble.
Tsk, and of all times, the Dark King is absent.
In this situation, the fastest way would be to send someone to Wudang to gather information. But with what I did last time, and with the Sword Immortal currently in Henan, security at Wudang would be several times tighter than usual. The only person who could break through and obtain information right now was the Dark King.
I sent word for him to return, but the fact that he hasn’t means he must have his own business to attend to.
What should I do? After a moment of thought, my eyes lit up.
…There is one way.
A way to get information on the Wudang Sect. It might not be as certain as the Dark King, but a method did exist. I would order preparations for that in the near future.
And the last thing.
The final line written in the letter. The moment I read it, I froze.
Flinch—!
“Ha. Look at this.”
A laugh escaped me automatically. I couldn’t help it. The last line of Zhuge Hyuk’s letter was:
—High probability that the Dao King will ‘personally’ attend the tournament. Advise close observation.
It was information I never thought I’d see. And also…
It’s unsettling how smoothly things are going.
It was something I had secretly been hoping for.
* * *
Right after finishing my business and sending the Fierce Tiger of Nine Fists back, I headed to where the Immortal Healer was staying. Part of the reason was to see Namgung Bi-ah, but it was more to meet someone else who had come to visit.
“It has been a while.”
A handsome middle-aged man with a cold impression and a refined appearance. I nodded at the man, from whom I could feel an unidentifiable, chilling aura.
“Yes. It has been a long time.”
The middle-aged man’s identity was the current Sword King. The Lord of the Namgung Clan, the Azure Heavenly Sword, Namgung Jin.
He was just leaving the Immortal Healer’s residence, likely after seeing Namgung Bi-ah.
“Have you been well?”
The slight smile he gave me was strangely irritating. His smile resembled Namgung Bi-ah’s, as if to prove he was her father. But apart from that, there was something about him that made me instinctively want to keep my distance.
“…Yes. I trust you have been well also, Lord Namgung.”
“Still with that stiff title, I see.”
“...”
What else was I supposed to call him? A few other titles came to mind, but none I could say out loud. If I had to pick one, it would be a curse, but I managed to hold that back.
The last time I saw him… was that also a year ago?
I had visited the Namgung Clan on some business. If I recall, that business was…
To deliver the Heavenly Venerable’s letter.
I didn’t know what was written in it, but I remember delivering it since I was heading out anyway.
…And while I was at it, I took measures to keep them from visiting unnecessarily.
The sword of Namgung Myung, which the Namgung Clan had lost. Namgung Jin had been clinging to me to get it back. I had already taken steps to deal with that situation.
I observed Namgung Jin for a moment before speaking.
“Your training… seems to be progressing well.”
“It is good to hear you say so.”
Namgung Jin smiled faintly. It wasn’t just flattery. Namgung Jin’s level had indeed become much more solid than before.
When I first saw him, he was only halfway into the Fusion Realm.
In just three or four years, Namgung Jin had become a complete master of the Fusion Realm. He still seemed to lack what it took to be called the Sword King, but he was more than strong enough to be called one of the powerful.
Was that little story really that useful?
The first time, Elder Shin told him. The second time, I made a joke. The third time, I borrowed the Heavenly Venerable’s name. I had asked him to help me out in exchange for writing the letter.
To have come this far with just those three pieces of information…
In the end, it meant that Namgung Jin himself was naturally talented to begin with. Well, he was Namgung Bi-ah’s father, so was that to be expected?
“…It seems you were visiting your daughter?”
I asked, suddenly thinking of Namgung Bi-ah.
“Mm, something like that. My daughter, yes, but also…”
As he spoke, Namgung Jin’s gaze turned chillingly cold. Just as I was wondering why, I realized who else was inside.
The Monster of Wudang.
Namgung Hyung, the Monster of Wudang. He was in there too. Just by looking at the Monster of Wudang’s current affiliation, it was obvious the two did not have a good relationship.
Namgung Jin’s expression shifted for a moment before he smiled at me again.
“By the way, I was wondering how my grandfather is doing.”
A question about the Heavenly Venerable. As he had learned from the letter, he knew the Heavenly Venerable was staying in Shanxi.
“He is likely doing well.”
He probably was.
I’d rather this didn’t get out if possible.
Thinking of the Heavenly Venerable gave me a slight headache. The Three Venerables, said to be the pinnacle of the Orthodox Faction—what would happen if it became known that all three of them had stayed in Shanxi at one point?
They’d see it as a den of demons.
It was obvious. We had accomplished something no other clan in the world had.
“…Does he still seem to have no intention of returning to the clan?”
“You should ask him yourself. I am not privy to that.”
“I would like to, but… unfortunately, he does not accept my correspondence.”
After I delivered the letter to the Namgung Clan, the Heavenly Venerable had refused all contact. Anything that came from the clan was returned unread.
And yet, he hasn’t come to visit in person.
That was probably because the Heavenly Venerable had done something to ensure he wouldn’t.
“So, if it’s possible…”
Namgung Jin was about to add something else, but I cut him off.
“Before that.”
I had something to say first.
“I heard the First Young Master came as well. Where is he?”
The Pissing Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun. I had come here looking for him. According to Namgung Bi-ah, he had definitely come with them, so I had expected him to be here.
“Hm?”
Namgung Jin’s reply was unexpected.
“The First Young Master did not accompany us. He had some other matters to attend to, so unfortunately, he could not come to Henan.”
“…What do you mean?”
He couldn’t come?
Namgung Bi-ah had clearly said he was coming. Did he drop out along the way?
This makes things a bit complicated.
Namgung Cheonjun coming to Henan, and to the place where Namgung Bi-ah was staying, no less—this would have violated the shackles I had placed on him. If that were possible, I had intended to find out how.
But if Namgung Cheonjun didn’t come…
It became rather difficult to confirm. If this was the case, there was a chance he didn’t come because of the shackles. The possibility that he couldn’t come even if he wanted to.
And yet, there’s also the possibility that’s not the case.
The possibility that he could have come but chose not to. From what I could feel, the shackles seemed to be holding firm, but one could never be sure.
I need to be certain.
It seemed I would have to call Nahee to check.
Normally, I’d have to do it myself.
But the tournament was in two days. It was too much to handle this on top of everything else.
Tsk.
It was a shame, but it couldn’t be helped. I’ll put off what can be put off.
With that decision made, I bowed my head to Namgung Jin.
“Thank you for the information. It is getting late, so I will come to greet you properly another time.”
“It is not so late… Perhaps a brief sparring session…?”
Seizing the opportunity, Namgung Jin subtly hinted that he wanted a lesson. However, I wasn't interested.
“I’m afraid I have a prior engagement.”
“I have plans for today… I will pay a formal visit next time.”
Of course, I had no intention of visiting Namgung Jin. I ignored the disappointed Sword King and returned to my residence as if fleeing.
I spent my time training and organizing my schedule for the days ahead. Two days passed like that, and before I knew it, the day of the tournament had arrived.