Chapter 160

----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: Ryuma Chapter: 160 Chapter Title: The Sword Scholar of North Ping ----------------------------------------------------------------- "What kind of nonsense is that?"

"Didn't I mention it at the start?"

The people couldn't hide their bewilderment at the sudden question, even though someone from the Danri Clan had clearly introduced Hyeok Mulin earlier. But Hyeok Mulin had different thoughts from them. Even so, he posed the same question to the man.

"Why do you ask?"

The man answered without hesitation.

"I was deeply impressed by the junior from the Danri Clan who demonstrated his swordsmanship earlier today. However, judging from his sword techniques..."

He glanced sideways at Danri Hyang before continuing.

"They seem slightly different from the Danri Clan's sword arts, so I was curious if you might be the one who taught him." Sharp eyes. He had discerned that it wasn't the Danri Clan's swordsmanship, based solely on the basic forms, without even a proper demonstration of the art. The man was right. The foundational sword art Danri Hyang currently practiced was the Danhyang Demon Sword that Hyeok Mulin had given him previously.

"Teacher..."

So the answer to that question was.

"You could say yes, or you could say no."

He hadn't taught him directly, so it was hard to call him a teacher, but since he had passed on the sword art, it could be viewed differently depending on perspective. The people around tilted their heads at Hyeok Mulin's enigmatic response. But the questioner pondered deeply for a moment before nodding to himself.

"I see. I understand what you mean."

Seeing the look in his eyes, Hyeok Mulin realized the man had grasped his intent without needing further explanation. Unlike him, however, those around them couldn't follow the exchange. Only Hyeok Mulin and the man truly understood each other in that conversation.

"Hmph..."

"I have no idea what they're talking about."

Those who had been drawn by the rare voice after decades soon lost interest in the incomprehensible dialogue and began to drift away one by one. Sangseo and Yuanam, who had been watching them, also turned and headed back to their lodgings. Soon after, only the two of them—Hyeok Mulin and the man—remained.

"Now it's my turn to ask."

Hyeok Mulin gazed steadily at him and asked.

"Who are you?"

The man replied without pause.

"I am Hakgi, patriarch of the North Ping Sword House."

Hyeok Mulin let out a hollow chuckle at the answer. So he really was here. Hakgi—no. 'Geomhak.' The Sleeping Dragon, who would one day revolutionize the sword arts of the Central Plains, was revealing himself right before Hyeok Mulin's eyes.

"In that case, you came alone."

"That's right."

It was customary for the Shaanxi Sword Assembly for elder-level figures to lead juniors. But Hakgi had no successors, so he couldn't bring any. Even as patriarch, he attended alone every time, solely to listen to discussions on swordsmanship. Hyeok Mulin nodded after sensing his energy. 'His internal energy is barely detectable.' Hakgi was, quite literally, a man devoted entirely to the study and development of sword arts. He didn't pursue lofty realms as a martial artist; he sought the advancement of swordsmanship itself. Thus, he paid no attention whatsoever to mind arts or internal energy circulation unrelated to the sword. Because ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠of this, despite his profound sword mastery, he possessed only minimal internal energy—earning him the nickname "Sword Scholar" in some circles. Of course, his sword realm was so exceptional that even with that faint energy, he ranked among masters.

"Might I ask a few questions about the sword art demonstrated by the Danri Clan's junior earlier?"

"Go ahead."

"It appears to emphasize stillness over movement, with fewer actual motions than what meets the eye..."

Hakgi eagerly fired off a series of questions at Hyeok Mulin, who had accepted readily. As his voice grew brighter and faster, Hyeok Mulin smirked. 'He's thrilled at the chance to learn a new sword art.' Hyeok Mulin answered with utmost sincerity, matching Hakgi's enthusiasm, and each response made Hakgi's eyes sparkle with admiration. After exchanging all he knew about the Danhyang Demon Sword, Hyeok Mulin turned the question back.

"What sword arts do you use?"

Hakgi answered without a moment's hesitation.

"I employ various sword arts depending on the situation. But basically, against swordsmen I use the Upright Moon Sword, against fist experts the Returning Journey Sword Art, and against groups the Four Directions Cloud Sword..."

Revealing one's martial arts in detail was far from ordinary in the martial world. Yet he answered Hyeok Mulin's questions fully. Moved by Hyeok Mulin's candid sharing of the Danhyang Demon Sword, Hakgi reciprocated in kind, explaining everything in detail. Before long, he had come to deeply trust Hyeok Mulin. And so, the two delved into a profound discussion on swords. 'Intent isn't always the same.' They debated fundamentals like classifying sword forms, whether ultimate sword mastery transcended weapon distinctions, and matchups between swords and other weapons—agreeing on some points, differing on others. Yet they respected and acknowledged each other's views. 'Fascinating. Beyond my expectations.' Could he really meet Geomhak at the Shaanxi Sword Assembly? It had been an uncertain goal, yet it unfolded far more easily than anticipated. Hyeok Mulin felt a sensation akin to, yet distinct from, his discussions with Yagul Sohwa or the Hidden Valley master. Hakgi, too, was experiencing the most comfortable and enjoyable sword debate of his life for the first time, a smile lingering on his lips. No wine or appetizers were needed for their talk. Their exchange quenched their thirst and filled their bellies refreshingly. Amazed by Hyeok Mulin's sword theory, Hakgi exclaimed in awe.

"I've pored over thousands of sword manuals in my life, yet nothing compares to hearing it from a person."

"Thousands? You're still far off."

"Thousands is far off? How many have you read, then?"

Hyeok Mulin replied indifferently to Hakgi's question.

"I've seen at least tens of thousands."

"Haha, that's quite the exaggeration. How could someone your young age read tens of thousands of manuals? And where in the world would that many even be gathered?"

"I only speak the truth."

Even so, Hakgi never fully believed him, and their conversation looped back to sword arts like a well-worn groove. The two sword scholars, meeting for the first time that night, conversed ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠on swords late into the night like long-lost friends.

I lost." Having lost his sword, the Zhongnan Prestige Sword soon bowed his head in defeat. Yuanam's face turned icy at the sight, while Sangseo watched the arena with satisfaction. The onlookers murmured softly. "As expected..." "Just like we thought." "Huashan dominance continues this time too." In truth, the result aligned closely with the spectators' predictions. It had simply concluded faster than anticipated. Everyone had foreseen Huashan's victory. The traditional rivals of the martial world, Huashan and Zhongnan. Their elder warriors were evenly matched, but their disciples differed in both quality and quantity. The current Huashan Sect held greater appeal for young martial artists, drawing talents disproportionately. And the reason was clear. 'Huashan Sect Leader.' As the current hegemon of the martial world, Nine Martial Lord, countless youths admired him and sought entry into Huashan. "Huashan truly is the king of Shaanxi." "That wall is impossible to scale." As people praised Huashan, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon politely cupped his fists and prepared to leave the arena. But then. Thud. Danri Hyang stepped onto the arena. The Shanyang Wall Clan patriarch overseeing the matches asked him. "What are you doing?" "I've come to spar." "What?" The crowd let out disbelieving laughs. It was customary to end after the Huashan-Zhongnan match. "You should've signed up earlier." "Looks like it's your first time, so you didn't know." "The spars are over. Join next time if you get the chance." Onlookers gestured for Danri Hyang to leave, chiming in one after another. The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon glanced at him, then turned to exit—until Danri Hyang spoke expressionlessly. "Normally, the strongest steps up last, right?" He froze. The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon halted. "Are you saying you're the strongest junior here?" "I won't deny it." At Danri Hyang's words, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon slowly turned. He asked, facing him. "What's your name?" "Danri Hyang." "Danri Clan..." Racking his memory briefly, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon shook his head, drawing a blank. He drew his sword, gazing at him. "Ignorance isn't a sin. Come at me." Teaching overconfident swordsmen their place was part of Huashan's duty. The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon accepted Danri Hyang's provocation, making the final match a dramatic affair. As the spar began, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon pointed his sword but didn't advance, circling warily instead. 'He stepped up so confidently; he must have a hidden trump card.' Even a tiger must exert full effort to catch a rabbit. Circling the arena, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon assessed Danri Hyang without dropping his guard. But Danri Hyang merely drew his sword, adopted no stance, and stared back. The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon furrowed his brow. 'Is he really just full of hot air with nothing to back it up?' Growing impatient as Danri Hyang refused to move, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon regripped his sword. No need to stay tense. Exhaling and relaxing, he pondered which art to use. 'Six Harmonies Sword? Or Little Clear Sword? No, maybe the Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword?' Deliberating slowly, he decided and stepped forward. 'Yes. Let's dazzle with the most brilliant Five Elements Plum Blossom Sword...' Then. Whoosh! In an instant, a sword tip flew toward the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon's eye. A thrust piercing the heavens, striking at a single point. Danhyang Demon Sword. Sixth Form: Sky-Piercing Sword. Startled, the Plum Blossom Sword Dragon squeezed his eyes shut, and Sangseo shot to his feet, shouting. "No!" The tense moment passed, and the arena fell silent. "......" The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon cautiously opened his eyes, his gaze drifting downward. He saw the sword tip pressed against his throat. The match ended in Danri Hyang's hollow victory. Defying all expectations, no one could speak in their stunned state. The Shanyang Wall Clan patriarch, regaining his composure, declared Danri Hyang's win, unleashing a roar from the crowd. "The Danri Clan beat Huashan?" "Is this really happening before my eyes?" "Hey, pinch me." The Plum Blossom Sword Dragon stared blankly at his sword before trudging off the arena. Danri Hyang descended as if his business was done. The crowd marveled at him but soon fell silent, holding their breaths. Sangseo's aura was ominous, having witnessed his disciple's defeat up close. Crunch. He smiled amiably, but it wasn't a true smile. This was ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠just a gathering of Shaanxi juniors. He had expected utter dominance, yet this kid popped out of nowhere—what was this? Sangseo couldn't let it end here. Huashan had to lead the way, always. Step step. Sangseo walked slowly toward the arena. Scanning the crowd from the center, his gaze settled on Danri Hyang. But it soon shifted. An elder couldn't challenge a mere junior. Only one option remained. Sangseo's eyes locked onto Hyeok Mulin and stayed there. "The Danri Clan's junior showed remarkable skill." The crowd swallowed, listening intently. "I hear someone trained him." He had overheard Hakgi and Hyeok Mulin's talk the day before. "Hyeok Gong." Staring piercingly, Sangseo continued. "In place of your unworthy disciple, would you cross swords with me? Will you accept my challenge?" The crowd held their breath, eyes on Hyeok Mulin at the Huashan elder's proposal. His response was straightforward. "Shall we start now?" Sangseo smiled at the unhesitating reply. "Haha. I like your straightforward nature." As Hyeok Mulin took position opposite, Sangseo drew his sword. "Is he really doing it?" "To see Elder Sang spar...!" The crowd watched the arena with bated breath and eager anticipation. Since the Shaanxi Sword Assembly had shifted focus to juniors, it was unprecedented for a clan or sect elder to step up personally. "Best of luck." Sangseo greeted politely but whipped his blade without mercy. He had no intention of going easy. Restoring Huashan's shaken prestige was all that mattered. Whoosh—! Sangseo's sword arced gracefully. With it, he proclaimed Huashan to the world. Bunches of plum blossoms bloomed from his sword tip, fluttering through the air. The crowd gaped in awe at the spectacle. But then. Hyeok Mulin placed his hand on his sword. The moment he drew. Crack crack crack— The plum blossoms split in half. Every single one he had conjured. Thus. The match ended.