Chapter 176
Chapter 176
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 176
Chapter Title: Hell on Sammong Plain
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Sammong Plain was a scene straight out of hell.
The Mount Hua Sect disciples were brawling like pit fighting dogs at the slightest eye contact.
And among them were the Plum Blossom Sword Guards, the pride of Mount Hua Sect.
A few elders let out groans.
"...Sect Leader. Is this really the way?"
The Sparring Pavilion Leader, who had supported the creation of the Martial Force Unit for the greater good, furrowed his brow.
He had expected a refined selection process for the unit leader and members, breaking from Mount Hua's traditions.
But what was this?
Appointing the last one standing as leader, with no holds barred?
And that wasn't all.
In the middle, Cheonhwi had thrown stones, turning a somewhat decent fight into total chaos.
No matter that it was for real combat training—this was just a dogfight.
"..."
Even the Sect Leader seemed troubled, falling silent.
He had granted full authority expecting something unconventional, but not like this.
"Shouldn't we stop this?"
Hyeonheo, watching the scene with a furrowed brow alongside the Sparring Pavilion Leader, spoke up.
"We can't properly gauge their skills this way."
"Hmmm."
The Sect Leader let out a groan.
He was right.
Whoever emerged from this mess might be strong, but could have shallow martial arts or a reckless temperament easily swept away.
But then.
"I think this is the right way."
The Martial Training Pavilion Leader interjected.
His hair and clothes soaked in sweat from recent training, he couldn't tear his eyes from Sammong Plain.
"Enemies don't fight one-on-one. One against many is standard, and ambushes like that happen too. You have to endure them to survive."
His gaze turned to Cheonhwi.
The old him would have frowned at such an unorthodox method.
But after the joint operation, he had changed his mind.
"Even masters die to a random blade. What's the use then?"
The elders fell silent.
They all knew he was referring to himself.
"That's right."
Then, the culprit behind it all, Cheonhwi, popped up.
'Huh, when?!'
'No presence at all!'
The elders' eyes widened.
Especially those who had only heard rumors of Cheonhwi's skills—shock filled their gazes.
"I'm not making the strongest martial artist the leader. Sure, strength helps, but judgment comes first."
He didn't want to explain at length, but it was for the future.
"And if you don't like my way, I'll stop right now."
"No need. I think your decision is correct."
The Martial Training Pavilion Leader said approvingly.
He now fully supported and trusted Cheonhwi.
"But who do you think will be the last ones standing?"
The Sect Leader and elders perked up their ears at the question.
"Probably Martial Uncle Cheonhyang, Seollan, and Jeokgeom. Those three."
"Jeokgeom and Seollan?"
"Even with first-class disciples around..."
Some elders looked puzzled.
Jeokgeom and Seollan had shone recently, but there were still about ten first-class disciples among the Plum Blossom Sword Guards.
But Cheonhwi was firm.
"Among the current first-class disciples in Mount Hua, only Martial Uncle Cheonhyang surpasses Jeokgeom and Seollan."
He added softly.
"Add judgment, and they're about equal to her."
"That good?"
The elders held their breath at his words, focusing on Sammong Plain.
The fiery brawl gradually died down as time passed.
Guarding all directions and fighting everyone drained their stamina faster than usual.
About an incense stick's worth of time later.
"Ugh..."
Thud!
Most disciples lay sprawled on the ground or were receiving treatment at the spot the Medical Hall Leader had prepared.
Exactly three remained standing on Sammong Plain.
The ones Cheonhwi predicted.
"Hah, hah."
"As expected of Senior Brother."
"Speak for yourself, Junior Sister."
Cheonhyang, Jeokgeom, and Seollan ignored the fallen disciples, swords pointed at each other warily.
"To think the kids are this strong. Was it the training from Junior Brother Cheonhwi?"
The two shuddered at that moment.
Hearing 'Cheonhwi' and 'training' triggered memories of pain and suffering, hitting their minds and bodies.
"...Yes, Master."
"...Thanks to Junior Uncle Cheonhwi."
They forced out the words.
Cheonhyang looked puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
Though Jeokgeom and Seollan spoke softly, Cheonhyang somehow sensed they were on the verge of tears.
Then.
Thud.
Cheonhwi landed in the middle of them.
"Weaker than I thought. No wonder you lost to those no-name unorthodox sects."
He mocked them sharply.
The fallen second-class disciples, still conscious, trembled at his words but couldn't move.
He soon looked at the three.
"So, these three as leaders..."
"But, Junior Brother."
Cheonhyang interrupted, raising her sword high.
"If you're picking leaders like this, shouldn't the overall commander be chosen the same way?"
Her eyes gleamed.
Cheonhwi smirked.
He knew her intent.
"So, you want to fight me too?"
"Exactly."
Cheonhyang burned with fighting spirit.
Cheonhwi glanced at Jeokgeom and Seollan beside her.
"Hmm, what do you two think?"
They flinched under his gaze but quickly composed themselves.
"I agree with Master."
"Me too."
"Oh ho, look at these two."
Cheonhwi smiled.
They used to avoid spars, but now they were even provoking him.
"Have I gotten too easygoing?"
Cheonhwi picked up his entire scabbard.
Draping it over his shoulder, he grinned.
"Perfect. I forgot your training for today anyway."
As his smile appeared, Jeokgeom and Seollan's faces hardened.
The smile was the same as always.
But their long experience and instincts screamed—this wouldn't end easily.
"Guess I should sort out the pecking order before proper training."
At his words, their vision blurred.
They snapped out of it.
'Why did I say that...!'
'Got too carried away!'
As they regretted.
"I'll go first!"
Cheonhyang strode forward confidently, facing Cheonhwi.
Despite his fierce aura, she smiled happily.
"Finally, against Junior Brother again..."
Pow!
"What are you standing around for?"
"...I let my guard down. Won't happen twice."
Cheonhyang glanced at her swollen left forearm, then charged at Cheonhwi.
Unleashing Ink Cloud Thunder Roar, she closed the distance instantly and thrust her sword.
Not Plum Blossom Sword Art, but Dara Sword Art?
To catch Cheonhwi off-guard—who had easily blocked her Plum Blossom Sword Art before—she unleashed the Dara Sword Art she had secretly practiced.
But that was her mistake.
'Oh ho, the Ten Thousand Scriptures Pavilion is open, but first time seeing it in action.'
Cheonhwi was the one who restored the Dara Sword Art.
The sharp sword qi pierced toward his shoulder.
As if she wouldn't hold back even against her junior brother!
Seeing her learn Dara Sword Art just to beat him, Cheonhwi smiled warmly.
"And you use it in front of me."
Clang!
Cheonhwi deflected the Dara Sword.
Stepping lightly with Seven Stars Step, he prodded her body with the scabbard.
Pow! Pow!
"A bit lacking, though. Dara Sword Art is light and swift, not heavy. Putting that much force reduces its power."
Cheonhwi kept explaining.
All while relentlessly tapping her with the scabbard.
"...I'm done for."
"Surrender now?"
Jeokgeom and Seollan chuckled dryly with light jokes.
Cheonhyang was showing superior swordsmanship to them.
But it was useless against Cheonhwi.
He dodged effortlessly and kept hitting her.
Then.
"Argh!"
Cheonhyang poured all her qi into a wild swing, screw it.
"Shall we end this?"
Cheonhwi's form blurred, reappearing before her nose.
Pa-ba-bat!
After dozens of rapid strikes, he passed her and turned.
Looking straight at Jeokgeom and Seollan.
Thud—
Cheonhyang collapsed belatedly.
Gulp—
Jeokgeom and Seollan swallowed hard.
"What? Come on."
At Cheonhwi's words, their eyes widened.
For a moment.
"Senior Brother, take the left."
"Got it."
As soon as the words ended, they charged.
Cheonhwi grinned watching them.
This was what he wanted.
Them unleashing martial arts with deadly resolve.
"Good. Show me your true skills. Then those stubborn elders and disciples will accept you as leaders."
No sooner had he spoken.
Screeech!
Sharp sword winds pierced in.
Cheonhwi moved his scabbard against their Plum Blossom Sword Art.
Boom!
A deafening explosion roared.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hah..."
The elders watching Jeokgeom and Seollan clash with Cheonhwi swallowed hard.
"We knew Cheonhwi's skill, but Jeokgeom and Seollan were this outstanding?"
The Sparring Pavilion Leader's eyes shook.
Cheonhwi's prowess surprised, but wasn't shocking.
They had heard from the Sect Leader and rumors.
But not Jeokgeom and Seollan.
Their skills rivaled first-class disciples right now.
Then the Sect Leader spoke.
"Some won't like Cheonhwi as overall commander. His radical actions break tradition."
A few elders flinched.
True, their dislike wasn't for other reasons.
Just his shattering of Mount Hua's traditions.
The Sect Leader smiled at the flinching elders.
"But thanks to Cheonhwi, Jeokgeom and Seollan grew like that. What if he leads the Martial Force Unit and develops everyone?"
The elders' hearts pounded.
Other disciples growing like Jeokgeom and Seollan?
For a moment, 'Strongest Under Heaven' flashed in their minds and faded.
The Sect Leader smiled at their glazing eyes.
'Heh. Showing is faster than telling.'
This was all Cheonhwi's plan.
To secure full authority over the Martial Force Unit.
And it succeeded.
Crack!
A crisp sound rang out, as if celebrating.
Thud—
Jeokgeom and Seollan collapsed.
Cheonhwi, who knocked them out by smacking their foreheads with the scabbard, twisted his lips.
"Leaders decided. Now for your training."
Cheonhwi scanned the disciples.
"This time, I'll teach you properly."