Chapter 139
Chapter 139
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: The Blade King's Secret Manual
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A suffocating silence stretched on, broken here and there by stifled groans of frustration.
There was something in Nangong Ryong's overwhelming presence that no ordinary late-stage expert could possess.
The dignity of the Nangong Clan's bloodline.
The emperor's aura dominated the surroundings.
Pang Cheonwi's face twisted in shock, his mouth hanging open as he forgot to compose himself.
"This... this is absurd..."
When he had last seen him, Nangong Ryong hadn't been anywhere near this level.
What on earth had happened in the meantime to produce such prowess!
Unless he'd achieved enlightenment overnight and broken through realms, there was no explaining this outcome.
'How in the world...'
His gaze slowly shifted between Pang Jung-hyeok and Nangong Ryong.
There stood Nangong Ryong, proud and unyielding, while Pang Jung-hyeok looked utterly dazed.
Absurdity and emptiness washed over him.
Was this... how things were supposed to turn out?
He glanced back slowly, and the faces of the onlookers were painted with shock and bewilderment.
The crowd awkwardly averted their eyes from his.
'...What am I supposed to do now?'
His clan's elite had suffered defeat after defeat, capped by the irreversible loss of Pang Jung-hyeok.
He had no idea how to turn this around—or even if it could be turned around at all.
They had tried to crush the Nangong Clan, only to be crushed in return.
Pang Cheonwi's face betrayed his undisguisable dismay.
As he turned his gaze back toward the Nangong group.
A mutter from Nangong Hyeok reached his ears.
"What? It's nothing special. Lame."
"Ah, no, Young Master! Keep it down!"
"What? They can't hear anyway."
"Can't hear? Their eyes are bulging like that! We're dead meat if they hear. Dead, I tell you."
"Back in my day, a guy who talked like that ended up dead."
"Ah, come on!"
Geum Cheom-sang clamped a hand over Nangong Hyeok's mouth and hurriedly dragged him behind the Thunder Dragon Squad.
Pang Cheonwi's face twitched with fury.
An immense wave of humiliation crashed over him.
The shame and rage of being toyed with by these insolent whelps.
'What is that brat spouting!'
Nothing special?
Lame?
Was he dismissing and scorning the main family's blade arts right to their faces?
Such arrogance!
How dare this punk judge the Northern Hebei Pang Clan's blade techniques!
Pang Cheonwi's murderous glare fixed on Nangong Hyeok amid the Thunder Dragon Squad.
Even the spectators recoiled from the ferocious aura.
"You truly wish to see the main family's blade arts?"
What more did he want to see?
Nangong Hyeok nodded readily.
"Yes."
Nangong Hyeok smiled faintly as he met Pang Cheonwi's eyes squarely.
Veins bulged on Pang Cheonwi's forehead.
This went beyond impudence—it was outright provocation.
"I'll show you the main family's arts, but I'm worried you might get hurt."
"It's a spar. A little injury is possible."
"You've got guts! But it's truly dangerous. Still want to experience it?"
"How dangerous can it be?"
"You could end up crippled."
"Oh, really?"
Crippled?
Nangong Hyeok smirked, twisting his lips.
"Well, that's just a risk we both take, isn't it?"
His attitude remained leisurely and cocky.
Pang Cheonwi's eyebrow twitched violently.
"I'll ask once more. Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes. Let's get on with it."
"Very well. Then have a taste."
As Pang Cheonwi's gaze locked on, Nangong Hyeok grinned.
"Oh, what an honor."
The spectators gasped at Nangong Hyeok's gleeful acceptance, as if he'd been waiting for it.
Anyone could hear the rage simmering in Pang Cheonwi's voice.
To remain so nonchalant in the face of the Northern Hebei Pang Family Head's wrath.
The onlookers figured he was either mad or clueless.
As Nangong Hyeok strode casually toward the sparring platform, the crowd followed his movements with their eyes—until they spotted the man approaching from the opposite side and dropped their jaws.
The same crimson uniform embroidered with a lion emblem they'd seen before.
But this lion's golden mane gleamed fiercely as it roared savagely.
It was none other than the captain of the Blood Lion Squad, the North Blood Mad Blade Cheong Bul-gwang.
'Cheong... Cheong Bul-gwang?!'
'He's pitting him against the North Blood Mad Blade?!'
'Even in fury, sending the Blood Lion Squad captain against a late-stage junior?'
'Does that Nangong kid even grasp how dire this is?'
'Taking this on! What a fool, tsk tsk!'
Gasps of shock and sighs of pity rippled through the crowd.
The mismatch was obvious to all—no contest here.
It was like tossing a tiger into a fight between wild dogs!
From the VIP seats, Unha-gun clicked his tongue.
"Tsk tsk, arrogant fool. Digging his own grave."
"Right?"
"Defying the Family Head's mood. Serves him right!"
The Blood Lion Squad captain was a master constantly spoken of even in Hebei Province, teeming with major sects.
Excluding elders and sect leaders of great clans, he was among the absolute top experts.
A world apart from a late-stage junior.
This wasn't the Sword Dragon Nangong Ryong—it was some no-name Nangong Hyeok no one had properly heard of. No way he could handle Cheong Bul-gwang.
Unha-gun clenched his fist.
'That punk's done for today.'
The Nangong Clan's prior showings were shocking, but Cheong Bul-gwang was on another level.
Cheong Bul-gwang's scar across his eye twitched as he raked Nangong Hyeok with a piercing glare.
Killing intent gleamed in his bloodshot eyes.
A chilling gaze that made legs buckle.
It starkly showed why this righteous warrior bore the savage moniker North Blood Mad Blade.
Cheong Bul-gwang narrowed his eyes at Nangong Hyeok's carefree smile.
"You're curious about the Pang blade arts?"
"Just happened to be."
"I'll carve it into your bones."
"Into my bones?"
"Indeed."
"You're really gonna stab me?"
"......"
Cheong Bul-gwang's brow furrowed deeply at Nangong Hyeok's playful snickering.
This greenhorn clearly had no idea who he was facing.
Anyone who knew would never react like this.
If he understood the Blood Lion captain's standing and power in the jianghu, he'd never wear such a relaxed face.
Even a scrap of rumor would reveal how the captain treated foes.
He'd at least look wary.
'He doesn't even know who I am.'
Cheong Bul-gwang tsked lightly. But soon, he surged with sharp aura, glaring at Nangong Hyeok.
Even if it was the Nangong Clan, he had no intention of holding back.
His disciple Kwak Chung had already fallen to them.
That alone justified enmity, and now he'd overheard their mockery of the Northern Hebei Pang Clan.
An insult no warrior could endure.
Killing intent flickered in Cheong Bul-gwang's eyes.
His voice and tone shifted abruptly.
"You brought this on yourself."
"Brought it on? Getting cocky now?"
"You'll regret standing here today."
"Too predictable."
Nangong Hyeok chuckled as he eyed Cheong Bul-gwang.
Even as the man's aura sharpened dramatically, Nangong Hyeok's smile lingered.
'I'll turn you into a cripple.'
Recalling Pang Cheonwi's instructions, venom filled Cheong Bul-gwang's eyes.
In a cold, deliberate voice, he drawled.
"Your clan won't be able to interfere in what happens here today."
Cheong Bul-gwang took a step forward.
"You're just unlucky today. You just caught my eye and pissed me off."
His aura turned icy as he drew his blade toward Nangong Hyeok.
Shing!
A sinister, dark crimson leaf-bladed saber gleamed toward Nangong Hyeok, and Cheong Bul-gwang licked his lips.
Nangong Hyeok glanced at him dismissively.
Tap tap.
He crooked a finger, smirking.
"Come at me moderately, then."
Cheong Bul-gwang let out a hollow laugh, then sobered instantly.
A reddish saber aura bloomed from his leaf-bladed saber, and the blade—reaching skyward—slashed down at Nangong Hyeok in one breath.
Its speed and power dwarfed Kwak Chung's Lion Ten Blades.
As the heavy, brutal saber aura plummeted toward his crown.
Nangong Hyeok's lips curled slowly upward.
The energy of the Creation Heaven Bright King Art writhed in his dantian, surging through his body in an instant.
Racing through his newly opened meridians, it filled him several times faster.
Crackle!
Azure light gleamed in Nangong Hyeok's eyes.
Cheong Bul-gwang's descending saber felt like a caterpillar crawling—agonizingly slow.
Meanwhile, his body reacted to the pressure above faster than lightning.
Muscles tensed taut throughout, and inner energy coalesced into his fist in a flash.
The starkly different sensation brought a thrill of pleasure.
Yes, this was it!
Every muscle and meridian felt tangible, responsive, empowering him with utmost agility.
This novel sensation, impossible just a day ago, filled Nangong Hyeok with ecstasy.
No longer just analyzing and dismantling foes' techniques as before—he now saw their moves precisely, spotting openings.
The Blood Lion—or whatever—before him filled his vision flawlessly, feeding data to his brain.
His body responded almost simultaneously.
Past experience erupted through his flesh.
One step.
In a single stride, he slipped into Cheong Bul-gwang's blind spot and slapped away the hand gripping the blade.
Clang!
"Urk!"
Cheong Bul-gwang's eyes bulged. Nangong Hyeok's hand struck his wrist faster than he'd perceived.
As Cheong Bul-gwang recoiled in horror, Nangong Hyeok's fist smashed his ribs.
A casual puff of inner energy.
Crack!
"Gaaak!"
His eyes nearly popped out as a bamboo-splitting sound echoed.
"Hm?"
Nangong Hyeok marveled at the inner energy transmitted through his hand.
"Not quite used to it yet?"
Then he'd adapt quickly.
How?
Like this!
Nangong Hyeok's fist erupted like fire.
Practice makes perfect, after all!
With meridians cleared, his inner energy had at least doubled, flowing more vigorously.
His body tougher too, so power application had to change.
Nangong Hyeok's fists hammered Cheong Bul-gwang's ribs relentlessly.
Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch!
"Gak! Gaak! Kehk! Kraaak!"
A cacophony of agonized groans burst from Cheong Bul-gwang as his body twisted.
Fists like shooting stars brought excruciating pain, as if his ribs would shatter entirely.
Dozens of blows to the same spot—each one churning his organs.
'This... this bastard dares?!'
Cheong Bul-gwang gritted his teeth, enduring the skull-piercing pain as he wrung out his inner energy.
Bracing against the gut-wrenching shocks, he channeled all into his free hand gripping the saber.
'Die—!!'
Killing-intent Soul-Seizing Hand lunged at Nangong Hyeok's heart.
Nangong Hyeok's eyes flashed.
"Oh, right, you said I was unlucky?"
He seized Cheong Bul-gwang's incoming hand without hesitation.
The Soul-Seizing Hand stalled effortlessly, and Cheong Bul-gwang's eyes flew wide.
"Eh?"
In that stunned instant.
Snap!
Bone dislocating rang out, followed by searing pain lancing his brain.
As a scream welled in Cheong Bul-gwang's throat, Nangong Hyeok's fist slammed his jaw.
Boom!
"Gaaaak!"
His jaw wrenched, body jolting like hit by a cannonball.
Nangong Hyeok didn't stop.
Lightning gathered, crackling around his fist.
"A little sting?"
His Thunder Fist slammed Cheong Bul-gwang's chest.
Krarararack!
Crunch!
Boom!
Blazing thunder hurled him ten zhang, crashing into the head table.
'Hm?'
Nangong Hyeok blinked wide.
'I went easy, and he flies like that?'
Crash!
Dust billowed as the table collapsed, food spilling over Cheong Bul-gwang.
Twitch twitch.
"Gurgle..."
Cheong Bul-gwang's eyes rolled back.
His elbow spasmed, grotesquely twisted.
"Wow..."
Look at this body!
Power just bubbling over!
Nangong Hyeok clenched and unclenched his fist in awe.
A chill silence blanketed the hall.
"......"
"......"
Pang Yeon-hwa shot to her feet, the late-stage experts slumped in stupor.
Half the spectators wobbled on jelly legs, others gawked slack-jawed, blinking.
The Thunder Dragon Squad gulped, even Nangong Ryong murmuring in shock.
'Ah, no way... beating a guy that bad... what now?'
'W-We’re screwed.'
'He ate that spirit pill and went berserk.'
Oblivious to their worry, Nangong Hyeok grinned.
"Puhuhu, feels great."
Such refreshment!
He itched to unblock the rest of his meridians.
Alone on the platform, Nangong Hyeok beamed with delight.
Pang Cheonwi trembled violently watching him.
'What the hell are these guys?!'
This wasn't just flipping the board—they'd smashed it to dust.
Everything prepared had backfired utterly, leaving him dumbfounded beyond belief.
As things spiraled uncontrollably, something snapped in his mind.
"You insolent cur!"
Volcanic rage erupted toward Nangong Hyeok.
Onlookers paled, sweating coldly.
Pang Cheonwi's fury made the air in Hunwon Hall suffocating.
"Y-Young Master!"
"Young Master!"
The Thunder Dragon Squad urgently called to Nangong Hyeok.
He rolled his wrists, glancing sidelong at Pang Cheonwi.
Pang Cheonwi ground his teeth.
"In a martial exchange for mutual growth, you use lethal force! Did the Nangong Clan come to ruin our festival!"
His enraged voice boomed through the hall.
The Thunder Dragon Squad flinched; Nangong Ryong let out a low groan.
Geum Cheom-sang was already half-dazed.
Pang Cheonwi surged with full aura.
"The Nangong Clan will answer for this outrage! We no longer consider you—"
Mid-roar like a lion's bellow, he faltered.
"Ah, moving around makes it hot. So stuffy."
Nangong Hyeok pulled a book from his bosom and fanned himself leisurely.
Pang Cheonwi's brows twisted in fury.
"You cur! Ignoring me right now?!"
His blazing glare fixed on the fanning Nangong Hyeok and the book in his hand.
"You dare court death..."
...A book?
Flutter flutter.
Then, the title on the shaking cover caught Pang Cheonwi's eye.
Bla... Blade King... what did it say?
Flutter flutter.
Nangong Hyeok kept fanning.
"Whew, hot stuffy."
Pang Cheonwi's eyes gleamed.
...Secret?
Flutter flap.
...Hm?
"Bla, Blade King... Blade King's Secret Manual?"
Pang Cheonwi's jaw dropped.
'Why does that punk have it?'
The Blade King's Secret Manual—the tome left by the Blade King, who perished with demonic cults in the Demonic Blood Tribulation!
The supreme manual containing his martial insights and enlightenments!
Why was the Blade King's Secret Manual in Nangong Hyeok's hands?
'Is it... real?'
He couldn't confirm yet, nor dismiss it outright.
Real or fake, he had to see it with his own eyes.
"Where did my words go?"
Smirk.
Nangong Hyeok lifted a corner of his mouth.
"W-Why do y-you have that?!"
"Not important."
Nangong Hyeok grinned at Pang Cheonwi.
"You said we're no longer allies?"
"Uh, uh..."
"Hm?"
As Nangong Hyeok cocked his head, cold sweat beaded on Pang Cheonwi's forehead.
A moment passed, and Pang Cheonwi's bellow shook the hall.
"How dare you!"
Everyone expected his rage to pour onto Nangong Hyeok.
"Which bastard dared spout such nonsense! Who was it!"
Pang Cheonwi's lion's roar left all onlookers dumbfounded.