Chapter 74
Chapter 74
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Hunan’s Evil Yang: Pacifying the Realm
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Song Stream Sect appealed to me for one simple reason: its disciples were every bit as upright in character as their master.
Just before dawn broke, chaos erupted at the Song Stream Sect when their sect leader vanished without a trace.
The six disciples dashed about in a panic until one sensed the aura drifting from our direction and led the others straight to us.
Spotting their master seated in the lotus position and me standing vigilant guard beside him, they dropped to their knees on the spot and waited patiently.
Those disciples knew full well what was happening to their master right now.
By the time the sun had climbed fairly high in the sky, the Song Stream Sect Leader opened his eyes. The subtle energy permeating the air around him smoothly withdrew into his nose and mouth.
Only then did his realm fully stabilize. Harmony Realm. A state where one could wield sword aura with mastery.
"Master! Congratulations on your breakthrough!"
"Congratulations!"
The six disciples prostrated themselves before their beaming master, tears streaming down their faces.
The Song Stream Sect Leader shed a single hot tear as he gazed upon his devoted pupils.
That was the Harmony Realm in essence.
No amount of talent or skill could guarantee reaching it on a whim.
It wasn't something sheer inner energy could force, either.
Nor could it be attained merely by mastering supreme martial arts.
True attainment came only when one's inner imagery—pure and heartfelt—crystallized into enlightenment.
"Thank you all. I must speak privately with my benefactor now. Withdraw for the moment."
"Yes, Master!"
The disciples scrambled to their feet, their faces alight with joy as they hurried away.
And who could blame them? Their own sect had produced a Harmony Realm master. That meant hope for them too—a reason for unbridled elation.
"Congratulations, Song Stream Sect Leader."
"This is all thanks to you, my lord. I scarcely know how to repay such grace."
"Well now. Even the finest named sword is no better than a farmer's scythe in clumsy hands. This is your achievement alone. No need for false modesty."
"Ha ha... Your words humble and gratify me."
He still seemed a touch dazed. But then, no martial artist worth their salt could ascend to Harmony Realm without some lingering awe.
"I am Kang Jeong-un, lord of Ink Sword Grove."
At my introduction, the sect leader's expression steadied, and he regarded me intently.
"I don't believe the orthodox sects are always right and the unorthodox always wrong. That's precisely why I've revealed myself to you. You seemed to live with heads held high, unashamed before heaven—not because you're orthodox, but because of who you are."
"...I see."
"A few days of observation and chats with your disciples can't fully judge you, of course. But to my eyes, that's what I saw. And so, I have a request. Nothing extravagant—merely an extension of what you've already been doing."
"Please, speak it."
"I want your sect to become the rallying point for those resisting the Crimson Bandit Sect."
"Ha ha. Resisting those Crimson Bandit Sect thugs and their vile deeds? We'd do that regardless. But a rallying point...?"
"A true leader must possess unwavering resolve. Even amid worldly tempests, they stand firm like roots gripping the earth—like an ancient pine. You strike me as the perfect fit."
"Aren't you overpraising a mere wretch who couldn't even protect his own disciples?"
"Come now. Should we blame the tree when a gale strips its needles? No. New ones will sprout—greener, hardier. And when enough cluster together, shielding one another as branches clasp them tight, even fierce winds can't uproot it."
"Hm..."
"Do it. You can. No need for grand changes. Simply hold this ground firm, a bastion where all can endure."
"Very well. If it's just that much, I can manage. Born a man, I'll claim that much ambition."
"Excellent. My eye for people never fails."
The Song Stream Sect Leader's face hardened with newfound resolve.
Until now, he'd barely endured each day's trials. Now, he looked ready to face them with true composure.
Naturally. The Harmony Realm made such poise possible.
"Word of your breakthrough will spread, easing your plight. Gather the oppressed. Unite the righteous and build strength. I can aid you for a time—and the Azure Tiger Sect Leader as well."
"Azure Tiger Sect Leader? You mean the Azure Tiger Sect?"
I nodded, and he pressed on with a skeptical look.
"You plan to extract them from the Crimson Bandit Sect?"
"Precisely. Could you shelter them briefly? Treat them as good as dead for now."
"Ha ha. That's no trouble at all. Our main hall on Song Stream Mountain has rooms aplenty. But..."
"Hm?"
"You called yourself the lord of Ink Sword Grove?"
"Indeed."
"What is it you truly desire, Grove Lord?"
His question gave me pause.
What I wanted. The thought that had occupied me since arriving here. A goal not yet fully defined.
Standing guard for him had given me ample time to mull it over most of all.
What did I truly seek?
And fortunately, I'd reached a conclusion just then.
That time on watch had been profoundly meaningful for me too.
A chance to sort my thoughts at last.
"To pacify the realm."
"Pacify the realm... you say?"
"A world where the strong don't bully the weak. Where might doesn't harm others. Where power isn't wielded recklessly. Where not everything is settled by force. That's the peace I envision."
The petty demonic riffraff I first encountered leaving Black Wall Cavern in Luotian. My decision to aid the Namgung Family. Tangling with the Shadowless Gate and Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Helping Yeon Yangcheon of Pure Moon Sect battle bandits en route to the Tang Family. Annihilating the Blind Bandit Sect. Assisting the Tang Family. Taking in Yang Cheonhak. Chorim's plea regarding the Crimson Bandit Sect. My resolve to help the Azure Tiger and Song Stream Sects.
All those deeds stemmed from not yet knowing my true aim—merely handling crises as they arose.
Through them, I discovered it clearly.
Martial arts. A power far too immense for mere mortals.
Martial arts breed chaos. When the unworthy seize such might, strife inevitably follows.
I want to stop that.
That's my vision of a pacified realm.
"The peace you seek, Grove Lord... it's a brutally arduous path."
"True enough. If it were easy, I wouldn't have agonized so before deciding."
At my words, he smiled faintly, then clasped his hands solemnly and bowed with a fist salute.
"I can't promise much, but this Song Jongdae, leader of Song Stream Sect, pledges his name to your grand undertaking."
His resolute tone drew a smile from me unbidden.
I returned the fist salute.
"My thanks, Sect Leader."
This decision felt like a boon not just for me, but for every martial artist out there.
Unpretentious yet ambitious.
Bound by convention, yet bold enough to shatter it.
The Song Stream Sect Leader would rise far. I'd ensure he spread his wings fully under my watch.
With Song Stream Sect's matters settled, I returned to the Imperial Jade Pavilion.
Song Stream was done, but Azure Tiger Sect still awaited.
And I had more to hear from Chorim.
"What came of your inquiries?"
"It took time to investigate discreetly, my lord. My apologies."
"No need to apologize."
She smiled softly and settled beside me before speaking quietly.
"Last time, I told you about Myeonghui."
"Yes, little chick."
"Becoming a courtesan isn't a woman's dream by any means. I hesitate to complain before you, my lord... but that's the truth of it."
"I understand. Anyone would feel that way."
"That's why no woman aspires to this life. Circumstances force them here. And among them is a girl named Ye-ryeong, just on the cusp of coming of age."
I nodded, and she gracefully poured tea before handing it over and continuing.
"She... hails from a martial clan. Yu Family Manor. They were wiped out by the Crimson Bandit Sect. Being a delicate beauty, she was sold to this brothel."
Typical demonic scum. So predictably ruthless.
Sect annihilation. Clan extermination. Massacres as daily routine.
If they feared karmic retribution, they wouldn't dare. So they erase every trace to dodge it entirely.
"She says that if someone punishes the Crimson Bandit Sect on her behalf, she'll offer everything she has in gratitude. She'd kept it bottled up all this time, but finally confided in me."
"What makes her speak so boldly?"
"The Yu Family Manor's wealth. And as a renowned martial house in southern Jiangnan, it's no trifling sum."
"That doesn't add up. If she has such riches, why not buy her freedom?"
"Ah. Can't buy her out? Under Crimson Bandit Sect pressure?"
"Exactly, my lord. The Imperial Jade Pavilion knows her story but fears reprisal if they release her. That's why she never dared mention it. She harbors no grudge against the pavilion itself."
True enough.
It wasn't about the money. They wanted to watch a daughter of the clan they crushed debase herself in a brothel, spiraling into ruin.
Utterly different intent.
Money was secondary; the goal was her suffering.
Nor could she liquidate assets through others to escape.
Trust was essential. One misstep, and the Yu wealth could vanish entirely.
"No one's fate is without hardship. A pity. Tell her to endure just a bit longer. Not immediately, but the Crimson Bandit Sect will be eradicated."
"Understood, my lord."
With her reply, I drained the tea she'd given me.
Hm. Bitter brew. No—let's be precise.
My palate's gone bitter, that's all.
Undoubtedly because so many lives lie ruined by those Crimson Bandit Sect bastards. Certainly.