Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Needle in the Satchel (3)
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Sword Demon.
It was a moniker that anyone who had set foot in the martial world, whether from the unorthodox or orthodox factions, had heard at least once. Even though it belonged to a figure who had been active decades ago, nearly a legend.
Yet the reason the Sword Demon's fame extended beyond the unorthodox factions into the orthodox ones lay in the path of domination he had forged. In the past, relations between the orthodox and unorthodox had never been good.
But unlike today, they weren't exactly archenemies. Before the Sword Demon appeared, the unorthodox were simply far more numerous than the orthodox. The gap in quality was extreme.
The orthodox had solid foundations like the Five Great Clans and the Nine Great Sects, while the unorthodox at the time had only something like the Evil Path Union at best—and even that wasn't up to much.
In fact, the unorthodox were little more than victims of one-sided oppression by the orthodox. Just look at the warriors under them: groups like the Yangtze River Waterway Bandits or the Green Forest bandits were practically thieves.
"Who dares block the path I tread? Even the Jade Emperor of Heaven himself shall be cut down without hesitation if he stands in my way!!"
It was then that the Sword Demon appeared in the unorthodox factions like a comet. A genius who had reached the pinnacle realm at a young age when he was just beginning to make his mark—a genius unlikely to ever be seen again.
The pinnacle realm was known as a state reached only after long years of consistent effort, and that wasn't entirely wrong. There were always exceptions, however.
And that exception happened to be the Sword Demon, a warrior from the unorthodox rather than the orthodox. With his overwhelming power, he unified the ragtag unorthodox factions and taught them martial arts.
Sect like the Black Epidemic Sect—which once rivaled the Sakra Tang Clan of the Five Great Clans, symbols of poison arts—were established under the Sword Demon's guidance.
It's said openly among warriors that the history of the unorthodox divides into before and after the Sword Demon—and it's no empty words.
The only one who could stop the Sword Demon on his path of domination was the Sword God, who was the alliance leader of the Murim Alliance at the time, among the pinnacle experts of the orthodox.
His power was an unprecedented humiliation to the orthodox warriors who had inwardly dismissed the unorthodox as unworthy foes, and it inspired awe even in his enemies.
"Though not the Sword God's equal, the Sword Demon is undoubtedly a worthy rival."
"Thus, defeat at his hands is no shame for other experts."
"After all, the unorthodox are proper warriors bearing the name, aren't they?"
Of course, there was some intent to soften the sting of defeat. Frankly, disparaging the Sword Demon would make those defeated by him look even worse.
A very orthodox way of handling things, befitting the orthodox.
Thanks to that, it's no exaggeration to say not a single person in the martial world hasn't heard of the Sword Demon. That was why Yang Miyeon had come in person.
The Azure Jade Pavilion was the finest pleasure house in Henan Province, boasting elegance and prestige to match its reputation. Even the Five Great Clans or Nine Great Sects wouldn't easily secure a place there.
But if the guest was the Sword Demon, it was a different story. A legend of the unorthodox, a figure who etched his mark in history. With his return, they would have rushed over barefoot if needed.
'A place fit to host someone of the Sword Demon's stature exists nowhere but our Azure Jade Pavilion.'
As the madam, Yang Miyeon took immense pride in the Azure Jade Pavilion under her management. That towering pride was why she was so selective with her guests.
With every graceful movement exuding refinement and etiquette, Yang Miyeon smiled at Nameless. But he didn't bat an eye.
"Sorry, but I'll find lodging elsewhere."
"Was there anything uncomfortable?"
"I just don't care much for pleasure houses."
'It's no place for kids to begin with.'
Naturally, the idea of visiting a pleasure house with his disciples was absurd in Nameless's mind. But Yang Miyeon took it differently.
'The great hero is unmoved by women, like a stone. As expected... a class above those self-proclaimed orthodox experts.'
"Then allow me to arrange suitable accommodations in Henan for you."
Thanks to that, even though Yang Miyeon had been rejected for the first time in her life, she showed no displeasure. On the contrary, she offered sincere help.
She knew offending him out of pointless pride would burn her whole establishment to the ground. The Sword Demon's presence was a natural disaster, unequivocally.
How could a mere human defy a calamity that upends heaven and earth? One could only read the flow, protect oneself from being swept away, and go with it.
Surely, even this small encounter with the Sword Demon could be turned to use someday.
The place handed over by Yang Miyeon was more like an academy than an inn. Beyond the walls lay a spacious training ground, and behind it were residences for lodging.
Its scale was laughably small compared to the Preliminary Martial Academy. Still, it was more than ample for Nameless and his disciples to hone their martial arts.
Nameless hadn't expected such a valuable gift from a stranger. But it was one of the options Yang Miyeon had in mind from the start.
"Can we really use this place?"
"Yes. No payment required."
"I don't get it. Why go this far to help us?"
At this point, even Nameless couldn't help but suspect her motives. The favor was too generous; there had to be some scheme.
"What could I possibly want from a great hero? Just promise to grant this maiden one request someday."
"If it crosses the line, I'll have to refuse."
"That's promise enough for me."
Her demeanor hinted at hidden intentions, but Nameless couldn't refuse such favorable terms. He accepted her goodwill for now.
She explained it was one of many traces from when the unorthodox had fervently set up academies to rival the orthodox Preliminary Martial Academy.
They tried establishing academies in over ten cities including Henan, but failed due to talent shortages, funding issues, and more—leaving only this one.
"But since the great hero has disciples, I judged this more useful than some middling inn. That's why I'm offering it to you."
"I appreciate the consideration."
"This is nothing."
Afterward, Yang Miyeon had her people stock it with all necessary daily necessities before withdrawing. Thus, only Nameless, Sua, and Seolhwa remained in the spacious place.
"She definitely has an agenda, Master."
"I don't like that woman."
"I know. But we can't pass up such a good opportunity."
Though Nameless couldn't predict Yang Miyeon's schemes, refusing outright was impossible when the gift was this good. It was perfect for training.
Plus, the residences were proper houses, not dilapidated thatched huts. No more sweltering summers or freezing winters. He could endure alone, of course.
But now he had two children to care for. Putting aside headaches, he opted to tour the residences with his cute disciples first.
Everything they needed was there. There was even a small study, and the storeroom overflowed with straw dummies and worn wooden swords for practice.
"This should serve us well for the time being."
"Master, may I ask something presumptuous?"
"What is it?"
"Do you plan to take more disciples here?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Nameless looked at Sua. Her expression was more serious than ever. Taking new disciples?
He had no such plans. Even if he did, he wasn't in a position now. His realm was barely pinnacle.
He needed at least the flower realm to wield sword aura freely before considering more. In his current state, limited to mere sword ki, he'd only bring shame.
"No need for more."
"That's a relief... I was worried, Master."
"I like Master and Senior Sister Sua the best!"
"Yes, Seolhwa. I like you two the most."
Sua finally sighed in relief at his firm answer. The moment they entered the academy, she'd feared being pushed aside.
"...Is anyone there?"
At least until the next day.
Before someone knocked on the gate.