Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: Nine Deaths One Life (8)
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A sharp shout accompanied by precise form rang out, and the crude wooden sword targeted his throat with the ferocious momentum of a beast's fangs lunging at prey. The spirit infused in the technique was certainly impressive.
But it was far too slow to reach his neck. A simple step back was enough to dodge it effortlessly. Yet his opponent knew nothing of giving up.
Undeterred by countless failures, her unyielding determination flowed straight into the next technique. They'd been sparring for nearly an hour since starting.
'Compared to the first day, that's remarkable progress.'
Of course, sheer willpower alone couldn't sustain swinging a sword for so long. Not even trained martial artists could do it without circulating inner energy.
But from second-rate, where one could properly wield inner energy, the limits far exceeded those of common folk. Even accounting for that, Moyong Sua's growth was excessively rapid.
Just five days ago, she'd been like a wild foal, unable to control her own strength, collapsing from exhaustion after barely fifteen minutes.
Now, after just those five days, she could go a full hour with some stamina to spare. She must have gained experience and found her own methods.
'Her inner energy circulation is incomparably purer than on the first day. Less waste, I suppose. And without any guidance... impressive.'
Nameless had trained alone in the mountains for twenty-five years, so he couldn't claim it was perfect. But it was clearly much better than day one.
The gap in their realms was still vast, so she hadn't touched even a hair on his head. Watching her improve by leaps and bounds each day, though...
He almost worried she might catch up someday. The Moyong Clan had good reason to hail her as an unprecedented genius.
"Well done."
"You too."
"What did you think, Great Hero?"
"......"
What? Why ask that out of nowhere?
The question hit like a bolt from the blue after the spar ended, leaving him momentarily speechless. Moyong Sua had always avoided talking to him as much as possible.
He didn't know why, but chit-chat risked exposing his secrets, so he'd welcomed her distance with open arms.
Yet here she was, asking this. It was an effective surprise attack—and one reason was his own shallow foundation left him unable to give proper advice.
If he were at the Flower Realm, wielding sword aura freely, or even Peak Absolute, maybe. But he was merely first-rate, limited to sword energy, and self-trained in isolation to boot.
He couldn't offer precise critique. He hadn't even seen other techniques to compare.
"Too slow. Hardly worthy of the Moyong Clan's swift sword principles."
"Understood. I'll keep that in mind."
Please don't. Just let it go in one ear and out the other.
In the end, he dressed up his raw impressions to sound authoritative. Maintaining face, as they said. But he had reasons he couldn't avoid it.
'To keep ties with the Moyong Clan, no choice. Better than exposing myself.'
Peak experts or higher would see through it instantly. But first-rate and below could be bluffed with momentum and convincing words.
Moyong Hyeon already thought him beyond Peak, after all. He felt no guilt—he hadn't lied outright.
'Just didn't correct the misconception.'
That's why he'd taken on Moyong Hyeon's sister despite the hassle. Even if exposed later, the debt would keep them beholden forever.
"Great Hero, one more round?"
"Sure."
"Thank you!"
Nameless sighed inwardly and resumed his stance. Moyong Hyeon had said it'd wrap up in at most half a month. He'd endure till then.
Exposing himself could wait till he visited the clan proper.
Better yet, snag spirit herbs and manuals without even going!
It was like a sweet dream.
No lavish feasts or silk robes like at the clan, but worldly treasures meant nothing without peace of mind.
Here, Sua could relax fully. No more fearing abandonment. The Great Hero wasn't affectionate,
but he never outright ignored her. When she spoke, he met her eyes and replied properly. It was her first taste of human treatment—utterly unfamiliar.
"Too slow. Hardly worthy of the Moyong Clan's swift sword principles."
"Keep your heart hot and your head cool."
"Focusing solely on speed while missing the rest is nonsense!"
His pearls of wisdom became her blood and flesh. With monstrous comprehension, she grasped their depths and embodied them fully.
They blossomed as insights, naturally emerging in her techniques. That was why she progressed by leaps and bounds. She felt it clearly.
Inner energy flowed incomparably smoother than day one. Above all, techniques she couldn't perform at the clan for lack of energy were now effortless.
"Your energy control has improved beyond compare to the first day."
"All thanks to you, Great Hero."
"I did nothing. It's all your own training."
"......"
Praise for the first time in her life nearly made her forget decorum and jump like a child. Had the Patriarch ever praised her at the clan?
Never, she could swear. They gave her warm rooms, food, clothes, luxuries—but conversations were curt,
and only in public. Alone, they treated her like a passing chicken. Strangely, she'd never questioned it.
'Back then, I was just happy. Finally acknowledged as family. But was it real? Was I truly accepted?'
Amid doubts raging like wildfire, time marched on. A full month passed, leaving Nameless tilting his head.
"He said at most half a month. Taking longer than expected."
"Yes, Brother said he'd return in half a month..."
"No mishaps, surely. Just delayed for some reason."
Fearing her worry, Nameless hurried to reassure her. But Sua wasn't anxious. If anything, she clicked her tongue in quiet regret.
"Actually, even longer wouldn't be so bad..."
"Hm?"
"N-nothing!!"
Terrified he'd glimpse her heart, she shook her head, face red as a ripe persimmon. But wanting more time was utterly sincere.
Yet joyful days always fly by. On the evening of the exact one-month mark, unexpected guests arrived. Nameless cocked his head.
Their ornate attire screamed Moyong Clan warriors. But their intent didn't seem friendly.
Evidence: They formed ranks, encircling the thatched hut like a noose. No escape, their resolve screamed.
Sensing the wrong turn, Nameless silently stepped before Sua. At the same time, a white-haired, squinting youth with a weasel-like face stepped forward.
"An honor to meet you, Senior. I'm Moyong Sa, Hall Master of the famed Dragon Hall and Leader of the Dragon Vanguard Squad of the Moyong Clan."
"Nameless. But where's Young Lord Moyong Hyeon?"
"Ah, him?"
Moyong Sa's lip curled, making Nameless's brow twitch. Ill omens never missed. Moyong Sa smiled and obliged.
"Young Lord Moyong Hyeon was captured for rebelling against the Patriarch and disrupting the clan..."
But before he finished, Nameless moved. He scooped up the anxious Sua behind him, clamping her firmly under his arm,
and glided forward like ice-skating. Closing in flawlessly, he loaded his leg and kicked.
Thud!!
Catching the sudden ambush, Moyong Sa slammed into a tree. He crumpled atop it as it collapsed under the impact.
Not satisfied, Nameless scanned quickly. With their Leader downed in one blow, the warriors panicked—prime chance.
'If friendly, they wouldn't send so many. Must be hostile intent.'
Get out, fast.