Chapter 58: That Title's a Bit Off
It had been a dangerous training session, but the results were outstanding.
Unlike Heo Jik and Heo Yun, who had hesitated before finally responding properly, the other Taoists had thrown everything they had into the fight from the start.
And one by one, they collapsed.
"Is it over?"
Jeong Gwang sheathed his sword and looked around.
Injured or internally wounded Kunlun Taoists sat cross-legged, circulating their qi.
"Ah, Junior Brother."
Baek Seung-mu, standing pale-faced in the corner, convulsed as if having a fit.
"Y-Yes? Yes?"
"How come you're perfectly fine, Junior Brother?"
"M-My martial arts are too weak, so there wasn't anyone worth sparring with..."
"Aw, must've been lonely. Come here. I'll spar with you."
"N-No, I couldn't possibly spar with Senior Brother!"
"Don't worry. I'll match you perfectly."
Jeong Gwang kept his promise.
He matched Baek Seung-mu's internal energy and technique execution exactly.
But no fledgling warrior could withstand Jeong Gwang's killing intent.
Still, having inherited his mother Heo Yeo-min's boldness, Baek Seung-mu put up a decent resistance—but soon collapsed gloriously.
"Time to treat them now."
As Jeong Gwang muttered, Un Hak and the other Un family disciples rose with ashen faces.
"Could you give us some acupuncture? My shoulders are killing me."
"I'm famished inside. Got any tonic pills to nourish the body?"
Being older meant higher martial prowess, so they recovered faster—and being older, they knew how to care for themselves. These were the Un family disciples.
"Just a moment."
Jeong Gwang opened the training ground door.
People stood there with wide eyes.
"Quite a crowd. Clan Head, mind if I ask a favor?"
Dang Yeong-jung, at the front, nodded slowly.
"Speak."
"Could you give us some golden sore medicine and internal injury remedies? The good stuff."
"......"
It was an unexpected request, but that wasn't the point.
Dang Yeong-jung reevaluated Jeong Gwang.
'More dangerous than I thought.'
The killing intent had been chilling beyond anything he'd felt in his life.
Killing intent grew stronger with higher martial arts, mental fortitude, and will.
'But talent plays the biggest role.'
For a youth not even in his twenties to unleash such overwhelming killing intent?
And to suppress it instantly, demanding medicine with an innocent face, wielding it so freely?
'If time passes like this...'
He couldn't imagine how much more dangerous he'd become.
'I have to bind him somehow.'
Dang Yeong-jung made up his mind.
"Medicine, eh? How much?"
"A lot."
"Very well. But I can't just give it for free."
Jeong Gwang grimaced.
"Give me a discount. Ah, Junior Brother! Haggle when you need to! Get over here!"
Baek Seung-mu just grumbled from the floor, unable to even stand.
As Jeong Gwang went to fetch him, Dang Yeong-jung stopped him.
"Not about money. I have a request too."
"What is it?"
"Treatment first, no? Let's all head to the clan quarters."
No one had severe injuries, so the Kunlun Taoists all headed to the Tang family quarters.
Onlookers trailed behind, whispering and glancing at Jeong Gwang.
Jeong Gwang frowned.
'Killing Star? Monster? Demon? Me?'
How righteously had he lived since reincarnating? What was this?
No, even in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, full of nasty bastards, there weren't guys this bad.
'Ah, right. In the orthodox sects, killing a few people makes you a Killing Star.'
The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult overflowed with such folk, so he couldn't deny that.
And Jeong Gwang, who had lived beating to death those who constantly attacked him?
A Killing Star among Killing Stars—befitting the title Heavenly Killing Star.
'Come to think of it, even in my past life as a kid, some called me that.'
As Jeong Gwang scowled, Heo Cheong approached to comfort him.
"Don't mind them."
"Huh?"
"They're just ignorant."
True enough.
If they really knew him, it'd be beyond Killing Star.
They'd call him True Heavenly Demon.
Jeong Gwang chuckled, and Heo Cheong soothed him earnestly.
"Others might not know, but we do. You're a warm-hearted kid."
Master. That's a bit much.
"......Of course, a bit rough around the edges."
Hm. Closer now.
Jeong Gwang nodded, and Heo Cheong smiled.
"So ignore the others. Got it?"
The surrounding Kunlun Taoists chimed in.
"We think so too."
"But maybe tone it down next time?"
Jeong Gwang rejected flatly.
"No can do. That's how you survive and keep opponents alive easier."
Sound logic, but...
The warm atmosphere vanished; the Kunlun Taoists sighed.
Watching, Dang Yeong-jung grasped Jeong Gwang's position in Kunlun.
'Interesting dynamic.'
The Un and Heo family disciples clearly cherished him.
Yet they seemed firmly in the grip of the much junior Jeong Gwang.
'The more I learn, the less I understand. Need to take it slow.'
Arriving at quarters, Dang Yeong-jung ordered his clansmen.
"The esteemed ones are injured. Spare no medicine—treat them well."
"Yes, Clan Head."
Tang warriors, including Dang O-gun and Dang Ye-ji, bustled about.
With skilled hands, they treated the Kunlun Taoists.
Watching briefly, Dang Yeong-jung sent Jeong Gwang a transmission.
—Now, my request?
—Yes, go ahead.
—Return to layman life. Without crippling your martial arts.
Jeong Gwang gaped in disbelief.
'What sect lets you laicize without crippling your dantian?'
They usually destroyed the dantian to reclaim arts, sometimes severing meridians. What nonsense?
But anyway.
—Dunno if possible, but marry Miss Tang after? Didn't you say she'd refuse?
—I'll persuade her.
What?
Persuade her?
When did I say yes?
Watching Jeong Gwang's face closely, Dang Yeong-jung sighed softly.
—A bit much, huh.
—A lot.
—Fair enough. Come.
Dang Yeong-jung led Jeong Gwang to a secluded room outside the quarters.
There sat Dang Gi-hwang, looking baffled.
"What brings you here?"
Jeong Gwang was equally baffled.
"Clan Head, why'd you bring me here?"
"Sit first. Father, you too."
Seated, Dang Yeong-jung asked Jeong Gwang.
"Inherit Father's enlightenment."
"Pardon?"
"What?"
Ignoring his glaring father, Dang Yeong-jung eyed only Jeong Gwang.
"That's my request. Will you?"
"This is weird. Anything else?"
"Nothing much. I'll announce to the martial world that you inherited Father's insights."
"Hmm."
Jeong Gwang's eyes narrowed.
Publicly declaring he gained the Poison Venerable's insights?
Why?
'Clan Head doesn't get along with Poison Venerable, so not for him. For the clan, then.'
He'd shown much ability. To avoid killing, bind with strong ties.
'Not master-disciple, but sharing enlightenment is special.'
Martial arts were priceless to warriors. Sharing meant deep bonds.
"Clan Head, for your kids' sake?"
"I won't deny it."
"Young Master Dang O-gun and Miss Dang Ye-ji are top among peers. Necessary?"
Expression flickered on Dang Yeong-jung's face.
"Father's made many enemies; I've suffered for it. For my children, strong friends, not enemies."
"Ah, got it."
"So? Accept?"
Jeong Gwang tilted his head.
"Grand Clan Head's enlightenment. You don't want it?"
"Not at all."
"Why?"
"I've realized everything myself so far—and will continue."
Low but forceful voice.
Unyielding will and confidence!
Jeong Gwang subtly scratched his arms.
'Saying that with a wooden face.'
Is he one of those—looks the part but not?
As suspicion crept in, Dang Yeong-jung asked.
"Why the scratching?"
"Suddenly itchy."
"I see. Your answer?"
"Hm. Learning's fine, but naggy's a no."
Dang Gi-hwang, listening sourly, jumped in desperately.
"I'm naturally quiet."
"Hate liars more."
"......I'll try not to nag."
"But is this enlightenment fun?"
Dang Gi-hwang's eyes sparkled proudly.
"Of course! It'll be a blast!"
Jeong Gwang's heart stirred.
'This confident? Must be decent.'
No need to refuse, then.
'Ah, squeeze more out.'
Jeong Gwang turned to Dang Yeong-jung.
"Tang clan doctors reside in Kunlun, free treatment for main disciples."
"Within the alliance, yes."
"Outside too. How often do we meet in the jianghu? From Qinghai to Sichuan?"
"What do you want?"
"Send your doctors as residents to practice medicine."
"Hm. Four for five years. In exchange, permit herb and poison gathering in Kunlun Mountains."
"Then rather... Huh? This is beyond me. Ask Martial Uncle and Master."
"Then let's go. Need permission for Father to transmit anyway."
"Wonder if they'll allow it."
Contrary to worries, Un Hak nodded readily.
"You're too big for Kunlun alone. Learn much to fill yourself."
Heo Cheong differed slightly.
—My dear disciple. Congrats on learning from a great one. But remember, I'm your only master.
—Of course. Why transmission?
—Ahem. Poison Venerable's temperament, you know?
Jeong Gwang understood instantly.
Then, talk of resident Tang doctors thrilled Un Hak and Kunlun disciples.
"Ha ha ha. Great boon for Qinghai folk. Thank you, Clan Head."
"No need. Numbers and term?"
Fierce negotiations began.
Heo Cheong led for Kunlun, unyielding like Jin Ok-ryong's master, fighting valiantly.
Finally: four doctors for ten years; Kunlun aids herb/poison gathering.
Dang Gi-hwang, anxiously silent, shouted gleefully.
"Welcome, disciple!"
"That title's a bit off."
"You'll get used to it! I'll teach you the world's best ultimate technique! Let's go!"
Rumors spread fast.
Exaggerated.
'Poison Venerable passing lifetime insights to Jin Ok-ryong!'
'Tang and Kunlun's ten-year pact! Two giants unite!'
Crowds swarmed quarters, seeking confirmation.
Kunlun didn't hide, stating facts.
Tang differed.
Vaguely affirming exaggerated rumors.
Folk trusted Tang more than Kunlun, debating future martial dynamics.
Hearing this, Geol Jon and Chang Jon fumed—as expected.
They raced to Jeong Gwang's temporary Tang quarters.
And met Dang Gi-hwang's odious grin.
"Oh, you two."
"......!"
"......!"
Usually "beggar scum," "Yue bastard"—now "you two"?
Geol Jon and Chang Jon gaped; Dang Gi-hwang laughed merrily.
"Uh ha ha ha. What's wrong?"
"......Farmer. Eat something bad?"
"......Wasn't normal before, worse now. Worried."
They channeled qi, provoking.
From the rear garden, Jeong Gwang called.
"Grand Clan Head! What's next?"
Dang Gi-hwang smiled, murmuring—with qi loud enough for their ears!
"Heh. Kid calls me Grand Clan Head. Not used to 'Master' yet, huh."
"......"
"......"
"Ah, still here? Nice seeing you. Must go—teach my disciple. Disciple!"
"......"
"......"
"Farewell."
After Poison Venerable left, Geol Jon's cheeks puffed in rage.
"Disciple? Dissssciple?"
Chang Jon, grinding teeth audibly, followed.
"Such insult—rare and impressive."
Their gazes met.
"Yue bastard. Do it?"
"Obviously. You?"
They nodded vigorously.
"Later."
"Yes. Here."
Soon after.
Beggars' Sect and Shandong Yue quarters erupted in chaos.