Chapter 74: Gaining Fame (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 74: Gaining Fame (1)
While I was lost in thought for a moment, the murmuring grew into a roar of cheers.
“How can this be!”
“I can’t believe it. Someone that young is capable of Manipulating Sword with Qi!”
“This is a miracle of the martial world!”
Finally, Jeok Yeong and Mu Gyeol were shaken out of their own private world by my display of sword control.
The momentum of the two men deflated like a punctured goatskin canteen.
With a flick of my wrist, the Ghost Sword slowly glided back toward me as if being sucked into my hand. I caught the blade and slid it back into its scabbard.
With every eye fixed on me, I spoke up.
“I believe it would be best to end this duel here. This was no longer a simple sparring match; it was turning into a life-and-death struggle. I apologize for the intrusion, but I felt compelled to stop it. I hope you understand. However, since a winner was not decided within a hundred moves, Young Hero Hwang should be allowed to stay the night and rest, shouldn't he? I shall see you all tomorrow, then.”
I gave Mu Gyeol a fist-and-palm salute.
Caught off guard, he reflexively returned the gesture. He couldn't even find the words to respond, merely biting his lip. The arrogant brat was clearly shaken after witnessing my telekinetic sword control.
“Brother Jeok, that’s enough. Even if a winner wasn't declared, everyone here knows who held the upper hand. Let’s go help the Ilguk Sect now.”
Leading the Demon Subjugation Group and the Sword Palace Squad, I headed toward the area where the Ilguk Sect was tending to the dead and wounded.
If you’re going to make a grand entrance, you have to make a grand exit. That was the way to double the impression you left on people.
“Ha, so that’s the New Dragon of Sichuan I’ve heard so much about? He’s not just the dragon of Sichuan; he’s the dragon of the whole Murim.”
“I thought he was just some joke, an idol for the third-rates, but I was wrong.”
“Wow, he completely crushed the pride of the Nine Dragons Group—the elites of the Nine Great Sects—in a single move. Truly incredible. And that younger brother of his, too... to fight Mu Gyeol to a standstill.”
“I heard it on the way here. That Demon Subjugation Group apparently broke through the Demonic Cult League’s Heaven-Earth Dragnet.”
“What? I thought that was just a rumor, but it’s true? Then they really are the Invincible Demon Subjugation Group. I thought they were just a bunch of low-lifes.”
With that one move, I had completely shifted the attention and credit away from the Nine Dragons Group and toward us. Now, the Nine Dragons Group were nothing more than supporting actors.
I spent all that effort undressing the bride, and now these bastards show up out of nowhere trying to play the groom.
There was no way I could look kindly upon those Nine Dragons Group punks who tried to shove their spoons into a meal I had already cooked.
Once things settled down, I approached Hwang Chu.
“Young Hero Hwang, thanks to you, I got to play the hero for a bit.”
Hwang Chu gave me a thin smile.
“You did well. I didn't expect my sect’s technique to be used like that. If I had done it, they would have called it sorcery, but since it was you, Young Hero Eo, they couldn't say a word.”
Hwang Chu’s smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. After a brief pause, he continued.
“But I don’t understand why you insisted on making me stay here for the night. I’m physically fine.”
Hwang Chu stared at me, clearly puzzled by the condition I had set.
I gave him a knowing smirk.
“It’s nothing else, but I need to transcribe the manual, which is why I insisted we stay.”
“Transcribe it?”
“Yes. I need to make two copies.”
Hwang Chu looked worried.
“Two copies? I understand the one for Ancient Wood Valley. You need it to remove the Gu parasite they planted in you. But where is the other one going?”
I shook my head.
“I have a plan. Just trust me and leave it to me.”
I brushed it off and moved on. Since Hwang Chu trusted me implicitly, he didn't press the matter further.
“Will it take long?”
“No. This is just the oral formula for the mental cultivation method, so it’s not long. Two shijin [four hours] should be enough.”
*
As night fell over the Ilguk Sect, the exhausting day finally came to an end.
The members of the Demon Subjugation Group, battered from the fierce battle, fell into a deep sleep after a brief session of energy circulation. The Sword Palace Squad, likely drained of mental energy, also turned in early.
I went outside and sat in quiet contemplation.
Suddenly, someone leaped down from the roof. Three people landed, yet it sounded as if only one person had touched the ground.
It was Mad Demon Seop Jung, Ham Bi-hye, and Deputy Bu.
I wasn't surprised; I had expected them to come. In fact, I had been waiting for them. These were the people who had worked so hard to obtain this manual. The reason I hadn't slept despite my fatigue was to prepare a plan for how to handle them.
I stood up and gave a calm salute.
“Greetings, Senior Mad Demon.”
Seeing my composure, Ham Bi-hye spoke.
“You look as if you were waiting for us.”
“I’m no fortune teller, so how could I have known the three of you would come?”
“Because you aren't surprised even though we appeared so suddenly.”
“I’ve seen so many shocking things here lately that my heart must have grown sturdy. But what brings the three of you here?”
Deputy Bu spoke in a slick, oily tone.
“Are you asking because you truly don’t know? Or are you just teasing us?”
I knew exactly why they were here. Since I held the bargaining chips, there was no need for me to act submissive.
“I have a guess, but I’d like to hear it directly.”
My clean, direct way of speaking highlighted the strength of my position.
“Um, we came for the manual,” Ham Bi-hye said in a soft voice.
Those who are already at a disadvantage have no choice but to take such a humble stance.
“By manual, do you mean the one Young Hero Hwang possesses?”
Ham Bi-hye nodded.
“Yes. We need it.”
I looked at Ham Bi-hye for a moment. My gaze kept drifting toward her chest—the area I had accidentally grabbed before—so I quickly looked away.
“May I ask what you intend to use it for?”
At my question, the Mad Demon flared up in anger.
“What’s with all the chatter? Just hand over the manual!”
I looked at Mad Demon Seop Jung and spoke as if muttering to myself.
“Senior, this isn't a matter of simply giving and taking. If the Murim Alliance finds out that the Nine Demons Chamber has seized or possesses this manual, things will certainly turn ugly. The Nine Dragons Group came specifically to recover it. If it’s revealed that your sect has it, the Alliance will assume you intend to take over the Murim. It could spark a massive war. That is how powerful this manual is.”
Faced with my logical argument, Seop Jung could only gape. He was angry, but he couldn't find a single point to refute.
“Do you think we’re like that Blood Lama? We just have another use for it. Do you think we need this manual just to create some jiangshi? Only weaklings do things like that!” the Mad Demon roared.
“That is exactly why I am asking what you intend to use it for.”
“If I tell you, will you give it to us?” Mad Demon Seop Jung growled.
“I’ll consider it after I hear the reason.”
Seop Jung raised his hand as if he were about to strike in frustration, but Ham Bi-hye quickly stepped in front of him.
“Please understand him, Young Hero Eo. My maternal grandfather is only this angry because we truly, desperately need this manual.”
“If you don’t give it to us, we’ll have no choice but to take it by force, even if it means war with the Murim Alliance.”
From Ham Bi-hye’s determined tone, I could read their resolve. Whatever the reason, they were desperate for this manual. And the more desperate they were, the more valuable my chip became.
“If the reason is valid, I might consider it.”
As I held my ground, Ham Bi-hye’s brow twitched.
“Fine, I’ll tell you. Someone I know is suffering from Qi Deviation. We need this manual to cure it.”
Looking into her eyes, I could tell she was sincere. Her eyes were moist as she spoke.
Perfect. Now it’s time to show my hand.
“As you know, the Murim Alliance considers this manual extremely important, so it’s difficult to let it leak out. However, since the situation is so urgent, I will take the risk.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will give you a transcription of the manual, but in return, I want a suitable price.”
Ham Bi-hye gave a small smile.
“Are we finally seeing the real Young Hero Eo? Do you want money?”
I shook my head.
“Asking for money for a manual like this would be petty. I simply want you to lend me your strength once if I ever face a great danger in the future. Whether it’s protecting me or helping me, you must grant me one request.”
If I took money from them, it would only invite unnecessary suspicion. Instead, I was securing a lifeline for my future. If I was going to give them the manual anyway, I might as well get that much in return.
I had asked Hwang Chu to make two copies precisely because it would be a headache if they tried to take the original by force.
“Fine. I promise.”
I shook my head. I wasn't some greenhorn; I had become too much of a cynic to trust mere words.
“A verbal promise isn't enough. This is a huge risk for me, so shouldn't there be some kind of token?”
At my words, Ham Bi-hye thought for a moment before pulling something from her robes.
“I’ll give you this.”
She tossed something to me. Seeing it, Mad Demon Seop Jung and Deputy Bu gasped.
“Young Mistress, that... you can't!”
“Child, think again. Isn't that your personal token?”
Hearing their protests, I examined the object she had thrown. It was a round plaque made of jade. It was exquisitely engraved with the name of the Nine Demons Chamber and the image of a dragon with its jaws agape, symbolizing the Young Mistress of the sect.
“This is a token that proves my identity as the Young Mistress. If you come to the Nine Demons Chamber with this, you will be treated as an honored guest. Furthermore, with this plaque, you can mobilize the warriors of any Nine Demons Chamber branch at any time.”
In short, it was a token of immense power. However, it felt like too much. I had just wanted something like a written contract, but she had given me something far more burdensome.
“This is a bit too heavy for me to carry.”
Ham Bi-hye spoke sternly.
“If this manual can save that person, ten of these plaques wouldn't be a waste. And this manual is worth that much.”
Mad Demon Seop Jung and Deputy Bu remained silent, like mutes who had eaten honey. They had realized the depth of Ham Bi-hye’s desperation.
In that case, I had no reason to refuse.
I tucked the plaque into my robes and pulled out a booklet. It was the transcription of the Heart-Guiding Blood Flow Divine Art.
“It’s a transcription, but it’s accurate, so don’t worry.”
Deputy Bu stared at me intently.
“You already knew we were coming, didn't you?”
“Didn't the Nine Demons Chamber fight the Blood Lamas specifically because you needed this? It was obvious you’d come to get it. Isn't that something anyone could figure out?”
When I spoke as if it were no big deal, Deputy Bu chuckled.
“One could figure that much out, but I didn't expect you to have a transcription ready. Come to think of it, did you arrange that duel with the Nine Dragons Group leader and stay the night here just so you could make the copy and give it to us?”
As expected of a sharp one, he had seen through my actions and intentions. I scratched my head.
“Actually, I felt I owed Lady Ham a debt, and since the Nine Demons Chamber contributed so much to defeating the Blood Lamas, it seemed unfair for you to walk away with nothing. That’s why I made the copy.”
Mad Demon Seop Jung gripped my shoulder.
“I didn't expect much from the Orthodox brats since they’re all so stiff-necked, but you’re quite different from the ones I know. Thank you. I appreciate the consideration.”
It was a gruff thanks, but I could feel the warmth of his heart through his heavy hand. It felt a bit awkward to be thanked after receiving the Young Mistress’s plaque.
I suppose this is what they call killing two birds with one stone.
“We’re in a hurry, so we’ll be going now.”
The three of them took to the air, vanishing as if they were a single entity once more.
“They aren't even birds, so how do they fly so well?”
Watching their lightness skills made my own feet itch, so I spent some time leaping across the rooftops myself.