Chapter 119: Qualification (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 119: Qualification (3)
Namgung Jin-cheon was hailed as the man who had reached the absolute pinnacle among all the successive heads of the Namgung Clan. Now, beneath his watchful gaze, a duel unfolded between Lee Seo-jun—the lover of Jin-cheon’s daughter—and Namgung Hyeok, a venerable Elder of the clan.
The spectators held their breath, their eyes glued to the rapid exchange of blows.
In the beginning, Seo-jun seemed to hold the upper hand.
He seized the momentum by seamlessly blending various martial arts and sorcery, his flashy displays drawing occasional cheers from the captivated crowd.
"Go for it, our lucky charm!"
Namgung Yeon hopped up and down in excitement, cheering Seo-jun on.
Yet, despite holding the advantage, Seo-jun had yet to secure a decisive victory.
Standing nearby, the Administrator, Namgung Hyeon-cheol, remarked, "His level is certainly high. Especially in terms of Qi Art; he has already reached the rank of a master."
"Old man! Stop overthinking it and just cheer! Cheer!"
"You're the one who should stop watching mindlessly. There is much to be learned from this duel."
Soon, the Primordial Unity Sun-Moon Art he had planted in the stone pillars exploded, immediately followed by a sequence of sorcery.
It looked as though Seo-jun had victory in his grasp, but Namgung Hyeok drew out his full power and violently reclaimed the momentum.
As the sky above was dyed the color of a deep blue sea, Namgung Su-ah clenched her fists.
"He has completely made the Firmament Boundless Sword Technique his own..."
Chun-bong snorted.
"Seo-jun is still going to win."
"But that is..."
A massive tidal wave fell from the heavens. Everyone gasped at the majestic, terrifying sight.
Even Chun-bong fell silent, her palms sweating, while Pae Jin-gwang simply scratched his forearm, watching the spectacle with a relaxed expression.
He’s not the type to go down from something like that...
The real question was whether he would take a direct hit and suffer massive damage, or find a way to counter it entirely.
"Win, Oppa...!"
Pae Jin-gwang’s eyes gleamed as he glanced at Chun-bong, who was jumping around and cheering.
Lamentations had already erupted from the surroundings. They came from those who, seeing the tidal wave swallow Seo-jun, assumed the outcome was set in stone.
"Still, isn’t he incredible for lasting this long?"
"I heard he’s only been practicing martial arts for two years. Honestly, it’s nonsensical that he could even push an Elder this far."
Pae Jin-gwang snorted at the comments of the ignorant crowd.
Let’s see what you’ve got.
Was it called the Primordial Unity Sun-Moon Astral Qi? Rarely did the Fist King’s heart beat this fast in anticipation of the martial arts that would unfold from a youngster’s hands.
"Oppa...! Kill that bastard...!"
Chun-bong’s cheering was becoming increasingly violent, momentarily dampening the mood of the arena. But it only lasted a second.
As soon as Seo-jun’s sword moved, a dead silence fell over the crowd.
"Pwahaha...!"
Only Pae Jin-gwang laughed out loud, struggling to calm his boiling blood.
"This is a blessing for the Murim!"
He wanted nothing more than to clash his fists against that boy’s sword. Suppressing the intense urge, Pae Jin-gwang smiled brightly.
It was a pity the boy wasn’t actively using the Tyrannical Power Ghost God Art, but considering he had only just learned it, it couldn't be helped.
"Still, it's undeniable..."
The Tyrannical Power Ghost God Art was melted into every martial art he was currently performing. External Qi Art silently supporting Internal Qi Art. That alone made every technique he unleashed exponentially more powerful.
The Fist King’s life’s work—the Tyrannical Power Ghost God Art—had successfully become the root for the next generation.
"Hahaha...!"
He couldn't help but feel truly delighted.
* * *
The tidal wave surged toward him.
Caught in the path of that violent current, Seo-jun did not rush. He simply swung his sword.
Primordial Unity Sun-Moon Astral Qi.
Astral Qi containing the principles of Taiji was wielded by Seo-jun’s hand, and by extension, the hand of the Emperor.
Taiji is harmony, and it is expansion.
The spreading Taiji merged with the tidal wave. Now incorporated into the Taiji, the raging waters were entirely controlled by Seo-jun’s fingertips.
Sshhhhhhh—
The mental imagery of White River Returning to the Ocean and the Star-Absorbing Great Art reinforced the Primordial Unity Sun-Moon Astral Qi.
As Seo-jun’s sword drew a circle, the drawn-in tidal wave followed its path, forming a massive vortex.
His body creaked. The absurd weight felt like it would crush him outright.
Nothingness and existence. The Taiji containing the tidal wave exerted a tremendous load on Seo-jun’s entire body, bound by its mysterious principles.
The Giant Spirit Divine Art and the Tyrannical Power Ghost God Art supported his collapsing frame.
The great strength dwelling within his body smoothly guided the sword, which now felt as heavy as Mount Tai.
"Hah..."
Namgung Hyeok stood with his mouth agape. Anyone would have the same reaction if their absolute best strike was neutralized in such a manner.
Wudang...? No, it seems slightly different...
This was especially true for an old master who had personally witnessed the Wudang Sect’s Taiji Wisdom Sword.
But now was not the time for such thoughts. By the time he realized his peril, it was a moment too late.
"Oh no...!"
Having finished gathering the energy, Seo-jun swung his sword.
The Primordial Unity Sun-Moon Astral Qi surged alongside the tidal wave, soaring toward the sky.
Marveling at the sight, Namgung Hyeok swung his sword in response with trembling hands.
KWA-AAAAAAANG—!!!
It was merely a collision of sword against sword. Yet, the sheer force of the aftermath shook the very space of the arena.
"Whoa...!"
"Get back!"
The spectators tried to scramble away, but there was no need.
With a single, casual gesture from Namgung Jin-cheon, the sky seemed to descend, snatching up the dangerous aftershocks and pulling them safely upward.
Only the floating clouds above were scattered in all directions by the sudden disaster.
Under a now-cloudless sky, Seo-jun looked up, groaning from the pouring fatigue.
"Ugh..."
Namgung Hyeok, staggering, landed heavily on the ground.
He was clearly exhausted as well, but Seo-jun hadn't managed to inflict a wound that would decide the match.
I guess the difference in realm still matters...
However, Hyeok had just hurriedly blocked a strike that had been reflected back at him with even greater power. His body and meridians couldn't possibly be fine.
As if to prove it, a trail of red blood trickled from the corner of Namgung Hyeok’s mouth.
In contrast, Seo-jun only suffered from accumulated pain and fatigue due to the immense load placed on his body.
Even that was healing rapidly, leaving him in a clearly advantageous position.
When Seo-jun leveled his sword again, Namgung Hyeok, who had been standing silently, suddenly burst into a loud laugh.
"Ha, hahaha...!"
As Seo-jun looked at him with a strange expression, the corners of Namgung Hyeok’s mouth curled upward.
"An old man like me couldn't even see the world clearly. You are right. You are indeed the blessing of the Namgung!"
Namgung Hyeok leveled his sword in return. His face was flushed with ecstasy, and a smile as pure as a young boy's spread across his aged features.
How long had it been since his heart raced like this while clashing swords?
Like a miracle, a spark flickered in a heart that had long since settled into cold ashes. That faint light now dimly illuminated the path he was meant to walk.
Call it enlightenment, or call it a driving force.
He could see it vaguely. The realm beyond.
It was still far away, and he would have to move his feet diligently to get there, but now that he had the destination in sight, he knew he would reach it one day.
Namgung Hyeok, having finally taken a step forward from his long stagnation, bared his teeth in a joyful grin.
"Come! The sword of Namgung does not break!"
"What the..."
Seo-jun chuckled and placed his left index and middle fingers at the base of his blade. The profound mystery of Heaven-Defying gathered at his fingertips and swept down the blade, taking the form of a peerlessly sharp edge.
Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Astral Qi.
As he brought out the secret technique he had been preparing, Namgung Hyeok also unleashed his own signature technique in response.
Falling Sea from the Firmament.
A blue current surged fiercely around his raised sword.
The blue sky fell, transforming into a great ocean.
The sword he swung down as he took a giant step forward possessed a world-shattering momentum.
Nearby, a small fragment of rock lay on the ground. Seo-jun, who was about to detonate the Primordial Unity Divine Art he had planted within it, smiled slightly and stopped himself.
A man had to have some pride, after all.
He charged forward and swung his sword upward.
Boosting his strength with the Giant Spirit Divine Art and the Tyrannical Power Ghost God Art, he unleashed the Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Astral Qi through the form of the Emperor Sword Form.
The sound of the two swords clashing was not loud.
Shhh—
A gentle gust of wind blew past, fluttering Namgung Hyeok’s hair.
Seo-jun’s sword had reached within an inch of the Elder's throat. It was only stopped because it had been blocked by another sword that had flown in from out of nowhere.
"...I lost."
Namgung Hyeok lowered his broken sword, the blade cleanly snapped in half.
Whoosh!
As his Domain dissolved, a blue wind momentarily swept through the surroundings.
"Cough...!"
Blood poured from his mouth. Having taken a severe hit to his mental imagery the exact moment his Domain was cut, Namgung Hyeok gently pushed away the sword floating in the air before his throat.
"I also offer my thanks to the Family Head. Thanks to you, I’ve kept my life..."
Namgung Jin-cheon’s sword crossed the void and neatly returned to its scabbard.
As Namgung Jin-cheon stared silently at Namgung Hyeok, the Elder calmly straightened his disheveled clothes.
He took a moment to catch his breath, then stood tall and declared:
"Lee Seo-jun has proven his qualification through his own faith and martial arts. He is more than worthy to learn the Emperor Sword Form."
Everyone gathered at the Great Martial Arts Arena focused entirely on Namgung Hyeok’s words.
In the deep silence where even the sound of the wind felt loud, Namgung Hyeok continued.
"Since he and the Namgung Clan have formed a bond, this is a profound blessing for the Murim. I take this opportunity to congratulate him on his marriage to Namgung Su-ah."
"Huh?"
Seo-jun, who had been catching his breath, snapped his head up. Congratulate what? We aren't married yet!
"Furthermore, since the Family Head and I, this Elder, have officially recognized his qualification, there shall never again be such foolish internal strife caused by clouded eyes."
Namgung Hyeok quietly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he performed a formal fist and palm salute toward everyone gathered in the arena.
"There is nothing more hideous than an old man ruining a young man’s future. I admit that this incident was a clear mistake stemming from my own inadequacy and ignorance. From this hour forward, I shall step down from all positions of power and devote myself entirely to the clan. In my stead, I appoint Lee Seo-jun as an Elder of the Namgung Clan. This is the clan’s great fortune and shall be the start of a new wave."
An Elder?
As Seo-jun stared blankly at him, Namgung Hyeok approached and patted his shoulder.
"I have made a fool of myself. My eyes were clouded by old age. Please, look after the clan well in the future."
"Um..."
Seo-jun just blinked. Namgung Hyeok chuckled and whispered.
"Everyone is waiting for a word from you, so please speak your mind freely."
Just as he said, countless gazes were fixed on Seo-jun.
Their expressions were quite a sight—a mix of surprise, admiration, and faces flushed with various other intense emotions.
After a moment of dazed thought, Seo-jun finally opened his mouth.
"Yeah, well... I’d like to dedicate this glory to our Chun-bong, Su-ah Noona, the Family Head, a certain Mr. Pae, and everyone else..."
After reciting what sounded like a rough award ceremony speech, he suddenly thrust both hands into the air.
"Everyone, please give a big round of applause to celebrate our Chun-bong becoming an adult!"
Total silence.
While people looked around, unsure of what he meant, a loud voice thundered through the air.
—You son of a bitch!
Starting with that furious shout, the cheers of people offering their congratulations—for whatever reason—finally filled the Great Martial Arts Arena.
WAAAAAAA—!!!
Anyway, the case was closed.
* * *
He got beaten the hell up.
The fists of a furious Chun-bong were something that couldn't even be compared to her usual Meow-Meow Punches.
Seo-jun, groaning from the bone-chilling "pats," only peeked his head up after the thrashing finally stopped.
"Anyway, so, we should have a celebration party."
"What, you punk?"
"Chun-bong’s coming-of-age ceremony...! Your Oppa has been thinking about it for the past few days..."
"Just die!"
Unfortunately, the grand celebration party was canceled due to Chun-bong’s violent opposition.
Seo-jun sat on the ground with a pouting lip.
It seemed he would have to burn the "Happy First Period!" banner he had prepared in advance.
If the current Chun-bong found out about it, he might actually get stabbed.
So now, all that was left was the Yongbong Gathering... but there was still some time before their departure.
"Oh, Elder! Congratulations!"
"Ah, thank you. But 'Elder' makes me sound a bit old, so can’t you just call me Young Master?"
Responding to the greetings of the clan members he passed by, Seo-jun pondered what to do with his free time.
Should I create a new martial art?
If he walked around outside right now, he’d be called "Elder" dozens of times a day, which was a bit much for him to handle.
Besides, there were many martial arts he needed to create anyway.
There was the Chun-bong Divine Art, the martial art he promised to give to the Fist King, and he still had to finish refining the Life and Death Breakthrough Art.
In addition, since the war was still in full swing, and he knew the North Sea Ice Palace’s Ice Soul Divine Art quite well—having obtained the oral chant by interrogating Baek Yu-ryeon of the Ice Palace during the Green Forest subjugation—he figured it might be good to create a counter-martial art for it.
It wasn't just martial arts, either. Since both Chun-bong and Namgung Su-ah had taken the Heaven-Man Divine Elixir and improved their bodies, he couldn't forget to check on their progress as well.
Man, why am I so busy?
As he was agonizing over his schedule, Seo-jun felt a tug on his sleeve and turned his head. It was Chun-bong.
"Aw, our Chun-bong! What’s up?"
"You said the Yongbong Gathering is being held this spring, right?"
"Yeah. Why? You want to enter?"
"There’s that, but..." Chun-bong hesitated, then stared intently at Seo-jun. "Don’t you have any intention of entering?"
"Me? What would I do entering a place where kids play?"
"This guy..." Chun-bong looked at Seo-jun, whose nose was stuck high in the air, and gave a huff. "What, are you scared?"
"What? You just..."
"Scared?"
"Ha...!"
Unable to hold back his pride, Seo-jun declared, "Your Oppa will win the whole thing...!"
"Okay, I’ll count on you, Oppa."
"Gasp...!"
Yongbong Gathering? Everyone there was as good as dead.
Behind the fired-up Seo-jun, Chun-bong let out a snickering, villainous laugh.
With this, I’ll spread the name of the Divine Sword Geum Family far and wide...!
Of course, his grand plans were immediately stopped by Namgung Jin-cheon.
"Son-in-law... Given the purpose of the Yongbong Gathering, I’d highly advise you to reconsider your participation..."
The Yongbong Gathering was a tournament aimed at encouraging the growth of Rising Stars and rewarding those who achieved excellent results.
However, if Seo-jun—whose strength was comparable to most old masters rather than a mere Rising Star—participated, it was highly likely to become a tournament that caused utter despair rather than stimulating the competitive spirit of the youth.
In this time of war, it was absolutely necessary to avoid breaking the spirits of the Rising Stars.
Chun-bong said she’s counting on me, though...
Seo-jun smacked his lips in disappointment. "Then it can’t be helped. But what’s the prize for winning this time?"
"From what I know, it’s a Great Restoration Pill..."
"Oh."
A Great Restoration Pill? It was the ultimate boss of spirit herbs.
It would be the perfect medicine to feed Chun-bong.
Seo-jun asked slyly, "Are you absolutely sure about me not participating...?"
"I’d appreciate it if you refrained..."
What a shame.
"Family Head."
Chun-bong stepped forward instead. However, it wasn't to argue for Seo-jun’s participation.
It was disappointing, sure, but not something to force. What Chun-bong wanted was something else entirely, and if Seo-jun couldn't step up, she would just have to achieve it with her own strength.
"I wish to announce at this Yongbong Gathering that the prestige of the Divine Sword Geum Family remains unchanged."
"Does that mean...?"
"I hope it won't be a burden to the Namgung Clan."
Now that she had the backing of the Namgung Clan, Chun-bong had finally prepared the foundation to step out into the world as Geum Hee.
She would use this Yongbong Gathering to announce to the entire Murim that the successor of the Geum Family was alive and well.
Seeing the serious look in Chun-bong’s eyes, Namgung Jin-cheon gave a faint, approving smile.
"Of course... The Namgung Clan will gladly support the revival of the Geum Family..."
The revival of the Divine Sword Geum Family was not far off.