Chapter 46
Chapter 46
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 46
Chapter Title: Little Azure Pavilion
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The residence of the Zhuge branch family's eldest young master in Dankang.
Little Azure Pavilion.
Crash!
Upon returning to his quarters, Zhuge Gak smashed every piece of furniture in the room.
His anger simply wouldn't subside.
Far from succeeding, the failed scheme had only elevated Wudang's standing.
As a result, he'd been thoroughly scolded by the family head, Zhuge Mulin, and even his younger brother Zhuge Geun.
"What's wrong? Looks like even the great eldest brother hit a snag."
He'd sneered it off like that.
Especially.
"Jingung, that bastard."
He couldn't forget the way he'd taunted him with that stern expression.
Jingung and Zhuge Gak were the same age, but their reputations differed vastly.
Jingung was Wudang's prodigy who had manifested sword aura, his name resounding across the Central Plains martial world. In contrast, Zhuge Gak of the renowned Zhuge family, famed for their intellect, didn't stand out as much.
This was the martial world.
It was only natural that Jingung, with his superior martial prowess, received more recognition.
"Damn it! To show such a disgrace in front of him, of all people."
After causing a huge ruckus for a good while, Zhuge Gak finally sat down.
"Young master, Ilseong is here."
"Come in!"
Ilseong, whom he'd dispatched to verify the facts in Jeongju, returned and reported everything he'd investigated in detail.
"It's really true?"
"Yes. Kang Yu's words were accurate. After repelling the bandits' attack, he went to Cheonsu Stronghold and wiped out the remnants."
The subjugation of Cheonsu Stronghold.
The Jeongju authorities had officially acknowledged it.
It was something the Zhuge branch family hadn't managed for years, accomplished by a mere merchant group—and Wudang's snot-nosed brat, no less.
'Damn it, the rumors are the real problem.'
Rumors spread faster than anything in the world.
Word of the Cheonsu Stronghold subjugation was already circulating through Dankang's merchant circles, becoming the talk of the town.
Along with the fact that the Zhuge branch family had schemed behind it.
Of course, his father Zhuge Mulin knew, so he wouldn't let it spread unchecked.
As it was a stain on the Zhuge branch family's honor, he'd use every ounce of his power to suppress the rumors.
But that would only last a short while.
Given a little time, they'd spread from mouth to mouth across the entire Central Plains.
"However, Du Nak-tong said something strange."
"Strange?"
"Yes. That a man named Jinmu might be a sword aura expert."
"Sword aura? Ha!"
It was absurd.
Even if they'd captured Du Nak-tong, he was just a young Taoist.
The ramblings of a vile bandit scum about to turn into morning dew on the execution ground.
Didn't unorthodox scum always exaggerate their abilities?
"You don't actually believe that nonsense, do you?"
"......"
"Speak. I want to hear your thoughts."
At Zhuge Gak's words, Ilseong pondered for a moment before replying calmly.
"From what I confirmed, the bandits said he claimed to be Wudang's Sword."
"Wudang's Sword?"
"Yes. Though it's fading from memory now, you know what that title means, don't you?"
Wudang's Sword.
The significance it carried.
Unlike the titles held by great disciples or sect leaders, it was a symbolic honor bestowed upon Wudang's strongest.
Those called 'Wudang's Sword' through the generations had reached divine mastery in their arts, shaking the Central Plains martial world.
"Insane. Beyond arrogant—utterly mad. That young punk claims to be Wudang's Sword?"
A scoff escaped him naturally.
But Ilseong didn't laugh. It seemed he truly believed it, matching his stoic personality.
"You think it needs checking?"
"It wouldn't hurt."
"Hmm."
Zhuge Gak stroked his chin, gazing steadily at Ilseong.
Ilseong, of the Dong clan.
He wasn't just any ordinary warrior.
Zhuge Gak kept his distant relative close not merely for his superior martial skills.
It was his eye for momentum.
Not something trained, but an innate sense, rare in people.
At his words and earnest expression, Zhuge Gak found himself rethinking Jinmu once more.
'Jinmu.'
In a way, everything stemmed from that guy.
Because he hadn't properly gauged him, his perfect plan had gone awry.
What if he truly had reached sword aura at such a young age?
A swordsman manifesting sword aura in his twenties.
Unprecedented.
Its symbolism was beyond words.
It would instantly draw the Central Plains' attention.
Wasn't Wudang locked in a long undercurrent rivalry with the Zhuge family over dominance in Hubei?
Better to crush promising sprouts early.
Especially one that could become a formidable rival later.
"Fine. I hate to admit it, but if that's your judgment, we have to test him. See if the bridge is stone or wood."
As Zhuge Gak made a peculiar face, Ilseong nodded.
"Ilseong."
"Yes, young master."
"I need to meet the Dark Heaven Squad leader."
"Pardon?"
Ilseong, who had been impassive, showed a flicker of surprise at Zhuge Gak's words.
He'd only suggested verification, yet the Dark Heaven Squad?
"That's excessive."
The Dark Heaven Squad, alongside the Azure Blossom Squad, was the family head's direct unit—shadows and covert assassins.
Even if Zhuge Gak, touted as the next head, mingled with them.
'Moving the Dark Heaven Squad would alert the family head.'
As Ilseong's brow furrowed, Zhuge Gak chuckled.
"Better safe than sorry. If he's truly Wudang's Sword as you say, it's not excessive at all."
Ilseong knew mockery laced Zhuge Gak's words.
"Besides, even if Father finds out, it doesn't matter. If he's at sword aura, it's only right to confirm it early."
"Understood. I'll summon the Dark Heaven Squad leader."
The next night, at the Ilhae Merchant Group.
The trade ships that had departed for Jeongju returned.
Not only had they safely completed their business, but they'd also subjugated the bandits—the Ilhae Merchant Group was in festive revelry, like a wedding banquet.
Several braziers lit the courtyard, and a feast was held for those who'd toiled.
However.
'This bastard doesn't even show his face?'
Jinmu, attending the feast, glared at Jingung, who sat apart with Merchant Group Leader Kang Yu.
When they returned.
Not just the Ilhae Merchant Group, but neighboring ones had come to the docks to celebrate their victory.
Yet Jingung hadn't appeared.
Too busy, he'd claimed.
This from the one who'd knelt and begged forgiveness.
Only after Jinmu's group arrived at the Ilhae Merchant Group.
"Good work."
That was it.
Delivered with an utterly stern face, too.
If not for the crowd, Jinmu would've bashed his head in right then.
What had he done to deserve it?
Jinmu had pulled off the feat, so why was Jingung sitting with the leader, receiving thanks?
Damn Taoist bastard.
Was he trying to steal the credit too?
While Jinmu glared at Jingung, Cheongsang and Cheongu regaled the remaining second-generation disciples, including Cheonggang, with tales of heroism.
"It was truly amazing, you know? Whoa, when he took down those five, I thought my breath would stop."
"Five of them?"
"Yeah."
The second-generation disciples who hadn't witnessed it swallowed hard, listening intently to Cheongsang.
"Then, pow!Pa-pow! just like that!"
"Whoa!"
Exclamations burst out naturally.
"It felt so damn satisfying inside. And he even subjugated those remnants of the vile bandit stronghold. Martial Uncle really is the epitome of our Wudang."
Cheongsang wouldn't stop talking.
Was he always like this?
Jinmu had thought he was more serious.
Well, thanks to it, the second-generation disciples now looked at Jinmu with eyes full of admiration.
Good, keep it up. More, Cheongsang!
Jinmu, sitting with them and drinking, grinned contentedly while glancing at Jingung.
His constant peeks clearly showed displeasure at Jinmu drinking.
Couldn't even enjoy booze in peace. What a petty prick.
Jinmu thought he'd finish up quickly and head to a tavern.
But contrary to Jinmu's thoughts.
'Impressive kid.'
Jingung sat apart with the merchant leader, but all his attention was on Jinmu.
He was just pretending for appearances' sake.
Deep down, he wanted to pull Jinmu into a bear hug and praise him.
But when they'd safely returned from the trade voyage, he'd merely patted his shoulder and said "good work."
He might've felt slighted, but what could be done?
As the senior brother, Jingung had to maintain his dignity.
If he praised everyone lavishly, they'd grow arrogant.
A senior brother was the one who guided juniors to stay on the righteous path.
Instead, Jingung kept stealing glances at Jinmu, smiling warmly in silent approval.
'Well, with Jinmu's skills.'
When he'd lost to him.
His suspicion that Jinmu had reached sword aura had solidified into certainty.
So what if his manners were rough? It was just his bold personality.
Meat? Booze?
Breaking the precepts, but on a day like this, he could overlook it.
Hadn't the sect leader announced a temporary lifting of meat restrictions anyway?
Only.
Gulp, gulp.
A bit... too much.
Though his eyes kept drifting to Jinmu chugging straight from the bottle, Jingung tried to ignore it.
'Sigh, not now, but later I must correct that habit.'
Reaching sword aura in his twenties—that growth rate was unparalleled.
Soon he might ascend to sword intent, even recreate the absolute 'strength' realm.
"At this rate, won't Senior Brother reach sword aura in no time too?"
Huh? What?
At Cheongu's sudden words, Jingung turned to him with a blank look.
"Nah, no way. That's not something you just do. How long ago did you reach sword energy?"
What were they on about?
Jingung looked at them puzzled.
"Come on, teach me too. I've been hitting a wall lately."
"You? No way."
"For real."
"Give it up. To me, you're still far off. You'd probably not even get it if I told you."
At Cheongsang's words, a surprised Cheonggang asked.
"Did you really reach sword energy?"
"Yes. Not long ago."
Cheongu beamed proudly, as if it were his own achievement.
"No way, liar."
"Huh? It really happened."
"......"
"Senior Brother, show us."
"Ah, no. It's embarrassing."
Cheongsang scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
But he didn't dislike the attention, blushing as he stood, drew his sword, and let it drop to the ground.
And then.
"Hah!"
Shing.
Not quite full sword aura, but as Cheongsang channeled energy, a faint blue sword aura extended nearly a chi from the tip.
"Whoa!"
The second-generation disciples erupted in awe, and Jingung nearly had a heart attack.
Real sword aura?
'My god. What method did Martial Uncle Myeongjin use?'
He'd heard Myeongjin was the greatest among previous great disciples.
He'd competed with Myeonghyeon for sect leader.
But.
"Martial Uncle Jinmu gave me the enlightenment."
J-Jinmu?
Not Martial Uncle Myeongjin?
Jingung's eyes went wide at Cheongsang's words.
"He said just one thing, and the thrill I felt in that moment... Whoa, you have to experience it yourself."
"......"
Just one thing.
Was enlightenment something words could grant?
Just hear it and boom, understand?
Jingung stood abruptly, mouth agape, staring.
"Huh?"
Jinmu was gone.