Chapter 227
Chapter 227
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 227
Chapter Title: Upheaval in Nine Dragons (6)
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Swoooosh!
An iron serpent, mouth agape, plummeted down. Immense power emanated from every single scale that formed its body.
‘If I just stand here, I'll die!’
Right now, caught off guard, I couldn't unleash my full power.
‘War Dragon Qi.’
I brought out the most powerful tool at my disposal.
Rooooar!
A black dragon formed of force-qi opened its maw toward the iron serpent.
A battle between the pouring serpent and the devouring War Dragon.
The outcome was obvious—the War Dragon's defeat was certain.
Thud.
I used the War King Step to get out of the way.
Craaash!
With a massive explosion, the fragments that made up the serpent scattered.
Snatch.
I caught one of the flying pieces and examined it.
‘...Scrap iron?’
Leftover scraps from making something.
There wasn't a single sharp edge on it.
The only hidden weapon technique capable of shattering War Dragon Qi with something like this is the Myriad Blossoms Shower.
In other words, my opponent was Dang Hyeon, the Green Dragon Hall Master.
Thud.
“My apologies. I didn't mean to startle you, but I was so curious about Gate Master Jin's skills that I... couldn't help myself.”
Just as I thought. He suddenly landed before me.
When he waved his hand in the air, the shattered serpent coalesced into a single sphere.
“Hall Master! Isn't this prank a bit too much?”
The Green Dragon Hall Master slowly bowed his head.
“I apologize once more. I wanted to see the skills of Gate Master Jin, who was with my father in his final moments.”
“...If that's what you wanted, you could have just said so.”
His mention of the deceased former Fortress Lord made it difficult to press the issue further.
“If you have time, how about a drink? I brought some potent liquor brewed with seven-treasure horned snakes, hoping to share a glass with Gate Master Jin. It's especially good for men...”
I can't turn down infused liquor.
“...Ahem, in that case, let's.”
* * *
A short while later.
I was in my office, sharing a drink with the Green Dragon Hall Master.
In truth, I had seen him a few times at the Hall Masters' meetings I attended with Master Bukgung.
Every time, my impression was that the Green Dragon Hall Master was quite young and ordinary.
Indeed, he had just entered his forties, making him the youngest of the Hall Masters.
His appearance was also exceedingly plain; at a glance, he looked more like a physician or a scholar than a martial artist.
To think such a person was a hidden absolute master.
The world is truly full of surprises.
Anyway, this liquor is insane.
“Ugh... Wow, the vitality! The aroma! The taste!”
“Haha, what do you think? Isn't it incredible?”
Just one sip made my vitality surge as if I'd eaten a hundred eels. The potent aroma that hit me, along with the faint but distinct sweetness, was captivating.
“It truly lives up to its reputation.”
“I'm glad you like it.”
“Please, speak comfortably. Given my age, it's difficult to receive such formal address. Our standings are also quite far apart.”
“Gate Master Jin is the head of a clan. Moreover, your martial arts and sense of justice are extraordinary. How could I possibly speak down to you?”
“M-me?”
Pfft.
The Green Dragon Hall Master chuckled softly and said.
“As soon as the war began, you were the first to rush in, fighting with your life on the line to slow the Ten Demon Alliance. You fought against the Alliance Lord, knowing you could die. I heard that the martial arts you displayed during that time were such that you'd be hard-pressed to find a rival under the heavens. I guarantee that within twenty years, the greatest master in the world will be Gate Master Jin.”
“...”
Was it said that a man would risk his life for someone who acknowledges him?
I always thought that was nonsense, but as of today, my mind has changed.
Because even a man like me almost knelt and pledged my loyalty.
“So please, accept it comfortably.”
“Thank you.”
Gulp.
The intense flavor completely erased the memory of the fiery liquor I'd had at the tavern.
As I was marveling, the Green Dragon Hall Master spoke with a calm gaze.
“I do not wish to become the Fortress Lord.”
The content of his words, however, was anything but calm.
For a moment, I thought I'd misheard and cleaned out my ears.
The Nine Dragons Fortress is a power created through the sacrifice and investment of the Dang Family to stand against the Ten Demon Alliance. Even the land the fortress is built on belongs to the Dang Family.
For the head of such a family to refuse the position of Fortress Lord... What kind of nonsense was this?
Just in case, I asked the question that popped into my head.
“Perhaps you're reluctant to hand over the position of Hall Master...”
“The position of the Dang Family's Hall Master is nothing more than being the Fortress Lord's right-hand man. It was the same for me when my father was alive.”
“Ah...”
“There's no need to look at it with pity. Thanks to that, I could devote myself to martial arts and reach this level.”
“Then why do you feel that way?”
“It's a hassle.”
He downed his drink, stood up, and looked out the window.
Beneath the full moon, the Nine Dragons Fortress stood majestically.
“My older brother was a man suited for the throne of a king. Unlike me, who was only interested in the martial path, he knew how to take care of those around him. And yet, I never once managed to defeat him.”
He was talking about the former Fortress Lord's eldest son, who died during a mission.
“My father had high hopes for him. Until the day he died.”
Gulp.
He returned to his seat and downed another drink.
“Do you know what I worried about most when I heard my brother had died?”
“...I cannot guess.”
“I was afraid my father would name me as his successor. Thinking back now, I must have been insane.”
He let out a self-deprecating laugh.
“However, after seeing my nephew's talent, I stopped worrying. He was the spitting image of my brother. His charm that drew people in, his brilliant strategies, his upright character...”
The Green Dragon Hall Master continued, as if tracing his memories.
“On top of that, he possessed a martial talent that surpassed my brother's... perhaps the greatest in the Dang Family's history. How could one not have high hopes? Everyone in the Green Dragon Hall had no doubt that he would become the Fortress Lord. I was no different.”
“...”
“The day he died, I can't forget the look on my father's face. He looked like a man who had lost everything in the world.”
Indeed, the recorded deeds of the Green Dragon Hand were beyond what could be described as merely genius.
In his eighth year at the Heaven-Ascending Pavilion, at the age of seventeen, he had already reached the peak realm.
It was no wonder the Ten Demon Alliance, burdened by his genius, had to take action.
“I was the only one left. I had no choice but to become the Hall Master, and here I am today.”
The Green Dragon Hall Master met my gaze.
“And so, I do not wish to become the Fortress Lord.”
For someone giving up, his eyes were remarkably clear.
“However, I hate the idea of the Nine Dragons Fortress falling into chaos even more. And I hate the thought of the common people's lives becoming harder because of it even more than that. Are we not still in an age of turmoil?”
“Ah...”
“Will you help me?”
As the saying goes, 'a tiger father does not beget a dog son.' I could see a glimpse of the kingly aura the late Fortress Lord possessed in him as well.
“I cannot give you a definitive answer without knowing my master's intentions, but my own will aligns with yours, Hall Master. Whether a martial artist or a commoner, the value of a life is the same.”
Pleased with my words, the Green Dragon Hall Master smiled faintly.
“I knew it. I knew Gate Master Jin would understand.”
“There is one thing I would like to ask.”
“Speak freely.”
“What would you have done if I had opposed your wishes?”
“It couldn't be helped, could it? If we failed to reach an understanding...”
I was just curious about his intentions for coming here; it's not like I'm asking for gold and jewels now.
His desire to protect the lives of the common people was the same as the teachings my grandfather imparted to me.
“...”
He took another bottle of liquor and a small sphere from his robes and said.
“I would have had no choice but to persuade you over another bottle... Ah, I'll leave this one for you to drink later.”
“...Thank you.”
“And this is a gift. It's called a Blazing Flower Canister. If you imbue it with internal energy and throw it, it explodes, firing over a thousand ox-hair needles.”
Just from the description, I could tell it was no ordinary item.
As I stared in bewilderment, he smiled faintly.
“Wh-why are you suddenly giving me something so precious...?”
“I heard you tried to save my father.”
“...The result was not good.”
“That does not diminish the nobility of your intentions, Gate Master Jin.”
Gulp.
“...Big Brother?”
It's a rule of thumb: if someone is rich and capable, they're your brother. If they have a great personality on top of that, they're your big brother.
* * *
On the day of the Hall Masters' meeting.
I stood outside the inner fortress, waiting for my master.
“What happened?”
“They decided to settle it on the first day of next month.”
That was the date for the meeting to decide the next Fortress Lord.
In modern terms, it was like holding a board and shareholder meeting to elect a new CEO.
“...It seems they want to buy time.”
“So it seems.”
The first of the month was still five days away.
I couldn't be sure, but the opposition must be preparing something. There was no other reason to stall for this much time.
And that 'something' was, nine times out of ten, the hermits of the Hermit's Forest.
As my thoughts settled, simulations naturally began to run in my head.
They could use their sect elders to pressure the various halls, or they could feign madness and resort to force.
Or...
‘Surely they wouldn't go that far.’
In any case, from the Green Dragon Hall Master's perspective, it was imperative to resolve this as quickly as possible.
“Did the Green Dragon Hall Master agree to it meekly?”
“He agreed to it.”
“Even though it's clearly to his disadvantage?”
“How would I know what he's thinking? I don't know either.”
“You could have at least asked...”
“I don't want to concern myself with it.”
“No.”
Master, you *need* to concern yourself with it.
There's no other way.
I have no choice but to use his weakness.
“Surely, as the Grand Patriarch, you're not planning to abandon the War King Gate, are you?”
Twitch.
I asked my master again as his eyebrow twitched.
“Ahem, I have never considered such a thing.”
“Then what are you hesitating for? There's nothing to think about. If the Fortress Lord comes from the Green Dragon Hall as before...”
“The immediate danger might be less, but in its place, the War King Gate would be suppressed by the Nine Dragons Fortress and unable to grow.”
“Ah...”
I was left speechless by the difference in perspective between me, who only looked at tomorrow, and Master Bukgung, who looked ten years into the future.
“Follow me when you've gathered your thoughts. Let's have a drink.”
Watching my master's retreating back, I realized I still had a long way to go.
“Good grief...”
I thought things would get easier as I got stronger, but it seems my worries only continue to grow.
* * *
Deep within the Nine Dragons Mountain Range.
Chirp, chirp.
Enjoying the scenery—a harmony of chirping birds, the rustling wind, and the fresh mountain scent—the Great Pure Adept smiled.
“How peaceful.”
Thanks to the fall of the Ten Demon Alliance, he could finally retire in peace.
All that remained was to lay down all his burdens and spend the rest of his life studying the Dao.
“Hoo...”
How long had it been since he walked without using his internal energy?
The rugged mountain terrain made him breathless.
“This is nice.”
However, he smiled faintly, enjoying the physical hardship.
When the Dao resides in every action in the world, what is there to find difficult?
Four hours passed as the bright sun warmed his head.
The Great Pure Adept reached his destination and stood facing a plaque that read 'Hermit's Forest'.
When he reached out his hand, something pushed him back.
Ripple.
It was a formation that separated the inside from the outside. A mystical energy flowed from it, suggesting it was a formation based on Daoist principles.
Riiip.
When he summoned his clear internal energy and waved his hand, the formless barrier in the air tore open horizontally.
Whoosh.
A thick scent of grass wafted out from the gap.
And.
“Hmm?!”
The faint scent of blood.