Chapter 275
Chapter 275
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 275
Chapter Title: Heavenly Realm
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The next day, I was out early at dawn. The morning air and the reddish glow spilling from the distant east made my eyes misty.
"......"
I crossed my arms as I stared at the plaque reading Iron Blood Sect in front of me. Han Jin-seong's words from yesterday echoed in my mind.
[The Iron Blood and Great Sword Sects, along with the Chang, Seo, Lee, and Han families—known as the Twin Gates and Four Houses—are the symbols and pride of Luoyang's martial clans. Their influence surpasses that of a mere martial family, even if they're based in the capital. That's why the family head wants you to crush them.]
[I don't quite follow. Explain in more detail.]
[The Twin Gates have secretly allied with the Nine Great Sects and One Stronghold, while the Four Houses have reached out to the Twelve Rites. The family head finds this deeply insolent.]
I had been shocked by that.
[Iron Blood Sect and Great Sword Sect with the Nine Great Sects and One Stronghold? The Four Houses with the Twelve Rites? Is that true?]
[They've been maneuvering for years to survive the upheavals they foresee in the martial world. They know something massive is brewing in Luoyang. So they're building tight-knit ties with out-of-region powers, not just nominal alliances.]
Han Jin-seong continued in a low voice.
[We've overlooked their moves until now, but the family head ordered you to go wild and gain some experience. It's also a warning not to overstep.]
[......]
Han Jin-seong seemed to explain a lot, but he really said nothing concrete. I had no choice but to interpret the intentions hidden between his words. After pondering for a while, I reached my own conclusion.
What the Han family wanted was to divert the martial world's attention elsewhere.
To use me as bait while concealing General Hwang Yeon's search and the true aims of the Incarnation Flow or White Lotus Church.
Having spent so long by Mang Ryang's side with Princess Moonlight there, I could easily deduce such a scheme. But I wasn't foolish enough to ask Han Jin-seong directly. Whether true or not, he wouldn't answer straight. In a relationship where we used each other, the best was to hide predictions and facts while guessing at the other's intent.
And so here I stood today.
'It's not a great feeling, dancing to someone else's tune.'
Nothing was as unpleasant as acting like a lackey.
Yet I accepted for two reasons. First, since I'd decided to uncover the White Lotus Church's secrets, I needed to earn their full goodwill and trust. I was even prepared to unleash a slaughter if needed.
Second, there was an old grudge with the Twin Gates and Four Houses. I still vividly remembered applying for a duel at the Iron Blood Sect only to have my head lopped off helplessly. Even then, I'd charged in boldly at dawn, just like now.
It was a distant memory, but it remained crystal clear. I gazed calmly at the gatekeepers before me and thought.
'Controlling my own grudges is important too.'
Mang Ryang had advised me: I'd accrue countless grudges in life, but never forget them while always keeping one corner of my mind cold and rational. Anger shows weakness, which becomes a vulnerability. And killing rashly could bring unstoppable backlash.
With that in mind, my goal clarified.
I'd proceed with utmost propriety!
Seeking petty revenge could ruin everything. Better to let it slide quietly this time and exact fiercer vengeance later. Having decided, I approached the gatekeepers.
"I am Baek Woong. I've come to apply for a duel at the Iron Blood Sect."
"...A duel? Heh, this guy's something..."
The two disciples exchanged glances, their faces incredulous. Then one grinned and spoke.
"We've seen your type once or twice, but you've made a truly foolish choice. Do you know how many idiots picked a fight with our Iron Blood Sect and ended up crippled?"
"......"
Just like at the Azure Dragon Martial Hall. Recalling that memory and repeating my lines, they responded identically. The nuance was slightly off, but close enough. I couldn't help but groan inwardly.
'Is there a way to exploit this pattern?'
At least their predictable reaction meant less uncertainty about the future, so I felt somewhat relieved as I retorted.
"Do you decide whether to accept the duel?"
I snapped fiercely, and the gatekeeper's face stiffened. He turned to go inside.
"Fine. Wait here. We'll follow procedure and deal with you."
"I'm waiting."
One Iron Blood Sect disciple sneered at my response, his voice gruff.
"Don't act tough for nothing. You'll get beaten and that's that—or crippled."
I'd heard that before too. Instead of anger, I smirked.
"Not crippled. My head flies off and I die."
"You know that and still dare challenge the Iron Blood Sect? How many lives do you have?"
The gatekeeper sneered back, but I just smiled.
"Plenty."
"......"
The gatekeeper made a face like he wanted nothing to do with me, but I remained relaxed. I knew I could draw them into my pace without forcing it. Soon, an Iron Blood Sect disciple came out.
"Hey, come in. I'll guide you to the duel hall."
I followed him to the duel arena. There were dorms housing hundreds of disciples, sparring grounds, and training fields for conditioning. Though an old memory, the massive scale like a military camp came back vividly. Reaching the large indoor sparring hall with its wooden floor and incense scent, numerous low-level disciples awaited.
I knew exactly what came next.
Hey—!!
Suddenly, the Iron Blood Sect disciples bellowed at the top of their lungs. More a shout of spirit than mere noise, meant to crush my momentum. In the wooden hall, the echoes boomed impressively. Any shallowly trained martial artist would likely be overwhelmed. It was the Iron Blood Sect way to break an opponent's spirit.
Wooong... Wooong...
But unlike before, I didn't roar back with a lion's cry. It wouldn't change much, and I was sure it didn't need countering. Once the echoes faded, I calmly eyed the white-robed man seated opposite.
"Approaching Sword Hall Master Kyo Jun. Is it custom for the Iron Blood Sect to howl like a pack before a duel?"
"......!!"
The middle-aged white-robed man, Approaching Sword Hall Master Kyo Jun, looked flustered upon meeting my gaze. The low-level disciples murmured. Even as a famed martial artist, I'd nailed him exactly. But he quickly composed himself and stepped forward.
"My apologies. The disciples were rude, testing if you were some nobody."
"Some nobody?"
"No. You ignored them like they weren't worth responding to. You're undoubtedly a master with profound inner arts and experience."
Kyo Jun sighed after his cool assessment.
"To reach such a martial realm at your young age—you must be from a renowned house. Why stoop to something as rude as a wandering duel?"
I replied curtly.
"I'm not here for you. Don't humiliate yourself—step back."
By my memory, he wasn't a bad man. Just a dutiful, ordinary martial artist, so I had no desire to torment him.
"......"
Approaching Sword Hall Master hesitated, conflicted. Then a man who seemed the leader among the surrounding low-level disciples shot to his feet and shouted.
"You gonna let that arrogant punk slide? Rush him and beat him down!"
"Ooooo—!!"
Rumble
In the next instant, over fifty low-level disciples drew wooden swords and charged me en masse. Considering my teenage appearance, it was an unbelievable wave of group violence. Even if their skills were mediocre, dozens of grown men charging was pressure no one could ignore.
But to me, it felt like a swarm of flies buzzing in. Not a single one among the dozens properly wielded martial arts.
In a flash, I decided not to use my sword.
In a flash, I decided not to move my left foot.
In a flash, I decided to subdue them in three breaths.
Shooshook
Soul Annihilation Step created afterimages. Moving at blinding speed, it struck vital points on each of the fifty-plus foes. Without moving my left foot, I lightly tapped acupoints with my hands. Cocky ones got the edge of my hand to the nape, knocking them out. It was an application of Thunder God Style's lightness skill, fist techniques, and swordplay.
Thud thud thump!
When the three breaths ended, the flood-like charge of the Iron Blood Sect's low-level disciples halted abruptly. A visible stillness like frozen time flowed, then they collapsed like dominoes. All cleanly fainted without a scream.
Thud
"Huh... huff..."
Now, only Approaching Sword Hall Master Kyo Jun stood unharmed in the hall. He staggered back, unable to believe the instant events, clear terror on his face.
"Su... Super master! Wh-what brings a... great sage like you..."
"Perfect for a warmup. Where are the Iron Blood Sect elders and sect master?"
"......"
It was then that Approaching Sword Hall Master Kyo Jun froze in place.
"A rejuvenated elder master? Impressive."
"Sect Master!!"
I turned to the entrance.
There stood a middle-aged man in coarse fur robes exuding ferocity, flanked by six warriors guarding him like escorts. By my senses, the middle-aged man's aura was so tangible it was visible, and the six warriors, though less so, radiated considerable presence.
Behind them trailed more sword-bearing men with sashes like Approaching Sword Hall Master's.
'Iron Blood Sect Master and the six great elders.'
Normally, the sect disciples would cheer their procession. In the past, their appearance had filled me with dread and hopeless despair. But now, seeing them, I pitied my former self.
Afraid of mere foes like these?
Of course, the sect master and elders were formidable. The sect master was peak transcendent realm for sure, three or four elders at transcendent, two at early transcendent. As a martial power, they were undeniably mighty.
However—compared to opponents I'd faced, they fell short. The despair from clashing with Jin So-cheong or Yi Gwang was far denser. Against colossal beasts or demons beyond human imagination, this felt tame. Thus, facing the Iron Blood Sect's elites—once guarantors of my death—I felt no fear now.
I stared at the Iron Blood Sect Master and said.
"Sect Master. Care to exchange a move?"
The flanking elders glared arrogantly. But one or two at transcendent eyed me gravely, sensing my challenge wasn't bravado.
And the most accurate judge among them was the sect's top master, the Iron Blood Sect Master. He subtly clashed wills and inner barriers with me, falling back half a step as he was steadily pushed. His face showed he clearly realized his skills fell short.
At last, the Iron Blood Sect Master sighed.
"From the Nine Great Sects and One Stronghold? I know of no peerless rejuvenated master save the Azure Dragon Lord."
He took me for a rejuvenated elder. I gazed at him steadily.
"No need to wonder about my origins. Just say how you'll handle my duel application."
"Out to exterminate the sect?"
"I said friendly duel."
I sneered.
"Unlike some shameless sect that beheads wanderers under friendly duel pretense."
"......"
The Iron Blood Sect Master looked troubled. A presumed transcendent elder he didn't know was mocking them. I smiled.
"Well? Will you defend the Iron Blood Sect's honor against me by any means?"
The Iron Blood Sect Master shook his head.
"No words if we lose to a super master like you. End it with me."
He stepped forward slowly, resigned to defeat. I watched him.
"Too arrogant."
"What do you mean?"
"You're no match. Come at me with the six elders."
"Wha..."
"I won't repeat myself. Joint attack before I accidentally kill you."
The Iron Blood Sect Master looked shocked, then furious.
"Don't regret those words!"
Ssssh
Soon, led by the Iron Blood Sect Master, the six elders surrounded me. They'd accepted my joint attack demand without qualms. With justification given, they'd now kill me by any method. Yet I smiled at their terrifying encirclement.
Then, eyeing Ghost Shadow Sword Guest Jin Pyeong holding the joint attack's flank, I said.
"I'll save you for last."
"......?"
The reason for this arrogant challenge.
It stemmed from thinking even Yi Gwang of the Azure Dragon Guard would handle this laughably. To firmly gauge my place in the transcendent realm.
After roughly three hundred fifty breaths.
"Keurk!!"
The Iron Blood Sect Master took a Dragon Coiling Strike and flew back three zhang.
"Wh... why did space twist there..."
He staggered, glaring venomously before collapsing. A tenacious fighter to the end, but my Dragon Coiling Strike shattered their joint assault, leaving him toyed with by Thunder Roar and Soul Annihilation Step. And with my superior stamina and explosiveness despite constant Thunder Roar use, it was inevitable.
Felt like an easy win.
All six elders lay unconscious save one. Only staggering Ghost Shadow Sword Guest Jin Pyeong remained.
I approached slowly.
"Rest easy. No intent to kill."
"...Who knows."
Ghost Shadow Sword Guest Jin Pyeong muttered darkly.
"I've seen masters like you only once or twice even in the Nine Great Sects and One Stronghold, and scant few in the Twin Gates and Four Houses... Why would a world-ruling absolute pick such absurd trouble?"
I chuckled.
"I told you. I gained great life insight thanks to you all. Thought I'd return the favor."
"Insight?"
"You taught me harshly what the martial world is."
I held no grudge against Ghost Shadow Sword Guest Jin Pyeong. He'd fought fairly one-on-one as a warrior and bested me with skill. That death shattered my illusions of the martial world, becoming a major stepping stone for my growth.
Boom!
Finally, Ghost Shadow Sword Guest Jin Pyeong couldn't last ten breaths and fell.
I'd toppled him easily with Wudang arts application.
'Iron Blood Sect subjugated.'
Now confirmed.
I had reached the pinnacle of the martial world.