Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Subduing Demon Hall
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I still couldn't say I had fully mastered the secret technique of Thunder Shadow Step, Heavenly Execution.
I knew the rough application of Heavenly Execution, but I couldn't precisely control the flow of true qi to unleash its perfect power.
Simply put, I couldn't yet reach the level where I could effortlessly toy with an enemy's sword strikes like my senior brother Jin So-cheong had done against Mount Zhongnan Sect's top disciple.
I could probably match that instantaneous speed, but it would rely entirely on my internal energy.
To fully master Heavenly Execution required innate talent or tremendous effort.
What I called "mastery" was merely at the level of imitation.
That was why I sought real combat experience against experts.
The theory was that in life-or-death battles, with focus on true qi heightened to the extreme, it would naturally imprint itself into my body.
Wuuuuu...
It had been about a month since I started living in this house.
During that time, I focused on reviewing and re-practicing all the martial arts I had learned, including Thunder Shadow Step's Heavenly Execution.
I also worked to improve my control over the scattered internal energy throughout my Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
It might seem pointless at a glance, but I believed this process and training would overall benefit me.
'No. Too hard.'
Today, too, I felt frustrated as Heavenly Execution failed to unfold properly, hitting a wall.
The finer control was too difficult.
If I could just master it properly, it would apply across all my martial arts, making me far faster and stronger—why was it so damn hard?
I needed some kind of trigger.
At the very least, my instincts told me I had to raise my level one step before the Imperial Palace Grand Tournament.
'Maybe gather some information.'
After much deliberation, I decided to leave the house and wander around Luoyang City.
It was a vague hope that I might pick up even a scrap of information helpful to my martial arts.
The first place I headed was beyond Changhim Street, where the Beggar Clan's beggars dwelled, toward the arched bridge.
According to what the errand boy had told me before, the Beggar Clan's sub-branch was here.
As I approached the bridge, I felt beggars glancing my way.
I looked down at them from atop the bridge, then leaped down in a flash.
The gazes of the beggars gathered in their shacks on the gravel by the stream locked onto me all at once.
I walked slowly toward them and said,
"I've heard the Beggar Clan is here."
"The Han Clan's new guest has come all this way—what brings you?"
One beggar shuffled forward unsteadily.
I could tell his presence was no ordinary thing.
That bucktoothed beggar was probably the sub-branch leader in charge here.
Since he could be considered a senior in the martial world, I cupped my fists and said,
"I'm Baek Woong. I've come to buy information."
"Sorry, but we can't do that."
"Who are you to decide that on your own?"
The bucktoothed beggar scratched between his teeth with a fingernail and replied,
"I'm Iron Plum Beggar O Young-fung, the Beggar Clan Luoyang Sub-Branch Leader. I don't have the authority to sell information."
"I see."
"To put it bluntly, we have no intention of selling you any."
I knew the Beggar Clan's sub-branch leaders held significant status in the martial world.
It was information I had known even as an escort warrior: among the Beggar Clan's vast horde across the land, only sub-branch leaders and above could learn the Supreme Divine Skill and engage in full chivalrous activities.
Some even surpassed the later-generation disciples of major sects, which was why even rivers-and-lakes folk approached the Beggar Clan with caution.
I said to Iron Plum Beggar,
"Iron Plum Beggar. I have plenty of money—why can't you sell me information?"
"That's exactly it. You have too much money."
What kind of nonsense was this?
As I tilted my head, Iron Plum Beggar grinned slyly.
"You must not have realized it yourself. Everyone who needs to know already knows you bought a grand mansion, and that you traded gold ingots in the process. Word has spread through Luoyang's underworld that you're a hidden rich man."
"......."
"Right now, folks are holding back because you're the Han Clan's guest under their protection. But soon, your surroundings will turn into a bloodbath. We don't want to get involved in that muddy fight, or associate with you, young hero."
Hearing his words jogged something in my mind.
'Could those suspicious presences I felt near the house over the past month have been that?'
Professional thieves and scouts circling my home.
Their auras were so unremarkable I'd ignored them, but now that I thought about it, it was suspicious.
If I weren't the Han Clan's guest, those bastards would have come for me long ago, right?
As I fell silent, Iron Plum Beggar continued,
"If you understand, be on your way. No hard feelings."
"Strange. If I'm a rich man at the center of turmoil, shouldn't you lot be even more eager to eye my treasures and get greedy? Your words and actions don't match."
"Heh heh. Funny talk."
Iron Plum Beggar chuckled.
"We know you're Baek Woong, young hero, possessor of peerless internal energy. We're not foolish enough to rack our brains against you and take a loss. Besides, the Han Clan... plucking hairs from a tiger's muzzle isn't the righteous way from the start."
In the end, I decided on a hardline approach.
Swaeek—Puk!!
"......!!"
The gold ingot I pulled from my bosom and hurled embedded itself an inch in front of Iron Plum Beggar's foot.
Iron Plum Beggar's eyes, and those of the surrounding beggars, went wide.
Iron Plum Beggar's face visibly paled in an instant.
I glared straight at him and said,
"If I'm in that situation, I need information even more. I'll give you that ingot—sell me whatever you know. That's my demand."
Iron Plum Beggar swallowed dryly.
"A... are you serious? You'd give this just for information?"
"Pick it up. Before I change my mind."
"......"
Iron Plum Beggar hesitated.
Rationally, he knew he should refuse, but the glittering gold at his feet was hard to resist.
He finally bent down, slowly prying the ingot from the ground, and let out an admiring sound.
"Thrown so hard, yet protected by internal energy with no damage... You've mastered the Inner Heavy Hand technique."
"Enough chatter—now tell me honestly. Tell me everything you know about this situation."
"Fair enough. But first, could you clear out these watching eyes?"
Iron Plum Beggar's gaze headed toward the top of the distant bridge.
"Take responsibility for your words."
"Got it—just handle it."
"Of course."
I'd sensed the presence there too, so I slowly moved my hand to my waist.
In the next moment, I drew my sword and unleashed Thunder Shadow Step toward the bridge top.
Paat!!
Like a flying tiger, I compressed twenty-some paces in an instant, landing in what seemed an empty alley.
The shadowy figure there startled and spat a curse.
"Damn it!!"
Kkaang
"Uwaaaak..."
The thug quickly blocked my sword, thinking to flee, but he was mistaken.
Even a peak expert elder of Mount Zhongnan Sect struggled to block my powerful sword strike properly—there was no way this rat could.
Thunder Spirit True Qi instantly paralyzed his upper body, and he knelt on the spot.
"Hii, hiiik—spare me..."
I noticed he wore night-traveling clothes.
No wonder he hid in the alley even in broad daylight without being spotted easily.
I pressed my sword to his throat and said coldly,
"Are you a thief?"
"Y-yes. Please, just spare my life..."
"Hmm."
Kkaang!!
In the next instant, I swung my sword to knock away a hidden weapon.
The five-pronged dart that flew in showed considerable skill, with two aimed at the thief's throat.
The thief paled, realizing his life was targeted.
I grabbed his collar and leaped back under the bridge.
I spun twice in the air and landed lightly, drawing a gleam in Iron Plum Beggar's eyes.
"This is an unexpected guest."
The thief met Iron Plum Beggar's eyes and grinned obsequiously.
"Heh heh... Iron Plum Beggar. We know each other, right? I haven't done anything yet—please ask this young hero to let me go. I beg you..."
"Iron Plum Beggar. Who is this guy?"
Iron Plum Beggar ignored the thief and answered my question.
"He's one of Luoyang's notorious thieves with pretty good skill, known by the moniker Lightfoot Thief. Looks like he was after your treasures."
"Hiiiik..."
"Hmm. Shall I torture him?"
As I muttered dryly and raised my hand, Lightfoot Thief's face turned ashen.
He clutched my pant leg desperately and pleaded,
"Young hero! Young hero! Please spare my life. It's not just me after you—I'll tell you everything I know, so please let me go. I swear I won't show up before you again."
I glanced at Lightfoot Thief and sealed his acupoints to immobilize him.
Iron Plum Beggar watched indifferently, as if killing a mere thief meant nothing.
From a Beggar Clan sub-branch leader's perspective, there'd be no obligation to protect a thief anyway.
I said,
"Iron Plum Beggar, let's hear your story first. Tell me about this situation."
"Very well."
Iron Plum Beggar pointed at Lightfoot Thief with a finger as he explained.
"Including this scum, at least ten-some martial artists and thieves are circling you. As far as I know, Heavenly Crane Finger, Blood Flower Twin Spears, Ink Gold Claw, Demon Wolf Guest, Nightblade Eight are first-class expert level... and beyond them, experts from Afternoon Gate, Black Snake Society, White Blade Sect, Brilliant Debate Sect are showing suspicious movements."
"......"
They were names I'd never heard before, but if he was right, dozens or hundreds of martial artists were lurking around after my gold ingots.
I'd been relaxing at home without a care, but they'd been watching my every move?
They probably hadn't attacked or tried to steal because I never let the box of ingots out of my sight, and my status as the Han Clan's guest made them wait for a sure chance.
'Was I too complacent...? I sensed first-class or peak experts occasionally, but didn't pay much mind...'
It wasn't entirely off my radar.
High-level experts passed near the house now and then.
But since they emitted no killing intent, I'd left them alone—turns out they were after my gold too.
As I stood stunned, Lightfoot Thief blabbered,
"Aigoo, young hero... Among them, be especially wary of the Black Snake Society. They're the dirtiest and scariest in Luoyang's underworld. They use poison and hidden weapons without hesitation—best to avoid running into them."
Kkaang!
"Hiiik."
No sooner had Lightfoot Thief finished than I knocked away another dart from somewhere.
It was ridiculous and absurd that multiple darts targeted him.
I snatched a falling one and held it out mockingly.
A black snake was engraved on the dart.
"Looks like the Black Snake Society doesn't like you much either."
"N-no, don't... If the Black Snake Society is after me..."
Lightfoot Thief's face hardened in despair.
I glanced at Iron Plum Beggar and said,
"Iron Plum Beggar. That's not worth a single gold ingot."
"What do you expect me to do?"
"At least let these guys know the Beggar Clan has influence here."
"Khng... No choice then."
Iron Plum Beggar scowled, then channeled his internal energy and roared like a lion.
[Our Beggar Clan Luoyang Sub-Branch supports Baek Woong, young hero! Any use of force within a hundred paces of here will be seen as picking a fight with the Beggar Clan!]
His lion's roar was loud and resonant, echoing near the houses with a slight reverberation.
Nearby officials startled and looked our way, but soon turned away, as if the government wanted no part in martial world affairs.
Then, suddenly, loud laughter rang out.
"Uahaha... Even the Beggar Clan can't resist gold, huh?"
Shhiiishik
About twenty black shadows appeared atop the bridge.
They all carried swords on their backs, marking them as martial artists.
Iron Plum Beggar scowled at their leader and shouted irritably,
"Black Snake Society Leader. Didn't you hear what I said?"
The Black Snake Society Leader, who dominated half of Luoyang's underworld, crossed his arms and mocked Iron Plum Beggar.
"Ah, I saw clear as day you getting tempted by a gold ingot and making a fool of yourself."
"What did you say!!"
Sparks flew from Iron Plum Beggar's eyes, and nearby Beggar Clan disciples gripped their staffs and clubs.
Things could clash with the Black Snake Society any moment.
The Black Snake Society Leader waved it off.
"No, no. How could we recklessly touch the great Beggar Clan of the Nine Great Sects? We'll respect your intent here."
"Get lost."
"But you see, money reeks. That young hero stinks of massive money. If the Beggar Clan tries to hog it all, we won't sit idle."
As the Black Snake Society Leader subtly checked Iron Plum Beggar, he shot back incredulously,
"Hog it? Do you not even know Baek Woong, young hero, is backed by the Han Clan?"
"I know full well. That's why we've only been watching so far. Getting tangled with the Han Clan could shatter our sect."
With that, the Black Snake Society Leader eyed me oddly.
"But from what my subordinates observed of that young hero, he seems itching for a fight? Except eating and sleeping, he's always training some martial art, brimming with killing intent. That young hero feels like a born fighting dog."
"What are you getting at?"
When I countered, the Black Snake Society Leader chuckled.
"Baek Woong, young hero. You're not thinking of fighting every Luoyang expert after you, are you? Give me some gold ingots, and I'll use all my power to clear out the small fry. I can even introduce a good spot to test your martial arts. I control Luoyang's shadows, after all."
He seemed to know exactly what I wanted. Otherwise, he couldn't speak with such confidence.
I glanced at Iron Plum Beggar.
His unchanged expression suggested the Black Snake Society Leader indeed wielded great influence in Luoyang's underworld.
"To sum it up, hand over the gold ingots."
"Uahaha... Isn't that obvious? But my offer to point you somewhere useful is real. You seem to be aiming for the Imperial Palace Grand Tournament—I've got a perfect warm-up spot before that."
"Where?"
"It's the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament hosted by Fighting Demon. Win there, and you'll get a big reward from Fighting Demon. You can kill freely with no moral repercussions. All murder and torture allowed."
Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament?
I'd never heard of it, so I tilted my head.
But Iron Plum Beggar O Young-fung, listening beside me, was the shocked one, screaming,
"W-what?! Fighting Demon hosts the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament?! "
The Black Snake Society Leader grinned.
"Heh heh. No need to hide it, so I'll share with you too. It's the Fighting Demon you think of."
"Umm..."
The Black Snake Society Leader said slyly,
"Fighting Demon wants more participants. Iron Plum Beggar, do some promotion for us."
"Shut up."
I looked at Iron Plum Beggar with eyes demanding explanation.
He groaned and said,
"Young hero, reject that nonsense. Participating in the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament is insane."
"What's it about? Who's Fighting Demon?"
"The Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament is Luoyang's largest underground arena, tacitly approved by the powers-that-be. Wicked and demonic experts who can't show their faces openly in the orthodox martial world flock there in droves. Winners get rewards, but losers always die."
Iron Plum Beggar spat in disgust,
"And Fighting Demon is one of the eight leaders of the Eight Demonic Sects, the supreme ruler of Asura Sect. Known as one of the demonic path's top experts."
"......!!"
"To think Asura Sect backs the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament..."
The Asura Sect Leader of the Eight Demonic Sects!
That was Fighting Demon.
I felt I'd gained unexpected information.
After pondering long, I said,
"Black Snake Society Leader. What if I refuse your offer?"
He shrugged.
"Nothing I can do. With your skill, even throwing my full Black Snake Society at you might not kill you. But you don't seem to have the force to shake off swarms like us, young hero?"
He pointed at Iron Plum Beggar.
"That Iron Plum Beggar acts like he'd give his liver for you now, but once this scene ends, he'll use his info network to squeeze you to the last drop. I guarantee it. You'll burn out all your stamina and spirit before the Imperial Palace Grand Tournament, young hero."
"Is that a threat?"
"Heh heh, it's not just me after you. All the big shots are watching. If you plan to kill them all and snowball grudges, I won't stop you."
"......"
I thought a bit more.
Then I said,
"Entry fee for the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament, plus this Lightfoot Thief's life fee."
Pang!
The gold ingot I threw flew slowly at first, then accelerated with a huge whoosh.
"Uhut."
The Black Snake Society Leader startled and tried catching it with both hands, but his internal energy faltered, sending him flying back.
Other Black Snake Society members rushed to support him, finally landing after a dozen paces.
Having barely caught it, he spat a stream of blood and said,
"Young hero plays rough."
I smirked.
"You're saying you yapped too much. Anyway, fulfill my conditions with that."
"Fine. With the Black Snake Society's influence, I'll shake off the flies stuck to you, Baek Woong, young hero. And as a bonus, I'll spare that rat Lightfoot Thief once."
Lightfoot Thief looked bewildered, then wept and bowed as I released his acupoints.
"Aigoo, young hero, thank you... thank you..."
Iron Plum Beggar, beside us, said with a sour expression,
"Young hero, don't you care about wasting gold ingots? Giving one to those wicked sect scum and joining the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament—you're out of your mind."
"It's not like the Beggar Clan can protect me, right? If you can't help, don't meddle."
"......"
My words hit home; Iron Plum Beggar averted his gaze.
As expected, he planned to take the ingot and slink away.
One ingot wasn't enough to protect me from the Black Snake Society and various experts in his cost-benefit calculation.
I muttered,
"My life's not that precious anyway."
"What?"
I didn't answer Iron Plum Beggar separately.
'Dead is dead. First, I need to learn what the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament is.'
Now wasn't the time to spare my life.
If I revive anyway even if I die, I must throw myself into risks, scraping up as much info and experience as possible.
And if possible, learn about Fighting Demon of the Eight Demonic Sects—his info or weaknesses—at the Dark Shadow Martial Combat Tournament.
That would surely aid my future revenge against the Eight Demonic Sects.