Chapter 137: Martial Demonstration Gathering (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 137: Martial Demonstration Gathering (1)
As he listened to Go Ju-gang, the Leader of the Martial Alliance, Song Jeong’s expression grew increasingly grim. The information being shared was significant enough to cause a visible shift in the usually stoic countenance of the Qingcheng Sect Leader.
The sudden appearance of the Giant Demons.
Reports indicated that the same entities that had raided the Qingcheng Sect were now appearing all across the Central Plains. Their numbers were so vast and their appearances so widespread that the Martial Alliance had already begun deploying reinforcements.
Fortunately, they were not members of the Demonic Cult, but rather martial artists who had suffered from Qi Deviation. It was said that anyone at the first-class level could suppress them, and most had already been put to the sword. To uncover the cause of this nationwide phenomenon, the Alliance had captured a significant number of Giant Demons and imprisoned them within their headquarters for study.
“The Nine Great Sects have decided to hold a gathering to address this issue,” Go Ju-gang explained. “We must establish countermeasures for the events unfolding in the Martial World. Furthermore, it will serve as a venue to select outstanding rising stars and foster harmony between the sects.”
“A fine idea,” Song Jeong replied with a nod.
A gathering. It was true that there had been little exchange between the sects in recent years; no major events had been held in the Martial World for quite some time. This seemed like a timely opportunity to prepare for the coming storm. Of course, his thoughts were heavily influenced by the recent tragedy at Mount Qingcheng.
“Will all of the Nine Great Sects be gathering for the first time in a long while?”
Go Ju-gang nodded. “Six sects have already agreed, and we have sent word to the two remaining sects, excluding Qingcheng.”
“Will the Shaolin and Wudang merely be attending for the sake of formality, as they did at the last gathering?”
“No. This time, the Little Divine Monk Beopgye and the Taiji Sword Jin-cheon have both confirmed their attendance.”
At those words, a glint appeared in Song Jeong’s eyes. The individuals mentioned were undeniably the top rising stars among the Five Dragons. The fact that those who usually avoided public appearances were attending meant they did not intend for this to be a mere formality. It was proof that the incidents occurring across the land were considered grave.
Song Jeong paused for a moment before shifting his gaze. “Based on what you’re saying, I assume Diancang will be there as well?”
Ji Jung, who had been listening silently, nodded. “That is correct. I am not the type to forget when I have been slighted.”
“‘Not the type to forget.’ Well said.” Song Jeong wore a peculiar smile.
Go Ju-gang looked up and continued, “Ah, I’m sure you already intend to do so, but out of an abundance of caution, I would like to request that you bring the boy named Seok Myeong.”
“Seok Myeong?”
“Yes. Is he not the finest among Qingcheng’s rising stars and recognized by the Jianghu as one of the Six Dragons? Many in the martial world have their eyes on him.”
“……”
The reasoning was sound, but the motive for specifically mentioning Seok Myeong was all too obvious. Are they trying to gauge his skill? The intention was clear, but there was no valid reason to refuse. After a brief moment of thought, Song Jeong nodded.
“I shall take it into consideration.”
After exchanging a few more words, Go Ju-gang stood up. Ji Jung, his expression stiff, also rose and offered a polite bow.
“A disciple outside will see you out.”
“Thank you.”
Go Ju-gang offered his respects once more and left the room, with Ji Jung following behind with an awkward gait.
Thud.
Once they had departed and Song Jeong returned to his seat, Taoist Mujeong approached him. “Did something unpleasant happen with the Diancang Sect?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because that man, Ji Jung, was radiating a hidden killing intent…”
“Now that I think about it, you wouldn’t have been there at the time,” Song Jeong said, pausing briefly. “It was nothing special. Just a fight between hot-blooded youngsters.”
“…Pardon?”
“Anyway…” Feeling somewhat awkward, Song Jeong walked toward the window. Below, Go Ju-gang and the old man named Ji Jung were walking away. “It seems quite a large gathering is about to take place.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“For the Leader of the Martial Alliance to visit personally… his intention must be to ensure our attendance.”
“Then, what is your decision, Sect Leader?”
“We are going.” Song Jeong spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He smiled as he looked out the window. “Qingcheng does not shy away from such challenges.”
The Martial Demonstration Gathering. He felt a strange sense of foreboding. He couldn’t predict exactly what would happen, but he knew one thing for certain: the future of the martial world would revolve around the Qingcheng Sect.
A meeting of rising stars… this will be an interesting encounter.
*
“Sajae, where have you been?”
As Seok Jun approached, draped in a simple cloth, Seok Hu spoke up in surprise. Seok Jun had suddenly reappeared after being missing for several months.
“I had things to attend to. You’ve worked hard, haven’t you?”
“Haha! Don’t even get me started. I thought I was going to die trying to make up excuses for the elders who were looking for you. Fortunately, not many people asked, so I managed to gloss over it.”
Song Hak had already informed the elders he was close with that Seok Jun was away for private cultivation. Thus, fewer people than expected had come looking for him.
“Where is the Eldest Disciple?”
“He is giving a lecture on swordsmanship at the Central Yellow Hall.”
“Swordsmanship?”
“Well…” Seok Hu glanced around before lowering his voice. “They say he created a new sword technique. He’s gathered the First Generation Disciples to demonstrate it and give a lecture.”
“…….”
Seok Jun’s eyes sank into a cold chill. Creating a new sword technique was a feat usually reserved for Grandmasters. Swordsmanship was the art of the blade; it wasn't something achieved by simply mimicking random swings. A technique tainted by bad habits or improper intent could, at worst, consume the practitioner the more they trained.
“But I saw him practicing for a moment, and it seemed quite powerful. It’s an unfamiliar style, but it’s fairly… Oops.” Seok Hu clamped his hand over his mouth. He had seen the look on Seok Jun’s face, which had turned into a fierce glare.
“I’ll be back in a moment.”
Gritting his teeth, Seok Jun headed down. Seok Hu shook his head as he watched him go. That chilling gaze—it contained a thick, heavy killing intent that hadn't been there before.
What on earth happened to Seok Jun-sajae?
*
Step. Step. Step.
Controlling the killing intent that had flared up, Seok Jun walked slowly. With every step, he circulated his internal energy through his body.
Sshhh. Chirp, chirp.
The sound of the wind. The song of insects. They pierced his ears with perfect clarity. It felt natural. It wasn't just that his hearing had become sensitive; he could tell exactly where every sound originated. He knew what was where, even which bird was flapping its wings.
‘…….’
His mind was clear. He could vividly feel the movements of every living creature within a radius of sixty feet—perhaps even a hundred and twenty. It was a strange, heightened sensation he was experiencing for the first time.
In the midst of that clarity—
Slide. Flash!
The surroundings were instantly enveloped in silence. The insects, the birds—all fell quiet. It remained that way for a long time.
“Heh.”
Click!
Seok Jun sheathed the sword he had drawn and resumed his walk. This time, his pace was leisurely.
Step. Step. Step.
It remained quiet. Even long after he had departed, the sound of the insects did not return.
*
“The swordsmanship of Qingcheng generally emphasizes speed and precision. The Heaven and Earth Sword is the technique that best represents our spirit. The Azure Cloud Red Mist Sword is no less impressive, but if you look closely at its core, the distribution of power is focused on the release of the blade. That is why strength is infused into every single form.”
Seok Myeong’s expression was solemn as he lectured. The First Generation Disciples, men of similar age to Seok Myeong, listened intently at the end of the temple hall. On the second floor, the elders watched with keen interest.
“The martial arts of the Azure Cloud Taoist also follow the Qingcheng tradition of speed and strength. If there is a change, it lies in the use of irregularities or the incorporation of Wudang’s softness. Within the overall framework, this is not a major shift. If the standard is set on speed and power, the foundation does not change even if softness permeates it.”
The reason Seok Myeong had gathered them today was to introduce a martial art he had developed. He intended to demonstrate a new Qingcheng sword technique.
“Therefore, I would like to introduce a special type of sword technique that utilizes the characteristics of Qingcheng while differing slightly from existing styles.”
Shring.
Seok Myeong drew his sword. The clear ring of metal drew every eye closer.
“Being special doesn’t mean it’s a different type. It is composed of things everyone knows but hasn't used properly. For example…”
Seok Myeong paused, holding the sword before his eyes. Then, with a quiet voice, he began to move the blade.
“Azure Wind Sword, Fourth Initial Form: Four Winds Sword!”
Holding the sword high, Seok Myeong brought it down over his shoulder and swung it in a large circle.
Wooooong—!
The tip of the sword trembled, creating a gust of wind with a boisterous roar. It was a small wind that vanished immediately, but the impression it left was significant.
Murmur.
Everyone gathered knew this technique, yet they felt something was different. It was clean, sharp, and exhilarating.
“The characteristic of the Azure Wind Sword’s forms is to load power at the beginning and the end. Naturally, the direction of the force must be maintained consistently from the moment the sword is unleashed until the very end.”
“…….”
“I believed there was a more effective method than this traditional approach. If one is to use force, it should be more concentrated. In short, it should be condensed into a single point. Then, through the harmony of the body, that power is exploded. It changes into something like this.”
As Seok Myeong took his stance again, the gazes of the First Generation Disciples became exceedingly serious. Even the elders, who hadn't paid much attention at first, were now focused.
Seok Myeong gripped his sword and closed his eyes, relaxing his body. In that state, he concentrated his mind.
Flash.
In an instant, Seok Myeong opened his eyes and moved.
Swish—!
When Seok Myeong lowered the sword to shoulder height and swung, no sound was heard. But the moment the tip of the sword finally stopped—
Vroooom—!
A wind sound, like a vibrating roar, erupted. At the moment the sword halted, it created an optical illusion—as if a powerful whirlwind had risen and vanished in a heartbeat.
“Hmph.”
“Mm!”
The atmosphere, which seemed like it would become excited, suddenly turned heavy. The watching disciples did not offer much of a reaction. To their eyes, it seemed ordinary. Certainly, the sound of the wind was loud and the pressure was powerful, but considering it was Seok Myeong, it seemed only natural. Any Qingcheng swordsman could achieve that much if they put enough internal energy into the swing.
“Did I just see that correctly?”
However, the expressions of the elders on the second floor were entirely different. Song Ha-myeong, who had been watching intently, quietly asked Song Ji beside him. He wanted to confirm if his eyes had deceived him.
“It wasn't a mistake. It looked the same to me,” Song Ji whispered, his voice trembling slightly. “Seok Myeong did not stir his internal energy.”
“Haha. Then how could such a change occur?”