Chapter 22: Another Way to Become a Qingcheng Swordsman (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 22: Another Way to Become a Qingcheng Swordsman (2)
“This is the third gate! Everyone, stand in a single line!”
The training grounds fell silent at the old man’s roar.
Only twenty men had survived the first two trials to reach the third. Because the first and second gates had been so rigorous, the crowd had thinned significantly. Among the remaining candidates were three first generation disciples, while the rest were elders of the Song generation.
Seok Jun stood some distance away, watching the proceedings. Beside him was Yeon-hui, known as the Azure Star Beauty and one of the current Qingcheng Swordsmen.
“Seok Hu and Seok Gyeong made it,” Yeon-hui remarked.
Seok Jun nodded curtly. “They’re a bit boastful, but they possess a decent level of skill. It turned out exactly as I expected.”
“Do you think they’ll pass the third gate as well?”
Seok Jun shook his head. “They aren’t yet skilled enough to defeat a Qingcheng Swordsman. Unfortunately, this is as far as they go.”
“I see.” Yeon-hui scanned the crowd before speaking again. “Seok Jin Sahyung is there as well!”
Seok Jun’s eyes widened. It was a boy he hadn’t expected to see. “How did he make it this far?”
As far as he knew, Seok Jin’s skills lagged behind those of his peers. Yet, here he was, occupying one of the three spots for first generation disciples. His progress was truly remarkable.
“He’s always following the Eldest Disciple around; he must have achieved some sort of breakthrough.”
“……”
“Oh, if only the Eldest Disciple had come, there would have been four first generation disciples standing there. It’s such a shame,” Yeon-hui said, her voice tinged with regret.
However, Seok Jun did not take kindly to her sentiment. “The Eldest Disciple didn’t show up because he was afraid of the exam. There’s no need to feel sorry for him.”
“Why would the Eldest Disciple be afraid of an exam?”
“Well, obviously…” Seok Jun started to retort but then trailed off.
He knew of the promise—that if Seok Myeong failed the exam, he would not be allowed back inside the gates of Mount Qingcheng. But mentioning that might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, especially since Yeon-hui was unaware of the arrangement.
“Seok Jun Sahyung, look over there.”
Seok Jun, who had fallen quiet out of a sudden sense of guilt, looked where Yeon-hui was pointing. She was gesturing toward the Jeonghu Pavilion.
The elders who held the reins of the Qingcheng Sect were gathered there.
“Why? Nothing seems to be happening.”
“It’s the people from the Azure Peak Pavilion.”
“The Azure Peak Pavilion?”
Three or four men dressed in white Taoist robes were approaching the pavilion at a rapid pace. Seok Jun didn’t know much about them, but as the Sect Leader’s daughter, Yeon-hui did. They were individuals who only mobilized when something grave occurred within the sect or when urgent news needed to be delivered.
“It looks like something has happened.”
“What could it be…?”
“I’m not sure. I wonder what’s going on.”
Yeon-hui tilted her head, her eyes fixed on the pavilion. Seok Jun also watched the Jeonghu Pavilion with a puzzled expression.
*
“Did you hear it?”
Song Mun approached the Sect Leader, who was watching the exam, and spoke in a low voice.
He had rushed to the Jeonghu Pavilion after sensing a faint air-breaking sound in the distance. Seeing Song Hak already there, he instinctively knew he wasn’t the only one who had noticed the disturbance.
“Yes.” Song Jeong nodded and turned his gaze toward Taoist Mueun, the old man with a cloth wrapped around his ears.
“It came from a canyon twenty li to the southeast of here,” Mueun reported.
“…!”
The listening elders could hardly believe their ears. Song Mun and Song Hak were equally unable to hide their shock. It had been an incredibly faint sound, yet Mueun had determined the exact location from that alone.
However, Song Jeong was not surprised. He asked, “Is it outside Qingcheng?”
“No. It is within our jurisdiction.”
“Hmm.”
“However… because it is near a steep canyon, I couldn’t pinpoint the exact spot. We need to search further.”
“……”
“I have already summoned the children. Since they also possess excellent Taoist power, they will guide the way.”
Song Jeong looked at Mueun with a trusting gaze. If Mueun said it was so, it was so.
If nothing else, Mueun’s ability to sense qi was second to none in the world. He was a man who had shown such madness that he had cut off his own ears to achieve the enlightenment of the Heavenly Ear. In the end, he had gained the miraculous ability to sense spiritual and Taoist power through the vibrations of the world.
The elders all turned their eyes toward Song Jeong, waiting for his command regarding the Qingcheng Swordsman exam.
Song Jeong spoke. “Song Hu.”
“Yes!”
At the Sect Leader’s call, a thin old man among the elders stepped forward. He looked younger than the others, and a sharp light glinted in his eyes. He was the examiner in charge of the proceedings.
“You take charge and ensure the Qingcheng Swordsman exam proceeds smoothly.”
“I shall do so.” Song Hu gave a brief bow and stepped back.
Song Jeong continued, “The Qingcheng Swordsman exam will proceed as scheduled. Only Song Hak and Song Mun shall follow me; the rest of you, perform your duties in your respective positions.”
“Yes!” the elders answered in unison, bowing deeply.
It was then that the men in white Taoist robes appeared at the Jeonghu Pavilion. As soon as they arrived, Taoist Mueun shouted, “Lead the way!”
“By your command!”
They vanished as quickly as they had appeared. The watching elders let out gasps of admiration. Their movement techniques were superb—their footwork, moving like a mirage, was peerless.
“Preparations are complete,” Taoist Mueun said.
“Very well,” Song Jeong replied. “Let us go.”
The moment he finished speaking, the Sect Leader, the Silent and Heartless Duo, Song Mun, and Song Hak vanished in an instant.
*
Caw, caw.
Evening had fallen, and long shadows stretched across the rugged terrain.
The Sect Leader, Song Mun, and Song Hak stood in a dense forest where the cries of crows echoed. They hadn’t yet found the source of the air-breaking sound; it was proving more difficult than anticipated.
“It is here.”
Just then, two figures flew through the air, stepping on the void itself. It was Taoist Mujeong and Taoist Mueun, who had gone ahead to scout.
The Sect Leader followed them, with Song Hak and Song Mun close behind. When they reached a clearing, a small cave came into view. The entrance was half-collapsed, and a corpse lay sprawled in front of it.
“Everyone, stand back.”
Song Jeong spoke while looking at Mueun, who was already standing by the body. Song Hak and Song Mun stepped aside, watching with bated breath.
Step, step.
Song Jeong approached the corpse and slowly examined the remains.
“…!”
His silence lasted a long time. It was a gruesome sight—internal organs torn, skin ruptured, and parts of the flesh already swarming with maggots—but Song Jeong didn't flinch as he leaned in close.
No one dared to speak during his examination. Finally, Song Jeong cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention.
“It is a Demonic Person.”
“…!”
Song Hak and Song Mun’s eyes widened simultaneously. To think that a Demonic Person had died within Qingcheng’s territory was shocking.
“Judging by the traces of blue energy remaining in the blood, this person practiced demonic arts. The rapid decomposition of the corpse is a direct symptom of that. And…” Song Jeong paused, his expression darkening. “This person was killed by Qingcheng’s martial arts.”
“What?” Song Hak blurted out, stunned. A Demonic Person killed by Qingcheng’s martial arts? That meant someone from their own sect had dealt the blow.
Only then did Song Mun and Song Hak approach the corpse to assess the situation for themselves.
“It’s certain,” Song Mun said, his voice grim. “These are the traces of the Heaven and Earth Sword—the sword shadows that spread vertically. There is no mistaking it.”
“This is… strange. Aren’t all the members of Qingcheng currently gathered at the main mountain for the exam? To achieve this level of destruction, it would require the skill of an elder or higher,” Song Hak noted, filled with doubt.
Most of the elders were at the Jeonghu Pavilion. In such a situation, who could have slipped away to slay a Demonic Person?
Song Mun turned to the contemplative Sect Leader. “Do you have anyone in mind?”
“Hmm…” Song Jeong remained silent. His thoughts were complicated. After a moment, he spoke. “There are more than a few people living in seclusion in Qingcheng. However, those who can use the Heaven and Earth Sword at this level are rare. If we searched, we might find them, but…”
Even if there were hidden masters, their exact locations were unknown. Furthermore, if he went looking for the seniors of the 'Il' generation—those of the generation above him—they would likely be furious at the intrusion.
In the end, Song Jeong decided they needed more information. “Let us return for now. We must inform the Alliance and visit the elders of our mountain one by one.”
*
Around the time the Sect Leader was searching for the source of the disturbance, Seok Myeong had returned home.
Entering his room, he placed a small writing desk on the floor and sat down with a brush and paper.
“The weather is quite nice.”
The scenery outside was beautifully tinted with the warm glow of the setting sun. A cool breeze drifted through the open door. The room was quiet and peaceful.
He thought of the few elders who smiled at him, and the few people, like Seok Jin, who genuinely liked him. This was enough. This, and nothing more, was the life he desired. Even if he had to cultivate a mediocre heart method, even if he had to live a life without recognition, it didn't matter.
“And now…”
Regardless of the circumstances, he had made a promise to Song Hak and failed to keep it. He could no longer make excuses. He had to leave the Qingcheng Sect.
“But it’s not as if there’s no way at all.”
Despite the weight of his departure, Seok Myeong did not fall into despair. He remembered a story of a Taoist who had gone on a Jianghu Travel and later returned to the sect.
—…We appoint the Taoist as a Qingcheng Swordsman.
That Taoist had been granted the title in recognition of his contributions to the sect’s honor through his deeds in the outside world—without ever taking the exam.
Seok Myeong walked outside. The red sunlight felt warm, yet a corner of his heart ached. He felt a pang of pity for his own situation, having to leave like a thief in the night without even being able to share the news that he had eliminated a Demonic Person.
Seok Myeong straightened his posture, facing his shabby house.
“Please accept my bow, Master.”
He knelt and paid his final respects. Rising slowly, he turned toward the horizon.
“I may be leaving Qingcheng as if I am running away!” Seok Myeong shouted, his voice echoing over the forest-covered mountain. His grip tightened until his nails dug into his palms. “But when I return, I shall step through the mountain gate with pride!”
And so, on the day he eliminated the Demonic Person, Seok Myeong descended from Mount Qingcheng of his own accord.
(To be continued in Sword Emperor Volume 2)