Chapter 58: The Cheon Family (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 58: The Cheon Family (3)
Muscles as lean and powerful as a stallion’s rippled with corded strength.
With every thunderous shout, the minute twitching of their fibers radiated a fierce, raw vitality. The crimson veins bulging at their temples gave off the distinct aura of seasoned warriors who had survived countless battles.
The movements of the martial artists gathered in the center of the Goho Training Ground were incredibly dynamic. Stripped to the waist, their motions were precise, without a hair’s breadth of error, moving in perfect harmony with their blades.
“Hah!”
Even their shouts were perfectly synchronized. Their lunging postures were striking no matter how many times one saw them, and their gazes were as sharp and terrifying as a tiger baring its fangs.
“You’ve arrived on a truly auspicious day. Today is the Heavenly Moon Flag, a day held once a month to showcase our martial prowess. It seems you’ve arrived just in time to observe.”
“....”
“Those you see are the swordsmen of the Iryong Squad. They are the greatest strength protecting our Cheon Family.”
Cheon Wi-seol proudly explained the men performing the sword dance. The Heavenly Strength Big Dipper Formation they were executing was something they had refined with such meticulous care that he felt confident showing it to any renowned master in the Jianghu.
“It looks impressive,” Hyeok-jin chimed in, genuinely admiring the sight.
He meant it. The sword force emanating from their synchronized movements made it impossible to relax, even from a considerable distance. Even to someone like him, who lacked deep knowledge of combined attack techniques, it was truly admirable.
“It is excellent. The swordsmanship, the breathing, the movement—there is nothing to criticize. If the individuals’ internal strength were a bit more developed and they narrowed their strides just a little more, there is a high possibility they could improve significantly beyond this,” Seok Myeong agreed.
Individually, their martial skills didn't seem particularly outstanding. However, once their breathing became one, the combined attack formation displayed a magnificent dignity.
They place seven points at the perimeter and form a circular formation in the center. Since the operation focuses on the Taiji, it’s closer to the swordsmanship of the Wudang Sect than that of Qingcheng or Mount Hua.
Seok Myeong didn't know the exact reason why they maintained those specific positions while keeping the circle, but he felt he understood the martial philosophy they were following.
They sought to emulate the heavens. They had captured the mysterious order of the Big Dipper within a Mysterious Gate Formation and expressed it as one of the Ten Natural Formations.
However, Cheon Wi-jin took Seok Myeong’s words in an entirely different way.
Arrogant brat. He’s using roundabout words to say the Iryong Squad’s skills aren't enough to satisfy his eyes. What? Develop their internal strength and narrow their strides?
As expected, the boy had a foul temperament. The Heavenly Strength Big Dipper Formation they were displaying was a combined attack formation recognized even by the Martial Alliance; it was the representative sword formation of the Cheon Family.
Though the captains of the Iryong Squad weren't the ones moving, these men were still exceptional swordsmen who wouldn't lose to anyone. To hear subtle mockery mixed within praise in such a situation made his suppressed anger flare up again.
It was then that a voice drifted over, lighting the fuse of his emotions.
“Basically, he’s saying it’s nothing to make a fuss about, right?”
It was a woman’s voice. One of the women beside the Qingcheng Taoist spoke in a tone that suggested the display was no big deal. She was a beautiful woman, but no one present could look upon her kindly after hearing those words.
As I thought.
Cheon Wi-seol, in particular, didn't let it show on his face, but his pride was thoroughly wounded. Seeing Seok Myeong’s moderate attitude earlier, he had wondered if perhaps there had been some misunderstanding regarding the martial challenge letter.
But hearing him speak now, there was no mistake. He might wear an innocent expression, but he must be habitually arrogant and look down on others. Why else would the people beside him speak so recklessly?
“Ho. It seems the high master of Qingcheng sees points of improvement in our sect’s sword formation. If you wouldn't mind, would you care to experience it for yourself?”
When he pointed at Seok Myeong, the boy, who had been staring blankly, tilted his head and asked back.
“Me?”
“Indeed. Since you have come from Qingcheng, a member of the Nine Great Sects and a holy land of Taoism, I ask you to step forward and evaluate the martial arts of us dullards.”
Seok Myeong looked troubled.
“I’m not sure I have the skill for that. I don't know much about the martial arts of the Central Plains, and combined attack formations are unfamiliar to me...”
How ridiculous. Are you afraid to experience it firsthand now?
Cheon Wi-seol’s eyes gleamed. He had no intention of letting this situation pass easily.
“It isn't difficult. We aren't looking for a duel. Simply stand before them, experience the power of the sword formation for yourself, and tell us what you feel.”
“Ah, that is...”
“Are you perhaps afraid of their momentum?”
Cheon Wi-seol subtly pricked his pride. This was it. The pride of the Nine Great Sects was the most reliable thing to provoke a reaction. In fact, he had opened the Heavenly Moon Flag specifically to coincide with the day the Qingcheng Taoist arrived just to create this situation.
“Or were the words you spoke a moment ago a lie?”
After Cheon Wi-seol’s repeated provocations, just as Cheol So-yeon and Hyeok-jin were beginning to frown, Seok Myeong spoke in a calm tone.
“No. What I said was the truth.”
“Wh-What... Ahem!”
Cheon Wi-jin, who rarely lost his cool, accidentally let his inner thoughts slip. He then slowly calmed his emotions while glancing at the surroundings.
“Well, if you truly wish for me to experience it, then I must. I doubt I have the capacity to offer any teaching, but as a martial artist myself, I am getting a bit curious.”
This guy, he’s finally showing his true colors!
Cheon Wi-jin, who had been watching Cheon Wi-seol, was delighted. The boy had finally fallen for the trap. A smile flickered across Cheon Wi-seol’s lips for a fleeting moment as well. Only Cheon Wi-hyeon watched the situation with an expressionless face.
“Then, I shall step forward.”
Seok Myeong approached the Iryong Squad. Meanwhile, Cheon Wi-seol sent a look toward the swordsmen. Receiving that look, the swordsmen gave a slight nod. They had read exactly what the family head desired.
As Seok Myeong took his place, Cheon Wi-seol shouted.
“Heavenly Strength Big Dipper Formation!”
In that instant, the grim-faced men checked each other’s positions and began to take their stances once more.
*
As Seok Myeong stepped in front of the Iryong Squad, he felt a tightness in his chest. Whether it was because of the scorching sun or the heated air enveloping his body, he felt something heavy pressing against his heart.
He soon found the reason. It was killing intent. The hostility shimmering in the men’s eyes was constantly pricking his skin.
Why do I feel a murderous intent?
Seok Myeong was puzzled. There was no need to be friendly toward an opponent who came for a duel, but there was also no reason to display killing intent. Yet, the men performing the sword formation before him were glaring as if they intended to kill him.
Their competitive spirit is far too excessive. I must be careful.
Seok Myeong brushed it off as nothing major. Right now, managing his own body was the priority. The family head had said to simply experience it, but his true intention was surely to test him with internal energy.
Then, he would have to overcome their energy with external styles rather than internal arts. Due to Song Hak’s sealing technique, he currently had only a handful of inner qi in his body. He pondered how he should withstand their power in such a state.
Wooooong—!
As the killing intent passed a certain threshold, the Dark Heaven Bracelet began to vibrate. Since he couldn't utilize his inner qi, the bracelet was attempting to filter out the harmful energy flowing toward him that he couldn't endure.
I’m relying on this fellow’s help once more.
Seok Myeong looked down at his bracelet. Perhaps because the color had faded, it was increasingly starting to resemble the color of his skin. For some reason, he had the illusion that this Dark Heaven Bracelet would one day seep into his body.
Ssh. Ssh.
The seven men surrounding Seok Myeong each took their positions, then began to operate the sword formation by moving from left to right. In a way, it looked like they were dancing; in another, it looked like they were preparing for a continuous assault.
“Doesn't something seem strange?”
Hyeok-jin, watching the men’s movements closely, spoke to Cheol So-yeon. He whispered quietly so they wouldn't hear, having noticed something suspicious.
“Look at that. Unlike before, they’re moving their swords threateningly. To anyone’s eyes, that looks like an intention to attack Brother Seok Myeong.”
Cheol So-yeon didn't answer, but she agreed with Hyeok-jin. She had felt an unpleasant sensation ever since they arrived. Their lukewarm behavior, their eyes hiding their true intentions—even though they were showing courtesy, their actions were entirely different, reeking of the typical hypocrisy of the Orthodox Faction. She wanted to shout at them to just come out and say they hated them.
“We’ll see. No need to jump to conclusions.”
“Huh?”
Hyeok-jin’s eyes widened in surprise. Her personality was usually far from calm.
“If they try anything funny, I’ll just kill them all.”
As expected.
Following her murderous remark, Hyeok-jin turned his gaze back toward the training ground with a weary face.
Shiiiing.
While Hyeok-jin and Cheol So-yeon were talking, the Heavenly Strength Big Dipper Formation was being perfectly executed. Furthermore, though not direct, they were also employing the Different Guard Combined Technique to launch light attacks at Seok Myeong. It was a form of intimidation, a starting posture meant to scare the Taoist who had provoked their sect.
“Haat!”
A middle-aged man with a thick scar on his forehead suddenly began to perform elaborate hand movements. It was as if he were conducting the other six men, and the men beside him moved in perfect sync with his lead.
Clang!
It was the moment the man in the center thrust his sword toward Seok Myeong’s eyes. As if they had been waiting, the six other men simultaneously thrust their swords toward Seok Myeong.
Phut!
Swish.
The sword of the man closest to him grazed Seok Myeong’s face. Then, in rapid succession, the swords behind him shimmered before his eyes.
Seok Myeong touched his face. A small amount of blood came away from the spot he guessed had been grazed.
It wasn't my imagination.
Only then could Seok Myeong feel their hearts. The hostility the martial artists of the Cheon Family, from Cheon Wi-seol to Cheon Wi-jin, showed toward him wasn't a warning—it was real. There was no other way to explain this sword formation filled with such lethal sincerity.
What exactly is the problem? Me? Or is it because the one who requested the duel was the Golden Martial Association?
Now you’ve learned your lesson!
Seeing Seok Myeong’s face harden, Cheon Wi-jin curled the corners of his mouth. It looked like they were performing a killing sword formation, but in reality, it was the Heavenly Strength Big Dipper Formation, a life-saving formation. It was used to slow down and push back an opponent’s advance; its purpose and utility lay more in binding and defending than in killing the enemy.
Thus, it was better than anything else to use against such an arrogant Qingcheng Taoist. If he were overwhelmed by the energy, he would feel a pain several times greater than being crushed by a boulder, and from the moment he lost sight of what was ahead, he would never be able to endure it.
As terror took hold, his fear would grow, and before long, he would be forced to leap out on his own. Seeing the Qingcheng Taoist’s complexion gradually changing, it was easy to see what would happen next.
Just as Cheon Wi-jin’s smile grew wider—
Clap, clap, clap.
“Stop.”
Cheon Wi-seol signaled the men to stop. He judged that there was no meaning in continuing the sword formation any further. Cheon Wi-jin lowered his gaze, his face full of disappointment.
“Whew.”
Only then could Seok Myeong let out a sigh. His face had rapidly turned pale, and his hands and feet weren't moving normally, so he had to catch his breath for a moment. His legs were stiff, and he lacked the strength to move.
He looked completely different from when he was first seen. After taking a few breaths, Seok Myeong returned to his original spot.
“How was it?”
Cheon Wi-seol spoke in a bright voice as he watched Seok Myeong’s reaction.
Seok Myeong let out a sigh and said with a thin smile, “It was a sword formation that looked good to the eye.”