Chapter 85: Two Dragons, One Tiger (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 85: Two Dragons, One Tiger (3)
It wasn't just one thing that made Namgung Jin believe the rumors were greatly exaggerated.
He had discreetly sent a surge of internal energy toward Seok Myeong to test his mettle, but Seok Myeong hadn't reacted at all. Even if the amount was so minute that it could remain hidden, an opponent should have at least flinched—unless they had somehow absorbed the energy. Yet, there was no response whatsoever.
"If that’s the case, then it’s a relief… Well, very well."
Namgung Jin couldn't hide the deep disappointment that suddenly washed over him.
In the past, the Qingcheng Sect had proudly asserted its views even before the Shaolin and Wudang Sects, showing the spirit to stand alone against a mountain. Even as a member of a rival clan, he had considered that spirit a true model to follow.
Looking at this man, however, it seemed those days were long gone.
"But what brings you here, Great Hero Jin? And why have the others come as well?"
At Seok Myeong’s question, Namgung Jin replied with a thin smile.
"I happened to hear the news while passing by. The others are likely here for the same reason. Well, it’s something that happens from time to time."
"How strong is this Giant Demon?"
This time, Hyeok-jin asked in a worried voice. Namgung Jin gave a small, condescending smirk toward the youth, who looked every bit the novice just starting his travels in the Jianghu.
"Well, he probably isn't that strong. According to the Beggar Sect’s intelligence, they judged him to be just slightly above the level of a first-class master. He’s a weakling that any of us here could easily strike down."
"Then..."
"They sent the word out quickly for fear that a mindless Giant Demon might harm the commoners. Besides, striking down the Unorthodox Faction is a way to uphold justice and enhance the family's honor. It’s not something we can just sit back and watch."
Deciding there was nothing more to learn about his companion, Namgung Jin stood up.
"I shall take my leave now. We will likely encounter him soon, so we must make our own preparations."
Seok Myeong stood up and gave a simple farewell. As soon as the visitors disappeared, Seok Myeong looked toward Cheol So-yeon. She was glaring after them with a piercing gaze.
"Is there a problem?" Seok Myeong asked. He had noticed her looking at Namgung Jin with disapproval from the moment he appeared.
"You really are simple, aren't you?"
"Me?"
"Yes. Do you really not know why that man was asking those questions?"
"Well, that’s..."
Cheol So-yeon cut him off before he could finish.
"Do you know why they didn't attack the Black Snake Union?"
"..."
"It’s because of the Samu Alliance. They lacked the strength to engage in a power struggle with them, they had no justification to form an alliance with other sects, and they didn't want to cause trouble because of the organization's ties to the government. It’s the same for the other groups. Do you know why he asked you directly under these circumstances?"
"Please, tell me."
"He was sizing you up. He wanted to see if you were smart or stupid. And based on your answers, he decided you were a fool—contrary to the rumors—and left because he felt there was nothing more to see."
"Hmm."
Seok Myeong listened intently and nodded. Thinking back, it seemed she was right. He, too, had felt the hidden barbs in the man's words. Hyeok-jin, who was also clumsy when it came to social maneuvering, simply listened in silence.
"He might seem like he has a good personality, but Namgung Jin is the most inscrutable of them all. He’ll approach you like a friend, but he’ll leave the moment he achieves his goal. That is his reputation in the world."
Seok Myeong nodded slowly. "Well, I already had that impression."
"You knew and still acted that way?"
"What else could I do?" Seok Myeong smiled and stood up. "In any case, I’m not doing this to gain recognition from others. If I have to worry about this and that while doing what is right, how would I be any different from the current Unorthodox Faction? If there is only one thing that concerns me, it is this."
"..."
"Whether this is mere bravado, and whether I truly possess the strength to back it up."
Seok Myeong looked back and forth between Hyeok-jin and Cheol So-yeon.
"That is why I will build it. From now on, I will cultivate a power great enough to prove that the justice I believe in is correct."
"To do that, even a lifetime of cultivation might not be enough," Cheol So-yeon replied coldly.
"Then I suppose I have no choice but to be treated this way, since I wouldn't have the necessary capability."
Cheol So-yeon’s expression stiffened at his nonchalant words. Seok Myeong was too ignorant of the ways of the world. If he had any wit, he would have deflected Namgung Jin’s words and probed his intentions, but he was too soft for that.
Yet, strangely, it was that very quality that stirred her heart.
Profit and loss—every sect in the Jianghu weighed these things. From that perspective, Seok Myeong was truly an exceptional Taoist. He might be the image of a true member of the Orthodox Faction, so different from the hypocrites she had seen until now.
This is... Oh, whatever. I'll just watch a bit longer.
Cheol So-yeon cleared her increasingly complicated thoughts. It was difficult to reach any conclusion for now.
*
The mountains at dawn are always thick with fog.
It is different from the mist that settles on flat ground. It is so dense that one cannot see an inch ahead, making it impossible to see even a tree branch just a short distance away.
If there were someone who could move nimbly through such an environment, their vision would have to be several times sharper than that of an ordinary person. Furthermore, if such a person could leap ten yards by stepping on a tree branch without breaking it, they would be considered an Absolute Master.
Whoosh, whoosh.
However, this figure leaped through the air without any foothold at all. He jumped another ten yards high by treading on the empty air itself.
He was no ordinary master. He had reached the level of the Transcendental Realm.
The appearance of the man flying so relentlessly was peculiar. First, his eyes had no pupils; an unidentified green energy flowed from the whites of his eyes. His physique was also inhuman. Usually, a man of seven feet is called a giant, but he was a staggering nine feet tall.
That wasn't all. His face was so hideous it could hardly be called human. His teeth were jagged, his fangs protruded like those of a tiger, and his fingernails were as sharp as talons.
"Grrrraaaaagh!"
Letting out an incomprehensible roar, the man sprinted forward like a madman.
*
"It seems the information was wrong."
In the chilling dawn, an escort warrior spoke to a young man sitting atop an ancient zelkova tree. The young man nodded.
"Just wait. He has no choice but to come this way. The path below is a detour through a side trail, so if he wants to take any other route, he has to pass through this flat path. That’s why the Beggar Sect drew the map of this intersection."
Hyeok Ryeon-mo spoke with conviction. Familiar with the local geography, he knew the exact spot the Giant Demon was bound to pass. He had seized the opportunity to ambush him faster than anyone else.
"By the way, did you find out which unorthodox sect the Giant Demon belongs to?" Hyeok Ryeon-mo asked.
"According to the Beggar Sect, he’s a Guardian from the Yellow Faction who fell into Qi Deviation, but there wasn't enough time to confirm the details..."
"Well, if it’s just the Yellow Faction, there’s no need to worry. We’ll just strike him down."
Hyeok Ryeon-mo lowered his posture and focused his mind. The unexpected intervention of the Namgung Family, the Peng Family, and a disciple of the Qingcheng Sect was surprising, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The more rivals gathered, the more his name would rise.
Two of the Five Dragons had joined in, along with the Qingcheng Taoist who was the talk of the Jianghu. If rumors spread that Hyeok Ryeon-mo had bypassed them all to take down the Giant Demon first, what could be more thrilling?
"Shh!"
Hyeok Ryeon-mo suddenly stood up, leaning forward and holding his breath.
Srrrng.
He reached for the blade at his waist. He gripped the scabbard with four fingers and pushed the hilt up with his thumb. The movement was so cautious that the warrior watching from the side felt a surge of tension.
Click.
With a barely audible sound, a blade much larger than a normal saber was drawn.
A Broadsword.
There was a rumor that the founding ancestor of the Hyeokryeon Family was a woodcutter. This was half-true; his training method—taught by a mysterious eccentric—involved cutting trees, and his martial arts were perfectly suited for a woodcutter's strength.
Hyeok Ryeon-mo’s Broadsword differed in shape from ordinary ones. While the edge was sharpened fiercely, there was a clear distinction between the wide parts, thick as a man’s calf, and the narrower sections. It was a modification intended to concentrate the sword's power where the center of gravity was most focused.
"I’ll end his life in a single breath."
Holding the Broadsword, he held his breath and glared at the blurry shape approaching through the fog. The moment the figure entered range, Hyeok Ryeon-mo intended to split his head open without hesitation.
"Huh?"
However, his expectations were immediately challenged. The moment the pale figure drew near, he felt a heavy vibration radiating from it, to say nothing of its terrifying speed.
But having already committed, he couldn't retreat. Hyeok Ryeon-mo was naturally bold enough to challenge an opponent even if he sensed their skill was high.
Zzzzzing.
He rapidly gathered qi into his Broadsword and unleashed a charging strike toward the approaching figure.
Destruction Sorrow!
The moment the qi was released, Hyeok Ryeon-mo cheered inwardly.
It’s a hit!
The creature he presumed to be the Giant Demon didn't even try to dodge, meeting the attack head-on.
Clang!
With a sound that made the heavens tremble, the Giant Demon was sent flying. Due to the immense power of the strike, he flew fifteen yards through the air amidst an explosion and collapsed on the ground.
The swift ambush, the precise distribution of power, and the single-strike-kill technique had landed perfectly.
"Tsk! I got nervous for nothing."
Hyeok Ryeon-mo landed on the ground and shrugged. He was so excited that his movements felt incredibly clean, even to himself. He even felt a flicker of sympathy, wondering if he had used too much strength.
"Heh heh heh... Hahahaha! I killed him! I’m the one who killed him!"
He began to soak in his achievement, shouting at the top of his lungs to celebrate his victory. Watching him so overjoyed, the two escort warriors left the Young Master and approached the Giant Demon to confirm the kill.
"What is this?"
"I don't know..."
The two escort warriors blinked as they looked at the fallen creature. The Giant Demon did not look human. His face, his body—none of it was right. Even his hands were monstrous.
"What’s wrong?" Hyeok Ryeon-mo asked, approaching from behind.
"It’s a bit strange."
"What is?"
"He doesn't look human. He has arms and legs, but something is..."
It was then.
Snap!
The Giant Demon, whom they thought was dead, suddenly bolted upright and reached out.
"Gack!"
Crunch!
The escort warrior was seized by the throat and lifted into the air amidst a spray of blood.