Chapter 123
Chapter 123
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: A Worthy Opponent
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“What do you say? If we decide this through a duel, even the Zhongnan Sect won't be able to remain stubborn.”
At the question urging a decision, Neung Un-bi furrowed his brow deeply and stared at Jin San, clenching his teeth.
What do I say? He had to say something that made sense for me to even play along!
Of course, the Zhongnan Sect wouldn't be able to say a word.
But! Only if I won.
But the opponent had to be someone I could actually try something against.
The Grand Sword Master, Jin San. How in the world could I defeat him?
Worse, I had a history of losing to him back when he was known as the Grand Sword Master.
Moreover, it was a toss-up even if I used everything I had, and I couldn't possibly use the Three Nothings Footwork or the Three Battles Sword in front of Jin San.
Weren't we opponents who crossed swords countless times long ago?
It would be a disaster if he recognized them.
In the end, the only thing I could use was the Lunar Eclipse.
With Hyang-i, maybe, but for me, it was impossible.
It didn't look like he'd accept it if I said Hyang-i would fight…
Besides, Jin San seemed to have already made up his mind and was now pressing me to accept.
Damn it, and I thought his personality had changed a bit…
In the end, what was this if not a show of force? I couldn't even tell who the real Demonic Cult was anymore.
“What are you pondering so much? The answer seems to be set.”
“…”
Ah, that wrinkled smile…
I felt like pulling it taut from both ends.
But there was no way out.
Just as the King of the Green Forest said, Murim is a place where might is right.
Orthodox, Unorthodox, Demonic. The paths they walk may differ according to their values, but the core remains the same.
Only after winning can you assert your justification. Even if it's a false accusation.
Neung Un-bi glanced at Yeom Seong-in.
That bastard…
He must be the one who framed me. It was still just suspicion, but it was a very strong one.
Seeing his brightened expression, he must think he's already won.
*Grind.*
Neung Un-bi clenched his teeth and looked at Jin San.
It was a fight he couldn't avoid.
“Fine.”
“Oho! I knew you would. As expected of a disciple of the Demonic Cult, so straightforward!”
“However!”
“Hm?”
“The difference in our skills is too great.”
“Difference in skills? What do you mean?”
“Isn't it obvious? I know my place.”
“…?”
“How could I possibly be an opponent for the Grand Sword Master of Zhongnan? A direct fight has too obvious a conclusion. So, how about a sword debate?”
“A-a sword debate, you say?”
“Yes!”
Neung Un-bi smiled inwardly with satisfaction.
Would I knowingly throw an egg at a rock?
But a sword debate was another story.
He didn't know my martial arts, but I knew his.
Although the memory in my head was from thirty years ago, the possibility was high enough.
And Jin San would have no choice but to accept.
A sword debate proposed by an inferior. He'd think the chances of winning were much lower than in a physical fight, so his pride wouldn't let him refuse.
Well, who knew.
He might even show consideration like So Seol-ok-su did before, offering to use only one hand or not use his internal energy.
As Jin San met the unwavering gaze of Neung Un-bi, he suddenly burst into laughter.
“Keuk, keukkeuk, khahahahaha!”
“…”
“And here I was wondering what you were going to say. Ahahaha!”
Why was he laughing? It was so unsettling…
So, are you going to do it or not!?
“Gasp, gasp… Keukkeukkeuk.”
As if he was about to lose his breath, Jin San finally composed himself and stopped laughing.
“You've brought tears to my eyes.”
“Why? Was it too audacious of me to suggest a sword debate?”
“It was.”
“…”
“My, my. It's true what they say. Dam Un-cheon was the same; you people from the Demonic Cult don't know how to back down. To think you'd even consider fighting me.”
“Pardon?”
What was he talking about now?
Neung Un-bi tilted his head, watching Jin San wipe away the tears from his continuous laughter.
“Listen here, Young Master Neung.”
“Yes?”
“Did I seem like such a shameless person to you?”
“…”
“Surely you don't think I would fight you? That's ridiculous.”
At Jin San's words, Neung Un-bi blinked.
Something… I think I've misjudged the situation?
“Rumor has it you defeated the King of the Green Forest.”
“…”
It was pure luck. No, I couldn't even say I won.
The King of the Green Forest had admitted defeat after I merely dodged a single attack.
“But I don't believe it.”
“…”
“He's an opponent you couldn't beat even if he fought with his eyes closed. At least, not yet.”
“…He had his eyes open.”
Slightly miffed, Neung Un-bi muttered bluntly.
“Keukkeuk. Right, he fought with his eyes open. But he must have been holding back. You probably couldn't even scratch him.”
“…Well, that's true.”
“I know him well. Although he's a bandit, he has the character of a true warrior.”
“…”
“He must have recognized your potential.”
I hated to admit it, but it was true. Didn't he try to get a piece of my future for himself?
“Yes, I'll acknowledge your spirit. Just facing the King of the Green Forest head-on without flinching is worthy of praise. Most others would have pissed themselves just from his glare.”
“…”
“However, sometimes, gauging your opponent correctly is also a skill.”
“I know. But I couldn't avoid fighting the King of the Green Forest…”
“I know. Given his personality, he would have swung his sword without a word.”
That was true. Didn't he go on a rampage, vowing to kill me on sight?
Just like someone from the past standing before me now.
“Young Master Neung, you are not my opponent.”
“I know. But you never know until you cross swords.”
“True. Sometimes, a stray blade finds its mark.”
“…”
“But I am a man who has honed his skills to the point where I won't allow even a stray blade to touch me.”
“I know that as well, which is why I suggested a sword debate.”
“Hoho, you seem quite confident in that area.”
“I'm confident I won't lose easily, at least.”
“Keukkeuk, this is why I like people from the Demonic Cult. They rarely back down. But not today.”
“…?”
“If I step forward, you won't even have a chance. You'll be completely saddled with the crime you claim is a false accusation.”
“Sounds like you're saying you'll go easy on me?”
“Go easy on you? Of course not. Just as the honor of the Demonic Cult is on your shoulders, I have a responsibility to protect the honor of Zhongnan.”
“Then how…?”
“I will choose a suitable opponent for you.”
“A suitable opponent?”
“Yes, someone that no one in Zhongnan would dare object to.”
“…Who?”
As Neung Un-bi tilted his head, a figure came to mind.
The one who had jumped into the center of the confrontation before Jin San's arrival…
“Ah, come to think of it, he's about your age.”
“…”
“A boy named Ung-hyeon.”
“Ung… hyeon?”
A teddy bear…?
Neung Un-bi looked at the large man sitting behind Jang Il-san, shoveling food and drinks into his mouth.
The name somehow suited his appearance.
In any case, it was a relief. As long as the opponent wasn't Jin San.
“He is my disciple.”
“Your disciple?”
“Yes, my later years were getting dull, so I'm teaching him for fun. He's still lacking, but he should be more than enough of an opponent for you.”
“…”
As if sensing the gazes of Neung Un-bi and Jin San, the large man, Ung-hyeon, put down his food, smiled artlessly, and bowed his head.
Judging by his expression alone, he seemed like a young man who farmed in the countryside.
“What do you say? Will you do it? If Hyeon-i is your opponent, even Il-san won't interfere anymore.”
“…”
As he said, Jang Il-san kept his mouth tightly shut.
“However, you must face him yourself.”
“…”
“Not the girl next to you. If she fights, then I'll have no choice but to step in.”
Jin San smiled, pointing at Hyang-i, who was shoveling food into her mouth at a pace that rivaled Ung-hyeon's.
He must have recognized her.
That Hyang-i was a master formidable enough for him to have to step in personally.
In any case, this was a fight I could take.
His disciple, not Jin San.
A martial artist of a similar age.
Of course, if he was someone no one in Zhongnan would object to, it meant his skills were by no means low.
But it was worth a try.
Even if he was Jin San's disciple, a rising star trusted by Zhongnan, there was no way he was a monster like Hyang-i.
Hadn't I already met Un Hak?
The Sword Dragon of Mount Hua. A rising star of the Orthodox Murim, so famous that everyone knew his name.
His master was said to be none other than the Sword Saint of Mount Hua, hailed as the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the current Murim.
But an assumption was just an assumption.
With my honor and the destruction of the Blue Cloud Carpentry Guild on the line, I had to test the waters before crossing.
“…Seeing how much you trust him, he must be on a similar level to Un Hak.”
“Un Hak? That brat from Mount Hua who inherited the Purple Mist?”
“Yes.”
“Ah, I heard he was traveling with you a while back?”
“Yes.”
“Hmph, if you're thinking of Un Hak, you're mistaken.”
“Pardon?”
“There's no way my Hyeon-i can be compared to some kid raised by the likes of a Sword Saint. In fact, I plan to put him in his place at the upcoming Nine Sects Grand Tournament.”
“…”
Jin San's face was full of pride.
The Nine Sects Grand Tournament, it seemed to be a place where the rising stars competed to show off their skills.
Well, there were many such events in the past.
A kind of friendly martial arts competition.
But Mount Hua and Zhongnan.
How could I not know about the pride-fueled rivalry between them, who shared Shaanxi?
It would be a fight they absolutely could not lose.
So, he was only that strong.
Would Mount Hua have raised Un Hak lightly?
They must have poured their hearts into training him so he wouldn't lose to their rival.
In other words, they must be evenly matched.
Un Hak's skill was only slightly stronger than Wang Cheon or Ju Seung, so this duel was as good as won. Jin San must have underestimated me based on my age.
I would win unconditionally, without even needing to use the Three Nothings Footwork or the Three Battles Sword.
“Alright. Let's start right away!”
“Excellent!”
As Neung Un-bi stood up as if he couldn't wait any longer, Jin San slapped his knee and laughed.
“Hyeon-i!”
“…Whut?”
Ung-hyeon, who was chewing with his mouth full of food, turned his head and blinked.
“Step forward at once. You will duel the Third Young Master of the Demonic Cult, with the honor of Zhongnan on the line.”
“…”
Ung-hyeon glanced at the table.
The leftover food.
“Um, I'm not finished eating yet?”
“…”
Seeing his sullen, regretful expression, a deep wrinkle formed on Jin San's brow.
“This brat! Is stuffing your face important right now? I've told you time and again to abandon your gluttony!”
“What can I do if I'm hungry?”
“Get out here, now! Aren't you ashamed with all the people from the Demonic Cult watching?”
“Everything we do is to eat and live, so why should eating be embarrassing?”
It seemed even the dignified Jin San was helpless before his disobedient disciple. Just like the Cult Leader was with him…
But even though Jin San had flared up in anger, Ung-hyeon didn't even think of lifting his heavy bottom.
“I'll do it after I finish this. You know I can't use my strength when I'm hungry.”
After saying that, he started stuffing his face again.
It felt like watching someone familiar.
That girl Hyang-i, who was currently clearing her plate next to me and ordering more food…
“Th-this brat! Hah… fine. If you win this duel, I'll buy you meat.”
“Huh? Really? Meat?”
“This brat! What do you take your master for!”
“Hmm… well, that's a different story.”
Ung-hyeon immediately got up and stepped in front of Neung Un-bi.
In an instant, the area was cleared, creating a space for the duel.
Neung Un-bi carefully observed Ung-hyeon.
He was big. So large that just standing opposite him felt intimidating.
But what use was weight class in a duel between martial artists?
And if my opponent was such a glutton…
“Let's finish this quickly. I'm hungry.”
“A fine idea. There's no good in dragging this out for either of us.”
Neung Un-bi slowly took his stance.
Ung-hyeon also unleashed his energy at once and drew his sword.
“Then… I shall take the first move.”
“Come!”
The moment Neung Un-bi drew his Flying Swallow Sword and aimed, Ung-hyeon took a deep breath and stomped on the ground.
“Huuup!”
*Ruuuumble!*
The earth trembled violently.
I had to admit, his strength was indeed impressive.
But his speed… huh?
The figure of Ung-hyeon, which had vanished, appeared at Neung Un-bi's side in an instant.
He was right in front of me, wasn't he?
And this footwork that closed the distance in a single breath… is that, the Three Nothings Footwork?