Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 79
Chapter Title: Gathering Storms
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"You might find it unfamiliar. It's practically a one-person lineage. They say only two disciples remain."
The elders' faces grew even more troubled at the Vermilion Bird Unit Leader's explanation. They simply couldn't fathom why such a person had been entrusted with the immense power of the Jeongcheon Alliance.
"Still, the martial arts passed down there must be truly remarkable."
"Of course they would be. It'd be strange if even the techniques weren't exceptional."
At the Jeongcheon Alliance's founding ceremony, Alliance Leader Cheon Yeong had displayed martial prowess that was nothing short of astonishing. It had left a profound impression on everyone present, including the few elders who had attended as representatives of the Martial Alliance.
"Ugh, it was impressive, no doubt."
But one couldn't select an alliance leader based on martial skill alone. Such cases were nearly impossible in the martial world unless dark clouds loomed and a figure was needed to pierce the gloom.
"I just can't wrap my head around it. What on earth was the Jeongcheon Alliance thinking? They even have the Conquering Dragon, don't they?"
That was the point the elders struggled with most. The Jeongcheon Alliance had the Conquering Dragon. And the Pae Sword Sect. It was unbelievable that the Conquering Dragon—arrogant to the point of hubris—would so readily yield the leader's seat.
Dugun Un fell silent for a moment, then turned to the elders who had visited the Jeongcheon Alliance.
"How do they stack up against the Conquering Dragon?"
The elders looked puzzled at Dugun Un's question. Without a direct clash, comparison was tricky.
"The Conquering Dragon probably edges out a bit. But it's hard to judge. The Jeongcheon Alliance Leader's void-treading steps were on another level entirely. And the divine presence and aura he exuded were overwhelming."
Dugun Un nodded. The name "Conquering Dragon" had likely swayed their judgment. It implied the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader might even surpass him.
"A tricky situation. For now, all we can do is watch."
Dugun Un turned to the Vermilion Bird Unit Leader and issued an order.
"Keep a close eye on the Jeongcheon Alliance for now. And don't miss a beat on Heavenly Demon Castle's movements. I suspect they're tied to this somehow."
With that, the meeting ended. No breakthroughs, but confirming the elders' heightened vigilance was gain enough.
The Martial Alliance wasn't a body that moved on the leader's whim alone. The elders wielded considerable power.
The leader commanded only the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise Units. But the Alliance's full might dwarfed that, divided among the elders.
To truly mobilize the Martial Alliance, one had to command the elders effectively. That was Dugun Un's current task.
Once the elders and unit leaders departed, only Jegal Jung-cheon remained. He was the one Dugun Un valued most—the Martial Alliance's brain.
"What's your take, Strategist? What do you think the Jeongcheon Alliance is plotting?"
Jegal Jung-cheon couldn't answer Dugun Un easily.
"It's a tough one. But they clearly have an agenda. And the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader harbors far more secrets than we know."
Dugun Un nodded.
"Indeed. Not just him—the warrior squads in the Jeongcheon Alliance are suspicious too. No idea where they all came from."
"And the martial arts they practice seem anything but ordinary. Plus, it looks like they have formation masters as well."
"I've heard. They could be the eye of the storm."
Dugun Un and Jegal Jung-cheon continued their discussion, but found no clear solution. They could only watch closely.
"By the way, what of your granddaughter who went to the Henan Escort Bureau?"
"Still trailing him, it seems."
"Really? Unexpected. Must be something special about him."
"Special doesn't cover it. He's apparently a remarkable expert."
Dugun Un looked surprised. No matter how he racked his memory, Dan Hyeong-u was no expert. Barely seemed trained in martial arts.
"Hard to believe. Probably a misunderstanding."
"No mistake. He defeated the Conquering Dragon with a single sword strike. The Jiangsa region's buzzing with the rumor."
"If true, that's astonishing. When I saw him, I thought he'd never trained at all."
"Must have mastered some extraordinary art. No one even suspected he knew martial arts. Maybe that's why the Conquering Dragon fell."
Dugun Un nodded.
"Makes sense. Practically an ambush. Still, beating the Conquering Dragon means he's no ordinary fighter."
"Exactly. And according to Lin's report, he beat the Sword King and Sword Demon too. Though she didn't witness it herself..."
"Hah, where does the disbelief end..."
Defeating the Sword King and Sword Demon on top of the Conquering Dragon required more than luck. True skill surpassing them.
"Nothing confirmed yet, anyway."
"Still worth watching. Oh, right—did you look into that Thousand Isle thing?"
"Yes. No connection to the Golden Demon Art. But it's clearly a powerful weapon. Lets you wield lightning at will, they say."
Dugun Un nodded.
"If he were just some hack, it'd be wasted on him. But now... who knew he was that capable."
"His identity's suspicious too, so we should keep tabs."
"Handle it. By the way, what of Ha Division Leader?"
Jegal Jung-cheon answered awkwardly.
"At the Henan Escort Bureau."
"Henan Escort Bureau? I thought the Sword Demon was in Jiangsa. Don't tell me he got hooked on escort work."
"No way. He just bit off more than he could chew chasing the Sword Demon. He's no pushover."
"True enough. Entrusting the Sword Demon to Ha Division Leader might've been a mistake from the start."
Jegal Jung-cheon caught a strange undertone in Dugun Un's words.
"You mean..."
"It's time for the Demon Extermination Squad's field training."
Jegal Jung-cheon's eyes widened like saucers.
"Has the Demon Extermination Squad mastered the Golden Demon Art?"
"Not fully. They'll need support. Trained only in Golden Demon Art, they'll just restrain demons."
Jegal Jung-cheon couldn't hide his shock. The Golden Demon Art suppressed and dispersed demonic arts.
The higher its attainment, the wider the suppression range. But it didn't boost personal strength.
Dugun Un was exceptional—mastering Golden Demon Art while growing stronger overall. That's why Heavenly Demon Castle dared not touch the Martial Alliance lightly.
"Impressive regardless. With it, even decent fighters could handle the Sword Demon."
"Exactly. Find suitable ones yourself. Better from Black Tortoise Unit."
He'd planned that anyway. Black Tortoise was perfect for covert ops.
Golden Demon Art practitioners needed utmost protection. Demon Extermination Squad trained to prevent leaks, but caution never hurt.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Jegal Jung-cheon hurried out. Dugun Un sipped tea quietly, gazing out the window.
The wind was growing fiercer.
The Blood Demon gazed fondly at the man prostrating before him.
"Well done. You handled it perfectly."
At the Blood Demon's words, the man cautiously lifted his head. It was Cheon Yeong, the Jeongcheon Alliance Leader.
"I merely followed your orders, Cult Leader. But suspicions are starting to stir. It's worrisome."
"Heh. No need for concern. Just lead the Jeongcheon Alliance well. The Martial Alliance will fade into its shadow anyway."
"Understood."
The Blood Demon closed his eyes briefly at Cheon Yeong's respectful reply.
"Blood Shadow will soon make his move. No room for error."
"As you command."
Cheon Yeong bowed deeply. The Blood Demon flicked his hand, and Cheon Yeong vanished like smoke.
"Kukukuku. Soon, the entire martial world will be mine. Once I crush the Heavenly Qi Master's remnants, it's over. Kukukukuku."
The Blood Demon's eerie laughter shook the curtain.
Dan Hyeong-u's group settled back in the inn's rear garden. Business at the Jeongcheon Alliance was done; now, just head home.
"Hmm, nothing special about this trip. Still, is it fine just leaving like this? I don't mind, but you're here as the Escort Bureau's rep. Don't you have duties?"
Dan Hyeong-u didn't answer the Sword King's question. He couldn't. Jo Seol-yeon had only asked him to attend the founding ceremony.
Jegal Lin spoke for the silent Dan Hyeong-u.
"Signing the guestbook should suffice. Normally, these events are for networking, but I doubt Miss Jo expected that from Young Master Dan."
"Fair enough."
The Sword King nodded. Even he wouldn't expect that from Dan Hyeong-u. Better odds ordering the Sword Demon.
"So, just sent you for a stroll."
"Could be. Miss Jo has her reasons. And signing with sect and name is enough for these ceremonies."
"Hmm, really? When did you sign? I didn't see it. Wait, can this guy even write?"
The Sword King eyed Dan Hyeong-u suspiciously. Jegal Lin smiled.
"I did it. Young Master Dan wouldn't bother."
"Figures."
The Sword King clicked his tongue softly, then eyed Jegal Lin anew.
"Come to think of it, you're quite diligent. Not crushing on him, are you?"
Jegal Lin startled at the abrupt remark.
"What do you mean? I just helped so he wouldn't mess up Escort Bureau business."
The Sword King nodded at her reply.
"Good, then. His match is my granddaughter—no funny ideas."
Umun Hye pouted at the Sword King's words but stayed silent. He was the world's Sword King; not her place. She just cursed inwardly.
The Sword King shot Umun Hye a glance, then turned to Dan Hyeong-u.
"Anyway, with time to spare, how about detouring to Nanchang?"
Dan Hyeong-u pondered at the Sword King's suggestion. Jo Seol-yeon had sent him here because he seemed off.
He still hadn't pinpointed why. Or sorted his feelings. He turned to the Sword King, silently demanding explanation.
The Sword King grinned brightly.
"My niece is there. Treatment should be done by now. Time to pick her up."
The group frowned at his words, Umun Hye most sharply.
"What? We can't detour for personal errands. Why not go alone, Grandfather?"
The Sword King glared, scowling.
"We're traveling anyway. Besides, Poyang Lake near Nanchang's worth seeing."
Jiangxi with Nanchang bordered Hunan; not far for martial artists like them.
"Enough."
Dan Hyeong-u's word silenced both.
"We're going."
Thus, the group's Nanchang trip was set.
Naturally, Tang Ho-gwan and Tang Mun-yeong joined. Having met, they couldn't leave Dan Hyeong-u's side. This was their chance—to perfect Heavenly Thunder.
"Young Master Dan, think about it. No need to go to Nanchang for one girl. Better to enjoy Dongting Lake first."
Umun Hye persisted. With Jo Seol-yeon as a formidable rival, no desire for more. Plus, Jegal Lin's recent state seemed off to her.
Dan Hyeong-u didn't mind Umun Hye's clinging chatter. He subtly craved someone talking to him.
He hated silence and solitude—too familiar. So he just listened, no matter how pesky.
"Tch, so unladylike. Solid guys like him don't fancy flighty girls like you."
The Sword King finally spoke up, irked by Umun Hye's hovering. She furrowed her brows cutely but had no retort. He wasn't wrong.
Too flighty might mean cheap. Her heart sank. She cautiously gauged Dan Hyeong-u's expression.
Umun Hye's sidelong glance, tinged with fear, was strikingly alluring. Enough to stir the few nearby men.