Chapter 159
Chapter 159
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: Plum Blossom Fragrance in Mount Hua's Sword
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Mount Hua's swords carry the fragrance of plum blossoms.
It was a famous saying. Some people even questioned it.
How could a sword possibly smell like flowers?
But the saying was true. The elegantly extended sword tip clearly bore the scent of plum blossoms, and as if surrounded by petals, the world brightened for an instant.
The pinnacle of illusory swordplay, blending technique and allure.
That was Mount Hua's sword.
"Wow... Daddy, look at that."
"I see it."
I looked down at Mount Hua's sword. As guests, we could watch the public training sessions.
The martial artists moved. Amid the explosive true steps came thunderous shouts.
Mount Hua trembled. It wasn't actually shaking, but the overwhelming aura and ferocious sounds created the illusion of it quaking.
I'd heard countless times that Mount Hua's sword was the best in the murim world.
But only today did I confirm that it might well be true.
If this level of quantity and quality combined...
Not an empty reputation. No matter the internal power dynamics, this was the real deal.
Truly one of the Nine Great Sects. I let out a short sigh of admiration.
Mount Hua disciple Baekhyeon asked.
"What do you think of Mount Hua's sword now that you've seen it in person?"
"...Impressive. The piercing momentum and flawless stances mesh perfectly. I've heard Mount Hua's sword is the finest among sword sects... and it seems that might be true. As expected of Mount Hua."
"...Haha?"
Baekhyeon's shoulders shook at the outpouring praise.
"I didn't expect such high praise. I thought you'd rate it lower."
"Pardon?"
"Famous swordsmen are usually steeped in self-admiration. Every notable visitor to Mount Hua has been the same. But... Hero Red Cloud is different."
"I'm just expressing what I felt. I've never seen such orderly, disciplined sword formations. When something is impressive to behold, isn't it natural to praise it as such?"
"...Many fail to keep it that simple. That's why those who do earn respect by comparison, isn't it?"
Baekhyeon smiled.
"Is there anywhere else you'd like to see?"
The unexpected question gave me pause.
Asking for the Supreme One's residence wouldn't get me anywhere...
Better to keep it light.
"Su-ah. Anywhere you want to go?"
"Um... I'd like to watch a bit closer, if possible."
"Of course. Follow me."
We followed Baekhyeon. As we neared the training grounds, eyes turned our way.
But Baekhyeon waved it off as if to say ignore them, and the stares soon vanished.
Baekhyeon guided us to a suitable spot.
Closer now. Close enough for someone on the grounds to walk over and chat.
He brought simple refreshments. Su-ah bowed her head politely.
"Thank you."
"No trouble at all. Such a sweet child."
"She's not just my daughter-she's my assistant."
"...Assistant?"
Su-ah, munching on the snacks, flinched. She swallowed and cleared her throat.
"Yes. Daddy's assistant."
"...Impressive."
Baekhyeon lowered his voice.
"Not only well-behaved, but adorable too."
I nodded without hesitation.
"I think so too."
"Pff... Hero Red Cloud is different from the rumors."
"Rumors...?"
"They say you're domineering, selfish, and oblivious."
"Pardon?"
"Seems to stem from those Shaolin disciples who left. Good and bad rumors about you mix evenly. I thought the same at first, but..."
Baekhyeon smiled.
"Rumors really can't be trusted after all."
"...Grateful you see me in a good light."
"I'm just saying what I see."
A good man.
I asked him quietly.
"Swordsman Baekhyeon."
"Yes?"
"I have a question."
"What is it?"
"I heard there were originally four participants for the Mount Hua Martial Assembly... What exactly happened to the missing one?"
Baekhyeon's smiling face hardened.
"...That person doesn't even deserve consideration. No need for Hero Red Cloud to concern himself."
As expected, he won't talk.
I nodded and changed the subject. Though abrupt, Baekhyeon smoothly followed along.
Idle chit-chat, devoid of substance. Amid it, Baekhyeon glanced at me and asked.
"Um... Hero Red Cloud."
"Yes?"
"I heard you can't cultivate internal energy."
The rumors are spreading accurately. I nodded.
"That's right."
"...Doesn't external force have its limits?"
"True enough. But lately, I acquired a suitable manual."
"Manual...?"
"One related to external arts. I was stuck at a plateau, but it helped quite a bit."
"Glad to hear it."
Curiosity gleamed in Baekhyeon's eyes. Pure interest in the level of my swordsmanship.
I was about to tell him not to expect much. But someone approached me first with a greeting.
"Senior brother. Won't you introduce the gentleman beside you to me as well?"
A refined young noble oozing elegance. Baekhyeon frowned.
"...This is Murim Alliance Inspector Red Cloud."
"Mount Hua disciple, Baekhyang."
"Pleased to meet you."
The one who called himself Baekhyang smiled faintly.
Confidence overflowed from his smile and gestures. Arrogantly so.
"I've heard of Hero Red Cloud's fame too. The one who exposed Shaolin's corruption and guided them to the righteous path. Word is even Shaolin's Buddha acknowledged your profound skill."
"My actual strength pales beside my reputation."
"One of the Venerable's own wouldn't speak lightly. How about it? Show that sword of yours to Mount Hua's disciples."
Baekhyang beamed.
But no courtesy hid in that smile.
"Bestow some guidance on this lowly junior."
"Baekhyang! What is this?! I told you not to act on your own!"
"Senior brother. How is requesting guidance rude? Several juniors are curious too. What the sword called Mute Sword is like. Whether it's truly that heavy in practice."
"You brat...! Get down now! Hero Red Cloud, pay no mind. Just the foolish antics of a rude junior."
"Senior brother ignores me as always. Obsessed only with martial arts, that's why you're like this. You need to mingle with people, but you refuse... Look behind me. So many share my view."
Mount Hua disciples gathered behind Baekhyang.
They murmured openly for all to hear.
"How strong is this Mute Sword that earned the Venerable's recognition?"
"But... I can't see it beating senior brother."
"Broke through peak realm in his twenties, didn't he?"
"They say his skill now eyes the initial transcendent stage..."
"Too much for external force alone. Right."
Blatant provocation.
Recognizing the intent, I rose from my chair. Baekhyeon tried to stop me.
"No need to indulge them. Hero Red Cloud. Let me handle these fools harshly..."
"No. It's fine. They've requested guidance, so I shall provide it. Fortunately, I know a fair bit..."
Best to establish this now. For my relationship with Mount Hua.
As Murim Alliance Inspector, I need some standing for my words to carry weight...
Let's make it clear.
"Baekhyang... was it?"
"Yes. That's right."
"Then, junior. As your senior, I'll impart a few lessons. Where shall we go?"
Despite his own words, treating him as inferior made his brow twitch.
His expression turned menacing naturally. He whispered.
"Need to go far? The training ground is right here. Let's settle it."
"Aren't there still people training?"
"Just free practice. Or... are you afraid of the onlookers?"
His tone grated sharper than a blade.
I don't care for posturing, but when it's time, do it right.
"I'm worried about you, Swordsman Baekhyang."
"...Pardon?"
"If Baekhyang, Mount Hua's rising star, gets rolled in front of everyone... it won't look good, will it?"
"What did you just...?"
"If you didn't catch that, I'll explain simpler."
I looked down at him, slightly shorter than me.
Unflinchingly. Eyes locked.
"I see things through to the end, so even if you end up looking ridiculous, I won't stop. If you can handle it, come up. To the training ground."
"...Ha! You dare mock a Great Mount Hua disciple? A half-baked warrior who only knows external arts!"
"Better watch your words. Ranting then losing is the ugliest sight."
"...Come up! Now! I'll see with my own eyes what power lies in that Mute Sword reputation!"
He kicked off the ground. In one leap of lightness skill, he cleared the training ground and ordered the area vacated.
"Everyone, down!"
Seeing them obey showed his position.
Right below the elders. Likely the highest among these gathered Mount Hua disciples.
"You brat! Stop this...!"
"It's fine, Swordsman Baekhyeon."
"B-but...! Hero Red Cloud!"
I gently pushed aside the restraining Baekhyeon and placed my hand on my sword.
No lightness skill. I simply walked slowly onto the training ground.
Baekhyang drew his sword. The ring was clear, the blade straight.
Not just skill- a fine sword too.
"I planned to go easy, but you crossed the line. You won't leave unscathed."
"Strange. Weren't you the one who picked the fight? Trying to crush the inspector with skill and boot me from Mount Hua, it seems..."
I drew my sword. The blood sword's crimson blade cast its shadow over the world.
"You got it all wrong. If you wanted to send me packing, you should've brought a Mount Hua elder."
"...Ha! The rumors about Mute Sword are true! Arrogant and domineering beyond your skill... Matches perfectly! Hold your sword straight! I'll show some respect to a crippled halfwit!"
Plum blossom scent wafted from Baekhyang's sword tip. The flowing energy even shaped into flowers.
Plum Blossom Sword... ? But weaker scent than expected.
Not the Twenty-Four Plum Blossom Sword Forms...
The famed Seven Plums Sword of Mount Hua?
"I'll yield three moves! Personally!"
I stared at the sword energy blooming over his blade. Faintly rising, less distinct than sword force but visible to the eye.
Peak realm. Close to mastery, even. That age, such skill-genius was fitting.
But lately, my standards have risen.
My daughter fixed her sword energy in under a month of training-a monster.
"Daddy."
Su-ah, clinging to the edge of the training ground, whispered.
"Punish him."
"Got it."
"...How dare you... say...?"
Baekhyang scoffed.
"After I beat you, that brat gets a lesson too. She'll learn what happens when she speaks out of turn."
A lesson, huh.
I told Su-ah to step back. I spun the drawn sword and stabbed it into the training ground floor.
Loosened up lightly. I'd planned to reject the three moves and fight fair...
Changed my mind.
"Touching my daughter..."
Muscles crackled fully awake. After checking my condition, I yanked the sword free.
Slung it over my shoulder. For the Three Disasters Swordsmanship.
"Yielding three moves?"
"Yes. But you won't survive all three. The moment you move, your sword shatters completely."
"Terrifying. Facing a sword energy master."
"Brat! Too late for that now!"
"Remember those three yielded moves clearly."
"Come at me! If you can send me flying!"
Baekhyang laughed. I stepped toward that laugh.
Gripped the hilt crushingly. The famed blood sword wailed.
A freak that surpassed sword energy with sheer menace, barely parrying even sword force.
I walked slowly to him. Raised the sword leisurely for all to see...
And slashed fiercely ahead.
---KAAAAAANG!!!!!!
The shrill clang shook the training ground violently. Amid it, I saw Baekhyang tumbling, vomiting blood.
His sword reacted instantly, blocking mine...
But failed to absorb the shock-his right arm shattered.
"Guh... guhuh...?!"
I walked toward him writhing in disbelief.
"Didn't I say I'd yield three moves?"
Raised the sword again.
Stared straight into eyes now filled with belated fear.
"Two left."
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