Chapter 12
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: Demon-Dispelling Pavilion
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A few days later.
I visited the Henan Provincial Branch of the Martial Arts Alliance, intending to join the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.
I thought about it the entire way here.
Should I reveal my current internal energy as it is, or not?
In the end, I decided to reveal it.
Fifty years' worth was a significant amount of internal energy.
I hesitated, thinking I might draw too much attention in a small provincial branch like Henan's, but I concluded this was the best way to climb the ranks of the Martial Arts Alliance as quickly as possible.
I informed the warrior guarding the gate that I was Guyang Cheon of the Ouyang Clan and that I had come to take the test for the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.
After a short wait, a warrior who appeared to be a first-rate master emerged.
“You are the Second Young Master of the Ouyang Clan?”
“That is correct. I am Guyang Cheon.”
“My, you've lost a great deal of weight. I almost didn't recognize you. My name is Hwang Ung-bin, of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.”
“A pleasure to meet you.”
As I greeted him with a calm expression, Hwang Ung-bin furrowed his brow slightly.
“Have I been rude in some way?”
“It's not that. Do you not know me?”
I let out a short sigh.
I would have to go through this countless times in the future.
“I have lost a portion of my memories. I apologize.”
“Ah, I see. My apologies. I've touched upon a painful subject. We weren't close, but we shared drinks a few times.”
“I see.”
“Well, please come inside. Branch Leader Jeong is waiting for you.”
I gave a slight nod, and he began to lead the way.
Branch Leader Jeong was Jeong Hon, the leader of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion's Henan Provincial Branch.
Hwang Ung-bin had an affable demeanor, so we talked as we walked.
“But does the Branch Leader personally meet with every warrior who comes to take the test?”
“Not at all. The Ouyang Clan's position in Henan is special. Also, word has it that your martial prowess is quite formidable. That's why the Branch Leader wished to meet you in person.”
The Ouyang Clan must have informed Jeong Hon about my martial abilities.
As expected, the Sword Emperor was the pillar of Henan.
What if the Sword Emperor hadn't died back then? What if he had endured, waited, and challenged me again?
Would I have stepped down willingly? No, I wouldn't have.
I had been so full of ambition that I personally subjugated the Blood Palace just last year.
‘Yes. Seeing me like that, the Sword Emperor must have thought it was pointless to wait. Looking back, it was my own greed. I could have done just enough and handed the position over to him.’
I looked up at the sky.
Ever since being reborn as Guyang Cheon, I had developed a habit of looking up at the sky.
Jeong Hon's office in the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.
“Please, have a seat there.”
Jeong Hon, who was over fifty, truly fit the description of someone who had aged gracefully.
If the martial world's hierarchy were decided by looks, he would undoubtedly be a candidate for Alliance Leader.
“So, you wish to join the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I've heard a bit about your martial skill from your father. He said you are a peak master on par with Seong Je. Is that true?”
“It is difficult to say for certain, as I have not engaged in many spars. My current internal energy is at fifty years, and I have mastered the Ouyang Sword Art.”
“Oh? Fifty years? Did you consume an elixir?”
“I was fortunate.”
I didn't bother mentioning that I had consumed the Heaven and Earth's Golden Spirit Herb.
I cut it off there, fearing that persistent questioning might lead back to the Full Moon Tower.
Jeong Hon must have also thought it rude to press further, as he didn't ask any more questions.
“Then let's proceed with the test. As you are the Second Young Master of the Ouyang Clan, there is no need for a background check. Follow me.”
Without asking a string of tedious questions, Jeong Hon led me to the training ground.
He likely intended to grant me admission as long as my martial skills were above a certain level, since I was from the Ouyang Clan—the family of the Sword Emperor—and was acquainted with my father, Ouyang Hyeon, and the Emperor's Sword Guard Commander, Seong Je.
As we walked to the training ground, he asked various questions, mostly about the Ouyang Clan.
When I spoke frankly about my memory loss, he told me a great deal about the Ouyang Clan's past and the Sword Emperor.
Thirty years had passed since the Sword Emperor's death, but the warriors of Henan still remembered Ouyang Ui.
It was a moment that made me miss my old friend, Ouyang Ui, all over again.
“You've arrived?”
A warrior clasped his fist respectfully toward Jeong Hon. After a light greeting, Jeong Hon spoke.
“This is Guyang Cheon, the Second Young Master of the Ouyang Clan, who has come for the test.”
“A pleasure. I am Guyang Cheon.”
“A pleasure. I am Won Gang-hyeon. You must pass two tests. First, you must be able to run for one majang while carrying that pack on your back, without using your internal energy. This tests your basic stamina, as you may need to flee in a critical situation when you are already exhausted. Second, you will spar with me. You don't necessarily have to win, so please feel at ease.”
I gave a silent nod.
Won Gang-hyeon was a peak master.
He would gauge my skills through the spar.
I decided to end it as quickly as possible.
Besides, this body originally possessed great stamina.
And since then, I had undergone intense physical training every day, so I was confident I could pass this test.
Won Gang-hyeon approached and suppressed my internal energy.
When I lifted the pack, it was quite heavy.
Someone with average stamina would never be able to run a full majang carrying this.
I shouldered the pack and immediately started running.
A steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow.
I ran to the flag placed half a majang away, turned around, and came to a stop precisely in front of Won Gang-hyeon.
“Incredible.”
Won Gang-hyeon's face was filled with astonishment.
Those with strong stamina could pass this test, but they would usually return from the flag exhausted, their faces flushed and breathing raggedly.
But I was perfectly calm, which must have greatly surprised him.
“Rest for a moment. We will begin the spar when you are ready.”
Won Gang-hyeon said as he released the suppression on my internal energy.
“Let's begin right away.”
Won Gang-hyeon shook his head and drew his sword.
I drew the Ghost Soul Sword and assumed my opening stance.
Won Gang-hyeon looked at me and tilted his head.
He had seen many warriors with fifty years of internal energy.
But compared to them, my aura was completely different.
He did not let his guard down and cautiously pointed the tip of his sword at me.
“Hah!”
Won Gang-hyeon attacked first.
His sword thrust swiftly toward my chest.
I lightly parried his sword, simultaneously taking a step forward and swiping at his side.
Startled, Won Gang-hyeon quickly twisted his body to evade.
Seizing the moment, the Ghost Soul Sword shot toward his neck.
*Clang.*
Won Gang-hyeon hastily struck my sword down.
I followed the motion, lowering my sword and taking a step to the side.
At the same time, I gathered my internal energy and struck, aiming for the vital points on his neck, chest, and abdomen all at once.
“Huk.”
Caught off guard by the unexpected move, Won Gang-hyeon gasped and retreated hastily. I immediately closed the distance and thrust my sword at his neck.
The spar ended as the Ghost Soul Sword touched his Adam's apple.
It was the same move that Seong Je couldn't overcome, and Won Gang-hyeon was just as helpless against it.
Not only Won Gang-hyeon, but Jeong Hon too was stunned.
They probably never imagined that Won Gang-hyeon, a peak master, would be defeated so easily.
“I didn't quite believe your father's words, but you are truly remarkable.”
“Do I pass?”
“You do.”
“I never imagined I would lose so quickly, even after attacking first. If you had attacked first, Warrior Ouyang, I doubt I would have been able to exchange even a single move before being defeated. Congratulations, Warrior Ouyang.”
“Thank you.”
I clasped my fist respectfully to Jeong Hon and Won Gang-hyeon.
“Follow me.”
I immediately followed Jeong Hon back to his office.
He operated a mechanism inside, opening a thick iron door, and took out a large, tightly sealed envelope.
“Inside this is a guide for an Agent of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion, including your codename and methods for contact. Just follow the instructions. I hope you live long and succeed.”
“I won't be operating under your command, Branch Leader Jeong?”
Jeong Hon shook his head.
“Agents are organized into Grades 1, 2, and 3. Because you defeated Won Gang-hyeon in an instant, you've been assigned Grade 1. I've never seen him lose like that before. Most start at Grade 3. Grade 1 agents are commanded directly by the Pavilion Head, while I command Grades 2 and 3. Therefore, you will be under the command of the Head of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.”
“I see.”
“Furthermore, Grade 1 Agents use disguise techniques to change their faces and are called by their codenames, so even if we were to meet during a mission, I would not recognize you. They are assigned to difficult and arduous missions, so they must maintain secrecy not only from enemies but also from allies. That is how much the Martial Arts Alliance values our agents.”
“So that's why you wished me a long life and success.”
“The Pavilion Head gives orders directly, so the missions are often difficult. Also, a contact will be assigned to you. They are skilled in stealth and lightness arts and are tasked with connecting you with the Pavilion Head. They will also report your performance to the higher-ups so you can receive your payment.”
“Does the Demon-Slaying Pavilion operate the same way?”
“As far as I know, yes. They have a total of twenty agents. It's a gathering of masters from the peak to transcendent levels. They are all so experienced in real combat that you could consider them all to be transcendent masters. Everything else about them is a secret. Almost nothing is known. The Demon-Slaying Pavilion is an organization shrouded in mystery.”
“That's a shame. I was hoping to carry out missions with you, Branch Leader Jeong.”
“Your skills are far too exceptional for that. In any case, congratulations. And also, you did not pass the test for the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.”
“What do you mean?”
“Because from Grade 1 upwards, everything is a secret. Won Gang-hyeon and I must now erase you from our minds. So, you should keep this a secret from your clan as well.”
“Understood.”
I thought it was for the best.
A Grade 1 agent would likely be assigned many dangerous missions, which would cause the clan a great deal of worry.
“Sir, may I ask one thing?”
“Go ahead.”
“I wish to know the Alliance Leader's cause of death.”
Jeong Hon's expression stiffened.
I had a feeling he knew something.
After a moment of hesitation, he spoke.
“You must keep this confidential. I will be in trouble if anyone finds out this came from me.”
“Do not worry. I will absolutely keep it a secret.”
“In truth, the Alliance Leader's death wasn't supposed to be a secret. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. Among all the past Alliance Leaders, he had the most peaceful end. It was a month ago.”
“Then why was it made top secret?”
“Because the unorthodox factions might make a move. The Alliance Leader was active enough to subjugate the Blood Palace just last year, which conversely means the unorthodox factions were stirring up trouble at every opportunity. The forces he crushed are now lying low, just waiting for a chance. That's why it was kept secret. When will the world ever be at peace? Tsk, tsk.”
Jeong Hon lamented.
Hearing his words, I felt relieved.
I had been worried that some dark conspiracy had taken root in the Martial Arts Alliance, but that was the reason.
It was probably Zhuge Mun-hyeon's idea.
“Has a new Alliance Leader been chosen?”
“Not yet. I hear there are heated debates. It can't be helped, as there is no one who is overwhelmingly powerful. The martial world, which has enjoyed peace until now thanks to Alliance Leader Hwa, may be facing a time of hardship. You must stay sharp. The possibility of great masters from the heretical paths, who have been in hiding, re-emerging is high.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
Jeong Hon told me what he knew about the Martial Arts Alliance's situation.
If I weren't Guyang Cheon? If I hadn't proven my formidable martial prowess and become a Grade 1 Agent?
I doubt Jeong Hon would have spoken in such detail.
Thanks to him, most of my questions were answered.
I wanted to run to the Martial Arts Alliance right this instant and meet Zhuge Mun-hyeon.
To tell him I was Hwa Un-ryong.
But I couldn't, so I set aside my longing, clasped my fist to Jeong Hon, and left the Henan branch.
I had hoped for a connection with Jeong Hon, but we parted as soon as we met.
A contact will be assigned to me?
I never knew about things like this when I was the Alliance Leader. I realized I still had much to learn.