Chapter 33
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 33
Chapter Title: The One Hidden in the Shadows
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Ouyang Clan.
Ouyang Hyeon blinked, stared at me, and then spoke.
“You paid back the fifty thousand nyang? Where did you get that kind of money?”
Moyong Hye also looked at me, her eyes wide with surprise.
“To be honest, I had a little money stashed away to buy elixirs. I scraped all of that together, and the Full Moon Tower lent me the rest.”
“Hah, to think my son has grown up so much.”
Ouyang Hyeon praised me as if he were proud, but he immediately let out a deep sigh.
“To think you used the money you saved for elixirs. This father of yours is truly ashamed to face you.”
“Father, please don’t say that. It’s embarrassing for me to say this, but compared to the money I took from the clan during my delinquent days, this is just a drop in the bucket.”
“You foolish boy. That was about forty thousand nyang. Don't think like that.”
Ouyang Hyeon grasped my hand with tender fatherly affection.
“I’m grateful enough that you’ve come to your senses, but to see you save the family from a crisis like this… you are truly dependable. Thank you.”
“This happened because of me, so it’s only right that I handle it. From now on, you can trust me and rest easy.”
A sense of unconcealable pride filled the faces of Ouyang Hyeon and Moyong Hye.
After we chatted for a while, I took my leave. Moyong Hye began to massage Guyang Cheon’s shoulders.
“That was well said.”
“What was?”
“Telling him it was forty thousand nyang.”
“Of course. Cheon has come to his senses and is trying so hard. How could I tell him it was one hundred and twenty thousand nyang? He would just feel guilty again. Honestly, these days I’m even starting to think it’s a relief that Cheon lost his memories. He’s forgotten all the bad ones.”
“You’ve had a hard time, haven’t you?”
“What’s the use in talking about it? Phew. Still, Su has grown up, and Cheon has turned over a new leaf, so it’s all worked out. The Taebong Sect may boast about having become much more powerful than the Ouyang Clan, but I did a better job raising my children. Yes, that’s right. Hyeong-rin would be sniveling instead of handling something like this.”
“Don’t compare our Cheon to Hyeong-rin. It’s upsetting.”
“Weren’t you the one who said you wished Cheon was just half as good as Hyeong-rin back when he was only causing trouble?”
“Me? When did I ever?”
Ouyang Hyeon’s eyes went wide as he looked at Moyong Hye, then he burst into a hearty laugh.
“My dear, have you lost your memory too?”
“Yes. I’ve lost my memory of that specific part. This is quite nice.”
“Hahaha.”
For the first time in a long while, Ouyang Hyeon let out a great laugh.
Moyong Hye watched him and gently wiped away a tear.
After Sword Emperor Ouyang Ui died, he had lost his ability to laugh.
Since then, he had devoted all his energy to rebuilding the Ouyang Clan.
He had somehow managed to maintain their power despite the Martial Arts Alliance’s oppression, and he had endured even when Guyang Cheon’s delinquency drained the clan’s finances.
His life had always been a struggle, so Ouyang Hyeon had long since forgotten how to laugh.
Since Guyang Cheon had come to his senses, he had shown occasional smiles, but now, seeing him laugh so heartily, Moyong Hye was overcome with joy and emotion.
That afternoon.
Na Jo-ung visited the Ouyang Clan.
“Sect Leader Na. Welcome.”
Seeing Ouyang Hyeon, his spirit still unbroken and his posture erect, something flared within Na Jo-ung’s heart.
It was jealousy.
But he forced it down and maintained a calm expression.
“I would like to apologize for the pressure I put on you before, Clan Head Ouyang. I was too harsh. Please forgive me.”
Although he was jealous of the Ouyang Clan, Na Jo-ung cleanly admitted his fault.
Ouyang Hyeon grasped his hand firmly.
“Not at all. You had every reason to do so, Sect Leader Na. Now that the Taebong Sect and the Ouyang Clan are in different positions, let’s put aside our rivalry and get along.”
As Guyang Cheon subtly praised the Taebong Sect, Na Jo-ung’s expression brightened considerably.
“Come, let’s go inside.”
“Thank you.”
Ouyang Hyeon led Na Jo-ung into a room.
Once they were alone, Na Jo-ung explained what he had heard from Zhuge Mun-hyeon.
“I thought the Ouyang Clan should be aware of this.”
“Thank you.”
“I believe they will make their move soon. Otherwise, they will hide underground for a long time again, but I don’t think that’s likely.”
“I also think they will make their move. Alliance Leader Hwa is gone. Alliance Leader Yang is not as threatening compared to him.”
“I didn’t realize the Ouyang Clan held Alliance Leader Hwa in such high regard.”
“I won’t deny that our clan dislikes Alliance Leader Hwa. But if we were to deny the fact that he was the strongest Alliance Leader in history, people would mock our clan for being petty.”
Na Jo-ung looked at Ouyang Hyeon in a new light.
This was Hwa Un-ryong, the man who had killed Ouyang Ui and oppressed the Ouyang Clan.
To be able to cleanly separate public and private matters, when he had every right to curse the man, was a testament to Ouyang Hyeon’s exceptional character.
Although he wasn't a great martial artist, he was certainly worthy of being called a great man.
“We must convene the sects of Henan Province and prepare in advance.”
“Let us do so. Our clan will also actively assist. Please, Sect Leader Na, take the lead.”
“C-Clan Head Ouyang.”
“It is best for the Taebong Sect to take charge. I will offer my full support.”
“Thank you.”
Na Jo-ung seized Ouyang Hyeon’s hand and expressed his gratitude.
Many martial families in Henan still remembered the Ouyang Clan.
If the Ouyang Clan provided support, the Taebong Sect would be in a position to lead the martial families of Henan.
It was a good opportunity to become more than just the largest sect in the province.
“Clan Head Ouyang, you are truly a great man.”
“With the martial world in turmoil, we must forget old grudges. To be honest, I held some resentment toward you, Sect Leader Na, but I will cast it all aside on this occasion. If you have any lingering feelings toward me, please cast them aside as well.”
“Let’s do that.”
Na Jo-ung laughed heartily again and again.
The two drank together, their spirits aligned.
After Na Jo-ung left, Ouyang Hyeon summoned Seong Je.
“Was that really necessary?”
Seong Je seemed displeased that Ouyang Hyeon had so readily bowed his head to Na Jo-ung.
“Just think of the martial world. If we fight amongst ourselves over trivial matters, the Henan martial world could suffer great damage when the heretical factions make their move.”
“I couldn’t have done that. As expected, you are a great man, Clan Head.”
“My friend, stop gilding my face. In any case, be aware of this and focus more on training the members.”
“Then what are your plans for the Guardian Sword Guard?”
“We must recall them. This is not the time for them to be leisurely running escort missions. We have some leeway now that Cheon has paid back the fifty thousand nyang.”
“Everything has changed since the Second Young Master changed.”
“Indeed. He’s a blessing to our family. A true blessing. Hahaha.”
Seeing Ouyang Hyeon in high spirits, Seong Je’s mood lifted as well.
The Ouyang Clan operated two sword squads.
The Emperor’s Sword Guard, led by Seong Je, and the Guardian Sword Guard, led by Guyang Su.
The Guardian Sword Guard was currently on an escort mission, which was why the order was given to recall them.
That was how dire the Ouyang Clan’s situation had been.
But as the crisis became reality, Ouyang Hyeon decided to release the funds he had been saving and recall the Guardian Sword Guard.
**
Chang'an, Shaanxi Province.
Chang'an was the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of the largest prefectures in the Central Plains, but it had been in gradual decline recently.
While the major prefectures east of Hangu Pass—like Wuhan, Zhengzhou, and Luoyang—were growing, Chang'an, situated in a basin west of the pass, was being left behind, its former glory fading.
A plain estate on the western outskirts.
In a neatly tended garden, a young man was trimming the withered branches of a flowering plant with a pair of scissors.
Behind him, three men stood with their heads bowed.
“There is no need for dead branches.”
*Snip.*
He spoke in a cold tone as he cut off a dry branch.
The three men flinched.
He handed the scissors to a servant and dismissed everyone else, leaving only the three of them.
“This is disappointing.”
“We apologize.”
“Seventh Blood is still lacking, so that’s understandable, but for First Blood to be defeated… I am perplexed.”
“I apologize.”
The warrior wrapped in bandages—First Blood—bowed deeply.
Just then, the young man waved his hand, and First Blood’s bent back straightened.
Internally marveling at the young man’s incredible internal energy, First Blood stood up straight.
“Have you identified him?”
“I apologize.”
“Hah, is ‘I apologize’ the only thing the great First Blood knows how to say?”
“I have a guess, but I am not certain…”
“Tell me what it is.”
“The Heavenly Will Sword Art.”
“The Heavenly Will Sword Art? Impossible. Hwa Un-ryong never took a disciple, nor did he pass on his martial arts to anyone else. This is certain. And yet you say it was the Heavenly Will Sword Art?”
“That is correct. The final technique was the Storm Slash Wheel. If Hwa Un-ryong had executed it, I would have died there. Fortunately, the user was far below Hwa Un-ryong’s level, so I survived.”
“Damn that Heavenly Will Sword Art. Even with Hwa Un-ryong dead, its accursed power remains.”
For the first time, his face contorted, and a harsh word escaped his lips.
Seop Yu-heun, who had been standing quietly until then, spoke up.
“It was the Heavenly Will Sword Art. We will have to confirm his identity, but the sword art is unmistakable.”
“Hmph, if Uncle Seop says so, then it must be so.”
His expression returned to one of calm.
“Who do you think it is?”
It was a casual question, as if asking, ‘Have you eaten?’
But Seop Yu-heun and First Blood were too tense to answer easily.
“Uncle Seop.”
“Yes? Yes.”
Although he addressed Seop Yu-heun as ‘uncle,’ Seop Yu-heun’s face was filled with fear.
This was because the title was merely a formality due to Seop Yu-heun’s advanced age as an elder.
“You can’t even venture a guess?”
“It’s not the Martial Arts Alliance. In my opinion…”
“Speak.”
“I believe he may be a disciple Hwa Un-ryong secretly raised.”
“Puhahahaha. How amusing.”
He threw his head back and let out a loud laugh.
Seop Yu-heun frowned but did not object.
“We have tracked Hwa Un-ryong’s every move. Of course, we may have missed some things. But would he have had a reason to hide the fact that he had a disciple? And is the Heavenly Will Sword Art some common sword style that can be taught in a few days just because a connection was made?”
A subtle anger crept onto his face.
The Heavenly Will Sword Art was ranked among the top of the Ten Great Sword Arts of All Time.
He, along with First Blood, Seventh Blood, and Seop Yu-heun, knew this.
To properly pass down the Heavenly Will Sword Art, one would have to keep even a genius by their side and teach them for at least a year.
After that, the disciple would need to consume elixirs and invest continuous time to finally be able to execute the Heavenly Will Sword Art properly.
He knew this all too well, which was why anger colored his face.
Seop Yu-heun let out a short sigh and made an excuse.
“Of course, it doesn’t make sense. Even I don’t understand it as I say it. But the Heavenly Will Sword Art he used, while not on par with Hwa Un-ryong’s, was at a very high level. No matter how I think about it, a hidden disciple is the only explanation.”
Hearing Seop Yu-heun’s answer, the young man simply looked up at the sky.
*‘I thought it would all be over once Hwa Un-ryong died. But that accursed Heavenly Will Sword Art is blocking my path again. What should I do? If I only knew his location, I would pour warriors on him until he was dead. But his whereabouts are a complete mystery.’*
He shook his head slowly.
“For now, do not act rashly. Keep a low profile. I will issue new orders after gathering more intelligence from the Martial Arts Alliance and the martial world.”
“Understood.”
“You are dismissed.”
At his command, Seop Yu-heun, First Blood, and Seventh Blood withdrew.
Left alone, he spotted an insect on a rose and frowned.
*Sizzle.*
Incredibly, the insect floated into the air and was instantly reduced to ash.
“The one who uses the Heavenly Will Sword Art. When I get my hands on you, this is what will happen.”