Chapter 34
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: To the Martial Arts Alliance
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Martial Arts Alliance.
Upon returning to the Alliance, Zhuge Mun-hyeon requested a private audience with Alliance Leader Yang Cheon-rin.
“What brings you here?”
It was the first time in a while that Zhuge Mun-hyeon had requested a private audience, so Yang Cheon-rin, tense with the thought that something major might have happened, granted his request.
“I intend to create another direct strike team under the Intelligence Pavilion. I’m considering a scale and martial skill level comparable to the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad.”
“Hmm. And your reason?”
“A formidable martial artist has appeared. His prowess surpasses that of the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad’s captain.”
“Is that true? You’re saying he’s better than Yeo Jung-myeong?”
Yeo Jung-myeong, the captain of the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad, was rich in combat experience and, in terms of pure martial prowess, was skilled enough to rank within the top ten of the Martial Arts Alliance.
For that reason, Yang Cheon-rin found Zhuge Mun-hyeon’s claim hard to believe.
“A secluded old master?”
“No. He is a rising master.”
“That can’t be.”
“It is Guyang Cheon, the second young master of the Ouyang Clan.”
“The Ouyang Clan did produce the Sword Emperor, so I acknowledge their legacy, but even so, he can’t be thirty yet. I don’t understand how he could be that strong.”
“He has mastered the Heavenly Will Sword Art. He said that Alliance Leader Hwa taught him the sword art for a few days, and he continued to polish it on his own, reaching his current level through a stroke of heavenly luck.”
“Nonsense. Do you think the Heavenly Will Sword Art is some simple technique like the Three Talents Sword Art? That it can be mastered after just a few days of instruction?”
Enraged, Yang Cheon-rin slammed his palm on the writing desk.
But Zhuge Mun-hyeon’s calm expression remained unchanged.
“Of course, it’s impossible to learn the Heavenly Will Sword Art in such a way. That’s why I was suspicious as well. However, Cheol Mu-ui has testified to his prowess, and even Yeo Jung-myeong said he felt immense pressure from him. Of course, Yeo Jung-myeong neither sparred with him nor saw him perform the Heavenly Will Sword Art.”
“Wait a moment… Could it be Affectionate?”
“Yes, Alliance Leader. This must be kept secret. In essence, Guyang Cheon is both a strike team captain for the Martial Arts Alliance and the enforcer of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion, Affectionate.”
“Why go to such lengths?”
“Because we suspect there are spies from the Dark Blood Heaven Cult even within the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Hmm.”
Yang Cheon-rin tapped his fingers on the desk, lost in thought.
Though he trusted Zhuge Mun-hyeon, he found it difficult to believe that Guyang Cheon, a man in his twenties, could possess such skill.
Deep in Yang Cheon-rin’s heart was a benchmark for evaluating martial artists: Hwa Un-ryong.
That was why he couldn’t readily accept the fact that Guyang Cheon, who was only in his twenties, had mastered the Heavenly Will Sword Art.
Seeing Yang Cheon-rin’s reaction, Zhuge Mun-hyeon grew anxious.
“Alliance Leader.”
“Just a moment.”
Yang Cheon-rin raised a hand to silence Zhuge Mun-hyeon and, after a moment of thought, spoke.
“I want to see for myself.”
“A-Alliance Leader.”
Zhuge Mun-hyeon was taken aback.
He knew well what Hwa Un-ryong and the Heavenly Will Sword Art meant to Yang Cheon-rin.
But he had never expected Yang Cheon-rin to propose verifying Guyang Cheon’s skills himself.
“Perhaps it would be better to send a trusted subordinate to confirm it.”
“No. I’m curious. When it comes to the Heavenly Will Sword Art, no one knows it better than I do.”
Confirming Yang Cheon-rin’s strong resolve, Zhuge Mun-hyeon inwardly clicked his tongue in frustration.
While Yang Cheon-rin was an outstanding martial artist, he fell short of Hwa Un-ryong in many aspects.
A case like this was not something he needed to handle personally, yet he was failing to separate his personal curiosity from his duties as the Alliance Leader.
Zhuge Mun-hyeon offered his counsel once more.
“Alliance Leader, I implore you to reconsider. As I’ve said, their eyes and ears are even within the Martial Arts Alliance. If it becomes known that Guyang Cheon and Affectionate are the same person and that he uses the Heavenly Will Sword Art, they will send a relentless stream of assassins after him. We might foolishly lose a talent who could become a great pillar of the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Listen here, Strategist Zhuge.”
“Yes.”
“If we entrust a strike team to Guyang Cheon, his existence will inevitably be revealed. The Heavenly Will Sword Art will come to light. What do you plan to do about that?”
“He has mastered the Ouyang Sword Art. Although it doesn’t compare to the Heavenly Will Sword Art, it is still at a formidable level.”
“Just the Ouyang Sword Art? Not the Heaven's End Sword Art?”
“The Ouyang Sword Art is known as a fundamental sword art for learning the Heaven's End Sword Art, but I’ve been told it is actually much more than that.”
“Hah.”
Yang Cheon-rin found Zhuge Mun-hyeon’s words hard to accept.
*Is this really possible for someone in his mid-twenties?* he wondered.
He concluded that it was impossible.
Of course, he didn’t think Zhuge Mun-hyeon was lying.
That only added to his confusion.
If the man had been in his early forties, he wouldn’t have harbored such doubts.
Guyang Cheon’s martial prowess simply defied all common sense.
“Summon Guyang Cheon to the Martial Arts Alliance. I must see him myself. However, tell him not to use the Heavenly Will Sword Art, but the Ouyang Sword Art. I have a keen eye for these things, so I must judge for myself. If he passes, I will create a new team on par with the Soul-Chasing Sword Squad. If not, I will send him back to Zhengzhou.”
“Understood.”
Zhuge Mun-hyeon accepted Yang Cheon-rin’s command.
He didn’t want to provoke him any further.
It would not be a good look if Yang Cheon-rin, in a soured mood, were to entrust a strike team to Guyang Cheon.
He also reasoned that if Guyang Cheon didn’t use the Heavenly Will Sword Art, as instructed, he would be safe from the assassins of the Dark Blood Heaven Cult.
And he believed that Guyang Cheon could capture Yang Cheon-rin’s heart even without displaying the Heavenly Will Sword Art.
He had faith in the genius of Guyang Cheon, who had mastered such a difficult sword art so quickly.
**
Ouyang Clan.
Having received Zhuge Mun-hyeon’s instructions via carrier pigeon, Pure immediately came to the Ouyang Clan.
“Sir Affectionate. An order has come for you to visit the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Hmm. It seems they’re curious about my skills.”
“And you were instructed to hide the Heavenly Will Sword Art under any circumstances.”
“Is that so? Anything else?”
“He said he would tell you the rest when you arrive at the Martial Arts Alliance. It seems difficult to convey much information by carrier pigeon.”
“I see.”
“When should I report you will be departing?”
“Tomorrow morning.”
“Are you leaving without seeing Lady Hwangbo?”
Pure was startled.
Since it was already evening, leaving tomorrow morning meant he wouldn’t be able to see Hwangbo Yeon.
“I saw her yesterday. A letter will suffice.”
“I think you were given the wrong alias, Sir Affectionate. Unfeeling or Ruthless would suit you better.”
“I agree. Unfeeling suits me better than Ruthless.”
“Unfeeling was the previous Alliance Leader’s alias… Huh? Speaking of which, the Heavenly Will Sword Art? Does learning that sword art make one unfeeling?”
I gave a faint smile at Pure’s concern.
How could a mere sword art change one’s personality?
I had heard that mastering some of the most wicked sword arts of the unorthodox factions could lead to a loss of humanity, but the Heavenly Will Sword Art was not one of them.
“It’s my natural disposition. Pure, get ready. We’re leaving early tomorrow morning.”
“Yes. Understood.”
As the sound of Pure’s voice faded, so did her form.
Left alone, I wrote a letter for Hwangbo Yeon, then closed my eyes and began circulating my energy.
After confirming my one hundred and twenty years of internal energy, I sat in a comfortable position and became lost in thought about my martial arts.
Although I had only received limited information through Pure, I could guess what Zhuge Mun-hyeon was asking of me.
‘The Martial Arts Alliance would be burdened if it became known that I’ve mastered the Heavenly Will Sword Art. So what should I do? I’ve mastered the Ouyang Sword Art, but that alone will likely not be enough to satisfy their high standards.’
I recalled the countless sword arts I had faced during my time as the Alliance Leader.
I also recalled the sword arts I had encountered through secret manuals.
It wasn’t easy to select the most appropriate one.
After much deliberation, I decided to modify the Ouyang Sword Art rather than learn a new one.
I compared the Ouyang Sword Art with other superior sword arts, including the Heavenly Will Sword Art.
Until now, I had considered the Ouyang Sword Art a supplementary tool and felt no need to develop it further, but now that I had to hide the Heavenly Will Sword Art unless my life was in danger, I felt the need to push the Ouyang Sword Art to its absolute limit.
The next morning.
I went to my parents and told them I would be going to the Martial Arts Alliance. Moyong Hye showed concern, while Ouyang Hyeon expressed anticipation.
“I’ve heard the Martial Arts Alliance isn’t what it used to be since Alliance Leader Hwa passed away. But even so, it is still undeniably the strongest organization. Go there and learn much. And rise to a high position within the Alliance. Your late grandfather would rejoice in the underworld.”
“I will do my best.”
“Be careful.”
Moyong Hye felt as if she were sending a small child to the water’s edge.
Previously, when he got into trouble, he never left Zhengzhou. Now that he was leaving her side to travel far to Wuhan, she was filled with worry.
“Don’t worry. With Cheon’s skills, he will surely be recognized even in the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Still, it must be difficult for him.”
In the end, Moyong Hye let a single tear she had been holding back fall.
“Hah, my dear. Cheon, you should get going.”
“Mother, I will always act with caution and make sure not to get hurt. So please do not worry.”
“Alright. Send letters often.”
“I will. Then, I shall be on my way.”
Ouyang Hyeon gestured for me to leave quickly.
I bowed respectfully and left the room.
Leaving the Ouyang Clan and Zhengzhou, places I had grown fond of, left a corner of my heart feeling empty.
At the same time, the thought of going to Wuhan, where I had spent most of my past life, made my anticipation soar.
Two conflicting emotions crossed within my chest.
“Hwi. Please deliver this to Hwangbo Yeon at the Full Moon Tower. I’ll be going to the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“You’re not going to deliver it yourself?”
“I’m counting on you.”
I gave a faint smile and patted his shoulder.
“Young Master.”
“Yes?”
“How much longer must I wait? I too wish to follow you into the martial world. I should have realized it when you subjugated the Black Serpent Tower back then, but I was too ignorant to see it.”
“What are you talking about? Your eyes have changed completely since then.”
“In any case, please take me with you. I promise I won’t be a hindrance. I want to experience the wider world as well.”
Seeing the fervent desire burning in Seong Hwi’s eyes, I changed my mind and decided to take him with me.
Zhuge Mun-hyeon had said he would create a strike team for me in the Martial Arts Alliance. Taking Seong Hwi along and training him as a member would be of great help to him. It was rare to find a martial artist who trained as diligently as he did. He had talent, too.
“Then go get permission from your father.”
“Thank you.”
Elated, Seong Hwi shot off like an arrow.
A short while later, Seong Hwi reappeared with Seong Je.
“Second Young Master. Please take good care of Hwi.”
“His skills have improved a great deal. And he will surely gain much from training at the Martial Arts Alliance and meeting exceptional martial artists. However, he won’t be able to return to Zhengzhou for some time. Will that be alright?”
“A martial artist should focus on martial arts. I am truly moved that, thanks to you, Second Young Master, Hwi will be learning martial arts at the Alliance.”
Seong Je bowed respectfully to me.
Had Seong Hwi been entering the Alliance as a low-ranking member, he would have opposed it.
Low-ranking members spent most of their time on miscellaneous duties like standing guard and weren’t taught any decent martial arts.
But he was certain that following me would present a great opportunity, so he gave his wholehearted approval.
“I will elevate Hwi’s martial prowess to the next level.”
“I will trust in you, Young Master.”
Seong Je bowed respectfully, entrusting his son Seong Hwi to my care, and I returned the gesture with equal respect, entrusting the Ouyang Clan to his.
Immediately, Seong Hwi and I left the Ouyang Clan and headed for the Martial Arts Alliance.
On the way, Seong Hwi stopped by the Full Moon Tower to deliver my personal letter.