Chapter 36
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Gaining Attention
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The first person to visit my quarters after I arrived at the Martial Arts Alliance was, surprisingly, Jo Jin-ryang, the Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion.
“What? The Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion?”
Seong Hwi was so startled he stammered as he repeated the question.
“That’s right. Is Lord Guyang inside?”
As Jo Jin-ryang asked with a smile, the answer came from an unexpected place—inside the room.
“Please, come in.”
“How arrogant.”
Gwan Hae, the Vice-Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion, flared up, but Jo Jin-ryang chuckled and stopped him.
“It’s fine if I, the guest, go in. Stay put.”
“But, Master. That arrogant…”
Gwan Hae quickly shut his mouth when he met Jo Jin-ryang’s sharp gaze.
With a faint smile back on his face, he entered the room alone.
“My apologies. I was in the middle of meditation and couldn't come out to greet you as I had to finish abruptly.”
“It’s quite all right. Heh heh, you truly are a diligent young man.”
Jo Jin-ryang sat down with an affable smile.
At the same time, he extended his senses to their limit, scanning my body.
I deliberately left my dantian wide open for him to see.
Now that I was at the Martial Arts Alliance and would be leading a strike force, I was bound to attract attention.
In that case, the best course of action was to come out strong from the start and shut them up.
“Hah, what a blessing for the martial world.”
Jo Jin-ryang feigned admiration, but inwardly, he was horrified.
It wasn't just the one hundred and twenty years of internal energy that surprised him.
There were a surprising number of martial artists who possessed that much energy.
The problem was the quality of the energy.
Recognizing at once that it was pure, Jo Jin-ryang felt a sense of bleakness.
It was easier said than done; obtaining pure internal energy required a high level of understanding and enlightenment in martial arts.
Confirming that I, a man in my mid-twenties, possessed one hundred and twenty years of pure internal energy, Jo Jin-ryang felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach, as if he had indigestion.
‘Damn it. I was planning to make him my subordinate one way or another, but this isn't some suitable hunting dog. He's a tiger cub, the king of the mountains.’
Jo Jin-ryang instantly realized I was not someone who would serve under anyone.
“I have no accomplishments in the martial world to speak of, so I am honestly taken aback that the esteemed Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion has come to see me.”
“Heh heh, no need to be taken aback. It’s only natural. Judging by your aura, it won’t be long before everyone in the martial world knows the name Guyang Cheon. For such a brilliant rising master to appear… it is truly a blessing for the martial world.”
Jo Jin-ryang showered me with praise, intending to establish a good relationship from the start.
“Thank you for the compliment. But I’m not sure I deserve such praise.”
“You are more than deserving. Even the Alliance Leader is curious about your martial prowess.”
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Heh heh, I will help in any way I can.”
As I slightly bowed my head, Jo Jin-ryang beamed with a pleased smile.
“By the way, has the Master of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion visited yet?”
“Not yet.”
“That man is so petty. Tsk, tsk.”
“Petty?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. Since I’m here, let me give you a gift. The Alliance will soon want to test your abilities, and it will most likely be the Red Tiger Squad Leader who steps forward.”
Hearing the name Red Tiger Squad Leader brought back memories.
Sak Cheon-hyeok, the Iron Sword Dragon, leader of the Red Tiger Squad.
He was a martial artist of outstanding skill and powerful leadership, so much so that I had accompanied him during the subjugation of the Blood Palace that had run rampant in Henan Province.
“His sword is so heavy, you could mistake it for a saber. And yet, it’s incredibly fast. Usually, a heavy sword isn't swift, but he possesses both qualities, making him a very unique type of warrior. So, be careful.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Don’t try too hard to win. Just showing that your skills are roughly on par with his will be a success. Your aura is indeed formidable, but the Red Tiger Squad Leader is a truly difficult opponent.”
“Even so, I am a descendant of the Sword Emperor. I can’t just go easy, can I?”
“Do you really think you can face him with only the Ouyang Sword Art?”
Jo Jin-ryang put on a stern expression and chided me.
He, too, had seen my internal energy and rated my potential very highly.
But he didn't think I was a match for Sak Cheon-hyeok.
At forty-five years old, Sak Cheon-hyeok was not only powerful but also had a wealth of real combat experience. His prowess was so great that every martial artist in the Alliance was reluctant to face him.
After leaving my quarters, Jo Jin-ryang walked for a while with Gwan Hae before stopping and letting out a dry laugh.
“A very audacious fellow has arrived. It’s true his internal energy is pure and his potential is great, but to think he could win against Sak Cheon-hyeok. It seems it’s time for him to learn some humility.”
“What? Is he insane? How could a punk like him think he can beat the Red Tiger Squad Leader?”
Gwan Hae’s face twisted in a scowl as he spat out the curse.
Just then, Hwang Seong-won, the Master of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion, who was heading to my quarters, spotted Jo Jin-ryang and wore a sour expression.
Jo Jin-ryang flashed a victorious smile as he walked past him.
“You cheap bastard.”
Hwang Seong-won grumbled at his back before continuing toward my quarters.
Seong Hwi’s head was spinning today.
The Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion had just left, and now the Master of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion was visiting?
“Please, come inside.”
At the words flowing from within, Hwang Seong-won, like Jo Jin-ryang, entered the room without a word.
“Wow, what in the world is the young master’s true identity?”
Seong Hwi was dumbfounded.
Inside the room.
Hwang Seong-won saw me and broke into a bright smile.
“I am the Master of the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion.”
“I know.”
“In principle, we shouldn't be meeting. But here we are.”
“Strategist Zhuge asked me to lead the strike force, which is why I came. I will also be carrying out my duties as the agent, Affectionate, so please don't worry too much.”
“What did Master Jo say? Did he ask you to join the Demon-Slaying Pavilion?”
“No. He gave me a tip that my opponent will be the Red Tiger Squad Leader. He seemed like a nice person.”
“Hmph. Be careful. He’s a man whose outside is different from his inside.”
Hwang Seong-won went on to denounce Jo Jin-ryang so vehemently my ears started to ring.
Watching him, a great many thoughts crossed my mind.
I knew the Demon-Slaying Pavilion and the Demon-Dispelling Pavilion didn't get along, but I never imagined it was this bad.
I wondered what would have happened if I had realized this earlier during my tenure as Alliance Leader and actively worked to improve the situation.
On the other hand, I had to give high marks to Zhuge Mun-hyeon for his ability to properly control these two.
“Be careful. The Red Tiger Squad Leader is a stubborn man, so he’ll fight the duel as if his life depends on it.”
“That’s what duels are supposed to be like. I am truly looking forward to our confrontation.”
“Hah, you must be made of pure nerve. You’ve got real guts.”
“The Martial Arts Alliance will grow stronger only when there are more martial artists like the Red Tiger Squad Leader, and when they are properly recognized. Only then can we repel the stirrings of the unorthodox sects.”
Hwang Seong-won’s expression hardened.
“You speak just like the former Alliance Leader.”
“Hahaha. Do I? I’ve never met him, though.”
“Of course not. Your clan and the former Alliance Leader were like oil and water.”
Hwang Seong-won’s expression relaxed, and he nodded slowly.
“Anyway, this is what’s important. You don’t have to win against the Red Tiger Squad Leader. You just need to prove that despite your youth, you possess profound martial skill. So don’t overdo it. You are one of the next generation talents who will lead the Martial Arts Alliance; if you get hurt, it would be a great loss for the Alliance.”
“Thank you for your advice.”
As I expressed my gratitude politely, Hwang Seong-won spent a good deal of time trying to make the best possible impression while simultaneously disparaging Jo Jin-ryang.
His past experience of having a carefully nurtured agent stolen by the Demon-Slaying Pavilion had made him this way.
After Hwang Seong-won also left, I came out of the room and plopped down on the wooden floor of the main hall.
“This is unsettling.”
That was my honest feeling.
In my past life, the Martial Arts Alliance was a place overflowing with a blade-like sharpness. But the Alliance now felt more like a place where various factions competed to gain an advantage.
If things continued this way, I worried whether they could handle the resurgence of the Dark Blood Heaven Cult, the Black Way Union, and the Evil Emperor Union.
It was a relief to think that at least the Red Tiger Squad Leader had retained his old self.
I closed my eyes and recalled my connection with him, one by one.
And the image of him fighting against the unorthodox sects naturally unfolded before my eyes.
“Young master.”
“What is it?”
“Are you alright? I heard the Red Tiger Squad Leader is an incredible warrior.”
“How did you know that?”
“The Vice-Master of the Demon-Slaying Pavilion told me. No, he threatened me, saying you would get your butt kicked by the Red Tiger Squad Leader.”
A dry laugh escaped me.
Jo Jin-ryang was trying his best to foster a good relationship with me, but his subordinate, Gwan Hae, was ruining everything.
“Trust in me. Victory and defeat are up to the heavens. I will simply do my best.”
“Please make sure you win.”
“You little rascal. I’ll do my best.”
If I used the Heavenly Will Sword Art, I could surely subdue him.
But if I had to face him using only the Ouyang Sword Art, I couldn't guarantee a victory.
Of course, I knew him well and knew the strengths and weaknesses of his swordsmanship, but the difference in our martial prowess was significant.
The modified Ouyang Sword Art was strong, but it fell short of the power of his Iron-Blood Sword Art.
The problem was overcoming the difference in the power inherent in our sword arts.
Otherwise, defeat was certain.
“Now that I know who my opponent is, I will start looking for a way to win. Don’t you worry about me, just focus on diligently training in the Ouyang Sword Art.”
“I’m not slacking off, you know. Don’t worry.”
Seong Hwi grumbled and retreated.
I began to walk slowly around the area, contemplating a way to defeat Sak Cheon-hyeok.
Later, I returned to my room, locked the door, and engaged in a virtual duel with Sak Cheon-hyeok.
It was a training method I had used in my past life when I had reached the pinnacle of martial arts and had no opponents left, and it was highly effective.
I had overcome many obstacles to reach this state.
‘Damn it.’
I fought Sak Cheon-hyeok with all my might in the mental simulation, but in the end, I was defeated.
In addition to his powerful Iron-Blood Sword Art, Sak Cheon-hyeok had mastered the Black Iron Aura, making his body as hard as armor.
During the virtual duel, my sword found a gap in his Iron-Blood Sword Art, but it ultimately failed to penetrate his Black Iron Aura.
When my sword was blocked, unable to pierce his aura, Sak Cheon-hyeok immediately launched his own sword to attack me.
‘If it were the Heavenly Will Sword Art, I could have shattered his Black Iron Aura. I’ve improved the Ouyang Sword Art, but it’s still lacking in how it channels internal energy. If I can’t solve this weakness, I cannot defeat Sak Cheon-hyeok.’
I stopped the mental simulation and left the room.
Raising my internal energy to its maximum, I began to perform the Ouyang Sword Art with all my strength.
*Whoooosh.*
*Clang.*
*Clang.*
The sharp energy emanating from the sword pierced the air.
The Soul-Reaping Sword multiplied into three, at times striking a single point simultaneously in an astonishing display of speed.
Then, the three swords merged back into one, accelerating as they slashed through the empty air.
“Still not enough.”
I muttered as I slowly sheathed the Soul-Reaping Sword.
The modified Ouyang Sword Art was excellent in its own right, but it had a flaw in that it couldn't perfectly channel my internal energy, a weakness that was laid bare once again in this training session.
‘I might actually lose. Yes. Perhaps that would be for the better. If I, a man in my mid-twenties, were to surpass Sak Cheon-hyeok already, the unorthodox sects would become extremely wary of me and monitor my every move. That would become tiresome. What a convenient interpretation. Here I am, in a situation where winning is difficult, rationalizing a potential loss. I’ve grown weak.’
Contrary to my thoughts, I didn't sigh.
I accepted the unavoidable reality and resolved to do my best to find a way to defeat Sak Cheon-hyeok before our duel.