Chapter 125: Transmission (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 125: Transmission (1)
Upon the Heavenly Sword Hall’s return to the main fortress of the Azure Heaven Association, they found an unexpected figure waiting for them.
It was Kang Mong of the Ink Fragrance Department, standing before the Heavenly Sword Hall after their safe return from Hubei Province.
Since Kang Mong typically assisted the Ink Lord at his side, seeing him waiting at the main gate was an unusual sight.
"Kang Mong? What are you doing here?" Lee Se-ha asked, tilting her head.
Kang Mong bowed politely in response. "The Ink Lord requested that I bring the Hall Master and Namgung Jun to him the moment the Heavenly Sword Hall returned."
"Why the rush? We would have gone to report on our own anyway."
Kang Mong’s gaze shifted to Namgung Jun. A faint smile broke through his usually firm, scholarly expression.
"It seems he wishes to confirm whether he needs to prepare an embroidery of four clouds."
"Honestly, that Ink Lord," Lee Se-ha sighed. "He's usually as solemn as an ancient tree, but at times like this, he's just like a child."
"Is he not always thirsting for any enhancement to our Association's strength?"
Everyone understood what Kang Mong meant. No matter how much the Azure Heaven Association grew in power, the might of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult was simply overwhelming.
Nodding, Lee Se-ha looked at Gong Jun-am.
"Take the kids and head back first. Jun and I will stop by the Ink Fragrance Department."
Gong Jun-am gave a brief nod and turned, leading the swordsmen of the Heavenly Sword Hall away.
Watching them go, the master and her disciple followed Kang Mong.
As they walked toward the Ink Fragrance Department, Kang Mong observed Namgung Jun's profile. Even just standing beside him, Kang Mong could tell that Namgung Jun had become truly powerful.
‘That scrawny boy is now becoming a man.’
Kang Mong recalled his first meeting with Namgung Jun. He had been a boy whose body was so frail that the bones in his wrists were visible, yet the sword strikes he unleashed were incredibly heavy. It wasn't just the Sword Force imbued in his blade; his remarkably clear eyes, so unusual for his age, had left a powerful impression on Kang Mong's mind.
Since then, Kang Mong had watched, without fail, as Namgung Jun gradually grew and was promoted through the ranks.
Namgung Jun had forged ahead with rapid, powerful strides—a path that perfectly mirrored the very sword strikes he unleashed.
Lost in reminiscence, Kang Mong spoke without realizing it. "Time has flown by so quickly."
"Now that you mention it, yes. It still feels like yesterday when I first set foot in the Azure Heaven Association."
Namgung Jun and Kang Mong locked eyes and shared a gentle smile.
‘Namgung Jun. To have grown this strong in such a short time... It means he must have put in a desperate amount of effort.’
Others often focused on Namgung Jun's formidable talent, but Kang Mong viewed it differently. No matter how great one's talent was, achieving this level of success would have been impossible without shedding oceans of blood and sweat.
This was why Kang Mong held Namgung Jun in even higher regard and felt incredibly proud of him. There was no longer any trace of his former frail physique. Namgung Jun now possessed the body of a true martial artist, a powerful swordsman.
How heavy must the sword strikes unleashed from such a body be?
Kang Mong felt a sudden urge to experience Namgung Jun's sword once more, just as he had during the entrance exam. Of course, he would likely cut an even more embarrassing figure than he had back then, but it would be well worth it.
‘I look forward to the Ink Lord's reaction.’
*
Yun Gyeong-jong's brushstrokes cleared his backlog of work with speed and precision. They moved like the sword strikes of the Azure Heaven Association's Clouds, unyielding before the demonic and heretical paths.
Then, gliding swiftly across the pure white paper, Yun Gyeong-jong's brush came to a halt.
Ever since he received the report from the Bright Affinity Pavilion, he had been waiting. Waiting for the return of the young swordsman who had achieved the greatest merit in Hubei Province.
‘I feel his presence.’
Yun Gyeong-jong sensed Namgung Jun's presence within the main fortress. Unlike before, his aura was not easily measured; it was as if he were shrouded in thick clouds. Of course, even in the past, Namgung Jun's control of internal energy was so exceptional for his age and realm that Yun Gyeong-jong could not peer all the way to its depths.
But now, he could only faintly sense the characteristics of his Qi Wave.
‘A solemn and fierce sensation, neatly refined.’
Yun Gyeong-jong's shoulders twitched as he tried to probe deeper into Namgung Jun's Qi Wave. In that instant, a sharp edge hovered before him, as if an invisible blade were pointed at his eyes. The moment he attempted to read Namgung Jun's Qi Wave more deeply, his intuition had flashed an immediate warning.
"Heh. To think he has grown this much."
A young swordsman cloaked in a Qi Wave powerful enough to trigger his own intuition.
Yun Gyeong-jong realized that the reports of him slaying the Ninth Mirror Master and the Hubei Branch Leader in succession during the sect war were by no means an exaggeration. Even considering that the two of them were not in peak condition, it was a monumental achievement.
Who would believe that a Third Cloud, not even twenty years of age, had accomplished such a feat? It was so unbelievable that even Yun Gyeong-jong had cross-referenced the information from the Bright Affinity Pavilion three or four times.
Savoring Namgung Jun's refreshing aura as it drew closer, Yun Gyeong-jong tidied his desk.
Soon after, Kang Mong entered the office, followed by two supreme experts.
"Welcome. I have been waiting for quite some time."
Yun Gyeong-jong looked at Lee Se-ha first.
"Heavenly Sword Hall Master. You are four days later than your estimated return time. I've been waiting so long my neck was starting to feel stretched."
"We resolved two difficult missions back-to-back. I had to give the kids some time to rest," Lee Se-ha replied with a confident shrug.
Yun Gyeong-jong did not press further. After all, she had done nothing wrong; he was merely voicing a minor complaint.
"Namgung Jun."
"I greet the Ink Lord."
"You have finally achieved the Unity of Essence, Qi, and Spirit. It is truly a pity I could not personally witness the three flowers you bloomed." Namgung Jun simply bowed his head in response. "Judging by your aura, the rumors of you slaying the Ninth Mirror Master and the Hubei Branch Leader of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult must be true."
"They were not in perfect condition. They had already fought a life-and-death battle with another supreme expert and were not at their best."
"Even so, they are not the type to simply offer up their necks. No matter how outstanding you are, it would have been difficult had you not achieved the Three Flowers Gather at the Crown."
Namgung Jun agreed with Yun Gyeong-jong's assessment. The Three Flowers Gather at the Crown, achieved through the Unity of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, combined with his newly created Vast Sky Boundless Sword Technique—these two developments had elevated his martial prowess to boundless heights. If either had been lacking, slaying two supreme experts in succession would have been nearly impossible.
"Furthermore, I heard you played a massive role in leading this sect war to victory. I would like to hear the details."
Before beginning his report, Namgung Jun looked at Lee Se-ha. His master smiled warmly at her disciple.
"Tell him everything you want to say, Jun."
"Yes, Master."
Namgung Jun immediately began his face-to-face report. Though he summarized it clearly and concisely, it was still a fairly long story. Yet, Yun Gyeong-jong showed no reaction, focusing entirely on Namgung Jun's words.
"This concludes my report."
"As expected, there is a vast difference between a brief written summary and a face-to-face report from the person involved. I now have a clear picture of how the sect war unfolded."
Looking down at his desk for a moment to organize his thoughts, Yun Gyeong-jong raised his head.
"It is a monumental achievement. Even Hall Masters would find it difficult to establish such merit in a single mission."
"Not only does he have the merit, but he also possesses the clear qualifications. Jun is now a fully-fledged supreme expert who has achieved the Three Flowers Gather at the Crown," Lee Se-ha chimed in, adding lightly to Yun Gyeong-jong's praise.
Listening quietly to their conversation, Kang Mong spoke up hesitantly. "Ink Lord. In that case..."
Instead of answering, Yun Gyeong-jong turned his gaze to Namgung Jun.
"Would you like to challenge the Fourth Cloud Promotion?"
"Of course," Namgung Jun replied without hesitation.
Yun Gyeong-jong burst into a hearty, highly satisfied laugh. "How spirited. Truly a demeanor fitting for the Righteous Path's Number One Rising Star."
"How is the Fourth Cloud Promotion conducted?"
Kang Mong explained in his stead. "The Fourth Cloud is a rank responsible for the Clouds under one's command. Naturally, we examine various aspects beyond just martial arts and achievements."
Based on the mission reports kept in the Ink Fragrance Department, they would evaluate the candidate's character, disposition, general reputation, and leadership abilities. Only after passing this primary evaluation would one be granted the opportunity to prove they possess the martial prowess befitting a Fourth Cloud.
"For your information, your primary evaluation is already complete. The Ink Lord conducted it as soon as he confirmed the reports of the sect war."
As Namgung Jun glanced at him, Yun Gyeong-jong stroked his beard. "It was truly flawless. There were some concerns regarding your young age, but seeing your steadfast and consistent path, I trust you will continue to do well."
As Yun Gyeong-jong nodded, Kang Mong continued. "There are two ways to evaluate the martial prowess of a candidate for the Fourth Cloud Promotion." He held up his index and middle fingers. "First, you engage in a martial duel with a Hall Master and must win a majority vote from the Head of the Elders' Council and the Elders' Council who observe. Second, you must successfully execute a solo mission that requires the martial prowess of a Fourth Cloud."
Just as Kang Mong was about to speak further, an unfamiliar voice chimed in from behind.
"Third. Accompanying a Sword Lord on a mission, establishing merit, and receiving the Sword Lord's recognition."
Everyone's gaze snapped backward. There were three supreme experts in the office, yet not a single one had noticed the intrusion of this unfamiliar presence.
A middle-aged man was perched on the large window frame. With an extremely relaxed expression, he toyed with the bracelet on his wrist.
It was the Heaven-Reliant Sword Lord, Jang Mu-yeon.
As if accustomed to such situations, Yun Gyeong-jong let out a sigh. "The window this time? Last time, you came down from the pavilion roof."
"With just a flick of my foot, I can step right into your office. Why bother with the main entrance? Your office is on a high floor for a reason."
"If a Sword Lord sneaks around like a petty thief, what will the other Clouds say? Please, maintain your dignity." Yun Gyeong-jong pointed a finger and nagged, but Jang Mu-yeon merely stared at the ceiling with a blank expression.
Once Yun Gyeong-jong finished, Jang Mu-yeon scratched the back of his head and looked at Namgung Jun. "Strangely, you have a bit of a Wudang feel to you, but your physique has improved quite a bit. With how you are now, you'll be able to put on an even better show."
"I greet the Sword Lord."
Lee Se-ha, who had been staring blankly as Jang Mu-yeon approached Namgung Jun with friendly familiarity, finally chimed in. "Sword Lord. I guess I'm completely invisible to you?"
"Ah, right. Se-ha's nagging is no less than the Ink Lord's. I suppose I just naturally look away."
"What did you say?"
As Jang Mu-yeon took a step back with exaggerated movements, Lee Se-ha's eyes grew significantly sharper. Feigning ignorance, he turned away and slung an arm around Namgung Jun's shoulders.
"Namgung Jun. I'm heading out on a mission soon. Come with me."
"By that, do you mean...?"
"Yes. Establish clear merit on this mission and earn my recognition. The moment you do, you will succeed in your Fourth Cloud Promotion."
Watching Jang Mu-yeon's smile grow wider, Namgung Jun quietly turned his head to look at Yun Gyeong-jong.
Glaring at Jang Mu-yeon, the Ink Lord let out a sigh and waved his hand. "If the Sword Lord has decided, there is nothing to be done. Are you fine with this?"
Namgung Jun did not hesitate. Engaging in a martial duel with another Hall Master was certainly appealing, but the option of going on a mission with a Sword Lord felt far more intriguing.
"I will choose to accompany the Sword Lord on his mission."
"Hehe. I knew you would make that choice. I look forward to it."
Jang Mu-yeon nodded with satisfaction, then suddenly vanished back through the window.
The method for Namgung Jun's Fourth Cloud Promotion had been decided.