Chapter 35: Promotion Exam (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 35: Promotion Exam (3)
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master was at a loss for words.
It was only natural, as something completely beyond his expectations had just occurred.
He never imagined he would doubt his own eyes while supervising a Second Cloud Promotion Exam.
'Forget Sword Qi—he didn't even infuse internal energy into his sword. He cut the Blue Jade stone with a pure sword strike?'
Of course, the Flying Swiftness Hall Master could do it too. But he was a Hall Master of the Fourth Cloud rank. For him, it was only natural.
But what about Namgung Jun?
He was a rookie Cloud who had only just earned his first cloud. He had been learning martial arts for less than half a year.
Yet, the Blue Jade stele had split so easily under the boy's casual swing.
'Come to think of it, reaching the Peak Stage in the first place makes no sense. Even with a Demonic Art, his progress couldn't possibly be this rapid. He is truly a heaven-sent talent.'
As a supreme expert who had achieved Three Flowers Gather at the Crown, his judgment was lightning-fast.
From the very beginning, the boy before him was an existence that defied common sense.
Trying to judge him by ordinary standards had been a mistake.
As long as Namgung Jun hadn't cheated, that was all that mattered. One way or another, he had accomplished it with his own skill.
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master clapped, his expression slightly dazed.
"Splendid. I never expected to see such a sword strike from a rookie Cloud."
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master nodded as he looked at Namgung Jun.
"You will stand on equal footing with us in no time. Perhaps the pool of candidates for the next Sword Lord has just grown."
To even be considered a candidate for the next Heaven-Reliant Sword Lord, one had to first become a Hall Master—and one of the Three Powerhouses, at that.
For the Flying Swiftness Hall Master to mention the next Sword Lord while looking at Namgung Jun, who was not even twenty yet, was the ultimate praise.
'So this is Namgung Jun. If anything, the rumors understated his abilities.'
'Has he really been learning martial arts for less than half a year?'
'He's a monster.'
The gazes of the other First Clouds on Namgung Jun were complex. All sorts of emotions—envy, shock, and admiration—swirled within them.
"There is absolutely nothing to criticize. You'll have to take another promotion exam before long."
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master pulled an iron token from his robes and tossed it.
Infused with a touch of internal energy, it flew at an incredible speed. The other First Clouds couldn't even react, merely flinching in response.
However, blue Thunder Qi had already gathered in Namgung Jun's hand. He caught the iron token effortlessly, channeling the subtle principles of the Heavenly Thunder Palm Technique.
"I wanted to see your skill with palm techniques as well, and it seems you are not lacking in that area either. Continue practicing them as you are now. If it were up to me, I would have liked to test your Lightness Movement Art, too."
"Thank you for the advice."
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master nodded.
"As of today, Namgung Jun is promoted to the rank of Second Cloud. You may head down first."
"Yes, sir."
Namgung Jun bowed not only to the Flying Swiftness Hall Master but also to the other First Clouds.
"I wish you good fortune in battle."
The other First Clouds awkwardly returned the gesture, staring blankly as Namgung Jun walked down the path alone.
Only after Namgung Jun's back disappeared behind the trees did one of them speak.
"Is Namgung Jun the fastest to be promoted after joining?"
"Come to think of it, yes."
"He's also the youngest to be promoted. His progress is as swift as the Swift Sword he just demonstrated."
The First Clouds let out dry chuckles, their voices naturally filled with admiration for Namgung Jun.
It was rare to pass a promotion exam on the first try. To do so as effortlessly as Namgung Jun had was practically unheard of.
'They say those destined to become Hall Masters show their extraordinary nature even at the lower ranks.'
When they had heard such stories from their seniors, they had just brushed them off. Now, they felt the truth of those words deep in their bones.
A shiver ran down their spines as they realized one thing with absolute clarity:
Namgung Jun would likely breeze through the ranks in no time, ascending to Hall Master or perhaps even higher.
As the First Clouds stood there, staring blankly at the path Namgung Jun had taken, the Flying Swiftness Hall Master cleared the air.
"Who is next? You still have your chance."
At his words, the First Clouds seemed to remember they were also in the middle of an exam, and their eyes sharpened once more.
Naturally, their gazes drifted toward the Blue Jade stele.
The stele, split diagonally and collapsed on the ground, looked pitifully covered in dust.
Eventually, one of the First Clouds asked, "Hall Master. How are we supposed to take our exam?"
"What?"
Only then did the Flying Swiftness Hall Master realize the problem.
The Blue Jade stone, which was supposed to be standing upright, was split in half and lying miserably on the ground.
"Hmm."
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master groaned as he examined it.
Fortunately, because Namgung Jun had sliced it so cleanly, it seemed they could still proceed with the exam if they stood it upside down.
The problem was lifting it. Even though it was split, its weight was immense—not something even a martial artist could easily handle using internal energy.
'Damn it. Heavy lifting isn't my specialty.'
He wanted to ask the First Clouds for help, but doing so would damage his dignity as a Hall Master.
The Flying Swiftness Hall Master looked at the First Clouds with a bitter smile.
"Wait a moment."
With a determined expression, he rolled up both sleeves and began channeling his internal energy to lift the Blue Jade stele.
* * *
When Namgung Jun entered the Heavenly Sword Hall, his seniors looked up from their training in surprise.
"What? You're back already?"
"No way."
"Youngest! Don't tell me you couldn't even take the exam?"
In response to their worried questions, Namgung Jun silently reached into his robes.
Staring blankly at the Second Cloud iron token he pulled out, the members of the Heavenly Sword Hall burst into cheers.
"I knew it! Of course our youngest would pass on his first try!"
"Is this the youngest and fastest promotion ever?!"
"Another source of pride for the Heavenly Sword Hall!"
He'd heard that Lee Se-ha, the youngest person ever appointed as a Hall Master at the age of twenty, was also one of the Heavenly Sword Hall's greatest prides.
"Do you think our youngest can break the Hall Master's record too?"
"At this rate, it's entirely possible."
"A student surpassing the master! A true case of the student outshining the teacher."
As congratulations poured in from his seniors, Namgung Jun clasped his hands in a polite bow to express his gratitude.
Just then, Heo Il walked toward him with a large clay jar slung over his shoulder.
"Young Master Namgung. I prepared this in advance, believing you would pass."
A large piece of paper with the words "Royal-Welcome Tribute Wine" was pasted onto the jar.
"Royal-Welcome Tribute Wine? Isn't that the liquor Heo Il brought back from his mission in Jingde six months ago?"
"He treasured it, saying it wasn't just any Royal-Welcome Tribute Wine, but a premium grade. He wouldn't even let us have a taste."
Heo Il smiled with satisfaction at the commotion.
"Young Master Namgung, this is the liquor I received after helping out the Drunken Tiger Pavilion in Jingde. On such a joyous day, a special drink is only fitting, is it not?"
The Drunken Tiger Pavilion was the largest and most famous tavern in Jingde. A liquor from such a place, and Royal-Welcome Tribute Wine at that, must have cost an exorbitant amount.
Knowing this, Namgung Jun couldn't help but ask with concern, "Senior Heo, is it really alright to open this today?"
"Haha, don't worry about it. I brought it out because I felt today is the day we can truly enjoy this liquor."
Thud!
As Heo Il set the jar down, the other seniors stopped their training and sprang into motion. As if they had all prepared something in advance, each brought out food and drinks. As the items gathered in the middle of the training ground, a festive atmosphere quickly formed.
Namgung Jun raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"I didn't expect you all to prepare something like this for me."
Gong Jun-am, who was walking over with a large venison leg slung over his shoulder, spoke calmly.
"This is how we've always celebrated. We never know when joy will find us, or when it will slip away. So when an opportunity like this arises, we celebrate."
Heo Il nodded.
"The Hall Master had to leave for a mission and isn't here, but don't feel too disappointed. You have us, Young Master Namgung."
At that, the nearby swordsmen of the Heavenly Sword Hall grimaced.
"Hey, Heo Il. Stop with the cheesy talk. Are you drunk already?"
"Indeed. Let the star of the day raise his cup."
Urged on by the others, Namgung Jun raised his cup with a bright smile.
"Thank you."
* * *
The day after the celebration at the Heavenly Sword Hall, Namgung Jun received a message and headed for the Ink Fragrance Department.
When he arrived, Kang Mong was waiting for him outside the pavilion.
"Scholar Kang. It has been a while."
"I knew you would pass."
Kang Mong handed him a bundle wrapped in silk.
"Open it."
Unwrapping the bundle revealed a blue robe embroidered with two clouds, a black bamboo hat, and a sword.
"The martial uniform only has one more cloud embroidered on it, but take a look at the bamboo hat and the sword."
Namgung Jun's eyes widened slightly as he examined them.
"The quality is different from what I received last time."
"The bamboo hat is made of Black Bamboo. It is light but quite sturdy, so in an emergency, you can use it like a shield to block hidden weapons or an opponent's strike. The sword is also forged from much higher-quality iron."
Kang Mong nodded as he watched Namgung Jun try on the bamboo hat.
"It suits you well. Not much time has passed, but you already look like a proper man."
"Thank you."
"I knew you would reach the rank of Second Cloud this quickly."
"Is that so?"
A deep, inexplicable pride touched the corners of Kang Mong's mouth.
"Because I was the one who personally received your single sword strike."
As if recalling that moment, Kang Mong's smile widened.
"Thanks to you, I gained some enlightenment, and my martial arts realm has advanced. I truly have much to thank you for."
"I am glad I could be of help."
Although most of the scholars in the Ink Fragrance Department practiced martial arts, Kang Mong seemed particularly devoted to them. Namgung Jun had heard that Kang Mong's role was to assist the Ink Lord directly, and his ability to excel in both literary and martial arts was truly impressive.
After they had chatted for a while, Kang Mong got down to business.
"Namgung Jun, would you be able to set out on a mission immediately? It is a solo mission. We are short-handed at the moment."
Now that Namgung Jun had reached the Second Cloud rank, solo missions were permitted.
He nodded without hesitation.
"What kind of mission is it?"
"Lately, wandering warriors and unorthodox martial artists have been running rampant in Hefei. There seems to be a connection in their movements."
"You mean there might be a mastermind behind them."
Kang Mong nodded, his expression grim.
"Our association's intelligence network has weakened significantly, so digging this far is our limit for now."
"Is there a specific reason for that?"
"Part of it is because our attention is focused on the movements of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult, but a larger reason is that many of our supporting sects have disappeared."
Originally, many sects and martial artists had helped the Azure Heaven Association to prevent the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult from dominating the world under the Demonic Path. In addition to its own intelligence network, the Association used to operate based on information sent by these allies from all over the Jianghu.
However, as the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult gradually expanded its influence, their supporters dwindled. In most cases, they were wiped out.
"If I find the mastermind, am I authorized to act on my own judgment?"
"Normally, you are supposed to find the mastermind and return. That is the nature of this mission."
The authority to alter a mission based on the situation was only granted to those of the Fourth Cloud rank—the level of a Hall Master.
"However..."
Kang Mong turned to look back at the Ink Fragrance Department's pavilion.
"The Ink Lord has granted permission specifically for this mission. Act as you see fit."
"Understood."
Namgung Jun turned to leave immediately.
Watching him go, Kang Mong let out a low sigh.
"I hope he does well."
The Ink Lord, Yun Gyeong-jong, had not granted Namgung Jun such exceptional authority out of mere expectation. Anhui Province alone was said to be larger than most countries. A significant amount of time was spent just traveling, and they didn't have the resources to repeatedly send martial artists back and forth.
Therefore, Yun Gyeong-jong's intention was to resolve the situation in Hefei all at once by playing a reliable card like Namgung Jun.
"I wonder how he will conclude this mission."