Chapter 40: First Solo Mission (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 40: First Solo Mission (5)
The Clear-Center Sect Leader’s sword thrust from the left. Simultaneously, the Middle-Aged Pugilist charged from the right, executing a heavy Earth-Trembling Stomp.
They rushed in at the same time, their timing so perfect it was as if they had coordinated the attack with Voice Transmission.
'Mountain Fist Gang Leader Tong San-gwon.'
Namgung Jun immediately identified the Middle-Aged Pugilist. He had traveled all over Hefei beforehand, securing a list of not only the sects allied with the Clear-Center Sect but also their key masters.
'So this is the path they've chosen.'
Despite the sudden pincer attack, Namgung Jun calmly tilted his sword. He adjusted his grip in an instant, sliding his thumb and index finger higher up the hilt.
At the same time, he channeled his internal energy in short, rapid bursts, unleashing five successive waves of Sword Qi. The deep blue energy surged forth, resembling five bolts of lightning striking one after another.
Claaang!
His technique, a blend of sword skill and Sword Qi, instantly deflected the blade of the Clear-Center First Sword, who had been trying to force a direct clash of internal energy.
"Ugh!"
With his own energy backfiring and Namgung Jun's Thunder Qi invading his meridians, the Clear-Center First Sword coughed up blood and tumbled to the ground. He continued to vomit dark, clotted blood, a clear sign of severe internal injuries.
Having defeated the Clear-Center First Sword in a single move, Namgung Jun’s eyes quickly scanned his surroundings.
Whoosh!
The Clear-Center Sect Leader and Tong San-gwon lunged, aiming for Namgung Jun's left neck and right ribs, respectively. Explosive force erupted from both sides.
Extending his sword horizontally across his shoulder, Namgung Jun deflected the Sect Leader's blade. With his other hand, he used his palm to block Tong San-gwon's fist, which came crashing down like a sledgehammer.
The simultaneous attacks from two Peak Experts were immense. Fine cracks spiderwebbed across the floor of the duel platform beneath Namgung Jun's feet.
Yet, Namgung Jun stubbornly withstood the pressure from both sides, his stance unbroken. This was the result of his body having grown far stronger through his External Arts training at the Iron Tower Hall.
"You brat!"
"How did he block my fist so easily?"
As the Clear-Center Sect Leader and Tong San-gwon voiced their shock, Namgung Jun asked in a low voice, "So, the method you chose was murder?"
"It's common for a martial artist to die in a foreign land!" the Sect Leader snarled. "Especially a so-called Chivalrous Hero who meddles in others' affairs under the guise of righteousness!"
"Pay the price for running amok with your meager skills!" Tong San-gwon roared.
The two Peak Experts channeled even more internal energy, their wariness of Namgung Jun growing with every passing second.
Clang!
Thud!
While the swords of the Clear-Center Sect Leader and Namgung Jun clashed once more, Tong San-gwon executed another Earth-Trembling Stomp, aiming to crush Namgung Jun's right foot. Their joint attack was remarkably well-coordinated; a simple exchange of glances was all they needed to seamlessly target his blind spots.
Despite this, Namgung Jun's eyes remained perfectly steady. The only thing that moved was his fluttering indigo sleeve.
Suddenly, the calmly fluttering fabric swept upward in a smooth arc.
Distant-Cloud Layered-Wall Stance.
The sword path, which seemed to embrace the very clouds, tilted gracefully and deflected the Clear-Center Sect Leader's blade. Using the recoil, Namgung Jun spun his entire body. His feet, a mere blur, narrowly evaded Tong San-gwon’s Earth-Trembling Stomp.
Pivoting to the side, Namgung Jun slipped out of the range of their joint assault. The two Peak Experts immediately gave chase, but Namgung Jun, already raising his sword high as he moved, was half a breath faster.
Holding his sword high in an Upper Stance, he swung it diagonally, unleashing the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique. A thick, vivid gale of indigo Sword Force erupted.
Whoosh!
The heavy wind forced the two charging Peak Experts to a halt. They had intended to tear through it and press their attack, but its power far exceeded their expectations. If they hadn't hastily executed successive forms to stabilize themselves, they would have suffered the humiliation of being blown right off the duel platform.
"Mmh."
"Whew."
The Clear-Center Sect Leader looked deeply flustered. Tong San-gwon, though trying to calm his breathing, could not hide the tremor in his eyes.
The two experts tried to adjust their distance again, but Namgung Jun gave them no such opening. Executing the Infinite Steps, he closed the distance first and went on the offensive.
He targeted Tong San-gwon. By deliberately closing in, he caught the pugilist completely off guard.
"Arrogant brat!"
Finding his opponent at the perfect range for a fist fighter, Tong San-gwon did not back down and thrust his fist forward.
As he watched the fist rush toward his dantian, Namgung Jun's eyes flashed with a sharp, blue light. He had perfectly read Tong San-gwon's entire technique. Gripping his hilt short, Namgung Jun firmly pressed down on the incoming fist.
'How did he block that?'
With his chest left wide open, Tong San-gwon's eyes widened in shock. Namgung Jun's left hand rotated halfway, and a fierce bolt of lightning struck.
Heavenly Thunder Palm Technique.
Boom!
With a sharp crack of thunder, Tong San-gwon's massive upper body shuddered violently, as if about to collapse. As he stood there, barely on his feet, Namgung Jun slashed upward with his blade tilted sideways.
Splurt!
Tong San-gwon's left arm flew high into the air, spraying fresh blood in all directions.
"Aaaargh!"
As Tong San-gwon collapsed, clutching his severed arm, two figures charged.
"How vicious! You've gone too far!"
"Sect Leader! I will help you!"
The Clear-Center Sect Leader and the Clear-Center First Sword—who had suppressed his internal injuries enough to stand—unleashed lethal strikes at Namgung Jun without hesitation. Since things had escalated this far, they intended to kill him at all costs.
The two swordsmen rushed forward, radiating intense killing intent, but Namgung Jun showed no sign of backing down.
Their three swords clashed. The three sword paths tangled in a chaotic web, each relentlessly seeking a fatal opening. Though Namgung Jun seemed to be at a disadvantage, it was his sword, glowing with blue light, that held the initiative.
Displaying overwhelming speed, Namgung Jun unleashed far more strikes than the two swordsmen combined. They were no longer executing a joint attack; they were barely managing to pool their strength to block his onslaught.
With every sharp clash of metal, the two were forced a step back.
'How can his Swift Sword be this fast?'
'Who in the world is this man?'
The Clear-Center Sect Leader and Clear-Center First Sword felt a suffocating pressure, as if they were being completely swallowed by his rhythm.
Thud!
Even under their combined assault, Namgung Jun's eyes remained steady. Instead, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment, he pressed them fiercely.
"I cannot let you ruin everything!" the Clear-Center Sect Leader screamed, his voice laced with venom. He swung his sword with all his might, but there was no way it would reach its target.
Namgung Jun lightly deflected the blade and asked, "And you spoke of Hefei's greater good with this level of skill?"
"You know nothing! What do you think would happen to Hefei without the Clear-Center Sect? Our sect is the only reason this city knows peace!"
The Clear-Center Sect Leader's voice carried absolute conviction. At that twisted belief, Namgung Jun's eyebrows arched sharply.
Clang!
Sparks flew as Namgung Jun violently deflected the Clear-Center First Sword's blade. The man tried to counter, but Namgung Jun's palm strike was faster.
"Urgh!"
His chest crushed by a single blow from the Heavenly Thunder Palm Technique, the Clear-Center First Sword was sent flying. He did not rise again.
Now, only one remained.
Namgung Jun pointed his sword at the last man standing. "If the Clear-Center Sect and the peace of Hefei are so fragile that they crumble before me alone, then I would rather take responsibility for this city myself."
Having overcome the joint attack of three Peak Experts, Namgung Jun's solemn declaration made him appear incredibly proud and noble. No one in the crowd could mock his words. The martial prowess he had just demonstrated lent immense weight to his statement.
Only after taking five deep breaths did the Clear-Center Sect Leader squeeze out a strained reply. "You dare speak of Hefei's peace?"
It was an incredibly arrogant claim. Namgung Jun's statement was shocking, but it could not be easily dismissed. His martial prowess was clearly beyond the realm of common sense. Although his cultivation was only at the entry level of the Peak Stage, his swordplay and movements were those of a veteran master with vast experience in the Jianghu.
"No matter how strong you are, you are just a Rising Star. There is no way you can protect Hefei's peace..."
"Enough. That is not for you to worry about. What is certain is..."
Namgung Jun's blade came to a rest, its edge cold against the Clear-Center Sect Leader's neck.
"...there is no place for the Clear-Center Sect in Hefei."
Watching this scene unfold, Jang Il-su's jaw dropped.
'He actually did it?'
It was unbelievable. When Namgung Jun had spoken of dealing with the Clear-Center Sect, Jang Il-su had assumed other Chivalrous Heroes from the Azure Heaven Association would appear. He never expected him to handle it all by himself.
'To quell the chaos of Hefei single-handedly... His rise is like a comet.'
Jang Il-su, who had been shifting restlessly in his seat, broke into a wide smile before quickly schooling his features.
However, the Clear-Center Sect Leader's words were not entirely wrong. It was a matter of a necessary evil. Although the Clear-Center Sect committed wicked deeds, it was true that they played a role in keeping Hefei's unorthodox sects in check.
'If the Clear-Center Sect collapses like this...'
What would happen to the power vacuum left behind? Hefei's unorthodox sects would not sit idly by. They would surely try to swallow up the Clear-Center Sect's territory bit by bit. And it wasn't as if Namgung Jun could stay in Hefei forever.
Just as others began to harbor the same concerns, Namgung Jun sheathed his sword and bowed politely to the assembled crowd.
"Would you all gather here tomorrow? I wish to discuss the future of Hefei."
* * *
A letter from Namgung Jun arrived at the main fortress of the Azure Heaven Association.
Kang Mong, who had personally brought the letter from the Bright Affinity Pavilion—which managed information—headed to the innermost room of the Ink Fragrance Department.
"Ink Lord. A letter from Namgung Jun."
"Hmm. It arrived sooner than I expected."
Yun Gyeong-jong immediately unfolded the letter Kang Mong presented. Normally, the scholars of the Ink Fragrance Department would review and classify a letter before it was reported, but Namgung Jun was an exception. He was one of the key figures whose movements Yun Gyeong-jong always monitored personally.
"Oh?"
Yun Gyeong-jong let out a soft exclamation as he read. After a moment of thought, he showed the letter to Kang Mong, who was waiting before him.
"What do you think?"
Unlike Yun Gyeong-jong's admiration, Kang Mong let out a low groan. "Even though we granted him authority, this is a bit much..."
"That doesn't matter. What is important is that the plan is rational."
After pondering for a moment, Kang Mong read the letter once more and nodded. "He has prepared two plans depending on the situation. Both are highly realistic. It's quite intuitive for a Second Cloud with so little experience."
"In your opinion, Scholar Kang, which way do you think the situation will go?"
"According to Namgung Jun's report, the Clear-Center Sect is unlikely to back down quietly. The second plan, which assumes a clash with them, seems more likely."
Yun Gyeong-jong leaned back in his chair and smiled. "I am curious. How will he deal with a mid-sized sect like the Clear-Center Sect all by himself?"
"You seem certain of his success, Ink Lord."
"Are you not?"
Kang Mong looked down at the letter and shook his head. "The handwriting and the content of this letter carry such strong conviction. He must be confident, regardless of the method he chooses."
Having made up his mind, Yun Gyeong-jong picked up his brush again. "It is something we would have had to implement eventually. Since Namgung Jun has paved the way, we cannot refuse."
"In that case..."
Yun Gyeong-jong nodded. "Proceed with Namgung Jun's plan, exactly as proposed."
A new order was handed down to the Ink Fragrance Department.