Chapter 57: Competition (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 57: Competition (5)
Swoosh!
Namgung Jun’s single strike parted the air as smoothly as a spring breeze drifting through sunlit fields.
Looking down at his own Sword Qi as it failed to soar and instead dissipated, Baekri Cheong admitted defeat.
In that moment, the title of Azure Heaven's Number One Rising Star was decided.
“The winner: Namgung Jun!”
The instant Jegal Mu-ran, the Divine Mechanism Hall Master, made the announcement, a torrent of cheers erupted from the spectator stands.
The Heavenly Sword Hall members, in particular, scrambled onto the sparring stage and rushed to embrace Namgung Jun.
“Our youngest actually did it!”
“The Heavenly Sword Hall produced the Azure Heaven's Number One Rising Star! You magnificent bastards!”
“Amazing. Truly amazing.”
With Namgung Jun at the center, the Heavenly Sword Hall members huddled together, forming a tight circle that resembled a flower in full bloom.
Baekri Cheong lacked nothing. In fact, he was more than qualified.
Jegal Mu-ran’s gaze fell upon Baekri Cheong as he lowered his sword.
Though he had only recently reached the Second Cloud, his pure martial prowess was more than enough to place him in the Third Cloud.
Daily progress, constant self-renewal.
Those words perfectly described Baekri Cheong. The young man today was completely different from the one who had taken the Placement Test. He had not only patched up his weaknesses but had also refined his strengths to a sublime degree, reaching his current realm.
Baekri Cheong’s talent was undoubtedly among the very best of the Righteous Faction's new generation, far transcending the confines of the Azure Heaven Association.
But his opponent was an even greater anomaly.
Namgung Jun.
A boy born with the Nine Yin Severed Meridian.
Perhaps because of his severed meridians, he possessed an overwhelmingly dominant talent. After becoming the disciple of the Heavenly Sword Hall Master, his growth rate had accelerated exponentially.
If Baekri Cheong's growth surpassed even the most exceptional talents, Namgung Jun displayed an ascent that was completely off the charts, transcending the very notion of talent itself.
Jegal Mu-ran couldn't take her eyes off him, the iron fan in her hand trembling slightly.
By the way, that final strike… Was that really executed by a rising star who isn't even twenty?
She couldn't tell if he had unleashed it intentionally or by chance. It didn't seem like a mere sword strike meant to decide a match. The martial truth contained within that clean, simple blow was undeniably profound.
Even to her, a supreme expert who had achieved the Three Flowers Gather at the Crown, that strike had felt incredibly sharp.
Of this, I am certain.
Today's defeat was by no means shameful for Baekri Cheong.
And Namgung Jun's victory would not be his last.
He possessed the capability to go beyond being the Azure Heaven's Number One Rising Star and become the number one rising star of the entire Righteous Path.
A sudden realization struck Jegal Mu-ran.
The number of clouds embroidered on the sleeves of the two young men before her was far too few.
And the Divine Mechanism Hall Master wasn't the only one thinking this.
“Hmm. He didn't neglect his external arts training. It was worth teaching him.”
“You taught him? You mean he endured the Iron Tower Hall's external arts training?”
“Of course. That kid was born with grit as well as talent.”
“No wonder. His body didn’t suffer any backlash even when he recklessly copied our hall's Void-Wave Flooded Body Art.”
Listening to the conversation between the Iron Tower Hall Master and the Flying Swiftness Hall Master, the Crushing Hall Master quietly gazed at Namgung Jun.
To the Crushing Hall Master, Namgung Jun's outstanding performance felt deeply personal.
He said he would make sure I wouldn't regret my choice.
Namgung Jun was keeping his promise. Was he not proving it at this very moment with his actions? The spirited look in the boy's eyes from that day was still vivid in his mind.
“My disciple. It would be a waste to keep him confined to the main castle, wouldn't it?”
“Heavenly Sword Hall Master.”
At the clear voice from his side, the Crushing Hall Master, Kang Gok, turned his head. Lee Se-ha had approached him at some point, a triumphant expression on her face.
Kang Gok nodded readily. “We still have to watch him further. But for now, you are not wrong.”
Kang Gok stood up and added, “As his master, you must take good care of him. The more Namgung Jun stands out, the heavier your responsibility will become.”
“I know that all too well. He’s the kind of disciple who always keeps me on my toes.”
Lee Se-ha smiled brightly as she watched Namgung Jun, who was earning the recognition of the Hall Masters, whether they realized it or not.
“As expected of my disciple.”
* * *
For the first time in a long while, a banquet was held at the Heavenly Sword Hall. It was a celebration of Namgung Jun becoming the Azure Heaven's Number One Rising Star.
“Haha! As expected, Young Hero Namgung did not disappoint!” Heo Il burst into laughter.
He had bet on Namgung Jun's victory in over ten consecutive wagers. Although the odds weren't exceptionally high—Namgung Jun's reputation had risen considerably within the association—it was still enough to multiply his stake several times over.
Heo Il had spent every coin of his winnings on alcohol and food from the local inn. Since he’d earned the money thanks to Namgung Jun, he was more than happy to spend it making the banquet even more lavish.
“Young Hero Namgung, I didn't know what you liked, so I just prepared everything. Eat as much as you want.”
Heo Il endlessly pushed plates of food toward Namgung Jun. Before Namgung Jun could even see what the dishes were, new ones kept appearing, leaving him unable to even get a word in.
“You've worked so hard, fighting one duel after another. Let's just relax and enjoy ourselves today.”
As Heo Il shrugged and laughed, Namgung Jun nodded in agreement. “Eating properly is also an important part of a martial artist's training.”
“Wise words, Young Hero Namgung. It's just a shame I couldn't prepare any fine liquor this time.”
Man Ye-won, who had been eavesdropping from the side, suddenly chimed in.
“Namgung Jun! Don't be disappointed! I brought some alcohol behind my grandfather's back!”
In her hand was a jade bottle that looked exceptionally luxurious at a glance.
“You stole the liquor that the Head of the Elders' Council treasures?”
“Looks like the Head of the Elders' Council will be paying us another visit soon.”
As Heo Il and Gong Jun-am shook their heads at Man Ye-won, other swordsmen came over to offer their congratulations to Namgung Jun.
“To think the Azure Heaven's Number One Rising Star came from the Heavenly Sword Hall. Can we aim for the Three Powerhouses in the next strength evaluation?”
“Of course. We must reclaim it. The title of one of the Three Powerhouses.”
“The Three Powerhouses… What a nostalgic name.”
The boisterous atmosphere of the banquet suddenly quieted. The veteran members tilted their cups, their expressions lost in old memories.
Sensing the shift in the air, Namgung Jun asked, “Did the Heavenly Sword Hall used to be one of the Three Powerhouses?”
“Indeed. During our golden age, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Martial Conquest Hall.”
“Then why are things like this now?”
At Namgung Jun's question, Heo Il and the others fell silent. It was clearly a difficult topic to discuss.
Just then, Lee Se-ha, carrying a liquor jar in each hand, spoke up. “The Heavenly Sword Hall once faced total annihilation.”
“Total annihilation?”
“We clashed with a Battle Unit of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult. More than half of our members, including the previous Hall Master, were killed.”
At the time, the Azure Heaven Association had even discussed disbanding the Heavenly Sword Hall. The Ten Halls had almost been reduced to nine.
“So the Heavenly Sword Hall almost ceased to exist.”
“I opposed it. I fought tooth and nail with the Azure Heaven Association Leader, the Sword Lord, and the Ink Lord to prevent the dissolution of the Heavenly Sword Hall.”
And so, Lee Se-ha took responsibility for the Heavenly Sword Hall by becoming its Hall Master.
To restore a martial organization that was on the brink of collapse to this extent… Impressive.
Having led a clan in his past life, Namgung Jun knew just how difficult such a feat was, even for a relatively small martial organization.
With Lee Se-ha at the helm, the rebuilt Heavenly Sword Hall possessed a far stronger bond of solidarity than the other halls. It was likely because they had overcome immense hardship together to protect the name of the Heavenly Sword Hall.
“The Battle Units… Are they strong?”
“They’re composed of the most vicious bastards from the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult. Not only is their individual martial prowess formidable, but their scale is also massive.”
“Which Battle Unit drove the Heavenly Sword Hall to the brink of annihilation?”
“The Second Battle Unit.”
Lee Se-ha spoke lightly, but for a brief moment, a sharp, piercing gleam flashed in her eyes before vanishing.
“The Second Battle Unit.”
Namgung Jun repeated the name, etching it into his memory. A military force of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult that had not existed in his past life. There was no telling how much hidden strength they, let alone the Battle Units, possessed.
Ultimately, the best course of action was to build a foundation of martial power solid enough to withstand any situation.
“We will have to repay that debt someday,” Namgung Jun said.
“Of course,” Lee Se-ha agreed.
The atmosphere had grown solemn, but she quickly lifted it again. “Alright! Let's eat and drink to our hearts' content today!”
“Sounds great, Hall Master!”
“It's been a while since we've seen the Hall Master drink!”
Cups were filled, and the members of the Heavenly Sword Hall became one again, laughing and enjoying themselves.
By the time the full moon began its descent toward the horizon, the master and disciple were walking side by side along a quiet path.
“Jun-ah, you really made your master proud today.”
“I still have a long way to go,” Namgung Jun replied confidently.
Lee Se-ha simply wore a proud expression, as if in complete agreement.
The two stopped at a secluded training ground. The night was deep, and no one else was around.
“Jun-ah, you haven't properly experienced the swordsmanship of the great sects of the Righteous Faction, have you? After all, your only real experience was facing the Baekseon Sword Technique.”
“That is true.”
It had been the same in his past life. He had been too busy dealing with the Unorthodox Faction and the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult to have any reason or leisure to cross swords with the Righteous Faction.
Lee Se-ha lightly swung her sword. “I can't mimic them perfectly, but I can at least give you a taste of their style.”
“I am curious.”
“There will definitely be physical clashes at the gathering. I hope you stand out there as well.”
Before long, master and disciple stood side by side and raised their swords.
Lee Se-ha began to weave together the swordsmanship of the Three Sects and One Gang and the Five Great Mountains Sword Sects. She wasn't copying them perfectly, of course. Without using internal energy, she merely demonstrated parts of their representative forms and stances.
However, it was more than enough to convey the distinct characteristics of each school.
Namgung Jun lightly parried her sword, committing as much as he could to memory. As he did, the sword techniques he had mastered, including the Great Derivation Sword Technique, flowed out naturally.
The sword path Namgung Jun drew was by no means inferior to Lee Se-ha's strikes.
“Your swordsmanship is also second to none compared to the great sects,” Lee Se-ha commented.
“They are targets I must surpass one day.”
“That's a good attitude.”
Clang!
A clear metallic ring echoed from the light clash of their swords.
The master and disciple moved their feet again, exchanging blows. They traded strikes continuously at a moderate pace, yet the level of their exchange was incredibly high. Had internal energy been added, the duel would have turned fiercely intense in an instant.
However, the two swordsmen exquisitely controlled their strength, maintaining a precarious balance.
Whenever she felt thirsty, Lee Se-ha drank alcohol instead of water while wielding her sword. All the while, Namgung Jun endlessly refined his forms.
* * *
Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong passed through the main gates of the Azure Heaven Association's castle.
They were heading to Mount Song, where the gathering was to be held.
Their party was simple—just the two of them.
Originally, the Azure Heaven Association Leader was supposed to join them, but he had already left for Mount Song ahead of time due to other matters. Thus, the rising stars were to travel by themselves. In truth, both of them welcomed this arrangement.
Since they already held mutual respect for each other, this was an opportunity to share their thoughts and grow closer.
“Brother Namgung, are you ready?”
“Yes. Let's depart.”
Watching the two rising stars leave the Azure Heaven Association's main castle side by side, the Clouds offered their encouragement.
“Show them the strength of the Azure Heaven Association at the Mount Song Gathering!”
“The two of you will surely do well.”
The two swordsmen set off toward the northwest, in the direction of Henan Province.