Chapter 74: Third Cloud Training Camp (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 74: Third Cloud Training Camp (3)
The core curriculum of the Third Cloud Training Camp naturally centered on one thing: analyzing the strengths of the Demonic and Heretical Paths and learning how to counter them.
Normally, the Second Clouds of the training camp would have been consumed with mastering the information and counter-strategies provided by the Elders' Council and the Ink Fragrance Department.
However, one Second Cloud deviated from this norm.
It was none other than Namgung Jun.
While the others were busy learning existing counters, Namgung Jun was creating new ones.
Watching from the side, the scholar and Elder Kwon could not hide their admiration.
"I'm seeing it with my own eyes, and I still can hardly believe it."
"Sword Talent… No, can this even be described as mere talent?"
Elder Kwon stared at Namgung Jun, his eyes wide with astonishment. Deconstructing techniques by reverse-engineering their mnemonic formulas, forms, and sword paths—was such a thing truly possible?
Although his work was limited to sword techniques, the consensus was that Namgung Jun's counters were highly effective. They would undoubtedly be of immense help to the Clouds of the Azure Heaven Association who would one day face the Demonic and Heretical Paths.
While he was currently focused on sword techniques, if he encountered a wider variety of enemies and gained more experience, couldn't he create counters for other types of martial arts as well?
"I look forward to the future of Namgung Jun, who will face countless foes from the Demonic and Heretical Paths and devise all manner of counters."
Watching him focus intently on recording the new strategies in a secret manual, Elder Kwon turned to the scholar.
"Will this work cause any setbacks for Namgung Jun in completing the training camp?"
"No, not at all. This will be officially credited to him, and he is being awarded extra points within the training camp, so there is no need to worry. Furthermore, I understand that Young Master Namgung is also diligently pursuing his theoretical studies on his own."
Hearing that Namgung Jun wasn't neglecting his other lessons despite taking on this extra work, Elder Kwon's smile deepened.
"This is a great blessing for the Azure Heaven Association."
Elder Kwon gazed at Namgung Jun's profile, his eyes filled with pride.
* * *
The theoretical lecture period of the Third Cloud Training Camp came to an end. Now, it was time to take the Civil Examination based on what they had learned.
The Second Clouds had to achieve passing scores in all nine subjects. Failure meant a re-examination a day later, and failing even that resulted in expulsion from the training camp.
Perhaps because some of the subjects were quite difficult, a few students failed to pass even after the re-examination and were forced to leave.
"Young Master Namgung, you are truly amazing."
Heo Il was looking at the list of successful candidates, which was arranged in order of their scores. Namgung Jun was ranked within the top five. Considering he had dedicated a significant amount of time to creating new counters, it was a remarkable achievement.
"Besides, didn't you get extra points for creating those new counters? At this rate, graduating at the top of the class is practically guaranteed."
"With Senior Heo here, I cannot afford to let my guard down."
Namgung Jun looked at the name written at the very top of the list.
Heo Il of the Heavenly Sword Hall.
The one who had scored the highest on the Civil Examination was indeed Heo Il. His score was nearly perfect.
Following Namgung Jun's gaze to his own name, Heo Il shook his head. "No, I'm still lacking in martial arts. 'Mastery of both literary and martial arts'—surely that phrase was made for you, Young Master Namgung."
Just then, the instructors shouted toward the Second Clouds gathered in front of the list.
"The Martial Examination will begin in two hours!"
"Make sure you are all in peak condition!"
With no time to celebrate passing their exams, the Second Clouds immediately began circulating their Qi or warming up. At the same time, they exchanged theories on how the Martial Examination would be conducted.
"Doesn't the content of the Martial Examination change depending on the Hall Master in charge of the training camp?"
"That's right. I wonder what it will be like this time."
"I heard that the Nether-Fathoming Hall Master, who was in charge of the last batch, said they would pass if they could block his assassination attempt."
"What? How could anyone handle that?"
As stories about the previous batch circulated, the expressions of the Second Clouds grew darker. They were terrified of what kind of test the Martial Conquest Hall Master would present. Depending on the content, the number of people who could actually graduate might be drastically reduced.
"What do you think, Senior Heo?"
"Hmm. I'm not sure either. Given the Martial Conquest Hall Master's personality, the test might be quite intense."
Time flew by, and soon the hour of the Martial Examination arrived. The Martial Conquest Hall Master and the instructors appeared before the Second Clouds waiting in the training ground.
"I will now announce the details of the Martial Examination."
Everyone focused on Ha Mu-jung's words.
"The task is simple. You must endure a joint attack from the instructors for fifteen minutes."
As the Second Clouds turned their gazes toward the instructors, Ha Mu-jung followed up with a more detailed explanation. While everyone would face a joint attack, there was a key difference: each challenger could decide the number of instructors they would face, from a minimum of two to a maximum of five.
Since the score would vary depending on the number of opponents, those aiming for the top spot would likely try to handle as many as possible.
"Then, let us begin."
At Ha Mu-jung's command, the Martial Examination proceeded, starting with the students who had the lowest numbers. The majority chose to face the minimum of two instructors. Since the top ranks of the Civil Examination were already set, many were simply aiming to pass and graduate rather than striving for first or second place.
"Contrary to our expectations, the test seems quite reasonable."
"Indeed. I got nervous for nothing."
Namgung Jun and Heo Il watched as the other Second Clouds faced the instructors. The key was not to win, but to endure. Therefore, most of the challengers took a defensive stance and succeeded in holding out.
Of course, there were also quite a few who failed to last against even two instructors. The instructors' coordination was seamless, and they showed no mercy in their strikes.
"Heo Il of the Heavenly Sword Hall."
With Ha Mu-jung's call, Heo Il's turn arrived.
"I suppose I should save face for the Heavenly Sword Hall."
Grinning at Namgung Jun, Heo Il tossed the words over his shoulder and strode toward the center of the training ground. Looking at the instructors standing before him one by one, he assumed his Opening Stance and spoke.
"I will face four instructors."
As the first person to choose four opponents, a spark of interest appeared in Ha Mu-jung's eyes. Until now, only four other Second Clouds had even attempted to face three.
"Is it finally getting interesting?" Ha Mu-jung muttered, nodding as he looked at Heo Il. He had been growing bored with the majority choosing the safe option. Heo Il's bold choice naturally drew everyone's attention.
He seems to have a hidden card up his sleeve, but handling four of them looks like it will be too much for him.
Assessing Heo Il's momentum, Ha Mu-jung leaned forward. It didn't seem like he had chosen four out of mere arrogance; he surely had his own calculations. The Martial Conquest Hall Master pulled out a new incense stick and lit it with Samadhi True Fire.
"Begin."
The moment Ha Mu-jung's command fell, the four instructors rushed toward Heo Il.
Meanwhile, Heo Il was gulping down alcohol from his gourd.
Having drunk his fill, he drew his sword and immediately threw himself forward, blade held straight ahead.
Clang, clang, clang!
Five weapons clashed violently. With unpredictable footwork and a swift blade, Heo Il preemptively blocked the onslaught pouring in from four directions.
Sweeping his sword to both sides to deflect the frontal strikes, Heo Il's ankles spun smoothly. Just when it seemed he was sliding back to create distance, a flurry of swift sword strikes erupted, taking full advantage of his exceptionally long blade. That sudden change of pace caught the pursuing instructors off guard.
Senior Heo. It seems he is now focusing on mastering the Lightness Movement Art from the Self-Reflection Martial Repository.
This was the Heo Il who had proudly declared to his senior brother that he would walk his own path. He was gradually shedding his old habits and martial arts, forging new strengths of his own.
Bam!
The rapid sword strikes unleashed by Heo Il clashed with the Palm Force of the instructors, setting off a series of dull, air-splitting sounds.
"It seems none of you have any intention of going easy on me," Heo Il said with a grin as he soared into the air.
A sword tracing a curved arc narrowly grazed his fluttering sleeve. The other instructors unleashed Palm Force and sword winds toward him while he was suspended in midair, clearly intending to deny him a safe landing.
"Ha!"
With a sharp cry, Heo Il twisted his body in midair and thrust his sword in rapid succession. In the end, it always came back to the sword. While his Lightness Movement Art was certainly important, this was a response he could never have managed had he not poured his heart and soul into his blade.
Having deflected all the attacks surging from the ground, Heo Il landed and immediately regained his stance.
"Oh."
"He was hiding that kind of skill."
"I guess he doesn't stand beside the Azure Star Sword for nothing."
The other Second Clouds watching the duel let out gasps of admiration. Heo Il hadn't gained the upper hand, but he displayed a highly flexible defense. His use of the Lightness Movement Art, based on delicate spacing and speed control, was particularly outstanding, and the swift sword strikes he launched from that foundation were more than threatening enough.
Thud!
The instructors repeatedly executed Earth-Trembling Stomps to unleash heavy strikes, but Heo Il skillfully evaded them every time. The joint attack of the four instructors was superb, as if they had synchronized their breathing countless times, but Heo Il's sword technique and footwork were also incredibly solid.
Senior Heo has improved a lot as well.
Even compared to the time of the competition, his growth was clearly visible. Though he appeared relaxed in his usual demeanor, Heo Il was thoroughly dedicated to elevating his martial arts.
Clang!
As Heo Il held out better than expected, the instructors exchanged glances and gradually increased their power. He was pushed into increasingly precarious situations, yet he somehow managed to endure. Even amidst the pressure, his trademark easygoing smile never faded.
Before long, the incense burned out completely. Fifteen minutes had passed.
"Stop."
At Ha Mu-jung's command, the five combatants simultaneously backed away. Drenched in sweat, Heo Il looked at the four instructors standing before him. When he politely clasped his hands in a salute, the instructors returned the gesture.
"Excellent."
With Ha Mu-jung's brief evaluation, Heo Il's Martial Examination came to an end.
Inspired by Heo Il's hard-fought battle, several other Clouds tested their skills against three or four instructors, but many failed because they couldn't accurately gauge their own capabilities. In essence, the test was also evaluating their discernment—their ability to accurately assess their own skills and those of their opponents. Consequently, a significant number of candidates failed, unable to withstand the instructors' assault.
Soon, the examination reached its final stages.
All eyes in the training ground converged on one person. Everyone present was waiting for the young swordsman's turn.
The Azure Star Sword, Namgung Jun.
Curiosity was also evident in the eyes of the instructors. Just how many of them would he choose to face?
Gong Jun-am, who was among the instructors, mentally calculated Namgung Jun's capabilities.
If it's Namgung Jun, he could easily handle five and still have room to spare. However…
Ha Mu-jung also asked, his eyes filled with expectation, "Namgung Jun. How many instructors will you face?"
Namgung Jun scanned the instructors before him, then raised his head. His gaze landed on Ha Mu-jung, who was standing on the platform.
"I wish to challenge the Hall Master."
An astonished silence fell over the training ground. This was true not only for the Second Clouds but also for the instructors. Only Gong Jun-am, who had anticipated this very situation, twitched his eyebrows slightly.
Ha Mu-jung, however, stood up from his seat, his face breaking into a wide, expectant laugh.
"Indeed. I was hoping for something like this."
Rumble!
Ha Mu-jung's Qi Wave began to surge violently, like a reverse waterfall. The domineering aura unique to the Martial Conquest Grand Selection Formula enveloped the entire training ground.
Crackle!
In an instant, Thunder Qi descended upon Namgung Jun's entire body. Having pushed the Heavenly Thunder True Yang Formula to its absolute limit, Namgung Jun took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.