Chapter 90: Lacking (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 90: Lacking (4)
Dozens of beams of light fell fiercely from the sky.
Plunging downward with long, luminous tails, they looked like a shower of tiny meteors.
Swoooosh!
After reaching their apex at the edge of the firmament, they descended in a sharp curve, carrying an extraordinary momentum. A distinct Qi Wave radiated from each arrow, sending countless ripples through the air. Even in the space the arrows had already passed, these ripples remained clearly etched.
That alone made it obvious that the arrows soaring through the sky possessed no ordinary power.
‘An Archery Martial Art!’
The Qi Wave spread from their shafts, and a distinct Arrow Qi swirled around their heads. This was an archery technique of a caliber that could not be taken lightly. Furthermore, the arrows formed a pattern among themselves, their Qi Waves resonating to amplify their power even further.
It was an area-of-effect ultimate technique, designed not to strike an individual but to completely devastate an entire area. The intent was clear: to sweep this entire region clean.
‘Did the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult have archers, too?’
He would have to immediately unleash the sword wind of the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique with all his might to deflect the volley’s trajectory. Every second counted.
Just as a thick sword wind began to surge from the blade Namgung Jun raised into an Upper Stance—
“It’s alright, disciple.”
His master’s voice, calm and composed, came from behind him.
Only after hearing Lee Se-ha’s relaxed tone did Namgung Jun notice something strange.
‘The trajectory of the arrows…?’
The dozens of light streaks were raining down precisely on the Demonic Practitioners of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult.
KABOOOM!
Dozens of Demonic Practitioners who took the barrage head-on were instantly blown to pieces. Severed limbs flew through the air, and several cultists coughed up blood, their bodies pierced with gaping holes from direct hits. The earth was torn asunder, scattering piles of rock and dust in all directions.
The Demonic Practitioners who were lucky enough to survive looked around in a state of utter panic.
“What! Which direction did that come from?”
“That archery technique just now! Don’t tell me…!”
By the time the Demonic Practitioners looked up, a second rain of arrows was already pouring down. This time, the number of incoming arrows was halved, but the Qi Wave infused into each one was even more distinct. If the previous volley had targeted a broad area, these arrows seemed to target individuals. It was a clean and refined manipulation of Qi, prioritizing precision over raw power and range.
Thwack! Thwack!
The arrows, fired from afar, pierced the heads and hearts of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult’s members with pinpoint accuracy.
Despite Lee Se-ha and Namgung Jun being in close proximity to the chaos, not a single arrow fell near them. The distance between them and the Demonic Practitioners was barely ten paces, yet the master and disciple remained perfectly untouched.
“I imagine you haven’t seen this before, have you, disciple?”
“Pardon?”
“It’s the martial art of the Azure Heaven Association’s archers.”
KABOOOM!
No sooner had Lee Se-ha finished speaking than yellow-brown streaks of light slammed into the ground ahead.
“Gah!”
“To think we’d face an ambush like this!”
Even the Bright Order Rank officers commanding the ordinary disciples fared no better. After barely deflecting two or three arrows, they were overwhelmed by the ones that followed.
The Demonic Practitioners of the Sun-Moon Demonic Cult were utterly helpless. It was only natural; the trajectory of the incoming arrows changed with every volley, making it impossible to even guess their origin. Attempts to take cover behind trees and rocks were futile, as the arrows simply pierced or shattered the obstacles.
Rumble!
Amidst the rising dust clouds and scattering stone fragments, Lee Se-ha’s voice drifted softly to him, naming the Archery Martial Art that rained down the continuous streaks of light.
“Gleaming-Wing Rain-Chasing Bow.”
“Aaargh!”
“Hurry, run!”
Some Demonic Practitioners tried to flee, but escaping the range of the Archery Martial Art was a fool’s hope. The dozens of arrows falling endlessly from the sky drew straight lines, intercepting every single cultist who tried to scatter.
In the end, there was no need for Namgung Jun or Lee Se-ha to step forward. The Demonic Practitioners, who had intended to unleash the Bright-Subduing Demonic Art to drag the pair to the underworld with them, were wiped out without ever getting the chance.
‘A bombardment from an Archery Martial Art that doesn't even let you get close. What terrifying power.’
Just as Namgung Jun was taking in the devastated landscape, several figures rapidly approached from a distance. The martial artists wore curved sabers at their waists and carried longbows on their backs. They were the ones who had annihilated the Demonic Practitioners from long range without suffering a single casualty.
Without fail, cloud embroidery was stitched onto each of their sleeves.
Namgung Jun spoke aloud the name he had only heard in rumors.
“Gleaming Wing Hall.”
Gleaming Wing Hall. A martial force that comprised one of the Azure Heaven Association’s Ten Halls. Every member was a master of Archery Martial Arts, specializing in long-range support, assassination, and large-scale battles.
“Heavenly Sword Hall Master. Did this old man interfere unnecessarily?”
An old man stepped forward from the group of Gleaming Wing Hall members, who had all stopped in unison. He had a thick white beard, and the longbow on his back was exceptionally large—far larger than the bows carried by the other members, it was clearly not a weapon just anyone could wield.
“No. Thanks to you, we were saved some trouble.”
“I am glad to hear it. I was returning to the main headquarters when I sensed some bug-like energies and decided to investigate. I didn’t expect to find a familiar face here.”
The giant old man—the Gleaming Wing Hall Master—turned his raptor-like eyes toward Namgung Jun, studying his appearance, his aura, and finally, the cloud embroidery on his sleeve. A look of surprise gradually spread across his sharp features.
“But there is also an unfamiliar face. Who is this young fellow?”
Lee Se-ha patted Namgung Jun’s shoulder with a triumphant look.
“He’s my disciple.”
“What? You’ve taken a disciple? People your age are still being called Rising Stars.”
“Such a narrow-minded view. When fate aligns and hearts connect, you take a disciple.”
The Gleaming Wing Hall Master looked at Namgung Jun with intrigued eyes.
“Is what the Heavenly Sword Hall Master says true?”
“My master’s words are correct.” Namgung Jun clasped his hands in a polite greeting. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Namgung Jun of the Heavenly Sword Hall.”
“You can’t be twenty yet, and you’ve already reached this level? A hidden dragon was lurking in the Azure Heaven Association.” The Gleaming Wing Hall Master added, accepting Namgung Jun’s greeting, “We have been away on a long mission, so we are out of touch with the situation at the main headquarters. Please understand.”
“Not at all. I am merely a lacking Rising Star. Please pay me no mind.”
Perhaps pleased by Namgung Jun’s polite demeanor, the Gleaming Wing Hall Master’s smile deepened.
“Perhaps the Heavenly Sword Hall will reclaim its former glory in the upcoming strength evaluation.”
Lee Se-ha raised her chin slightly, her expression confident. “Everyone had better prepare themselves. The Heavenly Sword Hall has grown much stronger.”
“Hmm. We will certainly have to keep a close eye on the Heavenly Sword Hall. To think it harbored such an unfamiliar newcomer.” The Gleaming Wing Hall Master nodded in agreement as he sized Namgung Jun up and down.
Meanwhile, Namgung Jun couldn’t help but look at Lee Se-ha. A topic he’d never heard of had just been brought up.
“Master. What is this strength evaluation?”
“I originally planned to tell you once we returned to headquarters and all the Heavenly Sword Hall members were gathered, but things turned out this way.”
Seeing Lee Se-ha’s reaction, Namgung Jun realized that the Gleaming Wing Hall Master’s words were true.
“A strength evaluation. I look forward to it.”
“You will have to start preparing as soon as we return.”
“That is fine. Let us return quickly.”
The master and disciple joined forces with the Gleaming Wing Hall and headed toward Huangshan.
* * *
Upon returning to the main headquarters, Namgung Jun went straight to Lee Se-ha’s office.
“Master. When does the strength evaluation begin?”
“The exact timing hasn’t been decided, but it will be in three or four months.”
After a quick mental calculation, Namgung Jun nodded. “There is more time to prepare than I thought.”
“Which means we have to train properly. The other halls will be preparing thoroughly as well.”
Sparks of lightning flickered in Lee Se-ha’s blue, shimmering eyes, a sign of her Thunder Qi. Her determination to achieve a good result in this strength evaluation was palpable. She was resolved to restore the prestige of the Heavenly Sword Hall, which had once been one of the Three Powerhouses.
Catching a glimpse of this, Namgung Jun pulled a secret manual from his breast pocket. He had come to her office specifically to deliver this.
“Master. This secret manual will be of help to the Heavenly Sword Hall.”
“What kind of secret manual is it?”
“It is a training method based on the External Arts I learned from the Iron Tower Hall. It can refine a swordsman’s body to an even higher realm. Of course, I also referenced other External Arts from the Self-Reflection Martial Repository.”
Lee Se-ha’s eyes widened as she examined the secret manual, titled Sword-Root Foundation Art.
“You created this secret manual all by yourself?”
The contents were far more vast and sophisticated than she had expected. Even with just a brief glance, she could tell that the manual was extraordinary.
“I completed it a while ago but have been refining it ever since. It seems the time has finally come to use it.”
“With this secret manual, we can definitely elevate the overall strength of the Heavenly Sword Hall.” Lee Se-ha examined the Sword-Root Foundation Art manual endlessly, her eyes sparkling. “I should diligently practice this myself. To think there was such a training method.”
Lee Se-ha was already memorizing the mnemonic formulas of the Sword-Root Foundation Art.
Watching her with a brief smile, Namgung Jun added, “And I heard that during the strength evaluation, the Hall Masters also engage in martial duels.”
“That’s right. Since it evaluates the hall’s strength, the individual martial prowess of the Hall Master is naturally included.”
“How about entering Closed-Door Cultivation for a while?”
“Closed-Door Cultivation?” Lee Se-ha looked up from the manual’s formulas.
Namgung Jun continued naturally, “Do not worry about the hall members. I will train them properly.”
“Teaching others is harder than you think. It can be incredibly frustrating. Are you sure you’ll be alright?”
“Yes. I know that you, Master, can achieve great things in just three months of Closed-Door Cultivation. Please leave the hall members to me.”
Lee Se-ha could not answer immediately. The thought of leaving the hall members behind with the strength evaluation looming was worrying.
At that moment, Namgung Jun pressed his case, adding weight to her decision. “Master. Please trust this disciple.”
After staring at Namgung Jun for a moment, Lee Se-ha finally nodded.
“I will trust you.”
* * *
Lee Se-ha entered Closed-Door Cultivation.
Since it was clearly to prepare for the strength evaluation, the hall members also intended to immerse themselves in their own training. However, Namgung Jun gathered them all in one place.
“I have received authority from the Master. I will be leading the training for the strength evaluation.”
The hall members’ eyes widened. They had expected their training to be self-directed in the Hall Master’s absence.
“First, please focus on this secret manual.”
Namgung Jun called over the First Clouds and handed them several copies of the Sword-Root Foundation Art manual, which he had them transcribe.
“What is this?”
“An External Arts training method? Fascinating.”
The swordsmen began examining the manual out of curiosity, but their expressions—especially those of the Third Clouds—soon grew serious.
‘To think such a secret manual existed?’
‘This is no ordinary training method.’
‘There was a reason why the Hall Master entered Closed-Door Cultivation alone.’
When they learned that Namgung Jun himself had created the Sword-Root Foundation Art, the Third Clouds looked at him with newfound admiration.
“Through the Sword-Root Foundation Art, we will temper our bodies and forge our individual sword techniques.”
“Forging our sword skills? Advice alone won’t be enough. You intend to do that through martial duels, don’t you, Young Hero Namgung?” Heo Il, who had caught on to Namgung Jun’s intention, winked and explained on his behalf.
Nodding, Namgung Jun continued. “However.”
He looked at the swordsmen gathered before him.
“I will personally oversee all the martial duels.”
At Namgung Jun’s words, the hall members’ eyes widened again. They had assumed that any martial duels would simply involve the higher-ranked swordsmen instructing the lower-ranked ones.
But the martial duels Namgung Jun had in mind were different. He intended to personally observe, adjust, and refine the swordplay of every single swordsman. This was the key to raising their strength to a meaningful level within the limited timeframe of three months.
It was a task that would be impossible with ordinary enthusiasm and stamina.
“Is that even possible?” Gong Jun-am, who had been listening quietly, asked.
Namgung Jun gripped his hilt with a confident gesture. “Of course. Everyone, prepare yourselves.”
The Heavenly Sword Hall’s training for the strength evaluation had begun.