Chapter 171
Chapter 171
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 171
Chapter Title: Divine Demon (1)
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"How about we continue this conversation somewhere pleasant?"
An unexpected meeting, an invitation amid turbulent times.
Ouyang Jue was highly wary of Zhang Yiguo's smile.
Chang'an, the heart of Shaanxi.
The fact that Zhang Yiguo, the Western Gate Commander of that city, had invited Ouyang Jue was likely to cause significant ripples.
Above all, this meeting was different from the usual.
Whereas Ouyang Jue had always been the one to approach Zhang Yiguo, this time, he had come in person.
Considering the pride of an official, it was surely a deliberate act disguised as a chance encounter.
"Somewhere pleasant, you say..."
Ouyang Jue glanced at Liu Zhangming, his eyes crinkling into a smile.
"I'm afraid I have a companion. My apologies, but would it be alright to postpone this for another time?"
"Ah, the Plum Blossom Cloud Dragon! It's you, Great Hero Liu!"
Zhang Yiguo's face immediately brightened as he approached Liu Zhangming.
In contrast, Liu Zhangming's expression was one of reluctance.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Liu Zhangming."
"Hahaha! I've heard of your great reputation, but this is the first time we've met in person. If it's not too much trouble, may I borrow Great Hero Ouyang for a moment?"
"Borrow him?"
Liu Zhangming's reluctant expression vanished, his face hardening.
Seeing this, a flicker of something sharp crossed Zhang Yiguo's eyes.
It seemed he realized this wouldn't be easy.
The experienced official's prediction proved correct.
"Commander Zhang, I don't know what business you have with my junior brother, but we are currently on our way to Huguang Province on behalf of our sect. As this might cause a delay, would you please understand our situation this time?"
A polite but firm refusal.
Despite Liu Zhangming's heavy tone, Zhang Yiguo maintained his usual pleasant smile.
Zhang Yiguo was only in his early thirties.
Though young to be called cunning, Zhang Yiguo's smooth demeanor was not something Liu Zhangming could easily dismiss.
"There's the matter I asked Great Hero Ouyang about last time, and several other important things to discuss."
"The matter you asked about...?"
"There was a strange incident in Mi County. That case..."
Zhang Yiguo glanced at Ouyang Jue, as if asking if it was alright to speak of it here.
At that, Ouyang Jue twisted one side of his lip.
"It's been a while. I suppose I could have some tea."
"Hehe, I anticipated this and have prepared some fine tea."
With a faint smile, Zhang Yiguo led the way.
Watching him from behind, Ouyang Jue let out a dry laugh before quickly erasing it.
'Just as the Omniscient One and the Mount Hua Sect are beginning to find common ground, I can't let bad news spread...'
But how did Zhang Yiguo know about that, and how was he using it to pressure him?
Ouyang Jue's surprise was all the greater because he had considered Zhang Yiguo to be just an ordinary official.
'Since I passed through Chang'an with the Omniscient One, it's a natural conclusion... but I don't like it.'
The moment Ouyang Jue took a step, a mental message from Liu Zhangming flowed into his mind.
-How long should I wait?
-It won't take long.
Ouyang Jue wiggled his fingers, loosening his tense muscles.
-Rest assured, there will be no delays, nor will I come to any harm.
At those words, Liu Zhangming quietly nodded.
* * *
Thud.
The office door closed, and for a moment, an unprecedented tension filled the air.
If one were to ask who was more nervous, it was undoubtedly Zhang Yiguo.
Ouyang Jue's martial arts had grown to a level that defied his age, and his reputation was renowned far and wide.
In contrast, while he himself was exceptional, he wasn't called a genius like Ouyang Jue.
Even with the backing of the government, the sword was always close at hand, and as was often said, the patience of a martial artist was short.
Zhang Yiguo tried his best not to show his nervousness.
"What would you like for tea?"
"I said as much outside, but I'm not particularly in the mood for it. I hope you understand."
"If that's the case, well, it can't be helped."
Zhang Yiguo shrugged and gestured for Ouyang Jue to take the seat of honor.
But Ouyang Jue declined the seat of honor and sat in a secondary chair to the side.
This single act became a silent protest, tapping against Zhang Yiguo's chest.
Zhang Yiguo let out a strange smile.
"Since you find it difficult to even enjoy tea, I'll get straight to the point."
"Please speak."
As he said this, Ouyang Jue quietly toyed with the hem of his Daoist robe.
His hand was close enough to draw Severing Manifestation at any moment, causing Zhang Yiguo's Adam's apple to bob.
"Truthfully, I wanted to ask your esteemed sect's leader directly, but there are too many watchful eyes and wagging tongues. So, I've been waiting for a first-generation disciple or an elder of Mount Hua to travel."
"And it just so happened to be me."
"That's about right."
Zhang Yiguo moistened his throat with the tea before him and continued speaking.
"I need to hear what will become of the martial world, and what action Shaanxi will take."
"...That is."
That was not for him to say. Ouyang Jue was about to give that answer, but Zhang Yiguo was quicker.
"The government is not so indifferent to the martial world. After all, Great Hero, you are one of its central figures."
"..."
"Great Hero."
As Zhang Yiguo pressed him again, Ouyang Jue realized he could no longer evade the question.
"I do not know what will become of the martial world. Perhaps only the Primordial Heavenly Lord knows. But one thing is certain."
"And what is that?"
"We do not seek the righteous order of the martial arts world, but simply peace in the lands. At least, that is what I and the Mount Hua Sect believe."
At those words, Zhang Yiguo's expression stiffened.
"How can a martial artist speak of peace in the lands?"
"It must sound ridiculous to you, Commander Zhang. While you are busy with matters in the northern and western regions, martial artists are busy fighting amongst themselves."
Ouyang Jue gave a self-deprecating smile.
It wasn't a smile meant merely for Zhang Yiguo; it was because he was recalling his past life as the Bloodhound.
Wars fought to chip away at each other's strength.
Conflicts to gain justification.
For Ouyang Jue, who had been born on a battlefield, lived as an orphan, and seen so much blood, it was utterly tiresome.
Wasn't that why he had resolved to live as a Daoist of the Mount Hua Sect?
When Ouyang Jue opened his eyes after a brief moment, there was no hesitation in them.
"I have no way to prove it, but I am sincere. I simply wish for an era of peace to dawn upon the lands."
"..."
Zhang Yiguo stared intently at Ouyang Jue's face, then let out a light sigh.
"Is that so."
"Do you have any further questions?"
"No. It seems the Daoist sects of Shaanxi are not aiming for subversion, so the government may be able to offer some assistance."
At that, Ouyang Jue offered a faint smile.
If the aid came not from Zhang Yiguo personally but from the government offices of Shaanxi, they would be endlessly free from supply issues.
However, the favor he just mentioned was not something Zhang Yiguo could decide on his own, and moreover, it was excessive.
As Ouyang Jue looked at Zhang Yiguo with a peculiar gaze, Zhang Yiguo waved his hand lightly.
"It is not an empty promise."
"It seems someone of a higher rank than you, Commander Zhang, was curious about the Mount Hua Sect's intentions."
To that, Zhang Yiguo neither confirmed nor denied.
He simply cleared the teacups with an indifferent expression.
From that alone, Ouyang Jue realized Zhang Yiguo was tacitly admitting it.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
"Take care."
After Ouyang Jue paid his respects and left the office, Zhang Yiguo let out a sigh of relief.
Just then, as if waiting, a presence stirred from behind the wall.
"Knghh... Performing the Turtle Breathing Technique at my age is quite difficult."
"The Plum Blossom Divine Dragon's level is so high, it couldn't be helped."
"That's a relief."
Wondering what he meant, Zhang Yiguo tilted his head, and the old man who emerged from the wall added.
"Because if the master of Severing Manifestation had been some weakling, I would have found it hard to accept."
"Master Craftsman Do, isn't it about time you returned to the Imperial Palace?"
As the time for the Eastern Depot to arrive drew near, Zhang Yiguo's voice grew quite anxious.
If Master Craftsman Do—no, Do Cheol—suddenly disappeared on a whim, the responsibility would fall on Zhang Yiguo.
Noticing this, Do Cheol clicked his tongue.
"Are you, a man, planning to end up as a mere commoner? Even with an outstanding mind, if your heart is weak, you'll never rise above your current station."
"What can I do? I am quite satisfied with my position now."
At Zhang Yiguo's smile, Do Cheol snorted, "Hmph."
"By the way, the hilt of Severing Manifestation had many fine cracks. The blade must be quite damaged as well, right?"
"My apologies. It was difficult for me to confirm that..."
"If you had tried to confirm it, you would have died."
As Do Cheol chuckled, Zhang Yiguo pouted and turned his head away.
Do Cheol's subsequent mutter echoed in the office.
"I hope to see his face in person next time."
His gaze turned toward the door through which Ouyang Jue had left.
Soon, the Eastern Depot arrived, and Do Cheol departed with them for the Imperial Palace.
* * *
About a week after Ouyang Jue and Liu Zhangming had been walking diligently.
They arrived in Huguang Province at a time when flowers were blooming among the sprouting leaves, and the place was teeming with martial artists.
Most were merely riffraff who had left their homes in search of fame, but among them were warriors who exuded an extraordinary aura.
The question, however, was whether they could maintain that aura against the Buddha-Slaying Divine Demon.
Ouyang Jue shifted his gaze from them to Liu Zhangming.
"I am Liu Zhang..., a second-generation disciple under Bai Duanxian of the Mount Hua Sect..."
'Is he practicing?'
It had always been a wonder how he managed to speak with such a confident tone at crucial moments, but it seemed such effort was behind it.
Every time Ouyang Jue saw it, he couldn't help but let out a dry laugh, yet at the same time, he was quite moved.
It meant that he held great pride in being a Daoist of the Mount Hua Sect.
So that he wouldn't tremble no matter who was around, so that he wouldn't tarnish the honor of the sect.
It was an act that perfectly reflected Liu Zhangming's usual character, so even if it was somewhat amusing, Ouyang Jue couldn't bring himself to stop him.
'It's just...'
'The problem is that a few of the riffraff with sharp ears have taken notice.'
Ouyang Jue sighed deeply as he watched the warriors approaching with quick steps.
"Well, to meet Great Hero Liu here!"
Though he said that, he glanced at their Mount Hua Sect robes to see if they were real.
It was the act of a petty man who had nothing to trust but hearsay and suspicion.
Liu Zhangming had long since noticed the man's gaze.
But he did not shun them.
"A pleasure. I am Liu Zhangming, who holds the unworthy title of Plum Blossom Cloud Dragon."
"Ahh... It's an honor!"
The warrior who said this studied Liu Zhangming's face for a moment, then gave an awkward smile.
"By the way... I seem to be older than you. Would it be alright if I called you younger brother?"
'What? Is this guy crazy?'
The moment Ouyang Jue's temper flared and he clenched his fist, Liu Zhangming gave a small shake of his head.
It was a signal not to lash out carelessly, no matter how rude the other person was.
-Even so...
-It would damage the prestige of the Mount Hua Sect.
After replying to Ouyang Jue via mental message, Liu Zhangming opened his mouth to answer the warrior.
"If you're comfortable..."
"You cur!"
Whack!
A fist suddenly flew out and struck the warrior's cheek.
The depth of the technique was so profound that there seemed to be no difficulty in striking one person amidst the large crowd.
It didn't even stir the robes of the people passing by.
"Keok!"
As the warrior coughed up a mouthful of blood, the man who had thrown the punch grinned.
"Even if we are a Daoist sect, shouldn't we stop someone who suddenly tries to act like a sworn brother?"
"...Ah, you're!"
Before Ouyang Jue could say his name, the man cupped his hands in greeting.
"It's been a long time since then, hasn't it?"
"Haha, hasn't it been two years already?"
"...Hehe."
The man straightened his crumpled Daoist robe and looked at Liu Zhangming.
"I am Master of the Dark Clouds, a first-generation disciple of the Kongtong Sect. You may also call me the Blue Cloud Fist Hero."
At this, Liu Zhangming gave a refreshing smile, and Ouyang Jue nodded deeply.
Destined to be called in the distant future, the Fist King.
A bud, destined to grow into a master no less than Liu Zhangming, was blossoming over these two years.