Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Meeting (2)
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*Crack.*
As veins bulged on the back of Song Muk’s hand, Ouyang Jue was forced to raise his own internal energy.
‘Looks like he’s serious about fighting.’
Ouyang Jue knew quite a bit about the Clear Sky Sword, Song Muk.
After all, he had clashed with him many times in his past life.
Just as Liu Zhangming had looked at him as if he were insane when he first returned, he knew he was by no means a model Taoist.
In fact, he had never once heard a good word about himself, right up until the moment he left the mountain.
An underachiever, or a man of questionable character.
Despite these two flaws, the Mount Hua Sect had always looked upon him favorably.
Just as Bai Duanxian had hesitated to punish him after seeing the camaraderie between the sect brothers.
The Mount Hua Sect was uniquely susceptible to sentiment and held strong to its Taoist ways.
That was why, in his past life, he had caused all sorts of trouble right until he descended the mountain.
There was even a time when he had thrashed about in despair over his own shortcomings compared to his senior brother, Liu Zhangming.
‘I frequented the Disciplinary Hall as if it were my own living room.’
Had it been just over ten days since he and Song Muk had spoken of such things?
Ouyang Jue calmly sized up Song Muk.
In terms of ‘closeness,’ he was even more so with him than with his master, Bai Duanxian, or Liu Zhangming.
‘…So why would such a kind-hearted man pick a fight with me right from the start?’
To think that Song Muk, who would simply tell him not to do it again even when he got drunk and caused a ruckus in Mount Hua, would throw a teacup at him without warning.
There had to be a reason for this.
So, Ouyang Jue decided to play along with Song Muk’s tune for now.
*Swoosh.*
Ouyang Jue spread his feet shoulder-width apart and assumed a ready stance.
“Let’s have a go, Uncle-Master.”
“Haha, excellent!”
Song Muk’s voice was filled with a cheerfulness that could make anyone smile, but the fist that flew toward him was utterly dispassionate.
*CRACK—!*
The force of Song Muk’s punch sent a massive shockwave echoing around the Disciplinary Hall.
The internal energy contained within the shockwave felt like it was boring into his eardrums.
If Ouyang Jue hadn’t prepared himself beforehand, a trickle of blood would have surely run down from his earlobe.
‘He’s not planning on holding back, is he?’
*Grit.*
Ouyang Jue lightly ground his teeth. He finally understood Song Muk’s intentions.
He once heard Song Muk say this:
“To see a person’s true nature, you have to push them down by the back of their head.”
Ouyang Jue agreed with that sentiment to some extent.
If you held a blade to the throat of a man who preached justice, you could quickly tell whether he was a hypocrite or a truly good person.
The same was true for the pilgrimage every Taoist had to undertake.
How could someone who studied Taoist philosophy, mastered swordsmanship, and contemplated the Way on Mount Hua possibly adapt to the harsh martial world without a single coin to their name?
It was only then that a person’s true character was revealed.
“Whether they kill to take what they need.”
“Or use what they have learned to teach others and accumulate good deeds.”
Murder and evil deeds could enrich a person in an instant, while knowledge and good deeds were lucky not to leave one with an empty stomach.
And so, the Taoist on their pilgrimage makes a choice.
All while under the illusion that no one but themselves will ever know what they have chosen.
‘That’s the main job of the Disciplinary Hall.’
To meticulously analyze the actions of Taoists who have left on their pilgrimage and report directly to the Sect Leader.
Intelligence was a given, but one’s martial prowess also had to be strong enough to not be outmatched by anyone.
That was why the Disciplinary Hall could speak with a louder voice than the other halls.
And at their center.
The one who became the master of the Disciplinary Hall.
That was the Clear Sky Sword, Song Muk, famous for the legend of the ‘Slayer of a Hundred Villains.’
“Your thoughts are wandering.”
At Song Muk’s words, Ouyang Jue smirked.
“As are yours, Uncle-Master.”
As the fist closed in before his eyes, Ouyang Jue swallowed the rest of his words.
Presently, his pupils settled into a profound, tranquil stillness.
The Eye of Foresight.
It had once been used to intimidate the innkeeper's boy, but that was not its only use.
It was, for instance, the right to see first.
It allowed him to see an attack ‘first,’ provided it was one that distorted the air.
Even if Song Muk were to change the angle of his strike, as long as Ouyang Jue maintained this state, he could perceive it before the fist made contact.
His mental energy, diminished to a vegetative state, focused entirely through his eyes as he stared at Song Muk.
*Swoooosh…*
Ouyang Jue began to push Song Muk’s fist away with his right upper arm.
No, to be precise, he had intended to.
It was just that Song Muk’s reaction was faster.
“…Hmm!”
*Shudder!*
Feeling an instinctual threat, Song Muk retracted his fist and spun around, kicking at Ouyang Jue with his other leg.
*Thwack!*
A sharp impact echoed between the two Taoists, but Song Muk’s expression was stiff.
He felt nothing.
There was no sensation of flesh meeting flesh, not even the heat of a graze against the skin.
It was as if he had kicked something akin to a rock.
‘His skills have truly improved immensely. It seems he trained his body during his confinement as well.’
Just as Song Muk was marveling at this, a voice trickled from Ouyang Jue.
“How about we stop here?”
“I wonder. I was just thinking of using twenty percent of my power.”
“…Isn’t it more like thirty percent?”
“Ahem, ahem…”
He had tried to sound imposing, but Song Muk coughed awkwardly, embarrassed at having his bluff called by Ouyang Jue.
“And how did you know that?”
“Well, this kick hurt more than I expected.”
“…My apologies.”
He had certainly gotten too heated against Ouyang Jue, who had not even reached adulthood.
The telepathic messages flying within the Disciplinary Hall were not in his favor either.
-Don’t you think you’re going too far?
-Jue practically did the Disciplinary Hall’s job for it!
-Tsk, tsk. An elder should be cherishing a budding sprout, not beating him down.
Song Muk shot a powerful telepathic message back at all of them.
-Enough!
Song Muk’s internal energy was so immense that even Ouyang Jue, standing opposite him, flinched for a moment.
Ouyang Jue didn’t know the details, but he was certain that Song Muk had unleashed his true power.
‘An elder is an elder, after all.’
Ouyang Jue swung his arm, which was numb from the impact.
“Is that all?”
“…What?”
“The part where you were supposed to teach me a lesson. I’m asking if it’s over now.”
At those words, Song Muk quickly shook his head.
“I still have a mountain of things to teach a brat like you!”
“A cup of wine came flying at me out of nowhere and nearly cracked my skull… I mean, my head, and that last punch almost made my mind go blank.”
Ouyang Jue’s expression was so brazen that Song Muk was baffled hearing those words.
‘If he’s going to say something like that, he should at least pretend to have been scared.’
Song Muk retorted with a hollow smile.
“You certainly didn’t look like it.”
The smile implied that, seeing how calm he still was, the exchange must have been quite manageable for him. Ouyang Jue crushed that notion with a single sentence.
“What do you think will happen if I tell the Sect Leader about this?”
“…Hmph!”
Just the thought of it gave Song Muk a headache.
He maintained his dignity as the Sect Leader now, but back when he was a senior brother, he had been incredibly stubborn and difficult to deal with.
So what would happen if word reached Bai Duanxian’s ears that he had attacked his disciple without provocation?
‘Damn it.’
He would undoubtedly have to endure Bai Duanxian’s nagging for at least three days.
He should just apologize cleanly.
Once he made up his mind, the words came easily.
“Ahem, ahem. I was a bit excessive. I apologize for what happened. So, can you forget about it?”
“With just empty words?”
“Haha, Jue, how can a disciple of Mount Hua be concerned with material possessions…”
“I’m the type who doesn’t even drink without a side dish.”
“…Go!”
Unable to let such a remark pass as a Taoist, Song Muk shouted, and Ouyang Jue gave him a playful smile.
“Did you just tell me to go?”
“N-No, that’s not what I…”
“If not that, then what? I could have sworn you told me to go.”
At Ouyang Jue’s sly words, Song Muk finally exploded.
“What is it you want to say?!”
“Could you send me to a hermitage?”
What on earth was he talking about now?
Just in case, Song Muk asked Ouyang Jue.
“You mean… you want me to send you to one of the hermitages near Mount Hua?”
“Yes! For as long as possible!”
Other disciples were desperate to avoid being separated from Mount Hua, yet Ouyang Jue wanted to go somewhere else.
He even seemed to consider it a joyous occasion.
Song Muk’s face twisted as if he were looking at a bizarre creature.
“Is the hermitage coated in honey or something?”
“No, I simply wish to meditate. Especially given what I’ve done outside.”
At those words, Song Muk thought of Jo Hun.
“…If that’s the case, why not just do it on your own like Hun?”
“I’m doing this to steel my own heart, so please look upon me favorably, Uncle-Master.”
“Hah, well I’ll be.”
‘How am I supposed to send this one back?’
To Song Muk, Ouyang Jue was a troublesome disciple in many ways.
It was obvious he would continue to act without regard for the rules.
But, thinking about it differently.
‘Is there any Taoist who could adapt to the martial world faster than Jue?’
There was no guarantee he wouldn’t commit evil acts, but Song Muk had vaguely sensed it during their brief clash.
The passion that Ouyang Jue harbored.
And an internal energy purer than anyone else’s.
‘A hermitage, my foot.’
Song Muk made his decision. As he changed his mind, a dry laugh escaped him.
‘This kid is the perfect fit for the Nine Dragons Tournament.’
He once again resolved to strongly recommend Ouyang Jue for the Nine Dragons Tournament, which would be held in two weeks.
Just then, Jo Hun’s voice came from the distance.
“Senior Brother Ouyang!”
“…?”
“Carts have arrived from the Golden Ring Merchant Guild!”
He had expected it would take at least five days for the Golden Ring Merchant Guild to arrive.
‘They’re surprisingly fast.’
Ouyang Jue immediately brushed the dust off his robes.
***
After instructing the men to park the three carts next to the Reception Hall, Bai Chuan wiped the sweat from his brow.
“This should satisfy him.”
The image of Ouyang Jue was still seared into Bai Chuan’s mind.
He was truly a savior.
Not only had he brought down the corrupt Golden Ring Merchant Guild, but he had also handed it over to him, giving him a chance.
And what a chance it was.
Managing the finances of the Mount Hua Sect, one of the three great Taoist sects in the martial world!
This was the highest honor for a merchant guild, the best position to pass down to one’s children for generations to come.
And now.
As Bai Chuan actually stood in the Mount Hua Sect, his expectations swelled even further.
“They say Mount Hua is a truly sacred mountain. That saying isn’t wrong in the slightest!”
As Bai Chuan looked around in great admiration.
Ouyang Jue was inspecting the carts by himself.
He planned to grab a share for himself before a high-ranking person like an elder showed up.
‘He’s a sharp one, indeed.’
Ouyang Jue’s gaze swept over the three carts with satisfaction.
In terms of numbers, it was certainly a small amount for the scale of the Mount Hua Sect.
If the carts were filled with food, they would have needed to bring at least five times as much.
But the items Bai Chuan had brought were weapons, and better ones than what the Mount Hua Sect currently possessed.
*Shing!*
Ouyang Jue drew a sword that seemed to be made of high-quality iron.
‘The blade’s name isn’t bad, and its edge is decent enough.’
Compared to the Severing Manifestation, which was called one of the three great swords of the martial world, anything would fall short, but he quite liked this particular sword.
It was a masterpiece that showed traces of being crafted by a renowned master, even if not a legendary one.
“This one’s mine.”
Just as Ouyang Jue was secretly stashing the sword, Bai Duanxian, who had appeared out of nowhere, spoke to him.
“Jue.”
“Gah, you scared me!”
“What are you so startled about?”
“Ah, it’s you, Sect Leader. …Hmm? But what brings you all the way down here?”
“I heard you came this way.”
“You were looking for me? Why…?”
“One of the elders recommended you for the Nine Dragons Tournament.”
“The Nine Dragons Tournament?”
At those words, Ouyang Jue thought of the various hermitages near Mount Hua.
“Was there a hermitage with that name?”
“A hermitage? What are you talking about?”
Bai Duanxian said with his arms crossed.
“The Nine Dragons Tournament is a competition for the rising generation of martial artists who are nearing adulthood.”
“Oh, a competition?”
Ouyang Jue replied nonchalantly.
He had no intention of participating in a spectacle for a bunch of brats.
“Yes, and from what I hear, there’s a treasured sword at stake this time, so it will likely be a tough competition.”
“A treasured sword?”
“Yes, something called the Severing Manifestation. They say it was recently forged by a master craftsman. I don’t know how good it is, but since they call it a treasured sword, it must be quite…”
Before he could finish, Ouyang Jue exclaimed.
“I’ll definitely go!”
Ah, Severing Manifestation.
What a beautifully resonant name!
A radiant smile spread across Ouyang Jue’s face.
Just thinking of the Severing Manifestation made the sword in his hand feel like a wooden practice sword.
‘With that, even a sword made by a master craftsman would be nothing but scrap metal.’
A deep smile emerged on Ouyang Jue’s face.