66 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 66 “What did you say?!” Members of the Namgung family, seated around the room, abruptly stood up, pushing their chairs back with force. When it comes to loyalty, there is the Namgung family. And with the Namgung family, there is loyalty. But now, what? A person who doesn’t recognize kindness? Faces full of fury glared at Cheonhui, their eyes blazing as veins bulged from their necks in anger. “You impudent fool! Do you realize where you are and still dare to spout such nonsense?!” “Have you recently gained some petty fame and now see nothing around you?!” “How dare you insult this house...!” Their voices rose to a fever pitch, shouting at the top of their lungs. How dare a mere disciple from the Mount Hua Sect insult the head of the Namgung family, and in their own home no less. The anger of the onlookers was so intense, it felt as if it could pierce the sky. But then... “Who gave you permission to speak?” Namgung-in's words swiftly put an end to the clamor. The once boisterous crowd fell silent like mice, stifling their anger with gritted teeth. With just one sentence, Namgung-in seized control of the room's atmosphere and turned his gaze downward. “Did you say someone doesn’t recognize kindness?” Namgung-in’s sharp, chilling eyes were fixed on Cheonhui. Anyone facing that gaze would instinctively avert their eyes, recoiling under its icy sharpness. ‘What are you staring at?’ Rather than shrinking away, Cheonhui held Namgung-in’s gaze directly, refusing to look away. “I thought you were deaf, but it seems you heard me quite well this time.” In an instant, the air shifted. Though none of the Namgung family’s people dared to speak, an undercurrent of hostility slowly rose. The menace was palpable, like a single drop of water falling into boiling oil, threatening to engulf Cheonhui any second now in its heat. Just when the situation was about to spiral out of control... “I'm sorry, Head of the Namgung family. Could you please calm down for a moment?” Hyeonjin interrupted, sensing the escalating tension, and urgently offered his apologies. “My apologies.” “Our disciple is inexperienced in the ways of the martial world, which has led to this mishap.” “We’ve committed a breach of manners.” With his apology as the starting point, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen hastily chimed in, their voices slightly trembling. ‘As expected from the Namgung family…’ ‘I can hardly breathe!’ Though they were attempting to prevent a fight, the oppressive hostility from all sides felt suffocating. ‘……This is dangerous.’ Hyeonjin noticed that some of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were turning pale and once again bowed respectfully. “Our disciple is still young and lacks judgment……” But his words were disregarded. “Words carry weight.” Namgung-in ignored Hyeonjin’s intervention altogether. No, it was as if Hyeonjin simply didn’t exist in his eyes. His focus was unwaveringly fixed on just one person. The foolish young disciple who stood behind Hyeonjin, meeting his gaze without flinching. “A single misspoken word can breed long-standing enmity, and at times, it can determine the rise and fall of a sect. Especially in the martial world, those without power shouldn’t speak carelessly, you should know that.” “So you’re saying that having great power means I can speak recklessly as I please?” When Cheonhui responded flippantly, Namgung-in's eyebrows twitched noticeably. “……Do you claim to have the power to bear such responsibility against this family?” Cheonhui swept his gaze over everyone present in the Namgung family’s hall. This should be enough… “Plenty.” The air fell silent in an instant. Namgung-in observed Cheonhui quietly with cold eyes and spoke in a frigid tone. “Bold indeed.” “It's simply the most natural thing.” “Natural, you say?” As Namgung-in scrutinized Cheonhui, determined not to lose the exchange, a figure swiftly interjected. With a dazzling display of lightness technique, a young man appeared in front of Namgung-in and Cheonhui. “Father, allow me to hold him accountable.” “You mean, you?” “Yes.” Namgung Jin-gyeong, the second son of the Namgung family, suddenly turned around. Who is he now? Cheonhui regarded Namgung Jin-gyeong, who met his gaze squarely. Suddenly, Jin-gyeong clasped his hands together in a respectful salute. “I request a duel with the junior disciple.” “No, that cannot…” Before the alarmed Hyeonjin could interrupt, Cheonhui quickly interjected. “That sounds good to me.” * * * On the Namgung family’s training grounds. With Cheonhui and Namgung Jin-gyeong standing opposite one another, tension filled the arena, the air electric with anticipation. “Teach him a lesson, Second Young Master!” “Second Young Master!” As expected of the Namgung family, the cheers were overwhelmingly in favor of Namgung Jin-gyeong. “Who would have thought it would come to this.” “Sigh, disciple…” The deafening cheers nearly overwhelmed Hyeonjin and the rest of the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, making them shrink back. “Master, will it be okay? This disciple was sick until not long ago…” “Master, we must stop the duel immediately!” As the Plum Blossom Swordsmen fretted anxiously, Hyeonjin's expression darkened. Each word aligned perfectly with his own concerns. However... “It’s too late.” The moment Cheonhui accepted the duel, there was no reason to intervene, nor a way to stop it. ‘Sigh. It seems he’s truly angered.’ He understood the feelings of the Namgung patriarch. A young disciple openly insulted the patriarch to his face. And in front of all the household members no less. Put in his shoes, even he would feel incensed. ‘But isn’t this a bit excessive, Head of the Namgung family?’ His attention drifted back to Namgung Jin-gyeong. The Celestial Sword Dragon, Namgung Jin-gyeong. His broad shoulders and the muscles visible through his attire seemed as solid as forged iron. Though not excessively tall, his robust build made him appear larger than even the taller Cheonhui. ‘And it’s not just that.’ A line of sweat formed on Hyeonjin's forehead as he watched. ‘Such impressive presence.’ It was no wonder he was considered one of the renowned Five Dragons and Four Phoenixes among the exceptional talents of the Bicheon Society’s new generation. His presence alone was formidable, living up to his reputation with an overflowing aura of strength and vigor. ‘It must’ve been deliberately arranged by the Namgung patriarch.’ Hyeonjin’s brows furrowed. A duel for accountability, they called it. The situation seemed to unfold exactly as the Namgung patriarch intended. “The opponent is none other than the Celestial Sword Dragon. Can our disciple even withstand...?” This remark provoked an outburst from Hyeonjin. “I know that too!” The normally unshakeable Hyeonjin losing his composure left the Plum Blossom Swordsmen visibly startled. “Master?” “I’m aware that it’s nearly impossible for Cheonhui to stand against the Celestial Sword Dragon. But what can we do about it? Cheonhui accepted the duel!” Emotions that Hyeonjin had tightly suppressed erupted, and he thumped his chest in frustration. Though he hadn’t openly expressed it, he too was anxious and greatly vexed. The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, having been momentarily talkative, now fell silent, eyes cast downward. “For now, all we can do is hope nothing happens during the duel...” With a hand over his face, Hyeonjin murmured in resignation. “...Let’s quietly wait for the duel to end. But just in case...” Hyeonjin blinked at the Swordsmen and spoke in a hushed tone. “Be prepared to intervene if anything happens during the duel.” “...!” The Plum Blossom Swordsmen snapped their heads up, resolve rekindling in their eyes. It was the directive they had been waiting to hear. With tense expressions, they readied themselves to draw their swords at a moment’s notice, affirming their readiness. “Yes, understood.” “We’ll be poised to act at any time.” Meanwhile, Cheonhui stood on the opposite side, casting a glance at Namgung Jin-gyeong, who held a wooden sword. ‘Who would have thought I’d see the Namgung family’s martial art before that of the Nine Great Schools.’ The situation was unfolding quite peculiarly. His journey to the Martial Alliance was to witness the martial arts of orthodox sects. But now, he was facing off with the Namgung family, unrelated to the Martial Alliance’s sects, within the Bi-cheon Society. ‘What martial arts will he display?’ Cheonhui recalled the Namgung family’s martial arts techniques from memory. Though many techniques came to mind, it was their swordsmanship that intrigued him the most. The likes of the Boundless Celestial Sword Technique, the Taeyeon Sword Technique, and the Heavenly Wind Sword Technique... ‘They were impressive sword techniques even back then.’ Cheonhui’s lips curled into a smile full of curiosity. ‘Since the Namgung family hasn’t fallen like the Mount Hua Sect, their techniques must have advanced even further, right?’ At that moment, Namgung Jin-gyeong offered a salute. “I am Namgung Jin-gyeong of the Namgung family.” “Ah, I am Cheonhui of Mount Hua.” After receiving the greeting, Namgung Jin-gyeong released the salute and drew his sword. Srrring— He wasn’t the second son of the Namgung family for nothing—the sharpness of his sword was evident, a testament to its quality. “For this duel, I plan to use the Lightning Thirteen Sword Strikes.” As he spoke formally, he stepped forward with his left foot and raised his sword. In that instant, Cheonhui’s eyes sparkled. The Lightning Thirteen Sword Strikes? A new sword technique? It was a name he had never heard of in either life. What kind could it be? Fast strikes, perhaps? Cheonhui grinned, thrilled at the prospect of observing a new technique. “What martial arts will you use, junior?” “I haven’t really decided...” Cheonhui pondered for a moment before drawing his sword. “Well, I suppose I’ll use the Six Harmony Sword Techniques.” “The Six Harmony Sword Techniques...?” Namgung Jin-gyeong’s left eyebrow twitched. The Six Harmony Sword Techniques were such common knowledge that even street urchins knew them—a third-rate swordmanship at best. Yet he intended to rely on them? “You won’t use a more advanced technique? I’ve heard the Plum Blossom Sword Techniques of Mount Hua are renowned.” “If it’s needed, I’ll use it.” Namgung Jin-gyeong’s expression twisted in contempt. “Such rudeness. I will teach you a lesson for that arrogance today.” His tone shifted, and with it, his sword lit up. The speed of his strike was such that a shadow was visible only after the thunderous sound of it slicing through the air. But Cheonhui lightly deflected the descending Lightning Thirteen Sword Strikes, directing them aside with a slight movement. “...!” Namgung Jin-gyeong’s eyes widened in disbelief; he hadn’t expected Cheonhui to truly deflect his strike. However, he quickly regained his composure. Immediately, he withdrew his sword and launched another relentless assault on Cheonhui. Ten exchanges transpired in a brief interval. ‘Did he split the air to create thunder?’ Cheonhui parried the strikes, silently analyzing Namgung Jin-gyeong’s technique. It was a swordsmanship that deftly utilized thunderous power, often deemed too wild and difficult to handle. ‘Hmm. I should observe a few more times.’ Deliberately, Cheonhui just narrowly evaded the incoming sword strokes, studying them intently. “Ugh!” “Cheonhui!” The Plum Blossom Swordsmen, unaware of Cheonhui's intentions, winced with each near-miss of the strike. “...Did he, did he dodge?” “Phew—” Relief washed over them when Cheonhui dodged, but only temporarily, as the tension mounted even further. Namgung Jin-gyeong’s sword attacks grew fiercer by the second. “Will he be alright?” “The opponent's assault is only getting faster. Although he’s dodging now, at this rate...” Sweat beaded on the foreheads of those watching the duel, forming due to nerves. Namgung Jin-gyeong’s swordsmanship was astonishingly fast and exuded excellence. Undoubtedly challenging, even for them, to face. Yet, remarkably, Cheonhui continued to evade. “As long as he doesn’t get hit in a critical area...” “Dodge it!” As each of Cheonhui’s actions caused a collective sharp intake of breath, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen remained fixated on the duel. “Master! I can’t bear this any longer. Isn’t it better to act first rather than wait for something bad to happen?” Gugyeomwi, unable to watch any longer, finally spoke up. There was a constant sense that Namgung Jin-gyeong’s piercingly swift strikes might find their mark with Cheonhui at any moment. “We can’t. Acting first will only provoke the Namgung family.” Hyeonjin replied in a hoarse voice. He too wanted to jump in immediately. However, doing so could escalate the situation into a life-or-death battle beyond merely a duel. Just as they were choosing to wait... “Hmph! Dodging like a nimble squirrel, aren't you?” Namgung Jin-gyeong sneered at Cheonhui, who seemed to do nothing but avoid his attacks. “But how long can you keep dodging?” Namgung Jin-gyeong’s attacks grew even more intense. Swish— Swish— The sword strikes were now even faster. Yet, Cheonhui dodged them easily, wearing a bored expression. ‘There’s nothing more to see here.’ While the Lightning Thirteen Sword Strikes were certainly a remarkable technique, the one executing them, Namgung Jin-gyeong, lacked the necessary skill. Lightning, thirteen, and sword thunder. Executed properly, it should rain down thirteen strikes with the speed of lightning. But what was this? It was insultingly slow to be called lightning, and far too few to be thirteen. As for sword thunder, there was none. All that existed was the clumsy flailing of a blade, trying desperately to mimic speed. ‘In the hands of a skilled practitioner, it might have been formidable…’ With his curiosity entirely gone, Cheonhui intercepted the incoming sword for the first time. Clang! The sharp sound as if metallic dreams shattered resounded, and Namgung Jin-gyeong’s sword and body were flung backward. “How could he repel the Lightning Thirteen Sword Strikes...!” Namgung Jin-gyeong was left bewildered, seeing Cheonhui not only confront the attack but completely counter it. “Well, it’s a duel, so I can’t kill him.” Cheonhui muttered under his breath as he stepped in. “No choice, I suppose. Brace yourself.”