72 - Heavenly Demon of the Huashan Sect

Chapter 72 "......!" The Grand Elder of the sect felt as if he had been struck on the back of the head. It was a stinging revelation. His words were true. The ultimate sword technique intended to decide the battle in a single strike. That's what he had been trying to create with his swordsmanship. "If that wasn't the case, there'd be no reason why it consists of only one move." With Chunhui's continued words, the Grand Elder slowly raised his sword. Following that, his entire body began to exude inner energy, different from the intense thunderous aura he had released earlier. It was an infinitely light inner force, as if a gentle breeze could carry it away. Yet, it was lethally dangerous. His inner energy seeped out, silently engulfing the surroundings, much like how a drizzle soaks clothes without anyone noticing, or how one might succumb to addiction. "Thank you. Because of you, I've regained the passion I had nearly forgotten." "......Tsk." Chunhui clicked his tongue. ‘I’ve once again made something beneficial for others.’ As they were talking, they connected so well that he spoke without thinking. But it had spurred an epiphany. ‘Still, it's impressive.’ It was not easy to discard something one had as a martial master of his caliber. Yet he boldly abandoned it. Trusting in Chunhui's words now. ‘I feel like I want to have a real life-or-death duel with him.’ As his eyes glowed with determination— Swish— The Grand Elder raised his sword high. Unlike the firm stance earlier, glaring gaps appeared as he pointed the sword tip straight at the sky. Rumble— Simultaneously, the previously permeated inner energy became heavy and oppressive. Even the thought of exploiting those gaps vanished under the immense pressure that left one empty-headed, as the Grand Elder opened his eyes. Then, the seemingly plain and thin blade seemed to swallow the sun in the sky— Slice— And in an instant, erased the world. In a brilliant white world, only the sword appeared to exist alone. A true manifestation of a hegemon. "This sword… this is truly…" The Grand Elder murmured unwittingly, realizing a situation he had dreamed of. "The sword of the emperor." As the world returned, the lake split open could be seen. Splatter— Looking down at the lake that parted to reveal the muddy bottom, Chunhui's lips twisted into a grin. "A sword technique that does not, indeed cannot, retreat." It was a fascinating sword technique. Even though he had given advice, this was a completely crazy technique. A one-way sword technique with no retreats, pouring all inner energy into a single sword strike, with a trajectory so simple. Honestly, there were many gaps and it was littered with flaws, seeming unimpressive even to other martial masters. But— ‘That's why it's powerful.’ A martial master of his level had poured everything to execute a one-strike technique with the sole intent of overwhelming the opponent. ‘Though it still has flaws, if refined a bit more, it could truly become a terrifying sword technique.’ Meanwhile, as he reveled in the thrill of his own swordsmanship, the Grand Elder sheathed his sword. "Did you reach the sword you've always dreamed of?" His face was full of fatigue from expending his inner energy, but his expression was refreshingly satisfied. Watching the lake, which had split in half and was quickly reverting to its original state, he approached Chunhui, bowing his head. "I have received great teaching from you." Chunhui showed a slightly surprised look. ‘I didn’t expect him to bow.’ Usually, as one ages and gains corresponding skills, their insistence on being right only grows stronger. But the Grand Elder acknowledged it. Recognizing he had received guidance. "I can’t estimate how to repay this grace." The Grand Elder approached, extending his hand. "I won't forget your kindness." Chunhui felt a bit burdened by his sincere gaze as he firmly shook both hands. “Were you planning to forget?” “Hahaha. How could I?” The Grand Elder laughed heartily. He was a man of his favor. Had it not been for Chunhui being a Taoist from the Mount Hua Sect, he would have tried to tie him in blood relations with his family somehow. ‘He could be a good friend to Jinkyung.’ As he laughed, he slightly opened his lips. “Is there anything you desire?” The same question as before, but with a different weight to it. “Martial arts.” “Martial arts, you say? Haha. Earlier, you examined my martial arts under the guise of a duel.” Truly the Grand Elder indeed. He had discerned the significance of their duel entirely. “You have quite an interest in martial arts.” “If one practices martial arts, wouldn’t they be?” “Even so, it’s rare to see someone so obsessed with martial arts. Most are too busy training in martial arts they've already learned.” The Grand Elder paused his speech and questioned. “Why hold on to martial arts so tightly?” Chunhui scratched his chin. Why was he so fixated on martial arts? Why indeed. When did it start? Seeking answers from the past, he went further back, briefly reflecting on his past life as the Absolute Heavenly Demon, simultaneously recalling the time he discovered the Absolute Dominance Technique, his eyes settling with a calm focus. ‘To survive.’ His voice was so low and calm, the Grand Elder didn't catch it and asked. “What did you say?” “I just wish to know all martial arts existing under heaven.” “……I see.” The Grand Elder tilted his head, finding the answer quite dubious, but seeing the changed atmosphere around Chunhui, he didn’t press further. “But, unfortunately, I cannot carelessly teach you my family’s martial arts.” “I understand.” Chunhui nodded. It was absurd to expect a sect to casually disclose its martial arts. “In that case, how about this?” The Grand Elder took out a plaque from his robe. It was an extremely old, wooden plaque with no discernible insignia. As he handed it over, the Grand Elder added a word. “If you meet people like me in the martial world in the future, this will be of help.” * * * Two days later, as the group prepared to leave the Namgung clan, they stepped out of the main gate. “Tsk. This is a bit much.” Chunyu, who was the first to step outside and scan the surroundings, clicked his tongue in disbelief. Typically, when visiting guests depart, members of the sect would see them off. But how was it now? At the gate, there was only the sentinel they had seen on the first day; no one from the clan was present to bid them farewell, leaving a rather bleak atmosphere. “It is quite harsh.” Gu Gyeomwi agreed. As Chunhui glanced around, he noticed the guardian soldier at the gate, displaying a rather disinterested demeanor. Leaning against the gate, the soldier seemed wholly uninterested in whether they were leaving or not. "Even if we've parted ways, we are still part of the same righteous sect, and you were our guests," commented Hyunjin with an incredulous tone, surprising given his usual quiet demeanor. It was clear he had been disappointed by his stay at the Namgung clan, contrasting sharply with his generally gentle and benevolent nature. "I never thought the Namgung clan would be so narrow-minded," another remarked. "I always heard that the Namgung clan's chivalry pierced the sky, but it seems those were all lies," someone else added quietly, beginning to voice their discontent. "Let's not dwell on this and complicate our thoughts. We should hurry on our way," Hyunjin guided them. As Hyunjin led them, ready to board the carriage with the Plum Blossom Swordsmen who had already prepared for departure— Creak— The Namgung clan’s main gate suddenly opened, revealing two familiar figures. "Chunhui, my young friend!" "Were you planning to leave without a farewell?" It was Namgung Jinkyung and the Grand Elder. Their appearances contrasted; Namgung Jinkyung had a large bundle strapped to his back, while the Grand Elder was empty-handed. "Isn’t that the elder who helped us on the first day?" "And why is the second son of the Namgung clan here?" "Could he be seeking revenge for losing to our junior?" The group, unaware of the events between Chunhui and Namgung Jinkyung over the past few days, looked on with heightened vigilance. "Not a single member of the Namgung clan is here to see off the departing monks of the Mount Hua Sect?" "This is quite unacceptable, even considering the current estrangement with the Mount Hua Sect." "Tsk, this is why I find them untrustworthy." Exchanging words while observing the barren surroundings, Namgung Jinkyung and the Grand Elder frowned and approached. "This is our second meeting," the Grand Elder said as he looked over the group, then approached the eldest-looking Hyunjin and respectfully cupped his hand in greeting. "Finally, we meet properly. I am Namgung Hansang." Surprised by the courteous gesture, Hyunjin quickly responded in kind. "I am Hyunjin." "Hyunjin, hmm, it’s a good name for a Taoist." "It’s nothing," Hyunjin replied modestly. "I thank you for your help back then. Thanks to you, we were able to enter the clan comfortably." "It was only right." The Grand Elder glanced at the confused sentinel. "I apologize for the poor reception from our clan. There was a time when we would see off our guests properly." He sighed deeply. Not that long ago, when he was the head, he ensured guests were given proper farewells. But now, this... "Sigh." The signboard above the gate inscribed with the words “Honor and Spirit of the House” seemed embarrassing. "I am truly sorry." The Grand Elder bowed to Hyunjin, who couldn’t help but smile slightly at the elderly man’s humility and sincerity. Although unsure of the old man's identity, the sentinel's reaction suggested he was quite a high-ranking figure within the clan. And for someone like him to bow and apologize sincerely eased Hyunjin's initial discomfort. 'Seeing this, perhaps the Namgung clan isn't entirely lost. But Namgung Hansang, the name sounds familiar somehow.' Meanwhile, Namgung Jinkyung, paying no attention to others, dashed towards Chunhui but hesitated as the Plum Blossom Swordsmen blocked his advance. "Why approach our junior?" "Seeking revenge for before?" As he looked at the Plum Blossom Swordsmen who eyed him sharply, Namgung Jinkyung awkwardly glanced at Chunhui. "I'm here to see off my friend Chunhui." "Friend...?" "Yes." The term 'friend' only fueled the suspicion among the Plum Blossom Swordsmen, who continued to glare at him. "Chunhui, could you clarify for us?" Namgung Jinkyung turned to Chunhui for help, clearly distressed. "Well, I don’t recall calling us friends," Chunhui replied. "Why do you say that?" Namgung Jinkyung looked crestfallen. "I've even brought gifts for you." He quickly opened his bundle, revealing numerous items, some of which were immediately recognizable as famous elixirs. "Is that He Shou Wu?" "And here’s Ginseng..." "Oh! That’s a Hand-To-Hand Glove! This kind of design is only found outside of the borders..." He examined the items spread before him and commented. "You've gathered quite a lot." Namgung Jinkyung scratched his head sheepishly. "I wasn't sure what you'd need, so I brought as much as I could." "I told him to prepare it all." Having concluded his conversation with Hyunjin, the Grand Elder joined them and spoke up. "Some of these might be useless, but you never know what might come in handy." "True enough," Chunhui agreed. "Feel free to discard what you don't need; they were meant for you regardless." The Grand Elder's smile was warm. Witnessing the exchange, as if the Grand Elder were treating Chunhui like a grandson, the group was slightly perplexed. "Did our junior have a connection with him?" "He must have met them while he was out during our stay." "To be on friendly terms with the second son and such a senior member, our junior certainly has wide connections." While they whispered, trying to piece together the situation, the Grand Elder leaned closer to Chunhui and whispered. "When you venture into the martial world, conceal at least thirty percent of your skills, if not seventy." "You sound like the headmaster," Chunhui replied. "Haha, I suppose even the headmaster is aware of you. Maybe even more than I do." The Grand Elder laughed heartily, and soon Namgung Jinkyung joined in. "Thanks to you, I've learned a lot." He seemed much different from the first day, his previously anxious demeanor replaced with confidence. "Could you visit our house again in the future? I'd like to show you how I've grown." "Next time?" "You won't?" Hmm, would there really be a next visit? No matter how much he thought about it, the possibility of returning seemed nonexistent. "I don't think that's possible." "You don't want to see me again?" Namgung Jinkyung looked disappointed. "The head of the house doesn't like me." "The head of the house?" Namgung Jinkyung seemed puzzled for a moment. The head of the house? "Oh!" He suddenly realized. The head of the house referred to his father, the head of the Namgung clan. "Haha." A dry laugh escaped him, followed by a sense of relief. "In that case, how about I visit the Mount Hua Sect? Would that be alright?" "That's something I can't prevent." If he's coming himself, what could I say? After all, it's not like I would tell him not to come. Hearing this, Namgung Jinkyung's face brightened with excitement. "Then, I'll visit in the future." "Sure." As Namgung Jinkyung reveled in satisfaction, the Grand Elder, quietly observing, added a word. "When that day comes, you can look forward to it." He gazed fondly at Namgung Jinkyung, who was clenching his fists in determination. It was as if he was entrusting everything to Namgung Jinkyung. "By then, this young man will have mastered the sword technique," he said. "That's something to look forward to."