30 - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

〈Chapter 30〉 Five Internal Organs - Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (3) * * * A night when the full moon ascended into the sky. In a secluded alley of the city, Mok Liwon drew his sword. Then, he lifted his gaze. ‘The moon is bright.’ The moon, settled upon a cushion of translucent clouds, looked down upon him. Beside it, the towering Huangshan stood firm like a loyal guard protecting an emperor. Mok Liwon smiled gently, adjusting his stance. He thought it would be a crime to miss training under such a magnificent scene. Saah— As he closed his eyes, a breeze caressed him. The cold night air settled over his skin, also seeping into his lungs. Mok Liwon distributed the refreshing air throughout his body, overlaying it upon the force that only knew how to be violent. As a result, a black aura of sword energy began to rise, and soon the sword began to move. A daily routine never missed since the day he first learned the sword. The sword dance began under the moonlit night. Swish— The motion of slicing through the air was notably slow. It was as if it were nearly at a standstill. Some might argue what kind of sword dance this is, but this was precisely Mok Liwon’s training method. He extended Mok Seon-oh's sword dance he once witnessed and focused on the movements of each moment to dissect the form of techniques. Then, he reassembled the scattered techniques to fit his own body. Thus, fully absorbing the martial art known as the Seven Shooting Star Swords(流星七劍). After putting his entire mental strength into completing this process, Mok Liwon calmed his breath and thought of a man. 'Namgung Un.' Changseong Sword Namgung Un. The Transcendent Peak Realm master of the Namgung Family he met earlier today. He imagined a duel with him. As he recalled, the image of a middle-aged man became distinct. Just by gazing, there was an oppressive weight pressing down upon his entire body. The man unsheathed his sword, raising a sword aura. 'The sword of the Namgung Family.' Mok Liwon had to imagine this upon the man, but he didn't know the martial art of Namgung. Therefore, he replaced it with the Samjae Sword Technique(三才劍法) for Namgung Un. Three fundamental sword forms that can be said to be the essence of all sword techniques, cutting vertically, horizontally, and thrusting. That much was sufficient. Swish— Mok Liwon sliced toward the imagined Namgung Un. Namgung Un executed the vertical cut known as Taesan 압정(壓頂). Thunk— Mok Liwon's sword tip, intertwined with Namgung Un’s sword, struck the ground. It was overwhelmed by Namgung Un’s force. One could argue how he could judge an unseen opponent’s sword so acutely, but that did not apply to Mok Liwon. Simply recalling the force Namgung Un projected when he faced him directly allowed Mok Liwon to grasp the weight imbued in this vertical cut. 'It's distant.' Yet, it was too distant. A towering wall stood between Namgung Un and himself. With just a single vertical cut, Namgung Un overwhelmed him; if he exhibited the full Namgung sword art, Mok Liwon feared he wouldn't be able to even breathe. Mok Liwon opened his eyes. Despite the despairingly vast gap, a smile lingered on his lips. 'That is what being Transcendent Peak entails.' Mok Liwon's eyes gleamed with desire. Having acknowledged all there was to acknowledge, he now needed to gaze toward the path leading there. 'It's not an insurmountable wall.' The wall of Transcendent Peak was towering. But it was not something that couldn’t be overcome. Why wouldn't it be? Recollecting the incomprehensible prowess occasionally displayed by those he shared childhood with, like Mok Seon-oh and Ma Ilsuk, Mok Liwon’s thoughts shifted, seeing Namgung Un’s seemingly towering might as an attainable realm himself. 'Transcendent Peak aligns with the Five-star stage of 성련 (成連).' Currently, he stood at the mature Three-star stage. Reaching the Five-star stage was possible by mastering all the Peak level martial arts and realizing their intrinsic truths. 'Of course, internal energy is necessary, but…' Regarding that aspect, he had no worries. Mok Seon-oh and Ma Ilsuk had emphasized “suppressing power” during his growth, and Mok Liwon’s talents in martial arts, coupled with the effectiveness of 성련신공 (成連神功), were exceptional. 'Master, indeed the Jianghu is vast.' Joyful, Mok Liwon raised his sword again. A strange sense of anticipation swelled within him as he prepared to perform the sword dance once more. What was it that he anticipated? It was evident. ‘The day after tomorrow is the banquet.’ The renowned successors, hailed as the Dragon-Phoenix of this generation. He felt an expectation that he could use them as a stepping stone to reach higher realms. Il-un, the Fist Dragon, he encountered earlier had martial prowess on par with his own. Rumor had it that most who bore the title of Dragon-Phoenix possessed such power. But that wasn’t all. —Namgung Jinchun, surely only Namgung can claim victory. Zhuge San uttered those words as if declaring it. Among the successors of this generation, none were as outstanding as Namgung Jinchun. There exists an insurmountable wall between him and the other successors. 'Zhuge, you don’t know.' With a smile, Mok Liwon dismissed the claim and began his sword dance. He had a strong competitive spirit. And a desire for growth. Finally facing Jianghu with his eyes open, Mok Liwon continued his sword dance, filled with a martial artist’s true longing. * Two days passed quickly. With eyes gleaming brightly, Mok Liwon entered the manor where the banquet was being held. Naturally, his attire was the gray martial arts garb he always wore. "Is it alright to wear that?" "Of course! Where is there attire more suitable than martial arts garb for a martial artist’s banquet?" That was something only he thought. Tang Hwaseo held back words that almost slipped out and awkwardly smiled. Meanwhile, a thought crossed her mind. '...Surely, any adornments would only draw more attention.' Mok Liwon was handsome. Too strikingly handsome. Even clad in such shabby martial attire, his appearance shone brightly, and adorning himself further would undoubtedly draw all the attention in the banquet hall to him. Recalling the black cloak he wore in disguise while fleeing the city earlier, Tang Hwaseo shivered. ‘Indeed, thinking about the aftermath of him wearing that cloak gave me no plan on how to handle it.’ --- **New Terms:** - 성련신공 (成連神功): Translated as "Seongryeon Divine Arts." This is Mok Liwon's martial technique renowned for its effectiveness. Alternative translations could be "Consummate Union Divine Technique" or the literal "Completion Union Divine Arts." - 성련 (成連): Translated as "Seongryeon." This is used as a name for a classification stage corresponding with the martial prowess, similar to "stars" or "stages" in other systems. - 삼재검법 (三才劍法): Translated as "Samjae Sword Technique" and refers to a foundational method in swordsmanship, emphasizing cuts in three basic directions. - 창성검 (Changseong Sword) and 태산압정 (Taesan 압정): Referred to as a specific sword style or cut described within the text in relation to Namgung Un. The translation retained the thematic core and concepts of martial arts practices, internal cultivation, and the societal hierarchy within the wuxia genre. Puns or wordplay weren't specifically noted, as the content was primarily expository regarding martial arts philosophies and practices. The terms reveal a detailed structure of power and growth integral to the narrative's setting and character development. There would undoubtedly be people salivating over him. Thinking about it made her head throb, and an unbidden surge of irritation flared up within her. In truth, there was no rational reason for her to feel annoyed about him drawing attention, not even a trace. But Tang Hwaseo chose not to dwell on it deeply. Or rather, it seemed she might have intentionally avoided such thoughts. Subconsciously, she was evading the petty truth she would face at the end of that contemplation. "Some people are already here. Can you see him over there, Young Master Mok?" "Hmm? You mean the person in the Taoist robe?" "Yes, that young Taoist over there. He’s the current face of Wudang Sect." Mok Liwon glanced at the man donning a white Taoist robe, sipping tea. As Zhuge San said, there was a serene aura about him like a tranquil lake. "He is Seonryong (仙龍) Hyun Gong. Essentially, the next strongest swordsman after Namgung Hyung in this generation." "Oh, if the character '仙' meaning 'Immortal' is part of his nickname…" "Oh, that’s because the Taoist is known for his carefree nature. He was given that nickname since he seemed just like an immortal." "Ah, I understand." Indeed, he maintained an unruffled calm as if dwelling in another world, unfazed by the surrounding commotion. Mok Liwon found it truly fascinating, watching him for a considerable amount of time, until their eyes met when Hyun Gong raised his gaze. "Ah." Hyun Gong looked at Mok Liwon briefly. Then, he gave a gentle smile and looked away again. Mok Liwon, who had been gazing blankly until then, snapped out of it at Zhuge San’s chuckle. "Just look at him, doesn’t he seem to be saying, ‘I have no interest in the secular world~?'” "Haha…." Mok Liwon felt a bit self-conscious. "Do you think it’s okay to approach and talk to him?" "I wouldn't recommend it. I've tried to converse with Seonryong a few times myself, but he doesn't seem inclined to listen. It’s like talking to a wall." "Hmm... that’s disappointing. I really wanted to discuss martial arts with him, the energy he emanates is so unique." "You can always discuss such things on the dueling stage, can’t you? Now, now, look over there instead." Zhuge San pointed in another direction this time. As Mok Liwon turned his gaze that way, Tang Hwaseo clicked her tongue. "Eh? Miss, what’s wrong?" "Nothing. I just saw someone unpleasant." Zhuge San laughed and spoke to Mok Liwon. "Oh dear, it seems the Madam isn’t pleased. Young Master Mok, that pale woman over there is Baekbong (白鳳) Hyeun, from the Emei Sect. Our Madam and she bicker every time they meet at the assemblies." "What do you mean bickering?" "Despite what Madam says, I assure you she’s quite bothered. Since they’re both from Sichuan and similar in age, people of the Jianghu always love to pit those two against each other in a rivalry…" "Do you want me to tear your mouth open to make you stop talking?" "..." Zhuge San promptly closed his mouth. Mok Liwon shrank back at Tang Hwaseo's chilling expression. 'Hmm, it's better not to mention Miss Baekbong.' Feeling as though he had gained another insight, Mok Liwon took one last glance at Hyeun. And there was. 'Huh?' Baekbong Hyeun was staring blankly back at him. "Young Master Mok." Tang Hwaseo's voice suddenly rang out. Mok Liwon quickly withdrew his gaze and looked at Tang Hwaseo. She was glaring at Baekbong Hyeun and her entourage with eyes flaring with intensity. "Don’t roll your eyes. More strange women will cling to you." "Strange women is a bit…." "Young Master may not know, but those Emei Buddhist nuns are so consumed by lust despite being monks. Some even indulge in sordid acts among themselves. They're not worth dealing with, so don’t even give them a glance." Gulp— Mok Liwon swallowed hard. ‘W, women with women….’ Amidst the stern imagination that arose, his fair cheeks turned rosy and, catching sight of this, Tang Hwaseo smirked derisively and glared at him with contempt. "Are you enjoying this?" "N-No! I wasn’t thinking of anything!" Mok Liwon shut his eyes tightly. For some reason, Tang Hwaseo glared at him, her rising annoyance and fury evident, before clicking her tongue and withdrawing her gaze. "Anyway, if that ‘Seductress’ approaches, come to me at once." "Seductress is a bit much…." "She is a seductress. Every year when she comes here, she chooses a man and devours him." "Hmm... such rumors are indeed widespread." Even Zhuge San affirmed, causing Mok Liwon to sigh heavily. 'I had such high hopes for the Emei Sect…' Mok Seon-oh had informed him thoroughly. The nuns of the Emei Sect were deeply devoted to Buddhism and possessed pure and genuine martial prowess. He mentioned that engaging in sparring with them revealed the depth of their martial arts. ‘Did my master lie to me….’ Mok Liwon’s face turned gloomy. In truth, if one were to be precise, Mok Seon-oh did not lie. During those days, the atmosphere was tense due to the Blood Heaven Sect conflict, and the nuns who engaged genuinely in battling evil embodied the essence of heroines. The current antics of the Emei successors stem from the influence of Baekbong Hyeun leading the sect. Of course, Mok Liwon, unaware of any of this, merely trembled with betrayal. “Such disappointment….” “Don’t be too disheartened. Well, aside from that seductress, there might be some outstanding heroines.” Tang Hwaseo watched Mok Liwon, who puckered his lips, with satisfaction. Amid their casual chatter, Mok Liwon suddenly realized something peculiar. "…Ah, now that I think about it, quite a few people have gathered, but no one is coming over to our side?" The place was bustling. Many martial artists from prestigious families had gathered and started mingling. However, no one approached where they stood. Pointing out this curious fact, Mok Liwon’s words were met with silence from the other two. "…." "…." "Miss? Zhuge?" Mok Liwon repeated with innocent curiosity, but the pair couldn’t answer him. It was only natural. Previously, Tang Hwaseo always maintained a sharp edge. Thus, there were none with whom she’d built amicable relations. --- **New Terms:** - 혜운 (Hyeun) and 백봉 (Baekbong): Translated as "Baekbong Hyeun," using "Baekbong" to highlight her association within the Emei Sect as a personification of purity or virtue, which juxtaposes her rumored behavior. - 선룡 (仙龍): Translated as "Seonryong," meaning "Immortal Dragon," highlighting his serene and transcendental nature, maintaining the mystique his presence brings to the scene. The translation strives to maintain the character dynamics, conveying Tang Hwaseo's irritation and her protective attitude toward Mok Liwon. The cultural and martial nuances are retained to reflect the interactions uniquely shown in traditional martial arts stories. The original tone is depicted, bringing the environment and their relationships to life effectively. Zhuge San's impudent demeanor had spread throughout the Jianghu. As such, there were no people eager to approach him first. To put it bluntly, they were the outcast group at this banquet. Sometimes, a simple, innocent question could stab deeply into one's heart. Tang Hwaseo and Zhuge San found themselves floundering, unsure of how to explain their situation, and an awkward silence stretched between them, threatening to last forever. Then, as if sent by the heavens, a lifeline appeared before them. “Ah, Monk Il-un!” Mok Liwon called out to Fist Dragon Il-un, who was entering the banquet. Il-un, spotting Mok Liwon and the other two, clasped his hands together with a bright expression on his face. He quickly approached them. Tang Hwaseo and Zhuge San felt a sense of relief at his approach, though this feeling would vanish instantly if they knew Il-un's true intent. ‘Must keep the Young Lord Zhuge from speaking.’ Since entering the banquet, Il-un had only one goal. To prevent Zhuge San from spilling anything about the incident two days prior. “Good patrons! It’s been two days since we met.” Il-un smiled gently.