Chapter 231: Meeting Again
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UWOONG-
The sword resonated with a strong vibration as if sensing its owner Ximen Yue’s will.
Wind Blowing Sword.
Along with eldest son Gust Sword Knight Ximen Ang’s Wind Might Sword and second son Divine Wind Sword Talent Ximen Yu’s Wind Motion Sword, it was a treasured sword unique to the Ximen Family, called one of the Three Great Wind Swords.
Ximen Yue murmured while gazing at his own face reflected in the blade.
“If I obtain the Divine Martial Sword… You will become the new owner of this Wind Blowing Sword.”
Then Nu-heum, who was greatly delighted, bowed his head.
“Thank you, Young Master. However… Do you think the Divine Martial Sword is there?”
“Who knows.”
Ximen Yue, with those quiet words, briefly recalled a conversation he’d had with Yeom Sang-ah sometime ago.
-You would deceive your Father’s eyes and ears by joining hands with me?
-Yes. Well… It’s been a long time since I stopped thinking of him as a father.
-That’s unexpected.
-I knew early on. That someday when the time came, you would walk a different path from him.
-You pretended not to notice all this time to earn my trust?
-More than that… To be precise, it was to avoid Father’s suspicion. From my perspective, I risked my life revealing my true feelings to you.
-HUT. Quite a lot of interesting things are happening today.
‘Yeom Sang-ah will seize this as an opportunity. To stab a knife into the Sun Moon Demon Cult Patriarch’s back…’
They had already joined hands.
In other words, this was an opportunity he couldn’t miss either.
Therefore, regardless of whether the Divine Martial Sword existed or whether he succeeded or failed in acquiring it, he needed to actively utilize this situation.
‘HUT. I just need to make a false report.’
Ximen Yue was meticulously calculating what would happen next.
If he succeeded in securing the Divine Martial Sword, he would immediately coordinate with Yeom Sang-ah to seize control of Sun Moon Demon Cult’s main stronghold in the foreign lands.
A bloodless conquest.
Since the main military force had already gathered en masse at the Zhongnan Sect, it would be easy.
After that, he would intentionally leak information and wait while observing the expected bloodbath with the orthodox-heterodox coalition.
Whichever side won, he himself wouldn’t be harmed.
That was the best path.
Conversely, even if the Divine Martial Sword didn’t exist in White Peak Sword Sect, he planned to report that it did exist to the Sun Moon Cult Patriarch.
After all, the unexpected variable Cheol Ryu-heun had practically declared war on the Sun Moon Demon Cult, so bloodshed couldn’t be avoided.
Thus he would stimulate the Sun Moon Demon Cult Patriarch’s greed and ambition with a false report to further accelerate the timeline.
‘That old man will probably become obsessed with seizing the Divine Martial Sword and won’t back down. Since he dreams of becoming a peerless absolute being, he’ll mobilize all forces to obtain it by any means. Moreover, doesn’t he have the Enchanting Flower Sword of the Ten Great Heavenly Weapons? HUHUT. When that happens, I’ll read the situation appropriately and slip away. Even if the Patriarch survives the great battle, he’ll be exhausted, so I’ll quietly strike him from behind and annihilate him then. The fisherman’s profit… that too would be an excellent path.’
First and foremost, killing Cheol Ryu-heun was the top priority.
Only by doing so would he avoid arousing the Patriarch’s suspicion.
Soon, having organized his thoughts, Ximen Yue spoke.
“I’ll have to modify the plan to seize control of the main base after the final completion.”
“Yes. I suppose so. Since Cheol Ryu-heun has been making noise, this region will soon become quite turbulent too. There will be many watching eyes.”
“It’s not a difficult task anyway. If we just eliminate the core bloodline of the Family, they’ll fall into disarray…”
Core bloodline meant his half-brothers Ximen Ang and Ximen Yu, and his father, Family Head Whirlwind Sword Lord Ximen Jwa.
The biggest obstacle was one person.
One of the so-called Four Great Martial Fiercest of the Shaanxi region, Ximen Jwa.
But it was fine.
Because knocking him down was possible even without using Sun Moon Demon Arrival Technique.
‘HU, those Four Great Martial Fiercest types…’
Having inwardly scoffed, Ximen Yue spoke again.
“Anyway, it’s difficult to ignore the possibility that the Divine Martial Sword exists within White Peak Sword Sect.”
Then Nu-heum understood his intention.
“You mean… there’s something he’s relying on.”
“Yes, and that might be the Divine Martial Sword.”
“MM, he’s betting on a head-on confrontation relying on that power.”
“Probably. Though he’s said to have obtained the martial studies of Sword Emperor, Evil Emperor, and Martial Immortal, at the foundation there must be the Divine Martial Sword arranged by the previous generation’s Ascending Heaven Sword Dragon. That’s what he’s trusting. Surely Cheol Ryu-heun’s physical body itself couldn’t manifest wondrous applications at a level comparable to the Ten Great Heavenly Weapons?”
“Yes, well…”
The moment Nu-heum nodded, Ximen Yue handed something over.
“Take this. It’s time for you to take an additional dose as well.”
A blue pill.
It was Wind Spirit Great Azure Pill, a fine medicine that rapidly improves the internal power level of martial artists who have mastered the Ximen Family’s unique internal energy cultivation method.
A light of joy passed through Nu-heum’s eyes.
Historically, Wind Spirit Great Azure Pill was an extremely rare precious elixir that only direct bloodline members could consume.
“I’ve already eaten several thanks to Young Master’s consideration… Is it really alright to take this as well?”
“What are you saying. I originally intended to give it to you.”
“Young Master, thank you truly!”
“Of course. You’ve already reached a level surpassing Ang and Yu, but you shouldn’t be easily satisfied with that. HUHUT.”
“YES! Within two days, I will further elevate my personal achievements!”
Thus Ximen Yue and Nu-heum resumed training and advanced toward a supreme martial realm.
* * *
“Is… Is such a realm truly possible?”
A voice full of astonishment.
The person seated in the grand chair of the main hall wore an astonished expression.
He was an elderly man in his sixties, wearing martial attire with a brown background densely embroidered with patterns resembling shooting stars.
The person seated across from him nodded and answered.
“It’s true. Before long, rumors related to Sect Leader Cheol will reach here as well.”
It was Taoist White Cloud Sword Duke Cheon Mu, the current Sect Leader of Mount Heng Sect and one of the Two Dukes among Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province.
The young swordsman positioned right beside him also added quietly.
“Sect Leader Cheol stated that he would bring the Sun Moon Demon Cult to its knees with that amazing power.”
It was Mountain Shattering Sword Beon Sa, the rising swordsman representing Broken Mountain Sword Manor.
The elderly man seated in the grand chair had wavering eyes.
‘HEOH, unless they’re all bewitched by something…’
The elderly man was a famous unorthodox master in the Hunan region.
Ham Chong.
His alias was Starfire Sword Master.
He was the Sect Leader of the Falling Star Sword Sect, an unorthodox force near Mount Heng.
Taoist Cheon Mu spoke politely again.
“Sect Leader Ham… I hope your outstanding swordsmanship that flashes like shooting stars will be of help in this upcoming battle. Though we’ve been in frequent conflict as we’ve divided the Anling domain, that’s a separate matter, isn’t it?”
Then he took out a letter from his breast and showed it.
Ham Chong’s eye light sank heavily upon confirming its contents.
‘MMM, even that… With things having come to this point, I have no choice but to believe it.’
It was a letter from Jinjo Jeok-je, the Sect Leader of the Jackal Wolf Blade Sect with whom he’d always maintained a close friendship.
At that moment, Taoist Cheon Mu glanced at the young swordsman positioned beside the grand chair.
It was Falling Star Sword Chae Sa-rok, the rising talent representing Falling Star Sword Sect.
Having withdrawn his gaze, Taoist Cheon Mu spoke politely.
“I’ll apologize first for the past incident.”
Ham Chong then wore an unexpected expression.
It was an official apology for the incident where his disciple Chae Sa-rok had suffered a defeat at the hands of some mysterious Mount Heng Sect lay disciple.
“Taoist Cheon Mu, there’s no need to go that far in this setting.”
When Ham Chong showed an embarrassed look, Taoist Cheon Mu wore a faint smile.
“Since we have a great matter ahead, the intent is that we shouldn’t leave any grudges.”
Ham Chong’s face flushed red.
Shame.
It was because that incident from the past had been caused by Chae Sa-rok’s intentional provocation in the first place.
‘Taoist Cheon Mu’s character truly lives up to his reputation. He’s a great person.’
As the sect’s leader, Ham Chong apologized with an equally courteous attitude.
“I know that boy’s fault is greater. I hope you’ll release the anger in your heart.”
Then looking at Chae Sa-rok beside him, he scolded.
“OH! You too, hurry and offer words of apology! Don’t just stand there blinking!”
Chae Sa-rok, body flinching, quickly stood and offered a cupped-fist salute while bowing his head.
“SO-SORRY!”
Taoist Cheon Mu made a gesture and spoke while wearing a benevolent smile.
“HOHOHO. Sect Leader Ham. Actually, the lay disciple’s identity was Sect Leader Cheol.”
“……!”
“He was visiting our sect at that time.”
Ham Chong wore a blank look for a moment, then burst into laughter.
“HAHAHAHA! I never thought of that. Then the boy deserved to be knocked out in one blow.”
Chae Sa-rok also finally understood.
Why he, who had always been praised as a sword genius comparable to Dark Sword Fragrance Mun Bin, had been so pathetically defeated at that time…
Ham Chong wiped the smile from his face and changed his expression before speaking.
“Setting that aside, our sect will also actively participate. I’ll select elite personnel today and contribute to eliminating the demonic forces.”
“Thank you, Sect Leader Ham.”
“What do you mean… If we held back in this matter, wouldn’t everyone point fingers at us? We’re different from the corrupt Sword Seal Sect.”
Taoist Cheon Mu wore a pleased expression.
Falling Star Sword Sect’s scale was on par with the Dark Hall, which was counted among the top ten in all of Hunan Province.
With such a major combat force joining, it was extremely reassuring.
Beon Sa also felt proud.
The orthodox and unorthodox factions that had been at odds over big and small matters were now joining hands before the appearance of a common enemy of the martial world…
“Now, let me explain the plan from now.”
“I will listen attentively.”
Having exchanged glances, Taoist Cheon Mu and Ham Chong became of one mind and continued their grave conversation.
* * *
Having finished their talk and stepped outside Falling Star Sword Sect’s main gate, Taoist Cheon Mu smiled gently while looking at Beon Sa’s face.
“In any case, please convey my words well.”
It was a request for cooperation from his master, Blue Robe Sword Noble Do Yun, one of the Five Supreme Martial Experts of Hunan Province and the head of Broken Mountain Sword Manor.
Beon Sa responded with a courteous cupped-fist salute.
“Yes. I’ll explain personally and send a reply. However, the Master hasn’t fully recovered from his injuries yet…”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Taoist Cheon Mu cut him off and handed over a pouch.
“EH? What is this?”
“It’s a precious miraculous medicine of our sect that heals stab wounds in a short period. HOHOHO. Since a great matter has arrived, shouldn’t people of the same region help each other?”
“REALLY? Ah… For you to readily give something like this… I’m at a loss. I’ll definitely deliver it to my Master.”
“RIGHT, and I’ve also included a precious elixir for you to consume. That was arranged by Sect Leader Cheol.”
“……!”
“Apparently Sect Leader Cheol expects a second powerful prodigy like the Dark Hall Master. So take that and grow your strength as quickly as possible.”
Having finished speaking, Taoist Cheon Mu moved like the wind and vanished.
Beon Sa quietly mounted a horse, stowed the pouch, and gripped the reins tightly!
‘Sect Leader Cheol… I will live up to your expectations!’
When he waved both hands and shouted ‘Giddyup!’, the horse released its four hooves and galloped off.
* * *
Two days later, as the sunset gradually deepened.
Having finally completed their goal, Ximen Yue and Nu-heum ended their closed-door training and exited Divine Wind Hall.
When the two appeared at the training grounds, Won Song, including all of Swift Wind Squad’s Third Squad gathered and rejoiced.
But at that moment.
An unexpected guest suddenly visited this place.
The figure entering the training grounds guided by the gatekeeper.
“HM, there are some familiar faces.”
A voice as emotionless as his expressionless face.
As everyone’s gazes concentrated on the training grounds, Ximen Yue’s pupils created ripples.
‘That bastard is here…!’
The uninvited guest visiting the Ximen Family was none other than the new Sect Leader of White Peak Sword Sect, Cheol Ryu-heun.