Chapter 451: Pieces Gradually Fitting Together
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At last, Cheol Ryu-heun clearly realized the inside story regarding the clan extermination of Namgung Family.
‘So that’s how it was.’
Didn’t Wang-ryu just mention Ou Yezi’s sword?
That meant the late Namgung Si-ryang had acquired and stored that blade.
Looking at it now, the objective of the Heaven Emperor Society gang at that time wasn’t just one thing.
In addition to testing their fighting force against Namgung Family, they had also launched the raid to steal Ou Yezi’s sword.
He still didn’t know which of the swords Ou Yezi had made it was.
Before the dreadful death of Patriarch Namgung Si-ryang, the Namgung Family martial artists individually lost their will to fight.
“Keo!”
“Aaak!”
Screams, more screams……
Thus the prestigious sword house ranking among the best in Orthodox martial arts fell into an abyss of no recovery.
Cheol Ryu-heun suddenly thought of one person’s face.
Blue Sky Sword Saint Namgung Je.
The peerless martial artist who was the starting point of Namgung Family history and had owned the supreme divine weapon, the Divine Martial Sword……
Thinking about it again, the talent Namgung Je possessed was outstanding.
He was a person fully qualified to bear the grand title of Blue Sky Sword Saint.
He had proven his one body’s genius martial ability clearly by creating the house’s various sword art masterworks, starting withAzure Heaven Great Evolution Sword Art, then Heaven Shattering Sword Style, Four Imperial Arts Sword Technique, Heaven Stream Splitting Cloud Sword Art, and more.
He had even operated the divine energy dormant within the Divine Martial Sword.
Though that couldn’t compare to the peerlessly strongest five in martial arts history.
Still, excluding spiritual communication with the Divine Martial Sword, it was essentially a level of complete mastery.
If Blood God Mu-wol hadn’t appeared, he would have been recorded as the undisputed hegemon of Jianghu.
Even so, he established himself as the peerless supreme expert within the Orthodox faction of that era and made his name resound.
Here and now, what if it had been Namgung Je instead of Namgung Si-ryang?
No.
There probably wouldn’t have been much difference.
Even he would have found it difficult to prevent this clan extermination.
Above all, because of the powerful existence called Black Tortoise Divine General Wang-ryu of the Four Divine Generals of Heaven Emperor Society.
Before they knew it, only the stillness of death filled Namgung Family.
Cheol Ryu-heun sank into contemplation as he viewed that scene.
Even for the indifferent him, it was a scene where he couldn’t help feeling regret.
His connection with Namgung Sang-rin, a descendant of Namgung Je, must have influenced that.
But such feelings were only momentary.
In any case, this couldn’t be undone.
Because the tragedy he was seeing now was an event that had happened long ago.
However.
Revenge in place of Namgung Family’s resentment was possible.
He was here, Namgung Sang-rin was here, and there were comrades too.
It was something they could all accomplish by combining their strength.
Wang-ryu now had no path to survival.
Though he was enduring with innate vital energy, death was already foreseen.
Could eliminating him alone be called successfully avenging Namgung Family?
Nonsense…… It would only end when they killed and eliminated the chief culprit who had triggered all this, the fundamental evil enemy, the Heaven Emperor Society Lord.
Indeed, it couldn’t be called successful revenge without that.
Was it just Namgung Family?
Cheol Ryu-heun’s own revenge was included too.
Furthermore, many grudges were tangled up in the name Heaven Emperor Society.
Knowingly or unknowingly, the revenge desires of individuals and groups were entangled like a complicated skein of thread.
The only way to unravel that was the complete death of the Heaven Emperor Society Lord.
It was essentially a large-scale march of revenge that combined Orthodox, Demonic, and Evil factions.
Suddenly, he recalled the conversation he had exchanged with the divine being.
Just yesterday.
-You did quite splendidly. To overcome difficulties by fighting against the incarnations of anguish with the power unique to the Ten Directions Ghost Road Lost Soul Formation added…… Are you satisfied?
-Well, I shouldn’t be satisfied with just this. Still, I’ve achieved a preliminary objective.
-The path of the mind is endless. Whatever one pursues……
-Enough with the presumptuous teachings. Now speak honestly of what you want.
-You must stop it. That’s why I provided help.
-So you mean the summoning of the otherworldly demon god?
-It is an existence that disturbs order. If left alone, it will become a calamity.
-Cheol Ryu-heun earlier said it was difficult to answer, but I’ll ask bluntly. It’s hard for heaven to intervene in that matter, isn’t it? So you’re trying to use me to stop it?
-Yes, I’ll also speak without beating around the bush. A god is also a being belonging to the order of great nature. Therefore, one cannot freely come and go between heaven and earth. If certain conditions are met…… Only then does intervention become possible.
-Certain conditions…… Well, for example, a kind of catastrophic omen such as the human world beginning to collapse?
‘Somehow it seems to be connected. With the meaningful words Heavenly Demon said back then……’
He remembered Heavenly Demon’s words.
-Find your name. Before the constellation of world-destruction opens the path first……
Catastrophic omens presumed to be the collapse of the human world, a constellation to destroy the world.
Words heard coincidentally on the same day.
Could it perhaps mean the Heaven Emperor Society Lord?
Cheol Ryu-heun, recalling that, keenly felt that an unprecedented blood chaos was approaching.
The arrival of an age of chaos.
A stage where Heaven Emperor Society’s sinister ambition and the revenge desires of Orthodox, Demonic, and Evil martial arts would violently collide……
If he waited and watched, he would find out.
Whether that Heaven Emperor Society Lord was truly an existence symbolizing ‘destruction’ or not.
Wang-ryu, having sheathed his sword, looked at the gathered subordinate personnel and spoke.
“Go find The Gongbu Sword.”
After a bit of time passed, one wind-cloaked figure brought a sword.
Wang-ryu, examining it, suddenly smirked.
“Hut. The Sword form matches the ancient blade register. To think this valuable object was being stored at the lowly Namgung house. Now, the mission is complete. Let’s leave this place.”
In the midst of the wind-cloaked group moving in perfect order.
“At last, I’ve obtained the final piece. The Divine weapon surpassing the Divine Martial Sword will finally be completed.”
Wang-ryu’s murmured soliloquy from that time was conveyed to Cheol Ryu-heun.
‘The final piece. So that Sword was made after this happened.’
Having spoken inwardly, Cheol Ryu-heun immediately thought of a plain iron sword.
The one that vagrant swordsman had owned in the past……
At that instant, his field of vision changed to pitch-black space.
A transition of scenes.
Following that.
SEUSEUSEUSEUSEUT……
Light reminiscent of mist spread and another fragment of memory appeared before his eyes.
A rectangular inner chamber.
The room revealed from Wang-ryu’s perspective was truly luxurious.
From furniture to ceramics, everything in the room was high-class.
Yet.
While the inner chamber’s exterior was luxurious, the general atmosphere seemed like a secretive space.
The atmosphere gave that impression.
In front, a bed wrapped in long cloth was visible.
One person was lying there in a comfortable posture.
But due to the wrapped cloth, their appearance wasn’t clearly visible.
However.
Cheol Ryu-heun discerned who that person was.
‘The Heaven Emperor Society Lord.’
As expected.
Wang-ryu, having shown proper courtesy, spoke toward that direction.
“I have come to report.”
The shadowy figure beyond the cloth waved a hand dismissively.
“I know. A report has already arrived from central heaven tower. The whereabouts of the zhanlu sword are still unknown, they say?”
At that sound, Wang-ryu spoke with a flustered manner.
“Ah…… Yes. I’m truly sorry. My Lord.”
As expected, the identity of the shadowy figure was the Heaven Emperor Society Lord.
Wang-ryu, having bowed his head, continued in a quiet voice.
“It seems someone moved first without our knowledge. Otherwise……”
Right then, the Heaven Emperor Society Lord said.
“You suspect the Grand Marshal?”
“Yes. I wonder if false information was spread from the start to make us go on a fool’s errand. Shall I deploy additional spying personnel?”
“Leave it. It’s not an item I absolutely need Anyway, so just leave it. You could needlessly have your tail stepped on. The Grand Marshal is one who has experienced all hardships. It won’t do to underestimate his skill.”
“Yes…… You’re saying it’s a time to be cautious.”
“That’s right.”
The Heaven Emperor Society Lord, having nodded slightly, spoke again.
“I will urgently go out tomorrow. Know that.”
“You mean you’re going out alone? Suddenly, for What reason……?”
“What reason do you think?”
At the Heaven Emperor Society Lord’s counter-question, Wang-ryu let out an exclamation.
“Ah……!”
He had quickly grasped the meaning hidden in those words.
“At last, the ancient spiritual Awakening stone has shown a reaction.”
“Congratulations. You’ve finally identified the Divine Martial Sword’s location.”
“The Sect Master of White Peak Sword Sect, he currently possesses the Divine Martial Sword. Now I must meet him. And test the mighty efficacy of the newly born Divine Sword.”
“White Peak Sword Sect’s location is near Baek Province in the Hunan region…… You’ll arrive there in three or Four days.”
“It is rather regrettable.”
“Hut. Yes, I understand What you mean. If that owner had been a formidable warrior, he would have been a quite splendid test subject……”
“Indeed. Hence, I plan to focus only on destroying the Divine Martial Sword.”
“The result of that matter won’t differ from expectations.”
“Of course. The only fate the Divine Martial Sword will meet is destruction…… Henceforth, this Seat’s Sword is the foremost among Divine weapons.”
“I believe without doubt. My Lord.”
“You may go now. There are many eyes watching from various places, so you mustn’t keep leaving your post.”
“Yes. Then I shall take my leave.”
Thus Wang-ryu exited through the door and let out a quiet voice.
“Hmmm…… By the way, where did the zhanlu sword disappear to? It was a mission I thought would be easy, yet to fail……”
* * *
A humble house in the forest.
A man stood in the narrow yard with his hands behind his back.
It was Ju Yu-gang, who had been part of the Imperial Guard but had to hide his identity and take office as the County Magistrate of Wuyang.
In that midst, metallic sounds rang out in succession from the far side of the forest.
-Chaeng…… Chaechaeng…… Chaeng…… Kkang…… Kkakkang…… Kkang…… Jjeong…… Jjeojjeong…… Jjeong……!
Had a fight broken out?
But Ju Yu-gang was simply composed.
In truth, it was the sound of honing martial arts.
Precisely, sparring.
Indeed.
Someone was engaged in a match while honing their martial arts.
Then the noisy metallic sounds suddenly stopped abruptly.
Immediately after.
TATATATAK, TATATATAK……!
The sound of someone running while treading hard on the ground drew closer to his ears.
The moment Ju Yu-gang turned his head, a rugged-looking sturdy man entered the yard.
“County magistrate, I succeeded! It took roughly half a sigin!”
A man in his thirties showing an excited expression… It was none other than Yasha Squad Leader Tae Sa-ja.
He was currently training his martial arts separately from his squad members.
Ju Yu-gang, meeting his gaze, spoke.
“What? Half a sigin?”
His brow furrowed slightly.
Seeing that, Tae Sa-ja cautiously spoke up.
“Yes, Yes…… Ah, Um…… Did something go wrong? Sir.”
“Hmmm. Yes, something was wrong.”
Ju Yu-gang’s brow was still furrowed.
Tae Sa-ja, having flinched his body, scratched the back of his head with a flustered expression.
“I’m, I’m sorry. Since my skill is lacking……”
“No.”
When Ju Yu-gang shook his head, Tae Sa-ja’s eyes grew round.
“Pardon?”
“I said it with a different meaning.”
“A different meaning……”
“Hut, it meant my misjudging your rapid growth rate was my fault.”
“Ah! Th, then……!”
“Yes, you did very well. You shortened the expected time. Much more splendid than I thought.”
“Ah! Th, Thank you!”
Tae Sa-ja, having bowed his head, grinned broadly.
He had earlier engaged in sparring with Sub-Commander Ban Bu-bong of Wuyang Command Post as part of martial arts training.
The goal Ju Yu-gang had set was complete victory in a spar similar to actual combat.
Actually, Ban Bu-bong was the top-tier expert within Wuyang Command Post, so he had expected a draw.
Yet Tae Sa-ja had won in just half a sigin.
Even for Ju Yu-gang, it was quite a surprising result.
“So, how many exchanges did you win after?”
“Approximately fifty exchanges.”
“You both used pinnacle internal power?”
“No.”
“……!”
“I was worried Sub-Commander Ban might get hurt, so I sparred while somewhat conserving power.”
At that sound, Ju Yu-gang clicked his tongue again in amazement.
“Heo…… Truly astonishing. Now, confess Honestly. If you operated pinnacle power, how many exchanges would it take to subdue him?”
“Perhaps around ten exchanges…… Isn’t it?”
At Tae Sa-ja’s words, Ju Yu-gang laughed heartily.
“How is he doing?”
“He suffered external and internal injuries and is currently recovering through meditation.”
“Heo…… Truly astonishing. From now on, I will personally teach you.”
“Pardon? A-are you serious?”
“Of course. I came here with that intention from the start. I’ll take responsibility and complete you as a swordsman optimized for combat. Overcome it even if it’s hard.”
“Yes! County magistrate! It’s an honor!”
“Good. Let’s not waste time and start right away.”
Having said so, Ju Yu-gang drew the official-issue iron sword.
SEUREUREUNG…
In that movement flowed the formidable formless aura unique to an ultra-first-rate swordsman.
‘Heut!’
Tae Sa-ja, having flinched, soon retreated an appropriate distance to maintain separation, then assumed a sword-drawing stance.
Such he suddenly asked in a quiet voice.
“By the way, Sir, does that Sword have a name? Somehow the blade energy doesn’t seem ordinary……”
“This is……”
Ju Yu-gang, having trailed off, recalled the conversation with Cheol Ryu-heun from before.
-Isn’t that iron sword a dangerous artifact?
-……!
-I mean the power dwelling in the sword. Well, I didn’t know at first either, but now I vaguely get a feeling.
-Hmmm, astonishing. To notice that without even holding it……
Indeed.
As he said, it was a sword treated as a dangerous artifact.
‘This is…… Said to be the zhanlu sword crafted by ou yezi.’
Having swallowed the rest of his words inwardly, Ju Yu-gang gave a chin gesture and told him.
“……It’s just an ordinary Sword. Come, let me see your basic swordsmanship.”