Chapter 72: Chapter 72
“……!”
The Grand Patriarch received a stinging shock as if he had been struck in the back of the head.
It was exactly as he said.
An absolute sword meant to settle the outcome with a single strike.
That was the sword art he had wanted to create.
“Otherwise, there is no reason for it to be a single movement.”
At Cheon-hwi’s subsequent words, the Grand Patriarch slowly raised his sword.
Following that, internal energy flowed out from his entire body.
It was a soft energy, contrary to the intense lightning qi he had exuded a moment ago.
An infinitely light internal qi that felt as if it would be blown away if a wind blew nearby.
However, that was precisely what made it fatal.
The internal qi he exuded slowly swallowed the surroundings, like clothes getting wet in a drizzle.
Quietly, without anyone knowing.
As if becoming poisoned.
“Thank you. Thanks to you, I have recovered the original intention I had completely forgotten.”
“……Tsk.”
Cheon-hwi smacked his lips.
‘I’ve done something good for someone else again.’
While talking, they communicated well, so he inadvertently spat out those words.
It ended up granting an enlightenment.
‘Still, it’s amazing.’
It was a difficult thing for an expert of that level to discard what they possessed.
But he discarded it coolly.
Believing in Cheon-hwi’s words just now.
‘It’s to the point where I want to properly unfold a life-and-death struggle once.’
The moment he glared with fiery eyes.
Swish…
The Grand Patriarch raised his sword high.
In his posture of pointing the tip of the sword straight at the sky, openings were visible, unlike the solid starting stance from before.
Rumble…
At the same time, the internal energy that had permeated the surroundings suddenly became heavy and pressed down.
When the pressure of a presence that made one completely forget even the thought of aiming for an opening grew fierce, the Grand Patriarch’s eyes opened.
Subsequently, the seemingly ordinary thin sword blade swallowed the sun in the sky.
Slash…
It wiped out the world in a single breath.
It seemed as if only the sword existed alone in a white world with nothing else.
The true incarnation of a Supreme King.
“This sword is indeed the true…….”
Having unfolded the situation he had dreamed of, the Grand Patriarch muttered unconsciously.
“It is the sword of a Sovereign.”
As the world returned, he saw that the lake was split apart.
Splash…
Cheon-hwi, who was looking down at the lake where the dirt bottom was visible, twisted the corners of his mouth.
“……Is it a sword art that never steps back, no, cannot step back?”
It was an interesting sword art.
Although he was the one who gave advice on the sword art, this was a completely crazy sword art.
A straight-line sword art with no retreat.
All internal energy was poured into a single sword form, and the trajectory was also extremely simple.
To be honest, it was full of flaws, having many openings and being incredibly clumsy.
To the extent that other experts would call it a mediocre martial art if they saw it.
However.
‘That’s why it is strong.’
Since an expert of that level swung a single sword containing only the intent to overwhelm the opponent, excluding everything else.
‘There are still lacking parts, but if it is refined little by little and properly completed, it will become a truly terrifying sword art.’
Meanwhile, the Grand Patriarch, who was fully enjoying the lingering feeling of the sword art he had unfolded, sheathed his sword.
“Have I reached the sword I dreamed of so much?”
Perhaps because he had poured out his internal energy, his face was full of fatigue, but his expression alone was refreshing.
Looking at the water current of the lake that was quickly recovering to its original state after being split in half, he approached Cheon-hwi and bowed his head.
“I have received a great teaching.”
Cheon-hwi showed a slightly surprised look in his eyes.
‘I didn’t expect him to bow his head.’
Usually, as one got older and possessed strength fitting for it, the stubbornness that one was right would grow stronger.
However, the Grand Patriarch acknowledged it.
The fact that he had received teaching.
“I cannot fathom how I should repay this favor.”
The Grand Patriarch approached and held out his hand.
“I will not forget this favor.”
Cheon-hwi found his gaze burdensome as he tightly held both of his hands.
“Then were you planning to forget it?”
“Hahaha. How could that be?”
The Grand Patriarch laughed heartily.
He was someone he liked.
To the extent that if he wasn’t a Taoist of the Mount Hua Sect, he would have wanted to form a blood tie with a figure from his clan no matter what.
‘Being a friend with Jin-gyeong should be enough.’
He, who had been laughing, parted his lips.
“Is there anything you want?”
The exact same question as before.
However, the weight contained within was different.
“Martial arts.”
“Did you say martial arts? Haha. Earlier you observed martial arts under the guise of sparring.”
As expected of the Grand Patriarch, perhaps.
He had grasped all the meanings behind the sparring.
“You have a lot of interest in martial arts.”
“Wouldn’t that be the case if one is a martial artist?”
“Even so, there are few who obsess over martial arts like that. Most are busy just training the martial arts they have learned.”
The Grand Patriarch stopped speaking and asked.
“Why do you cling so much to martial arts?”
Cheon-hwi scratched his chin.
Why did he cling to martial arts?
Why was it again.
Since when was it.
He traced back into the past.
He went back briefly to his past life as the Absolute Heavenly Demon, and his eyes sank calmly as he recalled the time he had discovered the Absolute Reigning Art long ago.
‘It was to survive.’
Because it was such a low and calm voice, the Grand Patriarch asked as if he couldn’t hear.
“What did you just say?”
“I just want to know all the martial arts that exist in the world.”
“……Hmm. Is that so?”
The Grand Patriarch tilted his head, feeling the answer was highly suspicious, but looking at Cheon-hwi whose atmosphere had changed, he did not ask further.
“However, I’m sorry, but I cannot carelessly impart the martial arts of our clan.”
“I suppose so.”
Cheon-hwi understood.
Because carelessly imparting a sect’s martial arts was nonsensical.
“Instead, how about this?”
The Grand Patriarch took out a plaque from his embrace.
It was a very old wooden plaque that had even lost its patterns due to how ancient it was.
The Grand Patriarch added words as he handed it over.
“It will be of help if you encounter old folks like me in Jianghu later on.”
* * *
Two days later, the group came out to the main gate as soon as the day they were to leave the Namgung Clan arrived.
“Tsk. This is a bit too much.”
Cheon Yu, who came out of the main gate first and scanned the surroundings, clicked his tongue in disbelief.
Usually, when a visiting guest departed, figures from the sect were bound to see them off.
But how was it now?
At the main gate, there was only the gatekeeper martial artist they had seen on the first day standing blankly, and there was no one to see them off, making it almost desolate.
“It is indeed a bit much.”
Gu Gyeom-wi agreed.
Rolling his eyes slightly, the gatekeeper martial artist was visible in his line of sight, but his appearance was not pleasing at all.
Standing still with his back leaning against the gate, he looked as if he didn’t care at all whether they left or not.
“No matter how much we have split apart, we are of the same Righteous Faction and we were guests.”
Even Hyeon-jin, who would not have said anything normally, spoke as if he was astounded.
Perhaps having been greatly disappointed during his stay at the Namgung Clan, it was a world of difference from his usual soft and benevolent appearance.
“I didn’t know the Namgung Clan was such a narrow-minded clan.”
“I heard for a long time that the righteous spirit of the Namgung Clan pierces the heavens, but it was all a lie.”
As they began to express their dissatisfaction one by one in very quiet voices at that.
“Our minds will only become needlessly complicated over such a thing, so let us hurry and go.”
Hyeon-jin led them.
Soon, just as the Plum Blossom Swordsmen headed by Hyeon-jin were about to board the carriage that had finished its preparations to leave and was waiting.
Creaak…
Suddenly, the main gate of the Namgung Clan opened, and two familiar people appeared.
“Little Taoist Cheon-hwi!”
“Where are you trying to go without even a greeting.”
It was none other than Namgung Jin-gyeong and the Grand Patriarch.
The appearance of the two was contrasting; Namgung Jin-gyeong was carrying a bulging bundle on his back, whereas the Grand Patriarch was empty-handed.
“That elder is the one who helped let us in on the first day…….”
“More importantly, why is the Second Young Master of the Namgung Clan here?”
“Could he perhaps be trying to take revenge for losing to our Junior Brother.”
Around the time the group, who did not know what had happened between Cheon-hwi and Namgung Jin-gyeong during the four days, watched with high vigilance.
“To think there is no one when the Taoists of the Mount Hua Sect are about to leave.”
“No matter how much we are currently turning our backs on the Mount Hua Sect, isn’t this treatment a bit too harsh?”
“Tsk. This is why I can’t trust them.”
Conversing while looking at the empty surroundings, the two approached with their faces sharply scrunched up in frowns.
“This is our second meeting.”
The Grand Patriarch observed the group, then soon approached Hyeon-jin, who looked the oldest, and politely offered a cupped fist salute.
“I’m finally greeting you. I am called Namgung Han Sang.”
At the polite cupped fist salute, Hyeon-jin was slightly flustered, but naturally offered a bow with clasped hands.
“I am Hyeon-jin.”
“Hyeon-jin, haha. It is a Daoist name with a good resonance.”
“You flatter me.”
Hyeon-jin waved his hand dismissively and added.
“Thank you for your help that day. Thanks to you, we were able to enter the clan comfortably.”
“Not at all. Isn’t it a natural thing to do.”
The Grand Patriarch stopped speaking and glanced at the gatekeeper martial artist who didn’t know what to do.
“More importantly, I am sorry that our clan’s hospitality was lackluster. In the past, they would have seen you off, but I don’t know how it ended up like this…….”
The Grand Patriarch let out a deep sigh.
Without needing to go far back, even just when he was the Patriarch, special attention was paid to seeing off guests.
But this sight now.
“Phew.”
It was to the point where he felt ashamed of the signboard reading ‘Clan of Righteous Spirit reaching Heaven’ hanging above the main gate.
“I am truly sorry.”
He bowed his head towards Hyeon-jin.
“Haha. Not at all.”
Watching the Grand Patriarch bow his head while shuddering with shame, Hyeon-jin’s expression softened considerably compared to before.
He didn’t know the identity of the old man, but seeing the reaction of the gatekeeper martial artist, it seemed he was quite a high-ranking person within the clan.
However, since such a person was bowing his head and apologizing saying he was sorry, it was a natural progression for his uncomfortable feelings to ease.
‘Looking at this, perhaps the Namgung Clan is still going strong. But Namgung Han Sang……. It’s a familiar name that I feel like I’ve heard somewhere.’
Meanwhile, Namgung Jin-gyeong ran towards Cheon-hwi without caring about anyone else, then stopped in his tracks.
In front of Cheon-hwi, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen were standing firm, blocking him from approaching.
“……Why are you going to our Junior Brother?”
“Are you trying to take revenge for that time?”
Seeing the Plum Blossom Swordsmen glaring with sharp eyes, Namgung Jin-gyeong felt awkward and subtly looked at Cheon-hwi.
“I came to see him off because I heard my friend, Little Taoist Cheon-hwi, is leaving.”
“Friend……?”
“That is right.”
When the Plum Blossom Swordsmen glared with even more suspicion at the word ‘friend’.
“Little Taoist Cheon-hwi. Tell them.”
Namgung Jin-gyeong looked at Cheon-hwi with an awkward expression, as if asking him to explain.
“……I told you we are not friends.”
“Why are you being like this?”
Namgung Jin-gyeong looked on the verge of tears.
“I even prepared a gift for you.”
With his words, he immediately untied the bundle.
Rustle…
Inside, it was fully packed with items, and some were famous spirit medicines that the group immediately recognized.
“Fleeceflower?”
“This is ginseng…….”
“Oh! Is this a hand-combat gauntlet? This shape is only from the Outer Realms…….”
He examined all the items in the unfastened luggage and then opened his mouth.
“It’s quite a lot.”
Namgung Jin-gyeong scratched the back of his head.
“I didn’t know what you would need, so I just packed everything I had in a hurry, but…….”
“I was the one who told him to pack everything.”
The Grand Patriarch, who had finished his conversation with Hyeon-jin, approached before they knew it and opened his mouth.
“Some of these might be useless, but you never know what will happen with human affairs, right?”
“That is true.”
“Still, throw them away if you don’t need them. Since we packed them to give to you anyway.”
The Grand Patriarch smiled brightly.
The group fell into slight confusion at the sight of the two exchanging conversation as if he were treating his grandson.
“Did our Junior Brother have an acquaintance with that person?”
“He went outside while we were staying at the Namgung Clan, so he must have met him then.”
“To have a deep friendship not only with the Second Young Master but also with an elderly person. Our Junior Brother unexpectedly has a wide network.”
When they were whispering and trying to figure out what the situation was, the Grand Patriarch approached close to Cheon-hwi and whispered.
“When you go out into Jianghu, hide three-tenths, no, at least seven-tenths of your skill.”
“You say the exact same words as the Sect Leader.”
“Haha. As expected, the Sect Leader also seems to know about you. No, perhaps he knows better than I do.”
When the Grand Patriarch laughed heartily, Namgung Jin-gyeong followed suit and approached to speak.
“Thanks to you, Little Taoist, I have learned a lot.”
He had definitely changed from the first day.
The somewhat anxious look he had was gone, and he looked calm and confident.
“Could you visit our clan again later? At that time, I would like to show you my growth.”
“Next time?”
“Why, is it not possible?”
Hmm, will I be able to visit next time?
No matter how much he thought about it this way and that, there was no possibility of coming again.
“I don’t think it will be possible.”
“Do you not want to meet me again?”
Namgung Jin-gyeong looked sulky.
“The landlord hates me, you know.”
“The landlord?”
For a moment, Namgung Jin-gyeong couldn’t understand.
What landlord?
“Ah!”
Then he realized it belatedly.
That the landlord meant his father, the Patriarch of the Namgung Clan.
“Hahaha.”
A hollow laugh leaked out.
At the same time, a sense of relief flowed.
“Then how about I go to the Mount Hua Sect? Is that okay?”
“I cannot stop you from doing that.”
What could he say when he said he would come directly.
It wasn’t like he could tell him not to come.
As if waiting for those words, Namgung Jin-gyeong’s face beamed with a bright complexion.
“Then I will go visit in the future.”
“Yes.”
When Namgung Jin-gyeong was satisfied, the Grand Patriarch, who had been quietly watching, added words.
“When that day comes, please do look forward to it.”
He looked warmly at Namgung Jin-gyeong, who was clenching his fists tightly.
It was an expression as if he had passed down everything of his to Namgung Jin-gyeong.
“Because around that time, this child will show you a properly completed sword art.”
“I really look forward to it.”
Enjoyed the chapter?
If you like our work, consider supporting us on Ko-fi. This site solely runs on donations. Every donation helps us keep translating!
Support on Ko-fi