Chapter 176 – Autumn Sword (4)

Hyeon Won-chang, Jeong Yeon-shin’s group, and the Heart Martial Alliance warriors all stared at the two.

Each had their hands on their weapons. In the distance, the sun hid between the gorge’s crevices.

The twilight’s rays had imperceptibly crept in, becoming a curtain closing the day that tickled their faces.

Jeong Yeon-shin received the first cup. Baek Seo-gun smiled while pouring with one hand.

“You may consider it an honor. Even the Alliance Leader hasn’t received my wine.”

The boy felt fulfilled by the baptism of swords stimulating his mind.

Just before taking a sip of wine, he deliberately parted his lips.

“I gratefully accept.”

Baek Seo-gun paused. Just briefly. Soon her lips curved up again.

“You truly are Pan Yue’s blood.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just talking to myself.”

Jeong Yeon-shin unconsciously turned his head. He saw Lazy Flame Dragon making a strange expression.

Did he know it was similar to his own words and actions? Meeting eyes, he smiled slightly. It was an annoying smile.

‘I should send him away first.’

Tactically that was right too.

Since there might be ambushes on the return path, it made sense to send Lazy Flame Dragon, the second strongest, as a scout.

Next would be Hyeon Won-chang. Then Little Sword Queen, Gong Sun-min, and Murong Ming-jun. He needed to drink at least five cups.

‘A promise from a Heart Martial Alliance master… doesn’t seem like empty words.’

He turned his gaze again.

His eyes met with Baek Seo-gun who had been staring at him. He sensed gray in her pupils.

It was fatigue touching his upper dantian’s spirit sense.

Someone deeply connected to the Jeong family wouldn’t have started life at the martial world’s upper echelons.

In Henan Province as vast as a small nation, it must have taken great ups and downs for a woman to be called Sword Ghost.

He thought with calm reason, and felt with his mind’s upper dantian.

“You’ve worked hard.”

He spoke unconsciously. It was nonsense. The person before him was Heart Martial Alliance’s Sword Ghost.

What an inappropriate compliment. His recently oversensitive upper dantian had resonated with her life and goodwill.

While furrowing his brow as he lowered his cup, Baek Seo-gun’s expression became strange.

“It’s my turn to receive.”

She didn’t argue and snatched the boy’s cup. She was incredibly fast.

Her fingers blurred for a moment. It was a movement like flowing water.

Jeong Yeon-shin who had grabbed the wine bottle in return slowly tilted it. While reviewing her hand techniques.

She had clearly achieved unity of essence, energy and spirit. Martial arts were infused in her smallest gestures. She might be a match for Divine Spear Yue Shou-lin.

‘Just now seemed like wielding an illusion sword with her hands.’

Techniques that deceive the opponent’s eyes. These were principles Jeong Yeon-shin had never experienced.

The eye tricks most low-ranks used didn’t even approach the realm of illusion swords. They were just crude deceptions. The boy’s eyes shone.

‘Internal energy has fused with sword techniques. Those sword techniques have melted into her body.’

Just then Baek Seo-gun’s eyes softened gently. How had she interpreted his gaze?

While bringing the wine cup to her lips, she slowly spoke.

“Your appearance is like a side dish. I understand how the maidens who faced Pan Yue felt.”

“Did you sit me down for idle talk?”

“I have words that will help you. At your age with such martial might, training so relentlessly, you must have a clear goal. Without question it’s the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s head, isn’t it?”

“…”

“Living long as a major force of the Thirteen Evil Sects, the level of rumors one encounters gradually rises. I know well about your enemy.”

Jeong Yeon-shin was silent for a moment.

Tyrant Sword Sect Leader.

With the same heart as when creating the Jeong Family Dynamic Training, though he hated Jeong Family Head, he had considered him family.

The one who annihilated his family was naturally a mortal enemy. They said he had even helped subdue the Desolate Fortress’ Elder Council Leader.

But it was a name he had only kept in his heart.

His martial power wasn’t enough for revenge against a peerless master, and the lifespan heaven had left him was overwhelming.

He thought he would seek him out someday when he donned purple robes.

But even black was a revered position.

It was a rank that could traverse all under heaven. He never knew when he might face the master of the Thirteen Evil Sects.

If it was about the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader’s background, along with being his enemy, it was a precious topic.

“Tell me.”

The boy spoke as if barking. His voice was deep.

Satisfaction settled on Baek Seo-gun’s lips.

“He is of mixed Bai and Ming blood from Yunnan. The fruit of the Dali Kingdom royal family taking in Ming people. He was a crown prince.”

[TL Note- Bai people were a minority East Asian Ethnic people based in Yunnan. They played a significant part in the formation of Dali Kingdom. Dali Kingdom was generally called a Buddhist Kingdom which was eventually conquered by Ming Dynasty which tolerated all religions. The story in this novel may differ from the actual history.]

“Dali Kingdom…”

The one destroyed by the Desolate Fortress Lord.

She had been the imperial sword. There were several times she erased small kingdom royal families and major sects showing signs of rebellion.

That’s why the Desolate Fortress Leader was never left out when connoisseurs discussed the greatest under heaven.

He had shown might unmatched by ten thousand. They said it was truly absolute power.

She was saying the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader was a Dali Kingdom blood relative who survived then.

“He has Ming people’s eyes too. Since he would have cultivated the Ming clan’s eye techniques along with the Tyrant Sword Sect’s principles, he must have recognized your body and five senses’ qualities.”

“…”

“Given your maternal family is the Ma clan of Desolate Fortress, he would have considered the possibility of you joining Desolate Fortress. Why would he let you live when it was clear his enemy’s power would grow? Was he moved by a child’s character? Ridiculous. You should think about it.”

“Do you have a guess why?”

“Well. Even I don’t know beyond that. One thing is clear – your joining Desolate Fortress can’t be entirely good for the Tyrant Sword Sect Leader. If we compare him to an animal, he would be a clever bear.”

Then she met Jeong Yeon-shin’s eyes steadily.

“Do you know why I tell you this?”

“No.”

“I hope your vision might broaden somewhat.”

“I’ve already been courted by the Thirteen Evil Sects before.”

“I’m saying good and evil are unclear in the martial world. When you eventually seek revenge for your family, the information I passed on won’t be useless. This Heart Martial Alliance’s Sword Ghost gave useful intelligence to Desolate Fortress’s Leader. Don’t blindly reject demonic path warriors, and look kindly on those who do good deeds.”

“Are you giving advice now?”

“There’s no other way to survive long in the martial world. Above all, prioritize grudges and favors. Then people will gather, and someday they’ll save your life. Even I as Heart Martial Alliance’s divine sword have the Alliance Leader as a close friend.”

“…I’ll keep it in mind.”

Swimming Heaven Sword Ghost’s strangely gentle attitude was unfamiliar. Was she trying to act as a nanny? What had she been at the Jeong estate?

The boy tilted his head slightly to the side.

Baek Seo-gun found Jeong Pan Yue’s son adorable.

Outstanding appearance and seemingly upright character, possessing an unbelievable sword at that age.

His somewhat arrogant conduct even came across as charming.

If not for the Eight Illusions Divine Technique’s encounter, she would have raised him, and that too seemed like it would have been fun.

“You’ve grown up properly. Fortunate the family did its duty before disappearing. Even if I had been there, I couldn’t have recommended the Heart Martial Alliance’s path to you.”

“…You received a cup. Send one person.”

“Ah.”

She let out a small exclamation. While engraving Jeong Yeon-shin’s brief silence in her mind.

“Right. I did make a promise. Yes, one may go.”

“Lazy Flame Dragon.”

Pan Yue’s son called softly.

At one edge of the encirclement surrounding the drinking table, a youth with burned sleeves revealing both arms squatted while acting unconcerned.

A young noble with deep shadows under his eyes. He was the young master of the annihilated Hwangbo family.

“I really don’t want to? How about sending the burdens first? Whether the Murong guy or Gong family’s brat.”

“You’re a burden too.”

“That’s honestly not true. Couldn’t I last ten exchanges with the Leader? As the third strongest here, I deserve to watch the young Leader’s back.”

“What ten exchanges. I was going easy, calling it sparring.”

“Acting unlike yourself getting prideful. We’ve gone twenty moves before, haven’t we? This young noble’s martial arts are constantly improving too.”

“That was before getting new sword techniques. I didn’t even use Radiant Demon Energy.”

“Those unfamiliar sword techniques were quite interesting actually. Anyway don’t talk about frightening things like Radiant Demon Energy, send that Murong guy first.”

“Murong Ming-jun?”

“His eyes haven’t looked right from earlier, seems he plans to report every detail of the Leader’s martial arts to the Alliance. Wasn’t our main mission to win the Alliance Opening Tournament? We can’t keep someone like that here. Given the current atmosphere, you might even briefly clash with Sword Ghost.”

It was a gentle speech. The one in pink martial clothes flinched.

Seeing that, Pan Yue’s son argued no further with the Hwangbo young master.

“This Leader will send him.”

“An excellent choice.”

They got along well. Pan Yue had no such friends.

Perhaps when telling Baek Seo-gun the Ten Rules it was similar to this.

She gestured to her subordinates.

The Heart Martial Alliance’s martial soldiers who immediately stood dragged away Young Master Murong.

Held on both sides while descending the gorge, he couldn’t say anything. He just closed his eyes slightly as if ashamed.

After he disappeared, the Hwangbo young master opened his mouth.

“Even if he dies from an ambush, that’s entirely Sword Venerable’s burden. No need to worry that far. We’re not Alliance people anyway.”

“I pledged on my title. Don’t stain my honor.”

Killing intent permeated Baek Seo-gun’s voice. It was the realm of manifesting will through internal energy.

***

Read only at nineheavens.org

Translated by Nine Heavens!

https://discord.gg/XC9DTsTQ9Z

***

While the Hwangbo young master’s body stiffened, she turned her head again.

When her eyes met Pan Yue’s son she was smiling again. The boy carried the scent of a peaceful old estate.

They drank four more cups.

The Gong family and Diancang children went down first. After them they were reluctant to leave easily.

They wanted to maintain loyalty to the Radiant Demon Wing Leader along with the Desolate Fortress warriors.

Until they heard Pan Yue’s son call them burdens.

“I’ve never felt so powerless. I’ll seriously consider improving my martial arts.”

Even the youth with the hero’s headband took unwilling steps. Only the Hwangbo young master remained stubborn.

“Ah, to hell with it. There’s so little fun in life anyway.”

“…”

The Heart Martial Alliance subordinates watched incredulously as he lay spread-eagled.

Pan Yue’s son seemed very slightly drunk. Was his body weak to alcohol before cultivating martial arts?

He shook his head and muttered. We’ll die around the same time anyway.

‘What?’

The words raised questions in Baek Seo-gun’s mind.

She gently released her grip on the wine bottle.

“If I keep receiving, I’ll become a nuisance to you. A great drink is only enjoyable when both parties are in sync.”

“Then?”

The young Radiant Demon Wing Lord raised an eyebrow.

“Shall we settle this like martial artists? If you gain the upper hand even for a second, I’ll retreat to Henan. Consider it a gesture of respect from me to the direct line of the Jeong Family.”

“I accept. You need to save face before the Alliance Leader too.”

Pan Yue’s son calmly replied. She shook her head.

“Don’t think it’ll be easy. You’re Desolate Fortress’s black rank. It’s a level where showing mercy is difficult. When two swords cross the outcome is hard to predict. Losing a limb would be lucky. You could truly die.”

“I know.”

“Do you? I’ve seen many promising talents. None ever seriously considered their own death. They all thought they’d become the greatest under heaven someday.”

Baek Seo-gun spoke gently with arms crossed.

While staring intently at the Jeong estate’s little young master. Her words weren’t mere provocation.

As Sword Ghost or Sword Venerable, she couldn’t help but be intrigued.

She had lived properly acknowledging favors and engraving grudges in her bones.

Though the opponent was Pan Yue’s son, it was difficult to go against her duty as a Heart Martial Alliance elder.

She hoped the boy wouldn’t regret at the end of a battle between supreme masters.

“…This Leader.”

The boy slowly parted his lips.

“Has never taken life and death lightly.”

“Your tone is heavy. Yes. I rambled on too much.”

Baek Seo-gun who had been carefully examining the little young master answered softly.

Thinking she would have to properly investigate Lightning Genius Jeong Yeon-shin when she returned.

“…”

Silence flowed for a moment.

With the drinking table between them, the two sat facing each other in silent observation. The sudden stillness was deep.

A gust of wind that had brushed past the Heart Martial Alliance’s two hundred warriors and Lazy Flame Dragon wrapped around the wine cups.

There was a sound of wind getting trapped where Jeong Yeon-shin and Baek Seo-gun’s lips had touched.

Shing!

Suddenly sword light rang from Baek Seo-gun’s waist. Sharp rays escaped the scabbard on their own.

It was an instant. Jeong Yeon-shin also gripped his sword handle reversed with his left hand and drew upward. A reverse draw.

The Sword Ghost’s flying sword that had been slightly faster advanced without hesitation and clashed with the divine sword Northern Light.

Clang!

Along with shockwaves, the young Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s form was thrown back.

His movements were extremely elegant as he immediately did a backflip in midair to right himself.

Strange footwork as if he had cultivated the noble clan’s power in his own way.

With a bit more refinement it would be comparable to Kunlun Sect’s Cloud Dragon Great Eight Forms.

‘Who raised him?’

Baek Seo-gun felt satisfaction as she gestured again. The Eight Illusions Divine Technique’s mantras once more manifested the flying sword’s power.

Her sword cried out as pure energy flowed through the air.

Qi-Controlled Sword.

With her left hand behind her back, she swept her right hand through the air.

Clang! Clang clang!

The flying sword’s long trajectory tangled with Jeong Yeon-shin’s short sword paths. Pure white stems repeatedly blocked the sunset.

True qi and sword force intersected. Impacts exploded and struck space.

Sword energy waves scattered from the clash of experience carving cracks in the earth.

She dominated in exchanges.

The flying sword’s range far surpassed spears to reach arrows. Normal techniques couldn’t approach it.

Baek Seo-gun stared ahead while standing proudly.

The boy deflecting her strong sword was making his pitch-black sleeves flutter.

The handsome Radiant Demon Wing Leader couldn’t reach her. That was natural.

“Huu-“

Until the boy took a long breath.

Baek Seo-gun’s eyes widened. She saw his steady breathing despite his constant movement.

It was as if it operated independently of the intense martial arts. It was almost impossible unless he was breathing through divine energy.

‘Could it be?’

It wasn’t just his breathing.

The black hem of the boy’s robe fluttered long behind him. The energy waves resonated with the autumn wind.

The sword above his head emitted a strange hum, like a gust of wind passing through a cave.

A familiar energy spread from his body, united with the sword.

There was a wave that swept through like the wind.

A mysterious energy was felt in the young Radiant Demon Wing Leader’s energy technique.

It was no different from what Baek Seo-gun had received from the Ming people. It was a spirituality that elevated martial arts to the realm of divine techniques.