Chronicles of the Mad Demon - Chapter 117
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 117. The Watcher (2)
The next day.
Before the three main tournament matches to be held in the morning, Ho Geom Jin In stepped onto the stage.
“An unfortunate accident occurred yesterday.”
The audience held their breath.
Ho Geom Jin In looked around and continued speaking.
“For martial artists, sparring matches are literally about comparing martial arts . As you all know, the character for martial arts means to stop the spear . True martial arts is not about taking lives, but about knowing how to fully control the power one possesses and knowing when to retreat at the right time.”
Some might call this an old-fashioned interpretation.
But truth is not far away. The reason something obvious is obvious is probably because it is correct.
The fundamental true meaning of martial arts, which is now interpreted in countless ways, did not stray far from the words that just came from Ho Geom Jin In’s mouth.
“For Murim Warriors living in Jianghu, sparring with real swords always calls for blood. Though there were mistakes between the two parties, we cannot say that the organizers who failed to stop them in the middle are without fault.”
Ho Geom Jin In bowed his waist.
“We apologize from the organizers’ side for failing to prevent this tragedy in advance.”
The audience shouted.
“There’s no need to apologize!”
“Wasn’t this something that could have happened?”
“We all think this is something everyone accepts when stepping onto that stage!”
Truth is always cold and sharp.
Rather, Ho Geom Jin In straightened his body again after receiving words of comfort from the audience.
“In my heart, I would like to end this tournament that has been dampened by this tragic incident, but please understand that we cannot stop due to the interest of many people, the will of the participants, and those who make their living from this tournament.”
There were dozens of merchants who had flocked here just to make money immediately.
The money that people who had closed their businesses to come for the sparring tournament had paid to secure their spots here was no small amount either. If it ended like this, they too would inevitably suffer great losses.
Even aside from them, there was no history of stopping a sparring tournament just because there were deaths.
“The judges and organizers will watch carefully. Please trust us.”
“We trust you!”
“How could even the world’s masters prevent accidents! It’s okay!”
The atmosphere heated up well.
Ho Geom Jin In smiled and said.
“Then we will now begin the three matches of the second day of the main tournament.”
Wooooah!
Under the cheers of the audience, two people, a man and woman, stepped onto the duel stage.
The young man carried two long swords on his back, and the woman covered her hair with a hood.
It was the appearance of Jin Hwae from Hubei’s Hu Ling Sword Gate and Ja Dam from the Muwang Sect.
“Wow! It’s a fight between Taoist sword schools!”
“But isn’t she a foreigner? Was there a foreign Taoist Priest in the Muwang Sect?”
“I heard she’s a disciple of the previous generation’s Taoist Priest. She’s famous in northern Hubei.”
Hu Ling Sword Gate was a subsidiary sect of the Muwang Sect, boasting power similar to the Golden Dragon Clan.
Jin Hwae took a respectful stance.
“I greet Taoist Master Ja Dam of Muwang. I am Jin Hwae of Hu Ling Sword Gate.”
Ja Dam silently bowed her head.
Though there was no verbal greeting, Jin Hwae was not offended in the least.
A silent greeting. The opponent had already finished preparing for battle.
Regardless of the level achieved, he could feel the will to never let one’s guard down, so Jin Hwae actually felt satisfaction.
Just the fact that the disciple of the previous Elder of the Muwang Sect was not looking down on him made this fight worthwhile.
“I will go with full power from the start.”
“Anytime.”
The two calmly drew their swords.
* * *
“That was amazing, really.”
Namgung So So clicked her tongue.
“She suppressed Jin Hwae of Hu Ling Sword Gate with just the Muwang Sect’s Taiji Sword. She was relaxed and overwhelming throughout.”
“Really?”
“That Jin Hwae person withdrew on his own? Saying he couldn’t handle such martial arts.”
“That’s impressive.”
Not only Ja Dam, but Jin Hwae’s attitude in acknowledging his own defeat could also be called remarkable.
No matter how much of a subsidiary sect of the Muwang Sect it was, with that level of reputation, his confidence would be tremendous. Yet he broke his own sword, which meant the opponent’s martial arts were overwhelming.
“She’s even being considered a championship candidate. That’s natural since she’s from the Muwang Sect.”
“Ton… I mean, Guan Elder Brother is no pushover either.”
Namgung Gwan would compete in the fourth match of the afternoon main tournament. If he won that match, he would face Ja Dam.
“I don’t know.”
Namgung So So shook her head.
“I do trust Elder Brother, but I saw something too incredible.”
The Muwang Taiji Sword was the foundation and pinnacle of the Muwang Sect’s swordsmanship.
Though learned as basic skills, it was a versatile swordsmanship that could be applied to all of the Muwang Sect’s sword techniques. Many masters had made their names as world-class experts by focusing solely on the Taiji Sword.
Among them, the martial arts displayed by those who had truly awakened the Taiji Sword were called and praised as Taiji Wisdom Sword, but it was said that no one in the current generation could use the Taiji Wisdom Sword.
“By the way, where did Elder Brother go?”
“He said he wanted to be alone until the sparring match. He’ll come at the right time.”
Moyong Su Hyang stroked her chin.
“Does Tongue Elder Brother also get nervous?”
“It’s probably not because of nervousness.”
“Huh?”
“Our Elder Brother never lets his guard down no matter who the opponent is. But he doesn’t need to be nervous about this opponent.”
“Who is it?”
“Hwangbo Seong.”
Moyong Su Hyang was startled.
“Hwangbo Seong, you mean from Shandong’s Hwangbo Clan?”
“Yes.”
Namgung So So openly displayed her displeasure.
“He’s an indescribably rude dog-like bear.”
“Is he a dog or a bear?”
“I don’t know. Maybe both?”
“What a terrible hybrid.”
“He was beaten by our Elder Brother once before. He’s probably grinding his teeth right about now.”
“He was beaten?”
“It wasn’t a serious fight, but who knows. That bear bastard might have been serious. Well, otherwise why would he be so hostile specifically toward our Elder Brother?”
“Hmm, I see.”
Moyong Su Jeong, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, spoke.
“I heard that the Hwangbo Clan’s boxing techniques compete for the best in the Gangbuk Martial World. So So, have you ever witnessed them directly?”
Namgung So So spoke carefully.
“I have seen what that bear displays.”
“How was it? Was it really as amazing as the rumors say?”
The words “It’s nothing compared to our Elder Brother” should have come out, but strangely, she couldn’t speak carelessly in front of Moyong Su Jeong.
“Well… honestly, it was impressive. His fists made banging sounds, and at first I thought our Elder Brother would be beaten to a pulp.”
“I see.”
“He’s already a vice clan leader after all. He wouldn’t be weak.”
“If Young Master Namgung defeats such a person, it would mean someone who isn’t even a vice clan leader defeated him, so the Namgung Clan’s reputation would pierce the heavens.”
“Hehe, well yes.”
Namgung So So twisted her body excessively.
Moyong Su Hyang unconsciously frowned.
‘Why is she being so humble?’
Of course, she was grateful for Namgung So So’s attitude. It wasn’t easy for a daughter of a prestigious family to treat the head of a family with nothing so respectfully.
“Huh? But I don’t see Elder Brother Bi?”
“He said he’s going to look around the duel stage.”
“Elder Brother Bi? Why would someone who would never do that suddenly?”
“How would I know what goes on in a pig’s mind. He suddenly felt like it, I guess.”
“Hmm.”
That’s when it happened.
“Excuse me, aren’t you the young masters and miss of the Moyong Family?”
There was a young man who cautiously approached them.
The three people turned their heads.
There stood a young man with a somewhat pale complexion and a middle-aged man with a cold impression.
“Who are you?”
The young man cupped his fists.
“I am Bang Hyo of the Flying Spear Sect.”
The three people rose from their seats.
“I am Moyong Su Jeong, head of the Moyong Family.”
“I’m Moyong Su Hyang.”
“I’m Namgung So So.”
Bang Hyo was momentarily flustered.
“Ah, you’re the precious daughter of the Namgung Clan? I didn’t recognize you.”
Namgung So So said with a blank expression.
“I’m just a blood relative with nothing to do, but this person here is the Family Head.”
It was a statement meant to tell him not to pay attention to her unnecessarily and to show proper respect to the person of higher position.
Bang Hyo bowed his head again.
“I greet the Family Head of the Moyong Family.”
“Nice to meet you.”
Moyong Su Jeong was extremely calm.
It seemed her attitude wouldn’t change at all whether the other party was the Flying Spear Sect or the Muwang Sect.
Bang Hyo flinched once more.
“But what brings Young Master Bang here?”
“Ah, well…”
When she asked directly and calmly, it was Bang Hyo who became flustered instead.
“It’s nothing else, but my next opponent is the Grand Young Master of the Moyong Family, isn’t he?”
“That’s right.”
“I was foolish and such an accident happened. I wanted to tell you that such a thing will never happen in the next match. I will definitely fight while keeping a considerate heart toward my opponent.”
Though his words sounded good, they could still be interpreted as meaning he was confident in his own abilities.
“Thank you for telling us.”
“Not at all. I was worried that the family members might be concerned…”
“The Grand Young Master of our main family is no pushover. I hope it can be a good match.”
Bang Hyo’s face stiffened slightly for a moment.
But only briefly.
“Of course. I was also greatly impressed by Grand Young Master Moyong’s martial arts.”
Moyong Su Jeong smiled.
Bang Hyo’s face reddened slightly. His heart fluttered at Moyong Su Jeong’s beautiful face, which was both calm and pure.
“Let’s meet again next time.”
“Huh? Ah! Y-yes, let’s do that.”
After hurriedly finishing their greetings, Bang Hyo and the middle-aged man left the tavern.
“What’s with that bastard.”
Moyong Su Hyang said in a disgruntled voice.
“Somehow he sounds like he’s definitely going to win.”
“Right. So annoying.”
Moyong Su Jeong chuckled at the two girls’ grumbling.
“I think that kind of confidence isn’t bad.”
“Still. And that person was so flustered at the scene of the incident that he couldn’t even speak properly and was stammering, but now he’s perfectly fine?”
“He must have composed himself well. It was truly an accident after all.”
“Hmm, for that to be the case, he seemed too confident… Could it be that it was all an act?”
Moyong Su Hyang chimed in.
“Maybe he caused the accident on purpose.”
“You think so too?”
“I didn’t before, but somehow after seeing his face today, he looks like someone who could totally do that?”
“That guy is really suspicious!”
Before they knew it, Bang Hyo had become a terrible villain to the two girls.
Moyong Su Jeong gently admonished them.
“Don’t speak so carelessly about people.”
The two girls flinched.
“If his heart isn’t like that, how rude would such words be? People’s outward appearance and inner thoughts are bound to be different.”
Moyong Su Hyang somehow felt she understood the meaning of those words.
Namgung So So said hesitantly.
“Well… that is the right thing to say, but… my intuition isn’t that bad, you know.”
“Do you still think he’s a bad person?”
“Honestly, yes.”
Namgung So So’s eyes narrowed.
“And not just ordinarily bad, but an extremely bad bastard.”
Bang Hyo, who had left the tavern, cleared his throat.
“So the head of the Moyong Family was a young woman.”
“So it seems.”
“Did you know?”
“I didn’t.”
His tone suggested he had no interest in such things to begin with.
Even at the middle-aged man’s cold reaction, Bang Hyo didn’t mind.
“Her elegance was extraordinary. There are no women like that around our sect.”
“Young Sect Leader.”
“Yes?”
“Unnecessary thoughts are forbidden.”
“Of course. I haven’t forgotten my role.”
“…”
“By the way, what about Elder Brother?”
“I haven’t seen him since last night.”
“I see.”
He seemed to have no interest in that matter from the start.
Bang Hyo glanced back at the tavern.
“…She really is pretty.”
On that smiling face, not a trace of the shock he had received the previous day could be found.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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