Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 85
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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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#085
Anhui Province, Anqing.
Located along the Yangtze River, Anqing was an inland logistics hub and a place famous for its scenic spots and historical sites, including Mount Tianzhu.
For this reason, outsiders coming and going to Anqing wasn’t particularly unusual.
However, the nature of the people visiting Anqing recently was enough to make the locals nervous.
Some revered them, some feared them, and many looked upon them with longing eyes.
“It’s been 20 years since the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament was held here.”
Like an old man reminiscing about the past with an expectant expression, not only Anqing but all of Anhui Province was swept up in anticipation and anxiety.
Five days before the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament.
Anqing had transformed to look like a compressed version of the martial arts world.
“I wondered why there was a foul smell coming from the noodles, but it seems some filthy night dew got mixed in.”
The Yahaengmun warriors shouted at the group of Taoists who were criticizing them.
“Stop being pathetic and eat something expensive. Or go outside and beg.”
“Calling frugality and restraint pathetic – such words befitting scoundrels who indulge in luxury and evil deeds.”
“Shut up! You cowardly hypocrites who tremble at the mere sight of the Evil Sect, yet your tongues are still alive!”
“What did you say!”
Sring!
It was when they, unable to endure any longer, drew their weapons.
“Senior brothers of Hengshan Sect and Yahaengmun. Could you please hold back just once for this junior’s sake?”
At the young and powerful voice, all eyes in the inn turned toward the entrance.
“Ahem. It’s been a while. I got a bit excited for a moment.”
“For the young lord’s sake, we’ll pretend this never happened.”
The one who appeared was Namgung Seong, the young lord of the Namgung Clan.
The handsome young master of impressive stature was considered the best among the Five Dragons and Twin Phoenixes and was evaluated as a genius who would make the Namgung Clan even more prosperous.
Not only his martial arts but also his character were excellent, and he was called the future of the orthodox sects along with Jinmyeong of the Wudang Sect.
“On behalf of the Namgung Clan, I thank all the martial arts comrades and seniors who are helping to safely conduct this Gangho Martial Arts Tournament.”
His polite greeting also contained a warning.
-Don’t ruin the event hosted by the Namgung Clan.
The Hengshan Sect Taoists and Yahaengmun backed down for this reason.
At least until the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament ended, it was customary not to make any moves.
However, such unspoken rules didn’t apply to everyone.
“Inviting guests and then making threats. How truly shameless.”
Who would dare say such words in the Namgung Clan’s courtyard?
The audience, turning their gazes in surprise, were shocked once more.
There was a woman displaying mysterious beauty as if she existed in a different space.
You’ve brought the phoenix of Bukcheonseong.”
It was Yowol-nyeo Cheon Seolhwa, the granddaughter of the Lord of Bukcheonseong.
“I told you not to call me that.”
It was a nickname he used to call her like a younger sister, being one of the Twin Phoenixes. It was an endearing term created by combining the fact that they were both late-stage masters, but Cheon Seolhwa greatly disliked it.
“I was waiting for you. I’ve prepared separate quarters for Bukcheonseong, so I’ll guide you there.”
“I’ll decline. I don’t like kindness beyond what’s necessary.”
“Don’t be like that…”
As Namgung Seong took a step closer, someone blocked his path.
It was Talbohoe.
“The young lady has not permitted your approach. Step back.”
Namgung Seong saw the corners of Cheon Seolhwa’s mouth slightly rise. At the obvious mockery, Namgung Seong’s eyes turned cold.
“If you dislike it, I won’t force you. But don’t misunderstand my kindness.”
He had exercised his best patience. But Cheon Seolhwa wasn’t one to let go of prey she had once ensnared.
“Just reveal your true nature. There must be limits to covering it with hypocrisy.”
“Phoenix Sister always misunderstands me.”
“Would I do this without reason?”
“I have nothing to be ashamed of, so feel free to speak. Everyone here will serve as witnesses.”
Whatever it was, speaking here would mean a fight between the two groups.
A fight between Bukcheonseong and the Namgung Clan would literally be a major collision, not something that mere Namgung Seong or Cheon Seolhwa could decide.
When Cheon Seolhwa couldn’t speak, Namgung Seong showed a triumphant smile.
“Phoenix Sister, please don’t misunderstand my sincerity.”
“I told you not to call me that!”
Cheon Seolhwa’s outcry made the atmosphere freeze rapidly.
Before they knew it, the Namgung Clan warriors who had been outside the inn lined up behind the Bukcheonseong people.
It was an atmosphere where the thin ice would break if even a small stone fell.
That’s when it happened.
“Excuse me, but could I place an order? I’m really hungry.”
At the sound from a corner table, everyone’s attention was drawn there.
The young man who had raised his hand toward the waitstaff from that spot wore an awkward expression.
“Please continue what you were doing.”
At that moment, Cheon Seolhwa’s murderous expression changed dramatically.
“Jangju!”
The one with an innocent expression was Ja-gang-cheon.
“Hello, sister. The atmosphere was like this, so I couldn’t even greet you.”
Cheon Seolhwa passed by Namgung Seong as if nothing had happened moments before and went to Ja-gang-cheon.
Naturally, the Bukcheonseong warriors followed her.
“Have you been well?”
When she looked at Ja-gang-cheon, then at Cheon-gu and Pansuk with a bright smile, the atmosphere melted away like a lie.
The men in the inn wore dazed expressions as if they had lost their souls to her smile.
“Is the senior I’m meeting for the first time perhaps using the alias Dok-ja-mo?”
“That’s right.”
“Cheon Seolhwa of Bukcheonseong pays respects to the master.”
“They say you’re the most beautiful flower in the North, and it’s not an empty reputation. Don’t mind me and exchange greetings with Jangju.”
Cheon Seolhwa winked and bowed her head slightly, then looked at Ja-gang-cheon.
“We were about to eat too, so let’s eat together. Is that okay?”
Ja-gang-cheon looked at Talbohoe who had come with Cheon Seolhwa.
He had been secretly curious about Talbohoe’s health, so he allowed them to join.
“Please do.”
Having received permission, Cheon Seolhwa immediately called the waitstaff.
“Please move us to a larger table.”
“I’ll prepare a spot on the second floor.”
The waitstaff, reading the atmosphere, guided them to the second floor. But just as they were about to climb the stairs, sharp eyes awakened their senses.
“Do you have something to say?”
Cheon Seolhwa asked coldly, and her target was Namgung Seong.
“It seems our conversation isn’t finished.”
“Ah! That’s not really important. Just forget about it.”
Thoroughly ignored, Namgung Seong made a stern expression once, then turned his gaze away.
‘Who is that guy?’
Namgung Seong stared at Ja-gang-cheon. Then Cheon Seolhwa’s cheerful laughter was heard.
“Ho ho ho.”
So she could laugh like that?
It was laughter and an expression she had never shown him even once.
‘How dare he.’
Namgung Seong deeply etched Ja-gang-cheon’s face into his memory.
***
“But why don’t you like that person?”
“He’s a hypocrite. He does all sorts of dirty things behind his mask.”
“Like the Hwangbo Clan?”
“It’s a bit different. This isn’t a clan issue, but that bastard’s personal problem.”
When Ja-gang-cheon didn’t understand, Cheon Seolhwa lowered her voice.
“He’s someone who enjoys killing. He goes around satisfying his desires under the guise of chivalrous acts.”
“Really?”
“Just know that he’s that kind of person. If I go into detail here, it’ll drag Deungmyeong Manor into it too.”
Since Cheon-gu beside them nodded, Ja-gang-cheon didn’t ask any further.
“So how is it now that you’re here? If it’s your first time, it must be overwhelming.”
“There are so many different people, it’s fun to watch.”
“What’s so fun about that? You’re really peculiar too.”
“Sister, you’re also one of the interesting people.”
“Pfft!”
The sound of someone holding back laughter could be heard from the side.
It was the bearded guard.
“Uncle?”
“I’m sorry.”
“If you keep doing that, I might tell grandfather to assign you as my guard for life.”
“That won’t do. I want to rest with my family in the evenings.”
“Then behave yourself. Unless you want to see me longer than your family.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“But hearing that makes me feel hurt. Am I not family? Uncle Beard.”
“You don’t resemble me at all. I prefer to see family that looks like me.”
“Tch. Auntie doesn’t look like you at all either.”
Ja-gang-cheon, who had been listening to their conversation, nodded.
“There’s definitely fun in watching.”
Thanks to that, laughter didn’t cease throughout the entire dinner.
The next morning.
Someone approached Ja-gang-cheon as he was eating.
“I am Ma Byeokseong, sect leader of Odok-mun. I have heard much of Deungmyeong Jangju’s reputation. Would it be alright if we exchanged greetings for a moment?”
It was before he could even take the first spoonful of the wonton soup he had ordered.
Just as Ja-gang-cheon looked wistfully at the steaming dumpling soup and was about to accept the greeting.
“Greetings. I am Gi Myeon-jong, leader of Seomseo Sulabang. I heard rumors about your conflict with the Hwangbo Clan and secretly admired you, so it’s an honor to meet you like this.”
That wasn’t all.
“I am Hak Cheol-sim, leader of Janggang Manhochai.”
“I am Ha Yeong-chul of Honam Sahaekmun.”
Five people came to greet him while he was trying to eat one bowl of wonton soup.
“It’s because you showed your friendship with North Cheon City yesterday.”
“So that’s why only people from the Demonic Sect came looking for me?”
“That’s right.”
“What about those people over there staring at me like they want to confess their love?”
He had woken up to find himself having become a celebrity of the Demonic Sect.
“North Cheon City has that level of significance. The influence of Yowol-nyeo Cheon Seolhwa is the same.”
He had just thought of her as a unique cousin sister, but her status in Gangho was by no means low.
“Then let’s escape for now. I don’t want to force myself to greet more strangers.”
“Let’s do that.”
They quickly finished their meal and went outside.
But in a situation where martial artists were packed into a small area, there weren’t many places to escape to.
Wherever they went, there were martial artists, and half of them were from the Demonic Sect. Even if Ja-gang-cheon didn’t know them, Song Ja-in recognized them all, so they naturally came looking for Deungmyeong Jangju.
Ja-gang-cheon, exhausted from greetings, wanted to at least eat dinner in peace, but even this wasn’t easy.
“What’s this about now?”
It had been a mistake to book the largest inn in Anqing.
As many people gathered, all the rooms in Anqing were filled up, naturally creating a mixed situation of Orthodox and Demonic Sect members.
So the Namgung Clan people were staying near the inn to prevent incidents.
“This isn’t happening because of me right now, is it?”
When Ja-gang-cheon entered, the Demonic Sect sent favorable glances while the Orthodox martial artists showed uncomfortable expressions.
“I did greet quite a few people today, but I’m not someone with this level of influence.”
“You probably are someone with influence.”
Cheon-gu analyzed the situation as he sat down in his chair.
“The biggest interest at the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament is the martial arts competition to determine the best rising star. Until now, the atmosphere was that there wouldn’t be any major upsets with the Five Dragons and Twin Phoenix. But then an eighth Dragon and Phoenix appeared who brought down the Hwangbo Clan.”
“That’s me?”
“Then who else would it be?”
“I did come here to build reputation, but this wasn’t the way I intended.”
What was most uncomfortable was that he was clearly being perceived as part of the Demonic Sect.
Just then, familiar figures approached with friendly expressions.
“We meet again here.”
The handsome young man and beautiful young woman.
They were the siblings of Jangrakbang.
Ja-gang-cheon was no longer pleased with meeting them, who represented the Demonic Sect.
Indeed, clear wariness arose in the expressions of the Orthodox sect members.
That’s when it happened.
“Gangcheon!”
Ja-gang-cheon’s expression brightened upon hearing the voice calling him.
A young man wearing a blue robe with cloud-pattern embroidery that suited him exceptionally well was standing at the inn’s entrance.
It was Jinmyeong, the Baeui-geom of the Wudang Sect.
At the appearance of a rising star symbolizing the Orthodox sect, Ja-gang-cheon shouted.
“Brother!”
He ran over shouting so joyfully that Jinmyeong spread both arms wide.
Flutter.
They embraced each other so strongly that their clothes fluttered once, patting each other’s backs to express their joy at meeting.
“It’s good to see you again here. Have you been well?”
“What about you, brother? Did you get scolded a lot?”
“I was scolded. I’m still being scolded now. But I haven’t been kicked out and am still fighting.”
“That’s reassuring. I’m always cheering for you.”
“Yes. That’s what I wanted to hear.”
Ja-gang-cheon guided Jinmyeong to the table he had reserved in advance.
While doing so, he observed the expressions of those present, and they were truly a sight to behold.
The hope of the Demonic Sect was acting like brothers with a Wudang Sect rising star, so it wouldn’t make sense to them.
‘Good. This is much more comfortable.’
Ja-gang-cheon actually liked those expressions.
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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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