Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 86

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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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#086

Three days before the Martial Arts Competition,

Ja-gang-cheon received a letter from a warrior of the Namgung Clan.

“Tomorrow at the hour of the monkey, the Lord of the Namgung Clan requests an audience.”

It was something he had expected.

Though three days remained until the Martial Arts Competition, meetings for friendship and political gatherings had already begun.

That’s why everyone arrived earlier than the Martial Arts Competition itself.

-Among the people who came here, only thirty percent received invitations.

As Song Ja-in said, the remaining seventy percent were people who came on their own.

It wasn’t necessarily because of connections with the Namgung Clan, but for the purpose of networking with those attending the Martial Arts Competition.

Such networking ranged from building friendships to life-and-death confrontations.

“Yes. I’ll be there on time.”

Those formally invited by the Namgung Clan had meetings with the Lord arranged like this.

It was a kind of courtesy, where exchanging simple gifts was customary.

Since Deungmyeong Manor had also received a formal invitation, there was a private audience with the Lord of the Namgung Clan.

After the Namgung Clan member left, Pan Seok-i, who had been watching carefully, asked.

“Will we get to see the two greatest swordsmen of Gangho tomorrow?”

Current Gangho recognized two as the greatest swordsmen.

Song Pung, the greatest swordsman of Gangho and Jangmunin of the Shamans.

Namgung Cheonju, the Infinite Sword Master and Lord of the Namgung Clan.

While many regarded Song Pung as the greatest swordsman, they didn’t overlook Namgung Cheonju’s potential.

So many called them the two great swordsmen.

If superiority between the two were determined by any chance, the one ahead would be called the greatest swordsman under heaven.

“I’m looking forward to it. What kind of person he’ll be.”

Ja-gang-cheon looked forward to tomorrow.

The next afternoon.

After finishing lunch and spending about an hour in meditation, Ja-gang-cheon went to the Namgung Clan at the appointed time.

Though similar in scale to the Hwangbo Clan, it was characterized by having no large halls except the Central Hall, but many training halls instead.

Each hall had inscriptions with the Namgung Clan’s characteristic sharp feeling, which was interesting to see.

Especially the inscription on the Hall of Martial Extremes where the Lord resided had a sharpness as if training swords were embedded in it.

“My Lord. The people from Deungmyeong Manor have arrived.”

The hall door opened and a man in his late fifties with a dignified appearance emerged.

With his half-mixed black and white hair neatly tied back, he had the impression of a strict teacher, giving off a solid and stubborn feeling.

“Thank you for accepting the invitation. I am Namgung Cheonju.”

It was a polite and courteous greeting, but without warmth. Instead, it carried an undeniable dignity.

‘He’s a strong person.’

Just facing him, Ja-gang-cheon felt a weight pressing down on his shoulders.

Namgung Cheonju wasn’t particularly emanating energy. It was a phenomenon created by his overwhelming presence. Though both were Lords of the Five Great Clans, he was incomparably superior to the deceased Hwangbo Baek.

“Please come this way.”

They were guided to a reception room.

As soon as they took their seats, servants brought refreshments and tea.

They were quick and efficient as if trained, and Namgung Cheonju pouring tea was the same.

Having met so many guests, even the time to fill four cups was consistent.

“I have heard much of your reputation.”

The words were polite but felt insincere. Rather, Ja-gang-cheon felt like he was being monitored.

‘He’s trying to assess me.’

Namgung Cheonju’s senses were examining Ja-gang-cheon. There was no way Ja-gang-cheon, with his keen senses, wouldn’t notice this.

‘Well, it’s mutual, isn’t it.’

Ja-gang-cheon was also examining Namgung Cheonju. Thinking this way, his unpleasant feelings disappeared.

‘It’s that kind of place.’

Ja-gang-cheon relaxed. Then Namgung Cheonju’s eyes wavered slightly.

‘He has good nerve.’

Most people tended to shrink before him. At first, Ja-gang-cheon showed the same reaction, so he didn’t have high expectations. But before long, he regained his composure and calmly received his gaze.

“This is a gift prepared by our Namgung Clan. Though modest, it commemorates our meeting, so please don’t refuse it.”

After drinking a cup of tea, a wooden box engraved with the Namgung Clan’s emblem was placed on the table.

Opening it revealed a palm-sized miniature sword.

-The Namgung Clan presents a Namgung sword to an important guest.

It was a miniature version of the Azure Sky Sword that symbolized the Namgung Clan.

From the handle’s pattern to the blade being sharply honed, it showed traces of careful craftsmanship.

Naturally, it wouldn’t be given only to Ja-gang-cheon, but would be a gift for everyone having private audiences.

It showed how seriously the Namgung Clan was preparing for this Martial Arts Competition.

“We also have something modest prepared.”

Ja-gang-cheon also presented a box.

“It’s Deungmyeong Divine Pills made somewhat specially.”

“I’ve heard much praise about Deungmyeong Manor’s medicine. I’ll gratefully accept it.”

After exchanging gifts, Namgung Cheonju calmly asked a question.

“The incident with the Hwangbo Clan is deeply regrettable. As a member of the Five Great Clans, I can only feel ashamed.”

“I don’t think it’s the Namgung Clan’s fault. There’s no need to force yourself to take responsibility.”

“I’m grateful you think that way. However, it’s true that I stood by while a colleague erred, so if there’s anything I can compensate for, please feel free to tell me.”

At those words, Ja-gang-cheon lifted the box he had just received as a gift.

“This is enough.”

Though he could have been greedy given the Namgung Clan Lord’s promise, Ja-gang-cheon had no lingering desires.

“Instead, may I ask one question?”

“Please go ahead.”

“When delivering a final strike risking one’s life, where should one look at the opponent?”

Namgung Cheonju thought it was bravado from the young master.

There were many young warriors who believed such philosophical questions elevated their character.

But the moment he met Ja-gang-cheon’s eyes, Namgung Cheonju got goosebumps.

It was an innocent expression full of curiosity.

‘Does he mean this question seriously?’

If so, Ja-gang-cheon’s level would be much higher than Namgung Cheonju had thought.

Looking into Ja-gang-cheon’s eyes and confirming his sincerity once more, he answered honestly.

“You must look at the eyes. Since they’re ultimately looking at me too, you can grasp the most accurate position.”

“Ah! So it is the eyes after all?”

Ja-gang-cheon nodded as if accepting this. Seeing this, Namgung Cheonju became curious.

“Before asking the question, what did you think it should be?”

“The shadow.”

At the unexpected answer, he looked puzzled, so Ja-gang-cheon continued his explanation.

“Because it’s a trace that cannot be deceived.”

Namgung Cheonju found himself nodding unconsciously.

“That’s also an excellent choice. However, it could be dangerous since you can’t clearly grasp the movements.”

“Right. I think so too. It seems the eyes are correct after all. But what if the opponent doesn’t use their eyes?”

“Doesn’t use their eyes? Are you perhaps referring to an opponent who excels at footwork?”

“Yes. I was wondering what to do when facing an opponent I absolutely cannot beat with movement techniques.”

“In that case, I must stop instead. That’s the way to limit the opponent’s movement. And I must create a territory and aim for one moment. The moment they enter my territory is the opportunity.”

“Hmm. I think I understand what you mean.”

Hearing this, Namgung Cheonju felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. He also realized that he had answered quite seriously.

‘It was brief, but interesting.’

What was surprising was that he conversed with Ja-gang-cheon, placing him at quite a high level.

‘Could I have had such a conversation with my own son?’

As he had that thought, he felt another gaze directed toward him.

‘Dok-ja-mo.’

She would have noticed that he had genuinely enjoyed the conversation just now.

‘Is this enough hospitality?’

Namgung Cheonju briefly met eyes with Dok-ja-mo and then spoke to Ja-gang-cheon.

“I would like to spend more time together, but as you know, there is much to prepare.”

“Ah! Thank you so much for today’s conversation.”

“If the opportunity arises someday, it would be good to have a lengthy sword discussion.”

Even Namgung Cheonju himself didn’t know he would think of sword discussions with someone not even twenty years old.

“Then, farewell.”

Ja-gang-cheon also bid farewell and left the Hall of Martial Extremes.

After leaving the clan with a warrior’s escort, Ja-gang-cheon opened the wooden case he was carrying again.

“Isn’t this really well made?”

Like a child who had gotten a good toy, Ja-gang-cheon drew the sword and examined it from all angles.

Then, Pan Seok-i beside him spoke as if agreeing.

“It’s really well made. It’s exactly the same as the one in Jangju hyeongnim’s treasure vault.”

The group froze instantly.

They hurriedly looked around, but fortunately no one had heard the conversation.

In reality, the Sky Piercing Sword, symbol of the Lord of the Namgung Clan, was in Ja-gang-cheon’s treasure vault.

It was a well-made famous sword with the characteristic of being lightweight, but it had no other effects, so it was placed in the very corner.

“Hyeong. Are you going to spread rumors that I have the Namgung Clan’s Sky Piercing Sword?”

“Ah! I’m, I’m sorry!”

“From now on, absolutely no mentioning anything about treasures.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Ja-gang-cheon left the place while patting his chest in relief.

***

The day before the Martial Arts Competition,

what he had worried about happened.

“Is Gangcheon here?”

Jinmyeong, who came looking for Ja-gang-cheon whenever he had a chance, was nothing unusual. But he happened to be having a meal with Cheon Seolhwa.

-I haven’t eaten yet. Will you eat with me?

When asked why she hadn’t eaten, Cheon Seolhwa answered, ‘There was a very big bug sitting across from me.’

That bug was Namgung Seong, the young lord of the Namgung Clan.

Just as Ja-gang-cheon had, North Cheon City had also received an invitation, and Namgung Seong had attended that gathering.

“Hmm. Miss Seolhwa was here.”

“What brings you here, Jinmyeong?”

“I came to have a meal with Gangcheon.”

“As you can see, he’s already having a meal with me.”

Ja-gang-cheon felt strange.

Wudang Sect and North Cheon City.

‘It’s like watching mom and dad.’

Was that why?

Their verbal sparring sounded endearing to him.

“Hyeong. Don’t be like that and sit down.”

“No. I didn’t know there was a prior engagement.”

“It’s not a prior engagement. You didn’t make an appointment either, so let’s all just sit together.”

In the end, the rising stars representing the orthodox and demonic sects sat together.

“Gangcheon. It’s not that I don’t understand you, but in Gangho, you shouldn’t trust anyone.”

“Are you talking about me right now? It seems the Wudang Sect is equally untrustworthy.”

The two put down their chopsticks and were about to engage in a verbal battle more frightening than swords. But seeing Ja-gang-cheon’s expression, they changed their target.

“Gangcheon. Why are you smiling?”

“Is this funny to you right now?”

“Ah! Sorry.”

He apologized with words, but he couldn’t help the corners of his mouth turning up naturally.

“Just eat together for my sake. Don’t fight.”

Cheon Seolhwa tilted her head, but Jinmyeang understood.

“Alright. Let’s do that.”

Jinmyeong raised his hand to call the waitstaff and ordered plain noodles that matched his simple personality.

“Come to think of it, you’ve met many people too.”

“Yes. I’ve seen four of the Seven Strongest Warriors of the Rivers and Lakes.”

Namgung Seong, young lord of the Namgung Clan.

Cheon Seolhwa of North Cheon City.

Jinmyeong of the Wudang Sect.

Jang Seo-un of Jangnak-bang.

That made four people.

“You haven’t met the most important person.”

“Who?”

“Mok Seo-ryeon, the Water Lotus of Pure Elegance.”

She was a woman famous for her beautiful appearance, called as clear as a lotus on water. It was said that in the orthodox sect there was Mok Seo-ryeon, and in the demonic sect there was Cheon Seolhwa.

“Since he has no interest in me, he probably likes someone with Mok Seo-ryeon’s type of taste.”

“I wonder.”

“Well, you’ll see her later. Honestly, I don’t understand it, but there are many men who stare at her in a daze.”

Ja-gang-cheon smiled at the evaluation mixed with jealousy.

“Come to think of it, you’re not to be underestimated either.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you’ll break quite a few hearts. Don’t go around trading on your looks too much. Do everything in moderation.”

“I will.”

“Don’t smile like that.”

Whatever Cheon Seolhwa said, it was like a gift of mealtime for Ja-gang-cheon.

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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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