Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 90

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

#090

After Ja-gang-cheon and Namgung Seong stepped down, the martial arts competition entered a brief lull.

Several warriors appeared to continue the excitement, but they failed to leave as strong an impression as before.

However, with the appearance of one man, tension began to flow once again.

“Is that person famous?”

“Well, I don’t know who he is either.”

The man in his late twenties had narrow eyes and thin lips, giving him a snake-like appearance.

“I am Yeom-so-pil of Gangnam. My skills are quite fierce, so be careful when you come out.”

His arrogant greeting in a high, frivolous voice was naturally grating to the ears.

Not only the audience listening, but the warriors felt the same way.

Yet no one rushed out first.

“We have to just sit and watch that bastard.”

“Are they avoiding him out of fear? Or avoiding him because he’s disgusting?”

Only after hearing those words did Song Ja-in understand what the situation was.

“It seems he’s a notorious public enemy.”

“He must be skilled. Seeing how they don’t easily step forward.”

“Then isn’t this rather an opportunity? If someone defeats a person like that, they’ll surely draw attention.”

“Hmm. I can roughly guess.”

Song Ja-in observed Yeom-so-pil closely and discovered several things.

“He’s someone who uses hidden weapons. That’s why they can’t easily step forward.”

“Hidden weapons?”

“Hidden weapons are tricky, but once they leave your hand, you can’t control them. This means one side must be prepared to die.”

Moreover, seeing Yeom-so-pil’s arrogant nature, he didn’t seem to have any intention of being careful from the start.

When no one stepped forward, someone in the audience criticized the warriors.

“Hmph! Cowards!”

Song Ja-in turned her head to check that person and completely understood the current situation.

“He was a disciple of Yuseolsaeng. I understand why the warriors are reluctant.”

A snake whispering in the darkness.

For someone who used hidden weapons, it was an alias equivalent to high praise.

A disciple of Yuseolsaeng, said to rival the Sichuan Tang Family in hidden weapons in the Gangnam region, had entered the martial arts competition.

“Considering Yuseolsaeng’s notoriety, accidents could easily happen. He might have entered with the intention of causing trouble from the start.”

Since there was no reason to take unnecessary risks, no one stepped forward, when,

“I’ll go out.”

Cheon-gu, who had been listening quietly, gripped his sword.

“That’s reckless. With hidden weapons, experience is paramount. The reason even disciples of Gupaibang don’t easily step forward is precisely because they lack experience.”

Hidden weapon techniques were on a different level from ordinary martial arts.

The saying ‘Making enemies with the Sichuan Tang Family is the worst choice’ didn’t exist for nothing. It was because their hidden weapon techniques were the best in the martial arts world.

“Actually, this works out well. He seems like a good opponent for me.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I can press the attack. He won’t have time to bring out hidden weapons.”

Song Ja-in turned her gaze to Ja-gang-cheon.

“Never stop. Don’t let your guard down until the moment of victory. If your opponent crosses the line, you must cross it too.”

“Understood.”

Ja-gang-cheon trusted Cheon-gu.

“Aunt. May I go out?”

“Target his arms. The more persistent, the better.”

“Persistently target his arms, and don’t stop. I understand.”

Cheon-gu, engraving both pieces of advice in his heart, gripped his nameless sword and stepped into the training hall.

Due to the aftermath of Ja-gang-cheon and Namgung Seong’s fight, about thirty percent of the ground was torn up.

Cheon-gu took his position, taking even that into account.

“I am Cheon-gu, general manager of Deungmyeong Manor. Please treat me well.”

Cheon-gu, having erased his emotions, offered a polite greeting despite knowing his opponent’s notoriety.

“A good opponent has appeared.”

Yeom-so-pil was very pleased with the name Deungmyeong Manor.

‘He has no skill but has built up a reputation, so there’s no better opponent than this.’

Just one hour ago, there had been doubts about Deungmyeong Manor’s reputation.

But Pan Seok-i had splendidly opened the martial arts competition, and Ja-gang-cheon had shown a shocking scene.

“There was another contestant from Deungmyeong Manor. He looks incredibly young again?”

“I heard there was a young general manager, but I didn’t know he would even enter the martial arts competition.”

“But his opponent is too bad. Did he come out without knowing?”

Since Yeom-so-pil had such a bad reputation, many people worried about Cheon-gu.

“Then let’s begin. Hidden weapons that have left my hand have no eyes, so be careful.”

Yeom-so-pil suddenly extended his hand.

Thin needles flew toward Cheon-gu’s neck and solar plexus.

It was clearly a killing move.

Several masters frowned upon seeing this scene, but it couldn’t be helped.

Swords and blades also aimed for vital points when attacking.

The only difference was that other weapons could be stopped, but hidden weapons couldn’t be stopped.

“Huh?”

“Oh no!”

Cheon-gu’s reaction was slow. The hidden weapons had almost reached him, but there was no movement.

Since no one expected the match to be decided by the first attack, everyone looked surprised.

That’s when it happened.

Swoosh.

Cheon-gu’s body seemed to sway, then he burst forward through the hidden weapons.

He had instantly moved to the side and then advanced again.

Yeom-so-pil was equally surprised by the dazzling Bicheon Shinbo.

‘He was aiming for my moment of carelessness.’

The reason he had waited as if he would almost get hit by the hidden weapons was for this very surprise attack.

Cheon-gu, having closed the distance in an instant, thrust his sword at Yeom-so-pil’s right shoulder.

Yeom-so-pil, who was preparing a counterattack, flinched and retreated at the attack aimed at his arm.

Cheon-gu didn’t stop there and aimed for the opposite hand’s wrist.

“Kuk!”

As both hands were blocked just before attacking, Yeom-so-pil’s hands became confused.

From that point on, it was Cheon-gu’s time.

‘Don’t stop.’

Recalling Ja-gang-cheon’s advice, Cheon-gu increased his speed even more.

He persistently stabbed at both shoulders, and when the arms moved, he aimed for the fingers.

His sword was fast and precise, with feints added.

“Huk!”

Yeom-so-pil, who was pulling his hand back while watching the sword aimed at his elbow, felt uneasy the moment Cheon-gu’s sword suddenly bent.

Swish!

For the first time, the sword tip was aimed at his thigh.

He hastily pulled his foot back, but a clear red line remained on his skin. Though the muscle wasn’t injured, it was a chilling moment.

But Yeom-so-pil’s crisis was just beginning.

This time, as the sword came toward his opposite thigh, Yeom-so-pil gritted his teeth and attempted a counterattack.

But this was also a feint.

He withdrew the sword that was heading for the thigh and aimed for the right hand that was throwing hidden weapons.

Thunk.

Cheon-gu’s sword lightly pierced his opponent’s shoulder. He had deliberately pulled back his strength at the last moment.

Exclamations of admiration erupted from all around at this sight.

It was a perfect victory.

“Truly clever.”

The first disciple from Hwasan Sect nodded with a serious expression.

“His swift swordwork was first-rate, but above all, the repetition of feints and real strikes using psychology was impressive. I’d like to teach this to our disciples.”

“The completion level of his swordwork is quite high. Moreover, his application is excellent.”

“Many good martial artists are emerging from Deungmyeong Manor.”

Everyone was acknowledging Cheon-gu’s victory.

“Huh!”

“Oh no!”

They thought his opponent was acknowledging defeat since he wasn’t moving, but the moment the sword was withdrawn from his shoulder, Yeom-so-pil suddenly reached out his hand.

“Stop!”

Dae-gyo-du rushed forward belatedly, but it was already too late.

A triumphant smile formed on Yeom-so-pil’s lips, and a poison-coated needle flew from his hand.

That was when it happened.

Swoosh!

Cheon-gu’s body in front of him swayed, and the hand that had thrown the hidden weapon fell to the ground.

“Ahhh!”

As blood poured from the severed hand below the elbow, Yeom-so-pil screamed.

“I expected as much.”

Cheon-gu had not let his guard down until the very end. But then something even he hadn’t anticipated happened.

“You bastard!”

Someone among the spectators let out an angry roar and shot toward Cheon-gu.

His lightness skill was so tremendous that no one could stop him.

“Jin Ga-so of Yuseolsaeng!”

Unable to contain his rage at his disciple losing an arm, he had leaped into action.

That was when it happened.

“This is not your place to interfere.”

A black shadow followed alongside Jin Ga-so.

A camellia flower drawn on black silk clothing.

That alone was enough for everyone present to recognize her identity.

“Dok-ja-mo!”

Thud!

Jin Ga-so barely managed to block Song Ja-in’s strike.

However, having been ambushed in mid-air, his body was inevitably pushed back.

“How dare you try to ambush my person?”

Song Ja-in landed on the ground and walked toward Jin Ga-so with a cold expression.

The atmosphere was so overwhelming that everyone watching held their breath.

“You bitch! I’ll kill you too!”

Jin Ga-so unleashed his prized hidden weapon technique.

Ten needles flew from his outstretched arm, even anticipating evasion routes.

However, Dok-ja-mo didn’t move from her spot and drew a fan from her waist.

Clang clang clang!

After deflecting the needles with iron wires, she immediately pressed Jin Ga-so.

Clang! Clang!

The hidden weapons bounced off the iron wires, and Song Ja-in persistently pursued Jin Ga-so as he tried to create distance. But before long, Jin Ga-so’s steps became dramatically slower.

“That fan…”

A strange sound like something tugging at the blood vessels in the back of his head rang in his ears.

The spectators couldn’t hear it, but that subtle sound continuously tormented Jin Ga-so.

In battles between masters, small gaps inevitably led to fatal results.

Moreover, Song Ja-in was a master with poison skills who could kill anyone with a single strike.

Thud!

Their palms met.

Jin Ga-so had moved to defend. However, Song Ja-in’s poison technique far exceeded Jin Ga-so’s expectations.

“Cough!”

Though their hands had merely touched, poison energy penetrated and poisoning began.

Realizing this fact, the rage that had dominated his body until moments ago suddenly disappeared.

“I, I surrender.”

“You’re mistaken. Do you think we’re having a sparring match right now?”

“P, please spare me.”

Song Ja-in spoke with force so everyone could hear.

“I have never once spared anyone who oppressed our manor’s people.”

Thud!

Song Ja-in struck down on the head of Jin Ga-so, who had lost his fighting spirit.

***

The first day’s sparring matches had ended.

After defeating Yeom-so-pil, Cheon-gu came down from the training hall.

The Namgung Clan had declared a halt.

Jin Ga-so’s corpse was removed, and Yeom-so-pil was decided to be confined in the clan prison. With so many witnesses to their actions, no one voiced complaints.

“Tomorrow’s matches will begin at the fourth hour (9 AM).”

Tomorrow’s matches would probably be the most intense.

The spectators returned to their respective places, satisfied with the first day full of entertainment.

“Today’s matches belonged to Deungmyeong Manor.”

“It was amazing. The young people’s skills were remarkable.”

“They had no fear and were confident. I liked that spirit.”

“It’s a shame about that warrior named Pan Seok-i. That was the most refreshing fight of my life.”

Various people tried to strike up conversations while looking at Ja-gang-cheon’s group.

Ja-gang-cheon appropriately received their greetings without being standoffish, when suddenly his expression brightened.

“Gangcheon. You were truly excellent today. Are you injured anywhere?”

“No, brother. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Mentor also wants to see you, but he says he cannot because this is Wudang Sect’s official occasion.”

“Our mentor lacks courage.”

“Even so, don’t criticize Mentor. He’s fighting hard alongside me within Wudang Sect.”

Hearing those words, Ja-gang-cheon’s heart softened somewhat. He could actually feel someone watching him from afar.

It was Unseong Jinrin.

Myeongsuk of Wudang Sect, who had fought alongside them against Gwimyeon Ssangssal, looked at Ja-gang-cheon with wistful eyes.

When their eyes met, he closed his eyes apologetically and nodded slightly.

As if cheering him on.

Somehow, that looked pitifully sad.

“Mentor must be suffering more than I am. He’s fighting against the person he respects most.”

Hearing that reason, his disappointed feelings subsided somewhat.

“He wants to fully acknowledge you. For that to happen, you must pursue change rather than rebellion. That is Mentor’s will.”

“I understand. I’ll try to be a little more understanding.”

“Good. That’s enough. Give it some time.”

These were people fighting a difficult battle for his sake.

“Thank you.”

At these words spoken for the first time, Jinmyeong smiled brightly.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————