Heaven-Defying Hero - Chapter 96

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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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#096

The four who had not yet stepped up for combat fell into contemplation.

Namgung Seong of the Namgung Clan.

Jinmyeong of the Wudang Sect.

Cheon Seolhwa of North Cheon City.

The Eminent Master of the Kunlun Sect.

The first to step forward was surprisingly Jinmyeong.

However, before drawing his sword, Jinmyeong spoke to Ja-gang-cheon.

“I respect what you’re trying to do. But unlike you, those who step forward from now on will not be honorable.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I’m ashamed to step forward to face you when you’re tired. So I ask you. How about yielding this stage to me as your final opponent?”

This was something he hadn’t considered.

‘Come to think of it, Sister Seolhwa would also find it awkward to step forward. With Hyeongnim Jinmyeong’s character, he wouldn’t be happy even if he won, and the shock would be greater if he lost.’

Up to three victories was fine. Usually in martial arts competitions, it was customary to step down after achieving that level of victory.

‘In the end, Hyeongnim Jinmyeong came out to sacrifice himself.’

Ja-gang-cheon admitted that he had gone too far.

“Thank you for letting me know. Then I’ll stop here.”

“Are you really okay with this?”

Jinmyeong honestly felt a bit empty.

He had prepared himself for a dishonorable duel, but Ja-gang-cheon showed no lingering attachment.

“If you know something is wrong, you should fix it quickly.”

That obvious statement somehow made Jinmyeong feel ashamed.

The Wudang Sect quite often stubbornly clung to tradition. The current treatment of Ja-gang-cheon was the same.

“I am ashamed.”

“That wasn’t directed at you, Hyeongnim, but at me. You tend to deliberately live life the hard way. Don’t torment yourself too much.”

“I’ll try.”

Hearing those words, Ja-gang-cheon cupped his fists.

“Ja-gang-cheon, Lord of Deungmyeong Manor, will forfeit the duel.”

When he clearly stated his intention, the audience burst into unanimous applause.

While some spectators secretly hoped he would defeat all nine opponents, most people thought Jinmyeong’s words were right.

So they gave generous applause to Ja-gang-cheon who turned away without regret.

The five duels had been overwhelming, and his departing steps were dignified.

“Jinmyeong created the most graceful opportunity for him to step down.”

Song Ja-in greeted Ja-gang-cheon with a satisfied smile.

“You’ve worked hard, Lord.”

“We got everything we wanted. Well done.”

“Hyeongnim! You’re truly the best! So cool!”

What Ja-gang-cheon had wanted from the beginning was fame. And with this much, he had obtained everything he could take from here.

“Now I’ll watch with a comfortable mind.”

Many people were still applauding toward Ja-gang-cheon. Their eyes held a mixture of admiration, envy, and jealousy.

Boom! Boom!

Several drum beats sounded to settle the atmosphere, and someone stepped forward as an opponent so Jinmyeong wouldn’t be embarrassed.

“Sister must have been itching to fight too.”

Cheon Seolhwa of North Cheon City stepped up to the training hall.

Wudang Sect versus North Cheon City.

That symbolic confrontation had come to pass.

With Ja-gang-cheon’s withdrawal, tension returned to the martial arts competition that could have lost its energy.

They only stated their names to each other, with no other conversation.

“They ate together but didn’t become friendly at all.”

Like white and black go stones, they only sought to fight when they met.

Their combat showed distinctly different characteristics from the start.

Jinmyeong was flexible and solid, as he had shown in his duel with Cheon-gu. Like the Taiji that symbolized them, he was skilled at using his opponent’s strength, and decisive when striking.

In contrast, Cheon Seolhwa employed the Snow Shadow Sword Technique learned by the female swordsmen of North Cheon City.

The Snow Shadow Sword Technique hadn’t received attention in the past, but for a peculiar reason, it had become one of the most famous sword techniques in the martial world.

‘The Lord of North Cheon City has only three daughters.’

As a result, he intensively studied and greatly developed the Snow Shadow Sword Technique practiced by women.

Moreover, as all three daughters showed exceptional talent, the sword technique they used became a name of terror in the northern martial world.

Cheon Seolhwa also employed the Snow Shadow Sword Technique, inheriting its fast and sharp characteristics.

Clang!

Like a venomous snake crouched in white snow fields, the deadly sword technique clashed with Jinmyeong’s Taiji Wisdom Sword.

Their confrontation was so fierce and precarious that one couldn’t take their eyes off it throughout.

‘Sister is strong too.’

Her fiery and straightforward personality was directly reflected in her sword technique. Jinmyeong, who had been holding firm, was flustered several times and even driven to the brink of defeat.

From that scene, Ja-gang-cheon realized one fact.

“There’s been a lot of research done on Wudang Sect martial arts.”

Cheon Seolhwa showed several instances of preparing in advance for Jinmyeong’s next moves.

“That’s the frightening aspect of North Cheon City. They don’t spare investment in martial arts research. And they have no fear of change.”

Ja-gang-cheon had already experienced what Song Ja-in meant on Gwigok Island.

“Hyeongnim Jinmyeong won’t have it easy.”

As Ja-gang-cheon expected, Cheon Seolhwa pressed Jinmyeong hard. Everyone watching anticipated Cheon Seolhwa’s victory like Ja-gang-cheon.

But it was strange.

“Wow.”

Jinmyeong endured. Even when he seemed about to collapse, he miraculously rose again.

Their duel went beyond this point, and Cheon Seolhwa ended up appearing exhausted from attacking.

‘Taiji can flow away anything according to the principles of nature.’

He saw in reality what Father had said.

Cheon Seolhwa bit her lower lip with a fed-up expression. She too had her pride at stake and wouldn’t back down.

Since they were both exhausted, they staked everything on a single clash.

Slowly approaching each other, they unleashed their final techniques.

The final move of the Snow Shadow Sword Technique: Northern Shadow Without Trace.

The afterimage left by the extreme swift sword aimed at sixteen vital points of the opponent. Only one among them was real, but it was impossible to follow with the eyes.

Jinmyeong countered with Taiji Return to One, called both the beginning and end of the Taiji Wisdom Sword.

That scene was truly spectacular.

It was a majesty unbelievable for a spectacle created by just two people.

Instead of cheers, the audience imprinted that scene in their minds with blank faces.

Clang!

What awakened their spirits was a violent metallic sound different from before.

One sword shot up to the sky and fell to the ground.

“I lost.”

The one who dropped her sword was Cheon Seolhwa.

She cupped her fists with a frustrated expression, retrieved her fallen sword, and descended from the training hall.

Only then did cheers burst out, and Jinmyeong cupped his fists toward the four directions with a tired expression. Then he descended from the training hall without regret.

He too was exhausted and couldn’t continue with the next duel.

Now only two remained.

The Eminent Master of the Kunlun Sect and Namgung Seong of the Namgung Clan.

Namgung Seong had intended to forfeit this duel, but with things turning out this way, he couldn’t just sit still.

‘If I do nothing now, my name will be buried.’

This Gangho Martial Arts Tournament had particularly many memorable scenes. Moreover, all the spectators were waiting for the final confrontation.

If the final stage disappeared because of him, it was clear what the audience would say.

His mind became complicated, and one person caught his eye.

‘That bastard…’

For some reason, Ja-gang-cheon was fiddling with Mukryeomdo. It was as if he was saying ‘You still have internal injuries, don’t you.’

The thought of handing over his final stage to Ja-gang-cheon made his anger flare up.

In the end, he grabbed his sword.

He walked out toward the Kunlun Sect’s rising star who was already waiting.

He could feel his father’s piercing gaze from behind, but he couldn’t back down now.

“It’s an honor to experience the swordsmanship of the Namgung Clan.”

“I too have admired that blade technique that punished the Evil Sect.”

Though their words were polite, their weapons were not.

Sword and blade.

The most commonly used weapons in the martial world clashed.

As it was the final duel of the martial arts competition, everyone focused intently on watching their match.

‘Still, Namgung Seong should win, right?’

Most people thought this way. But the Kunlun Sect’s eminent master was not to be underestimated.

Their duel was fierce and worthy of being called the finale.

But Namgung Seong, who had been fighting fiercely, suddenly wavered greatly.

When sword and blade clashed powerfully, he was pushed back a full step.

That’s when it started.

The eminent master, seizing the opportunity, pressed Namgung Seong hard.

The Kunlun Sect’s martial arts had developed practically while confronting the Evil Sect in the Tianshan Mountains.

This meant they were skilled at pursuing wounded opponents.

Clang! Clang!

Finally, Namgung Seong couldn’t hold on and took a large step back, then unleashed the Emperor Sword Form.

But his Emperor Sword Form was hasty, and even his internal energy was unstable.

‘Ugh!’

The moment the pain from his internal injuries greatly shook his inner energy,

Clang!

The Demon-Slaying Blade Technique added to Kunlun’s Cloud Dragon Eight Forms fell toward Namgung Seong’s head.

“Kuk!”

Namgung Seong, struck by the radiating inner energy, coughed up blood. At the same time, he couldn’t hold onto his fading consciousness any longer.

Thud!

Namgung Seong lost consciousness and collapsed face-down in the training hall.

The moment his handsome face was crushed against the blue stone slabs of the training hall, everyone’s time seemed to stop.

This was the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament hosted by the Namgung Clan. Yet in the final match, the young lord of the Namgung Clan had lost consciousness in defeat.

It was a moment when the festive atmosphere instantly froze.

“Physician!”

Dae-gyo-du’s voice made the stopped time flow again.

The martial arts competition that had been filled with cheers and applause ended with murmurs and a chaotic atmosphere.

***

That evening after the martial arts competition ended.

When the Gangho Martial Arts Tournament concluded, the final 10 participants and judges received separate invitations to the clan.

It was an event called the Martial Arts Banquet, where a sumptuous feast and fine tea were prepared, and musicians performed music directly.

The purpose of this event was for renowned masters to exchange greetings and for rising talents to receive praise and advice.

Naturally, praise should have been exchanged in a warm atmosphere, but this time it wasn’t so.

The conversations of the attendees were so quiet that the softly played music could be heard clearly.

‘Namgung Seong couldn’t attend after all.’

The young lord of the Namgung Clan had collapsed with serious injuries. Since it was only two hours ago, no one could laugh and chat.

Namgung Cheonju tried to maintain his usual expression, but those who spoke to him absolutely couldn’t smile.

Nevertheless, following the event’s protocol, the nine rising talents exchanged greetings with the Lord of the Namgung Clan.

It was a place to express gratitude to the host, but this too was inevitably awkward.

And to Ja-gang-cheon, who greeted him last, Namgung Cheonju spoke in a low, heavy voice.

“I watched your performance well.”

Ja-gang-cheon could tell that Namgung Cheonju’s words toward him carried unpleasant emotions.

“Thank you.”

Ja-gang-cheon didn’t avoid it and answered while looking into his eyes.

The banquet ended in half an hour without even filling the planned one hour.

When Ho-bang-gae, who was most uncomfortable in such situations, left, it created an atmosphere where anyone could escape.

‘The beggar uncle can be helpful sometimes.’

Ja-gang-cheon was also uncomfortable in that situation, so he quickly left the Namgung Clan.

And when he returned to the inn and saw his waiting companions, he smiled brightly and said.

“Let’s eat.”

“Did you go to a feast and come back without even getting a meal?”

“If I had eaten that, I would have definitely gotten indigestion.”

Song Ja-in roughly anticipated what kind of atmosphere it would have been.

“Sounds good. So what shall we eat? We were just getting hungry ourselves.”

At those words, Pansuk tried to say something, but Cheon-gu quickly covered his mouth.

Pansuk felt wronged and rubbed his stomach.

‘But I overate.’

Since the martial arts competition was over, he had overeaten with a relaxed mind. He was holding his uncomfortable stomach and having tea when Ja-gang-cheon arrived.

‘Right. Let’s eat.’

If he somehow squeezed it in, it seemed like he could fit about one more bowl of noodles.

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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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