The Patriarch of the Northern Heavens - Chapter 82

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Master of the Bukcheon Sword Family – Chapter 82

The Sichuan First Sword had been attacked?
Even I couldn’t help but be taken aback.
“Is she unharmed?”
“Yes. Fortunately, she repelled the attackers. However….”
Dang Ye-rin spoke with a darkened expression.
“She wasn’t able to kill the enemy completely. It seems the culprit managed to escape.”
“An opponent skilled enough for the Granddaughter of Sichuan’s First Sword to let slip away….”
That meant, even by the most conservative estimate, they were a master of the Heavenly Martial Realm.
Anyone below that level wouldn’t have survived a single strike from the Sichuan First Sword.
“In any case, I’m relieved she’s safe.”
“Indeed. It’s thanks to you warning us of the danger beforehand.”
“I didn’t do much. We haven’t even confirmed it was the Black Night Fortress yet.”
“But who else would dare target my grandmother?”
She spoke those words while grinding her teeth.
Her expression was one of considerable fury.
It was only natural—her beloved family had been attacked.
I spoke to her gently.
“I think it would be best to visit her as soon as possible.”
“You’re right. I came here in the first place to bring you to my grandmother.”
“Given the circumstances, I think we should depart immediately. Let me inform my father first.”
“Of course.”
I told her to prepare for departure and headed straight to the Administrative Office of the clan head.
My father looked up from his paperwork to greet me.
“Mu-yeol. What brings you here?”
“Something has come up. I need to make a trip to Sichuan for a while.”
“Sichuan?”
“Yes.”
I nodded and relayed the news of the attack on the Sichuan First Sword.
My father’s expression grew grave upon hearing this.
This was no ordinary matter.
“I had heard rumors, but it’s still shocking. To think there are those bold enough to attack one of the Thirteen Venerables….”
“We haven’t yet identified who the attackers are. I’ll need to go there myself to gather more detailed information.”
“So that’s why you’ve come in such haste to ask permission to go.”
“Yes. I cannot simply send her alone.”
It was I who had drawn her into the conflict with the Black Night Fortress, and it was through fighting together that we had grown close.
And she had been staying here all this time to bring me back with her.
I could not abandon someone like that.
“Indeed, that is so. Then go ahead, but do not forget to exercise caution.”
“Yes.”
“How many guards will you require?”
“I think it would be best if we moved alone. There is no need to draw unnecessary attention.”
“That is true enough. Still, take at least one person with you.”
“Whom would you recommend?”
“I shall speak with Elder Moyong. He will not refuse.”
Indeed, Moyong Hyun-rak seemed the type who would prefer traveling to Sichuan with me rather than remaining within the family.
I nodded and turned my attention back to Dang Ye-rin.
She was in the midst of packing her belongings.
“I have informed Father. Now we need only depart. When might you be ready?”
“My preparations are nearly complete, so we can leave immediately. What about you?”
“I intend to travel light—merely a horse and traveling funds.”
Dang Ye-rin nodded in acknowledgment.
As we discussed our travel arrangements, Moyong Hyun-rak appeared, having apparently heard word from Father.
“Moyong Hyun-rak?”
Dang Ye-rin tilted her head upon seeing him, puzzled.
His sudden appearance had caught her off guard.
Yet I spoke reassuringly, my tone gentle.
“Moyong Hyun-rak has agreed to escort us to Sichuan. Is that not so?”
“Hmph. I have had nothing to occupy myself with for some time now.”
Moyong Hyun-rak said this while crossing his arms.
Though his expression suggested reluctance, given his nature, had he truly been unwilling, he would have refused outright. Thus, this was as good as acceptance.
“Then let us depart without further delay.”
Both of them nodded at my words.
Our destination was Sichuan.
The place where Sichuan First Sword dwelled.

* * *

Sichuan was quite a distance from Shaanxi Province.
The road itself was far from smooth, treacherous in many places.
So we urged our horses forward with urgency.
Our party consisted of only myself, Moyong Hyun-rak, Dang Ye-rin, and her two guards—a small enough group that we could maintain considerable speed.
“The letter made no mention of who attacked her?”
“No. It only stated that she had been attacked….”
“Perhaps they simply don’t know the identity of the assailant?”
“That’s quite possible, though….”
Still, the lack of concrete information was frustrating.
I wondered why such details hadn’t been included in the correspondence.
But I refrained from voicing these doubts aloud.
It was a question that wouldn’t yield answers through further inquiry.
“I’m curious about something, Clan Lord. What exactly do you intend to accomplish once you arrive there?”
“You mean that?”
“Yes. Anyone capable of attacking one of the Thirteen Venerables could be called a monster. And if they struck and escaped unscathed, they’re even more terrifying. Against such an enemy, there’s precious little you could do, is there?”
“That much is certainly true.”
I didn’t deny the fact.
“But among those of us standing against Black Night Fortress, shouldn’t we share what information we possess? Besides, she expressed a desire to see me.”
“A late-stage martial artist receiving the attention of Sichuan First Sword? The other martial artists in the realm will be green with envy.”
Moyong Hyun-rak said this with a slight chuckle.
But that was when it happened.
Whiiiiiing!
A sharp wind swept across us as we rode.
At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary breeze.
But having cultivated the Wind God technique, I could sense the malice woven within it.
I immediately called out to my companions.
“Everyone, prepare for battle. We have enemies approaching.”
“What?”
“Enemies?”
Everyone turned to me with expressions of bewilderment.
It had been only days since we departed the Bukcheon Sword Family.
Moreover, we had traveled with considerable discretion—how could enemies have found us?
But before they could voice their confusion.
Twang!
An arrow tore through the air with vicious speed.
I immediately drew my blade and struck the projectile away with all my strength.
Crash!
The impact was so forceful my hand tingled from the recoil.
“What!”
“Who goes there! Show yourself!”
Dang Ye-rin’s escorts cried out in alarm upon witnessing the spectacle.
At that, at least dozens of martial artists emerged from the front.
Judging by the aura alone, each one was an elite warrior of considerable skill.
Among them were even two or three masters from the Johwa Realm.
“Not bandits, it seems…”
We were currently in Shaanxi Province.
This was where Hua Shan and Songshan, counted among the most renowned orthodox sects, had established their roots.
There was no way skilled bandits could operate so openly in such a place.
They would have been suppressed immediately.
Which meant…
‘They were targeting us from the beginning.’
I regarded my enemies with a piercing gaze.
“Did you come from Black Night Fortress?”
“….”
They did not answer.
They merely assumed combat positions.
Observing them, I quickly grasped the situation.
“It appears we’ve fallen into a trap.”
“A trap? But how could they have known we would come this way…?”
“The letter the young lady received.”
“…!”
“That letter itself was likely the trap. It was certainly a scheme to lure the young lady away from the Bukcheon Sword Family.”
“That… that cannot be…!”
“The letter probably had a tracking method like a thousand-mile fragrance seal placed upon it. For them to locate us so precisely, it must be certain.”
I spoke my thoughts calmly.
Then the leader among the enemies stepped forward.
It was the middle-aged archer who had fired at me earlier.
“You’re quite sharp-witted, aren’t you? Are you the Wind God Dragon?”
“Yes.”
“If you’re that clever, you’ll understand well. You have no chance of victory. So hand over the Granddaughter of Sichuan’s First Sword to us.”
He spoke as though bestowing mercy.
“Then I’ll spare the rest. Not a bad bargain, is it?”
“How amusing. Black Night Fortress would be eager to kill me as well, wouldn’t they?”
“That’s only true for those responsible for the Sanseo region. Honestly, I have no interest in you. I’d be happy to kill you, but there’s no need to force a fight.”
His eyes held sincerity.
He truly believed what he was saying.
But I could not possibly hand over Dang Ye-rin, regardless.
“I refuse. I cannot hand over a comrade I’ve fought alongside, trusting her with my back, to you.”
“Young master…!”
Dang Ye-rin spoke with a trembling voice.
The Middle-aged Archer, in contrast, exhaled a sigh as if utterly exasperated.
“So you refuse the toast of honor and insist on drinking the penalty cup instead.”
“Do you truly not know what poison might be lurking in our wine?”
“Are you truly unwilling to reconsider?”
“I am.”
I answered while glaring at them.
The Middle-aged Archer let out a soft chuckle as he regarded me.
“Then there is no choice in the matter.”
He nocked an arrow to his bowstring as he spoke.
“Die.”
Whoosh!
Once more, an arrow streaked toward my throat.
I immediately unleashed a blade of wind to sever the incoming projectile.
Clatter!
As if that were a signal, dozens of martial artists surged forward from all directions.
I shouted to Dang Ye-rin’s two guards.
“You two focus entirely on protecting the young lady! The rest, Moyong Hyun-rak and I shall intercept!”
“Hah. What could merely two of you possibly accomplish….”
The Middle-aged Archer’s words died in his throat.
Slash!
A net of sword energy erupted from Moyong Hyun-rak’s blade, severing five approaching enemies in a single stroke.
It was the Eleventh Form of the Heaven and Earth Thirteen Swords.
He cut down his foes with a cold sneer, dispatching them in the order they approached.
“What!?”
“I’ve been lacking real combat experience lately. This is most welcome.”
Moyong Hyun-rak’s eyes gleamed with lethal intent as he charged into the enemy ranks.
Attacks came at him from all sides to end his life, yet he did not blink once, blocking or evading every strike.
Truly, his nerve was extraordinary. He cut down the rabble and instantly surged toward the stronger opponents.
“This is….”
Realizing our fighting strength exceeded his expectations, the Middle-aged Archer’s expression darkened.
Ordinarily, he could overwhelm through sheer numbers….
But I, Moyong Hyun-rak, and even Dang Ye-rin’s two guards possessed formidable skill.
The battle would not be decided easily.
“Tsk.”
He clicked his tongue in resignation and nocked another arrow to his bowstring.
His intent was to snipe Moyong Hyun-rak, who was locked in fierce combat with a master from the Johwa Realm aligned with Black Night Fortress.
‘Senior.’
-Understood.
Yet he was forced to hastily retreat before releasing the shot.
The gale strike I unleashed had just obliterated the tree that had been at his back.
I activated both the Bukcheon Divine Art and the Vajra Yaksha Divine Art simultaneously.
Whiiing!
A golden wind swept forth, enveloping my body like armor.
I stepped onto the Wind God’s Footwork and approached the Middle-aged Archer.
“You!”
He cried out in alarm, drawing his bowstring toward me.
But it was futile.
The flow of wind revealed to me exactly how the arrows would fly.
“You said you wanted Dang Ye-rin.”
I twisted my lips into a smile as I spoke.
“Then try to take her.”
If you can, that is.

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