Chapter 23
“What’s that pathetic look, Gyo Joon? Get up!”
“Yes! Sect Leader!”
Gyo Joon instantly felt a surge of energy and stood up. Standing right in front was none other than the Lord of Iron Blood Gate, the top-tier expert commanding Luoyang’s martial world. Behind him were six masters, the Elders of Iron Blood Gate, and the people behind them were the Lords who supported the gate’s practical affairs.
Judging by their martial prowess and numbers, they could match the Nine Great Sects. I swallowed hard, and the Lord of Iron Blood Gate turned to me with a leisurely gaze.
“Baek Woong, your business isn’t finished yet, is it?”
……
I suddenly wondered, why was the Lord of Iron Blood Gate talking to me? Surely, there was an ulterior motive. My eyes rolled around as I replied, “No, my business has concluded. The sparring ended in my victory, didn’t it?”
My finger pointed to the broken blade next to Gyo Joon, who turned red with embarrassment upon seeing it stuck in the wall. Clearly, I was claiming that my matter was settled, and I’d quickly get out of there.
‘Good thing I wrapped things up quickly. If I had just sat around, I’d have ended up fighting one of them.’
Half of me thought it was a stretch, but it might work; after all, the challenger always had the advantage in a spar. Plus, given the esteemed reputation of the Lord of Iron Blood Gate, he likely wouldn’t recklessly try to kill me.
The Lord of Iron Blood Gate crossed his arms and fell silent. Then, he suddenly looked at Gyo Joon and said, “Hey, Gyo Joon! Did you lose?”
Gyo Joon lowered his head, looking embarrassed, before answering, “Yes.”
“Good, well done. You’re lucky to be alive.”
……
“Well then, Baek Woong, prepare for the next match.”
Huh?!
What the heck does that mean?!
I was taken aback at how casually the Lord of Iron Blood Gate referred to me as a friend while urging the next spar, as if denying even an ounce of objection. I protested since I had nothing to gain from more sparring here.
“What are you talking about? The spar’s over, and I’m leaving Iron Blood Gate now.”
The Lord of Iron Blood Gate chuckled. His mouth smiled, but his eyes showed no signs of mirth.
“Hahaha… What nonsense is that? If that’s the case, you should pay up immediately.”
“Pay? What are you talking about?”
The Lord of Iron Blood Gate glanced around the sparring arena. He caressed the splintered floor and walls.
“You broke all this with your Lion’s Roar, didn’t you? You’ll pay for it all.”
……!!
“Right now, Iron Blood Gate is requesting damages from you, Baek Woong. Don’t you understand?”
I felt on the verge of dropping my sword in disbelief.
This is ridiculous!
While it’s true that my Lion’s Roar caused some damage, those losses happened during a spar, and I should not be liable for that! I was about to protest when I suddenly felt hundreds of eyes locking onto me.
Shudder –
……
In that moment, I realized this was enemy territory, and the dozens to hundreds of martial artists gathered here were ready to rush at me with swords if necessary. Iron Blood Gate might be classified as an orthodox sect, but they were fundamentally sword-wielding folks, and if they decided to take a life, it would happen in an instant.
The Lord of Iron Blood Gate wouldn’t seek compensation in money. I wasn’t that clueless either.
As I swallowed hard, the Lord of Iron Blood Gate spoke.
“Running away after winning is unacceptable. Here is Iron Blood Gate.”
“Cough… What nonsense.”
“You at least have to fight two more times. If you win both, I’ll promise you won’t have to pay for anything.”
“What if I refuse?”
“You’ve got guts.”
A cruel smile played on the Lord of Iron Blood Gate’s lips.
“If you think you can run away from here, and still want to duel Iron Blood Gate again, then it’s fine! We might finally enjoy some thrilling Jianghu adventures!”
I recognized I had no choice. Perhaps I could escape using my internal power, but I had no idea how badly I’d be injured. The Lord of Iron Blood Gate’s martial arts were at the pinnacle of the martial world, similar to the Elders. Even if I miraculously escaped, I’d spend my life being hunted down by their crazy followers. And I didn’t have that kind of stamina or leisure.
‘Damn… Damn it…!!’
I caught on to the Lord of Iron Blood Gate’s intentions.
[Winning and escaping will not be tolerated.]
He was here to set up the stage for a victory for Iron Blood Gate, no matter what. Many challengers before had probably managed to take down one or two of their martial artists, but afterward, like now, they would end up losing in a series of quasi-coercive rematches. Iron Blood Gate had likely maintained its honor this way since the beginning.
It might be better to lose comfortably and run now. But the masters of Iron Blood Gate coming for two more matches would definitely be out to make a fool of me or even kill me. Either way, every choice felt like walking on thin ice, making my head spin.
I realized I had underestimated not just Iron Blood Gate, but the entire Jianghu. In a martial arts novel, by this point, the Lord of Iron Blood Gate might admire my skills or let me go, maybe even offer me a place in Iron Blood Gate.
But reality struck. To the Lord of Iron Blood Gate, I was merely a wandering hero with decent martial skills—a nuisance to be eliminated. And the Jianghu would stop at nothing to defend the honor of Iron Blood Gate.
‘So I’m going to die either way?’
No options left. It’s either to die from a sword in my back while escaping or fighting to the end.
‘Then I guess I’ll gamble my luck.’
With resignation, I spoke.
“Alright. But I have a request.”
“What is it?”
“Please give me a decent weapon. A good spear and a good sword, one of each.”
……
There was a murmur among the disciples of Iron Blood Gate. I must have seemed odd for still looking for weapons at this point. Perhaps it looked like I was maintaining composure when my life was hanging in the balance? The Lord of Iron Blood Gate, however, looked genuinely amused this time.
“You’re quite the interesting fellow. Is it true there’s no sect to back you?”
“Why do you keep asking? I’ve already said there isn’t.”
“Fascinating… It’s fascinating. Even among the top experts of orthodox sects, it’d be hard to cultivate someone like you.”
The Lord of Iron Blood Gate, with a sigh, called out to the crowd.
“Hey! Someone bring a spear and sword!”
His command felt absolutely authoritative. As soon as it was given, several disciples hurried off, and not long after, they returned with the very spear and sword I requested. The Lord of Iron Blood Gate handed them to me, saying, “Is this sufficient?”
“It’s plenty.”
They were good weapons, definitely not something to nitpick about. Both the spear and sword gleamed silver and were brand new, made of high-quality material. They were weapons befitting a high-ranking noble, and I had no complaints about their integrity.
Moments later, the Lord of Iron Blood Gate snapped his fingers.
“Elder One, you will take part in the spar.”
“Understood, Sect Leader.”
Swish
The one called Elder One adjusted his hat and stepped forward. He was a rather short figure, appearing even smaller than my tall presence. Drawing out an unusually long sword made him seem a bit awkward.
“I am the first elder of Iron Blood Gate, the Ghost Shadow Swordsman, Jin Pyeong. Let’s have a good match, Baek Woong.”
I had no idea how strong the Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong really was. That fact indicated his martial arts had reached a level that was unfathomable to me at present. I could only sense the strength of his internal energy, but even that was hard to gauge accurately due to him keeping his Qi low to execute the stillness of the sword.
What I could gather was that Jin Pyeong was likely a swordsman who could determine the outcome swiftly.
‘Damn it. Am I going to die here?’
My mind was a whirlpool of confusion. While a flurry of thoughts crossed my mind, I also felt I couldn’t simply die here after having lost so much. With my sword in hand, I asked Jin Pyeong.
“I’m just a country bumpkin. I don’t really know of your esteemed reputation. Do you hold martial skills comparable to the Elders of Huashan Sect?”
“……!!”
Jin Pyeong looked surprised, and the people around him appeared bewildered as well. Directly questioning one’s prowess like this among martial artists was not only rude but put the respondent in an awkward position. As Jin Pyeong hesitated, the Lord of Iron Blood Gate chuckled.
“Hahaha… That’s quite the spirit. I shall answer that question for you. In my view, the first elder of our sect is on par with the Elders of the Nine Great Sects! As for the Huashan Sect, it’s about equal. But against the Zhongnan Sect’s Elder, we are a step ahead.”
At that, Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong shot a glance at the Lord of Iron Blood Gate, looking genuinely embarrassed as his face slightly flushed.
“Sect Leader, you’re laying on the compliments a bit thick.”
“What’s it matter? It’s the truth. Who’s going to disagree?”
“… Thank you.”
“Now enough chit-chat and focus on the duel.”
While the two chatted, I could hardly contain my racing thoughts.
Elders of the Nine Great Sects! If that’s true, then he must be an absolute peak expert. Such people are hard to find in the world, but as an elder in a great sect like Iron Blood Gate, of course, it makes sense they would have such strength.
I pondered briefly before sticking my spear into the ground. Taking a deep breath, I adjusted my posture for the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique.
‘Forget Thunder Spirit Eight Forms. I’ll fight with my familiar Thunder Shadow Sword Technique.’
Although the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms were undeniably stronger than the Thunder Shadow Sword Technique, the Eight Forms flowed smoothly in combat while the Sword Technique was far more versatile. I had worked hard over years honing my sword skills, so winging it with the Eight Forms at this stage wouldn’t suit me.
One thought occupied my mind: Luck!
All that remained for me now was to rely solely on luck. I pointed my sword at Jin Pyeong and said, “Ghost Shadow Swordsman, please allow the first attack to be made by the junior.”
“… I intended to do so, but I’ve never met someone who speaks that way before.”
As Jin Pyeong made that reaction, I ignored it and shouted, “Yes!”
With that, my body shot forward like the wind toward him. Moving faster than I ever had, my vision blurred, and a radiant sword path danced in the air as if it were weaving light. To ordinary eyes, it would merely appear as a mass of wind racing forward.
Clang!
However, Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong leisurely swung his massive sword with one hand, blocking my initial attack. Though he didn’t shake it off entirely, a slight wobble indicated that my attack had some impact, and he soon dissipated the force with his footwork. There was clearly a significant difference in skill compared to Gyo Joon, whom I had knocked flying earlier.
Swish
At that moment, Jin Pyeong’s sword tip slithered like a snake. I couldn’t discern the identity of his technique, but I sensed it would be dangerous if left unchecked. So, I swung my strong sword down at him like a club, targeting his upper body. Jin Pyeong combined technique with unyielding defense to deflect my strikes, but then his eyes lit up for an instant.
“Ha!”
Bang!
“Ugh…”
I gritted my teeth, biting my lips through the pain as I staggered back. Suddenly, Jin Pyeong’s sword surged forward like a striking snake, increasing its speed drastically, making it impossible to evade. In that split second, I narrowly avoided a fatal blow, but his attack did not stop there, swinging and swiping at my neck.
I stumbled back in panic, rolling to evade his strikes. I was on my way to being a laughing stock among Jianghu, but all I cared about was surviving. Using the springing motion from my knees, I got back on my feet and attempted my Thunder Shadow Sword Technique again, but yet again, Jin Pyeong smoothly deflected my attack.
After taking a momentary pause, Jin Pyeong remarked, “Your internal power is truly impressive. However, your sword skills are quite basic, which makes it difficult for me to finish this quickly.”
“I know that without you having to say it.”
He seemed genuinely impressed by my internal power.
“Even in prestigious sects, boasting first-class internal skills after decades of cultivation, such a high level of power isn’t something one can easily achieve… how on earth did you obtain such internal energy?”
……
I didn’t answer.
Right now, the battle was essentially a clash of internal power against sword technique. My sword technique couldn’t match Jin Pyeong’s, but my internal energy compensating for defense, offensive strength, and agility was so much higher that I could still hold my ground. Yet every single one of Jin Pyeong’s attacks held the nature of lethal strikes, and if I allowed any effective hit, it would mean instant death.
The gap in skill was painfully evident. I had never even considered that I could utilize my internal power to counter a sword technique, something that stood before me now as undeniable proof that Jin Pyeong was, in fact, a peak expert.
“Shall we try this?”
Whoosh!
As Jin Pyeong muttered, suddenly a vibrant flame erupted from his sword. This wasn’t just a simple gust of blade energy; the intensity of the Qi condensed around the sword was so powerful it could be seen. Knowing what it was made my strength waver as I murmured, “Sword Qi…”
Not merely generating a blade gust, but the moment it was manifested, it was as if the sword became a supreme treasure, naturally leading to the unity of body and sword. This was the pinnacle of weapon techniques. The sword qi I had encountered before only came from my master, Jin So-cheong, and the Assassination Squad Leader.
What struck me as terrifying about sword qi was its ability to penetrate defenses using Qi and potentially obliterate an enemy on impact.
But the sword qi from Jin So-cheong and the Assassination Squad Leader never flickered with flames like that; their blade forms were refined and pristine. I couldn’t contain my curiosity and asked, “Why does your sword qi look different? The others had blade forms.”
Jin Pyeong raised an eyebrow, then slyly responded, “It means I’m stronger than them. The stronger the sword qi, the more it evolves from flame into true sword strength.”
……
So, that’s what he calls sword flames.
I pondered why Jin So-cheong hadn’t taught me this, then reasoned that she likely thought I would never reach a level capable of wielding sword qi or sword flames. Likely, she thought I wouldn’t see a day where I would need that skill while alive.
‘Is this where it all ends?’
I pushed back any remaining stubbornness and asked, “If I defeat you, who do I face next?”
“That won’t happen.”
He sounded far too resolute. But I shouted defiantly, “Still tell me!”
“The Sect Leader will handle you.”
“How much stronger is the Sect Leader than you?”
“You’re really curious about pointless things. In Luoyang, the only ones who can stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sect Leader are the Master of Huashan Sect and the Master of the Great Sword Gate. Don’t compare yourself to that level.”
Swish, swish.
Despite answering my questions, it seemed I had incurred Jin Pyeong’s ire. To him, my mentioning the Sect Leader was a presumptuous act. I tightened my grip on the sword again, feeling that the outcome would be the same either way.
“Let’s end this.”
Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong declared firmly before charging toward me.
The duel concluded exactly three hundred fifty seconds later.
All around, traces of blade marks were flurrying through the air, and the sparring grounds looked like it had been hit by a powder keg, destroyed without a single intact spot. I stood there, drenched in blood, wielding my long sword and swaying unsteadily, as I felt consciousness slipping away.
I struggled with all my might, but it was futile.
I possessed immense internal power, yet Jin Pyeong, as a peak expert traversing the Central Plains, clearly had at least sixty years’ worth of internal energy to deflect my every strike. Not to mention, he could redirect my attacks should he unleash his sword flames.
Ghost Shadow Swordsman Jin Pyeong glanced down at the two wounds on his shoulder and arm, then complimented me, saying, “If you’d polished your sword techniques for just ten more years, I wouldn’t have been your match.”
……
“Farewell.”
Whoosh!
For a moment, I felt an unpleasant foreign sensation, and my gaze shot to the ceiling. Irrespective of my will, the ceiling of the sparring ground entered my line of sight.
This was my third death.
