Heavenly Demon of Mount Hua

Chapter 13

#Only READ at DarkstarTranslations
—–CROW—– 

“Hahaha.”

Go-gyeong-ja, the elder of Mount Hengshan Sect, who had easily won the recent match, chuckled.

It was a small chuckle, but enough to irritate those sitting nearby.

Mu-yeong-ja, the elder of Mount Tai Sect, was the first to break the sudden silence.

“I have high hopes for the future of Mount Hengshan Sect.”

“Fortunately, luck was on our side.”

Tae-gyeong-ja’s face hardened as he watched the two sects that had defeated Mount Hua exchange congratulations.

As the elder of Mount Song Sect, the only sect that had lost, he couldn’t bring himself to look up.

‘All the sects except ours must have been sharpening their swords to defeat Mount Hua.’

He berated himself, but soon his hardened expression softened. He forced a smile and congratulated Go-gyeong-ja.

“…Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Go-gyeong-ja replied with a smile.

But his eyes, hidden within the curves of his smile, held a hint of mockery.

‘Mount Song Sect is past its prime.’

Due to the results of the Five Mountains Gathering four years ago, Mount Hengshan Sect had been treated as the weakest among the Five Mountains Sword Sects.

But now, the tables had turned.

“Hmm…”

The Sect Leader’s expression wasn’t good either.

The faint smile he had been wearing was gone, and his complexion darkened.

‘To think Jeok-jae would lose.’

His expectations were completely off.

One win, two losses.

If they lost one more time, it would be a disastrous defeat for the sect hosting the Five Mountains Gathering for the first time in twenty-eight years.

‘I was truly arrogant.’

His mouth felt bitter.

The situation he had expected to be an easy victory was unfolding in the opposite direction.

The skills of the disciples from the other sects, which he had assumed would be similar to before, had improved drastically.

As the Sect Leader’s previously cheerful face darkened, the elders of the victorious sects, on the other hand, brightened.

‘Tsk tsk, they’re on their way out.’

‘Perhaps the hierarchy of the Five Mountains Sword Sects will change in the future.’

As they were lost in thought, anticipating their bright future.

Whirl—

A boy in a blue and white robe leaped onto the training ground with a flamboyant flourish.

“The Revealing Cloud Graceful Willow Steps…!”

“H-How can such a young child…”

Everyone gasped.

The Revealing Cloud Graceful Willow Steps was a rare secret technique of Mount Heng Sect, mastered by only a few.

“I am Kang-un, the second-generation disciple of Mount Heng Sect.”

Jeok-u-ja, the elder of Mount Heng Sect, spoke calmly, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

As if he had planned everything.

‘That sly fox!’

‘He’s been hiding him.’

‘As expected of Mount Heng Sect.’

The three elders gritted their teeth.

No wonder he had been quietly observing.  He had been planning this all along.

Jeok-u-ja smiled faintly, pleased with their reactions.

“It’s already the last match.”

His eyes narrowed.

The outcome of this match would significantly impact the future of the Five Mountains Sword Sects.

Jeok-u-ja’s eyes gleamed.

‘They’re not what they used to be.’

A young man in a Mount Hua robe stepped onto the training ground.

“Senior Brother!”

“We’re counting on you!”

“Do your best!”

Cheers erupted from all directions.

Jeok-geom, the second-generation disciple of Mount Hua Sect, froze under the pressure.

‘I have to win.’

He had thought his turn would come smoothly, but the situation was dire.

‘I can’t lose.’

He swallowed nervously.

Jeok-geom was the most promising disciple among the second generation, carrying the hopes of not only Mount Hua Sect but also his family, the Swift Wind Trading Company.

‘Hahaha! A Taoist from Mount Hua has emerged from our family!’

He recalled his father, who admired martial artists but couldn’t practice martial arts due to lack of talent.

How happy and celebratory he had been when Jeok-geom became a Mount Hua disciple.

And that wasn’t all.

Mount Hua Sect also supported him wholeheartedly.

He felt the weight on his shoulders.

‘Everything depends on me.’

Nervous, Jeok-geom approached Kang-un, standing in the center, and bowed respectfully.

“I am Jeok-geom of Mount Hua Sect.”

“I am Kang-un of Mount Heng Sect.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, they turned and took a suitable distance.

Shing—

They drew their swords and faced each other.

Cheon-hwi instantly predicted the outcome.

“He’s going to lose.”

From the moment he saw Jeok-geom, the outcome of the match was obvious.

Cheon-go, bewildered by Cheon-hwi’s sudden words, asked,

“…Who are you saying is going to lose, disciple?”

“Jeok-geom.”

Cheon-hwi replied matter-of-factly. Cheon-go frowned and asked quietly,

“Why do you think so?”

“Can’t you see?”

“See what?”

“His sword.”

Cheon-go’s gaze followed Cheon-hwi’s annoyed tone.

His eyes hardened as he looked at Jeok-geom.

As Cheon-hwi had said, Jeok-geom’s sword was trembling.

So much so that it was visible even from here.

“To think he’s that nervous.”

“If his sword tip is shaking that much, he must have lost his composure due to nerves.  Will he even be able to execute his martial arts properly?”

Cheon-hwi stared at Jeok-geom.

He was a mess.

He was so nervous.

His fingers gripping the sword trembled.

Grip—

His eyes were unfocused.

That meant his vision wasn’t clear, and his reaction to his opponent’s attacks would be slow.

“When you’re nervous, you can’t see what you normally see, and you can’t do what you normally can.  Moreover, with his muscles tense, even the sword he usually wields well won’t move as he intends, even if only slightly.”

Cheon-go nodded at Cheon-hwi’s explanation and said casually,

“But his nerves will calm down eventually.”

Those eavesdropping nearby nodded slightly in agreement with Cheon-go’s rebuttal.

Cheon-hwi looked at them with a disappointed expression.

‘Sigh, they still think that way after seeing that? If the loud-mouthed Taoist, who once made Mount Hua Sect surpass even Wudang and Shaolin, heard this, he would throw a fit.’

As he said, Jeok-geom’s nerves would eventually calm down.

But only after the match was over.

Thud!

The two, staring at each other on the training ground, kicked off the ground simultaneously.

Their swords clashed in mid-air.

Clang! Shing!

The air exploded.

“Hmm.”

Cheon-go groaned as he watched.

Jeok-geom’s swordsmanship faltered, and a streak of blood appeared on his cheek.

Just as Cheon-hwi had said.

“You were right, disciple.”

Cheon-hwi looked at Cheon-go, whose forehead was creased with wrinkles, and added,

“His clear mind has been disturbed.  Since his sword isn’t moving as he intends, his composure is broken, and even the principles of the sword technique he knows become tangled.”

Cheon-hwi said indifferently.

To properly execute a sword technique, one needed a calm mind and body.

But what happens when one loses composure?

Naturally, everything crumbles.

Whoosh!

Just then, Jeok-geom unleashed a burst of internal energy.

The wavering, falling plum blossoms surged upwards with explosive force.

“Haa!”

Jeok-geom swung his sword.

His execution of the Falling Blossom Sword Technique was much more aggressive than before.

Clang! Clang!

Cheon-go, watching Jeok-geom push forward, sighed in relief and smiled slightly.

“It seems his nerves have finally calmed down.”

“I don’t think so.”

Cheon-hwi firmly disagreed.

Cheon-go’s face hardened.

“What do you mean?”

“He’s not looking at his opponent at all.”

“Not looking…?”

“He’s not paying attention to what sword technique or footwork his opponent is using.  He’s just focused on executing his own sword technique, as if he’s practicing.”

Cheon-go’s gaze shifted to the training ground.

As Cheon-hwi said, Jeok-geom was just executing the Falling Blossom Sword Technique, regardless of what Kang-un was doing.

“But he’s pushing him back.”

“Does that really look like he’s pushing him back?”

“…”

Cheon-go fell silent.

He had also thought it was a bit strange.

Although Jeok-geom was pushing forward with the Falling Blossom Sword Technique, Kang-un, retreating, seemed relaxed.

Cheon-hwi continued,

“You need to know who your opponent is and what martial arts they’re using. Only then can you identify their openings, anticipate their reactions to your attacks, and exploit their weaknesses.”

He spoke of the mindset of a warrior.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be in peril.

And that was exactly the approach Kang-un was taking.

‘His opponent is carefully observing him, while Jeok-geom is just blindly swinging his sword.’

He sighed inwardly.

Jeok-geom’s skills were clearly superior to his opponent’s.

But what good was that?

He was so tense that he couldn’t even display half of his true potential.

His judgment was clouded, and he was making mistakes he would never normally make.

‘Lack of experience.’

Cheon-hwi added,

“He’s going to be on the defensive from now on.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the gazes of Cheon-go and the others eavesdropping nearby shifted to the training ground.

“Haa!”

Jeok-geom, channeling all his internal energy, continued his relentless assault without pause.

Starting with the first move, Falling Flowers Flowing Water, followed by Falling Blossom Energy Form, and more.

Jeok-geom continued to pressure Kang-un with various moves of the Falling Blossom Sword Technique.

Thud.

Soon, Kang-un was pushed to the edge of the training ground, and Jeok-geom raised his sword high.

Whoosh!

He unleashed a burst of internal energy, channeling it into his sword, and swiftly swung downwards.

The move Falling Blossom River Sky, which his master had strictly forbidden him to use unless his life was in danger.

At that moment.

Flash!

Kang-un’s eyes gleamed.

He adjusted his grip on his sword and darted towards Jeok-geom, whose abdomen and shoulder were exposed as he executed Falling Blossom River Sky.

Clang!

Falling Blossom River Sky, not properly executed, was blocked mid-swing and deflected to the side.

Then, a sharp energy emanated from Kang-un’s sword, which had been focused on defense.

Swish!

It flashed like lightning.

The tide of the battle turned instantly.

“…”

Those who had been eavesdropping widened their eyes as the situation unfolded exactly as Cheon-hwi had predicted.

Cheon-hwi clicked his tongue.

“Tsk, he lost.”

As soon as he finished speaking.

Clang!

A sword flew into the air.

As the sword clattered to the ground, the Mount Heng Sect disciples erupted in cheers.

“Wow!”

In contrast, the Mount Hua disciples stared blankly, unable to comprehend what had happened.  Then, one by one, they realized what had happened and let out sighs.

“Ah.”

“Senior Brother…”

Losing one’s sword was more shameful than death for a swordsman.

Jeok-geom’s eyes trembled in shock.

‘M-My sword…’

Kang-un, with an awkward expression, approached Jeok-geom and bowed with clasped hands.

“It was a good match.”

Clench!

Jeok-geom clenched his fists.

Although Kang-un wasn’t an easy opponent, he could have won if he had executed his martial arts properly.

‘You idiot!  To lose so miserably because you were nervous and couldn’t even execute your martial arts properly! You idiot!’

He was angry at himself.

More than anything, he was angry at himself for succumbing to the pressure and failing to perform.

He bit his lip and unclenched his fists.

Drip—

Blood flowed from his palms where his fingernails had dug in.

Jeok-geom slowly bowed, his hands stained with blood.

“…I’ve learned a valuable lesson.”

The Mount Hua disciples held their breath.

Until they arrived at the Do-rim Plain.

No, until the first match, they had taken victory for granted, believing the Five Mountains Gathering would be a celebratory occasion.

But now?

A series of shocking defeats.

They were speechless, and silence fell over the Mount Hua camp.

***

The Five Mountains Gathering came to an end.

The results weren’t favorable for Mount Hua Sect, but there was nothing they could do to change it.

A moment later, Hyeon-sang, the Sect Leader of Mount Hua Sect, slowly walked onto the training ground.

‘Our sect’s reputation will suffer.’

His heart ached at Mount Hua’s defeat, but he had to step forward to conclude the Five Mountains Gathering.

“Those who have won, please come forward.”

As if waiting for his words, four young men stepped forward.

The Sect Leader’s lips curled into a wry smile as he looked at them – all disciples from other sects except for Jeok-un.

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

The four bowed deeply in unison.

The Sect Leader, watching their respectful display, looked behind him, and a middle-aged Taoist carrying a bundle of swords approached.

The swords he brought were gifts commissioned specifically for the victors of the Five Mountains Gathering.

They were swords made from Hundred-Refined Pure Steel, a rare material.

Although they weren’t considered legendary swords, they were swords that any swordsman would dream of owning.

And there were four of them.

The middle-aged Taoist reverently presented the four swords to the Sect Leader.

“Thank you.”

The Sect Leader received the swords and approached the lined-up victors.

He scanned their faces and first approached Jeok-un of Mount Hua Sect, who had won the first match.

“Your Heavenly Flow Sword Technique was impressive.  However, your grip loosened when you swung your sword. If you can improve that and cultivate your internal energy, you’ll be able to execute even better swordsmanship.”

“…Thank you.”

Jeok-un was moved by the Sect Leader’s advice.

“Haha, why the long face on such a joyous occasion?”

The Sect Leader spoke gently and presented each victor with a sword along with some advice, and they all rejoiced.

Finally, he approached Kang-un and handed him a sword, saying quietly,

“Your footwork and swordsmanship were remarkably light and swift. However, if you had channeled more internal energy or taken one more step when executing your last move, it would have been even better.”

“Thank you for your advice.”

Kang-un received the sword and bowed his head.

As the Sect Leader was about to turn around.

“If I may, could I ask the Sect Leader something?”

The Sect Leader stopped.

He looked at Kang-un and asked,

“What is it?”

“I have long admired the Plum Blossom Swordsmen of Mount Hua Sect.”

The Sect Leader’s eyebrows twitched.

Mount Heng Sect admiring the Plum Blossom Swordsmen?

There was something amiss in his words.

“If you don’t mind, please grant me the opportunity to witness the Twenty-Four Hand Plum Blossom Sword Technique performed by the Plum Blossom Swordsmen.”

“…!”

The faces of the Mount Hua elders hardened.

There were no Plum Blossom Swordsmen at Mount Hua Sect currently.

And everyone present knew that.

So what did his words imply?

He was looking down on Mount Hua Sect!

The Sect Leader stared directly at Kang-un.

“The Plum Blossom Sword Technique, you say?”

“Yes.”

Despite the unspoken pressure, Kang-un stood his ground.

As their gazes locked.

‘That back…’

The Sect Leader noticed a small figure trying to slip away from the Do-rim Plain, over Kang-un’s shoulder.

He immediately smiled gently.

“Very well.”

This time, it was Kang-un who was taken aback.

The Sect Leader’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at him and added,

“But unfortunately, the Plum Blossom Swordsmen are away on business.”

“Then…”

“Would a first-generation disciple who has mastered the Plum Blossom Sword Technique suffice?”

The Sect Leader interrupted Kang-un and said firmly.

Kang-un’s face stiffened slightly.

“Among the first-generation disciples?”

“Hahaha, don’t worry.  The one I’m referring to is around your age.”

The Mount Hua disciples murmured.

“Someone who has mastered the Plum Blossom Sword Technique, but isn’t a Plum Blossom Swordsman?”

“They’re here?”

“Who is it?”

Just then.

Sweep—

The Sect Leader slowly turned his head.

Everyone’s gaze followed his movement.

Then the Sect Leader spoke.

“Isn’t that right, Cheon-hwi?”

The young Taoist, who had been trying to leave the Do-rim Plain, stopped and turned around.

The Taoist, still with a youthful face, frowned at the gazes directed at him and pointed at himself.

“…Me?”

—–CROW—– 

#Only READ at DarkstarTranslations