Chapter 511

Jongjeongpil stepped out of the landlord’s luxurious residence with a spring in his step, his confidence unshakeable.

He gazed upon the new world that awaited him and felt the path forward was clear.

The new era might be too distant for his eyes to witness.

Yet, precisely for that reason, he could pour every bit of his life into it.

The road ahead might be perilous, perhaps akin to a delicate cup teetering on the edge of a thousand-foot cliff.

But it was that very difficulty that made it worth the challenge.

So how could the heart of a man not swell with excitement?

His steps were filled with uncontainable joy.

Before departing, he recalled their last conversation.

‘So, what martial arts did the teacher unveil in the previous stone chamber? After an attempt at Iljucheon, it seemed to be a genuine and complete divine skill.’

‘Uh, teacher? That’s too much to call me.’

‘They say when three people walk a path, one must surely be a teacher. But also, isn’t it about learning and striving together without distinguishing between master and disciple? So, you should be referred to as senior, but if we regard it that way, it circles back to the point of being inappropriate. So, what do you think, teacher?’

‘…Just do as your heart desires. Jongjeong, do whatever you want. I already have a master and a clan, so I’ll only be cheering you on in spirit.’

‘Yes. So what about that divine skill?’

‘Oh, that. It’s just a nameless fairy technique. It helps to elongate and round the body’s curves, and it might be a bit tricky for a man to master, right? But there are no side effects, so you’ll be fine learning it.’

‘Indeed! The most beautiful in the world has mastered the fairy technique!’

Jongjeongpil felt a surge of admiration.

The teacher’s beauty was truly second to none, whether above or below the heavens. If the teacher had mastered the fairy technique, it must be the treasured skill all women the world over desire.

Moreover, the fact that it can be learned without issue speaks volumes.

This meant he hadn’t conjured falsehoods or trickery with the secret technique.

He had distributed such a perfect divine skill among those wicked rogues who sought to monopolize demonic arts!

To suspect such a noble teacher!

How blind had Jongjeongpil been!

Only then did Jongjeongpil understand A-Qing.

Though intentions were established, having already made a name for himself among the sects, he apparently couldn’t bear to betray his clan, much like family, and chose to remain.

He had misjudged everything.

‘This disciple initially sought freedom through revolution for the divine skill. And I thought it involved spilling blood, thereby transforming the world with a noble crimson hue. That’s why I believed the liberation war under the red flag was the righteous path. I wanted to raise the flag of the red army!’

‘Gasp.’

‘Were you surprised? But not anymore. Instead of blood, with will (意), instead of changing (化), we will cooperate (和), so our name will be Yihwa-dan! Not war, but enlightenment, this is the Yihwa-dan movement!’

The teacher tilted her head.

‘Huh? What’s that? Why is it so familiar? It just rolls off the tongue.’

‘Haha! It seems you quite like it!’

With that, Jongjeongpil’s face was brightened by a smile as he embarked on his journey.

Where would he go now?

Perhaps gather some thirsty folks or wandering ronin first.

Sure, it’d be nice to meet the brother who wields a sword to protect the commoners, for sharing the divine skill would also empower those commoners who are fading away without martial arts.

So he wouldn’t hesitate to align with this noble cause.

Knowing the absolute fairy technique now, he wouldn’t mind meeting that wandering ronin brother who’s eager to master the same technique.

U Ihrong, that nutter, holds his martial arts sincerely, so mentioning it wouldn’t hurt.

But Pobidon? That guy is a no-go.

Even a shared meal with him is bound to turn into a feast due to his insatiable cravings.

That glutton, filled with desires, still needs some awakening.

A flurry of names flitted through his mind.

Having done nothing yet, there are indeed plenty of things he can do.

Thus, the lone sword-slinger, now willingly abandoning his solitary quest, sets off on a journey to be called the sword of Yihwa.

However, no one knows what lies ahead for him.

—-

Within Yubang District, along the flowing Baekha River, the military encampment was nestled inside the southernmost section of the city walls.

Originally, it had been an unused wide-open area overrun by merchants.

A marketplace sprung up within a military encampment?

One might find that quite strange.

But while the merchants occupied the landlord’s land, they still had to pay rent.

And lo and behold, piles of untraceable gold and silver seemed to be flowing miraculously into the landlord’s coffers, almost like a magical treasure chest filled with wealth!

For reference, a “magical treasure chest” refers to a mysterious box from which wealth continues to emerge.

Originally, it was just a water barrel used to build the Great Wall in ancient times. A barrel that holds river water — “handsu-bun.”

They say this barrel was so huge that no matter how much you used, the water wouldn’t run out, granting infinite pleasure.

And thus, the meaning shifted to that of boundless treasure, hence “magical treasure chest”!

Anyway, if you take a closer look, you’ll see that even the strangest occurrences hinge on experience, so truly, there’s nothing wondrous in the Central Plain.

The poor merchants found themselves losing their stalls overnight and had to vacate the plaza, but A-Qing felt no need to feel guilty.

It was merely the rightful end of an illegal stall, and pitying them doesn’t imply goodness or righteousness.

So, in place of departing merchants, new facilities emerged at the military encampment — a duel arena!

What’s the matter? I might have faked a bit or boasted about nonexistent demonic arts, are you gonna complain, folks of the Central Plain?

Feel free to step up if you dare.

As declared by A-Qing, a venue for the Life and Death Match had been established.

Long before the first duel, the audience had already exceeded capacity.

Originally, watching fights is the top spectacle in the Central Plain.

Following closely is the viewing of beautiful women.

But if the “Most Beautiful Sword” is hosting a Life and Death Match?

How can one possibly endure?

So, soldiers, Yubang spectators, warriors, and even snack vendors leap into action, ensuring there’s no space available, even before the match has begun.

When’s the Most Beautiful Sword making her entrance?

I heard she’s a real looker! You’ve seen her, right? What’s she like?

Pretty.

No, describe her! What do her eyes look like?

Pretty.

Her nose?

Pretty.

Her mouth?

Pretty.

I mean, come on, talk a bit. You can’t just say “pretty” for everything!

She’s stunning, like, there’s just no words for it, you’ve gotta see her!

Oh, looks like she’s coming out! Over there! There!

And those who hadn’t yet seen A-Qing now confirmed the rumor’s truth.

Hmm. Pretty. That was indeed the perfect expression.

It was happening everywhere.

Meanwhile, half of the audience surrounding the duel arena was soldiers, so A-Qing squeezed her way through to survey the crowd.

What’s going on? Seems like everyone from the city has turned out. Don’t they have anything else to do?

Isn’t it farming season? Not busy?

Well, it doesn’t concern me.

She took a deep breath.

“As I’ve mentioned, tangled ropes cannot be used until untangled, so I shall settle the grudges here. Those with grievances, or those who cannot trust my words, step forward so we may conclude the matter in a warrior’s way.”

Warriors were left speechless.

And indeed, half the audience was armed soldiers brandishing spears and swords, as if they were ready to charge at any moment.

Moreover, atop the makeshift towers surrounding, soldiers were poised with bows or crossbows, eager to fire if the tables turned.

“Hang on! Most Beautiful Sword! Before anything, what’s going on with those soldiers in the back?”

“Oh, those folks are up there to watch.”

“Why are they holding bows?”

“They say weapons are a soldier’s partners, right? How can a soldier abandon their weapon? Soldiers, isn’t that so?”

“That’s right!” “Absolutely!” “Without a doubt!”

A thunderous chorus of agreement erupted.

“Didn’t you just say it was supposed to be a straightforward match?”

“It is straightforward!”

“What the heck? Seriously, look how chummy you all are. Otherwise, why are all these armed folks swarming around?”

“Hey, look over there, Yubang folks have come out in droves too! Is it surprising that soldiers are here to watch?” Everyone nodded in agreement.

“That’s right!” “That’s right!” “Absolutely!”

“See, the soldiers are saying so, too!”

What can one say when challenged head-on like that?

Left dumbfounded, they were lost for words.

“Now, I will untangle these knots.”

It was evident they weren’t going to agree at all.

Whether the unmatched warriors believed there were no Heart Consumption Techniques or A-Qing thought they were mere onlookers, it was moot.

As A-Qing stood poised with her sword lowered, nobody dared to step forward for quite a while.

Why? Well, it’s only practical to gauge the other’s prowess before seeking vengeance.

Ensuring those soldiers were just watching, and if the Most Beautiful Sword was truly capable of handling a supreme fighter or three, right?

Suddenly, someone stepped out.

A bald man, skin stretched over bones with not an ounce of fat or muscle to speak of.

“It’s the Strange Monk! A-mook-hap-rab!”

The knowledgeable onlookers shouted.

Watching fights are the best pastime in the Central Plain, and being able to read the tides of battle is a proud skill.

So, whenever a familiar character appears, everyone shouts in glee and rushes forth like horses in a hurry, eager to get in on the action.

“Uh-oh. The realm of transformation appears right at the start.”

A-Qing tensed slightly.

Usually, those stepping into a Life and Death Match reveal their intentions upfront.

The spectators quieted down, the atmosphere steadily became tensed.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for the Strange Monk to speak.

Finally, he opened his mouth.

“Who pushed me!? Which absentee parents raised a person who knows no etiquette? In the name of the Buddha, I shall not forgive! This is a karmic retribution backed by the Buddha!”

Seriously? Did someone push him out?

And what’s this about the Buddha’s name? Is that even logical?

“Are you saying you were shoved out here, Strange Monk? You don’t intend to fight in the Life and Death Match?”

“Exactly! I must confirm! If a Central Plain woman is in danger, I will use demonic arts!”

“As I’ve said, that’s just an underhanded tactic of the Blood Sect!”

“Who knows? An endangered person will lash out. If I have demonic arts, I will use them. If not, I will die to prove my innocence.”

A-Qing was left dumbfounded.

Is this a witch hunt? A monk hunting witches?

A truly renowned Strange Monk indeed.

Turning back to the crowd, he rejoined them, indifferent to the jeers echoing around.

Soon after, three figures stepped forward.

Their eyes were filled with murderous intent. A-Qing could see their throats moving, indicating they were indeed tense and ready to fight.

Yet, their positions were subtly arranged, without a clear exchange of glances between them.

A-Qing quickly came to a conclusion.

The supreme fighter noted he would take up to three challengers.

It seemed those three unrecognized supreme fighters had teamed up to seek revenge.

---