---

0058 ———————————————-

Demon Subduing Hall

The Zhongnan Sect is one of the most distinguished sword sects among the Nine Great Sects. Although they may be slightly inferior to the Qingyan Sect or the Huashan Sect, their status in the southern Shaanxi province is practically legendary. They have produced countless Peak Experts over the years and possess numerous outstanding ultimate techniques, a reputation that no martial artist would dare to challenge.

They are definitely not inferior to the Twin Gate Sect I previously challenged in Luoyang! The Twin Gate Sect may boast of their standing within Luoyang, but the Nine Great Sects are a continental-level existence in their own right. In terms of recognition and the influence of orthodox sects, the Nine Great Sects are like an unshakable Mount Tai.

Thus, I found it absurd as I spoke to my older brother.

“Are we really challenging them here?”

“What kind of nonsense is this when you’ve come all the way to Zhenguo Village and settled down at the inn?”

Jin So-cheong, savoring warm tea, let out a chuckle.

“Don’t worry; the Zhongnan Sect is a prestigious orthodox sect and wouldn’t indulge in cowardly tricks.”

“……”

We had arrived at Zhenguo Village, meaning we were right in front of Zhongnan Mountain, the stronghold of the Zhongnan Sect.

I glanced out the window at the peak of Zhongnan Mountain. It wasn’t particularly high, and signs of buildings were scattered around. Surely, the Nine Great Sects’ Zhongnan Sect’s building would be among them.

“That’d be nice,” I replied, but I couldn’t let my guard down. The Iron Blood Gate was also categorized as an orthodox sect but once recklessly killed a wandering hero during a sparring match. Having already received a hefty blow once, I couldn’t shake off my concerns.

Seeing my worry, Jin So-cheong said,

“If you’re anxious, you don’t have to participate this time. The Master said that just observing would suffice.”

“It’s not anxiety; it’s concern…”

“Speak your mind clearly.”

Hah –

I sighed deeply but soon answered calmly.

“Of course, I must face them. How could I let such an opportunity pass?”

“Hahaha! As expected, you have the temperament of a bold man.”

“……”

This was indeed not an opportunity I could afford to miss, even if my life were at stake. Peak experts are rare in the martial arts world, and the chance to spar with the experts of the Nine Great Sects was a golden opportunity. The thought of being surrounded by Zhongnan Sect experts was terrifying, but I decided to muster my courage.

‘Since that guy is with me, I should at least be able to escape if needed.’

It was precisely because I trusted Jin So-cheong’s abilities that I had been grumbling after coming all the way to Zhenguo Village. No— it was more than trust; I felt a strong conviction. Jin So-cheong is a monster.

After resting for a while, Jin So-cheong said,

“Since the day is waning, let’s ascend Zhongnan Mountain at dawn. What will we do for dinner?”

“I prefer dumplings.”

“Then let’s go have a casual meal at the inn.”

Clatter…

During our meal, I noticed people dressed in Daoist robes or white clothing moving about the inn. They were likely martial artists associated with the Zhongnan Sect. I hoped to avoid any troubles and tried to focus on eating. It seemed Jin So-cheong had the same inclination, slowly savoring the stir-fried vegetables.

Jin So-cheong broke the silence.

“Your skills are the most impressive among the young martial artists I have encountered. How did you develop such abilities?”

He seemed genuinely interested in me. I downplayed my abilities with a humble brush-off.

“I’m still very inexperienced. I simply had a few fortunate encounters.”

“Haha… The Master has great expectations for you. He usually believes secret techniques shouldn’t be passed on easily, yet he broke that principle for you. It’s safe to say he has never treated anyone with such care before.”

“Isn’t your situation similar?”

“Well, the Master doesn’t intrude much on me. He teaches what I need and then leaves me to manage on my own.”

There was a hint of bitterness on Jin So-cheong’s face as he spoke. Seeing that expression made me roughly understand the situation.

‘It’s probably because a genius teaches a genius.’

Samjeol Lee Kwang is a genius in martial arts, and so is Jin So-cheong. It’s common for those with similar talents to be drawn to one another, making it easy to gauge one another’s abilities. Lee Kwang likely knows just how far Jin So-cheong can go, which is why he doesn’t meddle unnecessarily. This approach seems rather detached to Jin So-cheong, giving him the impression that there’s a lack of emotion.

Yet, I found myself envious of that relationship. Lee Kwang had been tutoring me for about six months with almost obsessive dedication, but it wasn’t due to a strong bond— it was because I was so dull-witted that I couldn’t grasp the techniques without being coaxed and beaten into submission. It was incomparable to simply trusting Jin So-cheong and letting him be.

Feeling a flicker of thought, I asked,

“Have you mastered the Thunder Spirit Eight Forms secret technique?”

“The spear techniques are endless. I can’t say I’ve fully mastered them yet.”

“……”

As I looked at him with a suspicious gaze, Jin So-cheong shrugged.

“Well, I have learned everything I can for now.”

“I see.”

“Of course, I won’t be using secret techniques in tomorrow’s spar. So it’s ultimately meaningless.”

“No way? You won’t use your secret techniques?”

I was taken aback. We were directly challenging the Nine Great Sects and he wouldn’t use his trump cards? Yet, Jin So-cheong nodded as if it were obvious.

“Of course not. In a duel with another sect, you can’t kill your opponent, so why should I carelessly reveal my techniques? Even the very best techniques can be figured out if observed repeatedly. You should also seal your learned techniques in tomorrow’s match.”

“Hmm…!!”

Of course, I hadn’t learned techniques that could truly be called secret yet; I had merely grasped the Thunder Blade technique. Nevertheless, after six months of instruction from Samjeol Lee Kwang, my swordplay had notably improved, and I had learned the motions of a secret transmission, so I was deep in thought. Jin So-cheong said,

“The Thunder Blade technique is fine. Just ensure you take down your opponent with minimal movements.”

“Brother, that sounds like an awful lot of cautions? The level of those here must be quite high.”

I mumbled, but Jin So-cheong could only laugh heartily.

“Hahaha, don’t worry about it.”

Would you NOT worry if you were in my shoes?!

I wanted to shout out loud but held back. I was already lowering my voice and speaking quietly; if I raised my voice at all, it would surely attract trouble from the Zhongnan Sect members scattered throughout the inn. Our conversation was far too arrogant.

Once we finished eating, I comfortably lay down to sleep. As I gazed at the ceiling before drifting off, I found my mind blank, leading me to naturally fall asleep.

The next morning at dawn, we ascended Zhongnan Mountain. The path wasn’t rugged, resembling a well-kept walking trail, and there were various resting spots along the way. This indicated that many guests visited the Zhongnan Sect and that they had quite a wealth accumulated. It was clear that they would not have built these roads themselves but rather with the donations and offerings generously made to them.

Soon, we saw a building that seemed to be the main entrance of the Zhongnan Sect, situated in the mountains. Two white-clad swordsmen stood before it, undoubtedly disciples of the Zhongnan Sect, because the tassels on their swords were uniquely twisted, which likely represented the Zhongnan Sect’s insignia.

True to form, one of them looked over and shouted,

“From here on is the Zhongnan Sect’s base. Outsiders must state their names and business!”

“I am Jin So-cheong of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School, and this is my disciple Baek Woong. We’ve come from Guanzhong to request instruction from the Zhongnan Sect.”

“……!!”

The two seemed genuinely taken aback by Jin So-cheong’s calm response. While they tried to sound proper, it was still a blatant sparring application, and perhaps that’s why one of the white-clad swordsmen, functioning as the gatekeeper, couldn’t hide his shock and stammered,

“Do you realize that this is the Nine Great Sects and the Zhongnan Sect?”

“Of course.”

“Are you out of your mind…”

“How long do you plan to keep us here? Just relay our request quickly.”

As Jin So-cheong chastised him, the gatekeeper shot us a disdainful look and replied,

“Fine. Wait here for half a meal time.”

Pa-at!

Then he quickly performed a light body technique and dashed off somewhere— a demonstration of the Yun Guang Step the Zhongnan Sect likely prided itself on. For a brief moment, the mastery of his martial arts appeared far from mediocre, implying that this white-clad swordsman held a fairly high position.

Moments later, the white-clad swordsman returned with three comrades. He spoke coldly,

“Follow us. We will greet you at the Sparring Hall.”

“Who said that?”

“Shut up. You think I need to justify myself to you people?”

I was taken aback for a moment.

‘Look at that guy!’

Of course, given that I was currently being as cautious as possible, I wouldn’t act out here, but isn’t that attitude a bit too arrogant? Any average martial artist from a small or medium sect would likely lash out at such words.

Jin So-cheong remarked,

“Your manner of speaking is quite refined. Is that how you treat your guests?”

“Filthy ruffians! Can you even call someone who challenges a duel a guest? You lot seem like wandering heroes trying to gain prestige by making a half-hearted challenge to our sect; don’t think you’ll be leaving unscathed.”

This made Jin So-cheong pause for thought. After a moment, he spoke,

“I’ve identified us thoroughly, yet you still label us as wandering heroes.”

“Why the sour face? You look unrefined.”

Jin So-cheong’s face darkened.

“That sounds like an insult to both the Azure Dragon Martial Arts School and my master.”

“Haha! The Azure Dragon Martial Arts School? Where is that attached to? Haha…”

That punk!

I almost sprang forth in anger, but before I could act, Jin So-cheong rapidly shot forward with a speed that left an impressive trail behind him. I froze upon realizing his movement was the Thunder Shadow Step combined with the Heavenly Gathering Kill— techniques I had yet to fully master. Jin So-cheong had already acquired all the techniques I needed to learn. Even when he was upon the white-clad swordsman, it appeared the latter couldn’t quite grasp the situation.

Crack!

“Guh…!!”

Jin So-cheong’s palm strike landed squarely on the swordsman’s solar plexus, sending him floating helplessly into the air. Even I could hardly make out the trace of the move if I hadn’t focused my internal energy.

“That guy….”

Before the other three could even draw their swords halfway, Jin So-cheong unleashed a rapid Twelve Strikes on him. The speed left only white afterimages in its wake.

Bam-bam-bam!

All three seemed to be First-Class Experts but were unceremoniously knocked down in a heartbeat. Jin So-cheong then executed a quick twist mid-air and kicked the last one in the gut.

Boom!

“Ugh… Huh…”

That fellow collapsed, foaming at the mouth, out cold.

“I don’t know about others, but I won’t forgive those who insult my master.”

In an instant, Jin So-cheong had taken down all the disciples of the Zhongnan Sect, his eyes filled with a glimmering madness I had never seen before. I swallowed hard, as it was the first time witnessing such a sight. Normally, ones in my position should fear the consequences of attacking disciples, but it seemed those thoughts were overshadowed by the powerful aura radiating from Jin So-cheong.

For a moment, as he looked at the mess he had caused, he quietly stated,

“Disciple. Please rein me in a bit. Today feels like it could become bloody.”

I complained,

“You’ve already made it bloody, it seems…”

Is this NOT bloody? Those lying around the hall had been beat to a pulp, and one was rolling on the ground, blown away, eyes rolled back. It was evident that Jin So-cheong had deliberately inflicted pain.

“I thought I might just take a plaque.”

Pa-at!

With a terrifying tone, Jin So-cheong clenched his fist and then flew away at incredible speed. While I could muster considerable speed myself, it was clear that given his internal power, his light body technique was forged of masterful skill. Considering Jin So-cheong was only in his mid-twenties, I couldn’t help but be astonished by the level of that martial authority.

I shook my head while gazing at the fallen disciples in white. I clicked my tongue in disbelief.

“Foolish people. Are they really going to pull the tiger’s whisker?”

Pissing Jin So-cheong off was something I would dread even thinking about. Instead, it was quite impressive how that white-clad swordsman had the guts to provoke him with just a few words. I found it somewhat satisfying and burst out laughing as I sprinted ahead.

Tydaht!

A little later, after running about two li, what seemed like the main building of the Zhongnan Sect came into view. There, already sprawled out from Jin So-cheong’s earlier attacks were around ten unconscious disciples, while the rest surrounded Jin So-cheong, forming a tense circular formation. The leader, a man in his thirties, shouted angrily,

“You scoundrel!! How dare you cause chaos in the Zhongnan Sect!”

“You lot insulted my sect first. I intended to arrive quietly, but this situation is of your making.”

“What? Even if that was the case, I won’t forgive you!”

Swish-swish-swish!

As his words ended, the nearby white-clad swordsmen raised their swords with fiery intent. Normally, a martial artist would feel nervous or terrified at this blood-in-the-air scene. However, Jin So-cheong muttered coldly,

“I’m the one who won’t forgive you.”

Boom!

Jin So-cheong suddenly split into three, charging at the enclosing white-clad swordsmen, each delivering a palm strike in succession. The sound of his blows reverberated as he executed multiple strikes in the air, and each one sent those swordsmen crashing down, bleeding profusely. Not a single one could withstand even the simplest of techniques.

Bam-bam-bam!

“Gahhh!”

“Ugh!”

The sight of the white-clad swordsmen being smashed, tossed around, was downright wondrous. While I saw no deaths among them, a few had been struck hard enough that they rolled over, eyes clouded.

I stood there, unable to close my mouth, watching the unbelievable scene unfold. Although some second-class martial artists were mixed in, most were First-Class Experts mingling with peak-level fighters, yet they were being overwhelmed in such a manner? What was even more astonishing was that Jin So-cheong hadn’t even drawn his primary weapon, the spear, and was handling them solely with the Thunder Cloud Palm and Thunder Cloud Fist!

‘… Huh! Now’s not the time to admire this!’

I shouted urgently,

“Brother! Stop it!”

Boom!

The last remaining white-clad swordsman, quaking in his boots against the front entrance of Zhongnan Mountain, faltered as Jin So-cheong’s Strong Fist smashed through the front door, likely weighing a few thousand pounds. The sizeable door, nearly the size of a palm, went soaring, hitting the ground with a tremendous thud. Right next to the trembling swordsman, Jin So-cheong’s fist landed beside him.

Jin So-cheong then retracted his hand and said,

“I’m still feeling restless, disciple.”

“What?”

Jin So-cheong slowly raised his head. Upon realizing he was gazing toward the core building of the Zhongnan Sect, where the Peak Experts were, I felt a chill run down my spine. Sure enough, Jin So-cheong began striding forward.

I was witnessing what pure dojo breaking looked like right before my very eyes.

And it made me realize just how poorly I had judged Jin So-cheong.

This guy wasn’t a soft-hearted and kind sheep. While usually quiet, once ignited, he was a beast that would demolish everything in his path without hesitation. And he possessed an absolute confidence in his own power!

“Let’s have some fun.”

“……”

What do you mean “have some fun”? Are you insane? I wanted to ask, but fear kept me silent as I followed closely behind.

 

---