WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: Chen

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Martial Genius who Remembers Everything ◈

Chapter 63: The Great Peng Waiting for the Typhoon

──────

Moyong Gang landed between the Dragon-Phoenix Association, me, and the Ten Thousand Swords, then looked at me.

“Kehehe. I was called mad plenty of times in my youth, but even I never did anything as insane as you.”

He let out a quiet exclamation as he looked at the swords floating in the air.

“I thought all those stories in the records were complete lies...”

Moyong Gang stared at them with the eyes of a child seeing stars for the first time.

“...If anything, the records did not go far enough.”

Then he turned to me.

“You have already proven your point, so put the swords away. Do you even know what innate qi is? How dare you use it so recklessly?”

I pointed at Jong Byeokgi.

“That man insulted me, my sect, and our grand patriarch.”

“Are you planning to settle a life-and-death feud here?”

“I will do exactly what Mount Cang Sect would do if it were insulted. Jong Byeokgi! What would you do if someone insulted your sect?”

“...”

Moyong Gang snickered at me before shifting his gaze to Jong Byeokgi.

“You hook-nosed Taoist. ...Apologize.”

Jong Byeokgi looked utterly flustered by the sudden demand.

“...Who are you to interfere in the Martial Alliance’s affairs?”

“If you do not apologize now, neither you nor the Dragon-Phoenix Association will leave here intact. Do you not understand that?”

“Our Dragon-Phoenix Association...”

“Tsk. You really do not listen.”

Moyong Gang extended his hand toward Jong Byeokgi and twisted it.

Crack.

Astonishingly, Jong Byeokgi’s arm bent in a direction it should never have bent, even though he stood behind Ilmyeong.

“Argh!”

The force was far too destructive to be simple remote object manipulation. Yet it could not have been an attack sent through the air either, because Ilmyeong, who was using the peerless Vajra Indestructible Divine Art, stood in front of him.

No one there could understand what Moyong Gang had done.

“What are you doing?! How dare you do such a thing...!”

Boom.

Jong Byeokgi had clearly been standing in the middle of the Dragon-Phoenix Association.

Yet, strangely, he alone flew through the air as though bound to a rope, then slammed into the wall.

Thud.

“Khuk.”

“Is that enough for you?”

Moyong Gang turned back to me.

“Or would you like me to kill him myself?”

“...”

“I find you interesting. I do not want to see you dead or have your martial arts crippled. I am curious about both you and the sword art you use.”

His eyes, visible through the human-skin mask, gleamed like a predator eyeing its prey.

A chill ran down my spine, and I could not speak for a moment.

“...”

“If you wish it, I will kill him even if it means going to war with Mount Cang Sect. It would not be so bad to fight that hook-nosed Taoist from Mount Cang again after so long.”

“!”

“!”

The Dragon-Phoenix Association members’ faces tightened.

They had no idea who he was, but his calm, matter-of-fact delivery made the threat sound chillingly real.

I looked at the remaining members of the Dragon-Phoenix Association.

“While Jong Byeokgi spoke, none of you stepped forward except Miss Moyong Seol. That must mean the Dragon-Phoenix Association thinks much the same as he does.”

Ilmyeong spoke as if he had been wronged.

“...No! That is...”

“Be quiet!”

Moyong Gang looked at me with a playful expression.

“I have met every kind of bastard in my life, but you are the first one as persistent as you.”

“...”

“Is this not too great a reward for such a brief journey together?”

“If I am still alive and well after this is over, I will repay you.”

“Good. Remember those words.”

Moyong Gang nodded in satisfaction and addressed the Dragon-Phoenix Association.

“Hey, you little worms and chicks. Do you truly have the authority to investigate the origins of someone’s martial arts?”

“...”

No one dared to answer.

They normally held the fearless, untouchable status of the Martial Alliance’s Dragon-Phoenix Association, but having seen the realm beyond the heavens, they could not recklessly open their mouths.

“Mount Hua’s dust. You speak.”

Hwa Jeongsan furrowed his brow.

“We are Martial Alliance inspectors, and we must uphold the order of the martial world...”

“I asked whether you have the authority, you rotten bastard.”

“...”

Hwa Jeongsan’s face reddened at Moyong Gang’s insult.

Ilmyeong finally intervened.

“Excuse me, but may I ask who you are?”

“Why? Are you going to judge whether I am an easy target, then use Shaolin Sect’s power to suppress me?”

“...”

Ilmyeong could not easily respond to Moyong Gang’s casual mention of Shaolin Sect.

“Young monk, you have read every book in Shaolin’s Sutra Repository. You know, do you not? That the child’s martial arts resemble the ancient records of the Taeul Sword Emperor?”

“...”

Ilmyeong looked at the fallen Jong Byeokgi.

“Are you planning to say you do not know? Shall I show you the records held by my clan?”

A glint appeared in Ilmyeong’s eyes. It seemed he had found some clue in Moyong Gang’s words.

“Could it be... Mo...!”

Then, as though he had remembered something, he shook his head.

“...No. I know.”

“According to the records I have seen, the child’s martial arts are undoubtedly those of the Taeul Sword Emperor. And everyone in the martial world knows that Taeul Sect inherited the Taeul Sword Emperor’s legacy.”

The Taeul Sword Emperor and Taeul Sect had become famous throughout the martial world mainly as subjects of ridicule, so there was no one who did not know that story.

“Does anyone object to my opinion?”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Ilmyeong.

“...No.”

At Ilmyeong’s words, everyone in Taeul Sect began to murmur.

Jong Byeokgi, who had been embedded in the wall, came forward clutching his dangling arm.

His eyes were filled with hatred for his opponent.

“Who are you to do this?!”

“Why are you so curious about that?”

“Mount Cang Sect does not forget its grudges.”

“Kehehe, is that all you can do? Hide behind that little mutt Baek Umun?”

Jong Byeokgi’s face slowly stiffened.

Baek Umun was the current Sect Leader of Mount Cang Sect. Yet this man called him a little mutt so casually?

“I said I wouldn’t regret it.”

Moyong Gang’s hand reached for his neck.

“What do you...”

When Moyong Gang’s face was revealed, Jong Byeokgi and the Dragon-Phoenix Association turned ashen.

“W-Wind-Splitting Sword...!”

Moyong Gang gave a bloodthirsty smile.

“You dared to disrupt my journey. You must have been prepared to pay the price for that, yes?”

Then Moyong Seol screamed.

“G-Grandfather!”

Ignoring her, Moyong Gang spoke to everyone on the platform.

“I am Moyong Gang, current Clan Head of the Moyong Clan, known to my fellow martial artists as the Wind-Splitting Sword. I guarantee that the martial arts Jin Sowoon used are truly the legendary martial arts of the Taeul Sword Emperor.”

Groans that sounded almost like sobbing rose from all over the platform.

“Ugh...!”

“Sniff... really...”

“...How could this be?”

Every adult was sobbing or wailing openly.

Even Hong Mungi sat with his head raised and his eyes shut, unwilling to let Moyong Gang see him cry.

“Are you satisfied now?”

Moyong Gang looked at me again with a mischievous expression.

Carefully, I reined in all the martial arts I had summoned.

“Your innate qi did not suffer any damage, did it?”

“...No. Thanks to you, even my dantian is fine.”

“Yes, yes. That is a relief.”

Moyong Gang, whom I had only met briefly, had pulled me back when I was ready to give up all hope.

“...”

I could not help being moved by his actions. We had not even crossed paths in my previous life.

Would my grandfather have been like this if he were still alive?

Playful and stubborn, yet always willing to stand on my side when it truly mattered...

“Then we should settle our account too, should we not?”

“What?”

His fist struck my abdomen and throat in an instant, before I could even think of dodging.

“Ghk...”

I forced my fading mind to stay awake and glared at him.

“Why...?”

“As they say, a beating is the best medicine for madmen. How dare you handle innate qi so carelessly?”

“No... I only...”

My eyes closed before I could finish.

#

The Taeul Sect elders and hall lords had all gathered in Daehyeon Hall.

An earth-shaking event had occurred: Jin Sowoon had learned the Taeul Sword Emperor’s martial arts.

Yet the person they were waiting for was Moyong Gang.

Moyong Gang, the Wind-Splitting Sword.

He was not only an absolute master of the martial world, but also a revered elder whom every swordsman wished to meet at least once.

When Moyong Gang entered, still dressed as a herb gatherer, everyone from Taeul Sect rose from their seats.

Hong Mungi offered him the seat of honor, but Moyong Gang shook his head.

“Please do not. Leaving aside seniority in the martial world, we are meeting as the leaders of our respective sects. Sect Leader, you need not be so modest.”

At his words, Hong Mungi took the seat of honor, and Moyong Gang sat beside him.

“I do not know how we can repay this kindness.”

Moyong Gang had used his own name and that of his clan to guarantee the origin of the Taeul Sword Emperor’s martial arts, mediating what could have become a dispute with the Martial Alliance.

Taeul Sect owed him a great debt.

“I only said that what belonged to Taeul Sect belonged to Taeul Sect. Still, if it helped Taeul Sect, I feel as though a burden has been lifted from my heart.”

“...Pardon? What do you mean?”

“Hmm? Did you not know? Your Jin Sowoon saved my son’s life.”

“What?!”

“!”

Hong Mungi’s eyes naturally went to Jin Taesan, but Jin Taesan had no idea either.

‘That damned son of mine. Can he not tell me when he does something like this?’

When Jin Taesan had learned that the old herb gatherer was Moyong Gang, he had nearly collapsed from shock.

“I apologize. We did not know beforehand. I will discipline him again.”

“Hoho, does that not mean he did not think much of helping someone, if he accomplished such a great thing and did not even tell his sect? I find that admirable, so Sect Leader, please do not concern yourself with it.”

“Th-Thank you.”

Everyone in the hall was bewildered, but Jin Taesan most of all.

Even a hedgehog finds its own child beautiful. To Jin Taesan, Jin Sowoon was his precious son and the Head Disciple, but why was someone as extraordinary as Moyong Gang showing him such favor?

“The truth is, my useless son went to seek an elixir for his own son and landed in danger. Jin Sowoon saved his life. He offered the Fire Monkey’s inner core in gratitude, but your disciple refused it, saying he could not take something a father had obtained for his son. How could I not take an interest in someone who thinks that way?”

“?!”

“?!”

At the mention of the Fire Monkey’s inner core, everyone’s expressions became complicated.

They wanted to praise Jin Sowoon’s composure for not coveting someone else’s possession, yet they also wanted to scold him for letting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away.

Perhaps Moyong Gang understood their feelings.

He chuckled.

“It is not much of a substitute, but my son has promised to give Taeul Sect three Clear Mind Pellets as a token of thanks.”

“Ah...!”

“Good heavens!”

“How can we ever thank you?”

The people of Taeul Sect gradually relaxed.

“There is no need. I know better than anyone that the Fire Monkey’s inner core cannot be compared to Cheongmyeong Pellets. That is why I came to Taeul Sect personally, to offer my thanks.”

“...”

Life was truly strange.

If Jin Sowoon had accepted the Fire Monkey’s inner core...

If Moyong Gang had not come to Taeul Sect...

If Taeul Sect had become enemies with the Martial Alliance because of its conflict with the Dragon-Phoenix Association...

Would Taeul Sect have been able to celebrate so wholeheartedly over the return of the Taeul Sword Emperor’s martial arts?

“I also have a proposal for you, Sect Leader.”

“What is it?”

“To commemorate the exchange between our two sects, why do we not arrange an exchange of disciples?”

“...”

An exchange of disciples meant that two different sects sent disciples to one another to exchange instruction in martial arts.

It was generally an arrangement used by groups like the Nine Sects One Gang or the Five Great Clans. Even though they already possessed powerful martial arts, they could make up for their weaknesses or give their disciples broader experience.

Still, it was only possible between sects of similar scale and strength.

The Moyong Clan had nothing to gain from exchanging disciples with Taeul Sect.

By proposing an exchange of disciples, Moyong Gang was clearly trying to bestow a favor upon Taeul Sect.

“Would that truly be all right?”

“What do you mean?”

“Our Taeul Sect... does not seem to have anything to teach you. We have not even seen the Taeul Sword Emperor’s martial arts yet...”

“Hoho, what are you saying, Sect Leader? What I want the children to learn is not Taeul Sect’s martial arts. The Moyong Clan has more than enough martial arts.”

It was an arrogant statement, but coming from Moyong Gang, it did not sound conceited.

“Then what would they learn?”

“The spirit of Taeul Sect.”

“Pardon?”

Moyong Gang’s usual playfulness vanished, replaced by a kindly expression.

“I heard something similar happened at Iron Sword Sect before.”

Jin Taesan and Gang Chaeseok recalled that day and nodded slightly.

“Anyone would be angered when their sect is insulted. But it is not easy to stake everything on that anger when your opponent is stronger than you.”

Hong Mungi nodded without realizing it.

“I believe it was wrong for him to draw on innate qi without considering the consequences, but because of the move Jin Sowoon made today, everyone in the Martial Alliance, including the Dragon-Phoenix Association, will have to risk their lives before insulting Taeul Sect in the future.”

“Ah...”

“The Moyong Clan has never suffered such an insult. Yet that is only because we are strong. I want our children to stand proud like Jin Sowoon, even before opponents stronger than the Moyong Clan.”

“...”

The elders and hall lords pressed their lips tightly together. It was difficult to contain the emotions swelling within them at Moyong Gang’s praise.

Hong Mungi, too, felt tears threaten to spill as he thought of Jin Sowoon. He hurriedly pointed to Jin Taesan.

“Ahem, if that is the case, that man, the Outer Hall Lord, knows it well. He is Jin Sowoon’s father.”

Moyong Gang looked at Jin Taesan with a strange gleam in his eyes.

“Hehe, I know.”

A playful smile spread across his lips.

“What kind of upbringing produces a child like that?”

“...Senior, your praise is too generous. I do not know what to do with myself.”

“I ask because I am truly curious. I happened to travel with that child and teased him a little. Then he asked whether the Wind-Splitting Sword wanted to taste a martial artist’s fist. Tell me, what is your secret to raising him without fear?”

“What?!”

Jin Taesan stared in shock.

Everyone else’s expressions were not much different.

Footnotes:

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