0058 : Demon Subduing Hall
The Zhongnan Sect is one of the most renowned Sword Sects among the Nine Great Sects. Although it may be slightly inferior to the Qingyan Sect or the Huashan Sect, at least in southern Shaanxi, its prestige could pierce the heavens. Throughout history, countless Peak Experts have emerged from it, and there is no martial artist who would dispute its status as one of the most distinguished schools that possesses many remarkable secret techniques.
It is certainly on par with the Great Gate Sect of Luoyang, which I had previously challenged! While the Twin Gate Sect may assert that they are not inferior to the Nine Great Sects within Luoyang, the Nine Sects themselves are a continental-level presence that is renowned throughout the world. In terms of recognition and the influence of legitimate sects, the Nine Great Sects can be likened to a towering Mount Tai that cannot be underestimated.
That’s why I found it hard to believe as I said to my Older Sister,
“Are we really going to challenge them here?”
“What nonsense is this? We’ve come all the way to Zhenguo Village, and we’re unpacking at an inn!”
Jin So-cheong, savoring warm tea, chuckled lightly.
“Don’t worry. The Zhongnan Sect is a prestigious sect, so they won’t act cowardly.”
“…”
We had arrived at Zhenguo Village. This meant we were right at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, the home base of the Zhongnan Sect.
I glanced out the inn’s window at the peaks of Zhongnan Mountain. It wasn’t a particularly high mountain range, so there were traces of buildings scattered here and there. Among them, there would certainly be structures belonging to the Nine Great Sects’ Zhongnan Sect.
“Well, that would be nice.”
I couldn’t let my guard down at all. The Iron Blood Gate, categorized as a righteous sect, had a history of executing a wandering hero during a sparring match. Having already been blindsided once, it felt entirely rational to believe that such an event could occur again. My worried demeanor must have appeared very obvious, as Jin So-cheong said,
“If you’re anxious, you don’t have to participate this time. Just observing is enough, as our Master instructed.”
“It’s not anxiety, it’s concern…”
“Be clear about your intentions.”
Sighing softly, I finally responded calmly,
“Of course I have to face them. How could I let such an opportunity slip by?”
“Hahaha! As expected, you have the spirit of a bold young man.”
“…”
Indeed, one cannot let go of an opportunity just because of a life-threatening situation. Peak Experts in the martial world are rare, and chances to fight against them are hard to come by. If I could gain practical experience through sparring with a Peak Expert of the Nine Great Sects, it would be a priceless opportunity. The thought of being surrounded and beaten down by the Zhongnan Sect’s experts filled me with dread, but I steeled myself to find courage.
‘With that guy accompanying me, I should be able to avoid a situation where I have to run for my life.’
As I worried, I complained only after arriving at Zhenguo Village, having complete faith in my Older Sister Jin So-cheong’s skills. No—it’s not just faith; I felt a sense of conviction. Jin So-cheong is a monster.
After resting for a while, Jin So-cheong spoke up.
“Since the day is fading, let’s climb Zhongnan Mountain tomorrow morning. What shall we eat for dinner?”
“I prefer dumplings.”
“Then let’s grab something to eat at the inn.”
Clatter…
During the meal, I noticed people clad in daoist robes or white garments walking around the inn. They were probably associated with the Zhongnan Sect or its disciples. Hoping to avoid any conflicts with them, I focused solely on my food. It seemed Jin So-cheong shared that sentiment, savoring the stir-fried vegetable dish slowly.
While eating, Jin So-cheong brought up a topic.
“Your skills are the most outstanding among the young martial artists I’ve seen. How did you refine such abilities?”
He appeared genuinely interested in me. I humbly brushed aside the topic by saying,
“I’m still quite lacking. It’s just that a few fortunate encounters helped shape my skills.”
“Haha… Master has high expectations of you. He always believed that secret techniques shouldn’t be passed on lightly, yet he broke that principle for you. Undoubtedly, Master has never been so attentive to anyone like he has been with you, and it’s unlikely to happen again.”
“Isn’t my Older Sister also receiving a lot of attention?”
“Well, my Master doesn’t interfere much with me. He only teaches me what I need and leaves the rest to me.”
The slight bitterness on Jin So-cheong’s face hinted at a deeper story. I could roughly infer the situation from her expression.
‘It’s because a genius is teaching another genius.’
Samjeol Ik-gwang is a genius in martial arts, and so is Jin So-cheong. It’s common for people with similar talents to be drawn to one another, and it’s also easy to gauge each other’s abilities. Perhaps Ik-gwang knows precisely how far Jin So-cheong can advance, which is why he refrains from unnecessary interference. Yet, it seemed that approach might appear somewhat unemotional to Jin So-cheong herself.
However, I found myself envious of their relationship. For the past six months, Ik-gwang has been teaching me diligently, but it’s not out of a strong bond; it’s because I’m far too dull-witted to grasp techniques without extensive coaxing and rigorous training. It’s an entirely different level compared to trusting Jin So-cheong and leaving her to her own devices.
With a glimmer of hope, I asked,
“Have you mastered all the techniques of the Thunder Shadow Step?”
“The spear technique is an endless path. I couldn’t say I’ve completely mastered it, as my cultivation is still shallow.”
“…”
Seeing me look skeptical, Jin So-cheong shrugged.
“Yes, yes. I’ve learned everything I could.”
“I see.”
“Of course, I don’t plan on using my secret techniques in tomorrow’s sparring match, so it’s somewhat meaningless.”
“What? You won’t use your secret techniques?”
I was taken aback. Challenging the Nine Great Sects head-on and choosing not to use your hidden skills? However, Jin So-cheong nodded as if it were the most natural thing.
“Of course. In a match against another sect, one can’t kill their opponent, so how could I carelessly use techniques that might be leaked? No matter how excellent a technique is, if it’s observed repeatedly by others, a countermeasure will emerge. You must seal away all the techniques you learned during tomorrow’s sparring.”
“Hmm…!!”
Of course, I hadn’t truly learned anything worthy of being called a secret technique yet; I’d only picked up Thunder Blade. Still, having trained under the exceptional Ik-gwang for six months, my swordsmanship had improved significantly, and I had also learned various movements from the secret teachings, making me ponder this decision. Jin So-cheong added,
“The Thunder Blade is fine. However, it’s best to defeat your opponent with minimal movements.”
“Older Sister, that seems to have too many precautions, doesn’t it? The level of skill here is bound to be quite high.”
I muttered, but Jin So-cheong only chuckled.
“Hahaha, don’t worry.”
Wouldn’t you be worried if you were in my position?
I wanted to shout in frustration, but I held back. If I had spoken a little louder, we would have drawn the attention of those affiliated with the Zhongnan Sect who were within the inn. Our conversation had already strayed into an exceedingly audacious territory.
After finishing our meal, I comfortably lay down and slept. Before I drifted off, I stared at the ceiling, and with no significant thoughts, I naturally fell asleep.
The next dawn, we began our ascent of Zhongnan Mountain. The path was more like a leisurely walking trail than a mountain path, with several spots for resting along the way. This suggested that many visitors come to the Zhongnan Sect, indicating a considerable accumulation of wealth over time. It was apparent that these paths were not created by the Zhongnan Sect itself but were likely built using donations and tributes they had received.
Soon, we spotted a building that seemed to be the main entrance of the Zhongnan Sect, nestled in the mountain. In front of it stood two White-Clad Swordsmen, likely disciples of the Zhongnan Sect, as their swords were uniquely braided with tassels that seemed to mark them as part of the sect.
As expected, one of them shouted toward us,
“From this point on is the main stronghold of the Zhongnan Sect. Outsiders must declare their names and purpose for entry.”
“I am Jin So-cheong of the Qinglong Martial Arts, and this is my disciple, Baek Woong. We have come from afar to seek a lesson from the Zhongnan Sect.”
“…!!”
The calm reply from Jin So-cheong seemed to take them aback. Although the words were polite, it was clearly a direct challenge for a sparring match. Perhaps that’s why one of the White-Clad Swordsmen acting as a gatekeeper couldn’t hide his fluster.
“Do you understand that this is the Nine Great Sects and the Zhongnan Sect?”
“Of course.”
“Have you lost your mind…?”
“How long do you intend to keep us waiting here? If you have something to convey, please do so promptly.”
As Jin So-cheong scolded him, the White-Clad Swordsman glared at us with disdain and replied,
“Fine. Wait here for half a meal time.”
Swish!
He then immediately used his Light Body Technique to leap away, likely utilizing the Yun Guang Step that the Zhongnan Sect boasts. Judging by his impressive skill, he was probably in a rather high position within the sect.
Before long, the White-Clad Swordsman returned with three companions. He spoke in a cold voice.
“Follow us. Someone will receive you at the Training Hall.”
“Who said that?”
“Shut up. Why should I have to tell you that?”
I was momentarily stunned.
‘Look at that guy.’
Although I was trying my best to exercise caution, such arrogance was utterly unacceptable. If he were an ordinary martial artist from a small sect, that remark would have incited an enormous rage.
Jin So-cheong spoke.
“How can you speak so rudely? Is this the manner in which you treat guests?”
“Trash like you lot! Can any of you be considered guests when you come seeking a sparring match? You seem like wandering heroes trying to earn some honor by rashly challenging the Nine Sects, and don’t think you’ll walk away safely.”
At those words, Jin So-cheong appeared to ponder for a moment. After a brief silence, she said,
“I’ve disclosed my identity sufficiently; calling me a wandering hero is uncalled for.”
“Why do you look so bitter? You clearly lack any foundation.”
Jin So-cheong’s expression hardened.
“That sounds like an insult to both the Qinglong Martial Arts and my Master.”
“Haha! Qinglong Martial Arts? Where might that be? Haha…”
That guy!
I almost jumped in rage, but before I could, Jin So-cheong’s shadow had already surged forward with astonishing speed. Realizing that this movement was the Thunder Shadow Step’s secret technique, I held my breath. Jin So-cheong had mastered all the techniques I needed to learn. The moment she launched at the White-Clad Swordsman, he appeared completely oblivious to the unfolding situation.
Crack!
“Ugh…!!”
In an instant, Jin So-cheong’s palm struck the swordsman’s solar plexus, sending him floating into the air. Even I found it challenging to perceive such an attack without concentrating my internal energy.
“This scoundrel…”
Before the companions standing next to him could even draw their swords halfway, Jin So-cheong had completed a twelve-strike combo. Her hands and feet left nothing but fleeting afterimages.
Thud!
All three of them, appearing to be elite experts, were instantly overwhelmed and collapsed to the ground. Yet, Jin So-cheong didn’t stop there; she immediately executed a half-turn kick to the stomach of the last remaining swordsman.
Boom!
“Ugh… Hrk…”
He fell forward, frothing at the mouth, having fainted.
“I won’t forgive anyone who humiliates my Master, regardless of my own memories.”
Jin So-cheong’s eyes held a frigid madness as she swiftly took down the disciples of the Zhongnan Sect. It was the first time I had seen her like this, and I gulped nervously. Normally, one should fear the consequences of attacking a disciple from the Zhongnan Sect, but in this moment, such thoughts didn’t even cross my mind; the aura radiating from Jin So-cheong was as severe as it was powerful.
After briefly surveying the aftermath of her actions, Jin So-cheong said quietly,
“Disciple, please rein me in. I feel like today could get bloody.”
I grumbled,
“It seems you’ve already crossed that line…”
Is this what it means to not have bloodshed? The fallen men around us had been beaten to the brink of incapacitation, and one of them was rolling on the ground, eyes turned white, foaming at the mouth, like some insect. It was clear that Jin So-cheong had deliberately delivered a painful beating.
“I thought perhaps I might just take the signboard and call it a day.”
Swish!
With an intimidating aura, Jin So-cheong clenched her fist and swiftly took off with astonishing speed using her Light Body Technique. While I could match that level of speed, it was clear that her abilities were of a very high standard, considering her cultivation. Jin So-cheong was only in her mid-twenties, yet her martial prowess was absolutely astounding.
I shook my head and surveyed the fallen White-Clad Swordsmen around us, clicking my tongue in disbelief.
“Fools. Are they really asking to pluck the tiger’s whiskers?”
I couldn’t even imagine provoking Jin So-cheong; it took incredible guts for that White-Clad Swordsman to rattle her with mere words. A sense of relief washed over me as I chuckled and darted forward.
Pat pat pat!
After running about two li, I spotted what appeared to be the main building of the Zhongnan Sect. There, I found around ten disciples already knocked out by Jin So-cheong, while the remaining ones formed a tense circle around her, ready to confront her. A man in his thirties, a high-ranking member of the Zhongnan Sect, shouted furiously.
“You bastard! How dare you cause such a ruckus in the Zhongnan Sect!”
“You first insulted my sect. I intended to approach peacefully, but this situation is of your making.”
“What did you say? Even if that’s true, I will not forgive it!”
Clang clang clang!
As his words finished, the White-Clad Swordsmen around raised their swords with an energy that crackled in the air. Normally, one would be anxious or distressed in such a deadly environment, but Jin So-cheong muttered coldly,
“You are the ones who won’t be forgiven.”
Crack!
Jin So-cheong suddenly split into three clones, each one charging at the surrounding White-Clad Swordsmen, striking them with their palms. Sounds of heavy impacts echoed as she delivered one or two strikes in midair, causing her opponents to spray blood and fall. They couldn’t even manage to withstand a second of her assault.
Thud!
“Aaaah!”
“Ugh!”
The scene of White-Clad Swordsmen being tossed and thrown about in the air was surreal. Although there didn’t appear to be any deaths, it was commonplace for them to faint after taking a few blows, their eyes rolling back.
I was left speechless at the shocking spectacle before me. While some second-rate warriors were mixed in with them, most of the opponents were elite experts—how could they be so thoroughly overpowered? Even more surprising was that Jin So-cheong hadn’t even drawn her primary weapon, a spear, and was still annihilating the Zhongnan Sect with only her martial arts techniques.
‘… Oh no! This isn’t the time for admiration!’
I quickly called out,
“Sister! Stop!”
Boom!
The last remaining White-Clad Swordsman was trembling as he leaned against the entrance of the Zhongnan Sect when Jin So-cheong’s powerful fist shattered the heavy door, weighing at least a few thousand catties. The large door was sent flying, landing heavily with a crash against the ground. Right next to the terrified swordsman, Jin So-cheong’s fist was lodged deep into the door.
Only then did she withdraw her hand and say,
“I’m still not in a good mood, Disciple.”
“Excuse me?”
Jin So-cheong slowly raised her head. Realizing she was gazing at the core building of the Zhongnan Sect with its peak experts inside, I was taken aback. Sure enough, Jin So-cheong began to stride forward.
I was witnessing, in pure terms, a challenge to a martial arts school right before my eyes.
And I realized, I had severely misjudged Jin So-cheong.
She wasn’t the gentle and kind person I thought. Usually quiet, but once provoked, she was a ferocious beast that would smash everything without hesitation. Moreover, she was a destructive deity that possessed absolute confidence in her strength!
“I’m going to have some fun.”
“……”
I wanted to ask what kind of fun she meant, whether she was insane or not, but fear rendered me speechless, and I could only follow her.
