I Became the Genius Mage of the Martial Academy

Chapter 141 : The Best Sword in Shaanxi (1)

"You called for us?"

I smiled and faced the abbot.

Usually, Gu Ja-beom, being the elder, would have stepped forward as the representative, but no matter what anyone said, the person with the greatest merit in this incident was me.

I was fully qualified to add a word of greeting. Though if the reward was unsatisfactory, it might become two words, or three.

"Y-yes, that's right."

The abbot of the Shaolin Temple forced a smile and faced me.

"Your contributions were great this time. To be able to repel them without a single casualty on the Shaolin Temple's side is truly a heavenly fortune. Namu Gwanseeum Bosal."

"You praise me too much."

With Gu Ja-beom's humble words, the main topic began.

"But we also have to depart soon. What about the promise you made?"

"Ah, that's right. First, twenty of our Shaolin Temple's Arhat Hall's elite martial artists will escort you on your way."

To attach an elite group composed of at least peak-level personnel. Since there were also a few super-masters among them, it was a considerable force.

‘Well, they are probably personnel dispatched to Huashan and Zhongnan.’

It would be good for them to move with us, so it was a good thing for both sides.

Because the real thing was separate anyway.

"Ahem, and since your achievements were so outstanding, I have thought about it in many ways. First, to the great Gu Ja-beom..."

The numerous achievements I had accomplished in the past few days flashed through my mind.

The destruction of four branches, the single-handed defeat of a fortress master and the subjugation of bandits, and the rescue of hostages.

Just for me alone, it was an incredible level.

"To the young hero Zhuge Cheonwu, I will give a Great Rejuvenation Pill and ten nyang (300-400g) of ten thousand year old cold iron."

As befitting the head of the Nine Great Sects, it was a generous reward.

I gratefully took the wooden box wrapped in a cloth and the ten thousand year old cold iron.

Gu Ja-beom also put the ten thousand year old cold iron into his bosom, pretending not to, and asked.

“When can we depart?”

“As early as today. So… could you help us a little when we strike the Heretic Alliance? Our sect’s situation is not so well-off that we have more to give, but the Shaolin Temple will not forget this favor.”

He then held out a token of gratitude. Since it was a token of gratitude given by the abbot, it was a precious item that could be usefully used in most matters.

“I’m sorry. But our Martial Academy is also currently chasing a Blood Fiend from the Blood Cult, so we don’t have the time.”

Gu Ja-beom declined the token of gratitude and revealed our situation truthfully.

Since the abbot had personally revealed the alliance and had come out with such a pleading attitude, if we were to refuse, we had to give a corresponding reason.

“Heo, I see. It can’t be helped. Any more than this would be greed. Thank you.”

The abbot said so and saw us off.

Since both sides were busy, as soon as the confirmation of their intentions was over, they immediately took action.

And so, the place we headed for was Shaanxi Province, located in the northwest of Henan Province.

We moved along a hidden, rugged path that only the Shaolin Temple, which had historically established its base in this region, knew.

Since there were many masters, it was difficult for the Heretic Alliance's side to know if we traveled through such rugged terrain.

If we had known this side road, we might have prioritized the mission rather than listening to the Shaolin Temple's request.

‘Of course, to get the reward, we had to stay and fight in the end.’

Perhaps Gu Ja-beom also didn't want to just go.

Because if he wanted to find a way, he could have avoided it and gone to Shaanxi Province.

However, given Gu Ja-beom's rather strong pride, the desire to land a blow before leaving must have also played a part.

And so, after running for two days and leaving Henan Province, the place we arrived at was the southern part of Shaanxi Province.

In the center of Daoism, where the Huashan Sect and the Zhongnan Sect were located, we exchanged greetings with the Shaolin Temple's side to part ways.

“Then we will be on our way. Please be safe.”

Bong Cheol-hwan cupped his fists and stepped back. Now that we had come to Shaanxi, where the influence of the Heretic Alliance was less, it seemed it was okay to part ways.

In the first place, since the other side was also a super-master who served as the head of the Arhat Hall, there was no need to worry.

“We should also get going.”

Gu Ja-beom moved his feet.

It was a time when both he and I needed maintenance. And so, the place we found was the most famous blacksmith's shop in Shaanxi.

“You’ve handled this roughly. Even if you strike a lump of iron, the blade wouldn’t be this damaged.”

Song Jin-geun, a muscular old man who looked to be close to sixty, examined the greatsword with a gruff voice.

The best blacksmith in Shaanxi, and one of the top craftsmen in the central plains.

He was quite famous in the original story, and there were even a few related episodes.

“With a decent metal, it would be useless to repair it. The only way is to forge the blade entirely or use cold iron. Unfortunately, good quality iron doesn’t come in well these days.”

“Then please reinforce it with this.”

Just as Song Jin-geun was showing his reluctance due to the lack of materials, Gu Ja-beom held out the ten thousand year old cold iron, and his two eyes lit up.

“Hoh, isn’t this ten thousand year old cold iron?! The purity isn’t high, but. It’s good to see ten thousand year old cold iron after a long time.”

At those words, our expressions, including mine, hardened slightly.

That old abbot, I thought he was giving away the precious ten thousand year old cold iron so generously, but the purity was low.

But still, ten thousand year old cold iron was ten thousand year old cold iron.

Soon, Song Jin-geun's acceptance was heard.

“I just finished an urgent job, so I’ll do it first.”

As a famous craftsman, his reservations were insanely backed up, but the way he did things in his own order was exhilarating, like a single-minded craftsman.

“Then is it possible for me too?”

I subtly squeezed in and held out the Martial Arts Sword.

Song Jin-geun, who had been looking at the Martial Arts Sword for a moment, clicked his tongue.

“Hmm, this is unusable. It hasn’t been long since it was repaired, but to be in this state.”

As befitting a master, it seemed he could tell just by looking at the blade.

“Above all, the sword can’t keep up with the owner’s power. It’s amazing to be at this level at your age, but it’s also important to get a good sword!”

He then pointed to the weapon display rack inside his workshop.

“Pick one of the swords I’ve made and buy it. It’ll be better than a decent high-grade item.”

Song Jin-geun said so and then turned around as if his interest had waned.

Since he had decided to work on Gu Ja-beom's sword first, it seemed he was going to start working now.

But my goal was to obtain a famous sword that I could use for a long time. I couldn't be satisfied with a pretty good sword like this.

I took out the First Blade and showed it, asking.

“If I bring a blade that can match this, can you make a new one for me?”

Song Jin-geun, who had been frowning for a moment as if he thought he was being disturbed, soon let out a cry of admiration after seeing the First Blade of the Daoist Scholar's Fan.

“Ooh, such a work of art!”

He then immediately rushed over and examined the First Blade.

“It’s small but exquisite! What is it made of? Meteorite iron? Or the bone of a divine beast? What is its purpose? Such sturdiness is amazing!”

Song Jin-geun, who was muttering and immersed in his own world. I asked the master again.

“So if I bring an item like this, can you make it into a sword for me?”

“Of course! Are you asking me to make this into a sword now? Or another weapon? Where is it?”

I calmed the excited blacksmith and said.

“First, please take a look at Professor Gu Ja-beom’s greatsword. I will bring my item after that.”

“Ooh! I will! I’ll be looking forward to it!”

Song Jin-geun then entered the workshop again with an excited look.

“What are you up to again?”

Gu Ja-beom asked, looking at this side with a questioning gaze from the side.

“There’s still time until the greatsword is completely repaired, isn’t there?”

“That’s right.”

“Considering how much we’ve suffered, I think we also need to recover from our fatigue.”

“So what are you trying to do?”

When Gu Ja-beom asked back with a look of disbelief, I replied with a harmless smile.

“I’m only saying this for the success of the mission. The enemies are strong, so how can we be unprepared?”

Since it wasn't wrong, Gu Ja-beom finally let out a sigh and gave his permission.

“Don’t cause any trouble. It’s three days. After that, we’ll return.”

He then disappeared, leaving only a residual wind. He probably went to the Martial Academy's instructor who was chasing Zhuge Ryu-hun as the person in charge of the mission.

Since Zhuge Ryu-hun and the other Blood Fiends were currently staying in Shaanxi Province, it was a possible permission.

“What’s your scheme?”

Just then, Baek Hasin asked from the side. A face full of concern. I couldn't understand why this side couldn't trust him so much.

Even though everything had turned out well.

First, I needed to ease this guy's wariness.

‘I have to soothe him well and make good use of this rest time.’

I made up my mind to carry out what I had conceived in my head and looked at Baek Hasin.

“You know I got you a sword, right?”

“That’s why I came this far.”

Baek Hasin responded as if to say, "Again?" At this, I persistently questioned him.

“No. That’s because I helped you with your duel and training. I haven’t received a reward for getting you your sword.”

“Huu, alright. So what do I have to do this time?”

In the end, Baek Hasin asked me as if he had no choice.

‘He’s hooked.’

I said with a triumphant smile.

“Let’s go on a treasure hunt.”

It was time to find the best sword sleeping in Shaanxi.

***

For the three days it took for Gu Ja-beom's sword to be repaired, we had one thing to do.

To find a broken sword.

“You want to search here?”

Baek Hasin's dumbfounded reaction returned.

The scene spread out before us now was a huge cliff area that stretched for tens of kilometers.

To find a single sword here. If anyone else had heard, they would have surely thought I was crazy.

In fact, it was a crazy thing to do.

But it was worth it.

In fact, what I was looking for was the greatest evil object among the swords currently buried in Shaanxi.

The Demon-Seeking Sword left by the Heavenly Demon 300 years ago.

At that time, the Plum Blossom Sword Saint had dealt with the Heavenly Demon of that era in a pincer attack with the Martial Alliance Leader of that time, and at that time, the Heavenly Demon had fallen off a cliff, and the Demon-Seeking Sword that had disappeared with him had been sleeping until now.

A deep cliff, and since it was raining heavily at that time, a flood had occurred at the bottom of the cliff, and no one could find the Demon-Seeking Sword.

And so, the famous sword and evil object of the era had disappeared into history.

I was trying to find that.

Originally, I would have had to find it through grinding.

But now we have Baek Hasin and the Black Moon Sword.

“You think this will work?”

The guy, whose talent for demonic arts was unparalleled, held the evil object, the Black Moon Sword, and created a sword cry.

With Baek Hasin's super-senses, he would be able to detect the interference phenomenon between the same evil objects.

I grabbed the collar of his clothes from behind and flew around the cliff using psychokinesis.

Because demonic arts and psychokinesis were polar opposites, it was tricky to apply it to Baek Hasin.

Although it looked a little ridiculous, this was the best.

Because it was the optimal form of division of labor, with Baek Hasin focusing on creating a sword cry and detecting, and me in charge of mobility.

And so, after flying around the cliff area for several shichen and creating a sword cry for a long time.

Something came into view.

‘What’s that?’

Suspicious movements on one side of the cliff.

Since this was a rugged area with almost no human traffic, it stood out even more.

As if they had also felt the sword cry, they were wary of this side, and soon, a dagger flew towards our side with a killing intent.

‘To throw a hidden weapon without a word.’

With this, it was confirmed that they were not from the orthodox faction.

I blocked it with a shield and flew a response magic.

Kwa-gwa-gwa-gwang!

A dozen or so flame bullets that turned the area into a mess as if bombarding it.

“Aaaargh!”

“It’s a surprise attack!”

The enemies, who were making a fuss and looking up this way. It was a shameless sight, as they had been the ones to attack first.

I narrowed my brow, looking at the dozens of enemies in black clothes who were visible below the cliff.

‘Are we already at war?’

Come to think of it, this was not originally used as a road, but if we secretly broke through and passed, it was a direct route to the mountain range where the Huashan Sect was.

It was a good terrain to push in and launch a surprise attack on the rear.

In other words, we had accidentally discovered the enemy's spies while doing our own thing.

‘This is troublesome.’

If I had my way, I wouldn't want to clash.

But we also didn't know how long our search would take. If we left them like this, various problems would arise.

I have no intention of backing down. And the enemy is the same.

The conclusion was reached. I gathered my mana while looking down at them from the air.

Twenty or so fireballs that bloomed around me like a fully bloomed red plum blossom.

‘Then I’d rather give them a warning. So they can’t even come near.’

This place is now my territory.

(End of Chapter)