Reincarnated Sword Ghost

Chapter 69 : Linked Sword

Linked Sword

It was a name he'd heard before.

After all, he was the first person to challenge for a duel after making it onto the second line.

He was also the one who'd come looking for Jeong-un at his private training room.

Bang Hwigyeom continued speaking.

"Our sect and the Seomun clan have closely cooperated for a long time. Five years ago, we even joined forces to eradicate an Evil Faction sect," he said.

"Young hero Seomun was already considered a remarkable prodigy back then."

"Are you well acquainted?"

"Very much so. He's like a sworn brother to me."

His face beamed with pride as he said this—it was clear he took great satisfaction in his close relationship with Seomun Yeong.

'He really did have well-cultivated energy.'

Jeong-un nodded quietly.

The duel had ended with a single slash, but the lightness skill he'd shown that instant was exquisite, and the internal energy contained in his sword had substantial depth.

With that much skill, it was no wonder he'd been called a prodigy since childhood.

Of course, Jeong-un was younger than him, so it wasn't exactly a thought he should have.

"I heard young hero Seomun has already stacked up two stripes. To earn such distinction in just his third year, he's walking the steadfast path of a true first-rate martial artist."

"So it seems."

"Are you two acquainted?"

When Bang Hwigyeom asked, his face lighting up, Jeong-un nodded.

"I've met him once."

"Then you must understand what I'm saying. He truly is extraordinary. He serves as a model for both me and you, young master."

"Pffft."

At that moment, Baek Il-gang next to him made a strange noise.

Then, he hid his twitching lips with a raised hand.

"Ah, pardon me. Something went down the wrong way."

"..."

Bang Hwigyeom glanced at Baek Il-gang with a momentarily puzzled expression, then turned away.

Strictly speaking, it was rather rude, but since Baek Il-gang had come across as someone oddly carefree from the start, Bang Hwigyeom decided to let it go.

'So, these people...'

Bang Hwigyeom slowly scanned the faces of the martial artists in black uniforms sitting across from him.

Even though it was a short time they'd spent talking, none of them seemed particularly remarkable.

Yu Jeong-un, who appeared to be the youngest of the group, looked like the young master of a noble house but appeared wholly inexperienced in the affairs of the martial world.

Jo Gwang seemed completely ordinary, a nonentity who would barely pass basic evaluations, and Baek Il-gang went so far as to appear almost like a vagabond in his freedoms.

'Except...'

The one who stood out was an unnamed woman.

From the beginning, she'd simply nodded as a greeting and, seemingly for some reason, had refrained from introducing herself.

Even so, her every movement radiated an air of elegance, visible even in the smallest glance.

Anyone could tell by her presence that her status was far from ordinary.

'Still, I can't just pry into her identity.'

Being desperate to enter the Heavenly Martial Hall, Bang Hwigyeom knew almost everything there was to know about them—including their operating habits.

They said these people covered the number of golden threads on their left arms with black silk, so as not to reveal their leader during missions.

Judging by the noble energy she exuded, she was either already a two-striped warrior, or soon to become one.

'In that case, it would be wise to build rapport in advance.'

That had been his aim from the start.

Gu Yong-hyeon, who had the same goal, had returned to his seat, dejected after being coldly told off.

The remaining two were grouped as part of the Four Dragons, but truthfully, they didn't measure up to Bang Hwigyeom or Gu Yong-hyeon.

They were only keeping company for appearances' sake, and once they entered the Heavenly Martial Hall next year, there would be no reason to stay together.

'Now that I think about it, it's rather vexing.'

Bang Hwigyeom glanced at Jeong-un.

Given his aura and apparent age, he seemed to have the weakest position among his group.

And yet, in the midst of silence, he'd been the one to step forward and even issued an order to leave.

Granted, it was directed at Gu Yong-hyeon rather than himself, but as part of the party, it still rankled him.

Anyone with eyes could see clearly what kind of people they themselves were in this place.

'I suppose this won't do.'

Bang Hwigyeom was a cautious man.

The reason he persuaded Gu Yong-hyeon for a proper greeting, and kept a low attitude during their second attempt, stemmed from that nature.

For that reason, he always tried to approach things as methodically as possible before causing a stir.

This time was no different. He was feeling quite confident, having learned a fair bit about them during their conversation.

"Since you must be busy people..."

Amidst meaningless chit-chat, Bang Hwigyeom spoke up.

"You'll be going soon, I assume. I only asked to share the mealtime with you, and that's natural."

He then turned his gaze openly to Jeong-un.

At that brazen look, Jeong-un met his eyes in puzzlement, wondering at his intent.

His stare felt somewhat different than before.

"Honestly, isn't it rather empty for martial artists to connect only through words? No matter how busy you are, surely you have time to cross a few moves."

"What's with this guy...?"

Jo Gwang, realizing his intention, opened his mouth in disbelief.

It was almost ridiculous for Bang Hwigyeom to say such things while clearly looking at Jeong-un.

Granted, Jeong-un was the most skilled at controlling his energy in their group, so it made sense, but actually seeing it left him a bit speechless.

He was about to say something more when—

"..."

The look in Jeong-un's eyes silenced him.

For now, it was a look that said, let things be.

"Go ahead and continue."

When Jeong-un spoke, Bang Hwigyeom gave a wry grin.

"As I mentioned before, we're all martial artists aiming to enter the Heavenly Martial Hall. For us to feel no spirit of competition upon meeting someone who's already passed that gate would be strange indeed. I would be most grateful if you would allow us the chance to make acquaintance through a duel."

With that, he naturally shifted his gaze to Tang Yerin, as if seeking approval from the decision-maker.

Tang Yerin furrowed her brow ever so slightly.

Meanwhile, Jeong-un was thinking something else.

'They insisted on joining us even after being refused once.'

If he declined again, they'd probably persist until they got their way.

The meal had already gone longer than expected because of unnecessary conversation.

Better to give them what they wanted and end it quickly.

'I suppose I'll encounter these sorts of unplanned situations from now on.'

In this way, Jeong-un was gradually picking up practical tricks for life in the martial world.

"Very well."

Jeong-un answered as he rose from his seat.

Bang Hwigyeom looked up at him, frowning.

It was starting to grate on him how Jeong-un kept stepping forward when the woman said nothing.

But Jeong-un was already walking out of the guesthouse.

At this point, there was no choice but to follow.

'So this is the martial world.'

Jeong-un murmured silently to himself.

He was about to draw his sword without the slightest plan.

And not toward the Evil Faction, but at a fellow Righteous Faction martial artist.

Even if it was "just a duel," drawing a sword outside Heavenly Martial Hall itself was significant.

Additionally, it was right in the middle of town—naturally drawing a lot of attention.

Ordinary townsfolk watched with wide eyes from a distance.

"No better than a moth to a flame."

Baek Il-gang, having followed him out, muttered quietly.

Of all people, of course, they had to pick Jeong-un.

He had, in fact, guessed their intentions.

He'd actually planned to step forward himself if things came to that.

But with Bang Hwigyeom pointing to Jeong-un so directly, and with Jeong-un accepting so abruptly, there was no opportunity to intervene.

"What's going on now?"

"Wait, isn't that young master Bang of Taechun Gate?"

"Looks like he's going to duel with young master Bang."

"The other one looks to be a martial artist, so maybe they're trying to test each other's skills."

"Hah, this should be a rare spectacle."

The surroundings were starting to get noisy.

Maybe because the common folk were mixed into the crowd, even with sword-wielding martial artists confronting each other, everyone still spoke freely.

'That's normal.'

Jeong-un didn't mind it at all.

"You said you'll be taking the admission test next year?"

"Yes. May I ask how long ago you entered?"

"This year,"

Jeong-un replied.

"I figured as much."

Bang Hwigyeom laughed.

"Let me introduce myself again. I am Bang Hwigyeom of Taechun Gate. I've mastered the Taechun Sword Technique."

"I am Yu Jeong-un of Heavenly Martial Hall,"

Jeong-un replied briefly. He didn't yet possess any martial technique worthy of being named.

'Can't exactly name the move.'

Just then, voices grew louder around them again.

When they heard the name "Heavenly Martial Hall," people shouted in excitement.

"Heavenly Martial Hall!"

"The one under the Murim Alliance...!"

"I heard warriors from there possess martial skills that transcend their age."

"Young master Bang is training with them as his goal, isn't he!"

"Remarkable!"

All sorts of comments flooded his ears.

Bang Hwigyeom smiled with a strange expression, as if relishing the attention.

"One more thing—I'm known as the 'Three-Strike Sword'. That's because I settle things within three sword swings."

"Perfect."

"...?"

Jeong-un replied calmly.

Apparently, the nickname "Three-Strike Sword" wasn't an exaggeration.

The crowd now buzzed about whether the duel would end in three moves again.

Most seemed to think Bang Hwigyeom would win within three moves.

Well, that was understandable. The wolf close by was always scarier than any distant tiger.

To those living here, Bang Hwigyeom must have seemed superhuman.

"..."

There was nothing more to say. Having said this much face to face already felt excessive.

As they stood looking at each other, Bang Hwigyeom finally moved.

Thwack!

Dust kicked up in an instant. Bang Hwigyeom was already leaping toward Jeong-un.

His takeoff was smooth and lively. The rumor that he was the region's premier rising star seemed well-founded.

His hand on the sword was fast, too.

Meanwhile, Bang Hwigyeom allowed himself a subtle smirk as he brought his sword down.

'Got him!'

The Taechun Sword Technique was a rapid, continuous sword art—a series of extraordinary slashes launched one after another.

As long as one struck first, it allowed for relentless advances, eventually bringing victory.

Beginning with a lightning-fast slash, the attacks flowed like water.

It was a technique well matched with his earlier display of lightness skill.

'He's not even reacting.'

His opponent was merely standing there, hand on the sword guard.

Of course—no matter that they'd taken a stance a few paces apart, for a martial artist with lightness skill, it was only a step's distance.

Even if you were prepared, you'd still be slow in comparison to a full-power advance.

Just then, with true martial artist's keenness, Bang Hwigyeom noticed his opponent's hand twitch.

More precisely, the thumb resting on the sword guard seemed to move.

Clang─!

Suddenly, the entire view flipped.

A burst of vital ki exploded like a whirlwind—then it happened.

Before he knew it, Bang Hwigyeom was skidding across the dirt on his back, unable even to steady himself.

Thunk! Thud-thud-thud─!

After rolling several times along the ground, Bang Hwigyeom looked up in a daze.

He hadn't even realized he'd been knocked down.

On the ground before him lay his sword, the blade completely broken with only the guard remaining.

Then he saw Jeong-un, who had drawn his sword at some point, locking eyes with him.

"Would you like to continue?"

"... Huh?"

Bang Hwigyeom answered, still dazed.