Chapter 112

Chapter 112
Chapter 112

One of the primary supervisors collapsed.
It wasn’t a pretense; he genuinely lost consciousness.
The sheer intensity of his jubilation had caused his life force and internal energy to surge backward in reverse.

“Supervisor Han!”
“Unbutton his collar and lay him flat so his circulation can normalize!”
“Pull yourself together!”

Amidst the swirling uproar, Yang-hui maintained a steady smile.
He knew of one infallible remedy guaranteed to rouse Supervisor Han.

“Supervisor Han. That aside, we must allocate half of it to the Tang family.”
“W-what?!”

The fallen supervisor snapped upright instantly.
“Why! For what reason!”
“We weathered the ordeal side by side. I cannot hoard the entirety for myself.”
“Ugh… Truly? Absolutely? Was that necessary?”
“Strictly speaking, I was the one who secured the gold, so Brother Tang and Sister Tang will hardly raise objections…”
“Ooooooh!”

Supervisor Han’s countenance brightened.
Then he began fumbling about, making ready to faint a second time.

“We are still dividing it. I have already pocketed ample spoils on the side, so at least this portion will soothe my conscience somewhat.”

Five thousand taels—even a half share—remained an astronomical sum.
Supervisor Han stared blankly at the rafters, his expression mirroring that of a man who had lost his entire household.
He inquired in a desolate voice.

“You acquired various other items, you say? Such as what? Anything of worth, Young Master Hui?”
“Alas, no currency. It has already been absorbed into my physique.”

He proceeded to elaborate regarding the iron hoops sealing the Blood God Demon Sword deep within the Sword King Arsenal, alongside the Heaven-Dulling Sword Technique enshrined within.

“I see. So the Sword King Arsenal served genuinely as the prison for that baleful entity.”
“Eight Spirit Pills? Even accounting for a decline in efficacy, that is remarkable. You must have amassed staggering internal power.”

Yang-hui chuckled, tapping his lower abdomen where his dantian resided.
“Indeed. In terms of jia, slightly exceeding one jia.”
“Ooooooh!”
“One jia of inner force at age fifteen! Ah, but days have elapsed, so sixteen presently.”
“Phenomenal, regardless of perspective!”

Abruptly, Baek Mu-ryang wore a worried expression.
“Acquiring such windfalls is favorable, but excess can breed ruin. Can your constitution sustain it?”

Yang-hui nodded with absolute assurance.
“Affirmative. I have long prioritized physical conditioning, thus my body bears the burden without complication.”

The more impeccably tempered the physical vessel, the greater the volume of internal force it could accommodate.
One jia constituted a massive reserve, yet posed no threat to him.

“That is a relief. Now, enlighten us further regarding this sword art you procured.”

As befitted the master of a sword lineage, Baek Mu-ryang exhibited the keenest fascination toward the Heaven-Dulling Sword Technique.

“Regrettably, I cannot impart it to Father.”

The rationale was straightforward. Only individuals who possessed true sword intent could flawlessly execute the Heaven-Dulling Sword Technique.
Naturally, rigorous contemplation might permit him to weave its underlying realizations into alternative martial disciplines.

‘Hm? Wait. Could it be…?’

In his previous existence, the Namgung Clan had monopolized all contents of the Sword King Arsenal.
The inaugural form of the Heaven-Dulling Sword Technique: Heaven-Pressing. It projected the visualization of the infinite, towering firmament bearing down upon all creation.

‘Originally, the Namgung Clan’s signature art was the Soaring Bow Limitless Sword Method.’

Yet around the era of the Orthodox-Demonic Conflict, the Namgung Clan startled the martial world by unveiling a novel, self-invented supreme technique.

‘Emperor Sword Form. Could it have derived from Heaven-Pressing?’

Emperor Sword Form. A sword art that eclipsed even the Soaring Bow Limitless Sword Method, standing among the premier supreme arts under heaven.
Evaluating the imagery and principles, his deduction appeared entirely credible.

Yet how had they managed to distill the Emperor Sword Form out of Heaven-Pressing?
For ordinary intellects, an impossibility…

Ah, correct—Namgung Cheon-yeong had been present.

Namgung Cheon-yeong, an otherworldly prodigy lauded as the supreme blade of his era across generations.
That individual could effortlessly pioneer the Emperor Sword Form originating from Heaven-Pressing.

‘Thus, in this timeline, the Namgung Clan shall not acquire the Emperor Sword Form. Fascinating.’

He had inadvertently clipped the wings of the Namgung whelps.

“Heh heh heh heh.”
“Young Master Hui. Wherefore the sudden laughter?”
“Ah, my apologies. Regardless, I shall interpret and parse the legacy of the Sword King Arsenal to the best of my ability, integrating it into the Baek Clan’s martial arts.”
“Hui, can you genuinely achieve this?”

“I shall make it reality. Should I succeed, I guarantee our clan’s arts will ascend to an entirely new echelon.”

If Namgung Cheon-yeong forged the Emperor Sword Form from Heaven-Pressing, he could produce its equal—or surpass it.

“Ooooooh!”
“The Harmonious Heaven Principle Origin Art and the Heaven-Covering 108 Swords already encapsulate profound doctrines. To propel them further… I anticipate this eagerly.”

Baek Mu-ryang’s eyes flashed as he questioned.

“Is there no manner in which this father may assist? Perhaps insights concerning Peak Realm enlightenment or the projection of sword qi?”

Ah, indeed—he had omitted mentioning it.

Yang-hui raised a single finger, a grin stretching from edge to edge.

“Heavens! Sword qi!”
“Hui! Have you attained the Peak Realm?!”
“Precisely.”

Every individual gathered in the chamber lapsed into profound admiration—nay, utter stupefaction.

“Inconceivable!”
“The Peak Realm at sixteen? Unprecedented within the contemporary martial arena, would you not agree?”
“Naturally! Even direct scions of the Nine Great Sects or Five Great Clans are lauded as once-in-a-generation geniuses should they reach the Peak around age thirty!”
“And manifesting sword qi devoid of an actual blade at that level of mastery. Hui, you are a genuine prodigy!”

Yang-hui basked within the deluge of acclaim and praise, wearing a deeply satisfied smile.

‘All factual and self-evident, yet it retains its gratifying nature.’

Sixteen years of age, possessing one jia of internal energy and Peak Realm cultivation?
This signified that the paramount young expert of the age had materialized within the Baek Clan.

Likely the greatest in a century—nay, two centuries.

“Presently, we boast three Peak masters within the main household. Our territorial expansion will accelerate exponentially.”
“Our renown shall ascend naturally.”
“We will necessitate a substantial revision of our clan expansion blueprints!”
“Thrilled despite the accumulation of labor—truly magnificent!”

Music to his ears, though the assembly threatened to drag onward into the evening at this pace.
Yang-hui introduced the final agenda item at a favorable juncture.

“One matter remains unresolved. We must determine the disposal of the demonic blade we brought back.”

He retrieved the Blood God Demon Sword from the flooring, stripping away the cloth bindings that secured it tightly.

A crimson-hued blade coupled with a foreboding presence saturated the chamber.

“Good grief, merely beholding it evokes a sinister sensation.”
“Deserving of its designation as a demonic calamity of the age.”
“Those of frail psyche might suffer psychological collapse simply from gazing upon it.”

They had already been briefed regarding the attributes of the Blood God Demon Sword.
Not a soul stepped forward to make contact.

“Hui, it constitutes your spoils, hence your perspective takes precedence. How do you propose we handle this demon sword?”
“Annihilate it.”
“Naturally. That is the correct course.”

A demonic artifact that ought not to persist in this world.
Durable and razor-hued, yet factoring in potential corrupting influences, shattering it outright remained the safest path.

“The complication lies in the method. I exhausted every alternative along the return journey, yet it remains entirely unblemished.”

Not even a minor nick resulted from striking it with ultra-refined sword qi.
A true divine instrument, whether tainted by demonic forces or otherwise.

“Hm. We shall require an expert consultation.”

He summoned a servant and commanded that Baek Cheol be brought forth.
Moments later, Baek Cheol stepped inside wearing a hesitant demeanor.

“You summoned me, Clan Head…?”

Baek Cheol, delivered from bondage at the Black Wolf Escort Agency and appointed as the premier blacksmith of the Baek Clan.
Years subsequent, he remained timorous and easily intimidated.

Nevertheless, his transcendental aptitude for metallurgy had blossomed splendidly—there were no shortcomings there.

“Master Baek, inspect this and advise us on the procedure for its destruction. Refrain from touching it.”

Baek Cheol scrutinized the Blood God Demon Sword for an extended duration.
He requested that Yang-hui rotate it periodically, examining every facet amidst muttered grunts and groans.

“Um… Apologies, but I cannot offer a definitive assessment presently…”
“For what reason?”

“Metals vary in characteristics by composition. My expertise remains too superficial; I cannot even ascertain the alloy utilized in its forging.”

In essence, no viable means existed to eradicate the Blood Demon Sword at this juncture.

“Then dedicate yourself to researching this demon sword and discovering a method of obliteration. I shall coordinate assistance from the Tang Clan’s smiths if deemed necessary.”
“Y-yes, understood…”

Thus concluded the scheduled topics stemming from Yang-hui’s expedition.
The senior conference shifted toward deliberating future strategies modified by their recent acquisitions.

“Initially, cement dominance over Wuju…”
“Coordinate alongside the Jeongwol Sect to exert pressure upon the South Heaven Martial Hall…”
“The time approaches to debate incursions into Wonju, Gilju, and Namchang…”

Approximately half a shichen later.
A retainer burst violently through the assembly hall portals.

“Clan Head!”
“Tch. Are you blind to the fact that we are engaged in a meeting?”
“Urgent intelligence! Young Master So has returned!”

Yang-hui and Baek Mu-ryang both wore expressions of perplexity.
Yeo Un-hyeok and Supervisor Han, conversely, displayed guilty expressions.

“Returned? Where had the young master traveled?”
“That rascal abandoned his regimen and wandered off where?”
“Ahem. Clan Head, I shall clarify.”

Supervisor Han deliberated on how to temper the revelation of Baek Heon-so’s unauthorized departure.
Before he could articulate an explanation, Baek Heon-so stepped into the hall.

“Fa… Father…”
“So, speak for yourself. Where have you been lingering?”
“Well…”

Yang-hui observed the fidgeting Baek Heon-so.
‘He underwent closed-door training and departed immediately for the escort assignment—it has been half a year since I last beheld the lad.’

He had developed noticeably, as youths of that chronological bracket tended to do.

Taller by half a chi, and his aura implied diligent cultivation.

Then why the hesitation?

“So. Elders are present. Compose your demeanor and state your case.”
“Y-yes, Brother.”

Baek Heon-so drew a measured breath and proceeded.
“I… undertook a journey.”
“A journey? Of what duration?”
“Well… roughly half a month…”
“So! Is this assertion truthful?! What pressing business compelled you to roam aimlessly for half a month?!”

As the astonished Baek Mu-ryang demanded accountability, Baek Heon-so cast a sidelong glance toward Yang-hui.

“Brother departed for the escort mission… I desired to contribute something meaningful to the clan as well.”

Yang-hui fought the urge to strike his own forehead.

‘The boy felt excluded since I omitted informing him and brought Chui-dal, his contemporary, along instead.’

His demeanor screamed far more than a simple leisure excursion—he had undoubtedly provoked complications.

“So. Relate the events of your excursion. What actions did you take?”
“Brother… I journeyed to Soak-hyeon.”

Yang-hui could not prevent his brow from furrowing.

Soak-hyeon housed the South Heaven Martial Hall, bitter adversaries competing against the Baek Clan and the Jeongwol Sect for supremacy over Wuju.

Unlike their recently mended relations with the Jeongwol Sect, hostilities burned fiercely regarding the South Heaven Martial Hall.

To be precise, the latter constituted the faction actively whetting their blades and monitoring the Baek Clan’s movements.

“Surely not. Did an altercation transpire involving the South Heaven Martial Hall?”
“……I arranged a duel. Somehow it escalated into a wager…”

“A duel! Accompanied by a wager, no less!”

The complete narrative stood as follows.

Pondering methods to benefit the household, he had wandered into Soak-hyeon.
There he encountered affiliates of the South Heaven Martial Hall and scheduled a contest against their young hall leader.

“What constituted the wager? Speak!”
“We shall cross swords following a year of rigorous training. The defeated party grants the victor a single request.”

To an uninformed observer, merely impulsive youthful prodigies engaging in a contest.
Yet it furnished the South Heaven Martial Hall with both a pretext and a strategic opening.

Especially since they already harbored resentment toward the Baek Clan—they were undoubtedly hatching malicious plots.

“The South Heaven young hall leader is senior to Young Master So by two years and reportedly occupies the peak of the second-rate realm.”
“Young Master So has merely crossed into the second-rate tier, hence a mere twelve months will scarcely bridge that disparity easily.”
“Should this duel manifest, we will likely incur severe losses.”

Baek Heon-so lowered his head, listening intently.
He recognized clearly that he had blundered egregiously.

However.

“Heon-so.”
“……Yes, Brother.”
“Well executed.”
“……Pardon?”

Yang-hui grinned broadly, sweeping his gaze across the assembly.

“So has secured a splendid pretext for our clan.”
“In what manner, Young Master Hui?”
“Formulated a clever scheme?”

The reasoning was elementary.

“Triumph in the duel, and we gain grounds to demand concessions from the South Heaven Martial Hall.”

“Yet Young Master So is demonstrably inferior to their young hall leader.”
“Even given a year, he will merely reach sixteen. Their champion is eighteen, fully matured. The odds grow increasingly unfavorable.”

Entirely valid assessments.

At present, So’s probability of victory remained slender.

Nevertheless.

“The time has arrived to intervene.”
“One year. Precisely twelve months, and I shall elevate So into a first-rate expert.”
“Hm? Feasible?”
“Advancing from early second-rate to the first-rate tier within a mere year? Preposterous.”
“Young Master Hui, regrettably, Young Master So does not possess transcendent genius on par with yourself.”

Achieving the first-rate realm at sixteen?
A feat arduous even for heaven-endowed talents.

Thus their skepticism was entirely natural.

Yet.

‘I possess the requisite methods.’

Yang-hui smiled knowingly toward Baek Heon-so.