Chapter 105: The Boy Grows Into A Young Man (4)
Exchanging letters promptly across the vast Central Plains was no easy task.
One could entrust letters to a well-connected and trustworthy merchant group, but this required not only money but also connections.
However, for renowned clans like the Baek Clan, the Peng Clan, or the Moyong Clan, this was no difficult matter.
Moyong Jin, too, had successfully received a reply to his letter from Baek Ha-jun.
-Brother is trapped in the Repentance Hall.
This sentence was written in the reply from Baek Ha-jun.
He mentioned that he had inquired about Yi-gang to Golden Needle Phantom. Reading this sentence, Moyong Jin frowned.
It wasnt that he was surprised that Yi-gang was trapped in the Repentance Hall. He was puzzled why Baek Ha-jun would write about it in a letter.
Knowing how much he disliked speaking ill of his brother, there seemed no reason for him to write something that could be held against him.
It must have been either false that he was trapped in the Repentance Hall, or there was some other reason behind it.
And Moyong Jins suspicion was correct.
-Theres no way Brother did anything wrong. As you know.
What do you mean, as you know?
-Scholars from Beijing visited the Azure Forest. It was a group from Hanlin Academy. They needed help deciphering ancient texts discovered in Tianzhu. The Azure Forest is known for that. Normally, when translation from the Tianzhu language is required, its entrusted to the Shaolins Sutra Pavilion. Unexpected, isnt it?
Even Moyong Jin, a martial artist, was aware of the reputation of the Azure Forest. But he was surprised at how talkative the usually reticent Baek Ha-jun was in his letter.
-Brother Yi-gang entered a place in the Azure Forest, a grand library. He personally welcomed the scholars from Hanlin Academy. One of the scholars, apparently drunk, caused a scene. He was a nephew of the Minister of Civil Affairs. But you know.
A nephew of the Minister of Civil Affairs and a scholar of Hanlin Academy would be quite influential, even in Beijing.
The Azure Forest, despite being a major sect, must have had a tough time dealing with this.
-Well, Brother slapped that guy. Broke a few of his teeth. It caused quite a stir. Seeing Golden Needle Phantom laugh about it, everyone must have felt vindicated. Of course, it didnt escalate into a major issue.
Moyong Jin knew why it hadnt turned into a major issue without having to ask.
They must have learned that Yi-gang was from the Baek Noble Clan, a well-respected clan even in Beijing.
Not to mention the status of Yi-gangs mothers family.
-Luckily, everything was resolved. But they have rules in the sect. Since he hit a guest, he couldnt go unpunished. So, he was ordered to face the wall in solitary contemplation in the Repentance Cave for fifteen days. Father laughed heartily when he heard the story.
Moyong Jin chuckled at this part of the story.
-Anyway, Brother has become very strong. Now, he might be even stronger than your brother. I must train harder too.
Must train harder. That was the last line of the letter.
It ended abruptly, as if it was written in haste.
Baek Ha-jun had replied to Moyong Jins letter asking about his well-being with only stories about his brother. He probably sent the letter hastily and went back to his sword training.
Crazy guy!
Moyong Jin clenched his teeth. And the thought that Baek Yi-gang might now be stronger than his own brother, Moyong Tak, was absurd.
The last time they met, wasnt Yi-gang barely able to move? Even Moyong Jin himself was confident in beating Yi-gang, let alone Moyong Tak.
Of course, Moyong Jin used to be overly cautious, but he had grown significantly since then.
Whoosh.
The sound of the air being split echoed from the sword swung.
In his hand, the Star Cloud Sword Technique, modeled after the movement of stars, was being executed.
Apart from the letter he received from Baek Ha-jun, Moyong Jin had already heard rumors.
Rumors that Baek Ha-jun of the Baek Noble Clan had started to make his sword cry. He had reached the level of imparting a name to his sword at a young age.
I must too
Moyong Jin had never heard of Sword Cry.
But that never stopped him from trying. His sword dance was becoming more fierce.
The sword light flashed wildly.
As the final move of the Star Cloud Sword Technique unfolded,
Zing
Moyong Jins sword, suspended in the air, trembled slightly.
But his expression remained unsatisfied.
This was not Sword Cry. It was just a temporary vibration caused by the intense motion.
Then, a slow clapping sound echoed, clap, clap.
Startled, Moyong Jin turned his head and quickly sheathed his sword.
Brother!
Moyong Tak, smiling broadly, appeared out of nowhere.
You should be resting.
I was a bit tense just loosening up.
Thats good. Well done.
The relationship between Moyong Jin and Moyong Tak had changed slightly from before. Moyong Tak, usually gentle in public, could be quite sly when they were alone.
Their relationship became awkward after Yi-gang had greatly embarrassed Moyong Tak. But time had healed them.
No longer did Moyong Tak look at Moyong Jin with contempt. The invisible wall between them had largely disappeared, thanks to Moyong Taks efforts filled with guilt.
Moyong Jin, who had always respected his brother, felt the happiest now.
Has he arrived?
Yes, word is hes arrived at the lakeside.
The brothers had come out to welcome a guest today.
It was a guest from the Namgung Clan, with whom Moyong Tak had built a rapport at the Seven Stars Conference.
Emperor King Sword Namgung Yu-baeks granddaughter, Namgung Yeo-sang, had brought her younger brother, Namgung Shin.
Namgung Shin was Moyong Jins age and a promising candidate for the next Seven Stars Conference.
Then we should go.
Yes, lets go.
Moyong Tak had been waiting for them, but he didnt look pleased.
Namgung Yeo-sang was known for her beauty and prowess as a female martial artist, and Moyong Tak was a famous romantic.
Yet, he seemed somewhat uncomfortable.
Dont worry, brother. Ill smash that Namgung Shin to bits!
Moyong Tak said, guessing the reason for his brothers gloomy expression.
The reason Namgung Yeo-sang brought her brother to Zhejiang, and unofficially at that, was obvious.
It was a show of force before the upcoming Seven Stars Conference. It was similar to why Moyong Jin and Moyong Tak had visited the Baek Noble Clan.
Yes, hearing you say that makes me feel reassured.
Moyong Tak smiled warmly, patting Moyong Jins head.
But his face still showed unease.
Moyong Jin was puzzled but remained quiet.
His question would soon be answered.
The place where they were to meet Namgung Yeo-sang was Hangzhou. She wanted to visit West Lake.
Moyong Tak readily obliged her request. He rented a place that was neither too secluded nor invisible to the public.
It was an artificial island in the middle of West Lake.
In the middle of the lake, there was an artificial island large enough for dozens of people to frolic. Willows planted along the waters edge created a sense that anything could be enjoyed in privacy.
Do you know how splendid Hangzhous nights are, Yeo-sang? Those who only seek boat rides in West Lake are just visitors. The real connoisseurs always come here.
Moyong Tak laughed heartily as he introduced the artificial island to Namgung Yeo-sang.
I rented this island just for you, Yeo-sang. What do you think? The night hasnt fallen yet, but its never too early to start enjoying the atmosphere.
His casual tone didnt seem very sincere. A lady from a reputable family might have frowned upon such flattery from Moyong Tak.
However, Namgung Yeo-sang covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
Young Master, have you always enjoyed such pleasures? You dont need to act this way in front of me.
Haha What do you mean?
How can someone change their personality so suddenly after leaving abruptly? Gege.
Moyong Taks face stiffened immediately.
Moyong Jin, listening in, was just as surprised. The term Gege, which may have literally meant big brother, was usually not used unless the relationship was intimate, like in a romantic context.
Oh my, did I speak out of turn? Was Gege too familiar?
Cough, its not that, but
Then, may I continue to call you Gege?
Moyong Tak was unusually flustered. It seemed there had been some incident with Namgung Yeo-sang.
Im sorry for leaving without a word, Yeo-sang. There was a reason for it
Hehe, its okay. I was just joking.
Moyong Jin suddenly felt a sense of fear. Namgung Yeo-sang was smiling, but there was a palpable killing aura about her.
Lets leave that topic for now. Im here for another reason today.
Yes, of course. Lets do that.
Shin, introduce yourself properly.
At this, the boy beside Namgung Yeo-sang bowed again.
My apologies for the late introduction. I am Namgung Shin.
His greeting was impeccable. Though the same age as Moyong Jin, his demeanor was remarkably mature.
His clothes were impeccably kept, and his hair was neatly tied. He had a gentle face, but his prominent eyebrows were reminiscent of the prestigious Namgung Clans spirit.
Namgung Shin was not a particularly famous name. Baek Ha-jun of the Baek Noble Clan was more well-known.
Moyong Jin bowed in response only after Moyong Tak subtly nudged him.
I am Moyong Jin. Ive heard much about Miss Namgung Yeo-sang from my brother!
It was a flawless greeting.
That is, if there were no issues between Namgung Yeo-sang and Moyong Tak.
Many stories, you say? What sort of stories have you heard?
Uh, umm
As Moyong Jin grew uneasy, Namgung Yeo-sang chuckled softly.
Just kidding. Youre already flattering like Moyong Tak.
Moyong Jin sighed in relief inwardly. As expected, the daughters of martial arts clans were not to be taken lightly.
Moyong Tak and Namgung Yeo-sang continued to exchange pleasantries. They inquired about each others clans and shared information they had learned.
Meanwhile, Moyong Jin kept glancing at Namgung Shin.
Soon, he would have a sparring match with him. It would naturally not be a duel to the death, but a test of their respective skills.
Moyong Jin didnt know much about Namgung Shin. Of course, he was known to be an excellent swordsman, but that wasnt particularly impressive.
After all, he was someone invited to the Seven Stars Conference from among the Seven Great Clans. It was natural for those with strong martial arts lineage and skills to be invited. No one had heard of something to the contrary.
It should be manageable.
That was Moyong Jins conclusion. Namgung Shins calm demeanor was impressive, but he didnt seem particularly formidable.
However, Namgung Shin didnt seem as concerned about Moyong Jin as Moyong Jin was about him. His relaxed attitude was slightly irksome.
Maybe it was because he was lost in these thoughts, but Moyong Jin missed the conversation happening between Namgung Yeo-sang and Moyong Tak.
Yeo-sang, or should I say, Miss, are you joking now?
Joking? What do you mean?
Moyong Taks voice was slightly agitated. It was more an attitude of disbelief than anger.
As Moyong Jin was trying to grasp the situation in surprise, an unbelievable statement came from Namgung Yeo-sang.
The person Namgung Shin wishes to challenge in a sparring match is you, Tak. Not your younger brother.
It was an absurd suggestion. It would have been different if Moyong Jin wasnt there, but challenging Moyong Tak when his peer, Moyong Jin, was present made no sense in terms of skill or propriety.
Haha, Miss, I know you have some grudge against me, but this joke is too much.
Moyong Tak tried to defuse the situation with a laugh. There was no reason for him to spar with a kid who was barely past his voice breaking.
However, Namgung Yeo-sang was no longer smiling.
The Namgung Clan does not joke with the sword.
At that moment, the quiet Namgung Shin took a step forward.
Moyong Jin stared blankly at Namgung Shins profile.
I, Namgung Shin, a beginner in the martial world, humbly request guidance from Moyong Tak!
Shouting resoundingly, he grabbed his sword.
It was no longer a joke.
The moment Namgung Shin laid his hand on his sword, Moyong Taks smile faded.
His next words were his last act of mercy.
If thats how it is dont resent my sword for its mercilessness, Yeo-sang.
You neednt worry about that, Moyong Tak.
Namgung Shin and Moyong Tak faced each other.
Moyong Jin, who had prepared for a sparring match that was supposed to happen today, suddenly found himself sidelined.
His face flushed with embarrassment and anger.
He wanted to explode in rage, but he held it back. His brother would punish Namgung Shin and make him pay for his arrogance.
Ill let the junior go first.
Moyong Tak, as the senior, naturally offered this.
Namgung Shin expressed his gratitude.
Compared to the 15-year-old Namgung Shin, Moyong Tak was in his prime as a swordsman. The outcome seemed predictable.
One could only hope that Moyong Tak would show mercy and not cause serious harm.
But Moyong Jin saw it.
The faint smile forming on Namgung Yeo-sangs lips.
And then a thunderous sound erupted.
Rumble
It was the sound of thunder, as if lightning were playing among the dark clouds filling the sky.
That sound unmistakably came from Namgung Shins sword.
Moyong Tak murmured in disbelief.
Sword Cry?
Could that really be called Sword Cry? It was a sound like none Moyong Tak had ever heard.
The intense wave of Qi that a common blue steel long sword could not withstand was probably causing that sound. If so, it was beyond the ordinary.
Here I come.
Namgung Shins aura, which had seemed ordinary, transformed.
Namgung Yeo-sang smiled from behind.
With a thunderous sound, Namgung Shins sword unleashed the Emperor King Sword Style.
Moyong Taks face turned deathly pale.
The sparring match didnt last long.
Moyong Tak shouldnt have yielded the first move to Namgung Shin. At the very least, he shouldnt have approached it with the attitude of teaching a lesson to a younger junior.
The Emperor King Sword Style was an aggressive sword technique. Once overpowered in momentum, it became increasingly difficult to recover. He needed to regain the flow of the Star Cloud Sword Technique.
If he had resorted to lethal techniques, he could have certainly cut through Namgung Shins sword form. After all, Moyong Tak had entered the realm of Wounding Sword Qi.
But it was neither a duel to the death nor appropriate to use sword energy against a junior.
No, all these were just excuses.
Moyong Jin, standing behind Moyong Tak, saw it.
When about a hundred moves had been exchanged, Namgung Shins sword momentarily slashed through Moyong Tak.
And the bright red blood
Splash
Splattered onto the face of Moyong Jin, who was standing behind.
That day, Namgung Shin unofficially defeated Moyong Tak in a sparring match. Though it was an informal match, the news spread rapidly. Namgung Yeo-sang made sure of that.
The Moyong Noble Clan suffered an indelible scar.
Clan Head Moyong Jeong-cheon, in a rage, scolded his son, and Moyong Tak, deeply wounded, went into hiding.
Moyong Jin took up his sword to avenge his brother.
His dedication to training was so intense that it worried the martial artists of his clan.
His goal was to defeat Namgung Shin, now the most anticipated participant in the Seven Stars Conference that was just two years away.
Time, as always, flowed indifferently.
Two years passed, and the year of both the Dragon-Phoenix and Seven Stars Conferences arrived.
It marked four years since Yi-gang had joined the Azure Forest, and he had turned 19.
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