The Legend of the Northern Blade - Chapter 185: The Star of Justice Shines Once Again (1)

Chapter 185: The Star of Justice Shines Once Again (1)

Within the inner fortress of Heaven’s Summit, there were nine pavilions. These were the residences of the Nine Skies, who stayed there during their visits. For this reason, they were named the Nine Heavenly Pavilions.

Each pavilion was an independent structure, separated from the others by high walls and artificial hills. Dozens of martial artists stood guard between the pavilions, making any outside approach impossible.

The Sword Pinnacle Pavilion was one of these nine structures. As its name suggested, the pavilion was incredibly ornate, glowing with a deep crimson hue. Wudang Sect Taoists stood guard around it.

They were there for a very simple reason. The Sword Pinnacle Pavilion was the Scarlet Leaf Sage’s residence.

Hailed as the finest swordsman in the world, the Scarlet Leaf Sage was the pride of the Wudang Sect. Every disciple dreamed of receiving his instruction, for a single lesson from him was said to grant more enlightenment than years of arduous training.

Unfortunately, the Sage rarely showed himself, much like a divine dragon hiding above the clouds. Even within the Wudang Sect, catching a glimpse of him was as difficult as plucking a star from the sky. Consequently, many second- and third-generation disciples did not even know what he looked like.

Surprisingly, the Scarlet Leaf Sage appeared to be no older than middle-aged. He had a pale face, a prominent aquiline nose, and eyes that shimmered with a purple light beneath eyebrows as thick as caterpillars. His gaze was filled with a deep sense of sublime power.

No one knew his true age. Since the current Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect called him ‘Senior Uncle,’ however, the general consensus was that he must have been at least seventy or eighty. The fact that he appeared to be in his forties despite his age meant that his inner arts were powerful enough to defy the aging process.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage stood by a window and looked out over Heaven’s Summit. From this vantage point, the landscape was so clear that one could almost reach out and touch it.

No emotion showed on his face. He simply gazed upon Heaven’s Summit apathetically.

Just then, an aged voice came from outside the door. “Senior Uncle, it is I, Hae Cheon. I have come with Myeong Woon.”

“Come in.”

Two people entered. One was a Taoist who appeared to be in his mid-to-late fifties, and the other was a young martial artist in his mid-to-late twenties.

The older Taoist’s name was Hae Cheon. As the junior brother of the Sword Sea Sage, the current Sect Leader of the Wudang Sect, he was more adept with his fists than with a sword. He was particularly immersed in the study of the Cotton Palm, and his mastery of it was said to be unparalleled within the sect.

The young martial artist beside him was Myeong Woon, a disciple whom the Scarlet Leaf Sage took in during his later years. Originally slated to become a second-generation disciple, Myeong Woon had caught the Scarlet Leaf Sage’s attention with his genius, earning him a place as his direct disciple.

Myeong Woon cautiously greeted, “Master.”

The Scarlet Leaf Sage turned around. Immediately, Hae Cheon and Myeong Woon bowed deeply in reverence.

“Where are the other disciples?” he asked.

“As you commanded, Senior Uncle, I arranged for all of them to remain in the Sword Pinnacle Pavilion, except for those in charge of contact with the outside world.”

“Well done.”

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“Senior Uncle?”

“What is it?”

“May I ask why you are forbidding the disciples from venturing out?”

This decision baffled Hae Cheon. For the Wudang Sect disciples, who rarely left their mountain home, participating in this event would be a valuable experience. It was a golden opportunity for them to broaden their perspectives and expand their connections by interacting with disciples from other sects.

For some reason, however, the Scarlet Leaf Sage had forbidden them from leaving the Sword Pinnacle Pavilion. Although it was only natural to obey his esteemed senior uncle, Hae Cheon could not help but wonder why such a restriction was necessary.

“Because it is not yet time,” the Scarlet Leaf Sage replied.

“Time?”

The Scarlet Leaf Sage nodded firmly. “You will understand in due course. Until then, make sure the children don’t neglect their martial arts training.”

“Yes, Senior Uncle.”

“The same goes for you, Myeong Woon. You must devote yourself more to your martial arts than the other disciples.”

“I will keep that in mind, Master.”

Myeong Woon asked no questions. To him, his master was the sky, and his words were law. He respected him that much.

“Hmm, your rivals are not the Seven Young Skies, Myeong Woon.”

“Then?”

“Dam Soo-Cheon. The Seven Young Skies are making a name for themselves, but they pale in comparison to him. Be wary of him.”

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Myeong Woon nodded, his expression firm. He too was well aware of Dam Soo-Cheon’s reputation.

Still, he suddenly asked, “What about the Northern Blade? Everyone around here sings his praises.”

“Jin Mu-Won, hmm?” The Scarlet Leaf Sage narrowed his eyes.

Myeong Woon’s eyes sparkled with competitive spirit whenever he mentioned Jin Mu-Won. As a fellow swordsman, it was only natural for him to burn with rivalry toward the prodigy who was making himself known throughout the world.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage, however, shook his head. “You need not concern yourself with him.”

“Master?”

“No one waters a flower that is doomed to wither quickly.”

“Are you saying he is a flower with a short lifespan?”

“You will see in due time. As it stands, it’s clear that he has bloomed too early. The spring sun is fleeting, and sunny days are scarce.”

“Oh…” Myeong Woon hung his head in disappointment. Since his master was infallible, there was no reason to doubt his prediction. Everything would happen as he said.

Dam Soo-Cheon, huh?

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He ignited his fighting spirit toward Dam Soo-Cheon, a man he had never met.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage regarded Myeong Woon with gleaming eyes. Jin Mu-Won was surely a flower that would soon wilt, but that aside, he was far too overwhelming an opponent for Myeong Woon right now.

Indeed, just as Jin Mu-Won had noticed him, he too had recognized Jin Mu-Won at first glance. Although the young man was buried in the massive crowd, he could not deceive his eyes.

Unfortunately, Myeong Woon had not detected their silent battle. In other words, his disciple’s skills were still far too lacking to be considered Jin Mu-Won’s equal.

And that was precisely why he had to divert Myeong Woon’s attention. It was not yet time for the boy to experience a crushing defeat. No, now was the time for him to look ahead and run forward. Any setback at this stage would only hinder his growth.

Myeong Woon was a precious talent, destined to become the sky of Wudang after him. He had to be protected at all costs.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage waved his hand. “You may leave.”

The two men bowed and went outside.

Once they were gone, the Scarlet Leaf Sage said to the empty room, “How about you come out now?”

“……”

“You’ve still got that nasty habit, haven’t you? You stink up the whole room. Shall I throw you out myself?”

“Kehehe! The big-nosed Taoist’s dog-like nose is as good as ever.”

Out of nowhere, the scenery in one corner of the room distorted, and an old man who appeared to be in his late sixties materialized. He wore ragged robes and supported himself with a large staff. In his hand, he held a small wine bottle, and he had drunk so much that the foul stench of alcohol pricked the Scarlet Leaf Sage’s nose.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage scowled. If an ordinary martial artist had appeared before him like this, he would have killed him immediately. This opponent, however, was no ordinary martial artist.

He was the Storm Harbinger Neung Gun-Hwi, a fellow member of the Nine Skies and one of the few martial artists who were qualified to face him.

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However, Neung Gun-Hwi was a man whose origins, including his sect, were unknown. Only one thing was certain, his martial prowess was undeniable.

Unlike himself, Neung Gun-Hwi lived life as unpredictably as the wind, never staying in one place for long. If they shared one similarity, it was that they were both like divine dragons soaring above the clouds, never showing their true forms.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage grumbled, “What brings you here? I thought you hated coming to Heaven’s Summit more than death itself.”

“You’re not asking because you don’t truly know, are you?” Neung Gun-Hwi gulped down his wine and plopped down in front of the Sage.

The Scarlet Leaf Sage furrowed his brow at Neung Gun-Hwi’s haughty demeanor.

Suddenly, Neung Gun-Hwi put down his wine bottle. “Agh, this wine tastes terrible! Hey, big nose. Do you have any Jade Dew Wine left? Ever since I tasted the wine you brewed, I haven’t been able to drink anything else.”

The Scarlet Leaf Sage silently opened a cabinet and took out a bottle of Jade Dew Wine. In addition to honing his sword skills, he enjoyed brewing wine. The Jade Dew Wine, in particular, was a famous and exceedingly rare vintage made from dewdrops collected in the early morning without a single impurity.

Neung Gun-Hwi’s face lit up as the Scarlet Leaf Sage tossed the bottle to him. He hurriedly uncorked it and began to chug it down. Grinning in satisfaction, he exclaimed, “Kaaah! This is good! The big-nose’s Jade Dew Wine is truly a taste of the heavens. Hehe!”

In contrast, the Scarlet Leaf Sage’s expression grew colder. “I will ask again. What brings you to Heaven’s Summit?”

“Are you asking because you truly don’t know?”

“Is it because of the Demon Hunters?”

Whose idea was that? Seomoon Hwa, I presume?”

“All of us agreed upon it. We decided that to overcome the current crisis, we must first unite the young martial artists.”

“Hehehe! Truly impressive.”

“So why are you here? To interfere?”

“Interfere? What power do I have to do that? As always, I’ll refrain from meddling in politics.”

“I hope you keep your word.”

“Don’t worry. I know better than anyone that I can’t go against the tide alone.”

Neung Gun-Hwi took another swig of the Jade Dew Wine, but half went into his mouth and half spilled down his shirt. His chest was soaked, but he paid it no mind.

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The Scarlet Leaf Sage briefly closed his eyes at the sight. Neung Gun-Hwi was a man worthy of being called a friend, but he had a talent for pissing people off. Because of that, despite his absolute martial prowess, he only ever lingered on the periphery.

“Gun-Hwi, let me give you some advice,” he said.

“I am listening. Hehe!”

“I don’t care if you stay on the sidelines, but do not ever try to interfere in the affairs of Heaven’s Summit.”

“Relax. Even without your advice, I have no intention of getting involved.”

“I hope that sentiment does not change.”

“Hehe! May I say a word as well?”

“……” The Scarlet Leaf Sage fell silent.

Neung Gun-Hwi continued, “You can’t cover the sky with the palm of your hand forever. After all, the moon wanes after it is full, and the hunting dog is eaten after the prey is caught. Please be careful.”

“You dare call me a dog? I, the Scarlet Leaf…”

“You know that best yourself. I’m leaving now.”

Neung Gun-Hwi stood up and left, while the Scarlet Leaf Sage glared at him.

This man…

Just as murderous intent began to bubble up in his chest, Neung Gun-Hwi suddenly turned back and shook the wine bottle.

“Ah, I’ll enjoy this wine. Hehehe!”

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One man laughed, but the other did not.

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