Chapter 32: First Round
A declaration of war against the Asura Sword Sect.
When people first heard the news, they feared a massive war might erupt. The Asura Sword Sect, being a powerful and influential faction, had numerous smaller sects under its command. If they all moved together, the impact would be felt not only in Guangxi Province but also in the surrounding regions.
However, contrary to people’s fears, the one who declared war on the Asura Sword Sect was just a single individual.
A man with no background, no name to speak of.
He wasn’t affiliated with any of the Nine Sects or the Five Great Families, nor did he belong to any of the Ten Demonic Paths. He wasn’t even from a mid-sized sect or a small organization.
To declare war on the Asura Sword Sect alone... Some laughed, others called him insane, and a few found it intriguing.
The outcome would be one of two: a meaningless death, or the birth of a new legend in the Martial World.
Everyone expected the former. Yet, regardless of the response, the Martial World was ablaze. A single individual standing against a massive faction was something rarely seen in martial history.
The quiet Martial World began to stir.
Everyone started paying attention to the movements of the Asura Sword Sect, and those with impatient natures or intense curiosity flocked to Guilin, the origin of the rumor.
And the first to respond to Jang Woo-hyun’s declaration was none other than the Blood Sword King.
“Look at this lunatic. Demanding to bring out the Sect Successor? To question his crimes? Ha! Hilarious. This is good. It’s people like this that make the Martial World fun. Things have been too dull lately.”
One of the Three Sword Kings of the Asura Sword Sect, the Blood Sword King, led his subordinates toward the Red Pavilion in Guilin.
* * *
Upon arriving at the Red Pavilion, the Blood Sword King began to stir the pot.
He deliberately spread rumors and attracted attention. He wanted everyone to see what kind of end awaited those who stood against the Asura Sword Sect.
People gradually gathered in Guilin. No one expected Jang Woo-hyun to win, but they all considered it an entertaining spectacle and came to watch.
The Hao Sect and the Beggars’ Sect remained highly alert, focusing their attention on both the Blood Sword King in the Red Pavilion and Jang Woo-hyun staying at the Silver Flower Trading Company.
The Blood Sword King was one of the top figures in the Asura Sword Sect.
He was among the Three Sword Kings, who were second only to the Sect Master himself.
Although he was considered the least among the three, he was still one of them.
“I don’t get along with the Sect Successor, so I should use this opportunity to get closer. If I take out the guy targeting him, maybe we’ll become a little more friendly.”
During the previous competition for the position of Sect Successor, the Blood Sword King had supported someone else. However, Sang Mun-cheon became the Sect Successor, and since then, he had fallen out of favor.
He had been looking for a chance to patch things up when this lunatic showed up. If he removed the nuisance seeking the Sect Successor, he’d likely earn some gratitude. Especially since that lunatic had declared war on the Asura Sword Sect.
The Blood Sword King intended to stall for a few days, gather more people, and then kill Jang Woo-hyun. But the opponent refused to act according to his plans.
“The guy is on the move.”
A Red Pavilion subordinate monitoring the Silver Flower Trading Company came running in, panting as he reported that Jang Woo-hyun had made a move.
“Ha! So he’s an impatient one, too. Pavilion Master.”
“Yes, give the order.”
“Go outside and spread the word. Gather as many people as possible. I want everyone to see what happens to a lunatic who challenges the Asura Sword Sect. Especially bring in the Hao Sect and the beggars. Their mouths will spread the tale of today.”
“Understood.”
The Red Pavilion Master bowed deeply and went outside to gather his men and issue the orders.
Since the Silver Flower Trading Company, by its nature, needed a large estate, it was located on the outskirts of Guilin. Meanwhile, the Red Pavilion, part of the underworld, was situated in the center. So unless someone used light footwork to rush over, it would take longer than expected.
In the meantime, the Blood Sword King prepared for a festival. A festival of blood.
With so little to do or see in the world, many people were sure to gather.
“He’s arrived.”
Not long after, a subordinate reported that Jang Woo-hyun had arrived.
The Blood Sword King stood and stepped outside.
A large crowd had gathered in a circle in front of the Red Pavilion. When two martial masters clashed, the resulting shockwaves could cause serious injury—or even death. But curiosity drew them in regardless.
The Blood Sword King stopped in front of the Red Pavilion’s gate.
His gaze locked onto the man standing at the center of the open area.
‘So that’s him.’
It wasn’t hard to recognize that this was the Jang Woo-hyun who had issued the declaration of war. As he had checked beforehand, it was difficult to gauge the man’s strength. His aura was far from ordinary. It was a kind of presence the Blood Sword King had never encountered before, and it brought a smile to his lips.
‘If you’re going to act like a madman, this is the kind of presence you need.’
The Blood Sword King was satisfied with what he saw in Jang Woo-hyun.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Gwak Neung-jin of the Asura Sword Sect.”
Spreading his arms wide in an exaggerated introduction, someone standing beside Jang Woo-hyun leaned in and whispered quietly.
“Brother Jang, are you sure about this?”
“What?”
“He’s one of the Three Sword Kings of the Asura Sword Sect. Think of him as being on the same level as an Elder of the Nine Sects.”
At the mention of him being on par with a Nine Sect Elder, Jang Woo-hyun turned his gaze toward Gwak Neung-jin.
Thin lips, narrow eyes that slanted upward—overall, the middle-aged man had a sharp, sly look about him.
‘An Elder of the Nine Sects?’
That’s all? If the elders of the Nine Great Sects were at that level, it’d be a huge letdown.
“Even for you, this won’t be easy. The Three Sword Kings are considered among the top hundred masters of the unorthodox path.”
Top hundred masters of the unorthodox path. To be one among the top hundred in the vast world of unorthodox martial artists carried significant weight. They were considered the very core and leaders of the Martial World.
“The Blood Sword King represents the pinnacle of the Asura Sword Sect. The Beheading Blood Sword, Gwak Neung-jin. His temperament is...”
Before Hwang An could finish his explanation, Jang Woo-hyun moved.
“Brother Jang! You're rushing this!”
“It’s fine.”
With a casual wave of his hand, Jang Woo-hyun strode forward.
Top hundred masters of the unorthodox path?
It might seem impressive to others, but not to Jang Woo-hyun. In his current state, he didn’t just want to fight someone in the top hundred—he wanted to test himself against the top ten.
And Jang Woo-hyun had already gauged Gwak Neung-jin’s abilities.
‘Weak.’
He was beneath Ha Jung-do, whom Jang had encountered at the Zhuge Clan’s auction.
He couldn’t be sure, but he doubted this man was even in the top hundred. While he was indeed a master-level fighter, something about him felt off. Like someone wearing clothes that didn’t fit.
‘If that guy makes it into the top hundred, the unorthodox path must really be declining.’
As Jang Woo-hyun began to move, Gwak Neung-jin also stepped forward.
The murmuring crowd instantly fell silent as the two began to close the distance.
Step. Step.
Even in the midst of the crowd, only their footsteps could be heard.
As they drew closer, Gwak Neung-jin spoke first.
“You’ve been entertaining, I’ll give you that. But you should know your place. The Asura Sword Sect isn’t so forgiving. If you beg for forgiveness now, I’ll consider your courage and just cut off one arm. Hmm… Maybe a leg too?”
A smile crept across Gwak Neung-jin’s face.
The Blood Sword King, Beheading Blood Sword Gwak Neung-jin.
He was infamous for always decapitating his enemies. He was one of the Asura Sword Sect’s most feared madmen.
Most who saw his smile felt a chill down their spine and wanted nothing more than to escape. But Jang Woo-hyun approached without the slightest reaction. Then he reached for the sword at his side, lifting it—still sheathed—with one hand gripping the hilt.
A sword gifted to him by Shangguan Jung-hoo. Flying Swallow.
The moment his hand grasped the hilt, he drew the blade and swung downward.
Kaang!
Most people nearby couldn’t even perceive the speed, but Gwak Neung-jin blocked Jang Woo-hyun’s attack without much difficulty.
“Not bad. Your speed and stance are excellent. But you’re using a swift sword technique against a member of the Asura Sword Sect?”
The swordsmanship of the Asura Sword Sect was based on swift sword techniques. To attack one of their Sword Kings with such a technique was laughable from Gwak Neung-jin’s perspective.
“With this level of skill…”
Kiiik!
Gwak Neung-jin couldn’t finish his sentence. His eyes widened.
Jang Woo-hyun’s sword was digging into his own. It was slight, but the blade was beginning to split.
“What the… you bastard!”
Sensing danger, his body reacted instinctively. Gwak Neung-jin’s sword became enveloped in light.
The symbol of a master-level martial artist. Sword Qi.
He was certain that Jang Woo-hyun’s sword would be shattered. After all, Qi Projection could cut through anything. Sword Qi was practically equivalent to a divine weapon on its own.
But just as Gwak Neung-jin’s sword began to shine—
Jang Woo-hyun’s sword changed as well. The energy surrounding it shone far more brilliantly, and its form became even more defined.
Kakak!
“W-Wait! Wai—!”
Before Gwak Neung-jin could even finish his words—
Flying Swallow sliced through his sword, then through his body.
Chwaak! Thud!
From his right shoulder to his left side, he was slashed diagonally. Gwak Neung-jin collapsed backward.
A single sword strike.
One of the Three Sword Kings, the pride of the Asura Sword Sect, fell in a single blow. And to an unknown martial artist at that.
Silence descended.
Though many had gathered to watch, no one could utter a word. Jang Woo-hyun flicked his sword to shed the blood, then looked toward those watching from inside the Red Pavilion.
“Bring out Sang Mun-cheon. Not this idiot. You’d better do it before I decide to come get him myself.”
With those final words, he turned and walked away.
Even as he and his party departed, those who had witnessed the overwhelming display couldn’t make a sound.
The first to speak was a retired *nangin*.
He had returned to his hometown after being injured during a mission with the Demon Extermination Sect a few months ago, and he had seen Jang Woo-hyun’s face back then.
“The Sword That Severs Origin and End!”
His shout shattered the silence.
“Uwaaaah!”
“Waaah!”
“That’s insane! Completely insane!”
“He just cut down the Blood Sword King in one blow?”
“I didn’t even see it clearly!”
The cheers and clamor of the crowd shook Guilin. The *nangin* who first shouted drew nearly as much attention as Jang Woo-hyun himself.
“Hyung-jang, what did you just say?”
“Yeah, hyung-nim. What’s *Chamgeom*? What do you mean?”
“Old man, what’re you talking about?”
Whether they knew him or not, people gathered around, asking questions.
“I told you I was part of the Demon Extermination Sect, right? I met him there. *The Sword That Severs Origin and End*, Great Hero Jang! I wasn’t sure at first—could’ve just been someone with the same name—but when I saw his face as he turned, I knew. And that sword technique too!”
“Demon Extermination Sect? The one in Sichuan?”
“Yeah, that’s the one. That man is none other than One-Strike Certain Death, The Sword That Severs Origin and End Jang Woo-hyun! Anyone from the Demon Extermination Sect knows how incredible he is. There were even rumors that he could go toe-to-toe with the Sect Leader!”
“The Sword That Severs Origin and End? What does that even mean?”
The man’s story drew more and more attention.
“Well, the thing is—ah, I’m suddenly parched.”
“Here, drink this. It’s my own brew, not bad at all. And have some jerky too.”
After quenching his thirst with the offered drink, the man chewed some jerky and continued.
“You see, the Demon Extermination Sect fights these weirdos called the Thousand Demon Sect. And among them is this creature called the Iron Armor Monkey…”
The man clearly had a knack for storytelling. People were amazed and focused completely on his tale.
Among them were members of the Beggars’ Sect and Hao Sect, trying to figure out Jang Woo-hyun’s identity. Once the story ended, they rushed back to their branches.
Everyone had been wrong. What they thought was impossible had actually happened.
All of Guilin was ablaze. Another legend of the Martial World might have just been born here.
* * *
“Ha! Huh! Damn!”
Hwang An muttered nonsense under his breath.
“Hyung-nim, have you gotten even stronger?”
Jin Ha-un approached Jang Woo-hyun, his eyes shining.
The two companions were stunned.
What Jang Woo-hyun had just displayed was Sword Qi. How long had it even been since he reached the Master Level? And now he had already reached the level of a Peak Master?
It was unbelievably fast. Beyond reason.
Hwang An and Jin Ha-un thought Jang Woo-hyun must be like one of those rare geniuses that sometimes emerged in martial history.
They were wrong about a few things, but Jang Woo-hyun didn’t bother correcting them. Telling them he hadn’t been training for long would only make things more complicated.
“When did you even learn Sword Qi…”
Hwang An had been steadily training and gaining experience in battle, all to get stronger. But now, Jang Woo-hyun had moved so far ahead, he couldn’t even see his back anymore. His motivation was starting to crumble.
“It just… happened.”
“Ha! Damn! That’s how a genius sees the world, huh.”
“Knew it.”
Jin Ha-un nodded brightly, his eyes gleaming.
“Knew what? Don’t act like you understand something! Ha-un, are you saying you’re the same type? That you get it?”
“What do you mean?”
“At your age, having that level of skill is absurd. You're clearly one of them too. Geniuses. Damn it.”
Hwang An clicked his tongue and shook his head.
“Why are you taking it out on me? I didn’t do anything.”
“Forget it!”
As they retraced their steps, numerous carrier pigeons flew through the sky behind them.
“What now? Are we moving first for real?”
“Yeah. We’ll have to. We can’t expect help from the Beggars’ Sect, can we?”
“Not yet… it’s still too soon.”
“Then we should at least ask the Hao Sect for help.”
“What about the Silver Flower Trading Company? They’ve got influence in Guangxi and Guizhou—they could help a lot.”
“They’re not martial artists. I don’t want to cause them trouble, especially when we’re already indebted to them. Let’s talk to the Hao Sect first.”
“Sounds good. I’ll handle that.”
“We’re on to the next step now.”
Jin Ha-un, who had been silently listening, added a comment. A smile never left his face.
‘I was right to follow him.’
If he hadn’t come along, he wouldn’t have been able to witness such a moment.
And this wasn’t the end.
The Asura Sword Sect would surely respond, but Jang Woo-hyun already had something in mind.