Reincarnated Sword Ghost-Chapter 10 : Duel Tournament

Duel Tournament
Standing at the very back, Jeong-un lowered his head the moment he locked eyes with him.
Yet, even after, he felt the other man's unblinking gaze upon him, and couldn't help but wonder inwardly.
'Is he looking at me?'
A silence heavy enough to fill the air with a pause.
Just as he was about to look up again to confirm, a whispering yet noisy voice sounded from beside him.
"Bow lower, you idiot!"
It was Yu Dong-ryong, who was glaring daggers at Jeong-un as if he'd committed some grave offense.
Of course, Yu Dong-ryong himself was already bowing as low as possible, unable to lower his head any further.
As Jeong-un obediently dipped his head even lower at the command, the Mount Hua Sect elder resumed walking in front of them.
'Was that really it?'
A revered elder of the Mount Hua Sect, the famed Taoist sect...?
It was a little baffling, but it was also true that once he lowered his head a bit more, the elder moved on.
'To think someone of that level would be so old-fashioned...'
Jeong-un murmured, barely able to believe it.
If he was an elder of a major sect like Mount Hua, and if both the Five Star Gate Head and Yu household Head—who were both reputed names in the area—bowed deeply, he must surely be someone extraordinary.
Moreover, even Jeong-un, who had only just begun to handle his energy, could keenly sense the elder's noble aura.
He was undoubtedly a martial artist who had ascended to a realm that no one here could hope to reach.
But for someone of such caliber to care about how deeply others bowed to him...?
'So, the heights of martial skill and personal character do not necessarily go hand in hand.'
Jeong-un nodded quietly, having learned yet another lesson.
* * *
'That kid just now.'
Cheong Jin was primarily responsible for expanding and solidifying the Mount Hua Sect's external influence.
From that perspective, this event was quite significant.
The Yu household and Five Star Gate had been founded in Hanzhong by those who had once been secular disciples of Mount Hua.
Although they hadn't been formally taught the proper martial arts of Mount Hua, they'd adapted some basics into their own unique techniques.
That the secular sects of Mount Hua exerted influence in a region, and that a Mount Hua elder visited regularly every year...
That alone allowed Mount Hua to draw even somewhat remote areas into its sphere of influence.
In other words, it was essentially symbolic—little more than a ceremonial duty to Cheong Jin personally.
'For a child like that to be here...?'
However, just now, that meaning had changed.
In that brief moment when their eyes met, the aura in the child's gaze was anything but ordinary.
A mind as orderly as could be, well-honed aura.
And yet, that pure energy gently enveloped his body.
'Not just any talent.'
Cheong Jin's eyes sparkled once more as he glanced at the boy.
* * *
The banquet proceeded without incident.
Everyone was trying to make a good impression on Cheong Jin—or at the very least, not offend him.
"I'm especially looking forward to this duel tournament."
At Cheong Jin's words, all the faces in the hall immediately brightened.
Especially the Five Star Gate Head, whose smile almost reached his ears.
"A sharp elder like yourself must sense it right away. Our children have been training diligently and without rest every day."
Yu Jungho quickly responded, not to be outdone.
"Their cultivation is still lacking, and I worry their skills might fall short of your esteemed eyes, elder. Please view them with a light heart."
As Yu Jungho finished, it was clear Five Star Gate Head, who had essentially just boasted, felt awkward and immediately retorted.
"Head, don't you realize such remarks only burden Elder? That is for him to judge!"
"There is nothing less pleasant than a man boasting about his own children—has the Gate Leader not learned that?"
Jeong-un just smiled wryly inside.
They both acted like proper adults just moments ago, but in front of Cheong Jin they seemed no more than children.
Seeing this, Cheong Jin burst into hearty laughter and waved a hand.
"Hearing you both makes me even more excited. And I see there's a face I haven't seen before."
He subtly glanced toward one side.
Everyone followed Cheong Jin's gaze.
"......?"
And there sat Jeong-un.
"Aha!"
The Five Star Gate Head slapped his knee with excitement and quickly spoke.
"Perhaps the Elder is unaware. That child is the Yu household's fourth son. Actually, it's been a long while since any of us saw him, so we're quite delighted too. We have high hopes for him."
His intent was blatantly obvious.
The faces of the Yu household's people turned ashen all at once.
Jeong-un too felt a bit flustered—not because of Five Star Gate Head's words, but because of Cheong Jin.
For him to pointedly shift the topic to me...
'Did I offend him with my earlier greeting?'
I thought an elder from a great sect would be broad-minded, but apparently not.
Jeong-un shook his head inwardly, stood, and bowed deeply with a cupped-fist salute.
"I am Yu Jeong-un, fourth son of the Yu family."
At Jeong-un's introduction, Cheong Jin nodded graciously, then turned to Yu Jungho.
"His skills appear exceptional even at a glance. I look forward to the young master's performance."
"The Yu household's young master will not be taking part in this duel tournament!"
No sooner had Cheong Jin finished than the one butting in was Five Star Gate's fourth son, Tak Mujin.
He glared at Jeong-un with fiery eyes.
Apparently, Cheong Jin's single word of praise—so far always with a chuckle—being directed to Jeong-un, truly rubbed him the wrong way.
"Yu Jeong-un spent a whole ten years in closed-door cultivation, or so I heard—and yet, we won't even get to see the results of that. How disappointing!"
Tak Mujin's mocking words made the Yu household's faces stiffen again.
But Cheong Jin didn't seem to care one bit and spoke up with a curious look.
"To spend ten years in closed cultivation takes great perseverance. But why is he not participating in this tournament?"
"...... The fourth has not even done closed cultivation, let alone trained in martial arts for more than half a year."
Yu Jungho, after glaring at Tak Mujin briefly, replied with embarrassment.
Cheong Jin's eyes went wide as he said,
"Half a year...? Did you say less than six months?"
"Yes, that is so."
Yu Jungho's face reddened with Cheong Jin's reaction, and he looked as if he regretted ever bringing Jeong-un.
Watching this, the Five Star Gate Head and his sons smirked.
Tak Mujin glanced at Jeong-un, shrugged, and spoke again.
"I must admit I was hoping for a duel with Yu Jeong-un, since we're the same age. But I had no idea he'd just begun his training."
"Oh, do not trouble the young master. For the son of a martial household to neglect training until that age should be embarrassing. Yet I hear he is at least determined enough to have started now—how commendable. Go and find yourself another opponent."
"Yes, of course. I spoke rashly before my elders."
Although his tone sounded chiding, in truth he was only adding insult.
Tak Mujin likewise bowed with an apologetic air, but the corners of his lips twitched with mockery.
The Yu household members were at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond.
They hadn't expected the Five Star Gate side to mock Jeong-un so openly.
Yu Jungho nervously eyed Cheong Jin.
The Mount Hua Sect's opinion was just as important as the duel results themselves.
One word from the elder could change the opinion of all the local merchants.
"......"
But Cheong Jin's expression was unreadable.
The Five Star Gate people believed they'd successfully put the Yu household down through Jeong-un.
Yet Cheong Jin kept glancing Jeong-un's way, again and again.
* * *
"How many times did I say we shouldn't have brought that fool? A useless brat who hasn't even built up a bit of internal energy."
Yu Dong-ryong grumbled even on the morning of the duel.
He restrained himself in Yu Jungho's presence, but used every opportunity to complain about Jeong-un—mainly on how Jeong-un was bringing shame and lowering the Yu household's prestige.
"You, keep quiet and stay out of sight in a corner. Got that?"
Yu Dong-ryong growled as he whispered to Jeong-un.
Jeong-un simply nodded obediently.
'Fine by me, really.'
And so the duel tournament was held at Five Star Gate's training hall.
The Five Star Gate Head was so confident, he'd arranged a large audience and invited all the local influential figures to sit and watch.
After a formal speech about harmony and peace between both sides, the tournament finally began in earnest.
Dueling among the martial warriors began.
It was literally a fight between swordsmen wielding real swords.
His heart raced a little but quickly cooled.
'What is this...?'
The warriors on both sides were, at best, people who roughly knew how to swing a sword.
Better than commoners, sure, but hardly worthy of being called martial artists.
That's how it looked to Jeong-un.
Yet the audience watched with bated breath, making him feel isolated.
"......"
Just in case, Jeong-un glanced at Cheong Jin, the Mount Hua elder seated at the head table.
He wore an interested look as he watched the duels.
He must surely be as bored as Jeong-un was.
'So that level of patience is what it takes to be called a Taoist master.'
Jeong-un marveled for a completely different reason.
At last, the duels among the warriors concluded.
The Yu household had the upper hand, but this was only the prelude.
"At last..."
Yu Dong-ryong groaned beside him.
Now it was time for the children of both houses to pit their martial arts against each other.
"Best three out of five, right?"
"Let's do it that way."
Normally, the strongest martial artist would take the lead.
At the Yu household, Yu Geum-ryong was undoubtedly the most skilled with a sword, and Five Star Gate's eldest came out as his opponent.
"......?"
But the match ended in embarrassment, in next to no time.
And Yu Geum-ryong lost.
'What the...?'
Jeong-un wasn't surprised Yu Geum-ryong lost.
Despite being considered the most skilled in the Yu household, it was still just Ascending Dragon Sword Technique and One Peach Heart Breathing Technique.
What shocked Jeong-un was something else.
'Why is his sword technique so crude, too?'
The swordplay Five Star Gate's eldest displayed was full of holes—too many unnecessary flourishes.
Even worse was his control of true ki.
It was so inefficient Jeong-un wanted to look away.
He stared, disgusted, as Five Star Gate's eldest returned to his seat, beaming.
The second duel dragged on tediously.
As scheduled, Yu Eun-ryong and Five Star Gate's second son clashed. Yu Eun-ryong swung his sword packed with inner energy over and over, while his opponent sweated bullets, barely dodging or blocking.
"They say the Yu household's second is fierce with the sword—so the rumors are true."
"The momentum alone is different."
Jeong-un overheard a few merchants murmuring in the stands.
'Fierce?'
Do they not know what that word means?
How such men could study to discuss business was beyond him.
"Look at that!"
"How could that happen!"
Soon, shouts erupted among the audience.
Some even leaped up in surprise.
Yu Eun-ryong, after all his relentless pressing, lost hold of his sword.
'He couldn't even control the flow of true ki, only pressed ahead blindly.'
More awkward to watch than the lost sword itself.
Yu Eun-ryong bent down for his sword, but his opponent's blade was already at his throat.
Having won by pure defense—all without realizing how—his opponent looked deeply satisfied.
The crowd praised him as a "supreme shield."
"Today, with my sword, I'll make the Yu name famous!"
Yu Dong-ryong, third in line, boldly declared for the third match.
Clang!
And was defeated in less than ten exchanges.
Perhaps because of his short memory for disappointments, Jeong-un couldn't even remember how Yu Dong-ryong lost.
Three consecutive defeats in the most crucial part of the tournament.
The Yu household's 1st-rate warriors prepared for the fourth and fifth matches didn't even get a chance.
It truly ended in the blink of an eye.
"It's over already?"
"Didn't think the gap would be this wide."
"Last year, the Yu household claimed these wins!"
Quiet murmurs spread among the audience.
Five Star Gate openly cheered; the Yu household looked utterly despondent—faces ashen.
"Ha!"
Noticing Jeong-un sitting quietly, Tak Mujin grinned.
"Young master, shouldn't you at least greet your brothers? Now you can tell people you didn't miss out on the duel—you just didn't get called because your brothers lost!"
"......!"
A blatant insult.
Even after winning, this wasn't something you said to the defeated.
He'd simply blurted out whatever he felt in the moment.
"You brat! Hiding behind your family name, are you?"
At last, after fuming repeatedly, Yu Eun-ryong shouted.
Less because the comment was directed at Jeong-un, more for the insult riding on his own defeat.
Tak Mujin, realizing his outburst was excessive, looked flustered—then looked around and spoke again, confident:
"I spoke poorly, then. I only meant it's a shame not to see someone my own age cross swords with the young master, nothing more."
"Enough!"
This time, the one who shouted was none other than Yu Jungho.
He'd sat there trembling with fists clenched for the entire tournament; now, unable to bear it, he finally stood up.
"If you keep running your mouth and commit any further discourtesy, I will not stand idle!"
"Not stand idle?"
Five Star Gate Head also jumped up and shouted.
"If you lose, show some shame and stay quiet! How dare you shout back?"
"Does Five Star Gate teach that winning means you can ignore propriety?"
"As long as a warrior acts as one should, what's propriety got to do with it?"
"I'm curious as well."
The two, yelling at each other, abruptly fell silent.
It was because of the voice coming from beside them.
"I'd like to see Yu Jeong-un's martial arts achievement."
It was Cheong Jin, elder of the Mount Hua Sect.
Everyone was even more startled, as he had only smiled quietly throughout the tournament.
Jeong-un stood and bowed respectfully.
"I'm afraid my skills are too humble to display, elder."
"That's fine. I'm not looking for anything accomplished."
While Jeong-un wore an awkward look, Tak Mujin, who watched with clear disapproval, shouted.
"Does Yu Jeong-un not know that to continue refusing the Elder's request is discourteous? Wasn't your Head just speaking of propriety?"
"My training is shallow—I fear injury."
"Ha!"
Tak Mujin laughed again, this time overtly mocking.
"A man who calls himself a martial artist, refusing to duel for fear of injury!"
Looking pleased to get his way, Tak Mujin strode forward and shouted.
"If you're that worried, just match my level as best you can."
"That, too, might be difficult..."
"How can a scion of a martial family be so cowardly!"
Tak Mujin yelled.
With a sigh, Jeong-un reluctantly rose and stepped onto the dueling platform.
"Ha, good decision. For you, I'll even yield the first move..."
Tak Mujin, body fired up from watching his elder brothers swing their swords, looked supremely satisfied to finally have his way.
But he abruptly trailed off.
Because Jeong-un's gaze was not on him.
"...... Me?"
The Five Star Gate Head, seeing Jeong-un meeting his gaze, dumbly pointed at himself.
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
This novel has that Limited-Time Genius Swordsman, but without the time limit and elves...
Over all, I like this novel's first 10 chapters...
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】