Chapter 60 of 100
Chapter 60: The Justification for the Fight (4)
8 min read2,069 words
Whoosh. Zzzziiing!
A piercing blue sword wind split the rock in two.
Moyong Jun's face finally showed a look of satisfaction as he examined the clean cut of the split rock.
"Now that's more like it."
The cross-section of the split rock was eerily smooth. It seemed that if water were to be dropped on it, it would slide off without a single drop dispersing.
'At this level, I can probably advance by a few years.'
The Moyong family has many martial arts techniques.
While swords are their main focus, the Moyong family is also proficient in countless other martial arts. In fact, only half of the family heads throughout history were swordsmen.
However, the Moyong family, like other prestigious families, had a secret technique passed down by their ancestors.
The Absolute Sword Technique, which no one had ever mastered. It was discovered by the great-great-grandfather, deciphered by the great-grandfather, and is now being practiced by the current family head, Moyong Jun.
The Ruthless Heavenly Thunder Technique.
An invincible sword technique performed using the ancient divine skill, Thundering Power. Its precision and power are indescribable. The impact of just reading the incantation is so great that it can make one's back damp with sweat.
With this skill.
With a martial art of this high level, he could soon reach the realm of the Thirteen Celestial Seats. It would probably take no more than ten years.
"Hmm. Still, it consumes a lot of internal energy. I need to increase the density of my qi even more..."
Moyong Jun, staring at the split rock, fell into deep thought.
Someone interrupted his thoughts.
"Family Head."
Moyong Jun's eyebrows furrowed.
It was an important moment. He didn't want to be disturbed by anyone right now.
'Can't be helped.'
Once broken, concentration is hard to regain. Moyong Jun replied calmly.
"What is it?"
"A letter has arrived from the Beggar Sect."
Moyong Jun's eyes flashed.
'The Beggar Sect?'
What could the Beggar Sect have to write to him about?
'There is something.'
Yes, there is.
It's related to the Lian family. If not, there would be no reason for the Beggar Sect to send a letter in such a hurry.
'So, the Beggar Sect helped the Lian family after all.'
The fact that the letter was sent in such a hurry was enough to confirm this. He was so confident that he didn't even need to read the content.
'Phew! If this is the case, I need to act even faster than planned.'
Moyong Jun clicked his tongue.
'If only they hadn't sent the letter. Lian Family Head, you've just hastened your own death.'
Still, since the letter had arrived, he had to read it.
"Bring it here."
"Yes."
Moyong Jun unfolded the letter.
His mind, which had been calm and peaceful, began to churn as he read the letter.
Crack!
Sword marks appeared in the ground around where Moyong Jun stood.
Zzzziiing. Zzzziiing.
A pale blue lightning aura flickered around his body.
It was the unconscious manifestation of Thundering Qi, indicating that Moyong Jun was greatly shocked.
"...What is this?"
Despite his expressionless face, he was deeply shaken.
The letter contained a lot of content.
The problem was that each piece of information was so shocking that even Moyong Jun, who usually didn't bat an eye at anything, was startled.
He read the name at the end of the letter.
"Lian Huozheng?!"
It was shocking.
While he had suspected it, he never thought the letter would be from the Lian family's heir, not the family head.
He calmed his racing heart and carefully reread the letter.
'The spy you sent, I chewed and swallowed it. By the way, you should have put a gag in their mouth before sending them. What confidence did you have to send them like this? If you plan to send more spies, send someone who can keep their mouth shut.'
It was a meaningful statement.
He had expected them to catch the spy, but the next part caught him off guard.
'Send someone who can keep their mouth shut?' What did they say that was so significant?
No matter how urgent it was, they sent the entire intelligence network of a prestigious family. Of course, it didn't seem like the family head had specifically requested it. But, through me, what did they want to confirm that was so urgent?
From here, Moyong Jun realized something was wrong.
'Do they know about the alliance with the prestigious family? How?'
He hadn't even told the spies. It was better for fewer people to know about this.
But where did this guy hear it? How did he know?
How could he be so confident?
And, the most shocking part was this.
'Looking back, the family head seems to be too greedy. Not only the main family, but also the prestigious family, you seem to want to bury them. You want to be the First Family of the World, and even the leader of the martial arts alliance?'
Thud.
Without realizing it, he tightened his thumb, slightly tearing the edge of the letter.
The First Family of the World. The leader of the martial arts alliance.
He couldn't just brush this off because it was actually his dream and goal.
Of course, it was a goal anyone could set. The problem was that he had been planning various strategies to reach the top for a long time.
The letter seemed to say:
"Everything is out in the open, my friend."
"Well, it's fine. I respect your willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve your dream. I'm the same, so I have a proposal for you."
"I heard you're still a young man. For a young man to speak to a senior in the martial arts world like this, he's quite arrogant, isn't he?"
But Moyong Jun didn't pay much attention to his tone. The content of the letter was far more shocking.
"You sent spies, but I understand. However, those who are actually sharpening their swords are different. I have no intention of forgiving the prestigious family. It seems you have a decisive move, so let's bury the prestigious family together."
Bury the prestigious family.
It was a provocative and thrilling statement.
Regardless of Lian Huozheng's arrogance, the thrill of that statement was immense. After all, the prestigious family was the biggest obstacle to his goal of becoming the First Family of the World.
Why else would he have planned to bury them with rumors rather than force? It was the best strategic choice, but if he had the power, he wouldn't have needed such a strategy.
That's why Lian Huozheng's letter was both shocking and captivating.
Bury the prestigious family. Destroy the current First Family of the World.
Actually, I don't think a single letter will make me trust you. I also find it hard to trust the family head completely. That's why I sent it in such a hurry. The sooner we meet, the better.
Apart from that, I can't help but think he's a remarkable person.
He manipulates people with a letter. If I didn't know better, I would have thought he was a seasoned veteran of the martial arts world.
His confidence in suggesting a meeting in person was also impressive. It made me think that this was really Lian Huozheng himself, not an imposter.
"Come to Henan. I will accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious family. Given your renowned wisdom, I believe you understand that delaying the decision will be a loss for everyone."
Moyong Jun closed his eyes.
'Accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious family...'
Accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious family.
With those words, he decided to drastically revise his opinion of Lian Huozheng based on what he had heard.
'Such a person exists.'
How long has it been since he was this impressed by a junior?
He had never been this impressed by his daughter. He was proud of her, but she had never surprised him like this.
If he had to pick someone, it would be his youngest brother, Moyong Wu. But Moyong Wu was more of a threat than an equal.
'Lian Family Head... You're amazing. How did you raise such a monster with that stern face?'
To some, it might be just a letter.
But Moyong Jun could read countless things from this letter. It was the reason he had a high opinion of Lian Huozheng.
'Lian Family Head wasn't someone to be underestimated either, huh? Phew! There are many remarkable people in the world.'
Moyong Jun couldn't help but chuckle.
Having many worthy opponents was both tiring and thrilling. He even began to wonder if the rumors about Lian Family Head might be true.
"Call the Chief Steward and Lianhua."
A short while later, Moyong Lianhua and Ling Jizhao appeared.
Moyong Jun smiled and handed the letter to the two of them.
"It's a letter from Lian Huozheng. Read it."
After reading the letter, the two of them stiffened.
"How...?!"
Ling Jizhao said, looking bewildered.
"How did the Lian family's heir know about this?!"
He was muttering to himself, which was unusual for him. It showed how shocked he was.
In contrast, Moyong Lianhua was silent. Her serious expression suggested she was deeply thinking about something.
Moyong Jun asked,
"Lianhua, what do you think?"
"Before I give my opinion, I have a question for Father. I need your answer to form my opinion."
"Ask away."
"What is the probability that this is a trap?"
Moyong Jun was decisive.
"Zero."
"Of course."
"Did you think differently?"
"Either it's zero or it's a definite trap. Considering the middle probability is meaningless."
Moyong Jun smiled.
"Good. So, what do you think?"
"Go."
Ling Jizhao was surprised and looked at Moyong Lianhua.
Moyong Lianhua smiled.
"It seems you've already made up your mind before calling us, right?"
"Hehe."
"This letter, not a single stroke wavers. Is his confidence excessive or arrogant? No, it's not. This letter implies that even if this deal falls through, it doesn't matter to him."
"Good observation."
Moyong Jun folded his arms.
"That guy must have a trump card against the main family. Even with just the spy issue, if the Beggar Sect is helping and they decide to act, the main family will suffer."
"We won't be shaken. But there will be some damage."
"The main family must reach the pinnacle of the martial arts world. There's no need to take unnecessary risks. At least not right now."
"You're right. Ah, and there's one thing that bothers me."
"What is it?"
Moyong Lianhua frowned.
"Accumulate evil deeds against the prestigious family... What does that mean?"
Moyong Jun's eyes sparkled.
'Not yet, I see.'
Still, it was impressive. Based on his growth rate, his daughter would catch up to his wisdom in five years.
'So, does that mean Lian Huozheng is already on par with me?'
That was unknown. There might be someone else helping him.
Regardless, it had been a long time since he was this surprised and intrigued.
People say Moyong Jun is hard to approach.
But that's not true. Moyong Jun is not just a family head who orders people around. He has the drive and vision to personally travel thousands of miles when necessary.
That drive and vision are about to be put to use after a long time.
"Henan... It's a suitable distance for a trip."
* * *
"It's been three days since today."
"Right."
"The prestigious family will start to suspect soon."
"Likely."
"...Are you really going to do this alone?"
"Coincidentally, my martial arts are in a transitional phase. I see this as a good opportunity."
"Where does this baseless confidence come from?"
"Experience."
"You're quite the young man."
"Take good care of the Black Cloak Corps."
"Don't worry. They can't escape even if they die. Phew! Thinking about it, I've become a criminal. Kidnapping and detention, it's almost the same, isn't it?"
Bang.
Lian Huozheng stood up.
"I'm leaving now."
"Lian Gongzi."
"Speak."
Gade Shang, who had been looking at Lian Huozheng with nervous eyes, bowed respectfully.
"Please take care of yourself."
"You too."
Creak!
Lian Huozheng opened the door and stepped out into the world.
The veins on his hand, gripping an axe, bulged.
"Who will come first?"
It was the first step in the plan to destroy the Ming family.