Martial Arts Ain't Anything Special-Chapter 84: Green Forest Bandits Subjugation (2)

After Seojun’s participation in the Green Forest bandits subjugation was confirmed, Namgung Suah urgently sought him out that night.

“Little Seojun, I heard about it. Isn’t this mission too dangerous?”

“Well, it’s not that dangerous.”

“Still... Should I come along?”

At those words, Seojun’s eyes darted around before he shook his head.

“It might be too dangerous for that.”

“See.”

“Ah! It was a trap...!”

Seojun jumped in surprise, and Namgung Suah sighed.

“Well, if I went along, I’d probably just be a burden. I’ll just cheer you on from here.”

“You wouldn’t be a burden...”

Namgung Suah was a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan. Not only that, but her martial prowess is also formidable.

It was certain that she could have some influence on the battlefield.

But that’s precisely why she couldn’t go.

For a direct line of the Namgung Clan to venture onto the battlefield without proper escorts, the Peak Realm level was insufficient.

If there were groups targeting her, at least a Transcendent Realm level would be needed to put up a proper resistance.

Upon hearing his words, her expression grew strange, and then she slowly approached and embraced him tightly.

“Fufu, alright. Then I’ll be waiting, so be careful and come back safely.”

“Okay. If Chunbong comes out while I’m gone, give her a warm welcome.”

“Of course.”

Namgung Suah nodded. After talking with him for a while longer she left his room.

As she walked out, she pressed her lips tightly until they were pale white.

Once again, I can do nothing.

Back then when we lost mother, and now as Seojun leaves for a dangerous place.

Despite being older than him, all I can do is wait for Sister Geum to come out.

I need to become stronger.

To achieve something with one’s own hands, that’s what must be done.

Returning to her room, Namgung Suah took out her greatsword and headed to the training ground.

Sleep would elude her tonight, though the anxiety gnawing at her mind would leave her unable to rest either way. Better to put that restlessness to use.

After swinging her sword until dawn, she lay on the training ground floor, watching the slowly brightening sky.

If I could learn the Sword Form of the Emperor...

Could that give me the strength I seek?

The Emperor Sword Form was traditionally reserved for the Clan Head and the successor alone. But without asking, how would she ever know?

The question turned in her mind as she washed and prepared herself.

Her path led to the Clan Head’s quarters.

Even if the Emperor Sword Form remained beyond her reach, surely her father could guide her toward greater strength.

At least, that’s what she wanted to believe.

*Seojun departed the Namgung Clan for Shandong.

Of course, he wasn’t going alone. The Heavenly Wind Squad accompanied him.

The squad consisted entirely of Peak Realm martial artists save for one scout. That scout, surprisingly enough, was Hwan Baeho himself.

“Well, if it isn’t a familiar face.”

Seojun’s casual greeting was met with Hwan Baeho’s formal bow.

“Young Master! It’s an honor to meet again!”

Though they’d exchanged pleasantries in passing since the demonic creature flood, this reunion felt particularly welcome.

The group pressed toward Shandong, discussing strategy as they traveled. Or rather, Hwan Baeho, familiar with Seojun, briefed him on the operation.

“The Green Forest bandits are moving slowly. Partly from raiding minor and medium sects... but mainly because of the mountain fortresses.”

“Mountain fortresses?”

“Yes. They share the Green Forest name, so their leader is warning them of the coming subjugation. He’s dismantling these fortresses as he goes.”

Dismantling, not absorbing? As Seojun tilted his head, Hwan Baeho continued explaining.

“The Green Forest bandits lack experts. Rather than absorbing these fortresses, they’re letting the disbanded bandits create chaos in surrounding areas.”

“Ah, I see...”

Indeed. That would be more efficient in reducing the number of pursuit teams.

“Of course, the surrounding sects will handle that part, and we continue chasing the leader.”

“Oh, right. I heard the Hwangbo Clan is coming too?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The Hwangbo Clan is also set to dispatch one martial force and one Transcendent Realm expert.”

The Hwangbo Clan. One of the Six Noble Clans. I know they mainly use fist techniques, so I’m quite looking forward to seeing what their Transcendent Realm expert is like.

About two weeks of traveling swiftly like this brought them to the Yellow River in northeast Shandong.

By now, Seojun had grown comfortable with the Heavenly Wind Squad, walking easily among them toward the rendezvous point.

And sure enough, a group of martial artists awaited them there.

Seojun stepped forward, offering the formal fist-palm greeting.

“I am Lee Seojun of the Great Namgung Clan.”

Proper etiquette was essential, he couldn’t bring shame to the clan after all.

“Lee? Since when does the Namgung Clan have a Lee among their experts?”

The muscular man’s discourtesy was jarring.

A subordinate hurried to whisper in his ear.

“Ah, the Flower of the Namgung Clan’s lover? What? That one’s supposed to be capable?”

His loud voice defeated the purpose of whispering. His flustered subordinate waved his hands.

“He’s an expert who’s made quite a name for himself in Anhui recently.”

“Suspicious. Isn’t this bastard a spy? Appearing from nowhere, building a reputation?”

“C-Captain...”

The man patted his subordinate’s shoulder and jerked his chin at Seojun.

“I’m Hwangbo Jun. You, which family are you from? Never heard of a Seojun among them.”

“...I don’t have what you’d call a family.”

“What? So the Namgung Clan’s taken in some vagrant?”

The Heavenly Wind Squad’s expressions frozen solid. Hwangbo Jun clicked his tongue at their reaction.

“Hey now, I’m not disrespecting the Namgung Clan. Just saying this guy seems suspicious.”

Seojun’s patience snapped.

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“Oh shut the fuck up!”

“...What?”

Seojun raised his middle finger at Hwangbo Jun.

“Shut your damned mouth you fucking bastard! You listening? HUH? I’m trying to be CIVILIZED here, and yet you can’t even manage that much, continuing to spew your bullshit.”

“You bastard... Looking for a fight?”

“What else would I be looking for? Hey! Know who my father-in-law-is?”

“The Azure Sky Sword Venerable, isn’t it?”

“Exactly.”

Seojun scratched his head as Hwangbo Jun snorted.

“By that logic, my grandfather heads the Hwangbo Clan. Seems you’re putting on airs after bedding one woman, but don’t think the Namgung name will shield you forever.”

“Oh boy...”

Seojun rubbed his forehead and turned to the Heavenly Wind Squad.

“If I thrash this bastard right here, I’m in the clear, right?”

“Certainly, Young Master. This insults the Namgung Clan itself. None would dare object.”

“Perfect. Hey, bastard, step up. You’re dead meat.”

Seojun stepped forward, his qi flaring. Hwangbo Jun matched his advance, eyebrow raised.

“Your qi’s decent.”

“Yeah, what you gonna do about it, huh?”

“What?”

How uncultured. Not even knowing the schoolyard taunt “what you gonna do about it.”

Rise.

Red yang qi gathered at Seojun’s index finger, blue yin qi at his middle.

Just as Hwangbo Jun smirked and extended his massive hand, Seojun twisted his fingers, forming a miniature reverse taiji.

“Eat this, Murasaki.”

Unleash──────

The Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Art burst forth. Hwangbo Jun twisted desperately, swinging a qi-reinforced fist.

Absorb!

The Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Art absorbed the impact silently, soaring skyward as Hwangbo Jun stumbled back, nursing his injured fist.

“See? You’re just fucking dogshit.”

“You bastard...!”

Hwangbo Jun’s qi surged with killing intent. His terrified subordinate tried to intervene.

“Captain! Please! The operation hasn’t even begun!”

“Move! I’ll crush that fucker’s skull!”

“Can’t, ‘cause you’re weak.”

Seojun’s taunt drove the subordinate to desperate pleading.

“You mustn’t! If we lose our leader here, the Hebei Peng Clan could face disaster!”

“Hmm, fair point.”

Seojun pointed a finger at Hwangbo Jun.

“I’ll let you off this once. Watch yourself. If you don’t want to die.”

“ARGHHHH...! LET GO! THAT BASTARD’S DEAD!”

“C-Captain...! Please...!”

So much for a smooth start.

*In the end, the Hwangbo Clan and Namgung Clan proceeded separately, maintaining a healthy distance.

“Seriously, what’s that guy’s problem?”

Hwan Baeho scowled at Seojun’s question.

“Typical Hwangbo Clan trash. All muscle, no brain, always speaking before thinking.”

“Oh...”

It seemed the recent incident had bred a hatred for the Hwangbo Clan in Hwan Baeho’s heart.

The Heavenly Wind Squad joined in, voices thick with contempt.

“Young Master, why not bury those bastards here? We can handle the Green Forest bandits ourselves.”

“Right. Those uncivilized brutes fighting with their bare fists won’t be much help anyways.”

Or not? Were they always on bad terms?

As the others grew more heated, Seojun felt his anger oddly cooling. He chuckled, waving them off.

“It’s fine. They probably be of some help.”

He meant it. Hwangbo Jun’s reaction to the Heaven-Defying Sun-Moon Art showed considerable skill.

Taking that martial art with only minor injuries meant he could probably shrug off most of Seojun’s standard attacks.

The not-so-average attacks would be different, naturally, but surviving those unscathed would be unusual for anyone.

“I’m curious to see him fight properly.”

They’d find out soon enough.

*They caught up with the Green Forest bandits within days.

Hwan Baeho received and read a messenger bird’s note, confirming the Green Forest Bandit’s presence on the mountain ahead. He reported this to Seojun visibly uneased.

“Is that so? Is everyone in good condition?”

“Yes!”

The Heavenly Wind Squad responded in unison.

Hwan Baeho drew closer, lowering his voice.

“Young Master, we should proceed with caution.”

“Why? Is something wrong?”

“The leader must know the orthodox faction would pursue him. This relaxed attitude suggests he’s planning something.”

It was a reasonable point.

Seojun shared Hwan Baeho’s warning with the squad before meeting Hwangbo Jun.

“Tch. No need to work together. We’ll split up to search. Send a signal if you find them.”

Seojun answered Hwangbo Jun’s words with a raised middle finger and a nod.

“We’ll go up this way, so you go that way.”

“We’re going this way. You turn around and go the other way.”

“Is this guy for real?”

Should I show him just how childish this can get?

Seojun sighed at the thought.

“Whatever. Take the shorter path. With your brain, you’d get lost on the longer one.”

“BAAASTARDD...!”

“Good luck.”

Dealing with Hwangbo Jun seemed to be reverting his mental state back to elementary school.

This was all because Chunbong wasn’t here. If Chunbong were here, he would have acted more maturely.

...Would I though?

Seojun shook his head and turned to the Heavenly Wind Squad.

“Let’s depart.”

“Yes!”