50 - Dragon Phoenix Assembly (23) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

Two days have passed since the award ceremony, yet Seohyeon still couldn't shake off the exhilaration from the Dragon Phoenix Meeting. It couldn't be helped. The Dragon Phoenix Meeting had ended, yet it hadn't. After all the young masters who would lead the martial world's future demonstrated their talents, those who couldn't secure their place at that glorious event were left in desperate struggle. "Ha!" "Huah!" Everywhere in Seohyeon, those who had once been spectators were now engaging in matches nonstop. Their goal was singular. To showcase their skills and catch the eye of prestigious families in this locale. To be invited as martial artists by those households. This Dragon Phoenix Meeting was particularly chaotic. Usually, less than half of the prestigious families would stay back to fill their ranks with martial artists, but this time, all of them remained in Seohyeon. The situation had therefore doubled the golden opportunities for those causing the uproar to improve their lot. And why would the prestigious families stay? Ink Dragon Mok Liwon. It was all to entice him. "Ink Dragon saves many lives, it seems." "Did you hear? The first opponent Ink Dragon faced turned out to be invited as a martial artist by the Peng family." "Who wouldn't know that? But do you know this? Wang Hyung who drank with us two days ago, he’s been invited as a martial artist by the Jo family." "Ah, damn. I’m so envious. I need to find my place soon." "What can we do? We can only hope that Ink Dragon stays here a day longer. Who knows? Maybe we'll find an opportunity while he's still around." Those yet to find an affiliation hoped. Hoped for Ink Dragon to stay in Seohyeon even a day longer. To anchor the feet of the prestigious families. However, despairing rumors were currently circulating, shattering that hope. "...There’s a rumor that Ink Dragon will join the Martial Alliance." "It's not certain yet. It’s merely a rumor, after all." "But the rumor doesn't lack credibility. I have a reliable source who says Ink Dragon plans to go to the Martial Alliance with Solitary Peak to establish a new sect." "Who would spread such sensitive information? Even if you know, you should keep your mouth shut!" "Well, speaking to me about it won’t..." Ink Dragon expressed a wish to join the Martial Alliance. Upon hearing this rumor, Seohyeon's prestigious families were visibly disturbed. Understandably so. The Martial Alliance was a sanctuary within the righteous martial world, something not to be meddled with lightly. Should the rumor prove true, the position of the families remaining here would become awkward. A sect reaching out to a prospective member of the Martial Alliance. This could be seen as a challenge to the continuously rising authority of the Martial Alliance since the Blood Event. Both families and martial artists found themselves in a precarious situation. Meanwhile, those who caused the uproar were leisurely ascending Mount Huang, enjoying the poetic scenery. "Young Lady! Look there! Two pine trees twined together!" Mok Li Won exclaimed with a bright smile, pointing in a direction. Dang Hwa-Seo chuckled in response to his comment. "Yes, they seem to have a very good relationship." "Look over there! A particularly large pine tree compared to those around it! Its straight posture makes it seem like the chief of this place!" "It is indeed a beautiful tree. You think it’s undiscovered in such a remote place? If such a pretty tree were known, there surely would’ve been attempts to take it." They shared their admiration for the pine trees covering Mount Huang and occasionally rested on the flat boulders they encountered. Mok Ri Won, Dang Hwa-Seo, and Je Gal San continued their excursion, indifferent to the turmoil brewing outside. At length, the trio reached the summit of Mount Huang. "Oh…!" Mok Li Won shuddered at the view that unfolded before him. Pine trees sprouting between the rocks looked splendid. Below, clouds and the distant view of Anhui showcased the immense beauty of nature, touching their souls deeply. "Could this be how the world of immortals looks?" Mok Li Won trembled slightly, thrilled by the thought of having made the journey. "Such a beautiful scene…" "The epitome of scenic beauty." After Dang Hwa-Seo's reply, silence ensued, their emotions overwhelmed by the grandeur of Mount Huang’s landscape. Je Gal San broke the silence after enjoying the view for a while, subtly addressing Dang Hwa-Seo. "So, Madame. The word has spread quite effectively." "Hm?" "The rumor about joining the Martial Alliance. You spread it, didn't you?" Mok Li Won's eyes widened at the remark. "Young Lady? What does this mean?" Mok Li Won was shocked. Dang Hwa-Seo was on the move to avoid her family, yet she was the one spreading rumors about their destination. Mok Li Won, still unfamiliar with the ways of the martial world, was perplexed. Dang Hwa-Seo calmly responded. "That's why I spread the rumor. Didn’t I tell you? A martial artist affiliated with the Martial Alliance cannot be trifled with easily by any prestigious family." "Even if that family is one's own." Je Gal San grinned. Now somewhat aware of their situations, Je Gal San added cheerfully, "Madame, Young Master Mok. May I also join you on this path?" "You mean you?" Dang Hwa-Seo looked surprised, a sentiment shared by Mok Li Won. Given his fondness for wandering, it was expected that he would not welcome the idea of being tied down somewhere. Je Gal San responded playfully, as if he had anticipated this reaction. "I enjoy being with the two of you. Besides, it’s time I put an end to my wandering days." "Wonderful idea!" Mok Li Won exclaimed joyously. He had grown fond of Je Gal San and was reluctant to part ways. "Then it's settled! The three of us will head to the Martial Alliance! To sacrifice ourselves for righteousness and fellowship!" Mok Li Won's eyes shone like stars, buoyed by the vision of himself earning renown as a hero of the Martial Alliance. However, Dang Hwa-Seo did not look pleased. '...An unwelcome interference.' This thought surfaced involuntarily. The journey to the Martial Alliance would not be brief. She had harbored subconscious expectations for her time away with Mok Li Won, and Je Gal San's presence was less than welcome. Dang Hwa-Seo had no idea. She was unaware that her scheming had influenced Je Gal San's decision to join them. 'He’s still my brother, I should take care of him.' Their relationship might have formed by chance, but it was nonetheless a happy bond. Je Gal San did not wish to see his innocent sworn brother ensnared by Dang Hwa-Seo's machinations. "Well then, I'm counting on you!" As Je Gal San smiled, Mok Li Won laughed heartily. Dang Hwa-Seo clicked her tongue in slight annoyance but soon nodded her head. After all, having more allies was undeniably beneficial. Thus, the trio created a warm and promising atmosphere atop Mount Huang as they committed to their journey together. The moment to depart was drawing near. * In the courtyard of the Namgung household, a man was seated in meditation amid the training grounds. He was a handsome man with sharp features. A chilly blue Qi undulated around him, pressing heavily on anything it touched. Nam Gung Jin Cheon, it was he. Ever since the final match, he had been pondering over the doubts lurking in his mind. 'What went wrong?' Where had the mistake been? Nam Gung Jin Cheon continued his thoughts. He reflected on the day of the match, his life, and Mok Li Won. 'If...' He entertained a hypothesis. '...I had used my full strength from the start of the match. If I had crushed the Ink Dragon before he could even resist.' The outcome would have been different. Regardless of his talent as a swordsman, he was certain of his superiority in terms of strength. 'Had I not fallen for the Ink Dragon’s provocation.' If he hadn’t responded to the battered Ink Dragon's taunts and had kept him subdued... Then, too, the outcome would have differed. In fact, everything would have been different from the start. Nam Gung Jin Cheon then turned his thoughts to himself. 'I thought it was a blueprint.' He had believed the path laid out by this sovereign star was the most perfect. Regardless of the pace, he thought that following this path would lead him to the ultimate realm. But what about the reality? 'Wrong.' The path guided by the star was wrong. There was no perfection. No supremacy. The only thing the star provided was one thing. 'Pride.' Prideful. Ignorant. Violent. Ultimately, they were all one in the same. 'I must have been a frog in a well.' He decided to accept that truth. Nam Gung Jin Cheon confronted the defeat that bound him. He reached out, grasped it, and twisted. 'The martial world is vast.' As he recalled his grandfather's words, the swordsman turned emperor, the Qi rippled once more. 'Rivals are strong.' Thinking of Mok Li Won's sword, the Qi settled down calmly. The oppressive sensation in the Qi dissipated. The pride and violence that once filled his Qi were lessened. And in that void, something was added. 'I have not shown anything yet.' The words Mok Li Won had spoken on the duel platform, the emotions, the spirit, and the fighting spirit encapsulated within those words, were added. Nam Gung Jin Cheon opened his eyes. His fiercely blue eyes shone with a light never seen before. "The time has come." Nam Gung Jin Cheon rose to his feet. He left the training grounds and headed toward the main house of the estate. Those who crossed paths with him were taken aback by his changed demeanor and bowed their heads. Receiving all the respects of those present, Nam Gung Jin Cheon finally faced Nam Gung Hyuk in the main house. "What is your intention?" Nam Gung Jin Cheon knelt down. "I wish to learn." For the first time in his life, he uttered those words. Nam Gung Hyuk raised his eyebrows, intrigued. "What do you wish to learn?" "The sword." Nam Gung Jin Cheon looked up at his grandfather. The absolute sovereign, deemed the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the martial world, was there. "I wish to learn the Emperor's Sword." The Sword Dragon, Nam Gung Jin Cheon, desired to learn. To kneel a serpent. To become the greatest among frogs. To rightfully claim his place. "Please, teach me the Emperor Sword Technique." He finally left the well of arrogance. * Who rules the golden authority in the Central Plains? Ask anyone in the Central Plains, and you would receive a unanimous answer. The Tianxia Corporation. For nearly 15 years, this group has not once descended from the pinnacle of commerce, firmly establishing itself as the foremost corporation in the Central Plains. Tianxia Corporation had its hands in every conceivable business and was present in every place. This included the Dragon Phoenix Meeting in Anhui. There was no doubt their influence had reached the festival of martial artists. A couple of days' ride from Seohyeon was a massive branch of the Tianxia Corporation, which had sponsored this Dragon Phoenix Meeting. A Taoist, notable for his serene aura and delicate appearance, entered its grounds—XianGong of the Immortal Dragons. The guards at the branch bowed their heads upon spotting him. XianGong accepted these gestures as his due and headed towards the main house. Bang- As the door to the main house opened, a nauseating aroma wafted out. The scent was so potent that it instantly made one's head spin, and for some reason, it caused a burning sensation in the gut. XianGong's brows furrowed momentarily. He was already aware that the room's fragrance was due to narcotics. However, his frustration was fleeting. XianGong composed his expression and surrounded himself with a protective Qi field before proceeding deeper into the house. "...Have you come." A voice, akin to the growl of a beast, resonated through the space. In that instant, XianGong knelt and bowed his head. There, a man was present. His hair was a tangled mess. He was nearly naked, lacking any semblance of clothing. And his eyes were listlessly unfocused. The man, surrounded by half-naked women, looked down at XianGong and spoke. "Have you found him?" "Yes." "The name?" "Mok Ri Won. He has received the moniker Ink Dragon in this Meeting." Mok Ri Won. The man repeated the name and absentmindedly stared at the ceiling. "Such good fortune." XianGong simply remained bowed. He asked nothing. That was the basic etiquette XianGong had been taught since he was a child. The man continued to mutter something under his breath, seemingly lost in thought for a while. Eventually, he spoke again. "...It’s time to start moving." The man lifted his hand to the head of one of the women clinging to his waist. Pffft- The woman's head exploded. Blood spurted out like a fountain, and chunks of flesh decorated the space, but no one in that room paid it any mind. It was to be expected. Aside from the man and XianGong, the women were all courtesans from somewhere, individuals who knew nothing of martial arts and were already intoxicated by the narcotics filling the room, rendering them senseless. "Prepare." The man brushed back his hair, clearing away the blood. That was when his eyes, previously obscured by his hair, became visible. His pupils, a dark, blood-red hue, resembled dried blood in their color. "It’s time to reclaim the stolen star." At the man's murmur, XianGong pressed his forehead to the floor. He then shouted in a thunderous voice never before heard in the Central Plains. "May the Heavenly Devil reign supreme and blessings be upon ten thousand horses!" The voice was filled with awe. "I receive the command of the Young Sect Master." XianGong felt that his long wait had finally come to an end. Everything was about to change. Those who had grown complacent in the peace following the Blood Event would once again realize what the martial world truly was. The martial community would return to its roots. The peace was over.