63 - Martial Might, Foundation (6) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

The day of the founding ceremony was chaotic. It wasn't just around the Martial Alliance; the entire sprawling city seemed caught in a fervor that bordered on madness. The inauguration of the Yongbong Faction wasn't just significant for being another group’s formation. "It's extraordinary. The current Dragon Tiger Generals have all joined the Martial Alliance." "All but the Divine Dragon." "Well, I believe the Divine Dragon will join once the war begins. But more than that, do you see? The martial experts of the previous era are here." The streets were filled not just with warriors of the present but also reclusive masters from the past. When they passed, nobody dared to raise their voices in haste. It was natural, as these were the heroes who had stood at the forefront in quelling the Blood Heaven Sect's uprising. Their demeanor was solemn. On this day, marking the advent of the Heavenly Demon Sect after nearly a century of silence and the declaration of their opposition, the former generation's masters were keen to gauge the current state of the martial world they had once protected. "It’s tense." "But I'm not worried. This generation's Dragon Tiger Generals are unlike any before." Namgung Jincheon, the Black Dragon of Emperor City; Dang Hwa-Seo, the Poison Dragon immune to all toxins; Ilwoon, Shaolin’s prodigy appearing once in a hundred years; Hyeun, hailed as the peak of female warriors in this era, alongside Jegal San, the Gargoyle Dragon and son of the True King. With such a splendid lineup, there was one name that outshone all others. "Indeed, a man who might be discussed as the greatest of all time has emerged." Mok Riwon. Despite lacking the elaborate titles, anyone who had witnessed the finals of the Yongbong Assembly unanimously agreed that he could very well be remembered as the greatest martial artist to ever live. "I think it's fortunate that the ceremony is a public event. I finally get to see Mok Riwon." "Oh, you didn’t attend the Yongbong Assembly, did you?" The man who had predicted Mok Riwon’s victory at the Yongbong Assembly chuckled and said to his friend, "You can look forward to it. Besides his martial prowess, Mok Riwon is so handsome that even men take notice." "Hah, what’s the use of a man being handsome?" "You'll understand when you see him." Somewhere amidst the bustling streets, that conversation was just one of many. * Meanwhile, at the Yongbong Faction’s hall, Mok Riwon exclaimed to Dang Hwa-Seo, donning the uniform they had received, "Lady! Look at this! The uniform has gold threads! Real gold, not just gold-colored!" "Yes, this is the uniform sponsored by the cloud courier agency we traveled with to here." "Oh…!" Mok Riwon’s eyes sparkled as he repeatedly touched his uniform. The white garment embroidered with gold achieved both elegance and splendor. For Riwon, it wasn’t just about the looks; compared to the grey clothing he usually wore, this fabric’s quality and breathability were superior, uplifting his mood. Dang Hwa-Seo chuckled at his behavior, adjusting his outfit. "Wearing white means you should refrain from too much movement; dust will stick. Given it's not worn often except for public events, you should take care." "Understood! But, Lady, you do suit this martial robe well!" Mok Riwon smiled brightly. It was strange seeing Dang Hwa-Seo, who usually wore red or black, in white for the first time. "Lady, you look great in white! Perhaps it's because of your fair skin." No sooner had he spoken than Dang Hwa-Seo's face flushed red. Riwon felt embarrassed at the intensity of the shade, having only mentioned her pale skin. "Don't... Don't talk nonsense and go fetch Jegal San! We can't afford to be late today!" "Right away!" With a flurry of excitement, Mok Riwon left the hall for the quarters. Only then could Dang Hwa-Seo calm her beating heart. ‘I mustn’t let my guard down!’ If only he knew the fluttering his unguarded comments caused. Yet, the thought was fleeting, fed by the wish that Riwon would remain oblivious to his attractiveness. It was a complex and swaying sentiment, and Dang Hwa-Seo firmly reprimanded herself with a pat on the cheek. ‘Pull yourself together. Today is not just any day.’ Taking a deep breath and composing her expression, today wasn’t just any event, with many distinguished guests in attendance. ‘Is this the first meeting with the Alliance Leader?’ A meal with the Martial Alliance Leader, whom she hadn’t been able to greet due to conflicting schedules, awaited. Exhaling sharply to ease her nerves, Dang Hwa-Seo stepped out of the hall, where Ilwoon awaited. “Ah, are you about to leave?” Even Ilwoon was dressed in the official uniform instead of his monk robes today. Despite concerns about appropriateness, it seemed Shaolin showed a degree of flexibility. “Where is the Black Dragon?” “He’s outside, holding back Master Hyeun.” “Is she thinking of wandering off again?” “Haha…” Dang Hwa-Seo’s brow furrowed. ‘To deal with that troublemaker…’ The undisputed troublemaker of the Yongbong Faction. Just thinking of Hyeun made Dang Hwa-Seo grind her teeth in frustration, blood pressure soaring. “...Let’s go. I need to have a word with her.” Ilwoon silently stepped back, mouth firmly shut. Ilwoon now understood. When Dang Hwa-Seo set out to nag, it would go on for at least a full hour-and-a-half. "Hmm, about two hours left until the ceremony." It seemed advisable to make himself scarce for a while. * True to form, Dang Hwa-Seo’s reprimanding lasted precisely one hour and thirty minutes. Other faction members who were scared off by her lecturing tried to sneak away, but she wouldn't allow it, using Hyeun as an example and diverting the blame, “You all mustn’t behave this way!” Naturally, the members’ resentment, though not voiced out loud, was directed at Hyeun. Hyeun, catching their glares, stuck out her tongue and moved closer to Dang Hwa-Seo. After all, Dang Hwa-Seo was the only one who could shield her. "You've arrived." In the waiting room of the venue where the inauguration was to take place, Jegal Mu Yeon greeted the members. Observing the members dressed in their splendid martial robes, he couldn't help but smile warmly. "Looking at you all, truly an impressive group." "You flatter us." "Not at all. 'Impressive' hardly covers it." Jegal Mu Yeon’s gaze ultimately settled on Mok Riwon. Riwon's appearance was less of a handsome warrior and more of a beautiful painting come to life. His confident smile and the vitality in his twinkling eyes transcended gender, eliciting admiration from all who beheld him. "...How is the event proceeding?" Dang Hwa-Seo responded to Jegal Mu Yeon’s query, bringing him back to reality with a light ‘ah’ of realization. "The ceremonies are underway. There's some time before it's your turn, so please feel free to rest." "I'm getting hungry." "Mok, just wait a little longer for a splendid feast. Have you heard? The one in charge of today’s banquet has served even the imperial chefs." "Ah...!" Mok Riwon covered his mouth in surprise. "That caliber of a chef...!" "Look forward to it. After all, a banquet is all about delicious food and drinks, and the promise of new encounters." Jegal San's eyes gleamed mischievously, prompting Jegal Mu Yeon to frown. "...Actions that tarnish the name of the Alliance will not be tolerated." "Worry not." Jegal San laughed heartily. Dang Hwa-Seo quickly intervened to prevent another sibling rivalry from escalating. "Leave it to me. General, shouldn't you be going soon?" "…Please take good care." With that, Jegal Mu Yeon left the waiting room. Dang Hwa-Seo sighed deeply, looking over the members. 'I did teach them the protocols, but...' While she had taught them the proper etiquette, she couldn’t help feeling anxious about it. Dang Hwa-Seo prayed silently, hoping everything would go smoothly today. * The venue was both luxurious and majestic. That grandeur spoke volumes of what it meant to be the heart of the martial world. [Let the inauguration begin.] A deep voice enveloped the venue, belonging to Kwon Pyo Wol, the leader of the White Blade Division of the Martial Alliance, known as the "Golden Blade" in the martial world. "Wow!" The cheer that erupted seemed to resonate through heaven and earth, actually vibrating the space itself. Most of those present were renowned masters within the martial world. Their energy-infused shouts contributed to the overwhelming momentum. Various ceremonies preceded the main event, followed by speeches from invited masters of the previous generation. Then, it was time for the protagonists to enter. [...and so, the Martial Alliance perceives the need for new winds. To prevent a repeat of the tragedy twenty years ago, this time we will unsheathe our swords first. Allow me to introduce those who will lead the charge!] Drums sounded, and the doors in the center opened, revealing six young men and women stepping forward. Each clad in white martial robes, their aura was anything but ordinary, electrifying the atmosphere in the hall. "The Black Dragon! Rumored to have delved into the demonic heart, his aura has only deepened!" "The Poison Dragon leads! It seems she’s the faction leader!" "Is the Shaolin prodigy the deputy leader? By their positions, it seems so!" Speculation was rife as they discussed the newcomers' aura and their order of appearance. Naturally, most of the buzz was about Mok Riwon. "That’s Mok Riwon!" "Astonishing!" "So, the 'Jade-faced Warrior' isn’t just a flattering title. To possess such looks and yet be so formidable?" "His aura is sharp. Despite looking innocent, his swordsmanship might not be." Various thoughts and opinions circulated among the crowd. Some focused on his status as the new champion of the Yongbong Assembly, others on his appearance, and still others on his martial prowess. Admiration, envy, and tension mingled in the air, but the reactions from the so-called masters of the previous generation were particularly noteworthy. They looked at Mok Riwon with deep satisfaction. "Having the Sword Star in seclusion, I feared the martial world would dim." "It seems those worries were unfounded. Such is the expanse of the central plains. There’s always someone, emerging seemingly from nowhere with such talent in every generation." They reminisced about someone hidden behind that smile. The Sword Star, Mok Seono, the brightest star from twenty years ago during the bloodshed. Such a remarkable coincidence, indeed. However, it was only right to mention it, for there was no helping it. Right now, Mok Riwon was wearing a smile that was identical to Mok Seono’s. “Really, could this be mere coincidence?” Amidst this, a gentle-looking elderly woman chuckled. A previous era’s master standing beside her tilted their head in curiosity. ‘Who might that be?’ This was a place reserved for specially invited individuals. Thus, she must have been a woman who fought alongside them during the bloodshed of that day, yet no such figure fit the impression left in the master's mind. But of course, it couldn't be helped. This was Yeom So So, the Slayer Star herself. Even today, she was there, her presence diminished, simply observing Mok Riwon. ‘When should I approach him?’ She was waiting for an opening. An opportunity to engage in a covert conversation with Mok Riwon. Author’s Note: There was a mistake in the reservation.. My apologies.