64 - Martial Might, Foundation (7) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

Mok Riwon felt his heart race from the warmth touching his skin. "Master! I've achieved fame!" The first to come to mind were his master Mok Seon O and the family-like Ma Il Seok. The emotional surge he felt at the thought of making a name for himself in the martial world, just like the ones he loved and respected, was indescribable. But that was not all. The Yongbong Squad he now belonged to was at the forefront of the martial world’s battles. The myriad of incidents he would face were sure to mold him into a more chivalrous figure. Only now did Mok Riwon truly realize that he had left the secluded mountains of Gangseo to step into the martial world. Mok Riwon's gaze shifted forward. There stood Geumgeom Kwon Pyo Wol, with whom he had grown somewhat familiar during his stay in the martial alliance. What stood out was his glittering golden scabbard. "Did he say he did it to remember the value of drawing his sword?" This was another story he had heard from Jegal San. Kwon Pyo Wol believed that drawing one’s sword required as much deliberation as wielding a fortune’s worth of gold. As such, he was a man who would never unsheathe his sword without true necessity. "How romantic!" Knowing well the importance of recognizing the weight of one’s sword, Mok Riwon viewed him with admiration. [Leader, the lone phoenix Dang Hwa-Seo!] Amidst this, Kwon Pyo Wol shouted, prompting Dang Hwa-Seo to step forward and address the audience with a bow. "Wowwwww!!!" Cheers erupted. Encased within them was a clear anticipation. Despite the heavy weight of expectations, Dang Hwa-Seo's expression remained serene. Mok Riwon watched her, enchanted. "Indeed, the lady is beautiful!" He wondered if 'beauty' was the right word to encapsulate such grace, yet he couldn't help it. Mok Riwon saw nothing but beauty in Dang Hwa-Seo. After Dang Hwa-Seo descended, other members were introduced. However, Mok Riwon couldn’t help but continue to gaze at her, sparking embarrassment. Noticing this, Dang Hwa-Seo awkwardly tried to hint him to tone it down, but alas, subtlety was lost on Mok Riwon. Dang Hwa-Seo felt anxious, worrying about Mok Riwon causing a scene in his inability to contain his excitement. Fortunately, her worry was short-lived, for it was soon Mok Riwon's turn. [Mokryong Mok Riwon!] Startled, Mok Riwon lifted his head. With Kwon Pyo Wol in front and numerous others watching him, he swallowed nervously and stepped forward. "Wowwwww!!!" "Squeeeeee!!!" As usual, the women’s shrieks of admiration rang out when it was Mok Riwon's turn, but he was too preoccupied to notice. "So, go up first! And then, adopt the martial salute!" Mok Riwon frantically recalled what Dang Hwa-Seo had instructed. Unlike other Yongbong members, he had never learned such formalities, leading to an inevitable awkwardness, but no one seemed to mind—in fact, it was quite the opposite among the older generation of martial artists. "To see him so bashful on stage, he must have solely practiced the sword his whole life." "Yes, what's all the fuss about formalities? The essence of chivalry is forged through a righteous heart and the experiences honed over time." "I'm worried. It’d be a shame if someone like him lost his innocence to vain glory." There was concern, anticipation, and satisfaction. His noble appearance, yet simple smile, his unwavering spirit, and the old sword at his waist—everything about him was pleasantly received by those who had lived through the eras of martial strife. [With this, we conclude the introductions of our members! A speech by the leader will follow!] Dang Hwa-Seo stepped up again, speaking with a powerful voice. Though it was another dull ritual, those present did not mind. The future of Baekdo’s martial world was at stake, and these aspirations were akin to a blueprint for the next generation—the attendees listened intently. The founding ceremony was winding down. * After the ceremony concluded, what followed was a banquet. Now out of his stark white uniform and back in his usual clothes, Mok Riwon stuck close to Dang Hwa-Seo, belatedly causing a fuss. "Lady, you were so magnificent and beautiful! My mind went blank the moment I climbed onto the stage, but how were you not nervous at all? I was shocked that you spoke without trembling and even felt your strength! Indeed, it’s right for you to be the leader! You're so wise…." "Stop, enough! Please!" Dang Hwa-Seo's face had turned beet red. It wasn't just talk—if someone poked her cheek at that moment, her head might explode. She wasn't thick-skinned enough to brazenly respond to such pure admiration without embarrassment. "I merely did what I had to do! It would have been strange if I had made mistakes after that thorough preparation!" "Indeed! Your careful preparation…" "Please, enough...!" Dang Hwa-Seo covered her face with her hands. The other members watched this scene as if enjoying a funny spectacle. Such banter wasn't rare, yet every time it happened, Dang Hwa-Seo's reactions provided endless amusement. However, they couldn't let this go on forever. Il Woon stepped in between them with a gentle smile, making use of his role as vice-leader in such a harmonious atmosphere. "Let's head out, shall we? We have a significant task ahead of us." His words brought a weighty tension among the members. True to Il Woon's words, they were about to meet someone important during the dinner party. "...Chang Seong." Chang Seong Sa Baek Woon. A hero from the era of bloodshed 20 years ago and one of the Four Stars, he succeeded Buddha Star Won Myung as a leader of the martial alliance. Now, the Yongbong Squad was about to meet him. Dang Hwa-Seo tensed up at the mention. "...According to the commander, he is approachable and won't be overly critical of our conduct. However, it doesn't mean we can afford to be disrespectful." Dang Hwa-Seo's gaze was fixed on Namgung Jin Cheon, who was looking back at her, arms crossed and expression inscrutable. "Why are you looking at me?" It was a question seemingly obvious to everyone except Namgung Jin Cheon. Dang Hwa-Seo suppressed the rising apprehension and averted her gaze. "...Nevermind." What good would further explanation do? Dang Hwa-Seo rose from her spot, her eyes finding Mok Riwon, who appeared lost in thought. "Mok Sŏhyŏp?" "Oh, no. Just something crossed my mind." Mok Riwon smiled. "Let's go!" * Chang Seong Sa Baek Woon was a familiar figure to Mok Riwon, not least because he had endlessly heard about the top ten great masters of the Baekdo martial world from Ma Il Seok. "Chang Seong is quite the character. He speaks of the way of the outlaw and pursues fierce martial arts, yet his nature is timid. In other words, he's a coward pretending to be strong. Ridiculous, isn't it? Yet, when it comes to the qualities of a true knight... Yes, he indeed fits the bill. When it matters, he overcomes his cowardly nature and charges ahead." Mok Riwon found Sa Baek Woon to be quite an intriguing figure, one that sparked his admiration and romance. After all, who wouldn't admire someone who overcomes their inner fears to stand up for justice? Nevertheless, Mok Riwon felt unease about meeting him. Sa Baek Woon was one of the four who had argued for his death on the day the era of bloodshed ended. "...As mentioned, Chang Seong is a coward. He becomes easily anxious over trivial matters and asserts that any potential threat must be nipped in the bud. His vote against you that day was influenced by this trait." Mok Riwon remembered Ma Il Seok's words, marked by a regretful expression. "Chang Seong might have feared your innate nature more than the possibility of you becoming a knight. "...Yes. "You might resent him. But try to understand. He loves this martial world too much to tolerate even the smallest threat." Mok Riwon understood. The burden of the ‘Heavenly Killer’ destiny was hard enough for him to bear; how could he expect others to comprehend? Moreover, Sa Baek Woon was a man whom even Ma Il Seok praised. Typically dismissive with others, Ma spoke of Sa Baek Woon with a rare fondness. By Mok Riwon's standards, that made him a tried and true good man. "...I must conceal it." A colleague of his master and a senior in the martial world deserving of the title of a true knight. Yet Mok Riwon found himself needing to hide his true identity from him, a fact that filled him with bitterness. "Mok Sŏhyŏp, are you alright?" Dang Hwa-Seo asked, concern coloring her voice. Looking up, Mok Riwon realized they had arrived at the banquet hall. "...Ah, yes. Just a bit nervous about meeting the leader!" He said with a faux calmness, smiling. Dang Hwa-Seo nodded. "Let's head in." Mok Riwon returned the nod and moved forward. In the noisy banquet hall, they found a relatively quiet table. Sa Baek Woon had yet to arrive. "He had commitments until the last moment, so he will be slightly delayed. Please wait a little longer." Jegal Mu Yeon, already present, informed them. Dang Hwa-Seo nodded, and the dishes began to fill the table. The mood shifted the moment a particular meat dish was served, sparking murmurs and exclamations around them. The reason was the man entering through the wide-open door. "The leader!" Someone's exclamation acted as a spark, firing up the atmosphere. The members, including Mok Riwon, all turned their attention towards the entrance. 'That's the leader.' The first noticeable feature was his build. With a physique more suited to swinging a mace than a spear, his size was the most imposing Mok Riwon had ever encountered. Following that was his stern appearance paired with snow-white hair, and an elegant dark blue robe he wore. Similar to the Sword King Namgung Hyuk, no aura could be felt from him. However, the bulging Sunghyeol point near his temple indicated he was a master capable of perfectly concealing his energy—a transcendent master. Chang Seong Sa Baek Woon. He took the seat of honor at the table where the Yongbong Squad was seated. Beside him sat an elderly woman with a seemingly gentle demeanor, though the Yongbong Squad couldn’t afford to pay her any mind at that moment. Amidst it all, Sa Baek Woon greeted them with a kind smile. "It's nice to meet you. Seeing the future of Baekdo's martial world fills me with great joy." The warmth in his tone was akin to an elder caring for his offspring.