Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Assignment Ceremony
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“My wrongdoing, you say?”
“It's the suspicion that when you were training the warriors of Flying Stream Pavilion, you violated the taboo and took martial arts manuals out of Martial Valor Hall.”
Yuk Jin-yang snorted. He could immediately tell who was behind it. No doubt, it was Distant River Pavilion.
His third great-uncle's scheme was laughable. It was a plan to tarnish his reputation and sabotage the assignment ceremony.
“You're not surprised.”
“I am. I'm just shocked at how shallow their ploy is.”
“What makes you think that?”
“They're trying to frame me, aren't they? They must have figured there wasn't enough time to discern truth from falsehood. With the assignment ceremony only seven days away.”
Even if the truth came out later, they could simply cut off the tail. For Yuk Gyun, it was a scheme with no downside.
A glint appeared in Hwang Dal-pyeong's eyes.
“Your insight is truly impressive, Young Master. So how do you plan to resolve this situation?”
Yuk Jin-yang fell into brief thought.
Dispelling the suspicion wouldn't be difficult. He could just have the patriarch verify it. At Yuk Mu-hyeok's level, he could instantly gauge the standard of Flying Stream Pavilion's warriors.
However, Yuk Jin-yang didn't like that easy path. It felt like giving his opponent room to maneuver.
“What if I ask Grandfather to handle it? For example, to check whether Flying Stream Pavilion's warriors have learned Martial Valor Hall's techniques or not.”
“The proof would be solid, but relying on someone else's hand to resolve the matter would inevitably breed gossip.”
“As I thought.”
“Distant River Pavilion will keep scheming. They could spread rumors that the patriarch favors you and issued a gag order.”
“Wouldn't they face severe punishment if caught?”
“Such rumors usually circulate only within the clan. Just confusing the ears of the guests awaiting assignment would greatly hinder your progress, Young Master.”
It was exactly the answer Yuk Jin-yang had anticipated.
That's why he needed a major event that drew everyone's attention. Something to conclusively tie up the matter and prevent any gossip.
“Even if Great-Uncle steps forward, the one spreading the rumors would be someone else. Do you know who it is?”
“A man named Dan Ryeong is particularly active. He's from the military, a commoner who apparently rose to the rank of company commander.”
A company commander led fifty soldiers. Without substantial martial prowess, it was impossible for a commoner to achieve such promotion.
It was also proof that Distant River Pavilion had put thought into their personnel selection. This was a matter involving martial arts. The higher the accuser's skill, the more credibility their words carried.
“I need to see the patriarch.”
Yuk Jin-yang rose slowly. Hwang Dal-pyeong hurriedly grabbed his sleeve and asked.
“You're not thinking of asking the patriarch for a favor, are you?”
His tone was urgent, his expression tinged with disappointment. He saw it as a child running to an adult's arms at the first sign of crisis.
Yuk Jin-yang slowly shook his head.
“No. I'm thinking of asking him to set the stage.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Follow me.”
Yuk Jin-yang headed to the patriarch's hall with Hwang Dal-pyeong in tow. The gate guards blocked them with stern faces.
“What is your business?”
“Grandfather said he would have tea ready and to come anytime.”
“Please wait a moment.”
The guard entered the hall and soon returned.
“There is a prior guest, so he asks for your intent.”
“I'm fine with it.”
“Then please enter. The patriarch is in the annex.”
Yuk Jin-yang nodded and glanced back. Hwang Dal-pyeong quickly took the lead, guiding the way.
The annex of the patriarch's hall doubled as a rear garden.
Crossing a long corridor led to a garden bursting with chrysanthemums. Beside a willow-shaded pond stood a pavilion topped with blue tiles, serene and elegantly appointed.
A meeting was in full swing in the pavilion. The patriarch, direct blood relatives, and key retainers were all gathered.
“The front lines in Fujian and Guangdong are unsettled.”
“Bandits rising everywhere, joined by starving ronin, are making supplies increasingly difficult.”
“No word from the court?”
“They seem content as long as Zhejiang and Jiangxi remain intact.”
Yuk Jin-yang stopped at a distance. His footsteps caused the conversation to cut off abruptly. Countless gazes turned toward him.
“What brings you here?”
The patriarch asked about his business first. Hwang Dal-pyeong flinched at the indifferent tone.
The person in question, Yuk Jin-yang, responded nonchalantly.
“You told me to visit often, so here I am.”
“Things have been noisy outside lately. Is that why?”
“I do have something to say related to that.”
Yuk Mu-hyeok stared at him impassively. There was no sign of disappointment. Perhaps he would judge after hearing the matter.
“Speak, then.”
“I wish to prove my innocence through a martial duel.”
Scarcely had he finished when snickers erupted from all sides. Yuk Gyun's attitude was particularly overt. He twisted his lips and openly mocked Yuk Jin-yang.
“Father, are you going to keep listening to this nonsense?”
“Nonsense?”
“That's what it is. What does a duel have to do with innocence? Does beating someone automatically prove you're clean?”
Yuk Gyun ranted heatedly. The other relatives seemed to agree inwardly.
The patriarch turned to Yuk Jin-yang.
“So that's how it is. What do you think?”
“The rumors claim I recklessly took out martial arts from Martial Valor Hall and taught them to the guests.”
“Correct.”
“Then, if I prove I have the ability to teach them, wouldn't that settle it?”
Having thrown out the core idea, Yuk Jin-yang subtly lifted his head to gauge reactions.
Perhaps because he had shown his ability before, there were no scornful looks. Caution and hostility predominated.
“Allow me to punish my accusers through this duel. However, I will not use Yuk Clan martial arts.”
“Hmm.”
“Wouldn't that prove I can lead warriors without taking out Martial Valor Hall's techniques?”
A glint entered the patriarch's eyes. Clear evidence of interest.
“Are you confident? I didn't know you had learned separate martial arts beyond the Yuk Clan's.”
“I naturally picked them up while teaching the retainers. Since they lacked the profound principles of Yuk Clan martial arts, they weren't too hard to learn.”
“Learned by eye, then. I hope it's not mere bravado.”
“Would I dare speak empty words in this place?”
The patriarch nodded and glanced aside. His gaze fell on Yuk Gyun.
“So that's it. What do you think?”
Suddenly in the spotlight, Yuk Gyun rolled his eyes.
“Why ask my opinion...”
“Wasn't it your faction that started spreading the rumor first? You should handle your own people.”
The probing gaze struck like an arrow. It carried a chilling sharpness.
Yuk Gyun hurriedly bowed his head to avoid it. Cold sweat trickling down his cheek was striking.
“What, did you think I wouldn't know?”
“I-I didn't directly intervene. It was my subordinates acting on their own.”
“Who said you did? Enough nonsense—answer properly. Will you accept your nephew's duel challenge?”
Yuk Gyun swallowed and glanced sideways. Coincidentally, toward Yuk Jin-yang.
Yuk Jin-yang deliberately didn't avoid his eyes. Their gazes met. Yuk Gyun's lips twisted.
“I accept the challenge.”
And seven days later.
Prior to the assignment ceremony, the duel between Flying Stream Pavilion and Distant River Pavilion was announced.
The assignment ceremony took place at the Grand Training Grounds. Unlike the small grounds attached to the halls, its scale was vast enough to accommodate hundreds comfortably.
Stairs enclosed the edges in a square formation, serving as spectator seating.
“A duel between Distant River Pavilion and Flying Stream Pavilion! Isn't one side at too much of a disadvantage?”
“Yeah. Especially since Flying Stream Pavilion's young master said he won't use Yuk Clan martial arts.”
“The opponent matters. Distant River Pavilion can't send someone too strong just for face.”
“True, it's more about verifying the rumors than winning or losing.”
“I hear a senior named Dan Ryeong is coming out. From the military, they say?”
The guests awaiting assignment whispered among themselves. Their interest lay more in the duel than the scheduled ceremony.
To the guests, the direct lineage's movements were always fascinating. They tied to future prospects in their assigned groups. That's why they predicted Yuk Jin-yang's defeat yet paid attention.
Opportunities to see the strength of Flying Stream Pavilion and Distant River Pavilion—still not promoted to halls—were rare. Not just novice guests, but the Yuk Clan's key retainers overlooking the grounds watched intently too.
However, the retainers' reactions differed markedly.
“Is the patriarch tacitly approving Distant River Pavilion Leader's scheme instead of rebuking it?”
“Though he schemed, it's a covert plot not exposed on the surface.”
“Such ploys are common before assignments. No need to hold him accountable.”
“You even said the victim was the fool. Still, deliberately creating this stage is puzzling.”
“Let's watch for now. How can mere mortals like us fathom the patriarch's intent?”
They were far more serious. They didn't carelessly discuss victory or defeat without tact. They merely cautiously gauged the patriarch's intentions.
As all eyes focused, the patriarch in the high seat raised his arm and spoke.
“Begin the duel.”
Yuk Jin-yang ascended the duel platform. Dan Ryeong stepped forward from Distant River Pavilion. As expected.
The two faced off.
Yuk Jin-yang assessed Dan Ryeong's prowess. A sturdy aura. Impressive bone structure too.
'Mid-tier warrior.'
After assignment, Yuk Clan warriors received new ranks. Classifications based solely on combat value, unlike apprentice warriors where potential was considered.
The five tiers: Armor, Cloth, Banner, Blade, Earth. Armor highest, Earth lowest.
Most clan warriors were Banner or Blade tier. Not peak experts, but capable of dominating alone. Not easily slain.
In his previous life, Yuk Jin-yang had been Banner tier. Though he hadn't opened his middle dantian, his exceptional aptitude contributed significantly.
“Please go easy on me.”
Dan Ryeong cupped his fists with a sly smile. Returning the courtesy, Yuk Jin-yang spoke.
“I'd like a long match, if possible.”
“What do you mean suddenly?”
“I've prepared a lot. It'd be a shame if you fell too quickly.”
Yuk Jin-yang jested. At the unexpected provocation, Dan Ryeong's eyebrow twitched. He forced a faint smile and retorted.
“Even if you reveal an opening, should I refrain from attacking?”
“Of course not.”
Yuk Jin-yang glanced sideways at the surroundings.
Doubting gazes filled the area. Even the direct relatives seemed to think he was helpless without Yuk Clan martial arts. His heart raced at the thought of shattering their vain suspicions.
“Fight with all your might. Otherwise, it'll end too soon.”
“Overconfidence can be dangerous.”
The two simultaneously assumed stances.
Murmurs spread among the spectators. Gasps mixed in sporadically.
Dan Ryeong's stance was Ceremonial Fist. A military standard technique.
Yuk Jin-yang mirrored it exactly. Like a reflection in a mirror.
Dan Ryeong's face twisted.