Chapter 162: Dragon-Phoenix Assembly (4)
Namgung Jin felt a twisting sensation in his gut.
He had to admit what needed admitting.
He liked Heavenly Ice Jade Phoenix.
He'd met her by chance when she ventured into the jianghu, and they'd exchanged letters ever since.
Since she was wandering the jianghu for some inscrutable purpose, he'd even hosted the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly just to create an excuse to see her.
Am I insane?
From the moment she returned, Namgung Jin had felt an unbearable urge.
Just seeing her with another man filled him with irritation.
He could hardly believe this was him—the young master of the great Namgung family, always upholding dignity and decorum.
Kwachak.
It was happening again right now.
Seeing her smile at someone else made it hard to contain his anger.
Unconsciously, Namgung Jin gripped his cup tighter. The specially crafted silver goblet, fitting for the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, crumpled like scrap paper.
"Burp."
A belch came from beside him. It was Paeng So So. Their eyes met, and she drawled indifferently,
"What."
"If you're done eating, get lost."
"Was planning to anyway, you slimy bastard."
"Tch."
True to her Paeng family roots, Paeng So So devoured her food without a shred of grace or refinement. Since Namgung Jin was already on edge, it was almost a relief.
That was when it happened.
"You seem unwell somewhere."
A woman's voice reached him. Turning, Namgung Jin composed his expression and said,
"Lady Seongsu Bong has arrived."
The one approaching Namgung Jin was none other than Seongsu Bong Jin So-cheong.
"Yes. I was wandering about and noticed your complexion looked especially poor."
Namgung Jin inwardly cursed. For his emotions to show so plainly on his face was unbecoming of the Namgung young master.
"Is that so? Haha, must be the fatigue from the journey."
"Would you mind rolling up your sleeve for a moment?"
"I'm fine."
"I can't just stand by as a physician. And I've done it before, remember?"
With no choice, Namgung Jin rolled up his right sleeve. Jin So-cheong carefully inserted a few needles with a serious expression.
"Mm."
Namgung Jin felt a warm energy flow in through the needles.
His mind definitely felt calmer than before.
"How's that?"
"Better."
"Anger is the root of all illness. If it flares up again, come to me anytime."
"Would it be right to trouble you that much?"
"Of course. Caring for the sick is a physician's duty."
Jin So-cheong smiled brightly. Namgung Jin felt awkwardly embarrassed and reached for his drink, but the silver cup was mangled, and the food had long been ravaged by Paeng So So.
Resigned, he looked forward again.
The atmosphere had shifted oddly.
Theory sparring?
Namgung Jin had been baffled at first—two dragons among dragons doing kid stuff like theory sparring.
But the new form proposed by the Eastern Sword Dragon...
Brilliant.
Thinking of the Eastern Sword Dragon brought pure admiration. He felt sour about whatever was going on with Yi Seong Ryeong, but setting that aside...
The Eastern Sword Dragon was known to have reached the Super Peak realm.
In a world where even devoting every moment to training wasn't enough, how did he come up with such an ingenious theory spar?
And as a descendant of Yakseon, he must be deeply versed in poisons too.
Namgung Jin himself, as young master of the colossal Namgung family, handled a grueling schedule of heir training daily. But he had dozens of aides easing the burden.
From the East, they said. Surely from some noble bloodline even there.
No commoner could possess such knowledge, insight, and poise.
His theory spar skills were impressive too—especially that lightning-final assault after seeming to falter, clinching victory. Utterly striking.
If Yi Seong Ryeong weren't interested, he'd approach first. Nothing beat allying with such nobility for networking.
As applause rose and the hall warmed to a close...
Something caught Namgung Jin's eye.
"...!"
Yi Seong Ryeong was whispering to some unheard-of young master from a trash-tier clan.
In that instant, a hot surge boiled up from Namgung Jin's gut.
He couldn't endure this. He had to teach that arrogant punk a lesson—nothing else mattered.
"A moment."
As Namgung Jin stepped forward, all eyes turned to him. Yes, this was it. Eyes should pour onto him.
A strange satisfaction welled as he continued,
"This theory spar seems perfect for building camaraderie, doesn't it?"
"Indeed!"
"So, as a gesture of that camaraderie, I challenge the young master of Somyeongjang, So In-gyeol."
At Namgung Jin's words, silence fell like they'd witnessed something unbelievable.
It was inevitable.
One of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes—the young master of a mega-clan like Namgung—challenging the young master of some obscure local speck?
He's just toying with and bullying him.
Even if his proposed theory spar ignored raw martial skill, their realms and backgrounds differed vastly.
So In-gyeol couldn't beat Namgung Jin if he died and revived.
"M-Me? M-Me?"
His reaction was natural. I learned there's a pallor beyond pale—veins bulging, face turning bluish-purple.
"Yes. Young master of Somyeongjang, hero So In-gyeol."
Namgung Jin smiled.
"Originally, our family hosted the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly as a gathering for the next generation, free of dragons, phoenixes, clans, or sects—to foster pure exchange. Yet everyone clumped into their own groups."
"Ahem. Hm."
"Cough."
A few coughed awkwardly, pricked.
"But watching the Eastern Sword Dragon and Jeomchang Sword Dragon's theory spar, everyone gathered as one."
True—during the spar, people circled up, mingling freely.
Warriors loved nothing more than a good fight-watch.
"As host of this Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, how can I stand by? I must step up and set an example."
"Such grand intent!"
"Giving even minor clans and sects' juniors a chance!"
"A true role model!"
Admiring murmurs erupted.
Why?
You're dead.
Aw, hell. Should I take you to Cheol Mu Geuk and melt you down?
I tapped Pa Cheon in bewilderment.
Okay, fine. Namgung Jin's rhetoric was top-notch. He spoke slickly and wielded his Namgung backing masterfully—like a seasoned politician.
Now I see why Paeng Yu-gun called him slimy.
Savoring the adulation, Namgung Jin continued,
"However, my sudden challenge seems to fluster Hero So In-gyeol. So I'll add a rule."
"What is it?"
"I won't use my left hand."
Consideration, sure.
But among peers, that was disdain, humiliation.
Indeed, terror-stricken So In-gyeol clenched his fists, eyes faintly wet.
Furious.
Haa.
Too familiar a feeling.
By the time I was old enough for memories, my parents were gone.
Surviving young and alone meant conquering endless despair and humiliation.
Our situations differed, but I could feel his powerlessness.
Didn't want to step in.
No need to openly clash with Namgung Jin. Like him or not, no reason to tangle badly with Namgung family.
Plus, So In-gyeol and I hadn't started on good terms either.
Still, can you help, Pa Cheon?
Cooperative or not, make up your mind.
Tsundere.
Of course, I wasn't helping for free. Protagonists earn rewards for good deeds.
Carefully, I pulled out the puppet flute, pretending to brush my sleeve, and blew a short note.
"Hm?"
"Wasn't that a flute just now?"
"Wind, probably."
Nearby folk tilted heads at the puppet flute's sound.
At this distance, So In-gyeol heard too—meaning telepathic transmission worked.
Hero So In-gyeol.
He startled, looking around. I hurried,
This is Eastern Sword Dragon. Keep actions subtle.
He stopped scanning. Still unskilled in transmission, he could only listen.
If you wish, I can help.
His body trembled like struck by lightning.
Even in theory spar, beating Namgung young master would skyrocket your fame.
His back screamed hesitation. But no time for long thought.
He couldn't dodge the spar without my help anyway.
"Hero So In-gyeol, will you accept?"
Namgung Jin pressed.
I'm not helping free. Tell me what you discussed with Heavenly Ice Jade Phoenix. If you want help, nod big and accept.
After a beat, So In-gyeol nodded sharply.
"I accept."
"A true hero! Excellent! Let's set the stage!"
Namgung Jin beamed delightedly.
The arena reformed swiftly.
Tense-backed So In-gyeol faced grinning Namgung Jin.
What?
Yi Seong Ryeong's influence?
Like what?
Pa Cheon's words chilled.