Now, It's Our Turn
Baek Geum-un stood there with her mouth agape, her gaze darting back and forth between Bukjin and Im Jin in utter disbelief. Still a young girl at heart, her mind was already spinning a romantic tale worthy of a novel—the story of a fallen noble's son falling in love with a high-born lady.
The shocked gazes of all the young swordsmen were fixed on Im Jin. Even before arriving in Unmong City, they had heard rumors of her legendary talent. It was said that her genius rivaled even that of Im Cheong-seon, once hailed as the greatest prodigy in the empire. Moreover, her beauty was rumored to be peerless, earning her the title of the most beautiful girl in Unmong City.
Every youth of her generation knew these facts. However, since arriving in the city, none of them had caught so much as a glimpse of her shadow. Interest in her had begun to wane, with many assuming she wasn't as impressive as the rumors suggested—that she was hiding because she couldn't live up to the hype.
But seeing her in the flesh changed everything. They realized instantly that her absence hadn't been due to a lack of skill or beauty. The appearance of Im Jin, the greatest genius of Unmong City, wasn't just surprising; it was a seismic shock.
She possessed the strength to force back the Sword Saint Baek Hae-geum with a single strike, the boldness to rescue Bukjin on her own, and a beauty that was practically blinding. Her features were even more exquisite than the rumors had claimed. Hyeol-yeom, Song Gyeol-il, Song Cheong-bong, and No Pung looked as if their souls had been snatched away the moment they laid eyes on her. To them, it felt as if the very world paled in comparison to her radiance.
What was even more staggering was that she was currently dressed in men's clothing. They couldn't even begin to imagine how beautiful she would be if she wore a dress and makeup. Even Myeong Nak-cheon, who was quite confident in her own looks, felt an immediate sense of defeat and could only stare in admiration.
'So, the reason Im Bukjin kept refusing to duel me... was because of her.' Nak-cheon found herself thinking this without even realizing it.
"Jin-ah, step back," Jin Ryeon-sin said, her expression stern.
"Mother," Im Jin said, taking a step forward. "I know what you're worried about. But you can rest easy. I have a plan."
Jin Ryeon-sin looked like steam was about to erupt from her head. 'What plan could you possibly have? Why didn't you listen and stay inside! Do you have any idea what kind of occasion this is?!'
Those screams echoed in her mind, but with so many eyes watching, she couldn't openly berate her daughter and damage her pride.
Im Jin turned her gaze toward Baek Hae-geum. To Bukjin, it looked as if she had just equipped the personality of a high-powered corporate CEO. She radiated a powerful, oppressive aura as she spoke.
"Are all of you, who claim to be masters of the sword, merely pretending to be saints while plotting behind our backs to insult the Im family's administration?"
The elderly swordsmen finally snapped out of their daze at her words. Awkward expressions crossed the faces of Myeong Won-san and Yuk Jeong-do. Though they were inwardly fuming, they couldn't find the words to retort. They had just realized a terrifying truth: Im Jin possessed strength comparable to Baek Hae-geum.
Given their difference in age and status, it was a fact that defied common sense. Yet, the brief exchange they had just witnessed was proof enough of her prowess. This was the Im family's territory, and their strength was formidable. In this situation, the elders were silenced. If they offended the "Little Phoenix" of the Im family and a fight broke out, the consequences would be dire. Not only would their disciples be in danger, but their own safety couldn't be guaranteed. They had no choice but to remain quiet.
Baek Hae-geum, however, was reaching the limit of his patience. He could barely contain his boiling murderous intent. With a cold sneer, he spoke.
"Little girl, everyone here is your elder. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call us your grandfathers. How dare you act so arrogantly in our presence? And who exactly is trying to insult the Im family?"
Im Jin glared at him with icy eyes and, without a word, struck. She raised her hand and unleashed a palm strike.
Countless palm prints manifested in the air, surging toward Baek Hae-geum with overwhelming force.
"Why, you...!" Baek Hae-geum, both shocked and enraged, swung his hand to counter.
At that moment, Im Gun-hyeon and Jin Ryeon-sin moved almost simultaneously.
"Stop!"
"Will you still not stay your hand!"
One blocked Baek Hae-geum's strike, while the other neutralized Im Jin's. The palm forces of the two combatants dissipated in the air, and the potential battle was cut short before it could truly begin.
"Jin-ah, withdraw this instant!" Jin Ryeon-sin shouted.
This time, Im Jin obeyed and stepped back. She judged that she had shown enough of her strength. If she continued to fight here, it would only drag her parents' reputation through the mud.
"The strength of that couple is not inferior to the Sword Saint Baek Hae-geum," Myeong Won-san muttered in shock. They knew the Im family had deep roots, but they hadn't expected the City Lord and his wife to be this powerful. It was far beyond their imagination. The move Im Gun-hyeon had used to block Baek Hae-geum's momentum was extraordinary. Everyone present could feel that the Im family's power ran much deeper than it appeared on the surface.
"Im O. Take Jin-ah and withdraw," Im Gun-hyeon commanded.
Im O hurriedly led his sister away. This time, Im Jin didn't resist. Usually, Jin Ryeon-sin's word carried the most weight in the household, and Im Gun-hyeon was often seen with a gentle smile. But in critical moments, his heavy words held more authority than anyone else's.
As she turned to leave, Im Jin looked at Bukjin, gave him a wink, and flashed a brilliant smile. When her white teeth showed between her plump lips, it felt as if a flower had suddenly bloomed. Seeing that beautiful smile, however, only filled Bukjin with dread. He was terrified that he might actually be beaten to death by his future in-laws.
Then, Bukjin felt a gaze full of resentment and turned his head. There lay Jo Pacheon, incapacitated and looking like death warmed over. His pale face was twisted in a grimace as he glared at Bukjin with eyes full of rage. Bukjin, unbothered, simply raised his middle finger at him.
The gazes of the young geniuses—Hyeol-yeom, No Pung, and Song Gyeol-il—remained fixed on Im Jin. They only looked away once she had vanished into the distance. Even then, their hearts were still racing.
"Let us put an end to this commotion," City Lord Im Gun-hyeon said, returning to his seat with a somber expression. "Since this Sword Trial is being held within the Im family's estate, I have a responsibility to ensure its fairness. Master Baek, I understand that you were momentarily agitated after seeing your beloved disciple injured and struck out at a junior. However, I ask that you withdraw the accusation that Im Bukjin's strike was excessive. By my judgment, his strike was intended for victory, not murder. Both sides have their faults, so let us stop assigning blame and each take a step back."
Hearing this, Baek Hae-geum replied, "Very well. Since the City Lord puts it that way, I shall follow your wishes."
Inwardly, Baek Hae-geum was completely re-evaluating the Im family. After answering Im Gun-hyeon, he turned a cold, mocking sneer toward Bukjin and Jeong Sam-seok.
"It seems Senior Brother Jeong Noe and his disciple have a very deep connection with women! Haha, to think you rely on a woman every time something happens... Don't you think that's a bit unbecoming for a hero? Senior Brother Jeong, isn't that sea woman still suffering even now? Have you finally stopped blaming yourself?"
A ripple appeared in Jeong Sam-seok's eyes. It seemed his heart was being violently shaken by some past event. He looked up at the sky. The night was deepening, and a large full moon hung brilliantly in the air, casting its bright light down to illuminate the world.
"The night is deep, and the moon is full."
Jeong Sam-seok's figure blurred and vanished, reappearing atop the roof of the administration building. Powerful sword intent erupted from his entire body, shooting into the night sky. His immense aura was visible even to the naked eye. He looked down and spoke.
"Baek Hae-geum. Now, it's our turn."
An undisguisable look of contempt crossed Baek Hae-geum's face. 'A piece of trash like you dares to provoke me first?' He was confident he could crush the crippled Jeong Sam-seok with a single sword strike. He had never once considered him a worthy opponent. Ignoring Jeong Sam-seok, he turned back to Im Gun-hyeon.
"City Lord Im. What will you do about the results of the boys' duel? Im Bukjin's use of such a vicious move to severely injure Pacheon is a lowly act that breaks the rules. I believe his results should be disqualified. What do you think?"
"I agree," Myeong Won-san said.
"I agree as well," Yuk Jeong-do added.
Several other elderly swordsmen voiced their support for Baek Hae-geum's opinion. Cho Heun was absolutely livid. With a cold laugh, he spoke up.
"To think that after losing simply because of a lack of skill, you would go so far as to slander your opponent to bring them down. Haha, Master Baek! Why even bother holding a Sword Trial and gathering all these people? Why not just hand the winner's prize to Jo Pacheon right now?"
"And what is your name?" Baek Hae-geum asked with a sneer. He knew exactly who Cho Heun was but was intentionally feigning ignorance to insult him.
"I am Cho Heun, the Grade Dean for the second year at Unmong City's 3rd Junior Academy."
"No wonder you're protecting him. I see now that this piece of trash, Im Bukjin, was a 'talent' raised by the 3rd Academy," Baek Hae-geum said mockingly. "They say the water downstream is only as clear as the water at the source. By what right does a measly Grade Dean like you stand before me and speak such words?"
Cho Heun sneered back at him. "To think you'd dare judge me with such pathetic insight..."
At that moment, Im Gun-hyeon cut them off, clearly displeased. "Enough! I will not permit any further debate. I will postpone the decision on the boys' duel for now. The time has come, so let us officially begin the Sword Trial. Everything will be concluded after the duel between Master Baek and Instructor Jeong."