How Can I Help Him?

The young boys showed only a lukewarm response to the greetings and conversation offered by Im Gun-hyeon, the Lord of Unmong City. The elders, however, were different. They rose from their seats and welcomed him with the utmost courtesy, showing not a hint of arrogance. These seasoned men knew better than to underestimate the City Lord and his Im family.

Though Im Gun-hyeon and his wife ruled over a small, peripheral city like Unmong, the status the Im clan held within the North Sea Empire was not to be trifled with. Anyone with true power and insight knew that Im Tae-heo and his son, Im Gun-hyeon, possessed the purest bloodline of the Im family. They understood that the clan was merely residing quietly in Unmong City for specific, private reasons.

Furthermore, Im Gun-hyeon’s two sons were geniuses whose talents had shocked the world, both holding significant positions within the military. They were already being hailed as future members of the Ten Great Generals who would carry the empire's future on their shoulders. Their potential was limitless. Under such circumstances, who would dare look down on the City Lord and his wife?

"Haha, you have all traveled a great distance to be here. I offer my sincerest apologies for not being able to host you more grandly," Im Gun-hyeon said with a bright smile, clasping his hands in a formal gongsu greeting to his guests.

"Great Master Baek Hae-geum will soon emerge from his secluded meditation for the Sword Testing Ceremony. Please, follow me to the banquet hall."

Under Im Gun-hyeon’s guidance, the distinguished guests who had come for the ceremony began to descend from the pavilion and move toward the hall.

"Lord Im. I’ve heard that your precious daughter is the greatest genius in Unmong City. Why is she nowhere to be seen?" asked a red-haired boy named Hyeol-yeom.

Im Gun-hyeon’s expression stiffened awkwardly. His daughter, Im Jin—often called the 'Little Phoenix'—was renowned as a peerless genius destined to succeed the legendary Im Cheong-seon, once the empire's top talent. Her name was famous throughout the entire Pungeo Province. It was only natural for the young swordsmen visiting from the major cities to take an interest in her.

Jin Ran-seo answered calmly in her husband's stead. "Jin is feeling a bit unwell and is currently resting. It seems she won't be able to attend this ceremony."

Hyeol-yeom turned his head and smirked. "Unwell? Haha, I heard that Lady Im Jin recently faced a Demonic Cultist head-on and crushed them. Surely her skills have already reached the Master Realm? It’s hard to believe she’s suddenly 'unwell.' You don't suppose she simply lacks the skill to match the rumors, do you? It would be quite frightening to stand before the geniuses gathered here today... Perhaps she’s just pretending to be sick?"

Jin Ran-seo’s eyebrows arched sharply. Without even turning to look at him, she remarked, "I wonder whose child this is, to be so utterly lacking in basic manners."

"You—!" Hyeol-yeom started to snap back in anger.

Slap!

The elder standing beside him—a man in red robes with long sideburns—struck Hyeol-yeom across the cheek with a heavy hand.

"Shut your mouth! How dare you show such insolence in front of Lady Im!"

Hyeol-yeom wanted to protest, but after glancing at the other powerful figures from various provinces gathered there, he quietly swallowed his rage. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠However, he made no effort to hide his displeasure. It was clear he intended to vent his fury during the upcoming duels of the Sword Testing Ceremony.

The elder in red bowed to Jin Ran-seo in apology. "Our young master is still immature and prone to slips of the tongue. There was no malice behind it, so I hope the Lady will not take it to heart."

Jin Ran-seo merely gave a cold snort and said nothing more. This ceremony was originally intended to be a small local event for Unmong City. However, Baek Hae-geum had insisted on turning it into a grand affair, inviting dignitaries from across the province. Jin Ran-seo was deeply dissatisfied with this turn of events. If this were her past self, she would have broken the limbs of such rude guests and thrown them out. But for now, she endured it, as her daughter’s engagement was at stake.

When Im Gun-hyeon and Jin Ran-seo arrived at the garden with the guests, the battle between Bukjin and Dongbang Jeon was still raging. The air was scorching hot from Dongbang Jeon’s flames, making the garden feel like a giant furnace. The heat hit the arriving guests like a physical wave.

What surprised the onlookers most was that Bukjin, who was facing Dongbang Jeon, had not yet been defeated. He was holding his own against an opponent who had already reached the Master Realm. The people who had been waiting in the garden were already captivated by the fierce exchange, watching with breathless admiration.

"Senior Brother Yeo," Jin Ran-seo said softly.

In an instant, a figure blurred into existence between Bukjin and Dongbang Jeon, snapping a sleeve with a sharp crack.

Boom! Boom!

The two combatants were blown back in opposite directions. Bukjin skidded to a halt and steadied his breathing. His Mystic Energy was surging violently through his body. He had been just about to draw out every ounce of his power for a final strike. The rush of energy felt like a pleasant intoxication, and he was eager to continue the fight.

However, the moment he realized the man blocking their path was Yeo Nak-yeon, Bukjin immediately suppressed his fighting spirit. He had seen Yeo Nak-yeon in action when Sim Bi fell into Demonic Possession during the preliminaries. Yeo Nak-yeon was a formidable expert of the Master Realm, far beyond Bukjin's current level. There was nothing to be gained by provoking him. Moreover, since a high-ranking official like Yeo Nak-yeon had intervened, there was no way Jeong Sam-seok hadn't noticed the commotion. Bukjin’s minor objective had already been achieved.

As for Dongbang Jeon, he had expected to crush Bukjin in two or three moves. The fact that the fight had dragged on and that Bukjin had proven to be his equal had left him in a foul mood. When someone suddenly interrupted, he thrust his sword forward without even checking who it was.

Yeo Nak-yeon, with a serene expression, simply flicked his sleeve once more. The movement was concise, devoid of any overwhelming aura. Yet, Dongbang Jeon let out a stifled groan as he was repelled through the air. He stumbled back five paces before barely regaining his balance.

Dongbang Jeon felt a numbing sensation spreading through his limbs; the power he had channeled into his strike had vanished completely. Only then did he realize who had stepped between them.

"Ah! Official Yeo...! My apologies. In the heat of the moment, I failed to control my strength..."

A startled Dongbang Jeon bowed hurriedly. Yeo Nak-yeon’s status in the Unmong City administration was extraordinary. He was an absolute titan in the city. Neither Dongbang Jeon nor even his parents would dare act recklessly in his presence.

Yeo Nak-yeon maintained his usual gentle smile. "It is quite alright, Student Dongbang. Think nothing of it."

Having said that, Yeo Nak-yeon turned and took his place behind Jin Ran-seo. Jo Pacheon, who had been watching from the pavilion, finally stood up and approached to offer a polite greeting to Jin Ran-seo.

Night had fully fallen. A cold, silver moonlight spread across the sky of Unmong City. The garden, bathed in that soft glow, was a sight of ethereal beauty. The various flowers, trees, and elegant architecture blended together to create a mystical atmosphere.

"Everyone, the Sword Testing Ceremony is about to begin. Please take your seats. Let the banquet commence!"

Musicians began to play, filling the garden with a soft, festive melody. The guests were guided to their designated spots by servants and maids. Bukjin’s seat was at the very back. Baek Geum-un was seated right next to him. The two of them sat in the rear, far removed from the center of the festivities.

This is definitely because of Senior Brother Bukjin, Baek Geum-un thought, glaring at him with a look of indignation.

Bukjin scanned the area, his eyes suddenly lighting up. He had spotted Jeong Sam-seok sitting calmly just behind Im Gun-hyeon and his wife. While the City Lord’s couple occupied the very front, Jeong Sam-seok was seated on the left side of the second row. His position was more prestigious than even the guests from other cities.

Opposite Jeong Sam-seok, on the right side of the second row, sat a middle-aged ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠man who appeared to be in his forties. A long, dark-red scar ran from his left eyebrow down his face. Even from a distance, the man radiated a sinister and ominous aura. Standing behind him with an arrogant posture was Jo Pacheon.

"So that middle-aged man is Baek Hae-geum, one of the Three Great Swordsmen of Baekun City," Bukjin muttered under his breath.

Baek Hae-geum was the mastermind behind this ceremony and the one currently tormenting Jeong Sam-seok. Judging by the skill of his disciple, Jo Pacheon, Baek Hae-geum’s own power had to be immense.

How can I help Master Jeong, even just a little? Bukjin pondered silently.

"Let the banquet begin!" Im Gun-hyeon announced, rising from his seat.

With his refined and elegant bearing, Im Gun-hyeon raised a wine cup with dignified grace.

"Thank you!"

"Our thanks to you, Lord Im!"

The guests raised their cups in return and drank. After emptying his cup, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Im Gun-hyeon continued.

"From this point forward, all matters regarding the event will proceed according to the pre-arranged rules. Our administration will participate strictly by those regulations and will not interfere beyond what is necessary. Furthermore, as you are all individuals of high standing, I trust that no one will violate the rules or cause unnecessary trouble. Please, enjoy the banquet!"

Im Gun-hyeon sat back down. Despite his polite tone, his words were laced with hidden thorns.