A Guy with Pitch-Black Guts at First Sight
It was an unexpected remark to Jeong Gwang.
A better path?
If there was something worth it...
Did they decide to kick Spear Venerable out of the family?
It wasn't a bad idea.
What good was being good at fighting?
Better to be weak and stay out of trouble.
Ak Hyeong-ik watched Jeong Gwang nodding along with an intrigued glint in his eye.
"Thanks to my ties with Heo Cheong's dojo, I've heard a lot about you."
"What kind of stories?"
"A genius among geniuses, the greatest talent of past and present, someone worthy of being called a true dragon..."
Heo Cheong let out a loud fake cough.
"Ahem! Ahem! Ak Daehyeop, shouldn't we get to the point?"
"Hahaha. Right you are."
Ak Hyeong-ik shot one more teasing glance at the flustered Heo Cheong before continuing.
"I'd like you, True Jade Dragon, to receive my uncle's enlightenment."
Jeong Gwang tilted his head.
That's what this was about? But why?
No one liked taking a loss.
No, there were hardly any who liked others profiting even if they didn't lose out themselves.
Yet here was a family elder offering his clan's great senior's enlightenment to an outsider?
What's the angle?
As Jeong Gwang just stared, Ak Hyeong-ik held up his hands.
"Don't be suspicious. We have no choice but to do this."
Ak Hyeong-ik explained.
Spear Venerable's stubbornness was impossible to break anyway. Better to let him pass his enlightenment to Jeong Gwang as he wished, then ask Jeong Gwang later to share it with the family. That was the gist.
"It's selfish greed, really. How many in the martial world could even comprehend an absolute expert like my uncle? None in our family right now."
"So you're saying, teach it to any talented prospects who come along later?"
"Exactly. Your master says you're an excellent teacher."
"I am, yeah."
"Hahaha. I like your straightforwardness. That's all from me. What do you say?"
"Not really interested."
"As expected. Anything you want? Not as payment exactly, but as a token of sincerity."
Jeong Gwang recalled what he knew about the Shandong Ak family.
Descendants of the famous Song Dynasty general Yue Fei. They fell after he was framed and executed, then rose again when his merits were recognized.
A major landowner in Shandong, thriving in the escort business. Their spear arts, born from battlefield experience, were renowned, and they had many experts in the military too.
Impressive by any measure.
To Jeong Gwang, a pretty decent family.
"Nothing in particular."
"Hahaha. A true Taoist, no greed. Then let me make a proposal. I've already mentioned it to Un Hak Jin-in and the others, so just your okay seals it."
Ak Hyeong-ik grinned broadly and held up two fingers.
"One. We'll back Pang Clan in the alliance leader election. If they take the seat, they'll send experts to Qinghai Province to check the Demonic Cult, right?"
"You're saying you'll throw your weight behind it."
"Yes. And two. We run a modest escort business focused on Shandong and Hebei. Lots of high officials and nobles there. Folks who love luxuries."
"Investing in Western trade routes?"
"Haha. Your junior brother is from Baek Merchant Group, after all. Link up with us, and Baek Merchant Group grows, plus Qinghai folks get easier access to Central Plains goods."
Not a bad deal.
For Shandong Ak family, and for Kunlun and all of Qinghai.
But.
"That's all stuff you were gonna do anyway."
"Whoops, caught me. We'll do it bigger."
"Nothing for me?"
Heo Cheong flushed red while Ak Hyeong-ik burst into laughter.
"Wahahaha. I really like you, kid. A real man speaks his mind."
Once the laughter died down, Ak Hyeong-ik continued.
"I don't know what you need. Think it over and let me know."
Not a bad deal.
He'd take what he could get.
If they sent someone later and he was too dumb to get it, he'd just spill everything as is.
"But can you even do that? You're not the family head."
"You're right, my brother's the head. But..."
Ak Hyeong-ik made a playfully pitiful face.
"Brother couldn't care less about family affairs. I handle everything. We're close to the Murim Alliance, but didn't I come instead?"
Heo Cheong nodded confirmation from the side, and Jeong Gwang was impressed.
"Family still runs okay?"
"I keep it spinning myself."
Jeong Gwang liked Ak Hyeong-ik's unapologetic self-promotion.
"Deal. I'll think about what I want slowly."
* * *
The next day.
Rumors swirled through the Murim Alliance that Beggar Venerable and Spear Venerable would pass their enlightenment to Jeong Gwang.
People lost their minds.
A joint transmission from Poison Venerable, Beggar Venerable, and Spear Venerable.
What bigger news for martial arts maniacs?
Namgung family head and Hebei Pang Clan head arrived at the Murim Alliance in grand style, aiming for alliance leader—only to end up like abandoned scarecrows.
"What in the world is going on?!"
Namgung family head Namgung Hwa-in's thunderous scolding made his Namgung retainers hold their breath.
"Alliance leader talk vanished, and now it's all about some Kunlun kid! Singeon! Explain!"
Namgung Singeon, who had led the advance warriors, broke out in cold sweat.
"Just a passing fad, family head. I've secured firm commitments from each sect for your ascension—no need to worry..."
"Firm commitments? You serious? Since when are promises set in stone in the martial world?!"
"..."
"You all really think that? Speak up!"
As everyone shrank back, his son Namgung Ryeok stepped forward.
"Father, calm down..."
"Calm? You want me to calm down now?"
"W-Well..."
"I heard it all on the way! Your Sword Dragon title's now Convenience Dragon! Shit-pants dragon!"
"..."
Namgung Hwa-in glared at his son with terrifying eyes and clicked his tongue.
"Tch. Useless brat."
Nothing pleased him.
Humiliated by a younger kid, no sign of vengeance.
Namgung family's top prodigy, reduced to this.
Forget face, shoulda come sooner.
Aiming for alliance leader: Namgung Hwa-in of Namgung family and Pang Su-gwan of Hebei Pang Clan.
They delayed to save face, then timed their arrival near the end.
Arrived together, but wrong timing.
Everyone knows Kunlun backs Pang Clan. Could sway opinions.
Maybe overthinking.
But Namgung Hwa-in tolerated no variables, however small.
The seat was his.
His life had been all for this.
Huu. Gotta take control.
Namgung Hwa-in shot a glare at the bowed Namgung Singeon.
He'd yelled earlier, but Singeon was capable. That's why he'd sent him ahead, and he'd done well.
But not enough.
"Singeon. From now on, I handle things."
"...Yes, family head."
As eyes flicked curiously, Namgung Hwa-in bellowed.
"Host a banquet! Make it so lavish everyone sees Namgung family's might!"
Meanwhile, Hebei Pang Clan head Pang Su-gwan's situation differed slightly.
"Hmm. Not sure if I should like this or not. What do you think, brother?"
Pang Su-won replied.
"Heo Cheong says Ak family pledged support. Beggars' Sect unclear, but Tang family seems inclined. Perfect chance to meet them all."
"Election's soon anyway, gotta see everyone. And this True Jade Dragon kid. Half-doubted when you and Gang-hwi praised him, but seems the real deal."
"Yes. Must make him a close friend."
Pang Su-gwan eyed his eldest son Paeng Gang-ung.
"You met him too? Worth befriending? Not martial skill—character."
Paeng Gang-ung pondered.
Wanted to downplay, but...
His father was wise, hated lies.
"A bit rough and frivolous, but no evil heart."
"Rumors and your words agree. Guess I should meet him."
Pang Su-gwan told Pang Su-won.
"Set up a meeting. Soon as possible."
"Yes, family head. Will do."
Father's curiosity.
Uncle's favor.
Paeng Gang-ung bit his lip watching them.
* * *
Jeong Gwang was too busy to meet outsiders.
At Ak family lodging, he shook his head at the elders' noisy bickering.
"Disciple! What'll you learn from these tramps? Finish mine first!"
"Hmph! What can a dirt farmer teach? Snake-curing? Disciple, ignore him and let's start."
"Excuse me, Beggar Venerable."
"Master!"
"I never agreed to learn from you."
Spear Venerable smirked sternly from the side.
"Well now. Beggar Venerable, coming without the student's consent? Rude doesn't cover it—insane."
Dang Gi-hwang piled on, blasting Beggar Venerable. Cornered by two absolute experts, Beggar Venerable roared.
"Jeong Gwang doesn't wanna learn from you bums either—he's forcing himself!"
"True."
Chaos erupted as Jeong Gwang agreed.
"Disciple! What do you mean?!"
"You don't know yet. Learn from me, world changes."
"Hmph. Same boat, looking down? We'll see."
Watching the three old men tussle, Jeong Gwang resolved.
End this quick.
Two days for Dang Gi-hwang's; Spear Venerable's should be similar.
Beggar Venerable?
He'll bail on his own.
Jeong Gwang shooed Dang Gi-hwang and Beggar Venerable, then learned from Spear Venerable.
And grasped it in two days.
"Not bad. Could be useful when the chance comes."
"...S-So fast?"
Jeong Gwang comforted the stunned Spear Venerable.
"Can't use it yet anyway."
"...Is that the issue now?"
"Ah, time to eat. See ya."
Jeong Gwang bowed to the dazed Spear Venerable and unleashed his movement technique.
Yimi Noodle Shop again? Bring junior brother.
Back at Kunlun lodging, he sought Baek Seung-mu first.
"Ah, senior brother. You're back."
"Junior brother. Let's eat out."
"...Too lazy to change and wear a conical hat, so dragging me along?"
"What? It's 'cause I'm proud of your diligent training."
Baek Seung-mu knew better.
"Sigh. Thanks for the words. Can't right now anyway."
"Why?"
"Namgung family threw a banquet. Elders and seniors are prepping to go."
"Banquet? Why not tell me earlier?"
"You were training at Ak lodging. Elders said no interruptions."
"Hm. Whatever."
"Still no. Pang Clan had guests too, but we explained and sent them off."
"Ah, good call."
Baek Seung-mu looked exasperated as Jeong Gwang asked again.
"How's the banquet gonna be?"
"Hot topic. Sudden, and Namgung's pouring money."
"Hmm."
Jeong Gwang knew Namgung family ruled Anhui Province—well-off.
A bash from them? Bound to have good eats.
"Let's go then."
Jeong Gwang greeted Un Hu and the Taoists.
"...Done in two days again?"
"Yes."
"...Heh heh. Good work. Let's go."
Un Hu shook his head and led. Kunlun disciples followed.
The banquet filled the Murim Alliance's vastest space, Daeyeonmujang.
Kunlun Taoists' eyes widened.
The huge area crammed with tables, piled high with delicacies.
Many already seated, eating, drinking, reveling.
"Whoa. Namgung went all out."
Un Hu marveled; Heo Cheong whistled.
"Heard it was rushed, but this? Impressive."
A Namgung warrior guided the Kunlun Taoists.
Seats assigned by sect/family; Kunlun, as one of Nine Great Sects and One Gang, got ample space.
Kunlun Taoists gawked at the dishes.
"Ooh, amazing!"
"Just looking makes my mouth water!"
Not Jeong Gwang.
Just grass! Wait, they think?
He scanned other sects/families.
Tables groaning under meat and booze!
Jeong Gwang fumed.
Namgung bastards, laymen without a flexible bone—how?
Taoists gotta eat grass?
Brains rusted from spouting endless boundless azure sky, eternal righteous spirit nonsense.
Bail now?
Un Hu and Heo Cheong would nag.
Taste and bounce.
As he steeled himself and reached for chopsticks.
A potent aura surged.
Who's flaunting energy so blatantly?
Turning, a middle-aged man with sword-sharp momentum entered Daeyeonmujang.
Pitch-black guts obvious at a glance.
Someone announced loudly.
"Hosting this banquet, Namgung family head, Heaven Cleaving Sword Namgung Hwa-in Daehyeop arrives!"