Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠72: Showing the Demon Ghost Sword Control (1)

“Is that true?”

Pung-hyeon shouted back, his voice laced with shock.

“Right after you and your group left, Senior, the Murim Alliance’s Nine Dragons Group arrived. We joined forces with them and the Blood Wind Squad of the Nine Demons Chamber to completely drive out the Blood Lamas. We won!”

Hearing his junior’s words, I let out a long sigh.

The Ilguk Sect was in a full-blown festive mood. However, the actual disciples of the sect wore expressions of grief. Since the battle had taken place right on their grounds, nothing was left standing. The pavilions were half-destroyed or crumbling, and many areas had been reduced to ash. More than half of their warriors had perished, making the place feel more like a house of mourning than a victory celebration.

Yet, for the moment, their sorrow was buried beneath the triumph of battle.

As I watched the Murim Alliance warriors strutting around with their heads held high, only one thought crossed my mind.

I did all the work, and they’re reaping the rewards.

The numerous Demon Subjugation Groups and sects that had bled and fought against the Blood Lamas and the Demonic Cult League until now had their achievements eclipsed by the Nine Dragons Group, who had swooped in at the very end to claim the win. It was obvious that rumors would soon spread claiming it was the Murim Alliance’s Nine Dragons Group that had saved the Sichuan Murim. In an instant, they had become the heroes who rescued the region from its greatest crisis.

Not long after we entered, a crowd came out to greet us. Among them, I spotted Fairy Hye-sim of the Emei Sect and a middle-aged Taoist from the Qingcheng Sect.

“What happened?” Hye-sim asked, her eyes fixed on me.

“I managed to return alive thanks to the help of everyone here.”

The Qingcheng Taoist turned to Man-gong. “You’re safe. What a relief. We were worried sick after hearing you had fallen into Ban Ye’s wicked formation.”

Man-gong replied politely, “I apologize for causing you concern, Great Uncle.”

This middle-aged Taoist had a refined and clear aura, resembling the majestic spirit of Mount Qingcheng. As he stared intently at me, Man-gong stepped in to introduce me.

“Great Uncle, this is Young Hero Eo Ja-seo.”

“Eo Ja-seo, a humble student of the martial arts, greets you.”

“This humble Taoist is known as Myeong-gwang,” he replied.

I clasped my hands in a respectful greeting. Though it was my first time hearing his Taoist name, one does not become a master of the Nine Great Sects without merit just because their name isn't widely known. The piercing light in his eyes and his serene, clear aura made it certain that he was a high-level master of the Qingcheng Sect.

“Please forgive my ignorance, Taoist Myeong-gwang. My learning is shallow, and I failed to recognize you.”

“Ho-ho-ho, how could that be your fault, Patron Eo? It is simply because I prefer to remain buried away in the mountains.”

Myeong-gwang let out a pleasant laugh. Then, his clear eyes settled on me as he asked, “I sent Man-gong because I heard you possessed a secret manual. Is that true?”

I didn't want to lie in front of people like Hye-sim and Myeong-gwang.

“Yes, it is true. And the manual rumored to be at the Ilguk Sect is a fake—”

“I am aware.”

Suddenly, someone cut me off mid-sentence.

Wait, how dare he? An elder is speaking, and he just butts in?

I glared toward the voice that had interrupted me, turning my head with irritation. However, I immediately lowered my gaze. My spirit withered the moment I saw the elegantly embroidered characters on his martial robe.

Nine Dragons.

The Nine Dragons Group was the second-highest-ranking unit among the many martial organizations within the Murim Alliance’s Dominating Dragon Pavilion. It was composed entirely of the elite rising stars of the Nine Great Sects. Consequently, their pride and self-esteem were second to none.

And this guy was likely…?

“I am Mu Gyeol, Leader of the Nine Dragons Group.”

I used to think only beautiful women could have faces that seemed to glow, but looking at this man, I realized for the first time that a man could radiate light as well. I had certainly never seen a man so handsome. His thick, sword-like eyebrows and straight, high nose gave him a refreshing, sharp look.

He’s disgustingly handsome.

Compared to his face, mine was practically a monkey’s butt. If the stories I’d heard were true, this guy was essentially the "Golden Boy"—the perfect son of a family friend that everyone gets compared to. His title was the "Wudang Sword Dragon," and he was such a martial genius that his acquaintances called him "Little Sanfeng." On top of that, he was undoubtedly a child of fortune who had been fed all sorts of rare elixirs and had his meridians cleansed by the Wudang elders.

There was nothing to be gained by getting on the bad side of a Golden Boy like him. As soon as I saw him, a natural smile formed on my face.

“It is an honor to meet the Leader of the Nine Dragons Group.”

I offered a proper, formal greeting, but he merely nodded as if it were only natural before getting straight to the point.

“Which one of you is Hwang Chu?”

What an arrogant brat.

Most people raised in the prestigious Orthodox sects are incredibly polite and righteous. However, every once in a while, an insufferable jerk like this pops up. These are the types who, because of their background and their own genius, look down on the world and don't even register those they deem inferior. Even the strict education of the Great Sects can't fix people like this.

“Why do you ask?” I inquired with a smile.

Mu Gyeol replied bluntly, “I intend to take him to the Murim Alliance.”

“To the Murim Alliance? For what reason?”

“There is no need for you to know. It is a matter for the Alliance.”

Seeing him act this way, it seemed he already had information on Hwang Chu. Then again, after all the chaos with the Demonic Cult League, it would be stranger if they didn't know.

“Young Hero Hwang is someone who has already placed himself under my protection. How can I just stand by? I should at least know the reason.”

As I pressed him, Mu Gyeol’s face crumpled slightly. He looked annoyed that someone was interfering with his business. Suddenly, a man standing behind Mu Gyeol stepped forward.

“I am Un-jeong, Deputy Leader of the Nine Dragons. I am one of the Twelve Sword Masters of the Mount Hua ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Sect. This is a matter for the Murim Alliance; it is not the place for a warrior from some rural sect to argue back and forth.”

His tone was outright provocative. However, I responded even more politely. Even if I were to hand Hwang Chu over, what would happen to my reputation if I just gave him up without any resistance? I tried to push back a little, but their pride flared up instantly.

Tsk, so touchy. Fine, I get it. I’ll back down, so stop looking at me with those scary eyes.

I began to think of a way to hand Hwang Chu over while saving as much face as possible.

“Very well. I have ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠no desire to obstruct the Alliance’s business either. However, wouldn't it be better to ask Hwang Chu himself? Whether he wishes to go to the Alliance or not.”

When I said this, Mu Gyeol spoke with a look of distaste.

“That is a fair point. You have several matters to be investigated at the Murim Alliance. Are you willing to go?”

Hwang Chu seemed to have already prepared himself. He answered the question immediately.

“I have no intention of refusing. I expected as much.”

“It is merely for a few investigations,” Mu Gyeol added. “Besides, staying with a warrior from a rural sect will only be dangerous for you.”

I also thought it would be much safer for Hwang Chu to hand over the manual and the Soul Spirit Bead to the Murim Alliance.

“If Young Hero Eo permits it, I will go to the Murim Alliance,” Hwang Chu said, looking at me.

Mu Gyeol immediately snapped back at Hwang Chu’s words.

“The only person here whose permission you need is me. There is no need to seek permission from anyone else.”

I hated how Mu Gyeol managed to sound offensive even when just speaking, but I couldn't let it show on my face, so I just gave a thin smile.

If that’s how you’re going to be, there’s nothing I can do.

But then, someone stepped in to halt the conversation. And it was the person standing right next to me.

“You are far too arrogant. Just because my brother is good-natured and smiles at you, you think you own the world. We went through hell to protect that manual, and you show up at the very end, kill a few straggling Blood Lamas, and act like you did everything? It’s absurd.”

Jeok Yeong openly mocked Mu Gyeol.

Uh… hey, you shouldn't do that.

Wait, shouldn't he? No, he definitely should.

Come to think of it, Jeok Yeong was a guy who didn't lose out to Mu Gyeol in any department. He was a man who had shown outstanding skill against the Blood Lamas, surpassing even the Four Dragons of Sichuan. He was more than a match for this guy. The pride Jeok Yeong had shown when we first met had been reignited by Mu Gyeol’s attitude. After all, Jeok Yeong had originally been cut from the same cloth as Mu Gyeol.

No one had dared to stop Mu Gyeol’s high-handedness until now. Not even the temperamental Tang Bin of Wudang, nor Myeong-gwang and Hye-sim, who, despite their higher seniority, were simply acting as bystanders. There was nothing to be gained from getting into a spat with him.

“You say it’s absurd? Then what would make it sensible?” Mu Gyeol asked, looking at Jeok Yeong.

Surprisingly, a guy like him showed patience in a situation like this. But I knew that this kind of patience was just another face of ferocity. This was how the education of a prestigious sect manifested in someone like him.

“You should seek my brother’s permission. Young Hero Hwang is a comrade who crossed the line of death with us. How can we, as his comrades, just stand by while the Murim Alliance tries to take him away so recklessly?”

“You speak as if the Murim Alliance is some stronghold of the Unorthodox Faction. Do people die when they go to the Alliance?”

“Didn't you act as if you were going to interrogate him? As a guest, you should ask politely. Who are you to use such a commanding tone?”

As expected, Jeok Yeong remained calm and composed. If you get agitated in front of a master like Mu Gyeol, you’ve already lost the psychological battle.

Mu Gyeol’s eyes flashed. “Then what do you suggest we do?”

“A warrior doesn't carry a sword just to use it as kindling, does he?”

As Jeok Yeong spoke provocatively, Hwang Chu stepped in.

“I will go to the Murim Alliance. Please, stop this. Young Hero Jeok, there is no need to be so upset. I was planning on going to the Alliance anyway.”

However, both Jeok Yeong and Mu Gyeol ignored Hwang Chu’s words. Both men were only thinking about punishing the person who had pricked their nerves. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠I watched them and let out a small smirk.

“Young Hero Eo, please stop them,” Do-yeon and Hye-sim urged me.

Are you crazy? Why would I stop them?

There’s nothing more entertaining than watching a fight. Besides, I really wanted to see this arrogant brat get taken down a notch. Even if I wasn't the one doing it, Jeok Yeong doing it was as good as me doing it myself.

“A duel would be best, wouldn't it?”

The two men nodded, confirming their mutual intent. Suddenly, a formal duel was underway. It had escalated to this point because neither was willing to back down, but I wasn't worried at all.

Jeok Yeong is a guy who already possesses both skill and real combat experience at his age. He’s not someone who will be easily defeated by a guy like you, who’s like a flower grown in a greenhouse. Even the Four Dragons of Sichuan are a step below Jeok Yeong.

Knowing Jeok Yeong’s true strength, I could afford to be relaxed.

Mu Gyeol shouted toward the Nine Dragons Group, “This duel is a personal matter. Do not interfere. That is my order.”

The warriors of the Nine Dragons Group nodded in agreement.

“Brother, I apologize. But I’m so angry I can’t stand it. I will duel him.”

I looked at Jeok Yeong with a somber expression.

“I fear you might get hurt over something so trivial, Brother.”

I said this as I approached Jeok Yeong, then whispered in a low voice:

“But I know that you are stronger than that pale-faced pretty boy. Show everyone here what kind of man you are. Let them know that you are the brother of Eo Ja-seo. Teach him that the world’s masters aren't just those with good backgrounds.”

Jeok Yeong looked at me with a hint of surprise, then gave a smirk.

“He really is strangely obnoxious. I’ll teach him a lesson.”

I smiled back.

You were just like him before you lost your memory. That’s why looking at him makes your stomach turn. It’s like looking in a mirror.

I spoke up loudly. I still needed to set some boundaries.

“I acknowledge the duel between these two. However, keep in mind that this should not turn into a grudge match. I trust you both have that much discipline. I believe you will live up to the title of 'Little Sanfeng.' The one who drops their sword or touches the other’s body with their blade first shall be considered the winner. If Young Brother Jeok wins or if it’s a draw, Young Hero Hwang will stay here for one night and leave tomorrow. He is exhausted from the recent battles and needs rest. I worry he might fall seriously ill if he is forced to travel immediately. Do you agree to my conditions?”

I slipped in a condition at the last second. Mu Gyeol flinched and glared at me, but since I had announced it publicly, he knew that objecting now would make it look like he lacked the confidence to win. He agreed to my terms.

That’s the downside of having too much pride.

I knew his ego wouldn't let him refuse.

But why was I suddenly insisting on Hwang Chu staying the night? It wasn't really for his sake. It was because I had something I needed to do.