Chapter 153
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 153
Chapter Title: Invitation to the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament
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Three months had already passed since the North Heaven Branch had settled in Shanxi Province. Including the time at the Tae Valley sub-branch, it was nearly a full year.
In the meantime, the seasons continued to change, and winter had arrived, but the North Sea folk's attire remained light.
Even after the first snow fell and stopped, causing the temperature to plummet sharply, they still wore thin martial robes.
The North Heaven Brigade members, made up of Central Plains folk, looked at them with wonder.
“Usually, I don't notice it much. But seeing their clothes, I can really tell they're North Sea people.”
A brigade member next to him nodded.
“Yeah. Are they all immune to heat and cold? They don't feel the chill at all?”
“Nah, that's not it. Remember how much they complained about the heat until early autumn? They've just adapted to North Sea temperatures.”
“I see.”
Most of the North Heaven Brigade members were bundling up inside their clothes against the cold.
“…….”
At that moment, Jeok Rang-do approached silently, having overheard their conversation.
“Gasp!”
“B-Br-Briga-Brigade Leader?!”
“I see. We'll need winter uniforms for the brigade.”
“Y-Yes.”
In truth, even he, with his high martial arts, barely felt the cold.
“Don't worry. I'll bring it up with the Branch Lord.”
“Haha, thank you.”
“The Branch Lord probably hasn't thought of it yet.”
“Probably not.”
“He said to report suggestions immediately, so I'll go right now.”
“Yes, Brigade Leader. Please do.”
Jeok Rang-do headed straight for Seol Hwa-un's office.
The brigade members watching his back tilted their heads.
“Isn't that the direction of the Branch Lord's office?”
“For something like this, the steward would suffice?”
Meanwhile, Jeok Rang-do arrived and knocked on the door.
Knock knock.
“Branch Lord, it's the North Heaven Brigade Leader.”
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
As he entered, Seol Hwa-un was wrestling with documents at his desk.
“…….”
Jeok Rang-do stood quietly, watching him work.
“……Hm?”
Only then did Seol Hwa-un, sensing his gaze, look up.
“Ah, how rude of me. Sit down, North Heaven Brigade Leader.”
“It's fine. You seem very busy, Branch Lord.”
“Phew, I knew it would be like this, which is why I tried to hand the position over to the North Wind Brigade Leader…… Sigh, things never go as planned.”
Jeok Rang-do laughed heartily.
“Hahaha, then why not just dump all the work on the Vice Branch Lord?”
Seol Hwa-un's eyes widened at his words.
“I hadn't thought of that!”
“……Pardon?”
“You're right. The North Wind Brigade Leader is the Vice Branch Lord, so he can handle my duties.”
“…….”
“Ah, but what brings you here, North Heaven Brigade Leader?”
“I came about the brigade members' uniforms. The weather's gotten quite cold, so perhaps it's time for winter robes…….”
“Ah! Of course. I hadn't considered it.”
“Haha, it's alright. Coming from the North Sea, you might not feel it.”
Seol Hwa-un tilted his head.
“But couldn't you have told the steward about this?”
Jeok Rang-do smiled faintly.
“Of course. I just…… used it as an excuse to see your face, Branch Lord.”
Seol Hwa-un chuckled.
“You've gotten cheeky since becoming North Heaven Brigade Leader.”
“Hahaha.”
Despite the twists and turns, Jeok Rang-do genuinely liked Seol Hwa-un.
‘To serve a lord like this. What great fortune.’
At that moment, Seol Hwa-un spoke as if remembering something.
“Ah, I almost forgot.”
“What……?”
“North Heaven Brigade Leader, how far have you gotten in your literacy?”
Jeok Rang-do's face stiffened instantly.
“W-Well…….”
“Be honest.”
“I-I've finished the Thousand Character Classic. After that, it got too difficult…….”
Cold sweat beaded on Jeok Rang-do's forehead.
“Lately, I've been so focused on martial arts training that by the time I get back to my quarters, I'm dead tired…….”
“…….”
Seol Hwa-un stared at him silently. For Jeok Rang-do, it was maddening.
‘Ugh!’
Just then, a knock sounded.
Knock knock.
“Branch Lord, it's Yoo Gong-seon.”
“Come in.”
“Yes.”
Yoo Gong-seon entered, exchanged brief nods with Jeok Rang-do, and went straight to Seol Hwa-un.
“Branch Lord, a letter has arrived from the Martial Alliance.”
“Hm? What's it say?”
“I have my suspicions, but I haven't opened it yet. It must be read by you personally.”
“That means…….”
“Yes, a Martial Alliance envoy is waiting outside for a reply.”
“…….”
Seol Hwa-un unfolded the letter Yoo Gong-seon had brought.
“Hmm.”
After reading it quickly, he held it out to Yoo Gong-seon demonstratively.
“Is it what we expected?”
Yoo Gong-seon smiled after reading it.
“Well, it's a shame, but no. I never thought the Martial Alliance would make such a proposal.”
Seol Hwa-un turned to Jeok Rang-do.
“North Heaven Brigade Leader.”
“Y-Yes!”
“By the time I return, you should have organized the Four Books. Understood?”
“Understood!”
Jeok Rang-do snapped to attention.
“But Branch Lord, where are you going?”
* * *
A meeting of the North Heaven Branch's leadership was convened. Seol Hwa-un addressed the executives.
“By now, you've all heard that the Martial Alliance will hold the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament around the coming Spring Festival.”
After several rounds of tug-of-war between the Justice Heaven Alliance and the Martial Alliance, it was agreed to hold the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament without participant restrictions.
The Martial Alliance, which had initially played dirty, raised both hands in surrender to the Justice Heaven Alliance's refusal to participate.
Thanks to this, the Justice Heaven Alliance gained influence over various aspects of the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.
The executives nodded.
“Yes, Branch Lord.”
“To that end, the Martial Alliance has invited me to serve as a judge for the main tournament.”
“A judge?”
“Oh!”
Historically, Dragon-Phoenix Tournament judges were symbols of impartiality, often filled by renowned martial artists.
Seol Hwa-un seemed to have been chosen as an unaffiliated Outer Realm figure.
“I see this as a fine opportunity to raise our branch's prestige. Thus, I've decided to accept the Martial Alliance's proposal.”
The executives nodded in approval.
“However, while I have no issue, there is one condition you might find objectionable.”
“What is it?”
“They request minimizing the escort personnel. They claim responsibility for security.”
Opposition arose immediately.
“That's absurd! If some accident occurs, how exactly will they take responsibility?”
“Agreed! Even sending the First and Second Sword Brigades wouldn't be enough.”
Unlike before, their intense reaction stemmed from the aftermath of the Justice Heaven Alliance Lord's inauguration.
Evidence had surfaced late that the Myeongwang Sect had attempted to ambush Seol Hwa-un.
Though nothing had happened, it was a shocking level of force, so their sensitivity to his safety was natural for the North Heaven Branch.
Even Seol Hwa-un found it hard to push forward recklessly, understanding their feelings.
Then, Yoo Gong-seon spoke up.
“How about this?”
All eyes turned to him.
“With time until the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, why not entrust the Branch Lord's escort to ‘them,’ arriving in three days?”
“Them……?”
“The Ice Heaven Squad. At last, they're coming to our branch.”
“……!”
Ice Heaven Squad.
The armed force nurtured by the Elder Council as their final bastion. In the past, Seol Hwa-un had won a bet against the Elder Council Lord, gaining the right to use them.
However, they had been completing their final training in Bingju Valley, joining the North Heaven Branch only now.
The executives' mood shifted.
“The Ice Heaven Squad…….”
“Hmm, they're reliable.”
“Perfect for escorting the Branch Lord.”
Having prepared together for the Central Plains advance, no one knew the Ice Heaven Squad's prowess better.
Only twenty-seven strong, including the squad leader, their might rivaled any North Sea Ice Palace force.
Seol Hwa-un smiled faintly.
“Then it's decided: the Ice Heaven Squad will escort me.”
No further objections arose. As if waiting, Yoo Gong-seon added,
“I'll accompany you on this trip to the Martial Alliance.”
After the meeting, Seol Hwa-un summoned Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won.
Dong Ho-won widened his eyes.
“Pardon? You're not taking us this time?”
“Correct.”
“W-Why! If too many people are a burden, take just me, Branch Lord!”
‘I have a sacred mission from the Ice Family Head!’
Eom Mu-hwi pressed on.
“You don't need to take that fool. But let me serve at your side, Branch Lord.”
Seol Hwa-un smiled faintly.
“I know your loyalty well. You've guarded me all this time, so it must be hard to part suddenly.”
“…….”
“But you're too valuable to remain mere bodyguards. Isn't it time you each took on duties for the palace?”
“……!”
Seol Hwa-un looked at them alternately.
“In your martial training lately, haven't you felt a wall?”
Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won flinched involuntarily.
“How did the Young Palace Lord know……!”
“Did you think I wouldn't notice? I know you better than you know yourselves, especially in martial arts.”
Seol Hwa-un smiled faintly.
“Don't worry too much. It means you're on the verge of the Martial Harmony Realm.”
“Ah!”
“But I can't help you cross that wall. You must do it yourselves.”
“…….”
“This is a crucial moment for you. That's why I'm leaving you behind. Understand?”
They had no choice but to yield.
“Understood, Young Palace Lord.”
“Please return safely.”
Seol Hwa-un patted their shoulders.
“Good. I trust you. Cross that wall before I return.”
“……Pardon?”
“T-That!”
Not everyone who reaches a wall crosses it. Many spend lifetimes trying and fail.
Their confusion was understandable.
Guessing their thoughts, Seol Hwa-un laughed.
“I can't help directly, but I can give you a clue.”
“A clue?”
“What is it?”
“Reflect on your training process, the arts you've learned, and our spars. The answer lies within.”
Seeing Seol Hwa-un's expectant gaze, Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won felt the weight on their shoulders.
‘Can we do it?’
‘There aren't many Martial Harmony Realm experts even in the main palace…….’
Noticing their worry, Seol Hwa-un added one more thing.
“Above all, believe in yourselves.”