Chapter 55
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: Clash at Xuanhe Tower
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It was a clear, cloudless day.
"Good weather for hitting the road," Dong Ho-won muttered as he stepped out of the guest hall. Eom Mu-hwi glanced up at the sky and nodded.
"Indeed."
Only a few days had passed, but the two men's auras were markedly different from when they had arrived at the Huangbo Clan.
The bloody battle with the Four Death Constellations had clearly helped a great deal.
The North Wind Brigade, packed and ready, joined them.
"Hm? Come to think of it, I don't see the Young Palace Lord."
"Ah, the Young Palace Lord..."
As Eom Mu-hwi started to reply, Seol Hwa-un appeared.
"Shall we head out, then?"
"Ah, Young Palace Lord. Already done?"
"Yeah."
Early that morning, the Huangbo sisters—Eunhye and Seonhye—had come looking for Seol Hwa-un, insisting on tagging along.
He had politely refused, but the twins wouldn't back down.
So Seol Hwa-un proposed a wager: if they could last five exchanges against him, he'd take them.
The twins exchanged glances and countered with three exchanges. Seol Hwa-un pretended to mull it over before agreeing, and they headed to the sparring ground together.
In truth, he could have subdued them in one or two exchanges, not five—but he'd suggested five on purpose to draw out their counteroffer.
As expected, the twins collapsed after just one exchange. Only then did they realize how much he had been holding back during their previous spar.
They had known there was a gap, but not one this vast.
"If you're all ready, let's get going."
At Seol Hwa-un's words, Dang Cheong approached.
"So we're heading to my clan now?"
Seol Hwa-un smirked at his expectant expression.
"Alright, let's do it."
The day before, upon hearing Seol Hwa-un was leaving the Huangbo Clan, Dang Cheong had subtly suggested they visit the Tang Clan.
Since Seol Hwa-un had already been considering a visit to thank him for protecting the North Wind Brigade during the Four Death Constellations battle, he gladly accepted.
'Perfect timing. I was planning to stop by anyway.'
Dang So-gyo, standing nearby, let out a cheer.
"Whoa! We're going to my house!"
As they headed for the main gate, the Huangbo Clan seemed strangely empty of people.
And the reason became clear the moment they stepped through the gate.
"Ah...!"
Seol Hwa-un and his group couldn't help but be stunned. Countless Huangbo warriors stood in formation to see them off.
Soon, hundreds of warriors simultaneously cupped their fists and bowed.
Crack!
"...!"
It was a magnificent sight. Seol Hwa-un and his companions felt their hearts swell with emotion.
Huangbo Un-gyeong, standing at the forefront, spoke on behalf of the clan.
"North Sea Ice Palace, we will never forget your help."
"Elder."
Seol Hwa-un stepped forward and returned the salute.
With that, as the Huangbo Clan bade them farewell, Seol Hwa-un and his group set off for Sichuan.
* * *
Great Bamboo, a city at the entrance to Sichuan Province.
Connecting Sichuan and Chongqing since ancient times, it drew many travelers, with inns and pavilions aplenty.
Among them, one of the best was Xuanhe Tower, renowned for its massive size that accommodated large merchant caravans.
And at that moment, eight young people occupied a table on the second floor, dining.
Three wore deep blue Taoist robes, three wore light brown martial attire, and two were nuns in kasaya.
They were junior disciples from the Qingcheng Sect, Diancang Sect, and Emei Sect.
Among them, the one who stood out like a crane among chickens was Qingcheng Sect's famed Sword Dragon, Song Guk-il.
He was the junior disciple who had earned the title "Sword Dragon" at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament, surpassing even the famed disciples of Mount Hua and Wudang.
His slightly prominent cheekbones were his only flaw, but with his thick eyebrows, large eyes, and handsome features, he more than qualified as a heartthrob.
His aura was exceptional too, towering above the rest.
The Diancang Sect youth sitting across from him spoke up.
"Guk-il, how's the food?"
Song Guk-il nodded.
"You're right—it's delicious. Good call coming here."
Lee Ji-gwang, the sharp-eyed Diancang youth, smiled.
"I knew you'd like it. And the rest of you?"
Everyone nodded at his question.
"Yes, young hero. Passing by Xuanhe Tower on the way here is already a regret."
Jeong Ga-in, Song Guk-il's junior sister, replied with a smile. Not a dazzling beauty, but her distinct features gave her considerable charm.
"Haha, the elders are too conservative—they stick to the same old places. They'd never think of coming here."
Lee Ji-gwang's gaze turned to the nuns.
"Nun Jeonghwa, Nun Jeongsun. To your liking?"
With her clear skin and serene eyes—not to mention her hair—she appeared far more beautiful than Jeong Ga-in. Jeonghwa replied.
"Amitabha. Just as you said, young hero. Thanks to you, a rare treat."
A satisfied smile curved Lee Ji-gwang's lips.
"Hahaha, who knew escorting a few merchant groups would come in so handy."
"It's only because of this young hero that we could travel separately like this. Without him, no chance."
They had attended the Wudang Assembly with their sect elders and were now heading back.
The Wudang Assembly.
A gathering led by the Nine Great Sects to counter the Eight Great Families' grand conclave, where orthodox famous sects discussed countermeasures against the Orthodox Heaven Alliance.
It was held at Wudang rather than the Martial Alliance in Shaanxi because the Martial Alliance's reformists—blamed for the Eight Great Families' secession—had rallied around the proactive Wudang Sect.
Of course, some resented Wudang for trying to seize control of the Martial Alliance despite the Alliance Leader's existence.
But with Alliance Leader Immortal Unmarried Monk rarely appearing publicly, many welcomed Wudang—rivaling Shaolin—stepping up.
Lacking concrete plans, the Wudang Assembly had essentially confirmed Wudang's position and fostered camaraderie.
Qingcheng, Emei, and Diancang were geographically close with tight ties, so they had agreed to travel back together.
But at Lee Ji-gwang's suggestion—frustrated by traveling with elders—the juniors split off alone.
His extensive outside experience earned their elders' approval.
Lee Ji-gwang's gaze returned to Song Guk-il.
"Heard the rumors?"
"What rumors?"
"North Heavenly Dragon."
Song Guk-il's pupils flickered slightly.
"Ah, sorry. You're sensitive about the Heavenly Dragon, aren't you?"
Song Guk-il's eyes flashed intensely for a moment.
"Heavenly Dragon..."
In the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament finals, his opponent had been Heavenly Dragon Namgung Hyo.
They had clashed for over two hundred exchanges without a victor, and in the end, Namgung Hyo won by a half-move, claiming the championship.
From that moment, Song Guk-il harbored a fierce rivalry toward Namgung Hyo.
"No matter."
"Ho."
Interest sparked in Lee Ji-gwang's eyes.
'Already overcome it?'
In the past, he would have bristled or failed to hide his agitation.
'Well, his aura's completely changed since then.'
Even so, back then he had felt he could match him—but the Song Guk-il now had an aura so transformed it seemed like a different person.
He had clearly undergone grueling training with Namgung Hyo as his goal.
"But North Heavenly Dragon?"
"Yeah, the North Sea Ice Palace Young Palace Lord joined this grand conclave, and they're calling him 'North Heavenly Dragon' by comparison."
"..."
"He wiped out three of the Green Forest Eighteen Bandits and snapped Earth Dragon's blade in just three exchanges in a duel."
The other juniors' eyes widened at the words.
"Huh!"
"Earth Dragon's blade?"
Song Guk-il narrowed his eyes. Earth Dragon Peng Ga-ho was one of the few juniors he acknowledged.
"Impressive, indeed."
"Well, it's just rumors. They tend to get exaggerated."
"But not entirely baseless, right? How old is this Young Palace Lord?"
"Word is he's just past twenty."
The group showed fresh surprise. Even if exaggerated, matching Dragon-Phoenix talents at that age was monumental.
"...Interesting."
They continued eating, delving into discussions on the Wudang Assembly, the Orthodox Heaven Alliance, Martial Alliance, and more.
At that moment, a group of young men ascended to the second floor—Seol Hwa-un's party, minus the North Wind Brigade.
The Brigade, being larger, had taken seats on the wider first floor.
"This is my clan's favorite spot. You won't regret it—especially the Sichuan dishes..."
As Dang Cheong spoke, his eyes met Lee Ji-gwang's, who had arrived first.
"Poison Dragon?"
"Young hero... Sword Dragon too?"
Not exactly thrilled, but they couldn't just ignore them. Reluctantly, Dang Cheong led his group over.
After brief greetings, Dang Cheong spotted the Emei disciples.
"Ah, Emei Sect members too."
"Amitabha. You're the famous Poison Dragon, benefactor. Pleased to meet you. I'm Jeonghwa, and this is my junior sister Jeongsun."
Jeonghwa and Jeongsun bowed with palms together.
Emei rarely ventured out, so despite similar ages, it was Dang Cheong's first time meeting them.
"Pleased. I'm Dang Cheong."
Soon, Lee Ji-gwang's group naturally turned to Seol Hwa-un and the others with Dang Cheong.
"Introductions. These are from the North Sea Ice Palace."
"Pleased. Seol Hwa-un."
As Seol Hwa-un greeted, Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won followed.
Lee Ji-gwang immediately acted familiar.
"Seol Hwa-un, eh? So you're the famous North Heavenly Dragon."
"..."
"Pleased. Lee Ji-gwang of Diancang Sect."
Eom Mu-hwi and Dong Ho-won's eyes hardened. Lee Ji-gwang's arrogant tone grated.
"..."
But there was nothing to pick at.
"Enjoy your meal."
With no reason or seats to join, they exchanged light greetings and headed to an empty table.
Once seated, Dang Cheong ordered from the waiter. Dong Ho-won then asked.
"Mu-hwi, you know those guys?"
"Yeah. Junior disciples from the Nine Great Sects who shone at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament. Lee Ji-gwang's Flash Dragon, Song Guk-il's Sword Dragon. Sword Dragon even faced Heavenly Dragon in the finals."
"Ah, Heavenly Dragon Namgung Hyo... Losing to him isn't that impressive."
Eom Mu-hwi shook his head.
"That was five years ago. In that time, anyone can change drastically with training."
"I see."
"Even those who earned Dragon-Phoenix titles back then—if they fought again now, the rankings could shift massively. Same for Dang here."
Dang Cheong smiled faintly.
"You're too kind."
He hadn't seen Dang Cheong at full power, but his aura alone rivaled Heavenly Dragon Namgung Hyo.
Seol Hwa-un spoke up.
"The others, maybe not—but Sword Dragon's clearly different."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. He doesn't fall short of Heavenly Dragon at all."
At least compared to Heavenly Dragon before his recent seclusion, it was too close to call.
'The Nine Great Sects still produce talents like that. Their foundation remains strong.'
Meanwhile, Song Guk-il's group glanced their way while chatting.
Jeong Ga-in said with flushed cheeks.
"That's the Young Palace Lord, the North Heavenly Dragon? He's so handsome."
The women murmured among themselves—even the Emei nuns blushed.
Lee Ji-gwang scowled, displeased.
'Tch! Some northern barbarian...'
Proud of his own looks, he felt like a lantern before the full moon next to Seol Hwa-un.
Irritated, he muttered.
"Since when does the Tang Clan hang around with northern barbarians?"
Song Guk-il frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean? Lower your voice."
"Isn't it obvious? Looks like Poison Dragon dragged them here. Fine for him, but the northerner has no pride—trailing all the way from North Sea."
Seol Hwa-un's group of experts couldn't miss it. Lee Ji-gwang's words insulted both Tang Clan and North Sea Ice Palace.
Dang Cheong frowned, and Dong Ho-won bristled.
"That bastard..."
"Openly picking a fight?"
As the two rose, someone moved first.
"Say that again, Diancang Sect brat."
"...!"
Eom Mu-hwi, with a icy expression, had appeared before Lee Ji-gwang.