Chapter 39
Chapter 39
Translator: Penny
Chapter 39
Where Did This Wind Come From? (2)
The next day, the Yang Association sent messengers to each sect.
The invitations targeted the top twenty sects in Shandong. Though there was no formal ranking system, the competitive nature of the Martial Arts World inevitably led to a natural hierarchy. This was true not only in Shandong but across all regions.
Of course, our family received an invitation as well. Despite our decline, we still ranked within the top twenty.
The invitation announced a banquet to be held by the Yang Association in three days.
In addition to urging our attendance, it mentioned the presence of esteemed guests from the Heavenly Blade Gate. With Ma Bonggi now the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, this could only be interpreted as a mandatory summons.
Father tilted his head, his expression unreadable.
"I can't fathom why they're calling us," he murmured.
Neither the Yang Association nor the Heavenly Blade Gate were sects Father held in high regard. He sensed that something undesirable was about to unfold.
"It seems the key lies with the person who claims to be from the Heavenly Blade Gate," Mother said.
Father nodded in agreement. "That's likely true. The Heavenly Blade Gate's power base has always been in Guizhou. They've never ventured into Shandong before."
"We'll understand their intentions once we attend the gathering," I finally spoke up, having listened to their conversation.
"I'll go with you, Father."
"You?"
"I need to learn everything by following you around."
Father tried to hide his delight, but his face betrayed his joy. "Very well, let's go together."
Mother beamed at me, strode over, and wrapped me in a tight hug. "Well done, my son."
Sometimes I'm startled by her intense displays of affection, but I don't mind. Her embrace is always incomparably warm.
Three days later, Father and I arrived at the Yang Association.
We weren't the only ones; the leaders of the top twenty sects in Shandong had all gathered for the meeting.
At the entrance to the Main Hall, Jeong Yeo, the Yang Association Leader, was personally greeting the invited guests.
Jeong Yeo bowed respectfully to my father.
"It is an honor to finally meet the esteemed Master Byeok, the Great Hero of Justice."
Father returned the courtesy.
"I've heard your reputation resounds throughout Shandong, new Association Leader. Congratulations on your appointment."
We had already sent the customary congratulatory letter between sects, but this was our first time meeting Jeong Yeo in person since he became Association Leader.
"Those are just rumors. I'm overwhelmed by your congratulations, Master Byeok. Thank you."
Jeong Yeo's extreme courtesy flustered my father. Despite the unfortunate death of their Association Leader, the Yang Association remained the foremost sect in Shandong.
Of course, Jeong Yeo's polite demeanor was due to my presence. With me standing behind him, who would dare treat him carelessly?
Jeong Yeo turned to me and remarked, "I've heard the Young Master Byeok's Minor Sword Guard has been making quite a name for itself lately."
"We've had some fortunate successes," I replied modestly.
"How could matters in the Martial Arts World be determined by mere luck? There's no need for such excessive humility."
"Thank you," I said.
Jeong Yeo turned back to my father. "You've truly raised a remarkable son."
My father beamed at the compliment, especially with the crowd of people lining up behind us. What could be more gratifying than hearing your child praised in front of others?
My father and I entered the Main Hall.
Many guests had already arrived. Father introduced each one by name.
This was my chance to memorize the faces of the leaders from Shandong's top twenty sects.
For the first time in a long while, I put my memory to the test. I didn't miss a single word Father said, committing every face to memory.
Song Ugyeong of Song Family Manor arrived a bit late.
"If I'd known you were coming, I would have brought Hwarin along," he said, his regret palpable. I merely smiled in response.
Once all the invited guests had gathered, they clustered in groups, murmuring and speculating about the purpose of today's gathering. No one seemed to know for sure.
About half an hour later, the door opened, and Jeong Yeo entered, followed by four others.
A man who appeared to be in his mid-twenties strode confidently into the room, leading the group. Judging by his attire and demeanor, he was likely Ma Jeongsu. I was inwardly surprised by how much younger he was than I had expected. How old was that old man Ma Bonggi when he finally stopped fathering children?
Among the three men who followed Ma Jeongsu like bodyguards, I recognized two.
First, the white-haired elder was none other than Elder Flower Fan. He wielded a magnificent iron fan adorned with floral patterns as his signature weapon and had once attempted to join the Martial Arts Alliance Elder Council but failed to gain admission.
I hadn't approved his entry back then, and the reason was his temperament. He was skilled in politics and agitation, and possessed an insatiable thirst for power. Though his humanity might be questionable, his martial prowess was undeniable.
Many masters had underestimated his flower-painted fan, only to have their skulls crushed by it. Even with my twenty-four years of internal energy cultivation, he was an opponent I couldn't afford to underestimate.
Old ginger roots are the spiciest. Their hidden trump cards are truly worthy of being their final, decisive moves.
In any case, his association with the Heavenly Blade Gate felt entirely natural. He had always been a man who chased after power. In fact, it seemed perfectly fitting.
The man who entered with him, in his mid-forties, was a master within the Heavenly Blade Gate.
His name was Si Gon.
Once, when the Martial Arts Alliance hosted a Friendly Sparring Tournament, he had been one of the two masters representing the Heavenly Blade Gate.
His truly impressive swordsmanship had left a lasting impression on me. That was more than seven or eight years ago, so his skills must have improved even further by now. Though young, he seemed to surpass even Elder Flower Fan in mastery.
The other representative was a beautiful woman whose age was difficult to discern. Sometimes she appeared young, other times quite mature.
One thing was certain: she was a formidable Martial Artist. Yet she carried neither sword nor saber. Unless the belt around her waist concealed a soft sword, she must specialize in Fist Arts. A woman with an enigmatic aura.
Just as extraordinary as these three individuals was Ma Jeongsu's aura.
He was nothing like the young talents who had gathered at the Shandong Rising Talents Banquet earlier. He clearly demonstrated that he was different from the mere youngsters of Shandong.
Despite this, my first impression of him was terrible. To begin with, I didn't like his eyes. Though he was around Gwangdu's age, his gaze seemed to belong to a man in his forties—clouded, weathered by countless hardships.
Their arrival sent a wave of tension through the crowd. It was a stark reminder that representatives from the Heavenly Blade Gate had truly descended upon us.
Though everyone present was a sect leader, none could hope to match Elder Flower Fan or Si Gon in a one-on-one fight. Overwhelmed by their aura, they naturally shrank back.
Jeong Yeo offered a brief greeting before introducing Ma Jeongsu.
Ma Jeongsu stepped onto the platform.
"It is truly an honor to meet the heroes of Shandong. I also extend my gratitude to Association Leader Yang for arranging this gathering."
He gestured toward Yang Association Leader as if introducing him, naturally prompting applause.
Ma Jeongsu remained composed and confident even before the twenty Sect Leaders, maintaining a respectful demeanor.
"I have convened this gathering today to share some news."
After briefly gathering everyone's attention, he spoke, uttering words no one had anticipated.
"I am considering establishing a small martial arts school in Shandong."
Everyone was stunned. A heavy silence descended upon the hall.
Their thoughts likely aligned:
Even if the Martial Arts Alliance Leader had many children, Ma Jeongsu was undeniably of the Alliance Leader's bloodline.
The first thought that struck me was: Could this truly be just a small martial arts school? Would the Alliance Leader's own flesh and blood travel all the way to Shandong just to establish such a minor institution?
Even if we were to concede that point, was this matter significant enough to warrant gathering everyone here?
It was possible that they were using the martial arts school as a pretext to establish a sect—a strategic move by the Heavenly Blade Gate to expand into Shandong. Directly founding a sect would inevitably provoke direct opposition from local factions, so they might have chosen to establish a martial arts school to appease public opinion in the Martial Arts World. Alternatively, there could be some other hidden motive at play.
"I would appreciate your assistance in this matter," he said, his voice causing the atmosphere to grow even heavier.
The meaning of "assistance" could be interpreted in various ways, but ultimately, it could only be understood as a request for money.
At that moment, Gwak Tae, the Green Pine Sect Leader, stepped forward.
"Hahaha, of course we'll help you!"
As he laughed and stepped forward, his close friend Seok Mundo, the Nine Dragons Association Leader, joined him, easing the tense atmosphere.
"If Great Hero Ma establishes a foothold in Shandong, wouldn't that be a great blessing for our region?"
"Indeed, you speak truly."
"We welcome you to Shandong."
Gwak Tae and Seok Mundo exchanged words in a well-rehearsed manner.
I knew then that before this gathering, the Green Pine Sect Leader had already met with Ma Jeongsu and pledged his support. Gwak Tae had likely then recruited Seok Mundo, though it was possible the order was reversed, with Seok Mundo bringing Gwak Tae on board.
Apart from the two of them, the atmosphere was frigid.
Ma Jeongsu scanned the hall before fixing his gaze on our side.
Father and Song Ugyeong wore the same stern expressions as the other clan leaders.
"Isn't that Great Hero Byeok of the Byeok Clan Sword School over there?" Ma Jeongsu suddenly called out, singling out Father.
Father, who had never met Ma Jeongsu before, was visibly taken aback that the man recognized him.
"That's right. I am the leader of the Byeok Clan Sword School."
"Your expression seems unwell. Is there something troubling you?"
Given the polite tone, Father had no choice but to answer.
"I have indigestion and my stomach feels uneasy."
"Oh dear. I see."
Ma Jeongsu stepped down from the platform and strode purposefully toward us. I felt an ominous aura gathering around him.
Reaching my father, Ma Jeongsu pulled something from his robe—a small, finger-sized medicine bottle.
"Drink this, and you'll feel better," he said.
My father looked flustered.
No, actually, I was the one who was more flustered. Did he really intend to drink this without knowing what it was?
But it was difficult to refuse such a gesture of goodwill.
As my father hesitated, I clearly saw the malice lurking in Ma Jeongsu's smiling eyes—a malice so subtle that most people would never notice it.
Having experienced all kinds of villains, I could tell.
The emotion behind his smile was a chilling coldness.
Ma Jeongsu exclaimed in feigned surprise, "Oh dear! I've made a terrible mistake. In my haste, I grabbed the wrong medicine. This is a potent poison. If you had taken it, you would have suffered a terrible fate, as I didn't bring the antidote."
The atmosphere grew heavier, and my father's expression darkened.
Ma Jeongsu continued with feigned admiration, "As expected of the Sect Leader of the once-renowned Byeok Clan Sword School. To survive long in the Martial Arts World, one must always be cautious and vigilant. I've learned a great deal today."
His tone was so excessively polite that it was difficult to discern whether this was a genuine mistake or a veiled threat.
This was a blatant threat: Cross me, and I'll poison you.
But his intimidation didn't stop there.
He glanced at me. "Your son? Tall and handsome. Ha ha ha."
Father's expression hardened further, his form trembling visibly. After all the talk of deadly poison, the reason for singling me out was obvious. Cross me, and I'll kill your family too.
Song Ugyeong, standing beside me, quickly changed the subject.
"So, where are you planning to build your martial arts school?"
He had judged that if Father lost his temper and lashed out, we would be at a clear disadvantage.
Ma Jeongsu bowed deeply to Father, offering a formal apology.
"I sincerely apologize again for my earlier mistake."
Then, returning to his original position, he continued.
"We plan to build the martial arts school on the outskirts of Jinan. We'll start with a modest scale and gradually expand it..."
He began to elaborate on the details of the martial arts school.
Song Ugyeong reached under the table to squeeze his father's hand once, a silent acknowledgment of his restraint.
His father emptied his wine cup without a word.
I understood. This bastard was using my father as a warning to intimidate everyone present, and he was doing it in the most despicable and vile way. No matter what answer my father gave, the outcome would have been the same. He had come here with the intention of sacrificing my father to seize control of the atmosphere.
My expression remained impassive, but my heart turned as cold as ice.
This son of a bitch dares to touch my father? And drag me into it too?