Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: Dragon-Phoenix Assembly
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After the possessors departed, a subtle tension hung in the air among the successors of the Five Great Clans on the upper floor of the Jade Flower Tower.
"Are you all... joking right now?"
Namgung Hwi's voice, laced with anger, echoed through the room.
Yet despite his reaction, the other successors responded only tepidly.
In the end, Namgung Hwi could no longer hold back his fury and exploded.
"I've told you time and again that the Nine Great Righteous Sects are gaining momentum, so the Five Great Clans must unite!! Even if you won't help me reclaim Zhuge Sojeo, how can you mock me alongside them!? It's only been two days since we made our pact!!"
As Namgung Hwi's shout drew glances from the few remaining guests and attendants nearby, Tang Jin, the successor of the Tang Clan of Sichuan, let out a faint sigh and spoke up.
"Yes, we did agree to strengthen our cooperation and form a mutually supportive alliance against the Nine Great Righteous Sects."
"Exactly! Then why won't any of you support me...!"
"That doesn't mean you get to arbitrarily pick fights with members of the Nine Great Righteous Sects."
Tang Jin belatedly erected a barrier of qi to block out sounds and hardened his expression.
Once the barrier fully enveloped them, a chill crept into his already frosty tone.
"Listen, Brother Namgung. Now that we've formed an alliance, you should trust it and act with restraint, not recklessly—understanding others' positions and walking alongside them.
We're propping you up as the representative because your martial prowess is the greatest. Do we look like your subordinates? If you leap into a pit of fire, are we supposed to jump in after you to save you?
To put it bluntly, we don't share that level of loyalty. And I don't expect it from the others either.
So restrain yourself and avoid harming others. Your losses are our losses too."
With Tang Jin clearly laying out the other successors' positions and circumstances, the rest—who had been at a loss for words—began to speak up one by one.
"Namgung Hwi, what were you thinking, picking a fight with such an absurd excuse?
You make statements that would tarnish your own dignity the moment the other side responds rationally... It was truly pathetic."
"...I'll admit I slipped up there, but it was necessary to sway Zhuge Sojeo's heart. We can't let her—the one who could be our greatest asset—be taken by the Nine Great Righteous Sects."
"Do you think dragging her away by force will make Zhuge Sojeo want to join us? If anything, your rudeness will just make her angry."
"Exactly, Brother Namgung. No matter how much you persuade her, if she's unwilling, what can you do? Just give up and let's make the best of it among ourselves."
Despite the others' attempts to dissuade him, Namgung Hwi pondered briefly before shaking his head, refusing to yield.
It was the first time in his life.
A woman so beautiful, resilient, and alluring.
The World's Greatest Beauty.
And the Heavenly Martial Body.
She held two titles, each enough to dominate the entire martial world.
The most precious treasure of the righteous faction.
Only he—the future leader of the righteous faction's pinnacle, the Namgung Clan—was worthy of claiming that treasure.
Only he, who would one day bear the title of the world's greatest martial artist.
He couldn't allow some clueless Taoist to lay hands on her.
"At the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, I'll prove who is truly worthy. Then Zhuge Sojeo will have no choice but to change her mind."
Namgung Hwi's eyes burned with resolve.
The other successors sighed inwardly and gave up trying to convince him.
"Well, antagonizing young hero Baek Hyun doesn't seem like a wise choice."
Tang Jin continued to press Namgung Hwi, savoring the tea aroma from the cup on the table.
"What do you mean it's not wise? Do you seriously think I can't handle that braggart full of empty boasts without any real accomplishments?"
"Even as a Taoist, his silver tongue is no joke. Ahem, and his face has a way of stirring hearts, so we definitely need to watch out for that..."
"No, it's because Yunnam, home to the Starpoint Sect, is close to Sichuan. I've heard quite a few stories through various channels."
Tang Jin recalled the various rumors about Baek Hyun he'd heard so far.
Traversing all the peaks around Starpoint Mountain in a single incense stick's time.
Piercing a massive mountain clean through with a single sword.
Repelling raindrops with thrusts alone, without using sword qi.
There were plenty of outlandish rumors, but one in particular carried significant credibility.
Because its source was someone he trusted implicitly.
"According to an acquaintance of mine, young hero Baek Hyun is destined to become the world's greatest martial artist."
"Hah, anyone can say that. Without solid proof or accomplishments, such rumors are utterly worthless."
"Proof... proof, huh..."
Tang Jin stroked his chin, lost in thought.
The person who'd said it had cited some 'proof,' but he couldn't quite recall the name.
It was an utterly unfamiliar pronunciation, something he'd never heard in his life.
"P...PBU P...? Or something like that."
I have no idea what it means myself.
Tang Jin shrugged.
Meanwhile, Baek Hyun returned after enjoying a delicious bowl of noodle soup at the shop Sam-sun had recommended, only to face a truly shocking sight.
"...Elder, what in the world is this?"
Baek Hyun seriously wondered if he was seeing things at the scene before him.
A massive, luxurious building that put his previous lodging to shame.
Dozens of senior brothers bustled about inside, organizing furniture and belongings—a profoundly incongruous sight.
"Wh-what happened? Why has our lodging turned into such a lavish place overnight...?"
To Baek Hyun's bewildered question, Mok Seon replied nonchalantly.
"Made some money."
With that, Mok Seon strode toward the grand gate.
At that commanding figure, Baek Hyun unconsciously murmured,
"...Damn, that's some charisma."
No wonder he's the Pavilion Master of the Finance Pavilion.
Baek Hyun nodded.
-Come one, come all!! Grab a steamed bun and watch the matches!!
-Whoa! It's the Taiji Mysterious Sword! The Wudang Sect Leader himself!!
-The Zhuge Clan Patriarch is here too!! He so rarely shows himself in public!!
Before the dawn mist had fully cleared, the spectator stands surrounding the vast arena were already teeming with crowds.
Travelers from afar and wandering martial artists gathered to claim seats.
Some flashed badges around their necks to find their spots, while the early birds who had snagged front-row seats whispered excitedly among themselves, eyes gleaming.
Merchants had set up stalls in corners of the stands, hawking steamed buns, herbal porridge, and fragrant tea with loud calls.
Representatives from various sects and clans prepared for the fierce battles from the elevated platform behind the stands.
"Elder, can I go buy one steamed bun over there?"
"...It'll start soon, so stay in your seat quietly."
Of course, some were simply enjoying the feverish atmosphere without a care.
And just as emotions swirled like a storm,
-Dong... Dong...
A massive drum resounded from the pavilion to the north.
The entire spectator area fell into sudden silence.
Hands holding cups paused mid-air, and even chattering children held their breath.
As the majestic drumbeats echoed solemnly, a man with an overwhelming presence that seemed to crush the air around him stepped onto the platform.
Like a king revealing himself to his subjects, a middle-aged man exuding unmatched dignity and grandeur.
One of the Ten Great Masters of the World.
Azure Heaven Sword Emperor, Namgung Cheon.
"Greetings, heroes gathered from across the world. I am the Martial Alliance Leader, Namgung Cheon."
Though not spoken in a loud voice, his deep, resonant tone reached every ear with dignified clarity.
Patriarch of the world's foremost clan, one of the Ten Great Masters, and leader of the Martial Alliance.
All eyes instantly focused on him, the de facto head of the righteous faction.
"Today, we gather to find the brightest star among the rising stars who will lead the Martial Alliance into the future.
Those who show exceptional prowess here will be awarded the titles of 'Dragon' and 'Phoenix'! Followed by immense rewards and honors!!"
-Waaaaaaaaah!!!!
At those words confirming the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly's start, the pent-up excitement of the crowd erupted at once.
A roar that shook the earth.
Even the young martial artists preparing for battle caught the infectious thrill filling the air, grinning as their competitive spirits ignited.
"I also express gratitude to the Wudang Sect and Zhuge Clan for their splendid preparations for this Dragon-Phoenix Assembly.
Finally, a senior of the martial world has deigned to impart wisdom to us juniors. I hope all gathered here seize this opportunity."
With that, a figure in white emerged from behind Namgung Cheon.
An elderly man with flowing white hair, so frail that even walking seemed arduous, radiating boundless benevolence and harmlessness.
Yet at his appearance, even the seated elders of sects and clans rose in unison to pay respects.
The former guardian of the martial world, who had clashed with the Heavenly Demon during the most horrific righteous-demonic war decades ago and brought about his downfall.
The elder of Kunlun, who had always stood at the forefront, protecting the Central Plains from otherworldly forces.
A living immortal whose spirit had transcended humanity after countless years.
Some say his history is the history of the martial world itself.
The Righteous Faction's Foremost.
Sword Immortal, Un Yu.
At the arrival of a figure even greater than the Martial Alliance Leader, everyone held their breath, watching the white-haired elder with eager anticipation.
"Heh, heh heh... It's been... so... long... since... I descended... from... my... mountain... to... see... people... I'm... de... lighted... *cough*, *cough*!."
"M-Master! You've spoken too much!! Please retire now!"
"No... worries... Continue... the speech..."
"………………"
And in the very next moment,
The expressions of all watching him soured.
"Heh heh... I... won't... last... long... anyway, so... I'll keep it... brief. To the juniors... gathered here... at the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly... the most... important thing... is not... victory or... defeat..."
……………
Un Yu's words cut off there.
A long, protracted silence followed.
Someone murmured softly,
"...Did he perhaps ascend to immortality?"
It was the thought on everyone's mind.
Dragon-Phoenix Assembly, begins.