Chapter 84: Two Dragons and One Tiger (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 84: Two Dragons and One Tiger (2)
Namgung Jin asked with polite caution. At his words, Cheol So-yeon’s expression soured.
“This is Cheol So-yeon. She joined us by chance and is a young lady traveling the Jianghu for the first time,” Hyeok-jin interjected just in time. As the attention shifted back to him, he continued, “I am a mere nobody who lived in the mountains of Sichuan until I happened to cross paths with Brother Seok Myeong.”
Namgung Jin’s eyes widened. “Aha! Then are you the one rumored to be the disciple of the Flash Divine Sword, Baek Yang-cheon?”
“Pardon? How did you know…?”
“I’ve heard the tales. Rumors are spreading that a disciple of the Flash Divine Sword is roaming the Jianghu alongside a Taoist from the Qingcheng Sect.”
Hyeok-jin flushed at those words and lowered his head. It was embarrassing, yet he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy knowing that the prestigious Namgung Family had heard of him.
However, Cheol So-yeon, standing beside him, offered neither a greeting nor a friendly look. Instead, she radiated a faint sense of hostility.
It was just as the brief introductions were concluding.
“I recognize two of you, but the others are new faces.”
Another young man appeared, interjecting himself into the group. His voice was laced with an imposing, unbridled confidence.
Seok Myeong turned his head to see a young man and a girl who looked barely out of childhood approaching. It was Peng Seo-ju and Peng Seol-yeon.
Hyeok Ryeon-mo’s face contorted further at the sight. He had thought he’d approached secretly and swiftly, but now, not only the Namgung Family and the Qingcheng Sect but even the Peng Family had joined the fray. It was bad enough that his competitors were increasing, but it was even worse when they were from families that wielded more power than his own.
“We were just exchanging a few words. This gentleman here is a Taoist from the Qingcheng Sect,” Namgung Jin explained.
At that, a sharp gaze landed on Seok Myeong.
“A pleasure. I am Peng Seo-ju.”
He showed no hesitation in speaking informally despite it being their first meeting. It didn't come across as mere arrogance; rather, it seemed natural and boisterous. He was likely the type to treat everyone exactly the same way.
“I am Seok Myeong, a first-generation disciple of the Qingcheng Sect. I seem to be meeting many illustrious individuals today.”
“Seok Myeong? The one who supposedly took down Cheol Gun?”
“…!”
Cheol So-yeon’s face twisted in anger, and she moved to speak, but Hyeok-jin quickly grabbed her arm. They had managed to brush it off once, but speaking up a second time would only invite unnecessary misunderstanding.
“Well, I did hear that Cheol Gun fellow was obsessed with women. I suppose the rumors were true,” Peng Seo-ju remarked.
Cheol So-yeon’s face turned beet red as she glared at him with fury.
Whether he was incredibly bold or simply thick-skinned, Peng Seo-ju paid her no mind and turned around. After walking a few paces, he tossed a final remark over his shoulder to the group.
“Just so you know, the prize belongs to whoever finds it first. Don’t go jumping into my fight and making me worry about where my blade might land. Just stay out of the way.”
It was a warning. He was stating that if anyone interfered while he was taking down the Giant Demon, he wouldn't care if they were caught in his crossfire.
“Then I’ll just have to find it and finish it before you do,” Hyeok Ryeon-mo countered.
Peng Seo-ju nodded. “True enough. But do you think it’ll be that easy?”
“Of course. Few people know the terrain around here as well as I do.”
Sparks flew as the two locked eyes. Peng Seo-ju was one of the Five Dragons, but Hyeok Ryeon-mo was no slouch either. He was the one who had eliminated an old master of the Unorthodox Faction, one of the Three Evils. Public opinion suggested that if the Hyeokryeon Family were one of the Five Great Families, he might have been named one of the Five Dragons himself.
“Interesting.”
Peng Seo-ju walked away, his expression hovering somewhere between a smirk and a genuine smile.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Brother.”
Peng Seol-yeon, who had remained quiet due to the heavy atmosphere, finally snapped out of it and followed him. Just like that, they vanished.
Hyeok Ryeon-mo disappeared shortly after, leaving only Seok Myeong’s group and Namgung Jin behind.
“What was that all about?”
“They just come and go as they please. What a bunch of people…”
“Don’t let it bother you.”
While Cheol So-yeon and Hyeok-jin grumbled, Seok Myeong simply offered a calm smile.
“It’s not just about the credit for catching the Giant Demon. Today, we’ve made ourselves known to the scions of renowned families. That alone is a significant harvest.”
“Well, I suppose that’s true.”
Hyeok-jin nodded. In the past, these were masters and high-born nobles he would have trembled just to look at from afar. But now, he could stand proudly before them and announce his name. It was a profound realization.
“And Hyeok-jin, it seems your name has become quite well-known. Your master would be pleased, even in the afterlife.”
“Ugh…”
Hyeok-jin inhaled sharply, his face flushing. He struggled to hold back the tears that threatened to well up.
“…Must be nice. Must be real nice, being a ‘somebody’ now.”
“You!”
Hyeok-jin snapped at Cheol So-yeon’s sarcasm.
“Haha…”
Seok Myeong gave a bitter smile and led the way forward. Staying here would only lead to a prolonged argument.
Swoosh. Rustle.
Meanwhile, two elderly men were watching them from the shadows.
One was Namgung Ju, who had come as a guardian, and the other was an old man carrying a massive saber that seemed ill-suited for his age.
This was Peng Ri-gon.
He was an incredibly famous figure within the Peng Family—the old master known as the “Water Gate Carving Blade,” a name every saber-wielder was bound to know. It was said that once he targeted his prey, his blade work was more lethal than a viper, severing the opponent’s neck in an instant.
“I am quite curious to see who will claim the prize,” Namgung Ju remarked.
The reason he had stayed back even after arriving was because of Peng Ri-gon. He had instinctively sensed the other man’s presence and had circled back to greet him while the youths were talking. Peng Ri-gon had also stayed back, feeling it would look ridiculous for him to interfere in the children’s posturing, so the two had naturally ended up together.
“Well, regardless of who catches it, that sight is quite pleasant to behold.”
Peng Ri-gon spoke informally to Namgung Ju. He was older and held higher seniority as an elder.
“The boy from the Hyeokryeon Family might catch it. Their retainers are in this area. Since he knows the geography, he might be the first to encounter it.”
“What does it matter? The Qingcheng Taoist, who has been so famous lately, has also appeared. It promises to be a very interesting contest.”
Namgung Ju stole a glance at him, trying to gauge if he was being sincere. However, he saw no hidden agenda in the old man’s eyes. Instead, Peng Ri-gon was smiling as if he were genuinely enjoying the situation.
“These are the children who will carry the Jianghu on their shoulders. Only through competition can they achieve greater growth. You can set aside your needless suspicions.”
“My apologies.”
Realizing his mistake, Namgung Ju apologized immediately. Peng Ri-gon shook his head.
“No need. I understand. I suppose my personality is just a bit too soft.”
He pointed toward a certain direction.
“It looks like the Hyeokryeon Family and our side are moving first. Let’s follow them.”
As soon as he spoke, the two elders flew swiftly into the forest.
*
A small hut had been built below a clearing.
It seemed to have been made originally to avoid the rain, but it wasn't a temporary structure; the roof had been reinforced with care, suggesting it was meant for repeated use. It wasn't uncommon to find such resting spots in flat areas like this, even if it wasn't deep in the mountains. Woodcutters or herb gatherers who frequented the area often claimed and maintained good spots for resting or sleeping.
“Lately, whenever the gossips talk about the Jianghu, Taoist Seok Myeong is at the center of it. I was deeply impressed hearing about how you recently wiped out the Black Snake Union.”
Namgung Jin began showering him with praise as soon as they sat down. His easygoing smile created a comfortable atmosphere, making it feel as though they weren't meeting for the first time.
“I didn't do it alone. It was thanks to the help of the Azure Lake Gate and my Martial Uncle. These two beside me helped as well.”
“Even so, it is a remarkable feat. Because of rumors that the Black Snake Union was working with the authorities, neither the Beggar Sect nor the Orthodox factions were able to touch them.”
The authorities and the Unorthodox Faction working together?
It was a strange notion. Why would the government feel the need to join hands with a mere band of brigands?
Namgung Jin naturally provided the answer to that doubt.
“They likely have some leverage over the officials.”
“Is such a thing possible?”
To Hyeok-jin’s question, it was Cheol So-yeon, not Namgung Jin, who answered.
“It’s possible because the Samu Alliance is behind them.”
Namgung Jin’s gaze shifted to her. He had noticed she was pretty and unusual, but her eyes were also captivating, almost enchanting. He felt a brief flicker of personal interest.
“That’s correct. That is quite a significant piece of information. How did you know?”
“It’s just a guess. If the Black Snake Union were on their own, they would have collapsed long ago. The fact that they’re still holding on is what’s strange.”
“Ah… I see.”
At her words, Seok Myeong glanced at Namgung Jin and nodded. Thinking back, the information he had received wasn't exactly common knowledge—like the rumor that the Union Leader was away.
“Therefore, I believe you should be more cautious, Taoist Seok Myeong. If the Samu Alliance really is behind them, they won't stay quiet after losing the Black Snake Union. Of course, if you already have a plan, then this is just meddling on my part…”
Namgung Jin watched Seok Myeong closely. He was testing the waters, trying to judge Seok Myeong’s character based on his next move.
“Well, I’m sure it’ll all work out.”
Seok Myeong simply scratched his head while looking back at Namgung Jin.
‘Oh?’
Though his expression didn't change, Namgung Jin’s expectations plummeted. Having heard the rumors, he had wondered why Seok Myeong had done what he did and if there was something he didn't know. That was why he had stayed by Seok Myeong’s side to ask, even when time was of the essence to hunt the Giant Demon.
‘The rumors were greatly exaggerated.’
Judging by his insight alone, Seok Myeong was exactly what he claimed to be—a novice just starting out in the Jianghu.