Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Murim Alliance, Founding (6)
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The day of the founding ceremony, Wulin was in an uproar. It wasn't just around the Murim Alliance.
The entire massive city was gripped by a fervor that bordered on madness.
The Dragon-Phoenix Squad's founding wasn't merely about a new unit being formed.
"An unprecedented event. All the Dragon-Phoenix of this generation have joined the Murim Alliance."
"Everyone except the Immortal Dragon."
"Well, we all believe the Immortal Dragon will join once the war begins. But look over there—those are the previous generation's masters."
The streets were filled not only with the warriors of the current era but also with retired experts who had secluded themselves.
No one dared raise their voice rashly as they passed. It was only natural. The previous generation's masters of the current martial world were the heroes who had stood at the forefront, slaughtering demons during the Blood Heaven Cult's uprising.
Their demeanors were gravely serious. On this day, as the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult—which had been silent for nearly a century—emerged, and a declaration of war was issued against it, these former masters were filled with the desire to gauge the current state of the righteous martial world they had protected.
"It's quite intimidating."
"But no need for worry. The Dragon-Phoenix of this generation are nothing like those of other eras."
The Sword Dragon Namgung Jincheon, master of the Emperor Star; the Poison Phoenix Dang Hwa-seo, invulnerable to all poisons; the Fist Dragon Il-un, Shaolin's once-in-a-century prodigy; the White Phoenix Hyeun, hailed as the greatest heroine of the age; and the Strange Dragon Jegal San, son of the Blade King.
It was already a lineup of unparalleled splendor, yet one name stood above them all.
"Of course, there's that man who might even be argued as the greatest of past and present."
The Silent Dragon, Mok Ri-won.
Even without any flashy modifiers, those who had witnessed the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament finals that day all said the same.
He might become the warrior who claims the title of greatest of past and present in the future.
"I'm glad this founding ceremony is a public event. Finally, I get to see that Silent Dragon."
"Ah, right, you didn't watch the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament."
The man who had predicted the Silent Dragon's victory at the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament chuckled and said to his friend.
"You can look forward to it. His martial arts are one thing, but the Silent Dragon is a handsome man who makes even other men's eyes light up."
"Hmph, what impression could a handsome man make on another man?"
"You'll see when you meet him."
Somewhere in the bustling streets.
Such conversations were exchanged everywhere, once again.
*
Meanwhile, at the Dragon-Phoenix Squad's quarters.
Mok Ri-won donned the provided squad uniform and exclaimed to Dang Hwa-seo in excitement.
"Little Sister! Look at this! The martial robe has gold thread! Real gold! Not gold thread—actual gold!"
"Yes, it's the squad uniform sponsored by the Yunseong Escort Agency that came with us to Wulin the other day."
"Ooh…!"
Mok Ri-won's eyes sparkled as he continuously stroked his uniform. It was a white robe embroidered with gold, perfectly blending neatness and splendor.
It was stylish, but for Mok Ri-won, it was more than that. Unlike his usual gray martial robe, the fabric was superior in quality and breathability, naturally lifting his spirits.
Dang Hwa-seo chuckled at the sight and straightened his attire.
"Since it's white, don't romp around too much or it'll get dirty. It's not something you'd wear except for public events, so be careful."
"Got it! By the way, Little Sister, the uniform suits you so well!"
Mok Ri-won beamed brightly. Dang Hwa-seo, who always wore red or black, looked novel in white for the first time.
"Little Sister looks great in white too! Probably because of your fair skin."
At those words, Dang Hwa-seo's face flushed red—redder than even Mok Ri-won, who had complimented her skin, could feel embarrassed.
"W-what are you saying… Enough nonsense and go fetch that Jegal fellow! We can't be late today!"
"Got it!"
Mok Ri-won bounced out of the squad leader's room toward the lodgings.
Only then could Dang Hwa-seo calm her pounding heart.
'I can't let my guard down!'
She wished he had some awareness of how much his oblivious advances made her heart race. But that thought quickly faded, because deep down, she hoped he remained unaware of his own charms.
It was a truly subtle, fickle heart, so Dang Hwa-seo pressed her palms firmly against her cheeks, scolding herself.
'Get it together. This isn't just any occasion.'
Hoo!
Dang Hwa-seo took a deep breath and composed her expression.
It was an important position, and with so many distinguished guests at today's event, she couldn't afford to appear sloppy.
'First face-to-face with the Alliance Leader, too.'
Today, there was a meal with the Murim Alliance Leader, whom she hadn't greeted due to clashing schedules. Dang Hwa-seo exhaled sharply, calming her heartbeat completely, and stepped out of the squad leader's room.
Standing there was Il-un.
"Ah, heading out now?"
Il-un was also wearing the squad uniform instead of his monastic robes today. There was some anxiety about whether a monk should wear such a thing, but fortunately, Shaolin seemed flexible enough.
"Where's the Sword Dragon?"
"Outside, holding back Hyeun."
"…That woman is trying to wander off again?"
"Heh heh…."
A vein bulged on Dang Hwa-seo's forehead.
'I'll deal with her!'
The undisputed biggest troublemaker of the Dragon-Phoenix Squad.
Just thinking of Hyeun made Dang Hwa-seo's blood pressure soar, and she ground her teeth.
"…Let's go. I need to give her a piece of my mind."
Il-un clamped his mouth shut and stepped back.
He knew by now. When Dang Hwa-seo got serious about lecturing, it lasted at least an hour.
'Hm, about two hours until the founding ceremony.'
He should slip away somewhere for a bit.
*
Dang Hwa-seo's lecture ended precisely one and a half hours later.
The other squad members, terrified by her tirade, tried to sneak away, but Dang Hwa-seo wouldn't allow it. She turned the arrows on them, citing Hyeun: "You all mustn't be like her!"
What was the result? The squad members, drained by unwanted nagging, directed their resentment at Hyeun. She stuck out her tongue at their glares and sidled up to Dang Hwa-seo.
No matter what, only Dang Hwa-seo could shield her.
"You've arrived."
In the waiting room of the main hall for the founding ceremony, Strategist Jegal Mu-yeon greeted the squad members.
He smiled at the squad members in their finely tailored uniforms.
"You all look exceptionally outstanding."
"You're too kind."
"Kind? 'Outstanding' doesn't even begin to cover it."
As he spoke, Jegal Mu-yeon's gaze settled on Mok Ri-won.
He was a picturesque beauty better described as "beautiful" than merely "handsome." The confident smile on his face and the vibrant spark in his shining eyes drew admiration regardless of gender.
"…How is the event progressing?"
Dang Hwa-seo reacted to Jegal Mu-yeon's gaze. Only then did he let out an "ah" and continue.
"The formalities are underway for now. You have some time before your turn, so rest a bit."
"I'm hungry."
"Brother Mok, just hold on a little longer, and a feast will await. Did you hear? The one handling today's banquet food is said to be the imperial chef."
"Huh…!"
Mok Ri-won covered his mouth with his hand.
"S-someone like that…!"
"Looking forward to it. After all, a banquet offers delicious food, drink, and new encounters, doesn't it?"
For some reason, Jegal San's eyes gleamed slyly. Jegal Mu-yeon furrowed his brow at the sight.
"…Any behavior that tarnishes the Alliance's name will not be tolerated."
"No need to worry."
Jegal San laughed heartily.
Dang Hwa-seo quickly intervened in the cousins' renewed verbal sparring.
"I'll keep them in line. Shouldn't you head out now, Strategist?"
"…Please take care of them."
Jegal Mu-yeon said this and left the waiting room.
Dang Hwa-seo sighed deeply and surveyed the squad members.
'I did teach them the etiquette, but…'
She had taught them the rites, but they all seemed unreliable. Dang Hwa-seo prayed to the heavens. Please let them get through today unscathed.
*
The main hall was splendid. And grand.
Its grandeur proclaimed the significance of being the headquarters of the righteous martial world.
[Then, let us begin the founding ceremony.]
A deep, resonant voice filled the hall. The emcee was Gwon Pyo-wol.
He was the leader of the Murim Alliance's White Sword Unit, known throughout the Central Plains as the Golden Sword.
"Waaaaaaaaah!!"
The roaring cheers shook heaven and earth—or rather, the very space itself. Most here were renowned masters of the righteous martial world.
With their inner energy infused into the cheers, such momentum was inevitable.
Various formalities preceded the main event. Then came speeches from the invited previous-generation masters.
Finally, it was time for the stars of the show.
[…Thus, the Murim Alliance has felt the need for a new wind. To prevent a repeat of the bloodbath twenty years ago, this time we raise our swords first. Allow me to introduce those who will lead the vanguard!]
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Drums resounded, and the firmly shut doors at the center of the hall swung open. Six young men and women stepped out toward it.
All clad in white squad uniforms, their auras were anything but ordinary.
The hall erupted.
"The Sword Dragon! They said he might be lost in heart demons, but his aura has deepened!"
"The Poison Phoenix is at the front! She must be the squad leader!"
"Is the Fist Dragon the vice leader? Their positions suggest so!"
Commotion arose. Various speculations flew based on their auras and entry order. Naturally, the biggest stir centered on Mok Ri-won.
"That's the Silent Dragon!"
"Whoa…!"
"The 'Jade-Faced Sword' isn't just talk. And his skills are top-notch too?"
"His aura is razor-sharp. He looks innocent, but his sword intent isn't."
A mix of impressions surfaced.
Some focused on him as the new Dragon-Phoenix Tournament champion, others on his appearance, and some on his prowess.
Admiration, envy, and tension mingled, but the previous-generation masters reacted differently.
They gazed at Mok Ri-won with deeply satisfied smiles.
"I thought the righteous martial world would darken with the Sword Saint in seclusion."
"Seems it was just worry. The Central Plains is vast, after all. Every generation produces such unforeseen talents."
His smile evoked someone now hidden away.
The Sword Star Mok Seon-o. The brightest star twenty years ago during the bloodbath.
What an astonishing coincidence. Though they couldn't help but wonder if it truly was.
For right now, Mok Ri-won wore a smile eerily identical to Mok Seon-o's.
"Well, is it really coincidence?"
Amid it all, a refined old woman chuckled softly. The previous-generation master beside her tilted his head.
'Who is she?'
This was a special seat for invitees. She must be one of the women who fought alongside during that bloodbath, yet no such face came to mind.
What did it matter? It was the Killing Star Yeom So-so.
Today, too, she observed Mok Ri-won while suppressing her presence.
'When shall I find a moment to speak with him?'
She was biding her time.
A chance for a private word with Mok Ri-won.