The Young Master's Pride
Namgung Cheon-hwi looked slightly flustered by Jongli Hyeok’s words, but he quickly straightened his posture and replied with polite respect.
“It has been a while, Young Master Jongli.”
Their gazes met in midair.
On the surface, it was a perfectly courteous exchange, yet an invisible tension crackled between them like sharpened blades.
Yeongho Jun, sensing the chill in the air, laughed brightly and stepped in.
“Ah, so Young Master Jongli came out to browse the market as well. What a coincidence—we were just enjoying the sights ourselves. There are quite a few interesting things to see here, aren’t there?”
“So it seems. You’ve always enjoyed noisy, chaotic atmospheres like this, haven’t you, Young Master Yeongho?”
Gu Ja-yun let out a dry chuckle at Jongli Hyeok’s remark. It sounded like a compliment, but depending on how one heard it, it carried a clear undertone of condescension.
Caught off guard by the sudden encounter, Seomun Hwan leaned toward Gu Ja-yun and whispered.
“Who’s that weirdo?”
It was a rather harsh assessment of someone he was meeting for the first time, but Gu Ja-yun simply gave a bitter smile and nodded in agreement.
“You’re not wrong. He’s the kind of idiot who thinks he’s the greatest under heaven.”
The Jongnam Sect ranked just below Shaolin and Wudang among the Nine Sects and One Gang, yet it was powerful enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mount Hua. Lately, thanks to its aggressive expansion, its influence had been growing rapidly.
As the sect grew stronger, the confidence and pride of its disciples had soared without limit.
“Especially Jongli Hyeok. He’s been openly bragging for years that he’s the greatest rising star, the one who will surpass Namgung Cheon-hwi.”
“Oh-ho!”
Namgung Cheon-hwi could be a bit rigid, but even Seomun Hwan had to acknowledge his talent. It was no exaggeration to call him the greatest rising genius of the Central Plains. But Jongli Hyeok…
Just… meh?
Curious now, he asked.
“Did he take the Dragon-Phoenix Meet exam too?”
“From what I know, he took it three years ago. Same year as Young Master Namgung Cheon-hwi.”
“And?”
“He failed spectacularly, apparently.”
As expected, Seomun Hwan’s assessment had been spot on.
The moment Jongli Hyeok finished his brief exchange with Namgung Cheon-hwi, his gaze subtly shifted sideways. His eyes softened as they landed on the elegant, refined woman standing beside Seomun Hwan.
“By the way…”
Jongli Hyeok tilted his head slightly.
“It’s been quite some time, Lady Dang.”
Dang Mi-ju met his gaze without flinching and gave a calm nod.
“Indeed, Young Master Jongli. It has been a while.”
Her response was completely indifferent, carrying not the slightest trace of personal interest. Anyone who knew Dang Mi-ju even a little would immediately realize she felt nothing toward him.
But Jongli Hyeok paid no mind. Instead, he took a bold step forward, ignoring the stares of those around him as he kept his eyes fixed on her.
“I never imagined I would run into you in the middle of a marketplace like this. It must be fate.”
The remark was far too forward. When Dang Mi-ju smiled awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable, Gu Ja-yun could no longer stay silent.
“This is a market, you know. Coming all the way here just to greet someone—how very diligent of you, Young Master Jongli.”
There was a light sneer in her voice.
Jongli Hyeok flinched for a moment, but quickly recovered with a relaxed smile.
“Haha! Well, I suppose I am more diligent than the Beggars’ Sect.”
It was a clear jab at Gu Ja-yun, the beggar.
Just as the furious Gu Ja-yun was about to snap back, Namgung Cheon-hwi spoke up with a gentle smile.
“Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t Young Master Jongli and the rest of you join us in exploring the market? There are many interesting goods, and it would make for a pleasant change of pace.”
His smooth tone was enough to thaw the frozen atmosphere.
Jongli Hyeok answered as if he had been waiting for exactly that.
“Indeed. The more the merrier.”
And so the two groups slowly began moving through the market together. Their footsteps carried a strange mix of tension and curiosity.
Seomun Hwan trailed behind with an indifferent expression. Jegal So-dam approached and whispered in his ear.
“Who are those people? The atmosphere feels so heavy… It seems like an incredible gathering of important figures.”
Seomun Hwan gave a small snort and replied quietly.
“Who knows. Just the usual ego clash you see everywhere among greenhorns.”
After walking for some time, Jongli Hyeok spoke again.
“By the way… I assume you all passed the Strange Gate Array without issue?”
A cunning sharpness hid beneath his seemingly casual words.
Namgung Cheon-hwi simply smiled in silence, while Gu Ja-yun answered sharply.
“Of course. You can’t be recognized as a member of the Dragon-Phoenix Meet if you don’t pass the gates.”
Jongli Hyeok’s expression wavered subtly.
He slowly scanned the faces of Seomun Hwan’s group. His gaze briefly met Seomun Hwan’s indifferent eyes.
Looking puzzled, Jongli Hyeok asked.
“I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. If it’s not too rude, may I ask your name?”
“Nice to meet you. I am Seomun Hwan.”
“Seomun Hwan…? Pardon me, but are you from one of the Nine Sects?”
“No. I come from the Seomun Clan.”
“The Seomun Clan, you say?”
Jongli Hyeok’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Seomun Clan… Hmm, I’ve heard the name once or twice. One of the southern merchant guilds, wasn’t it?”
Though his words were polite, the thinly veiled mockery at the end revealed his true feelings.
“I was under the impression they were more skilled in commerce than martial arts. For you to be here, I suppose you must have some talent in martial arts as well?”
On the surface, it sounded like a question. In truth, it was a blatant challenge—asking whether someone from a mere merchant clan like the Seomun family had any right to stand among the elites of the Dragon-Phoenix Meet.
The group fell silent for a moment.
Seomun Hwan, completely unfazed by the undercurrent, answered calmly.
“My skills may be lacking, but it is true that I passed the Dragon-Phoenix Meet’s gates.”
“Hoho, is that so? It seems the standards have been greatly relaxed these days. Or perhaps… there were examiners who were particularly lenient.”
Gu Ja-yun flinched at the remark. She looked ready to argue that he was talking nonsense, but Seomun Hwan quietly shook his head.
When Seomun Hwan remained composed, Jongli Hyeok’s expression grew even more provocative.
“In any case, it’s a pleasure. To be honest, I’ve used Seomun Clan silk a few times myself. The quality was excellent. It made for very comfortable everyday robes and outer garments.”
In other words, Seomun Hwan was nothing more than the son of a cloth merchant. The clear intent behind every word caused several members of the group to glare coldly.
Yet Seomun Hwan himself remained perfectly calm.
“I’m glad to hear that Young Master Jongli has been a loyal customer of our family’s silk. If you ever need more in the future, please be sure to contact us. When you place your order, just say the words ‘the knees are quite worn out,’ and we’ll understand immediately.”
Jongli Hyeok’s face stiffened instantly.
It was too soft and polite to call an outright insult, yet the counterattack hidden within it cut surprisingly deep. He was implying that Jongli Hyeok had fallen to his knees at the Dragon-Phoenix Meet’s gates.
“Pfft!”
Gu Ja-yun burst into quiet laughter, and though Jegal So-dam didn’t fully understand the jab, she nodded with a refreshed expression.
Jongli Hyeok pressed his lips together for a moment before forcing a smile.
“You have quite the wit, Young Master Seomun.”
“You flatter me.”
“…I hope your martial skills are as impressive as your tongue.”
“But of course. After all, I am a member of the Dragon-Phoenix Meet—the very symbol of the greatest rising stars. Hehe!”
“Ugh!”
Unable to find a comeback, Jongli Hyeok flushed red and turned away.
What a child. Did he really think I’d fall for such cheap tricks?
Jongli Hyeok’s intentions had been crystal clear. He was trying to provoke Seomun Hwan into a fight so he could gain the upper hand.
Having seen through the scheme, Jegal So-dam whispered from behind.
“Why go through all that trouble? He could have just asked for a spar.”
Seomun Hwan chuckled.
“Cowards always look for justification. That way, even if they lose, they have an excuse.”
At that moment, one of the people Jongli Hyeok had brought with him stepped forward.
He was a tall, broad-shouldered man whose face radiated determination and confidence.
“It is an honor to meet the members of the Dragon-Phoenix Meet. I am Geum Tae-myeong of the Mount Tai Sect.”
Several people’s expressions changed at the name.
The Mount Tai Sect was one of the Nine Sects and One Gang, just like the Jongnam Sect. It was especially renowned for its powerful external martial arts and stood as one of the most prestigious orthodox clans.
Geum Tae-myeong was currently the most famous rising star of that very sect. Known as the undefeated sparring fanatic, he had never lost—not to peers, nor even to those a generation above him.
Yet even he had failed to pass the third gate of the Strange Gate Array.
Namgung Cheon-hwi responded with due respect.
“Yes, I have long heard of Young Master Geum’s reputation. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Geum Tae-myeong gave a slight bow and a light smile, but his eyes quickly regained their resolute gleam.
“Meeting not only Young Master Namgung but so many other distinguished talents is truly a fine connection. However, as someone who failed to pass the Strange Gate Array, I cannot hide my deep regret.”
A subtle note of dissatisfaction colored his words.
Namgung Cheon-hwi remained silent for a moment before replying gently.
“They say that luck sometimes plays a role in passing the Dragon-Phoenix Meet’s gates. I’m sure you will achieve better results next time, Young Master Geum.”
Geum Tae-myeong shook his head.
“I believe the gates are nothing more than a formality. How can a mere contraption truly measure the strength of a true martial artist?”
The provocative tone caused the entire group to freeze.
“A martial artist’s true ability can only be revealed on the sparring ground. Rather than relying on a name earned through the Strange Gate Array, why don’t we determine the real strong ones through actual skill?”
The atmosphere grew icy in an instant. It was an unmistakable challenge. Several people struggled to hide their discomfort.
Namgung Cheon-hwi spoke cautiously.
“A spar is not something to be decided lightly.”
Yet Geum Tae-myeong refused to back down even an inch.
“I speak with the name of the prestigious Mount Tai Sect behind me. If you refuse, I can only take it as an insult to us.”
It was unreasonable. But his attitude was so forceful that it was difficult to reject him outright.
Jongli Hyeok stepped forward with a faint smile.
“Young Master Geum makes a fair point. A spar is the true way for martial artists to stake their pride. If everything were decided by something as trivial as the Strange Gate Array test, wouldn’t that be terribly disappointing?”
Seomun Hwan watched the entire situation unfold from behind, thinking quietly.
As expected. He’s not stepping forward himself—he’s moving others instead.
Jongli Hyeok had deliberately put Geum Tae-myeong forward. Rather than provoking Seomun Hwan directly and risking another humiliation, he had used someone else’s mouth to naturally create a sparring opportunity. It was a cunning scheme. No matter who won or lost, the Dragon-Phoenix Meet’s reputation would take a hit, and he himself wouldn’t have to lift a finger.
It was a sly tactic, yet there was no easy way to refuse.
Geum Tae-myeong’s eyes shone even brighter.
“What will you do?”
Gu Ja-yun stepped forward with a slightly stiff expression.
“Young Master Geum, this is hardly the time to discuss a spar. We still have many events left in the Dragon-Phoenix Meet. Please consider this more carefully.”
Geum Tae-myeong waved his hand roughly.
“I had high expectations for the young heroes of the Dragon-Phoenix Meet, but is this all the courage you possess?”
The group’s mood grew even colder. This was no longer a personal matter—it had become an issue of the entire Dragon-Phoenix Meet’s pride.
At that moment, Namgung Cheon-hwi, who had been silent, let out a soft sigh and stepped forward.
“Very well. If that is what you wish, I will face you.”
Gu Ja-yun looked startled.
“Young Master Namgung? Are you serious? This is… clearly an obvious trap. There’s no need for you to accept.”
Namgung Cheon-hwi nodded as if to say not to worry.
“If I avoid it now, the rumors will only grow worse. They’ll say the Dragon-Phoenix Meet backed down, or that we’re only good on paper.”
The Dragon-Phoenix Meet was a long-standing tradition of the martial world and an essential gathering for the harmony of the new generation. He could not allow Jongli Hyeok to tarnish its reputation.
“It seems this is unavoidable. In that case, wouldn’t it be better to finish it quickly and continue our journey?”
“That may be true, but…”
Seomun Hwan nodded at Namgung Cheon-hwi’s decision.
I thought he was just a scholarly type, but he’s surprisingly resolute.
It was exactly as Namgung Cheon-hwi had said. Since Jongli Hyeok had prepared so thoroughly, avoiding the fight would only make them look worse. In situations like this, facing it head-on was the best option.
Jongli Hyeok clapped his hands.
“Excellent! Since we’re doing this, there’s no need to waste time. I know a good spot. Follow me.”
As expected, he had already scouted out a sparring location in advance.
The group followed Jongli Hyeok to a spacious clearing nearby. Market-goers, sensing an interesting spectacle, began gathering one by one.
A fight between martial artists always drew a crowd.
Geum Tae-myeong loosened up by swinging his sword through the air a few times.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The sword wind kicked up dust from the ground. It was no mere show of force—the strikes carried real weight and power.
Namgung Cheon-hwi had yet to draw his sword. He simply stood with his hands behind his back, observing Geum Tae-myeong.
There was neither fear nor tension in his eyes—only a quiet, contemplative gaze, as if he were trying to fully understand his opponent.
Just as Geum Tae-myeong was confident in his own strength, Namgung Cheon-hwi was confident in his.
“Then…”
The moment Namgung Cheon-hwi reached for his sword, someone stepped in front of him.
A man even more imposing than Geum Tae-myeong, with a massive frame.
It was Moyong Gwang, who had become the second most prominent figure after Seomun Hwan.
“I will go first.”