Episode 126

Even in the dead of night, the lights of the Murim Alliance did not go out.

This was especially true for the Affairs Pavilion under the command of the strategist Heaven’s Secret Scholar, and the Guest Reception Hall where visitors were entertained.

It was all due to the events of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and Seven Stars Conference.

The residence of the Vice Alliance Leader, who was in charge of the actual command of the alliance, was also brightly lit.

The closed gate of the place opened slightly.

Creak—

The person who came out was a young woman.

She had long, creaseless eyes with tear moles under them. She looked a bit fierce, but perhaps due to her high status, it only added to her dignity.

She was none other than Namgung Yeo-sang, a swordswoman and direct descendant of the Namgung Noble Clan, granddaughter of Namgung Yu-baek.

Namgung Yeo-sang walked out towards the outer courtyard with cautious steps.

She felt her chest; the trembling in her hands had not yet ceased.

‘I’m always scared to meet Grandfather.’

Namgung Yu-baek, who had even relinquished his position as the Clan Head early to become the Vice Alliance Leader of the Murim Alliance, had summoned Namgung Yeo-sang, who had come to the Alliance with Namgung Shin.

She had heard a lot about his cold and ambitious stories.

Namgung Yeo-sang, walking under the wall, quickly turned around at the sensation of someone’s presence ahead.

It was not a situation good for anyone to see. Fortunately, the people passing by were not the successors of major sects but members of the patrol.

As she resumed walking, Namgung Yeo-sang recalled her grandfather’s words.

“This is the last opportunity for our clan. You must guide that child, Shin.”

Some said that the Emperor King Sword Namgung Yu-baek devoted himself to the Murim Alliance not just for the sake of the clan but for the whole of the orthodox Murim.

But his granddaughter, Namgung Yeo-sang, knew for sure.

“It is a crucial key secretly obtained for a hidden treasure map. Hand it over to Shin when the time comes.”

Namgung Yu-baek lived only for the Namgung clan.

He was not someone who was satisfied with the name of “the greatest clan in the world.” He was a man who wanted to make the Namgung clan “the greatest sect in the world.”

To the extent of secretly obtaining something called the key of the hidden treasure map and passing it to his granddaughter.

In her bosom was a box engraved with the “earth” character.

“It’s better to get your hands dirty with mud than with blood. Become stronger, Yeo-sang.”

He was a man who valued his clan more than the honor of being the Vice Alliance Leader.

Recalling this, Namgung Yeo-sang hurried her steps and safely exited to the outer courtyard.

The place she headed to was a small pavilion used as a guesthouse.

For the guests of the important event, the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, each of the major sects’ successors was provided a pavilion with a small training hall attached.

Despite the late hour, torches were lit in the training hall.

Rumble—

A low sound, like distant thunder, was heard.

Namgung Yeo-sang knew what that sound meant.

“Still unable to control your Sword Cry?”

In the middle of that training hall, under the moonlight, Namgung Shin was swinging his sword.

Namgung Shin greeted Namgung Yeo-sang with a formal bow.

“You have arrived, Sister Yeo-sang?”

It was an overly formal greeting for a sister. It seemed stiff, almost to the point of being awkward.

But there was a reason for that.

“You don’t have to greet me so formally every time.”

“How could I not?”

They were not blood siblings.

Even though they both bore the Namgung surname, direct and collateral lines were distinctly separate.

Unlike Namgung Yeo-sang, the daughter of the current Clan Head, Namgung Shin was a descendant of a collateral line. Specifically, they were sixth cousins.

His participation in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference as a representative of the collateral line of the Namgung clan was proof of his remarkable swordsmanship.

As Namgung Shin continued to be formal, Namgung Yeo-sang had no choice but to speak in a commanding tone, “This is the Murim Alliance, not our clan. The etiquette here varies depending on the situation.”

“…I was ignorant, not having learned properly.”

“…”

His words were certainly polite, but there was a prickly edge to them.

Namgung Yeo-sang deliberately ignored it.

Her gaze turned towards Namgung Shin’s hand. Drip, drip, blood was falling drop by drop from the hand holding the sword.

“You’re injured. How long have you been training?”

“It’s been about six hours.”

“Practicing the Boundless Blue Sky Sword Technique?”

“I circulated the Blue Lightning True Qi for about an hour.”

Usually, when a swordsman’s hand bled, it’s because the grip has burst.

However, such an occurrence was rare for a skilled martial artist.

Namgung Yeo-sang rolled up her brother’s sleeve.

She had noticed when his obsessively clean clothes were stained bright red.

The smell of blood was strong, revealing a wound on Namgung Shin’s right arm.

“The wound is severe.”

It was a unique injury. It was as if all the veins had burst, with blood streaming down his forearm.

“Don’t overdo it.”

“I’m fine.”

“…It’s not you I’m worried about. If you fail, you’ll bring shame to our clan.”

“…Yes.”

Namgung Yeo-sang, speaking coldly, took out medicine for wounds from her bosom.

Namgung Shin said it was unnecessary, but Yeo-sang, with a firm expression, grabbed his arm and applied the medicine.

Swish—

Whether it was due to the effectiveness of the medicine or something unique about Namgung Shin’s body, the bleeding quickly stopped.

Namgung Yeo-sang’s hand halted. Perhaps the medicine really wasn’t needed.

“I’ll tell a servant tomorrow to get you new clothes.”

“Thank you.”

Namgung Shin often needed new clothes because of his condition.

He was silent for a moment, then hesitantly began to speak, “…When you apply the wound medicine. The smell of blood doesn’t easily go away.”

“What?”

Looking up at the moon, not at Namgung Yeo-sang, Namgung Shin spoke, “Even after washing, the scent of blood hardly fades.”

People said that Namgung Shin has mysophobia.

They mockingly said he was so clean because he detested the filth of the world, always wiping and tidying his surroundings.

But Namgung Yeo-sang knew that wasn’t the truth.

“The smell of blood just doesn’t disappear…”

“You’ve never had such a smell on you.”

“….”

Its true nature was not mysophobia, but a compulsive obsession.

A delusion that he emitted the scent of blood from his body.

That’s why he always cleaned and replaced objects that have touched his skin.

“…Is that so?”

Namgung Shin laughed self-deprecatingly and bowed formally.

Namgung Yeo-sang did not stop him as he left.

In this Dragon-Phoenix Conference, Namgung Shin was bound to be drenched in blood.

The scent of blood he would carry was bound to become even stronger.

Namgung Yeo-sang neatly braided her hair.

She was not one to dress up extravagantly, but today was an exception. It was the day when the next-generation successors of both the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and Seven Stars Conference were gathering together.

The regular members of this term were seated at various tables, while the seniors who had participated in the previous Dragon-Phoenix Conference stood at the back.

“Young Lady.”

Someone spoke to Namgung Yeo-sang, who was standing quietly.

Turning her head, she saw it was Jeon Gi-so from Diancang, who had approached her.

“What is it?”

“Haha, it’s nothing serious. Just wanted to have a chat.”

Jeon Gi-so, with his greasy smile, had a particularly noticeable mole on his cheek.

Somehow, his attitude reminded her of Moyong Tak. Of course, his appearance was incomparable.

The competitors were not them but the next-generation successors of this term. Namgung Yeo-sang gave him a smile.

“Haha, indeed.”

Jeon Gi-so’s mouth opened wide in surprise and then closed.

“What do you think about the opinion of Mount Hua’s Divine Sword?”

“Opinion?”

“Yes. About saving the three duel rights, especially for the martial arts competition.”

Duel rights was a new competitive method introduced this time.

In this Dragon-Phoenix Conference, with the absence of the Wudang and Kunlun Sects, there were a total of eight disciples. All seven successors of the Seven Stars Conference were participating.

A total of 15 successors started within the 30-person quota of the Five Elements Tomb.

The plan was to bring in another 15 successors from external white blade groups to compete.

According to the rules, it’s possible for some from the Dragon-Phoenix and Seven Stars Conferences to be pushed out of the 30-person quota. However, realistically, that’s unlikely to happen.

“It is, of course, important to increase one’s rank by using duel rights liberally. However…”

Securing a spot within the 30 able to explore the Five Elements Tomb was essential. Yet, it’s also important to achieve a higher rank within that group.

The purpose of the duel rights was to elevate one’s ranking.

Simply put, it involved picking an opponent from among the 30 and competing against them.

“If you get injured in the martial arts competition and can’t enter the Five Elements Tomb, it would be a significant loss.”

“I agree.”

As Namgung Yeo-sang nodded, Jeon Gi-so smiled contentedly.

It was, in fact, a rather obvious deduction.

Mount Hua’s Divine Sword Hwa Mu-cheon, the champion of the previous Dragon-Phoenix Conference, continued the explanation, “Let me emphasize once again. There’s a reason we call it ‘duel rights’ and not ‘challenge rights.’ Any method is acceptable as long as it’s under the supervision of us or a recognized referee.”

Being the top swordmaster who held the position of leader of the Plum Blossom’s 24 Masters, there was a sense of ease in the Divine Sword of Mount Hua’s demeanor.

“Martial arts duels are allowed, as well as light footwork competitions and internal strength battles. As long as the person chosen with the duel rights agrees. Any questions?”

“Perhaps…”

The one who raised his hand was Jegal Seon from the Jegal clan.

“I’m Jegal Seon. I have a question for Senior Mount Hua’s Divine Sword.”

“Don’t stand on ceremony, just speak freely.”

“Yes! You gave some examples. Can we request a duel right for something not related to martial arts?”

“Like what?”

“Well, to give an extreme example, composing poetry or solving battle formations.”

“Hahaha, as long as the opponent agrees. Even a match of insect fist is possible.”

Insect fist, in simple terms, was like rock-paper-scissors.

Jegal Seon bowed formally, satisfied with the response.

Indeed, it was a question befitting the Jegal clan, known more for their strategy than martial arts. Ironically, they themselves despised being looked down upon for their martial arts.

Namgung Yeo-sang shifted her gaze, looking around at the successors.

Her eyes stopped at one point.

Jeon Gi-so, noticing Namgung Yeo-sang’s gaze, added a comment.

“Isn’t this interesting? I never expected we’d sit like this.”

“Our Seven Stars Conference and Dragon-Phoenix Conference aren’t exactly on friendly terms.”

Several tables had been prepared for today’s luncheon.

Naturally, one side was for the successors of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and the opposite for those of the Seven Stars Conference. They were expected to exchange wary glances.

However, that wasn’t the case.

“The table with Henan’s Sage is serving as a bridge between Dragon-Phoenix and Seven Stars Conferences.”

It was as Jeon Gi-so said.

The table where Yi-gang was seated.

To his left sat the third-generation disciples from the Azure Forest, and to his right were Baek Ha-jun, Peng Mu-ah, and Moyong Jin.

In other words, both the Dragon-Phoenix and Seven Stars Conferences were seated together, thanks to Yi-gang’s unique status.

Yi-gang glanced at Moyong Jin and then spoke, “Planning to use it right away?”

“Excuse me?”

“Your duel rights. You’re going to request a duel, aren’t you?”

“…”

Moyong Jin continued to glare at Namgung Shin.

With three duel rights granted, it was obvious he intended to use one on Namgung Shin. It was a predictable move.

Yi-gang looked back at Mount Hua’s Divine Sword again. It wasn’t his place to interfere.

“Any more questions? Ask anything. Even if it’s about whether I have a sweetheart. Uhahahaha.”

Mount Hua’s Divine Sword laughed at his own joke.

But with no response, he soon awkwardly scratched his chin.

Fortunately, someone raised their hand.

It was a hand adorned with fancy gemstone jewelry.

“Excuse me…”

“Ah, the young lady from the Tang Clan.”

The one who raised her hand was Tang Eun-seol, known by the nickname “Poison Beauty.”

She was dressed particularly elaborately today, sitting alone, seemingly without any close acquaintances.

The attention of everyone now on her, Tang Eun-seol asked in a slow voice, “Is it permissible to use poison in a duel?”

“What kind of poison are you referring to?”

Originally, in the duels of the Dragon-Phoenix and Seven Stars Conferences, as well as in most friendly martial arts competitions, the use of certain poisons was prohibited.

Tang Eun-seol hesitated for a moment, then, twirling her hair with her glittering nails, she answered, “You know, something like… Divine Immortal Decayer.”

“Isn’t that one of the Eight Extreme Poisons of the Tang Clan?”

“No, it’s not.”

“I heard it was.”

“It got removed from the Eight Extreme Poisons because a stronger poison appeared.”

“That’s not allowed.”

“It’s not?”

“As always, only soul-bewitching powder and Qi-dispersing poison are allowed inside the Alliance. And even those are prohibited outside of martial arts duels.”

The words of Mount Hua’s Divine Sword were firm, leaving no room for argument.

Tang Eun-seol muttered a soft “damn!” and lowered her head.

Mount Hua’s Divine Sword pretended not to notice.

“Now, the meal will be served soon. Let’s eat together and build friendships.”

He added with a sly smile, “From now on, you can use your duel rights. This is probably the last chance to eat together amicably, right?”

A chill of tension swept through.

As Mount Hua’s Divine Sword said, soon the successors would start competing, whether in martial arts duels or otherwise.

Of course, not everyone seemed tense.

“If poison is prohibited, people from the Tang Clan would be in a tough spot.”

When Yi-gang muttered that, Peng Mu-ah responded, “Even so, it’s not permissible to use deadly poison against fellow successors.”

“Can’t Soul-bewitching powder and Qi-dispersing poison be countered with preparation?”

“That’s why the Tang Clan has never performed well in the Seven Stars Conference,” Peng Mu-ah whispered.

It was an inevitable situation.

It was a rule set in the past due to frequent poisoning deaths during martial arts competitions.

But Yi-gang thought to himself, ‘This time might be different.’

At least once inside the Five Elements Tomb, it would be a different story.

The Tang Clan might not have performed well in the Seven Stars Conference, but who knows what could happen inside. Yi-gang was certain of that.

No matter how noble the successors of prestigious orthodox sects were, they couldn’t remain lofty in the face of treasure.

If a secret martial arts manual of immense value were discovered, they might even draw swords against each other.

The higher-ups of the Murim Alliance were undoubtedly aware of this.

‘Just sprinkle some deadly poison inside, and it would be over.’

Inside the sealed Five Elements Tomb, nothing would be more dangerous than a master from the Tang Clan.

It’s unlikely that she would kill all her fellow successors, but still.

Just then, someone approached the table where Yi-gang and his group were sitting.

“One can’t be so sure about that,” Jegal Seon interjected, fluttering his fan.

Peng Mu-ah frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“Miss Poison Beauty. In my opinion, she’s the key. If it were me, I’d make friends with her in advance. Isn’t that right, Young Master Baek the Sage of Henan?”

Hearing this, Yi-gang nodded in agreement.

Jegal Seon smiled contentedly.

“Are you planning to apply for the Five Elements Tomb exploration?”

“I have to join as one of the 15 external recruits.”

Yi-gang was not a regular member of either the Dragon-Phoenix or Seven Stars Conferences. If he wanted to enter the Five Elements Tomb, he had to take the test like other successors from smaller sects and be among the top 15.

“That’s fortunate then.” Jegal Seon covered his mouth with his fan as he continued, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting Henan’s Sage Young Master ever since I heard of your reputation.”

“Looking forward to?”

“Yes, as a blood relative of the Jegal clan, my competitive spirit has been ignited.”

It was right after the explanation of Mount Hua’s Divine Sword had ended, and the dishes for the luncheon had not yet been served.

Yet, everyone in the hall felt an unusual atmosphere.

“Being the first to represent the Seven Stars Conference is always a sudden but honorable task.”

Jegal Seon’s intention was clear.

He looked straight at Yi-gang and said, “Young Master Baek Yi-gang, how about a duel with me?”

“That suggestion is…”

Jegal Seon smirked.

“Yes, right here and now.”