Chapter: 686
“Ugh!”
The grenade sword rolls along the floor.
“Ughhhhhhhhhh!!”
While the sight of him clutching his groin and flailing about might be somewhat unseemly, no one bothered to point it out.
At least, not the men.
“I heard a sound….”
“It’s definitely broken. It’s clearly broken.”
Who would have thought the sound would be that distinct?
Everyone just watches the grenade sword with pitying expressions.
“Ugh… Ugh… Ugh…”
He barely managed to stop struggling and adjust his posture, but his expression was dark and sweat poured down like a waterfall.
“This guy!!”
Gu Yangcheon, witnessing this, said, “Oh, my bad. I aimed for your thigh. My apologies, senior.”
He offered his apology with a look that screamed he wasn’t sorry at all.
Upon hearing this, bloodshot eyes turned toward him.
“This devilish bastard—!!”
“Then why are you playing with your dick like that and creating this shitty situation…?”
Even as Yu Gan-geom shouted, Gu Yangcheon just shook his head, showing no real reaction.
Seeing this, Yu Gan-geom couldn’t take it anymore and drew his sword.
Sling—!!
A slender blade revealed itself to the world.
Soon after, something clear overlapped with it.
Ganggi.
A soft blue energy swirled around the tip of the grenade sword.
While it looked a bit odd with him grabbing his groin and emanating sword energy, those who witnessed it were left in awe.
“…What a beautiful sword energy…”
“That’s the refined skill of Yu Seon-ui from the Yeolingbaekga…! Truly as beautiful as the rumors claim.”
Yuseon-ui of the Refined Skill.
A direct descendant of Yeolingbaekga’s martial arts, this technique is often mentioned when discussing beautiful martial arts due to its flowing energy resembling stars floating in the sky.
Whoosh—!
The tip of the sword began to quiver as the energy slowly spread.
Even though the pain must be tremendous, the hand gripping the sword remained steady.
Unlike the bastard, it seemed Gu Yangcheon was composed.
“How dare you… use sorcery…!”
“Sorcery?”
Gu Yangcheon tilted his head at Yu Gan-geom’s words.
Sorcery?
The atmosphere started to stir as Yu Gan-geom’s words sank in.
“Sorcery?”
“Did the grenade sword just say it was sorcery?”
“If that’s true, does that mean what just happened was due to sorcery?”
The impact of the words weighed heavily, considering how heated the moment was.
This stir was proportional to the reputation the grenade sword held.
“Well, it’s odd that that young man managed to make the grenade sword look like that….”
“Moreover, didn’t you see anything particularly strange just now…? No, you couldn’t even see it.”
Even for the common folk or at most those ranked lower, the speed would have been too fast to comprehend.
Only those of first-rate skill and above could have grasped the situation, and even they must have felt a twinge of uncertainty on their faces.
This could only be expected.
Who is the grenade sword?
He was one of the top hundred absolute masters in the Central Plains, firmly established as a swordsman, aside from his notorious womanizing issues.
A true master of the Central Plains.
‘You mean to say you were bested by that young man?’
It was something hard to believe, even after witnessing it firsthand. How could anyone take that notion seriously?
It must have been sorcery, there was no other way.
“Hanam, using sorcery in the Murim Alliance! That’s something only a madman would dare!”
Yu Gan-geom shouted as he lunged the sword toward Gu Yangcheon.
Yet Gu Yangcheon merely chuckled at the energy’s rippling display.
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard such a thing.”
Sorcery?
It was a term he’d often encountered in the past, but now it felt fresh as he hadn’t heard it in a while.
Well, it’s true.
‘These days, they kill you before you can even utter such words.’
Given how often he dealt with matters quickly and cleanly, there wasn’t much chance to hear those words floating in the air.
With a peculiar glint in his eyes, Gu Yangcheon addressed Yu Gan-geom.
“Go ahead, keep trying. So, where’s the sorcery in all this?”
“Are you still trying to toy with me!”
“No, it’s not teasing… sigh…”
He exhaled deeply, feeling once more that conversations here never seemed to lean towards human-like communication.
“Alright, let’s cut to the chase. What are we even talking about? Just fight, will you?”
As he stepped forward, Gu Yangcheon scanned the crowd.
All eyes were fixated on him.
It felt like the air was thick with pressure piling up beyond him.
“…Now that I think about it, that young man…! Who was it again? Ah, Soyeomra!”
“What? Soyeomra?”
As the nickname tumbled out, the crowd rippled like a wave.
“I saw it clearly yesterday as well! The sage pretended to be familiar with that young man.”
“Yesterday, Peng Sogaju appeared and caused quite the commotion… Is that really true?”
The deeper the conversation grew, the more intense the gazes became.
Gu Yangcheon had never enjoyed this kind of attention, and it filled him with nausea.
Yet he knew he had to withstand it. A small flicker of regret washed over him.
‘Perhaps I should’ve stayed on the sidelines.’
He hadn’t intended to draw any attention to himself to begin with.
The non-combat mission hadn’t even begun, and yet trouble was brewing already.
So, he aimed to let it pass easily.
‘That brat…’
If that bastard—be it the grenade sword or Yun Tan-geom—had kept his mouth in check, this wouldn’t be happening.
Had he stayed moderate, he might have been able to let things go when the Alliance’s martial artist put a stop to it. How could he bear being toyed with like that?
‘And I really don’t like his face.’
Despite his insufferable attitude, he was quite handsome.
Even pushing forty, in Gu Yangcheon’s eye, he was the kind of handsome that naturally attracted women.
That was what bothered him even more.
Just trying to keep it moderate didn’t seem to come to fruition.
As Gu Yangcheon mulled over this, he took a step forward.
“You little rascal—! Do you really think you can repeat that?!”
Yu Gan-geom roared, channeling his energy.
The blue steel surged forward, carving a path as the blade struck.
Zshhh—!!
It created a smooth, vigorous arc, highlighting the realm it portrayed.
Gu Yangcheon moved lightly, examining the blade’s path.
He then slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.
The reason?
‘This guy’s scared.’
He’d detected a trace of hesitation in Yu Gan-geom’s sword strikes.
‘He’s not entirely thick-headed. It seems he knows something.’
When Yu Gan-geom had raved about sorcery, Gu Yangcheon had briefly mused if it had indeed affected his thinking.
Fortunately, it seemed some insight was present.
Yu Gan-geom understood that what had just happened was no simple sorcery.
Thus, that hesitation appeared at the tip of his sword.
Observing this, Gu Yangcheon moved unobtrusively.
With a graceful motion, he grazed the grenade sword’s path, inched closer.
“You scoundrel—!”
As a series of attacks failed, the energy of the grenade sword thickened.
Then, suddenly…
Paaaaak—!!
A wave of energy exploded, scattering into the air.
It looked as if stars were rising during a bright day.
As he witnessed this, Gu Yangcheon’s eyes lit up with intrigue.
‘Is it somewhat akin to the Plum Blossom Sword Technique?’
At first glance, it appeared so. Yet, diving deeper would unveil the truth.
Whoosh.
He opened his inner eye and scrutinized Yu Gan-geom’s martial technique.
‘Based on how it looks, it seems to possess some destructive potential.’
Although it had a somewhat weaker appearance, the energy contained was refined and clear.
If unleashed in full, it could sweep across the entire area.
Reflecting on Yu Gan-geom’s abilities…
‘He’s above Tang So-yeol in a head-on confrontation.’
If Tang So-yeol, an assassin, faced Yu Gan-geom during the day, he would lose.
As for a fight at night…
That, I can’t say for sure.
Unfamiliar with Tang So-yeol’s true skill, Gu Yangcheon couldn’t quite gauge there.
However, it was clear that Yu Gan-geom’s reputation wasn’t just baseless chatter.
‘So, should I deal a preemptive blow?’
A quick flare could easily give him the upper hand.
Perhaps he ought to inflict sufficient damage to that insufferable dickhead.
Despite pondering this, Gu Yangcheon quickly shook his head inwardly.
‘That’s too much to lay bare.’
Even with his involvement, he kept certain boundaries, knowing that even if he refrained from striking first…
‘Someone is bound to step in regardless.’
The person who would clean up this mess had long been anticipated.
As Gu Yangcheon reflected, his gaze drifted elsewhere.
Beyond the multitude of spectators, he subtly shifted his focus, and, as expected, he could sense it.
‘If it’s come to this, I should reap the reward.’
If chaos is to be stirred without escalating to a riot, he shouldn’t emerge empty-handed.
He would secure what he desired, come what may.
Contemplating this, Gu Yangcheon turned his attention back to the grenade sword.
Whoosh—!!
While lost in thought, without him realizing it, the pace of Yu Gan-geom’s sword grew more rapid.
Gu Yangcheon widened his distance.
Immediately, as if possessed, the sword’s tip followed after him.
And the energy released by the grenade sword surged towards Gu Yangcheon.
It poured in like a torrential downpour.
Swarms of split energies cascaded toward him.
Thud thud thud—!!!
The energy began to sweep across the ground.
“Aaah!”
“Eep!”
At the sudden surprise attack, those nearby screamed in alarm.
Fortunately, the response didn’t lead to any severe damage. It seems Yu Gan-geom had deliberately kept that part in check.
‘You must be terrified.’
As he attempted to retaliate with a roar, he must have known well enough.
Creating chaos in the Murim Alliance wouldn’t benefit him in any way.
Swish—!
The sword grazed near the edge of his head.
As he dodged the threatening energy, Yu Gan-geom stubbornly persisted in swinging the sword.
It’s an incredibly tricky technique to deal with. Simply pushing it aside with sheer energy would have been a breeze, but since he couldn’t do that, things got more complicated.
Yet it mattered little.
“You’re just scurrying away like a rat!”
After all, there wasn’t much time left.
Crack—!
Thinking that Gu Yangcheon was being forced back, Yu Gan-geom fueled his energy.
He stomped hard against the ground and propelled himself forward.
In the blink of an eye, he closed the gap.
No, more accurately, it was as though he closed that distance intentionally.
“It’s over—!”
Yu Gan-geom thrusts his sword forward. The blade, thick with energy, surged toward his upper body. Gu Yangcheon, watching, also stretched out his hand slowly.
Slightly slower than the incoming sword, yet quick enough that if they collided now, the sword tip would land first.
Just as the sword was about to make contact with Gu Yangcheon.
“Stop.”
Someone appeared between the two.
Thunk—!
“Huh!”
Both Yu Gan-geom’s sword and Gu Yangcheon’s hand were abruptly halted.
Whoooosh—!!! The sound of the blade rang out suddenly.
The grenade sword made a shrill noise as it was restrained in someone’s grip.
The blade was pinned between their thumb and index finger, crying out in protest.
Gu Yangcheon’s hand also couldn’t approach the grenade sword, held in place.
“It seems that both of you have momentarily forgotten where you are.”
Yu Gan-geom trembled at the chilling voice.
But surprisingly, upon hearing the voice, Gu Yangcheon broke into a grin.
‘He’s here.’
Fortunately, the expected figure had arrived.
Flap.
A white robe fluttered in the wind.
Witnessing that, onlookers couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
“That person is….”
“…It’s the Sword Emperor!”
Amidst the awe-struck murmurs, silence spread over the area.
The white uniform representing the faction of the Alliance.
The old man clad in it commanded such an imposing presence that it silenced everyone around him.
The man who had appeared cast a glance at both individuals, raising his white eyebrows slightly.
“Within the Murim Alliance, drawing swords is forbidden except during sanctioned duels.”
As he directed his words toward Yu Gan-geom, his hands trembled slightly.
“Furthermore, fighting among martial artists is also prohibited during the non-combat event.”
Sword Emperor Jinryeong.
Also known as the Greatest Sword in Hanam.
He was the protector of the Murim Alliance, a true martial artist counted among the ten best in the present Central Plains.
‘One of the ten masters of the Central Plains.’
He was one of the Seven Iron Three Kwons.
The old man’s eyes sparked with intensity.
“I will have to take into custody the two of you for violating the laws set by the Alliance.”
“B-but!”
Yu Gan-geom’s face turned pale as he stammered.
But once he spoke, the sharp gaze of the Sword Master focused intently on him.
“Is this rebellion I detect? Yu Gan-geom.”
“…!”
The weight of that question made Yu Gan-geom’s lips quiver visibly.
“…No.”
The proud, chest-out figure of a hundred great masters became mere fodder in front of the Sword Master.
Amidst all the stories that had been told of him, silence enveloped the area as he stood before the Sword Master.
Such was the gravitas of a teenage grandmaster.
As Yu Gan-geom fell silent, wearing a woeful expression, the Sword Master then turned his attention toward Gu Yangcheon.
Their eyes met.
Gu Yangcheon promptly offered a bright smile and said, “Please take me away. I won’t resist.”
“…”
While hearing this, the old man’s expression darkened slightly for no discernible reason, but Gu Yangcheon paid it no mind.
The same applied to the arrest.
Gu Yangcheon didn’t seem overly concerned by that either.
‘Even if I’m taken in like this, it’s alright.’
I’ll be released soon.
“What do you mean by that?”
The leader of the Murim Alliance, Mudanggeomseon, frowned upon receiving reports about the situation.
“…So Yu Gan-geom has been arrested?”
“That’s correct.”
The swordsman kneeling half-heartedly answered.
“They were restrained and arrested after a confrontation within the alliance, and are currently placed underground for questioning.”
“…”
Even after hearing that explanation, Geomseon’s expression remained unyielding. Suddenly, to hear Yu Gan-geom had been captured during a fight within the alliance?
‘Is that the Grenade Sword?’
A figure known as one of the top hundred masters and reputed to be formidable had been captured in a scuffle?
Within the Murim Alliance, no less?
He carefully scrutinized the report outlining the incident in this bewildering scenario.
Flap.
The letter detailed the events meticulously.
As he took his time reading through it, Geomseon’s expression began to contort more and more.
“The groin…?”
“…”
At the inspector’s words, the swordsman said nothing further.
It was clear he didn’t want to even speak of it.
“…What was his condition?”
“They indicated some treatment is needed, but there are no significant issues.”
“…That’s a relief.”
It was fortunate in various senses.
“Anyway… So ultimately, it implies that Yu Gan-geom displayed his skills after all, doesn’t it?”
“That’s right.”
“Did he fight seriously?”
Was Yu Gan-geom earnest in his battle? The swordsman replied to that inquiry.
“Since he was the one being attacked first, it’s hard to say he was at full strength. But at the very least, he didn’t underestimate his opponent.”
“Hmm…”
It sounded like a vague response, yet it was accurate.
Regardless, it was without question that Yu Gan-geom showcased his skills.
Yet the concern lay elsewhere.
The issue was who the opponent facing the Grenade Sword had been.
“Soyeomra… Who belongs to the Gu family?”
After skimming through the letter, Geomseon’s eyes widened.
It was a name he recognized.
Of course, it was noted that this was the acquaintance of the child he had previously been concerned about.
‘That kid!’
The thought of Soyeomra came to Mudang’s mind.
They had crossed paths at a previous righteous faction conference.
The child of a famous family, back then known as Jinryong.
‘That kid fought the Grenade Sword?’
And not only did he get hit in the groin but also managed to withstand the sword?
‘Hmm…’
The lines on Geomseon’s forehead deepened.
‘Can that really be possible?’
The element of surprise might account for it, but based on the reported events, it didn’t entirely seem like just that.
Thus, did the Gu family’s child genuinely confront Yu Gan-geom?
Not to mention, fending off his sword until the Sword Master intervened?
‘This is strange.’
Although rumors had circulated regarding the incident at Shinryonggwan causing some drift,
‘Nevertheless, it’s still a child.’
He was barely past adolescence. Not to mention even younger than the Slumbering Dragon, Woo-hyuk.
Could such a child truly withstand Yu Gan-geom’s blade?
Reflecting on this, Geomseon quickly shifted his eyes toward the swordsman and questioned him.
“Guardian Lord.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“What level do you perceive Soyeomra to be at?”
“…”
It was the inspector who went personally, thus he ought to have gauged the child’s abilities.
Such was the confidence upon which the question was posed.
“I don’t know.”
“…!”
At that admission from the moderator, Geomseon’s eyes grew wide, like lanterns.
“You don’t know…?”
“Yes.”
He couldn’t discern the level.
The inspector was asserting that.
Hearing this, Geomseon’s brow furrowed.
“You must be joking.”
Out of all people, it was the Sword Master himself.
Had it not been for the Sword Master, he would have taken the throne as the Sword King, and now he stood as the greatest swordsman of Hanam, known as the protector of the Alliance.
For someone who was at the lower end of the top ten martial artists in the Central Plains to not even gauge the level of the later index?
While Geomseon was close to astonishment, the Sword Master’s expression remained unchanged.
“There are no lies here. I couldn’t grasp Soyeomra’s realm.”
He hadn’t truly seen it.
That had not been the intention. But regardless, admitting he hadn’t seen it still held weight.
Even then, the Sword Master couldn’t glean insight into Soyeomra.
What that indicated was clear enough.
‘Sword Master and Soyeomra are likely of equal standing, or at least closely matched.’
Or perhaps.
‘He learned some special martial arts.’
For instance, a unique martial art that obscures one’s ability and makes it difficult to assess the other’s level.
As he contemplated this, Geomseon perused the word regarding the sorcery mentioned in the letter.
‘Ah, there was a section stating that Yu Gan-geom claimed it was sorcery.’
That account discussed how he unleashed a sword strike and cried out, “Are you using sorcery?”
‘Sorcery…’
Was it possible that Soyeomra actually employed sorcery?
In the midst of the Murim Alliance no less? A member of the Jeongpa clan?
‘Most likely not the case.’
He hadn’t considered the notion of their abilities being on par.
That was a phenomenon that could not simply be described as talent.
It would mean something superhuman had occurred— a miracle impossible by the laws of nature.
But the key factor was this.
‘That this child is tied by blood to that illustrious figure.’
Of all family connections, indeed, it’s the tiger of Shanxi.
The ties of blood certainly weighed heavily.
Even should it not be a miracle, the ramifications of his lineage could indeed differ.
Crack.
With the letter neatly folded away in his pocket, Geomseon’s gaze grew steely.
“Hmm…”
This was not good.
That a conflict surfaced even before the non-combat meeting had officially commenced wasn’t the point of concern.
More crucial was the fact that Soyeomra had begun to attract attention.
They might try and suppress the rumors, but they would surely spread nonetheless.
Word would get out that Soyeomra had fought Yu Gan-geom on equal footing.
That a young warrior was taking hits from the Grenade Sword wouldn’t remain hidden for long.
Undoubtedly, it would become laden with rumors.
And therein lay the issue for Geomseon.
‘Why does this child surface now, of all times?’
Indeed, the timing was peculiar.
Of all people, the one striking into prominence was a warrior of the same age as the divine dragon.
‘If that child had reached the realm of the Divine Dragon…’
He wanted to believe it was impossible, yet the situation made doubt creep in.
In that case, it would pose a grave concern.
Currently, with plans underway in concert with Shaolin…
‘The crafting of the Meteor Plan could face impediments.’
The calamity predicted by the abbot of Shaolin and the complete eradication of the Safa— the strategies devised for that could veer off course.
Such seeds of anxiety germinated within Geomseon’s mind.
Tap tap.
Feeling this swell of unease, Geomseon finally rose from his seat.
“Where did you say those two were now?”
“In the underground interrogation room.”
“Then, let’s head there now.”
At the words of the Sword Master, the assistant’s eyes twitched just a bit.
“Is the leader himself commanding this?”
“Indeed.”
Geomseon nodded and began his stride.
He reckoned it was imperative to observe for himself.
Only then could he hold the conviction he sought.
Is the child of the Gu family someone who leans toward aiding the grand design, or,
Is he a hindrance to their efforts?
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