Chapter: 544
The season is spring.
The time when flowers are just beginning to bloom.
In a small county in the Guangdong region, stories were in full bloom day and night.
“Brother Yun, did you hear that?”
“Hmm?”
Mr. Yun, a herbalist, listens intently to the story from Mr. Joo, the woodcutter next door.
“What did you hear?”
“Oh my, brother. You’re late again.”
Seeing that Mr. Yun seems unaware, Mr. Joo eagerly continues, “There’s a rumor that a martial arts festival will be held in Hanam this time.”
“Martial arts festival?”
Mr. Yun reacted to Mr. Joo’s words. A martial artist? All of a sudden? It was a story he had never heard before.
“What kind of martial arts?”
Why is there suddenly a martial arts festival at this time? When Mr. Yun asks with interest, Mr. Joo smiles and responds, “I don’t know about that… but I heard that the new leader is planning to open it as a commemoration.”
“Oh, really?”
It’s a commemoration.
“Come to think of it, I heard that the current leader is the head of the Shaman Clan.”
“Hasn’t that been the case for quite some time?”
Mr. Joo was right. It has already been three years since the leader of the Shaman Clan, Mudang Geomseon, ascended to the position of leader. At that time, he was the first leader from a sect. As it was the eye of the storm in a time of upheaval, everyone expressed concern.
“It’s nice to see you leading so well.”
“Hmm.”
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Mudang Geomseon successfully won the hearts of the people. An era of chaos caused by the outbreak of the Red Monsters. The first thing the new leader did was to redistribute the swords to each region.
As times changed, the danger of blue monsters became much lower. Even small local sects or unknown clans could hold their ground. The cracks formed with the appearance of the Red Monsters. First of all, Mudang Geomseon deployed more of the clan’s swordsmen to various regions.
Plus, “Haven’t there been many instances of swords being pulled out?”
As more and more swords were deployed, the number of participants in the selection also increased. Originally, the Sword Corps was a place that ordinary people could not enter—a prestigious place for esteemed families. Or, if only promising players who were beginning to make a name for themselves in the Central Plains could go to the Sword Corps.
Nowadays, anyone who wishes to take the test can become part of the Corp. Since the Sword Corps is accompanied by immense honor, many people took the selection test. Among them, outstanding talents stood out and became members of the Sword Corps.
As the number of swordsmen increased, the damage caused by the Red Monsters continued, but it was somehow possible to respond. “Hey, Elder Baek’s grandson has become a member of the inspection squad this time.”
“Wow… He’s been strong since childhood. Did he finally make it?”
“He shouted that he would become a martial artist, and in the end, he did.”
“Ha ha.”
At the news, Mr. Yun chuckled. “The world has changed a lot in just a few years.”
“Isn’t this all thanks to you, Brother Yun?”
“This guy, he always says it’s thanks to the leader. Let’s finish what we were talking about earlier. What’s this martial arts festival?”
“Oh.”
At Mr. Yun’s words, Mr. Joo claps his hands as if he just remembered something. “They’re holding a martial arts competition to select members for the Sword Corps.”
“Sword Corps?”
Hearing this, Mr. Yun makes a perplexed expression. That would be expected, considering how strange it seems to connect the martial arts festival with Sword Corps members.
As if anticipating Mr. Yun’s reaction, Mr. Joo continues, “Hey, don’t be surprised. Rumor has it they are going to re-select the Heavenly Dragons.”
Mr. Yun’s eyes widened at Mr. Joo’s words, bright as lanterns. It’s no surprise.
“… The Heavenly Dragons?”
Heavenly Dragons (神龍隊) refer to the elite warriors representing the Murim Alliance. They are the direct subordinate unit of the Murim Alliance’s leader and have been historically known as the symbols of the Murim Alliance. With an endless legacy, it is a place where top-tier dragons and phoenixes of the time are recruited. There are even records suggesting that the great leaders of the Heavenly Dragons later became the leaders of the martial arts world.
But.
“That’s… isn’t that the unit that disappeared long ago?”
By now, it is just a relic of the past. Back when the Sword Venerable was the leader, the Heavenly Dragons, led by Sword Venerable Geomjon, entered the gate of the Great Demonic Scripture to explore it, but an accident occurred where they were wiped out, except for a few.
As a result, Sword Venerable Geomjon stepped down from his position, leading to the disbandment of the Heavenly Dragons. A decade has swiftly passed since then.
“You’re saying that the Heavenly Dragons are returning now?”
“Who knows? If that happens, great!”
“That’s also true.”
Mr. Joo is right. Those in the Central Plains have always admired masters. The Heavenly Dragons are, in the history of the endless martial arts alliance, a measure of mastery. Since the representatives of the current generation see the Heavenly Dragons as a symbol of skill, their return will undoubtedly send waves of excitement.
“If things go well, wouldn’t we revive events like the Dragon and Phoenix Festival again?”
Mr. Joo excitedly exclaimed. “The Dragon and Phoenix Festival…”
The annual event held after the Shinryonggwan massacre had been dormant for several years. Each year, it celebrates new talents and future leaders responsible for the Central Plains. It was quite unfortunate not hearing any news about it.
Particularly since this generation was famously outstanding, the feeling of loss was magnified. “What? With no talks happening, isn’t it just rumors spreading?”
This problem has been the largest outcome from the festival’s absence. Declared the greatest generation in history, the discontinuation of the Dragon and Phoenix Festival left their status unknown, inflating mere rumors.
[A disciple from a certain sect suddenly had a breakthrough.]
[A young master from a clan remembered being a master in their previous life and reached Hwagyeong.]
In the midst of absurd tales, the most circulated centered around the rising geniuses today. It is specifically the tale of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks.
The rumors circulate even in this small inn. “I heard that Geomryong is receiving direct guidance from Maehwaseon this time.”
Hwasan Jeilgijae learned martial arts from the sect leader and reportedly made a plum blossom bloom. “I heard that the Thunder Dragon has gone into seclusion?”
The Thunder Dragon, Namgung Cheonjun, said he was earnestly learning swordsmanship from his father, the Sword King. However, for some reason, he hasn’t been seen outside.
“There’s no notable updates on the Fighting Dragon and the Sleeping Dragon.”
“The Fighting Dragon was initially quiet, but there’s a story about the Sleeping Dragon.”
“What’s that about?”
“I’ve heard someone saw him in the North Sea?”
“…North Sea?”
How could a Sleeping Dragon, who should be in a sect, suddenly appear there? The mere claim of sightings in the North Sea—a place off-limits to outsiders—is likely a fabric of lies, as very few believe it. Various other rumors have continued to grow, unchallenged.
The Sword of Shanxi reportedly reached Hwagyeong.
Even though Seolbong belongs to the Murong clan, he abruptly joined the White Flower Alliance. Moreover, there were significant incidents connected to those from the Tang clan, which is now no longer numbered among the Four Great Clans.
Rumors about them even spread that Dokbong, a member of the clan, joined the assassination squad. Not a single one of these unbelievable stories could be verified.
“Brother Yun, did you hear about this?”
“What again?”
“There’s news that a new Heavenly Dragon has emerged.”
“Huh?”
Upon hearing Mr. Joo’s words, Mr. Yun’s expression became very peculiar. Not long ago, he had voiced his regret about the festival’s stoppage.
“Suddenly a Heavenly Dragon? What sort of nonsense is that?”
“It’s strange, but it’s no other place. It’s an announcement from the Murim Alliance.”
“In the Murim Alliance…?”
“Yup, they said that a late genius became a Heavenly Dragon in Shaolin. And… don’t be surprised.”
Mr. Joo’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.
“… This new Heavenly Dragon is, incredibly, a warrior from Hwagyeong.”
“Huh?”
This statement struck Mr. Yun as shocking.
“You’re saying it’s a warrior from Hwagyeong…?”
“They even say it’s a young talent who has just crossed the threshold.”
“That’s insanity!”
Mr. Yun raised his voice slightly, unable to contain his disbelief. How could it be anything but absurd?
“A young talent reached Hwagyeong?”
Even if someone claimed to have reached their peak now, it would still warrant surprise. To say that someone reached Hwagyeong is ludicrous. And a young talent at that? It’s utterly preposterous.
“How can we choose to believe this or not? It was announced as a fact.”
“No matter what, that’s simply not possible. Does it even make sense?”
“Well, wouldn’t it be good if it’s true?”
Mr. Joo chuckled at Mr. Yun’s words. “If Shaolin can produce such a talent, isn’t that good for us, Brother Yun?”
“What on earth do you mean by that?”
“The mere fact that such hope has emerged in Shaolin is a huge blessing in these times.”
Multiple incidents pile up, coupled with the emergence of the Red Magical Gate, signaling the arrival of an upheaval era. Despite several years passing, the Central Plains continues to evolve. This is enough to instill anxiety in many.
The moment the leader tried to stabilize things and sought peace was always shrouded in contrasting conclusions. Hope.
People consistently yearn for possibilities. Hope that this situation can be conquered. The possibility that it could be overcome in the future. And the one who enables that to happen.
In the Central Plains, this was commonly referred to as hope. In these turbulent times, the youngest Hwagyeong officially announced from the Murim Alliance would surely help quell the fears of many.
Thus, Mr. Joo likely holds that expression while speaking.
“…Hmm…”
Mr. Yun also nodded slightly as if he understood. However, he was quietly harboring unusual thoughts.
‘The youngest Hwagyeong.’
It is an unexpected title for a newly emerged Heavenly Dragon, but if someone truly surpasses the threshold and reaches Hwagyeong, the title wouldn’t be inadequate.
But. Mr. Yun, pondering, remembered someone else.
‘Surely, there was someone else too.’
Even if the new Heavenly Dragon is a widely reported fact. Just a few years ago, there was another person spinning similar rumors. If today’s Heavenly Dragon is a young talent who just passed the threshold,
At that time, whispers about a boy who hadn’t even crossed the threshold circulating said boy had reached Hwagyeong.
This boy swept through the Dragon and Phoenix Festival and became the new Dragon. Later, during the Heavenly Dragon Academy massacre, he was the one who thwarted the mastermind behind the incident.
Shortly thereafter, rumors surged claiming the boy had surpassed the peak and reached Hwagyeong. But no one believed this. How could anyone? It was an undeniable fact that could only be trusted upon concrete verification.
‘What was that friend’s name…?’
He struggled to recall the name. Afterall, compared to the immense rumors surrounding him, the boy’s actions remained quiet.
In the past three years, rumors about him have all but vanished. Thanks to that, it may have quieted down a bit compared to the tumult before. ‘He’s Geombong’s younger brother, so he must have the surname Gu.’
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t remember. Perhaps the only fortunate detail is that his nickname is firmly embedded in his mind. The boy’s nickname clearly is…
“Little Yanluo.”
It’s quite an intense nickname for someone of no political power, hence he remembered it quite well. After hearing Mr. Yun’s words, Mr. Joo tilted his head.
“It seems that friend was also around. I wonder what he’s up to?”
“Of course, being from a noble family, he must be living better than us.”
“That is true.”
Mr. Yun chuckled and took another sip of his drink. “Neither of us should be worrying about the precious folks still living well.”
“Yup.”
Unlike their earlier cheerful banter, a complex emotion weighed in their voices.
“… They still haven’t caught him, right?”
Hearing this, Mr. Joo nodded.
“It’s terrifying.”
“What a terrible thing to say… a murderer…”
As the words dropped softly, the tavern takes on a chilling atmosphere. Not just the two of them but everyone in the inn held their breath.
A murderer—it’s the rumor currently spreading across the county. Since a month ago, somewhere in the county, reports of dismembered corpses surfacing after dark have begun to circulate.
The bodies appeared to have been sliced by a sharp sword. It signifies a brutal death, hacked to pieces.
It’s already been a month since the first discovery. The perpetrator hasn’t been caught yet, and these occurrences continue, albeit not daily, but every few days.
“What are they saying at the clan?”
“What’s there to say? They say they’re looking into it; efforts are underway.”
“Hmm.”
Aside from the ongoing challenges with monsters plaguing the swordsmen, this added difficulty makes progress even slower.
In previous years, the threat from monsters was low, allowing them to prioritize catching this individual. However, they can’t afford to do so now.
While Mr. Joo grasped the situation, he sighed. “What kind of madman would commit such heinous acts?”
“It’s obvious that he’s not in his right mind, but how could people like us fathom what’s going on inside someone’s head?”
This is someone who not only kills but also dismembers the body. A truly brutal method indeed.
“I just wish they would catch him soon. Just so I could see his face.”
“Why would you want to see it? Aren’t you trembling in fear right now?”
“Aren’t you curious, brother? What kind of person could engage in such an atrocity?”
“You seem to have plenty of lives to spare, worrying about all that.”
Possibly due to their trivial conversation, a soft chuckle rang through the tavern. At that moment. Crack.
A noise emanated from a corner of the tavern. Amidst the ruckus, someone quietly stood up. The noodles on the table had gone cold, yet there was no sign of anyone touching them.
A young man with pale skin, unkempt long hair, and distinctively bright yellow eyes stood out.
Creek. The young man, rising, looked in the direction where Mr. Joo and Mr. Yun were, his gaze still somewhat dazed.
The youth was martial artist dressed in a loose-fitting outfit, a sword hanging from his waist. He took a step forward, pale hands reaching for the hilt of his sword.
As he slowly moved toward the patrons, “Sit down.”
Thud. The young man halted at the sound that echoed from around him.
His gaze turned. Upon noticing the voice belonged to someone half-hidden beneath a bamboo hat, he spotted a figure voraciously munching on dumplings.
The young man recognized him—a familiar presence since he arrived. After swallowing the dumpling he had, the figure looked at the young man and said, “It’s been a while since I found a good restaurant, and it made me feel good. Lately, I’ve been eating nothing but tasteless food and was getting a bit irritable.”
As he raised his head, the bamboo hat tilted slightly, revealing piercing blue eyes. “I haven’t finished eating yet, so just sit down. Don’t do anything foolish…”
“… What are you…?”
“Besides, it stinks of blood so horrendously that I’m enduring it for the taste. You get what I mean?”
The young man’s eyes widened slightly at those words. He understood the meaning behind them.
To affirm this, the individual continued, smiling. “Go wash up before you come back, you punk. You reek.”
“….”
Click. Upon hearing final words, the young man moved to draw his sword.
“Exactly. If you’re listening to him, then you aren’t that much of an idiot.”
Just as the conversation unfolded, the blade cut through the air with an ominous presence. Just as he was about to strike. Bam!
Gasp! The young man didn’t mean to shift his gaze, yet moved instinctively. It was only at that moment he registered that his face was struck, spinning him around.
Instinctively, he felt his body lifting off the ground, and with a bang!, he crashed into the wall.
Crash! The wall shattered, scattering wood pieces and dust all around.
In a sudden turn of events, the tavern’s patrons jolted, standing up in shock. Amidst it all, the one beneath the bamboo hat remained unfazed.
Not even flinching, he calmly continued eating dumplings as if this was all an ordinary day. The only difference being his eyes fixated on the shattered wall.
He watched quietly for a while, casually pocketing a few dumplings before rising to his feet. Then he examined his own hands and chuckled softly. “Just as I thought.”
The patrons quaked at that smile—his face, way too fearsome for comfort. “Mind you, the taste of thrashing you is too good to resist.”
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