Chapter 75 : The Sword Hero of Heavenly Central Sect (2)

Chapter 75: The Sword Hero of Heavenly Central Sect (2)

"Really? I was the only one who didn’t know. What is it?"

Namwook answered on his behalf.

"After we returned, the way people treated us was very different. I looked into it and found that people have started calling us the Twin Dragon Sabers, and Master Mo here is now known as the Lone Blossom of the Central Dragon."

"Hahaha. That’s a much nicer title than the Two Wook Sword Demons."

"Exactly. Among the guards in the main household, no one has a cooler title than me."

Yong Hwarin turned to Mo Biyoung and offered his congratulations.

"Master Mo, congratulations on receiving such a great epithet."

For martial artists, receiving an epithet was such an honor that families often threw grand celebrations.

It was solid proof of recognition in the martial world—a cause for genuine celebration.

Then, Jungwook glanced over at Jong Seok.

Among their party, the only one who hadn’t received a nickname from this fight was Jong Seok.

Jong Munhye didn’t practice martial arts, so that was expected. But Jong Seok had fought fiercely, yet from the outside, it looked like he hadn’t shown any particularly notable performance, so the public’s attention had passed him by.

But Yong Hwarin knew the truth—Jong Seok had held back, concealing his true identity and refraining from using his clan’s unique martial techniques.

'Why? Even in a situation like that, did he still have to hide who he was? Being the last disciple of the Hidden Saint Cult’s leader is already like a relic of a bygone era.'

Yong Hwarin was certain—if Jong Seok had used his clan’s exclusive techniques, his performance would have stood out the most.

He was that skilled. Yet even when his life was on the line, he had refused to reveal his true martial prowess.

What Yong Hwarin didn’t know was that Jong Seok had withheld his abilities for Jong Munhye’s sake. They were still fugitives, after all.

They couldn’t afford to draw attention to themselves so carelessly.

"Junior Brother Jong fought hard too, but he didn’t get an epithet, huh."

When Yong Hwarin said this, Jong Seok simply smiled.

"I’m sure I’ll get one eventually. Just seeing you receive such a great title, Brother, is more than enough joy for me."

"Thank you."

"Me too, Brother."

"Right. We got our titles, and now we’ve gained new sworn siblings… This trip feels like the greatest fortune of my life."

At that moment, Namwook casually chimed in.

"On that note, how about we have some Gold Reservoir Wine tonight? We can drink like twin dragons, just like our nickname."

Yong Hwarin looked at him and replied,

"On that note, how about we spar until sunrise instead? If you beat me tonight, I’ll buy the Gold Reservoir Wine."

"Hahaha, now that’s not fair. Even if the world recognizes the Twin Dragon Sabers, how could we possibly defeat the Sword Hero of Heavenly Central Sect? That’d be wishful thinking."

"You could both attack me at the same time."

At that, both of them looked mildly offended.

"Even if you’re the Young Master of the sect, it won’t be easy to face both of us together. I may be just Namwook alone, but with both of us, we are the Twin Dragon Sabers, you know?"

"Then let’s make a bet. If you beat me, I’ll treat you to Gold Reservoir Wine."

The Twin Dragon Sabers exchanged a glance and grinned.

"A man’s word…"

"Is worth its weight in gold."

The very words they used to tremble at when Mo Biyoung and the Young Master would say them—now they were using them themselves.

Meanwhile, Mo Biyoung trembled again when she heard those lines.

‘Grown adults...’

People always tended to forget the past too easily.

Jong Seok and Jong Munhye watched the three bickering and bantering, smiling warmly.

‘I wish I could stay with them like this forever... But how long will that really last?’

Jong Munhye thought as she watched the others.

*

Yong Hwarin spent every day up until his departure sparring with the Twin Dragon Sabers and pondering how to merge the Tai Chi Profound Heavenly Sutra with the Twin Mind Separation Technique to form the Tai Chi Dantian.

That contemplation continued right up to the day they left the Shangguan Clan.

Had he even closed his eyes for two hours?

He hadn’t slept much, but since the time he began drawing on the Demonic Master’s inner energy, practicing breathing techniques helped to ease his sleep deprivation to a certain extent.

Yong Hwarin gave a dry smile that morning at the new level of treatment he was receiving.

Just like the young masters from other clans, he was now assigned maids and servants.

It felt good, but also left a bitter taste in his mouth.

‘The martial world really does respect power. It’s no different from the Upper World. Just like how people bow their heads to the wealthy. In the end, this world also bows to those with power, wealth, or influence.’

What made it bitter was his belief that the martial world should value righteousness more than strength.

If strength alone was all that mattered, then the martial world had little reason to exist.

He wasn’t some immature youth who got excited just from being acknowledged or treated well. That’s why he couldn’t be purely happy about it.

‘This is my problem. My body’s young, but my mind’s old. I need to find some balance. Otherwise, someone might start suspecting me eventually.’

He deliberately avoided greeting the ladies.

If he got caught up with them, a full two hours would pass in no time. So after completing his morning breathing practice, he immediately headed for the clan leader’s residence.

*

Shangguan Byeokin was in high spirits after a rare morning stroll with his wife.

It had been a long time since the two of them had walked together affectionately.

And now, having taken the lead in forming the Alliance of the Three Clans, he felt as though he had finally demonstrated his capability, making it an even better day.

But then, from a distance, he saw the son of that bothersome man approaching. Shangguan Byeokin frowned slightly.

As soon as he received Yong Hwarin’s greeting, he spoke.

"Judging by the fact that you came looking for me this early, I assume you’re preparing to leave?"

At Shangguan Byeokin’s words, Hayanggyo, standing beside him, looked disappointed.

"I heard Young Master Yong played a huge part this time."

Yong Hwarin answered her smile with a smile of his own.

That made Hayanggyo like him even more.

The man she had once loved had also answered uncomfortable questions with a gentle smile like this.

"You saved our daughter’s life. I don’t see you as a stranger at all, Young Master Yong. Please come visit our main house anytime. Even if others might not welcome you, I always will."

"Thank you, even just for the thought."

But Shangguan Byeokin wasn’t pleased. For some reason, seeing Yong Hwarin made him compare the young man to his own son—and his son always came out looking inadequate in the comparison.

Sensing his displeasure, Hayanggyo gently took his hand.

Because of that, Shangguan Byeokin couldn’t act petty in front of his wife and instead pretended to be generous as he spoke.

"I have a feeling the Heavenly Central Sect will flourish greatly because of you. If ever the sect needs the support of our clan, I’ll lend a hand. That’s a promise I make as the Lord of the Shangguan Clan."

He didn’t think such a situation would ever arise, but he made the promise anyway.

At the time, he had no idea just how dearly he’d pay for that promise.

"Thank you."

"And be sure to visit Chief Administrator Yu before you go. You can’t be neglectful toward the one who treated our daughter. He’ll prepare travel funds for you."

Yong Hwarin saw no reason to offend Shangguan Byeokin’s pride with unnecessary humility.

People like him would take rejection as a personal insult, so he didn’t turn it down.

"Thank you for your generosity, Lord."

As Yong Hwarin left, Hayanggyo spoke.

"He’s a fine young man. Not only is he well-mannered, but he exudes the spirit of a true warrior. He reminds me of you in your youth."

Knowing that praising Yong Hwarin alone would spark jealousy, she skillfully tied it to Shangguan Byeokin.

"Haha, and that’s how I won you over, isn’t it?"

Shangguan Byeokin laughed in satisfaction, but Hayanggyo only gazed longingly at Yong Hwarin’s disappearing figure.

As Yong Hwarin quickened his pace toward Chief Administrator Yu’s residence, he was suddenly halted by a voice.

"You weren’t even going to say goodbye to me?"

Standing before him was Jaegal Yohye—the one person Yong Hwarin least wanted to run into.

"I thought Lady Jaegal was the busiest of us all. I didn’t want to interrupt you."

Jaegal Yohye stared at him for a long moment before finally speaking.

"I hope that when we meet again, it’ll be under better circumstances."

She had come to confront him, but couldn’t bring herself to speak harshly.

"I’ll carry your help back in the Bamboo Grove in my heart. And I’ll say one thing to you, Lady Jaegal. I don’t know what kind of man you’re looking for, but remember—there’s someone near you who already possesses most of the qualities you desire. In my opinion, there’s no one among our generation more promising than that friend. If you let him slip away, it might become the greatest regret of your life. So please… be careful."

Leaving those words behind, Yong Hwarin walked away, feeling her gaze still lingering on his back.

As he stepped into the garden of the building where Chief Administrator Yu stayed, he paused once more.

He had stopped in front of a large garden tree, and after watching it for a while, he spoke.

"See you next time. Stay healthy always."

With that, Yong Hwarin walked away, and Pang Cheollyeon emerged from behind the tree.

"Haa… I didn’t even get to say goodbye. And I don’t know how to, either… What a fool I am!"

Having trained in martial arts her whole life, she was completely clueless about things like this.

Just like her brother Pang Giyok, Pang Cheollyeon was no different.

She had come to see him off, but hadn’t even been able to show herself.

Ever since she’d begun seeing Yong Hwarin as a man, even meeting his eyes had become difficult.

Pang Cheollyeon let out a deep sigh.

*

"I heard even the carriage was arranged by you, Chief Administrator Yu. Thank you."

Chief Administrator Yu waved his hands humbly.

"No, not at all. The Clan Lord instructed me to handle it personally. And this—this is travel money, prepared on the Lord’s orders."

He handed over a travel pouch.

Yong Hwarin received it. It felt hefty—he could tell it contained a good amount of silver.

But he simply smiled.

"Chief Administrator Yu, I plan to go see the Clan Lord myself and thank him, with this pouch in hand. I owe you all so much."

Just as he turned around, Chief Administrator Yu called out urgently.

"Young Master Yong, wait! Please wait a moment!"

With a flustered expression, Chief Administrator Yu hurried over.

"The Lord instructed me to give you a gift, but I completely forgot."

He then handed over a fairly large chest.

It was heavy enough that it required both hands to lift.

Yong Hwarin didn’t even need to look inside to know what was in it.