Chapter 133 : Entangled Martial Duel (1)

Chapter 133: Entangled Martial Duel (1)

“Are you not going to take a look?”

Ho Cheongun and Poong Imso asked as soon as I finished my morning training.

Even though I had only slept for one hour after a night of training, I felt as light as if I could fly.

I smiled to myself, feeling that I had broken through another shell.

‘Though they’re Taoist priests from Mount Hua who seek enlightenment, they’re still young and unable to hide their eagerness. They’re restless to watch the martial duel between the Do and Sword clans.’

Sa Jeokwoo spoke up.

“There will be so many spectators anyway—no one will notice if we’re mixed in.”

He was concerned that the participation of late-generation disciples from the Nine Great Sects might be interpreted poorly.

“Alright, let’s do that. I just came from the martial arena, and quite a crowd had already gathered. Even if we go, few would recognize us.”

When even the Three Slayers Three Heroes joined in, I didn’t refuse.

Truthfully, I wasn’t particularly interested in the duel, but I did want to see how much Pang Giyok’s Five Tiger Sword of the Tang Clan had progressed.

There was only one reason why I was reluctant to meet them, despite Pang Giyok being a friend.

My reputation had risen above theirs, and I was sure the younger disciples of their clans would be tempted to challenge me to a duel out of competitiveness.

‘I had thought I’d see Giyok briefly before leaving.’

Part of me also hesitated to see Jegal Cheongyeong, so I had planned to catch them at the end.

But as martial artists, it was natural for my companions to not want to miss a duel between late-generation disciples from six of the Twelve Great Clans.

“As you know, it’s a friendly duel. Since it’s done with restraint, it probably won’t be very thrilling.”

“Still, we’ll get to see their techniques, right?”

Seeing how fired up they were at the thought of witnessing the clans’ unique arts, I smiled.

When we arrived at the martial arena, it was already packed not just with warriors from the Namgung Clan, but also many from other clans. There wasn’t even room to squeeze through.

“This place is huge. It would be great if our Mount Hua had a martial arena like this.”

Sa Ilhyang couldn’t hide her envy at the massive training grounds surrounded by high wooden platforms, which offered a clear view from above.

“Even if hundreds were training with swords here, you’d be able to see everything clearly from up there.”

“That’s probably why they built those platforms.”

As more people arrived, some began climbing onto the raised platforms.

“Let’s go up too.”

Sa Ilhyang climbed up lightly, followed by Sa Jeokwoo and Poong Imso.

I had intended to stay hidden among the crowd, not wanting to reveal my identity, but the Three Slayers Three Heroes insisted, so I followed them up.

From the platform, I could see the duel participants gathering.

I saw many familiar faces.

‘Even Shangguan Mijong came? And Seomun Seoseol too.’

Seeing Pang Giyok brought a smile to my face.

‘Still the same as ever.’

Then I noticed Pang Cheollyeon beside him, and my heart grew heavy.

‘I suppose it was wise not to meet them. Otherwise, I might’ve only made them uncomfortable.’

Judging by the fact that the main figures of both the Sword and Saber Clans were present, it was clear that the formation of the Tri-Alliance wasn’t far off.

‘This duel is likely a stepping stone for the formation of the Tri-Alliance. They’ll frame it as a mutual exchange of martial arts through friendly duels.’

I looked over to where Jegal Cheongyeong and Jegal Yohye were sitting among the Sword Clan’s delegation.

‘So this grand spectacle might be a way to draw attention. It was probably Jegal Yohye’s idea.’

Then I noticed a young man seated at the center of their group.

‘Hmm, that must be Jegal Yeongcheon, the young master of the Jegal Clan.’

Jegal Yeongcheon had only recently ended his closed-door training, so this was my first time seeing him.

Frankly, the outcome of this duel was a foregone conclusion.

‘They’re not doing this to determine a winner or loser, but to flaunt the might of the Sword and Saber Clans. Most matches will end in draws. And yet, people gather here so curiously, not realizing that.’

I accurately predicted the outcome of the event.

Just as I suspected, the true purpose of this duel was to showcase the greatness of the two clans.

It was also a declaration that they would hold such events regularly, to justify the formation of the Tri-Alliance.

If they pushed ahead without setting the stage, there would always be detractors ready to nitpick.

This was a staged performance to preempt such interference.

Though troublesome, doing it this way would smooth the path for future actions without the need for more theatrics.

Soon, Danmok Gyeol from the Sword Clan and Seomun Yuwon from the Saber Clan stepped forward to begin the duel.

As expected, they displayed flashy and powerful techniques, but it was clear they weren’t fighting seriously.

Poong Imso, who caught on quickly, muttered in complaint.

“I thought something was off when they said they were dueling. They’re just showing off their techniques and then stopping.”

His voice carried a note of disappointment.

Everyone had come full of excitement, expecting real battles between famous young martial artists.

Even so, they clung to hope and waited for the next match.

This time, Jegal Yeongcheon of the Jegal Clan and Shangguan Joyoung of the Shangguan Clan entered the arena.

The Jegal Clan’s “Eighteen Dragons Sword” and the Shangguan Clan’s “Heaven Piercing Hundred Form Saber” might have seemed relaxed, but their force was overwhelming enough to make the spectators sweat.

These two also ended in a draw without a single scratch between them.

“Come on, this is a total scam. Why even call it a duel?”

Now some complaints began to surface among the martial artists.

Still, few voiced serious dissatisfaction. Most were content to at least witness the signature techniques of the great clans.

No one knew when they might get another chance to see such arts again.

“Still, the Namgung Clan and the Pang Clan won’t just back down like that, right?”

Watching Sa Ilhyang, who still held onto hope, I smiled faintly.

“Wow, that Namgung Soomyung is really handsome. And look at Pang Giyok. Those two together look like a painting.”

Not just Sa Ilhyang—Ho Maeyok and the Three Slayers Three Heroes also couldn’t stop praising the two handsome men.

They were not only dividing the martial world but also dividing hearts, sparking playful rivalries over who was more charming.

“Compared to those two, every man here looks like a squid.”

At Sa Ilhyang’s blunt remark, Poong Imso burst out laughing.

Pang Giyok and Namgung Soomyung drew the eyes of every woman present.

Pang Giyok, heir to the gatekeeping branch of the Pang Clan of Hebei, and Namgung Soomyung, whom no one in the Namgung Clan could match with a sword.

Namgung Soomyung’s nickname was a surprising contrast to his character.

His alias was “Soul-Stealing Flash”, a name with a dark and ominous undertone.

They said Namgung Soomyung turned into a different person when holding a sword. Because he cut down members of the Demonic Faction without mercy, such a nickname had been given to him.

But aside from that, Namgung Soomyung was almost like a blockhead.

He was known to be indecisive and lacked decisiveness in handling matters. People within his clan even said he lacked the character to become the head of the household.

The problem was that his nature differed far too much from how he was with a sword in hand.

I watched the duel closely, curious to see how much Pang Giyok’s Five Tiger Sword of the Tang Clan had improved.

The two stood about ten paces apart, drawing their sword and saber.

For a moment, the entire arena went silent, as if everyone had stopped breathing.

Just as Pang Giyok and Namgung Soomyung raised their weapons to perform the opening salute and begin the duel, a loud explosion rang out from the main gate of the Namgung Clan.

Boom!

The gate burst open, and a man slowly walked in.

The martial arena was directly connected to the Namgung Clan’s main entrance, and the man who barged in strode confidently toward the dueling ground.

“Who goes there?!”

The Chief Administrator of the Namgung Clan blocked his path and demanded.

“I’m here for a duel!”

At his words, murmurs spread through the martial arena.

“Leave! The main house is currently hosting an official duel—we cannot accommodate anyone else!”

The Chief Administrator glared at him, but the man shook his head.

“I’m not here to duel you people. I came to duel someone else, so stay out of it!”

He shouted confidently.

Namgung Soomyung sheathed his sword and walked over to the man.

“May I ask where you are from?”

The man grinned and replied.

“My name is Eom An.”

When Namgung Soomyung addressed him with courtesy, Eom An responded politely in turn.

Hearing that name, cries of alarm erupted from every direction.

“It’s the Severing Hand Demon Blade!”

“That’s Eom An of the Six Demon Fiends!”

The Six Demon Fiends were high-level experts said to rival the Orthodox Murim’s Twelve Dragons.

Among them, the Severing Hand Demon Blade was said to be the leader.

While his skill had already surpassed the level of the Six Demon Fiends and placed him among the Four Supreme Demonic Masters, the Record of the Moon and Blade still listed Eom An as one of the Six Demon Fiends.

“What business brings Young Master Eom to our main house?”

Namgung Soomyung emphasized the words “Young Master,” using polite but pointedly neutral language that didn’t elevate Eom An’s status.

“As I said, I came for a duel.”

“Are you here to duel one of us?”

In response to Namgung Soomyung’s question, Eom An shook his head.

“I had no idea that the clans’ young talents would be dueling today. If I’ve interrupted, I apologize. But I came to resolve a personal grudge through a duel, so I ask for your understanding.”

Eom An was actually pleased to speak so publicly in such a crowded place.

It was a chance to bind Yong Hwarin so that he couldn’t escape.

In this kind of setting, bound by honor, Yong Hwarin would be hard-pressed to refuse a duel.

Upon arriving in Anhui, Eom An had heard that the River Center Escort Agency had entered the Namgung estate. He had spent the day circulating qi to control his internal energy.

And it just so happened that the Namgung Clan was holding friendly duels between their younger generation. Eom An saw it as a perfect opportunity.

There was no need to gather an audience—he could increase his own fame while crushing not just Yong Hwarin, but the others too.

So he had chosen today, the day of the duels, to walk boldly into the Namgung Clan’s compound.

Namgung Soomyung asked,

“Who is the person you came to duel?”

Eom An looked around, then shouted in a booming voice.

“Yong Hwarin of the Heavenly Central Sword Sect! Come forward!”

The sudden outcry caused people in the arena to look at each other in confusion.

“What’s he saying? Why is he calling for the Heavenly Central Sword Sect?”

“Did the Heavenly Central Sword Sect take part in today’s duel?”

“Is he talking about that Heavenly Central Sect from Mount Tianzhong?”

A stream of puzzled whispers swept through the crowd.

That was how unexpected Eom An’s callout had been.

“You must be mistaken. Young Master Yong of the Heavenly Central Sword Sect is not present in our household,” someone said.

But Eom An smirked and opened his mouth again.

“The River Center Escort Agency arrived recently, didn’t it?”

“Yes, two days ago.”

“He was with that escort group.”

“Is that true?”

“If my words are false, feel free to take my head right here.”

His confidence was so unwavering that Namgung Soomyung began glancing around, looking for someone from the River Center Escort Agency.

But someone found Yong Hwarin before Namgung Soomyung could.

“Young Master Yong!”

Jegal Yohye had suddenly appeared at my side and waved with a bright smile.

At that, all eyes nearby turned toward me.

Since someone I had never met had called out my name and challenged me to a duel, I had no choice but to step forward.

As I came forward, Pang Giyok chuckled and said with a tone of mock disappointment,

“This guy’s truly heartless. You show up but don’t even come find me?”

Pang Giyok approached warmly and placed a hand on my shoulder, startling the younger generation of the clans.

They had never seen Pang Giyok treat someone so casually before.

“Sorry about that. I had my reasons. I planned to meet you quietly before leaving, so don’t take it too hard.”

I spoke to Pang Giyok, then turned and smiled toward Jegal Cheongyeong.

Then I clasped my fist and saluted Shangguan Mijong, Seomun Seoseol, and Pang Cheollyeon, who were all staring at me as if trying to pierce me with their gaze.

“It’s been a while, everyone.”