Chapter 265 : Master of the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm

Chapter 265: Master of the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm

‘His house?’

Geum Yujin, startled by Jeong Minji’s words, responded impulsively.

“Even if you hadn’t said so, I had been hoping to see Young Master Yong’s martial prowess for myself.”

“Thank you. Please understand my desire to witness a martial art that utilizes one of the Four Great Divine Items from the Four Great Clans.”

As the two became excited, Geum Myeongryeol calmed the atmosphere.

“Using one of the Four Great Divine Items with a martial art of the Four Great Clans is dangerous.”

No matter how strong Yong Hwarin might be, Geum Myeongryeol believed that if he used the Black Tortoise Lunar Art to wield the Black Tortoise Tail Sword, Yong Hwarin would not be able to endure it.

When both conditions were met, even a drop of water could be imbued with qi.

Because it could become an overly dangerous duel, he tried to dissuade them.

“Don’t worry. I have enough skill to protect myself.”

For Yong Hwarin, this was the first time he had ever requested a duel from someone.

“Let’s head to the rear garden.”

The two who stepped into the rear garden of Yeongbingak immediately took their stances.

Before the duel began, Geum Myeongryeol spoke.

“Young Master Yong, our clan’s martial art is based on lunar energy. It features ice and water techniques, so please keep that in mind.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

Geum Myeongryeol was concerned that Yong Hwarin might get injured by the ice techniques.

Jeong Minji murmured beside her mother.

“This duel is too dangerous.”

“That child Yong Hwarin might end up seriously hurt. The Black Tortoise Lunar Art is a very sharp martial art, and the Black Tortoise Tail Sword is an extremely dangerous weapon.”

“No, Mother. What I mean is not that Young Master Yong is in danger—but that Young Master Geum is.”

“What? What are you saying?”

“Mother, Young Master Yong has already surpassed the level where he could be harmed by one of the Four Great Divine Items.”

“That’s nonsense.”

Jeong Minji sighed and said,

“You’ll understand when you see it.”

Jo Gyeongmae knew that her eldest daughter was not someone who spouted nonsense.

Even so, she couldn’t believe it.

There were few martial arts in the world that could withstand the martial arts of the Four Great Clans and their Divine Items.

To surpass that level, one would need to freely wield enhanced qi—how could such a thing be possible at such a young age?

‘My daughter’s infatuated… she must think the man she likes is invincible.’

Thinking this, Jo Gyeongmae looked at her daughter with pity.

The first to move was Geum Yujin.

He wanted to overwhelm Yong Hwarin and restore his pride.

Because Yong Hwarin had taken the woman he loved, he couldn’t help but harbor a faint killing intent.

When the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm flew toward him, Yong Hwarin felt for the first time how threatening this weapon truly was.

Assailed by a mixture of sword, spear, and whip techniques, he found himself dazed.

He was constantly on the defensive, relying solely on the Azure Bamboo Sword to block.

Moreover, once Geum Yujin infused spiritual energy into the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm, the momentum of the Black Tortoise Lunar Art surged.

“How long do you plan on just defending? I heard rumors, but this is disappointing. Is this your true skill?”

As he attacked, Geum Yujin lightly provoked him.

In truth, aggravating the opponent during a fight was Yong Hwarin’s specialty—but seeing it used against him made him smirk.

In moments like these, the best response was to pretend to be caught in the provocation.

Yong Hwarin wore a furious expression and charged in with a sudden attack.

‘He’s taking the bait!’

Geum Yujin unleashed the pinnacle of the Black Tortoise Lunar Art—Ice Butterfly Chaos Dance (氷蝶亂舞).

The wave of sword qi formed into flurries of white butterflies fluttering around the Black Tortoise Tail Sword.

But Jo Gyeongmae and Geum Myeongryeol both furrowed their brows at the sight.

There was no need to use such a dangerous technique in a friendly duel—they thought Geum Yujin was being reckless.

Jo Gyeongmae saw through the flow of the battle clearly.

‘Young Master Geum acted too hastily. Perhaps due to lack of real combat experience? Yong Hwarin may seem to have fallen for the provocation, but his eyes are too calm. It’s like watching a seasoned warrior fight a novice.’

Jo Gyeongmae glanced at her daughter.

She didn’t look worried at all. That meant she had full faith in Yong Hwarin.

When the Black Tortoise Tail Sword swung like a whip, the ice butterflies rushed toward Yong Hwarin.

However, before they could even touch his body, they evaporated.

Bzzzzzt!

Each time the ice butterflies collided, a blue aura rippled—this was no ordinary Protective Energy.

Jo Gyeongmae and Geum Myeongryeol both stared in awe at Yong Hwarin’s level.

After Ice Butterfly Chaos Dance was blocked, Geum Yujin followed up with Frozen Wind Arrows.

“It’s dangerous!”

Geum Myeongryeol muttered under his breath.

He knew his son did not yet have the inner stability to properly use Frozen Wind Arrows.

For Geum Yujin, Ice Butterfly Chaos Dance was the best he could manage with his current mastery. But when Yong Hwarin neutralized it with ease, he recklessly forced his internal energy higher.

The Black Tortoise Tail Sword extended, emitting white energy like arrows.

But at the same time as the Frozen Wind Arrows were released, a blood arrow also burst from Geum Yujin’s mouth.

Splurt!

Yet the Frozen Wind Arrows also evaporated into mist against Yong Hwarin’s Protective Energy.

Seeing that, Geum Yujin despaired.

Only he knew how many years of bitter training it had taken to reach this state.

To become a worthy heir of the Black Tortoise Clan and impress Jeong Minji, he had trained relentlessly, neglecting even food and sleep.

But now, his martial arts couldn’t even penetrate Yong Hwarin’s Protective Energy. He plummeted into the pit of despair.

His energy reversed course, and he fell into Qi Deviation.

The ridiculous part was—Yong Hwarin hadn’t even launched a proper attack.

Seeing Geum Yujin fall into Qi Deviation on his own left Yong Hwarin dumbfounded.

He had overestimated Geum Yujin’s skill.

Because he had constantly faced martial artists strong enough to threaten his life, he assumed Geum Yujin would be the same.

But in truth, Geum Yujin was not yet at that level. He was only slightly better than other Peak level prodigies.

Though he had learned the Black Tortoise Lunar Art, he hadn’t fully mastered it with his own body. He had not harmonized with the spiritual energy of the Black Tortoise Tail Sword, and thus couldn’t draw out its full power.

“Stabilize your energy!”

As frost began to form over the hand holding the Black Tortoise Tail Sword, Geum Myeongryeol shouted.

Frost slowly climbed from his wrist up to his upper arm.

“Yujin, quickly circulate your qi and stabilize your energy!”

As Geum Myeongryeol shouted urgently, Geum Yujin closed his eyes and entered standing qi circulation.

But he soon spat out another blood arrow.

The frost that had reached his upper arm was now settling on his shoulder.

If it reached his head, Geum Yujin would not have a chance to react and would surely die.

With a flustered expression, Jeong Minji turned to Yong Hwarin.

“Gaga, please help.”

As Yong Hwarin approached Geum Yujin with a serious expression, Geum Myeongryeol hastily interjected.

“If something goes wrong, even Young Master Yong will be in danger. For now, we have no choice but to leave it to Yujin.”

“I will try.”

Yong Hwarin took Geum Yujin’s left hand and grabbed the pulse of his right wrist with his right hand.

“W-What are you doing? You’ll get both of yourselves killed!”

But Jeong Minji calmed the frantic Geum Myeongryeol.

“Master, please calm down. Trust Gaga.”

Jeong Minji was just as worried. But she believed in Yong Hwarin’s ability.

Yong Hwarin began operating the Dual-Mind Inner Art, activating the Yin Dantian from both of his qi centers, attempting to harmonize with the rampaging Black Tortoise True Qi of Geum Yujin, whose inner energy had lost its way.

Even during that, the frost continued to creep up toward the neck, shards of ice breaking off.

Yong Hwarin, after attuning to Geum Yujin’s energy, pulled his True Qi into the Yang Dantian and then expelled it back through the Yin Dantian.

It was a method to calm the surging waves of inner energy.

Gradually, Geum Yujin’s qi stabilized, and the rampaging inner force regathered at his Dantian.

Soon after, the white frost that had been creeping from the neck to the ears began to fade and turned into droplets of water.

It was visibly clear that the rampaging qi had been subdued.

“Phew!”

Having passed a critical moment, Geum Myeongryeol let out a long sigh.

His son had almost succumbed to Qi Deviation due to his recklessness.

Geum Yujin felt a mix of frustration and emptiness at being saved by Yong Hwarin.

He had tried to overpower Yong Hwarin with flair, only to realize his capabilities were nowhere near enough.

“I’ve lost.”

“No. Young Master Geum has lost nothing. You’ve proven that you are worthy of wielding the Black Tortoise Tail Sword.”

“What are you talking about? I lost to you. Even while using the Black Tortoise Lunar Art and the Black Tortoise Tail Sword.”

He spoke with a voice full of resignation, nearly shouting.

“I can’t unleash that kind of power with the Black Tortoise Tail Sword. At best, I could only use it as a supplementary weapon. In that sense, Young Master Geum is certainly the rightful owner of the Black Tortoise Tail Sword.”

“Are you pitying me?”

Yong Hwarin replied, exuding energy.

“I am not the type to hand over a divine item to someone out of pity!”

Geum Yujin flinched at Yong Hwarin’s explosive aura.

For a moment, that killing intent reignited the competitive spirit in his whole body.

“I’ve survived countless dangers thanks to the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm. Do you think I’d hand over such a weapon to just anyone? After realizing that the Black Tortoise Tail Sword can only be truly wielded through the Black Tortoise Lunar Art, it’s only right that I don’t cling to it.”

Geum Yujin realized that in martial strength, mental fortitude, and every other way, he could not surpass Yong Hwarin.

And now, he began to understand why Jeong Minji liked Yong Hwarin.

With a man like that by her side, it would be strange not to feel drawn to him.

Even as a romantic rival, he felt his heart tremble at Yong Hwarin’s valor and confidence—how could any woman not be charmed?

Feeling hollow, Geum Yujin turned and walked away with heavy steps.

Geum Myeongryeol looked at his son with eyes full of regret.

“Thank you. Thanks to Young Master Yong, my son was saved.”

“No. It happened because of me in the first place. I should be the one apologizing.”

“It’s only because my son’s skills are still lacking. I hope you understand, Young Master Yong.”

“Think nothing of it.”

With a bitter expression, Geum Myeongryeol followed after his son.

Jo Gyeongmae looked at Yong Hwarin with renewed eyes.

Geum Yujin was an exceptional young man, fit to be a son-in-law.

But witnessing the clash between Geum Yujin and Yong Hwarin made her realize that Yong Hwarin was far more exceptional.

Even with the martial arts and divine item of one of the Four Great Clans, Geum Yujin couldn’t lay a finger on Yong Hwarin—a fact that was somewhat shocking.

Of course, Geum Yujin’s level was not yet sufficient to unleash the full power of the Black Tortoise Lunar Art, but Yong Hwarin had blocked a sword qi attack with Protective Energy—no small feat.

Though his methods had been forceful, Yong Hwarin had challenged Geum Yujin to a duel to change Jo Gyeongmae’s perception.

He felt sorry for Geum Yujin, but now that it had ended successfully, he felt pleased.

By demonstrating his martial strength, he had won the favor of his future mother-in-law.

Moreover, having saved Geum Yujin from Qi Deviation, things had wrapped up better than expected.

Jo Gyeongmae’s gaze toward Yong Hwarin had clearly softened.

“You all come by my room later.”

She left those words with her three daughters and returned to her quarters.

“Gaga, thank goodness.”

“It’s truly fortunate that Young Master Geum escaped Qi Deviation. If something had happened to him, I would have felt guilt as well.”

As Jeong Minji gently approached Yong Hwarin, she asked.

“But… is it really okay to give the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm to Young Master Geum?”

“I’m not confident I can wield the Black Silk Celestial Silkworm better than he can. The Four Great Divine Items seem to be tailored to the martial arts of the Four Great Clans. If so, returning it to him is the right thing.”

Yong Hwarin spoke with intent to lighten the mood.

“Anyway, I’m hungry. Let’s go eat.”

As the two walked off warmly together, Jeong Suji and Jeong Daji, who had been watching from the side, grumbled.

“Good grief, it’s like we’re invisible now.”

“How sweet.”

Unlike the grumbling Jeong Suji, Jeong Daji watched the two with a content smile.

“Still, seeing big sister smiling like that makes her look truly beautiful.”

“Yeah.”

The two younger sisters looked at each other and shared a bright smile.

“I’m hungry. Let’s go.”

The two quickly chased after Yong Hwarin.