Chapter 587
Episode 587
Episode 587. Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman (1)
An unsavory rumor?
The one who would be my opponent was Inbong, a warrior and disciple of the Qingcheng Sect.
Should I call him Taoist Inbong?
The Qingcheng Sect is of the Taoist line, after all.
In any case, that aside....
“An unsavory rumor? What sort of rumor are you talking about?” (MC)
“Well, considering where the Qingcheng Sect is located, you may not have heard of it.” (Ji Gyeonghwa)
The Qingcheng Sect is located in Sichuan Province, after all.
“In truth, there is a rumor that Warrior Inbong talks to ghosts and learns martial arts from ghosts.” (Ji Gyeonghwa)
“Pardon?” (MC)
What is that supposed to mean?
“I also only heard it from others, so I do not know the details, but I thought it would be best for you to know that such a rumor exists, so I told you.” (Ji Gyeonghwa)
“I understand.” (MC)
I said to him.
“You may go now. I have confidence in my own abilities, and the skill of my guards is quite outstanding as well.” (MC)
“Understood. Then I will see you off only this far. Please go safely.” (Ji Gyeonghwa)
He clasped his hands to me.
“I wish you fortune in battle, Master.” (Ji Gyeonghwa)
“Thank you.” (MC)
After sending Young Master Ji Gyeonghwa back like that, I scratched my cheek.
He controls ghosts....
Did Warrior Inbong have such a rumor about him?
I searched my memory, but nothing came to mind.
What I remembered about him was only that he was someone who later rose to a fairly high position even within the Qingcheng Sect.
But since I had not been close to him, there may have been things I did not know, and it could also be a change caused by the future I had altered.
“Shall I look into it?” (Seo Woo)
Warrior Seo Woo, who was guarding me, asked.
“Pardon?” (MC)
“You seemed to be quite concerned about what you just heard.” (Seo Woo)
At Warrior Seo Woo’s words, I nodded.
“Yes. To be honest, I am somewhat bothered by it. But I will ask Hyangok Noona first.” (MC)
“Understood. Since they are both from the same Sichuan region, she may know more.” (Seo Woo)
A little while later.
When we arrived at Yeonpung Inn, the disciples of the Emei Sect had already arrived at the inn.
“You have come?” (Mother)
“Yes. Mother.” (MC)
Mother took me over to someone.
“This person is the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect. Sect Leader, this is my youngest son.” (Mother)
“I am Eun Seoho. I greet the Sect Leader.” (Eun Seoho)
When I greeted her with courtesy, she received the greeting politely.
“I am in charge as the Sect Leader of the Emei Sect. I am pleased to meet Master Benevolent Hero, Handsome Gentleman like this. Seeing you in person, you are even more tall and handsome.” (Emei Sect Leader)
“Thank you. I hope you have a good time.” (Eun Seoho)
After exchanging greetings with the Sect Leader like that, I headed to Hyangok Noona.
“Hyangok Noona.” (MC)
“Yes, you came? You must have come after looking around the temporary Trading Company.” (Hyangok)
“Yes. That is why I was a bit late.” (MC)
In truth, it was because I had gone to the Ji Clan, but that was not something to say here.
“There is something I would like to ask, so please stop by my guest room for a moment before you return later.” (MC)
“All right.” (Hyangok)
“Then please enjoy your meal.” (MC)
I did not forget the lesson from the Dragon and Phoenix Martial Arts Competition and quickly went up to my guest room.
If I were there, the Emei Sect disciples would not be able to eat properly.
“Phew, I’m hungry.”
As I rubbed my stomach and was about to enter my room, Palgap called me.
“Young Master! It is not there, sir.” (Palgap)
“Hm?” (MC)
“It is here, sir. Here!” (Palgap)
The place Palgap led me to was an empty room.
And the moment he opened that door.
“......!”
I could not help but be shocked.
Because inside the room, there was a full spread of delicious food.
“Ha! What is this?” (MC)
“The Company Head gave the order, saying you would surely say you were hungry as soon as you arrived, sir.” (Palgap)
“I should tell Father thank you. But where are my parents?” (MC)
“They have already finished eating together with the Second Young Company Head, sir.” (Palgap)
“Then we are the only ones who have not eaten?” (MC)
“That is right, sir.” (Palgap)
“Let’s eat quickly! I’m hungry.” (MC)
I turned my head and spoke to those who were waiting.
“You all must have worked hard, so let us eat.” (MC)
“Yes.” (Everyone)
In that way, we ate until we were full and returned to my room.
After resting for a while, Warrior Ipil’s voice was heard.
“Liege, Lady Hyangok has arrived.” (Ipil)
“Come in. Noona.” (MC)
The door opened, and Hyangok Noona entered.
“Has the banquet ended now?” (MC)
“It has not ended yet, but it is nearing the end, so I came up in advance. I have to go back with them later.” (Hyangok)
“I see.” (MC)
“So why did you want to see me?” (Hyangok)
At Hyangok Noona’s question, I offered her a seat.
“Please sit first. Shall I give you tea?” (MC)
“It’s all right. I already drank my fill downstairs.” (Hyangok)
I smiled and sat across from her.
“Understood. Then I should get straight to the point. Today, I heard a strange rumor about Warrior Inbong. I wondered if you knew about it.” (MC)
“Ah....” (Hyangok)
Noona nodded.
“You mean the rumor that he talks to ghosts and learns martial arts from ghosts?” (Hyangok)
“Yes. You know it.” (MC)
Noona thought for a moment, then opened her mouth.
“Seoho.” (Hyangok)
“Yes. Noona.” (MC)
“What did you think when you watched his preliminaries?” (Hyangok)
I recalled Warrior Inbong’s preliminaries.
The martial arts of the Qingcheng Sect are based on a movement art called Seryupyo.
Just as its name means thin willow leaves scattering in a whirlwind, that movement art has the characteristic of being graceful yet without fixed form, making it free.
Perhaps because of that, most of the Qingcheng Sect’s martial arts have similar characteristics, and there are especially many whose names include the character for wind.
“It seemed to show the essence of the Qingcheng Sect’s martial arts well.” (MC)
“That is right. I felt the same. But what is a little peculiar is... during the last Sichuan regional alliance duel, he was not at that level.” (Hyangok)
Perhaps because the Sichuan region is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, they have a strong tendency to band together.
That was why I heard that once a year, the martial families and sects of the Sichuan region all gather and hold an event where they duel and interact.
“At that time, he was still at the first-rate level.” (Hyangok)
“Then he grew this much in just one year?” (MC)
“Yes.” (Hyangok)
Hyangok Noona continued.
“Perhaps because of that rapid growth, a rumor like learning martial arts from ghosts may have started.” (Hyangok)
“Then what about the rumor that he talks to ghosts?” (MC)
“Who knows? I do not know that either.” (Hyangok)
Noona continued.
“Do I look like the kind of person who enjoys talking about others?” (Hyangok)
“Hahaha. No.” (MC)
“Then what exactly were you expecting when you asked me?” (Hyangok)
“I see. It was this younger brother’s foolish question.” (MC)
Still, thanks to her, one question had been answered, but that question called forth another.
Rapid growth achieved in just one year.
The question of how that could have been possible.
“Hyangok! Let us go now!” (Haecheong Sinni)
At that moment, someone outside called Hyangok Noona.
That is Haecheong Sinni’s voice.
“Master is calling. Then I will be going now.” (Hyangok)
“Yes, Noona. I will go down with you.” (MC)
“Yes, your duel is tomorrow, correct? I wish you fortune in battle.” (Hyangok)
“Thank you.” (MC)
I went down to the first floor of the inn with Noona. I had to see off the people including the Emei Sect Leader.
“Thank you for the generous hospitality.” (Emei Sect Leader)
“Not at all. My niece showed a fine performance, so how could I, as her uncle, not celebrate it?” (Father)
“Hahaha, that is true as well, but since we ate delicious food, I can only be thankful. Then I shall take my leave.” (Emei Sect Leader)
“Please go safely.” (Father)
In that way, we saw them off.
And I went to bed early.
.
.
.
As usual, as soon as I opened my eyes, I began regulating my qi.
Then, with my body and mind feeling even more refreshed, I rose from my seat and opened the window.
“Kkui!” (Geumryeong)
Geumryeong climbed onto my shoulder and kkui-ed.
“Yes, I know too.” (MC)
Someone was standing in the backyard visible below the window.
Though they had changed their appearance with the Divine Transformation Disguise Art, I thought I knew who it was. I had seen them by chance once before.
I hurriedly put on a robe and jumped down into the backyard through the window.
Tap.
Then I quietly smiled and clasped my hands.
“Oh dear, I only meant to cheer you on and leave, but I have been discovered.” (Master)
At Master’s telepathy, I also sent telepathy.
“Thank you for cheering me on.” (MC)
“You know the situation of the Snow Wind Palace better than anyone, so I will not say anything else. Please, do not get hurt.” (Master)
“I understand.” (MC)
“Then I will be leaving now. There is nothing good about staying long.” (Master)
With that, Master disappeared in an instant.
To be honest, there were many things I wanted to ask, but they were not urgent enough to ask here.
This was Luoyang, the headquarters of the Martial Alliance.
No matter how much one used the Divine Transformation Disguise Art, it was best to be careful.
On the other hand, even amid that, I felt the heart of Master, who had come all the way to the inn like this to cheer me on, and without realizing it, a smile formed on my face.
And my heart felt reassured.
Then, shall I loosen up a little?
I ate breakfast and headed to the dueling arena.
On the way, I had already received an enormous amount of cheering from my family, and that cheering did not end even after I arrived at the dueling arena.
“Young Company Head Eun! I wish you a good fight.” (Someone)
“Please do not get hurt.” (Someone)
“I will pray for your victory.” (Someone)
“Hohoho, I look forward to seeing your martial prowess.” (Someone)
That was because, including the young company heads of several Trading Companies, many people with whom I had ties cheered me on.
It felt slightly burdensome, but it still felt good.
As usual, I sat down with my family, and Captain Geum Yeonhwa climbed onto the dueling stage and announced the start of the duels.
.
.
.
The morning duels ended, and it became lunchtime.
Before eating lunch, I headed to the commercial district to look around the temporary shops.
Even if my duel was in the afternoon, I was a merchant.
I could not neglect my main work.
With that thought, I headed to the commercial district, and there too, I received the cheers of countless people.
“Please do your best in today’s duel!” (Someone)
“Hahaha, thank you.” (MC)
“I wish you fortune in battle.” (Someone)
“Yes, thank you.” (MC)
After looking around the temporary shops like that, I quietly asked Palgap.
“Was I this popular?” (MC)
At my question, Palgap laughed.
“Are you only realizing that now, sir?” (Palgap)
“Uh... let’s eat.” (MC)
In that way, I returned to the inn, ate, and then headed back to the training grounds.
My family had already come to the training grounds.
It was because each of them had gatherings, and perhaps because the Great Murim Banquet was now nearing its end, it felt as though there were more gatherings.
Then the afternoon duels began, and before long, it was my turn.
“This is today’s final duel! First, the disciple of the Qingcheng Sect, Inbong! The one facing him is a warrior recommended by the Alliance Leader! Eun Seoho of the Eunhae Trading Company!” (Geum Yeonhwa)
“Waaaaaaaa!”
The people’s cheers echoed.
I took a deep breath, rose from my seat, and looked at Father and Mother.
From the eyes of the two, who nodded without a word, I felt worry and trust at the same time.
“Seoho.” (Jinho)
I turned my head at the sound of Jinho Hyung calling me.
“Hurry up and go up. People are waiting.” (Jinho)
“......”
Is this revenge for before?
I gave a small laugh and countered.
“If Hyung had not called me, I would have gone up already.” (MC)
“Tch!” (Jinho)
Jinho Hyung clicked his tongue, and I said with a smile.
“I’ll be back.” (MC)
Receiving the cheers of Palgap, Miss Seohyang, and my guards, I climbed onto the dueling stage.
Then I attached seven tags to my body and exchanged greetings with Warrior Inbong.
“I look forward to your guidance.” (Inbong)
“I look forward to yours as well.” (MC)
The gaze of Warrior Inbong, who answered that way, looked firm.
Boom!
The sound of the drum was heard.
I drew my sword and took my starting stance.
The Silver Mist Sword in my hand emitted a sharp air.
Since it was said that the Silver Mist Sword changes shape depending on its user, I felt at ease bringing it here.
Unless I used the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art, it would not reveal its true appearance, so there was no chance others would recognize it.
In this duel, instead of the Great Yin Ice Sea Divine Art and the True Snow Twelve Forms Sword Technique, I would use the Heavenly Flow Art and Heavenly Flow Ice Sword.
Warrior Inbong also took his starting stance.
At the same time, I seemed to hear the sound of wind by my ear. Even though not a single breeze was blowing.
Soon, Warrior Inbong’s form moved.
And the scent of pine touched the tip of my nose.
It was the Qingcheng Sect’s sword technique, the Pine Wind Sword Technique.
Their representative movement art, Seryupyo, displayed movements as dazzling and difficult to predict as its reputation suggested.
Clang!
But I was not someone who could not block that.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
I was pretending to barely block it, but inwardly, I calmly assessed my opponent.
I see.
Even if those movements are irregular and hard to predict, that does not mean they have no rules at all.
Through several clashes, I found out that rule. Once I realized that, it was not difficult to dig into its gap.
There was a clear difference in realm between Warrior Inbong and me, so it would not do if I could not grasp at least that much.
Clang-clang! Clang!
I swung my sword according to that rule and blocked Warrior Inbong’s sword.
At this, Warrior Inbong’s gaze shook slightly.
He had noticed the change.
I did not strike his sword away all at once, but pressed it down for a long moment, then knocked it away and created an opening.
And then, I launched myself.
Whoosh!
If this were a real fight, it would be better to send out sword qi, but sword qi was forbidden in the friendly martial arts competition.
Because if sword qi were used, it would not merely cut off the tags; someone could be badly injured.
That was why those who had dueled until now had not used sword qi.
My sword blade pretended to aim for the tag on his left leg, then changed direction.
I pulled the hilt of the sword upward as it was and broke the tag attached to Warrior Inbong’s right shoulder.
Thud!
“Waaaaaaaa!”
The people’s cheers were heard. And I could also hear the voices of the people from our Eunhae Trading Company.
“The greatest handsome man in the empire! Young Master Eun Seoho! Today, your beauty shines properly, sir! Let us create the legend of Tossed Fruits Filling the Cart, sir!” (Palgap)
“......”
Hey, Palgap. You be quiet.