Chapter v10c7

Flying Messengers!

Flap! Flap!

Messengers and messenger birds from the Biying Pavilion took off simultaneously, heading towards various sects and the Martial Alliance.

They each carried messages tied to their legs, flying across the sky on the wind.

To fulfill their mission, they flew swiftly towards those eagerly awaiting their arrival. The message they carried was that anyone eligible to participate in the Hwasan Convention must pass the upcoming Hwanma Cave examination. Therefore, they were to come to the Cheonmu Academy by the appointed date to take the test. It was news that made countless warriors who had been honing their skills in anticipation of this day shout in joy. However, it also meant they had to face the associated risks. Yet, no one would avoid this welcome news just because of the potential dangers.

The messengers crossed the blue sky, heading to all the major sects including Shaolin, Wudang, Hwasan, Emei, and others, as well as the Eight Great Families including Gaebang, Namgung Clan, and Sacheondang Family, and various smaller factions without exception.

Now, the official start of the Hwasan Convention was underway.

Elite representatives selected from each sect would soon gather at Cheonmu Academy. They were all alumni of Cheonmu Academy.

“All the alumni who have completed all courses at Cheonmu Academy will gather!”

This was a more concerning issue than the tense rivalry between the cunning and the wicked. It wasn’t just a simple rivalry. The Hwanma Cave was opening for the first time in 18 years.

Not only current students of Cheonmu Academy but also anyone under the age of 30 who passed the qualification exam could participate in this test. This meant that alumni of Cheonmu Academy would also participate in the test, staking their honor and pride. Among them could be their elder brothers, mentors, or even relatives. But there was no room for concession in this matter.

Moreover, they were individuals who had already completed all the courses at Cheonmu Academy before them. They were also competitors. Competitors who were stronger and more challenging than anyone else. Thus, the current students of Cheonmu Academy had to compete with their seniors in skill to surpass them and participate in the Hwasan Convention.

The selection for the Hwasan Convention was going to be tough. “Monsters and damned brats will flock in droves.”

Jang Hong muttered with a displeased face.

“Having to see those annoying faces without wanting to… My mood isn’t that great. Damn, damn, damn! If only I didn’t have to see that guy’s face, I’d have no regrets…”

He continued to grumble while sipping his drink, his demeanor filled with anxiety and irritation. Watching his behavior, Hyo Ryong and Yun Junho couldn’t understand the reason behind it.

“Damn it!”

Jang Hong took another long drink. To Yun Junho, it seemed like he was drinking too much.

“Oh no!”

Yun Junho exclaimed with concern.

“Let’s just leave him be! If he gets drunk, he’ll just pass out there.”

Hyo Ryong’s suggestion was reluctantly agreed upon by Yun Junho. Sometimes people need to be alone. Though the reason was unknown, now was not the time to comfort but to leave him be.

“But it’s unusual.”

Hyo Ryong felt the same curiosity, though he didn’t show it. It was uncharacteristic behavior for Jang Hong, who always exuded an elder brother-like atmosphere. His usual composure was nowhere to be seen.

“Is it really okay to leave him like this?”

Yun Junho couldn’t shake off his worries.

“We promised to leave him be. Everyone has something in their heart they can’t tell others. Sometimes, it’s best to leave them alone.”

For Jang Hong, alcohol seemed to be the only solace. However, neither Yun Junho nor Hyo Ryong could understand why he was drinking so heavily.

A man walking nonchalantly on the street made passersby stop and take a second look, admiring his extraordinary aura. Eight out of ten would turn back to admire him.

The young man was dressed in jade-colored clothes, which made his face stand out even more. On his waist hung a pure white sword, at the end of which were uniquely tied red, blue, crimson, and yellow threads.

The young man stopped in his tracks as he reached a certain place and looked up at the large signboard of the main gate. It read ‘Cheonmu Academy’ in bold calligraphy.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been here!”

There was a sense of affection in his voice. He stepped forward without hesitation. His stride was so confident that even the guards at the gate let him pass without checking his identity.

The Cheonmu Academy guards were dumbfounded.

“Stop!”

Chang! Chang!

The guards at the gate, Jeong Il-gun and Jeong Dae-chu, drew their swords. However, the young man slipped past them with agile movements. They felt as if a gust of wind had just passed them, and were dumbfounded by how easily they were bypassed.

“He’s a master!”

Jeong Il-gun was about to blow the emergency horn.

“Hahahaha. Sorry, sorry. It felt like coming home after a long time, so I played a little prank. Hahaha! If I scared you, I apologize. How about we forget about that noisy thing?”

The young man laughed heartily, stopping Jeong Il-gun’s action. The two felt as if they were under a spell. The young man in jade clothes took out a silver badge from his pocket. As soon as they saw the badge, the two quickly bowed in respect.

“Sorry for not recognizing you, senior!”

The badge the young man showed was a sign that he was affiliated with the Martial Alliance. Moreover, the badge was not iron or copper, but silver, indicating his high status. The emblem of Cheonmu Sword Dragon engraved on it proved that he was an alumnus of Cheonmu Academy. And when their eyes landed on his name written below, they were even more astonished.

“May I go now?”

“Of course.”

“Then take care.”

As the young man’s shadow receded, Jeong Dae-chu spoke to Jeong Il-gun with a slightly excited tone.

“That… That person is!”

Jeong Il-gun nodded.

“Yes, that’s him. To not recognize him even after seeing the four-colored threads tied to his sword…”

“Seriously, what useless eyes I have. That person is none other than Chwi Young-gum Shin Yu-seong, one of the strongest competitors in the last Hwasan Convention.”

Admiration shone in their eyes. That young man was the goal they aspired to be. The young man in jade clothes was one of their idols.

As Shin Yu-seong moved towards the main hall, his eyes widened. Someone who looked familiar had just brushed past him.

‘Could it be…?’

A man’s face suddenly flashed through Shin Yu-seong’s mind. However, it was impossible for that person to be here. And the person looked much younger and gentler than him. But he couldn’t just pass by.

“You look a lot like someone I know. You!”

Hyo Ryong was surprised to see the young man suddenly appear and block his path. He was on his way to the dining hall with Eun Seol-ran and Mo Yong-hwi.

“Who are you?”

Hyo Ryong asked. It was the first time he had seen this face.

“What? You don’t know me? How can you not know someone as famous as me?”

Although Shin Yu-seong could sometimes be frivolous, that was the problem.

“It’s problematic that you don’t recognize me, a graduate of this academy and one of the top four competitors in the last Hwasan Convention. Do you really not know me? I’m so famous in the martial world that not knowing me would be considered ignorant. Do you really, truly not know me?”

His fuss knew no end.

“Eh? Wh… What are you talking about?”

Although frivolous, it was a harmless joke, but Hyo Ryong was startled. He was lucky his heart didn’t leap out of his throat.

“Calm down. Tsk tsk, who would think you’re ignorant with such naive behavior? You’re too naive.”

“I… I’m sorry.”

Though he apologized, Hyo Ryong’s back was already drenched in cold sweat.

Not knowing can sometimes be the worst.

“You are…”

Eun Seol-ran was shocked when she finally realized who the man was. Rather, it was Shin Yu-seong who was puzzled.

“Lady, have we met before? Strange. I wouldn’t forget a dazzling beauty like you.”

“Ah… No, it’s my first time seeing Sir Chwi Young-gum Shin Yu-seong in person. I was just surprised. Don’t mind me. Indeed, as rumored, you have a remarkable aura.”

Her demeanor was flustered, but the unrefined Shin Yu-seong didn’t notice at all. Upon taking a closer look at Eun Seol-ran, Shin Yu-seong’s mouth dropped open in admiration at her beauty. Who would think the person grinning at the sight of a beauty was one of the top four competitors in the last Hwasan Convention? But it was an undeniable fact.

Shin Yu-seong grinned even more, smiling broadly. Who wouldn’t be pleased when a supreme beauty like Eun Seol-ran clearly recognized him?

“Hahahaha, what an honor! Today, Miss, you’ve gilded my face. To commemorate this day, I should go without washing my face for a week. Hahahaha.”

“Hoho, I appreciate the attention, but please save the flirtng for later.” Eun Seol-ran added with a playful smile.

“And before you start flirting, you should follow the proper procedures, shouldn’t you?”

“Procedures? Oh, is there such a thing?” Shin Yu-seong seemed intrigued.

“Yikes!” Mo Yong-hwi was startled. Suddenly, Eun Seol-ran had linked her arm with his. Eun Seol-ran smiled brightly, her smile blooming like a million flowers.

“No… That… No… I….” Her words and sudden action were enough to cause a misunderstanding. Mo Yong-hwi was flustered.

“Oh, are you ‘lovers’?” Shin Yu-seong scrutinized Mo Yong-hwi up and down. Mo Yong-hwi felt extremely uncomfortable.

“What are you doing? It’s rude to scrutinize someone without their permission. Don’t you think it’s impolite?”

“Ah, sorry about that. I was just sizing up a man who might become my rival for a woman’s affection. If I offended you, my apologies. They say people from the Mo Yong clan lack flexibility… Seeing the sword energy emanating from you, you must be Mo Yong-hwi, the Seven-Cut Spirit Sword, who’s been making a name in the martial world recently.”

Shin Yu-seong didn’t seem sorry at all. Some people foolishly think a spoken apology is enough, but that’s a grave mistake. An apology that doesn’t come from the heart isn’t an apology at all.

Mo Yong-hwi was surprised that Shin Yu-seong had quickly identified him. He seemed like a frivolous person, but his perception was sharp.

“Would you honor me by telling me the lady’s name?” Shin Yu-seong asked with exaggerated politeness.

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Eun Seol-ran, dispatched from the Black Heaven Clan on an investigative mission.”

“Ah! You’re that lady!” Only then did he realize her identity. Despite her surprising status, he didn’t seem perturbed.

“Hahaha. Love knows no borders, right? Don’t worry about origins or affiliations.”

“Hoho. Why should I worry? There’s absolutely no reason for that.” Eun Seol-ran deftly parried his words with a laugh.

“I’ve been served! Hahaha.” Shin Yu-seong laughed awkwardly and then turned to Mo Yong-hwi, bowing slightly.

“It seems we’ll be rivals from now on, so let’s both do our best.”

“Yes…? Yes.” Mo Yong-hwi, who had inadvertently greeted him, felt extremely embarrassed.

“Hey! Hyo Ryong, Hwi! If you’re going to eat, let’s go together…” The voice behind Hyo Ryong was Jang Hong’s. But as he approached them shouting, his voice suddenly stopped. It was the moment Jang Hong saw Shin Yu-seong.

‘That damned guy, why is he here?’ Jang Hong’s eyes widened. He had seen one of the last people he wanted to encounter.

“Have we met before?” Shin Yu-seong looked at Jang Hong and asked. He too felt he had met Jang Hong somewhere. Jang Hong laughed heartily in response.

“Hahaha! I decline a man’s flirtation, Senior! It’s troublesome if you turn to me because Miss Eun has rejected you.”

“Would I be crazy to throw flirtations at an old man like you? Don’t slander people!”

Shin Yu-seong’s face turned red as he shouted.

“Oh, is that your hobby? Quite a refined taste you have.” Eun Seol-ran joined in, making Shin Yu-seong feel even more frustrated.

Hyo Ryong’s expression was also serious.

“Don’t tell me you were pretending to know me just now—?” Hyo Ryong’s face turned pale.

“This is problematic.” Mo Yong-hwi spoke sternly.

“No, that’s not it… I…” Shin Yu-seong was on the verge of exploding from the sudden wave of misunderstanding.

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding, so let’s meet again when we’re all calmer. See you next time.” Shin Yu-seong quickly said his goodbyes and disappeared from their sight.

“Tricky!” Jang Hong commented, looking in the direction where Shin Yu-seong had vanished.

‘If it weren’t for that guy, those four threads…’ It wasn’t a pleasant memory even upon reflection. Hyo Ryong, Eun Seol-ran, and Jang Hong looked at each other’s faces and smiled triumphantly.

“Snicker!” Eun Seol-ran couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer.

“Chuckle!” Hyo Ryong did the same.

“???” Mo Yong-hwi seemed to be the only one who didn’t understand what was happening.

“Hahahahaha!”

“Uhahahahaha!”

“Hohohoho!”

The laughter of the three filled the training ground, and they laughed heartily for a long time.