episode_0045

In the past, before the existence of the Murim Alliance, the factions were simply a loosely connected conglomerate of large martial arts sects and clans.

The important point is that they were loosely connected.

They participated in each other’s important events, exchanged greetings at ceremonies, inquired about each other’s well-being through letters, and maintained friendly relations.

It was during this time that the Jangyongji Society was formed.

Initially, it was not even a gathering of post-graduates.

It was simply a group of influential figures from the martial arts sects and clans who got along well and came together for ceremonies.

It was a gathering where they collected money little by little for events like weddings, birthdays, and funerals.

But then the Magyo attacked.

The factions had to unite their strength to survive.

However, they were neighbors who knew each other well through the Jangyongji Society.

Moreover, our son is married to your daughter, and your son is married to their daughter, and their son is married to our daughter.

In this way, the combined power of the Baekdo factions, shouting “We are one,” thwarted the Magyo’s invasion.

It was the birth of the Murim Alliance.

Once the Baekdo factions officially formed an alliance and set out, the Jangyongji Society transformed into a youth combat unit composed of young martial artists.

However, even in clear water, there are those above and below.

The noble youths of the Gupa Ilbang and Sipdaesega could not condescend to associate with the inexperienced Baekdo factions.

So, the Jangyongji Society was divided into two units.

Cheonmudae. And Jiyongdae.

Cheonmudae consisted of young members from the Gupa Ilbang and Sipdaesega, including special members who received recommendations from at least 10 members from different affiliations.

Jiyongdae gathered the rest of the young individuals.

Therefore, every young member of the Baekdo factions dreams of becoming a member of Cheonmudae.

To them, Cheonmudae members were the true leaders of the martial arts world, soaring above the clouds.

Apart from worldly factors, all members were seasoned experts well beyond their years.

True Jangyongs who achieved outstanding accomplishments!

No wonder the young members of the factions idolized Cheonmudae.

In the minds of the youth, Cheonmudae members were individuals who shared and debated the principles and essence of martial arts without reservation.

Oh! If only I could join them in their discussions and share my opinions!

It was the dream of the young members of the Baekdo factions.

And here, Cheong was living that dream.

A profound martial arts debate with the members of Cheonmudae.

“Everyone in the world calls a sword a hundred-day blade, a thousand-day blade, or a ten-thousand-day sword. Doesn’t this prove that the sword is the most magnificent weapon among all? What do you think, Geomu?”

“I agree. How about Master Changbin?”

The Hwasan faction was also known as the Hwasan Sword faction.

It meant those who wielded swords.

“As a disciple of Master Maehwa, I can only acknowledge him as a true master of the sword…”

Cheong nodded in agreement.

“Then, with overwhelming approval, the motion that the sword is far superior to the way has been passed.”

Paengdaesan raised an eyebrow.

Cheong brought up the next topic while adjusting his robe.

“Now, for the next agenda item, since a sword only has one edge, I believe it should be called a half-sword instead of a sword. So, shouldn’t we start calling it a half-sword from now on? What do you think?”

“Oh! Geomu, a half-sword. I’ve never heard such an accurate description of a sword in my life. It’s even touching. I agree.”

“Still, to describe someone else’s weapon in such a way…”

“Changbin Dojang, are you betraying us? We are swordsmen, right? Are you abandoning the way of the sword?”

“…Half-sword, I acknowledge.”

“Then, with unanimous approval, from now on, San is not a swordsman but a half-swordsman…”

Three swordsmen against one half-swordsman.

Even if Paengdaesan tried to oppose, he would be outnumbered and defeated by the majority rule trap.

“Ha. I can’t believe I have to stoop to their level.”

Paengdaesan thought to himself with a bitter smile.

Was there a reason for him to accompany Cheong in the first place?

He couldn’t even understand his own whims.

But the clear sincerity was like this.

It was all for nothing.

Should have just taken the easy way out. Damn it.

“So, today’s snack will be what the Half-Black Swordsman shoots?”

Pang Daesan growled.

“You expect me to treat you to snacks just because I have to listen to that nonsense? You really have the thickest face in the world. Ha.”

“Why? Isn’t it the moment when you’re recognized as half a swordsman? If it were me, I would have caught a pig in tears of joy and held a feast for the whole town. Seriously.”

Next to him, Nam Gung Shin-jae vigorously nodded his head.

Pang Daesan’s tone dropped a notch.

“You keep blabbering with your big mouth,”

“Ugh. If you don’t like it, don’t say anything. Black Rain? Aren’t you thirsty? How about a cool glass of Dragon’s Breath tea?”

“If Black Rain is thirsty, I’ll bet my life on it.”

“Then can we have some frozen yogurt?”

Frozen yogurt referred to cookies made by freezing fermented milk.

It was like modern yogurt-flavored ice cream.

Except for the slightly tangy taste of homemade yogurt, the flavor and texture matched perfectly.

Cheong was amazed to discover the existence of this snack.

Frozen desserts in primitive ancient China!

Weren’t they just primitive people who stored ice in winter?

How did they have this?

Cheong just didn’t know.

Medieval China was a leading technological country in the world.

Even in the summer, they made all kinds of frozen desserts and enjoyed them.

Cool things were the best in hot weather.

Sprinkling snowflakes with sweet syrup and eating them was the way to go back then.

Of course, the outstanding legacy of medieval China was replaced by the thrilling pleasure of the red people.

“Is frozen yogurt enough? You can also have wheat yogurt and sorak, and prepare a table with cool snacks and eat them all.”

Cheong shouted, raising his sword.

“As expected, our Black Rain! The moving sword! Sword!”

“Roar!”

Nam Gung Shin-jae shouted “Roar!” as he raised his sword.

The swords met in the air and crossed each other.

Pang Daesan lowered his head.

It was understandable that Cheong, who was originally a crazy woman, was like that, but Nam Gung Hyung, who accepted everything, was the problem.

In fact, Nam Gung Shin-jae was considered the best among the disciples of Jamryong.

With extraordinary insight and a unique perspective from a young age, he was expected to become the next martial arts master.

Not a sword king, but the next martial arts master.

If it weren’t for his strange obsession with reaching the highest level only through swordsmanship, he might have reached the peak or even the early peak long ago.

All martial arts end in one conclusion at the peak.

The essence of martial arts is that all martial arts lead to one.

Nam Gung Shin-jae was immersed only in swordsmanship, so it was natural that he did not reach the peak.

Nam Gung Shin-jae himself knew this fact.

However, he stubbornly pretended to be a swordsman.

Serious words are spoken to serious people.

But fools don’t listen.

That’s why the Sword King drank every night without a glass or appetizers, drinking heavily.

He was truly a burning filial son.

Pang Daesan teased him.

“You’re sitting there making a fool of yourself.”

At that moment, Changbin, who had disappeared altogether due to Cheong’s arrival, quietly asked a question.

“But Pang, my brother. The Master is curious and wants to ask, what exactly is Dragon’s Breath tea? I’ve never heard such a terrible thing in my life. Does that really exist?”

“Are you asking me to ask him directly?”

“Um……”

Changbin, who was stroking his chin, came to a conclusion.

“…Not easy.”

Pang Daesan almost choked on his laughter, but he managed to swallow it, reminding himself that he was the older brother.

In the end, the debate ended with Cheong eating frozen desserts.

Whether in the past or now, it was all about eating.

Pang Daesan was annoyed by the sight of everyone eating everything if someone offered it to them.

Three days of travel from the heavenly realm to the west, the group had stopped in Sinyang for two days.

Traveling with the nobles was like this.

Upon reaching the city by carriage, they would rest for a day or two depending on their fatigue.

Then, they would rent another carriage and set off again.

While the wealthy Pangdae-san and the truly wealthy Changbin preferred to join the procession rather than rent carriages and drivers, there was Namgoong Shinjae, who filled the carriage with treasures at every stop, tearing up the ledger book.

Among the Five Great Families, Namgoong was the second wealthiest, and his lavish spending was akin to a divine being descending upon the human world.

By the way, the wealthiest of the Five Great Families was in Sacheon or something like that.

After resting for two days, it was time to set off.

“This is a crossroads. Going north will be easier and faster. Going west, there will be no cities for a while, and it will be a long journey.”

“Then we should go north, right?”

“Going north will lead us to Nakyang.”

Ah, Nakyang was a place of ill fate.

Whether then or now, the situation was the same despite my increased skill level.

Even if I had only reached the pinnacle, I would have caused a commotion there.

There were still unexpected missions waiting to be completed.

Just wait and see. Once I reach the pinnacle, I will unleash my full power.

Until then, wash your neck and wait, Heukyeonghoe!

No, was it Heukwoonghoe? Whatever.

This primitive China is so confusing with similar names and factions, it’s driving me crazy.

Of course, Cheong’s face had changed a lot.

But as long as Pangdae-san was by her side, she would eventually attract attention, and if the situation escalated, she would have to flee again.

“If we go west…”

“The next city will be near Daebyeolsan, so it will take about a week.”

Cheong frowned.

A week of living in villages or sleeping outdoors.

In reality, there wasn’t much difference between the two in the central region.

From sleeping arrangements to food, it was just a matter of a little more effort or avoiding that effort with a few coins.

But what can you do?

Cheong asked for the group’s understanding.

It seemed they would have to take a rougher path because of her.

“Are you disappointed in me? Did I seem like someone who would shy away from difficulty?”

“Oh, Master, at this point…”

“What? Are you going to abandon your fellow disciple? Disregard your vows? Forget your loyalty?”

“We agree…”

Both of them wholeheartedly agreed.

Avoiding the disappearance of the water jug was truly a fortunate event.

They packed up their belongings and headed outside.

Strangely, the streets were crowded, and the ratio of women was unusually high.

It was a sight that was no longer surprising.

Ignoring it, they continued towards the inn.

Cheong witnessed a strange scene.

“Please help me find my son…”

“No, you old hag! Where do you think this is!”

“Please, our son said he was going to the main gate. Can you please look for him? Please…”

In front of a whitewashed wall, an elderly man with white hair was pleading with an unmoving gatekeeper.