Chapter 686: Tang Soyeol of the Tang Clan.

“Kkeueo-eok!”

Yu Tan-geom rolled on the floor.

“Heeo-eo-eok!”

His writhing while clutching his groin looked rather pathetic, but no one pointed it out.

At least, the men didn’t.

“I heard it…”

“It definitely broke. That definitely broke.”

Who knew the sound could be so clear.

Everyone just watched Yu Tan-geom with expressions of pity.

“Kke…kkeu-eu…keuk…”

He barely managed to stop writhing and adjust his posture, but his face was darkened as if scorched, and cold sweat was pouring down.

“Y-You!”

Seeing this, Gu Yangcheon spoke.

“Ah, my mistake. I was aiming for your thigh, sorry, Seonbae-nim.”

He offered the apology with a face that showed no remorse whatsoever.

Hearing that, Yu Tan-geom’s eyes turned bloodshot red.

“You devilish bastard-!”

“Well, why did you play with your dick like a dick to get yourself into this dick-like situation…”

Even as Yu Tan-geom screamed, Gu Yangcheon just shook his head, showing no particular reaction.

Seeing that, Yu Tan-geom couldn’t hold back and drew his sword.

Sseureung-!

The thin blade revealed itself to the world.

Soon, something distinct was overlaid upon it.

Qi.

A subtle blue Qi swirled around the tip of Yu Tan-geom’s sword.

The sword Qi emanating while he held his groin was somewhat bizarre in shape, but those who saw it expressed admiration.

“…Such beautiful sword Qi…”

“Is that the Willow Branch’s Graceful Silk Technique (柳善義纖功) from the Hundred Schools of Thought…! It’s truly as beautiful as the rumors say.”

Willow Branch’s Graceful Silk Technique.

It was a direct martial art of the Hundred Schools of Thought, and one often mentioned among beautiful martial arts for how its flowing energy resembled drifting stars.

Hwirik-!

The sword tip trembled, and the energy began to spread slowly.

Despite the immense pain he must be in, his grip on the sword was steady.

Unlike the bastard he was, his Hwagyeong level seemed to be genuine.

“How dare you…. Us, use evil arts (邪術)…!?”

“Evil arts?”

At Yu Tan-geom’s words, Gu Yangcheon tilted his head.

Evil arts?

Yu Tan-geom’s outburst caused the surroundings to stir.

“Evil arts?”

“Did Yu Tan-geom just call it evil arts?”

“So, you’re saying what just happened was due to evil arts?”

It was quite an impact for words spat out in anger.

This was a consequence proportional to Yu Tan-geom’s reputation.

“Well, it’s strange in the first place that this young man did that to Yu Tan-geom…”

“But, didn’t the part just now seem… not particularly strange…? No, we couldn’t even see it.”

For ordinary people or at best, second-rate martial artists, the speed was so fast they wouldn’t have been able to see it properly.

Those who could barely grasp the situation would be first-rate or higher martial artists.

They must have clearly seen the situation just before, yet their faces showed clear signs of doubt.

It couldn’t be helped.

Who is Yu Tan-geom, after all?

He was one of the absolute masters ranked within the top hundred in the Central Plains, a figure whose position as a swordsman was solid, regardless of his serious issues with women.

For such a master from the Central Plains.

‘To be defeated by someone so young?’

It was unbelievable even when seen.

How could anyone believe it?

This could only be possible if it were evil arts.

“To use evil arts in Henan, and moreover, within the Murim Alliance…! It’s truly unthinkable unless one is insane!”

Yu Tan-geom shouted, thrusting his sword towards Gu Yangcheon.

Seeing the flickering energy, Gu Yangcheon smirked.

“That’s a phrase I haven’t heard in a while.”

Evil arts, indeed.

It was something heard often in the past, but it felt novel since it hadn’t come up recently.

Well.

‘Nowadays, I kill them before they can even say such things.’

I’ve repeatedly killed them before they could spout nonsense, so they wouldn’t have had time to say things like that.

Gu Yangcheon adopted his characteristic gaze and looked at Yu Tan-geom.

“Go on. So? Where do you see evil arts?”

“Are you still trying to toy with me!”

“No, not toying with you… Sigh…”

He was about to retort but let out a deep sigh.

Somehow, whenever it gets to this point, conversations never seem to be human-like.

“Forget it. What conversation? Just take a beating.”

Taking a step forward, Gu Yangcheon scanned the surroundings.

All eyes were fixed on him.

The gazes piled up, weighing heavily upon him.

It was an uncomfortable and burdensome sensation.

“…Come to think of it, that young man… I wondered who it was, but it’s So Yeom-ra.”

“What? So Yeom-ra?”

As the alias burst out as if possessed, the crowd swayed like waves.

“I definitely saw it yesterday! Bi Seong-do acting like he knew this young man.”

“They said there was quite a commotion yesterday when Young Master Peng appeared… Is that truly true?”

As the talk deepened, the gazes intensified.

As always with Gu Yangcheon, he disliked this kind of attention.

A nauseating flicker passed through him.

But he had to endure it.

At the same time, a slight regret brushed past.

‘Should I not have intervened?’

He hadn’t intended to step in, nor did he want to draw attention like this.

The martial arts tournament hasn’t even started, and if trouble like this happens already, it’ll be a hassle later.

He had intended to handle things moderately.

‘That bastard.’

If that son of a bitch, whether Yu Tan-geom or Yun Tan-geom, hadn’t crossed the line, this wouldn’t have happened.

If he had acted moderately, I might have even let it slide when an Alliance martial artist stepped in.

But when he kept running his mouth even then, how could I stand it?

‘I didn’t like his looks either.’

Despite his detestable nature, he had a handsome face.

He looked handsome even past forty, so it’s no wonder women flocked to him.

That’s why I disliked him even more.

It means I can’t help myself even when I try to be moderate.

As Gu Yangcheon thought this and took a step forward.

“You punk-! Do you think it’ll work twice?!”

Yu Tan-geom unleashed his aura and initiated a move.

Blue sword Qi formed a path, creating a sword trajectory.

Swish-!

It was a smooth and crisp sword trajectory, indicative of his attained level.

Gu Yangcheon moved slightly, examining the sword trajectory.

Then, he slightly lifted the corners of his mouth.

The reason being.

‘This old man is scared.’

It was because he detected a slight hesitation in the sword trajectory of Yu Tan-geom, who was swinging his sword.

‘He’s not entirely stupid. Seems he knows.’

I thought maybe his dick had truly taken over his brain since he was babbling about evil arts.

Fortunately, it seemed a bit of his mind remained intact.

Yu Tan-geom knew.

That what just happened wasn’t merely evil arts.

Hence, the hesitation in his sword tip, I suppose.

Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon moved lightly.

He subtly brushed past Yu Tan-geom’s sword trajectory, calmly closing the distance.

“You punk-!”

As his attacks failed consecutively, Yu Tan-geom’s sword Qi grew slightly deeper.

Finally.

Pa-a-wak-!

The Qi’s haze began to disperse, starting to float in the air.

It looked as if stars had appeared in the broad daylight.

Seeing that, Gu Yangcheon’s eyes sparked with interest.

‘Is it similar to Plum Blossom Sword Technique?’

It looked that way at first glance, but one never knew upon closer inspection.

Woong.

He opened his Mind’s Eye (心眼) and examined Yu Tan-geom’s martial arts.

‘Judging by the level, it seems to have considerable destructive power.’

Although its appearance seemed somewhat weak, the Qi contained within was pure.

If that were unleashed as is, it would be enough to sweep through this entire area.

Looking at Yu Tan-geom’s level…

‘Higher than Tang Soyeol facing him head-on.’

If the assassin Tang Soyeol fought Yu Tan-geom head-on during the day, he would lose.

If they fought at night…

‘I wouldn’t know about that.’

Since I don’t properly know Tang Soyeol’s skills, I can’t say for sure.

However, I could tell Yu Tan-geom’s reputation wasn’t just empty rumors.

‘So, should I cripple him beforehand?’

If I unleash my power now, I can easily crush him.

So, should I half-kill that dick-Tan-geom?

He pondered this, but Gu Yangcheon soon shook his head inwardly.

‘It’s a waste to reveal that much.’

Although I stepped in, I had a clear line drawn, and even if I don’t unleash my power now.

‘There’s someone who will step up anyway.’

The person who would end this situation had already been prepared.

Recalling this, Gu Yangcheon’s gaze shifted somewhere.

Moving his Mind’s Eye past the countless spectators… as expected, he was starting to sense him.

‘If I’ve gone this far, I should gain something.’

If I caused a commotion that wasn’t quite a commotion, I shouldn’t end up at a disadvantage.

I’ll gain what I can, somehow.

Making that judgment, Gu Yangcheon looked at Yu Tan-geom.

Swish-!

While he was thinking, Yu Tan-geom’s sword trajectory had already begun to accelerate.

Gu Yangcheon widened the distance.

Then, as if possessed, the sword tip followed.

Along with it, the energy Yu Tan-geom had spread rushed towards Gu Yangcheon.

It poured down.

Countless fragmented energies rained down on Gu Yangcheon.

Hudududuk–!!!

The energy began to sweep across the ground.

“Aaaagh!”

“Hieek!”

The sudden barrage caused those nearby to scream.

Fortunately, there wasn’t much damage from the reaction.

Yu Tan-geom must have controlled that aspect.

‘He must be scared.’

He might fight back with all his might, but he must know it too.

That causing a ruckus in the Murim Alliance wouldn’t do him any good.

Swir-!

The sword grazed the top of his head.

While dodging the Qi, Yu Tan-geom tenaciously pursued, continuously swinging his sword.

It’s a rather troublesome martial art to face.

It would be so much easier if I could just overpower him with raw Qi, but since I can’t, it’s more problematic.

But it doesn’t matter.

“You’re just running away like a rat!”

Because it’s almost over anyway.

Kwaak-!

Yu Tan-geom, thinking Gu Yangcheon was being pushed back, raised his momentum.

He stomped on the ground with a thump! and then shot his body forward.

The distance closed in an instant.

No, more accurately, it was correct to say he let the distance be closed.

“This is the end-!”

Yu Tan-geom thrust his sword out.

The blade imbued with sword Qi lunged towards his upper body, and seeing that, Gu Yangcheon also slowly reached out his hand.

Slightly slower than the incoming sword, at a speed such that the sword tip would reach first if they clashed like this.

Just before the sword finally reached Gu Yangcheon.

“Stop.”

Someone appeared between the two.

Tuk-!

“Hut!”

Yu Tan-geom’s sword and Gu Yangcheon’s hand were blocked simultaneously.

Woowoowoong-!! For a moment, the sword’s resonance echoed.

The sound echoing from Yu Tan-geom’s blade.

His blade was caught in someone’s hand.

The blade between the middle and index finger was held, crying out.

Gu Yangcheon’s hand was also held, unable to reach Yu Tan-geom.

“It seems the two of you have momentarily forgotten where you are.”

At the chilling voice, Yu Tan-geom’s shoulders flinched.

Conversely, Gu Yangcheon’s lips curled up upon hearing that voice.

‘He’s here.’

Fortunately, he appeared properly.

Peol-leok.

A white robe fluttered in the wind.

Those who saw the sight let out voices filled with admiration.

“Th-That person is…”

“…The Divine Command Sword Emperor (進令劍帝)!”

An exclamation mixed with admiration emerged.

For a moment, the surroundings fell silent.

The white martial attire symbolizing a figure of the Alliance.

The presence of the old man wearing it silenced the surroundings.

The appearing elder glanced at the two and flicked his white eyebrows.

“Within the Murim Alliance, drawing a sword is forbidden, except for duels permitted by the Alliance.”

As he spoke looking at Yu Tan-geom, the latter’s hand trembled.

“Furthermore, while the martial arts tournament is ongoing, conflicts between martial artists are also prohibited.”

The Divine Command Sword Emperor (進令劍帝).

Or, the Number One Sword of Henan.

He was a figure who protected the Murim Alliance, one of the ten true martial artists in the current Central Plains.

‘The Ten Great Experts of the Central Plains.’

He was one of the Seven Iron Rods and Three Fists.

The old man’s eyes flashed as he spoke.

“According to the laws set by the Alliance, I will arrest the two who violated them.”

“B-But!”

Yu Tan-geom, his complexion turning pale, tried to mention something.

Hearing this, the Sword Emperor’s sharp gaze turned towards Yu Tan-geom.

“Are you resisting? Yu Tan-geom.”

“…!”

At the weighty question, Yu Tan-geom’s lips trembled.

“…No… I am not.”

The man who carried himself with his head held high as one of the top hundred experts was merely a vagrant before the Sword Emperor.

Unlike the countless stories heard about him, only silence surrounded the Sword Emperor.

That was the presence possessed by one of the Ten Great Experts.

As Yu Tan-geom shut his mouth with a devastated expression, the Sword Emperor then looked at Gu Yangcheon.

Their gazes met.

Gu Yangcheon immediately smiled brightly and said.

“Go ahead and arrest me. I won’t resist or anything.”

“…”

Hearing this, the old man inexplicably frowned slightly, but Gu Yangcheon paid it no mind.

Arresting him was the same.

Gu Yangcheon didn’t particularly care about that either.

‘Even if I get arrested like this, anyway.’

I’ll be released soon.

---

“What are you talking about?”

The Murim Alliance Leader, the Wudang Sword Immortal, who had been briefed on the situation, frowned.

“…Yu Tan-geom was arrested?”

“Yes.”

The Sword Emperor, kneeling halfway before him, replied.

“He was subdued after engaging in combat within the Alliance, arrested, and is currently placed in the underground for interrogation.”

“…”

Even after the explanation, the Sword Immortal’s expression didn’t ease.

Yu Tan-geom was suddenly arrested.

And subdued after engaging in combat?

‘Yu Tan-geom, you mean.’

A famous figure, one of the top hundred experts, was brought in after engaging in combat?

And within the Murim Alliance itself?

In this inexplicable situation, the Wudang Sword Immortal examined the report he received.

Pal-lak.

The report detailed the sequence of events.

As the Wudang Sword Immortal read slowly, his expression grew increasingly distorted.

“His groin…?”

“…”

At the Sword Immortal’s words, the Sword Emperor remained silent.

It seemed he couldn’t bring himself to mention it.

“…What was his condition?”

“He requires some treatment, but they say there are no major issues.”

“…That’s truly fortunate.”

It was fortunate in many ways.

“Anyway… So, ultimately, it means Yu Tan-geom did reveal his skills, no doubt.”

“Yes.”

“Was he serious?”

Did Yu Tan-geom engage in the fight wholeheartedly?

To this question, the Sword Emperor replied.

“Since he was attacked first, it’s insufficient to call it his full power. But at the very least, he wasn’t underestimating his opponent.”

“Hmm…”

It seemed like an ambiguous answer, but it was also accurate.

Regardless, it was undeniable that Yu Tan-geom had shown his skills.

The problem was.

The opponent Yu Tan-geom fought was the issue.

“So Yeom-ra… A blood relative of the Gu family…?”

Reading this, the Sword Immortal’s eyes widened.

It was a name he knew.

It made sense, wasn’t he the close friend of the child the Sword Immortal cherished yet felt uneasy about?

‘It’s that child.’

The Wudang practitioner recalled So Yeom-ra’s face.

He had encountered him once before at a meeting of the righteous sects.

He was the son of the Valiant Hero, and around the time he was being called the True Dragon.

‘That child fought with Yu Tan-geom?’

Does it mean he not only crippled Yu Tan-geom’s groin but also blocked his sword?

‘Hmm.’

The Sword Immortal’s brow furrowed deeper.

‘Is that even possible?’

One could perhaps dismiss it as a surprise attack, but based on the reported circumstances, it was hard to see it as merely a surprise attack.

Then, did the Gu family child truly fight Yu Tan-geom?

He blocked the sword and held out until the Sword Emperor intervened?

‘This is strange.’

Although rumors circulated that he was no longer considered a later-generation disciple due to the incident at the Divine Dragon Pavilion.

‘He’s still just a child, regardless.’

He barely passed his twentieth year. Moreover, he was younger than Woo Hyuk, the Hidden Dragon.

Could such a child withstand Yu Tan-geom’s sword?

Recalling this, the Sword Immortal immediately looked at the Sword Emperor and asked.

“Guardian Captain.”

“Yes. Alliance Leader.”

“What level would you say So Yeom-ra is at?”

“…”

Since the Sword Emperor went himself, surely he must have assessed the child’s level.

He asked, believing so, but.

“I don’t know.”

“…!”

At the Sword Emperor’s words, the Sword Immortal’s eyes widened like saucers.

“You don’t know…?”

“Yes.”

He couldn’t grasp the level.

That’s what the Sword Emperor was saying.

Hearing this, the Sword Immortal frowned.

“Does that even make sense?”

It was the Sword Emperor, no less.

He was the man who would have received the title of Sword King back then if not for Sword Master, the current Number One Sword of Henan, and the protector of the Alliance.

Someone ranked at the bottom of the Ten Great Experts of the Central Plains couldn’t even gauge the level of a mere later-generation disciple?

The Sword Immortal showed a reaction close to shock, but the Sword Emperor’s expression remained unchanged.

“There is no lie. I could not grasp So Yeom-ra’s level.”

To be precise, I couldn’t see it.

I didn’t genuinely try my best to assess him.

But even so, the fact that I couldn’t see it remains the same.

Despite that, the Sword Emperor couldn’t see through So Yeom-ra.

What this implies is none other than.

‘The Sword Emperor and So Yeom-ra are at the same level. Or perhaps similar.’

Or perhaps.

‘Has he learned a special martial art?’

This would be the case if he learned a special martial art that makes it difficult to gauge the opponent’s level.

The Sword Immortal read the parts written in the report and wiped his brow.

‘There’s a part where Yu Tan-geom mentioned evil arts.’

There was a report that he shouted, asking if evil arts were used while displaying Qi.

‘Evil arts…’

Did So Yeom-ra truly use evil arts?

And in the middle of the Murim Alliance? A descendant of the righteous path?

‘The former case seems unlikely.’

He didn’t consider the possibility of his level being similar to the Sword Emperor’s.

That was something that couldn’t simply be called talent.

It would surpass miracles that defy logic and are realistically impossible.

However, the point that bothered him was.

‘That this child is the son of that Valiant Hero.’

Of all people, the Tiger of Shanxi.

His bloodline was the issue.

Even if miracles were unknown, the story could change simply because he was that man’s descendant.

Sa-rak.

The Sword Immortal neatly folded the report, put it in his pocket, and cooled his eyes.

“Hmph…”

This isn’t good.

It wasn’t about the friction occurring before the martial arts tournament even began.

What was important to the Sword Immortal was that So Yeom-ra was starting to gain attention.

He would try to suppress the rumors somehow, but they would already be spreading through whispers.

That So Yeom-ra fought evenly with Yu Tan-geom.

That the young martial artist’s attack landed on Yu Tan-geom.

The rumors would be spreading somehow.

And that was the problematic part for the Sword Immortal.

‘Why now, of all times, is he showing prominence?’

Yes, precisely now.

Precisely when a martial artist of the same age as the Divine Dragon (神龍) was showing such prominence.

‘If, by chance, that child has reached Hwagyeong just like the Divine Dragon.’

He wanted to believe it wasn’t possible, but the circumstances made it suspicious.

If that were the case, it would undoubtedly become a real problem.

The matter currently being pursued by the Alliance along with Shaolin.

‘The Meteor Birth Plan might face disruption.’

The plan to completely annihilate the demonic sects before the impending disaster foretold by the Shaolin Abbot.

The plan being carried out for that purpose might go awry.

Such an uneasy seed sprouted within the Sword Immortal.

Deu-reuk.

Sensing this, the Sword Immortal finally rose from his desk.

“Where did you say the two are right now?”

“In the underground interrogation room.”

“Then, I shall… go there now.”

At the Sword Immortal’s words, the Sword Emperor’s eye corners twitched slightly.

“Are you going personally, Alliance Leader?”

“Yes.”

The Sword Immortal nodded and started walking.

I suppose I need to see it for myself.

Only then would the Sword Immortal be able to ascertain.

Whether the Gu family child is truly beneficial to the plan, or.

Harmful.