Chapter 807: Where is my son?

Kuwung–!! Kkigigik-!

The increasingly rougher energy and noises.

As I listened to this, many thoughts went through my head.

The vortex created by my energy was quite massive.

“Hieek-!”

The sword energy that burst out of the storm headed towards the warrior.

The moment I saw that, I reached out and pulled the man.

Kwagak-!

Where the man dodged, a sticky sword mark remained. The man, who was barely saved, breathed heavily.

“Th-thank you… thank you.”

Without replying to his greeting, I first released my energy.

Wuwung–!!

Huuk-!

The heat that erupted along with the vibration enveloped the surroundings.

Others had already been blocking it, fearing the gust might escape outside, but it wasn’t enough.

So, I exerted strength to strike the energy barrier, and only then did the vibration lessen.

However, the vibration escaping outside had only disappeared.

The sensation inside remained.

Kigig-! Kwadeudeuk-!!

The ground was destroyed, and energy scattered everywhere.

A sight so rough, just looking at it was overwhelming.

It was too much to be called sparring.

Something ambiguous to be called a real fight.

It was a battle where killing intent was absent, but fighting spirit was rampant.

And the energy was so strong.

‘…Sseup.’

I could feel the barrier I had painstakingly set up shaking rapidly.

If I had to endure it, I couldn’t even last a full hour.

Sseueu-!

The energy I used to strike the barrier was being depleted too quickly.

Thanks to that, after infusing more energy to reinforce it, I immediately looked to my side.

There was Yeoltujeongeom, watching that mess with a dumbfounded expression.

I frowned as I looked at him and asked.

“What are you doing? I asked you to explain.”

“Ah, ah! Th-that is.”

At my words, Yeoltujeongeom began explaining with panicked eyes.

The explanation that followed went like this.

---

First, as expected, a rift opened up immediately after they left.

The Meng faction guys seemed to cooperate at first, but as expected, the spark of conflict ignited.

-What? Why is a senior supposed to be the unit leader?

-Of course, it’s right for me to do it. Because I’m from the Cheongnyongdae here.

-Don’t talk nonsense-! After saying let’s unite, you’re saying you’ll be the leader? And what? Cheongnyongdae?

It didn’t take long for the argument to spread.

Even if they didn’t like being here, they were warriors who desired honor.

Especially since they were warriors of the Meng faction sensitive about positions, there couldn’t be a more sensitive issue than this.

-Why does Cheongnyongdae come up here? You’re someone who was conscripted anyway.

-What did you say, you punk…? Are you talking like this now-!

-If you were such a great person, you would have become a squad leader long ago instead of being conscripted.

For someone who lived as a lifelong squad member because they couldn’t do that to become a unit leader.

Your audacity is too great.

-Haha. Now I’m even hearing this crap from a Chilryongdae punk? I’m dumbfounded.

-You’re not wrong.

-Not wrong? You know you’re speaking informally, you punk.

Since there are no ranks anyway. Do I have to treat you as a senior?

As the conversation continued, emotions escalated.

Since they were all conscripted in the first place, it was unlikely for anyone to be in a good mood.

It was natural for things to fall apart with even a small crack.

-That’s right. Cheongnyongdae, so what. What about it? Even if Cheongnyongdae is great, do you think you are great too?

-I heard last time that this guy got beaten up by his junior over the squad leader position.

Ah, so that’s why he’s here now.

-Is that true?

-I heard it clearly from my friend in Biryongdae.

-Ha. No wonder I wondered why a great Cheongnyongdae member was here, turns out he was kicked out in a position battle.

But why is he acting so high and mighty? He should be ashamed.

-You bastards really–!!

Seureung-!

The end of the argument was, as expected, drawing swords.

-You draw your sword? You want to fight to the death?

-Fuck it, yeah. Since there are no ranks and no backing anyway, should I just go for it? Senior or whatever, I’ve hated seeing that bastard act so arrogant for a long time.

-Damn bastards, really! Do you think seniors are easy targets? Do you all want to die?

-What senior, you damn bullshit senior.

You fail promotion reviews every single time and can’t even move up to the fourth rank-!!

As if their emotions had burst, the men clenched their teeth and entered combat readiness.

It was a scene where a fight would clearly break out any moment now.

In such a situation, the volunteers on the other side were busy clicking their tongues while watching it unfold.

-Nothing happened yet and there’s already a rift. Impressive.

-…They call themselves warriors of the Murim Alliance. Quite disappointing.

How much time had passed for them to end up like this?

Disappointment flickered across the warriors’ faces.

Still, they were the Murim Alliance, after all.

Even though conscripted personnel had come.

I had expected it wouldn’t be like this.

That expectation shattered into pieces.

Thus, I am more troubled.

-…Is it acceptable for a unit leader to emerge from people like that?

They clearly said they would select one from this side and one from the Meng faction, for a total of two unit leaders.

That means a unit leader must also come from among them.

-This is difficult to understand.

The warriors found it hard to comprehend.

Their cultivation level aside, could they really serve people like that as superiors?

-Must we really pick one from people like that…? I cannot understand the Holy King… no, the Grand Master’s intentions.

Decisions followed by questions.

It wasn’t just the man who spoke, but everyone gathered here felt the same.

However, they all shared one commonality.

-It’s hard to understand, but surely there must be a reason.

-That’s right. If it’s him, of all people….

-…Gnn.

Hearing the words from around him, the man could only swallow his groan and nod.

That’s right.

Even if I couldn’t understand it, if it was the Holy King himself who orchestrated this…

If it was him who tried to save people by burning his own body during that brutal attack… there must surely be a reason.

-It’s said that geniuses are people others cannot understand.

The Grand Master is no different, is he?

-Indeed. Of course.

Forgetting that they themselves were considered geniuses in the clans or sects where they were born and raised, they were busy chuckling.

One side was emitting killing intent, not just fighting spirit.

Just as I thought the contrasting atmosphere wasn’t bad.

-Then, shouldn’t we decide on our side as well?

-About what…? Ah. You mean the unit leader position?

-That’s right. Regardless, if the Grand Master ordered it, we must decide first.

Whatever happens, the unit leader must be decided.

Isn’t that why the other group is fighting so fiercely?

As such, we also had to decide somehow.

-As for us, well. It’s already decided, isn’t it?

There wasn’t much to worry about.

-Indeed. Because we have her.

As he spoke, everyone’s gaze converged on one spot.

At the end of their gaze was a woman.

A woman with white hair, looking sleepy.

Her appearance was such that it was difficult to even dare to look at her.

She was the daughter of the current Sword King and a figure whose reputation was steadily rising in Hanam.

The Sword Dancer Namgung Bi-ah.

She tilted her head at the converging gazes.

-If we must decide the unit leader… wouldn’t it be right to do it based on skill for now?

-That’s right. If she achieved victory against the Grand Master, not just anyone, then the justification is sufficient.

-Huh? Defeated the Silver Wolf Sword? Was that rumor true?

-Ah, Bitano-seom. That’s right… you passed the next day, so you wouldn’t have seen it.

-No way…! Then that young woman is truly the leader of Cheollyongdae…?

The daughter of the Namgung family who defeated the Silver Wolf Sword.

The incident at the trial grounds was spreading rumors throughout Hanam, and those who witnessed it directly unanimously agreed to place Namgung Bi-ah in the unit leader position.

If she has the skill to overcome the Grand Master, what else could be a better justification?

So, everyone intended to conclude the discussion peacefully by nominating Namgung Bi-ah as the unit leader.

-Why?

A voice interjected at this.

Everyone’s eyes turned towards the sound.

Jeobeok.

-Ooh…!

-Hmm?

The owner of the voice slowly took a step forward, even while receiving all the attention.

Every time her footsteps landed, her golden hair shimmered.

She was already a woman who drew glances here and there.

Due to Namgung Bi-ah’s rumors, she received relatively less attention.

But she was a woman who wouldn’t lose in terms of beauty.

She was Wi Seol-ah, the Island Moon Sword, known as a successor of the Sword Venerable, who was one of the Three Venerables and the previous Grand Master.

Ttubeok.

Wi Seol-ah walked forward and finally stood before Namgung Bi-ah, asking the surrounding people.

-Why does older sister have to be the unit leader?

Why should Namgung Bi-ah be the unit leader?

The others couldn’t open their mouths at the question filled with doubt.

The justification is sufficient. Isn’t skill also acceptable?

If we have to choose first, Sword Dancer is the right choice. Etc.

There were plenty of things they could have said, but their mouths were heavy.

It was because Wi Seol-ah’s voice, which asked the question, was too cold.

As everyone remained silent, unable to speak.

-Seol-ah.

Namgung Bi-ah suddenly called out to Wi Seol-ah.

At those words, Wi Seol-ah turned her head towards Namgung Bi-ah.

-Yes, older sister.

-Do you want it?

Do you want to be the unit leader? To that question, Wi Seol-ah replied.

-Yes.

It was a firm voice.

-If I have to do something to obtain this, I am willing to follow.

The following words led to reactions from those around.

If I have to do something, I am willing to follow.

This meant that if it was to be decided through combat, that was also acceptable.

For the warriors, it was also an answer of confidence, stating “I am stronger than you.”

Because of that, the expressions of those who understood the words crumpled instantly.

The atmosphere shifted.

Would this become the trigger for conflict to erupt on this side as well?

Just as I was watching this worriedly.

-…It doesn’t matter though.

Surprisingly, Namgung Bi-ah told Wi Seol-ah that she didn’t really care.

She meant it didn’t matter who became the unit leader.

However.

-…Whoever does it… as long as they are strong, it doesn’t matter.

A meaningful aura emanated from Namgung Bi-ah’s eyes as she spoke.

-If they are strong enough to protect that person. Anyone is fine.

Subtle strength was added to her leisurely voice.

Namgung Bi-ah’s tone, which had a lower pitch than most women, somehow spread a sense of tension.

-What does that mean…?

-But.

Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze briefly swept over Wi Seol-ah.

Then.

-Seol-ah, not yet.

-…

-Seol-ah, you’re weaker than me. So I have to do it.

Namgung Bi-ah calmly uttered the words.

-…

Immediately after.

Seureung-!

Wi Seol-ah immediately drew her sword, and this incident began.

---

“…So. They started fighting like that?”

“…Yes.”

“This is insane.”

After hearing the cause of the incident, there weren’t many reactions I could have.

Honestly, I thought they would fight.

The Meng faction guys were practically set up to clash, and I thought there would be disputes on our side too.

‘I never expected those two would fight.’

It was unexpected that Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah would fight like that, of all people.

And with such sincerity, no less.

Kwadeudeuk–!!! Kkang-! Kkang-! Kigigik-!

Sword energies of different colors clashed dozens of times per second.

Sparks continued to burst out, and the shockwaves caused by the impacts were busy creating gusts of wind.

The sight was almost like a storm.

‘…What should I do about that.’

The other warriors seemed astonished and were busy watching the scene.

They apparently didn’t expect two young women could cause such a spectacle.

Kigigik-!

Wi Seol-ah twisted her waist and swung her sword.

The blade, imbued with rotation, generated a massive sword energy.

Furthermore, the golden spirit swords relentlessly pressured Namgung Bi-ah.

Seeing that, my eyes widened slightly.

‘The number of spirit swords has increased?’

It was two or so more than the last time I saw them.

Has her cultivation level increased in this short time?

‘At that speed….’

In a few years, I wonder if she’ll really catch up to the Divine Sword from my past life.

The Divine Sword used dozens of spirit swords, at the very least.

The image of him slaughtering demons en masse with countless spirit swords, not to mention single combat, flashed through my mind.

And.

Pajijijik—!!!

As if to counter Wi Seol-ah’s spirit swords, lightning energy shot out from all directions.

Tung-!

Although it couldn’t break the spirit swords, it deflected the attacks by changing their direction.

It even shot towards my feet, tangling my footwork.

Kureung-!

A loud rumbling sound was heard.

It was like a prelude to lightning striking.

The center of that noise was none other than Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.

The lightning energy infused into the sword energy made such a loud noise.

It showed how intensely it was compressed.

Namgung Bi-ah shot that lightning energy towards Wi Seol-ah without hesitation.

Kwarureureung—!!!

“Ugh!”

“Be careful!”

Lightning poured down with a single sword strike.

The generated lightning energy swept across the ground.

Seeing that, energy seeped into Wi Seol-ah’s body.

Wrapped in golden light, Wi Seol-ah shot forward instantly, dodging the lightning with blinding speed like an exploding beam of light.

However.

“…!”

Along with the lightning, Namgung Bi-ah also moved.

Namgung Bi-ah, having drawn her attention, burrowed into Wi Seol-ah’s embrace.

Seeing that, Wi Seol-ah quickly raised her sword.

Kwang-!

“Ugh!”

Before that could happen, Namgung Bi-ah’s foot struck Wi Seol-ah’s abdomen.

‘Feint.’

She seemed to aim for the upper body with her sword, but then attacked with her foot.

It was a difference in situational judgment.

Wi Seol-ah, who had been attacked, flew far away.

At first glance, Namgung Bi-ah’s attack seemed like a perfect success.

But.

“…”

Namgung Bi-ah suddenly frowned and began to rub her stomach.

The moment she kicked Wi Seol-ah, Wi Seol-ah also attacked Namgung Bi-ah.

It must have been a less impactful attack since it was done hastily, but it was a clear reaction within a short gap.

Hwaaaaaa–!

The offense paused for a moment, and the wind pressure also began to gradually dissipate.

Those who experienced the storm in that short interval were all filled with shock.

“…What did I just see?”

“What a fierce….”

They seemed unable to even comprehend what they had witnessed.

It seemed they realized the two were on a different level.

“Cough.”

As the dust cleared, Wi Seol-ah let out a dry cough.

She was already standing in a ready stance.

Even though she had been sent flying once, her eyes were still full of fighting spirit, which was a bonus.

“…Hoo.”

As if intending to continue, she took a breath and gripped her sword.

Seeing that, I had to rub my forehead.

‘Her internal injuries probably haven’t fully healed yet.’

Even if it was close to full recovery, it would still hurt the same.

But seeing her acting like this was absurd.

‘I made a mistake.’

Yes, this is my mistake.

Not expecting those two to fight is just an excuse.

I should have at least been aware of it.

I had just forgotten for a moment because other things were more urgent.

“Sseup.”

What should I do?

Wouldn’t it be better to stop them now?

‘Yeah, that’s a bit much.’

I guess I have to stop them.

It’s obvious something big will happen if I leave them like this.

As I became certain and tried to move.

-…Don’t stop… me.

-Don’t stop me.

“…”

-If you stop me… I’ll hate you…

…today…

-Not forever…

…I won’t see you, Young Master-nim, for a few days…

Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah sent me the exact same telepathic message.

It was quite a subtle threat.