Chapter 225: Southern Murim Tournament (2)

Nanchang, Jiangxi Province.

As the stronghold of the Namcheon Baek Clan and the provincial capital of Jiangxi, Nanchang was suffering an unusual strain, with a population influx several times larger than usual due to the rumor that a Murim Tournament was being held there.

However, the citizens of Nanchang actually welcomed the situation.

Unlike other regions in the Central Plains, the large cities of the South, where numerous prestigious sects had gathered, tended to have surprisingly strict security.

And the people of Nanchang well knew that such crowds meant a profitable season was upon them.

“Jegal Clan!”

“It’s the Jegal Clan!”

“Look! The Namgung Clan is coming too!”

The citizens of Nanchang welcomed the martial artists heading to the Namcheon Baek Clan.

Even the unorthodox factions were no exception.

“The Evil Path Sect has arrived too!”

“That’s the Chief Elder of the Evil Path Sect—Si Okhyeol!”

“The young ones behind him… are they perhaps the famed Four Star Flags, said to be the top late-stage experts of the Evil Path Sect?!”

“They might be!”

The Evil Path Sect, with a history spanning over a hundred years, was fairly well known even among commoners.

The citizens of Nanchang welcomed their arrival in part because there had been no major conflicts for decades.

However—

Though many of the renowned righteous sects were greeted with cheers, there was one place—one single faction—that did not receive such a welcome.

Clatter! Clatter!

Wherever the jet-black, massive carriages passed, an oppressive silence followed.

“D-Demonic Cult…”

Someone stared at the procession of carriages, their face stricken with fear.

Because of Nanchang’s close relationship with Murim powers, their deeply ingrained fear of the Heavenly Demon Cult—Murim’s ultimate adversary—was especially strong.

Amidst that atmosphere, the roughly fifty-strong delegation from the Heavenly Demon Cult arrived at the Namcheon Baek Clan’s main estate.

“There are so many people.”

Even the presence of the existing clan visitors had caused the area to overflow with people.

But now, with all sorts of onlookers drawn in just to catch a glimpse of the Murim Tournament, the entrance of the Namcheon Baek Clan had become a maelstrom of chaos.

Yet we had no need to wait like the others.

Wang Cheongeol, who had been beside the carriage, stepped forward and began to emit the characteristically gloomy demonic energy of a demonic cultivator.

“It’s the Demonic Cult!”

“They’re here! The Demonic Cult has appeared!”

The same cries that had been echoed countless times in the streets rang out once again.

The crowd that had been blocking the entrance now flowed away like receding tide.

The external guards nearby were stunned by the scene and rushed over, surrounding Wang Cheongeol in alarm.

“No matter if you’re from the Demonic Cult, what is the meaning of such rudeness?!”

“Did you come here to cause trouble for our clan?! Withdraw your aura at once!”

“…Puh, foolish pups yapping at a bear.”

Wang Cheongeol calmly considered how best to trample the chicks rushing a bear.

Just then—

“Stand down!”

A dozen martial artists burst out from inside the estate, commanding the external guards to retreat.

Each of them had clearly reached the Master Level.

“Please restrain your overwhelming aura in front of the public, Crimson-Faced Demon Fighter, Master Wang Cheongeol.”

Wang Cheongeol’s eyes flashed with faint surprise.

To think that in this southern backwater, someone correctly recognized his title.

“So, you bastards have some sense. Are you from the inner guard?”

“Yes, Master.”

The ones who had dismissed the external guards respectfully bowed toward the black carriage.

“We pay our respects to the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult.”

“……”

“The leadership of our clan is waiting. Please follow us inside.”

At those words, a clear voice rang from within the quiet carriage.

“What’s your name?”

The martial artist at the front bowed his head as if apologizing.

“I’m nothing worthy of being compared to the warriors of the Heavenly Demon Cult. My name is Baek Jiho, the Twin Blades of Chaos.”

“I see. I’ll remember it.”

Recognizing the other party’s identity, Baek Jiho bowed again in succession.

After the brief turmoil settled—

The black carriage entered the inner area of the Namcheon Baek Clan.

The estate, occupying a tenth of the massive city of Nanchang, stretched over an immense area.

Only after passing through nearly a dozen buildings did the group finally reach the heart of the Namcheon Baek Clan.

There, dozens of high-ranking officials of the Namcheon welcomed us.

“Welcome, honored guests of the Heavenly Demon Cult. I am Baek Mun-jeol, an elder of the clan.”

A middle-aged man with a kind expression, standing at the forefront, respectfully bowed to Cheon Yura as she stepped out of the carriage.

“It must’ve been a tiring journey. We’ve prepared a modest banquet for you to relieve your fatigue. So, if you would—”

“Ah, that won’t be necessary.”

Twitch!

The visibly young Cheon Yura cut him off, and Baek Mun-jeol’s brow twitched slightly.

With a chilly voice, she spoke toward him.

“Where is the Young Clan Leader? Why is an elder greeting me?”

“The Young Clan Leader is—”

“I can understand if the Clan Leader is bedridden—I’ve seen enough of the Alliance Leader in the Justice Alliance anyway. But for the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, shouldn’t the Young Clan Leader personally come to greet me?”

What Cheon Yura said was perfectly reasonable.

Even if the Namcheon Baek Clan was the de facto host of this Murim Tournament, by status, the Young Clan Leader should have appeared in person.

Surprisingly, Baek Mun-jeol didn’t appear flustered.

Instead, he smiled brightly and replied,

“My apologies, but the Young Clan Leader’s health is currently so poor that he is unable to leave his quarters. As the ‘next Young Clan Leader candidate,’ I have come in his stead, so I ask that you not take offense.”

“Next Young Clan Leader candidate? That sounds strange.”

Smirk!

Cheon Yura smirked coldly.

“If the Young Clan Leader truly is ill, then yes, the next candidate appearing would make sense. But as far as I know, the heir apparent to Namcheon is… someone known by the title Southern Mist Sword Flower, isn’t it?”

“……”

Baek Mun-jeol’s expression cracked at those words.

“That… is…”

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me the beloved jewel of the Namcheon Baek Clan doesn’t exist anymore?”

Baek Mun-jeol fought desperately to control his facial muscles.

He was the one who knew best that his niece had taken refuge in the Demonic Cult.

And now, hearing such words from a member of the Demonic Cult made his blood pressure rise uncontrollably.

“I apologize. That child’s conduct has long been unruly, and our clan has struggled to manage her.”

“Oh?”

“She is still barely of age, and we found it unwise to expose her to such an important event. I ask for your understanding and leniency.”

Even in someone’s absence, it was common to speak ill of them behind their back—but to openly denounce one’s niece like this?

He certainly wasn’t an ordinary man.

“Well, fine. I’m merciful, so I won’t press the issue further.”

“…Thank you, Young Cult Leader.”

Gnash!

A small grinding sound echoed, as if someone was clenching their teeth hard.

After attending the banquet prepared by the Namcheon Baek Clan,

Cheon Yura and I met privately in the guest residence prepared for us.

“That Baek Mun-jeol fellow doesn’t seem to be a member of the Heaven-Defying Society.”

“Really?”

“Rather… that guy, the one who greeted us—Baek Jiho, the so-called Twin Blades of Chaos—seemed more suspicious.”

So that’s why she asked for the name of such a minor character?

“He was faintly carrying a foreign-type qi in his body. The energy wasn’t strong, so I couldn’t tell for sure, but…”

A foreign-type qi.

Usually, only lustful martial artists or those trained in obscure techniques harbored such energy—but the chance of a martial artist from Namcheon, especially one surnamed Baek, having such a trait was slim.

“There’s an even bigger issue. Jin Yeomyung, I think you already know what it is.”

“Yeah, the Young Clan Leader’s condition is worse than we thought.”

According to the Sword King, Young Clan Leader Baek Mun-yak, while frail, wasn’t supposed to be so ill that he couldn’t appear in public.

But the reality we had just seen was…

“It’s likely that a significant portion of the Namcheon Baek Clan’s authority has already been transferred to Baek Mun-jeol.”

“Exactly.”

Even the Sword King, the actual Clan Leader, had been cut off from internal information to this extent.

Then—

“Pardon the intrusion.”

Someone outside requested an audience.

“I am Baek Yoomyeong, the chief steward of the Namcheon Baek Clan. I have come under the Clan Leader’s orders to assist Young Master Jin.”

The visitor was a middle-aged scholar, identifying himself as the clan’s chief steward.

“…Perfect timing. There’s a lot I want to ask.”

I immediately began questioning the man who claimed to be the steward.

“As the clan’s chief steward, are you saying you couldn’t even report the Young Clan Leader’s condition to your actual Clan Leader?”

With a gloomy expression, the steward bowed his head.

“…There is no excuse for that. But if I may offer an explanation, the Young Clan Leader’s condition only worsened a few days ago.”

“A few days ago?”

“Yes. While Elder Baek and the rest of the Elder Council do hold significant influence, it doesn’t override the Young Clan Leader’s authority. Until recently, he was still attending council meetings and resolving conflicts.”

Cheon Yura frowned and asked,

“But his condition worsened suddenly over just a few days?”

“Yes. A few days ago, he suddenly said that his consciousness was no longer obeying his will… and immediately entered secluded retreat.”

“His consciousness wasn’t obeying?”

“That is correct.”

“……”

The moment I heard those words, a cold chill crawled up my spine and gripped my whole body.

“…Jin Yeomyung?”

“……”

Consciousness no longer obeying his will.

Only one thing came to mind at that moment.

“No way… it couldn’t be.”

Heaven-Destroying Poison.

The fatal poison that had practically destroyed the Heartless Demonic Empress, Cheon Yura.

It was a substance that needed to be taken continuously—thus, for anyone under the Master Level, it was actually less effective than common poisons.

But if administered correctly, it could fatally harm even a poison-immune expert like a Demonic Cultivator.

Naturally, after reincarnating, I had used my network to investigate the Heaven-Destroying Poison’s distribution routes.

To this day, I’d found nothing conclusive.

“Jin Yeomyung, what’s wrong?”

Cheon Yura grabbed my shoulders, looking worried.

“Ah…”

I stared blankly at her face for a moment.

As soon as I saw her, my mind snapped back into focus.

‘Right… even if the Heaven-Destroying Poison has resurfaced, Cheon Yura is still fine.’

No need to cower in fear of a ghost from the past.

If someone’s using that poison again, then I just need to crush both the poison and the one who wields it.

“Mm…!”

The steward flinched at my sudden change in expression, but relaxed once I returned to normal and continued speaking.

“The Young Clan Leader’s condition is certainly serious, but there’s another major issue regarding the upcoming martial arts tournament.”

Cheon Yura responded in my place.

“A major issue?”

“Yes. Elder Baek Mun-jeol recently adopted a son… and his martial arts are alarmingly powerful.”

At that, a sneer formed on Cheon Yura’s lips.

“Hmph, what? He’s reached the Master Level or something?”

“No, beyond that.”

“…What?”

Even I felt my expression harden slightly.

“In front of the clan’s senior elders, he went toe-to-toe with an aged Peak Master.”

“…Toe-to-toe?”

The steward solemnly nodded.

“They suspected he might be lying about his age, but after a thorough investigation, that wasn’t the case. If he enters the tournament, it could ruin Young Master’s plans.”

If it were just the Master Level, we might manage.

But a Peak Master? That changed everything.

“What’s his name?”

“Upon being added to the clan registry, he received the name Baek Cheon-ho. But I have no idea what name he used before.”

“…That’s suspicious.”

“A Peak Master at barely coming of age…”

Even someone like Baek Sang-ah only broke through to the Peak Master level after a heaven-sent opportunity.

If not for that, she’d likely still be floundering around the Master level at best.

And yet this guy, whose origins are unclear, reached the Peak Master Level?

Cheon Yura smirked faintly, her fighting spirit igniting.

“Interesting. I’d love to meet this guy… but that won’t be so easy, right?”

Though her achievements were already beyond extraordinary, reaching the Peak Master Level near the age of twenty was an absurd feat in itself.

Even Pa Yeongyeong, the Young Clan Leader of the Extreme Blade Pa Clan, likely only just now broke through to that level.

“Ah, about that…”

“Hm?”

“Meeting him… isn’t all that difficult.”

Not difficult?

In a turn of absurdity, this Baek Cheon-ho was apparently such a womanizer that he came and went from a brothel in real time.

“Unbelievable. How the hell did a guy like that reach the Peak Master Level?”

“…That’s what I’m wondering too.”

Regardless of any so-called miraculous fortune, unless one had a second life like me, even pouring their entire existence into it wouldn’t guarantee reaching that realm.

“Well, we’ll know when we see him.”

With the steward’s assistance, Cheon Yura and I left the Namcheon Baek Clan and headed to a brothel named ‘Baekhyangru.’

Known as the best brothel in Nanchang, this place was said to be as prestigious as the famous Tengwang Pavilion.

And Baek Cheon-ho was treated like a VIP even in Baekhyangru.

Guided by the steward, we soon found him surrounded by four courtesans, indulging in drinks.

Baek Cheon-ho, with half-lidded, drunken eyes, waved lazily upon recognizing the steward.

“Well, if it isn’t our esteemed steward!”

“Young Master Baek. Still indulging yourself with women today?”

The steward frowned and shot him a cold glare, but Baek Cheon-ho only giggled and snorted dismissively.

“Keh keh keh! Haven’t done anything indecent yet, so what’s the problem?”

“The cost of your visits to Baekhyangru is becoming astronomical. Perhaps it’s time to restrain yourself?”

“And so what? My father’s the one footing the bill anyway.”

“……”

We who listened to this from behind couldn’t hide our disbelief.

‘What the hell is with this hopeless bastard?’

Judging by how casually he talked, he was clearly a regular here. And this guy was supposed to be a Peak Master?

He reminded me disturbingly of my own past life.

“So, are you here to lecture me again?”

“That’s not it. There are guests who wished to meet you, so I’ve brought them.”

The steward, clearly wanting no further part in the conversation, quietly stepped aside.

Cheon Yura stepped forward, glaring straight at Baek Cheon-ho.

“You’re the adopted son of that Namcheon Elder? I am—”

“What’s this now? Who’s this ugly broad?”

“……”

The moment those words left his mouth toward Cheon Yura—

Snap!

Something in my mind snapped.

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