Chapter 227: Southern Murim Tournament (4)

The clash that occurred at Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion quietly faded into whispers, surprisingly not spreading widely and subsiding without major uproar.

I had the chief steward bring me the list of businesses under the Namcheon Baek Clans and the people connected to them.

Naturally, he grimaced and expressed his displeasure, but when I applied pressure by bringing up the name of the Sword King, the head of the clan, he ultimately relented and obeyed.

There were seven days and nights left until the Southern Murim Tournament officially began.

While grasping the internal structure of the Namcheon Baek Clans, I also continued the training of the Heaven-Defying Sword left behind by my master.

Truly, they were busy days, carved down to the minute.

Unlike me, who was actively moving beneath the surface, Cheon Yura kept showing her face at the banquets held by the Namcheon Baek Clans.

“Hahaha, I’m relieved to see that the Young Cult Leader seems to be in high spirits these days.”

In the company of the righteous faction’s dignitaries, she responded with a gentle smile.

“There’s no reason to be in a bad mood when you hear pleasant words and receive such good hospitality, is there?”

“Hahaha! Well, that’s true!”

“I hope this Murim Tournament can help strengthen peace in the Central Plains.”

“For the peace between the righteous and the demonic!”

“For peace!”

Surprisingly, Cheon Yura concealed her usual domineering nature well and blended smoothly with the others.

Then, with two days left until the tournament—

“Hu— B-Black Lotus Union!”

“It’s the Black Lotus Union!”

The newly rising demonic faction that had shaken the entire Central Plains, the Black Lotus Union, appeared in Namchang.

Led by a dozen individuals wearing the Black Heaven Masks, now the symbol of the Black Lotus Union leadership…

About forty people crossed the gates of Namchang.

Strangely enough, the Black Lotus Union Lord, Demonic Sword Flower, did not arrive in a carriage like the Heavenly Demon Cult usually did.

“W-Wow….”

A massive, jet-black palanquin carried by no less than eight muscular martial artists.

The citizens of Namchang were overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the scene.

Inside that palanquin were the Black Lotus Union Lord and her escort, the Right Guardian of the Black Lotus Union, Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor.

“Grandpa Heon, will this be alright?”

Baek Sang-ah, clearly uneasy, asked bluntly.

“What do you mean, alright? A demonic faction needs this kind of show of force for its dignity to shine. It’s only because you never saw how that bastard, the King of Ten Thousand Evils, does his ceremonies.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

Though she’d become somewhat used to it now, she still felt discomfort at her subordinates’ voluntary reverence.

“I mean, even if I’m wearing a mask, someone might recognize me, right? I mean, we are family after all.”

It had been years since she returned, but the anxiety still lingered.

“Hmph, who knows?”

Saber King tilted his head and stroked his chin.

“To be honest, even if your father saw you, he wouldn’t recognize you.”

“…That much?”

“Yeah. Honestly, your whole vibe has completely changed.”

It wasn’t just her aura.

Baek Sang-ah, once called the brat of Namcheon, had undergone a complete transformation over the past two years.

She had let down her twin-braided hair, and with some modest embellishment, even without the mask, it would be hard to match her current appearance with the Baek Sang-ah of the past.

“As long as you slightly change your voice and are careful with your attitude, no one will suspect a thing.”

“Hmm… if you put it that way.”

“What matters now isn’t whether your identity is exposed.”

Saber King let out a puff through his nose and spoke gravely.

“I just have this gut feeling that the old Sword King is planning something….”

“What? W-What do you mean?”

Feeling slightly guilty, Baek Sang-ah stammered.

“You think I’ve only known that guy for a day or two? He’s overflowing with love for his bloodline. Even though he has the heart to survive the Righteous Alliance, he still hasn’t cut off that nephew of his. He’s probably scheming something to pair you up with that brat.”

“…….”

A worried expression spread across her face.

Even Saber King was saying this now, which only heightened her anxiety.

“Grandpa Heon, I….”

“I know. I know your heart must be tangled up in a mess right now.”

Although she wasn’t his real granddaughter, Saber King cherished her in his own way.

That was why he gave her a serious warning.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of this Murim Tournament, but Sang-ah, you must be prepared.”

“Prepared… for what?”

“To fight. Or to let go.”

Saber King looked Baek Sang-ah straight in the eyes with a stern expression.

“No matter what it is, every choice comes with loss. What matters is how quickly you clean up after the consequences of that choice. That’s what being an adult means.”

“…….”

“Whatever you choose, be ready to say goodbye to your childhood.”

“…Okay.”

She lowered her head powerlessly.

She still hadn’t made up her mind.

With the news of the Black Lotus Union’s arrival, the previously calm Namcheon Baek Clans became busy once again.

“Black Lotus Union has arrived!”

“Are we ready to receive them?”

“Yes, all members of the Inner Hall have been assembled. We’re fully prepared!”

Unlike the Heavenly Demon Cult, which was their traditional rival, everything about the Black Lotus Union was uncertain.

No one could be sure how they would act or what they would do.

Their appearance attracted not only the righteous faction but also the members of the Evil Path Sect.

The chief elder of the Evil Path Sect, Si Okhyeol, scoffed and muttered.

“The Heavenly Demon Cult has outright denied any connection to the Black Lotus Union. Well, that’s only natural—but still, don’t let your guard down.”

“Yes, Chief Elder!”

Si Okhyeol’s gaze shifted elsewhere.

“That goes for you all as well. Rumor has it that the Black Lotus Union Lord is your peer, but don’t let your pride cause any trouble.”

“Of course.”

The Four Star Flags, the Evil Path Sect’s most promising younger generation, nodded.

Before long, the massive black palanquin passed through the gates of Namcheon.

“…They’re here.”

With someone’s whisper, the side door of the palanquin opened, and the Black Lotus Union Lord and Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor revealed themselves to the crowd.

“That woman—she’s the Black Lotus Union Lord!”

As the masked Baek Sang-ah stepped out, all the masters in the area focused intently, trying to read her cultivation level.

‘She feels similar to the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult. Like a sharply honed, restrained blade.’

‘At least Peak Master Level… There’s no way she’s beneath me. Unless she’s some rejuvenated demoness, how is that even possible?’

Many people sensed Baek Sang-ah’s cultivation level and couldn’t hide their shock.

However—

Even she did not outshine the presence of that old man, who boasted tremendous muscularity.

“Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor… It certainly feels like the presence of someone at the transformation realm.”

Si Okhyeol muttered darkly.

Those within the hall who were at or near the transformation realm level also found themselves unsettled by Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor’s cultivation.

‘He’s much stronger than I expected. He didn’t just call himself Blade Emperor for no reason!’

‘I thought Saber King had defected from the righteous path and joined the demonic side under a new identity, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. I’ve heard Saber King’s physique is quite small…’

‘According to rumor, there’s someone else just as strong within Black Lotus Union.’

‘This won’t be easy. A third major demonic faction might really be emerging.’

‘Regardless of the Black Lotus Union Lord, Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor hasn’t learned demonic arts. Was the rumor wrong?’

In the span of a fleeting moment—

Countless thoughts, concerns, and calculations passed between them.

And in that eerie silence—

“Hmph!”

Demonic Sword Flower laughed.

“…!”

“I can hear your brains spinning from here. Is that how you all treat our sect?”

“A-Ahem! F-Forgive us.”

Baek Mun-jeol, who had so far represented the Namcheon Baek Clans in receiving major factions, quickly cleared his throat and composed himself.

“I am Baek Mun-jeol, Elder of the Namcheon Baek Clans, known as the Severing Sword.”

Demonic Sword Flower slightly tilted her head.

“That’s odd. Where is the young family head? Why is an elder greeting this cult leader?”

“Ahem! The young family head’s health isn’t well at the moment…”

“That’s hard to believe. The invitation delivered to the Black Lotus Union was clearly stamped with the patriarch’s seal, stating the young family head would personally greet us.”

At those words, Baek Mun-jeol’s eyes widened.

Demonic Sword Flower retrieved the letter from her robe and tossed it to him.

When Baek Mun-jeol read the letter, his face immediately contorted in disbelief.

“…S-Since when?”

It really did have the seal of Baek Dogyung, the Sword King and patriarch of the Namcheon Baek Clans!

And he hadn’t heard a word about it!

“This is offensive. If the young family head won’t come out, I and the Black Lotus Union will be taking our leave.”

“P-Please wait just a moment!”

Honestly, he didn’t care whether the Black Lotus Union left or not, but being humiliated in front of such a large crowd was another matter.

“T-The young family head truly is unwell! He’s in no condition to even walk on his own!”

“…What?”

At that instant, a terrifying killing intent erupted from Demonic Sword Flower.

“Ugh!”

Many people reacted as the weight of that killing intent descended.

“Could it be… late stage of the Peak Master Level?”

“She’s nearing the realm of Extreme Demon?!”

Clearly, she had achieved a level far beyond Baek Mun-jeol’s.

It was a show of undeniable strength, proving she wasn’t anyone’s puppet.

Crushed by that pressure, Baek Mun-jeol screamed out.

“Urgh! Even after I explained the circumstances—how can you be so rude…!”

“You dare…”

Tap!

Just before she could draw her blade—

Ten Thousand Evil Blade Emperor hurriedly stepped in front of her.

“Come, come. Let’s stop here, Union Leader.”

“…Right Guardian.”

“The Namcheon Baek Clans must have their reasons, right? You can always visit the young family head later to receive his greeting ‘personally.’”

“….”

His gaze said he understood her anger, but now was the time to hold back.

“Fine. I will generously overlook your rudeness this time.”

“T-Thank you…”

As he turned away, Baek Mun-jeol mumbled a curse under his breath.

“Damn… She’s even worse than the Demonic Cult’s Young Cult Leader…”

Having been humiliated by the Black Lotus Union Lord, Baek Mun-jeol couldn’t contain his anger even after returning to his quarters.

“Damn it! That brat dared to insult me?!”

Crash! Crack! Bang!

Sounds of destruction echoed from Baek Mun-jeol’s office for some time.

One of his subordinates, who had been waiting for the storm to pass, cautiously spoke up.

“Elder. If you wish to get back at the Black Lotus Union Lord, there’s a very simple way to do it.”

“What is it?!”

Startled by Baek Mun-jeol’s fierce glare, the subordinate flinched but forced himself to continue.

“The Black Lotus Union was founded by a few top-tier masters with all sorts of riffraff demonic factions flocking to them. Naturally, they wouldn’t have any properly trained young disciples.”

Baek Mun-jeol’s expression lightened at that.

“Oh?”

Encouraged by the elder’s reaction, the subordinate spoke more quickly.

“Force them to participate in the sparring tournament. As the head of a major group, the Black Lotus Union Lord won’t be able to refuse such a proposal.”

If she refused, it would publicly imply the Black Lotus Union had no young talent.

“The tournament is for younger generation fighters, so the Black Lotus Union Lord herself can’t compete. Doing so would only tarnish her own reputation.”

“Hmm. That’s actually quite plausible.”

A wicked grin crept across Baek Mun-jeol’s lips.

Plans of revenge against the Black Lotus Union Lord, who had humiliated him, were beginning to take shape in his mind.

Luoyang, Henan Province.

After the Black Lotus Union leadership, who practically ruled the city, left for the Murim Tournament—

The city, having recently experienced great turmoil, had fallen into an oddly tranquil state.

In the middle of Luoyang’s marketplace, a figure collapsed on the ground.

“Ugh… I’m dying here…”

A disheveled young man suddenly appeared in the center of the marketplace, tears streaming down his face as he sobbed.

Then, the sobbing youth suddenly thrust both arms toward the sky and shouted.

“Freedom! I’m finally freeeeee!”

Murmur murmur!

Merchants and townsfolk passing by whispered about the madman who had appeared out of nowhere.

But the youth didn’t care at all.

“You sold out your friend?! Yeomyung, you bastard! Just wait till I catch you!”

To the world, only about two months had passed.

But to him, it had felt like three years.

So Cheon had finally returned—after being held captive by the Heavenly Demon Founder.

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