Chapter 105: Yong Biyang in Danger (1)

After running frantically, I eventually arrived at Nampyeong County.

Considering I hadn’t stopped even for a moment, it was a miracle that the horse had held out this long.

However, there was still half a si-jin left to reach the place where the new martial arts hall had opened.

I spurred the horse and said,

“I will go on ahead.”

When the horse could run no more, I unfolded my movement arts.

Watching my nearly straight-line flight, the Shaolin Reverend Arhats were slightly surprised.

“Follow Benefactor Yong.”

At Gak Woo’s words, his disciples all picked up their pace and chased after me.

“Truly amazing. Young Master Yong is impressive, but to come this far using movement arts without even a hint of fatigue… as expected of Shaolin.”

When Jeong Daji spoke, Jeong Suji responded.

“It’s laughable that men like that can be so helpless in front of courtesans.”

“There are many matters in Murim that can’t be resolved with martial arts alone. The Shaolin Reverend Arhats are no exception. We can’t afford to waste time just standing here either.”

Just then, Jeong Minji unfolded her movement arts, fluttering through the air like a swallow, prompting Jeong Daji to mutter.

“Good grief, Eldest Sister is always the first to rush into anything involving Young Master Yong.”

Jeong Suji glared at her younger sister, and Jeong Daji flinched and fell silent.

Watching Jeong Suji run in silence using movement arts, Jeong Daji stuck out her tongue.

At Gwang-an Road, considered the center of Nampyeong County, a celebration was taking place. Though not as extravagant as the welcome banquet for the new Ji Hyeon of Imyeong County, it was still a fairly large-scale event.

Phoenix-Head Martial Arts Hall

An unusual name for a martial arts hall, this one was being opened by an outside disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, one of the prides of the Murim in Shaanxi. It was three times the size of an average martial hall.

Phoenix-Head Martial Arts Hall had been established by Baltong, who earned fame in Shaanxi as a swordsman and outside disciple of the Mount Hua Sect, known as the Phoenix-Head Sword.

Between the Great Dabie Sect and the Heavenly Central Sect, there were more than ten mid- to small-scale martial halls combined.

Among them, three martial halls stood out as the most renowned, and all three had been founded by outside disciples of the Nine Sects One Gang.

Now that a martial hall founded by an outside disciple of the Mount Hua Sect had appeared, it truly was the golden age of martial halls.

Martial halls typically centered their training around fists, considering the skill level of their students.

Since students could quit at any time, and these halls mainly targeted local residents, dangerous weapons like swords were not taught.

Even if it was a martial hall, those teaching weaponry faced heavy interference from local authorities. If any incident involving a sword occurred, the hall could be shut down.

That’s how much responsibility came with teaching weapons and armor.

“Young Sect Leader Yong! This way, please.”

Phoenix-Head Martial Arts Hall had three training buildings, enough to rival the scale of a small sect.

It seemed their intent was to attract martial artists from the Great Dabie Sect and the Heavenly Central Sect alike.

Yong Biyang supported the idea of nurturing martial artists through an increase in martial halls.

Baltong, the head of Phoenix-Head Martial Arts Hall, personally guided Yong Biyang, Sect Leader of the Heavenly Central Sect.

Recently, Yong Hwarin of Henan had appeared, earning the title Heavenly Sword Hero and rapidly gaining fame throughout the Murim.

Most importantly, as word spread that Yong Hwarin was forming sworn brotherhoods with the young masters of prestigious clans, perceptions of the Heavenly Central Sect began to shift drastically.

There were even rumors that he was the only close companion of the Young Master of the Pang Clan of Hebei, bringing the Heavenly Central Sect—previously almost unknown—into the Murim spotlight.

In particular, the story of how he protected martial artists of noble clans from experts of the Blood Demon Castle’s Guardian Court had spread across the Murim and become a legend.

Many of the clan martial artists had returned home and shared the tale, causing it to spread widely.

Thus, the once nameless Yong Hwarin was now declaring his martial name to the entire world.

“Ah, is that man the father of the Heavenly Sword Hero Yong Hwarin?”

“Oh! If the father’s that handsome, then the Heavenly Sword Hero must be quite the looker too.”

“If he takes after his father, of course he’d be handsome. I’ve heard rumors that there’s already no shortage of women following the Heavenly Sword Hero.”

“Well, being a hero from a small sect makes him all the more outstanding.”

“They say that even in Henan, a martial arts prodigy like him appears only once in a hundred years.”

“Oh! That exceptional?”

“There’s also talk that the rumors of him being too sickly to go outside were just lies to hide his martial training.”

“Ah! That does make sense. It’s hard to believe that someone bedridden for twenty years could suddenly surpass even the prodigies of prestigious clans.”

“Indeed. And now that the Heavenly Sword Hero has emerged, the martial artists of the Heavenly Central Sect are said to have changed completely.”

“I heard their discipline and aura now rival those of noble clans, something unheard of before.”

“Really?”

“Not long ago, in Henan, the bladesman Heavenly Vault of the Eight Directions, known to be second to none, challenged the Heavenly Sword Hero to a duel. Since the Young Master wasn’t there, a female swordsman from the Heavenly Central Sect stepped in, and they say she defeated Heavenly Vault of the Eight Directions in twenty seconds. I thought it was just a rumor, but my friend claims to have seen it himself.”

“Oh ho, isn’t Heavenly Vault of the Eight Directions quite famous in Murim, not just Henan?”

“Exactly. Even the Pang Clan of Hebei is said to hesitate before sparring with him. That’s how strong he is.”

“Hmm… Hearing this, it sounds like the Heavenly Central Sect has been conserving its strength and is only now revealing its true self.”

“That’s exactly it. With the emergence of the Heavenly Sword Hero, the Heavenly Central Sect is now showing its true face.”

“Even so, for the Sect Leader of the Heavenly Central Sect to come and congratulate the opening of a mere martial hall like this… he truly is a great man.”

Though most of the compliments he overheard in passing were about his son, Yong Hwarin, Yong Biyang found those words indescribably sweet.

There was nothing more gratifying than hearing one’s child praised by others.

He had to restrain himself from blurting out that he was the father of the Heavenly Sword Hero, Yong Hwarin.

The fact that his sect was finally being mentioned among martial artists gave him a feeling that could not be put into words.

‘Hahaha, from now on, I’ll have to attend the opening of every single martial hall, no matter how small.’

Though he was of an age where he should have already transcended such emotions, Yong Biyang felt like a fool, getting giddy over compliments for his son.

But what parent wouldn’t be pleased to hear praise for their child?

As such thoughts filled his mind, his behavior naturally became more cautious.

“Sect Leader, if you smile so widely just from hearing people mention the Young Sect Leader, it’s a bit obvious,” said one of his guards, carefully.

“Hahaha, you seem to forget your own mouths are stretched wider than mine.”

The Twin Dragons of Fury, who had accompanied him, found themselves smiling as if they themselves were being praised every time someone complimented Young Sect Leader Yong Hwarin.

Yong Biyang had brought only four of his guards with him to the celebration out of more than ten he usually had. With his modest personality, he detested extravagant entourages.

He didn’t consider himself important enough to travel with a large guard. Four seemed appropriate enough not to raise eyebrows, yet still provide necessary protection.

Moreover, the aura of the Twin Dragons of Fury beside him made even just the two of them feel like sufficient protection.

At the news that an outside disciple of the Mount Hua Sect from Shaanxi was opening a martial hall, many boys and young men had flocked to learn the renowned martial arts of Mount Hua.

Those who used inner energy to execute martial techniques were referred to as martial artists, while those who did not were called martial practitioners.

It was essential for these martial practitioners to have their fundamentals built properly if they were ever to become martial artists. Hence, martial halls were considered important within Murim.

Those who stood out at martial halls were often absorbed into sects as disciples—this was the natural progression toward becoming a martial artist.

One could not simply join a sect with no knowledge of martial arts and expect to learn.

Stories of experts recruiting children just because of their apparent physique were nothing but idle rumors. The idea that one could determine a child’s potential just by glancing at them in clothes was nonsense.

“Sect Leader Hwang, this way, please.”

Baltong guided a large group toward where Yong Biyang was seated.

“Hahaha! Greetings, Sect Leader Yong!”

With a boisterous laugh, a man built like a bear strode into the banquet area.

Yong Biyang stood up upon seeing him.

“Ah, Sect Leader Hwang. It’s been a long time.”

The man he greeted was Hwang Sinjik, Sect Leader of the Great Dabie Sect. His frame was so massive that the sword at his side looked like a mere stick.

Following him were over twenty escorts who swarmed into the banquet space.

About half stood behind him, while the others stationed themselves outside the venue, putting on an air of grandeur that could be mistaken for the entourage of a noble from a royal court.

The Twin Dragons of Fury found their intimidating glares toward the other guests unpleasant, but since their own sect leader took no action, they remained silent.

‘If our Young Sect Leader were here, he’d definitely have given that guy a taste of his own medicine.’

Yong Hwarin, who was even more adept at provoking people than with martial arts, was sorely missed at moments like this.

“A hero seems to have recently arisen in Henan.”

Yong Biyang merely smiled in response, without offering a reply.

“He’s called the Heavenly Sword Hero, I believe. That would be your son, wouldn’t it?”

“A rather grand title for a son who’s still lacking.”

Yong Biyang answered with a smile, but Hwang Sinjik gave him a sinister look.

“You’re fortunate to have such a fine son. I have a daughter of marriageable age, and I think she’d be a good match for your son. What do you say? If we become in-laws, we could probably claim half of Henan for ourselves.”

The Twin Dragons of Fury nearly gagged at those words.

The Great Dabie Sect had repeatedly clashed with the Heavenly Central Sect by intruding into its territory and stealing influence.

That it didn’t erupt into full-on war between sects was solely due to Yong Biyang’s repeated concessions.

To hear such shameless words now made them want to pummel Hwang Sinjik’s face into the ground.

As the Twin Dragons of Fury glared at him with killing intent, Hwang Sinjik merely smirked.

“The Sect Leader’s guards are sharp. Feels like they might kill me with just their eyes.”

“You must have misunderstood. My guards don’t show killing intent toward people.”

“Hahaha! Are you saying I’m not a person? That’s quite a provocative statement.”

Seeing the two sect leaders seemingly about to clash, Baltong, the Phoenix-Head Sword, who had gone through great effort to invite them, stepped forward.

“Today is the opening ceremony of this martial hall. Please, heroes, set aside your anger and grace our students with your teachings.”

He had already gathered the students at the training ground to hear a few words from the guests. At his request, Hwang Sinjik sprang up and climbed onto the platform.

“I am Hwang Sinjik, Sect Leader of the Great Dabie Sect! If any of you wish to pursue greater ambition after mastering martial arts, come to my sect! Become one of our disciples and spread your name across Murim!”

After he spoke, the hundred or so students remained completely silent.

“Hahaha, it seems they were all moved by my speech.”

He spouted nothing but ignorant drivel, then claimed the students were touched—it was laughable.

‘They said the Sect Leader of the Great Dabie Sect was a fool… and it’s true.’

Having seen it firsthand, the Twin Dragons of Fury thought they needn’t worry too much about that sect.

They’d seen countless sects vanish quietly under the leadership of men like him.

Baltong, the Phoenix-Head Sword, gave a wry smile and turned to Yong Biyang.

“Would you also share some words, Sect Leader Yong?”

Though he was merely an outside disciple, Baltong had earned fame as a martial artist of the Mount Hua Sect.

Even in his eyes, Hwang Sinjik of the Great Dabie Sect seemed no better than the leader of an unorthodox sect.

Yong Biyang slowly ascended the platform and looked over the students.

“I am Yong Biyang, Sect Leader of the Heavenly Central Sect.”

At that, a stir rippled through the students.

They had all heard the legends of the Heavenly Sword Hero Yong Hwarin, so they were naturally surprised by Yong Biyang’s appearance.

“Your Head Instructor, Baltong the Phoenix-Head Sword, is an outside disciple of the Mount Hua Sect and a man who has made his name known in Murim. If you follow his teachings faithfully, you will surely achieve the success you desire. You should consider yourselves lucky to have such a teacher.”

Yong Biyang said only what needed to be said for Baltong’s sake and stepped down. He knew Baltong had invited him in hopes of hearing such a statement.

Indeed, the expression on Baltong’s face brightened considerably.

Just then, one of the students cried out.

“If I join the Heavenly Central Sect later, will I also get to learn the Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword like Young Hero Yong Hwarin?”

“The Soaring Dragon Emperor Sword of our sect is open to all disciples. Of course, you may learn it.”

Another wave of murmuring swept through the students.

Even from the banquet table, they could hear the excited chatter of students saying they’d apply to the Heavenly Central Sect after training at the Phoenix-Head Martial Arts Hall.

Hwang Sinjik frowned and tapped his foot, clearly displeased by what he heard.

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