Jun Myung held back for now.

Among the Three Heroes of the Azure Forest, he was the youngest. Although he showed great respect to his senior brother and sister, his temperament wasn’t exactly gentle.

His martial arts skills had long since reached Peak.

With his own hands, he had crushed the skulls of several notorious villains. His combat experience was more than sufficient.

To provoke him openly and expect him to endure quietly wasn’t in his nature.

That’s right. This was indeed blatant provocation.

Around them, an excessive amount of food was prepared, considering the number of people present.

That wasn’t all. The whole roasted pig was so large that even a group of strong men would struggle to finish it.

Jun Myung exercised patience and spoke again, “I’ll just take one hind leg.”

“No.”

Above all, the other person was speaking informally.

Jun Myung’s eyebrow twitched.

Even the tone coming from their mouth wasn’t pleasant.

“Why?”

“I like pigs.”

Their speech was awkward. Were they an idiot?

Jun Myung decided to simply ignore it.

He grabbed the pig’s hind leg and pulled.

Gal Dong-tak reached out again for Jun Myung’s forearm.

Jun Myung sneered internally.

He might have allowed his wrist to be grabbed once, but twice? No chance.

Besides, Azure Forest’s grappling techniques were unrivaled in the martial world.

Naturally, he thought he could pull his wrist free, but…

Snap.

Gal Dong-tak grabbed Jun Myung’s wrist again.

“…”

Jun Myung clearly saw Gal Dong-tak’s hand movements.

Was he demonstrating a technique surpassing the subtlety of Wisteria Hand? No, it wasn’t even that.

For some reason, Gal Dong-tak had merely reached out simply, and yet his hand managed to catch him.

Jun Myung and Gal Dong-tak’s gazes locked in midair.

Unlike the annoyed Jun Myung, Gal Dong-tak’s eyes were clear and calm.

As the standoff continued, the Green Forest bandits gathered behind Gal Dong-tak.

“Young Leader, is something wrong?”

“Isn’t this the roast you like the most, Young Leader?”

“Oh? And who might this be?”

Not all Green Forest followers were mere petty bandits.

Naturally, considering the setting, those who accompanied Gal Dong-tak were at least of Fort Leader rank.

Someone recognized Jun Myung.

“Isn’t this the renowned Young Master Green Forest Executioner?”

“…”

The title of Green Forest Executioner was a nickname Jun Myung had earned years ago when he and the third-generation disciples were still novices.

Even after that, the nickname continued to be used occasionally.

In the Great Orthodox-Unorthodox War, the Green Forest spilled the most blood. Jun Myung had since clashed with the Green Forest bandits repeatedly.

“Young Leader, is this man trying to steal your roast?”

“Steal? I only suggested we share it!”

“For our Young Leader, this little piglet is just an appetizer. Who could he possibly share it with?”

How could anyone eat an entire pig by themselves?

Jun Myung was utterly speechless.

Behind him, reinforcements arrived.

It was Yu Su-rin and Son Hee-il who had approached.

“What are you doing, youngest?”

“What’s this, Jun Myung? Who are these Green Forest bandits?”

In an instant, the standoff escalated.

Although no weapons had been drawn, the situation was on the verge of erupting into a fight.

Jun Myung glared at Gal Dong-tak and spoke.

“Let go of my wrist.”

“Drop the meat first.”

“I refuse.”

“Then no.”

Squeeze—

Jun Myung clenched his fist tightly.

It was clear that Gal Dong-tak had crossed the line first.

Grabbing his wrist was effectively the same as making the first move.

Jun Myung made up his mind.

Even if a small scuffle broke out, he was determined to force Gal Dong-tak to release his hand.

Both Yu Su-rin and Son Hee-il supported him silently.

“Enough.”

At that moment, a low voice stopped Jun Myung in his tracks.

Standing before the intertwined hands of Gal Dong-tak and Jun Myung was Yi-gang.

“Let go, Jun Myung.”

“But…!”

Yi-gang didn’t take Jun Myung’s side; instead, he ordered him to back down.

When Jun Myung protested out of frustration, Yi-gang gave him a cold glare.

“I said, let go.”

“…”

How could he disobey the stern command of his respected senior?

Jun Myung released the tension in his fist and let go of the pig’s leg.

Though deeply humiliated, he had no choice.

Gal Dong-tak grinned widely and promptly released Jun Myung’s hand.

Then he immediately tore off the pig’s hind leg and started eating.

It was as if the tense confrontation moments ago didn’t matter, and he seemed overjoyed to have the roast all to himself.

He didn’t share it with the subordinates who had gathered behind him, instead devouring it alone, bite by bite.

Yi-gang watched him silently.

At that moment, Yu Su-rin’s voice resonated faintly in his ear through a transmitted voice.

-Senior, no matter what, they were the ones who were rude first. Should we really just let this go?

Humility and yielding were not always the right choices.

Especially when the other side showed no respect.

-It’s better than Jun Myung being humiliated publicly.

-What…?

Gal Dong-tak’s body was massive.

While he might be strong, there was no way he could be considered stronger than Jun Myung. After all, martial artists of their level exuded an undeniable aura. РäΝộ𝐛Èʂ

However, Yi-gang gave no further response to Yu Su-rin.

“Hahaha!”

“So, you backed off completely, huh? What a fine senior you have!”

The bandits standing behind Gal Dong-tak burst into raucous laughter.

Ordinary bandits wouldn’t dare to mock openly, but these ones seemed to have found a golden opportunity and showed no restraint.

Jun Myung’s face turned bright red.

While the instigator, Gal Dong-tak, continued tearing into his meat, the bandits kept adding fuel to the fire.

“Consider yourself lucky. If this were a mountain path, the so-called Green Forest Executioner wouldn’t have walked away so easily.”

“Now that I see you, you’re not much at all. Hey, as a man, do you at least have both your balls intact? Ha… ack!”

A spoon flew and shattered against the forehead of the mocking bandit.

“Argh! Damn it!”

Perhaps some chili oil had splashed into his eyes, as the Green Forest bandit began stumbling around.

In their confusion, the bandits tried to assess the situation.

It was Yi-gang who had flicked the spoon with his finger.

The strike was so swift that the porcelain spoon had shattered into pieces.

Had it been a hidden weapon, it would have been fatal.

Their hearts sank, but they concealed it and shouted, “What kind of nonsense is this?!”

“Watch your mouth, Green Forest bandit.”

Yi-gang didn’t bother to hide his overwhelming aura.

The Green Forest bandits, who had initially lashed out in anger, froze in place.

Even to their rough and hardened eyes, Yi-gang’s presence was anything but ordinary.

It was the kind of aura that only true masters possessed—one that could pressure opponents without raising their voice.

The third-generation disciples of the Azure Forest were just as taken aback.

Wasn’t Yi-gang the one who had just diffused the fight?

Yet, as soon as he subdued Jun Myung, he unleashed this chilling intensity.

However, there was nothing particularly special about why Yi-gang acted this way.

From his perspective, Jun Myung clearly couldn’t handle Gal Dong-tak.

“Care to say anything else?”

“…”

But for Yi-gang himself, there was no reason to feel any fear.

Neither the minions of Green Forest…

…nor Gal Dong-tak, the son of the Green Forest Overlord and a man blessed with supernatural strength.

There was nothing to fear.

“Stop it.”

At that moment, Gal Dong-tak, who had been chewing on his meat, spoke up between bites, “A person who shares their meat is a good person. Stop.”

“…Yes, Young Leader.”

Running away in fear would have been disgraceful, but retreating under the Young Leader’s orders gave them justification.

The Green Forest bandits quickly withdrew.

Yi-gang silently observed Gal Dong-tak.

He was still tearing into the meat, his expression vacant as if he had no other thoughts.

Just then, the surroundings grew noisy.

A warrior emerged from the palace where the meeting was being held.

“Those who have been pre-approved may enter the palace.”

Hearing this, Gal Dong-tak rose from his seat reluctantly, as if regretting leaving his meal unfinished.

Several individuals among those waiting moved toward the palace as if they had been anticipating this.

Every one of them exuded an extraordinary aura.

A martial artist from the Murim Alliance approached the silent Yi-gang.

“Young Master Immortal Divine Dragon.”

“…Yes.”

“Please, come inside. The Divine Monk has given the word.”

Yi-gang nodded silently.

Yi-gang glanced around the meeting hall.

It was truly a magnificent place.

From the outside, it appeared to be a three-story building, but the central circular area extended all the way up to the roof, leaving the ceiling completely open.

A massive round table occupied the center, large enough to accommodate dozens of dancers performing above it.

It was said that the emperor once used this space, and it certainly seemed plausible.

Around the edge of the round table were ten chairs.

These were reserved for the masters participating in the meeting.

The Demon Cult Leader, the Sun Moon Divine Demon.

The Sword Emperor who had ascended.

The deceased Guardian of the Emperor.

Seven of the Ten Grandmasters occupied their respective seats.

The remaining three seats were taken by other notable figures.

Baek Ryu-san, the next Murim Alliance Leader.

Five Poison Divine Lord from the Five Poisons Sect, hailing from Yunnan.

Jeon Yuk, the Black Dragon King, ruler of the Heilongjiang region.

The ten gathered here were undoubtedly the paragons of orthodox martial arts.

Among them, some had individuals standing behind them like adjutants accompanying generals.

The Nine Spear King, So Jin-gong, had Pahan standing behind him, while Gal Sa-hyeok was accompanied by Gal Dong-tak.

Behind the Unorthodox Union Leader stood a martial artist whose face and body were marred by terrifying burns, and the Divine Monk had one of the Four Great Vajra at his side.

As for Yi-gang, he stood beside his father, Baek Ryu-san.

The meeting proceeded smoothly in this manner.

At least, it did until recently.

They exchanged words that were difficult to discern as either pleasantries or veiled tensions, and discussions even touched on Yi-gang’s exploits.

Someone vaguely mentioned events in the Imperial Palace as well.

There were exaggerated rumors, as well as accounts closer to the truth.

However, there was no mention of Yi-gang being severely injured.

On the contrary, it was said that thanks to the Divine Monk, he not only made a full recovery but also achieved a higher level of mastery.

Though not entirely inaccurate, it wasn’t a matter for Yi-gang to interject, so he remained silent.

But then, Gal Sa-hyeok’s intervention caused the situation to take an odd turn.

“Alright! Show us your skill!”

For reasons unknown, Yi-gang and Gal Dong-tak, the son of Gal Sa-hyeok, ended up sparring.

And not just anywhere, but atop the massive round table in the meeting hall.

Yi-gang faced Gal Dong-tak, feeling somewhat surreal.

Gal Dong-tak was at least two heads taller than Yi-gang.

In terms of body size, he was likely three times larger.

When he spread his massive arms, it seemed as though he could wrestle an elephant and hold his ground.

Gal Dong-tak snorted, wiping his hands on his clothes.

“I appreciated you sharing the meat earlier, but I think I’ll have to crush you here. Sorry, friend.”

“Who’s your friend?” Yi-gang retorted.

Hearing this, Gal Dong-tak grinned widely.

Gal Sa-hyeok, looking exasperated, shouted angrily, “What are you doing?! Hurry up and start!”

“Now, Green Forest Leader, calm down. Are you so thrilled just because your son’s stepping up? Take a lesson from Baek Ryu-san, the Vice Leader of the Murim Alliance,” the Divine Monk scolded Gal Sa-hyeok.

Gal Sa-hyeok grumbled under his breath, glaring at Baek Ryu-san.

Baek Ryu-san, as expected, wore a calm expression.

But Yi-gang knew his father wasn’t as composed as he appeared.

-Don’t underestimate your opponent. You must not just engage him lightly but utterly destroy him. Do it, if only for your father’s sake!

Yi-gang realized the fervent support coming through the transmitted message.

This sparring match held a greater significance.

On a larger scale, it was a clash between the younger generations of the orthodox and unorthodox factions.

But on a smaller scale, it was a battle of pride between two fathers with their sons as proxies.

“Hmm.”

Yi-gang wasn’t particularly known for his filial piety.

When he thought about it, he couldn’t recall ever doing anything resembling filial duty.

So, he decided to take this opportunity to do something for his father.

“I am Baek Yi-gang. My title is the Immortal Divine Dragon.”

He drew his sword and assumed a combat stance.

The precision in his stance was more refined than usual, as this sparring match was also meant to impress the spectators.

Gal Dong-tak grabbed the two massive axes strapped to his back.

Even one of them was so large that an ordinary man would struggle to lift it with both hands.

“I am Gal Dong-tak, the Twin Axes of Defiance.”

“Twin Axes of Defiance?”

Hearing the unfamiliar title, Yi-gang couldn’t help but ask.

It made sense. Gal Dong-tak hadn’t been active in the martial world.

“Oh, my dad gave me the title.”

“That’s a splendid title.”

Yi-gang offered a compliment, though it was mostly just pleasantry.

From the back, Gal Sa-hyeok could be heard yelling, “Why would you tell him I made it up, you idiot?!”

And so, the sparring match began.

Neither of them charged in immediately.

Gal Dong-tak lowered his gaze like an oversized ox with simple eyes and stretched his axes to either side.

The stance appeared loose yet revealed no obvious openings.

“Good, just like that…”

Gal Sa-hyeok wore a smile filled with ecstatic pride.

The world had many geniuses, but Gal Sa-hyeok believed his slow-witted son was one of them.

Even his innate, monstrous strength was a talent in its own right. Furthermore…

“…Show them.”

Gal Dong-tak’s two axes began to glow.

In the history of the Green Forest, had there ever been a prodigy like this?

Even though he was his son, Gal Dong-tak felt like a gift sent by the heavens.

Had he been born into a military family, he would’ve become a general. If he had joined the orthodox faction, he would’ve risen to fame as a grandmaster.

Had he been born in ancient times, his tyrannical physique and unwavering spirit could have made him a king.

The reason the Green Forest bandits didn’t oppose Gal Dong-tak’s position as Young Leader wasn’t solely out of fear of Gal Sa-hyeok.

Gal Dong-tak himself was worthy of the title.

Expressions of awe erupted.

“A-Aura Qi…!”

“Two of them at the same time… forming Aura Qi with axes?!”

The brilliant white Aura Qi radiating from him was so immense and magnificent that even the grandmasters present were impressed.

The Green Forest Tyrant King, Gal Sa-hyeok, was convinced his son would truly become a king.

Holding the axes radiating Aura Qi in both hands, Gal Dong-tak began to spin slowly.

The rotation grew more intense, eventually becoming a raging storm of white light.

Gal Dong-tak, now a gale-force whirlwind, charged directly at Yi-gang.

The overwhelming momentum seemed as if it would crush anything in its path.

“It’s Explosive Whirlwind!”

With a booming voice reminiscent of his father’s, Gal Dong-tak shouted the name of his technique.

Before the storm of Aura Qi, Yi-gang looked as small as an ant.

And yet—

Baek Ryu-san, who had been barely restraining himself from rushing forward, widened his eyes in astonishment.

A faint smile spread across his lips.

“Ha…!”

Yi-gang had not been swallowed by the storm of Aura Qi.

Even though the whirlwind seemed to engulf Yi-gang’s form, he broke through Gal Dong-tak’s ferocious assault and emerged behind him.

And then—

“Argh!”

Gal Dong-tak let out a scream, dropping one of his massive axes as blood spurted from his hand.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep