Chapter 14

If the Righteous Sword Sect produces a Dragon Phoenix Gathering champion, the young talents of Jianghu will flock to the Righteous Sword Sect. Growing the Sword Clan several times over would be no problem at all.

"But how?"

Hwa Ryeon's eyes seemed to ask if Jeong Charyeon really thought she could go out there with that strange fellow and win.

In truth, Hwa Ryeon didn't think Charyeon would win even if she went out with Jang In-geol. The likely winners of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering were young, hidden dragons who could easily overwhelm mediocre experts from the Heavenly Dragon Battle.

"........"

Jeong Charyeon couldn't answer.

Hwa Ryeon asked Jeok Leegeon,

"Young Master Jeok, what is your sect?"

She expected him not to have a proper sect. But the answer was even more surprising and absurd.

"I don't have a sect... My parents sell fruit near the Jade Gate Pass."

"What?"

Not only Jeong I-chu and Hwa Ryeon, but even Charyeon looked at him in surprise this time.

Jeok Leegeon narrowed his eyes and looked at the three of them in turn.

"Do you perhaps have a prejudice against the occupation of fruit seller?"

"Ah, no. It's not that."

Jeong I-chu waved his hands in embarrassment.

Jeok Leegeon volunteered information he hadn't even been asked for.

"The name of the store is Fleeting Clouds and Flowing Water. It's really not a fitting name for a fruit store. 'Hey, go to Fleeting Clouds and Flowing Water and buy five apples.' Isn't that funny? My father named it. He says he wants to live according to the natural order, like drifting clouds and flowing water? Fine, good for him. He can live like that. But did he have to name the store that? There are plenty of ordinary names, like Jade Gate's Finest Fruits and Daily Goods, Fresh Produce Emporium... Do you really need to look up at the sign every day and reflect on your philosophy of life?"

With that, Jeok Leegeon covered his face.

"Ah, I'm really embarrassed just talking about it."

No one expected such a detailed answer!

Not only Charyeon, but also Jeong I-chu and Hwa Ryeon were momentarily stunned.

Jeok Leegeon uncovered his face and narrowed his eyes.

"That doesn't mean you should think my parents are weak-willed. They're very wonderful people."

"Of, of course."

Still flustered, Jeong I-chu asked,

"Then what are the sword and saber you're carrying on your back? Have you mastered both swordsmanship and saber techniques?"

"Yes, I've mastered both."

"Wasn't it difficult?"

Mastering both swordsmanship and saber techniques was something only third-rate thugs would do. Still, trusting Charyeon, Jeong I-chu asked with as much courtesy as possible.

"It is difficult. Very difficult. But I'm a bit of a genius in many ways. Actually, I have no choice. I inherited the bloodline very well."

Hwa Ryeon's sigh grew louder, and Charyeon lowered her head further.

"Could you give us a demonstration?"

"Shall I? There's no need to even draw my sword or saber. These two fists are enough for most guys."

Crack, crack.

Jeok Leegeon cracked his knuckles.

It was then.

Thump.

His elbow bumped into a ceramic vase that was placed next to him.

"Oh, oh! No!"

The way he flailed his arms to catch it looked like he was dancing. Moreover, even after all that commotion, he failed to catch the vase.

Crash.

Looking at the shattered vase, Jeok Leegeon shouted,

"Fortunately, I dropped the fake one!"

"...You said it was a masterpiece earlier."

"No way."

"Anyway, that's good. I have one more question. May I know the name of your master?"

"I told you earlier."

"When was that?"

"You asked about my sect, didn't you? I told you my parents sell fruit."

"Don't tell me you learned Martial arts... from your fruit-selling parents?"

"Yes. You don't listen to people very well, do you? That's a bad habit."

Jeok Leegeon said nonchalantly, stroking his stomach.

"But aren't we going to eat? At my house, we serve food to guests first thing, but it seems like you don't do that here?"

Hwa Ryeon, who was listening, quietly approached Charyeon's side.

Then, she whispered softly in her ear.

"Apologize to Young Master Jang tomorrow."

Charyeon, with her head bowed, didn't answer.