Chapter 52

Finally, the day of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering dawned.

The busiest person was, of course, Hyang Yi. She woke up at dawn, ironing Jeong Charyeon's martial attire and preparing snacks, moving busily.

"Young Miss! Do you really have to pass the First Gate?"

The First Gate was said to be held in private. The gates that ordinary people could watch were said to be from the Second Gate onwards.

If Jeong Charyeon failed to pass the First Gate, Hyang Yi would have to return without even seeing the handsome Rising Stars she so desired.

Even though she would blush and not even lift her head if she were actually brought before the men.

"Young Miss, I'll prepare everything. An extra set of clothes to change into, medicine to ease your nerves, and also..."

Listening to Hyang Yi's nagging worries made Jeong Charyeon realize that the Dragon Phoenix Gathering was really starting today.

Just then, Ahn-ssi entered.

"Are the preparations going well?"

"Mom."

Jeong Charyeon hugged Ahn-ssi.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Just because."

"Your father and I will go watch later."

"I might fail from the start."

Ahn-ssi patted Jeong Charyeon's back.

"It's okay. Just do your best."

A mother's embrace is always warm. An unchanging warmth. She would not lose it. She would become strong and protect it.

Hyang Yi shouted that it was absolutely not allowed.

"No! You have to pass the First Gate!"

For whose benefit?

The three of them came outside. Jeong I-chu, as well as Hwa Ryeon and Suryeon, Seo Baek, and even Im Mu-yeol, were all waiting. Jeok Leegeon was squatting in front of the flower bed.

What are you doing there so pathetically?

"Sister!"

This time, Suryeon ran to Jeong Charyeon. Jeong Charyeon hugged her tightly at Suryeon's request to be careful and not get hurt.

"It's cold. Go inside quickly."

"It's okay."

But Suryeon's face was extremely pale.

"I'm sorry I can't go cheer you on."

Suryeon choked up.

"You fool. Wait for me. I'll win and come back."

"Good luck."

If only this kind younger sister's illness could be cured.

She could sell both her body and soul.

Today, the thought of her family made her heart swell.

It felt like she was leaving on a long journey.

It would be too embarrassing if she failed at the First Gate like this.

Just then, Hwa Ryeon, who was watching Jeong Charyeon from afar, said worriedly.

"Are you really going to let those two go out like that?"

Jeong I-chu only let out a heavy groan. Last night, he had gone to Jeong Charyeon and subtly tried to persuade her to give up on the competition. But Jeong Charyeon's determination was firm. Jeong I-chu was not the kind of father who would forcibly break his daughter's will.

Decisively, the reason why Jeong I-chu did not desperately stop her was actually simple.

No matter what anyone said, Jeong I-chu believed in Jeong Charyeon. Because he believed in her, he also believed in Jeong Charyeon's choices and decisions.

Hwa Ryeon said with a dubious look.

"Well, she'll probably fail at the First Gate anyway."

Then Seo Baek slipped in.

"I think it'll be fine. Young Master Jeok, you think so too, right?"

"Based on what?"

"A hunch? I have a man's intuition."

"Did you get a drink from him already?"

"Madam, you misunderstand!"

"Are you just going to keep taking his side?"

Seo Baek pretended to be startled and smiled.

Jeong I-chu walked over to Jeok Leegeon. Jeok Leegeon was sitting in front of the flower bed, playing with dirt.

Ah, playing with dirt.

"You."

"Yes."

There were many things he wanted to say, but when he faced Jeok Leegeon, he had nothing to say.

Even if she failed, he just hoped she wouldn't cause any trouble.

"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility for your daughter."

Jeong I-chu's honest feeling was that he wished he would just get rid of that thought.

"I'm counting on you."

Jeong I-chu sighed and turned around.

Jeong Charyeon walked over.

"Father."

"Jeong Charyeon!"

Jeong I-chu called out Jeong Charyeon's name powerfully.

"I'll be back."

"Yes. Do your best without regrets. I'll see you later."

His love for Jeong Charyeon was truly envy-inducing. But on the other hand, Hwa Ryeon understood her father. Her father was a Martial Artist to the bone. She only felt sorry that she, the eldest daughter, had not inherited her father's Martial arts.

"Do well. Don't bring shame to the family."

Hwa Ryeon said something grumpy, as if she wasn't in the mood to applaud and send her off.

Knowing her older sister's personality well, Jeong Charyeon replied with a smile.

"Don't worry."

Seo Baek applauded and cheered for Jeong Charyeon.

"Sister-in-law, see you later!"

Jeong Charyeon clenched her fist.

With the support of her family, who had come out to the front gate, the two of them left the house.

When the two arrived at the place where the First Gate was to be held, many people had already gathered.

Hundreds of spectators were camped out at the entrance. Every time they saw a familiar face, they cheered. The Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, the organizers, were strictly controlling the spectators and not letting them in.

The Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan were temporarily dividing the Martial Artists who participated in the Dragon Phoenix Gathering into groups and letting them in. They called the participating Rising Stars Dragon Phoenix.

The Martial Artist at the entrance explained that the number of Dragon Phoenix Gathering participants was too large, so they were divided into groups of twenty.

"Oh! There's a familiar face over there."

Jang In-geol and his group were visible in the distance.

Jeong Charyeon said, looking at the man standing with Jang In-hwa.

"That person is the second son of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan."

When Im Ha-gi and Im Yang-gu's group appeared, cheers erupted.

Indeed, the popularity of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan was tremendous. Im Ha-gi waved his hand and entered as if he were a great figure.

Jeok Leegeon waved his hand in all directions.

Everyone tilted their heads at Jeok Leegeon's waving, which they were seeing for the first time. Some of the younger ones even booed.

I'm so embarrassed.

Jeong Charyeon lowered her head deeply.

The Dragon Phoenix were assigned to their respective groups and dispersed. Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon were assigned to Group Eight.

Jeong Charyeon took a deep breath as she headed to the assembly point following the sign.

Now it's finally starting.

Her heart was pounding.

She no longer welcomed titles like Unrivaled Beauty of the Murim.

What she wanted was to be a true Martial Artist. If she couldn't change the Martial World that discriminated against women, she was determined not to be a woman who was discriminated against.

"Oh! They decorated this place well. That granite is quite expensive. Did the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan make a lot of money?"

"Leegeon."

It was the first time she had called him by his name.

Jeok Leegeon stopped and turned around. Jeok Leegeon's face became a little serious.

"Let's do our best."

I'm saying it sincerely. Let's do well.

Then Jeok Leegeon smiled slightly.

"I don't have to, but if that's what you want."

It was a smile that felt trustworthy, unlike usual.

Can't you please maintain this face and atmosphere usually?

Passing through the flower garden, the two arrived at the designated room.

The Martial Artist standing at the entrance said to Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon as they entered, in a commanding tone.

"Don't touch anything and wait."

Then Jeok Leegeon blurted out.

"You're talking like you want us to touch something?"

The Martial Artist frowned. Jeong Charyeon pushed Jeok Leegeon inside.

All the Dragon Phoenix assigned to Group Eight were already gathered in the room.

Most of them were unfamiliar faces, but there were some familiar faces.

It was Hyeok Isang and Song-hwa of the Dragon Tiger Gate. The two siblings had joined this Dragon Phoenix Gathering as a group.

Hyeok Isang and Song-hwa's expressions stiffened awkwardly when they saw Jeong Charyeon.

Moreover, Hyeok Isang had not yet forgotten the humiliation he had suffered from Jeok Leegeon at the Splendid Inn that day.

But he also felt sorry for Jeong Charyeon. It was true that he had tried to use her to get on Jang In-geol's good side.

Hyeok Isang and Song-hwa approached Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon.

Hyeok Isang apologized like a man.

"I'm sorry about that day."

His expression wasn't sincerely apologetic, but an apology was an apology.

"It's okay. I didn't do anything right either."

The two awkwardly reconciled.

Song-hwa, who was looking back and forth between Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon, smiled and said.

"I'm so glad you two are participating."

"That's how it turned out."

"Anyway, I'm so happy to see you, Sister."

Anyway? You should leave out words like that.

Although she had some frustrating aspects for her young age, Song-hwa was not a bad child. Jeong Charyeon, who knew that better than anyone, gave her a pleasant smile.

Still, they weren't close enough to have a friendly conversation, so Jeong Charyeon slipped back towards Jeok Leegeon.

Jeok Leegeon was looking at something.

"What are you looking at?"

"Look over there."

Jeok Leegeon was looking above the door.

There were very small letters written there.

"Entering is Opening."

"The moment you enter, the competition begins? What does that mean?"

It was a small phrase that could only be seen if you really paid attention.

But Jeok Leegeon's eyes were sparkling.

"That's meaningful."

He's so good at finding things like that.

Jeok Leegeon looked at the opposite side of where the phrase was attached. There was a painting hanging on the opposite wall. Jeok Leegeon walked towards it. Jeong Charyeon followed him. Some of the Dragon Phoenix looked at Jeong Charyeon with interest. She was by far the most outstanding in appearance among the twenty of them.

But Jeong Charyeon didn't care at all. It was also a change since she met Jeok Leegeon.

Jeong Charyeon stood next to Jeok Leegeon and looked up at the painting.

It was a painting of many Jianghu people fighting each other with swords.

Jeok Leegeon stared at the painting as if he would pierce through it, and Jeong Charyeon came next to him.

"What's wrong?"

"That painting, don't you notice anything strange?"

Jeong Charyeon examined the painting in detail.

"Ah! All the people in the painting are eighteen. The weapons they are holding are the Eighteen Arms."

"Your observation skills are pretty good?"

"What does it mean?"

"It doesn't mean anything."

"What?"

"It's a trap. It's a trap to distract you by making you focus on the Eighteen Arms."

Could there really be such a trap?

"Then what secret is hidden?"

"Guess."

Jeong Charyeon looked at the painting again.

At some point, Jeong Charyeon's eyes sparkled.

"Ah!"

Sight. Yes, it was sight. The Jianghu people all seemed to be fighting, but they were looking at the Martial Artist in the center. To be exact, it was the object in the Martial Artist's hand. It was a small incense burner.

When Jeong Charyeon looked at Jeok Leegeon, Jeok Leegeon nodded, saying that she had guessed correctly.

And he walked to one side.

"Could it be?"

Jeong Charyeon was startled. The same incense burner as in the painting was placed in a display case on one side.

How could this be? This is not a coincidence.

Jeok Leegeon picked up the incense burner and examined it.

Jeong Charyeon clearly saw it. The phrase Dragon Phoenix Hall engraved on the bottom of the incense burner.

Then Song-hwa, who was watching the scene from afar, shouted.

"Don't touch it carelessly!"

"Why?"

"What do you mean why? Didn't you hear what the person who guided us said earlier?"

"What did they say?"

"They told us not to touch anything and wait. If you cause trouble, we'll be harmed too."

Jeok Leegeon pretended to sigh.

"This is seriously wrong."

"What is?"

"You're young, so you should be the one causing trouble and I should be the one stopping you. Why do you just live as you're told?"

"Isn't that obvious?"

"Kids should reject and rebel against the existing order."

"That's just an excuse for immature kids."

"Good for you for being mature."

Feeling that it was definitely not a compliment, Song-hwa turned her head as if she was sulking.

Jeok Leegeon said to Jeong Charyeon.

"Cute."

Knowing that it was a sarcastic expression, Jeong Charyeon smiled and said.

"She's a kind child. It's because of her family atmosphere."

"There's a reason in any case."

Jeok Leegeon asked again.

"What should we do? Should we take those kids with us?"

"Where?"

"To the next gate."

"What are you talking about?"

"We're not just waiting here. The First Gate has already begun."

"What?"

Jeok Leegeon looked at the phrase above the door again.

Could it be that the phrase "Entering is Opening" meant that?

Suddenly, the phrase Dragon Phoenix Hall came to mind.

"You have to go there?"

"Yes. If you stay here, you'll all be eliminated."

Jeok Leegeon nodded with a confident look.

No way! Who can solve such a difficult problem?

"If you want to take them, persuade them now. There's not much time."

Jeong Charyeon looked at Hyeok Isang and Song-hwa.

They were hateful if you hated them, and pitiful if you pitied them. They were trying to get on Jang In-geol's good side, pressured by the Palm Heart Clan's power.

Jeong Charyeon walked over to Hyeok Isang.

"Do you trust me?"

Hyeok Isang looked surprised, perhaps because it was a sudden question.

Hyeok Isang answered seriously.

"I trust you."

"Then can you follow our decision now?"

"What do you mean?"

Jeong Charyeon looked back at Jeok Leegeon. Jeok Leegeon was waiting for her in front of the front door. He was gesturing for her to come out immediately.

"We're leaving here, with us."

"What?"

Not only Hyeok Isang but also Song-hwa was startled.

"Why?"

"What if you can only pass the First Gate by leaving?"

Hyeok Isang looked at Jeok Leegeon. He was still an unwelcome guy. And he couldn't understand Jeong Charyeon's words just now.

"You really trust that friend."

Jeong Charyeon didn't say anything. But her calm eyes were already giving the answer.

Song-hwa looked pitiful.

"Sister, why are you doing this? You can't trust that person."

It was a sincere worry.

Hyeok Isang said calmly.

"I trust you, but I don't trust that friend."

Jeong Charyeon smiled faintly. She turned around and said.

"That means you don't trust me."

Hyeok Isang and Song-hwa stared at Jeong Charyeon with awkward expressions. The people around them also watched Jeong Charyeon's actions.

Jeong Charyeon approached Jeok Leegeon.

"You don't have good friends."

Jeong Charyeon joked at Jeok Leegeon's words.

"It's because I look too plain."

Jeok Leegeon nodded, saying that it seemed so.

It's a joke! Don't nod so seriously!

The two opened the door and went outside.

The Martial Artist guarding the entrance warned bluntly.

"If you leave without permission, you'll be eliminated!"

Those words were clearly heard by everyone in the room.

Jeok Leegeon said without looking back.

"Suit yourself."

Jeong Charyeon followed him.

Everyone just stared blankly at the scene. Especially Hyeok Isang, who had a truly dumbfounded expression. Leaving the murmuring behind, the two left the detached building and headed for the main building.

She came out with great momentum, but Jeong Charyeon's head was complicated.

If I'm wrong, I might be eliminated like this.

That would be really embarrassing.

Unrivaled Beauty of the Murim, disqualified for leaving the Dragon Phoenix Gathering's first meeting without permission!

Disqualified for leaving?

Ah, it's terrible just thinking about it.

Jeok Leegeon was taking big strides.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"It could be a coincidence."

It did seem quite elaborate for a coincidence.

Jeok Leegeon stopped. And he stared at Jeong Charyeon with a serious face.

Why are you making me nervous?

"Can I give you some advice?"

"What is it?"

"There's no such thing as coincidence in the Jianghu. Don't forget it."

Jeong Charyeon didn't say anything because Jeok Leegeon's words somehow resonated with her.

This Jianghu... it must be that scary.

Jeok Leegeon started walking again.

"Where are you going?"

At Jeong Charyeon's question, Jeok Leegeon pointed to the building in front.

A signboard with the name Dragon Phoenix Hall was attached to the entrance.

Huh? It really was there, that Dragon Phoenix Hall that was written on the bottom of the incense burner.

The two opened the door and entered. It was a large main hall that could accommodate hundreds of people.

The eyes of those inside turned to the two of them at once.

A considerable number had already gathered.

They were the descendants of prestigious families on Bong Suchan's list.

Im Ha-gi of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, Sa Ma-yeong of the Sima Clan, Yang Suchang and Seol Byeokhwa of the Shoutern Mountains Alliance were of course included.

Jang In-geol was also there. He was not included in the list from the beginning, but he knew the information in advance. It was because Jang In-hwa came out with Im Ha-gi's younger sibling. They knew the answer to this problem in advance, so they gathered here from the beginning. They were the ones who had passed the First Gate for free.