Chapter 54

A tremendous roar greeted the Dragon Phoenixes who had passed the first gate.

The Dragon Phoenixes were guided to a Martial Training Ground that deserved to be called gigantic. A large circular audience area was built around its center. It was as if a circular stage for a performance troupe had been greatly enlarged.

And that audience was filled with people.

"Waaaaaaah!"

There were over a thousand people. Those located closest were the families of the Dragon Phoenixes who had passed the first gate. A short time was given to spend with their families.

The Dragon Phoenixes scattered to find their families.

Jeong Charyeon looked around with a heart full of emotion.

"Here, Sister-in-law! Over here!"

Thanks to Seo Baek's shouting at the top of his lungs, Charyeon could easily spot where her family was sitting. Charyeon ran towards them, waving to her family sitting on the upper part of the stands.

"Not bad, huh?"

Even though she said that, Hwa Ryeon was genuinely worried.

"Don't get hurt."

Those were her mother's words.

"Just do your best. I'm proud of you."

Those were her father's words.

"Miss! You're the best!"

Hyang Yi jumped up and down, making a fuss.

You're embarrassing me, you little rascal. Just look at the handsome Rising Stars.

"Sister-in-law! If you win first place, treat us!"

Of course. I'll even dance.

Even Im Mu-yeol came and waved his hand.

Thank you, Uncle Im.

When Charyeon turned around, Jeok Leegeon was standing alone some distance away.

It suddenly occurred to her that Jeok Leegeon looked lonely.

She felt sorry for not taking care of Jeok Leegeon because she was so eager to see her family.

"What are you doing?"

When Charyeon asked, Jeok Leegeon didn't answer.

Was he angry?

"I'm sorry. I didn't think of you."

Jeok Leegeon was still just standing there.

"I said I'm sorry."

Charyeon shook Jeok Leegeon's arm. Only then did Jeok Leegeon turn around. He took something out of his ear.

"It was too noisy."

You weren't listening to me? Oh well, that's just like him.

The Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, who were running the event, instructed all the Dragon Phoenixes to gather in the center.

One by one, they lined up and stood in formation.

A tremendous roar poured out towards them.

"Waaaaaaah!"

It was truly an incredible fervor.

Involuntarily, both fists clenched tightly, and a competitive spirit surged.

Thump, thump.

The Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan dragged something in.

It was a long stone slab that was at least twenty jang in length.

Footwork was imprinted on the stone slab. Judging by the deeply carved thickness, one could feel the deep Inner Force of the person who had used the Footwork.

There were hundreds of footprints. They were imprinted haphazardly all over the stone slab, making one's eyes dizzy.

As the Dragon Phoenixes buzzed and stared at it, six judges appeared there.

Yeom Chung stepped forward as the representative.

"I am Yeom Chung, in charge of judging the Dragon Phoenix Gathering."

As Iron Plate Teacher Yeom Chung introduced himself and stepped forward, everyone bowed respectfully. Even the guests watching from the audience stood up and paid their respects.

Afterwards, the judges each introduced themselves. There were a total of six people, including Yeom Chung. Nak Il-do had not yet joined.

Yeom Chung said bluntly.

"The second gate of this year's Dragon Phoenix Gathering is a Footwork test."

Yeom Chung stood at the end of the stone slab.

"The test is simple. You just have to go from here to there. However, there are two conditions. You must step on the footprints imprinted here, and two people must coordinate their steps together."

The arena became noisy.

It didn't seem that difficult to Charyeon. Not only Charyeon, but everyone else seemed to think so too.

Except for Jeok Leegeon.

"Why?"

"Everyone has habits in their Martial arts, especially in Footwork. It's even more severe. It comes out unconsciously. But if you're conscious of those footprints, your movements will definitely be disrupted. Because it's not imprinted exactly to each person's Footwork. Moreover, the problem is that two people have to go together."

"Ah!"

Only then did Charyeon realize that the test was not easy.

"So, quick reflexes are necessary?"

"That's right."

Then someone raised their hand and asked.

"How is the test conducted? Do the other people leave, and only the participants remain to take the test?"

The Dragon Phoenixes' gazes were focused on Yeom Chung. Yeom Chung shook his head.

"No. It will be done in front of everyone."

Then the person who asked the question asked again.

"Then isn't it more advantageous to go later?"

"Why do you think so?"

"Because you can refer to the Footwork of the person who goes first."

"That may be the case."

The Dragon Phoenixes looked at each other and buzzed.

Yeom Chung raised his hand. It quickly became quiet.

"This is not a problem that can be solved by imitation. If you don't do it properly and only try to imitate the person in front of you, you will be disqualified on the spot."

Only then did everyone understand. People like Yeom Chung and the other seven judges would be able to judge accurately. Moreover, there were hundreds, even thousands, of eyes watching around them.

The Dragon Phoenixes looked at the stone slab and whispered, discussing it.

Charyeon was also looking down at the stone slab with a serious face.

It seemed easy, but it was difficult after all.

Just watching it made her head spin. No matter how hard she stared, she couldn't imagine it at all.

"How is it? Do you have a rough idea of what to do?"

Charyeon turned to Jeok Leegeon and answered. Of course, Jeok Leegeon was doing something else.

"That Miss Seol is very popular, isn't she?"

Please get a grip.

Still, she couldn't help but look in the direction Jeok Leegeon was looking.

Indeed, there were a lot of people gathered around her. Seol Byeokhwa for the men, and Yang Suchang for the women. Unless the people who came together were in love with each other, everyone couldn't help but be interested. Even those who were couples glanced at them. The two were the most perfect couple in this Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

The gazes of the spectators were also mostly focused on Ok-ryong and Chungking's Top Beauty. Everyone sent enthusiastic cheers for their every move.

In comparison, Im Ha-gi of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan was less popular. He seemed to think that the result was because of Sa Ma-yeong, and his expression towards her was not good. That feeling was even felt by Charyeon.

What a pathetic guy.

From afar, Sa Ma-yeong saw Charyeon and greeted her. Charyeon also greeted her politely.

She's too good for you. You young master who can't even tell what's going on.

"By the way, can we pass this gate?"

Charyeon sighed and asked Jeok Leegeon.

"Of course."

The moment she heard the answer, Charyeon realized that she had been waiting for that answer, for Jeok Leegeon to say "of course."

If it had been a while ago, she would have thought he was crazy, but now she really believed in him.

"Just what are you..."

"Cool, right?"

Enough to make me want to hit you.

"Then we can pass?"

"That's not true."

"Why?"

"Because it's hard for you."

Charyeon's expression hardened. But Jeok Leegeon seemed sincere.

"So, it's hard for us?"

"That's not true."

So, can we do it or not?

Jeok Leegeon pointed to one side of the stone slab.

"Look there."

Charyeon stared at where Jeok Leegeon was pointing.

"The size of the footprints is a little different, right?"

Oh. Now that she looked, there were small footprints scattered here and there.

"So, this isn't one person's Footwork."

"Moreover, there's even a trap."

"A trap?"

"There are also footprints that were taken from the opposite side to the starting point. As if trying to block the path. These footprints were taken by at least three people."

Just who are you to know all that?

Then someone stepped forward.

"We will challenge it."

Charyeon was startled and turned around.

Already challenging it?

The two people bowed politely with a Clasped-fist Salute.

"I am Sado Pung of Wind Cloud City."

"I am Yang Ok-ran of Wind Cloud City."

A huge roar echoed at their introduction.

The successor of Wind Cloud City, one of the Four Great Hegemons, had stepped forward.

Yang Ok-ran was the only daughter of Yang Jin-geum, the Supreme Elder of Wind Cloud City, and was betrothed to Sado Pung since birth.

Moreover, most of the people gathered here were seeing Sado Pung for the first time.

Unlike Im Ha-gi of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan or Yang Suchang of the Southern Mountains Alliance, who were widely known in Jianghu, everyone's attention was even more focused.

Swish, swish, swish.

The two people moved across the stone slab as if they were dancing.

Admiration erupted from all sides.

The two people, who quickly stepped on the Footwork, moved two jang in an instant.

Thump, thump, thump.

Yang Ok-ran's Footwork faltered for a moment. It was different from what she had thought in her head. But she didn't give up. She desperately tried not to miss the footprints, and Sado Pung tried his best to match her pace.

The subsequent Footwork did not continue as naturally as in the beginning. In particular, Yang Ok-ran made many mistakes. But the two people did their best to the end.

Yang Ok-ran's expression was not good after finishing the Footwork.

Sado Pung patted her shoulder and comforted her.

The two people waited side by side in front of the judges.

The judges put their heads together and began to discuss.

Jeok Leegeon smiled and said.

"A smart move."

"Why?"

"There's always meaning in being the first."

"What do you mean? Don't tell me?"

Yeom Chung, who was talking to the judges, stepped forward.

"Sado Pung, Yang Ok-ran, pass!"

A roar erupted. Those who were hostile to Wind Cloud City sent jeers.

Yeom Chung didn't care and returned to his seat. He didn't even tell them why they passed.

Then the second applicants came forward.

"I am Im A-jin of the Black Shadow Gate of Shandong."

"I am Yang In-ju of the Yang Family Saber Gate of Shandong."

They were the successors of the Black Shadow Gate and the Yang Family Saber Gate, the two major emerging factions of Shandong.

The two people had carefully watched the Footwork shown by Sado Pung and Yang Ok-ran earlier, and they were confident that they could do better than them.

The two people's test began.

Their movements were as fast and light as those of Sado Pung and Yang Ok-ran.

It seemed even faster. The two people finished the test safely.

Again, the judges gathered around Yeom Chung.

The two people who finished the test had satisfied expressions. Even objectively, they thought they were better than the previous two people.

But the result was unexpected.

"Fail!"

A natural protest followed.

"I can't accept it."

As if he had expected the two people to come out like that, Yeom Chung calmly moved his steps.

He pointed alternately to three footprints. It was the part where they unknowingly followed the Footwork of Sado Pung and Yang In-hwa while watching it.

"Why did you just pass by here when passing from here to here?"

"That's..."

Im A-jin couldn't answer easily.

Yeom Chung turned to Sado Pung and asked.

"Why did you just pass over it?"

Then Sado Pung answered without hesitation.

"Because stepping on that place would have reversed the flow of Inner Force."

Yeom Chung turned to Im A-jin. Im A-jin frowned at the look in his eyes, which seemed to say, "Is that enough explanation now?"

As he was about to protest, Yang In-ju grabbed his arm.

Yang In-ju shook his head. It was a wise decision. It was a place where countless Jianghu people were watching.

The two people bowed their heads and left the place.

They were the successors of the two most successful factions in Shandong in recent years.

As those two fell at once, the Dragon Phoenixes were happy, but on the other hand, they were nervous. It wasn't always good to be late.

Only then did everyone understand why the test was being conducted so publicly. If you didn't step on your own Footwork accurately, watching other people's tests could be a hindrance.

As the dropouts appeared, everyone became cautious.

Several people with acquaintances gathered and began to discuss. Of course, the judges didn't stop them. It seemed that they were willing to allow anything as long as it wasn't external help.

Charyeon asked worriedly.

"Can we just stay like this?"

"No. We have to practice."

What's with him?

"Come here."

Jeok Leegeon took Charyeon to a corner. He took Charyeon to the hallway connected to the Martial Training Ground. The Martial Artists of the Hegemon Clan, who were nearby, watched them as if they were monitoring them. They didn't seem to care as long as they didn't go completely outside the hallway.

"Show me the Crimson Snake Sword Art once."

"Here?"

"Yeah."

"But."

"Why? Are you afraid someone will see?"

Of course. It's a family Martial arts. Can't you see the Martial Artist over there watching us?

"It's okay. Just do it."

"But..."

"Just because they see it doesn't mean anyone will know the essence of someone else's Martial arts. People who are capable of that much have no reason to covet the Crimson Snake Sword Art. It's just a matter of feeling."

My pride is hurt, but what he said wasn't wrong.

Jeok Leegeon asked with a serious face.

"Is the Crimson Snake Sword Art the end of your Martial arts? Is it your ultimate goal?"

The intelligent Charyeon immediately understood what that meant. He was telling her not to be bound by the Crimson Snake Sword Art. That it was just a process for learning stronger Martial arts.

Stronger Martial arts are good, but this is a precious Martial arts to me.

Clang.

Charyeon drew her sword.

Still, I'll trust him.

Charyeon smoothly continued with the Seventy-Seven Paths of the Crimson Snake Sword Art.

"Wait a minute."

At some point, Jeok Leegeon stopped Charyeon.

Charyeon stopped her action with her sword thrust out.

"That part, make it half a breath slower."

What?

Jeok Leegeon, who had already approached, corrected her arm.

She was startled, but she didn't shake off Jeok Leegeon's arm.

"Okay, from here to here. Just half a breath slower."

Charyeon swung her sword again. Just being half a breath late made the feeling of the sword going out completely different.

What is this feeling?

Her whole body was telling her. That it was an accurate point.

At the same time, Charyeon's heart became complicated. Yang Hwa-young's teachings came to mind. Jeok Leegeon's pointing out and Yang Hwa-young's advice met, and Charyeon's Martial arts were entering a new world.

There were a total of nine places that Jeok Leegeon pointed out. Charyeon accepted Jeok Leegeon's pointing out as it was.

The result was something that Charyeon couldn't even imagine.

After Charyeon finished the Seventy-Seven Paths of the sword movements, Jeok Leegeon smiled and said.

"Congratulations. Just now, your Crimson Snake Sword Art has reached the Eighth Composition, surpassing the Seventh."

This guy! Is Martial arts some kind of joke?

But at this moment, there was one thing that Charyeon didn't know. The difference in Martial arts between Jeok Leegeon and her was so great that raising Charyeon's level by one step was not as difficult as she thought.

Looking at Jeok Leegeon's serious face, Charyeon asked weakly.

"...Really?"

Jeok Leegeon nodded vigorously.

"No way!"

"It's changed."

Charyeon swung her sword habitually.

What has changed?

Charyeon couldn't feel any change. If she had to consciously say that it had changed, it was that the feeling of swinging the sword had become a little heavier? That was the only change.

Jeok Leegeon's next words were truly absurd.

"Okay, let's do it again. This time, challenge the Ninth Composition."

"Are you crazy?"

When Charyeon made a dumbfounded expression, Jeok Leegeon looked at the stone slab far away and said.

"If you don't reach the Ninth Composition, you can't get over that."

Charyeon couldn't say anything.

"If I do as you say, will I reach the Ninth Composition?"

When Charyeon asked as if she had given up, Jeok Leegeon was sure.

"You're good enough."

You're good enough... It's a good thing to say, but.

Clang!

Charyeon drew her sword again.

Oh well. I don't know either.

She started the Seventy-Seven Paths again. This time too, Jeok Leegeon stopped Charyeon and directly corrected her posture and breathing.

Charyeon believed. No, she decided to believe. She operated her Inner Force as she was told and changed her posture. What was surprising was that the difference between the Eighth and Ninth Compositions was not in a big place. The difference was very small.

And a lie-like thing happened.

When Charyeon finished the Seventy-Seven Paths, Jeok Leegeon smiled brightly.

"Finally, the Ninth Composition."

This is really impossible!

"Are you kidding me?"

"I don't lie."

"Really?"

Charyeon swung her sword.

What has changed? Am I at the Ninth Composition? Have I reached the level that my father spent his whole life reaching? After only unfolding the sword form twice?

She was confused.

"Let me compare it like this. There's a room with a closed door. Only people who have reached the Ninth Composition can enter that room. It's a space where people who have reached the Ninth Composition live. You've just opened that door and stepped into it."

"......!"

"That's about it. You're in the room, but you don't really know anything about the room. But you're definitely in that room."

"Then I'm not at the Ninth Composition."

"No. You're definitely in that room. This concept is very important in Martial arts. Whether you're in the room or outside the door. You definitely know the room."

"Know the room?"

"You're just not used to that room yet."

It was Jeok Leegeon who took Jeong Charyeon to her room. He could take her there, but becoming accustomed to that room was something no one else could do for her.

"Once you reach it, there's no going back, so don't worry. Just get used to the room slowly."

Jeok Leegeon grinned and added, "Since we've started, shall we break through to the Ten Stars?"

"Are you trying to kill me with Qi Deviation?"

At Charyeon's playful words, Jeok Leegeon thumped his chest. "What are you worried about when I'm here?"

"What exactly is your real identity? Are you a master? Are you really a master?"

Then, Jeok Leegeon wore a gloomy expression. "As I said, I'm a genius in Martial arts. But I can't practice Martial arts myself. My Blood Vessels are all blocked."

Tears welled up in Jeok Leegeon's eyes. He hung his head low.

Whack!

Charyeon mercilessly struck Jeok Leegeon's stomach. "I'll unblock those Blood Vessels for you!"

Thwack, thwack!

Jeok Leegeon was horrified and stepped back.

Charyeon put her arms on her waist and frowned. "Where did you learn to act like that?"

"Hehe, you're so smart. That's why I like you."

And you don't lie after saying that?

"Tell me honestly."

"I told you. I learned Martial arts properly. I can easily teach someone like you."

How much of that should I believe?

Turning towards the stone slab, the test was in full swing. Seeing that the number of people in the arena had decreased considerably, it seemed that many had taken the test and failed in the meantime. It was a more difficult test than it looked.

The two returned to the stone slab.

Looking at the empty stone slab that had just produced another dropout, Jeok Leegeon said, "Can you perform that Seventy-Seven Paths just now, stepping on those footprints?"

It was the Crimson Snake Sword Art that she had repeated countless times since she was young. It was the Crimson Snake Sword Art that she could do even with her eyes closed, even when her body ached, even while talking. But the footprints on the stone slab were scattered randomly. It meant that appropriate modifications were necessary.

Jeok Leegeon shouted, "Concentrate!"

As he said, Charyeon concentrated. It felt like the footprints she had to step on were floating up. She pictured herself unfolding her Footwork while stepping on them. It was something she couldn't have imagined when she first saw the stone slab.

Had she really reached the realm of Composition? It was a confidence that felt like a lie. But that unfamiliar feeling was definitely stimulating her. Don't worry. You can do it.

"I can do it. But..."

Charyeon looked back at Jeok Leegeon worriedly.

"Don't worry about me. I'll adjust to you. Just focus on your Footwork."

Okay, I trust you.

Jeok Leegeon and Charyeon greeted the examiners.

"This is Jeok Leegeon of Fleeting Clouds and Flowing Water."

"This is Jeong Charyeon of the Righteous Sword Sect."

Murmurs were heard here and there. She could hear the Dragon Phoenixes whispering about what Fleeting Clouds and Flowing Water was. She could hear Jang In-geol's curses. She could hear Im Ha-gi's mockery.

Charyeon would have cared in the past, but it was different now.

She was only focused on the stone slab. But as she stood on the stone slab, her heart felt like it was about to burst.

Jeok Leegeon smiled and said, "Do you know what this operation is called?"

"Operation?"

"Dragon and Phoenix Shine Together!"

"Dragon and Phoenix Shine Together?"

Yes. Let's shine together.