Chapter 55

The two of them leaped onto the stone slab simultaneously.

Jeong Charyeon intended to unleash the Crimson Snake Sword Art. She precisely followed the footwork that had surfaced in her mind.

In contrast, Jeok Leegeon's Footwork was ordinary. So ordinary that it was impossible to discern what Footwork he was employing.

At one moment, Jeong Charyeon's eyes met Jeok Leegeon's. It was a fleeting moment of lost concentration.

Slip.

Jeong Charyeon's feet tangled. At that instant, Jeok Leegeon's figure smoothly approached and gently pushed Jeong Charyeon's back. It was a light touch, yet Jeong Charyeon's body floated into the air. It felt as natural as a prearranged move.

Suspended in the air, Jeong Charyeon experienced a sensation different from simply being thrown. An indescribable gentle energy enveloped her.

Once more, her eyes met Jeok Leegeon's below.

Jeok Leegeon's eyes, looking up at her, were smiling.

Comfortable.

After completing a large rotation and landing, Jeong Charyeon resumed her Footwork.

She herself was amazed at how lightly she was moving. Her heart was light, and her Footwork was correspondingly nimble. It felt as if she were dancing with Jeok Leegeon.

The mind understands objects, and the body manipulates them.

The essence of Martial arts that Yang Hwa-young had told her surfaced in her mind. She felt like she vaguely understood the true meaning of those words, which had been shrouded in mist. She wished this feeling would continue.

And Jeong Charyeon stood at the edge of the stone slab.

Huh? It's already over?

She couldn't remember how she had traversed that long path. She had been completely lost in a trance.

The audience's applause erupted like thunder. In the distance, she could see her family standing and clapping. She saw her father's truly happy face. It was the first time she had seen her father smile in a long time.

Jeok Leegeon winked and said, "That was a wonderful Dragon and Phoenix Shine Together."

It's thanks to you... Thank you.

The two stood side by side before the examiners.

Jeong Charyeon's heart was still racing with excitement.

Yeom Chung, who had been conversing with the other examiners, stood before them.

"Passed!"

Wow! Really?

Jeong Charyeon was so overjoyed that she almost hugged Jeok Leegeon.

She punched Jeok Leegeon in the stomach, who had opened his arms. She really wanted to hug him, but it was impossible in front of so many people.

"Hahaha!"

The two looked at each other and smiled brightly.

Jeong Charyeon had never imagined that she would pass this gate.

In the distance, Jang In-geol was frowning. He had never imagined that the two of them would pass. Jang In-hwa secretly sent a seductive look to Jeok Leegeon, unbeknownst to Im Yang-gu. Jeok Leegeon shook his index finger from side to side, indicating his refusal. Jang In-hwa giggled.

Behind them, Im Ha-gi and Sa Ma-yeong, Yang Suchang and Seol Byeokhwa were also visible. They, too, wore expressions of surprise.

Everyone thought that Jeong Charyeon's Martial arts were far more outstanding than expected, rather than Jeok Leegeon's. It was unavoidable. Even the head examiner, Yeom Chung, would have chosen Jeong Charyeon if he had to pick the better of the two. That was how ordinary Jeok Leegeon's Footwork was.

Half a shichen later, the second gate came to an end.

The Dragon Phoenix who had passed gathered before Yeom Chung. Tremendous cheers and applause erupted. On the other hand, the faces of those affiliated with the Sect who had failed were completely frozen. Most of them left their seats first.

"The next gate is in two days. The third gate will be a very special experience that you have never seen before. You can look forward to it."

The Dragon Phoenix who had passed dispersed to their Sect and families.

Jeong Charyeon still couldn't believe it. She ran to where her family was.

"Congratulations!"

Hyang Yi ran up and hugged her. She hugged her back and spun her around. Hyang Yi was genuinely happy, as if she had passed herself.

"You've worked hard."

Jeong I-chu's face was filled with emotion. He looked as if he was about to shed tears at any moment. Ahn-ssi was also greatly pleased.

"Our sister-in-law is the prettiest!"

Seo Baek smiled kindly as he said that.

You should say my skills are the best!

"You're quite something."

Hwa Ryeon hugged Jeong Charyeon tightly. Jeong Charyeon could feel with her whole body that her sister was genuinely happy.

Jeong Charyeon checked on Jeok Leegeon.

He was talking to Muyeong in the distance.

"Go back first. I'll be there soon."

"Don't be late. Let's have another banquet tonight."

"Yes."

After sending her family away first, Jeong Charyeon approached Jeok Leegeon.

Muyeong bowed politely to Jeong Charyeon. She didn't know who he was, but she politely returned the greeting. After just exchanging greetings, Muyeong disappeared into the crowd.

Before she could ask who he was, Jeok Leegeon spoke first.

"Let's go."

"Where?"

"To Conquest of the World."

"What?"

"To Conquest of the World, I need to get someone. I just found out where that guy is."

"But why am I going?"

"It's also greatly related to you."

Jeok Leegeon added with a serious expression.

"You'll really regret it if you don't go."

Ah, if you put it like that, I can't possibly refuse.