Chapter 62

"Fortunately, the medicinal herbs were absorbed well."

At Palbangchugoe's words, soaked in sweat, Jeong Charyeon cheered.

Ahn-ssi shed tears endlessly, bowing her head to Palbangchugoe repeatedly.

"Now, with proper nourishment and exercise to build up her strength, she should regain her health in about a year."

An emotional Jeong I-chu embraced Palbangchugoe tightly.

Ahn-ssi expressed her gratitude numerous times. Palbangchugoe almost felt sorry.

Ahn-ssi took Jeok Leegeon's hand again.

"Thank you, thank you."

She had suffered so much watching Suryeon in pain. Now, she felt she could die without regrets.

"Palbang Handsome Man Senior, thank you for the treatment."

At Suryeon's polite words, Palbangchugoe wore a pleased smile.

Ahn-ssi hugged Suryeon. Tears flowed from her eyes.

"Don't cry. Why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying, I'm not crying."

But tears were streaming from both Suryeon's and Ahn-ssi's eyes.

The treatment wasn't just about taking the Seven Divine Pills. Because she had been ill for so long, many of her Blood Vessels were blocked. He helped the Qi Deviation with acupuncture and moxibustion, one by one.

Despite the difficult treatment that lasted for half a day, Suryeon persevered.

"When I get better, I'll cook you something delicious."

"Hehe. I won't forget it."

This time, Suryeon thanked Jeok Leegeon.

"Thank you, Brother."

"Thank your sister. I didn't do anything. Your sister did it."

"Sister."

Jeong Charyeon shook her head, looking at Jeok Leegeon. That single action showed that it was all thanks to Jeok Leegeon.

This time, Jeong Charyeon hugged Ahn-ssi and burst into tears. Suryeon had never expressed her pent-up feelings, fearing her family would be heartbroken.

Hwa Ryeon stood alone, shedding tears. Seo Baek embraced her.

The Jeong Sword Sect was truly a sea of tears.

The evaluation of Jeok Leegeon also changed completely. Jeong I-chu gave Jeok Leegeon a grateful look. It was a look more fervent than a hundred words. Jeok Leegeon politely bowed his head with an expression that it was nothing.

He looked quite mature and dependable.

Jeok Leegeon and Palbangchugoe came out of the room.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Palbangchugoe treated him respectfully. He had formally begun to serve Jeok Leegeon as his Master. Although he had an ugly face called Palbangchugoe, he was a true man. That was why Jeok Leegeon had sought him for so long.

Jeok Leegeon said quietly.

"Moonlight Beauty Painting."

Palbangchugoe was startled.

Jeok Leegeon smiled.

"The rumor that an unparalleled divine art is hidden there is a lie."

"How do you know?"

"I was there when the painting was drawn."

"What?"

"Someday, I'll introduce you to the protagonist in the painting."

Palbangchugoe stared at Jeok Leegeon with a dumbfounded expression.

He sensed that Jeok Leegeon wasn't lying. Jeok Leegeon, whom he had experienced so far, was truly an unspeakable rascal, but at least he had never lied except when gambling.

"Crazy Master."

With that, Palbangchugoe turned and walked away.

"Hahaha!"

Jeok Leegeon laughed heartily.

"Soon, I'll come to you with the work that a friend named Muyeong has to do."

Following him, Jeong Charyeon came out of the room. Laughter was heard from inside the room.

"Thank you."

"Just words?"

"What can I do for you?"

"You seem ready to do anything I want?"

"It's a good opportunity. Tell me."

"How about a kiss?"

"Okay."

"But why are you grabbing the sword?"

"Did you see? I was going to stab you if you really tried."

The two laughed simultaneously.

Jeok Leegeon stretched and walked ahead.

"Buy meat. I'm hungry."

As always, he looked like he had finished something insignificant.

"We need to eat meat to pass the Three Gates tomorrow."

Idiot.

The most peculiar and most grateful person in the world.

There were a total of sixteen groups, thirty-two people, who advanced to the third Ga.

They gathered at Dongho (East Lake) in the southeast of Infinite.

The Dragon Phoenixes boarded a large ship under the guidance of the escort Martial Artist.

The third Ga was said to be held on a small island in Dongho. Everyone had curious faces as to why they had to go all the way to an island, but the escort Martial Artists didn't mention it.

An absolute policy was issued that bodyguards could not accompany them for a fair test. The bodyguards who usually followed them everywhere had to wait for their masters at the pier. Knowing that many experts from the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan were mobilized, they weren't too worried.

The ship departed, leaving behind families and disciples.

"Ah, it's beautiful!"

Jeong Charyeon exclaimed, looking at the picturesque lake.

"Is this your first time here too?"

"Yes."

"Let's travel more in the future! Experience is the only way to survive."

Jeong Charyeon completely agreed with Jeok Leegeon's words. Regardless of how high Jeok Leegeon's Martial arts was, her knowledge of the Martial World and experience were completely like a frog in a well compared to Jeok Leegeon.

"I'll take you a lot in the future."

Jeong Charyeon glanced back at Jeok Leegeon's words.

Take me?

Jeok Leegeon was only looking at the lake.

Her heart fluttered slightly.

Imagining traveling the Jianghu with Jeok Leegeon. It wasn't bad.

While looking at the scenery for a while, Jeok Leegeon pulled her.

When they went to the back of the deck, they saw familiar faces.

It was Chu Do-ok of the Medicine King Clan and Ihwa-in of the Divine Sword Clan.

The two were standing side by side, practicing something.

It was a group dance for a man and a woman, and the actions were really ridiculous.

Ihwa-in, who was shaking her hips side by side, shook her head.

"No matter how I think about it, this doesn't make sense!"

"Trust me."

"......"

"It's definite information."

She had been reluctantly practicing a few times since yesterday, as he had been so earnestly persuading her. If it was a wonderful Sword Dance where the two created a fantastic harmony, it would be one thing, but a Sword Dance that had to make people laugh? She really couldn't understand the Ga.

"Okay, let's do it again."

Ihwa-in was forcibly dragged by him.

Again, the two stood side by side, wiggling their hips and showing bright smiles.

Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon, who were peeking at the scene, laughed and turned around.

"You're really mean!"

"He deserves it."

Laughter was heard from the side. The Dragon Phoenixes were gathered where Yang Suchang and Seol Byeokhwa were. Due to their outstanding appearances, they were by far the most popular among the Dragon Phoenixes. Women were burning inside at Yang Suchang's gestures, and men were almost collapsing at Seol Byeokhwa's smile. If it were before, she might have been included in them too.

But... it was different now.

Yang Suchang didn't look so handsome, and she wasn't envious of Seol Byeokhwa. The thought that what was important wasn't that. The desire to do more valuable and wonderful things.

Jeong Charyeon resolved to devote herself to Martial arts training when the Dragon Phoenix Gathering was over. If she had reached the Composition, if that was really the case, then she would have to devote herself to achieving Great Accomplishment now.

And the person who made me change like this is...

Then, a quarrel was heard from the opposite side.

"You should be ashamed!"

People were gathered on one side of the ship's railing.

The person who raised his voice was Moyeongsu of the Moyeong Clan.

The person standing opposite him was Sa Ma-yeong. With a slightly embarrassed expression, Sa Ma-yeong couldn't say anything.

"Stop it. It's not worth talking about."

The person who sided with Moyeongsu was Namgung Hui-yeon of the Namgung Clan, who had entered the Dragon Phoenix Gathering with him.

"The Sima Clan is no longer one of the Four Great Clans of the Jianghu."

This time, it was Paeng Yeorip of the Hwiju Paeng Clan. His younger sister, Paeng Soso, was glaring at Sa Ma-yeong with a contemptuous look.

Surrounding Sa Ma-yeong as if to oppress her, they were all successors of the Four Great Clans of the Jianghu.

Originally, the Sima Clan was a central Clan even among the Four Great Clans of the Jianghu. However, a problem arose when Sa Ma-yeong came to the Dragon Phoenix Gathering with Im Ha-gi of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, one of the Four Hegemons of the Jianghu.

In a word, it was betrayal.

The Nine Sects and One Gang and the Four Great Clans suffered great damage in the Orthodox-Demonic War. But they endured with pride that they had protected the peace of the Jianghu. The Four Hegemons of the world were forces that had arisen after that. They were opportunists and outsiders who had built up their power by taking advantage of the gap when they were absent.

But the fact that the Sima Clan had joined hands with the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan was shocking. The reason why the Rising Stars of the Three Great Clans were attacking Sa Ma-yeong as if to drive her away was precisely because of that reason.

"I'm sorry. I have nothing to say."

Sa Ma-yeong understood their anger. Of course, it was also bitter.

This time, it wasn't something she had decided. They would also know very well that she couldn't decide on such an important matter.

Even so, they were blaming her.

But the person she couldn't tolerate was Im Ha-gi. While clearly seeing her in trouble, Im Ha-gi was leaning against the railing far away, just watching. Jang In-geol was stuck right next to him like a loyal dog.

Jeong Charyeon, who was watching the scene from afar, frowned.

For the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan to produce such a successor, the future was clearly visible.

At least Yang Suchang of the Shoutern Mountains Alliance was better than him.

"Hmph! It seems the Four Great Clans are still mistaken for being the Four Great Clans."

Of course, it wasn't for Sa Ma-yeong. It was just sarcasm from a dislike of the Four Great Clans.

"There will be a day when you'll get a bloody nose for talking carelessly."

Paeng Yeorip retorted without backing down.

Yang Suchang snorted.

The two had no intention of fighting. If they did, they would fall without even seeing the third Ga.

The Dragon Phoenixes who didn't belong to either force were watching their conflict very carefully and interestingly. It was easy to get caught in the middle and get hurt. But they were feeling it. The day might come when they would have to choose one of the two forces.

Anyway, taking advantage of the gap where attention was neglected, Jeong Charyeon approached Sa Ma-yeong.

Jeok Leegeon swaggered along.

"Are you okay?"

At Jeong Charyeon's question, Sa Ma-yeong wore her usual unchanging smile.

"Yes."

Jeong Charyeon understood her feelings. On the one hand, it became an opportunity to think about her family once again.

Even though it was such a politically important Dragon Phoenix Gathering, she had insisted on entering with Jeok Leegeon. In the end, her father and sister understood her.

She realized once again how free and happy a family she had grown up in.

"Ignore those childish kids and play with us."

At Jeok Leegeon's carefree words, Sa Ma-yeong chuckled. Being with Jeok Leegeon made her feel strangely comfortable. He didn't treat her with pretense. That's why she envied Jeong Charyeon.

Im Ha-gi belatedly walked towards them. It was because he was conscious of Jeong Charyeon. Jang In-geol, who was always attached to him, didn't come with him, as he hated seeing Jeok Leegeon.

"Yes."

"Don't mind those people's rudeness."

Im Ha-gi was comforting Sa Ma-yeong, but he kept looking at Jeong Charyeon.

Out of spite, Jeong Charyeon threw a word as if shooting.

"Why didn't you step up and help?"

Then Im Ha-gi made a brazen excuse.

"I thought it would unnecessarily escalate the conflict."

This guy, I really don't like him.

Not knowing Jeong Charyeon's heart, Im Ha-gi tried to score points with Jeong Charyeon.

"Wouldn't you like to visit my Ga sometime?"

"Why?"

Im Ha-gi was thinking that Jeong Charyeon's cold attitude was just a feigned rejection. That's because no woman had ever rejected him so far. Moreover, no matter how he looked at it, Jeok Leegeon wasn't his rival.

"I want to introduce you to my parents."

Isn't that too blatant? Don't you feel sorry for Sa Ma-yeong?

Sa Ma-yeong was pretending not to hear and was trying to avoid looking.

Instead, I should slap him on the cheek, but I'm sorry.

"Maybe next time."

Jeong Charyeon greeted lightly and turned around. She wanted to express her dislike blatantly, but she couldn't. Even though her father was having a hard time with the Palm Heart Clan problem, she couldn't give him the headache of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan.

Jeong Charyeon silently stared at the lake.

"Are you angry?"

Jeok Leegeon asked.

"I'm not so much angry as annoyed. What will that guy be like when he gets older? He's hurting people and making them angry like this now, how scary will he be then? I'm scared of that."

Jeok Leegeon smiled.

"You don't have to worry."

Jeong Charyeon turned around and asked why.

"Because a new Jianghu will unfold. The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan will disappear."

Jeong Charyeon silently stared at Jeok Leegeon.

Now, those words didn't sound like nonsense.

She thought that he might be able to do it.

What will I be like in that future?

Before she knew it, the ship had arrived on land.

It was a small island. Jeong Charyeon didn't even know that there was such an island in Dongho.

On the island, examiners including Yeom Chung had already arrived and were waiting.

Behind them, a large tent that looked like a command post was set up.

Bong Suchan, the general manager of the Dragon Phoenix Gathering, stepped forward to announce the start of the third Ga.

In a place like this, she thought that the head of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, who hosted this competition, would come out and say hello, but he didn't show up at all.

It seemed that he was thoroughly taking care so that Im Ha-gi wouldn't get into trouble.

The examiners except for Yeom Chung boarded the ship with Bong Suchan and returned. This test was a Ga that Yeom Chung would preside over alone.

Yeom Chung stepped forward in front of the Dragon Phoenixes.

"The third Ga will begin soon."

Everyone listened to his words with curious faces.

Yeom Chung's next words were very surprising.

"This island itself is the third Ga."

It was an incomprehensible word.

Yeom Chung pointed to the path leading to the forest.

"The end of that path leads directly to that place."

He pointed to another path on the left again. There, two doors were made to mark the beginning and the end. In a word, it meant going around the path like a maze and returning to the original place.

A instructor brought a small table.

Four flags were placed on the table.

"This is the Yongbong Flag."

The golden flag that Yeom Chung held had a picture of a dragon and a phoenix flying into the sky as if to check each other.

"The one who occupies this Yongbong Flag passes this Ga. And unfortunately, there are only four Yongbong Flags."

That meant that only the four fastest groups, that is, eight people, would pass. It meant that they had to be in the top four no matter what.

This time, Sado Pung of Wind Cloud City asked.

"If the person who returns to this place the fastest wins, doesn't that mean that the person with the fastest lightness Martial arts wins?"

He had an expression that he couldn't quite understand. The suspicion that he was only taking a lightness Martial arts test at the third Ga.

Yeom Chung answered leisurely as if he knew such a question would come out.

"Of course, being fast in lightness Martial arts will help. But you can never get the Yongbong Flag just by being fast in lightness Martial arts."

"What is it because of?"

"Various Mechanical Devices are waiting for you on this island. It's a trap that you can't pass easily."

Everyone was nervous at the word Mechanical Device.

Yeom Chung smiled and said leisurely.

"But don't worry too much. It's not a Mechanical Device that's dangerous enough to take your life."

Then he took out another arrow.

It was an arrow with a wooden tip.

"For example, it's like this. However, if you are hit in the eyes or vital points, there is still a risk of serious injury. If you judge that you can't get out of the Mechanical Device, call the instructor. The instructors will always be around you. Of course, the moment you ask for help from the instructor, you will be eliminated."

Yeom Chung looked at the forest and continued.

"Many instructors are already inside. They will always be around you. But they will never come forward until you ask for help."

They were the elite experts of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan. The instructor who brought the Yongbong Flag alone showed that he was a first-class expert with a stable posture and deep eyes.

"Then good luck."

Yeom Chung went inside the tent.

The Dragon Phoenixes were standing blankly, looking at each other. It was because everyone hadn't imagined that the third Ga would be such a test.

As soon as he went inside the tent,

Slap!

Ihwa-in slapped Chu Do-ok on the cheek.

Ihwa-in, who had practiced the ridiculous dance even while riding the ship, had a face completely flushed with shame.

"This can't be."

Chu Do-ok was holding his cheek and making a stupid expression.

Seeing that, Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon laughed silently.

The Dragon Phoenixes naturally began to divide into several groups. Anyway,

It was because he thought it would be easier to cooperate if they had to go the same way.

The heirs of the Four Great Clans, except for Sa Ma-yeong, and a few others close to them naturally formed a group.

As they united, the heirs of the Four Great Hegemons also gathered together with awkward smiles. Originally, they did not have as strong a sense of belonging as the Four Great Clans. However, they felt a sense of crisis and resentment due to the unity of the Four Great Clans.

The rest were those who were not included in either group.

Of course, Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon were representative of this.

"What do we do?"

"It's boring if it's just the two of us. Let's gather some people too."

With that, Jeok Leegeon strode forward.

Jeok Leegeon headed towards the woman from the Dark Electric Merchant Guild.

"How about it? It seems like fate, shall we move together?"

At Jeok Leegeon's suggestion, the woman readily nodded. Judging by the fact that she did not ask the opinion of the man who came with her, it seemed that the woman had the decision-making power.

Joining Jeok Leegeon was something the woman actually wanted.

The reason she attended this Dragon Phoenix Gathering was all because of Jeok Leegeon.

The current Master of the Dark Electric Merchant Guild, her grandfather, believed that Jeok Leegeon would fulfill the long-cherished wish of the Dark Electric Merchant Guild. They had to get closer to Jeok Leegeon, even if they had to force it.

They briefly introduced themselves to each other.

The woman's name was Heuk-hwa (Black Flower), and the man's name was Cheol-sin (Iron Trust).

Everyone slowly entered the forest. Jeok Leegeon's group also leisurely moved their feet.

Finally, the third checkpoint had begun.