Chapter 68

Yun turned his head towards the Yongbong gathered in the distance. Yang Suchang was surrounded by a dozen Yongbong.

Bong Suchan, with a surprised expression, reconfirmed.

"Is it true?"

"Yes. The detailed circumstances require further investigation, but for now, that is the Yongbong's statement."

Bong Suchan was even more confused.

'That fool, defeated by a mere whelp like Yang Suchang?'

Although in a different position, Yun felt similarly.

The fact that Yang Suchang had eliminated a master like Yin Demon Insect was truly unbelievable. Moreover, the enemy wasn't just Yin Demon Insect alone. Yang Suchang had eliminated all of Yin Demon Insect's subordinates as well.

But in the end, one fact made this result believable.

Yang Suchang's identity as the successor of the Southern Mountains Alliance. He must have displayed a hidden card.

Bong Suchan belatedly approached Im Ha-gi.

He was sitting alone, a little away from the Yongbong. Sa Ma-yeong, who had come with him, was sitting far away. This Dragon Phoenix Gathering had made the relationship between Im Ha-gi and Sa Ma-yeong, and Yang Suchang and Seol Byeokhwa, very awkward.

"Are you injured anywhere?"

Im Ha-gi merely nodded. He had an expression full of dissatisfaction.

Of course, the reason was none other than Yang Suchang. He had never imagined that Yang Suchang would cut them all down. From Im Ha-gi's perspective, a situation worse than dying together had unfolded.

"I'm glad you're safe."

After leaving a word of greeting, Bong Suchan approached Yang Suchang.

Praises for his heroic performance continued.

"If it weren't for Sohyeop Yang, we would all be dead."

"I will never forget this grace."

On the other hand, Yang Suchang was in a somewhat dazed state.

He was mindlessly dragged into the tent, and it seemed he had fallen asleep for a while, but when he woke up, not only Yin Demon Insect but also his subordinates were all dead. And in his hand, he held a blood-stained sword. He was told that he had taken their swords and killed them all.

The ones who testified to this were Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon.

Yang Suchang had no memory of it at all. But since they said he did it, he thought it must be so.

Inwardly, he came to one conclusion.

His grandfather, the Lord of the Southern Mountains Alliance, had implanted terrifying Martial arts in his body. It was a plausible story. He originally liked to attract attention. Now that an opportunity to raise his name had come, there was no reason to deny it.

"Sohyeop Yang, what happened?"

At Bong Suchan's question, Yang Suchang calmly replied.

"It was a difficult fight."

Looking at Yang Suchang's swollen face, Bong Suchan still did not let go of his suspicious gaze.

"The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan will have to take full responsibility for this incident."

The Yongbong all glared at Bong Suchan with similar eyes. But Bong Suchan was thinking something else.

'No, no. There's no way this whelp could have dealt with Yin Demon Insect.'

The Yin Demon Insect he knew was not one to be defeated by such whelps. Moreover, he had brought a lot of subordinates with him.

'What on earth happened?'

He looked around, but only saw the tired faces of the young Yongbong.

Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon were sitting side by side a little away from them. The two did not say anything.

Jeong Charyeon, watching the busy Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, glanced at Jeok Leegeon. Jeok Leegeon was silently looking at the surging river.

If it weren't for Jeok Leegeon, where would she be now? It was probably a situation she didn't even want to imagine. She already knew that Jeok Leegeon had a trick up his sleeve. But she never thought it would be this much.

It was amazing, and his skill was frightening, and she felt a strange thrill at being in such a close relationship with Leegeon.

That complex feeling was her honest feeling.

Jeok Leegeon suddenly said.

"Those guys from before weren't worth living."

Jeok Leegeon's gaze was still fixed on the river.

It seemed like he was watching to see if she would dislike him for being too cruel.

If so?

Jeong Charyeon's playfulness was triggered. She covered her face and said in a fearful tone.

"I don't want to think about it again. And I don't want to see you anymore. I'm scared. I wish you would leave."

Then she buried her face between her legs.

Jeok Leegeon's voice was heard.

"You can't lie without it showing."

You devil.

"How did you know?"

When Jeong Charyeon raised her head, Jeok Leegeon made a dumbfounded expression.

"Why?"

"Don't you know your own personality? You have a pretty active personality. If you hate someone, you're the type to leave first. You're not the type to say you wish they would leave."

Jeong Charyeon chuckled. Now that she heard it, it seemed that way.

Even after going through this worst-case scenario, he makes me laugh.

Who the hell are you?

But Jeong Charyeon asked something else.

"Was it a coincidence that Yin Demon Insect targeted us?"

Then Jeok Leegeon chuckled.

"I told you before, there are no coincidences in Jianghu."

"So they intentionally targeted us."

"Of course."

"Why?"

"I don't know the reason yet. But I have a rough idea of who's behind it."

What? How?

Looking at Jeong Charyeon's surprised face, Jeok Leegeon asked.

"Remember? The character Master Gu left at the inn back then."

"Ah! It was the character for swallow, Yeon, right?"

"I definitely think it's related."

Jeong Charyeon nodded. Of course, it could be a separate incident, but it was too coincidental in terms of timing to see it that way.

She felt scared. Experiencing the conspiracies and schemes she had only heard about made her heart tremble.

Is this the real Martial World?

She thought that she should practice Martial arts more diligently when she returned. Although she had reached the Composition, she couldn't even draw her sword against Yin Demon Insect and his subordinates. Of course, not only herself but also the other Yongbong were the same.

It was a matter of momentum.

They were still young and lacked practical experience. Moreover, the deaths of Yeom Chung and the instructors had instilled an irresistible fear.

But Jeong Charyeon felt that it was all just an excuse.

Lack of skill.

Yes, let's find the reason there.

The feeling when she emitted Sword Qi came back to her mind. What pleasure in the world could give her such a feeling? She wanted to emit Sword Qi again. Until now, when she heard rumors that so-and-so in Jianghu was crazy about Martial arts, she thought it was just an exaggeration of working hard. But now she felt like she knew.

With this kind of feeling, you could really go crazy.

Then she heard a commotion. Another ship was arriving.

The Martial Artists all gathered near the pier and stood in line. Bong Suchan and Yun stood side by side in front of them.

Jeok Leegeon grinned at their respectful attitude.

"Finally, the owner of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan is arriving."

Jeong Charyeon narrowed her eyes and looked at the ship. The distance was too far, so she couldn't see the person on the ship.

Good eyes.

When the ship approached the pier, she could identify the people on the ship. Indeed, Im Cheon-se, the Clan Lord of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, was on the ship.

He had a face and physique that didn't look like an old man over sixty. The momentum emanating from his eyes was so intense that he could be recognized at once even from a distance.

The middle-aged man standing behind Im Cheon-se was Ban Noe, the chief strategist of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan.

When Im Cheon-se got off the ship, Bong Suchan bowed respectfully.

He felt an intense gaze that made the back of his head tingle, so Bong Suchan bowed even lower. That gaze was asking for responsibility for this incident.

'Damn it!'

Bong Suchan once again realized that he was in a great crisis. There was another place to ask for the failure of this incident. Would the Flying Swallow Association spare him for failing this mission?

Im Cheon-se passed him by and walked towards Im Ha-gi.

"Ha-gi!"

"Grandfather."

Im Ha-gi ran to Im Cheon-se like a child. Only after holding his grandson in his arms did Im Cheon-se let out a sigh of relief.

Jeok Leegeon, who was watching, said mockingly.

"Affectionate."

"Because it's blood. There's nothing as deep as the affection of blood relatives."

At Jeong Charyeon's words, Jeok Leegeon narrowed his eyes.

"Do you really think that old man thinks blood is the most important thing?"

It felt meaningful, so Jeong Charyeon felt a chill.

If Im Cheon-se, who was warmly holding his grandson, was hiding a heart that would abandon even his blood relatives, like Jeok Leegeon's cold sneer, it would be a truly frightening thing.

"Do you think Im Cheon-se only killed enemies to get to where he is now?"

Jeong Charyeon's heart turned cold at Jeok Leegeon's words.

Following him, Ban Noe got off the ship.

Jeok Leegeon accurately recognized him.

"That guy is the brain of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan."

"How do you know?"

"I did some research in advance."

Staring at Jeok Leegeon's profile, Jeong Charyeon realized that the conquest of Hubei was no longer a joke or a prank.

"The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan is almost entirely run by that guy's ideas. You could say that the Clan Lord is definitely pushing him? To devour the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, you have to cook that guy well."

Ban Noe, unaware that Jeok Leegeon was swallowing his saliva and watching him, asked Bong Suchan.

"What happened?"

Bong Suchan was one of the Four Great Elders of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, but in terms of Im Cheon-se's trust, he did not reach the chief strategist Ban Noe. Naturally, he showed a respectful attitude.

"A man named Yin Demon Insect caused trouble."

"The lecherous Yin Demon Insect?"

Of course, Ban Noe also knew the name.

"Why did that guy?"

He couldn't say that the Flying Swallow Association he belonged to had ordered it, so Bong Suchan shook his head silently.

Yun, who was next to him, briefly reported on the outline of the incident. He reported that Yeom Chung and the instructors were all dead, and that Yin Demon Insect and his subordinates were also all dead. Ban Noe frowned the most at the part where several Yongbong were sacrificed.

Then Yun looked at the water and said.

"Look over there."

Another ship was rapidly approaching the island. The person at the head of the ship was someone Ban Noe knew very well.

It was Yang Inmyeong, the Lord of the Southern Mountains Alliance. The one escorting him was Mak Hwi, the White Tiger Captain. The very two people who had met Jeok Leegeon in Spring Breeze.

"Remember? The Lord of the Southern Mountains Alliance."

Of course, Jeong Charyeon remembered them. When she met them in Spring Breeze, it didn't really feel real, but now the feeling was completely different.

"He's not an easy old man. His information is amazingly fast."

Just in case, Jeong Charyeon carefully looked at the ship. She was wondering if her father was there, but Jeong I-chu was not on the ship. Instead, several other people were standing there.

Jeok Leegeon accurately recognized them.

"The short man next to the old man of the Southern Mountains is Sa Do-baek, the Lord of Wind Cloud City."

"What? Really?"

Jeong Charyeon was startled. The Lord of Wind Cloud City, whom she had only heard about?

Sa Do-baek was really noticeably short. His build was also small. Only his glaring eyes made it impossible to treat him carelessly.

"He's a person you can never ignore just because he's small."

Although its power did not reach the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan and the Southern Mountains Alliance, Wind Cloud City was the strongest ruler of Gansu, Shaanxi, and Ningxia.

Jeok Leegeon's explanation continued.

"The big man with the iron prosthetic hand next to him is On Won-tak, the Clan Lord of the Black Blade Sect."

I can't even see the prosthetic hand!

"Wow! So the owners of the Four Hegemons have all gathered?"

Jeok Leegeon nodded at Jeong Charyeon's exclamation.

"Indeed, it's interesting."

The ship was not the only one. A dozen other ships carrying the Martial Artists escorting the owners of the Four Hegemons followed behind.

With everyone's attention focused, the ship arrived.

Yang Inmyeong, followed by Sa Do-baek and On Won-tak, got off the ship.

Indeed, as Jeok Leegeon said, On Won-tak was wearing a black iron prosthetic hand.

On Won-tak's build was huge when seen up close. He looked three times bigger than the small Sa Do-baek. Of course, the energy emanating from the two people was intense regardless of their size.

Yang Inmyeong looked for Yang Suchang. Only after confirming that he was safe did he let out a sigh of relief. The other two also greatly relieved that their precious blood relatives, On Se-cheol and Sado Pung, were safe.

As the four owners of the Four Hegemons appeared one after another to take care of their successors, the remaining people had to feel relatively deprived.

Everyone inwardly thought that the Four Hegemons had shared information only among themselves. In particular, the anger of the descendants of the Four Great Clans was great.

Mo Yong-su of the Mo Yong Clan raised his voice.

"Didn't you contact our parents?"

Only after shouting did his face turn red. He realized that he had acted like a child looking for his parents. But whatever his appearance, his words represented everyone's feelings.

Mak Hwi of the Southern Mountains Alliance briefly replied.

"Don't misunderstand. This incident was not heard from the Hegemon Clan, but was discovered by this Alliance itself."

It was also a subtle insult to the Four Great Clans, which had weak information power, so Mo Yong-su's face turned even redder.

Mak Hwi's words were true. The Southern Mountains Alliance was keenly aware of all the movements of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan. They had independently found out that something big had happened due to the unexpected visit of Bong Suchan and Im Cheon-se.

The Southern Mountains Alliance, which noticed it first, contacted Wind Cloud City and the Black Blade Sect.

This Infinite was, after all, the territory of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan. The remaining Three Hegemons naturally formed a united front to overcome that weakness. It was something that didn't need to be met and promised. That's what politics is.

"Clan Lord Im, it's been a while."

The owners of the Three Hegemons, who had greeted each other in advance, respectfully gave a Clasped-fist Salute to Im Cheon-se. Im Cheon-se also respectfully accepted the greeting.

The owners of the Four Hegemons had all gathered. Considering the old forces represented by the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Four Great Clans, they were like one family. But strictly speaking, they were enemies to each other. They would never gather in one place unless it was a major event like the Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

Im Cheon-se said once again respectfully.

"I am sorry for causing concern due to an unfortunate incident."

Everyone coughed and expressed their displeasure.

They couldn't hide their uncomfortable feelings that they couldn't even hold a tournament like the Dragon Phoenix Gathering safely. But no one openly expressed it with their expressions.

They were the ones who had built huge families in Jianghu. They also knew that it was difficult to stop it if the hidden forces were determined to do something.

If the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan was attacked, they couldn't guarantee themselves either. The question was, what bastards dared to do this?

Yang Inmyeong said with a smile.

"Living in Jianghu means that there will be various things."

"I am very pleased that you think so."

"This Sect will actively step forward to reveal the details of this incident."

"This Clan has the same position."

"I already feel reassured."

Words that were not in their hearts came and went.

Jeok Leegeon, who was watching the scene from afar, opened his mouth.

"Keep an eye on those guys."

"Why?"

"Because they are the opponents we will have to fight in the future."

"What?"

Jeong Charyeon, surprised, turned to Jeok Leegeon. Jeok Leegeon had a very serious face.

Us? You should say you.

But Jeong Charyeon didn't say those words. She was rather grateful that he said us. But.

I just raised Sword Qi!

Jeok Leegeon said seriously.

"I'm going to get rid of all those guys and take their place."

He's really going to do it.

Of course, she knew that Jeok Leegeon's Martial arts were not ordinary. But would he be able to handle such great people?

Jeong Charyeon's heart pounded again. It felt like she was looking at a storm coming from afar, or rather, walking towards it.

Jeong Charyeon said jokingly.

"Please exclude me."

"I wish I could, but it'll be difficult."

"Why?"

"If I cause an accident, they'll investigate you first."

What? Why?

"Wouldn't it be obvious? If you were them, would you just let a woman who hangs out with the guy who's trying to eat you go? If those old men set their minds to it and release people, that Yin so-and-so from before wouldn't even be considered a villain."

I know now that this is not a joke.

"You didn't come to the Dragon Phoenix Gathering with me without being prepared for that?"

Jeong Charyeon felt absurd. She felt wronged.

If there was someone who had been watching from the side since that guy and I first met, they would know how wronged I feel right now.

Jeok Leegeon grinned and said.

"That's why we're working together to fight. So we don't regret it."

That's not it. You should say you're sorry. You should say you're really sorry for dragging me in.

But Jeong Charyeon didn't hate such Jeok Leegeon.

I'm crazy.

Jeong Charyeon turned her head back towards the owner of the Four Hegemons.

Okay, let's say that's the case.

What kind of fight will it be? Jeong Charyeon couldn't imagine it well.

If it were a fight with them, it wouldn't be a fight, but a war.

Can I really do this?

At that moment, a thought crept into Jeong Charyeon's mind, making her uneasy.

"If that day comes... will my family be in danger?"

"Probably."

"......!"

"Why? Are you afraid?"

"Of course. More than dying myself."

That was Jeong Charyeon's true feeling. She realized through the Yin Demon Insect incident that losing her life wasn't as terrifying as she thought. Surprisingly, she discovered she had a bold personality. Of course, Jeok Leegeon's presence played a big part in that.

In contrast, losing her family was unimaginable. Her family was more precious than her own life.

Jeok Leegeon replied seriously.

"That will never happen."

"Can I trust you?"

It was a meaningless question, but one she really wanted to ask.

Jeok Leegeon nodded with a reassuring look.

"Even in the worst-case scenario, it's something that will happen after... we're both dead anyway."

His words were so profound. Jeong Charyeon's emotions became complicated.

Jeok Leegeon's earlier words, "my woman," came to her mind again.

Does he really think of her that way? Is that why he really wants to walk this absurd path of Supreme Domination with her?

She wasn't confident enough to ask yet. She wasn't sure what kind of answer she would get.

Does fate exist in life?

Suddenly, Jeong Charyeon recalled the heart-fluttering feeling she had when she first met Jeok Leegeon.

Jeok Leegeon definitely came to her like fate.

If that wasn't fate, how else could she describe it?

Just then.

Mak Hwi of the Shoutern Mountains Alliance shouted as if roaring.

"Ok-ryong has beheaded the Yin Demon Insect and rescued all the Dragon Phoenixes!"

Apparently, they had heard about Yang Suchang's performance while the two were talking.

"Waaaah!"

The Martial Artists of the Shoutern Mountains Alliance cheered.

The Martial Artists of the other Three Hegemons, though displeased, applauded along.

Yang Suchang politely greeted the masters of the Four Hegemons and then clenched his fist at the Dragon Phoenixes. The Dragon Phoenixes cheered and applauded. Yang Inmyeong smiled with a satisfied expression.

Everyone was happy, except for two people. Of course, they were Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon.

"Shameless."

Jeong Charyeon felt wronged that Jeok Leegeon seemed to have been robbed of all the credit.

"It's natural. They are people for whom fame and reputation are everything. They can't give up something that just rolled in, something they would even kill to take."

Eventually, Jeong Charyeon sighed.

"Is it that important?"

"It is. The conflicts in Jianghu may seem like power struggles, but in the end, they are fights over names. It's important how many masters can unleash Sword Aura, but it's even more important who accomplished what. With fame, gathering people is very easy. Conversely, a Jianghu person loses everything the moment they lose their reputation."

Jeong Charyeon sighed once more at Jeok Leegeon's words. Things she hadn't experienced herself always felt like empty echoes. This reputation was one of them. She thought that if you upheld justice and lived diligently, you would naturally gain a name.

"I feel bad."

Jeok Leegeon, finding Jeong Charyeon's complaining words quite cute, smiled and asked.

"About what?"

"That Jianghu you're talking about."

I'm afraid that's what the real Martial World is like. I'm afraid I'll find out about it. Yes, it's not that I feel bad, but that I'm afraid.

Just then, someone approached the two of them.

It was Seol Byeokhwa, still trying to maintain her haughtiness even after experiencing such a chaotic event. Seol Byeokhwa's eyes narrowed at the sight of Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon giggling and laughing in the midst of all this.

'Seriously!'

Seol Byeokhwa's eyes met Jeong Charyeon's.

Jeong Charyeon felt it. There was a strange jealousy in her eyes.

Don't be jealous. We were just talking about fighting the Four Great Hegemons.

Seol Byeokhwa approached gracefully, looked down at the two of them, and then lightly bowed her head to Jeok Leegeon.

"Thank you."

Jeok Leegeon looked at Yang Suchang.

"You should give those greetings over there."

Seol Byeokhwa chuckled.

"Don't think I'm a fool."

Although she had lost consciousness in the tent, she was certain that Yang Suchang hadn't taken down the Yin Demon Insect gang. Yang Suchang, who had been dragged into the tent, was almost out of his mind. There was no way Yang Suchang could have defeated the Yin Demon Insect.

If she had to guess, it was highly likely that this strange man in front of her had taken down the Yin Demon Insect. In the water-filled mechanism, the two of them had saved everyone. In the swamp mechanism, Jeong Charyeon had cut off the mechanism.

Then there was only one answer. They had taken down the Yin Demon Insect and the rest of the men.

'But how is that possible?'

Jeok Leegeon grinned.

"Well, if you think so, I'm grateful. I'll take the title of savior."

Seol Byeokhwa bit her lip. Was she wrong after all?

"Buy me meat next time we meet."

Eventually, Seol Byeokhwa sighed and turned away.

Her pace quickened.

Buy her meat? That's the worst thing she's ever heard a man say.

That kind of guy took down a master like the Yin Demon Insect? No matter how she thought about it, it didn't seem likely.

'Then who on earth saved us?'

She wondered if some eccentric had saved them and disappeared. There were so many heirs from great Clans.

Jeong Charyeon narrowed her eyes as she watched Jeok Leegeon staring at Seol Byeokhwa's retreating figure.

"You're looking at her with too much longing."

"She's quite pretty."

The expression "quite" is wrong. You should say "very."

"It's not too late. Go and tell her. 'I'm the one who saved you!' You could win her over big time. Who knows? Maybe she'll ask you out."

"It's okay. It's enough if you know."

Jeok Leegeon waved his hand and got up from his seat.

Only her?

Jeong Charyeon's heart fluttered.

It's impossible not to fall for him when he's like this.

Jeong Charyeon took Jeok Leegeon's outstretched hand and got up from her seat.

The masters of the Four Hegemons were walking out of the newly prepared tent. It seemed a brief meeting had ended.

Jeong Charyeon asked Jeok Leegeon.

"So, which of them are you planning to fight first?"

Oh my gosh, I'm asking a question like this.

Jeok Leegeon slyly raised his hand and pointed to two people alternately. Im Cheon-se of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan and Yang Inmyeong of the Shoutern Mountains Alliance.

The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan and the Shoutern Mountains Alliance? The two strongest among the Four Hegemons?

"Why them in particular?"

"Because they're strong, they'll be the most careless."

"What?"

"Look at them."

Jeok Leegeon looked at Sa Do-baek and On Won-tak.

"Because they're weak, they're nervous. Because they're weak, they're trying not to show any openings. It's harder to shake them up."

Jeong Charyeon nodded, somewhat agreeing.

Jeok Leegeon added seriously.

"This fight isn't just about killing a few masters. From the power dynamics of the Four Great Hegemons to the Nine Sects and One Gang and the Four Great Clans. There are many subtle and complex issues. And a fight where we just sweep through and kill everyone isn't what I want. A fight where we minimize the damage as much as possible while getting everything we want. The fights from now on will proceed like that. Of course, now is the time to build strength."

When he's this serious, I can't help but feel nervous. It must be because I only ever see him smiling.

Just then, the Martial Artists of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan shouted to the Dragon Phoenixes.

"Alright, let's go back! Everyone, please get on the ship!"

Jeok Leegeon and Jeong Charyeon boarded the ship with the other Dragon Phoenixes.

The ship returning was completely different from when they came. A gloomy silence flowed. Once they realized they had all survived, their pride was hurt.

They were grateful to Yang Suchang, but on the other hand, they were filled with jealousy. With this incident, Yang Suchang would suddenly become a hero in Jianghu.