Chapter 78

A small banquet was held at the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan.

It was a celebratory banquet combined with the Dragon Phoenix Gathering awards ceremony. The Northern Sky Hegemon Clan invited the Dragon Phoenixes who had participated in the third Ga and their families. Originally, it would have been a grand official event, but due to the deaths of some Dragon Phoenixes, the banquet was held informally and on a smaller scale.

Jeong Charyeon, who had been chosen as the Phoenix of this competition, was naturally invited.

Jeong Charyeon, who had stubbornly refused the award, eventually had to give in.

Her father and sister's persuasion, which began with understanding her feelings, was effective. Decisively, it was due to an analysis that this matter would not only be a refusal of the award but also an act of incurring the displeasure of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan, which was akin to a threat.

Moreover, Jeok Leegeon even sided with her family, saying that she should definitely accept the award. Of course, it was for a ridiculous reason.

"Let's get the prize money and grill meat!"

Hwa Ryeon and Suryeon, who said they would come to the awards ceremony, and even Hyang Yi, Jeong Charyeon had a hard time forcibly separating them. In the end, it was decided that Jeong I-chu and Jeok Leegeon would participate.

The Dragon Phoenix Banquet was held at the Dragon Phoenix Hall, which was the gathering place for the first Ga. When Jeong Charyeon's group arrived, many people had already gathered.

Of course, not all Dragon Phoenixes attended. All the other Four Great Clans of Jianghu, except for the Sima Clan, refused to attend. Those close to them also did not attend. Instead, all those related to the Four Great Hegemons attended.

Jang Dae-san of the Palm Heart Clan also attended with his son and daughter.

Jang Dae-san did not expect Jang In-geol or Jang In-hwa to be chosen as Dragon Phoenixes anyway.

He was a cold-blooded person when it came to handling matters.

The reason he attended was to meet Im Cheon-se. If it was certain that Im Yun-oh of the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan had robbed the Ancient Sword Merchant and the Iron Workshop, he thought he could find out something through Im Cheon-se.

"It's been a while."

Jeong I-chu, who made eye contact with Jang Dae-san, greeted him first. Jeong I-chu had been very displeased with the Palm Heart Clan Lord since the last visit of the Palm Heart Clan and the Spring Breeze incident. However, he could not act hostile to him in such an official setting.

"Oh, Sect Leader Jeong!"

Jang Dae-san greeted Jeong I-chu, who greeted him awkwardly, with a welcoming handshake.

"It's been a while! How have you been?"

His attitude was so friendly that one might think he had mistaken him for someone else.

However, Jang Dae-san's true feelings were completely different from his friendly attitude.

Jang Dae-san was very displeased with Jeong I-chu. To make matters worse, he had heard the infuriating news that Jeong Charyeon had been chosen as the Phoenix. He could understand choosing Yang Suchang. But Jeong Charyeon? He could not understand Im Cheon-se's true intentions at all.

His current kindness stemmed from that anger. He was even more kind to those he was angry with and wanted to kill. Jang Dae-san was originally this kind of person.

Jeong I-chu became even more uneasy at Jang Dae-san's kindness.

"I visited you the other day..."

Jeong I-chu gave him a look asking how he would explain that incident.

Then Jang Dae-san apologized without hesitation.

"I heard about that. It seems that the new person didn't recognize Sect Leader Jeong properly. Due to various misunderstandings, the subordinates made mistakes one after another, but I scolded them severely for that. If you were upset, please forgive me for the sake of this unworthy person."

That meant that Kwon Hyuk-gi was also a mistake due to a misunderstanding. He was confused about how much to believe, but Jeong I-chu thought that it was better to let bygones be bygones and not cause trouble by bringing up the past.

"It could happen. I've already forgotten about it."

"Hahaha! As expected, Sect Leader Jeong's great magnanimity amazes me every time."

Jeong I-chu's heart was a little relieved.

He thought that Jang Dae-san had reconciled because Jeong Charyeon had won the award. He couldn't help but think that this was the joy of raising children.

Soon, the awards ceremony began. Cheon Baek, the Nungra Sword who was the chairman of the Heavenly Dragon Battle, delivered a congratulatory speech in place of the deceased Yeom Chung. This was a sign that the rumors that the Heavenly Dragon Battle would proceed as scheduled were true.

Yang Suchang and Jeong Charyeon received awards side by side.

Jeong Charyeon was very awkward even while receiving the award.

As she stood there receiving applause and cheers, she saw Jeok Leegeon in the distance among the people. Even in the crowd, only Jeok Leegeon's figure was clearly visible.

Jeok Leegeon smiled. And nodded once. It was a reassuring smile that meant she was fully qualified to receive the award.

This award was originally yours.

Jeong Charyeon knew. Although all the Rising Stars of Jianghu might envy her, Jeok Leegeon didn't care about such an award at all.

Along with the Dragon Phoenix Gold Plaque, she received a letter.

Jeong Charyeon handed it to Jeong I-chu without even opening it. Jeong I-chu opened the envelope with Jeok Leegeon.

"Gasp!"

He involuntarily gasped. The envelope contained a three thousand nyang bill. For a poor Sect like the Righteous Sword Sect, three thousand nyang was a huge sum that would be enough to throw a feast.

"Wow! That's a lot of money!"

The eyes of several people nearby were focused on Jeok Leegeon's frivolous words. Jeong I-chu quickly put the envelope in his arms with a troubled face.

Jeong Charyeon shook her head.

If there was a competition to make people uncomfortable, that guy would definitely win.

At that time, Im Cheon-se, the host of the banquet, approached them.

"Sect Leader Jeong, it's nice to meet you."

Jeong I-chu was surprised. He never imagined that Im Cheon-se would greet him first. He had seen him from afar at various events. But he had never greeted him directly like this.

"You have a wonderful daughter. It is a great blessing for the future of Jianghu."

"You flatter me. She is still very lacking."

"What are you being so modest about? I heard that the sacrifice of the Dragon Phoenixes would have been several times greater if it weren't for your daughter. You can be proud of her."

Im Cheon-se laughed heartily.

"I am very grateful that you think so."

Jeong I-chu smiled back. He was smiling on the outside, but his mind was complicated with all sorts of thoughts.

There was a separate reason why Im Cheon-se greeted Jeong I-chu in such a special way.

A few days ago, Im Ha-gi had come to him at night.

And he cautiously said that he had a woman he wanted to marry.

That person was Jeong Charyeon.

It was the first time, and moreover, he was his grandson who was already disheartened because of Yang Suchang, so he promised to look into it.

When he released people to investigate Jeong Charyeon, she was a surprisingly good woman. She was excellent in appearance, smart, and even kind. Furthermore, Jeong Charyeon's reputation had increased with this Dragon Phoenix Gathering.

The problem was that her Clan was declining a lot.

But that wasn't a big problem either. Im Cheon-se didn't want to marry off his grandson for political reasons. He was already at the forefront of the four strongest organizations in the world. He wouldn't be satisfied with marrying one of the Four Hegemons, let alone any other place. Rather, he was wary of forces trying to use him for political gain.

'Righteous Sword Sect... Maybe it's even better.'

That was Im Cheon-se's true intention in showing interest in Jeong I-chu now.

As Im Cheon-se and Jeong I-chu were talking, Jang Dae-san, who was watching the scene from a few steps away, was inwardly shocked. Im Cheon-se greeted Jeong I-chu before him. It was absolutely impossible.

Jang Dae-san walked over to join their conversation naturally.

"Haha, I knew this would happen, so our In-geol..."

Whether it was intentional or accidental, the moment Jang Dae-san intervened was the moment Im Cheon-se turned around to introduce Jeong I-chu to someone else. Thanks to this, Jang Dae-san ended up speaking to himself.

Jang Dae-san was embarrassed because there were eyes watching. It was Jang In-geol who was furious. Jang In-geol's face turned red. He felt much worse than when he was insulted.

Jang Dae-san's expression was completely frozen. An ominous premonition grew.

'Could it be?'

The suspicion that the Northern Sky Hegemon Clan had intentionally robbed the Ancient Sword Merchant was growing at a terrifying rate.

'And they're filling our place with the Righteous Sword Sect?'

A bizarre conspiracy theory was created.

Jang Dae-san's eyes, watching Jeong I-chu smiling as he was introduced to the elders of Jianghu in the distance, were filled with a thick murderous intent.

Meanwhile, the Dragon Phoenixes were gathered on the edge, a little away from the adults.

In particular, many Dragon Phoenixes gathered around Jeong Charyeon. As soon as Jeong Charyeon won the award, the way they looked at her changed. It seemed that it would be good to build a friendship with her for now. They were raised in an environment where they valued honor like life.

Of course, there were also those who had the opposite feelings.

"Was it really because of her skills?"

The person who sneered and started a fight was none other than Jang In-geol.

"What do you mean?"

"How could you get out of that swamp?"

Ah! Such a question, it's embarrassing.

"It was a swamp that everyone couldn't get out of. Are you saying that your Martial arts was superior to all of us?"

Jang In-geol wanted to find fault with Jeong Charyeon's achievements.

The eyes of the Dragon Phoenixes around him turned to Jeong Charyeon. They also had similar feelings to Jang In-geol.

Then someone stepped forward. It was Im Ha-gi.

"The density of the swamp wouldn't have been the same everywhere. There may have been places where it was as thin as water. Isn't that right, Sohyeop Jeong?"

Im Ha-gi gave Jang In-geol a disapproving look. The more he met Jeong Charyeon, the more he fell for her.

Jang In-geol gritted his teeth.

'Damn it!'

No matter how much he sticks to him and flatters him, this guy doesn't recognize it. Really, this guy is more hateful than that hateful Jeok Leegeon or Yang Suchang. If he could, he would kill him right here. This was Jang In-geol's true heart.

But Jang In-geol forced a smile and said.

"I was just curious."

"Before you were curious, you should have thanked her for saving your life."

Jang In-geol nodded. It was to hide his gritted teeth, but his red face already revealed his inner thoughts.

Im Ha-gi said to Jeong Charyeon in a friendly manner.

"Sohyeop Jeong, I haven't formally greeted you yet. Congratulations."

"I was just lucky."

After taking a Clasped-fist Salute, Jeong Charyeon turned around. As she turned away coldly, Im Ha-gi's expression frowned.

Seeing that, Jang In-geol muttered quietly.

"I gave a country girl a little boost, and she thinks she's some kind of great hero."

He said it as if he was talking to himself, but everyone could hear it.

Jeong Charyeon's steps stopped abruptly. It was an intolerable and blatant insult. He was originally a crazy guy, but Jang In-geol was very excited because of the humiliation his father had suffered earlier.

Im Ha-gi was angry with Jang In-geol on the one hand, and relieved on the other. Jang In-geol's words were also his own inner thoughts.

Jeong Charyeon slowly turned around.

"What did you just say?"

"I told you to stop pretending, you bitch."

Im Ha-gi decided to just watch for now. He was thinking of stepping in and taking Jeong Charyeon's side a little later. He didn't know that he could never seduce Jeong Charyeon with such transparent shallowness.

Jeok Leegeon had already approached behind Jeong Charyeon.

"He's asking for a fight, so give it to him!"

Jeong Charyeon turned her head and looked at Jeok Leegeon.

Really?

Jeok Leegeon nodded and said.

"Don't hold back. Holding back becomes a habit. We're not old enough to be mindful of others yet, are we? Worry about the aftermath when it's over."

Even if it's the devil's temptation... it's good!

At the same time, Jeong Charyeon drew her sword without hesitation.

Whoosh--

The sound of drawing the sword was different. Everyone who was watching was impressed. It was very excellent for a young Rising Star to draw her sword. It was a different sword drawing than yesterday. Jeong Charyeon was growing day by day.

Jeong Charyeon looked at Jang In-geol and said coldly.

"If you're going to do it, do it for real. You and I are Martial Artist, aren't we? Let's swear that we won't hold each other responsible even if we die. Let's make everyone here our witness."

Jang In-geol tensed up and swallowed hard as Jeong Charyeon came out strong. Jeong Charyeon was exceeding the expectations he had. It was different from when she cut off the device in the third Ga.

In fact, Jang In-geol had a few more points of skill than he had revealed to Jianghu. It was the influence of his father Jang Dae-san's teaching not to trust others.

'Could I possibly lose?'

That was the decisive reason for making up his mind.

"Okay, let's do it!"

Clang!

Jang In-geol drew his sword. Jang In-geol's night sword was also very sharp. Im Ha-gi also narrowed his eyes at the fact that Jang In-geol had a hidden move.

Jeong Charyeon took a deep breath. Her actual combat with Pungsanchae calmed her trembling heart.

Swish!

Jang In-geol was the one who rushed in first.

Clang! Clang clang clang!

The swords collided and sparked. After four consecutive rounds of attacks and defenses, the two retreated for a moment.

A faint smile appeared on Jeong Charyeon's lips. Jang In-geol's attack was clearly visible. When her Martial arts was blocked at the seventh star realm for the first time, Jeong Charyeon had a skill one level below Jang In-geol. But Jeong Charyeon's skill had already far surpassed Jang In-geol.

Jeong Charyeon's movements became lighter as she gained confidence.

Clang! Clang clang!

Jang In-geol backed away, barely blocking Jeong Charyeon's swords that flew in succession.

'What! This crazy bitch!'

As he gritted his teeth and swung his sword like that,

Ttang!

Jang In-geol's sword flew into the air. Just as Jang In-geol was about to fly up and retrieve his sword,

Paak!

Jang In-geol, who was kicked in the chest by Jeong Charyeon, rolled on the floor.

Clang!

A sword fell to one side. Jeong Charyeon's sword was pointed at his neck as he crawled to pick up the sword again. It was a one-sided defeat to the point that it was pitiful to watch.

'Damn it!'

Jang In-geol said with a humiliating face.

"Kill me!"

"Is a person's life a joke? Why would I kill you over something like this?"

Jeong Charyeon retrieved her sword.

"Waaaaa! Phoenix Sohyeop Jeong has defeated Sohyeop Jang!"

Hateful words poured out. And as if they had been waiting for his defeat, cheers and applause erupted from all directions.

In an instant, sparks flew from Jang In-geol's eyes.

It was an unbearable humiliation. Moreover, he didn't have the magnanimity to accept it. Something shining flowed down from Jang In-geol's sleeve. It was a dagger with a blue blade.

Swish!

Jang In-geol threw the dagger mercilessly at Jeong Charyeon's back. Someone shouted 'No!', but the dagger had already rushed towards Jeong Charyeon's back. Jeong Charyeon's body quickly rotated and swung her sword again.

Ttang!

The dagger that was deflected by the sword flew away. The difference in skill between the two was so great that it did not allow for even a decent surprise attack.

Pitter!

Someone caught the dagger with their hand. Everyone was surprised.

The person who received the dagger was none other than Jang Dae-san. Behind them stood Im Cheon-se and Jeong I-chu.

The adults had come after hearing the commotion.

Jeong I-chu was shocked when he found out that Jeong Charyeon was the one who had fought.

Jang Dae-san strode towards Jeong Charyeon and Jang In-geol.

The surprised Jeong I-chu hurriedly flew up and stood in front of Jeong Charyeon. He was worried that she might be harmed, but that was unnecessary. Jang Dae-san was headed towards his son.

Jang Dae-san picked up Jang In-geol.

Slap!

And then he slapped his son's cheek mercilessly.

"Father?"

Jang In-geol stared at Jang Dae-san with a surprised and bewildered face. It was the first time he had been hit by his father since he was born. Jang Dae-san slapped Jang In-geol's cheek again, who was shocked.

Jang In-geol, who staggered back, was greatly shocked. Tears welled up in his eyes.

Jang Dae-san bowed his head to Im Cheon-se and everyone else and apologized.

"I have shown you an embarrassing sight because of my incompetent son. Please forgive this incompetent person for my sake."

Jang Dae-san deliberately treated his son harshly.

The act of a successor of the Righteous Sect throwing a Hidden weapon at the back of an opponent was an act that could be buried in Jianghu. But by taking the lead like this, Jang Dae-san tried to prevent the worst situation by preventing others from intervening.

Several invited elders clicked their tongues, saying that they were immature children.

Im Cheon-se's expression was cold as he looked at the Jang Dae-san and his son.

At that moment, Jang Dae-san was convinced.

'They abandoned us.'

But that was a misunderstanding. Im Cheon-se was just not happy because the person who was almost hit by the Hidden weapon was Jeong Charyeon, a candidate for his granddaughter-in-law.

Jang Dae-san gritted his teeth inwardly.

'If you wanted us to just die like this, you're wrong!'

Jang Dae-san hurriedly took Jang In-geol and left the place.

Jeong I-chu asked Jeong Charyeon worriedly.

"Are you okay?"

"...Yes."

Jeong Charyeon bowed her head, feeling apologetic.

"I'm sorry."

"No. I'm just glad you're safe."

Jeong I-chu said worriedly.

Jang In-geol was very pleased that his daughter's Martial arts had improved to the point where he had to throw a Hidden weapon at her back.

But on the other hand, his worries also increased. This was because the stronger her Martial arts became, and the more attention she drew from the people of the Martial World, the more likely she was to get caught up in the affairs of the Martial World.

Anyway, that's how the event ended.

But the Palm Heart Clan's secret event was just beginning.