Translator: Nox
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: In the Murim, Fear Not the Warriors — Fear the Helpless
#1
Returning to the Peng Sect took four days.
No incidents occurred, and the journey was peaceful.
Once inside their territory, the party split.
The steward and Hyeon-do returned home, while the Yellow Tiger Squad headed for their next mission.
As they approached the gate, familiar faces appeared.
“Young Master!”
“Young Lady!”
“You’ve returned!”
Disciples and attendants bowed.
Hyeon-do gave a brief nod.
“Where’s the Clan Head?”
“He’s inside. He said to bring you the moment you arrived.”
Hyeon-do didn’t even stop to rest.
He handed his coat to an attendant and marched straight into the main hall.
There, the Clan Head waited.
“You’re back.”
“Yes, Clan Head.”
“You did well.”
“...”
“Was the Zhegall Sect cooperative?”
“Very. We’ve also secured a token of favor.”
Hyeon-do placed the Zhegall Sect token on the table.
The Clan Head’s eyes widened slightly.
“This... is genuine.”
“Yes. Given to me by Zhegall Yeong-yeong herself.”
“...Incredible.”
The Clan Head paused, then looked Hyeon-do straight in the eye.
“I underestimated you.”
“Most people do.”
“Let me rephrase that. I didn’t believe the boy who refused to hold a sword for ten years could turn things around so drastically.”
“I understand.”
“No. It’s my failure as your father and your Clan Head.”
His tone was heavy — sincere.
He truly meant it.
And that’s why Hyeon-do simply bowed.
“I’ll continue to do better.”
“Good.”
The Clan Head looked at the steward.
“I assume everything went well?”
“Yes, sir. The Young Master handled all negotiations. The merchant group was deeply impressed.”
“And the Zhegalls?”
“They gave their respect. Without question.”
“Then our position has shifted.”
A long silence followed.
Everyone present felt the weight of that statement.
The Peng Sect — long dormant — had made its first move.
#2
Two days later, during morning drills—
A messenger hawk arrived from the Zhegall Sect.
The Clan Head personally received it.
Inside the scroll:
[To the Peng Clan, and Young Master Peng Hyeon-do:
We invite you to our sect's upcoming martial exchange.
Participants include warriors from the Nine Great Sects and several invited clans.
We hope you will accept.
—Zhegall Yeong-yeong]
It was an official invitation.
A rare opportunity.
Normally, the Peng Sect wouldn’t even be considered.
But this was different.
Hyeon-do had created a crack in the door.
Now they had to decide whether to walk through it.
---
Later that evening, during dinner—
“You’ll go, of course,” said the Clan Head.
“I figured.”
“You’ll represent us.”
“Me?”
“Who else?”
“Fair.”
The steward handed him a dossier.
Details on the event, other confirmed participants, and the format.
It wasn’t a tournament.
It was a strategic mock battle — teams would compete using real martial arts in simulated war games.
“That’s right up your alley,” the steward added.
“Yeah... sounds fun.”
“I’ll assign you a team. Choose your members wisely.”
“You’re letting me pick?”
“Of course. You’re leading them.”
That was a surprise.
And a welcome one.
Hyeon-do smiled.
“So... when do we leave?”
【To be continued in Chapter 12】
