Translator: Nox
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: March of the Young Tigers
#1
Zhegall Sect’s martial exchange was not a simple sparring event.
It was a full-scale simulation — blending strategy, combat, and command.
And it was famous.
Even among the Nine Great Sects.
Which meant... the participants were no joke.
“Confirmed so far: representatives from the Nine Sects, the Namgung Clan, Jegal Clan, and of course, the Zhegall Sect.”
“And the Peng Sect.”
Hyeon-do grinned.
The steward, however, looked less amused.
“You’re smiling now, but these people will eat you alive if you’re not careful.”
“I’ll eat *them* alive.”
The steward sighed deeply.
He had no idea where this confidence came from.
Or maybe he did — and that’s what worried him.
“Still... the fact we’re even invited is huge.”
“Agreed.”
It was a once-in-a-generation chance to show the Peng name.
To prove they still had teeth.
To remind the Murim world: Peng Sect wasn’t dead yet.
#2
“Young Master! I heard you’re going to the exchange!”
“I am.”
“Can I join!?”
“No.”
“Please! Just to watch—”
“No.”
“Ughhh!”
The courtyard was noisy again.
The younger disciples crowded around Hyeon-do, buzzing with excitement.
His performance during training had become legendary.
To them, he was already Murim’s next genius.
Yi Baek approached with a grin.
“They all want to be you.”
“They *should* want to be better than me.”
“They’re working on it.”
Hyeon-do smiled.
These kids were rough, but determined.
He turned back to Yi Baek.
“You. You’re coming with me.”
“Me?”
“You’re good. And improving fast.”
“R-really?!”
“But don’t get cocky.”
“Yes, sir!”
“And tell Seok-hyeon to prep, too.”
Peng Seok-hyeon — eldest disciple of the current Outer Hall.
Steady, reliable, and cautious.
A solid counterbalance to Yi Baek.
Hyeon-do was building a team.
He already had the basics covered:
– A bruiser (himself)
– A technician (Seok-hyeon)
– A fast learner (Yi Baek)
Now he just needed...
“A healer.”
That part was tricky.
The Peng Sect didn’t have a formal medic corps anymore.
Most martial artists handled their own recovery.
But in large-scale simulations, healers were vital.
He’d have to improvise.
#3
Two days later—
They departed.
The Peng Sect sent a small party.
Hyeon-do, the steward, Yi Baek, Seok-hyeon, and a few attendants.
Their destination: the outer training grounds of the Zhegall Sect.
When they arrived, the difference was immediate.
Giant flags. Dozens of tents. Hundreds of warriors.
All lined up like a real battlefield.
Even Hyeon-do was impressed.
“This is more intense than I expected.”
The steward chuckled.
“Told you.”
They were escorted to a guest hall.
Shortly after, a visitor arrived.
“You’ve arrived.”
Zhegall Yeong-yeong, in her signature uniform.
Hyeon-do smiled.
“Thanks for the invite.”
“Don’t thank me. You earned it.”
She turned to leave, then paused.
“Be prepared. This event... isn’t just for show.”
“I figured.”
“No. You don’t understand.”
Her gaze sharpened.
“There are people here who would kill you — even in a simulation.”
Hyeon-do met her eyes.
“Let them try.”
She narrowed her eyes.
And smiled, just slightly.
“I look forward to seeing what you can do.”
【To be continued in Chapter 13】
