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Time Just Past Noon

Hanam was bustling as usual, but today felt particularly overwhelming.

Each inn was packed to the brim, unable to accommodate even one more guest.

People had brought in chairs from who-knows-where to create makeshift seating.

The servers, Jeomsosoi and her colleagues, were busier than ever.

– “One more Jugeobcheong here!”

– “Aye! Coming right up!”

Amidst the crowd, chatter filled the air, much louder than on normal days.

With so many people gathered, it was only natural for the buzz to resonate.

Yet, what truly marked this day as different was the clear path that had been opened through the throngs of people.

It felt as if they had intentionally made room for people and carriages to pass through.

And on either side, spectators held back to ensure this path remained clear.

This seemingly chaotic yet organized setup wasn’t without reason.

– “They’ve arrived…!”

With a shout from someone, the previously noisy crowd suddenly hushed.

At the crossroads leading to the Martial Alliance, a group was sighted approaching from the entrance.

Boom.

Not just one, but a whole bunch of figures advanced together.

All clad in similar martial robes, swords hung at their waists.

Someone exclaimed, – “It’s the Wudang!”

The identity of those leading the way was none other than the Wudang Sect, a notable faction from Gu Paibang.

They had come from Hubei for today’s Righteous Faction Gathering.

Meaning that the one at the forefront was none other than—

– “The Wudang Sword Master…!”

An elderly martial artist with white hair neatly tied back, wearing the distinct robe of Wudang.

With sharp eyes and an aura of Taoist Qi, he was a renowned martial artist.

It was said that he specialized in the sword arts and was always mentioned among the top five sword masters of the world.

As the Wudang sect members passed through the crowd, they were guided into the Martial Alliance by those already waiting.

It didn’t take long for the Wudang members to enter, but the onlookers were filled with joy.

How often would one get to see the Sect Leader of Wudang, a figure among the top martial masters?

Moreover, there were still many more martial artists yet to follow behind besides the Wudang Sword Master.

This was why so many people stood by the streets, eyes glued to the entrance.

The gathering of the righteous meant that prominent figures would be present.

Seeing them so close was a thrill in itself.

As I watched from a distance, my expression turned incredulous.

“Why walk when they could ride a carriage? It looks like they’re doing this on purpose.”

I pondered the unusual choice. The Wudang Sect was not known for their lack of funds.

There must have been a reason for choosing to walk instead of riding.

As people lined the streets, it seemed like the martial artists were taking their time to parade for the assembled crowd.

Was it some kind of unspoken agreement?

A show for those gathered to see them?

‘What a farce.’

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it.

If it were a martial arts tournament or some kind of festivity, such behavior could be forgiven.

That would be a time for celebration, after all.

‘But is it really necessary for a gathering?’

Especially since they were convening to discuss the future actions and agendas of the Martial Alliance.

Was there really a need for such theatrics at a meeting?

I, too, knew that if this was merely to influence public perception, I had no ground to stand on.

‘No wonder they called me to the entrance.’

I felt a sense of unease about attending that invitation.

Had I gone, I surely would have garnered the same attention as the Wudang Sword Master.

‘They might not even know who I am.’

But considering I was the most frequently mentioned martial artist in Hanam, that didn’t ring true.

What a nightmare, really.

I furrowed my brows and glanced at a friend nearby who was trembling uncontrollably.

“Hey, calm down, buddy. You’ll collapse the roof at this rate.”

“G-g-grah… huh…?”

Was that even a response?

With such a pathetic display, I let out a sigh.

The one shaking like a leaf was none other than Cheol Jiseon.

Surprisingly, his name was among the late-stage talents attending the gathering.

This raised questions in my mind.

While Nangong Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol were notably absent, it was strange for Cheol Jiseon to be here.

“Were you like this since yesterday?”

“…N-no… not at all?”

“Not at all, huh? Do you remember how you were trembling during dinner?”

“…”

Cheol Jiseon’s eyes darted around, revealing just how tense he was.

To bring someone like him to the Martial Alliance event was dizzying.

‘Honestly, Paewoocheol or Gu Jeolyub would have been a better choice.’

Those two would have handled this situation far better.

“Sigh.”

My temples throbbed.

Just as I was absentmindedly running my hand through my hair, roars of cheer erupted from below again.

– “It’s the Tang Clan!”

There had been a few cheers after the Wudang, but nothing quite matched the current energy.

For this was no ordinary appearance; a leader of the Four Great Clans had just arrived.

My attention turned toward the street.

The familiar attire of the Tang Clan, frequently sported by Tang Soyeol, was lined up as they entered.

The distinction between martial factions and clans was indeed evident here.

While the Wudang, who considered themselves Taoists, lacked excessive ornamentation, the Tang Clan had a reputation for lavishness, especially given their wealth from supplying weapons to various clans and sword teams.

Seeing all this made me realize Tang Soyeol didn’t dress up as extravagantly as one might expect.

‘There he is.’

At the forefront walked a middle-aged gentleman wearing a vibrant green silk robe that shined like a jewel.

Just seeing him, one could feel an intense energy radiating from him.

‘Poison King Tang Cheon-gi.’

He was the leader of the Tang Clan, currently at the pinnacle when it came to poison affairs.

This was, of course, before Tang Soyeol rose to fame as the Poison Empress with her immunity to all poisons.

‘He looks quite amiable.’

For someone from the bloodline of a clan known for poison and darkness, Tang Soyeol’s gentle demeanor was surprising, but now it made sense as I observed the expression of that man.

His physique was notably smaller than those of the other martial artists.

Comparing him to me, he was slightly shorter.

Given that I considered myself petite, the Poison King was considerably frail.

‘Did I not notice that before?’

This was a memory from several years back, during the Tangbing Tournament.

Back then, I had made excuses not to meet him out of busyness.

Remembering that made me chuckle.

‘What a lunatic I was.’

To think a figure from a prestigious clan would visit the Four Great Clans and leave without greeting their leader.

I had been so pressed for time before that I hadn’t realized just how crazy that was.

‘It’s surprising father didn’t get angry.’

Though my journey to Sichuan had been coerced, I doubted that was the reason he sent me.

Now, looking back, I found it astonishing that I had simply scooped up opportunities and left.

In the midst of my thoughts—

“Hey… Yangcheon…”

Cheol Jiseon called me with a trembling voice.

“What?”

“Are we going to stay here…?”

“It’s somewhat entertaining, don’t you think? You’re not enjoying it?”

“I feel like I’m going to puke.”

“…”

Hearing that, I scrunched my face in response. Cheol Jiseon flinched upon seeing my reaction.

“Oh, never mind, I can still watch a little longer.”

“Don’t chicken out, that’s not what it’s about.”

Cheol Jiseon was right; there really was no need to remain glued to the action.

‘Who else is going to show up?’

The notable factions that had already announced their attendance were

Kunlun Sect, Wudang Sect, Shaolin, and the Beggar Clan.

Other factions had expressed their decision not to attend.

‘What’s the reason for that?’

I couldn’t help but feel puzzled by that.

If it were a gathering, surely, they all should show up.

Especially since Yeongpung and the Sword Demoness were here, it was all the more shocking that Hwasan Sect chose not to attend.

“Hmmm…”

My mind was filled with questions.

But since I couldn’t find answers simply by thinking, I stood up and spoke to Cheol Jiseon.

“Let’s go.”

“Uh, really?”

“Yeah, it’d be strange for a junior to arrive late.”

“Uh-huh.”

With such prominent individuals arriving, it would be quite uncomfortable if we didn’t show up.

In this world, such details mattered greatly.

‘I really don’t like this.’

That wasn’t the only worry.

I was about to face Baek Cheon-gyeomju again.

That thought alone made me uneasy, but it was something I couldn’t avoid, so I bit my lip and leaped down from the building.

Just then.

Cheol Jiseon, still on the roof, stared at the suddenly missing Gu Yangcheong.

“…What about me?”

His voice was layered with confusion.

And rightly so.

The reason Cheol Jiseon had been dragged to this rooftop was none other than Gu Yangcheong.

He didn’t possess the skills to descend in a single leap.

Inside the waiting room of the Martial Alliance.

The atmosphere was filled with a peculiar heaviness, designed for important guests.

It wasn’t the décor itself, but the unique aura radiating from those gathered that created this weighty ambiance.

This space was designated for the clan leaders of the great houses to wait.

And naturally, those gathered comprised the leaders of the prominent clans known as the Great Houses.

In the center of the room, a man of slight stature calmly sipped on tea, seated at what appeared to be the esteemed position.

He was none other than Tang Cheon-gi, the Poison King.

The clan leaders around him were on edge, acutely aware of how significant his presence was.

Tang Cheon-gi, fully aware of this, simply sipped his tea while passing the time.

Just as he took a sip, the door swung open violently.

Bang-!

The sound of the door slamming open was anything but gentle.

“Ah, how regrettable. I’m late.”

In contrast to the slight figure of Tang Cheon-gi, the newcomer was a towering man.

Clad in a dark martial robe, his scarred face made him look imposing.

At the sight of this giant, Tang Cheon-gi couldn’t help but internally sigh.

He didn’t want to engage in conversation with someone so brutish.

However, since they had encountered each other, he couldn’t behave like a child.

Tang Cheon-gi forced a smile and greeted the giant.

“It’s been a while, Pang Clan Leader.”

“Good to see you, Tang Clan Leader. Have you been well?”

The giant’s identity was none other than Pang Zhou, the sword king from the Hubei Pang Clan.

“Oh, certainly. Just as always, I’ve been well.”

“That’s a relief.”

After a brief exchange imbued with a tense atmosphere, Pang Zhou naturally strolled over and took a seat across from Tang Cheon-gi.

“Speaking of which, I’ve heard you arrived yesterday.”

“Indeed.”

“Why would you come so early, having traveled such a distance? You could’ve taken your time.”

He seemed to question why Tang Cheon-gi was in such a hurry.

Tang Cheon-gi, wearing a slight smirk, replied.

“Given I traveled a long way, it’s essential to arrive ahead of time.”

This statement spoke volumes about basic etiquette—a jab at Pang Zhou for not understanding it.

After exchanging these veiled barbs, the two shared a fleeting moment of silence.

“Hahaha!”

“Hahaha!”

As if waiting for this, they both glanced at each other and laughed.

“Even after all this time, you haven’t changed, Tang Clan Leader.”

“Nor have you, Pang Clan Leader. Though you do seem a bit more seasoned.”

– “Yet, time has not dulled your skills one bit.”

– “Look in the mirror; your face is melting away.”

Each seemingly polite comment deepened the tension between them.

The martial artists from the alliance, observing the absurdity unfold from the wall, were on edge, as were the leaders of the noble clans waiting nearby.

At that moment.

Creak.

The door opened once more, and another person entered.

This time it was Baek Cheon-gyeomju Moyong Tae.

Unlike the old rags he wore previously, Moyong Tae now donned a flamboyant appearance befitting a prominent figure from the Moyong Clan.

The quality of his garments and the exquisite adornments he bore were clearly of a high standard.

At that sight, Tang Cheon-gi quickly rose to greet him.

“Long time no see, Moyong Clan Leader.”

His tone and expression were vastly different than when he had greeted Pang Zhou.

And it was only natural; the Tang Clan was currently collaborating with the Moyong Clan, and the results were quite favorable.

Thus, Tang Cheon-gi had every reason to warmly welcome Moyong Tae.

Noticing Tang Cheon-gi’s affability, Moyong Tae reciprocated with a subtle smile.

“Have you been well? Tang Clan Leader.”

“Come, sit here.”

At Tang Cheon-gi’s invitation, Moyong Tae sat down gracefully.

Seeing this, Pang Zhou couldn’t help but let out a scoff.

“Good to see you again.”

“Likewise, Pang Clan Leader.”

Pang Zhou regarded Moyong Tae with a cool gaze at his greeting.

Moyong Tae, however, made no response and simply returned the greeting.

Perhaps it displeased Pang Zhou that Moyong Tae did not engage more.

His expression darkened as he shifted his stance.

“Moyong Clan Leader.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve heard you were here several days ago. Is that correct?”

“That’s right.”

Moyong Tae answered casually, garnering a brief chuckle from Pang Zhou.

It was a clear mockery.

“What warranted such haste to come all the way to Hanam?”

“My daughter encountered a terrible incident. As a father, I needed to come immediately, as is only natural.”

Pang Zhou’s eyebrows twitched at Moyong Tae’s words.

“Are you implying we, as fathers, are less so?”

Seizing upon Moyong Tae’s words, Pang Zhou pressed, his tone dripping with challenge.

Moyong Tae glanced at him with an enigmatic look.

It was unmistakably a provocative tone.

Yet, in contrast, Moyong Tae smiled softly and replied.

“That was not my intention, but if you took it that way, I suppose it’s understandable.”

Clang.

There was a pronounced sound as Moyong Tae poured tea into his cup.

“That must be the case.”

Crack.

Sensing the bubbling tension, Tang Cheon-gi sighed, ready to intervene as he began to rise.

Swoosh-!

As if sensing a shift in the atmosphere, the heads of the clan leaders turned toward the entrance.

An unexplainable presence filled the room.

Step… step.

Was it because of that presence?

The sound of footsteps resonated unusually loudly.

Though the sound itself wasn’t particularly significant, it was incredibly clear.

Eventually.

Creeeak.

The door opened slowly, revealing the source of that powerful aura.

Was it just me?

As the door opened, it felt like heat surged into the room.

Upon seeing the doorway, Pang Zhou’s eyes widened in surprise.

It was someone he hadn’t expected to see.

‘Him… really.’

The reason for his shock wasn’t simply because he had heard the news of his arrival.

It was astonishing that he had truly come out of Shan.

That he felt a sense of tension around that person was remarkable in itself.

The figure who stepped through the doorway scanned the room with fierce eyes.

Meeting the gaze of the clan leaders made them shudder involuntarily.

Those eyes were simply too cold.

“…”

Had he finished his inspection?

With a discomforting silence hanging in the air, he took deliberate steps forward.

Upon seeing the assembly of the Four Great Clans, one would have expected him to hesitate.

Yet, he marched forth, unbothered.

And soon after.

Grind.

He pulled out a chair from the head of the table with an air of casualness and took a seat.

The entire room was silent as they witnessed this startling scene unfold.

The individual seemed to relish in the moment of silence and observed everyone before speaking up.

“Greetings.”

His voice was deep and resonant.

“I am Gu Cheolun.”

 

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