Chapter 685
“Gguuuuuh!”
Yu Tan-Geom rolls on the floor.
“Huuhhhh!!”
The sight of him grabbing his groin and writhing around is somewhat pathetic, but no one bothers to comment on it.
At least, the men didn’t.
“I heard a sound…”
“It definitely broke. There’s no doubt about it.”
I never expected the sound to be so clear.
Everyone simply watched Yu Tan-Geom with expressions of pity.
“Gg… Gguuuuh….”
Barely managing to stop flailing, he tries to regain his posture, but his expression is darkened, and cold sweat is pouring down his face.
“This… this!!”
Seeing this, Gu Yangcheong speaks up.
“Ah, my bad. I meant to kick your thigh. So sorry, Senior.”
He apologizes with an expression that says he’s not sorry at all.
Yu Tan-Geom’s eyes turn bloodshot upon hearing that.
“You devilish bastard–!!”
“Why are you messing around like this and ending up in such a ridiculous situation…”
Even as Yu Tan-Geom yells, Gu Yangcheong only shakes his head, showing no further reaction.
Unable to contain himself, Yu Tan-Geom unsheathes his sword.
Swoosh-!!
The thin blade exposes itself to the world.
Soon after, something distinct overlays it.
Strong Energy.
A soft blue energy swirls around the tip of Yu Tan-Geom’s sword.
While the pose may look strange, considering he’s still holding his groin, those witnessing it marvel at the sight.
“…That’s a beautiful sword energy…”
“That must be the Elegance of Yu Seon from the Liu Yang Hundred Families…! Truly stunning as the rumors said.”
Elegance of Yu Seon.
It is a direct martial art of the Liu Yang Hundred Families, often mentioned when discussing beautiful martial arts because the flowing energy resembles stars drifting in the sky.
Swoosh-!
As the sword tip shakes, the energy begins to spread slowly.
Even though it must be painful, the grip on the sword remains firm.
Unlike that mutt, the transformation realm actually seems to hold up.
“How dare you… you’re using… Demonic Techniques!?”
“Demonic Techniques?”
Gu Yangcheong tilts his head at Yu Tan-Geom’s words.
Demonic Techniques?
The words uttered by Yu Tan-Geom send the surroundings into a stir.
“Did he just say Demonic Techniques?”
“Is Yu Tan-Geom referring to Demonic Techniques right now?”
“Then, does that mean what just happened was due to Demonic Techniques?”
The ripple effect of his words is considerable, owing to Yu Tan-Geom’s fame.
“Indeed, it’s strange that a young lad could put Yu Tan-Geom in such a state…”
“However, nothing seemed off about what just happened…? No, no one could even see it.”
To mere ordinary people or even lower-tier martial artists, the speed was too fast for them to follow.
Only those of the higher tier could have barely grasped the situation.
They probably saw the previous scenario unfold clearly, yet confusion remained evident on their faces.
It’s understandable.
Who is Yu Tan-Geom?
He’s one of the top masters in the Central Plains, renowned for his sword mastery and serious issues with women.
For such a master of the Central Plains to be beaten by a mere young man?
‘Is it really possible?’
It’s hard to believe, after witnessing it.
It must be the result of Demonic Techniques.
“Hanam, using Demonic Techniques within the Martial Alliance…! This is truly unimaginable!”
Yu Tan-Geom roars as he points his sword at Gu Yangcheong.
Noticing the swaying energy, Gu Yangcheong smirks.
“Such a long time since I’ve heard that.”
Demonic Techniques.
It’s something he used to hear often in the past but hasn’t come up lately, making it feel fresh.
After all,
‘These days, I usually kill them off before they even get a chance to say that.’
He’s repeated the cycle of killing before they could even spew nonsense, leaving no room for such words.
With his signature gaze, Gu Yangcheong looks at Yu Tan-Geom.
“Keep going. So? How is this Demonic Techniques?”
“Are you still trying to toy with me?”
“No, it’s not that… Haah…”
He almost utters something but ends up sighing deeply.
Why is it that whenever he gets to this point, sensible conversations seem to vanish?
“Enough. What kind of conversation is this? Let’s just exchange some blows.”
Taking a step forward, Gu Yangcheong scans his surroundings.
Every eye is fixed on him.
A heavy and burdensome sensation settles atop his head.
“…Now that I think about it, that young man…! I didn’t realize, but it’s So Yeomra.”
“What? So Yeomra?”
The revelation of the alias sends a wave of shock through the crowd.
“I definitely saw him yesterday! Bi Seongdo was acknowledging that young man.”
“Yesterday, the Lesser Clan Leader showed up causing a ruckus… Is that rumor true?”
As the conversation thickens, the gazes deepen.
It was always like this with Gu Yangcheong, but this kind of attention was ever unwelcome.
An urge to vomit races through him.
But he had to suppress it. A shallow regret also washed over him.
‘I should’ve just kept my mouth shut.’
He hadn’t planned to step in the first place and had no desire to attract such attention.
The martial arts tournament hadn’t even begun, yet an incident had unfolded already—this could become troublesome later.
He had aimed to just let it slide.
‘That bastard.’
If it wasn’t for either Yu Tan-Geom or Yun Tan-Geom’s carelessness, things wouldn’t have escalated to this.
Had they just played it cool, he would’ve let it slide when the Alliance’s martial artists intervened. But now they were blowing their gaskets, how could he stand it?
‘And I didn’t like his face either.’
Despite his obnoxious personality, he was quite handsome.
Even though he appeared to be past forty, he looked like he’d have women all over him.
And that made him even more displeased.
Even if he wanted to act decent, things weren’t going as he wished.
With those thoughts in mind, as Gu Yangcheong took a step forward—
“Hey you—! You think I’m going to let it end here?!”
Yu Tan-Geom unleashed a powerful strike with evident energy.
The blue sword energy carved a path as the sword technique took form.
Swoosh-!!
It was smooth and refreshing, expressing the level he was at.
Gu Yangcheong stepped aside, studying the sword path.
Then he lifted the corner of his mouth slightly.
The reason being.
‘This old man is scared.’
He sensed a thin hesitation in Yu Tan-Geom’s sword strike.
‘He’s not foolish. He seems to know what’s up.’
As he blabbered about Demonic Techniques, perhaps Yu Tan-Geom’s mind really was being overrun.
Fortunately, it seemed he had not fully lost himself.
Yu Tan-Geom knew that the perilous victory he just faced was hardly the result of mere Demonic Techniques.
Thus, the hesitation present in his sword tip.
Gu Yangcheong, observing this, made his move.
He delicately brushed past Yu Tan-Geom’s sword path, steadily closing the distance.
“This brat—!”
As successive attacks failed, Yu Tan-Geom’s energy thickened further.
Finally.
Boom—!!
The air’s tension surged, and wisps of energy floated into the void.
In broad daylight, it looked as if stars were emerging.
Watching that unfold, intrigue sparked in Gu Yangcheong’s eyes.
‘Is that similar to the Plum Blossom Sword Technique?’
At a glance, it seemed so. But details could always surprise him.
Zoom.
With his Heart Eye opened, he analyzed Yu Tan-Geom’s martial art.
‘From its level, it appears to have considerable destructive power.’
Though it looked somewhat weak, the energy within it felt neat and clean.
If unleashed, this energy would sweep through the area.
Seeing Yu Tan-Geom’s strong stance…
‘He’s above Tang Soyeol in terms of strength.’
If an assassin like Tang Soyeol were to face Yu Tan-Geom openly during the day, he would likely lose.
As for the night…
‘That’s a different story.’
He wasn’t sure of Tang Soyeol’s true strength, so he couldn’t draw a conclusion there.
However, it was clear that Yu Tan-Geom’s fame wasn’t just hot air.
‘So, should I hit him first?’
If he unleashed his flames right now, he could easily suppress him.
What if he half-killed that jerk?
As those thoughts clawed at him, Gu Yangcheong shook his head internally.
‘No need to reveal that much.’
Even if he stepped in, the line he had set was still clear, and even without igniting the flames…
‘Eventually, someone else will intervene.’
There was already someone prepared to wrap up this situation.
Lost in that thought, Gu Yangcheong’s gaze shifted elsewhere.
Beyond the countless spectators, his intuition tingled.
‘If it’s come to this, I might as well reap what I can.’
He could stir up trouble without incurring losses.
He was determined to gain something, no matter what.
With that judgment made, Gu Yangcheong turned his gaze back to Yu Tan-Geom.
Swoosh—!!
While he contemplated, Yu Tan-Geom’s sword path had begun accelerating.
Gu Yangcheong widened the distance.
Instantaneously, the tip of Yu Tan-Geom’s sword seemed to follow him.
Along with that, the energy Yu Tan-Geom unleashed surged towards Gu Yangcheong.
They rushed toward him.
Countless shards of energy bombarded Gu Yangcheong.
Boom—!!!
The sudden explosions caused those around to scream.
Fortunately, there seemed to be no major damage from the chaos; Yu Tan-Geom must have adjusted for that.
‘He must be scared.’
Though bracing himself to retaliate, deep down Yu Tan-Geom surely understood that creating a ruckus in the Martial Alliance would do him no good.
Swoosh—!
The sword brushed past the tip of his hair.
Ducking down to evade the energy, Yu Tan-Geom stubbornly chased him, continuing to swing his sword.
It was a rather troublesome martial art to counter. It would be easy to overwhelm him by pushing back energy, but that wasn’t possible now.
But it didn’t matter.
“You’re just scurrying like a rat!”
Soon enough, their bout would come to an end.
Boom—!
Thinking he was being pushed back, Yu Tan-Geom raised his energy.
Bang! He slammed the ground and propelled himself forward.
The distance narrowed in an instant.
Or rather, one could say he intentionally made it so.
“It’s over—!”
Yu Tan-Geom thrust his sword forward. The energy-laden blade rushed toward Gu Yangcheong’s upper body, who slowly extended his hand.
Just slightly slower than the incoming blade, their attack would collide at the tip.
Finally, just as the sword was about to reach Gu Yangcheong—
“Stop.”
Someone appeared between them.
Thud—!
“Ugh!”
Both Yu Tan-Geom’s sword and Gu Yangcheong’s hand came to a simultaneous halt.
Boom—!!! The ringing of the sword echoed.
The blade of Yu Tan-Geom was now caught between someone’s hands.
With the sword held firm between the index and thumb, it uttered a cry.
Gu Yangcheong’s hand also couldn’t reach Yu Tan-Geom now.
“Seems like you both forgot where you are for a moment.”
The chilling voice made Yu Tan-Geom flinch.
In contrast, Gu Yangcheong smiled upon hearing it.
‘Finally arrived.’
Fortunately, he made a timely entrance.
Flutter.
In the wind, a white robe danced.
Those who witnessed it gasped in awe.
“That person is…”
“…Jin Ryung-Gyeomje!”
The name mentioned with intrigue hushed the crowd.
The apparition of the elder dressed in white, symbolizing the Alliance’s stature, silenced the onlookers.
The elderly man regarded both fighters with a slightly raised white eyebrow.
“Inside the Martial Alliance, drawing weapons is prohibited except during sanctioned duels.”
He spoke while looking at Yu Tan-Geom, whose hands trembled slightly.
“Moreover, during the Martial Arts Tournament, disputes between martial artists are also forbidden.”
Jin Ryung-Gyeomje.
Or the Greatest Sword of Hanam.
He is the stalwart champion of the Martial Alliance, one of the real masters among the ten living legends in the Central Plains.
‘A true master of the ten of the Central Plains.’
He was one of the famed Seven Iron Fists of the Past.
Jin Ryung-Gyeomje’s gaze ignited with intensity as he continued.
“According to the laws established by the Alliance, I will arrest both of you for breaking them.”
“B-But!”
Yu Tan-Geom, appearing as pale as a ghost, attempted to protest.
However, none of his words could breach the sharp gaze directed at him from the Eldest Master.
“Are you resisting, Yu Tan-Geom?”
“…!”
At the heavy inquiry, Yu Tan-Geom’s lips trembled in silence.
“…No, I’m not….”
The legend known as the White-Grade Master who carried his head high in ordinary days felt no more than a worthless wretch in the presence of Jin Ryung-Gyeomje.
Unlike all the endless chatter he had to listen to from others, only silence surrounded him before Jin Ryung-Gyeomje.
That was the presence of a true martial master.
As Yu Tan-Geom sealed his lips with a distraught expression, Jin Ryung-Gyeomje turned his gaze next to Gu Yangcheong.
Their eyes met.
Gu Yangcheong immediately smiled brightly.
“Please take me away. I won’t resist at all.”
“…”
Hearing those words, the elder’s expression seemed to flicker slightly, but Gu Yangcheong took no heed.
The arrest meant little to him as well.
‘Even if I am captured like this, I’ll be free soon enough.’
After all, his freedom was just around the corner.
“What do you mean by that?”
The martial arts alliance’s leader, the Wudang Sword Master, frowned at the news.
“…You mean Yu Tan-Geom was apprehended?”
“Yes.”
The half-kneeling Jin Ryung-Gyeomje answered.
“They engaged in combat within the Alliance and were subdued. He is currently stationed in the underground interrogation chamber.”
“…”
Even upon hearing the explanation, the Sword Master’s expression remained rigid. To think Yu Tan-Geom was seized. What’s more, during a battle?
‘Is it really this Yu Tan-Geom?’
One of the notorious White-Grade Masters and renowned for his strength was now caught?
Inside the Martial Alliance?
Folding his arms, the Sword Master rifled through the letter regarding the incident.
Flick.
The correspondence detailed the series of events.
As he read, the Sword Master’s expression grew more contorted.
“Groin area…?”
“…”
At the Sword Master’s words, Jin Ryung-Gyeomje said nothing in reply.
It seemed he found it too embarrassing to speak up about.
“…What was his condition?”
“They said he’ll require some treatment, but there’s no significant issue.”
“…That’s a relief.”
In many senses, it was fortunate.
“Anyway… So, what you’re saying is that Yu Tan-Geom showed his true strength, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Was he serious?”
The question of whether Yu Tan-Geom fought earnestly earned Jin Ryung-Gyeomje’s answer.
“At the moment he was attacked, he surely wasn’t underestimating his opponent.”
“Hmm…”
It may seem vague, but it was also spot-on.
Regardless of circumstances, it was clear that Yu Tan-Geom had demonstrated his capabilities.
The problem lay in who his opponent was.
“So Yeomra… the Child of Gu Clan…?”
The Sword Master’s eyes widened as he recognized the name.
It was familiar grounds.
This was because he was friends with a child he cared for but also felt uneasy about.
‘That child, indeed.’
He recalled his brief encounter with So Yeomra during the Righteous Faction Conference.
At that time, he was called Jin Ryong and would later become famous.
‘That child is now battling against Yu Tan-Geom?’
Which meant he hadn’t just dealt a blow – he had managed to withstand Yu Tan-Geom’s sword as well.
‘Hmm.’
Furrows deepened on the Sword Master’s brow.
‘Is that even possible?’
A surprise attack could be justified, yet from the reported circumstances, it hardly seemed to be a simple ambush.
Does that imply that the Child of Gu Clan genuinely fought with Yu Tan-Geom?
And he managed to hold against him until Jin Ryung-Gyeomje intervened?
‘Strange indeed.’
Even despite the talk surrounding the Shinryong Temple, an uncertain echo rippled through the air about this supposed late-stage talent.
‘Especially one so young.’
He was still just slightly over the age landmark. Even younger than the Sleeping Dragon, Woo Hyeok.
Such a child—was it conceivable that he could withstand Yu Tan-Geom’s blade?
As those thoughts washed over him, the Sword Master glanced sharply at Jin Ryung-Gyeomje.
“How does the Guardian consider this?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Roughly, how would you evaluate So Yeomra’s capabilities?”
“…”
It was Jin Ryung-Gyeomje who had directly witnessed the situation. He should certainly have gauged the child’s level.
Holding onto that belief, the Sword Master asked, but…
“I can’t say.”
“…!”
The eyes of the Sword Master gleamed in disbelief.
“You can’t…?”
“Yes.”
He couldn’t ascertain the child’s level.
Jin Ryung-Gyeomje spoke, unfaltering.
The Sword Master reflected disbelief as he measured his words.
“Is that really plausible?”
Of all persons, he found it hard to digest that Jin Ryung-Gyeomje could not assess the situation.
Had he not managed to gauge Yu Tan-Geom fairly doch?
He was a person who should have been able to perceive a late-stage talent.
Skepticism painted the Sword Master’s expression, while tranquil intensity bore down on Jin Ryung-Gyeomje.
“There’s no lie in what I say—I couldn’t gauge So Yeomra’s level at all.”
It was neither a situation of him overlooking it or revealing falsehood.
Jin Ryung-Gyeomje had not fully discerned the child.
This implied one of two things:
‘So Yeomra is probably close to Jin Ryung-Gyeomje’s level, or….’
‘Perhaps he possesses some unique martial art!’
Such a martial art capable of blurring the assessment of one’s strength.
Taking in the loneliness of So Yeomra’s order, the Sword Master breathed slowly.
‘There’s mention of Yu Tan-Geom speaking of Demonic Techniques.’
There were noted complaints that he had unleashed fierce energy while raving about Demonic Techniques.
‘Demonic Techniques…’
Could it be that So Yeomra indeed unraveled Demonic Techniques?
Would a righteous bloodline dare conjure them right in the heart of the Martial Alliance?
‘That would be improbable.’
He hadn’t dared consider that possibility.
As for him, the assumption of a comparable caliber between Jin Ryung-Gyeomje and So Yeomra never crossed his mind.
That circumstance leaned on talent that could hardly be denoted.
Mental powers exceeding corporeal limits can lead to inherent miracles.
Yet there remained an ambiguity.
‘This child is also the offspring of the Ho-hyoup.’
He was, quite paradoxically, the child of the tiger of Mount Shan.
While miracles may seem elusive, possessing such lineage could alter that perspective.
As he folded the letter gently, the Sword Master sighed once more.
“Hmm…”
Much wasn’t right about this matter.
Not only was there an altercation before the Martial Arts Tournament even began—the irksome part had begun to raise concerns.
For him, the crucial matter became that So Yeomra started to attract attention.
Despite any efforts to conceal matters, word would have already spread like wildfire.
In various rumors, thoughts crept in that So Yeomra battled against Yu Tan-Geom on equal grounds.
That the young warrior had landed solid blows against Yu Tan-Geom.
Somehow, that would inevitably soon drift through the channels.
And that presented a great problem for the Sword Master.
‘Why is it that the child should be making remarkable displays just now?’
It was indeed a curious phenomenon.
What if the child reached Transformation Realm like Shin Ryong?
It was something he thought improbable; the implications weighed heavily as they flitted about his mind.
Nevertheless, it was troublesome.
Substantial to the plans being prepared in the Alliance along with Shaolin.
‘It might create issues in carrying out the Yuseong Conception Plan.’
The former leader’s prophecy of upcoming disasters might skew the full annihilation of the Demonic Faction.
The anxiety of such a seed grew inside the Sword Master’s body.
Creak.
Feeling this anxiety, the Sword Master finally rose from the table.
“Where are those two right now?”
“In the underground interrogation room.”
“Then, let’s proceed….”
With the Sword Master’s words, Jin Ryung-Gyeomje’s eyes twitched slightly.
“You mean you wish to see this in person?”
“Indeed.”
He fervently nodded before stepping away.
It seemed that he had to ascertain the situation.
Whether the child of the Gu Clan would ultimately be beneficial to their plans or rather be a potential threat.
