NOVEL NEXT Chapter 32
Chapter 32: The Hero Captivating Women’s Hearts
Lee Cheol-soo’s words left Jeon Yeong speechless.
His words were the truth.
Once fallen, the Gongdong Sect was, at one time, a prominent faction that stood among the nine great alliances.
With over a thousand years of history since the ancient era’s Glory Investigation, it was a prestigious faction that ranked among the most historically significant in the Central Plains.
‘Our sect has lost the glory of the past during the Great Hall Master’s era. Jeon Yeong, I feel ashamed about this fact. However, the spirit of our sect still breathes in the main base. Our sect walks the path of righteousness, helping the weak and vanquishing evil ways. Let it be a purification of the wicked and the emergence of the righteous. Do not forget that our sect walks the White Path. Engrain this in your heart and walk the righteous path, so as not to shame our ancestors at the Jucheon Sword Sect.’
Jeon Yeong recalled the words of his elderly master.
It was a week before Master Im Baek-seon had returned to the heavens. Perhaps sensing his death, he had spoken to his disciple Jeon Yeong like this.
‘A true hero is one who acts for others without concern for himself. You should strive to become such a hero. Rebuilding the sect is important, but do not forget the spirit of righteousness and chivalry. As long as the soul of the sect is alive, the rebuilding will hold meaning.’
The master’s words echoed in Jeon Yeong’s ears.
A true hero acts for others without concern for himself.
No matter how young, the might of the Black Dragon Clan standing as one of the Eight Palaces of Sado could be deduced from the conversation between Seo Dae-in and himself.
He had taught Lee Cheol-soo for over a year; thus, he recognized how remarkably astute and keen Lee Cheol-soo was. He had been thinking that once the sect was rebuilt, Lee Cheol-soo might be the right talent to assist Yujinhwi, the future sect leader.
That made it all the more surprising.
The fourteen-year-old child was acknowledging the might of the Black Dragons yet boldly asserted for chivalry.
‘How embarrassing.’
At the same moment, he felt shame.
Hadn’t Master Im Baek-seon warned him before he passed away?
The soul of the sect must be alive for the rebuilding to hold meaning.
He mustn’t forget that their sect’s identity was that of the Orthodox Faction.
Yet, under the immense name of the Black Dragon Clan, he found himself thinking of fleeing.
Realistically speaking, if the Black Dragons took action, the already fallen Gongdong Sect would meet its end, reduced to mere remnants of its former glory.
‘But what does that even matter?’
A true hero acts for others without concern for himself.
Fearing the name of the Black Dragons was inconceivable for the lord of a sect dwelling in the righteous path.
As the sect leader of the Gongdong Sect, it was unacceptable to back away from the Black Dragons.
‘How shameful to my ancestors!’
The Gongdong Inn, the last business establishment remaining for the Gongdong Sect.
As the surrogates of the sect, the surviving disciples who flourished under the name of the sect watched as the Blood Temple severed all ties with the Gongdong Sect.
Ironically, only the Gongdong Inn, established by a servant of the Gongdong Sect, maintained the last semblance of loyalty.
Truly, they could be called a family-like presence.
To think of abandoning those family-like individuals in their times of hardship just to flee to the main base…it couldn’t be more shameful.
He felt as though the ancestral tablets enshrined at the Jucheon Sword Sect were criticizing him.
“······You are right.”
Jeon Yeong closed his eyes as he spoke.
“As the leader of the Gongdong Sect, it is indeed pitiful to stop my disciple from acting on chivalry.”
Jeon Yeong opened his eyes and looked at Lee Cheol-soo.
“However, I am not just the leader of the Gongdong Sect, but your master as well. It’s only natural to worry about your safety. Everything must hold meaning while it is alive. Do you have a plan to face the Black Dragon Clan?”
He couldn’t refuse.
But as a master, he could not help but feel concerned.
In the span of a year—long or short, Jeon Yeong had built up a sizable bond of affection with Lee Cheol-soo through their teacher-disciple relationship.
He could not stand by while his disciple faced danger.
Jeon Yeong’s gaze met Lee Cheol-soo’s.
Lee Cheol-soo nodded.
*
“Do you have a plan?”
The affairs of the Martial World were like the Gordian Knot. It’s complicated if you want to untie it, but you can cut through it easily with a sword—such was the nature of the Martial World.
In simpler terms, wielding a sword can solve most issues. Of course, you need the power to back it up and a just cause, but still.
‘The one pulling the strings is the Black Dragon Clan, thus I need to draw them here.’
Dealing with the Sayeong Hoe was simple.
But the issue was the Black Dragon Clan. If they decided to cut ties, they would be in trouble.
After the Sayeong Hoe’s downfall, they could wave off any connection with the Black Dragon Clan while setting up another secret operation right in front of them.
So to reach a complete resolution, they needed to draw the Black Dragon Clan to the table, not just the Sayeong Hoe.
And I had a way to lure them out.
‘I need to throw out some bait.’
What they desired was the downfall of the Gongdong Sect.
So it made sense to wager the downfall of the Gongdong Sect. In that case, the Black Dragon Clan leader would feel compelled to show up instead of hiding.
‘I should propose a martial arts competition, betting on the Gongdong Sect’s preservation as the condition, with the Post-Stimulation Indicator format.’
I thought of proposing a format that would be favorable to them, like a 2:3 consecutive wins format.
This would mean me and two other seniors from my side, while on their side, three of their Post-Stimulation Indicators at the same age as me.
This would allow fights to happen one-on-one, with the winner of each fight continuing on until the losers are eliminated from the arena.
Taking out the age penalty would make the conditions excessively favorable for the Black Dragon Clan—a condition so unreasonable that even if their leader wouldn’t admit it, they’d want to participate.
If I proposed conditions like this, they would find a way to come to the table regardless of the process.
Even if they didn’t want to, I would make it happen.
If the famed Black Dragon Clan’s renowned Post-Stimulation Indicator, Black Dragon Wi Soryeon—who, though a lady, was a future master expected to reach the Stage of Transcendence—decided to step up, they’d see it as a guaranteed win.
‘What’s with the nickname Black Dragon? Isn’t it embarrassing?’
Black Dragon Wi Soryeon wrote her name.
As a woman who filled the position of the top fiend of the sect, she was already remarkable and expected to reach the Stage of Transcendence in the future.
But ultimately, she was a mere underling compared to Yujinhwi, past, present, and future.
While the information on Yujinhwi had not spread throughout the Martial World yet, I intended to make the most of this information asymmetry.
“I have a plan.”
“What kind of plan?”
“Martial affairs should be conducted in a martial way. I will send a martial arts competition document to the Black Dragon Clan in the name of our sect.”
“Will they even respond to our sect’s martial arts document?”
“Only if the cost is too great for them to decline. Their ultimate goal is to see the downfall of our sect. Therefore, we can propose that if they lose, their end will mean the preservation of our sect. They will have to agree to the competitive format I’ve proposed.”
Jeon Yeong fell silent for a moment.
It was a condition that was obviously unfavorable.
A high-risk, high-reward situation, he might have deliberated even if he was the leader.
“If the debt is an issue, can’t we sell off the rare item?”
“Now’s not the time to be so reckless.”
If I were to speak of the rare item, it likely referred to the Night Pearl I had taken from the Honwon Bidong.
To suggest selling the Night Pearl now…? That would be outright madness unless I wanted to hold a secret party for the Black Masked Fiends at the Gongdong Sect’s main base.
After saying this, I casually glanced over toward Seo Dae-in.
According to past records, he was reliable. But records and reality can differ. Given the conversation about the rare item, my gaze unconsciously returned to him.
The human greed could lead to the betrayal of trust. That was a lesson I learned countless times in the political scene of the imperial palace.
In the world, there are those known as gentlemen who secretly take bribes while enjoying the pleasures of affection or a political figure known for his integrity who betrays his faction under a single threat while holding leverage.
But why do the noblemen of Beijing have such a penchant for forbidden love? They seem like damned gays. This was precisely why I never took past exams.
However, in Seo Dae-in’s eyes, I saw not even a glimpse of greed.
His gaze seemed to have erased even curiosity.
It appeared the records were not mistaken. Thank goodness.
“There’s no reason to reveal what cannot be defended with our sect’s strength.”
“Hmm···.”
“If it becomes known that this rare item came from our sect, we will face incomparable pressure compared to now. The current Gongdong Sect lacks the strength and capability to withstand that.”
It was a cold hard truth.
“That rare external item will bring greater troubles. And Master.”
I looked at Jeon Yeong.
“Trust me, your disciple can handle the likes of the Black Dragon Clan’s Post-Stimulation Indicators. If you doubt me, then trust in the top paragon, Sahyeong. To protect Seo Dae-in and Lin Ah, this is the best method.”
My gaze met my master’s.
At the mention of Sahyeong, Yujinhwi flinched slightly.
He had been glancing our way since earlier, ever since I fought against the Black-clad fiends.
His eyes were welling up slightly.
Honestly, I was confident enough to take on the Black Dragon Clan and everything on my own. But for persuasion, it was better to mention Sahyeong’s name.
I didn’t have the intention to take them all down solo. If I emerged victorious against all three of the Black Dragon Clan’s Post-Stimulation Indicators, all spotlight would focus on me, and I didn’t desire that kind of attention.
What I wished for was to remain a behind-the-scenes figure. Just enough fame that the ladies would admire me.
Excessive fame brings excessive responsibility. I didn’t need that far.
Sahyeong could bear the responsibility. I wouldn’t have to. Pursuing pleasurable moments with no responsibility was the ideal.
“Master, you don’t think Sahyeong is inferior to the Black Dragon, do you…?”
Sahyeong’s current power could be compared to a nuclear weapon with respect to the present time.
In terms of the Post-Stimulation Indicator level, Sahyeong couldn’t lose even if he wanted to, and facing elders from the Nine Great Alliances, he could surely push through the duel, increasing his level mid-battle due to his monstrous talent.
He possessed overwhelming power that could shatter their stratagems. There was no reason not to utilize it.
This is why those without power end up struggling at every turn.
“No, although our sect has fallen, Huia’s accomplishments can rival those of renowned figures from illustrious sects.”
“Then trust in our disciples. We will resolve this issue and protect the Inn.”
Jeon Yeong fell silent.
A brief silence lingered in the Inn.
Despite hesitations, even he knew there was no sharper solution beyond what I had suggested.
I waited comfortably for his deliberation.
“I understand. Cheol-soo, I will accept your proposal. Seo Dae-in, prepare the writing brush. We shall draft the martial arts competition document.”
As expected, Jeon Yeong accepted my proposal.
Hearing his words, I barely held back the twitch of a smile.
‘Hehehe, with this, I’ve finally taken a step further toward becoming the popular guy.’
The duel between the Gongdong Sect and the Black Dragon Clan’s Post-Stimulation Indicator will naturally become a hot topic in the Martial World.
And I, as a participant in this duel, would also be mentioned as a noteworthy Post-Stimulation Indicator throughout the Martial World.
Not just any Post-Stimulation Indicator, but the Gongdong Sect’s disciple boldly opposed to the mighty Black Dragon Clan for the sake of a tiny Inn, risking it all in the name of chivalry.
In present-day terms, it’s like scoring a Grand Slam on the major three news networks and decorating the front page of all major daily newspapers, with my YouTube video hitting a million views.
This first step of the hero captivating women’s hearts, Lee Cheol-soo, is not merely sufficient—it’s overflowing in terms of a debut showcase.
‘I have to say, this is an epic story. Hehehe, even if I were a woman, I would have fallen for myself.’
When it comes to captivating women’s hearts, the crucial element is the talk.
One of the characteristics women look for in an ideal man is humor—women love men who can make them laugh.
And to talk amusingly, one needs a story first.
Whether trivial or truly entertaining experiences, I planned to narrate this epic story in a delightful way.
Already, the faces and voices of the captivating beauties surrounding me flashed through my mind.
‘Oh my, this young gentleman. Unable to contain his chivalry, challenging the Black Dragon Clan! This gentleman’s spirit of chivalry truly stands out in the Martial World!’
‘This gentleman’s chivalry has captured my heart! Hohohoho!’
‘Oh, young master, it’s late, but could you share your untold story in my chamber? I really want to stay up all night listening to your tales.’
Beautiful maidens blushing while hearing me narrate my tales of chivalry!
Naturally, drawn to hear the rest of my story, inviting me to their private chambers! And following that, the steamy tales of passion on their beds!
It was a flawless plan.
‘This is what sex is!’
What’s the ultimate goal of chivalry?
Honor? Reputation?
All wrong.
The ultimate purpose of chivalry is to captivate women’s hearts and reach the pleasures of cloud and rain.
As I approach adulthood and gain the vigorous energy of youth, I would continue to engage in chivalry, building stories to capture hearts until that day.
I laughed while envisioning a steamy future with dear beauties.
The Black Dragon Clan’s fate was sealed.
I thought that while activating my pelvic core muscles.
Thump.
It was now the Kegel exercise, reaching the realm of mind-body unity.