NOVEL NEXT Chapter 44
Chapter 44: A Young Man’s Promise is Worth Its Weight in Gold
Gongdong Sect Mountain Gate.
Suddenly facing the face of Yujinhwi, the expression of Heuksaryong Wi Soryeon stiffens slightly.
‘Is this the outstanding disciple of the Gongdong Sect, Yujinhwi?’
Wi Soryeon was representing the Black Dragon Clan in this martial arts contest.
Naturally, she had already gathered information about the two disciples from the Gongdong Sect beforehand.
There were two disciples from the Gongdong Sect: the first was Yujinhwi, rumored to be a handsome youth rivaling Song-ok and Ban-an, renowned for his exceptional talent.
The second was Lee Cheol-soo, known for precisely castrating three members of Sayeong Hoe at the Gongdong Inn.
All this information was graciously provided for free by Hao Mun.
Yujinhwi, rumored to be an exceptional talent, had yet to undergo proper verification of his skills.
However, Wi Soryeon was wary but not overly concerned.
“Such a beautiful face… So it’s true that the Gongdong Sect’s Yujinhwi is a stunning beauty rivaling Song-ok and Ban-an. Tsk tsk,”
Wi Soryeon clicked her tongue.
Such a waste.
So much so that she unwittingly uttered such a sentiment, as Yujinhwi possessed an alluring charm that transcended mere humanity.
He stood before her, a peerless beauty worthy of discussions, even surpassing the famed handsome figures of Song-ok and Ban-an.
Were she a common woman rather than the clan leader of the Black Dragon Clan, she might have lost her heart to his appearance.
Wi Soryeon thought this without realizing it.
“What do you mean by ‘such a waste’?”
Yujinhwi’s gaze turned icy.
Compliments about his handsome features had incessantly been showered upon him since childhood, every time he visited Hwajeong County. In fact, there were often over ten women watching him from a distance, captivated by his looks.
Yet, Yujinhwi didn’t appreciate such comments about his beauty.
‘What good is being handsome? A martial artist proves himself through his martial prowess.’
Scholars have their proof in words, and martial artists in martial arts.
Looks weren’t essential; thus, he felt no joy in receiving compliments.
Rather, it felt degrading. Yujinhwi thought this way.
‘Maybe if it was my disciple…’
There was one exception.
If his precious disciple praised his looks, he might feel a bit pleased.
But alas, it was not his disciple, but that despicable clan leader of the Black Dragon Clan, Wi Soryeon, who uttered the praise.
“How unfortunate it is that the Gongdong Sect’s great disciple, who will soon crumble in our duel, possesses such beauty.”
Even her voice was lovely.
Wi Soryon swallowed back her words.
To be honest, Yujinhwi’s physique resembled that of a delicate woman more than a man with his slender and androgynous build.
However, his looks had reached a realm beyond humanity.
If the famed beauty of the Martial World, Sado Ryeonju, were to unleash the Beauty Temptation Technique, might it look something like this?
Wi Soryeon felt like her heart might waver if she continued to gaze at Yujinhwi.
Regaining her composure, Wi Soryeon summoned the essence of the Black Snake Nine Dragon Technique from her dantian.
Whuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!
Her dantian hummed, releasing a strong energy that shot towards Yujinhwi.
The First Yin True Formula of the South Faction.
As expected of her reputation, she had grown up in the Black Dragon Clan as the sole daughter of the clan leader, pampered and nourished on divine medicines while mastering martial arts since she could walk.
It didn’t stop there.
To command the rough men of the Black Dragon Clan, who revered masculinity, she had forsaken her femininity and grown up rolling in the mud like the men.
The First Yin True Formula of the South Faction. Receiving the title of “Dragon” instead of “Phoenix” was thanks to this.
“No matter how talented you are, your fame is likely limited to the small town of Hwajeong County. I’ll show you today that the world is vast.”
At that moment, when Wi Soryeon unleashed her spiritual energy to pressure Yujinhwi.
Yujinhwi quietly closed his eyes and opened them again.
From his body emanated the energy of the Three Yin True Formula, swirling around him.
The force, enveloping Yujinhwi, brushed off Wi Soryeon’s intangible energy with a rugged yet harmonious power.
Hooooooooooooooooooo!!!
With a whistling sound, the energy spread in all directions, kicking up clouds of fine sand.
*
“Cough, cough.”
I choked on the sudden sandstorm.
Really, why do masters always begin an energy contest the moment they meet?
And what about the fine dust that’s been bothering me for hundreds of years?
“…A little unexpected. But does he possess enough talent to be considered remarkable?”
As the fine dust settled, Wi Soryeon glanced at Sahyeong and spoke.
Sahyeong said nothing.
It seemed that upon witnessing how Sahyeong had successfully defended against her spiritual energy, Wi Soryeon slightly adjusted her assessment.
Still, Sahyeong hadn’t even shown 1% of his true strength, so it was fine.
There was no issue with the duel.
“The ones collapsing in the upcoming competition will be you treacherous minions of Samawoe-do.”
“Hah, your Gongdong Sect against our Black Dragon Clan? How laughable. Don’t mistake that this was just my power. You hypocritical orthodox faction. Tch, if it weren’t for my father’s orders, there wouldn’t be any duel with the Gongdong Sect.”
Wi Soryeon clicked her tongue.
The gazes of the two clashed in the air again.
At that moment, when Yujinhwi and Wi Soryeon were exchanging cool lines like a scene from a martial arts novel.
“What if our side wins? If you’re that confident, shouldn’t we make a different bet regardless of the duel’s outcome?”
I said while looking at Wi Soryeon.
Only then did Wi Soryeon’s gaze shift back to me.
A look of disbelief appeared on her face.
“A different bet? Why should I entertain that?”
Attempting to brush it off, Wi Soryeon.
Ordinary martial artists from the medieval world might let it slide, but I was anything but ordinary.
Honed by countless ranked games, online community debates, and court political intrigue during my previous life, my skills in verbal dueling had long surpassed those of medieval martial artists.
I licked my dry lips and pretended to be a childish, foolhardy kid of my age.
“Are you scared of losing? Haven’t you heard that the Black Dragon Clan leader Heuksaryong is open-minded and magnanimous? Rumors of the martial world must all be false. You are petty, narrow-minded, and selfish. You’re more of a spoiled girl than a dragon. You must be a Heuktoryong instead of a Heuksaryong.”
As I insulted her by comparing her to a worm (土龍), her face began to turn a bright shade of red.
“What do you mean, Heuktoryong!? How dare you insult me like that! The great Black Dragon Clan will never be defeated! Especially not by a third-rate sect like yours! Alright! If our Black Dragon Clan loses, I’ll personally call you ‘big brother’ for the rest of your life! But that won’t happen!”
With a flushed face, Heuksaryong shouted while pointing a finger at me.
‘Oh ho ho ho.’
I tried to suppress a grin creeping at the corners of my mouth.
With the genius of geniuses, the Heavenly Body Sahyeong beside me, our Gongdong Sect would never lose in this duel.
Thus, Heuksaryong would have no choice but to call me ‘big brother.’
‘Oh, big brother…’
With her sturdy physique but beautiful blush, Heuksaryong would call me ‘big brother’.
A blossoming interest and love blossomed in the air.
Originally, a brother becomes the husband and vice versa.
It was written in the texts that breaking the psychological barrier with titles makes it easier to gain affection.
Though I had lived my life as a virgin, I had mastered all the theory through reading.
Now, it was time to put it into practice.
Of course, the barriers of the South Faction and Orthodox Faction were no trivial challenge that could easily be overcome, but there was a thrill in that as well.
We could continue to flirt until we both reached adulthood, allowing our feelings to mature.
While staring at Heuksaryong, I had already decided on the names of our grandchildren in my mind.
Heuksaryong took a step back and spoke.
“Your gaze is unpleasant… If we lose, I’ll make you my servant.”
Planning to humiliate me by making me her servant, she seemed confident.
It was a match that I was not going to lose anyway.
Just as I was about to respond to Heuksaryong’s proposal.
“Wait, hold on. Instead of my disciple, I shall be the servant.”
Sahyeong interjected between me and Heuksaryong.
He placed his hand on his chest with a solemn expression.
His words made Heuksaryong’s expression turn into something strange.
What’s going on?
Why is he suddenly doing this? It was too much of a bother right now.
I couldn’t let Sahyeong interfere in my operation.
Before Heuksaryong could respond, I quickly interrupted Sahyeong’s remark.
“Disciple, there’s no need for you to step in. It’s said that a young man’s promise is worth its weight in gold. As a proper man, I shall bear the weight of my own words. Moreover, our sect will never be defeated by Samawoe-do. We will win this duel and ensure the peace of the Gongdong Inn and Hwajeong County. I will become Heuksaryong’s big brother, so please worry not, my disciple. It’s something that won’t happen anyway.”
“A young man’s promise is worth its weight in gold,” Sahyeong murmured softly and nodded with a serious expression.
“I understand. Disciple, but if it gets too tough, do tell me?”
“Understood.”
Just as I was able to send the disciple away and let out a sigh of relief.
“That’s truly touching brotherly love, so commendable.”
Wi Soryeon laughed as she observed us.
A sneer was visible on her face.
Yujinhwi’s expression hardened at the sight of her.
“Coming from someone who has grown up alone without siblings, you wouldn’t understand our feelings. Naturally, you wouldn’t. Heuksaryong.”
Sahyeong spat coldly, glaring at Wi Soryeon.
Seeing this, Wi Soryeon began to loosen her stance again.
Just as a second energy contest was about to unfold.
“Is there a messenger from the Black Dragon Clan?”
An unfamiliar voice echoed from beyond the open mountain gate.
Soon after, a middle-aged man dressed in black martial robes, stroking his beard, made his entrance.
It was Jeonyeong, the clan leader of the Gongdong Sect.
“That’s right. It is Heuksaryong Wi Soryeon, the leader of the Black Dragon Clan. I’ve brought the response from the clan leader.”
Seeing Jeonyeong, Wi Soryeon respectfully cupped her hands in greeting.
Suddenly showing emotional control made it seem like her earlier provocation was intentional.
After all, martial artists should be recognized for their emotional control.
“I am Jeonyeong, the Demon Subduing Swordsman and clan leader of the Gongdong Sect. Since you’re a guest, I will escort Heuksaryong to the Reception Hall. Cheol-soo, guide the guest to the Reception Hall.”
“Yes, Master.”
Thus, with the intervention of the Master, the energy contest that had just begun ended before it could even start. I took Heuksaryong and headed toward the Reception Hall.
The real fight was just about to begin.