novelraw Chapter 157 : Chapter 157
Chapter 157 : Chapter 157
Chapter 157 - That's What's Normal
“A lot of people have come.”
Eung Gajin looked at Yi Gwon-su’s group with a voice full of emotion.
How long had it been since the sect had received so many guests?
Even on the day of the Sect Leader’s inauguration, only one beggar from the Beggars' Union had come to congratulate them.
Although he turned out to be a rather high-ranking gentleman for a mere beggar, the public's perception was only at that level.
But now, they were about to have a sparring match with a pillar of the Nine Sects One Union in front of a large crowd of spectators.
For Eung Gajin, the grandson of the previous Sect Leader, all of this was overwhelmingly emotional.
“What are you doing now?”
“Uh, huh?”
There was an assistant who could cool down that overwhelming heart, and it was none other than Biyoung.
“I don't know who is here to watch whom. You must be very confident about today’s sparring match, huh? You, who threw up everything you ate during training yesterday…”
“W-why are you bringing that up now?”
For an assistant, his mouth was excessively harsh.
In any case, the excited feeling that had filled Eung Gajin’s inner self had disappeared without a trace.
The memory of being beaten to a pulp by Biyoung the previous day and then vomiting came back to him.
My goodness, to think there was someone who beat people until they vomited everything they ate.
Shouldn’t he be called a demon, not a person?
“It’s about to start, so I’ll announce the lineup. Oh, this is something I’ve discussed with the Sect Leader, so don’t even think about arguing.”
At Biyoung’s words, all the younger generation disciples swallowed hard.
The desperate wish to participate in the sparring match.
Their expressions were a mixture of the anxious feeling of whether they could do well if they went out.
“Five people will be going from our side. Senior Brother Eung Ga. Senior Sister Jeong. Senior Brother Uma. Senior Brother Danseol. And……”
It was easy to guess who the last person was.
It was as clear as day who was the strongest among the younger generation disciples.
However, the last person to be named completely overturned all the swordsmen’s expectations.
“Junior Sister Hong.”
“Huh?”
“Oh?”
Hyeokri Hong, whose cheeks had been puffed out because her name wasn't called, opened her eyes wide like a rabbit, and the other younger generation disciples’ jaws dropped.
“Junior Sister Hong? Are you serious?”
“Why, Senior Brother Uma? What’s wrong with Junior Sister Hong? Even you can’t be sure if you fight her, you know?”
“That’s not what I mean…… Isn’t there a swordsman who absolutely must be on the list?”
“A swordsman who must be there? Who?”
At Biyoung’s nonchalant reaction, all the swordsmen were at a loss for words.
You.
It's you, you bastard.
If you're not going, then who is!
Reading the gazes of his fellow disciples, Biyoung flashed a mischievous smile.
“You seem to be greatly mistaken about something……”
“……?”
“Do you think I’m on their level?”
“Uh…… that’s……”
It was a very arrogant statement, but there was nothing to refute it.
It was Biyoung who had charged into Hunan and killed Dancheong, the leader of the Ghost Face Gang, with a single strike.
There was no way the third-generation disciples of other sects would catch the eye of the World’s Fastest Sword.
“Am I supposed to play house with the True Dragon Sect’s brats? It would only make my hands look ridiculous.”
“………….”
He was right.
He was definitely right.
But he was so unlucky.
How could he say only annoying things with such a shameless face?
The sparring match hadn't even started yet, but the younger generation disciples of the Diancang Sect had to feel an inexplicable hot emotion.
Eung Gajin snorted once and nodded his head.
“Yeah, yeah. You’re the shit. We, who are on their level, will go and face the third-generation disciples of the True Dragon Sect.”
“Ahem.”
“?”
“What are you talking about? It's the same for you, Senior Brothers. You're not on their level either. Surely you're not planning to have a life-or-death battle with the True Dragon Sect’s fledglings, are you?”
I didn't know who was calling whom a fledgling, but it was a heartwarming statement in a way.
In any case, it was proof that Biyoung considered them to be capable swordsmen.
Perhaps it was because of the time they had rolled around together.
Biyoung’s faith was unshakable.
And it was also extremely resolute.
“Don’t allow a single sword strike.”
“……What?”
“All the swordsmen going out today, don’t allow a single sword strike.”
“!”
It was a statement so shocking that even Danseol’s pupils were slightly visible through his narrow eyes.
Wasn’t this an order that could only be given if one looked down on the opponent as a complete fool?
Even Jeong-i, who had been smiling faintly all along, had to confirm it one more time.
“Junior Brother Biyoung, are you saying that not just one of us, but all of us must not allow a single sword strike?”
“That’s right. So, even if the other four do well, but the remaining one allows a single sword strike? Then you can consider tonight’s sleep gone.”
Eung Gajin gritted his teeth without realizing it.
Where in the world was there such a wicked joint responsibility?
Even if I do well, if one of my peers messes up, it’s straight to hell training.
Although he was a guy who spouted nonsense all the time, Biyoung had never once said anything foolish regarding training.
To escape from that demon tonight, everyone had to put on a completely flawless sparring match.
‘Even so…….’
Would it be possible to carry out Biyoung’s words properly?
They weren’t some clumsy mountain bandits; their opponents were a pillar of the Nine Sects One Union.
“Ahem. Doubting again.”
However, Biyoung’s pupils were firm without a single waver.
The strict instructor’s appearance was gone, and Biyoung, who had returned to being a naive younger brother, grinned.
“You’ll know once you actually face them. That it’s not that hard.”
***
“The True Dragon Sect has arrived!”
Unlike when they greeted Yi Gwon-su and the other merchants, the faces of the Diancang Sect martial artists hardened.
At their reaction, the spectators swallowed their saliva.
If the Diancang Sect was the stone that had fallen from the Nine Sects One Union, the True Dragon Sect was the new stone that was embedded.
Had there ever been a history where the glory and downfall of a sect were so clearly divided?
There was no way the people of the True Dragon Sect would look good in their eyes.
“It is a pleasure to meet you again, Sect Leader. Thank you for the invitation.”
“Hoholhol. Please, come in.”
Behind Yubeop, who stood at the forefront, third-generation disciples who looked to be in their early twenties stood in a row.
‘Those are the True Dragon Sect…!’
They were impressive people in many ways.
Not only were their physiques well-built for their young age, but judging from the light in their eyes, they seemed to have accumulated a considerable amount of internal energy.
The color combination of their yellow and black martial uniforms was no different from Shaolin’s, but the color and material were exceptionally luxurious.
The public's sneer that they were a sect that had bought fame with money did not seem to be entirely unfounded.
However, the most impressive thing was not the luxurious material of their martial uniforms, nor the physique of the swordsmen.
It was their ridiculously arrogant attitude.
“Hah…… that’s the Sect Leader?”
“Kekeke. You know a book by its cover.”
“I wonder if we came all this way for nothing.”
“Biyoung, was it? I’ll take him, so don’t even think about it.”
As if they had no intention of lowering their voices, the third-generation disciples of the True Dragon Sect stood askew and chattered away.
Perhaps because of the fact that the sect had once been annihilated, they clearly looked down on the Diancang Sect.
On top of that, the man who was the Sect Leader had a face soaked in alcohol, let alone any martial arts, so he seemed all the more easy to look down on.
‘Those bastards?’
At their rude attitude, Uma’s face contorted.
Would these people be able to act so rudely even if they went to Mount Hua or Mount Song?
If Eung Gajin hadn't stopped him with one hand, he would have drawn his sword and charged out immediately.
“Calm down, Uma.”
“Senior Brother.”
“You’re not the only one holding back.”
“……!”
Only then did Uma turn his head.
Just as Eung Gajin had said, most of the martial artists had faces full of anger.
Especially the demon…… no, Biyoung’s expression, standing back there, was enough to send a chill down the spine of even Uma, who was on the same side.
“Shit. Should I have just gone out alone and killed them all?”
Since Biyoung also had no intention of lowering his voice, his voice was clearly heard by everyone.
“What?”
“Is that bastard crazy……”
“Who’s going to kill whom?”
The atmosphere, which had been formal with the elders exchanging pleasantries, turned hostile.
Yubeop turned his head and shot a stern look at his disciples.
“……Where did you learn such rudeness? From now on, those who open their mouths will not even spar, but will crawl back on all fours.”
Only then did the third-generation disciples of the True Dragon Sect hurriedly shut their mouths and bow their heads.
While they looked down on the Sect Leader of another sect, they were completely obedient to Yubeop’s words.
What was even more ridiculous was Yubeop’s subsequent statement.
“Please forgive us, Sect Leader. It seems my disciples have lost their composure due to their confidence in victory.”
Confident of victory even before drawing their swords.
Just as in their conversation at the Yi Family Clan, Yubeop’s way of speaking, while pretending to be polite, seemed no different from the hearts of the third-generation disciples.
Although Yubeop was an old elder, his opponent was a Sect Leader.
At the mention of confidence and whatnot in front of him, even the usually calm Jeong-i’s pupils shot out a murderous glint.
“Hoholhol. Please don’t mind it.”
However, Jeokseo, as always, brushed off Yubeop’s subtle provocation.
It was enough to make one wonder if he was a person who was good at holding in his anger, or if he simply didn't have the emotion of anger at all.
‘Yes…… let’s see how long you can act like a saint.’
Yubeop, seemingly determined, asked Jeokseo.
“I heard that Young Hero Biyoung’s fame is widespread in Yiliang County. Could you tell me at what number Young Hero Biyoung will come out today?”
Usually, one doesn't call out a target in a sparring match.
But Yubeop seemed determined to catch Biyoung.
And Jeokseo, as always, smiled.
“Hoholhol. Biyoung will not be coming out today.”
“Yes? What did you just……”
For the first time, a look of bewilderment appeared on Yubeop’s face.
Biyoung isn't coming out?
Wasn't Biyoung the most famous younger generation disciple in the Diancang Sect?
And at Jeokseo’s next words, Yubeop’s pupils shook greatly.
“Hoholhol. Sparring matches are for swordsmen of similar levels. The third-generation disciples of the True Dragon Sect cannot handle Biyoung.”
“!”
At that domineering statement, not only the True Dragon Sect martial artists but also the Diancang Sect swordsmen made astonished expressions.
‘Sect Leader?’
‘Did that statement just now come from the Sect Leader’s mouth?’
‘It’s not Biyoung who changed his voice?’
After a moment of awkward silence, Yubeop asked with a heavily suppressed voice.
“So, you’re saying that it will be a sparring match of a similar level even without Young Hero Biyoung?”
A desert-like atmosphere settled on Yubeop’s already bleak face.
“That is correct.”
“Our disciples’ disappointment will be immeasurable. They are children who are all fighting to face Young Hero Biyoung.”
“Hoholhol. If there is a one-sided result in today’s sparring match, I will call out Biyoung. So you can rest assured.”
“That’s a relief.”
The drooping, powerless eyes and the fiercely raised eyes meet.
It seemed as if an invisible spark flew between Jeokseo and Yubeop.
“If we’re also thinking about an extra match, there’s no need to delay. Let’s start right away.”
“As you wish.”
Before the answer was even finished, Yubeop turned his back and led his disciples away.
He had seen where the training ground was on his way, so there was no need to be guided.
“Kekeke.”
Biyoung laughed wickedly as he watched their backs.
“They’re really putting on a show. The weak ones acting all tough, that’s something that hasn't changed from the old days.”
“The old days…… What old days are you talking about?”
“You don't need to know, Senior Brother Eung Ga. There are such things as adult matters.”
“What did you say, punk?”
“Do you have time to chat with me? You, who will be going out first.”
“…………!”
“I’ll say it one more time. Just winning won’t be enough. You have to completely crush them.”
***
“Yongjin, you go out for the first sparring match.”
“Yes!”
With a clear and spirited voice, a young swordsman rose from his seat.
He was the youngest swordsman among the One Heart, One Path disciples of the True Dragon Sect.
Exhaling steam from between his flushed cheeks, Yongjin somersaulted onto the training ground.
“Ooh……!”
At his brilliant and nimble movements, the spectators burst into admiration.
Yongjin’s cheeks turned a little redder.
Having been cooped up in the mountains training all day, he couldn't calm his excited heart as he was about to display his swordsmanship among the spectators.
On the other hand…….
Thump, thump.
The man in blue, walking slowly towards the training ground, had an extremely complicated expression.
“Hah……”
Should I be happy about this or not?
Eung Gajin let out a sigh from his troubled heart.
‘Why does he look so down? Is he scared?’
Seeing his opponent’s slumped shoulders, Yongjin became even more triumphant.
“Yongjin, a third-generation disciple of the True Dragon Sect, requests a match.”
‘That guy…….’
At Yongjin’s greeting, Yubeop gave a bitter smile.
Usually, one doesn't bother to mention One Heart, One Path when introducing oneself.
This young and promising swordsman seemed to really want to show himself off.
On the other hand, Eung Gajin’s greeting was extremely calm.
“Eung Gajin of the Diancang Sect requests a match.”
The two swordsmen performed a salute.
From now on, it wouldn't be strange for them to draw their swords at any time.
‘Yongjin will probably move first.’
Even the merchants, who were ignorant of martial arts, could make such a prediction.
His flushed expression and twitching legs were telling.
That he was dying to show off his martial arts right away.
“Tahat!”
Sure enough, Yongjin stomped the ground and flew towards Eung Gajin’s side.
It was a reckless and nimble movement that suited his youthful face well.
Even an adult swordsman would have flinched and stepped back, but Eung Gajin still only had a troubled expression on his face.
‘Yes. That's what's normal.’
At that age, one should be like that.
Unable to control emotions, with rushed movements, and a simple sword path.
But why.
Why has that bastard behind me already entered the realm of a sword demon?
Eung Gajin thought so and took a step forward towards Yongjin.
Then, with a gentle motion, he extended his sword straight forward.
Kang!
“!!!”
The tip of Yongjin’s sword, filled with a fierce energy, was blocked by something sharp.
At the same time, a look of dismay filled the young swordsman’s face.
Whirl, whirl.
The True Dragon Sect’s sword, engraved with a splendid dragon decoration.
That sword spun in the air and fell.
He had lost the sword he was holding in his hand due to Eung Gajin’s counterattack, which was filled with heavy internal energy.
Cheok.
In no time, the tip of Eung Gajin’s sword was aimed at the end of the True Dragon’s flushed cheek.
Drip…… drip…….
A few drops of tear-like blood fell to the ground from the slightly scratched cheek.
“A good lesson.”
The sight of Eung Gajin calmly retrieving his sword after neutralizing his opponent.
His reliable appearance, his gentle movements, seemed to be recreating the childhood biography of a hero from an old book.
“Waaaaah!”
Not only the people of the Diancang Sect, but also the watching merchants, let out a hot cheer for the hero.