novelraw Chapter 31 : Chapter 31
Chapter 31 : Chapter 31
Chapter 31 - This time, watch carefully
‘Oh.’
Actually, I had expected this to some extent.
Subtly weaving a sect member into a pleasant gathering to form a connection was not a new practice.
Although, this was now beyond just forming a connection; they were proposing I join the sect outright.
Twitch, twitch.
Upon hearing Mayeon's proposal, Biyoung's temple twitched incessantly.
He was never good at managing his expression, but it was even harder to endure in this case.
Back in my day, no one even knew where the True Dragon Sect was tucked away.
But what? They’d make me the greatest swordsman?
To the man who was once called the greatest sword of Diancang?
It was so absurd that I was at a loss for words.
Well, of course, to the members of the True Dragon Sect themselves, it probably wouldn’t seem strange at all.
‘A pup who’s never seen a tiger isn’t scared of one, as they say.’
It was a situation that was more laughable than infuriating.
The reason Biyoung’s temple twitched was due to a mixture of various emotions, including bewilderment.
However, Elder Mayeon, who had no way of knowing the circumstances, seemed to take it as a positive sign.
“I’m glad to see you look pleased. This is certainly not a bad offer for you.”
“Before I answer, may I ask one thing?”
“By all means.”
“Does the True Dragon Sect only recruit disciples in this manner?”
At Biyoung's question, the two men’s faces stiffened slightly.
Although it might have been a question born of simple curiosity, it had, in fact, hit a sore spot.
“Not at all. The True Dragon Sect periodically accepts new disciples every five to ten years. We just recently inducted the third-generation disciples.”
“Then you must have quite a few disciples. Is there a specific reason you’re urging me to join?”
“……Hoo.”
Mayeon let out a very small sigh, and Daebyeong, reading the mood, answered in his stead.
“The True Dragon Sect has a direct lineage system called One Heart, One Path. It’s a practice where we select the most favored junior from among the disciples and focus more effort on their development. The disciples chosen for One Heart, One Path are given priority access to high-quality spiritual pills and get the chance to learn the sect's ultimate techniques a little earlier.”
“Aha. So it’s like a head disciple system, right? Where the head disciple then designates the next one.”
“That is correct. Currently, the True Dragon Sect has a total of ten One Heart, One Path lineages, from the highest-ranking elders down to the second-generation disciples. We will soon be selecting ten head disciples from the third-generation disciples as well.”
For a bunch of nobodies, they have ten of those?
Biyoung scoffed inwardly before asking again.
“Why decide so quickly? They’re kids who’ve just started learning martial arts. How much could they possibly know?”
“It is said, ‘When a plant is about to grow well, you can tell from its two leaves’. You can recognize the ones that will stand out from the moment they sprout — just like you.”
“Oh?”
Biyoung showed a slightly surprised reaction.
Judging by his expression, it was clear he still disapproved of me.
Yet, on the other hand, he readily acknowledged Biyoung as a promising sprout.
Was his tolerance greater than I thought?
Or did it mean he was that desperate?
I couldn't judge yet, but there was one thing I could easily deduce.
The two men here were the very subjects of the True Dragon Sect's 'One Heart, One Path'.
The lineage had passed from Elder Mayeon to a first-generation disciple, and that first-generation disciple had then passed it to the second-generation disciple, Daebyeong.
“You said Great Warrior Daebyeong is the most outstanding among the second-generation disciples, right?”
At Biyoung’s question, Daebyeong nodded, his expression filled with pride.
“That’s right.”
“Then it can’t be that you failed to find a third-generation disciple because you lack clout. It seems there really weren’t any decent kids.”
“……”
Those words struck a nerve with Mayeon and Daebyeong.
In truth, the quality of the disciples they had recruited this time was far more abysmal than expected.
So much so that it was hard to reluctantly pick even one.
“You are correct.”
Mayeon, who had been listening quietly, spoke up.
“As you said, the True Dragon Sect is still nothing more than a fledgling sect.”
“Elder!”
“Be quiet.”
After silencing Daebyeong, Mayeon stared into the air and spoke.
“Although our sect has joined the ranks of the Nine Sects One Union, we still only occupy a small, insignificant seat. Even within our home of Guizhou, the Mount Heng Sect has more secular families affiliated with them than the True Dragon Sect does. As the saying goes, if you have a choice, pick the prettier one. People think it’s better to learn martial arts from the Mount Heng Sect than from the True Dragon Sect.”
Considering their history and power, that was a reasonable judgment.
If the distance was vast, it might be a different story, but given their geographical proximity and the easy access to secular families, there was no reason to choose the True Dragon Sect.
‘So that’s why the kids who join the True Dragon Sect are so mediocre.’
So even though they had joined the Nine Sects One Union, they had their own set of troubles.
Biyoung slowly nodded his head.
“So, if I join the True Dragon Sect, I won’t be just a simple disciple but the One Heart, One Path disciple of you two?”
“That’s right. Although our sect’s power is weaker compared to the Mount Heng Sect, our support for One Heart, One Path disciples is exceptional. In addition to group training, we provide separate one-on-one instruction and supply high-quality spiritual pills produced directly by our sect.”
Spiritual pills and private tutoring.
For disciples, these were privileges that would make their eyes pop.
The problem was that, unfortunately, these were things Biyoung didn't need right now.
I had heard the whole story.
All that remained was to make a choice.
“My answer is……”
Gulp. The sound of someone swallowing saliva was heard.
“A duel.”
“?”
“A, a duel?”
Biyoung answered with a slight smile.
“Yes. It’s true that I beat up the bandits, but it would be more certain for you both to see my skills with your own eyes, wouldn’t it?”
“Is that so? I was planning on some verification anyway.”
Thinking Biyoung’s words meant acceptance, Mayeon’s face lit up.
“If you both think I have the qualifications for One Heart, One Path, then please tell me. And……”
“?”
“I will also judge whether the True Dragon Sect is a vessel that can contain me.”
“!!!!!!”
At those words, not only the members of the True Dragon Sect but even Yi Gwon-su’s jaw dropped.
‘Is that fellow truly mad?’
To speak of judging whether one of the Nine Sects One Union was a worthy vessel for him.
What an arrogant and rude remark.
If Yi Gwon-su himself had been Elder Mayeon, he might have immediately smashed Biyoung’s mouth.
However, as if proving he hadn’t aged in vain, Mayeon’s reaction was calm.
“Let’s do that.”
“Elder!”
Daebyeong, unable to hold back any longer, shouted, risking disrespect.
“The young warrior’s words are not wrong. Since he is not someone who came seeking to join, Young Warrior Biyoung should also have the right to choose. You shall judge the young warrior's qualities yourself.”
“………….”
What in the world was so special about that brat?
Daebyeong thought Elder Mayeon's handling of the situation was too soft.
In truth, Mayeon himself wasn't feeling very comfortable either.
But he had heard new information today.
It wasn't that everyone had worked together to subdue Jang Pae, but that Biyoung had done it alone.
Jang Pae was not an opponent who could be easily defeated even with the help of the escorts.
He was a figure whose strength ranked within the top five of the entire Green Forest Union.
Daebyeong didn't seem to know much about Jang Pae, but Mayeon had heard a few rumors about him.
That was precisely why.
He simply couldn’t picture that young man subduing Jang Pae all by himself.
Either the rumors were exaggerated, or if not…….
‘He is a talent beyond imagination.’
That was the reason he was tolerating Biyoung’s insolent behavior.
“Hahaha. It seems I’m in for a rare experience today. Young Warrior Biyoung. You’ve been drinking; will you be able to duel?”
At Yi Gwon-su’s question, Biyoung smirked.
“This much is nothing. Besides, we’ve all been drinking, haven’t we?”
‘That punk…….’
At the attitude that seemed to treat him as an equal, Daebyeong’s eyebrows twitched greatly.
A duel is a duel, but I will not go easy on him.
Daebyeong resolved to teach Biyoung a lesson, even if it meant getting an earful from Mayeon later.
Once the conversation ended, things proceeded swiftly.
Within the vast manor of the Yi Family Clan, there were plenty of spaces suitable for a duel.
The two stood facing each other on a patch of grass between the flower gardens.
“What will you use for a weapon? If you’re scared, you can use a wooden stick.”
“Let’s use our own swords.”
“???”
At Biyoung’s suggestion, question marks appeared above the heads of the five people.
Daebyeong, being a martial artist, naturally carried a sword.
But Biyoung?
There was no sword in his possession.
“Young Warrior Biyoung. A wooden sword is sufficient for a duel, isn’t it? You don’t even have a real sword right now.”
To Yi Gwon-su’s question, Biyoung replied with a cheerful voice.
“Why wouldn’t I have a sword? I just received one from the Family Head.”
“From me?”
After a moment’s hesitation, Yi Gwon-su’s expression turned aghast.
“You mean the Phoenix Knife?”
“Yes. This one.”
Biyoung pulled out a brilliant dagger from his robes.
“What are you talking about? You’re going to wield a dagger like that against a second-generation disciple of the True Dragon Sect armed with a real sword?”
Moreover, that thing wasn't even meant for actual combat.
Just as Yi Gwon-su was about to add that, Daebyeong waved his hand.
“It doesn’t matter. It seems Young Warrior Biyoung prefers a short blade.”
Judging by his expression, Daebyeong’s patience seemed to have run out.
In fact, Daebyeong no longer cared about the duel; he just wanted to beat up that arrogant brat right now.
“This is the method you chose, so do not resent me.”
“Of course. You be careful too.”
How could every single word he spoke be so annoying?
A killing intent even began to bloom in Daebyeong’s heart.
But the elder of the True Dragon Sect was right beside him.
Daebyeong resolved not to kill him, but to leave him barely breathing.
“I will grant you three moves. Let me see those skills you used to defeat the bandits.”
“How generous of you. Is that a promise?”
“Yes. I don’t know about Elder Mayeon, but I am still……”
Shwaaaek!
At that moment, a dazzling flash of light flew towards Daebyeong with a sound that tore through space.
“!”
Klang!!!!!!!!!!!
A clear metallic sound echoed through the Yi Family Manor.
Daebyeong stared ahead with eyes full of astonishment, but surprisingly, there was nothing in front of him.
“Over here.”
From behind him came the familiar, annoying voice.
Daebyeong reflexively turned around and stared in the direction of the sound.
There, Biyoung was slowly stroking the blade of the Phoenix Knife.
Grit.
Daebyeong ground his teeth hard enough to break them.
Although he had managed to block by raising his blade in haste, it was a defense born of sheer luck.
He hadn’t properly seen the attack coming, nor had he even guessed that he had moved behind him.
The most infuriating fact was that he had closed his eyes in surprise.
A swordsman closing his eyes out of fear of a blade.
For a martial artist, it was nothing short of a disgrace.
‘Don’t blame yourself too much. Anyone in your generation would have done the same.’
A mere second-generation disciple couldn’t properly face Biyoung’s attack and fighting spirit.
That aura was similar to what I felt in the Guest Pavilion earlier.
For him, it must have been a fear he had never felt before in his life.
“There are still two moves left, right?”
Daebyeong clenched his jaw and did not answer.
He didn’t want to be caught off guard and attacked like before.
‘Off guard?’
No.
Was I really off guard?
He couldn't say for sure.
The duel had already begun, and he had said he would grant three moves.
He had said it because he was confident he could counter an attack at any time.
It was just that Biyoung’s attack had been far faster than he had anticipated.
“Here I come. This time, watch carefully.”
Daebyeong’s face turned as red as a ripe persimmon.
Biyoung had seen through the fact that he had momentarily closed his eyes.
Towards Daebyeong, whose eyes were flaring with sparks, Biyoung’s body vanished like a phantom.