novelraw Chapter 33 : Chapter 33
Chapter 33 : Chapter 33
Chapter 33 - How about you leave him to me?
“That’s enough.”
Mayeon shook his head.
It wasn't that he was avoiding Biyoung out of fear.
Although Daebyeong was the foremost among his peers, he was still just a second-generation disciple.
Compared to Elder Mayeon, the difference was like heaven and earth.
However, Mayeon did not respond to Biyoung's provocation.
The results so far were humiliating enough.
“Yes. Then I’ll consider the offer to join the True Dragon Sect withdrawn.”
“Understood.”
Daebyeong, who had offered to yield three moves in the duel, was overwhelmed by the pressure and attacked first, and even then, he was defeated without so much as grazing Biyoung’s clothes.
If it had been a duel between two people of similar skill to test their abilities, it wouldn’t have been so disgraceful.
But the duel just now was a situation where Daebyeong was ‘testing’ Biyoung.
Looking at the result, it was hard to tell who was testing whom.
Under these circumstances.
Even if he, an elder, stepped in now and subdued Biyoung, there would be no justification or gain.
It would only give the gossipmongers another story to tell.
“From whom did you learn your martial arts? Who is your master?”
At this point, he couldn’t help but ask.
A master who could produce a disciple with such swordsmanship and internal energy at this age must undoubtedly be a peerless expert.
For Mayeon, who had to focus on fostering disciples, it was a truly enviable matter.
If the True Dragon Sect had a child like Biyoung, the corners of his mouth would be turned up to his ears every single day.
However, Biyoung’s answer was utterly absurd.
“I don’t really have anyone I would call a master.”
“Insolent! How long do you intend to mock this old man? After showing such martial arts, do you expect me to believe you have no master?”
‘But it’s true.’
Biyoung could only smile bitterly.
In his past life, he was called the World's Fastest Sword and given the title of the greatest sword in the history of the Diancang Sect.
For him to be taught by someone now would be stranger.
But since it was extremely bothersome, he decided to make up a plausible story.
“Actually, he has passed away. My master was a reclusive expert and never revealed himself to the world.”
“……Is that so.”
He couldn't fully believe it, but he couldn't completely distrust it either.
If the martial arts Biyoung had shown were from one of the current Nine Sects One Union, it was impossible for Mayeon not to recognize them.
After finishing his questions for Biyoung, Mayeon’s gaze turned to the opposite side.
‘Daebyeong.’
A loss as great as failing to bring Biyoung to their sect had occurred.
That loss was the head disciple of the True Dragon Sect.
The sense of loss from being unable to lay a hand on someone so young.
The humiliation of being defeated by someone with a dagger while holding a longsword.
It would continue to tear at Daebyeong’s heart for a long time.
‘Just how wide must the gap in skill be for such a result to occur?’
A thrusting duel between a longsword and a dagger.
To put it in extreme terms, it was like the difference between having one arm and not.
The length of a longsword was certainly longer than the length of an arm.
But Biyoung overcame that absurdity and landed a blow on Daebyeong.
Everyone thought it was a reckless fight, but it seemed only Biyoung was confident of this outcome.
‘So that’s why he was toying with Daebyeong.’
When he showed divine speed in the first strike, I lamented his lack of internal energy.
But in the second strike, Biyoung withdrew his speed and made him drop his sword using only internal energy.
That was an even greater shock than being outmatched in speed.
The internal energy of a second-generation disciple raised as an One Heart, One Path was incomparably stronger than that of his peers.
He was periodically provided with precious spiritual pills carefully selected by the True Dragon Sect, and taught a high-level internal energy art from a young age.
No matter how heavenly Biyoung’s talent was, he couldn't create and use internal energy he didn't have.
But what was this result?
Biyoung had crushed Daebyeong not only in swordsmanship but also in internal energy.
Speed and internal energy.
He had broken Daebyeong down one by one, as if toying with him.
‘How bizarre.’
There was one more element that confused Mayeon.
It was a kind of unease.
He was sure he had seen it somewhere before, but it just wouldn't come to mind.
He felt he had definitely seen experts in Jianghu who moved so quickly and mysteriously before.
But too much time had passed for him to realize that it was the martial art of a sect that had now been annihilated.
“Elder. The situation has become rather awkward.”
Yi Gwon-su approached Mayeon’s side, clearing his throat.
While it was true he wanted to thank Biyoung, the main purpose of today was actually to get Biyoung to join the True Dragon Sect.
When the duel started, he thought things were going smoothly.
But in the end, not only did the True Dragon Sect fail to gain Biyoung, but they also suffered a great humiliation.
“So it has.”
Mayeon stared at Biyoung with a face full of sorrow.
He was giggling and chatting with Sedong, looking like they were having a great time.
Seen like that, he looked just like a young boy.
I had no idea what was contained within him.
“Daebyeong. We’re leaving.”
“……Yes!”
Daebyeong forced himself up and staggered over.
“Are you leaving already? You should at least get Great Warrior Daebyeong treated before you go.”
Yi Gwon-su tried to stop them, but Mayeon shook his head.
“Thank you for the thought, but we will have him treated at our sect. Right now, we should be more worried about his inner demons than his external wounds.”
“Ah… yes.”
Indeed.
Having been completely defeated by a young brat, the pain in his heart must be much greater than the pain in his body.
“Then I will escort you both out.”
“I’d rather not attract any more public attention.”
“Ah, then.”
Yi Gwon-su immediately understood Mayeon’s intention.
If they walked together with him, the family head, there would be more watchful eyes.
From Mayeon’s perspective, he would want today’s events to spread as little as possible.
Yi Gwon-su called the butler and had him see the two men out.
Before leaving the manor, Elder Mayeon called out to Biyoung.
“Young Warrior Biyoung.”
“Yes? Elder.”
“Thanks to you, this old man feels as if his eyes have been newly opened.”
“Oh, it was nothing.”
“What it means to join the Nine Sects One Union. This old man will also think about it again.”
“Oh. You heard that.”
Biyoung grinned once and clasped his fists.
“I hope you stay safe within the typhoon that is the Nine Sects One Union. Your neighbors too.”
“……!”
Elder Mayeon’s pupils trembled once.
It was an incredibly audacious statement, but it was the biggest challenge the True Dragon Sect was currently facing.
To think he would hear his greatest worry from a child who was no older than his grandson.
Mayeon left Biyoung with a calm farewell.
“I will take it to heart.”
“Chomp chomp chomp chomp!”
Chopstick skills as dazzling as his sword skills decorated the plate.
The dishes that had been piled high vanished in the blink of an eye.
Only two people now remained in the Guest Pavilion.
Biyoung.
And Yi Gwon-su.
Since there were originally six people seated, the space felt somewhat empty.
“Ahem.”
Watching Biyoung devour the food, Yi Gwon-su cleared his throat.
The cloying compliments and the doting behavior from before were no longer visible.
Instead, a look of annoyance and irritation was plain to see.
‘His true colors are finally showing.’
Biyoung scoffed at the sight.
This was probably the true face of Yi Gwon-su, the ‘Master of Intrigue’.
How can a person be so different in front of and behind others?
Some might think that.
But I didn't feel particularly displeased.
The man before me was the head of the Yi Family Clan, known as a master of Master of Intrigue.
Now that his initial goal had gone awry, Biyoung was nothing more than an unwelcome guest to Yi Gwon-su.
The only reason he was having a private conversation with Biyoung was purely at Biyoung’s request.
After saying he had something important to discuss, all he did was stuff his face, so it was no wonder that irritation was rising on his face.
“It seems you have nothing to say, so I will be going.”
“I’m sorry for what happened. You must have invested a lot of money in the True Dragon Sect.”
At Biyoung’s sudden words, Yi Gwon-su’s face stiffened slightly.
“There’s no way the True Dragon Sect would expand its influence in Yunnan without any backing. There must have been a few places supporting them. The Yi Family Clan must be one of them.”
“………….”
“You must have known the True Dragon Sect’s situation to some extent, so when you heard my story, you must have thought it was a great opportunity. It would be beneficial in many ways to plant your son’s friend in the True Dragon Sect. Plus, they were offering to raise him not just as a disciple but as an One Heart, One Path, so what a great chance, right?”
Yi Gwon-su’s expression changed several times.
Surprise.
Bewilderment.
Anger.
The expression that finally appeared on his face was, surprisingly, ‘pity’.
“I think I understand how Elder Mayeon felt.”
“Pardon?”
“If you were my son, I would have no worries.”
“Haha. This compliment sounds a little more sincere.”
“It is also the highest praise I can give.”
“Is that so.”
Biyoung downed the remaining alcohol in one go and suddenly asked.
“I heard your two sons will soon be taking a test. Was it called the Awl Selection Period?”
“That’s right.”
“Do you really think that’s a fair test?”
Yi Gwon-su’s pupils narrowed slightly.
Biyoung stared intently at him.
“One might see it as unfair due to the age difference. However, the second son’s knowledge and intelligence actually surpass the first’s. While the first is resourceful, the second has been exceptionally bright since he was young.”
“Your assessment is quite accurate. Well, I suppose that’s why you’re holding the test. But, the ‘fairness’ I’m talking about isn’t about age.”
At that, Yi Gwon-su gave a faint smile.
“That is also true. The competition has already begun.”
This time, Biyoung’s eyes widened.
“You knew?”
Judging by his reaction, he seemed to be somewhat aware of the elder brother’s interference.
Biyoung’s expression sharpened slightly.
“I don’t understand your intentions. A man called a Master of Intrigue doesn't seem like he's trying to act fair now, but you’re not letting them have a truly fair test either. Sedong is just getting his hopes up for nothing. If this is the case, why hold the Awl Selection Period at all?”
“No. That is precisely the reason for holding the Awl Selection Period.”
“Eh?”
One corner of Yi Gwon-su’s mouth curled upwards.
“If someone just takes the hits when another interferes, how could he possibly take on the position of the Yi Family Clan’s head?”
“……!”
Aha.
So that's how you evaluate them?
Biyoung finally felt like he understood Yi Gwon-su’s intentions.
It wasn't that Yi Gwon-su didn't know about the first son’s sabotage.
He was just letting it happen.
If Sedong just took the beating, he would be just that kind of person. If he fought back and won, he would get the position of family head.
Who wins isn't important.
He just takes the one who fights and wins.
That was the way of the Yi Family Clan.
“Looking at it the other way, it sounds like it’s okay to strike the older brother.”
“You may not know, but……”
Yi Gwon-su’s sharp eyes became crescent-shaped.
But his mouth revealed sharp fangs.
“I was also born a son of a concubine.”
Oh.
I didn't know that.
“Alright. Well. It’s a family matter, so you can decide as you wish, Family Head.”
“If you’re done talking, I’ll be on my way.”
“But.”
“?”
“I heard that the one who fails is never allowed to be involved in the family’s affairs again?”
“Did Sedong tell you even that?”
“Yes. Because I’ve done a lot for him.”
“?”
In Yi Gwon-su’s view, a man with a jade-like face dressed in ordinary martial arts clothes entered his sight.
It's not like he can give him his handsome face, so what on earth could that brat have done for Sedong?
‘Just teaching him the footwork and breathing techniques of our sect is valuable enough.’
Especially for Sedong, who yearned for the world of Jianghu.
Yi Gwon-su seemed momentarily curious, but he soon stood up with a bored expression.
“That’s right. The one who fails the Awl Selection Period will be of the Yi Family Clan in name only and can do nothing.”
“Then.”
Biyoung proposed to Yi Gwon-su with a face full of greed.
“How about you entrust the son who fails to me?”