Chapter 69

"Then do you think he will also participate in the Three Sages Grand Battle?"

"That has not been confirmed yet. But looking at the precedents so far, I think it's something we should definitely keep in mind. We have to accept it as a fait accompli. Until he gets a very, very big injury, that is."

What is the Three Sages Grand Battle?

Since the Three Sages Festival is a competition established to honor the martial prowess and achievements of the Three Sages of Cheonmu, it is held in three separate fields. That is, it is divided into three parts: the Sword Saint Exhibition, the Saber Saint Exhibition, and the Sword Empress Exhibition, which select individuals who claim to be the descendants of the Three Sages of Cheonmu: the Sword Saint, the Saber Saint, and the Sword Empress, the only woman among the Three Sages. That's why there were many restrictions. Because it had a strong character of a commemorative event—of course, the scale is enormous—the weapons were limited. In other words, only people who used swords were allowed to participate in the Sword Saint Exhibition, only people who used sabers in the Saber Saint Exhibition, and only women who used swords in the Sword Empress Exhibition.

As these restrictions were imposed, complaints naturally poured out from here and there. In particular, the opposition from the Sichuan Tang Clan was extreme. They wanted to participate somehow, but the strict conditions and restrictions did not accept them. No matter what they did, there was no room for them, who used poison and hidden weapons, and at most, whips as a formal weapon, to squeeze in. So they passionately attempted to work behind the scenes. As they claimed to be a prestigious family, they could not accept the fact that they were being excluded from the Three Sages Festival. Since the Sichuan Tang Clan occupied a high proportion in the Jianghu, their behind-the-scenes work was surprisingly easily accepted.

"The Three Sages Festival is to inherit the spirit of the Three Sages of Cheonmu, not their weapons. We must not forget this point."

The Murim Alliance and the Cheonmu Academy had decided to accept their passionate speech, which was like vomiting blood. Thus, a compromise was reached, and while the Sword Saint Exhibition, the Saber Saint Exhibition, and the Sword Empress Exhibition existed, one more unlimited duel competition called the Three Sages Grand Battle was created.

It was a competition where anyone could participate and use anything, where one could pour out all of one's skills. Sometimes, those who participated in the three great sacred exhibitions also often participated here. This was because the duel competitions were held with a few days' interval, and the Three Sages Grand Battle was held last. It was a custom for almost all of the winners of the Sword, Saber, and Empress exhibitions to participate here. Unless they were so severely injured that they could not move. But since it was a competition hosted by the academy, killing was absolutely forbidden, and the use of severe killing moves was also forbidden. Therefore, the number of injured people who suffered severe injuries was small.

"Who are you thinking of supporting for this Sword Empress Exhibition?"

The question from Il-yeong of Shaolin made Baek Mu-yeong fall into a dilemma for a moment. Because there was no clear, confirmed plan for that side yet.

"Well. That's a rather difficult question."

Baek Mu-yeong's gaze briefly turned to the First Line Fairy of Mount Hua, Jeong Ha-gyeong. But he soon averted his gaze and said.

"First of all, it's a very important matter who the other side will send out. The people to be wary of first are Namgung So-so, one of the Seven Phoenixes, and her from the Sword Pavilion, who is also one of the Seven Phoenixes. For now, those two are the most likely candidates for victory on that side. Ah, of course, I'm not doubting the skills of our side's young ladies, so please don't worry."

Once again, Baek Mu-yeong's gaze, accompanied by a strange smile, turned to her. It was a meaningful gaze that meant that he trusted her, so she should not disappoint him.

"From our side, of course, Miss Jeong Ha-gyeong, the First Line Fairy of Mount Hua, who is one of the Nine Orthodox Eight Swords, will participate. And there is also Miss Jin Ryeong of the Mount Emei Sect, who is one of the Seven Phoenixes."

"It's better not to think about her."

As Jin Ryeong's name was mentioned, Jeong Ha-gyeong shouted sharply. It seemed that she had a lot of complaints about her.

"She left the Nine Orthodoxies Association on her own and joined a strange organization. I would appreciate it if you didn't compare me on an equal footing with her, who is hanging out with the Heroes and Eight Families Association punks in that strange place called the Black Ring Society or something."

She seemed to be furious to the top of her head. Since it was a foolish act to provoke a woman's temper at a time like this, he decided to remain silent.

"I'll do that."

Baek Mu-yeong obediently agreed.

"The purpose of this meeting was to draw your attention to those 2 people and to ask you to put more effort into preparing for the Three Sages Festival. From now on, carelessness is forbidden. Please feel a greater sense of crisis and devote yourselves to training. It seems that this year will not be easy. I believe it is a time when everyone's efforts are needed. After the meeting, Young Master Cheong, please remain. I have something to say to you separately."

The young man in the blue robe, Cheong-heun, who was sitting next to him, nodded his head. Young Master Cheong referred to the Three-Section Sword, Cheong-heun, Baek Mu-yeong's closest friend and the pillar in charge of the martial arts of the Nine Orthodoxies Association. Since it was an official occasion, he had paid attention to the title.

After the emergency meeting was over, everyone left their seats to return to their respective positions. The only ones left in the empty room were the Three-Section Sword, Cheong-heun, and the First Genius of Mount Heng, Baek Mu-yeong. Quietly and deeply, Baek Mu-yeong looked at Cheong-heun.

"Cheong-heun, what do you think?"

Baek Mu-yeong asked quietly.

"You mean about facing him?"

"I hope my thoughts are just worries, but I have an ominous premonition that it will be difficult if it's not you."

"If your premonition, which has never been wrong, says so, then I'll have to prepare too."

Cheong-heun obediently admitted. Because he had never seen his premonition be wrong until now, and he knew well that, statistically speaking, there were not many chances for the next time.

"You might need your fourth sword."

The young man called Cheong-heun flinched at Baek Mu-yeong's words. His eyes widened as if in disbelief.

"You don't mean it's that bad?"

"There's a sufficient possibility. That's why I called you separately like this. Everyone knows well that your third sword is scary, but they don't even know of the existence of your fourth sword."

"The only ones who know that are Master and you."

Other than that, no one knew that fact. Because it had not been long since it was completed, and there had been no need to use it.

"I'm always grateful for your friendly trust. You are the only person who treats this cold me without any problem."

Around him, there were only people who tried to keep a distance from him.

"What are you talking about so suddenly? My trust and friendship will not change, so don't worry."

"Thank you."

Baek Mu-yeong showed a sincere smile. He had always been his belief.

"Oh! Why didn't you bring up the story of the Saber Saint Exhibition earlier? You know well that our nine sects are strong in the sword but weak in the saber."

If Baek Mu-yeong didn't know that fact, no one in this world would know.

"Of course. I have never forgotten the fact that we have always been in a crisis in the Saber Saint Exhibition and have been in a thrilling tug-of-war for the victory."

Suddenly, Baek Mu-yeong grinned at Cheong-heun. It was a rare form of smile for him.

"You mean you have a countermeasure."

"Your intuition has also improved a lot. Is it thanks to her?"

Suddenly, Cheong-heun's face turned red. One could read the embarrassment that had sprouted in his heart at a glance.

"You've also learned to joke now. Have you finally taken a step away from being a statue?"

Cheong-heun also took revenge on Baek Mu-yeong, who had made him embarrassed.

"Haha! I lost."

For Baek Mu-yeong, the only friend he could open his heart to was Cheong-heun. Baek Mu-yeong liked Cheong-heun, who approached him, who was armed with a cold reason, without any problem. It seemed that his mysophobia forgave only Cheong-heun.

"What is that punk doing these days?"

Since the topic of women had come up, Cheong-heun asked once. Suddenly, Baek Mu-yeong's complexion darkened.

"The same as always."

At Baek Mu-yeong's answer, Cheong-heun's complexion also hardened.

"Right. You mean he's still revolving around her."

"He's not a friend who would do that, so how did he end up in that state..."

"It seems to be getting more and more serious. It's not a good phenomenon."

Baek Mu-yeong could not understand his behavior at all. He was displeased with his behavior of fanatically chasing after one woman and sticking to her under the pretext of being a guard. What was that punk, who was called and praised as the best talent of the Qingcheng Sect, lacking that he would do such a thing? There was no way Baek Mu-yeong would like his behavior.

"The problem is that it's not just that punk alone."

"It seems you've heard that story too. I heard that a guard unit called the Ice Phoenix Flower Guard has been formed."

"And that punk is its leader."

"He must have really had nothing to do. I admit her demonic beauty and charm, but it seems to be too much these days."

It seemed that he would not be able to understand the minds of the fanatics who would serve her even if they were reborn three times.

"But it's not her fault. The only fault of a flower is that it has a beautiful appearance and fragrance."

The fault lay with the bees who went to gather honey and were mesmerized by the flower and couldn't come to their senses. He was not blaming the innate beauty of the flower either. He was just regretful of the result that had been caused by it.

"That fragrance and beauty can also be a fatal poison. Whether she wants it or not. They seem to be worshiping her completely like an idol, so if someone were to touch her, a big commotion would break out."

"Do you think there's anyone here with the courage to touch her?"

Cheong-heun showed a skeptical reaction.

"If they did, they would be immediately sentenced to the underworld by the fanatics. You should be careful too."

As the topic was heading straight into a darker pit, Baek Mu-yeong hastily turned the reins of the topic.

"Don't worry. I have her."

Cheong-heun said such embarrassing words with confidence.

"That's a really fortunate thing. I don't want to lose you too because of a woman. One lost friend, that punk who was mesmerized by a woman on his own, is enough."

"Don't worry. And my her is different."

Cheon-heun boasted. It was possible to say such embarrassing words because it was in front of Baek Mu-yeong. If it had been in front of someone else, he would not have even dared.

"I'm sure she is."

Baek Mu-yeong wisely gave up.