Chapter 97

Somehow, Moyong Hwi was reluctant to join the Heroes and Eight Families Association. It was not easy to persuade him either. It was very difficult to grasp his inner thoughts, whether it was an expression of his intention not to get involved in a power struggle for no reason, or whether he had another intention. But Moyong Hwi's name was already too big to stay neutral and escape from the power struggle between the two major forces. He was already a body that could not be avoided.

In the central meeting room of the Heroes and Eight Families Association, which was located within the Saber Soul Society, the twelve leaders of the Heroes and Eight Families Association were now gathered and exchanging opinions. The one leading the meeting was Danmok U, one of the Cheonmu Nine Dragons, who was also called the 'Wise Pouch'. He was a person who was also called the 'Bottomless Wise Pouch' (wisdom without bottom, depth, or end) because the depth of his academic knowledge, which had an elegant and lofty dignity, could not be measured.

"I believe everyone has heard the rumor that has been making the academy noisy these days. It's to the point where there's no one who doesn't know."

Danmok U, the host of the meeting, spoke first.

"Are you talking about the fact that the Seven Absolutes Divine Sword, Moyong Hwi, has publicly declared that he will win the Three Sages Festival's Sword Saint Exhibition?"

Tang Cheol-pyo of the Sichuan Tang Clan, who had just answered Danmok U's question, was also well aware of the fact. He was also a cousin of the Vermilion Bird Squad's Tang Cheol-yeong. His father was the second head of the Sichuan Tang Clan and was Tang Cheol-yeong's uncle.

"Yes, of course, it's that matter."

"Do you really think it's possible?"

Tang Cheol-pyo did not seem to be sure. No matter how much of a once-in-a-thousand-years talent he was, he was still only a first-year student.

"Well. To state my short opinion, I don't think the Seven Absolutes Divine Sword, Moyong Hwi, has that much ability yet. But..."

Danmok U deliberately dragged out his words.

"What is it?"

"I think the successor of the Sword Saint, Moyong Jeong-cheon, has more than enough ability. I can't rule out the possibility."

Like Hyeongsan Ilgi, Baek Mu-yeong, Danmok U was also highly evaluating Moyong Hwi's potential. It was foolish to belittle or underestimate an opponent's skill just because they lacked experience.

"Then what do you plan to do about this Sword Saint Exhibition, strategist? Is Moyong Hwi going to be in opposition to our side?"

"That shouldn't happen. In a situation where it's not enough even if we all combine our strength, if we cause an internal conflict, it will be a good laughingstock for the Nine Orthodoxies Association side."

This year, it was not enough even if they devoted all their efforts to taking away the victory of the Three Sages Festival from the Nine Orthodoxies Association. Besides, they also had a plan to concentrate on attacking the Saber Saint Exhibition, which was the weakest in the Nine Orthodoxies Association this time. There was no way they had the spare capacity to disperse their strength.

"Then what do you plan to do about this matter, strategist? We can't just stand by and watch, can we? He's in a state of being up in the air right now."

"Don't worry. No matter what, he is our side's person. Don't we all know well that he is a person who can never be compatible with the Nine Orthodoxies Association? But with his public declaration of victory, the leadership of the Nine Orthodoxies Association is also in a state of chaos. The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it is. Hahaha."

It was a refreshing laugh that was let out with the intention of changing the atmosphere of the meeting hall. But even the refreshing laugh could not dispel their worries. They still had a quite important worry left.

"But we must not forget the existence of one person. On the Nine Orthodoxies Association side, he is there."

At Tang Cheol-pyo's words, everyone's complexion darkened. As expected, they could not think about this Three Sages Festival's Sword Saint Exhibition without forgetting the existence of that person.

"That's right. He will definitely participate in this Sword Saint Exhibition. What are your thoughts, strategist?"

"If it's him, you must be talking about the Three-Section Sword, the Flying Heavenly Dragon, Cheong-heun, right?"

"Of course! Who else could it be!"

Everyone answered in unison. As expected, what had cast a curtain of anxiety in their hearts was the name of just one person.

"I also can't guarantee anything. It's a question whether he can really defeat the Flying Heavenly Dragon, the Three-Section Sword, Cheong-heun. Because I also don't know his true power yet."

Even the Wise Pouch, the Heavenly Wonder Dragon, Danmok U, could not make a hasty judgment when it came to Cheong-heun. He could somehow block and check the existence of the Wise Dragon, Baek Mu-yeong, who could be said to be one of the twin pillars of the Nine Orthodoxies Association, but there was no talent in the Heroes and Eight Families Association who could block and check the center of military power, the Flying Heavenly Dragon, the Three-Section Sword, Cheong-heun. They had no choice but to admit that they were all somewhat inferior in skill. And this year, a talent who could finally check the Three-Section Sword, Cheong-heun, had entered the Cheonmu Academy. The expectation that Danmok U had for Moyong Hwi was that great. Therefore, he could never neglect him.

"To be honest, I think it's too much for him, who is still a first-year student, to defeat the great Flying Heavenly Dragon, Cheong-heun, with a sword. But we can't just give up, can we? But now that we don't even have a leader, what should we do?"

The fact that the leader's position was empty was always something that put the organization in anxiety.

"The situation is the same on that side, where the leader is currently absent. And I have already mentioned that I am acting as the leader's deputy while the leader is in closed-door training, so please make no mistake. I ask for your close cooperation."

There could be no dissatisfaction with his words.

"Of course, the best plan is to bring Moyong Hwi into our camp. Even if he refuses, he is a person of the eight great families anyway, so he won't deviate much. Let's ask for help from Senior Moyong Cheon-myeong."

Only then did it seem that a look of joy appeared on everyone's faces. If the Star Light Illusion Sword, Moyong Cheon-myeong, who was Moyong Hwi's uncle, stepped forward, even the stone Buddha-like Moyong Hwi would not be able to help but move.

"I have one thing to report. The movements of the Nine Orthodoxies Association side's joint technique research society are unusual these days. Besides, we have also obtained information that the Nine Orthodoxies Association side is planning to send the joint technique research society to check Moyong Hwi."

The collection of external information was the mission of the Heavenly Wonder Sect's Dam Ho-chu. He had never neglected this work once, so he was also a person who had received everyone's trust.

"That's strange. It wouldn't be in Baek Mu-yeong's taste to use a roundabout method instead of confronting him head-on, would it? It's not his taste to do something that even has the risk of being criticized by those around him."

Honor could not be obtained with just schemes. It was a matter of course. That's why their difficulties were even greater. Moreover, considering Baek Mu-yeong's mysophobia, this kind of side-stabbing was not his taste.

"It seems that this movement is an independent movement of the lower organization. It must be an intention to break his spirit to some extent. Along with a meaning of warning."

The Heavenly Wonder Dragon, Danmok U's point was accurate. As expected of the greatest competitor of Hyeongsan Ilgi, Baek Mu-yeong, and the wise pouch of the Heroes and Eight Families Association.

"If it's the joint technique research society, aren't you referring to the Linked Hands Joint Wall Society, which is said to be one of the top among the forces under the Nine Orthodoxies Association?"

Paeng Jo-yeong of the Hebei Paeng family shouted in surprise. If they stepped forward, the matter would not be easy. The sword formation they unfolded by combining the strength of two or more people boasted a terrifying power. Their sword formation was also a proof that showed that one plus one was not two, but could also be three.

"Tsk, why are the ugly punks who can't even fight alone because they're scared and can only attack in groups stepping forward?"

Jin Mu-su of the Guangdong Jin family, a famous family of cudgel masters, who was famous for his fiery personality, spat out a curse. The curse of being a cowardly incompetent who could do nothing alone was the most frequently used and loved curse by the hostile forces when they were lumping together and denouncing the joint technique research society (Linked Hands Joint Wall Society). As a result, for the listener, it had become the most unpleasant thing to hear, a so-called 'f-ing' statement, and the moment this curse came out, the Joint Wall Society side would rush in as if they were going to fight to the death. If someone wanted to have a big fight with the Linked Hands Joint Wall Society, all they had to do was to spit out this curse in their faces. The rest would proceed on its own.

Of course, since joint technique was a martial art that was researched to exert a power of two or more with one plus one, it was a wrong statement that the individuals were weak. But since joint technique was not established by an individual alone, such a curse naturally arose. It was not a story that they were weak when they were separated as individuals. But what was needed for curses and denunciations was not a rational and logical thought or logic, or dignity, but an emotional, passionate, nervous, and blatant sensibility.

"Anyway, if they step forward, the matter won't be easy."

Namgung Gi, the second son of the Namgung family, said in a worried tone. It was as if another worry had befallen them when they had thought they had relieved one worry.

He, with a worried face, was also the older brother of Namgung Sang, who was in the Vermilion Bird Squad. His younger brother had currently left the Heroes and Eight Families Association and was in a place called the Black Bracelet Society. Although it was a small gathering with only sixteen members, he seemed to like that place more.

"But I don't think the Seven Absolutes Divine Sword, Moyong Hwi, will kneel at that level. He wouldn't have gotten the name of the successor of the Sword Saint for nothing. Rather, what we should be careful about is that the Nine Orthodoxies Association side is constantly interfering with the contact between our Heroes and Eight Families Association and Moyong Hwi. Besides..."

"Hmph, what does that kind of interference matter? He is a member of the eight great families anyway. Isn't it natural for him to join the Saber Soul Society under our Heroes and Eight Families Association? What more needs to be said?"

The quick-tempered Jin Mu-su did not listen to the end of the words of the Heroes and Eight Families Association's wise pouch, the Heavenly Wonder Dragon, Danmok U, and spat out his own opinion. It was good to be straightforward, but it was Jin Mu-su's weakness that he was always unable to distinguish between front and back and ran wild, and that he lacked patience. How fierce must his temper be to have obtained the nickname of the Mad Wind Cudgel?

Therefore, his ultimate technique, the Jin family's Limitless Cudgel Method, was also rough and fierce like a tidal wave, but it lacked precision. Originally, the Limitless Cudgel Method was a cudgel method that used subtlety rather than fierceness as its secret method.

"For the successor of the Sword Saint to join the Saber Soul Society, the more I think about it, the more it is a contradictory thing."

It was a statement worthy of the always cynical Hwangbo Cheon-gang of the Hwangbo family. It seemed that he had not learned how to see the world correctly from the moment he was born until this moment. His way of seeing the world was always just crooked.

"Our first priority now is to bring Moyong Hwi into our Heroes and Eight Families Association by any means necessary. Besides, there is a strange rumor circulating in the academy about Moyong Hwi."

"Are you talking about the rumor that Moyong Hwi has joined the Young Lady Lovers' Society?"

A member asked.

"Yes, that's it. He has remained silent on that matter, neither confirming nor denying it."

"Young Lady Lovers' Society? Considering his personality, I think it's impossible."

It was the opinion of the information officer, Dam Ho-chu. At his words, a light like a resolution flashed fiercely in Danmok U's eyes, who was nodding his head.

"It doesn't matter if the rumor is true. We can't hand over a precious talent of the eight great families to a third-rate club like the Young Lady Lovers' Society. If the rumor is true, we will bring him back by any means necessary. This is the time to take back the glory of winning the Three Sages Festival from the Nine Orthodoxies Association. It is a long-cherished wish that we have longed for for ten years. If we miss this year, we will have to wait another three years. Please always keep that in mind. Then, we will end today's meeting with this."

The meeting was finally over. But no one was leaving their seats. They were all now deep in their own thoughts. There was still time until the Three Sages Festival. Now was the time to wait and see.

As it happened, Moyong Hwi's promotion examination date and Bi Ryu-yeon's promotion exam overlapped. They had come to take the promotion examination on the same day. Besides, both were challenges for the Five Sword Dragons and the Six Sword Dragons, skipping all the intermediate processes.

Since the two punks who were taking the exam on the same day were both punks who had skipped all the intermediate processes, the surroundings could not help but be noisy. Most of them were critical voices denouncing their recklessness.

Moyong Hwi's opponent was also picked from among the numerous duel slips sent to Bi Ryu-yeon. How could Moyong Hwi's opponent have been picked from among the duel slips sent to Bi Ryu-yeon? The inside story of the incident was as follows.

Moyong Hwi, who had publicly declared that he would win the Sword Saint Exhibition in front of the Sword Revered, Gongson Il-chwi, was facing the promotion exam, which was the first step for this, but he had no one to apply for a promotion duel with. Because his human relationships were very poor, as he had only been studying and training. When Moyong Hwi was worrying about his duel opponent for the exam, the one who had thrown him a clue to the solution was none other than Bi Ryu-yeon. He had wondered why Bi Ryu-yeon was being so generous, but as expected, he had a hidden motive.

Bi Ryu-yeon had spread out dozens of duel slips in front of Moyong Hwi's eyes. This was also just a part of the numerous duel slips that Bi Ryu-yeon had received. Still, sending duel slips or letters of curses full of malice like this was on the side of being a gentleman. Since that day, there had been more than one or two people who had suddenly rushed at him on the street. It was a crazy thing to be subjected to a person suddenly changing and rushing at him, swinging a sword without any reason. Still, it was because it was Bi Ryu-yeon that he could be so carefree. Bi Ryu-yeon said.

"Now, pick the two punks you dislike the most from among these. If that's troublesome, you can just pick them like drawing lots."

Moyong Hwi, who was already worrying about his promotion duel opponent, had done as he was told, and so the two had been decided as his opponents. It was Bi Ryu-yeon, who had unhesitatingly committed the bizarre act of passing on the duel requests sent to him to someone else without a second thought. Among the owners of the duel slips that Moyong Hwi had picked, there was no one who had refused his duel request. Because they also had a desire to defeat the so-called genius, Moyong Hwi, and make a name for themselves.

The surrounding evaluation of the two, who were taking the exam for the Five Sword Dragons and the Six Sword Dragons, skipping all the intermediate processes, was more dominated by the evaluation of 'two arrogant greenhorns' criticizing their arrogance, rather than admiration.

The day of the exam dawned. It was a day when there were no lectures scheduled. Neither Bi Ryu-yeon nor Moyong Hwi had any particular burden for the exam that would be held today. They were that confident in their own skills. But there were two people who were blocking the path of Bi Ryu-yeon and Moyong Hwi, who were heading to the examination hall called the Sword Dragon's Lair. Both of them had a thin build, were wearing yellow martial robes, and were wearing swords of the same shape, and the atmosphere they gave off was as similar as twins.

"Are you the Seven Absolutes Divine Sword, Moyong Hwi?"

It seemed that their business was with Moyong Hwi.

"What's the matter? There are even guests who want to meet you?"

Bi Ryu-yeon said a word. But those rare guests did not seem to have a very good intention.

"I am Moyong Hwi. Do you have any business with me?"

Although he was blunt, Moyong Hwi asked back, not losing his courtesy. Both of them were people that Moyong Hwi was seeing for the first time in his life. The two of them took a step forward together, as if they were one body. Their movement was not just made. It was a skilled movement of two bodies as one, achieved through a high level of training.

"There's no need for long words. It's just troublesome. If you're as great as your fame in the Jianghu, let's have a match!"

The man with sharp eyes, who was standing on the right, shouted.

"That person is the direct disciple of the Kunlun Sect, the Kunlun One Sword, No Ju-saeng. He is the older brother of the Kunlun Twin Swords."

The one who had recognized his identity first was Jang Hong.

"There was someone who knew us."

No Ju-saeng said, as if surprised. Because he had not expected a first-year greenhorn to know his identity.

"Even so, nothing has changed."

The slender swordsman on the left was none other than the younger brother of the Kunlun Twin Swords, Chae Ha-gun. As their names suggested, they were not biological brothers, but they were closer than biological brothers. The special joint technique they had learned had made them closer than twins.

"I do not carelessly cross swords. Besides, I have an exam appointment now, so I cannot accept your request."

Moyong Hwi politely refused.

"Are you scared?"

The younger brother, Chae Ha-gun, said as if spitting out the saliva that had collected in his mouth. It was a clear provocation. It was not Moyong Hwi who would fall for that level of provocation. The cultivation he had built up so far was not that shallow.

"Private duels are clearly forbidden by the school rules. I will not engage in an unscheduled duel, going against the school rules. Please go back."

Although it was clearly stipulated in the school rules, it was also one of the school rules that was most poorly observed in reality.

"For the grandson of the Sword Saint, Moyong Jeong-cheon, to be such a coward, a passing dog would laugh. Isn't that right, older brother!"

Chae Ha-gun looked at No Ju-saeng with a sneer. But he soon had to turn his head hastily. Because a piercing killing intent had suddenly risen from Moyong Hwi's entire body. The tension flowed up his spine and into his mind in an instant.

The name of the Sword Saint was not a name that the likes of the Kunlun Twin Swords could dare to touch. And it was also a secret plan that could most easily shake the calm and composed Moyong Hwi.

"With what guts do you dare to utter such a rash statement? Does a person who cannot even distinguish between what should be said and what should not be said have the qualification to stay here at the Cheonmu Academy?"

A low but powerful voice, a voice that overwhelmed the opponent. It was a power that was hard to believe was that of a first-year student.

"Shut up. Then show me the proof."

As if Chae Ha-gun's words were a signal, the Kunlun Twin Swords sworn brothers rushed at Moyong Hwi. The attack was, as expected, a joint technique. Although he had already guessed it from their atmosphere and actions, now that the duel had begun, even Moyong Hwi could not dare to neglect their sword technique. The countless changes of the sword's edge swept over Moyong Hwi's entire body like a raging wave. He even had the illusion that his body was trapped in countless sword blades.

"Two Will Joint Wall Sword Formation!"

Jang Hong shouted in surprise. He had at once recognized what kind of joint technique the Kunlun Twin Swords were unfolding. It was the supreme and unparalleled joint technique of the Kunlun Sect, which was said to allow them to exert the greatest power when two people unfolded it. Besides, theirs was a more powerful Two Will Joint Wall Sword Formation that had been reinforced and reinforced through research at the joint technique research society. Cold sweat soaked Jang Hong's hands as he watched. He was worried about Moyong Hwi's safety.