Chapter 43 – Honey Belly Sword (2)
Finally, the meeting between the Righteous Sect Martial Art Alliance and the Murong Family has been scheduled. I heard it took more than a month just to decide on the location, so I didn’t even want to imagine how much they had struggled for dominance against each other.
However, strictly speaking, it was closer to a one-on-one meeting between the Namgung Family and the Murong Family rather than a meeting with the Martial Art Alliance. As I wasn’t directly involved, I couldn’t determine the exact circumstances.
According to Namgung-yeon’s speculation, it was decided to be a one-on-one meeting because if all members of the Righteous Sect Martial Art Alliance attended, it would appear as if they were begging the other side to come, thus damaging their dignity.
“They really care about such unnecessary things.”
“The Righteous sect Martial Art Alliance values dignity above all else. However… I didn’t expect the Namgung Family would personally receive the Murong Family.”
“Wasn’t the Namgung Family the leader of the Righteous sect Martial Art Alliance?”
“Yes, that’s correct. I originally thought the Habuk Pang Family or the Sichuan Tang Family would step forward, but it seems there has been a change of heart.”
The fact that the Namgung Family, the leader of the Righteous sect Martial Art Alliance and the head of the Five Great Families, personally stepped forward was, in Namgung-yeon’s opinion, sufficient face-saving for the Murong Family.
I also knew something about maintaining face. Especially in the Righteous sect, they often value dignity and justification more than their lives, so they say they maintain their dignity even at the cost of their lives.
Personally, while I thought one should care about face to some extent, I wondered if there was any need to care that much. But since I had often seen such descriptions in martial arts novels, it wasn’t unfamiliar.
“I didn’t expect things would escalate this far.”
“…I agree with that opinion, Master.”
If there was one thing I hadn’t anticipated, it was that this concept of face in the Righteous sect would apply to me as well. And to an excessive degree at that.
I looked with a bewildered expression at the unexpected guests who had come to my residence. The number of people who came to the residence was close to thirty. They weren’t simply uninvited guests.
They were apparently attendants who would help us depart for the meeting place between the Namgung Family and the Murong Family. In fact, the original plan was to depart leisurely and enjoy the scenery with the children.
[How could the Great Warrior intend to go to the meeting place without any attendants?]
[Is there really a problem with that?]
[How could you set off on such a long journey with just the children? If the Great Warrior doesn’t mind, please allow us to personally escort you.]
However, because the Sunmoo Academy insisted on personally escorting me, I thought it would be good to save on travel expenses and get guidance at the same time, so I left it to them.
And this is the result.
I looked with a bewildered expression at the palanquins and horses prepared in front of the residence. Of course, naturally, those palanquins were not prepared for me, but for the disciples who couldn’t ride horses.
And the black-haired young man who had been commanding the attendants and warriors from earlier spotted me, and soon approached me with a face full of smiles and bowed his head.
“It is an honor to meet you, Great Warrior. I am Go Gyeom, tasked with escorting you and the young ladies to the meeting place.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Mu-myung.”
“Go, Go Gyeom? Could you possibly be the Go Gyeom Twin Dragon Iron Silk, who is listed among the Hundred Great Masters?!”
He must be quite famous.
Even Namgung-yeon, who was standing by my side, was making such a fuss. I gave Namgung-yeon a warning with a fake cough, then looked back at Go Gyeom.
“I appreciate your help. But isn’t the number of people too many…?”
“How could there be any inadequacy in personally escorting the benefactor of the Sunmoo Academy, the Great Warrior? And in fact…”
“Hmm?”
“…There are ominous rumors circulating not only in Hanam but elsewhere as well.”
After briefly checking his surroundings, Go Gyeom quietly gave me information in a voice soft enough that others couldn’t hear. Recently, various unsettling incidents have been occurring in the martial world.
“High-level masters from the Nine Schools and One Sect have been attacked and severely injured by bandits, or warriors from the Righteous sect have been poisoned without any trace. There are many rumors that it’s not safe.”
“So that’s why the Sunmoo Academy sent so many people, to the point of excess?”
“On the contrary, the headmaster said he was sorry he couldn’t do more for you.”
“Ah, no. This is enough, thank you.”
At the suggestion that they could do more, I had to back away in shock. Anyway, I heard something that couldn’t just be ignored. Behind those rumors probably exists the Evil Sect.
“But even considering that, is it necessary to prepare this extensively?”
“That’s not the important part, Master.”
“What else is there?”
“Do you see those warriors holding weapons?”
When I turned my head in the direction Namgung-yeon was pointing, indeed, as he said, I saw warriors with remarkable auras. About five people in total, excluding Go Gyeom in front?
“They have extraordinary auras. But what about them?”
“Would you believe me if I told you all five of them are ranked among the Hundred Great Masters?”
“That is surprising.”
Setting aside the fact that all five were among the Hundred Great Masters, I honestly thought it was more impressive that Namgung-yeon recognized this at a glance. Anyway, it was certainly surprising.
“Black Tiger Great Sword Ma Kang and Sea Cloud Sword Baek Sanha… Each one is a highly renowned master from the Righteous sect.”
“Thank you for recognizing us, young… Warrior.”
“I’ve heard about the title of Hundred Great Masters. But why are six masters, including Go Gyeom, all gathered here together?”
“We are all schoolmates who honed our knowledge together at the Sunmoo Academy, and we gathered here today at the headmaster’s request.”
It’s you again, Pang Hyeon-cheol!!
â—‡
The meeting place is said to be on a mountain ridge not far from Hanam. Since the mountain ridge was right next to Hanam, there was actually more than enough time.
Moreover, the hospitality of the Sunmoo Academy pleased Sua even more. Since she believed that considering her master’s abilities, this level of treatment was basic and he should receive even more.
Sua didn’t have any complaints about her master receiving such treatment. The real reason for her dissatisfaction was that she couldn’t assist at her master’s side.
Surprisingly, Sua couldn’t ride a horse. More precisely, she had never learned how. This was because Murong Gang only taught martial arts and paid no attention to anything else.
Fortunately, when it came to academics, her brother Murong Hyeon or the Grand Elder Murong Jin directly taught her, but even they couldn’t teach her horseback riding.
As a result, Sua unfortunately had to sit in the palanquin with Seolhwa. So it was only natural that Sua’s expression was as wrinkled as a rotten tangerine.
“Young lady, is there perhaps something that’s uncomfortable for you?”
“…No, I’m fine, Warrior Go Gyeom.”
What is it to you anyway?
Sua almost lost control of her anger for a moment. But she managed to suppress her fury with superhuman patience. As much as she wanted to act according to her temperament…
‘They say a disciple reflects their master. My every action could potentially bring shame to my master if I’m not careful.’
As a result, Sua was forced to put on a smile and engage in conversation as normally as possible with this person called Go Gyeom or whatever. Yes, to Sua, Go Gyeom was just that insignificant.
However, conversely, since Sua kept smiling, Go Gyeom saw potential in this and began to approach more actively. He had already heard the rumors.
Reaching first-class realm at just sixteen.
The unprecedented genius of the Murong Family.
Of course, rumors are often exaggerated, but this time it was even directly vouched for by the Sunmoo Academy. At least in terms of credibility, it could be considered the highest.
‘Moreover, she comes from an excellent family, and meeting her in person today, her appearance is also outstanding, making her a perfect bride candidate without any deficiencies.’
From Go Gyeom’s perspective, who was of marriageable age, she was truly the ideal match. And above all, Go Gyeom himself was also somewhat confident in his appearance and abilities.
‘Tsk, a frog in a well is trying hard to impress.’
Just as his behavior was becoming increasingly annoying, Sua heard unexpected information from Go Gyeom. Go Gyeom checked his surroundings and quietly opened his mouth.
“Young lady, have you ever heard of Black Tiger Great Sword Ma Kang?”
“I’ve heard the name.”
“Be careful of that person. There are rumors that he associates with suspicious individuals.”
“But isn’t Warrior Ma Kang a schoolmate of Warrior Go Gyeom?”
Sua was dumbfounded and rebuked Go Gyeom for naturally slandering others. After all, who brought that person here, and now he’s telling her to be careful?
“Actually, I wanted to exclude his name from the list because of the rumors, but the Sunmoo Academy strongly recommended him, so I had no choice…”
“I see.”
“Anyway, it’s never bad to be careful, is it?”
At Go Gyeom’s words, Sua narrowed her eyes.
Well, it seemed like there was someone else who needed to be watched carefully.
