What are clubs?
During the brief break given after Ok Hyeon Jin-in’s Introduction to Martial Arts class ended, Hyo-ryong approached Bi Ryu-yeon, who was savoring and pondering over Ok Hyeon Jin-in’s old story once more.
“Aren’t you afraid of him?”
“Who are you talking about? It’s the first time I’ve heard that there’s someone in this world I should be afraid of….”
Bi Ryu-yeon said with a grin. Of course, Bi Ryu-yeon’s answer was not what Hyo-ryong wanted.
“Why are you playing dumb? That man, that very man.”
Unable to directly mention the name, Hyo-ryong used a pronoun. Was he such a formidable existence that even Hyo-ryong felt fear? Bi Ryu-yeon had to feel a fresh sense of amazement once again.
“But why should I be afraid of that man?”
“That… that’s….”
Hyo-ryong couldn’t find an answer to Bi Ryu-yeon’s sudden question. It was because he couldn’t think of the right words to convey his vague thoughts to Bi Ryu-yeon. To be honest, he himself was at a loss for what to say.
“That man is someone all martial artists of both the righteous and demonic paths fear,” Hyo-ryong blurted out.
Bi Ryu-yeon responded with a peculiar gaze to Hyo-ryong’s exclamation. Looking at Hyo-ryong as if he were a strange creature, Bi Ryu-yeon said, “You’re not trying to argue that I, too, should fear him just because all martial artists revere and fear him, are you?”
“N-no, of course not.”
However, there was no conviction in his words. It would be a lie to say that Hyo-ryong’s heart didn’t twinge at Bi Ryu-yeon’s words.
“Then that’s a relief. I was worried you might be a fool who would make such a ridiculous argument.”
Trying to hide the cold sweat running all over his body, Hyo-ryong gave an awkward smile. Then he openly expressed his admiration.
“You truly don’t fear that man.”
Until now, Hyo-ryong had never met anyone who wasn’t afraid of that man and his forces, or more precisely, their return. No matter how renowned or supreme a master they were in the martial arts world, they all harbored a certain level of fear toward that man deep in their hearts, albeit to varying degrees. To Hyo-ryong, Bi Ryu-yeon couldn’t help but appear as a unique existence.
“Indeed, the old saying that ignorance is courage was true.”
Hyo-ryong’s current monologue, admiring the wisdom of the ancient sages, went unheard by Bi Ryu-yeon. Bi Ryu-yeon laughed heartily and said, “You admire all sorts of useless things. Why should I harbor fear toward an existence I haven’t even met yet? Have you met that Eternal Heavenly Blood God?”
As Bi Ryu-yeon openly mentioned Eternal Heavenly Blood God’s name, Hyo-ryong’s complexion slightly wavered.
“Don’t mention that name so easily. Of course, I haven’t met him.”
It was an obvious statement.
“Right. It’s the same for me. So why should I be afraid of an existence I haven’t even met yet, and whose encounter in the future is uncertain? I can’t possibly engage in such a pathetic act just because I heard a snippet of an old story, can I?”
It wasn’t just a one-time old story for Hyo-ryong, Jang-hong, or Yoon Junho. Like most children, they had also heard about that man and his organization to the point of having it drilled into their ears since childhood. However, they couldn’t deny that Bi Ryu-yeon’s words made sense.
“It’s not an old story, but a fact. Even if it has become a legend.”
“Well, I doubt I would feel fear toward him even if I met him directly. The only thing I’m afraid of is living the life of a lowly servant stuck in poverty. You shouldn’t waste your energy fearing useless things either.”
Bi Ryu-yeon’s gaze suddenly shifted and landed on Yoon Junho.
“The same goes for you.”
“Huh? Why?”
Yoon Junho asked, startled by the sudden remark.
“You’ve been flinching every time the names of those… Eternal Heavenly Gods Blood God is mentioned. Got it?”
Despite Bi Ryu-yeon’s sincere(?) advice, Yoon Junho reluctantly nodded. The reason why Bi Ryu-yeon was engaging in a rare act of thinking at the moment was due to a single fact.
‘The Supreme Polarity Divine Sovereign… Where have I heard that name before…?’
Bi Ryu-yeon tilted his head, pondering over a person who had appeared in the story of martial arts history he had heard during the previous class. It seemed like he had briefly heard it somewhere, but the problem was that he couldn’t quite remember.
‘Well, I guess it doesn’t matter….’
Trying to forcefully recall something he couldn’t remember by wracking his brain was not Bi Ryu-yeon’s hobby, so he soon stopped thinking about it and forgot. For the time being, there would be no instances of anything related to that person coming to his mind.
“It’ll come to me someday,” Bi Ryu-yeon muttered carelessly.
The Supreme Polarity Divine Sovereign hadn’t died either. Not only had he not passed away, but he was also the first person to advocate for the establishment and necessity of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy. And he became the first headmaster of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy, dedicating himself to cultivating talented individuals, but suddenly retired 30 years ago and disappeared without a trace. Despite the continuous efforts of the Murim Alliance’s Secret Pavilion and the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy’s Hidden Hawks Pavilion to track his whereabouts, his whereabouts remained elusive.
“Hmm, the masters might be conspiring to bore me to death,” Bi Ryu-yeon grumbled in a sigh-filled voice.
Finally, all the classes for the day had ended. Although there were only a few classes, none were as interesting as the story of the Eternal Heavenly Gods in the first class. The second class was about the “Application of Flying Blade Techniques.” It was a field that Bi Ryu-yeon had absolutely no need for.
“Try to learn from Moyong Hwee. Look how diligent he is.”
Moyong Hwee was so diligent that he never let go of his writing tools throughout the class. It was terrifying to the point where anyone watching would feel fear. Bi Ryu-yeon shook his head vigorously.
“You might as well ask me to die. Such a thing is impossible even if I were to die and wake up twice.”
“Haha, stop talking nonsense. You’re listening quietly because you’re interested, aren’t you? Don’t complain while attending classes that young people across the martial arts world dream of,” Jang-hong admonished. That class was a martial arts lecture at the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy that any martial artist would be willing to pay a fortune to attend.
“Is that so…?”
Even after hearing Jang-hong’s admonition, Bi Ryu-yeon still had a look of not quite understanding.
“Well, if it’s more boring than that place, I’ll take you somewhere fun.”
Realizing that exchanging opinions with Bi Ryu-yeon any further would be an extremely foolish act, Jang-hong quickly changed the subject.
“Where to?”
Bi Ryu-yeon promptly asked. Now, there were no thoughts about the class in his mind. As always, his curiosity was as abundant as an ever-flowing spring.
“Follow me and you’ll find out.”
Leading the way with long strides, Jang-hong’s back only amplified Bi Ryu-yeon’s party’s curiosity.
The place Jang-hong took them to was a peculiar area with dozens of large and small buildings lined up along a main street. The street was filled with noisy clamor and vibrant energy. It was evident that a large crowd had gathered there. The confusion and clamor were tremendous, as expected from a large gathering of people. It was enough to make one lose their mind.
Each building was adorned with banners of various sizes and colorful decorations in front of their entrances, trying to attract people. On the long banners made of white cotton, there were flashy, provocative, and inciting words written in a single stroke, such as “Absolute Welcome! The Best Shortcuts to Achieving the Dream of Encountering a Hundred Flowers!”, “Saint of the Sword! Welcome to all who seek a new realm of swordsmanship!”, “Towards the path of the Saint of the Blade!”, “Flying Blade Storm! For a lightning-fast fatal strike!” and so on. Moreover, as if the banners weren’t enough, there were several disciples standing in front, using various enticements to draw people in.
Roughly listening, the following words were predominant:
“Anyone who wishes to reach the supreme realm of martial arts through the blade, please join our Blade Soul Society. The pinnacle of blade techniques lies here. If you want to reach the ultimate essence of the most powerful and effective blade, do not hesitate. The door is always open. However, the time for admission is only until tomorrow. Don’t make the foolish mistake of hesitating any longer.”
It seemed to be a place related to blade techniques. The weapons they carried were all blades. The contents of the promotion on the opposite side were different. They all carried swords, either at their waists or on their backs.
“What they’re saying is utter nonsense. The epitome of martial arts is undoubtedly sword techniques. There’s a saying that even a three-year-old snot-nosed child knows: a hundred days for spears, a thousand days for blades, and ten thousand days for swords. Who would dare to object to the fact that the king of all weapons is the sword?”
The story of a hundred days for spears, a thousand days for blades, and ten thousand days for swords was something Bi Ryu-yeon had heard of during his time on Mount Ami. It meant that the minimum time required to properly master a weapon was a hundred days for spears, three months, a thousand days for blades, three years, and ten thousand days for swords, thirty years. It was advice that swords were difficult to master and one shouldn’t casually claim to know the sword. Instead of this teaching, the Biroe Sect had an additional phrase attached to it. It was the phrase “A billion days for the Flying Lightning Knife.” In other words, it was an expression of an absurdly grand confidence that one must learn by transcending life and death through more than three hundred reincarnations. It was a phrase befitting Bi Ryu-yeon’s sect.
The promotions from both sides were not over yet.
“All martial arts converge towards sword techniques. This is because sword techniques are the true martial way that aims for self-cultivation rather than the lowly purpose of effective slaughter. How can mere blades dare to compare to swords? So, do you want to become the supreme master of the sword? If you have a burning ambition to become the greatest swordsman under the heavens, join our Sword Soul Society. A new realm of the sword awaits you. You will be able to encounter all the realms of sword energy, sword wind, and sword strength.”
The voices came from the two places with the largest buildings and the most people. The contents of the promotion were also unparalleled in their flamboyance. They paid no heed to the immorality of false advertising. It was evident that they were in a competitive relationship akin to enemies. It was well reflected in their promotions, which were busy disparaging each other. Other places were also engaging in heated competition, promoting their own interests, albeit with different contents. The types and contents of the promotions were diverse and varied.
“What in the world is this mentally disturbing place? If you stay here, there’s no way you’ll die from boredom.”
The sight of so many young rising stars gathered and making a commotion was a novel scene for Bi Ryu-yeon, who was seeing it for the first time.
“Where exactly is this place?”
Unable to contain his curiosity, Bi Ryu-yeon asked Jang-hong again. As the one who had brought them here, Jang-hong’s logically coherent thought was that he must know the answer to his question. And fortunately, his deduction was not wrong.
“Oh, you didn’t know? This is the Street of Clubs, one of the famous attractions of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy.”
“The Street of Clubs?”
The three of them exclaimed in unison. For the puzzled three, Jang-hong kindly added an explanation.
“Today and tomorrow happen to be the club registration days. That’s why we came here. You guys should also join at least one club, right?”
“Ah, so today was the club registration day.”
Only then did Hyo-ryong clap his hands and announce that he understood. However, Bi Ryu-yeon’s side was not the same at all. His knowledge of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy, as well as the martial arts world in general, was equivalent to or below that of a five-year-old child entering the growth stage.
“What kind of day is that? And what exactly is a club?”
Bi Ryu-yeon asked with a slightly displeased expression.
“A club is a kind of friendly martial arts research and training group formed by several individuals with a common interest in a specific field.”
“Why is it so complicated?”
Bi Ryu-yeon said with a slightly dissatisfied tone.
“It’s simple. It’s just a gathering of people with similar tastes or hobbies. And they voluntarily and proactively research their areas of interest among themselves, without the help of the masters. Well… they might receive some advice. But the purpose remains unchanged, which is to foster the disciples’ independence. Although it has somewhat degenerated over the years.”
Despite Jang-hong’s kind and detailed explanation, they still had a look of not understanding. Seeing their faces, Jang-hong couldn’t help but sigh.
“It seems you don’t understand at all. Let me explain again. This time, please try to understand. That way, I can feel at ease. If you make me repeat the same thing three times, I won’t be able to show my face out of embarrassment.”
The three of them listened attentively to Jang-hong’s words, showing an attitude of paying close attention.
“As you know, the founding philosophy and educational ideology of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy are not about imparting new martial arts and improving skills through deciphering secret manuals, but rather enhancing the disciples’ understanding of their existing individual martial arts, refining and improving them. That hasn’t changed. The Heavenly Martial Arts Academy has learned through countless trials and errors over the years that one-sided impartation of numerous martial arts and disorganized education do not contribute to an individual’s development. If you want to discover a new water source, you should dig deep in a place with high potential, not poke around aimlessly here and there.”
“I understand that much. Go on.”
Bi Ryu-yeon urged him to continue the explanation.
“But when they actually started teaching the students, the teaching still couldn’t escape the one-way direction. So the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy thought.”
“About what?”
“How can they cultivate the students’ passion for martial arts and independence, and as a bonus, foster a sense of cooperation? The Heavenly Martial Arts Academy wanted to catch two rabbits.”
“The students also had the desire to gather with others who shared their interests, exchange martial arts and principles with other sects, and enhance their understanding. Stagnant water is bound to rot eventually. They knew that sitting in a well and looking at the sky would only make them like a frog in a well. Moreover, there was no other place in the closed martial arts society where so many sects were gathered like here. So they reached a consensus.”
“So, you’re saying that’s how…”
“That’s right. That’s how numerous clubs were formed within the academy. Those who loved swords formed a group to study sword techniques, those who cherished blades formed a group to study blade techniques, and those who enjoyed combined techniques formed a club to study combined techniques. Whether it was poison, hidden weapons, mechanisms, or formations, countless clubs were born from various interests. And in the process, some nonsensical clubs were also formed.”
“Now I kind of get it.”
Bi Ryu-yeon, Hyo-ryong, and Yoon Junho finally showed expressions of understanding. Seeing hope, Jang-hong felt much more at ease.
“That’s a relief.”
“In other words, it’s completely unnecessary for me.”
Bi Ryu-yeon agreed.
“You didn’t understand at all.”
Jang-hong lightly criticized him.
“What? Did I say something wrong?”
“Of course. You said something very wrong.”
“But it’s the truth.”
Bi Ryu-yeon spoke honestly and tried to break away from the group.
“Wait!”
Bi Ryu-yeon turned around with an expression that said, “Why are you calling me?”
“You’re too hasty. What did you even hear during the admission orientation?”
Whether he had fallen asleep or not, there was hardly any memory of it in his head. He vaguely remembered dreaming of something like flying in the sky, but he couldn’t quite recall it.
“Anyone who is a disciple of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy must be obligatorily registered in at least one club. No exceptions.”
Jang-hong’s words were not a mere threat. It was clearly stated in the academy’s regulations that every student of the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy had to join and participate in at least one club.
Bi Ryu-yeon had to ponder once again.
“Hey, you there.”
At that moment, an unfamiliar voice came from behind them. That voice was clearly directed at Hyo-ryong.
“Are you calling for me?”
Hyo-ryong turned around and looked at the person who had addressed him. The fierce gaze and dignified yet unwavering appearance of the young man dressed in yellow martial arts attire suggested that he was someone who had undergone considerable training at first glance. A splendid sword with a red tassel was tied at his waist.
“Why don’t you join the Sword Soul Society, the largest, greatest, and strongest club in the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy?”
The man in yellow said.
“Are you referring to me?” Hyo-ryong pointed to his own chin, seeking confirmation.
“Yes, I’m talking about you,” the young man in yellow martial attire nodded. On the left side of his chest was an embroidered pattern of five swords surrounded by five dragons. Five Sword Dragons! They were known as the exceptional martial arts prodigies who surpassed the direct disciples of the great sects. He was one of the few powerful individuals hard to find even within the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy.
“And who might you be?”
“Ah, I haven’t introduced myself. I am So Cheon-gun, also known as the Azure Wind Sword, from the Azure Castle Sword Sect. I’m a third-year student at the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy and one of the Four Sword Lords of the Sword Soul Society.”
Judging by how his chest swelled with pride when he mentioned the Four Sword Lords, it seemed he held a considerably high position within the Sword Soul Society. However, unfortunately, even if one’s status was high enough to boast about, if the other party was unaware of it, it couldn’t take effect.
“I am Hyo-ryong from the Taeul Sword Sect,” Hyo-ryong responded with a polite bow. Since the other party had revealed his sect, Hyo-ryong also disclosed his own sect out of martial arts etiquette.
“Taeul Sword Sect? Due to my lack of knowledge, it doesn’t ring a bell. Was there such a sect?” So Cheon-gun tilted his head, expressing his doubt, and Hyo-ryong replied with a smile.
“It’s natural that you don’t know. It’s a single-lineage sect, so it’s not well-known.”
“Haha, is that so? Indeed, there are many hidden talents in the martial arts world. That’s what makes the martial arts world interesting.”
Nodding continuously at Hyo-ryong’s words, he looked at Hyo-ryong again and asked in a serious tone, “Judging by your build and posture, you seem to have deeply mastered the sword. What do you think about joining our Sword Soul Society? Our Sword Soul Society is the largest, strongest, and most prestigious club in the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy, boasting numerous sword prodigies and sword spirits. If you join our Sword Soul Society as a swordsman, I expect you will make great progress. It will surely benefit you and cause you no harm.”
“The Sword Soul Society?”
“It’s the largest, greatest, and strongest club with the most powerful influence in our Heavenly Martial Arts Academy. It’s a gathering of the top rising stars in the martial arts world who come together to research and develop the profound principles contained within the sword. I guarantee that if you join here, it will greatly help you reach a new realm of swordsmanship.”
His bold claim was filled with confidence.
“Is it such an extraordinary place?”
“Of course. No matter how much you attend sword art classes, if you don’t understand, it’s all in vain. There are limitations to one-sided teaching. Club activities are meant to supplement that. Everyone must join and participate in at least one club. It’s a documented rule written in the school regulations. So, what do you say? Will you join?”
“Hmm… Should I?”
Hyo-ryong also seemed to be getting interested. However, something soon occurred that diminished his interest.
“It would be wise to reconsider such a misjudgment.”
Everyone’s gaze turned towards the direction of the voice. It was clear that the voice did not come from within their group. At the source of the voice stood a rough-looking young man in black robes with a crude blade hanging from his waist. He was a man exuding a villainous aura, with thick, dark eyebrows and a strong jaw. Upon seeing him, So Cheon-gun’s expression slightly frowned.
“What brings you here?”
So Cheon-gun asked bluntly.
“You could say I’m an apostle of justice who has come to save a young lamb trapped in your clutches.”
The black-robed young man sneered in a mocking tone. On his chest, the same Five Sword Dragons pattern was embroidered as So Cheon-gun’s. It was proof that he was evenly matched in skill with him.
“Hearing such words from the mouth of a Blade Soul Society scoundrel, bundled up in cruelty and ignorance, is truly ridiculous. Ildo Destruction Guchang!”
With a voice full of hostility, Azure Wind Sword So Cheon-gun countered sarcastically, finding it ridiculous. The other party didn’t back down either.
“Hearing such words from a member of the Sword Soul Society, the epitome of insidiousness and deceit, would make my deceased ancestors laugh so hard their bellybuttons would fall off. It’s utterly absurd.”
“What did you say!”
So Cheon-gun and Guchang growled at each other as if they were about to devour one another. The ferocity of their confrontation would put beasts to shame. The two seemed to have a terrible relationship with each other. In fact, the Sword Soul Society and the Blade Soul Society were the worst of enemies and fierce competitors within the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy. It would be stranger if they had a good relationship.
“You there!” Guchang pointed at Hyo-ryong and spoke.
“Yes?” Hyo-ryong answered in surprise. As someone who didn’t know how the situation was unfolding, he had no idea what was going on. Guchang’s gaze lingered on his twin swords.
“It seems that sword-wielding scoundrel over there is trying to lure you in. Let me give you some advice for your future. What’s so good about a sword that only looks flashy and is full of superficial flair? A real man should learn the blade, the epitome of strength and speed, shouldn’t he? Reject that wimpy club right away and join our Blade Soul Society. It’s not too late to start anew. For a man, it’s the blade.”
“Shut up. He is an excellent swordsman, no matter what anyone says. He has reached a realm incomparable to the likes of you. Telling him to learn the ignorant and savage blade techniques that lack any semblance of elegance is preposterous. Don’t make me laugh. You there!”
The last words were directed at Hyo-ryong.
“Yes?”
“Don’t listen to that ignorant blade-wielding fool. You are an excellent swordsman, no matter what anyone says. My eyes cannot be deceived. How could I bear to see someone like you fall into the pit of ignorant and hideous blade techniques? That would be equivalent to giving up on your future. Ignore the words of that good-for-nothing and join our Sword Soul Society right away.”
“Hmph, what’s the point of joining the Sword Soul Society when they won’t even pay attention to you?”
“What kind of slander are you trying to make this time?” So Cheon-gun asked in a cold tone.
“Hmph, who in this Heavenly Martial Arts Academy doesn’t know that your Sword Soul Society is a lapdog of the rotten Nine Sects? No matter how talented someone is, if they don’t belong to the Nine Sects, they get ostracized and ignored in your Sword Soul Society.”
Guchang’s words were unparalleled in their sharpness. So Cheon-gun’s complexion visibly hardened. It seemed that Guchang’s words were not far from the truth.
“I’m not like that.”
“Hmph, just because you’re not like that doesn’t mean others are the same. Besides, even you are suspicious.”
Suddenly, So Cheon-gun’s mouth clamped shut like a clam. His grim expression indicated that he couldn’t find any words to refute. In fact, Guchang’s words were mostly true. The Sword Soul Society had a strong character of being a shadow and alter ego of the Nine Righteous Sects, making it difficult for non-Nine Sects members to receive proper treatment. That’s why it was hard to find individuals from outside the Nine Sects. However, the situation was similar for the Blade Soul Society.
“Isn’t it the same for you guys, banding together and conspiring?”
“Hmph, so you’re admitting that you guys have banded together and conspired?”
Guchang latched onto the words and persisted.
“What kind of nonsensical argument are you making? Don’t say things that don’t make sense.”
“It’s clearly different. You know it well, so why are you acting like this? Our Blade Soul Society is a place where individuals from the Eight Family Society and the Heroes Society have gathered. Don’t compare us to you guys who conspire with just nine sects. That fellow obviously doesn’t belong to the Nine Sects, so he should join our Blade Soul Society, shouldn’t he?”
The Blade Soul Society was an organization created to counter the Sword Soul Society, which was an offshoot of the Nine Sects. Its purpose was to prevent the dominance of the Nine Sects and keep their power in check. The Blade Soul Society was formed by the combined forces of the Eight Great Families, the backbone of the Eight Family Society, and various other sects that had gathered in the Heroes Society.
So, despite hanging up a signboard claiming to be a place for researching swords and blades, they were actually engrossed in a power struggle. As a result, both places had members who had little connection to swords or blades. In other words, even if someone from the Eight Great Families used a sword, they would join the Blade Soul Society instead of the Sword Soul Society. Neither side could deny that they had strayed about thirty or forty thousand feet from the original purpose of the clubs. So, in a way, it was natural for them to be unable to mix like water and oil, or to constantly bicker like enemies.
The two seemed to have a peculiar talent for hurting each other’s feelings. They also had the remarkable ability to growl at each other whenever they met. No matter when or where they encountered each other, they could always sow sufficient animosity towards one another.
The two largest clubs that had built the biggest influence among the clubs in the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy were none other than the Sword Soul Society and the Blade Soul Society. It was natural for them to have the most members since both were places that researched the two most widely used weapons in the martial arts world. The two were evenly matched in terms of membership, influence, and skill, making it difficult to determine superiority each year. Recently, the Sword Soul Society had been slightly ahead, and the Blade Soul Society was making every effort to catch up.
That’s why the Sword Soul Society and the Blade Soul Society were always growling at each other like rivals, engaging in power struggles. Both sides were united by their pride and the martial arts world’s interests were also involved, making reconciliation unthinkable.
“Weak sword technique fanatic!”
“Ignorant blade technique practitioner!”
These were the most frequently used insults when the members of the Sword Soul Society and the Blade Soul Society disparaged each other. Of course, they flared up after exchanging their designated insults.
“What did you say? You impudent fellow!”
The atmosphere surrounding the two was becoming increasingly murderous. The air began to vibrate with killing intent.
“It’s Formless Energy,” Jang-hong said, his eyes shining. Formless Energy referred to the intangible sword energy that could only be used by those at the peak master level or above. It wasn’t a technique that just anyone could easily use. Moreover, its power was also comparable to that of an old master.
“Oh my, at this rate, it will be difficult for both sides to emerge unscathed,” Jang-hong clicked his tongue and remarked. It was because he could feel the fierce entanglement of the invisible Formless Energy between the two. After all, they were from the same sect, so going this far was not a desirable phenomenon.
“They are continuously increasing their momentum. It won’t be easy.”
The skills of the two seemed evenly matched. Engaging in a contest of Formless Energy in a situation where neither side had an absolute advantage was as dangerous as a confrontation of internal energy. However, both of them showed no signs of backing down and were instead becoming stronger and stronger.
“Hey, Hyo-ryong? Who do you think will win between those two? That ignorant blade-wielder over there or that slender-bodied swordsman?”
Bi Ryu-yeon’s evaluation of the two was merciless. Originally, enjoying such a murderous atmosphere like watching a fire from across the river was another one of Bi Ryu-yeon’s hobbies. If given the chance, he had a history of deliberately creating such an atmosphere from time to time.
“Well? I think Azure Wind Sword So Cheon-gun has a slight advantage.”
“Eh, are you siding with him because he’s a fellow swordsman?”
“No, this is a very objective assessment. I’m not foolish enough to let personal feelings influence the outcome of a match. That guy from the Blade Soul Society seems agitated both on the outside and the inside. But even though So Cheon-gun from the Sword Soul Society appears agitated on the outside, his inside is as cold as an ice crystal. His eyes, clear to the point of transparency, tell everything. He seems to have undergone considerable training. It’s not easy to reach such a realm unless one is truly exceptional.”
Hyo-ryong was genuinely amazed. However, his tone only contained a hint of admiration and no trace of envy. His tone was relaxed, implying that he had already reached that realm long ago.
“It would be truly thrilling if they fought until blood was shed. But judging by the looks of it, they’ll unfortunately end up just engaging in a battle of nerves.”
In response to Bi Ryu-yeon’s disappointed tone, like a child who missed a spectacle, Hyo-ryong gave a wry smile.
“Bear with it. Getting involved in a fight from the very beginning of our official life at the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy is not my preference. Yesterday’s incident at the Sword Soul Society’s new student welcoming event was more than enough. It felt like a year’s worth of accidents were crammed into a single day.”
He described yesterday’s events as the culmination of a year’s worth of accidents, but unfortunately, the real accidents had not even occurred yet. Compared to the incidents that would unfold around him in the future, the Hocheon River rampage incident from yesterday was a mere trifle, not even worth a drop of blood. However, it was natural for Hyo-ryong, who lacked the extraordinary talent to read the future, to be unable to predict what would happen in the future. The same went for Jang-hong and Yoon Junho.
“It doesn’t seem like a good time for either of them to join.”
Hyo-ryong nodded in agreement with Bi Ryu-yeon’s assessment.
“It seems so. Constantly bickering like that, I don’t think they’ll have any energy left.”
The match still remained undecided, with only the momentum becoming more and more fierce.
“However, in the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy, it is mandatory for a person to join at least one club. Whether it’s an academic club or a martial arts-related club, it’s up to individual preferences. That’s a matter of personal freedom. But don’t forget, you must join at least one club, no matter where it is.”
Jang-hong spoke with determination. Bi Ryu-yeon and Hyo-ryong began to ponder again about what kind of club they should join.
“What about the Flying Blade Club?”
Hyo-ryong recommended a place. It was a field he had been interested in for a long time.
“I’ll pass on that one.”
Bi Ryu-yeon shook his head.
“Why?”
“I think there’s nothing more for me to learn there. My flying blades are more than enough. Let’s look for something else.”
Bi Ryu-yeon had his Flying Lightning Knife. For him, who had mastered the Flying Lightning Knife, the pinnacle of flying blades and thread swords, further lessons in flying blades were meaningless. Everything else would only appear as child’s play in his eyes.
When it came to actually deciding which club to join, none of them seemed particularly appealing. Despite the dozens of clubs lined up along the street, nothing piqued their interest.
While they were discussing and exchanging opinions, the invisible confrontation between So Cheon-gun and Guchang was gradually intensifying. The sensation could be clearly felt even from a distance of two-boards. The sharp aura generated by the collision of their Formless Energy could be felt piercing the skin. Now, the two were staring at each other, emitting their maximum Formless Energy to keep the other in check.
As the situation had escalated to this point, it had become very difficult to resolve. There was a risk of having one’s meridians severed and dying if one carelessly stepped into the domain where the Formless Energy was entangled. The space dominated by Formless Energy could already be considered a different realm. It was said that the supreme masters could kill a person with just this Formless Energy, so one could easily imagine how powerful it was. It was said that ordinary people would die just by looking at Formless Energy.
So Cheon-gun and Guchang, as if their pride and competitive spirit were ablaze, showed not the slightest inclination towards the virtue of compromise. Their attitude suggested that they were willing to go as far as putting their lives on the line.
“Hey there, you guys are enjoying quite an interesting spectacle.”
Yoon Junho hastily turned his head back in surprise. The voice had approached right behind him, yet he had failed to detect any presence at all. If this were a real battle, it could have been a life-threatening situation where his throat would have been slit. In contrast, Bi Ryu-yeon, Hyo-ryong, and Jang-hong remained utterly composed, as if they had already been aware of it.