“If Moyong Hwee, the Seven Severing Divine Sword and successor to Sword Saint Moyong Cheon, one of the Three Heavenly Sages, has inherited even a portion of the Sword Saint’s vast internal energy, the situation can truly be considered the worst,” Gu Yang-jin spat out. Even he himself hadn’t realized that Baek Mu-yeong was taking the situation that seriously. If that was the case, it was understandable that Baek Mu-yeong, the Deputy Leader and brain of the Nine Profound Society, was making a fuss.
“We’ll be preoccupied with protecting our own honor.”
“Who knows when it will fall to the ground.”
“That’s too hasty a judgment. Please restrain yourself a bit.”
“It can’t help but be a very interesting matter that the successor of the Sword Saint is participating in the Three Saints Martial Arts Competition, which strongly emphasizes commemorating the Three Heavenly Sages and selecting their successors.” The Fiery Mountain Fairy also chimed in. Was she trying to further aggravate the situation?
“Although our Nine Sects have a gloomy past of not producing even a single person among the Three Heavenly Sages, we have dedicated the past hundred years to washing away that humiliation. As a result of those efforts, we have not missed a single victory in the Three Saints Competition for the past ten years. This undefeated honor must be protected at all costs. If we collapse the reputation and honor built by our predecessors overnight, how can we hold our heads up in front of our sects and seniors? I don’t think I’ll have the courage to do so.”
“I agree. We must further immerse ourselves in training and cultivate diligently.”
A hundred years ago, during the dark era of the Thousand Calamities Blood Generation, not producing even a single person among the Three Heavenly Sages who saved the martial arts world was an indelible shame for the Nine Sects. Although everyone was hushing it up and not showing it outwardly, the mental shock and damage the Nine Sects suffered at that time was no less than what they had suffered at the hands of the Thousand Calamities Spirit. That shock had left a deep bruise on their chests. It wasn’t something that would fade away with the passage of time.
Therefore, from the day the Thousand Calamities Spirit and the Blood Deity disappeared, the Nine Sects had intensified the training of their disciples. A ruthless whipping had begun to regain their lost honor. They wanted to wash away the shame they had received as those who claimed to be the pillars and tradition of the righteous sects. After fifty years of gritting their teeth and making every effort in a desperate struggle, the Nine Sects, which had regained their former prosperity that had been pushed back by the Eight Great Families, were not satisfied with that and further intensified their efforts.
Finally, eighty years after that era of humiliation and disgrace, they were able to suppress the Eight Great Families and other major sects and once again rise to the pinnacle of the martial arts world. It was nothing short of a bolt from the blue for the Eight Great Families and other major sects that had been complacent. The Eight Great Families and prestigious righteous sects, which had lost all their vested interests and become penniless, came to their senses and prepared for a counterattack, but the Nine Sects were already running towards the peak, so there was no way to catch up. Thus, the situation was reversed, and now it was the Eight Great Families chasing the shadows of the Nine Sects. The game of tag for recapturing the top had begun once again.
The only difference from eighty years ago was that the roles of the tagger had switched. The Nine Sects, having been badly beaten once, did not want to be caught by the tagger again. Therefore, it was only natural for them to always pay attention to the tagger diligently chasing after them without forgetting.
“Then, Moyong Hwee will definitely compete in the Sword Saint Battle.”
“We should consider it as such.”
“Then, do you think he will also participate in the Three Saints Grand Battle?”
“That has not been confirmed yet. However, looking at the precedents so far, I think it’s something we should keep in mind.”
“We should accept it as a fait accompli. Until he suffers a very, very serious injury, that is.”
What is the Three Saints Grand Battle? The Three Saints Competition was established to commemorate the valor and achievements of the Three Heavenly Sages, so it is divided into three fields. In other words, it is divided into three parts: the Sword Saint Battle, the Saber Saint Battle, and the Sword Empress Battle, which select individuals who claim to be the descendants of the Sword Saint, the Saber Saint, and the Sword Empress, the only female among the Three Sages. Therefore, there were many restrictions imposed. Since it had a strong character of a commemorative event – of course, the scale was tremendous – the weapons were limited. In the Sword Saint Battle, only those who used swords were allowed to participate, and in the Saber Saint Battle, only those who used sabers were allowed, and in the Sword Empress Battle, only women who used swords were allowed to participate.
As these restrictions were imposed, naturally, complaints poured out from here and there. In particular, the backlash from the Four Evils Sect was extreme. They wanted to participate somehow, but the strict conditions and restrictions did not accept them. No matter what, those who used poison, hidden weapons, and only a fan as their official weapon could not be included. So they passionately attempted behind-the-scenes maneuvering. As a sect claiming to be prestigious, they could not accept being excluded from the Three Saints Competition. Since the Four Evils Sect held a significant position in the martial arts world, their behind-the-scenes maneuvering was unexpectedly easily accepted.
“The Three Saints Competition is about inheriting the spirit of the Three Heavenly Sages, not about inheriting their weapons. We must not forget this point,” their impassioned speech even made the Martial Arts Alliance and the Heavenly Martial Arts Academy accept it.
Thus, a special proposal was prepared, and while the Sword Saint Battle, the Saber Saint Battle, and the Sword Empress Battle existed, another unlimited martial arts competition called the Three Saints Grand Battle was created. It was a competition where anyone could participate, use anything, and pour out all their skills. Occasionally, those who participated in the three main battles often participated here as well. This was because the martial arts competitions were held a few days apart, and the Three Saints Grand Battle was held last. It was a convention that almost all those who won the Sword, Saber, and Sword Empress Battles participated here. Unless they suffered severe injuries and became unable to move, that is. However, since it was a competition hosted by the academy, killing was strictly prohibited, and the use of severe poisons was also prohibited. Therefore, there were few seriously injured participants.
“Who are you planning to support in this Sword Empress Battle?”
The question from Il-yeong, who was from the Shaolin Sect, made Baek Mu-yeong ponder for a moment. There was no clearly confirmed plan for that side yet.
“Well, that’s a bit of a difficult question.”
Baek Mu-yeong’s gaze slightly turned towards Jeong Ha-gyeong, the Fiery Mountain Fairy from the Huashan Sect. However, he soon withdrew his gaze and said,
“First, it will be very important to consider who the other side will send out. The first person we should be wary of is Nam Gung So-so, one of the Seven Phoenix Sect, and that woman from the Sword Horn Sect, who is also from the Seven Phoenix Sect. As of now, those two are the most likely candidates for victory on their side. Ah, of course, I’m not doubting the skills of our young ladies, so don’t worry.”
Once again, Baek Mu-yeong’s gaze, accompanied by a subtle smile, turned towards her. It was a meaningful gaze, implying that he believed in her, so she should not disappoint him.
“From our side, of course, it will be Jeong Ha-gyeong, the Fiery Mountain Fairy, who is one of the Nine Profound Eight Blades. And there’s also Jin Ryeong from the Ami Sect, who is one of the Seven Phoenix Sect.”
“It’s better not to consider her.”
When Jin Ryeong’s name was mentioned, Jeong Ha-gyeong shouted sharply. She seemed to have a lot of complaints about her.
“She left the Nine Profound Society on her own and joined a strange organization. I’d rather you not compare me on an equal level with her, who mingles with those guys from the Heroes Gate Eight Houses Society in that strange place called the Ink Circle or whatever.”
She seemed to be very angry, with her anger reaching the top of her head. At times like this, provoking a woman’s temper was something only fools would do, so he decided to remain silent.
“Let’s do that,” Baek Mu-yeong readily agreed.
“The purpose of this meeting was to draw your attention to those two individuals and ask you to devote more effort to preparing for the Three Saints Competition. Now, letting your guard down is forbidden. Please feel a greater sense of urgency and immerse yourself in training. This year doesn’t seem like it will be easy. I believe it’s a time when everyone’s efforts are needed. Cheong So-hyeop, please stay after the meeting. I have something to tell you separately.”
The blue-robed noble Cheong-heun, who was sitting next to him, nodded his head. Cheong So-hyeop referred to the Three Severing Sword Cheong-heun, Baek Mu-yeong’s closest friend and the pillar in charge of martial arts in the Nine Profound Society. He was mindful of the way he addressed him since it was an official setting. After the urgently convened meeting ended, everyone left their seats to return to their original positions. The only ones left in the empty room were the Three Severing Sword Cheong-heun and the One Energy of Hengshan 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 unfounded concerns, but I have an ominous feeling that it will be difficult unless it’s you.”
“If your intuition, which has never been off the mark, says so, I’ll have to prepare as well.” Cheong-heun readily acknowledged it. He knew well that he had never seen Baek Mu-yeong’s intuition go astray, and probabilistically, there weren’t many chances for it to be wrong next time either.
“Your fourth sword may be needed.” The young man called Cheong-heun flinched at Baek Mu-yeong’s words. His eyes widened in disbelief.
“You don’t mean to that extent, do you?”
“There’s a sufficient possibility. That’s why I called you separately like this. Everyone knows that your third sword is fearsome, but they don’t even know about the existence of your fourth sword.”
“Only you and my master know about that.” There was no one else who knew that fact. It hadn’t been long since it was completed, and there had been no occasion to use it.
“I’m always grateful for your friendship and trust. You’re the only person who interacts with me, cold as I am, without any reservations.” There were always people around him who tried to keep their distance from him.
“What are you saying out of the blue at this point? My trust and friendship will remain unchanged, so don’t worry.”
“Thank you.” Baek Mu-yeong showed a sincere smile. He had always been a source of trust for him.
“By the way, why didn’t you bring up the Saber Saint Battle earlier? You know well that our Nine Sects are strong in swords but weak in sabers, don’t you?” If Baek Mu-yeong didn’t know that fact, there would be no one in this world who knew.
“Of course. I have never forgotten the fact that we have always been in crisis in the Saber Saint Battle and have been engaged in a precarious tug-of-war for 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 perception has improved a lot. Is it thanks to her?”
Suddenly, Cheong-heun’s face turned red. At a glance, one could read the embarrassment that had sprouted in his heart.
“You’ve become able to make jokes now. Have you taken a step away from being a statue?”
Cheong-heun also retaliated against Baek Mu-yeong, who had made him flustered.
“Haha, I lose.”
Cheong-heun was the only friend Baek Mu-yeong could open up to. Baek Mu-yeong liked Cheong-heun, who approached him without any reservations despite his cold rationality. His obsessive-compulsive disorder seemed to make an exception only for Cheong-heun.
“What is that guy doing these days?” Cheong-heun asked, taking the opportunity to bring up women. Suddenly, Baek Mu-yeong’s expression darkened.
“The same as always.” At Baek Mu-yeong’s answer, Cheong-heun’s expression also hardened.
“I see, he’s still hovering around her. He’s not the kind of friend to do that. 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 couldn’t understand his behavior at all. He was displeased with his actions of fanatically following a woman around and sticking to her under the pretext of guarding her. Why would a guy who was called and praised as the top talent of the Qingcheng Sect do such a thing? Such behavior of his was not to Baek Mu-yeong’s liking.
“The problem is not just about him alone.”
“You seem to have heard about it too. I heard that a guard unit called the Ice Phoenix Guard was formed. And that guy is the leader.”
“He must have had nothing to do. I acknowledge her bewitching beauty and charm, but it seems to have gone too far lately.” It seemed impossible to understand the minds of the fanatics who claimed they would serve her even if they were reborn three times.
“But it’s not her fault, is it?”
The only fault of a flower would be having a beautiful appearance and fragrance. The fault, if any, would lie with the bees that were enchanted by the flower and lost their senses while gathering honey. He wasn’t blaming her innate beauty either. He was only disappointed by the consequences it caused.
“That appearance and fragrance can also become a fatal poison. Whether she wants it or not. They seem to worship her completely like an idol. If someone dares to touch her, there will be a huge commotion.” Cheong-heun showed a skeptical reaction.
“Is there anyone here who would have the courage to touch her?” If they did, they would be immediately sentenced to the afterlife by the fanatics. “You be careful too.” As the topic was heading straight into a darker abyss, Baek Mu-yeong hastily turned the reins of the conversation.
“Don’t worry, I have her.” Cheong-heun confidently said something embarrassing.
“That’s truly fortunate. I don’t want to lose you because of a woman. Losing one friend who has been captivated by a woman on his own is enough.”
“Don’t worry. And my woman is different.” Cheong-heun declared. He could say such embarrassing words only because it was in front of Baek Mu-yeong. If it were in front of someone else, he wouldn’t even have dared.
“I’m sure she is.” Baek Mu-yeong wisely gave up.