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chapter 74
When the people from Cheonmyeong Mountain Villa left the inn, the stiff tension in the air loosened a little, though the wary gazes toward Geomryeong’s group remained.
“Let’s eat.”
Feeling the eyes on him, Geomryeong sat down as if nothing was wrong.
Ye Hwirang took a seat beside him, glancing around cautiously at Jeok Hwamyeong and the others, gauging their moods. The others exchanged looks before finally sitting down as well.
“Eat slowly.”
Geomryeong kindly encouraged Hwirang to eat comfortably.
“But Geomryeong oppa, why are those people picking on you?”
“That’s because I killed some of their family members.”
“I see. But… why did you kill them?”
“They were practicing demonic arts. I caught them trying to kill someone and stopped them. But their demonic energy went berserk, and I had no choice but to fight and kill them.”
“Oh, then they were bad people. But, oppa—”
Hwirang continued to ask questions out of curiosity, and Geomryeong patiently answered them all.
Having lived most of her life in Baekma-dong, she hadn’t been in the world long, and everything was new to her.
In truth, Geomryeong didn’t know much about the world either.
Whenever she asked something he couldn’t answer, he would pass the question to Seo Gunha.
“Unni, so what about this—?”
Even while eating, Hwirang’s stream of questions didn’t stop. The only difference was that the target had shifted from Geomryeong to Seo Gunha.
“Looks like that rumor’s true, brother.”
The young masters of Shandong Province whispered among themselves in low voices—but everyone could hear them.
“Well, who knows. But since they were humiliated at Cheonmyeong Villa, they’re not going to sit still.”
“Cheonmyeong Villa represents all of Guangdong… will they be alright?”
Heo Jinran from Manhwa Hall asked anxiously.
“Are you worried that young man will get hurt?”
When her senior, Gun Jaggi, teased her, her cheeks turned red.
“No, that’s not it…”
“They’ll be fine. None of them are weaker than I am. At the very least, to deal with them, the entire Cheonmyeong Villa would have to mobilize.”
When Hwang Bo-soong—one of the famed Ten Dragons and Eight Peaks—spoke, everyone looked surprised.
Though not ranked among the top hundred masters of the martial world, he was still considered one of the greatest among the younger generation.
“Is that really true?” Hwang Bo-ran asked.
“It is. And since they can probably hear everything we’re saying, we should stop here.”
Hwang Bo-soong stood and offered a martial greeting to Jeok Hwamyeong.
“I am Hwang Bo-soong of the Hwangbo Clan. I didn’t mean to intrude on this meal. I just want to make it clear that we have no ties to Cheonmyeong Villa.”
In the martial world, even small matters could create bonds of gratitude or resentment. It was fine to form a bond of favor—but best to avoid forming grudges.
“So you’re the Fist Dragon Hwang Bo-soong, one of the Ten Dragons and Eight Peaks? The rumors don’t do you justice.”
Jeok Hwamyeong smiled faintly and replied, “Don’t worry. We know you have nothing to do with Cheonmyeong Villa.”
“Thank you for understanding, Hero Jeok.”
After clarifying his stance, Hwang Bo-soong returned to his seat.
Geomryeong glanced at him, nodded slightly, and sent a whisper transmission to Yu Ak-gun.
— Are all members of the Ten Dragons and Eight Peaks that strong?
— Not all. The Heavenly Dragon and the Fire Dragon are above them by a step. And so are the Blood Peak and the Demon Peak. The rest are about the same level. Still, among the younger generation, they’re the best. Give them time, and most will enter the ranks of the top hundred masters.
Hearing that, Geomryeong nodded.
They hadn’t reached the absolute peak yet, but they were clearly beyond the level of top-class experts.
“So, it comes to this after all.”
Jeok Hwamyeong had expected a confrontation eventually—but not like this.
“I’m sorry, brother!”
If he hadn’t insisted on watching the Martial Arts Tournament, they could’ve avoided it.
“There’s nothing to apologize for. It’s fine. We had to meet them sooner or later to settle things. But will you be alright?”
He meant: would he be alright fighting the Cheonmyeong Villa?
“Our young master could wipe out Cheonmyeong Villa with one hand. You needn’t worry. If you don’t step in, I’ll end it myself before it gets that far.”
Jeok Hwamyeong chuckled softly at Yu Ak-gun’s confidence.
After meeting Gun Ilsan, the Grand Elder of Mount Heng, he had already come to believe in Geomryeong’s power. Still, even the strongest individual had limits.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry too much.”
“Don’t worry. If anyone bullies oppa, Hwirang will beat them all up!”
Seeing the girl puff out her chest proudly, Geomryeong smiled. The female masters of Shandong who saw that smile found themselves momentarily dazed.
How could a man look like that…?
“For now, let’s eat. We’ll deal with the rest later.”
“Indeed. Hwirang, eat plenty.”
“Yes, Uncle Jeok!”
* * *
As the day of the Martial Arts Tournament approached, crowds flooded into Wuhan in Hubei Province.
They came from all across the Central Plains—not just martial artists, but poets, scholars, and even government officials—eager to witness one of the three great martial events of the world.
Naturally, talk of martial arts filled every corner of the city.
The gossip-loving folk discussed every sect, every top master, and of course, the Ten Dragons and Eight Peaks. Information spread rapidly through their chatter.
Among all these stories, the ones about demonic cultivation drew the most attention.
From the legend of Sa Myeong-ok, the Demon Sovereign of Thirty Years, to tales of the demonic followers under his command—no tavern in Wuhan went without such talk.
As people shared those stories, the reality of the impending tournament sank in.
“What will you do, young master?”
Cheon Jin-haeng of the Cheonryong Merchant Guild asked respectfully. His work in Wuhan was finished, and he had to return to Chongqing soon.
If possible, he would’ve stayed to watch the tournament with Geomryeong, but circumstances didn’t allow it.
“I plan to stay until the tournament ends.”
Cheon Jin-haeng had expected that answer.
“Well, about Lady Hwirang…”
His tone was cautious. Hwirang wasn’t a stranger—she was family. It was natural for him to worry.
“I’ll ask her what she wants.”
“If she wishes to follow you, I won’t stop her. But if not, I’d like to take her home and look after her myself.”
“I understand.”
Both men already knew Hwirang wouldn’t go back with him.
Still, they spoke out of mutual care.
“Young master,” Cheon Jin-haeng said quietly, “I don’t mean to doubt you, but… are you sure you’ll be alright? Cheonmyeong Villa is one of the strongest martial families in Guangdong.”
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t worried. No one could predict how things might turn out.
“Don’t worry. If they could defeat my grandfather, I might have to reconsider—but since they can’t, there’s no need to worry.”
At the mention of Grandmaster Cheon Nam-yeon, the Solitary Demon Lord, pride flickered across Cheon Jin-haeng’s face.
“Even so, if you can avoid conflict, you should.”
“I will. Please don’t worry about me.”
Geomryeong’s reassurance eased his heart.
It reminded him of a parent worrying over their child—and it warmed him.
The people of the Cheonryong Merchant Guild, Gu Family Ironworks, and the Hwasung Medical Clan—all of them had shown him kindness.
As they talked, they reached the inn where the group was staying.
“I’ll go talk to Hwirang for a bit.”
They entered the inn together, and Geomryeong climbed to the third floor, where Seo Gunha and Hwirang were staying.
“Sis!”
He called softly at the door.
It opened, revealing Hwirang seated before a book, studying intently.
“Geomryeong oppa, I’m studying!”
Proud of herself, she smiled brightly—and he couldn’t help but smile back.
— Hwirang.
Geomryeong spoke to her through voice transmission.
— Lord Cheon wants to take you back home for protection. What do you think? You can stay with me if you want.
— Mom said I should follow you, oppa.
Geomryeong nodded.
Seo Gunha could tell something had just passed between them, though she didn’t ask. Still, seeing them whisper together made her feel a little… jealous.
“Good. Keep studying hard, and mind your manners too.”
“Mm-hm! Hwirang’s smart, she can do everything well!”
Though her body had grown, her mind was still childlike—no, rather, she’d grown up lonely, and her craving for affection made her act this way.
“Sis, please take care of Hwirang.”
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll be downstairs. Come join us later.”
When Geomryeong left, Seo Gunha closed the door.
“Geomryeong oppa asked if I wanted to go with Lord Cheon.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, but I said no. Mom told me to stay with oppa.”
Seo Gunha understood. She knew how much Hwirang relied on him.
“Good choice. Let’s travel together with Geomryeong and see lots of amazing things.”
“Okay! Unni, you like Geomryeong oppa too, right?”
Seo Gunha froze.
“Hwirang likes oppa a lot. I hope unni likes him too.”
Seo Gunha gently patted her head and smiled.
“Yeah, unni likes him too.”
“Uh-huh. Oppa’s so pretty that all the girls will like him.”
“Where did you even learn to say that?”
“Mom said I’m pretty, and that when I grow up, lots of boys will like me. So since oppa’s pretty too, girls will like him too!”
It sounded like she was complimenting herself.
“I see. So, how far have you gotten with your Ice Spirit Sacred Art?”
“I’ve reached the stage of mastery, but not great mastery yet. When I do, I’ll be able to spread my ice energy ten jang around me. Right now, it only reaches seven.”
She said it casually—but that was no small feat.
She’s about my level…
Seo Gunha, herself among the hundred greatest martial artists, could only expand her sword domain to nine jang.
Even if she mastered her own techniques completely, the difference wouldn’t be large.
“Unni.”
“What is it?”
“How strong is Geomryeong oppa?”
Seo Gunha hesitated. She didn’t know for sure—only that the Mount Heng Sword Saint, Gun Ilsan, had acknowledged him, and that Geomryeong had already surpassed her level.
“I’m not sure… but one thing’s certain: Geomryeong is the strongest in the martial world.”
At that, Hwirang beamed. Perhaps she’d asked just to hear those words.
“Of course oppa’s the strongest. He’s Grandpa’s disciple.”
“Grandpa’s… disciple?” Seo Gunha blinked. She thought his teacher was Master Jeonmo Yakbing.
Geomryeong, Yu Ak-gun, and Jeok Hwamyeong had never bothered to mention that Geomryeong had inherited the arts of both Cheon Nam-yeon, the Solitary Demon Lord, and Gu Yeongcheol, the Ghost Demon Emperor.
“What do you mean? Grandpa’s disciple?”
“Oppa is Grandpa’s disciple! That’s why he’s super strong.”
“And… who’s your grandpa?”
“Cheon Nam-yeon, the Solitary Demon Lord! Mom told me! She said Grandpa is the greatest warrior in all the martial world!”
Seo Gunha was speechless.
“You know Grandpa too, right, unni?”
“Uh… yeah.”
She finally managed to respond.
“Since oppa’s Grandpa’s disciple, that means he’s the strongest person alive!”
Her words were innocent—but true. Though Geomryeong still lacked worldly experience, with Jeok Hwamyeong and Yu Ak-gun by his side, he faced no serious trouble.
It doesn’t sound like she’s lying…
There was no deceit in Hwirang’s eyes.
Seo Gunha was astonished by two facts:
First, that the Solitary Demon Lord Cheon Nam-yeon had a granddaughter.
Second, that his disciple was also the student of Jeonmo Yakbing.
Wait… the Ghost Demon Emperor Gu Yeongcheol vanished the same day as those two. Could it be that all three are hiding in the same place?
The thought seemed strangely plausible.
And that guard, Yu Ak-gun… he doesn’t seem like someone from the orthodox sects either.
She realized she knew far less about Geomryeong, Jeok Hwamyeong, and Yu Ak-gun than she’d assumed.
“What are you thinking so hard about, unni?”
“Oh—nothing.”
Seo Gunha smiled, pulling Hwirang’s book closer.
“Hwirang, let’s study a bit more, then go downstairs for dinner with Geomryeong and the others.”
“Okay! I’ll study hard and make oppa happy!”
“Good. Let’s do that.”
I’ll use this chance to learn a bit more about them…
