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chapter 81
“So, you’re saying that Master Eulji was defeated?”
Sword Spirit recounted the incident that had occurred earlier at the inn to the people of the Sinchangyi family.
“Brother Sword Spirit’s palm strike is something that even a hundred-top martial artist couldn’t avoid.”
Intentgi also had experience with Sword Spirit’s palm.
He spoke as if it were natural, but his words stirred the ears of those in the inn.
The humiliation Eulji suffered publicly at Sword Spirit’s hands had made his anger indescribable.
Intentgi could sense Eulji’s fury emanating from across the room, but he paid it no mind.
Even if the Eulji clan was strong, in terms of sheer martial ability, he believed the Sinchangyi family could match or even surpass them.
The atmosphere around the table where Eulji sat with the later-generation elites of Zhongjing had turned icy.
Even the senior members of other families—Seomun Daedeok of the Seomun clan, Baekri Seonggwang of the Baekri clan, and Neunggok, a disciple of Cheongpung Sword master Lee Seojin—were at a loss for words. The women present also shared the same reaction.
They glanced at Eulji, who was swallowing his anger—not out of fear, but out of pity.
“I had a feeling something like this might happen someday.”
Seomun Daedeok had anticipated that, due to Eulji’s somewhat reckless and envious nature, a situation like today could occur. Yet he did not warn or reprimand him, because such guidance should come from Eulji’s own clan, not him.
“Is Master Sword Spirit really that strong?”
Dang Hyemi, who had moved seats with Sword Spirit, asked.
“Of course. Among the later-generation elites, Brother Sword Spirit is probably the only one capable of blocking the Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong of Cheonmyeong Mountain Inn.”
As soon as Intentgi finished speaking, the inn fell silent. Then, murmurs began to spread among the people present.
The story of the young man who had cut off Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong’s ears had already circulated widely in the martial world.
Everyone was curious and talked much about him. And now, that very person was here.
Had someone else spoken, people might have doubted it—but it was Intentgi of the Sinchangyi family. Credibility outweighed skepticism.
“So, Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong’s ears were…”
Dang Hyemi hesitated, glancing at Sword Spirit.
“Yes. Those who weren’t present wouldn’t know. Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong’s palm strike injured Brother Sword Spirit, and at that moment…”
Intentgi recounted the events of that day. Sitting beside Sword Spirit, Yehwirang smiled broadly, feeling as though praising Sword Spirit was also praising her.
By the end of Intentgi’s story, the women in the inn were all looking at Sword Spirit, their gazes unanimous.
Especially, the eyes of Huangboran from the Huangbo clan of Shandong and Akssohye from the Shandong musical family seemed more deeply interested than the others.
Seogunha felt a twinge of worry at their attention.
“How many more women will take an interest in him…”
“And he even faced a demon skilled in the Gangsi technique…”
Intentgi, oblivious to the women’s gazes, continued describing Sword Spirit’s martial arts.
“Really? You’re saying the Gangsi were reduced to dust?”
“Yes, Miss Dang.”
“Then Master Sword Spirit’s martial arts are on par with a hundred-top master.”
A hundred-top master!
A symbol and ideal for those who mastered martial arts and lived in the Jianghu world.
And now, someone so young could rival them—who could believe it?
“No, Senior Dogi exaggerated a bit.”
“Not true?”
“Let’s stop that story and talk about something else.”
Sword Spirit shifted the topic. Initially, he had been frustrated that people didn’t believe him, but now, the attention he was receiving felt burdensome. Being recognized here meant life might become even more troublesome.
“Wirang, what would you like to eat?”
When Sword Spirit asked, Wirang mentioned pork meatball soup.
“All right.”
Sword Spirit called the inn staff. Since the meal was free, he ordered the most expensive and delicious dishes available.
“Serve it like this. If it’s not enough, we’ll order more.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Master Eulji will pay, so keep that in mind.”
The inn staff nodded habitually toward Eulji.
After noting the order, the staff wrote it down for the kitchen—but also added another message:
“The young man who defeated Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong of Guangdong is present with the Sinchangyi family. Also, a young woman who appears to be the apprentice Sword Master Seo Gunha, disciple of Sword Master Cheongyakryeo, is present.”
The staff was a member of the Biikdan, an intelligence group under the Martial Alliance, reporting information from the inn.
“What do you think would happen if Master Sword Spirit participated in the martial arts tournament?”
Dang Hyemi asked Intentgi.
“Of course, Master Sword Spirit would win.”
This time, it was Intentgun who answered. Dang Hyemi looked at him.
“But what about the Ten Dragons and Eight Fists?”
“I know, but they cannot defeat Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong. Master Sword Spirit has the martial arts to overcome him.”
Sword Spirit slightly narrowed his eyes at Intentgun’s flattery, causing him to flinch.
Cheon Sword Mountain Inn’s master, Uije-min, had instructed Intentgun to resolve past misunderstandings with Sword Spirit and cultivate friendship. While Uije-min addressed Intentgun specifically, the same applied to Senior Intentcheon and Intentgi.
“Do you know who trained Master Sword Spirit in martial arts?”
“Miss Dang!”
This time, Seo Gunha intervened, feeling the question was slightly overbearing.
“Yes.”
“Don’t you think it’s a bit rude?”
Dang Hyemi looked at Seo Gunha. Despite being a member of the Dang family and having earned renown in the martial world, her previous encounters with the ma-in had proven her to be an outstanding female martial artist.
“Now you know that asking about a master is not inherently rude.”
Yet she persisted.
“It’s not rude to ask about the school. It’s rude to ask others about Master Sword Spirit while he’s right in front of you.”
At that moment, the women in the inn shifted their attention. Seo Gunha had referred to Sword Spirit as “Ryeong-a” rather than “Master Sword Spirit”—a term typically reserved for family.
Had Sword Spirit known, he might have forbidden her from using it.
Dang Hyemi nodded at Seo Gunha.
“I apologize, Master Sword Spirit.”
“It’s fine. I don’t know what you’re curious about, but the world has far more intriguing things than me.”
“What kind of things, Brother?”
Yehwirang asked.
“The three great rebellions of the martial world, the tales of the Three Emperors and the Eight Armies, and stories of divine beasts and spirits. The martial world is full of strange and fascinating tales.”
Sword Spirit recalled the stories Ghost Demon Master Gu Yeongcheol had told him.
“Do you know all those stories?”
“Of course. I know them all.”
“Then tell me about the three great rebellions.”
Their conversation drew the attention of everyone in the inn. What was intended merely to shift the topic turned out to be fascinating to all present.
For Sword Spirit, Yehwirang was the only person he had to protect. Unlike others, she was the granddaughter of Cheonnamyeon, one of his own masters, making her special.
“The three great rebellions of the martial world: the first is Sahyeollim forest, the second the Cheolhyeol cliff, and the last, the Dalma Cave of Shaolin.”
Sahyeollim, Cheolhyeol Cliff, Dalma Cave!
Also known as the Three Great Perils of the Martial World, or the Three Life-and-Death Perils.
Why they gained this reputation is unknown, but they were already legendary well over five hundred years ago, long before Cheonma’s era.
The locations of Sahyeollim and Cheolhyeol Cliff remain undisclosed, and many have searched without success. Rumors claimed that Cheolhyeol Cliff contained martial techniques learned by Cheonma, and that Cheonsa practiced Spirit Techniques at Sahyeollim.
Dalma Cave’s location is known, but none may enter without Shaolin’s permission. Some who entered attained enlightenment; others perished, leaving bloodshed behind.
Rumors said Cheonmu Emperor achieved divine sword mastery at Dalma Cave, but no one else ever replicated it.
Thus, they became known as the Three Great Perils.
Yehwirang, listening to Sword Spirit, asked for more stories.
He continued:
“The Three Emperors refer to Cheonma, Cheonsa, and Cheonmu. They were the strongest. There are rumors connecting them to the Three Great Perils, but nothing confirmed.”
“Then, Brother, are you stronger or they?”
Sword Spirit was slightly flustered.
“There are only three who can compare to them.”
“Who?”
“Master Cheonnamyeon, Ghost Demon Master Gu Yeongcheol, and Grandmother Jeonmo Yakbing.”
Yehwirang beamed, proud that her grandfather could be compared to such formidable figures.
The inn’s atmosphere improved. Apart from Eulji and the Zhongjing elites, others often approached Sword Spirit, eager to befriend him. Among them, Huangbosung of Shandong and Peng Tianwu of Hebei asked many questions, and Sword Spirit, enjoying the interaction, answered them freely.
Naturally, the Sinchangyi family members—Intentcheon, Intentgi, Intentgun, and Uiyaryeong—also became closer to them.
“Master Sword Spirit, will you participate in the martial arts tournament?”
“No. I came to the Martial Alliance to observe and gain experience.”
He did not tell them that conspirators were plotting ahead of the tournament. Their sense of superiority was an illusion; knowing of the plot would not help them.
“Welcome.”
At that moment, the inn staff called out, catching everyone’s attention.
Two figures dressed in white martial uniforms entered.
On their left chests, the characters for Geoncheon were vertically embroidered.
The Geoncheon Corps!
A twenty-member elite force directly under the Martial Alliance leader, responsible for his protection. Despite being only twenty, it was the strongest known martial force, highly sought after by martial artists.
The two walked directly to where Sword Spirit and Seo Gunha sat.
Bowing according to martial etiquette, one spoke:
“I am here to see Miss Seo Gunha, apprentice Sword Master and disciple of Sword Master Cheongyakryeo.”
Everyone froze at the mention.
Sword Master Cheongyakryeo—a living legend of the martial world.
Many of her contemporaries had already turned to dust.
Even Gunilsan, the top sword of Hyeongsan, was her junior by ten years.
Her influence was immense.
Seo Gunha, her apprentice, had long attracted widespread attention.
A sword prodigy! She inherited all of her master’s techniques and was already considered a top-tier martial artist.
Additionally, she was known to be participating in martial duels with other sword experts, further piquing curiosity.
Dang Hyemi, seated beside Seo Gunha, felt flustered. Though Seo Gunha was wary of her interest in Sword Spirit, her Dang family background allowed her to maintain closeness. Now, knowing that the cautious one was a sword prodigy, her status seemed comparatively modest.
“The Alliance Leader wishes to see you.”
Then, looking at Sword Spirit:
“Master Sword Spirit is also requested.”
Being new to the martial world, Sword Spirit had no formal title. Though he defeated Sword Master Hyuntaeryeong, to show respect, they prefixed “Sacred” to his name.
“Me?”
“Yes. You were the first to face the demon. The Alliance Leader seeks your assistance, as the martial world is being disrupted by demons.”
Sword Spirit glanced at Seo Gunha. Seeing her nod, he replied:
“I will go with my brother and our guards.”
