🔊 TTS Settings
chapter 87
“I suspect you might be on the same side.”
In the contest to select the squad leaders of the Hero Corps, Ye Hwirang had subdued the post-level warriors without even using her signature martial art, the Ice White Little Body Skill.
Those who lost to the seemingly young Ye Hwirang secretly hoped that she would become the squad leader. That way, they could justify their loss—not because they were weak, but because the young Ye Hwirang was strong.
“Ugh!”
Another challenger fell to Ye Hwirang and stepped down from the martial stage.
“Ye Hwirang has won. Next challenger, please step forward,” announced Hyun Seokjeong, the Outer Commander, as the spectators exchanged wary glances. There were still many leadership positions left, so no one wanted to embarrass themselves unnecessarily.
“If there are no more challengers, this squad’s leader of the Hero Corps shall be Ye Hwirang,” he continued.
“Wait a moment,” called out Geomryeong.
“Ye Hwirang is too young to be responsible for a squad.”
He worried that if she, still naive about the world, became a leader, she would face many difficulties and psychological burdens.
“Choosing a squad leader solely based on martial prowess is well-intentioned, but Hwirang is only sixteen,” Geomryeong said, implying that age and experience should also be considered.
Hyun Seokjeong listened and glanced at Jegal Mingi, who was observing from the side. When Mingi nodded, Hyun Seokjeong asked the spectators below the stage:
“What do the fellow martial artists think?”
“It’s reasonable,” one man shouted. His words reflected the thoughts of all the men present.
No one wanted to follow orders from a younger Ye Hwirang. Even if they were paired in a squad, taking commands from her would bruise their pride.
“Martial skill is important, but experience is equally important. Cheonsudoknang has both skill and experience, making him suitable as a leader. Ye Hwirang, though talented, lacks experience. It would be better for her to serve as vice-leader, assisting the squad leader while gaining experience,” said Muyeong, making a practical point.
Indeed, if the progression continued, it might delay the selection of competent leaders.
“Agreed,” some nodded in consent. Hyun Seokjeong looked at Ye Hwirang, silently asking if she was okay with this arrangement.
Ye Hwirang clasped her hands in front of her and bowed slightly.
“I only wanted to test my abilities, not to become a leader. As everyone has said, if I were the leader at such a young age, it would be a burden to the other squads and the Hero Corps as a whole.”
Geomryeong smiled faintly, feeling the protective concern of an older brother for his only sister.
“Well done,” said Seogunha, sensing Geomryeong’s thoughts.
“Sir, you no longer need to worry about the young lady,” he added.
Yu Akgun addressed Ye Hwirang as “young lady.”
Geomryeong said nothing and watched her approach with a beaming smile, a look asking for praise for doing well.
“Was it dangerous?” he asked.
“No,” she replied.
“Good job.”
“I can do well now. So please, don’t worry, brother,” she said, and Geomryeong patted her head, nodding.
“But you should listen carefully to Seogunha.”
“Yes, I will treat my sister as I would our mother and follow her guidance.”
Seogunha blushed.
Whirrrr!
A man near Muyeong leapt into the air, launching himself onto the martial stage, then performed a mid-air somersault before landing. Even from the movements alone, it was clear he was exceptional.
“I am Son Cheong from Hebei,” he introduced himself, stating that he had joined the Martial Alliance to achieve mastery. Though others might believe him, Geomryeong and his companions were skeptical, knowing the hidden intentions of others.
Flash!
Another man rose to the stage. Geomryeong glanced at Jegal Mingi.
—They will all try to become squad leaders. That is how they will achieve their goals.
He transmitted Muyeong’s objectives to Mingi.
—Understood, but Geomryeong, honestly, I suspect you might be on their side.
Jegal Mingi had reason to suspect him. Geomryeong’s background was unclear, he was unnaturally strong for his age, and he knew too much about conspiracies.
—From your perspective, that is natural. I won’t ask you to trust me. But take my words seriously and prepare for what is ahead.
Geomryeong had long experienced that people rarely trusted what they did not see or hear firsthand. Even revealing the truth was met with doubt. Perhaps this was the fate of those who lived by the sword.
In the martial world, there were countless who pretended friendship while hiding daggers behind their backs. True friendships were rare, and survival required caution.
The world Geomryeong witnessed differed from the one he had heard from others. They spoke of the cruelty and ruthlessness of martial life, yet also of its moments of romance—though it was too soon for him to fully appreciate them.
—Understood.
Geomryeong shifted his gaze back to the stage.
“Sir, what should we do?” Yu Akgun asked.
“What do you mean?”
“If we want to join the Hero Corps, we should belong to someone’s command, right?”
“And?”
“Isn’t it awkward for you, sir, to follow someone else’s orders?”
Jeokhwamyeong agreed.
“Akgun has a point. None of us, including me, should take orders from post-level warriors,” Geomryeong said, sensing all eyes on him.
He pointed to himself, and everyone nodded.
“I’d rather not…”
“Sir, should I follow orders from youngsters at my age? If my name is known in the martial world…”
“They’d draw their blades and try to kill you,” interjected Yu Akgun. He stopped talking abruptly.
“Who is this Yu Guard?” Seogunha asked, curious about his identity.
Though he was Geomryeong’s bodyguard, he seemed far more than that. Geomryeong gave Yu Akgun a questioning glance.
“You haven’t told her about yourself yet?”
“Well…” Yu Akgun hesitated, making Seogunha more curious.
“Figure it out yourself,” Seogunha replied, her gaze imploring.
“Ha… they might try to kill me,” Yu Akgun admitted.
“Is he really that bad?”
“Not bad, but I have a reputation,” he explained.
“You are a good person,” said Ye Hwirang, smiling at him.
—My name is Yu Akgun. Some call me the Angel.
Seogunha’s eyes widened. He wasn’t just renowned; he carried the legendary title of Angel Yu Akgun.
—The name Angel Yu Akgun has been passed down. I inherited it from my master.
—But what about Ryoung-ah?
—It’s due to my master’s relationship with the lord. Soju dislikes being called that…
—Stop.
Yu Akgun sent a telepathic message to Seogunha, but Geomryeong interjected.
“Why?” she asked.
“Can you eavesdrop on telepathic messages, sir?”
Geomryeong didn’t answer, instead leaping onto the stage in one motion. His movements were simpler than those already on stage.
“What does that mean?” Seogunha asked.
“While he was sending the message, Soju interrupted him.”
Jeokhwamyeong and Seogunha blinked in surprise; they had never heard of someone who could overhear telepathy.
“I’m a little surprised, but also proud. Soju has reached an unrivaled level,” Geomryeong remarked.
“Of course. Brother is the strongest,” Ye Hwirang said with a bright smile, turning her gaze to the stage. Everyone followed.
“I am Geomryeong,” he introduced himself, clasping his hands in front of his chest. Son Cheong mirrored the gesture and assumed a stance to display his martial skill. Geomryeong made a simple move to provoke him.
“Haah!”
Son Cheong struck first. As his fist moved toward Geomryeong’s chest, Geomryeong deflected it outward.
Frustrated, Son Cheong launched a flurry of consecutive strikes with hands and feet.
Pat, pat, pat!
Geomryeong didn’t attack, only parrying. His calmness exuded confidence.
Son Cheong, growing desperate, unleashed his signature “Four-Face Technique,” modeled on a snake’s predatory movements. It resembled the Four Fist techniques of Shaolin but incorporated the flexibility techniques of Seojang.
Seojang’s technique maximized body flexibility, allowing contraction and extension of limbs. Martial artists measure attack distances; if the opponent suddenly shortens that distance with extended limbs, it can be disastrous.
This was the fearsome aspect of Seojang’s technique, which Son Cheong employed.
From below, the audience could not fully discern the difference, but Geomryeong felt it clearly.
A faint smile appeared on his face. He had faced this technique before. By closing the distance, he could counter it. Geomryeong dodged Son Cheong’s strikes, keeping just enough space between them.
Swish, swish, swish!
“Wow!”
The audience marveled at their lightning-fast exchange of attack and defense.
“Why is sir prolonging this? Why not end it at once?” Yu Akgun complained.
“He must have a reason,” Jeokhwamyeong said.
Bang!
The sound of collision rang out.
“Ugh!”
Son Cheong, spitting blood, was launched backward and caught by Hyun Seokjeong, the Outer Commander and Martial Alliance’s observer.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, thank you for your assistance,” Son Cheong replied, rising and clasping his hands toward Geomryeong.
“I admit defeat.”
Geomryeong nodded lightly, watching him descend.
“Any other challengers?” Hyun Seokjeong asked.
A new challenger appeared—this time, a woman. Wearing a hat covered with mesh, her face remained partially hidden.
She clasped her hands in front of her chest.
“I am Ye Yeo-sang,” she said.
The hall fell silent. Her name carried extraordinary weight.
Ye Yeo-sang, one of the Eight Staffs of the Ten Dragons and Eight Staffs, was known as a female martial artist rivaling Ma Bong Hyukji, the daughter of Sa Hwang Hyeoksegi, leader of the Sado Alliance.
“I am Geomryeong,” he replied.
