Chapter 53 Henan Province was so crowded that there was scarcely room to set one's foot down. As a result, the carriage slowed to a crawl long before reaching the Murim Alliance's main hall.
"Who is it?"
"Sir, who has arrived this time? Whose carriage is that?"
At the unmistakable aura of wealth emanating from its exterior, passersby grew curious. The coachman replied,
"It is the carriage of the Great Namgung Clan."
"Ohhh."
"The Namgung Clan! So they have finally arrived."
"Then has the Azure Sword Flash, Namgung Jeok-myeong, come as well? I heard there was trouble in his household—surely he has not withdrawn?"
"Bah. I heard he's past his prime. What use would it be even if he came?"
"You're behind on the rumors! They say it was all an act to root out a spy. My younger brother saw with his own eyes that grotesque human mask hanging in Anhui!"
As the crowd reacted noisily, Chang-a stiffened.
The carriage halted abruptly, and Namgung Jeok-myeong's voice came from outside.
"Soyo, can you hear me? It may be inconvenient, but it would be better to dismount and walk. With this crowd, there is a risk of an accident."
Given that it was the Murim Alliance martial competition, held for the first time in four years, such intense public interest had been expected to some extent.
The moment Yeo Il stepped down from the carriage, Namgung Hui-myeong approached and took her hand.
"Hey, Soyo. Stay close. We do not know what might happen. Understood?"
As soon as she revealed herself, the already excited crowd—drawn by Namgung Jeok-myeong's fame—grew even more tumultuous.
"Who is that astonishing beauty?"
"Has the Young Clan Head of Namgung already married? Is that his wife?"
"Careful what you say! Have you not heard the rumors of the hidden illegitimate daughter of Namgung?"
"I heard, yes—but I did not expect such beauty."
"Heavenly maiden" and "beauty that could topple nations"—the descriptions grew more exaggerated with every retelling.
Some even blocked their path to get a closer look at Yeo Il's face, until at last—
"Make way! Must I truly spell out that my sister is not some spectacle for your amusement?"
Only when Namgung Hui-myeong, eyes blazing, issued his warning did the crowd thin somewhat.
Walking along the newly cleared path, Namgung Jeok-myeong could not suppress his laughter.
"Haha! Hui-myeong, you are particularly sensitive today. It is not as though Soyo's guard stands there merely for decoration."
"You are far too at ease, Brother. Soyo has not yet fully recovered. Excessive attention will only harm her. I told you to at least veil her face—yet you insisted on such conspicuous clothing… tch."
"I merely gifted her attire befitting her lovely face. Is that not so, Soyo?"
Feigning embarrassment, she lowered her head.
Not far away, Jin Cheong-ak and Seol-yeong's teasing voices drifted over.
"The young masters understand nothing. Yeo Il shines brightest when those fairy-like wings of hers are drenched in blood."
"Do not say such dreadful things, Brother Ak. I fear they may come true."
The Murim Alliance martial competition was held in the vast open grounds surrounding the main hall.
Since becoming firmly established, it had come to be regarded among martial artists as a valuable proving ground, and among common folk as a grand festival. Thus, the area bustled all day with merchants and performances rivaling any marketplace.
No sooner had they passed through the main gate than thunderous applause erupted.
"Victory—Mount Tai Swordsman!"
"Waaah—!"
A man standing on the left platform waved lightly and stepped down.
Chang-a, who had been hopping about to get a better look, asked Yeo Il excitedly,
"Did you hear? The Mount Tai Swordsman! Is he famous?"
Namgung Hui-myeong answered in her stead.
"An insignificant nobody."
Immediately afterward, a booming voice rang out.
"I am accepting commissions! Known as the Mount Tai Swordsman! I prefer short-term escort and guard work—connections with escort agencies are always welcome!"
"Hmph. I knew it. He will forfeit soon enough."
"Then I shall withdraw at this point! I cannot obstruct the youthful vigor of the younger generation! Seek me at the Byeokri Inn if you wish to hire me!"
"He is a merchant of sorts. The Byeokri Inn likely paid him for the advertisement. He is hardly the only martial artist exploiting the competition's fame."
As events unfolded precisely as predicted, Chang-a asked cautiously, astonished,
"I-Is that allowed…?"
"The Murim Alliance competition is a place where all martial artists under heaven may freely test their skill. That being its spirit, they cannot simply cast such people out. Though, were I the Alliance Leader, I would summon them one by one and thrash them."
Indeed, the arena was filled with various types of onlookers.
Gamblers making money by wagering on victors and losers.
Inn attendants advertising their establishments.
Recruiters from escort agencies and sects seeking talent.
The Murim Alliance competition was not solely about martial duels.
While the two young masters of Namgung exchanged light greetings with acquaintances, Seol-yeong—her eyes shining as brightly as Chang-a's—whispered behind Yeo Il,
"Has the competition already begun? The Namgung Clan has only just arrived."
In her hoarse voice, Yeo Il answered quietly,
"It is free sparring. Those who have not formally registered—wandering martial artists or members of minor sects—must pass through free sparring to qualify for the official competition."
"Oh. I did not know that. You are surprisingly well informed, Miss."
Any martial artist who had once belonged to the Nine Great Sects or the Five Great Clans would know as much.
Of the 128 competitors in the main bracket, 120 were selected through prior competitions and recommendations from the Murim Alliance, centered on the Nine Great Sects and the Five Great Clans.
The remaining eight were chosen on-site—regarded among unknown swordsmen as a rare path to advancement.
That aside.
How troublesome.
Yeo Il inwardly clicked her tongue at the firm sensation brushing against her forehead every few steps.
Namgung Hui-myeong's broad back blocked her path.
The reason was clear.
"Namgung Jeok-myeong! How long has it been? I heard troubling news and was concerned. It relieves me to see you well."
"Thank you for your concern, Guild Leader."
"And this is… Namgung Hui-myeong? My, how the little lad has grown so tall. Remarkable. I look forward to your performance in this competition, Young Master Hui-myeong."
"I shall strive to meet expectations."
This made the third time Yeo Il had been hidden behind Namgung Hui-myeong's back and treated as though she did not exist.
Namgung Jeok-myeong watched the scene and laughed in disbelief at Hui-myeong's blatant overprotection.
"Overprotective indeed."
Yet even amid that, there was one who managed to recognize Yeo Il.
"Miss Namgung! You have come as well?"
The woman who approached with a bright greeting was Yulim. Beside her stood a sharp presence.
Why… why is that repulsive mark branded upon Senior Sister Yeon-woo's back…
One of the strongest rising talents of the martial world, counted among the Four Dragons alongside Namgung Jeok-myeong.
"Bang Woo, it has been a while."
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