Book 14 Chapter 12

The Seven Great Heroes of Matcheon (摩天七傑)

At this moment, from a distant place, there was a pair of eyes watching the confrontation between the two men. Those eyes had been fixed on the spot since the First Young Master entered the valley entrance.

The man's piercing eyes were sharp and fierce like a hawk eyeing its prey. The owner of these eyes stood on a cedar tree, about ten feet tall, located thirty feet away from the epicenter of the windstorm created by the clash of the two men. It was one of the few cedar trees in the Hongmaegok, which was filled with plum blossoms.

He stood at the very top of the sharply rising, ancient tree, looking down with his arms crossed and his back straight. Despite the unusual wind blowing enough to flutter the hem of his clothes due to the height, his figure, standing on a point as sharp as a needle, was filled with a sense of stability, as if he were standing on solid ground. The man wore a black leather outfit that clung tightly to his body, without sleeves on the upper part. A sharp, deadly killing intent emanated from his hard, steel-like physique. And on his back hung a massive, strangely shaped, monstrous weapon as black as pitch.

"My Lord has arrived."

As his lips, as firmly shut as granite, opened, a gruff voice flowed out.

"Those who block my Lord's path will die."

A voice devoid of any trace of emotion. It was like the voice of someone without life.

"He deserves punishment. Shall I teach him a lesson?"

Another voice came from a branch directly below. He was playfully toying with a blade attached to the end of a sturdy whip. It turned out there was more than one person watching the clash of the two men. Besides this gruff man, there were six other shadows.

"Will it be okay without the Lord's permission?"

One of the remaining six asked. He seemed more cautious than the others.

"If he has the skill, he might survive. Otherwise, only death awaits."

They spoke of a person's life so casually, as if the right to control life and death were entirely in their hands.

"A shame for such a young age!"

A sweet, melodious voice echoed, unfitting for such a desolate group. It seemed a woman was among them.

"Will it be alright?"

The man in the tight-fitting black martial arts attire, with his arms crossed, nodded. It seemed his position was the highest among these seven.

"He blocked the Lord's path. It is our mission to eliminate those who block the Lord's path. The Lord will permit it."

His loyalty could be considered absolute. An unspoken agreement returned.

The man took out the massive 'it' from behind his back and held it in his hand. It looked like a giant sword blade bent as if from the Middle East. It narrowed gradually towards the left and right from the center, symmetrical. It was a unique weapon, like a widened '人' character. Both sides had blades, but the part the man held did not. It was a projectile weapon, a type of returning blade (回旋刃: a weapon similar to a boomerang) that returned to its original spot even after being thrown. The man called it 'Black Eagle Wing' (흑응익).

"Haaap!"

The man drew all the vital energy within his body.

*Crack*, the man's rough hands, the size of pot lids, gripped the black wings so tightly they felt like they would shatter. Dark red veins popped out on the back of his hands. His bones felt like they were dislocating.

*Tuk*, the shoulder muscles of the man holding the massive, deformed weapon bulged. Every part from his shoulder to his forearm throbbed like rubber bands.

"We get to see it after a long time! The First's technique, 'Black Wind Wild Dance' (흑풍난무)!"

A comrade holding a spear beside him said, watching the scene.

"Hah!"

With a short, powerful shout, the 'Black Eagle Wing' rotated fiercely and flew.

*Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa!*

The black shadow, starting its rapid and destructive movement, was followed by a harsh sound of tearing air. It flew with a rotation more violent than the wheels of a chariot rumbling across a battlefield, swirling the wind.

As if this were a signal, the seven shadows simultaneously vanished from the top of the cedar tree as if they had never been there.

*Swiiiish!*

It flew, tearing through the air.

It shattered the air with a sharp, cicada-wing-like sound, leaving afterimages.

"What is it?"

The first to react sensitively to the sharp killing intent was Na Yerim. The killing intent was rapidly approaching one spot. Biryu Yeon, standing precisely there as if by appointment, was so focused on the First Young Master that he seemed to have no time to spare for it.

"It's dangerous!"

However, the 'it' that flew was faster than her words.

*Swish-swish!*

The giant black wheel spun at a furious speed and mercilessly split Biryu Yeon in half, along with the ground.

*Kwa-gwa-gwak!*

With its terrifying power, the ground was torn up, pebbles flew, and a deep furrow like a large wound was carved.

"Kyaaaak!"

A scream burst from Yi Jinseol, who was watching from afar with Na Yerim. To her eyes, Biryu Yeon seemed to have been ripped in two.

"I'm fine!"

Instead, Na Yerim was much calmer than her. Biryu Yeon's figure, which had split in two, scattered like mist in the air. There was no blood to be seen, as expected.

"Afterimage (殘像)?"

Only then could Yi Jinseol understand what had happened. Her current skill was not enough to keep up with Biryu Yeon's dazzlingly fast movements.

Biryu Yeon, who had disappeared like a phantom, reappeared about three feet away from where he had originally stood.

*Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa!*

The black wheel, which had bisected Biryu Yeon (albeit a phantom), seemed to still have some power left as it mercilessly cut through several rocks and shrubs before its furious rotation slightly decreased.

Yi Jinseol's heart chilled at the terrifying power of what could rightly be called a destructive rogue.

It was a weapon and a technique she had never seen before. What kind of weapon could unleash such terrifying power? Curiosity, along with fear, could not help but arise.

"What kind of weapon is that…"

However, her question to Na Yerim could not continue.

The black wing, its power significantly reduced, circled in the air like a hawk with its talons extended and then turned its talons towards the First Young Master. Although its power had diminished, it was still formidable.

Just then, someone zipped past them at high speed. It was an incredibly fast martial art, like a shot arrow. The person leaped in front of the First Young Master and quickly flipped their body in mid-air, blocking the path as if to protect him.

*Whirl!*

The black hawk was caught in the person's hand as if sucked in.

*Tak!*

Even though its power had been reduced, the residual force had not completely dissipated, yet he received it without flinching and did not move from his spot.

It was a stance as firm as an iron wall.

"Who could it be?"

But she didn't have time to hear the answer.

*Swiiish!*

Once again, the sound of the air being pierced echoed in the valley. Unlike the rough and destructive sound from before, this one was sharp, keen, and thin.

"Wh-what is it this time!"

Yi Jinseol was terrified, as if the sound were directed at her. But she had no reason to worry. The target of this sound of tearing air had been decided from the beginning.

*Shwak!*

*Thump!*

The spear pierced Biryu Yeon's heart precisely and lodged in the ground. The vortex created by the spear's entry wrapped around Biryu Yeon's figure and scattered it in the air.

"Kyaak!"

Yi Jinseol screamed again. She still seemed unable to adapt. Clearly, her vision was insufficient to calmly assess the current situation.

Once again, Biryu Yeon's figure, caught in the vortex, dissipated like mist in the air. This time too, it was an afterimage.

*Swoosh!*

Biryu Yeon reappeared a foot or so below.

*Kwa-kwa-kwa-kwa!*

The spear precisely attacked the spot where his figure had reappeared.

*Sreeek! Thump!*

But this time too, Biryu Yeon's movement was half a beat faster. His figure appeared a little lower.

*Swack!*

Inevitably, a spear of formidable speed was thrown at that spot.

*Sreeek! Thump! Sreeek! Thump! Sreeek! Thump! Sreeek! Thump!*

Yi Jinseol watched this breathtaking exchange with bated breath, holding her breath. It was as if they were playing a life-or-death game of hide-and-seek. With each flying spear and the sound of tearing air, a fear like her own heart being pierced washed over her. Her throat felt parched. Yet, her curiosity seemed to overcome her fear, as she did not leave her spot. She glanced at Na Yerim, whose sleeve she was tightly holding, but glimpsed her eyes, calm and deep as an abyss, making it impossible to guess her thoughts.

Despite Biryu Yeon's wind-like speed, the spear precisely pierced his heart where he had appeared. However, because Biryu Yeon's movement was half a beat faster, it only pierced illusions and lodged in the ground.

Although it missed, it was an astonishingly sharp vision. Not many could follow Biryu Yeon's movements, described as more slippery than a loach and more agile than a flying squirrel, to this extent.

The game of tag was repeated five more times after the first. And just as she thought it was over, it flew again.

*Swiiish!*

"Be careful!"

Unlike Yi Jinseol, who watched with her heart in her mouth, Na Yerim, who had been watching silently, opened her mouth for the first time. The sound it made this time was incomparable to the previous six. Compared to this, the previous six were like child's play.

*Boom!*

A loud explosion, like a thunderclap, was heard. The shockwave caused a strong gust of wind to ripple around the spear. It was due to the shockwave. Na Yerim and Yi Jinseol's clothes were violently shaken by the wind.

Yi Jinseol instinctively closed her eyes against the rough wind. But Na Yerim kept her gaze fixed on Biryu Yeon without any sign of wavering.

"Wh-where did he go?"

After a while, Yi Jinseol opened her eyes and looked around. Biryu Yeon's trace was nowhere to be seen. Even when she had widened her eyes, she couldn't follow his movements, so how could she find his trace after closing her eyes? However, this blow was powerful enough that she could easily believe he had been pulverized even if he had been caught in it. So she looked around even more, trying to find Biryu Yeon.

Just then, another man landed in front of the First Young Master. He was a tall man with refined features, dressed in green. He seemed to be the one who had thrown the spear, and she felt no liking towards him.

Where the last spear had lodged, a large pit about a foot in diameter had been dug. It looked like it would make an excellent grave if only dirt were covered over it, fueling the girl's anxiety.

"N-no way!"

Yi Jinseol cautiously raised her gaze to look at Na Yerim. Her eyes, like the night sky, remained fixed on the same spot. Her pomegranate-red lips were tightly shut. Na Yerim's silence and stillness were more frightening to the girl.

At that moment, Na Yerim's usually calm eyes sparkled like stars. Conversely, the eyes of the second man who appeared, dressed in green, hardened. He seemed to be clenching his teeth.

*Swiiish! Thud!*

A human figure landed like a feather on the shaft of the spear, which had brought a massive shockwave. It was Biryu Yeon.

The spear had been thrown seven times! The spears lodged in the ground formed the shape of the Big Dipper. Of course, the spears were not thrown intentionally in that pattern. It was a phenomenon that occurred because Biryu Yeon had moved by stepping on the positions of the seven stars.

The spear's turn was over, but the next in line was still waiting.

"Again?"

Yi Jinseol's reaction was understandable. The attacks were relentless. Did they intend to take his life no matter what? Otherwise, there was no reason to push him so mercilessly.

*Swiiish! Swish-swish!*

It was a strange sound, as if the air were being torn apart.

This time, it was a whip. And it was a whip with a sharp blade attached to its tip. Its speed was such that it could tear through the air and toy with the wind. It changed dozens of times in an instant in the air, making it difficult to predict its movements without being mesmerized by its flashiness. The blade at the tip of the whip flickered like a viper's tongue, spitting venom.

*Chwak! Chwak! Chwak!*

The whip fell, striking the air. Biryu Yeon moved his body back and forth, dodging each strike by following the Phoenix Dance (봉황무) technique. It was as if he already predicted where the next strike would land.

However, the snake-like, persistent whip did not give up easily. Was it a tenacious viper? The whip continued its persistent maneuvers, aiming for Biryu Yeon's throat. Biryu Yeon dodged it again by leaping upwards. The blade at the tip of the whip dug into the ground. With an ordinary whip, its movement would be blocked here. However, this ink-black sword fragment was not that weak.

*Kwa-kuku-kuku!*

The whip, having dug into the ground, wriggled and instantly overturned the soil. It acted as if such obstacles were nothing. It was a terrifying power for a whip. Dust swirled, obscuring Biryu Yeon's figure.

Only then could Yi Jinseol and Na Yerim identify the wielder of the whip. He was a man with a cold expression, wearing dark red martial arts attire. His eyes were narrow and slanted sideways like a snake's, giving off a repulsive feeling.

The snake-eyed man's right wrist was no longer moving. As the dust cleared, the reason became apparent. Biryu Yeon's foot had somehow stepped on the blade at the tip of the snake-eyed man's whip. He pulled the whip to regain its freedom, but it was useless. However, Biryu Yeon soon had to let go of the ferocious viper's tongue he was stepping on.

It was at that moment that another attack targeted his life.

"How many of them are there?"

There was no answer. In any case, with the fire at his feet, he had to move his body to avoid the killing intent rushing towards his heart.

The snake-eyed man, freed from the whip's restraint, also ran to the side of the other two and stood beside them.

*Swiiish!*

A very sharp sound scraped through the air. It was menacing, like a snake eyeing its prey.

"That technique!"

Jang Hong, who had been dragged along—or so he claimed—widened his eyes as if they would tear open.

He didn't know whose the first three attacks were, but he clearly knew the perpetrator of the fourth attack. He himself, having directly faced it, knew how dangerous that technique was. His back, which had been torn by that strange sword, still ached whenever it rained.

'Then, could it be that they are *those* people?'

If so, it would indeed be a surprising matter.

"Ryu Yeon, be careful! That person's technique is very cruel!"

Jang Hong shouted urgently.

The Snake Venom Sword Whip (사교독검편)!

Named so because it was sharp and cruel like a snake's maw. However, it was not a whip, despite being called so. It looked like dozens of short, cut sword fragments strung together with a special cord, a weapon made of connected sword pieces. It was difficult to master due to its uniqueness, but if mastered properly, one could acquire a cruel and ferocious technique capable of wiping out most things in an instant. Its attack direction was hard to guess, it was ever-changing and unpredictable. Its destructive power was also considerable, so direct frontal attacks were absolutely forbidden. If one were entangled in the coils of a venomous python, it would be the end.

'The technique has become even more fearsome and cruel than before!'

The relentless attacks, incomparable to those ten years ago, were aimed at Biryu Yeon. He was very young then, but now his figure was imposing enough that even a trace of it was hard to find. So much time had passed that the landscape had changed once. He often thought that if he had not been so young and unskilled then, he might not have won.

The snake-like sword pieces, which had been flailing in the air like a venomous dragon, trembled brilliantly. An unusual energy emanated from them. A white aura wrapped around the sword pieces like a swarm of snakes.

"Huk! Dangerous!"

Jang Hong knew too well what this was a precursor to. A technique he could not forget even after ten years. A fearsome technique named after a hundred snakes that could even kill a dragon.

The Snake Sword (사교검) Secret Style: Hundred Snake Dragon Kill (백사교룡살)!

Finally, the technique that had etched an indelible scar on his back erupted. A terrifying aura swirled, and a vortex of countless killing intents enveloped Biryu Yeon. This time, he seemed helpless. However, this friend's response was remarkably swift. With the Phoenix Dance (鳳凰舞) Ultimate Technique: Phoenix Wing Ascension (鳳翼飛上), he escaped the jaws of the ferocious snake through three lateral movements and four upward movements. The battle between the snake and the loach ended with the loach's victory.

*Swish-swish!*

The venomous snake, which had uncoiled, twisted its body back to its original state.

The owner of the Snake Sword did not attack further and stood beside the other three.

"Be careful! There are still three more left!"

Jang Hong shouted urgently. Only now did he realize who these people were.

*Whirl!*

As Jang Hong warned, the opponent's attack was not yet over.

*Wheeeeing!*

This time, something heavy sliced through the air. Just by twitching one's ears, one could guess that it was a destructive weapon of considerable weight.

'What is it this time?'

Biryu Yeon was more curious than intimidated.

'Who are these people who appeared to protect him? There are still three more left?'

He concluded that he would not be able to know their identities until this chain of attacks ended. Therefore, to resolve this curiosity, he decided he could not afford to be passively attacked.

This time, the weapon that flew was a chain with a ball attached, which looked heavy at first glance. Despite being made of metal, it moved nimbly like a living creature. A man in brown martial arts attire approached. He wore a white headscarf, his eyes were reminiscent of hawk eyes, and his beard was rough.

'Huh? That's!'

Biryu Yeon's gaze was drawn to the man's left hand. The man skillfully manipulated the chain with his right hand as if by magic, while in his left hand, he held a sickle with a gleaming blade. And the other end of the chain was connected to a hook attached to the handle of the sickle.

It was a weapon Biryu Yeon had never seen before. He did not know it was a chained sickle used by the warriors of the small island nation called 'Wa' (倭). The weapon itself was not important. Of course, it would be convenient to know, but that was not applicable to Biryu Yeon. Until now, most of their weapons had been long-range. However, the pride of the Bilaedo sect was that no technique, in terms of range, speed, or change, could surpass the movement of the Bilaedo. His master had also said with confidence.

'No long-range weapon can surpass the movement of our Bilaedo. Because it encompasses all possibilities that a long-range weapon can possess.'

All that was needed was to read the weapon's range and interval. The direction of attack could be discerned by the tremor of the air and intuition. Speed was a given. Once accustomed to Bilaedo's speed, most things would appear as a clumsy dance. Therefore, Biryu Yeon was able to avoid the previous four attacks more easily than expected.

However, this fifth man had another secret technique. While smoothly dodging all the movements of the chain, it became an unexpected obstacle for Biryu Yeon, who had become somewhat complacent.

*Shiek! Shak!*

As the left-hand sickle swung with rapid movement, a cross-shaped sword energy, or rather, sickle energy (鎌氣), flew towards Biryu Yeon. In sync with this, the chain ball that was flying towards his back, for some reason, trembled and drew seven afterimages.

*Sssswwww-sssssw-sssssw-sssssw-sssssw-sssssw-sssssw!*

It was astonishing skill to control both sides simultaneously with a peculiar weapon that was difficult to wield properly even with one hand.

In front, cross-shaped sickle energy; behind, a chain attack of seven sickle balls! It was a predicament. For a moment, Biryu Yeon's golden vision opened again. Time began to flow slowly within it.

The method Biryu Yeon adopted this time was truly crude. He remained rooted to the spot and bent his waist at a right angle. Then, as his back became parallel to the ground, he powerfully kicked the incoming cross-shaped sickle energy with his right foot.

*Bang!*

This action, which seemed like suicidal behavior, was unexpectedly effective. It was immediately effective. The incoming cross-shaped sickle changed direction like a skipping stone and brushed past the upper part of his chest. It was a reckless act impossible in the common understanding of the martial world. At the same time, his left shoulder, which was parallel to the ground, rose diagonally.

*Swiiish!*

Then, the first chain ball passed there. Immediately after, the second ball passed over his right shoulder. The distance to Biryu Yeon was only the width of a piece of paper.

Biryu Yeon lowered his left hand again and raised his right shoulder.

*Swiiish!*

This time, the opposite happened. The third ball passed under his raised right shoulder, and conversely, the fourth ball passed over his lowered left shoulder. However, the fifth was aiming directly at Biryu Yeon's head, making it impossible to avoid with just shoulder movements.

Biryu Yeon, without any sign of panic, slightly raised his head. It was the most appropriate action he could take at the moment. The fifth ball narrowly grazed his hair and passed between his legs. If he had been even a moment later, his head would have been shattered like a watermelon.

*Swiiish! Swiiish!*

The sixth chain ball aimed at his left leg, which was fixed to the ground. Biryu Yeon slightly lifted his left leg, pivoting on his right. Then, with a split-second delay, the last, seventh ball flew towards his right shin. There was not enough time to lower his already lifted left leg and raise his right leg again.

The moment the seventh ball was about to smash his right shin, Biryu Yeon performed another spectacular maneuver. He simply raised his right leg without hesitation. Instead, he placed his hands on the ground. Then, he lightly pushed off the ground with both hands and flipped over, standing up with a light step. The seven consecutive attacks of the chain balls, like the cross-shaped sickle energy, all went in vain.

Although it was a movement that took a long time to describe, the time it took for these three actions was no more than a blink of an eye to an ordinary person. In that short period, Biryu Yeon flawlessly completed all these movements.

Even after enduring such a life-threatening attack, there was no sign of disturbance on his face as he stood up again.

"Is this it?"

Biryu Yeon taunted the man with the chain sickle, who had already gone to stand before the First Young Master. The man's burly face had a rather displeasing appearance.

*Swish!*

Just then, as if to say, "Don't be disappointed," the sixth attack came. Unlike the previous five attacks, which were boisterous and violently destructive, this one was very quiet and stealthy. The thin, slender skewer-like sword that suddenly appeared in the air seemed to materialize like a phantom, targeting Biryu Yeon's side, without any prior sound or trace. It was a sword that emerged from the mist. It was not a warrior's sword. It was an assassin's sword. And it was a sword that only a top-tier assassin could wield.

Even a warrior with considerable training would have had their lungs pierced like a mountain of meat by such an unexpected blow. But Biryu Yeon was different. The philosophy of his sect was that ambush was the domain of the weak. Therefore, succumbing to an ambush meant being weaker than the weak, according to his master. So, he must not suffer the dishonor of being attacked by an ambush. And he had received sufficient training for that. For years, he had to defend himself from his master's unannounced ambushes.

In the early days, he was helplessly toyed with by his master. He was often robbed of all the money he had earned. Believe it or not, it was the undeniable truth. As if exploitation alone was not enough, when he lacked money for drinks, his master would ambush him without fail. He was certain that his master had somehow obtained information that he was earning extra pay and overtime.

He had to grit his teeth. He had to protect his money. He couldn't just keep being attacked like this. So, he desperately devoted himself to martial arts to avoid his master's attacks. Begging the merciless master was useless and only served to wound his pride.

Therefore, there was only one way: to possess the skill to avoid being attacked. It was only after a considerable amount of time that he was no longer unilaterally attacked by his master.

Compared to his master's ruthless ambushes, such attacks, though sharp, were nothing. Biryu Yeon deflected the sword aimed for a fatal blow by a hair's breadth, then lunged towards the assassin who had hidden himself in the air.

The invisibility technique (銀形術), which allowed him to hide in the air without any terrain features, was unparalleled. However, it was quickly exposed to Biryu Yeon's opened eyes. A flicker of surprise from the opponent on the other side of the air was transmitted. He had not expected Biryu Yeon to pinpoint his hiding spot so accurately.

Biryu Yeon extended his finger. Then, the opponent gave up further attacks, revealed himself, and stood alongside the First Young Master. He wore a black robe and mask that claimed him to be an assassin. His clothes clung tightly to his body without any knots or folds to minimize noise.

"Only one left!"

Jang Hong shouted with excitement. Enduring the seven consecutive attacks of these people was a golden opportunity to boost the morale of the Cheonmu Academy and, conversely, to humble the Matcheon Pavilion.

The last attack was very flashy and coquettish. But that did not mean the ferocity within it disappeared.

Dozens of sewing needles flew, carrying colorful threads of five colors. They looked like a colorful rain of five colors. The killing intent harbored within embroidery needles, which created beautiful patterns in a woman's hands, was too fierce. However, compared to the previous six attacks, this one's power was significantly weaker. Biryu Yeon dodged the rain of colorful needles leisurely, as if taking a stroll. The persistence displayed by the previous six was absent in this attack. For Biryu Yeon, who had high expectations for the finale, the result was disappointing.

A red shadow leaped and landed like a butterfly in front of the First Young Master, as lightly as a feather. The person who had launched this last attack was a woman. She wore a red silk dress that prominently emphasized her voluptuous figure, and her mere presence exuded allure. Her face, however, was covered with a light pink veil, as if it were too precious to reveal entirely, but her visible eyes emanated a seductive light towards men. Her intense gaze was directed at Biryu Yeon. It was as if her entire being conveyed that her strongest attack was not the needle technique from before, but this very gaze. Any man who received that gaze would have their bones turn to jelly. It was a gaze trained for that purpose.

Then, what about Biryu Yeon? Na Yerim looked at Biryu Yeon. But surprisingly, Biryu Yeon calmly received the gaze. He did not turn away or avoid it, but calmly received it as if it were nothing. Honestly, even for Na Yerim, it was surprising.

The seven pairs of eyes, surrounding the First Young Master like guards, all turned towards Biryu Yeon. Biryu Yeon calmly received their gazes with a nonchalant posture.

Then, the seven turned their backs towards the First Young Master without any expression of emotion. They had more important matters than arguing with him.

"We have been waiting, Great Young Master!"

The seven bowed in unison with clasped hands, showing utmost respect. The First Young Master acknowledged their greeting with a slight nod.

'Is that person the mysterious and powerful expert, the Great Young Master Bi?'

Jang Hong watched the scene with an unusually keen gaze. Information about him was shrouded in layers of mystery, making it difficult to know his true nature beyond a limited few facts. Why else would he be called 'Bi (秘)' instead of his full name?

But even so, for individuals whose skills were comparable to the Nine Dragons and Seven Peaks to show such strict etiquette… It was like the attitude of servants welcoming their master.

'These seven, I've heard rumors, but I didn't expect them to be like this…'

His sharp eyes detected the absolute obedience and loyalty emanating from the attitude of these seven.

'Great Young Master Bi, he is indeed the one we must most guard against.'

Jang Hong silently activated his vigilance.

A silence, the opposite of the murderous chaos of moments before, briefly engulfed the surroundings. Everyone's gaze was focused on the every move of these eight people. They had not yet relaxed their formalities towards the Great Young Master Bi. This was naturally not well received by Biryu Yeon.

*Clap, clap, clap, clap!*

Suddenly, the sound of applause was heard from behind the seven. The sharp gazes of the seven turned behind them.

"Good, very good!"

As if trying to provoke them, Biryu Yeon clapped his hands, exclaiming his admiration repeatedly. His attitude was like that of an audience member who had just watched an entertaining opera. It was an action that effectively mocked their attire.

"It was an interesting game. But do you have anything else to show?"

He was referring to the series of chain attacks that had just occurred. And it sounded like he was telling them to leave quietly if they had run out of tricks.

"A rat with fast feet is getting too big for its britches!"

The man in the black and red martial arts attire holding the sword whip said in a fierce voice. He was the only one among these seven to suffer the great humiliation of having his weapon neutralized, so he was in a bad mood.

"What a foul-mouthed old man. Tsk, tsk, tsk! You don't even know the old saying that a sharp tongue is the seed of self-destruction. What a pitiful person."

Biryu Yeon recorded the man's face in the mental ledger in his mind.

"I admit that your feet are fast and your movements are agile. But do you think we exerted our full strength in this attack?"

The second man, who had thrown the spear, said in a quiet voice. His wounded pride had already been restored. They still took pride in the fact that they had not yet shown their full strength.

"You managed to dodge this time. I'll give you credit for that. But will you be able to dodge it next time?"

They seemed to think that Biryu Yeon's only asset was his speed. Then Biryu Yeon scoffed and said in a pitying tone.

"Reading your opponent's skill is also a skill! Suppressing a read skill is also a skill! The words 'we didn't exert our full strength' are only excuses for the loser! Victors need no flimsy words. Victors are victors in any case."

His words flowed like a clear stream, sharp as a blade, and utterly merciless. However, this clear stream had the effect of deeply wounding people's pride.

"How dare you!"

However, this lively and blood-splattering conversation did not continue, unfortunately. It was because of the appearance of a woman.

"Great Young Master!"

Eun Seollan exclaimed with a surprised face next to Na Yerim, who had not taken her eyes off Biryu Yeon. His head turned at the familiar voice. His usually indifferent eyes widened. As a result, a trace of emotion inevitably crept into his voice, which had been devoid of emotion.

"Aran (阿蘭)… Miss…"

For the first time, the Great Young Master's face was greatly distorted by shock. This was all the more so because it was an unexpected situation encountered unprepared.

Why was she here? And before that, his previous questions were answered. He had been looking for her, but her whereabouts were mysteriously unknown, which he found strange. He never expected her to be here! It was no wonder he was surprised.

'Was the disposal truly successful?'

For the Great Young Master, the most urgent matter was to confirm that fact.

'A single disposal is not enough to be certain of the perfect seal. At least one more double seal is needed for peace of mind.'

If he hadn't let her slip away yesterday, he wouldn't have to worry about such a problem. When his subordinates are incompetent, the superiors always suffer. But even if they are incompetent, a true leader must be able to utilize them to their fullest potential by placing them in the right positions.

"It's been a long time, Great Young Master!"

Regaining his composure, his indifferent gaze, impossible to fathom its depths, slowly moved towards Eun Seollan.

Eun Seollan had been granted the freedom to move freely anywhere, except for a few prohibitions. Furthermore, she had also received permission to stay here for a while without immediately descending Cheonmu Peak. It was all thanks to the old man she met in Hwaeumhyeon. If that old man hadn't intervened, she would have been driven out immediately. But the old man's words carried great weight, and after he spoke a few words, she was able to stay here without much trouble. It was a great stroke of luck for her, who had been resentful of those who went out in groups out of boredom.

With permission already granted, her heart was very light. Just a little while ago, she had left her temporary lodging for a leisurely stroll. When she went to the lodging where Cheonmu Academy students stayed, Na Yerim and Yi Jinseol were already gone. Hearing that they had gone towards the valley entrance, she was on her way to meet them. After all, a walk is more enjoyable with others than alone. But before she even reached the valley entrance, the commotion erupted.

A deafening roar and ominous killing intent suddenly swirled at one point. Even from over twenty feet away, she could feel the violent energy.

Who would dare cause such a commotion in a place like this? It would take an extraordinary amount of nerve. Or perhaps they were disrespecting the authority of this place…

She hurried her steps. And at the scene, she discovered a very familiar face. However, it was a meeting that was all the more baffling because she knew him so well.

"Ack!"

Suddenly, a splitting headache struck her. Her ears rang and her stomach churned. This phenomenon occurred as soon as she saw his face. Her body swayed as if she had anemia. She had to stop walking for a moment due to this.

'Do I still need more rest?'

Perhaps it was due to the lingering side effects of the spiritual confinement. She could only think of it that way. After standing there for a moment and catching her breath, she finally calmed down. Only then could she speak to him.

"Has it been three years?"

"To be precise, two years and ten months!"

Great Young Master Bi corrected her words. He was finally able to feel relieved, realizing that the disposal of Cheonsal was perfect for now. If her memories had been preserved in their entirety… he would have had to eliminate her on the spot. Moreover, the plan he had devised and was pursuing would have had to undergo an inevitable revision.

"Why are you here, when you never leave your post?"

This was a question that had been nagging at a corner of her mind since earlier.

"That's what I want to ask you! Your name was not on the list of participants, as far as I know?"

He skillfully dodged her question and instead asked her back.

"It's… a matter of circumstances."

She mumbled, omitting the detailed explanation. She herself could not remember the whole story properly, and a considerable part of it consisted of things that were difficult to tell the truth about. Moreover, for some reason, an unknown energy had been creeping up into her head, gnawing at her mind and tormenting her.

"But it's truly surprising that you yourself stepped forward… But I haven't heard the reason yet."

Eun Seollan's surprise was not ordinary. For seven or eight years, she had lived in seclusion within the Matcheon Pavilion, like a hermit in the deep mountains. She had shown no intention of participating in this Huashan Branch meeting. Many people urged her to participate, but she always politely declined. This was not humility. Eun Seollan knew better than anyone that the reason for her refusal was not due to a lack of skill.

'That incident ten years ago…'

That incident became a turning point that changed the lives of many people. Even though the elders and deacons of the Matcheon Pavilion persistently persuaded and appeavored him, he remained unmoved like a stone Buddha. Frankly, it was unexpected.

As she pondered amidst the unresolved waves of mystery, the Great Young Master said in a voice that did not waver, as if it were nothing.

"I suddenly thought it might be good to win a competition like this once."

Victory! He uttered the words 'victory in the difficult Huashan Convention' as if it were nothing. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, and as if it were no big deal…

This attitude was enough to provoke anger in many hearts. However, no one dared to openly refute his words. It was due to the aura of absolute mastery that emanated from him.

'Yes, if it's him, it might be possible…'

Some people even had this thought unconsciously.

Even so, she thought it was not impossible for him. But the person in front of her now, was she sure it was the same person as ten years ago? The more she looked, the more surprised she became.

"You were so cheerful and lively back then…"

She remembered his past ten years ago more vividly than anyone.

"The past is already gone and has no meaning."

The Great Young Master unequivocally denied her memory.

"I see. That is just a memory of the past now. It will never return…"

The person who was by her side then is no longer here.

His eyes, which watched her as she murmured quietly, remained indifferent, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

Thus, under an unspoken agreement, the conversation between the two, which had begun after two years and ten months, ended.

"What is your name?"

Great Young Master Bi turned his gaze towards Biryu Yeon, who was watching the scene between the two with keen interest. For him to ask the opponent's name… If his close associates knew, they would probably faint twice or three times in a row. Of course, Biryu Yeon had no obligation to be grateful for that.

"You mean, your honorable surname and great name (尊姓大名)?"

"What did you just say?"

"Was the wording a bit difficult? Hon-or-a-ble sur-name and great name!"

Of course, the Great Young Master did not ask because he could not understand the words.

"Huh?"

At this point, even Great Young Master Bi was dumbfounded.

"Insolent brat! You want to die, don't you!"

The man holding the whip exclaimed in anger. He looked like he was about to charge out. The Great Young Master stopped his furious momentum.

"Stop! That's enough!"

He decided to prioritize his curiosity over admonishing the man for his sky-high insolence.

"So, your honorable surname and great name, which is even awkward to ask, what is it?"

It was an exceptional act for him to try to recognize the opponent to this extent. Although his words were filled with cold sarcasm, Biryu Yeon casually ignored them. It was easy to miss the bigger picture if one paid attention to such trivial matters.

"Bi-ryu-Yeon!"

He answered concisely, simply, and clearly. He had always thought this eccentric young man had no reservations about stating his name (although there were many dissenting opinions around him regarding this claim…).

'Biryu Yeon?'

A momentary gleam of light flashed in his indifferent eyes. He definitely remembered hearing it. And it was very recently, just the day before, a name he had heard from less than five feet away. And the actions of the person bearing that name were unforgivable to him.

"Ho? So you are…"

Unconsciously, he clenched his right fist. The prey he had missed that day had reappeared before his eyes. However, his murmur was too weak to reach the opponent's ears. Biryu Yeon asked back.

"Do you have something to say?"

"No, nothing! But remember that name!"

A subtle tremor was felt from the seven men surrounding him. They seemed surprised by his expressed interest to this extent.

"That's a very excellent attitude. It's recommended!"

Biryu Yeon replied casually.

"Then what is your name? Isn't it customary to reveal your name if you've learned someone else's?"

It was a natural request and right for him. However, his rights were brutally trampled by violence.

"You are not yet worthy of knowing this person's name."

The man with the massive returning blade resembling black wings said in a gruff voice.

"Is your name plated with gold? Or is it a name you're ashamed to tell others? Like Cheolsu or Yeonghee?"

He said things that would make anyone fly into a rage, as if it were nothing. That was also his terrifying aspect.

"If you insult this person any further, you will die!"

The man with the black wings said again.

"Whenever you're confident."

If he were intimidated by such threats, he wouldn't be Biryu Yeon. He would clearly be another creature wearing Biryu Yeon's skin.

*Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk!*

Once again, a thick killing intent like clouds arose in the space between them. The air became taut with an imminent tension.

"That's enough! Let's go!"

The Great Young Master restrained the seven of them.

"But…, Great Young Master!"

They seemed unable to rest unless they settled this now. However, his command, once given, had to be absolute.

"You said your name was Biryu Yeon, didn't you? For today, I will spare you out of consideration for Miss Eun. Let's go!"

As the Great Young Master moved first, the Seven Great Heroes of Matcheon, who had been standing awkwardly, followed suit. Their dissatisfaction had not been resolved.

"Hmm, I don't like receiving undeserved favors…"

Biryu Yeon remained insolent until the end.

"Know that you escaped death by a narrow margin today!"

"I'm glad to be alive!"

They did not forget to throw in a final parting shot.

Eun Seollan stared blankly at his receding figure until he disappeared.

"This is why I dislike arrogant people…"

Biryu Yeon muttered briefly.

"Are you alright, Ryu Yeon?"

Na Yerim asked. Although her voice carried no emotional fluctuations, the fact that she asked about his well-being was a tremendous thing.

"As you can see, I'm perfectly fine!"

Biryu Yeon replied, brushing off dust from his clothes with a casual wave of his hand. His demeanor was extremely relaxed.

"That aside…"

Biryu Yeon turned his gaze to the departing Great Young Master and his entourage. Seven men and women followed behind him like shadows. They looked like servants attending a king.

"It's such a diverse and grand welcome, I'm wondering how to respond."

Only Na Yerim noticed his eyes, sharp as starlight, shining from behind his hidden hair.

As much as you receive, you give back.

Cause and effect, reaping what you sow were always words he favored.