Book 2 Chapter 20

The greatest humiliation of Hoajang

This time, it was just a simple exchange of pleasantries.

A simple exchange of pleasantries between two long-lost rivals!

It was no different than just saying hello.

Yeomdo and Binggeom had merely gauged each other's current strength by exchanging a single sword strike. In other words, this one sword strike was merely a touchstone, and neither of them seemed to intend to continue. If one of the Five Great Sword Masters of the world and one of the Five Great Swordsmen of the world were to clash, it would undoubtedly be an unprecedented battle that would go down in the history of the martial arts world. It wasn't a fight that would end in a day or two.

The two men were fellow disciples who already knew each other's moves. That's why they couldn't decide a winner even after three days and nights in their fight ten years ago. Although it was questionable how two people wielding opposing sword energies could be fellow disciples, the fact that Cheolsu and Yeonghee were fellow disciples was, regrettably, unchanged.

Since the outcome was not something that could be settled by a sudden clash anyway, neither of them dared to engage. How long did this empty standoff last? Suddenly, Binggeom Gwancheolsu's gaze turned to Biryuyeon, who was standing next to Yeomdo.

"Who is the child next to you? Is it a disciple?"

"Twitch!"

At the word "child," one of Biryuyeon's eyebrows, as straight and proper as his famous sword, twitched with anger. However, this movement was largely hidden by his short bangs and not easily visible to Binggeom. Child, wasn't that a presumptuous remark that completely ignored his existence? It was an unforgivable statement that intensely pricked Biryuyeon's pride. The world called such things 'outrageous remarks'. But Binggeom Gwancheolsu didn't notice any of Biryuyeon's reactions at all.

It was almost impossible for an ordinary, sensible person to guess his inner thoughts, which were as complex, eventful, and unpredictable as a pond of chaos. It might have been easier to pluck stars from the night sky. Yet, for some reason, Biryuyeon remained silent this time and didn't step forward. For Biryuyeon, who liked to act on his whims and desires, this was an unusual occurrence.

"Hmph, it's none of your business. He's not a disciple."

Yeomdo, who knew Biryuyeon's unpredictable nature well – having experienced it many times – glanced at Biryuyeon for a moment before answering. It was a moment of relief that Biryuyeon was unusually quiet.

"Oh, really? I thought so. I was wondering why you, who likes to be alone, would take a disciple. I even thought the Jade Emperor made a mistake and the East Wind blew west."

"Tsk, no wonder your nickname is Binggeom (Ice Sword). You're as cold as a North Sea iceberg. What wind? Who cares if it blows east or west?"

Yeomdo, brimming with accumulated ill feelings, continued to pick a fight. Compared to the rowdy Yeomdo, Binggeom could be considered a gentleman. A ruffian and a gentleman, a stark contrast. However, such malicious wordplay was completely out of character for him, considering his usual demeanor and dignity. It was a highly unusual event, given his renowned coldness, colder than ice. If someone claimed that Binggeom Gwancheolsu had engaged in wordplay in the martial arts world, they would immediately be branded as a madman.

"By the way, why are you here?"

Binggeom asked. It was the most important question in their suddenly continuing conversation.

"Hmph, that's my business. Don't interrupt. Why are you here?"

Yeomdo's curiosity was immense, as someone he never expected to see had suddenly appeared at Hoajang. There was no causal or grudging relationship that would explain Binggeom's presence there.

"Didn't I tell you earlier? This is the estate where I am the guardian. So, it's natural for me to be here!"

He spoke calmly, his expression unchanged. Binggeom calmly dealt with Yeomdo without showing any signs of agitation. Seeing his composure and coolness even in front of his lifelong strongest rival, whom he had reunited with after eighteen years, it was clear he was a very calm and deep-thinking person.

"Hmph, looks like you've changed professions to a godfather of the underworld in the meantime? Sorry for not recognizing you. Hmph, so it was all because of you that a mere martial arts estate like Hoajang could openly flourish and do business in front of Cheongwan. The world would be shocked if they knew."

Yeomdo seemed determined to mock Binggeom with all his might. He was openly doing his best to ridicule Binggeom. Whatever happened between them in the past, they looked like sworn enemies, making their being fellow disciples questionable. However, to be sworn enemies, the conversations between them were also too childish.

As the two engaged in a childish war of nerves and bickering, their swords and sabers had, unnoticed, returned to their scabbards. But no one noticed. However, while rats, birds, and even onlookers with wide-open eyes didn't know, only Biryuyeon was aware of the fact.

"I don't want to talk at length. Let's get to the point. There's nothing to be gained for either of us by dragging this out. It's just a waste of time."

As if he no longer wanted to face Yeomdo, Binggeom wanted to end things quickly. If he continued to face Yeomdo, he felt his supposedly cold reason would melt away completely, leaving nothing behind. If his reason melted away, the only things left would be the great disaster that would soon follow and the corpse of one of them. This was because Yeomdo's reason had already burned out and was no longer present.

"We have only one purpose. It's very simple. It's the transfer of the Seulryongpae. You just need to hand over the Seulryongpae that Hoajang possesses to us. It's unlikely to be used here anyway."

"That's impossible. Then what about our senior disciple? That Seulryongpae is an item prepared for our senior disciple."

Anhu Gang, the third disciple who had been watching from the side, bravely shouted at Yeomdo and protested. He seemed to be quite courageous. His courage and guts were worthy of admiration for stating his claim confidently in front of the notoriously ill-tempered Yeomdo. Biryuyeon was also impressed. Biryuyeon felt like recommending this third disciple over the second disciple, Gamunsu, who was exceedingly inadequate and showed little promise. He seemed to have a much greater capacity than Gamunsu at first glance. Talking back to Yeomdo and provoking him was impossible for ordinary people.

"Senior disciple? Ah, that imbecile from earlier! He only learned the sword form, but he hasn't even properly grasped the sword intent. His limit was just the unity of sword and body. My eyes are accurate. He hasn't even reached the realm of infusing intent into his sword. In short, his skill is pathetic. Surely you weren't planning to parade such a person and send him to Cheongwan? That would be an immediate disgrace! I never knew your judgment, Cheolsu, had deteriorated to the level of rotten cod eyes. Please forgive me. Sending someone like that would be like smearing excrement on your own face, not to mention Hoajang's. Everyone might be ashamed and remove your name from the list of the Five Great Swordsmen of the world. Of course, I would welcome that, but you wouldn't, would you? Your cleanliness wouldn't tolerate such humiliation. Your meager reputation, which you struggled to maintain, would plummet to the ground. Of course, that's if you have any reputation to begin with. Anyway, it would be quite a spectacle."

Yeomdo unleashed a barrage of vicious insults, ruthlessly denouncing his opponent, which was unlike him. Yeomdo, who normally found it difficult to utter more than three words as his actions were faster than his words, seemed to have changed significantly after spending time with Biryuyeon, as if he had been contaminated by him. Moreover, after meeting Binggeom Gwancheolsu, he seemed to be talking more than usual, perhaps due to excitement. Yeomdo Gwak Yeonghee was not someone whose words came before his fists. The ability of Biryuyeon, who had corrupted him to this extent, was truly chilling and formidable. However, even though Yeomdo spoke more, everything he said was not empty words but facts.

His words were true; there was no lie in what he said. If someone was recommended with mediocre skill and failed the special admission exam, there was no greater humiliation and shame than that. It was because the recommending sect's judgment and ability were being disregarded.

"What!"

The disciples were furious. Relying on their numbers, they looked as if they would immediately rush at Yeomdo and Biryuyeon and beat them up. Of course, it was just an appearance; they didn't have the courage to confront Yeomdo. Binggeom raised his hand to stop them. It was to prevent such a tragedy, as the disciples of the manor, if they rushed in recklessly, could cause tremendous casualties.

"Bear with it, regrettably, he is right. Sun's sword… is still far off!"

"Great Master!"

Everyone exclaimed in surprise. In Hoajang, he was revered as their Great Master. His influence within the manor was absolute. It was utterly incomprehensible that he would readily agree to the opponent's unreasonable demand.

"Just give him that recommendation letter!"

"No!"

Everyone in the manor protested vehemently. However, Binggeom's decision had already solidified like a diamond, unblemished.

"It's useless to Sun anyway. In fact, with that level of skill, it will be difficult to overcome the wall of Cheongwan. Using a sword without sword intent, performing meaningless sword techniques without will, will only make people laugh. Today's event should be a stern warning to Sun! Let's aim for next year and give them that recommendation letter. It is my fault for not seeing Sun properly."

Today turned out to be a day of great misfortune for Gamunsu, as his name suggested. Binggeom sighed in frustration and looked up at the sky aimlessly. It was a silent declaration that he no longer wanted to be involved in this matter. Since he was so resolute, the disciples of Hoajang no longer dared to refuse his words. Gritting their teeth, shedding tears, and with trembling hands, Ho Cheonsang, the Lord of Hoajang, handed over the Seulryongpae, the special recommendation letter for Cheongwan. It was not a piece of paper but an jade token made of dark jade. On its square, dark green surface, a dragon ascending to heaven riding a sword was embossed, and at the top of the token, the four characters "Cheonmu Hakwan" were engraved in a majestic calligraphy that seemed to come alive. It was an item that exuded an unusual aura. Perhaps that aura was the collective will of the many who dreamed of Cheonmu Hakwan. Biryuyeon thought so. Of course, he didn't forget to consider that it might fetch a high price in the underworld.

Biryuyeon, having achieved his goal, turned his back without any lingering attachment and left Hoajang. Of course, Yeomdo (焰刀) was with him. Neither of them looked back again. All that remained at the scene of their departure were the numerous warriors and guests who had been knocked unconscious, the immense financial losses, and the devastating wounds etched onto their pride and honor. An indelible scar of humiliation. This day would be remembered forever in the hearts of the disciples as a day of humiliation for Hoajang. Along with the dark shadows of the two men…

"Great Master."

Ho Cheonsang quietly called out to Binggeom in the inner court, from which the two had left without looking back. Ho Cheonsang, who had remained silent due to the ominous atmosphere, finally managed to utter the words that had been stuck in his throat. His voice was very thin and weak, lacking confidence. However, Binggeom didn't even respond to his call and coldly turned his back.

"I want to rest."

Leaving only these words behind, Binggeom disappeared into the pavilion. Ho Cheonsang's foot, which was about to stop Binggeom as he turned away, accidentally brushed against one of the surrounding flowers. It was an unknown flower with leaves that stretched out like orchids, and as Ho Cheonsang's foot touched it, it shattered into pieces like shards of glass. Seeing the flower shattering like glass and the place where he stood, Ho Cheonsang was shocked. The trees and flowers within a radius of one jang had all frozen white. And with a slight touch, they all turned into ice powder and shattered into pieces.

Ho Cheonsang was repeatedly shocked. Binggeom, without even realizing it, had unleashed his ice-attribute energy, freezing everything around him pure white. This also meant that he, known for his calmness and composure, had poured so much mental energy that he could not easily control his energy. And yet, he had tried to appear calm in front of Yeomdo. Of course, Yeomdo's situation was no less extreme. The trees and flowers in the area where Yeomdo stood had all withered and died, and the stones within a radius of one jang and a half that he stood on were all glowing red, so hot that one would be immediately burned if they touched them without channeling energy.

The withered flowers turned to dust and scattered into the air as soon as a hand touched them. The two had reached realms that surpassed the common understanding of humans. Seeing this, Ho Cheonsang and his associates(?) were speechless and could no longer speak. The mere thought of these two, with such power, trying to fight within their manor sent shivers down their spines. If the two had truly fought there, Hoajang would have been reduced to ruins that day, its foundations ripped out. It was a terrifying thought.

Biryuyeon and Yeomdo returned leisurely after achieving their goal – only Biryuyeon returned leisurely – and after that day, Binggeom Gwancheolsu did not leave his pavilion for eleven days. The sky that the Lord of the manor and all the inhabitants of Hoajang looked up at with a sense of emptiness was still annoyingly high and blue. As if taunting them, the afternoon sun shone quietly on the grounds, littered with unconscious people and broken debris, as if it had nothing to do with the events. It all happened between noon and just one hour.