Book 3 Chapter 14

Emergency Meeting

Eight people sat around a large, circular table. Everyone exuded an unusual aura, clearly indicating they were individuals possessing extraordinary martial arts skills.

Besides the eight individuals surrounding the rosewood table, which was priced at 22 taels of silver, three seats were placed at the head. Two of these seats were already occupied. Only one magnificent chair in the center remained empty.

While the aura of the eight individuals around the purple rosewood table was indeed extraordinary, it seemed somewhat lacking compared to the two individuals occupying the seats on either side of the empty one. The presence of those two was that immense.

The person to the right of the empty seat was a noble young man in white, with a handsome appearance and a cold demeanor, holding a folding fan in his hand. The man to the left of the empty seat was a young man in blue, unusually carrying three swords on his back. Both of them had identical dragon patterns embroidered on their sleeves. This was a mark of being one of the glorious Nine Dragons.

It seemed these two were leading the meeting. Although the most important seat was empty, no one present seemed to expect it to be filled. It was empty, as always. As if waiting for the venue to settle down, the young man in white opened his mouth. He had a significant matter to announce to these eight people.

"Then, let us begin this emergency meeting."

The young man in white declared. As soon as his declaration ended, Jeong Ha-gyeong, the "Hwansan One-Line Fairy" from the Hwasan Sect, voiced her curiosity.

"What is the reason for suddenly summoning us? Military Advisor."

They addressed the young man in white as Military Advisor. He had served as the brains of their organization, and as long as there was no one more capable, he would continue to be their Military Advisor.

"Military Advisor? That is too great an honor. You can just call me Vice-Leader."

As the title of Military Advisor seemed too grand, the young man in white waved his hand and declined.

"Then, Vice-Leader, we wish to know the reason for this urgent summoning."

"I apologize if this was sudden. Did it interfere with anything?"

The young man in white bowed his head, offering his apologies. She shook her head, looking as if it were out of the question.

"It wasn't that. But if you summoned us, the Nine Principles Eight Swords, so abruptly, there must be a valid reason, so I was merely asking out of curiosity. How could I possibly dare to doubt the abilities of Gongja Baek Mu-yeong of Hwansan, who is known as one of the Ten Thousand Dragons and the brain of the Hwansan Sect?"

"That is indeed reassuring. Thank you for trusting me so much."

"You are most welcome."

Though his words were endlessly temperate and soft, no one dared to act carelessly in his presence.

Baek Mu-yeong, the "Wise Dragon" of Hwansan, was an early genius produced by the Hwansan Sect, whose every word could change the path of the entire Hwansan Sect's disciples. He was someone who was best not to have any distance from, unless one intended to block their future.

"The reason for summoning you all here is to discuss countermeasures for two men."

Baek Mu-yeong said.

"Two men… one is surely Murong Hui, the Seven Absolute Divine Sword, and the other…?"

Murong Hui, the Seven Absolute Divine Sword, was one of the biggest topics of conversation among them lately and the person their Nine Principles Assembly was paying the most attention to, so it was natural for him to be one of the two. Then, who was the other? She wondered if there was another being they needed to pay attention to besides Murong Hui. She couldn't grasp it at all.

"He is a man named Bi Ryu-yeon."

"Bi Ryu-yeon?"

For a moment, she couldn't immediately recall who this name referred to and had to delve into her memory. Only then did she realize that this name was the same as the winner of this year's Ascension Martial Arts Special Entrance Examination.

"Isn't he the winner of this year's special entrance examination? Was he someone who warranted the Vice-Leader's attention?"

"Whether he warrants the Military Advisor's attention is uncertain, but it is clear he has disgraced the honor of our Nine Sects. If no action is taken against him, people might look down on us. Especially the Eight Families Assembly and the Warlords' Gate. How can we endure such humiliation?"

Upon the mention of Bi Ryu-yeon's name, Yu Gyu-seon, the "Wind Plum Sword" from the Hwasan Sect, whose nerves were particularly on edge, raised his voice. The person who was hit in the jaw by Bi Ryu-yeon in this year's special entrance examination and suffered a fractured mandible was his fellow disciple, so his anger was understandable. That disciple was still surviving on gruel and water.

"That's right. We must quickly decide on his treatment for our prestige within the sect to be established. Coincidentally, their recent actions have failed, so I believe this is our opportunity."

Yeo Sang-han, the "Crushing Sword" from the Diancang Sect, whose second disciple had also been brutally defeated by Bi Ryu-yeon—that person's limbs had been twisted in directions that could not be bent—also chimed in.

The meeting was beginning to deviate from its course due to the indignation of the two, and there was a need to steer it back.

"Now, now, calm down. Of course, we have no intention of letting him go. If we cannot restore our lost prestige, how can we call ourselves descendants of the orthodox prestigious Nine Sects? However, the problem is that he keeps making contact with strange individuals."

"Who are they?"

Yu Gyu-seon of the Hwasan Sect asked. His swordsmanship was excellent, but his impetuous personality was a flaw.

"They are the Twin Ghosts."

The Twin Ghosts he referred to were Dang Cheol-gi and Cheon So-hae, the Twin Ghosts of Heavenly Might. The faces of those present showed a mixture of blatant displeasure and surprise.

"He met with those troublemakers?"

Yeo Sang-han of the Diancang Sect also asked in surprise. Baek Mu-yeong gave a wry smile.

"It's too early to be surprised. If you're surprised by this, you might faint if you knew the name of the club he joined."

"No way!"

Jeong Ha-gyeong's formerly radiant face suddenly stiffened. She recalled an unpleasant place she didn't want to think about. She personally wished she wouldn't hear that name. But Baek Mu-yeong was cruel.

"Yes, it is the Love Without Reason Society."

"That is a very troublesome and unpleasant affair."

This was truly the worst-case scenario. Something had happened that only occurred when things unfolded in the worst possible way.

"Then that means he has already met Jin Seong-gon, Im Seong-jin, and Bi Yeon-tae."

So Cheon-gun of the Qingcheng Sect, who had been silent until now, spoke. He was also one of the Eight Swords of Nine Principles. He was the leader of the Four Swords of the Sword Spirit Assembly and one of the Eight Swords of the Nine Principles Assembly. He had an unpleasant memory from yesterday when Im Seong-jin had unexpectedly helped him.

"Precisely. If things get any more complicated, even I cannot guarantee that I can perfectly untangle the knotted threads. We have a fire at our doorstep."

Baek Mu-yeong said in a meaningful tone.

"You mean Murong Hui, the Seven Absolute Divine Sword…"

As the conversation finally moved to the topic she desired, Jeong Ha-gyeong's spirits began to lift. It was a more constructive topic than the unpleasantness of the Love Without Reason Society.

"To exaggerate, we are currently in a very serious crisis. If we make a mistake, we might be defeated by the Warlords' Eight Families Assembly and suffer the humiliation of defeat."

"I don't believe such a thing would really happen."

Just as Jeong Ha-gyeong said, no one in the room believed that their Nine Principles Assembly, which boasted of its traditions, would be defeated by the Warlords' Eight Families Assembly. For the past ten years, through arduous effort, they had only achieved victories. They could not afford to commit the mistake of demolishing the hard-earned tower built by their predecessors.

"But you never know about the world."

Baek Mu-yeong said in a subtle tone. He was testing their resolve.

"Nonsense. How could the Nine Principles Assembly, which boasts tradition and legitimacy, have its victory stolen by the likes of the Warlords' Eight Families Assembly? Please dismiss such anxieties."

Gu Yang-jin of the Kunlun Sect spoke passionately, his face flushed. However, Baek Mu-yeong subtly retreated a step.

"No. Such arrogance can be the greatest cause of defeat. They are also descendants of prestigious families with traditions and talented disciples of the martial world. It is a bad habit to look down on them simply because they are on a different side."

Though the words were right, strangely, right words seemed to possess a mysterious power to provoke the listener.

"Isn't that attitude of the Vice-Leader too passive?"

Despite Gu Yang-jin's retort, Baek Mu-yeong did not budge. He seemed to have foreseen this outcome and was at ease, even having the leisure to joke. Baek Mu-yeong put on a sheepish expression, a look that didn't quite suit his cold demeanor.

"I agree with Young Master Gu. That attitude is not at all like the Vice-Leader."

Even Jeong Ha-gyeong, who always maintained her composure, felt that Baek Mu-yeong was acting somewhat passive and timid today.

"Oh dear, I seem to have been misunderstood. I am not trying to criticize Young Master Gu's carelessness. And passive? I simply mean that one must know how to acknowledge the opponent."

Baek Mu-yeong soothed Jeong Ha-gyeong with a wry smile, but she didn't seem pleased.

"Hmph! Now you're not just passive, you're downright timid. I'm disappointed."

She was completely upset, and it seemed there was no way to resolve it. Due to the confrontation between Jeong Ha-gyeong and Baek Mu-yeong—almost a one-sided attack by Jeong Ha-gyeong—the atmosphere in the room sank into a sea of awkward silence. In such a state, it was impossible to foster an atmosphere where anyone could offer an opinion. How could proper opinions emerge from such a profound, sinking atmosphere, like a lump of iron thrown into the abyss?

As the atmosphere became heavy, Baek Mu-yeong felt a desperate need to lighten the mood. He felt that the meeting would be very difficult to proceed with like this. What would be the point of convening an emergency meeting? However, he couldn't completely ignore Jeong Ha-gyeong to continue the meeting.

"Now, now, Murong Hui, the Seven Absolute Divine Sword, was a name that stirred the martial world even before he entered this sect. Even if the rumors are exaggerated, considering the collected rumors about him, one might even say the rumors are insufficient. To ignore such a person would not be appropriate."

And they were now the dragon hunters who had to capture or eliminate that dragon. The last words were for her. Words to appease and coax her. If he angered her, it would require immense effort and patience to fix. Baek Mu-yeong desperately wanted to avoid such a terrible situation.

"No matter how great his presence, it's not enough for the highest echelons of our Nine Principles Assembly to gather and worry about the future. He is still a freshman. If this is the case, it looks as if we are already afraid and holding a strategy meeting, doesn't it?"

Jeong Su-hyeong from the Hwansan Sect said with a very displeased expression.

"You can think of it as a strategy meeting. But please reconsider who he is."

"Even so, isn't he just a first-year new disciple?"

"Tsk tsk, you are too hasty. Have you already forgotten whose grandson and successor he is?"

As Baek Mu-yeong reminded them of one fact, her face crumpled in embarrassment. She had to admit that she had forgotten one of the most famous stories in the martial world. Then, she could no longer object to Baek Mu-yeong's opinion.

"I must admit that I was too hasty. After all, he is that person's grandson."

Jeong Ha-gyeong readily admitted her mistake. Baek Mu-yeong gave a slight smile and reassured her.

"But don't blame yourself too much. It would hurt my heart. From our side, it is most regrettable and lamentable that he is that person's most cherished grandson and successor. And I am convinced that most of the affection coming from that person stems from his talent rather than his bloodline. There is even physical evidence. Therefore, even if he received accelerated classes, it seems like a reasonable assumption."

"Then, does the Vice-Leader assume the worst-case scenario?"

Yu Gyu-seon from the Hwasan Sect interjected and asked.

"It is an assumption that seems unlikely, and one I don't even want to imagine. However, if by sheer bad luck it turns out to be true, we will have to put in tremendous effort and painstaking care this time. It is certainly not a welcome development from our perspective."

"Does this mean the current Three Stars Festival might be in danger?"

Cheong Heun, who had been sitting silently next to Baek Mu-yeong, spoke. He was an early genius from the Wudang Sect. He was a sword master who, excluding the Sect Leader, no one could defeat. Baek Mu-yeong himself was considered a formidable martial artist. Although he had not yet shed his observer's stance, he understood exactly what Baek Mu-yeong was trying to convey.

The faces of the eight individuals surrounding the rosewood table became noticeably grim. Jeong Ha-gyeong spoke again.

"Then, the Vice-Leader believes that he might have received the Revised Great Law immediately after birth, and even internal energy transmission from that person?"

The Revised Great Law is a form of Qigong performed on an infant shortly after birth, which activates the body's energy meridians and transforms bones and muscles, creating a superior body suitable for learning martial arts. Its effects are maximized when administered during infancy, as it prevents worldly evil energies from entering the body and blocking the energy meridians. It can be considered a procedure to prevent the infiltration of evil energy.

In other words, one can achieve internal energy advancement three to four times faster than ordinary people. It is akin to civil engineering on the body's acupoints and energy pathways. Just as faster travel is possible on a paved road than on a bumpy gravel road, the Revised Great Law also serves to refine and pave the pathways through which qi travels. It is a fortunate encounter that any martial artist would desire.

However, its administration requires the assistance of at least three peak masters with immense internal energy, which makes the administrators reluctant. Furthermore, this Revised Great Law is easier to administer and more effective when received during infancy. This is because an adult's body is blocked by accumulated evil energies and impurities, requiring twice the strength and effort to break through compared to an infant. Moreover, even after administration, the effects are said to be minimal, making the effort seem futile.

Murong Hui, who received this exceptional law, which only one in fifty thousand people receives, immediately after birth. And to make matters worse, if he also received internal energy transmission, he would undoubtedly become the strongest obstacle, enough to trouble them.

"Even if not all of it, I believe a portion of it is highly probable. No matter what anyone says, he is the most cherished grandson of Murong Jeong-cheon, the Great Hero, one of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints."

"That is truly the worst-case assumption."

Gu Yang-jin spat out the words. He himself had not realized that Baek Mu-yeong was taking the situation so seriously. In that case, it was understandable that Baek Mu-yeong, the Vice-Leader and the brain of the Nine Principles Assembly, was causing such a fuss.

"If Murong Hui, the successor of Murong Jeong-cheon, one of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints, has received even a portion of the internal energy of a Sword Saint like him, the situation can truly be considered the worst. We will be struggling to protect our honor. Who knows when it will fall to the ground?"

"That is too hasty a judgment. Please be more restrained."

"The Three Stars Festival, which strongly emphasizes honoring the Three Heavenly Martial Saints and selecting their successors, is about to have the successor of a Sword Saint participate. It is quite exciting."

The "Hwansan One-Line Fairy" also chimed in. Was she trying to worsen the situation?

"Although our Nine Sects have a bleak past of not producing even a single one of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints, we have strived for the past hundred years to wash away that shame. As the culmination of that effort, we have not lost the championship at the Three Stars Festival for ten years. This undefeated honor must be protected at all costs. If we were to destroy the reputation and honor built by our predecessors overnight, how could we face our sect and our seniors? I don't think I would have the courage to do so."

"I agree. We must train harder and strive more diligently."

It was an unforgivable disgrace for the Nine Sects not to have produced even one of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints who saved the martial world from the dark age of the Heavenly Calamity and Bloody Age a hundred years ago. Though they all kept it quiet and didn't show it, the psychological shock and damage the Nine Sects suffered then was as great as that inflicted by the Heavenly Calamity Lords.

That shock remained as a deep bruise in their hearts. It would not fade with time. Therefore, from the day the Heavenly Calamity Lords and the Blood God disappeared, the Nine Sects accelerated their disciples' training. The desperate whip to reclaim lost honor had begun. They wanted to wash away the shame they had suffered, they who claimed to be the pillars and tradition of the righteous path.

Thus, through relentless self-improvement and enduring hardship, after fifty years of repeated effort, the Nine Sects, having regained their former glory that had been overshadowed by the Eight Great Families, did not rest content and accelerated further.

Finally, eighty years after that period of shame and disgrace, they rose to the pinnacle of the martial world, suppressing the Eight Great Families and other large sects. This was an earth-shattering event for the Eight Great Families and other large sects who had become complacent.

Only after losing all their vested interests and becoming destitute did the Eight Great Families and prestigious righteous sects come to their senses and prepare for a counterattack, but they were already racing towards the summit, so it was impossible to catch up. Thus, the situation reversed, and now the Eight Great Families were chasing the shadows of the Nine Sects. The game of tag to reclaim the summit had begun again. The only difference from eighty years ago was that the roles of the tagger and the chased had swapped, nothing more.

Having been thoroughly beaten once, the Nine Sects did not want to be caught again. Therefore, it was natural for them to always pay attention to the pursuers chasing closely behind them.

"Then it is clear that Murong Hui will participate in the Sword Saint competition."

"That seems to be the case."

"Then do you think he will also participate in the Three Stars Grand Tournament?"

"That has not yet been confirmed. However, based on past precedents, it is something we must fully consider. We must accept it as a foregone conclusion. Unless he sustains a very, very severe injury."

What is the Three Stars Grand Tournament?

The Three Stars Festival was founded to honor the martial prowess and achievements of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints, and thus it is divided into three categories. That is, the Sword Saint Competition, the Saber Saint Competition, and the Sword Queen Competition, which select figures who claim to be descendants of the Sword Saint, Saber Saint, and the only female among the three saints, the Sword Queen. Therefore, there were many restrictions. As it has a strong commemorative aspect—of course, the scale is immense—weapons were limited. That is, only those who use swords were allowed in the Sword Saint Competition, only those who use sabers in the Saber Saint Competition, and only women who use swords in the Sword Queen Competition.

Naturally, complaints poured in from various sides due to these restrictions. The Sichuan Tang family's backlash was particularly strong. They wanted to be included by all means, but the stringent conditions and restrictions did not allow them. No matter what, with their poison, hidden weapons, and, in terms of formal weapons, a mere whip, they had no room to participate. Therefore, they actively engaged in underground maneuvering. As a sect that proclaimed itself a prestigious lineage, they could not accept being excluded from the Three Stars Festival. The Sichuan Tang family's influence in the martial world was significant, and their underground maneuvering was surprisingly successful.

"The Three Stars Festival inherits the spirit of the Three Heavenly Martial Saints, not the weapons. We must not forget this point."

With their impassioned plea, the Martial Arts Alliance and the Heavenly Martial Academy agreed. Thus, a compromise was reached, and while the Sword Saint Competition, Saber Saint Competition, and Sword Queen Competition existed, an additional unrestricted sparring tournament called the Three Stars Grand Tournament was created.

It was a competition where anyone could participate, use anything, and unleash all their skills. Often, those who participated in the Three Great Saint Competitions also participated here. This is because the martial arts competitions are held over several days, with the Three Stars Grand Tournament being held last. Those who won in the Sword, Saber, or Queen competitions almost all participated here. Unless they were incapacitated by severe injury. However, as it was a tournament hosted by the Academy, killing was strictly forbidden, and the use of severe poisons was also prohibited. Therefore, the number of severely injured participants was relatively small.

"Who are we going to support in this year's Sword Queen Competition?"

The question from Il-yeong, a disciple of Shaolin, put Baek Mu-yeong in thought for a moment. There was no clear plan for that yet.

"Well, that's a difficult question."

Baek Mu-yeong's gaze briefly shifted towards Jeong Ha-gyeong, the "Hwansan One-Line Fairy." But he soon averted his gaze and said,

"First, it would be very important to consider who the opposing side will send. The individuals we must be wary of are Namgung So-so, one of the Seven Peaks, and the woman from the Sword Pavilion, who is also one of the Seven Peaks. For now, those two are their most likely candidates for victory. Ah, of course, I am not doubting the abilities of our young ladies, so don't worry."

Baek Mu-yeong's gaze, accompanied by a peculiar smile, turned to her once more. It was a meaningful look that meant he trusted her and asked her not to disappoint him.

"From our side, of course, it will be Miss Jeong Ha-gyeong, the 'Hwansan One-Line Fairy,' one of the Eight Swords of the Nine Principles. And there is also Miss Jin Ling from the Emei Sect, one of the Seven Peaks."

"It's better not to consider her."

Upon the mention of Jin Ling's name, Jeong Ha-gyeong sharply exclaimed. It seemed she harbored considerable dissatisfaction towards her.

"She left the Nine Principles Assembly on her own and joined a strange organization. I wish you wouldn't compare me to her, who associates with those Warlords' Eight Families guys in that strange place called the Dark Scroll Society."

She seemed to be extremely angry. At times like this, provoking a woman's temper was something only a fool would do, so he decided to remain silent.

"So be it."

Baek Mu-yeong readily agreed.

"The purpose of this meeting was to draw your attention to those two individuals and to ask you to put more effort into preparing for the Three Stars Festival. Complacency is no longer an option. Feel more urgency and dedicate yourselves to training. This year will not be easy. It is a time that requires everyone's effort. After the meeting, Young Master Cheong, please stay behind. I have something to discuss with you separately."

Cheong Heun, the young man in blue sitting next to him, nodded. Cheong Young Master referred to Cheong Heun, the "Three Absolute Sword," Baek Mu-yeong's closest friend and the pillar responsible for martial arts in the Nine Principles Assembly. This was a formal occasion, so the titles were carefully chosen.

As the emergency meeting concluded, everyone left to return to their respective positions. Only the Three Absolute Sword, Cheong Heun, and Hwansan Wise Dragon, Baek Mu-yeong, remained in the empty room. Baek Mu-yeong looked at Cheong Heun quietly and deeply.

"Cheong Heun, what do you think?"

Baek Mu-yeong asked quietly.

"About facing him?"

"I hope my intuition is wrong, but I have a bad feeling that if it's not you, it will be difficult."

"If your intuition, which has never been wrong, says so, then I must also prepare."

Cheong Heun readily admitted it. He knew that his intuition had never been wrong before, and statistically, the next opportunity was unlikely to be different.

"You might need your fourth sword."

The young man called Cheong Heun flinched at Baek Mu-yeong's words. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"Is it really that serious?"

"There is a considerable possibility. That's why I called you here separately, isn't it? Everyone knows that your third sword is fearsome, but they don't even know about the existence of your fourth sword."

"Only Master and you know about that."

No one else knew that fact. It had only been completed recently, and there had been no need to use it.

"I am always grateful for your friendly trust. You are the only one who treats this cold person like me without any reservations."

Around him, there were only people who tried to keep their distance.

"Why are you saying this now? My trust and friendship will remain unchanged, so don't worry."

"Thank you."

Baek Mu-yeong gave a heartfelt smile. He had always been his belief.

"By the way! Why didn't you mention the Saber Saint Competition earlier? You know that our Nine Sects are strong in swordsmanship but weak in sabers."

If Baek Mu-yeong didn't know that fact, no one else in the world would.

"Of course. I have never forgotten the fact that we have always been in a precarious situation in the Saber Saint Competition and have been in a desperate struggle for victory."

Suddenly, Baek Mu-yeong looked at Cheong Heun and grinned. It was a rare smile for him.

"So you have a plan."

"Your intuition has improved a lot. Is it because you have a woman now?"

Suddenly, Cheong Heun's face turned red. At a glance, one could read the panic that had sprouted in his heart.

"You can even make jokes now. Have you finally stepped out of your statue-like state?"

Cheong Heun retaliated against Baek Mu-yeong, who had made him flustered.

"Haha! I lost."

Baek Mu-yeong could only truly open his heart to Cheong Heun. He liked Cheong Heun, who approached him so casually, armed with his cold reason. It seemed his germophobia forgave only Cheong Heun.

"What is that fellow doing these days?"

Since the topic of women had come up, Cheong Heun asked. Suddenly, Baek Mu-yeong's expression darkened.

"It's the same as always."

At Baek Mu-yeong's reply, Cheong Heun's expression also stiffened.

"So. He is still hovering around her, is he?"

"He's not the type of friend to do that, so how did he get to this point…"

"It seems to be getting worse. It's not a good phenomenon."

Baek Mu-yeong could not understand his actions at all. He disliked the behavior of a man who obsessively chased a woman and stayed by her side under the guise of protection. Why would someone praised as the top talent of the Qingcheng Sect act this way? Such behavior did not sit well with Baek Mu-yeong.

"The problem is that he is not the only one."

"You've heard about that too, have you? I heard there was a bodyguard squad called the Blooming Flower Guard."

"And he is its leader."

"He must have had nothing else to do. I admit her enchanting beauty and charm, but it's become too much lately."

He couldn't understand the mindset of those fanatics who claimed they would serve her even if they were reborn three times.

"Still, it's not her fault. The flower's fault is only having beautiful looks and fragrance, isn't it?"

The fault lay with the bees who, while going to collect honey, were captivated by the flower and lost their senses. He wasn't blaming the flower's innate beauty either. He only regretted the resulting consequences.

"That fragrance and beauty can also be a fatal poison. Whether she wants it or not. They seem to worship her like an idol, and if anyone were to touch her, there would be a major uproar."

"Surely there is no one here who has the courage to touch her?"

Cheong Heun responded skeptically.

"If so, they would be sent to the afterlife immediately by the fanatics. You should be careful too."

As the conversation headed further into a dark abyss, Baek Mu-yeong hastily steered the topic away.

"Don't worry. I have her."

Cheong Heun confidently said something embarrassing.

"That's fortunate indeed. I don't want to lose you because of a woman. Losing one friend is enough, the one who's lost himself to a woman."

"Don't worry. And my woman is different."

Cheong Heun boasted. He could only say such embarrassing things in front of Baek Mu-yeong. He wouldn't have dared to do so in front of anyone else.

"Of course, you are."

Baek Mu-yeong wisely gave up.