Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Chapter 31. Eon Mi-hee (1)

“Yes, so it was, as expected.”

Ji Soyak nodded her head.

After Gongson Su’s intrusion, the grim atmosphere fizzled out, and Lee Byeok and Eon Mi-hee were able to sneak back to the Rogues’ Guild’s quarters.

While the two were amidst the prodigies, Ji Soyak seemed to have been sitting with the representatives of each sect.

When Eon Mi-hee briefly explained what had happened in the reception hall, Ji Soyak nodded as if she had expected it.

“Of course. Even the high-ranking, seasoned masters are taking sides and are eager to tear each other down, so how much worse would it be for the kids?”

“Even so, it’s not like they can actually draw blades on each other… In the end, it must mean they intend to sort out the next generation’s hierarchy within the Evil Faction Alliance through this event.”

“W-what does that mean?”

Slurp. Ji Soyak lifted her teacup and spoke in a calm voice. However, the contents of her words were quite shocking.

“They said they’re going to hold a ‘friendly martial arts tournament’ among the prodigies who will become members, prior to the formation of the armed force.”

“Well, even if they call it friendly, the internal hierarchy will be decided by the results. No matter what is said, isn't it the essence of the Evil Faction that the strong stand at the top?”

There were a total of four factions that represented the Evil Faction Alliance.

These were called the Four Great Powers, in comparison to the Righteous Faction’s Nine Sects One Gang and Five Great Clans.

However, among them, if one were to pick the single greatest sect of the Evil Faction, the one everyone would choose without disagreement was the Paewang Family of this Guizhou Province.

Since the formation of the Evil Faction Alliance, the head of the Paewang Family had also served as the Alliance Lord for two generations, maintaining order in the Evil Faction’s Murim for nearly fifty years.

The very reason the Evil Faction Alliance’s headquarters was located here in Guizhou was that it was the Paewang Family’s front yard.

Compared to that, the common consensus was that the other three of the Four Great Powers were half a step to a full step behind.

About three years ago, the Paewang Family suddenly ceased almost all external activities and locked their gates.

Even the Evil Faction Alliance Lord shut himself in his quarters within the Alliance and rarely showed himself at official functions.

No one knew the reason.

Only various rumors abounded, but in the end, nothing was revealed as time passed.

If there was any silver lining, it was that there had been no notable incidents in the Murim during that time, so it did not lead to any major problems. However.

“The tiger has been sleeping for several years, so it’s time for the other beasts that were pressed down to stealthily stretch their shoulders.”

As the Paewang Family ceased its activities, the remaining Four Great Powers finally began to slowly reveal their greed for the leadership of the Evil Faction Alliance.

It seemed that the ones who took the lead in this summons were the Black Heaven Gang and the Hainan Sword Sect, who acted competitively.

“They intend to seize the initiative of the next generation, form factions, and plan for the future, taking advantage of the Paewang Family’s pause.”

Ji Soyak’s gaze turned to Lee Byeok.

“The Dark Shadow Pavilion originally dislikes stepping into the forefront, so setting them aside, the other two factions don’t seem to have any intention of hiding their ambitions.”

I see, Lee Byeok thought.

After hearing the explanation, he finally understood why the prodigies were split left and right, showing hostility towards each other.

Of course, even if he understood, it wasn't a story that Lee Byeok needed to pay much attention to.

Whatever happened to the Evil Faction’s Murim, it was someone else’s fight that had nothing to do with him in the first place. However.

“Then what about the Rogues’ Guild?”

Lee Byeok threw the question.

If the Evil Faction Alliance was divided in two, then the Rogues’ Guild must have a position somewhere in between.

In any case, Lee Byeok was currently a member of the Rogues’ Guild’s delegation. It would not be good to act against them.

“Hmm, let’s see? I wonder?”

At a loss for words, Lee Byeok blinked his eyes, and Ji Soyak let out a chuckle.

“Unfortunately, a mere branch manager like me wouldn't know about such things. However, if I were to venture a guess, I think nothing has been decided yet.”

“…Why do you say that?”

“Because I am here. Through the reports of people like me, the main office’s stance on which side to take, or whether to take no side at all, will be decided.”

“It’s just my thought, though.”

A moment of silence then flowed in the room. Tap, Ji Soyak’s teacup was set down on the table.

Ji Soyak’s gaze turned to Eon Mi-hee again. For a moment, Eon Mi-hee’s shoulders flinched.

“I have high hopes for you.”

“…W-what do you mean by that…?”

“I won’t tell you to defeat them all. But with all the young masters who will become the protagonists of the Evil Faction’s Murim gathered in one place, shouldn't our Rogues’ Guild at least save face?”

Eon Mi-hee’s complexion turned pale.

Lee Byeok recalled the conversation he had with Eon Mi-hee right after arriving at the Evil Faction Alliance. In the end, her bad feeling had come true.

Ji Soyak was speaking as if the decision had just been made, but she had probably already guessed the circumstances before their departure.

“Well, you’ll get to exchange hands with martial artists of your age. Raise your fame. It’ll be much more fun than sticking with me. Right?”

“…Yes, I understand.”

Eon Mi-hee lowered her head.

Master and disciple. Or master and escort.

Lee Byeok couldn't know exactly what their relationship was or how they were intertwined.

However, regardless of her own intentions, it seemed Eon Mi-hee had no right to refuse.

Then Ji Soyak looked at Lee Byeok again. A moment of silence passed between their exchanging gazes.

“As for the Young Master…”

Ji Soyak smiled as if she were in a difficult position.

“I am hardly… in a position to give orders to the Young Master. Therefore, I believe the Young Master can assess the situation for himself and act as he wishes.”

A clear shout echoed.

Eon Mi-hee’s fist shot out.

Clang, Lee Byeok’s sword, blocking the path of the fist, trembled finely. A heavy impact traveled up through his fingertips.

Lee Byeok’s body was pushed back lightly.

As if not to lose momentum, Eon Mi-hee kicked off the ground again. Closing the distance, her fist dug in once more.

However, the next moment, the skillfully curved surface of Lee Byeok’s sword brushed past Eon Mi-hee’s side.

The principle of Curve, from the Azure River Sword Style’s Sword-Withdrawal Form.

Her posture collapsing for a moment, Eon Mi-hee let out a small groan. She staggered back, clutching her side.

“…Haa, that was rash of me.”

A brief lull. However, Eon Mi-hee’s spirit was not diminished at all. Lee Byeok readjusted his grip on the sword.

By Ji Soyak’s order, Eon Mi-hee was to join the ‘Flying Dragon Squad’, a newly established armed force for the prodigies of the Evil Faction Alliance.

In three days, a friendly martial arts tournament would be held for the prospective members of the Flying Dragon Squad.

It seemed the internal organization would be decided based on one’s performance in the tournament.

In reality, it would be a clash of pride between the Black Heaven Gang and the Hainan Sword Sect, but it was also said to be an opportunity for the prodigies of other factions to stand out.

Of course, that also applied to Eon Mi-hee.

Though she herself didn’t seem to like it at all, as long as she carried the title of the Rogues’ Guild’s representative, it had become a matter of saving face.

And so, a night passed amidst their respective worries. Eon Mi-hee had approached Lee Byeok with a hesitant demeanor and asked for a sparring session.

Of course, it wasn't difficult.

Lee Byeok readily agreed.

The next day, around early evening, the two were granted exclusive use of a nearby training ground through the guidance of an employee. And then.

Eon Mi-hee closed the distance again.

Sword and gauntlets clashed. For Lee Byeok, it was the first time he had properly witnessed her martial arts.

It was quite refreshing.

In the Jianghu Murim, filled with those who wielded all sorts of weapons, it was rare to meet a pure fist fighter.

No, it was difficult to even call it fist arts.

Although she wore uniquely shaped gauntlets, her weapons were not just her two fists.

From her elbows and knees to her legs and feet. Her small body was equipped with a surprising number of attack methods.

She was avoiding direct contact between the parts of her body other than the gauntlets and the sword, but it seemed she had enhanced her body’s durability with a special Qi art.

The tip of her foot grazed Lee Byeok’s chin.

The link between her techniques was smooth and seamless.

However, Lee Byeok’s sword was also firm.

The sword of the Seonwoo Clan was one that would never be pushed back in terms of the variety of its techniques, no matter what art it faced in the world.

Sword-Drawing and Sword-Withdrawal.

Straight, Fast, Strong. And Curve, Change, Flow.

From the drawn and withdrawn sword, the six unique principles of the Azure River Sword Style blossomed.

Not to be outdone, Eon Mi-hee’s body danced. Irregularity and irregularity clashed, searching for each other’s openings.

Lee Byeok felt a sense of surprise internally.

Even though he was freely unfolding the Azure River Sword Style, Eon Mi-hee’s combinations, having become more cautious, did not easily crumble.

Eon Mi-hee said she had learned her family’s specialty martial art. But it was unlikely that a family possessing such an art was common.

Afterward, a tense battle where it was difficult to distinguish between offense and defense continued for some time.

However, as time passed, Eon Mi-hee’s breathing began to grow a little rougher.

On the other hand, Lee Byeok was not tired.

Even while swinging his sword, the power of Innate circulated within Lee Byeok’s body, recovering his inner energy in real-time.

As long as he didn’t use the Azure River Flowing Leaf Sword Style, he didn’t even feel like his inner strength was being consumed by the Azure River Sword Style alone.

Soon, Eon Mi-hee’s movements began to noticeably slow down. The minute gaps between her techniques were revealed.

The next moment, realizing she had no chance of winning , Eon Mi-hee abruptly lowered her stance.

She rotated, sweeping the ground with her leg.

Leap, Lee Byeok jumped up lightly. Then, as if waiting for it, Eon Mi-hee’s body shot up again.

Her two arms were stretched upwards.

They crossed, creating a rotation.

The powerful momentum carried in her two fists soared, looking as if it would pierce through Lee Byeok at any moment.

Lee Byeok pointed his sword downwards.

He imbued it with the principle of Strong, from the Sword-Drawing Form.

The weighted sword and the gauntlets clashed head-on. Lee Byeok accepted the rebound force and took a step back.

Tap, he landed lightly.

On the other hand, Eon Mi-hee bent her knees.

She finally collapsed. Her small shoulders hunched over. Her two arms trembled as if the impact had not yet subsided.

“Miss, are you alright?”

“Ah, yes! I-I’ll just rest for a moment…!”

Lee Byeok was inwardly impressed.

Although he hadn't brought out the Azure River Flowing Leaf Sword Style, he hadn't held back in unfolding the Azure River Sword Style either.

But that was nothing compared to how surprised Eon Mi-hee was about Lee Byeok.

“Young Master… you are truly strong.”

“Ahaha, I knew I couldn't win. But I thought I might be able to land a hit at least once…”

Eon Mi-hee showed a hollow smile.

Eon Mi-hee was not weak.

In the past, Seonwoo Byeok was a talent revered as the prodigy of the clan.

However, if his past self had fought the current Eon Mi-hee, he wouldn't have been able to rashly guarantee victory.

Considering they were the same age, she too lacked nothing to be called a genius.

But… what about himself?

Lee Byeok couldn't be sure if he could truly say that his current self was strong.

He couldn't gauge his own strength.

After gaining the power of Innate through the enlightenment of the Jincheon Falling Sword Divine Art, Lee Byeok had taken a step forward.

His handling of the sword and his handling of Qi had clearly become incomparably more adept than before.

He had finally reached the point of achieving sword flux, said to be the symbol of a peak master.

The thought that had been tormenting him for the past few days resurfaced. After cutting down the bandits, Lee Byeok had been bogged down by the topic of killing intent.

No matter how strong one was in a duel, it was meaningless if one couldn't fully draw out that power in a real fight.

But when he tried to control his killing intent, his sword, based on the Dao, lost its naturalness.

Lee Byeok recalled the incident at the reception hall. When the prodigy from the Black Heaven Gang needlessly picked a fight, his killing intent suddenly soared.

Looking back, it was a strange sensation.

Even though it wasn't a very significant provocation, Lee Byeok had lost his composure too easily for a moment.

If Gongson Su hadn't intervened at that moment, Lee Byeok wasn't confident he wouldn't have drawn his sword right there. Updates are released by N0velFire.ɴet

It was only for a moment, but he had been captured by the very thing he was trying to control.

“Iyaaat, an opening!!”

It was then. Eon Mi-hee suddenly kicked off the ground and charged, throwing her whole body forward. Her fist was thrust out recklessly.

Lee Byeok’s sword swung reflexively. But the moment the sword and gauntlet collided, Eon Mi-hee’s arm was flung outwards powerlessly.

It wasn’t a blow with any real power behind it in the first place. That was why Lee Byeok was rather flustered.

Eon Mi-hee’s body, without unfolding any technique, just flew at Lee Byeok in a reckless manner.

If he swung his sword again here, she could be seriously injured. Lee Byeok’s sword faltered. He tried to catch Eon Mi-hee.

But in that fleeting moment, Eon Mi-hee’s face came swooping in close.

Within a breath’s distance, Eon Mi-hee whispered.

“Haha, you let your mind wander, you were careless, Young Master! My kneeling was to gain momentum!”

Eon Mi-hee’s head tilted back.

And the next moment, forward again.

“I’m taking just one hit!”

Forehead and forehead collided.