Chapter 015
The Rainbow Cloud Pavilion was a hall deep within the Murim Alliance reserved for honored guests. Among the Alliance's guests, classified as third-class, second-class, first-class, and special-class, only those of special rank could enter this pavilion. As such, the number of people who could enter Rainbow Cloud Pavilion was limited.
It wasn't strange that Baek Sugyeong had been allowed inside, as he wielded enormous influence in the martial world.
"How luxurious."
Baek Sugyeong scooped up some cleanly shaved ice with a spoon while looking out the window. The dessert of the martial world didn't have modern toppings like syrup or jelly, but it was served with red bean paste and fruit punch evenly sprinkled on top, with rice cakes and finely chopped fruits. The slightly frozen, crunchy fruits combined with soft red bean paste and sweet honey—a perfect way to beat the heat.
It was something found only at high-end inns or taverns. Since he hadn't seen it in Wuhan, it might be something popular in Xuchang.
Clatter.
"Are you enjoying the shaved ice?"
When Baek Sugyeong turned at the sound of a dish being set down, he saw Kang Yupyeong.
"Master Kang."
"I asked you to be more casual with me."
"How could I do that?"
Baek Sugyeong gave a bitter smile. Though he had been quick-tempered earlier, getting angry at martial artists would be insane. He had once exploded in front of Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu due to psychological pressure, but if those two hadn't been understanding, he might have become a corpse on the spot. The thought made the back of his neck feel cold.
'What a stupid thing I did.'
Nom. A spoonful of shaved ice cleared his head slightly. He let out a small sigh.
"You seem deeply troubled."
"Well, I suppose so."
He had already conceptualized the development for the next volume of his book. He was recording ideas whenever they came to him, refining the framework so he wouldn't forget. Distractions came, but they couldn't block his creativity.
"There were requests from elders who wanted private audiences today, but the Military Department rejected them all."
"I see."
There were no serving maids in the Rainbow Cloud Pavilion. Previously, there had been attempts to bribe Baek Sugyeong through maids, but after expressing his disgust, he had ensured no maids would enter during his stay.
Placing his spoon on the empty shaved ice bowl, he said:
"I want to focus only on my writing, but the environment makes it difficult to concentrate."
"There will be more people wanting to meet you in the future, but you seem to be struggling too much."
"…I want to live an ordinary life. Just ordinary."
Kang Yupyeong chuckled. He had heard this phrase so often it was practically hammered into his ears. But everyone in the Murim Alliance knew Baek Sugyeong was no ordinary person. There were even those who had followed the training methods in Wudang Sword Hero and improved their martial arts. Kang Yupyeong was among them.
"But haven't you already taught many people through 'Wudang Sword Hero'?"
"I didn't teach them. They found it all on their own."
Baek Sugyeong was sincere. Kang Yupyeong took it as modesty, thinking him a recluse with exceptional martial arts yet humble. If Baek Sugyeong knew, he would have fled the Murim Alliance immediately.
"You are truly humble."
"Haha, haah…" Baek Sugyeong's laughter trailed into a sigh.
'With this level of popularity, it's about time for copycats and knockoffs.'
To be honest, Wudang Sword Hero could be called Wudang Sect propaganda that he was paid to write. The concept wasn't established yet, but in modern terms, it would already be labeled propaganda.
'The demonic cults or unorthodox factions might produce something similar. And with the Hao Sect extending its reach… things will probably progress quickly?'
His mind felt as cold as if entering an ice cave. With Wudang Sword Hero so popular, there was a possibility that demonic cults and unorthodox factions might use novels to rally their forces. Writers could emerge commissioned by other sects.
Baek Sugyeong pressed his temple firmly.
'This could turn into the Great Novel War of the world.'
It seemed exaggerated, but considering his current popularity, it didn't seem impossible. Knockoffs could sometimes overtake the original quickly. He couldn't guarantee he wouldn't become a victim.
Kang Yupyeong picked up the shaved ice bowl.
"I'll clear away the dish."
"Thank you."
"If you plan to go out, please let me know now."
"If I'm not here, I'll be taking a walk in the garden annex, so you can find me there."
"Understood."
Watching Kang Yupyeong leave with steady steps, Baek Sugyeong rose from his seat. He suddenly realized that he had come too far to live an ordinary life.
'Even though I don't want entanglement, once I'm involved with the Wudang Sect and Murim Alliance, ordinary life is impossible.'
As his book's importance grew, so did his value. Both frightening and exciting. He wore a deep, bitter smile at the thrill of this contradiction.
"I have no choice but to accept it."
Trying to extinguish flames that have already spread uncontrollably would only burn him further. Perhaps, being a writer, only unnecessarily sentimental thoughts came to mind.
'Come to think of it… the Namgung Clan.'
Among the forces participating in the tournament, he had heard a martial artist called Jade Sword Flower from the Namgung Clan would participate. Judging by the title, it was clearly a woman.
Complicated thoughts seemed to permeate Baek Sugyeong's steps as he headed toward the garden annex.
'…I might get stabbed if I meet martial artists from the Namgung Clan.'
The clash between the Namgung Clan and Jin Un, which highlighted their negative aspects, made him wonder: could martial artists from that clan accept this portrayal? His head felt complicated.
"I'm going crazy."
...
"How do you feel, Master Sugyeong?"
"Couldn't be better."
On the day of the tournament, Baek Sugyeong sat with Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu at a high seat overlooking the arena. He would have preferred a closer view, but Jang Hyoun had warned that flying fragments of sword energy might injure him.
Looking at the spectators filling the arena, Baek Sugyeong gave a bitter smile.
"I never imagined so many people would gather like this."
"Haha, think of them as people who love 'Wudang Sword Hero.'"
Even at Jegal Yu's words, Baek Sugyeong couldn't erase his bitter smile.
'With my eyes, I simply cannot follow the battles of such skilled fighters.'
"Haha…" Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu forced awkward laughs. They believed Baek Sugyeong was pretending to be ordinary. How could someone who wrote insights deep enough to enlighten the current leader of the Murim Alliance not follow lower-level martial artists?
Unlike them, Baek Sugyeong was suffering.
'Something whooshes by with a metallic sound. At this rate…'
He had no talent for martial arts and struggled to reach the level of an appraiser, but in front of the martial world, his efforts seemed like foam.
'My eyes are too tired. Should I learn some eye technique?'
Even famous martial world figures mentioned by Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu were unfamiliar to him. The only one worth noting was Jade Sword Flower Namgung Somin, the precious daughter of the Namgung Clan.
...
Jang Hyoun began to speak:
"The momentum of the Namgung Clan is formidable. Jade Sword Flower and Wudang's Cheongmyeong. If I had to name the most prominent figures in this tournament, it would be these two."
"Were you keeping an eye on them too, Alliance Leader?"
"Of course, Military Commissioner."
Jang Hyoun smiled at Jegal Yu's words.
"Moreover, talents from Qingcheng and Mount Hua are showing great momentum. Shaolin doesn't seem to be falling behind either…"
"They must consider this a good opportunity."
Jegal Yu glanced briefly at Baek Sugyeong. If not for his position as Military Commissioner, he might have jumped into the arena himself. Martial artists had already benefited from Baek Sugyeong's teachings in Wudang Sword Hero.
Wudang's Cheongmyeong had even recreated Jin Un's Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword. An astonishing talent.
"But the most anticipated match would be between Jade Sword Flower and Taoist Cheongmyeong, wouldn't it? What do you think, Master Sugyeong?"
"Well…" Baek Sugyeong closed the book he had taken out from his chest.
Taoist Cheongmyeong's martial prowess is tremendous, but Qingcheng and Mount Hua martial artists are also standing out.
"Oh? You have a different opinion from us?"
Baek Sugyeong gave a bitter smile. He mentioned Mount Hua and Qingcheng because their level was slightly lower, which helped him describe the match. Beyond that, there was no deeper meaning.
"Well, they were just helpful to me, that's all."
A strange light flashed in Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu's eyes.
'If Master Sugyeong says that…'
'Qingcheng and Mount Hua have sent carefully nurtured talents. Master Sugyeong must have found gems we missed.'
'Hmm, Mount Hua and Qingcheng are blessed indeed.'
While they misinterpreted, Cheongmyeong ascended the arena.
He used two swords instead of one, despite being a Wudang disciple. Yet he combined them with overwhelming martial prowess, bringing Jin Un's Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword into reality.
Baek Sugyeong felt shocked.
'…I never imagined he would implement the Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword…'
Watching Cheongmyeong easily subdue his opponent, Baek Sugyeong let out a hollow laugh.
Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword. Its true name: Three Pure Ones Limitless Sword Wisdom. Originally using three swords, it was Wudang's only sword technique and Jin Un's unique method. Combined with Twin Spirit Limitless True Qi, the Blue-Red Invincible Sword finally appeared.
He had expected admiration, but not a monster who would recreate it.
"The winner, Cheongmyeong!!"
Baek Sugyeong massaged his stiff neck. Though used to daily shocks, being among martial artists was still intimidating. His body ached.
'This really isn't a place I can stay long.'
The tournament would last three days. Today was the first day, now complete.
After saying goodbye to Jang Hyoun and Jegal Yu, Baek Sugyeong rose, tapping his stiff shoulders. Kang Yupyeong followed like a shadow.
"Oh my, my bones. I'm dying, I'm dying."
"Would you like me to give you that 'massage' again today?"
"I would appreciate that."
Kang Yupyeong grinned.
"I'm glad if it helps you, sir."
"Without Master Kang, I'd be stiff and miserable. By the way, I'm thinking of visiting Xuchang's streets this evening."
"You shouldn't go alone again, sir."
"Haha, please give me a break. I'm exhausted from people following me like shadows everywhere."
As Baek Sugyeong walked away, a Dark Shadow Pavilion martial artist secretly watching flinched. Despite Jegal Yu and Jang Hyoun's warnings, he could sense someone who had mastered Hidden Void Phantom Art.
'…I need to be more careful. But first, I should report to the Military Commissioner.'
He disappeared silently.
At the same time, Baek Sugyeong, returning to Rainbow Cloud Pavilion, turned his head slightly as if sensing something.
"What's wrong?"
"I felt like something was watching me… but it must have been my imagination."
"I think you're being too sensitive. You should rest well."
"Haha, if only I could…"
Baek Sugyeong's footsteps faded with a sigh.
And so the first day of the tournament, full of misunderstandings and intrigue, passed by.