Book 3 Chapter 10

What is a club?

After Ok Hyunjin's general lecture on martial arts ended,

it was a break time with a bit of leisure.

Chewing over Ok Hyunjin's old stories once more,

Hyoryong approached Biryuyeon, who was savoring them.

"Aren't you afraid of him?"

"Who? The fact that there exists someone in this world whom I should fear is news to me…"

Biryuyeon said with a slight smile. Biryuyeon's answer was not what Hyoryong wanted, of course.

"You know, so why are you acting like this? Him, I mean, him."

Hyoryong used a pronoun because he couldn't bring himself to mention the name directly. Was he such a formidable being that he instilled fear even in Hyoryong? Biryuyeon felt a fresh sense of wonder once again.

"But why should I be afraid of him?"

"Th-that's…"

Biryuyeon's sudden question left Hyoryong speechless. He couldn't find the right words to convey his vague and abstract thoughts to Biryuyeon. To be honest, he himself was unsure what to say.

"He is a being that all martial artists in both the black and white factions fear."

Biryuyeon returned Hyoryong's shouted words with a peculiar gaze. Looking at Hyoryong as if he were a strange creature, Biryuyeon said,

"You're not suggesting that I should fear him just because all martial artists revere and fear him, are you?"

"Of-of course not."

However, his words lacked conviction. It would be a lie to say that Biryuyeon's words didn't prick his conscience.

"Then that's a relief. I was worried you might be a fool who would make such a foolish argument."

"That was an unnecessary worry."

Hyoryong forced a smile, trying to hide the cold sweat running down his body. Then, he frankly admired,

"You truly don't fear him."

Hyoryong had never met anyone who didn't fear him and his power, or more precisely, their presence. Even renowned figures or peak masters in the martial arts world, to varying degrees, harbored a deep-seated fear of him. To such Hyoryong, Biryuyeon stood out as a peculiar individual.

"As the old saying goes, ignorance is bliss."

Hyoryong's admiration for the wisdom of the ancients went unheard by Biryuyeon. Biryuyeon laughed heartily and said,

"You're marveling at something so trivial. Why should I fear a person I've never even met? Have you met this 'Cheon-geob Hyeolshin'?"

When Biryuyeon directly mentioned the name Cheon-geob Hyeolshin, Hyoryong's expression flickered slightly.

"Don't mention that name so casually. Of course, I haven't met him."

It was only natural.

"Right. I haven't either. So why should I be afraid of someone I haven't met yet, and may never meet? Is it possible to be scared and back down just from hearing a fragment of an old story?"

Of course, for Hyoryong, and also for Jang Hong and Yun Junho, it wasn't just once that they heard those old stories. Like most children, they had heard about him and his organization from birth until their ears were sore. However, Hyoryong couldn't help but acknowledge the validity of Biryuyeon's words.

"It's not an old story, it's the truth. Even if it has become a legend."

"Well, even if I met him, I doubt I would feel fear. What I fear is the life of a disciple steeped in poverty, like a mere laborer. You shouldn't waste your energy fearing useless things either."

Having finished speaking, Biryuyeon's gaze abruptly shifted and fixed on Yun Junho.

"It's the same for you."

"Yes? Why?"

Startled by the sudden pointed remark, Yun Junho asked back.

"Every time the names Cheon-geob-ryeong and Hyeolshin were mentioned just now, you flinched. Got it?"

Yun Junho reluctantly nodded at Biryuyeon's sincere (?) advice. The reason Biryuyeon was unusually engaged in cognitive activity was due to one fact.

'Taegeuk Shingun… I've heard that name somewhere before…'

Biryuyeon pondered over a person who appeared in the martial arts history lecture he had just attended. He felt like he had heard the name before, but he couldn't recall it at all, which was the problem.

'Well, it probably doesn't matter…'

Trying to force a memory that wouldn't come was not Biryuyeon's hobby, so he soon stopped thinking and forgot about it. For the time being, matters related to it would not cross his mind.

"It'll come to me someday."

Biryuyeon spoke with an easygoing tone.

The Taegeuk Shingun also did not die. Not only did he not go to the underworld, but he was the first person to advocate for the establishment and necessity of the Cheonmu Academy. He then became the first Cheonmu Academy Head and, after dedicating himself to cultivating talent, abruptly retired 30 years ago and disappeared. The Martial Arts Alliance's Biga and the Cheonmu Academy's Byeonggak continued to track his whereabouts relentlessly, but his movements remained elusive.

"Hmm, the elders might be plotting to bore me to death."

Biryuyeon grumbled with a sigh.

Finally, the day's classes were all over. However, despite being only a few classes, they weren't as interesting as the first hour's Cheon-geob-ryeong story. The second hour was about 'Application of Sword Techniques'. It was an area that Biryuyeon had no need for whatsoever.

"Try to learn from Moyong Hwi. How diligent he is."

Moyong Hwi, for some reason, never put down his writing brush and ink throughout the entire class. It was enough to instill fear in observers. Biryuyeon shook his head.

"Just tell me to die. That's something I would never do, even if I died and came back to life twice."

"Huhu, stop with the nonsense. Aren't you listening because you're interested? Don't complain while attending a class that young people all over the world dream of."

Jang Hong cautioned him. That class was a martial arts lecture at Cheonmu Academy, which any martial artist would pay a fortune to attend.

"Is that so…"

Even after Jang Hong's warning, Biryuyeon still looked unconvinced.

"Alright, alright. Since you find it boring, I'll take you somewhere fun."

Realizing that further discussion with Biryuyeon was utterly futile, Jang Hong quickly changed the subject.

"Where to?"

Biryuyeon immediately asked. By now, his mind was completely free of thoughts about classes. His curiosity was always as abundant as a perpetually springing well.

"You'll know when you follow me."

As he strode ahead with long strides, Jang Hong's back only amplified the curiosity of Biryuyeon and his companions.

The place Jang Hong took them to was a peculiar area with dozens of large and small buildings lining the main road. The street was filled with boisterous noise and vibrant energy. It was evident that a huge crowd had gathered there. With so many people gathered in one place, the chaos and clamor were immense. It was utterly disorienting.

Each building adorned itself with large and small banners and colorful decorations in front of their premises, attracting people. Long banners made of white unbleached cloth bore flamboyant, provocative, and inciting slogans written in a single sweep: "Absolute Welcome! For the Dream of 'Baek Hwa Man Ran', the Ultimate Shortcut!", "Sword Saint! All are welcome who desire a new realm of the sword!", "Towards the Path of the Blade Saint!", "Flying Sword Wind and Clouds! For a lightning-fast fatal blow!" And as if banners weren't enough, several uniformed attendants stood in front, luring people with various temptations.

The main themes of their pitches were as follows:

"If you wish to reach the pinnacle of martial arts through the Way, join our 'Do Baek Hoe' (Blade Soul Society) today. The end of blade techniques lies here. Don't hesitate if you want to reach the most powerful and effective extreme of the blade. The doors are always open. However, admission is only until tomorrow. Don't make the foolish mistake of hesitating any longer."

It seemed to be a place related to blade techniques. The weapons they carried were all blades. The advertisements on the opposite side were different. These individuals all wore only swords at their waists or on their backs.

"That's a complete lie. The peak of martial arts is, without a doubt, swordsmanship. Even a three-year-old child knows the saying 'Hundred Days for Spear, Thousand Days for Blade, Ten Thousand Days for Sword'. Who would dare argue that the 'King of Ten Thousand Weapons' is not the sword?"

Biryuyeon had heard of 'Hundred Days for Spear, Thousand Days for Blade, Ten Thousand Days for Sword' since his days at Amisan. It meant the minimum time required to master one weapon: a hundred days for a spear, a thousand days for a blade, and ten thousand days for a sword, respectively. In other words, three months, three years, and thirty years. This indicated how difficult it was to master the sword and that one shouldn't claim to know it casually. Instead of such teachings, the Birae Gate had an additional phrase: 'One Hundred Million Days of Flying Thunder Blade'. That is, it was an expression of outrageous confidence, requiring over three hundred reincarnations, transcending life and death, to learn. It was a fitting phrase for Biryuyeon's sect.

The advertisements from both sides were not yet finished.

"All martial arts converge to swordsmanship. Swordsmanship is the true martial way, focused on self-cultivation rather than the base purpose of effective slaughter. How can a mere blade compare to a sword? Now, do you want to become the ultimate sword master? Join our 'Geom Hon Hoe' (Sword Soul Society) if you harbor a burning desire for the title of 'Number One Swordsman Under Heaven'. A new realm of the sword awaits you. You will experience all realms of sword energy, sword wind, and sword strength."

These were the voices from the two largest buildings with the most people. The advertisements were also incredibly loud. They didn't care about the immorality of false advertising. Their fierce competition against each other was evident in their efforts to disparage the opponent. Other places, though with varying content, were also engaged in fervent competition to solicit participation in their hobbies. The types and content of the advertisements were myriad.

"What on earth is this disorienting place? If I stay here, I won't die of boredom."

For Biryuyeon, this scene of so many young disciples gathered and chattering noisily was an unprecedented and unfamiliar sight.

"Where is this place?"

Unable to contain his curiosity, Biryuyeon asked Jang Hong again. Since he was the one who brought them here, he must know the answer to his question, according to Biryuyeon's logical reasoning. And fortunately, his deduction was not wrong.

"Oh, you didn't know? This is one of Cheonmu Academy's famous 'Club Streets'."

"Club Street?"

The three exclaimed in unison. To the bewildered trio, Jang Hong kindly added an explanation.

"Today and tomorrow are the club application days. That's why we came here. Shouldn't you guys join at least one club?"

"Ah, so today is the club application day."

Hyoryong finally clapped his hands, indicating he understood. Biryuyeon, however, was far from understanding. His knowledge of Cheonmu Academy and the martial arts world in general was on par with, or even less than, that of a five-year-old toddler entering adolescence.

"What kind of day is that? And what exactly is a club?"

Biryuyeon asked with a slightly displeased expression.

"A club is a type of friendly martial arts research and training group formed by individuals interested in a specific field."

"Why is it so complicated?"

Biryuyeon said with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"It's simple. It's just people with similar tastes or hobbies gathering together. And they voluntarily and proactively research their areas of interest on their own. Without the help of the elders. Well… they might receive some advice. But the core principle remains to foster the disciples' self-reliance. Although it has changed slightly over the long years."

Despite Jang Hong's kind and detailed explanation, they still looked bewildered. Seeing their faces, Jang Hong let out a sigh.

"You don't seem to understand at all. I'll explain it again. I hope you succeed in understanding this time, for my sake. It would be a shame to have to repeat myself three times."

The three listened attentively to Jang Hong's words with an air of earnest listening.

"As you know, the founding principle and educational philosophy of Cheonmu Academy are not to improve skills by injecting new martial arts or reading secret manuals, but to deepen the disciples' understanding of their existing personal martial arts, refine them, and develop them. This principle remains unchanged. Cheonmu Academy realized through countless trial and error over many years that the one-sided injection of numerous martial arts and disorganized education does not benefit individual development. It's like trying to find a new water source by aimlessly digging in various places instead of digging deep in a promising location."

"I understand up to that point. Continue."

Biryuyeon urged him to continue.

"However, when I started teaching the students, the instruction still couldn't break free from being one-sided. So, the elders thought."

"About what?"

"How can we cultivate students' passion for martial arts and independence, and also foster cooperation? Cheonmu Academy wanted to catch two birds with one stone. Also, the students had a desire to gather and deepen their understanding of their areas of interest through martial arts and principle exchange with other factions. Stagnant water eventually spoils. They knew that 'sitting in a well and observing the sky' only leads to a limited view. Moreover, in a closed martial arts society, there has never been such a gathering of numerous factions as here. So, they reached a consensus."

"So, what you're saying is that from that…"

"Yes. That's how numerous clubs came to be within the academy. Gatherings for those who love swords to research swordsmanship, for those who cherish blades to research blade techniques, for those who enjoy the art of capturing techniques to form clubs for studying capturing techniques. Thus, whether it's poison, concealed weapons, mechanisms, or formations, numerous clubs emerged from countless interests. And along the way, some nonsensical clubs also came into being."

"Now I understand a little."

Biryuyeon, Hyoryong, and Yun Junho finally showed expressions of understanding. Seeing a glimmer of hope, Jang Hong felt relieved.

"That's a relief."

"In other words, it's completely unnecessary for me."

Biryuyeon conceded.

"You haven't understood at all."

Jang Hong lightly criticized him.

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

"Of course. You said something very wrong."

"But it's true."

Biryuyeon said honestly and tried to distance himself from the group.

"Wait!"

Biryuyeon turned around with an expression that asked, "Why are you calling me?"

"You're so hasty. What did you even listen to during the entrance orientation?"

He had either dozed off or had no memory of it. He seemed to have been dreaming about flying, but he couldn't remember well.

"Every student at Cheonmu Academy must be registered in at least one club. No exceptions."

Jang Hong's words were not mere threats. The rule that every Cheonmu Academy student must join and participate in at least one club was clearly stated in the academy's regulations.

Biryuyeon had to reconsider.

"Hey, you."

Just then, a strange voice came from behind them. The voice was clearly directed at Hyoryong.

"Did you just call me?"

Hyoryong turned around and looked at the person who had called him. The young man in yellow martial arts attire had a powerful gaze and a dignified, unwavering posture, suggesting considerable training at first glance. A sword with a colorful, five-colored silken tassel hung at his waist.

"Won't you join the Geom Hon Hoe, Cheonmu Academy's largest, greatest, and strongest club?"

The man said.

"Me?"

Hyoryong pointed at his chin with his index finger to confirm.

"Yes, you."

The young man in the yellow martial attire nodded. On his left chest was an embroidered crest of five swords surrounded by five dragons. The Five Sword Dragons! They were prodigies of martial arts, considered superior to the direct disciples of major sects. They were among the few practitioners in Cheonmu Academy who were rarely seen.

"Who are you?"

"Ah, I haven't introduced myself. I am So Cheongun, the Azure Wind Sword, from the Cheongseong Sword Sect. I am in my third year at Cheongwan and am one of the Four Great Sword Masters of the Geom Hon Hoe."

As he mentioned the 'Four Great Sword Masters', his chest puffed out, indicating he held a very high position within the Geom Hon Hoe. However, unfortunately, even if he had a status worthy of boasting, it would not be effective if the other party did not know it.

"I am Hyoryong of the Taegeul Sword Gate."

Hyoryong responded with a clasped-fist salute. Since the other party had revealed his sect, he reciprocated out of martial arts etiquette.

"Taegeul Sword Gate? My knowledge is insufficient, so I don't recall. Was there such a sect?"

So Cheongun tilted his head in question, and Hyoryong replied with a smile.

"It's natural you don't know. It's a single-line sect, so it's not well-known."

"Haha, really? Indeed, there are many hidden talents in the martial arts world. That's also what makes the martial arts world interesting."

Nodding repeatedly at Hyoryong's words, he looked at Hyoryong again and asked with a serious tone.

"Looking at your physique and posture, you seem to be deeply skilled in swordsmanship. How about it? Won't you join our Geom Hon Hoe? Our Cheonmu Guan is the largest, strongest, and greatest club in Cheongwan, boasting numerous sword prodigies and sword spirits. If you join our Geom Hon Hoe as a swordsman, I expect you will see great progress. It will only benefit you, never harm you."

"Geom Hon Hoe?"

"It is the largest, strongest, and greatest club in our Cheonmu Academy, possessing the most power. It is a gathering where the top young talents of the martial arts world research and develop the profound truths contained within the sword. I guarantee that if you join, it will greatly assist you in reaching a new realm of swordsmanship."

His boastful words were filled with confidence.

"Is it really that great a place?"

"Of course. No matter how much you study swordsmanship, it's all in vain if you don't understand it. One-sided teaching has its limits. Club activities are meant to supplement that. Everyone must join and participate in at least one club. It's a documented rule in the academy regulations. So, what do you say, will you join?"

"Hmm… Should I?"

Hyoryong seemed interested. However, something soon diminished his interest.

"Perhaps reconsider such a misjudgment."

Everyone's gaze turned to where the voice came from. It was clear that the voice did not come from their group. Standing there was a dark-clothed young man with a rough appearance, wearing a crude-looking blade at his waist. He exuded a domineering aura with his thick, dark eyebrows and strong jaw. Seeing him, So Cheongun's expression slightly furrowed.

"What are you doing here?"

So Cheongun asked curtly.

"I suppose I'm here as a righteous hero to save a little lamb who fell into your clutches."

The dark-clothed young man retorted with a mocking tone. The dark-clothed young man also had the same number of Five Sword Dragon emblems embroidered on his chest as So Cheongun. This was proof that he was a formidable opponent.

"To hear such words from a scumbag of the 'Do Baek Hoe' (Blade Soul Society), who is nothing but ferocity and ignorance, is utterly laughable. Il-do Pa-swe, Gu Chang!"

So Cheongun, the Azure Wind Sword, counterattacked with a voice full of hostility, as if finding it pathetic. The opponent did not back down.

"To hear such words from a scoundrel of the 'Geom Hon Hoe', the epitome of cunning and treachery, makes my ancestors laugh themselves to death. Utterly ridiculous."

"What!"

So Cheongun and Gu Chang snarled at each other, as if they were about to devour each other. The ferocity of their confrontation made wild beasts seem tame. They clearly had a very bad relationship. In fact, the Geom Hon Hoe and the Do Baek Hoe were as hostile to each other and in such fierce competition as sworn enemies within Cheonmu Academy. It would be strange if they got along.

"You!"

Gu Chang pointed at Hyoryong and said.

"Yes?"

Hyoryong replied absentmindedly. Not knowing how the situation was unfolding, he had no idea what was going on. Gu Chang's gaze fell upon his twin blades.

"That swordsman over there seems to be trying to lure you, but for your future, I'll give you advice. What's so good about such flashy, mere ostentatious swords? Shouldn't a man learn the blade, which embodies strength and speed? Reject such a weak club and join our Do Baek Hoe. It's not too late to start again from now. A man is, after all, a blade."

"Shut up. He is a magnificent swordsman, no matter what anyone says. He has reached a realm far beyond yours. To force him to learn the blade, which is ignorant and brutal, and completely lacking in elegance, is absurd. Don't make me laugh. You!"

The last words were addressed to Hyoryong.

"Yes?"

"Don't listen to the words of this ignorant blade-wielder. No matter what anyone says, you are a magnificent swordsman. My eyes do not deceive me. How can I bear to see you fall into the abyss of ignorant and hideous blade techniques? That would be like giving up on your future. Don't listen to this worthless fellow and join our Geom Hon Hoe immediately."

"Hmph, what would you do joining the Geom Hon Hoe that wouldn't even spare you a glance?"

"What conspiracy are you concocting now?"

So Cheongun said in a cold tone.

"Hmph, who in this Cheongwan doesn't know that your Geom Hon Hoe is a puppet of the corrupt Nine Sects? No matter how talented someone is, if they are not from the Nine Sects, they are marginalized and ignored by your Geom Hon Hoe."

Gu Chang's words were scathing. So Cheongun's expression visibly hardened. Gu Chang's words didn't seem entirely untrue.

"I am not like that."

"Hmph, just because you are not like that doesn't mean everyone else is. Besides, you are also suspicious."

So Cheongun's mouth suddenly snapped shut like a clam. His somber expression indicated he couldn't find a retort. In fact, Gu Chang's words were almost true. The Geom Hon Hoe was almost like a shadow and an extension of the Nine Factions, and it was difficult for those not from the Nine Sects to receive proper treatment. Therefore, individuals not from the Nine Sects were rarely found. However, this was also the case for the Do Baek Hoe.

"You are also forming factions and colluding."

"Hmph, so you admit that you too form factions and collude."

Gu Chang latched onto his words.

"What absurd argument are you making? Don't say ridiculous things."

"It is distinctly different. You know this well, so why pretend? Our Do Baek Hoe was formed by individuals from the Palga Hoe and the Gunung Hoe. Please don't compare us to you who only collude among nine sects. That fellow is not from the Nine Sects, so he should join our Do Baek Hoe."

The Do Baek Hoe was an organization created to counter the Geom Hon Hoe, which was an extension of the Nine Sects. It was an organization designed to prevent the monopoly of the Nine Sects and to check their power. The Do Baek Hoe was a union of the Paldae Segas, who formed the core of the Palga Hoe, and various other large and small factions gathered in the Gunung Hoe.

Thus, under the guise of researching swords and blades, they were actually engaged in a power struggle. As a result, people with no connection to swords or blades were also members of both organizations. For example, even if someone from the Paldae Segas used a sword, they might join the Do Baek Hoe, bypassing the Geom Hon Hoe. It was undeniable that both organizations had deviated by about thirty-four thousand zhang (丈) from their original purpose. Therefore, it was natural that they couldn't mix like water and oil, or like sworn enemies.

They seemed to have a peculiar talent for hurting each other's feelings. Their ability to snarl at each other whenever they met was also one of their notable skills. They could instill sufficient ill will in each other whenever and wherever they met.

The Geom Hon Hoe and the Do Baek Hoe were the two largest organizations within Cheonmu Academy, having established the greatest influence. Since both were dedicated to researching the two most widely used weapons in the martial arts world, it was natural that they had the largest number of members. Their membership, influence, and skill levels were neck and neck, making it difficult to determine their superiority each year. Recently, the Geom Hon Hoe had been slightly ahead, and the Do Baek Hoe was making every effort to catch up.

Therefore, the Geom Hon Hoe and the Do Baek Hoe constantly grumbled at each other like sworn enemies and continued their power struggle. Both were united by pride and were inextricably linked by martial arts interests, making reconciliation unthinkable.

"Weak sword fanatics!"

"Ignorant blade users!"

These were the most frequently used insults when people from the Geom Hon Hoe and the Do Baek Hoe disparaged each other. Of course, after exchanging their predetermined insults, they were provoked.

"What? You insolent fellow!"

The atmosphere surrounding the two became increasingly sinister. The air began to vibrate with hostility.

"Formless energy."

Jang Hong's eyes sparkled as he said this. Formless energy referred to the intangible sword energy that could only be used by those at the peak master level or higher. It was not a skill that could be easily used by anyone. Moreover, its power was comparable to that of an old master.

"Alas, if this continues, neither side will escape unharmed."

Jang Hong clicked his tongue. He could feel the invisible formless energy of the two clashing fiercely. After all, they were fellow students, and such behavior was not desirable.

"They are escalating their momentum. This won't be easy."

The skills of the two seemed evenly matched. In a situation where neither side held a distinct advantage, a power struggle using formless energy was as dangerous as a contest of internal energy. However, neither of the two showed any sign of backing down; instead, they grew increasingly stronger.

"Hey, Hyoryong? Who do you think will win between those two? That ignorant blade-ducker, or that slender sword-wielder?"

Biryuyeon's assessment of the two was ruthless. His other hobby was to enjoy such tense situations from a distance, like watching a fire across the river. He even had a history of deliberately creating such atmospheres when opportunities arose.

"Hmm? Perhaps the Azure Wind Sword So Cheongun has a slight advantage."

"Tsk, are you perhaps favoring him because he's a swordsman?"

"No, this is a very objective assessment. I'm not so foolish as to let personal feelings influence the outcome of a match. The gentleman from the Do Baek Hoe is visibly agitated, both outwardly and inwardly. But So Cheongun of the Geom Hon Hoe, despite appearing agitated on the outside, is as cold as ice crystals on the inside. His transparent eyes say it all. He seems to have accumulated considerable training. It is difficult to reach such a level."

Hyoryong frankly admired him. However, his tone only contained a hint of admiration, with no trace of longing. His manner of speaking suggested a relaxed attitude, as if he had long since reached that level.

"It would be exciting if they fought fiercely. But it looks like they'll just exchange glares and end it."

Biryuyeon's voice, filled with the disappointment of a child missing out on a spectacle, made Hyoryong smile.

"Bear with it. I'd rather avoid getting caught up in a fight right from the start of my Cheongwan life. Yesterday's incident at the Geom Hon Kwan freshman welcome party was more than enough. Yesterday felt like a whole year's worth of accidents all at once."

He described yesterday's events as the culmination of a year's worth of potential accidents, but unfortunately, the real accidents had not yet begun. Compared to what would happen around him in the future, yesterday's incident of Ho Cheongang's desperate struggle was a mere trifle. However, without the gift of foresight, Hyoryong could not predict future events, which was natural. Jang Hong and Yun Junho were no different.

"It seems neither of them is in a place to join."

Hyoryong nodded at Biryuyeon's assessment.

"It seems so. With them bickering like this every day, their nerves must be worn out."

The match remained undecided, and only the intensity of their confrontation grew.

"However, Cheonmu Academy mandates that each person must join at least one club. Whether it's an academic club or a martial arts club, it's up to personal preference. That's individual freedom. But don't forget, you must join at least one club, no matter where it is."

Jang Hong said firmly. Biryuyeon and Hyoryong began to contemplate which club to join.

"How about a flying blade club?"

Hyoryong recommended one. He had always been interested in that field.

"I'll pass on that one."

Biryuyeon shook his head.

"Why?"

"My opinion is that there's nothing more to learn in that area. I have more than enough flying blades to my name. Let's look for something else."

Biryuyeon himself possessed the Birae Blade. Having mastered the Birae Blade, the ultimate form of flying blades and silk swords, further flying blade training was meaningless to him. Everything else seemed like child's play to him.

When it came to choosing a club, there wasn't a suitable place. Despite dozens of clubs lining the street, none piqued his interest.

While they were talking and exchanging opinions, So Cheongun and Gu Chang's silent battle of formless energy was intensifying. The tactile sensation was palpable even from two meters away. The sharp aura generated by their clashing formless energies pierced their skin. Now, they were unleashing their ultimate formless energies to check each other and glare.

As the situation escalated to this point, it became very difficult to resolve. Stepping carelessly into the area where formless energies intertwined posed a deadly risk, as one could sever their vital meridians and die. The space dominated by formless energy could be considered another dimension. It was enough to imagine its immense power, as peak masters could kill people with this formless energy alone. Formless energy was such that ordinary people would die just by looking at it.

So Cheongun and Gu Chang, driven by pride and competitive spirit, showed no intention of yielding. Their attitude was such that they were prepared to fight to the death if necessary.

"Hey, look. You guys are watching something interesting."

Yun Junho turned his head back in surprise, startled. He hadn't sensed any presence approaching him from behind, even though it was right behind him. In a real combat situation, he could have lost his head and died. In contrast, Biryuyeon, Hyoryong, and Jang Hong seemed unfazed, as if they already knew.