Book 5 Chapter 12

The Chagarim Sword

"Finally, I heard that even the trusted Jeon Okgi lost!"

Qinghen said, with two teacups between them.

"That's right! He lost!"

Baek Muyoung already knew this from the reports.

It was no exaggeration to say that unless it was Mo Yonghwi's match, there was no match that required their direct intervention.

"I heard he suffered quite a terrible fate…"

"Hmph!"

Baek Muyoung couldn't help but let out a bitter chuckle at Qinghen's question.

"They say he'll be bedridden for at least three months. I imagine a warning letter must have been sent to Bi Ryuyeon as well. He cherishes the honor of his prestigious family like the heavens… to suffer such a fate, his skills must be extraordinary! Perhaps the rumors are true…"

Baek Muyoung's body stiffened as he listened carefully to Qinghen's words.

"Are you saying his skills are not false?"

Baek Muyoung asked, staring intently at Qinghen.

"We can't make a definitive judgment yet, but it seems certain he's not weak. The line where one can win with mere luck and skill has been crossed! This makes it five people already!"

Qinghen's voice was slightly somber.

"We can't delay in taking action any longer!"

"Do you have any plans?"

He knew it was a foolish question to ask, but he couldn't help but ask to hear the answer.

"Someone needs to block his path at this point. We must consider the worst-case scenario, mustn't we? This is already his fifth consecutive victory!"

Qinghen said, holding a teacup emitting a rich aroma of tea. However, even though a strange undercurrent was forming, it didn't seem to be enough to pique his interest yet, as there was a relaxed expression on his face.

"Don't worry about that matter. Don't we have that friend who has finally emerged from seclusion!"

Qinghen's eyes sparkled at Baek Muyoung's relaxed words.

"Oh? We do have him. I'd forgotten about him, as he hasn't been in sight lately. That's a relief then."

"He's also on a smooth five-win streak. Of course, for him, that's only natural. If things continue like this, he'll face that Bi Ryuyeon fellow in the finals. He's been preparing for it. Moreover, he seems to believe that Bi Ryuyeon will definitely reach the finals."

Baek Muyoung's words were quite surprising to Qinghen. What exactly was the identity of this person, Bi Ryuyeon, for whom the proud Wi Jicheon had such confidence?

"If he says so, then it must be so. I'll believe it."

Qinghen had no choice but to believe him. He was one of the few people within the sect who could truly spar with him.

"Still, it's a relief! But it's quite surprising that he readily agreed to participate in the Samsung Tournament representing Gujeonghoe."

"Honestly, I was surprised too! That he would so readily accept our proposal!"

Qinghen nodded in agreement with Baek Muyoung.

"Perhaps the rumors are somewhat true!"

"I don't believe it. Could a mere first-year brat possess such abilities?"

Baek Muyoung's judgment remained cool and objective. However, Qinghen, who had personally crossed swords with him, knew better than anyone how deep his swordsmanship was.

"We'll know if we continue to observe from now on! Regardless, since he requested it first, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. With this, we can rest assured about the Samsung Tournament."

"Although we had to hastily change personnel and our entire strategy due to his participation, he is well worth the effort."

"Muyoung! When I saw him the other day…"

Qinghen seemed to have something he wanted to say. He opened his mouth cautiously, which was unlike him.

"I felt it too!"

Before Qinghen could finish his sentence, Baek Muyoung interjected.

"You felt it too!"

"Of course. I know one thing for sure. His skills haven't dulled because of a woman."

"It felt even sharper and more incisive."

Qinghen readily agreed.

"It's proof that his secluded training was not in vain, which is good for us! That's right! With him as he is now, he won't lose to anyone."

Because of this, the Samsung Tournament was at least secure. Now, they needed to focus on other matters.

"What did you think of the Sword Empress Competition? Miss Na Yerinn has already advanced to the semifinals! How was it?"

"She was strong and beautiful!"

Qinghen spoke his honest feelings. Due to his busy schedule, Baek Muyoung often received updates on the Samsung Martial Arts Championship through written reports rather than firsthand observation. Therefore, it was Qinghen's duty to personally observe and judge. Moreover, for Baek Muyoung, Qinghen's judgment was more reliable than anyone else's.

"For you, that's the highest praise! I was relieved that the Poisonous Eye Phoenix, Dokko Ryeong, wasn't participating, but I didn't expect such a variable…"

Baek Muyoung's expression darkened slightly. Her strength was beyond imagination.

"I could tell at a glance that she had mastered her sword to a remarkably profound level. Her sword energy was dazzlingly beautiful. Men would probably lose their heads before that radiant beauty and not even realize it."

Upon hearing his admiration, Baek Muyoung laughed heartily and said,

"Hahaha! She'll be very jealous if she hears that!"

Qinghen's cheeks turned slightly red. While Qinghen was almost unparalleled in martial arts within Gujeonghoe, he was still weak in this area. He was practically clueless.

"If it's too early, I won't let it be."

"Hahaha! You look so serious, it's scary. She's already in the semifinals. If things go as they are, two phoenixes will vie for the throne in the finals. It's a shame Miss Jeong lost, but considering you, I can't say I'm entirely disappointed! Was she still as cold and beautiful?"

With a bright smile that she only occasionally showed to Qinghen, Baek Muyoung continued to tease him. The "she" he mentioned this time was not Na Yerinn but another woman. And she was the reason Qinghen blushed. Qinghen, who could effortlessly dodge a hundred flying swords, was still helpless against such advances.

"Of course! Her sword is still cold, but her heart is still warm. No one can predict the outcome of this Sword Empress Competition!"

Baek Muyoung simply nodded quietly at Qinghen's words.

After a moment of silence, Qinghen was the first to speak again.

"By the way, any news from the Chairman?"

"Not yet!"

Baek Muyoung replied casually. It also meant that he didn't know any more.

"Is that so? Then I'll be going. Thank you for the tea. Your tea ceremony skills are always impressive!"

Qinghen left without asking further about the Chairman.

"You flatter me! Please take care!"

Now that he had drunk the tea, it was time to fulfill his responsibilities.