Book 7 Chapter 7

Hyoryong's Worry

- Embrace

"Hoo!"

"Hoo!"

Breaths as deep as if the ground were sinking.

The sounds filled the silent night of the peaks with a man's anguish and turmoil.

The man, who tormented his mind and body with anguish and turmoil, staring only at the countless stars scattered across the night sky, was Hyoryong. He wanted to deny the reality he was in. This reality where something impossible had happened. He desperately wanted to turn away.

"May I know the reason?"

"I have nothing to say. I am truly sorry."

The one bowing deeply and apologizing a hundred times over was Muhun Ilho.

"The tragedy seven years ago…"

At Hyoryong's bitter murmur, Muhun Ilho's expression hardened.

The seals on past memories, which Hyoryong had sealed away to forget, were being undone one by one in his mind.

"Certainly, brother must have been trapped in the Heavenly Thunderous Rage seven years ago, so how can he appear here on Mount Wudang? Am I seeing an illusion?"

"I am sorry. Since I did not receive any information, it seems an independent secret line must have moved."

"An independent secret line… Who would have the authority to personally command the Heavenly and Earthly Twin Assassins?"

"There is likely only one person."

"Indeed, there is only that one person, isn't there?"

Was it inevitable to admit it? Hyoryong's heart was heavy.

"Yes! As the Great Prince is not at the forefront, there is no one other than him who can independently command this much power."

It was a fact he was aware of, but he had only asked to confirm.

Why did his brother appear here? Moreover, what was the state his brother showed him earlier today? Who could control his brother, who had become a madman?

The name of one person flashed in his mind. There was no other explanation possible. Nothing else could explain it.

"Heavenly Fiend's Soul-Calling Sword's Soul-Calling Spirit-Capturing Great Law!"

When they said he could freely manipulate people's spirits, he had dismissed it as a rumor, but he never thought it would be true.

It was a tremendous shock to Hyoryong.

"How can I return my brother to his original self…"

No matter how much he racked his brain, no clear solution came to mind.

"Rustle! Crackle!"

"Huh?"

"Chae-aeng!"

Startled by the sudden presence, Hyoryong drew his sword, its gleam flashing. The tip of his sword stopped trembling precisely at the throat of the silhouette appearing from behind the large tree. He stopped here because there was no killing intent from the silhouette, otherwise…

As the clouds released the moon they had held, the silhouette's face was revealed under the dim moonlight.

"Gasp! Young lady Yi!"

Hyoryong, bursting into shock, hastily sheathed his sword, startled. Muhun Ilho's presence had already vanished from the surroundings.

Hyoryong's face burned with shame. He had carelessly swung his sword without even confirming the other party. What if something had gone wrong…

"S-Sorry. Young lady Yi! A-Are you alright? This damned sword has done something terrible to you. A-Are you alright? Please tell me you're alright."

Hyoryong was flustered and apologetic, babbling incoherently. Hyoryong was not himself. Seeing his clumsy and foolish demeanor, Yi Jinseol seemed to calm down. She shyly blushed and stammered,

"I… I couldn't see Young Master Hyo, so I came to look for you… Ah… I… it wasn't for any particular reason… I just couldn't see you during the meeting… So… therefore…"

She also seemed unable to organize her words.

Flushed!

Hyoryong's cheeks also turned red. He seemed surprisingly awkward in these matters. No matter how high his martial arts were, they seemed of little use in this area. The level of martial arts and romance seemed to be completely separate issues.

The branches in front of him parted to the left and right, creating a path. It was the result of Pyuryeon, who was leading the way, working his hands diligently.

Swish, swish! The sound of leaves and grass brushing against his clothes tickled his ears.

"Is it okay to do this?"

The one stealthily parting the forest like a cat was Pyuryeon, with Nayelin being dragged along by his hand. Pyuryeon, sensing the subtle flow of emotions with his wild senses, had secretly followed Yi Jinseol. Leading Nayelin with one hand…

Just then.

"Boom!"

An explosion erupted from the expected spot. Judging by the sound, it was clearly an explosive sound. Startled by the sudden explosion, Pyuryeon and Nayelin quickened their pace. The feeling was not good.

'Jinseol!'

Anxiety and urgency gripped her heart.

Pyuryeon and Nayelin finally reached their intended location. Neither of them rushed forward rashly.

Peeking out from the bushes, her eyes widened.

"Oh my!"

What was it she saw?

What she witnessed was a very embarrassing scene. A man and a woman were embracing each other under the cold moonlight, bathed in the light of the stars and moon.

The man was Hyoryong, and the woman was Yi Jinseol. If one could frequently witness such scenes, it would be said that following them was worthwhile.

"Ah!"

Nayelin let out a surprised cry, almost a scream. She couldn't help but be surprised by the situation that had progressed too rapidly.

"Shh! Then we'll be discovered."

Pyuryeon put a finger to his lips and cautioned her. Involuntarily, she covered her mouth with her delicate fingers.

At that moment, a faint blush spread across Nayelin's cheeks. However, the rosy blush quickly disappeared, covered by a cold expression.

Pyuryeon and Nayelin held their breath and hid their presence. Now that they had come this far, they couldn't act rashly and reveal themselves.

As the stars moved across the heavens, changing the constellations, the night deepened.

Pyuryeon and Nayelin, who had been secretly watching, suddenly felt puzzled. No matter how inexperienced the embrace between the two, something felt too awkward. Moreover, the atmosphere was filled with tension, far from affectionate. The embracing couple looked good, but the situation was not very romantic.

Hyoryong looked at Yi Jinseol, who was held in his arms, with worried eyes. Hyoryong, unlike his usual self, was extremely flustered. He lacked the spontaneity to hold the woman in his arms tightly, more passionately and fervently. Furthermore, he had no memory of how to deal with such a situation even during training.

Yi Jinseol was equally flustered. Wasn't this too sudden a development? Her heart was not yet ready.

"Are you alright?"

Nod!

Yi Jinseol nodded slightly with a flushed face. He was holding Yi Jinseol with his right hand and his sword in his left. It was the sword that had deflected the sword energy that had suddenly flown in from the forest just moments ago. His wrist still ached.

"Who is it?"

Hyoryong roared into the other darkness.

Who could be there, where darkness and silence coexisted? The person who emerged from the dark curtain of the night was, surprisingly, Cheongheun.

Hyoryong's eyes widened.

"What is this? I could have been hurt!"

Cheongheun glanced at Hyoryong with a cold gaze, then turned to Yi Jinseol and bowed his head slightly.

"I apologize, Young lady Yi! I didn't expect you two to be together. Forgive my rudeness."

Yi Jinseol nodded silently. Hyoryong, without lowering his guard, said,

"Then, may I hear the reason for the sudden attack?"

Cheongheun slowly nodded.

"Good! I also have something to ask you!"

Hyoryong's facial muscles twitched slightly.

"Your method of questioning is too aggressive! Why did you do that?"

Doubt!

Launching an unexpected, ambushing attack was not in line with the reputation of the "Martial Extreme" among the Nine Divisions' Martial and Civil Twins, nor with his usual demeanor.

"I just wanted to confirm something. That's all!"

His gaze remained cold and chilling, like a river frozen solid in winter.

"I am very curious about what that is. Is it really something that would warrant such an incident?"

"Your identity!"

Cheongheun's sharp gaze pierced Hyoryong like an arrow.

Flinch!

Hyoryong's face immediately hardened.

"Who are you?"

Cheongheun asked again.

"What are you talking about…"

Feigning ignorance, Hyoryong retorted. Yi Jinseol's breath tickled his cheek. He felt as if his heart was torn in two. But this was not the time to dwell on that. Cheongheun's cold, scrutinizing gaze had not receded.

"I asked what your identity is. How did you recognize the Ten-Year Hidden Blood Shadow Technique, which hasn't shown itself for ten years?"

"Well, what other famous sword technique is there in the martial world like the Ten-Year Hidden Blood Shadow Technique!"

"Can you recognize the moves to that extent?"

Flinch!

Yi Jinseol could feel Hyoryong's body stiffen. Hyoryong's tension flowed into her skin.

"May I hear the reason for that?"

Cheongheun's interrogation continued, his doubts still not dispelled.

Pyuryeon and Nayelin, hiding behind the bushes, watched with bated breath. It wasn't time for either of them to step forward.

"Then are you saying you doubt my identity now?"

Cheongheun nodded.

"I want your identity to be transparent. So that we can trust you. Who is your master? Whom did you study under?"

"As you know, I studied at Taeul Sword Sect."

"Taeul Sword Sect? I've never heard of it. Your master?"

"I cannot say."

He said in a firm voice.

"Even if I doubt your identity?"

"I believe it goes against the unwritten rules of the martial world to forcefully ask for a master's name that one does not wish to reveal."

"The situation is the situation!"

Cheongheun roared.

"Even so, I cannot say."

"Do you really have to do that?"

Hyoryong nodded silently.

"Frustrating friend!"

"No matter how much you insist, even if I suffer any hardship, I cannot betray my master's instructions."

Hyoryong's tone was firm. As a disciple of the Wudang Sect, one of the two great pillars of the orthodox sects, Cheongheun found it difficult to forcefully demand that he betray his faith. He seemed lost in thought for a moment.

"Chae-aeng!"

His hesitation did not last long. After thinking, Cheongheun drew his sword. He couldn't engage in a fight harboring such suspicion. He needed to apply a restraint.

"Then please excuse me. Before that… how about stepping back a little?"

"Huh? Gasp!"

Only then did Hyoryong realize he was still holding Yi Jinseol tightly, and he jumped back in shock, taking a step backward. She lowered her head, her face red, unable to say a word. It was unlike her usual cheerful and lively self.

'Even that cheerful troublemaker can be shy sometimes!'

Nayelin couldn't recall seeing Yi Jinseol so quiet and shy as today. The Yi Jinseol she saw today seemed very strange and unfamiliar.

'What made that child like this?'

Even the dull Nayelin could sense that the cause was on the other side, with Hyoryong, who was currently flustered and eager to make excuses.

"Y-Young lady! It was unintentional. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Hyoryong bowed repeatedly, repeating "Sorry."

"……"

Yi Jinseol still seemed unable to speak. For her, it was the first time she had been held in a man's arms for so long.

Hyoryong seemed to want to make further excuses, but Cheongheun showed no sign of allowing it.

"Sorry to interrupt, but is it over now?"

Cheongheun's sword tip pointed at Hyoryong's eyes. Hyoryong, in turn, stopped rationalizing and turned, drawing his twin swords and facing him.

Sword energy began to swirl around them. Even facing Cheongheun, the "Martial Extreme" of the Nine Divisions of the Cheonmu Academy, Hyoryong showed no fear. Perhaps a little inconvenience. He preferred not to fight if possible.

'What should I do?'

From this point on, Hyoryong's real worry began. Should he fight with all his might, or surrender his sword and yield? Neither option was easy to choose.

'But if I use that…'

If he fought with full strength, Cheongheun, who had witnessed the fierce battle between Galhyobong and Moyong Hwi today, would instantly discern his true identity. On the other hand, if he didn't fight with full strength, he doubted he could even withstand ten breaths. His opponent was the renowned Three Extremes Sword, Pyucheonryong Cheongheun. He was a peak expert, on a different level from clumsy opponents. He saw Yi Jinseol's anxious gaze, looking at him with concern.

'Damn it!'

Finally, Hyoryong made up his mind.

"Then, please rest for a moment!"

"Whee!"

Cheongheun drew his sword completely. White sword energy shot out from the tip of his sword.

"Swoosh!"

Hyoryong closed his eyes tightly. The tip of his sword was lowered towards the ground. It was an action of complete surrender. No resistance!

"Kyaaak!"

A scream erupted from Yi Jinseol's lips.

"Boom! Bang!"

A powerful explosion sounded from where Hyoryong stood. Even if it wasn't a full-strength sword energy, he wouldn't be unharmed.

"Young Master Hyo! Young Master Hyo!"

A desperate cry echoed from within the swirling dust. What concerned Yi Jinseol most was Hyoryong's safety.

"Cough, cough! I am unharmed, Young lady Yi!"

As the dust from the explosion settled, Hyoryong's figure was revealed. Strangely, he was not even scratched.

"Ah!"

"How can this be!"

An sigh of relief escaped Yi Jinseol's lips, while shocked disbelief came from Cheongheun. The sword energy Cheongheun unleashed had not even reached Hyoryong. Someone had blocked the path of his sword energy.

"Who is it?"

Cheongheun spoke to the person who had created an invisible barrier in front of him.

"Let him go!"

The one who blocked Cheongheun's sword energy was Pyuryeon. Cheongheun's face immediately hardened. His face was filled with disbelieving shock.

'To block my sword energy acupuncture so easily…'

He had no intention of killing. He just intended to apply a slight restraint through acupuncture. Hyoryong knew that, which was why he didn't resist. However, sword energy acupuncture was a high-level sword study. It was never pleasant to have one's studies so easily blocked by another. Especially if it was interference from a distance.

Cheongheun frowned.

"The reason?"

"Friend!"

"Is that so?"

Cheongheun nodded with an understanding expression. However, emotions and reason were different! He couldn't just stand by and watch. It was a state of emergency, akin to wartime.

"Are you saying you will take responsibility in his stead?"

"Of course!"

Pyuryeon nodded heartily. Hyoryong's expression subtly changed. It wasn't because he was deeply moved by his friend's sincere friendship, which surpassed that of Guan and Bao.

'Does that guy have a sense of responsibility?'

Hyoryong couldn't believe it. He had no faith at all. He couldn't help but worry about his own situation, which was right in front of him.

"What will you do if he insists on proceeding?"

Cheongheun said with a stern face. He had not yet withdrawn his sword energy.

"I will block it!"

"How? Is there a way?"

"Of course!"

Pyuryeon smiled and raised his hand. The Black Dragon Ring on his wrist emitted a dark black glow.

"As a martial artist, we have no choice but to resolve it with martial arts. However, in a situation where there are so many things that require effort around us, I don't think it's wise to do so. Furthermore, I learned that creating distrust between each other is the worst thing to do, did I learn incorrectly?"

"Hmm… but here, only you, Hyoryong, and Jang Hong are people whose identities are uncertain. The rest are all people with confirmed identities and sects."

The suspicion was not limited to Hyoryong alone. Cheongheun's words were also true.

"Then I will have no choice but to prove my existence through strength."

"How?"

"Isn't it enough to prove that I can defeat everyone here?"

"Well, that's true…"

Was he speaking with a sound mind… Who did he think he was? Cheongheun suddenly felt displeased, feeling disregarded.

"Then it's simpler than I thought."

Pyuryeon seemed to take it as a trivial matter. Ease flowed from his entire body.

"Do you want to try?"

"Whenever you wish…"

"But you know…"

Suddenly, Pyuryeon turned to Hyoryong and said,

"How much will you give me if I save you?"

Crack!

The sound of Hyoryong's jaw dropping.

"Do you need money?"

"Of course!"

Hyoryong wore a look of bewildered surprise.

'Aren't I making the situation worse?'

They might be lumped together and treated as accomplices. It was certainly not a desirable action. Cheongheun's actions had limits without evidence. He had suspicions, but no proof. That was enough. Drawing more attention to oneself at this point was the worst possible action. A spy must avoid such a thing as the first priority.

The current situation was one where he was being asked to be saved… and even demanding money for it! Hyoryong suddenly felt as if he had made a discovery of the century.

Cheongheun's gaze remained fixed on Pyuryeon.

'I've been disregarded.'

Cheongheun's face turned red like heated iron.

Shame!

This was the first time since gaining his name. His hands trembled with rage.

"What is all this commotion in the middle of the night!"

The one who shattered the standoff between these two with a loud roar was none other than Yeomdo. Everyone was startled by his sudden appearance.

"I'm already quite agitated, do you, Cheongheun, the top student, have to stir up trouble and disturb my mood?"

Yeomdo's reprimand was stern. However, Cheongheun felt somewhat wronged that Yeomdo immediately blamed him.

"No… I…"

Cheongheun thought this was an opportunity to tell Yeomdo about his doubts and raise the issue. This was his only chance.

"Master! I have something to say."

"I don't want to hear it!"

"Master!"

Cheongheun's eyes shone as he tried to assert his opinion in a firm voice. But Yeomdo's refusal was equally firm. It wasn't just Cheongheun who was firm; Yeomdo's refusal was no less decisive.

"I don't want to create unnecessary disputes over trivial matters at such a critical time. You also stop causing trouble. Understand?"

Suddenly, Cheongheun was reduced to a troublemaker.

"Yes, Master!"

Cheongheun replied dejectedly.

"Both of you, go now!"

As Yeomdo waved his hand and said so, Cheongheun and Hyoryong withdrew with displeased expressions, performing a fist-and-palm salute.

'It's not over yet though! I hope no seeds of doubt are sown in my heart.'

Cheongheun's telepathic message reached Hyoryong's ears. Hyoryong's expression hardened further.

After Hyoryong and Cheongheun withdrew, Yi Jinseol and Nayelin followed. The atmosphere was no longer suitable for staying there. Thus, Nayelin left, leaving behind a sense of longing in Pyuryeon's heart! She seemed like a mirage, unseen and elusive. However, Pyuryeon was not one to give up. If unseen, he would make them seen; if not caught, he would make them caught. That was Pyuryeon's life motto.

After the four figures disappeared from sight and their presence faded, Yeomdo opened his mouth.

"Why did you call me?"

Pyuryeon smiled faintly.

"I just had a few questions to ask. And something to ask of you!"

Yeomdo had an ominous premonition.