Book 9 Chapter 24

Binggeom Gwancheolsu vs. Biryuyeon

Days were repeated with challenges and disputes, over and over.

Now, I was beyond tired, and only sighs came out first.

"Take this! Enemy!"

"Again?"

Biryuyeon's indifferent reaction! This wasn't the first time.

It felt like it was becoming chronic.

*Clang!*

After a series of loud clashes, the assailant, swollen a bluish-purple and sprawled like a corpse! The situation always ended like this.

Lately, too many groups had been targeting Biryuyeon. As a result, the "business hours" of ambushers often overlapped. Moreover, there were many misunderstandings among them, which even led to near accidents.

One day, two swordsmen, who had harbored the dream of ambushing Biryuyeon at the same time, stood outside Biryuyeon's dormitory window. Without even thinking of entering through the window, they mistook each other for thieves, clashed swords fiercely, and fell. Fortunately, they avoided serious injury, but the wounds were not light enough to laugh off.

No matter how many times they ripped, burned, or buried, Biryuyeon's locker was always filled with stacks of challenge letters. However, Biryuyeon met every single one with a snort, not bothering to care.

"Are you insulting us? Draw your sword at once! A duel!"

Even if they shouted, it was nothing more than a voiceless cry answered by silence. The echo that did not return. There was nothing more miserable than that.

Biryuyeon only said one thing.

"I don't get involved in things that don't pay. Futile labor, labor without reward, is an evil of the martial world."

Biryuyeon's argument was unyielding.

"If you want to fight me, bet a hefty fee. Otherwise, not a chance."

Biryuyeon had no intention of responding to a duel, even at the cost of financial loss or further demerits to his already nonexistent reputation.

"Oh, right! And if you're going to fight me, at least have the skill to defeat a senior instructor like Yeomdo! Otherwise, you'll just lose money! Though, I wouldn't mind that!"

"Whaaaaaat?"

It was a statement of cosmic arrogance that dazed the listeners. However, the swordsmen who had impulsively attacked Biryuyeon and been thrashed could only leave, holding their swollen faces, unable to find any words to refute.

Thus, Biryuyeon's words, "Pay if you want to fight!", spread throughout the entire academy. And the rumor that he boasted one should not dare to attack unless they had the skill to defeat Yeomdo, along with the demand for payment, spread like wildfire throughout the academy.

This rumor was so absurd and cosmically arrogant that it was difficult to gain credibility. Therefore, Biryuyeon's existence remained a mystery. Everyone shook their heads about his true intentions.

However, that did not mean the rumors quieted down. As outlandish as the content was, the rumors became more frequently discussed, snowballing until they finally reached the ears of Binggeom, the sworn enemy of Yeomdo and Sebulyangnip.

While others scoffed at the rumor, treated Biryuyeon as a madman, and secretly pointed fingers behind his back, Binggeom could not dismiss the rumor as mere gossip and set it aside.

Certainly, he didn't like Yeomdo himself, but if Yeomdo's honor was tarnished, the repercussions could reach him. This was because the two were recognized rivals. Therefore, if a baseless rumor tarnished his opponent's honor, he felt uncomfortable but had to deal with it. He didn't want to be dragged down with him unnecessarily.

"Master!"

Binggeom recalled the face of his master, whom he respected more than anyone, like heaven itself. His master, revered as the God of Martial Arts. A being so great that Binggeom couldn't even follow in his footsteps. Being chosen as his master's disciple was an unparalleled honor and the greatest fortune of his life. It was only a pity that he could only inherit half of his master's progress due to his lack of aptitude. However, strange rumors were circulating in the academy these days.

It was the outrageous rumor that Biryuyeon had defeated Yeomdo.

Yeomdo Gwak Yeonghee!

It was a name that would never be erased from his mind until death. Once a fellow disciple and friend, now they were fated rivals gnashing their teeth at each other. He hadn't yet settled things with him. Their skill difference wasn't large enough yet to reach a complete conclusion.

Qian (乾) and Kun (坤)! Flame (炎) and Ice (氷)! Polar opposites in their studies.

It was impossible for two people with equally matched skills to have a definitive match. Therefore, although they hadn't faced each other directly yet, they were opponents who would eventually have to settle their score. Yet, such an outrageous rumor that Yeomdo had been defeated by a nobody with no name or origin spread, it was no wonder Binggeom was displeased.

'Biryuyeon…'

It was a name he had definitely heard. Wherever that name was, it was always at the center of all commotion. There had never been a time when his name appeared where there was no commotion. If there was, it was only his shameful ascent to the championship of the Samsung Mujae.

'Still, I should probably confirm…'

The rumor that he had surpassed Yeomdo, his former rival and eternal competitor, was not something Binggeom could ignore. Therefore, he needed to quell the rumor.

'Hmph! If the rumor is true, then such a person might be the talent capable of unifying the Taiji.'

But he soon shook his head.

'Hmph! It's unlikely.'

He hadn't found any clue for 20 years. It was ridiculous for a Taiji talent to appear out of the blue now. But…

'Is there a need to test him…?'

Finally, Binggeom began to move.

"Is it true that you can fight if you just pay the fee?"

Biryuyeon, who was performing his usual duties of guarding Eun Seollan and conversing with Na Yerine from behind her, turned his head at the voice from behind and looked back.

"Ah! Of course…"

Biryuyeon didn't finish his sentence. It was clearly someone he had met before and someone who was vividly etched in his memory. His uniquely teal eyebrows and beard, and his blue-tinged hair, were reminiscent of a cold shard of ice.

'Ice-breaker!'

It was definitely someone he knew. Biryuyeon, without showing any hint of surprise, said,

"You look like someone I've met somewhere before! If my memory doesn't deceive me."

Biryuyeon smiled. Na Yerine and Moyong Hwi, who had just managed to recover from their shock, exclaimed,

"Chief Senior Instructor!"

His bearing, naturally reminiscent of a harsh north wind and snow! His expression, chillingly cold! The one who called out to Biryuyeon and mentioned the fee was none other than Binggeom Gwancheolsu, the Chief Senior Instructor of Cheonmu Academy.

"Will you permit it?"

"As you wish! However, the risk of fighting someone like a Grand Senior Instructor is too great to be quantified by money."

"Are you refusing?"

"No. As long as the conditions are met, I don't mind."

"Conditions?"

"Yes! Conditions!"

Biryuyeon nodded with a smile.

"Do you know that if I command you, you must draw your sword with me without question?"

His voice was as cold as cutting flesh.

"I suppose… that would be the case?"

"I'm sorry, but you have no right to refuse. And yet, you speak of conditions?"

"Yes! Of course!"

Biryuyeon answered without a moment's hesitation.

"Ryuyeon!"

"Young Master Bi!"

"Young Hero Bi!"

Eun Seollan, Moyong Hwi, and Na Yerine called out to Biryuyeon simultaneously. They wanted to stop his seemingly reckless actions somehow. However, Biryuyeon seemed to have learned the skill of detaching his ears from his body and paid them no mind.

"…"

Binggeom was silent at Biryuyeon's unwavering answer.

His silence was the kind that froze the world. An aura emanated from his body that made those around him shiver.

And finally, his frozen lips parted.

"Let's hear it?"

Although his words were as cold as the ice of the Northern Sea, they were clearly a sign of consent.

"Money won't do… so how about this?"

Biryuyeon made a suggestion.

"Speak!"

"If I win, you will grant me two favors later."

"Indeed, can you defeat me?"

Binggeom was flabbergasted that he was setting the condition on winning, not just fighting.

"That's why I said 'if.' The whims of heaven are so unpredictable; you never know what life will bring."

Biryuyeon appeared so confident that he stunned those around him. Everyone watching was aghast at Biryuyeon's reckless behavior.

"…I do not make promises I cannot keep. Instead, I will grant any request I can fulfill!"

It was a word of consent. Binggeom had accepted Biryuyeon's condition.

"That's enough."

Biryuyeon nodded. The negotiation was concluded.

"Then when will it be?"

Biryuyeon asked.

"Right now!"

Binggeom's answer was without any hesitation.

Biryuyeon and Binggeom, who had agreed to a duel (which looked nothing like a duel to others), moved to a place where the eyes of those around them could not reach. This was at Binggeom's request.

"Is this the first time since that day? It's been over a year and a half."

Biryuyeon spoke first. He felt it was almost impossible to expect Binggeom to speak first if he remained silent.

"Indeed! It seems like the first time since we met at Hoajang!"

From the moment Yeomdo and Biryuyeon appeared at Hoajang, Binggeom had been bothered by Biryuyeon's presence. Furthermore, when he later heard that the two were inseparable, how absurd he found it.

'Are they having an affair and he's an illegitimate child? That solitary general of the world sticking to a young boy like glue…'

It wasn't unreasonable to have such suspicions. Yeomdo hated being with others to an extreme degree. That's why Biryuyeon's existence was even more intriguing.

'I'll find out now!'

Binggeom's eyes grew cold and began to take on a bluish hue. This was the phenomenon that occurred when he unleashed his extreme cold energy.

Although it was the first time since that day for Biryuyeon, Binggeom had seen him multiple times. However, this was the first time they had met at a distance close enough to converse.

A blue divine sword emanating a chilling cold!

*Click!*

Binggeom lightly drew his beloved sword, Bingru (Ice Tear), from its sheath.

*Whoooosh!*

With that simple movement alone, dozens of strands of extreme cold sword energy began to surge out in all directions. His silver-blue martial robes began to flutter under the windless sky.

"Bingnyeongsuhun (Ice Spirit Guarding Soul)!"

As Binggeom swung his sword, dozens of lines of cold sword energy shot out from the tip of the sword in all directions.

It was clearly a technique used by Gwan Seolji in the Samsung Mujae Sword Empress Battle, but the level of the technique was as different as heaven and earth. The cold energy emanating from the sword tip threatened Biryuyeon with a different level of power.

Biryuyeon also had to prepare a corresponding martial art. This could be considered courtesy to a fellow martial artist.

'Fight economically!'

Following that spirit, the teachings of the Birye Clan were to avoid brute force collisions with strong power as much as possible. Biryuyeon had no intention of defying his teachings out of unnecessary rebelliousness, especially when he wasn't even in his wild teenage years.

'The stronger the attack, the greater the gap when it fails!'

A large technique required a corresponding threat. Artificially creating that gap was the true role of the Birye Clan's unique movement technique, Bonghwangmu (Phoenix Dance).

Birye Clan's Unique Movement Technique

Secret Art

Bonghwangmu (Phoenix Dance)

Chapter of Formless, Tracelessness

Mu'eun (Hidden)

Suddenly, Biryuyeon's figure seemed to sink into the ground and disappear. Any powerful technique would be useless if it didn't hit.

"Huh? This… this!"

Binggeom was taken aback by this sudden development. However, it was impossible to find Biryuyeon's whereabouts immediately.

*BOOM!*

The chilling extreme cold sword energy erupted in the very spot where Biryuyeon had been moments before. He had wasted his 진기 (qi\/energy) for nothing.

"Refreshing!"

This was Biryuyeon's assessment after clashing once with Binggeom's sword. Binggeom was dumbfounded.

'Among people of his age, has anyone ever been this confident in front of me?'

Binggeom was genuinely surprised.

They were always intimidated and cowed by his imposing presence. Yet, Biryuyeon was as calm as if nothing had happened.

"What do you believe in to be so audacious?"

Binggeom asked in a cold voice.

"I believe in my fists, my legs, and my martial arts!"

"Arrogant!"

He was a brat whose insolence pierced the heavens. It was natural to be displeased.

"Thank you for the compliment!"

Biryuyeon shouted boldly.

"I wonder if you can still be so relaxed after receiving my next attack?"

Binggeom readjusted his grip on his sword. The sword techniques he had used so far were all defensive stances converted into offensive ones. Therefore, their attack power was naturally inferior. However, what he was about to unleash now were extreme techniques designed solely for offense, from the pinnacle of defensive sword arts, the Bingnyeong Suryu Sword. Binggeom was now genuinely trying to use those techniques.

"Baekbing Sinchim (White Ice Divine Needle)!"

A chilling coldness transformed into tens of thousands of needles, becoming sharp and shooting out.

Bonghwangmu (Phoenix Dance) Ultimate Secret Technique

Hoetcheon Bongik Bisang (Heaven Reversing Phoenix Wing Flight)

Instantly, Biryuyeon's body spun ferociously at an invisible speed, forming a whirlwind around him. The cold needles shot by Binggeom were caught in this whirlwind and scattered aimlessly.

'This can't be!'

Binggeom couldn't believe it.

"Baekbing Sinjeong (White Ice Divine Nail)!"

The bluish coldness emanating from his sword transformed into thousands of thicker and larger ice nails, pouring towards Biryuyeon.

It was a technique that was too lethally sharp for a move that clearly wasn't intended to take a life. He seemed too agitated that his first, crucial move, Baekbing Sinchim, had missed.

"Oh no! Oh no!"

Biryuyeon felt the urgent need to move faster. The moment he decided to move swiftly, Biryuyeon's body blurred.

*KABOOM!*

Once again, Binggeom's ultimate move ravaged the earth. The impact caused the ground to heave, and thick dust rose, obscuring vision.

"Oh no, did I go too far?"

Only after unleashing a torrent of sword energy did Binggeom realize he had forgotten to hold back. It was the first time in a while that he had failed to control the force in his sword.

Looking at the spot where Biryuyeon had been with a worried heart, Binggeom breathed a sigh of relief. As the thick dust cleared, Biryuyeon was confirmed to be standing unharmed. Binggeom felt a mixed emotion.

"Now it feels a bit chilly!"

This was Biryuyeon's light assessment after experiencing the sword energy that was said to freeze not only the bones but the very soul. Of course, no one would consider this a proper evaluation.

'A perfect execution of the technique…'

Surprisingly, Biryuyeon had skillfully evaded Binggeom's encirclement and annihilation attack of ice nails. This forced Binggeom to completely re-evaluate his prior knowledge of Biryuyeon being a mere brat. The Baekbing Sinjeong, considered a secret technique among his sword forms, was not a trivial technique that anyone could dodge.

"You're an amazing fellow! To withstand this much after receiving my sword…"

Binggeom couldn't recall having ever unleashed his sword for more than 5 seconds in recent years. Yet, this unknown brat had received his sword for over 5 seconds.

"This is the least I can do!"

Biryuyeon still seemed to have leeway, unfrozen after receiving Binggeom's sword techniques filled with the extreme cold energy of one of the Five Great Sword Masters. Binggeom looked at Biryuyeon with newfound eyes.

How many people would stand so confidently before him? And among them, how many could receive his sword to this extent?

Although he was displeased that Biryuyeon was bragging about defeating Yeomdo, he was not an ordinary fellow. He had the qualifications to boast.

'To achieve this much at such a young age? Is that even possible? Or is it a peculiar constitution? C-could it be…'

Suddenly, Binggeom saw his master's face before his eyes.

'Are you truly worthy of becoming the owner of that?'

Binggeom couldn't accept it.

'Then…'

The aura and cold energy emanating from Binggeom intensified. It was incomparable to his previous demeanor.

"You were holding back, weren't you?"

Biryuyeon commented upon seeing this.

"I'm not so foolish as to go all out against a child!"

Binggeom's reply was chillingly cold. At the word "child," Biryuyeon's eyebrows twitched slightly.

"I have one last question!"

"Yes! Ask anything!"

Biryuyeon answered readily.

"Under whose tutelage did you learn?"

Even Binggeom, with his extensive knowledge, had never encountered the techniques Biryuyeon employed before.

"A long, long time ago, in a remote mountain valley, lived a very mischievous and annoying master. I learned from him. It was a very difficult time. I always had to support my master, and feed the sect… it was a series of hardships and trials."

Biryuyeon spoke with a distant gaze. The past was never a good memory for him.

"Serving one's master is the natural duty of a disciple!"

Binggeom said in a cold voice.

"You say the same thing as my master. My master always said that when he made me work."

Even thinking about it again, it was a series of hardships he didn't want to recall.

"Never mind that. So, what is the name of your sect?"

Binggeom asked again. He couldn't help but be curious as to what hidden master had created such a monster.

"Well… it's a humble sect with only my master and me, so it wouldn't be of much use even if you knew."

"Do you refuse to say more?"

"I believe probing a sect one wishes to keep hidden is not in accordance with the ethics of the martial world?"

That was certainly true. It was not the way of the martial world. Aside from worldly conflicts, there were surprisingly many who lived in seclusion, quietly hiding their presence and leaving only a single lineage. Therefore, to avoid disturbing the peace of the ancients, they were rarely questioned or probed.

"Exceptions always exist! We cannot allow someone whose identity is uncertain into Cheonmu Academy."

Although it was a slightly forceful statement, it was the truth.

Suddenly, Binggeom recalled the words of Sword Master Gongsun Ilchwi.

"Do you know that child named Biryuyeon?"

To the Sword Master's question, Binggeom had to search his memory for a moment.

"Ah, yes! Isn't he the child who won the Samsung Mujae by luck?"

"Do not let your guard down regarding that child!"

It was clearly a warning and a caution.

"What do you mean?"

Binggeom was perplexed. Who could possibly say such a cautious word to Sword Master Gongsun Ilchwi? What was certain was that Biryuyeon himself was not the fundamental cause.

"Haha… Just stay vigilant. It just occurred to me that he might be carrying something inexplicable. It's just a hunch, but it wouldn't hurt for the Chief Senior Instructor to be careful, would it? Haha, just think of it as the worries of a concerned old man."

These were words that could not be easily dismissed. At that time, the Sword Master had not forgotten the final technique Biryuyeon had shown in the finals of the Samsung Mujae Samsung Daejeon. It had been imprinted in his mind ever since. That imprint kept stirring up his painful past. Therefore, out of concern, he had warned Binggeom.

"Yes…"

At that time, he was truly puzzled. It was odd for a figure as prominent as the Sword Master to pay attention to a young man who had suddenly begun to stand out in the Samsung Mujae after being almost unknown.

"Isn't it enough if the guarantor is confirmed?"

Biryuyeon asked, looking at Binggeom.

"Do you have a guarantor who can vouch for your identity?"

"Of course. Hey, hey, aren't you looking down on people too much? Even if I'm an unverified martial artist, I still have a guarantor."

Biryuyeon protested.

"Then bring him before me immediately!"

"He might get very upset?"

"There is no justification for you to feel displeasure when meeting your guarantor!"

Binggeom replied decisively.

"He might get angry at first. Is that okay?"

"It's fine!"

"He might even start a fight?"

"That won't happen. Don't worry."

Binggeom answered firmly once more.

"Then…"

As Biryuyeon was about to say something.

"Wait! Stop!"

A voice echoed through the venue! The movements of the two froze at the familiar voice. Binggeom's beloved sword, Bingbaek, began to resonate with a 'Jiiing' sound.

"Oh! You've come at a good time."

Biryuyeon smiled brightly and turned around.

It was Yeomdo's appearance. He had somehow found his way to this location. Biryuyeon said with a wide smile,

"Allow me to introduce! This is my guarantor, Senior Instructor Yeomdo."

Binggeom was dumbfounded by Biryuyeon's confident words.

"Are… are you sure you are this child's guarantor?"

Binggeom's perfect composure was cracking.

"Is there something wrong? It's true!"

Yeomdo answered in a gruff tone. Feeling like he had received an unexpected blow, Yeomdo's neck felt strained.

"Are you satisfied now?"

Even looking at Biryuyeon's beaming face, he had no more words to refute.

"Yes, I am satisfied! But there is still something to be settled, isn't there?"

Binggeom had not yet sheathed his sword. What he meant was clear: to finish the fight that had been interrupted.

"Of course! There is definitely something left to settle. Don't forget the promise you made earlier!"

"If you can!"

Binggeom replied curtly. It meant that if he wanted the promise to be kept, he should do it after winning.

"You damned brat! What's your game?"

As soon as Yeomdo saw Binggeom, he immediately became enraged. Binggeom's retort was cold.

"Don't interfere! I'm just doing what I have to do!"

"What did you say?"

Yeomdo bristled. As always, no matter when he saw him, remembered him, or met him, he was an utterly unpleasant fellow.

"Excuse me…?"

Biryuyeon cautiously spoke to Binggeom, who was in a hostile atmosphere.

"Come on, come on, don't fight! Why are grown adults fighting with words when they have good fists? I'll match you to the same level. Last time you faced a fireball, it was with your right leg, so this time, the right arm should be enough, right?"

With his characteristic smile that somehow made onlookers uneasy, Biryuyeon took off the Mukryonghwan he was wearing on his right arm.

*THUD!*

The sound of the Mukryonghwan hitting the ground resonated heavily. Binggeom's sharp teal eyebrows twitched.

'This guy? What is he? What is this fellow's true identity?'

It seemed that a conclusion wouldn't be reached without a direct clash.

*Swoosh!*

Dazzling white light and crystalline ice flowers began to scatter from Binggeom's beloved sword, Bingnyeong. Yeomdo knew well what that stance signified. However, he himself had rarely faced that starting stance head-on.

'Is… is he going to use that too? For what reason?'

It was one of his ultimate secret techniques that he wouldn't use unless it was a very serious matter. It was also the technique that had earned him the title of one of the Five Great Sword Masters.

"Good! I will personally confirm with this sword technique whether you are truly a talent capable of unifying the Taiji!"

At Binggeom's words, Yeomdo's eyes widened. His gaze, stretched to the point of tearing, turned back to Biryuyeon.

"Tai… Taiji talent!"

Yeomdo's eyes bulged out.

"I told you I'm not that kind of person!"

*Flash!*

Biryuyeon didn't lose either and charged head-on into Binggeom's ultimate technique.

*KABOOM!*

A blinding white light, as if swallowing heaven and earth, erupted.