Chapter 53
Henan Province was so crowded that there was barely room to step. Because of this, the carriage moved slowly even before reaching the main hall of the Martial Alliance.
“Who’s that?”
“Hey, who has arrived this time? Who owns that carriage?”
Passersby, noticing the unusually impressive appearance of the carriage, showed curiosity. The driver answered calmly:
“It’s the carriage of the Namgung family.”
“Ohh.”
“The Namgung family! Finally, they’ve arrived.”
“Does that mean Namgung Jeokmyeong from Cheonggeom Ilsom also came? I heard there were troubles in the family—surely they wouldn’t skip this, right?”
“Heh, they say he’s washed up. What good would it do even if he came?”
“This person… That rumor is slow! Wasn’t all that a play to catch the spies? My younger brother saw that bizarre mask dangling in Anhui Province with his own eyes!”
Amid the noisy chatter, Chang-a straightened nervously, standing at attention.
The carriage came to a sudden halt, and from outside came Namgung Jeokmyeong’s voice:
“Soyo, can you hear me? It would be uncomfortable, but it’s better to get down and walk. If luck’s bad, there could be an accident.”
As the Martial Alliance martial arts tournament was being held for the first time in four years, it was natural that it attracted such intense attention.
The moment Yeol stepped down from the carriage, Namgung Heemyeong immediately approached and took her hand.
“Hey, Soyo. Stick close while walking—you never know what could happen. Got it?”
As soon as she appeared, the crowd, already abuzz from Namgung Jeokmyeong’s fame, grew even more chaotic.
“Who is that amazing beauty?”
“Has the head of the Namgung family married already? Did he bring his wife?”
“Huh! Don’t speak so carelessly! Haven’t you heard about the hidden concubine in the Namgung family?”
“I’ve heard, but I didn’t expect such a beauty.”
Exaggerated comments flew around, each one more embellished than the last—calling her a fairy, a beauty that could shake a kingdom. Some even tried to block her path to see Yeol’s face. Eventually…
“Step aside! Must I literally say that my sister isn’t some attraction for your amusement?”
Only after Namgung Heemyeong’s sharp glare and warning did the crowd thin out a bit.
Walking through the now spacious path thanks to the hesitant retreaters, Namgung Jeokmyeong couldn’t help laughing.
“Ha! Heemyeong is unusually sensitive. Soyo’s bodyguard isn’t even for show.”
“You, sir, are far too carefree. Soyo’s body isn’t fully healed yet. Such excessive attention will only be harmful. That’s why I said at least cover her face—but once again, this cumbersome outfit… tsk!”
“I just gifted clothing befitting her lovely face, and yet you complain. Isn’t that right, Soyo?”
Embarrassed, she lowered her head. From not far away came Jinchung-ak and Seol-yeong joking:
“You gentlemen don’t understand yet. Yeol shines brightest when that fairy-like outfit is soaked with blood.”
“Don’t say such dreadful things, Brother Ak! I’m terrified it could become reality.”
The Martial Alliance tournament was held in a wide courtyard surrounding the main hall.
Since the tournament had become established, it was considered a valuable measure of skill among martial artists and a festive spectacle for ordinary people. Around the main hall, merchants and performers filled the space all day long.
As they pushed through the crowd and passed the main gate, thunderous applause erupted.
“The victor: Taesan Swordsman!”
“Waaah—”
A man standing on the left stage waved lightly as he descended. Excited, Chang-a, hopping about the stage, asked Yeol in a barely contained voice:
“Did you hear that? They said Taesan Swordsman! Is he a famous swordsman?”
Namgung Heemyeong replied on her behalf:
“Just an average fellow.”
Almost immediately after the cold remark, a loud voice rang out:
“I am accepting work! My alias: Taesan Swordsman! I prefer short-term escort and protection work, and always welcome assignments from official bureaus!”
“Hmph. That guy’s predictable. He’ll forfeit soon enough.”
“Then I’ll forfeit here. I can’t prevent spirited young martial artists from participating! If you want me, come to Byeokri Inn!”
“Basically a businessman. That Byeokri Inn probably took extra advertising fees. There are plenty of martial artists who exploit the tournament’s fame.”
Seeing everything proceed seamlessly as if in a premonition, Chang-a asked cautiously:
“Is that really allowed…?”
“The Martial Alliance tournament is open to all martial artists. Since it’s meant to be free, you can’t just drive them away. If I were the alliance head, I’d have beaten them one by one, though.”
As Namgung Heemyeong said, the audience included many different types of people:
- Gamblers betting on winners and losers.
- Merchants promoting inns and shops.
- Representatives of bureaus and martial sects recruiting talent.
The tournament wasn’t just about combat.
While Namgung Jeokmyeong’s two sons exchanged greetings with strangers, Seol-yeong, eyes sparkling like Chang-a’s, quietly asked Yeol from behind:
“Has the tournament already started? The Namgung family just arrived.”
Yeol replied quietly in a hoarse voice:
“It’s a free combat. Ronin or small sect members who haven’t officially registered must first participate in free matches to qualify for the main tournament.”
“Ahh, so that’s the rule. You know more than I expected, Miss.”
Any martial artist who had ever been part of the Old Eight or Five Great Families would know this.
Of the 128 participants advancing to the main round, 120 are chosen from the previous tournament and the Martial Alliance’s recommendations. The remaining eight are selected on-site, a rare opportunity for unknown swordsmen to rise.
Meanwhile…
“How cumbersome.”
Every step Yeol took, she felt the firm presence on her forehead—Namgung Heemyeong’s back blocking her path.
The reason was obvious:
“Namgung Jeokmyeong! How long has it been? I was worried with all the rumors, but seeing you now puts my mind at ease.”
“Thank you for your concern, Elder.”
“And beside you… Namgung Heemyeong? Heh, that tiny child has grown so tall. Incredible. I’ll be expecting great things in this tournament, Heemyeong.”
“I’ll do my best to meet those expectations.”
This marked the third time Yeol had been completely hidden behind Namgung Heemyeong, treated as nonexistent.
Namgung Jeokmyeong, watching Heemyeong hide Yeol with a perfectly calm expression, laughed in disbelief:
“Overprotection.”
Yet, even amidst all this, someone recognized Yeol:
“Namgung Soyo! You came too?”
The woman approaching was Yurim. Beside her, a tense aura made itself felt.
[Why… why is that disgusting emblem on the back of Yeonwoo’s carriage…]
One of the strongest post-peak martial artists in the martial world, called Changpae Saryong, approached.
“Bangwoo, long time no see.”
