TYSN 54

TYSN

Chapter 54 —

**”What are you saying? That can’t be true!”**

“Exactly. It’s too unbelievable to be real.”

Rumors about the attack on the Black Ox Society spread like wildfire.

It had shaken the once peaceful martial world, and everyone was buzzing about it.

It was known that the Blue Dragon Corps was sent to wipe them out, so the attack itself wasn’t surprising. What *was* shocking was what happened next.

**”They said it was someone called the Hyopyeong Sword?”**

“Yeah, that’s the name going around. Supposedly, he crushed even the elite fighters of the Blue Dragon Corps. Can you believe someone that strong was in the Black Ox Society?”

“The real issue isn’t that. It’s that Murong Hyuk got completely destroyed. I heard every bone in his body was broken.”

“Come on, who would believe that? Did you see it yourself? He’s from the most powerful sword clan in the world!”

“Exactly, that’s why it’s such a big deal.”

What everyone was most shocked about was Murong Hyuk. Rumors claimed he was badly beaten by this mysterious master, the Hyopyeong Sword—even saying all his bones were shattered.

And what made these rumors more believable was the fact that the Martial Alliance was silent.

Usually, they’d announce their success to the public and praise the Blue Dragon Corps. But this time, there was none of that—no bragging, no ceremony.

That silence only fueled speculation that the Blue Dragon Corps had suffered a huge loss.

**”Is the greatest sword clan losing its edge? Getting beat by some gang?”**

“That Hyopyeong Sword guy must be insanely strong.”

“Come on, it’s just some thug gang. How strong could they be? Murong must’ve been careless and got caught off guard. What a disgrace to the Martial Alliance.”

“Exactly. The Murong Clan really embarrassed themselves this time.”

“Haha! First they got humiliated by the young head of the Luoyang Jin Clan, and now they’re getting slapped around by thugs!”

People clicked their tongues and shook their heads.

Even those who used to respect the Murong Clan were ashamed of them now.

—

### At the Martial Alliance Headquarters

Murong Hyuk lay completely bandaged in bed, unable to move a finger. The air was heavy with the smell of medicine.

He weakly opened his eyes to look at the man sitting beside him—Murong Jungcheon, the current head of the Murong Clan.

He sat silently, staring at his son with a blank expression. No anger, no sadness, just cold, unreadable eyes.

He had been sitting there for hours, not saying a word.

Eventually, after what felt like forever, he finally spoke.

**”You’ve worked hard.”**

That was all.

Then he stood up and left without even looking back.

Murong Hyuk watched his father leave, his eyes filled with emotion. But he couldn’t speak. He couldn’t stop him.

**Creak—click.**

The door closed, and silence returned.

Lying still and staring at the ceiling, Murong Hyuk was tormented by countless thoughts.

The Hyopyeong Sword.

The man’s image haunted him.

Even as rage burned in his chest, fear overwhelmed him. His hands shook at the memory of how easily he had been defeated.

No matter what techniques or tricks Murong used, the man didn’t even flinch. He was too powerful.

Those cold eyes were seared into his memory.

He felt like he was drowning in a swamp he couldn’t escape.

—

### Meanwhile…

Jang Chuhyung and I arrived in Hanan on horseback.

We went straight to the Unryong Inn, washed up, changed clothes, and finally had something to eat.

**”Seriously, what the heck happened? Because of all this, my great performance was completely ignored!”**

While eating, Jang looked out the window at the crowd whispering and gossiping.

Even without eavesdropping, it was easy to guess what they were talking about—Murong Hyuk, again.

I smiled.

**”Still, we gained good experience. That was the goal from the start.”**

**”I mean, sure… but do you know how many of those Black Ox guys I took down? If you’d seen me, you’d have been amazed!”**

Jang clenched his fist and looked proud. Judging by his confidence, he wasn’t lying. On the way back, even the other soldiers looked at him with newfound respect.

At first, they’d just treated him like a servant. But now, they saw him as a real warrior.

I didn’t know what kind of fighting he showed, but he probably unleashed a violent and relentless attack style—like Aguchun.

Funny thing was, Jang hadn’t even learned Aguchun’s signature moves yet.

Still, it was a good result.

I smiled and turned to see Namgung Baek sitting next to Jang, staring blankly at the food, not even picking up his chopsticks.

**”Aren’t you eating?”**

**”Uh… Am I really allowed to?”**

**”Of course. We prepared this much food for everyone, so help yourself.”**

Namgung Baek looked around nervously, but seeing that the Blue Dragon Corps wasn’t around, he sighed with relief and nodded.

Just when he was about to eat, he suddenly pulled out a small wooden lunchbox from his clothes and started packing food into it.

Jang and I both stopped eating and just stared.

**”Oh—don’t worry. It’s just… for my little brother.”**

**”Huh? Where’s your brother?”**

**”At home, of course.”**

**”Where’s that?”**

**”Anhwi.”**

Jang’s face twisted in confusion.

Then he shook his head slowly.

**”Are you stupid? The food will spoil before it gets there.”**

**”Ah—”**

**”Ugh… seriously…”**

I couldn’t help but agree and chuckled bitterly.

Now I understood why the Blue Dragon Corps always gave him dirty looks during meals. They were trying to stop him from doing this embarrassing stuff.

**”You really care about your brother, huh? If it bothers you that much, I can send a messenger to deliver food to an inn in Anhwi.”**

**”Oh no! Please, don’t trouble yourself! I’m okay, really!”**

Namgung Baek waved his hands in a panic, refusing the offer.

Not that I really wanted to help him—it was more for his sister, after all.

He finally picked up a piece of meat, but before eating it, he paused and asked:

**”By the way… do you know where I could find that Hyopyeong Sword guy?”**

**”Huh? You want to find him?”**

**”Yes, I *have* to.”**

He sounded surprisingly determined.

I was confused. At this point, the Martial Alliance and even the Murong Clan were doing everything they could to track that man down—probably even torturing Black Ox survivors for information.

It was that serious.

But why did *Namgung Baek* want to find him?

Maybe he noticed my stare, because he scratched his head awkwardly.

**”Well… he’s super strong, right? Strong enough to defeat the Blue Dragon Corps… I want to be his disciple.”**

**”Pfft!”**

**”Cough!”**

Jang spit out his drink, and I choked on mine.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

**”Aren’t you from the Namgung clan? That guy’s basically a criminal now.”**

**”So what? From what I’ve seen… in the martial world, strength is all that matters.”**

Honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

Even if someone’s declared an outlaw, if they’re strong enough, no one touches them.

But wanting *that guy* as your master?

Bad choice.

I shook my head and smiled bitterly.

**”Even if you do find him, it’s best not to get involved. He’s going to be declared an enemy of the martial world. The Martial Alliance and the Murong Clan are going to hunt him like crazy.”**

**”That serious?”**

**”He crushed Murong Hyuk. The Murong Clan won’t stop until everyone connected to him is dead.”**

Not that they’ll succeed.

Even with every spy and informant, it’s impossible to find someone who doesn’t exist on record.

Eventually, they’ll just give up.

**”Still… there *is* another way.”**

**”Another way?”**

**”You can’t learn from the Hyopyeong Sword, but there are many skilled warriors in the Jin Clan. Why not learn from them?”**

**”Wait, what do you mean?”**

**”Become a Jin Clan warrior. We’ll even set up a place for you and your brother to stay.”**

**”What?!”**

Namgung Baek looked stunned. So did Jang.

It made sense—they couldn’t understand why I’d offer a spot to someone from a fallen noble house.

But it was a smart move.

Namgung Baek might not be that impressive, but his sister? A real genius.

She defeated Murong Hyuk with fewer than fifty moves—and she’s the reason people are remembering the Namgung Clan again.

Getting her would make all of this more than worth it.

I kept my real thoughts hidden and looked at Namgung Baek.

**”Actually, I don’t have many personal guards. I need to fill the spot, but I haven’t found anyone trustworthy yet.”**

**”You mean *me*? But I’m not that strong…”**

**”I’m not looking for strength. I’m looking for someone I can trust.”**

**”You trust *me*?”**

**”I trust my own judgment.”**

His eyes widened.

As a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, he had been ignored by both commoners and nobles alike. Probably only his sister ever believed in him.

And this was the Luoyang Jin Clan.

With a job like this, he could finally live well—eat, sleep, and dress properly.

Of course I thought he’d accept.

**”Hahaha… Is heaven finally smiling on me? What luck!”**

**”So…?”**

**”But… I’m sorry, sir. I can’t accept your offer.”**

That surprised me.

Anyone else would jump at the chance.

Namgung Baek just lowered his head.

**”Your offer is incredibly generous. But… I’m not strong enough to protect you. I don’t want to be a burden, feeding off your kindness like a parasite.”**

**”…….”**

**”Wow… this guy’s more serious than I thought,”** Jang muttered.

I nodded silently.

He didn’t even take time to think. His response showed the kind of life he’s lived.

Suddenly, he stood up.

**”I—I’m sorry! I assume you invited me here to offer me the job… but since I’m refusing, I’ll take my leave!”**

He bowed and quickly left, not even touching the food.

I watched him go, stunned. I hadn’t expected to be turned down.

**”He’s got guts, that one.”**

I nodded again and looked out the window.

Outside, Namgung Baek walked away from the inn, sighing with slumped shoulders.

I couldn’t help but smile.