White Demon Poison of Terror, Intangible Extreme Poison
"Yaaawn."
Stepping out of the main gate of Sword Fragrance Manor, Hwa Ga-yeon stretched and yawned, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand when she noticed Young Master Namgung and her senior brother staring at her.
Her senior brother, Jang Deukmu , chuckled and shook his head.
"You'll be twenty next year, yet still so far from being a proper lady. You're still a child. A child. Hahaha."
With bronzed skin and a sturdy frame, Jang Deukmu laughed with the innocence of a boy.
Hwa Ga-yeon stole a glance at the handsome Young Master Namgung, then shouted at Jang Deukmu.
"Senior brother, how can you say such rude things to a maiden of age?"
The twenty-four-year-old Jang Deukmu waved his hands, still smiling.
"Hahaha. But I wasn't wrong, was I? If you don't want to hear such words, then little sister, you should behave more demurely."
Hwa Ga-yeon once more cast a sidelong glance at Young Master Namgung and frowned at her senior brother. She didn't make a sound, but her lips clearly mouthed: Stop it!
Jang Deukmu nodded in understanding and said,
"Anyway, I'm bored to death. If I had known it'd be like this, I would've gone along with Bingbong and Young Hero Paeng."
At this, Namgung Su replied calmly,
"I'd rather not ride through the night. That's reckless."
Jang Deukmu shrugged.
"True. Still, isn't this too dull? I thought with the demon cultists nearby we'd experience something thrilling…"
"The Mount Hua Sect will be arriving soon. Joining the subjugation battle then will be an experience in itself."
The three had just left Sword Fragrance Manor to have lunch at a nearby inn.
Hwa Ga-yeon lifted her hand and pointed ahead.
"Huh? That carriage is coming this way."
About thirty jang (roughly ninety meters) ahead, a four-wheeled carriage with riders was slowly approaching.
Jang Deukmu focused his eyesight and nodded.
"Looks like they're wearing the uniforms of the Dokgo clan."
Namgung Su's eyes gleamed.
"Interesting. The one driving the carriage appears to be none other than Yacha Sword."
Namgung Su, who often visited the Martial Alliance, had recently seen Dokgo Seol of the Black Tortoise Squad and Jo Jeonhu.
At his words, Hwa Ga-yeon clapped her hands.
"Ah! Then is the famed Scholar of the Martial World arriving? Hehe. If Sister Bingbong finds out, she'll be so disappointed to have missed it—she's been waiting for this moment."
Jang Deukmu smiled.
"And we'll get to see the fair Dokgo Seol as well. Brother Namgung, is she really that beautiful?"
Namgung Su nodded silently. But his face betrayed a hint of anticipation. Jang Deukmu, grinning ear to ear, watched the carriage draw closer.
"Hahaha. My eyes will finally be blessed after being stuck with this tiresome little sister all day."
Hwa Ga-yeon glared, her eyes blazing.
"Senior brother!"
"Hahaha, just joking. You're very cute too, little sister."
"As if that even counts. I don't need such fake compliments."
While Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon traded lighthearted barbs, Namgung Su remained silent. Soon, the carriage and its escort arrived before Sword Fragrance Manor.
Namgung Su bowed with clasped fists toward Jo Jeonhu.
"Greetings, Great Hero Jo. Have you been well?"
Jo Jeonhu widened his eyes and grinned.
"Oh! Isn't this Young Master Namgung? What brings you here?"
"Haha. I was wandering the martial world when I heard rumors of the demon cult. I thought I'd offer what little strength I can."
Jo Jeonhu replied indifferently,
"Little strength indeed."
"…Pardon?"
"Ah! No, no. Strength isn't everything, is it? It's the heart that matters! Isn't that right? Hahaha. And besides, Young Master Namgung's strength is far from little, indeed."
"…."
"I only said that because you came alone. Truthfully, to deal with demon cultists properly, I was hoping your Namgung clan might dispatch at least the Golden Sword Squad."
"Yes…"
Namgung Su forced a wry smile. He had only met Jo Jeonhu once before, but he knew well—this man was serious yet somehow… off.
But Namgung Su's interest lay not in Jo Jeonhu, but in Dokgo Seol, so he paid it no mind.
While Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon exchanged greetings with Jo Jeonhu, one of the Dokgo clan men jumped off his horse and ran inside Sword Fragrance Manor to announce their arrival.
Then the carriage door opened, and a woman stepped out slowly.
Jang Deukmu's eyes nearly split wide open.
"Wow… she's truly beautiful."
His mutter was quiet, but Hwa Ga-yeon heard it. Yet she could not refute him—her jaw too had dropped at the sight of Dokgo Seol.
Seeing their reactions, Namgung Su puffed up with pride. He stepped forward and bowed toward Dokgo Seol.
"Lady of the Sword. Has it already been three months? It's good to see you again."
Dokgo Seol bowed back indifferently.
"Yes. Good to see you, Young Master Namgung."
Then she immediately turned her head and spoke gently toward the carriage.
"Please be careful as you step down."
Namgung Su's face stiffened. Known for her icy demeanor, Dokgo Seol smiling softly and speaking warmly to someone was a shocking sight.
"I'm fine. I can step down on my own."
A low, richly handsome voice drifted from within the carriage. Namgung Su's expression twisted.
Meanwhile, Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon, curious, stepped closer.
At last, Ryu Yeong emerged from the carriage.
"…!"
Namgung Su's pupils trembled. Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon's eyes widened as well.
"Pfft. Pfft, haha."
Hwa Ga-yeon quickly covered her mouth to stifle the laugh that escaped.
The young man stepping out of the carriage had a mottled, bruised face. His eyes and lips were swollen, making him look all the more pitiful.
Catching the stifled laugh, Ryu Yeong gave her a sheepish look.
"Do I look that hideous?"
Hwa Ga-yeon, flustered, shook her head apologetically.
"N-no. Forgive me."
Ryu Yeong smiled faintly.
"No worries. I find it funny myself whenever I see my face these days. The bruises darkened, so I look even worse now. At least the swelling's gone down somewhat."
Hwa Ga-yeon scratched her forehead awkwardly.
"Sorry. I was rude, especially upon first meeting. I'm Hwa Ga-yeon of the Blades of Life Sect."
As she bowed with clasped fists, Jang Deukmu did the same.
"And I am Jang Deukmu, her senior brother, though rather lacking in tact."
Ryu Yeong bent deeply in surprise.
"Ah! You must be the famed Flying Sword of the Blades of Life Sect. I've long heard of your name. And Lady Hwa Ga-yeon, the Plum Blossom Sword, is also quite renowned. It's an honor to meet you both. I am Ryu Yeong."
His overly courteous greeting made Dokgo Seol, Jo Jeonhu, and the surrounding martial artists stiffen. Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon, too, were left awkward.
It was too polite—far too polite.
Dokgo Seol spoke.
"Lord Ryu, there's no need to bow at a right angle."
"…Pardon? Ah! I don't mind. After all, you are such famous figures."
Dokgo Seol frowned.
"But I mind."
Her tone sharpened. Jo Jeonhu added,
"Ahem. Lord Ryu, it is said that excessive courtesy becomes discourtesy."
"I didn't mean… I was only…"
"There's not much age difference between you. Just return the gesture equally."
Seeing their stern faces, Ryu Yeong scratched the back of his head and chuckled.
"You're right. I wasn't thinking. Since I've entrusted myself to the Dokgo clan, I should consider their honor as well… My apologies."
Dokgo Seol sighed and replied,
"Don't apologize."
"…What?"
"You've done nothing wrong, Lord Ryu. So don't apologize."
Ryu Yeong looked flustered.
"No, I just meant… I went too far without thinking of your clan's honor…"
"Anyway! Lord Ryu, stop saying you're sorry."
"..."
"Don't shrink back before anyone. Don't second-guess yourself. You are the same man who stood tall before the Heavenly Demon Sword. In the suffocating battlefield, the most unyielding figure was none other than you, Lord Ryu. When all others fell into despair, it was you alone who had the courage to step forward."
"Ah… Yes…"
When Ryu Yeong nodded with an apologetic look, Dokgo Seol bit her lip.
"And now… you're worrying about my reaction. I told you not to do that."
"Yes… I won't."
"Honestly. Tch."
Dokgo Seol glared at Ryu Yeong, then suddenly kicked the ground hard, a gust of cold wind rising as she turned. With a sharp bang, she kicked open the gate of Sword Fragrance Manor and stormed inside.
Thanks to that, an awkward chill descended over those left behind.
Ryu Yeong turned to Jo Jeonhu.
"Why is Lady Dokgo acting like that?"
Jo Jeonhu gave him a look of disbelief.
"You really don't know?"
"If I knew, why would I ask?"
"Hahaha. Even the great Lord Ryu has things he doesn't understand."
"..."
"She's worried you'll be scolded."
"Scolded?"
"You failed in your duty as escort, so of course the clan master will be furious."
"Ah! I see. But that was my mistake. I'll explain it myself to Clan Master Dokgo so that Lady Dokgo won't suffer for it."
Jo Jeonhu nodded vigorously.
"Yes, you must. After all, I was also part of your escort. And our clan master… tends to hold grudges."
Ryu Yeong smiled gently.
"Don't worry. It was my failure. It would be wrong for someone else to take the blame."
"Haah. That's why I like you, Lord Ryu! Yes, exactly. Truth be told, my only fault was trusting you too much. You understand? And by the way—never, ever bring up the festival again."
"Yes."
Ryu Yeong started forward but then noticed Namgung Su. Dressed in silks, tall and elegant, he stood out. Ryu Yeong bowed first.
"I am Ryu Yeong."
"Namgung Su."
Ryu Yeong's swollen eyes widened.
"You… you must be the Azure Sky Dragon of the Namgung Clan, the greatest sword family under heaven?"
One of the Five Dragons and Three Phoenixes—and the third young master of the Namgung Clan, foremost among the Eight Great Upright Clans.
Namgung Su gave a faint, enigmatic smile and nodded.
"I heard you spent seven years working as a porter in an escort bureau. Yet your insight is surprisingly broad."
"Yes. I've always been curious, so I've picked up many things here and there."
Suddenly, Jo Jeonhu cut in with a sour look.
"Young Master Namgung."
Namgung Su turned to him.
"What is it?"
"Why don't you return Lord Ryu's bow with one of your own?"
Namgung Su's brow furrowed—just as the manor gates burst open.
Clan Master Dokgo came rushing out, followed closely by the Black Tortoise Squad leader Neung Unbi, and two of the Dokgo clan elders.
"Lord Ryu! You've arrived?"
Dokgo Muyoung's face lit up with joy, but then his eyes narrowed. In an instant he was before Ryu Yeong, biting his lip. Neung Unbi, aghast, muttered,
"Your face… Was it really this bad? Just how much were you beaten?"
Ryu Yeong gave an embarrassed smile.
"I'm fine."
Only Ryu Yeong smiled. Dokgo Muyoung, the two elders, and Neung Unbi all sighed heavily, their faces grave.
An awkward silence fell. Just as Ryu Yeong scratched the back of his head to speak, two more figures appeared at the gate.
Dokgo Muyoung brightened.
"Hero Han."
It was Han Chugwang and the Kunlun Sect's Taechung Hall Master, Seok Hyeonja.
Han Chugwang, wrapped head to toe in plain cotton cloth, bowed.
"I've caused you worry, though unintentionally."
At the appearance of the Invincible Sword, Namgung Su, Jang Deukmu, and Hwa Ga-yeon all widened their eyes. For him, who refused even polite greetings, to show up the instant he heard of Ryu Yeong's arrival—astonishing.
They clasped fists in salute.
"Greetings to the Invincible Sword. I am Namgung Su."
"Flying Sword of the Blades of Life Sect, Jang Deukmu."
"Plum Blossom Sword of the Blades of Life Sect, Hwa Ga-yeon."
Han Chugwang nodded to them, then strode straight to Ryu Yeong. Gazing at his battered face, he sighed just as the others had.
"How did this happen to you?"
"Hahaha. It's nothing."
"Who did this?"
"…What?"
"Who dared lay hands on you like this?"
Han Chugwang's voice was deathly cold. Dokgo Muyoung quickly spoke up.
"Lord Ryu already took revenge. With his own hands."
"Is that so? Then who was responsible for guarding him? Who let this happen? Who bears the blame?"
At his thunderous rebuke, Jo Jeonhu turned pale. Clearing his throat, he muttered,
"I apologize."
Han Chugwang's glare pinned him.
"Was it you?"
The chill in his eyes was unbearable. Jo Jeonhu flinched.
"Ah! I was only a simple guard. The one responsible was… Lady Dokgo Seol."
A silence fell. The air turned cold as everyone stared at him.
Flustered, Jo Jeonhu stammered on,
"Honesty is my creed… I cannot lie. This isn't tattling, hahaha, haha… ha… But I'll take responsibility!"
His pitiful expression finally made everyone chuckle. Shaking their heads, they led Ryu Yeong inside the manor.
There, questions poured over him—had he met his family, was he truly well, and so on.
As the crowd disappeared, three figures were left behind.
Jang Deukmu sighed.
"Damn. I didn't even get to greet Lady Dokgo. Not a single chance to cut in."
Hwa Ga-yeon looked equally dazed.
"Right? We were like sacks of grain, just dumped there."
"Hahaha. Exactly."
"But… I never imagined the Scholar of the Martial World would be held in such regard. I'd heard Clan Master Dokgo once praised him over tea with Young Master Paeng, but this level of recognition… it's shocking."
Jang Deukmu nodded.
"Even Hero Han breaking seclusion to appear—that's truly something."
"Senior brother… that means the rumors weren't exaggerated, doesn't it?"
"Exactly. The Scholar of the Martial World… is the real deal."
Namgung Su, lips pressed tight, spoke coldly.
"In the end, he's still just a porter."
His voice was so icy it startled Jang Deukmu and Hwa Ga-yeon.
With a frosty gaze, Namgung Su continued,
"We'll see soon enough—whether he's genuine or not. But I, for one, do not trust those born low. Even if they possess some talent, that base nature never changes."