Chapter 121: Dragons, Phoenixes, And Stars (1)
After resolving the issue with the Face Plunderer fiend, the gates of the Murim Alliance, which had been closed, were now wide open.
The scandal of the well-known righteous Three Virtues Sword Hero was involved, so the details of the incident werent widely known.
However, it was a different story for the third-generation disciples who had witnessed everything firsthand.
They saw all the details of the incident and Baek Yi-gangs active role in it.
A government official came to visit them while they were staying in a pavilion prepared for guests by the Murim Alliance.
He was a high-ranking official, not just a head officer but serving directly under the governor.
Baek Yi-gang is assisting the Grand Coordinator in handling unresolved cases in Henan. He will return in a few days.
Thank you for the update.
Im just following His Excellencys orders, no thanks needed.
The official spoke bluntly and left.
Jin Ri-yeon and the disciples of the Azure Forest were dumbfounded by the officials words.
So, the governor has taken hold of Yi-gang, whom we expected to return?
And hes being worked day and night.
It meant that Yi-gang, who used to act so boldly as if he wasnt afraid of the governor, was now being put to work by him.
From what they heard, hes been kept busy around the clock.
Pffft! Hahaha!
Hahaha!
Son Hee-il and Jun Myung finally burst into laughter.
It seemed they found the fact that Yi-gang was suffering quite amusing.
Yi-gang is smart indeed. The governor has great insight.
Hell probably have some rest before he comes back.
I wish he could help with national affairs a bit longer.
For the past few years, they had been training with Yi-gang and enduring tough days.
To overcome the limits of the body, Yi-gang trained using other peoples bodies. It was impossible to catch up with someone so talented who also put in the effort.
The problem was that Yi-gang always dragged along the top three among the third-generation disciples. Ultimately, they were the only ones who could receive Yi-gangs sword training.
This meant that Jun Myung and Son Hee-il had been hit countless times with wooden swords.
Hehe, I knew someday Senior would get his comeuppance.
Just say thank you and come back with a reward. I knew this would happen.
They couldnt say anything in front of Yi-gang, but in his absence, they giggled timidly.
This continued until Dam Hyun clicked his tongue and teased them.
Idiots.
Huh? You mean Senior Yi-gang? Well, hes not that stupid
Im talking about you two. You guys are the idiots.
Son Hee-il and Jun Myung flinched, suddenly scolded.
Dam Hyun swept his bangs aside in annoyance.
Is Yi-gang just an ordinary cunning guy? Caught by the governor and being put to work? No way.
Really?
He must be establishing connections with the officials. Its more likely that he has the governor wrapped around his finger.
Ah!
Governor Jo Gyu-seo was the most powerful person in Henan Province.
Their expressions hardened at Dam Hyuns explanation.
If the governor personally takes him around for tasks, it means Yi-gang is not just someone he likes. That sly guy!
For some reason, Dam Hyun shook his fist in frustration.
Jin Ri-yeon also nodded slightly in agreement.
The other disciples must be nervous too. Its an unprecedented situation.
In fact, though the third-generation disciples didnt know, rumors about Yi-gang were already spreading quietly.
Those with quick access to information were paying attention to the movements of Yi-gang, a disciple of the Azure Forest and the eldest son of the Baek Noble Clan.
I see
Haha. I thought something like this might be the case.New novel chapters are published on
Jun Myung and Son Hee-il smiled awkwardly.
Inwardly, Yu Su-rin breathed a sigh of relief.
Im glad I didnt laugh.
She almost burst into laughter herself.
Yu Su-rins thought process was not much different from the other two.
She had decided to meet with the official members of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and others in the Alliance tomorrow. All of them would be no less skilled in martial arts or mental strength compared to her.
I must do well.
She clenched her fists, resolved to do her best.
The next day, Yu Su-rin was inwardly frustrated.
Not everyone from the Dragon-Phoenix Conference had gathered. Including her, there were only four.
Moreover, one of them was a familiar face. It was Yu Tae-jin from Diancang, elegantly dressed and waiting.
Another was a scruffy-looking guy from the Beggars Gang, resembling a weasel, named Noh Shik.
The last one was a large man, similar in size to Jun Myung, from the Maoshan Sect named Mok San, a next-generation successor. He was silently carrying a judge brush, a brush not fitting his large frame, at his waist.
Suddenly, Noh Shik said to Yu Su-rin, The Young Lady is very beautiful.
Huh?
Yu Su-rin was taken aback by the straightforward compliment.
Without saying much, Noh Shik waved his hand and explained.
I dont want you to get the wrong idea. Im not trying to flirt or anything. If my abrupt words as a beggar upset you, Im sorry.
No, its fine. Why would a righteous person from the Beggars Gang mean any harm?
Beggars are beggars, hehe. Its not easy to meet people from the Azure Forest, so Im a bit excited. You must be a Taoist flower disciple.
You can tell?
Hehe.
Recognizing someone as a Taoist flower disciple was rare.
Isnt there another one?
Yes, cant overlook that guy. The Iron-Blooded Genius of the Baek Noble Clan.
Yu Su-rins ears perked up.
It was about Yi-gangs brother. It was natural for her to be concerned.
Even the Left Guardian of the Murim Alliance marveled at that sword prodigy.
The Left Guardian of the Murim Alliance is known for being reticent and serious, right?
Yes, thats why its even more surprising. It seems those two are the ones to watch out for in the Seven Stars Conference.
Considering this came from a member of the previous Dragon-Phoenix Conference, the information was credible.
Maybe thats why someone listening nearby to the ranking board discussion chimed in.
Is that Baek Ha-jun really that strong?
She was a petite woman.
Perhaps in her early twenties. Her clear skin and healthy complexion made her look young. Her slightly small stature added to her youthful appearance.
She wore a simple overcoat covering her body. Her attire was plain, but her beauty was exceptional.
Ha-ha, may I know who you are, Miss? Jeon Gi-so asked, with a tone a hundred times more smug than before.
Oh my, did I startle you by jumping into the conversation? I was just touring the Murim Alliance and overheard your interesting discussion.
Ah, touring the Alliance, I see.
Yes, the Iron-Blooded Genius of the Baek Noble Clan must be really strong, huh?
She didnt introduce herself, but no one seemed to notice.
Jeon Gi-so, trying to be grand, explained with a boastful laugh, There are many greater than him in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, but he was already able to perform the Sword Cry several years ago. Such prodigies are hard to find.
Ah, Sword Cry, thats impressive.
He might have even caught the attention of Peak-level experts. The Heavens Shadow Sword of the Baek Noble Clan is indeed formidable. Of course, its not as exquisite as our Diancangs Shooting Sun Sword Technique or Wudangs Great Purity Sword Technique.
He subtly flaunted his status as an expert of Diancang, though she didnt seem to care.
Isnt the Peng Clan also strong?
Oh, the Five Tigers Breaking Gate Blade is indeed quite dominating.
Hehe, right.
Suddenly, Noh Shik made a puzzled face as he watched.
I have one more question.
Feel free to ask.
Isnt there another martial artist from the Baek Noble Clan participating this time?
Another one?
Yes, not in the Seven Stars Conference, but in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference.
Um Ah, yes.
Jeon Gi-so snapped his fingers and answered, You must be talking about Henans Sage. Henans Sage Baek Yi-gang.
Henans Sage? Thats a nickname Ive never heard before.
As Miss Yu Su-rin here might well know. He joined the Azure Forest after leaving the Baek Noble Clan. I heard he was so talented that he gained the favor of the Grand Coordinator Jo Gyu-seo.
Really!
She clapped her hands in delight.
Not knowing why she was so happy, Jeon Gi-so just smiled and followed along.
However, his nickname seems unrelated to his swordsmanship. He was born with the Great Yin Meridian Blockage. As for martial arts well, whats there to see. Ha-ha.
At that moment, the young ladys face, which had been bright with laughter, turned icy.
As Jeon Gi-so was wondering what he said wrong, she smiled again and said, Its okay. Ill protect him!
Yes?
Well then, it was nice meeting you, Young Master Jeom Gi-so!
Then she walked away leisurely, leaving Jeon Gi-so behind.
Jeon Gi-so just muttered to himself, Its Jeon, not Jeom
As she walked away, her black blade swayed beneath her overcoat. It was a long blade that seemed out of place for her small stature.
Noh Shik, who had been contemplating all this while, suddenly exclaimed, Ah! The Blade Maiden of the Peng Clan!
What?
Isnt that Blade Maiden Peng Mu-ah!
Noh Shik intently watched Peng Mu-ah as she departed, as if trying to imprint her image in his mind.
I thought the one who mastered the powerful blade technique of the Peng Clan would be physically imposing!
Jeon Gi-sos expression also hardened.
He had just realized the identity of the woman he had met.
A mischievous young lady.
Maybe she heard Jeon Gi-sos gruff remark.
The departing young lady turned and waved her hand as if beckoning him over.
Suddenly, Jeon Gi-so turned his gaze to the side.
!
For how long had he been there? A man was standing a short distance away.
Despite the distance, being unable to detect any presence made Jeon Gi-so raise his guard.
Who are you?
There was no answer.
Instead, Yu Su-rin, standing nearby, muttered in a dazed voice,Senior Yi-gang?
She was visibly shocked. It was unexpected for Yi-gang, who was supposed to be assisting the Henan Province Governor, to appear here.
But upon closer inspection, he was a bit different.
He was slightly taller. Compared to the thin and pale Yi-gang, he had a more robust frame, and his skin tone was healthier.
However, his slightly drooping gaze was as cold as one devoid of any emotion.
Unlike his older brother, he wore a plain and dark-colored robe, not as flashy.
Noh Shik, unlike with Peng Mu-ah, immediately recognized the identity of the man who had just appeared.
Iron-Blooded Genius
The term Iron-Blooded seemed so fitting, even though he hadnt said a word.
Baek Ha-jun had arrived at the Murim Alliance.
