NOVEL NEXT Chapter 65
65th Chapter: Sangong (相公)
The Gongdong Sect crushed the Heukryongbang in the post-stimulation indicator martial arts contest with a record of 4 wins, 3 losses, and 1 defeat!
The entire world was buzzing with this earth-shattering event that turned the Martial World upside down.
The orthodox factions were in a festive mood, with the exception of the Seomun Family.
No one in the orthodox Martial World expected the Gongdong Sect to win.
It was clear to everyone that the Heukryongbang’s victory was a foregone conclusion. The Gongdong Sect’s chances of winning were considered to be virtually nonexistent.
And yet, with Hao Mun’s meddling, this martial arts contest had been elevated to an orthodox faction competition, leaving the Martial Alliance and the Six Great Factions of the Gu Daemun Sect preoccupied with minimizing the fallout from this defeat.
However, the Gongdong Sect, defying all predictions, emerged victorious.
An unbelievable miracle.
It was nothing short of the resurrection of the prestigious Gongdong Sect.
“I heard that the Gongdong Sect won this orthodox faction competition.”
“Oh, come on! Don’t lie. The Gongdong Sect winning? Are you joking right now?”
“Hey, I just got this information from the Beggar Sect’s Gyeoljeja with great difficulty! What are you talking about?!”
Naturally, the names of Lee Cheol-soo and Yujinhwi, who led the victory, spread widely.
With two heroes in Gongdong, one was known as Shin-hyeop, whose prowess echoed throughout the land, and the other as Gwaehyeop, who achieved feats with strange techniques.
The Gongdong Pair, comprising Gongdong Gwaehyeop Lee Cheol-soo and Gongdong Shin-hyeop Yujinhwi, was born.
Meanwhile, the Seomun Family, having won, found themselves in an atmosphere where they couldn’t laugh or cry.
Jincheongyeomwang, who had predicted the Gongdong Sect’s victory, could only swallow his words when faced with the results.
“What?! You made a martial arts agreement with Lee Cheol-soo?!”
“Yes, um, father.”
The current atmosphere in the Seomun Family, especially after Jincheongyeomwang’s precious daughter Seomun Cheong-ha revealed that she had an agreement to engage in martial arts with Lee Cheol-soo, was akin to walking on thin ice.
Jincheongyeomwang held his head in despair over his foolish daughter’s decisions.
No one had expected Lee Cheol-soo to be this capable.
When he managed to score two victories against the Heukryongbang, Jincheongyeomwang was astonished.
It wasn’t just Yujinhwi who was extraordinary.
And yet, now there was a martial arts agreement with Lee Cheol-soo.
‘Damn it! How do I face my ancestors now?!’
The Seomun Family’s torment continued.
*
On the other hand, the atmosphere of the Hangshan Sect, another faction allied with the Gongdong Sect, was not bad at all.
Geumhu Eun Seol-ran.
A breathtaking beauty with transparent silver hair, enigmatic silver eyes, and flawless white skin was staying in Hwajeong County with a small smile on her face.
‘Ah, that prince… how splendid…’
Thump, thump.
Her mind was filled only with thoughts of Lee Cheol-soo.
The image of Lee Cheol-soo, who attained the stage of transcendence and passionately proposed to her in front of everyone, continuously replayed in her mind.
He declared that he would prove his worth by defeating the two contenders from Heukryongbang and announcing the return of Gongdong’s great spirit.
And the image of him tearing apart the sleeves of a Black Dragon, along with his impressive stature.
Although he fell short compared to the breathtakingly handsome Yujinhwi, she found Lee Cheol-soo plenty handsome in her eyes.
Her heart raced dangerously with every thought of him.
Once emotions ignited, they spread uncontrollably within her heart.
‘What do I even call this prince… After we become close, should I call him Gaga…? No, that sounds wrong for my age… Then, should I call him Sangong…?’
Sangong.
As she internally addressed Lee Cheol-soo, Eun Seol-ran’s face turned bright red.
‘S-Sangong… Sangong…’
It was hard to believe this was the same Eun Seol-ran, renowned for her cold and distant demeanor.
‘I-I’ll wait for you, Sangong… until you come of age… No, no! I must personally guide your swordsmanship soon. Supporting you is a wife’s duty…’
Waiting alone wouldn’t suffice.
She had to guide Sangong until he became capable enough to defeat her.
Huff, huff.
Taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart and emotions, Eun Seol-ran called for her disciple.
“Sobin.”
“Yes, Master!”
“Prepare for the exchange performance with the Gongdong Sect.”
At her Master’s words, Cheon Sobin’s face broke into a grin.
“Ha ha! I get it! You think we need to subdue those Gongdong brats, don’t you, Master?!”
The redness of Eun Seol-ran’s face only reflected her embarrassment and rage.
The Gongdong Sect and Hangshan Sect had already become adversaries. Moreover, Lee Cheol-soo had openly humiliated Eun Seol-ran, who was old enough to be his teacher. Had it not been for her Master’s divine grace, Lee Cheol-soo would have walked out without legs that day.
Adding to that, the Gongdong Sect had unfortunately won. It was time to suppress their spirits.
Eun Seol-ran couldn’t correct her disciple’s misunderstanding.
After all, she was still the Hangshan Sect’s leader and the Master’s status.
For the sake of appearances, she had to play the part that society expected of her. Even in front of Sangong, she would have to present her cold and emotionless façade.
Realizing this, a dark cloud settled over Eun Seol-ran’s expression.
‘I’m sorry, Sangong…’
It pained her heart deeply.
‘I’ll make it up to you after we tie the knot, Sangong.’
In her heart, she had already considered herself engaged to Lee Cheol-soo.
*
In Henan Province.
There were two major factions in Henan.
The Beggar Sect and the Shaolin Temple.
Among them, the most famous and effective ruler in Henan was undeniably the Shaolin Temple.
The ace of the martial world, known as the “Great Shaolin,” stood supreme with its renowned master, Shinseung Won-geuk Dae-sa, residing there.
No one would deny that Shaolin was the current leading orthodox faction.
The Sungsan Shaolin Temple.
Behind the fragrant buildings filled with the scent of incense stood Dalma Cave.
This was the sacred site of Shaolin, where the founder, Dalma, had meditated for nine years, now an iconic location for the Martial World.
Here, a novice monk sat in a meditative posture, appearing like an ordinary teenage boy but lacking spiritual energy more than a mere mortal.
This monk was none other than Shinseung Won-geuk Dae-sa, the foremost leader of the orthodox factions.
Having reached the absolute mastery in martial power, fifty years ago he had terminated the former Heavenly Demon in Odae Mountain and prevented the demonic forces from overwhelming the orthodox factions, emerging as a hero of the orthodox Martial World.
Despite his unassuming exterior, he had attained the heights of the realm.
At the age of one hundred, as he was reciting sutras, he was interrupted.
“Master! Master!”
A monk with his head shaved and a disciplined demeanor rushed to him.
“What’s the matter?”
Shinseung’s eyes opened wide.
His soulful gaze focused on the Shaolin monk.
“They say the Gongdong Sect has won the orthodox faction competition!”
Upon hearing the news of the Gongdong Sect’s victory, Shinseung’s eyes sparkled.
He broke into a smile.
“Amitabha. The Gongdong Sect’s victory is only righteous.”
Fifty years ago, he had failed to protect the Gongdong Sect.
He hadn’t preserved its secrets, nor its disciples; each one of them had been lost.
That fact lingered in Shinseung’s heart as both a debt and torment over half a century.
The world may herald him as a hero for defeating the former Heavenly Demon, but Shinseung was indifferent to such hollow praise.
Because he couldn’t protect the Gongdong Sect.
Even when he wished to help the Gongdong Sect, the former grandmaster’s pride, who once belonged to the Gudaimun Sect, had prevented assistance, and the rivalries within the Martial World had swept him away.
Yet now the Gongdong Sect had defeated the Heukryongbang. It was nothing less than a signal for the Gongdong Sect’s revival.
“Ultimately, Gongdong has risen on its own. Amitabha.”
Shinseung felt immense shame as he rolled the prayer beads between his fingers.
“That’s not all! They say the great spirit has returned to Gongdong!”
The return of the great spirit.
That news ignited a unique excitement in Shinseung’s eyes.
“Indeed. It looks like the time has finally come… to restore the great spirit to Gongdong. Send an invitation for the next Yongbong Jiyeo to Gongdong.”
As the Shaolin monk nodded in respect, bowing deeply.
The next Yongbong Jiyeo would be held at Shaolin.
It would be the perfect timing to restore the great spirit to Gongdong and to announce its revival.
Shinseung smiled at the thought.
*
On the other hand, the situation for the evil factions was akin to a funeral.
“…I’m sorry, Father!”
In the temporary residence of the Heukryongbang, Sayeonghoe Manor.
Thud.
There, the Black Dragon Clan Leader Wi Soryeon knelt.
Seeing him, Gwangma Dodgun, the leader of the Heukryongbang, let out a sigh.
“It’s an undeniable major defeat. Punish me…”
“…No need.”
Gwangma Dodgun waved his hand.
He had witnessed Yujinhwi’s prowess firsthand.
It was not simply the post-stimulation indicator; he was a hidden dragon, perhaps already a soaring dragon. An embodiment of injustice.
“…How can we win against the Heavenly Body?”
The owner of the Heavenly Body was destined to be the greatest under heaven.
Although Wi Soryeon was also exceptional, in front of a heavenly genius, he was merely an ordinary person, or even considered a dolt.
“Still…”
Wi Soryeon bit his lip.
It was humiliating. He hadn’t even been able to make an appearance. The nightmare of that day replayed vividly in his head. The horror of being overpowered solely by aura, sealing all paths of escape. The sharpness of the blade that pierced through without a proper technique or warning.
And those otherworldly, unfocused eyes.
It was a nightmare. A skill beyond what a human could wield.
The same held true for Lee Cheol-soo.
Though underestimated, his sword was razor-sharp. The final strike was unprepared for defense.
‘I will not forget this defeat today.’
Wi Soryeon ground his teeth, recalling the day’s defeat.
“I will take my leave. Once you finish your work, inform the Gongdong Sect about the aftermath and follow me. Your punishment will be a month of confinement.”
“Yes, sir!”
Wi Soryeon bowed his head respectfully.
Upon witnessing him, Gwangma Dodgun sighed deeply and left the room.
Left alone, Wi Soryeon clenched his teeth.
‘Older brother, damn it…!’
It had belatedly dawned on him.
That wretched promise made that day.
*
During this time, in the special room of the Gonhwa Pavilion in Hwajeong County.
Here, where ordinary people dared not tread, sat the most beautiful woman in the world, Yeomwang Jeoksawol.
A mesmerizing beauty, transcending human laws of aesthetics, was seated like a painting.
Behind Jeoksawol sat Baek Myeon-am-gun, a masked warrior in white, and the enigmatic Geum Jeokgak.
The only two people in the world who knew her other identity.
“…The Heukryongbang has lost?”
“Yes, unexpectedly. There were variables. Lee Cheol-soo secured two victories, and Yujinhwi completely overwhelmed the Heuksaryong.” “The Gongdong Sect’s leader’s disciple Yujinhwi is presumed to possess the Heavenly Body.”
Upon hearing the report, Jeoksawol’s heart raced with complex feelings.
As the Sado Family’s leader, this defeat inflicted severe damage to the entire evil faction’s reputation.
The Heukryongbang, a massive sect emblematic of the Sado Family, had just lost to a fallen sect with no semblance of glory.
It was an unthinkable loss in a battle they could not afford to lose.
It was infuriating. Yet, for some reason, it also felt satisfying.
Lee Cheol-soo had brought home two victories. The realization alone made her feel inexplicably pleased.
Jeoksawol bit her lip.
‘Why am I feeling this way toward that wretched man…?’
With the evil faction’s loss weighing heavy on her heart, she shook her head to clear the thoughts.
“…The Heavenly Body.”
The moment she spoke that word laced with temptation, Geum Jeokgak flinched.
Heavenly Body.
The one destined to be the greatest under heaven, a being possessing strength that transcended humanity. Even if Yujinhwi hadn’t won two victories, the Heukryongbang would still logically have lost.
“…If Yujinhwi is indeed the Heavenly Body, then defeat was inevitable. Comfort Gwangma Dodgun well.”
“Yes. Understood.”
As Baek Myeon-am-gun nodded deeply.
“Are there any other unique observations?”
Jeoksawol’s question pierced the ears of the two.
As Baek Myeon-am-gun hesitated at her words.
“During this martial arts contest… Lee Cheol-soo publicly declared a marriage martial arts challenge to Eun Seol-ran.”
Geum Jeokgak, oblivious to the ramifications of the words, reported to Jeoksawol.
At that moment, Baek Myeon-am-gun’s eyes widened in shock.
“A marriage… martial arts challenge…?”
Crash.
The luxurious teacup in Jeoksawol’s hand shattered into dust.
Her crimson eyes trembled. Her complexion went pale.
What did he propose to whom?
It was unbelievable.
How?
How… how?!
Jeoksawol’s head swirled in chaos. Her hands trembled.
“Eun Seol-ran… That bloke proposed a marriage martial arts challenge…? Is that truly the case?!”
She couldn’t accept this harsh truth.
While Geum Jeokgak observed the confused Master, he bowed his head and confirmed.
“Yes, it is true.”
“…That little bastard!!”
Upon hearing Baek Myeon-am-gun’s declaration, Jeoksawol shouted.
Her fierce outburst carried her entire lineage, causing both Baek Myeon-am-gun and Geum Jeokgak to stiffen.
While they were both martial masters in the stage of transcendence, comprehending all the nuance behind a deeply hidden revelation was nearly impossible.
But Jeoksawol didn’t care.
Her entire body trembled uncontrollably.
How could this happen? Why… why…
What was lacking in her? What was insufficient about her charm?
She was the most beautiful in the world. A woman all men desire, envied by every young man. A beauty that could turn kingdoms upside down.
Her flawless curves, slender waist, delicate face, and delicate hands were all perfect.
There wasn’t a single woman in the world who could outshine her.
Surely, among all the world’s most beautiful ladies.
But why…
Why was it that while the most beautiful in the world stood before them, that scoundrel would propose to that woman who was not even worthy of her attention?!
Why, oh why…
Crunch.
Jeoksawol’s mind suddenly recalled one crucial fact.
The flawless beauty of the world, perhaps the number one in history, was simply one thing short compared to Eun Seol-ran.
That was…
“…Ah, so men prefer the younger ones? Is this why men…”
Age.
Jeoksawol was 60 this year, while Eun Seol-ran was only 46.
Eun Seol-ran was a whole 14 years younger than her!