The Heaven-Slaying Sword

On the day of the inauguration ceremony, Wuhan was in an uproar. It wasn’t just around the Martial Alliance.

The entire vast city was gripped by a fervor that bordered on madness.

The Dragon Phoenix Squad’s inauguration meant far more than just the creation of a new unit.

“This is unprecedented. All the Dragons and Phoenixes of this generation have joined the Martial Alliance.”

“Except for the Immortal Dragon.”

“Well, we believe he’ll join when the war starts. More importantly, do you see over there? Those are the masters of the previous generation.”

Even retired experts who had long since withdrawn from the martial world were visible on the streets.

When they passed by, no one dared to raise their voice. It was understandable. The term ‘masters of the previous generation’ referred to the heroes who had been at the forefront of slaying demonic practitioners during the Blood Cult's uprising.

Their expressions were solemn. On this day, marking the re-emergence of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult after nearly a century of silence and the declaration of war against them, these martial arts masters were eager to assess the current state of the martial world they had protected.

“But I’m not worried. This generation’s Dragons and Phoenixes are unlike any other.”

Sword Dragon Namgung Jincheon, Bearer of the Emperor’s Star.

Poison Phoenix Tang Hwa-seo, Immunity To All Poisons.

Fist Dragon Il-woon, Shaolin’s Once-In-A-Century Prodigy.

White Phoenix Hyeun, hailed as the Greatest Female Martial Artist of the Era.

And Strange Dragon Zhuge San, Son of the Formation King.

While this lineup was already impressive beyond measure, there was one name that stood above all others.

“Indeed, we may have someone who could be argued as the strongest in history.”

Ink Dragon Mok Riwon.

Despite lacking other flashy titles, those who had witnessed the finals of the Dragon Phoenix Tournament all said the same thing. That he might become.

A martial artist worthy of being called the greatest of all time.

“I’m glad this inauguration ceremony is a public event. I’ll finally be able to see this Ink Dragon.”

“Ah, that’s right. You didn’t attend the Dragon Phoenix Tournament.”

The man who had predicted Ink Dragon’s victory at the previous tournament chuckled and said to his friend.

“You can look forward to it. Not only his martial arts, but Ink Dragon is also a man so handsome that even other men can’t help but be dazzled.”

“Hah, what’s so impressive about a man being good-looking?”

“You’ll see.”

Somewhere in the bustling streets.

Such conversations were taking place all over the city.

* * *

Meanwhile, in the Dragon Phoenix Squad’s Pavilion.

Mok Riwon, dressed in the newly issued uniform, was making a fuss and shouting at Tang Hwa-seo.

"Y-Young Lady! Look here! There’s a gold thread on the uniform! Real gold! Not just gold-colored thread, but actual gold!"

“Yes, it’s a uniform sponsored by the Fortune Escort Agency that accompanied us to Wuhan before.”

“Ooh…!”

Mok Riwon’s eyes sparkled as he repeatedly stroked his uniform. It was a pristine white outfit embroidered with gold, striking a balance between elegance and splendor.

Beyond its appearance, Mok Riwon was thrilled. Unlike his usual gray attire, the fabric quality and breathability were superior, naturally lifting his spirits.

Tang Hwa-seo chuckled at his behavior and helped adjust his appearance.

“Since it’s white, if you jump around like that, it’ll get dusty. You won’t have many chances to wear this except for public events, so be careful, alright?”

“I understand! By the way, Young Lady, the uniform suits you very well too!”

Mok Riwon smiled brightly. Seeing Tang Hwa-seo, who usually wore red or black, in white for the first time gave him a fresh impression.

“White really suits you, Young Lady! It must be because your skin is so fair.”

As soon as he said this, Tang Hwa-seo’s face turned red. It was such a deep shade of red that even Mok Riwon, who had commented on her fair skin, felt embarrassed.

“Wh-What are you saying... Stop talking nonsense and go fetch that Zhuge fellow! We can’t be late today!”

“Understood!”

Mok Riwon excitedly left the captain’s office and headed towards the sleeping quarters.

Only then could Tang Hwa-seo calm her rapidly beating heart.

I-I can’t let my guard down!

She wished he knew how much her heart raced when he said such things so innocently. But that thought quickly faded, replaced by a hope that Mok Riwon would never realize how handsome he was.

With such complex, ever-changing emotions, Tang Hwa-seo pressed her palms against her cheeks, chiding herself.

I need to focus. Today isn’t just any ordinary day.

Huff!

Tang Hwa-seo took a deep breath and composed herself.

Not only was it an important event, but there were many distinguished guests attending today’s ceremony, so she couldn’t afford to show any weakness.

This will be my first meeting with the Alliance Leader.

Today, she would also have a dinner with the Martial Alliance Leader, whom she hadn’t been able to greet due to conflicting schedules. Tang Hwa-seo exhaled deeply, calming her heartbeat before leaving the captain’s office.

Il-woon was waiting outside.

“Ah, are you ready to leave now?”

Il-woon was also wearing the group uniform today instead of his usual monk’s robes. Although he had been worried about whether it was appropriate for a monk to wear such attire, it seemed that even Shaolin was flexible enough to allow it.

“Where is Sword Dragon?”

“He’s outside, keeping an eye on Monk Hyeun.”

“...Is that woman thinking of wandering off again?”

“Haha...”

A vein popped on Tang Hwa-seo’s forehead.

I swear, that bitch!

The undisputed troublemaker of the Dragon Phoenix Group.

Just thinking about Hyeun made Tang Hwa-seo’s blood pressure skyrocket, causing her to grind her teeth.

“…Let’s go. I need to have a word with her.”

Il-woon pressed his lips together and took a step back.

By now, even Il-woon knew. When Tang Hwa-seo set her mind to lecture someone, it would last at least an hour.

Hmm, there’s about two hours left until the inauguration ceremony.

It seems I might need to run away somewhere for a while.

* * *

Tang Hwa-seo’s lecture lasted exactly one and a half hours.

The other members, terrified by her scolding, tried to sneak away, but Tang Hwa-seo wouldn’t allow it. She turned the tables on them, using Hyeun as an example and saying,

“You all shouldn’t be like this!”

The result was predictable. The members, drained from listening to a lecture they didn’t need to hear, directed their resentment towards Hyeun. She stuck out her tongue at their glares and moved closer to Tang Hwa-seo.

After all, Tang Hwa-seo was the only one who could shield her.

“You’ve arrived.”

In the waiting room of the ceremony hall, Military Advisor Zhuge Muyeon greeted the group members.

He smiled as he looked at the members dressed in their stylish uniforms.

“You all look quite distinguished.”

“You flatter us.”

“It’s not flattery. If anything, distinguished might be an understatement.”

As Zhuge Muyeon said this, his gaze fell on Mok Riwon.

He was a picturesque beauty that the word ‘handsome’ failed to fully capture. The confident smile on his face and the vitality in his sparkling eyes were enough to elicit admiration regardless of gender.

“…How is the event progressing?”

Tang Hwa-seo responded to Zhuge Muyeon’s gaze. He finally made an ‘Ah’ and continued.

“The ceremonial proceedings are underway. There’s still some time before your turn, so please rest a bit.”

“I’m hungry.”

“Brother Mok, if you wait a little longer, a feast will be laid out. Did you hear? The person in charge of today’s banquet food was once the imperial chef.”

“Gasp…!”

Mok Riwon covered his mouth with his hand.

“S-Such a person…!”

“I’m looking forward to it. After all, a banquet is a place where delicious food, drinks, and new encounters await, isn't it?”

For some reason, Zhuge San’s eyes had a mischievous glint. Zhuge Muyeon frowned deeply at this.

“…Any behavior that tarnishes the Alliance's name will not be tolerated.”

“You needn’t worry.”

Zhuge San laughed heartily.

Tang Hwa-seo quickly intervened as the relatives began their usual banter.

“I will make sure to keep them in line. Shouldn’t you be heading out soon, Military Advisor?”

“…Please do take care of them.”

With that, Zhuge Muyeon left the waiting room.

Tang Hwa-seo let out a deep sigh and looked over the group members.

I’ve taught them, but...

She had instructed them on proper etiquette, but they all seemed unreliable. Tang Hwa-seo prayed to the heavens.

Please let us get through today safely.

* * *

The ceremony hall was magnificent and grand.

Its grandeur spoke volumes about what it meant to be the headquarters of the Orthodox Martial World.

[Then, let us begin the inauguration ceremony.]

A deep, resonant voice filled the hall. The man presiding over the ceremony was Gwon Pyowol, known by the title Golden Sword in the Central Plains and the commander of the Martial Alliance’s White Sword Unit.

“Wooooah!!!”

The cheers that erupted seemed to shake the heavens and earth. In fact, they did shake the world itself. Most of those present were renowned experts of the orthodox faction.

When their inner qi-infused shouts mixed together, such an imposing atmosphere naturally emerged.

There were several ceremonial proceedings before the main event. Following that, there was a speech by an invited master of the previous generation.

And finally, it was time for the protagonists to appear.

[…Thus, the Martial Alliance felt the need for a new wind. To prevent a repeat of the Bloodied History from twenty years ago, this time we will raise our swords first. Allow me to introduce those who will stand at the forefront!]

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Drums sounded, and the tightly closed doors at the center of the hall opened. Six young men and women walked out towards it.

All dressed in white uniforms, they were martial artists with extraordinary qi pathways.

The atmosphere in the hall exploded.

“Sword Dragon! They said he might have fallen to his inner demons, but his qi seems even more intense!”

“Poison Phoenix is at the front! It seems she’s taken the role of captain!”

“Is Fist Dragon the vice-captain? Judging by their positions, it seems so!”

A commotion arose. Various speculations were exchanged based on their auras and the order in which they walked out. Naturally, the biggest uproar was related to Mok Riwon.

“That must be Ink Dragon!”

“Oh my…!”

“So the title Jade-faced Sword wasn’t just empty praise. To think he’s not only this handsome, they even say he’s exceptionally skilled in martial arts?”

“His qi is incredibly sharp. He looks innocent, but his sword must be anything but.”

Various impressions were formed.

Some focused on him being the new champion of the Dragon Phoenix Tournament, others on his appearance, and still others on his martial prowess.

There was a mix of admiration, envy, and tension, but the reactions of those called the masters of the previous generation were different.

They looked at Mok Riwon with deeply satisfied smiles.

“I thought the orthodox world would be in darkness for a while after Sword Star went into seclusion.”

“It seems our worries were unfounded. The Central Plains are vast indeed. Every generation has them, don’t they? Such talents that seem to appear out of nowhere.”

Looking at Mok Riwon’s smile, they were reminded of someone who had now hidden himself.

Sword Star Mok Seon-oh.

The man who had been the brightest star twenty years ago during the Bloodied History.

It was an incredible coincidence. At least, that’s what they had to say.

In truth, Mok Riwon’s smile right now was identical to that of Mok Seon-oh.

“Well, is it really a coincidence?”

Amidst all this, there was a small, pleasant-looking old woman chuckling. The previous generation master beside her tilted his head.

Who is she?

This was a special seating area prepared for invited guests. If so, she must have been a woman who had wielded a sword together during that history of blood, but the master couldn’t recall a woman with such an appearance.

What more needs to be said? It was Killing Star Yeom So-so.

Today, once again, she was observing Mok Riwon while erasing her presence.

When should I approach him?

She was waiting for an opportunity.

A chance to have a secret conversation with Mok Riwon.

***

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