The Terminally Ill Young Master of the Baek Clan

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 weren’t 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-gang’s 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.”

“I’m just following His Excellency’s orders, no thanks needed.”

Jin Ri-yeon and the disciples of the Azure Forest were dumbfounded by the official’s words.

“So, the governor has taken hold of Yi-gang, whom we expected to return?”

“And he’s being worked day and night.”

It meant that Yi-gang, who used to act so boldly as if he wasn’t afraid of the governor, was now being put to work by him.

From what they heard, he’s 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.”

“He’ll 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 people’s 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-gang’s 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 couldn’t 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, he’s not that stupid…”

“I’m 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. It’s 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 Hyun’s 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. It’s an unprecedented situation.”

In fact, though the third-generation disciples didn’t 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.”

Jun Myung and Son Hee-il smiled awkwardly.

Inwardly, Yu Su-rin breathed a sigh of relief.

‘I’m glad I didn’t laugh.’

She almost burst into laughter herself.

Yu Su-rin’s 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 don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I’m not trying to flirt or anything. If my abrupt words as a beggar upset you, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Why would a righteous person from the Beggars’ Gang mean any harm?”

“Beggars are beggars, hehe. It’s not easy to meet people from the Azure Forest, so I’m a bit excited. You must be a Taoist flower disciple.”

“You can tell?”

“Hehe.”

Recognizing someone as a Taoist flower disciple was rare.

But Noh Shik was not just anyone; he was from the Beggars’ Gang. The Gang was known for its information network, rivaling even the Low Down Sect.

This seemingly ordinary Noh Shik must be a prodigy among the many disciples of the Beggars’ Gang.

“Noh Shik, keep your distance.”

Yu Tae-jin, with a stern face, reprimanded him. It was because Noh Shik had gotten too close to Yu Su-rin while trying to get to know each other.

The contrast between the neatly dressed Yu Tae-jin and the scruffy Noh Shik was stark.

“What’s the matter? I washed up today. Do I smell or something?”

He sniffed his arm while saying so, but there seemed to be a slightly foul odor.

Yu Tae-jin stepped back in disgust.

“Are you saying that because you don’t know?”

“Ah, I guess I didn’t do my laundry.”

Yu Su-rin found Yu Tae-jin’s behavior distasteful.

As a martial artist, one must inevitably be close to sweat, blood, and other such grime. The smell wasn’t that bad either.

And wasn’t it rather harsh to treat a fellow Dragon-Phoenix Conference member that way?

The situation was mediated by a martial artist dressed similarly to Yu Tae-jin.

“Alright, let’s stop this.”

It was Jeon Gi-so from Diancang, known as Shooting Sun Whirlwind.

He had participated in the previous generation’s Dragon-Phoenix Conference meeting.

There was a small dot the size of a baby fingernail on his cheek, and his smug smile seemed somewhat slick.

“Even though the Murim Alliance is open now, many people are busy. Let’s not cause too much commotion.”

“Yes, Senior!”

Yu Tae-jin respectfully responded to his senior.

It seemed that Yu Tae-jin’s participation in today’s tour of the Murim Alliance was due to his senior.

The place where their group stopped was not far from the main gate of the Murim Alliance.

The Murim Alliance, built around Kaifeng’s large garden, was immense, even just considering the outer courtyard.

And in this space fitting for the term “plaza,” there was a huge wooden board installed.

It had a height of one zhang, or about three meters, and was twice as wide.

As Jeon Gi-so approached, the crowd near the board stepped back a bit.

“Does anyone know what this is?”

“It’s a newly erected board hung as of yesterday, Senior.”

Simply put, it was a bulletin board. However, there were no notices or announcements attached to it.

It was divided into thirty sections, and each section had an empty jade plaque fitted into it.

“Yes, then do you know what this bulletin board is for?”

“Uhm…”

Yu Su-rin cautiously guessed, “Could it be a name board? The size seems suitable for engraving names.”

“Oh! Your deduction is sharp, Miss. It’s similar, but it’s actually a ranking board.” Jeon Gi-so explained with an excited tone.

“A ranking board…”

Yu Tae-jin’s habit of enjoying explanations seemed to be inherited from his senior.

“This is the ranking board for this term of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and Seven Stars Conference. The rankings are changed by engraving the names of the next-generation successors on these movable jade plaques.”

“Hasn’t this been done before?”

“That’s why this time is special.”

Jeon Gi-so pointed his finger towards the top of the wooden board.

The first row, with five spaces, had a golden and elaborate border.

“The top five among them will be granted great honor. The same goes for the next twenty-five.”

“Thirty in total seems like a large number, doesn’t it?”

To Yu Tae-jin’s question, Jeon Gi-so shook his head as if he didn’t understand.

“This time, the Dragon-Phoenix Conference and Seven Stars Conference are competing together, aren’t they?”

“Still, it seems a bit much…”

“Small sects’ successors from all over the Central Plains will flock here like clouds. What’s there to worry about? Of course, they don’t all need to be considered. You understand what’s important, right?”

Jeon Gi-so’s words carried the arrogance of a major sect martial artist.

Yu Tae-jin responded with spirit, “The top ranks should all be ours at the Dragon-Phoenix Conference!”

“Heh.”

The one who laughed at Yu Tae-jin’s determination was Noh Shik.

Jeon Gi-so didn’t miss that.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing. Just curious about how intense the competition will be. I don’t have much ambition, myself.”

In Jeon Gi-so’s eyes, as he watched Noh Shik’s nonchalant response, a hint of contempt was visible.

He then said something intriguing, “No need to be too scared from the start. Not everyone in the Dragon-Phoenix Conference is a dragon or phoenix… and not everyone in the Seven Stars Conference is a star.”

This meant that among the official members of the Dragon-Phoenix Conference participating this time, there were those who did not catch the eye.

Among them was likely Noh Shik, showing a lack of spirit.

There, boldly, Noh Shik blinked and asked, “Who are they?”

“Huh?”

“Those who are neither dragons nor phoenixes. You seem to know them well, senior.”

“Well…”

“How about naming a few less impressive next-generation successors from the Seven Stars Conference while we’re at it?”

Jeon Gi-so clamped his mouth shut.

Speaking it aloud would surely lead to trouble.

Yu Su-rin inadvertently laughed out loud.

Her laugh couldn’t have escaped the sensitive ears of a martial artist.

With his ears turning red, Jeon Gi-so quickly corrected himself, “I can tell you about the outstanding ones. It’s a bit difficult to pinpoint within the Dragon-Phoenix Conference, but…”

“From the Seven Stars Conference, Namgung would be a hopeful this time, right?”

“Yes, a kid named Namgung Shin. I heard his swordsmanship is quite something.”

It seemed Noh Shik was genuinely curious about Jeon Gi-so’s opinion. His thirst for knowledge and brazenness were indeed characteristic of someone from the Beggars’ Gang.

Jeon Gi-so, who knew a lot and liked to blabber, easily let the words flow, “He’s the grandson of the Vice Alliance Leader. Carries the Namgung blood most strongly, they say.”

“Isn’t there another one?”

“Yes, can’t overlook that guy. The Iron-Blooded Genius of the Baek Noble Clan.”

Yu Su-rin’s ears perked up.

It was about Yi-gang’s 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, that’s why it’s 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 that’s 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 didn’t 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, that’s impressive.”

“He might have even caught the attention of Peak-level experts. The Heaven’s Shadow Sword of the Baek Noble Clan is indeed formidable. Of course, it’s not as exquisite as our Diancang’s Shooting Sun Sword Technique or Wudang’s Great Purity Sword Technique.”

He subtly flaunted his status as an expert of Diancang, though she didn’t seem to care.

“Isn’t 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.”

“Isn’t 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 Henan’s Sage. Henan’s Sage Baek Yi-gang.”

“Henan’s… Sage? That’s a nickname I’ve 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, what’s there to see. Ha-ha.”

“…”

At that moment, the young lady’s face, which had been bright with laughter, turned icy.

As Jeon Gi-so was wondering what he said wrong, she smiled again and said, “It’s okay. I’ll 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, “It’s 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?”

“Isn’t 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-so’s expression also hardened.

He had just realized the identity of the woman he had met.

“…A mischievous young lady.”

Maybe she heard Jeon Gi-so’s 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 hadn’t said a word.

Baek Ha-jun had arrived at the Murim Alliance.

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