Chapter 62

Songshan Assembly (1)

Mount Song.

Located in the central region of Henan Province, it was one of the Five Great Sacred Mountains and was revered as the Central Peak among them.

Three towering summits rose proudly from Mount Song, seeming as though they could pierce the very edge of the heavens.

As Namgung Jun gazed upon the majestic mountain range, a famous line naturally came to mind.

"Song gao wei yue, jun ji yu tian."

Mount Song stands lofty among the great mountains, its peaks rising as though they reach the heavens.

"It is exactly as the verse describes."

Seeing Mount Song in person made it clear that the words were not exaggerated in the slightest.

Standing with his hands clasped behind his back while taking in the scenery, Baekri Cheong added,

"Only a mountain of this magnitude could fully embrace two great sects within its domain."

Two major sects resided on Mount Song.

The Shaolin Temple and the Songshan Sect.

Shaolin occupied Shaoshi Peak in the west, while the Songshan Sect was situated atop Taishi Peak in the east.

Each represented one of the leading powers among the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

For that reason, this assembly was naturally being held on Mount Song.

Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong were currently ascending Junji Peak, located at the center of the mountain.

The assembly would be held there rather than at Shaoshi Peak or Taishi Peak.

Because an invisible rivalry existed between the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects, even the choice of venue had been made with great care.

As he took in the vastness of Mount Song, Baekri Cheong asked,

"Brother Namgung. We are about to cross swords with disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects. Are you nervous?"

"On the contrary, I'm looking forward to it. What about you, Brother Baekri?"

"I am. Quite a bit, actually."

It was an unexpected answer.

Namgung Jun shifted his gaze from the mountains and looked at Baekri Cheong.

The man who always carried himself with confidence and composure merely offered a cool smile.

"Even when the Baekri Clan stood at its height, we could never stand on equal footing with the Three Sects and One Alliance or the Five Mountain Sword Sects."

The Baekri Clan had once dominated Shanxi Province, but it could not compare to the nine great sects that symbolized the righteous path.

The Three Sects and One Alliance.

The Five Mountain Sword Sects.

Together, they were the colossal pillars supporting the orthodox martial world.

Naturally, the prestige enjoyed by their disciples was equally immense.

Even the title of eldest son of the Baekri Clan paled in comparison.

"That is why I swore to myself countless times. If I ever rebuilt my clan, I would establish a foundation capable of surpassing the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects."

For Baekri Cheong, this journey to Mount Song was more than a mission.

It was an opportunity to cast off the psychological weight imposed by the nine great sects.

Only by crossing swords with their finest disciples and proving himself could he truly take the first step toward rebuilding his clan.

"Then this is the perfect opportunity to surpass them."

"You are right."

Nodding at Namgung Jun's straightforward response, Baekri Cheong continued,

"Now that I think about it, I'm curious. Brother Namgung, if you were to destroy the Sun Moon Demonic Cult one day, what would you do afterward?"

"I would like to establish a clan."

The surname Namgung, chosen to honor Namcheon Palace.

He wished for the will carried by his disciples to continue into the future.

That was why he had chosen to create a family line capable of carrying on the name.

So that countless chivalrous heroes bearing the Namgung surname might one day roam the jianghu.

"I never expected you to dream of creating a new clan as well."

"The jianghu is vast, but the Changcheon Society lacks sufficient hands and feet. I wish to contribute to that cause."

"You already carry such a grand aspiration. You never fail to surprise me, Brother Namgung."

After a moment of thought, a smile appeared on Baekri Cheong's face.

"It would be wonderful if our two clans both prospered and stood side by side as great families."

"The Namgung Clan and the Baekri Clan."

"Exactly. And if the two clans were spoken of together as the Two Great Clans, wouldn't we be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects?"

Namgung Jun smiled as well.

"The Two Great Clans. It has a nice ring to it."

"Hah. Then I'd better prepare properly for this martial arts tournament. After talking this boldly, it would be embarrassing to lose miserably."

Namgung Jun chuckled faintly at Baekri Cheong's jest.

"Indeed."

The footsteps of the two young swordsmen ascending Junji Peak were filled with vigor.

***

Upon reaching the assembly grounds atop Junji Peak, they headed directly toward the pavilion assigned to the Changcheon Society.

Inside, the Changcheon Society Leader, Hahu Seon, had already arrived.

"You're here. Were there any problems on the way?"

A kind smile rested on Hahu Seon's face.

Standing guard beside him was a middle-aged man.

His protruding cheekbones and broad jaw gave him a fierce appearance.

Scars covered his face and body, with the scars on his forearms being especially prominent as he stood with his arms crossed.

When he fixed Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong with his sharp eyes, the pressure he radiated was overwhelming.

Noticing the man's gaze, Hahu Seon spoke.

"Mujung, introduce yourself first."

"Yes, Society Leader."

The middle-aged man bowed slightly before addressing the two swordsmen.

"I am Ha Mujung, Lord of the Geukmu Hall. This is our first meeting."

Ha Mujung.

The Lord of the Geukmu Hall.

One of the hall masters belonging to the Three Rivers and a leading candidate to become the next Sword Lord.

Ha Mujung's gaze first settled on Namgung Jun.

"Namgung Jun. I've heard plenty about you. I'm very curious to see just how great your talent with the sword truly is."

"I will prove it during this assembly."

Ha Mujung nodded briefly before turning toward Baekri Cheong.

"Baekri Cheong. So I finally get to meet you. I heard you recently joined our hall. I've been away on a long-term assignment, so this is my first chance to see you. We'll arrange a separate meeting later."

"I, Baekri Cheong, greet the Hall Master."

Ha Mujung stared at Baekri Cheong for a moment before finally looking away.

Once the introductions between Ha Mujung and the two swordsmen were finished, Hahu Seon spoke.

"It is true that this Songshan Assembly is being held to unite the strength of the orthodox sects, but I do not believe it will proceed smoothly."

"Why is that?"

At Namgung Jun's question, Hahu Seon clicked his tongue lightly.

"Because of the conflict between the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects. In truth, the only reason our Society is participating in the Songshan Assembly is because of a request from the Shaolin Abbot."

The Changcheon Society had essentially been invited to serve as a mediator, helping the two factions find common ground and join hands.

If the orthodox sects united their strength, it would greatly benefit the Changcheon Society as well.

That was why they had accepted the invitation.

However, after arriving at Mount Song and observing the atmosphere firsthand, it was clear the situation was more complicated than expected.

Ha Mujung provided the detailed explanation.

"Recently, the Three Sects and One Alliance have come to be recognized as the center of the orthodox path."

Baekri Cheong nodded.

Northern Reverence for Shaolin.

Southern Honor to Wudang.

Western Admiration for Kunlun.

And the Beggars' Sect, whose members treated heaven and earth as their home.

These four organizations, spoken of together under a single title, currently stood at the forefront of the struggle against the Sun Moon Demonic Cult and the Eight Great Evil Powers.

The Five Mountain Sword Sects, on the other hand, had largely focused on protecting their own territories, with the exception of Mount Hua.

Unless absolutely necessary, they generally avoided clashes with the unorthodox factions.

Naturally, the admiration of the orthodox martial world flowed toward the Three Sects and One Alliance rather than the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

"The Five Mountain Sword Sects likely agreed to this assembly not because they truly wish to unite their strength, but because they want to reclaim the prestige and leadership they have lost. In such circumstances, our Society's involvement at Shaolin's request naturally makes us a thorn in their side."

After hearing the explanation, Namgung Jun's expression darkened.

It was only natural.

At a time when everyone should have been joining forces, they were placing personal interests above all else.

Those who should be setting an example at the front are neglecting their responsibilities and duties.

After listening quietly, Baekri Cheong asked,

"What should we do, then?"

"If you can prove the strength of the Changcheon Society during the martial arts tournament, our voice will naturally gain weight. It will influence not only future negotiations but both the Three Sects and One Alliance and the Five Mountain Sword Sects as well."

Namgung Jun frowned slightly.

"The Changcheon Society may be acting as a mediator, but its influence upon the current jianghu is undeniable. Is its voice truly still insufficient?"

"The Five Mountain Sword Sects have always had a tendency to look down on our Society. They see us as nothing more than remnants driven out by the Sun Moon Demonic Cult. Furthermore, the peerless experts who represent our Society are not in their prime."

Namgung Jun nodded grimly.

Hahu Seon, the Society Leader, suffered from long-standing internal injuries that prevented him from displaying his full martial prowess.

The Sword Lord of the Righteous Heavens had not appeared in the jianghu for over a year.

Naturally, the Five Mountain Sword Sects would not view the Changcheon Society as being in peak condition.

With a bitter smile, Hahu Seon looked at the two rising stars before him.

"I've heard that the younger generation will also be gathering separately. It will be important for you to exert influence there as well."

After a brief moment of thought, Namgung Jun asked,

"You emphasized harmony between the two factions, Society Leader. Does that mean unconditional compromise is necessary to achieve it?"

Hahu Seon smiled warmly.

"We are chivalrous heroes. We should act according to what we believe is right. Follow your convictions."

"We understand."

***

The day before the official assembly began.

A banquet was held for the younger generation, intended both to relieve travel fatigue and allow everyone to become acquainted.

A long table had been prepared with food and wine arranged neatly.

Yet the atmosphere was utterly lifeless.

The young martial artists had divided themselves into two distinct groups rather than mingling.

The Three Sects and One Alliance.

And the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

The divide could not have been clearer.

The Five Mountain Sword Sects were the primary source of the cold atmosphere.

As a result, the disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance hesitated to approach them and instead gathered among themselves.

Only the disciples of Mount Hua nervously glanced between both sides.

The banquet's atmosphere was a complete disaster.

"Hm?"

Mount Hua's senior disciple, Yeong Il, let out a deep sigh before raising his head.

He had sensed new arrivals approaching the banquet hall.

The moment he saw Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong entering, his face brightened.

"The heroes of the Changcheon Society have arrived!"

At Yeong Il's announcement, the eyes of every young martial artist in the hall turned toward the two swordsmen.

Both calmly accepted the attention.

"Baekri Cheong. It's been a while since I've seen him."

"And who is that boy beside him?"

"He looks quite young. I'm curious about his ability."

"He only bears two cloud insignias, but we shouldn't underestimate him."

Standing side by side, Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong respectfully clasped their hands.

"I am Namgung Jun of the Changcheon Society."

"I am Baekri Cheong of the Changcheon Society."

The disciples of both factions returned the courtesy.

"Friends of the Changcheon Society, come sit with us."

"We'd like to hear the stories of fellow chivalrous heroes."

The disciples of the Five Mountain Sword Sects openly tried to draw the two swordsmen toward their side.

Meanwhile, the disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance merely watched in silence, unwilling to engage in a contest of pride.

The Mount Hua disciples inwardly shook their heads at the sight.

Just then—

This won't do.

Yeong Il made up his mind and prepared to address the gathered young martial artists.

But before he could speak, Namgung Jun moved.

Rather than choosing a seat belonging to either faction, he sat directly in the empty space at the very center of the hall.

"Instead of remaining divided, why don't we gather together and talk in one place?"

At Namgung Jun's words, Baekri Cheong ignored the seats of the Five Mountain Sword Sects and sat down opposite him.

Curiosity appeared in the eyes of the disciples from the Three Sects and One Alliance.

Displeasure surfaced on the faces of the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

"Young brother of the Changcheon Society. Did you not hear what we said?"

"I heard you clearly. It seems senior brother also heard my words quite well."

"What?"

A disciple wearing the robes of the Songshan Sect abruptly rose to his feet, his face twisting in anger.

"The Changcheon Society is hardly in a position to stand at the center of this assembly."

"Was there ever any hierarchy among the factions gathered here? I was under the impression that we met as equals."

At Namgung Jun's response, the Songshan disciple, Dong Gakho, widened his eyes.

"You dare! A mere wanderer from the wilderness!"

Dong Gakho reached for the sword at his waist.

But he could not draw it.

At some point, Namgung Jun's hand had settled upon the hilt, firmly holding it in place.

Dong Gakho tried to pull it free through brute force.

The sword did not budge.

"You!"

Grinding his teeth, he circulated his internal energy and struggled harder.

It was utterly futile.

Crackle!

Wrapped in blue lightning, Namgung Jun's hand remained completely unmoved.

Unable to draw his sword in front of everyone, Dong Gakho's face turned bright red.

"Are you embarrassed? This is hardly something worth being embarrassed about."

"What nonsense are you spouting?"

Looking at the still-fuming Dong Gakho, Namgung Jun spoke quietly.

"The peaks of the Five Mountains stand so lofty, yet the spirit within their disciples wallows in the mud."

The moment those words left his mouth, not only Dong Gakho but all the disciples of the Five Mountain Sword Sects stiffened.

The disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance were equally startled.

They immediately understood the sarcasm hidden in Namgung Jun's remark.

Only Baekri Cheong struggled to suppress his laughter, slapping his knee in amusement.

In an instant, the atmosphere of the entire banquet hall froze solid.