Chapter 63

Songshan Assembly (2)

"What could a brat like you possibly know!"

Unable to draw his sword, Dong Gakho swung his left fist toward Namgung Jun.

However, the arm never reached its target.

Another hand intercepted it before it could move forward.

The sleeve of a black daoist robe was embroidered with countless crimson plum blossoms.

It was Yeong Il, the senior disciple of the Mount Hua Sect.

The Mount Hua Sect.

Among the Five Mountain Sword Sects, it was the only sect that actively cooperated with the Three Sects and One Alliance in opposing the Sun Moon Demonic Cult and upholding acts of chivalry.

Hahu Seon had described it as the only truly trustworthy sect among the Five Mountain Sword Sects.

"Brother Dong Gakho, how much further do you intend to disgrace yourself?"

"But this bastard—!"

Dong Gakho could not continue.

Yeong Il shook his head with a stern expression.

Dong Gakho instinctively swept his gaze across the banquet hall.

The disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance were clearly displeased.

Even the disciples of the Five Mountain Sword Sects looked uncomfortable.

Keeping a certain distance from one another was one thing.

Starting an actual fight during the banquet was something entirely different.

Especially when the other side is the Changcheon Society.

If he made an enemy of the Changcheon Society rather than the Three Sects and One Alliance, the elders of his sect would undoubtedly reprimand him.

After all, he had been ordered to build friendly relations with the Changcheon Society and draw them toward the side of the Five Mountain Sword Sects if possible.

"...Fine. Let go."

Yeong Il released his grip with a bitter smile.

Dong Gakho snorted and turned away.

Glancing at Namgung Jun, Yeong Il clasped his fists.

"I am Yeong Il of Mount Hua. Allow me to apologize on his behalf."

"It is fine."

"Primordial Heavenly Venerable."

When Namgung Jun returned the courtesy, Yeong Il also saluted the disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance.

"Everyone. We have gathered here to unite our strength. As Young Hero Namgung suggested, would it not be better for us all to sit together?"

The proposal came from Mount Hua, the one sect that maintained goodwill toward the Three Sects and One Alliance.

The disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance rose from their seats.

Until now, they had deliberately ignored the tension with the Five Mountain Sword Sects to avoid conflict.

But they now realized that had not been the correct approach.

"It seems our backsides have grown rather heavy. Amitabha."

"If our elders saw us deliberately keeping our distance from one another, they would not be pleased. Our sect values Taiji and harmony above all else. This is embarrassing."

"Young Hero Namgung and Daoist Yeong Il have gone to such lengths to arrange this. We are truly grateful."

As the disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance began introducing themselves, Yeong Il once again stated his name in response.

With the atmosphere changing, the disciples of the other Five Mountain Sword Sects reluctantly introduced themselves as well.

Yeong Il looked toward Namgung Jun.

"I have never heard of a younger-generation talent like Young Hero Namgung existing within the Changcheon Society."

"That is understandable. Brother Namgung only began learning martial arts not long ago."

The moment Baekri Cheong answered, everyone's attention sharpened.

Namgung Jun calmly explained.

"What?"

"He hasn't even trained for a full year?"

"And he's already reached the Peak Realm?"

"To catch up to the Changcheon Society's younger generation in such a short time... I've never seen talent like this."

The eyes of everyone present, regardless of faction, filled with shock.

Even Dong Gakho, who had briefly clashed with Namgung Jun earlier, began cautiously watching him.

Only Baekri Cheong wore a proud smile.

It was the gaze of an elder brother admiring an exceptional younger sibling.

Naturally, Namgung Jun redirected the attention focused on him toward Yeong Il.

"Daoist Yeong Il's accomplishments seem far from ordinary as well."

"Not at all. Compared to the martial arts of Mount Hua, my talent is still lacking. I've only just reached the point where I can make the plum blossoms bloom."

As Yeong Il displayed humility, the disciples of the Five Mountain Sword Sects shook their heads.

"Making plum blossoms bloom at your age is no simple feat."

"Daoist Yeong Il should have a little more confidence."

The disciples of the Three Sects and One Alliance naturally joined in the praise.

"I'd like to see the fragrance of the plum blossoms Daoist Yeong Il creates."

"I'm looking forward to the matches ahead."

Receiving praise from all sides, Yeong Il nodded slightly toward Namgung Jun in gratitude.

"Now that I think about it, I've always been curious about the swordsmanship of the Hengshan Sect."

"Our sect's swordsmanship may live up to its reputation, but isn't the martial heritage of Wudang equally profound? After all, it bears the legacy of Immortal Zhang Sanfeng himself."

Starting with Yeong Il, the topic naturally shifted toward discussions of each sect's martial arts.

Conversation flowed endlessly.

The previously rigid atmosphere gradually softened.

Proof of that could be seen in the younger generation disciples.

Earlier, none had paid attention to the food or wine.

Now, hands were gradually reaching for both.

"Haha!"

"That's a good one."

Laughter began to spread throughout the banquet hall.

Seeing the atmosphere improve, Namgung Jun and Baekri Cheong exchanged glances and nodded.

Among all three groups present, the one younger-generation disciple who enjoyed goodwill from everyone was Yeong Il of Mount Hua.

Namgung Jun had intentionally redirected attention toward him, using him as the focal point to ease tensions throughout the gathering.

Remarkable. No one could have taught him this.

Baekri Cheong inwardly marveled.

When attention focused on a person in a gathering like this, most people reacted in one of two ways.

Either they became intoxicated by the attention.

Or they stiffened under the pressure.

Very few could properly manage that attention and steer the conversation.

Yet Namgung Jun had gone beyond that.

He had shifted the spotlight to Yeong Il and used it to foster unity.

Baekri Cheong was convinced that Namgung Jun's decision to address Yeong Il first had not been accidental.

It had been entirely deliberate.

Such political instincts and social awareness were not things a young man could easily acquire.

Unless he had received extensive training from childhood, it could only be described as innate talent.

Even Baekri Cheong had only recognized Namgung Jun's intentions because of the education he had received while growing up in the Baekri Clan.

He truly is an exceptional younger brother in every respect.

There was so much worth learning from him.

Because of that, Baekri Cheong watched Namgung Jun's actions with genuine admiration.

As the younger generation continued chatting harmoniously, a disciple of Wudang asked,

"Has anyone heard how the martial competition will actually be conducted?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Most likely it will simply be a standard tournament format, won't it?"

"That would certainly be the most common approach."

"Hm. I suppose we'll know once the tournament bracket is announced."

The discussion naturally shifted toward the upcoming competition.

Thanks to Namgung Jun and Yeong Il, the banquet of the younger generation concluded without incident.

"I heard what happened at the banquet."

The Songshan Sect Leader, Guk Yeong, slowly rotated his teacup.

Watching him, Dong Gakho lowered his head even further.

It was a sign that his sect leader was displeased.

"Didn't I specifically tell you to draw the Changcheon Society over to the side of the Five Mountain Sword Sects? Yet instead, you managed to make enemies of them?"

"I apologize."

Slurp.

Guk Yeong brought the teacup to his lips.

The sound of him drinking seemed unusually loud, while Dong Gakho could only bite down on his lip.

"I don't particularly care about that. It is a minor issue. The truly important matter is something else."

His eyes narrowed.

"I heard you couldn't even draw your sword."

"I am ashamed, Sect Leader."

"This is a disgrace not only to you, but to the Songshan Sect itself. The martial world will mock us for choosing a chief disciple who cannot even draw his own sword."

The lower Guk Yeong's voice became, the less courage Dong Gakho had to speak.

Namgung Jun. Because of you, I've suffered this humiliation!

As Dong Gakho silently cursed him—

Thunk.

Something landed before his feet.

It was a small wooden box.

Unable even to think about picking it up, Dong Gakho raised his head and looked at Guk Yeong.

"It is a Sungyeong Pill. I had originally intended to give it to you one or two years from now, but I will move the timing forward."

The Sungyeong Pill.

One of the signature spiritual medicines of the Songshan Sect.

It was an extraordinary treasure that required immense time and resources to create.

Even within the Songshan Sect, only the sect leader or the chief disciple destined to inherit the sect could hope to receive one.

"Such a precious treasure..."

Guk Yeong looked at the speechless Dong Gakho and spoke firmly.

"You understand exactly what it means for me to give this to you now. Can you do it?"

A determined expression appeared on Dong Gakho's face.

"I will defeat Namgung Jun and restore the honor of the Songshan Sect."

"If you are truly this sect's chief disciple, then of course you will."

Guk Yeong beckoned him forward.

"Come here and sit in meditation. I will assist you in refining the pill."

"Thank you, Sect Leader!"

Guk Yeong watched as Dong Gakho turned his back and sat cross-legged.

The gaze he directed at his disciple was far too cold for that of a master looking upon his own student.

You must win.

How could the chief disciple of the Songshan Sect possibly lose to a mere member of the Changcheon Society?

With a hardened expression, Guk Yeong extended his hand toward Dong Gakho's acupoints.

***

The second day of the Songshan Assembly arrived.

It was the day the younger generation would test their martial abilities.

The Three Sects and One Alliance.

The Five Mountain Sword Sects.

And the Changcheon Society.

A total of twenty young martial artists had gathered in one place.

Each possessed an extraordinary aura. Not a single one appeared ordinary.

Jeong Chong, the leader of the Wudang Sect, observed the assembled disciples and let out a quiet sigh of admiration.

"The future of the orthodox martial world stands here before us."

No one disagreed.

If these young martial artists continued to grow as expected, they would one day become the representatives of their respective sects.

The leaders of every sect gazed upon their disciples with confidence.

Each believed that no matter what form the competition took, their own disciple would emerge victorious.

"Everyone is here."

Standing atop the platform was Guk Yeong.

"This time, the contest between the younger generation will take place in Seongho Forest, located on Junji Peak."

Seongho Forest.

A forest situated midway up Junji Peak.

Guk Yeong withdrew a blue iron token from within his robes.

"Each of you will be given one iron token. Within the allotted time, secure as many tokens as possible. Rankings will be determined by the number of tokens in your possession."

Namgung Jun nodded.

So this isn't an ordinary tournament.

Guk Yeong continued his explanation.

"The rules are simple."

First: Killing is forbidden. Supervisors may intervene at their own discretion.

Second: Participants must remain within the formation covering Seongho Forest. Anyone who leaves the formation will be considered to have forfeited.

Third: Tokens cannot be transferred voluntarily. If your token is taken, you will be escorted out of the formation by a supervisor.

Fourth: If a participant carrying multiple tokens is defeated, their own token will go to the victor, while all remaining tokens will be surrendered to the supervisors.

A token-capturing battle, then.

After hearing the rules, Namgung Jun quickly organized them in his mind.

With a little luck, I should be able to face a variety of opponents.

He found this format much more appealing than a standard tournament.

Since the battlefield was limited in size, diligent movement would allow him to encounter many of the younger generation's experts.

Naturally, he would have opportunities to experience many different martial arts.

Excellent.

The corners of Namgung Jun's lips rose slightly.

Meanwhile, Guk Yeong continued speaking.

"The reason we have chosen this format rather than a conventional tournament is to evaluate the younger generation's practical combat abilities in preparation for future battles against the unorthodox factions."

The moment the words unorthodox factions were spoken, the excitement on the faces of the younger generation was replaced by tension.

The current jianghu was undoubtedly dominated by the forces of the unorthodox path.

"That is why we have created an environment as close to real combat as possible. Show your abilities without reservation."

The eyes of the younger generation sharpened.

They immediately understood the significance of this competition.

Supervisors would be stationed throughout Seongho Forest.

However, under normal circumstances, they would not interfere.

Unlike ordinary sparring matches, there were almost no restrictions beyond the prohibition against killing.

No one knew what variables might arise.

Simply possessing superior martial arts might not be enough to seize another person's token.

"The one who secures the greatest number of tokens will be granted a valuable opportunity."

The younger generation clearly wanted to know what that reward was.

Guk Yeong never revealed it.

Boom.

Lightly stomping the ground, Guk Yeong looked over the gathered disciples and declared,

"Then we shall begin immediately."

The younger generation stared at one another with sharp, focused eyes.

The Token Capture Competition had begun.