Chapter 309: We've Met (1)

"Hmm-hmm. I don't have any particular intention, but… do you perhaps already have a marriage arranged by your clan?"

…Hmm.

Saying there's no intention, huh?

No matter how I heard it, it clearly sounded like he had an intention.

Namgung Mujin, the head of the Namgung Clan, has a daughter known among the orthodox martial world as one of the Three Blossoms, called White Peach Blossom (Baek Doha).

She is none other than Namgung Gahee, the master of the Phoenix Hall.

Of course, I also knew that he had a second daughter, Namgung Huyeon, but she's only sixteen right now.

Anyway, that wasn't the important part.

If I didn't make things clear here, I had a feeling something troublesome might come up later.

I sent Namgung Mujin a voice transmission.

"There is someone I've promised to spend my life with."

"Ah… I see."

At my words, Namgung Mujin's expression turned somewhat regretful.

Judging from his reaction, it seemed he had been planning to introduce his daughter to me.

– Wow. This is a great position after all. He probably wanted to strike first since you might become the leader of the martial alliance.

Exactly.

That might be it.

In orthodox sects, arranged marriages like this are common, after all.

In any case, if I didn't set up boundaries now, they'd just keep getting more interested, so it was better to cut it off early.

At that moment, Vice Leader Jin Gyun cleared his throat and spoke.

"Ahem. It seems we need to change the location."

He was right—the meeting hall in the main building had its ceiling blown off, and the floor and walls were wrecked, making it unsuitable for the ongoing meeting.

So, to resume the elders' conference, everyone moved to the military affairs division.

I too joined the group. Although I had no official title for this meeting, I was granted special permission to attend and discuss the demonic poison and other issues.

As we were walking toward the military affairs building, one of the elders spoke up.

"I'm not sure who it'll be, but if the Little Sword Immortal becomes the alliance leader this time, wouldn't he be the youngest alliance leader in the history of our alliance?"

The one speaking was Eon Gwangwoon, the head of the Jinju Eon clan.

Some elders who disliked me still couldn't hide their displeasure at his comment, but the rest seemed quite intrigued by how things were developing.

Master Plum Blossom White Sword, Ho Yang Jin-in of the Hwasan Sect, stroked his beard and said:

"Indeed. The things you get to see when you live long enough."

"Whether he becomes the leader or not, the head of the Soyang So clan, who has a son like Little Sword Immortal, must be quite proud."

At those words, I scoffed inwardly.

Would he have any reason to be proud?

Maybe if my real father, Mujeong Poongshin Jin Seongbaek, were here.

Still, I couldn't reveal that here, so I kept a humble attitude.

I clasped my fists in a polite greeting and said:

"You flatter me. I still have much to learn. I hope you all will continue to guide me."

"Hahaha."

At my words, the elders who supported me smiled in satisfaction.

Indeed, humility worked best among the orthodox factions.

Eon Gwangwoon, the head of the Jinju Eon clan, smiled and said:

"It's not flattery. Everyone's just jealous. I'd love to have a son like you myself."

Come to think of it, he didn't have any sons.

Maybe that's why he looked so regretful.

Just then, Jo Cheongwoon, the One Sword of Hyungsan Sect, laughed heartily and said:

"If you envy him that much, why don't you send a matchmaker to the Soyang So clan? That way, you could gain the world's finest son-in-law."

He meant it lightheartedly, matching the mood.

But some of the elders suddenly began looking at me with strange eyes.

As if they were looking at prey.

"Oh ho, I hadn't thought of that. Maybe it's time I sent a matchmaker to the Soyang So clan."

Eon Gwangwoon even took it seriously.

When Namgung Mujin had merely hinted at it, I had cut it off immediately. But now they were just openly talking about matchmakers.

My head began to ache.

Then Tang Ujung, the vice-head of the Sichuan Tang clan, joined in casually.

"Actually, my daughter Hyehwa is of marriageable age too, and I've been thinking about it. Maybe I'll send a matchmaker to the Soyang So clan too. Hahaha."

To that, Eon Gwangwoon replied:

"Didn't Elder Tang say you'd already sent one to the Moyong clan?"

"Ha! I said I was thinking about it. When did I ever say I decided?"

"Ah, is that so? I must've misunderstood."

Though their faces were smiling, their eyes were not.

Their gaze said one thing clearly—Back off.

Some Taoist elders looked on with interest, like it was some kind of spectacle.

– Wow. Looks like a real competition. What are you gonna do?

At Sodom Sword's comment, I sighed inwardly.

The one who's actually involved isn't even thinking of giving anything, yet these people are all over it like a prize.

If I really do become alliance leader, they might become even more blatant. This is getting troublesome.

I'd better draw a clear line now.

"Excu—"

Just then, Namgung Mujin spoke up before I could.

"I've heard that the Little Sword Immortal has already promised his future to someone. It would be best if the elders didn't waste your efforts in vain."

To that, Sodom Sword snickered and whispered:

– He's basically saying, "If I can't have him, none of you can."

Whatever his intentions, I didn't care.

Thanks to him, the elders' interest in me naturally cooled off.

Eon Gwangwoon still smacked his lips in disappointment, but Tang Ujung of the Sichuan Tang clan was different.

"There's a saying—'A true hero deserves three wives and four concubines.' What's the problem? Having multiple wives is hardly unusual."

'!?'

He didn't seem to care at all whether I was engaged or not.

As he said that, Namgung Mujin and Eon Gwangwoon stroked their beards and nodded, as if it made perfect sense.

My headache was returning.

– Stop stressing and just reveal that your father-in-law is Wolak Sword. That'll shut everyone up.

…That's actually a great idea.

And I'd also lose my identity as So Yunhee, the Little Sword Immortal.

Who would've thought this kind of side effect would come with growing fame?

I need to come up with another plan.

Around the time when torches were being lit throughout Seongnae.

About two hundred young martial artists gathered in a northern auditorium of the Martial Alliance.

They were the heads and deputy heads of each faction within the alliance.

They had all come here upon the urgent summons from the Second Elder, Plum White Sword Ho Yang Jin-in, who manages each faction, so everyone was puzzled.

The head of the Phoenix Hall, Namgung Gahui, and the deputy head So Youngyoung were no different.

"Sis, the grand head election is supposed to be tomorrow, so why would they suddenly summon the faction heads the night before?"

"I don't know either, Youngmae. But there is one thing I'm worried about."

"Could it be about our brother?"

The reason for their worry was simple.

They had already heard rumors that So Unhui of the Small Sword Sect had gone to oppose Plum White Sword Ho Yang Jin-in, who oversees the alliance's military affairs, as a candidate for the grand head.

"Those damn fools."

So Youngyoung couldn't hide her irritation.

Secretly, she hoped their brother would not run for the grand head position.

Because she knew his true identity — he was Hyeolma, the leader of the Blood Sect.

But hearing that the other faction heads were opposing him made her angry.

"Why are they opposing him just because of our brother? Hmph!"

"The reason is simple."

Namgung Gahui's gaze shifted toward several faction heads.

They were Pang Woojin of the Green Phantom Hall, head of the Haebuk Paeng family; Lee Jeonggyeom, head of the Blue Dragon Hall and disciple of the former grand head, Baek Hyangmok, the Peerless Sword of Infinity; Moyong Su, acting head of the Yellow Dragon Hall Moyong family; and Jin Yong of the Fierce Tiger Hall, grandson of Jin Gun of the Yeolwangpaedo, the deputy grand head.

Among them, Lee Jeonggyeom had originally been the strongest contender, but the situation was uncertain.

Because he had been expelled from the alliance for a while due to being a disciple of the former grand head.

So no one really knew who would become the grand head.

In this tense situation, the appearance of So Unhui of the Small Sword Sect made everyone nervous.

While all the other candidates were known for their later-stage skills, So Unhui had already surpassed that level and stood shoulder to shoulder with the greatest martial artists in the realm.

Many young martial artists and faction members admired and respected him — what if he ran as a candidate for grand head?

"I still think it's wrong to be knocked down by someone else's jealousy."

"Me too, but if the higher-ups decide, there's nothing we can do."

"It feels like they're blatantly targeting our brother. Like this urgent summons while he was away at the main hall."

"I think so too, but let's wait. Maybe they called us for some other problem."

At Namgung Gahui's words, someone interrupted.

"Is that really so?"

It was Moyong Hye, the head of the Mae-hyang Hall.

Namgung Gahui and So Youngyoung clicked their tongues in their hearts, surprised at her boldness since she had been humiliated earlier that day but still had the nerve to interrupt.

"I thought Wiji would have scolded you more."

Moyong Hye spoke to them as if nothing had happened.

"Logically, isn't it ridiculous for someone who was a candidate for deputy grand head to run for the grand head, which is a lower rank? Even the higher-ups wouldn't approve such nonsense."

At her words, So Youngyoung sneered.

"That's just because everyone's scared they'll lose the grand head position if our brother runs."

"Hohoho. What is there to be afraid of? Besides, you have to be a candidate to compete, right?"

Moyong Hye seemed convinced that So Unhui had already been excluded from the candidacy.

[Youngmae, don't lose your temper.]

So Youngyoung's anger boiled, but she stopped responding due to Namgung Gahui's warning message.

Other faction heads were around, and continuing the argument would only annoy her more.

Just then, the second elder, Plum White Sword Ho Yang Jin-in, ascended the stage in the auditorium.

Everyone showed respect at his appearance.

Ho Yang Jin-in began speaking.

"The purpose of this urgent summons is to announce the final candidates for the grand head position, and to publicly disclose what could not be announced earlier."

'What was not announced earlier?'

Everyone was puzzled.

What could he possibly be about to reveal?

Ho Yang Jin-in continued.

"With preparations for tomorrow's grand meeting, there's no need to delay. I will call the faction heads finally selected as grand head candidates. First, Lee Jeonggyeom, head of the Blue Dragon Hall."

"Waaaaa!"

Supporters of Lee Jeonggyeom cheered loudly.

Though he had been expelled as Lee Sinseong, many faction heads still followed him.

Lee Jeonggyeom yawned nonchalantly while stretching, showing little interest.

"The second candidate is Jin Yong, head of the Fierce Tiger Hall."

"Yes!"

Jin Yong confidently stepped forward and saluted.

The faction heads cheered again.

Though fewer than Lee Jeonggyeom's supporters, he still had notable backing.

"Next is Moyong Su, head of the Yellow Dragon Hall."

Moyong Su stepped forward and saluted.

Almost half the faction heads cheered loudly.

'Ha!'

Unexpectedly, Jin Yong could not hide his emotion at the loud cheers.

He had considered Lee Jeonggyeom his only worthy rival, but Moyong Su appeared as a surprise competitor.

Seeing Moyong Su's triumphant face, Jin Yong's fighting spirit was renewed.

"Next is Pang Woojin, head of the Green Phantom Hall."

"Waaa!"

The cheers shrank considerably, barely four or so voices.

Pang Woojin saluted, hurriedly covering his face and retreating amid cries of sorrow.

Though only faction heads and deputies gathered, such little support made the next day's grand head election seem daunting.

Three more candidates were called.

Six faction heads in total were named, but everyone looked tensely at Ho Yang Jin-in, awaiting the last name that had yet to be called.

'Please don't call it.'

Most candidates silently wished so.

Only Namgung Gahui, head of Phoenix Hall, and deputy So Youngyoung openly wished it would be called.

'Please! Please!'

Ho Yang Jin-in opened his mouth.

"These six faction heads have registered as candidates. I hope for good results in tomorrow's grand head election."

The candidates cheered immediately.

Jin Yong and Moyong Su did not show it outwardly, but were pleased inside.

If So Unhui ran, everyone else would be at a disadvantage.

"Ahh..."

Though So Youngyoung had expected this somewhat, she could not hide her disappointment when their brother So Unhui's name was not called.

As she slumped, Moyong Hye of Mae-hyang Hall sneered at her.

"See? I told you the higher-ups think it doesn't make sense."

"Tch."

Though angry, she had no words against the result.

She had to accept it internally.

'Right. It's not right for our brother, the Blood Demon, to take the grand head of the Martial Alliance. Otherwise, all alliance information would flow to the Blood Sect.'

Just then, Ho Yang Jin-in continued.

"Though it is secret, I must inform the faction heads and deputies here."

Jin Yong, acting as a representative, asked.

"What is it?"

"Before tomorrow's grand head election, there will be a match to decide the grand master of the Martial Alliance."

–Murmurs erupted!

"Finally, the new grand master will be decided?"

"So the grand head election is also the day of the match?"

Everyone was surprised.

They had expected discussion about the new grand master, but did not know it would coincide with the grand head election.

Jin Yong smugly folded his arms.

Though details were unknown, he was sure his grandfather Jin Gun of the Yeolwangpaedo would be the most likely candidate for grand master.

Moyong Su raised his hand.

"You said it was a match, not an election? Does that mean the candidates will fight?"

"What? Fight?"

Jin Yong blurted out unconsciously.

He had assumed his grandfather would naturally take the grand master position.

But if it was a match as Moyong Su said, it meant fighting.

"That's right. As you said, Moyong Su, the grand master will be decided through a contest among the candidates."

"Is that why the former grand master Baek Daehyeop was called?"

"Yes."

The room buzzed.

Everyone knew Baek Hyangmok, the former grand master, had come to Muhansi city.

But the reason was unknown until now.

"How incredible!"

"Unbelievable that they kept this secret."

"So we'll get to see two of the six top masters fight?"

The hall grew noisy.

Beyond an election, they would witness a rare duel of peerless masters.

Naturally, interest rose about who would win.

"Is the former grand master returning?"

"But is it right to call the one who tampered with the Blood Demon's martial arts?"

"Still, the former grand master was the heyday of the alliance."

"True, he did cut down the previous Blood Demon."

Some faction heads and deputies reacted like this, making Jin Yong inwardly displeased.

'Hmph. These people.'

Their attitude made it seem like the outcome was already decided.

He knew the former grand master was an absolute master beyond ordinary human limits, but such a contest was unpredictable.

Then Lee Jeonggyeom quietly raised his hand.

"Are there only two candidates?"

Everyone turned to look at him.

Jin Yong snorted.

"Who else could there be? Mu Jeongpoong, lord of Musangsung? Or the wandering Manbakja? The neutral Nangwang? No worthy candidates..."

Suddenly, Jin Yong's eyes widened.

A name flashed through his mind.

Others had the same reaction.

Another extraordinary figure had appeared recently.

Jin Yong asked tremblingly,

"Ho Yang Jin-in... isn't it? But candidates for grand master should have some experience..."

"That's right."

"What?"

"So Unhui of the Small Sword Sect is also a candidate for grand master."

'!!!'

As those words dropped, the hall stirred.

No one had considered So Unhui a candidate.

Since the alliance's founding, no one just past youth had become grand master.

'Damn brother!'

So Youngyoung was dumbfounded.

She was upset that such an important secret had been hidden from her.

But seeing Moyong Hye's face looking shocked too somewhat relieved her.

Or rather, gave her satisfaction.

Namgung Gahui frantically sent her a message.

[So Daehyeop is a grand master candidate? Youngmae, did you know?]

[I didn't. I should've guessed it when he said "later, later." How did they hide this... Wait.]

So Youngyoung suddenly turned pale.

Setting aside the secrecy, this was the first time something so absurd had happened.

'...That man is the Blood Demon.'