Chapter 233

Chapter 233
Chapter 233

“Hwi and So have successfully advanced to the True Dragon Tournament.”

Once the participant pool narrows down to sixty-four, the Dragon-Phoenix Contest transitions into individual one-on-one matches. From this milestone onward, the stage is designated as the True Dragon Tournament, symbolizing that every remaining contender has transformed into a dragon striving to prove themselves as the ultimate supreme dragon.

“Haha, reaching the final sixty-four to enter the True Dragon Tournament means every single one of them earns the prestigious title of dragon, doesn’t it? I could easily envision young master Hwi claiming that honor, but young master So’s performance is genuinely remarkable.”

Chief Steward Lee Seok-eon let out a deep, booming laugh upon receiving the dispatch sent by Baek Mu-ryang.

“Even so, it is astonishingly fast. The final sixty-four for the True Dragon Tournament were only finalized three days ago, yet word has already reached us through a letter.”

These remarks came from So Seo-saeng, who had blossomed into an accomplished young scholar.

“This is all thanks to Hwi, of course.”

“Indeed, my lord.”

In the wake of the Sichuan expedition several years prior, the Baek clan’s intelligence apparatus had undergone a radical and comprehensive evolution.

At the center of it was Won-u, the white hawk brought back as a companion, accompanied by scores of subordinate birds under its command. Without question, the information network of the Baek clan could now transmit intelligence faster than any faction under the heavens.

“The youngsters are pushing forward admirably. We cannot afford to fall behind them.”

The Dragon-Phoenix Assembly had been running for several months, and during that interval, the Baek clan had far from rested. They had a final, indispensable objective that demanded completion.

“The hour has arrived to finally settle the Gangseo Black Faction Contest.”

During the campaign against the Gangseo Black Faction a few years back, they had successfully pushed back the Black Faction elements originating from Hunan and exposed the hidden plots orchestrated by Namgung Cheon-hu. Yet, that victory had remained incomplete because they had failed to sweep every single Black Faction remnant out of Gangseo entirely.

“The Black Whale Gang of Gu-gang.”

“Once we clear them out, Gangseo will officially and unquestionably belong to the White Faction.”

The Black Whale Gang had once reigned as Gangseo’s premier powerhouse, holding dominion over Gu-gang and Wonju. Following years of sustained friction, the Baek clan had already captured Wonju.

Now, only Gu-gang, situated right along the banks of the Yangtze River, remained outside their grasp.

“Gu-gang must be secured. Only then can young master Hwi’s grand blueprint become reality.”

Back during the Sichuan expedition, Yang-hwi had articulated his grand vision of seizing hegemony over the Yangtze River to Jin Yeong-gil, one of the realm’s three great tycoons, successfully drawing him into the One-Wing Alliance. Because control over the Yangtze served as the foundational pillar of the One-Wing Alliance, absorbing Gu-gang into their fold was an absolute necessity.

“Lord Jin’s unwavering support throughout this entire endeavor has been nothing short of priceless.”

“The Baekseo Merchant House alone has expanded fivefold or sixfold purely due to the backing of the Jin clan.”

“They poured staggering amounts of wealth solely with an eye toward the future, so we must deliver achievements worthy of that investment.”

Clan leader Baek Mu-ryang stood alongside Chief Steward Han Seok-eon, Deputy Chief Steward Jin Geum-bo, Reborn Hall Leader Gu-ak, and Thousand-Li Hall Leader Yeo Hyeok. Alongside them were strategist So Seo-saeng and the newly recruited Chu Yong-wol.

Every single heavy hitter of the Baek clan shared a unified resolve.

“Starting today, the Baek clan steps back onto the battlefield. Everything is for the will of Kaecheon.”

“For the will of Kaecheon!”

“For the will of Kaecheon!”

The forces of the Baek clan tore through the territory of the Black Whale Gang like a blazing blade cutting through soft tallow.

Over ten years prior—when Yang-hwi was merely seven years of age—the Black Whale Gang had stood uncontested as the supreme authority in Gangseo. Yet, against the modern might of the Baek clan, they were utterly outmatched.

“Kahaha! Do you wretched fools genuinely believe you can stand against this old man?!”

Gu-ak, one of the elite Peak Realm powerhouses of the Baek clan, swung his heavy twin axes with wild abandon. Unlike the rigid Rock-Cleaving Axe Method of the Crimson Sect Hall, the vicious yet deeply intricate paths of his strikes originated from the Axe-Splitting Heaven Eight Principles, a style Hwi had personally crafted specifically for Gu-ak.

Even so, the prominent figures of the Baek clan watching him from the sidelines interpreted the scene through a slightly different lens.

“You can practically see the accumulated resentment of the Hall Leader pouring out into his swings.”

“It has been over a decade since his wedding, and little Hwa-hwa is already twelve years old, isn’t she?”

“Even with a beauty for a wife and a lovely daughter at home, that is precisely the age when a man’s inner frustrations reach their peak.”

Fueled by Gu-ak venting his pent-up grievances, the Baek clan’s advance pressed forward relentlessly until they reached the inner stronghold of the Black Whale Gang.

Given that the martial arts and combat style of the Black Whale Gang naturally favored aquatic environments—fitting for their very name—the pressure was, if anything, even easier to apply.

“Does the Baek clan treat solemn oaths between men so lightly?!”

Before them surged the deep blue currents of the Yangtze, with a cluster of riverboats bobbing in the background. The roar came from the leader of the Black Whale Gang, who had been making final preparations for a hasty retreat.

“Is this our first time speaking face-to-face? I am the head of the Baek clan, Baek Mu-ryang.”

“Introductions, of all things, at a time like this?! I should have known better than to trust you treacherous White Faction dogs!”

The sheer sense of grievance burning inside the Black Whale Gang leader was entirely rooted in past events. It traced back to an agreement forged during the time when the Hyeong Mountain Sect had previously launched an assault on the Baek clan.

“Your young master gave me his word! He swore that if I provided vital information, the Baek clan would never move against the Black Whale Gang! He even staked the honor of his entire family on it!”

To any orthodox member of the White Faction, a pledge backed by a family or sect’s honor was a sacred vow meant to be guarded even at the expense of one’s life. Violating it was a grave transgression punishable by total familial ruin.

“The scum of the White Faction are infamous for speaking with forked tongues, yet I foolishly believed in the pact of Kaecheon that you invoked! To think my trust would be repaid with betrayal!”

“My son instructed me to pass along this message: ‘We do not honor agreements made with the Black Faction.'”

Instantly, a cry of rage erupted from the very depths of the Black Whale Gang leader’s soul.

“Argh! Aaaargh! Aaaaarggh! I will exact my revenge, no matter the cost!”

“Calm yourself. Let us talk.”

“Talk? When things have deteriorated to this point?!”

“I will spare your life. Furthermore, I will keep your subordinates and forces entirely intact.”

“…Even now, you still have something worth discussing with me?”

Baek Mu-ryang slowly slid his sword back into its scabbard as he looked down at the gang leader demanding answers.

“You possess the qualifications for it. Driven into an absolute corner, yet you never once called upon the Yangtze Water Road Alliance for reinforcements.”

Much like the majority of Black Faction organizations, the Black Whale Gang maintained powerful backers. And their backers were formidable indeed—none other than the Yangtze Water Road Alliance, one of the twin major evil coalitions of the world. Intelligence reports even suggested that the Black Whale Gang itself had long yearened to break free from the suffocating grip of the Water Road Alliance.

“Regardless of circumstance or sentiment, had you sought aid from the Water Road Alliance, you could have placed our Baek clan in severe jeopardy. At the expense of plundering innocent common folk, of course. Why did you refuse to do so?”

After a heavy silence, the Black Whale Gang leader spoke with visible difficulty.

“Gangseo is my home.”

“To some, that might sound like a trivial justification. But to you, it evidently carries immense weight.”

In truth, the Baek clan could have dismantled the Black Whale Gang long ago. There was only one reason they had held back.

Thousand-Li Hall Leader Yeo Hyeok had successfully uncovered the hidden history shared between the Black Whale Gang and its leader.

“Gu-gang… has suffered under the ruthless exploitation of the Water Road Alliance since ancient times. That is, until the Black Whale Gang came into existence.”

A man clad in black robes himself, whose ultimate ambition was to act as the lesser evil to fend off the arrival of an absolute catastrophe. Because of that choice, Gu-gang was spared wholesale slaughter and civilian devastation, even if it meant enduring the heavy tribute exacted by the Black Whale Gang.

A faint smile touched the corners of Baek Mu-ryang’s lips as he continued without pause.

“Allow me to borrow my son’s phrasing once more. Hwi asked me to deliver this inquiry to you.”

“What is it?”

“Do you intend to spend the rest of your days cowering beneath the thumb of the Yangtze Water Road Alliance? Or would you prefer to change your robes?”

“What?”

“I am offering you the position of White Whale Hall Leader under our Reborn Hall. Become a stalwart enforcer of the Baek clan alongside your men.”

Achieving true dominance over the Yangtze required warriors who were intimately familiar with the riverways. Viewed in that light, absorbing the Black Whale Gang would accelerate the Baek clan’s expansion exponentially.

“Now, now, my lord. Allow this old Gu to exchange a few welcoming words with our newest recruit.”

Reborn Hall Leader Gu-ak grinned widely as he stared directly at his incoming subordinate.

“Just swap those dark robes for ours, junior, and you will never have to bow or pay tribute to the Water Road Alliance ever again. Our Baek clan is about to acquire some truly formidable backing—or perhaps I should say, its true magnitude is about to be revealed to the world?”

The time had come to expand the ranks of Reborn Hall once more.

Won-u swooped in from the distant horizon, landing gracefully beside Yang-hwi as he lounged lazily on the rooftop.

* Kyaah!

“Good work. Well done.”

Yang-hwi tossed the bird a strip of dried meat, unrolling the message bound securely to its leg.

“From this moment on, the undisputed supreme power of Gangseo is none other than the Baek clan.”

While their influence had not yet fully solidified all the way to the Anhui border, securing Gu-gang provided more than enough justification to claim the mantle of Gangseo’s ultimate authority. This shift was already echoing clearly through the conversations of the populace gathering below.

“Did you hear the news? Both young masters of the Kaecheon Baek clan have advanced to the True Dragon Tournament.”

“Of course I did! They are the only household where every single entrant earned the title of dragon!”

“Quite a feat for the heirs of a minor, backwater martial family.”

“Hey, have you been living under a rock? The Kaecheon Baek clan is the reigning supreme power in Gangseo right now.”

“Hmm? Not just some local provincial family anymore?”

“They more than qualify to be recognized as a Prestigious Clan now. They stand at the very apex of an entire province. The tales are spreading everywhere.”

Yang-hwi let out a quiet, satisfied smile at the praise drifting up from the streets.

“Chudal, you did well.”

“No need to make a fuss over it.”

Chudal, who had been leisurely playing a game of go with Jeon Yeol-ha nearby on the rooftop, gave a casual wave of his hand.

Baek Heon-so, listening in from the side, beamed with pride.

“Brother! Is there nothing for me? I am your very own Little Dragon of Gangseo!”

Having successfully fought his way into the True Dragon Tournament, Baek Heon-so had earned the moniker of the Gangseo Little Dragon. Thoroughly enamored with his new dragon title, he had been strutting about with his shoulders squared for days.

“The Kaecheon Twin Heroes! The Kaecheon Sword Dragon and the Gangseo Little Dragon! Haha! What a legendary pair of titles to share with you, brother!”

Given So’s exuberant disposition, such excitement was entirely expected. Yet Yang-hwi promptly doused his enthusiasm with a dose of reality.

“All of that got overshadowed anyway. My original goal was to step up as the storm dragon candidate who made even the young heir of the Great Namgung family drop to his knees right in front of the entire audience.”

He had gone out of his way to put pressure on Namgung Cheon-yeong near the entry point where spectators could witness it, but an unforeseen variable had completely derailed the scheme.

“My apologies, big brother. Hehe.”

The mastermind behind the disruption giggled playfully. It was none other than Jeon Yeol-ha.

“I honestly did not expect things to spiral quite like this. Though, if you really want to pin the blame, isn’t it your fault for not filling me in on your plans beforehand, big brother?”

Lately, the entirety of Wuhuan seemed consumed by rumors centered exclusively around Jeon Yeol-ha.

“The Jade Moon Phoenix! Did she really dismantle thirty rivals single-handedly?”

“A feat truly worthy of a direct disciple of the Heavenly Martial Ten Lords!”

“The ultimate phoenix of this competition can only be her!”

Overhearing snippets of these discussions from the streets below finally stirred a flicker of curiosity in Yang-hwi.

“Yeol-ha. Unlike your usual self, why did you decide to stir up such a massive storm this time?”

“I was annoyed.”

“Hmm? Annoyed?”

“Yes. They kept letting their jealousy get the better of them and pestered me with petty, tiresome provocations.”

When pressed for specifics, the underlying situation quickly became clear. The Dragon-Phoenix Assembly naturally functioned as a gathering where high-ranking young dragons and phoenixes mingled closely. With the finest martial artists of the jianghu assembled in one place, friction was inevitable.

However, this particular installment of the Dragon-Phoenix Assembly possessed a different dynamic.

“Because of the Yeonwol Corps, I suppose?”

“Precisely. Especially Namgung Cheon-yeong and the Hyeon Sword. They seem to attract quite a following.”

“Oh?”

Given that they hailed from prestigious sects, possessed stellar cultivation, were in their prime years, and carried striking appearances, it was only natural for admirers to fawn over them.

“With those two completely smitten with Jeon Yeol-ha, it was inevitable that jealousy and envy among the others would morph into hostility.”

Suddenly, a sense of unfairness washed over him.

“Then what about me? Why do I never feel the impact of that?”

“Oh? Are you somehow dissatisfied with holding the title of the pillar husband to the world’s greatest beauty?”

“Ah, right. Since your reputation overshadows everything, people treat me like an unscalable tree they cannot even reach.”

Jeon Yeol-ha playfully swatted Yang-hwi’s shoulder before continuing.

“Anyway, I simply swept aside all the buzzing flies that kept needle-pricking me this time around. Master instructed me to elevate my personal renown, so I suppose you could say I killed two birds with one stone.”

Chudal let out a soft snicker from nearby.

“Since Lady Jeon finally decided to cut loose with her strength, it is only natural that big brother gets cast into the shadow, right? No matter how brightly big brother shines, how could he ever outshine Lady Jeon?!”

Yang-hwi fired back a brief retort.

“Won-u. Attack.”

Instantly, Won-u dove straight toward Chudal and began pecking furiously at his scalp.

* Kyaah!

“Ack! You wretched bird!”

* Kyaah? Kyaaah!

The flurry of sharp beak strikes intensified.

“Chudal, do not fight back. If Won-u gets injured, our intelligence delivery network suffers.”

“Ack! Aack!”

Yang-hwi no longer even needed to strike the man directly to put him in his place.

“In any case, I am sorry, big brother. No permanent damage done, right?”

Jeon Yeol-ha leaned in close, gently stroking his arm. Her unusually affectionate demeanor made it clear she felt genuine remorse.

‘Well, the original plan is ruined regardless, but those in the know are already well aware, so it is of no great consequence.’

Since she felt guilty, perhaps he should have her toy with the Hyeon Sword and Namgung Cheon-yeong a bit more…

“If you truly feel sorry, then perhaps you should—never mind.”

There was no need to dwell on it.

A distinct ripple of energy was approaching from afar, radiating its presence without concealment. It was not meant as intimidation, but rather served as a courteous announcement of arrival.

“The world’s Taiji Sword Elder has personally graced us with his presence. Making Namgung Cheon-yeong kneel earlier was worth it after all.”

“Everyone, rise. We have an honored guest arriving.”

Before the group could even push themselves to their feet, the Taiji Sword Elder materialized before them, with the Hyeon Sword trailing closely behind his steps.

“Lady Jeon. My respects to you.”

“Hyeon Sword Daoist. It has only been ten days; surely it is much too soon for such formal greetings.”

Jeon Yeol-ha greeted him with chilling, strictly businesslike detachment. Compared to the playful, bantering tone she had used with Yang-hwi mere moments ago, her attitude felt frozen solid.

“Your esteemed master has also honored us with his presence. This junior, Jeon Yeol-ha, pays her respects to the Taiji Sword Elder.”

Following Jeon Yeol-ha’s lead, the entire assembly bowed in a deep, respectful salute. Considering their opponent was none other than one of the legendary Heavenly Martial Ten Lords, maintaining the utmost deference was mandatory.

Everyone bowed—save for Chudal.

* Kyaaaah!

“Ack! Stop! Do you possess zero tactical sense?!”

Won-u glanced sideways at Yang-hwi as if silently asking how to proceed.

Just as Yang-hwi was about to call the bird off, his eyes caught the expression on the Taiji Sword Elder’s face.

‘Hmm? What is with that look?’

Though he had not crossed paths with the man frequently, the Taiji Sword Elder was notoriously composed, maintaining an unreadable expression under any circumstance.

Not this time, however.

His eyes were wide open, brimming with profound shock.

“Young Baek. Why is that hawk in your possession?”

Ah, right.

Won-u was originally known as the companion bird of the Sword Sage, wasn’t he?

‘A most opportune moment.’

One of the supreme Heavenly Martial Ten Lords had stepped forward to initiate a conversation. Against an adversary of such staggering caliber, securing the initiative immediately was essential to avoid being entirely suppressed.

‘After all, the one who makes the first move claims the advantage.’

Yang-hwi wore a relaxed grin as he offered a casual reply.

“I picked it up while traveling.”

“…Picked it up?”