Chapter 375: Three Months
After listening to the stories of Hong Geolgae and Namgung Myeong, Dang Mujin couldn’t help but be deeply impressed.
“I knew he was a bit lacking in some areas, but I didn’t expect it to be this much…”
However, upon reflection, it wasn’t all that surprising that Cheonryeonggae Hong Gyeon had outshone Hong Geolgae.
It wasn’t that Hong Geolgae lacked ability; rather, Cheonryeonggae’s dazzling performance was the issue. His feats were so impressive that even the warriors who went to rescue Wang Ho knew of Cheonryeonggae Hong Gyeon.
While the results of the martial arts tournament were a significant topic of interest among the martial artists, not every winner became this famous.
Dang Mujin also understood the reactions of the senior members of the Beggars’ Sect.
Having met countless members of the sect, he noticed one common trait among them: a deep admiration for overwhelming talent. While all martial artists revered masters, the Beggars’ Sect took it to another level.
The perception of the Beggars’ Sect among martial artists was largely the same: they had an overwhelming number of members, but most couldn’t even be called martial artists. Even those who rose to the rank of officer weren’t particularly skilled.
This was largely true. Where would street beggars learn advanced martial arts?
To shake off the image of being just a group of beggars, they longed for an overwhelmingly skilled leader.
In such a situation, how could they forget Cheonryeonggae Hong Gyeon, who might become the greatest under heaven?
Dang Mujin sighed deeply and spoke to Hong Geolgae.
“Couldn’t you have taken it a bit easier?”
”…I didn’t expect it to turn out like this.”
“So, do you have a plan to reclaim your position as leader?”
“No.”
Hong Geolgae’s immediate response puzzled Dang Mujin.
“You’re giving up already? Try persuading the elders or the law enforcers. If things continue like this, you’ll have to live with a lower status than Wang Jincheong.”
“Persuade them? If it were possible, I would have tried. But the support for Hong Gyeon was overwhelming, beyond what words could change. They were like that in front of me; imagine how they are when I’m not around…”
“Then show them your skills. Hong Gyeon is only known to be at the peak level. You’re the only transcendent master in the sect. Just show them a spectacular display of Hangryong Yuhui.”
Hong Geolgae shivered at Dang Mujin’s suggestion.
“If I suggest settling it with skills, what if they ask me to duel Hong Gyeon? That would be the end. It’d be better to drop the name Hong Geolgae and become the leader as Hong Gyeon.”
“Then why not appear as Hong Gyeon and declare that you’re handing over the position to Hong Geolgae?”
Once again, Hong Geolgae shook his head.
“Transferring the position to someone I’ve never met would look too strange… Besides, if you think about it, becoming the leader as Hong Gyeon isn’t so bad.”
“Why?”
“Hong Gyeon is my master’s name. Ma Jeon Gae Hong Gyeon. As a disciple who elevates my master’s name, it might not be a bad outcome.”
Dang Mujin was inwardly impressed. So there was such a profound meaning behind it.
“Besides, if you think about it, the position of the chief is quite prestigious. Although it’s on par with the elders, it feels a bit higher. There are six elders, but only one chief.”
On second thought, it seemed less about profound meaning and more about rationalizing the situation.
But what could be done when he seemed to have made up his mind? Either way, both the chief and leader positions would belong to Hong Geolgae, so it might actually be for the best.
Dang Mujin had one last question.
“Hong Geolgae.”
“What?”
“Does Wang Jincheong know about this situation?”
”…No.”
Indeed, it was an embarrassing matter to share, even with a close disciple. Dang Mujin sincerely advised Hong Geolgae.
“Don’t let anyone else find out, especially not Jincheong.”
Hong Geolgae nodded seriously, understanding the gravity of the advice.
Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae had only one task at the Namgung household: to greet Jeong Okryeong, who was visiting in the evening. Even that wasn’t strictly necessary.
That was it. With plenty of time until Namgung Myeong’s wedding, Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae had nothing else to do.
In such a situation, there was only one way for them to pass the time: sparring.
Hong Geolgae’s martial prowess was well-known within the Namgung household, so several warriors bravely challenged him.
Currently, a sparring match was underway between Namgung Hwan, the head of the Ipcheong Hall, and Hong Geolgae.
Namgung Hwan wielded a blunt sword, skillfully combining the Thunderous Three Palms and the Great Evolution Sword Technique to fiercely press Hong Geolgae.
At a glance, it seemed like Namgung Hwan had the upper hand.
However, no one expected Hong Geolgae to lose. They had seen similar scenes play out several times before.
Hong Geolgae, slightly tipsy from drinking, staggered around in a seemingly disheveled manner.
Yet Namgung Hwan’s sword repeatedly sliced through empty air, and even when it came close, it was invariably blocked by Hong Geolgae’s limbs.
Always just out of reach, with unexpected strikes coming from bizarre angles—this was the hallmark of the Drunken Eight Immortals style.
“Haah!”
Finally, Namgung Hwan executed the Lone Soul Sword, targeting a perceived opening in Hong Geolgae’s defense. A move that seemed impossible to dodge.
Hong Geolgae, appearing to lose his balance, leaned back, momentarily supporting himself on his heels as if performing the Iron Bridge technique.
Then, his hands touched the ground—not to evade, but to attack. Simultaneously, he executed a peculiar, undulating footwork, kicking Namgung Hwan. A clear shoe print was left on Namgung Hwan’s upper garment.
Namgung Hwan, though impressed, couldn’t hide his disappointment, letting out a deflated sigh.
“Whew. I’ve lost four times already, yet I can’t read your attacks. I can’t predict when, where, or what move will come next…”
Hong Geolgae smiled with a mix of humility and arrogance.
“It was a good match. Next time, it might be truly dangerous.”
“Haha, you’re always so modest.”
Namgung Hwan dusted off the dirt from his clothes and naturally turned to Dang Mujin, signaling a challenge to him as well.
”…”
Dang Mujin calmly drew his sword.
After losing to Hong Geolgae, the warriors of the Namgung household would invariably challenge Dang Mujin, as if to redeem themselves.
The Namgung warriors didn’t know that Dang Mujin was a transcendent master.
To them, Dang Mujin was just a young man who had reached the peak level at a young age.
They had heard rumors of his proficiency in hidden weapons and poison techniques, but none could guess that he had reached the transcendent realm through poison techniques.
’…Should I tell them I’m a transcendent master?’
No, that would be too boastful.
In such situations, it’s best to have someone else recognize your abilities. However, Hong Geolgae and Namgung Myeong, who knew the truth, showed no intention of revealing Dang Mujin’s prowess to others.
In the end, Dang Mujin picked up a blunt sword and bowed respectfully.
“Please, a lesson.”
Once again, Namgung Hwan skillfully combined the Thunderous Three Palms, the Great Evolution Sword Technique, and the Lone Soul Sword to press Dang Mujin.
Dang Mujin adeptly wielded his sword, parrying Namgung Hwan’s attacks.
After a prolonged exchange, Namgung Hwan’s sword finally touched Dang Mujin’s forearm. Dang Mujin lowered his sword and bowed.
“I’ve lost again.”
Of course, the outcome itself wasn’t important. If Dang Mujin used his poison and hidden weapons, defeating Namgung Hwan wouldn’t be difficult.
But Dang Mujin didn’t avoid sparring because he wanted to hone his ability to withstand an opponent’s onslaught.
The true value of hidden weapons and poison techniques lay in their ability to take an opponent’s life with extreme precision, but one couldn’t always resort to lethal measures.
Namgung Hwan smiled with a hint of satisfaction.
“Still, it’s an impressive achievement. No one would have guessed that the young man who once visited the Namgung household with Gwiui would turn out to be such a remarkable talent. Moreover, it’s well-known that the head of the Dang family excels more in hidden weapons than in swordsmanship…”
Though his words were meant to be humble, his tone was more akin to comforting a loser. Despite his efforts to maintain a neutral expression, Namgung Hwan seemed genuinely pleased.
During his stay at the Namgung household, Dang Mujin had found Namgung Hwan’s attitude somewhat irksome. It was annoying to see him act so smug after winning a sparring match where Dang Mujin hadn’t even shown his full potential.
But now, Dang Mujin was engulfed by a peculiar emotion.
Today, Namgung Hwan’s attitude should have been irritating, yet deep within, Dang Mujin felt a faint sense of anticipation.
What expression would Namgung Hwan make if Dang Mujin revealed his full abilities? How would the Namgung household react? Such curiosity began to stir within him.
In that moment, Dang Mujin was startled. He realized he was smiling faintly.
‘Ah… No!’
As the saying goes, “He who touches pitch shall be defiled,” had Hong Geolgae’s insidious nature started to rub off on him?
Dang Mujin didn’t want to fall to such depths. So he took deep breaths to calm himself. Inhale, exhale.
Fortunately, Dang Mujin managed to muster a bit of regret and competitive spirit.
He bowed once more to Namgung Hwan.
“I’ll win next time.”
“I look forward to it.”
Namgung Hwan chuckled and returned to his seat.
The sparring wasn’t over yet. The Namgung family was filled with people, young and old, who were passionate about the sword, so there were plenty eager to challenge Hong Geolgae and Dang Mujin.
Naturally, more people challenged Dang Mujin than Hong Geolgae. After all, Dang Mujin seemed like the easier target.
As the sparring continued for quite some time, Dang Mujin sensed something unusual. The Namgung estate seemed to have grown quieter.
Almost simultaneously, Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae turned their heads toward the main gate of the Namgung estate.
Through the wide-open gate, a group of about a dozen people was entering.
On the left were the leader of the Hwasan sect, Seonwooja, and several of its members. On the right were a couple of monks from the Jongnam sect.
At the back was the senior monk from the Gongdong sect, accompanied by people who didn’t seem to be monks.
And at the very front of the group was someone all too familiar. Hyun Gong.
Hyun Gong stood at the center, walking half a step ahead of the others.
He was clearly leading the group.
“Could it be that he’s united the nearby Taoist sects under the name of Jeongcheon Alliance?”
But that wasn’t all.
Dang Mujin recognized the sword hanging at Hyun Gong’s waist. The Songmun Gogeom.
The fact that Hyun Gong possessed the most treasured sword of the Wudang sect meant he had risen to the top position within the sect.
The people around murmured as they saw Hyun Gong.
“Jeong-eon Hyun Gong… The young leader of the Wudang sect has appeared. It’s my first time seeing him in person.”
“Look at those unwavering eyes. Truly a pillar of the next generation of righteous martial arts.”
“His presence is formidable. He won’t be overshadowed by the head of the Namgung family…”
“The people around him must be part of the Jeongcheon Alliance, right?”
The admiration was palpable.
In contrast, Dang Mujin felt dizzy.
The one who should never have held power now wielded immense authority. It felt like the downfall of the righteous martial world was imminent.
Hyun Gong stopped in front of Dang Mujin and Hong Geolgae. Namgung Myung, who had appeared silently, was now standing beside Dang Mujin.
Namgung Myung spoke.
“Shall we head inside?”
The four of them gathered in the main hall of the Namgung estate.
Hyun Gong finally took a deep breath and relaxed his posture.
“It’s been a while. How have you all been?”
“Fine.”
Dang Mujin nodded and asked back.
“So, you’re the leader of the Jeongcheon Alliance now. Those people earlier, they’re all part of it?”
“That’s right.”
The Wudang, Hwasan, Jongnam, and Gongdong sects had united.
And those weren’t the only ones. The people who didn’t seem like monks—they were no ordinary individuals either. They were likely leaders or equivalent figures from nearby smaller sects.
Dang Mujin was genuinely impressed.
“How did you manage it? I remember the Jongnam and Hwasan sects, and the Wudang sect were in subtle competition.”
“There are many ways. It wasn’t that difficult.”
Dang Mujin didn’t press for details. It felt like he would become an accomplice if he did.
Instead, he shifted the conversation.
“It’s been just over half a year since we parted. Even with a plan, advancing things so quickly couldn’t have been easy.”
“Half a year?”
Hyun Gong laughed.
“It took a month.”
“What?”
“I didn’t become the leader of the Wudang sect immediately upon returning. But once I did, it only took a month to settle everything.”
“Just a month? Is that even possible?”
When Dang Mujin asked again, Hyun Gong replied.
“It’s not about overpowering everyone. It’s about uniting them and staying just half a step ahead. A month is more than enough.”
Both metaphorically and literally, it was half a step. Earlier, Hyun Gong had led his group with precisely that half-step distance.
Dang Mujin asked Hyun Gong.
“What will you do now?”
“Remember when Elder Yeongheoja of the Cheongseong sect was alive? It took about a year to convene the Wudang Mountain meeting, didn’t it?”
“Yes, it did.”
“There’s no need for it to take that long.”
Hyun Gong spoke confidently.
“I’ll unite the righteous martial world within three months. That should be a good first step.”